KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica National Reserve (JNR), the reserve component of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), launched its 2026 annual training camp on Monday, July 13, at Up Park Camp.

The training camp, which runs until July 26, brings together a multi-national task force of reservists from Jamaica, the wider Caribbean and the Washington DC National Guard, for two weeks of intensive military training, operational readiness and community engagement across sections of Kingston, St Ann and Portland.

According to Major Marlon Kennedy, director of this year’s annual camp, “The training exercise represents the reserve’s principal period of active duty each year, during which employed reservists report for military service to strengthen the JDF’s operational capability. Over the course of the training camp, reservists will participate in a comprehensive programme of tactical air, land and maritime training, disaster response exercises, leadership development, peace support operations and specialist military instruction.”

The programme, he said, will also include community outreach initiatives, youth engagement activities and medical support operations in select communities, reflecting the reserve’s enduring commitment to national development.

At least six countries, including the United States, the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and local forces such as the JCF and the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) will participate in this year’s edition.

Brigade Commander of the Jamaica National Reserve, Brigadier Ricardo Blidgen, said: “The Annual Training Camp remains the cornerstone of the reserve’s operational readiness, ensuring that reserve soldiers and officers remain prepared to augment the regular force whenever required. Just last year, our reserves were heavily involved in the national response to Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28, demonstrating the critical role we play in Jamaica’s response to natural disasters, national emergencies, security operations and other contingencies.”

Brigadier Blidgen also added that, “Annual camp is where training, professionalism and commitment come together. It ensures that our reservists remain capable, confident and ready to support the Jamaica Defence Force whenever the nation calls.”

The brigade commander also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the many public- and private-sector employers whose continuous support makes reserve service possible.

“A key strength of the Jamaica National Reserve lies in the diversity of its members, who come from virtually every professional discipline while maintaining successful civilian careers. Our reservists are engineers, doctors, teachers, lawyers, pilots, business leaders, information technology professionals, skilled tradesmen and public servants… just to name a few of the professions. They bring exceptional civilian expertise into military service, creating a force that is uniquely positioned to support national security, disaster response and community resilience,” he said.

“I want to, therefore, extend a personal and heartfelt thanks to the employers across Jamaica who released their employees to serve during annual camp. Their partnership represents an important investment in Jamaica’s security and resilience and reflects a direct contribution to national preparedness,” Blidgen continued.

He also encouraged other public and private sector entities to support their staff who show an interest in serving the nation through the national reserve.

Qualified professionals interested in joining the Jamaica National Reserve are encouraged to visit the Jamaica Defence Force’s official recruitment channels or contact the JNR Recruiting Office via email jnr.recruiting@gmail.co for further information.