10/07/2025
CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE
Monday 07th July, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF PNGDF UNIFORM
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force Headquarters is fully aware of incidences involving the unauthorized use of PNGDF uniforms and condemns those acts by certain members of the public.
The PNGDF, along with other national security forces, play a vital role in national security and its uniform should only be worn by authorized personnel for authorized activities.
Military Uniforms represent service, sacrifice, national security and identity. In order to qualify to wear a pair, individuals not only have to pass rigorous training but also make a commitment to uphold the ethos and values represented by those uniforms.
Their unauthorized use is seen as an act of utmost disrespect and undermines the significance of the uniform. Unauthorized uses can create confusion and fear and be exploited to impersonate military forces whereby leading to illegal activities that erode public trust and bring to disrepute the PNGDF as an institution.
In Papua New Guinea, it is acknowledged that there is currently no law prohibiting the unauthorized wearing of the PNGDF military uniforms, but work is being done to outlaw unauthorized use of uniforms.
However, until such time that the legislation is enacted, the PNGDF urges all the law-abiding citizen of this country to maintain respect for the institution and its uniforms based on the values and significance associated with the uniforms.
The PNGDF therefore informs the public that anyone who is not a PNGDF personnel and who has been using or is intending to use any part of the official PNGDF uniform for any activity that is not authorized by the PNGDF to refrain forthwith.
The public is also informed that a PNGDF personnel is not allowed to loan any part of their official uniform to anyone who is not a PNGDF member for any purpose.
A PNGDF personnel is also not allowed to be engaged in any activities that is not authorized by the PNGDF whilst in their official uniform, such as when sorting out their societal obligations.
The public is encouraged to call 3242210 to report an incident or seek clarification. Security is everyone’s business.
Let us all be vigilant in identifying and addressing instances of unauthorized uniform use in order to avoid the consequences of unauthorized uses.
Approved for Release:
Philip POLEWARA, DMS, CBE
Rear Admiral
Chief of PNG Defence Force