Lieutenant Colonel Jermaine Burns of the BDF is in charge of the Force's Directorate of Training. As such, he is responsible for ensuring that instructors have the training to properly develop recruits.
But, he was caught on a secret recording chastising lower-ranking soldiers about their abuse of BDF recruits-which is a widespread and documented problem in the forces.
But, was his language too strong? Well, officers who leaked it to us suggest he was abusive and intimidatory. But, you be the judge:
Voice of: Lt. Col. Jermaine Burns
"And I don't know if it's something inside your head that's not clicking that we are transforming training, that you can't abuse recruits. You cannot abuse recruits. But it seems like you guys don't like these things that you have on your mind."
"So we have two sergeants right now on the chopping block and a Lance Corporal and I will tell you that now. Before you go on trial, That's what I recommend."
"As long as those reports point to any evidence of you abusing."
Colonel Burns referred us to his commander, Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, who told us, quote, "I have no issues with the message that Lt Col Burns was conveying to those non-commissioned officers under his command. There is zero tolerance for unwarranted abuse of recruits. His language served a clear professional purpose and is well within ethical and organizational parameters. He definitely got their attention quickly and his message was reinforced in a memorable way. His message was tailored to his audience. He was unambiguous and his communication was immediate and effective."
