The RFMF and the Fiji Police Force have qualified psychologists available to counsel soldiers and Police officers that face traumatic events in peacekeeping duties.
This has been highlighted by the Minister for Defence Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, when asked by the Leader of Opposition, Ro Teimumu Kepa on whether returning peacekeepers are able to access professional help for psychological trauma.
Kubuabola says the RFMF qualified counselors have been trained by the Pacific Theological College and other universities in the country.
Kubuabola says during recruitment processes, RFMF also tries to recognize the problems that soldiers come with during recruitment.
Ro Teimumu Kepa then asked if counseling is also available with the Fiji Police Force as they go on tours as well.
Kubuabola says counseling is provided to the members and spouses that face traumatic events.
SODELPA MP, Viliame Gavoka also asked whether troops that face horrific experiences are given professional counseling, giving an example in 1998 where a Fijian soldier was photographed carrying a headless child.
Kubuabola says both the RFMF and the Fiji Police Force have professional counselors available to help troops that go through these types of experiences.
