 This was followed by another between August and October 1941, after which the battalion was called up to full-time service for the duration of the war.During this period, the decision was made to split the 24th/39th Battalion to reform its component units.Following Japan's entry into the war, the 39th Battalion was sent to New Guinea and would go on to play a key role in the Australian defensive actions along the Kokoda Track in July and August 1942.