The armed Forces comprise the Land, Sea and Air Forces and the Technical Services.

The Haitian Armed Forces are set up to ensure the security and integrity of the territory of the Republic.

The Armed Forces are in practice commanded by a general officer bearing the Title COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE HAITIAN ARMED FORCES.

The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, pursuant to the Constitution, is chosen from among the general officers on active service.

His term is set at three (3) years and is renewable.

The Armed Forces are apolitical. Their members may not be part of any political group or party, and they must observe the strictest neutrality.

Members of the Armed Forces exercise their right to vote, under the Constitution.

The duties of the Armed Forces are:

a. Defend the country in the event of war;

b. Protect the country against threats from abroad;

c. See to surveillance of the land, sea and air boundaries;

d. At the well-founded request of the Executive, they may land assistance to the police when the latter are unable to handle a situation;

e. Assist the Nation in the event of a natural disaster;

f. In addition to their regular duties, the Armed Forces may be assigned to development work.

Military personnel on active duty may not be appointed to any Government post, except temporarily to perform a specialized service.

To be a candidate for an elective post, all military personnel on active duty must be laced on inactive service or on entirement one (1) year before publication of the electoral decree.

The military career is a profession. Its ranking, terms of enlistment, ranks, promotions, discharges, and retirement are determined by the regulations of the Haitian Armed Forces.

Military personnel are under the jurisdiction of a military court only for offenses and crimes committed in wartime or for violations of military discipline.

They may not be discharged, placed on inactive service, placed on half pay, or retired early except with their consent. If such consent is not given, the party concerned may lodge an appeal with the court of competent jurisdiction.

Military personnel retain for life the last rank obtained in the Haitian Armed Forces. They may be deprived of their rank only by a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The State must award benefits to military personnel of all ranks, fully guaranteeing their physical security.

Within the framework of compulsory civilian national services for both sexes, provided for by article 52-3 of the Constitution, the Armed Forces participate in organizing and supervising that service.

Military service is compulsory for all Haitians who have attained eighteen (18) years of age.

The law sets the method of recruitment, and the length and regulations for the performance of these services.

Every citizen has the right to armed self defense, within the bounds of this domicile, but has no right to bear arms without express well-founded authorization from the Chief of Police.

Possession of a firearm must be reported to the police.

The Armed Forces have a monopoly on the manufacture, import, export, use and possession of weapon of war and their munitions, as well as war material.