Road was not a serving militia officer in 1861, but that is where he got his start. He orgionally commanded a Volunteer Company from Crawford County which became Company F of the Arkansas Regiment of Mounted Gunmen. Roan was elected Lt.Col. of the Regiment and assumed command following Col Yell's death at the Battle of Buena Vista. He and Albert Pike fought a duel after the war over Pikes criticism of Col. Yell. I have a link below to the Wikipedia article on the Arkansas Militia in the Mexican War.