July 2003

• Their Moment of Glory Finally Came…
• Exercise Calypso Hop 2003

Their Moment of Glory Finally Came…

Female platoon led by their instructors marches pass the onlookers in slow time.

Reviewing Officer receives General Salute from  the graduates.

Passing-Out Parades signal the end of recruit training and prove that after 22 weeks of arduous training the men and women on Parade have successfully taken on the challenge and succeeded in joining the ranks of soldiers serving in the Jamaica Defence Force.

The recruits’ one-time moment of glory is witnessed by hundreds of witnesses, to include the head of the military, the Chief of Staff, senior staff officers, other officers, Warrant Officers, senior and non-commissioned officers, men and women of the JDF, their training staff, families and friends from across Jamaica. Their Reviewing Officer, usually a renowned public figure, adds to the grandeur of the moment.

The most recent Passing-Out Parade was held at Moneague Training Camp, St Ann, on 05 July 2003, where 112 recruits (74 males and 38 females) publicly made the transition from being mere recruits to soldiers. The Reviewing Officer for the occasion was the Minister of Industry and Tourism and Member of Parliament for the Parish of St Ann, the Honourable Aloun N’Dombet-Assamba.

 

Reviewing Officer inspects the graduates on Parade.

Over the 22 weeks of intense training, these soldiers participated in a series of competition at the individual, squad and platoon levels. These competitions served to foster teamwork, dedication and commitment to task, attributes that are very necessary in their new status. The shared successes and limitations also encouraged comradeship and trust. It also develops within them loyalty and the great sense of high achievement.

Following the Passing-Out Parade, the young soldiers were allowed to go home and relaxed with families and friends for a brief while, before joining in the difficult task of protecting and building Jamaica as a nation.