Newly-commissioned GDF Officers urged to expand knowledge in foreign policy, diplomacy

– establishment of Defence Institute gets green light from Pres Ali

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday presented Instruments of State Commissions to 21 new Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officers who successfully completed the Standard Officers’ Course (SOC) No. 54, and Instruments of State Warrant to two new Warrant Officers.

The Instruments of Commission signify the officers’ competence and worthiness to serve in the Force, earned after undergoing rigorous training.
During the simple ceremony at State House, Main Street, Georgetown, the President explained that the instrument is not merely a document but an indication of the power the officers now hold and the responsibilities that come with their new positions in wielding command, making critical decisions and leading within the military.
“You have a responsibility and duty to support the Chief of Staff and your superiors in shaping strategy, maintaining discipline and ensuring effective operations of the GDF. The Instrument of Commission signifies the trust placed in the officer by the military hierarchy,” Ali said.
“It serves as a reminder of your duty to serve with integrity, lead with purpose and defend our Motherland with courage,” Ali added.
The President noted that this Standard Officers’ Course No. 54 will now proceed for one more year of rotation within the State of Guyana.
“You will proceed on understanding that in one year, you must learn Spanish – you must be competent in the language. You must also understand that within this year, you will be spending at least six weeks at the Foreign Service Institute so that you can have a full understanding of all aspects in relation to foreign policy, our diplomacy and its link and relation to defence,” Ali explained.
Highlighting that military studies have become more complex and technical, the President added that the officers will also be expected to spend at least six weeks engaging in an orientation course on the Fundamentals of Strategic Studies at the University of Guyana (UG).
“Combat readiness demands aptitude and expertise in a wide range of skill sets, including leadership and decision making, technological proficiency, cybersecurity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, diplomacy and peace studies. The military leader is now expected to know about military logistics and administration without neglecting the more regular and routine elements of training, such as physical fitness, marksmanship, and tactical proficiency,” Ali said.
Along the lines of training, the President also disclosed plans to initiate a Defence Institute within the Force.
“In the execution of this weighty responsibility that is now on your shoulder and in keeping with the new development trajectory and the high standards we want for our officers in the GDF, I have carefully reviewed the recommendation from the Chief of Staff for the establishment of a Defence Institute within the GDF,” Ali announced.
With that, he noted that he is authorising the Chief of State to proceed with the development of the programme and its curriculum to bring the institute into effect in a short time.

External and internal threats
While the Force is primarily obligated to prevent and counteract external threats and acts of aggression against the nation, the President also highlighted the importance of addressing internal insurrections and upholding domestic stability.
“While domestic governance and the rule of law are paramount, there are times when internal challenges threaten to disrupt societal harmony and order. In such circumstances, the Defence Force may be called upon to support the law enforcement authorities in maintaining internal order and security,” Ali said.
On that note, the President urged the new officers to take guidance from their seniors who he noted have a level of competence, expertise, experience, training, skill level, and education that sets them apart from their colleagues across the Region.
Also present at the ceremony were Army Chief Brigadier Omar Khan; National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia; Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and Finance Minister Ashni Singh.