The Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ (RFMF) yesterday held the passing-out parade for 242 new recruits which included 192 women, its largest batch of female recruits.

RFMF Commander Brigadier- General Mosese Tikoitoga, who officiated at the event, said this was a milestone for the RFMF.

The parade, held at the Force Training Group (FTG) in Nasinu also included 50 male recruits.

“One of the reasons for this is that we need to conform to the UN requirement of having more females deployed in peacekeeping missions,” Brigadier-General Tikoitoga said.

“As we all espouse to conform to international standards of gender equality we must also ensure that we share the responsibilities of maintaining the standards, customs and traditions of the RFMF that makes us who we are as an institution.”

The Commander reminded the recruits that the values and skills taught throughout the 12-weeks training were not only useful in their military career, but also relevant outside of their military life.

Brigadier-General Tikoitoga also revealed that according to the last regimental numbers issued the RFMF had already recruited 33,798 personnel.