The Queen
of Netherlands retains nominal responsibility as the
Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. Executive,
authority, including command of the Armed Forces,
is vested in the cabinet headed by the Prime Minister.
The Defence Minister and the State Secretary head
the ministry and bear political responsibility. The
Defence Minister also has overall responsibility for
the readiness of all branches of the Armed Forces.
The total manpower of Dutch Army is around 65,000
soldiers. There is also a paramilitary force with
4,500 national guards.
The Land Forces of the Dutch Army is around 25,500
soldiers, with the structure:
- 2 mechanised brigades with 2 armoured infantry battalions,
1 tank battalion, 1 artillery battalion, 1 engineer
battalion, 1 reconnaissance squadron, 1 medical company,
1 maintenance company, and 1 staff company.
- 11 th Airborne brigade with 3 infantry battalions,
1 mortar company, 1 AA company, 1 engineer company,
1 maintenance company, 1 supply and transportation
company, 1 medical company and 1 staff company.
- 101 Combat Brigade with 1 AA Regiment, 1 engineer
battalion, 1 ISTAR battalion, 1 signals battalion,
1 CIMIC unit and 1 staff company.
- 1 Logistic Brigade with 2 supply and transportation
battalions, 1 medical battalion, 3 maintenance companies
and 1 Staff Company.
- 1 Special Forces command (4 companies)
- 1 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command
- Staff Command Land Forces
- Education and Training Command personnel
- 5 Staff support units