Advising, Not Commanding: Inside ADFs PNG Defence Cooperation Programme with WO2 Dathan Rolfe
The Cove PodcastShow Notes
In this episode of The Cove Podcast, we unpack the reality of a posting to the Defence Cooperation Programme in Papua New Guinea. Joined by Warrant Officer Dathan Rolfe, we explore what it means to operate in an environment where influence matters more than authority and relationships outweigh rank.
From competing for the position and preparing family for an accompanied move to Port Moresby, through to the professional demands of advising the PNG Defence Force, this conversation highlights a side of service many soldiers never see. It’s not a warfighting deployment, but it is operationally significant, shaping regional stability, strengthening partnerships, and reinforcing Australia’s strategic interests in our near region.
This episode is about career risk, professional growth, family commitment, and why PNG matters far more to Australian security than most realise.
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