It is official, the first Papua New Guinea Defence Force ({NGDF) recruitment training for 2026 is now cancelled after the disbandment of the Directorate of Recruiting at the headquarters at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby city.

The Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Rear Admiral Philip Polewara confirmed this in a statement, saying the disbanding of the Directorate of Recruiting, followed the commencement of a review initiated by MP Dr. Billy Joseph before he stepped aside as Minister for Defence.

“These actions are necessary to ensure we effectively review the recruitment process,” said the CDF.

The review of the PNGDF’s recruitment system commenced yesterday, led by the Deputy CDF Force Brigadier General, Lari Opa.

Since 2023, PNGDF has carried out institutional reforms, reviewing and overhauling its systems such as the moving of payroll control to Murray Barracks.

The PNGDF has been running on systems that are over 50 years old, and it is evident those systems have outlived their time. With the recruitment review, General Opa will oversee the development and operationalism of a fit for purpose system.

“One option we will look into is of integrating our system with that of the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology in order for us to recruit directly from secondary schools,” said CDF Rear Admiral Polewara.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape has assumed full responsibility for the Defence Ministry following the decision by Dr Billy Joseph to step aside.

The National Government is now moving swiftly to investigate serious concerns surrounding recruitment processes at Murray Barracks.