The Dignity Battalions were a paramilitary militia created by Panama's government in the 1980s to help defend Panama against both invasion by the United States and internal subversive activity . They were formed in early April 1988 and were de facto dissolved along with the Panamanian Defense Forces on February 10, 1990. Structure Around eleven battalions were eventually formed with seven more existing on paper in rural areas. They were administered by the Panamanian 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 URL = Rottman, Panama 1989-90, 1991  1989 election
 Dignity Battalions were paramilitary militia units created by Panama's de facto ruler Manuel Noriega in April 1988 to augment the Panamanian Defense Forces in defending Panama against possible invasion by the United States and to suppress domestic political opposition to Noriega's regime . They were dissolved on February 10, 1990 following the United States invasion of Panama which toppled Noreiga from power. Approximately eleven battalions were formed with seven more planned for rural areas. They were administered by the Panamanian 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 URL = Rottman, Panama 1989-90, 1991 Suppression of demonstrations during the 1989 elections
D
The
R
a paramilitary militia
paramilitary militia units
R
government in the 1980s to help defend Panama against both
de facto ruler Manuel Noriega in April 1988 to augment the Panamanian Defense Forces in defending Panama against possible
R
internal subversive activity
to suppress domestic political opposition to Noriega's regime
R
formed in early April 1988 and were de facto dissolved along with the Panamanian Defense Forces
dissolved
R
1990.
1990 following the United States invasion of Panama which toppled Noreiga from power.
D
Structure
R
Around
Approximately
D
eventually
R
existing on paper in
planned for
A
Suppression of demonstrations during the
R
election
elections