The main aim of the article is to present the newly formed, fifth type of armed forces and its role for the defense and security of the state. In his article, the author presents the legal basis for the operation of the Territorial Defense Forces, their tasks and structure, and the principles of military service in Territorial Defense Forces. These troops are to conduct military operations in cooperation with operational troops (in the event of a conflict). These actions will be aimed at destroying or stopping the forces of the potential enemy. In addition, the TDF commander will coordinate and perform tasks related to the development and use of military subunits and units in combating natural disasters and eliminating their consequences, protection of property, search operations and saving or protection of human health and life, and cleaning the area of ​​military explosives and hazardous materials, and their neutralization, as well as the implementation of tasks in the field of crisis management. These troops also have the task of spreading the idea of ​​patriotic education in the society.