Platoon Sergeants play a central role in maintaining discipline, translating command intent into action, and ensuring operational effectiveness at the unit level, according to Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Castello, Director of the Senior Command and Staff Course 20 of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

His remarks were delivered during the graduation ceremony for 41 ranks, including one member of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, who successfully completed the GDF’s 13-week Platoon Sergeant Course conducted by the Training Corps. He pointed out that Senior Non-Commissioned Officers are the backbone of the Army.

The programme prepared participants to lead and administer infantry platoons during peacetime operations and limited warfare. Over the duration of the course, ranks were trained in skill-at-arms, drill, minor staff duties, close country warfare, internal security operations, force method of instruction, leadership studies, military law, physical training, history of the GDF, administration, military ethics, information technology, and communication skills.