Military of Botswana

The President of Botswana is commander-in-chief of the Botswana Defense Force (BDF). A defense council is presidentially appointed. The BDF was formed in 1977 and has approximately 8,000 members. The BDF is a capable and well-disciplined military force. Following political changes in South Africa and the region, the BDF's missions have increasingly focused on anti-poaching activities, disaster-preparedness, and foreign peacekeeping. The United States has been the largest single contributor to the development of the BDF, and a large segment of its officer corps has received U.S. training. It is considered an apolitical and professional institution. Military branches:\nBotswana Defense Force (includes Army and Air Wing), Botswana National Police\n

Military manpower - military age:\n18 years of age\n

Military manpower - availability:\n
males age 15-49:\n381,056 (2003 est.), 373,990 (2000 est.)\n

Military manpower - fit for military service:\n
males age 15-49:\n201,402 (2003 est.), 196,572 (2000 est.)\n

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:\n
males:\n20,476 (2003 est.), 19,132 (2000 est.)\n

Military expenditures - dollar figure:\n$207.3 million (FY02), $61 million (FY99/00)\n

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:\n3.5% (FY02), 1.2% (FY99/00)

See also : Botswana

Category:Militaries\nCategory:Botswana