The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has surpassed 2,000 officers and marines for the first time in its history following the graduation of 104 recruits from New Entry 63 and Woman Entry 32 on Friday.

The graduating class consisted of 62 males and 42 females, with women accounting for 40 percent of the entry — a milestone Commodore Floyd Moxey said reflects the force’s commitment to gender optimisation and international military standards.

The passing-out ceremony featured drill demonstrations by the newly trained marines, with family members cheering as the recruits showcased the discipline, teamwork and skills developed during their training.

The recruits completed a 20-week, four-phase progressive training programme designed to maximise training effectiveness through a structured delivery and evaluation process. The programme prepares recruits physically, mentally and professionally for service in the Defence Force.

Commodore Moxey said the graduation brought the Defence Force’s total complement to 2,005 officers and marines, marking the first time the organisation has crossed the 2,000-person threshold.

“Today is a proud day for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force,” he said. “With the graduation of this entry, we now have a complement of 2,005 officers and marines, and that is we hit the 2,000 mark for the first time in the history of the country and the history of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.”

He said the number of female graduates represented another significant achievement for the organisation.

“For the first time in the history of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, 40 percent of this entry are female, and this is in keeping with our gender optimisation policy, which we try to align with best practice and our international military protocol,” Commodore Moxey said.

He added that as the role of the Defence Force continues to expand under the Defence Act, the organisation will require additional personnel, with a long-term goal of increasing its complement to about 4,000 marines over the next four to five years.

Commodore Moxey said the force continues to maintain a strong retention rate, with attrition estimated at about two percent.

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper congratulated the graduates, describing their achievement as the result of weeks of demanding physical and mental preparation.

“You were tested physically, mentally and emotionally. You learned to follow instructions, work as a team, remain focused under pressure and place the mission above personal comfort,” Mr Cooper said.

He noted that the recruits, who entered training on February 28, 2026, came from New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, Eleuthera, Inagua and Exuma, but were united by a commitment to serve the country.

Mr Cooper said the new marines were joining the Defence Force at a critical time as the country continues to face challenges including illegal fishing, drug and weapons trafficking, human smuggling and other forms of transnational crime.

He said the government remains committed to modernising the Defence Force through improved maritime surveillance, stronger intelligence capabilities, advanced technology and continued training.

Mr Cooper encouraged the graduates to serve with courage, integrity and professionalism, reminding them that the uniform represents the sovereignty, security and dignity of The Bahamas.