NNEW EW GGUNSUNS - Department of Defence

Edition 1256 April 14, 2011

Pte

Huw

Day

SOLDIERS SAVE A LIFE P6 CHINOOKS RETURN TO AFGHANISTAN P18 LAST SF NASHO P30« «

NEW NEW GUNSGUNSGunners put M777A2 Gunners put M777A2 Howitzer to the test at Howitzer to the test at PuckapunyalPuckapunyal CentrepieceCentrepiece

Edition 1256 April 14, 2011

Fire for effect: Sgt Nathan Swindell fires the M777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer at Puckapunyal range in Victoria.

Photo by LS Paul Berry

2 NEWS Army April 14, 2011

Kitted up: Pte Huw Day prepares to head out with his section in Dili, East Timor.

Photo by LAC Leigh Cameron

The Soldiers’ Newspaper

Acting DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

EDITORIALEditorSharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7609Deputy EditorJohn Wellfare: (02) 6266 7615Chief of StaffGraham McBean: (02) 6265 1161ReportersSgt Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614Cpl Zenith King: (02) 6265 2151LCpl Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304Cpl Melanie Schinkel: (02) 6265 2427Sydney photographer:Bill Cunneen: 0402 155 220NOTE: The best person to contact if you have a story idea is the Chief of Staff

CONTACT USEmail: [email protected]: (02) 6265 6690Mail: The Editor, Army, R8-LG-044, Department of Defence, ACT 2600Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews

ADVERTISINGManagerTim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or 0414 552 667Email: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONSPhone: (02) 6266 7607Email: [email protected]

DISCLAIMERArmy is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under contract by Capital Fine Print. The material published is selected for its inter-est. The views expressed in published arti-cles are not necessarily those of Defence or Army. Every advertisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News approval and the Directorate of Defence News may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertise-ment. The Directorate accepts no respon-sibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form which is not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence News. The fact that an advertisement is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service has the endorsement of the Department of Defence or Army.

Army online

Face of Army

http://www.army.gov.au

http://www.facebook.com/TheAustralianArmy

http://www.twitter.com/AustralianArmy

http://www.flickr.com/photos/AustralianArmy

http://www.youtube.com/ADFMedia

The Soldiers’ Newspaper

Name Executed Location

Pte Alexander John Bell March 16, 1942 Thambyujayat, Burma

Sgt Joseph Kenneth Bell September 16, 1943 Kuala Lumpur

Pte Joseph Bell June 18, 1942 Malaya

Gnr Albert Neil Cleary(aka: Albert Neale Cleary) March 20, 1945 Ranau, Borneo

Gnr Thomas Stephen Cumming June 6, 1942 Tavoy, Burma

Sgt Clifford Edmund Danaher June 6, 1942 Tavoy, Burma

WO2 Leslie George Davies March 22, 1942 Sumatra

Gnr Keith Johnson Dickinson March 2, 1943 Thambyujayat, Burma

LBdr Aubrey Alfred Emmett June 6, 1942 Tavoy, Burma

Pte Victor Lawrence Gale September 2, 1942 Changi

Gnr Alan William Glover June 6, 1942 Tavoy, Burma

The debate over medal eligibilityThe Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal’s deliberation demon-strated the complexity of confer-ring posthumous awards long after the events had taken place.

The Tribunal was satisfied that Australia had adopted British policy and procedures in 1944 that POWs may be considered for the MID.

“Australian prisoners of war who were killed attempting to escape or who were executed after being recap-tured were eligible to be considered for the MID,” the report stated.

The Defence Department looked

at the original policy and decisions and argued that the 18 soldiers eli-gible for the MID from the 1945 memorandum had already been con-sidered at the time.

The Department also argued the Tribunal could not be expected to know the evidence and apply those same values after 65 years.

It was acknowledged by the Tribunal that the UK Ministry of Defence had advised the Australian High Commission on October 3, 1979, that there would be no further review of WWII awards.

But the Tribunal determined there

was a case for 18 of the soldiers on the 1945 memorandum and two fur-ther soldiers on the list supplied by John Bradford.

The memorandum with 21 names went to the Commander-in-Chief on June 10, 1945, and three of those men were awarded MIDs.

Two of the three received the MID for actions other than their escape, recapture and execution. Only one soldier, Cpl Rodney Breavington, was awarded the MID for “services rendered while POW in Japanese hands”.

The Tribunal questioned whether

the 18 remaining POWs on this list had been properly considered.

“The only other relevant infor-mation ... was a copy of the Minute Paper of June 10, 1945 regarding consideration of the nominal roll members on which it had been writ-ten ‘Hold’ and the date July 25, 1945,” the Tribunal report states.

According to the Tribunal, avail-able documents do not reveal wheth-er the discretion to award the MID was ever exercised in relation to the remaining 18 men.

However, their bravery was never in question. – Graham McBean

By Graham McBean

POSTHUMOUS awarding of 20 Commendations of Gallantry (CG) to Australian prisoners of war on March 6 held a special significance for one Adelaide man.

It was a personal mission for John Bradford to have the 20 sol-diers recognised. The men were either killed attempting to escape the Japanese or were executed after their recapture during World War II.

Mr Bradford retired as a DSTO scientist in 1992 and the Far East POWs recognition issue caught his attention.

“I came across the issue in the UK while conducting some earlier research as to why no RAN sailor serving in the South West Pacific area had ever been recommended for the VC in World War II, let alone awarded one – another topic that’s been getting some airplay recently,” Mr Bradford said.

He argued in a submission to the Defence Department that 23 Far East POWs should receive the award of Mentioned in Despatches (MID) under WWII policy.

Former Defence Parliamentary Secretary Mike Kelly directed the submission to the independ-ent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal on June 24, 2009.

After almost a year of delibera-tions, the Tribunal’s recommenda-tions were returned to Government on April 9, 2010.

It was recommended that 20 Australians should receive CGs – the modern Australian equivalent of the MID.

Present Defence Parliamentary

Secretary Senator David Feeney announced on March 6 that the Tribunal’s unanimous recommenda-tion would be accepted.

“People think this is an appro-priate recognition and are fascinat-ed by the stories,” Senator Feeney said.

The 20 included 18 soldiers from the Bradford list who had already been mentioned in a memo-randum dated June 10, 1945, from the then Military Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief.

A further two soldiers were included who appeared only on Mr Bradford’s list of 23.

Reports from the war crimes tri-als received broad exposure in the Australian media following the war.

One report in Melbourne’s now defunct The Argus newspaper on June 6, 1950, highlighted the fate of eight Victorian soldiers known as the Tavoy 8.

“Eight Australians were ‘truly courageous’ as they died before a Japanese firing squad, according to a diary produced at the War Crimes trials today.”

The eight soldiers had escaped from Tavoy prison camp in Burma but unfortunately were recaptured and executed on June 6, 1942.

The diary of eyewitness Brig E.T.L. Varley (who later lost his life at sea) states the eight men were led blindfolded to their graves and sat down with their hands tied behind their back.

Despite repeated protests, the executions were carried out. Brig Varley was also refused permission to talk to the men to get messages for the families. A request to give the men religious last rites was

Name Executed Location

Sig Howard Frederick Harvey May 11, 1943 Sandakan

LBdr Arthur Henry Jones June 6, 1942 Tavoy, Burma

Sgt Caryle Benjamin Jones March 22, 1942 Djambi Camp, Sumatra

Sig Theodore Rutland Brydon Mackay (aka: Pte Daniel Seaforth McKenzie)

May 11, 1943 Sandakan

Maj Alan Mull March 10, 1943 Thambyujayat, Burma

WO2 Matthew Wallace Quittenton June 6, 1942 Tavoy, Burma

Gnr Athur Reeve June 6, 1942 Tavoy, Burma

Pte William Forges Schuberth(aka: William Forbes Schuberth) July 30, 1942 Malaya

Gnr James Alexander Thomas Wilson June 6, 1942 Tavoy, Burma

also refused. “I was forced to stand and watch these men shot by a guard of 16 Japanese – two to each man and two shots each. Death was instantaneous in all cases.

“Just before death the spirit of these eight Australians was wonder-ful. They all said cheerio and passed good luck messages to one another. They showed no sign of fear. It was truly courageous.”

As a Victorian, Senator Feeney said the fate of the Tavoy 8 struck a particular chord with him. He said the often inhumane treatment of the prisoners of war would not be news to most Australians.

But an important factor in this case was that a name and a face could be put to particular stories.

“It is not simply good for the individual man and not simply good for the families,” Senator Feeney said.

“But it is good for the country and good for the ADF that these stories are understood and their communities and people do have an ongoing sense of gratitude and recognition for what they did.”

The full Tribunal report is available at www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au/reports

Prisoners’ gallantry recognised

Recognition: Gnr Albert Cleary, 2/15 Fd Regt, is among the executed prisoners of war to be posthumously awarded the Commendation for Gallantry. Photo provided by the Australian War Memorial

NEWS 3 Army April 14, 2011

Joint ops hurt insurgencyTHREE weeks of intelligence-led operations by the Special Operations Task Group and the Provincial Response Company-Uruzgan (PRC-U) has significantly impacted on insur-gency capability in Afghanistan.

Op Tevara Sin 24, a partnered opera-tion against leaders of insurgent cells within Uruzgan, has effectively disman-tled a regional-level cell and significantly disrupted two district-level groups in the province.

Commander of the Australian Forces in the Middle East Maj-Gen Angus Campbell said the operations serious-ly undermined the effectiveness of the insurgent leadership in central and west-ern Uruzgan.

“Partnered Special Forces operations in March have resulted in 10 key insur-gent commanders no longer posing a threat to local nationals and coalition forces in Uruzgan province,” Maj-Gen Campbell said.

“The insurgency is now more vulner-able than it has been in recent years and after a winter period where many of its caches were discovered and destroyed, they will find it more difficult to con-struct home-made bombs and attack civilian and coalition targets.”

The string of successes started on March 18 when Mullah Abdul Ali, an insurgent commander responsible for IED and suicide bomb attacks, was killed along with his bodyguard when they dis-played clearly hostile intent against an approaching patrol in western Uruzgan.

On March 19 a district-level insurgent commander was detained. He is alleged to have been heavily involved in the manufacture, distribution and employ-ment of IEDs in western Uruzgan.

Concurrent operations on March 27 resulted in the detention of an alleged district-level commander in the Mirabad Valley region, and separately a person believed to be a prolific IED facilitator in the Deh Rafshan area.

A senior logistician responsible for supporting several insurgent cells oper-ating in the central Uruzgan region was killed on March 28 along with two

armed insurgents in Deh Rafshan after they engaged a patrol with small-arms fire.

It was later confirmed that accom-plished IED manufacturer and facilitator Ahmadi Kaka was killed in the attack.

“His death is considered a serious blow to the insurgent groups currently consolidating after the winter period, and highlights the effectiveness of our partnered PRC-U and SOTG operations against the insurgent leadership,” Maj-Gen Campbell said.

On March 30, a district-level insur-gent commander and IED facilitator was detained in an operation in the Khod Valley.

The partnered force continued its suc-cessful operation, killing regional-level commander Muhammad Wali during an engagement in the Mirabad Valley on April 3.

An 82mm mortar and associated ammunition, personal weapons and items used in the manufacture of IEDs were also captured in the operation.

THE Provincial Afghan Government in Uruzgan passed a major milestone as more than 700 elders and leaders attended a province-wide meeting in Tarin Kot on March 27.

The shura was an opportunity for the Uruzgan provincial, district and village leadership to come together to discuss the improvements in governance, development and security throughout Uruzgan.

The role played by Australian and other ISAF personnel was limited to air-lift, transport and specialist support with

the Afghan National Security Forces pro-viding security for the event.

Deputy Commander Combined Team Uruzgan Col Dennis Malone said the success of the day was measured through the safe conduct of the shura.

“The ability of Governor Shirzad to host a shura of this importance and draw so many key leaders from across the province, as well as line ministers from Kabul, highlights that security has stabi-lised to the point where provincial gov-ernance is able to be exercised. This was a great day for Uruzgan province and its people,” Col Malone said.

Hundreds turn out for provincial shura

Major shura: More than 700 local leaders prepare to begin a provincial meeting in Tarin Kot. Photo by US Air Force Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss

Successful operations: Special Forces soldiers call in a resupply amid Uruzgan province’s rugged mountains. Inset, a soldier crosses a river during a partnered patrol with Afghan police.

Have you thought about your future workforce?

Have you considered offering placements through the Defence Work Experience Program?

This Program provides opportunities tostudents to experience the ADF or Defence APS as an employer of choice.

Send enquiries to:

[email protected] Visit:

www.defence.gov.au/workexperiencehttp://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/workexperience


Shooting for modern combatBy John Wellfare

IMPROVING long-range marksman-ship and large-calibre proficiency will be crucial to enhancing combat effec-tiveness in Afghanistan, according to a discussion paper recently posted by WO2 Anthony Pratt, School of Inf.

In Combat Shoot ing, A New Perspective, WO2 Pratt says the Army’s recent enthusiasm for close-quarter battle shooting techniques (CQBST) is encour-aging, but warns against abandoning long-range skills.

“The overwhelming majority of con-tacts with which the [Afghanistan] com-bat team has been involved have been initiated at ranges well in excess of 400m, with the average being approxi-mately 600m,” he says in the discussion paper.

He argues that specific training must be introduced to complement range-enhancing weapons systems such as the MAG 58 machine gun and sometimes-available SR25 sniper rifle.

In order to land a projectile in the centre mass at 600m, a shooter must be capable of consistently achieving a 75mm group at 100m. With that in mind, WO2 Pratt argues soldiers who dem-onstrate such aptitude during standard range practices should be singled out to undertake long-range training and employed as section marksmen.

He says more focused and consistent marksmanship training at the unit level is required to improve marksmanship skills among all soldiers and identify the most capable individuals for further training.

“Shooting training needs to occur in shorter sessions with higher frequency – a similar frequency to what would be considered for physical training,” he says.

“All these sessions are not necessarily live fire but also include basic weapon handling drills and dry practice ... [how-ever] live fire should take place once a fortnight as a minimum.

“Training for shorter periods more frequently in smaller groups means that firers with poor technique can be given appropriate coaching attention, every-body is in some way involved and range space is not tied up for long periods of time.”

RSM-A WO Stephen Ward welcomed the discussion paper and said he was keen for other soldiers to contribute their own experiences to the debate on marks-manship training.

“The training development system is set up to consult widely among soldiers with experience,” he said. “I encourage all our soldiers, particularly those from combat roles with combat experience, to read this discussion paper and offer their own insights.

“The debate about weapon calibres and CQB versus long-range training is nothing new, but it’s important that we continue the discussion in the context of the current operational environment.”

A combat shooting discussion topic has been opened on the official Australian Army Facebook page. Soldiers can also contact the RSM-A directly with suggestions.

Fire at will: Markmanship training should be overhauled to better suit current operational requirements and develop gifted shooters, according to a School of Inf discussion paper. Photo by LS Paul Berry

ARMY Headquarters has issued a policy reminder for the employment of reservists on Anzac Day.

Official ARes participation in Anzac Day is normally limited to formed bod-ies of troops, guards, catafalque parties, or other support tasks, and reviewing officers where units have received a directed tasking.

Units may choose to participate in Anzac Day activities on a voluntary unpaid attendance basis, where person-nel are not obligated or directed to ren-der such service.

Lt-Col Andrew Behan said the pay-ment of ARes training salaries may be authorised for official ceremonial ele-ments of Anzac Day activities.

“As a guide, it’s anticipated that not

more than one half-day’s pay could be justified by most members participating in Anzac Day activities,” he said.

“Members undertaking a voluntary unpaid attendance are ineligible for the payment of salary or allowances, but they are deemed to be on duty and therefore subject to relevant Defence legislation.”

Army personnel, whether regular or reserve, can attend Anzac Day activities in a private capacity, but are normally permitted to wear uniform only when participating in directed official duties.

Further information is available in DI(A) Admin 9-1, Policy for Participation in ANZAC Day Activities by Army Reserve Members and DI(A) Pers 116-12, Voluntary Unpaid Attendance by Members of the Army Reserve.

Anzac Day pay limited to official functions

Liverpool City Council is seeking the whereabouts and location of a missing War Trophy a 77mm KRUPP Field Gun, the same model pictured above, which was presented to Council in 1920.

The missing 77mm KRUPP Field Gun has serial number 8053 stamped on the end of the loading breech. 8053 was captured by the 18th Battalion at the Battle of Amiens on 8 August 1918 and was shipped to Australia on the SS Barambah lading number 119 on 1 September 1919. These details are taken from Council’s History Sheet of War Trophy (N30).

Liverpool City Council’s missing Gun stood on a plinth outside Liverpool Railway Station up until 1950-1965 at which time it was removed and was on loan to the 101 Field Workshops based at Ingleburn for the Apprentices to restore and work on. Since 1965, the 101 Field Workshops, relocated to Townsville and since then may have relocated to Darwin if still active.

Some rumours within Council say that the 77mm KRUPP Field Gun serial number 8053 was located at the entrance of where the 101 Field Workshops base was located in Townsville.

If Council’s missing 77mm KRUPP Field Gun serial number 8053 is located, Council would be prepared to swap and replace 8053 with an exact same model fully restored Gun pictured above.

Please contact Mr Alan Campbell – Liverpool City Council on phone 02 9821 9301 or e-mail [email protected] regarding any information as to 8053.

MISSING MISSING

WAR WAR

TROPHYTROPHY

Schoolof Aviation

Looking for an upgrade?Upgrade your professional qualification @ UNSW Aviation:Programs in Aviation Management- Postgraduate courses offered by distance education

Bachelor of Aviation- A three year degree with flying and management options

Find out [email protected] call Jamie on (02) 9385-6767

Faculty of Science

Never Stand Still


By Natalie Alexander

AS ANZAC Day and the Easter long weekend approach, a pilot course in 17 CSS Bde is leading the way in help-ing Army members make safe alcohol choices as they spend time with friends and family.

Joint Health Command has endorsed the pilot program, which began mid-2010, as a way of trialling the provision of alcohol training to personnel and to share an important message Army-wide.

Running the program at 1HSB, Capt Damien Batty said he was inspired to lead the project at the unit after witness-ing some of the consequences of alcohol abuse.

“As the unit adjutant, I was disap-pointed to see the number of alcohol-related incidents in the unit, which could have easily been avoided if the members had employed some simple strategies,” he said.

“I also have close friends who have experienced alcohol-fuelled violence in the past, and I am keen to assist in making a positive contribution to a safer Army culture.”

Capt Batty said the trial was being delivered in the form of workshops called Keep Your Mates Safe – Alcohol (KYMS – Alcohol), which aimed to build an awareness of the effects of alcohol use and misuse and a familiarisation among personnel of their limits.

“The enduring aim is to change the unit culture and the individuals’ attitudes towards alcohol consumption,” he said.

Selected 17 CSS Bde unit senior NCOs and officers have been trained as Unit Alcohol Advisers, allowing them to deliver the workshops to their members under the supervision of state Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) coordinators.

Capt Batty said the informal work-shops included theory, group discussions and practical activities, culminating with a group brainstorm on some practical strategies for staying safe when drinking and socialising.

He said the workshop had been deliv-ered to more than 100 1HSB personnel and 30 17 Sig Regt members across a range of ranks, trades and age groups.

Although it was difficult to judge the impact of the training to date, Capt Batty said feedback had been positive.

“It takes a long time to change a culture, we are up against it as alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained in the Australian way of life,” he said.

“What I have observed is that many unit members are talking about it, plan-ning their nights out and, more important-ly, are starting to think about their habits and behaviour when it comes to the safe consumption of alcohol.”

Capt Batty said other initiatives included the delivery of workshops to personnel at 3RAR’s company training program in May, as well as looking at further ways to develop the ATOD online training available via Campus.

The two-year pilot course will end in May next year, when it will be evaluated by the 17 CSS Bde RSM and the Director of Mental Health.

More information about the Keep Your Mates Safe workshop and other services of the ATOD program can be found at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/vcdf/sites/DMHSF/

Drinking culture: A 1HSB-led project aims to reduce alcohol-related incidents and holiday tragedies.

Photo by Cpl Aaron Curran

EXPLOSIVE detect ion dog (EDD) Sarb i r ece ived the RSPCA’s most prestigious animal bravery award, the Purple Cross, at a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial on April 5.

Sarbi, the eighth animal to receive the award, was accompanied by EDD handler Cpl Adam Exelby and drew a crowd of more than 100 schoolchildren to the Animals in War Sculpture Garden.

Sarbi was awarded the Purple

Cross by RSPCA Austral ia’s National President Lynne Bradshaw.

“Like most people, we would prefer animals did not go to war, but they do. And while they do we must recognise whatever part they play,” Mrs Bradshaw said.

“I think there’s no doubt that Sarbi has shown an incredible resil-ience and strength that should be recognised.”

CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie also attended.

“I am very proud of the profes-

sional and dedicated work of our combat engineers and dog han-dlers,” he said.

“I am thrilled that the RSPCA has chosen to honour Sarbi, and by extension, all of Army’s working dogs and their handlers.”

The award was named to hon-our the Purple Cross Society, estab-lished soon after the outbreak of World War II to raise funds for the supply of gear and veterinary treat-ment for the Light Horse Brigade.

Sarbi has her day in spotlight

Honoured for bravery: Sarbi proudly wears her Purple Cross alongside explosive detection dog handler Cpl Adam Exelby (not her usual handler) after the presentation ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.

Photo by Cpl Zenith King

Expressions of Interest:

LeadershipLeadership for Team & Work Group Performance (1 day course)Leading People-Leading the Way (2 day course)

ManagementEffective Writing for Managers & Professionals (2 day course)Organisational Analysis & Improvements (2 day course)

Project ManagementComplex IT Project Management (3 day course)Managing Integration Projects (2 day course)Recovering Troubled Projects (2 day course)Agile Project Management (2 day course)

Systems ThinkingSystems Thinking and Modelling (3 day course)System Dynamics Modelling Practicum (3 day course)Introduction to Problem Solving (2 day course)

Most of these courses can be tailored for in-house delivery.

A number of our courses can also be used towards credit for eligible postgraduate programs.

For further information and details of over 70 courses contact:

E: [email protected] T: (02) 6268 8421

or go to http://bsu.unsw.adfa.edu.au/courses/ CRICOS Provider Number: 00100G

Geographic Information AnalysisPrinciples of Geographic Information Analysis and Remote Sensing Overview, 2 - 6 May

ManagementOperations Research, 2 - 6 MayEffective Writing for Managers and Professionals, 5 - 6 MayStrategic Human Resource Management, 30 May

Military SystemsIntroduction to Guided Weapons, 2 - 4 MayGPS and its Military Application, 23 - 24 MayModern Military Navigation Systems, 23 - 25 MayOptical Surveillance Systems, 30 May - 1 JuneCapability Options Analysis, 20 - 24 June

Naval ArchitectureBasics of Naval Architecture, 15 - 16 June

Occupational Health and Safety/Laser SafetyLaser Safety 1 Day (Canberra), 16 MayLaser Safety 1 Day (Sydney), 27 JuneLaser Safety 4 Day (Sydney), 27 - 30 June

Risk ManagementRisk and Contract Management, 12 - 13 MayRisk and Resilience Management, 22 - 23 June

SimulationSimulation Applications, 9 - 13 May

Systems EngineeringRequirements Engineering, 9 - 11 MayIntroduction to Systems Engineering (Melbourne), 16 - 18 MayIntroduction to Systems Engineering (Adelaide), 6 - 8 June

UNSW Canberra is a campus of the University of New South Wales and is located at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. UNSW Canberra offers a range of postgraduate programs and Professional Education courses for the general community and Defence personnel. These courses provide stimulating learning and networking opportunities within a supportive environment.

Courses offered in May - June 2011:

Professional Education Courses

Never Stand Still Business Services Unit

CANBERRA

DRINKDRIVING?

DON’T FACE THE MAGISTRATE ALONE

Call SE Qld’s Traffi c Offence Experts

CALL 1300 947 352Andrew WisemanTraffi c LawyerEx ARA CPL (10 yrs)

www.DUILaw.com.au


By Penelope Forster and Cpl Melanie Schinkel

SEVEN Battle of Kapyong veter-ans were honoured with life mem-bership of the 3RAR Association at a memorial dedication on the Pathway of Honour in Adelaide on March 27.

O rg a n i s e d b y t h e 3 R A R Association, the memorial was dedi-cated to all members who had served in 3RAR since its raising in 1948.

The memorial’s unveiling was attended by six of the seven veterans from the Battle of Kapyong hon-oured on the day: Col Don Beard (retd); Cpl Jack Wilson (retd); Ptes Reginald Anock, Allan Bennett, William Field, and Raymond Aubert (retd). Pte John Mackie (retd) was unavailable.

A captain during the Battle of Kapyong, Mr Beard served as 3RAR’s Regimenta l Medica l Officer. He said the dedication of the memorial was a momentous occa-sion because it symbolised all the tremendous hard work 3RAR had done during the past 60 years.

“This is a great way to acknowl-edge 3RAR. It allows us to remem-ber those who couldn’t be here because they lost their lives in Korea for a cause, which in the 1950s, was not well understood by Australians,” Mr Beard said.

The soldiers of 3RAR, 2nd Bn Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light

Inf and the US Army’s Coy A, 72nd Heavy Tank Bn, were all hon-oured with the US Presidential Unit Citation in July, 1951, for their roles during the Battle of Kapyong.

The President of the 3RAR Association, Bob Whelan, said the memorial’s site was fitting because 3RAR had a long alliance with South Australia.

“The battalion was based at Woodside from 1965 to 1981 and left Woodside to serve in Vietnam twice,” Mr Whelan said.

“This memorial is not only dedi-cated to those who were killed in battle but to everyone who served with 3RAR, regardless of how and where they served.”

Wreaths of poppies and flowers were laid at the memorial before the veterans traded stories over lunch at Linden Park.

Commemoration activities for the Battle of Kapyong’s 60th anniversary will be held at Holsworthy Barracks at 10.30am on April 24.

South Australian plaque recognises 3RAR heritage

Reunion: Six Kapyong veterans get together at the memorial site.

By Natalie Alexander

PLANS to build a memorial honouring Australia’s role in peacekeeping have been given a boost with support from CDF ACM Angus Houston.

The CDF has become a Mate of Peacekeeping, making a personal dona-tion of $500 to the proposed national memorial, designed to honour the work and sacrifice of Australian peacekeepers.

“This donation reflects my support for a memorial that not only remembers the contributions of Australians in past operations, but also the ongoing work of our peacekeepers into the future,” he said.

The Chairman of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project Committee, Maj-Gen Tim Ford (retd), said Defence had played a vital role in peacekeeping since the first operation in 1947.

“Australians provided the very first UN military observers to the UN Good Offices Commission in Indonesia,” he said.

Maj-Gen Ford said the CDF’s dona-tion was an example of the value of per-sonal contributions to the memorial.

He said although the project had support from government and the pri-

vate sector, donations from corporate Australia had been weaker than expected and another $3 million was still needed.

Next year also marks the 65th anni-versary of Australian Peacekeeping, and Maj-Gen Ford said he hoped peacekeep-ers from the military and police forces who had returned from operations would consider offering support.

“We are in danger of not reaching our deadline for when we wanted to open the memorial, which is 14 September 2012 on National Peacekeeping Day,” he said.

“We would encourage all our young peacekeepers when they come back from operations, including all those from reserve units up in Solomon Islands and places like that, to contribute because this is their memorial.”

This year’s Defence and Industry Golf Day raised $5000 for the Peacekeeping Memorial Project.

Support for a peacekeeping memo-rial was raised in this year’s Anzac Commemoration Commission’s report, which outlines the nation’s plans for hon-ouring 100 years of military involvement since World War I.

More information about the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project can be found on the website www.peacekeepingmemorial.org.au

Peacekeepingmemorial in need of funds

Mates’ rates: Maj-Gen Tim Ford (retd) presents CDF ACM Angus Houston with a Mate of Peacekeeping certificate to thank him for his contributions to the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial project. Photo by LS Paul Berry

Armyyyyyyyyyyy ApApApApApAApApAAApApAAAAAAApAAAAAAAAApppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppprir l 14, 2011

Merici College .… is a quality, affordable non-government secondary school,

educating girls in a Catholic environmentfor its strong focus on pastoral care

for n ADF mentor on site

f a technology rich environment

and neighbouring NSW centres

To find out more about Merici Collegesee our bsite at www.merici.act.edu.auor contact the Enrolment Officer Ms Trish Ryan on (02) 6243 4102or by email: [email protected]

Caters for ADF families in the ACT

Merici College

▲

▲


By Maj Haydn Barlow

A DARWIN man owes his life to three quick-thinking 1CSSB soldiers who dis-covered him face down in a large pud-dle of mud on a local motor bike trail on March 26.

Ptes Luke Ramsay, Daniel Cross and Bryce McHugh were riding in the bush near Robertson Barracks when they came across the man.

“We first saw two young boys waiting on the trail with their bikes,” Pte Ramsay said.

“They told us they were waiting for anoth-er rider, one of the boys’ dads, so we contin-ued on.”

Just 150m further, over a slight rise, they discovered the motionless man slumped in the puddle next to his bike.

“I turned him over and his face was blue and he was not breathing,” Pte Ramsay said.

“I removed his helmet and started perform-ing CPR while Bryce called for an ambulance and Daniel went back for the boys.”

Pte Ramsay said it was the first time he had put his Army medical training into prac-tice. “While I was giving compression the man coughed up dirty water and began gasp-ing for air.”

Pte Ramsay revived the man after 10 min-utes of CPR and informed the young boys that an ambulance was on its way.

“I needed to hold his head out of the mud until the ambulance came, but I was just relieved he was breathing again.”

The man, who was not seriously injured from the fall, told the three soldiers when they visited him the next day that he was lucky to be alive and would be happy to be their riding partner any day.

Soldiers save life in bike crash

Lifesavers: From left, Ptes Bryce McHugh, Daniel Cross and Luke Ramsay, saved a man’s life after he fell off his motorbike and landed face down in water on a dirt trail near Robertson Barracks. Photo by Brad Fleet provided by NT News

ANOTHER 14 Australian soldiers who fought at the World War I Battle of Fromelles in France have been identi-fied by a Joint Identification Board held on April 4.

The soldiers, originally from NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, were among 250 Australian and British troops recovered from Pheasant Wood in 2009.

The announcement brings the num-ber of Australians identified by name at Fromelles to 110. Of the 250, 100 Australian and two British soldiers remain unnamed, along with another 38 graves marked “known unto God”.

Soldiers’ extended family members have helped with identification in many instances by providing DNA samples.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission will erect new headstones with the identified men’s details, which will be dedicated on July 19 during the annual commemoration of the Battle.

The first major battle fought by the AIF in France is recognised as one of the worst days in Australia’s military his-tory. The 5th Division suffered more than 5500 dead and wounded, with many of those killed still unaccounted for.

The Fromelles Project Team has been gathering details from family members of the soldiers killed in a bid to identify remains. The team currently has about 3000 family members’ details on record.

Contact the Fromelles Project Team on 1800 019 090 or go to the website at www.army.gov.au/Fromelles

Fourteen Fromelles diggers identified

79

St Patrick's College, CampbelltownA Catholic Secondary School for Girls in the Good Samaritan Tradition

4 St John's Rd, Campbelltown NSW 2560email: [email protected]

Phone: 4629 2999 Fax: 4628 1604www.saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au

ENROLMENTS5th March to 29th April

College Tours 16th & 30th March

Class of 2010

As a non selective, Catholic Girls' College, St Patrick's students achieve outstanding results

99.75 highest ATAR in the Campbelltown area

2 students achieved the honour of inclusion on the Premier's list (band 6 in 10 units of study)

s

St Patrick's College offers a diverse curriculum that enables development of the whole person in a safe and supportive environment. At St Patrick's College, girls excel and establish good habits for life-long learning.

St Patrick's College Campbelltown

College Tours by appointmentCollege Tours by appointment


Country circuitBy LCpl Mark Doran

VC RECIPIENT Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith, while on a recent visit to Tamworth, stopped in on 12/16 Hunter River Lancers (HRL), the local RSL, a mayoral reception and his wife Emma’s family.

The March 22 visit to 12/16HRL coincided with the unit’s Tuesday night training and gave nearly 30 reservists and ARA soldiers a chance to meet the recipient of the second Victoria Cross for Australia.

Cfn Troy Robertson, 12/16HRL, said Cpl Roberts-Smith was very humble and praised 12/16HRL for the role they did within the Army.

“It is not every day you get to meet someone like that and I was very proud,” Cfn Robertson said.

“I presented him with an engraved beer-stein and he said it was a bit more useful than a plaque.”

On his visit to the Tamworth RSL, Cpl Roberts-Smith was pre-sented with an honorary member-ship by the sub-branch honorary secretary Tony Barrett.

The civic reception was held the next afternoon and was attended by local councillors and guests.

Tamworth Mayor Col Murray said the local community held ser-vice personnel in high regard.

Cpl Roberts-Smith said he thought it was important to get out among the rural communities and share what was going on.

“The message I always try to get across to today’s soldiers is that we are at war, it isn’t a conflict, it is a war and the way we train is the way we fight,” he said.

“There is a time and place for political correctness and when you are training for war you need to be able to put society’s opinions aside to focus on your training.

“You need to give yourself the

best chance at survival so we can get through the war with as few cas-ualties as possible.

“In soldiers, I look for integri-ty, because that goes to your hon-our and because we are Australian soldiers I look for mateship and loyalty.

“If you hold those three things in high regard, they will get you through everything in life.”

In the spotlight: Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith takes time out from official visits to be with his wife, Emma, and her grandfather Neville Harrison.

Photo by Barry Smith courtesy of the Northern Daily Leader

By LCpl Mark Doran

AUSTRALIA’S most highly decorated serving soldier, Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG, visited the Australian War Memorial on April 4 to view his newly installed medal group and photo panel in the Hall of Valour.

The medal group includes his Victoria Cross and Medal for Gallantry. The panel features an image of Cpl Roberts-Smith taken shortly after the combat action for which he was awarded the military’s highest award for valour in the face of the enemy.

“I will be marching in Sydney this year, mainly to be with my old battalion,

3RAR, which will be commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong on April 24.

“I wanted to make sure I was involved so people knew I hadn’t forgotten where I came from and where I started my infan-try life,” Cpl Roberts-Smith said

When asked if being awarded the VC placed an extra burden on his shoul-ders for returning to Afghanistan, Cpl Roberts-Smith said he did not consider it a burden – just an extra responsibility.

“It is my responsibility to portray myself, the ADF and my unit in the best possible way – as far as the job itself goes, there will be no change – it will always be 100 per cent [effort].”

Image captured on the day of battle

In action: This image of Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith, which features in the Australian War Memorial’s Hall of Valour, was taken not long after the action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Provided by AWM

$100 for each policy you purchase*

Collect $100 as you pass your insurance on to us

* Offer only available on new eligible insurance policies purchased between 4 April 2011 and 6 May 2011. Limit one EFTPOS voucher per policy per person (up to a maximum of three EFTPOS vouchers). Eligible insurance policies are CGU Comprehensive Car, CGU First Choice Home Contents and CGU First Choice Home Building insurance. Insurance products are sold by Defence Force Credit Union Limited (Defcredit) ABN 57 087 651 385 AFSL/ACL 234582 and are issued by CGU Insurance Limited ABN 27 004 478 371 AFSL 238291. In arranging this insurance, Defcredit acts under its own AFSL as an agent for the insurer, CGU Insurance, not as your agent. The relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Defcredit’s Financial Services Guide (FSG) available at defcredit.com.au should be considered when making a decision to acquire the insurance products(s). This is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances.

By simply rolling your car, contents or building insurance over to us, we’ll reward you with a $100 EFTPOS voucher for each new policy. Plus, you’ll be protected by one of Australia’s leading insurance companies, CGU. For more information call 1800 033 139 or log onto defcredit.com.au for a quote.

AA

NN

_CG

U2


By LCpl Mark Doran

THE band of the Australian Army Band Corps is to perform in the 2011 Basel Tattoo in Switzerland from July 16-23 where audiences will experience a few hundred years of musical history, contem-porary sounds and exotic scenes.

A band of 70 musicians from the Royal Military College Band and representatives from all ARA Army Bands will perform at one of the most successful open-air tattoos in the world.

Army’s Director of Music, Lt-Col Ian McLean, said that bands were invited from all around the world and it was a great hon-our for the band to be invited as the Basel Tattoo was regarded as the European equiva-lent of the Edinburgh Tattoo.

“It is also exciting from a historical per-spective – the only time an AAB has ever appeared in Europe was in 1968 during cel-ebrations marking 50 years since the end of World War I when the RMC Band marched through the streets of Paris,” Lt-Col McLean said.

“The producer of the Basel Tattoo vis-ited with the Top Secret Drum Corps when it performed at the 2010 Edinburgh Tattoo in Sydney.

“When he saw the standard of the Australian Army musicians, he was very impressed and this led to the invitation for the band to appear in the 2011 Basel Tattoo.

“It is a chance to take the slouch hat to Europe – a rare opportunity for the enhance-ment of the image of the Australian Army throughout the world.”

The production in Basel will be a histori-

cal and cultural display including music from the First Fleet and early colonial times to the tunes of Dame Joan Sutherland and Kylie Minogue.

The band will pay homage to the host country during the tattoo performance by singing a Swiss folk-song in the local Swiss-German language.

Two of the finest bands present for the tattoo are invited to perform a major concert in Basel as an addition to the tattoo, and this year, they will be the AAB and London’s Band of the Coldstream Guards.

Lt-Col McLean said the four singers elected to participate in the tattoo were cho-sen as their voices blended so well together.

“The singers are Musn Dave Andrews, RMC Band, Cpl Deb Cotton, AAB-Melb, Musn Tanya Christensen, AAB-Syd, and Sgt James Petterson, AAB-Bris, who are rehears-ing together already thanks to the benefits of modern technology,” he said.

“We will be doing our best to promote Australia and the ADF in Switzerland by distributing Rising Sun pins and toy kanga-roos as gifts to the audience during the daily performances.”

All the musicians will gather in Canberra for musical activities associated with the Centenary Celebrations at RMC in June.

There will then be a final 10-day concen-tration period for the band to rehearse and memorise the intricate marching display for the performance in Basel.

Sgt Mick Beeton, 1RAR Band, is the tat-too display designer and his sister-in-law, Sgt Rachel Beeton, AAB-Syd, has written all the musical arrangements which have been dis-tributed to the 70 musicians.

On song for tatOn song for tattootoo

In tune: Cpl Deb Cotton, AAB-Melb, performs at the Twilight Concert at Simpson Barracks in January this year. She will perform at the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland in July. Inset: promotional poster of the Tattoo featuring WO1 Simon Renfrey, RMC Band. Photo by LCpl Mark Doran

Client Testimonial“Astute Investments opened my eyes to the property investment market and helped me maximize the use of my defence benefi ts. Thanks to them I’m well on the way to fi nancial wealth” Kenny, K.

WANT TO BUY A HOME OR INVESTMENT PROPERTY, BUT DON’T KNOW HOW?• Can I buy an investment property

and access military benefi ts (RA/MQ)?• Can I buy a home & access DHOAS?• What will the weekly cost be?• How much deposit do I need?• How do I structure my loan?

Let us provide you with the education to make the RIGHT decision!

Astute Investments QLD Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 337160) of Synchron, AFS License No. 243313.

PhiPhiPhiPhhhhiliplipliplipp

• D • D• DDDirecirecrecir tor/tor/tor/tor/r/Ex

AEx AEx AEx Ex Army rmy my O iO iO iO iO cercer cer cer e

• Ma• Maasterstersterstesters ofs ofs ofs ofs of B BusBus B inesinesinesesini ssss

• Ba• Ba• B• B chelchellllchec or oor oor oor or of Enf ff Enf ginegineneg erinerinerine gggg

• DiDii• Di•• D• D plomplomploml a ofa ofofa f Fin Fin Fin Financianciancia al Sal Saal Servierviervice

scesces

• RERE• REIQ LQIQ LQQ icenicecenic nsed sed sedsed AgenAgeAgenA t, SSt, Specipecipecip alisalisalisin

g ing ing ing

in Ain An Assisssisssisssissti

ngtingti Def DefDefDefenceencee PerPerPerson

asonasonalll

hiiilipliplipipppip GaGGGamememe

Call Today for a FREE Financial Assessment!

CALL US TODAY Book a free financial assessment of your financial position.

1800 044 429Email [email protected] www.astuteinvestments.com.au

WE MANAGE THE ENTIRE PURCHASE PROCESS ON YOUR BEHALF. YOU CAN SIT BACK & ENJOY THE INVESTING EXPERIENCE


By Michael Brooke

WHEN Army MP Sgt Lisa Penny woke on March 29, she had a good understanding of the influ-ential role she would play that day helping 20 teenagers make informed decisions about their future career options in the ADF.

Sgt Penny was one of 50 sol-diers at Holsworthy Barracks who got a glimpse of the next genera-tion of Anzac torchbearers when the teenagers visited for ‘A Day with Army’ as a reward for selling a large number of Legacy badges.

Soldiers from the Defence Police Training Centre (DPTC), 17 Const Sqn, SME, the IRR and 6 Avn Regt proudly showcased their daily routines and training regimes to the teenagers, many of them Army cadets who hope to join the ADF when they leave school.

The visit provided Sgt Penny and the soldiers of different corps with an important opportunity to highlight the training they conduct before they march off on opera-tional deployments to bring peace and stability to hot-spots around the globe.

By Diane Grant and AB Melanie Schinkel

EXCITEMENT gripped ADF and Mitchell Shire community spectators at the Seymour Racecourse on March 22 as 16 horses raced to claim the 2011 Puckapunyal Army Cup.

While ladies flaunted their elegant autumn style, racing aficionados rushed to the track’s fence and grandstands to get a clear view of the annual race.

Horse number one Hachiman and jock-ey Adam McCabe won the race by three lengths. Hachiman’s owner, John Leek from Cranbourne, said he was thrilled by the win.

“McCabe displayed considerable maturity and talent in his ride and is def-initely someone to watch,” Mr Leek said.

Senior ADF Officer Puckapunyal Brig Mark Holmes attended the event and presented Mr Leek with the

Puckapunyal Cup. Brig Holmes said the positive atmosphere on the day was complemented by beautiful weather and about 40 ADF personnel from the Puckapunyal Military Area.

“The Puckapunyal Cup contributes to Army’s community engagement program by getting involved with the Seymour and Mitchell Shire communi-ties,” Brig Holmes said.

“Our people are involved in all aspects of the local area from sporting and RSL club events to volunteering and managing community committees.”

To celebrate Army’s 110th birthday and Puckapunyal Military Area’s more than 90 years of service, static displays of vehicles and equipment were pro-vided for the public to view at the race-course entrance.

Personnel from the Schools of Armour and Artillery manned the various displays.

Line honours: Adam McCabe guides Hachiman to the finish line to win the Puckapunyal Army Cup (above). Inset: Brig Mark Holmes presents Hachiman’s owner John Leek with the Cup. Photos by Diane Grant

Hachiman takes out Puckapunyal Cup

Teenagers get taste of Army

Next generation: Army MP Lt Adam Longmuir helps a visitor put on body armour during a demonstration at Holsworthy Barracks. Photo by Michael Brooke

The discussions the soldiers had with the teens also provided an opportunity to hone their evolving leadership skills while highlight-ing the challenge and reward of serving in the ADF during the high operational tempo.

The community engagement opportunity marked a high point

for Sgt Penny, who said her discus-sions helped to influence the teen-agers about a career in the ADF.

“The girls were very interested to know how many women serve in the corps and also the wider Army, and what opportunities we enjoy career wise,” she said.

Sgt Penny said the experience served as a welcome reminder of how important good leader-ship was to influencing others and achieving the outcomes desired by Army.

“These teenagers will remem-ber this day as a really positive experience, which will influence many of them about their career options,” she said.

At DPTC, Sgt Penny and three other soldiers demonstrated their skill conducting close personnel protection by escorting a VIP from a vehicle convoy to a building complex, where they came under sniper fire.

Two of the soldiers whisked away the VIP while Sgt Penny and her comrade threw smoke grenades and returned fire with Steyrs.

The tour also included lunch at the 3RAR Officers’ Mess.

Arm

Call Tim on 0488 557 127 or Adam on 0448 448 723 for an obligation free

quote or visit

Salary package your next vehicle with Novated by Fleetcare and experience the difference:

All vehicle bills paid upfront

Fleet purchasing power for best vehicle prices

Discounted fuel & maintenance

Dedicated account manager for optimum support

Call today and we’ll give you a voucher absolutely FREE when you sign up!

Are you a current serving ADF member about to separate from the military? Are you concerned about how this change will affect you and your family? Would you like to learn how to manage this change in your life? If you answered ‘yes’ then the Stepping Out Program is for you!

The Stepping Out Program is a free program for Defence

personnel and their partners who are in the process of

separating, or have recently separated, from the military.

The two-day Stepping Out Program gives you skills and

strategies to help you prepare for the social and emotional

changes that come with leaving Defence – for you and your

family. Take the time to prepare and plan for the future, learn

stress management skills and become aware of local support

outside of the military.

The Stepping Out Program is a chance to meet others in the

same situation and to gain insight into their experiences.

In small groups, with an experienced facilitator who

understands the challenges facing transitioning military

personnel, you can prepare and plan for your next step into

civilian life.

The Stepping Out Program is provided by VVCS – Veterans

and Veterans Counselling Service and is available across

Australia. The Defence Directorate of Transition Support

Services has endorsed the program and will give you time

out from work to attend. The program has been highly

regarded by participants, in particular, one participant

commended the program with the following:

“Every discharging ADF person should do this course”.

Register now, call VVCS on 1800 011 046.

eet o

eri

wh

eet o

en

o

the

ce

in

s.

n th

oca

rn

xpe

Leaving Defence and making the lifestyle change

Month Date LocationMarch 21–22 Townsville Qld

April 5–6 Perth WA

6–7 Sydney NSW

May 5–6 Canberra ACT

19–20 Brisbane Qld

25–26 Darwin NT

25–26 Adelaide SA

June 6–7 Townsville Qld

20–21 Townsville Qld

27–28 Melbourne Vic

July 19–20 Perth WA

21–22 Newcastle NSW

28–29 Wodonga Vic

August 4–5 Brisbane Qld

11–12 Nowra NSW

16–17 Cairns Qld

24–25 Sydney NSW

September 29–30 Hobart Tas

October 20–21 Canberra ACT

26–27 Brisbane Qld

November 14–15 Townsville Qld

14–15 Melbourne Vic

16–17 Darwin NT

24–25 Canberra ACT

28–29 Townsville Qld

December 6–7 Perth WA

7–8 Sydney NSW

VVCS STEPPING OUT PROGRAM 2011

WALK THELONG TAN

BATTLEFIELDwith Dave Sabben MG

(former 12 Pl commander at the Battle of Long Tan)

“ LONG TAN TREK TOUR”

Wednesday 12 Oct 2011for 7 days/6 nights

Saigon, Coral, ALSG, Nui Dat, Long Tan, minefi eld, Cu Chi & more

on an optional tour extensionfrom 18 Oct for 12 days/11nightsDa Nang, DMZ, Khe Sanh, Hanoi, DBP, more

Per person, twin share. Single supplements on application. Trek Tour includes international air travel. Add internationalAirfare if booking the ‘post-Trek’ tour only. Conditions apply.See website www.nntravel.com.au for details.

National Network Travel & CruiseABN 76 004 937 099 : Lic 30280

Email [email protected] or phone (03) 9654 4000 for details

on the October 2011

$2985*

$2457*then post-Trek, visit 9 more decisive battlefi elds

* Price includes a donation to the Australian Vietnam Volunteers Resource Group. Please see their website www.avvrg.org.au

www.longtantrek.comwww.longtantrek.com


By Cpl Melanie Schinkel

IN LIGHT of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, two soldiers are calling for people to support or join them on a ‘Ride Round Australia’ to raise money for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) sufferers.

Inspired by Ewan McGregor’s Long Way road trip series, mates, colleagues and motorcycle enthusi-asts WO2 Dave Clarke and Sgt Jon Cooper from ADFIS will embark on a 32-day, 165,000km round trip from Sydney on April 2 next year.

WO2 Clarke said his son, James, 3, was diagnosed with autism in 2009 and he hoped to raise at least $500,000 for Australia’s largest not-for-profit autism specific service provid-er, Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT).

“Jon and I are big fans of riding and McGregor’s documentaries, so we thought we could do something similar to raise money and aware-ness for autism,” WO2 Clarke said.

“We plan to do the trip in 200km legs and rest every seventh day. For our safety, a support vehi-cle will follow us and we’re look-ing for a medic and mechanic to join us.

“In fact, we’re extending an open invitation to anyone who wants to join us on the road or show their support by making a donation on our website.”

ASDs are lifelong developmen-

tal disabilities characterised by marked difficulties in social inter-action, impaired communication, and restricted and repetitive inter-ests, behaviours and sensory sen-sitivities.

ASDs include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder and pervasive developmental disorder, which is also known as atypical autism.

Studies show one in 160 Australians have an ASD and it’s more prevalent in males than females.

There is no single known cause for ASDs however, recent research has identified strong genetic links.

“I have met a lot of ADF mem-bers who have autistic children. If you think you don’t know someone with autism, I bet you do.

“Parents just don’t draw atten-tion to the fact they have an autistic child,” WO2 Clarke said.

He said he and his wife, Kate, identified James’ need for help when his behaviour changed for the worse.

“James began to shut himself out from the rest of the world, developed echolalia and an abnor-mal obsession with the cartoon Cat in the Hat.

“He also became violent and kicked uncontrollably at nappy-changing times.

“James was lining up his toys in a straight line and experienced irra-tional giggling fits and emotional meltdowns.

“He was extremely frustrated because he couldn’t articulate to us what was happening to him.”

WO2 Clarke said James’ behaviour had improved signifi-cantly since attending the Dalwood Spilstead Centre twice a week in Sydney.

The Dalwood Spilstead Centre runs specially designed programs to assist autistic children.

James also has a speech therapist, psychologist and two specialist doc-tors to help him manage his disorder.

“James’ social interaction and speech have improved dramatically. He now makes direct eye contact with people and his violent out-bursts have ceased.

“James’ affection towards us has also returned, so Kate and I are enjoying cuddles from him again,” WO2 Clarke said.

“It has been rough for Kate and me. The divorce rate for autistic par-ents is quite high, but we managed to pull through and the experience has made us both more resilient. We are now very cognisant of the need to make time for each other.”

� If you would like to make a donation or join WO2 Clarke and Sgt Cooper on their ride, visit www.gofundraise.com.au/page/RRAA2012 or join the Facebook group www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_174966455879614&ap=1

� The pair can also be emailed on [email protected]

� For more information about ASDs, visit Autism Spectrum Australia’s website www.autismspectrum.org.au or call the information line on 1800 069 978.

� April 2-April 3 – Sydney to Brisbane� April 4-April 6 – Brisbane to Cairns� April 7 – start Cairns to Darwin� April 8 – rest� April 9-April 12 – Cairns to Darwin (cont)� April 13 to 14 – start Darwin to Broome� April 15 – rest� April 16 – Darwin to Broome (cont)� April 17-April 20 – Broome to Perth� April 21 – Perth to Albany� April 22 – rest� April 23-April 26 – start Albany to Adelaide� April 27 – Adelaide to Melbourne (cross the Bass Strait)� April 28 – Devonport to Hobart along the west coast� April 29 – Rest Day� April 30 – Hobart to Devonport along the east coast� May 1 – Melbourne to Batemans Bay� May 2 – Batemans Bay to Canberra� May 3 – Canberra to Wollongong� May 4 – Wollongong to Sydney

Long road for a good cause

RIDE ITINERARY 2012

Born to ride: WO2 Dave Clarke with his son, James, 3, who was diagnosed with autism in 2009.

Brisbaneto Cairnsrwin

2000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111122222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222

Australian Defence Credit Union Limited ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL/ACL No. 237 988

For more info visit your local ADCU branch, go to www.adcu.com.au or call 1300 13 23 28

Bank with an institution you can trustProudly supporting Australian defence personnel since 1959

ADCU has a long history helping defence personnel and their families with their banking needs.

Savings and investmentsHome, personal and car loansInsurance solutions for the home, car and moreAustralia wide branch network24 hour access via ATM, EFTPOS, online and phone bankingAnd a relationship reward that rewards you

WORLD 13 Army April 14, 2011

By Capt Cameron Jamieson

T RO O P S s e r v i n g w i t h t h e International Stabilisation Force in East Timor have met a living treas-ure in a rural village in the Baucau district.

The diggers talked with Armindo Simao Laranzinha, an 82-year-old East Timorese man who remembers helping Australian commandos who were conducting guerrilla warfare in Japanese-occupied Timor during World War II.

The son of a Portuguese Colonial Army corporal and a Timorese mother, Mr Laranzinha already spoke Tetum, Bahasa Indonesian, Portuguese and some English when the Japanese invaded in 1942.

Only 12 years old at the time, he fled Dili and later helped Australian and Dutch troops to forage for food and supplies.

“Many Timorese wanted to help them, but they were scared of making direct contact with the soldiers,” Mr Laranzinha told visiting ISF troops at his home in rural Waidau.

“Because I could speak Tetum and looked a bit Portuguese, the locals would give me the food for passing onto the Australians.”

Mr Laranzinha also recalled chas-

ing after food that had scattered from ruptured containers of supplies air dropped to the commandos in the south of East Timor before he and three other boys involved were arrested by the Japanese.

Thanks to his Bahasa language

skills he was able to convince them he was Indonesian and was later released.

He later made his home in Baucau, and a few years ago ISF troops helped him to relocate to his current cottage in more rural sur-

rounds, where he continued to wel-come diggers into his home on a regular basis.

“It makes me very happy to see Australian soldiers again and to know East Timor and Australia are such good friends,” he said.

Mr Laranzinha claims merely to have helped Australian soldiers on some occasions and does not claim to have been a Creado, the young East Timorese who lived with the commandos, and helped them move throughout the island.

The commandos’ cobber

Close ties: Cpl David Barri presents Armindo Simao Laranzinha with a picture and an Australian flag arm patch during a visit to the East Timorese man’s home near Baucau. Photo by LAC Leigh Cameron

14 WORLD NEWS Army April 14, 2011

Entertainment experts: Eager to please Australian performers made up the latest Tour De Force team to put on a show for soldiers in East Timor. Included in the line up were Luke Austen and his country music band, Mix FM’s drive-time comedy duo Ant and Becks, and Melbourne rock musician Renee Cassar (inset). After the concert, performers were treated to capability demonstrations from the deployed soldiers and an aerial tour of East Timor in a Black Hawk. Photos by LAC Leigh Cameron

A show of force

By Capt Cameron Jamieson

A M E D I C s e r v i n g w i t h t h e International Stabilisation Force in East Timor has created a medical mir-acle without the need for specialist training and equipment.

Cpl Melissa Campbell raised $5691 for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave, a fundraiser held each March to support research and treatment of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Cpl Campbell said she decided to take the plunge and shave her head after seeing a friend do it back in Australia.

“I signed on the following day,” she said.

“It’s a great cause to get involved in because it’s not just about leukaemia, it involves other blood cancers, it involves research and it involves providing money to help the people affected by cancer and their families.

“The response from the Australian and New Zealand troops over here has been amazing; I even received some

big donations of $500 and $700 from individuals.”

To highlight her commitment to the fundraiser, Cpl Campbell made a public display of having her head shaved by visiting Tour de Force entertainers Ant and Becks from Mix FM’s Sydney and Melbourne drive-time radio show.

“It’s been an amazing experi-ence, I’ve never been bald before,” Cpl Campbell said.

“Being shaved on stage with a lot of people watching me was interesting to say the least, but it was a lot of fun too.”

Since 1998 the World’s Greatest Shave has raised more than $106m to fund services to support patients and fam-ilies living with leukaemia, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.

On average an Australian is diag-nosed with one of these cancers every hour of every day.

For more details on the World’s Greatest Shave, visit www.worldsgreatestshave.com.au

Close shave for deployed medic

Just a trim: Cpl Melissa Campbell has her head shaved by Mix FM radio host Anthony Toohey during the Tour De Force concert, raising $5691 for the Leukaemia Foundation in the process.

Visit www.armyshop.com.auor Army Shop at Military Shop

65 Kembla Street Fyshwick Canberra02 6123 2960

Vi it

ARMYARMYSHOPSHOPARMYSHOP

No image from Gallipoli embodies the spirit of ordinary people, extraordinary service more than that of the man with his donkey.

This cold cast bronze figurine is a tangible representation of that spirit. The figurine is 240mm high and features a glass vial of authentic Gallipoli sand set into the base. $98.00 each.Medallions, lapel pins, key rings, and limited edition medallion sets also available.

SANDSGALLIPOLI

of

Man with Donkey Figurine

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)

WORLD NEWS 15 Army April 14, 2011

Shuras strengthen tiesBy Spc Edward Garibay, US Army

ONE of the biggest challenges when entering a new area in Afghanistan is earning the trust and confidence of the local community.

With the opening of Patrol Base Mohammed, many people of the Mirabad Valley in Uruzgan province are seeing Afghan National Army (ANA) personnel for the first time.

Civil affairs team leader for the Uruzgan Provincial Reconstruction team (PRT) Capt Patrick Blue, US Army, said Afghan National Security Forces were beginning to lay the groundwork for stability in the region.

The PRT engages with members of the com-munity, reassures villagers, listens to their griev-ances and presents a familiar face.

“We tend to hear the same grievances in every area, but these people are happy to see us,” Capt Blue said. “They know we bring security.”

Soldiers at Patrol Base Mohammed hope to bring that security to the Mirabad Valley by denying the Taliban the ability to access popu-lated areas before the spring fighting season begins.

Capt Blue said the new patrol base was help-ing to build confidence with local leaders.

“I think it’s really quite telling of what one leader thought of the new patrol base. His words exactly were, ‘I’m not scared any more’.”

He said once security was established, the Afghan Government could come in and start improving living conditions for the community and bring stability.

To this end, local town elders in Charmestan called a meeting to discuss their security needs with the ANA and Coalition forces.

Commander 3rd Kandak, 4 Bde, ANA, Lt-Col Said Serajudin attended the shura to speak with the community.

“We don’t have to let the enemy divide the people of Mirabad,” Lt-Col Serajudin told the villagers.

“We want to bring the people to the govern-ment and the government to the people.”

OC MTF 2 Combat Team Bravo Maj Brenton Pearce said the locals wanted to open the lines of communication. He said security was of the greatest importance to the locals and the shura helped relay these messages.

“Just like we want to feel safe in our homes, they want to feel safe too,” Maj Pearce said.

“This shura was the first step to harvesting an ongoing and positive relationship with the com-munity and bringing opportunity to the people.”

Making friends: Mentoring team leader Lt Christian Johnston looks on as his ANA counterpart speaks with an Afghan community member near Patrol Base Mohammed. Village leaders (inset) speak up during the shura. Photos by Spc Edward Garibay

Community consultation: Villagers from Charmestan speak with leaders from the ANA and their Australian mentors about the presence of a new patrol base in the area.

Ask us how!

Salary packaging makes sense. You can lease a car with SmartSalary and put more in your pocket. SmartSalary’s car lease specialists will:

• Source your car

• Use our buying power for the best price

• Handle all the paperwork

• Arrange 36% discount on petrol, maintenance, rego and insurance

It’s that easy and that good! Call today for an obligation-free discussion.Call us now on 1300 112 769 Visit www.smartsalary.com.au

Working in Defence means

36% off petrol


THE Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) has been inundated with gifts and messages of support from members of the Australian public throughout their winter campaign in Afghanistan.

Over the colder months, members of the Special Air Service Regiment, 1 and 2 Cdo Regts, and the Incident Response Regiment have received hundreds of care pack-ages from friends, family and members of the public.

Lt Jesse Platz, deployed with SOTG, said it was touch-ing and humbling to witness the outpouring of support from home.

“As winter well and truly made its presence felt this year, the contributions not only provided physical warmth and increased morale, but were a welcome touch from Australia,” he said.

“They have continually reminded us all that our efforts in Afghanistan are in the minds and hearts of those we have left at home.”

Lt Platz said the most popular gift during the current rotation had been hand-knitted skull caps as well as the immensely popular beanie.

“The skull caps came in impressive numbers, and the generosity of spirit shown by individuals and organisa-tions will no doubt be remembered by our soldiers long after they have returned home,” he said. “The surplus skull caps will be put towards a good cause.

“SOTG members are always grateful for their care packages and often write their own letters of thanks back to those supporting troops deployed on overseas operations.”

SOTG 15 has partnered with the Afghan Provincial Response Company Uruzgan to help the Afghan Government shield the local population and disrupt the insurgency in the southern provinces.

Special mail addresses are now open in response to demand from members of the public seeking to send care packages to deployed ADF members in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

Details are available on the Defence web site at http://www.defence.gov.au/anzacday/mail/index.htmKeep your hat on: A Special Forces soldier poses with hundreds of hand-knitted beanies that have been made in Australia.

Beanies a pearl of an idea

Moving to new barracks doesn’t mean your family can’t feel at home.

With Niche at Hillbank you’ll fi nd large blocks ranging from 560m2 to a massive 1155m2. Niche is a fully landscaped community, ideal for families and just minutes from the expanding Edinburgh Military Base. With limited lots available, this is a rare land offering capturing fantastic views over Adelaide’s northern suburbs and the Little Para River reserve along with the convenience of a short commute to the barracks. Check out the website and fi nd your Niche today.

For details contact Chris McCauley on 08 8203 1288 or 0419 725 040

b Bungarra St. Hillbank SA

RLA61339

Selling Agent Developer

Certifi ed by

AD

CH

0064

www.fi ndyourniche.com.au

Main N

orth Rd

Bungarra S

t

Kurrie St

25min

10min

Blac

k To

p Rd

City

Base

Little Para River

LAND NOW SELLING ONLY 2KM FROM EDINBURGH MILITARY BASE

�


Troops gettop quality treatment By AB Melanie Schinkel and Cpl Zenith King

COUGHS, colds and minor ailments are what the Army staff at Tarin Kot’s Role 2 Hospital deal with every day, but twice a week, over a 24-hour period, they are the first response team for trauma patients.

MTF 2 Regimental Medical Officer Capt Gary Heathcote said a ‘nine-liner’ from a call-sign on the ground was the first indication the team received regarding a trauma patient.

“Upon arrival, we assess and stabilise the

patient. We give them what they need straight away whether it’s fluids, blood or an opera-tion,” Capt Heathcote said.

“Quite often we can’t manage patients who have sustained head injuries, so we arrange a flight to Kandahar Airfield’s Role 3 Hospital.”

The advanced medical technician for the resuscitation team, Cpl Ellen Grieg, said her hardest and most interesting case involved an Afghan boy.

“The very first casualty we had as a resus-citation team was a young kid who had his head run over by a tractor. Parts of his face had been lifted off and his airway was difficult

to manage because it was obstructed by teeth and smashed bone,” Cpl Grieg said.

“Thankfully, he lived. His face is scarred but apart from that he’s fine.”

About 130 patients’ primary health con-cerns are treated by the Australian team every week. An additional 10 to 20 patients are alsotreated in the hospital’s 14-bed ward.

Cpl Grieg said the medics did the practical application of the clinical work while the doc-tors oversaw and assessed the situation from the end of the patient’s bed.

“The MIST (mechanism of injury, injuries sustained, signs and symptoms and treatment) arrives before the casualty, so you can pre-pare yourself for what injuries to expect,” she said.

“There’s always an exception, but the information provided by the MIST gives us a pretty good heads up.”

Meanwhile, Army and Air Force medics work together 24 hours a day at Al Minhad Air Base’s (AMAB) medical facility.

The entire medical team’s focus is to provide primary health care to both ADF members deployed to AMAB and those just passing through.

Sgt Amy White, a medic with 9FSB, said her training in Australiahad prepared her well for deploy-ment.

“The main difference between here and a medical centre back

home is here we deal with soldiers coming back from Afghanistan with battle injuries like burns and shrapnel wounds,” Sgt White said.

“That was something I hadn’t been exposed to before and it has been a massive learning curve.

“We are always briefed about who is com-ing in and what injuries they have, so you get a pretty good mental picture of what to expect.”

AMAB’s medical facility also coordinates and conducts aeromedical evacuations from in-theatre and plays a major role in returning patients to Australia.

First-class care: Medical assistant Cpl Ellen Greig, MTF 2, (above) helps RMO Capt Joshua Piercey (inset) conduct a medical assessment of a US soldier at the Role 2 hospital in Tarin Kot, Afghanistan. Photos by Cpl Zenith King

Fleet Network offers all the cost saving benefi ts of vehicle salary packaging. Our dedicated consultants are focused on delivering outstanding service. Your approval will be completed swiftly and we will keep you updated.

Thousands of Australians have trusted Fleet Network’s ability to deliver superb leasing and fi nancing deals on any new car currently available in Australia.

Fleet Network Pty Ltd D/L 20462 *To qualify for this offer you must mention this advertisement to Fleet Network prior to the completion of your initial contract. Vehicle must be new and supplied by Fleet Network. Not valid in conjunction with any other current Fleet Network offers.

Call us on 1300 738 601www.fl eetnetwork.com.au

Mention you saw this fl yer prior to completing your initial contract and we’ll give you a choice of either a

Free Nav Man C40 Portable GPS or a $200 Fuel Voucher when your

new vehicle is delivered

LimitedOffer*

new car on the radar?Save now by salary sacrifi cing


Chooks back in theatreAUSTRALIAN air operations capa-bility has returned to Afghanistan and started full operational duties in support of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations.

Rotary Wing Group CO Lt-Col Neil Monaghan said the partner-ship had great impact in terms of strengthening the relationship with coalition partners.

“The Australian contribution, although small in comparison to the American aviation assets, is consid-ered an integral part of ISAF and the mission is an important element in the coalition effort in Afghanistan,” he said.

Since their first deployment in 2006, the Australian Chinooks have been highly valued on the battlefield and are well suited to operations in Afghanistan’s traditionally harsh environment.

The task group from 5 Avn Regt returned to Australia in October last year for the Afghan winter for mandatory maintenance and a well-earned break after completing more than 737 flying hours and moving more than 691,000kg of supplies.

Now back in Kandahar, the Chinooks are embedded with the US Army’s 159th Combat Aviation Brigade and have conducted trial missions and maintenance to ensure the helicopters and crews are well prepared for the Afghan summer ahead.

Pilot Capt Tye Masterson said the type of missions flown by coalition helicopters ranged from moving pas-sengers and cargo around bases to

providing tactical air mobility in sup-port of ISAF operations in southern Afghanistan.

“The majority of our missions involve Australian and US helicop-ters and we often support Australian forces on the ground as well as Americans and Afghans,” Capt Masterson said.

The Chinook has a lift capa-bility of 12,000kg, avoiding air-craft performance issues some-times encountered in mountain-ous terrain and landing zones at high altitudes.

Room with a view: A Chinook crew member mans the tail gun during a test flight near Kandahar. Inset, the aircraft touches down in the desert. Photos by Sgt Neil Ruskin

Beautifully appointed, feature packed, brand new homes conveniently located just minutes from the Edinburgh Defence Precinct.

These modern homes offer a low maintenance lifestyle within an easy

stroll from local shops, public transport and schools, they have it all!

This is more than just your normal house and land package, these homes

come absolutely complete with no further hidden costs – simply move in

and enjoy or add to your investment portfolio today!

Salisbury North

For more information:

Daniel Romeo 0413 383 370

OUTSTANDING VALUE FOR JUST $284,900* – READY TO MOVE IN, COMPLETE HOMES

ARTIST IMPRESSION ONLY


Solomons security improvesBy Capt Lacey Western

AFTER handing over to incoming 13 Bde troops from Western Australia, soldiers from 9 Bde who returned to Australia from Solomon Islands last week could look back on a job well done.

About 80 Australian soldiers from South Australia and Tasmania’s 9 Bde were welcomed home on April 5 from Operation Anode’s 23rd rotation, which also included troops from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

While they were no longer required to provide a distinct security presence in the community in Solomon Islands, the soldiers provided community support when required by participating in more civil-liaison patrols, travelling to outly-ing communities and islands.

Operations Officer Maj David Falloon said continued government stability had allowed the nature of Australian military assistance to develop.

“This new phase of the opera-tion within the law and order pillar of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Island (RAMSI) is to build the capacity of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF),” he said.

“Continuing the joint patrols was

impeding the RSIPF in taking full con-trol of normal policing duties.

“This is the reason behind the reduc-tion of military presence.”

Returned r i f leman Pte Jamie Kulchanek said Australians were still warmly welcomed by local community members.

“When we went out in the streets of Honiara, everyone was very receptive to us and we were obviously friendly and welcoming to them,” he said.

“I was recently over on another island just after a large wave had come through and we were there helping out the locals with the clean up.

“The motto of ‘helping friends’ really applied there and they were grateful for it.”

Commander CTF 635 Lt-Col Paul Landforce described the cooperative nature of the mission as a key aspect of the deployment.

“The reservists have been involved in a lot of the policy, the cultural aspects and interactions not only with the com-munity but with the other 15 participat-ing countries that make the Pacific con-tribution to RAMSI,” he said.

“That interaction in their daily living and professional training was a high-light of this mission.”

Community support: Capt Kendall Crocker reads a story to children at the Pte Jamie Clark Memorial Kindergarten in Gifu village, Honiara. Photos by Cpl Janine Fabre

AS PART of Exercise Boss Lift and the ADF Parliamentary Program, Defence Parliamentary Secretary David Feeney and NSW Senator Steve Hutchins visited Solomon Islands in March.

Senator Hutchins said he chose to go to Solomon Islands after hear-ing about the great work reservists were doing there.

“I’ve certainly been humbled and amazed,” he said.

“Humbled by the dedication that is required by the soldiers who serve their country in a difficult area, and amazed at how enthusiastic and dedicated they are to their task.”

Senator Feeney joined the reservists as part of Ex Boss Lift, where civilian employers spent time with their deployed employees.

He said civilian employers were given a tour of the base, kit demon-strations, and time at the small-arms range as part of the organised events

to experience for themselves a day in the life of their employees.

Senator Feeney described the Defence program as paramount to ensuring the ongoing support for reservists in the civilian workforce.

“We think it is very important to instil in Australian businesses and Australian employers a strong sense of respect for reservists and reserve service and for them to recognise the extraordinary skills found in Army reservists,” he said.

Political power:

Senator Steve Hutchins, left, and Defence

Parliamentary Secretary

David Feeney enjoy a

laugh during Exercise Boss

Lift activities.

Politicians join soldiers

20 CENTREPIECE Army April 14, 2011 21

THE bombardier’s sharp com-mands precede a deafen-ing boom, shattering a crisp Puckapunyal morning and

signalling a new age for the Royal Australian Artillery.

The inaugural firing of the M777A2 155mm Lightweight Towed Howitzer on April 1 was a first for Australian gunners, bringing the ADF a complete joint fires capability.

OC New Equipment Training Team Maj Pete Wiles said the M777A2 matched the firepower of current gen-eration 155mm towed systems at about half the weight of the M198 it was designed to replace.

“The lightweight design allows the gun to be deployed by fixed wing or rotary aircraft,” Maj Wiles said.

“The on-board GPS, inertial navi-gation system and digital fire-control system allow it to be brought into action more quickly than other towed howitzers.

“The digital transmission of fire orders and gun data can greatly reduce the possibility of human error.”

The firing was the culmination of the pilot M777A2 operator’s course, conducted by the School of Arty’s Gunnery Training Team (GTT). The three-man team spent six weeks with the US Army training on the gun.

Senior SM Instructor Gunnery WO2 Darrin Free said the US instructors were very experienced, each with more than 20 years in artillery.

“The instruction was thorough,” WO2 Free said.

LS Paul Berry puts in some hearing protection and heads down to the gun line for the first Australian firing of the new M777A2.

“It was used as a base for us to develop drills required of an Australian detachment, deploying and using artil-lery the Australian way.”

GTT instructor Bdr Matthew Nunn said it was an eye-opener to work with the US gunners and that exposure was handy for introducing the gun into Australian service.

“As soon as we got back from the States we went straight into it, writing doctrine and converting US drills into Australian and thinking about how we are going to introduce the gun,” Bdr Nunn said.

“It’s been hard work right up to the first course and it’s rewarding to finally get through it and fire the gun.”

Bdr Nunn made history as the first qualified Australian artilleryman to fire the M777A2.

“I’ve only been in the Army four years and to have the rank of bombar-dier and to be the number one of a new piece of kit, it’s quite a privilege,” he said.

The decision to replace the current indirect fire support fleet was taken in the 2005 Defence White Paper and con-firmed by subsequent white papers. The

M777A2 was identified as the ideal solution in 2008.

In 2009 the government decided to further enhance the indirect combat power available to the Army’s com-bined-arms teams with the acquisition of new 155mm artillery systems able to fire precision munitions at very long ranges with high rates of fire.

Combined Arms Training Centre Commandant Col Sean Ryan said the Army had moved into the 21st century in terms of combat power.

He said a person on the forward edge of the battle could give data to the

gun almost instantly, gaining the pro-tection of indirect fire sooner.

Col Ryan said when combined with other state-of-the-art technology such as the Excalibur round and the com-puter-based Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), the M777A2 provided Australia with a capability that would lead it into the future.

He said with the AFATDS “capacity to link into Air Force and Navy sys-tems, we’ve now truly got a joint-fires capability for the ADF.”

Some trainees from the first course

on the gun will work with the GTT as required to develop and deliver training to other instructors from the School of Arty and the regiments of the RAA.

WO2 Free said the qualified sol-diers would also help the GTT train other soldiers from 53 Bty and instruct initial employment training courses within Joint Fires Wing.

“Overall we have achieved the aim of the course, but there is a little bit of room for improvement,” he said.

“It’s very early days for the gun so we’re still learning as we go, getting better every day.”

New capability

Rounds away: Gunners ram a round into the M777A2 Howitzer during its inaugural firing at Puckapunyal range in Victoria. Photos by LS Paul Berry

Fired up: Bdr Matthew Nunn prepares to load charge canisters into the M777A2 Howitzer.

Ready to go: Gunners prepare the new gun for firing.

Potent weapon: WO2 Darrin Free prepares a 155mm round.

Prepare to fire: Sgt Travis

Whittaker checks the fuse

on a M777A2 Howitzer round.

THE M777A2 is capable of firing four rounds per minute for two minutes, then two rounds per minute sustained.

At 4500kg, the M777A2 is about half the weight and is smaller than the M198 it is designed to replace, without sacrificing the range, stability, accuracy or durability.

The M777A2 is currently in service with the Australian Army, US Marine Corps, US Army and Canadian Forces.

Effective range is 24km with standard 155mm ammunition, 30km with Rocket-Assisted Projectiles and up to 40km with Excalibur precision guided projectiles.

The Excalibur precision guided projectile is a precise GPS-guided munition capable of being used in close support situations with friendly units.

* Fares are cruise only (including all main meals, taxes and government charges-subject to change, entertainment, port charges) per person in AUD, in complete 4 berth or twin cabin as specified above. # Obstructed outside cabin has ocean views that may be obstructed. For domestic cruises there will be a GST charge. Valid for new bookings only. P&O and Defence Escapes have set aside a limited number of cabins at these discounted rate s. Once these cabins are sold, fares will revert to higher or full fares. For further information on these conditions call 02 49261148. # Onboard credits vary from $50 to $200, determined by cruise length & only applicable for serving ADF members. Service or PM keys numbers are required for each cabin booking.

Special Rates for our Defence Forces

www.defenceescapes.com 1300 789 824 / 02 4926 1148 [email protected] ABN 91 639 849 765Lic No 2TA06786

for ADF (ex & serving), defence contractors, APS, family & friends

ONBOARD CREDIT up to$100per serving member #

12 W117 BNE 21/05/2011 SOUTH PACIFIC $950 $1,100 $1,150 $1,250

7 N118 BNE 08/05/2011 SOUTH PACIFIC closed closed $600 $700

7 W121 BNE 18/06/2011 SOUTH PACIFIC $550 $650 $700 $850

6 P133 SYD 28/12/2011 MELBOURNE CUP $1,130 $1,150 $1,600 $2,120

12 J201 SYD 28/12/2011 NEW YEARS EVE $2,255 $2,700 $2,700 $3,140

4 N220 BNE 13/05/2012 WHITSUNDAY FOOD & WINE $500 $550 $800 $850

INSIDE OUTSIDE

TWIN BERTH

PP FROM *

plus many more…………….

NIGHTS CRUISE DEPARTS VOYAGE INSIDE OUTSIDE

4 BERTHCruises from Sydney & BrisbanePP FROM *

22 LETTERS Army April 14, 2011

LIKE a large number of Defence members I was posted at the end of last year. As a part of this post-ing I undertook a removal from Melbourne to Darwin through the Toll Transitions process, which is required by Defence personnel.

Aside from the administrative problems I encountered with the Toll website, I was astounded to find that the boat and car that I had removed by Defence through Toll had no cover for loss or damage between pick up and delivery.

These items together are very expensive, would not be able to be replaced at my own cost and would significantly hinder the movement of my family should one of them be damaged beyond repair.

Upon querying this issue with Toll, I was advised that it was Defence policy and it was my responsibility to obtain insurance coverage for the removal period.

I felt comforted somewhat upon being advised that I would be cov-ered during this time after contact-ing my insurance companies.

Although it is in Pacman 6.5.6, No Compensation for Certain Items, I feel there is likely to be a large number of personnel within Defence, Army in particular, who are not aware of this policy.

I also wonder how many per-sonnel carried out a recent removal of transportable items without the necessary cover, if any, from their own insurance companies.WO2 Pail McKayBCSS Cell – DarwinRobertson Barracks

I WOULD like to congratulate Defence for having Toll Transitions taking care of removals. It has given me a totally different appreciation of the support provided previously by DHA. Compared to the poor (read pathetic) support provided by Toll, DHA were stars!

Non-existant customer service, abusing my wife, the inability of the case manager to respond to emails or phone calls, the inability to be pro-active, a computer system that would not work properly (and blaming the DRN when it was not working at home), the list goes on.

We were constantly told it was all “teething problems”. If they were not prepared to carry out the work required to the standard required, why did they go for the contract and more importantly, why did they receive the contract?WO2 David HarveyOPSWO JLU(SQ)Bulimba Barracks

Alan McClelland, Director Relocations and Housing, Defence Support Operations responds:TOLL Transitions acknowledges and regrets there have been performance issues with ser-vice delivery leading up to and during the peak posting cycle and apologises to WO2 Harvey and any other serving member for any incon-venience or distress caused.

Toll Transitions has rolled out significant enhancements to its website since being awarded the contract for relocations services. Toll has learnt significant lessons from the last posting period and is implementing additional functional-ity to improve system stability and performance.

One of the key lessons learnt during this post-ing cycle is the need to be more proactive and to improve the level and quality of communication between case managers and Defence members.

Personnel pay the Toll for new contract

Alan McClelland, Director Relocations and Housing, Defence Support Operations responds:

ON THE question of the Defence policy, Defence does not provide compensation for loss or dam-age to vehicles and towable items during relocation. These items are not household furniture and effects and there is an expectation that they would be insured sepa-rately by the member.

Members, for example, will generally take out insurance on their registered vehicles. As a result, while the Commonwealth may pay to relocate vehicles and towable items to a new posting location, it does not compensate for loss or damage to these items.

It is the responsibility of mem-bers to check that their insurance adequately covers them.

Information on this policy is covered in a number of documents that are provided to members when undertaking relocations. Section 3, page 17 of The Defence Relocation Guide titled “Removal of Motor Vehicles” explains that vehicles being transported are not covered for insurance and the member needs to make their own arrange-ments. This is further reinforced on page 28 on Warranty, headed “What is not covered”.

In addition, Part H of the Application For Relocation also reiterates that Commonwealth indemnity does not apply to vehi-cles/towable items.

The new contract with Toll Transitions requires an increased presence at the removal uplift and delivery to provide greater supervi-sion of the contractors and manage-ment of their performance. In addi-tion, Toll Transitions has in place a process to appoint a carrier to its panel of suppliers. Once appointed, Toll monitors their performance and immediately suspends from the panel any carrier whose perfor-mance is below standard.

WO2 McKay’s letter does highlight the need to increase the awareness of this policy with members. We will look to include information on this topic in future articles leading up to the next peak posting period.

Cars should be covered

Removal risk: Should insurance for towable items such as cars and boats be covered by Defence during removals or is it a member’s responsibility? Photo by LAC Aaron Curran

Do you want to return to work?Do you want to return to work?Do you need a vocational return to work rehabilitation program?Do you need a vocational return to work rehabilitation program?

CONTACT US: Unit 4 / 28 Boothby Street KEDRON Ph (07) 3624 0611 Mobile: 0402 971 784

[email protected]

Ask your Case Manager or Rehab Coordinator to make a referral to PHOENIXComcare Approved Provider SRCA/MRCA

‘The value of early intervention’

MISSED the 60thArmy Apprentice

REUNION?

Don’t miss out on your copy of

S.H.Cheeseman AM JP

‘FROM BOY TO SOLDIER’‘A View of the Army Apprentice Scheme 1948 -1998’

Limited Edition - Hard Cover

178 Pages printed in colourGreat Gift Idea

$50.00 plus postage and handling

Available fromArmy Museum Bandiana

02 6055 2525email bandiana.museum

@defence.gov.au

OR

Direct from the distributor - Freecall 1800 244 566 email [email protected]

Fast becoming the #1 tax agent for ADF members

Call 1300 76 35 75 24/7 or visit us online at

www.phatreturns.com.au

Defence Force tax specialists - We have extensive experience across all ranks and specialities, including:

� Members who have served overseas, and/or have investment properties � Members who have fallen behind on lodging their tax returns

Maximum returns - We know all the specifi c deductions, so you get a great tax return every year!

Phone consultations - All tax returns are completed over the phone, so you don’t have to leave your base, ship or assignment.

One tax agent - We are not limited by locality so you and your family don’t ever have to look for another tax agent again.

Special Offer - Introduce your partner to us and they will receive a 20% discount on our fee.

Tasmanian oak canes in a range of colours and calibres 20mm 50.Cal, 5.56mm fi nished in Brass or Chrome, complimented by desk/presentation standsFor the individual: Personalised canes in Red Gum, Jarrah, Lacy Sheoak, Wandoo & Marri. “Unique Canes” are also available. They are made from a variety of original items

Ph 03 9859 3778 or 0416 195 849 [email protected]

LETTERS 23 Army April 14, 2011

HAVE YOUR SAY

� Letters under 300 words are preferred.

� All letter writers must include their name, unit, location and contact number for verification.

� Letters might be rejected if they are too long, abusive, or can be answered by the author’s unit.

� Letters should be emailed to [email protected]

IN THE March 17 edition of Army in the article “Recognising the service of our past generations” on page 18, you referred to Lorna Ward of 2/9 Australian General Hospital as being the oldest surviving World War II female veteran.

This statement I feel is incorrect. She could possibly be the oldest surviving member of the 2/9.

My mother was a member of the 2/5 and I am the treasurer of their association and know that our oldest female member is 101. Mabel Lavis born April 23, 1909, enlisted on September 12, 1941, and discharged on February 21, 1949, as a lieuten-ant. She served with the AANS. We have another member who served as a nursing sister who turned 100 this month and another still on our committee and she will be 97 this year. There are probably others also who are more than 93. Our members range in age from 88 to 101.Rosalyn FordNSW

YOU stated Lorna Ward at 93 is the oldest surviving female World War II veteran. Lt “Mitch” Shand (nee Mitchell) who was of the second intake of female offic-ers in RA Sigs in WWII (and served as an NCO prior to that) is 95 and still lives in Perth. She is also my wife’s grandmother. Maj Perry BeorOC, 109 Sig SqnWestern Australia

Facing facts on the oldest female vetTHE flow-on effects (no pun

intended) of the Queensland flooding disaster will endure for many years to come.

By no means do I mean to cheapen the lives and the prop-erty lost with a question about housing entitlements, but among the extensive television coverage at the time of the floods, I noted some interesting comments made by the peak body representing insurance companies.

Most insurance companies do not issue flood insurance as a standard product; the majority require it as a top-up or a special-ist policy.

My question is if I am posted to Brisbane in the future (or any other location prone to flooding, as I’m sure insurance companies will review other areas as well) and the only Service accommoda-tion (SA) that is available to me is in one of these recently inundated areas, I’m sure I will find it hard to get flood insurance at a reason-able cost, or even at all.

Is there any plan/policy in place for members to support them in acquiring insurance in these localities for these natural disaster risks at reasonable cost, because in essence members are being forced to choose SA in these locations?

While there is an element of choice in HomeFind when secur-ing SA, due to the limited pool of SA, some members will miss out on having “extensive choice” and be forced to take SA in flood-prone areas.

These members will have to decide whether to bear what will be soon a greatly increased cost for home and contents insurance, or not to insure at all.

I hope to raise debate on this topic, and we should encourage our subordinates to make respon-sible decisions on protecting their families and assets.

I certainly hope that by some poor planning or policy shortfall we are not leaving our members out to dry by forcing them into a decision where they cannot afford to protect their assets when we ask them to protect our country, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice. Capt Chris MurraySMEMoorebank, NSW

Alan McClelland, Director Relocations and Housing, Defence Support Operations responds:THE purpose of housing assis-tance is to support Defence capability by assisting members with some of the cost of accom-

modation in posting locations where they do not own a suit-able home.

Defence provides this assis-tance to members in the form of Service residences or rent allowance within their posting location. However, it is recog-nised that the types of assis-tance offered by Defence may not always suit a family’s spe-cific preferences. As a result, some members may choose to make their own arrangements rather than taking up the assis-tance options made available by Defence.

Defence does not provide or reimburse costs associated with the insurance of household or

personal items owned by mem-bers. Insurance of these items is the responsibility of the member and is a personal choice. It is up to the member to decide if the risk of not taking out insurance for items that they own is one they wish to take based on their own individual circumstances.

As a result of the Brisbane floods, Defence is currently con-ducting a review of housing and relocations to areas that may be affected by natural and other forces that might impact on mem-ber’s postings. The outcomes of this review will be made avail-able through the chain of com-mand once it is completed.

Forced into floods

Damages covered: Should personnel be compensated for the extra cost of flood insurance if posted to a flood-prone area? Photo by LAC Benjamin Evans

Living legend: Mabel Lavis.

Are you eligible for a

DHOAS subsidy?

Our Australia-wide network

is easy to access.

For the cover you can count on

just call 1300 552 662.��

Then you are also entitled to home and contents

insurance through the Defence Service Homes Insurance

Scheme—even if you don’t have a DHOAS home loan.

The scheme offers:

• Comprehensive cover

• Economical premiums

• No general excess

• Contents new for old replacement, regardless of age.

P0201

8 D

SH

I—D

HO

AS 2

61x1

90 D

ec 0

9

24 TRAINING Army April 14, 2011

Staring downBy Lt Darren Elder

SHAGGY Ridge is a name few Duntroon graduates recall with fondness. The multi-day leadership exercise pushes cadets mentally and physically to their limits.

For the 103 staff cadets of Duntroon’s centenary c lass , Exercise Shaggy Ridge was all about surviving long marches, heavy loads, gruelling activities, searing temperatures and the driv-ing rain of Queensland’s Wide Bay training area.

Held in late March, Shaggy Ridge was a significant milestone in the cadets’ 18 months at the Royal Military College.

Senior Instructor I Class Maj Mark Wales said the course pro-vided cadets with an insight into the current operational tempo and the confidence they would need to be successful leaders in their Army careers.

“Shaggy Ridge is very rel-evant,” he said. “It gives cadets a good understanding of what it takes to lead and motivate small groups when everybody is under duress.

“The cadets get a reduced amount of sleep and a reduction in their food intake during the exer-cise.

“Combining this with challeng-ing physical and mental activities creates a situation where they are under extreme duress.”

Physical activities the cadets were faced with included a water crossing, stores carries, casualty

evacuations, infantry tactics, and vehicle and gun pushes.

“The mental activities force the cadets to draw on everything they’ve been taught at Duntroon to make quick decisions,” Maj Wales said

“The extra complexities we add into some activities, for example, also challenge their ethics.”

When Shaggy Ridge finally ended for the cadets, most reached for their mobile phones to call

home even before hitting the show-ers and the barbecue.

Ex Shaggy Ridge derives its name from a successful World War II campaign by Australian forces who persevered in difficult terrain with limited supplies to overcome entrenched Japanese forces in north-eastern New Guinea.

Shaggy Ridge itself was named after Capt Robert ‘Shaggy Bob’ Clampett, 2/27th Bn, whose com-pany first reconnoitred the area.

Hard yards: SCdt Erin Archibald hauls a heavy load to a patrol base during Ex Shaggy Ridge at the Wide Bay Training Area.

Photos by Cpl Bernard Pearson

Adapt and overcome: Staff cadets negotiate Kauri Creek in an improvised raft (top) and don NBC gear (above) as part of the gruelling final training exercise.

TRAINING 25Army April 14, 2011

Shaggy Ridge

Counter-insurgency a focus for final exerciseBy Lt Darren Elder

SOON-to-graduate Duntroon staff cadets took up residence in Queensland’s Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove to establish forward operating bases and patrol the streets of the two towns for insurgents as part of a three-week civil stabilisation exercise.

Senior Instructor I Class, Maj Mark Wales, said the training focused on coordination in a complex operating environment.

“The stability exercise gives cadets a taste of the complexity of civil stabi-

lisation operations using lessons learnt by Australian soldiers on operations such as East Timor, Afghanistan and Solomon Islands,” he said.

“The cadets also learn how to coor-dinate operations involving civilian authorities, Black Hawk and Tiger hel-icopters, Bushmasters, military police dogs and other Army assets.”

Duntroon’s current I Class includes four foreign students (from Brunei, Iraq, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea) and will occupy a special place in the history of Duntroon, which this year celebrates 100 years of training Australian Army officers.

Civil stabilisation: RMC staff cadets stop to engage with locals during a patrol through the streets of Cooloola Cove. Photo by Lt Darren Elder

Under the gun: RMC staff cadets haul a 105mm L119 Hamel gun along a hot, dusty road at the Wide Bay Training Area. Photo by Cpl Bernard Pearson

CALL MAURICE WATSON AT THE PROPERTY INVESTMENT COMPANY TODAY

FREECALL 1800 770 114FREECALL 1800 770 114

QUEST DARWINQUEST DARWIN

Affordable and stylish large 2 and 3 Bedroom Apartments - all fully furnished with car space - in Premier Location right in the heart of Darwin.

With its excellent location Quest Darwin has the potential to deliver dynamic capital growth - in sync with Darwin’s outstanding growth rate.

A worry free investment with absolutely NO vacancy periods. Current Lease to May 2014 - with 4 x 5 year options thereafter.

6.50% Guaranteed Rentalincreasing by 4% per annum. Your apartment is leased back to Quest, Australia’s largest and most experienced serviced apartment operator… NIL TENANT PROBLEMS.

Your rent is paid automatically each month regardless of occupancy… giving each investor Peace of Mind.

Attention Self Managed Super Fund Investors These Quest Darwin apartments make excellent investments

for your SMSF - with their guaranteed passive income stream starting at 6.50% per annum - incrementing by 4% per annum.

Quest Darwin apartments offer very attractive Negative Gearing opportunities and depending on your taxable status and individual circumstances can provide you with a Cash Flow Positive income.

Be part of this world renowned tourist destination - with Kakadu and Katherine Gorge within a 3 hour drive.

This is a “Set and Forget” investment - not buffeted by sharemarket volatility. Just sit back, relax and secure your future.

OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN ONE OFAUSTRALIA’S FASTEST GROWING REAL ESTATE MARKETS

DYNAMIC DARWIN

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS SUPERB LIMITED OPPORTUNITY

INVESTMENTOPPORTUNITY


By LCpl Mark Doran

AMPUTEES were hired to add real-ism to combat first aid training for 2RAR soldiers preparing to deploy to Afghanistan as part of MTF 3.

Designed for soldiers deploy-ing into a high-threat environment, Exercise Primary Survey, held at Lavarack Barracks on March 9, is now mandatory pre-deployment train-ing for force elements.

The clinical teaching environment uses competency skill-stations, mini-lanes and large battle-lanes that create complex battle scenarios involving multiple injuries and wounds.

Commanders of all ranks were required to resolve the complex tac-tical scenarios at the same time as meeting the clinical requirements for saving lives on the battlefield.

SO1 Health Plans and Operations Maj Nicholas Beeson said the main aim of Ex Primary Survey was to avoid preventable deaths on opera-tions.

“The key focus is ensuring all members of the battlegroup have con-fidence in the ability of the combat first aiders, medics, nurses and doc-tors to save their lives if the worst was to happen,” Maj Beeson said.

“The training is delivered through a well-fostered relationship between Defence and civilian industry by using Cubic Defence Australia and Care Flight to provide battle effects simulation and specialist clinical trau-ma education.”

Ex Primary Survey is seen as an extra opportunity to practise junior

leadership at the section and platoon level and provides clinical up-skilling to all the soldiers within a battlegroup.

The rigorous training used role-playing actors, some of them ampu-tees, and helped replicate conditions and situations likely to be faced by troops serving in Afghanistan.

CO 2RAR Lt-Col Chris Smith

said Ex Primary Survey was vital to ensuring soldiers were confi-dent that should they be wounded, the medical care they would receive, whether still in contact with the enemy or not, would give them the best possible chance of surviving their wounds.

“The realism used in the train-

ing scenarios will minimise the initial shock soldiers might experience when confronted with traumatic wounds in Afghanistan,” Lt-Col Smith said.

“Soldiers will have to expect that such incidents could involve their friends, colleagues and civilians.”

MTF 3 is primarily made up of 2RAR soldiers from Townsville’s

3 Bde and will deploy in the middle of this year.

The task force will provide ongo-ing mentoring and development sup-port to the Afghan National Army’s 4th Bde by engaging in mentoring, reconstruction and security operationsin Uruzgan province.

Managing medical mayhem

Emergency room: Soldiers from 2RAR treat wounded civilians, some played by actors with genuine amputations, during Ex Primary Survey. Gnr Cameron Smith (inset) provides first aid during an activity. Photos by Fiona Harding, Townsville Bulletin

Travel InsuranceNew ADF Feature!

Defence Health Travel Insurance can now cover you from your overseas posting to your holiday destination. And your family can also be covered – whether their travel starts from your overseas base or from Australia.

It’s still the same great travel insurance that’s available to everyone. Same competitive price and comprehensive cover. But now with greater flexibility for the ADF.

Call 1800 102 994 or buy online at www.defencehealth.com.au

This information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your individual circumstances. You should consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) in deciding whether this product is appropriate for you. The product is underwritten by Chartis Australia Insurance Limited (ABN 93 004 727 753, AFSL 381686). Defence Health receives remuneration of 20% of all premiums you pay to Chartis. The Financial Services Guide and PDS may be obtained by calling 1800 102 994 or downloaded from www.defencehealth.com.au

Now you can tour from duty


Commandos raise the red flagBy Eamon Hamilton

THE world’s most sophisticated air combat exercise isn’t limited to the sky – ground combat was an important part of Exercise Red Flag, which this year featured Australian participants.

Sydney-based 2 Cdo Regt sent a commando platoon group with specialist support for the exercise, held at the Nevada Test and Training Range from February 21 to March 11.

Working with Australian commando-qualified joint terminal attack controllers from artillery and RAAF’s 4 Sqn, the commandos played out the tactics, tech-niques and procedures (TTP) with coalition partners as they would in operations.

The Australian contingent launched into the range from Creech Air Force Base, operating alongside the US Army’s Special Forces Group from Fort Bragg and the US Air Force’s (USAF’s) Special Operations Command.

The relationship between the Australian and US units is built on experiences at Ex Red Flag in previous years, as well as on current operations in Afghanistan.

OC 2 Cdo Regt Operations Support Company Maj R said Red Flag provided an opportunity to practise and refine Special Operations Forces’ TTPs with other coalition elements, centred on current operational parameters and enabling assets.

That included a rare opportunity to work with front-line USAF and Coalition aircraft in the 24,000 sqkm range.

“We are conducting combined missions which incorporate Hercules for air drop, Chinooks for force projection and tactical lift, and Black Hawks for simu-lated casualty evacuations,” Maj R said.

“We also work with USAF A-10 Warthogs for live close air support, and Royal Air Force Tornado GR 4s for live strike.”

The Tornados carried Paveway IV guided bombs, which mount a laser and GPS guidance package to a 225kg Mk 82 bomb.

Select commandos participated in combat search and rescue missions with USAF units.

In the skies above, F-22A Raptor stealth fighters and F-16 fighters faced off against USAF Aggressor units equipped with their own F-15 and F-16 fighters.

Similarly, the commandos from 2 Cdo Regt faced a hostile environment on the ground, which bore close resemblance to operational theatres.

“A US Defence contractor supplies the opposing force in the Red Flag ground war and their members are equipped and trained in insurgent operations, which significantly adds to the realism of the training,” Maj R said.

“The physical terrain of the Nevada Test and Training Range is almost exactly the same as the desert in Afghanistan.

“Most of the US supporting assets that attend Red Flag use it as pre-deployment training, so the integra-tion with coalition assets, employment of offensive fires and requirement to respond to an unknown enemy threat make the training demanding and challenging.

“Being conducted over two to three weeks, the exercise allows us to conduct debriefs between air-crews and JTACs, which facilitate improvements to our processes through a short learning loop.”

CAS mission: US Air Force A-10 Warthogs were among the coalition aircraft providing close air support for Australian commandos during Ex Red Flag. Photos by Eamon Hamilton

Friendly faces: Australian Hercules transport aircraft and RAAF support personnel deployed alongside commandos on Ex Red Flag 2011.

Properties • Loans • Tax • Super & Shares • Defence Entitlements

Call 1300 784 246 or visit www.spect.com.au

Why choose Spectrum as

your personal � nancial coach?

Specialist in providing � nancial guidance and direction to Defence Force Personnel.

Longevity with 28 years experience.

Holistic advice covering Defence entitlements, all asset classes, tax considerations, cash� ow and loan structures.

Advice and strategies developed by Chartered Accountants, NOT sales people.

Service driven not product driven.

Ongoing service and advice from your own personal � nancial coach.

Spectrum is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Registered Tax Agent & Accredited Mortgage Consultant.

Build WealthSave TaxPartner with an Expert

Spectrum are proud sponsors of CAPT Kevin Vowles competing in the Australian Canoe Kayak Championship in March and his quest in representing Australia in the 2012 Olympic Games.

For a FREE � nancial

� tness assessment.al .

FEATURES 29Army April 14, 2011

Australia’s northern observers

INDIGENOUS soldiers from B Coy 51FNQR based in Weipa are often described as the best Defence assets in northern Australia.Regional Force Surveillance Units

(RFSU) are equipped with the latest sur-veillance and reconnaissance capabilities including image-capturing equipment, night-fighting equipment and communi-cations data transfer.

They could also easily add saltwater crocodile avoidance techniques to the mix.

Section 2IC LCpl Trevor Bramwell said there were a lot of crocodiles up his way and a patrol had a close call one night.

“We were doing a night extraction from an estuary by boat, the tide was coming in and we were loading the boat when a big croc came sliding down the bank,” he said.

“We were supposed to freeze, but that didn’t happen; we just ran everywhere.”

51FNQR is different to most units, as it is on a permanent operational foot-ing, conducting patrols with real-world objectives during peacetime.

OC B Coy 51FNQR Maj Jamie Heron said his company was responsible for the area from Bamaga on the tip of Cape York down the east and west coasts level with Mossman in the south.

“We have two types of patrols – the first is a community-engagement patrol

A superior understanding of the land make the guardians of Queensland’s far north invaluable as LCpl Mark Doran discovered.

The patrols are also trained to operate with Army, Navy and Air Force assets, which enables them to be inserted and extracted by air or water.

Maj Heron said the patrols looked for points of entry and illegal fishing, and could be tasked to assist police search-ing for illegal drug plantations along the creeks and estuaries of Cape York.

“We have built a strong relationship with Customs and AQIS and are work-ing on establishing platforms to assist Queensland Parks and Wildlife,” Maj Heron said.

“We would not exist without indig-enous soldiers – we rely on their local knowledge as they have their own net-works and can supply us with vital infor-mation about things that are out of the ordinary.

“We take the indigenous soldiers tra-ditional understanding of the seasons, weather and terrain and use it to our advantage.

“They are exceptionally good in the boats and their renowned ability to get things fixed is amazing.

“If an engine breaks and the system’s way doesn’t fix it immediately, we will turn to them to get it going so we can complete the activity.”

LCpl Bramwell has been a member of 51FNQR for 13 years. He is originally from Cooktown and is also a ranger for Queensland Parks and Wildlife.

LCpl Bramwell said his uncle and cousin influenced him to join the Army and he really enjoyed patrolling, being out in the bush and sharing the skills he had learnt.

“I would really like to see more young indigenous soldiers from the com-munities joining the unit,” he said.

Single mother and driver Pte Marta Pitt said she was thrilled to be a member of the unit.

“I have been with 51FNQR for nearly five years and it was good to get some discipline in my life, as I was a bit of a wild-child in my younger days,” Pte Pitt said.

“The misuse of alcohol and especial-ly drugs in my community was one of the reasons I was inspired to become a reservist and I have always encouraged my friends to join as well.

“I found joining 51FNQR was a great way to set a good example to the young-er members of my community.”

A big croc came sliding down the bank. We were

supposed to freeze, but that didn’t

happen ... where a team and select local reservists meet with the local indigenous leaders and councillors, building a good working relationship within the community,” Maj Heron said.

“We visit schools to show them pres-entations of what we do and how we go about our business, then spend some time with the Years 11 and 12 students to talk to them about recruitment.

“Moving around the area and talking to the local people is one of the ways we get our information, because we can’t always be out there ourselves.”

The second type of patrol is a clan-destine patrol conducting reconnaissance or surveillance to ascertain the threat to border security.

There are 45 reservists on the B Coy books at the moment and the unit runs three six-man patrols and a command element when deployed.

As the RFSU contribution to Operation Resolute, the unit is tasked by Norcom to conduct force patrols of their area of responsibility.

The highly mobile patrol members are cross-trained in specialities includ-ing command, communications, surveil-lance, reconnaissance, combat medical and small-craft tactical operations.

Cape crusaders: Weipa-based 51FNQR reservists LCpl Trevor Bramwell and Pte Anthony Pascoe requalify at the range during B Coy induction training, while driver Pte Marta Pitt, inset, provides transport. Photo by Maj Jamie Heron

With every 3or more fullsized replicamedals court

mounted

Don’t RiskYour Original

Medals!FFFFFuuuuull sll sll sll sll sizizizizize re re re re reeeeeppppplicalicalicalicalicammmmmeeeeedddddaaaaallllls os os os os onnnnnlllllyyyyy

$20.00$20.00$20.00$20.00$20.00+ m+ m+ m+ m+ mououououounnnnntttttinininining cg cg cg cg cooooossssstttttsssss

WWWWWe se se se se suuuuupppppppppply aly aly aly aly allllll fl fl fl fl fuuuuullllll size al size al size al size al size and mnd mnd mnd mnd miiiiinnnnniaiaiaiaiatttttuuuuurrrrre mee mee mee mee medddddaaaaals, rls, rls, rls, rls, ribibibibibbbbbbooooonnnnns,s,s,s,s,clclclclclaaaaaps aps aps aps aps and rnd rnd rnd rnd ribibibibibbbbbbooooon bn bn bn bn baaaaarsrsrsrsrs

30 FEATURES Army April 14, 2011

Drawing on years of SF experienceSG T N e i l S p a c k m a n

recently returned home from a deployment with SOTG in Afghanistan as

the last National Serviceman to serve with special forces.

Sgt Spackman was called up in 1971 at age 20. With the withdrawal from Vietnam already under way, he was spared from a deployment to the South-East Asian theatre.

“It would have been a great expe-rience to go and do what we had trained so hard to do, but it wasn’t to be,” he said. “Sometimes you want to be careful what you wish for.”

Attempting SASR selection in 1972, Sgt Spackman was one of three successful candidates in a field of 30.

After qualifying, he was post-ed to 3 Sabre Sqn, L Tp, where he served until 1973 when major changes in the regiment shifted him to 1 Sqn, C Troop, to hone uncon-ventional, guerrilla and special war-fare skills.

In 1975, Sgt Spackman dis-charged to spend some time back on the family farm at Wellington, but a year later he applied to go back to the SASR.

“They told me I had to pass selection again, and I did,” he said.

He was posted back to 3 Sqn, L Tp and promoted to corporal

in 1978. He then joined 1 Sqn in a newly forged counter-terrorism team, trained by the British SAS.

As a senior NCO, Sgt Spackman was posted to the Special Warfare cell in Perth as an instructor.

Transferring to the ARes, Sgt Spackman worked as an instructor with 1 Cdo Regt and SASR on a part-time basis.

In 2003, he deployed to East Timor as personal security for the UN Deputy Commander.

Four years later, he became an assessor for SASR selection.

In August last year, while on a selection course, he received a phone call from the OC of 1 Cdo Coy, in

charge of the main operational group for SOTG’s winter rotation.

“He wanted to know wheth-er I would be interested in join-ing a company on their tour in Afghanistan, I said ‘pick me’ before the OC finished his sentence,” Sgt Spackman said.

His four-month tour started in late November and his main role was to mentor elements of the local secu-rity force including the Provincial Response Company Uruzgan, a sub-unit of the Afghan National Police.

“We were training them in the techniques they required to conduct and plan their own operations and honing their skills in the field,” he said.

“They’re continually improving; the more training and operational experience they get, the more profes-sional they become.”

With his successful tour of Afghanistan over, Sgt Spackman will now spend more time with his family, but will also continue to sup-port SASR on a part-time basis.

“I’ve served for so long because of the people I work with and the pleasure I get when I teach people what I know. I love the Army and I love the regiment.

“I’m proud to have served most of my career with the SASR, but I’m equally proud to say I was a Nasho.”

Afghan police learnt from decades of

special operations know-how when

one of SASR’s most experienced members

deployed on Op Slipper, Lt Jesse

Platz reports.

Experience counts: Sgt Neil Spackman, the last National Serviceman to serve with Special Forces, heads out on patrol in Afghanistan.

FEATURES 31Army April 14, 2011

BE T W E E N t h e m , Te n Network’s political editor Hugh Riminton and camer-aman/editor Chris Campey

have more than 40 years’ experience in the media industry.

As members of the Fourth Estate, their job in Afghanistan was to inform and influence the public’s opinion on the ADF’s role.

Throughout his career, Riminton has worked for CNN, covered stories from numerous conflict zones and was embedded with US troops in Iraq.

“When I came back to Australia after working overseas, the ADF had a terrible reputation among Defence journalists,” Riminton said.

“The journalists felt overly con-trolled and censored, so it was a very dysfunctional relationship.

“When I arrived in Afghanistan, I was briefed and given a sophisti-cated understanding of what was hap-pening on the ground and what the ADF was trying to achieve. I’m happy to say that my perspective, about the way Defence deals with media, has changed for the better.”

Campey recently worked with the

ADF during Operation Pakistan Assist II, but this was his first assignment in a conflict zone.

“I saw this assignment as an oppor-tunity to tell things from a different perspective. I wanted to capture the stories that linked people to their envi-ronments and illustrate the big picture through small faces,” Campey said.

Accompanied by Public Affairs Officer Maj (then Capt) Lachlan Simond, the reporters experienced life in overnight harbours and witnessed Australian troops uncover weapon caches during Operation Boston.

They also encountered contacts between Australian soldiers and insur-gents at the isolated Combat Outpost Mashal in the Baluchi Valley.

“Just for a moment, we expe-rienced what they experience for months on end,” Riminton said.

“The soldiers displayed complete professionalism. Their sense of focus and purpose was tremendously high – it was a privilege to walk with them.”

Campey said he was struck by the soldiers’ maturity.

“These are young men, signing up for weeks of sleeping in the dirt and walking through dodgy territory with

minesweepers – you realise just how quickly they have had to grow up.

“The soldiers we spoke to were very aware of their purpose. They’re not just looking for bad guys, they’re there to mentor and provide a better framework for life in Afghanistan.

“Their big picture understanding of the world drives them – I find that quite inspiring.

“Particularly when it’s very easy to

turn on an iPod, tune out and avoid the world’s problems.”

Riminton said he felt the war in Afghanistan was under-reported and the Australian public didn’t understand its complexities. He said for the war to be successful, it needed to be dealt with from the Afghan perspective.

“It grieves me we are involved in a war where sacrifices by serving per-sonnel are very real but the public has

no comprehension, and worse still, dis-plays little interest in what’s going on.

“My strong opinion is the military doesn’t go to war, the country does and it’s the public’s duty to take an interest.

“This trip has given me a deep-er appreciation of the difficulties our forces face and I now understand why they remain optimistic about Afghanistan’s future.”

While covering the crucial work of ADF members in Afghanistan late last year, Cpl Melanie Schinkel met two journalists from Australia’s Ten Network embedded with Australian soldiers and followed their four-week journey.

Journalists on patrol

Embedded: Ten Network’s political editor Hugh Riminton and cameraman/editor Chris Campey shoot cutaways for one of their stories at a patrol base in Afghanistan.

Supporting Australia’s veterans, peacekeepers and their familiesVVCS provides counselling and support services to Australian veterans, peacekeepers, eligible members of the Defence Force community and their families, and F-111 Fuel Tank Maintenance workers and their partners and immediate family members. VVCS is a specialised, free and confi dential Australia-wide service.

VVCS can provide you with:• Individual, couple and family counselling including case management services• After-hours crisis telephone counselling via Veterans Line• Group programs including Anger Management, Depression, Anxiety, Lifestyle Management and

Heart Health• Support on transition from military to civilian life, including The Stepping Out Program• Information, self-help resources and referrals to other services.

We can help you work through issues such as stress, relationship, family problems and other lifestyle issues as well as emotional or psychological issues associated with your military service.If you need support or would like more information about us please give us a call or visit our website.

1800 011 046*www.dva.gov.au/health/vvcs

* Free local call. Calls from mobile and pay phones may incur changes. Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service

A service founded by Vietnam veteransadcorp35821

TRANSITION SUPPORT

��

www.nextjobnow.com.au Call 1300 112 114

• �� • �� • �� • �� • �� • !�"�� • #�$�%&'(�� #)*��"��+��• �� $��• ��"$��"��

+�� "�� ,,�-�"��"��./� ��.��

32 PERSONNEL Army April 14, 2011

SUITABLE Army members could now be eligible to transfer to the Defence APS under the Public Service Act.

As part of the Strategic Reform Program’s civilisation process, 457 Army positions will be civilianised by June 30, 2013.

The aim of the process is to create sav-ings without changing the function of Army’s workforce.

Section 72 transfers are just one of the methods used to meet Army’s civilianisation target.

This method enables a military member to transfer to the APS without going through the standard merit selection process.

Director General for Army Personnel Brig Gerard Fogarty said Section 72 transfers were a voluntary process for eligible members.

“This method of civilianisation enables Army to retain the skills of the military mem-ber, with no change in the function of the position.

“Members can continue to work in the jobs that they enjoy and have stability.”

Each request for a Section 72 transfer must be approved by the Public Service Commissioner.

“Section 72 enables Army to rebalance its APS and military workforce. This process has been approved by the CDF and Defence Secretary,” Brig Fogarty said.

Members interested in being considered for a Section 72 transfer, should refer to CA Directive 20/2010 to understand the process and expected eligibil-ity requirements. Further information can also be obtained from DGPers-A Defence website under work-force reform.

ARMY is moving into the second year of the Strategic Reform Program and continues to meet its reform targets while accepting new capabilities into service.

In his reform update CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie said some of the completed reforms reflected significant improvements in unit efficiency.

For example, 2/14LHR (QMI) has streamlined ASLAV usage to achieve potential cost reductions of $250,000 in RPS and almost $800,000 in the consump-tion of tyres.

Lt-Gen Gillespie said Army had made a terrific start to identifying efficiencies and improvements through the SRP. “There has been some excellent work under-taken as part of the CA’s Challenge and I am delighted with the energy that all of Army’s command teams have brought to this process,” he said.

Detailed analysis of the management of a specific fleet of equipment, called fleet screens or deep dives, look at supply and demand. A total of 16 have so far identified smarter ways to manage the cost of owner-ship of Army’s equipment.

Forces Command recently identified potential sav-ings of $1.6m in warehousing equipment.

These savings, once realised, can be reinvested in capability such as helicopters, artillery, new vehicles and personal equipment under Force 2030.

Five Lean-based Rapid Improvement Exercises have been conducted within 1 Avn Regt, 6 Avn Regt, the School of Infantry, RMC and CATC.

These activities have proven to participants there are often better and more effective ways of doing business that enhance capability while still achieving efficiencies.

“Just because we’ve always done things a certain way doesn’t mean that we’ve always provided the greatest ‘bang-for-buck’ ratio,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“By reducing waste, the ADF will be able to rein-vest in capability.

“For Army, some examples of what this will mean over the next 10 years include new vehicles, artillery, helicopters and of course personal equipment,”

More reform activities will be conducted through-out Army as issues that suit the rapid improvement approach are identified.

The full version of the CA’s Reform Update can be found at the CA’s Challenge site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/SRP_A/ComWeb.asp?page=230517

Transfer to public service an option

Reforms on target

Bang for buck: Savings in administrative costs resulting from the Strategic Reform Program can be reinvested in new equipment purchases, such as artillery and vehicles.

Photo by LS Paul Berry

CONSTRUCTION has started on the new ADF Military Law Centre at Victoria Barracks in Sydney.

Turning the first sod for the construction of the new, purpose-built facility on March 16, Defence Parliamentary Secretary David Feeney said the facil-ity would house both the ADF Military Law Centre and the Asia Pacific Centre for Military Law.

The legal centres will continue to train future ADF legal officers and other officers from the Asia-Pacific region in facets of military and international law.

The purpose of the Asia Pacific Centre for Military Law is to facilitate cooperation among military forces of the region in the research, training and implementation of the laws governing military operations.

Lay down the law

Tell us about the other hats you wearAll Reservists (Active and Specialist) should recently

have received mail asking about your civil skills (formal,

self-claimed, experience) for the Civil Skills Data e-survey.

It is very important that you complete this survey as it

helps the Australian Defence Force better identify people

with specific skills that can be drawn upon for emergencies,

exercises and deployments.

You will receive a half day pay for preparing and completing

the survey and it will also help your Reserve career.

It’s time to complete the Civil Skills Data e-survey

There’s still time for you to complete the survey. Make sure

you have all your paperwork ready – licences, degrees and

other qualifications – before you start.

If you have any questions about the survey, or any of the

information collected, please email your query and PMKeyS

number to [email protected]

You can complete the survey on your own or a Defence

computer, but you should complete it as soon as you can.

Visit www.civilskillsdata.com today

CIVILSKILLSDATASkills in Reserve

PERSONNEL 33Army April 14, 2011

MEMBER contributions for Group Rent Scheme (GRS) and Living-In Accommodation (LIA) will increase from May 12.

The 2011 updates to both GRS and LIA will be reflected in pay packets from May 26.

The contributions for accommodation in Service residences and rent allowance residences are based on the rent paid to DHA by Defence.

Rents are independently assessed in rental markets across Australia and updated annually on January 1.

Head People Policy Steven Grzeskowiak said in the past the level of subsidy provided by Defence had increased due to greater than expect-ed fluctuations in the Australian housing market.

“It’s a long-standing policy that Defence should subsidise 50 per cent of the national cost of housing for ADF members and their families,” Mr Grzeskowiak said.

“As a result the CDF and Secretary have decided that this year’s GRS update will correct the imbalance of the housing subsidy Defence provides for members in rent bands two and three.

“The over subsidisation for Cpl(E) and lower in rent band one will be corrected over a two-year period in annual adjustments for 2011 and 2012.”

In 2010, rent bands four and five (Col(E) and above) were adjusted to achieve 50 per cent sub-sidy, as were Sgt(E), SSgt, 2Lt(E) and Lt(E) in rent band one.

Mr Grzeskowiak said changes would also be made to the contributions made by members who resided in LIA.

“The index provided by the Australian Valuation Office for the 2011 LIA adjustment is 2.75 per cent, reflecting changes in market rents for this type of accommodation.”

For more details, follow the links on intranet.defence.gov.au/pac/ or www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac

Member rent contributions to increase

Register your skillsBy Flt-Lt Stephen McClelland

THIS year’s Civil Skills Data (CSD) Project is music to the ears of ARes Lt Jacquie Thomas.

A member of 21 Const Regt, Lt Thomas is a specialist in water quality and testing through her study and training at the University of NSW.

“Up until recently, the Army didn’t officially know about my skills in the field of water quality,” she said.

“The CSD Project is a great way of putting my civilian quali-fications into the Army system, so they can use my knowledge when they need to.”

Having full visibility of the civilian qualifications, skills and experience available within the ADF workforce means Defence can more readily identify individu-als with particular skills needed in peacetime or for operational deployment, especially during emergencies.

Lt Thomas has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Microbiology and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Relations. This year she will com-plete her PhD in Environmental Engineering, which has involved research and collaboration with Sydney Water and also the Environmental Protection Agency in the US.

“I know that my Defence col-leagues will benefit from my civilian skills – and especially the engineer-ing units at 5 Bde,” Lt Thomas said.

“One of the reasons I chose the engineers was because they have the capability to provide clean and sustainable water supplies to our troops in the field on deployment or exercise.

“It’s easy to take good water quality for granted. In my research I take samples and look for par-ticular micro-organisms, including

bacteria, that can be a health risk.” The head of the CSD Working

Team, Gp-Capt Carl Schiller, said the use of members’ civilian skills acknowledged their talents and would hopefully provide them with a greater sense of fulfilment in their ADF roles.

“Those with reserve experi-ence know how deep and wide the

array of experiences among their fellow reservists are – yet we sense that relatively little of this has been entered into PMKeyS,” he said.

“The CSD is a very exciting ini-tiative – the effective use of civil skills may provide opportunities for deployment or other diverse Service employment opportunities for our reservists.”

EVERY active reservist in Australia should have received an informa-tion pack about the CSD Project, including details of how to complete the asso-ciated online e-survey.

A follow-up reminder postcard will be sent to all reservists who are yet to register for the e-survey at www.civilskillsdata.com.

It is important that reservists prepare them-selves for the e-survey by collecting details of licenc-es and qualifications so this data can be entered into their home, work or DRN computer.

All reservists (except those on CFTS) who complete the e-survey will receive half a reserve day’s pay.

The pack

Diverse skills: Lt Jacquie Thomas is pictured here on RRF training and in the Environmental Protection Agency lab in the US.

Salary package your next car and take advantage of our fleet discounts.

www.smartleasing.com.au

www.swissgrand.com.au www.accorhotels.com

34 PEOPLE Army April 14, 2011

Learn by doing: MTF 2 mentor Sgt Timothy Barwick goes over notes with an Afghan artillery sergeant before a search and clearance operation in the Mirabad Valley. Photo by Cpl Christopher Dickson

Take the controls: Black Hawk pilot Lt

Ben Comben (above) shows two-year-old Eric Taunton-Burnet

through his helicopter during the Defence Family Information

Expo at Gallipoli Barracks.

Photo by Graham Davis

Meet and greet: Pte Glenn Kelly gets to know local kids at the Gleno markets in the Emera district of East Timor.

Photo by Capt Cameron Jamieson

just me and my viking

just me and my viking

www.vikingkayak.com.au

Made in Australia - 10 yr Warranty

LIFESTYLE 35 Army April 14, 2011

Say again, over

If you can think of a clever, witty caption for the picture, above left, email [email protected] with “caption competition April 14” in the subject line. Keep entries under 25 words. Entries MUST include sender’s name, rank and unit.

MOVIES

March 17 winner“I’ve heard of when the s**t hits the fan, but I didn’t expect to be cleaning it up.”

Sgt David Marshall 39 PSB

We also liked ...“When the boss said I was in the poop, he wasn’t kidding”

Maj (AAC) James Pereira39 Army Cadet Unit

DIKKO By Bob Dikkenberg

Feel free to let this one go

Never Let Me GoDirector: Mark Romanek

Starring: Kiera Knightley, Andrew Garfield and Carey Mulligan

Rating: ��

FILM critics have described director Mark Romanek’s screen interpretation of Never Let Me Go as an “imagi-native, heartbreaking work of art that blows you away” and “a powerful film you won’t forget”.

Please don’t fall for this PR fluff, mov-iegoers; save your dollars because NLMG is not a “haunting, provocative and out-standing film”, in fact, it was extremely disappointing.

Based on the highly acclaimed, best-selling novel by Kazuo Ishiguro (The Remains of the Day), NLMG is the story of three English boarding school students who discover their sole purpose

in life is to become adults and donate organs until they “complete”, or in other words, die.

As Kathy (Carey Mulligan), Tommy (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) leave the shelter of Hailsham boarding school, they draw inexora-bly closer to their morbid destinies and become trapped in a bizarre love trian-gle that breeds jealousy, betrayal and deceit.

NLMG has a downright silly sto-ryline and incorporates long, drawn-out scenes that have little relevance to the overall plot.

This film has earned two stars pure-ly for its production quality. The cin-ematography and score were superb and, considering the script they had to work with, Andrew Garfield and Carey Mulligan’s performances were very believable and powerful. – Cpl Melanie Schinkel

Looking for answers: Kiera Knightley and Carey Mulligan uncover the mystery of their existence in Never Let Me Go.

2011defencensus

putting the peopleinto our planning

We need your Census! Make your voice heard!

Census Day 10 May 2011

For further information

Contact your Unit Census Coordinator or see the website at www.defence.gov.au/dpe/defencecensus

36 LIFESTYLE Army April 14, 2011

New challenges far stretch from past Fifteen years since Lt Rob Orr wrote his first column on health and fitness, he reflects on the changes. Simon Gladman reports.

PREVENTING personnel from overtraining and pro-tecting them from misinfor-mation are two of the main

challenges for physical training instructors and health professionals today, says columnist and fitness guru Lt Rob Orr.

Marking 15 years since his first column for Defence newspapers, Lt Orr has reflected on the developments in health and fitness issues in the ADF since his first article appeared in Army in April 1996.

He said the advent of the ‘informa-tion age’ had posed many new chal-lenges for physical trainers in manag-ing the health and fitness of personnel.

In particular, physical trainers need to combat the amount of incor-rect information personnel are being bombarded with on the internet and in advertisements, and need to manage fitness levels.

“Personnel are a lot more aware of physical training these days and are influenced by the physical training media,” Lt Orr said.

“If they are curious about some-thing, they can go online and get the information they want. Beforehand, running was just about running. But

now there is so much more information out there and it includes what drugs and supplements you can take, what methodologies to use, and even what training shoes and clothing to wear.

“Unfortunately, though, there is a lot of misinformation. Before it used to be us providing information; now it’s about controlling misinformation.”

Lt Orr’s first column outlined tips for warming up and cooling down.

He said a lot had changed concern-ing these and all matters of exercise, and argued that the ADF was at the forefront of new change.

“Techniques in the 1990s that were considered best practice, such as tech-niques for resistance training exercises (like bench presses), or how to stretch, have changed,” he said.

“With stretching for example, we no longer hold static stretches for long periods in warm-ups, but use a range of motion. That change came from research on Australian Army recruits by Professor Rod Pope, a pioneer in establishing injury surveillance. We were leading the world in some of those areas.”

Looking forward, physical train-ing can be expected to focus more on health issues instead of solely on fit-

ness as the interrelation between the two becomes more apparent.

“A lot of personnel know how to get fit. We have to control how they get fit and even how fit they get because we have servicemen and women for life, and need to avoid overtraining them” he said.

Lt Orr said education and con-ditioning programs would help to achieve this goal, and also introduce healthy habits to new personnel who might be less physically fit.

“For people who are joining the armed forces, they are generally less fit than before because they have high-er academic pressures and recreation has shifted from physical play to elec-tronic play. This is not to say they don’t have potential, it just means we have to adapt our training methods and focus.

“We may be getting more academ-ic soldiers, but at the same time we may be losing their life fitness. Even long-time Defence personnel are feel-ing the change. Fifteen years ago, very few soldiers had a computer on the desk. Today it’s more common than not, and this means less time being active and more time spent working at desks.”

h ports.

tion between the

Adjusting to change: Simple stretching techniques have changed dramatically since Lt Rob Orr, pictured, wrote his first column in Defence’s newspapers 15 years ago. Photo by LS Paul Berry

HEALTH

Bank with an institution you can trustProudly supporting Australian defence personnel since 1959

For more info visit your local ADCU branch, go to www.adcu.com.au or call 1300 13 23 28Australian Defence Credit Union Limited ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL/ACL No. 237 988

Crest Craft

MILITARY INSIGNIA

RINGS

Send stamped S.A.E. for an illustrated brochure to:CREST CRAFT

PO Box 178, Macclesfield SA 5153Phone: 08 8388 9100 or 0438 577 000

[email protected]

NAVY, RAAF, RMC Duntroon, Airfield Defence, RAAC, RAR, RAA, SAS & 1st Comm Reg also available

Cast in solid gold or silver

going ondeployment?

Pet boarding costing you a fortune?Who’s caring for your pets and garden?Who’s looking after your homewhile you’re gone?

1800 61 64 63houseminders.com.au

HouseMinders have responsible sitters who live in your home and care for your pets and property while you’re away.

Inexpensive expert house and pet care service

MilitaryMilitary PlaquesPlaques

Ph: 07 5495 8259Ph: 07 5495 8259Fax: 07 5499 1231Fax: 07 5499 1231

SPIT POLISHED PRESENTATIONSSPIT POLISHED PRESENTATIONSNEW OWNERS- Noel &Sheralyn Vellnagel

P.O. Box 1258 , Morayfi eld Qld [email protected] www.spitpolished.com.auwww.spitpolished.com.au

• History Plaques & Boxes •Sculptures Now stocking •Hat Badges •Desk Name Plates •Canes & Stands

�NEWOWNERS

SPORT 37 Army April 14, 2011

HOW TO CONTRIBUTEIf you have a sport-ing activity you would like to see feature in the sports section of Army, send details to the editor by emailing [email protected] or, for more information, call (02) 6266 7609.

DEFENCE squash is set to con-tinue its “ashes” momentum from the UK last year with a big year of squash at the national level in 2011.

A Defence team of five men and four women will take aim at the Arafura Games in Darwin from May 7-14. This follows immedi-ately after the NT Top End Open and marks the first big event for the year.

The annual Defence Squash National Championships will fol-low Arafura in August 7-12 at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Australian Defence Squash Racquets Association (ADSRA) spokesman Phil Whiteman empha-sised that all squash players at all levels were eligible to compete, including Defence civilians.

The nationals would match like players and ensure everyone played plenty of games at the appropriate competitive level.

“The emphasis this year is to encourage as many women as possible to compete and to devel-op new players for the future of Defence squash,” Mr Whiteman said.

“A series of interservice squash matches is also planned at state level and a number of local squash competitions are run at local base level.”

Mr Whiteman said another ini-tiative being pursued was the crea-tion of a squash Facebook page for Defence members only.

He said the intent was to inv i t e l ike -minded Defence squash players to socialise and spread the squash word out of hours.

Further information and details about com-petitions are available at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/pspg/sites/Squash/

Racquets ready

Squashed out in UK tourDURING October last year, ADSRA formed a team of seven men and two women to tour the UK to com-pete against the British Combined Service Squash (BCSS) organisa-tion in a series of test matches from Edinburgh, through London and end-ing in Portsmouth.

The team’s goal was to reclaim the ‘ashes’ the Brits won in 2009.

The British Army was too strong in the first test played in Edinburgh.

However, the visitors defeated the RAF and RN and the match against the BCSS went down to the wire with the Australians losing narrowly.

Overall, this equated to a drawn test series and, unfortunately, the Brits retained the ashes.

There are now plans to play another test series in 2013 involving a tri-nations competition with the NZ Defence Force and a touring team from UK.

In the swing: OCdt Elliot Geddes takes on the Brits during the ADSRA’s tour of the UK last year.

Cpl Zenith King

THE Interservice Tenpin Bowling Championships drew ACT and Southern NSW’s best players to Canberra on March 25 to compete for a place on the ACT/SNSW com-bined-services team.

Held at Canberra’s International Bowl, each player bowled 10 games with a maximum of 300 points achiev-able during each.

Australian Defence Tenpin Bowling Association President WO2 Steve Ritchie, ARTC, who finished 9th with a 184 average over 10 games, said he looked forward to the competition each year.

“Each year I make sure I qualify for the combined service side so I can compete at the Australian Defence nationals,” WO2 Ritchie said.

“This year the competition was very competitive with four bowlers averaging more than 200 over the 10 games.

“After six games I had a 199 aver-age, however, I had a couple of bad games and ended up with a 184 aver-age.”

Air Force was victorious on the day with Sgt Keiran Wyllie, 462 Sqn, fin-ishing on top with an average of 215.

WO2 Ritchie, who has been involved in tenpin bowling in the ADF since 1995, believed the ACT had a strong team for this year’s nationals.

“ACT/SNSW has won the ADF nationals in the past three years with a high number of team members mak-ing the national team,” he said.

“I think we will be very competitive at the nationals.”

The team comprises 12 members (plus two reserves), with the top two Air Force, Army, Navy and APS bowl-ers gaining automatic selection.

The ACT/SNSW combined services team will compete at the ADO National Tenpin Bowling Championships to be hosted in Brisbane between June 20-24.

Southerners strike in bowling decider

Spare time: WO2 Steve Ritchie goes for a place in the ACT/SNSW Tenpin Bowling Team at Canberra International Bowl. Photo by LAC Bill Solomou

4, 2011

• Extractors• Performance Exhausts• Standard Mufflers &

Brakes• Shocks & Suspension

• Car Servicing• Road Worthy Certificate

44 Pickering StEnoggera

Ph: 3355 3455‘we’ll beat any price’

The “Wanderer”

Compact Swag Previous supplier of swags to Army Personnel Ideal for all aspects of outdoor camping Fits in field pack Trade enquires welcome

www.kangaoutdoors.com.au Ph 0408305344

PEACEKEEPER COMBAT BOOT

Defence Approved

Mil Price $257

Crossfi re ( Aust ) P/L

www.crossfi re.com.auinfo@crossfi re.com.au

visit us at our new shop Brand Depot Canberra

(02)4842 2677

CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS

[email protected] Ph 07 3332 7651 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews

Advertise here from as little as $36.30 per edition

WALK THE LONG TAN

BATTLEFIELDwith

Dave Sabben MGFor details, a fl yer and an

itinerary, please visitwww.longtantrek.com

and click on2011 tour details

38 SPORT Army April 14, 2011

DESPITE claiming victory at the 2010 International Defence Rugby Competition, the Australian Services Rugby Union (ASRU) chairman believes the coming sea-son will be their biggest yet.

Cdre Roger Boyce said 2011 was full of representative rugby union opportunities for both men and women.

“The opportunities are across all three services and also at the highest level if you’re good enough to be selected to compete during the international Defence community’s equiva-lent of the Rugby World Cup,” he said.

“Last year we unearthed some excellent new talent during ASRU’s two-match victory over the US Combined Services.

“We also had two ASRU women’s players, Army Lt’s Caroline Vakalahi and Kate Porter, representing the Wallaroos at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.”

Cdre Boyce said this year the spoils on offer for rugby players across Defence would be even bigger.

“I’m looking forward to the annual Australian Services Rugby Championship where Army will defend their crown,” he said.

“I’m also delighted by the opportunity to support the VCDF’s initiative and co-host the inaugural International Defence Rugby Championship with the New Zealand Defence Force.

“We want the best players available across the ADF to put their hands up and vie for selection, both at national Army, Navy and Air Force level and at ASRU international level.”

Information on the 2011 program is available at www.servicesrugby.asn.au

Coming events� April 25: Qld Army v Qld Country

� May 1-8: Army development squad domestic tour

� May 1-14: Army women tour NZ

� May 15-21: Annual Australian Services rugby championship

� July: ASRU women compete in women’s nationals

� September: ASRU women tour North America

� September 7-30: ASRU men’s training camp and domestic matches

� October 1-22: Inaugural international Defence rugby competition

Players can expect busy rugby year

Month of net testsBy John Martin

SEVEN Army women will con-tinue a great sporting rivalry when the Australian Defence Netball Team (ADNA) plays three tests against the New Zealand Defence Force this month.

Capt Hollie Cahill, Lt Sally Williamson, Capt Emma Sheridan, Capt Danielle Kearns, Cpl Sara Wasson, Pte Tanya Butow and Pte Kerrie Pettit will join four Air Force colleagues for games at Randwick Barracks in Sydney on April 18, Latchford Barracks in Albury on April 21, and as a curtain-raiser to an ANZ Championship game between Thunderbirds (Australia) and Magic (NZ) at ETSA Park in Adelaide on April 24.

Coach Cpl Mike Kiker said he was excited to see the team go up against their trans-Tasman rivals.

“If the Kiwis bring their best, they will be very hard to beat, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve and the ADF girls are extremely keen,” he said.

“The Kiwi team won the last game we played about four years ago and that was a very bitter pill to swallow.”

Three Army players – Sgt Kristen Pickering, WO2 Kylie Reynolds and Pte Iain Rowley – will feature in an ADF All Stars mixed gender team to contest the Australian titles at Penrith Sports Stadium in Sydney from April 23 to May 1.

Coach Adele-Marie Caesar sees a chance to catch the other teams flat-footed, because the ADF has not been able to field a team in the competition for the past several years.

“The team is excited and posi-tive,” she said. “This is an elite competition which provides some wonderful opportunities.

“The players will need to har-ness their energy and work together to deliver championship-quality net-ball and bring home the title.”

A New Zealand Navy team played an ADF team in Sydney in September last year, where the Australians regrouped from being down by 10 at three-quarter time to win by two goals.

“I expect the three tests will be extremely tough, close encounters,” Cpl Kiker said.

“I’m sure the Kiwis will have a very strong team and I am sure they will be going all out to knock us off.”

“There is great camaraderie and friendship between the two nations so this will give us a chance to show the Kiwis a bit of Australia, but that camaraderie and friendship always

ends when the teams cross the line on to the court.”

The ADNA women’s team is due to arrive in Randwick on April 15 and will have five two-hour training sessions before the first test.

The mixed team wi l l go into a three-day training camp at Randwick Barracks on April 20,

where they can expect full days of

training drills, practice and sessions

mapping out their strategy.

During the tournament they will

play at least two games a day and

then return to camp for game analy-

sis and team recovery.

Anzac spirit: Pte Tanya Butow and Lt Sally Williamson (inset) will be among ADF netballers taking on NZ in a series of tests this month, culminating in the curtain raiser to the pre-Anzac Day game at ETSA Park in Adelaide on April 24.

SPORT 39 Army April 14, 2011

Happy with placingsBy Cpl Zenith King

ARMY took out second and third place in the Defence women’s long course triathlon held in Huskisson, NSW, from March 12-13.

Maj Del Madge, 1RTU, claimed sil-ver in a time of 5hrs 6min 52sec and Col Cheryl Pearce, HQJOC, finished third in 5:45.26.

Fifteen personnel from the ADF and APS participated in the 2km swim, 83km bike ride and 20km run for the Australian Defence Sports Triathlon Associa t ion’s (ADSTA) inaugu-ral Long Course and Strip Triathlon Championships. The triathlon was conducted in conjunction with the Australian championships.

Maj Magde said she felt a sense of achievement crossing the line behind AC Grace MacPherson 5:01.18 after the gruelling competition.

“Everyone who knows me knows I’m not a runner. The swim and the bike components come naturally for me, but I really have to work on my running if I am to hold the position gained on the swim and the cycle legs,” she said.

“The weather on the day was near perfect, however, I had some technical difficulties with my bike on the course, which reduced me to six gears over rath-er undulating terrain.

“I was frustrated for the majority of the race, but happy with my placing.”

Maj Madge said Huskisson was an ideal venue for Service triathlons.

“While many people think of triath-lon as an individual sport, the ADF tri-athlon family is strong and these events provide a great opportunity to highlight the ADF team and to catch up with great friends,” she said.

“Huskisson is close to a number of Defence establishments, making it a great venue for ADSTA to hold a cham-pionship.”

A seasoned veteran, Maj Madge has completed six full Ironman champion-ships and about 17 long course and half ironman events in the past six years.

“I’m currently training for Ironman Australia, which is being held in May and consists of a 3.8km swim, 180.2km cycle and a 42.2km run,” she said.

“So this event was a good training session and a good test for the main event.”

Capt Graham Svensen was the best-placed Army male competitor, finish-ing third among the ADF contingent in 4:37.41.

The ADSTA Sprint Tria thlon Championship was held on the same weekend, with four personnel from the ADF and APS competing in the 750m swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run.

RESULTS: Long course men: LS Andrew Wilkinson 4:09.36; Flt-Lt Terry Withers, 4:25.01; Capt Graham Svensen, 4:37.41. Women: AC Grace MacPherson 5:01.18; Maj Del Madge, 5:06.52; Col Cheryl Pearce, 5:45.26. Sprint men: LS Andrew Wilkinson 1:01.44; Pte Chris Brennan 1:07.09; David Pirie (APS) 1:55.55. Women: Flg-Off Bianca May 1:30.59.

Spinning to win: Col Cheryl Pearce pushes herself to ultimately place second in the women’s championships while LCpl Stuart Borwick, inset, powers ahead in the cycle leg. Photos by LS Kelvin Hockey

By Cpl Zenith King

A TEAM-building and leadership activity was conducted by mem-bers of the ADF Paralympic Sports Program (ADFPSP) executive and Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) at the Royal Military College in Canberra from March 28-29.

The ADFPSP team put 50 APC staff through their paces as part of a high-performance congress.

Currently preparing for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, the APC recognises the value in developing lead-ership, teamwork and problem-solving abilities in coaches and managers.

ADFPSP executive member Lt-Col Richard Mallet said the two-day con-gress was designed to build on previous foundation work by the APC.

“During our involvement in the con-gress, we were charged by Chris Nunn, the APC high performance manager, to get people out of their comfort zones under conditions of duress to build resil-ience,” Lt-Col Mallet said.

“It was about making sure they were planning and then were able to com-municate a plan to their team, even if the context changed or evolved.”

Lt-Col Mallet said the workshop was part of a reciprocal relationship the ADF had with the APC.

“The relationship we have with the APC is very important to us. It provides some unique opportunities for our mem-bers with acquired disabilities,” he said.

“This has been extremely valuable for those individuals because they have been able to interact with paralympic athletes and see the standard required to be suc-cessful at an elite level.

“It also gives the ADF an opportu-nity to work with some amazing APC coaches and managers, who have a huge amount of experience and are very gen-erous in giving some of that experience to the athletes in our program, whatever their ability.”

This was the second activity con-ducted between the ADFPSP and APC and was part of an ongoing collaboration between the two organisations.

Boot camp puts sports executives to the test

Team up: WO1 Scott Mengel and Flt-Sgt Tony Benfer from the ADF Paralympic Sports Program take staff through a team-building activity. Photo by Cpl Zenith King

April 14, 2011

Trans-Tasman netball rivalry

ADF players to face off against

New Zealand

Page 38

POPULATING POPULATING THE PODIUMTHE PODIUM

Army women score second and third in Army women score second and third in Long Course Triathlon ChampionshipsLong Course Triathlon Championships

Two out of three: Maj Del Madge crosses the finish line in second place in the Defence National Triathlon Long Course Championships.Photo by LS Kelvin Hockey

fff

April 14, 2011

NNEW EW GGUNSUNS - Department of Defence

Documents

Transcript of NNEW EW GGUNSUNS - Department of Defence