Jamaica Combined Cadet Force History
Last Updated – December 2021
The Cadet Force came into being on 1st November, 1943, and was then known as the Army and Air Cadet Force. The founder and first Commandant was Colonel (then Major) Michael Ralph DeCordova, CBE, ED, JP who evolved the organization, rules and regulations and also designed its badge. At the end of 1943, sixteen (16) Cadet Units were formed in Secondary and Technical High Schools.
The tenth anniversary was celebrated by a special Parade in Up Park Camp on November 26th. At this Parade, the Force’s Standard, which was donated by parents and Ex-Cadets, was presented.
As early as 1944, efforts were made to start an exchange of Cadets between Canada and Jamaica. From 1962 to 1972 annual camp was at an international level, attended by Officers and Cadets from Canada and, from other Caribbean territories with air cadets from the United States participating on one occasion. A group from Jamaica attended the camp of these countries in exchange. This was possible through co-operation of the Canadian authorities and the then Royal Canadian Air Force (Now the Canadian Forces Air Command). On one occasion the Jamaican Defence Force Air Wing flew five (5) Cadets to the Southern Caribbean. In 1967,, the Force’s name was changed to the “Jamaica Combined Cadet Force” With the introduction of Seamanship training.
