Training – Exercises and Military Exchanges

• Training home
• Caribbean Junior Command & Staff Course
• Overseas Courses
• Exercises and Military Exchanges
• Local Courses
• Unit Sub-Unit Training
• 69 Potential Non-Commissioned Officers
• A job well done – Instructing in Information Technology

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.