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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:
Botswana Defense Force (includes Army and Air Wing), Botswana National Police
Military manpower - military age:
18 years of age
Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49:
381,801 (2004 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49:
202,176 (2004 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
males:
20,651 (2004 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:
$207.3 million (FY02), $61 million (FY99/00)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
3.5% (FY02), 1.2% (FY99/00)
- See also : Botswana
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