Conventional forces are the standard military units within a conventional armed force, as opposed to special forces or nuclear weapons. The spelling of "conventional" is /kənˈvɛnʃənəl/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "c" is pronounced like a "k" sound, and the "t" in "tion" is silent, making the "sh" sound. The stress is on the second syllable, and the final "al" is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by an "l" sound.
Conventional forces refer to military forces or troops that are equipped and organized according to traditional standards and methods. These forces are typically composed of soldiers, weapons, and equipment that conform to established norms and practices in warfare. The term "conventional" distinguishes these forces from unconventional forces, which may include guerrilla fighters or irregular militias.
Conventional forces are characterized by their adherence to internationally accepted rules of engagement and the use of standardized tactics, techniques, and procedures. They operate within the framework of the laws of armed conflict and adhere to established doctrines and protocols. The primary objective of conventional forces is to defeat an adversary through superior firepower, technology, and organizational structures.
In terms of equipment, conventional forces generally employ conventional weaponry such as aircraft, tanks, artillery, infantry rifles, and naval vessels. They rely on traditional military formations, such as divisions or battalions, which are organized based on established hierarchies and chains of command.
Conventional forces are typically maintained by national armed forces and are used to defend a country's territorial integrity, deter aggression, and engage in conventional warfare if necessary. They are trained and equipped to operate in well-defined battle scenarios against known adversaries. However, the term "conventional forces" can also encompass multinational forces participating in joint military operations under a unified command structure, such as those deployed for peacekeeping or stability operations.
The word "conventional" comes from the Latin word "conventionem", which means "a coming together, meeting, or assembly". It evolved in the late 15th century to mean "existing by general consent, customary". The word "force" comes from the Latin word "fortis", which means "strong". In the context of military terminology, "conventional forces" refers to the standard or traditional military forces that operate, train, and equip according to established conventional warfare principles, as opposed to unconventional or special operation forces. The term emerged during the Cold War to distinguish these forces from nuclear or unconventional weaponry.