𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿

The Force Training Group (FTG) conducted an investiture ceremony to officially appoint its Garrison Sergeant Major (GSM) through the presentation of an appointment letter. The GSM is the most senior soldier in a Garrison.

In his most recent achievements, Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Laitia Liloma completed the US Sergeant Major Course from the US Sergeant Major Academy in June 2024. In addition, in December 2024 he received a commendation from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for completing the ADF Joint Warrant Officers Course and was therefore admitted as a Graduate of the Australian War College on 27th December 2019.

This is a ceremony that has long been forgotten and was only made known because the current GSM of FTG has an appointment letter from when his late father was GSM of FTG.

During the ceremony, the Commanding Officer (CO), Lt Col Jeremaia Waqanisau, briefly highlighted some of the notable achievements of WO1 Liloma, GSM, before the appointment letter was read.

This ceremony added weight to the appointment and the vital role that the GSM/RSM plays within a unit.

Below are some sentences from the appointment letter:

1. The GSM is to provide sound advice and recommendations to the Commanding Officer about matters pertaining to the other ranks and their families;

2. The GSM is to uphold traditions and commands and to mentor and develop other ranks and ensure that they are capable of facing challenges in the execution of their duties; and

3. The GSM is the standard within the unit, and he will ensure the enforcement of the same to all members.