Amari National Defence Force

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The Amari National Defense Force (ANDF) is the state military of Amari. Its composition, disposition, and doctrine are the result of years of relative external peace, but near constant internal security concerns and regional threats. The ANDF consists of the Amarian Army, Air Force, and Navy. Amari paramilitary forces include the Border Guard Corps (BGC) and Special Reserve Force (SRF).

The ANDF was formed shortly after Amari declared independence in 1967. It evolved within the tradition of frontier and border warfare fought by colonial militia forces. During the period following democratic reforms of the early 1990s, the interim authority initiated a reduction of forces, leaving the ANDF at roughly its current size. Internal security and the constant struggle against criminal smuggling and militia border incursions continue to shape the ANDF’s structure and roles.

Historically, the ANDF has performed well and is generally well-regarded throughout Amari, with only a few regional exceptions. Over the last decade, the ANDF has become increasingly involved in peacekeeping efforts in the region, often as part of wider [Regional Security Force] or the [Regional Economic Community Stability Force] operations. Amari also is a regular contributor to international peacekeeping forces. Elements of the Amari army and air force have contributed forces to operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The inclusiveness and diversity in the ranks of the Amari military is unique in the region. While other countries’ ground forces are often segregated along ethnic, tribal, or religious lines, the all-volunteer ANDF deliberately creates multi-ethnic units. This strategy has not been without its challenges (see: “[Turkana Insurrection]”), but has been demonstrated as an effective way to promote the image of impartiality throughout the various districts of the country. The inclusion of women and other traditional minorities in the ANDF has increased over the last decade, with all but the border control and a few maneuver elements being integrated to some level.

Defense spending and percentage of GDP included over the last five years averaged between 1.5 and 2 percent of GDP. (Figures from CIA World Fact book.) U.S. International Military Education and Training funding and advisors are essential to Amari’s successful officer training program, with more than 20 percent of Amari army officers and more than 60% Amari air force officers receiving military training in the US or by US teams in Amari each year.

Amari Views on Neighbor States’ Security Conditions

Ziwa	Kujenga	Nyumba
Partners in combating criminal and countering extremists along shared border and on Lake Victoria. Generally not considered a threat, but viewed as a buffer between Amari and Kujengan instability.	Partners in combating criminal and countering extremists along shared border and on Lake Victoria. Generally not considered a threat, but viewed as a buffer between Amari and Kujengan instability.	Nyumba is unable or unwilling to prevent instability and criminality from spilling across the border. Nyumba has ceded control of its western territory to militias, causing rampant lawlessness and refugees. Piracy and militia violence may allow Nyumba incursions.

Amari National Command Authority

National Command Authority

The National Command Authority (NCA) of Amari exercises overall control to plan and carry out the national security strategy. The Amari Chief of Military Defence Staff is the senior military position in the chain of command. This position may be held by any of the service chiefs, but in practice has been almost exclusively the Army Chief of Staff. The Chiefs of the Military Defense Staff functions at the top of the military hierarchy and decision-making process.

National Strategic Goals

The NCA determines the direction and scope of Amari’s strategic mission. Amari’s overall goals include the defense of its natural resources, maintenance of internal security against extremists, and defense against any regional attacks by potential enemies. The Minister of National Security may also publish supplements to clarify these high-level goals to address contemporary requirements. Amari generally does not endorse preemptive strikes, but reserves the right if there is a perceived imminent danger. Neither the current president nor the Minister of National Security has clarified if this includes cyber warfare.

Examples of strategic goals supplements include:

• Stability and security of the northwestern Gulu-Kakuma region
• Provide security in response to violent extremist organizations and terrorism
• Containment of insurgent groups, especially those in the Tanga region of Kujenga and Pemba Island
• Provide support and security for refugees fleeing regional conflict
• Support to law enforcement to prevent poaching and provide security in wildlife preserves

Amari Army

Amari maintains a robust ground force capability consisting primarily of a conventional military capable of conducting a wide range of operations. Ground forces, including paramilitary groups, boast an estimated 37,000 troops, augmented by approximately 10-15,000 reserve force personnel. The army functionally organizes its forces into brigade-sized units called “formations.” Formations consist of an armor regiment, three mechanized brigades, a motorized infantry regiment, artillery formation, a reconnaissance regiment and a combined capital defense force and strategic reserve. The army also has operational control of the nation’s two paramilitary forces.

The primary roles of the Amari Army are to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country by guarding against external aggression, both conventional and unconventional; to suppress violent insurgencies and other extremists; to combat criminal operations; and to provide assistance to civil authorities in guarding and protecting government buildings and key installations as provided in the Amari National Defence Act. The ANDF has an ongoing commitment to provide forces and support to the peacekeeping operations in the region and military operations out of the region. The ANDF also contributed forces to the US-led operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Doctrine and Tactics

Amari land doctrine focuses on successfully conducting operations in difficult and often austere conditions, which gives credibility to its deterrence and national military pressure capabilities.

Amari derives most of its ground force tactics from a combination of colonial influences and more recent military trainers – primarily from the US and UK. An emphasis on integrated action drives task organization across the various formations and gives the Amari ground forces substantial agility, despite the relative heaviness of its forces. Motorized and infantry units may be used to fill gaps or supplement heavy forces as needed. The paramilitary forces (Border Guard Corps, Special Reserve Force) are regarded as a valuable asset to this doctrinal flexibility and are regularly integrated into regular army operations.

The Amari army can readily adjust its doctrine and tactics in response to shifting security concerns of its neighbors. Amari can conduct multi-brigade operations, but has rarely had the need to deploy in this manner. In practice, they often use adaptive tactics or hybrid configurations. In almost all operations, the ground forces are integrated with other services to some extent. Similar to its Western contemporaries, Amari ground forces employ tactical control measures, including assembly areas, forming-up assembly areas just prior to attacks, advance axes, checkpoints, jump-off lines, and attack lines.

Composition

Amari Army Force Structure

Maneuver brigades serve as Amari’s basic combined arms unit. The major maneuver units of the ANDF are administratively aligned along their historical regimental affiliations, but in practice are task organized and deployed based on the operational requirements of designated “Military Districts.” Units may be organized into special purpose task forces, designed to possess greater ability to accomplish independent missions without further allocation of forces from a higher-level headquarters. An example of this is “Task Force Cheetah” that was formed to respond to border incursions by militant forces in the northwestern Gulu region in 2008.

The Amari National Defence Force structures its maneuver brigades to provide maximum flexibility. Maneuver battalions are task organized to conduct operations independently or as part of a task-organized brigade tactical group (BTG).

Primary Formations:

• 12th Mechanised Brigade
• 14th Mechanised Brigade
• 18th Mechanised Brigade
• 5th Armour Regiment
• 102nd Infantry Regiment ("Amari Mounted Rifles")
• Fires Regiment
• Reconnaissance and Intelligence Formation (RIF)
• Capital Defence Force and Strategic Reserve

12th Mechanised Brigade. Based in Kampala, the brigade is responsible for the internal security and border protection in the Western Military District. Elements of the Border Guard Corps (BGC) are attached for security along the borders of Nyumba and Kujenga.

14th Mechanised Brigade. Based in Arusha, the brigade is responsible for the internal security and border protection in the Southern Military District. Elements of the Border Guard Corps (BGC) are attached (?) for security along the borders of Ziwa and Kujenga.

Amari Army Disposition

18th Mechanised Brigade. Based in Nyeri, the brigade is responsible for the internal security and border protection in the Northern Military District. Elements of the Border Guard Corps (BGC) are attached (?) for security along the borders of Nyumba.

5th Armour Brigade. This formation’s assets are typically task organized by battalion to each of the mechanized brigades.

102d Infantry Regiment. This formation’s assets may be task organized by battalion or company in support of each military district’s operational requirements, with at least one battalion dedicated to the Eastern Military District. They may also deploy to supplement border security forces. At least one battalion will be deployed as part of either an international or regional peacekeeping force.

Fires Regiment. This formation’s assets are typically task organized by battalion to each of the mechanized brigades. One or more firing batteries may be deployed as part of either an international or regional peacekeeping force.

Reconnaissance and Intelligence Formation. The structure of the Reconnaissance and Intelligence Formation can significantly change as many of its personnel are either reservists or tasked personnel from other elements. The unmanned aerial reconnaissance company can task organize to operate with other elements.

Capital Defence Force (CDF). Based near the Amari capital of Kisumu, the CDF is responsible for providing capital security and defense, as well as supporting operations in the various military districts and providing ceremonial duties. It also contains the senior command elements for all services, as well as liaison and management of intelligence resources and functions.

Paramilitary Forces

Border Guard Corps (BGC). The BGC is a national security and paramilitary unit of the ANDF and functions as the primary law enforcement body outside of the well-policed urban areas. They are administratively under the Ministry of Revenue, but are under operational control of the Amari Army. The BGC’s primary roles are border control operations and combating crime cross-border trafficking and other transient criminal activities. They are primarily utilized to augment police at elevated-risk inspections at customs stations and to supplement infantry forces along the border. They may also be used to supplement infrastructure critical assets protection. Soldiers leaving active duty with regular units often transfer to the BGC rather than to the reserve rolls.

Special Reserve Force (SRF). SRF personnel are elite police/paramilitary soldiers. Their most significant roles are to conduct special operations, riot control, and counter-terrorism. They may be used independently or in conjunction with regular military operations. They routinely train and deploy with elements of the Airborne Battalion and the Air Force to conduct operations in remote areas. They enjoy more advanced equipment (niche Tier 1) and better funding than other Amari forces.

Defence Force Reserves. The ANDF reserve component is manned with a voluntary national service system. Through this system, volunteers receive a basic military-style familiarization training and have the option to receive additional training and transfer to the regular forces. Reserve formations are aligned either with regular units or military district. They are mostly used for civil emergency defense.

(See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 15, Special Purpose Forces and Commandos.)

Training and Readiness

Amari fields the one of the best-trained and most professional military forces in the region. The Defense Ministry’s training branch manages training courses for officers and enlistees throughout their respective career paths. Unit training is managed by unit commanders. Most units maintain a 75% operational readiness rate.

Most military training is conducted at the Kalama Military Academy near Kambaba. Its Manoeuver Warfare Training Center (MWTC) hosts all services and foreign training personnel. Paramilitary forces have their own training departments, but share many of the same courses as the Army at the MWTC. Amari’s paramilitary forces maintain their training and readiness on a par with their Army counterparts.

Amari’s push for integrated (ethnic, gender, tribal) forces and training increased its flexibility and reduced professionalism problems experienced by some of its regional neighbors. Intentional integration of paramilitary and reserve forces into regular military training and schools further developed the overall professionalism of the force.

Amari retains a reserve recall capability of former soldiers for five years after leaving active duty, but has never activated it. If activated, it adds approximately 12,000 troops to current army strength levels. The capability of these reserves troops varies greatly; they will most likely back-fill gaps in non-combat positions. Amari currently does not have a compulsory service requirement or draft.

Weapons and Equipment

Amari ground forces’ equipment and weapons largely reflect a mix of Tier 2 and Tier 3 capabilities with limited Tier 1 niche capabilities, although budget constraints and shifting political environments threaten to allow stocks to age. The Amari inventory is a mix of equipment from Donovia, Olvana, Namibia, and the UK. The Special Reserve Force (SRF) enjoys the best and most modern equipment (Tier 1-2), while the Border Guard Corps (BGC) and some infantry units largely have Tier 3 inventories. The Amari army has the equipment to operate in all terrain types and successfully conduct both day and night operations.

Functional Capabilities

Command and Control

Army Command Structure

The Amari military maintains a constitutionally-mandated civilian control and structure. It has developed a high degree of trust across all echelons. Professional military training filled its ranks with competent leaders who can operate independently.

Amari is keenly aware of potential threats to its command and control (C2) capabilities and has worked to mitigate such threats by decentralizing wherever viable. Despite this effort, their communications and networks may yet be vulnerable to attack and/or surveillance.

C2 at the tactical level emphasizes survivability through mobility, communications redundancy, and rigorous operations security. Command posts and procedures are streamlined at the operational level, relying heavily on common procedures for important recurring tactical tasks.

(See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 2, Command and Control)

Maneuver

The Amari military has a robust capability to conduct combined arms operations. Maneuver brigades serve as Amari’s basic combined arms unit. The major maneuver units of the ANDF are administratively aligned along their historical regimental affiliations, but in practice are task organized and deployed based on operational requirements. Units can organize into special purpose task forces, designed to accomplish independent missions without further allocation of forces from a higher-level headquarters.

The military districts usually rotate forces between forward and supporting roles. This provides a consistent defensive posture while allowing for rapid response to potential threats. Forces may also provide support outside of their assigned district as needed.

The Amari National Defence Force structures its maneuver brigades to provide maximum flexibility. Maneuver battalions are organized to conduct operations independently or as part of a task-organized brigade tactical group (BTG). In rare situations that require formations larger than brigade, the National Defence Chief will designate a task force and appoint its commander.

Air Defense

Air defense in Amari is an all unit, all-arms effort. All ground units possess organic air defense capabilities to differing degrees, depending on the type and size of the unit. Maneuver and paramilitary forces are trained to use organic direct fire systems, such as heavy machine guns and even some anti-tank guided missiles, in an air defense capacity.

Amari also has a dedicated air defense regiment that is responsible for larger systems and point defense. Air defense batteries are often task organized to maneuver units.

Amari has significantly developed its integrated air defense system (IADS), which includes automated and semi-automated linkage of air defense assets and surveillance systems throughout the force. This capability provides a continuous and overlapping umbrella of coverage and presents a significant defense against most potential enemy air activity.

(See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 11, Air Defense)

INFOWAR

Amari defines information warfare (INFOWAR) as specifically planned and integrated actions to achieve an information advantage at critical points and times. The goal of Amari INFOWAR is to influence a threat actor’s decision-making cycle through collected and available information, information systems, and information-based processes, while retaining the ability to employ friendly information and information-based processes and systems.

Defense against GPS jamming and spoofing is a serious concern for the Amari due to the number of key systems dependent on GPS – particularly advanced targeting and UAV capabilities. Amari has not publicly discussed any potential offensive GPS-affecting capabilities. Regular forces are becoming more accustomed to operating in communication-degraded environments, but may still be vulnerable to GPS interference.

Amari has developed a robust defensive cyber operations (DCO) capability in response to intrusion by international and regional hostile actors. Amari reportedly has well-developed offensive cyber operations (OCO) and cyber operational preparation of the environment (cyber OPE). Cyber operations, other than tactical active and passive protective measures, are managed by the Directorate of Intelligence and Security. The MOD may allocate resources as needed to tactical commanders.

(See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 7, Information Warfare )

RISTA

Reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition (RISTA) is one of the most important enabling functions of the Amari military. Amari ground commanders use these capabilities to aggressively gain understanding with overlapping redundancy in the intelligence disciplines.

A significant emphasis of Amari RISTA forces is enabling commanders’ understanding of the human, information and physical aspects of the environment by collecting, processing and disseminating information and intelligence required. Amari RISTA elements are fully capable of conducting both reconnaissance and surveillance tasks. These elements’ composition varies according to the supported maneuver commander’s requirements. They may also conduct operations independent of a supported command. Although these elements generally avoid armed contact and detection, reconnaissance forces, when supported by fires, can provide guards and screens, or be used to degrade enemy ISR capabilities or conduct limited counter-reconnaissance.

Amari invested heavily in unmanned aircraft from a variety of suppliers and allocates them down to the lowest echelon as possible. Most maneuver units and many border elements have demonstrated effective use of the UAV to supplement human and electronic surveillance.

Amari has developed a significant aerial intelligence capability, including support from the Navy assets and space-based capabilities. Amari also maintains intelligence sharing agreements with Ziwa.

Fire Support

Amari military doctrine stresses that fire support combines air assets, surface-to-surface missiles, and artillery into an integrated attack against enemy defenses as well as for offense operations. Amari capability in this area was proven during numerous peacekeeping deployments. Technical enhancements will likely increase the accuracy and integration of the entire spectrum of fire support systems. The majority of the indirect fire systems are towed and have dedicated prime mover and support vehicles.

(See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 9, Indirect Fire Support)

Protection

Military engineer elements are highly capable. They are well-integrated into maneuver units and have supported border efforts to reduce unauthorized crossing. In times of conflict, mobility assets may surge to support repositioning of heavy maneuver elements. Amari engineer capabilities have been leveraged in peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance deployments. Amari will attempt to minimize civilian casualties and collateral damage as much as possible: C2 and related systems are generally sufficient to prevent unintended casualties and damage.

(See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 12, Engineer Support)

Logistics

The Amari military maintains a robust domestic logistics capability that can support its maneuver units for extended periods. As deployment requirements expanded, Amari invested in additional airlift and sea-borne transport capabilities. Amari’s military continues to improve its logistics systems, including increased emphasis on regional support stockpiles in each military district.

Other missions include mobilization control, in-country movement and life support tasks (for example, reception, staging and onward integration), force supply and distribution, the reverse supply chain, contractor support and personnel policy. Tactical level logistic, equipment, health services, infrastructure and administrative support are normally conducted by the individual components, but require coordination across the wider joint operations area.

CBRNE

Amari does not have an offensive CBRNE capability, nor is it part of their warfighting doctrine. All units receive defensive training and have a basic chemical defense capability. Emergency responders in all cities have more advanced capabilities for mass casualty care.

Amari Air Force

The Amari Air Force (AAF) is capable of supporting ground combat and defensive air operations. Its roles include air-to-air, ground attack, and transportation. It has also been used to support peacekeeping deployments in all of these roles. It is well-integrated into ground force operations and it well suited for defensive operations and support to limited force projection.

Air Force Size and Structure

Amari Air Force Disposition

The Amari Air Force fields an estimated 50-60 fixed wing aircraft and 30-40 helicopters. The Amari air force operates primarily from bases in Kampala and Nakuru, but also maintains smaller bases collocated at the civilian airfields in Gulu, Arusha, and Mombasa. The Air Force also maintains a presence at Kisumu International Airport. The Minister of Defence may authorize air force use of any Amari civilian airfield, as military requirements demand.

Air Force Doctrine and Tactics

The Amari air force stations most of its aircraft and support assets at the two main bases, preferring to push capabilities as requirements dictate. It routinely flies supply and training missions throughout the country to enhance readiness. This also increase its ground support responsiveness and agility. If crisis situations arise, they may push a response and support package to a more forward airfield.

Air Force Weapons and Equipment

The Amari air force operates equipment and weapons based on technology from 10 to 20 years ago to create a Tier 2 capability rate. Some of the aircraft have been fitted with niche Tier 1 equipment that provide advanced capabilities, such as surveillance and targeting. The Amari air force can conduct 24-hour operations in all weather and over all terrain. The Amari aircraft inventory includes equipment from USA, Canada, and Spain/Indonesia.

Amari Air Force Composition

Air Combat Group:

• Fighter/Intercept SQDN
• Ground Attack SQDN
• Attack Helicopter SQDN
• Intelligence and Surveillance SQDN

Air Transport Group

• Medium Air Transport SQDNs
• 2x Light Air Transport SQDNs
• Medium Helicopter Transport SQDNs
• 3x Light Helicopter Transport SQDNs

Air Force Training and Readiness

Due to its small size and large operational budget as compared to the other services, the Amari air force maintains a high level of training and a 80% operational readiness rate. Amari pilots receive significant annual flight hours and have earned a solid international reputation on both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Most pilots are trained to provide close air support, aided by linked ground location tracking systems. In addition to the traditional roles of the Amari air force, they consistently train on dynamic mission re-tasking.

Amari Naval Forces

The Amari Navy (AN) has military responsibility for the Amari maritime security along its eastern coastline and on Lake Victoria. Amari's maritime force is large compared to its neighbors, yet still retains a high level of agility and capability. Amari maritime operations have evolved to be very similar to others in the region, focusing on coastal and inland defense with moderate force projection capabilities. Their doctrine centers on defense with a heavy emphasis on securing the coastal areas and protecting commercial traffic and resource shipping from smugglers and pirates.

The Amari policy of aggressive confrontation of smugglers and pirates has largely been applauded, but several incidents involving misidentification have led to tragedy and international protest. This has led to ongoing tensions in the waters between the mainland and Pemba Island and the Pemba Islanders.

Amari naval missions include:

• Patrolling and defense of coastal areas
• Lake and inland waterway security
• Support to peacekeeping
• Combating maritime crime, smuggling, and piracy
• Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
• Combating threats to the environment
• Maritime and aerial surveillance
• Search and rescue
• Assisting the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries
• Protecting offshore resources

Navy Size and Structure

Amari Naval Disposition

The Amari naval headquarters is collocated with its Coastal Defence Group in Mombasa. The Amari Navy divides maritime security responsibilities into two commands:

Coastal Defence Group. The Amari Coastal Defence Group has responsibility for maritime operations along the coast, Pemba Island, and territorial waters. It maintains bases near Mombasa and Malindi, with several smaller stations, with a detachment on Pemba Island (Pemba Naval Station).

Inland Maritime Security Group. The Amari Inland Maritime Security Group has responsibility for maritime security operations of Amari waters on Lake Victoria and Lake Albert. It also maintains small detachments on Lake Natron and Lake Kyoga for mostly environmental protection. It is headquartered near Entebbe.

Navy Weapons and Equipment

The AN fields largely tier 2 equipment and weapons with limited Tier 1 niche capabilities financed largely through regional security agreements and sale of natural resources.

Amari naval equipment focuses on defensive operations, especially the defense of off-shore resources and infrastructure. Amari will continue to purchase equipment such as minesweepers, increase Special Operations capabilities, and improve amphibious assault capabilities. The AN can operate in all sea conditions and can successfully conduct 24-hour operations.

The AN possesses 30-35 surface craft and reportedly 2 submarines. It operates a variety of surface combatants, patrol boats, minesweepers, and amphibious elements. The AN also fields a small naval special operations forces (SOF).

Elements of the 102nd Infantry Regiment or the Reconnaissance and Intelligence Formation may be attached to support naval requirements as needed

Amari Navy Composition

Amari Naval Inventory:

• 4x Frigates
• 2x Corvettes
• 6x Patrol/Strike/OPV/IPV
• 6x Coastal/River defense
• 9x River/Lake Defense
• 2x Minesweepers
• 4x Amphibious assault
• 2x Submarines

Navy Training and Readiness

While the AN went through a significant downsizing over the last decade, the reinvigorated emphasis on countering piracy and other maritime crime has increased its operational readiness to approximately 80%. It has a well-trained and motivated force, due mostly to a comprehensive training and professional development program, supported with international trainers.