KINGSTON, Jamaica — Soldiers from the District of Columbia National Guard; Jamaica Defence Force, or JDF; Jamaica National Reserve; and Barbados Defence Force Reserves have come together for the Caribbean Regional Training Camp 2025, a collaborative exercise designed to improve regional security and enhance disaster response capabilities.
Taking place from July 12 to 27, 2025, across various locations in Jamaica, the training camp provided a realistic environment for military personnel from the participating nations.
The Caribbean Regional Training Camp (CRTC) served as a crucial platform for troops to engage in joint exercises, reflecting the operational demands they face in real-world scenarios.
Members of the D.C. National Guard engaged alongside their Jamaican and Barbadian counterparts in several skills-enhancing activities.
These activities included advanced marksmanship training, with a focus on techniques for close-quarters battle, as well as pistol proficiency and competitive drills aimed at improving speed and accuracy under pressure.
In addition to marksmanship, soldiers practiced land navigation, rappelling, and conventional operations, which included patrolling tactics and terrain modeling. These skills are vital for effective area security and reconnaissance missions.
The exercise culminated in specialized training sessions that featured helocasting techniques, where troops are inserted via helicopter into water, alongside humanitarian assistance and disaster response scenarios.
Participants also engaged in river crossings, kayaking, and team-building sports competitions, underscoring the relevance of the training given the Caribbean region’s susceptibility to hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Army Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, acting commanding general for the D.C. National Guard, emphasized the importance of the training camp.
“This training camp represented a vital opportunity to build readiness with our allies and partners in the SOUTHCOM [U.S. Southern Command] region,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Andonie noted that the partnership between the JDF and the DCNG has spanned over 25 years, showcasing one of the strongest relationships within the State Partnership Program globally.
Brig. Ricardo Blidgen, commander of the Jamaica National Reserve, expressed how hosting CRTC 2025 enabled the refinement of their own capabilities while fostering deeper integration with regional allies, particularly the Barbados Defence Force Reserves.
“It’s imperative that we continue small unit exchanges like these on a regular schedule, as they are vital for enhancing interoperability and contributing to regional security, particularly in addressing transnational threats and providing humanitarian assistance during crises,” Brig. Blidgen stated.
A noteworthy aspect of the CRTC was its Small Unit Exchange Program, aimed at promoting a deeper understanding of each nation’s military doctrines, equipment, and procedures, thereby improving coordination and communication in joint operations.
Participants were also given the opportunity to immerse themselves in Jamaican culture, heritage, and cuisine, promoting cross-cultural understanding and building personal relationships between the forces.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith Jr., command senior enlisted leader for the D.C. National Guard, highlighted the essential role that non-commissioned officers (NCOs) played during the exercise.
“The dedication and professionalism displayed by all three forces truly exemplified the strength of our partnerships,” he remarked.
Smith Jr. noted the eagerness of NCOs to learn from their Jamaican and Barbadian counterparts while sharing their own expertise, revealing the impact of this exchange on professional growth and mutual respect.
The command senior enlisted leader emphasized the significance of NCOs as the backbone of the military, underscoring their ability to collaborate seamlessly with partner forces as crucial to overall success.
Key leaders from the D.C. National Guard, including Maj. Gen. Andonie and Command Sgt. Maj. Smith Jr., visited troop sites from July 17 to 19, assessing the training’s effectiveness and meeting with Jamaica Defence Force leadership to discuss future collaborative efforts.
Established in 1999, the 25-year partnership between the D.C. National Guard and the Jamaica Defence Force serves as a cornerstone of U.S. security cooperation.
This longstanding relationship facilitates military-to-military engagements and broader interagency collaboration, focusing on shared security goals like disaster response, NCO development, border security, and counter-narcotics operations.
Additionally, the D.C. National Guard’s partnership with Burkina Faso demonstrates its commitment to global security cooperation, reinforcing their active engagement in international military collaborations.
image source from：army
