Puller Islands

Country overview

The Puller Islands is a Melanesian archipelagic state comprising 10 main islands and over 900 smaller ones, located northeast of Australia. It gained independence in 1978, adopting its name in honor of US Marine Corps hero Lewis “Chesty” Puller. The country operates as a parliamentary democracy with a unicameral legislature, multi-level governance, and a legal system blending common, civil, and customary law. Despite notable progress, it faces challenges including corruption, limited resources, and geographic isolation. The 1999–2003 civil conflict led to long-term international peacekeeping involvement. Political power is shared between state institutions, traditional authorities, and civil society. Elections remain critical to legitimacy but have experienced occasional disruption. The Puller Islands pursues a foreign policy focused on regional cooperation, economic development, and balanced relations with powers like Australia, the U.S., and Olvana. Though fragile in some areas, the country continues working toward stability, sovereignty, and inclusive development within a complex geopolitical environment.

Country Capabilities

Land

The Puller Islands' Mobile Force (PIMF), while well-trained and dedicated, faces significant challenges due to its heavy reliance on external support from countries such as Australia and New Zealand. The force's equipment is primarily composed of older models, often donated by foreign countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and, more recently, Olvana. This has resulted in a limited capability to respond to complex security threats and natural disasters.

Despite these limitations, the military remains committed to protecting the country's interests and citizens. The government continues to seek out partnerships and alliances to enhance its capabilities and maintain peace and stability in the region.

The PIMF originated from the British Protectorate Defence Force (BPDF), which was established as a British Colonial Auxiliary Force during World War II following the outbreak of war with Japan in 1942. The Resident Commissioner commanded the BPDF, and although the BPDF was very small, it played a significant role in the Pacific Islands campaign of World War II. During the war in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945, approx. 6,232 indigenous Islanders enlisted in the BPDF and fought alongside Allied forces in notable battles such as the Battle of Guadalcanal against the Japanese.

Sea

The PIMF Maritime Wing operates both landing craft and patrol boats. The Maritime Wing is responsible for defending the sovereign territorial waters of the Puller Islands, providing general support to the PIMF Land Force Battalion and the PIPF, maintaining civil order, and enforcing the Rule of Law in the sovereign territorial waters of the Puller Islands.

Air

The Puller Islands do not have an air force and are heavily reliant on Australia and New Zealand for air support.

Cyber

The Puller Islands have no cyber capabilities.

Space

The Puller Islands have no space capabilities and relies on commercial satellites for communications when needed.

More Information

For more information, or for support in customising these scenarios to fit your training needs, please use the contacts link below to reach out the the Operating Environments team at the TASSC.

ODIN Puller Islands