Royal Netherlands Army#Services

File:Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt - Maurits prins van Oranje-edit 1.jpg as portrayed by Michiel van Mierevelt, between {{circa}} 1613–1620.]]

The Royal Netherlands Army was raised on 9 January 1814, but its origins date back to the founding of the {{lang|nl|Staatse Leger}} (the Army of the Dutch States) in 1572: the creation of one of the first modern standing armies. Under the command of famous commanders such as Maurice of Orange and William Louis of Nassau-Dillenburg, the army developed widely.{{cite book |last1=Zwitzer |first1=H.L. |title='De militie van den staat': Het leger van de republiek der verenigde Nederlanden |date=1991 |publisher=Uitgeverij de Bataafsche Leeuw |isbn=9789068810202}}{{cite journal |last1=Kamphuis |first1=P.H. |last2=Schoenmaker |first2=B. |title=200 jaar Koninklijke Landmacht: Van blooded tot blooded |journal=Militaire Spectator |date=2014 |volume=183 |issue=4 |url=https://www.militairespectator.nl/sites/default/files/uitgaven/inhoudsopgave/MS%204-2014%20Schoenmaker%20200%20jaar%20KL.pdf |access-date=6 May 2020}}{{cite book |last1=van Nimwegen |first1=Olaf |title=The Dutch Army and the Military Revolutions, 1588–1688 |date=October 2010 |publisher=Boydell & Brewer |location=London, United Kingdom |isbn=9781843835752}}{{cite journal |last1=Deen |first1=Femke |title=De professionalisering van het leger tijdens de Tachtigjarige Oorlog: 'De discipline was zo strikt als in een klooster' |journal=Historisch Nieuwsblad |date=January 2006 |url=https://www.historischnieuwsblad.nl/de-professionalisering-van-het-leger-tijdens-de-tachtigjarige-oorlog/ |access-date=6 May 2020}}

The Dutch States Army of the Dutch Republic saw action in the Eighty Years' War, the Dano-Swedish War, the Franco-Dutch War, the Nine Years' War, the War of Spanish Succession, the War of Austrian Succession, as well as the French Revolutionary Wars.

With the French conquest of the Netherlands, the {{lang|nl|Staatse Leger}} was replaced by the army of the Batavian Republic in 1795, which in turn was replaced by the army of the Kingdom of Holland in 1806. This army fought beside the French, to repel the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland in 1799 and to wage several campaigns in Germany, Austria, and Spain between 1800 and 1810; particularly notable were the engagements of the Horse Artillery (Korps Rijdende Artillerie) at the Battle of Friedland in 1807, the capture of the city of Stralsund in 1807 and 1809, and the participation of the Dutch brigade in the Peninsular War between 1808 and 1810.{{cite book |last1=Jacops |first1=Wiel |title='Eene onvermijdelijke noodzakelijkheid': 225 jaar rijdende artillerie 1793–2018 |date=2018 |publisher=Nederlands Instituut voor Militaire Historie |location='s-Gravenhage |isbn=9789071957475}} The independent army was disbanded in 1810, when Napoleon decided to integrate the Netherlands into France ("{{lang|fr|La Hollande est reunie à l'Empire}}"): Dutch military units became part of the {{lang|fr|Grande Armée}} (the present-day French 126th Infantry Regiment has Dutch origins).{{cite book |last1=van der Spek |first1=Christiaan |title=Sous les armes: Het Hollandse leger in de Franse tijd (1806–1814) |date=2016 |publisher=Boom uitgevers |location=Amsterdam |isbn=9789058756985}} Dutch military elements participated in the disastrous French invasion of Russia in 1812, and the actions of the Pontonniers company under Captain Benthien at the Berezina River (Battle of Berezina) are especially noteworthy. New research points out that, contrary to long-held belief, around half of the Dutch contingent of the Grande Armée survived the Russian Campaign.{{cite journal|url=https://www.academia.edu/6264505|title=The Dutch Experience and Memory of the Campaign of 1812: a Final Feat of Arms of the Dutch Imperial Contingent, or: the Resurrection of an Independent Dutch Armed Forces?|first=Mark Edward |last=Hay|journal=Napoleonic Scholarship Journal|date=December 2013|access-date=1 October 2017}}

File:Quatre Bras - Jan Willem Pieneman.jpg by Jan Willem Pieneman, 1818. The future William II at the Battle of Quatre Bras.]]

In 1814, a year after the return of William I of the Netherlands to Scheveningen and the Orangist uprising against Napoleonic rule, an independent Dutch army was reformed by the new Kingdom of the United Netherlands. Several militias of the Dutch States Army were integrated into this newly formed Netherlands Mobile Army, and it became an integral part of the allied army during the Hundred Days campaign that culminated in the Battle of Waterloo.{{cite journal |last1=Snapper |first1=F. |title=De legervorming in Nederland tussen 1813 en 1940 |journal=Militaire Spectator |date=1972 |volume=01 |url=https://www.militairespectator.nl/sites/default/files/bestanden/uitgaven/1918/1972/1972-0411-01-0148.PDF |access-date=17 May 2020}} Units such as Baron Chassé's were essential to securing victory for the allied army. The army was involved in various conflicts since 1814, including the Waterloo campaign (1815) and different colonial wars (1825–1925).{{cite web |title=Geschiedenis landmacht |url=https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/landmacht/geschiedenis |website=www.defensie.nl |date=16 September 2019 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=17 May 2020}}

During the Belgian Revolution, from 1830 to 1832, the army was deployed to restore order in the southern provinces. After initial Dutch military success and widespread Belgian defeat during battles of the Ten Days' Campaign, the Belgian rebels appealed to France for military support. The severely outnumbered Dutch troops were forced to retreat when the French agreed to send reinforcements.{{cite book |last1=Nater |first1=J.P. |title=De tiendaagse veldtocht: de Belgische opstand 1830/1831 |date=1980 |publisher=Fibula-Van Dishoeck |location=Haarlem |isbn=9022838684}}

File:Mobilisatie 1939 Dutch soldiers on guard.jpg during the mobilisiation of the army in 1939.]]

The Netherlands continued the policy of neutrality during World War I. This stance arose partly from a strict policy of neutrality in international affairs that started in 1830 with the secession of Belgium. Dutch neutrality was not guaranteed by the major powers in Europe however, nor was it a part of the Dutch constitution. The country's neutrality was based on the belief that its strategic position between the German Empire, German-occupied Belgium, and the British guaranteed its safety. The Dutch military strategy was aimed exclusively at defence and rested to a large extent on the Dutch Water Line, a defensive ring of rivers and lowland surrounding the core Dutch region of Holland, that could be inundated.{{cite web |title=1914–1940: Nederland neutraal |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/tijdlijn-militaire-geschiedenis/1914-1940-nederland-neutraal |date=7 June 2017 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=17 May 2020}}

At the beginning of the Second World War, the I Corps was the force strategic reserve and was located in the Vesting Holland, around The Hague, Leiden, Haarlem and in the Westland.{{cite book |last1=Amersfoort |first1=Herman |last2=Kamphuis |first2=Piet |title=Mei 1940: De strijd op Nederlands grondgebied |date=2012 |publisher=Boom |location=Amsterdam |isbn=9789461057020}} The German invasion posed a complete surprise for the army command and shocked the Dutch population. While the Royal Netherlands Army initially managed to slow down the German advance and fought back in intense battles, such as the Battle for The Hague, the Battle of Rotterdam and the Battle of the Afsluitdijk, the devastating German bombing of Rotterdam and the threat of bombing the city of Utrecht forced the Dutch supreme command to capitulate.{{cite book |last1=de Jong |first1=Loe |title=Het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden in de Tweede Wereldoorlog: 1939–1945 |date=1970 |publisher=Rijksinstituut voor Oorlogsdocumentatie |location='s-Gravenhage |edition=Deel 3: Mei '40}}

The Royal Netherlands army was disbanded during the German occupation, however army personnel continued the battle against the German occupiers during the war. Army resistance began to rise again with the formation of the Princess Irene Brigade and No. 2 (Dutch) Troop (predecessor to the Korps Commandotroepen) as part of the Free Dutch Forces in exile, and with army personnel active in the Dutch resistance.{{cite web |title=Oprichting |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/historische-canons/historische-canon-garderegiment-fuseliers-prinses-irene/het-regiment-paraat/oprichting |website=www.defensie.nl |date=December 2017 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=17 May 2020}}{{cite web |title=No.2 (Dutch) Troop |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/historische-canons/historische-canon-korps-commando-troepen/het-korps-paraat/no.2-dutch-troop |website=www.defensie.nl |date=December 2017 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=17 May 2020}} In the East, the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army was defeated by the Japanese in 1942; few elements managed to escape. Today's army grew out of the wartime force, starting with the liberation of parts of the Netherlands in 1944; the Dutch had plans to contribute a 200,000 strong army to the defeat of Germany and Japan.{{cite book |last1=Isby |first1=D. C. |last2=Kamps |first2=C. T. Jr. |title=Armies of NATO's Central Front |year=1985 |publisher=Jane's |location=London |isbn=978-0-7106-0341-8 |page=317}}

File:Drie_Nederlandse_militairen_tijdens_een_actie._De_brenschutter_richt_zijn_wapen_,_Bestanddeelnr_5561.jpg in 1948, the Bren-gunner adjusts his sights.]]

Between 1945 and 1949, the Royal Netherlands Army, which originally used mainly war volunteers but later was heavily dependent on conscripts, was deployed to the Dutch East Indies during the Indonesian War of Independence. To restore Dutch authority in the Dutch East Indies, the expeditionary land force First Division "7 December" was established in 1946.{{cite web |title=1945–1949: Van Nederlands-Indië naar Indonesië |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/tijdlijn-militaire-geschiedenis/1945-1949-van-nederlands-indie-naar-indonesie |website=www.defensie.nl |date=7 June 2017 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=17 May 2020}} Approximately 25,000 volunteers and 95,000 conscripts were deployed to the East during the conflict, 4,751 servicemen were killed.{{cite news |last1=Harinck |first1=Christiaan |title=Wie telt de Indonesische doden? |url=https://www.groene.nl/artikel/wie-telt-de-indonesische-doden |access-date=17 May 2020 |work=De Groene Amsterdammer |date=26 July 2017}}

File:Training militairen die in Unifil verband naar Libanon gaan, Bestanddeelnr 253-8082.jpg

During the Korean War, 4,748 members of the army, the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Netherlands Marine Corps formed the {{lang|nl|Nederlands Detachement Verenigde Naties}} and were dispatched to East Asia to fight against the troops of the People's Republic of China and North Korea. 122 soldiers were killed in action, 3 soldiers went missing in action.{{cite book |last1=Klep |first1=Christ |last2=van Gils |first2=Richard |title=Van Korea tot Kabul: De Nederlandse militaire deelname aan vredesoperaties sinds 1945 |date=2005 |publisher=Sdu Uitgevers |location='s-Gravenhage |isbn=9012109159}}

File:Mechanisatie infanterie-523766.ogv in 1963, after which light tanks of the type AMX-13 and AMX-VCI tracked vehicles move by in a procession.]]

The I (Netherlands) Corps stood watch alongside its NATO allies in Germany during the Cold War. The corps consisted of three divisions during the 1980s, the 1st, 4th, and 5th (reserve) divisions.Structural details in 1985 can be seen at http://www.orbat85.nl/, accessed April 2012. It was part of the NATO Northern Army Group. The corps's war assignment, as formulated by Commander, Northern Army Group (COMNORTHAG), would be to:a-d quoted from Felius, Einde oefening. Infanterist tijdens de Koude Oorlog (Arnhem: Uitgeverij Quintijn, 2002), 305, via Hans Boersma, [http://www.orbat85.nl/order-of-battle/royal-army/1-nl-corps/1-lk.html I (NL) Corps], accessed 4 April 2012

• Assume responsibility for its corps sector and relieve 1st German Corps forces as soon as possible.
• Fight the covering force battle in accordance with COMNORTHAG's concept of operations.
• In the main defensive battle: (1) hold and destroy the forces of the enemy's leading armies conventionally as far east as possible, maintaining cohesion with 1 (GE) Corps; (2) in the event of a major penetration affecting 1 (NL) Corps sector, be prepared to hold the area between the roads A7 and B3 and to conduct a counterattack according to COMNORTHAG's concept of operations.
• Maintain cohesion with LANDJUT and secure NORTHAG's left flank in the Forward Combat Zone.

Dutch army troops have deployed to Lebanon as part of an international protection force since 1979 War in Lebanon, 1979–1985 UNIFIL. Of the 9,084 soldiers who served in Lebanon, 9 soldiers were killed in action.{{cite web |title=United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/historische-missies/downloads/brochures/2010/05/25/united-nations-interim-force-in-lebanon-unifil |website=www.defensie.nl |date=25 May 2010 |publisher=Nederlands Instituut voor Militaire Historie |access-date=5 May 2020}}

At the height of the Cold War the Dutch army had almost 1,000 tanks in service.{{cite web |author=Thomas Newdick |date=5 September 2024 |title=Dutch Decide To Bring Back Main Battle Tanks |url=https://www.twz.com/land/dutch-decide-to-bring-back-main-battle-tanks |website=The Warzone}}

File:Leopard 2 tank in Dutch service.jpg main battle tank on the beach of Scheveningen, 2008.]]

The Fall of the Iron Curtain and the ensuing end of the Cold War has had a significant impact on the Dutch armed forces as a whole, but on the army in particular. Mandatory conscription was suspended and surplus equipment deemed unnecessary was sold. An airmobile brigade was formed and co-operation with allied countries, Germany in particular, was intensified. The I (NL) Corps was reduced to the First Division "7 December" in 1995, which became part of the newly established I. German/Dutch Corps, and consequently the division headquarters itself was disbanded.{{cite book |last1=ten Cate |first1=Arthur |title=De laatste divisie: de geschiedenis van 1 Divisie '7 December' na de val van de Muur 1989–2004 |date=2004 |publisher=Sdu |location='s-Gravenhage |isbn=9012106699}} In addition, the army increasingly concentrated on peace-keeping and peace-enforcing operations and has been involved in several operations in the former Yugoslavia (1991–present), but also in Cambodia (1992–1994), Haiti (1995–1996), Cyprus (1998–1999), Eritrea and Ethiopia (2001), and most recent in Iraq (2003–2005), Afghanistan (2002–present), Chad (2008–2009) and Mali (2014–2019).

As mentioned, peace dividend was collected throughout the 1990s, 2000s and early 2010s resulting in a dramatic downsizing in both budget and size. Of a total of 445 Leopard 2 MBTs originally purchased, 114 tanks and 1 turret were sold to Austria, 100 to Canada, 57 to Norway, 1 driver training tank and 10 turrets to Germany and 38 to Portugal (1 driver training tank).{{cite news |last1=Seegers |first1=Jules |title=Leopard-tanks toch verkocht, Defensie vindt in Finland alsnog koper |url=https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/12/19/leopard-tanks-toch-verkocht-defensie-vindt-in-finland-alsnog-koper-a1428711 |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=NRC Handelsblad |date=19 December 2013}}{{cite news |title=Verjaard materieel Defensie blijkt onverkoopbaar |url=https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/verjaard-materieel-defensie-blijkt-onverkoopbaar~b9a65b2e/ |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=De Volkskrant |date=23 October 1998}} On 8 April 2011, the Dutch Ministry of Defense dissolved the last tank unit and sold the remaining Leopard tanks due another series of large budget cuts while also dismissing 6,000 servicemen and women.{{cite web |url=http://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2011/04/08/46180709/Defensie_hard_getroffen_door_bezuinigingen_video |title=Defensie hard getroffen door bezuinigingen (Video) | Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=26 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807071458/http://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2011/04/08/46180709/Defensie_hard_getroffen_door_bezuinigingen_video |archive-date=7 August 2011 }} On 18 May 2011, the last Leopard 2 fired the final shot at the Bergen-Hohne Training Area.[http://www.dvhn.nl/nieuws/drenthe/article6727686.ece/Laatste-schot-uit-Leopardtank dvhn.nl] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928093526/http://www.dvhn.nl/nieuws/drenthe/article6727686.ece/Laatste-schot-uit-Leopardtank |date=28 September 2011 }} {{in lang|nl}} In 2014, the Dutch defence budget hit a new low, 7.4 billion euros (1.09% of GDP), resulting in the combat readiness of both personnel and equipment being subpar.{{cite news |last1=Niewold |first1=Michaël |title=Zo slecht is ons legermaterieel |url=https://www.rtlz.nl/algemeen/economie/artikel/538106/zo-slecht-ons-legermaterieel |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=RTL Z |date=28 May 2015}}{{cite web |title=Defensie-uitgaven verder afgenomen |url=https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/nieuws/2015/37/defensie-uitgaven-verder-afgenomen |website=www.cbs.nl |publisher=Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek |access-date=5 May 2020 |date=11 September 2015}} The negative trend was broken from 2015 onwards due to a perceived shifting international security situation. The attitude towards defence changed, mainly caused by increasing tensions with Russia (caused by the downing of the MH17 flight and the annexation of Crimea) and the rise of the Islamic State, resulting in the defence budget seeing an increase of over 50 percent between 2014 and 2020, amounting to 11.04 billion euros (1.35% of GDP) in 2020.{{cite journal |last1=Walenkamp |first1=Keetje |title=Een strijd om de defensiebegroting |journal=Militaire Spectator |date=23 January 2017 |url=https://www.militairespectator.nl/thema/artikel/een-strijd-om-de-defensiebegroting |access-date=5 May 2020}} In September 2024 it was announced that the Netherlands will acquire new tanks.{{cite web |url=https://www.trouw.nl/binnenland/de-tanks-die-nederland-wil-kopen-zijn-de-sterkste-beesten-op-het-slagveld~b6e1c646/ |title= De tanks die Nederland wil kopen, zijn ‘de sterkste beesten op het slagveld’ |author= Emiel Hakkenes |date=5 September 2024|website= Trouw |language=Dutch}}{{cite web |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/netherlands-officially-confirms-spectacular-strengthening-of-its-armed-forces |title= Netherlands Officially Confirms Spectacular Strengthening of Its Armed Forces. |author= |date=5 September 2024|website= Army Recognition }}{{cite web |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2535701-nederland-krijgt-na-13-jaar-weer-eigen-tanks |title= Nederland krijgt na 13 jaar weer eigen tanks |author= |date=3 September 2024|website= NOS |language=Dutch}}

Dutch army personnel was deployed to Bosnia between 1994 and 1995 to, as part of the UN peace force UNPROFOR, to restrain the escalating ethnic violence of the Bosnian War.{{cite web |title=United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) en de United Nations Peace Forces (UNPF) |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/historische-missies/downloads/brochures/2010/04/15/unprofor-en-unpf |website=www.defensie.nl |date=15 April 2010 |publisher=Nederlands Instituur voor Militaire historie |access-date=5 May 2020}} Three infantry battalion (known as Dutchbats) of the, at the time, recently established 11 Air Assault Brigade were sequentially deployed to guard the United Nations Safe Areas of any possible threats. This mission became infamous following the Siege of Srebrenica and the ensuing Srebrenica massacre.{{cite book |last1=Karremans |first1=Thom |title=Srebrenica Who Cares?: Een puzzel van de werkelijkheid |date=December 1998 |publisher=Arko Sports Media |isbn=9789072047540}} Bosnian Serb troops under the command of general Ratko Mladic, sentenced to life imprisonment on accounts of participating in genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in 2017,{{cite news |last1=Bowcott |first1=Owen |last2=Borger |first2=Julian |title=Ratko Mladić convicted of war crimes and genocide at UN tribunal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/22/ratko-mladic-convicted-of-genocide-and-war-crimes-at-un-tribunal |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=22 November 2017}} invaded the enclave of Srebrenica and subsequently deported and massacred a large share of the present Bosniak men and boys.{{cite web |title=Srebrenica – Reconstruction, background, consequences and analyses of the fall of a 'safe' area |url=http://publications.niod.knaw.nl/publications/srebrenicareportniod_en.pdf |publisher=NIOD Institute for War-, Holocaust- and Genocide Studies |access-date=5 May 2020 |date=2002}}

A contingent of 1,345 troops (comprising Army and Dutch Marines, supported by Royal Netherlands Air Force helicopters) was deployed to Iraq in 2003, based at Camp Smitty near As Samawah (Southern Iraq) with responsibility for the Muthanna Province, as part of the Multinational force in Iraq.{{cite web |title=Nederlands aandeel inzet Irak |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/historische-missies/missie-overzicht/2003/inzet-in-irak/nederlands-aandeel |website=www.defensie.nl |date=21 August 2018 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=5 May 2020}} On 1 June 2004, the Dutch government renewed their stay through 2005. The Netherlands pulled its troops out of Iraq in March 2005, leaving half a dozen liaison officers until late 2005.{{cite news |title=Nederlandse missie in Irak officieel geëindigd |url=https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/nederlandse-missie-in-irak-officieel-geeindigd~b33a6053/ |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=De Volkskrant |agency=ANP |date=7 March 2005}} The Netherlands lost two soldiers in separate attacks.{{cite web |title=Inzet in Irak |url=https://www.defensie.nl/binaries/defensie/documenten/brochures/2009/05/01/inzet-in-irak/inzet-in-irak.pdf |website=www.defensie.nl |publisher=Nederlands Instituut voor Militaire Historie |access-date=5 May 2020}}

From 2015 until the spring of 2018, Dutch special operations forces (KCT and NLMARSOF) deployed advice and assist (A&A) teams to northern Iraq in co-operation with the Belgian Special Forces Group.{{cite news |title=Nederland wil samen met België IS bekampen achter front in Irak |url=https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20160909_02461193/nederland-wil-samen-met-belgie-isis-bekampen-achter-front-in-irak |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=Gazet van Antwerpen |date=9 September 2016}} During this deployment, they provided support to Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi Army forces before, during and after operations in the battle against ISIL, as part of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.{{cite news |last1=van Langendonck |first1=Gert |title=Instructeurs leren geharde peshmerga beter schieten |url=https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2017/07/17/instructeurs-leren-geharde-peshmerga-beter-schieten-12131526-a1567020 |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=NRC Handelsblad |date=17 July 2017}} The Netherlands currently deploy approximately 60 troops to Iraq.{{cite web |title=Militaire bijdrage Nederland in Irak |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/missie-in-irak-en-oost-syrie/militaire-bijdrage |website=www.defensie.nl |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=5 May 2020}}

Between 2001 and 2003, a reinforced army company was deployed to Afghanistan to provide support in maintaining public order, and providing security in and around the capital Kabul.{{cite news |title=De opbouw van ISAF in Afghanistan sinds 2001 |url=https://www.parool.nl/nieuws/de-opbouw-van-isaf-in-afghanistan-sinds-2001~b65e3883d/ |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=Het Parool |date=30 July 2010}} In addition, military assistance was provided to the Afghan National Army and to local security troops. The troops were deployed under the command of NATO's International Security Assistance Force mission.

File:Uruzgan 2009.jpg, Afghanistan in 2009.]]

Between 2006 and 2010, the Netherlands deployed personnel to southern Afghanistan. Together with the Australian armed forces, Dutch forces were assigned the province of Uruzgan as their area of operations. In mid-2006, Dutch special forces of the Korps Commandotroepen as part of the Deployment Task Force successfully deployed to Tarin Kowt to lay the ground for the increasing numbers of engineers who were due to build a base there.{{cite journal |last1=Dimitriu |first1=G.R. |last2=Tuinman |first2=G.P. |last3=van der Vorm |first3=M. |title=Operationele ontwikkeling van de Nederlandse Special Operations Forces, 2005–2010 |date=2012 |volume=108 |issue=3 |url=https://www.militairespectator.nl/sites/default/files/uitgaven/inhoudsopgave/MS%203-2012%20Van%20der%20Vorm%20Nederlandse%20Special%20Operations%20Forces.pdf |access-date=5 May 2020}} By August 2006 the Netherlands had deployed the majority of 1,400 troops to Uruzgan province in southern Afghanistan at Multi National Base Tarin Kot (Kamp Holland) in Tarin Kowt (1,200) and Kamp Hadrian in Deh Rahwod (200).{{cite web |title=Eindevaluatie Nederlandse bijdrage aan ISAF, 2006 – 2010 |url=https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/detail?id=2011Z18859&did=2011D46975 |website=www.tweedekamer.nl |publisher=Cabinet of the Netherlands |access-date=5 May 2020 |date=28 September 2011}}{{cite journal |last1=Derksen |first1=Sebastiaan |title=De Nederlandse missie in Uruzgan: 'COIN gekortwiekt?' |url=https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/bitstream/handle/1887/31900/EINDTHESIS%20DERKSEN%20S1073656.pdf?sequence=1 |access-date=5 May 2020 |publisher=Universiteit Leiden}} PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery pieces were deployed and used in combat for the first time. The Dutch forces operated under the command of the ISAF Task Force Uruzgan and were involved in some of the more intensive combat operations in southern Afghanistan, including Operation Medusa and the Battle of Chora.{{cite news |title=Nederlanders vochten mee in operatie Medusa |url=https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/nederlanders-vochten-mee-in-operatie-medusa~b7edf0e0/ |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=De Volkskrant |agency=ANP |date=15 September 2006}}{{cite journal |last1=Vrijsen |first1=Eric |title=Het gevecht om Chora |journal=Elsevier |date=5 January 2008 |volume=1 |url=https://cdn.prod.elseone.nl/uploads/2018/06/Chora.pdf |access-date=5 May 2020}} On 18 April 2008, the second day of his command, the son of the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army Lieutenant-general Peter van Uhm, Lieutenant Dennis van Uhm, was one of two servicemen killed by a road side explosion.{{cite news |title=Son of Top Dutch General Is Killed in Afghanistan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/19/world/asia/19afghanistan.html |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |date=19 April 2008}} As of 1 September 2008, the Netherlands had a total of 1,770 troops in Afghanistan excluding special forces troops.{{cite web |title=ISAF Key Fact and Figures Placemat |url=https://www.nato.int/isaf/placemats_archive/2008-09-01-ISAF-Placemat.pdf |website=www.nato.int |publisher=NATO |access-date=5 May 2020 |date=1 September 2008}} In total, 25 Dutch servicemen were killed in action during the deployment.{{cite web |title=Afghanistan |url=https://www.nlveteraneninstituut.nl/missie/afghanistan/ |website=www.nlveteraneninstituut.nl |publisher=Nederlands Veteraneninstituut (NLVi) |access-date=14 January 2022 |date=2 October 2014}} All Dutch troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan by August 2010.{{cite news |title=Einde missie Uruzgan: kleine ceremonie |url=https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/einde-missie-uruzgan-kleine-ceremonie~bd27a701/ |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=De Volkskrant |agency=ANP |date=30 July 2010}}

Since 2015, 160 Dutch troops from the Korps Commandotroepen (rotated with NLMARSOF) and multiple support elements are deployed to the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif as part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission.{{cite web |title=Nederlandse bijdrage Resolute Support |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/missie-in-afghanistan/resolute-support |website=www.defensie.nl |date=11 December 2018 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=5 May 2020}} Dutch troops co-operate with personnel of the German Kommando Spezialkräfte as part of the German-Dutch lead Special Operations Advisory Team (SOAT). The SOAT provides advice and assistance during operations to an Afghan police tactical unit, the Afghan Territorial Force-888 (ATF-888).{{cite journal |last1=Brasser |first1=Bianca |title=KCT mee met Afghanen: Shana ba shana |journal=Landmacht |date=7 May 2019 |volume=04 |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/landmacht/2019/04/04_kct_mee_met_afghanen_04-2019 |access-date=5 May 2020}} The SOAT has been granted authority to deploy in the entirety of Afghanistan.{{cite news |title=Nederlandse commando's in heel Afghanistan |url=https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/3645074/nederlandse-commando-s-in-heel-afghanistan |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=De Telegraaf |date=24 May 2019}}

File:Luchtmobiele brigade mali.jpg disembark a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a long-range reconnaissance patrol, north of Gao, Mali.]]

Special forces of the Korps Commandotroepen have been deployed to Mali since 2014 as part of the UN-mission MINUSMA.{{cite journal |last1=de Ridder |first1=Marlous |title=Commando's welkom in Gao: Special Forces nog nooit zo in de openbaarheid |journal=Landmacht |date=10 June 2014 |volume=05 |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/landmacht/2014/05/artikel-mali-repo |access-date=2 May 2020}} The primary task of the Dutch forces has been to gather intelligence concerning local Islamist groups and to protect the people of Mali against radical Islamist groups.{{cite journal |last1=Kuijl |first1=Wouter |title=De All-Sources Information Fusion Unit in Mali en de Dutch Approach |journal=Militaire Spectator |date=23 January 2019 |volume=188 |issue=1 |url=https://www.militairespectator.nl/thema/operaties/artikel/de-all-sources-information-fusion-unit-mali-en-de-dutch-approach |access-date=2 May 2020}} Since 2016, personnel of 11th Airmobile Brigade and 13th Light Brigade have been included in rotations. On 6 July 2016, two servicemen of 11 Airmobile Brigade were killed during a mortar firing exercise, a third serviceman was severely wounded.{{cite news |title=Militairen Luchtmobiele Brigade sluiten missie in Mali af |url=https://www.rtvdrenthe.nl/nieuws/146864/Militairen-Luchtmobiele-Brigade-sluiten-missie-in-Mali-af |access-date=2 May 2020 |work=RTV Drenthe |date=28 April 2019}} The incident lead to the resignation of the minister of Defence Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and Chief of Defence Tom Middendorp after a critical report by the Dutch Safety Board found that the safety-standards were subpar.{{cite news |title=Dutch minister resigns over deaths of Mali peacekeepers |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41498523 |access-date=2 May 2020 |work=BBC News |date=4 October 2017}}{{cite web |title=Mortierongeval Mali |url=https://www.onderzoeksraad.nl/nl/page/4401/mortierongeval-mali |publisher=Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid (Dutch Safety Board) |access-date=2 May 2020 |date=28 September 2017}} The Netherlands have ended their troop contribution to the peacekeeping mission in May 2019 to send troops to Afghanistan instead.{{cite news |last1=van 't Einde |first1=Tom |title=Missie in Mali voorbij, militairen terug naar Nederland |url=https://eenvandaag.avrotros.nl/item/missie-in-mali-voorbij-militairen-terug-naar-nederland/ |access-date=2 May 2020 |work=EenVandaag |publisher=AVROTROS |date=1 May 2019}}

The cabinet of the Netherlands announced in 2016 that the Netherlands would contribute troops to the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence mission in Lithuania{{cite news |title=200 Nederlandse militairen naar Litouwen |url=https://www.lc.nl/binnenland/200-Nederlandse-militairen-naar-Litouwen-21482191.html |access-date=2 May 2020 |work=Leeuwarder Courant |date=6 July 2016}} to protect and reassure countries on NATO's eastern flank—Baltic countries and Poland in particular—of their security following increased political tensions sparked by the Russo-Ukrainian War.{{cite news |last1=Akkerman |first1=Floris |title=De NAVO in Litouwen: "Wat zou Rusland toch moeten met ons?" |url=https://www.rd.nl/vandaag/buitenland/de-navo-in-litouwen-wat-zou-rusland-toch-moeten-met-ons-1.1537545 |access-date=2 May 2020 |work=Reformatorisch Dagblad |date=29 December 2018}} The Dutch contribution currently equates to approximately 270 troops, integrated into a multinatinational battle group that is headed by Germany.{{cite web |title=Oostflank NAVO-gebied: Wat doet Nederland? |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/oostflank-navo-gebied/wat-doet-nederland |website=www.defensie.nl |date=7 February 2020 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=2 May 2020}} Each rotation is composed of armoured infantry companies equipped with CV9035NL IFVs and Boxer AFVs, or artillery batteries equipped with PzH 2000NL self-propelled howitzers.{{cite news |last1=Selles |first1=Jaap |title=Kanonnen uit 't Harde moeten half jaar Russen op afstand houden in Litouwen |url=https://www.destentor.nl/elburg/kanonnen-uit-t-harde-moeten-half-jaar-russen-op-afstand-houden-in-litouwen~a19f0a01/ |access-date=2 May 2020 |work=De Stentor |date=6 January 2020}}

{{main|Structure of the Royal Netherlands Army}}

The core fighting element of the army consists of three brigades: 11 Airmobile Brigade, 13 Light Brigade and 43 Mechanised Brigade.{{cite web |title=Organisatiestructuur landmacht |url=https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/landmacht/organisatiestructuur |website=www.defensie.nl |date=16 September 2019 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=17 May 2020}} The number of full-time professional personnel is 21,225, in addition to around 4,046 reservists. The Royal Netherlands Army is a volunteer force; compulsory military service has not been abolished but has been suspended.{{cite web |title=Dienstplicht |url=https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/defensiepersoneel/dienstplicht |website=www.rijksoverheid.nl |date=12 January 2016 |publisher=Rijksoverheid |access-date=17 May 2020}} The other three services, (the Royal Netherlands Navy, Royal Netherlands Air Force and Royal Marechaussee), are fully volunteer forces as well.

{{Location map many | Netherlands

| width = 250

| float = right

| caption = {{center|Brigade locations in 2020}}

| label = {{nowrap|11 Airmobile Bde.}}

| marksize = 8

| pos = right

| bg = white

| lat_deg = 51 | lat_min = 59

| lon_deg = 05 | lon_min = 55

| label2 = {{nowrap|13 Light Bde.}}

| mark2size = 8

| pos2 = left

| bg2 = white

| lat2_deg = 51 | lat2_min = 31

| lon2_deg = 05 | lon2_min = 19

| label3 = {{nowrap|43 Mechanised Bde.}}

| mark3size = 8

| pos3 = left

| bg3 = white

| lat3_deg = 52 | lat3_min = 46

| lon3_deg = 06 | lon3_min = 14

}}

• 30px Land Forces Headquarters, in Utrecht
• 30px 11 Airmobile Brigade, in Schaarsbergen
• 30px 13 Light Brigade, in Oirschot
• 30px 43 Mechanised Brigade, in Havelte
• 30px Korps Commandotroepen, in Roosendaal
• 30px 1 (GE/NL) Corps, in Münster (Germany)
• 30px Joint Ground-based Air Defence Command, in Vredepeel
• 30px Operational Support Command Land, in Apeldoorn
• 30px Army Materiel Logistic Command, in Utrecht
• 30px Education and Training Command, in Amersfoort

Besides the hierarchical organisation, the Royal Netherlands Army upholds a traditional organisation in which a distinction exists between arms of services. This organisation is purely ceremonial. Generally speaking, combat and combat support units are organised in arms, and support units are organised in services.{{cite web |author1=Koning Willem-Alexander |title=Traditiebesluit Koninklijke Landmacht |url=https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0038194/2016-07-01 |website=Overheid.nl |publisher=www.overheid.nl |access-date=11 May 2020 |date=2 June 2016}} There are two exceptions: the Engineers and the Signals Service.

The arms and services can in turn be further divided into one, or multiple regiments. These administrative organisations safeguard the traditions of the operational units. Before the Second World War, regiments were merely given a number, with the exception of the {{lang|nl|Grenadiers}} and {{lang|nl|Jagers}} regiments. Since the 1950s however, the regiments were given a historical name. The function of a regiment is strictly ceremonial, and is intended to increase esprit de corps.{{cite journal |last1=Calmeyer |first1=M.R.H. |title=De Koninklijke Landmacht na de bevrijding: terugblik en uitblik |journal=Militaire Spectator |date=1948 |url=https://www.militairespectator.nl/sites/default/files/bestanden/uitgaven/1918/1948/1948-0293-01-0084.PDF |access-date=17 May 2020}}

The Royal Netherlands Army consists of the following arms, and subsequent regiments and corps:

File:Dutch Apache AH-64.jpg and a Royal Netherlands Air Force AH-64D Apache during an exercise.]]

Each infantry regiment of the Royal Netherlands Army consists of a single battalion. The current order of battle includes a total of seven infantry battalions – of these, two are classed as foot guards and the remainder as line infantry.{{cite web |title=Eenheden landmacht |url=https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/landmacht/eenheden |website=www.defensie.nl |date=16 September 2019 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=18 May 2020}}

The staff support companies of 11 Airmobile Brigade, 13 Light Brigade and 43 Mechanised Brigade are part of the {{lang|nl|Garderegiment Grenadiers en Jagers}}, the {{lang|nl|Garderegiment Fusiliers Prinses Irene}} and {{lang|nl|Regiment Infanterie Johan Willem Friso}}, respectively.

The cavalry arm currently consists of two active regiments – the {{lang|nl|Regiment Huzaren van Boreel}} and the {{lang|nl|Regiment Huzaren Prinses Catharina-Amalia}}. One has responsibility for the army's active reconnaissance units, while the other has been formed as the parent regiment for units equipped with main battle tanks (MBTs).

Prior to 2012, the army also included full armoured regiments equipped with MBTs. One of these, the {{lang|nl|Regiment Huzaren Prins Alexander}}, was disbanded in 2007 due to budget cuts. The other two, the {{lang|nl|Regiment Huzaren Van Sytzama}} (former 1st Hussar Regiment) and the {{lang|nl|Regiment Huzaren Prins van Oranje}} (former 2nd Hussar Regiment) were disbanded, along with the army's full armoured capability, in 2012 as a result of further cuts to the Dutch defence budget.{{cite web |url=http://www.nu.nl/politiek/2470185/nederland-krijgt-leger-zonder-tanks.html |title=Nederland krijgt leger zonder tanks |date=17 March 2011 |publisher=nu.nl |access-date=2 May 2012}}

In 2016, a German armoured unit, 414 Panzer Battalion, was attached to the Dutch 43 Mechanised Brigade, at the same time becoming a combined German-Dutch unit, with one of the three tank companies and part of the staff and support companies manned with Dutch troops.{{cite web |url=http://www.deutschesheer.de/portal/a/heer/!ut/p/c4/TY3BDoIwEET_aNsiJugNwsWrF8VboZuySWmbZcGE-PHCwcSZ5B3mHUa91N5oV_JWKEUb1FN1A137N4yIDI4wzjILmLw5WsEHQoe8RA_lacJh7Jn8_5pt3JB7K5ZCSLE0pXocHw5hSBHloGAU2unZSmLIiSUcZmHeDZBTnTZto8_6F_Opq-JSdFWl21tzV3ma6i85w6-N/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701042058/http://www.deutschesheer.de/portal/a/heer/!ut/p/c4/TY3BDoIwEET_aNsiJugNwsWrF8VboZuySWmbZcGE-PHCwcSZ5B3mHUa91N5oV_JWKEUb1FN1A137N4yIDI4wzjILmLw5WsEHQoe8RA_lacJh7Jn8_5pt3JB7K5ZCSLE0pXocHw5hSBHloGAU2unZSmLIiSUcZmHeDZBTnTZto8_6F_Opq-JSdFWl21tzV3ma6i85w6-N/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 July 2016 |title=Geschichte |language=de |work=German Army official website |publisher=Bundeswehr |date=25 August 2016 |access-date=28 July 2017}}

The services ({{lang|nl|Dienstvakken}}) consist of the logistical service, which comprises four regiments, and four stand-alone support services. The Royal Netherlands Army consists of the following services and regiments:

File:Exercitiewedstrijden Koninklijke Landmacht te Utrecht, Bestanddeelnr 907-6272.jpg

File:Inscheping eerste materieel voor de Nederlandse Unifil-troepen die naar Libanon , Bestanddeelnr 930-1191.jpg in Lebanon in 1979]]

The Royal Netherlands Army uniform has multiple categories, ranging from ceremonial uniforms to combat dress to evening wear. In addition, the (special) service dress uniform and mess dress uniform can both be worn in a tropics colourway.{{cite web |title=Tenuen voor militairen van de Koninklijke Landmacht: Voorschrift (2 -1593 |url=https://www.defensie.nl/binaries/defensie/documenten/richtlijnen/2019/08/26/tenuevoorschriften-krijgsmacht/VS+2-1593_tenue+clas.pdf |website=www.defensie.nl |publisher=Commandant Landstrijdkrachten |access-date=11 May 2020 |date=29 October 2018}}

There are four main uniform categories:

; Combat uniform

The combat uniform ({{lang|nl|Gevechtstenue, GVT}}) is the day-to-day combat uniform, known as {{lang|nl|Gevechtstenue}} (GVT M93) and consists of a Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) jacket and trousers with additional items such as thermals and waterproofs that can be worn underneath. Army combat uniforms are fitted with a distinctive unit insignia on the right arm, while the Dutch flag and the wearer's regiment or corps are worn on the left arm. To optimise the effectiveness of the uniform, multiple camouflage patterns are in use:

• Woodland: Further developed version of the British Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) camouflage pattern. Optimised for use in wooded terrain in Western Europe and the standard pattern for personnel in the Netherlands.
• Desert: Increasing amount of deployments in desert like environments, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, lead to the implementation of the Desert combat uniform. The desert combat uniform uses the regular combat uniform, while using the American Desert Camouflage Pattern.
• Jungle: The jungle combat uniform utilises the regular combat uniform, in a five-coloured camouflage pattern which is optimised for deployments in tropical environments. The jungle uniform is often used by personnel undergoing jungle training, and units stationed in the Dutch Caribbean.
• MultiCam: Since the regular combat uniform no longer always qualifies for contemporary operations, personnel deploying to foreign countries is provided with interim combat uniforms in the MultiCam camouflage pattern.{{cite web |title=Militairen krijgen interim-gevechtskleding voor uitzendingen |url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2018/06/04/militairen-krijgen-interim-gevechtskleding-voor-uitzendingen |website=www.defensie.nl |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=16 May 2020 |date=4 June 2018}} In addition, the Korps Commandotroepen has implemented uniforms in MultiCam as their standard uniform since 2017.{{cite web |title=Commando's krijgen nieuw gevechtstenue |url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2017/11/01/commando%E2%80%99s-krijgen-nieuw-gevechtstenue |website=www.defensie.nl |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=16 May 2020 |date=1 November 2017}} Regular units use the interim uniforms until combat clothing in the newly developed Netherlands Fractal Pattern is distributed, between 2020 and 2022.

; Service dress uniform

The service dress uniform ({{lang|nl|Dagelijks tenue, DT}}) is used for everyday office, barracks and non-field duty purposes. The uniform was designed by the famous couturier Frans Molenaar and entered service in 2000. It consists of trousers, a jacket, dress shirt, neck tie and headgear (beret, peaked cap or side cap), in a gray-green fabric. The special dress uniform ({{lang|nl|Gelegenheidstenue, GLT}}) is worn for certain formal occasions. It consists of the garments of the service dress uniform, differing by the white dress shirt, black neck tie, white gloves, decorations worn in Prussian arrangement, while officers wear an orange sash around the waist.

; Mess dress uniform

The mess dress uniform ({{lang|nl|Avondtenue, AT}}) is worn during formal occasions, such as a dinner or a ball and consists of a black smoking, complemented with a peaked cap and miniature medals.

; Full dress uniform

Each regiment and corps within the army has its own full dress uniform ({{lang|nl|Ceremonieel tenue, CT}}), which is a traditional uniform that is worn during ceremonies and special occasions.

File:Prinsjesdag 2017-6.jpg|Soldier wearing the Field Artillery Corps ceremonial uniform during the firing of salute shots on {{lang|nl|Prinsjesdag}}.

File:NFP-Green.jpg|Hussar of 414 Tank Battalion wearing a tank overall in the new Netherlands Fractal Pattern.

File:GVT_jungle_cidw.jpg|Jungle combat uniform worn by 11 Airmobile Brigade servicemen as part of the contingent in the Dutch Caribbean.

File:GVT_woodland.jpg|Standard combat uniform in the Disruptive Pattern Material camouflage pattern.

File:Uitreiking Militaire Willems-Orde KCT 2016-7.jpg|Knights of the Military William Order Kenneth Mayhew, Major Marco Kroon and Lieutenant Colonel Gijs Tuinman, the last both wearing the special dress uniform.

File:Prinsjesdag_2018-2.jpg musicians during the annual {{lang|nl|Prinsjesdag}} parade in The Hague, 2018.]]

In past eras, music was used as a means of communication on the battlefield, and today military music retains an important role during military ceremonies such as enlistments and changes of command, and national events such as {{lang|nl|Prinsjesdag}} and the annual Remembrance of the Dead ceremony on 4 May. In addition, military bands provide the musical accompaniment during the presentation of letters of credence. Currently,{{when|date=December 2021}} there are four active military bands and fanfare orchestras within the Royal Netherlands Army:{{cite web |title=De rol van militaire muziek |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/muziek/rol-van-militaire-muziek |website=www.defensie.nl |date=November 2017 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=10 May 2020}}

• Royal Military Band "Johan Willem Friso"
• National Reserve Corps Fanfare Brass
• Regimental Fanfare Orchestra of the Grenadiers' and Rifles' Guards
• Fanfare Orchestra "Bereden Wapens" of the RNA Cavalry

File:Uitreiking Militaire Willems-Orde KCT 2016-5.jpg attaching the lanyard of the Military Order of William to the colour of the Korps Commandotroepen in 2016.]]

All regiments and corps are granted a colour ({{lang|nl|vaandel}}) or standard ({{lang|nl|standaard}}), including (since 2002) the artillery corps, which at the time was a breach with tradition. The colours and standards form the embodiment of the history and character of the respective regiment or corps. The standards are smaller in size because of a historical reason: horseback units would often struggle with the large sized poles of the regular colours, and therefore chose to wield a shorter version. To this day, the mounted units of the Royal Netherland Army, such as cavalry, field artillery and horse artillery, use the smaller sized standards. The Royal Marechaussee, which used to be a mounted unit of the Royal Netherlands Army, owns a standard as well.{{cite web |title=Vaandels en standaarden bij de Koninklijke Landmacht |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/vaandels-en-standaarden/vaandels-en-standaarden-bij-de-koninklijke-landmacht |website=www.defensie.nl |date=7 July 2015 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=10 May 2020}}

In contrast to the functional use of colours and standards in the past, during which they served as landmarks on the battlefield, their contemporary role has been greatly reduced. Nonetheless, they continue to play an important role during various military ceremonies. For example, soldiers swear the oath of enlistment while holding the respective colour or standard. Moreover, the colours and standards constitute an important connection between military units and the Royal House of the Netherlands. Only the sovereign can grant a military unit a colour or standard, therefore the royal cypher of the monarch that granted the regiment its (original) colour is displayed. In addition, the colours and standards are often inscribed with (historical) battle honours. By prominently displaying them, the aim is to add to the esprit de corps, uphold the collective memory and serve as inspiration for future actions of the respective unit.

{{main|Military ranks of the Netherlands armed forces}}

The ranks of the Royal Netherlands were established by royal decree of Queen Juliana in 1956.{{cite web |author1=Koningin Juliana |title=Besluit volgorde verhouding rangen en standen zee-, land- en luchtmacht |url=https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0002224/2002-09-13 |website=Overheid.nl |access-date=18 May 2020 |date=20 June 1956}} Each regiment and corps has a distinctive cap badge and beret. Many units also call soldiers of different ranks by different names, for example a NATO OR-1 private is called a hussar ({{lang|nl|huzaar}}) in cavalry regiments and a cannoneer ({{lang|nl|kannonier}}) in artillery units.{{cite web |title=De rangonderscheidingstekens van de krijgsmacht |url=https://www.defensie.nl/binaries/defensie/documenten/brochures/2021/01/15/rangen-krijgsmacht/rangonderscheidingstekens.pdf |publisher=Ministry of Defence (Netherlands) |access-date=18 March 2021 |date=19 December 2016 |language=nl}}

The rank insignia of commissioned officers.

The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.

The Rank insignia worn by the Monarch of the Netherlands when wearing Royal Netherlands Army uniform.

{{main|List of equipment of the Royal Netherlands Army}}

The Royal Netherlands Army's basic weapon is the Colt C7NLD or Colt C8NLD assault rifle, produced by Colt Canada (formerly Diemaco). The weapons received an extensive update in 2009: the rifle's black furniture was replaced by dark earth furniture. New parts include a new retracting stock, the Diemaco IUR with RIS rails for mounting flashlights and laser systems, and a vertical foregrip with built-in bipod; the thermold plastic magazines have now become brown in color. The ELCAN sighting system has also disappeared in favour of the Swedish made Aimpoint CompM4 red dot sight. In addition, the weapon can be enhanced further using the Picatinny rail with attachments such as the Heckler & Koch UGL under-barrel grenade launcher.{{cite web |title=Colt C7-geweer |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/bewapening/colt-c7-c8nld-5.56mm |website=www.defensie.nl |date=2 June 2015 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}} Special operations forces of the Korps Commandotroepen choose to use modified HK416 assault rifles and HK417 designated marksman rifles.{{cite web |title=HK416-aanvalsgeweer en HK417-scherpschuttersgeweer |url=https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/landmacht/materieel/bewapening/hk416 |website=www.defensie.nl |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}} The standard secondary weapon across all branches of the Armed forces of the Netherlands is the Austrian-made Glock 17 pistol.{{cite web |title=Glock 17-pistool |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/bewapening/glock-17-pistool-9mm |website=www.defensie.nl |date=20 September 2018 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}

Sniper groups ({{lang|nl|Schutter Lange Afstand}}) are equipped with HK417, Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum, its successor Accuracy International AXMC, and Barrett M82 sniper rifles.{{cite web |title=Accuracy-scherpschuttersgeweer (antipersoneel) |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/bewapening/accuracy-antipersoneel-snipergeweer-7.62mm |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}{{cite journal |last1=Twigt |first1=André |title=Stilzitten en luisteren: Snipertraining Gebirgsjäger is Spitzenklasse! |journal=Landmacht |date=5 March 2019 |volume=02 |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/landmacht/2019/02/02_snipers_in_oostenrijk_02-2019 |access-date=1 May 2020 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie}}{{cite web |title=Barrett-scherpschuttersgeweer (antimaterieel) |url=https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/landmacht/materieel/bewapening/barrett-antimaterieel-geweer-12.7mm |website=www.defensie.nl |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}} Support fire is provided by the FN Minimi light machine gun (LMG), the FN MAG general purpose machine gun (GPMG), FN M2 QCB heavy machine gun (HMG) and the H&K GMG automatic grenade launcher, while indirect fire support is provided by M6 60mm or L16 81mm mortars.{{cite web |title=Minimi-licht machinegeweer |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/bewapening/minimi-licht-machinegeweer |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}{{cite web |title=MAG-middelzwaar machinegeweer |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/bewapening/mag-middelzwaar-machinegeweer |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}{{cite web |title=Browning M2-zwaar machinegeweer |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/bewapening/browning-m2-zwaar-machinegeweer |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=16 May 2020}}{{cite web |title=Mortieren (60-, 81- en 120mm) |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/bewapening/mortieren |website=www.defensie.nl |date=7 May 2019 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}

The army's main battle tank is the Leopard 2A6.{{cite web |title=Leopard 2A6-gevechtstank |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/leopard-2a6-gevechtstank |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 April 2018 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}} These MBT's have been leased from the German army.{{cite web |author=Kirsten de Vries |date=16 April 2024 |title=Mijn Materieel: Leopard 2A6MA3 |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2024/03/mijn-materieel-leopard-2a6ma3 |website=Materieelgezien |publisher=Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}} The Swedish-made CV90 (designated as CV9035NL) is the infantry fighting vehicle of the army, supported on the battlefield by Boxer MRAV armoured fighting vehicles.{{cite web |title=CV90-infanteriegevechtsvoertuig |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/combat-vehicle-90 |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}{{cite web |title=Boxer-pantserwielvoertuig |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/boxer |website=www.defensie.nl |date=2 December 2019 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}} Reconnaissance units use the light armoured Fennek reconnaissance vehicle.{{cite web |title=Fennek-verkenningsvoertuig |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/fennek-bewakings--en-verkenningsvoertuig |website=www.defensie.nl |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}

In early September 2024 the new Dutch government announced that it would buy at least 46 (excl. 6 options) of the new Leopard 2A8 MBT's for a full Tank Battalion. These tanks would operate alongside the leased Leopard 2A6 MBT's from Germany. The last government also wanted to buy new tanks, but their defense budget didn't allow it, but now with the new government the defense budget was risen to at least 2% of GDP. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2024/09/03/de-landmacht-juicht-het-nederlandse-leger-krijgt-weer-eigen-tanks-a4864494

File:Training with the Dutch and Lithuanian artillery (2020-10-06).webm

The Fire Support Command currently operates two artillery systems: three batteries equipped with Pantserhouwitser 2000NL self-propelled howitzers and one battery equipped with 120mm Rayé Tracté heavy mortars.{{cite web |title=Pantserhouwitser 2000NL |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/pantserhouwitser-2000nl-pzh2000 |website=www.defensie.nl |date=2 December 2019 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}} Air defence is provided by the modernised MIM-104 Patriot long-range air defence system operated by the Joint Ground-based Air Defence Command.{{cite web |title=Patriot-luchtverdedigingssysteem weer van deze tijd |url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2019/07/15/patriot-luchtverdedigingsysteem-weer-van-deze-tijd |website=www.defensie.nl |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=16 May 2020 |date=15 July 2019}}{{cite web |title=Patriot-luchtverdedigingssysteem |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/bewapening/patriot-luchtverdedigingssysteem |website=www.defensie.nl |date=18 July 2016 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=16 May 2020}} Both the PAC-2 surface-to-air missile and PAC-3 anti-ballistic missile are in use. In addition, army personnel operate NASAMS 2 medium-range surface-to-air missiles, Fennek Stinger Weapon Platforms, and Hensoldt {{ill|TRML-3D|de|Nahbereichsradar}} radar systems. These systems are operated combinedly in the Army Ground Based Air Defence System (AGBADS).{{cite web |title=Army Ground Based Air Defence System |url=https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/landmacht/materieel/bewapening/army-ground-based-air-defence-system-agbads |website=www.defensie.nl |date=7 October 2015 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie|access-date=1 May 2020}}

For environments that require protection against Small Arms and Light Weapons and improvised explosive devices, the army uses the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle.{{cite web |title=Bushmaster |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/index-copy |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}} The Ministry of Defence has recently placed an order for 1,175 new medium multirole protected vehicles, the Iveco Medium Tactical Vehicle.{{cite news |title=Iveco Defence Vehicles awarded contract to deliver a new generation of medium multirole protected vehicles to Dutch Armed Forces |url=https://www.janes.com/article/91277/iveco-defence-vehicles-awarded-contract-to-deliver-a-new-generation-of-medium-multirole-protected-vehicles-to-dutch-armed-forces |access-date=1 May 2020 |work=Jane's |date=12 September 2019}} The newly developed vehicles are due to commence entering service in early 2023.{{cite web |title=Verwervingsvoorbereiding (D-fase) van het project 'Voertuig 12kN overig en Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS)' |url=https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/brieven_regering/detail?id=2019Z15737&did=2019D32591 |website=www.tweedekamer.nl |publisher=Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal}} Multiple versions of the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen are in use across the army, including light armoured combat versions such as the G280 CDI.{{cite web |title=Mercedes-Benz 290GD |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/mercedes-benz-290gd |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}} The Volkswagen Amarok has replaced a large portion of the Mercedes-Benz fleet that was used for day-to-day utility work and peace time operations.{{cite web |title=Amarok-pick-uptruck |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/amarok-terreinwagen |website=www.defensie.nl |date=21 August 2017 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}} Special operations forces (SOF) operate the Dutch-made Defenture VECTOR which is tailor-made for special operations.{{cite web |title=Vector-terreinwagen (SOF) |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/vector |website=www.defensie.nl |date=2 December 2019 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}

Engineer regiments employ several specialist engineering vehicles based on Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 tanks such as the Buffel armoured recovery vehicle, the Leguaan armoured vehicle-launched bridge and the Kodiak combat engineering vehicle.{{cite web |title=Leopard 2-bergingstank (Buffel) |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/leopard-2-bergingstank-buffel |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}{{cite journal |last1=Brouwer |first1=Evert |title=Legua(a)n komt eraan: Succesvol samenwerkingsproject met Duitsland |journal=Materieelgezien |date=17 December 2019 |volume=10 |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2019/10/06_leguaan-komt-eraan |access-date=1 May 2020 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie}}{{cite web |title=Leopard 2-geniedoorbraaksysteem (Kodiak) |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/leopard-2-geniedoorbraaksysteem-kodiak |website=www.defensie.nl |date=2 December 2019 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}} The army employs a variety of (logistical) utility vehicles, including four-, six-, ten- and fifteen-tonne trucks, mainly produced by DAF and Scania. Electronic warfare and CBRN defence units operate the TPz Fuchs armoured personnel carrier.{{cite web |title=Fuchs-pantservoertuig |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/fuchs-pantserwielvoertuig |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}} In addition, during operations that require a high degree of mobility, army personnel have access to Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig, KTM motorcycles and Suzuki quads.{{cite web |title=Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/luchtmobiel-speciaal-voertuig |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}{{cite web |title=KTM-motorfiets |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/ktm-motorfiets |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}{{cite web |title=Suzuki King Quad |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/suzuki-king-quad-750-axi-4x4 |website=www.defensie.nl |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |access-date=1 May 2020}}

Multiple types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are operational within the army. This includes the Black Hornet Nano, AeroVironment RQ-11B DDL Raven, Boeing Insitu ScanEagle, AeroVironment Wasp III, AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma and Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack UAVs.{{cite journal |last1=Brouwer |first1=Evert |title=Integrator komt eraan: Nieuwe UAV's voor krijgsmacht |journal=Materieelgezien |date=12 May 2017 |volume=03 |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2017/03/mg201703integrator-jv |access-date=1 May 2020 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie}} A large share of UAVs are operated by the 107 Aerial Systems Battery of the Joint ISTAR Command.{{cite journal |last1=Wolting |first1=Jaap |title='Lege' Integrator optimaal voorbereid op innovaties: Luxemburg lift mee op ervaring in 't Harde |journal=Landmacht |date=5 November 2019 |volume=09 |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/landmacht/2019/09/03_integrator_09-2019 |access-date=1 May 2020 |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie}} In addition, the Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) unit of 13 Light Brigade experiments with and operates various unmanned ground vehicles, including the THeMIS produced by Milrem Robotics and the Mission Master of Rheinmetall.

File:Dutch army Pzh-2000 firing on Taliban in Chura. June 16, 2007. Photo by David Axe.jpg|Pantserhouwitser 2000NL

File:Vector-vliegend.jpg|Defenture VECTOR

File:Militaire Scania XT onder de loep-5.jpg|Scania Gryphus

File:D150519hh0057.jpg|Colt C8NLD

File:Fennek stinger.jpg|Fennek Stinger Weapon Platform

• Military ranks of the Dutch armed forces

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• {{Official|https://english.defensie.nl/organisation/army}}

{{ModernDutchAFVs}}

{{Dutch Military}}

{{Dutch Regiments}}

{{Allied Land Command}}

{{Armies in Europe}}

{{Military equipment of Europe}}

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Category:Netherlands Armed Forces