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Twelve promoted after completing GDF Leader Sergeant Course
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) yesterday honoured the eleven men and lone woman left standing after completing the Force’s second Leader Sergeant Course which began with 30 participants.
The 12 Sergeants recognized yesterday.
Following nine months of rigorous physical and mental training, the 12 soldiers which included one civilian, was stripped of their former designations and promoted to their new ranks by Chief of Staff (COS) of the Army, Brigadier General Mark Phillips.
Aspirant Andrew Bright was awarded best student, while Aspirant Tyshon Bentinck was the runner up. Corneilus Messiah was recognized as the best shot (marksman), while Aspirant Keioma Livan was awarded for best military knowledge and being the fittest student. Chris Corbin was awarded best drill.
In congratulatory remarks, Brigadier Phillips recognized the Sergeants for their hard work and perseverance at having completed the course .He explained to the ranks that at this stage, they are expected to be exceptional leaders since they will be heading squads.
“Today is the commencement of your military career as a senior NCO’s (non-commission officers) in the Guyana Defence Force. Your training was focused around four themes; Competence, Discipline, Leadership and Loyalty.”
“As a Sergeant you are the backbone of the GDF. You are responsible for the training and discipline of the soldiers in your platoon or team and exemplary leadership is a critical quality. You must create a disciplined environment where your platoon can learn and grow professionally.”
The COS urged that disciplined soldiers will take the right action and emphasized that an effective Sergeant must remember that he/she will have followers, but must not seek to be loved, but rather, set examples and instill discipline.
“As our nation faces transnational threats to our nation and public security more than ever before, as Sergeants, you will be in command of small teams or military operations in support of our civil authorities. Your actions will therefore, have a strategic impact on the wider Guyanese society.”
Best student, Aspirant Andrew Bright told Kaieteur News, that the course was extremely hard, especially getting his body accustomed to the new conditions. This he said involved small meals, rigorous physical training and late nights of studying for the most part.
He said however, that as the training progressed, his body became accustomed to being physically pushed. The new Sergeant is however, grateful for the experience and training he received, having learnt laws he never knew existed and getting a better idea of his place in the GDF.
Bright said he is in a better position to lead, and understands his role in his current position.
Aspirant Andrew Bright receives his Best student award from Brigadier Mark Phillips
The lone female to rise to the occasion, Carlisa Atkinson explained that she enjoyed the physical torment although at times, she did question her purpose of being a part of the course. She said she would remember her family and reminded herself that she did not start the course to quit.
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