Standing army facts for kids

A standing army is a group of soldiers who work full-time for their country. Unlike part-time soldiers or volunteers, these soldiers are always ready, even when there isn't a war. They train constantly to be prepared to defend their country, or sometimes to go to war in other places.

Having a standing army means a country can react very quickly to threats. These armies are much more prepared for fighting than groups like militias, which are usually made up of citizens who only train part-time. Countries have used standing armies for thousands of years, but the term "standing army" became common around the 1600s.

What is a Standing Army?

A standing army is made up of professional soldiers. These soldiers are paid by the government and their main job is to be part of the military. They live and train together, often in special bases. This constant training helps them become very skilled and work well as a team.

Unlike a standing army, a militia is usually a group of ordinary citizens who might have some military training but are not full-time soldiers. They are called upon only when needed, often during emergencies. Military reserves are similar; they are trained soldiers who can be called back to duty, but they don't serve full-time during peacetime.

Why Countries Have Standing Standing Armies

Countries choose to have standing armies for several important reasons. The main goal is to keep the country safe and secure.

Protection and Defense

A standing army is always ready to protect a country from attacks. If another country tries to invade, or if there's a serious threat, the army can respond immediately. This quick response can prevent a lot of damage and save lives.

Keeping Peace and Order

Sometimes, a standing army helps keep peace inside a country. They can assist during big emergencies like natural disasters. They also help the government maintain order if there are serious problems that the police cannot handle alone.

Showing Strength

Having a strong standing army can also make other countries think twice before causing trouble. This is called "deterrence." When a country looks strong, it can discourage potential enemies from attacking. It shows that the country is serious about protecting itself.

History of Standing Armies

The idea of having a full-time army is very old. Ancient civilizations, like the Roman Empire and ancient China, had professional soldiers who served for many years.

Early Armies

In ancient times, many armies were only put together when a war started. Farmers or citizens would leave their homes to fight, and then go back to their regular lives when the war was over. But some powerful empires realized they needed soldiers ready all the time to control their large lands and protect their borders.

Modern Standing Armies

The idea of a modern standing army, as we know it today, became more common in Europe around the 17th century. Countries like France and Sweden started to build large, permanent armies. These armies were paid by the king or government and were always ready for battle. This was a big change from earlier times when armies were often temporary.

Having a standing army allowed countries to have more control and power. It also meant that soldiers could be trained much better, leading to more effective fighting forces.

Images for kids

• 

  A robot representing readiness.