This work starts by identifying the Republican legislation on conscription developed by the Neogranadino State in order to contrast it with the practices exercised by officials responsible for enlisting the men to the various armed forces (Standing Army, National Guard Auxiliary, etc.). It is argued that although the rule is not complied fully, the State reached its goal of recruits’ extraction thanks to adaptation to the socio-cultural frameworks in the various constituent parts of the provinces of Cauca.