| Dignity Battalions | |
|---|---|
| Batallones de la Dignidad | |
| Also known as | "Dingbats" |
| Dates of operation | April 1988 – February 1990 |
| Allegiance | Manuel Noriega |
| Opponents |  United States |
Dignity Battalions (Spanish: Batallones de la Dignidad) were paramilitary militia units created by Panama's de facto ruler Manuel Noriega in April 1988 to augment the Panama Defense Forces in defending Panama against possible invasion by the United States and to suppress domestic political opposition to Noriega's regime.[1] They were dissolved on February 10, 1990, following the United States invasion of Panama which removed Noriega from power.
Approximately 11 battalions were formed with seven more planned for rural areas. They were administered by the Panama Defense Forces through a "Dignity Brigade Staff" made up of selected government employees. Each battalion contained from 25 to 250 male and female volunteers. Battalions often had patriotic names such as the "Christopher Columbus Battalion", the "Saint Michael the Archangel Battalion" and the "Latin Liberation Battalion". Around five battalions were formed in Panama City. Battalions also existed in Rio Hato, Colon and Fort Cimarrón.[2]
- ^ Franklin, J. (2001). "Panama: Background and Buildup to Invasion of 1989". Archived from the original on July 4, 2008. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
- ^ Rottman, Gordon; Volstad, Ron (1991). Panama 1989-90 – via Google Books.