Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force
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The Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force is the armed force of Antigua and Barbuda. The RABDF consists of four major units:
- 1st Battalion, Antigua and Barbuda Regiment - this is the infantry unit and fighting arm of the defence force.
- Service and Support Unit - established in 1997, this provides administrative, logistic and engineer support to the rest of the defence force.
- Coast Guard - this is the maritime element of the defence force, and is divided into four units:
- Commanding Officer's office
- Engineer Unit
- Administration Unit
- Flotilla - the flotilla is the operational part of the Coast Guard, and consists of four vessels.
- Antigua and Barbuda Cadet Corps
The RABDF has responsibility for several different roles: Internal security, prevention of drug smuggling, the protection and support of fishing rights, marine pollution, prevention of search and rescue, ceremonial duties, assistance to government programs, provision of relief during natural disasters, assistance in the maintenance of essential services and support of the police in maintaining law and order.
- Article on the ABDF by Dr Dion Phillips (http://www.uwichill.edu.bb/bnccde/antigua/conference/papers/phillips.html)