Media release
9 September 2009
For immediate release
ADF learn jungle survival skills from PNGDF
As part of Exercise Olgeta Warrior members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) have been participating in Exercise Wantok Warrior.
Exercise Wantok Warrior is an infantry skills activity that has been taking place in the vicinity of Taurama Barracks with members of 1st Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR) and 3rd Brigade Soldiers from Townsville. Soldiers have been working together in mixed Combat Teams as part of Battle Group Wantok. During this training members have participated in activities including infantry minor tactics, live fire ranges and jungle survival activities. Participants have been given the opportunity to learn from each other and experience each others cultural differences.
Soldiers participating in Exercise Wantok Warrior are now involved in jungle survival training at Kerea in Central Province. For many Australian soldiers this has been a highlight in the program with PNGDF introducing ADF soldiers to numerous activities including tracking, raft building, fire making, hunting and traditional jungle cooking. As Sapper Yarron McGreachie from 3 Combat Engineer Regiment (3 CER) said, “It has been a fantastic experience and I have particularly enjoyed the lessons in tracking in the jungle, and being able to go out and practice the skills with the PNGDF.”
The Jungle activity has been co-ordinated by Lieutenant Colonel Siale Diro, Commanding Officer 1RPIR who said, “These skills are the skills of our forefathers that allowed them to survive in the jungle. This is a unique and memorable experience for ADF members.”
Land Component Commander and Commanding Officer of 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Hoskin, said that “The jungle training was an important aspect in the training and was providing ADF members with an exciting challenge and the opportunity to learn new and highly relevant skills.”