Suriname - Military Doctrine

The task of the Nationaal Leger [National Army] is to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Suriname against foreign armed military aggression. That is, the defense of not only the territory but also the territorial waters and the airspace above it.

In accordance with Article 177 of the Constitution of the Republic of Suriname, the National Army in charge of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Suriname against foreign armed military aggression. Due to the ever changing demands of the time, however, must increasingly be made an intensive contribution to internal security. With the other ministries, including the Ministry of Justice and Police, made policy agreements on cooperation and assistance form the policy framework for this purpose. Internationally require contemporary conceptions include the nature and scope of security threats and security risks to changes in defense policy concepts and assessment processes.

One result is an increase in (sub) regional and international security and defense institutions, instruments and mechanisms. Strategies such as enhanced defense cooperation and cooperative action in countering common threats require extensive efforts of the Ministry and its operating arm and affects increasingly the defense and security policy orientation, and thus the national defense ambitions.

The Ministry of Defense consists of the policy center and the operational portion (National Army) that make up the Defense organization vormen.Het Ministry of Defense has no departments. There are various departments and units. The policy center is responsible for the care of the armed forces so that it adequately to efficiently and effectively carry out its duties assigned by law.

• Providing assistance to international organizations, if and when that end is given by the authority commission. This is for example humanitarian operations of the United Nations.

• Assisting in the preparation and execution of projects related to the socioeconomic development of Suriname or providing assistance to other government bodies thereby. Defense has developed a development project Commewijne causing more than 2,000 people to be helped to a piece of developed land.

• Assisting in the monitoring of the economic zone and the continental shelf. The Navy regularly patrol our waters in order to prevent issues such as illegal fishing.

• Providing aid and assistance to prevent disasters and accidents and combating the consequences . The operation Falawatra whereby aid was offered to domestic residents because of flooding.

• Providing assistance to the police when prompted. The operation Safe Suriname. Domestic safety specifications belongs primarily to the tasks of the KPS. However, the military can also be used here.

• Guarding the borders according to the rules. There are several barracks and detachments in various districts including Memre Boekoe Barracks (Paramaribo), the Navy base (Wanica), the Air Force base (Paramaribo), the training center for recruits namely Ayoko barracks and detachment Zanderij. Albina the eastern border post, the Akontoe Velantie barracks in Nickerie western border post, Professor Dr. Ali barracks and the Kennedy Highway to the Concordia Sgt one Martowidjojo barracks. There are also several detachments and so-called small stations throughout Suriname in the districts of Sipaliwini, Saramacca, Para and Brokopondo. But also protecting important objects like the Afobakkadam of the bridge over the Coppenameriver belongs to the protective task.

The National Army is responsible for the defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Suriname against foreign armed military aggression. There are also special tasks