I thank God and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) for placing their trust in me to serve as a Padre during Exercise Diamond Strike and Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2025.

Over the past two months, I have had the privilege of serving alongside chaplains from 19 nations, supporting more than 30,000 troops across both exercises. This marked my first experience operating in a simulated battlefield environment, a time that was both spiritually enriching and professionally challenging.

One of the key challenges I encountered was adapting to the high-intensity tempo and operational demands of field ministry. Providing pastoral care in a combat-simulated environment required emotional resilience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to offer meaningful support to personnel dealing with fatigue, isolation, and operational stress.

Throughout this experience, I discovered the profound power of presence over words—that simply being there, listening, and walking alongside soldiers in the field holds deep spiritual significance. I also gained greater insight into the vital role of spiritual leadership in sustaining morale, guiding ethical decision-making, and fostering unity within diverse teams during complex missions.

This deployment has sharpened my pastoral skills and reaffirmed my calling: to serve those who serve, especially in times of challenge and uncertainty.