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Minister of National Security, the Hon, Peter Bunting MP, inspects the recruits during
the Passing Out Parade of Intakes 103 and 11 at the Moneague Training Camp on
10 March 2012. Minister Bunting was the specially
invited Reviewing Officer for the event.

On Saturday 10 March 2012 the Jamaica Defence Force welcomed 122 soldiers to its ranks in an emotional passing out parade held at the Moneague Training Camp, St Ann.

The soldiers of Intakes 103 and female Intake 11 were cheered on by family, friends and well wishers, and greeted by The Honourable Peter Bunting, Minister of National Security who was the specially invited Reviewing Officer. Minister Bunting was met by Major General Antony Anderson, Chief of Defence Staff, who beamed with pride at the freshly minted soldiers on parade.

In his address to the young soldiers, the Security Minister implored them to adhere to the JDF’s core values, which he said would guide them throughout their careers. He also highlighted that he would do everything in his power to continue to bolster the ranks of the Jamaica Defence Force, a promise that was met with loud approval.

Best Recruit, Orville Ellis, is flanked by his proud family after the
Passing Out Parade of Intakes 103 and 11 at the Moneague
Training Camp on 10 March 2012.

Intakes No. 103 and 11 started training in October 2011 with 160 civilians, thirty two (32) of whom were females. This number whittled down to 122, due to the rigours and physical demands of the intense military training. For the recruits who managed to stay the course however, the passing out parade was a final show of the strength, discipline and precision training they had received.

As part of their programme, the soldiers received training in a variety of military fields such as tactics, map reading, field craft, signals and of course, skill at arms. As the recruits executed the various drill movements, loud cheers erupted from the huge audience gathered on the hills overlooking the parade square.

Recruits Orville Ellis and Julene Jarrett were adjudged best overall recruits, while Recruits J Foster and A Alladice won the Academic Awards.

“Even though the training was challenging I gave it my all and that’s why I’m the Best Recruit,” said a proud Recruit Jarrett. Recruit Ellis attributed his success to the discipline and confidence he gained over the period.