Serving In The Military & Upward Mobility!

[Mimbari]

May 01-2008:

Serving In The Military & Upward Mobility!


It Is All About What Level You Occupy!

In the military, your future could be great or terrible, because of
the level that you occupy at any given time in the ranking system.

When I was a teenager, I loved watching ceremonial parades on
Armistice Day, or the parades that the Guyana Volunteer Force had on
the Queens Birthday. And often wished to be part of that institution
some day. I got my chance for the first time in the Guyana National
Service in the 1970's as a Serviceman. The lowest rank in the staff
member's category. This organization was a par-military organization
formed specifically to co-op youths ages 16 and older to be pioneers.

The mission was formulated by the political party in government at
that time, which felt that the development of our hinterlands for
population re-settlements, agricultural development, exploration, and
even defense, was of paramount importance in the national agenda. This
institution operated similar to any military institution, except the
highest ranking officer was the Director General, Deputy Director
General, and Asst. Director General. These positions could be equated
to:

* Director General = A Brigadier

* Dep. Dir. General = Dep. Brigadier/Director General:

* Asst. Director General = Asst to the Brigadier/Director General.

We also had Camp Commanders in the ranks of Captains and Majors.

These positions depended upon the volume of personnel, and the
importance in the strategic and operational value that was placed on
them.

Operations/Divisions:

* Training Camps/Induction Training:

* Cotton Production Camps/fields:

* Cash Crops, Animal Husbandry;

* Special wrecking crews or defense units:

* Supply Stores/Warehousing:

Educational Preferences:

Most positions on the staff required some past experience/s and
related qualifications. And there was also some transfers from The
Guyana Defense Force personnel in specific areas of expertise, to help
manage this new institution. But the internal military hierarchy and
seniority procedures were expected to be followed and respected. I
recall working under the command of several individuals who may have
had little or no formal or completed secondary education. Gave
ridiculous instructions, shirked their responsibilities, ignored
procedures, all because they felt they were entitled to certain
privileges, or was superior to my rank in the system.

The political influence of the Ruling Party in government also played
a major role in appointing officers in the higher ranks too. And those
who were affiliated with the party's membership was seen as special,
and in most cases given preference in promotions, enlistment, or
transfers.


The Pioneer Corps:

The pioneer corps was the backbone and work horse of the institution.
These individuals were settled in the hinterlands, housed in billets/
barrack like housing units. Males and Females were separately housed
and supervised. And spent several months in these camps, worked long
hours, drilled as per procedure, and according to military
expectations. Planted and reaped cotton, legumes, and other cash
crops. Which was transported to the city for export or sale by the
governmental agencies and outlets at the time.

This was very hard and sometimes back breaking toil. But they were
expected to perform well under these circumstances. With
supplementary sessions of political philosophy/socialism being taught
to them as an impetus to propel them for the national good,
development, and survival. Most of these pioneers were in their teens
or adolescents. And I wonder just how many fully understood the
ramifications of this exercise, and responsibility.

Some died from accidents with firearm exercises, and training. But
mostly out of in-experience and some lack self-discipline too. These
pioneers were expected to serve three to five years, and when released
on graduation, would have had some basis skills that would enable most
to find entry level work in the public or commercial sectors, if they
chose that path. Some also chose to pursue higher education via The
University Of Guyana, The Critchlow Labour College, and The Georgetown
Technical Institute, upon graduation from the GNS.

Conclusion:

What I have found from my experience was that the military requires a
certain kind of mentality in individuals. If you intend to make a
career of it. And for those who expect to gain some skill or skills,
that may or may not be so, because one is almost never in total
control of his/her choices or desires.

Circumstances, needs, and institutional priorities determine who will
rise to the top, who will get specific posts or positions, and who
will get promoted upward.

The internal politics of the military or para-military institutions
differ very slightly from any civilian or governmental bureaucracy!

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.