As part of the longstanding defence ties between Australia and Papua New Guinea, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) regularly work and train together. This includes the recent arrival of an ADF Mobile Training Team (MTT) at Taurama Barracks, Port Moresby, where the PNGDF and ADF soldiers are developing their ability to work side by side. The ADF MTT is supporting the PNGDF over the next three months with foundational training to qualify new soldiers, sailors and aviators.
The PNGDF’s 1 Royal Pacific Island Regiment (1RPIR) and members of the ADF’s 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) welcomed a visit from Australian Army Commander 1 Division, Major General Ash Collingburn AM DSM to observe a joint training activity and see first-hand how our defence forces build their cooperation skills.
“The training that’s occurring here today is foundation soldier training,” said Major General Collingburn.
“We’ll send three training teams out throughout the course of this year. Our focus for this first Mobile Training Team will be very much on officer training and then as we progress throughout the year we’ll do more advanced training, including advanced combined arms training.”
Major General Collingburn used the opportunity to highlight Australia and PNG’s close and enduring defence partnership.
“It’s a natural partnership across the Australian Defence Force and the Papua New Guinean Defence Force – we have a shared history, we share a maritime border, we have shared customs and traditions, and we have really strong people-to-people links.”
The demonstration between the ADF and PNGDF at Taurama Barracks was a great opportunity to see how the capability and interoperability of our two defence forces has grown, and a demonstration of the strength of the defence partnership between the PNGDF and the ADF that has endured for more than 50 years.
Australian Army Commander 1 Division, Major General Ash Collingburn (second from left) speaking with 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) members and members from PNGDF 1 Royal Pacific Island Regiment (1RPIR) during his visit to Taurama Barracks.
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