The Royal Montserrat Defence Force is the home defence unit of the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. Raised in 1899, the unit is today a reduced force of about twenty volunteer soldiers, primarily concerned with ceremonial duties. The unit has a historical association with the Irish Guards. The current Commander is Alvin Ryan, recently promoted to Major, who took over from the late Captain Horatio Tuitt. As a British Overseas Territory (BOT), defence of Montserrat remains the responsibility of the United Kingdom.