Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Recruitment 2025: Officer Cadet and Direct-entry Officer Application Information

Dreaming of a career where every day is an adventure? The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) offers aspiring candidates the opportunity to proudly serve their nation. Whether you're aiming to be an officer cadet or a direct-entry officer, this information will walk you through the essential steps to join this elite force through the PNGDF Recruitment Process for 2025.

📸Papua New Guinea Defence Force/Facebook

To apply for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), follow these steps:

1. Eligibility: Males and females aged between 18 and 27 years.

2. Training Duration: 3 months at Goldie Recruit Training Depot.

3. Required Documents:

   - Expression/Letter of Interest

   - Copies of Certificates (Grades 10 & 12) and other Tertiary Certificates

   - Police clearance

   - Updated CV & Reference

2025/2026 update: Read about the latest on PNGDF recruitment  here

 Officer Cadet Applications

1. Eligibility: Males and females aged between 18 and 30 years.

2. Training Duration: 18 months at the Joint Forces Academy in Igam Barracks, Lae.

3. Required Documents:

   - Expression/Letter of Interest

   - Copies of Certificates (Grades 10 & 12) and other Tertiary Certificates

   - Police clearance

   - Updated CV & Reference

Should the PNGDF recruitment for 2025 be conducted via the DHERST Online Selection Process? Click here to find out.

If you are a grade 12 school leaver wanting to apply to the PNGDF cadet program, check out this article, click here. It gives information about the options that you will have to fill through the DHERST online application system.

 Direct Entry Officer Applications

1. Eligibility: Males and females aged between 18-30 years with tertiary qualifications and currently in the workforce.

2. Training Duration: 3 months at Igam Barracks, Lae.

3. Required Documents:

   - Expression/Letter of Interest

   - Copies of Certificates (Grades 10 & 12) and other Tertiary Certificates

   - Police clearance

   - Updated CV & Reference

 Application Process

The PNGDF Recruiting Office does not have an email address or application forms at the moment. Applicants must provide the required documents to the military recruitment office by post or hand delivery in Port Moresby.

Postal Address:

Headquarters PNG Defence Force

RECRUITMENT OFFICE

PMB, BOROKO

MURRAY BARRACKS

NCD

LATEST UPDATES on PNGDF 2025-2026 Recruitment

The formal recruitment process for the 2025-2026 Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has not yet been officially announced. However, aspiring candidates can stay updated by following PNGDF on social media, reading newspapers, and keeping an eye on online news outlets. Below is the application process that you should know in advance.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has outlined its recruitment process in past recruitment drives. The  2025-2026 may also be the same, offering opportunities for general enlistees, officer cadets, and direct entry officers. 

While the formal recruitment announcement is yet to be released, aspiring candidates can prepare by gathering the necessary documents, writing a compelling letter of interest, and ensuring physical fitness. To stay updated on the recruitment process, follow PNGDF on social media, read newspapers, and monitor online news outlets. 

Read about Marape's Police and PNGDF Recruitment and Second Chance Education Plan 2029

National Examination Dates for PNG Schools in 2025

The national examination dates for PNG schools in 2025 are set. Grade 10 Written Expression exams are on June 5th, while Grade 12's are on August 4th. Grade 12 STEM exams occur from September 1st to 5th. Grade 10 exams take place from October 6th to 10th, followed by Grade 12 exams from October 13th to 17th. Lastly, Grade 8 exams are from October 20th to 23rd.

Listing of National Examination Dates for PNG Schools in 2025 

NO.	NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS	DATES
1	Lower Secondary School Certificate Written Expression (Grade 10)	Thursday 5 June 2025
2	Upper Secondary School Certificate Written Expression Exam (Grade 12)	Monday 4 August 2025
3	Grade 12 STEM Exams	Monday-Friday 1-5 September 2025
4	Lower Secondary School Certificate Exams (Grade 10)	Monday-Friday 6-10 October 2025
5	Upper Secondary School Certificate Exams (Grade 12)	Monday-Friday 13-17 October 2025
6	Certificate of Basic Education Exams (Grade 8)	Monday-Thursday 20-23 October 2025

Public Holidays in PNG 2025

The public holidays for PNG in 2025 include key dates such as New Year's Day on January 1st, and National Remembrance Day of the Late Former Prime Minister on February 26th. The King's Birthday is celebrated on June 17th, a notable public holiday. 

Good Friday and Easter holidays fall between April 18th to 21st. Key celebrations like Independence Day and Christmas are on September 16th and December 25th, respectively.  Boxing Day follows on December 26th.

Here are listings for Public Holidays in PNG

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS DATES

• 1 New Year’s Day Wednesday, 1 January, 2025

• 2 National Remembrance Day of the Late Former Prime Minister, Great Grand Chief Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Thomas Somare Wednesday, 26 February, 2025

• 3 Good Friday Friday, 18 April, 2025

• 4 Easter Saturday Saturday, 19 April, 2025

• 5 Easter Sunday Sunday, 20 April, 2025

• 6 Easter Monday Monday, 21 April, 2025

• 7 King’s Birthday Tuesday, 17 June, 2025

• 8 National Remembrance Day Wednesday, 23 July, 2025

• 9 National Repentance Day Tuesday, 26 August, 2025

• 10 Independence Day Tuesday, 16 September, 2025

• 11 Christmas Day Thursday, 25 December, 2025

• 12 Boxing Day Friday, 26 December, 2025

History of Sir Julius Chan: A Legacy of Leadership and Vision

Sir Julius Chan, a towering figure in Papua New Guinea's politics, passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 85. Known as the "Last Man Standing," he was one of the last remaining founding members of Parliament from the Independence era. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and appreciation from across the nation. 

 Early Life and Education 

Born on August 29, 1939, on the Tanga Islands in the Territory of New Guinea, Sir Julius was the fifth child of seven. His father, Chan Pak, was a trader from Taishan, China, and his mother, Miriam Tinkoris, was a native New Irelander. Sir Julius was educated at Marist College Ashgrove in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, where he honed his skills in English, Cantonese, Tok Pisin, and Sursurunga. 

We reviewed Sir J's Book, Playing The Game, in 2021 - just before the 2022 elections. A good read - click here for more.

Political Career 

Sir Julius entered politics in the late 1960s, representing the Namatanai district of New Ireland province in the pre-independence House of Assembly. He was re-elected multiple times and held various significant positions, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. 

His first term as Prime Minister began in 1980, following a successful vote of no confidence motion against his close friend and then-Prime Minister Michael Somare. 

Contributions and Controversies

Sir Julius's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by bold decisions that shaped Papua New Guinea's modern economy. He was instrumental in creating the kina and toea, the country's currency. However, his leadership was not without controversy. The most notable was the "Sandline Affair" in 1997, where he hired foreign mercenaries to end the Bougainville civil war, drawing international criticism. 

In addition to the Sandline Affair, Sir Julius Chan implemented significant reforms to the provincial government system in 1995. These reforms aimed to address the challenges of decentralization, which had led to corruption, nepotism, and poor administration at the provincial level. 

The reforms shifted authority to local levels of government, reducing the power of provincial governments. This move faced substantial resistance from provincial premiers, particularly from the New Guinea Islands, which saw themselves as distinct from the mainland. 

Legacy and Personal Life 

Despite the controversies, Sir Julius's legacy is one of resilience and vision. He played a crucial role in expanding Papua New Guinea's higher education system, overseeing the creation of four additional universities during his tenure as Prime Minister. His contributions to education and economic development have left an indelible mark on the nation. 

Sir Julius was married to Stella Chan, and they had four children: Vanessa, Byron, Mark, and Toea. His family and the people of Papua New Guinea continue to honour his memory and the lasting impact of his work. 

Remembering Sir Julius Chan

As Papua New Guinea mourns the loss of one of its most influential leaders, Sir Julius Chan's legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His dedication to his country and his unwavering commitment to progress have cemented his place in history as a true statesman and visionary.

• FOUNDING FATHERS OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA 

• Brief Biography of Sir Michael Somare - "Father of the Nation"