Recapitalizing army takes precedence at Officers’ Conference

Feb 28, 2014 News

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– Discussions ongoing for re-fleeting Air Corps
– Coast Guard gets patrol boats

By Zena Henry
A continued demand of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is its operational readiness to deal with matters of national defence and security; as a result, recapitalizing the army with varying assets remains a continuous task for the government.
Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, President Donald Ramotar, pointed this out yesterday when he addressed invited guests, senior and junior ranks across the military spectrum at the force’s annual Officers’ Conference, held at Base Camp Ayanganna.
The Head of State insisted on the force’s most obvious feature as he highlighted the need for the GDF to be, “alert to changes internally and externally which threaten to disrupt peace, stability and the pursuit of

national goals”.
Chief-of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips emphasized the army’s understanding of these matters when he addressed that the contemporary operating environment indicates an expanded list of missions; “territorial security, public security, citizen security and dealing with complex emergencies.” He stated that, “Joint operations and inter-agency coordinated activities will become more intense in 2014.”
The Disciplined Forces Commission (DFC) report of 2014, recommended an increase in manpower for the GDF. A review from the Defence Board, Brigadier Phillips related, showed that the Coast Guard needs to acquire adequate patrol vessels, “to enable the depression of illegal fishing, narcotic trafficking, gun running and contraband smuggling.” To this, the Chief-of Staff pointed out that three such patrol boats have been handed over to the Coast Guard under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, while two more will be handed over to the Coast Guard in July of this year.
Regarding manpower, Brigadier Phillips said that the force is on course, with over 800 applications being reviewed for the Standard Officers’ Course and Basic Review Courses commencing in March.
The DFC report, according to the Chief-of Staff went on to say that, “there should be increased operational employment of aviation resources, coastal, maritime and boarder surveillances,” for the Air Corps, while, “reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft should be acquired.” The recruitment and retention of pilots and engineers for the Air Corps also came up for discussion.
The recently acquired Bell 206 helicopters have contributed significantly in support of law enforcement agencies in their fight against crime. Brigadier Phillips announced also that the GDF and the Defence Board have commenced discussions towards rehabilitation and replacement of rotary and fixed wing aircraft.
President Ramotar added to this, that given the integrity and geography of the country, the aviation arm of the military is essential.  “Recapitalization remains a continuous task; it is a very important aspect.” Specific recommendations pertaining to the capabilities of the GDF Air Corps and Coast Guard have already resulted in the acquisition of three patrol vessels to counter illicit trafficking in the country’s territorial seas and rivers, the President reiterated.
He further asserted that another two boats were bought in 2013 to be delivered in the third quarter of this year, “to add to this expanded capability of the Guyana Coast Guard. Additionally, the Bell 412 helicopter will during March 2014 undergo a thorough and independent inspection in order to facilitate informed decision making as to the future of that aircraft.”
The President continued that the Defence Board will collaborate with senior leadership of GDF to replace on an affordable basis fixed and rotary wing; airplanes and helicopters respectively.
“Assets of the Air Corps will improve effectiveness, especially in the area of search and rescue, remote area casualty and medical evacuation and supporting GDF ground forces.”
The level of resources available to the military conditions is planning operational readiness. To this, the President advised that the defence force needs to broaden its scope to the type of threats that could affect, the quality of life, national security and order.
“National defence and security can no longer be the confines only to preserving our country’s territorial integrity and responding to actions that infringe sovereignty, these are essential roles, but other threats remain; threats that disturb the quality of life like cross-border diseases and illnesses; natural disaster and climate change. Thus, the new threats qualify as national security threats. We therefore need to broaden our understanding of national security to include these threats emanating outside of our borders aimed not only at seizing our territory but the quality of life.”
The President stated that the soldiers be able to multi-task. He urged that the army utilize the allocations to them in a responsible, efficient and productive manner; and while diplomacy is the country’s first line of defence, the Head of State reiterated the forces’ need to enhance their operational readiness.

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