Editing Nicaraguan Armed Forces (section)

== Personnel ==

=== Military careers ===
The Nicaraguan military, Fuerzas Armadas de Nicaragua, exists in a top-down hierarchy and is partitioned into multiple ranks. In order to become a Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel, a candidate must attend Staff College (ESEM).<ref name=":3">{{Harvnb|De León-Escribano|2011|p=12}}.</ref> Alternatively, one may begin a military career as a Lieutenant, with the opportunity for advancement, by obtaining a bachelor's degree in Military Sciences.<ref>{{Harvnb|De León-Escribano|2011|p=11}}.</ref> Individuals may also attend Officers School, to gain the rank of Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, and General Staff or Army General.<ref name=":3" />

The Nicaraguan navy offers training other than that offered through ESEM, a bachelor's degree in Military Sciences, and Officers School. Candidates seeking to advance in the Nicaraguan navy may attend navy-specific training to become Lieutenant Commanders, Commanders, Captains, fleet Admirals, Generals, Major Generals and Generals of the Army.<ref name=":3" />

Despite offering advancement through ESEM training, Officers School, and a bachelor's degree in Military Sciences, most high-ranking officers choose to receive their formal military education from training opportunities in Mexico, Spain, France, China, Russia, and Cuba.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Premo|first=Daniel L.|date=March 1996|title=The 'New' Nicaraguan Military: Sandinista To The 'Corps'|url=http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA55440090&v=2.1&u=nysl_ce_hamilton&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w|journal=MACLAS Latin American Essays|volume=16|pages=117|via=Gale Group}}</ref>

=== Military size (manpower) ===
Nicaragua has a small military force with only 9,412 members as of 2010. This number includes 1,500 officers (16%), 302 non-commissioned officers (3%), and 7,610 troops (81%).<ref>{{Harvnb|De León-Escribano|2011|p=16}}.</ref> This relatively small armed force is supported by an extremely small $41 million-dollar defense budget (2010).<ref>{{Harvnb|De León-Escribano|2011|p=17}}.</ref> Such a small military budget has resulted in severe deficiencies in terms of manpower (i.e. cannot supply and employ) and modern weaponry.<ref>{{Harvnb|De León-Escribano|2011|p=18}}.</ref> This budget represents approximately 2.84% of the country's overall expenditures.<ref>{{Harvnb|De León-Escribano|2011|p=37}}.</ref>

=== Civilian police ===
The National Police of Nicaragua, established in 1979, was created to maintain domestic tranquility, prevent crime, ensure security for all civilians, prosecute offenders, and enforce any other nationally mandated laws.<ref>{{Harvnb|De León-Escribano|2011|pp=28–29}}.</ref> As a non-political, non-partisan, and non-deliberative organization, the National Police of Nicaragua was a revolutionary agency when created.<ref>{{Harvnb|De León-Escribano|2011|p=29}}.</ref> This body is unaided by the national military, since it exists as a completely separate entity; however, in accordance with Article 92, the President may order the army to intervene on the National Police's behalf.<ref>{{Harvnb|De León-Escribano|2011|pp=29–30}}.</ref> There is also a volunteer police force that aids the National Police force, not just in times of dire need. The National Police Force is organized into several different tiers: the national specialized organizations (i.e. investigation departments), support organizations (i.e. Police Academy), police delegations (i.e. department, municipal), and advisory structures (i.e. National Council).<ref>{{Harvnb|De León-Escribano|2011|p=30}}.</ref> Those wishing to become members of the National Police Force must pass through rigorous hours of training and multiple examinations.