Preserving the rich legacy of the JDF

The men and women in the armed forces have always exuded awe, epitomised and oft romanticised. The click of the gleaming boots, the crisp creases of their uniform, the precise and well-coordinated movements all give a sense of pride and discipline.

At the Up Park Camp headquarters of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the fatigues and camouflage blend with the lush greenery, a well-manicured facade with two retired armoured personnel carriers and a pair of cannons adorn the entrance to Jamaican Military Museum and Library (JMML).

The museum, housed in the Nissen Hut, similar structure to an aircraft hangar, encases and captures - like the Sun Tzu, Art of Warfare with equipment, uniforms, insignia and weapons - the history of the JDF over the years.

"The exhibits," says Captain Staci-Marie Dehaney, force curator, JDF, "not only show the history, but the transition from the Tainos to the modernised and evolving force."

An illustrated history book

A walk inside the Nissen Hut is flipping through an illustrated history book, cold metal chiselled into spearheads, transitioning into glass cases housing bayonets, muzzle-loading rifles, and other pieces of weaponry.

"We have some interesting collections," Dehaney informed, pointing to a 'khukri', a knife from Nepal, with an inverdly curved edge. Lined in the adjacent glass cabinet is an array of small side arms - with a World War II, German Luger pistol among them.

The JMML collection, includes uniforms of the early West India Regiment - first established 1795 and disbanded 1927 - as well as World War I and II weaponry.

The impeccably polished compilations include regimental silver showcasing the history of West India Regiment. Also adorning the walls are medals, with the Victoria Cross - the highest award of gallantry of the British Army - awarded to Sergeant William James Gordon, for his bravery during the Gambia campaign of 1892.

JMML receives visitors from all walks of life, Captain Dehaney said, "We get school groups from across the island along with overseas visitors/tourists.

"Youth, who need help also visit the museum. Through these exhibits, we reinforce the positive values and discipline that JDF stands for," the force curator said.

There is an outdoor mini combat assault course for young children, among other activities.

"There is much more to showcase," Captain Dehaney said. "We have plans to expand the exhibition."

Heritage Foundation

Apart from the tangible exhibits, she said, JDF seeks to preserve and promote Jamaican military legacy. "We are currently contemplating establishing the Jamaican Military Heritage Foundation as an entity for research and conservation of material culture," she said.

"We plan to expand to the second Nissen Hut structure on the complex," she informed. "The expanded space will encapsulate the history of the JDF, and make better provisions for temporary exhibitions."

Reinforcing the words of Roman philosopher Seneca, "A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer's hand," the weaponry displayed does not in any way glorify the horrors that conflicts or wars bring with them; they are the personification of marvels of engineering and precision.