Defence force restructuring

The National National

THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) is undergoing a restructure to cater for the increasing security issues arising in the country due to global changes, PNGDF Commander Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo says.
“This restructure is to do away with the current Australian Defence Force (ADF) brigade size structure that was handed over to us by the ADF in 1975,” he said.
“PNGDF is undergoing restructure and by January 2021 the Office of the PNGDF Commander will be known as the chief of the PNGDF.
“Under the Chief of the PNGDF, we will have the vice chief commander of PNGDF (restructured Office of the PNGDF chief of staff) and restructure will be cascaded down the commands.”
Toropo said the shift from the brigade size structure to an army size was to fully manage constitutional obligations as well as the growing security challenges PNG faced.

3 comments

  • About time we moved away from that colonial structure that in a way undermines our size, population and capability in the Pacific. In the process of change, all officers from the newly graduates of the academy to the Chief of PNGDF must wear the proper cap-type officer’s headdress to bring some pride and identification into the military wings!

  • PNGDF EXECUTED A WIDER ROLE

    I dictum restructure to cater for the increasing security issues arising in the country due to global changes as mentioned by PNGDF Commander Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo on the National News Paper dated 1st December 2020. A strong defense budget and defense policy has to be measured and fortifies our nation appearance so that a well-equipped defense would be established. However, resilient national defense is so important to the security and protection of the Papua New Guinea citizen at this point in time.

    Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) executed a wider role, not only safeguarding a national territory from intrusion but also putatively navigating obnoxious battle in the Country. In spite of their staggering role in nation building, PNGDF have borne a surreptitious institute to the nation by defending our citizens from national security terrorizations. Thus, PNG have establishing a compact system for defense force and should preserve to exploit as a defender of freedom and a loyal supporter of our nation security.

    The PNGDF is very well based, being synchronised at national level by orders sanctioned by the Government of this country. The Government must ensure that our military remains the most significant organisation in this young nation because they (PNGDF) are authentically responsible for the preservation and continuity of the democratic State of Law that is known today.

    PNGDF are dynamic as the eventual mechanism of National Security and they are indeed greatest assets of our Country. They are the watchmen of the nation and shield its citizens at all costs. Moreover, they are a very altruistic or self-sacrificing lot who put the interest of the country above their personal interest. PNGDF has to be prioritised in terms of increasing Government budgets going forward.

    Enoch MacTeine Agyonga
    Giriu Village
    Chuave Chimbu Province
    .

  • Wait until a coup happens and then toss the restructure plan out and downsize again. This is exactly what happened a few years back when Commodore Peter Ilau downsized the PNGDF based Australia’s security assessment and recommendations. PNGDF lacks the high discipline of the old colonial force to make any significant change that will benefit the national interest and it security needs. Whilst I agree a restructure is needed and must happen, corruption is also so rampant in the PNGDF any meaningful policy initiative to better the forces response capabilities will never achieve its desired outcome. PNGDF should work on strengthening systems that support higher standards of discipline and integrity in the conduct of both officers and soldiers before you carry out a restructure that is focused on manpower and budget increases. Its should also look at giving officers manpower and resource management skills before a major restructure of such magnitude. PNG needs money for socio-economic and people focused programs that bring greater benefits to our rural communities and not to feed a growing military. To be quite frank, PNG does not face any imminent external threats. Our defense adaptability to emerging global scenario’s post-pandemic should look at strengthening defence partnerships with traditional territorial partners so that we can confront real and imminent threats like climate change induced mass population displacement and new deadly viruses. We already have far too many undisciplined soldiers and corrupt officers and asking for more would present a significant threat to our national security. PNG needs an army of nurses, doctors, teachers, social workers and not more soldiers with guns.

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