“Always remember that confident and skilled JNCOs are an asset to our Land Force because they make things work.” These were the words articulated today (25th September 2020) by the Commander Land Force Colonel (Col) Manoa Gadai as he officiated the graduation parade for the 1/20 Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (JNCO) course at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.
Col Gadai stressed the importance of having effective leaders at specific levels in the institution and stated that JNCOs played an important role in the military in terms of execution of tasks from commands.
“Today, the RFMF needs strong and effective leaders at the tactical and operational levels, so that we can all collectively address the many issues we face every day. It is high time now that you take up your responsibilities seriously and take ownership of our roles and undertakings as a fighting force,” Col Gadai said.
“At a tactical level, you are the commanders on the ground who executes the task in accordance with the mission handed down by your superiors, who draw their direction from my Command Intent. Without the JNCOs, a military has ‘no hands’ to do the work at a tactical level.”
In addition to this, Col Gadai also reflected on the sacrifice of the late Corporal Sukanivalu and used his actions as an example to the course participants. He stated that Cpl Sukanaivalu was exemplary in displaying all the excellent qualities of a JNCO to the point where he gave his life during a challenging situation.
The bracket of the JNCO compromises of Lance Corporals and Corporals who are Section Second-In-Command (2IC) and Section Commanders.
Lance-Corporal Iseri Tikosuva of the Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment was awarded the top student award.
