The militia during the first stages of the war was nothing but a liability for the cause. They ran at the first sight of British troops and lacked the discipline to hold the line. In contrast with the continental army, the militias could come and go as they pleased and were not bound to fight, so when things got difficult such as in Valley Forge, they simply returned home. Moreover they were keen to plunder, something which displeased the officers of the continental army. The only times the militia was able to stand was when accompanied with regular continental soldiers which would hold the line.
As the war progressed the usefulness of militia did increase, but not as a result of direct contact but as auxiliaries and in support roles as they could not be relied upon for more. Towards the end of the war they could hold their ground against regular british troops when led by experienced officers, but only in small skirmishes and battles.
