Dear Editor,

Is it true that Reservists of the Guyana Defence Force are now being retired at age 40? If this is so, then His Excellency the President, who is Commander-in- Chief, needs to ask some questions.

The GDF Reserve Arm, as indeed the GDF itself, stands to lose vast experience by retiring ranks at 40. The further implication is that inexperienced ranks will be promoted, which puts a terrible strain on higher ranked officers.

The British had a tradition of retiring Reservists at 40. Commodore Best seems attracted to that tradition. But the British have since revised the retirement age to 55. Continued tampering with rules within the Army will not bring about positive change.
Yours faithfully,
Godfrey Skeete
(Ex Soldier)