volunteer force

[/ˈvɒləntiər fɔːrs/]
nounpl: volunteer forces
força de voluntários
1. A military or emergency service organization composed entirely of people who serve without being conscripted or drafted
The country switched from a conscript army to a volunteer force in 1992.
O país mudou de um exército de recrutas para uma força de voluntários em 1992.
2. A group of unpaid individuals who willingly provide labor or services for a cause or organization
The nonprofit relies on a volunteer force to operate its community programs.
A organização sem fins lucrativos depende de uma força de voluntários para operar seus programas comunitários.
Brazil maintains a mandatory military service system, making 'volunteer force' primarily relevant in discussions of international militaries or non-military volunteer organizations. The United States has maintained an all-volunteer military force since 1973, making this term particularly relevant in American military discourse.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
all-volunteer forcevoluntary forcevolunteer armyvolunteer military
Antonyms / Antônimos
conscript forcedrafted forcecompulsory military service

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
força de voluntários
Standard term used in military and organizational contexts
General Brazilian
exército profissional de voluntários
More formal variant emphasizing professional aspect
Portugal
força de voluntários
Same as Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

volunteermilitary serviceconscriptionprofessional soldierrecruitment

Related Idioms & Phrases

all-volunteer force
volunteers on the front lines
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