Regular army facts for kids
A regular army is the official military force of a country. It is usually made up of professional soldiers who are always ready to serve. These forces are different from rebel groups or militias, which are not officially part of a country's government.
The idea of a regular army is often written into a country's constitution. A constitution is a set of basic laws that explain how a country is governed. This means the army is a permanent and recognized part of the nation's defense.
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What is a Regular Army?
A regular army is the main military group that protects a country. Its members are trained, equipped, and paid by the government. They are always prepared to defend their nation, whether during peacetime or in a conflict.
These armies are different from temporary groups. They are a standing force, meaning they exist all the time. Their main job is to keep the country safe and uphold its laws.
Why Do Countries Have Armies?
Countries have regular armies for several important reasons. The main reason is to protect their borders and citizens from threats. This includes defending against attacks from other countries.
Armies also help maintain peace and order within their own country. They can assist in emergencies, like natural disasters. Sometimes, they even take part in peacekeeping missions around the world.
Who Leads the Army?
In most countries, the leader of the government is also in charge of the regular army. This person might be a President, a King, or a Prime Minister. They are known as the Commander-in-Chief.
This setup ensures that the military is under civilian control. It means that elected or appointed leaders, not military generals, make the final decisions about how the army is used. This is an important part of how many governments work.
Active Duty vs. Reserves
A regular army often has two main parts. These parts work together to make sure the country is always protected.
What is Active Duty?
The first part is made up of people who are "under arms" all the time. These are the soldiers, sailors, and air force personnel who work full-time for the military. They live and train as professional service members, even when there is no war.
They are ready to be deployed or respond to situations at any moment. This group forms the core strength of the regular army.
What are Reserves?
The second part includes people who can be called to serve if needed. These are often called "reserves" or "reservists." They might have civilian jobs in their daily lives. However, they train regularly with the military.
If there is a conflict or a major emergency, these reservists can be asked to join the active-duty forces. This allows a country to quickly increase its military strength without keeping a very large full-time army.
See also
In Spanish: Ejército regular para niños
