RBDF Reaches Historic Membership Milestone

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Family members and friends filled HMBS Coral Harbour on Friday, cheering on the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s newest recruits as they have officially passed after months of intensive military training.

The ceremony featured precision drills, tactical demonstrations, and combat exercises, showcasing the skills the 100 new marines have developed during their training.

Commodore Floyd Moxey called the occasion a milestone for the Force, which has now surpassed the 2,000-marine mark for the first time in its history.

Floyd Moxey – Commodore, Royal Bahamas Defence Force

“For the first time in the history of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, 40% of this entry [are] female, and this is in keeping with our agenda optimization policy, which we try to align with best practice on international military protocol.”

“So this is a proud day for us, and the role of the defence for us has extended since the enactment of the fence. And these are [persons] who we expect…will assist us in accomplishing the mandate of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in this expanded road”

While celebrating the milestone, Moxey said the Defence Force still has room to grow, estimating that a force of about 4,000 marines would be needed to fully meet its expanding responsibilities.

He added that recruitment is only part of the equation, saying the Force continues to maintain strong retention rates.

Floyd Moxey – Commodore, Royal Bahamas Defence Force

“Our retention rate to the last numbers that I saw were around 1 to 2%,…so we are maintaining them. They are being developed. They are given the proper training that they [need], and so we continue to push forward.”

Delivering the keynote address was Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, who told the new marines they are entering the force at a time when national security demands are evolving.