𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗥𝗙𝗠𝗙 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) today, 11 April 2025, marked the successful completion of the 1/25 Platoon Commanders Course and the 1/25 Section Commanders Course with a combined ceremony held at the Force Training Group in Nasinu.

During the eight weeks of training, both courses were conducted separately with different training content and objectives but ran concurrently, starting and ending at the same time. A deliberate change was implemented to ensure cost-effectiveness in the delivery of courses. The final field training exercise was held as a joint activity to strengthen leadership and coordination across command levels.

The ceremony was officiated by the Commander Land Force (CLF), Brigadier General (Brig-Gen) Onisivoro Covunisaqa. In his address, Brig-Gen Covunisaqa commended the graduates for their perseverance throughout the intensive training and emphasized that the strength of a platoon or section is rooted in its leadership.

“You have endured rigorous training, sharpened your tactical skills, and developed the sound judgment required of those in command. You have learned not only how to lead but also how to inspire loyalty, enforce discipline, and uphold the core values that define our military,” Brig-Gen Covunisaqa said.

Brig-Gen Covunisaqa further emphasised that leadership is not just about giving orders, but about earning respect, making important decisions, and gaining the trust of those under one’s command.

Brig-Gen Covunisaqa also acknowledged the efforts of the training team, which included two instructors from the British Armed Forces and two instructors from the New Zealand Defence Force, working alongside RFMF instructors to deliver the courses. He expressed appreciation to the support staff and international defense partners, represented by Lieutenant Colonel Sophie Waters (Great Britain Defence Attaché) and Lieutenant Colonel Grant Scobie (New Zealand Defence Attaché), for their role in facilitating the joint training effort.

Through these initiatives and the support of our partners, the RFMF is able to not only improve standards but also enhance interoperability.

In closing, Brig-Gen Covunisaqa congratulated the graduates and wished them continued success in their future command roles.

A total of 55 personnel from various RFMF units successfully completed the two courses.

This graduation was unlike those of prior courses as it incorporated a 20 km route march that started in Wailase and ended at the FTG drill square for the graduation ceremony—emphasising the resilience nurtured and operational nature of the two courses.

𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀:

Operations Award – 34917 2LT Timoci Turaganiqali

Leadership Award – W34887 2LT Eleni Mocelutu

Training Award – 35179 2LT Paula Waisake

Top Student Award – 34917 2LT Timoci Turagaqali

𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀:

Best Operations Award – LCPL J. Lakonaivalu (FTG)

Best Leadership Award – PTE M. Vakacegu (3FIR)

Best Student Peer Award – PTE J. M. Nalatu (3FIR)

Most Progressive Award – CPL Ryland (3FIR)