Information about Belize Military force and army structure.

Belize is a country located in Central America. The country's military force is known as the Belize Defense Force (BDF). The BDF is the official military force responsible for carrying out the country's defense and security missions. The Belize Defense Force was established in 1978 and took its current structure in 1990 with the consolidation of military units. BDF performs various missions such as territorial defense, internal security, disaster management and contributing to international peace. The Belize Defense Force consists of approximately 1,500 active personnel. The BDF's main units include infantry battalions, engineer units, air defense units and coast guard units. The BDF also maintains an air battalion at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, the nation's main airport. As Belize is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the BDF has close links with the British Royal Army. BDF personnel enhance their military training by participating in training and cooperation programs with the British Armed Forces and participate in United Nations peacekeeping missions to promote international peace. The commander in chief of the Belize Defense Force is a general appointed by the Governor of Belize. However, the BDF is under civilian control of the national government and implements the government's defense policies. Belize's military structure is quite small considering the small size of the country and the scale of its defense needs. The country's main focus is internal security, disaster management and ensuring regional stability. Unless there is an international threat, the Belize Defense Force plays a secondary role in the defense of the country.