𝗨𝗦 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗙𝗠𝗙 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Engineer Regiment Lieutenant (Lt.) Viliame Rigamoto last week graduated from the highly prestigious US Army Military Engineer Academy in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, earning a Diploma in Military Engineering and qualifying as a Company Commander. In addition to this, Lt. Rigamoto was also awarded the best international student award, symbolizing his dedication and commitment during the duration of the course.

Lt. Rigamoto stated that he had gained a lot of interesting insights during the duration of the course that connected theories to practical application in real-time situations. He stated that this was a crucial component in learning, particularly for assuming leadership roles where the effective interpretations of concepts into pragmatic actions are paramount.

“The significant highlight of the course for me was when I was selected to be the Brigade Adjutant (S1) for a Brigade Joint Combined Arms Exercise with other military branches by understanding the precise application and how it connects from the theories discussed in the classes aided by practical sessions,” Lt. Rigamoto said.

“The application of these theories to practical actions, I believe, is an important aspect of competency that ensures missions and tasks are achieved through informed decision-making and well-executed directives. I am looking forward to applying what I have learned within my space of leadership in the RFMF.”

Lt. Rigamoto stated that his learning journey was an eye-opener, specifically in his field of expertise in the RFMF Engineers Regiment, and was thankful to both the RFMF and the US military for being given the opportunity to study abroad.

“The Engineer Captains Career Course is a key course for engineer officers to pursue given the exposure to a variety of disciplines that are pertinent to our work. This was a massive opportunity for me to be a part of, and I am grateful that there are military partnerships like this that exist to help us to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the work that we do, especially in achieving institutional priorities.” Lt. Rigamoto said.

In addition to this achievement, Lt. Rigamoto has also attained several higher education and military qualifications, including a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Geography and Land Management and a minor in Politics from the University of the South Pacific, and later on graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma in Military Strategies and Management from Hindustan University in India.

Lieutenant Rigamoto, a former student of Queen Victoria School, hails from Lopta, Oinafa, in Rotuma, with maternal ties to Noco in Rewa dedicated his achievement to his late father and his family.

“This achievement I dedicate to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to the cherished memory of my late father. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to my family for their constant prayers and support.” Lt. Rigamoto concluded.