Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Everton Black was appointed Force Sergeant Major on 12 March 2026. WO1 Black is a 32-year veteran who enlisted in the JDF on 17 July 1994, after his previous employment as a Lab Analyst. Earlier in his military career, WO1 Black contributed to the training and professional development of several cadres of soldiers at different levels of skill and competency. In 2007 and 2016, he was Chief Instructor for Potential Non- commissioned Officers Courses. He was the training WO for the Caribbean Junior Command and Staff Courses between 2012 and 2014, and Instructor on Advanced Drill Courses between 2018 and 2019. He also served two years as Partner Nation Instructor at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), Fort Benning, GA, commencing in 2009.

WO1 Black has served in several senior appointments throughout his career. He was Brigade Sergeant Major for The Jamaica Regiment, Regimental Sergeant Major (Ceremonial) at the Inspector General’s Branch, Detachment Sergeant Major for the Caribbean Infantry Training Centre and Headquarters Administrative Detachment, Company Sergeant Major for Headquarter and Charlie Companies First Battalion The Jamaica Regiment, as well as a Company Quartermaster Sergeant, managing logistics and mission-critical stores.

WO1 Black has enjoyed the opportunity to attend several local and international courses that have contributed to his professional standing. Namely, the Warrant Officers Course, Advanced Drill Course, Instructor Development Course, State Protocol and Business Etiquette Course, Supervisory Management Course, Military Operations Level 2 NVQJ, First Sergeant Course (USASMA Fort Bliss, Texas), Army Basic Instructor Course (Fort Benning GA), Small Group Instructor Course (Fort Benning GA), NCO Professional Development Course (WHINSEC), Medical Combat Life Saver, Land Navigation and Reconnaissance Course. WO1 Black strongly supports professional military development through training and aims to make such implementations among his juniors as part of his command philosophy.

WO1 Black is a Justice of the Peace, serving his wider community. He is the recipient of The Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service, The Jamaica Military Commendation Medal for Excellence, The Medals of Honour for General Service (Clasp 2018) The Medal of Honour for Long Service and Good Conduct, The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal and The Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. The latter being conferred while he was assigned to the Roy P Benavedes NCO Academy, WHINSEC. WO1 Black was also inducted into the WHISEC Hall of Fame in September 2024.

WO1 Black is married to Bridgette and is a proud father of Josh, Janelle, Jaden and Jaheem. He enjoys browsing the internet, playing volleyball and table tennis.