The men of the colony were anxious to prepare themselves in case of hostilities .
Men formed a militia on February 17 , 1621 consisting of all able - bodied men , electing Standish as men 's commander .
The men of the colony were anxious to prepare themselves in case of hostilities , so they formed a militia on February 17 , 1621 consisting of all able - bodied men , electing Standish as their commander .