The Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) ‘Exercise Greenheart,’ which is aimed at testing the preparedness of troops to operate in close country (jungle) operations closed yesterday in the Bartica-Potaro area of Region 7.
While the annual exercise had two different demonstrations in completely different scenarios and situations, the ‘Final Attack’ early yesterday morning was completed as President David Granger and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan looked on.
Colonel George Lewis explained that the exercise, which started last week Tuesday saw the troops crossing the starting line and advancing for three days for over a total of 24.5 kilometres (approximately 15 miles). Once they reached the targeted area, they went into a defence position, he said.
“They would’ve gone into a defence position in the jungle which we call a harbour position and in the harbour position they would’ve gone through routine procedures,” Lewis said, pointing out that once they had assumed position, routine procedures such as patrolling, collecting information on the enemy, and preparation of the defence were the next steps.
From there, the soldiers conducted close corners recognizance to assess the enemy position which would assist them in formulating a plan of attack. “Artillery fire, guns and smoke are meant to suppress the troops so that the force can attack and at the end of the attack they would have checked for how much ammo was lost, the death and injury count and even take the enemy prisoners of war,” Lewis explained. He said the annual exercise was a means of keeping tabs on the preparedness of the troops in operating in such situations.
At first look nothing could be seen or heard on the stretch of land in the Bartica-Potaro area, but that changed quickly with the sounds of rapid gunfire and explosives, coupled with heavy smoke of various colours. Faint silhouettes of dozens of troops could then be seen slowly emerging and advancing through the heavy smoke. Gunfire erupted from both ends along with the sounds of explosives, but only one side advanced as the others tried to repel. After a several minutes of precise movement, the advancing team was able to suppress the defending team and the ‘Battle of Bartica’ was won.
The simulation battle involved over 300 forces in the form of brigade strength of two live battalions and a supporting arm.
While the battle was the highlight of the Exercise Greenheart, the GDF also carried out an ambush demonstration that involved two battalions.
“Have you ever walked and suddenly…,” Major Rawle Jerrick started and was interrupted by several rapid gunshots. “That’s the effect of an ambush,” he pointed out.
He said that an ambush in the military is an attack by a force lying in wait on a stationary or moving enemy. He narrated the sequence of events, pointing out ranks who were patrolling the road “callously” and oblivious to the environment.
When the moving ranks reached a specific point on the trail, gunfire erupted from the side and they all fell to the ground. “It is important that you carry out a diligent search on the targets… Most of the time they will have a grenade under their stomachs so the soldier who is searching him goes on his back and the other rank who accompanies him checks to see if he has anything,” Jerrick said, pointing out that the technique of ambushing is one of the deadliest form of offences practiced in the military. But he said that there are ways to detect one such as being diligent and professional and always being aware of the environment. In such a situation, there are two things you can do depending on the circumstances, evade or attack.
The GDF also showcased their parachuting skills with several paratroopers entertaining a crowd of Barticians as they glided onto the community centre ground. After the paratroopers landed, a flag of Guyana was handed over to Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford.
After the troops completed Exercise Green-heart, 54 officers and 694 ranks marched through the streets of Bartica. They were greeted by long lines of Barticians on each side of the street waving their Guyana flags and cheers as they saluted Granger and Ramjattan.
