BDF Band Training Camp 2018
BDF Media Release | 04 SEPT 18
Photography credit: Lcpl Bellamy C, Pte Brathwaite RR, OS Matthews – Ifill J
The Barbados Defence Force Band commenced its annual 2-week training camp on Sunday 12 August 2018 at St Ann’s Fort, the Garrison. This period presents the opportune time to focus on the Band’s primary role in the provision of quality music for Force and private functions, and its operational role as medical staff.
The aim of Band Training Camp 2018 was to improve the operational readiness, general musicianship, band drill and physical fitness. The primary objectives were to develop operational readiness competency as an element of the BDF Field Medical Facility, improve the overall quality of music, standardize band drill, and improve the fitness level of personnel.
Training was held on a daily basis in accordance with the training programme and included several Force engagements in week 1 and private functions in week 2. Marching and Concert Band rehearsals were conducted by Lt Brian Cole (Director of Music), Sgt Rouse C (Drum Major) and/or Cpl Alleyne St C (Bandmaster Ag). Physical Training was directed by CSgt Oughterson M and included self-defense sessions. Band members also took part in a Hike in the Bath, St John area led by Extreme Hikers Barbados.
Pte Gittens K playing Tuba at the BDF 39th Anniversary Church parade.
The Field Medical Facility Training was a coordinated effort under the direct supervision of the FGMF staff and included First Aid training and briefs from Major Alfred Taylor and Major David Binks. The Band members are part of the medical first responders for the BDF for disasters or such like events.
The band was encouraged to nurture a spirit of volunteerism and see the benefits not only for our neighbours but for ourselves as well, as we may also be affected and their participation and experience in the training will assist emergency medical care to commence sooner.
Commodore (Cdre) Errington Ricardo Shurland was appointed Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) on 1 September 2021. He enlisted in the BDF in February 1984 and in a military career spanning over 34 years, has served in various operational and administrative appointments.
Colonel Glyne Grannum joined the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) on 18 October 1985 and underwent career development training at the Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School, Chilliwack and the Combat Training Centre, Gagetown New Brunswick, Canada. He subsequently attended the Infantry Training Centre and the Signal Wing in Warminster, UK (PCBC and RSO Courses respectively), the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in San Remo, Italy; the Lester Pearson Canadian Peacekeeping Centre, the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College, Kingston, the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College, Toronto, the National Defence University of the People’s Liberation Army People’s Republic of China and the Centre for Hemispheric Defence Studies, National Defence University, Washington. He also attended a Defence Resources Management programme at National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa, Canada. In addition to being a qualified infantry officer, Col Grannum is a qualified Regimental Signals Officer and a former Operations Officer and Finance Officer of the BDF.
Colonel Banfield joined the Barbados Battalion of the South Caribbean Force in 1941 having just left the Cadet Corps at Combermere School, and was granted a commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1942. He was a Platoon Commander and a Company Commander during the war and served in Barbados, Dominica (as part of the Gale Force), St Lucia and St Vincent.
Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Marshall is a graduate of the St Michael, and was born on the 5 November 1969 and enlisted in the Barbados Defence Force on 16 August 1994. He was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in August 1997, Corporal in 1999, Sergeant in 2007, Color Sergeant in 2014, Warrant Officer Class Two in 2017 and Warrant Officer Class One in 2020. He was Most Outstanding Student on Junior Leadership Course in 1998, the Most Outstanding Student on Junior Non Commissioned Officer Cadre in Jamaica in 2000, best at Leadership on the Search Adviser Course in Jamaica in 2007 and the Most Outstanding Student on the Warrant Officer Course in Jamaica in 2015.
