Montserrat Defence Force cap badge.

 Montserrat Defence Force white metal cap badge

• The Montserrat Defence Force (MDF) is one of the smallest organised military units in the Commonwealth.

• It was first formed in 1899 during the era when many Caribbean British colonies maintained small volunteer defence corps for internal security and support of police operations.

Historically, the MDF has NOT been a conventional army. Its duties were mainly:

• Internal security and civil defence

• Supporting the island’s police force

• Guard and ceremonial duties

• Assisting during natural disasters, hurricanes, and crises

• Assisting with coastal defence, though more symbolically than tactically.

It never functioned as a frontline combat unit — more of a disciplined auxiliary force, comparable to the Bermuda Militia Artillery, St Lucia Volunteers, Barbados Volunteer Force, etc.