Armed Forces of The Netherlands

The Armed forces of the Netherlands consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The service branches consist of:

  • Koninklijke Landmacht (KL), Royal Netherlands Army.
  • Koninklijke Marine (KM), Royal Netherlands Navy (Naval Air Service) and Korps Mariniers (Marine Corps).
  • Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu), Royal Netherlands Air Force.
  • Koninklijke Marechaussee (KMar), Royal Military Constabulary.

In addition, within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, there are small local conscript forces on the islands of Aruba (Arumil) and CuraƧao (Antmil). These operate under the auspices of the Royal Netherlands Navy and Marines.

The military ranks of the Dutch armed forces have similarities with British and U.S. military ranks. The highest-ranking officer in the Dutch military is the Chief of the Netherlands Defence Staff, who is usually (but not necessarily) a four-star officer (NATO OF-9).

Read more about Armed Forces Of The Netherlands:  Foundation in Law and Purpose, Military Personnel, Unionized Military, Contemporary Campaigns

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