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The Rose among
the Thorns
by Warrant Officer Class Two E Bignall

Military service always promises to be very demanding and is definitely not for the weak at heart. Violyn ‘Joy’ Cammock, accepted the challenge when she, along with sixty-five other women, volunteered for service in the Jamaica Defence Force. She entered training on 16 February 1977 in the very first ‘Intake’ of women to join the Force. From then, she showed the resolve to succeed. "I was determined to prove that as women we could be equal to the task of soldiering in what was actually considered a man’s domain."

"It was a tense moment for all of us, as no one knew exactly what to expect. We were all about to venture into uncharted waters but we had a determination to go through despite the tremendous odds", she explained.

Cammock has weathered the proverbial storm as she climbed the ranks from recruit to Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2). In 1997, she was appointed Unit Sergeant Major of the Administrative Unit. This Sub-Unit of the Support and Services Battalion is responsible for the administrative functions of the Force. In achieving this milestone, she has paved a way for other women who have decided to make a career of the Service. She enjoys the co-operation and support of the soldiers. She regards her job of ensuring that discipline is maintained, and administering to the welfare of the men and women in the unit, as a satisfying one.

WO2 Cammock spent the formative years of her military career as a Signaller (Radio Operator) and worked her way through various areas in the Force. She served as Staff Sergeant at the Provost Unit, Caterer at the Garrison Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess and Club Manager of the Jamaica Officers Club, prior to her present appointment.

She attended various career-oriented courses inclusive of Signal courses, Potential Non-Commissioned Officers cadre, Instructors Course, All Arms Drill Course, Service Funds Course, Warrant Officers’ Refreshers course and a Supervisory Management course.

She has served a month’s attachment with the Women Royal Air Corps (WRAC) in London and also assisted the Barbados Defence Force with the training of female recruits. Locally, she has been involved in numerous youth programmes that the JDF has undertaken in support of the Social Development Commission and other agencies.

Among her indelible memories is the 1983 Military Tattoo, which marked part of the 21st anniversary celebrations of Jamaica’s independence. She was a member of the Women’s Unit drill display team which was one of the big attractions. She finds the training of new recruits as the most fulfilling aspect of her career. "It gives one a real thrill to see the transformation of ‘fresh foot’ civilians into real soldiers, and to acknowledge that you played a part in that transformation is a gratifying feeling." Her worst memory, which she still hopes to forget, is that of being punished for something that she was not guilty of. Even the military’s system of justice has some flaws.

She lists her hobbies as netball, dancing and meeting people. One of her favourite past times is to hang out with children. She is a Christian and worships with the "Church of God" denomination.

WO2 Cammock has adopted The Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverley as her mentor. "She is the epitome of what a true Jamaican should be, she is very proud of her country and did her best to make its culture accepted world wide through her hard work and dedication".

Looking back to February 1977, a quiet teenager from Watt Town, St. Ann, had looked into the mirror. Standing at over six feet tall with a strong healthy frame, the exuberance of youth on her side and the dignity of a rural maiden, she had convinced herself that she could be a JDF soldier. She was right, and today we are proud of her.

 

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