The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has officially welcomed a new cohort of soldiers into its ranks following the successful completion of the Basic Recruit Specialisation Course (BRSC) 2025-01 at the Colonel John Clarke Military School, Tacama.
Commencing in May 2025, the three-month course marked a transformative journey from civilian life to the disciplined world of soldiering. Training was conducted under the command of Major Nellon McKenzie, whose leadership and oversight ensured the highest standards of military instruction and discipline were upheld.
Throughout the intensive programme, recruits were immersed in the fundamentals of soldiering, covering Foot and Arms Drill, Field Craft, Skill-at-Arms, Physical Training, National Policy, Open and Close Country Warfare, Internal Security, Academic Education, Military Service, and Military Law. This comprehensive training was designed to produce disciplined, resilient, and highly capable soldiers.ready to uphold the Force’s operational readiness and defend Guyana’s sovereignty.
Delivering the feature address, Colonel General Staff, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, MSM, commended the graduates for their determination and adaptability throughout the demanding course, noting that their training had forged in them the three pillars of soldiering: physical fitness, discipline, and skills. He reminded them that physical fitness is their first weapon and constant shield, discipline is the spine of a soldier, and skills and adaptability are the sharpened edge that keeps them ready for any mission, urging them to let their actions say to friends and enemies alike that Guyana is strong, her soldiers are ready, and her sovereignty is not negotiable.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding individual achievements. Recruit Keron Solomon earned the titles of Best Graduating Student, Best Military Knowledge, and Best Fitness. Recruit Lebron Smith secured the Runner-Up Student award, Recruit Geronimo Mac Donald was named Best Shot, and Recruit Antwone Denny received the Best Drill award.
The Basic Recruit Course remains one of the most pivotal stages in the GDF’s training pipeline, equipping soldiers with the physical, mental, and tactical capabilities required for modern defence. Each graduate who marched off the parade square did so with a renewed commitment to service, discipline, and national pride, a living reminder that the readiness of the GDF is inseparable from the security and sovereignty of Guyana.
