Major General Rocky Meade assumed command of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) yesterday and set the tone for his leadership in an address which displayed humility, strength, and deep commitment to the nation.

“I am very clear that my primary roles are to assist in securing Jamaicans and defending Jamaica’s interests,” Meade said in his address at the Change of Command Parade inside Up Park Camp, the JDF headquarters in Kingston.

“I encourage you to appreciate that our most significant challenges are multifaceted and impacted by [the] underlying, deep-rooted problem of how we view and respond to our fellow men,” the chief of defence staff told the large audience who witnessed the colourful event that saw him succeed Major General Antony Anderson, who is now the country’s national security advisor.

“The security solution is multi-sectoral and, as the prime minister has said on a number of occasions, every Jamaican can play a part. There is no quick fix,” Meade said.

He told the audience that earlier he had launched a Caribbean Journal of Strategic and Security Studies to encourage critical thinking and analyses which will be important for the long-term solution of the country’s security problem.

In addition, he said the JDF will be playing a role in the prime minister’s employment and engagement programme and will increase its interaction in communities to help mould the youth for the future.

“But while we lay the foundation for [the] long term, there are immediate and urgent security challenges, and we have already increased our support to the police to mitigate the impact of these challenges,” Meade said.

“It is our goal to help the police in bringing wrongdoers to face the justice system. Just yesterday (Friday) one of our patrols brought in a young man found with an illegal weapon to face the justice system, and that is how we plan to execute our support to the police, because all Jamaicans should feel safe around the Jamaica Defence Force, even the wrongdoers.

“But let us be clear, if my soldiers are attacked to the point where their lives are threatened, they will defend themselves effectively,” the chief of defence staff stated firmly.

He told the men and women under his command that if there was any achievement being recognised at the parade, it was theirs.

“It is your dedicated, effective and efficient work that has allowed me to be standing here on this occasion. I see my role as primarily to serve you, to walk in your shoes so I can understand your needs, to make representation on your behalf to ensure that the force is protected and you have the equipment, resources and facilities you need to secure Jamaicans and defend Jamaica’s interest,” the major general said.

He thanked his staff, particularly his principal staff officers who, he said, have the “unenviable job” of converting his ideas into meaningful, achievable tasks on policies and procedures.

“The families of our service personnel and civilian staff, your commitment and continued support have in no way gone unnoticed. Each day we remain indebted to you for the strength and support you provide to our servicemen and women. Undoubtedly, you stand as critical pillars aiding the foundation of service to our nation,” he said.

“But the most significant thanks today goes to Major General Anderson. It’s all about him today, recognising his unwavering and dedicated service to the nation through Jamaica’s defence force. You’ve taken this force to a new level, and if your 34 years here is anything to go by, the national security apparatus of this country is in the best possible hands,” Meade said.

“I wish you all the best in your new appointment, as you continue to serve Jamaica.”

Anderson, in his address, thanked the “outstanding officers, men and women” of the JDF, saying that he he was grateful for the opportunity to have led them.

Anderson, who became chief of defence staff in October 2010, also thanked Meade “for being a friend, loyal officer and confidant” over his career, but in particular during his tenure as head of the JDF.

“I’m confident that the JDF will grow from strength to strength under your steady guidance and leadership,” he told Meade.

He left a few words of advice for his former troops, stating that when the country is facing challenges to its security and safety the JDF is called on to respond.

“I’m acutely aware of the sacrifices you make when you continually put yourselves in harm’s way on behalf of your fellow citizens. The demand for your service will not go away as long as threats face us and, in fact, constant challenge defines military service,” Anderson said.

“I therefore encourage you all to hold true to our core values, ensure the effectiveness of the team through loyalty to your commanders and to each other and, above all, remember your reason for being, which is to defend and protect Jamaica and all of its citizens, especially those most vulnerable,” he added.

“Remember that we can exceed our expectations, but we will not exceed our vision. Have a big vision for the force and its ability to positively affect the lives of our people. Ground that vision in optimism, knowing that the capacity exists in the force and the nation to address whatever we are faced with,” Anderson said.

“Eschew cynicism that can threaten, at times, to take away our will to try new things and keep going. Go forward confidently in the certain knowledge that you will continue to add significant value to our nation,” he advised.

Earlier, the pomp and pageantry associated with military parades impressed the large audience that included the country’s leaders, foreign diplomats, military and naval officers from overseas forces, and civilians.

All units were on show against a backdrop of land, sea and aircraft owned by the JDF.

Major General Meade is the JDF’s third chief of defence staff since the command was changed from chief of staff in 2007. Prior to that, the JDF had eight chiefs of staff – Brigadier PE Crook, who served from 1962 to 1965; Brigadier D H Smith, 1965-1973; Brigadier DF Robinson, 1973; Major General R G Green, 1973-1979; Major General R J Neish, 1979-1990; Rear Admiral P L Brady, 1990-1998; Major General J I Simmonds, 1998-2002; and Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, 2002-2007.

The two chiefs of defence staff to precede Major General Meade are Major General Anderson, 2010-2016; and Major General Stewart Saunders, 2007-2010.