Belgian Armed Forces

The Belgian Armed Forces are the combined national military forces of Belgium. The King of the Belgians is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. These forces were established after Belgium became independent in October 1830.

Since their creation, the Belgian Armed Forces have taken part in many important events, including World War I, World War II, the Cold War (including the Korean War and the Belgian occupation of the Federal Republic of Germany), as well as more recent missions in Kosovo, Rwanda, Somalia, and Afghanistan.

Today, the Armed Forces have five main branches: the Belgian Army, the Belgian Air Force, the Belgian Navy, the Belgian Medical Service, and the Belgian Cyber Force. These branches work together to protect Belgium and support international peace efforts around the world.

History

Establishment

When Belgium separated from the Netherlands in 1830, people thought they didn’t need a big army. They believed their country was safe because nearby countries like France, Britain, and Prussia promised to protect it. Instead, they relied on a small group of volunteers called the Civil Guard. But soon, they realized they needed a proper army.

At first, only a few men were chosen each year to serve, and many could pay to avoid it. This meant only poorer people usually served.

Early history

In the 1800s, Belgium’s army stayed near its borders with the Netherlands, Germany, and France, just in case of trouble. They didn’t plan exactly how to fight, waiting to see what happened. The army was smaller than they wanted, about 20,000 soldiers, because it was hard to get enough men. By 1868, new rules made it harder to avoid service.

The Franco-Prussian War in 1870 showed the army wasn’t ready. They had to call everyone in for almost a year, and many problems appeared. Even with help from Belgian intelligence, no fighting happened in Belgium.

By the 1890s, Belgium still picked only some men for service, unlike most other countries which required everyone. Richer men could pay to get out of it. Those who served spent eight years in the army and then five years ready to fight again.

Belgium sent small groups to help in other places, like Rome and Mexico. They also created a special force called the Force Publique in Congo to keep order.

Army in 1914

Before World War I began, Belgium’s army had 19 infantry regiments, 10 cavalry groups, and 8 artillery groups. They also had support teams like engineers and guards. The army planned to use seven divisions to move around, while 65,000 soldiers guarded strong forts around Antwerp, Liège, and Namur. These forts were built to protect the country but were becoming outdated.

World War I

When World War I started in 1914, Belgium’s army was not fully ready. Only 20% of men were called up quickly. But over time, 350,000 men joined the army. Belgium was surprised by Germany’s attack and fought hard for ten days near Liège.

For most of the war, Belgium’s army protected a part of the front near the coast and Ypres, working with other Allied forces. They didn’t join the big attacks because their king thought they cost too many lives.

In Africa, Belgian troops helped take over German areas and fought in East Africa. By 1918, Belgium’s army grew to 166,000 men and joined the final push that ended the war.

Between the Wars

After World War I ended in 1918, Belgium tried to keep its army strong but didn’t buy many new weapons like tanks or planes. They focused on making their forts stronger. The army got smaller over time, from 12 divisions in 1923 to just four by 1926. Most soldiers were young men who served only 13 months before becoming reservists.

World War II

When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Belgium’s king ordered everyone to join up. About 600,000 men were ready. But Belgium was attacked and defeated in just 18 days in May 1940. Some Belgian soldiers escaped to Britain and joined forces there.

Belgian troops fought in Normandy and helped free France and the Netherlands. They also served in special units with the British and flew planes for the Royal Air Force. Belgian ships sailed with the British navy during the Battle of the Atlantic.

Post-1945

After World War II, Belgium joined NATO in 1948 to stay safe. They sent soldiers to help in the Korean War and set up big military bases in Congo. Over time, the army changed its rules and weapons.

Belgium took part in many peacekeeping missions around the world, helping in places like Rwanda, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Libya. They also worked on training and protecting people in Tunisia and other areas. After some terrorist attacks in Europe, Belgium’s army helped keep cities safe by guarding important places.

Structure

Main article: Structure of the Belgian Armed Forces

Since July 2024 the Belgian Armed Forces are structured as follows:

• Belgian Army (Force Terrestre / Landmacht)
• Belgian Air Force (Force Aérienne / Luchtmacht)
• Belgian Navy (Marine)
• Belgian Medical Service (Service Médicale / Medische dienst)
• Belgian Cyber Force (Force Cyber / Cybermacht)

Special Operations Command or SOCOM, does not have direct command over special operations, but is an intermediary center for coordination and communication of special operations between the armed forces components. The command provides advice and expertise and is also tasked with acquisition and distributions of equipment for SOF units. SOCOM is managed by ACOS Readiness and Operations.

Currently, SOCOM is responsible for setting up the new Composite Special Operations Command Center or C-SOCC. This new command center is an international project between Special Operations units of Belgium, The Netherlands and Denmark.

The Belgian Army, Air Force, Medical Services, and Cyber Force all use the same military ranks. The Navy's ranks are unique in the Belgian Armed Forces.

Belgian Army

Main article: Belgian Army

The Belgian Army is the ground arm of the Belgian Armed Forces. The Army Commander is Major-General Pierre Gérard (since 18 October 2019). The Army consists of one staff (COMOPSLAND), one motorized brigade, one special operations regiment supported by an artillery battalion, two engineer battalions and a reconnaissance (ISTAR) battalion. It is also supported by three logistical units, three telecommunication units, four training camps and a center for the training of ground troops.

The Army has around 10,000 troops (as of 2023) and trained for foreign operations in a multinational environment. Around 7500 of them are part of the Motorized Brigade (Belgium) and ~1500 part of Special Operations Regiment (Belgium) and around ~1000 are part of other branches such as military police, Explosive Removal and Destruction Service (DOVO) and more.

Belgian Air Force

Main article: Belgian Air Force

The Belgian Air Force is the air arm of the Belgian Armed Forces. The history of the Belgian Air Force began in 1910 when the Minister of War, General Hellebout, decided after his first flight to acquire aeroplanes. On 5 May 1911 a Farman type 1910 was delivered, followed by a second on 24 May and two other in August of the same year.

The air force consists of two fighter aircraft wings, the 2nd Tactical Wing in Florennes operating the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the 10th Tactical Wing in Kleine Brogel also operating the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The air force also has the 15th Air Transport Wing in Melsbroek operating Airbus A400M Atlas modern transport aircraft. The 15th Wing also operates a small fleet of troop transport and VIP aircraft. The fourth and final wing, the 1st Wing in Beauvechain operates training aircraft and helicopters (A-109 helicopters). The air force also has a unit (80 UAV Squadron) flying the MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAV. Aside from these flying units, the air force is supported by several support units, such as an air traffic control center, an air defense center (Control and Reporting Center), a meteorological wing and an aviation safety directorate.

Belgian Navy

The Belgian Navy is the naval arm of the Belgian Armed Forces. It currently has 1,200 personnel and 10 vessels. The Navy Commander is Rear Admiral Jan De Beurme, since 28 September 2020. Current vessels are:

Frigates:

• BNS F930 Leopold I
• BNS F931 Louise-Marie

Minesweepers:

• BNS M916 Bellis
• BNS M917 Crocus
• BNS M921 Lobelia
• BNS M923 Narcis
• BNS M924 Primula

Patrol Boats:

• BNS P901 Castor
• BNS P902 Pollux

Auxiliary Vessels:

• BNS A958 Zenobe Gramme (training ship)

Belgian Medical Service

Main article: Belgian Medical Service

The Medical Services is commanded by a Major General and is composed of 1,700 active personnel. Providing medical support to all personnel of the Belgium Armed forces, it consists of a Military Hospital and 2 Medical Battalions as well as a Medical Supply Unit.

Belgian Royal family in the Belgian Armed Forces