The National Reserve in the 21^st Century

The National Reserve comprises the JDF Air Wing (NR), which is a reserve sub-unit of JDF Air Wing; the JDF Coast Guard (NR), another reserve sub-unit, under command of the JDF Coast Guard and a battalion of infantry – 3JR(NR), the Reserve Unit of the Jamaica Regiment. At present, some 40% of 3JR(NR) is on full time permanent duty giving service in just about every Unit and Department of the Jamaica Defence Force.

As our population grows and the nation makes greater demands on the JDF, we need to examine how best to expand our military capability by the most economical means. Many foreign military establishments maintain relatively small, professional forces while relying on well-trained reserve units, held at varying stages of readiness, to provide the ‘muscle’ wherever needed. For the foreseeable future, The Jamaican economy demands a similar solution to the problem of meeting our nation’s military needs.

Fortunately, we have in the JDF a regular element of professionals very much capable of providing the training cadres and Permanent Staff Instructors (PSIs) required to bring reserve units up from untrained recruits to efficient, disciplined soldiers. The ‘citizen/soldier’ who answers the call in time of national need is an excellent bargain in terms of cost and his continuing contribution to the country’s economic growth in his civilian employment.

It is clear then that as we enter the 21^st century, the role of the National Reserve is likely to grow in importance as demand increases for the security offered by an efficient military presence. If one looks at the present structure and deployment of 3JR(NR) it can be seen that this Unit is ideally situated to form the nucleus of an expanded reserve force.

Whenever the need should arise (perhaps it has already arisen) ‘C’ Company in Mandeville and ‘D’ Company in Montego Bay can become two of three rifle Companies in a western reserve battalion. Forming a HQ Company in Montego Bay and raising of a third rifle company in, say, Savanna-La-Mar or Falmouth, the immediate Military security needs of western Jamaica could be adequately met. If necessary, a company of regulars could be rotated through one of the three locations to provide a permanent JDF presence.

Concurrently, the now greatly reduced 3JR(NR), which would remain as the reserve unit of the Jamaica Regiment, could be brought back to strength by raising a new rifle company in Port Antonio/Morant Bay and an additional rifle company in Curphey Barracks, Kingston. Experience over the past several years certainly justifies the extra company in Kingston.

No doubt, as the 21^st century progresses, future developments will see the eventual formation of three national reserve county battalions meeting the needs of Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey. Military establishments are extremely costly to maintain. It can be argued, however, that it is much more costly not to maintain adequate establishments, as Kuwait discovered during the Gulf War. Well-trained and highly motivated reserve units will always be the best bargain as the taxpayers pay for them only when needed (except, of course, that training is an unavoidable recurring expense both for regulars and reservists).

As we approach the 21^st century, the Jamaican public can rest assured that, adequate numbers or not, the National Reserve will always remain committed to service to our nation. Our officers, senior ranks and men stand by our motto ‘Always Ready’.