Editing Djibouti Armed Forces (section)

==Component forces and their organization==
[[File:WMA-301 tank destroyers of Djiboutian Army.jpg|thumb|right|Djiboutian Army WMA-301 during a demonstration at Maryama base.]]
Refer to decree No 2003-0166/PR/MDN on organization of Djibouti Armed Forces.<ref>{{cite act|url=https://www.presidence.dj/PresidenceOld/jo/2003/decr0166pr03.php|title=Décret n°2003-0166/PR/MDN Portant réorganisation des Forces Armées Djiboutiennes|trans-title=Decree No. 2003-0166/PR/MDN Reorganizing the Djibouti Armed Forces|type=Decree|index=2003-0166/PR/MDN|date=2003|lang=fr}} {{Cite web |url=https://www.presidence.dj/PresidenceOld/jo/2003/decr0166pr03.php |title=Archived copy |access-date=2020-02-19 |archive-date=2020-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219082556/https://www.presidence.dj/PresidenceOld/jo/2003/decr0166pr03.php |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.presidence.dj/PresidenceOld/jo/2003/decr0166pr03.php |title=Archived copy |access-date=2020-02-19 |archive-date=2020-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219082556/https://www.presidence.dj/PresidenceOld/jo/2003/decr0166pr03.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> The armed forces consist of:
* The General Staff of the Armed Forces.
* A Defense Staff.
* An infantry force: one rapid action regiment, two paratrooper battalions, one combined arms regiment at Obock, one combined arms regiment at Tadjourah, one combined arms regiment in Dikhil, one combined arms battalion in Ali-Sabieh and one reinforced company in Damerjog.
* Specific forces and fire support: one armored regiment, one artillery regiment and one group of combat engineer.
* The Navy
* The Air Force
* The Schools Command.
* The Headquarters Regiment.
* The Central Material Directorate.
* The Health Service.

===Djiboutian Army===
{{Main|Djiboutian Army}}
[[File:Guam national guardsmen train Djiboutian soldiers DVIDS80736.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Djiboutian army soldiers conduct a patrol on the border.]]

The [[Djiboutian Army|Djiboutian National Army]] (DNA) is the largest branch of the Djibouti Armed Forces. Just prior to independence in 1977, the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas established a national army to defend the Djiboutian's borders. The 6 June 1977 has since been marked as Armed Forces Day. After independence, the [[Front de Libération de la Côte des Somalis]] troops merged to form the 2,500 strong [[Djibouti National Army|Djiboutian National Army]].<ref>[http://www.lanation.dj/news/2007/ln76/national5.htm La Nation<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Djibouti maintains a modest military force of approximately 20,470 troops; the army is made of 18,600 troops (IISS 2018). The latter are divided into several [[regiment]]s and [[battalion]]s garrisoned in various areas throughout the country.<ref name="Pdfad">{{cite web|title=Présentation des forces armées djiboutiennes|url=http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/politique-etrangere-de-la-france/defense-et-securite/cooperation-de-securite-et-de/revue-partenaires-securite-defense/archives-revue-freres-d-armes/les-anciens-numeros/freres-d-armes-253-dossier/dossier-republique-de-djibouti/article/presentation-des-forces-armees|publisher=Ministère des Affaires étrangères (France)|access-date=23 March 2013}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The Army has four military districts (the Tadjourah, Dikhil, Ali-Sabieh and Obock districts).<ref name=IISS_2012_432>{{cite journal|last=International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)|title=The Military Balance 2012|journal=The Military Balance: Annual Estimates of the Nature and Size of the Military Forces of the Principal Powers |year=2012|publisher=IISS|location=London|page=432|issn=0459-7222}}</ref> Clashes with the [[Military of Eritrea]], in 2008, demonstrated the superior nature of the Djiboutian forces’ training and skills, but also highlighted the fact that the small military would be unable to counter the larger, if less well-equipped forces of its neighbours. The army has concentrated on mobility in its equipment purchases, suitable for patrol duties and counterattacks but ill-suited for armoured warfare. The [[Djiboutian–Eritrean border conflict|2008 border clashes]] at least temporarily swelled the ranks of the Djiboutian army, with retired personnel being recalled, but the military's size and capabilities are much reduced since the 1990s. The army to address more effectively its major defense disadvantage: [[Strategic depth|lack of strategic depth]]. Thus in the early 2000s it looked outward for a model of army organization that would best advance defensive capabilities by restructuring forces into smaller, more mobile units instead of traditional divisions. The official tasks of the armed forces include strengthening the country against external attack, and maintaining border security. Djiboutian troops continue to monitor its borders with [[Eritrea]], in the case of an attack. The Djiboutian Army is one of the small professional advanced armies in [[East Africa]].
{{Location map many | Djibouti
| width = 300
| float = right
| caption = {{center|'''Djiboutian Army Infantry Regiments'''}}
| label1 = <small>Ali Sabieh Infantry Regiment </small>
  | pos = right
  | bg = white
  | mark = Red pog.svg
  | lat_deg = 11 | lat_min = 09
  | lon_deg = 42 | lon_min = 43
| label2 = <small>Dikhil Infantry Regiment </small>
  | pos2 = left
  | bg2 = white
  | mark2 = Red pog.svg
  | lat2_deg = 11 | lat2_min = 06
  | lon2_deg = 42 | lon2_min = 22
| label3 = <small>Obock Infantry Regiment </small>
  | pos3 = left
  | bg3 = white
  | mark3 = Red pog.svg
  | lat3_deg = 11 | lat3_min = 58
  | lon3_deg = 43 | lon3_min = 17
| label4 = <small>Tadjoura Infantry Regiment </small>
  | pos4 = left
  | bg4 = white
  | mark4 = Red pog.svg
  | lat4_deg = 11 | lat4_min = 47
  | lon4_deg = 42 | lon4_min = 53
| label5 = <small>Djibouti City Rapid Reaction Regiment </small>
  | pos5 = right
  | bg5 = white
  | mark5 = Red pog.svg
  | lat5_deg = 11 | lat5_min = 35
  | lon5_deg = 43 | lon5_min = 08
| label6 = <small>One Demining Company</small>
  | pos6 = left
  | bg6 = white
  | mark6 = Red pog.svg
  | lat6_deg = 11 | lat6_min = 31
  | lon6_deg = 42 | lon6_min = 06
}}

Its maneuver units are:
*One armoured regiment (comprising a reconnaissance squadron, three armoured squadrons and an anti-smuggling squadron)<ref name=IISS_2012_432 />
*Four infantry regiments (each comprising three to four infantry companies and a support company)<ref name=IISS_2012_432 /> 
**Regiment interarmées de Tadjourah
**Regiment interarmees de Obock
**Two other infantry regiments
*One rapid reaction regiment (comprising four infantry companies and a support company)<ref name=IISS_2012_432 /> 
*One Republican Guard regiment<ref name=IISS_2012_432 /> 
*One artillery regiment<ref name=IISS_2012_432 /> 
*One demining company<ref name=IISS_2012_432 /> 
*One signals regiment<ref name=IISS_2012_432 /> 
*One computer and information systems section<ref name=IISS_2012_432 /> 
*One logistics regiment<ref name=IISS_2012_432 /> 
*One maintenance company<ref name=IISS_2012_432 />

[[Italy]] delivered 10 howitzers M-109L (in 2013), tens IVECO trucks (ACM90, cranes, tankers, etc.), some IVECO armoured car Puma 4X4 and IVECO utility vehicles VM90.

In reforming the Djiboutian Army, most of the available financial resources have been directed to the development of the Land Forces. Over the years, Djiboutian Army has established partnerships with militaries in [[France]], [[Egypt]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Morocco]] and the [[United States]]. Currently, the amount allocated to defense represents the largest single entry in the country's budget.

===Djiboutian National Gendarmerie===
The [[Djiboutian National Gendarmerie]] is the national Gendarmerie force of Djibouti, tasked with high-risk and specialized law enforcement duties. It is one of the two main police forces in Djibouti (the other being the Djiboutian Police - a civilian force), both having jurisdiction over the civilian population.<ref name="History">[http://www.gendarmerie.dj/activit.html ''HISTOIRE DE LA GENDARMERIE'']</ref> It is a branch of the Djiboutian Armed Forces placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior—with additional duties to the Ministry of Defense. Its area of responsibility includes smaller towns, rural and suburban areas.

===Djiboutian Navy===
{{Main|Djiboutian Navy}}
The [[Djiboutian Navy]] (DN) is the naval service branch of the Djibouti Armed Forces. The force was launched two years after Djibouti gained its independence in 1977. It is responsible for securing [[Djibouti]]'s [[territorial waters]] and {{convert|314|km|adj=on}} seaboard as well as supporting army operations. The primary objective of the navy is to safeguard the nation's maritime borders,  act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people or maritime interests of Djibouti, both in war and peace. Through joint exercises and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief, the Djiboutian Navy promotes bilateral relations between nations. It has a fleet of [[gunboat]]s, fast [[missile boat]]s and support, training, which can be deployed to defend the territorial waters and coastline of Djibouti as well as protect [[Tanker (ship)|tankers]] passing through the [[Bab-el-Mandeb]] strait. The acquisition of the several boats from the US in 2006 considerably increased the navy's ability to patrol over longer distances and to remain at sea for several days at a time. Cooperation with the [[United States Navy|US]] and [[Yemeni Navy|Yemeni]] navies is also increasing in an effort to protect and maintain the safety and security of the Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC). The Navy is upgrading itself with the following technological developments.

[[File:Djiboutian Navy (Garde-Cotes) vessels gathered at the port in Djibouti City for a celebration.jpg|thumb|250px|Djiboutian Coast Guard vessels gathered at the port in [[Djibouti City]] for a celebration on 17 January 2018]]

===Djiboutian Coast Guard===
{{Main|Djiboutian Coast Guard}}
The [[Djiboutian Coast Guard]] (DCG) ({{langx|fr|Garde-Côtes Djiboutienne}} GCD), is the coast guard of Djibouti is a division of the [[Djiboutian Navy]] responsible for protecting the interests of the [[Republic of Djibouti]] at [[sea]]. Formed in 2011, the coast guard is tasked with such as [[illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing|illegal fishing]] and exploitation of natural resources, [[search and rescue]] (SAR), protection of [[ecology]], [[fishing]], [[marine pollution]], ballast waters, combat against [[terrorism]], trafficking of people, narcotics, and similar. Like many other coast guards, it is a paramilitary organization that can support the Djiboutian Navy in wartime, but resides under separate civilian control in times of peace. The Coast Guard monitor vessels sailing in the Djiboutian territorial waters.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lanation.dj/garde-cotes-djiboutiennes-les-anges-gardiens-dun-espace-maritime-nevralgique/#:~:text=Le%2017%20Janvier%202022%2C%20les,nous%20admirons%20tous%20aujourd'hui.|title=Garde-Côtes Djiboutiennes :Les anges gardiens d'un espace maritime névralgique|date=2022-03-17|work=lanation |access-date=2022-03-17|language=fr-DJI}}</ref> The Djiboutian Coast Guard intercepted [[refugee]] and [[Human migration|migrant]] boats travelling across the [[Bab-el-Mandeb]].

===Djiboutian Air Force===
{{Main|Djiboutian Air Force}}
[[File:Djiboutian Air Force helicopters on display at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Djiboutian Air Force helicopters on display at [[Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport]].]]
The [[Djiboutian Air Force]] (DAF) (French: Force Aérienne du Djibouti (FADD)) was established as part of the Djibouti Armed Forces after the country obtained its independence on June 27, 1977. Its first aircraft included three Nord N.2501 Noratlas transport aircraft and an [[Alouette II]] helicopter presented to it by the French. In 1982, the Djibouti Air Force was augmented by two Aerospatiale AS.355F Ecureuil 2 helicopters and a Cessna U206G Stationair, this was followed in 1985 by a Cessna 402C Utiliner. In 1985, the Alouette II was withdrawn from use and put on display at Ambouli Air Base at Djibouti's airport. In 1987, the three N.2501 Noratlas were also retired and subsequently returned to France. New equipment came, in 1991, in the form of a Cessna 208 Caravan, followed by Russian types in the early nineties. These included four Mil Mi 2, six Mil Mi 8 and two Mil Mi 17 helicopters and a single Antonov An 28 light transport aircraft. Pilot training for the 360 men of the DAF, if necessary, is conducted in France with continued on type flight training at home. The DAF has no units of its own and forms in whole a part of the Army, its sole base is Ambouli.

===Doctrine===
[[File:Djibouti Homeland Defense Medal.jpg|thumb|250px|The Homeland Defense Medal's was awarded to Djiboutian forces for duties related to the [[Djiboutian Civil War]] raids between 1991 and 1993.]]
The main doctrine consists of the following principles:

* Djibouti cannot afford to lose a war
* A small standing army with good capabilities.
* Desire to avoid war by political means.

=== Personnel ===
The size and structure of the Djibouti Armed Forces is continually evolving.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;"
|+ '''Historical personnel of the Djibouti Armed Forces'''
|- valign="top"
! style="width:50px; text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|
! style="text-align:center;" colspan="10"| [[File:Flag of Djibouti.svg|35px]]<br><small>[[Republic of Djibouti]]</small>
|- valign="top"
!1977
!1979
!1982
!1985
!1989
!1992
!1998
!2000
!2007
!2015
|- style="text-align:center;"
||'''Regular'''
||2,800
||4,000
||6,800
||8,000
||9,000
||20,000
||13,000
||12,900
||10,500
||16,000
|-
|  style="border-bottom:1px solid black; text-align:center;"|'''Army&nbsp;Reserve'''
|  style="text-align:center; border-bottom:1px solid black; text-align:right; background:gray;"|
|  style="text-align:center; border-bottom:1px solid black; text-align:right; background:gray;"|1,000
|  style="text-align:center; border-bottom:1px solid black; text-align:right; background:gray;"|1,500
|  style="text-align:center; border-bottom:1px solid black; text-align:right; background:gray;"|2,200
|  style="text-align:center; border-bottom:1px solid black; text-align:right; background:gray;"|4,000
|  style="text-align:center; border-bottom:1px solid black; text-align:right; background:gray;"|500
|  style="text-align:center; border-bottom:1px solid black; text-align:right; background:gray;"|4,500
|  style="text-align:center; border-bottom:1px solid black; text-align:right; background:gray;"|6,000
|  style="text-align:center; border-bottom:1px solid black; text-align:right; background:gray;"|8,000
|  style="text-align:center; border-bottom:1px solid black; text-align:right; background:gray;"|9,500
|- style="text-align:center;"
|  style="border-top:1px solid black; "|'''Total'''
|  style="border-top:1px solid black; "|'''2,800'''
|  style="border-top:1px solid black; "|'''5,000'''
|  style="border-top:1px solid black; "|'''8,200'''
|  style="border-top:1px solid black; "|'''10,200'''
|  style="border-top:1px solid black; "|'''13,000'''
|  style="border-top:1px solid black; "|'''20,500'''
|  style="border-top:1px solid black; "|'''17,500'''
|  style="border-top:1px solid black; "|'''18,900'''
|  style="border-top:1px solid black; "|'''18,500'''
|  style="border-top:1px solid black; "|'''25,500'''
|}

As of 2018, Djibouti Armed Forces were reported to have 18,000–20,000 active personnel, 10,500–11,000 reserve personnel.

{| width="70%" style="border:0px solid #8888aa; background-color:white; padding:5px; font-size:100%; margin:1em auto;"
|- bgcolor="#dadada"
|'''Component'''||'''in service'''||'''Reserve'''
|-
|{{nowrap|[[File:Coat of arms of the Djiboutian National Army.png|30px]] [[Djiboutian Army]]}}||18,600 ||11,000
|-
|{{nowrap|[[File:Coat of arms of the Djiboutian Air Force.png|30px]] [[Djibouti Air Force|Djiboutian Air Force]]}}||370 ||220
|-
|{{nowrap|[[File:Emblem of the Djiboutian Navy.png|30px]] [[Djiboutian Navy]]}}||1,500 ||1,000
|- style="background:gray; color:White"
|'''Totals'''||'''20,470'''||'''12,220'''
|}