The Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) is a small, mobile corps of 300 volunteers that makes up Vanuatu's military. Its primary task is to assist the Vanuatu Police Force. However, should Vanuatu be attacked, then the VMF will act as the first line of defence.[1] In 1994, VMF deployed 50 people to Papua New Guinea, as their first peacekeeping mission.[2]
| Vanuatu Mobile Force | |
|---|---|
 Flag of Vanuatu Mobile Forces | |
| Active | 1980 |
| Country | Vanuatu |
| Agency | Vanuatu Police Force |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Astrophile Mwele |
| Website | |
| Vanuatu Mobile Force | |
Though the armed forces in Vanuatu have never overthrown a government, members of the VMF angry about their pay detained President Jean-Marie Léyé and Deputy Prime Minister Barak Sopé on October 12, 1996 but released them just a few hours later.[3]
List of commanders
edit- Colonel Ian Arthur Naunton Cook (1980–1984)
- Sato Kilman (1984–1986)[4]
- James Aru (?–?)[5]
- Colonel Seule Takal (? - 1996 - ?)
- Lieutenant Colonel Harold Thompson (? - 1999 - ?)
- Lieutenant Colonel Apie Jack Mari Kempo (? - 2002 - ?)[6]
- Joshua Bong (? - 2004)
- Lieutenant Colonel Willie Vira (2004–2010)[7][8]
- Lieutenant Colonel Aru Maralau (2010–?)[7]
- Lieutenant Colonel Job Esau (?–2015)[9]
- Colonel Robson Iavro (2015–22 October 2019)[9][10]
- Lieutenant Colonel Kalshem Bongran (22 October 2019–?) acting
- Colonel Astrophile Mwele (?-present)[11]
Equipment of Vanuatu Mobile Forces
editInfantry weapons
| Name | Image | Origin | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beretta 92[12] |  |
 Italy |
Semi-automatic pistol | Standard sidearm |
| Sterling submachine gun |  |
 United Kingdom |
Submachine gun | |
| FAMAS[13] |  |
 France |
Assault rifle | Standard issue |
| L1A1 SLR[14] |  |
United Kingdom |
Battle rifle | Used in training |
References
edit- ^ "Vanuatu Mobile Force". Vanuatu Police Force. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- ^ "History". Vanuatu Police Force. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- ^ "Vanuatu (1980-present)". Dynamic Analysis of Dispute Management (DADM) Project. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ Isno, Vira (20 January 2015). "Members of Parliament". Republic of Vanuatu. Parliament of the Republic of Vanuatu. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- ^ "2007 Vanuatu report urges police revamp". Radio New Zealand. 22 March 2011. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- ^ "Defense & Foreign Affairs Handbook". Perth Corporation. 2002.
- ^ a b "New Commander for Vanuatu paramilitary police force". RNZ. 13 September 2010.
- ^ Admin (22 January 2010). "VANUATU SECURITY FORCES HEAL RIFT THROUGH". Pacific Islands Report. Pacific Islands Development Program. Archived from the original on 28 September 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- ^ a b Joshua, Jane (27 November 2015). "Colonel Iavro lands top VMF job". Vanuatu Daily Post. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- ^ Willie, Glenda (16 November 2019). "Iavro's appointment as Acting Police Commissioner extended". dailypost.vu. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
- ^ McLearnon, Ryan D. (17 July 2024). "Ceremonial Exchange of Possible WWII Remains". Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- ^ "Vanuatu Police Force". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 2022-02-26. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
- ^ "Vanuatu Daily Newspaper". modestclub.com. Archived from the original on 4 November 2013.
- ^ Under the gun : the small arms challenge in the Pacific. Victoria University Press in association with the Peace and Disarmament Education Trust. 2003. pp. 63–66. ISBN 978-0864734532.
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