New PNGDF Company of Excellence arrives in Moem Barracks, Wewak
Seventy-three new soldiers of Charlie Company, of the 2nd Royal Pacific Island Regiment (2RPIR), have arrived at Moem Barracks, Wewak to begin their specialised infantry training.
The training of the new Charlie Company soldiers marks the beginning of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s (PNGDF) Companies of Excellence training program. This program is designed to breed a new generation of highly trained, disciplined and well equipped soldiers for the PNGDF.
An initiative of the Commander of the PNGDF, Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo, the program aims to increase the professionalism and capability of the PNGDF, in line with the 2013 PNG Defence White Paper. The program is supported through Australia’s longstanding Defence Cooperation Program, which continues to be responsive to PNG’s requirements and priorities.
Head of Australian Defence Staff Colonel Dick Parker said: “Each Company’s training is led by PNGDF officers and non-commissioned officers, and is supported by Mentor Training Teams from 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 3rd Brigade, based in Townsville. This cooperation continues to build the strong personal links between the ADF and the PNGDF, which are essential for our shared regional security.”
The new Charlie Company soldiers will be trained to be M16 marksmen and to master the use of the MAG 58 machine gun, grenades and other high explosives. They will also be kept to a strict barracks routine and trained to peak physical fitness. Their training will include a lengthy field exercise in attacking and defending objectives as well as bush survival.
Another 77 soldiers will be trained through the program as Delta Company at the 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR) at Taurama Barracks.