After 12 weeks of training, 109 new soldiers of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force marched out of the Goldie Military Training Depot yesterday.
While congratulating the new recruits, Central Governor Robert Agarobe, who was the guest speaker, reminded them that this is not the end of their training and warned of disciplinary actions for new recruits.
Marching out to the parade ground for the last time, this is the second batch of new recruits for 2017.
They first entered the Military Training Depot on the 6th of November 2017 as civilians.
The 12 weeks of military training is to teach them basic soldiering and aimed at transforming their lifestyle and mindset from a civilian to military standard.
Central Governor Agarobe, who was also given the honours of reviewing the parade, said: “Each and every one of you will be undergoing further training upon your postings to your respective units, which is part of the initial employment training.”
He encouraged them to always demonstrate the traits of a disciplined soldier.
“PNG Defence Force prides itself with discipline and professionalism and each and every one of you will be expected to maintain a high standard of dress, bearing and attitude from here on.
“You will now be expected to demonstrate the behaviour, characters and traits expected from a train and disciplined soldier. You will be also expected to dispose the Defence Force core values of commitment, loyalty, integrity and professionalism as well as abide by the 8 rules of the Commander’s Code of Conduct.
“Be warned! As soldiers you are all now subject to the code of military discipline and any unethical and unprofessional and ill-disciplined action, and/or behaviour, will see you face the appropriate corrective measures and subsequent consequences.
“In addition, the Commander’s directive number 0115-2015 places all you soldiers under a two year probationary period.
“Any breach of service discipline by any of you during this period will face immediate discharged from the force.”
Meanwhile, awards were given to the top four recruits in each of the four platoons with 2 platoon, led by platoon Commander, 2nd Lieutenant Gregory Ngava, taking out the top platoon award of this batch.