Exercise Victoria Cross Upskills 3FIR Personnel
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces is investing half a million dollars in training and upskilling their own this financial year.
Part of this funding, approved in the 2018-2019 August Budget announcement was directed towards the recently completed Exercise Victoria Cross for the 3rd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) unit held in Vanua Levu. The exercise is named after the highest and most prestigious military award in the face of the enemy that is awarded to Commonwealth forces.
Sefanaia Sukanaivalu is the only Fijian recipient for the award. He was a member of the 3FIR.
For three weeks, at least over 300 personnel lived off their full 25kg pack – hail, rain or shine.
On social media, speculations were rife.
But the exercise is a normal part of any military institution around the world.
The only difference is that these exercises are designed to suit the humanitarian, military and peacekeeping operations the RFMF takes part in.
In February, Exercise Cabe-Siro, designed to assess and bridge infantry skills between the ranks took place in the Nausori Highlands.
Exercise Victoria Cross was to upskill 3FIR members and ensure they are prepared to perform any given task within the military at any time whether it be local or abroad.
There were three areas of focus:
1. PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS Location: Nubu, Macuata
Activities: Vehicle checkpoints and snap road checks concluding with a live firing exercise.
2. JUNGLE WARFARE Location: Namuavoivoi to Wainunu, Bua
- Activities: The four phases of war are practised where they advance and are harassed by the enemy. They then proceed to their defensive position where they develop the position to provide defensive cover and conduct offensive operations prior to their 10 kilometres withdrawal march to the pickup point. 3. URBAN WARFARE
- Location: Valeci, Savusavu
- Activities: Military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) with emphasis on Civil Military Cooperation, vehicle checkpoints, improvised explosive devices, key point protection, amphibious operation and crowd dispersal.
With newer weapons in the RFMF armoury like the rocket-propelled grenade launcher, 81mm Russian mortar and 50 calibre machine guns - participants are expected to master all the weapons as they were never used before.
Like any organisation, RFMF’s ability to upskill, train and develop its personnel to expand their skill sets, creates a significant competitive advantage when compared to similar sized military institutions in developing countries around the world. ROSI DOVIVERATA