Some 30 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have successfully completed the Drill Instructor Course (DIC) and Skill-at-Arms Instructor Course (SAAIC), earning qualification to join the Force’s cadre of instructors. Conducted from March 9 to June 4, 2026, the DIC equipped nineteen SNCOs with the knowledge and instructional skills required to effectively conduct and supervise drill training in accordance with the GDF Drill Manual.
Running concurrently, the SAAIC prepared eleven ranks to plan, conduct, and supervise live-firing exercises and live grenade throwing in accordance with the GDF Shooting Policy and Pamphlet No. 21, which governs the planning, conduct, and supervision of training involving infantry weapon systems and pyrotechnics.
For their outstanding performance, several ranks were recognised for excellence throughout the courses. Sergeant Jamal Johnson was awarded Best Graduating Student and Best Teaching Practice (DIC), while Sergeant Dason Ryan was named Runner-up Student. On the SAAIC, Sergeant Brentnol Carmichael received the award for Best Graduating Student, Sergeant Javed Dos Santos was named Runner-up Student, and Senior Petty Officer Shannon Ross-Cox earned the award for Best Teaching Practice.
Delivering the closing remarks, Regimental Sergeant Major of 1 Infantry Battalion, Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Cleveland O’Brian, congratulated the newly qualified instructors on their achievement while reminding them of the responsibilities that accompany their new role.
“Your successful completion of these courses demonstrates determination, commitment, professionalism, and a willingness to uphold the highest military standards. The knowledge and skills you have gained here are not merely qualifications to be displayed on paper; they are responsibilities that must now be carried forward into your units and demonstrated through your leadership and example,” he said.
The newly qualified instructors will now return to their respective units, where they will play a vital role in maintaining training standards, enhancing operational readiness, and developing the next generation of soldiers across the Force. (GDF)
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