One hundred and eighty-six recruits, including 55 females, have earned their rites of passage into the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) following the successful completion of the Basic Recruit Specialisation Course 2024-01 (BRSC 2024-01).
A release yesterday from the GDF said that the foundational course for soldiers officially concluded recently, with a parade at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School (CUPOCS) Drill Square, Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri. The new soldiers stood tactical, battle-ready, and resplendent as Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan delivered the feature address in the presence of their family members.
During his charge, Brigadier Khan thanked the soldiers for their bold decisions to serve and welcomed them to the Force.
“Today is a very special day for you and the entire Guyana Defence Force. The lifeline, the blood of any military, continuously runs with the induction of new soldiers. Today marks a significant milestone in your life. Military service in one’s country is one of the best professions. You have made an honourable decision to serve, and I congratulate you,” he said, according to the release.
He emphasised the importance of adherence to the Values and Standards of the Force. “These values inculcated in you; Duty, Discipline, Identity, Integrity, and Loyalty are the hallmarks of a professional soldier and are meant to guide you in your conduct, how you look, move, and speak,” he posited.
The GDF has been hit recently by marijuana trafficking scandals.
Khan also expressed pride in the achievements of the female soldiers in this cohort, particularly highlighting the runner-up student, a female soldier, which he said underscores the potential and capabilities of women in the GDF.
The BRSC 2024-01 cohort is the first to undergo a recently revised course, combining military orientation and specialisation training over fifteen weeks. This new curriculum aims to better align soldiers’ careers within the military, with training covering Foot and Arm Drills, Field Craft, Map Reading and Navigation, Open and Close Country Warfare, Internal Security, and specialised courses such as Infantry, Seamanship, Engineering, Radio Operations, Music, and Professional Administration, the release added.
Some recruits demonstrated exceptional performances during the training and were rewarded. Private Kester Jeffrey was named Best Graduating Student, while Private Devalyn Elliman earned the Runner-up title and Best Military Knowledge award. Additionally, awards were presented to Privates Marvin Williams (Best Fitness), Leeram Elliman (Best Shot), and Carlon Grant (Best Drill).
