Meeting new friends, sharing insights into Papua New Guinea’s culture and undertaking demanding physical training were highlights for three privates reflecting on their time at the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School.

Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Privates Millis Kaos, Jamal Kime and Allan Aihi graduated from the Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus in March, as members of General Entry 444 Emms Division. 

Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley was the reviewing officer as Royal Australian Navy and PNGDF recruits conducted their final parade.

While missing family and friends back home was the most challenging aspect of the experience, all three privates valued the opportunity to train alongside Australian recruits.

Team building emerged as a consistent highlight of the program.

“All the physical training and the higher ropes course were excellent for team building,” Private Aihi said.

Private Kaos highlighted the shared motivation generated by training together.

“The unit readiness evaluation gave us a lot of motivation, along with plenty of team building and laughter,” he said.

The PNGDF personnel were mindful of their role in representing their country, their families and the PNGDF.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to complete this training in Australia,” Private Kime said.

“I enjoyed sharing my culture and experiencing Australian culture and way of life. It was wonderful to play a part in strengthening the ties between Papua New Guinea and Australia.”

The PNGDF personnel had already completed PNGDF Recruit School and other initial entry training. This experience often allowed them to take on informal leadership and mentoring roles among Australian recruits.

Commanding Officer of the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School Commander Martin Holzberger said the PNGDF members made a positive contribution to Recruit School.

“Recruit School has been privileged to have Papua New Guinea Defence Force members join us,” he said.

“Their perspectives, professionalism and willingness to learn add value to their classmates and the wider Recruit School.”

Since the program began in January 2024, 39 PNGDF personnel have graduated from the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School, supporting the Australia-Papua New Guinea defence partnership and strengthening interoperability.