by Mickey Kavera – EM TV, Port Moresby
Exercise Wantok Warrior, a joint military training with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is not just an ordinary military exercise. It is the ultimate test of Papua New Guinea Defence Force Security capability.
The exercise has been running for four weeks at the Goldie River Training Depot outside of Port Moresby.
Soldiers have been trained in various aspects of security like urban warfare.
All these training will come in handy during upcoming international events to be hosted by Papua New Guinea over the years.
Most notably will be the 2018 APEC leaders’ summit. But 2015 Pacific Games will determine whether the Papua New Guinea Defence has the capability to provide high level security.
Commander of the PNGDF Gilbert Toropo visited the troops today, to see how the exercise is been running.
“I am proud to say that PNGDF is ready to assist the Papua New Guinea Government to offer security provisions during these international events. The commitment shown by these soldiers to undergo this training will enhance their skills set to meet the national government’s objectives”.
Although assistance will come from its counterparts, Toropo wants his soldiers to build their professionalism to face these security challenges.
The exercise has also been beneficial to the ADF soldiers. Many of them praised their counterparts in instilling in them the basics of surviving the rough PNG terrain.
The PNGDF soldiers felt the need for more of such training. They said, providing security is not an easy task but with the training received has boosted their confidence.
PNGDF is also working to increase its manpower to assist in these areas, with new recruits currently in training.
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