PNGDF continues investigation into recruitment of soldiers

AN investigation has been launched by the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) into how 27 recruits were able to qualify for military training.
Chief of staff Capt Philip Polewara confirmed this before the passing out parade at Goldie Barracks in Central last week.
Capt Polewara said after the pass-out of 284 new recruits, they would have a two-year probationary period.
“This is the period where the recruitment staff go through the paper work of each of the soldier and thorough checks are done,” he said.
Capt Polewara said background checks would be done with partners, including the Education Department and the Police Department.
He said PNGDF had also removed recruitment personnel and assigned new staff working with the new head of the recruitment.
“We have done that to improve the recruitment programme next year,” Capt Polewara said.
“We are setting an airtight recruitment programme in 2021 to not have a repeat of what happened in 2020.”
In March, the PNGDF recruitment office was closed over allegations of bribery raised during the recruitment process.
An audit was ordered into the allegations in which time cadets continued their training.
In May, the PNGDF announced that 119 recruits has been removed after an internal investigation revealed that the recruitment process had been compromised.
It was then PNDF Commander Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo revealed that staff who had been identified to have been compromised during the recruitment process would be dealt with under the code of military discipline. Towards the end of May, five officers from the PNGDF were suspended following investigations into the force’s recruitment process.
During the recent commander’s end-of-year parade, Maj-Gen Toropo said training had to continue.
“Training has to continue so we continue our efforts for the recruitment of general enlistees and officer cadets is ongoing,” the commander said.