Guyana Defence Force logistics personnel recently completed a one-week seminar in Logistics, Support and Sustainment (LSS) which was conducted by US Army Subject Matter Experts in Logistics, through the courtesy of the United States Military Liaison Office (USMLO).
The Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) have been conducted with the local military for more that five years and Lieutenant Colonel Terrence Benn, who is responsible for training at the GDF Headquarters, said the SMEEs provide a great opportunity for more personnel to be trained in the local environment at a reduced cost, a press release from the GDF stated.
Although the training period is short, the sessions are rather intensive. “This training format is cost effective since the specialists come to us and impart knowledge to more of our people at any given time during the conduct of a SMEE,” he said.
Captain Stacey Collymore-Ransome of the USMLO said the SMEEs were conducted at the request of the local military establishment, and the focus was military to military and military to civil.
Captain Ransome explained that following the request, a group of specialists in the particular subject area collaborated with the “client” on the best approach, methodology and resources to be used for the SMEE’s success.
“This last SMEE for example is more a military to civil one since participating institutions represent not only the GDF but the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service and the Georgetown municipality through the Mayor and City Council,” she pointed out. During the LSS, SMEE participants examined numerous aspects of logistics, sustainment and support practices, the release stated.
Another SMEE from March 17 to 20, which focused on the development of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) was completed at Base Camp Ayanganna. Twenty NCOs participated in the training which had a definite military to military focus. It aimed at identifying suitable measures to be taken to improve the effectiveness of NCOs in attaining the objectives of the GDF.
Commanding Officer, Training Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Enoch Gaskin said that while NCOs were drawn from several units of the force, his unit took the lead since the discussions would aid in the review of the syllabus of the Junior Leaders Course.
The SMEE was conducted by members from the US Army’s NCOs Training School and examined many issues relating to the role, traditions, values, and continued education of NCOs. The training is completely interactive and involves the examination and discussion of systems and procedures, regulations, and strategy perspectives regarding the particular subject area.
Meanwhile, four Guyanese military and civilian personnel are to engage in the second-phase of the First-Responders–Disaster Management SMEE which is to be held in Florida, USA this month. The first phase of this training was conducted in Guyana last year. The USMLO has spent approximately US$50,000 to sponsor these three events, the release added.
