THE MILITARY NEEDS REFORMING, NOW!

Aug 23, 2009 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

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The present investigation in which three ranks of the Coast Guard have been allegedly implicated is yet another unwanted stain on the Guyana Defence Force. This is not the first time this year that ranks of the GDF have been implicated in criminal actions and it is not likely to be the last.
The head of the GDF, Commodore Best, has made it clear that the actions for which the three persons are accused are not representative of the character and culture of the military. This is a heartening response which however does not go far enough. Perhaps it is time for the Head of the Presidential Secretariat to bring out the polygraph machines so that all the ranks of the Coast Guard can be tested to see whether they were involved in any unauthorized or illegal operations.
For many years there have been reports of some ranks of the GDF stationed at Eteringbang being involved in actions not consistent with their military duties. We also had a case a few years ago where narcotics was smuggled aboard a Coast Guard vessel. There are also former ranks of the GDF who are either before or have been in front of foreign courts charged with unlawful actions.
A mere proclamation therefore that the actions of a few misguided ranks does not represent the culture and character of the military does not go far enough. Much more needs to be done to ensure that the military is never again embarrassed by incidents such as that which is now under investigation, as well as in the case of those cadet officers who have been placed before the Courts for allegedly forging their academic certificates.
The military in Guyana must not pride itself in having a respectable reputation. This is delusion. There have always been serious concerns about the professionalism of the military in Guyana, including concerns about its recruitment policies. The military had in the past been accused of being selective in its employment so as to create a politically loyal force to the then ruling PNC.
The first step therefore in remaking the image of the military in Guyana would be to establish a civilian recruitment agency within the military. This agency would comprise of persons outside of the military, but with a military background and training, and it is this agency which should be responsible for the recruitment of new ranks into the military.
The second step should be to establish also a civilian-controlled body within the military which would receive complaints by ranks. The military is a disciplined organization and ranks are taught to follow orders. Sometimes, this can result in ill-treatment of ranks such as when they have to receive punishment or be put on onerous duties. There must be a mechanism within the military that would allow for soldiers and marines within the military to file reviews of any punishment received or duties assigned.
The third step should be the establishment of an inspectorate, comprised also of civilian persons who would police certain activities of the military to ensure that there is no abuse. For example, this body should be allowed to receive reports from the public about the conduct of ranks and to investigate these matters.
All Guyana will recall the embarrassment that was caused when the Defence Board ordered an investigation into an incident at a military location, only to find that when the investigating team arrived at the site, it was denied access. There should be no repeat of this. The Inspectorate should be independent of the military hierarchy and should be given full authority to visit any military location and conduct investigations.
There is obviously going to be resistance to the implementation of these measures. But the military in Guyana must understand or be made to understand that it is not above civilian control and oversight. It has to be subject to such control.
Right now there are serious concerns within the international community which provides untold training opportunities for our Disciplined Services. These concerns also relate to the penetration of both the police and the military by elements of the drug underworld. There was equally during the crime wave, a high lack of confidence in the professionalism of the military. There were many citizens who simply felt that the military was not doing enough to bring an end to the reign of terror out of Buxton, and now we have allegations being made in the Courts of New York about a relationship between the gunmen and elements within the military.
The military, as the Commodore remarked, is about law and order. However, there is a great deal of work to be done for the military to live up to this billing. The work must begin now.

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