In an emergency bodies of men like our naval militia can do special bits of work excellently, and, thanks to their high average of character and intellect, they are remarkably good makeshifts, but it would be folly to expect from them all that is expected from a veteran crew of trained man-of-war’s-men.
From an essay on military preparedness, Roosevelt explains the limitations of naval militia compared to fully trained professional crews.
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One of the chief principles for which I have stood, and for which I now stand, and which I have always endeavored and always shall endeavor to reduce to action, is the genuine rule of the people.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.
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