The PNGDF is a small force, numbering around 3,600 personnel, and consists of a Land Element, an Air Element and a Maritime Element. It is a joint force tasked with defending Papua New Guinea and its territories against external attack, as well as having secondary functions including national-building and internal security tasks.

This paper reflects on the author's upbringing in Papua New Guinea, particularly within the context of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) from 1976 to 1988. It emphasizes the dual influence of the Church and the military in shaping personal and national identity following independence from colonial rule.

The PNGDF – a colonial legacy On the eve of independence in 1975, there was a serious debate amongst Papua New Guinea’s emerging nationalist elite about whether the independent state should have a defence force. Not only was there no obvious external threat, but it was recognised that if there were, a Papua New Guinea Defence Force could do

Under the Australian colonial administration, a Pacific Islands Regiment, created during the Pacific War, was re-formed in 1951 and by 1973 had evolved into the PNGDF, with a growing number of Papua New Guinean officers. In recommending that …

The author looks at the force through the following: the PNGDF’s colonial legacy; external defence and internal security; military-civil relations; the Sandline Affair; and the question of increased politicisation after the Sandline Affair.

Aug 10, 2023 · Former Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel from Bougainville have called on the national government to come out clear and explain when they will be paid outstanding payments due to them for services to the country.

At independence the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), under the command of a Papua New Guinean officer, was widely regarded as one of the best trained and most cohesive institutions of the new state — though defence policy was still largely determined by Australia.

In 1951 the Australian colonial administration revived the Pacific Islands Regiment (PIR), which had been formed in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War. Until 1964 the PIR formed part of the Australian Army’s Northern Command, whose headquarters were in …

Under the Australian colonial administration, a Pacific Islands Regiment, created during the Pacific War, was re-formed in 1951 and by 1973 had evolved into the PNGDF, with a growing number of Papua New Guinean officers.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) originated from the Australian Army land forces of the Territory of Papua New Guinea that were part of the Pacific Island Regiment before...