Dictatorial security forces monitor elites and ordinary citizens in order to interrupt plots and undermine opposition movements, while armies defend against rebellions and uprisings. Internal security services focus much of their effort on high-ranking and mid-level elites. The dictator can use them to spy on or even murder other members of the dictatorial elite if he gains full control over them. Control of internal security tilts the distribution of two crucial resources, information and capacity for violence, in the dictator’s favor and thus reduces the likelihood that other elites could oust him or constrain his behavior. Dictators can never fully control their armies. Though dictators need armies, they also fear them since military coups are the most frequent means of overthrow. Many dictatorships create paramilitary forces to defend against coups and counterbalance the regular army. As a further safeguard against the army, dictators may also manipulate promotions to favor loyal officers and purge, arrest, or execute those whose loyalty they suspect. Interference with promotions is safer for dictators if they first establish loyal paramilitary forces to deter coups.