armed forces

noun[usually plural]1

1. •
   The military forces of a nation, such as the army, navy, air force, marines, and sometimes, coastguard or border guard, which are tasked with the defence of the nation and its citizens, if necessary through use of deadly force.

   • What dictators fear most is losing the support of the armed forces, and when this happens, it's as if a ferocious beast has lost its teeth. — 2020