By Zoila Palma: The Belize Defence Force (BDF) marked a historic milestone last Wednesday as Warrant Officer Class 1 Dee-Ancor Reyes officially became the first woman to serve as the Force Sergeant Major (FSM), the highest position attainable by an enlisted soldier without becoming a commissioned officer.
Reyes assumed the role from Warrant Officer Class 1 Wilfredo Majano during the Belize Defence Force’s Intake #69 passing-out ceremony, held on July 15, 2026.
BDF Commander Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez expressed pride in the advancements of women within the BDF and said that Force Sgt Major Reyes has broken barriers.
“It means a lot because this is the first female who has been appointed as force sergeant major. And the force sergeant major is the top non-commissioned officer in the Belize Defense Force. And that person is responsible for advising the commander on the welfare and morale of the soldiers. So, she’s the link between the soldiers and the commander. And she advises the commander about best practices for the soldiers. She has broken big barriers and big ceilings. Since the inception of the Belize Defense Force, it has always been a male-dominated appointment. And she is eminently qualified to be the force sergeant major. She didn’t get it because she’s a female and we needed a female to put there to look good. She’s eminently qualified. She’s done her rounds. She’s well-educated. So far, she’s doing a great job,” the BDF Commander told 7News Belize.
The post BDF Commander emphasizes advancements of women within BDF appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The Belize Defence Force (BDF) marked a historic milestone last Wednesday as Warrant Officer Class 1 Dee-Ancor Reyes officially became the first woman to serve as the Force Sergeant Major (FSM), the highest position attainable by an enlisted soldier without becoming a commissioned officer. Reyes assumed the role from Warrant Officer Class
The post BDF Commander emphasizes advancements of women within BDF appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.