bonsai army

Etymology
In reference to the small size and decorative nature of bonsai plants.

Noun

 * 1) A sovereign state's army or military force that is too small to fundamentally protect the country, and could be considered to exist merely "for decoration".
 * 2) A tiny, largely-ornamental (military) structure bereft of the capability to effectively carry out its constitutional missions.
 * 3) A military that covers the entire spectrum of capabilities, but has virtually no external military clout.
 * 1) A military that covers the entire spectrum of capabilities, but has virtually no external military clout.