‘Standards are non-negotiable’ – GDF chief charges senior ranks to lead from the front

Feb 26, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – The 2026 Warrant Officers’ and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Conference of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) opened last week Tuesday with a firm directive from Chief of Defence Staff, Omar Khan, who urged the Corps to tighten standards while adapting to a fast-changing operational landscape. Delivering the feature address, Brigadier Khan made it clear: while practices from three decades ago may no longer apply, the Force’s core values remain immovable. “Discipline, regimentation, respect for authority and attention to detail must continue to define this institution,” he stressed, even as leadership methods evolve.

According to a GDF press release, Khan underscored the importance of adapting leadership approaches to engage the current generation of soldiers effectively. Today’s ranks, he noted, often seek to understand the reasoning behind decisions. Embracing that shift, he explained, will help foster a more integrated and cohesive team, provided standards are never compromised.

Brigadier Khan called on Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers to use the conference as a forum for reflection, recalibration, and meaningful dialogue. He challenged them to identify gaps, acknowledge areas requiring improvement, and propose corrective measures. Tangible outcomes, he stated, are expected, including progress toward developing a Warrant Officers’ and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Handbook through a consultative process.

Drawing on the concept of battle preparation, Khan stressed that leadership at every level shapes how soldiers prepare for operations.

He encouraged leaders to frame challenges as opportunities for growth and reaffirmed that fitness and drills remain non-negotiable. Referencing his strategic principle of Sound, Image and Movement (SIM), he underscored that discipline, bearing, and coordinated action are visible indicators of operational professionalism. He added that regimentation standards should be examined with a view to strengthening them.

“Our operational strength begins with you,” the Chief of Defence Staff is quoted as saying in the release, reminding those assembled of the solemn oath they took to defend the nation. He urged leaders to remain unwavering in upholding standards while being intentional in mentorship, ensuring that every Senior Non-Commissioned Officer feels heard, valued, and empowered. He further encouraged them to extend that same principled and supportive leadership to their subordinates.

Khan also commended the growing number of Corporals, Staff Sergeants, and Warrant Officers pursuing military, technical, and academic advancement. He highlighted initiatives such as the Government’s GOAL programme as vital avenues for professional growth and institutional strengthening.

Setting the tone for the conference, Force Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class One Christopher Harmon emphasised the distinctive responsibility of the Corps as custodians of standards and the critical link between command intent and operational execution. He reminded participants that their mandate extends beyond enforcing discipline; it includes nurturing, training, and developing soldiers who embody both competence and character.

He urged members to remain fully conversant with policies, regulations, and established standards, noting that knowledge enhances leadership effectiveness and strengthens units. He highlighted the increasing academic and professional advancement within the ranks as evidence of a culture of self-improvement taking root across the Corps, encouraging continued pursuit of qualifications that enhance operational capability. The Force Sergeant Major also stressed the importance of physical readiness and accountability, noting that fitness and Body Mass Index compliance directly impact unit effectiveness and mission readiness. Substandard conduct, particularly in matters of discipline and physical standards, must not be tolerated.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior officers, serving, retired Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, and retired Force Sergeant Majors whose services have been retained as part of a panel to address matters related to military regulations and standards, reflecting a deliberate commitment to preserving and strengthening the institutional foundation of the Guyana Defence Force. The conference continues with focused deliberations aimed at reinforcing accountability, adaptability, and professional excellence across the Guyana Defence Force as it positions itself to confront present and future challenges.

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• discipline, GOAL programme, Guyana Defence Force, Omar Khan, standards

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