MINISTER for Defence Hon. Dr Billy Joseph has visited Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Igam Barracks in Lae, Morobe Province, over the weekend.
He was received in a warm welcome ceremony with a quarter Guard of Honour when he visited the PNGDF Engineering Battalion and Joint Forces College (JFC) at Igam Barracks, Lae.
The Minister was accompanied by Defence Advisor of Australia Col Nick Trotter, Commander Force Preparations Col Micheal Banda, National Volunteer Services acting Executive Director Mr Jerry David and staff from the Department of Defence.
The Minister’s visit coincides with his intention to visit all military bases in PNG to boost morale of officers as well as hear from them and understand the challenges within the force in view of the government’s intention to build and modernize our country’s Defence capabilities.
The Igam Barracks consists of three different PNGDF units, which are the
Lae Area Command, the Joint Force College (JFC) and the Engineering Battalion.
The Minister was briefed by the area Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Isidore Tobais and instructors and directors of each division on their work programs and the challenges they encounter.
Minister Joseph discussed with the divisional heads the need to modernize PNGDF and proposed to expand and rebuild the JFC into a degree granting institution to be known as Melanesian Security College/University.
It was also proposed that the PNGDF Trade Training School be revived in partnership with a TAFE agency and the National Volunteer Service (NVS) of PNG to train and upskill our young population as part of the PNGDF Reserve Force and deploy them in the workforce through the National Volunteer Service placement program.
The Minister also highlighted the need for increasing the manpower strength of the Engineering Battalion and to equip them so they are used for nation building exercises as well as assist in disaster response and recovery efforts.
“PNGDF is a state institution created by Section 188 of our Constitution. Past, present and future governments must deliberately invest in PNGDF and not leave it to our bilateral security partners to do it for us. It’s a matter of national security and national pride,” Minister Joseph said.
While Igam Barracks is primarily a base for PNGDF, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has a strong presence there under the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) and collaborates with the PNGDF on join training exercises and infrastructure projects.
“I commend the Australian Defence Team led by Major Scanlon who are full time resident in Igam and working closely with their PNGDF counterparts to rebuild the Igam barracks and Joint Forces College, as well as the Defence Academy,” Dr. Billy said.
The Minister’s visit to Igam Barracks concluded with a courtesy call on 45 young cadets who are currently undergoing their trainings.
He encouraged them to be strong on discipline and leadership.
Minister Joseph’s next visit will be to the Western Boarder with Indonesia from Daru to Vanimo.
He will open the Tumolbil Boarder Post in Yapsie LLG, Telefomin which was completed in 2021 while on this planned trip.
