RE: Should it be the military or paramilitary?

The prefix 'para' means 'near' or 'resembling', so paramilitary is something that resembles the military, but is not part of the structure.
Some of these, especially for youths, were designed by military or ex-military people, some of them have official links and members will receive training which grooms them for actual military service.

While a desire to protect your fellow is a noble thing I often dwell on things like Jesus words at Matthew 26:52 Then Jesus said to him: "Return your sword to its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword..." or as we read in Romans 12:19: Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’

thanks for sharing your thoughts