The Workers' Militia Hungarian: Munkásőrség was a paramilitary organization in the Hungarian People's Republic from 1956 to 1989. Following the quelled Hungarian Revolution of 1956, the Revolutionary Workers'-Peasants' Government ordered on February 18, 1957 the formation of the Workers' Militia. It replaced the revolutionary regime's special police force (karhatalom or also known as pufajkások, named after their Soviet-style quilted jackets). The slate-grey uniformed and armed Militia's aim was to defend the means of production. It was a voluntary service, but obviously offered some career advantages. Starting with 20,000 members, it gradually developed into a large armed force (60,000 strong), although they were never deployed.