The Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF), Major General Mark Goina at the recent National Security Seminar, voiced his intention to increase the Country’s National Security Capability and shed light on the current status of the Force after the Defense Assessment of 2021. He stated that the Defense Assessment 2021 observed that over the years, the PNGDF has suffered very serious capability decline. He said that they have recognized this and are looking towards immediate intervention. “This has been addressed as the 2023 Defense White Paper suggests. The work the PNGDF is currently doing is to stabilize our situation, and set the conditions for a future agile, competent and relevant defense force to uphold and defend PNG’s National Defense Interest.” The General said the last White Paper in 2013 was a critical document that outlined a broad strategic policy for planning parameters and the engagement of the PNGDF towards the country and bilateral partners in defending the country’s borders. To achieve his intent for increasing DF Defense capabilities, Goina said he will be looking to stabilize Defense Force numbers through a targeted growth in order to provide a baseline on which to set a solid foundation. “This is in line to the recommendations in the Defense White paper 2023. The Baseline is very important and everything needs to sit on a strong foundation. When an aircraft is brought in, there must be a foundation where it sits on, where adequate training, pay and maintenance must be available.” That’s the direction the Force is looking forward to go through to set a strong foundation to transition into Force 2023. The CDF reiterated that the Defense White Paper will clearly articulate this through government endorsement and they hope they will deliver on their promises.