by Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV, Port Moresby
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) now has four new heads of branches that will support the commander in implementing his 2015 Intent and Priorities approach in the force.
The new colonels include Colonel Siale Diro, Colonel Wenzel Esekia, Colonel John Rakatani and Colonel Ben Siria. They were promoted recently by the Defence Council at the Murray Barracks Command Officers Mess in Port Moresby.
Colonel Siale Diro will now take his position as the new PNGDF Chief of Operations, Colonel Ezekia now resumes as the new Joint Force Commander, Colonel John Rakatani takes his post as the new PNGDF Chief of Personnel and Colonel Siria will take his new post as the new PNGDF chief of logistics, replacing the former chief of logistics, Colonel Carl Wrakonei.
These newly-appointed branch heads have a wider range of military knowledge, skills and experience. They are all qualified Masters graduates of overseas military staff colleges.
The Defence Council, which is made up of Defence Minister Dr Fabian Pok, Defence Secretary John Porti and PNGDF Commander Brigadier General, Gilbert Toropo, appointed the new branch heads based on their confidence, trust and their wealth of military experience and knowledge.