Thirty-three Officer Cadets (OCDTs) of the Standard Officer Course 56 were officially elevated to the rank of Ensigns on Thursday, following a formal ceremony at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School (CUPOCS) Drill Square. The newly appointed Ensigns, including seven members of the Guyana Police Force and four from the Belize Defence Force, were decorated with their badges of rank by Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan.
In his address to the new Ensigns, Brigadier Khan congratulated them on their achievements, recognizing their hard work and dedication throughout the course. He emphasized the significance of leadership, stressing the values they now embody.
“You have faced challenges that tested your limits, and today you emerge stronger, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead troops. You stand not only as individuals but as embodiments of the core values: Duty, Discipline, Identity, Integrity, and Loyalty,” Khan stated.
Khan further urged the Ensigns to recognize that leadership transcends authority, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and the need to inspire others. “True leadership is not only about authority. As officers, you wear your rank on your shoulders, but also in your heart and mind. You must inspire your peers, family, and subordinates. Embrace the responsibilities that come with this role,” he added.
The promotion marks the successful completion of the first and most challenging year of the Ensigns’ training, with 70% of their physical training now complete. The next phase of their journey will focus on the remaining physical training and academic studies towards an Associate’s Degree in General Studies at the University of Guyana.
