Six of the 12 up‑armored Landcruiser gifted to the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) by Australia late last year are now being used as part of a driver-training package at Murray Barracks and the Goldie River Training Depot in Port Moresby, the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby has said.
It said in a statement the course trains PNGDF personnel from across Papua New Guinea to operate the up‑armored vehicles, supporting the PNGDF’s protected mobility capability.
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“Eight PNGDF members qualified as driving instructors, and are now providing instruction to the participants, along with support from the Australian Defense Force (ADF) through the Defense Cooperation Program (DCP).
Corporal Maria Andaku has worked for 12 years in Force Support Battalion (FSB), the PNGDF Logistics Battalion, and is an instructor on the course,” it said.
She has been training PNGDF transport members to operate the up-armored vehicles, through technical skills, maintenance and how to manage the vehicles for use in PNGDF exercises and operations.
“We are training them to be qualified to handle the up-armored vehicle. It’s a very big change to the course and we are happy with the ADF for the vehicle,” Andaku said.
Corporal Petra Kimbis, also from the PNGDF FSB, is a participant in the driver training course with 14 years’ experience serving PNGDF.
“I am the only female among 15 men going through this course and as a female sitting behind the wheels of this armored vehicle, I am grateful. It’s a challenge, but its good, it’s interesting and I am enjoying this course.”
Australian Defense Force (ADF) Lance Corporal Emily Murphy is an instructor for tactical training assisting the PNGDF during the up-armored Landcruiser course.
LCPL Murphy said she was enjoying the experience of working with, and learning from, the PNGDF members, especially CPL Andaku and CPL Kimbis.
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“This joint training exercise showcases the vital role women play as leaders and learners within both defense forces, working side by side and step by step to further develop the enduring defense relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia.”