State minister for National Security Pearnel Charles Jr says his ministry intends to restructure, expand and re-energise the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) to increase its effectiveness.

The minister who has portfolio responsibility for the JCCF said the expanded role of the organisation would form part of the National Security’s strategy for crime prevention through social development.

Speaking at a recent training session of the JCCF’s first battalion, Minister Charles emphasised: “For too long the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force has been Jamaica’s best kept secret,” reiterating that, “in our efforts to advance youth empowerment as a tool for crime prevention, we will be preparing Cadets to serve as ambassadors in their respective schools and communities, where they will encourage their peers to be disciplined and to engage in non-violent conflict resolution.”

In accordance with its motto, ‘to unite, to serve and to lead’, the JCCF uses paramilitary training and community service to instil discipline and nurture the characteristics of leadership, while imparting valuable skills that often usher its members into leadership positions and careers in law enforcement, aviation and seamanship.

The current strength of the JCCF is 2,096 male and 442 female cadets across 77 schools.