New additions to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) – 164 of them – were charged by Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best to uphold the values of the force.
Best was speaking at their ‘Passing Out Parade’ which was held yesterday afternoon at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) tarmac.
GINA said that the new recruits are the successful ones of a total of 242 who had embarked on the 16-week Basic Recruit Course. Most of the drop outs were for medical reasons.
Best noted that this was the last batch of entrants into the force that he would address as Chief of Staff. To this end, he said, “I would therefore attempt to use my time wisely and leave something of worth for you to consider as you pursue my career, as I close mine.”
“As a soldier you are a person who has agreed to give your life to this country,” he stated. Also among the qualities he listed was the soldier’s constitutional duty to defend his/her country, to maintain order and to be an upholder of the law, GINA said.
Best also plugged the force’s commitment to educate and empower its members in addition to military skills. “We will educate you right up to the level of university once you possess requirements,” he declared.
Awards were given for such categories as best section, best platoon, best shot, best fitness, military knowledge, best drill, best student and best runner -up students. Shaquel Carroll was named Best Student and Basil Watson Runner-up student.
The recruits were trained in areas such as foot and arms drills, field craft, map reading and navigation at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama and at other places.
