Recruit Finau Kolomalu (22) was awarded the Best Overall Recruit of the Tonga Defence Services 55th Basic Recruit Intake during a Passing Out Parade Ceremony held at Camp Taliai on December 5.

Hailing from Ha'alaufuli and Ha'akame, Tongtapu, the young solider was proud to have received the top prize for his intake of 60 recruits, which also included six girls.

 

Prizes in six different areas were awarded to outstanding recruits: Best in Indoor Lessons, female recruit Fetu'u; Best Drill, Rec Samate; Best in Field Training, Rec Palefau; Best in Physical Education, Rec Tufunga; Best Progressive Recruit, Rec Moala; and Best Marksmanship Rec Tonga.

A Military Band Display was performed by Tonga Royal Corps of Musicians and a demonstration in using barracks performed by the 55th Basic Recruit Intake.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Hon Tu'a Taumopeau Tupou awarded the prizes to the top recruits.