Armed Forces of Gabon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Armed Forces of Gabon Forces armées gabonaises
Gabonese Coat of arms
Established	1960
Parts	Army Air Force Navy National Gendarmerie
Headquarters	Libreville
Leadership
Commander in Chief	General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema
Minister of National Defence	Félicité Ongouori Ngoubili
Chief of Staff	Jean Claude Ella-Ekogha
Serving soldiers
Military age	20 years of age
Active employees/soldiers	5,000 (2017)
Expenditures
Budget	$81.52 million (FY17)
Percent of GDP	0.55% (FY17)
Industry
Suppliers from foreign countries	France United States
See also
History	1964 Gabonese coup d'état Central African Republic Civil War 2019 Gabonese coup d'état attempt 2023 Gabonese coup d'état
Ranks	Military ranks of Gabon

The Armed Forces of Gabon (French: Forces armées gabonaises) are the national military of Gabon. They are also known as the Gabonese Defense and Security Forces. This group protects the country and its people. It includes the Army, Air Force, Navy, and a special police force called the National Gendarmerie. About 5,000 people serve in these forces. There is also a well-trained guard of 1,800 members. Their main job is to keep the President of Gabon safe.

How Gabon's Military Is Organized

The Gabonese Army: Protecting the Land

Personnel of the Armed Forces stand in formation during the opening day ceremony of the Central Accord Exercise in Libreville.

The Gabonese Army (French: Armée de terre gabonaise) is the part of the military that fights on land. They are good at infantry (soldiers who fight on foot) and scouting with vehicles. The Army started on December 6, 1960. This was soon after Gabon became independent from France. Many of its first members were soldiers who had served in the French colonial army.

After gaining independence, Gabon and France signed agreements. These agreements helped Gabon with military training and support. Until 1964, a French Army officer was in charge of Gabon's armed forces. In 1962, a group of women joined the Gabonese Armed Forces. This happened after President M'ba visited Israel and saw women serving in their military.

Army Units and Their Roles

The Army has several important units:

• Republican Guard Battalion in Libreville: This unit has light armored vehicles and infantry companies. It also has artillery and air defense.
• Airborne Regiment: These soldiers can be dropped from the air. They have a command company, a support company, and airborne companies.
• Light Armored Recon Battalion: This unit uses armored vehicles to scout ahead.
• Support Command Regiment: This group provides artillery, mortars, and rocket launchers. They also have engineers and logistics units to help other parts of the army.
• 7 Military Regions: Each region has its own motorized infantry battalion.

The Gabonese Air Force: Guarding the Skies

The Air Force protects Gabon from the air. It uses different types of aircraft for various missions.

Air Force Units and Bases

• Fighter Squadron 1-02 Leyou at BA02 Franceville: This squadron uses fighter jets like the Mirage F-1AZ.
• Heavy Transport Squadron at BA01 Libreville: This group flies large planes like the C-130 Hercules. They carry troops and supplies.
• Ministerial Air Liaison Group (GLAM) at BA01 Libreville: This unit uses special planes for government officials.

The main Air Force bases are:

• BA01 Libreville
• BA02 Franceville
• Tchibanga

The Gabonese Navy: Protecting the Coasts

The Gabonese Navy uses a P400-class patrol vessel similar to this one

The Gabonese Navy (French: Marine Nationale du Gabon) is the part of the military that works on the sea. It started in December 1960 as part of the army. In 1983, it became its own separate branch. The Navy's main job is to watch over Gabon's coastal waters. This includes 800 kilometers (about 500 miles) of coastline.

Navy Bases and Units

• Headquarters Staff in Libreville
• Port-Gentil Naval Base
• Mayumba Naval Base
• Port-Gentil Aviation Base
• Marine Rifle Battalion (since 1984)

Other Important Security Forces

The National Gendarmerie: Keeping Law and Order

The National Gendarmerie of Gabon (Gendarmerie nationale gabonaise) is Gabon's national police force. It helps keep law and order throughout the country. It was formed on March 10, 1960, when Gabon became independent from France. The Gendarmerie's main jobs are to protect the country's borders and keep people safe. They also help carry out decisions made by the government. The President of Gabon is directly in charge of the National Gendarmerie.

The Republican Guard: Protecting the President

The Gendarmerie also oversees the Republican Guard (French: Garde républicaine, GR). This is seen as a very strong and advanced security force. Its main duty is to protect the president. It also helps keep the country stable.

Military Equipment

Small Arms for Soldiers

Armored Vehicles for Protection

Artillery for Long-Range Attacks

Air Defense Systems

Current Air Force Planes and Helicopters

Retired Aircraft

Gabon's Air Force used to fly other aircraft. These include the Fouga CM.170 Magister, Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante, Fokker F28 Fellowship, Aérospatiale N 262, Reims C.337, and the Alouette II helicopter.

Naval Ships and Boats

Military Traditions and Music

Gabon's military has special traditions. In 2001, Gabon's Defense Minister visited China. He saw China's honor guard. He asked China to help train a similar ceremonial unit in Gabon. Chinese officers came to Gabon in 2003. They trained Gabon's honor guard for over six months.

The main music band of the Gabonese Defense Forces started in 2010. It includes musicians from the National Gendarmerie and the Armed Forces. The band has 50 professional musicians. They perform at important events. These include National Flag Day and the military parade for Independence Day. A woman, Lieutenant Léa Nzoufa Nze, was the first woman to lead a military band at a big international festival.