A total of seventeen officer cadet candidates were commissioned on Friday 23 August 2019 after successfully completing the forty-eight weeks of rigorous training.
Parents, relatives and friends gathered at the RFMF drill square to witness the remarkable occasion held that morning.
The Chief Guest, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto told the newly commissioned officers that their graduation signified a new chapter of their career. “Your graduation today signified the end of the tough and demanding military training and the beginning of your career as officer of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces”, He said. He added that while the newly commissioned officers have a privilege to lead soldiers, the challenging aspects of the role was that they’ll be leading soldiers who are older than them and have been in the force for a long time. Soldiers who will expect a lot from them; to lead them in the right direction; to make the right decision on their behalf and expect them to uphold the military institution values and their welfare effectively.
“Today you will be pipped by those close to you, those that you have chosen yourselves to the honours and I have no doubt that they will do it with pride and as they do, I want you to remember this one thing ‘trust’” said the Commander.
“Trust that you will continue to learn and develop into great military leaders; trust that you will uphold the values of the institution; trust that you will execute all your duties with diligence and integrity; trust that you would not abuse the authority and powers that is given to you; trust that you will be our hope for a peaceful, safe, and secure Fiji into the future”, Commander RFMF said.
The ‘Sword of Honour’ was awarded to 2nd Lieutenant Timoci Tukana Vugakoto the overall candidate of the Cadet Officers course who displayed excellent knowledge, skills and attributes in all areas of the course, this includes Command, Leadership, Tactics, Operation and Regimental duties and also consistently upheld and display the values of the RFMF. The 2nd Lt also received the Regimental Awards who had performed outstandingly in regimental duties, displayed high standards of dress, bearing and performed exceptionally well in regimental drills, and he also received the third award which is the Overall Leadership award who displayed excellent leadership skills in both field and in barracks.
Out of the 107 candidates who attended the course in September 2018, 17 successfully completed the Course.
