01/2022 Republic of Fiji Military Forces Passing-Out Parade
July 15, 2022 Force Training Group, NASINU
·
The Commander of the
Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major-General Jone Kalouniwai;
·
Members of the
Diplomatic Corp;
·
Commanding Officer
of the Force Training Group;
·
Parade
Commander and the Training Team;
·
Distinguished
Guests;
·
Ladies and
Gentlemen.
Miau sa bula re and Good Morning to you all. Vinaka Vakalevu Padre for the word of
God shared this morning - I believe it is befitting for us all. It is an honour for me as your Head of
State and Commander-in-Chief to officiate as the Chief Guest and to review this
Republic of Fiji Military Forces Passing Out Parade.
At the outset, I wish to congratulate those who are
passing out today - thank you for your dedication and determination that has allowed
you to be part of today’s passing out parade. I also wish to acknowledge the
parade commander; the force training group as well as those responsible for the
training of new recruits into the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. I acknowledge
your respective contributions in training the aspiring young Fijian men and
women with Military standards and values that lie at the core of Military
training and ethos. I make particular mention of the important role of the New
Zealand Defence Force, a big “Vinaka
Vakalevu” in providing instructors to assist the training team. To the
families who are present here today, I would like to thank you for your continued
moral and spiritual support that has encouraged your sons and daughters over
the years. Your hard work and sacrifice has paid off as you witness your loved
ones pass out today.
Ladies and gentlemen, military training is a process
that intends to establish and improve the capabilities of both existing and
aspiring soldiers according to the needs of any army. I for one can vividly
recall those good old training days - daunting, and quite an ordeal. However, be reminded that those are part of
the military’s shaping process to instil discipline, organization values,
knowledge, skills and desired attributes required of a highly competent
soldier. To those passing out today, joining the military is not just something
you do, or something to pass the time with, it is a way of life, a vocation - with
that said you are now a soldier.
Today is indeed an extraordinary and proud day both on
a personal and national level. Today’s passing out parade is the beginning of
the rest of your lives, some of you will become officers; few will be posted as
Regular and the Territorial Force members. Whichever path you take, those
military attributes you have acquired undoubtedly will be of great value to you
in life.
As the newest members of the
Republic of Fiji Military Force, I wish to remind you that your new role will in
addition to having a personal impact, will equally impact your families,
communities and the entire nation.
Under the 2013 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji,
the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is mandated and is responsible for the
overall security, defence and well-being of all Fijians and our beloved nation.
With that said - at times your perseverance, loyalty and integrity may be put
to the test. At all times be mindful of the decisions you make on a daily basis
and how it will impact those around you. Remember that your role is embodied in
the Constitution and upholding it becomes your obligation. You must continue to
uphold the institutional values of integrity, teamwork, the will to win,
courage, dedication to duty and family. These values have steered our Nation to
peace, prosperity, united under a common identity and equal citizenry and a
Better Fiji for All.
Today we live in a world that has changed drastically
over the years and we are challenged by external forces both natural and
man-made. You must always be ready to heed the call of our nation and must be
steadfast. Your role does not only limit you to serve locally but also to serve
our regional and international community. You now fall into the ranks of our
brave men and women who over the years continue to carry on the legacy of our
brave forefathers who have fallen for the service of world peace.
You marched on this morning as Recruits for the last
time and before you march out as proud members of the Republic of Fiji Military
Forces, I want to congratulate you one more time and emphasize to you to uphold
the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and its values at heart and never forget
the hard work you have put in these past 13 weeks.
With those few words, I take this time to congratulate
the Recipients of the various awards today. Congratulations once again to the
116 new members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
May the God
bless us all and our beloved Fiji! Vinaka
Vakalevu!!