Defense (military) facts for kids

Defense is all about keeping something safe from harm or attack. It's like protecting your home or your friends.

A country's government often creates special groups to protect its land and people. These groups are called the military. The military usually includes an army (who fight on land), a navy (who fight on water), and an air force (who fight in the sky). Their main job is to keep the country safe from attacks. Sometimes, they might also be used to deal with threats from other countries or groups that have harmed their citizens.

People in the military are specially trained. They learn how to use different weapons, like rifles and artillery, which are used in war to protect their country. These trained people are called soldiers. Governments spend a lot of money each year to buy and maintain equipment and to pay these brave people who defend their countries.

Besides protecting against attacks, a country's armed forces can also help in other ways. They often assist during emergencies like natural disasters, providing aid and support to people in need.

What is Defense?

Defense means protecting something important from danger. For a country, this means keeping its land, its citizens, and its way of life safe. It's about being ready to stop any threats that might come from outside or even from within the country.

Why Countries Need a Military

Most countries have a military because it helps them stay secure. The military acts like a shield, ready to defend against attacks. It also helps a country show its strength and protect its interests around the world.

The Role of the Military

The military's main job is to protect the country. This can involve:

• Stopping attacks from other countries.
• Keeping peace and order within the country.
• Helping to rescue people during disasters.
• Providing medical help in emergencies.

Different Branches of the Military

A country's military is usually divided into different parts, each with its own special skills and equipment.

The Army

The army is the part of the military that fights on land. Soldiers in the army use tanks, trucks, and other vehicles. They are trained for ground combat and often work to secure areas or protect borders.

The Navy

The navy is the part of the military that operates on water. Sailors in the navy use ships, submarines, and aircraft carriers. They protect sea routes, transport goods, and can launch attacks from the ocean.

The Air Force

The air force is the part of the military that operates in the sky. Airmen and airwomen fly fighter jets, bombers, and transport planes. They protect the country's airspace and can deliver supplies or launch attacks from above.

Beyond Fighting: Other Military Roles

Even though the military is known for fighting, its members do many other important jobs.

Helping in Emergencies

When natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes happen, the military is often called to help. They can provide food, water, medical care, and transport people to safety. They also help rebuild after a disaster.

Keeping the Peace

Sometimes, a country's military might join international groups, like the United Nations, to help keep peace in other parts of the world. They might monitor ceasefires or protect civilians in conflict zones.

Training and Technology

The military constantly trains its members and develops new technology. This includes creating advanced weapons, communication systems, and protective gear. This helps them stay prepared for any challenge.

Images for kids

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  NATO military ceremony, Pabrade, Lithuania in November 2014

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  Depiction of ancient Egyptian military formation

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  An example of military command; a map of the United States' Unified Combatant Command's area of responsibility.

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  Finnish and American soldiers train together in arctic conditions in Lapland, Finland, as part of Cold Weather Basic Operation Course, January 6–16, 2015

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  The Kawasaki C-1 is a tactical military transport of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force

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  Red Ball Express convoy in France

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  Dutch civilians celebrating the arrival of the I Canadian Corps in Utrecht as the Canadian Army liberates the Netherlands from Nazi occupation

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  Arrow-head. Bronze, 4th century BC. From Olynthus, Chalcidice.

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  Mounted and foot armoured knights. Armour and cavalry dominated the battlefield, until the invention of firearms.

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  Naval military forces of France and Britain exchange fire at the Battle of the Chesapeake

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  AIM-7 Sparrow medium range air-to-air missile from an F-15 Eagle

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  Samurai, member of the Japanese warrior caste

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  Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus leading a cavalry charge, 1634

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  Map of military expenditures as a percentage of GDP by country, 2017.

See also

In Spanish: Ejército para niños