Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) chief-of-staff Colonel Ratu Jone Kalouniwai is currently visiting the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in South Korea.

He said he had accepted an invitation to observe the programmes offered there.

Colonel Ratu Jone said RFMF was in partnership with the college-based officer training programme and would be adopting some of its programmes here.

The college was established in 1961.

According to Wikipedia South Korea’s Conscription Law also known as mandatory military service or compulsory national service enacted in 1965, however, applies only to males, aged between 18 and 35, although women are allowed to enroll in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps as of 2010.

Applicants to the programme go through a screening process; a written exam, an interview and health examination, and a background check.

Once accepted, members undergo physical and military education throughout the semester; they are also required to undergo actual military training.

After commissioning, they serve for two and a half years; an individual may choose to extend his or her service past the required period in pursuit of an active military career.

Colonel Ratu Jone flew out on Monday.

Edited Ranoba Baoa

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