Although its history is scarred by the bloodshed of Bougainville civil war, that experience carved a path to change, progress and a way forward.

Over the years, continuing focus had been placed to transform the PNGDF into a professional, well-trained and capably led military force able to fully deliver its constitutional obligations.

The Defence white papers of 2009 and 2013 pointed towards rebuilding PNGDF capacity.

Major-General Goina talks to troops in Mt Hagen in June at the dawn of the national elections

Today, with these goals still in focus, defence force chief Major-General Mark Goina has a slightly different eye.

Goina told me his first and foremost line of effort from 2022 to 2026 is the duty of care for all service men and women.

This includes career development, improved living standards and managing transition to civilian life at the end of their time in uniform.

Goina said he has dedicated his term in office to ensure personnel are being well led and properly paid, clothed, accommodated, trained and given the appropriate environment to work in.

“They are our people and our most important asset and we must look after them well to enable them to discharge their duties to the best of their potential while away from their families,” he said.

Sitting there listening to him, I heard in his voice the rhythmic beat of a soldier’s heart.

Where is a soldier’s heart, you might ask.

To find you must access a soldier’s temperament in which discipline, morale and professionalism can be sighted.

Allow me to say that it is a challenge to keep military personnel fully engaged without reminding them of the things they are missing.

Trying to understand this, I came across few words by Orson Scott Card, an American writer.

Whether for good or a bad purpose, Card humorously explained, “soldiers can sometimes make decisions that are smarter than the orders they have been given”.

I hope that gives you a glimpse of what I mean.

For Major-General Goina, it’s about humanity - the duty to care wrapped around a desire for peace, safety and well-being for women and children.

Soldiers must respect families and all those who look up to them for support.

“We have to get these basics right for our uniformed personnel and their familes,” he said.

Goina said his focus is on stabilisation, which he plans to achieve through five lines of effort; where people and duty to care sit at the top of the list.

The other four lines of effort are organisational reform, operational proficiency, infrastructure and nation building.

Goina initially made these commitments in February this year when he took command of the PNGDF from outgoing chief, Major-General Gilbert Toropo, now retired.

Before the national election, Goina reminded military personnel to behave professionally and live up to the standards, values, ethos and principles expected of them.

With several elements redeployed into high risks parts of Enga, Southern Highlands and Hela provinces to protect government assets, Goina urged them to be mindful of their conduct.

He said serving in the PNGDF is a special calling that comes with heavy responsibilities.

PNGDF troops work alongside police during the elections

Each service man and woman, despite rank and appointment, is held accountable and responsible to the people of this nation.

“Each soldier is accountable and responsible for his or her own behavior and the behaviour of those under their command,” he said.

Goina added that each soldier is a volunteer selected after a vigorous elimination process and put through dedicated training and appointed to a privileged position which comes with heavy responsibility.

“We all must engender and retain the trust and respect of our citizens,” he said.