“Reject mediocrity” GDF colonel urges

…as 3rd Special Forces Battalion claims GDF fitness crown

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has concluded its second quarterly fitness competition for 2026, with the Third Special Forces Battalion emerging as champions in the male category.
In a statement posted on its social media page on Friday, the GDF said the unit dethroned first-quarter winners, the First Infantry Battalion, following a series of physically demanding events that tested endurance, strength, and teamwork.
The competition featured units from across the GDF and included a three-mile run, memory test, obstacle course, falling plate shoot, and grenade throw.
The First Infantry Battalion finished second in the male category, while the Third Infantry Battalion placed third.
In the female category, the Guyana National Reserve Female A Team retained its title, continuing its strong performance in the competition. Base Camp Ayanganna Female A Team placed second, followed by the coast guard in third.
Commandant of the Guyana National Reserve, Colonel Lorraine Foster, MSM, congratulated the participating teams and highlighted the importance of the competition in strengthening core military competencies and operational readiness.
She urged ranks to maintain high training standards, stressing that the GDF, as a light infantry force, depends on strong soldiering skills. Colonel Foster also encouraged commanders to ensure consistent training throughout the year, noting that discipline and continuous practice are essential to excellence.
Colonel Foster further pointed to the growing role of women in leadership within the Force, referencing Lieutenant Shonetta Emmanuel, captain of the winning female team, who is expected to become the GDF’s first female location commander.
The competition ended with the presentation of trophies and medals to top-performing teams.