A total of 49 soldiers from the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) in the Western Division successfully graduated after completing an 11-week leadership course.

The graduates from the Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Promotional Course consisted of five female soldiers and 44 male soldiers. They were awarded at the Airports Fiji Limited Grounds at Namaka, Nadi, during the graduation ceremony yesterday.

Officer Commanding Delta Company of the Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) Major Mikaele Wara said there were various classes held during the course.

“It consisted of various classes of leadership, administration, operations, trainee needs and exercises which were also conducted here in the West,” he said.

“Most of the soldiers are from the two camps here in Nadi from Delta Company and Echo Company and others are from the Logistics Support Unit, the Force Training Group Unit, the 3FIR based in Suva and the instructors from Black Rock Camp and eight soldiers from the territorial force.”

Major Wara said the course started with 54 participants, but 49 graduated because the remaining number of participants marched out for various reasons.

Course manager Sergeant Petero Laivo said it was a challenging experience because it was the first time for the trainers to conduct promotional courses to outside units.

“This is the first time for the trainers of trainers from the Force Training Group and it was very challenging,” he said.

Edited by Epineri Vula