Military branches:
an amendment to the Constitution abolished the armed forces, but
there are security forces (Panamanian Public Forces or PPF includes
the Panamanian National Police, National Maritime Service, and
National Air Service)
Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49: 797,456 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49: 544,967 (2003 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:
$128 million (FY99)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
1.3% (FY99)
Military - note:
on 10 February 1990, the government of then President ENDARA
abolished Panama's military and reformed the security apparatus by
creating the Panamanian Public Forces; in October 1994, Panama's
Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting
the creation of a standing military force, but allowing the
temporary establishment of special police units to counter acts of
"external aggression"