Enhancing human resource capability in the Tanzania Peoples Defense Force (TPDF)

Abstract

The Tanzania Peoples Defense Force (TPDF) was established as a people's army entrusted with the traditional roles and missions of defending the United Republic of Tanzania against external enemies. The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union changed the strategic environment. Refugees from conflict torn areas, poaching, small arms proliferation, political fundamentalism, drug trafficking, transnational terrorism, and environmental degradation threaten internal security. At regional level, the Tanzania Peoples Defense Force with the militaries of other countries has been deployed in conflict areas through regional bodies such as the East African Community (EAC) and South African Development Community (SADC) on issues of collective defense and security. Technological developments also call for a military with the capability to operate modern weaponry systems and to operate in a complex environment. This thesis argues that innovative thinking has to be developed to enable the TPDF to meet conventional and unconventional military demands through the development of its human resources.