Barbados Defence Force

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2009)

The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) is the name given to the combined armed forces of Barbados. The BDF was established August 15, 1979, and has responsibility for the territorial defence and internal security of the island. The headquarters for the Barbados Defence Force are located in the St. Ann's Fort area at The Garrison, Saint Michael.

There are three main components of the BDF:

• Force Headquarters — provided administrative and logistical support for the entire force
• The Barbados Regiment — this is the main land force component, and encompasses both regular and reserve units.
• Barbados Coast Guard — this is the maritime element, with responsibility for patrolling Barbados' territorial waters as well as drug interdiction and humanitarian and life-saving exercises. It too encompasses both regular and reserve units.
• Barbados Cadet Corp — Military youth organisation. Includes Infantry and Sea Cadets. This organisation was started in 1904. The first females joined the cadet corps in 1970s to 1980s.

The Cadet Corps has a pledge and also a song. It started with 3 normal units but today has expanded to 22. These units are grouped into Zones. There are also a band, sea cadet and medical units along with a shooting programme.

• In 1981 a Cessna 402C entered service as part of the air wing.

Alliances

•  United Kingdom - The Royal Marines

See also

• Military history of Barbados

References

• World Aircraft information files Brightstar publishing London File 342 Sheet 1

v t e Barbados (topics) Overviews Outline of Barbados Index of Barbados-related articles History Timeline British Empire History of the British West Indies Windward Islands colony Confederation riots West Indies Federation Barbados Independence Act 1966 Government & Politics Constitution Monarchy Governors-General Prime Minister List Cabinet Parliament House of Assembly Senate Ministries and agencies Foreign relations Elections Political parties Constituencies Judiciary Law Military Police Force Geography & Climate Cities, towns and villages Parishes Former districts Mount Hillaby Birds Fauna Flora Mammals Beaches Parks Rivers Conservation Culpepper Island Economy Agriculture Central Bank Companies Barbadian dollar Barbados Stock Exchange Real estate Rum Taxation Tourism Communications .bb +1 246 Area code Radio stations Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation Public Broadcast Service Transport Highways Airport Port of Bridgetown Transport Board Culture Music Languages Holidays Sports Media Landship Crop Over Society Demographics Education Health care Human rights LGBT rights Organisations People List Religion Emblems Flag Coat of arms Anthem National pledge Other topics Police Water National library Schools International rankings twin towns and sister cities Category Caribbean Portal WikiProject

This Barbados-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e