Too often, the word "army” evokes images of destruction, violence, and domination. History, headlines, and movies have conditioned us to associate military power with conflict rather than compassion. Yet, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, a different story is unfolding, one that challenges this narrow narrative and reminds us of what armed forces can represent at their best.

The arrival of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) military engineers in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in 2025 is a powerful example of an army deployed not to conquer, but to rebuild. Working hand in hand with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), RDF engineers have begun reconstructing homes for families whose lives were upended by the storm.

Rwanda’s decision to send military engineers thousands of kilometres away to the Caribbean underscores a broader philosophy that security is not only about weapons and borders, but also about human safety, resilience, and solidarity. In a world increasingly shaped by climate disasters, the capacity to respond quickly, efficiently, and compassionately has become as vital as traditional defence capabilities.

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The joint RDF–JDF reconstruction project speaks volumes about what modern military cooperation can achieve. It reflects professionalism, technical excellence, and a shared commitment to serving civilians in moments of profound vulnerability. More importantly, it sends a message that global challenges require global responses, and empathy does not stop at national or regional borders.

For Rwanda, a country that knows the long road from devastation to recovery, this mission carries particular weight. The RDF’s humanitarian engagements at home and abroad are rooted in lived experience, an understanding that rebuilding homes is inseparable from rebuilding lives.

This mission also invites a broader reflection on how we define military success. Is it measured only in battles won, or also in lives improved? The work in Jamaica suggests that true strength lies not just in firepower, but also in the ability to protect, assist, and uplift.

At a time when militarisation is often criticised, and rightly so, examples like this deserve recognition. They remind us that armies are institutions shaped by choice and leadership. They can destroy, yes, but they can also heal, build, and serve humanity.