The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, emphasized that the military’s role extends beyond its uniforms and weapons. In a recent interview on The Lens@177, he explained that the RFMF continues to be relevant for several reasons, including providing employment for over 5,000 personnel.
Kalouniwai discussed the changing dynamics at international, regional, and national levels, highlighting the need for the RFMF’s involvement in various situations, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic, where they played a significant role despite it not being their primary responsibility. He pointed out that the RFMF’s contributions are part of a broader security framework and expressed the importance of public understanding of the military’s diverse functions.
He acknowledged that past coups have contributed to a perception problem regarding the RFMF, limiting awareness of its multi-faceted security roles. When asked about the possibility of reducing personnel in response to the forthcoming National Defence and Safety Review, Kalouniwai stated that while it is a challenging topic, the RFMF must follow the government’s recommendations. However, he sees it as an opportunity to advocate for maintaining current personnel levels.
Kalouniwai mentioned discussions about the RFMF’s productivity, noting that the Prime Minister recently praised the military’s participation in peacekeeping efforts at a leaders meeting in Tonga. He also pointed to the RFMF’s commendable contributions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the region. He concluded by asserting that the RFMF has significant responsibilities to fulfill within the country and expressed a desire for more officers to support these efforts.