The Battalion is currently based at Headquarters Jamaica Defence Force, Up Park Camp, Kingston as the rotation of battalions were completed between 18-21 February 2010. The First Battalion The Jamaica Regiment (1 JR) rotated between Lathbury Barracks, Up Park Camp, Kingston and the Moneague Training Camp (MTC), Moneague, St Ann, every twelve months and its operational commitments vary accordingly.  The Battalion is committed to assisting the civil police in the Metropolitan Area of Kingston and St. Andrew and the adjoining parish of St. Catherine.

Operations are coordinated and designated by a Joint Task Force Headquarters comprising command elements from both the JCF and the JDF.  The roles and duties of the Unit are outlined ion detail hereunder:

• To assist the JCF in conducting Internal Security (IS) Operations in order to capture wanted persons, recover illegal firearms, ammunition, drugs, and to restore and maintain law and order within specific communities.
• To furnish the Ceremonial Guard at the National Heroes Circle.  This Ceremonial Guard is in place to provide military pageantry and a level of security to the Park. A Ceremonial change of the sentries takes place every hour on the hour from sunrise to sunset daily. This spectacle is open for viewing by the public.
• To conduct Narcotics Eradication and Interdiction Operations across the country.  These operations include the destruction of cultivated and cured marijuana, and the interdiction of illicit drugs which may pass through Jamaican territory.