Security force assistance
Security Force Assistance (SFA) a term originating in the United States Armed Forces for military adviser assistance with "training, equipping and advising allied or 'partner' militaries to enable them to defend themselves without 100,000 Americans on the ground to do it for them." SFA is used when improving the security of the host country aligns with the national interests of the donor country. It may be used alongside or instead of larger commitments of the donor country's military personnel and matériel. This means SFA can provide an alternative to large-scale operations if a war becomes controversial or politically difficult.
American advisers teaching mortar firing techniques to Afghan soldiers during the War in Afghanistan
Eastern Bloc and Soviet Union military advisers during the Angolan Civil War
Iraqi army soldiers finish training assisted by American advisers during the Iraq War.
Soviet Armed Forces advisers help plan operations during the Angolan Civil War.
United States Armed Forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. The armed forces consist of six service branches: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. All six armed services are among the eight uniformed services of the United States.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff in December 2020
1st Armored Division infantry, an M2 Bradley armored vehicle, and AH-64 Apache attack helicopters as part of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria
82nd Airborne Division paratroopers parachuting from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport plane
U.S. Army Rangers with the 75th Ranger Regiment prepare for extraction on a MH-47 Chinook
