Military branches

Republic of Cyprus

• Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG; includes air and naval elements)
• Hellenic Forces Regiment on Cyprus (ELDYK)
• Greek Cypriot Police.

Area occupied by Turkish Forces (TRNC)

• Turkish Cypriot Security Force (TCSF)
• Turkish mainland army units

Drafting

• 18 years of age and obligatory

It is worthy to note that in the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot side, all visitors to the island who have a father of Cypriot extraction are required to obtain an Exit Visa from a local Defence Ministry office. This must be done for those of 16 years of age and older.

Availability

• males age 15-49: 196,317 (2000 est.)

Fit for military service

• males age 15-49: 134,865 (2000 est.)

Reaching military age annually

• males: 6,541 (2000 est.)

Military expenditures

• $ 320 million (FY99)
• percent of GDP: 5% (FY99)

Further Information

The United States of America has an arms embargo on any recent US weapons being used by either side. The Greek Cypriot side was recently criticised for acquiring an anti-aircraft gun (subsequently returned) from the Greek National Army for breaching this embargo.

The Turkish Cypriot Side has also been heavily criticised for numerous breaches of the embargo.

The TRΝC has under its control 28% of the island of Cyprus.

References and Links

• Cyprus
• UK soverign base areas
• National Guard website