Vanuatu Mobile Forces
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Template:Short description Template:Infobox law enforcement unit
The Vanuatu Mobile Forces (VMF) is the paramilitary wing of the Vanuatu Police Force. A small, mobile corps of 300 personnel equipped with small arms, should Vanuatu be attacked, the VMF will act as the first line of defence.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
History
In 1994, VMF deployed 50 officers to Papua New Guinea, as their first peacekeeping mission.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Though the armed forces in Vanuatu have never overthrown a government, members of the VMF angry about their pay detained President Jean-Marie Léyé and Deputy Prime Minister Barak Sopé on October 12, 1996 but released them just a few hours later.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
List of commanders
- Colonel Ian Arthur Naunton Cook (1980–1984)
- Sato Kilman (1984–1986)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- James Aru (?–?)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Colonel Seule Takal (? - 1996 - ?)
- Lieutenant Colonel Harold Thompson (? - 1999 - ?)
- Lieutenant Colonel Apie Jack Mari Kempo (? - 2002 - ?)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Joshua Bong (? - 2004)
- Lieutenant Colonel Willie Vira (2004–2010)<ref name="commander2010">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Lieutenant Colonel Aru Maralau (2010–?)<ref name="commander2010" />
- Lieutenant Colonel Job Esau (?–2015)<ref name="Colonel-Iavro">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Colonel Robson Iavro (2015–22 October 2019)<ref name="Colonel-Iavro"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Lieutenant Colonel Kalshem Bongran (22 October 2019–?) acting
- Colonel Astrophile Mwele (?-present)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Equipment
Infantry weapons
| Name | Image | Origin | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beretta 92<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> |  |
Template:ITA | Semi-automatic pistol | Standard sidearm |
| Sterling submachine gun |  |
Template:GBR | Submachine gun | |
| FAMAS<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |  |
Template:FRA | Assault rifle | Standard issue |
| L1A1 SLR<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> |  |
Template:GBR | Battle rifle | Used in training |