AIRF RCE - Department of Defence · 2015. 3. 17. · AIRF Vol. 54, No. 1, February 2, 2012 The...

AIRFVol. 54, No. 1, February 2, 2012 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

RCE

ON THE ON THE LISTLIST

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Your four-page guide insideWORKING FLEXIBLY

WITH OPEN ARMS

Moving towards a more flexible Air Force

AS AIR Force’s tradi-

tional recruiting demo-

graphic of 17-year-old

males drastically

shrinks over the next

few decades, Air Force’s ability

to be an employer of choice will

depend to a large extent on its

ability to meet the needs of a

diverse workforce.

Workers in both civil and

defence employment are

demanding greater workplace

flexibility, and organisations

which offer this flexibility will

have the luxury of employ-

ing and retaining the best and

brightest workers.

The Deputy Director of

Workforce Diversity for Air

Force, WGCDR Dee Gibbon,

said many civilian industries

and corporations, from airlines

and manufacturers, to mining

sites to banks, were already

offering their workers a wide

range of flexible employment

options. “It comes as no surprise that

these ‘flexible’ organisations

enjoy far higher rates of employ-

ee retention than those organi-

sations that aren’t,” WGCDR

Gibbon said.

“Some organisations are

becoming completely virtual,

with no actual ‘head office’ and

with workers distributed all over

the globe.”The Deputy Director of

Flexible Employment and

Remuneration, WGCDR Sally

Dorsett, said an ageing popula-

tion and fewer younger workers

meant that all organisations

needed to work out ways of

enticing older workers to stay in

the workplace for longer.

“Organisations which find

creative ways to retain their

older workers in a flexible man-

ner will be far healthier over

future years than organisations

that fail to adapt to the chang-

ing demography of Australia,”

WGCDR Dorsett said.

“Air Force personnel already

work far more flexibly than

workers in other industries, but

there will need to be more flex-

ible employment options in the

future.”She said offering greater

flexibility options could benefit

both the member and the work-

place. “It enables both parents to

share carer responsibilities and

can reduce the financial impact

of childcare on families,” she

said. “Students, elite athletes,

members with ailing family

members, members with family

in another locations, etc., may

also appreciate greater flex-

ibly to enable them to attend to

other commitments. Rather than

reducing capability, if applied

constructively, the systemic

application of flexible work-

ing arrangements can actually

increase workplace productivity

and result in a more balanced

workforce.”

A C-130H from 37SQN

played a vital role when

it joined three American

C-130s to insert 80

personnel from 2

Commando Regiment into

the waters of Shoalwater

Bay. The commandos

landed on the beach

and overran an enemy

platoon. This drew the

enemy force, which was

also destroyed, enabling

a US combat team to

capture the airfield.

FLEXIBLE EMPLOYMENT GUIDE

RCEAIR FF

February 2, 2012 1

towards a more flexible Air Force

from 37SQN A C-130H from 37SQN

C-C-1a vital role w

played a viplayayhen h

ned three Ameriit joinedit jo

can

30s to insert 80 inC-130CCpersonnel from 2 nel peCommando Regiment int

ommandCo

the waters of Shoalwathe watee

ter

Bay. The commandos mBay. TheBay

nded on the beach lanlanded

nd overran an enemy aand o

atoon. This drew thplatoon. This drew thplat

ee

my force, which waenemy force, which wan

s s

also destroyed, enablalso destroyed, enabl

o destroyed, enablinging

a US combat team toS combat team to at team

re the airfield.capture the airfcapture the airfia

SPECIAL

FOUR-PAGE LIFT-OUT

To most people, working

flexibly equals working

part-time. However, flexible

employment encompasses

much more than just Part-

Time Leave Without Pay.

It also includes working

from home, working varied

hours, job-sharing, working

a compressed work week or

working non-standard work

days. Essentially, working

flexibly is working anything

other than the standard unit

working routine, Monday to

Friday in the workplace. This

means that if you vary your

hours to start and finish late

or start and finish early for

school drop-offs/pick-ups,

have a work week of Sunday

to Thursday to have an extra

day at home with the kids

or run your business, work

from home one day a week

or work longer hours during

the week to knock off early

on a Friday or have Friday off

altogether – you are indeed

working flexibly.

It’s not just for members

wanting to work part-time

INSIDE: Information on working flexibly for commanders, their members and families

FAMILY FRIENDLY: WGCDR

Dee Gibbon drops her

daughter Maya at school.

WGCDR Gibbon works

flexibly by varying her

working hours to enable two

school drop-offs and pick-ups

a week. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

CSC for RussellFSGT Russell Beck, of 81WG, was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross for his role in helping to keep the Hornet fleet flying. He said it was “rewarding to make a dif-ference and see the bene-fits of effective planning”. Full story, Page 3.

P3

See who’s included:

TOOLS OF HIS TRADE: FSGT Russell Beck inside the 2OCU hangar at RAAF Base Williamtown.Photo: LAC Craig Barrett

Australia Day Honours for 19 of our bestAustralia Day Honours for 19 of our best

��

2 February 2, 2012RCEAIR FNews

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DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

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Simone Liebelt

“WE RECEIVED a lot of new capa-bilities over the last two years, so now it’s time to get out there and show the rest of the ADF what these new capa-bilities can bring to the fight.”

These were the words of CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown as he looked at the year ahead for Air Force.

“Last year we received our full complement of Super Hornets, the Classic Hornet finished its upgrade program, the Vigilare [air defence system] achieved initial operational capability, and we completed most of our internal training on those capabili-ties, so now we’re ready to start really working them in the joint context,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

But with more KC-30A Tankers due this year, the Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft on track for initial operational capability, and other major capability decisions on the horizon, he said there was still work to be done.

“The Wedgetail, Tanker and Vigilare make an enormous difference to our ability to project air power, so as we get the Tanker up and running the rest of the ADF will notice an incredible difference,” CAF said.

“We should receive a sixth C-17A

Leigh Harris

NEW DCAF AVM Leo Davies is keen to emphasise that he won’t be making any major changes in the role, but will bring to Air Force his personal leader-

ship style. “I want to provide leader-

ship and management that allow peo-

ple to deliver their innovative best,” he said. “I am will-ing to take risks if that means we can make improve-

ments – and I can’t wait to see those results.”

While his appointment was announced in July last year, he only took up the position on January 9 after finishing 2011 as Air Attaché in Washington, a role he said was both reward-ing and one which has pre-pared him well for DCAF.

“Working in Washington, the Attaché’s Office is the direct conduit between our CAF and the Chief of Staff US Air Force, and more recently between the RAAF and the US Navy,” he said.

“Communication and transferring ideas between the RAAF, US Air Force and US Navy about interoperability was an important part of the role, and I have established many relationships that I believe will serve me well

in the DCAF role. The rela-tionships with industry, the Pentagon, and space and cyber partners were also extremely valuable, and will be vital ele-ments in my job as DCAF.”

DCAF is responsible to CAF for running Air Force Headquarters, which under-takes strategic planning for resources, personnel, infra-structure, future force consid-erations and policy guidance for the Air Force.

“I’m still developing the priorities for my role, and there has been no shortage of assistance in helping me determine those priorities, but I am certain of one thing and that is looking after our people will be my first priority,” AVM Davies said.

“We need to cultivate the best practitioners and give

them the best opportunity to deliver innovative solutions. I will look closely at flexible working opportunities, extend-ed education and longer term career identification paths as things I’d like to explore.

“AVM Neil Hart did a fan-tastic job during a very busy period at the end of last year and I want to thank him for his work and for leaving me a rela-tively clear desk.”

He said he was looking for-ward to 2012.

“I need to see first hand-how you are all being sup-ported across Air Force, so I am looking forward to visiting as many bases as I can and hearing your ideas.”

DCAF talks about the Air Force Improvement program, Page 9.

Leigh Harris

NEW DCAF AVDavies is keenthat he won’t bany major charole, but will bForce his pers

ship style. “I want to pr

ship andtha

Innovation is the key, says our new DCAF

New ACG leaderAIR Combat Group has a new commander and RAAF Base Williamtown a new Senior ADF Officer after AIRCDRE Anthony Grady assumed command from AIRCDRE Mel Hupfeld on December 15. At the time of going to print, recently promoted AVM Hupfeld was scheduled to take over as the new Air Commander Australia on February 3. Full cover-age in the next edition.

MEAO changeoverA CHANGE at the top in the MEAO occurred on January 17 when MAJGEN Angus Campbell handed over command of Joint task Force (JTF) 633 to MAJGEN Stuart Smith. MAJGEN Campbell has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief of Army.

Febfast challengeDEFENCE Secretary Duncan Lewis and CDF GEN David Hurley are encouraging Defence personnel to join them in febfast 2012, a fundraising initiative to promote responsible drinking. Participants pay a registration fee and seek sponsorship to abstain from alcohol consumption throughout February. Funds raised go to com-munity services for young people with alcohol and drug addiction. For more information, visit http://febfast.org.au/

IN BRIEF

DCAF AVM Leo Davies has wel-comed the enhanced transparen-cy and accountability measures and has reaffirmed Air Force’s commitment to reporting unac-ceptable behaviour and other incidents.

“Most of you would be aware of some negative media report-ing after a recent Freedom of Information request for hot issues briefs by Channel Seven,” AVM Davies said.

“We have a great culture in Air Force, and I would encour-age everyone to continue report-ing incidents in accordance with Air Force procedures.

“When incidents are report-ed, the chain of command can manage these situations appro-priately, effectively and quickly.

“Although a few off-duty actions of some of our personnel were highlighted by the media reporting, you should know that these do not detract from the high standards that all of our personnel continue to uphold every day.

“The rate of incidents in Air Force is relatively low, and that is something we should be incredibly proud of, and con-tinue working hard to protect,” he said.

Time to work our capabilities: CAF

Let’s roll, Let’s roll, Air ForceAir Force

this year, if approved, and hopefully there will be a decision made on the Caribou replacement, and a possible decision on whether we invest in a more substantial electronic warfare capability; so there’s still a lot to do in terms of capability transition.”

Another important priority, he said, was the long-term health of the organisation.

“To be able to produce a great operational effect you need a strong supporting organisation. The engi-neering, logistics and support part of the Air Force is absolutely critical and actually determines the quality of the Air Force.

“We also need to continue to attract and retain the right people to make sure that we have a workforce that is engaged in what they’re doing. We want people to be excited about coming into work each day and to do that we need to make sure that we value everyone’s time in the organisa-tion and use that time valuably.”

On a personal note, he said he was “enjoying the ride” as CAF and was looking forward to visiting more units across Air Force in 2012.

“I like getting out to the bases because that’s where the real effect of Air Force is actually achieved,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“I want to make sure I visit all of our units because there are a lot of great things happening out there in Air Force that you don’t see until you’re amongst it.

“I really enjoy seeing the focus, enthusiasm, drive and determination of our people and I always return to Canberra feeling re-energised after-wards.”

Report all incidents

HIGH PRIORITY: CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown is

looking forward to visiting more Air Force units this

year. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)GPCAPT Matthew Hegarty For outstanding achievement as CO 37SQN.

WGCDR Darren Goldie For outstanding achievement as Staff Officer Very Important Person Operations.

SQNLDR Stephen Hoadley For outstanding achievement as Senior Engineering Officer of 1SQN.

SQNLDR Stephen Parsons For outstanding achievement as Commander Air Component Coordination Element, Joint Task Force 639.

FSGT Russell Beck For outstanding achievement as the 81WG Maintenance Coordinator

the Officer-in-Charge of Logistics Support Flight and Executive Officer at 322 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron.

SQNLDR Wendy Walker For meritorious achievement as the Principal Staff Officer Logistics and the Service Delivery Manager on Operation Astute in East Timor from August 2010 to April 2011.

FSGT Gavin Willmett For meritorious achievement as the Air Operations Clerk, Australian Defence Staff Papua New Guinea.

Commendation for Distinguished Service WGCDR Martin Smith For distinguished per-formance of duty in warlike operations as the inaugural CO Multinational Base Command Tarin Kowt, on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan from June 2010 to January 2011.

in support of Hornet Fleet Planning.

SGT Brendan Church For outstanding achievement as the C-130 Propulsion System engineering specialist at Air Lift Systems Program Office.

Medal (OAM) in the Military Division of the Order of AustraliaWGCDR Geoffrey Kimmins CSC For meritorious service in the Directorate of Flying Safety, Maintenance Management and Planning Implementation, and the School of Technical Training.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)SQNLDR Daryl Bossert For meritorious achieve-ment as a Personnel Manager in the Directorate of Personnel-Air Force.

3 February 2, 2012RCEAIR FF Australia Day honours

Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia

AIRMSHL Geoff Brown AM For distinguished service to the Air Force in senior command and staff appointments.

Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia

GPCAPT Kathryn Dunn For exceptional service to the Air Force in the field of education and training.

GPCAPT Steve Roberton For exceptional service to the Air Force in the fields of command, capability development and acqui-sition, and capability introduction and management.

LAC Bill Solomou

AIR Force members made up a large proportion of Defence members recog-nised in Australia Day Honours for their outstanding dedication and service.

This year’s recipients all acknowl-edged the support and team work they received from their work colleagues and families.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and he, too, recognised that he could not do his job without the support and dedication he received from his team.

“I feel extremely privileged to be honoured with the Order of Australia medal. In many ways it’s recognition of a lot of people that worked with me and around me and for me over the years,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“You don’t do anything in this organisation as an individual, it’s always a team effort and in many respects it’s recognition of the great team I’ve had around me for a long time.”

FSGT Russell Beck was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in rec-ognition of his work at 81WG Hornet Fleet Planning Cell.

He said all the achievements of the planning cell had been a real team effort.

“I am happy to accept this award with the recognition to the team mem-bers past and present, which include a small number of uniformed personnel, public servants and IT contractors,” FSGT Beck said.

FSGT Beck is responsible for the

Tribute to the teamTribute to the team

strategic planning for deeper mainte-nance activities and modification pro-grams for the Hornet aircraft.

“We have developed a number of software products and planning tools that have made our job and that of the Squadron maintainers much easier,” FSGT Beck said.

“I find it very rewarding that we are able to make a difference and to see the benefits of effective planning.”

He said he enjoyed the chal-lenges associated with scheduling the planned withdrawal date of the Hornet.

SQNLDR Jason Taylor was hon-

oured and yet quite humble in receiv-ing his Conspicuous Service Medal. He received it for meritorious achieve-ment as the OC of Logistics Support Flight and XO at 322 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron.

He said he would wear the medal proudly in recognition of the team at

Eamon Hamilton

CONGRATULATIONS came from former and current bosses, family and old friends of SGT Andrew Church when they learned he had been awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) on the Australia Day Hon-ours List.

“I heard from quite a lot of people I hadn’t heard from for a long time, including school friends, and it was quite

good to catch up with them all,” SGT Church said.

The aircraft technician from the Air Lift Systems Program Office (ALSPO)was awarded the CSC for his achievements as the C-130 Propulsion System Engineering Specialist at ALSPO.

The origins of his award began with a post-ing to Defence Materiel Organisation’s ALSPO in January 2010.

“I was happy to come

here, and was hoping for the opportunity to employ my many years of experi-ence in the best way that I could,” SGT Church said.

“It wasn’t until I really started though that I saw this opportunity to do something positive with the C-130J engines.”

He arrived shortly after ALSPO formed a Tiger Team to improve reliability of the AE2100.

“I was in the right place at the right time to get heavily involved with the initiatives that were

being brought through,” he said.

The CSC presented to SGT Church recognised his work in several initia-tives, including the Engine Health Management and Propeller Balancing Systems for the C-130J Hercules.

His work has earned Australia international recognition as an innova-tor with the AE2100.

“I really have enjoyed my time here – it’s a great environment to work in,” he said.

WHO MADE THE LIST AND WHY FSGT Mathew Butler For meritorious achievement as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Targets at 82 Tactical Intelligence Flight, 87SQN.

WGCDR Stewart Freeman OAM For meritorious achievement as the Deputy Director Business Management and Development, Directorate of Supply Chain Support within Joint Logistics Command.

SQNLDR Lara Gunn For meritorious achievement as the Health Logistics Staff Officer at Headquarters Health Services Wing.

WOFF Trevor Scholl For meritorious devotion to duty as the Warrant Officer Engineer, Joint Task Force 639 Air Component Coordination Element.

SQNLDR Jason Taylor For meritorious achievement as

‘Right place at the right time’

RAAF Base Tindal and beyond that, to all he had the privilege of working for.

“I am honoured in that the achieve-ments acknowledged have only been made possible by the efforts of all staff, uniformed and civilian, that have served at or serviced Tindal over my tenure,” SQNLDR Taylor said.

CSM: SQNLDR Jason Taylor, humble and full of pride. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

AM: GPCAPT Kathryn Dunn

COMMENDATION FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: WGCDR Martin Smith.

CSC: SQNLDR Stephen Hoadley

AM: GPCAPT Steve Roberton

CSM: SQNLDR Wendy Walker

HERCULEAN TASK: SGT Brendan Church in front of a 37SQN C-130J. Photo: LAC David Said

AAGKD

CCSWWWWWW

AGSR

CSSH

CFDSWS

4 February 2, 2012RCEAIR FFNews

Graham McBean

A CAREER full of opportunities and good people to share them with has kept AIRMSHL John Harvey pulling on the uniform for 35 years.

AIRMSHL Harvey retired as Chief of Capability Development Group (CCDG) on January 14 after 35 years of service to the ADF.

He said he never dreamed as a young navigator that he would reach the rank of AIRMSHL or have the opportunities he had enjoyed throughout his career.

“While a key part of my career has been focused on technology – a key factor of the enjoyment in those opportunities is the people I have worked with throughout my time,” AIRMSHL Harvey said.

“So working with very dedicated, professional people with a common interest to do a good job was a key feature that has made my time in the Air Force so enjoyable.”

He was posted to RAAF Base Amber ley f rom t ra in ing and counts having worked closely with three generations of aircraft – the

Canberra bomber, the F-111 and the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) – as a career highlight.

The JSF, he said, was very much the future of the Air Force and would mark the arrival of fifth generation aircraft technology to Australia.

AIRMSHL Harvey said the capacity of the JSF to collect, pro-cess and provide information to pilots was a key feature in “future proofing” the Air Force. The new aircraft is due to come into service in 2018.

“The JSF will be Australia’s first stealth aircraft but the information collection and information process-ing capability is possibly the big change we will see,” he said.

“The information processing capacity on board is about 10,000 times the processing capacity of the Hornets and the capability of the sensors on board to bring that infor-mation together is the key.”

AIRMSHL Harvey said he had completed a number of very rewarding and enjoyable postings in his career, including a memora-

ble posting as Defence Attaché to southern Europe. Subsequent post-ings in senior positions in the capa-bility development area, including Director General (DG) Aerospace Development, DG New Air Combat Capability and CCDG had brought him into intimate association with the Air Force’s future aircraft.

Along with the advances in tech-nology, he said the professionalism of the Air Force had increased mark-edly over the last 35 years.

“I look back to those days, back to ’78 when I went to the Canberras from nav course and it was a much more relaxed environment,” he said.

“People did a very good job with very old equipment but we didn’t have the professional standards we have today.”

He said it was the opportunities of service life he would remember as the highlights of serving the nation.

“The biggest thing I will leave the Air Force with is being grateful for the opportunities I have had – and the people I have shared them with – things that I could not have done in any other job.”

WHAT A RIDE: AIRMSHL John Harvey (ret’d) never dreamed as a young navigator that he would reach the rank of AIRMSHL. Photo: Graham McBean

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Eamon Hamilton

INDONESIA and Australia reaf-firmed their commitment to coop-erative airlift at Exercise Rajawali Ausindo 11.

The latest exercise was held at RAAF Base Darwin from December 1 to 6, involving a C-130H from 37SQN and a C-130H-30 from Indonesia’s 31SQN at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta.

Exercise Rajawali Ausindo 11 was part of a series of exercises focused on airman-level exchanges of ideas and practices.

Commander Air Lift Group AIRCDRE Gary Martin said both countries developed strong ties through their cooperation.

“These strong ties are evident when both countries worked togeth-er in airlift missions, such as during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” AIRCDRE Martin said.

“It is also an opportunity for Air Forces to gain a better understand-ing of each other’s capability, safety practices, and methods of operation.

“Air lift is a critical capabil-ity within this region, as the respec-tive experiences of Indonesia and Australia demonstrate.”

The Hercules is an essential part of Indonesia’s air arm. With 17,500 islands and a population of 238 mil-lion people, Indonesia requires its

Eamon Hamilton

THE maiden international voyage by a RAAF KC-30A has been flown.

At the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition in Malaysia, 33SQN show-cased Air Force’s newest tanker air-craft before 125,000 people in early December.

The KC-30A made the 8½-hour flight from RAAF Base Amberley on December 1, marking the first of many international tasks.

From 2013, the KC-30A is expect-ed to be a regular visitor to Malaysia as 33SQN participates in exer-cises under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).

While at LIMA, members of 33SQN were met by Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief GEN Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Rodzali bin Daud.

The KC-30A was viewed by CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown and CN VADM Ray Griggs, along with for-eign air forces and members of the media.

Participation in LIMA also pro-vided 33SQN with vital experience in deploying the KC-30A abroad.

A-Flight commander 33SQN SQNLDR Dave Strong said the KC-30A had made its first trip away from Amberley in late November, overnighting at RAAF Base Darwin.

“For our crew, we practised all of our standing instructions and operat-ing procedures with the aircraft,” SQNLDR Strong said.

“We did this in a staged fashion – Darwin for a domestic task, and then Malaysia for international – and proved all of our standing instructions and procedures work.”

SQNLDR Strong said the task of bringing the KC-30A to Malaysia was greatly assisted by members of 324 Combat Support Squadron, who engaged with local authorities to sup-port 33SQN needs.

Hercules to respond quickly to cri-ses in often remote areas.

SQNLDR Cameron Clark served as detachment commander for Exercise Rajawali Ausindo 11, hav-ing participated with the C-130J in 2008 in Jakarta.

“For me it was good to be able to reciprocate and show them the hospitality from Australia,” SQNLDR Clark said.

“The spate of natural disasters that our region suffered certainly shows how important it is for coop-eration, and this exercise is an inval-uable part of that.

“The Indonesians were quite interested in our safety and air-worthiness systems, as well as the organisational structure of 37SQN and in particular how we’ve man-

aged to cope with increasing opera-tional demands.

“There’s a lot of insight that we get in to operating in the Indonesian archipelago, and procedures the Indonesians utilise quite regularly.”

This includes the practice of free drop, where the C-130 will fly low and slow and deliver food stock without parachutes. The practice is often used by Indonesia during dis-aster relief.

“We are looking forward to the next Rajawali Ausindo, which is due to be held in Bali later in 2012,” SQNLDR Clark said.

“We intend to expand the exer-cise to incorporate other elements of tactical airlift such as search and rescue, free drop and combat offload.”

Airlift expertise shared againSIDE BY SIDE: RAAF and Indonesian Air Force C-130 aircraft on the flightline at RAAF Base Darwin.

Photo: LS Helen Frank

Tanker’s first outing

“It would have been a very onerous task to do that ourselves,” SQNLDR Strong said.

Likewise, a contingent of six air-field defence guards from 2 Airfield Defence Squadron supplemented the existing security at Langkawi to ensure the KC-30A was secure at all times.

Whi le 33SQN showcased a KC-30A in Malaysia, trial flights

continued back in Australia with a second aircraft, with initial opera-tional capability targeted for late this year.

“We were able to show that we could operate one aircraft in Langkawi and another aircraft back home – even in this early stage, it was a great dem-onstration of our capability,” SQNLDR Strong said.

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: GEN Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Rodzali bin Daud and SQNLDR David Strong speak to Malaysian media. Left, the RAAF KC-30A tanker on the tarmac at Langkawi Airport in Malaysia.

Photos: Eamon Hamilton


FOUR Air Force personnel were part of an ADF team that participated in a Human Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise in China late last year.

Medical officer FLTLT Julianne Schliebs, of 24SQN at RAAF Base Edinburgh, nursing officer FLGOFF Jeffery Davie and LAC Phillip Beggs, both of 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, were part of the 15-person ADF con-tingent which joined with their People’s Liberation Army (PLA) counterparts for Exercise Cooperation Spirit 2011 from November 28 to December 1.

The ADF team was led by AIRCDRE Dave Steele, Director General Joint Exercises and Evaluation at Headquarters Joint Operations Command.

FLGOFF Davie and FLTLT Schliebs said that their duties were to assist dur-ing the field training exercise with the treatment and evacuation of injured per-sonnel.

“Language at times was a barrier and some points got lost in translation; however, there were no real issues with that as there were plenty of translators available,” FLTLT Davie said.

“The Chinese operated very simi-lar to us with similar equipment but I thought our contingent learned some things as well.”

The exercise – conducted at the PLA’s Comprehensive Emergency Response training base at Chongyi in Sichuan Province – aimed to enhance coordination and cooperation between Australia and China in responding to any future disasters that occurred in the Asia-Pacific region.

The exercise comprised a welcom-

ing ceremony and dinner, a “table top” exercise, a field exercise, which includ-ed rescuing and treating survivors from earthquake-damaged buildings, a static display of medical equipment carried by primary health teams and a closing ceremony.

AIRCDRE Steele said the exer-cise was a significant milestone in the Defence relationships between the two countries.

The field exercise provided many opportunities for the medics from both countries to interact closely together.

FLTLT Schliebs described the Chinese rescue capability as impressive.

“The deployment highlight for me was seeing their rescue capability – the equipment which they use, the training facilities that were part of the exercise and the ability that they have to respond to different types of disaster,” she said.

“Their rescue capability is very impressive. They can mobilise large numbers of teams and personnel rapidly within their region.”

She also enjoyed meeting and work-ing with the Chinese.

“They were extremely open to our many questions regarding their work and lifestyle.

“The interpreters with whom we worked with were very capable and managed well with the Australian humour and language.”

During the closing ceremony, Australia’s Ambassador to China, Ms Frances Adamson presented the PLA participants with commemorative certif-icates and medallions while LTGEN Li Zuocheng, Deputy Commander of the Chengdu Military Region, reciprocated to the Australians.

AIR Force personnel were included in the ranks of the 120 personnel from Force Communication Unit Five (FCU 5) who gave their families an early Christmas present when they returned to Australia on December 15 after a seven-month deployment in the MEAO.

The unit’s mission was to provide Joint Task Force 633 with communica-tions capability throughout the MEAO.

This included the coordination of coalition Communications and Information Systems (CIS) services, which enabled national command and ADF interoperability with coalition partners.

FCU 5 personnel provided CIS sup-port to three forward operating bases and up to five patrol bases in Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan.

FCU 5 also developed and pro-vided CIS support to the ADF’s Heron detachment at Kandahar.

CO FCU 5 LTCOL Dan Bennett said

the deployment was a success. “FCU 5 was a joint unit that was able to use the combined skills and experiences of Navy, Army and Air Force personnel to provide JTF 633 with national CIS,” LTCOL Bennett said.

“I’m very proud of my team; they have met every challenge head-on and have represented the ADF as a profes-sional and adaptive force.

“They handed over to Force Communication Unit Six (FCU 6) robust and reliable CIS networks, which are agile enough to meet the needs of changing operational situa-tions.”

FCU 5 handed over control to FCU 6 at a parade at Al Minhad Air Base on December 13.

At the ceremony, a number of per-sonnel were awarded Commander JTF 633 Commendations in recognition of their exceptional service during the deployment.

Handing over a success

WELL DONE: JTF 633 Chief of Staff CAPT Simon Ottaviano shakes hands with CPL Luke Highthorn, of RAAF Base Tindal, after presenting him with medals during the FCU 5 medal presentations at Al Minhad Air Base. Photo: PO Damian Pawlenko

Teaming up with China on disaster

LOOK AND LEARN: Director General Joint Exercises and Evaluations, Joint Operations Command, AIRCDRE Dave Steele, and Chief of Staff Sichuan Military District MAJGEN Zhang Peiming view a capability demonstration.

HELPING HANDS: Left, LAC Phil Beggs (left) and FLGOFF Jeffrey Davie assist exercise casualties into a waiting ambulance.Below, FLTLT Julianne Schliebs and a Chinese medic treat a ‘victim’ injured in an ‘earthquake’.

Photos: SGT Rob Nyffenegger

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7NewsFebruary 2, 2012RCEAIR FF

FLTLT Nick O’Connor

AIR Force personnel in Tasmania played a major role during the bicen-tenary of Anglesea Barracks in Hobart on December 3.

Anglesea is the oldest ADF bar-racks still in use, the site having been chosen by NSW Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1811 and construction beginning in 1814.

An estimated 5000 people attend-ed the celebrations, which included an open day at the barracks.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce was the guest of honour.

The day included a fly-over and display by the Roulettes, a Navy heli-copter display, performances by the Army and Navy bands, and a preci-sion drill display and formal parade by Australia’s Federation Guard

(AFG).Ms Bryce reviewed the AFG

parade and also unveiled a com-memorative plaque during the com-memorations.

The day also featured the largest static exhibition of military equip-ment, capability and history seen in the city. Local Air Force squadron, 29SQN, also mounted an informa-tion stand.

Air Force legal officer FLTLT Catherine Gavan, who was staff-ing the 29SQN stand, was “gob-smacked” when she met Ms Bryce during a break in the formalities.

FLTLT Gavan described the

chance meeting as “amazing and a life highlight”.

“I have so much respect and inter-est in Her Excellency; she is an abso-lute pillar of grace and dignity repre-senting the Queen in Australia,” she said.

“We spoke about her husband’s former service as an Air Force reserv-ist as well as a range of other Air Force issues.

“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to talk with her – she real-ly is a people person.”

CO 29SQN WGCDR Andrew Layton said the day provided Air Force with an ideal opportunity to engage with the Hobart community.

“[These] open days are important for Air Force as they allow the public to get a first-hand understanding of the role we play within the Hobart commu-nity,” WGCDR Layton said.

“There was an estimated 5000 peo-ple through the barracks, and a good majority visited our stand, which also included excellent displays by the Defence General Chaplaincy-Air Force.

“We had a lot of interest from the public, so who knows, through our discussions with people we may have inspired a future Air Force pilot, chap-lain or armament technician.”

The Anglesea celebrations began with a service at St David’s Cathedral on December 2, attended by CDF GEN David Hurley.

The open day occurred the next day.

Marking 200 years

AIR FORCE HONOUR: Above, Governor-General Quentin Bryce inspects the Air Force contingent of the AFG during a parade to mark the 200th anniversary of Anglesea Barracks in Hobart. Right, legal officer FLTLT Catherine Gavan and Ms Bryce during a chance meeting after the parade. Main photo: SGT Andy Hall

by A(A

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INQUIRY INTO UNRESOLVED RECOGNITION FOR PAST ACTS OF NAVAL AND MILITARY GALLANTRY AND VALOUR

INVITATION

The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (the Tribunal) is directed to inquire into and report on the appropriate recognition for specifi c acts of gallantry or valour performed by the following naval and military personnel:

Gunner Albert Neil (Neale) Cleary - Army Midshipman Robert Ian Davies - NavyLeading Cook Francis Bassett Emms - NavyLieutenant David John Hamer - NavyPrivate John Simpson Kirkpatrick - ArmyLieutenant Commander Robert William Rankin - NavyAble Seaman Dalmorton Joseph Owendale Rudd - NavyOrdinary Seaman Edward Sheean - NavyLeading Aircrewman Noel Ervin Shipp - NavyLieutenant Commander Francis Edward Smith - NavyLieutenant Commander Henry Hugh Gordon Stoker - Royal NavyLeading Seaman Ronald Taylor - NavyCaptain Hector Macdonald Laws Waller - Navy

The Tribunal is directed to make recommendations on the eligibility of the naval and military members, as listed, to be awarded the Victoria Cross, the Victoria Cross for Australia or other forms of appropriate recognition for their gallantry or valour.

The Tribunal is conducting public hearings to hear evidence in relation to this matter. The following hearings will be conducted in February and March 2012.

Sydney – Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 February 2012 commencing at 9am at the Mercure Sydney 818-820 George St, Sydney.

Adelaide – Tuesday 14 February 2012 commencing at 10am at the Crowne Plaza, Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide.

Perth – Wednesday 15 February 2012 commencing at 1pm at the Novotel Langley, 221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth.

Brisbane – Tuesday 13 March 2012 commencing at 1pm at the Royal on the Park, Corner of Alice and Albert Streets, Brisbane.

After a preliminary consideration of the submissions received concerning the naval and military members listed above, the Tribunal has invited a number of those who have made written submissions to appear as witnesses at these hearings.

Interested members of the public are invited to attend the Tribunal’s hearings. For administrative purposes, please register your interest in attending by contacting the Tribunal via;telephone (02) 6266 3486 or e-mail [email protected].

The terms of reference for this inquiry can be obtained by reviewing the Tribunal website at: www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au

8 February 2, 2012RCEAIR FFAir Force Improvement

January – March➤ RAAF Base Edinburgh members

are now able to complete their Force Preparation Training and kitting on base instead of Randwick, having an estimat-ed saving of at least $200,000 each year.

➤ No. 1 Recruit Training Unit implemented a Ground Defence Training Area Audio System, eliminating the need for explo-sive ordnance or blank firing, deliver-ing ongoing savings of about $3820 a course and introducing greater realism to ground defence scenarios.

➤ Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Targets (EMATTs) – after re-assessing the raise-train-sustain requirements for aircrews, 92WG was able to advise the Maritime Patrol Systems Program Office (MPSPO) of a reduction in EMATT usage, and a paral-lel reduction in sonobuoys. This would not compromise capability and would have financial benefits to MPSPO’s sus-tainment budget.

➤ The Electronic Priority Demand System

(EPDS), developed by LAC Arun Thangaraju for 77SQN, was rolled out across other 81WG units. The EPDS was trialled in late 2010 and it signifi cantly reduced the administrative overburden on 81WG maintenance staff through simplifying the part ordering process. LAC Thangaraju was subsequently awarded a CAF Commendation for his work on the EPDS.

➤ Ground refuelling – four improvement ini-tiatives have been implemented by Combat Support Group and their partners in Joint Fuel Logistics Agency and Land Systems’ Division Engineering section, delivering savings in dollars and time: • a change to pressure testing of fuel hoses, bringing it into line with test-ing requirements and contemporary practice. This will save about $112,000 annually, allow maintainers to direct 530 hours of maintenance into other areas, and have our refuelling vehicles on the job rather than sitting around waiting for the hoses to be tested;

• move to monthly, ongoing fuel hose strainer checks, saving about $86,000 a year and 1400 hours of maintenance effort that can be directed to other activities;

• move to a default of six-monthly tests rather than monthly tests for refuel tanker hose continuity testing. This will save $65,000 a year and redirect 1060 hours of maintenance to other areas; and

• change to weekly low point fuel drain checks, from daily, returning about $31,000 a year and 500 hours of effort can be used for other pur-poses.

April – June➤ Wide Area Surveillance – Over

The Horizon Radar and 1 Radar Surveillance Unit – Contract Change Proposals signed with BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin Australia, ena-bling the capability to live within the allocated budget and potentially delivering over 80 per cent of Strategic Reform Program (SRP) financial ben-efit target.

➤ Amalgamation of the 3SQN and 77SQN Avionics Maintenance Flights into the 81WG Combined Workshops.

➤ Process improvement implemented for non-CAMM2 repairable items in 92WG, saving upwards of $20,000 in incorrectly tagged items.

➤ With staff and financial support from MPSPO, GPS repeaters were installed on the 10SQN and 11SQN hangars, improving productivity and reducing risks to personnel and materiel, as air-craft no longer had to be towed outside the hangar to conduct maintenance on avionics systems requiring GPS.

➤ Logistics Flight 1 Combat Communications Squadron celebrated two years of sustained, successful improvement to their equipment task-ing processes for exercises and opera-tions.

July – September ➤ Two-year contract extension for sup-

port to the Hawk Lead-in fighter air-craft – about $20 million of savings over the two years.

➤ Review of technical training completed by 292SQN, creating blocks of training thereby reducing the training time for avionics technicians by seven days a year. This has meant more time on the line for each technician, resulting in a productivity dividend.

➤ Sonobuoys – an extensive re-lifing activity was undertaken to enable 92WG to utilise stocks that had exceeded their battery life. Both a ‘soft’ re-life activity (life extension of 950 sonobuoys through Defence Science and Technology Organisation analysis) and a ‘hard’ re-life activity (replace-ment of batteries of expired sonobuoys) allowed for a capability reinvestment back to aircrews and a financial benefit to MPSPO.

➤ 37SQN and Air Lift Systems Program Office have implemented improve-ments in C-130J Phased Servicings, reducing the number of aircraft in Phased Servicing from an average of three to two, making available an addi-tional C-130J for operations.

➤ Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit implemented improve-ments which resulted in the return of at least 25 Electronic Support Measures

(ESM) hard drives to MPSPO and 92WG, helping to support the life of the ESM system.

➤ A Hospitality and Catering Review was conducted to ensure that hos-pitality and catering services are aligned with Defence capability requirements and are affordable.

➤ Defence Support Group implemented improvements to the QBT Online Booking Tool for travel.

October – December ➤ 37SQN Equipment Section improved

their logistics processes, significantly reducing the time taken to complete a stocktake and discrepancy inves-tigation enabling time savings to be reinvested in other areas of their business – resolving a back-log of discrepancy investigations and improving work/life balance and morale in the section.

➤ Aeronautical Information Service-Air Force, within Aerospace Operational Support Group, pro-duced a tailored Facilities and Procedures publication for Air Combat Group (ACG) and improved their processes for compiling the information that made up the publi-cation. As a result, they automated more of the product, reducing the manpower required to produce it and cutting the production cycle by four days each month. In addition, the review has resulted in a smaller, tailored product that is more suitable for the customer in ACG.

➤ Changes to the Defence Catering Manual implemented across Defence messes.

➤ RAAF Base Glenbrook celebrated the first anniversary of successfully consolidating the Sergeants’ and Officers’ Mess dining rooms.

➤ Throughout 2011, Mechanical Equipment Operational Maintenance Squadron (MEOMS) staff have achieved substantial improvements in maintenance throughput as a result of implementing visual management boards that displayed key metrics. The boards allowed MEOMS teams to more effectively identify areas having the most significant impact on maintenance throughput.

WHAT AIR FORCE ACHIEVED IN 2011

AFI SnapshotREFUELLING

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CATERING

1RTU

SONOBUOYS

MEOMS

C-130J MAINT

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9Air Force ImprovementFebruary 2, 2012RCEAIR FF

AS THE incoming DCAF, I am tak-ing over leadership of the Air Force Improvement (AFI) Program at a critical time. As you know, AFI is the program through which Air Force and our partners will improve capability, build our organisational resilience, establish more cost-con-scious behaviours and implement the Strategic Reform Program (SRP). I am impressed at the level of commit-ment and innovation evident from the reforms that have been implemented to date. We have an outstanding program in place that is delivering real benefits to capability and the Air Force team.

Becoming more efficient and effective is vital for our ongo-ing success. Through AFI we are working with our part-ners, the Defence Materiel Organisation and industry for example, to shape the Air Force of the future so we can successfully operate and sustain Force 2030. It is important that we do this while continuing to deliver on current operational and SRP obligations.

We have achieved

ngo-we

-l

Air can

Our challenge in 2012A message from DCAF AVM Leo Davies

a lot already, and will be rec-ognising the best of these

achievements through the Air Force Awards this year, with indi-vidual and team AFI awards to be presented for the first time. We also have great plans in place for further

reform right across Air Force. I know the rate of change is high. We have some significant challenges ahead of us with ongoing operations, introduc-ing new capabilities and the planned ramp-up in the SRP challenge. So, while we have achieved a lot in the past two years, we need to continue to improve. This is not a short-term program, it will take years to fully

deliver the sustainable improvements we need.

I challenge each and every one of you to get involved in improve-ment activities in your workplace. Intelligently question the way you do things, identify where there are prob-lems or where there is waste, and look for smarter solutions that need less work. Support your colleagues and

supervisors as they test and imple-ment their improvement ideas. Work with your partners across Defence and industry so we can improve our over-all performance as the Defence team.

I look forward to seeing and hear-ing about how your units are becom-ing more productive and making bet-ter use of our resources when I visit over the next few years.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER: DCAF says becoming more

efficient and effective is vital to Air Force’s ongoing success in delivering air power capability.

Pictured are three key air power assets: the F/A-18

fighter, the Hawk 127 Lead-In fighter and the PC-9 trainer.

Photo: LAC Craig Barrett


THERE was more goodwill than peace at RAAF Base East Sale on Christmas Day when personnel as-sisted a Qantas Boeing 737 that was diverted to the base.

The jet, which was en route from Darwin to Tullamarine with 90 peo-ple on board, was forced to divert to Sale after stormy weather conditions over Tullamarine closed the airport for an hour from about 6pm – forc-ing aircraft into holding patterns for up to two hours.

Despite an intention for services at East Sale to be reduced over the Christmas break, base personnel quickly stepped up to the mark.

After the aircraft landed, Transfield Services fire crews took charge of its immediate needs, guiding it to the air movements hardstand.

Meanwhile, duty crew who were off-base were recalled and quickly returned.

They provided stairs to the air-craft so that relevant base personnel could liaise with the 737’s crew and also provide them with regular weather update faxes.

Security police were on hand

Eamon Hamilton

A NEW tenant has arrived at RAAF Base Amberley, with the relocation of 86WG.

86WG became fully established at Amberley from January 1 after completing its move from RAAF Base Richmond.

With its 15 staff, 86WG will main-tain responsibility for 36SQN (also at Amberley) and 38SQN (at RAAF Base Townsville). Once the KC-30A reaches initial operational capability later this year, 33SQN will be transferred under the authority of 86WG.

GPCAPT Paul Nicholas will take over the position of OC 86WG from February 6.

XO 86WG WGCDR Steve Pesce said the move would take advantage of recent changes to the structure and location of Air Lift Group units.

“The advantages of having 86WG located in Queensland are greater proximity to our squadrons, as

well as to HALSPO (Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office),” WGCDR Pesce said.

“We’ll be working quite closely with HALSPO, as there are definite advantages to being in the same building as the support elements to the KC-30 and C-17A.”

The relocation from Richmond marks the end of an era for 86WG.

It was originally formed in March 1945 at Morotai as an attack wing with Mosquitos and Beaufighters. In 1946, 86WG was reformed at RAAF Station Schofields in western Sydney as a transport squadron.

With C-47 Dakotas under 36, 37 and 38SQN, it supported the Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan. The 21,000km round trip was the longest regular air transport ser-vice in the world using twin-engined aircraft.

86WG relocated to Canberra in 1954 and Richmond in 1959, where it had remained until the move to Amberley.

Qantas jet’s Sale drop-in

to monitor the situation, including the Base Security Officer who was about to carve up the family turkey at home when he got the alert and came back.

The question of refuelling the aircraft was also raised. Initially, indications were that fuel would not be required; however, the weather conditions soon made it apparent that the aircraft would require a small amount of fuel to continue to Tullamarine.

This requirement provided a double problem. There was no fuel capability immediately available from civil sources, while Sale’s fuel farm was closed and its staff was on leave.

Consequently, Transfield Services regional management gave permission for base per-sonnel from the Mechanical Equipment Operational Maintenance Squadron to use one of Transfield’s fuel trucks, and after a quick quality check, the aircraft was fuelled under supervi-sion by the aircraft captain.

Unfortunately for the people on the jet, conditions at Tullamarine and Sale meant they had to spend more than 3½ hours there until the weather improved.

The Qantas operations division in Sydney was very appreciative of the efforts and support from all per-sonnel who were involved.

This was the second time East Sale had assisted a diverting pas-senger jet.

On January 20 last year, another Qantas 737 – on a flight from Canberra to Tullamarine – was forced to divert because of bad weather and concerns about a pos-sible fuel shortage after it had spent more than an hour in a holding pat-tern.

The Base Security Officer was about to carve up the family tur-key at home when he got the alert and came back.

S

CHRISTMAS GIFT

NEW SURROUNDINGS: SQNLDR Brent Taylor and WOFF Katherine Furlan in front of a C-17A at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: LAC Dan Pinhorn

86WG now calls Amberley home

MORE THAN 200 ADF person-nel deployed with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) Timor Leste Task Group 3 (TLTG-3) have been awarded a special medal by the govern-ment of East Timor.

East Timor president Dr Jose Ramos-Horta presented them with the Timor Leste Solidarity Medal on January 16 during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Dili.

President Ramos-Horta had intro-duced the medal as recognition of those contributing to peace and stability in East Timor.

He thanked the members for their contribution towards the consolida-

tion of security and stability in East Timor. “Since 2006, many thousands of Australian and New Zealand offic-ers and soldiers have served in Timor Leste,” President Ramos-Horta said.

“Today, I am pleased to say that Timor Leste enjoys an exceptional atmosphere of peace and security.”

Acting Australian national com-mander ISF WGCDR Michael Dickson said the award of the medal was a proud moment for the ISF personnel.

“It is an honour to have their ser-vice recognised by the government of Timor Leste and each member will wear their Timor Leste Solidarity Medal with pride,” WGCDR Dickson said.

Timor president says thanks

YOU’RE WELCOME: East Timor president Dr Jose Ramos-Horta awards the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal to FLTLT Leighton Merry in Dili. Photo: CPL Janine Fabre

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11February 2, 2012RCEAIR FF

CAPT Jillian Gaze

WHEN SGT Jodi Ross de-ployed to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, she achieved a small piece of history for Air Force.

SGT Ross, of Air Force Headquarters in Canberra, has been attached to the ADF contingent in Egypt under the terms of Operation Mazurka for the past three months.

She is the first Air Force member to be attached to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) group since Australia withdrew aviation support in the 1980s. She will be there for seven months.

Operation Mazurka is the ADF’s contribution to the MFO, which monitors the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.

It is based on the border between the two countries.

The deployment is SGT Ross’s first and she is very

proud on more than one level. “I am doing something of sig-nificance in the world to make my children proud of me,” she said.

“I feel really honoured and privileged to be able to come here and be the first Air Force member to serve on the opera-tion because you tend to be setting the scene for everybody else.”

The deployment has been an adjustment for her in many ways, and she said she had experienced a few unexpected challenges.

“It was not just adjusting to Mazurka; it was also adjusting to Army life and that’s quite different from Air Force.”

SGT Ross works within the communications and technology area of the MFO Headquarters.

Her boss comes from the US and she works alongside many locals.

“It has been awesome learn-

ing about the local culture from the technicians with whom I work. It is an opportunity that not everyone here gets,” she said.

While the multinational nature of the MFO has provided challenges for her, it has also provided the biggest highlight of her deployment so far.

“All the different cultures and the languages are a chal-lenge. Learning to communi-cate and learning the MFO way [of doing things] has been a challenge but fun,” SGT Ross said.

“The other militaries don’t necessarily run the way we do in Australia and learning about them has been interesting.”

She said the MFO was mak-ing a difference.

“We are keeping the peace between two countries and it is an important thing that we are doing here – every single job is playing a part.”

Making us proud Making us proud in the Sinaiin the Sinai

PLAYING A PART: SGT Jodi Ross.

perations

Mazurka deployment marks first for Air Force

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ON PAGE 14 of the November 24 edition last year, the story ‘Piece of Aviation History’ featured a photo (pictured right) of retired CDRE John Goble, RAN, presenting CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown with a model of the Fairey IIID float-plane. The caption incorrectly named the model as the Britannia Trophy, which was

awarded to CDRE Goble’s father AVM Stanley Goble on the first circumnaviga-tion and aerial survey of the Australian coastline in 1924. The model was actually a trophy presented to the then WGCDR Goble by the Fairey Aviation Company to com-memorate the 1924 flight.

CLARIFICATION

Eamon Hamilton and CPL Natasha D’Arcy

A NEW generation of crew attendants (CRE-WATTs) has graduated at RAAF Base Amberley.

The 10 newly minted CREWATTs are the first to be trained at the base with 33SQN.

All previous CREWATTs were trained at RAAF Base Richmond and Defence Establishment Fairbairn.

In a parade at Amberley on December 1, the new CREWATTs received their brevets before a crowd of friends and family.

Eight graduates will join A-Flight at 33SQN, which has been busily prepar-ing for the multiple roles on Air Force’s brand new KC-30A, and two graduates have been posted to 34SQN to conduct VIP CREWATT conversion training.

As the largest aircraft to be flown by Air Force, each KC-30A will carry up to 270 pas-sengers.

CREWATTs are essential to the safe carriage of large numbers of personnel on the KC-30A, dramatically increasing Air Force’s strategic airlift capability.

The latest group of CREWATTs started their course in January 2011. The course

comprised seven remusters and three direct entrants, making them the largest CREWATT course to be put through the system.

To graduate, the students were required to complete the Airman Aircrew Initial Course (four weeks with 285SQN at Richmond), along with the three-week aircrew course at the Combat Survival Training School at RAAF Base Townsville.

CREWATT qualifications for the KC-30A were achieved through a series of basic courses at Amberley, along with training with Qantas at Mascot in Sydney.

One of the graduates, LAC Joshua Edmunds, said he was proud to be working with 33SQN.

“I am looking forward to travelling around Australia and overseas to serve on this fantas-tic world-first aircraft that the Air Force has,” LAC Edmunds said.

Another graduate, LACW Katherine Langmaid, previously worked in the hospital-ity and customer service industry before com-ing to Air Force.

“I thought a CREWATT career offered everything that would complement my strengths,” LACW Langmaid said.

Training for Training for a big joba big job

NEW GENERATION: Left, the graduates from 01/2011 CREWATT course on the stairs of the KC-30A in the 33SQN hangar. Clockwise from top left: LACW Katherine Morris, LACW Peita-Michelle Toms, LACW Katherine Langmaid, LACW Tamie Olufson, LACW Adele Taylor, LACW Aneliese Blair, LACW Amy White, LACW Emma Ramsdale and LAC Joshua Edmunds.Below, Parade Commander and CO 33SQN WGCDR Geoffrey Fox, and the graduates in parade formation.Photos: LAC Dan Pinhorn

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14 15RCEAIR FFCentrepiece February 2, 2012

Air Lift Group went on red alert last December for its final exercise of 2011, reports Eamon Hamilton.

Eamon Hamilton and FLTLT Emma Craven Griffiths

EXERCISE Precision Support is evolving to become a greater opportunity to develop integration between Combat Support Group (CSG), 44WG, and Air Lift Group.

CSG personnel – along with joint bat-tlespace air controllers from 44WG – provide airfield services from Sam Hill and Williamson Airfields in Shoalwater Bay, along with Benningfield in the Townsville Field Training Area.

Much like the airlift component for Exercise Precision Red, Exercise Precision Support is coordinated from RAAF Base Townsville.

The disparate locations presented a chal-lenge for Precision Support 11-2 coordinators, being responsible for 320 CSG and 44WG personnel as well as a number of logistical matters such as establishing initial communi-cations.

A full spectrum of CSG skillsets is essential to making Precision Red a success for airlift units. The C-130J and C-17A both count on the airfeld engineering and air movements functions of 1AOSS to carrying out the exer-cise.

The need to replicate missions common in the MEAO provides opportunities for airfield defence guards and medical professionals to travel with aircraft.

SQNLDR Alan Brown is XO 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (ECSS) at RAAF Base Amberley, which stood up Williamson Airfield in Shoalwater Bay – the largest deployment to a remote airfield for Precision Support 11-2.

Nearby Sam Hill Airfield was supported by 381ECSS, while Benningfield Airfield in the Townsville Field Training Area was supported by 32ECSS.

According to SQNLDR Brown, 382ECSS is drawing heavily on experience with real world operations.

“382ECSS has and is still deploying mem-bers and capability to the MEAO, Afghanistan and other operations around the world,” SQNLDR Brown said.

“Eight months ago, we were also called upon to activate RAAF Learmonth at very short notice – within 48 hours – in support of Operation Resolute.”

The pressures of moving at very short notice are placed on CSG units at Precision Support, just as they are for real world opera-tions.

“This directly relates to our real-time mis-sion statement, this is the job we are required to do when CAF pushes the green button to deploy in 24 hours,” SQNLDR Brown said.

A range of functions are needed at the air-fields, from command and control through to administration, logistics and catering, as well as security and firefighting.

These are integrated with health, communi-cations and air traffic control services, as well as the 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron element.

“By conducting and participating in Precision Support 11-2, we allow 382ECSS to rehearse and train our specified real time role which benefits all members of this squadron from the CO down,” SQNLDR Brown said.

NORTHERN Queensland has again served as the proving ground for Air Force personnel deploying on operations.

Exercises Precision Red 11-2 (for air lift) and Precision Support 11-2 (for combat support) were held last year from November 23 to December 10.

They involved 474 personnel at RAAF Base Townsville and three deployed airfields in the Townsville and Shoalwater Bay Field Training Areas, and featured a variety of sce-narios and threats encountered on operations in the MEAO.

Precision Red is the capstone of a six-month C-130J conversion course for pilots at 285SQN.

Coordinating the effort at Precision Red was FLTLT Scott Van Ginkel, an instructor with the squad-ron.

He said the exercise represented what Air Force was experiencing in the MEAO.

“Guys who finished their course in December will be posted to a C-130J flight at 37SQN, and could be deployed to the MEAO soon afterwards,” he said.

The exercise calls for tactics and operations staff to plan lengthy missions to the exercise area, and around-the-clock support from the 37SQN maintenance workforce.

“We qualified four C-130J crews ready to go to the Middle East,” FLTLT Van Ginkel said.

“We also qualified four instruc-tors to teach airborne operations sequences on Precision Red.”

This entailed qualified flying instructors at 285SQN being cleared to teach new crews the airborne operations roles undertaken in the MEAO.

Instructors must impart their experiences from the MEAO to face such challenges as operating on night-vision goggles (NVGs) to semi-prepared airfields while navigating ground-borne threats and airspace restrictions.

Loadmasters were also chal-lenged, including monitoring for

ground-borne threats and reconfig-uring the load for the Hercules for each mission.

The exercise also helped develop new capabilities for the Hercules.

“We are developing our low-level night-time capability with the C-130J on NVGs, which meant operating almost around-the-clock,” FLTLT Van Ginkel said.

While much of the focus was on the Hercules, 36SQN also provided a C-17A for the exercise to test new C-17A aircrews.

The aircraft flew missions from RAAF Base Townsville to Williamson Airfield in Shoalwater Bay, with a new captain and an instructor on board.

One instructor with 36SQN is MAJ Larry Gabe, a C-17A pilot on exchange from the US Air Force.

He said 36SQN used Precision Red as a part of its mission readi-ness exercise, which provided the training necessary for aircrew to upgrade to combat mission ready status.

“The real benefit of an exercise like Precision Red is being able to consolidate all of the skills learned in training and apply them in a very realistic, dynamic combat environ-ment,” MAJ Gabe said.

“Operating into a small, covertly lit airstrip at night, on NVGs, while dealing with a dynamic threat situa-tion and delivering real cargo to sup-port the exercise – it’s challenging.”

Williamson Airfield is a tight fit for a C-17A and the aircraft is too big for the parking apron.

Pilots and loadmasters worked together to reverse the aircraft back up the runway for loading and departure.

“It speaks volumes about our training system that operations like these are simply business as usual for 36SQN,” MAJ Gabe said. “We have crews doing this every day.”

Precision practice... and support

HEAVY LIFTERS: Above, 36SQN C-17A aircrew prepare for the approach into Williamson Airfield during Exercise Precision Red; right, the C-17A on the airfield after returning from another exercise sortie; left, 37SQN avionic technician LAC Tim Bowman in a C-130 cockpit at RAAF Base Townsville.

Photos: LAC David GibbsSOFTLY DOES IT: A C-130J lands on the dirt runway at Bennings Field during Precision Red.

CHECKING: 36SQN loadmaster WOFF Wayne Silverman manages the loads on a C-17A as it heads to Williamson Airfield.

MISSION READY: 37SQN’s CPL Sean Lloyd and SGT Bruce Northcott conduct a pre-flight inspection on a C-130J at RAAF Base Townsville.

LUNCHTIME: Above, cooks from 322ECSS CPL Chris Macleod and LACW Rosie Buckley begin preparing lunch for the personnel at Benning Field.

IN TOUCH: 1CCS technician LAC Geoff Henderson keeps the comms online at Benning Field.

DRILL PRACTICE: 1AOSS carpenter LAC Graham Bowe repairs a shelter at Benning Field.

THIS WAY: FLTLT Michael Yeomans explains to LAC Tim Jurisic, both of 322ECSS, the practice for different scenarios to defend the airfield during a simulated enemy attack during Exercise Precision Support.

CONTROL: JBACs FLGOFF Simone Marks and FLGOFF Mark Anderson, of 453SQN, prepare for the arrival of a C-130J at Benning Field.

SIMULATE: Medical assistant SGT Sharee Lewis provides first aid to the enemy, played by LAC Tim Jurisic, while LAC Kathryn Hoye stands guard.

ON GUARD: 2AFDS ADGs protect a C-130J at the remote airfield in the Shoalwater Bay training area.

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SGT Mark SpeddingDecember 20 1971 – January 1, 2012

SGT Mark Spedding was more affection-ately known as Speddo to his friends, family, work colleagues and even his

wife.Speddo was a dedicated and decorated

member of the Air Force.He joined at age 18, gave his service for

more than 21 years and served in operations Bastille, Falconer, Larry Assist, Catalyst and Slipper.

He was actively involved in the social aspects of the Air Force and could be relied upon to volunteer or assist whenever he could for a mate or a club that he was involved in.

Speddo was as maroon as a Queenslander could get and was a keen fisherman. It was commented upon more than once that for a rugby player, Speddo was a great fisherman, but that never stopped him from giving his all.

He was a dedicated father who adored his family above all else.

SGT Spedding is survived by his wife Suzi and daughter Madi.

A photo of SGT Spedding was unavailable at the time of going to print.

17In MemoriamFebruary 2, 2012RCEAIR FF

WGCDR Grant StuchburyOctober 3, 1959 – December 12, 2011

WGCDR Grant Stuchbury, affectionately known as Stuch, was a friend, mate,

mentor, father, husband, leader and beyond everything else someone that you could always count on to have your back.

It was with a great sense of loss that the Joint Battlefield Airspace Control (JBAC) and wider Air Force community farewelled Stuch on December 22 in a full military funeral at Salamander Bay Uniting church and Anna Bay cemetery, after he died in his sleep on December 12.

Stuch joined the Air Force in February 1982. After qualifying

as an armament fitter he served at 2 Flying Training School and 3SQN before commissioning as an air traffic control officer in 1990. His distinguished service career spanned almost 30 years.

Grant served at a number of bases including Tindal, Pearce, Edinburgh and Williamtown.

He held a number of very sig-nificant staff positions over the years in Headquarters 44WG at Williamtown.

Grant was also widely recog-nised for his tireless commitment to advancing the professional mastery of his specialisation, including making a major contribution to the successful transformation of the Air Traffic Control category into the JBAC category.

He was awarded an Air Commander Australia commenda-tion for this particular effort.

Grant served extensively in

the Middle East on Operations Falconer, Catalyst and Slipper.

He became one of a small team that wears the Meritorious Unit Citation for conducting air traffic control operations in Baghdad dur-ing 2003.

Among Grant’s other awards, he also earned the Australian Active Service Medal and the Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign medals. These achievements highlight the significant contribution he made to both the Air Force and his country; achievements that cannot be under-stated.

Stuch, as well as being known for his dedication and passion for his chosen career path and category that he loved, was also known for his love of the surf. Stories regale of the number of surf boards that Stuch managed to accumulate and most in a particular colour blue.

There was never a week that

passed where Stuch could not be found out in the surf in the early morning. In fact on the morning that he died his alarm was set to head out for a surf.

Stuch was a dedicated husband and father to his wife Teena and his children Caitlin, 16, and Nathan, 14.

Stuch set a fine example to all around him with his work/life balance and family values. While being dedicated to the Air Force and his workmates, it was clear to all that his family came first. An example of this was when Teena was diagnosed with cancer early in 2011 while Grant was attend-ing Command and Staff College in Bandung. Without any hesita-tion he withdrew himself from the course so that the family as a whole could return to Australia for appropriate care and support.

WGCDR Catherine (Cate) PhelanApril 30, 1951 – December 14, 2011

THE Air Force health service lost one of its most dedicated and respected members shortly before

Christmas when WGCDR Cate Phelan died after a short illness.

Although an aspiring pianist as a child, Cate followed in her sister’s foot-steps and was called to nursing, training at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.

Having grown up with stories of her father’s service in the Air Force, Cate had an affinity with military life.

She joined the Army in 1980 as the Air Force was not recruiting, but trans-ferred to the Air Force five years later serving with distinction in both full-time and reserve capacities for the next 26 years.

Cate was an old-school, hands-on, no-nonsense nurse. The sharpness of her mitred corners and ability to bounce a coin from a precisely made bed were legendary; however, she rated patient care above all else.

Cate’s generous spirit brought out the best in people and she was a mentor and role model.

She loved the Air Force and we were all privileged to be considered part of her second family.

There were many highlights in her distinguished career, including work-ing at 4 RAAF Hospital in Butterworth where she assisted many a new life into the world, served as senior nursing officer, RAAF Base Pearce, received

honours and awards, and did a tour on Operation Belisi in 1999.

3 RAAF Hospital became Cate’s second home. She had four separate postings there, including as temporary CO.

Cate had a commanding presence and a parade ground voice that could rival any WOD. This made her the obvi-ous choice for important parade posi-tions such as the Queen’s Colour Parade and Governor-General’s Banner, and she always did us proud.

Never one to shy away from a chal-lenge, Cate transferred to the Specialist Reserve in 1999 and headed to Saudi Arabia where she managed clinical services in a 1000-bed hospital. She returned to Australia to care for her ageing mother Marie in 2004 and trans-ferred to the Active Reserve, No. 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron.

Cate was offered the opportunity to return to 3 Hospital in 2007 on full-time duty as the OIC of Aero-Medical Evacuation (AME) training.

Cate was a born teacher and had an impressive stage presence for public speaking and lectures. She spoke with clarity and substance and to reinforce a point would end with her trademark “absa bloody lutely”. Cate was also a pioneer of the next generation of AME as one of the inaugural team trained on the C-17A by the US Air Force in Hawaii.

Cate was promoted to WGCDR in 2010 and transferred back to reserve duty as Deputy Director Emergency and AME services. This was a very proud moment for her beloved family and would have made her Dad Ces (and her prized schnauzer “children”) very proud.

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FLTLT Shane DrydenFebruary 25, 1971 – December 30, 2011

FLTLT Dryden enlisted in the Air Force as an airborne electron-ics analyst in 1989. He was a P3

aviator for the vast majority of his ca-reer serving at 10, 11 and 292SQNs as well as an instructional posting to the School of Air Warfare.

His outstanding professionalism and enthusiasm for the Air Force way of life and for flying saw him develop as an outstanding leader and mentor to those he instructed and worked with.

A laconic and superficially laid-back character, FLTLT Dryden was an extremely sharp operator and his superior tactical acumen and leader-ship skills in both the training or operational environment were relied on by his commanders.

He served on Operations Slipper and Catalyst, where his contribution as the standards officer in the AP-3C detachment was critical to the Task Group. Additionally, FLTLT Dryden

deployed on various operations including Gateway, Solania, Resolute And Relex.

Outside work, Shane was a keen sportsman whether partaking or watching. He represented the Air Force at rugby league and he also had a love of motor sport throughout his life.

To his friends, Shane was renowned as an excellent operator but, more importantly, as a supporter and instigator of social activities. He was at the forefront of developing and promoting the Adelaide chapter of VPI; an international organisation dedicated to the fellowship between fellow maritime aviators.

His commitment to VPI reflects FLTLT Dryden’s belief in the need for maritime aviators to be com-pletely professional, yet dedicated to the social aspects of the role.

The phrase “larger than life” epitomises FLTLT Shane Dryden. His friends are better people for hav-ing known him and despite his loss, will always remember a never ending enthusiasm for the Air Force, flying and for life.

FLTLT Shane Dryden

Nursing officer WGCDR Cate Phelan

WGCDR Grant Stuchbury

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Andrew Stackpool

IT WAS a case of ‘mo’ worries for Air Commander Australia and his deputy when they lived up to their public pledge of losing their bris-tling upper lips last month.

As reported in the December 8 edition of Air Force News, AVM Mark Skidmore and his deputy AIRCDRE Sam Samulski made the pledge in acknowledgement of the impressive effort of 29 Air Force teams to raise more than $80,000 in support of the charity Movember.

We can now report that the deed was done on December 9.

In the case of AVM Skidmore, it was his beloved mo of 30 years’ seniority that took the cold cut.

ACAUST said that having had a moustache on and off (well, only twice actually) in 30-odd years, he thought it would be a significant event for Movember if the ‘cater-pillar’ went.

“I threw the challenge to my Aide de Campe, FLTLT Niki Frost, to raise $10,000 for the mo,” AVM Skidmore said.

“Unfortunately for me, she accepted, and while the agreed value was not quite reached, a sig-nificant amount was raised.

“Given the gravity of the situa-tion and significance of the event, I accepted the challenge and stated at the Glenbrook Officers’ Mess Dining Out on December 1 that the ‘mo would go’.

“ Wi t h s o m e t r e p i d a t i o n December 9 dawned, the razors were sharpened and the deed was done.”

He said after the event, with only a week to go before going on leave, he “had to put up with a cold, shaven top lip for a while”.

“However, I can assure you that the mo was back by Christmas, and possibly ready for next Movember – we will see,” he said.

Air Force ultimately raised a total

of $87,500, of which $4333.95 was directly attributable to the ACAUST/DACAUST challenge.

Congratulating Air Force on its Movember efforts, AVM Skidmore said it was extremely important to do whatever possible to raise awareness of men’s health issues, especially as a number of men under his command had suffered with health problems during 2011.

“It saddened me to see and hear that a number of gentlemen in my command have suffered,” AVM Skidmore said.

“I hope that the money raised by the Air Force ‘mo-bros’ goes a long way into research to help prevent any more unfortunate news and help those that are already in recovery.”

Movember seeks to raise money to support the Beyond Blue depres-sion and Prostate Foundation chari-ties by encouraging men to grow a moustache during the month of November.

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EXTREME MAKEOVER: Above, ACAUST AVM Mark Skidmore (right) and DACAUST AIRCDRE John Samulski shave off their beloved moustaches, and below with their new looks. Photos: SGT Brett Sherriff

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19NewsFebruary 2, 2012RCEAIR FF

Andrew Stackpool

CLOSE liaison between Air Force, the Defence Materiel Organisation’s Rap-id Prototyping Development and Eval-uation (RPDE) section and industry has significantly enhanced Air Combat Officers’ (ACO) training at the School of Air Warfare (SAW) at RAAF Base East Sale.

The result is the Air Combat Officer Training System (ACOTS), which comprises an upgrade of hard-ware used for the Air Navigation Tra iner (ANT) and Synthet ic Navigation Trainer (SNT) simulator as well as new software.

CO SAW WGCDR Jason Lind said that it was developed, tested and introduced in just over two years.

The SNT was upgraded to ensure ACO training across the ‘real’ and ‘simulated’ worlds match, while the existing ANT system can use either its legacy capability or the new ACOTS capability, enhancing its flexibility.

WGCDR Lind stressed that while ACOTS runs on the existing hard-ware, it is a new training media.

“It emulates a more modern ACO aircraft console and provides the ACO student more realistic mis-sion training using emulated radar, radar warning receiver, electro-optic and infrared systems, and datalink,” he said.

“It is a very flexible system that commences with a basic scenario which the instructor can change to suit the student and the conditions.”

The concept for the enhanced system was approved and funded by the Air Force Capability Committee, a l though the ACO Capabi l i ty Assurance Program (CAP) team initi-ated the project.

The project was then managed by RPDE before it was handed over to the Training Aircraft Systems Program Office (TASPO), which is now the logistics manager, while the CAP team has developed into the ACOTS Transition Team.

The ACOTS has undergone oper-ational testing and evaluation with SAW and 32SQN and the pilot cours-es, 12 and 13 ACO, which have both graduated.

WGCDR Lind said the SAW instructors had to put in an exception-al effort to make this revolutionary system work for 12 and 13 ACO.

“The graduates will now be better prepared for their future role as ACOs in all Force Element Groups to which they graduate,” he said.

“Having the graduates from 12 and 13 ACO complete their training using ACOTS was a significant achievement for the school, the ACOTS develop-

ment team, 32SQN and all the con-tractors.

“Most students found the system a good learning tool and challenging at times. As with any new system there were a few challenges for the staff with such a rapid implementation.

“The students seemed to pick up the nuances of ACOTS quicker than some of the instructors, possi-bly because they tend to be more at ease with high-end IT systems.

“13 ACO in particular embraced ACOTS and achieved the first ever 100 per cent pass rate for an ACO course, a great achievement for the eight graduates.”

He said ACOTS provided a more concrete training mechanism for the vision of what an ACO should be.

“The ACO should be an astute avi-ator able to contribute to the aviation fundamentals of flying, backing-up the pilot in normal and emergency situations, but an ACO should also be able to direct and manage sensors, data and the overall mission; con-tributing to the crew providing much more than two or more individuals could do on their own.

“ACOTS helps train ACOs to be future mission commanders and leaders in the current and future Air Warfare environment.”

Boost for air warfareGREATER HELP: Left, PLTOFF Nicholas Evans, a student of 12 ACO course, uses the Synthetic Navigation Trainer, which employs the newly delivered Air Combat Officer Training Software.Right, PLTOFF Jonathon Wilson (left), also a student of 12 ACO course, studies a flight chart under the guidance of instructor FLTLT Andrew Jolley inside a King Air trainer aircraft.

Photos: LAC Oliver Carter

CAF Commendation (Gold)GPCAPT Robert McIntyreFor performance as Director Project ODIN and Director Senior Training Manager Symposium. WGCDR Paul ReithFor performance as the Air Force Improvement Workforce and Shared Services Reform Program desk officer. WGCDR Greg Weller For performance as Deputy Director Doctrine, Air Power Development Centre, Air Force Headquarters. SQNLDR Patrick Redmond For performance as an engineer with-in the Directorate General Technical Airworthiness section. FSGT Franc Gaspersic For performance as an avionics system technician within Aerospace

Systems Engineering Squadron. DCAF Commendation (Silver)SQNLDR Benjamin MainFor performance in the field of aircraft structural integrity management with-in the Directorate General Technical Airworthiness. SQNLDR David WilkieFor performance as the senior engi-neering officer at 33SQN. FLTLT John EgginsFor performance as an engineering officer at 84WG. DCAF Commendation (Bronze)WGCDR Bruce NewellFor performance in support of the Australian Air Force Cadets in the role of Air Force Liaison Officer, 2WG (AAFC).

AIR FORCE COMMENDATIONS

Squadron. d t

S

uadron

20 February 2, 2012RCEAIR FFlightline

GIFTS: Above, a smiling CHAP Mark Willis with Christmas gifts donated for troops serving in the MEAO. Photo: SGT Mick Davis LIONS SHARE: Below, SGT Julian Algaba, SQNLDR Bill Watson, SGT David Wight and LACW Julia Anderson at Al Minhad Air Base check out Christmas cakes sent by Lions, while right, from left, WOFF Terrence Munro, CPL Tim Johnson, WO2 Jamie Feetam, LACW Kassie Wildman and FLTLT Louise Edwards enjoy eating the cakes at morning tea.

Photos: PO Damian Pawlenko

JUST LIKE HOME: Above, from left, 13SQN’s CPL Vanessa Wallis and LACW Laci Barklem prepare to enjoy their Christmas lunch at RAAF Base Darwin, while right, LACW Erin A’Bell prepares her “Rudolph” (the reindeer) cakes before serving them to members on base. Photos: SGT Murray Staff

LOVE THE VOICE: LAC Jonathan Fisher from 3CRU, left, and CPL Rachel Pfaff from 1CCS at Al Minhad Air Base enjoy the John Farnham and Friends DVD the base staff received to help them celebrate Christmas away from home.Photos: SGT Mick Davis

Insurance you need for the surprises you don’t.

Are you looking for an insurance policy that fits with your lifestlye?

Before making a decision about your insurance needs, please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement available at www.adcu.com.au. Insurance products are issued by CUMIS Insurance Society Inc. ABN 72 000 562 121 AFSL 24591 (Incorporated in the United States. The members of the Society have no liability) trading as CUNA Mutual General Insurance. Australian Defence Credit Union Limited ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL No. 237 988. Australian credit licence number 237 988.

ADCU MemberCare Insurance offers special benefits that are specifically designed for Australian Defence Personnel.

For a competitive quote call 1300 13 23 28, ask at your local branch or visit www.adcu.com.au

21PersonnelFebruary 2, 2012RCEAIR FF

Departure LoungeWho’s leaving after 20+ years’ service�

NameWGCDR Kenneth McLeodSQNLDR David St RuthWOFF Steve GellardWGCDR Stephen SeckerSGT David CharltonFSGT David StricklandWGCDR Paul ReithSQNLDR Deborah BakerWOFF Steven MarshallWGCDR Christopher HerseyFSGT Patrick HinesSQNLDR David HoltCPL Wayne ProbertsWGCDR Rowley TompsettSGT Derek WhyteCPL Kerry RobertsonSQNLDR Murray SullivanSGT Paul BrantSQNLDR Martin HuetSGT Bradley LuckeFSGT James SmithCPL Aaron Hampshire

Must/SpecAEROELECTRAEAAEROAVTECHATECHADMINOADMINOSECPOLARMMOVMEDASURFINADMINOGSEFITTCISCONACOCOOKPLTSECPOLAVTECHGHAND

Last day Dec 28Dec 30Dec 28Dec 15Dec 9Dec 11Dec 16Dec 27Dec 20Dec 4Dec 4Dec 11Dec 1Dec 31Dec 12Dec 20Dec 31Dec 18Dec 12Dec 9Dec 2Dec 4

Years43383434333332303026262525252524242222222120

AIR Force personnel have become the first in line to gain access to a new online tool to help better manage requests for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services within Defence.

Members can access the new ICT Self Service Portal, which includes the ICT Services Catalogue – where personnel can enquire about or order ICT services that they previ-ously requested via the ICT Service Desk. The

portal will become the single point of entry to all ICT services provided by the Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG).

CIOG is currently roll-ing this new service out across the Defence com-munity following the suc-cessful completion of trials of the system.

Personnel access the portal by clicking on the ‘shopping cart’ icon on their desktop or via the intranet site: https://dsdp/sm711/ess.do

New ICT portal open

CPL Nick Wiseman

RESPONSIBILITY for work-place safety will be driven back to the individual rather than just to employing organisations under sweeping new laws which came into effect on January 1.

The new Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act “harmonises” the workplace health and safe-ty laws across Australia using “model” legislation, to simplify accountability and result in great-er involvement from workers.

While the main change under the new Act is the shift of respon-sibility to the individual, Lindsay Hock f rom Defence Work Health and Safety Branch said ADF members should not only continue doing what they were doing, but seek ways in which they could contribute to a cycle of continuous improvement in safety.

“As long as ADF members continue to work safely, there is no need to worry about being held accountable,” Mr Hock said.

“It’s business as usual; if you worked in a safe manner prior to the new Act, what makes you think you aren’t now?”

The new legislation now takes into account any place an ADF member may work, such as their normal workplace, visiting work-places, home and even in the field.

With many ADF members being issued laptop computers or Blackberry communication devices, the lines between work and home are getting blurred.

Defence Legal is work-ing to determine exactly when a member could be deemed to be “at work” while at home and introduce the necessary policies to ensure the new legislation is applied.

While the WHS Act covers all Defence workplaces domestical-ly, Mr Hock said the CDF could declare exemptions for operation-al areas.

“The exemption when allowed could apply to those in war-like and non-warlike overseas ser-vice,” he said.

“The final decision would lie with the Minister for Workplace Relations.”

This exemption is not new, however, and was previously declared by CDF under the for-mer OHS Act 1991.

Although some significant changes have come into effect with the new legislation and ADF members should make them-selves aware of the new laws, they should continue as they have in previous years to contribute to a culture of health and safety in Defence.

New safety New safety rules inrules in

MORE CONNECTED: The main change under the new Workplace Health and Safety Act is to shift the responsibility on to the individual. Pictured is a technician connecting a safety harness before conducting work on a C-130J. Photo: CPL Christopher Dickson

22 February 2, 2012RCEAIR FFPersonnel

LAC Bill Solomou

AN EXCITING career oppor-tunity is available for mem-bers with an aircraft technical background to remuster to flight engineer (FLTENG).

The senior FLTENG instructor at 292SQN, WOFF Matthew Kay, says the FLTENG plays a pivotal role in the operation of the aircraft.

“The FLTENG is directly responsible to the aircraft captain. As part of their duties they perform exterior and interior checks and conduct any maintenance required,” WOFF Kay says.

“During flight, the FLTENG continuously moni-tors aircraft performance, electrical, pressurisation, fuel, engine hydraulic and flight station controls systems and indicators.”

He says the secondary duties of the FLTENG include monitoring radio commu-nications, backing up pilots on altitude assignments and watching for conflicting air traffic.

“The FLTENG is thor-oughly familiar with the oper-ation of all systems and equip-ment under their control, during normal and emergency conditions,” WOFF Kay says.

Training involves an intensive 35-week course at 292SQN, RAAF Base Edinburgh, and on gradua-tion FLTENGs will be posted to either 10SQN or 11SQN. Pre-requisites for training include completion of the SGT promotion, combat sur-vival and aviation medicine courses.

FLTENGs can expect a long career in 92WG, with the last of the AP-3C aircraft due to go out of service in 2025. This means that members applying for remuster can expect to progress through the ranks prior to the aircraft’s retirement.

Applications close on People Central on April 16.

For more information, visit People Central or contact Airman Aircrew Manager WOFF Wayne Tetley on (08) 7383 4143.

Beware of confl ictsGraham McBean

SENIOR Defence fraud and ethics ad-ministrators are calling for ADF person-nel to be aware of conflicts of interest when employing people into sensitive roles.

The areas of procurement and con-tract negotiations were identified in particular where people employed with Defence may be in conflict with sensi-tive areas such as contract renewals.

A recent issue highlighted the poten-tial problem when questions were raised about the alleged influence of a person employed in a contract renewal.

While two subsequent inquiries found there was no unethical influence, a Defence audit of ADF Reserves identi-fied the need for awareness of employ-ing people in critical areas.

Director Fraud Control Policy and Ethics Terry Riley said it was important to understand that it was not in itself wrong to have conflicts of interest and they were not uncommon.

“This is hardly surprising given the multitude of relationships and connec-tions, both private and professional, that we all have in our day-to-day lives,” Mr Riley said.

“The issue is how we go about deal-ing with them when they arise in the context of our obligations as public office holders, as they can interfere with

perceptions about a person's objectivity and independence.”

Mr Riley said while the case in point involved a reservist, the principles applied to all areas of Defence.

“This is about Defence procurement across the board where we are getting Defence people posted into areas that are engaging in tender negotiations.

“People need to be thinking about the issues as they arrive – we are not sure it is even in the back of people’s minds.”

A Defence audit of reserves pro-duced seven recommendations which included incorporating the engagement of ADF Reserves into mandatory train-ing, the new e-learning package and ADF resettlement seminars.

Mr Riley said obligation to report personal conflict of interest issues as they arose was crucial but on its own was not enough.

“It is important to recognise that sometimes individuals will not readily recognise their own personal circum-stances may give rise to a perceived con-flict of interest – sometimes these issues can be quite subtle,” he said.

“They might not be attuned to the wider implications for a particular activity as a result of their own personal circum-stances.”

More information is available from Defence Instruction (General) PERS 25-6 Conflicts of interest and declarations of interest.

Time to jump on board, all you FLTENG hopefuls

WELL TRAVELLED: As a vital member of the AP-3C crew, FLTENGs regularly deploy on Operations Slipper and Resolute. Pictured is FLTENG WOFF Peter Robjent preparing for a Resolute mission. Photo: LACW Shannon McCarthy

ADF Transition Seminar Calendar 2012

ADF Transition Seminars have been designed to assist with preparing your transition from Defence by providing information and directing you to additional sources of information.

The following topics are addressed during the seminars:

� Your Career and You� Your Money and You� Transition Support Benefi ts� Transition Support and Administration� Reserve Service� Superannuation� Health Insurance� Department of Veterans’ Affairs� Veterans and Veterans’ Family Counselling Services

To fi nd out more about the ADF Transition Seminars contact your nearest ADF Transition Centre:

http://www.defence.gov.au/transitions/index.htm

Month Date LocationMarch 6 - 7 Canberra

14 - 15 Sydney

21 - 22 Darwin

April 3 – 4 Brisbane

18 - 19 Adelaide

May 9 - 10 Darwin

15 - 16 Townsville

23 – 24 Melbourne

June 5 - 6 Perth

13 - 14 Newcastle

19 - 20 Bandiana

27 - 28 Canberra

July 3 – 4 Brisbane

10 - 11 Sydney

24 - 25 Cairns

August 7 – 8 Shoalhaven

14 - 15 Hobart

September 19 - 20 Adelaide

25 - 26 Brisbane

October 9 - 10 Melbourne

16 - 17 Canberra

23 - 24 Townsville

November 13 - 14 Darwin

20 - 21 Perth

27 - 28 LiverpoolBetter Range. Better Value.

FOLLOW US ON

23HistoryFebruary 2, 2012RCEAIR FF

NUMBER 30SQN is well on track to celebrate its 70th anniversary on March 9.

WWII Beaufighter veterans from Victoria and the NSW branch of the 30SQN associa-tion are expected to attend the celebrations, which will take place shortly after a small con-tingent of 30SQN personnel travel to Richmond to take part in the association’s Battle of the Bismarck Sea commemoration.

The battle occurred between March 2 and 4, 1943, in response to a plan by the Japanese com-mand in Rabaul to move 6900 troops in eight transport ships to Lae under the escort of eight destroyers and 100 aircraft.

30SQN CO WGCDR Sharyn Bolitho said squadron personnel were involved in the commemora-tion for the first time last year, and 30SQN would like that to become a tradition.

“This is a fitting recognition of the fighting spirit and sacri-

fices made by the Beaufighter squadron during one of its most memorable battles,” WGCDR Bolitho said.

“The squadron is committed to preserving its history and herit-age, and we are slowly building up our knowledge base.

“We now have a full collection of unit history from 1942 to 1968 but we would love to hear from anyone that can assist us to know more about 30SQN’s past.

“The association is able to provide us with a lot of informa-tion about the WWII era, and we have a number of past squadron members now on our lists from that period but we have no con-tacts with personnel from the target towing or the Bloodhound era.”

Anyone who can assist with 30SQN historical information or who is interested in the 70th anniversary should contact WGCDR Bolitho at [email protected]

Andrew Stackpool

A MISSING link from 30SQN’s history was restored in Decem-ber when the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) gave the squadron a Bloodhound surface-to-air mis-sile (SAM).

The squadron operated the Bloodhound between January 1961 and November 1968 as part of the Sydney/Newcastle/Wollongong Air Defence System and, in 1965, also in Darwin as part of the upgrade of the country’s northern defences.

CO 30SQN WGCDR Sharyn Bolitho said after 30SQN re-formed at RAAF Base East Sale on July 1, 2010, its personnel had tried to capture as much of its history as possible.

“We have forged great links with the NSW Branch of the 30SQN Association [primarily focused on the squadron’s WWII days when it flew Beaufighters] and have the original squadron’s honour board, list-ing the battle honours and COs dating from 1942,” WGCDR Bolitho said. “However, we had no links to the surface-to-air missile period and little information on the period.”

In its attempts to correct the discrepancy, the squadron discovered that there were only five of the British-designed SAMs still on display in Australia. Four were at RAAF Bases Williamtown (the squad-ron’s home during the period) and Darwin, and the RAAF Museum at Point Cook.

Air Force had presented the fifth missile to DSTO, which in turn had displayed it at its Scottsdale facility since 1972.

The squadron discovered that Scottsdale was scheduled for some redevelopment works and also that the missile was in some need of refurbishment.

“Our inquiries resulted in DSTO agreeing to gift it back to us so that we could display it at East Sale,” WGCDR Bolitho said.

30SQN asked the Director of Air Force Heritage at Air Force Headquarters to have the acquisition approved by the Management of Static Display Aircraft Committee, as part of the program of Air Force heritage activities.

As a result, a small 30SQN team travelled to Tasmania in mid-December to collect the Bloodhound.

Noel Cleal and Anna Morris from the squadron’s Mechanical Equipment Operational Maintenance Squadron (MEOMS) took a truck over by ship while WGCDR Bolitho and WOFF Mike Krcevinac went earlier to meet with DSTO’s personnel.

WGCDR Bolitho said that some initial clean-up work was being carried out to bring the SAM to dis-play condition for 30SQN’s 70th anniversary celebra-tions on March 9. Full restoration will then be under-taken with the assistance of the museum.

“Once fully restored, the Bristol Bloodhound Mark 1 missile will take pride and place in front of the headquarters of No. 30 (City of Sale) Squadron at RAAF Base East Sale,” WGCDR Bolitho said.

The Bloodhound trail30SQN prepares to mark its 70th year

PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM: Above, WOFF Mike Krcevenic, right, with Jenni Wilson, of DSTO Scottsdale, and the Bloodhound missile in Tasmania.

PROUD HERITAGE: Right, a Beaufighter in flight. Photo courtesy RAAF Museum

Toll Transitions and Legacy thank you for your support

Toll Transitions: Freecall 1800 819 167 www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

Since 1 July 2011, Toll Transitions has donated $1 to Legacy for every online AFR submission. With 80% of AFRs being completed online this peak posting cycle, the initial target of 10,000 online submissions was achieved on 23 November, translating to a $10,000 donation to Legacy.

Toll Transitions’ website, now with improved access and performance via multiple internet browsers, handled the increased usage with ease.

Toll Transitions is now donating $5 for each online AFR Submission. This will continue for AFRs lodged online up to June 2012, or until a total of 12,000 AFRs have been submitted online. Your continued support is appreciated by Toll and Legacy as we seek to double the donation.

On Monday 28th November Toll Transitions presented a cheque for $10,000 to Legacy at Legacy House, Melbourne. Gary Hutchinson, Toll Transitions Divisional General Manager, had the honour of presenting the cheque to Charles Wright, Chairman of Legacy.

Lodgement of Notices can now be done online by logging on to our homepage at www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

Lodge your Notice with Toll Transitions as soon as possible after discovery of any loss or damage

If you need assistance with lodging your notice or if an essential item is lost or damaged please call Toll Transitions immediately on 1800 819 167

Toll Transitions will provide regular updates on the progress of your notice.

Whilst most furniture and effects are covered, the following items are specifically excluded

Vehicles and towables being freighted – check with your insurer to see if they are covered while in transit

Cash, jewellery, personal papers, stamp and photo albums

Opened bottles or containers, e.g. wine or liquor

Refer to pages 14-25 and page 30 of Your Defence Relocation Guide for full details.

Remember: Defence policy is to repair or replace that item with a similar item. It is not a new for old replacement. If it is not practical to repair or replace the lost or damaged item then compensation will be paid, taking into account the age, style, condition and current value (not cost) of the item.

Toll Transitions introduces online warranty managementFebruary is a busy time for relocating and recently relocated members and their families. Here is some helpful information should you need to lodge a Notice of Loss or Damage.

*Terms and Conditions apply.

** Valet Unpack Service includes: Furniture arranged in each room, beds made, goods unpacked and put away in cupboards, bench tops wiped down, cartons fully emptied and collapsed ready for collection by removalist.

Enter your AFR online today to help us increase our donation to Legacy and for your chance to win.

*Terms and Conditions apply.

$15,000

GOAL$20,000

COMPLETE YOUR AFR ONLINE! Help us raise vital funds for Legacy

www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

From 1 July, Toll Transitions will donate $1 to Legacy for each Application For Relocation (AFR) entered online via Toll Transitions’ website. Our aim is to raise more than $10,000 in the coming peak posting period.

In addition to helping Legacy, you will also go into a monthly draw* for a Valet Unpack Service.**

CHANGEAHEAD

Work Health and Safety

‘Harmonised’ Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws became effective on 01 Jan 12. The new laws contain explicit requirements including:

employers and workers with respect to WHS

RAAFSafe, the Air Force Safety Management System facilitates Air Force’s compliance with WHS law. RAAFSafe requirements are promulgated in the new Air Force Safety Manual.

Remember … IT’S THE LAW

See AAP 6730.001—Air Force Safety Manual for more information.

Shed the holiday cheerLighten up, the holiday’s over. CPL Melanie Schinkel tells you how to get back on track.

IT’S an all too common tale. All year we eat well, manage a regu-lar fitness regime and then it’s Christmas, New Year and holiday

time and all our healthy habits soar out the window.

Before we know it we’re back at work and we’re still carrying the extra kilos as a result of overindulging.

Exercise, of course, was out of the question during December/January. We were far too busy relaxing and socialising with family and friends to fit that into our schedules.

Regrettably reality’s bite hurts when we get back to work and wonder how we managed to stack on 5kg in a matter of weeks.

Fortunately, practising dietitian Tiffany Peddle of the Duntroon Health Centre has some simple and safe tips to help us get back on track.

Ms Peddle said weight gained dur-ing the holiday season was caused by increased energy intake (from food) and less energy expenditure (less physical activity).

“Any excess energy from food, measured in kilojoules or calories, is stored as body fat and reflected as increased body weight,” Ms Peddle said.

“Preventing weight gain is the key because it’s far easier to gain weight than lose it. Remember, it’s what you

do most of the time, not some of the time that counts.”

She said the most successful and sustainable way to lose weight was through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

“Weight loss of up to 1kg per week is recommended for long-term weight loss success. Quick fix or fad diets are not sustainable and weight gain is inevitable once normal eating resumes.

“Easter is usually the next blow out holiday after Christmas, so I recom-mend three simple strategies to bal-ance your energy intake and expendi-ture – plan ahead, monitor your food intake and implement portion control.”

PlanningPlan ahead for regular meals and

snacks every day and aim for set meal times including three main meals and up to three snacks depending on your hunger level. Avoid skipping meals and spontaneous snacking.

Never go out without a plan. Set boundaries or rules as to what you will eat and drink. For example, limit your alcohol intake, share your des-sert, choose an entrée meal instead of a main and order it with salad or veg-etables, not chips. If you’re travelling for work or holidays, don’t rely on fast food. Be self-reliant, where possible, by packing healthy snacks and drinks.

Keep a diaryTo increase awareness of your eat-

ing habits, keep a daily food diary. This will help you identify areas you need to work on.

There are a number of programs, websites and apps, such as My Fitness Pal, that can assist in tracking your intake. Non-hungry eating is a common factor in weight gain and often a result

of boredom, stress or cravings. Once you identify the problems you can develop strategies to overcome them.

Portion controlConsume a balance of the five food

groups to ensure you don’t miss out on nutrients that are vital to good health. Extras such as alcohol and foods that are high in fat or sugary need to be

limited in your meal plan because they provide little nutritional value but are very high in energy.

For more information on recommended daily servings refer to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating at http://www.healthyactive.gov.au/internet/healthyactive/publishing.nsf/Content/recommended-daily-servings.

IS THAT ON THE LIST?: Keeping a food diary will help you work out what’s naughty and what’s nice. Photo: LS Paul Berry

d

• Be mindful of your meal and snack por-tions

• Avoid seconds• Listen to your

hunger and satiety cues.

• Eat until you’re satisfied – never overeat.

Good portion sizes for lunch or dinner are:• half a plate of veg-

etables or salad• quarter of a plate

of lean protein such as red meat, chicken, seafood or eggs

• quarter of a plate of carbohydrates such as rice, pasta or potato.

EATING TIPS

25HealthFebruary 2, 2012RCEAIR FF

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10 & 17 March 2012Army Recruit Training Centre – Kapooka, NSW

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AIR FORCEAIR FORCE

26 February 2, 2012RCEAIR FSp rt

TO ENHANCE their free falling skills, a small contingent of Air Force sports skydivers attended the Austral-ian Defence Parachuting Association’s (ADPA) five-day parachuting skills camp in Picton, NSW from December 19.

Representing both the ADF and APS, 76 parachutists from across Australia took part. Air Force’s partic-ipants contributed significantly to the coaching and mentoring of ADPA’s new members.

WOFF Shaunn Segon, of 285SQN, said he had attended every Military Nationals competition since 1989.

“It was great to see so many new members involved in the sport, espe-cially those training to improve their formation skydiving relative work and canopy piloting,” WOFF Segon said.

During the skills camp, FLTLT Barry Calver, of Explosive Ordnance Division, assisted with coaching four-way formation skydiving teams and training members to obtain their B licence.

“I definitely saw a lot of potential talent for four-way and two-way sky-diving teams. The ADPA camp was a good opportunity for the participants to demonstrate their various skills and experience,” FLTLT Calver said.

“More opportunities for the ADPA members to consolidate the skills they learned on the camp would be ben-eficial. Further training and sched-uled activities would also help them to maintain their currency and profi-ciency standards for the next ADPA camp this year.”

One of the camp’s top parachut-ing coaches, Cameron Jarrett, said the ADPA skills camp was a great success with no injuries or safety incidents.

“It was an absolute pleasure to coach the Australian Defence mem-bers. Their disciplined approach to learning and dedication to safety awareness and improving their canopy skills was excellent,” Mr Jarrett said.

OC of Kapooka’s Adventurous Training Wing, MAJ Rebecca Lacey, said the ADPA committee was always on the lookout for new

members and that a number of spe-cific skills camps would be run in the near future to prepare individu-als and teams for national and inter-national competitions.

“It’s fantastic to see this sport hav-ing such a positive influence on so many Defence members,” MAJ Lacey said.

If you would like to join ADPA or would like information about Sports Parachuting, email [email protected]

BOTTOMS UP, HEADS DOWN: The fi rst person to ring us to tell us we’ve run this photo upside down will NOT GET A PRIZE. OK? Believe it or not, it’s the right way up. It shows FLGOFF Aaron Nuttall, right, of OTS, RAAF East Sale, with Mason Corby who was assisting in coaching at the camp. They are practising head down free fl y.

Honing Honing skillsskillsand and thrillsthrills

CPL Max Bree

FOUR of Air Force’s best water polo players have been selected for the ADF side following the inter-service champi-onships at Randwick Barracks from No-vember 28 to December 2.

FLGOFF Emma Polkinghorne, FLGOFF Carrie Fettes, FLTLT Selina Bruce and AC Daniel Davoren will head to the Gold Coast in May to repre-sent the ADF at the Australian Country Championships.

The selections came after a hard-fought inter-service comp, where the ACT Women’s team downed South East Queensland in the final.

Both sides went nearly goal for goal in the first three quarters with ACT

starting the fourth with a narrow 10-9 lead.

A quick goal to South East Queensland in the opening minutes lev-elled the scores but ACT hit back, scor-ing four unanswered points to finish the game 14-10.

In the men’s competition, the NSW team demolished the opposition with a 23-3 victory against South East Queensland.

The Queenslanders struggled for traction as a talented NSW team ran riot.

The next ADF Water polo Championships are being held in Darwin in December. For more information about ADF Water polo, visit www.adfwaterpolo.asn.au

Our awesome water polo four

MAKING A SPLASH: AC Daniel Davoren (front) jostles for the ball with LEUT Tor Sorensen at the ADF water polo titles.

Photo: David Eason

27February 2, 2012RCEAIR F Sp rt

From Back Page

For the record, the hole is about 140 metres downhill and WOFF King was confronted with a slight cross-headwind. He hit a five-iron and it landed left of the pin, bounced once or twice then rolled in.

“I think my playing partners were more excited than I was – they did all the yelling and jump-ing around while I just dropped my club and stared open-mouthed for a while,” WOFF King said.

“Meanwhile the players on the 15th green and the 17th tee were also cheering and carrying on from the noise of my partners.”

Things went a bit downhill from there though.

“The next two holes went double, double, and the rest of the week was also a bit average, but

I guess they can’t take the ace off me, eh?”

The tournament finished better for FLTLT Daryl Bell who won the seniors championship. WOFF Kent Scott won the seniors net title.

FLTLT Bell only recalls miss-ing two ADF championships (2008, shoulder operation) and 2010 (work commitments) since contesting the first annual championships at St Michael’s Golf Club in NSW in 1985.

The winner of the Air Force title that first year was FSGT Keith Wheeler who was on-hand again to present the Air Force trophy to SGT Smylie.

It renewed an old acquaintance.They were both involved in inter-

service golf in 2010 – which was a comeback year for SGT Smylie.

He had not played for four or

five years but became inspired again when he and his wife Angela bought a house in an estate with its own golf course.

When he looks out of his kitchen window now, the golf course is a very short iron away.

And the whole family has the bug: him, Angela, and sons Blake, 15 (who is already on a handicap of eight) and Jordan, 10.

The touring party for New Zealand was selected from players’ performance at the ADF titles and also on past performance in com-bined services matches.The team is: FLTLT Sam Harkiss (ISG Canberra), SGT Rod Smylie (81WG, RAAF Base Williamtown), CPL Brendan Creek (37SQN, RAAF Base Richmond), LEUT Matt Klohs, CPO Ray Macey, PO Rohan Halliday, WO2 Graham Parker, WO2 Nick Jago (touring captain), CPL Trent Fortescue and APS Canberra player Simon Downs. Team manager: WGCDR Trevor Owens (23SQN, RAAF Base Amberley).

Kiwis, here we come: golfers make a mark

WITH an eye on the ADF title at the Combined Australian Services Rugby League (CASRL) carnival in March, Air Force players are gear-ing up for a bumper year.

The Air Force team finished last year on a high, with a depleted team beating the South Australian Rugby League team 20-12 in October.

This year’s action starts at RAAF Base Williamtown from March from 2-4 with the Air Force inter-service trials.

Players will undergo an inten-sive training program in prepara-tion for the Paul Mason Memorial Challenge game which will be held at Tomaree Sporting Complex, Nelson Bay on March 4.

The best avai lable play-ers from that game will then be selected in the Air Force national side which will continue training at Williamtown in preparation for the CASRL carnival, which will also be played at Tomaree Sporting Complex from March 11 to 18.

Going on recent form, Air Force coach SGT Geoff Britton anticipates a strong showing from the national team at the CASRL carnival this year.

Hooker CPL Keiron Staub, sec-ond-rower LAC Jeff Moate, half-back LAC Pete Adam, winger AC Carlos Partland, team captain CPL Ben Johns and CPL Jim Galbraith all figured prominently against South Australia.

Air Force will be in action on day one.

The draw is: Navy v Air Force (Sunday, March 11, kick-off at 3pm), Army v Air Force (Wednesday, March 14 at 5.30pm) and Navy v Army (Friday, March 16 at 3pm).

The CASRL team will be selected from the three service national teams and will play an exhibition game against the Port Stephens Sharks on Sunday, March 18.

Several of the Air Force players are expected to force their way into the CASRL team.

For information about the Air Force trials and the ADF carnival, contact: SGT Geoff Britton, (08) 7383 6324, [email protected]; CPL Aiden Burke, (02) 4034 5245, [email protected] or WGCDR David Lindsay, [email protected]

League quest begins

Sharon Palmer

LAC Matthew Stokes has already played a part in the Australian team’s bid for supremacy at the London Olympics later this year by securing Australia its second quota for the trap shooting event.

Last time we caught up with LAC Stokes he was sitting in equal third in the Australian rankings with Michael McNabb, behind Olympic medallists Michael Diamond and Adam Vella, and was about to compete in the Australian Cup in Brisbane last July.

After “not going very well” at that event, LAC Stokes blew his competition away at the Oceania Championships in late November to not only finish in second place behind Fijian Glenn Kable, but secure Australia its second quota for the London Olympics.

“There were three of us in the A team,” LAC Stokes said. “Adam Vella, Danny De Pietro and myself.

“I fired a personal best to finish equal first at the end of the rounds and had to shoot off against Kable for first, but we needed to finish in the top two to secure the quota so I had already done that which was great for the team.”

LAC Stokes shot 49 from 50 targets on the open-ing day of competition and had a three-target lead heading into the final on a score of 119. In the 25 shot single barrel final Kable scored a credible 22, while LAC Stokes also performed well to record a 19 to send the event in a shoot-off after the pair tied on 138. Unfortunately LAC Stokes missed on his first target.

“I was really happy with my form and to finish best overall was a bonus,” LAC Stokes said.

“I had done a lot of training and had a good week-end. Everything just seemed to fall into place.”

LAC Stokes now has a nervous wait until April when the final two are selected to compete in London but the team was happy they had secured the second quota.

“The quota basically means a spot in the Olympics,” LAC Stokes said.

“All countries start with no spots and can win a maximum of two. Michael Diamond won one earlier in the year at the World Cup and I won the other one.

“It all comes down to selection now.”

TOWARDS VICTORY: FSGT Gillian Rutledge shoots for goal for Queensland in the women’s final.

Photo: LEUT Peter Bounty

Dual joy for Queensland basketballers

Olympic victoryNow it gets personal for our trap shooter

SIGHTS SET ON LONDON: Trap shooter LAC Matthew Stokes. Photo: LACW Nicci Freeman

LEUT Peter Bounty

QUEENSLAND’S men’s and women’s teams won their respec-tive titles at the 29th Defence na-tional basketball championships.

T h e g a m e s w e re h e l d late last year at RAAF Base Williamtown.

In the men’s competition, NSW dominated in the quali-

fying games but encountered a fired-up Queensland team in the final.

The lead changed several times and scores were level with 10 seconds to go before PTE Emmanuel Jacobs hit the win-ning bucket for Queensland.

In the women’s competition, ACT/Wagga, South Australia and Queensland all finished the preliminary games with one loss

each, but South Australia and Queensland progressed to the final after percentage calcula-tions.

The Queenslanders recov-ered from a 16-point deficit to draw level at the end of the third quarter and then went on to win by four points.

For more information, visit www.adba.basketball.net.au

DMO DMO MILITARY RESERVESexciting opportunities Australia wide!

LEAD TWICE THE LIFE

Exciting opportunities are available for Military Reservists in the following trades/ specialisations: » Project Managment » Logistics » Finance » Administration » Technical Trades » Engineering (mechanical & electrical) » Aircrew

DEFENCE MATERIEL ORGANISATION | www.dmojobs.gov.au or call 1800 DMO JOBS (1800 366 562)

SP February 2, 2012

RT

HOLEWARD BOUND: FLTLT Sam Harkiss chips on to the 10th green.

Photos: LAC Bill Solomou

February 2, 2012F

Kiwis,Kiwis,here we here we comecome

John Martin

WHEN SGT Rod Smylie joins an ADF team on an expected tour in New Zealand in April, it will not be his first outing on a golf course overseas.

Although he has not been to the Land of the Long White Bunkers before, in the past two years he has taken advantage of R&R on a number of his deployments.

Thus, he can count games in Las Vegas, Thailand and Hawaii among his credits.

In December, SGT Smylie, of 81WG, became the Air Force singles champion and finished in the top 10 from 136 players who competed in the ADF championships at Federal Golf Club in Canberra.

“I was pretty happy with my result,” SGT Smylie said.

“I enjoyed the week staying with my mates in Kingston.”

Army’s CPL Trent Fortescue won the ADF title but Air Force players made a big impact.

The New Zealand tour is not locked and loaded yet.

The ADF Golf Association (ADFGA)has received an invitation to compete in the New Zealand Defence Force Inter-service Golf Series in the Manawatu Region from April 21 to 29.

But ADFGA tournament director WGCDR Trevor Owens is still work-ing through the funding and approval process.

If everything goes to plan, join-ing SGT Smylie on the tour will be FLTLT Sam Harkiss and CPL Brendan Creek who finished locked three strokes behind him at the titles in Canberra.

WOFF John King got the ball rolling, literally, on day one when

he scored a hole in one on the 16th hole. It was only the third hole in one in the event’s 27-year history.

And it was WOFF King’s first in 34 years of playing golf.

“Not very impressive when you consider that you are aiming for that hole on every par three every time,” WOFF King said. “That’s an awful lot of attempts before finally bagging it.”

Continued

Leaving a stamp on ADF golf titles

LOOK AT THAT: Above, CPL Brendan Creek follows his putt.

ALL SMILES: Left, SGT Rod Smylie looks well satisified with this shot.

Locking on to an Olympic

berth

Page 27

WITH OPEN ARMSMoving towards a more flexible Air Force

AS AIR Force’s tradi-tional recruiting demo-graphic of 17-year-old males drastically shrinks over the next

few decades, Air Force’s ability to be an employer of choice will depend to a large extent on its ability to meet the needs of a diverse workforce.

Workers in both civil and defence employment are demanding greater workplace flexibility, and organisations which offer this flexibility will have the luxury of employ-ing and retaining the best and brightest workers.

The Deputy Director of Workforce Diversity for Air Force, WGCDR Dee Gibbon, said many civilian industries and corporations, from airlines and manufacturers, to mining sites to banks, were already offering their workers a wide range of flexible employment options.

“It comes as no surprise that these ‘flexible’ organisations enjoy far higher rates of employ-ee retention than those organi-sations that aren’t,” WGCDR Gibbon said.

“Some organisations are becoming completely virtual, with no actual ‘head office’ and with workers distributed all over the globe.”

The Deputy Director of Flexible Employment and Remuneration, WGCDR Sally Dorsett, said an ageing popula-tion and fewer younger workers meant that all organisations needed to work out ways of enticing older workers to stay in the workplace for longer.

“Organisations which find creative ways to retain their older workers in a flexible man-ner will be far healthier over future years than organisations that fail to adapt to the chang-ing demography of Australia,” WGCDR Dorsett said.

“Air Force personnel already work far more flexibly than workers in other industries, but there will need to be more flex-ible employment options in the future.”

She said offering greater flexibility options could benefit both the member and the work-place.

“It enables both parents to share carer responsibilities and can reduce the financial impact of childcare on families,” she said. “Students, elite athletes, members with ailing family members, members with family in another locations, etc., may also appreciate greater flex-ibly to enable them to attend to other commitments. Rather than reducing capability, if applied constructively, the systemic application of flexible work-ing arrangements can actually increase workplace productivity and result in a more balanced workforce.”

A C-130H from 37SQN played a vital role when it joined three American C-130s to insert 80 personnel from 2 Commando Regiment into the waters of Shoalwater Bay. The commandos landed on the beach and overran an enemy platoon. This drew the enemy force, which was also destroyed, enabling a US combat team to capture the airfield.

FLEXIBLE EMPLOYMENT GUIDERCEAIR FF February 2, 2012 1

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SPECIAL FOUR-PAGE LIFT-OUT

To most people, working flexibly equals working part-time. However, flexible employment encompasses much more than just Part-Time Leave Without Pay. It also includes working from home, working varied hours, job-sharing, working a compressed work week or working non-standard work days. Essentially, working flexibly is working anything other than the standard unit working routine, Monday to

Friday in the workplace. This means that if you vary your hours to start and finish late or start and finish early for school drop-offs/pick-ups, have a work week of Sunday to Thursday to have an extra day at home with the kids or run your business, work from home one day a week or work longer hours during the week to knock off early on a Friday or have Friday off altogether – you are indeed working flexibly.

It’s not just for members wanting to work part-time

INSIDE: Information on working flexibly for commanders, their members and families

FAMILY FRIENDLY: WGCDR Dee Gibbon drops her daughter Maya at school. WGCDR Gibbon works flexibly by varying her working hours to enable two school drop-offs and pick-ups a week. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

What Air Force is doing to improve workplace flexibility

Options open to work flexibly

FLEXIBLE EMPLOYMENT GUIDERCEAIR FF 32 February 2, 2012

STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTIONWITH the support of CDF and CAF, Air Force is working hard to provide greater options for the application of flexible employment.

Under the leadership of Director General Personnel-Air Force AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers, two areas within the branch are working on coor-dinating flexible employment from a tactical and operational level and implementing more strategic interven-tions for flexible employment. Some initiatives under development/consid-eration include:� Promoting flexible employment

across Air Force through various forums.

� Developing tools, templates and samples to assist members when developing their applications for flexible employment.

� Developing a ‘Commanders Guide to Flexible Employment’ that can be used by commanders and super-visors to assess their staff’s flexible employment options, and imple-ment strategic solutions across their workplaces.

� Providing guaranteed long-term tenured ‘contracts’ for reservist staff that may make the option of join-ing the reserves more attractive to civilian staff, as well as encourag-ing higher numbers of PAF staff to transfer across to the reserves.

� Educating commanders and super-visors about the numerous benefits of flexible employment through training courses, leadership courses and other communications forums.

� Surveying the Air Force population to ascertain the genuine desire for flexible employment, and compar-ing these results with its actual application to identify if there is a disconnect.

� Providing advice and local con-sultancy services to commanders, supervisors and members through locally established Flexibility and Diversity Officers in each major Air Force location.

� Examining models for Part-Time Leave Without Pay that might be more appropriate for certain types of workers than the current ‘days per week’ model of part time employment.

� Developing clear guides and OHS guidelines for home-based work.

WHILE advantageous to individual mem-bers, Part-Time Leave Without Pay has its own limitations – especially in already stretched workplaces with a high opera-tional tempo.

DGPERS-AF AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers said many supervisors simply could not afford to have key staff members operat-ing at reduced capacity, and found them-selves in the unenviable position of hav-ing to choose between affording oppor-tunities for part-time work or achieving their mission.

AIRCDRE Rodgers views job-sharing, either between two PAF members (posted against the same position), a PAF and reserve member, a PAF and APS member, or two reservists, as one possible solution to the part-time conundrum for command-ers.

“Job-sharing enables commanders to fully meet their task requirements, while still affording individuals the flexibility they need to accommodate other commit-ments,” AIRCDRE Rodgers said.

The Deputy Director of Flexible Employment and Remuneration, WGCDR Sally Dorsett, said the PAF/reserve job-share model was an excellent initiative

for Air Force. “It provides real-time work opportunities for reservists and improves commanders’ capacity to implement flex-ibility in their workplace,” she said.

“In a mature system, greater use of job-sharing will also create more oppor-tunities for PAF members to transition directly into meaningful part-time reserve work, at times when they need greater locational stability than PAF employment allows.”

Director Personnel-Air Force GPCAPT Andrew Elfverson said Air Force’s ability to further implement inno-vative flexible work practices had been constrained by traditional workforce mod-elling practices.

“Air Force is actively looking to build an improved workforce funding and establishment model that factors in the many complexities of modern service requirements,” GPCAPT Elfverson said.

Commanders should consider the feasibility of accessing additional reserve support to supplement their PAF work-force, especially in cases where PAF members are working on a part-time or flexible employment basis.

THE Deputy Director of Flexible Employment and Remuneration (DFE&R) not only talks the talk, but walks the walk within her own working environment.

“We practise what we preach,” said WGCDR Sally Dorsett, whose role is to implement flexible employment for Air Force.

While it is acknowledged that working in an office environment in a staff position in Canberra may lend itself easier to the flexible employment model, DFE&R represents the full range of flexible working practices.

“Out of my 24 military staff, I have members on permanent, full-time, part-time leave without pay, com-pressed working hours, staff working remotely on units, at home and over-seas,” WGCDR Dorsett said.

“Furthermore, nearly 50 per cent of

my staff are reserve members who have variable working commitments.

“Managing such a diverse staff has its own challenges and can, at times, require an increase in efforts to sustain regular communication with staff who all work variable hours, particularly across different time zones.”

The benefits of having a happy, dedicated and appreciative staff totally outweighed the additional time spent in managing flexibly.

“I insist on regular meetings, even though not all can always attend. We take time to communicate any messages to everyone whether by a face-to-face meeting, through a team-building activ-ity or a Skype call to overseas.

“In return I get a motivated work-force with high output; I am flexible with them and they are very flexible with me.”

BEFORE seeking approval of a flex-ible working arrangement, members need to understand that there is a cost to commanders and supervi-sors responsible for approving flex-ible employment, especially Part-Time Leave Without Pay.

While most supervisors would like to do the right thing by their staff, they must also meet their capabil-ity requirements. Some supervisors simply may not be able to provide a flexible employment option to key staff without significantly compromis-ing the team’s output.

Aim for flexibility, without reducing output.

Members who request flexibility, without reducing their weekly out-put are far more likely to have their applications for flexible employment approved. The challenge for mem-bers is realistically appraising what’s required in terms of an individual’s personal circumstances and trying to negotiate a flexible employment solution that meets both an indi-vidual’s needs and the demands of the workplace.

A job-sharing solution, perhaps with a reservist or another PAF member, is one way to achieve full output. Another option might be to offer to work a weekend day in lieu of a day during the week.

Variable work hours (later or ear-

lier starts and finishes) might also help an individual’s personal circum-stances without reducing their actual work time. Working from home is another feasible way of attaining flexibility without reducing output.

There are many options – find the one that works best for you and your workplace. Identify the benefits and explain these to commanders/supervisors

Applications for flexible employ-ment are likely to be viewed more positively if commanders/supervi-sors can see tangible work-related benefits stemming from the arrange-ment. The efforts an applicant takes to identify the positives and benefits, and outlining those in their applica-tion, would have merit. A flexible employment trial arrangement

Supervisors who are wary of the concept of flexible employment may need some further convincing. Offering a trial period, with a clear option for supervisors to end the trial at any stage (if they are unhappy with the arrangement), may be one way of actively demonstrating the positive benefits a flexible employ-ment arrangement can provide. If the trial proves successful, most supervisors should be more willing to enter into a longer term arrange-

ment (noting that policy dictates they have the option to terminate the arrangement at any time in future if required). Exploring systemic options in the workplace

If a number of members in a workplace seek flexible employment, it may be worthwhile examining more systemic models that could benefit the whole team. Staggered starts, rotating rosters, seven-day weekly work cycle, compressed working hours etc. are being applied in many Air Force work places, in both operational and non-operational contexts. Gain the support of your team members and immediate supervisors

One of a supervisor’s greatest concerns when approving any form of flexible employment is the impact that the new arrangement might have on other members of the work-place. One of the most important considerations when seeking flexible employment is the team’s willing-ness to support an individual’s flex-ible employment.

Before submitting an applica-tion, members should discuss their proposed arrangements with both their supervisor and those staff most likely to be impacted by a flexible employment arrangement, address

their concerns and perhaps even negotiate some form of ‘compensa-tion’ if their workload is likely to be impacted. Steps from here

The Directorate of Workforce Diversity in DGPERS-AF has developed a sample of a template that may be helpful to members when applying for flexible employ-ment and listed the many con-siderations that should form part of their convincing argument to a supervisor. The template is avail-able at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/DPAF/comweb.asp?page=1230494&Title=FWA%20Information

Members should endeavour to ensure that applications for flex-ible employment provide enough documented evidence to provide a compelling and convincing case that allays any concerns supervisors may have. Increase your chances

To maximise the chance of having an application for flexible employment approved, there are some actions members can take to help make supervisors’ decisions much easier. There is more detail about these tips, templates and helpful tools on the Air Force intranet webpage under DP-AF/Flexible Employment.

Job-sharing a possible solution for part-timers

Practising what they preach

Finding the win-win situation through negotiation

REMOTE ACCESS: Using Skype, WGCDR Sally Dorsett talks with staff member FLTLT Sam McAleese. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

DIAGNOSIS: Flexible employment options may suit medical personnel who work shifts, where they are able to job-share with other members or work days to suit their requirements. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

ON THE RADAR: Members interested in working flexibly should identify the work-related benefits to their commanders when applying. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

MOVING FORWARD: Air Force is working hard to deliver outcomes that will result in a greater application of flexible employment across the organisation. Flexible employment includes options to work from home, work varied hours, job-share, work a compressed work week or work non-standard work days. Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy

RESEARCH shows that a large number of Air Force members would like to request more flexible working arrangements, but are reluctant to do so, according to the Deputy Director of Workforce Diversity, WGCDR Dee Gibbon.

She said members feared reprisals from supervisors and colleagues, and worried that they would be “letting down the team” by seeking a flexible working arrange-ment.

“This is especially true of men, who face additional cultural pressures to work a standard working week,” WGCDR Gibbon said. “Anecdotal feedback suggests that while supervisors may be willing to offer flexible arrangements to the women in their workplaces, there is the perception that similar requests from men may be treated less favourably.”

Commanders have a wide range of flexible employ-ment options that might be used to implement greater flexibility in their workplaces, including:

Job-sharingWhere a member seeks to work a reduced number of

days in a week. Commanders can investigate the oppor-tunity of employing a similarly qualified reservist, APS member, or another PAF member to make up a full week of work. One of the greatest benefits of job-sharing is that even if one member is absent at least half of the job still gets done.

Seven-day weekly work cycleSome members may find it financially beneficial to

work a Saturday or Sunday, instead of a normal weekday. Examples might be students who want to elect subjects that are only offered during the week, athletes who have formal coaching commitments on weekdays, or families with children who have childcare options on weekends.

Staggered start and finish timesThe systemic application of staggered start and finish

times affords members far greater flexibility to adhere to other non-work commitments. This may be especially helpful to families with school age children. Staggered start and finish times may also be used in conjunction with home-based work, where members might log on and work from home for a part of the day and attend the workplace for another part.

Compressed working hoursThis model entails members working for longer hours

on fewer days of a weekly cycle. For example, a member might work from 6am-4pm four days a week, to allow them to have one day off a week.

Temporary home-based workHome-based work is where members work from

home for an allocated period each week. Obviously, not all jobs suit home-based work, but much office-based or computer-based jobs can be done remotely, especially if the member has access to Dreams tokens.

FAMILY FLEX: CPL Mark Bubear uses flexible employment to drop off and collect his children from childcare. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

FLEXIBLE EMPLOYMENT GUIDERCEAIR FF February 2, 2012 4

AIR Force has developed a strong attendance culture and, understand-ably, some personnel may be suspi-cious of any work that might be performed outside the watchful gaze of direct supervisors.

Members working from home have reported that they face numer-ous negative comments about their arrangements, from their peers, supervisors and subordinates, which suggests that there is much work to be done in changing perceptions of home-based work.

This article should assist mem-bers and supervisors to manage these negative perceptions, which will hopefully result in home-based work being viewed more favourably.

For supervisorsWhile most members are

extremely grateful for the privilege of being able to work flexibly and therefore work additionally hard at home to prove they are fulfilling their work requirements, others may take advantage of the situation. If a high-trust relationship with a mem-ber seeking home-based work does not exist, there are some measures that need to be taken, to provide assurances that members are fulfill-ing their part of the deal.

� For members who have ‘hands on’ workplace tasks, such as technical work or customer-based tasking, supervisors could consid-er designing jobs that are suitable for home-based work – perhaps projects or administrative aspects of the work.

� Members could be required to keep a work-from-home diary, detailing the times that they worked and the exact tasking they performed at the time. This is important for occupational health and safety (OHS) purposes too.

� Members could send an email when they are logging on and off, so that times of availability for tasking via phone and email could be known by supervisors and col-leagues.

� Ensuring staff meet the OHS requirements of the home-based work in accordance with

A successful recipe for one of the most popular flexible employment options

Taking Taking work work homehome

DI(G) PERS 49-4 Flexible work arrangement for members of the Australian Defence Force. DGPERS-AF is working on improving this aspect of home-based work by providing greater guidance and tools for command-ers and their staff.

� Asking staff to copy their supervi-sor in on any emails sent during home-work periods.

� Providing very clear tasking and finish deadlines for home-based tasks. This is especially important if members are performing project based tasks that fall outside their normal daily duties.

� Offering a trial, with the clear understanding that a supervisor can suspend the arrangement at any time if it is felt that the work is not being done as required or to required standards.

� Explaining the arrangements to the other members of your staff, to ensure that they understand the absent member is actually work-ing while they are home. This may also remove some of the resentment from other workers.

� Ensuring that the member’s absence does not impact nega-tively on the workloads of other members. If it does, arranging some form of compensation for members who may be adversely affected could be an option.

� Sending staff the strong message that the supervisor is supportive of flexible working arrangements and explaining the strategic ben-efits to Air Force.

For membersWorking from home is a privi-

lege, not a right. Members who abuse their supervisor’s trust are like-

ly to have a negative impact on flex-ible arrangements across Air Force. In entering into a home-based work arrangement, members have a moral and ethical obligation to perform the work that they are being paid to do. The aim should be to build a rela-tionship of trust with supervisors, so that they are more likely to approve home-based work for the individual and others in the future.

Here are some helpful tips to make home-based work more suc-cessful.

� When applying, clearly outline the measures you will put into place to provide guarantees of your work output (see previ-ous bullet points for ideas). This will provide the assurances your supervisor may need to feel will-ing to approve the application.

� Be clear about your working hours when you submit your

application. If you are working from home to attend to carer responsibilities, make it known that your hours may be unpre-dictable, but you will commit to undertaking the defined hours of work each week (even if these are not in one solid chunk of time).

� Create a communication strategy between yourself, your supervisor and your team members. This is more pertinent for a member who is frequently or solely working from home. Such strategies may include teleconferencing for team meetings, tasking via group email and regular debriefing sessions.

� Prove yourself by sticking to the hours and tasking agreed with your supervisor; this is important from an OHS perspective too.

� Create a comfortable and func-tional workspace at home that accords with standard OHS regu-lations for Air Force workplaces. Always ensure you function safely at home.

� Remember that if your supervi-sor has absolutely no visibility of your work, they are likely to develop a perception, however inaccurate, that you are not doing any work. This perception can be countered through the use of work diaries, emailing your supervisor about tasks completed or under way, copying them on any emails sent during your work periods or by providing verbal updates.

� Openly and honestly discuss your arrangements with your co-workers, ascertain any pos-sible negative impact that your arrangements may have on them, and try to mitigate that nega-tive impact through a process of negotiation. Outlining ways that your arrangement benefits them and explaining what you will be doing will probably go a long ways towards helping them to accept your arrangement.

� Do not accept negative com-ments or inappropriate remarks about your arrangements. You need to be the champion of your own arrangements, to help these become more culturally accept-able in Air Force.

� Acknowledge that working from home is not for everyone and rec-ognise if it is not working for you that your supervisor will respect you more if you go to them and discuss it rather than try to keep up the façade.

CPL Sarah Booth of 2SQN, RAAF Base Williamtown, says working flexibly has helped her achieve some pretty impressive results as an elite sportsperson.

But she couldn’t have done it without “amazing support” from her unit.

“I was recognised in 2010 as an elite athlete in mountainbiking and, with the support of my chain of command, was able to compete in the Australian National Series, Victorian and NSW State series races last year,” she said.

“I was fourth in Australian rankings at the end of the season and came third overall in the NSW series, despite missing the last race. I also came third in the Victorian State Championships.”

She said while her unit was flexible, she also had to be to make the system work for everyone concerned.

“I appreciate everything my chain of command has done for me, so when they ask me to amend my hours for a particular occasion, I respond as best as I can,” she said.

“I am situationally aware of our work pressures and staffing levels, so when I ask for time off, I know we'll have the coverage here at work. These are the things I do and need to be aware of so I can ensure my best possible chances of getting time away to compete.”

APPRECIATIVE: Above, CPL Sarah Booth on the job as an aircraft technician, and far right, competing in the Women’s Elite Downhill race in Canberra. Photos: CPLs Glen McCarthy and Janine Fabre

Amazing support for Sarah Who are the people in the know?The Deputy Director of Flexible Employment and Remuneration, WGCDR Sally Dorsett, coordi-nates flexible employment in Air Force from a tactical and opera-tional level, while the Deputy Director of Workforce Diversity, WGCDR Dee Gibbon, is imple-menting more strategic interven-tions for flexible employment. Together, they are aiming to deliver outcomes that will result in far greater application of flexible employment across the entire organisation. For general information on flex-ible employment, visit the Air Force intranet webpage under DP-AF/Flexible Employment or contact WGCDR Dorsett on (02) 6266 7716 or [email protected] or WGCDR Gibbon on (02) 6265 2052 or [email protected]

HOME BASE: Working from home is a privilege, not a right,

so members need to build a relationship of trust with their

supervisors to ensure they are fulfilling their part of the deal.

Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

AIRF RCE - Department of Defence · 2015. 3. 17. · AIRF Vol. 54, No. 1, February 2, 2012 The...

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Transcript of AIRF RCE - Department of Defence · 2015. 3. 17. · AIRF Vol. 54, No. 1, February 2, 2012 The...