Royal Bahamas Defence Force members participate in a Women, Peace and Security meeting in the United States in February 2024. The RBDF celebrated its largest female class of recruits to the 1,700-member force in July. SGT. MOZER DA CUNHA/INTER-AMERICAN DEFENSE COLLEGE
THE WATCH STAFF
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) marked its largest class of female recruits in its history in July 2024 as it welcomed 35 women into its ranks. The graduation ceremony at the RBDF’s headquarters, Coral Harbour Base, also witnessed the force’s largest overall contingent of 126 recruits in its 44-year history.
The recruits successfully completed 20 weeks of basic military training, which they demonstrated for family and friends in attendance with displays of precision foot drills, weapons drills and displays of physical fitness, according to an RBDF news release. Recruits completed a training program covering navigation, seamanship, weapons handling, laws and regulations, survival, firefighting, and communications devised by Training Department Cmdr. Byron Brown. Thirty-five percent of the recruits hail from the “Family Islands” of Abaco, Andros, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Mayaguana and San Salvador, according to the release. They were formally inspected by Security Minister Wayne R. Munroe, K.C., and RBDF Commander Commodore Raymond E. King. Prime Minister Philip Davis praised the patriotism and service of the recruits in his keynote address.
“You will now follow in the footsteps of the brave men and women before you who answer the call of duty to make our country a safer place. … I know that these have been challenging weeks for you, weeks that have tested your courage, your resilience, and your endurance. In the same way that iron sharpens iron, your rigorous [training] has prepared you and sharpened you for the job ahead of you. You entered [training] as civilians and you have now emerged as marines,” he said, according to the release.
The new troops join a force of about 1,700 members. Since its formation in 1980, the RBDF’s primary responsibilities are disaster relief, maritime security and counternarcotics operations. The RBDF has worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Turks and Caicos Islands to deter illegal contraband through Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos since 1982. In recent years, RBDF forces have been involved in intercepting migrants bound for the U.S., providing crucial support to the Coast Guard and other agencies.
Women have played an increasingly prominent role in the RBDF. In January 2023, Natasha Miller and Sonia Miller were the first women to attain the rank of captain. “The RBDF’s evolution took a significant step forward with these promotions, aligning with Commodore King’s strategic vision for a professional and high-performance workforce dedicated to excellence and success. The promotion of Captains Natasha and Sonia Miller symbolizes a progressive shift towards a more inclusive and diverse future for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force,” stated an RBDF news release.
U.S. officials visited the Bahamas in late January 2024 to discuss a strategic initiative — Women, Peace and Security. King and his executive leadership met with Tiffani Phillips, U.S. Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM) gender advisor, Dr. Samantha Ross of the Impact and Women, Peace and Security Council, and Capt. Jonathan Griffin from the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas to discuss an update to the initiative known as the Gender Optimization Support Plan.
The group discussed a program designed to prevent gender-based violence, sexual assault and harassment, and provide resources and support to RBDF members who have experienced it. “Commodore Raymond King remains unwavering in his dedication to cultivating a High-Performance Workforce centered on Performance Excellence. Part of this commitment includes creating an inclusive working environment that empowers all personnel, irrespective of gender,” stated a news release from the RBDF. “Through these measures, the RBDF reiterates its pledge to excellence in safeguarding our heritage and upholding the highest standards.”