The Editor, Sir:

As a veteran of both the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the United States Army, I applaud the views that were proposed related to the Government by Pastor Glen Samuels - and elaborate even further.

Rather than waiting until age 18 when the average student is about to graduate into society, it would be beneficial to our schools and society in general, if the Government makes it mandatory that 'every student partake in club activities or enlist in cadet units at public schools'.

Disciplined organisation

The cadet force is a disciplined organisation that takes on both military and community activities.

It is being offered to students between the ages of 12-15. Upon enlistment, students are trained in a variety of areas that are beneficial to their well-being.

Both the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) and the National Youth Service have a well-structured programme for young persons with a mandate for volunteerism and service. A clean-up initiative was designed to further encourage and develop the ethics of volunteerism, community spirit and national pride in all participants.

The JCCF is a uniformed training contingent founded in 1943. Its mission is to provide youths with training, discipline, good citizenship, and leadership.

Although not a part of the JDF, the JCCF provided a substantial reservoir of young men who had undergone some military training.

Today, some of the most disciplined men and women in societies received some sort of military training.

In 2005, after Hurricane Dennis, 29 cadets from public schools in St. Thomas demonstrated their disci-pline and volunteerism, during two months of community services to the nation.

Therefore, the JCCF should become a mandatory option for students age 12-15, followed by the NYS - rather than mandatory service in the army at age 18.

I am, etc.,

CHARLES BROWN

charliebrown1004@hotmail.com

Morant Bay, St. Thomas