WThe Djibouti Armed Forces are the military forces of Djibouti. They consist of the Djiboutian National Army and its sub-branches the Djiboutian Air Force and Djiboutian Navy. As of 2018, the Djibouti Armed Forces consists of 20,470 ground troops, which are divided into several regiments and battalions garrisoned in various areas throughout the country. The Djibouti Armed Forces are an important player in the Bab-el-Mandeb and Red Sea.
WThe Djiboutian National Army is the largest branch of the Djibouti Armed Forces and is based in the Djiboutian capital of Djibouti City. Djibouti has upgraded its Ground Forces with advanced additions from domestic engineering and modifications. It must operate in mountainous and other rugged terrain, but it must do this without affecting the mechanized capability that is needed to confront regional forces. The official tasks of the armed forces include strengthening the country against external attack, maintaining border security. It is responsible for the defence of mainland Djibouti. During peacetime the military of Djibouti numbers approximately 9,000 with a reserve force of approximately 7,000
WThe Combat Training Center at Arta Beach (CECAP), or Centre d'entraînement au combat d'Arta Plage, is a French Army training facility located in Arta, Djibouti. The Combat Training Center is run by the members of the French Foreign Legion and is part of the headquarters company of 13th Demi-Brigade of the Foreign Legion.
WThe Holhol or El-Hajj Hassan Gouled is a basic military training centre for the Djibouti Armed Forces and is located in Holhol south of the country. El-Hajj Hassan Gouled Military Training Center is one of the biggest basic infantry centers in Djibouti. A major focus of the development of the Djibouti Armed Forces is on raising the levels of training among the troops.
WThe Ministry of Defence of Djibouti is the governmental body in charge of the Djibouti Armed Forces (DJAF). Hassan Omar Mohamed is the current Minister of Defense.
WThe Djiboutian National Gendarmerie is one of two national police forces of Djibouti, along with the National Police. It is a branch of the Djibouti Armed Forces placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior—with additional duties to the Ministry of Defense. Its area of responsibility includes smaller towns, rural and suburban areas.
WThe Djiboutian Navy, is the naval service branch of the Djibouti Armed Forces. It is responsible for securing Djibouti's territorial waters and 314 km seaboard as well as supporting army operations. The navy has bases in Djibouti City, Obock and Tadjoura. It has a fleet of gunboats, fast missile boats, which can be deployed to along Djibouti's coastline as well as to protect tankers passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb. The navy was built and structured with assistance from the United States since the end of the Cold War, but has also relied on other sources for equipment in some areas. Djiboutian forces are an important player in the Bab-el-Mandeb.