TWENTY-EIGHT cadet officers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and the Belize Defence Force were on Tuesday promoted to the rank of ensigns at Base Camp Stephenson Drill Square, Timehri.

Addressing those gathered for the passing-out parade, Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Patrick West, said the newly promoted ensigns have the capability to propel Guyana’s development. Brigadier West said the officers, who completed the first year of the Standard Officers’ Course number 50, were exposed to training to support national development in Guyana’s changing contemporary environment.

“All of these skills which we have built into you will make you a force to be reckoned with individually and collectively. A force that will be versatile, adaptable, competent and able to be deployed in any area of this force or in Guyana” the brigadier underscored.

He added that the course was re-organised to push officers to greater heights. The first year of the course comprised 70 percent military training and 30 percent academic. The second year will consist of 70 percent academic training and 30 percent military. The academic training is that of a Degree in General Studies through the University of Guyana.
The brigadier said the aim of the course is to produce officers who can serve as ambassadors of the force beyond the borders of Guyana. The Standard Officers’ Course began with 50 cadet officers and saw 28 completing the course. Among the 28, four ranks are from the Belize Defence Force and two ranks from the Guyana Prison Service. (DPI)