Eritrean Defence Forces
eafh.com
The Eritrean Defence Forces military role stems from its strategic geographical
location. It is located on the Red Sea with a foothold on the Straits of Bab al-Mandeb.
Of all African countries, Eritrea has the longest Red Sea coast line at over
1,000 km.
History
In the 16th century the ports of Massawa were used by the Ottomans to protect
sea lanes from disruption while more recently it was used by the Italians. The
Colony of Eritrea was founded by the Italians in 1890 shortly after the opening
of the Suez Canal. The Italians expanded their possessions into Ethiopia.
Eritrean 'Askaris' (native soldiers), along with Italian troops occupied
Ethiopia in 1936 however, this was reversed by British troops in 1941.
During the war for Eritrea's independence, the rebel movements (the ELF and the
EPLF) used volunteers. In the final years of the Struggle for independence, the
EPLF ranks grew to 110,000 volunteers (some 3% of the population).
Manpower
The size of Eritrea's population is small, particularly when compared to its
neighbours. A military composed fully of career soldiers would not be adequate
to meet the nation's defence needs. During peacetime the military of Eritrea
numbers approximately 45,000[2] with a reserve force approximately 250,000[3]
strong and growing.
National service
Every able bodied man and woman is required to serve for 1½ years. In this time
they will receive six months of military training and the balance will be spent
working on national reconstruction projects. This is outlined in both the
Constitution of Eritrea and Proclamation 82 issued by the National Assembly in
1995-10-23.[4] The period of enlistment may be extended during times of national
crisis. This program aims to compensate for Eritrea’s lack of capital and to
reduce dependence on foreign aid, while welding together an ethnically diverse
society, half Christian and half Muslim, representing nine ethnic groups.[5]
Military training is given at the Sawa Defence Training Centre and Kiloma
Military Training Centre. At the end of the 1½ year national service, the
serviceman can elect to stay on and become a career military officer. If the
serviceman elects otherwise they return to their civilian lives but will
continue to be a reservist. According to the Government of Eritrea, "The sole
objective of the National Service program is thus to cultivate capable,
hardworking, and alert individuals."
