OUR ARMY TODAY

The Lesotho Defence Force is trying their level best to understand and maintain the civil-military relationship model, while pursuing a well-known adage of being an outright custodian of the law and obedient to the orders of a civil authority. Like any other military institution in a modern state, our army is practicing professionalism where 'the officer corps is a distinct professionalized body whose leaders devote their careers to the study and practice of the management of violence.

Healthy Civil-Military relationship is a key to a tolerable social prosperity where the army and the society, at its levels, share common interest to tackle security-economic issues. State economy has, for years, confined the army into becoming a very stagnant organization against living up to its expectations; effective defence of Lesotho, protection of its people and properties.

Despite economic challenges, the LDF is facing a shocking security challenge of massive stock theft that has become a national distress demanding excessive resources that affects the already declining military budget. The defence force is, however managing, albeit on a limited budget. It is working tirelessly to overcome the distress to ensure that people go about their day to day business knowing their possessions are safe and secure.

PROTECT LESOTHO
PREVENT CONFLICTS
ASSISTING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

THE LESOTHO DEFENCE FORCE ADMITTING TO INTEROPERABILITY

The LDF has been participating in a number of exercises, testing the prospects of interoperability with other armies from our sister countries in the region and abroad. The force with its small but effective army is within a pool of high-readiness forces that can respond quickly to a crisis in the region and our continent.

Today no country is able to address all the challenges alone and as such strong alliances and partnerships are more important than ever. Our country has already experienced the support from The Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states in maintenance of peace in the mountain kingdom.

Our army conduct frequent military exercises of peacekeeping nature with other Armies from around the World, a move that earned us skills to master interoperability operations with foreign armies. We aim to ensure that the LDF will be able to operate alongside a wide variety of international partners to achieve peace in the region. .

DISASTER RELIEF
OUR CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
 
 
FIGHTING SABOTAGE
 
 

HOW DOES THE ARMY PREPARE FOR TOMORROW

The world today is facing the threats that include speedy technological advances and financial pressures. Our country survives through subsistence farming which is now threatened by a growing trend of organized stock theft. The geographical landscape of our country further become a challenge that is worth considering if we are to overcome the problem of stock theft.

The army is proposing for the installation of equipment that will allow for smooth communication along the mountains as people report about theft. The presence of the army along the borders without receiving tip offs is not beneficial hence requirement for technological developments. The presence of communication will deter theft. The army is currently upbringing the relevant horse breeding that will manage movement in the mountains for patrolling purposes. The breeding is pure military initiative to overcome this challenge of stock theft that leaves Basotho poor.

The merit of our soldiers is our key strength and the Army deems it necessary to maximize professionalism. The Army is central to our nation's identity; it must remain connected and representative of the population. Our people needs to understand that the prosperity of the nation is the result of a professional soldier. Professionalism on the other hand is a commodity that requires love of the country and knowing where one is heading.

Our People

LDF tasks are always delivered directly by soldiers through human interaction. They are our greatest assets. The LDF embraces diversity, inclusivity and contributes to society in everything it does. We have to make life-critical decisions and take purposeful action in sometimes hostile, confusing and unclear situations that occasionally test us to the limit of human endurance. Our training, development and preparation is personally rewarding but also ensures we are united by common values and strong bonds and will do the right thing, even under the most difficult circumstances.