Military personnel
Military personnel are people serving in a country’s armed forces, including active-duty members and, depending on context, reservists.
Military rank: A system of grades that defines authority and position within a military organization. Rank structures command relationships among personnel.
Military logistics: The planning and delivery of supplies, transport, facilities, and services for military forces. Logistics personnel keep units supplied and able to operate.
Civilian control of the military: The principle that elected or otherwise legitimate civilian authorities direct the armed forces. It separates military command from ultimate political authority.
Military justice: The legal system governing offenses and discipline within armed forces. Service members can be subject to military law and courts.
Military branch: A major division of a country’s armed forces, such as its army, navy, or air force. Branches assign personnel to distinct services and missions.
Military intelligence: The collection and analysis of information about foreign forces, threats, and operating environments. Specialist personnel produce assessments that inform military decisions.
Civilian: A person who is not a member of a country’s armed forces. Civilian status is the basic distinction from military membership.
Military oath: A formal pledge made by military personnel concerning service, duty, or allegiance. The oath marks a member’s formal commitment to military service.
Active duty: Full-time military service in which personnel are available for assigned duties. It distinguishes currently serving personnel from reserve members not on full-time service.
Military medicine: The medical practice and health systems serving military personnel and operations. Medical staff prevent illness and treat injuries among service members.