TTDFR Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Reserves

The Defence Force Reserves, previously called the Volunteer Defence Force, is the non active duty arm of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Reserves is a unique Formation comprising members of the Infantry, Naval and Aviation trained arms of the Defence Force. The Reserves comprise of both a full-time and part-time staff that is activated for the Carnival season. The Defence Force Reserves are also involved in the similarly styled operations as the other Formations.

Its mission statement is "To be a highly professional, well trained combat ready force that will respond effectively in support of our regular forces and the national community". The mission of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Reserves is to be a highly professional, well trained, combat-ready force that will respond effectively in support of the regular forces of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the national community. The Reserves is an arm of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, which falls under the authority of the Ministry of National Security.

The Defence Force Reserves is capable of providing reinforcement and be a force multiplier in the event that the Defence Force is called upon to carry out its roles of aid to the civil power. Established in September 1963. Its primary purpose at that time was to provide essential reinforcements to the regular force. To do this, the Reserves had to be given the same basic training as regular soldiers. The Reserves assist in ensuring a safe environment for the well being of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and support in the promotion of hemispheric, and international security and development, with a well equipped force, trained in a broad range of disciplines and actively involved in community development.

The Defence Force Reserves is capable of providing reinforcement and be a force multiplier in the event that the Defence Force is called upon to carry out its roles of aid to the civil power. Established in September 1963, its primary purpose at that time was to provide essential reinforcements to the regular force. Today, those roles have grown to include assisting in the promotion of hemispheric and international security and development, with a well equipped force, trained in a broad range of disciplines and actively involved in community development.

In recent years, the Reserves have been called out to assist with law enforcement and to assist with the security in Trinidad's hosting the 5th Summit of the Americas in 2009. With the state of emergency in 2011 and the engagement of the Defence Force, more are called out to work. But the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (Reserves) worked for almost one and a half years with no pay for the love of country and self.

By January 2017, with the spiralling increase of crimes in T&T, particularly murders, the nation’s security agencies launched an all out offensive to hunt down criminals and bring them to justice. “To date, we have mobilised the agencies, the Ministry of National Security. The T&T Defence Force has called out its reserves to treat with not only the immediate issues but to assure visitors during the Carnival period that they are safe and secure. The T&T Police Service also called out additional members of the special reserved police officers to also boost in terms of numbers,” Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon said 18 January 2017.

Applicants must be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and meet the following qualifications to join the Reserves:

• Between 25 and 35 years of age.
• Gainfully employed as evidenced by a job letter.
• Possess evidence of completion of secondary-level education.
• If applying to the Engineering Corps, also possess at least a National Craftsman's Certificate or its equivalent.
• If applying as a Cook or Steward, also possess evidence of formal training from a recognised institution.
• If applying as a Writer, also possess at least two Ordinary (O) Level subjects including English and Mathematics (CXC, GCE or equivalent).

The recruitment process has several steps. It begins with the Reserves publishing media advertisements for selection sessions. Session dates, times and locations will be included in the advertisements. You must attend a selection session if you are interested in joining the Reserves. Applicants must bring the original and one copy of each of the following to the session:

• Birth Certificate with supporting affidavit, if necessary.
• Proof of identification in the form of a valid Trinidad and Tobago Passport, Driver's Permit or National ID card.
• Police Certificate of Character issued not more than three months before selection.
• Proof of educational qualifications.

All selected candidates must complete an employment application form, write literacy and numeracy examinations, and be interviewed by staff from the Reserves. In addition, selected candidates must undergo a full medical evaluation and background check. Applicants who successfully complete the recruitment process will be required to complete 14 weeks of Basic Training.