Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Commander Major-General Mark Goina says his administration is looking to reintroduce the school military cadet programme. The PNGDF Military Cadet Programme 2023 Recruitment for 2024 is now awaiting the approval of the PNG government.
The PNG Defence Force Commander said the PNGDF Military Cadet Programme existed in pre-Independence, in the 1960s and early 1970s, in schools.
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Importance of the PNGDF Cadet Programme
The PNGDF Military Cadet Programme is vital for instilling discipline and command and building good character among the younger generation.
PNGDF will play a supporting role in this programme that would be headed by the reserve force legislation.” PNG Force (PNGDF) Commander Major-General Mark Goina.
PNGDF Military Cadet Programme 2025
The PNGDF Cadet programme will come in three stages
- Reserve force,
- Youth programme and
- School cadet programme.
The youth programme had started, run by the PNGDF’s reserves, capability and development branch.
The intent is to allow the youths to go through a programme in collaboration with the National Youth Services and other government agencies and departments that deal with youths.
Awaiting PNG Government Approval
The PNG Defence Force made a submission to the PNG government and is awaiting approval from the National Executive Council (NEC).
PNGDF is hoping that the submission will go through Parliament and be enacted into law.
The PNGDF Reserve Force Branch is ready to roll out the PNGDF Cadet Programme when the government gives the approval.
PNGDF Recruitment 2025 – DHERST
The PNGDF would recruit new intakes next year in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST).
Going in 2025 onwards, all applicants will come through the school leavers’ form, we have established a collaboration with the higher education department to assist and screen through our requirements.” PNG Force (PNGDF) Commander Major-General Mark Goina.
If the applicants are successful they will be recruiting with the PNG Defence Force as early as next year, 2025, for 2026.