Army Life Changes Private Mereani Wakolo

Recruitment in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces rewarded Private Mereani Wakolo in many ways.

Discipline was tough to accomplish for someone like her who was quick tempered growing up.

“The discipline instilled in us during basic training changed me big time,” Private Wakolo said.

“It was the practice of self-control and believing in me enough to know that I can accomplish my goals, even when it doesn’t seem possible.

“With that I have gone to other side of the world, accomplished many challenges, learnt many new things, made new friends and I am so blessed to return home safely after one year.”

Private Wakolo, 26, was one of the 82 RFMF soldiers that returned home on Monday after 12 months Tour of Duty (TOD) in Iraq. She said her first TOD experience was tough.

“Going on my first trip on a tour on duty wasn’t easy,” she said.

“It was such a tough experience as I was the youngest on that tour. I am thankful the older ones helped me with what I needed to know and do.

“I have learned a lot about what it is like to be on a battlefield. It was a good experience for me. I am happy to be back with my family.

Private Wakolo is the eldest of three siblings; she attended  Suva Sangam College before the Frank Hilton Organisation, a non-government organisation (NGO).

She said joining the army was a life-changing experience.

“I had issues which I wasn’t able to deal with. I remember when I was in Year 13 at Suva Sangam School; I disrespectfully threw a book at a teacher because she humiliated me in front of the class.”

“Those indiscipline and disrespectful attitudes were changed after I joined the RFMF. It was the tough drill that I went through, and I thank those in leadership for all that they instilled in me,” she added.

Ms Wakolo represented RFMF women’s rugby team, which toured New Zealand the previous year.