His Majesty's Armed Forces (Tonga)
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His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF) is the military of Tonga. It is composed of three operational components and two support elements (logistics and training ).
The mission of HMAF is to: "Defend the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Tonga".
The HMAF is partially supported by defence co-operation agreements with Australia, the United States, China, India, New Zealand and Fiji. The co-operation aims at capacity development through training of HMAF personnel in leadership, academic and trades while support for infrastructure development is another part of the security co-operation.
Since 2001, members of HMAF have supported the coalition of the willing in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.
History
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The military history of Tonga extends from World War I to the present day, with Tonga participating in World War I, World War II, and the Afghan war, among other conflicts.[1]
Components
The main elements of *His Majesty's Armed Forces are:[2][3]
- Joint Force HQ
- Tongan Land Force
- Tongan Royal Guards
- Royal Tongan Marines
- Tongan Maritime Force
- Tongan Air Wing
- Joint Logistics and Technical Support Unit
- Services Training School
- Territorial Force
Tongan Royal Guards
The Tongan Royal Guards are a company size infantry unit that are responsible for the security of His Majesty. and was established in 1860 under the Reign of King George Tupou I, The Royal Guard provides Royal Security for the monarch, Royal Palaces and members of the Royal Family of Tonga, Royal Guard participates in Ceremonial duties along with the Tonga Royal Corps of Musicians that serves as a military band for different occasions.
Royal Tongan Marines
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The Royal Tongan Marine Infantry is organized as a Company size group with a HQ and three Infantry Platoons, based at Fua'amotu.[4]
Tongan Maritime Force
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The Maritime Force is equipped with two Guardian-class patrol boats, provided by Australia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, a Landing Craft and a motor boat, that is the royal yacht.[5] Tongan Maritime Force performs patrol missions, occasionally dealing with border violations, at the Minerva Reef and Tonga's restricted fishing zones.[1]
Tongan Air Wing
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On 4 May 1996 the Air Wing was created. A Beech 18 was taken into service. In 1999 a Citabria was obtained to help with training of the Beech 18.[6]
Territorial Force
Territorial Force is a component of HMAF alongside the Regular Force and active reserve, its duties are outlined in the HMAF act 1992 and HMAF regulations 1994, The Prime mission of the Territorial Force is to maintain internal order, and provide support to civil authorities including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
International Defence Organisations
The HMAF is a member of the following international defence organisations:
- Pacific Armies Management Seminar
- Pacific Area Senior Officers Logistics Seminar
- Western Pacific Naval Symposium
- International Hydrographic Organization
- South Pacific Hydrographic Commission
- NATO Codification, where though Pacific Codification System, Tonga and Fiji are sponsored by Australia
Tonga has an agreement to share "disaster response knowledge" with the United States Nevada National Guard.[7]
Ranks
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The ranks used by His Majesty's Armed Forces are similar to those used in other Commonwealth armed forces.[8]
Commanders
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Until 2013, commanders were called Commander of the Tongan Defence Services. After 2013, they are now called Chief of the Defence Staff of the HMAF.[9]
Equipment
Small arms
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Vehicles
| Model | Image | Origin | Type | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeled vehicles | |||||
| Unimog U1700 | File:Australian Army Unimog truck with digital camouflage.JPG | Template:Flagu | Military truck | 5 | Five donated by Australia in 2018.[11] |
References
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External links
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- Royal Tongan Marines are Camp Blue Diamond Template:Webarchive (Photo)
- US Department of State Background Note: Tonga
- Ted Harris, "Digger History - An unofficial history of the Australian & New Zealand Armed Services", 2004
Template:Tonga topics Template:Military of Oceania Template:Military ranks by country Template:His Majesty's Armed Forces (Tonga)