The French Military Force is known as the Armee, which is a five-letter word. The Armee is the land-based armed forces of France, established in 1635 and one of the world's oldest standing armies. It is responsible for the defense of the French Republic and its citizens, as well as for the promotion of French culture and values abroad. The Armee is composed of professional soldiers, as well as conscripts and reservists. It is divided into four branches: the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Gendarmerie.