Ten members of the Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) have attended training in China, covering military drills and formation.
Head General Major Lere Anan Timor that it was very important that F-FDTL members received training abroad in drill and formation so that they could learn about which ones are appropriate in Timorese culture.
He said F-FDTL members had also attended similar training in the past in Malaysia and the US.
Up until now the F-FDTL has not had any specific military drills or formation and Anana said it was important that this be defined in the F-FDTL statute and legislation.
“We should have our own drill, a permanent one. The defense force leader can be changed, but not the drill and formation,” he said.
Those who attended the two-month training course from May to June included two members each from the Unit support center, Navy, ground forces and unit Training Center, as well as one each from the Maritime Police Unit and General Quarters.
National MP Jacinto Viegas Vicente said that training was important to develop the skills of personnel and improve standards in the military in the future.
However, he also called for members to serve in positions according to their experience and proficiency level when they return to Timor-Leste.
“For example, if they attend training about [military] drills, then they should be placed in that area,” he said.
This would ensure that positions were filled by personnel with relevant professional experience, as was the case in other countries, he added.
