The Talaxian Defense Forces was the military force of the government of Talax.
Avoiding or refusing service in the Defense Forces during a time of war warranted a death sentence.
The Defense Forces took part in the Talaxian-Haakonian War of the late 2340s and early 2350s. They surrendered unconditionally in 2356 after the Haakonians deployed the metreon cascade, a weapon of mass destruction, upon Rinax. (VOY: "Jetrel")
The status of the Defense Forces after the war is not clear. Though Neelix stated that his people were "conquered", a group of Talaxian fighters helped liberate Voyager from the Kazon in "Basics, Part II".