Royal Bahamas Defence Force Capt. Glenn McPhee congratulates the 10 graduates of a March 2024 advanced reconnaissance training program. ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENCE FORCE
THE WATCH STAFF
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) recently held its second annual reconnaissance training, completing the seven-week exercise with immigration officers to promote better coordination and interoperability among Bahamian national security forces. Interdicting and deterring illegal drug and migrant trafficking remain high priorities for the RBDF, and specialized training advances that mission.
The course trained participants to “conduct amphibious and ground reconnaissance, direct-action missions, and effectively control supporting arms to provide critical military intelligence in support of Commando Squadron operations,” reads an RBDF news release.
The 150-member Commando Squadron is a highly trained, light amphibious infantry unit that undergoes similar, but more extensive training for about three months.
The seven-week course in basic infantry reconnaissance began on January 22, 2024, at the RBDF’s Coral Harbour Base with 15 trainees. At its conclusion on March 10, 2024, nine Marines and one immigration officer had completed the rigorous course. The successful graduates were almost equally divided between men and women, “showcasing the Force’s commitment to gender diversity and equality,” according to the RBDF release.
The Force Reconnaissance course curriculum included “essential subjects” like land navigation, weapons handling, close-range combat, patrolling, amphibious operations, close-quarters battle range shooting, field and water survival, rappelling and rope work, first aid, and reconnaissance techniques, the release stated. “Under the guidance of Lead Instructor Marine Seaman De’Joan Sturrup and guidance of Course Director Petty Officer Vandyke Adderley, the program maintained its high standards and commitment to excellence throughout its duration, thanks to their shared expertise, wealth of knowledge and experience,” the release stated.
The cross-training of national security forces and efforts to equip more RBDF Soldiers and Marines with advanced skills will increase interoperability with allied and partner nations in the Caribbean, as well as with U.S. forces, which interact consistently with the RBDF. Since the early 1980s, the Bahamas has worked with the U.S. to interdict drug smuggling in Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT). OPBAT forces patrol an archipelago of more than 700 islands that covers a geographic area roughly the size of California. “Anticipating the drop site and adequately covering the area with widely dispersed helicopter bases is a difficult task. The effective use of intelligence is therefore critical to operations,” reports the Coast Guard Aviation Association, a website dedicated to the history of the Coast Guard and its operations.
“Commodore Raymond King is resolute in developing a force which remains dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in guarding our heritage and upholding the highest standards as they protect and preserve the rich legacy that defines our nation,” the release stated.