The SKNDF was originally formed as a volunteer unit in 1896 in response to riots in several sugar plantations. One such riot is commonly known as the Portuguese Riot which took place at Needsmust Estate and resulted in the destruction of a large number of properties. Therefore, the
British Government determined that it was necessary to establish a local force to combat future riots until reinforcements could arrive from
Great Britain. The force originally consisted of an Infantry unit and a
Cavalry unit, however, the latter was later disbanded and absorbed into the Infantry. The regular defence force did not come into being however until 1967, when it was decided that a regular army was needed following public disturbances on the island of
Anguilla, which was attempting to secede from its federation with Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the determination that the existing volunteer force was not adequately trained to deal with the situation. The first Defence's manpower came from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force's Tactical Unit and the Special Service Unit. The forming of the regular defence force was a major policy of the ruling
Labour Party, and was adamantly opposed by the opposition
People's Action Movement (PAM). When the PAM came to power in 1980, they made the decision to disband the regular force, leaving only the reserve. The election of
Denzil Douglas in 1995 saw the new government reform the regulars. == Regular Corps ==