New Zealand peacekeepers in Timor Leste could soon be heading home after being deployed there on and off for a decade.
The fledgling nation says its own forces should be capable of taking charge next year.
But first, the New Zealand soldiers are back at school to learn the local language so they can accurately pass on their weapons, logistics and administration expertise to the local army, the FFDTL.
"There's not a wide knowledge base in the FFDTL. The whole source of knowledge is here with the small arms training team which is one lieutenant and nine instructors," says Warrant Officer Percy McLaughlin.
In 2006, infighting caused the collapse of Timor Leste's army.
"We trying to build up again because during two years nothing to do," says FFDTL Lieutenant Belo.
Building the FFDTL is something that needs to be done quickly with its government wanting foreign troops to exit as early as next year.
But New Zealanders on the front line are keen to avoid the mistakes of the past. In 2002, Kiwi troops withdrew, only to return four years later.
"Last time as everybody now realises we pulled out too early, its a question of how much we leave in and for how long. I think they're always going to need someone to turn to for advice," says McLaughlin
Colonel Peter Wood thinks it is an indication of the improving situation.
"It's probably an indication that the Prime Minister here and even the government back in New Zealand are thinking that things are becoming more stable," he says.
Soldiers are now dealing more with drunken revellers than rebel leaders.
Just a few minutes away from the regimented patrols on the streets of Dili, at Badau Santa, a place 30 Kiwis call home, soldiers are playing soccer with children of the village.
"The kids will come down we'll play with them, interact with them and when its time for them to go to bed they'll go to bed so to be honest its all about trust," says Second Lieutenant Bernie Lawton.
So the guns may soon be unnecessary.
But the battle with the text books is far from over.
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