militar

Militar is a term used in several Romance languages and in English with related senses to describe matters connected to a state's armed forces or to warfare. As an adjective it means relating to the military; as a noun it can designate members of the armed forces or the military establishment. The word derives from Latin militaris, meaning “of soldiers,” from miles, soldier.

The militar sphere encompasses the armed forces—typically army, navy, air force—and related defense administration, security agencies, and, in some countries, paramilitary or coast guard units. Core roles include national defense, deterrence, crisis response, and, at times, humanitarian assistance or disaster relief. It also covers training, logistics, procurement, and personnel management, all under civilian oversight and constitutional safeguards that aim to align military power with democratic governance.

Organizationally, countries structure their forces into branches with reserve components or national guards. Recruitment strategies vary from voluntary service to conscription. Military policy intersects with foreign policy through alliance commitments, peacekeeping, and defense modernization. The relationship between civilian authorities and the armed forces is a central element of civil-military relations.

International law regulates conduct in war. International humanitarian law and human rights law govern treatment of combatants and civilians. States participate in arms-control regimes, export controls, and multilateral security frameworks intended to reduce conflict and manage security threats.