A three-month basic recruit course for 224 Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers ended on Friday at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama in Region 10.
And Commander Gary Best warned the young men that their duty now as military men, threat or no threat, is to prepare for war. The training which commenced in May was aimed at producing fit, obedient, loyal and disciplined soldiers who possess high standards of infantry skills and marksmanship. Out of 226 persons who started the course, two failed.
Delivering the feature address at the passing out parade, Best told the recruits that training is the foundation on which the future development of the force's vital warrant officer and senior non-commissioned officer corps is built.
"This foundation, once well laid will operate to produce the section commanders, platoon sergeants, leading rates and petty officers among the many skilled and leadership necessities of the GDF."
The commander told the ranks that the training they have received over the period is extremely important not only to them but the entire force as a whole.
Best quoted an extract from a speech by Brigadier Michael Atherly some time ago: "Today many discussions on training often tend to deteriorate into chit chat about inadequate resources, insensitive HQ's and finances... but I would like to appeal to you to dodge these distractions and negative trends. Your role in peacetime is to train for operations. Your duty as military men, threat or no threat, is to prepare for war."
Best said that he was quite satisfied with the reports on the course, noting that the training staff indicated that they were able to meet their targets. "You were able to dodge those distractions and your training is therefore the cornerstone upon which readiness and capability for defence will be measured." According to him, it is the means by which the ranks will develop their fighting capabilities and that will account for how much they have been taught.
"Soldiering is a noble profession, those of us who choose this as a career are also prepared to lay our lives down for our country."
The commander told the youths that even though he spoke to them about military operations and preparation for war, most of their career will be spent in a peacetime atmosphere. "As such you will be called upon to support the law enforcement agencies in the maintenance of law and order, you will therefore find yourselves involved in peacekeeping operations alongside other law enforcement agencies such as the police force."
He further said that it will be a testing situation for them, but it is their training that will see them through. Best pointed out too that as soldiers they are expected to obey orders given to them and command and lead in a professional manner.
"We expect no less from you, you are no longer civilians but still subject to the civil judicial system. Your entire life is now different, you are now a part of a larger military family called the Guyana Defence Force," the commander declared.
Ricardo McDonald was adjudged best student and platoon number four was named the best platoon. McDonald told reporters that he was very proud of his achievement even though he had not set himself any goal going into the course. The 24-year-old said he intends to become a GDF officer and will pursue every possible means to get there.
Speaking about the training, the young man said it was very challenging, especially the physical aspects. He however acknowledged that while it was rough he was dedicated and committed to his task. He gave credit to his platoon leader and his mother who he said gave him tremendous support throughout the training.
In attendance at the closing ceremony which was enriched by military pomp and splendour were Major Foroni, Brazil's Military Attache to Guyana, and US Military Liaison Officer, Major Tyler Fitzgerald.