April, 2014 - GDF - Guyana Defence Force

Creed: I am a professional in the Guyana Defence Force. “SERVICE” is my Motto.
D
eclaring open the first Basic Recruit
Course (BRC) for 2014, Guyana Defence
Force Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips,
entreated the new potential soldiers to embrace
fitness, obedience, loyalty, discipline and to develop
skills during their training. “You chose to be
here... you made that choice (to come) for a
particular purpose,” he observed as he
congratulated the recruits for making the decision
to enlist and serve their country.
He noted that this was the first step and emphasised
that the force will provide opportunities for them,
providing that they “stayed the course”. “Your first
priority is to
s uc c e s s f ul l y
complete the
BRC,” he
urged.
loved ones as well as the familiar comfort of their home
surroundings , but reminded them that they will have to
put those factors into the back of their minds during
their training.
“Your loved ones are looking forward to you
passing this course and realising your dreams.
Therefore, you have to resist the temptation to run
and focus on becoming the best soldier you can!” he
urged.
One hundred and ninety eight recruits are being
trained at the Colonel John Clarke Military School
The COS
shared with
the recr uits
his experience
while training
in Brazil on a
B a s i c
P a r a tr oo pe r
Course: “It
was about
sweating, and
hard training
since, myself
a n d
m y
colleagues
h a d
n o A Platoon of Recruits with the COS, other Senior Officers
i nt e nt i o n o f
,and training Staff, at Base Camp Seweyo.
being seen as
failures, upon
our return to Guyana,” he said.
(CJCMS) at Tacama, while 93 others are at Base Camp
Seweyo, on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. The COS
“The GDF is committed to making you into
travelled to both locations to formally declared open the
worthy soldiers and better men,“ Brigadier Phillips
Course, on Thursday, April 3 and Friday April 4.
added.
He also explained to the recruits that academic
training is included in their basic training to enhance
their overall capabilities. “ We will also train you hard,”
he emphasised.
In an emphatic tone, the Chief of Staff told the
recruits that it was understandable for them to miss their
Those being trained at Seweyo, have been earmarked
for posting to the technical units of the Force following
their anticipated success.
Following the formal opening of the Course at both
locations, Brigadier Phillips toured the training
bases.
The course is of a 10 week duration
Volume 7, Issue 6
Find us at: www.gdf.mil.gy
April, 2014
V OLUME 7, ISSUE 6
April , 2014
First level military training is referred to as Induction (Basic) training. This is provided for Other Ranks
and Officers alike. It is the kind of training that ‘baptizes’ the Recruit or the Officer Cadet in the ‘fire and
brimstone’ that is meant to impact quickly and deeply. Induction training is not designed to teach soldiers all
necessary things, but rather, is geared toward ensuring that you learn the most important things that are
absolutely necessary for your general functioning within the military.
Once the soldier or Officer embraces his induction training in a manner that ensures that he learns
properly, then a proper foundation with regard to knowledge and skills ought to be obtained. If the soldier,
through indiscipline or any other negative behavior, does not apply himself to proper learning at the induction
level, then he/she could be setting himself up for difficult times ahead.
But, as a soldier continues on his career path, that journey requires him to be further trained. More
military courses will enable the soldier to gain new knowledge, learn new things and enhance many of the
skills taught at the induction level. In addition to military courses, ranks of the GDF are also selected for and
are encouraged to gain training in non-military programmes, at various post-secondary institutions locally
and overseas. Of critical importance in all of this, is the soldier’s academic preparedness for the courses of
study he must undertake at some point in his career.
The Guyana Defence Force has commenced remedial/upgrade academic training on the Basic Recruit
Course, and, has also implemented academic education as a component on all of its in-house courses, such as
the Junior Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Senior Leader courses. Progress beyond the Induction phase,
demands mental readiness. The modern soldier must be prepared. To this end, all are therefore encouraged to
make full use of the academic materials provided through the AEP.
Non Commissioned Officer Course (JNC),
known as the Junior Leader Course, (JLC)
today.
O
ne of only two Linesmen
in the Guyana Defence
Force, Corporal (CPL)
Hozay Fraser loves his
job. “It’s a very
dangerous job, but persons who have
the training and the skills it requires,
can work anywhere in the world,” he
says, “most people are afraid to
embrace this line of occupation,
because the “current” from electricity
cannot be seen and so it is oft’ times
best avoided. The most challenging
thing in this career path, is dealing
with the immediate danger of having
to work with electricity. But with all
occupations which involve high risks,
safety is the key. Following the proper
procedures is important,” he adds.
The eldest of four children, 18079
Corporal Hozay Fraser was born in
Georgetown but raised at Anns Grove on
the East Coast of Demerara. CPL Fraser
gained his formal education at the Anns
Grove Primary and the Bygeval
Multilateral schools. He suffered a serious
accident while a fourth-former. This
affected his prospects for writing CXC.
Nevertheless, he attended the
Government Technical Institute and
earned a Basic Certificate in Construction.
After leaving school, he joined the
Guyana Police Force where he worked for
five years. In January of 1997, he enlisted
2
“I transferred to BC(A) in 2003, and
gained the knowledge and learned the skills
required to become a Linesman, from others
who had the knowledge in the GDF at that
time. That’s how I started working as a
linesman in 2003.” he says.
“I have been able to apply my knowledge
and use my skills in Antigua in 1995, in
Montserrat in 1997, and in Grenada in
2009, when the GDF rendered valuable
assistance to these disaster-struck sister
CARICOM nations,” he recalls. CPL Fraser
says that those experiences were quite
valuable to him because they reinforced to
him what ‘Service’ was all about!
i n t he G D F , a nd s uc c e s s f ul l y
completed the Basic Recruit Course
(BRC).
His first posting was to the 4
Engineers Battalion (4 Eng Bn)
where he initially became involved
in construction works. It was an
opportunity, he says, to practice
what he had learnt. Corporal Fraser
is in his seventeenth year of service
with the GDF.
Injury to his foot has prevented
him from pursuing and completing
his mi l ita ry co urses: he tw ice
comme nced, but was forced to
discontinue training, on the Junior
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In 2001, CPL Fraser was promoted to
(Sub) Lance Corporal and to (Sub) Corporal
in 2012. He is currently in Jamaica where
he i s g a i ni ng t r a i ni ng i n El e c tr i c a l
Installation.
Corporal Fraser, who says that he will
stay in the GDF until it is time to retire has
some words of advice for young soldiers.
“The Guyana Defence Force is all about
teaching you. You can begin and build
a career in the Force and then retire
with your pension and gratuity in tact!
Here, you have an opportunity to make
a contribution to your country and to
become a role model for your children.
Additionally you get to feel that pride
that comes from serving in the GDF
and serving your country!”
V OLUME 7, ISSUE 6
April, 2014
T
he Guyana Defence
Force joined many
organisations across the
wor ld on We dne sday
April 23 to embrace the
work of its Admin Professionals
employed at all its main bases.
The annual event is held to recognize
the work of those individuals whose skills
and lo yalt y are es se ntial t o t he
functioning of the units they serve.
At Base Camp Ayanganna, Ms Donna
Robertson of the Guyana Association of
Admi ni str ati ve Profe ssio nals , i n a
presentation encouraged her
counterparts to ignite change and break
bad habits , as t he t he me apt ly
suggested. She noted that the role of the
secretary has changed over the years and
no longer were they seen as behind-theCommander Coast Guard, Cdr Gary Beaton presents Admin
scene personnel.
Professional LR Petrona Sam with her token
“Chase your passion and not your
paycheck,” she urged, as she encouraged them to always be prepared and to be inspired to learn as much as they
can to keep their skills sharp. Each of the Administrative Professionals across the Force were gifted with
financial incentives. Some were also presented with individual prizes from their Units. A special luncheon was
also held on their behalf.
A woman wanted to know how
her
husband
would react if she left without telling
him
where
she
had gone. So she decided to write him a
letter saying that she is tired of him and did not want to live
with him anymore.
After writing, she put the letter on the table in the bedroom
and went to hid under the bed , waiting for him to come home.
When her hubby came home back home, he saw the letter
and read it. He also wrote something on it and then began to sing
and dance while changing his clothes. Eventually, he took out his
phone, dialed someone and said, “hey babe, I am just changing
my clothes then I will join you. As for the other fool, it has finally
dawned on her that I was just fooling around with her and she has
left. I was really wrong to marry her. I wish I had known you
sooner. See you soon honey!”
Then her husband walked out of the room.
In tears and very upset, she got from under the bed and
decided to go and read what her hubby wrote on the letter. When
she got the letter, she saw that her hubby had written this: “I
could see your feet you idiot. I am going to buy bread. I love
you!”
The Second Infantry Battalion Reserve—2 Inf Bn (Res).
Did you know that 2 Inf Bn (Res) was formed in 1994? Yes,
it was!
However, it was born out of the Guyana People’s Militia
(GPM). The GPM was an organization tasked with mobilising the
population to aid in the defence of the satte from external aggression.
The GPM was established in 1976 and at that time, the expiration of
the Protocol of Port of Spain was imminent and there was a real
possibility of armed conflict.
The motto of the GPM was “Every Citizen a Soldier” and there
was an enthusiastic response to this call. Every mass based
organization in the country embraced the call to arms and actively
encouraged their membership to participate.
The GPM was organized in such a manner that there was a
battalion in every Region. As the threat from external aggression
diminished, the interest in the GPM began to wane and the 2 Inf Bn
was established to absorb its functions.
The stated role of the 2 Inf Bn is “To provide trained and
equipped forces to augment the regular forces and any other tasks as
dictated by Defence Headquarters.”
Find us at: www.gdf.mil.gy
3
V OLUME 7, ISSUE 6
April, 2014
M
embers of a Brazilian Naval Task Group made
a Port call on April 21, aboard two Patrol
vessels, the Bocaina and the Grauna, as part of the
annual operation CARIBEX.
The vessels were docked at the GCGS Hinds for four days
during which Coast Guard ranks benefitted from training in a
number of areas including on-board drills at sea, man overboard
rescues and damage control.
Col Kemraj Persaud is greeted by CPT Jackson Da Silva
Captain Jackson Sales da Silva, who headed the Brazilian
delegation, stated that the visit formed part of his organization’s
efforts to strengthen friendship with the GDF Coast Guard and
to assist with training. He added that the Brazilian Navy has an
unblemished history of co-operation with the GDF’s Coast
Guard.
Coast Guard Commander, Cdr Gary Beaton said that the
visit by the Brazilian Navy continues the commitment by both
military institutions to strengthen their working relationships.
He noted that, the Brazilian Navy training is always timely,
adding that Brazil has the expertise on vessels like the Force’s
Flagship, the GDF S Essequibo.
While here, part of the crew paid a courtesy call to Deputy
Chief of Staff, Col Kemraj Persaud and other Senior Officers at
Defence Headquarters.
Just last year, eight Coast Guard ranks were trained in
Brazil, at the Merchants Maritime Academy. The visiting
vessels departed Guyana, on Thursday April 24.
was entirely
imp ressed wit h
the form of music.
Starting off with
the Brazilian
National Anthem,
Borderline, was no
step behind a
Brazilian band ,
much to the
commendation of
the Brazilians who
were in awe and
enjoyed every bit of
their renditions.
Some members of
the Brazilian band
were so impressed
that they joined
G
uyana Defence
Force‘s Steel
Orchestra, Borderline ,
turned in an exemplary
performance on a recent
visit to Brazil. The band
had been invited to
perform at the cocktail
reception, in honour of
the outgoing and
incoming Commanders of the First Jungle Infantry
Brigade of the Brazilian Armed Forces, Brigadier
Generals Jose Jaborandy Rodrigues and Carlos Alberto
Mansur respectively. Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark
Phillips was a guest at the Change of Command Parade.
The band had caught the attention of General Rodrigues
who had visited Guyana for a Military Exchange in March. He
4
Borderline, and played along.
“The band was well disciplined, very professional
and put their best foot forward. We are proud of them,”
Commanding Officer of the Band Corps, Maj Robert
Burns stated.
Find us at: www.gdf.mil.gy
April, 2014
V OLUME 7, ISSUE 6
successful participants were decorated with their
Jungle Skills Badge.
All other Units of the GDF will have to
complete this training, as the GDF prepares its
officers and ranks to lead and support interagency security-related operations in Guyana’s
hinterland areas.
Jungle training for GDF troops commences at
the induction levels, the Basic Recruit Course for
Other Ranks and on the Standard Officers
Course for Officers. As Officers and ranks
progress through their military careers, they gain
further training in jungle skills. Dubbed the “regreening” of the Force, the training is also meant
to provide the opportunity for officers and
ranks to practice and hone their jungle skills.
During a jungle survival session
D
efence Headquarters, led by Chief of Staff Brigadier
Mark Phillips, is the first Unit to have completed a
retraining exercise in jungle skills.
A total of 98 ranks were among the first cohort in the
exercise, which is geared at enhancing jungle skills, thus
placing the Force in a better position to perform its role in
patrolling our borders and hinterland areas.
The training is being conducted at the Colonel Robert Mitchell
Jungle and Amphibious Training School (CRMJATS) at Makouria, on
the Essequibo River. Training for this first group of Officers and Ranks
commenced on Thursday, April 10 and wrapped up on Tuesday, April
15, with a ten mile trek along the Makouria-Linden trail; after all
Soldiers practice trap setting
T
h e Gu yan a De f en c e For c e on c e agai n
impacted hundreds of young people when it
participated in the Government Technical Institute’s
career fair earlier this month.
As has become customary, the GDF’s exhibits
were a hit with the students who visited the fair.
Officers and other ranks manning the exhibits from
seven of the Force’s Units engaged the visitors,
fielded questions and gave explanations about the
GDF and the Units on show.
Soldiers practice trap setting
Several students enquired and gain valuable
insights to the GDF’s employment process and the
pathways to career development in the Force.
The Force’s participation in career fairs is in
keeping with its CIV-MIL policy in which engages
and partners with civilian agencies to contribute to
the Guyana’s national development.
The Guyana Defence Force remains one of the
na ti on ’s l a r ges t e m pl o ye rs , pr o v idi ng c a ree r
opportunities and a stable career platform for
Guyanese.
An Able Rating (AR) from the Coast Guard answers
queries from interested students
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5
V OLUME 7, ISSUE 6
April , 2014
Find the words in the boxes at right in the Word Search Puzzle
below.
MARINE ADVENTURE
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“Discipline is the soul of
an army. It makes small
numbers formidable;
procures success to the
weak, and esteem to all.”
George Washington
John Flores and
General Secretary of
the GLU, Mr. Carvil
Duncan were the main
signatories to the
Agreement which
covers all permanent
civilians employed by
the GDF.
Co l AQ, Capta i n (CG)
John Flores, noted that
the completion and
signing of the agreement
is indicative of the GDF’s
co nti nued re spe ct a nd
concern for the welfare of
the Force’s civilian
employees. “The GDF has
great respect for all of its
Col AQ, second from right and SO1G1 sign the agreement on behalf of the GDF. Others in the employees and we value
photo include GLU general Secretary Carvil Duncan and GDF Shop Steward, Ms. Doreth Christian the contributions of our
civilian labour force. We
will
continue
to
treat
with
them
in the letter and spirit of
he Guyana Defence Force has inked a new
this
agreement
and
also
with
regard
to our national laws.
Collective Labour Agreement with the
Our
doors
are
also
open
for
consultations
should any issue
Guyana Labour Union (GLU). GDF Colonel
arise
that
is
not
covered
in
this
agreement.”
Administration and Quartering, Captain (CG)
6
T
Find us at: www.gdf.mil.gy
V OLUME 7, ISSUE 6
April, 2014
On the monkey-run
A
Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname.
The members of the Militia were divided broadly
into two components − a permanent staff and a
reserve staff. The permanent staff was a group of
full-time soldiers who were responsible for conducting
training and providing administrative services and
logistical support. They also furnished the framework
on which mass mobilisation could take place.
Reservists were part-time soldiers who were
divided into two groups − Group A, fit, fully-trained
persons under the age of 45 years, and Group B,
specialists and experts needed to perform certain
essential services on mobilisation. It also contained
those persons who, because of age, disability or
responsibility, could not undertake rigorous military
activities and were liable to be assigned special tasks.
Recruitment into the Militia was voluntary and, at
the outset, in 1976, in a surge of enthusiasm and
nationalism, thousands of
persons from all walks of
life in all parts of the
country “enlisted”.
The Militia was
effectively disestablished
as an autonomous
military formation and redesignated the 2nd
Infantry Battalion Group
(Reserve) in August 1997.
Today , Seweyo is still
the home to the training
o f re se rv i st s who a re
trained on weekends, as
well as the host base for
an Annual Camp.
fter seven
years, Base
C a m p
Seweyo is
being used for
complete Induction
training at the Other
Rank level. The last
Basic Recruit Course
held at this base was
back in 2007 when a
special Basic Recruit
Course was held for
persons who were
working in the Force
but had not completed
t he B RC . T hi s t i m e
Weapon Training during BRC
around, this course is
also special, in that the
participants are meant
to, on successful completion, to be posted to
technical units of the Force.
The base was also used for the launch of the
Remedial Phase of the Academic Education
Programme (AEP) for recruits in 2010, but the
physical aspect, was conducted at the Colonel
John Clarke Military School (Tacama).
Base Seweyo is, by tradition, a training base
and was the main training base of the Guyana
People’s Militia. The Militia, established in 1976,
constituted a corps of citizens who volunteered
to be trained in their spare time so that, in an
emergency, they could be called up to perform
military service It was a belated replenishment
of the reserves that were recruited in the
immediate post-independence years to reinforce
Maneuvering an obstacle
the security of the far-flung frontiers with
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7
T
he Force is now more aware of
its athletic prowess following a
mini male and female Inter-Unit Athletic
competi tion which was held on
Wedn es day, April 23 at th e
playfield at Base Camp
Ayanganna.
The competition brought together
athletes from across the Force, and
also provided an opportunity for
soldiers, who are so inclined, to put
their ability to the test. This forms
part of efforts of building a powerful
team in preparation for this year’s
I nte r Ser v ice s Annua l At hlet i c
Competition, buy conducting an early
assessment of the aptitude and likely
future performance of the Force’s
athletes. From the activity too, a
team was also selected to represent the GDF
Athletics club at the Hampton Games which are
scheduled for May 15-17 in Trinidad and Tobago.
The competition took the format of the Inter Unit competition, and had 9 teams competing. In
the end, Defence Headquarters emerged winners
with Base Camp Stephenson 2nd and Coast Guard,
third.
Meanwhile, LR Leslain Baird of Coast
Guard and PTE Alicia Jack of the G6 Branch
were adjudged the Champion Male and
Female athletes, respectively while PTE
Letitia Myles of Training Corps and PTE
Desmond Amsterdam of Coastal Batallion
were adjudged runners- up.
B
ase Camp
Ayanganna BC(A)
e m e r g e d
t h e
champions at the
conclusion of the InterUnit Basketball tournament which
was held at the hard court at Base
Camp Stephenson on April 9 last. In
second place, was Second Infantry
Battalion Reserve - 2 Inf Bn (Res),
while Three One Special Forces
Squadron (31SF Sqn) finished third.
SGT Philip Earle of BC (A) was
adjudged the MVP of the
tournament.
PTE Ndukia Horatio of 2 Inf Bn (Res)
with 16 points, was the tournament’s
highest scorer. Three point shooters were
Majors Drumson Maculay, Sheldon
Howell and Shen Fung, and, SGT Hooper
of 31 SF Sqn, who scored one each.
The tournament, a prelude to the
Inter- Services Basketball Tournament
Action between BC (A) and 2 Inf Bn (Res)
scheduled for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, was played in the Knock-Out format
and the participating teams were, BC (A), CG, 2 Inf Bn (Res), 4 Eng Bn, 1 Inf Bn
and 31 SF Sqn. The members of the GDF team for the Inter -Services
Tournament was identified from these teams.
This Newsletter was prepared by the G5 Branch for distribution to Members of the Guyana Defence Force, Government Ministries, Members of the Joint
Services, Libraries and Veterans’ Associations. It can also be accessed on the GDF’s Website at:: http://www.gdf.mil.gy
V OL U M E 7, I SS U E 6
April, 2014