Applicants should complete and submit an application form here
WHEN IS THE NEXT JDF RECRUITMENT DRIVE?
JDF recruiting is ongoing. Interested persons who meet our basic requirements need only complete and submit an application online.
CAN I JOIN THE JAMAICA DEFENCE FORCE AND TRAIN WHILE STUDYING?
No. Military training is a rigorous and demanding ordeal and requires total mental and physical commitment
I APPLIED AND COMPLETED THE ENTRY-LEVEL EXAM AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL. HOW DO I FOLLOW UP ON MY APPLICATION?
You can call the JDF recruiting office at 926-8121-9, or submit a query here.
I HAVE NOT COMPLETED MY DEGREE. CAN I STILL APPLY TO JOIN THE JAMAICA DEFENCE FORCE?
Yes, you can still apply but it is strongly recommended that you complete your course of study, bearing in mind the recruitment age of 18- 23.
WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY APPLICATION FORMS AND TO WHOM SHOULD IT BE ADDRESSED?
Applications should be completed and submitted online. Click here to apply
WHAT IS THE MAILING ADDRESS AND CONTACT NUMBER FOR THE JDF RECRUITING OFFICE?
The JDF Recruiting Office can be contacted at the following address and telephone number, between the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
JDF Recruiting Office
Up Park Camp
Kgn 5
926-8121-9, ext 2207
I HAD PREVIOUSLY APPLIED TO THE JDF AND WAS TURNED DOWN? CAN I RE-APPLY?
The possibility of re-applying would depend on the reason you were turned down. Generally you would be advised if you can re-apply.
HOW LONG IS THE TRAINING PERIOD FOR BOTH COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS?
Training for Commissioned Officers can range from nine (09) to fifteen (15) months, depending on the training institution. Training for Soldiers is six (06) mths.
HOW LONG AFTER SUBMITTING MY APPLICATION WILL I GET A RESPONSE?
When you submit an application online, you will receive an immediate response outlining the status of your application. The waiting period to do the recruit assessment test however will depend on the number of applications ahead of you.
WHAT DOES THE PHYSICAL EXAM COMPRISE OF?
Click here for the JDF Recruit Entrance Fitness Test (REFT)
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE REGULAR FORCE AND THE NATIONAL RESERVE?
Members of the regular Force are employed full time by the JDF whilst the National Reserve is a part time service with members being required to give voluntary service for a set number of days each week with the ability to have gainful employment elsewhere.
WHAT DOES THE ENTRANCE TEST FOR BOTH COMMISSIONED AND NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS INCLUDE?
The entry assessment for Commissioned Officers is done through a process called a Selection Board. This board entails interviews, medical screens, physical assessments and an assessment of leadership potential and communication skills. The entry assessment for Non Commissioned Officers is done through a process called the recruit assessment test. This comprises a computer based mathematics, English Language and General Knowledge test, as well as medical screens and a physical fitness test.
I’M INTERESTED IN JOINING THE JDF AIR WING. DO I HAVE TO GO THROUGH BASIC INFANTRY TRAINING?
Yes. All recruits are required to complete basic training at the Military Training Wing in Newcastle.
WHEN IS THE NEXT JDF RECRUITMENT DRIVE?
The recruiting process is on-going. Interested persons can apply online at any time.
WHAT ARE THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN THE JDF?
Opportunities for women in the JDF are no different from those of men. The JDF offers a diverse and wide range of fields to chose from, including combat arms, maritime, medicine, law, engineering, education, nursing, aviation, clerical, marine tele-communications, music, cooking, finance, accounting, photography, dentistry, pharmaceuticals, physical training, auto-mechanics, driving, and many other exciting career options.
CAN I SERVE PART-TIME IN THE JDF?
Yes, you can serve part-time in the National Reserve, or in the reserve elements of the JDF Air Wing or Coast Guard.
HOW LONG AM I REQUIRED TO SERVE?
Your initial term of service will be for a period of 6 years.
WHAT IS BASIC TRAINING LIKE?
Basic training is meant to transform an individual from a civilian to a Soldier. Training is rigorous and includes physical training, weapon handling, drill, map reading, communication skills, first aid and tactical training.
WHAT ARE THE HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR MALE AND FEMALE APPLICANTS?
Males must be a minimum 5’ 7” and females, 5’ 2”
I HAVE A TATTOO ON MY BODY. CAN I STILL JOIN THE JDF?
While tattoos are not recommended, they may be permitted if they are not visible whilst wearing a vest and shorts.
I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I’M FLAT FOOTED. CAN I STILL JOIN THE JDF?
No, you cannot join the JDF if you are flat footed.
I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I HAVE THE SICKLE CELL TRAIT. WHY CAN’T I JOIN THE JDF?
When exposed to a combination of high altitude, extreme temperatures, physical activity and dehydration, persons with the sickle cell trait, are more likely to be faced with a life threatening situation during training and work.
HOW IS A COMMISSIONED OFFICER DIFFERENT FROM A REGULAR SOLDIER?
Commissioned Officers are middle and upper managers and leaders in the Jamaica Defence Force.
HOW CAN I PREPARE MYSELF FOR A CAREER IN THE JDF?
If you are serious about a career in the JDF, you need to qualify yourself to meet the basic entry requirements for the career path you desire to serve. See those requirements here
DOES THE JDF CONDUCT SCHOOL TOURS OF ITS BASES AND INSTALLATIONS?
Yes, the JDF facilates tours for schools and similar groups. Requests can be made to:
Civil Military Cooperation and Media Affairs
Headquarters
Jamaica Defence Force
Up Park Camp
Kgn 5
HOW DO I CHECK ON THE STATUS OF MY APPLICATION?
Applicants can track their applications by contacting the recruiting office at 926-8181-9, or by submitting a query here.
WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN AS A MEMBER OF THE JDF?
The salary will vary depending on your career path.
DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SWIM TO JOIN THE JDF?
While it is not a requirement to be able to swim to join the JDF, you must be able to learn to swim and pass the Military Swim Test before completing basic training.
