Georgetown: Nineteen Officer Cadets, currently undergoing training on the Standard Officers Course (SOC) # 48 have been promoted to the rank of Ensigns on Wednesday, December 9 at an Ensigncy Parade held on the Drill Square, Base Camp Stephenson BC(S) Timehri.
The Ensigns were decorated with their new badges of rank by the Chief Of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips. In attendance at this significant event, were the parents, relatives, Officers, soldiers as well as special invitees who all congratulated the Ensigns as their new badges of rank were conferred.
The SOC#48 commenced on March 27, 2015, with a total of 45 Officer Cadets. One of the Officer Cadets was selected for overseas training at the US Military Academy, West Point and the other 25 either withdrew or failed to achieve the required standards to continue the training. The 19 Officer Cadets who have endured the rigours of the training regimen to date, includes 16 Officer Cadets from the Guyana Defence Force, two of which are females, two Officer Cadets from the Belize Defence Force and one female Officer Cadet from the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force.
In his address to the Ensigns, Chief Of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips congratulated the Force’s newest leaders. He told them it is incumbent upon them to discover very early, how ethics and values will aid them in carrying out their purpose in life. “It is important that at the beginning of your military career that you read, re-read and live the Values and Standards of the Guyana Defence Force… It is important because regardless of how competent you are, how good a leader you will be, your success in the accomplishment of your missions and tasks will, from the start to the end of your career depend on your character- therein lies the importance of the core values of Duty, Discipline, Identity, Integrity and Loyalty and of course the Core Standards of Responsibility, respect for the law, respect for others, correct conduct and appropriate social behaviour,” Brig Gen Phillips urged.
Further, he pointed to the importance of leadership and the intellectual demands of an Officer. He also prepared their minds for service on the borders and in this regard, he admonished that they will be expected to use their competence to foster discipline in their Sub Units to develop soldiers of character. “You, therefore, have an important role to play, to create and sustain your Sub Unit with the skill, trust and confidence needed to be successful in all types of military operations,” he stated.
The Ensigns are slated to complete training within six weeks, and as integral part of their training, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making are important skills they must master very early in their military career.
“ As, Ensigns about to commence the final stage in your preparation for Officership , it is important for me to inform you, to impress upon you that an Officer must be, above all else, a leader, a person whom men and women will follow into danger and discomfort in order to accomplish missions and tasks. Leadership, therefore, demands a dedicated responsibility towards the men and women you will command,” the Chief of Staff implored.
Upon successful completion of their final phase of training, the Ensigns will be promoted to Second Lieutenants.
The Standard Officers Course is designed to transform, in one year, a civilian, into an Officer who can lead men and women in peacetime and combat.
The Standard Officers Course covers a number of subject areas which includes, an intense programme of military skills and tactics, vigorous physical fitness and team activities, which are assigned to provide stamina and group spirit, leadership and command methods, management techniques, military law and national policy.
The Standard Officers Course also provides a solid foundation for subsequent professional development of all Officer Cadets entering the GDF. Many Senior Officers of the Joint Services have also received this training. The Standard Officers Course is also highly recognised by Militaries in the Caribbean and Associate nations who have sent and continue to send their ranks to undergo training.
You must be logged in to post a comment.