PNGDF training includes drills

A PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) training for the first time has included inter-agency involvement in its exercise drills for comprehensive and coordinated responses, an official says.
Lt Kakawi Daniel, senior instructor for the PNGDF’s infantry wing, said the drills would involve police department, Fire Services, St John Ambulance and the Disaster Office.
“It’s not only the Police and Defence Force like in the past,” he said.
“We’re including all inter-agencies to mimic the actual operations.”
Lt Daniel is currently conducting qualifying training in Lae for the Northern units at Igam Barracks.
He said about 35 unqualified sergeant rank holders had undergone a six-week administration phase of training. “This is the culmination of the first phase where the participants will do offensive and defensive activities in Situm over the weekend and extract back on Monday to kick off security operations in Lae,” he said.
“These other agencies will come in to play their roles in every operation so our participants can understand the normal point of contact and purpose of their counterparts.
“It will also teach them that we don’t operate alone in every operation.”
Lt Daniel said the step to include other agencies was from their public evaluation.
“It’s important that the National Disaster office conduct all trainings with all armed forces and agencies,” he said.