Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) member, Lieutenant Colonel Donald Aisuk, has commenced the Defence and Strategic Studies Course (DSSC) at the Australian Defence College in Canberra, Australia.
The course is a year-long intensive program for selected outstanding defence personnel from Australia and international partner militaries. The course prepares high performing defence members and public servants for senior appointments in the national security environment, providing the foundation for future senior leaders in Defence.
The course explores strategic and defence policy and planning, joint warfighting, leadership and management, and security issues of global, regional and national importance. It also allows participants to develop networks with their regional counterparts, often becoming close mates and good friends who support one another in years to come.
Papua New Guinea and Australia have a strong and enduring defence partnership, learning side-by-side and marching step-by-step, as highlighted by PNGDF DSSC alumni including Deputy Chief of the PNGDF BRIG GEN Opa Lari Opa, PNG’s Defence Advisor to Australia COL Siale Diro, and Deputy Commander to ADF’s Third Brigade COL Boniface Aruma.
The DSSC course is the next step in LTCOL Aisuk’s Defence education in Australia. LTCOL Aisuk previously studied at the Australian Command and Staff College, completing a Master of Military & Defence Studies in 2020. LTCOL Aisuk thanked the PNGDF leadership for supporting his participation in the prestigious course. LTCOL Aisuk said that he was “excited and privileged to commence this journey” at the Australian Defence College and looks forward to “making new connections” during the course and exploring Australia with his family.
ENDS
LTCOL Aisuk commenced at the Australian Defence College in January 2026.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100