Latest update August 31st, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 06, 2009 News
Never abuse your power and authority as a soldier; always be reminded that your country comes first and should be defended with your life if necessary. This was Commodore Gary Best’s message to graduates of Basic Recruits course, as he welcomed them to the Guyana Defence Force.
Yesterday, after ten weeks of intense military training at Base Camp Tacama, up the Berbice River, 174 graduated from an original batch of 217 recruits, and chances are 30 others will join the ranks after assessment.
While Private 21536 Kissoon was adjudged the best graduating student and best shooter of the lot, the army chief warned the ranks that it is incumbent on each individual to protect the defence force’s resources at all times, whether in use and or when they are placed in their care.
Commodore Best also made it clear that “security of our weapons and ammunition must be taken as a sacred duty when in your care.”
He admonished that they should ever be aware of their responsibility to the force and the country, as they “must put Guyana first.”
Through training that included military essentials to develop social skills of how to conduct joint operations, the graduates were transformed from normal civilians into fit, obedient, loyal, disciplined soldiers.
The training also included courses on a soldier’s legal and human rights, military administration and how to protect the rights of fellow soldiers and citizens.
Army Chief-of-Staff Best, commending “the army’s new children” for their commitments, encouraged them to wear their uniform with pride and be prepared to suffer, fight and if need be to “be killed in defence of our nation.”
Advising the ranks to “feel special that the training has prepared them to serve Guyana in all forms dictated by the Commander-in-chief and the Defence Board, Bess reminded them that their real test comes after posting to various units.
“As men and women authorised to bear arms, as branded soldiers, your duty requires you to defend your country and to assist in the maintenance of law and order, which requires great sacrifice in the defence of the nation.”
As servants of the people, they were also told that their service must protect all of Guyana in every village, street and neighbourhood.
They were also exposed to career paths that they can take after graduation.
Noting that the current environment has changed dramatically, they were further encouraged to go back to, and help develop their communities as role models using the skills gained.
His advice to ranks was: “Your duty is to keep Guyana safe. Do not get involved in illegal activities, do not steal from your fellow soldiers, nor when on patrol, do not conduct your own operations for private gain.”
He told, that the ranks will be given the necessary tools of trade inclusive of feeding, clothing and accommodation.
In addition, they will be provided with medical help and care, and each soldier will be afforded opportunities to acquire academic education, military and skills training.
He told them too that they would be provided with opportunities to be educated up to the university level, through the army’s education programme to prepare them for a good standard of living and social conduct after their military career is ended.
The army also promises to provide health care through medical insurance for the families of soldiers.
Whether it is to be stationed at the borders to defend the nation’s territorial integrity, or to work with the Joint Services to maintain law and order, soldiers are recruited with the ultimate mission to keep Guyana safe and to ensure that peace and stability is maintained. (Mondale Smith)
Mineral and oil rich country borrowing to feed, clothe and house its citizens.
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