Major Nellon McKenzie becomes 1st female GDF officer to lead Basic Recruit Training

…GDF launches First Basic Recruit Course for 2025, welcomes ranks returning from Exercise Tradewinds

Officer Commanding Major Nellon McKenzie, has made history in Guyana by becoming the first female officer in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to lead Basic Recruit Training
The GDF has launched its first Basic Recruit Course for 2025, marking the beginning of the military journey for a new batch of young Guyanese.
The recruits departed Base Camp Ayanganna and have arrived at the Force’s primary training facility, the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama, Berbice River.

Over the next three months, they will undergo intensive and transformative training designed to equip them with essential military knowledge and skills.
This phase includes combat training, weapons handling, physical conditioning, and foundational military education. Following this, they will engage in an additional three months of specialised skills training to prepare them for effective integration into their respective units.
Upon successful completion of all training phases, outstanding recruits will be formally recognised and promoted to the rank of Private.
Meanwhile, as recruits departed Base Camp Ayanganna, other ranks of the GDF have returned home following their successful participation in Exercise Tradewinds 2025—a regional, multinational training exercise focused on enhancing security cooperation, disaster response, and operational readiness among partner nations.
This year’s exercise was hosted by Trinidad and Tobago from April 26 to May 8, 2025.
The troops arrived on Thursday morning at the Coast Guard Ship Hinds Wharf in Ruimveldt aboard the GDFS Shahoud, which was captained by Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Ronald McIntyre.

Upon the vessel’s arrival, Lt Cdr McIntyre rendered a formal salute to the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard, Commander David Shamsudeen, who officially received the vessel and welcomed the returning troops.
In brief remarks, Commander Shamsudeen commended the ranks for their professionalism and discipline during the deployment. He also praised Lt Cdr McIntyre and his crew for the successful completion of their mission, highlighting their dedication and leadership. Commander Shamsudeen noted that their performance during Exercise Tradewinds upheld the highest standards of the GDF and reflected positively on the country’s military capabilities.
Over the two-week period in Trinidad and Tobago, GDF personnel participated in a wide range of training activities, including maritime security, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and joint coordination drills alongside regional and international partners. Their active engagement helped strengthen inter-agency collaboration and reinforced the GDF’s commitment to regional peace and security.
The successful execution of the exercise and the safe return of all participants stand as a testament to the professionalism, preparedness, and regional reliability of the GDF.