New army recruits demonstrate unarmed combat before their graduation on Thursday. According to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), 80 newly trained soldiers successfully completed the GDF Basic Recruit Course and graduated at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama. Army Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best, during his address, told the new soldiers that they have committed themselves to the ultimate sacrifice, which meant giving their lives if possible, in defence of the country. He told the soldiers that as bearers of the GDF uniform, they have a critical mandate to the security and stability of the nation. “You must now exercise foresight, display wisdom, and act in a responsible manner in whatever you do. You must demonstrate that you are prepared to uphold the values of the Force: service, dedication to duty, selflessness, honour and integrity,” Best said. He warned: “From this point forward, your true test begins. We shall soon be aware of how much you have learnt. Your actions ‘will speak about you’ and allow us to make the necessary judgments. Do not misplace the trust and confidence others have in you nor abuse the authority you have as soldiers. If your goals are not compatible with the goals of the GDF, then your stint with us is going to be a very short one.” Best also emphasised that the soldiers must display respect for all the citizens of Guyana regardless of their station in life. “Citizens must be able to say, I feel safe, our soldiers are around,” he stressed. The soldiers were trained in the basics of soldiering and will benefit from other aspects of training when posted to the various Units of the Force, the release stated.
