Your country needs you ... JDF conducting massive recruitment drive

The island's qualified youths are being encouraged to apply to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), which has embarked on an islandwide recruitment drive.

"It's a career that is extremely rewarding. You get to make a difference in the lives of many people, and you get to discover what your true potential is," Major Basil Jarrett, the JDF's Civil/Military Co-operation Officer, told THE STAR yesterday.

He shared that ideally, some 1,500 recruits are needed in the JDF, noting that the force is currently undermanned, especially with plans afoot to establish a base in Montego Bay, St James.

"The force right now is dispersed all across the island and having the increased numbers will allow us to be more responsive to the various security challenges as they arise," Jarrett said.

The recruitment drive kicks off today at Whitehorne Barracks, Port Maria, for residents of St Ann, St Mary and Portland only. Specific recruitment bases have been established across the island to accommodate applicants from all 14 parishes.

Academic requirements

"We've always done recruiting online, but we've realised that a number of persons might not have access to the Internet, even in some of the most rural parts, we didn't want them to be left out," Jarrett said.

Successful recruits must meet an extensive list of medical and academic requirements. In addition, they are required to have certain 'soft skills' and attributes that are not listed.

"We are looking for people who have a very strong sense of patriotism and national pride," Jarrett said.

Although the requirements are stringent, Jarrett is encouraging persons to give it a shot.

"Do not sit there and eliminate yourself because you don't think you have what it takes. Sign up and come out because you'd be surprised what you're capable of doing," he said.

The recruitment drive ends on March 14.