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RESERVES – Third Battalion the Jamaica Regiment (NR)
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Motto: Always Ready

History
Organisation
How to join
Uniforms



History
Jamaica’s records of voluntary military service date back to 1662. The Jamaica Militia, which was formed in that year, existed for nearly two and a half centuries, until it was eventually disbanded just over 90 years ago. In 1694, without any naval or regular army support, its volunteers repelled the only attempted invasion of Jamaica – by a French force of over 1,400 – other than the original English one of 1655.

The name of the reserve unit has changed many times since this century. In 1914, the name was changed from St. Andrew Rifle Corps (a semi-official unit formed by members of the disbanded Jamaica Infantry Militia) to Kingston Infantry Volunteers and by 1939 to the Jamaica Infantry Volunteers. As part of the newly formed Jamaica Defence Force in 1962, the new reserve battalion was initially named First Battalion, The National Reserve, but in 1963 was renamed Third Battalion the Jamaica Regiment (National Reserve) (3JR(NR)).

The Battalion can recall many memorable occasions in its short history. It was presented with the freedom of the City of Kingston in 1972, in recognition of its tenth anniversary. In 1975, it became the first reserve unit outside the United Kingdom, to parade its Colour for The Queen.

In 1980 the Government of Jamaica awarded the Certificate of Honour for Meritorious Service to 3JR(NR) for its assistance in relief operations following the massive 1979 floods in Western Jamaica. In March 1995, the battalion formed the Guard of Honour for the arrival of the President of Zambia on his State Visit to Jamaica. In July 1996, it was again on parade for the presentation of new Colours by the Governor-General of Jamaica.

The men of the Third Battalion the Jamaica Regiment continue the tradition of service and commitment to duty, which has been a guiding principle through the years – a dedication that cannot be paid for, but is voluntarily given through patriotism.

Organisation

The infantry reserve is located in four barracks across Jamaica: Curphey Barracks – Up Park Camp; Foster Barracks – Mandeville; Burke Barracks – Montego Bay; and Whitehorne Barracks – Port Maria. Up Park Camp houses the Battalion’s headquarters, the Headquarter Company, and two other companies, ‘Alpha’ and ‘Bravo’.

Unlike the regular infantry companies, 3JR(NR) is staffed by a Training Major. There is also an Administrative Officer, a Quartermaster, and several Permanent Staff Instructors, (PSI’s) provided from the Regular Force. The Battalion is unique in that it has a regular and a reserve Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM). A Major commands each one of the six companies.

How to join
3JR(NR) invites all young, healthy, strong, persons who are of good social standing and clean police record to apply. Currently, the unit is not able to accept for training, females as combatants, because of the absence of appropriate physical accommodation. However, the Battalion is committed to changing this. In fact, there is already a female officer, who is the Regimental Dental Officer, and a fine addition to the Battalion.

An individual may join, wishing to become an officer, or wishing to become a regular soldier. The requirements and the training to become an officer of 3JR(NR) is deliberately more demanding, that that to become a soldier. A vital pre-requisite being dauntless determination, and a great love for soldiering.

 … as an officer
The potential officer candidate should have had tertiary training, and be between the ages of 22 and 28 ideally. He should apply in writing, submitting a full resume and proof of qualification – his diplomas, degrees, or certificates may be copied and submitted, but the originals will be required when he attends his interview. An interview will follow, which is usually conducted by a panel of senior officers.

Medical tests are arranged, which he will attend, after which he attends a selection exercise for three days continuous, where a panel of officers will test, and observe him as he participates in various activities designed to display his manner, leadership qualities, creativity, and communication skills. At the end of the exercise, a final interview is held, and the candidate is told the results of his testing. If successful, he will be given a date for the start of basic training. After his basic training, he will shortly be appointed as an officer cadet, and then commence basic officer training.

… as a soldier
The candidate who wishes to become a soldier (but not an officer) should be older than 18 years, and have met the same general requirements as those expected of an officer. He should complete an application form, and upon request, attend medical testing and several other tests that are all conducted on the same day. Some time is allowed for the tabulation of all the test scores, but after all deliberations have been completed, the successful candidate will be called in to begin basic training.



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