Serve as role models: PNGDF

By JACKLYN SIRIAS
Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers back from their studies in Australia have been urged to put in every effort to show what they had learned in Australia for two years.
PNGDF Air Transport Wing Lieutenant Colonel John Matagarakikai welcomed the eight trainees last Friday.
He said they had to put the effort in now to influence those around them and lead by example.
Corporal Kapi Rawali, Corporal Kuvang Francis, Lance Corporal Borezi Tomby, Private Siroro Oberth, Private Vuvul Ezekiel, Private Magun Joshua, Private Panga Jacob and Private Michael Raynold attended a two-year mechanical engineering course in Avi Skills Institution in Australia.
“You have to know your duty statements and your rules of engagement. You have to be professional in what you do because your assessment would also be recommended by your section heads. There is no smooth sailing. So I challenged all of you to take it and put every effort in to ensure that if you want to build a career in ATW as an engineer, it starts today,” Matagarakikai said.
Their study was sponsored by the PNGDF and the PNG Government.
During the ceremony, they signed the return of service obligation document that they were now part of the air transport wing maintenance unit and that they would return their service to PNGDF.
“It is a significant event in the history of the air transport wing in that it’s the first of its kind to be funded by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the Government,” Matagarakikai said.
The first phase theory was completed and they are in the country to do  on-the-job training.
Matagarakikai said that the eight passed their theory course with a mark of between 90 and 95 per cent that was “very high standard”.
The eight are required to complete their journal of experience before they would be awarded their certificates for aircraft maintenance engineering.
“With the certificate, they would be able to pursue diploma in aircraft engineering. This would be the final step for them to determine in getting licence as aircraft engineers.”
Matagarakikai said the unit would assist them with their practical to fill and complete the journals and from time to time, staff instructors from the Australian Avi Skill Institution would be flown in to make an assessment on their progress and sign on their experience journal.
Rawali told The National that they had done  well and were now looking forward to utilising the theory knowledge they gained.
He said it would take them about a year to complete their job training.
Warrant Officer Patrick Alex said because of the high marks they scored, the unit would make plans to have some more soldiers attend such training.
Meanwhile, during the parade, five privates, Siroro, Vuvul, Magun, Panga and Michael  received promotions to lance corporal.