99382 Lieutenant Colonel Natasha Stanford is the Commanding Officer of the Women’s Army Corps. She enlisted in the Guyana Defence Force in March 1994. Her decision to enlist was largely influenced by her father, a former soldier. Her early interactions with the military stemmed from her athletic prowess which saw her participating in the Inter-Services Athletics Competition. “So, I saw the advertisement that they were recruiting for the Standard Officer Course and a now-retired Sergeant encouraged me to make use of the opportunity and I also felt that the GDF could assist me in boosting my athletic and academic abilities,” Lt Colonel Stanford stated.
Lt Colonel Stanford underwent training on the Standard Officer Course 25. So far, she has held appointments at several units of the Force including the Training Corps, the Coast Guard and Base Camp Stephenson and also worked as Officer Commanding of the Force’s Finance Department. Lt Col Stanford is currently the Staff Officer One General 4 – Finance and has completed all the necessary military and academic requirements which ensured her elevation in rank. She is the holder of a Diploma in Accountancy and a Bachelors Degree in Business Management. Lieutenant Colonel Stanford is currently the most senior Female Officer in active service.
“After almost 26 years of service, I still remember the day that I decided to enlist in the Guyana Defence Force. I have seen myself grow from one stage to the next and move from one rank to another and I cherish it all. The countless opportunities I have gained, I believe, far outweigh any experiences I may have garnered with any other career choice. As a female Officer and at this juncture of my career, I am honoured to lead this body of women. As we celebrate this 53rd Anniversary, we are privileged to be operating in an environment that not only fosters our growth but challenges us to reach our highest potential. My aim is to ensure that the members of the Corps are a group of empowered female ranks who are healthy, educated, trained and well equipped to perform their roles and functions in the Guyana Defence Force and wider society.”
