Functions of the Chief of Defence Staff

(1) The functions of the Chief of Defence Staff shall be6 (a) to assist in providing for the strategic direction of the armed forces; (b) to develop a doctrine for the joint employment of the armed forces; (c) to facilitate the preparation and review of strategic plans for the defence of the country; (d) to undertake assessments to determine the capabilities of the armed forces in comparison with those of their potential adversaries; (e) to prepare and review contingency plans relating to the armed forces for the protection of government and key personnel; (f) to advise on strengths and critical deficiencies and assess the effect of such strengths and deficiencies– (i) in meeting national security objectives; and (ii) in ensuring conformity with policy; (g) to advise on the extent to which the programmes, recommendations and budget proposals of the armed forces for a fiscal year conform to the priorities established in relation to strategic plans; (h) to tender advice on the extent to which the major programmes and policies of the armed forces relating to manpower and equipment conform to strategic plans; 7 (i) to assess military requirements as against the proposed defence procurement plans and to advise the Ministry accordingly; (j) to facilitate the formulation of policies for the joint training of the armed forces; (k) to facilitate the formulation of policies for peacekeeping operations by the armed forces; and (l) to do all such other things as are required or are necessary for the implementation of the above. (2) In carrying out the functions under sub-section (1), the Chief of Defence Staff shall– (a) consult with the Commander of the Belize Defence Force and the Commandant of the Coast Guard; and (b) take into consideration the range of military advice and opinions of the Commander of the Belize Defence Force and Commandant of the Coast Guard.