The Netherlands' military missions

Dutch military personnel are sent to (former) conflict areas in order to keep the peace and contribute to the reconstruction process of the country in question. They also separate belligerent parties and protect civilians and commercial companies against attack by pirates. 

Currently, Dutch military personnel are taking part in missions in, among other places, Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, the Middle East, Somalia, Kosovo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya and Darfur. This usually takes place in an international context, often under the externe link: UN flag.

Comprehensive approach

In view of the fact that conflicts can never be solved by military means alone, the Netherlands endeavours to adopt a comprehensive approach to missions in (post-) conflict areas. In order to achieve a lasting peace in complex areas, it is necessary to tackle the underlying causes of conflict. The long-term views of diplomacy and development are essential additions to the military approach.
This conflict-sensitive approach is aided by a collective planning process, in which coordination of objectives on the basis of the 'do no harm’ principle is highly important. Cooperation between diplomats and military personnel is therefore one of the subjects crucial to Dutch deployments.

Dutch military personnel

The men and women deployed on missions by the Netherlands are military professionals and, sometimes, reservists. Conscription has been suspended in the Netherlands and, in practical terms, there are sufficient numbers of professional military personnel available, making the call-up of conscripts unnecessary. The Netherlands Defence organisation focuses extra attention on the preparation of servicemen and women prior to deployments, on the home front of deployed personnel and on military veterans.

Responsible ministry