Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 29, 2014 News
The knowledge base and professional capabilities of 34 Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officers and Other Ranks were enhanced as a result of professional training they gained at external institutions during 2013. Twenty-four Officers and Ranks benefitted from training overseas while the remainder took advantage of education offered at local post-secondary institutions.
The Officers and ranks who received enhanced training overseas, attended military institutions including the US Army Command and General Staff College and completed studies on courses embracing, but not limited to, Hydraulic Systems and Equipment; Patrol Craft Hull Maintenance; Comprehensive Security Responses to Terrorism; CID Special Agent; Physical Training and Education for Instructors; Inspection of Ammunition.
Locally, Officers and Ranks completed professional studies in areas including Mechanical Engineering, Public Management, Carpentry and Joinery, Auto Mechanics, Catering and Hospitality Management, Accounting, Agriculture, Nursing, and Industrial Relations and Social Studies.
A release from force headquarters Camp Ayanganna said that one GDF Officer has served as an Instructor on the Caribbean Junior Command and Staff Course in Jamaica while three Other Ranks served as support staff.
“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,” said Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips.
“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 does not simply “talk the talk” but also” walks the walk” when it comes to offering opportunities for professional development to its members.
It is widely known that the Defence Force provides basic training designed to transform ordinary citizens into soldiers; this occurs on the Standard Officer Cadet and Basic Recruit Courses. However, 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 in All Arms, Skill at Arms, Drills, Para-trooping, Driving, Catering, Ordnance, Military Policing, Medical Assistant, Ordinary Seaman’s Rating and Riverain Boat Operations, to name a few.
In 2009, the Force launched its restructured Academic Education Programme (AEP) which is 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 is also geared toward aiding soldiers to study for and sit Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations. Demonstration of proficiency at AEP subject levels while pursuing “in-house” military and specialist courses is now mandatory in order to secure passes on such courses.
According to the release, the Guyana Defence Force continues to provide a stable environment for persons who choose to become professional soldiers.
As such, anyone who chooses a career in the military, is assured that, his/her dedication, perseverance and determination to succeed will gain positive benefits in 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. Additionally, there are other Officers and Ranks who are continuing their education at post-secondary institutions locally and
overseas.
Of note, is the fact that state-to-state and military-to-military cooperation agreements provide the basis upon which Officers and Ranks gain training in the USA, Brazil, China, and Jamaica.
Please share this to every Guyanese including your house cats.
Apr 19, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead her team to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first One Day...Kaieteur News – For years, the disciples of Bharrat Jagdeo have woven a narrative of economic success during his tenure... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]