THE Republic of Fiji Military Forces has vowed that its transformation into a professional and democratic institution is permanent.
At the passing-out parade for 145 new recruits at the Force Training Group in Nasinu yesterday, RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai told the recruits that the military’s strength was now measured by its integrity and commitment to serving the Fijian people.
He said the RFMF had deliberately chosen a new character after decades in which the military had been associated with political intervention.
“In the December 2022 General Election, the RFMF ordered every soldier to honour the democratic process, whatever the outcome,” he said. “That instruction broke three decades in which the shadow of the barracks fell over the ballot box. It is now the standard you inherit.”
He acknowledged the November 2, 2000 mutiny, saying the RFMF had confronted its darkest day rather than burying it. He said reconciliation was not weakness but represented a permanent change of course.
Ro Jone said the RFMF had strengthened its operational capability, including deploying a platoon to RIMPAC for the first time this year to work alongside US Marines and the Indonesian Marine Corps.
