Republic of Fiji Military Forces

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦: 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗙𝗠𝗙

For many in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), education provides an important pathway for personal growth, professional development, and preparation for life beyond military service.

Commander Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Kalouniwai, today received a courtesy call from former Deputy Commander RFMF, Brigadier General (Ret'd) Dr. Mohammed Aziz, Dean and Professor of Law at the Justice Devendra Pathik (JDP) School of Law, University of Fiji – Samabula Campus, at the RFMF Headquarters, Berkeley Crescent, Suva.

The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the RFMF and the University of Fiji, building on the legacy of RFMF personnel who have pursued studies in Law, International Relations, and Diplomacy through the institution.

Discussions focused on exploring postgraduate academic pathways that will enhance the professional knowledge and leadership capabilities of RFMF personnel while supporting lifelong learning and career development during and beyond military service.

The initiative reflects the RFMF's commitment to investing in its service personnel by expanding access to quality education and developing a professional workforce equipped to meet future security challenges. Follow-up visits to the University of Fiji will be undertaken to raise awareness of the available academic programmes and encourage personnel to take advantage of these educational opportunities.

📸: 𝗦𝗦𝗚𝗧 𝗣. 𝗪𝗮𝗾𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗮

Duty | Courage | Sacrifice

At Mawaraka on 23 June 1944, Fiji's soldiers demonstrated all three. This week we remember Corporal Sefanaia Sukanaivalu VC and the men who fought beside him.

Day 2 | Infantry Week 2026

𝟯𝗙𝗜𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗘𝗗 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Earlier today (23 June 2026), the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) received a framed copy of the Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) U.S. Army XIV Corps Unit Citation for its combat actions during World War II as part of the Infantry Week celebrations.

The Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) – Homeland Affairs, Major General (Maj Gen) Lance Okamura, officially handed over the citation to the Commander Land Force, Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Onisivoro Covunisaqa, replacing the original copy that was destroyed when the old 3FIR complex was destroyed by fire in 2021.

During the handover ceremony, Maj Gen Okamura commended the officers and soldiers of 3FIR who served with distinction during World War II, acknowledging their courage, sacrifice, and dedication.

"We would like to present this to you. It's a commendation for outstanding service, for your gallantry, your bravery, your sacrifice, and your service that you get to be proud of every single day," said Maj Gen Okamura.

While receiving the citation, Brig Gen Covunisaqa expressed his sincere appreciation to Maj Gen Okamura and the U.S. Army Pacific for their thoughtful gesture in restoring an important piece of 3FIR's history.

He noted that the citation serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of those who served before them and reinforces the enduring partnership between the RFMF and the U.S. Army.

The XIV Corps Unit Citation recognizes the exceptional service and distinguished combat performance of 3FIR personnel who fought alongside Allied forces during World War II, leaving a lasting legacy of courage and professionalism that continues to inspire today's generation of soldiers.

📢𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘: 𝗥𝗙𝗠𝗙 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗘

𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment officially commenced Infantry Week 2026 today (June 22, 2026) with an opening parade at Albert Park in Suva. The event brought together serving members of the RFMF and defence partners to mark the start of a week dedicated to celebrating the history, traditions of the infantry.

Chief of Staff Land Force Command, Colonel Penioni Naliva, who officiated at the opening, said this year’s theme, “We Are All Infantiers,” reflects the shared infantry foundation that unites all members of the RFMF regardless of corps, trade, appointment, or rank.

“In an increasingly uncertain security environment, the infantry soldier remains the cornerstone of military effectiveness, adaptable resilience and will always be ready to respond,” Col Naliva said.

Col Naliva highlighted that the theme serves as a reminder of the values, discipline, and fighting spirit that underpin military service across the Force. He said the infantry remains central to the RFMF’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges and fulfil its operational responsibilities both at home and abroad.

He further noted that the week’s programme, which includes route marches, field exercises, community engagement initiatives, and interactions with defence partners, is designed to strengthen operational readiness, discipline, teamwork, and unit cohesion. He also commended personnel for the professionalism demonstrated during recent training activities and exercises, including Exercise Guadalcanal.

Col Naliva also highlighted that the upcoming whole-of-government Exercise Bougainville will provide another important opportunity to test preparedness, interoperability, and collective capability among participating agencies and partners.

Reflecting on the significance of Infantry Day, commemorated annually on 23 June, Col Naliva said the occasion provides an opportunity to honour infantry soldiers, past and present, who have served with dedication and distinction.

“As we begin this week, we must never forget the significance of Infantry Day. It is a day to honour all infantry soldiers, past and present, who have served with dedication and distinction. It is also a day to remember our fallen comrades who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” he said.

Col Naliva encouraged personnel to draw inspiration from the legacy of Corporal Sefanaia Sukanaivalu VC, whose courage, selfless sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty continue to embody the highest ideals of military service and what it means to be an infantryman.

He concluded by urging all ranks to uphold the values of courage, discipline, teamwork, and selfless service throughout Infantry Week and beyond while strengthening the bonds within their units and with defence partners.

Infantry Week 2026 will feature a series of military, community, and commemorative activities aimed at fostering esprit de corps, strengthening partnerships, and recognising the enduring contribution of the infantry to national security and regional stability.

📸: 𝗟𝗖𝗽𝗹 𝗥.𝗣 𝗩𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗮