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277 successfully complete Army’s Basic Recruit Course
Yesterday 277 new soldiers who successfully completed the Basic Recruit Course 2012-02 were encouraged to use the Holy Book for guidance as they embark on their new and exciting careers.
The charge was given to the new recruits by Acting Chief of Staff Colonel Bruce Lovell during a colourful closing ceremony at the National Cultural Centre tarmac, where he called on each of them to become a “witness” for the Guyana Defence Force.
Family, friends and well-wishers gathered at the venue to join in the celebration.
The 16-week training commenced on August 20 and officially concludes today.
Best Student of the Basic Recruit Course 2012-2, 22513 RCT Sewpaul Singh.
Colonel Lovell first congratulated the soldiers for successfully completing the course and reminded them that the Army has expectations of them, just as they have expectations from the career.
“I have called my message “being a witness for the Guyana Defence Force” because that is what we want you to do…for you to appreciate what I mean when I say that you must be a witness for the GDF.
“The good book tells us that to be a witness we have to let our light shine so that others will see our good works and glorify God that is what you have to do now that you are members of this force”.
The soldiers were told that at all times they are required to conduct themselves in such a manner that they will excel before the people of Guyana for them to recognize their good works and to have respect and admiration for the GDF.
“To be a witness you have to anchor or fasten your conduct on the values and standards of the GDF. In life, values play a very important role…our values influence how we think. How we think determines how we act; how we act determines our destiny,” Lovell stated
He added that each of the soldiers came to the army with certain values and that they should ensure that their values mesh with those of the force so that they will become men and women of worth to the GDF and their country.
“Your philosophy or attitude to military life must be one where you always “do the right thing.” when confronted by temptations and challenges always seek to do the right thing…once you follow the values and standards of the GDF, you will always do the right thing”.
They were further reminded that military life is all about building character.
“Those of you who refuse to anchor your conduct in the values and standards of the GDF will have to leave us. We will get rid of you, those of you who anchor your conduct will remain, for you who remain some will serve out your contract while others will make the military a career.”
Lovell encouraged the soldiers to take advantage of the opportunities the force has to offer so that when they leave, they do so with a better character, qualifications and skills.
“You are entering the GDF at a time when there is greater scrutiny on not only the force, but all public institutions…on how we execute our roles. The nation is demanding that public institutions be incorruptible, be efficient and be effective. We in the GDF have to obey those calls,” Lovell asserted.
In closing, Lovell welcomed the soldiers into the GDF family and urged them to make their families, the Army and more so Guyana, proud.
Meanwhile several of the recruits were awarded special prizes for their outstanding performances during the course. These included: Best Student, 22531 RCT Sewpaul Singh, Runner-up Best Student, 22475 Joash Thomas, Best Military Knowledge, 22531 RCT Sewpaul Singh, Best Shot, 22445 RCT Chitdanand Singh, Best Drill, 22568 RCT Stephon Fredricks and the Best Fitness prize, RCT 22475 Joash Thomas.
Training was done at the Colonel John Clarke Military School, Tacama, Base Camp Stephenson and the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Training School. The course’s objective was to “produce fit, obedient, loyal and disciplined soldiers who possess high standards of Infantry Skills and Marksmanship abilities”.
Prior to its commencement, 101 recruits were enrolled and commenced the Army Education Programme from Thursday August 2nd 2012 and were joined by an additional 65, then by another 168 recruits, bringing the course strength to 335. However, as the course continued 58 persons were dropped because of indiscipline.
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