Commander must walk the talk

 GILBERT Toropo is taking command of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force at a critical time when the country’s military is under intense pressure to maintain its chief role as sovereign protector.

Toropo will become bri­g­adier-general, the rank that is normally accorded to the PNGDF commander, at a special military parade at Mur­ray Barracks in Port Moresby next Friday.

And yesterday, the astute soldier faced the news media for the first time as commander and announced that discipline was one of the key priorities he wanted to see restored in the defence force.

“I am committed to realising a professional and disciplined force that the government and the people of PNG can depend on. I have strategies in place and I will achieve this with the support of everyone.”

That is exactly what the country wants to hear from the new commander – an assurance that the PNGDF will maintain its neutrality amid the current political climate and continue to protect the state and its citizens.

The political events of the past two weeks have caused much anxiety and fear among citizens and foreigners alike. 

Reports that rogue elements of the defence and police forces had provided protection for Opposition leader Belden Namah and foiled an attempt by police to arrest him last weekend instilled much fear in the community. 

Speculation was rife that civil unrest was imminent if the political situation deteriorated.

Fortunately, the situation was brought under control on Monday when National Court judge Catherine Davani intervened and convinced lawyers for the rival factions to agree to a temporary truce. 

While the political leaders resolve their differences, the new military commander will have to discipline those rogue soldiers for their involvement the conflict.

Toropo has the full support of Defence Minister Fa­bian Pok who issued a warning yesterday to all military personnel not to support po­liticians and their political agendas. 

“Such association sends the wrong signals to our people, investors and foreign diplomats and destabilises peace and good order. Those who breach these directives are to be death with accordingly.” 

Pok wants all defence personnel to show professionalism and operate within the bounds of their code of military discipline. 

He ur­ged politicians not to interfere with the military and involve its members in their political struggle and conflicts. “Act responsibility to allow the public institutions such as the defence force to function within the bounds of their roles and responsibilities and not for your convenience.”

Easier said than done but the onus is on Toropo to now walk his talk to restore discipline and professionalism in the defence force. Toropo admits the road ahead will not be easy but he is committed to providing the leadership to the best of his ability “that God has given me through my training and experience during my 30 years of service”.

“I have a team of competent officers and senior non-commissioned officers from branch heads, directors, unit commanding officers and RSM who have the wealth of knowledge and experience to support me.”

The new commander will assume office with a head start. Pok yesterday announced a K30 million assistance package for the defence force, courtesy of the O’Neill Government.

Of that, K14m will be used for the maintenance of all army barracks and K10m will be used to buy white goods like refrigerators, washing machines and stoves. 

It is encouraging to hear from the minister that the Government plans to rebuild the ailing defence force.

As part of the rebuilding exercise, funds have been allocated to buy a new piece of land to relocate the PNGDF headquarters at Murray Barracks.

It is not clear where the Government intends to relocate its top military brass but the move will undoubtedly be welcomed by the National Capital District authorities and the business community as it will free up this prime land for residential and commercial purposes.

Indeed, the PNGDF has entered the dawn of a new era and its new commander faces the most challenging times of his impressive military career.