The Bahamas Military and Maritime Academy (BMMA), partnering with members of the Rhode Island National Guard (RING), held its first Common Faculty Development-Instructor Course (CFD-IC) August 4-15. The course was designed to improve instructional methods, strengthen curriculum delivery and promote adult learning.
The program brought together 16 participants and seven observers from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and BMMA faculty, as well as three RING course facilitators. Attendees experienced more than 80 instructional hours from group and individual presentations.
The course facilitators from RING — Sergeants 1ST Class Timothy Baker and Ryan Gilligan, and Staff Sgt. Nicodemus Manzotti — played a key role, actively challenging participants to ensure alignment with certified and accredited instructional standards. Their instruction reaffirmed BMMA’s commitment to excellence in military education.
The CFD-IC was the first course of its kind in The Bahamas, a milestone in the academy’s mission to enhance professional instructional standards. All participants earned formal certification, confirming their mastery of teaching methods that conform with U.S. military and international standards.
“This program is a major step forward in professionalizing our instructional corps,” said Commander Origin Deleveaux, commanding officer of BMMA. “Through the ongoing partnership with the Rhode Island National Guard (RING), we are ensuring our training and doctrine are standardized, effective, and on par with our allied counterparts.”
Chief Petty Officer Ian Hall and Petty Officer Nicola Hyler scored as top performers in CFD-IC exams. Able Woman Marine Branae Coakley ranked best overall.
The course is one step in a sweeping effort to improve and standardize training and doctrine within the BMMA and the RBDF. One of the goals is to ensure members are equipped with the skills needed to provide top-quality education and operational readiness training.
In testimony before the House Armed Services Committee in March 2024, Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, cited the importance of The Bahamas and the RBDF. “The Bahamas is a growing and willing partner in maritime security and associated intelligence and information sharing. …
“The USNORTHCOM bilateral frameworks with the Royal Bahamian Defence Force, and with other U.S. partners such as the United States Coast Guard and the Rhode Island National Guard are important to advancing mutual defense and security objectives. USNORTHCOM will continue to work closely with the RBDF to enhance shared maritime domain awareness and cooperation, and I look forward to building further on an already strong and beneficial relationship.”