Drills are still taught today for battlefield situations. When fatigue sets in after non-stop days on the go, rational reasoning gives way and almost like an auto-pilot, things get done and properly, solely because of a drill.

Civilians see very little of the military’s practical operating drills. They do not watch us strip and reassemble our rifles in the dark. They have not seen us establish a harbour nor adopt troop formations to meet varying terrain conditions. These drills are rehearsed in the field and utilised under hostile situations. The public tends instead to be treated to the spectacular show pieces performed in ceremonies to honour dignitaries or for the pleasure of viewers. These drills are polished on the Drill Square to remove all flaws and ensure a perfect parade.

The Drill Square is ‘sacred ground’ in the Regiment. It is the shrine to which the soldier goes to mark events of great significance. The transformation of a civilian into a soldier culminates on the Square. The soldier who renders distinguished service is honoured there. Whenever a unit changes command or its garrison, the earliest opportunity is sought to muster on the Square. The First Battalion for example, announces its return to Lathbury Barracks with a Commanding Officers’ parade on the Square and proceeds to march around Up Park Camp led by the Regiment Band to announce the good news. Similarly on taking up residence in Moneague Training Camp the Battalion customarily marches through Moneague Town, to the cheer of the local folk.

At the birth of independent Jamaica, the Regiment, itself an institution and symbol of nationhood, stood proudly on parade. Military drills add splendour to ceremonial events, at times moving sharply, sometimes slow and deliberate, at other times standing perfectly still, but at all times synchronized like choreographed performances. There is still nothing quite comparable to the spectacle of well-rehearsed troops on parade.

If the Drill Square is sacred, then drill itself must be a ‘sacrament’, a special part of every soldier’s way of life. From the day he gets in line to sign enlistment papers, until the last right turn is taken, the soldier is required to perform drills to survive in the profession of arms. Every soldier knows the drill to greet a peer or a superior in rank, whether it is by a peace with his maker. This helps to keep his conscience alive and to hold him accountable to God’s standard of scriptural holiness. (Romans 5:1; 2 Cor 4:2)

He possesses a positive ‘can do’ attitude because he is confident of the presence of his God who strengthens him, thereby enabling him to do all things through Christ.    (Philippians 4:13)

He has conquered fear through love. (1 John 4:18)

He has learnt how to be content with his wages. (Luke 3:14)

He is determined in obedience to his maker, to be a husband who loves his wife and a father who trains up his children.   (Ephesians 5:28, Ephesians 6:4)

The JDF has always looked after the spiritual welfare of soldiers, and there is an increasing number of soldiers who are displaying the courage to step away from the crowd and to take a stand on the Lord’s side. More and more soldiers are being emboldened to make their faith known.

Padre’s hours are intended to be a part of each Unit’s training programme and Units are rostered regularly to attend church services. In addition, the doors of the chapel are opened every day and the JDF Prayer Group encourages soldiers and civilian staff to meet for prayer during the lunch hour each day.