Military of the United Kingdom |
| Military of the United Kingdom |
| Military manpower |
| Availability |
males age 15-49: 14,877,666 (2003 est.) |
| Fit for military service |
males age 15-49: 12,353,942 (2003 est.) |
| Military expenditures |
| Dollar figure |
$36.884 billion (FY97/98) |
| Percent of GDP |
2.32% (2002) |
The armed forces of the United Kingdom are managed by the Ministry
of Defence. The British Armed Forces are charged with protecting the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, promoting
Britain's wider security interests, and supporting international peacekeeping efforts. The 42,000-member Royal Navy is in charge
of the United Kingdom's independent strategic nuclear arm, which consists of four Trident missile submarines. The Royal Marines
provide commando units for amphibious assault and for specialist reinforcement forces in and beyond the NATO area. The British Army--with a reported strength of 110,000 in 2001, including 7,600 women--and the Royal
Air Force--with a strength of 54,000--along with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, are active and regular participants in NATO
and other coalition operations.
Branches
See also
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