GDF officer becomes first to complete prestigious French military and academic training

Aug 03, 2025 News

Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Castello

Kaieteur News – Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Castello has become the first Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer to successfully complete a suite of advanced military and academic programmes in the French Republic.

Lieutenant Colonel Castello graduated from the esteemed École de Guerre (War College) in Paris, having completed the Brevet d’études militaires supérieures (BEMS), a senior officer programme reserved for individuals demonstrating exceptional command capabilities, leadership, and strategic thinking in complex military environments.

According to a statement issued by the GDF, in addition to the BEMS, Castello earned the RNCP Level 8 Certification, issued by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, confirming his mastery in strategic leadership, management, and command.

Further broadening his skillset, he also completed the Cours élémentaire de Langue française 2025, attaining DELF A1 level proficiency in French, a reflection of his commitment to cultural and linguistic adaptability in modern defence diplomacy.

Crowning these accomplishments, Lieutenant Colonel Castello graduated with distinction from Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas, earning the Diplôme National de Master (master’s degree) in Law, Economics, and Management with a specialization in International Relations, the GDF said.

“His achievement marks a historic first for the GDF, as no other officer has previously undertaken or completed this combination of French military and academic training. It underscores the Force’s commitment to building a globally competent Officer Corps capable of navigating complex strategic environments.”

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, praised Lieutenant Colonel Castello’s performance, stating that it is also a proud moment for the GDF.

“Lt Col Castello’s success at one of the world’s most respected military institutions reflects the high standards we expect within our Officer Corps. He has flown the flag of Guyana with distinction, and we look forward to the valuable expertise and global perspective he brings to the continued advancement of our Force,” Brigadier Khan said.

The GDF said that Lt. Col. Castello’s achievement stands as a “symbol of the GDF’s deepening international military partnerships and unwavering investment in excellence through education and leadership development.”

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French military and academic training, GDF, Jaime Castello, Lieutenant Colonel, Omar Khan

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