THE ‘capstone’ course for soldiers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has been completed by another batch of Senior Non-Commanding Officers (SNCOs)
The capstone curriculum examines major issues affecting national security decision-making, military strategy, joint/combined doctrine, interoperability, and key allied national issues.

The Senior Leaders Course (SLC) is of 14 weeks duration, and prepares SNCOs to function as Unit and Sub-Unit Sergeant Majors across the full spectrum of military operations.

Twenty-one SNCOs, including one from the Guyana Police Force and two from the Barbados Defence Force, graduated from SLC-12 after successfully achieving the course’s pre-requisites, which included oral presentations and a series of written assessments, practical exercises and a Service Essay.

In his address to the students, Force Sergeant Major (FSM), Warrant Officer Class One Raul Rodney congratulated them on their success, and urged them to be proud of their achievement.

He also reminded them that there was work to be done, and that the organisation and the soldiers depend on them.

“When soldiers and officers see you, they see an immediate expectation of what is right,”’ he urged, as he reminded the SNCOs to continuously make a positive impact when they return to their units.

The FSM urged the SNCOS to build and maintain trust with their juniors who will depend on them for their guidance.

He implored, “Don’t forget you were once a private soldier; stay grounded, as this will make you more relevant and realistic. Learn from your mistakes; work on being an effective communicator, as this is key to being a successful leader.’’

Staff Sergeant Ronic Carter was adjudged the Best Graduating Student, and copped the Best Service Essay prize. His essay examined professionalism and discipline within the Guyana Defence Force. The runner-up student award went to Sergeant Che Mapp of the Barbados Defence Force.

The course was staffed by Officer Commanding, Captain Rono Joseph; Director, Warrant Officer Class One (retired) Adrian George; Warrant Officer Class Two Dwain Daniels as the School Sergeant Major; and Staff Sergeant Sherwin James as the Syndicate Instructor.