Army requirements upset Facebook users

SHANICE WATSON, STAR Writer

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) recently advertised an opening for commissioned officers, however, many are questioning the reasoning behind some of the requirements, calling some of them, 'simply ridiculous'.

The STAR understands that a commissioned officer in the JDF is primarily hired to occupy leadership positions in the army.

According to the advertisement, which was heavily circulated on social media last Sunday, in order to qualify to be a commissioned officer, one had to fulfil the usual requirements such as, be Jamaican, attain a minimum height of 5ft 7" for males and 5ft 2' for females, be in a robust physical condition and attain a certain educational level.

However, there were some requirements which earned the ire of many on social media because of their seemingly nonsensical nature. The advertisement said applicants should be single and free of any of the following ailments: significant dental caries (rotten teeth), dental malocclusion (buck and packed teeth) and flat feet.

THE STAR sought clarification on some of these requirements from JDF's Media Affairs Officer, Basil Jarrett.

He explained that applicants are required to be single because of the level of commitment the job requires. "When you come in at that rank, you are going to be away from your family for a long time," Jarrett explained.

Medical fees

Jarrett also explained why such emphasis is placed on applicants' physical appearance such as their teeth. "When you become an officer, the JDF is responsible for your medical fees and your well being so we wouldn't necessarily want to take on that liability. We recommend you get them fixed before applying," he said.

He also noted that people with simple variations such as flat instead of arched feet would not be admitted into the army because they cannot manage the training. "In training, they face extreme pressure and have to stand on their feet for long periods. People with flat feet are not able to stand for such long periods," he said.

Jarrett also took the opportunity to warn the public against unscrupulous people who try to solicit money in order to grant admission into the JDF. He said interested and qualified persons should make their applications directly to the JDF.

Comments on the requirements on Facebook, Raquel Bennett said: Only in Jamaica height and marital status matter and in England you can join the force even if you past 30, come on Jamaica keep up with the rest of the world you are living in the past.

Lady Lioness Spooner posted: What does your marital status has to do with you joining the force??? Oh please!!!

Anna Brown added: This is simply ridiculous. Why do you need to be single to joining the force?