Army striving to save costs, chief says

PAPUA New Guinea Defence Force chief of training Col Dickers Esso says the army has been striving to save costs over the years.
“Vehicles are costly and soldiers and officers must cut down road accidents,” he said in his address to 41 soldiers, including three women, from the support battalion who completed an eight-week driving course on Friday.
Urging soldiers to look after military vehicles when in use, Esso said: “Drivers needed to consider the lives of others in the vehicle and avoid accidents at all cost and to save cost.
“Also, avoid bad habits such as chewing buai (betel nut) and drinking alcohol in military vehicles.
“As a military driver, you have been taught responsibility, accountability and ownership of the vehicle that you drive and those on board.
“Their lives and safety are in your hands.”
Esso stressed that they should be mindful whenever transporting military cargo, equipment and soldiers or other people.
Instructor Cpl Iyape David said the soldiers were taught defensive driving skills.
“They have received military driving certificate, course report, military licence and official free licence,” he said.