What is the Imperial Militia of Blessed Charlemagne?

"Benedictus Dominus Deus Meus Qui Docet Manus Meas Ad Proelium Digitos Meos Ad Bellum"

Psalm 144

The Imperial Militia of Blessed Charlemagne has many historical and fictional groups it considers inspirations and forerunners either in ideals, aesthetic, or strategy. For me, one of those - at least for aesthetics - simply has to be the Imperium of Man from the Warhammer universe.

Introduction

Some sad news out of the Middle East today. More violence and more war waged against defenseless Christians in the Middle East, who's families and who's faith goes back to the Apostles and Christ Himself. Why? I'm well aware that the resurgence of violence in the Middle East ultimately has more to do with the United States stirring the pot back during the Cold War, but I think we have to understand that even before then Muslim violence against Christians is nothing new. The very Mohammedan religion commands violence against unbelievers. How on earth this didn't make anyone at the start conclude it was dangerous and should be absolutely eradicated from the face of the earth is beyond me. Most likely the logistical constraints of the times.

I've always agonized over the plight of Christians in other countries, even going back to when I myself was Protestant. I always asked myself, "If the United States is the great Christian nation, why aren't we fighting to liberate these people if our military is so mighty and unbeatable?" Of course, the simple answer is that America is not now and never has been a Christian nation. It was one of the first nations in the world to completely forgo religion as a cornerstone of its culture (Masonic influence excluded). If Syria proves anything, it's that America is most definitely not interested in helping Christians. It does, however, give a view into a frightening future. A future where an American Cardinal's prophecy that he would die in bed, his successor would die in prison, and that his would die in the public square might be all too true.

Torturing of Bl. John Sarkander by Protestants. Even if America had been a religious nation, it would've been Protestant, and anyone who thinks Protestantism can be relied on to run to the aid of Catholics really needs a refresher in history.

After becoming Catholic, seeing the persecution I could suffer just as a young man in a Protestant community, and seeing what others have suffered, I became doubly convicted something needed to be done. If nothing else, there needed to be somewhere or someone I could go to for comfort in this battle. This is what prompted the founding of the Novum Sacrum Imperium Romanum and its group on Facebook. Yes, it's a humble start, but it's something. But one of my greatest desires is to see the holy places protected from assault; to defend the clergy and the churches from those who so commonly assault them in great and minor ways in today's day and age. This was the thought behind the Imperial Militia of Blessed Charlemagne. It's quite clear that in the present day and age we can't rely on others to defend us. We must seize our natural rights as human beings and take up arms on our own behalf.

Landschneckt

Now I understand that this is a controversial move for a multitude of reasons. Christian Militia groups such as the infamous Hutaree have not exactly done service to making the idea seem plausible. Ignoring that they're not Catholic and therefore should have no bearing on us, these are legitimate concerns that should be brought up and I would be unsettled if they weren't. "All clear" basically means, "ambush we don't see," after all. This article will attempt to lay a basic outline for the IMBC out and try and explain what they're to do anyway. Bear in mind we don't have any official symbols worked out yet (though there is one, and I lack the skill to draw it well) so I'll be posting things from other armies I consider inspiration for the IMBC in some form or another. Hopefully this will help you get a feel for what I'm trying to accomplish here or what the finished product will look like.

Purpose

"Helfen, Wehren, Heilen."

The purpose of the IMBC is summarized in its motto; one of my own creation: "Flagellum Diabolo, Vallum Ecclesiae." It's Latin, of course; in English it translates to, "Flail to the Devil, Wall of the Church." It is meant to defend the Church and fight its battles in a way not suited to men of the cloth or lay theologians. The fact is that there is no single shred of doctrinal or dogmatic evidence that Catholics are obliged to not defend themselves from attack when they are able to do so, or to defend others when they are able to do so. There is, however, a lot of precedent to say they can.

The four de Charette brothers, three of whom served in the Pontifical Zouaves, and one as a Papal Dragoon.

The principle activity of the IMBC would be the protection of clergy - religious and clerics alike, of all rank and station in the Church, whenever and wherever possible - and the holy places of the Church - shrines, churches, cathedrals, etc.. Whenever and wherever possible, the IMBC would seek to defend its religious and churches twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. One might liken it to a private security company that takes out contracts for businesses and high-profile individuals who can afford the asking price. However, the IMBC will not be expecting the Church to pay for its services. Donations will always be accepted as charitable gifts, but no one who receives the protection of the IMBC will ever need to worry about a bill.

Artist's Rendering of Romans Building a Road

That is not to saying providing militant protection to the Church will be the Militia's only function. Surely, such a thing would be redundant or even useless in some places. There's an old saying: "No one does things like the military does." Growing up in the shadow of a military base, I've learned that quick. You want the best camouflage in the world? Head on over to the Army Surplus store and by some old camos. You want a good mess kit for a camping trip? Try an old military mess kit. You want a good trench coat? Get an old military-issue one. Want the best knife you can take anytime, anywhere? Head over to the PX and buy an army knife with a steel grade so high it's issued to pilots so they can cut their way out of their aircraft in the event of a crash. It's even got a little handy button on the holster to keep it from slipping out when you don't want it to.

A depiction of the Order of Malta Knights of uniforms

Most of Rome's great infrastructure was constructed by the Legion. The Roman Road still stands today, along with most of its bridges, particularly in Spain. The military simply knows how to make things that last and can take punishment. It might not always look pretty, but you can bet it will get the job done. This is something I want the IMBC to do as well. They can very easily be free labor should a Church or members of the community need repair work done or something that requires strong, capable men to do. In this way, the IMBC garrisons within parishes and dioceses will quickly become valuable members of the community as they assist in keeping things up and running not only for Catholics but for other charity groups as well. In general, in fact, it would be hoped the IMBC would be active members of their communities and look for ways they can help those in need however they can; fundraisers, soup kitchens, what have you.

Organization

Grand master & senior Knight Hospitallers

The NSIR itself is heavily centralized, or intends to be, with its authority figures appearing as leaders of groups within their respective communities. The Imperial Militia will work in a fashion similar to this, with regional leaders operating their own garrisons and groups in cooperation with the clerical authorities and local authorities to work efficiently and do their duty free of obstruction. Ultimately there may be some sort of, "Grand Marshal" position. Someone who can in union with the most powerful marshals make decisions regarding deployment and what have you in a crisis situation. As far as ranks go, it will most likely mirror other militaries in its officer and non-officer structure. It will be simple, streamlined, and well-suited to smaller numbers. Not bulky, but simple and straightforward so it's clear who's in charge of what and who.

Membership

A Knighting Ceremony

Any and all physically capable Roman Catholic men will have a place within the Imperial Militia of Blessed Charlemagne, provided they can make it through some basic training and show competency. Of course, some kind of screening for mental and physical defects will have to be taken into account, much like with professional armies. We need cool heads and disciplined bodies to make this work. Background checks of course will be done, as we don't want provocateurs within the Militia who are just there to stir up controversy and make us look bad. There will be public investment/knighting/swearing in for members, of course. I would like for our first members to be prior military servicemen of some sort or another, so that the militia can be run by people who - for lack of a better word - know more about running something like this than me.

One thing I certainly want are mounted divisions of some sort, for parade functions.

The IMBC will essentially focus on combined arms tactics adapted for certain areas and terrain. So, artillery, cavalry - armored and otherwise - so composition within various garrisons and regiments will differ greatly based on region and the discretion of those in charge of such things. If there is a noted land pilgrimage route, mounted patrol units might be necessary. If it's a metropolitan area, it will most likely be a largely infantry affair. Those militias who find themselves in areas with gun ownership laws that are more liberal (and by that I mean open) will have greater leeway in terms of what they can get their hands on and thus may be differently equipped. Militias may find themselves equipped differently based on regional laws and firearm codes. As always - except in cases of great strife - will always abide by the laws of the countries in which it finds itself in regards to militias and weapon ownership as well as self-defense. In many areas members of the Militia may well find they have only themselves with which to defend their holdings.

Spanish Tercios Repulse French Cavalry

Membership will reflect these realities, and while numbers are always a plus, who we take will be determined based not only on their own qualifications and capabilities but what the Militia needs. If it's getting to a point where there are too many in one spot, members may be moved to different places in terms of where they carry out their duties, or they may be relegated to "reserves" of some sort.

Esprit de Corps

Louis IX Before Damietta. After leaping courageously into the sea in the attack at Damietta, St. Louis and his army pause to offer thanks to God.

This is not the Boy Scouts. This is not a social club. While the NSIR itself is not entirely militant, and members would certainly be - I hope - proud Catholics, the Imperial Militia of Blessed Charlemagne is for those men with a serious interest in fighting for the Faith. It is for those willing to lay down their lives and fight for the Faith when the time comes for that. They will be the first to be martyred, and the last to very last to leave a place where the Christian Faith is under physical attack, making the way safe for those brethren who would flee to flee and take the Sacred Relics with them so that they will not be destroyed. It is for the men who feel called that their place is to die in a pile of smoking brass in defense of the Christian name and faith; they die standing when all others have fled. Before every struggle they will pray to God for victory in humble submission to his will, be Reconciled, receive the Eucharist, and be blessed along with all of their equipment for the task at hand. After every victory they will pray for the repose of the souls fallen. On the march they will pray the Rosary. No mountain too high, no battle too hot, no siege too heavy, no bridge too far, no objective impossible, no sacrifice too great, no enemy too terrible. Inspired by their ancestors and steeled by their faith, they will never rout or forsake their orders.

The Battle at Jasna Góra in 1655. Painted by Januarego Suchodolskiego

At the center of the life of the Militiamen must be devotion and piety, for it is by these they are made strong. Almighty God is the true giver of victory; the true giver of life and death. It is ever paramount that His aid and His blessing be sought and maintained. Not only are the men of the Militia to be masculine, stalwart men of chivalry and honor but also pious. They of all men must be those who do not wish to be the Jonahs that bring the storm upon others as a result of their sins. Battles are won and lost by God alone. We must simply be on hand to fight them.

"Venis, Vidi, Deo Vici."

A fraternal brotherhood of men who want to give their lives to a higher calling: the defense of Christendom. That is what being a Militiamen will be all about. They may not be professional soldiers; they may not live in a barracks. They may have other jobs or responsibilities. They may have families or other obligations. But they will always be Imperialists. They will always be soldiers of God.

Uniform

I really like this plumed helm.

Palatine Guard Uniform

In regards to uniforms - which I have thought about and posted about before on the NSIR Facebook page/group - I have given it thought. There will be a standard overall, but I would like to be able to allow uniforms and standards to be regional based on the cultures within those areas and their historical expressions of Catholic militancy (France, England, Poland, Spain, etc.). Special dispensations will be granted to certain chapters in certain regions to allow variety to take place within the various regiments and so-forth. However, this is an issue too diverse to address in full detail as it will have to be adapted. Overall my policy is thus: aesthetically pleasing, but not at the cost of practicality and utility, but without being ugly.

Warhammer 40k Mordian Iron Guard 22nd Rgt Cosplay. I've always liked the Mordian Iron Guard uniforms as a good basic idea for what I would like the uniforms to be like.

 

 FAQ

"Aren't You Promoting Religious Violence? What makes the IMBC different from Religious Extremist Cells?"

The IMBC nor the NSIR promotes active violence towards members of other religions, nor does it promote violence against the State, nor will it ever support revolution against a lawful government (in most all circumstances). It does not seek to be a tool to use intimidation to influence others. It is a purely defensive and reactionary group. The only case I would ever sanction violence against any group would be if they openly declared violent, physical war against the Catholic Church. I don't mean in reference to, say, the violence of members of Islam and using it to condone violence in general toward all Muslims. In that instance, militiamen only in regions where the violence is going on would fight, and even then only against those who come armed against Catholics and the Church. The IMBC does not and never would in a war-time situation commit wanton violence against civilians or civilian population centers. The IMBC will strictly confine itself to Church property and the property of the clerical establishment as well as those authentic Catholics who request it (but only then in a very controlled and limited fashion) in regards to its security details. You will not and never should see armed patrols in civilian areas. That might, of course, be different in the event of war or emergency in the case of a breakdown of law and order. But the IMBC is strictly reactionary as a rule, and does not seek to "strike out" against others but simply protect the Church.

"Is This Even Legal?"

As far as I'm aware? No. Right to Assembly is a thing in most Western Countries, and Private Military Companies and Private Security Companies who do far more questionable things than what the IMBC do are not illegal, so I don't see how it is. I can only speak living in the United States, where militias are not uncommon. So long as you don't break any actual on-the-books laws, there's nothing wrong with one forming, at least as far as I'm aware. Still, this is why I need more experienced people on board. As for talking about it? Not in the United States, as far as I'm aware. I haven't advocated breaking the law, or violent overthrow of the government. So, yes, legal.

"What if [Insert Worst Case Scenario Here]?"

"Hard Cases make Bad Law," as they say in the court system. The fact is most of the worst case scenarios you can think of can't and won't happen. This is why laws in the West are made based on precedent and not on, "What ifs." It's simply easier and more practical to make laws based on what has actually happened rather than what might happen.

"You Compared the IMBC to a PSC. So Catholic Mercenaries?"

Not exactly. The actual chances of us being wealthy enough to pay people are slim to none. It's a volunteer militia, or at present is structured to be one.

"Why Not Just Rely on Local Law Enforcement?"

Ignoring completely response times or how seriously law enforcement take cases where religious are assaulted or churches are vandalized, there is a large precedent for local authorities being unreliable in cases like this, especially in countries where law and order isn't a luxury the Faithful enjoy, or when the government itself persecutes Catholics. Even in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries, "No Popery" gangs who mugged religious and clerics or vandalized monasteries, convents, and churches got a slap on the wrist or were completely ignored. There's a reason most religious communities establish their own constabulary, if they're something like Kibbutzes or Amish communities. Nevertheless all regiments will cooperate with local law enforcement as best as is possible and reasonable to apprehend any and all aggressors against the Church or its property. Unless the assailants are armed, dangerous, and aggressive, lethal action will not be taken - unless for some reason local law enforcement and state law allows that regardless. Criminals will be apprehended under the usual Citizen's Arrest, the proper authorities will be contacted, and charges will be pressed.

"How is Housing Going to Work?"

Well, I would like a situation where base camps of some sort or headquarters in regions were applicable and could be constructed. A permanent stronghold would be very nice. But in terms of offices and actual quartering, it probably won't be an issue and will be worked out with the local religious authorities. They're the one's with the deeds after all.

"What if You're Not Wanted?"

Then we let them know our offers for protection always stand and go about our business elsewhere. We're not going to force ourselves on anyone who doesn't think they don't need us. We may be active in a region, but we simply won't be present at a particular church or community and we will always be on hand to offer assistance. It's not like this thing even has the Papal stamp of approval yet or anything, which is something I do hope to get in the future once we transition into the physical world and out of our think-tank here.

"What About Women?"

We won't be accepting women into the Militia for a variety of sensible reasons. However, there will be a companion women's lay order set up; the Ladies of Saint Clotilda. But that's another story for another time.

"How Will You Fund This?"

Sell merchandise, literature, advertising, general self-sufficiency; that hasn't been worked out yet as we don't even have any prior service people interested in this in the first place. That's what this blog was for; generate general interest.

Closing

Henri de la Rochejaquelein, by Pierre Narcisse Guérin. Vendean Hero.

This is something I've always felt strongly about. It is something I hope will garner a large amount of interest. It's going to be a long climb, but I'm confident that it can be done. We just have to become organized, get interested people on board, and get the ball rolling. Please share this blog if you want the IMBC and the NSIR to succeed, and tell your fellow Imperials and friends and anyone else who might be interested.

Let us pray that we may succeed in our goals; not to us, not to us, but to God be the glory.

Templars at Montisgard, 1179