Editing Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force

{{Short description|Military forces of Trinidad and Tobago}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox national military
| name = Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force
| native_name = 
| image = Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force emblem.svg
| alt = 
| caption = Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force emblem
| image2 = Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Flag.svg
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force flag
| motto = 
| founded = {{start date and age|df=y|1962|06|01}}
| current_form = 
| disbanded = 
| branches = Regiment, Coast Guard, Air Guard, Defence Force Reserves
| headquarters = [[Chaguaramas, Trinidad|Chaguaramas]]
| flying_hours = 
| website = {{Official website|https://ttdf.mil.tt}}
| commander-in-chief = [[Christine Kangaloo]]
| commander-in-chief_title = [[President of Trinidad and Tobago|Commander-in-Chief]]
| chief minister = [[Kamla Persad-Bissessar]]
| chief minister_title = [[List of prime ministers of Trinidad and Tobago|Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago]]
| minister = [[Wayne Sturge]]
| minister_title = Minister Of Defence
| chief_of_staff = [[Military ranks of Trinidad and Tobago|Air Vice Marshal]] Darryl Daniel
| chief_of_staff_title = Chief Of Defence Staff
| age = 18 (17 with parental consent)
| conscription = 
| manpower_data = 
| manpower_age = 17–49
| fit = 
| fit_f = 
| reaching = 
| reaching_f = 
| active = 5,622
| ranked = 
| reserve = 600
| deployed = <!-- Financial -->
| amount = 
| percent_GDP = 0.3%
<!-- Industrial -->| domestic_suppliers = 
| foreign_suppliers = 
| imports = 
| exports = <!-- Related articles -->
| history = 
| ranks = [[Military ranks of Trinidad and Tobago]]
}}

The '''Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force''' ('''TTDF''') is the [[Armed forces|military organisation]] responsible for the defence of the twin-island Republic of [[Trinidad and Tobago]]. It consists of the [[Trinidad and Tobago Regiment]], the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard and the Defence Force Reserves.

Each of the three component services of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force is responsible for a different role and domain. The Trinidad and Tobago Regiment is responsible for land operations, the Air Guard is responsible for air operations, and the Coast Guard is responsible for maritime operations. It simultaneously acts as a [[law enforcement]] agency. 

==Organisation==
Established in 1962 after Trinidad and Tobago's independence from the [[United Kingdom]], the TTDF is one of the largest Military forces in the English-speaking [[Caribbean]]. Its mission statement is to "defend the sovereign good of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, contribute to the development of the national community and support the State in the fulfillment of its national and international objectives". The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force is made up of four distinct arms; The Regiment/"Army" (TTR), the Coast Guard (TTCG), the Air Guard (TTAG) and the Defence Force Reserves (TTDFR), which all fall under the authority of the Ministry of National Security. The TTDF has the world's only Military [[Steelpan|steelband]].

The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) comprises 5,622 uniformed personnel, 1 permanent, 35 contracted, and 156 daily paid civilian staff. The President of Trinidad and Tobago is the Commander-in-Chief, while the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is responsible for the TTDF's operational use, subject to the Minister of National Security's directions as outlined in Section 191(2) of the Defence Act, Chapter 14:01.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=UPDATED PUBLIC STATEMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY 2024 – Ministry of National Security |url=https://nationalsecurity.gov.tt/specialpublications/updated-public-statement-of-the-ministry-of-national-security-2024/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> 

The [[Commander in Chief]] of the Defence Force is the country's [[President of Trinidad and Tobago|President]], [[Christine Kangaloo]]. The current Minister of Defence is Wayne Sturge.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Cabinet sworn In: Full list of appointments|url=https://trinidadexpress.com/news/new-cabinet-sworn-in-full-list-of-appointments/article_f29e11bb-de0f-4d44-89ee-bdd4ea0b318a.html|access-date=2025-05-03 |website= trinidadexpress.com |language=en}}</ref> The current Chief of Defence Staff is Air Vice Marshall Darryl Daniel, who replaced Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard upon his retirement on 25 March 2019.

The CDS leads the Defence Force Headquarters, supported by the VCDS and the Commanding Officers of the TTDF's four formations.<ref name=":0" /> The TTDF Headquarters includes administrative and operational units.

'''Administration''' provides support services such as Human Resource Management, Finance, and Registry. Key roles include:

# '''Chief of Defence Staff (CDS):''' Responsible for strategic direction, operational control, and overall management.
# '''Vice Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS):''' Coordinates staff activities and assists the CDS in achieving the Force's operational mandate.
# '''Information Systems:''' Manages the Force's computer hardware and software.
# '''Public Relations Department:''' Coordinates public relations and manages public affairs.
# '''Staff Judge Advocate:''' Handles legal matters for the Force.
# '''Inspector General:''' Investigates policies and procedures related to the Force's mission.
# '''Force Development Strategy and Management:''' Develops, maintains, and integrates capabilities and training for Defence Force personnel.
# '''Strategic Logistics:''' Plans and executes the movement, supply, and maintenance of resources.
# '''Human Resources Department:''' Manages personnel readiness, monitors human resource management, and provides related policies and services.
# '''Finance Department:''' Facilitates budget planning, preparation, and manages all financial matters.

'''Operations''' utilizes a Joint/United Staff System with the following components:

# '''Directors and Military Attachés:''' Integrate the Force's operational management with national security priorities.
# '''Intelligence Department:''' Collects data and generates intelligence for Force activities.
# '''Operations Department:''' Coordinates all operations within the Force.
# '''Unit Command and Administration Services:''' Coordinates supply, maintenance, transportation, and service functions.
# '''Medical Department:''' Provides technical medical advice to Command and medical services to Force members.

== Regiment (Army)==
{{main|Trinidad and Tobago Regiment}}
[[File:Trinidad and Tobago soldier in training (2012).jpg|right|thumb|Trinidad and Tobago soldier in training]]
The Trinidad and Tobago Regiment (TTR) is the main ground force element of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. It has approximately 3000 men and women, organized into four battalions and a Regiment Headquarters. The regiment has two primary roles: maintaining the internal security of Trinidad and Tobago and support to civil law enforcement. The current Commanding Officer is Colonel Keston Charles.

Also, as one of the larger military forces in the region, the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment is also one of the main units used in peacekeeping and humanitarian situations from the Caribbean region.

Although it is called the Trinidad & Tobago Regiment, the TTR is in fact structured more like a light infantry brigade, with a pair of infantry battalions, plus engineering and logistic support units:

1st Battalion (Infantry), Trinidad and Tobago Regiment: 
This is a light infantry battalion. It is located at Camp Ogden, Long Circular Road, St James.

2nd Battalion (Infantry), Trinidad and Tobago Regiment: This is also a light infantry battalion. 
Formerly located at Camp Mausica, since then it has been relocated to the Chaguaramas Heliport and La Romain.

3rd Battalion (1st Engineer Battalion): This provides engineering support, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. 
It is located at Camp Cumuto, Wallerfield.

4th Battalion (Support and Service Battalion): This provides logistic and administrative support for the regiment. 
It is located at the Teteron Barracks, Teteron Bay, Chaguaramas.

The Regiment also maintains a Camp Omega, at Chaguaramas, which is used primarily for infantry training.

== Special Forces==
Trinidad and Tobago has a unique and highly trained group of special forces that is tasked to fulfill counter narcotics and counter terrorism operations. Soldiers are sent to the [[United States]] or the [[United Kingdom]] for their training. Their motto is "To Find a Way."
There is also a secret elite branch of the TTCG, their name is Special Naval Unit (SNU).

==Coast Guard==
[[File:Naval Ensign of Trinidad and Tobago.svg|thumb|Naval Ensign]]

The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard is the seagoing branch of the TTDF which was established on 1 June 1962 and commissioned into service less than 3 months later on 27 August 1962. The Coast Guard consists of a number of vessels designated ''CG<number>''. The current Commanding Officer is Captain Don Polo.

{{Copyvio|timestamp=20250318224616 |url=https://shipshub.com/navy/102-1.html}}
Its mission statements is "To Defend the Sovereign Good of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and to provide on a continuous basis, quality service for security and safety within the Maritime Boundaries, and in any other area of responsibility agreed to by the State to fulfill its International Obligations".

Its motto is "Service Before Self".

The Coast Guard is primarily involved with Drug Trade interdiction as well as Search and Rescue within the waters of Trinidad and Tobago and neighbouring Islands.<ref name=TrinidadExpress2017-03-02/> However, the Coast Guard has been involved in major incidents. During the 1970 Army Mutiny in Trinidad and Tobago, the Coast Guard prevented the mutineers from convoying to [[Port of Spain]] by firing on an access road from the Regiment base at Teteron Barracks in [[Chaguaramas, Trinidad|Chaguaramas]]. The Coast Guard also played a role during the 1990 [[Jamaat al Muslimeen coup attempt]], providing logistical and naval support to the ground forces of the Regiment, posted outside the besieged city limits.
</div>

National Roles of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard include:
* Surveillance of the Waters under T & T Jurisdiction
* Logistical Support to T & T Land Forces
* Port Security (ISPS Code)
* Assistance in Scientific Research
* Aid to Civil Law Enforcement
* Anti-Smuggling / Counter-Narcotic Operations (MOF)
* Fisheries Protection and Enforcement (MAL&MR)
* Pollution Surveillance and Enforcement (MPU&E)
* Safety of Shipping (MOW&T)

Operational Tasks
* Keeping surveillance of the nation's off-shore installations
* Environmental protection, minor salvage and local maritime surveys
* Cooperating with other naval forces.

===Fleet===
Between 2001 and 2016 the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard fleet included [[HMS Orkney (P299)|TTS ''Nelson'']], an {{sclass2|Island|patrol vessel}} purchased from the [[Royal Navy]].<ref name=Nelson>{{cite web|title=Another addition to the Fleet of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard|url=http://www.ttdf.mil.tt/ttcg/cg3.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607035110/http://www.ttdf.mil.tt/ttcg/cg3.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-06-07|publisher=Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force|accessdate=13 January 2016}}</ref> 

In April 2007, the Coast Guard contracted for three offshore patrol vessels from [[VT Group|VT Shipbuilding]] (later [[BAE Systems Surface Ships]]) in [[Portsmouth]], England. Construction of the {{sclass|Port of Spain|corvette|1}}s ''Port of Spain'', ''Scarborough'' and ''San Fernando'' suffered significant delays and, in September 2010, though substantially complete, the [[Government of Trinidad and Tobago]] cancelled the order.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/defence/8016866/BAE-faces-150m-hit-as-Trinidad-and-Tobago-cancels-drug-busting-patrol-ship-deal.html |access-date=6 October 2010|title=BAE faces £150m hit as Trinidad and Tobago cancels drug-busting patrol ship deal - Telegraph|date=22 September 2010|location=London|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Jonathan|last=Sibun|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923205221/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/defence/8016866/BAE-faces-150m-hit-as-Trinidad-and-Tobago-cancels-drug-busting-patrol-ship-deal.html|archive-date=23 September 2010}}</ref> The [[Brazilian Navy]] acquired all three ships as their {{sclass|Amazonas|corvette|1}}s.

On 29 April 2015 the Ministry of National Security placed orders with the Dutch company [[Damen Group|Damen Shipbuilders]] for four {{convert|51|m|adj=on}} {{convert|28|kn|lk=in|adj=on}} coastal patrol vessels, two {{convert|54|m|adj=on}} fast utility boats and six {{convert|11|m|adj=on}} {{convert|53|kn|adj=on}} interceptors.<ref name=MNS>{{cite web|title=Signing of Shipbuilding Contracts and Overall Agreement for construction of Naval Assets|url=http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.tt/Portals/0/Pdf%20files%202/Media%20Release%20-%20Signing%20of%20Shipbuilding%20Contracts%20for%20construction%20of%20Naval%20Assets.pdf|publisher=Ministry of National Security|access-date=10 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518084351/http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.tt/Portals/0/Pdf%20files%202/Media%20Release%20-%20Signing%20of%20Shipbuilding%20Contracts%20for%20construction%20of%20Naval%20Assets.pdf|archive-date=18 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=TEN>{{cite news|title=The T&T Coast Guard is getting these naval vessels |url=http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/TT-Coast-Guard--301703671.html |access-date=10 May 2015 |work=Trinidad Express Newspapers |date=29 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501174628/http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/TT-Coast-Guard--301703671.html |archive-date=1 May 2015 }}</ref><ref name="damen">{{cite web|title=Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard contracts Damen for fleet of coastal patrol craft|url=http://www.damen.com/en/news/2015/05/trinidad_and_tobago_coast_guard_contracts_damen_for_fleet_of_coastal_patrol_craft|publisher=Damen Shipyards Group|access-date=13 January 2016|location=Gorinchem|date=14 May 2015|archive-date=29 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229234105/http://www.damen.com/en/news/2015/05/trinidad_and_tobago_coast_guard_contracts_damen_for_fleet_of_coastal_patrol_craft|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In August 2018, the government contracted with [[Austal]] to build two {{sclass2|Cape|patrol boat|1}}s at [[Henderson, Western Australia]], scheduled for delivery in mid-2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/austal-to-build-two-cape-class-patrol-boats-for-trinidad-tobago/|title=Austal to build two Cape-class patrol boats for Trinidad & Tobago|date=19 August 2019|work=Naval Technology|access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref> The two vessels, [[TTS Port of Spain|''Port of Spain'']] and [[TTS Scarborough|''Scarborough'']] were delivered to the TTCG in May 2021.<ref name="NewsdayAustal">{{cite news |last1=Gonzales |first1=Elizabeth |title=Trinidad and Tobago to partner with Austal in ship-maintenance company |url=https://newsday.co.tt/2021/07/17/trinidad-and-tobago-to-partner-with-austal-in-ship-maintenance-company/ |access-date=18 November 2021 |work=Trinidad and Tobago Newsday |date=17 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717072053/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/07/17/trinidad-and-tobago-to-partner-with-austal-in-ship-maintenance-company/ |archive-date=17 July 2021}}</ref>
[[File:T&T Scarborough edited.jpg|thumb|''Scarborough'' at [[Portsmouth]] in 2010]]
[[File:Trinidad and Tobago Ship Quinam arriving in Montego Bay, Jamaica - 160619-N-FE728-103 (cropped).jpg|thumb|''Quinam'' in 2016]] 
[[File:TTS Port of Spain (CG41), Henderson, 2021 (03).jpg|thumb|''Port of Spain'' before delivery in 2021]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Vessel 
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Hull No.
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Shipbuilder
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|In service
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Notes
|-
! colspan="6" style="background: lavender;"| Offshore patrol vessels
|-
| TTS ''Nelson''<ref name="Nelson"/>
| CG 20
| [[United Kingdom]]
| [[Hall, Russell & Company|Hall, Russell]]
| 2001-2016
| former {{HMS|Orkney|P299|6}}
|-
| TTS ''Nelson II''
| CG 60
| [[China]]
| 
| 2015-
| former Chinese [[surveillance]] vessel<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guardian.co.tt/article-6.2.371451.807ee92797|title=TTS Nelson II hits high seas|work=Trinidad Tobago Guardian |first= Rhondor|last=Dowlat|date=10 November 2015|access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
| [[TTS Port of Spain|TTS ''Port of Spain'']]
| CG 41
| [[Australia]]
| [[Austal]]
| 2021-
| {{Sclass2|Cape|patrol boat|4}}
|-
| [[TTS Scarborough|TTS ''Scarborough'']]
| CG 42
| Australia
| Austal
| 2021-
| Cape class
|-
! colspan="6" style="background: lavender;"| Coastal patrol vessels
|-
| TTS ''Scarlet Ibis''<ref name="High Speed Caribbean Patrol Boats Completed">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.defencetalk.com/high-speed-caribbean-patrol-boats-completed-24254/|title = High Speed Caribbean Patrol Boats Completed|publisher= defencetalk.com Insight |year= 2010 |doi = |access-date= 14 September 2021|url-access=registration}}</ref>
| CG 11
| Australia
| Austal
| 
| Scarlet Ibis class
|-
| TTS ''Hibiscus''<ref name="High Speed Caribbean Patrol Boats Completed"/>
| CG 12
| Australia
| Austal
| 
| Scarlet Ibis class
|-
| TTS ''Humming Bird''<ref name="High Speed Caribbean Patrol Boats Completed"/>
| CG 13
| Australia
| Austal
| 
| Scarlet Ibis class
|-
| TTS ''Chanonia''<ref name="High Speed Caribbean Patrol Boats Completed"/>
| CG 14
| Australia
| Austal
| 
| Scarlet Ibis class
|-
| TTS ''Poui''<ref name="High Speed Caribbean Patrol Boats Completed"/>
| CG 15
| Australia
| Austal
| 
| Scarlet Ibis class
|-
| TTS ''Teak''<ref name="High Speed Caribbean Patrol Boats Completed"/>
| CG 16
| Australia
| Austal
| 
| Scarlet Ibis class
|-
| TTS ''Speyside''<ref name=GMC>{{cite web|url=http://www.satelliteevolutiongroup.com/PDFs/GMC-Feb-2016.pdf|title=Global Military Communications|date=February 2016|page=10|work=DS Air Publications|access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref>
| CG 25
| [[Netherlands]]
| [[Damen Group|Damen]] 
| 
| [[Damen Stan Patrol 5009]] 
|-
| TTS ''Quinam''<ref name="GMC"/>
| CG 26
| Netherlands
| Damen 
| 
| Stan Patrol 5009
|-
| TTS ''Moruga''<ref name="GMC"/>
| CG 27
| Netherlands
| Damen 
| 
| Stan Patrol 5009
|-
| TTS ''Carli Bay''<ref name="GMC"/>
| CG 28
| Netherlands
| Damen 
| 
| Stan Patrol 5009
|-
! colspan="6" style="background: lavender;"| Support vessels
|-
| TTS ''Point Lisas''<ref name=JamObs>{{cite web|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/trinidad-gov-t-borrowing-us-75-million-to-buy-patrol-boats|title=Trinidad Gov't borrowing US$75 million to buy patrol boats|date=1 June 2015|access-date=9 March 2020|work=jamaicaobserver}}</ref>
| CG 23
| Netherlands
| Damen 
| 2015-
| [[Damen Stan Patrol 5009]]
|-
| [[TTS Brighton|TTS ''Brighton'']]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dowlat |first1=Rhondor |title=Dillon waits for full report |url=http://www.tobagotoday.co.tt/news/2017-10-05/dillon-waits-full-report |access-date=19 November 2021 |work=Guardian |date=6 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930081543/http://www.tobagotoday.co.tt/news/2017-10-05/dillon-waits-full-report |archive-date=30 September 2018 |location=Port-of-Spain|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| CG 24
| Netherlands
| Damen 
| 
| Stan Patrol 5009; referred to as ''La Brea'' during construction<ref name="JamObs"/>
|}

== Air Guard ==
[[File:Trinadad and Tabago air wing roundel.svg|thumb|right|150px|Air Guard badge]]
[[File:Roundel of Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard.svg|thumb|right|150px|Air Guard roundel]]

The Air Wing of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence force was formed on 15 February 1966, and was initially part of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and was called the Air Wing of the Coast Guard or the Air Wing. In 1977, it was separated as its own entity. In 2005 it was renamed the Trinidad & Tobago Air Guard (TTAG). Its bases are at [[Piarco International Airport]], [[Crown Point International Airport]], and the Heliport at [[Chaguaramas, Trinidad|Chaguaramas]]. Its purposes are to protect and patrol Trinidad and Tobago's airspace, and is also used for transport, search and rescue, and liaison. The current commander of the Air Guard is [[Group Captain]] Kemba Hannays, who took over from Kester Weekes, in a promotion and appointment ceremony on July 10, 2023. Group Captain Weekes took command of the unit in 2019, succeeding then-Air Commodore Daryl Daniel upon his promotion to Chief of Defence Staff in March 2019.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.news.gov.tt/archive//E-Gazette/Gazette%202014/Gazette/Gazette%20No.%20140%20of%202014.pdf|title=Trinidad and Tobago Gazette|volume=53|issue=140|date= 5 November 2014|page=1|work=The Government Printer, Republic of Trinidad And Tobago}}</ref>

===Aircraft===

==== Current inventory ====
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Maritime patrol aircraft|Maritime patrol]]
|-
| | [[Fairchild C-26B Metroliner|C-26B Metro]] 
| [[United States]]
| [[Maritime patrol aircraft|Maritime patrol]]
|
| 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article|title = World Air Forces 2022|publisher= Flightglobal |year= 2022 |doi = |accessdate= 9 February 2022|url-access=registration}}</ref>
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Helicopter]]s
|-
| [[AgustaWestland AW139]]
| [[Italy]]
| [[Utility helicopter|Utility]] / [[Search and rescue|SAR]]
|
| 4<ref name="4copter"/>
|
|}

Its former fleet of aircraft included:
One [[Cessna 337]] ([[O-2A]]) Skymaster (1966–1972), One [[Cessna 402]] Utililiner (1972–1998), four [[Aérospatiale Gazelle]] (1973–1995), One [[Cessna 172 Skyhawk]] (1991–1998), Two [[Piper Navajo]] 2000–2009, One [[Cessna 310]] 1985-2011

Four Agusta Westland [[AW139]] helicopters were intended to be used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions related to search and rescue, border patrol and drug interdiction. Due to lack of funding for maintenance, all helicopters were grounded since 2017.<ref name="4copter">{{cite web|url=https://trinidadexpress.com/news/local/grounded-copter-getting-wings-again-to-battle-crime/article_624a82b8-1336-11eb-9b43-93896c2e75ca.html|title=Grounded copter getting wings again to battle crime|first=Ria|last=Taitt|date=2020-10-20|access-date=2022-02-10|work=Trinidad Daily Express}}</ref> In December 2020, The Minister of National Security announced that one AW139 is back up in the air.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=ttnatsecurity |number=1338867114929573894 |date=2020-12-15 |title=Minister Young: In an effort to ensure that the country got value for money, those helicopters were grounded but an AW139 is back up in the air and there are other air assets that have been used by the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard throughout this whole period of time. |access-date= 2022-02-10 }}</ref>

The Minister of National Security announced that the establishment of a military airfield, construction of an operations/administrative building at the Piarco Air Station and new helicopters would be purchased to equip the Air Guard. The minister also promised training from various international bodies. Cabinet agreed to the change of rank designations from naval to the corresponding aviation designations and the creation of 66 ranks on the establishment of the Air Guard.

== Defence Force Reserves ==
[[File:Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Reserves Flag.svg|thumb|Flag of Defence Force Reserves]]
The Defence Force Reserves, previously called the ''Volunteer Defence Force'', are the non-active duty arm of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. Its mission statement is "To be a highly professional, well-trained combat-ready force that will respond effectively in support of our regular forces and the national community". The Defence Force Reserves are capable of providing reinforcement and be a force multiplier in the event that the Defence Force is called upon to carry out its roles of aid to the civil power. Established in September 1963, its primary purpose at that time was to provide essential reinforcements to the regular force. Today, those roles have grown to include assisting in the promotion of hemispheric and international security and development, with a well-equipped force, trained in a broad range of disciplines and actively involved in community development. In recent years, the Reserves have been called out to assist with law enforcement and most recently to assist with the security in Trinidad's hosting of the [[5th Summit of the Americas]] in 2009.

==Ranks==
{{main|Military ranks of Trinidad and Tobago}}

== National Awards ==
See also: [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Trinidad and Tobago]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+National awards of Trinidad and Tobago received by members of the Defence Force.<ref name=":2" />
!Year
!Award
!Receipent
!Position
!Category
!Ref
|-
|1969
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold
|Colonel Stanley Johnson
|Commander of the Defence Force
|Defence
|
|-
|1970
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Silver
|Captain David Bloom
|Commanding Officer, Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard
|Defence
|
|-
|1970
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Silver
|Lt. Commander Mervyn Williams
|Officer, Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard
|Defence
|
|-
|1970
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold
|Brigadier Joffre C.H. Serrette - M.B.E., C.V.O.
|Commander of the Defence Force and Military Adviser to the Prime Minister
|Defence
|
|-
|1971
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold
|Captain David Bloom
|Commanding Officer, Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard
|Defence
|
|-
|1978
|The Trinity Cross
|Brigadier Joffre Charles Harold Serrette - M.O.M., C.V.O., M.B.E., E.D.
|Commanding Officer of Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force
|Public Service
|<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=National Awards Database {{!}} The Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago |url=https://otp.tt/trinidad-and-tobago/national-awards-database/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250226103315/https://otp.tt/trinidad-and-tobago/national-awards-database/ |archive-date=2025-02-26 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=otp.tt |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|1978
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold
|Commander Mervyn Oliver Williams
|Commanding Officer, Coast Guard
|Public Service
|
|-
|1979
|The Hummingbird Medal Gold
|Lieutenant-Commander Anthony Franklin
|Captain, T.T.S. Chaguaramas
|Coast Guard Duty
|
|-
|1979
|The Hummingbird Medal Gold
|Lieutenant-Commander Curtis Roach
|Squadron Commander
|Coast Guard Duty
|
|-
|1980
|The Trinity Cross
|Commander Mervyn Williams - M.O.M.
|Chief of Defence Staff
|Defence
|
|-
|1989
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold
|Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard
|Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Unit
|Public Service
|
|-
|1989
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold
|Commander Jack Eugene Williams E.D.
|Commanding Officer, Coast Guard (Retired)
|Distinguished Service in the Defence Force and in the Community
|
|-
|1991
|The Trinity Cross
|The Regiment of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force
|Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Unit
|The Preservation of Democracy and Constitutional Government
|
|-
|2015
|The Hummingbird Medal Bronze
|Sub Lieutenant Edric Hargreaves
|Military Officer, Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force (Coast Guard)
|Bravery/Gallantry
|<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Achong |first=Derek |title=Honours for slain officer and brave pre-schooler |url=https://www.guardian.co.tt/article-6.2.368686.e76dce9b16 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=www.guardian.co.tt |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2015
|The Hummingbird Medal Bronze
|Private Fernando Smith
|Soldier, Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force (Regiment)
|Bravery/Gallantry
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-18 |title=Regiment honours shy hero |url=https://trinidadexpress.com/news/local/regiment-honours-shy-hero/article_98b03d0b-7564-5203-873d-653957ad3631.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Trinidad Express Newspapers |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
|-
|2019
|The Chaconia Medal Gold
|Major General Ralph Brown (Retired)
|Former Chief of Defence Staff
|Public Service
|<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Matroo |first=Carol |date=2019-09-24 |title=ORTT for ‘Chalkie’ |url=https://newsday.co.tt/2019/09/24/ortt-for-chalkie/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Trinidad and Tobago Newsday |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|The Hummingbird Medal Bronze
|Mr. Jeremy Lewis
|Coast Guard
|Gallantry
|<ref name=":3" />
|-
|2021
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold
|Captain Kent Moore [Posthumously]
|Retired Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Officer
|Public Service (National Security)
|
|-
|2022
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold
|Major General (Retired) Kenrick Maharaj
|Chief of Defence Staff
|Defence and National Security
|<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2022-09-24 |title=National Awards 2022 |url=https://trinidadexpress.com/news/local/national-awards-2022/article_e005569c-3bb6-11ed-b3d1-2b4cf137cf86.html |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Trinidad Express Newspapers |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2022
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold
|Major General (Retired) Rodney Smart
|Chief Executive Officer, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management
|Defence and National Security
|<ref name=":4" />
|-
|2022
|The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold
|Rear Admiral (Retired) Hayden Pritchard
|Consultant
|Defence and Security
|<ref name=":4" />
|-
|2024
|The Chaconia Medal Gold
|Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Norris Baden- Semper (Retired)
|Retired Defence Force Officer
|Public Service
|
|-
|2024
|The Hummingbird Medal Silver
|Major Edouard Wade (Retired)
|Retired Defence Force Officer
|Music and Culture
|
|}

== See Also ==

* [[Chief of Defence Staff (Trinidad and Tobago)]]
* [[Naval Base Trinidad]]
* [[Waller Air Force Base]]
* [[Carlsen Air Force Base]]
* [[Trinidad and Tobago Police Service]]
* [[Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago]]

==References and links==
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name=TrinidadExpress2017-03-02>{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20170302/news/tt-coast-guard-in-837-million-drug-bust
 |title        = T&T Coast Guard in $837 million drug bust: ...fishing vessel intercepted off Suriname
 |publisher    = [[Trinidad Express]]
 |author       = Susan Mohammed
 |date         = 2017-03-02
 |access-date   = 2017-03-03
 |url-status      = dead
 |quote        = THE Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard partnered with the United States Coast Guard and other Caribbean countries in a drug-bust that led to the interception of over $837 million worth of cocaine.
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20170302175841/http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20170302/news/tt-coast-guard-in-837-million-drug-bust
 |archive-date = 2 March 2017
}}</ref>

}}

==External links==
* [https://nationalsecurity.gov.tt/divisions/defence-force/ Ministry of National Security TTDF page] Ministry of National Security TTDF page
* [https://ttdf.mil.tt Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force] Official site
* [https://www.facebook.com/ttdefenceforce TTDF Facebook]
* [https://nationalsecurity.gov.tt/specialpublications/updated-public-statement-of-the-ministry-of-national-security-2024/ Ministry of National Security: special publications]
* {{CIA World Factbook|year=2003}}

{{Trinidad and Tobago topics}}
{{Military of North America}}
{{Coast guards}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Trinidad And Tobago Defence Force}}
[[Category:Military of Trinidad and Tobago| ]]
[[Category:1962 establishments in Trinidad and Tobago]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1962]]