NZ & PNG TROOPS DEMONSTRATE JOINT COMBAT READINESS DURING PM’s VISIT

Picture Caption: PNG Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph with the 16th Artillery Regiment of the New Zealand Defence Force along with PNG Defence Force Personnel at the Goldie Training Depot

By Nigel MADO
AS part of the official 3-day visit of the New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt. Hon Christopher Luxon, this week, the 16th Artillery Regiment of the New Zealand Defence Force along with PNG Defence Force Personnel at the Goldie Training Depot in Hiri-Koiari staged a demonstration to showcase to Prime Minister Luxon how much both forces have benefited from their mutual partnership.

Battery Commander, Major Jake Boreson of the 16th, Officer-In-Charge of the demonstration took time to explain the significance of the occasion.

Speaking to the FM100 Newsroom, Maj. Boreson explained that they are currently overseeing Mortar Training for PNGDF personnel for a period of a month. Maj. Boreson stated that over the course of the last month, NZDF Officers have been providing a Mortar Handler Course for 30 students, praising their effort in learning.

The Mortar Handler Course that the PNGDF is introducing into the Training Curricular is one of Several Capabilities that the Force lost over the past 10-15 years.

Major Boreson explained that the Final assessment will see PNGDF Personnel conduct a Live Fire Drill to assess how much they have gathered in the training. Aside from this, the commander mentioned that they have also conducted combat medic training alongside PNGDF Infantry Battalions and Warrior Wing.

Not only have they been able to teach, the NZDF Officer were also taken through training by the PNGDF, who delivered Jungle training involving Patrolling, Tracking and survival scenarios.