Militia Act of 1903

The Militia Act of 1903, also known as the Dick Act, was U.S. legislation that restructured and modernized the organized state militias, which later became the National Guard. It established a clear distinction between volunteer state militias and the federal Army, providing standardized training, equipment, and discipline for National Guard units. The Act also outlined how the federal government could call upon state National Guards for national emergencies, ensuring better coordination between state forces and the U.S. military. Ultimately, it aimed to improve the readiness and reliability of these forces to serve both state and national needs.