𝗥𝗙𝗠𝗙 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗗𝗙 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗤𝗘𝗕

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), in collaboration with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), successfully concluded two Military Instructor (MI) courses at Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) in Nabua yesterday (11 April 2025).

The Chief Guest for the closing ceremony was the Commanding Officer of the Logistic Support Unit, Major Sirino Ropate, who congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the tireless efforts of both the participants and facilitators.

“This program is in line with my upcoming intent to upscale the soldiers in their specialties in accordance with the service we provide, and it will also transform our Logistic Battalion into a more professional unit by improving the quality of service that we produce,” said Maj Ropate.

Maj Ropate also emphasised that the skills and mindset gained would enable the participants to guide and support the professional development of others.

“This course is not just another tick on your professional journey but a pivotal milestone that enables you to directly influence the readiness and effectiveness of those you lead.”

Maj Ropate further reminded the new instructors that while the path ahead may be challenging, it will lead to growth and success, both personally and professionally.

A total of 19 NCOs completed the training, with 10 participants in Block One and 9 in Block Two.

Block One was conducted from 2nd to 7th April, 2025, focusing on NCOs directly involved in the development and future delivery of Maintenance, Operational Support, and Petroleum Operator IET courses. While Block Two, which was conducted from 8th to 11th April, 2025, expanded the training to a wider group of NCOs from across Land Force Command, particularly those not involved in IET development.

The training was facilitated by a combined team of experienced instructors, including four ADF personnel from the 7th Combat Service Support Battalion, Lieutenant Rebecca Rasmussen, Sergeant Joe Kubunavanua, Corporal Amy McHugh, and Corporal Christopher Culpas, as well as Staff Sergeant P. Suka of the RFMF Logistic Support Unit.

Each block concluded with the presentation of the Instructor’s Choice Award for leadership and instructional excellence.

Award Recipients:

Block One: Private L. Tinai (W33699)

Block Two: Corporal V. Lesi (33921)

The successful completion of these courses marks a significant step toward strengthening the RFMF’s internal training capabilities and further reinforces the ongoing RFMF–ADF partnership under the Coral Warrior series.