The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) officially concluded the 01/25 Regular Force Junior Staff Officers (JSO) Course on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, with a formal dinner held at the RFMF Officers Training Centre in Vatuwaqa. The ceremony was officiated by the RFMF Chief of Staff, Brigadier General (Brig-Gen) Sapenafa Motufaga.

A total of 13 participants – comprising two Warrant Officers and eleven Officers from HQ RFMF, HQ Land Forces Command, and HQ Navy – successfully completed the intensive 10-week program.

The JSO Course is designed to build foundational competencies in military staff duties and administration. It equips junior officers with the knowledge, skills, and professional mindset required to support command functions across all levels of the RFMF – both in domestic operations and international deployments. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including military communications, staff processes, legal frameworks, administrative procedures, financial and logistics systems, and principles of command, leadership, and training.

A key feature of the course is the integration of the “Veiliutaki Framework,” through which all participants were accredited at the Lead Leaders level – reinforcing the RFMF’s commitment to values-based leadership.

To bridge theory with practice, participants also engaged in a series of visits and briefings across various RFMF headquarters. These engagements provided real-time insights into the responsibilities and challenges faced by staff officers across the institution. Briefings were delivered by HQ Land Forces Command, Directorate of Force Development, Human Resources Management, Army Legal Services, the Maritime Essential Services Centre, Joint Logistics Command, and other key units – ensuring participants contextualized their learning within the operational realities of the RFMF.

In his closing address, Brig-Gen Motufaga emphasised the importance of applying the knowledge and skills gained with discipline and purpose. He encouraged officers to remain intellectually curious and to embrace lifelong learning, particularly in an era shaped by rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence.

“While technology can support decision-making,” he noted, “it must never replace your ability to think critically.”

He further underscored the importance of mastering military procedures, maintaining personal and professional discipline, and leading with confidence and competence.

“Your growth as junior staff officers will directly influence the morale and performance of those you lead,” he stated.

Brig-Gen Motufaga also highlighted the centrality of effective communication – both written and verbal – as a core leadership skill. He reminded officers that true professionalism is rooted in sacrifice, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to duty. He urged them to uphold their oath to serve the nation with integrity and to embrace the responsibilities that come with their roles.

As the ceremony concluded, participants were reminded that this course marks not the end, but the beginning of their journey as staff officers. The knowledge and experience gained will serve as a strong foundation for future leadership and continued service within the RFMF.

1/25 𝙅𝙎𝙊 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨:

1. Communication Award – Awarded to Lieutenant Alifereti Dakuwaqa who scored the highest aggregate marks in the communication Module

2. Administration Award – Awarded to Lieutenant Kasanita Namoce who scored the highest aggregate marks in the Administration, Military Law, Finance, Logistics and the CLM Module.

3. Day in the Life of a Staff Officer – Awarded to Lieutenant Marika Naupoto who scored the highest aggregate marks in the ”Day in the Life of a Staff Officer”.

4. Student of Merit Award – Awarded to Lieutenant Alifereti Dakuwaqa who scored the highest aggregate marks overall.