Metinaru, August 25, 2025

(Media-F-FDTL), on Monday, the FALINTIL Command (Timor-Leste Defense Force), through the FALINTIL Chief of Staff (CEMFA), Brigadier General José da Costa Soares "TRIX," inaugurated Exercise HARI'I HAMUTUK for the 12th time at the Metinaru General Support Group (FAG).

"Today, we embark on a demanding and practical program that strengthens interoperability, deepens technical mastery, and builds confidence in our forces. We are privileged to work alongside friends and mentors from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the New Zealand Defense Force, the United States, and the Australian Defense Force." "I am also proud of the F-FDTL members, whose dedication and discipline will transform training into lasting capability. The objective of this exercise is clear: to prepare our forces for real-world missions in disaster response, humanitarian assistance, or security operations through realistic, standards-based training.

"Interoperability: Aligning procedures, communication, and leadership so we function as a single team under pressure. Increasing capacity: Strengthening and sharing knowledge of the technical, logistical, engineering, medical support, and command systems that underpin mission success."

"Building trust: Technicians can quickly learn that trust is earned through time, work, and collaborative effort. The training you will learn includes: Heavy Equipment Maintenance, Horizontal Construction, Small Arms Maintenance, Welding, Combat Engineering, including water purification, Small Engine Maintenance, Vertical Construction, Construction, Medical Assistance, Catering, Command Post Training, Physical Training Instructor Mentoring, and Small Vessel Maintenance Training—these activities cover the full spectrum of combat service support and leadership." "From water purification to mobility and health, robust communications and command decision-making, from the quality of vertical work to the supervisory skills of foremen, from clinical care and hygiene to food service, to sustaining morale, from directing physical training to the maritime maintenance that sustains operations at sea."

"For this exercise to be a success for all participants, please remember the key points: Safety is the responsibility of the command and the duty of all, Quality above haste, Respect and inclusion. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the New Zealand Defence Force, the United States, and the Australian Defence Force are grateful to you, your patience, and your patient partnership."

"To the F-FDTL personnel, your professionalism is our pride and our promise to the people we serve as planners, logisticians, medics, and instructors: your preparation sets the stage for success. In the coming days, train hard, safely, and together. This exercise is stronger, more cohesive, and more prepared with the authority conferred upon me. I declare open the Exercise "Build Together," "Train Well, Build Together, Serve Honorably," Hakotu CEM.

Participating in the opening were the CEMFA, the FAG Commander, the Representative Commander of the Land, Naval, and Air Force Component, and the Defense Attaché of Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and Japan, including the joint forces for the exercise.

Media Team - F-FDTL

Nhoy Borges