DILI, July 15, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Minister of Defense, Contra Admiral Donaciano do Rosário Costa Gomes “Pedro Klamar Fuik”, said that this appointment is a highly significant moment for the F-FDTL and for consolidating the future training of officers for our Nation.
The Minister of Defense asked the structure of the Joint Military Academy to work according to its competencies in order to preserve the prestige of this Academy, which is just beginning, by promoting an environment of respect, merit, unity, and professionalism.
“Only in this way can we build an institution that is capable of responding to current challenges and of preparing future generations of military leaders. On this occasion, we also pay tribute to the heroes of national liberation, whose example of bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice continues to inspire the mission of the F-FDTL and the Joint Military Academy.” he stated.
He said that this new stage must be marked by cooperation, mutual trust, and a strategic vision oriented toward the modernization of military education, toward strengthening institutional capacity, and toward unconditional service to the Timorese people.
Pedro offered his best wishes for success to the new Commander, and asked that his leadership be carried out with wisdom, justice, and integrity.
At the same venue, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMGFA), Lieutenant General Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek”, said that for all of us present in this house of memory, the Timorese Resistance Museum today marks a new chapter in the institutional life of Timor-Leste’s National Defense.
“The Joint Military Academy, which today received new appointments for Command, Directorate, and Leadership, I must remind you, is the first institution of its kind to be born here in our own country. The path for training the cadres who will command the Timor-Leste Defense Forces can no longer depend only on foreign academies, even though they remain very valuable as partners.” said Lieutenant General Falur.
He said that today a Timorese house is being born that will become a force of character, knowledge, and doctrine for the nation’s officers in the future. This is an action to affirm sovereignty and institutional maturity.
The Chief of Staff addressed the officers who were appointed today to positions of Command, Directorate, and Leadership in the Academy with words of recognition and demand.
“You are the first. History will record your names as pioneers of a house that will shape generations of Timorese military personnel an honor that, above all, carries great responsibility.” he said.
Falur asked the National Director of Education and Training of the National Defense Institute, who was just sworn in, to take on the key mission of ensuring that the strategic thinking produced at the IDN and at the Academy has space to grow into quality training.
“To the other Officers and Lecturers who assume duties here, I ask you to live out command and teaching not merely as an administrative task, but as a sacred mission of formation, where personal example and scientific rigor are the first pedagogical instruments.” he stated.
He said that today’s contract is a new beginning, taking place at a time when humanity faces complex challenges unlike any before.
“Geopolitical instability hybrid and cyber threats climate change, that directly affects the security of populations. We cannot train military personnel who turn their backs on this world.” he said.
He said that for security, the Academy’s primary mission must always be to uphold the values that guided the resistance and resilience of FALINTIL, as the fundamental basis of the F-FDTL itself.
But loyalty to that origin doesn’t mean not changing. The training given here must adapt to developments in the defensive and contemporary context, and to Timor-Leste’s growing integration into the International Community, in ASEAN, in CPLP, and with bilateral partners.
“This Academy has the duty to keep the spirit of the Timorese resistance fighters alive and at the same time to form leaders with character, integrity, and unwavering loyalty to the Nation.” he said.
In the same place, the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letencio de Deus, congratulated those sworn in and asked them to continue upholding the increased responsibility they have received from now on.
“Give great consideration to the criteria that are already set out in the actions and decisions that will bring the success that State institutions expect from you.” he said.
On another note, the Director of the Joint Military Academy, Frigate Captain Duarte Borges Loe, said that at the beginning of August he assumed the role of Director of the ACM in Aileu.
He places total trust in the people who are joining the Joint Military Academy Directorate because they are people with academy training and quality training from many places.
“They have military academy training and they are Officers and NCOs who were chosen from among other military personnel. A commitment that, for us, means that with this swearing-in we will lead with rigor, meaning there will be regular evaluations. Regular evaluation will look at the physical condition of the cadets, regular evaluation of their academics, and regular evaluation of their morale.” he said.
Meanwhile, the first structure of the Joint Military Academy is as follows:
Commander of the Joint Military Academy: Frigate Captain Duarte Borges Loe
Deputy Commander of the Joint Military Academy: Major Xisto da Cruz
Director of Operations of the Joint Military Academy: Major José Augusto França Sarmento Martins
Company Commander: First Lieutenant Zito Justiniano dos Santos Belo
Student Corps Commander: Lieutenant Grinaldo Gilmaro de Fernandes
1st Platoon Commander: Lieutenant Tonito da Silva
2nd Platoon Commander: Second Lieutenant Anacleto Afonso de Almeida
3rd Platoon Commander: Second Lieutenant Alexandro Revés Emanuel Lopes Soares
Academy Sergeant Major: Sergeant Major Lazaro Valente
Deputy 1st Platoon Commander: First Sergeant Sidónio Barros
Assistant 2nd Platoon Commander: First Sergeant Julito dos Santos
Corporal Virginia da Costa and seven other leadership positions are awaiting appointment orders.
Report By: Trainee Nicodemos
Photo: Estefània Cardoso