Eritrean Defence Forces - Manpower

Manpower

The Eritrean Defence Forces are one of the largest in Africa alongside Ethiopia, Egypt and Morocco. The size of Eritrea's population is small, particularly when compared to its neighbours. The reason for the military's large size is conscription; military service is mandatory for both males and females. The Eritrean government believes that a military composed fully of career soldiers would not be adequate to meet the nation's defense needs. During peacetime the military of Eritrea numbers approximately 45,000 with a reserve force of approximately 250,000.