Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) from across the Force are convened for the 2025 Annual Conference. This gathering serves as a critical forum for assessing the efficient use of resources, evaluating training objectives, reviewing project progress, and conducting a thorough analysis of all units of the Force. The conference provides an opportunity for senior enlisted leaders to reflect on past performance while charting the course for the future.
The theme for this year’s conference, “Transforming the Force to Better Confront the Nation’s Present and Future Challenges by Enhancing its Awareness, Adaptability, and Agility,” underscores the evolving demands of national defence and the need for a proactive, responsive, and resilient military force.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, in his feature address, emphasized the indispensable role that WOs and SNCOs play in shaping the operational effectiveness of the Force. He highlighted that their responsibilities extend beyond maintaining discipline and ensuring efficiency; they are the custodians of knowledge and experience, tasked with mentoring the next generation of soldiers. He further stated that, they play a vital role in training, and their commitment in this regard was evident during the recent incident along the Cuyuni River, where the professionalism and resilience of the troops stood as a testament to the strength of their preparation. He stressed that despite limitations, the soldiers effectively executed their maneuvers, demonstrating discipline under pressure and proving that rigorous training is the foundation of success on the battlefield.
During this reflection, special recognition was given to SNCOs Sergeants Andre Fraser and Kevon Davis, whose tactical proficiency was evident in the heat of the firefight. Though they were not present at the conference, their peers and fellow squaddies offered a resounding round of applause in acknowledgment of their performance, highlighting the camaraderie and respect that define the military profession.
Force Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One William Richmond, reflected on the journey the Force has undertaken and the significant contributions of WOs and SNCOs in building a well-trained and highly disciplined military.
He acknowledged the value of reflecting on past experiences but urged attendees to shift their focus toward the future, emphasizing the necessity of proactive planning to navigate evolving challenges. He underscored that true readiness is not rooted in hindsight alone but in the ability to anticipate, innovate, and respond effectively to emerging threats. Reinforcing the theme of the conference, he highlighted that situational awareness, adaptability in the face of change, and agility in execution is fundamental to ensuring that the GDF remains operationally prepared at all times.
As the conference continues, the WOs and SNCOs will engage in discussions that will shape the trajectory of the GDF. Through strategic planning, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration, the WOs and SNCOs will reaffirm their commitment to the transformation and advancement of the Force, ensuring it remains well-equipped to confront present and future challenges with awareness, adaptability, and agility.
