The Mexican army consists in peace time of 3,500 officers, 31,000 men, and 11,000 horses or mules. It was proposed to introduce personal or obligatory service, but the plan has been postponed, and the army is recruited by voluntary engagement of 3,4 and 5 years, with special levies drawn by lot. The passage of the forces to a war footing has been defined by law, and provision is made for mobilizing the first and second reserve, including the rural and urban police, the national guard and other forces.

The following is the strength: Regular army, 2,700 officers, 61,000 men: reserves, 1,000 officers, 155,000 men; total, 3,700 officers, 186,000 men, with 32,000 horses and 12,000 mules.