2nd Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment

22/07/2026

PNGDF REMEMBRANCE DAY 2026

At 0500 hrs today, soldiers of 2RPIR gathered in front of Battalion Headquarters for the traditional Reveille Service to honour and remember the brave men of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

This year's Remembrance Day was made even more significant with the presence of our military counterparts from Australia and the United States, who stood alongside us in paying tribute to those who have gone before us.

At the same time, Charlie Company at the Vanimo Forward Operating Base (FOB) also observed PNGDF Remembrance Day with their own dawn service, honouring the fallen and remembering the sacrifices made by those who served before us.

The courage, sacrifice, and dedication will forever remain in our hearts and in the proud history of the PNGDF.

Fallen, but never forgotten.

Lest We Forget. 🇵🇬🟥🟩

22/07/2026

EXERCISE TAMIOK STRIKE 2026

Exercise TAMIOK STRIKE 2026 was successfully conducted at Moem Barracks from 14 to 21 July 2026, further strengthening the professional partnership and interoperability between the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and the United States Army.

The exercise officially commenced on 14 July 2026 followed by introductions and classroom instruction on the fundamentals of Urban Operations delivered by the U.S. training team.

Throughout the exercise, soldiers participated in the training package covering a range of operational skills, including; Urban Ops fundamentals, threat detection,close quarter combat, short range marksmanship, use of force and reflexive fire fundamentals,vehicle and personnel search procedures,checkpoints, VIP es**rt dills,convoy security,vehicle ambush response.

A significant highlight of the exercise was the visit by the U.S. Army Wisconsin National Guard Brigade General, to the Battalion and the training cell.
The Battalion Training Cell conducted a Basic Jungle Survival Training package for the U.S. counterparts at the Close Training Area. The training showcased PNGDF's jungle warfare expertise through practical lessons on water sourcing, food preservation, animal trapping, coconut climbing, and field cooking.

Exercise TAMIOK STRIKE concluded successfully. Following the completion of training, all participants gathered at the Beach for a closing function and BBQ. On behalf of the Commanding Officer, the Acting Training Officer delivered the closing remarks, expressing sincere appreciation to the U.S. training team for their professionalism, commitment, and partnership throughout the exercise. As a token of appreciation from the Battalion, commemorative gifts were presented to the U.S. Platoon and individual members of the training team.

Exercise TAMIOK STRIKE 2026 demonstrated the value of combined training in enhancing operational readiness, exchanging professional knowledge, and strengthening the enduring friendship between the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the United States Army.

08/07/2026

2RPIR Beginning of the Month Church Service 08 July 2026

After a busy first six months of the year, the Battalion continues to uphold its professionalism and commitment to duty. Highlights included the receiving of the King's Colour, the HOTO Parade of the Commanding Officer, operational deployments, and participation in bilateral exercises both overseas and in country.

The Battalion's monthly church service for the beginning of July was hosted by Admin Company and marked the first monthly church service under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Nick Mariap.

The visiting pastor encouraged all personnel to be men and women of integrity, reminding everyone to think big, act with humility, and remain true to themselves in both their professional and family lives. He emphasized that our actions set an example for our families and reflect our true character.
The service also marked a significant milestone as 12 Private soldiers were promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal.

In his closing remarks, the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Nick Mariap reminded all ranks that the oath taken upon enlistment is to serve God, King, and Country. He stressed that integrity must remain the foundation of military service, noting that honesty, discipline, and accountability are essential qualities of every soldier. He congratulated the newly promoted Junior Non-Commissioned Officers and encouraged them to lead by example, reminding them that with rank comes greater responsibility.

04/07/2026

WELCOME HOME, ALPHA PLATOON

The Second Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (2RPIR) proudly welcomes home Alpha Platoon following the successful completion of Exercise Southern Jagaroo 2026.

Your professionalism, discipline, resilience, and commitment displayed throughout the exercise are a credit to the Battalion and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. The knowledge, skills, and experience gained will further strengthen our operational readiness and combat capability.

The Battalion commend every member of Alpha Platoon for representing 2RPIR with pride and upholding the Battalion motto, "ANTAP LONG OL."

Welcome home. Take pride in your achievement, reunite safely with your families, and prepare to apply the lessons learned as we continue to serve our nation with honour and distinction.

26/06/2026

Over the past few months, a platoon from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (2RPIR), has been training alongside counterparts from the Australian Defence Force under Exercise Wantok Warrior.
Following the successful completion of Exercise Wantok Warrior in Papua New Guinea, the Alpha Company platoon has deployed to Townsville, Queensland, Australia, and currently participating in the Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2026, joining sister forces from Australia, the United States, Japan and South Korea.
Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2026 is a major trilateral military training activity involving more than 3,000 personnel from the Australian Defence Force's 3rd Brigade, the United States Armed Forces, and the Japan Self-Defense Forces.The exercise is designed to enhance combined arms integration and tactical interoperability, enabling allied and partner forces to operate effectively together across the Indo-Pacific region.
🇦🇺 🇺🇸 🇯🇵 🇰🇷 🇵🇬

26/06/2026

Today marks the successful completion of a three-week training package conducted by the United States Army Security Assistance Training Management Organization (SATMO) at Training Cell, Moem Barracks, 2RPIR.
The training commenced with one week of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), followed by two weeks of Small Unit Tactics (SUT). Throughout the course, participants undertook both theoretical and practical lessons in a controlled training environment, strengthening their tactical skills, combat readiness, and lifesaving capabilities.
A total of 27 soldiers successfully completed the training package conducted from 01 June to 26 June 2026. During the closing ceremony, the SATMO team presented a Ranger Coin to the best-performing participant and also presented the Battalion with a commemorative gift. In return, the Battalion Second-in-Command presented the SATMO team with the Battalion Coin as a symbol of appreciation and the strong partnership between both forces.

On behalf of the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Nick Mariap, Battalion Second-in-Command Major Garesa officially closed the course and expressed his sincere appreciation to the SATMO team for their dedication, professionalism, and valuable instruction. He emphasized that the knowledge and skills gained will enhance the operational effectiveness of our soldiers and contribute positively during future operations. He also expressed his hope of continuing the strong partnership and looked forward to working together with the SATMO team again in the future.
Congratulations to all graduates on successfully completing the course.
🇺🇸🤝🇵🇬

25/06/2026

A platoon from Alpha Company, 2RPIR, proudly participating in Exercise Jackaroo in Townsville, Australia one of the largest multinational military exercises in the region. Honoured to train alongside our sister counterparts, strengthening partnerships, enhancing interoperability, and building professional military excellence.

💥 🇰🇷 🇦🇺 🇵🇬 🇺🇸🇳🇿💥

06/06/2026

30/04/2026

𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐎𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝟐𝐑𝐏𝐈𝐑 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒

The 2nd Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (2RPIR) conducted a solemn ceremony to retire and lodge its Queen’s Colours, marking a significant transition in the unit’s history under the reign of His Majesty the King.

The Queen’s Colours hold deep historical significance for the battalion. The original Colours were first presented to the unit in 1985, formally conferring the “Royal” title to the Pacific Islands Regiment. Following their destruction during the 2001 unrest, new Colours were presented in 2013 by the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, restoring a vital symbol of regimental identity and pride.

On 13 March 2026, the Queen’s Colours were marched off the parade ground for the final time during the Receiving and Trooping of the King’s Colours — marking the end of an era. Today, they are respectfully retired and lodged in the unit chapel, in keeping with longstanding military tradition, where retired Colours are preserved as sacred symbols of service and sacrifice.

The King’s Colour is now secured at the Officers’ Mess, occupying the place once held by Her Majesty’s Queen’s Colour. Accompanying a Royal Colour is the Regimental Colour, which bears the battle honours of the Regiment dating back to the Second World War — a testament to the enduring legacy and sacrifice of those who have served before.

This event reaffirms 2RPIR’s commitment to its heritage while stepping forward into a new chapter of service to God, the Crown, and the Nation.

𝟐𝐑𝐏𝐈𝐑 — 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐏 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐋 🇵🇬
𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐲 • 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 • 𝐋𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲

26/03/2026

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐦𝐩 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤

After 4 months of waiting, the brand new Unit's 300 series Dump Truck is finally here. The truck was bought by the Department of Defense towards the backend of last year.

In a short ceremony this morning, the Unit's Chaplain, Fr Donius dedicated the new Dump Truck to God.

Maj Embia who stood in for the Commanding Officer who was away on official duty urged drivers and those entrusted to use the truck with care and responsibility.

The drump truck will be used to support the unit in disposing rubbish and enabling tailored support to other functions.