Belize Defence Force congratulates two officers for graduating from the United States Naval Postgraduate School

Photo Credit: BDF

By Rubén Morales Iglesias:

“Congratulations are in order for Major Ivan Locario and Major Lionel Olivera,” the BDF said in a statement celebrating the recent graduation of two of its officers from United States Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

Majors Locario and Olivera graduated with Master’s Degrees after studying there since mid-2021.

“Major Locario was conferred a Master’s Degree in Science,” the BDF said.

“His degree concentrated on Defense Analysis with a focus on Special Operations/Irregular Warfare, graduating with a Grade Point Average of 3.91. The degree program addressed counterinsurgency, terrorism and counterterrorism, unconventional warfare, information operations, and other ‘high leverage’ operations in U.S. defense and foreign policy.”

The BDF said the degree emphasizes critical thinking skills and specialized knowledge.

The BDF said that as part of his degree requirements, Major Locario completed a thesis entitled: ‘Should the Government of Belize consider using emerging technology as a better way of managing its border?’

Major Locario also received three additional certificates in Western Hemisphere Regional Studies, Great Power Competition: Current Policy and Strategy, and Military Operational Intelligence.

According to the BDF, Major Olivera graduated with a Master’s Degree in Arts.

“His degree concentrated on Security Studies and International Relations with a focus on Policy and Strategy, graduating with a Grade Point Average of 3.80,” the BDF said.

The BDF said that under the program Major Olivera studied the nature and dynamics of military organizations and the domestic and international variables involved in formulating policies at the strategic level.

“The program also allows the student to combine a regional focus with comparative courses that discuss terrorist organizations and operations, the financing of terror, legal and policing developments in counter-terrorism, intelligence, and the military role in homeland defense,” the BDF said.

Major Olivera’s thesis was titled: ‘What measures can Belize implement to address the emergence of irregular migrants near its borders?’

Major Olivera also received a certificate in the Great Power Competition: Current Policy and Strategy.