Small but mighty: Meet the 40-strong Falklands army

The Falkland Islands are the UK's most remote overseas territory, being more than 8,000 miles away from Britain.

The isolated nature of the islands means that the troops stationed there must be almost self-sufficient.

The job of protecting 2,887 islanders, 700,000 sheep and more than a million penguins falls onto the Falkland Islands Defence Force (FIDF).

#forcesnews #falklandislands

[Stickboy]

We Chileans will never forget what the UK did for us during our territorial disputes with Argentina, you gained all of our support and I think that was clear in 1982. We won't support any reclamations claiming the Falklands as Argentinian territory. Also, if the UK need logistics and a port I'm pretty sure you'll be able to resupply here. 🇬🇧🇨🇱

[josephryan]

When I first saw the 40 total personnel count, I couldn't believe it was that small. Then I looked up the Falklands population - 2, 840 as of 2012, which translates to 1.4% of the population currently serving in the military there.

By way of comparison, the total authorized strength for the U.S. military, both active and reserve, is 2, 158, 000. The U.S. population in 2020 was 329.5 million. This translates to 0.65% of the U.S. population serving in the military, less than half of that for the Falklands, percentage-wise.

[ArtBriton]

I am a Briton and proud. I will defend my brothers and sisters, wherever they are. Everyone underestimates the British spirit, they always rant about their dislike, but they always learn why we ruled the waves and conquered the world

[richbattaglia]

That firsthand terrain experience is outstanding.
I like the sustainability as well.

[DesMen-iz]

The landscape just looks so similar to Scotland and Wales, and the people speak with a distinct British accent. People from the rural areas of UK would probably find Falklands quite like home.

[quiverdog]

Major Mcphee seems to have a Norfolk or Suffolk accent

[jariusaliffwan]

The main defence force is the 700, 000 sheep. Imagine what all those sheep could do if the island needs to be defended.

[tba]

There's always a sub on patrol around the the Islands

[TechnicianoneFazeFM-mt]

I think it should be mandatory for all 18 year olds to do 1 year of military training with the fidf so that in the event of another invasion the Falklands would have closer 1000 armed defenders with military trading who know how to shoot

[bremnersghost]

Kind of surprised that the Falkland Islands Schools aren't all Cadet Units, So that every Islander knows how to Fight and 1st Aid. Before they're old enough to Join up.

[pp-bbjj]

40 soldiers are not mighty how ever strong they are.

[ohhellno]

Fair play to them but there is a battalion, navy ships and air force on Falklands since the war so no chance Argentina can invade again

[jnairac]

Good brick training and also preset terrain benefits to use.

Will be back if.needed Kelpers

[maximillanmoseskawotjo]

Is not a might force with the only power you can have is play nuke but not conventional war or just missle shooting but cant sustain heavy casualty because you have an army of just 120k, and how trqined ia those 40 doesnt matter number and onc3 when ghey are hit by bullet theya re almost immobilised and help doesnt come in just 10 min , uk should increase defend budget and increase the army to 650k and 150k royal marine and put 500 soldier and 500 royal marine at least

[anthrax_]

I understand they had prescence in case of an invasión but Brave and mighty for what? They are part of a strong country, that island the only countries near of it doesnt have that military power and otherwise their economy goes down in case to do it whitout mention probably nuked or tacking territory for do it

[Moseley]

Are earrings a thing now? Not being catty just wasn’t in my day…

[natureofparadise]

How about a single bomb sunk British guided missile frigate.

[splatoonistproductions]

Yknow, if we had something like this in the uk, we could probably send more soldiers abroad if ever there was a big war again. I mean we’re not super small but not large either, it’d be pretty decent, say a few hundred of these per county in the uk, that’d be a few thousand at least to help back up whatever is left in the country.

tho we wouldn’t need this if the gov would actually work on this faster, I mean the fleet is expanding but it takes time that’s fair, airforce somewhat as well tho they could prolly get 10 frames in service every couple months per factory, but soldiers a few thousand per training complex in a few months w potentially the Arms to go with them being made in the meantime is great.

[adamkawache]

ARGENTINIAN ISLANDS UNDER OCCUPATION .

[edsalva]

Boring place nothing to do. No internet. One fight a week ja ja ja a lot of tusrism!!!.ja ja ja. Old Landrovers ja ja ja. Old people with a narror mind isolated from the world.