Lt. Col. Brenda Aaron, 1st female officer in GDF, dies

…paved way for generations of female soldiers

The bravery of women within the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was paved by the path of one woman some 58 years ago – on January 30, 1967, when Lieutenant Colonel Brenda Aaron was recruited as one of the first four female officers in the GDF.
Her legacy has been felt across the length and breadth of Guyana, especially following the anniversary of her passing on May 4, 2025.
In her own words, the GDF uniform signified a lot to her: “When I got in and I put on the uniform, things started happening… I fell in love with Timehri and there came also, my love for the Guyana Defence Force,” Aaron stated in happier times.

Since her passing, the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, along with officers and ranks of the GDF, extend sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Brenda Aaron, who passed away on May 4.
“As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life of courage, service, and nation-building. The Guyana Defence Force salutes her with deepest respect and eternal gratitude. Her example endures, and her service will always be remembered,” the GDF stated in a statement.
The GDF also related that Lieutenant Colonel Aaron stands as a monumental figure in the history of the GDF, highlighting her accomplishments. She was a recipient of the Military Efficiency Medal (MEM) in 1980, the 25th Anniversary Medal in 1990, and the Military Service Medal in 1993.
On January 30, 1967, Lt Col Aaron was recruited as one of the first four female officers in the GDF. Assigned the rank of Cadet Officer, she completed her initial officer training under the guidance of British Army Officer Major Neil Pulling. A week later, she helped welcome 56 women who joined as Other Ranks—marking the birth of what would become the Women’s Army Corps (WAC).
Before answering the call to military service, she was a teacher—nurturing young minds with the same discipline, strength, and dedication she would later bring to uniform. That transition from educator to officer was not merely a change in profession; it marked the beginning of a groundbreaking military journey that helped redefine the role of women in the defence of our nation.
Her leadership in those formative days was instrumental in shaping the Corps into a disciplined and capable body, and she would go on to become its first Commanding Officer. Her service with the GDF concluded in 1994.
Throughout her career, Lieutenant Colonel Aaron served with distinction in numerous key appointments that reflected her versatility and commitment to service. She was the Officer Commanding of the WAC and later served as Administrative Officer and Executive Officer at Base Camp Ayanganna. She was also appointed Executive Officer and subsequently Base Commander at Base Camp Stephenson. In addition, she held the posts of Officer Commanding of the Welfare Department and the Five Service Support Battalion. Her leadership and administrative acumen were further recognised through her appointments as Staff Officer One – Special Duties and Civil Affairs Officer.
According to the GDF, her steadfast leadership, professionalism, and commitment to duty left an indelible mark on the Force and on all who had the privilege to serve alongside her. She mentored and inspired countless officers and ranks, always placing service before self. Her legacy lives on in every female soldier who proudly wears the uniform and in every standard of excellence she helped to establish, the GDF said.