[Coda]

The defining characteristic of a military is SUPPOSED to be its ability to protect the citizens from outside threats. The word is derived from militia, which was historically considered to be three or more citizens coming together to protect their country. In fact, the US Constitution explicitly calls out that the federal government is given the responsibility to "provide for the common defense."

Less enlightened governments have used their military for aggressive purposes. That doesn't change the intended purpose of a military in general.