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How did state militias support the Continental Army during the American Revolution?

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American Revolution *The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis* (at Yorktown, Virginia, on October 19, 1781), oil on canvas by John Trumbull, completed in 1820; in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, Washington, D.C. The painting captures the moment when major fighting during the American Revolution ended and the colonies achieved independence.

During the American Revolution, state militias were essential to the war effort, providing the bulk of American forces throughout the conflict. They supported the Continental Army in several critical ways:1

Manpower Pool: Militias served as a vital source for recruiting or drafting soldiers into the regular Continental Army.1
Field Support: While the Continental Army was often understrength due to difficulties in retention and recruitment, militias provided necessary reinforcements for field operations. For example, units like the Green Mountain Boys played central roles in key engagements, such as the Battle of Bennington, which helped secure the defeat of General John Burgoyne.23
Local Defense: Militias were primarily organized for local defense, allowing them to protect regions while the Continental Army focused on broader strategic objectives.1

Despite their contributions, militias were often characterized by poor discipline and elected officers, and they were typically summoned for short periods not exceeding three months. Their existence sometimes created competition with the Continental Congress for available manpower.2