Dominica Cadet Corps announces operational expansion, historic all-female Independence platoon

The Dominica Cadet Corps (DCC) has launched a sweeping operational overhaul focused on structural upgrades, new specialized divisions, and island-wide youth recruitment, as the longstanding national youth development body enters a dynamic new phase of growth. The multi-pronged expansion agenda includes the launch of a dedicated Engineering Corps and the long-awaited reactivation of the previously disbanded Sea Cadet company, alongside a nationwide recruitment push to embed official DCC units in every secondary school across the Caribbean island. To lay the groundwork for a full, compliant company structure, the Corps has already onboarded a cohort of newly commissioned officers and welcomed dozens of first-time cadet enrollees in recent months. This period of rapid growth aligned with a landmark milestone during Dominica’s 48th Independence Day commemorations on November 3, when the DCC made national history by marching in the official Independence parade with its first ever all-female platoon. The trailblazing unit was led by a female platoon commander and her female deputy, with a significant share of the marching contingent made up of newly recruited cadet privates who had only recently joined the program. The historic parade appearance was made possible by targeted support from local private sector partners and community benefactors, the DCC confirmed. The family of the late Major Lyndon Earle Johnson, a respected former DCC Commandant, provided a generous donation through the Earle Johnson Foundation, presented by his widow Heather Johnson. The in-kind contribution included custom parade uniforms, a branded parade flag and supporting poles, ceremonial harnesses, official cap badges, berets, and additional operational supplies, all donated to honor Major Johnson’s decades of dedicated service to uplifting Dominica’s young people. The DCC also extended formal public thanks to Kenneth Green of FreeStyle Inc. and the organization’s CEO Denny Titre, who sponsored full uniform sets for roughly 40 female cadets taking part in the November 3 parade. Looking ahead through the rest of the current academic year, the DCC has outlined plans to double down on its core youth development mandate, delivering structured training that combines formal drill practice, immersive field exercises, residential summer camps, coordinated community service projects, and specialized disaster response preparedness training to instill discipline, leadership, and resilience in participating young people. Rooted in a legacy stretching back to its initial founding in 1910, the modern Dominica Cadet Corps received its formal official charter in 1971, and was later re-established under national law via Act 2 of 2001. Members of the public, prospective cadets, or local partners seeking additional details about the DCC’s programs and recruitment opportunities can reach out directly to Lt. Col. Fitzroy Leon at the phone number 277-4600 for further information.