Guyana Defence Force

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The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is the military service of Guyana.


Guyana Defence Force

Founded 1966
Military age 16 years of age for selection process, 17 years of age is actual serving age (As of 2007)
Expenditures
Percent of GDP 1.8% (2006)

Contents

[edit] History

The GDF was formed on November 1, 1965. Members of the new Defence Force were drawn from the British Guiana Volunteer Force (BGVF), Special Service Unit (SSU), British Guiana Police Force BGPF and civilians. Training assistance was provided by British instructors.

The GDF is an integral part of the Guyanese nation. Resources and equipment of the GDF are used to help other Guyanese, examples include medical mercy flights and the construction of roads and airstrips by the Engineering Corps.

Enlistment into the Force is voluntary for officers and soldiers. Basic training is done within GDF training schools, which has also trained officers and soldiers from Commonwealth Caribbean territories. However, Officers are trained at two of the world-renowned British officer training schools: Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (Infantry Training) and Britannia Royal Naval College (Coast Guard Training).

The training and skills gained by the members of the GDF have been used when they move either into civilian life or into the sister military organizations, the Guyana People's Militia (now the Second Infantry Battalion Group Reserve) and the Guyana National Service.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Army Equipment

APC EE-11 Urutu

[edit] Motto

The motto of the Guyana Defence Force is "SERVICE".

[edit] Aircraft Inventory

The GDF operates two aircraft, including one helicopter.

Aircraft Origin Type Versions In service[1] Notes
Bell 412 Flag of the United States United States transport helicopter 1
Cessna 206 Stationair Flag of the United States United States utility U206G 1

[edit] References

  1. ^ "World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, Aviation Week & Space Technology, January 15, 2007.

bell 206

[edit] External links