Vanuatu

Introduction
Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding European exploration in the 18th
century. This settlement pattern accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the
New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980, when the
new name of Vanuatu was adopted.
Republic of Vanuatu
Ripablik blong Vanuatu (Bislama)
République de Vanuatu (French)
Former: New Hebrides
Motto: "Long God yumi stanap" (We stand with God)

Flag
Location
Capital (and largest city) Port Vila
Official language(s) Bislama, English, French (Official)
Local Languages (more than 100) 72.6%, Pidgin (known as Bislama or
Bichelama) 23.1%, English 1.9%, French 1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7%
(1999 Census)
Ethnic groups Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census)
Religions Presbyterian 31.4%, Anglican 13.4%, Roman Catholic 13.1%, Seventh-Day
Adventist 10.8%, other Christian 13.8%, indigenous beliefs 5.6% (including
Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%, unspecified 1.3% (1999 Census)
Demonym Ni-Vanuatu; Vanuatuan
Government Parliamentary Republic
- Head of State President Iolu Johnson Abbil (since 3 September 2009)
- Head of Government Prime Minister Edward Natapei (since 22 September 2008);
Deputy Prime Minister Sato Kilman (since 19 November 2009)
Independence
- from France and the UK 30 July 1980
Area
- Total 12,189 sq km
- Water (%) 0 sq km (0%)
Population
- July 2010 estimate 221,552
2
- Density 19.7/km
GDP (PPP) 2009 estimate
- Total $1.041 billion
- Per capita $4,800
Time Zone UTC+11 (UTC+11)
Currency Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)

Military Statistics
Military branches: No Regular Military Forces;
Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF; includes Police Maritime Wing (PMW))
(2009)
Military service age and obligation: There were no regular military forces in Vanuatu, and members of the other security forces had to
be at least 18 years old.
Manpower fit for military service: Males age 16-49: 42,450
Females age 16-49: 43,894 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age Male: 2,346
annually: Female: 2,249 (2010 est.)
Disputes - international: Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by Vanuatu and France
Illicit drugs:

Vanuatu Vatu (VUV) 2008 2009 2010

Growth % 6.6 3.8
Inflation % 3.9
Def exp f
Def exp US$
Def bdgt VUV
Def bdgt US$
Def exp as %GDP
FMA (AUS) AUS$ 1.56m 1.36m ?m
US$1= VUV
Total military expenditures are not available.

Strategic Weapons
There are no plans to procure or develop any strategic weapons.

Ballistic Missiles
There is no evidence of any ballistic missile inventory.

Nuclear Weapons
There are no reported nuclear weapons.

Biological Weapons
There is no evidence of biological weapons having been developed or stockpiled.

Chemical Weapons
Other than riot control gases, there are no chemical weapons in use.

Military Forces
The Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) maintains internal security and is responsible for surveillance throughout territorial waters with the help of the patrol boat
RVS Tukoro that was supplied through Australia's Pacific Patrol Boat Programme. The Police Maritime Wing is responsible for maritime patrol and
surveillance duties, including the enforcement of Vanuatu's exclusive economic zone.
Command Structure
The paramilitary VMF is responsible to the Vanuatu Police Commissioner. There is no Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces
Vanuatu relies on strong links with its neighbours to ensure external security. Should Vanuatu face an external threat the country would rely on assistance
from Australia and New Zealand. The VMF is trained in Australia, and Vanuatu's waters are regularly patrolled by aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force
(RNZAF).
The paramilitary VMF is responsible to the Vanuatu Police Commissioner. There is no Ministry of Defence, or standing armed force.

Land Forces
Vanuatu has no army. The paramilitary Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) is the closest thing that Vanuatu possesses to a standing army, and is used to counter
any external or internal threat. It is trained by the Royal Australian Army (RAA) and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), however its role is to support the
Vanuatu Police Force (VPF).

New Hebrides Defence Force (NHDF)

Was active in World War 2 and armed with Lee Enfield rifles, 9mm Sten SMG and light machine guns. Disbanded at the end of the war.

Army Aviation
None.

Army Air Defence Forces

None.

Air Forces
Vanuatu has no air force. Under the structure of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) provides regular fisheries
surveillance for Vanuatu.

Air Force Infantry

None.

Air Defence Forces

None.
Naval Forces
Vanuatu has no navy. Its large patrol boat, the Tukoro, is operated as part of the Police Maritime Wing (PMW), directly commanded by the Vanuatu Mobile
Force (VMF).

Naval Aviation
None.

Marines
None.

Coastal Defences
None.

Guard Forces
None.

Reserve Forces
None.

Militia Forces
None.

Government Paramilitary Forces

Vanuatu Mobile Force

Full Name Vanuatu Mobile Force
Common name Vanuatu Mobile Force
Abbreviation VMF
 Emblem
Overview
Formed 1980
Governing Body Vanuatu Mobile Force
Mission statement -
Structure
HQ Vanuatu Police Force
Cook Barracks,
Port Vila
Efate Island,
Vanuatu.
Type Paramilitary Force
Operational Units HQ Staff Cook Barracks (10)
Rifle Company, Cook Barracks (125)
 Santo Platoon (30)
 Tanna Detachment (10)
 Malekula Detachment (10)
Surveillance and Response Force (SRF)
Logistics Unit, Cook Barracks (65)
Engineering Platoon, Cook Barracks (30)
VMF Band Cook Barracks (30)
Armoury, Cook Barracks
Fire Service
Stations 4
Police Officers 350
Civilians -
Leadership Commander, Vanuatu Mobile Force, Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Bong
Commander, Police Maritime Wing, Superintendent Vake Rakau
Terms of Service 18-35 years old
Ranks
Uniform
Website None.
The VMF was formed from the Police Mobile Unit (PMU). It is a paramilitary, uniformed, internal security force. Lightly armed with a quasi-military role and
camouflaged uniforms and trained by New Zealand & Papua New Guinea.
The Vanuatu Mobile Force, although recruited under the Police Act and subject to the same legal restraints in the exercise of its functions, sees itself as a
military force superior to the flat-foots plodding the beat, has a developed a strong esprit de corps and openly agitates to be separated as a force from the
police. Politicians, beginning with Fr Lini and most recently Vohor, have entertained the idea and have on occasion given qualified commitment to its
realization.
The VMF is organized in several companies and platoons under the overall command of a lieutenant colonel, who is himself answerable to the Commissioner
of Police.
Equipment
Vehicles
The VMF has about 40 road vehicles and 15 motorcycles.
Toyota MB 1 28-seat bus. Gift from China.
Toyota Hilux LUV 3+ Double-Cabin Vehicles for Police Patrols. Gift from China.
Land Rover LUV Most are probably quite old by now.

The VMF controls around 650 firearms, In 2003, most of these small arms were said to be unserviceable, while the VMF was „desperately short of small arms
ammunition.
9x19mm Glock 17 HP 50 Limited Use.
9x19mm Beretta 92G PAMAS G1 HP 20 Limited Use.
9×20mm S&W Model 10 Military & Police HR Limited Use.Sourced mainly from Australia
9x19mm Lithgow F1 Sterling SMG 6 Limited Use.
7.62×51mm Lithgow L1A1 SLR BR 5 Out Of Service, 310 ex-PNGDF delivered 1980, 5 kept for ceremonial use, remainder
destroyed by 2010.
7.7x56mm RSAF SMLE Lee Enfield No4 Mk I/ii IR Reserve use. Obsolete .303 rifles from World War II
7.7x56mm RSAF SMLE Lee Enfield Mk II/III IR Reserve use. Obsolete .303 rifles from World War II
5.56x45mm ADI F88 Austeyr (AUG A1) AR 1 Limited Use. Trial weapon delivered 1992
5.56x45mm FAMAS AR 350 General use. Ex-French delivered 2009 as aid.
5.56x45mm Colt M16A2 AR Special use. Unconfirmed use by SRF.
7.62×51mm Lithgow L2A1 Automatic Rifle (FAL LMG 70 General use. Known locally as the AR.
50.41/42)
12.7x99mm Browning M2HB HMG 1+ Special use. For use on Pacific Patrol Boat.
Vanuatu does not have stockpiles of anti-personnel mines in areas under its jurisdiction or control.
Camouflage
Pattern Name Other Names Uniform Types Users Description Notes In use
VPF woodland pattern Vanuatu olive BDU style uniform, in service with black, brown & presumably Asian mfg current era
woodland pattern boonie hat, field Vanuatu Police olive green
equipment Force (VPF) woodland shapes
on a khaki
background

Military Police
None.

Cadet Forces
None.

Other Military Forces

None.

Police Forces

Ministry of Internal Affairs

Full Name Ministry of Internal Affairs
Abbreviation MOIA
Agency overview
Founded 1980
Governing body N/A
Structure
Units Political Advisors and Cabinet Support Staff
Internal Security and Border Control
 Vanuatu Police Force(VPF)
Immigration and Passport Service Office.
National Services
Labour Department
Electoral Office
Electoral Commission
Civil Status (registry) Department
Cultural Centre
Vanuatu National Housing Corporation
Corporate Service Division
Police Service Commission
Decentralization Services
National Disaster & Management Office
Department of Local Authorities
Torba Provincial Council
Sanma Provincial Council
Penama Provincial Council
Malampa Provincial Council
Shefa Provincial Council
Tafea Provincial Council
Port Vila Municipality
Luganville Municipality
Lenakel Municipality
Employees There are 3 Advisors plus a number of Support Staff
Operational structure
HQ PMB 9036,
Port Vila,
Efate Island,
Vanuatu.
Tel 22252
Fax 27064
Minister of Interior Hon Patrick Crowby, Minister of Internal Affairs
Website
None.
The Minister has the overall responsibility in liaising with the Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Minister of Finance and State Law Office on matters
pertaining to the Ministry. He is also the principal person of implementing most of the MOIA government legislations. He is supported by the 1st Political
Advisor-coordinating ministerial matters on Internal Security and Border Control.
Police Service Commission
The police commission is responsible for ensuring that as good disciplined police workforce is in place so that security must prevail and efficient general
police duties are implemented.

Paramilitary Police & Gendarmerie

The French controlled Gendarmerie Division had a total of 12 officers and 120 other ranks was absorbed by the VPF in 1980.A company of French National
Gendarmerie was deployed during 1979/80 in the prelude to independence.

National Police
Vanuatu Police Force
Full Name Vanuatu Police Force
Common name Vanuatu Police Force
Abbreviation VPF

Emblem
Overview
Formed 1980
Governing Body Ministry of Internal Affairs
Mission statement -
Structure
HQ Vanuatu Police Force
Cook Barracks,
Port Vila
Efate Island,
Vanuatu.
Type National Police
Operational Units Forensic Section
Traffic Section
Criminal Records Section
Criminal Investigation Branch
Police Training School
Police Radio Section
State Prosecution Section
Security Section
Special Branch
Geographical Units 2 Police Commands
Stations 4 Main {Police Stations & 8 Police Posts
Police Officers 400 (being increased to 530)
Civilians -
Leadership Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Colonel Patu Lui.
Terms of Service 18-35 years old.
Website None.
Equipment
As a matter of routine, Vanuatu‟s police officers are unarmed. Their armouries hold around 90 firearms. The police were given the power to use firearms
during a two-week state of emergency following mob violence in March 2007.
9×20mm S&W Model 10 Military & Police HR 5 Limited Use.
5.6×16mm .22 Semi Automatic Pistol HP 20 Limited Use.
9x19mm Beretta 92G (PAMAS G1) HP 50 Limited Use.

New Hebrides Constabulary

Used until independence in 1980 and armed with rifles, organised into French controlled Gendarmerie Division and British controlled Police Division.
In 1978 it had a total of 260 police (including 24 officers) with each Division having 12 officers and 120 other ranks.

Provincial & State Police

None.

Local police
None.

Transport Police
None.

Marine Police & Coastguard

The Police Maritime Wing is responsible for maritime patrol and surveillance duties, including the enforcement of Vanuatu's exclusive economic zone.
Vanuatu Police Maritime Wing
Full Name Vanuatu Police Maritime Wing
Common name Police Maritime Wing
Abbreviation PMW
 Emblem
Overview
Formed 1985
Governing Body Vanuatu Mobile Force
Mission statement
Structure
HQ Vanuatu Mobile Force
Cook Barracks,
Port Vila
Type Maritime Police/Coast Guard
Base Police Boat/RVS Tukoro Technical Advisor
Police Maritime Wing
PMB 9014
Mala Base
Port Vila
Efate Island,
Vanuatu.
Tel 22930
Stations 4 Main Police Stations & 8 Police Posts.
Police Officers 30 (18 on ship, 8 onshore at the Mala Base and 3 at the Joint Police Operations Centre)
Civilians None
Leadership Commander, Police Maritime Wing, Superintendent Vake Rakau
Terms of Service 18-35 years old
Website None
Under the Defence Co-operation Programme Australia has provided one Patrol Craft to the Vanuatu Government. Training and operational and technical
assistance is also given by the Royal Australian Navy. Ordered 13 September 1985 and launched 20 May 1987. A half-life refit was carried
out in 1995 and, now that the Australian government has extended the Pacific Patrol Boat programme, a life-extension refit will be required in 2004 in order to
prolong the ship's life to 30 years. The ship is employed on EEZ fishery patrol and surveillance, including customs duties.
In 2005 the Chinese government confirmed they would provide two further vessels for coastal surveillance operations.
Equipment
Pacific Class PCL 165 1 0 0 Life Extension completed to extend life to 2017.
Unknown PB 2 0 0 Refcently supplied Patrol Boats from China. Cheaper to operate.
Unknown YL 1 0 0 Motor Launch

Aviation Police
None.

Criminal Investigations Police

None.

Specialist Police
None.

Reserve Police
None.

Other Police
None.

Security Forces
Border Security Forces
Border security in Vanuatu is the joint responsibility of the Customs and Inland Revenue Service, VPF, VMF, and PMW.

Customs Agencies

Vanuatu Department of Customs and Inland Revenue

Full Name Vanuatu Department of Customs and Inland Revenue
Common name Customs and Inland Revenue
Abbreviation CIR

Emblem
Overview
Formed 1980
Governing Body Ministry of Finance and Economic Management
Mission statement "To collect budgeted Government revenue, protect our borders and facilitate legitimate trade with high integrity and
ethics."
Structure
HQ Department of Customs & Inland Revenue
Constitution (Government) Building
PMB 9012 Lini Highway
Port Vila
Vanuatu
Tel 678 24544
Fax 678 22597
Type Customs Service
Operational Units There are 10 sections within the department
* Executive
* Rates and Taxes
* Value Added Tax Revenue (VAT)
* Value Added Tax Audit (VAT)
* Customs Revenue
* Trade , Tariff and Exemption
* Customs Border Control
* Northern Region Customs
* Information Services
* Investigation & Legal Services (ILS)
* Training, Projects & Corporate Support
Stations 3 Customs Border Control Ofices & 3 Customs Offices
Civilians 90+ Employees
Leadership Ben W. Leeshi, Director Customs and Inland Revenue
Terms of Service Voluntary Recruitment
Website customsinlandrevenue.gov.vu
Department of Customs and Inland Revenue is structured under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management. Its primary role is to collect Government
legislated Revenue through the Customs Import/Export Duties, Excise Tax, Value Added Tax, Business License Fees, Rent Tax, Gaming, Casino and
Interactive Gaming.
It also ensures the Borders are protected from unwanted elements.

Protective Security Forces

VPF Security Officers provide personnel security for Prime Minister and VIPs
Intelligence Agencies
VPF Special Branch undertakes the Internal Security role.

Other Security Forces

None.

Special Forces
Surveillance and Response Force (SRF)
The VMF Surveillance and Response Force (SRF) based in Port Vila receives training from Australia and acts as the only SWAT/Special Forces Unit
Exercise Vanuatu Alliance is an annual training activity for the VMF led by 51FNQR to consolidate their skills particularly for the Surveillance and Response
Force (SRF) members of the VMF.

Civil Defence Forces

National Disaster & Management Office
The NDMO has a staff of three, and is tasked with implementing the strategies and policies of the National Disaster Committee (NDC). However the NDMO
has no powers to require other agencies to act on any identified prevention measures. The NDC coordinates response and recovery activities including
coordination with donors.

Vanuatu Fire Service

The VFS is part of the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) supervised by a commander Lieutenant Colonel Api Jack Usamoli.

Overseas & Foreign Forces

Forces Overseas
Members of VMF and VPF have served in UN peacekeeping missions in East Timor (UNTAET/UNMISET), Bosnia-Herzegovina (UNMIBH), Democratic
Republic of the Congo (MONUC), Ivory Coast (UNOCI), Haiti (MINUSTAH), and Sudan (UNMIS), as well as non-UN missions in the Peace Monitoring Group
and Transition Team in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, and in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
30 personnel are trained and ready to deploy at any one time.
Current Missions
African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) 29
United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) 4
Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Participating Police Force 3

Foreign Forces
Australia: Army 3; Navy 2-3
New Zealand: Army 2

Foreign forces are stationed in Vanuatu under bilateral aid agreements to assist in the promotion of good governance, training and operational support of
VPF/VMF/PMW forces. They are not coordinated in their deployments, and are responsible to both the Vanuatu government as well as their home
government.
All foreign forces and advisors are based in Port Vila.

2 or 3 members of the Royal Australian Navy are stationed in Vanuatu to provide support for the Pacific Patrol Boat Program. One of these is an officer, with
the other (sometimes two) being marine engineers or electricians. They help to train the PMW, maintain the Tukoro, provide operational support as well as
assist in the formulation of policy for the PMW.

There are also Royal Australian Army (RAA) officers in Vanuatu, who help with training the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) and the VMF. The RAA contingent
includes two officers who provide training and operational advice to the VPF, and a communications advisor.

1 NZ Army engineer officer is posted as officer commanding the Vanuatu Mobile Force engineer platoon while a NZ Army staff sergeant is posted to the
Vanuatu Mobile Force engineer platoon as foreman of works. New Zealand Defense Force engineers assisted the VMF to construct a temporary prison at the
former Luganville police barracks and upgrade the State prison in 2006 as an interim measure, before construction of a new, national prison facility on Efate.
The new building of the Vanuatu Correctional Service funded by New Zealand Aid (NZAid) in Luganville became operational at the end of 2006.

Non-State Armed Groups

There are no insurgent forces in Vanuatu. Despite an attempted secession of Espirito Santo in 1980, and the existence of tensions between the francophone
and Anglophone communities, attempts at rebellion and insurgency have been successfully contained through political debate and control.

Republic of Vemarana
The “Santo Rebellion” lasted 3 months on northern island of Espiritu Santo just prior to independence when secessionists declared “Republic of Vemarana” in
May 1980. And seized control of island, captured the Police Station at Luganville (13 strong police unit overrun)
Papua New Guinea military units aided by small Vanuatu Mobile Unit crushed rebellion after armed clashes with rebels.

Nagriamel Movement
Was led by the flamboyant Jimmy Stevens, leader of Nagriamel Movement with French colonial settler support and support from rightwing US business
interests in the “Phoenix Foundation.”
It also included French trained “Maquis” Melanesian secessionists.
“Nagriamel Movement” established in 1960s as a land rights religious/political movement with several hundred armed members armed with clubs, bows &
arrows, bolt action hunting rifles, shotguns and dynamite. The rebellion was crushed by the British and French prior to independence.

Republic of Tafea
Declared on southern island of Tanna in 1980 (area 400 square km , population 8000) by 300 “John Frum” cargo cult members armed with rifles and
shotguns.
Crushed by government forces in June 1980 with 1 rebel killed
The John Frum Cargo Cult was established in 1941 and based on Tanna island.

Non-State Paramilitary Forces

None.

Insurgent Groups
None.

Terrorist Groups
None.

Defence Industry
There are no defence production capabilities in Vanuatu.

Procurement
The Pacific Patrol Craft underwent a life extension programme in 2004 to keep it in service until 2017. China has recently supplied 2 smaller craft for maritime
surveillance that are presumably both smaller and cheaper to operate. France has recently supplied the VMF with new assault rifles. The overall state of
equipment is reported as poor.
In addition Vanuatu is lacking in Light Armoured Vehicles, Artillery, Light Weapons, Aircraft & Helicopters.