When is jdf recruiting

The Jamaica Defence Force JDF has generally enjoyed a good reputation, even when some question the relevance of its existence. It has been 49 years since the JDF was established, and with no major threats to Jamaica from outside sources, as such the level of understanding of the role of the army has diminished.

The JDF has often been called on to justify its existence to an increasingly pluralistic society. However, at the dawn of the 21st Century there is no question that the JDF has accomplished a lot and is respected internationally and regionally for excellent service.

It has even been described by many in the Caribbean as the best trained armed force in the region. So how relevant is the army to Jamaica and why should anyone want to join the organization?

Colonel General Staff of the JDF, Colonel Rocky Meade, says the JDF, over the years and in recent times, has shown how important it is through the work it has done while adding that Jamaica is not immune to terrorist threats. Training is done at the highest international standard, which allows the JDF to respond to unpredictable situations. Citing the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti, he says the work carried out by the JDF in that instance, demonstrated their ability to respond effectively, both regionally and locally.

Jamaica was actually the first country to respond to the situation in Haiti and the Prime Minister, the Hon. Highlighting some significant achievements of the JDF, the Colonel says Jamaicans should not underestimate the work of the force. He says the hijacking of the Canadian Aircraft and the Tivoli incursion are pointers to the relevance of an army to the country. They would have thought that they can take on the entire state and maybe seek to go after the government structures, and so what we did was significant.

Potential Jamaica Defence Force JDF recruit tries to manoeuvre an obstacle course under the supervision of an officer as part of a selection process recently, at the JDF Newcastle training depot in St. He says now, more than ever, the JDF is of more relevance to the country because of the new challenges it faces with organized crime.

While there are other such successful operations carried out by the JDF since its inception, Colonel Meade says the force is not solely about fighting crime. There are also some areas that are unique, such as the infantry.

But, in general, it is a good service for all young people to consider, simply because of what it does for the individual; it makes you a better person, it makes you more capable, and it brings out in you a lot of capabilities that you did not realize that you had, because we push you to the limit. Persons wishing to join the JDF can apply to be a commissioned officer, or a member of the regular infantry. Certain basic physical requirements are also required for both entries.

The applicants applying to become members of the regular infantry are trained locally. Candidates for commissioned officer, as well as regular infantry, are taken through a number of assessments, such as medical, dental and physical, before they are enlisted in the force. The JDF offers two types of commission, a short service commission for seven years, and an indefinite commission which is for career officers. During the recruitment process, all potential officers must successfully complete an interview, conducted by a recruiting board.

After successful completion of the obstacle course, the candidate will be sent overseas for further training, which may last up to one and a half years, based on availability of courses.

Some of the successful applicants told JIS News they chose to apply to the army because of the chance of a good career; an opportunity to join a professional organization that instills discipline and allows them to serve their country. A past student of the University of Technology UTech , Williams says he has a passion to serve his country. Catherine, says that he wanted to be a role model to his family and his community.

The JDF is urging persons not to show up at recruiting locations that are outside of their parishes, as they will not be processed. Applicants are being advised to fill out the JDF application form online at www. Persons years old are welcome to apply. Individuals up to 25 years old, with tertiary qualifications, are also encouraged to apply. Each applicant must be unmarried and a Jamaican citizen.

A time like this when the country's national security problems are front and centre, I think it's admirable that any young man or woman would want to get involved in trying to change that outcome," said Major Basil Jarrett, head of the JDF's Civil Military Cooperation and Media Affairs Unit.