Every military organisation, if it is to remain a viable, relevant and useful pillar on which the society it supports is built, must train its human resource element constantly. The human resource element is one of the most important facets of this organisation and it is by training that these individuals will be able to professionally manage the numerous and widely varied military duties they carry out.

It has been said of an army and its personnel "train hard, fight easy". Despite financial constraints and shrinking budgets over the years the Force has continued to maintain a credible record with respect to training.

The JDF currently conducts over 40 different courses, which can be broken down into four main categories.

OVERSEAS COURSES

Overseas courses are conducted primarily in three countries: the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The JDF has been able to grasp these opportunities for overseas training mainly as a result of foreign training assistance programs. Approximately 40 officers receive overseas training annually with the majority undergoing basic officer courses and subsequently going on to intermediate and advanced courses in their various fields of endeavour be it infantry, aviation, marine, or the engineers. The training value gained from these exposures is highly appreciated and well worth the effort. Our officers, soldiers, sailors and airmen are exposed to modern military weaponry, equipment, and technology and graduate from these courses prepared to apply their newly honed skills to the JDF.

COURSES USA

Courses in the United States are conducted at:

1. The US Army Aviation Centre at Fort Rucker in Alabama. This institution offers basic pilot training and other aviation related courses to include air traffic control and aviation safety. Aircraft technicians also receive training at US Army bases throughout the United States.
2. Junior Command and Staff Courses are also offered in aviation as well as naval studies at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
3. The United States Army Intelligence Centre at Fort Huachuca in Arizona offers the basic intelligence course and the JDF has taken advantage of this training.
4. Other courses conducted in the United States and from which the JDF has benefited are:

– Search and Rescue Planning Course and the International Maritime Officers Course at US Coast Guard Rescue Training Centre at York Town, Virginia.

– Ranger Course at Fort Benning, Georgia.

– Basic and salvage diving courses at Naval Coastal Systems Centre, Panama City, Florida.

COURSES UNITED KINGDOM

The JDF has found military courses (including the basis officers training) in the United Kingdom invaluable in assisting with maintaining its professional standards. The JDF has therefore consistently taken advantage of the following courses run by the British Armed Forces whenever vacancies are afforded:

– Royal Army Staff College course conducted at  Camberley.

– Advance Infantry Officers course conducted at Warminster.

– Officers signals course at the Royal School of Signals.

– Military police officers course conducted at the Royal Military Police Training School.

– Band Sergeant Majors’ course conducted at the Royal Military School of Music.

– The Combat Engineer course conducted at the Royal School of Military Engineering.

COURSES CANADA

Military training conducted in Canada covers basic pilot and other aviation related training. Junior and Senior Command and Staff Training is conducted at the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College at Fort Frotenac, Kingston, Ontario.

EXERCISES AND MILITARY EXCHANGES

Military skills garnered through periodic exercises and military exchange programmes remain a valuable asset to the individual and in turn is highly beneficial to the JDF. Exercise and exchange programmes currently being conducted are as follows.

EXERCISE ‘RED STRIPE/CALYPSO HOP’

Once called Exercise Trim Craft/Pike Staff this four weeks exercise normally held annually in May is the largest of the exercises/ exchange training programmes in the JDF, conducted between the British Army and the Jamaica Defence Force. This exercise has been conducted since the since the 60s. The exchange involves some 140 all ranks from both military forces and aims to involve as many units in the JDF as possible. Recently, the Exercise has been extended to the Third Battalion Jamaica Regiment (National Reserve) and other Defence Forces throughout the Caribbean. Exercise ‘Calypso Hop’ is the name given to the JDF contingent overseas and Exercise ‘Red Stripe’ is the name given to the British contingent in Jamaica.

EXERCISE ‘CARIBBEAN WARRIOR’

This exercise is held throughout March and April annually and involves some 170 – 200 members of Bermuda Regiment coming to Jamaica on their annual camp. The exercise involves training in jungle warfare with attachments to the JDF Coast Guard, Provost Unit, Engineer Regiment and the Jamaica Military Band. Bermuda Regiment troops have been coming to Jamaica on exercise since 1967.

EXERCISE ‘TRADE WINDS’

Exercise Trade Winds is held in various Caribbean islands annually during the month of March and has been a part of the JDF diary of events since 1987. The exercise incorporates a platoon from one of the JDF’s regular infantry battalions and troops from the Caribbean region. This exercise incorporates training in jungle warfare, watermanship, and airborne operations.

EXERCISE ‘PRANG’

Exercise ‘PRANG’ is conducted from January to February annually. The exercise involves the exchange of troops between the JDF and the Puerto Rico Army Reserve National Guard (PRANG), troops from the Third Battalion Jamaica Regiment (National Reserve) are in attendance with a few attachments from the Regular Force. Training is usually conducted in jungle warfare.

EXERCISE ‘STEEL DRUM’

The Royal Marines have made use of the lush green tropical rain forests of Portland to conduct jungle warfare and adventure training. Held throughout the month of May and June this exercise sees the participation of as many as 320 all ranks to include Combat and Structural Engineers engaging in local community projects for the duration of the exercise. Exercise ‘Steel Drum’ has been on the JDF dairy of events since 1991.

EXERCISE ‘FRENCH COMMANDO’

This exercise is held in November and has, since 1992, involved a platoon (32 men) size contingent from one of the infantry battalions going to the island of Martinique for commando type training. Commando training involves skills in unarmed combat, watermanship skills, endurance and confidence building.

LOCAL COURSES

Over the years, as avenues for academic qualification become more readily accessible, the JDF has sought to capitalize on a number of valuable courses offered by various academic institutions in Jamaica. A variety of diploma and degree courses are currently being offered at these institutions. Civilians academic institutions include:-

Focusing on our own training resources, the JDF conducts a number of locally run courses and cadres:

UNIT AND SUB UNIT TRAINING

It is the responsibility of every unit commander to set training objectives, prepare
and implement training programmes for the growth and development of the unit or sub unit. In this regard the commander enriches the military life of every soldier, sailor or airman and keeps him/her in a posture of military preparedness. Training at the unit and sub unit level fosters cohesion and esprit de corps as is fostered through
such events as the annual Force March and Shoot competition. Other force sporting events build team spirit and camaraderie and are nurtured at the unit level as each unit endeavours to find the best members that it can muster to represent the unit in force events.

Our soldiers have to be ready to undertake a wide variety of operations and duties, sometimes at short notice. This ability to adapt is due to the constant high level of training and quality of our soldiers.

Back to top

Copyright © Jamaica Defence Force, all rights reserved.
Contact Us / Guest Book   if you require further information.
E-mail [email protected] to report problems or request assistance.