Defence Force opens recruitment to Papua New Guineans in pilot program
PNG citizens aged 18 to 25 can join the Australian Defence Force in a new pilot program.
Papua New Guinean citizens aged 18 to 25 can join the Australian Defence Force in a new pilot program. Applications open next month and are open to students and recent graduates.
Successful recruits will serve first on a temporary visa and must apply for Australian citizenship once they become eligible. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the program in Port Moresby.
He said it reflects the close relationship between the nations and their shared security interests. PNG Prime Minister James Marape has previously said as many as 10,000 Papua New Guineans could join the ADF under the Pukpuk war pact.
This pact commits both nations to defend each other if attacked.
- Up to 100
- Recruits expected over two years
- 18-25
- Age eligibility
- Richard Marles
- Defence Minister
- 10,000
- Potential future recruits under war pact
Why it mattersIt opens Australian military service to PNG citizens. It also signals deepening defence ties between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
AustraliaHelps Australia boost Defence Force recruitment numbers; strengthens military ties with its closest regional neighbour.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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