THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is maintaining its commitment to training that will ensure appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes are inculcated, at the Basic Recruit Course (BRC 2008-01) which was officially declared opened last Thursday at the Colonel John Clarke Military School, Tacama, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice).

Last December, Chief-of-Staff Commodore Gary Best, outlined the Army’s focus on pursuing a process of re-engineering during 2008 with heightened emphasis on various areas including training opportunities.

The current 12-week course that seeks to produce fit, obedient, loyal and disciplined soldiers, who possess high standards of skills and marksmanship abilities, is part of the re-engineering process.

Two hundred and one recruits are being trained in areas such as foot and arm drill, map reading navigation, open country warfare and physical coaching.

The training is expected to be completed in June.

In his address at the opening of the BSC today, Commodore Best stressed the need for the recruits to understand, embrace and protect national values and interests that are based on a system of governance that promotes broad based participation in national decision making.

“Development of a harmonious community based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights and the rule of law and a nation that is indivisible, secular, democratic and sovereign which promotes peace and forges worldwide comity; those are the national values of the land and values which you and all soldiers should possess,” Commodore Best said.

It was pointed out that the recruits, apart from receiving military training are being taught non-military essentials such as the development of social skills and knowledge on how to conduct joint operations and the legal rights of a soldier. Reference was made to the exposure to the various types of careers that recruits can choose after they graduate from the course.

“I should highlight that the Guyana Defence Force is committed to providing each soldier with the opportunity to acquire academic education in addition to military skills. We will educate you right to the university level through our army programme,” Commodore Best told the students.

He also noted that the training staff has a responsibility to train and not oppress the students since it is an institution of instruction and no physical violence. The students were assured that the punishment for physical violence by trainers or others is immediate dismissal.

He added “but you also have responsibilities to the force and to the country as a whole. Never abuse the power and authority given to you as a soldier in the Guyana Defence Force and in particular always put your country first and defend it with your life if necessary.”

Reference was made to the changes in the environment and the need for soldiers to serve as role models to the youths in their respective communities and to stamp in good values in their lives. They were urged to serve as the ‘big brother’ for their neighbours to keep the communities safe from crime and other disasters and view the security of the GDF’s weapons and ammunition as a sacred duty and to report any misuse of the Army’s resources.

Additionally, they were advised of the current rise in oil and food prices that is impacting on all and the interventions announced on May 7 by the Commander in Chief, President Jagdeo, to help Guyanese deal with the issue including another increase in salary for public servants and financial subsidies to lower income groups, measures that benefit the soldiers.