Historical Overview of Military Personnel in Colombia (1990-2016)

Colombia's military personnel underwent a steady increase from 1990 to 2016, reflecting the nation’s response to internal security challenges, particularly the armed conflict with guerrilla groups. Starting at 110,000 in 1990, the numbers surged to 200,000 by 2003, highlighting efforts to counter escalating violence during the peak of conflict with FARC and other insurgent organizations. This growth was supported by the U.S.-backed Plan Colombia, which provided military aid and resources.

After 2008, the personnel count rose to 254,000 and reached its peak of 297,000 in 2016. This trend indicates the government's ongoing commitment to maintaining security and combating organized crime. The sustained high personnel levels underscore Colombia's focus on ensuring stability during and after peace negotiations with guerrilla groups, which began gaining momentum in the early 2010s.