MEMBERS of the public should not panic if they see armed military officers in their area or on the roads.
These are the words of the Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jone Kalouniwai, as 200 armed officers continue with their 120-kilometre walk today.
Lt-Col Kalouniwai said this was part of their annual exercise and it should not create any fear in people.
"People have been welcoming us since day one and we hope for the same as we cover the whole of Viti Levu," he said.
He said the exercise aimed to maintain the fitness of the military officers and meet their requirements outlined in their role description.
"This will also help officers on how they respond to command."
The battalion, which began its four-day training at 3am on Sunday, is travelling on foot and aims to cover three provinces.
Lt-Col Kalouniwai said although the target was 120 kilometres in four days, they had added an extra day just in case the 120-kilometre target was not reached in the given time.
He said the battalion would be expected back in Suva on Friday.
He said the Naval Task Force would bring them back on the fourth day.
Yesterday afternoon, members of the battalion were spotted on the edge of Nausautoka, having covered Tailevu North and Naitasiri.