Gambia Armed Forces defence and security in The Gambia was the responsibility of the Field Force. The Field Force was a paramilitary unit of the police, consisting of roughly 140 men at independence and rising to around 500 in 1980. It has been formed in 1958 following the disbandment of the Gambia Regiment, part of the British Army. There was little concern about security in The Gambia due to its small size and the safety provided by being totally surrounded by Senegal, with which it had signed a mutual defence pact in 1965. This lax attitude to defence changed following the 1981 coup
Cabinet of the Gambia of The Gambia, a person cannot serve as a Minister in the Cabinet of The Gambia if they are a member of the National Assembly or hold the citizenship of any other country. In addition, the Attorney General must have been a member of the Gambian bar for at least five years prior to their appointment. Cabinet ministers are appointed directly by the President of The Gambia and must swear an oath before assuming the functions of their office. The office of a cabinet minister becomes vacant following the assumption of office by a new President, by the revoking of