MISSION
To defend Botswana’s Territorial Integrity, Sovereignty and National Interests.
VISION
To be a Professional, Prompt and Decisive Force.
VALUES
Botswana’s value system is based on the bedrock of Botho. It is the overarching principle under which all BDF values are derived. It is the basis of the core values of honour and respect. It characterises a well-mannered, courteous and disciplined Defence Force. An individual who possesses this quality realises his or her full potential both as an individual and as part of the unit to which he or she belongs. BDF values are enforced by Defence Force Regulations, Code of Military Discipline and Code of Professional Conduct and by Military Customs and traditions.
Botho as a national principle, refers to a composite of manners that are considered desirable in Botswana societies including courteousness, politeness and humaneness.
Courage is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain and adversity without fear. Physical and morale courage, are a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety.
Loyalty is bearing true faith to the Botswana constitution, the defence force, your unit and other members. A loyal member is the one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow members. By wearing the uniform of BDF you are expressing your loyalty.
Duty is a legal or moral obligation to do, what should be done without being told to do it. Duty means accomplishing all assigned tasks to the fullest of your ability.
Integrity means being honest and upright, avoiding deception, and living the values you suggest for your subordinates. Integrity demands that you act according to the other values of the BDF value system.
Espirit de Corps is the ability to work together with others in harmony and to work with and support others as part of a team both within and across functions and understand the need to work responsibly.
Discipline is a systematic and orderly manner in which members of BDF both uniformed and non-uniformed conduct their affairs to the fulfillment of the organizational goals and objectives.
- Defence Headquarters – Provides authority over and administration of the forces.
- Ground Forces Command – Carries out ground operations.
- Air Arm Command – Protects air-space and carry airborne operations.
- Defence Logistics Command – Provides logistical support to all other units.
The key functions of the Botswana Defence Force are to defend the country and provide for the security of Botswana through:
- Ensuring national security and stability.
- Protecting the people and their properties.
- Protecting the constitution of Botswana to guarantee the rule of law.
- Defending Botswana's territorial integrity on land and in the air.
- Preserving Botswana as a free, independent and sovereign state.
- Aiding civil authorities in domestic support operations.
- Strengthening Botswana's international relations by participating in regional and international security cooperative activities.
