Belize Defence Force

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Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use British English Template:Infobox national military

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is the military of Belize, and is responsible for protecting the sovereignty of the country. The BDF is under the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, which is currently headed by Hon. Oscar Mira; the BDF itself is commanded by Brigadier General Azariel Loria. In 2012, the Belizean government spent about $17 million on the military, constituting 1.08% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).[1]

History

The military of Belize dates back to 1817, when the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer organization, was founded.

Between 1817 and 1978, the military force in Belize has had ten different names:[2]

  • The Prince Regent's Royal Militia (1817–1866)
  • The Belize Volunteer Force (1866–1868)
  • The Belize Volunteer Corps (1868–1883)
  • The Belize Light Infantry Volunteer Force (1897–1905)
  • British Honduras Volunteers (1905–1916)
  • British Honduras Territorial Force (1916–1928)
  • British Honduras Defence Force (1928–1942)
  • British Honduras Home Guard (1942–1943)
  • British Honduras Volunteer Guard (1943–1973)
  • Belize Volunteer Guard (1973–1977)

The BDF was founded in 1978 following the disbanding of the Belize Volunteer Guard and the Police Special Force the year before.[3]

After Belize achieved independence in 1981 the United Kingdom maintained the deterrent British Forces Belize in the country to protect it from invasion by Guatemala. During the 1980s this included a battalion and No. 1417 Flight RAF of Harriers. The main British force left in 1994, three years after Guatemala recognised Belizean independence, but the United Kingdom 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, with the exception of seconded advisers.[3] The BDF Maritime Wing became part of the Belize Coast Guard Service in November 2005.[4]

On 15 October 2011, the BDF changed their issued military uniforms from American-based to digital versions since October due to concerns that criminals can easily acquire them.[5][6]

In October 2015, due to rising tensions between Belize and Guatemala and the British cutback on military bases worldwide to focus on the War On Terror in 2011, Belize asked the UK to bring BATSUB back;[7][8] the British Government brought BATSUB to Belize once again.[9]

Organization

File:U.S. Marines instruct soldiers with Belize Defence Force in Combat Marksmanship 150825-M-MN519-014.jpg
EMR camouflage wearing BDF soldiers training from 2nd. Battalion

The BDF consists of:[10][11]

  • Headquarters
  • Service/Support Battalion
  • Two Regular Battalions
  • One Volunteer Battalion
  • Air Wing
  • Special Boat Unit
  • Support Group
  • Cadets
  • BDF Band

1st Infantry Battalion

The First Infantry Battalion came into existence in 1993. This was as a direct result of the British Government decision to withdraw British Forces from Belize and handing over the Defence of Belize to Belizeans. Since that time, the battalion participated in extensive military exercises in Belize as well a selected part of its staff going abroad to participate in United Nations Peace Operations in Haiti. The battalion consists of three infantry companies and a small HQ staff. It operates in the entire country alternating from the south to the north of the country. Presently, it is stationed at Fairweather Camp, Punta Gorda in the Toledo District with its two companies and in Belize City maintaining a presence to accomplish its task as stipulated in the Defence Act. Every February, the battalions alternate between Ladyville and Punta Gorda. The Battalion is equipped with small arms, a fleet of transportation, its integral logistics slice, and its own signalers. Other support is received from the Logistics unit in Price Barracks. Recruiting for the unit is done by the BDF Headquarters and its leaders are trained by the Logistics Company's sub-unit, Training Company. The leaders then train their subordinates to maintain its training standards. The companies also conduct live firing in the Mountain Pine Ridge Training Area periodically.[12]

2nd Infantry Battalion

Second Infantry Battalion, a combination of male and female soldiers, was formed on 1 October 1994. The Battalion at that time had three Infantry Companies: Sierra, Alpha and Echo Company. For the period 31 October 2000 to 31 August 2002, the Battalion nomenclature was revoked and redesignated a Land Command. Becoming either Land Command South (LCS) or Land Command North (LCN) depending on the rotation. LCN comprises the Cayo District, a partition of the Hummingbird Highway, Belize, Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. LCS comprises the Toledo and Stann Creek Districts and a portion of the Hummingbird Highway. These are now presently designated Battalion Tactical Areas of Responsibility (Bn TAOR) and Command HQs were based on rotation between Price Barracks and Fairweather Camp in Punta Gorda.

On 31 August 2002, LCS and LCN was reverted to being Second Infantry Battalion. This was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds Lewis. However, this time the Coys were Hotel, Gulf and Sierra Companies. During the tenure of Lieutenant Colonel R J Lewis, the idea of a Battalion Logo and Flag was originated. The idea was presented out within the Battalion and as a result produced the logo and Bn Emblem. The finished product was the result of the combined efforts of RSM 2 Bn, WO1 D O Castillo then a WO2, Pte August G, Pte Coc J and the artist Pte Cho D, not to overlook the efforts of Sgt L Sho and Sgt A Sho (Button) then Cpl for final graphics.

The Battalion Logo depicts all the colours of the Companies in the Battalion. Red and Green for Hotel Company, Red and Orange for Gulf Company and Black and White for Sierra Company. The grey background was the original Battalion colour, which was changed to blue as seen on the Bn Flag. The Cross Rifles signifies that we are Infantry personnel. The Jabiru was chosen as the Battalion Bird. The versatility of the Jabiru is what Second Battalion stands for. She nests high above the others both male and female incubate eggs thereby having an overview of all situations. She has one of the widest wing spans which produces ease in her soaring and a quick and graceful stream line for the attack. Her long legs support her and enable her to work in any terrain and conditions.[12]

1st Volunteer Battalion

In 1866, the detachment of the 4th West Indian Regiment was defeated in battle by the Indians near Orange Walk. Volunteers were enrolled at Belize and sent to the Hondo to deal with Indian raids locally. In January 1881, the volunteers were formed into four companies, A, B, C and D. In 1897, the Belize Light Infantry Volunteers was formed. On 25 November 1904, a mounted Infantry Company was formed. This Company justified very early its existence by providing the volunteers with a valuable mobile force during the Indian disturbances in the Western District.

File:USMC-100414-M-3149V-042.jpg
Belize army M16A2 assault rifle

On 4 August 1914, the astounding news reached Belize that Great Britain had declared war on Germany in defence of Belgium. The force was immediately called out for active service. Later when another offer of men was accepted, 100 men under Lieutenant R. H. Furness was dispatched to England. These men made so good an impression that more men were asked for and a second contingent of over 400 men was sent over.

Men eager to serve but debarred from going overseas for one reason or another joined the volunteers and swelled the strength to over 1000. Companies were formed in Corozal, Stann Creek, El Cayo and Orange Walk, and detachments at Benque Viejo and Hill Bank.

In August 1928, this force was disbanded and a new force of four platoons renamed the British Honduras Defence Force was formed. This force made its first public appearance on 4 February 1929, immediately after the great hurricane of 1931 which destroyed the City of Belize. The defence force rendered most valuable services. Some of the finest examples of discipline, loyalty and esprit de corps were demonstrated when men had lost their homes and in some cases their families quickly made their way to the drill hall before the fury of the devastating winds had abated in answer to the "Fall in" call of the bugle. The force was organized into rescue squads and all sorts of services were performed, from rescuing trapped persons, collecting the injured and the dead, to caring and feeding of babies. Men of all walks of life in Belize, members of the legislature, Heads of Government, department clerks and the ordinary laborer, seeing what organization and discipline could do, joined the defence force. [12]

Support Battalion

The Support Battalion commands the specialist platoons of the force. They are the Administrative Company, Mortar Platoon, Signal Platoon, Reece Platoon and the Combat Engineer Platoon. The Combat Engineer Platoon, formerly referred to as the Assault Pioneers in the early days of the BDF, has heavy equipment at its disposal and is trained to renovate and erect buildings as well as engage in construction. Part of the engineer unit is an Explosive Ordnance Device Team. Its role is to defuse or destroy bombs and engage in demolition work.[10]

Air Wing

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Special Boat Unit

The SBU's mandate includes mainly the entire country of Belize, all the rivers and the coast lines, which operates under the Air Wing.[13] The unit is in charge of making sure that no illegal activities occur within the country of Belize in the rivers and the coastline. They have a variety of boats which includes outboards and jet drive, however they are moving more into the riverine capabilities because their mandate includes mostly rivers.

To distinguish them from the Belize Coast Guard, because their uniform is similar, people from the special boat unit wear blue digitals whereas the coast guard use full blue. The coast guard are mainly found along the seas whereas they restrict their presence to mainly the riverine areas.[14]

Special Assignment Group

The Belize Special Assignment Group is the BDF's special forces unit. The Special Operations Force is responsible for special reconnaissance, direct actions, and military support.

File:Snipers Compete in Sniper Stalking Event Image 4 of 6.jpg
Belize army M16A2 assault rifle

Belize Defence Force Band

The BDF Band was formed on 1 January 1978 from the former Belize Volunteer Guard Band, under the mastership of the late Warrant Officer Class 1, Walter P. Lamb. The band was originally formed in 1947 from the North Caribbean Force (Battalion of Belize) fundamentally as a Drum & Bugle Corps, at Mount Pleasant Creek, Central Farm in the Cayo District. In 1952, it added the brass section to the Drums & Bugles Corps that was the nucleus of what would evolve into the existing BDF Band.[10]

Three reserve companies

The BDF maintains three reserve companies.

British Army Training and Support Unit Belize BATSUB

British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB), the successor of the former British Forces Belize, is the name given to the current British Army Garrison in Belize. The garrison is used primarily for jungle warfare training. Template:As of, there are also 40 British Army personnel stationed in Belize.[15]

International cooperation

In May 2024, the Belize Defence Force and Belize Coast Guard announced it would send 50 service members to Haiti, working alongside forces from the Bahamas, Jamaica, Benin, and Kenya to help the country deal with its nation-wide gang war. In September of that year, the BDF sent two sent two officers to Jamaica, announcing on Twitter that it "will be collaborating with the Jamaica Defence Force as part of a multinational task force dedicated to supporting Haiti's restoration efforts."[16]

Equipment

Infantry weapons

Name Photo Origin Type Variant Notes
Handguns
Browning Hi-Power File:FN Hi Power.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Semi-automatic pistol FN35 Standard side arm[17]
Submachine guns
Sterling submachine gun[17] File:Sterling SMG2.JPG Script error: No such module "flag". Submachine gun L2A3
Assault rifles
M4 carbine[17][18] File:M4A1 ACOG.png Script error: No such module "flag". Assault rifle M4A1
M16 rifle[17] File:M16A1 brimob.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Assault rifle M16A2
Machine guns
FN MAG[17] File:FN MAG Machine Gun Left.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". General-purpose machine gun
FN Minimi[17] File:Een prospectus-foto van een lichte mitrailleur met bandvoeding. Het betreft een FN Minimi, die getest wordt als mogelijke opvolger van de FN MAG (2086-064-010).jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Light machine gun M249[18]
Heavy machine guns
M2 Browning File:PEO Browning M2E2 QCB (c1).jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Heavy machine gun Used on patrol boats[19]
Sniper rifles
Remington 700[18] File:Remington Model 700.JPG Script error: No such module "flag". Sniper rifle Bolt action rifle
Hand grenades
M18[17] File:US Marines 100520-M-9232S-012 M18 green smoke grenade crop.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Smoke grenade
L83A1[17] File:SmokeGrenade2.JPG Script error: No such module "flag". Smoke screening hand grenade
L109A1[17] File:Grenade IMG 3098.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". fragmentation grenade [20]
Grenade launchers
M203[17] File:M16A2 Rifle with M203 Grenade Launcher (7414627064).jpg Script error: No such module "flag". grenade launcher 40mm
Anti-tank weapons
Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle File:Carl Gustav M3 Kokonaisturvallisuus 2015.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Recoilless rifle [15]

Mortars

Name Photo Origin Type Variant Notes
Light infantry mortars
L16 mortar File:81mmMORT L16.png Script error: No such module "flag". Mortar 81mm [15]

Unmanned aerial vehicles

Name Origin Type Type Notes
Patrol drones
Skyfront Script error: No such module "flag". Unmanned aerial vehicles Perimeter 8+ UAV The Belize Coast Guard drone squadron with Perimeter 8+ unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), acquired with the help of the United States through California-based military robotics firm Skyfront.[21]

Light utility vehicles

Name Photo Origin Type In Service Notes
Utility vehicle
Jeep J8 File:Jeep J8 Peru.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". utility vehicle 6[22] gifted by the US
Land Rover Defender File:Ex-Australian Army Land Rover.JPG Script error: No such module "flag". Sport utility vehicle 4+ donated by the British upon BATSUB’s departure in 2011[23]
Pickup truck
Mahindra Scorpio Getaway File:Indian army mahindra scorpio.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Pickup truck 10[24]
Ford F250 File:'17 Ford Super Duty F-250 Crew Cab.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Pickup truck 10[25][26] 8 assigned to the Defence Force and two to the Belize Coast Guard.
Ford F450 File:2014 Ford F-450 Super Duty Crew Cab Platinum in Tuxedo Black Metallic, front right.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Pickup truck 2 assigned to the Special Boat Unit.[27]
Toyota Hilux File:Royal Thai Army, Toyota Hilux Revo utility vehicle..jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Pickup truck 1 assigned to the administration.[28]
Nissan Frontier Script error: No such module "flag". Pickup truck 1 For patrol mission.[28]
Military ambulance
Toyota Land Cruiser File:2003 Toyota LandCruiser 75 series Troopcarrier ambulance (5350146755).jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Military ambulance 2[29]
Jeep J8 File:Jeep J8 IDET.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". Military ambulance 1[22]
All-terrain vehicle
Polaris File:Pittsburg Police Polaris Ranger XP 1000.jpg Script error: No such module "flag". All-terrain vehicle 6[30]

Logistic and engineering vehicles

Name Photo Origin Type In Service Notes
Trucks
Hino 500 File:Royal Thai Army, Hino 500 military truck..jpg Script error: No such module "flag". logistical 21 donated by the US[29][31]
Bedford TM File:Bedford Mk, 4-ton class GS truck (MLC 10).jpg Script error: No such module "flag". logistical 17[32] donated by the British upon BATSUB’s departure in 2011[23]
Engineering vehicles
John Deere File:John Deere 5055E.JPG Script error: No such module "flag". tractor 1[33] 5055E - series

Special boat units Fleet

Class Photo Origin Type Boats In service Notes
River patrol
Metal shark Script error: No such module "flag". Fast patrol boat 24Riverine 6 patrolling of the Sarstoon River and transport of troops up to Cadenas and the mouth of the Sarstoon[34][35]
Nor-tex Script error: No such module "flag". Interceptor/Fast patrol boat 2008 2+ 2 NOR-TECH Interceptor Fast Patrol Boats donated by the U.S. in 2009[34]
BDF 'SARSTOON' Script error: No such module "flag". Fast transport cutter 3+ patrolling of the Sarstoon River and transport of troops up to Cadenas and the mouth of the Sarstoon[34]
BDF03 'MOHO' BDF04 'HONDO' Script error: No such module "flag". fast cutter 2+ patrolling of the Sarstoon River and transport of troops up to Cadenas and the mouth of the Sarstoon[34]

Aircraft

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Light attack / COIN aircraft
BN-2B Defender Script error: No such module "flag". Patrol / Multi-role 1[36]
Reconnaissance / Maritime Patrol
Cessna 208 Script error: No such module "flag". Patrol / Utility 1 donated by the U.S.; aircraft with FLIR system for patrol mission[37]
Transport
BN-2 Islander Script error: No such module "flag". utility 1[38]
Piper Seneca PA34 Script error: No such module "flag". utility PA34-200T 1 28 October 2015 aircraft Piper Seneca PA34-200T N32812 was confiscated and handed over to the BDF; tail nr. BDF07
Helicopters
Bell UH-1 Script error: No such module "flag". utility UH-1H 1[36]
Bell 407 Script error: No such module "flag". utility 1 Helicopter was confiscated and handed over to the BDF[39]
Trainer aircraft
Cessna 182 Skylane Script error: No such module "flag". light utility aircraft 182J 1

Facilities

Ranks and insignia

Officers

The rank insignia for commissioned officers for BDF.

Template:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/BlankTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OF/BelizeTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank

References

Template:Reflist

External links

  • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Template:CIA World Factbook

Template:Belize topics Template:Military of the Americas

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  10. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  12. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  15. ↑ a b c IISS (2012), p. 374
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".Template:Better source needed
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  22. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  29. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  39. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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