Former Cadet Recounts Revival of Dominica Defence Force in 1967

In a recent interview, Major Earle Johnson, a former cadet at the Dominica Grammar School, shared his experiences of the revival of the Dominica Defence Force in 1967 under Premier Leblanc. Johnson was commissioned as the new commandant and given the challenging task of rebuilding the force within a mere three months.

Johnson recounted the events that led to his appointment as the commandant of the Dominica Defence Force. "Premier Leblanc had decided to revive the defense force in 1967, and I was chosen to lead the efforts as the new commandant," Johnson stated. The decision to revive the force came at a critical time for Dominica, as the country sought to strengthen its security and military capabilities.

As the newly appointed commandant, Johnson faced the formidable challenge of rebuilding the Dominica Defence Force from the ground up. With only three months to accomplish this task, he had to work tirelessly to recruit, train, and equip a new generation of soldiers. "It was a race against time," Johnson recalled. "We had to establish a functional military unit for Dominica in a very short period."

Johnson's experience as a former cadet at the Dominica Grammar School proved invaluable in his new role. He drew upon his training and knowledge to develop a comprehensive plan for reviving the defense force. This included recruiting promising individuals, designing training programs, and procuring necessary equipment and resources.

Despite the challenges, Johnson remained determined to succeed. He worked closely with his team to ensure that the new recruits received the best possible training and were well-prepared to serve their country. "We had to be creative and resourceful in our approach," Johnson explained. "Every day presented a new obstacle, but we persevered."

Why this matters: The revival of the Dominica Defence Force in 1967 marked a significant milestone in the country's history. It demonstrated Dominica's commitment to strengthening its security and military capabilities, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

In the interview, Johnson emphasized the importance of the Dominica Defence Force in maintaining stability and protecting the nation's interests. He expressed pride in the achievements of the force and the dedication of the soldiers who served under his command. "The revival of the Dominica Defence Force was a testament to the resilience and determination of our people," Johnson concluded. "It laid the foundation for a strong and capable military that continues to serve our nation to this day."

Key Takeaways

• Dominica Defence Force revived in 1967 under Premier Leblanc.
• Major Earle Johnson appointed as new commandant to rebuild force in 3 months.
• Johnson drew on cadet experience to develop training and recruitment plans.
• Revived force strengthened Dominica's security and military capabilities.
• Dominica Defence Force continues to serve the nation to this day.