Cape Verde's Armed Forces

The Armed Forces of Cape Verde, currently a force of approximately 1,200 is undergoing a realignment and adjustment of assigned missions. Of the current force, approximately 1,000 members are ground forces (Army) and the remaining 200 are maritime service. The Coast Guard (maritime) consists of one company of approximately 80 Marine Forces, an air wing of 10 and the remainder are Naval personnel. Upon completion of the proposed realignment, the Armed Forces is expected to be approximately 1000 most of which will be maritime personnel with a small ground force support staff. The new force will consist of approximately 140 Officers, 210 NCO and the remainder of soldiers.

The primary mission of the Coast Guard includes the defense of it’s borders, coastal patrol, civil assistance, search and rescue operations, fisheries protection and the preservation of marine environment. One new role of the Armed Forces is the deterrence and fight against terrorism both domestic and internationally. They have also approved a plan to develop a professional Military Police Unit within the military. The mission of this unit is strictly enforcement of military security and enforcement of military law and discipline on military property.

Since Cape Verde achieved independence in 1975, there has been an unbroken tradition of military respect for civilian rule and subordination of military authorities to the civilian government.  

U.S. Cape Verdean Cooperation

The United States and Cape Verde maintain active military contacts and cooperation in addition to the humanitarian assistance (see The Face of U.S. Assistance to Cape Verde).  

This program is active in the following areas:

(1) Assist in the enhancement of its professional officer and NCO Corps, particularly at the middle management level.

(2) Promoting greater capabilities in areas of joint interest, including counter-terrorism, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, disaster preparedness, and the interdiction of narcotics which are shipped through Cape Verdean waters.

(3) Help to influence an increase in the inter-operability and engagement between U.S. and Cape Verde armed forces in the areas of training and disaster preparedness.

(4) Assist in developing a search and rescue training team capability within the CVCG to facilitate the ability of their personnel to provide training at the Armed Forces Training Center. This facility could provide in-country training to broaden the knowledge of SAR techniques using USCG standards.

The current IMET budget of $120,000.00 normally allows for seven students to be sent to the U.S. for training each year.