What is a major disadvantage of a citizen militia?

The major disadvantage of a citizen militia is the resistance to discipline. Citizen militias generally consist of volunteers who may not have undergone extensive military training or structure like that found in regular armed forces. This lack of formal military training can lead to challenges in establishing a cohesive unit where members adhere to the same standards of behavior, communication, and command.

Without a strong framework of discipline, operational effectiveness can be compromised, as individual members may act independently or may not follow superior orders effectively. This can create a situation where the militia struggles to respond efficiently in critical situations, complicating coordination and execution of strategies compared to a well-trained, professionally disciplined military organization.

In contrast, factors such as high levels of military efficiency, long-term availability for service, and effective training programs, while important for operational success, do not typically align with the characteristics of citizen militias. These aspects are more representative of regular military forces, which are built around trained personnel who are subject to strict adherence to discipline and structured training regimens.