World Army: Army of the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is comparatively small, with little than 80 1000 km² and 10.5 million people, a country which, although lying in Central and east Europe, does not belong to the east flank of NATO and enjoys a comparatively safe neighbourhood. The loose approach to defence and the view of allies can be seen from the size and structure of the Czech armed forces, which have been based on the professional army since 2005. At present, about 25 000 people are serving there, of which 13 000 in land troops and little than 6 000 in air force and 6 000 in independent peculiar units, maneuvers and support.