GDF officer graduates from prestigious French military, academic institutions

…first GDF officer to complete combination of military and academic training

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Castello has become the first GDF officer to successfully complete a suite of advanced military and academic programmes in the French Republic. In a congratulatory post on its social media page, the GDF announced that Lieutenant Colonel Castello graduated from the esteemed École de Guerre (War College) in Paris, having completed the Brevet d’études militaires supérieures (BEMS), a senior officer programme reserved for individuals demonstrating exceptional command capabilities, leadership and strategic thinking in complex military environments. In addition to the BEMS, he earned the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP) Level 8 Certification, issued by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, confirming his mastery in strategic leadership, management, and command, it added.
Lieutenant Colonel Castello also completed the Cours élémentaire de Langue française 2025, attaining Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) A1 level proficiency in French, a reflection of his commitment to cultural and linguistic adaptability in modern defence diplomacy.
In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Castello graduated with distinction from Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas, earning the Diplôme National de Master (Master’s degree) in Law, Economics, and Management with a specialisation in International Relations.
His achievement marks a historic first for the GDF, as no other officer has previously undertaken or completed this combination of French military and academic training. It underscores the Force’s commitment to building a globally competent Officer Corps capable of navigating complex strategic environments.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, praised Lieutenant Colonel Castello’s performance, stating that it is also a proud moment for the GDF.
“Lt Col Castello’s success at one of the world’s most respected military institutions reflects the high standards we expect within our Officer Corps. He has flown the flag of Guyana with distinction, and we look forward to the valuable expertise and global perspective he brings to the continued advancement of our Force.”
This milestone stands as a symbol of the GDF’s deepening international military partnerships and unwavering investment in excellence through education and leadership development, the post concluded.