Article 17
Militia
Section 1. Persons subject to service.
The militia of the state shall consist of all ablebodied male residents of the state
between the ages of eighteen and fortyfive years; except, such persons as may be
exempted by the laws of the United States, or of the state.
Section 2. Organization equipment
discipline. The organization, equipment and discipline of the militia shall conform as
nearly as practicable, to the regulations for the government of the armies of the United
States.
Section 3. Officers how chosen.
The governor shall appoint all general, field and staff officers and commission them. Each
company shall elect its own officers, who shall be commissioned by the governor; but if
any company shall fail to elect such officers within the time prescribed by law, they may
be appointed by the governor.
Section 4. Armories. The general
assembly shall provide for the safekeeping of the public arms, military records, relics
and banners of the state.
Section 5. Exemption in time of peace. No person having conscientious scruples against bearing arms, shall be compelled to do militia duty in time of peace; provided, such person shall pay an equivalent for such exemption.
