Leadership is action before authority – Army head to GDF graduates

Nineteen officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have completed the 18-week Senior Command and Staff Course Number 20 (SCSC #20), strengthening the Force’s pool of officers prepared for higher command and staff responsibilities.
The course is part of the GDF’s professional military education programme and focused on command, leadership, analytical decision-making and staff work. Officers received instruction in operational planning, military law, ethics, capability planning and global security studies, alongside practical exercises, research and field training.
SCSC #20 also featured the Scenario-Based, Risk-Informed Capability Planning for National Security and Resilience programme, marking the first collaboration between the National Defence Institute (NDI) and the University of Guyana in this area.
According to the GDF, the initiative broadened the officers’ understanding of national security challenges and the need to consider issues beyond tactical and operational levels.
Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, said completion of the course represented an important stage in the officers’ careers and an investment in the Force’s future leadership.
He said the course challenged the officers technically, tested their judgement and broadened their perspectives, while reminding them that greater professional responsibility comes with increased expectations.
“Leadership is not a noun; leadership is a verb,” Khan said, stressing that leadership requires action, influence and responsibility before authority or position.
He urged the graduates to measure their careers not only by rank or personal achievement, but also by their contribution to the GDF and the nation and their ability to lead and develop personnel under their command.
Captain Keevin Salaru was named Best Graduating Student of SCSC #20, receiving the programme’s highest overall award.
Captain Stacey Codogan was named Runner-Up Student and also received the award for Best Research Paper for her study, Climate Change and National Security in Guyana: Assessing Strategic Risks and Policy Implications.
The research examined climate change as an emerging national security challenge and proposed policy recommendations aimed at strengthening national resilience and institutional preparedness.
The GDF said SCSC #20 is intended to strengthen its senior leadership capacity by preparing officers to operate in increasingly complex operational and strategic environments.
The ceremony was attended by the Colonel General Staff, other branch heads and senior GDF officers, along with Director of the National Defence Institute Dr Randy Persaud.