creed: i am a professional in the guyana defence … 7, issue 4 find us at: edition 1, march, 2014...

Volume 7, Issue 4 Edition 1, March, 2014 Find us at: www.gdf.mil.gy

Creed: I am a professional in the Guyana Defence Force. “SERVICE” is my Motto.

Aid training during a comprehensive clinic conducted by members of the team. Participants at the clinic included teachers, students, members of the Berbice Cricket Board and other members of the community.

The outreach was conducted in partnership with the Berbice Cricket Board. Officer Commanding, GDF Medical Corps, Major Pameshwar Netram, emphasised that, conducting the outreach in partnership with the Berbice Cricket Board, is another demonstration of the GDFs delivery on its mandate to serve the people of Guyana and contribute to the nation’s development.

C ontinuing its proud tradition o f c o n d u c t i n g m e d i c a l outreaches in communities across Guyana, the Guyana

Defence Force Medical Corps, on Sunday, March 9 last, provided residents of the lower Corentyne with medical services, at the JC Chandisingh School at Rosehall. The 23-man GDF medical team worked assiduously throughout the day to address the medical needs of the community.

Services conducted included general medical examinations, dental examinations, blood sugar, blood group and haemoglobin tests

Simultaneously, 30 persons received First

Above, 22808 PTE Richard Latchman attends to a patient while at left, another patient undergoes a dental examination by one of the G D F ’ s d e n t i s t s , D r A k h i l e s h W o d e g a r

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VOLUME 7 , ISSUE 4 Edition 1, March , 2014

Find us at: www.gdf.mil.gy

You may have heard the story of the Emperor and his new clothes. In the story, a vain emperor, who cares about nothing except wearing and displaying fine clothes, hires two swindlers who promise him the finest, best suit of clothes, from a fabric invisible to anyone who is unfit for his position or "hopelessly stupid". The Emperor's advisors cannot see the clothing themselves, but pretend that they can, for fear of appearing unfit for their positions and the Emperor does the same. Finally, the swindlers report that the suit is finished, they pretend to be dressing him and then he marches in procession in the streets. The citizens play along with the pretense, not wanting to appear unfit for their positions or stupid. Then, a child in the crowd, too young to understand the desirability of keeping up the pretense, blurts out that the Emperor is wearing nothing at all, and then, the cry is taken up by the crowds. The Emperor cringes, suspecting the assertion is true, but continues the procession anyway.

The Chief of Staff has cautioned the Senior Non–Commissioned Officers to avoid the “Emperor’s Trap”; that of failing to think for oneself and believing that all is well, when, in reality, it is not. This caution is timely, as it is constructive, since the mandate of the realities facing the GDF in its operational context have changed somewhat and its members need to be vigilant in every sense of the word. During 2014, the GDF has embraced the theme, “Toward Greater Operational Readiness for National Defence and Security.” Operational readiness requires real “clothes”: the use of strategies and tactics that embrace reality and which garner real results.

B o r n o n J a n u a r y 2 3 1 9 8 0 , Aquarian Staff Sergeant (SSGT)

Cleveland O’Brian hails from the West Bank of Demerara. He gained his formal education at the Malgre Tout and Vreed-en-Hoop primary schools and earned passes at three subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

The fifth child of his parents’ six children, SSGT O’Brian had always dreamed of being a paratrooper, his motivation coming from the many war moves he liked to watch. “Enlisting in the Guyana Defence Force’ was the beginning of making that dream a reality,” he says.

“In 2002, I completed the Basic Recruit Course and was posted to the 31 Special Forces Squadron.” the Staff Sergeant recalls. “In 2007 I was posted to training Corps where I served as a member of the training staff for the BRC and JLC that year. In 2008 I was posted back to 31 SF Sqn.”

A n amb i t i o us s o ld i er , w h o i s determined to succeed, SSGT O’Brian went on to complete the following military courses: The Junior Non Commissioned Officer Course (2004); an Anti-Narcotics Course (2005); a Commando Course in French Guiana (2006); the Basic Skill-at-Arms and Section Commander courses (2007); The Basic Paratrooper Course ( 2009) ; The Jumpmaster and the

Parachute Maintenance Officer courses in Brazil (2011); the Force Methods of Instruction Course (2011); the Skill-at-Arms Instructor Course (2012), and the Senior Leader and Free Fall courses (2013). He also participated as a member of the GDF Team at the 2013 Force Commando Competition in Colombia. The Staff Sergeant, is also fluent in Portuguese.

As a result of his discipline, and excellent performance throughout,

SSGT O’Brian was elevated in rank from Private to Lance Corporal in 2005, to Corporal in 2007, to Sergeant in 2010 and to Staff Sergeant, in 2013. He aspires to be elevated in rank to Acting Warrant Officer by 2015.

“I am proud to say that throughout the 12 years of my military service, I have never been charged. I am a disciplined soldier. One cannot be a Special Forces soldier without truly embracing discipline.” he says. “I am the only Other Rank in the GDF, who ho l ds c e r t i f i ca t i on as a Parachute Maintenance Officer. But, although I am proud of my achievements, I cannot discount what it took to get me to where I am today. My Commanding Officers, the myriad supporting staff of trainers and Senior NCOs, have all played a pivotal role in my development.”

“My most challenging experience, was competing in Colombia, at the Force Commando Competition. Our team was not as well-prepared or equipped as many of the other teams in the competition, so it was a tough situation. However, the most exciting experience that I’ve had to date, has been during my Free Fall training; feeling the rush of the wind while hurtling through the air and having only yourself to rely on. It’s a great feeling. Among other things, I look forward to attending an external institution to enhance my academics. The Special Forces is special because of the men who make up the Unit. Without the discipline and unity among us, we ’d never be successful.. Being in the Special Forces, is why I chose the GDF”.

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Edition 1, March, 2014 VOLUME 7 , ISSUE 4


* The first Military Tattoo by the Guyana Defence Force was held in 1972. The second was held in October of 1985 and the third was held on the occasion of the Force’s 45 anniversary in 2012.

……………………………………………………………

** Did you know that, apart from the Military Corps of Drums which we see performing at various parades and State functions such as the observance of Remembrance Day, Independence and Republic Anniversary celebrations, the Guyana Defence Force once had a “string band”?

This band was the very popular, highly

competent and well -respected “GDF Frontline Band.” The band inherited its personnel and equipment from its predecessor, which was named, “The Whirlwind Affair”. The GDF Frontline band originally comprised 14 members and was led by the very talented Corporal A. Jackson.

In 1984, the band toured Nicaragua via Cuba. In the tradition of Guyanese “str ing bands”, GDF Frontl ine was perhaps the most popular of its time, and played at various social events and activities across Guyana. It was managed by the then Major Lawrence London.

F ive ranks of the Guyana Defence F o r c e s u c c e s s f u l l y

c o m p l e t e d t r a i n i n g a s E m e r g e n c y M e d i c a l T e chni c i ans ( EMT s ) on January 28 2014. The five are: 17399 SGT Gary Anselmo (Agri Corps, 20831 CPL Pablino Cupido - Med Corps, BC (A), 19148 LR Trecia Pinder (CG), 20863 Alicia Garnette BC (S) and CPL Ann Marks-McCurchin - Med Corps.

The seven-week training programme covered 39 modules and was a collaboration between the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and the Vanderbilt U n i v e r s i t y o f t h e U S A . Dr. Shannon Langston of the Vanderbilt University was the C h i e f i n s t r u c t o r o n t h e programme.

T h i s E M T t r a i n i n g p r o gr a mm e w as t he m o s t comprehensive one of its kind

conducted in Guyana. It focused on providing the participants with the knowledge and developing their skills for treating with medical emergencies. More particularly, it was designed to ensure that emergency medi cal response p ers o nnel gai n a n i n -d ept h understanding of the processes and procedures critical to the effective

In the photo, from left a r e : 2 0 8 3 1 C P L P a b l i n o C u p i d o , 1 9 1 4 8 LR T r ec i a Pinder, Dr. Shannon Langston, 20863 CPL Alicia Garnette, and 2 0 1 1 8 C P L A n n Marks -McCurchin and 17399 SGT Gary Anselmo.

Medics during an EMT training session

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VOLUME 7 , ISSUE 4 Edition 1, March, 2014


S ergeant (SGT) Oliver Fowler of Training Corps (Trg Corps) was adjudged the Best Graduating Student of the graduating class of the Platoon Sergeant Course (PSC) 2013-01.

19983 SGT Oliver Fowler and 20424 CPL Kevon Waddle proudly display their Certif icates and prizes .

19983 SGT Fowler also copped the award for Best Military Knowledge.

The award for Runner-up Graduating Student went to 20424 Corporal Kevon Waddle of Second Infantry Battalion (21 Inf Bn). He also gained the award for Best Fitness. SGT Fowler and CPL Waddle, were among the 21 ranks who graduated, at the course’s formal conclusion on March 11, at the Jaguar Lecture Hall at HQ Trg Corps at Base Camp Stephenson.

The PSC is designed to enable its graduates to be gain the necessary skills to train and administer an Infantry Platoon in peacetime or combat. It commenced on November 18 2013, and some 13 modules were covered. Some of the subject areas covered were; Leadership Studies, Military History, Internal Security, Communication Skills, Administration, Open Country Warfare and Minor Staff Duties.

Recounting his experiences on the course, SGT Fowler remarked that it was challenging on many levels. “Training in the GDF is never meant to be a walk in the park,” he said, “you must be prepared physically, and, more importantly, you must be mentally prepared. Although each student may set out to do his best, the soldier who is successful will always have to demonstrate individual prowess but, must also understand teamwork. As a Platoon Sergeant, you will be responsible for a team of men whom you have to train and give guidance to in order to complete missions.”

Both Fow ler and Wadd le are ela t ed by thei r achievements and are eagerly looking forward to pursuing the next level of training whenever it comes along.

S taff Officer One General Three (SO1 G3), Lt Col Cargill Kyte, emphasised to the

graduates of the Platoon Sergeant Course (PSC) 2013-01 that they must “...embrace a greater level of operational readiness.”

“This year will see a return to backland patrols, Annabasis patrols, maritime patrols and air patrols involving (the) First Infantry and Second Infantry Battalions, the Composite and Coastal Battalions, Coast Guard and Air Corps, as we seek to increase military presence and dominate the landscape. You the graduands, will be an integral part of these activities,” he said. “You will be tasked more and more with law enforcement functions in support of the police during joint and inter agency operations as the sucurity forces seeks to reduce the effects of organized crime such as drug trafficking, and its associated ills-armed robberies and illegal mining. These are just a few of the non- traditional threats you will be confronted with, but your training has prepared you to face the challenges associated with these threats in a manner consistent with high military precision, and therefore, you are now better equipped to discharge your individual and collective responsibilities to the nation state of our country.”

Following his congratulations of the 21 graduates, The graduates of PCS 2013-01 with Senior Officers of the Force and their training staff.

Lt Col Kyte urged them to continue enhancing not just their military skills, but their academic skills also. He urged them to embrace the Force’s Academic Education Programme (AEP) since it is designed to enhance their prospects well beyond military life.

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“You must be committed, effective and reliable, this will determine your progression in the GDF. Performance is now more important than promotion! Do your work to the best of your ability and this will determine how far you succeed in the Guyana Defence Force of today.” This was the central message of Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips’s feature address, at the commencement to the Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) Conference 2014.

The conference, held under the theme, “Towards Greater Operational Readiness for National Defence and Security”, convened on March 6 and concluded on March 7 last.

To the 150-odd gathered for the conference, Brigadier Phillips emphasised that during 2014, their focus must be on Per f ormance , A uthor i ty , Accountability and Responsibility. Each, he said, must be placed in the hierarchy of the thinking of the WOs and SNCOs. “Commanding Officers must take responsibility for their commands, and, likewise, (you)the Regimental Sergeant Majors, Company Sergeant Majors and Platoon Sergeants must also take responsibility for the men and material you command!” he said.

Speaking to the collective role of the WO and SNCO corps in the Force, that of being the “backbone” of the army, the COS explained that the role is very deep and encompassing. “You are expected to be Welfare Officer, trainer/instructor, disciplinarian, trustee, mentor and example to your soldiers. Many of our soldiers come from single parent homes and, in

many cases, their first contact with a male figure of authority is you. Therefore, you have to mould them into the good, competent, disciplined soldiers we need to have this year!” he said. “You our WOs and SNCOs are the upholders of our Values and Standards. There will always be those who seek to bend systems to their own purposes, but you must play that critical role in maintaining the rules and Standard Operating Procedures. Always strive to avoid the “Emperors’ Trap” that of feeling superior in your new clothes.“ he added.

The 2014 WOs and SNCOs Conference was one with a difference. This was explained by Force Sergeant Major, WO Class 1 William Richmond. He recounted that, previously the conference typical ly reviewed the management of Units, Sun-Units and Departments across the Force. “Mindful of the theme for this conference, we decided to have our Warrant Officers and SNOCs examine various issues affecting the functioning of the Force, and by extension, their own functions.”

To this end, presentations examined issues such as; record keeping, care for kit and equipment, a plan for the enhancement of competency in drills through more drill competitions, the improvement of weapons efficiency in the GDF, the improvement of discipline in the Force and strategies for empowering female soldiers. The FSM noted that the focus was on finding workable solutions that could be implemented by the WOs and SNCOs. He explained that, suggestions and recommendations were taken on board following the presentations. “All will be properly packaged and presented to the leadership of the Force for further examination and adoption where necessary.” he said.

The Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non -Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) Conference is an annual force activity.

Colonel AQ, Captain John Flores, addresses the assembled WOs and S N C O s d u r i n g t h e C o n f e r e n c e .

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VOLUME 7 , ISSUE 4 Edition 1, March , 2014


D C H R E C I F F O J U M P M A S T E R

H P J Y T I L I B I S N O P S E R X O A

E Z W O M E N S A R M Y C O P R S M V V

T T V N P I J W T L E B E L P A T S M Z

U L A R O P R O C E C N A L Q Q K O V U

H A I Y R N J E R A P P E L L I N G J D

C R C E E R E C I F F O T N A R R A W Q

A T O G P T S O L D I E R G G A P O E E

R R M A O B E J G S T A I N C C C R T Q

A A M L O G P N H E O R V I Y Y S D A R

P C U F R N A O O C Y E A S M Z E W V E

U K N U T I T I R U T T J I E I N E I D

E I I O A N R L D R I P K A C N T D R N

P N C M R I O A E I R O A R N F E U P A

A G A A A A L T R T G C M G E A N C L M

U C T C P R B T S Y E I A A F N C A Y ML P I P D T O A S L T L C L E T E T H O

E D O K U A A B A W N E A F D R P I G C

T B N C T W T T I K I H T C M Y W O P W

L V A N Y I S T A F F S E R G E A N T L

DUTY RESPONSIBILITY INTEGRITY EPAULET TRACKING TACAMA SOLDIER OFFICER COMMANDER WOMENS ARMY COPRS HELICOPTER PATROL BOATS CAMOUFLAGE RAPPELLING PARACHUTE PARATROOPER

JUMPMASTER STAFF SERGEANT LANCE CORPORAL PRIVATE WARRANT OFFICER KIT EDUCATION ORDERS SENTENCE FLAGRAISING TRAINING INFANTRY BATTALION SECURITY DEFENCE COMMUNICATION STAPLE BELT

THINGS MILITARY WORD SEARCH

The words at right are hidden in the grid above. Have fun finding them!

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T h e G D F H I V / A I D S Prevention Programme, participated in the Police A s s o c i a t i o n ’ s 6 3 r d

Anniversary Health Fair, which was held at the Police Sports Club Ground on Wednesday. March 12, last. A total of 2 5 0 p er s ons w er e s cr ee ned f or HIV/AIDS.

Meanwhile, four Guyana Defence Force medics, Lance Corporals Charie Marcus, Lionel Campbell, Stephon Trim and Private Dwayne Douglas of Medical Corps, are currently being trained in phlebotomy, courtesy of the GDF HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme. According to the Programme’s Director, Mrs. Beverly Gomes-Lovell, the training is being provided under the Programme’s technical assistance, and is meant to build the capacity of the GDF laboratory.

The three-month phlebotomy training commenced on February 11 last and is being conducted by MEDITRON. Phlebotomy t ra i ni ng e nt ai l s t he k now le d ge o f phlebotomy quality control, the technique of d r a w i ng b l o o d , t he p r o p e r us e o f Venipuncture equipment and understanding the professional procedures/standards and management systems utilized in the field in the modern medical environment.

“One of the most important keys to Success is having the discipline to do what you know you should do, even

when you don’t feel like doing it.”

In these photos, SGT Gary Anselmo (above) and CPL Harris (at left) of the GDF H I V / A I D S P r e v e n t i o n P r o g r a m m e , p r o v i d e information and testing services for members of the public who visited the Programme’s booth.

* A drunk was in front of a judge. The judge says "You've been brought here for

drinking." The drunk says, "Okay, let's get started."

…………………………………………………………………………………..* A wife says to her husband," You're always pushing me around and talking behind my back." He says, "What do you expect? You're in a wheel chair."

……………………………………………………………………….. * A 70 yr old man asks his wife "Do you feel sad when you see me

running after young girls?" Wife replied, "No not at all. Even dogs chase cars they can't drive!

………………………………………………………………………. Eric and Thomas, from the retirement center, were sitting on a bench under a tree

when Eric turns to Thomas and asks: “Thomas, I'm 83 years old now and I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?'

Thomas replied, 'I feel just like a newborn baby.' 'Really!?” asked Eric, “Like a newborn baby!?” “Yep.,” said Thomas, “No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.”

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a nd e f f i c i e n t e a r l y t r e a t m e nt a nd management of emergency patients. Some of the modules taught were: Medical, Legal and Ethical Issues; Baseline Vital Signs; Lifting and Moving Patients; Airway Management; Emergency Scene Size-up; Conduct of the De ta i l ed Phys ica l E xami na t i on and Respiratory and Cardiovascular Emergencies.

The newly-trained EMTs, will serve to enhance the Force’s capacity, to better treat with medical emergencies amongst its troops. The GDF is committed to ensuring that more of its medical personnel make full use of such training opportunities, as they become available.

T h e

Guyana Defence F o r c e f o o t b a l l t e a m r e c e n t l y received training gear consisting of jerseys hoses and cleats from Brazil. According to the teams coach, the gift is timely and a s i g n i f i c a n t gesture.

A b o v e , Brazilian Armed Forces Warrant Officer, Marcelo Da Silva Caeteno, presents the gear to GDF SO1 G3, Lt Col Cargill Kyte.

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 Edition 1, March, 2014

This Newsletter was prepared by the G5 Branch for distribution to Members of the Guyana Defence Force, Government Ministries, Members of the Joint Services, Libraries and Veterans’ Associations. It can also be accessed on the GDF’s Website at: : http://www.gdf.mil.gy

creed: i am a professional in the guyana defence … 7, issue 4 find us at: edition 1, march, 2014...

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