As part of their robust military-to-military cooperation, the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) and the US Army’s 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) leadership convened two days in a row.
The defense forces of the United States and Guyana talked about forthcoming engagements, including strategic planning sessions and procedures to improve both nations’ military readiness and capacities to respond to security threats, according to a press release from the US Embassy.
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The U.S. Army’s SFAB is a specialist force meant to advise and support partner countries. According to the announcement, the SFAB and the GDF have been conducting combined training exercises since 2022 to enhance their capacity and competence at the tactical and operational levels.
The visit takes place in the aftermath of intense hostilities between Venezuela and Guyana over Caracas’ intentions to organize a referendum on this nation’s Essequibo County.
The Advisors for SFAB said, “We are thankful for the opportunity to train with the Guyana Defense Force as our partners and friends. We look forward to deepening the partnership in the weeks and months to come.”
Lieutenant Colonel Andy Pompey, the GDF’s first general officer in charge of operations and training, stated, “The last iteration of U.S. military training here in Guyana has been of tremendous benefit to the Medical Corps and the 4 Engineers Battalion. The transfer of knowledge and expertise from our U.S. counterparts under the auspices of the SFAB has equipped our members with invaluable skills that are directly applicable to the dynamic nature of our modern security environment.”
He added, “As we witness the positive outcomes of this training, we are confident that the benefits will be enduring, impacting not only our force’s operational capabilities but also the professional growth of individual members. The SFAB program, with its focus on enhancing the capabilities of partner forces, is a testament to the collaborative efforts between our nations. We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of the U.S. SFAB training on our force.”
According to the release, the United States and Guyana have a long-standing security partnership that is exemplified by the GDF and SOUTHCOM’s close cooperation on disaster preparedness, humanitarian aid, maritime security, human rights, professional development, defense, and public-security missions, and combating transnational crime.
