PNG Defence Force headquarters staff and soldiers participated this morning in the final Commander’s Defence Force Walk.
The commander’s walk has been part of the PNGDF activity all throughout the year as well as one of the major activities of the force.
It is a monthly activity that takes place every first Friday of each month which sees the participation of the PNGDF commander with his entire branch heads and staff.
The PNGDF final walk concludes the physical training activities for the operational year of 2017.
The commander’s monthly walk provides the opportunity within the force to promote PNGDF’s fitness policy by demonstrating leadership in maintaining their own fitness level.
It is also an avenue to interact and discuss issues in a more informal and relaxed environment and develop teamwork and esprit de corps amongst the senior ranks of PNGDF and the defence partners who participate.
The walk this morning began at Murray Barracks to the Five-Mile roundabout, all the way to the Australian High Commission, towards Sir Zurenuoc House, straight up to Sir John Guise stadium, then right past the traffic to Hohola and back to Murray Barracks.
PNGDF Commander, Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo, says it has been a successful year and this would not have been easy without the contributions and effort of everybody in the PNGDF.
“This is an organisation that has a specific culture. The culture of fitness and discipline and the commander’s walk is all but one of those aspects of our fitness.”
He adds that fitness must be encouraged amongst the service men and women in the force and throughout the country as well.