The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) will select six candidates to train at the prestigious United States Military Academy West Point.

RFMF Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto has confirmed this was the first time RFMF cadets would be trained at West Point.

He said the offer was made when the Under Secretary of the American Navy, Thomas Modly, visited the country last September.

West Point is regarded as one of the top military leadership preparation colleges in the world.

The West Point alumni includes such famous generals and presidents as Ulysses S Grant and Dwight D Eisenhower.

Current US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Buzz Aldrin, one of the first two men to walk on the moon, are among many other leaders to study there.

Recruitment is open to men and women. Those who wish to take up the challenge must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:

• Be at least 17-years-old but not older than 21 on 1st July 2019;
• Must score a minimum of 300 marks in English plus best 3 subjects in FSLC/FSFE for 2018 secondary school leavers. Must score 85 per cent or above in English;
• Must have a minimum GPA of 4.0 and above for tertiary students. Have good written and oral communication skills
  • Be a Fijian citizen
  • Must be single
  • Must Not be legally responsible for child support
  • Minimum height of 170cm
  • Must be physically and medically fit
  • Be able to swim
  • No criminal record

They are to appear in person at the RFMF Officers’ Training School, Viria Road East, on January 31, 2019. Those selected after the interview will undergo training before the top six are selected. The programme they undertake at the West Point US Military Academy will largely depend on their individual assessment. This will be conducted by both RFMF officers and US Embassy officials.

Chief Staff Officer International Defence Corporation, Captain Netani Kaukimoce said this was a new opportunity for younger leaders.

He said the successful candidates are likely to undertake a programme where they would return home with a degree and a military commission.

The six are expected to be in the US by June.

We continue to strengthen our relationships with longtime allies and expand to new partners as the Republic of Fiji Military Forces will send six cadet candidates to train here at #WestPoint#Allied2Win #Partnerships https://t.co/pnBTpUlRk1 pic.twitter.com/FJj2S1DXZ6

— U.S. Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) January 15, 2019

The US Military Academy at West Point’s mission is to “educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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