PNGDF TO MERGE WITH PRIVATE SECURITY FIRM

By Benny Sandeka

Discussions are underway for a private security firm to align itself with PNG Defence Force in the provision of critical military business of intelligence sharing, training and use of military infrastructures. Under the proposed arrangements, both PNGDF military personnel will co-habit the military barracks and share critical facilities with staff and management of the private security firm on commercial mutually agreed terms.
British registered security firm, G4S is in talks with PNGDF hierarchy for both parties to forge strategic alliances. Under this alliance, G4S is offering among other things, high tech military hardware in aircraft and sea going vessel detection, provision of static guard in different military establishments and training for PNGDF personnel on equal par with the G4S security personnel.
However, their cooperation will only be limited to PNG’s territory. This means, PNGDF and G4S will only work together in common security interest within PNG borders.
The trans-national security firm is also willing to provide vocational training for PNGDF personnel leaving the force for their re-entry into civilian life and where possible, it is expected to take up bulk of former military personnel
In return, G4S is seeking from PNGDF all unused military facilities at Murray Barracks Area including accommodation, messing as well as Air Transport Wing facilities to expand its business in PNG. It is willing to upgrade and use on commercial terms with PNGDF.
The security firm is expected to recruit more than 1000 personnel and is especially interested in the single quarter accommodation at Murray Barracks together with other houses which are currently in state of disrepair. It is expected to refurbish these houses for its staff for a possible co-habitation with military personnel especially around Murray Barracks area. It has also expressed interest to increase meals provided by the catering firm to also cater for G4S staff once they move into the military barracks.
G4S has interest in provision of security in the country’s mining sector. With the growth of the mining industry in the country, it expects new contracts and is planning to increase its manpower to about 7,000 personnel.
The Defence Council, consisting of Defence Minister, PNGDF Commander and Defence Secretary, have been fully briefed. Former PNGDF Commander, Commodore Peter Ilau has written to the Prime Minister’s office highlighting the ongoing discussions with the internationally renowned security firm, G4S.
But the new PNGDF Commander, Brigadier General Francis Agwi said, whilst there are ongoing discussions with the private security provider, there are legal implications which may not allow this partnership to materialize. Section 200 (1) of the National Constitution strictly prohibits the establishments, organization, equipping, training and association with unauthorized forces except that which is provided for within the National Constitution.
Continuous neglect of the PNGDF over the years, coupled with the downsizing of PNGDF from a total manning of 3000 to 1500, has left many military facilities and critical equipment unused, left dilapidated and obsolete making them easy targets for commercial interest.
G4S is an international security firm providing security services to the United States as well as British military in key critical areas. Recently, they have a security contracts with the US and British military for the provision of security services to their nuclear power plants.
Their move to integrate with PNGDF is a new concept of Military Business currently sweeping through the globe where private security firms are engaged by governments to provide military service functions. The United States currently has security personnel serving as soldiers in the front-lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. On the other hand, Britain has engaged ‘private military business’ to provide static security guards to important government installations.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, such private military companies thrive in areas of high security risks and conflicts especially in resource rich countries.

For more information: nalatimes@daltron.com.pg or benny.sandeka@gmail.com