Dear Editor,

I write in response to an article in the Jamaica Observer of Sunday, Janaury 18, 2015, entitled ‘Abolish the Army’ and written by the well-respected, veteran journalist Ken Jones.

Let me first confess that, as a former member of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), I still believe passionately in the force, although I reserve the right to publicly criticise it when its members conduct themselves contrary to military training, and especially where there is an abuse of the rights of any Jamaican by the JDF.

Jones, in his article, has proposed that “…the military, as we know it, be abolished and its human and natural resources absorbed by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the correctional system, a reserve army, and other more useful agencies of the State”.

In considering his proposal, I think it is important that we understand that the JDF is a relatively small military force with a naval element (Coast Guard) and an air element (Air Wing). It is trained, organised and equipped to function as a military force, and more specifically as an army. Its sole purpose and the reason for its organisation, training and equipment is to defend Jamaica against security aggression from within or outside Jamaica. This is the traditional purpose of military forces. So, I would therefore have to agree with Jones’ position that Jamaica does not need the JDF.

Furthermore, if the JDF were to be retained solely to perform non-traditional military roles, it would soon be discovered that, because it no longer possessed its military ethos (which is impossible to retain unless there is a true military purpose), it would be unable to effectively carry out the non-traditional military roles.

Furthermore, if the JDF were to be retained solely to perform non-traditional military roles, it would soon be discovered that, because it no longer possessed its military ethos (which is impossible to retain unless there is a true military purpose), it would be unable to effectively carry out the non-traditional military roles.

The idea of a reserve force is an attractive concept to many. When there is a need for a body of men to carry out the roles or functions of the military they would be mobilized — a sort of “instant mix” military, if you will. However, it is important to understand that, whereas there might be resources that can be reallocated from a disbanded regular force, it certainly would not in any way be sufficient to cater for the support services required. The administrative and logistics support for dispersed reserve elements, too, is also going to be greater, not to mention the increase of bases and installations that would most definitely be required.

What are we to do, then, with the JDF if there is no need for it? And where are those functions identified for it in present-day Jamaica that can more effectively and appropriately be carried out by who or what? There are two options. The first is to disband it and rely on foreign assistance in the event of a need. The second option is to retain the JDF as a military force but charged specifically with providing for the military security needs of Caricom. Caricom would then be responsible for its funding and recruiting would be done throughout the Caribbean. The JDF would, therefore, be Jamaica’s contribution to be the nucleus around which an expanded force would be formed to meet the security needs of the region. During the West Indies Federation, the West India Regiment performed this role, but with the break-up of the federation that unit was disbanded and the JDF formed when Jamaica attained independence.

In 1998, at a Caribbean Islands Nations Security Conference held in Kingston, the concept of a regional security force was agreed on by the military chiefs of staff. I am not sure what ever became of that concept, but it is a need that was identified and agreed upon as far back as 1998. Probably, it might be the right time to have a look at that proposal again?

Colonel Allan Douglas

Kingston 10