New Army Reserves Commended For Resilience

Ninety-two Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) recruits, who have successfully completed the longest period of training in the history of the Jamaica National Reserve (JNR), have been hailed for their dedication and resilience over the extended training cycle.

“Each of you would have experienced training that tested your strength and dexterity in all areas including but not limited to the physical, mental and psychological, while challenging you to demonstrate your dedication (and) resilience,” said Parade Commander, Lieutenant Johnny Giwa-Agbomeirele.

“You stood always ready and stayed committed to your training even when it seemed like all was lost,” he noted, while addressing the Passing Out Parade held at Curphey Barracks, Up Park Camp in Kingston on Saturday (July 2).

The graduates of Intake 2019/02 underwent a rigorous training programme, which tested their physical and mental fortitude.

A total of 119 males and 39 females had originally signed up for the training, which began in 2019, but was extended over almost three years due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

Lieutenant Giwa-Agbomeirele, in giving an overview of the process, noted that the training covered drill and ceremonial activities, living and operating in the field, maintaining operational fitness,

operating a service weapon, applying basic map reading skills, conventional operations, communication using radio and voice procedures, and the history and role of the JDF.

He noted that the training regimen in the JNR is unique as it is conducted on weekends – three to four weekends every month.

Between November 2019 and March 2020, the intake completed six-weeks of training before there was a pause in March 2020 because of COVID-19.

Basic training resumed in August 2021 but was again halted because of the pandemic restrictions.

“This setback, was however, no match for the determination and willpower of the intake. They remained undaunted and demonstrated flexibility as they quickly adapted and embraced the online classes that became the new normal for their training throughout the restricted period,” he said, noting that the intake resumed face-to-face training in October 2021.

He commended the graduates, noting that they displayed strength through adversity, which propelled them across the finish line.

Lt. Giwa-Agbomeirele told the recruits, that as new soldiers, they have become “a part of something special and significant to your families, communities and your country,” and now live by the core values of the JDF – courage, commitment, honour, integrity, loyalty, and discipline.

He reminded them that it is their action that will define their character as members of the JDF and charged them to always do the right thing every time, even when no one is looking.

“I salute you the newest members of the force and I urge you to go forward and serve your country with pride,” he said.

The Jamaica National Reserve is a multi-domain focused Reserve Force formation that has been expanded to include a headquarters element in command of four units comprising the Third,

Sixth and Ninth Battalions of the Jamaica Regiment, as well as the Support Battalion (National Reserve).