Nineteen junior officers, including three officers from regional partner defence forces, have commenced training on the Junior Command and Staff Course No. 34 (JCSC #34) at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The cohort comprises 16 officers from the GDF, two officers from the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), and one officer from the Saint Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF).

The 12-week programme is designed to prepare officers to serve effectively as junior commanders and staff officers across the full spectrum of military operations. It seeks to strengthen participants’ leadership capabilities, operational planning skills, critical thinking and professional competence, equipping them to meet the evolving demands of modern military service. The course curriculum encompasses a broad range of areas essential to effective command and staff functions, including military operations, operational staff procedures, leadership, military law, management, planning, decision-making and other aspects of professional military development. The course was officially opened by Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, Colonel General Staff of the GDF.

In his opening remarks, Colonel Roberts underscored the importance of professional military education in developing capable, adaptable and effective military leaders. He encouraged the participating officers to approach the course with commitment, discipline and an open mind, while taking full advantage of the opportunity to broaden their professional knowledge, sharpen their leadership abilities and enhance their effectiveness as future commanders and staff officers.