Sixteen (16) commissioned Officers from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) graduated from the Grade 3 Officers course at the Officers Training School in Vatuwaqa on the 13th of December 2019. Officiating the closing of the course was Colonel (Col) Onisivoro Covunisaqa who is currently the Director Force Development with the Strategic Headquarters.
While delivering the closing address this afternoon, Col Covunisaqa stated that the course was basically aimed at preparing an officer to perform or carry out various task in a Defence Force.
“The staff and tactics course is to prepare you all for the responsibilities of leadership of Defence Force at operational level and at a joint operational environment…also to enhance your interpretation for your superior in high command and intent both in war and peace time within a setting of a battalion or company level. Right now you should be able to analyze or scrutinize high level missions and intents to derive your own,” Col Covunisaqa said.
Col Covunisaqa told the graduates that it was important to constantly practice all that they have learnt during the course as it will be of great use in various operations such as Peacekeeping and Human Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR). He also added that the officers should venture out and attain more in education as it will result in professionalism; something of which an officer needs.
The 2019 Grade 3 course also included the participation of two pacific island Officers from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) in Tonga.
Lieutenant Kaufusihema Palefau who is a Second-In-Command (2IC) in the Royal Tongan Marines stated that the course was an eye opener and had instilled a lot of knowledge in terms of critical thinking and adopting the right attitude.
“I have learnt a lot during the course, in particular being able to think critically and equipping yourself with the right attitude and knowledge even if we have little resources, we can still conduct the right training.” Lt Palefau said.
Lieutenant Palefau was awarded with the Best Staff Duties award whilst Lieutenant Logavatu from the Third Fiji Infantry Battalion (3FIR) won the tactics and overall candidate award.
