The role of armed forces in domestic questions depends on: their composition, especially of their officer corps, and their social standing and prestige. The history or origin of the force also has a bearing on the situation. This makes an examination of the place of the armed forces in Commonwealth territories worth while for in all the Commonwealth territories in West, Central, and East Africa, with the exception of the Gambia, there are similar armies in varying stages of evolution. These forces are today in varying stages of conversion from what have been colonial defence forces into the national armies (and navies and sir forces) of independent countries. The relationship between these armed forces and the state is in an exceptional state of flux. The composition and social context of these forces is examined in the following paragraphss: Functions of the Armed Forces; Popular attitudes to the Armed forces; Recruitment; Officer Corps.
