The Ethiopian National Defense Force (Amharic: የኢፌዴሪ መከላከያ ሰራዊት, romanized: Ye'īfēdērī mekelakeya šerawīt, lit. 'FDRE Defense Force'; ENDF) is the combined military force of Ethiopia. ENDF is consisted of 8 command forces which is controlled by Defense Commanders council chaired by Chief of General Staff.
Strategic commanders are senior military leaders responsible for planning and directing a country’s overall defense strategy, coordinating large-scale operations
and commanding the entire security forces in Ethiopia.
Commander in Chief – Taye Atske Selassie
Prime Minister – Abiy Ahmed Ali
Chief of the General Staff – Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelelcha
Deputy Chief of the General Staff – General Abebaw Taddese Asres
Ethiopia presents this award for citizens who have a Great contribution and incredible achievement.
There are two highest awards presented by President of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Prime minister of the Federal Democratic republic of Ethiopia (Government of Ethiopia).
1. The Black Lion Heroes High Medal
The Black Lion award is presented to
- Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelelcha
- General Abebaw Taddesse Asres
- Lieutenant General Alemshet Degife Balcha by the President of Ethiopia and Prime Minister of Ethiopia (Government of Ethiopia) on Jan 9, 2022 for their Greatest and Tremendous achievement during Tigray war.
The Adwa Heroes medal is presented to
- General Getachew Gudina Selbana
- Lieutenant General Zewdu Belay Malefya
- Lieutenant General Solomon Etefa Lemu