235 Jamaica National Service Corps recruits transition to JDF
Published:Saturday | June 5, 2021 | 5:52 PM
Andre Williams, Staff Reporter
The cadre of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has been boosted by 235 with the transition of recruits from the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC) programme.
The new army members were introduced at a passing out parade held at Up Park Camp today.
In his address, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that the success of the JDF and the JNSC programme depend on their ability to continue to maintain exceptionally high standards.
“Our nation's youths are the future of our country. If we are to reduce the high levels of violence and crime in Jamaica we must productively and positively engage our youths so that they do not become targets for recruitment by gangs or fall prone to other types of criminal activities,” Holness said.
In Photo: Prime Minister Andrew Holness
He remarked that too many young people find themselves being a part of the problem and a long-term approach to addressing the issues drove the creation of the JNSC programme in 2017.
“You have been given a firm foundation on which to build a successful military career. I urge you to continue to make the best of all the opportunities that will reveal themselves during your career as a member of the JDF,” Holness said.
“With each successive intake that successfully completes the JNSC programme, I am heartened that there are so many of our young Jamaicans who are still willing to serve. I believe that one of my primary duties is to ensure that there are good opportunities such as the JNSC programme that will enable a strong sense of duty and commitment to serve,” he added.
The JNSC is a new category of military service which sees approximately 1,000 persons aged 18-23 being enlisted in the JDF annually and trained over a one-year period in military, vocational and life skills.
At the end of their training, the majority of the participants will be accepted to join the JDF as regular soldiers, while others will be eligible candidates for employment in the private and public sectors.
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