The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has initiated a significant strategic expansion, commencing recruitment for an initial contingent of 50 new soldiers this year. This move represents the first phase of a comprehensive, multi-year plan to substantially enhance the nation’s military capabilities.
Chief of Defence Staff Telbert Benjamin confirmed the expansion initiative is already underway, with the Defence Force’s Public Relations and Human Resource departments leading the recruitment campaign. Benjamin emphasized that this recruitment drive is projected to continue systematically over the next four years, with its progression contingent upon ongoing budgetary approvals from the government.
Beyond military personnel, the ABDF is simultaneously seeking to recruit civilians for critical support positions. These roles span strategic programming, community outreach, office administration, and logistics management. Officials reported exceptionally strong application rates for these civilian posts, with interest extending beyond Antigua to include qualified candidates from across the Caribbean region.
The substantial expansion of the Defence Force is designed to significantly strengthen national capacity across multiple security and public service domains. Enhanced personnel resources will enable more robust border security operations, improved disaster response capabilities, and greater contributions to national initiatives in health, education, and food security programs. This strategic enhancement positions the ABDF to more effectively address both conventional defense requirements and emerging non-traditional security challenges.