A rebel force is an armed group that operates in opposition to the government of a state, seeking to effect political change, establish or maintain control over territory, or gain independence. Rebel forces are often divided into factions, each with its own leader and commander. In addition to the main military command, a rebel force may have a number of operational divisions, including logistics, intelligence, and military intelligence, engineering, public relations, health, and other support units. The number of members of a rebel force can vary widely, from as few as 100 people to a large number of soldiers and militiamen.
Rebel groups often recruit from local communities for both financial and social reasons. The main reason for individuals to join a rebel movement is to contribute to what they perceive as a just cause and to effect what they regard as positive social change. These motivations may or may not be justified.
Those who work or have access to stable employment may be reluctant to join a rebel force because they lose the income and security that their jobs provide. However, if people live in poverty-ridden or highly unequal countries, the opportunity cost of participating in a rebellion may be low or nonexistent.
Many rebel forces rely on volunteers to fill their ranks, but they are also forced to recruit when voluntary recruitment fails. The extent to which a rebel force resorts to forced recruitment is unique to each group and evolves over time as the conflict progresses.