Category:Military of Jamaica

From Jamaica Wiki

The military force of Jamaica is called The Jamaica Defense Force (JDF). It is based upon the British military model.

Officer candidates are sent to one of several British or Canadian basic officer courses depending upon which arm of service they are selected for. They are given basic training at JDF Training Depot, Newcastle or Up Park Camp. The training consists of several levels and the soldiers rise up ranks when they pass each of the levels. Special training is also available in military schools in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Jamaica Defense Force is formed from the British West Indies Regiment. The West Indies Regiment was first formed during the colonial era and reformed in 1958. its dissolution resulted in the establishment of the Jamaica Defense Force.

The Jamaica Defense Force includes an infantry Regiment and Reserve Corps, an Air Wing, a Coast Guard fleet and a supporting Engineering Unit.

The Jamaica Regiment (infantry) is the main part of the Jamaica Defense Force. There are three battalions. The Jamaican Regiment also has a flag. The Queen's Colour is the national flag. There is a red circle in the center and the name of the regiment, surmounted by a crown. The number of the battalion is in the middle of the circle.

The Air Wing force of Jamaica is using the national colours. The roundel is classic in black, yellow and green and the fin flash is also in the national colours. The Air Wing is also divided into three units - a training unit, a support unit and the JDF Air Wing.

The Coast Guard military flag is following the English tradition. It consists of the traditional white English flag with a red cross. The Jamaican National flag is in the canton. The Coast Guard is divided into two - sea-going crews and support crews. It conducts maritime safety and maritime law enforcement as well as defense-related operations.

The support battalion contains a Military Police, vehicle, armor and supply units. The JDF is supported by the 1st Engineer Regiment.

The Jamaica Defense Force headquarters have the JDF Commander and Command Staff. There is also Intelligence, Judge Advocate office, Administrative and Procurement sections.

In recent years the JDF assists the police. They are dealing with drug smuggling and the rising crime rate which includes one of the highest murder rates in the world. The Jamaica Defense Force units assist the police in conducting patrols in the high crime areas.

The military service in Jamaica is voluntary. People who want to attend military schools can do so at the age of 18 or even younger if their parents allow. There are 27,923 men and 27,889 women who reach military service age annually, between 18 and 24 years of age who have left school and enroll for the 2 year of public service at the National Youth Service. It can be performed in the Jamaican Defense Force. After this two year period the young men and women can continue their careers in the military force. All of the JDF personnel can retire under the Government Pensions Scheme.