Georgetown : The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the United States (US) Military today launched ‘Fused Response 2012’, an exercise aimed at improving both countries’ capabilities to plan and conduct joint operations while at the same time allowing for closer military and civilian relationship to be forged.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was present at the launch, said that during this exercise the two forces work together so that they can respond jointly to security challenges as well as render humanitarian assistance in the event of disasters and other such events.
The pointed out too, that the security is the most important aspect of any State, as it is necessary for the prosperity of citizens and enduring democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Brendt Hardt in his remarks explained that Fused Response builds on other joint military exercises, training, and humanitarian activities that have been conducted over the years and is the largest annual exercise of its kind in the hemisphere.
It is designed to improve the inter-operability of the US and Guyanese military forces, enhance law enforcement agencies’ cooperation through FBI-conducted training and increase capacity of these critical agencies to respond to crises, confront common threats (organised crimes and illicit trafficking) and provide assistance for natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
Fused Response will allow the two militaries to train in two core areas: the military tactical level and the senior military level.
From the tactical perspective, the forces will be able to train together on room-clearing procedures, closed-quarters battle training, personnel recovery operations, and water and air operations, so as to hone and increase military skills in these critical areas.
With regards the military senior staff level, top military officers will gain valuable experience and training on how to work together as part of a joint task force and how best to coordinate in a crisis with civilian leadership.
“By cross-training at the staff level, our military leaders will have an opportunity to learn from each other; while at the same time, build lasting friendships,” Ambassador Hardt said.
Approximately 125 Guyanese military personnel (including from the Guyana Police Force and other joint services bodies) and 350 from the US forces will participate in the training exercise which will run from March 1-9.
In preparation for this exercise, construction teams from the US have been in the country over the past two months working with the GDF to refurbish several facilities where the training will take place including: rifle range and three barracks at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, and construct a floating dock and extend the boat ramps at the Jungle and Amphibious Training School, Makouria, Region Three.
The US ambassador said that, “Fused Response 2012 offers us an opportunity to reinforce our close bilateral partnership with Guyana by building on our already strong military-to-military relationship.”
Guyana and the US have shared a history of military partnerships that include joint exercises, training, information sharing and education. Such cooperation is vital in light of the fact that threats to security and stability in the hemisphere persist despite positive economic, social, and political gains.
Meanwhile, the GDF is calling on the public not to be alarmed at the sounds of simulated explosives, gunfire, and low-flying aircraft and assures that training activities will be conducted with strict adherence to security procedures that will prevent harm or injury to any member of the public.
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