What exactly is Para-military?

for a simple definition:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paramilitary'

paramilitary adj : of or relating to a group of civilians organized to function like (or in aid of) a military unit n : a group of civilians organized in a military fashion (especially to operate in place of or to assist regular army troops)

ok thank you very much, so then what are para-military groups? I've been asked because I sometimes use military gear for hikeing/fishing/hunting if I'am one of thoughs wacko para-military types. Which well I'am not.

A paramilitary group can be defined as any group organized in a military fashion, especially if they are meant to act (lawful or unlawful) in the place of a military unit. What you are really trying to find out really depends on who is asking the question. These people who ask you if you are a paramilitary type: what is their definition of it? That is the question you really need to ask. Paramilitary in general is a broad term to define.

This is a common reaction to military kit. The irony is the heyday of the 'militia' phenomenon is largely over- thankfully. When you get asked again, assume the prepractised mannerisms of Elwood and say 'No, I am a musician' and smile a lot. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I suspect the origin of this term is similar to the terms "paralegal" and "paramedic", which are a level below or subordinate to, respectively, lawyer and medical doctor.

Funny how they are looked at as a level below or subordinate as the norm. Paramedics of course serve a different spectrum of the medical field than say even an emergency room doctor by being out at the scene of an accident, etc. Yes, they aren't doctors, but most likely, the closest thing you'll have to one if at the scene of an emergency.

Also, why is it that I know paralegals that know more about law than most lawyers do? I know one paralegal who trains lawyers!

So I don't automatically look at them as subordinate, just specialized in what they do. Just food for thought

In my case, I can honestly say that. Many times it works too...especially if you start humming something or drumming a rhythm on your legs...most people will either join in with you, or move away slowly, so as not to attract your attention <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

That could get you in trouble to.

Modifying a cello case into a rifle case isn't hard if you aren't using anything terribly long, and it has room for your sidearm and plenty of spare magazines....

I would rather have a paramedic work on me at an accident than a non-emergency medical doctor, i.e. plastic surgeon or general practitioner!

When I was a highway cop I had a lot of medical people stop to "help." I learned real quick, in the case of doctors especially, to ask their specialty. If they said something like proctologist I sent them on their way with my thanks. If they said paramedic or ER nurse I gave them my EMT kit and got out of their way. It was funny, paramedics, EMT, nurses, firefighters, etc, would run up and say "I'm a so and so, can I help?
Doctors, on the other hand, just say "I'm a doctor." As if that means they are actually well versed in non-sterile environment medical treatment...

Unless confronted with proof to the contrary, always assume all physicians who present themselves at accident scenes to be proctologists.

very good point! Amazing how many MD's know little about emergency or trauma procedures.