Charles Randall

FA-MAS Self-loading Rifles in Vanuatu

2024 ARES Early-career Fellowship recipient

Supported Project

Mr Randall’s work examines the history of the FA-MAS rifle in Vanuatu, in particular its service with the paramilitary arm of the Vanuatu Police Force, known as the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF). Mr Randall’s work situates the VMF in the colonial and contemporary contexts of the country, and examines the role that the provision of FA-MAS rifles has played in furthering French influence in the island nation.

Biography

Charles Randall is currently studying for his J.D. at Harvard Law School. He graduated from St Andrew’s University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, and has since worked on a wide range of editorial and research projects focused on arms history and other topics. Mr Randall’s primary research interests are arms proliferation, the history and technology of small arms, and militant organisations in the Middle East and Latin America. He also has a keen interest in American foreign policy and the law.

Anticipated Outputs

The fellowship is expected to support the publication of a short journal article and a book contribution examining the history of the FA-MAS self-loading (automatic) rifle in Vanuatu.

Period: 20th & 21st centuries

Geographical Region: Oceania

Arms Class: Small Arms (Firearms)

Mr Randall’s research has been proudly supported by