Military (6do encyclopedia)230512



The word “military” refers to the armed forces or military of a nation or state. The term encompasses the various branches of the military, including the army, navy, air force, and marine corps. While each branch has a unique role in the defense of a country, they all share a common goal of protecting the homeland and its citizens.

The military has played a significant role in the history of humans. For thousands of years, civilizations have used warriors to defend their territories from rival nations or groups. However, the modern military system we know today is a relatively recent development. The concept of a professional military emerged during the Renaissance in Europe, and it has evolved into the complex and sophisticated structure we know today.

In this article, we will explore the history, organization, and importance of the military in modern societies.

History of the Military

The military has been an essential component of human history for millennia. The first armies emerged in ancient times, with the first recorded military battle taking place between the Sumerians and the Elamites in Mesopotamia around 2700 BCE. Throughout history, armies have fought for resources, territory, power, and ideology.

The ancient Greeks were known for their military prowess and were among the first to develop professional military forces. The phalanx, a military formation comprised of ranks of tightly packed soldiers armed with spears, was a formidable force used by Greek armies. The Roman army, which emerged in the 3rd century BCE, has been considered one of the most effective and efficient military forces in history. It was a potent force used to conquer much of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

During the Middle Ages, the military was primarily composed of knights on horseback, who were heavily armored and relied on their combat skills to defeat enemies on the battlefield. The rise of gunpowder weapons in the 16th century brought significant changes to the military’s composition and tactics. Standing armies became more common, and professional military forces emerged, leading to the creation of modern armies we know today.

Organization of the Military

The military is a hierarchical organization designed to operate in a structured and efficient manner. Each branch has a unique organization and command structure that reflects its specific role in the defense of a nation.

The army is typically the largest branch of a country’s military. It is responsible for ground warfare and operates on land. It is typically divided into smaller units, including divisions, brigades, battalions, and companies.

The navy is responsible for maintaining maritime security and protecting the country’s coastal regions. It operates ships that are designed for different purposes, including warships, aircraft carriers, submarines, and support vessels.

The air force is responsible for protecting the airspace of a nation and carries out offensive and defensive air operations. It operates a variety of aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, and transport planes.

The marine corps is a branch of the military that specializes in amphibious operations. It is often associated with the navy and is responsible for protecting and securing naval bases, conducting amphibious assaults, and providing security for embassies and other diplomatic facilities.

Importance of the Military

The military plays a crucial role in modern society, both in terms of defense and the overall stability and security of a nation. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it is responsible for safeguarding a country’s sovereignty, protect its citizens, and preserve its way of life.

The military’s primary responsibility is to defend the country against external threats, including invasions, attacks, and acts of terrorism. By doing so, it ensures that the country remains safe and peaceful, allowing citizens to thrive and pursue their livelihoods without fear of harm.

The military also plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security. It participates in peacekeeping operations around the world, often under the umbrella of the United Nations or other international bodies. These missions involve providing security, enforcing ceasefires, protecting civilians, and supporting the peace process in conflict-affected areas.

The military also serves a critical function in times of national crisis, such as natural disasters or public emergencies. It provides logistical support, medical assistance, and other essential services to help citizens affected by these events.

Conclusion

The military is an essential and integral part of modern society, playing a vital role in the defense and security of a nation. Its history dates back thousands of years, and over time, it has evolved into a complex and sophisticated system of armed forces focused on maintaining peace, security, and stability. The various branches of the military work together to protect citizens from external threats, preserve the nation’s sovereignty, and maintain international peace and security. As such, it is an important institution that deserves respect and recognition for its critical contributions to society.


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Embattled Thai PM Prayuth fights to stay on in vote on Sunday

Reuters

23-05-12 10:05


Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's United Thai Nation (UTN) party is significantly trailing opposition parties ahead of Thailand's Sunday general election, with a recent poll by the National Institute of Development Administration showing only 13% of voters would vote for Prayuth's party compared with 38% for the main opposition parties. However, the UTN does have a built-in advantage with the Senate retained from his 2014 coup, meaning it does not need to win a majority in the 500-seat House of Representatives for Prayuth to stay on as prime minister. Protests could follow if the government is formed against the way most people have voted.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/embattled-thai-pm-prayuth-fights-stay-vote-sunday-2023-05-12/
Myanmar military raids left trail of decapitated bodies, report finds

Washington Post

23-05-12 09:00


Myanmar Witness, an organisation collecting and investigating evidence of possible rights violations in Myanmar, has published a report validating independent evidence of atrocities committed against suspected resistance fighters in villages across the Sagaing region. The incidents appear to be part of an escalating conflict, characterised by excessive violence and mass killings, possibly constituting war crimes. While the exact location of responsibility is difficult to establish, the report affirms the presence of Myanmar’s military forces in the Sagaing area during the period the crimes were committed. The violence has been inflicted upon local militias loyal to the nation’s ousted government, due to the rise of PDF militias together with the military’s increasing counteroffensive, leading to an upsurge in violence. Critics have warned that the malicious nature of recent attacks is comparable to the carnage inflicted by Russia’s military in situations including Ukraine.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/12/myanmar-military-junta-beheadings-sagaing/
Ukraine plays down talk of Bakhmut gains being start of counteroffensive

Reuters

23-05-12 08:54


Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister, Hanna Maliar, has said Ukrainian forces have made gains of around 2km in the battle for Bakhmut. However, she sought to downplay suggestions Ukraine had launched its much-anticipated counter-offensive. She insisted that Russian reports about the fighting should be disregarded. Ukraine has said its defence of Bakhmut allows it to prepare a coming counter-offensive. Moscow sees Bakhmut as a stepping stone to attacking other Ukrainian cities. There has been intense fighting in the Bakhmut area for ten months.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kyiv-reports-small-gains-around-bakhmut-decries-russian-false-information-2023-05-12/
Malian troops, foreign forces executed 500 people in village in 2022 - UN

Reuters

23-05-12 08:35


Unidentified foreign military personnel, thought to be Russian mercenaries, along with Malian soldiers, are believed to have executed at least 500 people in a five-day operation in the village of Moura in central Mali in March, according to a UN Human Rights Office report. Mali's military government has previously said that Islamist insurgents, not civilians, were killed. Western countries have raised concerns about private military contractor the Wagner Group's activities in Mali, including allegations about its role in the massacre. Mali and Russia have both denied that Russian forces in the country are mercenaries.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/malian-troops-foreign-forces-executed-500-people-village-2022-un-2023-05-12/
Thai parties launch last push to woo voters

Reuters

23-05-12 07:36


Political parties in Thailand are preparing for the upcoming election on Sunday, with voters having to choose between the military-linked conservatives and the proposed change from the populist Pheu Thai party supported by the Shinawatra family. Current opinion polls show that Prayuth Chan-ocha is trailing behind Pheu Thai and another opposition party, Move Forward. However, all parties are promising to try and fix the high levels of household debt in the country. It remains to be seen if the military-dominated establishment would be willing to accept the formation of a new government.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-parties-launch-last-push-woo-voters-2023-05-12/