The role of the military and security forces is one of the foremost tasks of the state (see also principles and state aims: Writing Constitutions: Vol III) in order to guarantee security and protection for the citizens.

The primary duty of the armed forces in a democratic society is to protect and ensure the security of society from exterior threats and to safeguard democratic values, the rule of law and the human rights and freedoms of all persons subject to that national jurisdiction.

The protection may be oriented against external attacks or aggression or internal disorder, uprisings or terrorism. These protective functions are addressed below under the heading of “defence”, although they may encompass also preventative measures and instruments. The ordinary police force which traditionally forms part of the executive functions in order to guarantee security and order and to persecute crimes is not included as it is largely object of regulations in subconstitutional laws and regularly do not form part of defensive or war functions.

The main focus lies on the aspects shown in Fig. 15.1.

15.1