Patriotic Battalions

In Brazil's military history, Patriotic Battalions (Portuguese: batalhões patrióticos) were irregular paramilitary forces, usually made up of civilian volunteers, mobilized in times of crisis. They were created by local chiefs and could be paid by the chiefs or by the government. Their combat effectiveness was variable. The battalions of the countryside colonels were not adapted to conventional warfare, artillery and, outside of the Pampas, cavalry. On the other hand, they were effective in a typically Brazilian and hinterland guerrilla.