Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan on Thursday decorated thirty-three Officer Cadets (OCDTs) of the Standard Officer Course number fifty-six with their new badges of rank, elevating them to the rank of Ensigns.
A release from the Guyana Defence Force said that the OCDTs, which included seven members from the Guyana Police Force and four from the Belize Defence Force (BDF), were officially promoted during the Ensigncy Parade held today at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School (CUPOCS) Drill Square.
Khan, in his address to the newly promoted Ensigns, extended his congratulations on their achievement, emphasizing the significance of their hard work and commitment to leadership.
“You have faced the challenges that tested your limits. Today signals that you have now emerged stronger and equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to look forward to leading troops. You stand there not just as individuals but as an embodiment of the five core values: Duty, Discipline, Identity, Integrity, and Loyalty,” Brigadier Khan stated.
The Chief of Defence Staff encouraged the newly minted Ensigns to remember that leadership goes beyond authority, underscoring the importance of personal responsibility as they step into their roles, the release said.
“I implore you, in this next phase of the Standard Officer Course and in your role as Ensigns, to remember that true leadership is not only about authority. As an officer, you do not only wear your rank on your shoulders but also in your heart and mind. You must always be an inspiration to your peers, family, and subordinates. Embrace the responsibilities that will come your way,” Khan added.
This promotion marks the successful completion of the first and most demanding year of training in the Ensign’s journey towards Officership. They have already completed 70% of their physical training, and the next phase will cover the remaining 30%, along with academic studies towards an Associate’s Degree in General Studies at the University of Guyana, the release added.
