Cfn Beau Pridue returns to Australia after sad ISF farewell in East

Transcription

Edition 1268
September 29, 2011
A REAL
TEAM
PLAYER
Cfn Beau Pridue returns
to Australia after sad ISF
farewell in East Timor
Page 2
MENTORING
TASK FORCE
PROTECTION
UPGRADES
RMC CADETS
MEET CAV
SPECIAL LIFTOUT
PAGE 3
PAGES 23-25
2 NEWS
Army September 29, 2011
Alcohol initiative
a matter of force
protection – CA
By Capt Sarah Vesey
and Kloe Croker
DEFENCE has joined forces with the
Australian Drug Foundation to develop the ADF Alcohol Management
Strategy as a triservice initiative led
by Joint Health Command.
Sad homecoming: The 8CSSB bearer party carries Cfn Beau Pridue’s casket from a Hercules during a
ramp ceremony at RAAF Base Williamtown.
Photo by LAC Craig Barrett
Unlikely soldier
loved his job
By Cfn Max Bree
RESERVISTS from 8CSSB stood
solemnly to welcome home their
fallen mate, Cfn Beau Pridue, as
his body arrived back on Australian
soil at RAAF Base Williamtown on
September 21.
Cfn Pridue, 21, died from injuries
sustained in a vehicle accident near
the town of Baucau in East Timor at
about 6.30am on September 15.
The 8CSSB reservist from the
North Coast of NSW was serving as a
fitter armourer with the International
Stabilisation Force (ISF) at the time
of the accident.
Soldiers from 8CSSB formed
an honour guard and bearer party to
escort Cfn Pridue’s casket from the
Hercules to his grieving family.
CA Lt-Gen David Morrison,
Commander 2 Div Maj-Gen Craig
Williams and Commander 8 Bde Brig
Phillip Bridie paid their respects to
his waiting family.
Cfn Pridue’s family described him
as an unlikely soldier who enjoyed
what the Army had to offer.
“When he was growing up, we
would never have thought of Beau as
a soldier,” the family said in a statement.
“But he loved the Army, its discipline, training and spirit. Beau had
strength of mind, body, character and
will.”
“We are extremely proud of our
boy and we know that we lost him
doing a job he was trained for and
loved doing.”
Cfn Pridue’s family said his decision to serve in the Army was a true
indication of his character.
“Beau always wanted to help
and be of assistance, and he had this
opportunity during his deployment to
East Timor.”
He is survived by his mother,
father, sister, brother-in-law and a
large extended family.
Speaking at a ceremony to farewell Cfn Pridue from East Timor
on September 20, International
Stabilisation Force Commander Col
Luke Foster said the soldier would
be missed by his mates and the entire
deployed force.
“Cfn Pridue was an excellent
solider, a great contributor and a real
team player,” Col Foster said.
“He cared greatly about his
extended Defence family and his
mates and was willing to lend a hand
whenever it was needed.
“To Beau’s family and loved ones
in Australia, we feel their grief and
pray that they may, in time, be able to
continue their lives with less sadness
each day.”
Cfn Pridue was the passenger in a
Unimog when it rolled off the main
road during ISF’s support for the
Tour de Timor bike race.
The driver was evacuated to the
ISF medical facility in Dili before
being flown to Darwin for further
care.
Investigations into the accident
are continuing.
As part of the strategy, the Army is
developing Force Protection Alcohol,
which aims to build the Army’s capacity to effectively manage alcohol and
enhance operational capability.
CA Lt-Gen David Morrison said it
was important all personnel were fighting fit.
“Strong leadership and role modelling of Army’s values at all ranks is
the key to ensuring our members are
making responsible choices around
alcohol,” he said.
The project will work with
Defence members and use the Drug
Foundation’s knowledge and expertise
to create strategies that contribute effectively to the prevention and reduction
of alcohol-related behaviour which may
cause harm.
The Australian Drug Foundation
is the nation’s leading independent
organisation working with communities to reduce drug and alcohol harm.
It was founded in 1959 in response to
community concern about war veterans
returning with alcohol problems.
“Army’s strong relationship with the
Australian Drug Foundation is the key
to creating an effective alcohol management framework,” Lt-Gen Morrison
said.
“By working alongside a leading organisation which specialises in
reducing alcohol and other drug-related
harms, Army can promote cultural
change and minimise alcohol related
incidents in its workforce.”
With the support of the foundation,
a consultation team has visited brigades
and units across eight locations including Townsville, Brisbane, Melbourne,
Ipswich and Perth, conducting consultations and interviews to support
the Army’s development of Force
Protection Alcohol.
Community groups including the
Defence Community Organisation,
local police, taxi drivers and bar owners have been engaged and consulted as
part of the wide-ranging project.
The Drug Foundation has continually acknowledged the progress Army
has made in addressing alcohol issues
in its organisation.
Lt-Gen Morrison said the program
had received strong support from
Defence personnel and the community.
“The response has been encouraging and it is good to see many units are
already doing great work in addressing
alcohol issues,” he said.
The initial research gathering stage
of the project is nearing completion
with the Army Recruit Training Centre
the final location visited last month.
The Drug Foundation will present
its report and recommendations in
November to enable the individual
services and Joint Health Command to
develop future steps in the program.
“This innovative project empowers
and involves members of the Army so
that the recommendations on alcohol
harm minimisation strategies are realistic and meaningful,” Lt-Gen Morrison
said.
“Force Protection Alcohol is not
against soldiers having a drink, but
rather promotes positive decisions related to alcohol that keep themselves and
their mates safe and which won’t compromise their operational readiness.”
Stay safe: The Force Protection Alcohol initiative will draw on the
Australian Drug Foundation’s experience to improve the Army’s alcoholmanagement capabilities.
The Soldiers’ Newspaper
Director
David Edlington: (02) 6265 4650
Sydney photographer:
Bill Cunneen: 0402 155 220
EDITORIAL
CONTACT US
Acting Editor
John Wellfare: (02) 6266 7609
Deputy Editor
Sharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7615
Chief of Staff
Graham McBean: (02) 6265 1161
Reporters
Sgt Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614
Cpl Zenith King: (02) 6266 7608
LCpl Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304
Cpl Melanie Schinkel: (02) 6265 2427
Spr Nick Wiseman: (02) 6265 4140
Cfn Max Bree (Sydney): (02) 9359 2498
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (02) 6265 6690
Mail: The Editor, Army, R8-LG-044, PO Box 7909,
Department of Defence, ACT 2600
Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
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Phone: (02) 6266 7607
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interest. The views expressed in published articles
are not necessarily those of Defence or Army. Every
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NEWS 3
Transfer of
parachute
capability
announced
THE responsibility for maintaining the airborne
insertion (parachute) capability will soon transfer
from Forcomd to Socomd.
Wear protection: Troops deployed to Afghanistan will receive a special set of underwear (inset) designed to protect the pelvic area
from blast wounds.
Main photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo
Armoured undies
By Sgt Andrew Hetherington
SOLDIERS deployed to
Afghanistan will receive a special pair of undies to trial in
October, as part of a new soldier
protection initiative developed
by Diggerworks.
The underwear is the first
layer of a two-tier pelvic protection system under investigation by
Diggerworks for issue to soldiers
deployed on Operation Slipper.
The underwear being trialled,
which looks like a pair of bicycle shorts, is designed to protect
soldiers from genital, pelvic and
femoral arterial wounds, from
the main threat soldiers face in
Afghanistan, IEDs.
The former CO of MTF 1 and
Director of Diggerworks, Col
Jason Blain, said the undergarment would significantly reduce
unwanted debris entering wounds
sustained after an IED detonation.
“The composition of the
undergarment contains silk,
which can be very hard to cut
and was designed to mitigate the
fine dirt and shrapnel particles
entering the body and preventing
infection after an IED explosion,”
Col Blain said.
“British soldiers and US
Marines already wear it in
Afghanistan and as part of the
trial our soldiers will wear them
outside bases during patrols.”
MTF 4 soldiers will also
receive the garment to train with
before they begin their mission
rehearsal exercise from next
month.
Tier two of the protection
system, a groin wrap, worn outside soldier’s pants, will also be
trialled in Afghanistan during
October.
A D i g g e r wo r k s S y s t e m s
Engineering Manager, Stuart
Lawrie, said the tier-two wrap
further enhanced the protection
afforded by the tier-one undergarment.
“It’s designed to be worn in
higher threat environments and
looks like a sumo wrestler groin
roll and attaches to the soldiers
belt,” Mr Lawrie said.
“It’s made out of a conventional ballistic cloth and provides
roughly the same protection as
the soft ballistic inserts in the
Tiered Body Armour System
(TBAS).
“It will provide multidirectional protection against a blast,
as most people who are hit are on
or above the device when it goes
off.”
The trial will determine how
the wrap will integrate with the
TBAS system.
Diggerworks is also investigating ballistic ensembles that
provide a wider area of protection to the body for use by dismounted EOD teams and highrisk search engineers.
Added protection from IEDs
SOLDIERS in Afghanistan will
soon have better protection from
IEDs thanks to three specially
designed vehicles on loan from
Canada.
Two Husky protected mobility
vehicles (PMV) with ground penetrating radar and one Buffalo mineresistant vehicle with a robotic arm
for checking suspected IEDs are set
to be operating early next year.
The vehicles will be used by
sappers to detect IEDs and other
explosive hazards, including mines,
creating safe pathways for soldiers
patrolling Uruzgan province.
Sappers can use the Buffalo’s
robotic arm to examine suspected
IEDs from behind the vehicle’s mineresistant, ambush-protected armour.
Currently sappers have to manually examine any suspected IED.
The Buffalo also boasts a high
definition ‘Gyrocam’ camera,
Safety first: Two Husky PMVs are on loan from Canada.
mounted on a mast eight to 10m
above the vehicle and gives a 360
degree view of the terrain.
Gyrocam has a thermal imaging
capability and high quality zoom
to detect IED indicators from a
distance. While the Husky’s ground
penetrating radar allows IEDs to
be detected with low or no metal
content that other equipment might
not find.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith
was happy with the deal and said
it would boost the Army’s defence
against IEDs.
“It’s a very good cooperative
venture,” Mr Smith said. “We will
utilise what is, in anecdotal terms, a
road clearance capability and capacity to add to our anti-IED measures.”
The vehicles will be on loan
for around 12 months while work
is underway to assess the possible
acquisition of a permanent system.
The transfer marks a significant milestone in the
history of Army’s parachute capability.
CA Lt-Gen David Morrison said that the Army
had raised, developed and maintained a conventional
parachute capability for the past 31 years.
“I acknowledge the fine efforts of all those who
have served as part of, and in support of, the parachute capability,” Lt-Gen Morrison said.
Initially raised and based on a company in 6RAR
in 1980, the parachute capability was enhanced and
the responsibility transferred to 3RAR in 1983.
During its time as parachute battalion, 3RAR was
supported by a wide range of units from 1 Bde and
3 Bde, the Parachute Training School and 176 AD
Sqn.
“I also acknowledge the ongoing support of the
Air Force in maintaining the parachute capability,”
Lt-Gen Morrison said.
“The parachute capability has been an important
part of the ADF’s contingency force since its inception and will continue to be into the future.
“However, times have changed and there is a need
to re-balance Army to meet the challenges of the
future.
“3RAR now faces many new challenges,
including the move to Townsville, deployment to
Afghanistan and playing its part in Army’s future.”
Lt-Gen Morrison said the transfer of the parachute
capability to Socomd meant the ADF maintained a
robust and flexible entry capability while ensuring the
Army was able to meet the challenges of the future.
It’s official: Responsibility for maintaining the
parachute capability will soon move to Socomd,
CA Lt-Gen David Morrison has announced.
Photo by Sgt Neil Ruskin
4 NEWS
New facilities
‘best in Aus’
By Spr Nick Wiseman
SOUTH Australian training capabilities have been boosted with the completion of new facilities at Horseshoe
Barracks and upgrades to the Cultana
Training Area.
High tech: Troops from
7RAR demonstrate the
new Battlesim computer
network centre to official
visitors during the
Horseshoe Barracks
opening. Inset, Defence
Parliamentary Secretary
David Feeney and CA
Lt-Gen David Morrison
cut the ribbon to open
the new facility.
Photos by LAC Nicci Freeman
NAVY, ARMY, AIR FORCE
The upgrades have been brought
on by the relocation of 7RAR from
Darwin to Adelaide earlier this year.
Working accommodation, training,
fitness, health, community facilities
and a combined mess were among the
$623m worth of new facilities incorporated into Horseshoe Barracks, located
within RAAF Base Edinburgh and officially opened on September 9.
The facilities include a purposebuilt driver training area on base for
armoured crewmen to maintain high
individual vehicle skills.
A 24-lane WTSS facility has been
built specifically for use by 7RAR
troops to refine their collective and
individual shooting skills in barracks.
The battalion also has an urban
operations training facility collocated within the barracks area, allowing
troops to easily conduct urban training
activities.
The project has also improved base
engineering services at RAAF Base
Edinburgh to support the new facilities,
providing substantial upgrades to electrical, water, sewage, storm water, gas,
communications, security and transport
infrastructure.
Speaking at the official opening of Horseshoe Barracks, Defence
Parliamentary Secretary David Feeney
described the new facilities as “among
the best in Australia”.
Upgrades are also planned for the
Cultana Training Area including new
permanent camp accommodation.
The new camp area will provide
sleeping, dining, ablutions, administra-
New home: Commander 1 Bde Brig
Gus McLachlan speaks at the official
opening of the new barracks.
tive and logistic facilities to maintain a
high standard of training.
Other additions include a new urban
operations training facility capable of
supporting a battle group sized element
and a new field firing training system
range allowing armoured vehicles to
take part in live-fire training.
The upgrades and additions at
CTA expand the operational area from
470 to 2000 sqkm, enabling training
between the three services.
CA Lt-Gen David Morrison welcomed 7RAR’s relocation to South
Australia earlier this year, saying the
move greatly enhanced the Army’s
training ability.
“The raising of 7RAR and its relocation to Adelaide improves Australia’s
security through the development of a
stronger, more versatile Army,” he said.
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NEWS 5
Formed up: Troops from 7RAR parade at the Torrens Parade Ground to receive the battalion’s new colours and be welcomed to Adelaide.
Photos by Cpl Rodney Welch
Colourful welcome to SA
By Maj Haydn Barlow
THE rain clouds eased over
To r r e n s Pa r a d e G r o u n d i n
Adelaide for three crucial hours
on September 10 as 7RAR was
presented its new Colours by
Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
Dressed in striking blue, the
Governor-General contrasted
against the sea of khaki as she presented the new Colours in front of
a cold but enthralled crowd of about
1000 people.
“The presentation of new
Queen’s and Regimental Colours is
a solemn and symbolic ritual,” Ms
Bryce said.
“Colours unite a battalion, celebrate its history and confirm its
camaraderie.”
At attention behind the Colours
p a r t y wa s C O L t - C o l M i c k
Garraway and more than 200 of his
soldiers. He said accepting the new
Colours was an honour.
“Our Colours represent the history, the traditions, the sacrifices
and the fighting standards of those
who have served in this unit, many
who join us today and whose
standards we strive to maintain.
We accept them humbly,” Lt-Col
Garraway said.
The Colour party “trooped” the
old Colours through the ranks one
final time, closing a chapter for
past members, whose association
dates back to 1965 and is steeped in
RAR folklore. These veterans will
be able to reconnect with the old
Colours at St Peter’s Cathedral in
the centre of Adelaide, where they
will be retired.
Many travelled from across
the country to make the occasion,
swap memories with their old mates
and meet the protectors of the new
Colours.
The clouds threatened to rain
on the battalion’s parade all morning and the soldiers were dreading
more of the miserable weather they
had endured in rehearsals earlier in
the week.
Meet the troops: Governor-General Quentin Bryce talks to Cpl Lachlan
Wheaton, 7RAR, while inspecting the parade.
Handle with care: Capt Troy Goodale, 7RAR, unfurls the new
Colours during the parade.
But the weather held off and the
Adelaide community was provided
a grand occasion to officially welcome 7RAR to the city.
A day earlier the unit’s impressive new facilities, Horseshoe
Barracks, were officially opened by
Defence Parliamentary Secretary
David Feeney, CA Lt-Gen David
Morrison and Commander 1 Bde,
Brig Gus McLachlan.
Lt-Col Garraway spoke enthusiastically of the opportunities ahead
for 7RAR as the soldiers made a
new home in the city of churches
and prepared for operations in just
over a year’s time.
“We have commenced a new era
in the battalion. Our relocation to
this fine city has been accompanied by a growth in numbers and a
growth in capability.”
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6 NEWS
Always under
development
By Cpl Zenith King
PROTECTED Mobility Vehicle (PMV)
specialists have been collecting data
from a Bushmaster involved in an
IED strike in Afghanistan since survivability upgrade kits were fitted to
Bushmasters in theatre earlier this year.
Upgrades: Cfn
David Clark
attaches a new
seat frame to
a Bushmaster,
at Multinational
Base, Tarin
Kot. Inset, WO1
Simon Danger
checks the
newly installed
frames.
Photos by AB Jo
Dilorenzo
The head of the six-man upgrade
team that deployed to the MEAO earlier
this year, Maj Eugene Tinning, Land
Systems Division, said the damaged
Bushmaster would provide valuable
data on the effectiveness of the current upgrade as well as informing future
improvements.
“We are continually evaluating what
improvements can be made to make it
safer for the guys to operate with,” Maj
Tinning said.
Upgrade team member WO1 Simon
Danger said the upgrade provided an
increased level of force protection for
soldiers operating with Bushmasters.
“In a mine blast or IED event the
upgraded seats and floor will absorb a
large part of the energy from the blast
and in turn transfer less blast energy to
the vehicle occupants,” WO1 Danger
said.
“If there is less blast energy transferring into the occupant then the incidence of lower limb, back and spine
injuries will be decreased.”
Before deploying, Maj Tinning and
WO1 Danger prepared themselves by
conducting trial fit outs.
“Because of the preparation we conducted in Australia, the fit out in the
MEAO ran smoothly, allowing us to
finish two weeks ahead of schedule,”
he said.
Maj Tinning was responsible for the
scheduling of vehicles and said the bulk
of their work was done in Tarin Kot,
where elements of MTF 3 and SOTG
were based.
“It took the team roughly a day to
complete each vehicle,” Maj Tinning
said.
“When we got a vehicle we started
by removing the old seating and seat
frames. If the vehicle needed cleaning
or any minor repairs, it was completed
then we would refit the new seating and
the flooring enhancements.
“We fitted a modified seat frame for
the commander, driver and the crew
members in the back and a new flooring
system.”
The new safety improved seating
was collaboratively developed by the
Land Platform Development Program,
Land Engineering Agency, Land
Systems Division and Stratos Seating
Australia and the flooring solution was
designed by Bushmaster manufacturer
Thales Australia.
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The team: The PMV upgrade team in Tarin Kot. From left, WO2 Shane Tate,
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NEWS 7
G-Wagons on the way
By Graham McBean
APPROVAL for an additional 950
G-Wagons costing about $425m was
announced in a joint statement by
Defence Minister Stephen Smith and
Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare
on August 30.
Remembered: Sgt Michael
Dunn.
RAAF in
mourning
for loss
AN AIR Force member who
was seriously burned in an
explosion at Rockhampton airport on July 25 tragically died
of his injuries in the burns unit
of Royal Brisbane Hospital on
September 20.
Sgt Michael Dunn, 322
Expeditionary Combat Support
Squadron, was deployed to
the airport as part of Exercise
Talisman Sabre.
After the explosion, colleagues applied first aid. He
was transferred initially to
Rockhampton Base Hospital
for treatment and then to Royal
Brisbane, where he remained in a
serious condition.
Chief of Air Force AirMshl
Geoff Brown expressed his sympathies and those of the Air Force
community to Sgt Dunn’s family.
“Sgt Dunn was highly
respected and well liked by his
colleagues,” AirMshl Brown said.
“Those who visited Mick
since the accident were all affected by the courage and determination he showed during his treatment and are extremely saddened
by his passing.
“Our thoughts are with the
family, friends and colleagues of
Sgt Dunn.
Investigations into the incident continue.
Light it up: Another 950 Mercedes Benz G-Wagons have been ordered, with the first of the new lightweight
vehicles to be delivered to units in early 2012.
The additional vehicles will come
with 200 variant modules and 830 trailers under Phase 5A of Project Land
121. Over all its phases, Land 121 will
replace more than 10,500 lightweight
vehicles and trucks used by the ADF.
Director General Land Development
Brig Mal Rerden said the first batch of
the G-Wagons had been accepted by
Defence and were in the final phase of
delivery preparation before first deliveries to units in early 2012.
The acquisition in subsequent phases
of the project of protected vehicles for
the fleet to meet operational demands
will be a first for vehicles of these types.
There was still a long way to go
with development of the protected lightweight vehicles, but Brig Rerden expected similar levels of protection for the
lightweight vehicles to that offered by
the Bushmaster.
He said the medium-heavy trucks
would not reach that same level of protection, but it was important to understand that these were not close combat
vehicles.
“If they are going into a threat environment, they will be supported by fighting vehicles – such as an ASLAV or
M113 – which will give a level of protection around them,” Brig Rerden said.
“This means they don’t have to have
the same level of protection as the fighting vehicles.”
A new methodology for managing
the fleet would also be introduced to
optimise use through the life of the vehicles.
Brig Rerden said vehicles clocked
up more kilometres and were used more
often depending on the unit, so rotation
of vehicles throughout the fleet would
better distribute that demand.
8 NEWS
Dinner for the faithful
OH&S the
winner on
the night
THE Department of Defence was recognised as a leader in Occupational
Health and Safety as it took home
five awards at the 2011 Safety,
Rehabilitation and Compensation
Commission (SRCC) safety awards
held on September 13.
Talking candidly: CDF Gen David Hurley and Linda Hurley were guests of honour at the annual Defence
Christians’ dinner held at the Canberra Southern Cross Club on September 2. Gen Hurley said faith
played a big part in his everyday life and was essential when things got tough. “We need strong, fit people
to do the job the Government demands, and spiritual fitness is an important part of that,” Gen Hurley said.
For more information on the dinner, visit the Military Christian Fellowship website at www.mcf-a.org.au
Photo by David Coleman
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In announcing the awards Defence
Science and Personnel Minister Warren
Snowdon said Defence had eight finalists competing in five out of six of the
safety award categories.
“I am pleased by the significant
number of Defence winners and finalists at this year’s safety awards, the high
level of success achieved showcased
Defence’s commitment to ensuring risks
to health and safety and wellbeing were
identified and actively managed.”
“I am particularly delighted to see
Defence had two finalists in the category for the rehabilitation and return
to work award this year,” Mr Snowdon
said.
“It shows that Defence is honouring
its promise to rehabilitate and return its
wounded or injured ADF personnel to
work wherever it’s possible.”
Defence’s 2011 winners and finalists
all achieved outcomes that decreased the
risk of injury to soldiers, sailors and airmen and women.
The eight Defence finalists were
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Best workplace health and safety
management system – 16RWAR
for the OHSMS Improvement
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Best solution to an identified
workplace health and safety
issue – Army Aviation Systems
Program Office for the passenger
and aircrew survivability design.
Best individual contribution to
health and safety in category A
and B – LS Natalie Irvine and
Leut-Cmdr Andrew Rohrsheim.
The return to work award in category A – the Navy Diving School
and Submarine Underwater
Medicine Unit.
joined by 13 other finalists from across
the Australian Government at a gala dinner held by Comcare in Melbourne.
Defence’s winners from selected
categories will compete in the Seventh
National Safe Work Australia awards
hosted next year.
More information about Defence’s OHS
programs is available online at
http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/ohsc/
Government gives grants
for veterans’ projects
THE Government will fund 74 projects and initiatives to support veterans and their families.
The funding is part of the government’s Veteran and Community Grants
program which supports local health and
wellbeing activities for veterans.
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs,
Warren Snowdon, said $837,927 had
been allocated to 74 projects in NSW,
the ACT, Queensland, Western Australia,
Tasmania and South Australia.
“This will assist with a range of initiatives from delivering health and exercise
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programs to purchasing equipment and
materials,” he said.
“These projects are designed to
improve access to community care services, encourage social interaction and
ultimately enrich the lives of Australia’s
veteran community.
Ex-service and community organisations, veteran
representative groups and private organisations
that contribute to the health and welfare of the
veteran community can apply for funding through
the grants program on the Veterans’ Affairs
website at www.dva.gov.au/grants
NEWS 9
Show of force
By Cpl Melanie Schinkel
S H O C K WAV E S r e s o n a t e d
throughout the Mt Bundey Training
Area (MBTA) as 1 Bde demonstrated the combined firepower of
8/12 Regt, 1 Armd Regt and 2 Cav
Regt for the CA’s Advisory Group
on September 2.
US marines and Singapore Armed
Forces personnel, in Darwin for exercises Gold Eagle and Matilda, looked
on as about 30 Australians conducted
the live-fire activity with two Abrams
and four ASLAVs.
OIC of the practice WO2 Rob
Lewis, 1 Armd Regt, explained the
exercise scenario.
“Essentially, today was about the
three arms corps practising the passage of lines and handover of targets. It
involved a cavalry screening forward,
bumping into the advanced reconnaissance elements and engaging them,”
WO2 Lewis said.
“The cavalry then went up against
the heavy armour, which was their call
to withdraw into another fire position.
Covering their withdrawal was 8/12
Regt’s gun battery with two tanks to
clear out any heavy armour the artillery
had missed or simply couldn’t engage.
“Eventually, the cavalry screen
pulled back to another position
and continued to engage the rest of
the reconnaissance. Once the heavy
armour came in, they used it as support
to withdraw back to their main fire
position.”
He said personnel safety was
the biggest concern during the livefire exercise.
Big bang: A 1 Armd Regt Abrams fires on targets during the 1 Bde live-fire demonstration at the Mt Bundey Training Area, while a 2 Cav Regt ASLAV
(inset) manoeuvres through the red dust.
Photos by LS Andrew Dakin
“The soldiers have to be extremely
careful when drawing back because
the armoured vehicles are in front of
each other to provide live-fire support.
They just have to make sure they’re
outside the required safety angles so
they don’t accidentally fire on each
other – basically just getting into the
right positions and doing the correct
drills.”
Commander 1 Bde Brig Gus
McLachlan attended the demonstration
and said the numerous exercises which
occurred within the MBTA throughout
August and September were designed
to develop 1 Bde’s foundation warfighting skills.
“The Brigade is just coming out
of reset, so it is Army’s next brigade
to get ready for deployment,” Brig
McLachlan said.
“Our personnel will begin deploying on operations in Afghanistan in
November next year.
“The brigade has stepped across
the start line to get ready again and
begun its journey towards Exercise
Hamel 2012.”
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NEWS 11
Jumping at shadows
SOLDIERS from 20 STA Regt
spent a day familiarising themselves
with one of the first Shadow 200
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
to arrive in Australia at Gallipoli
Barracks on September 7.
Soldiers from 20 STA Regt have
been in the US for several Shadow
training rotations since early this year.
CO 20 STA Regt Lt-Col Nathan
Loynes said support for ground forces
would improve significantly once the
highly sophisticated and manoeuvrable
Shadow came online in Afghanistan
early next year.
Designed to provide tactical support to the ground commander, the
Shadow is capable of operations up to
125km away from the primary Ground
Control Station (GCS), weighs 187kg
when fully fuelled and loaded, has a
wingspan of 4.2m and can cruise at 70
knots up to 15,000ft in the air.
Already in service with the US
Army and Marine Corps, Shadow
has almost a million flying hours on
record.
Shadow operator Bdr Aaron Hong,
20 STA Regt, said he couldn’t wait
for “Army’s new shiny thing” to come
online.
“This project is only going to
grow from here and we’re keen to get
Shadow out there and show everyone
what it’s capable of,” Bdr Hong said.
Shadow is a big step up from the
Scan Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(UAV), which has been in service since
2006. Shadow is equipped with cutting-edge payload technology including advanced electro-optical and infrared cameras capable of day and night
operation. The Shadow air vehicle is
capable of transmitting real-time, full
motion video to the GCS and other
remote video viewing devices.
Additionally, a communication
relay package in the Shadow air vehicle’s wings means it can also be used
as an airborne relay.
Lt-Col Loynes said Shadow would
Air power: Soldiers from 20 STA Regt inspect the Shadow 200 UAS during a familiarisation day at Gallipoli Barracks. Inset, air vehicle operator LBdr
Anthony Dunphy looks at the Woomera Training Area on 20 STA Regt’s Portable Institutional Mission System.
Photos by Aaron Davis and Cpl Melanie Schinkel
enable 20 STA Regt to provide “near
real-time reporting” and that its primary tasks would involve intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance collection as well as providing direct support
to ground forces.
“Shadow will allow us to provide
ground callsigns with quick and accurate information such as what is ahead
of them during any manoeuvre operation,” Lt-Col Loynes said.
“The operators inside the GCS
will talk directly to the soldiers on the
ground, who will be able to receive full
motion video in real time via remote
receivers. Alternatively, ground forces
will also be able to receive near-real
time analysed video and still imagery
products from our imagery analysts.”
Another critical feature of the
Shadow system is its interoperability
and networking capability. Through the
GCS, Shadow can speak directly with
other UAS or UAV systems.
This capability will cut down
response times when Shadow is used
to adjust indirect fire or for precision
targeting operations using its laser
target designator, range finder and
pointer.
Lt-Col Loynes said 20 STA Regt
would be involved in precision targeting operations in the near future.
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“We will be able to designate for
a large family of precision munitions
and other terminally guided weapons.
“Shadow also has a portable GCS
capability, which will allow us to
deploy a GCS forward. Essentially,
this would involve launching an air
vehicle from a hub and then handing it
over to a portable GCS positioned next
to a combat team, platoon or Special
Forces patrol commander.”
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12 NEWS
Day to remember:
The Australian,
UN and AFP
flags are raised
at the Australian
Peacekeeping
Ceremony on Anzac
Parade (above) MajGen John Caligari lay
wreaths (inset).
Photos by LAC Bill Solomou
Keepers
of peace
honoured
SPEAKING at a service on Anzac
Parade in Canberra, Veterans’ Affairs
Minister Warren Snowdon called on
all Australians to recognise the ongoing contribution of our peacekeepers
on Australian Peacekeepers’ Day.
He said September 14 marked 64
years of Australia’s contribution to
peace operations around the world,
starting with the first United Nations
peacekeeping mission in 1947.
Laying a wreath during the service at the site of the future Australian
Peacekeeping Memorial, Mr Snowdon
said Australia had a proud record of
peacekeeping and peacemaking, participating in more than 50 United Nations
and multinational operations.
“Currently, almost 600 ADF and
AFP personnel are deployed on operations across the globe in locations
including the Middle East, East Timor,
Solomon Islands and Sudan,” Mr
Snowdon said.
“Today is an opportunity for
Australians to reflect on the important
role of our peacekeepers and peacemakers in providing support and assistance
to victims of conflict, often in unstable
and dangerous locations.”
Australia’s peacekeeping roles have
included military observation, logistics
support, ceasefire monitoring, landmine
clearing, supporting democratic elections, humanitarian aid and repatriation
of refugees.
“Men and women from the ADF,
the federal and state police forces and
Australian Government agencies have
all been involved in our long history of
peace operations,” Mr Snowdon said.
The government is funding a
University of Melbourne study that
investigates the long-term effects on
mental health and quality of life of exserving ADF peacekeepers deployed
from the 1990s to 2002.
It will consider Australian involvement in places such as Rwanda,
Somalia, Cambodia, Namibia, Western
Sahara and East Timor. It is expected to
be completed by the end of 2012.
NEWS 13
Arty celebrates milestones
Flying in
to Oakey
By LCpl Mark Doran
THE RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team
will be one of the attractions at the
Museum of Australian Army Flying
(MAAF) annual fly-in at Oakey on
October 1 and 2.
Air show: An MRH90 will be among
the modern aircraft on display at the
Oakey Fly-In on October 1 and 2.
and there will be static and flying displays of model aircraft.
“The fly-in has been a popular event
for the past six years and last year we had
nearly 5000 visitors over the weekend.”
Food and refreshments will be available all weekend and the Toowoomba
Municipal Band will perform on Sunday
from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
Gates open at 10am. Entry is $5 for adults and
free for children under 12. More information is at
www.161recceflt.org.au/MAAF/Homepage.htm
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Bombs away: Hamel guns and fireworks light up the Puckapunyal parade ground in a fiery celebration
of the RAA’s 140th and the School of Arty’s 128th birthdays on August 20. About 400 people turned out
to watch gun races and a feu de joie before the Army Band-Melbourne performed the 1812 Overture
with four guns from 53 Bty (pictured) lighting up the evening sky. Maj-Gen Tim Ford, representative
Colonel Commandant for Artillery, reviewed the parade before a beating of the retreat and a bugler
playing as the flag was lowered at sunset. The usual dining-in was forgone in favour of a family night at
the OR’s mess after the parade.
All current Australian Army aircraft
will be on display during the fly-in,
including the Kiowa, Tiger, Black Hawk
and MRH-90, as well as more than 20
historic Warbirds, including a World War
II Antonov 2, an ex-Army Cessna and a
Bell Sioux from the Vietnam War.
MAAF Board Secretary Helen
Bawden said she anticipated some of
the aircraft would be involved in training
activities next to the museum over the
weekend, so visitors were likely to see
them in action.
“The Military Vehicle Collectors
Australia will be bringing antique military vehicles, including an original
RAAF Ambulance from Oakey from the
1940s, which will be on show along with
uniforms and exhibits from other museums and collections,” Mrs Bawden said.
“Sqn-Ldr Tony Blair, from the ADF
Basic Flying Training School, intends to
visit and perform aerobatic displays in
his Rebel 300 unlimited aerobatic aircraft
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WORLD NEWS 15
Confidence in ANA grows
By Maj Lachlan Simond
THE increasing presence of the
Afghan National Army (ANA) has
forced insurgents away from their
traditional bases and safe havens,
according to Col Dave Smith, who
finished up as deputy commander
Combined Team – Uruzgan this
month.
“As the fighting season rolls on,
ISAF forces are seeing a reduced
level of insurgent activity compared
to what was seen in the past,” Col
Smith said.
“ T h e r e i s l e s s c o n n e c t iv ity between the insurgent activities
across the province. Their activities
have been reduced to individual valley activities, which is more easily
contained by ISAF and Afghan forces.”
Col Smith said although the complex attack in Tarin Kot on July 28
drew much attention, it was a tactical
and moral failure for the insurgency.
“None of the intended government officials or community leaders
that were targeted were killed,” he
said.
“The majority of the victims
were innocent locals caught up in the
indiscriminate bombing which commenced the insurgent attacks. Many
of the unfortunate victims were
women and children killed when car
bombs detonated close to the women’s hospital and a school.
“Rather than discrediting the
government of Afghanistan and
its security forces, the attack highlighted their increased capabil-
ity. The Afghan National Security
Forces (ANSF) responded rapidly
to the attacks and brought the situation under control. Their actions
were praised by the locals, who also
voiced their opinion on local radio,
rejecting the insurgents and their disregard for innocent civilian lives.”
Col Smith said the local Afghan
communities were gaining confidence in the ability of the ANSF to
provide them with security.
“You’ve only got to look at something like the Tarin Kot to Chora
road to see what a difference is
being made. People are able to drive
from Tarin Kot to Chora on a hardtop road without any insurgent road
blocks or interference and we’re seeing the prices of goods being sold in
Chora coming down by as much as
700 per cent due to people being able
to move more freely.
“The Malalai Girls’ School is
now open and operating and the new
police headquarters is well into construction.
“All of these things together are
creating an environment where the
ability of the insurgents to manipulate the local population has been
seriously degraded. People are now
able to get on with their lives.”
Col Smith recently took incoming
CT-U deputy commander Col Ben
James on a tour of several forward
operating bases in Uruzgan province.
The reconnaissance group,
which included MTF 4 personnel,
spent a week circulating though
ADF-occupied bases Hadrian, Wali
and Mirwais.
Lay of the land: From left, incoming Combined Team-Uruzgan deputy commander Col Ben James and outgoing
CT-U deputy commander Col Dave Smith talk with OC D Coy MTF 3, Maj Adam Gower, at forward operating
base Mirwais.
Photo by PO Damian Pawlenko
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16 WORLD NEWS
Day to remember
By Maj Lachlan Simond
HE WAS writing an essay in a country town,
she was still in high school, another was
undertaking training for the Slovakian Army
and she was watching the tragedy unfold on
the television in a barrack’s guard room.
These were some of the memories of
the assembled soldiers, sailors, airmen
and women and civilians who gathered at
Multinational Base Tarin Kot in Uruzgan province, to mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
“Someone asks me each year ‘where
were you? Where were you when the attacks
in Washington, Manhattan and Pennsylvania
were happening’?”
So said US Army Maj Greg Haley, acting CO
of 4/70 Armd Regt, as he addressed his fellow
members of Combined Team Uruzgan (CTU).
He then posed another question – “why do
people ask this”?
“I guess the answer is, that in some way,
every compassionate, law-abiding citizen of
this world, who cares about humanity and
goodness on earth wants to be a part of this
tragic event,” Maj Haley said.
The assembled team of Americans,
Australians, Singaporeans, Slovakians and
Afghans, who work together in Uruzgan province, stood in silence as they were reminded
of the 3000 people who died on that worldchanging day and the families that still grieve
their loss.
They thought of the connections between
those who suffered and lost on that Tuesday
morning a decade ago and those who have lost
loved ones in the ensuing war on terror.
“And then there are all of you standing
before me,” Maj Haley said. “What is your
connection to this historic event?
“For your connection is here and now, as
we stand here today, where an enemy was
born, an enemy that has bonded us as brothers
and sisters in arms for a full decade. We stand
in this land, in defiance of the few that have
lost the way. You stand here fighting with the
brothers and sisters on your left and right. You
stand firm, so that we don’t have another tragedy anywhere across this great earth.”
Solemn moment: American and Australian forces observe a minute’s silence during a 9/11
memorial service at Multinational Base Tarin Kot in Afghanistan.
Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo
Thousands raised in
Al Minhad charity run
MORE than 110 members of JTF 633,
based at Al Minhad Air Base in the
United Arab Emirates, have raised
more than $3700 for Legacy from their
own version of the Bridge to Brisbane
charity run.
Event organiser Maj Wayne Bullock,
HQ 1 Div Health Branch, said supporting Legacy was of growing importance
given the increasing number of families
now relying on its support.
“Legacy means a lot to members
of the ADF as we are acutely aware of
the very important work it does in supporting the families of servicemen and
women,” he said.
According to Maj Bullock, it wasn’t
difficult finding willing volunteers to
participate in the event, as it was a great
way to combine support for a worthwhile
cause with all-important exercise.
“Even though we were 11,000km
away, we tried to replicate the spirit of
the event by using a mock-up of the
Sydney Harbour Bridge as the starting
line, while the Brisbane accommodation
block was used as the finishing point,”
Maj Bullock said.
The run at Al Minhad Air Base began
at 6am to avoid the blistering heat –
average temperatures exceed 35 degrees
during September.
However, even by the start time, the
temperature was just under 30 degrees
and all competitors were advised to keep
their hydration up to avoid heat stress.
Maj Bullock said that the run also
drew support from service personnel
from the UK, Canada and Holland.
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WORLD NEWS 17
Big drug haul
a team effort
A HIGHLY successful Afghan
National Security Force and
Special Operations Task Group
(SOTG) partnered operation
in Helmand province uncovered a narcotics laboratory
housing enough ingredients to
manufacture drugs worth about
$US150m.
The partnered forces descended on the facility in the Baghran
District of Helmand province, close
to the border of Uruzgan province,
on September 17 and spent most of
the weekend clearing the facility.
CO SOTG, Lt-Col G said it was
the biggest find Australian Special
Forces had been involved in to
date.
“The facility is reported to be
one of the largest heroin-producing
facilities destroyed in Afghanistan
in the past five years, and profits
from it were responsible for financing insurgent attacks against ISAF
and Afghan forces,” Lt-Col G said.
Two S OT G m e m b e r s , a n
Afghan National Interdiction Unit
officer and an Afghan interpreter
were wounded when the partnered
force came under attack from insurgents defending their narcotics
operations.
“ T h e f o u r wo u n d e d m e n
stayed with the patrol
to complete the mission.
“The Australian
soldiers have both
been assessed as
being in a stable condition and their families have been notified of the incident.”
Lt-Col G said several weapons, ammunition and a large
quantity of narcotics
manufacturing equipment and chemicals
were also seized and
Equipment seized: An opium press found destroyed during the
during a partnered operation in Baghran.
mission.
“This loss will
received immediate first aid at the
be a massive blow to
scene,” Lt-Col G said.
the revenue insurgents would have
“Three of the more seriously gained by manufacturing and sellwounded, including one of the ing narcotics,” he said.
SOTG members, were aero-medi“That amount of money not
cally evacuated to a nearby medical going into the insurgency campaign
facility.
will no doubt have a significant
“These three men were subse- effect on narcotics networks and
quently transferred to the Role 3 insurgent activities in the province.”
medical facility at Camp Bastion in
During the mission a number
Helmand province, where they are of insurgents were killed. A small
receiving specialist care.
group of insurgents were also
“The second SOTG member, detained and taken to Multinational
who sustained a superficial wound, Base Tarin Kot for processing.
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ASRU WARRIORS
Ready for action: Sgt Ben Jones
has been named vice-captain of the
Australian Services Rugby Union
team to play in the International
Defence Rugby Competition
starting on October 1.
Photo by LAC Bill Solomou
Cpl Tom Boole
LCpl Joven Clarke
OCdt Lewis Crothers
Cpl Ricky Dumigan
Pte Isikeli Fukofuka
Capt Ben Grumley
WO2 Shaun Jolley
Sgt Ben Jones (vc)
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Service, unit: Army,
ADFA; Age: 20. Club:
ADFA.
2/17RNSWR; Age: 34.
Club: Wagga Wagga City.
RTB; Age: 28; Club:
South Brisbane.
Service, unit: Army, QUR;
Age: 29.
Regt RAA; Age: 32. Club:
Caboolture.
Service, unit: Army, SME;
Age: 30. Club: Randwick.
RAR; Age: 32. Club: Ross
River Redskins.
LCpl Shaun Kober
SCdt Tony Luxford
Cfn Jeremy Nelson
Pte Adam Nixon
Pte Ben Radmall
Spr Shaun Richardson
Cpl Craig Rogerson
Pte John Tanuvasa
Bdr Harley Whaikawa
RAR; Age: 26. Club:
Casuarina.
RMC-D; Age: 24. Club:
RMC/Randwick.
RAMS; Age: 21; Club:
RARC.
ASEME; Age: 30; Club:
Albury Steamers.
RQR; Age: 20. Club:
Sunshine Coast Stingrays.
Const Regt; Age: 32. Club:
Randwick.
Service, unit: Army, 8/9
RAR; Age: 26; Club: GPS
Ashgrove.
RVR; Age: 20; Club:
Melbourne University.
Fd Regt. Club: Melbourne
University.
RAN
Management
PO Jason Harrington (c) Smn Aaron Louden
AB Tait O’Sullivan
AB Adam Powell
AB Dan Robertson
AB James Smith
Service, ship: Navy, HMAS
Tobruk; Age: 32. Club:
Randwick.
Service, ship: Navy,
HMAS Kuttabul; Age: 22;
Club: Randwick.
HMAS Watson; Age:24;
Club: Drummoyne.
HMAS Kuttabul; Age: 26;
Club: Randwick.
Service, unit: Navy,
37SQN; Age: 23; Club:
Northern Suburbs.
Service, unit: Navy/RAAF
STT. Club: RARC.
Contingent commander: Col
Co Tim Simkin
Coach: Capt Damien Cahill
Assitant coach: Mark Giacheri
Analyst: Sgt Gav Whiteside
Assistant analyst: Pte Luke Tabutoa
Team manager: Flt-Lt Chris Scott
Assistant team manager: WO2 Matt Brooks
Doctor: Leut-Cmdr Richard Loizou
Physiotherapist: Flt-Lt Anna Lewis
Strapper: Fred Cantlon
ASRU draw
Australia will compete in Pool A against Tonga and
the People’s Liberation Army.
RAAF
Wednesday, October 5
T.G Millner Field, Eastwood
1pm: Tonga Defence Services (TDS)
Sunday, October 9
Gala Game Day 3 at Viking Park, Canberra
Noon: China – People’s Liberation Army
LAC Alex Chan
Sgt Richard Falkenmire Flt-Lt Andre Holmes
Cpl Bodine Luscott
LAC Chris Tuttiett
Cpl Michael Wallace
Service, unit: RAAF,
Port Adelaide.
37SQN; Age: 29. Club:
Penrith.
81WG; Age: 26; Club:
Waratahs.
2OCU; Age: 25; Club:
Southern Beaches.
Gordon.
Hamilton Hawks.
Finals
October 13: at T.G.Millner Field and Vic Barracks
October 16: at Viking Park, Canberra
October 18: at North Shore RFC, Auckland
October 22: at Auckland University
‘Who could we possibly get to
come out on a Sunday, and
Father’s Day at that? DHA’s
maintenance contractors were
here within two hours…’
WO2 JASON MACKAY
‘If you ask us DHA’s maintenance support is one of the
huge positives about living in a Service Residence,’
says Jason and Natalie Mackay.
‘We found this out one Father’s Day – we came home
to a smashed window at the back of our house. We
had no idea what the cause was or whether it would be
CLASSIlEDASANEMERGENCYnWHATWEDIDKNOWWAS
‘no one was going to want to come out on Father’s Day’
TOlXIT!LLITTOOKTHOUGHWASONEPHONECALLTO$(!S
MAINTENANCELINEANDWITHINTWOHOURSWEHADITlXED
www.dha.gov.au
139 DHA
– and that’s with the contractors coming from Bendigo
[to Puckapunyal].’
‘It beat trawling the yellow pages for hours and dealing
with the contractors – but even better than that, it
meant that we could get on with what the day was all
about – time with the kids on Father’s Day.’
LETTERS 21
Policy on right track
I QUALIFIED as an Army diver in the early
’80s with 11 other members on my course
through 1 Cdo Regt, which at the time was
the Army Dive School.
I WRITE in response to Lt-Col
Madden’s letter (Army, September
1). This letter evoked a rather
emotive response in our office
among a number of people. I personally believe, and people I have
spoken to agree, this trial boot
allowance policy is (pardon the
pun) a step in the right direction.
There need be no debate over
the suitability or unsuitability of
the Terra Combat Boot (TCB) in
the field environment, as the policy
to allow the wearing of approved
non-issue boots while on exercise
and on deployment (CA Directive
05/08) was made on the back of
factual information from multiple
sources, including some men in
white lab coats at DSTO.
CA Directive 05/08 was based
on research which found that
allowing alternative boots is a way
to prevent manageable injury in the
field environs, as well as acknowledging that one boot does not suit
all conditions from tropical to cold
weather.
A major reason I can see for
hanging onto the TCB is uniformity and perhaps that not everyone
needs the extra performance from
their boots, overseas or on exercise,
due to their roles. Keeping the TCB
in service is not a bad choice given
the amount we have invested in its
development.
Defence moving toward a type
of just-in-time procurement of
approved boots, through the member buying their boots as needed
Divers should
be recognised
At that time I wondered why there was no
diver skill/qualification badge, as there is for
parachuting, aircrew, EOD and so on.
More recently, the same question came up
again in a conversation with a few mates. We
would like to know if consideration has ever
been given to such a badge, and if so, why it
was rejected?
If not previously considered, what is the
process for raising the issue formally?
Capt Robert Varcoe
Gallipoli Barracks
Enoggera
If the shoe fits: A policy announced earlier this year and being trialled with troops preparing for MTF 4
allows soldiers to be reimbursed up to $192 for private purchase of boots on the CA’s approved boots list.
would save the organisation real
money. I feel this trial policy, in
its current form is moving in the
right direction, aligning with the
CA intent, in CA Directive 11/09
– Reducing the cost of ownership,
tranche one (combat clothing and
personal field equipment).
As with any project, it is essential that constant review and reevaluation be conducted to ensure
the project is still viable. If Defence
had been successful in developing
an excellent, effective combat boot
itself, the benefits could have been
exponential. But one must ask after
seven generations of boot in about
11 years, how long will it take and
how much will it cost? The answer
to this question is where real cost
savings could be realised.
As for the shiny green jacket
and Para jacket, these items cannot
really be used in relation to the boot
argument as I am not sure of too
many people who have developed
short-term or even long-term debilitating effects from wearing a jacket.
I happily wear type-seven TCBs
in the barracks environment (the first
type to not give me hot spots on the
heel). And as a non-combat soldier,
with a predominantly barracks-bound
job, I am not overly concerned with
what type of boot I wear.
Sgt Michael Mowat
4CSSB
Simpson Barracks
Tell us about the
other hats you wear
All Reservists (Active and Specialist) should recently
have received mail asking about your civil skills (formal,
self-claimed, experience) for the Civil Skills Data e-survey.
It is very important that you complete this survey as it
helps the Australian Defence Force better identify people
with specific skills that can be drawn upon for emergencies,
exercises and deployments.
You will receive a half day pay for preparing and completing
the survey and it will also help your Reserve career.
It’s time to complete the Civil Skills Data e-survey
There’s still time for you to complete the survey. Make sure
you have all your paperwork ready – licences, degrees and
other qualifications – before you start.
If you have any questions about the survey, or any of the
information collected, please email your query and PMKeyS
number to [email protected]
You can complete the survey on your own or a Defence
computer, but you should complete it as soon as you can.
Visit www.civilskillsdata.com today
CIVIL
SKILLS
DATA
Skills in Reserve
Recognition: Should the Army dive
qualification be recognised with patch or
badge as the parachute qualification is?
Photo by Sgt Bill Guthrie
22 TRAINING
ARes reality check
By Lt Fiona Bickerstaff
post to coordinate a search of the buildings detection dogs was the highlight of the exerand surrounds.
cise for most personnel.
MORE THAN 120 reservists from around
Simulated media interest, radical activists
Pte Jarrard Towner, 41RNSWR, qualified
northern NSW converged on Newcastle to and a medical emergency kept the 8RRF sol- for the RRF this year and believed the exertest their skills in a joint exercise with the diers busy before the arrival of the delegation. cise was useful to his training.
NSW Police’s explosive detection dogs.
8RRF personnel then moved to the his“It was really good to work with the
Soldiers from the 8 Bde Reserve Response
Force (8RRF) responded to unspecified
threats from a militant protest group before
the arrival of a controversial foreign delegation on August 27.
8RRF personnel conducted vehicle check
points, search, clearance, and security duties
with police officers and the dog squad from
Waratah Local Area Command as part of Ex
Knight Star.
Starting at Newcastle Harness Racing
Club, 8RRF and police swiftly responded to
the threat by securing the venue with a vehicle check point before setting up a command
toric Fort Scratchley, on the headland of
Newcastle’s Nobbys Beach and home to 7 Fd
Regt’s 113 Fd Bty, to search and clear the
tunnels running through the complex.
LBdr Christopher Dawson, 113 Fd Bty, an
RRF and High Readiness Reserve member,
said training and evaluation exercises were an
important training tool for the capability of
both forces.
“It’s good that other people on the outside
(of RRF) who are also qualified step in so we
can keep our skill base in this particular area
up,” he said.
Working with the police and the explosive
police because that’s something we’d do in a
real-life scenario,” Pte Towner said.
“Working with the police was definitely
a highlight and the dogs as well. That was
cool.”
The RRF provides high readiness support
to civilian authorities during special events,
domestic emergencies and disaster relief
operations.
RRF has supported numerous major
events including the 2006 Commonwealth
Games, 2007 Asia Pacific Economic
Cooperation summit and the 2008 World
Youth Day.
Meet and greet: Soldiers from 8 Bde received
cultural and language training before deploying to
East Timor. Here LCpl Brentt Grigson talks with
locals in Dili.
Photo by Cpl Melina Mancuso
Hindsight a
good thing
in training
By Maj Andrew Dixon
SOLDIERS who recently deployed to East Timor
as part of Timor-Leste Task Group 3 were the beneficiaries of comprehensive training based on lessons
learnt from past experiences.
Thorough inspection: Gnr Mark Saint searches for suspect items at Fort Scratchley in Newcastle during Ex Knight Star.
Photo by Cfn Max Bree
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According to Maj James Weaver, 8 Bde Astute
Force Generation Team, the 169 members of TLTG 3
received sufficient cultural training to give them the
knowledge and awareness to be able to communicate
effectively with, and work alongside, a wide range of
military and civilian supporting elements.
“The 8 Bde planning started with sending observer
trainers over with 11 Bde to enable the knowledge
transfer from their experiences into our training plan,”
Maj Weaver said.
“Soldiers are prepared for the mission they are
going to do, what I mean by that is they have an understanding through 11 Bde’s experience of cultural and
language aspects.”
During the concentration in Canungra, the soldiers
were also visited by Chap Gary Stone who provided a
brief on his experiences and understanding of the culture and language.
Contained within the CA’s Development Initiative
(CADI) is a specific requirement for the Army to
regard linguistic and cultural capability as a combat
capability in its own right, and to train, organise and
employ combat linguists accordingly.
“The brigade employed the services of a linguist to
teach a selection of soldiers the native language of the
indigenous population,” Maj Weaver said
“A two-week course provided a good understanding of the Timorese language and enabled each participant to share their knowledge with other members
within their platoons.
“During the preparation training at Canungra the
linguist returned and soldiers were given the opportunity to practise using the language through a number
of role plays.”
Maj Weaver said the civil skills database was used
to identify what qualifications the soldiers had, to see
if there were soldiers with skills and qualifications that
could assist in the training process.
He also said that 4 Bde had been involved from the
start of 8 Bde’s planning to prepare the next soldiers
for deployment to East Timor.
This type of training is expected to continue and
Maj Weaver has moved to Melbourne to help 4 Bde
prepare for its rotation to East Timor.
“I am excited to be part of the 4 Bde planning. The
lessons learnt through the cooperation of the three
brigades as part of continuous improvement can only
benefit soldiers who deploy in the future.”
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TRAINING 23
Cadets run with Eagles
IN ADDITION to supporting RMC’s
first class cadets during their battle block
phase, 1 Bde’s Battle Group Eagle conducted Exercise Eagles Run to advance
its combined arms tactics at the combat
team level.
Elements of 5RAR, 1 Armd Regt, 1
Avn Regt, 1CSR, 1CSSB and 8/12 Regt
joined forces for the 2 Cav Regt-led exercise in the Mt Bundey Training Area from
September 7-23.
CO 2 Cav Regt Lt-Col Simon
Johnstone said Ex Eagles Run gave soldiers the opportunity to focus on their
core skills at the combat team level in a
battle group environment.
“This exercise enabled Battle Group
Eagle to operate in a combined arms activity against a complex, hybrid, modern-day
threat,” Lt-Col Johnstone said.
“The cavalry squadron conducted reconnaissance missions to answer my questions
on terrain, enemy and civilians while the
battle group’s heavy hitters engaged and
cleared the enemy. All the while a reinforced support squadron ensured vehicle
availability and logistic support.
“At the same time, Battle Group Eagle’s
soldiers gained a greater appreciation of the
level of training RMC staff cadets endure.
They also enjoyed sharing their in-depth
knowledge with the cadets and introduced them to a rate of effort they haven’t
explored or been exposed to before.”
Battle Group Eagle’s mission during Ex
Eagles Run was to stop Musorian armed
forces, freedom fighters, terrorists and other
criminal elements in the Litchfield enclave
from seizing a Jabiru-based uranium site.
After intensive combined arms operations,
Battle Group Eagle successfully disrupted
the enemy’s plan and handed over authority
to local civilian agencies.
The Crew Commander for B Sqn’s
T22A crew, Sgt Trevor Hillard, 1 Armd
Regt, said Ex Eagles Run gave the regiment
the opportunity to test its new nature of
ammunition for the Abrams.
“This was our first time using the new
multi-purpose anti-tank (MPAT) ammunition, so we learnt a lot about employing it
with the Abrams during this exercise,” Sgt
Hillard said.
“The MPAT ammunition was excellent
– very accurate and effective. Initially, we
used it at close ranges and hit every target,
then we employed it at longer ranges of
2000m plus and still achieved first round
hits on targets.”
The final phase of the exercise involved
urban operations, dry and live-fire activities
as well as the assessment of two squadron
commanders from 2 Cav Regt.
Ex Eagles Run culminated with a
combined arms team live-fire event that
involved ASLAVs, Abrams, APCs, M198
155mm Howitzers and ARH Tigers.
The loader for B Sqn’s T22A crew, Tpr
Rodney McFarlane, 1 Armd Regt, was on
his first activity with the regiment.
“This exercise reinforced all the training I just finished at Puckapunyal,” Tpr
McFarlane said. “I’ve only been in the regiment for two weeks and most of that was
on Ex Eagles Run.
“It’s certainly a different experience –
being a loader is unlike any job I have done
before but I’m enjoying it.”
In control: Lt Jake Hosking, 1
Armd Regt, steers 22 Tp through
the Mt Bundey Training Area during
Exercise Eagles Run.
Firing up: An ASLAV from 2 Cav
Regt is basked in the flash of an
Abrams firing during the 1 Bde
firepower demonstration of Ex
Eagles Run.
Photos by Cpl Hamish Paterson
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24 TRAINING
Trainee officers get hands
on with mechanised force
Meet the
RMC first class cadets experienced
the united might of 1 Bde’s Battle
Group Eagle by integrating with
force elements of its combat teams
to refine their commanding skills
and complete battle block training.
About 165 cadets rotated through
roles in 2 Cav Regt’s battle group to
gain knowledge and improve their
ability to work with additional assets
in a complex, combined-arms war
fighting setting in the Mt Bundey
Training Area (MBTA) from August
31 to September 21.
The cadets completed their
Category A range training before
joining 2 Cav Regt’s Exercise Eagles
Run to complete components of their
battle block phase.
The senior instructor of RMC
first class, Maj Mark Wales, said
the cadets were placed into combat
teams during the exercise to learn
how to employ platforms such as the
ASLAV, APC and Abrams.
“These platforms were used
to train cadets in combined arms
armoured warfare in the modern battle space,” Maj Wales said.
“The cadets received orders and
then had to execute them with their
allocated attached forces.
“It was beneficial for them to be
exposed to the raft of platforms they
may command some day. Exposure
to these assets now means they will
have a better grasp of combined arms
Fire for effect: RMC staff cadets watch as tanks and APCs engage
targets on the live-fire range at Mt Bundey.
warfare when leading troops during
real operations in the future.”
CO 2 Cav Regt Lt-Col Simon
Johnstone said 2 Cav Regt and 1
Armd Regt conducted live-fire activities with ASLAVs and Abrams tanks
during Ex Eagles Run to demonstrate
their firepower and manoeuvre capabilities to the cadets.
“The cadets did familiarisation,
safety training and then progressed
through three rotations of working
in a cavalry squadron, a tank heavy
combat team as mechanised infantry
and as part of security for the combat
services and support echelon. Every
four days they shifted into a new
combat team to introduce them to
what it entailed and its affect on the
battlefield.”
He said the Abrams, ASLAV and
other fighting vehicles formed a critical part of Army’s combined arms
capability.
“Every soldier and officer within
Army must understand how to maximise the combined arms effect of
these platforms on joint operations.
“During their training the cadets
experienced the equipment and
capabilities held within 1 Bde and
engaged with the soldiers, gaining a greater understanding of their
expertise and the environment they
work in.”
Complex battlespace: An RMC staff cadet advances as a role-playing civilian is
caught in the open during the assault on “Mogsville” at Mt Bundey Training Area.
Casevac: Staff cadets treat a simulated casualty during the exercise.
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TRAINING 25
heavy hitters
Staff cadets join
troops from 1 Bde
to assault an
enemy-held town
at Mt Bundey. Cpl
Melanie Schinkel
falls in with the
battle group.
A
VIOLENT domestic
dispute between a couple escalates in the dusty
street of Mogsville, Mt
Bundey, as Battle Group Eagle
pushes forward to seize and
secure the built up urban area
defended by a well-equipped
adversary.
Two soldiers split from the formation to break up the row as the
battle group advances. Soldiers lob
grenades spewing red and yellow
smoke to inhibit enemy vision while
two Abrams tanks roll ominously
up the main street. Simultaneously,
ASLAVs which have been reporting
on the enemy position since the previous night, move from observation
posts to encircle the town’s perimeter
like a pack of wolves on the hunt.
Battle Group Eagle’s mission;
close quickly and secure a foothold
within the town. With Abrams and
APCs in intimate support of dismounted infantry, the combined
arms team defeats the enemy presence by rapidly dominating the key
terrain and clearing buildings.
RMC’s first class cadets participated in the 2 Cav Regt-run exercise as part of their battle block
phase at the Urban Operations
Training Facility (UOTF) in the Mt
Bundey Training Area (MBTA) on
September 11.
The combat team commander
of the UOTF activity and OC of
1 Armd Regt’s B Sqn, Maj Dan
Conners, said the purpose of the
training serial was to introduce the
cadets to combined arms manoeuvre
within an urban environment.
“The battle group cleared
Musorian and insurgent presence
from the south of an enclave,” he
said. “By approaching and securing
this key population centre, the battle
group was able to clear the enemy
away from the civil population and
take control.
Shock of capture: RMC staff cadets escort a captured enemy soldier safely away from burning debris as another enemy soldier (inset) surrenders in the
red haze of a smoke grenade during an assault through the urban operations training facility in the Mt Bundey training area.
“This activity was designed to
introduce the cadets to the tactics,
techniques and procedures of using
armoured combat power within an
urban environment as well as stress
their ability to command soldiers in
difficult and complex environments.”
He said Battle Group Eagle
achieved its mission at the UOTF
and the cadets learnt many lessons.
“I think the cadets now have a
clearer understanding of the value
of main battle tanks and the importance of integrating the effects of
the combined arms team at the lowest possible level to defeat enemy
forces and protect friendlies.”
SCdt Willy Shaw said he enjoyed
the training in Darwin’s MBTA.
“Being from Canberra, it was
great to experience working in the
hotter weather. The heat is something we need to get used to, especially considering the climates of
our current areas of operation,” SCdt
Shaw said.
Combat team: Staff cadets assault the town alongside an Abrams.
“The ride in was bumpy and
dusty. I had no idea what was going
on and didn’t know what to expect.
We hadn’t conducted an urban operations activity before, so our drills
were pretty poor. I ran through a
building to clear it and then realised
I had gone too far forward, but it
was a great experience and I learnt a
lot from it.”
SCdt Fergus Crappitt said the
experience he gained from the activity would help shape him into a better leader.
“Working with the tanks and
cavalry was fantastic because we
don’t get to see those assets very
often,” SCdt Crappitt said.
“I now understand how to work
with these assets and how they are
used overseas. Additionally, I interacted with the enlisted men who
operate the platforms and the officers who command them.”
26 FEATURES
Taking on
R
EHABILITATION from
wounds suffered in operational service isn’t all
physiotherapy and medicine – soldiers from several units
tackled the Kokoda Trail in July to
help raise awareness for soldiers
wounded on operations.
Tradition: LCpl Arthur Florence, 1RAR Band, plays reveille at dawn on the trail.
Spr Jason Andrewartha was one
of several 2CER soldiers involved in
the RSL Soldiers Kokoda and said
taking on the trail was a once-in-alifetime opportunity.
“It’s a great way to get awareness
out there about wounded soldiers,”
Spr Andrewartha said.
“It was difficult, but not unachievable.”
The Soldiers Kokoda involves
communities from throughout
Australia sponsoring recovering soldiers to trek along the Kokoda Trail.
Towards the end of the trail,
the group stopped at a village for a
memorial to honour soldiers killed in
Afghanistan and were joined by former CDF Gen Peter Cosgrove (retd).
“It was very emotional for every-
Sometimes the best rehabilitation is to take
on new challenges. Spr Nick Wiseman
catches up with a group of Afghanistan
veterans who included the Kokoda Trail on
their road to recovery.
one involved,” Spr Andrewartha said.
“Once the padre started speaking
and we saw the photos of the fallen
soldiers, it hit home hard.”
Another 2CER soldier on the trail
was Spr Chris Parker-Benton who
said the days were long.
“We started at about 5am each
day and usually went to bed at about
7pm,” Spr Parker-Benton said.
“We managed to find some time
to socialise each night before exhaustion took over.”
Both soldiers agreed meeting and
interacting with members of the public on the trail and sharing their experiences were great opportunities.
The group carried their gear on
their backs, which consisted of per-
Looking back: Participants in Soldiers Kokoda learn about World War II battles
during their eight-day trek.
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Hard yakka: Rugged mountain tracks and river
crossings are well known challenges of the infamous
trail. Inset, 2 Cdo Regt’s Damian Thomlinson and Ray
Palmer, father of commando Pte Scott Palmer who
was killed in Afghanistan last year, help each other
through the arduous trek.
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sonal items, food and water, clothes
and sleeping gear, with porters carrying other necessary items.
Although the weather was quite
hot, luck was on their side with only
two days of rain toward the end of
the journey.
Unsure of how he would cope
with his wounds after his rehabilitation, Spr Parker-Brenton said he
pushed himself to find his limits.
“My injuries started to affect me
towards the end, but I was determined to finish,” he said
Joining the 2CER boys on the
trail was Ray Palmer, the father of
fallen 2 Cdo Regt commando Pte
Scott Palmer, who said the experience was fantastic.
FEATURES 27
the trail
SIGN UP FOR NEXT YEAR’S SOLDIERS KOKODA PROGRAM
PLACES are now available for next year’s
RSL Soldiers Kokoda, which will be run by
Adventure1000 from July 21 to July 30 next year.
The program costs $6250 per entrant, which
includes travel from Brisbane, food, accommodation, experienced trek leaders, medical support,
“I thought it was going to be difficult physically,” Mr Palmer said.
“But listening to the boys and
what happened to them turned out to
be quite emotional.”
Mr Palmer lost his son in June
last year when a helicopter crashed
during operations in Afghanistan.
Since then, he and his wife have
kept close to his son’s former unit
and those who survived the crash,
keeping tabs on their recovery.
Mr Palmer said he would be
doing the trail again next year and
wanted to get as much support as he
could.
“I’d like to see more soldiers on it
next year,” Mr Palmer said.
“Next time I’ll be supporting a
2CER soldier who couldn’t make it
this year due to his rehabilitation.”
The program will run a tour each
year for the next four years and is
trying to attract sponsors to help subsidise the costs of travel for the rehabilitated soldiers.
For more information on next year’s tour go
to www.adventure1000.com.au
Time to remember: Participants in the
RSL Soldiers Kokoda, including many
soldiers undergoing rehabilitation for
wounds suffered on operational service,
gather to remember Australians killed in
Afghanistan at a village near the end of
their trek of the Kokoda Trail. Inset, the
team sets up camp in a clearing along
the trail.
HOW TO
CONTRIBUTE
Do you have an interesting story to tell?
It could appear in the
features section of
Army. Send details to
the editor by emailing
[email protected] or, for
more information, call
(02) 6266 7609.
Stories can either
be submitted, or
researched and written
in-house. If providing photos, please
ensure they are high
resolution and include
caption information on
where the photo was
taken, the first and last
names, ranks and units
of all people featured.
detailed battle site briefings, local guides and
more.
Any soldier can participate and soldiers
undergoing rehabilitation are encouraged to take
part and seek sponsorship.
Go to www.adventure1000.com.au
28 PERSONNEL
Closer ties for
ARA and ARes
Legally liable: A legal officer’s PhD will examine the risk of Australian soldiers
being prosecuted for war crimes under Australian law.
Photo by Sgt Neil Ruskin
War crimes research
gets funding boost
By Capt Aaron Oldaker
The $2500 was awarded under the Leo
Francis Mahoney Memorial Scholarship
NEW research funded by an ex-service in honour of a life member of the RUSI’s
organisation will examine the risk of
ACT branch.
Australian soldiers being prosecuted
RUSI National Secretary Air-Cdre
for war crimes under Australian law.
Peter McDermott (retd) presented Maj
The ACT branch of the Royal United
Kolomeitz with the scholarship certifiServices Institute (RUSI) of Australia
cate and a cheque at a dining-in night
recently awarded a $2500 scholaralso attended by the CDF Gen David
ship to military prosecutor Maj Glenn
Hurley, CN VAdm Ray Griggs and forKolomeitz to help him complete his PhD mer Governor-General Maj-Gen Michael
into the investigation and prosecution of
Jeffrey (Retd).
Australian soldiers on operations overseas
In accepting the scholarship, Maj
under Australian war crimes law in comKolomeitz thanked RUSI for appreciatpliance with international obligations.
ing the importance of more legal research
Maj Kolomeitz said it was important
that would ultimately benefit Australian
in environments such as Afghanistan,
personnel on operations and operational
where Australians fought alongside troops planning.
from other nations that are signatories to
“This is more than a cheque. This is
the same international laws.
recognition, on the part of this institute,
“Australia is a signatory to the Rome
of the value of informed and educated
Statute of the International Criminal
legal support to both the command deciCourt and we implemented that statute
sion making process and strategic thought
into Australian law,” he said.
more broadly,” he said.
“My study is an analysis of that
The RUSI of Australia has a long
implementation, and whether in practice
tradition of promoting a better underAustralian soldiers face the same risk of
standing of defence and national security.
prosecution under international law as the It has several thousand members in all
soldiers of other nations.
states and the ACT and includes serv“I think it’s important research,
ing and retired members of the ADF and
because this study examines the strategic others interested in defence and national
ramifications and operational implicasecurity.
tions for our soldiers overseas of the
enactment of war crimes provisions into
For more information on the RUSI go to
www.rusi.org.au
Australian law.”
RESERVISTS and full-time soldiers will be working more closely together under plans to boost
ARes capabilities and bolster regular Army brigades.
Defence Parliamentary Secretary
Senator David Feeney said the roll
out of Plan Beersheba and Plan
Suakin represented a new direction
in ARes capability.
Plan Beersheba will lift the
reserve contribution to Army’s total
force. The intent of Plan Suakin is
to develop a contemporary Reserve
employment model that will take a
fresh look at how Defence engages
with, employs and drives capability
from the reserve component to optimise its contribution to the ADF’s
total force.
Army’s broader modernisation
program under Plan Beersheba will
bring the full-time brigades into
a similar structure of multi-role
manoeuvre brigades, capable of
meeting a 36-month force generation cycle. This means new demands
will be placed on the ARes brigades
to better integrate with the ARA.
Plan Beersheba will then place
a significantly greater emphasis on
ARes operational capability.
In an address to the Defence
Reserve Association National
Conference at Keswick Barracks,
Adelaide, on August 20, Senator
Feeney said this would mean new
relationships between ARA and
ARes brigades.
“In essence, it is proposed that
each of the Army’s three regular multi-role manoeuvre brigades
should develop an habitual relationship with, and be supported by, two
of the ARes multi-role brigades,”
Senator Feeney said.
“These two ARes brigades will
be required to generate a battle
group for a 12-month period as they
too rotate through the ‘ready phase’
of the 36-month force generation
cycle.”
He said other ARes units, subunits, small teams and individuals
would continue to be integrated
within the three regular specialist
brigades – 6 Bde (combat support
and intelligence, surveillance, target
acquisition, reconnaissance), 16 Bde
(Avn) and 17CSSB.
Senator Feeney said the level of
integration being implemented by
each service was crucial to the long-
Reserve restructure: Reservists such as 51FNQR’s Cpl Karl Dai
will work more closely with full-time units under plans to change the
structure of Australia’s reserve forces.
Photo by Cpl Janine Fabre
term role of the ADF Reserve in
support of national security.
“Defence is a complex beast. It
is also shaped by complex issues,”
Senator Feeney said.
“Despite the challenges within this inherent complexity, I am
pleased by the proactive approach
taken by all three Services – Navy,
Army and Air Force – in developing
their Reserve capability as part of
the ADF’s Total Force Concept.”
Plan Suakin is a body of work
being done under the SRP’s Reserve
Reform Stream (RRS) to develop
a triservice reserve employment
model capable of attracting and
maintaining reservists to contribute
to Defence capability.
A major milestone was the
recent contribution of permanent
and reserve personnel through
30,000 RRS surveys, which closed
in early September. This survey
forms a part of a sophisticated mod-
elling tool that will enable Defence
to make good evidence-based decisions going forward.
Director RRS Jerome Reid said
the return rate was above 30 per
cent, which was high by any survey return standard and was indicative of the keen level of interest and
engagement by Defence personnel
in the project. The RRS team is
now busy compiling data to inform
the plan for action.
Senator Feeney said integration
of reservists into a total force concept could not stand alone without
the supporting employment model.
“The development of a contemporary employment model that considers how the Reserves as a group
and reservists as individuals are
employed, how their work is structured and the conditions of service
that support them is essential if
Defence is to continue to enhance
its overall capability.”
D
RE T
E
N
T
IS GE
G
A
RE AX
T
HOW TO
CONTRIBUTE
INCOME TAX RETURNS
Specialising in Income Tax Returns for
Armed Forces Personnel for over 20 YEARS
SYDNEY LEVEL 1, 23 OXFORD RD, INGLEBURN
PHONE
02 9829 4188
If you have an important personnel-related
message to get out to
the troops? It could
appear in the personnel
section of Army. Send
details to the editor by
emailing armynews@
defencenews.gov.au or,
for more information,
call (02) 6266 7609.
Stories can either
be submitted, or
researched and written
in-house. If providing photos, please
ensure they are high
resolution and include
caption information on
where the photo was
taken, the first and last
names, ranks and units
of all people featured.
PERSONNEL 29
Reserve
payroll
change
coming
Simulation use expected to grow
THE Army is now in the final grate live, virtual and constructive tant role in Army’s force modernisation process.
stages of putting together the simulation capabilities.
In March this year the Combat
This plan demonstrates that
Simulation Campaign Plan.
REFORM UPDATE
By DCA Maj-Gen Paul Symon
The plan details how Army
will manage the development,
synchronisation and implementation of simulation out to 2020.
The Simulation Campaign
Plan is designed to contribute
to Army’s ability to reduce the
overheads of preparing forces for
operations, improve capability
development decisions and better assess the cost of through-life
capabilities.
The plan will leverage current
and emerging technology to inte-
Arms Training Centre (CATC)
implemented two new levels of qualification – Qualified
Simulation Fire and Emergency
Use Only for some weapon types.
This smart initiative improves
training, enables better use of
existing weapons simulations
technology, and reduces the
expense of high explosive ammunition.
Simulation is a key enabler for
individual and collective training
and continues to play an impor-
Army is making significant cultural change in the way we think
about doing our business. The
benefits from these changes will
become apparent through reinvestment in capability which
will enable Army to achieve the
Adaptive Army goals.
For more information on reform activity
for weapons simulation training, visit
the Army Reform site to watch CATC’s
video on their initiative at http://team
web/army/alnip/vids/Lists/Posts/
RESERVISTS will see changes to pay forms and
processes next month with the reserve payroll system scheduled to be incorporated into PMKeyS
from October 4.
Major changes include:
A move from monthly to fortnightly pay cycles.
The use of PMKeyS ID instead of service number.
The use of DEPTID (Department ID) instead of
Pay Station.
The use of Pay Centre.
A new-look payslip (delivered to home address).
A new WebForm (AE126-1) for attendance diaries.
There will also be new PMKeyS activity category
codes that will be communicated through the chain
of command.
Your tour
Reserve attendance diaries
From October 1, 2011, members must submit
Attendance Diaries and other claims for payment
via email to [email protected] or
fax (02) 6055 2494 to Reserve Pay Administration
Centre (RPAC) or Army Self Administering Units
(ASAU) by the Wednesday of off-pay week for payment the next Thursday.
Which attendance form and when?
Members are to submit attendance diaries with
effective dates October 1 on the current WebForm
AE126. Attendance diaries with effective dates from
October 1 onwards are to be submitted on WebForm
AE126-1.
New Excel versions of the attendance diary
and multi-member attendance record will be made
available on the PMKeyS On Line Library (OLL),
Reserve Service web and intranet sites or by email
request to [email protected].
au
More information
Frequently asked questions have been developed
in conjunction with representatives from Navy, Army
and Air Force and are available from the respective
Reserve Service web and intranet sites.
Call 1800 DEFENCE for all payroll queries. For more information
on the project, go to
http://intranet.defence.gov.au/ciogweb/sites/PTRP or email
[email protected]
KEY DATES
– Last Reserve payday in
CENRESPAYll before PMKeyS
Go Live.
All Reserve attendance diaries
must be submitted for attendances up to and including
September 30.
October 1 – All post-October 1 attendances
must be submitted on form
AE126-1.
October 4 – New reserve payroll (PMKeyS)
go-live date (Phase 1).
October 5 – First PMKeyS submission
deadline – reserve attendance
diaries and other claims for
payment.
October 13 – First reserve payday in
PMKeyS.
Travel Insurance
Sept 30
Wherever you’re heading on holiday, don’t forget your travel insurance. Take a look at Defence Health Travel
Insurance before buying from your travel agent. We offer a comprehensive cover at a really competitive price.
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Check us out now. Call and speak to a consultant on 1800 102 994 or visit www.defencehealth.com.au
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deciding whether this product is appropriate for you. The product is underwritten by Chartis Australia Insurance Limited (ABN 93 004 727 753, AFSL 381686). Defence Health receives remuneration
of 20% of all premiums you pay to Chartis. The Financial Services Guide and PDS may be obtained by calling 1800 102 994 or downloaded from www.defencehealth.com.au
30 PEOPLE
Safe and secure: Cpl Shane Parker inspects LPG
tanks as part of his role as a safety adviser with the
International Stabilisation Force in East Timor.
Overwatch: MTF 3’s Pte Ivan Valjan looks for
suspicious activity on the outskirts of Tarin Kot.
Photo by Sgt Bill Guthrie
Weapon watch:
WO2 Mark
Colless watches
over the issue
of weapons
as part of his
role with the
International
Stabilisation
Force in East
Timor on Op
Astute.
Photo by Cpl
Melina Mancuso
Handle with care: Cpl Matthew Shaw, a member of FSU 5’s explosive
ordnance team, unloads supplies from a vehicle at Multinational Base Tarin
Kot in Afghanistan.
Photo by Lt Elly Poyntz
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LIFESTYLE 31
Tunes tell
tales of
Uruzgan
By Graham McBean
LONG after the prints have
yellowed and the hard drive
has corrupted, Dust of
Uruzgan by Iain ‘Fred’ Smith
may well be the most poignant chronicle of Australia’s
Afghanistan experience for
those who served there.
Say again, over
September 15 winner
“Without this mask, Mr Baked
Beans is not your friend.”
Ken Bow
Forcomd
We also liked ...
Ì lived to tell the story through a simple
twist of fate – the main charge lay 10 feet
away from the pressure plate.
You see the mine was linked by det cord
to a big charge laid by hand, hidden under
Benny by the dust of Uruzgan.’
Smith penned all 12 of
the folk-centred tunes from
his own 18-month experience in Afghanistan as the
first Australian Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade representative to the country.
The title track, written after
the death of Pte Ben Ranaudo in
2009, has already been likened to John
Schumann’s iconic I Was Only 19.
Schumann himself said “every now
and then you hear a song and you think ‘I
wish I’d written that’. Fred Smith’s Dust
of Uruzgan is full of songs like that.”
Far from an album of protest songs,
Smith’s own intent was to bring the story
of the Australian soldiers in Afghanistan
to their people.
“There are 7-8000 young Australians
who have lived a very particular experience in Uruzgan province,” Smith said.
“My intent is to tell their story so
that the rest of Australia understands that
experience, in all its complexity.”
In the true spirit of the storyteller
his songs speak about the experience of
being there with the sympathy and sensitivity of someone who has shared a tent
with his characters.
Like the title track, the album is a
series of snapshots drawing the listener
into the story the way only tales well said
and worth saying are capable of doing.
Dust of Uruzgan tells Pte Ranaudo’s
story through the eyes of his mate, Pte
Paul Warren, who was also wounded
when Pte Ranaudo died. Smith wrote the
song after reading the Commission of
Inquiry report.
Two further tributes, Sapper’s Lullaby
“Ben and Andrew are going to be
much better prepared for the next
game of ‘come pull my finger’ with
their grandfather.”
Capt Doug Arnold
HQ LWC
If you can think of a clever, witty caption for the above picture,
email [email protected] with “caption competition September 29” in the subject line. Keep entries under 25
words. Entries MUST include sender’s name, rank and unit.
DIKKO
for engineers Darren Smith and Jacob
Moerland and August 20 written for Pte
Thomas Dale are on the album.
He is a self-confessed note taker
and ended up with about 20 hard-back
notebooks from his 18-month stint in
Afghanistan, from battle update briefs to
records of meetings with tribal leaders all
interspersed with lyrics and reflections.
He said the melodies and basic ideas
for the songs “busted down the door
when I was trying to sleep or get some
work done”. But the lyrics and stories
come differently – “Sapper’s Lullaby fell
straight into my notebooks the afternoon
after Snowy and Smithy’s ramp ceremony. We played it at a concert at Poppy’s
BBQ area two nights later.”
Smith is no stranger to working with
Australian soldiers and was posted to
Bougainville and Solomon Islands in the
late 90s and early naughties.
Folk vocalist and double bass player
Liz Frencham joins Smith on the Dust of
Uruzgan launch tour and also performed
on the album.
A screen with projected images from
Afghanistan adds to the performance.
Tour information for Fred Smith’s Dust of Uruzgan
tour is at www.fredsmith.com.au
The album is on sale now in major Australian
music retailers.
By Bob Dikkenberg
Medal Box
The medal box package includes
A fully lined Australian Jarrah storage case.
A high density EVA rubber insert behind the lining in the lid for the storage
and/or display of hat badges, ribbons, shoulder flashes etc.
A removable lined tray for holding or displaying your main set of medals.
Compartmented under-tray section for your miniature medals etc.
A heavy duty black cardboard protective case.
Complimentary personalised laser engraving on the top of the timber case
to your requirement including, text, service, corps or unit emblems.
Ideal gift for Mess/Service farewells
Army has five copies of Dust of Uruzgan to give away. Send your entry to [email protected] and tell us, in 25 words or less, why you think you
should win one.
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32 LIFESTYLE
HEALTH
Beware of other ‘enemies’
Deployed personnel must also protect against
disease and injury. Medic Cpl Carmel Barratt
speaks to Sgt Andrew Hetherington.
W
HEN ADF personnel
deploy overseas they
usually know who their
enemy will be.
But it’s the unknown enemies
– diseases and injuries – that many
personnel don’t consider before they
deploy but which, in some cases, can
end up crippling them as badly as a
gunshot wound.
Since 2009, one Army medic posted to 39PSB has briefed more than
3000 ADF personnel on potential
health issues for all overseas deployments.
Cpl Carmel Barratt runs health
and medical lectures in addition to
hands-on first-aid training during
force preparation courses.
“I give lectures covering health
and hygiene, first-aid revision and the
care of battle casualties,” Cpl Barratt
said.
“My lectures focus on where ADF
personnel will deploy to, including
the Middle East Area of Operations,
East Timor and Solomon Islands.”
Cpl Barratt said one of the biggest environmental factors personnel
had to deal with wherever they were
deployed was airborne pollution.
“If you’re operating in sandy or
dusty environments or if there’s anything burning, this can kick up a lot
of dust, which can carry airborne pollution and diseases,” Cpl Barratt said.
“Diseases such as anthrax, occurring naturally in livestock, can be
transferred to humans.
“To prevent inhaling the dust
spores, personnel can wear a face
scarf or what is known as a recon
wrap made out of t-shirt material.
“People should also wash their
faces, eyelids and creases in their skin
frequently to remove any soil residue.”
Injuries associated with exposure
to heat are also a threat to personnel.
“Wearing body armour and working in 50-degree heat can put you
more at risk of coming down with
a heat injury such as dehydration,
heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” Cpl
Barratt said.
“Early signs of heat exhaustion
are dehydration, headaches, muscle
cramps and fatigue.
“With heat stroke, other symptoms
include nausea, vomiting, agitation
and dry, hot skin.”
To combat heat injuries, personnel
“Initial signs and symptoms of
hypothermia are mild numbness of
the hands, shivering, difficulty with
walking and incoherent behaviour.
“Treatment involves warming the
body very slowly by giving the person warm decaffeinated drinks, while
keeping the person motionless so as
to not put strain on their heart.”
Both Afghanistan and East Timor
share a common disease – malaria.
“Personnel will need to take doxycycline daily as a preventative medication for this,” Cpl Barratt said.
Communal living environments,
such as ships, barrack blocks, tents
and patrol bases, can harbour health
threats.
“Colds, flu and gastroenteritis can
spread quickly throughout communal
environments,” she said.
“To prevent exposure to yourself
and others it is important to wash
your hands properly after going to the
toilet and before eating.
“Also the living environment
Life-saving tips: Cpl Carmel Barratt renders first-aid as part of her preshould
be cleaned regularly to prevent
deployment training classes.
the build up of dust and the possibilshould try to acclimatise to their new clearer and lighter the colour, the ity of rodents entering these areas.”
work environments, work in teams more hydrated you are.
“In Afghanistan during winter, For more information on what to do for your
to share the task load, minimise caffeine intake, drink plenty of water and personnel also face cold-weather inju- health before, during and after an operationries such as chilblains, frostbite and al deployment visit http://intranet.defence.
monitor the colour of their urine.
For the urine test, the rule is the hypothermia,” Cpl Barratt said.
gov.au/vcdf/sites/jhcops_exercises/
On ya dad: Bill
and his children,
Amelia 8 and
Simeon 10, after
the fun run.
CANBERRA
Never Stand Still
Professional Education
Courses
Business Services Unit
UNSW Canberra is a campus of the University of New South Wales and is located at the Australian Defence Force
Academy in Canberra. UNSW Canberra offers a range of postgraduate programs and Professional Education courses
for the general community and Defence personnel. These courses provide stimulating learning and networking
opportunities within a supportive environment.
Courses offered in September - Decmber 2011:
Organisational Analysis and Improvements (2 days)
Project Management
Systems Thinking
Aircraft Electronic Systems, 31 October - 2 November
Systems Thinking and Modelling (3 days)
System Dynamics Modelling Practicum (3 days)
Introduction to Problem Solving (2 days)
Most of these courses can be tailored for in-house delivery.
Naval Architecture
Basics of Naval Architecture, 7 - 8 November
Occupational Health and Safety/Laser Safety
Laser Safety 1 and 4 Day (Melbourne), 10 - 13 October
Risk Management
A number of our courses can also be used towards credit
for eligible postgraduate programs.
For further information and details of over 70 courses contact:
Risk & Contract Management 20 - 21 October
E: [email protected]
Expressions of Interest:
T: (02) 6268 8421
or go to http: //bsu.unsw.adfa.edu.au/courses
Leadership
CRICOS Provider Number: 00100G
Leadership for Team and Work Group Performance (1day)
Leading People-Leading the Way (2 days)
MPAIG
Military Systems
A
Effective Writing for Managers and Professionals,
3 - 4 November or 1 - 2 December
Complex IT Project Management (3 days)
Managing Integration Projects (2 days)
Recovering Troubled Projects (2 days)
Agile Project Management (2 days)
Management
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said he saw me finish the run
C
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and mentioned that it looked
Not only did I complete
a 5km Canberra Times fun
llike I had an abundance of
run and family walk on
energy.
September 11 in under 35
He suggested that perminutes (which was my
hhaps next year I should
aim), but I finished it with
ttackle the 10km run instead.
heaps of energy in the tank.
It was an amazing feeling
I surprised myself that thee
crossing the finish line – to
cr
Cliff Young shuffle turned
m I didn’t come in 200th, I
me
into the Yiannis Kouros jog.
came in first.
It felt great passing other competitors
As we come into the last few months
on the way, knowing that two months
of the ‘Join Bill Challenge’, I encourago I would have walked the event.
age members undertaking their weightMy momentum and pace were perloss campaigns to update us on their
fectly aligned. I was in the ‘zone’, a
achievements.
place I had never been in before and,
Please email and tell us how you are
you know what, it felt great.
My eight-year-old daughter, Amelia, going, as we would like to publish some
of your results.
and 10-year-old son, Simeon, finished
For the time being, it’s back to the
the run with me. We worked our way
running track for me.
through the 600-plus crowd and by the
finish line we were in the top 200.
At the start line, I caught up with other Email Bill at vasilis.solomou@defencenews.
Defence members and their families.
gov.au
MOVE over Rob de Castellaa
– the Adonis is back.
BI
IN LL
Satellite Communications - Overview, 21 November
Satellite Communications - Intermediate, 21 - 23 November
Satellite Communications - Advanced, 21 - 25 November
Bill blogs in the ‘zone’
JO
Management
N
Communications
SPORT 33
Ready for action: Maj Kim Gilfillan, 1 Avn Regt, (left) and Lt-Col
James Kerr, AHQ, (above) get ready to take on the gruelling XPD
Tasmania.
Photos by Cpl Hamish Paterson and Sgt Andrew Hetherington
A test of body and soul
By Sharon Palmer
THREE years ago Maj Kim
Gilfillan, was forced to give up his
sport of choice, rugby, because of a
neck injury.
He chose something a bit gentler
on the body, but not on the mind –
adventure racing.
“Yes, you have to be physically fit
to take on the sport, but even more so,
you need to be mentally tough.
“While the sport takes a lot out of
you physically, the hardest part is talking yourself into continuing.”
After winning the GeoHalf section
of the Geoquest held near Nambucca
Heads on the NSW North Coast in
June, Maj Gilfillan,1 Avn Regt, and
Lt-Col James Kerr, AHQ, have their
sights set on XPD, an expeditionlength adventure race being held in
Tasmania in November.
Unfortunately fellow winning team
member Lt-Col Ana Duncan, AHQ,
is unavailable so they have recruited civilian rugby player Brooke
Rowlands. Keith Conley from ANU is
the final member and was also part of
the winning Geoquest team.
This gruelling XPD will double as the Adventure Racing World
Championship and will include more
than 700km of mountain biking, paddling, trekking and whatever else the
organisers throw at them over a 5-10
day period starting on October 31.
Maj Gilfillan said it would be a big
step up from the 125km his team covered in Nambucca.
“Winning came as a huge surprise
to us as we thought of it as a training
run and one of the key things that got
us over the line first was not making
any navigation mistakes.”
While adventure racing has its individual challenges, it is a team sport
and requires all four members of the
team to complete all sections of the
course and remain within 100m of
each other at all times.
“Historically only one third of the
field completes the XPD, as getting
everyone through in one piece is a huge
challenge – so our goal is to finish the
course intact,” Maj Gilfillan said.
Added to the stress of the event,
competitors are not given details of the
course until 24 hours before the start.
“That’s where adventure racing differs from other multi-discipline sports
such as triathlon,” Maj Gilfillan said.
“You have to plan your own route,
pack for it and then navigate it.
“There are a lot of things that can
go wrong, and when you make errors
you have to be able to recover quickly
and come up with an alternate plan.
That’s where Army training does help
in both planning and execution.”
It is this element of the sport Lt-Col
Kerr finds the most challenging.
“You have to be focused at all
times,” he said. “You can’t just get into
a rhythm and plod along – you have to
think about the next leg and the whole
time you are navigating and making
sure you take the right path.”
Unlike other marathon events,
competitors in the XPD have no support crew, so teams have to pack
meticulously and strategically.
“The organisers of the race don’t
provide food, they just move your
bikes and boats around.
“One of the challenges is packing correctly, as there are volume and
weight limitations on how much stuff
they will move around. You pack and
provide five trunks and instructions
on where you want them so the right
trunk ends up at the right place at the
right time.”
Another challenge for the team
is being unable to all train together.
Since moving to Darwin in December,
Maj Gilfillan said it was difficult to
get everyone together but they were all
doing their own fitness work.
“I ride to work every day which
is about a 50km round trip and try to
run/hike 30-40km a week and get in
about 3-4km of swimming. It’s a bid
hard to get any paddling in around
here because of the crocs.”
He said the team had a training run
organised for the end of the month and
would ride overnight from Canberra
to the Snowy Mountains via fire trails
through the Brindabellas and then complete a 50km trek through the mountains.
“The whole thing is a challenge.
Nobody in their right mind would use
the word fun, but in a way it is fun, it’s
all consuming and after about the first
30 minutes of a ride or run, you get
past some sort of hurdle and it’s just
enjoyable,” Maj Gilfillan said.
“The best part of the sport is finishing as a group but the worst is the pain
and hallucinations,” Lt-Col Kerr said.
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34 SPORT
ADF women
press rivals
By Cfn Max Bree
ARMY women joined forces with the
best ADF hockey players to bring down
the New Zealand Defence Force and the
Royal Navy in tests held at the Sydney
Olympic Park Hockey Centre.
The ADF women destroyed their Kiwi
opponents 3-1 in a hard-fought series from
August 22-26 as CA and hockey patron Lt-Gen
David Morrison watched from the stands.
Centre forward Pte Ashlee Makim,
2/14LHR (QMI), gave credit to her team’s
sharp plays and speed around the park.
“We played awesome. Everyone loved it,”
she said. “We moved the ball around and made
the plays work.
“The Kiwis put up a tough fight but in the
end we had more legs than them.”
Newcomer Pte Alice Burrell, 142 Sig
Sqn, said it was fantastic meeting and playing
against her rivals from across the Tasman.
“They’re a great bunch,” she said. “Although
they do know how to put a shoulder in.”
The ADF women were again unstoppable
as they decimated their British cousins with a
clean sweep in the three games played from
September 5-9.
Using a defensive press across the centrefield, the girls piled on the points in each contest, tearing through the RN to win 6-0 in the
fist game, 4-0 in the second and 5-0 in the third.
ADF striker Cpl Alison Rolles, AHQ, said
the press caused more than a few headaches for
the RN team.
“On Wednesday they were losing it and
swearing at each other on the field,” she said.
“They were a good opposition and strong
competition but our midfield was just more
dynamic.”
The ADF men’s team made up for a poor
showing against the Kiwis when Pte Tristan
Barrett, 7RAR, staged a rampaging return to the
game, top-scoring in the win over the RN in the
final and deciding test on September 9.
After 18 months away from hockey, Pte
Barrett nailed both the ADF’s goals to secure a
2-0 win over the English team.
After suffering a 4-0 whitewash at the hands
of the NZDF, the ADF men downed the RN in
the first game, but a goal in the dying seconds
of game two gave the RN a draw, making the
third game a must win for the ADF.
In his first appearance for the ADF, Pte
Barrett found the RN team tough but never a
major threat.
“I think we had it covered,” he said
Team mate Cfn Gareth Hoddinott said the
RN fielded a strong team that “came out firing”
after their surprise draw.
The RN tour marked the end of the
2011 ADF hockey season. Competition will
resume at next year’s Combined Service
Championship event.
Focused: Pte Alice Burrell, 8 Sig
Regt, and a Royal Navy player vie
for the ball during the test series won
by the ADF (above) as Cfn Gareth
Hoddinott puts his body on the line
(inset) in the men’s final and deciding
match, won by the ADF 2-0.
Photos by Cfn Max Bree
Rams falter at
final hurdle
By LCpl Mark Doran
AFTER making the grand final of
the ACTAFL Division 3 competition for the second year in a row,
the ADFA Rams were no match
for Harman, going down by 28
points.
Nearly 200 ADFA cadets and
staff supported the Rams at Football
Park in Phillip on September 10 as
they attempted to make up for last
year’s grand final loss to Belconnen
in the dying minutes of the game.
A good result would have helped
the Rams celebrate their 25th anniversary season, though this year the
team trailed in all four quarters of
Quick step: OCdt Emmett Bourke tries
the final, going down 11.8 (74) to
to evade his opponent in the grand final
6.10 (46).
against Harman.
Photo by LCpl Mark Doran
Rams captain OCdt Nick
Downward said the game was a
credit to the Rams, as they worked
strength is to get the ball into space out
hard for the whole match but things just
on the wings and we just did not do that
didn’t go their way.
well enough on the day.
“The Harman boys came out and beat
“OCdt Danniel Lyon put in a consistus at our own game plan. They had a
ent effort for all four quarters. He was
good zone and we couldn’t work through always in through the middle, always
it,” OCdt Downward said.
winning a lot of ball, so I thought he was
“I thought OCdt Jack Lush has been
our best player.”
an absolute standout player for us all
Sig Daniel Kirby, Army HQ, was the
year, he has been constantly putting his
only ADF member on the Harman team
body on the line along with the ‘infamous and said his team was both tentative and
back six’ as they call themselves.”
confident.
The Rams lost just one game this year
“The ADFA Rams are very fit and
in Round 3 and had beaten Harman three they are hard-bodied as well, they run the
times, including a 100-point (107 to 7)
ball really well and it has been hard for us
victory in Round 16 and a 42-point victo shut that down all year but we played a
tory in the semi final.
really good midfield press today.”
Rams coach Maj Mat Jones said
Although the Rams did not win the
the team had a game plan that was well
final, they raised $5100 for the Cancer
rehearsed but they just didn’t execute it
Council’s Call to Arms Campaign.
on the day.
“I thought our effort and commitment Quarter by quarter: Harman 3.2 (20) to 1.4
were there, it never wavered, all the boys (10); 6.6 (42) to 2.5 (17); 9.7 (61) to 4.8 (32);
tried their best, but we were just out11.8 (74) to 6.10 (46). ADFA best players: OCdt
played,” Maj Jones said.
Danniel Lyon, Capt Peter Prendergast, OCdt
“We had the fitness and spirit, and our Hayden Duczek.
SPORT 35
Surprises in final team
By LCpl Mark Doran
FORMER Australian Services Rugby
Union captain and current team trainer Cpl Ricky Dumigan, 2/17RNSWR,
was the biggest surprise pick in the
final team for the ASRU Warriors as it
prepared for the International Defence
Rugby Competition (IDRC).
Making the grade: LCpl Joven Clarke, 3RAR, takes
on the Tasmanian opposition (above) as Cpl Ricky
Dumigan, 2/17RNSWR, (inset) stars in the MilPac
last November. Cpl Dumigan was a surprise pick in
the team.
Photos by LAC Bill Solomou and LS Paul McCallum
ASRU to face
Tonga in first test
LCPL Mark Doran and John Martin
ASRU’s first assignment in IDRC
will be against the Tongan Defence
Services (TDS) at T.G. Millner Field
at Eastwood in Sydney on October 5
in a game in which the Aussies have
an old score to settle.
ASRU will not only have to withstand the Sipi Tau, which is a version of
the Tongan kailao war dance, but also
the might and strength of the Tongans on
the field.
ASRU coach Capt Damien Cahill,
ALPC, knows how hard the task will be.
“The Tongans are physically superb
specimens for the game,” he said.
“They are all big, powerful and fast.”
ASRU last played Tonga in the
Pacific Nations Military tournament in
Canberra in October last year.
In order to make the final of that
competition, ASRU had to beat Tonga in
its last pool game.
ASRU fought back from 28-3 down
to lose by just one point, 35-34.
Both teams have been grouped in
Pool A with the People’s Liberation
Army from China.
Tonga will play China in the opening
day of the competition at Viking Park in
Canberra on Saturday, October 1.
ASRU plays Tonga and then plays
China in Canberra on October 9.
TDS’s public affairs officer LeutCmdr Solomone Savelio said four
members of the team had international
experience beyond military circles.
“This competition means a lot to us,
as we have to show the public that we
can do anything and also our team can
bring happiness to our people.”
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ASRU coach Capt Damien Cahill,
ALPC, said Cpl Dumigan was an exceptionally fit person who had been training the
squad and still had the skills and ability to
fill a position lacking experienced players.
“He is filling an awkward space for
us as he is our strength and conditioning
trainer, but he is still one of the best halfbacks in Defence.”
Eighteen of the 30 players in the team
are from Army and Capt Cahill said the
team was coming together at the right time.
“Physically and in set-piece we are
getting there – our defensive systems are
starting to work well, but we still have a bit
to go in terms of our attack,” Capt Cahill
said.
“We can only control what we can control – we can’t control the on-field management – we can only do our best to
ensure we are in situations where it doesn’t
impact upon us.”
ASRU faced Tasmania and the Victorian
state team comprising mainly Rebel Rising
members in Wagga Wagga on September
10-11 and in Melbourne they again challenged the Victorians on September 16.
ASRU beat Tasmania 17-9 and Victoria
won the next match in a hard-hitting, phys-
ical game with a score of 34-14.
Capt Cahill said ASRU’s execution let
them down in the game against Tasmania
and they probably left five or six tries on
the paddock
“The Victorian players were a welldrilled, professional team and they were
mostly big Polynesians,” Capt Cahill said.
“This was exactly what the team needed as a prelude to challenging Tonga on
October 5 at the IDRC.
“We learnt we have to lift our intensity
at the breakdown in order to win the contest.
“It was a tight match and the back row
was outstanding, but we need to work on
gaining greater penetration in our attack
and developing the ability to change our
point of attack.”
It was an improved effort on September
16 with another fierce match against
Victoria with the ASRU Warriors losing by
only three points 19-16.
Capt Cahill said they had to reach deeper into the squad, as six of the starting
15 were out from injury, but the match
showed the benefits of a week’s solid training in Melbourne at Simpson Barracks.
“We came up against a stronger
Victorian side, which we dominated in the
lineout and for most of the game gained
parity in the scrums,” he said.
The final ASRU preparatory challenge
was scheduled to be played on September
25 against the Australian Barbarians at
Victoria Barracks.
– Meet the full team: centrepiece
AGAINST
ALL ODDS
Army officers
take on XPD
Tasmania
September 29, 2011
Page 33
DREAM
TEAM
Eighteen Army
players among the
30 players named
in the ADF team
to compete in
the International
Defence Rugby Cup
Centre, Page 35
Making the grade: Cpl
Craig Rogerson passes the
ball in a trial game before the
final ADF team was selected
to play in the IDRC.
Photo by LAC Bill Solomou
Security: Spr Gabriel Margi and Pte Simon
Corney patrol into the village of Charmgar on the
outskirts of Tarin Kot from an overwatch position.
MTF 3 dominates the terrain in Uruzgan province
Centre
with patrols and mentoring tasks
Boots on
the ground
L
A
I UT
C
E O
P
S IFT
L
MTF 3
‘‘
During Operation Shamah Sia,
MTF 3 partnered with the ANA
for a four-day clearance of the valley, giving CO MTF 3 Lt-Col Chris
Smith the chance to visit his troops
in the field.
“It’s an opportunity for me to
see the hard work that the troops
are doing and to exert some influence over the way we conduct future
operations,” Lt-Col Smith said.
The operation was deemed a success, with mentored patrols clearing compounds, conducting searches
and biometrically enrolling numerous fighting-age males through
the valley.
GREEN ZONE: Sgt
David Nelson patrols
between MTF 3 positions
in the Tangi Valley as a
part of the CO’s tactical
party. Inset, CO MTF 3
Lt-Col Chris Smith talks
with a soldier in the field.
Photos by AB Jo Dilorenzo
Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo
Management Unit team at the Governor’s
compound.
The improving security situation in
Uruzgan province has permitted the development of vital projects under the NSP and
provides the country with important assets
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which will enable continued economic
growth across the region.
As a program implemented for local
Afghans by the Afghan Government, the
NSP is designed to survive the withdrawal of
coalition troops.
GUARD DUTY: Pte Doxas Stelios provides
security during a visit to Charmgar.
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2
“It demonstrated the insurgents
are not strong in that area, which
is different to what we expected,”
Lt-Col Smith said.
“Twelve months ago this area
was strongly influenced by insurgents. Now the locals were happy
to see the ANA providing security,
proving we are making a difference.”
Lt-Col Smith moved through the
area with his tactical party, which
included the RSM of MTF 3, WO1
John Pickett, Sgt David Nelson and
Pte Scott Saward.
To reach the dispersed MTF 3
sections throughout the Tangi
Valley, the CO and his party
patrolled through dense crops, over
a wide variety of terrain and several
waterways.
Lt-Col Smith said the visit gave
him a true insight into what his soldiers experienced every day.
ROLL UP: Pte Lindsay
Beveridge biometrically enrols
a Tangi Valley man during a
clearance patrol.
COORDINATION: Other Government Agencies platoon commander Lt Mark Irving
discusses the approach to Charmgar with National Solidarity Program Director Tariq
Ismati and Provincial Reconstruction Team Development Adviser Richelle Tickle.
With support from the Australian-led
Provincial Reconstruction Team – Uruzgan,
members of the NSP supervision mission
were able meet with local communities
involved in the NSP and discuss their experiences, local issues and the positive aspects
of the program.
The type of projects funded under the
NSP include the construction of drinking
wells, latrines, gravel roads, community
centres and retaining walls to protect communities and agricultural land from periodic
flooding.
The NSP’s executive director, Tariq
Ismati, said the development projects provided the things local communities really
needed because they were initiated locally.
“The program is implemented by people at the village level and even in secure
areas, we have villages which are thirsty for
development and they are fully committed
to actually partner with the government to
look after their development needs,” he said.
“It is my passion to work with local
communities in this country.”
With the Other Government Agencies
platoon providing security, the team also
met with representatives from the Afghan
National Reconstruction Company and consultants from Afghan Building Capability
for Development, along with the Ministerial
Faculty
of Science
WORLD BANK NATIONAL SOLIDARITY PROGRAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TARIQ ISMATI
I
Protecting future development
TROOPS from MTF 3’s Other
Government Agencies platoon provided
security as officials from the World Bank
toured Tarin Kot and Chorah during
Ramadan to review nation-building projects funded under the National Solidarity
Program (NSP).
We have villages which are thirsty for development ...
T WAS once one of the hotspots of Uruzgan province and a
known stronghold for the insurgency, but locals of the Tangi
Valley warmly welcomed MTF 3
and Afghan National Army (ANA)
clearing patrols early this month.
As Australian and Afghan
soldiers clear the Tangi Valley,
AB Jo Dilorenzo joins the MTF 3
CO to visit the troops in the field.
Never
Stand Still
‘‘
Twelve months ago this area was strongly influenced by insurgents. Now the
locals are happy to see the ANA ...
LT-COL CHRIS SMITH, CO MTF 3
TRANSITION SUPPORT
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Army SPECIAL LIFTOUT September 29, 2011
3
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Cfn Beau Pridue returns to Australia after sad ISF farewell in East

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