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Lebanese Armed Forces
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The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) (Arabic: ?????? ??????? ????????? al-Quwa'at al-Musalha al-Lubna'aniya) is the military of the Republic of Lebanon. The motto of the Lebanese Army is "Honor, Sacrifice, Loyalty" (Arabic: "??? · ????? · ????" - Sharaf.Tadhia.Wafa'). The Lebanese Army Emblem represents the Lebanon Cedar tree surrounded by two laurel leaves and positioned above the symbols of the three branches of the army, the ground forces represented by the two swords, the navy represented by the anchor, and the air force represented by the two wings.
Lebanese Armed Forces' primary missions include: defending Lebanon and its citizens against aggression, confronting threats against the country's vital interests, maintaining internal stability and security, engaging in social development activities and undertaking relief operations in coordination with public and humanitarian institutions.
The LAF consists of 72,100 active personnel with the Ground Forces consisting of approximately 70,000 troops, the Air Force consisting of about 1,100 personnel and another 1,000 in the Navy.
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Encyclopedia
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) (Arabic: ?????? ??????? ????????? al-Quwa'at al-Musalha al-Lubna'aniya) is the military of the Republic of Lebanon. The motto of the Lebanese Army is "Honor, Sacrifice, Loyalty" (Arabic: "??? · ????? · ????" - Sharaf.Tadhia.Wafa'). The Lebanese Army Emblem represents the Lebanon Cedar tree surrounded by two laurel leaves and positioned above the symbols of the three branches of the army, the ground forces represented by the two swords, the navy represented by the anchor, and the air force represented by the two wings.
General overview
The Lebanese Armed Forces' primary missions include: defending Lebanon and its citizens against aggression, confronting threats against the country's vital interests, maintaining internal stability and security, engaging in social development activities and undertaking relief operations in coordination with public and humanitarian institutions.
The LAF consists of 72,100 active personnel with the Ground Forces consisting of approximately 70,000 troops, the Air Force consisting of about 1,100 personnel and another 1,000 in the Navy. All three branches are operated and coordinated by the LAF Command, which is located in Yarzeh, east of the capital, Beirut. Currently the LAF is ranked 6th in the world regarding its armed forces growth, with numbers of military personnel doubling from 1985 to 2000 . The country has six military colleges and schools. Some cadets are sent to other countries to receive additional training.
The equipment of the LAF is outdated due to a lack of funds, political bickering and until recently the presence of foreign forces. After the conclusion of the Lebanese Civil War, the LAF decided to repair as much of its equipment as it could, while being aided by modest donations from other nations. About 85% of the LAF's equipment is United States-made with the remaining being British, French, and Soviet-made.
History
The first formation of the Lebanese Army took place under Prince Fakher el-Din II the Great in the earlty 1600's during the Principality of Lebanon (1516-1840) thus the first major victory came in 1623 against the Syrian army of the Lord of Damascus in the battle of Majdel Anjar. Outnumbered 2 to 1 (5,000 Lebanese soldiers against 12,000 Syrians) Fakher el-Din managed to secure an overwhelming victory and was even able to capture the Pacha of Damascus himself.
During the semi-autonomous province (Mutasarrifia) period of Mount Lebanon between 1861 and 1914, Lebanon got its own army of volunteer militias; and the free independent bearing of these mountaineers was in striking contrast to that of the underpaid, underfed and poorly clothed conscripts of the regular army.
As for the modern Lebanese army it was during the French Mandate of Lebanon that the national lebanese army was re-organized, when the French government established the eastern unit or the "Legion of the Orient" in 1916, which included Lebanese soldiers. Later in 1926 the Lebanese First Sharp Shooters Unit was created out of the Legion of the Orient, a precursor to the creation of the Lebanese Army.
After the League of Nations mandate was established over Lebanon in April 1920, France formed the Troupes Spéciales du Levant (Levantine Special Forces), which were composed of Lebanese and Syrian enlisted personnel but commanded predominantly by French officers. The Lebanese and Syrian officers in the force gradually increased in percentage to the extent of reaching to approximately 90% of the officers in the Troupes Spéciales du Levant by 1945.
During the World War II period, Lebanese troops fought in Lebanon with the Vichy French forces against Free French and British forces. After the Vichy forces, who were positioned in the Middle East, surrendered in July 1941, volunteers from the Troupes Spéciales du Levant enlisted in the Free French forces and participated in combat in Italy, North Africa, and southern France . In 1943, and earlier to the declaration of Independence, all the military units were combined in one Brigade, the Fifth Brigade, under the command of Colonel Fouad Chehab. On the Independence day, the Lebanese Third Sharp Shooters Regiment was placed at the disposal of the Lebanese government in order to maintain security. In June of the same year, the French reconstituted units of the Troupes Spéciales du Levant, which were then attached to the British forces in the Middle East. The majority of the Lebanese Armed Forces remained a part of the French Army in Lebanon, until the latter was totally evacuated on August 1, 1945 as a result of continuos pressure by Lebanese leaders for control of their own forces. Thus, the French turned over the Lebanese units of the Troupes Spéciales du Levant, whose units totaled at about 3,000 men, forming the base of the Lebanese Army.
After gaining independence, the Lebanese Government formed an official delegation to negotiate with the French the terms related to handing over the LAF. After nearly three weeks of talks, the joint French-British Command decreed that responsibility for armed units under French control are to be handed over to the Independent Government of Lebanon. On August 1, 1945 at 00:00 hours, the LAF was placed under full authority of the Lebanese National Government, this marks the Lebanese Army Day.
After getting authority of the army in 1945, the Lebanese government intentionally kept its armed forces small and weak due to the country's unique internal politics. Christian politicians feared that Muslims might use the armed forces as a vehicle for seizing power in a military coup. They appeared unwilling to incur the cost of maintaining a large well equipped army. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Lebanon never spent more than 4% of its GNP on the military budget. Many Christian Lebanese also feared that a large army would inevitably force Lebanon in the Arab–Israeli conflict. However, Muslim politicians were also worried that a strong army could be used against Muslim interests because it would be commanded by Christians. At the same time they tended to feel that the military should be strong enough to play a part in the Arab-Israeli struggle. Aside the two major conflicting views, prominent Lebanese politicians of differing religious denominations have also tended to be feudal warlords commanding their own private militias and fearing that a strong army would endanger their personal power.
In 1948, the Lebanese Third Sharp Shooters Regiment fought the Israeli Forces which were occupying the Lebanese village of Malkieh and liberated it, this was the first major combat operation for the Lebanese Armed Forces under the Independent Lebanese Government.
Branches
Armed Forces Command
The LAF Command is headquartered at Yarzeh. The organizational structure of the LAF Command includes:
- The Commander-in-Chief
- The Chief of staff
- Deputy Chiefs of Staff
- Various Directorates
Lebanese Ground Forces
The Lebanese Armed Forces strength lies in their ground forces and it is by far the largest of the three branches of the military. The Lebanese Army Ground Forces consist of:
- 5 Regional Commands
- Beirut Region, headquartered at Henry Chehab military base, Beirut.
- Bekaa Region, headquartered at Elias Abou Sleiman military base, Ablah.
- Mount Lebanon Region, headquartered at Shikri Ghanem military base, Fayadiyeh.
- North Region, headquartered at Bahjat Ghanem military base, Tripoli.
- South Region, headquartered at Mohammad Zgheib military base, Sidon.
- 11 Mechanized Brigades
- Heavy Brigades
- First Brigade, headquartered at Elias Abou Sleiman military base.
- Second Brigade, headquartered at Tyre military base.
- Third Brigade
- Fifth Brigade
- Sixth Brigade
- Light Brigades
- Seventh Brigade
- Eighth Brigade
- Ninth Brigade
- Tenth Brigade, headquartered at Shikri Ghanem military base.
- Eleventh Brigade
- Twelfth Brigade
- First Artillery Regiment
- Second Artillery Regiment, headquartered at Nohra al-Shalouhi military base, Al Madina al Kashfiya - Batroun.
- Equipped with Eastern made Artillery pieces. Four MRLS companies and three artillery Companies.
- Commando Regiment, headquartered at Ghassan Ramman military base, Roumieh.
- Includes the Mountains Combat Company.
- Airborne Regiment, headquartered at Ghosta.
- Five combat companies, one support company, and one command and service company (1992 structure).
- Navy SEALs Regiment, headquartered at Amsheet.
- Counter-Sabotage Regiment (Moukafaha)
- First Intervention Force Regiment
- Second Intervention Force Regiment
- Third Intervention Force Regiment
- Fourth Intervention Force Regiment
- Fifth Intervention Force Regiment
- Republican Guard Brigade, headquartered at Baabda.
- Medical Brigade, headquartered at Badaro.
- Support Brigade
- Includes the Engineering Regiment, headquartered at Hazmieh, the Anti-tank Regiment, and the Signal Regiment.
- Logistics Brigade
- Military Police, headquartered at Rihania.
- Independent Construction Regiment, headquartered at Jamhour.
- Works Companies, workshops Company, and equipment Company.
- First Armored Regiment, headquartered at Salihyah, South Lebanon.
- Equipped with Western made tanks. Seven Armored Companies, one Mechanized Infantry Company, and one support Company.
- Second Armored Regiment, headquartered at Abou Sleiman military base, Ablah.
- Equipped with Eastern made tanks. Six Armored Companies, one Mechanized Infantry Company, and one support Company.
Lebanese Ground Forces Equipment
The Lebanese Army still uses old and outdated equipment, mostly received through donations. Its works horse is the M113 which is commonly found with every regiment and brigade. A collection of Western and Soviet made arms and equipment exists ranging from rifles to tanks. However, the Lebanese army is trying to rearm and modernize itself through new aids and purchases from different countries such as the USA, Belgium, Russia, and The Netherlands. A list of awaiting-for-delivery equipment is constantly growing and includes Leopard 1/A5 tanks , M60 Patton tanks , AIFV, M198 Howitzers, etc.
A recent Russian promise to supply Lebanon with T-90 tanks has been in discussion since the Lebanese Defense Minister's last visit to Russia on December 16, 2008.
Throughout history the Lebanese Army employed different arms and equipment which, at the time, were considered stateof the art. Most of these arms have either been phased out of service or sold to other countries. Among the major equipment that is not currently active are AMX-13, Saladin, Panhard M-3, and Staghound.
Lebanese Special Forces
The Lebanese Special Forces are the elite of the Lebanese army, those who enroll are subjected to rigorous training regimes and must be in peak physical and mental condition prior to their ascension to such a highly desired position. Each branch of the Armed Forces consist of their own form of Special Forces or Commandos. These include:
To ensure the effectiveness of such an elite force, many Commandos are sent overseas to nations such as the U.S., UK and France to receive extra training in specialized areas that the Lebanese Armed Forces are unable to provide, due to a lack of resources. While training in Lebanon, each Commando is instructed in the art of urban and guerrilla warfare. So rigorous is their domestic training regime that each commando is subjected to a training timetable consisting of 20 hours per day for 3 months, which is divided into different stages. Each stage consists of a specialized form of warfare and its associated tactics. Such tactics include: sabotage, sniping, extraction and covert operations. Lebanese Special Forces are also well known for snake eating at graduation ceremony.
In 2008, the Lebanese Army started establishing the Special Operations command in order to group the Army's elite units. These Special Operations forces will include the Airborne Regiment, the Commandos Regiment,the Navy Commandos Regiment, and the Counter-Sabotage Regiment of the Military Intelligence. The initial size of the force will be less than two brigades, around 5,000 troops, but the plan is to enlarge it up to three brigades.
Lebanese Navy
The Lebanese Navy is responsible for protecting Lebanon's territorial waters, ports, and fighting illegal smuggling of goods. The structure of the navy is centralized around the Navy Command, then it branches off into the quarter-general of the Navy, the Department of Naval Equipment Stores, the Naval School, Beirut Naval Base and the Jounieh Naval Base.
The navy, which currently lacks the proper number of equipment, has a number of approximately 50 vessels of various sizes and roles; however, the navy is trying to modernize itself, and increase its size.
Lebanese Air Force
The Lebanese Air Force is the air force branch of the Lebanese Armed Forces. It currently has a large number of helicopters including the UH-1H Bell Huey, Gazelle, and various others. The air force is currently in the process of restoring its jet capabilities and considering the purchase of a small number of fighters or jet trainers.
Colleges & Schools
The Lebanese Armed Forces has six official military colleges and schools that serve a wide variety of functions from officer training to overseeing national youth conscription programs. The recent emphasis on the First Flag Service Center is designed to help overcome the diverse nature of the population. The schools and colleges are:
The Staff and Command College, Military Academy, and Mountain Skiing Fighting School are training centers for Lebanese soldiers designed to upgrade the quality of their skills while the High Center for Military Sport is designed to keep them in peak physical shape (it also organizes sports groups and teams for international competition as well). The Training Institute is designed to help soldiers specialize in certain aspects of the military, such as artillery and defense.
Military Ranks
Generals
Senior Officers
Junior Officers
Non-commissioned Officer Ranks
Enlisted Men
Camouflage Patterns
Combat History
Lebanese Civil War
As the civil war escalated, Lebanese militias grew stronger and soon surpassed the regular army. This rapidly undermined the authority of the central government. The government's ability to maintain order was also handicapped by the nature of the Lebanese Army. One of the smallest in the Middle East, it was composed based on a fixed ratio of religions. As members defected to sectarian militias, the army would eventually prove unable to contain the militant groups, rein in the PLO or monitor foreign infiltration. Since the government was Christian-dominated, especially the officers' ranks, trust among Muslims for central institutions, including the army, was low. The disintegration of the Lebanese Army was eventually initiated by Muslim deserters declaring that they would no longer take orders from the Maronite generals.
Dinnieh fighting
During December 1999-January 2000 an Islamic group launched a failed uprising against the Lebanese authorities in the Dinnieh district. In a period of 8 days of fighting in the snow-blanketed mountains east of the northern port of Tripoli, 14 soldiers and 25 rebels were killed.
2006 Lebanon War
In the 2006 Lebanon War the LAF did not engage in a direct conflict with the Israeli Army, despite its threat of retaliation if the IDF pushed too far northward into Lebanon. However, the latter did bomb several Lebanese military bases. While providing aid to civilians, Lebanese troops helped to uphold order in city streets, directed refugees to safer areas, and assisted with overlooking damage done by Israeli attacks. On several occasions, Lebanese troops fired anti-air weapons at Israeli aircraft, but no damage was documented. Overall, 49 Lebanese soldiers were killed.
After the July war the LAF deployed south of the Litani River for the first time since 1968 to enforce Security Council Resolution 1701. The LAF says it will not, and cannot, disarm Hezbollah by force. On February 7 2007, the Lebanese army fired at an Israeli Bulldozer that moved close to the border and crossed it, Israel fired back, there was no casualty reports, the UNIFIL stationed in the south described the shootout as a "serious incident".
2007 North Lebanon conflict
The 2007 Lebanon conflict began when fighting broke out between Fatah al-Islam, a militant organization, and the Lebanese Armed Forces on May 20, 2007 in Nahr al-Bared, a Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli. It has been the most severe internal fighting since Lebanon's 1975–90 civil war. The conflict evolved mostly around the Siege of Nahr el-Bared. There was heavy use of the Lebanese artillery in that area to eliminate snipers posted around the cities. The conflict finally ended on September 2, 2007 with the Lebanese Army taking control of the camp after more than three months of heavy fights and a death toll of 155 Commandos and Infantrymen. The LAF Engineering Corps achieved what was seen as a feat of ingenuity during the conflict where they converted a number of UH-1 helicopters into bombers, arming them with 250kg and 400kg conventional bombs from old Hunter and Mirage III fighter jets. Some helicopters were also fitted with French Matra rocket pods. This was, according to observers, a decisive step that considerably shortened the conflict.
2008 fighting in Lebanon
During the week-long clashes that occurred at the beginning of the month of May 2008 in Lebanon, the army was unable and unwilling to prevent the Lebanese shiite group Hezbollah from taking over control of West Beirut and harrassing it's chritian and sunni residents. On May 13, the Army threatened that if fighting did not end the next morning, it will intervene and use force if necessary to stop the clashes, Hezbollah did not take the threat seriously.
Conscription
Lebanon previously had mandatory military service of one year for men. On May 4, 2005, a new conscription system was adopted, making for a six-month service, and pledging to end conscription within two years. As of February 10, 2007 mandatory military service no longer exists in Lebanon thus making it a conscription-free all-volunteer force.
Training
Training of new conscripts takes place in the First Flag Service Center (FFSC). After a week of enlisting, they submit to two training courses, the common military training basic course and the specific course. All these courses are organized in details according to a program determining hours of training taking into consideration the conscript rank. The first course consists of 240 hours equivalent to 9 weeks and the training program is composed of:
- Military rules and regulations
- Technical and tactical education
- Weapons
- Physical fitness
- Orientation and moral preparation
The second course consists of 84 hours equivalent to three weeks. The infantry course is composed of:
- Physical fitness
- Drill
- Infantry weapons, which are available in the Lebanese army and its tactics.
See also
External links
- [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/le.html#Military CIA - The World Factbook - Lebanon]
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