Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF)

New Zealand High Commissioner, Philip Taula when opening the Kumul Leadership Centre at Murray Barracks yesterday said, “Operational and security engagement, collaboration between our defence policy makers, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief are just some of the ways our defence forces have sought to demonstrate their long-term commitment to working together. 
 
In recent months, Aotearoa New Zealand and Papua New Guinea have shared the experience of supporting another close partner in our region to achieve its security goals. 

The ceremony was attended by Minister for Defence Honourable Win Daki, Chief of Papua New Guinea Defence Force Major General Mark Goina and New Zealand High Commissioner Phillip Taula.

Funded by the New Zealand Government, the Leadership Centre will provide a dedicated space and learning environment for leader development within the Kumul Leadership Framework, which was a collaborative development with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and completed in 2017.

During World War II, the 32nd “Red Arrow” Infantry Division, which consisted of all of the Wisconsin National Guard and some of the Michigan National Guard, engaged in intense fighting against the Japanese through multiple campaigns in Papua New Guinea.

The Buna Campaign in Oro Province was particularly brutal, and three Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers earned the Medal of Honor posthumously for their actions there. The Red Arrow engaged in other major campaigns in Papua New Guinea including in Saidor and Aitape.

The delivery of these assets is through the Defence Corporation Program (DCP).

These assets will contribute to the overall safety of PNGDF personnel during the operations of the country’s National General Elections come April this year.

The presentation of these various assets further strengthens the Papua New Guinea-Australia Defence relationship.

The assets consisted of 1,000 sets of field equipment collectively known as a soldier combat ensemble and 3,000 sets of uniforms in the trial pattern according to the new breakdown by service.

He takes over from former Commander, now retired Major General Gilbert Toropo, who now moves on to take up the post of High Commissioner to New Zealand.

Present to officiate the proceedings was Prime Minster, James Marape who congratulated Major General Goina and his family and encouraged members of the force to work together to serve the people.

“In these COVID-19 times, our nation needs a Defence Force that is highly disciplined, operationally effective and capable of meeting the many and varied national security issues that afflict our nation.

They also addressed the rough handling of a soldier by police personnel in a viral video on social media that followed.

In yesterday’s joint press, the authorities assured members of the public that the incidents that led to the confrontation and the results of those actions, will be investigated.

On Monday 22 November, a confrontation between five PNGDF personnel and five members of the Police force took place in front of the Boroko Police Station.

Based in Brunei, the unit assisted the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) with ceremonial and bagpipes training. 

The visit was the first by British Gurkhas for over 20 years. 

It rekindles links between the two forces and marks a period of enhanced military cooperation between the United Kingdom and Papua New Guinea. 

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Teddy Agwi said his officers and the DF personnel started awareness in the Tari Township. They have also gone as far as Komo, Magarima, Kopiago, and Koroba, informing the general public to wear facemasks and maintain social distancing whilst in public places.
 

This support is part of a commitment made by Australia’s Chief of Defence to the Papua New Guinea Chief of Defence.

The augmentation team will join six other ADF personnel who will be tasked with assisting the PNGDF with planning, training and education for the PNGDF response to the current COVID-19 situation.

The 14 ADF personnel are scheduled to arrive in Port Moresby tomorrow, 27^th October, 2021.

The augmentation team when in Port Moresby will join six other ADF personnel and tasked to assist the PNGDF with the planning, training and education for the PNGDF response to the current COVID-19 situation.

In August this year, outgoing Contingent Commander, Major Peter Southern said in a media release that it was rewarding to know that Australia’s partnership with PNG responding to the COVID-19 crisis was helping to save more lives.