Percent of GDP % (2007) Commander in chief Elizabeth II | Founded 1979 | |
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Military age 16 years of age for selection process, 17 years of age is actual serving age Similar Royal Antigua and Barb, Belize Defence Force, Royal Bahamas Defence, Abkhazian Air Force, Chadian Air Force | ||
Barbados defence force recruit passing out parade
The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) is the name given to the combined armed forces of Barbados. The BDF was established August 15, 1979, and has responsibility for the territorial defence and internal security of the island. The headquarters for the Barbados Defence Force is located at St. Ann's Fort base at The Garrison, Saint Michael.
Contents
- Barbados defence force recruit passing out parade
- Barbados defence force passing out parade 2
- References
The Barbados Defence Force is commanded by the Chief Of Staff: Colonel Alvin Quintyne.
There are three main components of the BDF:
This is the main land force component, and encompasses both regular and reserve units.
This is the maritime element, with responsibility for patrolling Barbados' territorial waters as well as drug interdiction and humanitarian and life-saving exercises. It too encompasses both regular and reserve units.
The Barbados Defence Force Band is directed by Captain Taylor and is made up of members of The Barbados Regiment and Coast Guard and is also an element of the reserve units.
This is the Military youth organisation of The Defence Force. Includes Infantry and Sea Cadets. This organisation was started in 1904. The first females joined the cadet corps in the 1970s to 1980s. The Cadet Corps has a pledge and also a song. It started with 3 normal units but today has expanded to 22. These units are grouped into Zones. There are also a band, sea cadet and medical units along with a shooting programme.