Armed Forces: As of January 1991, Somali National Army
and all related military and security forces disbanded;
indeterminate elements reconstituted as clan militias and
irregular regional forces.
Major Tactical Units: Until January 1991, Army ground
forces organized into twelve divisions composed of four tank
brigades, forty-five mechanized and infantry brigades, four
commando brigades, one surface-to-air missile brigade, three
field artillery brigades, thirty field battalions, and one air
defense battalion. Poor serviceability of obsolete equipment of
Soviet and United States origin. Somali Air Force organized into
three fighter ground attack squadrons; three fighter squadrons;
one counterinsurgency squadron; one transport squadron; and one
helicopter squadron. None believed to be operational in 1992.
Small, poorly equipped naval force not believed to be
Major Military Suppliers: Exclusively supplied by
Soviet Union until 1977 when Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation
was terminated. Subsequently Somalia improved relations with
United States and received average of US$36 to $US40 million per
year of United States military assistance between 1983 and 1986.
Levels of military aid during 1980s insufficient to avert
deterioration and collapse of Somali armed forces by 1991.
Military Costs: Military expenditures totaled about
US$44.5 million annually for 1980-90 decade. Military procurement
supported largely by foreign financial assistance and military
Paramilitary and Internal Security Forces: Somali
Police Force, People's Militia, and National Security Service
disbanded as of January 1991.