President Ali: Modern military leadership demands strategic thinking, technological competence

President Dr Irfaan Ali addresses the newly commissioned officers and warrant officers

President Dr Irfaan Ali has called on newly commissioned officers and warrant officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to embrace modernisation, adaptability and continuous education as they prepare to lead in an era of rapid global and national transformation. The Head of State made his call during the presentation of Instruments of Commission and State Warrants to newly appointed officers at a ceremony where he underscored the need for the Force to evolve in response to emerging security threats. “You are assuming leadership at a time of rapid transformation, both within our country and across the global security environment. The nature of warfare and defence has evolved. Traditional threats are now compounded by transnational risk, cyber intrusion, narco-trafficking, illegal fishing, environmental disasters, and the ripple effect of regional instability,” President Ali said. He emphasised that modern military leadership extends beyond physical readiness. “Modern military leadership requires more than physical readiness. It demands strategic thinking, technological competence, and adaptability. The modern officer must be as comfortable with data and digital tools as with discipline and drills. You must understand not only the battlefield but a broader geopolitical and social terrain in which national defence operates,” the President told the officers. He noted that the GDF must reflect the wider transformation taking place across Guyana, particularly as the nation experiences rapid growth driven by new industries, infrastructure, and opportunities.
“Training, therefore, can never cease. The Guyana Defence Force is committed to continuous education, ensuring that you develop the skills necessary for a modern, agile and technologically advanced military—one capable of deterring threats, supporting civil authorities, and assisting in national emergencies and regional humanitarian efforts,” he said. Meanwhile, the Head of State reminded the officers that loyalty must always remain anchored in service to the Constitution and the people of Guyana—not to political or personal affiliations. “Loyalty must be foremost to the Constitution, to the Republic, and to the Defence Force itself. It transcends political boundaries or personal affiliations. You serve not a party, not an individual, but a people of Guyana,” President Ali stated.

Foundation of integrity
He cautioned that while modernisation and knowledge are essential, they must be built on a foundation of integrity, teamwork, and discipline.
“The true strength of the GDF lies in teamwork and unity of purpose. An army divided cannot stand. A force where rivalry replaces respect or ego replaces discipline, weakens from within. Every success in military history, from the smallest tactical victory to the preservation of national peace, has been built on cohesion and mutual trust,” he said. The President reminded the officers that the Defence Force’s mission goes beyond traditional combat readiness and includes nation-building—supporting civil authorities during floods, assisting law enforcement, and participating in community development. “The Defence Force is an instrument of the state, yes, but it is also a partner in nation-building. Whether responding to floods, supporting law enforcement, or assisting in community development, the GDF must always act as a unifying symbol of national pride and stability,” the President affirmed. He further stressed that leadership in a modern context is both a privilege and a burden—demanding consistency, sacrifice, and humility.
“It is a privilege because few are entrusted with the lives, loyalty, and hopes of others. It is a burden because it demands consistency, sacrifice, and humility. As leaders, you must demonstrate vision, and particularly the ability to see beyond the immediate task to a larger mission,” he said.
President Ali urged officers to embody the values of service before self, loyalty to the Constitution, and respect for human dignity, reminding them that leadership requires courage and integrity. “The mark of a true officer is not the number of orders given, but the measure of respect earned. Your men and women will follow you, not because they must, but because they trust you. That trust is built daily through fairness, through competence, and through genuine concern for their welfare,” the Commander-in-Chief stated. He closed by calling on the officers to lead with vision, courage, and integrity as the nation continues its development path. “Support your Chief of Defence Staff. Strengthen the unity of the Force. Lead with vision, courage, and integrity. A promising and rewarding career lies ahead. May your service bring honour to the Guyana Defence Force, and glory to our beloved Republic,” the President concluded.


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