Defence recruitment, training progressing well, says Toropo

THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force Commander Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo, pictured, says the 2019 recruitment process and training was progressing well with no issues.
He said there were two general six months enlisting training every year.
For the training that starts in January to June, Toropo said recruitment was done between October and December.
And for the July to December training, recruitment happens from April to June.
“Our recruitment office has always been open to all Papua New Guineans,” he said.
“More kids are coming in with their application every day at our recruitment office.”
Toropo said after a stringent selection process, names of those who are required to undergo entry tests are posted on the notice board.
He said the tests determine whether they meet the requirements to join the military or not.
In terms of female members of the force, he said the general enlisting was stopped because of the lack of infrastructure to accommodate them.
“The recruitment we doing so far on females are on specialist areas like lawyers and doctors,” he said.
“Until such time when we have enough money to have facilities specific to have the female requirements then we will start to recruit again.”
Toropo said there were around 150 females in Papua New Guinea Defence Force.