GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Gary Best on Friday urged a new group of ensigns to lead by example, be humble, seek to improve their knowledge at all times by reading, serve with respect and think outside the box. This exhortation was made at the GDF Ensigncy Parade for the Standard Officers’ Course #44 at Drill Square, Base Camp Ayanganna.
Best said the ensigns were rewarded for their dedication and hard work as they satisfied the primary objectives of the Standard Officers’ Course #44.
He added that they have already developed the powers of leadership and this means they are disciplined and confident as it relates to their duties of being a good citizen and patriot.
He said: “I believe that your training and your staff did a splendid job in transforming you into military men. The path you have chosen as a cadet is adorned with high expectations, stringent standards, tremendous leadership opportunity and evaluations. For months you have been awake at times when your peers would have been asleep and challenged your buddies and your brains as you became mentally and physically prepared for service.”
The Chief of Staff told the ensigns that he is aware that many times they probably questioned their wisdom to continue and their own sanity because as officers of the GDF and Joint services they have all had those sentiments.
Best congratulated the group for their endurance and hard work and noted that as he looked at their faces it tells a story of persons drawn together from every corner of our country from households of privilege to households of poverty.
He said: “I see representatives of persons from different religious groups, race and ethnicity, who have all come together to demonstrate a sense of duty, honour and devotion of service to this great nation.
You are a group of varying educational patterns and it is anticipated that you will bring to the respective services a wide variety of intellectual practice, the grouping here also reflects the vision of the Joint Services with regard to training with services.”
Best stated that the training has instilled in them a sense of ethics, courage, integrity, commitment, loyalty and the resolve to overcome the most challenging circumstances.
He said: “Your training ensigns, is to lead men and women and you must therefore, understand the environment in which you operate, economics, politics, governance, finance, international relations and of course master military skills. You must have knowledge of the factors of command and leadership. If you have poor knowledge you will put your officers and men at risk therefore, you must seek to improve yourselves at all time in which you must read.”
The GDF Chief of Staff in his address to the gathering told the group that as they undergo a period of ensigncy for leadership it must be noted that there is a threat to global security that is evolving and technology is advancing as such they need to experiment with new and innovative ideas, advance technology and operational processes in order to become successful.
Best encouraged the ensigns to be able to understand the higher intent, think and act independently as well as using their initiatives when taking actions on the ground.
He explained that the ensigns are expected to perform their duties with a greater sense of accountability and resources entrusted to them as such their commitment to serve must be one of honesty, integrity, fairness and selflessness.
The Chief of Staff added that the ensigns must also ensure that their professional conduct transcends racial and social barriers as such earning the respect of their superiors, peers and subordinates and even advised them not to bear arrogance on their shoulders but be firm in faith, command and communiqué as well as seek advice when necessary.
He said: “You must create an environment where your men are not fearful and be a leader of fairness and lead by example, be prudent and the most critical element of integrity is courage which upholds professional tenets in respect to services and must conduct yourself well so it commands the approval of others in your work and honesty is a value that will keep you in check and in line.”
The GDF Ensigncy Parade for the Standard Officers’ Course #44 started with the Parade Marches on the arrival of the Colonel General Staff and Chief of Staff.
It then followed the Inspection of the Parade, Parade Marches Past, Chief of Staff decorated the Ensigns and his address to the gathering, the parade Marches Off and a reception followed.
The course began in April 15, 2011 with 24 members drawn from the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, and the Guyana Prison Service but nine participants dropped out with only 15 cadets successfully completing the course.