The First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment at the Taurama Barracks in Port Moresby today unveiled their motto and values.
The soldiers were reminded by their commanding officer to be a reflection of these values.
Soldiers of the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment gathered at the entrance of Taurama Barracks where the motto and values have been put on signboards.
PNGDF Chief of Force Preparation, Colonel Siale Diro, and Lalokau FM’s Garry Tauna unveiled the motto and the values in front of the soldiers.
Tauna’s involvement in the program was a sign of respect to the Motu-Koitabu people whose land the barracks sits on.
He was also instrumental in translating the motto.
Colonel Diro said: “It’s God’s doing that we have our motto of the first battalion in Motu to recognise the Motuan people, because it is from here we launched all of our work, that we trained to do our work, and that we live with our families.
“It is here on Motuan soil that we have prepared and gone forward to do battle or help people return peace and normal life.”
Tauna said: “I am honoured that my translations of the motto will live here as long Taurama Barracks lives on.
“The word Abi-auka Oreana simply means ‘brave and courageous’.
“At last the Motu Koitabu have been recognised by the Taurama Barracks.”
The Motto “Force of Choice” is translated into Motu and clearly displayed on one signboard as “Abi-auka Oreana” or “Brave and Courageous.”
A few meters away are the values pledging to put God first above all.
This was also emphasised by Colonel Diro and Commanding Officer of 1RPIR, Boniface Aruma.
“From what lies in our heart, we develop what lies in our head,” said Col Diro.
“Service To God, Queen and Country, courage, integrity, honesty, commitment, loyalty, professionalism, compassion…This is what drives us, this is what compels us to do our duties to the best of our abilities.
“When you come through the gate, always remember what you stand for, what your values are.”
Lt. Col Aruma said: “Putting God first in everything we do regardless of difficult financial constraints and difficult logistical challenges that we have faced, we have undertaken a lot of things with very limited logistics and financial support.
“The motto is consistent with the values. The motto will tell you and I and our civilian population on who we are and what we stand for.
“If we want to be a section of choice, we have to be courageous, integrity at the highest level, loyal to this defence force, loyal to your mates, loyalty as section buddies, etc.
“If we don’t live by the values then the motto has no value to us.”
