self-defense forces
Armed protective units
Self-defense forces are military or paramilitary organizations whose stated purpose is protecting a nation or territory from attack rather than conducting offensive operations.
The term often appears in constitutional or political contexts where "army" or "military" carries unwanted connotations: Japan's Self-Defense Forces were established under a pacifist constitution.
The name can be euphemistic—forces called defensive may still project power abroad.
- armyOrganized land-based military
- firearmsWeapons using explosive propulsion
- navyMaritime military force
- non-aggression pactsTreaties forbidding mutual hostility
- coast guardMaritime safety and rescue service
home guard · rules of engagement · neighborhood watch · stand your ground · castle doctrine · Geneva Conventions · national guard · paramilitary groups · marines · martial law · border patrol · resistance fighters · military police · strategic command · international treaties · body armor · reconnaissance drones · surveillance systems
self-defense forcesinvasion force
Military unit entering hostile territory
expeditionary force · colonial forces · strike force · occupation force · offensive operations
self-defense forcesinvaders
Those who enter by force
enemy combatants · occupiers · conquerors · raiders · marauders
self, defense, force, selves, defend, defends, defended, defending, defender