Jamaica

Jamaica

The island nation of Jamaica became a British colony in 1655 after it was captured from Spain. Hugely important to the slave trade and the sugar industry, by the beginning of the 19th century around 95% of the population were of African descent. Full independence was granted to the nation in 1962, although it remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Jamaica Defence Forces (JDF) encompasses the Army, Air Wing and the Coast Guard. The primary formation of the JDF is the Jamaica Regiment, comprising three battalions.

• From approximately 1986 until 2014, the JDF wore uniforms in the US m81 woodland camouflage pattern.

• In 2015, the Jamaican Defense Forces announced they would be adopting a new camouflage pattern designed and exclusively licensed from Hyperstealth Industries. The new Digital Combat Uniform (DCU) will replace all previously issued uniforms, and is said to incorporate several security features designed to prevent it ending up in the hands of criminals. The Land variant bears some similarities to USMC MARPAT as well as one of the camouflage designs worn by Jordan.

• A Maritime version of the above pattern featuring a blue/grey colorway is issued to the JDF Coast Guard. Additionally, this pattern was adopted by the JDF Air Wing as of March 2020.