Headquarters Kingston | ||
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Military age 16 years of age for selection process, 17 years of age is actual serving age (As of 2007) Available formilitary service 747,043 males, age 16–49 (2005 est.) Fit formilitary service 523,550 males, age 16–49 (2005 est.) Reaching militaryage annually 27,729 males (2005 est.) Budget 31.17 million USD (ranked 141st) Similar Trinidad and Tobago D, Royal Bahamas Defence, Royal Antigua and Barb, Barbados Defence Force, Belize Defence Force Profiles | ||
The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is the combined military of Jamaica, consisting of an Army, Air Wing and Coast Guard. The JDF is based upon the British military model, with similar organisation, training, weapons and traditions. Once chosen, officer candidates are sent to one of several British or Canadian basic officer courses depending upon the arm of service. Enlisted soldiers are given basic training at JDF Training Depot Newcastle. As on the British model, NCOs are given several levels of professional training as they rise up the ranks. Additional military schools are available for speciality training in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Contents
- Jamaica defence force display team
- History
- Major units of the Jamaica Defence Force
- Past Chiefs of Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force 19622007
- Bands
- JDF Coast Guard
- Retired aircraft
- Incidents
- Ranks of the Jamaica Defence Force
- Additional training
- References
Jamaica defence force display team
History
The JDF is directly descended from the British West India Regiment formed during the colonial era. The West India Regiment was used extensively by the British in policing the empire from 1795 to 1926. Other units in the JDF heritage include the early colonial Jamaica Militia, the Kingston Infantry Volunteers of WWI and reorganised into the Jamaican Infantry Volunteers in WWII. The West India Regiment was reformed in 1958 as part of the West Indies Federation. The dissolution of the Federation resulted in the establishment of the JDF.
The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) comprises an infantry Regiment and Reserve Corps, an Air Wing, a Coast Guard fleet and a supporting Engineering Unit. The infantry regiment contains the 1st, 2nd and 3rd (National Reserve) battalions. The JDF Air Wing is divided into three flight units, a training unit, a support unit and the JDF Air Wing (National Reserve). The Coast Guard element is divided between seagoing crews and support crews. It conducts maritime safety and maritime law enforcement as well as defence-related operations. The support battalion contains a Military Police platoon as well as vehicle, armourers and supply units. The 1st Engineer Regiment provides military engineering support to the JDF. The Headquarters JDF contains the JDF commander, command staff as well as intelligence, judge advocate office, administrative and procurement sections.
In recent years the JDF has been called upon to assist the nation's police, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in fighting drug smuggling and a rising crime rate which includes one of the highest murder rates in the world. JDF units actively conduct armed patrols with the JCF in high-crime areas and known gang neighbourhoods. There has been vocal controversy as well as support of this JDF role. In early 2005, an opposition leader, Edward Seaga, called for the merger of the JDF and JCF. This move has not garnered support in either organisation nor among the majority of citizens.
Major units of the Jamaica Defence Force
Past Chiefs of Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (1962–2007)
In December 2007 the title of Chief of Staff was replaced by Chief of Defence Staff and filled by incumbent.
Bands
The JDF also supports two military bands;
JDF Coast Guard
The Coast Guard was formed in 1962 as The Jamaica Sea Guards and under the current name in 1966.
In 2016 the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard was staffed by 241 individuals. Eurasia Review reported its vessels were short of spares, poorly maintained, and hardly ever put to sea.
Ships in Active Service
Other smaller vessels include:
Retired Ships of the JDF Coast Guard
The Coast Guard's first ships were 63 ft wooden World War II torpedo recovery boats (torpedo retrievers) from the United States Navy and operated from 1962 to 1966.
Retired aircraft
Incidents
On July 1, 2009 a Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing Bell 412EP helicopter was on its way back to Up Park Camp from a training mission when it began experiencing mechanical issues. The helicopter crashed into the ground at Up Park Camp, injuring the captain, his co-pilot and a crew member.
Ranks of the Jamaica Defence Force
Commissioned Officers
Enlisted Ranks
Additional training
Besides inhouse training, the JDF has been trained by members of the Canadian Forces to deal with special needs.