In 1976, in the face of threats to the territorial integrity of the country, and the depletion of the Reserve, a decision was taken to reactivate the system of volunteer reserves, and the Guyana Peoples’ Militia (GPM) was established on December 1, 1976, as the Reserve element. With the rallying cry of “Every Citizen a Soldier”, the citizens of Guyana responded in large numbers from across the length and breadth of the country. From its inception, the role of the GPM was to provide a framework on which mass preparation for emergencies could be carried out during a period of rising tensions; to support the Regular Force in all its functions when called upon to do so, and to provide a reservoir of trained recruits for the Regular Force.
Between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s, the GPM was severely affected by the downturn in the economy. Money for the payment of stipends and the purchase of food, kit and equipment were drastically reduced, resulting in decreased recruitment and membership. This resulted, ultimately, in the GPM losing its autonomy and being relegated to the 2nd Infantry Battalion Group (Reserve) in August of 1997. In December 2015, the Reserve element was renamed the Guyana Peoples’ Militia. The name was once again changed on April 1, 2022, to the Guyana National Reserve (GNR).
After its initial establishment in 1976, the Reserve had its Headquarters relocated from Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara to Georgetown and finally to its main training location at Base Camp Seweyo on the Linden Highway. It currently comprises a Regular Battalion (Two Infantry Battalion), a Reserve Battalion, and the Guyana National Cadet Corps. The GNR is commanded by a Commandant in the rank of a Colonel.
