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Aparamilitary is amilitary that is not a part of a country's official or legitimate armed forces.[1] TheOxford English Dictionary traces the use of the term "paramilitary" as far back as 1934.[2]
Though a paramilitary is, by definition, not amilitary, it is usually equivalent to alight infantry orspecial forces in terms of strength, firepower, and organizational structure.[3] Paramilitaries use combat-capable kit/equipment (such asinternal security/SWAT vehicles), or even actual military equipment[4] (such aslong guns andarmored personnel carriers; usuallymilitary surplus resources), skills (such asbattlefield medicine andbomb disposal), and tactics (such asurban warfare andclose-quarters combat) that are compatible with their purpose, often combining them with skills from other relevant fields such aslaw enforcement,coast guard, orsearch and rescue. A paramilitary may fall under the command of amilitary, train alongside them, or have permission to use their resources, despite not actually being part of them.[4]
Under thelaw of war, a state may incorporate a paramilitary organization or armed agency (such as alaw enforcement agency or a private volunteermilitia) into itscombatant armed forces. Some countries' constitutionsprohibit paramilitary organizations outside government use.
Depending on the definition adopted, "paramilitaries" may include:
Designating, of, or relating to a force or unit whose function and organization are analogous or ancillary to those of a professional military force, but which is not regarded as having professional or legitimate status.
