Both units have regular and reserve elements, all of which fall under the command Force Headquarters (FHQ, SKNDF).

The SKNDF is also used in the provision of relief after natural disasters and in overseas peacekeeping roles, principally within the Regional Security System.

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 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 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).