When 18-year-old school leaver Kini Tuisolia submitted her application to join the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) in 1988, she had no way of knowing she was stepping into history.
Fresh out of high school and driven by a desire to serve her country, she sent in her application by mail—uncertain of what lay ahead.
Two weeks later, she received the call that would change her life.
Looking back, Kini recalls her entry into military life as stepping into uncharted territory.
The discipline was immediate and uncompromising—from learning how to iron uniforms and tie shoelaces to regulation standard to cutting her hair and adapting to strict routines.
“I remember preparing my clothes on a Sunday,” she recalls.
“That afternoon, we were to march in at Nasinu. As I was packing, my mum asked where I was going, and I told her I had enlisted for army recruitment.”
For Kini, joining the military became more than a career—it became a foundation for life.
“Joining the army instilled confidence in me. It equipped me mentally, spiritually, and physically. It’s a profession where your daily routine is governed by authority—from head to toe.”
In 1988, history quietly unfolded at the RFMF when women were, for the first time, welcomed into its recruitment drive.
On 5 February that year, 42 courageous women marched into camp to begin recruit training—an act that would forever change the course of the RFMF and challenge long-held norms within a traditionally male-dominated institution.
From that pioneering cohort, 20 women advanced through Officer Cadet Training, and seven were commissioned as officers.
Each carried the responsibility of breaking barriers, proving capability, and setting standards for generations of women who would later serve in uniform.
Over the years, the women of WRACS 1/88 proved their value across every aspect of military service. They served in administration, medicine, engineering, communications, logistics, and infantry roles.
They commanded sentries, held senior appointments such as company sergeant major and regimental sergeant major, and took on both operational and administrative leadership responsibilities.
Beyond Fiji’s shores, they represented the nation with distinction in peacekeeping missions in East Timor, Lebanon, Sinai, Iraq, and the Golan Heights, strengthening the international reputation of the RFMF and reinforcing Fiji’s commitment to global peace and security.
For Kini, one of the defining highlights of her career came during her overseas service with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Sinai, where she was selected as Regimental Sergeant—a role rarely held by women.
“That position is not usually given to men; I always say nothing is impossible.”
After more than three decades of dedicated service, Kini Tuisolia retired from the RFMF in 2023 at the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, resilience, and leadership.
As the RFMF marks the 38th anniversary of WRACS 1/88, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reflected on the significance of the decision taken in 1988 to open the ranks of the military to women—a decision he said required courage and conviction.
“The inclusion of women in the RFMF in 1988 was a defining moment for our nation. “It affirmed that patriotism, discipline, and sacrifice are not defined by gender, but by character, commitment, and devotion to service.”
Reflecting on his time as Commander of the RFMF, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the decision was not taken lightly.
“It required faith in the belief that service to country is defined by commitment, not by gender,” he said.
He said the true measure of that decision is found in the legacy created by WRACS 1/88.
“They did not simply join the ranks—they excelled. They rose through the chain of command, served in peacekeeping missions abroad, and carried responsibilities at both operational and strategic levels.”
That legacy includes historic milestones for the RFMF, including the commissioning of its first female Colonel, the appointment of its first female Chief of Staff, and the service of its first female Military Police Advisor to the United Nations—now recognised as institutional landmarks.
“Leadership is measured not only by decisions taken but by the legacy those decisions create,” the Prime Minister said. “WRACS 1/88 is that legacy.”
Today, the women of WRACS 1/88 are recognised not only as veterans but also as pioneers—whose courage at the beginning of their journey transformed the RFMF and paved the way for generations of women in uniform.