A military is an organization authorized by its nation to use force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country (or by attacking other countries) by combating actual or perceived threats. As an adjective the term "military" is also used to refer to any property or aspect of a military. Militaries often function as societies within societies, by having their own military communities, economies, education, medicine and other aspects of a functioning civilian society.
![Ex-Soldier Seeking Psych Help Takes Hostages [Standoffs]](/mimg/ui/141/ui_2752186_M_1283798141.jpg)
