• A proud moment ‘CRÈME DE LA CRÈME’
• Best male recruit from cadet to soldier
• Best female recruit ‘CRÈME DE LA CRÈME’

Being focused and ready for work was the order of the day as nothing else would make the ‘cut’.  But the hard work, commitment and dedication paid off, and on
07 June 2008 he passed off the parade square as the Best Recruit of Intake 98.

Private Jermaine Coward was awarded the Best Recruit Award at the Passing out Parade held at the Moneague Training Camp in St Ann.

Private Coward is nothing like his name suggests.  He withstood the test and triumphed at the end.  “I was so surprised when I was told I was the best recruit, but I felt really good because all my hard work paid off,” said Private Coward.

Private Coward hails from the parish of St Ann and attended St Jago High School in St Catherine.   “I realized that I wanted to make a career out of the army from an early age so I became a cadet to prepare me for this.”  Now his dream has finally come through.

There were a lot of tough times; the proud Private endured much hardship during his training both at Newcastle Training Depot and Moneague Training Camp. 
Private Coward said and it was a challenging experience.  “When I became Squad Leader that was the worst time for me as I was given numerous responsibilities,” he continued. 

“I had to ensure that my fellow recruits met the required standard at all times, if they weren’t I would bare the brunt of the burden,” Private Coward said.  

“I felt pressured,” he said “because I thought the responsibility was too much.”

The 20-year-old said that he is aspiring to become a technical engineer.  When not training, the Best Recruit enjoys listening to music.