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{{short description|Organization primarily tasked with preparing for and conducting war}}
{{For|the film|Military (film){{!}}''Military'' (film)}}
{{Redirect|Armed forces}}
</noinclude>{{Use British English Oxford spelling|date=May 2020}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date= March 2017}}
{{More citations needed|date= August 2008}}

[[File:141113-A-QS211-509 - Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and 2nd Cavalry Regiment participate in the closing ceremony for Iron Sword 2014.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|[[NATO]] military ceremony in [[Pabrade]], [[Lithuania]], November 2014]]
A '''military''', also known collectively as an '''armed forces''', are a heavily [[Weapon|armed]], highly organized force primarily intended for [[warfare]]. Militaries are typically authorized and maintained by a [[sovereign state]], with their members identifiable by a distinct [[military uniform]]. They may consist of one or more [[military branch]]es such as an [[army]], [[navy]], [[air force]], [[space force]], [[marines]], or [[coast guard]]. The main task of a military is usually defined as defence of their state and its interests against external armed threats.

In broad usage, the terms "armed forces" and "military" are often synonymous, although in technical usage a distinction is sometimes made in which a country's armed forces may include other [[paramilitary]] forces such as armed police.

[[File:Countries by soldier count.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|Countries by number of active soldiers (2009)]]

A nation's military may function as a discrete social [[subculture]], with dedicated infrastructure such as military housing, [[Military academy|schools]], utilities, [[logistics]], [[Military hospital|hospitals]], legal services, food production, finance, and banking services. Beyond warfare, the military may be employed in additional sanctioned and non-sanctioned functions within the state, including internal security threats, [[crowd control]], promotion of [[political agenda]]s, [[emergency service]]s and reconstruction, protecting [[corporate]] economic interests, social ceremonies, and national [[Guard of honour|honour guards]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Jordan |first1=David |last2=Kiras |first2=James D. |last3=Lonsdale |first3=David J. |last4=Speller |first4=Ian |last5=Tuck |first5=Christopher |last6=Walton |first6=C. Dale |title=Understanding Modern Warfare |date=2016 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1107134195 |page=66 |edition=Second}}</ref>

The profession of [[soldier]]ing is older than [[recorded history]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldhistory.org/war/|title=War in Ancient Times|last=Mark|first=Joshua J.|date=2 September 2009|website=World History Encyclopedia}}</ref> Some images of  [[classical antiquity]] portray the power and feats of military [[Leadership|leaders]]. The [[Battle of Kadesh]] in 1274 BC from the reign of [[Ramesses II|Ramses II]], features in [[Relief|bas-relief]] monuments. The first [[Emperor of China|Emperor of a unified China]], [[Qin Shi Huang]], created the [[Terracotta Army]] to represent his military might.<ref name="ReferenceA">
[[:File:Terrakotta 2006 3.jpg|Terra cotta of massed ranks of Qin Shi Huang's terra cotta soldiers]]
</ref>
The [[Ancient Rome|Ancient Romans]] wrote many [[treatise]]s and writings on warfare, as well as many decorated [[triumphal arch]]es and [[victory column]]s.

{{War}}

==Etymology and definitions==
[[File: Column of Marcus Aurelius - detail3.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Relief scene of Roman legionaries marching, from the [[Column of Marcus Aurelius]], Rome, Italy, 2nd century AD]]
The first recorded use of the word "military" in English, spelled {{lang|enm|militarie}}, was in 1582.<ref name="OED">{{cite OED|military|access-date = 25 March 2019}}</ref> It comes from the Latin {{lang|la|militaris}} (from Latin {{lang|la|miles}} {{gloss|soldier}}) through French, but is of uncertain etymology, one suggestion being derived from ''*mil-it-'' ? going in a body or mass.<ref>{{OEtymD|military}}</ref><ref>Tucker, T.G. (1985) ''Etymological dictionary of Latin'', Ares publishers Inc., Chicago. p. 156</ref>

As a noun phrase, "the military" usually refers generally to a country's armed forces, or sometimes, more specifically, to the senior officers who command them.<ref name="OED"/><ref name="Webster">{{cite web|url=http://www.Merriam-Webster.com|title=Merriam Webster Dictionary online|website=Merriam-Webster.com|access-date=2011-08-01}}</ref> In general, it refers to the physicality of armed forces, their [[Military personnel|personnel]], [[Military technology|equipment]], and the physical area which they occupy.

As an adjective, military originally referred only to soldiers and soldiering, but it broadened to apply to land forces in general, and anything to do with their profession.<ref name = "OED"/> The names of both the [[Royal Military Academy, Woolwich|Royal Military Academy]] (1741) and [[United States Military Academy]] (1802) reflect this. However, at about the time of the [[Napoleonic Wars]], ''military'' began to be used in reference to armed forces as a whole, such as "[[military service]]", "[[military intelligence]]", and "[[military history]]". As such, it now connotes any activity performed by armed force personnel.<ref name="OED"/>

==History==
{{Main|Military history}}
[[File:Рисунок № 2 к статье ≪Египетские войны≫. Военная энциклопедия Сытина (Санкт-Петербург, 1911-1915).jpg|thumb|right|Depiction of [[Military of ancient Egypt|ancient Egyptian military]] formation]]
Military history is often considered to be the history of all conflicts, not just the history of the state militaries. It differs somewhat from the [[history of war]], with military history focusing on the people and institutions of war-making, while the history of war focuses on the evolution of war itself in the face of changing technology, governments, and geography.

Military history has a number of facets. One main facet is to learn from past accomplishments and mistakes, so as to more effectively wage war in the future. Another is to create a sense of [[military tradition]], which is used to create cohesive military forces. Still, another is to learn to prevent wars more effectively. Human knowledge about the military is largely based on both recorded and [[oral tradition|oral history]] of military conflicts (war), their participating [[army|armies]] and [[navy|navies]] and, more recently, [[air force]]s.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Morillo, Stephen |first1=F. Pavkovic, Michael |title=What is Military History? |date=2006 |publisher=Polity Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=0-7456-3390-0 |pages=2, 6?7 |edition=1}}</ref>

==Organization==
{{further|Military organization}}
[[File:GCCMAP_2019.png|thumb|upright=1.35|An example of military command: a map of the United States' [[Unified combatant command|Unified Combatant Command]]'s area of responsibility.]]

===Personnel and units===
{{main|Military personnel}}
{{See also|Military reserve|Military service}}

Despite the growing importance of [[military technology]], military activity depends above all on people. For example, in 2000 the British Army declared: "Man is still the first weapon of war."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/395358/2000-ADPvol5_Soldiering_the_Military_Covenant_Ver2.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/395358/2000-ADPvol5_Soldiering_the_Military_Covenant_Ver2.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-10 |url-status=live|title=Soldiering: The military covenant|last=British Army|date=2000|access-date=2017-12-13}}</ref>

==== Rank and role ====
The military organization is characterized by a [[command hierarchy]] divided by [[military rank]], with ranks normally grouped (in descending order of authority) as [[Officer (armed forces)|officers]] (e.g. [[colonel]]), [[non-commissioned officer]]s (e.g. [[sergeant]]), and personnel at the lowest rank (e.g. [[Private (rank)|private]]). While senior officers make strategic decisions, subordinated military personnel ([[soldier]]s, [[sailor]]s, [[marine (military)|marines]], or [[airmen]]) fulfil them. Although rank titles vary by [[military branch]] and country, the rank hierarchy is common to all state armed forces worldwide.

In addition to their rank, personnel occupy one of many trade roles, which are often grouped according to the nature of the role's military tasks on combat operations: [[combat]] roles (e.g. [[infantry]]), [[combat support]] roles (e.g. [[combat engineer]]s), and [[combat service support]] roles (e.g. [[Military logistics|logistical support]]).

==== Recruitment ====
{{Main|Military recruitment}}

Personnel may be [[Military recruitment|recruited]] or [[Conscription|conscripted]], depending on the system chosen by the state. Most military personnel are males; the minority proportion of female personnel varies internationally (approximately 3% in India,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/02/indias-military-to-allow-women-in-combat-roles/|title=India's Military to Allow Women in Combat Roles|last=Franz-Stefan Gady|work=The Diplomat|access-date=2017-12-12|language=en-US}}</ref> 10% in the UK,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-armed-forces-biannual-diversity-statistics-2017|title=UK armed forces biannual diversity statistics: 2017|date=2017|website=www.gov.uk|language=en|access-date=2017-12-12}}</ref> 13% in Sweden,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/om-myndigheten/vara-varderingar/jamstalldhet-och-jamlikhet/historik/|title=Historik|last=Forsvarsmakten|website=Forsvarsmakten|language=sv-SE|access-date=2017-12-12}}</ref> 16% in the US,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.usarec.army.mil/support/faqs.htm|title=Support Army Recruiting|last=US Army|date=2013|website=www.usarec.army.mil|access-date=2017-12-12|archive-date=9 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109101909/http://www.usarec.army.mil/support/faqs.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> and 27% in South Africa<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16708:fact-file-sandf-regular-force-levels-by-race-a-gender-april-30-2011-&catid=79:fact-files&Itemid=159|title=Fact file: SANDF regular force levels by race & gender: April 30, 2011 {{!}} defenceWeb|last=Engelbrecht|first=Leon|website=www.defenceweb.co.za|date=29 June 2011|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-12-12}}</ref>). While two-thirds of states now recruit or conscript only adults, as of 2017 50 states still relied partly on children under the age of 18 (usually aged 16 or 17) to staff their armed forces.<ref name="CSIntl-2018">{{Cite news|url=https://www.child-soldiers.org/where-are-there-child-soldiers|title=Where are child soldiers?|work=Child Soldiers International|access-date=2017-12-08|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201210707/https://www.child-soldiers.org/where-are-there-child-soldiers|archive-date=1 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Whereas recruits who join as [[Officer (armed forces)|officers]] tend to be [[Upwardly mobile|upwardly-mobile]],<ref name="Segal-1998">{{Cite journal|last=Segal, D R|display-authors=etal|date=1998|title=The all-volunteer force in the 1970s|jstor=42863796|journal=Social Science Quarterly|volume=72 |issue=2|pages=390?411}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Bachman|first1=Jerald G.|last2=Segal|first2=David R.|last3=Freedman-Doan|first3=Peter|last4=O'Malley|first4=Patrick M.|title=Who chooses military service? Correlates of propensity and enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces.|journal=Military Psychology|language=en|volume=12|issue=1|pages=1?30|doi=10.1207/s15327876mp1201_1|year=2000|s2cid=143845150}}</ref> most enlisted personnel have a childhood background of relative [[Socio-economic gap|socio-economic deprivation]].<ref name="Brett-2004">Brett, Rachel, and Irma Specht. ''Young Soldiers: Why They Choose to Fight''. Boulder: [[Lynne Rienner Publishers]], 2004. {{ISBN|1-58826-261-8}}{{page?|date=May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unicef.org/publications/index_49985.html|title=Machel Study 10-Year Strategic Review: Children and conflict in a changing world|website=UNICEF|access-date=2017-12-08|archive-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209100213/https://www.unicef.org/publications/index_49985.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Iversen|first1=Amy C.|last2=Fear|first2=Nicola T.|last3=Simonoff|first3=Emily|last4=Hull|first4=Lisa|last5=Horn|first5=Oded|last6=Greenberg|first6=Neil|last7=Hotopf|first7=Matthew|last8=Rona|first8=Roberto|last9=Wessely|first9=Simon|date=2007-12-01|title=Influence of childhood adversity on health among male UK military personnel|url=http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/191/6/506|journal=The British Journal of Psychiatry|language=en|volume=191|issue=6|pages=506?511|doi=10.1192/bjp.bp.107.039818|issn=0007-1250|pmid=18055954|doi-access=free}}</ref>&nbsp;For example, after the US suspended conscription in 1973, "the military disproportionately attracted African American men, men from lower-status socioeconomic backgrounds, men who had been in nonacademic high school programs, and men whose high school grades tended to be low".<ref name="Segal-1998" /> However, a study released in 2020 on the socio-economic backgrounds of U.S. Armed Forces personnel suggests that they are at parity or slightly higher than the civilian population with respect to socio-economic indicators such as parental income, parental wealth and cognitive abilities. The study found that technological, tactical, operational and doctrinal changes have led to a change in the demand for personnel. Furthermore, the study suggests that the most disadvantaged socio-economic groups are less likely to meet the requirements of the modern U.S. military.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Asoni|first1=Andrea|last2=Gilli|first2=Andrea|last3=Gilli|first3=Mauro|last4=Sanandaji|first4=Tino|date=2020-01-30|title=A mercenary army of the poor? Technological change and the demographic composition of the post-9/11 U.S. military|journal=Journal of Strategic Studies|volume=45 |issue=4 |pages=568?614|doi=10.1080/01402390.2019.1692660|issn=0140-2390|doi-access=|s2cid=213899510 }}</ref>

==== Obligations ====

The obligations of military employment are many. Full-time military employment normally requires a minimum period of service of several years; between two and six years is typical of armed forces in Australia, the UK and the US, for example, depending on role, branch, and rank.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://army.defencejobs.gov.au/jobs/artillery-air-defender?ci=0|title=Army ? Artillery ? Air Defender|website=army.defencejobs.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2017-12-09}}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="Gee-2016">{{Cite journal|last1=Gee|first1=David|last2=Taylor|first2=Rachel|date=2016-11-01|title=Is it Counterproductive to Enlist Minors into the Army?|journal=The RUSI Journal|volume=161|issue=6|pages=36?48|doi=10.1080/03071847.2016.1265837|s2cid=157986637|issn=0307-1847}}</ref><ref name="Findlaw-2017">{{Cite news|url=http://military.findlaw.com/administrative-issues-benefits/what-is-a-military-enlistment-contract.html|title=What is a Military Enlistment Contract?|work=Findlaw|access-date=2017-12-09}}</ref> Some armed forces allow a short [[Military discharge|discharge]] window, normally during training, when recruits may leave the armed force as of right.<ref name="UK legislation-2007">{{Cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/3382/contents/made|title=The Army Terms of Service Regulations 2007|website=www.legislation.gov.uk|language=en|access-date=2017-12-09}}</ref> Alternatively, part-time military employment, known as [[Military reserve force|reserve service]], allows a recruit to maintain a civilian job while training under military discipline at weekends; he or she may be called out to [[Military operation|deploy on operations]] to supplement the full-time personnel complement. After leaving the armed forces, recruits may remain liable for compulsory return to full-time military employment in order to train or [[Military operation|deploy on operations]].<ref name="UK legislation-2007" /><ref name="Findlaw-2017" />

[[Military Law|Military law]] introduces offences not recognized by civilian courts, such as [[Desertion|absence without leave (AWOL)]], desertion, political acts, [[malingering]], behaving disrespectfully, and disobedience (see, for example, [[offences against military law in the United Kingdom]]).<ref name="UK Ministry Defence-2017">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/440632/20150529-QR_Army_Amdt_31_Jul_2013.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/440632/20150529-QR_Army_Amdt_31_Jul_2013.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-10 |url-status=live|title=Queen's Regulations for the Army (1975, as amended)|last=UK, Ministry of Defence|date=2017|access-date=2017-12-09}}</ref> Penalties range from a summary [[reprimand]] to imprisonment for several years following a [[Court-martial|court martial]].<ref name="UK Ministry Defence-2017" /> Certain rights are also restricted or suspended, including the freedom of association (e.g. union organizing) and freedom of speech (speaking to the media).<ref name="UK Ministry Defence-2017" /> Military personnel in some countries have a right of [[Conscientious objector|conscientious objection]] if they believe an order is immoral or unlawful, or cannot in good conscience carry it out.

Personnel may be posted to bases in their home country or overseas, according to operational need, and may be deployed from those bases on [[Military exercise|exercises]] or [[Military operation|operations]]. During peacetime, when military personnel are generally stationed in [[garrison]]s or other permanent military facilities, they conduct administrative tasks, [[military training|training]] and [[military education|education]] activities, [[Maintenance, repair and operations|technology maintenance]], [[military recruitment|and recruitment]].

==== Training ====
[[File:USRAK soldiers attend Finnish army's cold weather training 150110-A-WX507-585.jpg|thumb|upright|Finnish and American soldiers training together in arctic conditions in [[Lapland (Finland)|Lapland, Finland]], January 6?16, 2015]]
{{Main|Military recruit training}}
Initial training conditions recruits for the demands of military life, including preparedness to injure and kill other people, and to face mortal danger without fleeing. It is a physically and psychologically intensive process which [[Resocialization|resocializes]] recruits for the unique nature of military demands.{{cn|date=May 2023}} For example:
* Individuality is suppressed (e.g. by shaving the head of new recruits, issuing uniforms, denying privacy, and prohibiting the use of first names);<ref name="McGurk-2006">{{Cite book|chapter=Joining the ranks: The role of indoctrination in transforming civilians to service members|title = Military life: The psychology of serving in peace and combat |volume = 2|last1=McGurk|first1= Dennis|last2=Cotting |first2 = Dave I.|last3= Britt|first3=Thomas W.|last4= Adler|first4 = Amy B.|display-authors=1|publisher=Praeger Security International |year=2006|isbn=978-0-275-98302-4|location=Westport, Connecticut|pages=13?31|chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=mwuEuGG1-1UC&pg=PA13}}</ref><ref name="Hockey-1986">{{Cite book|title=Squaddies : portrait of a subculture|last=Hockey|first=John|date=1986 |publisher= University of Exeter|isbn=978-0-85989-248-3|location=Exeter, Devon|oclc=25283124}}</ref>
* Daily routine is tightly controlled (e.g. recruits must make their beds, polish boots, and stack their clothes in a certain way, and mistakes are punished);<ref name="Bourne-1967">{{Cite journal|last=Bourne|first=Peter G.|date=1967-05-01|title=Some Observations on the Psychosocial Phenomena Seen in Basic Training|journal=Psychiatry|volume=30|issue=2|pages=187?196|doi=10.1080/00332747.1967.11023507|issn=0033-2747|pmid=27791700}}</ref><ref name="Hockey-1986" />
* Continuous [[stressor]]s deplete psychological resistance to the demands of their instructors (e.g. depriving recruits of sleep, food, or shelter, shouting insults and giving orders intended to humiliate)<ref name="Grossman-2009">{{Cite book|title=On killing : the psychological cost of learning to kill in war and society|last=Grossman|first=Dave|date=2009|publisher=Little, Brown and Co|isbn=978-0-316-04093-8|edition=Rev.|location=New York|oclc=427757599}}</ref><ref name="Hockey-1986" /><ref name="Bourne-1967" />
* Frequent punishments serve to condition group conformity and discourage poor performance;<ref name="Hockey-1986" />
* The disciplined drill instructor is presented as a role model of the ideal soldier.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Faris|first=John H.|date=2016-09-16|title=The Impact of Basic Combat Training: The Role of the Drill Sergeant in the All-Volunteer Army|journal=Armed Forces & Society|language=en|volume=2|issue=1|pages=115?127|doi=10.1177/0095327x7500200108|s2cid=145213941}}</ref>

===Intelligence===
{{Main|Military intelligence|}}

The next requirement comes as a fairly basic need for the military to identify possible [[military threat|threats]] it may be called upon to face. For this purpose, some of the commanding forces and other military, as well as often civilian personnel participate in identification of these threats. This is at once an organization, a system and a process collectively called [[military intelligence]] (MI). Areas of study in Military intelligence may include the operational environment, hostile, friendly and neutral forces, the civilian population in an area of combat operations, and other broader areas of interest.<ref>
{{cite web| title = University Catalog 2011/2012, Master Courses: pp.99, size: 17MB| url = http://www.ni-u.edu/pdf/NIU_Catalog_2011.pdf| publisher = US National Intelligence University| access-date = 28 March 2012| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120123164032/http://www.ni-u.edu/pdf/NIU_Catalog_2011.pdf| archive-date = 23 January 2012}}
</ref>

The difficulty in using military intelligence concepts and military intelligence methods is in the nature of the [[Information security|secrecy]] of the information they seek, and the [[clandestine operation|clandestine]] nature that intelligence operatives work in obtaining what may be plans for a [[conflict escalation]], [[Phase (combat)|initiation of combat]], or an [[invasion]].

An important part of the military intelligence role is the military analysis performed to assess [[military capability]] of potential future aggressors, and provide combat modelling that helps to understand factors on which comparison of forces can be made. This helps to quantify and qualify such statements as: "[[People's Liberation Army|China]] and [[Military of India|India]] maintain the largest armed forces in the World" or that "the [[U.S. Military]] is considered to be the world's strongest".<ref>[http://www.statista.com/statistics/220318/opinion-of-americans-on-the-us-being-the-no1-military-power-in-the-world/ Statistics on Americans' opinion about the U.S. being the world's no1 military power] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010065827/https://www.statista.com/statistics/220318/opinion-of-americans-on-the-us-being-the-no1-military-power-in-the-world/ |date=10 October 2017 }}, Gallup, March 2012. Retrieved May 3, 2013.</ref>
[[File:Simple guerrilla organization.svg|thumb|Guerrilla structure]]

Although some groups engaged in combat, such as militants or [[resistance movement]]s, refer to themselves using military terminology, notably 'Army' or 'Front', none have had the structure of a national military to justify the reference, and usually have had to rely on support of outside national militaries. They also use these terms to conceal from the MI their true capabilities, and to impress potential ideological recruits.

Having military intelligence representatives participate in the execution of the national defence policy is important, because it becomes the first respondent and commentator on the policy expected [[strategic goal (military)|strategic goal]], compared to the realities of [[Intelligence (information gathering)|identified threats]]. When the intelligence reporting is compared to the policy, it becomes possible for the national leadership to consider allocating resources over and above the officers and their subordinates military pay, and the expense of maintaining military facilities and military support services for them.

===Economics===
{{Main|Military budget}}
{{Bar chart
| title       = Military Budget 2021 {{small|(in USD billions)}}
| caption     = {{small|Source: [[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute|SIPRI]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (2021)|url=https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/fs_2104_milex_0.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/fs_2104_milex_0.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-10 |url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-16|website=www.sipri.org|language=en-UK}}</ref>}}
| label_type  = {{small|Country}}
| data_type   = {{small|Military Budget}}
| bar_width   = 10
| width_units = em
| data_max    = 800
| float = right
| label1   = {{flagicon|US}} United States
| data1    = 778.0
| label2   = {{flagicon|China}} China
| data2    = 252.0
| label3   = {{flagicon|India}} India
| data3    = 72.9
| label4   = {{flagicon|Russia}} Russia
| data4    = 61.7
| label5   = {{flagicon|UK}} United Kingdom
| data5    = 59.2
| label6   = {{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} Saudi Arabia
| data6    = 57.5
| label7   = {{flagicon|Germany}} Germany
| data7    = 52.8
| label8   = {{flagicon|France}} France
| data8    = 52.7
| label9   = {{flagicon|Japan}} Japan
| data9    = 49.1
| label10  = {{flagicon|South Korea}} South Korea
| data10   = 45.7
| label11  = {{flagicon|Italy}} Italy
| data11   = 28.9
| label12  = {{flagicon|Australia}} Australia
| data12   = 27.5
| label13  = {{flagicon|Canada}} Canada
| data13   = 22.8
| label14  = {{flagicon|Israel}} Israel
| data14   = 21.7
| label15  = {{flagicon|Brazil}} Brazil
| data15   = 19.7
}}

[[Economics of defense|Defense economics]] is the financial and monetary efforts made to resource and sustain militaries, and to finance [[military operation]]s, including war.
[[File:Military budget in % of USA military expeditures 1988-2019.svg|thumb|Map showing Military Budget in countries from 1988 throughout 2019]]
The process of allocating resources is conducted by determining a [[military budget]], which is administered by a military finance organization within the military. Military procurement is then authorized to purchase or contract provision of goods and services to the military, whether in peacetime at a permanent base, or in a combat zone from local population.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Military Expenditures by Country 2019.svg|A pie chart showing global military expenditures by country for 2019, in US$ billions, according to SIPRI
File:Military Expenditures as percent of GDP 2017.png|Map of military expenditures as a percentage of [[gross domestic product|GDP]] by country, 2017.<ref>'''2017''' data from: {{cite web  |url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS|title=Military expenditure (% of GDP). Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Yearbook: Armaments, Disarmament and International Security.|website=[[World Bank]]|access-date=2019-03-08}}</ref>{{Update inline|date=July 2019}}
File:2014 militrary expenditures absolute.svg|Military expenditure of 2014 in [[USD]]
</gallery>

===Capability development===
Capability development, which is often referred to as the military 'strength', is arguably one of the most complex activities known to humanity; because it requires determining: strategic, operational, and tactical capability requirements to counter the identified threats; strategic, [[Operational doctrine|operational]], and tactical doctrines by which the acquired capabilities will be used; identifying concepts, methods, and systems involved in executing the doctrines; creating design specifications for the manufacturers who would produce these in adequate quantity and quality for their use in combat; purchase the concepts, methods, and systems; create a forces structure that would use the concepts, methods, and systems most effectively and efficiently; integrate these concepts, methods, and systems into the force structure by providing [[military education]], [[military training|training]], and [[Military exercise|practice]] that preferably resembles combat environment of intended use; create [[military logistics]] systems to allow continued and uninterrupted performance of [[military organization]]s under combat conditions, including provision of health services to the personnel, and maintenance for the equipment; the services to assist recovery of wounded personnel, and repair of damaged equipment; and finally, post-conflict [[demobilization]], and disposal of war stocks surplus to peacetime requirements.

Development of [[military doctrine]] is perhaps the most important of all capability development activities, because it determines how military forces are used in conflicts, the concepts and methods used by the command to employ appropriately military skilled, [[soldier|armed]] and [[military equipment|equipped]] personnel in achievement of the tangible goals and objectives of the [[war]], [[military campaign|campaign]], [[battle]], engagement, and action.<ref name="p.67, Dupuy">Dupuy, T.N. (1990) ''Understanding war: History and Theory of combat'', Leo Cooper, London, p. 67</ref> The line between strategy and tactics is not easily blurred, although deciding which is being discussed had sometimes been a matter of personal judgement by some commentators, and military historians. The use of forces at the level of organization between strategic and tactical is called [[operational mobility]].

===Science===
{{Main|Military technology}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2017}}

Because most of the concepts and methods used by the military, and many of its systems are not found in commercial branches, much of the material is researched, designed, developed, and offered for inclusion in [[arsenal]]s by [[military science]] organizations within the overall structure of the military. Therefore, military scientists can be found interacting with all Arms and Services of the armed forces, and at all levels of the military hierarchy of command.

Although concerned with research into [[military psychology]], particularly [[Combat stress reaction|combat stress]] and how it affects troop [[morale]], often the bulk of military science activities is directed at military intelligence technology, [[military communications]], and improving [[military capability]] through research. The design, development, and prototyping of [[weapon]]s, military support equipment, and [[military technology]] in general, is also an area in which much effort is invested ? it includes everything from global communication networks and [[aircraft carrier]]s to paint and food.

===Logistics===
{{Main|Military logistics}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2017}}
[[File:Combat Logistics Patrol in Afghanistan MOD 45152764.jpg|thumb|Afghan and British military cargo trucks preparing a [[convoy]] to resupply a [[forward operating base]] in [[Afghanistan]], 2011]]
[[File:JASDF C-2(78-1205) PDS airdrop demonstration at Miho Air Base May 27, 2018 03.jpg|thumb|A [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] [[Kawasaki C-2]] [[military transport aircraft]] conducting an [[airdrop]] demonstration over [[Miho-Yonago Airport|Miho Air Base]], 2018]]
Possessing military capability is not sufficient if this capability cannot be deployed for, and employed in combat operations. To achieve this, [[military logistics]] are used for the [[logistics management]] and logistics planning of the forces [[military supply chain management]], the consumables, and capital equipment of the troops.

Although mostly concerned with the [[military transport]], as a means of delivery using different modes of transport; from [[military truck]]s, to [[container ship]]s operating from permanent [[military base]], it also involves creating field supply dumps at the rear of the [[combat]] zone, and even forward supply points in a specific unit's [[tactical area of responsibility]].

These supply points are also used to provide [[military engineering]] services, such as the recovery of defective and derelict vehicles and weapons, maintenance of weapons in the field, the repair and field modification of weapons and equipment; and in peacetime, the life-extension programmes undertaken to allow continued use of equipment. One of the most important role of logistics is the supply of [[munition]]s as a primary type of consumable, their storage, and [[Ordnance disposal|disposal]].

==In combat==

The primary reason for the existence of the military is to engage in [[combat]], should it be required to do so by the national defence policy, and to win. This represents an organisational goal of any military, and the primary focus for military thought through [[military history]]. How [[victory]] is achieved, and what shape it assumes, is studied by most, if not all, military groups on three levels.

===Strategic victory===
{{Main|Strategic victory}}

[[File:Mahratta pirates attacking the sloop 'Aurora', of the Bombay Marine, 1812; end of the action RMG BHC1085.tiff|thumb|The [[Maratha Navy]], which is considered to be the foundation of the modern [[Indian Navy]], often employed land and sea coordination tactics when attacking, which won them many battles against the [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]] and [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]]]]

[[Military strategy]] is the management of forces in [[war]]s and [[military campaign]]s by a [[commander-in-chief]], employing large military forces, either national and allied as a whole, or the component elements of [[Army|armies]], [[Navy|navies]] and [[air force]]s; such as [[army group]]s, [[naval fleet]]s, and large numbers of [[aircraft]]. Military strategy is a long-term projection of belligerents' policy, with a broad view of outcome implications, including outside the concerns of military command. Military strategy is more concerned with the [[logistics|supply of war]] and planning, than management of field forces and combat between them. The scope of strategic military planning can span weeks, but is more often months or even years.<ref name="p.67, Dupuy"/>
{{-}}

===Operational victory===
{{more citations needed section|date=March 2017}}
[[File:Crowd of Dutch civilians celebrating the liberation of Utrecht by the Canadian Army.jpg|thumb|Dutch civilians celebrating the arrival of the [[I Canadian Corps]] in [[Utrecht]] as the [[Canadian Army]] liberates the [[Netherlands]] from Nazi occupation]]

[[Operational mobility]] is, within [[war]]fare and [[military doctrine]], the level of command which coordinates the minute details of [[military tactics|tactics]] with the overarching goals of [[strategy]]. A common synonym is operational art.

The operational level is at a scale bigger than one where line of sight and the time of day are important, and smaller than the strategic level, where production and politics are considerations. Formations are of the operational level if they are able to conduct operations on their own, and are of sufficient size to be directly handled or have a significant impact at the strategic level. This concept was pioneered by the [[Germany|German]] army prior to and during the [[World War II|Second World War]]. At this level, planning and duration of activities takes from one week to a month, and are executed by [[Field Army|Field Armies]] and [[Army Corps]] and their naval and air equivalents.<ref name="p.67, Dupuy"/>

===Tactical victory===
{{Main|Tactical victory}}
{{more citations needed section|date=March 2017}}

[[Military tactics]] concerns itself with the methods for engaging and defeating the enemy in direct combat. Military tactics are usually used by units over hours or days, and are focused on the specific tasks and objectives of [[squadron (army)|squadrons]], [[Company (military unit)|companies]], [[battalion]]s, [[regiment]]s, [[brigade]]s, and [[Division (military)|divisions]], and their naval and air force equivalents.<ref name="p.67, Dupuy"/>

One of the oldest military publications is ''[[The Art of War]]'', by the [[List of Chinese philosophers|Chinese philosopher]] [[Sun Tzu]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mypivots.com/articles/booktext.aspx?bookname=The%20Art%20of%20War|title=The Art of War|website=Mypivots.com|date=11 June 2011|access-date=1 August 2011}}</ref> Written in the 6th century BCE, the 13-chapter book is intended as military instruction, and not as [[military theory]], but has had a huge influence on Asian military doctrine, and from the late 19th century, on European and United States [[military plan]]ning. It has even been used to formulate business tactics, and can even be applied in social and political areas.

[[File:Macedonian battle formation-en.svg|thumb|Battle formation and tactics of [[Macedonia (ancient kingdom)|Macedon]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westpoint.edu/history/SitePages/Home.aspx|title=Welcome to the Department of History|website=westpoint.edu|access-date=1 August 2011|archive-date=18 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518101505/http://www.westpoint.edu/history/SitePages/Home.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>]]

The Classical Greeks and the Romans wrote prolifically on [[military campaign]]ing. Among the best-known Roman works are [[Julius Caesar]]'s commentaries on the [[Gallic Wars]], and the [[Caesar's civil war|Roman Civil war]] ? written about 50 BC.

Two major works on tactics come from the late Roman period: ''Taktike Theoria'' by [[Aelianus Tacticus]], and ''[[De Re Militari]]'' ('On military matters') by [[Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus|Vegetius]]. ''Taktike Theoria'' examined Greek military tactics, and was most influential in the [[Byzantine]] world and during the [[Islamic Golden Age|Golden Age of Islam]].

''De Re Militari'' formed the basis of European military tactics until the late 17th century. Perhaps its most enduring maxim is [[Si vis pacem, para bellum|''Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum'']] (let he who desires peace prepare for war).

Due to the changing nature of combat with the introduction of [[artillery]] in the European [[Middle Ages]], and infantry firearms in the [[Renaissance]], attempts were made to define and identify those strategies, [[grand tactics]], and tactics that would produce a victory more often than that achieved by the Romans in praying to the gods before the battle.

Later this became known as [[military science]], and later still, would adopt the [[scientific method]] approach to the conduct of military operations under the influence of the [[Industrial Revolution]] thinking. In his seminal book ''[[On War]]'', the [[Prussia]]n [[Major-General]] and leading [[expert]] on modern [[military strategy]], [[Carl von Clausewitz]] defined military strategy as 'the employment of battles to gain the end of war'.<ref>{{cite journal|last=MacHenry|first=Robert|title=The New Encyclopædia Britannica|journal=Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc|year=1993|page=305|bibcode=1991neb..book.....G}}</ref> According to Clausewitz: <blockquote>
strategy forms the plan of the War, and to this end it links together the series of acts which are to lead to the final decision, that is to say, it makes the plans for the separate campaigns and regulates the combats to be fought in each.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.Gutenberg.org/files/1946/1946-h/1946-h.htm#2H_4_0023|title=''On War'' by General Carl von Clausewitz|access-date=31 May 2007|via=Gutenberg.org|date=2006-02-26}}</ref>
</blockquote>
Hence, Clausewitz placed political aims above [[Strategic goal (military)|military goals]], ensuring [[civilian control of the military]]. Military strategy was one of a triumvirate of '[[Military art (Military science)|arts]]' or 'sciences' that governed the conduct of warfare, the others being: [[military tactics]], the execution of plans and [[Operational mobility|manoeuvring of forces in battle]], and maintenance of an army.
[[File:Combined Arms Training.jpg|thumb|[[Armed Forces of Ukraine]] soldiers conducting [[combined arms]] tactics training with a [[BMP-2]] [[Infantry fighting vehicle|IFV]]]]
The meaning of military tactics has changed over time; from the deployment and manoeuvring of entire land armies on the fields of ancient battles, and galley fleets; to modern use of small unit [[ambush]]es, [[encirclement]]s, [[bombardment]] attacks, [[frontal assault]]s, [[air assault]]s, [[hit-and-run tactics]] used mainly by [[guerrilla]] forces, and, in some cases, [[suicide attack]]s on land and at sea. Evolution of [[aerial warfare]] introduced its own [[Air combat manoeuvring|air combat tactics]]. Often, [[military deception]], in the form of [[military camouflage]] or misdirection using [[decoy]]s, is used to confuse the enemy as a tactic.

A major development in [[infantry tactics]] came with the increased use of [[trench warfare]] in the 19th and 20th centuries. This was mainly employed in [[World War I]] in the [[Battle of Gallipoli|Gallipoli campaign]], and the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]]. Trench warfare often turned to a stalemate, only broken by a large loss of life, because, in order to attack an enemy entrenchment, soldiers had to run through an exposed '[[no man's land]]' under heavy fire from their opposing entrenched enemy.

==Technology==
{{Main|Military technology}}
{{More citations needed section|date=October 2014}}

[[File:Arrow-head Olynthus BM GR1912.4-19.4.jpg|thumb|A [[bronze]] [[arrowhead]] from the 4th century BCE, found in [[Olynthus]], [[Chalkidiki]], [[Greece]].]]
As with any occupation, since ancient times, the military has been distinguished from other members of the society by their tools: the [[weapon]]s and [[military equipment]] used in combat. When [[Stone Age]] humans first took [[flint]] to tip the [[spear]], it was the first example of [[applied research|applying technology]] to improve the weapon. Since then, the advances made by human societies, and that of weapons, has been closely linked. Stone weapons gave way to [[Bronze Age]] and [[Iron Age]] weapons such as [[sword]]s and [[shield]]s. With each technological change was realized some tangible increase in military capability, such as through greater effectiveness of a sharper edge in defeating [[armour]], or [[Mechanics of materials|improved density of materials]] used in manufacture of weapons.[[File:Armor for Man and Horse, Italy (probably Milan), c. 1565, and Field armor for horseman, Italy, c. 1575 - Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - DSC08601.JPG|thumb|Mounted and foot [[armour]]ed [[knight]]s. Armour and [[cavalry]] dominated the battlefield until the invention of [[firearm]]s.]]

On [[Land warfare|land]], the first significant technological advance in warfare was the development of [[ranged weapon]]s, notably the [[Sling (weapon)|sling]] and later the [[bow and arrow]]. The next significant advance came with the [[domestication of the horse]]s and mastering of [[equestrianism]], creating [[cavalry]] and allowing for faster military advances and better logistics. Possibly the most significant advancement was the [[wheel]], a staple of transportation, starting with the [[chariot]] and eventually [[siege engine]]s. The bow was manufactured in increasingly larger and more powerful versions to increase both the weapon range and armour penetration performance, developing into [[composite bow]]s, [[recurve bow]]s, [[longbow]]s, and [[crossbow]]s. These proved particularly useful during the rise of cavalry, as horsemen encased in ever-more sophisticated [[armour]] came to dominate the battlefield.

In [[History of China#Imperial China|medieval China]], [[gunpowder]] had been invented, and was increasingly used by the military in combat. The use of gunpowder in the early [[mortar (weapon)|vase-like mortars]] in Europe, and advanced versions of the longbow and crossbow with armour-piercing [[arrowhead]]s, put an end to the dominance of the armoured knight. Gunpowder resulted in the development and fielding of the [[musket]], which could be used effectively with little training. In time, the successors to muskets and [[cannon]]s, in the form of [[rifle]]s and [[artillery]], would become core battlefield technology.[[File:BattleOfVirginiaCapes.jpg|thumb|right|Naval vessels of France and Britain exchanging fire during the 1781 [[Battle of the Chesapeake]]]]As the speed of technological advances accelerated in civilian applications, so too did military and warfare become [[Industrial warfare|industrialized]]. The newly invented [[machine gun]] and [[repeating rifle]] redefined [[firepower]] on the battlefield, and, in part, explains the high casualty rates of the [[American Civil War]] and the decline of melee combat in warfare. The next breakthrough was the conversion of artillery parks from the [[Muzzleloader|muzzle-loading guns]], to quicker [[Breechloader|breech-loading guns]] with recoiling barrels that allowed quicker aimed fire and use of a shield. The widespread introduction of low smoke (smokeless) propellant powders since the 1880s also allowed for a great improvement of artillery ranges. The development of breech loading had the greatest effect on [[naval warfare]] for the first time since the Middle Ages, altering the way weapons are mounted on [[warship]]s. [[Naval tactics]] were divorced from the reliance on [[Age of Sail|sails]] with the invention of the [[Internal combustion engine|internal combustion]]. A further advance in military naval technology was the [[submarine]] and the [[torpedo]].[[File:USAF F-15C fires AIM-7 Sparrow.jpg|thumb|[[AIM-7]] Sparrow medium range [[air-to-air missile]] from an [[F-15 Eagle]]]]During [[World War I]], the need to break the deadlock of trench warfare saw the rapid development of many new technologies, particularly [[tank]]s. [[Military aviation]] was extensively used, and [[bomber]]s became decisive in many battles of [[World War II]], which marked the most frantic period of weapons development in history. Many new designs, and concepts were used in combat, and all existing technologies of warfare were improved between 1939 and 1945.
During World War II, significant advances were made in [[military communications]] through increased use of radio, military intelligence through use of the [[radar]], and in [[military medicine]] through use of [[penicillin]], while in the air, the guided [[missile]], [[jet aircraft]], and [[helicopter]]s were seen for the first time. Perhaps the most infamous of all military technologies was the creation of [[nuclear weapon]]s, although the exact effects of its [[radiation]] were unknown until the early 1950s. Far greater use of [[military vehicle]]s had finally eliminated the cavalry from the military [[force structure]].
After World War II, with the onset of the [[Cold War]], the constant technological development of new weapons was institutionalized, as participants engaged in a constant [[arms race]] in capability development. This constant state of weapons development continues into the present. [[Main battle tank]]s, and other heavy equipment such as [[armoured fighting vehicle]]s, [[military aircraft]], and [[ship]]s, are characteristic to organized military forces.
[[File:2-14 CAV Fire Support Coordination Exercise Image 3 of 19.jpg|thumb|[[United States Army|U.S. Army]] soldiers with modern equipment. The soldier on the right is using a [[laser designator]] to observe and mark targets, while the soldier on the far left is using a [[Military communications|radio]] to coordinate [[fire support]].]]
The most significant technological developments that influenced combat have been guided missiles, which can be used by all branches of the armed services. More recently, [[information technology]], and its use in [[surveillance]], including space-based reconnaissance systems, have played an increasing role in military operations. The impact of [[information warfare]], which focuses on attacking command communication systems, and military databases, has been coupled with the use of robotic systems in combat, such as [[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]]s and [[unmanned ground vehicle]]s.

Recently, there has also been a particular focus towards the use of [[renewable fuels]] for running military vehicles on. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable fuels can be produced in any country, creating a strategic advantage. The U.S. military has committed itself to have 50% of its energy consumption come from alternative sources.<ref>{{cite web|author=Craig Hooper|url=http://NextNavy.com/air-force-cedes-the-green-lead-and-the-lede-to-navy/|title=Ray Mabus greening the military|website=NextNavy.com|access-date=22 May 2012}}</ref>

==As part of society==
{{More citations needed section|date=October 2014}}
[[File:Samurai and Ainu Fuzoku Ema.jpg|thumb|[[Samurai]], member of the Japanese warrior caste]]
For much of [[military history]], the armed forces were considered to be for use by the heads of their societies, until recently, the [[Monarchy|crowned heads of states]]. In a democracy or other political system run in the public interest, it is a [[public force]].

The relationship between the military and the [[society]] it serves is a complicated and ever-evolving one. Much depends on the nature of the society itself, and whether it sees the military as important, as for example in time of threat or war, or a burdensome expense typified by defence cuts in time of peace.

One difficult matter in the relation between military and society is control and transparency. In some countries, limited information on military operations and budgeting is accessible for the public. However, transparency in the military sector is crucial to fight [[corruption]]. This showed the Government Defence Anti-corruption Index [[Transparency International|Transparency International UK]] published in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Transparency is feasible|author=Pyman, Mark|url=https://www.DandC.eu/en/article/transparency-international-assesses-82-governments-defence-related-corruption-risks-first|website=www.DandC.eu|publisher=[[D+C Development and Cooperation]], Engagement GlobalGmbH|date=5 March 2013|access-date=2 March 2017}}</ref>

Militaries often function as [[society|societies]] within societies, by having their own military communities, [[military?industrial complex|economies]], [[Military education and training|education]], [[military medicine|medicine]], and other aspects of a functioning [[civil society|civilian society]]. A military is not limited to nations in of itself, as many [[private military companies]] (or PMCs) can be used or hired by organizations and figures as security, escort, or other means of protection where police, agencies, or militaries are absent or not trusted.

===Ideology and ethics===
{{Main|Militarism}}
[[File:02019 0695 (2) Poland marks Armed Forces Holiday with military parade in Katowice.jpg|thumb|A [[Polish Armed Forces]] [[M1 Abrams]] taking part in an [[Armed Forces Day]] [[military parade]] in [[Katowice]], 2019]]
Militarist ideology is the [[society]]'s [[social attitude]] of being best served, or being a beneficiary of a [[government]], or guided by concepts embodied in the military ''culture, doctrine, system'', or ''leaders''.

Either because of the [[cultural memory]], national history, or the potentiality of a [[military threat]], the militarist argument asserts that a [[civilian]] population is dependent upon, and thereby subservient to the needs and goals of its military for continued [[independence]]. [[Militarism]] is sometimes contrasted with the concepts of [[comprehensive national power]], [[soft power]] and [[hard power]].

Most nations have separate [[military law]]s which regulate conduct in war and during peacetime. An early exponent was [[Hugo Grotius]], whose ''[[De jure belli ac pacis|On the Law of War and Peace]]'' (1625) had a major impact of the humanitarian approach to warfare development. His theme was echoed by [[Gustavus Adolphus]].

Ethics of warfare have developed since 1945, to create constraints on the military treatment of prisoners and civilians, primarily by the [[Geneva Conventions]]; but rarely apply to use of the military forces as internal security troops during times of political conflict that results in popular protests and incitement to [[popular uprising]].

International protocols restrict the use, or have even created international bans on some types of weapons, notably [[weapons of mass destruction]] (WMD). [[International convention]]s define what constitutes a [[war crime]], and provides for war crimes prosecution. Individual countries also have elaborate codes of [[military justice]], an example being the United States' [[Uniform Code of Military Justice]] that can lead to [[court martial]] for military personnel found guilty of war crimes.

Military actions are sometimes argued to be justified by furthering a humanitarian cause, such as [[disaster relief]] operations to defend refugees; such actions are called [[military humanism]].

==See also==
{{-}}
{{colbegin|colwidth=20em}}<!-- list contains terms that should actually be worked into the main article -->
* [[Arms industry]]
* [[Civil defense]]
* [[Civilian control of the military]]
* [[Command and control]]
* [[Conscription]]
* [[Court-martial]]
* [[Deterrence theory]]
* [[Martial arts]]
* [[Martial law]]
* [[Mercenary]]
* [[Militaria]]
* [[Military academy]]
* [[Military advisor]]
* [[Military aid]]
* [[Military aid to the civil community]] (MACC)
* [[Military aid to the civil power]] (MACP)
* [[Military alliance]]
* [[Military dictatorship]]
* [[Military district]]
* [[Military engineering]]
* [[Military exercise]]
* [[Military fiat]]
* [[Military incompetence]]
* [[Military?industrial complex]]
* [[Military junta]]
* [[Military meteorology]]
* [[Military operations other than war]]
* [[Military police]]
* [[Military prison]]
* [[Military Revolution]]
* [[Military sociology]]
* [[Military terminology]]
* [[Militarization of police]]
* [[Militia]]
* [[Ministry of defence]]
* [[Mobilization]]
* [[Police]]
* [[Private military company]]
* [[Staff (military)]]
* [[Standing army]]
* [[Weapon]]
{{colend}}

; Armed forces of the world
* [[List of countries by number of military and paramilitary personnel]]
* [[List of countries by Military Strength Index]]
* [[List of countries by level of military equipment]]
* [[List of countries by Global Militarization Index]]
* [[List of countries without armed forces]]
* [[List of countries by military expenditures]]
* [[List of countries by past military expenditure]]
* [[List of countries by military expenditure per capita]]
* [[List of militaries by country]]
* [[List of air forces]]
* [[Lists of armies]]
* [[List of navies]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|military}}
* [http://lebanese-economy-forum.com/wdi-gdf-advanced-data-display/show/MS-MIL-XPND-GD-ZS/ Military Expenditure % of GDP] hosted by Lebanese economy forum, extracted from the World Bank public data.
* {{curlie|Society/Military}}

{{Military and war}}
{{Authority control}}

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