BDF deputy urges drill instructors to uphold discipline, standards

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force Mark Peterson has urged a new cohort of drill instructors to use their training to reinforce discipline and leadership across the region’s uniformed services, warning that their influence will shape organisational standards from day one.

Speaking at the closing ceremony and parade for the All Arms Advanced Drill and Ceremonial Course One at the Barbados Coast Guard headquarters, Peterson congratulated the approximately 30 national and regional participants who completed eight weeks of intensive instruction, reminding them that the course was about far more than mastering parade square movements.

He told the graduates that drill remains a fundamental part of military and uniformed service development, shaping not only appearance and bearing but also character and teamwork.

“The aim of drill is to produce a soldier who’s proud, alert, and obedient and to form the basis of teamwork,” Peterson said.

Reflecting on the transformation of the participants over the duration of the programme, he added: “Look at yourselves now…that individual is no longer an ideal to chase; that individual is a person staring back at you from your own reflection, standing proud, shoulders back, eyes two inches above your own body height, spirit intact.”

Peterson stressed that drill serves a practical leadership purpose, helping commanders move units in an orderly and disciplined manner while fostering responsiveness and command presence among those being led.

“The purpose of drill is to enable a leader to move a unit in an orderly manner, to instil precision, responsiveness, and to develop all members in the practice of command,” he said. “You have not only practised it, you have not only commanded it – you’ve become it.”

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force Mark Peterson inspecting the troops during the evening's graduation ceremony. (SB)

Graduates from the All Arms Advance Drill and Ceremonial Course One 2026, participating in the graduation drill exercise. (SB)

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force Mark Peterson (right) presenting Most Outstanding Student SGT Baggio Harewood with his award. (SB)

But he cautioned the newly minted instructors that their role carries significant responsibility, warning that drill should never be used as punishment.

“To our newly graduated drill instructors, always remember that drill must never be used as a punishment. It is about raising standards and forging unique cohesion,” Peterson said, noting that “smart drill depends on three things – discipline, practice, and the correction of faults.”

He urged the graduates to model excellence in their professional conduct, dress, deportment and work ethic as they return to service across the defence force, police, prison and fire services and the Youth Advance Corps. 

“You are now the subject matter expert,” Peterson told them. “You are responsible for maintaining and in some cases, raising the organisational standards. That responsibility begins now.”

(SB)