Checking Our Navigation and Course (Norm Olson, Commander Alaska Citizen Militia)

Checking Our Navigation and Course

Two seemingly opposing principles emerge in the development of a state citizen militia. One is autonomy and the other is solidarity. Whereas autonomy means "self-rule," solidarity means "union of common interest."

These principles clash when thinking becomes one-dimensional. In our homogenous society we have learned to accept the multitudes of differences and yet we still call ourselves a union. For example, in the Christian community, we find that we can share a common faith while practicing that faith in different denominations. If then, we can be many different people in one union, or many denominations in one great faith, can we not be many patriots unified into a state-wide militia for the defense of this great state?

The present citizen militia of Alaska is made up of hundreds of individual patriots all sharing basic fundamental principles. Among these are:

a. freedom from governmental oppression
b. rule of constitutional law
c. a government accountable to "we the people" (for the people)
d. strict interpretation of the constitution
e. de-centralized government (of the people, by the people)
f. state sovereignty
g. sheriff-led local law enforcement

Now comes the difficulty. In the "art of war" there stands a principle which states, "according to one's perspective, one will form his defenses." This means simply that a soldier will adjust his defenses for what he perceives is the size of the threat directed toward the limits of his responsibility. For example, a squad leader will adjust for the safety of his squad while a theater commander will adjust his defense for the safety of the entire army in the operating area. These normal and common adjustments are correct. But if either the squad leader or the theater commander were to switch his focus, the cause would be lost. Each does his job, but each of these leaders must also keep the other's perspective in mind. This is very important. For example, the squad leader must do his job within the larger context, knowing that if he fails, the entire platoon may be at risk. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Likewise, the unit commander must conduct the battle so as to keep the squad leader informed and supplied. Each helping the other to fulfill the overall mission.

As a commander, your perspective (that is, your objective) is the defense of your theater of operation. Your span of operational control may be small or large, but the sovereignty of YOUR area of responsibility is the key to shutting the doors against the tyrants of the central government. As I see it, if local sovereignty and autonomy is not upheld, the peril to the militia is greatly increased. Since it is impossible to win the battle of sovereignty in the legislature, we are charged with the responsibility to maintain it. If anything, the concerted efforts of the entire Alaska Citizens Militia must be unified in order to present a common voice to legislators. In order to accomplish this, the entire militia of Alaska must develop together, rise together and hold the elements of unity that speak loudly as a unified whole. We may never change the minds of elected officials, but we can make sure they hear us and know why we are here.

This sense of unified purpose is vital. One group developing without regard for the others in the state will weaken the cause overall. Likewise, one group not in accord with another will weaken the entire militia. Consider also what might happen if personality conflicts arise which cannot be taken in stride? Conflicts and discord are fertile ground for enemy dissipators who will attempt to steer the cause off course.

But can this unity I speak of be possible while maintaining the absolute right of autonomy? I believe it can. Again, it must come from multi-dimensional thinking. This was the kind of thinking we first had when the modern militia formed many years ago. Within just one year it grew from 28 people in one county in Michigan to three million people across the country. Why? Because we had a multi-dimensional vision for the whole county. The vision was the key.

Today you must ask yourself if you still have that kind of vision or has your vision become narrow? Do you see only your unit or yourself without seeing it in the larger context? What will it benefit you as a patriot if, in order to succeed individually, you increase the risk to the entire militia and slow down the process of state sovereignty.

I have stated over and over that the individual patriot is expendable, but the cause of liberty is not. Selflessness will increase in relationship to ones devotion to the higher calling. If your vision is limited, I urge you to seek a higher vantage point. Focus on the unity of We The People of America; on the unity of We The People of Alaska; and on the unity of We The People as members of the militia. The individual patriot, be he leader or not, must see himself in the role of securing the entire state. Each member must prepare him/herself while fighting hard for state sovereignty, community survival, and eventually sheriff-led local law enforcement.

In conclusion, I ask you all to check your headings. Adjust your focus as perilous days approach. The issue before us is not rules, regulations, styles of management, number of divisions, or who will lead, but rather, "will we go on together toward the common goals we all share?" Even though we are greatly divided by geography, we must not be divided in purpose.

As pointed out in our handbook, the militia is urged to form smaller areas of management, thus decreasing span of control, thus increasing the efficiency of each individual group while decreasing the burden placed on leaders. This was to honor the principle of autonomy providing increased liberty to function individually. I ask you to reaffirm our mutual goal of total statewide defense, security and sovereignty. This is to honor the solidarity principle. I urge you all forward, in step, neighbor helping neighbor, leaving all pettiness behind. This will be soldiering at its finest and will prove the true measure of you, the patriot.

Seasons Greetings
God bless you all.
Norm Olson, ...............................................................................................
Commander ACM