The term "military force" often brings to mind images of soldiers and war. However, there are many synonyms that can be used to describe a military force. Some of these include armed forces, military personnel, troops, soldiers, servicemen and women, militia, combatants, defenders, and warriors. Each of these words describes different aspects of a military force, and can be used in different contexts. For example, armed forces may refer to a nation's entire military establishment, while troops may refer specifically to soldiers who are deployed in a particular operation. By using different synonyms, writers can convey specific nuances and shades of meaning when describing military forces.