Military of Mali
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Mali's armed forces number some 7,000 and are under the control of the Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans. The Gendarmerie and local police forces (under the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Security) maintain internal security. In the sixties and seventies, Mali's army and air force relied primarily on the Soviet Union for materiel and training. A few Malians receive military training in the United States, France, and Germany. Military expenditures total about 13% of the national budget.
The Army controls the small navy (approx. 130 sailors and 3 river patrol boats). Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Tuareg insurgency the Army has struggled to maintain its size, despite recent military aid from the United States. It is organized into a single brigade consisting of four motorized infantry battalions, an MBT battalion operating T-34/85s, and a light armoured battalion of Type 62s. An airborne battalion and two companies of commandos comprise the nation's special forces. Manpower is provided by two-year selective conscription.
Military branches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Guard, National Police (Surete Nationale)
Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49:
2,369,578 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49:
1,358,646 (2002 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $68 million (FY03)
Military expenditures - procurement: $5 million (FY03)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2% (FY01)