“A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves...and include all men capable of bearing arms.”

An originating truth / a foundational right to self defense. The arms they bring to the militia are their own.

noun
1.
a body of citizens enrolled for military service, and called out periodically for drill but serving full time only in emergencies.
2.
a body of citizen soldiers as distinguished from professional soldiers.
3.
all able-bodied males considered by law eligible for military service.
4.
a body of citizens organized in a paramilitary group and typically regarding themselves as defenders of individual rights against the presumed interference of the federal government.

" When properly formed, are in fact the people themselves "
Semper Fi

Robert, why the 3 stars? Your dictionary's definition covered the scope of the quote and as the scenario is to legally to be used in the de jure States united. What part of armed sovereigns uniting in defense of inalienable rights and against enemies (foreign and domestic) thereto do you object?