The Inspiring Life of Retired Brigadier General Ted Diro: From Humble Beginnings to National Icon

Retired Brigadier General Ted Diro’s life story is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and patriotism. From his humble beginnings in Boku village, Rigo District, to becoming the first Papua New Guinean Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, his journey is one of extraordinary courage and resilience.

A Childhood Forged in Hardship

Born in Boku village, Rigo District, in 1943, Ted Diro’s early life was shaped by his surroundings. His village, nestled in the foothills of the Owen Stanley Range, was known as a “fighter’s village” due to frequent conflicts with neighbouring tribes. His father was a policeman from Boku Inland, while his mother was from Aroma. The village’s strategic location made it the first point of contact when trouble arose from the west or north.

Growing up in such an environment instilled in Diro a strong sense of duty and responsibility. "Village norms and village life led me into more areas of defence and security. And that was one of the fundamental interests I had in joining the army," he recalled.

However, education was a privilege that was hard to come by in his inland village. His quest for learning led him to Port Moresby, where he faced rejection from several schools due to his lack of formal education. "I searched around everywhere and I couldn't find any. They said he doesn't speak English," Diro recounted. Despite these setbacks, his determination remained strong.

A Chance Encounter and Educational Breakthrough

His persistence eventually caught the attention of Mrs. Willis, the headmistress at Kilakila Area School. "She looked out the window and saw me watering her garden, flower garden, early in the morning," he remembered. Mrs. Willis’s kindness was instrumental in his educational journey. "She said, I don't care whether he had any schooling or not, I'm going to take him on board," Diro said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Under her guidance, Diro excelled academically. However, finding accommodation and support was an ongoing challenge. He eventually earned a place at Sogeri High School after passing the entrance examinations despite not completing grade six. His time at Sogeri was transformative, exposing him to a higher standard of education and discipline.

Recognising his academic potential, Diro earned a scholarship to attend Slade School in Warwick, Queensland, Australia. This was a major milestone, where he continued his studies up to the senior level. "I was fortunate to receive the scholarship. It was my ticket to a better education and a chance to build a future," he reflected.

The Military Calling

While still in school, the political landscape of Papua New Guinea was rapidly evolving, with independence on the horizon. The Australian government was preparing for the nation’s independence, and Diro’s potential did not go unnoticed. He was selected to attend the prestigious Officer Cadet School at Portsea, Victoria, Australia, in 1963-1964 where he underwent rigorous training in infantry tactics, parachuting, special forces, and demolitions.

"The only military knowledge I had was at school cadets. I had no military knowledge," he admitted. "But to go from school cadets to military college was very, very difficult." Despite the challenges, he excelled in his training and became one of the first Papua New Guineans to be commissioned as an officer in the Australian Army.

Breaking Barriers and Rising Through the Ranks

Ted Diro went on to became the first Papua New Guinean to be promoted to Major in the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment. "It was challenging indeed. Troops were used to taking commands and leadership from Australians," he explained. "But we proved ourselves to be worthy of the trust of our native troops."

His perseverance and dedication earned him respect among his peers, and he continued to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming the Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. "There was nothing that Australian officers could do that we couldn't do," Diro emphasised.

Brigadier General Ted Diro

Click to watch the full video interview with Retired Brigadier General Ted Diro

Transforming the PNG Defence Force

As Commander, Brigadier General Diro embarked on a mission to build a capable and self-reliant Papua New Guinea Defence Force. His vision was ambitious, yet practical.

Prince Charles and the young Brigadier General Ted Diro at independence in 1975.

"I created the Engineering Battalion to serve the nation through civic action and infrastructure development," Diro explained. Under his leadership, the Engineering Battalion made significant contributions to constructing essential infrastructure in various provinces.

He also established the Air Transport Squadron, defying predictions that Papua New Guinea would not produce aircraft captains until 1992. "In two years, I produced the Air Transport Squadron, including training five Papua New Guinean pilots who were successful," he recalled proudly.

Furthermore, Diro strengthened maritime capabilities by acquiring heavy loading barges to improve the country’s maritime transport and logistics. His dedication to building a robust defence system also led to the establishment of the Officer Cadet School, which was localised from Portsea, Australia, to Lae, Papua New Guinea.

He is also remembered for his role in leading the PNGDF's elite Kumul Force to Vanuatu in 1980 to put down a rebellion on the island of Espiritu Santo. His decisive leadership during this mission further solidified his reputation as a respected and capable commander.

"All the things I wanted to do in the Defence Force, I created when I was there, and that was completed in 1982," he said. "I saw myself having worked myself out of the job and handed command to somebody else to carry on."

Reflections on the Defence Force Today

Although retired, Brigadier General Diro remains passionate about the nation’s defence. He believes the Defence Force must modernise and adapt to new threats, particularly in the areas of drone warfare and missile systems. "The PNG Defence Force is rank-heavy but lacks teeth. It has to train in drone warfare. It has to train with bigger ocean-going facilities," he said.

He also stressed the need for better funding. "If our defence expenditure is hanging around this 0.3 or 0.4% of the GNP, then our politics are not interested in expanding the defence. The budget must increase to the normal budgetary allocation, which is about 4% of the GNP," he stated.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Brigadier General Tedi Diro’s life is a shining example of how perseverance and dedication can overcome adversity. From a young boy struggling to find education to a military leader shaping a nation’s destiny, his story is a source of inspiration for all Papua New Guineans.

Today, his legacy lives on as a reminder of what it takes to serve one’s country with honour, vision, and unwavering commitment.

PNG at 50: The 1980 Vanuatu Rebellion and Sir Julius Chan’s Bold Call

A Nation’s Moment to Lead

In the heart of the Pacific, in the year 1980, Papua New Guinea stood at a crossroads. A young nation, barely five years into its independence, was suddenly thrust onto the international stage—not through diplomacy, but through military intervention. It was an unexpected test of courage, leadership, and strategic foresight. At the centre of this historic moment stood two men: Prime Minister Sir Julius Chan and Brigadier General Ted Diro, the then-Commander of the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF).

The crisis erupted in the newly independent Republic of Vanuatu, where Jimmy Stevens, a local leader in Santo, declared a rebellion, backed by foreign influences, including French settlers and mercenaries. As chaos loomed, the Vanuatu government turned to its Pacific neighbours for help. Australia and New Zealand hesitated, but one leader did not—Sir Julius Chan.

A Decisive Order

Sir Julius, known for his sharp political instincts and unwavering resolve, made a bold decision. Against all odds, he ordered PNG troops into action. It was a defining moment—not only for his leadership but for the young PNGDF, which had never before engaged in an overseas mission.

"Julius Chan gave us an order and instructions not to bring any dead bodies back to Jackson's airport because that would end his political career," recalled Brigadier General Ted Diro. "So we had to be precise, we had to be disciplined, and we had to make sure that every move we made was calculated."

Diro and his men took the challenge head-on. The mission required more than brute force—it needed intelligence, strategy, and an unbreakable will. Every night, they trained for night combat, adopting Israeli military doctrines where officers led from the front. "Officers had to go first. That was the rule," said Diro. "It was not a position for the fainthearted. You led with your body and soul."

Retired Brigadier General Ted Diro

Click to watch the full video interview with Retired Brigadier General Ted Diro

Only the most capable marksmen were selected, those who could, as Diro put it, “shoot and kill a mutmut (bandicoot) in the dark.” This level of precision and readiness was key to the success of the operation.

The Battle for Santo

The PNGDF’s strategy was swift and surgical. Troops landed under the cover of darkness, taking key infrastructure points such as the airport, water supply, and electricity stations. When rebels—comprising French settlers and local militia—attacked under the assumption that the PNGDF would be unprepared, they were met with overwhelming force.

One night, as French rebels launched an assault, the well-trained PNGDF soldiers fought back ferociously. "It was according to our plan that the enemy was attacking at nighttime, and we dealt with them severely," Diro explained. "One of them was carrying a torch, and in panic, he didn’t switch it off. So they shot him in the arm. That was the moment they knew they had lost."

Within hours, the rebellion’s backbone was broken. Panic spread among the rebels, who likened the PNGDF to Muhammad Ali facing unprepared amateurs in the boxing ring. The next day, French planes evacuated their families, signaling the beginning of the end for the rebellion.

The final blow came when rebel leader Jimmy Stevens’ son, Eddie Stevens, attempted to charge a PNGDF roadblock but was neutralised by Lieutenant Don Bowie. "They put a banana truck blockage on the road," Diro recalled. "When Eddie Stevens tried to jump it, Don Bowie fired an anti-tank grenade into the vehicle. That was the end of it. That was when Jimmy Stevens gave up. He said, ‘I can’t beat Papua New Guinea.’"

The Triumph of Leadership and Unity

The success of the operation wasn’t just about military prowess; it was about leadership. Diro credited the victory to Sir Julius Chan’s unwavering support: “You put the nation on a war footing… Julius Chan did that. He stopped all the projects. He stopped all the funding of unnecessary diversionary projects and concentrated on the war.”

Sir Julius had seen the bigger picture—Vanuatu’s stability was essential for regional peace, and PNG’s intervention would establish it as a formidable force in the Pacific. His decision was a masterclass in bold leadership, proving that a small nation could stand tall among giants.

Even the logistics of the mission demonstrated PNG’s strategic planning. "We transported all our equipment under the pretense of going for the Independence Day celebrations," Diro said. "The guns were there in situ, ready for us to pick up if needed. We were prepared for every scenario."

A Legacy of Strength

Forty-four years later, the 1980 Vanuatu mission remains one of PNG’s proudest military moments. It showcased the professionalism and effectiveness of the PNGDF, but more importantly, it underscored the vision and courage of Sir Julius Chan.

As Brigadier General Ted Diro reflected at Sir Julius’s recent passing, his voice was filled with emotion. “Sir Julius was a deep thinker and strategist. He didn’t pass over issues lightly. He was like a military man in his own right.”

Diro recalled the moment he was summoned to Kiribati, where Sir Julius was attending the South Pacific Conference. “I didn’t want to go at first. I thought, ‘I’m not his bag carrier.’ But then I realised—he wanted my advice. That’s when I knew something serious was happening. When he told me about Vanuatu, I knew we had to act.”

The intervention in Vanuatu was not just a military operation; it was a statement. It was proof that PNG was ready to defend peace and democracy in the Pacific. It was a moment when a young nation, led by an astute statesman and a fearless commander, stood up and made history.

Today, as PNG reflects on its 50 years of independence, this story remains a testament to what the country is capable of when leadership, courage, and conviction come together. It is a reminder that in moments of crisis, bold decisions define a nation’s legacy.