FACTS ABOUT THE GDF

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) came into existence on 1965-11-01 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.