Training for Falintil Defence Force of Timor-Leste members follows the North Atlantic Treaty Organization system because the NATO doctrine has advantages, according to F-FDTL Brigadier General Filomeno Paixão.
The F-FDTL Commander said the Portuguese military, which is a member of NATO, gave training to F-FDTL members through a sergeant promotion course for officials, captains, majors and generals in Portugal.
“Because of this, I say it’s to hold up the NATO doctrine, and it’s not just Portugal but also Australia, America, Malaysia and China.”
He said the training gave them a qualification, but to be promoted to captain members had to go to study in Portugal.
According to him, many F-FDTL members have contributed to other nations that needed help, especially those in conflict.
“Last year there was a section that went to Lebanon, worked there for a year and now they have returned,” said Brigadier Paixão.
Currently, he said F-FDTL was preparing three majors and engineers to go to Lebanon and some to go to other nations that need help.
On the other hand, Member of Parliament Inaacio Moeira said the NATO doctrine is good and it’s a positive step for F-FDTL members to contribute to other nations.
“This indicates that our forces also have the capacity to participate in United Nations missions, in particular in NATO,” said MP Moreira.
He said like it or not, as a sovereign nation Timor-Leste should participate in humanitarian work, especially in nations with conflict.
