The Headquarters of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) at the Murray Barracks in Port Moresby marked its 50th Anniversary today where the Commander of Defense Force (CDF)stressed to his troops that it’s time for implementation of defence plans going forward into the next 50 years.
CDF Major General Mark Goina told his troops at the 50th Anniversary parade this morning that 2023 is the year where the Headquarters carryout implementations of objectives to ensure personnel and their welfare and infrastructure are improved going forward under the CDF five-year plan from 2022 to 2026.
“This year 2023 is the year of implementation where the following work must start, automation of personnel records and services, logistics systems from Force Support Battalion (FSB) to all PNGDF establishments, ICT connectivity to all PNGDF establishment and correspondence with inbuilt decisions and approval processes.”
He added that all policies and accountable documents like the Defence White Paper, must be reviewed and rewritten, of which most will be contracted to the former members of the PNGDF.
“The council (defence council) strongly believes that this is the only way we can set a strong foundation that we can ensure good governance, accountability, transparency and compliance to support future acquisition of capabilities such as uniforms, weapons, vehicles, ships and plans including construction of infrastructure and recruitment of personnel into the force.”
“If you a tasked to deliver part or all our plans, do it professionally and within the time given. We all need to do our part to deliver on our plans from 2023 and onwards,” he added.
On the operational front, the CDF said the PNGDF must continue to maintain its presence on the country’s land and maritime borders.
“We will continue to maintain our presence in the highlands as our responsibility to assist the police maintaining good order, peace and security.”
On discipline, the CDF stressed that it’s important that discipline is maintained to ensure command and control at all PNGDF establishments.
“As we start the year, I want basic military routines to be enforced to install military culture, physical fitness and wellbeing, adherence of barracks standing orders and discipline. This is fundamental to any military organization, and it will start from Headquarters Papua New Guinea Defence Force at Murray Barracks.”
Meanwhile, the celebrations today saw members of all unities of the PNGDF take part in the parade, and a new plague unveiled at the headquarters next to the first one that was put up back in 1973 when the headquarters was handed over to the PNGDF by the ADF.
The event also saw a fly over conducted by the PNGDF Air Transport Wing (ATW) with two helicopters and a plan, and two F-18 Super Hornet fighter jets from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) that flew in all the way from their base in Brisbane.