Cadets helping instil discipline in students

Patrina Pink, Gleaner Writer

THE CADET Force has had an enviable presence in Jamaican high schools for a number of years. With six battalions all over the island, it offers youngsters an opportunity to get paramilitary training, exposure through island-wide travel and mentoring.

According to Colonel Lemuel Lindo, commandant of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force, schools that have cadet programmes become more disciplined and, as such, the force will not shy away from 'troubled' institutions.

Lindo was speaking at the Founder's Day Church Service and Parade for the First Battalion at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on North Street in Kingston, yesterday. The First Battalion, which covers schools in St Andrew, has more than 400 students, many of whom were present yesterday.

Discipline challenge

Major Michael Bennett, company commander for Norman Manley and Tarrant high schools, said his company faced the problem of indiscipline but, despite the challenge, the job of assisting excites him.

"I really can't complain, sometimes it gets really hard, but once they get there (in the programme) they cooperate," Bennett said. "The only problem is getting them in the programme, in the first place."

The cadet force is not mandatory in most schools and students must volunteer to be part of it. The strict paramilitary programme places a high level of importance on respect for authority, and defines itself as a 'student movement with a difference'. It includes a rank system that all participants enter and advance through participation in the movement's activities. The discipline and order, Bennett said, is a deterrent to some students.

Committed

Yet, despite the unwillingness of some to cooperate, Lindo said his organisation remains fervently committed to expanding the scope of training of officers and remaining true to the mission, which includes 'excellence in leadership and discipline'. Lindo said the ultimate goal of the Cadet Force was to help youngsters 'reach for the stars' and reach 'self-actualisation'.

The force offers marine, aeronautics, first aid and skills at arms training, as well as other opportunities. Students interested in joining the force should contact their school cadet unit or visit DeCordova Barracks, Up Park Camp in Kingston. The force is an excellent way to get preliminary training if one wants to enter the armed forces.