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Military of Luxembourg

The Luxembourg army is under civilian control. Responsibility for defense matters is vested in the Minister of Cooperation, Humanitarian Action and Defense, Charles Goerens, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Cooperation and Defense.

Luxembourg has no navy or air force. A 1967 law made the army an all-volunteer force with current strength of approximately 450 professional soldiers, about 340 enlisted recruits and 100 civilians, and a total budget of $120 million. Luxembourg has participated in the European Corps (EUROCORPS) since 1994, has contributed troops to the UNPROFOR and IFOR missions in former Yugoslavia, and participates with a small contingent in the current NATO SFOR mission in Bosnia. The Luxembourg army is integrated into the Multinational Beluga Force under Belgian command. Luxembourg has financially supported international peacekeeping missions during the 1991 Gulf War, in Rwanda and, more recently, Albania. The army also has participated in humanitarian relief missions such as setting up refugee camps for Kurds and providing emergency supplies to Albania.

Military branches: Army, Grand Ducal Police; note - the new government abolished the Gendarmerie

Military manpower - military age: 19 years of age

Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49: 114,326 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49: 93,994 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
males: 2,636 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $147,8 million (FY01/02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 0.8% (FY01/02)

See also : Luxembourg