In an Our Today news follow-up…Newly appointed Commandant of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF), Colonel Nicholas Taylor, is articulating his vision for the organisation, whilst outlining his strategic plan.

Colonel Taylor, who took charge of the Cadet Force last Tuesday, August 4, replacing long-time Commandant, Brigadier Errol Johnson, promised during his tenure to build on the organisation’s ongoing transformation through a deliberate and structured strategic plan aimed at strengthening its development and enhancing its impact on Jamaica’s youth. 

Colonel Taylor described Jamaica’s youth as the nation’s greatest strategic asset, noting that they are navigating challenges that differ significantly from those encountered by previous generations. He explained that while the organisation has evolved over the years, his administration intends to build on that progress through the implementation of a strategic plan under the theme – ‘Shaping the Future: A Bold Strategy for the Force’s Development’.

“We cannot respond to a 21st century crisis with a 20th century posture. The time has come, and it is long overdue for us, to continue the transformation… not for the sake of change, but for the sake of our cadets,” he told the JCCF Change of Command Ceremony held at the Caribbean Military Academy Auditorium, Up Park Camp, Kingston last Tuesday. 

Transformation guided by five strategic pillars 

Colonel Taylor said the transformation will be guided by five strategic pillars, the first of which focuses on digital transformation and good governance. 

 According to him, “By 2030, the JCCF will be a fully digitised force, not in name, but in practice. We will integrate learning management systems to deliver training seamlessly across every parish. We will virtualise our administrative workflows, modernise our data systems, and ensure that every officer, adult rank and cadet, experiences an institution that is as efficient and connected as the world they live in.” 

The second pillar, accreditation and lifelong value, aims to position the JCCF as a formally accredited training organisation, enabling cadets to earn nationally recognised qualifications in areas such as leadership, first aid, technical training, and vocational skills. 

Colonel Taylor described these as “credentials that open doors to the future, [providing pathways to] further education, professional training and employment.” He said the remaining pillars focus on inclusive growth and early engagement, alumni mobilisation and community impact, as well as financial sustainability and infrastructure development. 

These initiatives include expanding the Force’s presence in schools across all parishes, strengthening alumni engagement through mentorship and scholarship programmes, partnering with communities on development and disaster preparedness initiatives, and enhancing equipment and facilities across the regiments.

Colonel Taylor indicated that the strategic plan aligns with the country’s National Development Plan, Vision 2030 Jamaica, and is intended to contribute to the development of empowered citizens and a secure, cohesive society.