The Jamaica Combined Cadet Force is a youth movement with a difference. The difference is that we are a para-military organization based on discipline with a rank structure. Working within this para-military environment the youth are given a feeling of stability and purpose whilst engaging in fun filled activities.

An Officer in the JCCF is a person who has been granted a Commission by the Governor General in accordance with the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force Act to hold authority and discharge that authority within the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force. Officers are primarily accountable for the welfare, discipline and efficiency of the Cadets they lead and are charged to ensure that they are safe and well trained.

Officers would have completed a course of Infantry or Specialist Officer Training and been deemed suitable for Commission by a Commission Board consisting of Senior Officers of the JCCF and JDF. Officers are usually middle and upper management and range from the lowest Officer rank of Second Lieutenant (2Lt) to the highest attainable rank in the JCCF which is Brigadier (Brig.).

An Adult Other Rank (OR) is a person who is granted an appointment by the Commandant of the JCCF to exercise authority within the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force. Adult ORs are charged to promote and maintain the highest standards of discipline and leadership principles. Additionally, they have the responsibility to ensure the safety, execution of instructions, dress and deportment of the cadets. Adult ORs are primarily tasked with being master instructors of Drill and parade skills, Weapon Handling and Fieldcraft.

Adult ORs are usually ex-cadets who have successfuly completed the prescribe security vetting, completed a course in Infantry or Specialist Other Ranks' Training and deemed suitable by an Assessment Board to include JDF Permanent Staff Instructors (PSIs). Adult ORs are usually senior advisors to Regiment/Battalion/Unit Commanders on matters of Standard and Discipline. The rank structure comprise Adult Corporals (Cpl) which is the lowest rank and Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) being the highest.