The armed forces of Nicaragua consists of various military contingencies. Nicaragua has an Army, Navy and Air Force.

There are roughly 14,000 active duty personnel, which is much less compared to the numbers seen during the Nicaraguan Revolution.

Although the army has had a rough military history, a portion of its forces, which were known as the National Guard became integrated with what is now the National Police of Nicaragua. In essence, the police became a gendarmerie.

The National Police of Nicaragua are rarely, if ever, labeled as a gendarmerie. The other elements and manpower that were not devoted to the National Police were sent over to cultivate the new Army of Nicaragua.

The Nicaraguan army often uses monkey skins to cover their weapons when in combat. This works as a great camouflage for the soldiers.

The age to serve in the armed forces is 17 and conscription is not imminent. As of 2006, the military budget was roughly 0.7% of Nicaragua’s expenditures.