Botswana Defence Force

Last modified: 2012-10-05 by bruce berry
Keywords: botswana | bdf |
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• Botswana Defence Force flag
• Botswana Police Force flag
• Botswana Prison Service flag
   

See also:

• Botswana
• Botswana Airforce
• Botswana Police Service flag
• Botswana Prison Service flag

Botswana Defence Force (BDF) flag

The symbolism of the BDF flag is as follows (http://www.gov.bw/en/PrintingVersion/?printid=1554):

• The upper green band represents the traditional military green uniform;
• The lower green band represents the bush environment that soldiers are expected to operate in;
• The red band represents the blood of members of the BDF that have been and will be shed and sacrificed in the defence of the nation;
• The two white stripes represent peace. The significance of them being on either side of the red band is to indicate the effort of the BDF that will be channelised in containing and preventing bloodshed through deterrence;
• The width and direction of all colour bands and stripes is a duplication of the Botswana National Flag;
• The coat of arms of the BDF occupies a place in the centre of the flag.  The inner circle with the letters BDF represents the entire nation, the people, infrastructure, and the country. The lettering BDF represents the organisation’s commitment to defend the nation;
• The outer ring with the motto “Thebe ya Sechaba” represents the shield that the BDF casts around the nation for its protection;
• The crossed swords represent all types of weapons used to defend the nation; and
• The national coat of arms that sits on the top of the outer ring represents the authority of the Constitution and the Government over the functions of the BDF.  

Jens Pattke, 17 May 2012