Vojska

Vojska is a term used in several South Slavic languages to denote a country's armed forces, most commonly the army. While it often refers specifically to land forces, its scope can cover the entire military establishment depending on the country and context.

Organization typically follows a branch-based structure. The main components usually include ground forces, air forces or air defense, and naval or maritime capabilities, along with support services such as logistics, signals, engineering, military police, and intelligence. Many states maintain professional volunteer forces, while others rely on conscription or reserve components to varying degrees.

Governance and command are usually exercised under civilian oversight. A minister of defence or equivalent is responsible for policy and budgets, while a high military command or general staff plans operations and readiness. The armed forces operate within a legal framework, with budgeting, procurement, and strategic planning subject to civilian institutions and, in some countries, parliamentary approval.

Roles and functions include defending sovereignty, deterring aggression, supporting international peacekeeping, and assisting civil authorities in emergencies such as natural disasters. Training, interoperability with allied forces, and modernization are ongoing priorities to maintain readiness.

In the regional context, vojska is a common term across Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, Slovenian, and Montenegrin linguistic areas, reflecting shared linguistic and historical roots. The exact structure and nomenclature vary by state, but the underlying purpose remains national defense and security.