Female officer proud to join army ranks

By JUNIOR UKAHA

SECOND-Lieutenant Georgina Tebegetu says self-belief, determination and commitment can help one achieve one’s goals in life.

The 23-year-old was the only female cadet officer to graduate from the Defence Force military academy  in Lae yesterday. She and her 27 male colleagues successfully completed an 18-month officer cadet training.

The New Ireland officer from Lelet village said being the only female officer among the group was a personal achievement and something she would cherish for the rest of her life.

After Prime Minister Peter O’Neill pinned the pip on her uniform yesterday at the parade, Tebegetu was joined by mum Paquita, stepfather Omalley Namalo and brother Azariah to celebrate her achievement.

“The challenging part of my training is in the leadership area,” Tebegetu said.

“Despite being a female, I acted as a leader of the troops and had to give orders to my male counterparts on what to do. It was an intense 18-month training program and I’m glad to have successfully completed it.”

Tebegetu said the group started with 54 cadets but some failed to complete the course. Her advice to young women who want to compete with men in various fields to “believe in yourselfand be determined and committed in what you do”.

Tebegetu and seven others who passed out with her will be attached with the Engineering Battalion in Lae.