Militia
The organic laws laid out plans for a militia that included a battalion of mounted riflemen led by someone at the rank of major. This militia was to assemble once per year in September for inspection. Every male between 16 and 60 was considered a member of the military. (This remains so under modern Oregon law, though now both sexes are included, and the age range is only 18 to 45.) Under the first Organic Laws, power to call out the militia was vested in the Executive Committee, though any officer of the militia could also call them out in times of insurrection or invasion.
In March 1844, the first need for the militia came about when a member of the Molala killed the Recorder, George LeBreton, and one other in Oregon City. In response to this incident, a company of 25 men were organized as the Oregon Rangers at the Oregon Institute. They were led by Captain Thomas D. Keizer, who resigned shortly thereafter. Charles H. Bennett then took command of these mounted riflemen, who were to be paid $2 per day for service, or $1 if drilling. These men were also expected to provide their own weapons, however the company never saw action at this time.
Read more about this topic: Provisional Government Of Oregon