Be Alert, Stay Focussed CO 3FIR Tells Troops
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) be ready at all times and be prepared to undertake any operational tasking directed by their superiors, the Commander Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Commander Land Force.
Thursday 02 May 2019 | 15:51
Lieutenant-Colonel Penioni Naliva speaks to the Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment during their battalion parade.
The Commanding Officer the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR), Lieutenant-Colonel Penioni Naliva has called on his troops to be alert at all times.
He made the call during the 3FIR first quarterly parade at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) parade ground yesterday, telling officers and soldiers that they should be aware of what was happening around them.
“We don’t want to be caught off-guard and we should be alert all the time,” Lieutenant-Colonel Naliva said.
Related stories
“You’re not to be easily swayed by what you hear. There’s a lot of rumours and meetings held outside our camp; make sure you are not easily influenced by their sweet talk and we must stand firm on our obligations to the RFMF.
"You must remain committed to your duty despite rumours and the alleged conduct of meetings outside the military institution."
Lieutenant-Colonel Naliva added that as members of the infantry battalion, it was important for them to be ready at all times and be prepared to undertake any operational tasking directed by their superiors, the Commander Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Commander Land Force. He concluded and cautioned his officers, Senior Non Commission Officers (SNCO) men and women serving under his command to stand firm and act only on his command.
He said troops should know their roles enshrined in the Constitution.
Section 131 (2) of the Constitution says – “It shall be the overall responsibility of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to ensure at all times the security, defence and wellbeing of Fiji and all Fijians.
He reminded them of the RFMF Commander’s intent and said they should abide by it and obey orders from the Commander RFMF, Commander Land Force Command and their commanding officer.
Water Authority issue
When asked if he was aware of what was happening at the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), Lieutenant-Colonel Naliva said the Fiji Police Force was responsible for that.
"We don’t want to be caught off-guard and we should be alert all the time.
“If they need our help, we are ready,” he said.
The CO 3FIR also confirmed that some of his troops would be assigned for peacekeeping duties later in the year. Edited by Epineri Vula
Feedback: maikab@fijisun.com.fj
