Scores of family members braved the inclement weather to be part of a historic event on Saturday 16 May 2009 at the Moneague Training Camp, St Ann, as the Jamaica Defence Force graduated its 100th regular intake of men since its inception in 1962.

The popular saying, “It does not rain in the army”, was strongly played out as no one seemed to mind the rain. The military pageantry was very captivating and kept everyone in awe. Family members were emotional as they shouted to their loved ones whom they have not seen for weeks and whom, possibly, have changed in physical appearance.

With the JDF celebrating this significant achievement having reached the 100th mark, it was quite appropriate to acknowledge members from earlier Intakes who had laid the foundation for subsequent intakes.  Present at the Passing Out Parade were members of the very first intake – Intake 01 – and Intakes 25, 50 and 75. The former soldiers expressed delight in sharing in this special occasion as they were called out on the parade square to symbolically pave the way for the new soldiers. This gesture drew loud applause from the gathering as they were amazed to see past members still looking fit to fight.

As the stage was set for Intake 100 to take up the mantle, the echoed voice of the Depot Sergeant Major, calling up the Intake to attention, commanded silence in the crowd. He then gave his command of ‘Quick March’ and the new soldiers made their way onto the parade square. They executed sharp drill movements much the amazement of the gathering.

Some say the reward for hard work is more work. However you choose to look at it, there is always a reward. For members of Intake 100, their hard work certainly paid as they overcame tremendous obstacles to cop awards that were up for grabs.

Private Roland Gray, from the parish of St Thomas, received the highest dividend as he copped the coveted ‘Best Recruit’ award, making him the best among 100 young men. But who would have thought that a high school dropout would top his batch?

Gray was very determined and wanted to be a good soldier. Given his peculiar situation of not having a father figure and faced with grave financial challenges, Gray knew that he had to work extra hard and follow military principles and discipline; displaying high leadership qualities, if he were to excel.

“I always tell my mommy that I am going to make her proud because I have to make up for the school days. I knew I had to receive an award to let her see,” he said.

Another individual award that the Recruits had to compete for was the Academic Award. This was earned by Private Dane Alexander who hails from St Ann. The journey to receiving this award was no easy walk; it took a certain amount of discipline to maintain an average that is good enough to earn this coveted spot.

“I had to listen attentively in class; I also spent a lot of time in the Barrack Room studying for my exam,” he said. 

Other awards were given for Best Shot, Catherine’s Peak Race Winner and Runners-Up for all the categories.

The Reviewing Officer and Guest Speaker Senator Dwight Nelson saluted the JDF on a job well done and implored the young soldiers to maintain the high standards of the JDF. He also warned them to stay away from corruption.  

The parade ended with the Intake forming the number ‘100’, much to the delight of all present.
 
Intake 100 commenced training on 01 February 2009 and went through fourteen weeks of rigorous training, to include Map Reading, Tactics, Skill-at-Arms and Drills, which transformed them from civilians to soldiers.

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