| rdfs:comment | - The Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) is the army and Air Wing of Lesotho. There is no conscription in Lesotho. Of 400,457 (2005 est.) males age 18-49, the CIA [1] estimates 162,857 are fit for military service. Military expenditures: $32.3 million (2004) 2.3% (2004) of GDP. The Security Advisers from India have been Brigadiers Jasbir Singh, Budhwar, Ranvir Yadav, Neeraj Bali and AK Das. Currently Brigadier Dhanoa is holding that charge. It is led by a three-star General, Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli, 46.
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| abstract | - The Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) is the army and Air Wing of Lesotho. There is no conscription in Lesotho. Of 400,457 (2005 est.) males age 18-49, the CIA [1] estimates 162,857 are fit for military service. Military expenditures: $32.3 million (2004) 2.3% (2004) of GDP. The Lesotho Government in 1999 began an open debate on the future structure, size, and role of the armed forces, especially considering the Lesotho Defence Force's (LDF) history of intervening in political affairs. In 2001, under an agreement with India, an Indian Army Training Team (IATT) started training the LDF. By 2011, it is widely perceived that the LDF is well on its way to becoming a professional and apolitical force. Indeed, there has been no instance since the arrival of the IATT when the LDF has interfered with the political process. It also won approbation when, on 22 April 2009, its soldiers beat back a mercenary attack on the Prime Minister's residence. The Security Advisers from India have been Brigadiers Jasbir Singh, Budhwar, Ranvir Yadav, Neeraj Bali and AK Das. Currently Brigadier Dhanoa is holding that charge. The Force currently has a strength of approximately 3100. It has a fair representation of female soldiers. All commissioned officers have to first serve in the ranks for at least three years. It is led by a three-star General, Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli, 46.
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