Just as public fears were at an apex, the strength of militias was waning. Six years later, the militia movement as a whole has changed substantially. After Bombing, Militias Soften Approach Militias usually identify themselves as such because of their training activities, which usually involve congregating in rural areas and doing shooting and combat drills. But they have become notorious for uncompromising positions on Second Amendment issues and extremist beliefs in conspiracy theories. But observers and participants agree that changes in individual militias have made it more difficult to characterize the movement as a whole.
Groups disagree about tactics and have different goals.
In addition, there are a bevy of hate groups operating in America that, in some instances, may have ties to militias but should not be conflated with the movement. The major change was the bombing in 1995 in Oklahoma City. That changed the terms and direction of the militias. About a third of the militias went underground and another third also walked away from the militias altogether. They didn't want to be associated with it.