Cabo Verde / Cape Verde National Guard

NG is the main component of the Armed Forces for the military defense of the country, through the accomplishment of terrestrial and amphibious operations, as well as support to internal security, according to its specific missions.

Its structure comprises the bodies of the Military Police (red beret), Marine Fighters (blue ferret beret) and Artillery (brown beret for common use), in addition to the Support Units, inserted by three Military Regions (RM).

The first RM is based in the city of Mindelo, Island of S. Vicente and has in its functional dependence the Center of Military Instruction of Morro Branco. It has jurisdiction in the Islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia and São Nicolau and Ilhéus Branco e Raso. The second RM is based in the Village of Espargos, Island of Sal, having jurisdiction in the Islands of Salt and Boavista. The third RM is based in the city of Praia, Santiago Island, having jurisdiction in the Islands of Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava and Ilheus Secos. These are NG missions:

• Ensuring the country's military defense;
• Carry out, in its scope, the declaration of the state of siege or emergency;
• Preventing the fight against terrorism and guaranteeing the security of organs of sovereignty and other strategic objectives;
• Collaborate with and under the responsibility of the competent authorities on the security of persons and property and on the prevention and combating of trafficking in narcotic drugs, weapons and persons and other forms of organized crime;
• Participate in the national civil protection system;
• Accomplish missions in the context of international commitments;
• Collaborate in tasks related to protecting the environment, meeting basic needs and improving the living conditions of the population;
• Perform other missions of public interest that are specifically assigned.

To fulfill its mission, GN uses East Block armaments, namely AK-47 automatic rifle, Makarov pistol, 120mm Mortar and STRELA 2M missile.