Papua New Guinea Joint Forces Academy

The Hon. Matt Keogh MP - Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel and the Federal Member for Burt, visited Lae on the 26th and 27th of April. Chief Instructor of the Joint Forces Academy was privileged to meet him during his visit to the Lae War Memorial.

On Monday 27 April 26. PNGDF Air Element Officers delivered a Concept of Operations brief to their Commanding Office Lt Col Douglas Vavar.

For the first time the Senior Tactics Course (STC) incorporated Air Planning for its Operations phase. All this was made possible by the Royal Australia Air Force Mentoring Training Team detached to JFA to assist with the 01/26 STC. Special thank you to Flying Officer Scott Ivins who returned back to Australia over the weekend.

Maj Kaule, Maj Selan, Capt Thavara, Capt Matagarakikai and Capt Ngava are the first PNGDF Air officers to receive this training. JFA, ATW and the RAAF will continue to refine this package in order to make it a permanent training for all Air Officers on all Tactics Courses for the PNGDF.

Also, a special acknowledgement to Lt Col Vogae for assisting with TEWT assessments.

JUDGE US BY OUR DEEDS

CO/CI Opens Senior Tactics Course

The Commanding Officer and Chief Instructor (CO/CI), Lieutenant Colonel Deleni Rida, has officially opened the Senior Tactics Course at the Joint Force Academy, Igam Barracks, marking an important milestone in the professional development of officers within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).

The opening ceremony was witnessed by the Commanding Officer of Engineers, Lieutenant Colonel Velmore Kagena, alongside his Second-in-Command, Major Sarufa Eka, reflecting strong leadership support for the course.

The Senior Tactics Course brings together Majors and senior Captains from all three service elements (Land, Maritime and Air) demonstrating the PNGDF’s commitment to fostering unity and interoperability across its ranks. As the most senior course conducted within the force, it is designed to strengthen strategic thinking, leadership capability, and operational effectiveness among participating officers.

Supported by highly qualified instructors from both the PNGDF and the Australian Defence Force Monitoring Training Team (ADF MTT), the eight-week course commence today.

Leadership Courses Strengthen Inter-Agency Capacity at Joint Forces Academy, Igam Barracks

The Directorate for Leadership Development, Kumul Leadership Centre , Murray Barracks, has successfully delivered two Leadership Courses at the Joint Forces Academy Igam Barracks, reaffirming its commitment to building leadership capacity within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and other government agencies. The training was led by the Director for Leadership Development, Lieutenant Colonel John Banuk, who oversaw the delivery of both programs. The Lead Teams Course for the 1/24 Officer Cadets was conducted from 16th–20th March, followed by the Lead Leaders Course from 23rd–27th March, each designed to address specific levels of leadership and practical application in line with the PNGDF Leadership Framework.

The Lead Leaders Course brought participants from a range of key national institutions, reflecting a coordinated approach to leadership development across sectors. Attendees included members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Correctional Services, the Papua New Guinea Customs Service, the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, PNGDF, and the Department of Defence. Throughout the course, participants were engaged in leadership-focused activities aimed at strengthening decision-making, communication, and teamwork, while also promoting collaboration and shared understanding among agencies.

The successful completion of the courses was marked by a formal closing ceremony attended by the Chief Instructor of the Joint Forces Academy, Lieutenant Colonel Deleni Rida, and the Commanding Officer of the Engineering Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Velmore Kagena. During the ceremony, certificates were presented to participants by Lieutenant Colonel John Banuk and Lieutenant Colonel Velmore Kagena, recognizing their commitment, discipline, and successful completion of the training programs.

In officially closing the course on behalf of the Area Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Velmore Kagena commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to apply the leadership skills gained within their respective organizations.

The Academy acknowledges the valuable support of the New Zealand Defence Force Institute of Leadership Development, Pacific Leadership Development Program for the continued funding and support in delivering the Leadership Courses .This partnership continues to play an important role in enhancing leadership standards and supporting professional development initiatives across the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

The Joint Forces Academy Officer Cadets 1/24 step off for ‘Exercise Iron Fist.’

JFA Bids Farewell to Liaising Officer Captain Benjamin Walker

The Chief Instructor (CI) of the Joint Forces Academy (JFA), Lieutenant Colonel Deleni Rida, together with members of the headquarters staff of JFA, formally farewelled Captain Benjamin Walker, who served as JFA's Australian Defence Staff Liaising Officer (ADSLO) from 2023 to 2025.

During the brief ceremony, Lt. Col. Rida expressed his sincere appreciation for Capt. Walker’s unwavering support, professionalism, and significant contributions to the JFA over the past two years. As part of the occasion, Capt. Walker was presented with a plaque and a certificate of appreciation from the Academy by the CI.

As Capt. Walker prepares to return to Australia to continue his military career, the CI extended his best wishes to the LO’s future endeavours, and also together with his partner, Molly.

End of Year Parade

Chief Instructor (CI) Lt. Col. Deleni Rida conducted his final parade for the year, addressing the remaining staff of the Joint Forces Academy (JFA) as the year formally draw to a close for 2025.

During his remarks, Lt. Col. Rida encouraged all staff members to take time to reflect on their performance throughout the year, urging them to consider how they carried themselves professionally and personally. He emphasized the importance of continuous self-improvement and challenged everyone to return in the new year with renewed focus and discipline.

The CI also provided guidance on the official stand-down period, outlining when staff are to commence their break and when they are expected to resume duties. Work in the new year will begin with the Instructor Induction Training, setting the tone for another year of training excellence.

Lt. Col. Rida expressed his gratitude for the team’s hard work and dedication, highlighting the Academy’s successful delivery of four major courses in 2025:

• Half-way of the Joint Forces Commissioning Course (JFCC)
• Regimental Officer Basic Course (ROBC) Infantry
• Direct Entry Officer (DEO) Course
• Junior Staff Officers Course (JSOC)

He commended the staff for upholding the Academy’s standards and reminded them to hold their heads high, noting that JFA's achievements reflect their collective commitment and professionalism.

In closing, the CI wished all staff and their families a Merry Christmas and a safe, restful stand-down period. He emphasized the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and returning refreshed for the year ahead.

Commandant JFC and CI JFA Attend Igam Barracks Academy’s 30th Grade Eight Graduation

The Igam Barracks Academy (used to be known as Igam Primary) hosted its 30th Grade Eight Graduation on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, marking a significant milestone for the school and its students. The ceremony was attended by two distinguished guests: the Commandant of Lae Area & Joint Forces College, Colonel Michael Percy Marai, and the Chief Instructor (CI) of the Joint Forces Academy (JFA), Lt. Col Deleni Rida.

Parents, teachers, students, families, and the Igam community gathered to witness the achievements of the graduating students. In his remarks, Col. Marai commended the academy for maintaining high standards in both academic and character development, congratulating the students for their perseverance throughout the school year.

As part of the event, Col. Marai and Lt. Col Rida presented awards to outstanding students. Top performers in each subject area were recognised, along with the Dux Award recipients for Grades Seven and Eight. These presentations highlighted the academic excellence demonstrated by students across the academy.

The event was celebrated as a proud moment for the Igam Barracks community, reflecting the academy’s continued commitment to fostering discipline, leadership, and academic success among its students.

Special acknowledgement was extended to R-TEC Supplies & Services and Theodist PNG Limited for their support.

The CI JFA also commended the principal of Igam Barracks Academy, Mr. Philip Topora and his staff for their commitment, time, and effort in developing the future leaders of tomorrow.

&Services

JSOC Graduates Mark Completion of Eight-Week Course at JFA Igam Barracks

The Junior Staff Officer Course (JSOC) concluded its eight-week intensive training with a graduation parade held this morning at the Wewak Lines Parade Ground, Joint Forces Academy (JFA), Igam Barracks.

The ceremony drew Senior Officers from across the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and partner organizations. Among those present were Chief Instructor Lieutenant Colonel Deleni Rida; Chief of Training and Reviewing Officer Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Miro; Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion, Royal Pacific Island Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Vitata; Commanding Officer Air Transport Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Vavar DMS; Commanding Officer Engineering Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Velmore Kagena; Officer Command Australian Defence Force Igam Barrack, Major Matt Scanlon; and Director General of the National Intelligence Organization, Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Dorpar.

In his address, the Chief Instructor congratulated the 1/25 JSOC cohort for successfully completing the course and acknowledged the contributions of Academy Staff, detached instructors, and the Australian Defence Force Monitoring Training Team (ADF MTT), with special recognition for Captain Sammuel Jenner. Prior to the parade, Lt. Col. Rida presented a plaque to Captain Jenner in appreciation of his dedication, guidance, and consistent support throughout the eight-week program.

Chief of Training Lt. Col. Miro commended the graduating officers and urged them to apply the knowledge, skills, and professional networks developed during the course to strengthen and advance the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. He also extended thanks to the ADF MTT for its continued support.

Course awards were presented at the ceremony. The CI’s Paper and Peace Administrative Phase Award went to Major Mileona Saroa. The Tactics Award was received by Lieutenant Kriony Woisub, and the Student of Merit was awarded to Second Lieutenant Eddie Lema.

VISITING ASSESSORS FOR 1/25 JSOC TEWT SERIES

This morning, the Junior Staff Officer Course (1/25 JSOC), now into its fifth week of training and is intensifying with the operations package, had 3 Commanding Officers assess the summative Offensive Operations Tactical Exercise Without Troops (TEWTs).

Commanding Officer of the 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR), Lieutenant Colonel Ezron Dekaetavara, Commanding Officer Air Transport Wing (ATW), Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Vavar, and Commanding Officer Engineering Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Velmore Kagena, together with the Chief Instructor of the JFA, Lieutenant Colonel Deleni Rida, had the honour of assessing PNGDF officers on this course.

Also assisting in the assessment were several senior officers from JFA, the Engineering Battalion, and the Australian Defence Force Monitoring Training Team (ADF MTT).

The intent for this was in twofold: 1) To raise the standards of tactical and operational planning; and 2) Build officer confidence and professionalism in delivering plans at higher operational levels.

In the coming weeks, other senior officers from various operational units of the PNGDF will assist with the delivering of the TEWT assessments.

JFA wishes to thank CO 1RPIR, CO ATW and CO Engineer Battalion, together with respective senior officers for taking the time out of their busy schedules to make this phase of the training a success.

Until the next TEWT assessment, "JUDGE US BY OUR DEEDS".

Joint Forces Academy Holds Parade to Farewell Outgoing RSM and Welcome Successor

The Joint Forces Academy (JFA) this morning held a ceremonial parade to farewell its outgoing Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Mark Sakei, and officially welcomed the incoming RSM, CWO Kamara Apelis.

The event was witnessed by the Chief Instructor of the Academy, Lieutenant Colonel Deleni Rida, Engineer Battalion Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Velmore Kagena, and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Force Sergeant Major, CWO James Tarutia, along with the staff from the Academy, the Engineer Battalion, and Lae Area Igam Barracks.

The parade was led by the Wing Sergeant Major (WSM) of the Officer Cadet Training Wing (OCTW), Warrant Officer (WO) Albet Parai, and the Class of Cadets 1/24 Joint Force Commissioning Course. A symbolic change of the Pace Stick from CWO Sakei to CWO Apelis marked the official handover of duties, representing the transfer of leadership, discipline, and responsibility within the Academy.

In his farewell, CWO Sakei thanked the Academy for its support and camaraderie during his tenure and expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to continue strengthening the standards and traditions of the institution. CWO Sakei also thanked his wife Olgalynette for her support during his 40 years of service.

The ceremony concluded with warm congratulations extended to CWO Apelis, who pledged to uphold the values and discipline of the Joint Forces Academy and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

The Junior Staff Officers Course (JSOC) entered its fourth week of intensive training this morning with the conduct of the Combat Fitness Assessment (CFA) here at the JFA.

In a display of leadership, the Chief Instructor of the Academy, Lieutenant Colonel Deleni Rida, and Senior Instructor for the Course Major Francis Mesa, joined the JSOC participants for their run test, setting an inspiring example of endurance and discipline.

With morale high and performance improving across the board, the Academy remains confident that this cohort will meet and exceed the demanding expectations of the JSOC program.