Dili, 02 February 2026 (Média Democracia) – The FALINTIL – Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) Command held a closing ceremony for the Captain Training course, with 25 notable F-FDTL captain members reflecting their commitment, dicipline, and dedication to the beloved country, Timor-Leste (TL).
The Chief of the Major General State of the Armed Force (XEMGFA) Lieutenant General Domingos Raaul “Falur Rate Laek” expressed satisfaction and pride to the 25 captains who marked their precense at the graduation ceremony of the Captain Promotion Course, a moment that represents a decisive milestone in the career progression of military personnel and in the institution consolidation of F-FDTL.
“I would like to congratulate the twenty-five lieutenants (24 men and 1 woman) who complete this demanding course with excellence and distinction. Your remarkable achievement reflects your commitment, discipline, and dedication to our beloved country. You have demonstrated the technical, tactical, and leadership skills necessary to assume the additional responsabilities that the Poisition of Captain will entrust to you.” Said Chief of the Major General State of the Armed Force (XEMGFA) Lieutenant General Domingos Raaul “Falur Rate Laek” to journalist through his speech at CICNL. Friday (30/01/2026).
General Domingos added, this closing ceremony symbolizes the materialization of the F-FDTL Military Statute, particulary regarding reform and reserve, a fundamental instrument to guarantee sustainablity and generational renewal for the Armed Forces.
“We are implementing a career progression system based on merit, competence, and rigorous fulfillment of duties, to ensure that each military member serves the nation in their specific area, thus contributing to the professionalization and modernization of F-FDTL.” Added the Chief of the Major General State.
The Chief of the Major General State Emphasizes the Captain’s position represents a turning poin in their military career, not only to be an executor and commander at the tactical level, but also responsible for leading platoons and companies, training their subordinates, and executing complex operational missions that will serve as a foundation for their unit, a vital link between strategic thinking and action on the ground.
“Regional security chanllenges in the 21st century are multifaceted and constanly changing, including asymmetric threats, transnational crime, climate change impacting human security, cyber threats, and the need for regional and international cooperation. Our geographical position and recent history demand constant vigilance and operational readiness that must be firm.” emphasizes the Chief of the Major General State of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek”.
The Chief of the Major General State of the Armed Forces informs, at the national level, we face no less significant challenges, protection of territorial sovereignty, support to civil authorities in emergency situations, contribution to national development, and maintenance of peace and stability that the Timorese people are working hard to achieve.
“I can’t hide the fact that you will carry out duties in a context of material and logostical limitations. Our Armed Forces face limitations in equipament, means, and resources, a reality we are all aware of. However, military history honors us that wars aren’t won solely with material superiority, but primarily with human quality, inspiring leadership, tactical creativity, and resilience.” Informs the Chief of the Major General State of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek”
The Major General futher affirms that the greatest confidence in F-FDTL is in their ability to be resilient in the face of adversity, to transform difficulties into opportunities, and to maintain morale and fighting spirit from the unit, even in the most challenging circumstance.
As a Captain, you have the additional responsibility to positively influence subordinates, maintain and strengthen loyality to the country, military discipline, and cohesion within the ranks.
“It cannot be forgotten that F-FDTL’s roots are in FALINTIL, a legacy that leaves us invaluable values, sacrifices for freedom, courage in the face of adversity, loyalty to a just cause, and the strength to overcome all challenges. These personal qualities of FALINTIL combatants should inspire each of you. You carry not only a rank on your shoulder but also the responsibility to honor the memory of those who gave everything for Timor Leste’s independence.” affirms Lieutenant General Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek”
In the same venue, Graduate Leandra F. Gonzaga, expressed gratitude for the presence at the simple ceremony that shows commitment to the formation and future of FALINTIL–Forças Defeza Timor-Leste (F-FDTL).
“Today, a very significant day for me and all my comrades, because we have all completed the formation course for Captains and First Lieutenants, with pride in all the challenges we have faced, grateful for everything we have lived together to reach today and the responsibility for the success of the challenges that will come.” says Graduate Leandra.
Futher Explain that, Professionalization of the Armed Forces doesn’t mean abandoning these fundamental values, on the contrary, it means integrating them into a modern, disciplined, and technically competent structure.
Reporting : Estefania
Photo : Media F-FDTL