BDF ‘satisfied’ with recruitment numbers

The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) has achieved what it describes as “satisfactory” recruitment numbers for its current training cycle, with over 70 recruits having commenced the Recruit Training Course (RTC 1/25) and a commencement rate of 44 per cent.

According to information provided by the BDF, the force continues to follow a policy of recruiting all applicants who meet established criteria, ensuring that standards are maintained while maximizing intake numbers.

The current recruitment cycle shows a gender ratio of 19:3 male to female recruits, a distribution that officials said, “compares closely to what has been obtained during previous recruiting cycles”.

Like many organisations across various sectors, the force acknowledged it faces recruitment challenges. However, the force has implemented several strategies to address these obstacles, including introducing greater flexibility in certain components of the recruitment process, such as medical examinations, and running concurrent activities like interviews and vetting procedures to streamline the process.

The recruitment model has been developed to align with various training and development standards while maintaining the calibre of soldiers needed to fulfill the organisation’s mandate. This approach appears to be yielding results, with the force expressing satisfaction with current numbers.

With the successful commencement of RTC 1/25, the Barbados Defence Force appears to be maintaining its recruitment momentum.

(DDS)