The PNGDF and the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force completed the implementation of a Military Band Cooperation Project early this week.
The project saw the establishment of PNGDF Military Brass Band and the training of 37 band members as well as training and guidance on performance technique for five leadership candidates.
In addition, two members of the band will also travel to Tokyo next month to get training on composing music.
Colonel Bruno Malau extended gratitude to the Government of Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Defence and the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force during a small closing ceremony in Murray Barracks. “The formation of the PNGDF Military Brass Band with the assistance of the Government of Japan and its people is a success story,” Col Malau said.
He said the establishment of the PNGDF Military Brass Band was initiated in 2014 to form, train and equip a new PNGDF Military Brass Band.
Col Malau said, the PNGDF Military Band stood as a distinguished part of the force under its Protocol Directorate and was equipped with the tools and skills to function.
He said the band had taken part in high level engagements such as the APEC 2018, the military band display in Sydney, and recently in receiving and farewelling Pope Francis over the weekend.
Japan’s Ambassador to PNG His Excellency Nobuyuki Watanabe, congratulated the band members and officers on the completion of the project and reiterated Japan’s commitment to work closely with the force and PNG.
