The discussion about the change in orientation of the Antigua Barbuda Defense Force (ABDF) has been ongoing for more than ten years. The argument has centered around the view that, as a nation whose most significant security concerns originate in the maritime domain and as a nation that derives much of its economic benefits from the same environment, consideration should be given to having an organization that has a naval orientation. This thesis seeks to examine the ABDF's current operating environment and determine if an argument can be made for its transformation from an army to a naval orientation. In conducting this examination consideration is given to the impact that such a transformation might have on the legal mandate of the ABDF. The conclusion arrived at is that based on the complex nature of the operating environment and the economic emphasis on the diversification of the maritime sector, transformation should be considered. The analysis conducted included an examination of the Defense legislation of the ABDF the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF), Barbados Defense Force (BDF) and St. Kitts Nevis Defense Force (SKNDF). Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted using the United States Army's Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities and Policy (DOTMLPFP) framework to examine the ABDF and the RBDF in order to ascertain the suitability of the ABDF adopting a naval posture.

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