Participants of All Arms Drill Instructor course a cut above the rest

The 28 members of the Barbados Cadet Corps who have successfully completed the All Arms Drill Instructor Course over the past two weeks have ensured that they have been set apart from their peers in their commitment and loyalty to Barbados and a sense of honour and respect for this nation.

This is coming from Adrian Knight, Sgt of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) who delivered the welcome address at the All Arms Drill Instructor Course 1/2017 Closing Ceremony on Monday evening at the BDF headquarters.

“There is one thing that sets us apart from our peers in society. We see the commitment and loyalty to our country and unit, we see a sense of duty, a sense of honour and respect for tradition, knowing that we are a part of a long distinguished tradition and stretches through the centuries. Each day that I marched onto barrack square I did so with the knowledge that I’m about to engage tomorrow’s leaders. I urge you to remember those unique traits of a drill instructor.”

He told them that they have worked hard and pushed themselves beyond what they may have thought were their limits to the point where they may have questioned what they were doing there in the first place as they worked through the rigorous programme and did not let the excruciating heat, the rain and the recent tropical storm, Harvey prevent them from completing this training.

“You have pushed yourself through the agony of two weeks of training. Along the way, I’m sure you faced a few moments when you asked yourself, ‘What am I doing here?’ This training you cadets have been through was not easy. The distorted faces and shirts soaked through with sweat and tears are testament to the determination and commitment residing on the inside of each of you. Through the sunshine and the rain, you have made it. Through the tropical storm and instructors insane you have made it. Cadets, you’ve trained and you are ready for your mission which lies ahead, knowing that success will be measured not merely by performance on the barrack square, but off it as well while understanding the cultures and traditions of a drill instructor.”

Knight urged them to remember the lessons learnt as they embark on their next journey in their lives and to note that as they return as adults to the BDF to serve their country, they would be able to perform at even higher levels.

“Remember also the BDF/Cadet motto: Excellence, a motto which will guide you as a drill instructor…Years from now when you cadets return here to serve your country and your shadows have grown longer, I have no doubt that you would have prevailed in the struggles of our times and I am sure that your legacy will be a Cadet Corps that has emerged stronger and better because of you.”