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:
Botswana Defense Force (includes Army and Air Wing), Botswana National Police[?]
Military manpower - military age:
18 years of age
Military manpower - availability:
Military manpower - fit for military service:
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
Military expenditures - dollar figure:
$61 million (FY99/00)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
1.2% (FY99/00)
males age 15-49:
373,990 (2000 est.)
males age 15-49:
196,572 (2000 est.)
males:
19,132 (2000 est.)