Soldiers from the District of Columbia US National Guard, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) National Reserve and Barbados Defence Force Reserves have just ended a military training exercise in Jamaica.

They were participating in the Caribbean Regional Training Camp (CRTC) 2025, a joint exercise aimed at bolstering regional security, enhancing disaster response capabilities and strengthening interoperability among the participating nations. The July 12-27 training took place at various sites across Jamaica, providing a realistic and challenging environment for the troops.

CRTC offered a valuable opportunity for the participating forces to train together in a realistic setting that mirrored real-world operational demands. The DC National Guard members, alongside their counterparts from Jamaica and Barbados, engaged in activities designed to sharpen their skills and enhance their readiness. 

Sharpening military skills 

These activities included advanced marksmanship training, focusing on close-quarters battle techniques, pistol proficiency and competitive marksmanship drills aimed at improving speed and accuracy under pressure. Soldiers also honed their skills in land navigation, rappelling, and conventional operations, encompassing patrolling tactics and terrain modelling, critical skills for effective area security and reconnaissance. 

The exercise culminated in specialised training in helocasting, which involves inserting troops via helicopter into water, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response scenarios, river crossings, kayaking and team-building sports competitions. This humanitarian assistance and disaster response training was particularly relevant because of the region’s vulnerability to hurricanes and other natural disasters.

This US Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program fosters security cooperation and long-term relationships through military-to-military engagements and broader interagency collaboration. A small unit exchange programme was a key component of the CRTC, fostering a deeper understanding of each nation’s military doctrine, equipment and procedures, improving coordination and communication in joint operations.

Participants also experienced Jamaican culture, heritage and cuisine, promoting cross-cultural understanding and strengthening personal bonds. The 25-year partnership between the DC National Guard and the JDF was established in 1999. 

Key element of US security cooperation 

The CRTC programme is a key element of US security cooperation, fostering long-term relationships and facilitating military-to-military engagements as well as broader interagency collaboration. 

The program focuses on shared security goals, including disaster response, non-commissioned officer development, border security and counter-narcotics operations. The DC National Guard also maintains a partnership with Burkina Faso, demonstrating its commitment to global security cooperation.