Venezuelan National Armed Forces: Structure and Roles

Venezuelan National Armed Forces

Overview

The National Armed Forces of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela comprise 157,000 to 189,000 men and women. Article 328 of the National Constitution establishes the following components:

• Army
• Navy
• Air Force (Aviation)
• National Guard
• National Militia

The armed forces' primary roles include defending national territory, airspace, and islands; combating drug trafficking; conducting search and rescue operations; and providing civil protection during disasters. While all male citizens are legally obligated to register upon turning 18 (the age of majority), military service is currently voluntary.

Army

The Venezuelan Army consists of approximately 120,350 personnel, including conscripts. Its main function is planning, executing, and managing land operations in coordination with other branches of the armed forces. Organized into six operating divisions, an Aviation Command, a Corps of Engineers, Logistics Commands, and training schools, the army is equipped with armored units, infantry, artillery, and engineering capabilities.

Air Force (Military Aviation)

Venezuela possesses a modern air force for the Latin American region. Its major components include the Air Operations Command (comprising twelve air groups with transport aircraft, fighters, and helicopters), the Air Defense Command, the Infantry Aviation Command, the Logistics Command, and the Command Staff. The Air Force's main objective is protecting Venezuelan airspace.

National Guard

As mandated by the Constitution, the National Guard maintains internal order, supports national defense operations, carries out law enforcement and criminal investigation activities, and participates in national development. This military corps with police functions has approximately 36,000 troops organized into twelve (soon to be fifteen) Regional Commands. It also includes the Coastal Surveillance Command, the Air Support Command, the Command of the Schools of the National Guard, and the Logistics Support Command. Future plans involve structuring the National Guard into territorial divisions.

National Militia

The National Militia comprises two layers: the National Reserve (citizens not in active service, those who have completed service, or volunteer reservists) and the Territorial Guard (volunteers organized for local resistance against external aggression). Currently, the National Militia is organized into nine Reserve Clusters nationwide and several Special Forces of Resistance (mainly workers from companies and national institutions). Estimated at approximately 400,000 men and 120,000 women in various training stages, the militia aims to reach a strength of 1,100,000.