The knowledge-base of 34 Guyana Defence Force officers and other ranks was enhanced as a result of professional training obtained at external institutions during 2013.
A release from the GDF on Tuesday said that the officers and ranks who received training overseas, attended military institutions including the US Army Command and General Staff College and completed studies in courses including hydraulic systems and equipment; patrol craft hull maintenance; comprehensive security responses to terrorism; CID special agent; physical training and education for instructors, and inspection of ammunition. Locally, officers and ranks completed professional studies in subjects including mechanical engineering, public management, carpentry and joinery, auto mechanics, catering and hospitality management, accounting, agriculture, nursing, and industrial relations and social studies. On the Caribbean Junior Command and Staff Course in Jamaica a GDF officer also served as an instructor while three other ranks served as support staff. According to the release, Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips said, “The Guyana Defence Force is a professional organisation and possesses the most sacred of national mandates; that of protecting Guyana’s territorial integrity and aiding in the maintenance of law and order within the nation’s borders.”
He was also quoted as saying, “Our remit is unique among organisations across Guyana. In this regard, the education and training of our troops across several academic disciplines and skill sets is of critical importance, for the Force to continue the professional and effective conduct of its mandate. Each year we invite young men and women from all across the nation to join our ranks to dedicate themselves to giving a high quality service to the nation. They come to us with varying degrees of knowledge and skills and it is critical that we enhance their knowledge and skills in order that they not only function effectively and efficiently within the GDF, but also make positive contributions to the nation even after they depart the Force.” The Chief of Staff emphasised that the GDF did not simply “talk the talk” but also “walks the walk” when it came to offering opportunities for professional development to its members. He said that it was widely known that the Defence Force provided basic training designed to transform ordinary citizens into soldiers: this occurs on the Standard Officer Cadet and Basic Recruit courses. Phillips also said that both officers and other ranks are exposed to mandatory military courses such as the Junior and Senior Command and staff courses and the Junior Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Senior Leader courses. Additionally, the Force conducts several “in-house” specialist courses including All Arms, Skill at Arms, drills, para-trooping, driving, catering, ordnance, military policing, medical assistant, ordinary seaman’s rating and riverine boat operations. The release said that in 2009, the Force launched its restructured Academic Education programme (AEP) which was designed to aid its troops to pursue, through self-study and guided tuition, the enhancement in academic subjects – Mathematics, English Language and Social Studies in particular. The AEP was also geared to help soldiers to study for and write Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations. Demonstration of proficiency at AEP subject levels while pursuing “in-house” military and specialist courses is mandatory in order to secure passes on such courses.
The GDF said that it continues to provide a stable environment for persons who choose to become professional soldiers. As such, anyone who chooses a career in
the military will gain positive benefits from professional and personal development.
Seventy-three soldiers are currently being trained on the junior leader course, 17 on the senior leader course, 28 on the leader sergeant course and 27 on the platoon sergeant course of the GDF.
