COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali says the government will redefine the role of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officers, positioning them as central architects of national development by extending their mission beyond traditional military duties to become pivotal drivers of the country’s progress in the 21st century.

The Head of State was at the time addressing the opening of the GDF Annual Officers’ Conference at Base Camp Ayanganna, on Thursday last, which is being held under the theme, “Transforming to better confront present and future challenges, by enhancing awareness, adaptability and agility capabilities.”

The President highlighted that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government’s commitment to leveraging the skills, education, and training of GDF officers to spearhead various important agencies, projects, and programmes, marking a significant shift towards integrating military expertise into broader developmental goals.

“Last year alone, more than 151 of our officers benefited from overseas training. Twenty-six such training is still ongoing, and 1,500 of our servicemen and women have benefited from training locally here in Guyana,” he noted, underscoring the government’s investment in its military personnel.

This comprehensive training regime, he said, is not merely about enhancing military capabilities but is intricately tied to the broader vision of national development and progress.

With a keen eye on the future, President Ali underscored the strategic importance of aligning military training with the nation’s long-term developmental needs.

“This experience that you’re getting here; the exposure to training is not only enormous, it is synchronising itself with what the country requires in the next 20 to 30 years,” he stated.

This perspective, the President explained, reflects a deep understanding of the evolving challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, positioning GDF officers as pivotal players in Guyana’s journey towards sustainable development and prosperity.

The President’s address went beyond mere acknowledgement of the ongoing training programmes, delving into the potential he sees in the officers before him.

“I know most of you by face and name, not by rank and number. I know most of you now by face and name.

“And a lot of you are under the scope,” he remarked, highlighting a personalised approach to leadership and talent recognition within the GDF.

The Head of State pointed to his direct involvement and interest in the professional growth and development of military personnel, viewing them as essential contributors to the nation’s future.

Amidst this vision of integration and development, President Ali offered a word of caution and encouragement to the officers, emphasising the weight of the responsibility they carry.

“Don’t spoil it,” he advised, alluding to the critical role these officers play in the broader narrative of Guyana’s development.

He reminded them of the high stakes involved and the importance of leveraging their training, skills, and experiences for the greater good of the nation.

President Ali did not just outline a path for the GDF officers but also articulated a broader strategy aimed at harnessing the Defence Force’s potential to address national challenges.

Through a deliberate focus on education and skills enhancement, the government seeks to prepare its military personnel for leadership roles across various sectors, ensuring that their contributions extend well beyond traditional military duties.

Moreover, President Ali stressed the strategic importance of continuous learning and adaptation underscoring the dynamic nature of the challenges facing Guyana and the world at large.

“The continuous upskilling of our human resource assets to meet the changing needs, the changing environment, to meet the changing technology, to meet the demands of the changing assets.

“So, education is continuous. It’s a life cycle,” he elaborated while highlighting the need for GDF officers to remain at the forefront of technological and strategic innovations to effectively lead in their future roles.

This approach, he explained, reflects a holistic understanding of leadership in the context of national development, where military training intersects with civil administration, project management, and strategic planning.

As the nation looks forward, the President’s vision for its defence officers is clear: they are not only guardians of the country’s sovereignty but also architects of its future.

The comprehensive training and development they receive are designed to prepare them for the complexities of leading in a rapidly changing world, where their military discipline, strategic thinking, and leadership skills will be instrumental in steering Guyana towards its developmental goals.

The training for ranks includes a variety of specialised military courses and exercises. New ranks spend a minimum of six weeks at the Foreign Service Institute for training in Spanish and foreign policy.

The GDF offers specialised training for officers and other ranks, including special forces training, commando courses, intelligence courses, and specialised operations such as jungle operations, anti-narcotics operations, and VIP protection/escort operations.

Additionally, the training emphasises discipline, teamwork, integrity, and preparing for various scenarios, including disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and defence operations.

The GDF provides opportunities for individuals to challenge themselves, build strong relationships, and contribute to the defence and security of Guyana.