Army 'may recruit from Jamaica'

(21 July) Media have been reporting that

The British Army is considering a recruitment drive in Jamaica to help boost its depleted numbers. Figures show the UK military is currently 4,900 short of its fully-trained requirement, with the Army needing 3,330 more troops. BBC News

Quoted in The Herald, an MoD spokesman said: "The Army's overseas selection teams are considering a visit to Jamaica, but plans are still at an early stage and have yet to be finalised. "The Armed Forces are proud to recruit high-quality soldiers from countries with close historical ties."

BAFF was already aware of a reported recruitment and selection drive in the Caribbean. The Radio Jamaica website had reported on 7 July:

British army on recruitment drive in the Caribbean.
Monday, 07 July 2008

The British army has completed a six-week recruitment drive in St. Lucia as part of a wider Caribbean enlisting drive for the British service.

The recently concluded drive follows an advertising campaign which began in March.

Some 600 applicants initially underwent academic and medical tests, leading to the selection of 186 men and women, between 17-24 years old.

Candidates are expected to arrive in the UK for full training by November.

Recruitment has taken place in Belize, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Next on the list is Jamaica.

The army was last in St Lucia in 2000 undertaking a similar drive.

2007 - 'British army looking to the Caribbean for recruits'

Kingstown, St Vincent, September 24, 2007

Army officials have been assuring Caribbean nationals that they would be given equal opportunities to succeed as they continue a drive to recruit young people into the British army...

• Jamaica Gleaner