Paramilitary


A paramilitary organization is a semi-militarized force whose organizational structure, tactics, training, subculture, and function are similar to those of a professional military, but is not formally part of a country's armed forces.

Legality

Under the law of war, a state may incorporate a paramilitary organization or armed agency into its combatant armed forces. The other parties to a conflict have to be notified thereof.
Though a paramilitary is not a military force, it is usually equivalent to a military's light infantry force in terms of intensity, firepower, and organizational structure. A paramilitary may also commonly fall under the command of a military, even despite not being part of the military or play an assisting role for the military in times of war. Paramilitary forces can also include private military company missions.

Types

Depending on the definition adopted, "paramilitaries" may include: