U.S. Northern Command and Rhode Island National Guard officials, along with representatives from the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, exchanged ideas about military justice and professional ethics with Royal Bahamas Defence Force members in September 2024. ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENCE FORCE
THE WATCH STAFF
Officials with U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the Rhode Island National Guard held an ethics workshop and military justice seminar in the Bahamas in September 2024. Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) members who participated in the training, held at RBDF’s Coral Harbour headquarters, engaged in the exchange of best practices with U.S. military partners. “This four-day event marks a pivotal step in reforming the military justice system and establishing new ethics regulations, aiming to develop a workforce dedicated to performance excellence,” an RBDF news release stated. The seminar engaged military personnel across various disciplines, including prosecution, human resources, legal affairs, intelligence and administration. The Defense Institute of International Legal Studies also participated in the workshop and seminar.
The RBDF thanked its U.S. partners for the training and emphasized the value of the relationship between the U.S. and the Bahamas. The RBDF’s collaboration with the Rhode Island National Guard stretches back decades, and USNORTHCOM officials routinely hold trainings and informational exchanges with the RBDF. “The Officers and Marines of the Defence Force extend their gratitude to the facilitators from the Rhode Island National Guard, Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, and Defense Security Cooperation University for their invaluable contributions to the success of the engagement. Their expertise and dedication have been pivotal in shaping the future of our military justice system,” the release stated.
RBDF Commodore Raymond E. King praised the training as helpful and informative. “It is the intent of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King, to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics within the organization. This training engagement is instrumental in helping the Defence Force achieve that goal, which will have a lasting impact on the way we operate as a military force.”
The increased professionalization of the RBDF has been a consistent priority for King. Shortly after King assumed command in 2020, the values of the force were codified and expectations spelled out. “As a military organization, it is significant for us to establish core values to make it plain for persons affiliated with us to understand our position and policies. …We believe our values strengthen an individual’s resilience and personal readiness. The values selected form the foundation of unity, excellence and respect, amongst fellow service members, which in turn contributes to a fortified and ready Force with enhanced concepts to improvise, adapt and overcome,” stated a Facebook post from the RBDF official account.