The
Guyana Defence Force (GDF) came into existence on November 01, 1965
when training began under a team of instructors from the United
Kingdom. Recruits for the new Force were drawn from the British
Guiana Volunteer Force (BGVF), Special Service Unit (SSU),
British Guiana Police Force (BGPF) and Civilian Volunteers.
The GDF is very much an integral
part of the Guyanese Nation in that it is regularly involved in
community tasks, National Development and Emergency Mission
whereby use is made of the resources and equipment that are at
the GDF's disposal
For example, the force
produces some of its own food through the Agriculture Corps, sew
its own uniforms through the Ordinance Corps. The Air Corps is
regularly involved in medical mercy flights from hinterland
areas. The Engineer Corps has been employed on the construction
of hinterland roads and airstrips continuously as in various
aspects of nation building in other ways.
Enlistment into the Force is
voluntary for Officers and soldiers and there is no
discrimination against women. Much of the basic training for all
arms and services is done within GDF Training Schools, which
have trained many Officers and soldiers from Commonwealth
Caribbean territories. Many soldiers have gained valuable
training and skills while serving In the Force, they have gone
on to become key staff members in the sister military
organizations. The Guyana People's Militia (now the Second
Infantry Battalion Group Reserve) and the Guyana National
Service.
ROLE OF THE GDF
- Defend the territorial
integrity of Guyana.
- Assist the civil power in
the maintenance of law and order when required to do so.
- Contribute to the
economic development of Guyana.
MOTTO
The motto of the Guyana Defence Force is "SERVICE".
BENEFITS
Career Plan
Medical (soldier and nuclear
family)
Accommodation
Uniforms
Meals
Rent Allowance (for married
soldiers)
Ration Allowance (for married
soldiers)
Laundry
Leave Passage Allowance
Pension and Gratuity
GRATUITY
Officers / Other Ranks 8
years continuous service
14 years
Compulsory age of retirement
in rank condition: gratuity < 5 times annual amount of pension.
PENSION-FULL RATE
Officers / Other Ranks -
compulsory age of retirement in rank
Qualifying service – 14 years
Compulsory age of retirement
in rank condition: gratuity < 5 times annual amount of pension.
RETIREMENT
Lieutenant Colonel and above
Majors to Captains
Lieutenants, Second
Lieutenants & Warrant Officers
Staff Sergeants to Privates
20 years Service
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