19 males prove their mettle at GDF cadet course

The young men at the tarmac of the GDF Base at Timehri

Nineteen young men on Wednesday proved that to be fit and proper enough to endure a rigorous 12 months training within the Guyana Defence Force as Cadet Officers which resulted in them being promoted to Ensigns by the Chief of Staff. The course initially began with forty recruits. They still have an additional 12 months to go.

A recruit receives his new badge of Rank from the Chief of Staff and head of Training Corps of the GDF

In a statement issued by the Guyana Defence Force late Wednesday, it stated that the Standard officers Course No. 52 was extended to the 24 months and allowed students to benefit from an improved and restructured programme which extends knowledge and skills for potential officers.

The promotion parade was held at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri on Wednesday afternoon but minus the usual pomp and ceremony associated with such events within the Guyana Defence Force and this was due to the prevailing Coronavirus which restricts large gatherings and implores social distancing, as a consequence, the relatives of the young men were not able to present to witness the momentous occasion.

The course saw Lieutenant Colonel Ken-Lloyd Roberts who serves as the Training Corps Commanding Officer assisted Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West in adorning the new badges of rank to the officers.

Of the nineteen, four were from the Belize Defence Force, One from St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force one from the Guyana Fore Service, one from the Guyana Prison Service, and the remaining ten would be serving the Guyana Defence Force.

“In your quiet moments when you reflect on your training, you will realise that it targeted your weakness and made you overcome failures to become better versions of yourselves. You are tougher, stronger physically and mentally fitter and better prepared for officership” Brigadier West told the Ensigns in his address to Wednesday.

A drill display by three of the cadets at Base Camp Stephenson on Wednesday

West noted that he has been observing the training of the ranks at various different stages and was able to see them achieving competencies. He commended their determination and persistence and reminded them that it is the same tenacity that will get them through year two and ultimately to the commissioning. But this is just the first of two years which the ensigns have to prove their metal.

“I challenge SOC 52 to ensure that at graduation in 2021, none of you should graduate with a pass… I expect credits and distinctions only…I believe in you .. I just need you to believe in yourself and work hard to support that belief!” he urged the Ensigns.

Brigadier West reminded the men that the second year would see them being pushed more academically so that they can achieve Associate Degree in General Studies from the University of Guyana.

The young men were also charged with beginning to envision how they would be able to contribute to the transformation of the Guyana Defence Force. He this regard, he suggested that they get involved in science, technology, engineer, and Mathematics.

The Chief of Staff reminded the ensigns that they should commit to ensuring that they complete the course and remain strong and steadfast in that determination towards their final journey.