no longer to address their superiors as 'Sir' but
need only use their functional title or rank; but the main benefit
was the substantial psychological break-through, the realisation that
it was no longer necessary or possible, in our terms, to separate the
so-called purely professional approach from the general programme for
development. Military insularity was at an end.
11 CONSOLIDATION
The following years saw steady expansion, development and training. There were many far- reaching structural changes after 1971 which permitted greater flexibility and mobility. For example at the beginning of 1972, the functions of Chief-Of-Staff and Commander were finally separated and Col Price, on promotion to the rank of Brigadier became Chief-Of-Staff and military adviser to the Prime Minister. Colonel Ulric Pilgrim - one of the first Guyanese officers to be trained for the GDF - was appointed Commander of the Force under the Chief-Of-Staff.
This had become necessary after the rapid expansion of the force to cope with its over increasing responsibilities placed on it by a growing commitment to Border security and to national development tasks. Several of the support and service units had to be increased in strength to provide better service for line soldiers now deployed throughout the length and breadth of our vast country. The GDF was providing more service for the wider community, and its intimate involvement in government's programme entailed modifying its structure to achieve these broader objectives. Particularly, it should be mentioned that the Guyana Youth Corps based at Tumatumari, the Guyana Farm Corps, based at Wauna and the Guyana National Service all were partially
11 CONSOLIDATION
The following years saw steady expansion, development and training. There were many far- reaching structural changes after 1971 which permitted greater flexibility and mobility. For example at the beginning of 1972, the functions of Chief-Of-Staff and Commander were finally separated and Col Price, on promotion to the rank of Brigadier became Chief-Of-Staff and military adviser to the Prime Minister. Colonel Ulric Pilgrim - one of the first Guyanese officers to be trained for the GDF - was appointed Commander of the Force under the Chief-Of-Staff.
This had become necessary after the rapid expansion of the force to cope with its over increasing responsibilities placed on it by a growing commitment to Border security and to national development tasks. Several of the support and service units had to be increased in strength to provide better service for line soldiers now deployed throughout the length and breadth of our vast country. The GDF was providing more service for the wider community, and its intimate involvement in government's programme entailed modifying its structure to achieve these broader objectives. Particularly, it should be mentioned that the Guyana Youth Corps based at Tumatumari, the Guyana Farm Corps, based at Wauna and the Guyana National Service all were partially
staffed by GDF Officers and NCOs from their initiation. GDF was able to assist in training and administration
at the highest levels.
More attention had to be paid to the Administrative and logistic branches which in the heat and excitement of the early years could not receive the painstaking attention they deserved since situations arising demanded solutions to other more important operational problems. Administration became more stable, training improved, new departments catering for welfare, sport and housing were established and staffed, the small Corps of Drums was developed into a proper military band, construction of barracks, and other buildings needed by the Force went on and better and more modern equipment arrived. Fortunately, during this period, the border problems which were the most demanding on manpower and material, remained relatively stable and permitted the Force to attend to its house-keeping.
The greatest threat to national security came at a time of national elections. Since they had been thrown out of office in 1964, the PPP had been losing popularity and support steadily. Not only were key members openly abandoning the derelict ship, but the wholesale embracing of a foreign ideology which was not related to the conditions of Guyana, alienated many more supporters who were thinking of development rather than dogma.
National elections were scheduled for July 1973, Realising that their hold on the electorate was slipping further and in an abortive attempt to forestall an obvious and overwhelming PNC victory, a campaign of violence and
More attention had to be paid to the Administrative and logistic branches which in the heat and excitement of the early years could not receive the painstaking attention they deserved since situations arising demanded solutions to other more important operational problems. Administration became more stable, training improved, new departments catering for welfare, sport and housing were established and staffed, the small Corps of Drums was developed into a proper military band, construction of barracks, and other buildings needed by the Force went on and better and more modern equipment arrived. Fortunately, during this period, the border problems which were the most demanding on manpower and material, remained relatively stable and permitted the Force to attend to its house-keeping.
The greatest threat to national security came at a time of national elections. Since they had been thrown out of office in 1964, the PPP had been losing popularity and support steadily. Not only were key members openly abandoning the derelict ship, but the wholesale embracing of a foreign ideology which was not related to the conditions of Guyana, alienated many more supporters who were thinking of development rather than dogma.
National elections were scheduled for July 1973, Realising that their hold on the electorate was slipping further and in an abortive attempt to forestall an obvious and overwhelming PNC victory, a campaign of violence and
