GDF adds 375 new troops as training concludes

Georgetown: Some 375 new soldiers were promoted to the rank of Private in the Guyana Defence Force as simultaneously conducted Basic Recruit Courses concluded. On Friday, 283 of the soldiers were added to the Regular Force, while ninety two (92) are being added through the Reserve Force.

The new soldiers passed out at a simple but significant ceremony at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama.

Congratulating and welcoming the new troops to the GDF, Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips, emphasised the need for discipline to be their hallmark. “As soldiers in the GDF, everything you do, hinges on your consistent demonstration of discipline. The GDF is a military institution and discipline underlies and drives everything we do,” he said. “Additionally, you are expected to learn, understand and embrace the Standards and Values of the Force. In fact, you are expected to conform to them. Your attitude must be exemplary and you must earn the respect of all the citizens of Guyana. This can be easily achieved once you embrace our Standards and Values.”

The Chief of Staff entreated the soldiers to commit themselves to serving the people of Guyana. “Yours must be a commitment to serve. To serve anywhere within the bounds of Guyana’s borders, and, even if deployed overseas, you are to be dedicated and exemplary ambassadors of Guyana. “Service” is our Motto!” he emphasised. “You must be ready to serve the GDF at locations throughout Guyana.  You must understand your rights and duties under military law. Your continuing education must be in your focus at all times while you perform your duties as soldiers. At all times you must learn, know, practice and uphold the values and standards.”“Remember, you have made a transition over the last ten weeks, so you now have to behave as responsible adults. Beginning on November 1st, the GDF will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. That is, fifty years of service to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The theme for our 50th anniversary is “Commemorating the past, Celebrating the present, and Carving the future.” You are the present and future soldiers and leaders of the Guyana Defence Force, go forth and be the best soldiers you can.”