The armed forces have three branches: Navy, Army and Air Force. They serve primarily as a self-defense force whose mission is to protect the territorial integrity of the country and provide humanitarian assistance and security at home and abroad. As of 2008, the three branches numbered 39,200 active personnel including 7,500 women. Portuguese military expenditure in 2009 was $5.2 billion, representing 2.1 percent of GDP. Military conscription was abolished in 2004. The minimum age for voluntary recruitment is 18 years. COUNT 5
QSN1 How many branches make up the Portuguese armed forces? ANS1 three QSN2 What are the branches of the Portuguese armed forces? ANS2 Navy, Army and Air Force QSN3 What is the primary purpose of the Portuguese armed forces? ANS3 primarily as a self-defense force whose mission is to protect the territorial integrity of the country and provide humanitarian assistance and security QSN4 How many women were in the Portuguese armed forces in 2008? ANS4 7,500 QSN5 How much money was spent on the Portuguese armed forced in 2009? ANS5 $5.2 billion, representing 2.1 percent of GDP