Photo Story: Michigan Militia

With a wooden pipe, red flannel and Hellpupp AK pistol hanging around his neck, Fritz Benton of the Michigan Militia seems at first glance the ultimate American. Originally from the Netherlands (with an accent to prove it), Benton moved to the United States in 1991 with his wife at the time. Benton had everything he needed in one suitcase, which he described as a “liberating feeling.” Joining the militia back in 2007 is a decision he hasn’t regretted. For a weekend in October of last year, Fritz Benton and the Michigan Militia traveled to Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, Mich. for a training weekend.

Michigan Militia member Fritz Benton stands next to his car while fixing the strap around his Hellpupp AK pistol at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, Mich., before starting an obstacle course training exercise in October 2012. Benton joined the militia in 2007 after previously moving to the U.S. in 1991 from the Netherlands.

Fritz Benton walks in the back of the line as he and members of the Michigan Militia walk into the woods at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, Mich., to begin a training exercise. 

Noel Benton, 5, granddaughter of militia member Fritz Benton, stands in the woods of Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, Mich., with members of the Michigan Militia during a training weekend. Noel goes out with the militia three or four times a year but not during long hikes or winter training.

Fritz Benton kneels in the woods during an obstacle course training exercise at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, Mich. Benton joined the militia in 2007. “I would have joined earlier but I didn’t know they existed,” said Benton.

Michigan Militia members Fritz Benton (left) and David aka “Toad” sit preparing for a training exercise in which they use specific grid points to locate check points throughout the woods at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, Mich. The objective was to locate six different checkpoints while being hunted by a separate team throughout the woods.

Fritz Benton stands with other members of the Michigan Militia listening as the next training exercise is explained at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, Mich. 

Fritz Benton (left) and David aka “Toad” stand deep in the woods during a training exercise in which they use specific grid points to locate check points throughout the woods at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, Mich. 

Fritz Benton looks at the map for the navigation grid point exercise with compass in hand at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, Mich. Specific grid points were written on the map leading to checkpoints throughout the park. The goal was to locate the checkpoints with out being caught by a separate team hunting the other teams down.

David aka “Toad” (left) and Fritz Benton take a break during a navigational grid point exercise at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, Mich.

Fritz Benton holds his granddaughter Noel Benton, 5, who is smiling as she tries to put a flower in his mouth. Noel traveled with her grandfather to Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, Mich for a training weekend with the Michigan Militia.