k, Bands: containing regimental, steel and string bands.
l. Medical Corps: conducts medical
training, provides staff and manages treatment centres at the bases.
m. Agriculture Corps: runs farms to produce
food and trains soldiers in agriculture techniques.
n. Quartermaster Corps: maintains bonds and stores to provide all
supplies needed by soldiers. It coordinates procurement by and for all units
and Corps.
o. Catering Corps: runs kitchens and messes and
trains and provides staff throughout the Force.
p. Transport Corps: manages all force land transport
vehicles and minor river craft. It also trains drivers.
q. Institute: manages welfare and benevolent funds
and provides a canteen service for all units.
r. President's Guard Company: provides a guard for
the security of the President of the Republic.
s. Base Command: provide for the security of the
bases and all common series for resident units.
LINE UNITS
The remaining units of the Force which can be deployed for action are:
a. Infantry: which contains units of foot soldiers as well as conventional infantry supporting sub-units and combat engineers. The basis of the GDF, infantry units contain the bulk of fighting troops.
b. Engineer: which is charged with all types of road
building, airstrip construction and building construction. Engineers
are the leaders in developmental tasks and recruit all types of tradesmen,
skilled and unskilled labour.
c. Marine: which provides surveillance on the
entire coast and maintains the integrity of our territorial waters
by constant patrolling.
d. Air: which provides a useful transport, liaison and reconnaissance
capability.
The country is divided into several military sectors for coastal-internal security
operations and hinterland - Border Defence Operations.
15. MILITARY SERVICE
Service in the GDF is voluntary. It is open to all male and female Guyanese
citizens over the age of eighteen years for a period of up to twelve years.
It is a challenging and exciting profession and there is never a shortage of
recruits.
Normally the new entrant, as a recruit or Officer Cadet must complete a basic course of training but this may be deferred or waived the person possesses a skill or qualification which is urgently needed in the Force.
