The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) recently celebrated the conclusion of an intensive four-week training program in advanced medical skills and small unit tactics. The program was conducted by the U.S. Security Assistance Training Management Organization (SATMO). The graduation ceremony, held on April 11, was attended by representatives from the PNGDF, the U.S. Embassy, SATMO, and the graduating students.
Colonel Isaac Baskins, the U.S. Defense Attache, remarked, “This training is a testament to the strong partnership between the United States and Papua New Guinea. Our shared commitment to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region is reflected in the hard work and achievements of these graduates.”
The training focused on leadership, self-sufficiency, and operational readiness, according to Master Sergeant Hans Moeller, SATMO’s Team Sergeant. He commented, “The PNGDF completed 4 weeks of rigorous training in both advanced medical skills and small unit tactics with a heavy emphasis on leadership. While the training was difficult, strenuous, challenging, and highly realistic, it was also very rewarding.”
LtCol Donald Aisuk, Director of Land, highlighted the purpose of the training, saying, “All of this training is geared to getting our basics correct and then preparing for the next national event that PNGDF will undoubtedly be asked to support.” He added, “These past four weeks have been hard. But this is how we build resilience. You need to be physically and mentally fit.”
The program included practical exercises that simulated real-world scenarios. The medical team had the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a field environment, engaging in exercises such as mass casualty response training and establishing medical aid stations. The small unit tactics training culminated in a Final Training Exercise focusing on procedures like React to Contact and Ambush.
The United States plans to continue supporting its partnership with Papua New Guinea and its Pacific neighbors, following the framework of the bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which came into force in 2023.