The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 1/25 Junior Non-Commissioned Officer’s Course Graduation Ceremony was held today (17 July, 2025) at the Force Training Group in Nasinu.

The Chief Guest for the occasion was the Chief of Staff, Land Force Command, Colonel (Col) Peni Naliva, who delivered the closing address and officially congratulated the 32 graduates on successfully completing the intensive 12-week program.

“This day marks the end of twelve weeks of hard training in which you were expected to push yourselves to excel in both the physical and theoretical aspects of the course,” Col. Naliva stated.

Col. Naliva emphasised that the participants were carefully selected by their respective units based on their leadership potential and the need to prepare them for expanded responsibilities within the RFMF.

“Your respective units selected you to attend this course to enhance the leadership potential they identified in you and to prepare you to take up the mantle of greater responsibilities.”

Col. Naliva reminded the graduates that their journey as leaders was only beginning.

“You rejoin the ranks with the RFMF’s expectation that you will go forth and apply the skills you have been taught. By doing this, you become enablers, force multipliers—agents of further change and progress,” Col. Naliva added.

The JNCO course is a foundational leadership development program within the RFMF, designed to strengthen junior leaders’ proficiency in administration, leadership, training, and operations. It also incorporates key military planning and analysis tools, including the Individual and Combat Military Appreciation Processes.

Col. Naliva highlighted the importance of continued training and development for the RFMF’s success, stating, “Resilience is the cornerstone of the RFMF—no matter what the circumstances, we adapt and we overcome.”

In conclusion, Col. Naliva thanked the Defence partners for their continued support, especially the New Zealand Defence Force for providing an instructor to assist in training. He also thanked the instructors from the Force Training Group for their dedication to shaping the young men and women into skilled soldiers.

JNCO Course Award Recipients:

· Administration Award – 32800 SPR TUICICIA

· Regimental Duties Award – 32158 PTE GUCAKE

· Training Award – 32158 PTE GUCAKE

· Leadership Award – 32800 SPR TUICICIA

· Best All Round Award – 32800 SPR TUICICIA

· Peer’s Award – 32800 SPR TUICICIA