Events during the 1980s in El Salvador and Nicaragua led Honduras -- with US assistance -- to expand its armed forces considerably, laying particular emphasis on its air force, which came to include a squadron of US-provided F-5s. The resolution of the civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua and across-the-board budget cuts made in all ministries has brought reduced funding for the Honduran armed forces. The abolition of the draft has created staffing gaps in the now all-volunteer armed forces. The military now is far below its authorized strength, and further reductions are expected. In January 1999, the Constitution was amended to abolish the position of military commander-in-chief of the armed forces, thus codifying civilian authority over the military. President Flores also named the first civilian minister of defense in the country's history.
Military branches: Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force
Military manpower - military age: 18 years of age
Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49:
1,467,615 (2000 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49:
874,053 (2000 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
males:
70,636 (2000 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $33 million (FY98)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 0.6% (FY98)
This article is based on text from the CIA World Factbook