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Military Reform – 2006

Sierra Leone continuously pursued programs to reform and downsize the armed forces. “The International Military Advisory and Training Team continues to restructure and train the Sierra Leone armed forces, focusing on low-level training and reducing the troop strength to the level of 10,500, as was initially approved by the Government. As of February 2006, the armed forcesÕ strength stood at some
10,600 military personnel. The International Military Advisory and Training Team has proposed, however, a further reduction in strength, to 8,500, which is currently under consideration by the Government.”¹

At the time of the Secretary General’s August 2006 Report, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed ForcesÕ strength stood at approximately 10,300 military personnel. “The Ministry of Defence, with the support of the United Kingdom-led International Military Advisory and Training Team, was conducting a review of the overall structures of the armed forces to achieve cost effectiveness and sustainability, without compromising the capacity to carry out its constitutionally mandated tasks and responsibilities.”²

1. “First report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone,” S/2006/269, April 28, 2006, p. 5.
2. “Report of the Secretary General on UNAMSIL,” S/2006/695, August 29, 2006, p. 5.