| Army of Republic of Macedonia | |
|---|---|
| Армија на Република Македонија | |
 | |
| File:ARM-Logo-image.jpg | |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Current form | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Skopje, Macedonia |
| Leadership | |
| Commander-in-Chief | President Gjorge Ivanov |
| Minister of Defense | Talat Dzaferi |
| Chief of the General Staff | Goranco Koteski |
| Manpower | |
| Military age | 18[1] |
| Available for military service |
532,856 males, age 16-49[1], 513,684 females, age 16-49[1] |
| Fit for military service |
444,247 males, age 16-49[1], 427,556 females, age 16-49[1] |
| Reaching military age annually |
16,144[1] males, 14,920[1] females |
| Active personnel | 30,000 |
| Reserve personnel | 70,000 |
| Expenditures | |
| Budget | 300,000,000 $ (2013)[2] |
| Percent of GDP | 2,5% (2010 est.)[1] |
| Industry | |
| Foreign suppliers |
 Ukraine Serbia BulgariaUnited States |
| Related articles | |
| History | Military history of Macedonia |
| Ranks | Military ranks of Macedonia |
The Army of the Republic of Macedonia (Macedonian language: Армија на Република Македонија, Armija na Republika Makedonija) is the name of the unified armed forces of the Republic of Macedonia. The Macedonian military is a defence force consisting of an army (Армија, Armija); an air force (Воено Воздухопловство, Voeno vozduhoplovstvo); and a professional military unit, the Macedonian Special Forces (Волци, Volci).
Objectives[]
The national defence policy aims to guarantee:
- the preservation of the independence and sovereignty of the republic;
- the integrity of its land area, territorial waters and airspace; and
- to defend the country's constitution.
Its main interests remain the development and maintenance of a credible capability to defend the nation's vital interests and development of the Macedonia Army in such a way that ensures their interoperability with the armed forces of NATO and the European Union member states and their capability to participate in the full range of Alliance missions.[3]
NATO accession[]
Military history[]
Conscription[]
The Republic of Macedonia abolished the compulsory military service as of October 2006. The Macedonian Army is the first in the region to consist fully of professional soldiers.[4]
Engagements[]
Insurgency in the Republic of Macedonia[]
The Army was heavily involved in trying to maintain order when the ethnic Albanian National Liberation Army (NLA) militant group attacked the security forces of the Republic of Macedonia at the beginning of January 2001. The conflict lasted throughout most of the year, although overall casualties remained limited to several dozen for either side, according to the sources from both of the sides in the conflict. The conflict was resolved by the adoption of the Ohrid Framework agreement in August 2001.
War in Afghanistan[]
The Republic of Macedonia has deployed 244 troops to Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.[5] On 13 September 2011, Macedonian forces were filmed fighting alongside U.S troops as they successfully repelled a Taliban attack on the ISAF headquarters in Kabul.[6]
Organization[]
The primary arm of the military in the Republic of Macedonia is the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM). The ARM is commanded by the Minister of Defense through the Chief of the General Staff (CGS) of the ARM. Two Deputy CGS positions include the Deputy CGS for planning, operations and readiness, under whom operates the General Staff of the ARM, and the Deputy CGS for civil-military cooperation.
Macedonian Ground Force[]
It plays the key role in securing the safety and unity of the territory of the Macedonian republic. The army is divided into the rapid reaction force and strategic reserve forces. The rapid reaction forces represent the main active combat capability of the military and consist of the 1st Brigade. The strategic reserve forces provide reserve brigades that can be called up in times of emergency.
Macedonian Aviation Brigade[]
Macedonian Air Force and Air Defence has an important role as air support element of ground forces and in enhancing flight safety. One of the main goals of the air force is to build up an air surveillance system, which will be the cornerstone of the air traffic safety and airspace control. The air component is made up by the Aviation Forces and the Air Defense Forces.It is located in "Alexander the Great" Airport (near Skopje).
| Army of the Republic of Macedonia |
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- Combat Helicopter Squadron "Night Thunders" (Mi-24V)
- Transport Helicopter Squadron (Mi-8MT/17 and UH-1H)
- Transport Squadron (An-2R)
- Training Squadron (Zlin 242L and Zlin 143L)
- Pilot Training Center (Bell 206B-3)
- Squadron for Logistical Support
- Battalion for air guidance and calling
- Battalion for Air Defence
Special Operations Regiment[]
Special Operations Regiment, is the main command for Special Units of the Army of Republic of Macedonia.Under the command of Special Operations Regiment are Ranger Battalion,as well as the Special Force Battalion "Wolves".March 1, 1994 - for the first time in the Macedonian Army was formed Special Forces Unit known as "Wolves". Mission of Special Operations Regiment
Provides fully organized, trained and equipped units to perform special operations and conventional specific operations, independently or in cooperation with other units of the Army and other coalition forces, in all weather and land conditions during peace, crisis and war support peace and conflict prevention as part of overall efforts to support internal security and foreign policy of the Republic of Macedonia.
Missions outside the Republic of Macedonia
- Special Operations Regiment from June 2003 to June 2008 attended by 11 contingents of rotations in the "Iraqi Freedom"
- Participation in Peacekeeping "ISAF-Phoenix" in Afghanistan from May to December 2010
- Participation of individuals within the missions in Bosnia, Lebanon and Afghanistan.
Received award:
- Order of Merit assigned to 14/08/2012, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Dr. Ivanov marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Army of Republic of Macedonia;
- Medal for bravery ........................ 6 members;
- "Bronze star" .................................. 8 members;
- "Achievment medal" ...................... 43 members;
- "ARCOM medal" ........................... 68 members;
- "NATO medal" .............................. 46 members;
- "Altea medal" ................................. 2 member.
Command for Training and Doctrines[]
Command for Training and Doctrines Organization, coordination and dimensional task of training the individual soldiers, cadets, NCOs and officers of the active and reserve forces, support collective training commands and units of the Army of the Republic and the development of doctrine and lessons learned in the Army of Republic of Macedonia.In particular for meeting NATO requirements.
In order to improve the quality of training of the Army in 1996,were established several centers for basic and specialized training of individual soldiers, and collective training was done in the units. Centers were established to train: infantry, artillery, logistics, border guards, military police and reconnaissance.
Brigade for Logistics Support[]
Formed in 2001, the Logistics Command oversees all combat service support operations, and controls the Land Forces Logistic Bas and the Military Hospital. Mission: Planning, organizing, coordinating and executing logistical support to commands and units of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia,of level II and III.
Tasks:
1. Planning, organizing, coordinating and executing logistical support in the following functional areas:
- supply
- maintenance and repair
- movement and transport
- medical and veterinary support
- infrastructure
- services
2.Management with materials of all classes of supply for the commands and units of the Army
3. Storage and maintenance of material supplies for ARM according to specified criteria
4. Strengthening the logistics capacity of the Army in conducting training, work in field conditions, combat engagement and participation in missions
5. Coordinating support of allied forces in transit or maintain in the territory of the Republic of Macedonia
6. Execution of logistical support for the administrative bodies and bodies of local self-governments, organizations, associations, etc. (in special circumstances and for special orders and instructions)
Other commands[]
Other commands under the CGS include ELINT Center and the Honor Guard Unit.
Equipment[]
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Vehicles[]
| Vehicle | Photo | Origin | Type | Versions | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logistics and Utility Vehicles | ||||||
| HMMWV | File:Macedonian ARMY HMMWV.jpg | United States | Light Utility Vehicle | 56 | 41 received as military aid from United States | |
| Land Rover Defender | File:Macedonian ARMY Land Rover.JPG |  United Kingdom |
Light Utility Vehicle | 42 | ||
| Otokar Cobra | File:Macedonian Army Otokar Cobra.jpg |  Turkey |
Light Utility Vehicle | 1 | Donation from Turkey | |
| Iveco | File:Macedonian ARMY Iveco.jpg |  Italy |
Medium utility truck | 44 | ||
| DAF |  Netherlands |
Medium utility truck | 126 | |||
| M35/44 truck | United States | Medium utility truck | 150 | Received as military aid from United States | ||
| Vehicle | Photo | Origin | Type | Versions | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armoured Fighting Vehicles | ||||||
| BMP-2 | File:Macedonian ARMY BMP-2.JPG |  Soviet Union |
Infantry fighting vehicle | 11 | ||
| MT-LB | File:Macedonian Army MT-LB.jpg | Soviet Union |
Armoured personnel carrier | 11 | ||
| BTR-80 | File:Macedonian Army BTR-80.jpg | Soviet Union |
Armoured personnel carrier | 12 | Used by Special forces | |
| BTR-70 | File:Macedonian Army BTR-70.jpg | Soviet Union |
Armoured personnel carrier | 60 | ||
| TM-170 "Hermelin" | File:Macedonian Army TM-170 Hermelin.jpg |  Germany |
Armoured personnel carrier | 115 | Modified by Eurokompozit
Prilep http://www.eurokompozit.mk/ | |
| ELBO Leonidas-2 | File:Macedonian Army Leonidas.jpg |  Greece |
Armoured personnel carrier | 10 | In reserve | |
| M113 | File:Macedonian Army M113.jpg | United States | Armoured personnel carrier | 30 | In reserve | |
| Tank | ||||||
| T-72 | Soviet Union |
Main Battle Tank | 31 | |||
Artillery[]
| Artillery | Photo | Origin | Type | Versions | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artillery | ||||||
| BM-21 Grad | File:Macedonian Army BM21.jpg | Soviet Union |
Multiple rocket launcher | 12 | ||
| M2A1 | File:Macedonian Army M2A1.jpg | United States | Howitzer | 36 | Received as military aid from United States | |
| M-30 | File:Macedonian Army M30.jpg | Soviet Union |
Howitzer | 108 | Received as military aid from Bulgaria | |
| M-63 "Plamen" | File:Macedonian ARMY Plamen M-63.JPG |  Yugoslavia |
Multiple rocket launcher | 12 | ||
Mortars- 700 total, ex-JNA, Type- 60mm M57; 81/82mm M37; 81/82mm M69; 120mm M43.
Small arms[]
| Name | Type | Quantity | Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZ 75 | Pistol |  Czech Republic |
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| Daewoo DP-51 | Pistol |  South Korea |
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| CZ-99 | Pistol | Yugoslavia |
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| CZ 999 | Pistol | Yugoslavia |
| Heckler & Koch MP5 | Submachine gun | Germany |
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| M4 | Assault rifle | United States | Received as military aid from United States | |
| H&K G3 | Assault rifle | Germany |
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| Zastava M21 | Assault rifle | Serbia |
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| Zastava M90 | Assault rifle | Yugoslavia |
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| Zastava M70 | Assault rifle | Yugoslavia |
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| Zastava M92 | Assault rifle | Yugoslavia |
| Zvi Falcon | Sniper rifle | Czech Republic |
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| Zastava M93 | Sniper rifle | Serbia |
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| Sako TRG-42 | Sniper rifle |  Finland |
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| SVD Dragunov | Sniper rifle | Soviet Union |
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| Zastava M76 | Sniper rifle | Serbia |
| M2 Browning | Heavy machine gun | United States | ||
| NSV | Heavy machine gun | Soviet Union |
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| M249 SAW | General purpose machine gun | United States | ||
| PKM | General purpose machine gun | Soviet Union |
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| Zastava M84 | General purpose machine gun | Yugoslavia |
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| MG3 | General purpose machine gun | Germany |
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| Zastava M53 | General purpose machine gun | Yugoslavia |
| Milan ATGM | ATGM |  France |
Received as military aid from France | |
| M80 Zolja | Shoulder-launched missile weapon | Yugoslavia |
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| M79 Osa | Shoulder-launched missile weapon | Yugoslavia |
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| M90 Stršljen | Shoulder-launched missile weapon | Serbia /  Macedonia |
Retired Equipment[]
T-34/85 x4 Inherited from JNA, turned into museum pieces.
BRDM-2 x10 Retired.
T-55A x94 Military aid from Bulgaria, retired.
BTR-60P x31 Retired.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "CIA - The World Factbook -- Macedonia". Central Intelligence Agency. Archived from the original on 22 November 2009. http://web.archive.org/web/20091122001842/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mk.html. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
- ↑ "NationMaster - Macedonian Military statistics". NationMaster. http://www.nationmaster.com/red/country/mk-macedonia-republic-of/mil-military&b_cite=1&all=1. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
- ↑ Basis of the National Defence Policy And Doctrine Macedonian Ministry of Defence (English)[dead link]
- ↑ [1][dead link]
- ↑ "MIKO: A place at the table for Macedonia". The Washington Times. 3 September 2010. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/sep/3/a-place-at-the-table-for-macedonia/.
- ↑ NATO in Afghanistan - ISAF fighting insurgents in Kabul (1/2) - YouTube
This article incorporates public domain material from the CIA World Factbook document "2003 edition".
This article incorporates public domain material from the CIA World Factbook document 
External links[]
- http://www.mediafire.com/view/gfo872rmgnhe2rl/Macedonian_military_statistics.docx A description of the total equipment of the Macedonian Army, including Yugoslavian inherited M84 Tanks stored. Viewing version.
- http://www.mediafire.com/download/gfo872rmgnhe2rl/Macedonian_military_statistics.docx Macedonian_military_statistics.docx A description of the total equipment of the Macedonian Army, including Yugoslavian inherited M84 Tanks stored. Download Version.
- Ministry of Defense official site in English
- VV i PVO ARM (Air Force and Air Defence of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia)
- U.S. Embassy Skope assessment of progress towards NATO membership, February 2006, via United States diplomatic cables leak
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