Major Jacob a proven leader of men

CAREERS

By DYLAN MURRAY
MAJOR John Jacob recently marked 25 years of dedication to the service of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and his country.
Jacob is a seasoned leader in the defence force, having carried leadership roles in operations out in some of the most remote parts of the country.
He has seen the terrain of the country and of life as well.
Major Jacob hails from the picturesque village of Tipuka in Hagen Central, Western Highlands.
“I am the youngest of two siblings,” he said.
He began his career in the military in 1999, rotating into operations in 2003 during the re-elections in Southern Highlands at the time.
Since then, he has been an integral part of multiple significant operations.
His service included three rotations in the Kiunga Forward Operating Base between 2006 and 2011, followed by roles in Rescue Operations Laladabuhaha in 2015.
“I was rotated to the Forward Operating Base in Vanimo in the same year (2015),” he said.
In 2017 Major Jacob contributed to the national elections in Enga, undertaking roles ranging from officer commanding to liaison officer.
In 2020, during the global pandemic, he served as the plans officer for the operations Covid-19 task force headquarters.
He showed his commitment to the nation once again during the 2022 National Elections in Morobe, acting as the operations officer for Task Force 2.
Today, Major Jacob is a proud father to three daughters, juggling life between being a soldier and being a dad. But when the nation found itself in a crisis earlier last month (Jan 10), he found himself at the helm of Operation Resolve 2024 Task Force, a critical mission to stand against anarchy and chaos.
As the second in command (2IC) of the task force, he brought with him a wealth of experience gained from various positions held in numerous operations throughout his distinguished career. He later took on the role of task force commander.
Major Jacob’s fellow servicemen and servicewomen say his ability to adapt and lead in diverse situations reflects his all-rounded expertise as an infantry officer.
“Major John Jacob is not just a seasoned officer; he is a mentor and leader who has shaped the careers of numerous officers and ranks within the PNGDF,” said a fellow officer.
“His leadership style, developed over the course of 25 years, has created a legacy of pride and dedication among those who serve alongside him.”
Major Jacob lives by a simple quote: “Life is not a competition, run your own race.”
For those ready to learn, Major Jacob is a constant source of inspiration, and there is never a shortage of teachable moments.
As he continues to lead with distinction, Major John Jacob stands as a symbol of service, dedication, and experience within the PNGDF.
From his early days as a platoon commander to his current role as task force commander for Operation Resolve 2024, Major Jacob’s journey has been marked by steadfast dedication and a commitment to maintaining peace and order.