Belize's Military Status: A Unique Approach To Defense

Belize does have a military, known as the Belize Defence Force (BDF). The BDF is responsible for protecting the sovereignty of the country and includes the Air Wing, Ground Forces, and the Maritime Wing (now part of the Belizean Coastguard). The Belize Defence Force dates back to 1817 when the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer organisation, was founded. The BDF was officially founded in 1978 following the disbanding of the Belize Volunteer Guard and the Police Special Force. The size of the Belize military as of 2020 was 2,000 personnel, with the military expenditure in 2005 being $1.2 million, constituting 1.87% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is the country's military

The BDF is under the command of the Minister of Defence and Immigration, currently headed by the Hon. John Saldivar. The BDF's commander is Brigadier General David Jones. In 2012, the BDF had approximately 1050 personnel, and the Belizean government spent $32 million on the military, constituting around 1.87% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

The history of the military in Belize dates back to 1817 with the founding of the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer organisation. This militia later became the Belize Volunteer Guard of the British Territorial Army. After Belize gained independence in 1981, the United Kingdom maintained a military presence in the country to protect it from potential invasion by Guatemala. The main British force left in 1994, but the UK continued to provide training support until 2011.

The British Army Training Support Unit in Belize (BATSUB) enables close country and tropical environment training for troops from the UK and international partners. BATSUB is based in Price Barracks, which is also home to the BDF. Belize's challenging terrain and austere environment provide world-class training areas for soldiers to learn essential jungle survival and combat skills.

The BDF consists of three infantry battalions and three reserve companies

Belize does have a military, known as the Belize Defence Force (BDF). The BDF is responsible for protecting the sovereignty of the country and is under the command of the Minister of Defence and Immigration, currently the Hon. John Saldivar. The BDF consists of three infantry battalions, each comprising three companies, as well as three reserve companies, and one support group.

The three infantry battalions of the BDF form the core of the country's military ground forces. Each battalion is made up of three individual companies, providing a significant ground presence for the defence of Belize. These battalions are likely to be well-trained and equipped to handle a range of security threats, including border protection and responding to natural disasters.

The three reserve companies within the BDF provide additional manpower and capabilities to support the regular infantry battalions. Reserve forces are typically made up of trained individuals who maintain a level of readiness and can be called upon when needed. They may be utilised for a variety of tasks, including reinforcing active-duty units during emergencies or providing specialised skills and expertise when required.

The infantry battalions and reserve companies of the BDF play a crucial role in maintaining the security and stability of Belize. They conduct training exercises, border patrols, and collaborate with international partners, such as the British Army and U.S. military, to enhance their capabilities. The BDF's ground forces are an essential component of the country's overall defence strategy, ensuring the protection of Belize's territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens.

In addition to the infantry battalions and reserve companies, the BDF also includes other specialised units, such as the Air Wing and the Maritime Wing (which became part of the Belizean Coast Guard in 2005). These units provide aerial and maritime capabilities, respectively, enhancing the BDF's ability to conduct surveillance, transport troops, and respond to a range of situations, including drug interdiction and anti-smuggling operations.

The BDF Air Wing is the aviation branch of the BDF

The Belize Defence Force Air Wing is the aviation branch of the Belize Defence Force. It was formed in 1983 and is based at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville. The Air Wing's primary tasks include reconnaissance, search and rescue (SAR), CASEVAC, aerial resupply, and troop transport. They also collaborate with the Maritime Wing and the police in drug interdiction and anti-smuggling operations.

The Air Wing's initial backbone was formed by two Britten-Norman Defenders (BDF-01 and BDF-02), which could be equipped with light armament, making them the first armed aircraft in Belize's history. The Air Wing also had 2-3 Ayres Thrush planes for counter-insurgency and crop dusting, but these were eventually deemed obsolete and placed in storage. Over the years, the Air Wing has operated various aircraft, including a Dornier 27, a Beech A90 King Air, and a Cessna 208.

The Belize Defence Force Air Wing is also responsible for recovering and storing captured aircraft, particularly those suspected of being involved in drug-related activities. In 2015, they recovered a Bell 407 helicopter that was circling near the border with Mexico. While no drugs were found, it was suspected to be involved in drug transportation. The Air Wing has also received donations of aircraft, such as two UH-1H helicopters from Taiwan in 2015-2016.

The Belize Defence Force Air Wing plays a crucial role in the country's defence and security efforts, particularly in combating drug trafficking and providing support to the Maritime Wing and the police. With its fleet of aircraft, the Air Wing is equipped to carry out a range of tasks, from reconnaissance to troop transport, ensuring the safety and protection of Belize and its citizens.

The British Army has maintained a presence in Belize since its independence

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, gained its independence from Britain in September 1981. However, the British Army has maintained a presence in the country since its independence.

In the years following Belize's independence, Britain retained a deterrent force, known as British Forces Belize or 'BritForBel', to protect the newly independent nation from the threat of invasion by Guatemala, which claims Belize as its own. This presence continued until 1994 when British Forces Belize withdrew, leaving behind only a small number of personnel.

Today, the British Army's presence in Belize is centred around the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB), which is located at Price Barracks, near Belize International Airport in Ladyville. BATSUB is the successor to British Forces Belize and is primarily used for jungle warfare training, with access to over 13,000 square kilometres of jungle terrain provided by the Belizean government. The unit is manned by 12 permanent staff and employs more than 100 local civilians, providing a valuable source of employment for the local community.

The challenging environment offered by the dense jungle vegetation and harsh conditions, including humidity, heat, and insects, creates a world-class training area for British troops. Soldiers learn essential skills in navigation, survival, and combat, which are transferable to other environments. The training, though gruelling, prepares them for success in future operations.

In addition to its training functions, BATSUB also serves as a deterrent to potential aggressors. The presence of British forces in Belize provides a sense of security and support for the country, especially in the face of ongoing territorial claims by Guatemala. Belizean military personnel have expressed appreciation for the British presence, describing it as "a back-up plan" and "a sense of peace and support."

The Belize military size for 2022 was 0, a decline from 2,000 in 2020

Belize does have a military, known as the Belize Defence Force (BDF). The BDF is responsible for protecting the sovereignty of the country and falls under the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security. Interestingly, the BDF has gone through several name changes over the years, having been known as the Prince Regent Royal Militia, the Belize Volunteer Force, and the British Honduras Defence Force, among other names.

The Belize Defence Force was founded in 1978 following the disbanding of the Belize Volunteer Guard and the Police Special Force. However, the country's military history dates back to 1817 with the founding of the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer organization.

In recent years, the Belize military size has fluctuated. In 2020, Belize had 2,000 active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces. However, in 2021 and 2022, this number declined to 0. It is unclear what led to this sudden drop, but it is worth noting that the British Army has maintained a presence in Belize since its independence, providing training and support.

The BDF consists of a Service/Support Battalion, two Regular Battalions, and one Volunteer Battalion. It also has an aviation branch, the Belize Defence Force Air Wing, which is based at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville. The Air Wing assists in reconnaissance, SAR, CASEVAC, aerial resupply, and troop transport. They also collaborate with the police in drug interdiction and anti-smuggling operations.

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