Georgetown: Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant Colonel Nazrul Hussain said some 69 soldiers have Absent Without Leave (AWOL) thus far in the year, crediting the high number to domestic and other personal issues.
He estimated that some 1000 soldiers have left the Army illegally. Hussain said 12 of the 69 were recaptured and placed in their respective unit.
The Lieutenant Colonel explained that when AWOL ranks are recaptured before 21 days, they are court martialled and sent back to their respective units, where their unit’s Commanding Officer will set out appropriate punishments.
He noted that there are no rehabilitation facilities for such ranks; however, those who are in need of counselling or other special attention are directed to the Army’s Welfare Department.
On the other hand, Lieutenant Colonel Hussain explained that those ranks who AWOL for more than 21 days are considered “deserters” and are not accepted back into the Army as they are Struck Off Service (SOS).
Questioned about the reasons for the high number of officers Absenting Without Leave, Hussain pointed out that while each case may be different, common reasons cited are domestic and other personal issues.
He also stated that there are some officers who are unable to confirm to military standards while others cannot handle the training and the early morning flag-rising.
The Lieutenant Colonel stated that while there may be some persons who join the Army just to gain training to serve the criminal community, there are processes in place to zero-in on them.
He outlined that the Army vets and does background checks on all recruits, adding that interviews are even done with their neighbours and other persons in their respective communities.
Hussain said the Army receives over 400 applications during the recruitment period, and as such, it is difficult for checks to be done all at once.
He said the applicants are accepted into the Army while the vetting process continues and if any of the recruits are found to be less of military standards, they are dismissed.
Earlier this week, a former GDF rank was severely injured in an accident while attempting to escape from a robbery at La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
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