212 SOLDIERS COMPLETE LEADERSHIP COURSES

A total of 212 soldiers graduated from three courses, designed to boost their leadership capacity, at their respective levels in the Guyana Defence Force.The Platoon Sergeants’ Course (PSC) 2021-01, the Section Commanders’ Course (SCC) 2021-02 and the Junior Leaders’ Course (JLC) 2021-02, concluded earlier today at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School Drill Square, Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri.The three courses commenced training on July 6,2021, with students drawn from various units across the Force and each lasted 12 weeks.Commandant of the Guyana People’s Militia, Colonel Trevor Bowman officiated at the graduation ceremony today and in his address congratulated the students and training staff for bringing the courses to a successful completion, given the current circumstances. Speaking specifically to those students who have completed the PSC, which is the most senior of the three courses, Colonel Bowman reminded them of their integral roles and compelled them to ensure that a sense of duty is foremost in their minds. “Never abuse the authority given to you as you lead!” he urged.He charged all the graduates to be ever conscious of their environment and remain relevant. “Read the Force’s Standing Operating Procedures and Values and Standards. Know them, conform to them! Endeavor to improve your academic strides, by utilizing the opportunities afforded by the force,” he asserted.Commanding Officer of the Training Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Collin Henry, had earlier emphasized that the graduates are now expected to train, lead and administer an infantry platoon in peacetime or combat and equally, they’re all expected to display a high level of discipline at their units, upon return. Prizes for outstanding performances were given for all three courses. Corporal Amsel Allen copped the prizes for Best Graduating Student and Best Military Knowledge for PSC while Petty Officer Kenneth Benn was adjudged the Runner-Up Best Graduating Student. Best Shot & Best Fitness prizes was received by Corporal Orlando Norton, while the prize for Best Drill was given to Able Rating Jeromey Agard.For the Section Commanders’ Course, Leading Rating Stephon Matthews copped the prizes for the Best Graduating Student and Best Military Knowledge, while Corporal Astion Niles received the prizes for Runner-Up Best Student and Best Drill. Corporal Jamal Wilson was adjudged the Best Shot and Best Fitness.Lance Corporal Avion Kendall received the prizes for the Best Graduating Student and Best Military Knowledge for JLC, while Lance Corporal Jullius Kesney copped the prizes Runner-up Best Graduating Student and Best Drill. Lance Corporal Peter Boyce and Lance Corporal Jamal McPherson received prizes for Best Shot and Best Fitness, respectively. Photography by Lance Corporal Randy Deputron of the G9 Branch.