Mali's armed forces number some 7,000 and are under the control of the Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans. The Gendarmerie and local police forces (under the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Security) maintain internal security. In the sixties and seventies, Mali's army and air force relied primarily on the Soviet Union for materiel and training. A few Malians receive military training in the United States, France, and Germany. Military expenditures total about 13% of the national budget. |