WILLEMSTAD – Fifteen candidates have begun their final exercise in hopes of becoming Caribbean military personnel in Curaçao. This last test will determine whether they are ready for operational duties. The exercise will continue until Tuesday, culminating in a 25-kilometer march to Fort Amsterdam, where they will receive their military berets.
Nine candidates from Curaçao and six from Aruba are in the final phase of their seven-month training program. The exercise is designed to evaluate their ability to apply military skills under pressure. Training takes place at multiple locations, including Wacao, Boka Santu Pretu, Ronde Klip, and Fuik. The long march through Otrobanda and across the Queen Emma Bridge (Pontjesbrug) to Fort Amsterdam marks the ultimate step in their journey to becoming military personnel.
"More than 300 applicants signed up last year, but only 39 passed the rigorous selection process and started the training. The program focuses on basic military skills, combat techniques, and the use of military weaponry. Upon completion, these soldiers will be deployed for various operational tasks in Curaçao and Aruba," stated Defensie Caribisch Gebied.
The Caribbean military personnel serve under the Ministry of Justice of Curaçao and are assigned to Defense in the Caribbean. Their responsibilities include access control, public order enforcement, and participation in international exercises.
"With more than 220 military personnel, they form an essential unit within the defense organization in the region," according to Defensie Caribisch Gebied.