The
native militaries in Africa are varied, and differ in size, shape, and
strength from country to country. In the larger independent
and wealthy countries like Egypt the military forces are formidable and
well equipped. Complete with their own air forces. These
countries
are at the top of the African food chain and are usually self
sufficient,
or at the very least have good enough ties with their neighbors and the
west to prevent animosity.
While most African militaries are made up of surplus weapons and
equipment,
some are armed by the Chinese, some very wealthy ones have even
obtained
limited modern U.S. and European weapons.
Soldiers
are usually equipped with at least ten year old technology, most of
which
is deployed sparingly due to to cost. They usually carry Militech
Ronins, Kalishnikov A-80's or AKR-20's, FN-FAL's, or their late 20th
century
counterparts. The majority of independent African air forces are
made
up of 20th century American, European, and Soviet aircraft. Its
common
too see an old F-16 still serving in active duty. Those countries
supplied by the Chinese get the best aircraft, although they are still
years behind the west.
In
cases where the country is under the aid (read: control) of U.S. and EEC
forces they usually rely
completely on them for military
might. In
situations like this the native military takes a back seat most often
becoming
a police force in the country, and supplanting the western troops
whenever
necessary. In other situations the soldiers of the native
military
desert out of spite to join the rebel forces.
Some
times the lines of who is the official military power in a country are
blurred. Most notably in instances where there are either two
militaries
fighting 
for
control and both claiming legitimacy, or where the military has split
and
now opposes each other. Good examples of these actions can be
found
in Centrafique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Still
other countries, especially in the extremely poverty stricken
ones. 
Militaries
are no more than rough militia's. Made up of volunteers and
civilian
defense groups. These are some of the most poorly equipped and
trained
groups in the world. In many cases their weapons and technology
are
considered relics by the civilized world. One of the most
pitiful 
of
these militia's are found in Burkina Faso, which is a prime example of
the state of these groups. For the most part these groups exist
only
for mutual protection against foreign enemies and out of control
bandits.
These countries have nothing left to protect except their lives, and
nothing
but their lives to protect them with.
(Written by Deric "D" Bernier.)