Haiti takes first steps towards rebuilding its army Haiti has welcomed its first 41 military recruits after they returned from training in Ecuador, as it slowly rebuilds its army which was abolished in 1995. They include 30 soldiers, ten engineers and one officer who will initially be employed on repairing roads and on other public service projects. Haiti's government abolished the military under President Jean-Bertrand Aristide after years of military coups and human rights abuses. More about: Haiti, Haitian politics, Military