GDF blocking promotion, overseas training and duty free for Officers over BMI

The top brass of the Guyana Defence Force appears to want a trimmer, slimmed down Force and has reportedly started to block the promotion of some officers, as well as prevent them from accessing overseas training and their duty free concessions over their Body Mass Index (BMI).

Body Mass Index is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. However, in many instances, the calculation does not differentiate between body fat and muscle, which could mean that a person who may be healthy and muscular could be listed as overweight or obese.

Sources within the GDF have explained to News Source that while the GDF has always encouraged its members to be fit and healthy, the situation has never reached a stage where officers are being denied promotions, duty free allowances and overseas training over their BMI.

Many of the officers believe the new rule is not fair to them, and they are hoping for a reversal.

Several of them explained that they only learnt of the existence of the rule when they were denied their duty free allowance for vehicle purchase and denied access to overseas training programmes.

One medical doctor familiar with the use of the Body Mass Index, told News Source that while it is important for persons with a demanding job like the military to remain active and healthy, it would not be advisable to use their BMI to deny them their benefits, since the calculation is not scientific enough.

The medical professional said it would be more important for the GDF to put systems in place to ensure its members live a healthier lifestyle, and for those who might have a medical issue, to be given regular follow up treatment and care.

Efforts to get a comment from the Chief of Defence Staff proved futile.