United States military officer rates RFMF infantry highly
I am also really proud of the Fijian Army and how disciplined and competent they are; Kangas
The United States of America soldiers could learn infantry tactics from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces says Lieutenant Colonel Louis Kangas, Battalion
Commander of the 27th Infantry Regiment.
The US Army is here to be part of a two-week programme with RFMF called Exercise Cartwheel. Mr Kangas is the highest ranking officer in the Sukanaivalu Barracks in Labasa.
He said this operation was also a means to ensure a free and open Pacific.
“Operation Cartwheel goes back to WWII where there was collaboration between the Fijian Army and US Army for a free and open Pacific and now we are looking into the future operating hand in hand with the Fijian Army, will be something to increase our inter-operability,” he said.
“The Fijian army is very competent and they do very well at their job so I believe this would be a great place to learn infantry tactics from the Fijian Army.
“Exercises like Cartwheel increases our readiness, and the ability to do our job also, the interoperability to do our jobs throughout the region, so exercises like this is positive for the world.”
For Mr Kangas, this is his first visit to Fiji. He said he was amazed at the hospitability of the people in Fiji.
“It is phenomenal, Fijians are so friendly and always welcoming. I am also really proud of the Fijian Army and how disciplined and competent they are,” he said. Mr Kangas said the US Army was also hoping that such exercises would allow them to have more security in the region.
“In the grand scheme of things we are looking for a free and open Pacific to sure everyone has security and everyone can be prosperous throughout the world,” he said. The US Army will also be visiting schools in Vanua Levu and members are excited about the community engagement.
There are more than 150 US Army personnel on Vanua Levu at this point in time. Exercise Cartwheel finishes on August 12.