Former Coast Guard Officer Says TTDF Reserve Recruitment Is Routine

Former Coast Guard Officer Says TTDF Reserve Recruitment Is Routine

Retired Coast Guard Lt Commander Norman Dindial says the public has no reason to be alarmed about a recent recruitment advertisement for the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) reserves, noting that such initiatives have long been standard practice.

A flyer circulated on social media Tuesday invited interested and qualified citizens to apply for part-time positions within the Regiment’s reserve unit. According to the advertisement, applicants can join while still maintaining their civilian careers, offering them the opportunity to serve the country in a military capacity. It also outlined three available entry categories: infantry, clerical roles, and tradesmen.

Dindial—now the political leader of the National Transformation Alliance (NTA)—explained that recruitment drives help strengthen the reserve ranks, but emphasized that all reservists must understand that their primary responsibility is that of a soldier, regardless of the category they enter.

He pointed out that reserve units are routinely mobilised during peak periods such as Christmas and Carnival, as well as during national emergencies, and said such duties require full commitment.

“It’s a force multiplier,” he said. “You might apply as a clerk or tradesman, but at the core, you’re a soldier first, and you must be prepared to serve on the frontline if needed.”

A reserve member also told Guardian Media that unlike Special Reserve Police (SRP) officers—who must work a minimum of 40 hours per month and receive a flat salary—reserves are paid a stipend only when they are called out for military duty.