WILLEMSTAD - Over the past few weeks, more than three hundred enthusiastic Curaçaoan men and women applied for training to become Caribbean military personnel. Out of these, only 25 will proceed to the Basic Military Training, scheduled to begin in August. 

From the three hundred applications, the most suitable candidates were selected and invited to the selection process. Last week, the first part of the selection took place at the Suffisant Naval Barracks – the sports test. Over three days, the physical and mental capabilities of potential military personnel were assessed. This included running 2200 meters in twelve minutes and undergoing a swim test. 

35 candidates successfully completed the sports test. They will begin the next selection round in February, which involves a medical examination. The mental examination includes an interview with a psychologist, while the physical examination assesses if the body meets the requirements for military service. 

The top 25 candidates who successfully complete the selection process will start their military training, known as the Basic Military Training (BMT), in August. Over an 11-month period, they will be molded into Curaçaoan military personnel. 

Currently, Curaçao has 136 military personnel in service. They participate in exercises outside Curaçao, provide military assistance in the Caribbean region, and increasingly collaborate with the Curaçao Police Force (KPC).