Papua New Guinea Defence White Paper 2013 Critical Review of Chapter 12: Developing the Reserve Force in the PNG Defence White Paper 2013

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 By Olivia Alutao 

Introduction

The Defence White paper 2013 document outlines the government’s strategic roadmap for the development of the PNG Defense organization in order to address security gaps that were perceived to prevent Papua New Guinea’s development and also to fulfill the National Government’s security goal. The DWP was developed through wide consultation which was initiated by strategic Guidance from the National Government through the National Security Policy Technical working group (NSPTWG). Based on the strategic guidance from Government, the Defence white paper Team (DWPT) conducted extensive consultations internally within the Defence organization and externally with all the former PNGDF commanders, key security sector Departmental Heads, other government agencies and the wider public.

Globalization has led to increased interconnectedness and interdependence globally, consequently, leading to various security issues affecting all levels of PNG society. The current and future threat facing our nation are largely complex, non-traditional and development oriented. The defence organization, while providing the necessary capability to secure our borders, must have a clear focus on nation building. The then Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neil urged in the Defence White Paper policy 2013 that “we must forge the capacity to underpin national development efforts and be able to be the first responders to contingencies that affect our nation. He further stressed that the Defence must also contribute to alleviating the National ‘Youth bulge problem by building the Reserve Force, introducing a school Cadet program and developing a National Service Scheme.”

I have selected an important part of the policy. Chapter 12 of the Papua New Guinea Defence White Paper 2013 outlines the strategic intent to develop a robust reserve force within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF). This initiative aims to enhance national security by establishing a reserve component of 1,000 personnel by 2017. In this review I will give a mixed evaluation of the policy, specifically chapter 12, acknowledging its strategic vision while highlighting significant challenges in implementation.

 

Summary

The policy envisions the creation of a reserve force comprising 1,000 personnel, complementing the regular force of 4,000, to achieve a total strength of 5,000 by 2017. The reserve force is intended to strengthen the PNGDF's capacity to respond to various security challenges, including transnational crime, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. The policy emphasizes the need for a structured and well-equipped reserve force to enhance operational flexibility and national security readiness.

 

Critique

Strength

The policy's strategic foresight in proposing a reserve force reflects an understanding of the PNGDF's operational limitations and the necessity for a flexible and walkable force structure. By integrating a reserve component, the policy aims to address the dynamic and complex security environment of Papua New Guinea.

Weaknesses

However, the implementation of this policy has faced significant challenges. According to the white paper policy target 2013, the number in the force will have reached 5000 soldiers, in which 4000 are regulars and the other 1000 are reserve personnel in various streams of professions required in the force. However, according to (Post Courier, 2017), the PNGDF has struggled to meet its manpower targets due to funding constraints and limited recruitment capacity.  For instance, the PNGDF has been unable to achieve the desired force size of 5,000 personnel, with current strength falling short of the target.

Additionally, the reserve force's development has been hindered by inadequate infrastructure and training facilities, limiting the effectiveness of the reserve component. The lack of a clear and actionable implementation plan has further worsened these challenges. The defence force capability relies on funding from the government.

 

Recommendations

To enhance the effectiveness of the reserve force, it is recommended that the PNG government:

  1. Increase Defence Budget Allocation: Allocate additional resources to the defence sector to support recruitment, training, and infrastructure development for the reserve force. 
  1. Develop Comprehensive Implementation Plans: Establish clear, actionable plans with defined timelines and responsibilities to guide the development of the reserve force.
  1. Enhance Training Facilities: Invest in modern training facilities and programs to ensure the reserve force is adequately prepared to respond to national security challenges.
  1. Create and implement new modernize systems: Make fundamental transformation in the organization’s outlook and how it conducts its business.

 

Conclusion

Of immediate concern is the deteriorated state of Defence service conditions, infrastructure and capability. The defence white paper addresses these deficiencies and aims to build defence into an organization that is modern, efficient and capable of being defending PNG. While the policy to develop a reserve force within the PNGDF demonstrates strategic foresight, its implementation has been hindered by financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of clear planning. Addressing these challenges through increased funding, comprehensive planning, and enhanced training will be crucial to realizing the policy's objectives and strengthening Papua New Guinea's national security framework.

 

References

 

 


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