Be disciplined, force head says

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Monday March 3rd, 2014

 THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force needs nothing less than the highest standard of professionalism in leadership through courage and discipline, Commander Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo says.

“Whether it is the courage of one’s convictions or the courage demonstrated by one’s past success or deeds, it is the value on which good leadership rests on,” he said at the launching of the force’s  Commissioner’s Course 2014 at Igam Barracks.

He told 54 cadet recruits                          to serve the people and the country to the best of their ability. 

The first cadets are expected to graduate in June. 

They will be trained under chief instructor Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Banda, senior instructor Captain Jacob John and the help of technical ground instructors.   

“I urge you all to strive to maintain a very high standard of leadership and endurance level,” he said. 

“As future leaders, your subordinates will look upon you at a time when your endurance level and mental capacities could be stretched to the limit.

“It is at that moment, the benefits of the training will help you to stand out as the team leader.” 

He said the Government plans to increase the strength of the PNGDF in its Vision 2050.

“The government aspires to increase the force strength to 10,000 by 2030. In accordance with PNGDF White Paper launched recently, the number is expected to be 5,000 by 2017,” Toropo said.

Head of the Australian Defence Force staff in the country, Colonel Richards Parker and New Zealand defence adviser Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Ang attended the event.

“Integrity is a personal choice of consistently being committed to honour moral, ethical and spiritual values and principles of the country and PNGDF,” Ang said. “You will come to a crossroad one day to make a choice, your integrity is the most fundamental aspect you will base upon to make choices and decisions as a leader.”