Fresh from the morning’s flag-raising parade, the rhythmic echoes of marching feet transitioned seamlessly into the steady cadence of a military workout as Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS. led the Ensigns of Standard Officer Course 56 on an early morning physical training run that took them beyond the gates of Base Camp Ayanganna and onto the open road.
The Ensigns moved in perfect formation, voices unified as they sang traditional military cadences that lifted morale and strengthened camaraderie. Leading from the front, Brigadier Khan embodied the very principles he instills in his officers, endurance, unity, and strength through collective purpose, hallmarks of those entrusted with the nation’s defence.
At the conclusion of the run , Brigadier Khan addressed the Ensigns, urging them to embrace awareness, adaptability, and agility as essential qualities of effective military leadership. Awareness, he noted, demands attentiveness not only to the operational environment but also to the welfare and morale of subordinates. Adaptability ensures resilience amid changing circumstances, while agility, both physical and mental, enables swift and decisive responses to emerging challenges.
Held on the eve of their commissioning, the activity carried deep symbolic meaning. Six of the Ensigns are from the Guyana Police Force, four from the Belize Defence Force and the remainder will serve the Guyana Defence Force
Following the conclusion of all the Commissioning events, the new Officers will take their place in the Officer Corps of their respective organisations, among leaders charged with upholding duty, discipline, and honour.
The morning’s exercise served as both a test and a reminder that the journey of an Officer begins with strength of body, clarity of mind, and purpose of heart.
