Sitting adjacent to strategically important sea lane of communication in the Gulf of Guinea, due to recent concerns about regional security issues including security for oil tankers transiting the area, the US military and other foreign navies have increased their engagement with the FASTP, providing the country with assistance in the form of construction projects and training missions, as well as integration into international information and intelligence sharing programs.

[3] In a 2009 article, it was reported the FASTP consisted of a total of just 300 soldiers,[4] which was reduced from 600 after an unsuccessful coup attempt in 2003 resulted in a reorganization aimed at ensuring an apolitical military that is subordinated to civilian political structures.

Poor pay, working conditions, and alleged nepotism in the promotion of officers have caused tension in the past, as evidenced by unsuccessful coups that were launched in 1995 and 2003.

[6] According to Jane's, São Tomé and Príncipe's military is equipped largely with low technology small arms, rocket launchers and some heavy machine guns.

[2] In the past the United States has provided the country with occasional assistance; however, US interest in the region has increased since the start of the Global War of Terrorism.

The position of the country along strategically important sea lanes of communication along the west African coast, as well as rising concerns about piracy and security for oil tankers transiting through the region, has seen increased foreign interest in the nation.

[2] In 2002, it was announced that an unoccupied US naval facility would be established in the country, to be used mainly a stopover base for US military aircraft and ships transiting the area.

[19] In July 2005, USCGC Bear, under the command of then-Commander Robert Wagner, visited and conducted training sessions for personnel from the São Tomé and Príncipe coast guard as part of US international engagement efforts.

[21] As part of the exercise, the Portuguese frigate Bartolmeu Dias made a port visit to São Tomé and Príncipe to provide training to local naval personnel.