Change defence force to self-defence force

THE recent uprising by members of the PNGDF was not a surprise.
The integrity of the na­tion’s first line of defence has been called into question.
Regardless of the outcome of the attempted mu­tiny, there is a serious flaw in the role of the PNGDF in its capacity to defend our national interest.
This will always be the case if we continue to maintain an offensive-based military attitude.
I suggest the following:
1.    Restructure the PNGDF to a self-defence force as per the Japanese version;
2.    The maritime element to be changed to the territorial coast guard of PNG. Reporting to the commander of the self-defence force, this branch looks after our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, and assists in search and rescue and recovery; and
3.    The establishment of an air defence element with a land-based missile de­fence shield limited to our sovereign airspace. A short range missile um­brella with radar tracking stations would deter any hostile threat from the air. Radar squawking signals will determine aircraft types and radar tracker negates the need for escort fighters.
We must be prepared against a real threat of invasion and not rely on the goodwill of our neighbours through diplomacy.
Let us avoid becoming the next Kuwait.
In saying so, I do not see any funding limitations as the country is set to accrue billions (perhaps trillions) in the coming decade. We must have the means to maintain and protect our sovereignty.
With all that wealth, what better way to spend it than protecting ourselves and our wealth?
It is time for PNG stand up and the show world we are a well-protected and rising economic power.

Hamilton M Greene
Lae