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A paramilitary is a force or unit that functions and is organized in a manner analogous to a military force, but does not have professional or legitimate status.[1] The Oxford English Dictionary traces the use of the term "paramilitary" as far back as 1934.[2]
Paramilitaries may use combat-capable kit/equipment (such as internal security/SWAT vehicles), or even actual military equipment[3] (such as armored personnel carriers;[citation needed] usually military surplus resources) that are compatible with their purpose, often combining them with skills from other relevant fields such as law enforcement, coast guard, or search and rescue.[citation needed] A paramilitary may fall under the command of a military, train alongside them, or have permission to use their resources, despite not actually being part of them.[3]
Under the law of war, a state may incorporate a paramilitary organization or armed agency (such as a law enforcement agency or a private volunteer militia) into its combatant armed forces. Some countries' constitutions prohibit 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.
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