The Timor Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) is the military body responsible for the defence of East Timor. The F-FDTL was established in February 2001 and currently comprises two small infantry battalions, a small Naval Component and several supporting units. The F-FDTL's primary role is to protect East Timor from external threats. It also has an internal security role, which overlaps with that of the Policia Nacional de Timor Leste. This has led to tensions between the services, which have been exacerbated by poor morale and indiscipline within the F-FDTL. The F-FDTL's problems came to a head in 2006 when almost half the force was dismissed following protests over discrimination and poor conditions. The dismissal contributed to a general collapse of both the F-FDTL and PNTL in May, and forced the government to request foreign peacekeepers to restore security. The F-FDTL is currently being rebuilt with foreign assistance and has drawn up a long-term force development plan.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timor_Leste_Defence_Force

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1867:

By the Austro-Hungarian Compromise, signed by Franz Joseph I of Austria and a Hungarian delegation led by Ferenc Deák, the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary was established. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austro-Hungarian_Compromise_of_1867

1914:

The ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland sank in the Saint Lawrence River after colliding with the Storstad, killing 1,012 on board. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Empress_of_Ireland

1942:

Bing Crosby recorded his version of the song "White Christmas", which went on to become the best-selling single of all time, with over 50 million copies sold. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Christmas

1954:

The first annual Bilderberg Group meeting of leaders from European countries and the United States took place in Oosterbeek, Netherlands. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilderberg_Group

1985:

A wall at Brussels' Heysel Stadium collapsed under the pressure of football fans escaping a riot before the European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus, killing 39 people and injuring over 600 others. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heysel_Stadium_disaster

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

apothegm: A short, witty, instructive saying; an aphorism or maxim. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/apothegm

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

I have investigated the dust-heaps of humanity, and found a treasure in all of them. I have found that humanity is not incidentally engaged, but eternally and systematically engaged, in throwing gold into the gutter and diamonds into the sea. --G. K. Chesterton https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/G._K._Chesterton