Belize's Military Might: A Small But Dedicated Force

Belize has approximately 1,500 troops in its Defence Force (BDF), which is responsible for protecting the country's sovereignty. The BDF consists of a Service/Support Battalion, two Regular Battalions, and one Volunteer Battalion. Belize gained independence from Britain in 1981 but has maintained a British military presence for protection against invasion from Guatemala, which claims Belize as its own. The British Army Training Support Unit in Belize (BATSUB) provides jungle warfare training for UK and international troops and has seen increased usage in recent years.

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) consists of 1500 personnel

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is the country's military force, responsible for protecting Belize's sovereignty. It consists of 1500 personnel and is under the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security. The BDF was founded in 1978 following the disbandment of the Belize Volunteer Guard and the Police Special Force.

The history of the BDF dates back to 1817, when the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer organisation, was established. Since then, the military force in Belize has undergone several name changes, reflecting the country's evolving political landscape. The BDF's structure includes a Service/Support Battalion, two Regular Battalions, and one Volunteer Battalion.

The First Infantry Battalion was established in 1993 after the British Government decided to withdraw its forces from Belize. This battalion has participated in various military exercises within Belize and contributed to United Nations Peace Operations in Haiti. It consists of three infantry companies and a small HQ staff, operating across the country with a presence in Belize City and Punta Gorda.

The Second Infantry Battalion, formed in 1994, initially consisted of three Infantry Companies: Sierra, Alpha, and Echo. This battalion has a combination of male and female soldiers, showcasing the BDF's inclusivity. The battalion's logo and flag were designed to represent the colours of all the companies and symbolise the versatility and strength of the unit.

In addition to the infantry battalions, the BDF also has a Support Battalion that commands specialist platoons. These include the Administrative Company, Mortar Platoon, Signal Platoon, Reece Platoon, and the Combat Engineer Platoon. The Combat Engineer Platoon has heavy equipment and is trained in construction and demolition work.

The BDF plays a crucial role in protecting Belize's sovereignty and has a long history dating back to the 19th century. With approximately 1500 personnel, the BDF is committed to defending the country and works closely with international partners, including the British Army, to enhance its capabilities.

The BDF is under the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is the country's military force and falls under the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security. The BDF is responsible for protecting Belize's sovereignty and comprises around 1,500 personnel. The BDF was established in 1978 following the disbandment of the Belize Volunteer Guard and the Police Special Force. Belize gained independence from Britain in 1981, and the BDF played a crucial role in defending the country against the threat of invasion from Guatemala, which claimed Belize as its own.

The BDF consists of a Service/Support Battalion, two Regular Battalions, and one Volunteer Battalion. The First Infantry Battalion was established in 1993 after the British Government decided to withdraw its forces from Belize. This battalion has participated in various military exercises and contributed to United Nations Peace Operations in Haiti. The Second Infantry Battalion, formed in 1994, initially consisted of three Infantry Companies: Sierra, Alpha, and Echo. The BDF also includes a Special Assignment Group, which is its special forces unit.

The BDF has a long history dating back to 1817 with the establishment of the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer organisation. Over the years, the military force in Belize has undergone several name changes, reflecting the country's evolving political landscape.

The BDF is currently commanded by Brigadier General Azariel Loria, while the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security is headed by Hon. Florencio Marin Jr. The BDF plays a vital role in ensuring the security and sovereignty of Belize, working alongside international partners like the British Army, which provides training and support to enhance the capabilities of the BDF.

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

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

After Belize achieved independence, the United Kingdom kept a deterrent force, the British Forces Belize, to protect the country from the threat of invasion from Guatemala to the south, which claimed and still claims Belize as its own. During the 1980s, this force included a battalion and No. 1417 Flight RAF of Harriers. The main British force left in 1994, three years after Guatemala recognised Belize's independence. However, the UK maintained a training presence via the British Army Training and Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) and 25 Flight AAC until 2011 when the last British Forces left Ladyville Barracks.

The British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) is the successor of the former British Forces Belize. It is a British Army Garrison in Belize used primarily for jungle warfare training, with access to over 13,000 square kilometres of jungle terrain, provided by the Belize government. BATSUB is located near Belize International Airport, at Price Barracks, Ladyville, which is also the main base of the Belize Defence Force (BDF). The BDF is the military of Belize and is responsible for protecting the sovereignty of the country.

BATSUB is manned by 12 permanent staff and employs more than 100 local civilians. The Unit carries out up to five dismounted close combat exercises per year of varying sizes. It also hosts the final exercise of the notoriously tough British Army Platoon Commander’s Battle Course, which runs three times a year. The Unit provides close country and tropical environment training to troops from the UK and other international partners. Belize provides challenging terrain and an austere environment, giving the British Army a world-class training area. Soldiers learn essential skills in the jungle that are transferable to other environments, and the training prepares them for success on future operations.

In 2010, the UK government announced it would mothball the facility as part of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review. However, in 2015, reports indicated that BATSUB was seeing "increased usage". In November 2015, the UK government announced it was re-establishing the facility as part of its 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. This decision by the British Government was potentially linked to rising tensions between Belize and Guatemala. Under the Integrated Review paper announced by the UK Government in March 2021, Belize is to become a 'land hub', with potentially more personnel deployed more regularly and for longer durations.

The British Army Training Support Unit in Belize enables close country and tropical environment training

The British Army has maintained a presence in Belize since the country gained its independence from Britain in 1981. The British Army Training Support Unit in Belize (BATSUB) enables close country and tropical environment training for troops from the UK and other international partners.

BATSUB is the successor of the former British Forces Belize, which was retained by Britain to protect the country from the threat of invasion from Guatemala, which claimed Belize as its own. The main British force left in 1994, three years after Guatemala recognised Belize's independence. However, the UK continued to maintain a training presence through BATSUB and 25 Flight AAC until 2011.

BATSUB is located at Price Barracks in Ladyville, just north of Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport. The Unit is based in the same place as the Belize Defence Force (BDF), which is the military of Belize and is responsible for protecting the sovereignty of the country. The BDF consists of a Service/Support Battalion, two Regular Battalions, and one Volunteer Battalion.

BATSUB is manned by 12 permanent staff and employs more than 100 local civilians. The Unit carries out up to five dismounted close combat exercises per year, as well as hosting the final exercise of the British Army Platoon Commander's Battle Course. The challenging terrain and austere environment of Belize provide a world-class training area for British soldiers to learn how to survive, live, and fight in the jungle. These skills are transferable to other environments and prepare soldiers for future operations.

In 2015, due to rising tensions between Belize and Guatemala and the British cutback on military bases worldwide, Belize requested that the UK bring back BATSUB. The UK government agreed and re-established the facility as part of its 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. Under the Integrated Review paper announced in March 2021, Belize is set to become a 'land hub', with the potential for more personnel to be deployed for longer durations.

Guatemala's claim to Belize is ongoing

In the 1820s, as the Spanish Empire was losing its grip on Central America, the Baymen (British settlers) expanded their presence in the region, violating the boundaries set by the treaties. After the fall of the Spanish Empire, Guatemala claimed it inherited Spain's sovereign rights over the territory. This marked the beginning of the dispute, with Guatemala claiming, in whole or in part, the territory of Belize.

In 1859, the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty was negotiated between Guatemala and Britain, recognising British sovereignty over the region and establishing the modern-day boundary lines of Belize. However, tensions flared up again in the 20th century, with Guatemala periodically renewing its claims on the area. In the 1930s, Britain stationed troops in Belize (then known as British Honduras) to protect against a potential Guatemalan invasion.

Despite Guatemala recognising Belize's independence in the early 1990s, the dispute remained unresolved. In 1999, Guatemala shifted its stance, claiming it inherited rights from the Spanish Empire and the Federal Republic of Central America. Both countries stationed troops along the border, and in 2008, they agreed to hold simultaneous referendums to send the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The referendums passed in both countries, and as of 2022, the dispute is being settled at the ICJ.

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is responsible for protecting the sovereignty of Belize and has a range of military capabilities, including infantry battalions, a special forces unit, and air and maritime assets. The BDF has a history dating back to 1817 and has played a crucial role in defending Belize's independence and sovereignty.

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