Making History

FORUM Staff

Photos by AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE DEPARTMENT

As the son of a Soldier, and with a desire to explore the world beyond his island nation, Boniface Aruma embarked on what might be seen as a natural career path. Nearly 30 years after joining the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), however, the latest destination on Col. Aruma’s professional journey could not have been foretold. In early 2024, he was appointed deputy commander of Australia’s 3rd Brigade (3 BDE), becoming the first PNGDF officer named to such a senior position in the Australian Army.

Aruma says his historic appointment is testament to the nations’ enduring relationship, a bond shared by the PNGDF and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). “It shows Australia’s genuineness to empowering and building the smaller Pacific island countries through capacity building,” he told FORUM.

Papua New Guinea, which is separated from the northern tip of Australia by 150 kilometers of the Torres Strait, achieved independence in 1975 after decades of territorial administration by its southern neighbor. Weeks before Aruma’s promotion, Australia and Papua New Guinea signed a security agreement that will enhance the island nation’s defense, policing and judiciary, including a $130 million investment by Canberra on training and infrastructure to help Papua New Guinea double its police force to 10,000 officers, officials said.

The nations’ forces conduct bilateral exercises, such as Puk Puk and Olgeta Warrior, and the PNGDF participated in the multilateral exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia for the first time in 2023. Australia presented the PNGDF with two new PAC 750 light transport aircraft in late 2023 and is helping refurbish the force’s Air Transport Wing in PNG’s capital, Port Moresby. With 85,000 service members, the ADF is about 20 times larger than the PNGDF.

Meanwhile, the 3 BDE, headquartered at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Queensland, is becoming an armored brigade designed for amphibious operations with the Royal Australian Navy. Up to 500 additional personnel will relocate to the garrison city on Australia’s northeast coast, which also will be home to all of the Army’s heavy armor and about half of its helicopter fleet by 2025. The moves are part of a major restructuring of the Australian Army “to boost capabilities, preparedness and projection,” the nation’s Defence Department announced in September 2023.

Although PNGDF officers previously have embedded with the ADF, none had Aruma’s seniority or command position, said Australian Army Brig. David McCammon, commander of 3 BDE. “We have had a long-standing relationship for a few decades now, and this is the final step in bringing us closer together as a force that continually operates together in the near region,” he told FORUM in late 2023.

Aruma earned master’s degrees in international relations and defense studies in Australia and has served multiple assignments there as an exchange officer. “I’m looking forward to absorbing as much as I can and hopefully bestow my own knowledge to the 3rd Brigade, in particular the mindset of improvisation on the go,” he said at his promotion ceremony at the Army Museum North Queensland in Townsville, according to a news release. “Both countries share common interests, values, history, and it’s the human beings that drive these for our nations.”

Aruma spoke with FORUM about his military experience, his goals for his new role, and the shared challenges and opportunities for the partner forces. The conversation has been edited to fit FORUM’s format.

FORUM: You are the first PNGDF officer to hold such a senior position in the Australian Army. How did your promotion come about and what are your goals as 3 BDE deputy commander?

Col. Aruma: I was surprised because I did not see it coming. I was invited to a dinner with the CDF [PNGDF commander] in June 2023 with my wife, Cynthia, and over dinner the CDF told me that I was going to be posted as deputy commander, 3rd Brigade. I am looking forward to learning as much as I can during my tenure at 3rd Brigade and bring to bear on the PNGDF my experience and exposure that I will have acquired operating in a big Army. I hope that my input will help grow the PNGDF into a reliable and credible partner in the region. 3 BDE is also heavily invested in helping in the growth and development of the PNGDF land component, hence, whilst I’m here, I hope to help and shape 3 BDE efforts in investment areas in the growth and development of the PNGDF land component. I also look forward to using my own experience, knowledge and exposure to add value in 3 BDE activities.

FORUM: How does your appointment reflect the relationship between the ADF and PNGDF?

Col. Aruma: The appointment is a testament to the enduring relationship between Australia and PNG and ADF and PNGDF. It shows Australia’s genuineness to empowering and building the smaller Pacific island countries through capacity building.

FORUM: What skills and experiences do you bring that you believe will benefit the Australian Army personnel under your command?

Col. Aruma: I bring experience from operating in support of police-led security operations. I also have experience in dealing with humanitarian aid and disaster relief. My knowledge and background as a Melanesian and a Pacific Islander is something that can be invaluable to informing the Army’s effort in adding value in the region.

FORUM: What are some of the ways you anticipate your role can benefit the PNGDF?

Col. Aruma: Obtain a different perspective in addressing issues and gaps in knowledge; leadership in warfighting spaces; refine stakeholder engagement skills; organizational reform; enhance operational proficiency; streamline logistics and management systems.

FORUM: What challenges and opportunities do the ADF and PNGDF share in the current strategic environment?

Col. Aruma: Shared challenges would include regional peace and stability, and effective surveillance and protection of an individual country’s international borders. Shared opportunities would include enhancing the existing relationship between the two countries and making it more enduring.

FORUM: Why did you join the PNGDF and what has been your career path?

Col. Aruma: I joined the PNGDF in 1996 for two reasons: first, my late father was a Soldier and his influence rubbed off on me; and second, I wanted to see the world. I am an infantry officer by background. I did my officer training at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, Australia, and I completed additional study at the Staff College and War College in Canberra, Australia. I then spent time in operational units, training units and strategic headquarters. I have gained operational experience for security operations in support of police to restore internal stability and rule of law, spanning from roles in border operations and humanitarian aid and disaster relief to planning and executing security operations for APEC 18 [2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit].

FORUM: How are you and your family adjusting to life in Townsville?

Col. Aruma: My family and I have been in and out of Australia so there were no real issues adjusting to the new environment. The best part is that the weather in Townsville is like home. Also, 3 BDE has been really supportive, as well as the International Policy Division, and it has really made a lot of difference in terms of the family adjusting to Townsville.