19 Officer Cadets, currently undergoing training on the Standard Officers Course (SOC) #48, were promoted to the rank of “Ensigns” at an Ensigncy Parade held at the Drill Square, Base Camp Stephenson BC(S)Ensigns of the Standard Officers’ Course No. 48Timehri, last Wednesday.The promoted Officer Cadets? consisted of 16 Officer Cadets including two women from the Guyana Defence Force; two female Officer Cadets from the Belize Defence Force and one female Officer Cadet from the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force.Upon successful completion of their final phase of training, the Ensigns will be promoted to Second Lieutenants.According to a release, the SOC is designed to transform – in one year – a civilian, into an Officer, who can lead men and women in peacetime and combat, and covers a number of subject areas which includes an intense programme of military skills and tactics, vigorous physical fitness and team activities, which are assigned to provide stamina and group spirit,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, leadership and command methods, management techniques, military law and national policy.The release also indicated that the SOC provides a solid foundation for subsequent professional development of all Officer Cadets entering the GDF, indicating that many Senior Officers of the Joint Services have also received this training.“The SOC is also highly recognised by Militaries in the Caribbean and Associate nations who have sent and continue to send their ranks to undergo training”, the release stated.Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips reviewing the parade.The SOC#48, commenced on March 27 with a total of 45 Officer Cadets which saw one Officer Cadet being selected for overseas training at the US Military Academy West Point, 25 either withdrew or failed to achieve the required standards to continue the training.The Ensigns were decorated with their new badges of rank by the Chief Of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips.In attendance at the event were the parents, relatives, officers, soldiers as well as special invitees, who all joined in congratulating the Ensigns as their new badges of rank were conferred.In his address to the Ensigns, Chief Of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips congratulated the Force’s newest leaders. He told them it is incumbent upon them to discover very early, how ethics and values will aid them in carrying out their purpose in life.“It is important that at the beginning of your military career that you read, re-read and live the Values and Standards of the Guyana Defence Force… It is important,Air Max 2018 Shoes, because regardless of how competent you are, how good a leader you will be, your success in the accomplishment of your missions and tasks will, from the start to the end of your career depend on your character – therein lies the importance of the core values of duty, discipline, identity, integrity and loyalty, and of course, the core standards of responsibility; respect for the law,Cheap Jerseys Wholesale, respect for others, correct conduct and appropriate social behaviour,” Brigadier General Phillips urged.Further, he pointed to the importance of leadership and the intellectual demands of an Officer. He also prepared their minds for service on the borders and in this regard, he admonished that they will be expected to use their competence to foster discipline in their Sub Units to develop soldiers of character. “You, therefore, have an important role to play, to create and sustain your Sub Unit with the skill, trust and confidence needed to be successful in all types of military operations,” he stated.The Ensigns are slated to complete training within six weeks,Cheap NHL Adidas Jerseys, and as an integral part of their training, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making are important skills they must master very early in their military career.“As, Ensigns about to commence the final stage in your preparation for Officership , it is important for me to inform you, to impress upon you that an Officer must be, above all else, a leader, a person whom men and women will follow into danger and discomfort in order to accomplish missions and tasks. Leadership, therefore,Wholesale Jerseys Online, demands a dedicated responsibility towards the men and women you will command,” the Chief of Staff implored.