By GINNAH MINI
The Exercise Tamiok Strike 2026 between United States and Papua New Guinea Defence Forces was opened today at Murray Barracks with one of its training activities including scenario-based staff exercise supporting PNGDF’s 2027 election security and logistics.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commander of Wisconsin Army National Guard, Brigadier General Brion Aderman said that the training carried out are driven by the needs of PNGDF.
“We identify specifically what is important to Papua New Guinea that we have capabilities we can bring,” Brigadier General Aderman said.
Brigadier General Aderman said that the two countries have a mutual interest in preparation to support PNGDF in the upcoming election.
“We want an electoral process and a democratic process that our population has deep trust in,” he said while adding that anything that the US wants to solidify that by providing security training.
He noted that the US has conducted these types of training opportunities for the last several years with PNG.
“A focus and a priority for both of our militaries is to do what we can do to reassure our public that the election process is safe, secure and fair,” he said.
Deputy Chief of PNGDF, Brigadier General Larry Opa said that one of the skills sets that the US provides is staff planning-to see how PNGDF can utilize their logistics and administration expertise during the election.
“They can assist us to look at some of the areas that we should consider during our election training,” Brigadier General Opa said.
Amongst other things, Brigadier General Opa noted that this is a valuable exercise that PNGDF is privileged to partner with Wisconsin National Guard.
The exercise also focuses on training activities on bilateral field training in maneuver and military police stability operations, engineer civic actin projects, health engagements and religious leader exchanges.