Georgetown : The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) hosted its Ensigncy Parade at the Drill Square, Camp Stephenson, Timehri where 15 officer cadets who completed the Standard Officers’ Course # 46 were promoted to Ensigns.
The new ensigns, Obitre Hytmiah, Alvin Holladar, Dishon Harris, Steffon Branche, Curtland Melville, Carlos Moore, Shaheed Zaiboon, Neil Asregado, Simon Gordon, Lawrence King, Kevin Salaru, Noel Lanza, Marion Hernandez and Austain Flores received their badges of rank from Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips.
The standard officers’ course #46 commenced on March 15, 2013 with 25 officer cadets, but during the period of training, 10 persons either withdrew or failed to achieve the minimum standard of the course. The remaining 15, three of whom were from the Belize Defence Force, endured nine weeks of intense training.
Brigadier Phillips, who explained to the officers their duties and what is expected of them, stated that the event was significant in that it marked another milestone in the officers’ military career.
“Your training today has instilled in you a high level of discipline, and certainly it would have built your confidence and character, and sharpened your leadership qualities, all necessary for service in the Guyana Defence Force of today, and certainly the Belize Defence Force for the protection of the countries’ people,” the Chief-of-Staff told the newly promoted ensigns.
Therefore, he said that the force would have had to utilise what was considered the best training staff to deliver the much needed military training and education to develop in the officers the quality of leadership, character and intellect that are expected of an officer of the force.
“Those who are emerging leaders, or who aspire to lead will discover how ethics and values free you in carrying out your single purpose in life,” the Chief-of-Staff pointed out.
He reminded the ensigns of how important this juncture of their military career is, and urged them to read and live the standards of the force, and regardless of how competent they are, or how good they may be, the success and accomplishment of their mission and task depend on their character.
Upon completion of their training the ensigns will be commanding at the platoon level.
“Leadership in the force means influencing their subordinates by providing purpose, guidance and motivation, while at the same time operating to accomplish the mission and improving the force as a whole,” Brigadier Phillips stressed.
The army chief congratulated the officers and the trainers who worked with the cadets to bring them thus far.
You must be logged in to post a comment.