Before the Battle of New Orleans, American troops were largely composed of untrained militia.

While some regular army soldiers were present, the bulk of Jackson's forces consisted of local militia members and volunteers who had varying levels of military experience and training. Many of these troops were not professional soldiers and had not engaged in extensive military drills or formal training. Jackson faced the challenge of organizing and leading this diverse group, which included militia from Louisiana, free Black soldiers, and Native Americans. Despite their lack of formal training, Jackson’s effective leadership and the troops’ determination played a significant role in their eventual success during the battle on January 8, 1815. The ability to quickly mobilize and inspire these largely untrained forces was crucial to mounting a successful defense against the British invasion.