WHAT IS CAMP

An Association or Network of Caribbean ex-service men and women either individually, or through affiliations with existing organizations, wherever in the world they exist.

MISSION

• To provide and support linkages between all Caribbean ex-service organizations and personnel

• To facilitate the welfare of Caribbean ex-service personnel.

• To assist in resettlement and job placements for competent ex-services personnel.

• To assist in nation building through community service and leadership.

WHY WAS CAMP FORMED

Founding members saw a great need for resettlement of retiring soldiers to include psychological, and economic preparation as well as job placement services. It was felt that this was outside the mandates of existing associations (Jamaica Legion and RAFA), which were established and still perform creditably for World War veterans, but did not seem to capture post-independence retired soldiers, despite sustained recruitment efforts over many years by various regimes.

A secondary need was also identified for assistance in rebuilding basic civic principles and positive values among our people, particularly the youth. It was felt that this association should make its members available as required in leadership roles to this end.

These needs were found to be common among other Regional Forces in their respective countries, as was ascertained during regular discussions with retired military counterparts in other countries.

The need was therefore identified for a REGIONAL association with a much WIDER MANDATE than currently existed or was considered feasible to modify, that would also network all existing Caribbean ex-military associations.

BENEFITS OF CAMP

• RAFA and Legion handle benevolence, while CAMP will handle job placement services and resettlement, as well as link services to other Caribbean ex-services associations throughout the world.

• CAMP will support RAFA and Legion through fund raising and other activities.

• It will help to develop a greater spirit of patriotism and respect for those that have served our countries.

• It will promote positive attitudes and values in our societies, by integration with and support for relevant national and regional programmes.

WHY FORM ANOTHER ORGANIZATION IN ADDITION TO RAFA AND LEGION

• Because one cannot change the constitution of these organizations to suit the needs of the current Caribbean context.

• CAMP is not an organization like RAFA or the Legion and does not compete with or duplicate these organizations

• CAMP is a Regional (Caribbean) Association, while RAFA and the Jamaica Legion have national mandates.

• Why is there both RAFA and the Legion in the first place?

• The British also have an equivalent association to CAMP for similar reasons.

• All Caribbean ex-military associations need to form part of a single network

WHY DOES CAMP NOT FALL UNDER THE LEGION OR RAFA

It cannot, as a regional Association cannot fall under the supervision of a national organization.

IS CAMP GOING TO COMPETE WITH RAFA OR THE JAMAICA LEGION FOR FUNDS

No...In fact CAMP will assist in supporting RAFA and the Legion through part proceeds from fund raising activities.

IS CAMP FOR JAMAICA EX SERVICEMEN ONLY

No...it is not. It is for all Caribbean ex-service personnel, wherever in the world they exist.

DO THE BRITISH HAVE OTHER ASSOCIATIONS APART FROM RAFA AND THE LEGION

Yes...... they have the Ex Servicemens Association which provide resettlement and job placement, among other services,.

DOES THE USA HAVE ASSOCIATIONS SUCH AS CAMP

Yes....they have many such associations all working towards the common cause of the recognition and welfare of the ex service man or woman.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN CAMP

(subject to interpretation by Governing Body)

(Paying, J1,000/US25/yr, Voting, Office bearing)

• Retired Commonwealth Military Service

• Any Rank

• Honorable Discharge

(Paying J1,000/US10/yr, voting, Non office bearing)

• All Serving members of military in country.

• Ex and serving Cadet Officers and cadet Directing Staff SNCOs.

• Ex- commonwealth and US service personnel living in country.

• Any serving person of any Force attached to military in country.

• Members of RAFA/Legion

(Non paying, Non voting, Non Office-bearing)

• Must have done something outstanding for the military or CAMP (in the determination of Governing Body)

• UK Defence Attaches serving in country

• Canadian and Indian High Commissioners in country

• US DA/MLO in country.

****PoIP Post Independence Ex-Service Personnel