WILLEMSTAD:--- 15 candidates of the First Military Training (EMV) for Caribbean soldiers started on March 5, on their big last final exercise, the final step before they could officially receive their military beret. The final training ends on March 11 with a 25-kilometer march to Fort Amsterdam, where they exchange their training beret for the operational military beret.
9 Curaçaoans and 6 Arubans are in the final stage of their training for Caribbean Soldiers. During the final exercise, which started on Wednesday, March 5, the candidates must apply and demonstrate everything they have learned in a scenario that is as realistic as possible. The training takes place in several locations in Curaçao, including Wacao, Boka Santu Pretu, Ronde Klip, and Fuik. The final exercise ends with a march of 25 kilometers. During the last kilometers of the march, the candidates are musically accompanied by the drummers and pipers of the Marine Corps. They will walk together on Tuesday, March 11, in the morning, around 07:00 o’clock, through Otrabanda, via the Pontoon Bridge, towards their final destination: Fort Amsterdam, reaching there around 07:30 hrs. There, they will receive their official beret. A special moment for the participants, where close family and friends will be to attend the ceremony with pride.
More than 300 candidates reported last year for the training for Caribbean Soldiers. From this group, 39 candidates passed the strict selection procedure and started their training in August 2024. In seven months, the candidates learned basic military skills, combat techniques, and how to handle military weapons during the tough and intensive training.
After completing their training, the Caribbean soldiers are placed in various (operational) positions in Curaçao and Aruba. They can be given various tasks, from access control to maintaining public order and safety at the request of local authorities. They also participate in exercises outside Curaçao and Aruba and train together with various security partners. The Caribbean soldiers are employed by the Ministry of Justice of Curaçao and exercise their work at the Defence in the Dutch Caribbean. More than 220 Caribbean soldiers together form an important operational unit for the Ministry of Defence.
