The pharaoh was in charge of the soldiers and military scribes.  The scribes wrote dispatches and records of the campaigns (battles).  Besides fighting for the pharaohs, the soldiers dug irrigation canals. They were responsible for transporting stones from the desert for the pharaoh's tomb. The military also took part in trade missions. They built warships to patrol the Nile River.

Some important weapons that were used by the soldiers were spears, daggers, shields, bows and arrows, battle axes, and sickle swords (scimitars).  Protective gear was necessary for the soldiers.  Some examples would be finger guards, they were used so the archer's fingers would not be in pain.  Wrist protectors were worn so the harsh string of the bow would not harm his wrist.  On battle marches, they would use large shields made of wood instead of wearing heavy armor. The infantry soldiers carried spears and battle axes.  Later, Egyptians rode horses and chariots in battle in order to move faster. The pharaoh would be driven into battle in a chariot.  Fan bearers armed with bow and arrows would stand behind the pharaoh to protect him.