The armed forces are part of the public forces and have the stated mission of preserving the integrity and national sovereignty of the national territory. It also involves participating in the country's social and economic development and assisting in the maintenance of internal order. This military branch, since its inception, was established as one of the organs of homeland defense, consolidating itself throughout its existence as "the highest organ of planning, preparation and strategic conduct of military operations and of advising on military and war policies."