Members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are strengthening their leadership and physical training skills through a Fitness Leaders Course delivered as part of Exercise Coastwatchers, the main training exercise between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the RSIPF.
The course is designed to develop a network of qualified fitness leaders who can support the health, resilience and operational readiness of RSIPF personnel across the country.
Delivered through a practical, hands-on training approach, participants are learning how to safely plan, conduct and assess physical training activities.
Strong physical fitness is an important foundation for many RSIPF duties, including community policing, maritime operations and border surveillance activities. Maintaining a capable and ready workforce helps support efforts to protect Solomon Islands’ borders and natural resources, while assisting in the prevention of crimes such as the illegal movement of drugs, weapons and other prohibited goods.
Exercise Coastwatchers is designed to meet the needs of the RSIPF and delivers training in areas identified by the Force as operational priorities. The Fitness Leaders Course reflects the shared commitment of the RSIPF and ADF to building capability through practical training and professional cooperation.
Acting Defence Adviser to Solomon Islands, SQNLDR Brett Verity, said the course demonstrated the value of learning together as partners.
“Exercise Coastwatchers is built on practical cooperation and genuine partnership. While ADF personnel are sharing fitness leadership skills and experience, we are also learning from our RSIPF colleagues and their unique operational environment.”
“The strength of this exercise is that it brings our organisations together as true partners. We work side-by-side, exchange ideas and experiences, and ultimately improve our ability to support the security and wellbeing of the Solomon Islands community.”
Participants will take the knowledge and skills gained during the course back to their respective units, helping to promote safe physical training practices and develop a culture of fitness throughout the RSIPF and the ADF.
Exercise Coastwatchers continues to strengthen the longstanding partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands through practical training, professional development and shared learning opportunities that support regional security and stability.
This iteration of Exercise Coastwatchers will run from 31 August until 23 September and is the second Exercise Coastwatchers of 2026.
