Venezuelan Armed Forces

The National Bolivarian Armed Forces (Spanish: Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana) is the military of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. It is controlled by the Commander-in-Chief (the President) and a civilian Minister of Defense. In addition to the army, navy, and air force there is also a national guard and national militia primarily focused on internal security.

The armed forces primary purpose is to defend Venezuelan territory from attack, combat drug trafficking, provide search and rescue capabilities, aid the civilian population in case of natural disasters protection, as well as numerous internal security assignments. As of 2018, the armed forces had 351,000 personnel.