14 September 2011

Australian Commandos and PNGDF soldiers
train under Exercise Night Naip

An Australian Commando Platoon Group and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) soldiers recently conducted Exercise Night Naip at the Goldie River Training Depot, near Port Moresby.

The exercise involved the deployment of soldiers from the Australian 2nd Commando Regiment to PNG to conduct a range of combined activities with the PNGDF over three weeks. The focus of the exercise was to provide advanced individual infantry skills training for Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) from the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR).

The training consisted of a series of advanced dry and live fire, close combat activities using the range facilities at Goldie River Training Depot. The Commandos also mentored PNGDF participants in medical, signals and amphibious skills training. The PNGDF NCOs were very receptive of the training and this allowed the Commandos to conduct a range of more advanced practices, led by the PNGDF.

Deputy Special Operations Commander Australia, Brigadier Mark Smethurst visited Exercise Night Naip at Goldie River Training Depot along with Commander PNGDF, Brigadier General Francis Agwi, and were both impressed by the training, skill and commitment of the soldiers involved.

A team of 12 Commandos and 5 PNGDF NCOs also walked the Kokoda Track from Kokoda to Owers Corner. Over the 96km of the trail, the Commandos, all with recent Afghan Combat experience, took time out to reflect on the deeds of their forebears. The team carried all of their own rations and equipment for the duration, completing the trek in 5 days.

A further highlight of the exercise involved the Commando Tactical Trauma Team consisting of one doctor and two medics that deployed with the field team. Led by the 2nd Commando Regiment Medical Officer, the team visited a number of villages surrounding Goldie River Training Depot and provided medical assistance to Port Moresby General Hospital Emergency Department. The medical help was greatly appreciated by the villagers, and the practical experience gained in the Trauma ward proved to be excellent continuation training for the team, in the lead up to their next deployment to Afghanistan.