SERVING in the military means serving the people of Fiji, says Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto.
“Congratulations for completing 12 weeks of training. This has made it possible for you to be part of the pass out parade,” Rear Admiral Naupoto told the 94 recruits during their passing out parade at the Togalevu Naval Base yesterday.
In other careers, you might spend half an hour sitting in front of someone during an interview and they will make a decision.
“Here it took you 12 weeks to go through various training and tests and in the end, you got the job.
“I would like to thank you for the good turnout and the wonderful display of cohesiveness you have shown.”
He said there was a reason behind him highlighting the 12 weeks of training during the parade.
“The job you want is a job of service and the job of service requires a lot of dedication, endurance and commitment,” he said.
“Today as you pass out, you join me and everybody here in uniform to be part of the RFMF family. Today as you pass out, you become a servant of the people.
“You and I are servants of the people and our bosses are the people sitting around us here.”
He said the recruits needed to reflect and develop five important traits while serving in the military.
“Those five traits are character, compassion, competent, confident and connection.”
Ordinary seaman Mosese Tikicidre who was awarded the Exceptional Recruit in All Aspects of Training Award, thanked God for His guidance in his life, especially helping him endure the 12 weeks of training at the naval base.
“It hasn’t been an easy transformation for me, from being a civilian to being navy personnel and the training has helped me tremendously,” he said.
He also thanked his parents for supporting him over the years, especially when enlisting for the navy.
