Military & Security
The Dominican
Military - note
The military is tasked with safeguarding the independence, integrity, and sovereignty of the Dominican Republic. It also fulfills an internal security function, which encompasses aiding in airport, border, port, tourism, and urban security, assisting the police in preserving or reinstating public order, combating transnational crime, and facilitating disaster or emergency relief and management. A significant focus area is the protection of the nation’s 217-mile (350-kilometer) border with Haiti, where the Army has deployed thousands of troops in recent years to enhance security. These military forces work alongside the Border Security Corps, which has a permanent presence along the border. Additionally, the Air Force and Navy support the mission at the Haitian border. The Army maintains a brigade specifically for disaster management and relief efforts. The military also provides personnel to the National Drug Control Directorate, with both the Air Force and Navy allocating resources to identify and intercept drug trafficking. The Navy regularly engages in joint maritime interdiction exercises with the US Navy (2025).
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
0.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of the Dominican Republic: Army of the Dominican Republic (Ejercito de la República Dominicana, ERD), Navy (Armada de República Dominicana or ARD; includes naval infantry), Dominican Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de la República Dominicana, FARD) (2025).
Military service age and obligation
Voluntary military service is available to individuals aged 17 to early 20s for both men and women (ages vary based on military service and role; minors under 18 can enlist with parental consent) (2025).
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The military's equipment is primarily sourced from the United States, with additional supplies obtained from countries such as Brazil and Spain (2025).
Military and security service personnel strengths
The Armed Forces comprise approximately 55,000 to 60,000 personnel, alongside up to 35,000 in the National Police (2025).