The Workers' Militia () was a paramilitary organization in the Hungarian People's Republic from 1957 to 1989. History Pre-1956 Similar worker-guard organizations existed before 1957 in various socialist countries, partly to the circumvent closing of the Second World War peace treaties (such as the German Democratic Republic's squads), in part to provide more actionable, non-regular "popular" groups than the armed forces (such as the of Czechoslovakia). Formation Following the quelled Hungarian Revolution of 1956, the Revolutionary Workers'-Peasants' Government ordered on February 18, 1957 the formation of the Workers' Militia. It replaced the revolutionary regime's special police force ( or also known as , named after their Soviet-style quilted jackets). The slate-grey uniformed and armed Militia's aim was to defend the means of production. It was a voluntary service, but obviously offered some career advantages. Starting with 20,000 members, it gradually developed into a large armed force (60,000 strong in 1988), although they were never deployed. The first commander of the organization was Lajos Halas (1957–1962), followed by Árpád Papp (1962–1970), then lastly Sándor Borbély (1970–1989). On May 8, 1985, the Central Committee of the MSZMP relinquished its direct control of the body, and on June 15, a Council of Ministers took over the supervision and control of the Workers' Militia. The Workers' Militia retained it's paramilitary focus until the change of regime in Hungary, at the end of 1989. Disbandment On November 26, 1989, a referendum was held with the question: "Should the Workers' Militia be disbanded?". The answer was an overwhelming Yes (94.9%), a result which confirmed the previously-adopted law (1989 XXXth). Ranks Staff position markings Command position markings See also Eastern Bloc politics Similar formations: State Defense Forces Territorial Army (United Kingdom) United States National Guard Territorial Defense Force People's Militias Combat Groups of the Working Class ORMO Patriotic Guards Worker-Peasant Red Guards References 1957 establishments in Hungary 1989 disestablishments in Hungary Communism in Hungary Paramilitary organisations based in Hungary Government paramilitary forces Hungarian People's Republic Hungarian Revolution of 1956 Law enforcement in communist states Military wings of communist parties