Somalia
NATIONAL SECURITY
Armed Forces: As of January 1991, Somali National Army
and all related military and security forces
disbanded; indeterminate elements reconstituted as
clan militias and irregular regional forces.
Major Tactical Units: Until January 1991, Army ground
forces organized into twelve divisions composed of
four tank brigades, forty-five mechanized and infantry
brigades, four commando brigades, one surface-to-air
missile brigade, three field artillery brigades,
thirty field battalions, and one air defense
battalion. Poor serviceability of obsolete equipment
of Soviet and United States origin. Somali Air Force
organized into three fighter ground attack squadrons;
three fighter squadrons; one counterinsurgency
squadron; one transport squadron; and one helicopter
squadron. None believed to be operational in 1992.
Small, poorly equipped naval force not believed to be
operational.
Major Military Suppliers: Exclusively supplied by
Soviet Union until 1977 when Treaty of Friendship and
Cooperation was terminated. Subsequently Somalia
improved relations with United States and received
average of US$36 to $US40 million per year of United
States military assistance between 1983 and 1986.
Levels of military aid during 1980s insufficient to
avert deterioration and collapse of Somali armed
forces by 1991.
Military Costs: Military expenditures totaled about
US$44.5 million annually for 1980-90 decade. Military
procurement supported largely by foreign financial
assistance and military aid.
Paramilitary and Internal Security Forces: Somali
Police Force, People's Militia, and National Security
Service disbanded as of January 1991