LAST
BLAST
BRAVE
EFFORTS
HAMEL GUNS FIRE
FOR FINAL TIME
P7
GALLANTRY RECOGNISED IN
AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS
P4
January 29, 2015
Edition 1343
The Afghan
National Army
Officer’s
Academy,
where the
shooting
occurred.
Photo by WO2 Rob
Nyffenegger
COMBAT
AWARD
Pte James Grimes.
Two 1RAR soldiers receive
US Combat Action Badge after
fatal incident in Afghanistan
PAGE 5
Cpl Peter Johnson.
HERON MISSION ENDS IN AFGHANISTAN
CENTREPIECE
2
NEWS
Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
CA Lt-Gen David
Morrison Is proud of
what Army personnel
are achieving, such
as training the
Afghan National Army
(pictured below).
The Soldiers’ Newspaper
Director
David Edlington
(02) 6265 4650
EDITORIAL
Photos by Lauren Larking and
Cpl Max Bree
Acting Editor Aurora Daniels
(02) 6266 7707
Sport: Michael Brooke
(02) 6265 3119
Reporters
WO2 Andrew Hetherington
(02) 6266 7614
Sgt Dave Morley (02) 6266 7613
Cpl Mark Doran (02) 6265 1304
Cpl Max Bree (02) 6266 7608
Cpl Nick Wiseman
(02) 6265 4140
Cpl Aaron Curran (02) 6265 1355
LS Jayson Tufrey (02) 6266 7606
CONTACT US
Email:
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The Army in 2015
 CA is proud of what has been achieved and excited about changes on the way
WO2 Andrew Hetherington
THERE will be no challenge Army’s
people will face in 2015 they will
not be able to overcome, according
to CA Lt-Gen David Morrison.
“Australian soldiers have an almost
114-year proven track record of overcoming challenges,” Lt-Gen Morrison
said.
“I think at the moment we are the
most capable Army Australia has ever
had.”
CA’s priorities for Army this year
will allow it to continue to modernise
and deploy on operations, while at the
same time looking after its people.
“First and foremost I’m to ensure
the provision of fully trained, well
equipped, focused individuals and units
for operations, which is my primary job
as the Chief of Army. This will remain
unchanged until the second I hand over
to my successor,” Lt-Gen Morrison
said.
“The second is to make sure our
Army is as robust and relevant to the
security needs of this country well into
the third decade of this century, as we
can possibly make it.
“The third is to care for the health
and wellbeing of our people, but also
the culture that sustains them.”
He said Army had to continue to
improve during operations this year and
beyond to be able to fight in a modern
battlespace.
“We know we need to extend ourselves to do this,” he said.
“We need to be better enabled, need
to have a more like structure within our
brigades and need to be part of joint
and coalition forces.
“We can do this now, but it’s a
continual evolutionary path to being a
more capable military force.”
Domestically, he said he was “continually heartened by how everyone
tackles their tasks”.
“I think the Army is in great shape,”
he said.
“We do need to continue to work
hard at the cultural issues, but I get
great responses from people about what
we are already doing. I don’t have to
bring up the subject of Army culture,
people mention it first to me.”
Lt-Gen Morrison said the work
Army personnel were performing in
Afghanistan and Iraq was not just valuable, but was also critical to the overall
success of the two missions.
“The teams in Afghanistan are continuing to provide levels of individual
training which are world-class and are
at the core of how we want to help with
the development of the ANA,” he said.
“Our embedded officers and other
ranks are also doing a fantastic job,
and I’ve received tremendous feedback from a number of sources inside
Afghanistan about the quality of our
people, which is terrific.
“In Iraq we’re doing some great
work too, and the mission there is continuing to develop.
“The Special Forces group who are
there are providing world-class assistance to the Iraqi military.”
The plan to reorganise and revolutionise Army, Plan Beersheba, is progressing on schedule.
“We are in really good shape at
the moment and the plan is going very
well,” Lt-Gen Morrison said.
“We have just moved 2 Cav Regt
to Townsville and are now looking at
how we develop 3 Bde further, with an
Armoured Cavalry Regiment (ACR) as
an integral part of it.
“The journey we’re on now, with
great support from the previous and the
current government, is to make the three
combat brigades more alike.
“We will then embed the enabling
and reserve brigades into an effective
and efficient force generation cycle.”
He said 1 and 7 Bdes were also
being given attention as part of the plan.
“We’re restructuring 1 Bde, and
while 7 Bde will have the ready brigade
responsibilities in the middle of the
year, there are already plans to build an
ACR in 7 Bde in south-east Queensland
in 2017-18,” he said.
“So there’s a lot of work being
done and I’ve got government agreement to continue with the changes Plan
Beersheba requires of us. I’m very confident we will carry out all we want to
achieve with the plan within the next
four years.”
After his speech at the Global
Summit to End Sexual Violence in
Conflict in London in June last year,
Lt-Gen Morrison was labelled a feminist by the civilian media. He reasons
his standpoint from a commonsense
perspective, which Army will ultimately
benefit from in the future.
“If being a feminist means that you
recognise there are gender imbalances
in our society or work force and we are
not getting our best from 52 per cent
of the population, then we should do
something to ensure women who join
our Army get every chance to reach
their potential and make the Army a
better place as a result, then I’ll happily
sign up to the moniker,” he said.
“But people shouldn’t read into it
anything other than the fact that I am
about delivering a capable Army.
“It’s what all of this is about. It’s
not about pandering to some politically
correct direction coming from someone.
“It’s about making the best use of
talent. This attitude has been the history
of our Army.
“If that makes you a feminist then I
guess I am one, but first and foremost
I’m a general in the Australian Army
and I’m the Chief of Army and I want it
to be more capable.”
He sees Army as being different
and more competent than most other
Australian organisations because of the
selfless way people become members of
its workforce.
“Everyone who joins our Army is a
volunteer and everyone who volunteers
has made a conscious decision they
will, as a result of their commitment,
put service before self,” he said.
“This sets us apart from many other
institutions in Australia.
“This year we will commemorate
the 100th anniversary of the landing at
Gallipoli, which will be an important
milestone for our Army and an affirmation of who we are in the broader
Australian community and I think we
take intense pride in the role we play.”
CHIEF HIGHLIGHTS 2014 ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE GOALS
ARMY ONLINE
www.army.gov.au
Army’s greatest
achievements for 2014
Lt-Gen Morrison explains:
www.facebook.com/
TheAustralianArmy
www.twitter.com/
AustralianArmy
DEFENCE ONLINE
www.twitter.com/deptdefence
DURING 2014 I think we have
performed strongly on operations,
which is what Army exists to do.
So the quality of work our
men and women have done
within Australia and all over the
world has been first rate.
I think we’ve commenced
the path of Beersheba in a very
logical and resource conscious,
but committed, way.
The Army is changing around
us. It will be the biggest change
to the structure of the Army in 80
years.
I think we have got to the
heart of who we want to be and
how we define ourselves as
soldiers, and soldiers within the
broader Army.
It goes to the heart of our
culture and I think people are
thinking about it and how they
can be better.
I’ve got a lot to be proud of as
Chief of Army.
Proposed Armoured Calvary
Regiment (ACR) located in
south-east Queensland
M1A1 Abrams tank.
Photo by Cpl Mark Doran
WE WILL form an ACR around 2/14LHR (QMI).
The positioning of M113s and ASLAVs
is a given in south-east Queensland and the
positioning of M1 Abrams tanks into the ACR is
something I am also absolutely committed to.
Where we base those tanks is still yet to be
decided as there are a number of issues to be
worked through.
I won’t yet make a commitment on the
physical location of the base for the tanks, but
they will be a part of that ACR.
Army 3
NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
Slipper troops march
 Soldiers who deployed on Op Slipper will parade in cities across the nation in recognition of service
Cpl Max Bree
PERSONNEL who served on
Operation Slipper will have their
service recognised with a series of
marches across Australia on March
21.
Marches in every state and territory
capital and in Townsville will honour
about 35,000 Australians who took
part in the operation.
CDF ACM Mark Binskin said it
was appropriate to acknowledge and
credit those who deployed on the operation that ended in December last year.
“Now is a good chance to get people together and recognise the dedication, the sacrifices many made and the
ultimate sacrifice that 41 made,” ACM
Binskin said.
“Some units had small welcome
home parades on their return, but these
ones will bring everyone together for
a formal homecoming to acknowledge
every person’s service during the
deployment.”
It is also an opportunity to recognise the many successes of Op Slipper,
Australia’s longest operation stretching
from 2001 to 2014.
“Last year Afghanistan successfully
held two presidential elections, a primary and a run-off, as well as provincial elections,” the CDF said.
“They led this historic effort with
their own security, their own planning
and their own people.
“It led to the peaceful transition
to a new president. That in itself has
got to be the ultimate success for the
years we put into the Afghan National
Security Forces and the years we put
in ourselves in Uruzgan province.”
In the decade since his first
visit to Afghanistan, ACM Binskin
observed the rapid development of
infrastructure.
“In January 2004, I had been on a
night flight over Afghanistan and there
were very few lights to be seen,” he
said.
“Then in 2010-11, flying into TK
in a C-130 I was amazed to see all the
lights of Kandahar City and then, further on, how difficult it was to see the
base at Tarin Kot from the air because
of all the lights in TK itself.”
Thanks to Op Slipper the CDF said
the ADF learned to not “stand still” in
regards to working together to get the
job done and with evolving the military equipment and thinking needed
during the long operation.
CDF ACM Mark Binskin addresses members of SOTG during his visit to the Middle East Region late last year. One example he gave was how we
now look at soldiers’ individual equipment.
“We now treat each soldier as an
individual weapon system with specialist equipment including electronic
countermeasures,” he said.
“We’ve got to make sure our people
Minister and PM thank
troops in Middle East
NEW Defence Minister Kevin
Andrews made his first official trip
to the Middle East Region (MER) in
January.
Commander JTF 636 Maj-Gen David Mulhall,
Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Commander JTF 633
RAdm Trevor Jones and Defence Minister Kevin
Andrews at Camp Baird in Afghanistan.
have the right equipment, that they’ve
got the right weapons on the ground,
in the air and at sea.
“I was extremely pleased when
a digger grabbed me in Afghanistan
and took me across to one of the latest Bushmasters, thumped his hand on
the side of the vehicle and said, ‘Sir I
trust my life with this vehicle, it’s one
of the best investments that we’ve ever
made’.”
ACM Binskin said Op Slipper built
on the experiences of personnel who
were involved in previous international
operations.
“Slipper helped develop the joint
environment very well,” he said.
“It showed our ability to conduct
joint operations in a hostile environment a long way from home.
“We had personnel from the three
services either on Slipper or involved
in those other operations supporting
Slipper.
“We have HMAS Success in the
Gulf at the moment, continuing what
has been an almost continuous presence since 1991. We also developed
the Heron capability over the five
years it was deployed and had Air
Force, Navy and Army personnel on
the ground supporting it.
“The ability to prepare the forces,
the ability to deploy the forces and
logistically support the forces has
developed our joint operational
Photo by Sgt Rob Hack
He accompanied Prime Minister Tony
Abbott and CDF ACM Mark Binskin to
Australia’s main logistics base where
they attended a barbecue breakfast with
more than 400 personnel.
“This was my first opportunity as
Minister for Defence to visit Australian
Defence Force personnel deployed on
operations and I was deeply impressed
by their professionalism in carrying out
often extremely dangerous tasks in the
service of this country,” Mr Andrews said.
“Meeting the personnel of our Special
Operations Task Group in Baghdad was a
privilege. I was impressed with the depth
of experience within the task group and
their commitment to assisting the Iraqi
Counter-Terrorism Service as it takes the
fight to ISIL.
“While I have always admired the
capability and dedication of Defence personnel, I was humbled by the service and
sacrifice of the men and women I met
during this visit.”
Mr Abbott said he appreciated the sacrifices made by the members of the ADF.
“Your country appreciates what you
do for them, their values and their interests – you are fighting for Australia at
home as well as abroad,” he said.
Mr Andrews said he was able to
observe firsthand the air package
Australia was providing.
He was appointed Defence Minister
on December 21.
Photo by Sgt Hamish Paterson
capability to a degree where people
just accept that the way we do
business now is the way we should do
business.”
During his last visit to Afghanistan,
the CDF was briefed by a young Army
NCO.
“On his first deployment he was
concerned the security forces might
not be able to develop to the level that
was required to take over their own
security,” CDF said.
“However, he wanted to make a
point to me on his third deployment
that he was confident that Afghan
National Security Forces could take
responsibility.”
ADF personnel and support staff
who served are invited to march.
“They were a key part of ‘Team
Australia’ during our deployments, in
particular to Uruzgan,” the CDF said.
“While the ADF was predominantly the deployed force we couldn’t have
done it without their support.”
For more information, visit
www.defence.gov.au/Ceremonial/opSlipper
4
NEWS
Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
Going above and beyond
 Soldiers awarded Australia Day honours for their distinguished service and outstanding devotion to duty
OFFICER OF THE
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
– MILITARY
DIVISION (AO)
Maj-Gen Stuart Lyle
Smith
For distinguished service
as Commander 3 Bde
and Commander 1 Div.
DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE CROSS
Col Wade Bradley
Stothart
For distinguished command and leadership in
warlike operations as
Commander of Combined
Team Uruzgan, during
Operation Slipper from
July-December 2013.
BAR TO THE
DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE CROSS
Lt-Col F
For distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations during
Operation Slipper.
MEMBER OF THE
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
– MILITARY DIVISION
(AM)
Col Timothy Bayliss
For exceptional service
to the Australian Army
in the fields of career
management and force
structure modernisation.
aviation capability as the Project
Director Multi-Role Helicopter and
Director General Army Aviation
Systems.
Col Scott Alexander Winter
For exceptional service through contributions to career management as the
Senior Officer Manager – Army and to
the development and modernisation
of the Australian Army as CO 1 Armd
Regt.
CONSPICUOUS
SERVICE CROSS
Lt-Col Paul Joseph Barta
For outstanding devotion
to duty as the Assistant
Defence Attaché Manila
during the Australian
whole-of-government
response to the Rodwell
kidnap for ransom, and
immediately following the devastation of
Typhoon Haiyan.
Maj H
For outstanding achievement in the
performance of duty as Staff Officer in
Special Operations HQ.
Maj Vicki Ann Lanagan
For outstanding achievement to the
Australian Army in the field of career
management.
Lt-Col Roderick Lindsay Lang
For outstanding achievement as the
Commander of JTF 630 on Operation
Philippines Assist from November
23-December 17, 2013.
Lt-Col Ian Douglas Marsh
For outstanding achievement as the
CO 1HSB and 1CHB.
Lt-Col Scott Martin Morris
For outstanding achievement as Staff
Officer Grade 1 Global Operations
Team One, Operation Slipper, HQJOC
from January 2013 to May 2014.
Col Bradley John
McCall
For exceptional service
as the Public Health
Physician, Health
Threat Assessment Team, 2HSB,
Senior Medical Officer, HQ 1 Div; and
Director of Clinical Services, 2GHB.
Lt-Col Matthew John Quinn
For outstanding achievement in
the performance of duty in the
Infrastructure Section of Army HQ.
Brig Daniel Francis McDaniel
For exceptional service as
Commander Socomd, Colonel Plans
HQ Forcomd, and Deputy Commander
ISAF Special Operations Forces in
Afghanistan.
Col Murray Ronald Thompson
For outstanding achievement as
Director Future Military Commitments,
Military Strategic Commitments
Branch.
Brig Andrew John Mathewson
For exceptional service in delivering
Col S
For outstanding devotion to duty as a
Director in Socomd.
Maj John Kevin Walker
For outstanding achievement as OC B
Sqn, 5 Avn Regt.
DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE MEDAL
Australian Army in the fields of training
and career management.
COMMENDATION FOR
GALLANTRY
Capt C
For distinguished leadership in warlike operations and in action as a
platoon commander with
the SOTG on Operation
Slipper in Afghanistan in
2009.
Brig K
For distinguished leadership in warlike operations in Afghanistan.
Cpl O
For distinguished leadership in warlike
operations on Operation Slipper.
Capt S
For distinguished leadership in warlike
operations on Operation Slipper.
CONSPICUOUS
SERVICE
MEDAL
Pte B
For acts of gallantry in
action during Operation
Slipper.
BAR TO THE
DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE MEDAL
Maj G
For distinguished leadership in warlike
operations on Operation Slipper.
Maj S
For distinguished leadership in warlike
operations during Operation Slipper.
MEDAL OF THE ORDER
OF AUSTRALIA
– MILITARY
DIVISION
(OAM)
WO1 D
For meritorious performance of duty as a RSM
on Op Slipper and in
Socomd.
WO1 Richard Alan
Hardy
For meritorious service as the Plans
WO within multiple postings as part of
1 Joint Movements Group, including
operational service.
WO1 Shane Brian McPhee
For meritorious service as RSM of
1/19RNSWR and 3RAR.
Cpl Thomas Michael O’Connor
For meritorious service as a combat
engineer conducting search operations during three deployments on
Operation Slipper.
Maj Mark David Wonnacott
For meritorious service to the
COMBAT CONTROL
CREATE AN IMPACT
4 SQN COMBAT CONTROL TEAMS
Expressions of Interest
close 2 FEB 2015
[email protected]
HTTP://INTRANET.DEFENCE.GOV.AU
/RAAFWEB/SITES/4SQN
Lt-Col Elisabeth Mary
Barnett
For meritorious devotion to duty as the
career adviser for
Royal Australian Army
Medical Corps and Royal
Australian Army Dental Corps officers
at the Directorate of Officer Career
Management – Army.
Sgt Mitchell Scott Chatt
For meritorious devotion to duty as a
member, and then OIC Combat Health
Training Team, Army School of Health.
Lt-Col G
For meritorious achievement as Staff
Officer Grade One in Army HQ.
WO1 David Ramon Grundell
For meritorious achievement as the
master gunner, New Equipment
Training Team.
Maj Konrad Kazmirowicz
For meritorious achievement as OC
C Sqn, 5 Avn Regt and chief instructor
for the CH-47D Chinook capability.
Lt-Col Denise Oliver
For meritorious achievement as Staff
Officer Grade 1 Special Projects, Army
Compliance and Assurance Agency.
Lt-Col S
For meritorious devotion to duty to
Socomd.
WO2 W
For meritorious devotion to duty to
1 Cdo Regt, and in committed support
to unit welfare and seriously wounded
and injured soldiers and their families.
WO1 W
For meritorious achievement and dedication to duty to SASR.
WO2 Stephen Paul Wurst
For meritorious devotion to duty as
the Assistant Army Attaché, Australian
Defence Staff – Jakarta.
MEDAL FOR
GALLANTRY
LCpl M
For acts of gallantry in
hazardous circumstances
on Operation Slipper.
COMMENDATION
FOR DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE
Lt-Col Michael Timothy
Bye
For distinguished
performance of duty in
warlike operations as CO
2 Cav Regt Task Force
on Operation Slipper from
May-December 2013.
Cpl H
For distinguished performance of duty
in warlike operations on Operation
Slipper.
Sgt J
For distinguished performance of
duty on warlike operations as a Team
Commander on Operation Slipper.
Lt-Col Natasha Lea Ludwig
For distinguished performance of duty
in warlike operations while CO
FSU 8 on Operation Slipper from June
2013-February 2014.
Maj Brent Steven Maddock
For distinguished performance of
duty in warlike operations as chief
engineer for Combined Team Uruzgan
on Operation Slipper from JuneDecember 2013.
MERITORIOUS UNIT
CITATION
1 Joint
Movement
Group
For sustained and
outstanding warlike
operational service in the MEAO from
November 2001-June 2014.
Task Force 66 (SOTGs IV–XX)
For sustained and outstanding
warlike operational service
in Afghanistan from April 30,
2007-December 31, 2013, through
the conduct of counter insurgency
operations in support of ISAF.
High-tech WO1 recognised
Cpl Max Bree
DIGISTISED artillery calls-forfire are now standard across the
RAA, thanks in part to master
gunner WO1 David Grundell,
who received a CSM in the
Australia Day honours for his part
making it happen.
As the Master Gunner at the
School of Artillery’s New Equipment
Training Team, WO1 Grundell
helped introduce the Advanced Field
Artillery Tactical Data System.
It digitally relays target information from an artillery observer,
through a CP to the gun line.
“We’ve gone from people talking
on radios to now passing a lot of the
information digitally over the system,” WO1 Grundell said.
“It’s a bit like going from writing
on a chalk board to using a pen.”
“Using voice-over-radios, a well-
WO1
David
Grundell.
drilled battery could get target information from a spotter, through the
CP to the gun line in 60-90 seconds.
If you open it up now it can be done
in 45 seconds,” he said.
The system will eventually be
expanded so Navy ships and UAVs
can spot artillery targets.
WO1 Grundell said it was challenge for some to learn the new system.
“For new soldiers coming
through this is all they know, but for
everyone else they have to get used
to how it works,” he said.
WO1 Grundell said he couldn’t
understand why he was singled out
for an award.
“I’m still flabbergasted that I’m
actually getting it,” he said.
“I just hope the other guys get
the same kudos I got.
“There was a complete team of
guys and other people that were in
the position before me. I just happened to be there when we first got
it and started bringing it into service.”
The best part of working with the
new system for WO1 Grundell was
seeing it in action for the first time.
“To get out and shoot the first
digitally enabled missions and see
how it was supposed to work was
really good,” he said. “We’re still
working our way through the use
of it but this is a massive step from
where we were.”
Army Awarded
for brave
actions
5
NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
Cpl Peter Johnson, of 1RAR, is
awarded the US Combat Action Badge
by US Army Maj-Gen Todd Semonite.
Pte James Grimes,
of 1RAR, with the
US Combat Action
Badge awarded for
his actions during
a fatal incident at
the Afghan National
Army Officer
Academy last August.
Photo by Cpl Janine Fabre
TWO Special Forces soldiers have
been recognised in the Australia Day
honours for their bravery during
Operation Slipper.
L C p l M h a s b e e n awa r d e d a
Medal for Gallantry (MG) and Pte B a
Commendation for Gallantry for their
actions.
Also, two units received Meritorious
Unit Citations for their efforts in the
Middle East – Task Force 666 (SOTGs
4-20) and 1JMOVGP.
LCpl M’s courage and selfless devotion to his comrades saved lives. He
repeatedly manoeuvred to engage the
enemy while under heavy fire with disregard for his own safety. It was a significant engagement at extremely close
quarters.
His gallantry in the face of a tenacious
enemy was of the highest order.
Pte B, demonstrated relentless resolve
in the face of the enemy and unwavering
tenacity in combat. He was able to close
with and neutralise threats within complex
and high-threat environments.
His application of specialist medical
skills in the presence of the enemy was
also exemplary, providing outstanding
medical care to his Team members.
Task Force 66 (SOTGs 4-20) was
awarded a Unit Citation for sustained and
outstanding warlike operational service
in Afghanistan from April 30, 2007 to
December 31, 2013.
Over six years, the task force rendered
outstanding service on operations, where
it conducted highly successful counterinsurgency operations within Uruzgan and
surrounding provinces in support of ISAF.
The citation says the task force’s outstanding performance against an unrelenting, cunning and ruthless enemy, in an
unforgiving environment, was achieved
through the collective efforts of every
member of the contingent over the duration of the commitment.
The superior combat operations results
of Task Group 66 emphasised the group’s
exceptional courage and commitment.
1JMOVGP was recognised for sustained and outstanding warlike operational service in the MEAO from November
2001 to June 2014.
The unit was continuously deployed
for 13 years and provided sustained
and outstanding service and supported
Australian government agencies by successfully enabling the force projection,
sustainment and re-deployment of all
force elements to and from the Middle
East as part of Operations Falconer,
Bastille, Catalyst, Slipper, Kruger,
Riverbank and Palate.
The Afghan National Army Officer’s
Academy sits on the outskirts of
Kabul. Photo by WO2 Rob Nyffenegger
“
US honour for troops
 Soldiers awarded Combat Action Badges for service during fatal incident in Afghanistan
TWO soldiers have been awarded
the US Combat Action Badge for
their actions during an incident in
Afghanistan late last year.
a case of ‘where did that come
from?’,” he said.
“After a couple of seconds, people
started yelling that it was coming
from the building we were on top of.”
Cpl Peter Johnson and Pte James
Trained as a combat first aider, Pte
Grimes, of 1RAR, were deployed
Grimes threw his medical kit to first
with the Australian force protection
responders while maintaining security
element at the Afghan National Army in case of a follow-up attack occurred.
Officer Academy outside Kabul.
He said with coalition force proThe day of the incident the infan- tection on the scene, the shooter was
trymen provided support when an
subdued quickly.
Afghan military policeman opened
The incident occurred last August,
fire on coalition members, killing US very early on in the deployment for
Maj-Gen Harold Greene and wound- the soldiers.
ing several others.
Cpl Johnson, a section command“Myself and James were on top
er, said it highlighted that threats were
of the building providing overwatch,” ever present in Afghanistan.
Cpl Johnson said.
“I think it brought to our attention
“The guy fired from inside the
that the threat was very real and how
building below us into the crowd.”
quickly it could happen,” he said.
Pte Grimes’ primary role was to
“I was very aware of how quickly
provide overwatch.
something can go bad and that was
“When the first burst went off,
reinforced with the team.”
The Australians were humbled
everyone hit the ground and it was
Lt-Col Matthew Clarke and
Francis Whittaker at the RMC
enlistment ceremony. The first
students have been welcome
to the ADF Gap Year program
for 2015. Photo by Jessica Thomas
Army accepts new
ADF Gap Year recruits
THE ADF Gap Year program kicked off this
month, with hundreds of
eager young Australians
getting their first experience of life in the services.
Sixty-one new recruits
are set to begin learning
their profession and another
139 will join the Army as
part of the Gap Year program for 2015.
Assistant Defence
Minister Stuart Robert welcomed the first intake of
young men and women into
the gap year program for the
Army.
“This is a proud and
special moment for these
new recruits and represents
a significant shift in their
lives from high school to
now serving their country
through the ADF Gap Year
program,” he said.
“Their 12 months of
service will give them the
chance to experience an
exciting and rewarding role
with the ADF that will hopefully encourage them to join.
“Those chosen for the
program learn practical and
leadership skills, enjoy a
healthy and varied lifestyle,
and make friends for life –
all while getting paid.
“The life skills and job
training acquired during the
Gap Year experience will be
valuable regardless of what
career participants ultimately choose to undertake.”
to receive the US Combat Action
Badge from Commanding General
Combined Security Transition
Command – Afghanistan US Maj-Gen
Todd Semonite last November.
Pte Grimes said it was an honour.
“I didn’t expect it so it was quite a
surprise on the day when we arrived
at Headquarters ISAF and they had
the ceremony,” he said.
The soldiers said the incident,
although terrible, highlighted the
positive relationship shared between
the coalition nations.
Pte Grimes said that before the
soldiers deployed, and early on in
their rotation, they were aware that
complacency was something to avoid
in Afghanistan.
“After the incident, a month in for
us, it really reinforced that,” he said.
The US Combat Action Badge
provides recognition to soldiers who
engage the enemy, or are engaged by
the enemy, during combat operations.
After a couple
of seconds,
people started
yelling that it
was coming
from the
building we
were on top of.
– Pte James Grimes,
awarded a US Combat
Action Badge
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6
NEWS
Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
New Afghanistan mission
 ISAF becomes mission Resolute Support and Australia’s Operation Slipper changes to Operation Highroad
THE 13-year ISAF mission
in Afghanistan has ended and
the full transition to the new
NATO-led train, advise and
assist mission, Resolute Support
formally began on January 1.
In line with the change,
Operation Slipper transitioned
to Operation Highroad. The
new mission involves continued
commitment to supporting security and stability in Afghanistan
through the train, advise and
assist role.
About 400 personnel are
d e p l oy e d u n d e r O p e r a t i o n
Highroad, including in embedded positions with the NATO-led
mission, mentoring and advisory
roles, force protection and logistical support.
The transition to Resolute
Support was marked during a
ceremony in Kabul attended by
Afghan officials and international military leaders, including
Commander of the Australian JTF
636, Maj-Gen David Mulhall on
28 December.
Resolute Support recognises
that the Afghan National Security
Forces (ANSF) are now in the
lead for all combat operations
with international support predominately focusing at the ministerial and institutional levels.
Commander ISAF Gen John
Campbell, US Training, paid tribute during the ceremony to the
effort of international and Afghan
security personnel over the past
13 years.
“Today as we case the ISAF
colours and unfurl the Resolute
Support colours, we also remember and honour all those coalition and Afghan heroes whom we
lost and the loved ones they left
behind,” Gen Campbell said.
Australia lost 41 servicemen
during the ISAF mission and a
further 261 were wounded.
Commander ISAF identified
the establishment of the 350,000
personnel strong Afghan security
forces as one of the milestones of
the past 13 years.
“In the wake of the Taliban’s
defeat in 2001, Afghanistan possessed no standing professional
security forces,” he said.
“For the past two fighting seasons, the ANSF have been in the
lead and they have prevailed over
a determined enemy.
“The insurgents are losing
and they’re desperate. The inauguration of the National Unity
Government and the ratification of the Bilateral Security
Agreement and Status of Forces
Agreement represent devastating
blows to the enemy’s cause and
narrative.”
A f g h a n i s t a n ’s N a t i o n a l
Security Adviser Hanif Atmar,
also addressed the parade.
“Our sons and daughters of
the ANSF are in the lead, fighting to protect security interests.
Inshallah, they will prevail,” Mr
Atmar said.
CDF ACM Mark Binskin
reaffirmed Australia’s ongoing
commitment to Afghanistan at
the NATO Chiefs of Defence
meeting last week.
“While there is significant
global attention on current
operations in Iraq, our mission
in Afghanistan has changed, not
ended. Australia and our international partners have not forgotten the people of Afghanistan,”
he said.
“The ANSF is a confident
and capable force which demonstrated its ability to maintain
Afghanistan’s security during the historic 2014 presidential election. Our job is to keep
working with them to continue
to build and maintain a sustainable security force for the future.”
About 130,000 troops were
in Afghanistan at the height of
ISAF operations and 12,500
will support the new Resolute
Support mission.
Operation Slipper was
the longest combat operation the Australian military has
been involved with more than
26,000 servicemen and women
deployed across the Middle East
Region including land, air and
maritime roles.
WO2 Chris Ahern holds the
new Resolute Support colours
during the change of mission
ceremony in Kabul.
Photo by Cpl Janine Fabre
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Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
NEWS
7
Last blast for Hamels
 105mm L119 light guns are retired from 53 Bty at the School of Artillery, the last battery to use them
Sgt Dave Morley
GUNNERS from the School of
Artillery’s support battery, 53 Bty,
made history when they fired the last
Hamel guns for the final time late
last year.
Troop Commander Lt Adrian Parry
said the guns were withdrawn at the
end of 2014, with 53 Bty being the
Army’s last remaining unit to hold the
105mm L119 light gun.
“The guns were used at the School
of Artillery in support of forward
observer training and remained in
service with 53 Bty until the 105mm
ammunition stocks were cleared,” he
said.
“The entire fleet has now been
replaced by the 155mm M777A2,
which incorporates a full digital thread
from the observer to the guns.
“The final field exercise marked
the last live firing of the guns while in
service with the RAA.”
Lt Parry said the firing was in
support of the Regimental Officers
Gunnery Course fire planning phase.
“The men of 53 Bty have served
with the light guns for most of their
careers and were very excited to be
a part of the final firing of the light
guns,” he said.
Detachment 2IC LBdr Peter
Graham said it was a privilege to be a
part of history, not only for the battery,
but also for the regiment.
“I am sad to see the light guns go,
but the future of the RAA is looking
very bright with the new digital equipment,” he said.
Gnr Ryan Grinter said he had the
privilege of working with the guns and
would miss them.
“It was an honour to be a part of
Top, 53 Bty’s
Hamel guns are
fired for the final
time before they
are replaced
by 155mm
M777A2s.
Gnr Ryan Grinter,
above, of 53 Bty,
fires one of the
last shots from
the Hamel guns
at the School
of Artillery. Left,
LBdr Peter
Graham, of 53
Bty, gets ready to
pack up the guns
for the last time.
Photos by Adrian Parry
the final live fire of the L119, however,
I’m confident the M777A2 is a very
worthy replacement and I look forward
to working with them for some time,”
he said.
The School of Artillery’s CO
and chief instructor, Lt-Col David
Edwards, said the 105mm guns were a
robust and highly mobile gun, serving
for more than 20 years in the RAA.
“The last rounds fired in November
mark the end of an era for the 105mm
gun as it makes way for the 155mm
medium howitzers across the regiment,” he said.
“We have now moved into the
realm of a highly sophisticated and
accurate digital gunnery system with
M777A2, presenting the RAA with a
unique opportunity to develop skills
and procedures around the new equipment.”
Lt Parry said after the guns were
fired for the last time they were
returned to the equipment fleet manager at Bandiana.
“The Queen’s gun will be the last
light gun held within the regiments
and is safe in the custody of 1 Regt
RAA in Brisbane,” he said.
8
NEWS
Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Troops shine at joint
intelligence exercise
Sgt Dave Morley
AUSTRALIAN soldiers made
a clean sweep of awards during
Exercise Vigilant Pacific in Hawaii
late last year.
Members of HQJOC, 1 Int Bn
and HQ Air Comd took part in the
intelligence training exercise on the
island of O’ahu.
Capt W, of 1 Int Bn, said the
Australian contingent distinguished
itself, bringing home individual team
member awards.
“The five awards were voted
by peers from exercise control and
observer/trainer staff,” he said.
“These awards reflect the high
standard of individual and collective training that 1 Int Bn and the
Defence Intelligence Training Centre
deliver, and highlights that our
capabilities are well and truly bestpractice among our allies.”
Capt W said the exercise involved
intelligence collection, surveillance,
physical security surveys, threat
assessments and analysis with participants from the New Zealand
Defence Force, British Army,
Canadian Forces and the US Army.
The exercise turned the usually
idyllic island of O’ahu into a fictional island state that had been recently
liberated from an invading force.
However, the path to recovery
was beset by violent, subversive elements that threatened to destabilise
the country.
A fictional coalition force tasked
to secure and stabilise the island
practised counterintelligence
and defensive human intelligence
operations as part of the exercise.
Capt W said the exercise afforded
a valuable opportunity to work with
our closest allies on common problems, and learn from their different
methods and approaches.
“At the same time, the exercise
tested how a multinational counterintelligence and human intelligence
unit could work on future operations,” he said.
“The exercise reinforced the close
links between 6 CS Bde and the US
500th Military Intelligence Bde. On
a personal level, Australian soldiers
and airmen were able to network
and develop friendships across the
globe.”
Capt W said the gathering of
allied intelligence servicemen and
defencebank.com.au
January 29, 2015
Australian soldiers and their US
counterparts end a PT session
after an intensive day of training
during intelligence Exercise
Vigilant Pacific 2014 in Hawaii.
TOP
RESULTS
women offered another chance to
reaffirm and reflect on shared bonds.
“The US hosts organised a private tour of the iconic USS Arizona
memorial at Pearl Harbor, offering
an insight into a pivotal chapter of
American military history,” he said.
On November 11, Remembrance
and Veterans’ Day was marked in a
uniquely Hawaiian manner with a
beach service and casting of leis into
the Pacific Ocean.
Exercise Vigilant Pacific, which
began in 1995, is an annual multilateral exercise rotated between countries to train counterintelligence
and human intelligence professionals from the US and Commonwealth
nations and learn tactics and techniques from 13 years of conflict in
Iraq and Afghanistan.
 Best Surveillance
Operator – Cpl G
 Best Analyst –
Pte Nathan Clarke
 Best Source
Operator – Sgt T
 Best Counter
Intelligence
Operator – Pte
Daniel Cleary
 Best Threat and
Vulnerability
Assessment
team member –
Pte Jacob Keating
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Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
NEWS
9
The language of intelligence
 Linguists gather for Exercise Phoenix Babel, the first of its type for Army, to enhance their communication skills
Sgt Dave Morley
ADF linguists have practised their skills
in an exercise that was one of the first of
its type for Army.
Exercise Phoenix Babel was open to all
ADF linguists and an invitation was also
extended to the US Army’s Hawaii-based
205th and 715th Int Bns, who sent two
members each.
The exercise was held at 1 Int Bn at
Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, from
November 24-28.
Operations officer Capt Jerome Mullan
said the exercise gave linguists an opportunity to practise, speak, listen and interpret in
a military environment.
“The exercise provided participants
with the resources, scenario and facilities
to allow them to conduct self-driven study
in preparation for a daily series of speaking
and interpreting tasks,” he said.
“It maintained a low-key and friendly
atmosphere designed to encourage participants to experiment and push their own
language limits.”
The daily routine included a morning
scenario development, with new exercise
incidents supported with audio-visual
product.
Each incident prompted a new set of
vocabulary required to describe situations,
ask questions and conduct meetings.
Capt Mullan said the exercise scenario
was carefully designed to ensure a daily
repetition of about 20 per cent content.
“Sessions were supported by Int Corps
personnel who drove conversation through
a debrief format, although their central task
was to tailor discussion to the linguists’ skill
level,” he said.
“Linguists worked in pairs for the duration of the exercise. Pairs were allocated
after undergoing an initial skill level selfassessment to find a partner with similar
ability.
“Both linguists took turns at role-playing
and interpreting throughout the exercise.”
Pte Matthew Ryan, of 1 Int Bn, said the
exercise was a great opportunity to apply
his Chinese language proficiency to practical tasks and gauge his own competency.
“I learned and implemented interpreting
techniques to enhance my skills,” he said.
“I think everyone who participated
benefited from the training.
“Interpreting skills, like language skills
in general, diminish without refreshing and
without being put to task, so I hope this
type of exercise is held again so I can take
my expertise further.”
Pte Matthew Brennan, of 1 Int Bn, said
the exercise was a great success.
“As a debriefer in the exercise I was able
to observe a rapid progression within two of
our Indonesian linguists,” he said.
“A couple of the linguists were apprehensive at the beginning of the exercise
because they had not had the opportunity
to use their linguistic skills for a number of
years.
“By day three the same linguists were
comfortably elaborating on complex situations and immersing themselves within the
scenarios.”
Manager Languages – Army Bob Tyne
attended the exercise and said he believed it
was a first for Army.
“Linguists often practise through supporting other training, however, a dedicated
linguist exercise was new ground,” he said.
“Exercise participants said it was particularly effective for rapidly remediating
lost skills. One member conducted Chinese
refresher training and said he had three
months’ worth of training covered in the
intensive five days.”
CO 1 Int Bn Lt-Col Gavin Stanford said
he wanted to hold the exercise annually to
support the ongoing development and maintenance of the Army’s foreign language
capability.
Linguists interested in future attendance
should contact the 1 Int Bn Ops Cell through
their chain of command.
“
Interpreting
skills, like
language skills
in general,
diminish without
refreshing and
without being
put to task, so I
hope this type
of exercise is
held again so
I can take my
expertise further.
– Pte Matthew Ryan, 1 Int Bn
Ptes Matthew Brennan (left) and
Matthew Ryan (right) practise
their interpreting skills with US
Sgt Liu, of US 715th Mil Int Bn,
during Exercise Phoenix Babel.
Photo by Sgt Kim Allen
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Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
11
NEWS
Commandos honoured
 Soldiers’ names added to Tidal River Memorial
on 50th anniversary of the Mornington Peninsula cairn
THREE names have been added to
the Commando Cairn Memorial at
Tidal River on Victoria’s Mornington
Peninsula.
They are Cpl Scott Smith, who
served with SOER and was killed in
action in Afghanistan in 2012, LCpl
Todd Chidgey, who served with 2 Cdo
Regt and died in Afghanistan in 2014,
and Sgt Garry Francis, who served
with 2 Cdo Regt and died during a
training exercise in New Zealand in
2014.
For 50 years, the memorial has paid
silent tribute to the men who trained
there and who established commandos
as part of the Australian Army.
The memorial was unveiled on
November 15, 1964, and to mark its
anniversary, 200 people braved inclement weather to pay their respects last
November. Among the gathering were
serving commandos, families, veterans
and two of the original diggers who
had trained on the peninsula before
deploying to the Pacific theatre in the
1940s.
Incoming CO 1 Cdo Regt Lt-Col M
said the commemoration was a reminder for those serving of the history and
commitment shown by those first
Australian commandos.
“When you gather together at a
place such as this and see generations
of commandos and their families paying their respects, you realise that we
have inherited an inspirational history and tradition that was forged here
and in the conflict in the Pacific,”
Lt-Col M said.
“This cairn, and the names recorded
on its surfaces, reflect the sacrifices
made by members of the original and
subsequent commando and special
units. Three new names were sadly
added to memorial on this its 50th
year.”
Cpl Smith’s family were present,
along with the family of Pte Greg Sher,
who served with 1 Cdo Regt and was
killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009.
“When you look at the names
and families represented on the day,
you see a cross section of the current
Socomd units, 1 Cdo Regt, 2 Cdo Regt
and SOER,” Lt-Col M said.
“The men and women who represent the legacy of the original commandos who trained here at Tidal River
50 years ago continue to face danger
in operations and training around the
world. The original commandos would
be very proud of what they began.
“The Tidal River Memorial is the
site of an annual pilgrimage, which has
lasted 50 years and will continue long
into the future.”
IN MEMORY
Serving commandos,
families and veterans gather
at the Tidal River Memorial
on Victoria’s Mornington
Peninsula to mark 50 years
since the cairn was unveiled.
C.D. “Dud” Mills, a veteran of 2/7
Cdo Sqn wrote the following verse
after witnessing the dedication of
the cairn in 1964.
THE grip of the grave has
conquered,
In the battle of taking our youth,
But our memories are firm in their
fortress,
Secure from their claw and their
tooth.
We gathered once more at the river,
Early scene of our hopes and our
plan
For stemming the tide of invasion,
For upholding the tenets of man.
Our nation was needing
commandos,
Picked fellows of feeling and verve,
Dedicated to fight for their country,
Not lacking in foresight and nerve.
There was training and shooting
and marching,
With cadres and combat and fun,
And our life at the river was
marshalled,
By blood-sweat and Oberon run.
Now the years are passing behind
us,
Have filched little we held there in
pride
Of our mates, and the sweet bonds
of friendship
Undimmed in our comrades who
died.
Wild land of manuka, and bracken,
Gaunt terrain of ridges and stone,
The cradle that nurtured
commandos,
Is still standing aloof and alone.
It was good to come back to the
river,
To the shouting, the cheer and the
noise,
To join once again in reunion,
And fall-in to march with the boys.
It was good to pay a last tribute
To our cobbers who didn’t come
back,
But each one was with us in spirit,
On the Tidal and Number
Two track.
Incoming CO
1 Cdo Regt
Lt-Col M
addresses the
commemoration.
TIDAL RIVER MEMORIAL CAIRN INSCRIPTION
“THIS Cairn was erected to
commemorate the birthplace of
the commando in Australia and in
memory of all commandos who
The art of recovery
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Brig Goodman said The Long Way
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He believed participants in the ARRTS
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The ARRTS Program will be held in
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“Various studies have discussed
the relationship between the arts and To find out more email ADF.ARRTS@defence.
enhanced health outcomes and there is gov.au or call 0419 549 383 or (02) 6265 5923.
evidence that the performing arts can aid Applications close on March 6.
made the supreme sacrifice in
World War II.
During 1941 and 1942 the 1st
to 8th Independent Companies,
the colour patches of which appear
hereon, were formed and trained in
the Darby and Tidal River areas.
Subsequently Z and M Special
Units, 9th, 10th, 11th and
12th Commando Squadrons
and Commando Regiments
were formed.”
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12
NEWS
Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
Faithful cooks farewelled
 3RAR’s Catering Platoon marches out for the final time as infantry battalions lose their in-house chefs
ON December 11, 3RAR paraded on
LZ Ewell in Townsville for awards,
presentations, promotions and to
farewell a significant capability to
the unit.
The final part of the parade was
recognising the distinguished service
of Old Faithful’s Catering Platoon.
As part of the Plan Beersheba
restructure of Combat Service
Support, infantry battalions lose their
in-house catering support.
The bush cooks have served
3RAR in Woodside, Holsworthy and
Townsville.
The platoon has deployed and
sustained the battalion on exercise
and in Solomon Islands, Singapore,
Malaysia, Timor Leste, Iraq,
Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, New
Caledonia and other deployments
around the globe.
The cooks received a farewell gift
from CO Lt-Col Gavin Keating and
RSM WO1 Andrew Shore before
marching off for the last time.
Cpl Andrew Hallam was presented
with a Commander Forces Command
Bronze Commendation for his outstanding influence on his section, platoon, company and foreign forces.
OC C Coy Maj Gerard Kearns said
Cpl Hallam mentored and trained the
Afghan National Army, US Army,
New Caledonia Forces, Papua New
Guinea Defence Force and Australian
soldiers.
He was instrumental in C Coy
being awarded the Champion
3RAR’s catering platoon was
farewelled in December as
the cooks move on under the
Plan Beersheba changes to
Combat Service Support.
Company Trophy, which Maj Kearns
received on parade.
Pte Mitchell Low received student of merit for the 2RAR assault
pioneer course.
Pte Thomas Meloury-Jones was
awarded student of merit for the
3RAR direct-fire support weapons
course, while LCpl Andrew Norrie
was student of merit on the 3RAR
reconnaissance course.
Maj Kearns said multiple lance
corporals and a corporal were promoted after the recent junior leaders’ course and the supervisor infantry operations section course.
“The promotions strengthen the
command and control of the unit
and will be instrumental to success
for A Coy’s deployment to Rifle
Company Butterworth in early 2015
and the maintenance of a responsive
and highly capable Ready Combat
Team,” he said.
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Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
13
NEWS
Joint Logistics Unit
North opens doors
MORE than 7000 triple road trains’
worth of fill went through the gates
of Robertson Barracks in Darwin
in the making of the newly opened
Joint Logistics Unit North Complex
last year.
The 10ha $125 million facility was
built by 250 staff over 600,000 man
hours using 16,000 cubic metres of
concrete and 1600 tonnes of steel.
It was opened on December 11.
It will house nuts and bolts through
to complex aircraft components.
The cyclone-proof complex has 16
buildings including repair workshops
and six vehicle shelters according to
CO JLU-N Lt-Col Paul Rosenberger.
“On any given day, the unit has
about $9 million worth of customers’
equipment under repair, representing
about 750 maintenance requests,” he
said.
The facility also has a hazardous
goods area and offers explosive ordnance services as well as being able to
store weapons. It also features a test
firing range.
Lt-Col Rosenberger said the clothing store provided clothing and tailoring
support for the 4500 Navy, Army and
Air Force personnel units in the region.
“It achieves a 98 per cent satisfaction rating from the 1100 customers
that walk through the doors of the
three clothing stores in the region each
month,” he said.
“And then there are nearly 30
Linfox staff who provide warehousing,
distribution and loan pool services to
about 50 customer units in the region,
CO Joint Logistics
Unit North Lt-Col
Paul Rosenberger
talks about the new
facilities at the opening
ceremony at Robertson
Barracks, Darwin.
Photos by AB Nicolas Gonzalez
totalling $19 million of inventory
across about 18,000 stock codes and
approximately 600,000 individual
items.”
The complex will be staffed by
around 150 ADF, public servants
and contractors, who will include 50
Commonwealth staff to provide services from explosive ordnance disposal
and advice, development of ADF opera-
tional contingency plans and support to
Operation Resolute, through to disposal, procurement and general inventory
management support and maintenance
planning.
Then Minister for Defence’s representative Senator Linda Reynolds said
the logistics unit was a great asset to
the region.
“Defence needed a quicker and
better way to deliver stores and equipment to troops at the right time and the
right place, by creating a modern and
efficient storage, distribution and maintenance network,” she said.
The facility was named the Maj-Gen
Peter Haddad Joint Logistics Complex
– Darwin in honour of Maj-Gen
Haddad’s contribution as Commander
Support Command, Australia and as
the first Commander, Joint Logistics
Command. Maj-Gen Haddad officially
opened the complex.
The facility also has a street named
after The Northern Territory’s only
Victoria Cross recipient from WWI
Capt Albert Borella, VC, MM.
It is one of seven being constructed under the Defence Logistics
Transformation Program.
New home for 2CER
 Unit moves in to Ubique Lines at Gallipoli Barracks as it celebrates 23 years as a regiment
Maj John McCreadie
2CER celebrated 23 years as
a regiment with its new home,
Ubique Lines, officially opened by
CA Lt-Gen David Morrison.
CA cut the ribbon with a traditional engineer tool, the axe, at
Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, on
November 24.
Former COs and RSMs attended
the event, which included a tour of
the purpose-built facilities the unit
now enjoys.
CO 2CER Lt-Col Matthew
Richardson said it was a significant
milestone in the regiment’s history.
“It was a great day and we’re
looking forward to using our new
facilities,” he said.
“It was also an important day as
it signified the formal separation of
11 CE Sqn, which has been a major
part of the regiment for many years.”
The CA handed out unit
awards and promotions, and was
re-acquainted with the unit’s oldest sapper, Spr Ray Casten, who
transferred to the Army Reserve in
December.
CA reminisced about his first
meeting with Spr Casten many years
ago in a cross-country run where
both men claimed to have won.
A dedication service was held
for the 2CER memorial, which had
been temporarily moved during construction of the new facilities and
returned to the new lines before the
regiment moved in.
CA Lt-Gen David Morrison cuts
the ribbon with an axe to open the
new Ubique Lines, home of 2CER
at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.
14
Army CENTREPIECE
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
15
Herons wrap up Afghanistan missions
Heron there for the
soldiers on the ground
After five years of flying intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance missions in Afghanistan, the Heron medium
altitude, long endurance, remotely piloted aircraft has ceased
operations in Afghanistan, Flt-Lt Michael Moroney reports.
O
N November 30, personnel of Rotation
15 gathered at a
small ceremony to
reflect on the significant contribution that Heron has made
as part of Operation Slipper.
CO Heron Rotation 15
Wg-Cdr Phillip Parsons said
the Heron aircraft relied on the
dedicated and professional team
behind the impressive capability.
“The unit has been described
as an eclectic mix of Army,
Navy and Air Force personnel
– from fast jet aircrew with decades of experience to geospatial
imagery analysts one year off
course – who have been brought
together to make Heron the
amazing capability that you see
today,” Wg-Cdr Parsons said.
“As I have said in the past,
it is the people that turn Heron
into an amazing capability.”
Since August 2009, Heron
aircraft have completed more
than 27,000 mission hours providing high-resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support to
Australian forces and ISAF partners in southern Afghanistan.
“Each day ‘Bluey’ the commonly used Heron aircraft
call sign would commence the
long transit northbound to support Australian units throughout Uruzgan province,” Wg-Cdr
Parsons said.
“With the withdrawal of
the ADF from Uruzgan at the
end of 2013, the task unit was
redirected to support Regional
Command – South.
“While the supported
task force changed, the focus
remained the same, to provide
the best ISR support to ISAF in
southern Afghanistan.”
Having been extended in an
ISR role in Afghanistan twice,
the ADF’s Heron contribution
was recognised for the highend capability it provided, and
Wg-Cdr Parsons highlighted
that it was not the end for the
remotely piloted aircraft.
“While today marks the close
of our operations in Afghanistan,
it also marks the beginning of
a new chapter of Heron operations, as we take the capability
back to Australia and continue to
build upon the lessons learned in
Afghanistan,” he said.
“We can all be very proud of
the support provided to assist the
people of Afghanistan to secure
a positive future. In our own
way we have made a contribution and as a task unit we have
made an impact.”
The personnel of Rotation
15 returned to Australia in
December after the handing over
of Heron facilities at Kandahar
to the coalition and the redeployment of the three aircraft.
THE 1.1 tonne Heron, with
a 16.5m wingspan and ability to soar to 30,000 feet and
stay airborne for 20 hours, is
fitted with a range of sensors
and cameras. This allows it
to monitor military and civilian movements on the ground,
and transmit the data back to
base and also directly to the
soldiers on the ground in real
time.
It was a project that grew to
fill the need for better intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) in Afghanistan,
according to CO Number
5 Flight Wg-Cdr Jonathan
McMullan.
“Up until Heron started in
2010, Australia was reliant on
US forces or coalition assets
for ISR support, and there was
insufficient ISR assets to fulfil
all the demands for that critical
support,” he said.
“The Australian Army
said, listen, we really need
our own organic ISR platform
that is tasked by Australia
for Australian soldiers on the
ground.
“That’s where Heron came
in. It was very much a crawl,
walk, run approach where we
started offering 2900 hours per
annum, and that was one aircraft at a time, but by the end
of our five years over there we
were offering 6600 hours per
annum with two aircraft supporting simultaneous missions.
“They could never get
enough ISR.
“It was born out of the fact
they couldn’t get enough reliable overwatch support and
we provided them with a very,
very good ISR asset.”
Sig Melissa McDonald, of
7 Sig Regt, spent five months
as part of a Heron detachment.
She said it was great being part
of a deployment in a task not
many soldiers got to take part
in.
“The best thing about the
deployment was being able
to work with RAAF in using
all three different trade skills,
as we had a Navy member
deployed with us too,” she said.
“It’s a great insight into the
world of Air Force and to work
in that triservice environment.
We came together to work as a
team in Kandahar.
“It’s great to now be back
to see my family though as
it’s the longest I’ve been away
from home in my career.”
Wg-Cdr McMullan is passionate about the Heron, saying it has “absolutely” made a
difference for Australian and
coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Heron has made great
leaps forward, with Wg-Cdr
McMullan getting permission
for two Herons to fly simultaneously.
Previously, if a Heron supporting troops had serviceability
issues, a second aircraft could
not be deployed until the first
one returned home, which meant
a gap of about three hours where
no Heron was airborne. Being
able to fly two simultaneously
overcame this capability gap.
About 500 ADF personnel
were deployed to Kandahar
over the 15 rotations. Air Force
provided the bulk of the personnel on the rotations, but Army
and Navy typically provided
four or five people each time,
serving as both aircrew and
imagery analysts.
In memory of
Lt Marcus Case
John Martin
LT Marcus Case has a permanent place
in the hearts and minds of the ADF
members responsible for the success of
the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft in
Afghanistan.
A Heron Remotely
Piloted Aircraft at
RAAF Base Woomera.
Photos by Cpl Aaron Curran
Lt Case was a pilot working on Heron
Detachment 5 in May 2011 when he was
killed in a Chinook crash four weeks into
his deployment.
CO Heron Rotation 15 Wg-Cdr Phillip
Parsons paid tribute to his team when they
gathered at a small ceremony in Kandahar
on November 30 to mark the end of the
mission. But the celebration was tinged
with sadness.
“I would like to pause to reflect that not
everyone who deployed with Heron made it
home,” he said.
“Lt Marcus Case will be forever in our
thoughts. Lest we forget.”
Number 5 Flight, which was raised at
RAAF Base Amberley in 2010 to raise, train
and sustain the Remotely Piloted Aircraft,
pays permanent tribute to Lt Case.
Its four-room purpose-built training
premises is called the Lt Marcus Case
Training Facility and a photograph of him
hangs in every room.
CO 5 Flt Wg-Cdr Jonathan McMullan,
who also has a photo of Lt Case on his office
wall, was the Detachment Commander of
Rotation 5 so got to know Lt Case during
more than three months training in Australia
and their short time together in Afghanistan.
Lt Case’s parents attended the opening
of the training facility in 2012 and they have
also visited both Tarin Kot and Woomera,
where Lt Case underwent his Heron training
in Australia.
A portrait of Lt Marcus
Case and his flying
brevet and medals
are displayed at his
military funeral. He died
on May 30, 2011, in
a Chinook helicopter
crash during a resupply
mission in Zabul
province, Afghanistan,
where he was deployed
as a Heron operator.
Photo by Sgt William Guthrie
Personnel work in
the ground control
station for the Herons
at Kandahar Air Field,
Afghanistan.
Photo by Cpl Janine Fabre
HERON MISSIONS IN AFGHANISTAN PROVIDE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE FOR TROOPS ACROSS FIVE YEARS OF DEPLOYMENTS
 September 2009 – Air Force deploys
first Heron cadre to Kandahar to work
with the Royal Canadian Air Force,
which is already flying the Israeli
built Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft
(RPA).
 January 2010 – Air Force establishes
Number 5 Flt at RAAF Base Amberley
under 82 Wg Air Combat Group
(ACG) to be the raise, train and sustain unit for Heron RPA.
 January 2010 – Rotation 1 deploys
to Kandahar as the first formed Heron
rotation to start operations under
Operational Command and Control
of Australian Forces on Operation
Slipper. It is known as Task Unit
633.2.7 with a mission to provide tactical airborne intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance (ISR) in support
of Australian and coalition combat
operations in Afghanistan.
 January 2010 – Rotation 1 contracted
to 2900 hours a year and single line
(aircraft) operations only. About 10
hours of ISR is provided each day.
 October 2010 – Contract expands
to allow 3400 hours each year as
demand increases and the ADF gains
experience with the Heron RPA.
 January 2011 – Contract changes
again to 5000 hours a year as
demand for ISR grows. A third aircraft
is also delivered (this represents
almost a doubling of hours within 12
months). Missions routinely become
about 20 hours in duration.
 May 2011 – Limited dual operations
introduced to allow two Herons to be
flying simultaneously. Previously, if a
Heron supporting troops had serviceability issues, a second aircraft could
not be deployed until the first one
returned home, which meant a gap of
about three hours when no Heron was
airborne.
 August 2011 – Construction starts to
expand the ground control station to
allow full-time dual lines of operation.
 September 2011 – Contract changes
to allow full-time dual lines of operation and Heron starts full-time dual
operations. Heron can now provide
two aircraft to one mission, or support
two missions simultaneously for up to
20 hours.
 October 2011 – Heron flies 96-hour
mission (rotating the two aircraft).
Heron becomes a true go or no go
asset for Australian troops on the
ground.
 January 2012 – Contract changes
again to increase to 6600 hours a year
to support the growing need for ISR.
 December 5, 2013 – Australian gov-
ernment agrees to extend Heron in
theatre until June 30, 2014, to support
Regional Command South (RC(S))
over the Afghanistan Presidential
Election period. End of mission was
supposed to be December 31, 2013.
 December 16, 2013 – Heron supports
the last Australian C-17 out of Tarin
Kot, signalling Australia’s end of mission in Uruzgan province.
 December 18, 2013 – Heron starts
first mission with RC(S), providing
ISR for US forces, shutting Forward
Operating Base Pacemaker.
 June 25, 2014 – Australian government once again extends Heron until
November 30, 2014, to support RC(S)
owing to the strategic reallocation of US
RPA to Iraq. This occurred within five
days of declared end of mission and 5
Flt had to recruit and train a rotation to
deploy within four weeks.
 November 30, 2014 – TU633.2.7
flies the last mission in support of
RC(S) and end of mission declared.
 December 10, 2014 – Rotation 15
arrives back at Darwin Airport after
five years of Heron operations
in Afghanistan.
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Army FEATURES
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
17
Afghanistan in Queensland
T
Townsville street transformed for mission rehearsal exercise, Al Green reports.
RAINING in the north
became realistic for more
than 120 Afghanistan-bound
soldiers of Force Protection
Element Rotation 3 (FPE 3).
For their final exercise before
deploying in January, a Townsville
street scene was transformed to replicate the risky ‘in country’ environment.
The exercise late last year was a
culmination of 10 weeks of intense
training for the soldiers from 1RAR,
B Sqn 2 Cav, and 3CSSB who have
deployed to Kabul and Kandahar.
In the realistic scenario which was
carried out on November 25, a platoon group in a Bushmaster convoy
were confronted by ‘protesters’ along
Cook St, North Ward, followed by a
‘suicide bombing’ that caused mass
local casualties.
The Combat Training Centre-run
scenario was performed four times
over the week with variations to test
soldiering skills.
The response from each combat
element under assessment also varied.
In the first iteration, soldiers carefully assessed the situation from
the safety of their vehicles before
securing the scene and treating the
wounded.
Later in the day, a second mission
left the area in their vehicles without
dismounting when confronted with
the same scenario.
And later in the week a third platoon dismounted and moved into a
safe compound nearby before securing
Training became very realistic for more than 120 Afghan-bound soldiers of Force Protection Element Rotation Three. A Townsville street was
transformed to replicate the risky ‘in country’ environment in the scenario run by Combat Training Centre, which featured ‘protesters’ and a
simulated bomb attack. Photos by Al Green
the incident site and tending to the
wounded.
The last group set up the vehicles
in all-round defence.
Each response was considered valid
as the troops first responsibility was
protection of the convoy, protection
which was maintained throughout in
varied ways.
OC Maj Matthew Dirago confirmed
force protection, particularly security
of Australian advisers under the FPE’s
care, was the mission priority.
“The Australian contingent works
as one – the advisers and force protection element all look after each
other,” Maj Dirago said.
“It’s always our aim to achieve
our mission, but also for everybody to
return home safe.”
Throughout the activity one aspect
stood out – troops maintained their
composure and acted methodically
when responding to the chaotic training scenario. Maj Dirago said this
approach was deliberate.
“As their OC, I expect proactive
junior leadership with our soldiers
acting with calmness, but also decisiveness,” Maj Dirago said.
“It’s a mark of our soldiers’ professionalism. In conducting themselves this way they’ll also set the
example for the Afghan National
Army who will be influenced by that
approach.”
The OC sees further benefit for
soldiers and JNCOs in conducting
complex and realistic training on
Townsville’s streets.
“Sound decision making in
theatre will be based on a wealth of
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18
CYCLONE TRACY
Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
Soldiers helped out Darwin residents in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy in 1974, which destroyed
sections of Larrakeyah Barracks and flattened homes.
Photos from Army News
Tracy devastation recalled
Forty years on and the sights from Christmas Day aren’t easily forgotten.
Cpl Max Bree
“TIMBER from nearby houses
started spearing through our walls,”
recalled Lt-Col Richard Wiltshire
who was a child living in Darwin
when Cyclone Tracy hit in 1974.
Like many kids that Christmas
Eve, Lt-Col Wiltshire was a bit excited, along with the feeling of fear, hoping Tracy would hit so he could see
what a cyclone was like.
Then 12 years old, Lt-Col Wiltshire
had just finished his first year at
Darwin High School and helped clear
up the yard of his family home at
Larrakeyah to prepare for the cyclone.
“It started as a big storm and just
got worse and worse with every gust,”
he said.
Soon the roof was taken off and
debris had punctured the wall sheets
and one wall fell down.
“As water started coming through
the ceiling we moved all the Christmas
presents under my brother’s bed and
they were okay,” Lt-Col Wiltshire said.
“It was unbelievably noisy and
very cold. All four of us ended up
sheltering in the toilet, which lost the
ceiling.”
The next morning revealed a scene
of devastation on the street with one
house having only floorboards left.
Lt-Col Wiltshire started work
clearing up the family home, while
his father, who worked for Housing
and Construction, started emergency
repairs at the hospital.
“An elderly friend who lived nearby had slept through the cyclone and
we caught up with her in the morning,” Lt-Col Wiltshire said.
“She was a retired nurse who had
spent the war (WWII) in London and
from her perspective it was nowhere
near as bad as the Blitz.”
Soon after Cyclone Tracy had
struck, Lt-Col Wiltshire and his brother were sent to Queensland for the
national sailing championships.
They didn’t see their parents again
until the May school holidays when
they flew back to Darwin to help the
family move to Queensland – a move
the family were planning that was
brought forward by Cyclone Tracy.
Lt-Col Wiltshire said they were
lucky none of the family were hurt
and most of their friends had pulled
through Cyclone Tracy okay.
“My father and quite a few of my
parents’ friends had served during
WWII and seemed to brush off the
damage that could be fixed,” he said.
“They were just happy that so few
of their friends were killed or seriously
injured given there was such destruction.”
The cyclone killed 71 people and
caused $837 billion in damages.
Signallers and
engineers jump in
AS Darwin woke to the devastation of Cyclone Tracy on
Christmas Day 1974, Army signallers quickly established the
prime communications link
between Darwin and the outside
world.
Signallers from Townsville’s
103 Sig Sqn established voice
comms with 125 Sig Sqn in Darwin
within hours of the cyclone hitting.
The voice link was the main –
and sometimes only – connection
with Darwin in the two days after
Tracy struck.
Signallers relayed situation and
casualty reports, along with damage
assessments, supply requests and
a message from then prime minister Gough Whitlam to the people of
Darwin.
Only about 180 soldiers were
posted to Darwin at the time, but
700 later became involved in the
clean-up effort.
One unit was 1 Fld Engr Regt
from Holsworthy, sent to Darwin
after spending Christmas Day fighting bushfires at Cobar, NSW.
It’s main task was to bridge a gap
torn in a wharf by a disabled trawler.
Bailey bridging was transported
from Penrith to north Queensland
by 21 Army trucks, then shipped by
Navy heavy landing craft to Darwin.
A 100-tonne bridge was built
over a 48m gap to allow the wharf to
be used by deep draught ships.
Soldiers from units including
5/7RAR and 2 Cav Regt cleaned up
in houses in the wake of the disaster,
while Army engineers repaired and
re-roofed houses.
Army assault boats from
7 Military District were picked up
and thrown over married quarters by
the Cyclone. One was found three
blocks away, while another flew
650m and landed at the bottom of
a cliff.
Most married quarters at
Larrakeyah barracks were demolished by the powerful storm.
Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
OP SUMATRA ASSIST
SIGHTS HAUNT
SOLDIERS FOR
A LIFETIME
19
The wreckage of Banda Aceh
caused by the tsunami.
Photo by AB Bradley Darvill
Sgt Dave Morley
THREE-and-a-half hours’
notice to move was all then Pte
Dwayne Sutton got to deploy
on Operation Sumatra Assist
10 years ago.
Sgt Sutton, of 2GHB at
Enogerra, said he was part of the
first push into Banda Aceh.
“Once the engineers arrived
to produce potable water, it was
part of my job to test it regularly,” he said.
“I also assisted with providing preventive medical support
to 1CER.
“The sights we saw when we
got there were all really horrific
and made the deployment pretty
hard and mentally draining.”
Sgt Sutton said he now had
a sense of pride in what he had
done in Banda Aceh.
“It took a while because what
we went through left us all a bit
shattered,” he said.
“What I remember most is
how the Army’s values of courage, initiative and teamwork
showed through and helped
us cope.”
Help for tsunami victims
Soldiers worked day and night to get Banda Aceh back on its feet, Sgt Dave Morley reports.
T
HE deployment to Banda
Aceh had a personal connection for Army linguist and
then Capt Lachlan Fryer,
whose former wife’s colleagues lost
hundreds of family members in the
tragedy.
Then Pte Josh Webb, of
1CER, cuts through the steel
reinforcements in Aceh in 2005.
Teamwork
is answer
She is Indonesian and worked at
the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra
at the time.
Maj Fryer, now of HQJOC, arrived
in Indonesia on January 2, 2004, and
spent two months in Banda Aceh.
His Bahasa language skills,
acquired from both university and the
ADF School of Languages, and knowledge of the country from travel and
from his former wife, helped pave the
way for the task group.
He provided linguistic support to
the engineer recon team, as well as
linguistic and liaison officer support
to the CO Engr Gp, then Lt-Col Ian
Cumming. This entailed assisting the
CO in his meetings and interaction
with UN, non-government organisations and Indonesian Military and
Police as well as local language
media engagements.
Sgt Dave Morley
A FORMER LCM8 deckhand spent
four months away from home as
a result of the 2004 Boxing Day
tsunami.
Then Pte, now WO2, Richard
Lovell, of 36 Water Tpt Tp at
Larrakeyah Barracks, said he sailed to
Sumatra from Darwin on January 7,
2004, in HMAS Kanimbla.
“The LCM8’s role was initially to
unload all the troops and equipment
from HMAS Kanimbla,” he said.
“Towards the end of the operation
we ferried equipment to Sabang on the
island of Pulau We, where the Force
Extraction Team was set up.”
WO2 Lovell said he arrived back
in Townsville the day after Anzac Day
2005.
“We had actually commenced our
return to Australia much earlier and
were alongside in Singapore with
Kanimbla when we got the word to
return to Sumatra for Op Sumatra Assist
II after the second earthquake,” he said.
“On this second phase we worked
around the island of Nias in the Indian
Ocean.”
WO2 Lovell said he was proud to
have been part of such a large humaniThen Spr Stephen Higginson, of 3CER, uses a backhoe to clear the
tarian effort “that saw so many people
from so many nations work together for debris from a drain that leads to the river in Banda Aceh.
a common goal”.
Photo by Cpl Cameron Jamieson
“My Bahasa skills were integral to
the deployment as was my Asian studies degree and previous travel, which
enabled a knowledge of Indonesia
generally and Indonesians’ culture and
religion.”
The Bahasa enabled him to liaise
with the Head of Sekolah Menengah
Kejuruan 3, a TAFE-type school which
was their home and work base.
“I also assisted the Engineer Recon
team with updating local maps, finding
locations for LZs, finding hardware
stores and other facilities by talking to
locals, and sourcing building supplies
for the various engineer task teams,”
he said.
“Arranging tasking with the
Indonesian Military and Police to
protect and escort engineer teams, and
even teaching English to the SMK 3
students when I had time spare, were
other ways I used my Bahasa skills.”
Maj Fryer said the deployment
enabled him to see the great work done
by Australian engineers and medical
teams.
“They re-floated an inter-island
ferry using only chocks, jacks and the
wrecker vehicle winch,” he said.
Waters of ruin
FOLLOWING a wave of devastation
that swept Sumatra on Boxing Day
2004, Army engineers from 1CER
were on hand to help people in the
shattered city of Banda Aceh.
An earthquake measuring about 9.2
on the Richter scale occurred in the
Indian Ocean triggered a tsunami that
smashed into the province of Aceh on
the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
Engineers from 1CER were soon
on the ground with the first water purifier up and running in the city after the
disaster.
Later, HMAS Kanimbla arrived and
brought with it an engineer task group
complete with plant equipment, field
engineers and extra water purifiers.
The soldiers on Operation Sumatra
Assist were tasked with providing
humanitarian assistance in the wake of
tsunamis that killed some 230,000 people.
The task group got to work clearing
debris and helping organisations like
the UN and Red Cross, according to
then CO 1CER Lt-Col Ian Cumming.
“At one of the internally displaced persons’ camps we’ve been constructing
latrines and water supply systems,” he
said in a report in Army at the time.
“In the middle of town we’ve been
picking up boats and wreckage, clearing
the streets. We’ve been helping the hos-
pital get up and running, trying to fix its
water supply and electricity systems.”
Medics from 1HSB’s Parachute
Surgical Team first hit the ground in
Banda Aceh before teaming up with
their Kiwi cousins to form the Anzac
Field Hospital.
They moved into the damaged buildings of Zainal Abidin General Hospital,
cleared out mud and debris then got
clinical facilities up and running.
“This was a 450-bed teaching hospital staffed by 900 employees,” hospital
CO Georgina then Lt-Col Whelan (now
Brig) said at the time. “About a third of
the staff have been accounted for and
have returned, but it is our understanding that at least another third have died.”
The work of relief drops, medical
evacuations and moving displaced persons around Banda Aceh was taken up
by four Army UH-1H Iroquois from A
Sqn 5 Avn Regt.
Capt Adam Zahra, then an Iroquois
pilot, described the scene of devastation
from the air.
“It was pretty horrendous when we
first got here – you’d see large areas
that looked like mud flats but you’d
notice a mosque in the middle of it, and
you knew a whole town had been there
but now it’s gone,” he said.
At the height of Operation Sumatra
Assist about 900 ADF personnel were
involved in the relief effort.
20
PERSONNEL
Family support
 Two groups on hand to help out soldiers and their families
Mia Ginnivan
DEFENCE Community
Organisation (DCO) and Defence
Families of Australia (DFA) both
assist military families, but what’s
the difference between the two
agencies?
DCO is a support agency for
members and their families and is
part of the Department of Defence,
while DFA is a ministerially appointed advisory group.
DCO offers a range of programs
and services that help Defence families manage the military lifestyle,
particularly during times of deployment and relocation.
Services include the provision
of family support, assistance for
partners’ education and employment,
help with childcare and assistance
for dependants with special needs.
Director-General DCO Ray
Bromwich said the organisation
also offered support for community
groups that assisted Defence families, education support for children
and assistance for members leaving
the military through transition support services.
“Families and members can also
call our all-hours Defence Family
Helpline for advice, assessment
and support, and connection with
local community-led services,” Mr
Bromwich said.
GET IN TOUCH
Defence Community
Organisation
 www.defence.gov.au/dco
 1800 624 608
 DefenceFamilyHelpline@
defence.gov.au
 www.facebook.com/
DefenceCommunityOrganisation
Defence Families of Australia
 www.dfa.org.au
 1800 100 509
 [email protected]
 www.facebook.com/
DefenceFamiliesOfAustralia
“We are staffed by experienced
human services professionals who
can help military families access
DCO programs and services, which
are delivered in 22 sites across
Australia.”
DFA is a ministerially appointed
group of partners of current members
who represent the views of Defence
families.
National Convenor Robyn Ritchie
said the group’s main aim was to
inform government and Defence of
the needs of Defence families.
“We provide a recognised forum
for families’ views and we make
recommendations and influence the
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January 29, 2015
New video promotes
support for all personnel
A VIDEO by Defence and Veterans’
Affairs has been released to remind ADF
members that support is available no matter what stage of their career they are at.
The central message of the video is
that while you may not need help now,
you might need it down the track such as
if you’re injured due to military service.
Narrated by RSM-Army WO1 David
Ashley, the video is part of a wider
campaign to inform Defence members
and veterans about services and support
available, and flows from the Review of
Military Compensation Arrangements
recommendations.
The review was conducted to establish
how well the Military Rehabilitation and
Compensation Act (2004) was meeting
the needs of current and former ADF
members and their families.
After a thorough public consultation
process, the review made 108 recommendations, of which 96 were accepted by
government.
The implementation of the recommendations is ongoing, but the majority of
those actioned have resulted in significant
positive outcomes for serving members,
veterans and their families.
This includes expanded eligibility to
access support, health care and rehabilitation, increased compensation and a better
delivery of these entitlements.
To view the video, visit
www.video.defence.gov.au or DVA’s YouTube
channel at www.youtube.com/user/DVAAus
For more information on the Review of Military
Compensation Arrangements visit
www.dva.gov.au
policies that affect military families,”
Ms Ritchie said.
“DFA national delegates are located around Australia and come from
all services and ranks, which ensures
we represent families adequately and
understand the issues at all levels. We
meet regularly with local command
and stakeholders to discuss issues
brought to them by families.
“Sometimes an individual
family may have circumstances
that are a little outside the box and
we can help them navigate their
way. We can also advocate an issue
concerning many families.”
ACHIEVE YOUR
FINANCIAL GOALS
IN 2015!
• Finding the right loan
Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
VISIT
FAC OUR
PAGE EBOOK
ARTI FOR TIPS
SEE WCLES AND T ,
H
O
VISIT ERE WE ARE
ING N
spectru
EXT
mfinan
cialsolu
Payment changes
CHANGES to the Reserve Employer
Support Payment Scheme came into
effect on December 1, 2014.
They include new delegation
powers, a reduction in the maximum
length of payments and changes to
injury and illness provisions.
The scheme provides financial
assistance to eligible employers of
reservists and self-employed reservists
when a member is absent on eligible
Defence service.
It aims to increase the contribution
of reserves to the ADF by enhancing
employer support for reserve service.
Key changes include:
A
llowing a Service Chief to delegate review powers to a senior
review officer, at or above one-star
rank or Australian Public Service
equivalent.
R
educing the maximum payment
length for a single period of Defence
service (or single period of absence
due to a service injury or service illness) from 78 weeks to 52 weeks.
R
equiring that a claimant have an
active Australian Business Number
at the time the claimed service was
undertaken.
C
hanges to injury/illness provisions,
including cessation of eligibility for
self-employed reservists when the
member starts receiving compensation payments for a service injury or
service illness from the Department
of Veterans’ Affairs.
C
hanges to provisions regarding
public holidays, stand-down days
and sick days, including deletion of
specific provisions relating to Anzac
Day and Remembrance Day.
For further information, visit
www.defencereservessupport.gov.au
tions
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Properties • Loans • Tax • Defence Entitlements
TIME is running out for personnel to
make new arrangements for payments
made via the payroll system to institutions such as charities, clubs, insurance
companies and health funds.
Non-BSB discretionary deductions,
or allotments, can no longer be made
directly from members’ pay, however,
the ability to continue compulsory payments such as child support, living-in
accommodation charges, judgement
orders or net pay distributions to bank
accounts with BSB numbers will remain.
To cease deductions, members should
log onto PMKeyS Self Service or complete an AD577 webform, available on
the Defence intranet
For more information on discretionary
allotments, visit the Frequently Asked Questions
tab on the Defence One website.
Instructions on how to cease are also available
on PMKeyS Self Service.
Army PERSONNEL
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
21
New workforce directive
Link to
the past
 Roles and responsibilities outlined for delivery of whole-of-ADF model
A NEW tool for learning about
Australia’s past conflicts was
launched late last year in the
lead-up to the Anzac Centenary.
more flexibility in meeting the demand
for ADF people.”
The TWFM is designed to help
address key personnel risks to the delivery of military capability.
It supports the generation and sustainment of Defence capability by enabling the supply of people of the right
calibre, with the right skills and experience, using more flexible work structures.
It also enables our highly trained
people to choose the ADF as a career
for life.
“They can scale their service commitment up and down as their personal circumstances evolve over their
careers,” Cdre Ferguson said.
“Essentially, it will make the ADF
a more integrated and capable force
while reducing the risk of potential skill
shortages.”
The design stage of Project Suakin
is now complete and testing, adjusting and implementing the TWFM will
occur over the next 18-24 months.
This will involve working with
Service HQs, personnel policy areas
and units to ensure the model will function. Suakin will also continue to work
closely with other personnel-related
projects to identify interdependencies
and ensure cooperation.
Defence’s future personnel management system, DefenceOne, and
ForceNet, Defence’s social network,
are examples of two key bodies of work
linked with the TWFM rollout.
CDF ACM Mark Binskin and
Defence Secretary Dennis Richardson
have issued a joint directive that outlines roles and responsibilities for
the delivery of a whole-of-ADF total
workforce model (TWFM).
Dubbed the Anzac Portal, it
contains historical publications
highlighting aspects of Australia’s
experience during WWI and WWII.
The portal also features links
to 11 history websites covering
Australia’s wartime experiences
including current operations.
“The portal combines historical
publications and websites with the
personal stories of veterans, providing a greater understanding of the
service and sacrifice of Australia’s
s e r v i c e m e n a n d wo m e n ,” a
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
spokesperson said.
“It is important that the effect
war has had on individuals, families and our nation as a whole is
remembered.”
The directive identifies the effort
required of the services and groups to
support implementation and embedding
of the TWFM.
It follows the launch of Project
Suakin in November 2013, where
Assistant Defence Minister Stuart
Robert announced the body of work
the project would undertake to deliver the workforce model with the aim
of enhancing ADF members’ ability to
serve.
Since the launch, Army has worked
closely with the project team on the
TWFM’s design.
The result is a workforce model that
achieves strategic workforce flexibility
through a range of service arrangements,
the application of which Army can tailor
to meet capability needs.
The ‘Service Spectrum’, which is the
core component of the model, is a structural mechanism that the ADF can use to
deliver Defence capability.
It consists of seven service categories
and two service options, which include
full-time and part-time service arrangements.
Ultimately, decisions on whether to
apply specific service categories and service options and make them available to
members will remain at the discretion of
the Service Chiefs.
The aim of the project was to achieve
flexibility for the ADF in two ways.
Information and audio files to assist commemorative activities during the Anzac
Centenary period can be found on the
website. The website is at www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au
ANZAC TALES
AS Australia prepares to
commemorate the Centenary
of Anzac, Army News wants
to hear your stories. If you
have an ancestral connection
to WWI, and would like to
share your story, email us at
anzac100@defencenews.
gov.au
The TWFM needed to better enable the services to draw on different
workforce mixes to deliver people
capability.
It also needed to provide ADF
members with the ability to access
flexible work options at key points in
their private and professional lives.
Director-General Suakin Cdre
Grant Ferguson said the services and
the Suakin project team had designed
a model that would enable the Service
Chiefs to use their entire workforce in
a more agile way.
“The TWFM better enables the
services to draw on both the permanent and reserve components of their
workforces, while allowing individuals
flexibility and greater mobility as their
circumstances change,” he said.
“It gives capability managers, workforce planners and commanders more For more information, visit http://intranet.
options for structuring their organisa- defence.gov.au/people/sites/SUAKIN/ComWeb.
tions and it allows career managers asp?page=121574
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22
JUSTICE
When to charge
Capt Scott Ritchie, RAN
All Court Martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to command
review and appeal. The results are of trials across the ADF.
OTHER RANK
One charge of providing a false statement
in relation to application for a benefit
– DFDA s 56(1)
The member was accused of
making a false statement on a leave
application, knowing the information
to be false. The member pleaded not
guilty to the charge but was found
guilty of the charge. The member
was sentenced to 28 days’ detention
(wholly suspended).
Defence Force Magistrate
Photo by Cpl Max Bree
ted a service offence, and, if so, whether the other member should be charged.
However, when considered in the
context of the discipline system and
the nature of command authority, when
an authorised member is directed by a
superior to charge another member, the
authorised member is in fact acting for
and on behalf of the superior.
In situations where an authorised
member is directed to charge a member, the authorised member should
record on the charge sheet that the
member was charged ‘at the direction
of’ that named superior.
It is important this is done for several reasons, notably including that
the DFDA provides that a summary
authority is disqualified from trying a
charge where the summary authority
was involved in charging the accused
member with the service offence.
Charging a member with a service
offence is an important step in the discipline process.
Clarity as to who is actually charging a member allows the accused member to properly exercise their legal
rights.
Beyond that, transparency in the
charging process helps reinforce confidence in the fairness of the discipline
system and, thus, reinforces good order
and discipline within the services.
January 29, 2015
NOVEMBER TRIAL RESULTS
Defence Force Magistrate
Director Military Discipline Law
THE purpose of the military discipline
system is to assist commanders to
enforce and maintain good order and
discipline among those service members under their authority.
The most important step in the discipline process is the decision whether to charge a member with a service
offence.
Wrong decisions may undermine
confidence in the discipline system and
lead to an erosion of discipline in the
services.
An issue that occasionally arises is
when a member who has been authorised under the Defence Force Discipline
Act (DFDA) to charge is directed by a
superior to charge a particular member
with a service offence.
This may give rise to concern about
undue or unlawful command influence,
as it is generally thought it is up to the
authorised member to decide whether
to charge a member.
This concern is often misplaced.
The DFDA provides that a commanding officer may authorise a member or a class of members to charge
other members.
Where an authorised member reasonably believes that another member
has committed a service offence, the
authorised member may charge the
other member with an offence.
When taken out of context, this may
lead to the belief that it is solely for
the authorised member, not their commanding officer for example, to decide
whether another member has commit-
Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
One charge of assaulting another person
on service land – DFDA s 33(a)
The member was accused of
assaulting another person by touching
the person on an intimate area of the
person’s body without consent. The
member pleaded guilty to the charge
and was found guilty of the charge.
The member was fined $1200 (to
be paid in instalments) and severely
reprimanded.
Defence Force Magistrate
One charge of making a threat to inflict
grievous bodily harm – DFDA s 61(3) and
Crimes Act (ACT) s 31(a)(ii)
The member was accused of making
a threat to a person to inflict grievous
bodily harm on another person. The
member pleaded not guilty to the
charge but was found guilty of the
charge. The member was dismissed
from the Defence Force.
Defence Force Magistrate
One charge of obtaining a financial
advantage – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal
Code (Cth) s 135.2(1)
The member was accused of
receiving a rate of rental allowance
in circumstances where the member
knew or believed the member was
not eligible to receive it. The member
pleaded not guilty to the charge
but was found guilty of the charge.
The member was sentenced to 60
days’ detention and required to pay
reparations to the Commonwealth.
NCO
Defence Force Magistrate
One charge of obtaining a financial
advantage – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal
Code (Cth) s 135.2(1)
The member was accused of
receiving rental allowance when the
member knew or believed that the
member was not eligible to receive
it. The member pleaded guilty to the
charge and was found guilty of the
charge. The member was dismissed
from the Defence Force.
Defence Force Magistrate
Two charges of obtaining a financial
advantage – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal
Code (Cth) s 135.2(1)
Two charges of making a false entry in a
service document – DFDA s 55(1)(b)
The member was accused of
receiving a rate of rental allowance
in circumstances where the member
knew or believed that the member
was not eligible to receive it. The
member was also accused of making
false entries on service documents in
relation to the rental allowance. The
member pleaded guilty to the charges
and was found guilty of the charges.
The member was reduced in rank and
sentenced to 90 days’ detention.
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Army 23
LIFESTYLE FUN
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
Female soldiers and medical personnel are the
subject of a book written by Capt Sharon MascallDare (left) and Col Susan Neuhaus (retd) launched
late last year by CA Lt-Gen David Morrison at the
Australian War Memorial.
Women
leading
the way
DIKKO
Photos by Cpl Matthew Bickerton and Sgt Dave Morley
By Bob Dikkenberg
Personnel have written two books
about the inspirational stories of female
soldiers, Sgt Dave Morley reports.
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2015
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Lady Soldiers is available for $30 plus $13 postage.
To buy a copy contact [email protected]
Not For Glory is available from book stores or
direct from Boolarong Press for $34.95.
Did you know that for
QPS I
NV
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Lady Soldiers , written by formerWRAAC Lyn Kane Dale, and launched
at Keswick Barracks, Adelaide, on
October 14, recounts the experiences of
51 women who served in the Women’s
Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC)
and Royal Australian Army Nursing
Corps (RAANC) from 1955 to the present.
Ms Dale enlisted in the WRAAC in
1964, aged 18, and served for five years
in a number of clerical postings before her
marriage to a Vietnam veteran in 1969.
She said she had a “passionate interest” in telling the stories of ordinary
women.
“When I attended the 60th anniversary of the formation of the WRAAC in
Sydney in 2011, I interviewed 16 former WRAAC and RAANC soldiers and
recorded their stories in a documentary
film, Lady Soldiers,” she said.
“When more women contacted me to
tell their stories after seeing the film, I
decided to write this book.”
Throughout the book, these former soldiers tell their stories, warts and all, in
their own words, about their enlistment,
training, barracks life, uniform styles,
postings, romances and marriages as well
as life after their discharge from the corps.
Younger women will find the book Not
for Glory, which recounts a century of service by Australian Army medical women,
a great place to start when seeking good
role models who have done some amazing
things with their lives.
Col Susan Neuhaus (retd) and Capt
Sharon Mascall-Dare, an Army Reserve
public affairs officer, wrote the book,
which CA Lt-Gen David Morrison
launched at the Australian War Memorial
on November 20.
Col Neuhaus, who has served in both
the ARA and Army Reserve in Cambodia,
Bougainville and Afghanistan, said she
started writing the book after a conversation with retired RAAMC Maj-Gen John
Pearn.
“I thought it was going to be a simple,
straightforward task, but it turned out differently,” she said.
“It’s been a pretty exciting and long
journey.
“I’ve been to England looking through
old records, to France looking over sites
of old field hospitals and to New Zealand
looking through archives.
“Because many women change their
names when they marry, I’ve had to do a
lot of detective work to track them down.”
Col Neuhaus said she researched the
Australian women pioneers of medicine
in the Australian and allied armies while
Capt Mascall-Dare interviewed the living
veterans.
“Everyone should read the book, but
it would particularly appeal to younger
women,” she said. “It’s really nice for
them to have some female role models and
these women in the book did some really
amazing things.”
Gen Morrison said as Australia prepared to mark the Centenary of Anzac,
the book makes an important contribution by highlighting women’s roles in the
Australian Army Medical Corps.
“The book shows that women have
stepped up to serve Australia, and its
allies, as doctors and medical specialists
from WWI until the present day,” he said.
“As the Australian Army continues to make its commitment to equality and diversity clear, this book shows
that women have always been part of the
Anzac story.”
Lt-Gen Morrison said Not for Glory
reminded us that bravery, skill and compassion exist not only in the history books,
but also in the current generation of
female medical professionals who served
Australia at home and wherever our soldiers deployed.
NT GROUP
ME
ST
F
EMALE soldiers and their
contribution to the Army, with
more than a century’s service
to the nation, have been highlighted in two books.
you don’t have to be wealthy to invest
......but you have to invest to be wealthy!
24
LIFESTYLE HEALTH
Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
Feel the power of yoga
Stretching, strengthening, relaxation and practising mindfulness have many benefits, Cpl Aaron Curran reports.
Y
OGA is widely practised
for health and relaxa­
tion. It provides a holistic
approach to exercise and
adopts positions that work on stretch­
ing and strengthening. It also focuses
on breathing and as well encompasses
simple meditation.
Diana Bonner is a physio­
therapist at the Royal Military
College – Duntroon Health Centre in
Canberra and says anyone can ben­
efit from yoga.
“It can be useful in assisting endstage recovery in certain injuries,”
Ms Bonner says.
“I suggest yoga to some of my
patients as a way to improve their
overall fitness. It takes their body out
of their comfort zone and helps to
reset some of the bad habits we all
get into, making your body rethink
about the way you move.”
Ms Bonner says there are many
types of yoga. Some can be very
quiet and controlling, others can be
explosive and demanding, requiring
a lot of strength and agility.
“Yoga is not for everybody and
you do need to be careful,” she says.
“If you are carrying an injury like
a back, shoulder, knee or any loadbearing joint injury, you have to ask
your physio or doctor to make sure
it’s okay for you to take part.”
Ms Bonner says an example of a
gentle, slow form of yoga is Hatha
yoga.
“It slowly moves you through
poses and gives you slow stretches
through constantly changing muscle
groups,” she said.
“It can be quite difficult if you
are not flexible. You can think of
this type of yoga as ‘movement with
focus’.”
Ms Bonner says some new-age
yogas, like power yoga, use a warm,
humid room (about 30C) and move
quickly through a set number of
different poses.
“It could be considered a type of
CrossFit,” she says.
Another popular type of yoga is
Bikram, which is performed in a hot,
humid room at 40C.
“The poses are done slowly, but
with purpose and control,” she said.
“If you are not fit and don’t like
heat, don’t try it. However, it can be
a great cross-training tool if you’re a
keen Cross Fitter.”
Ms Bonner says finding a
complementary exercise can improve
performance for sportspeople who
want to gain the best from their body.
“Yoga works on lengthening
muscle groups and, when performed
well, irons out the kinks in your
primary training load.”
Yoga can be useful in injury
recovery and as a crosstraining tool when paired
with other regimes.
Photos by Cpl Aaron Curran
BENEFITS OF YOGA
Australian Government
Department of Defence
 improves flexibility and
range
 builds muscle strength
 perfects posture
 protects your spine
 improves bone health
 increases blood flow
 aids recovery
 calms the mind
 reduces blood pressure
 releases tension
 helps you focus
 helps concentration levels
 drains lymphs and boosts
immunity
 improves balance
Get all your news and
sport in Army
Life challenges are indiscriminate and broad ranging.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
to address service-related or personal
challenges that can impact on service.
Reservists who render service and their families can
ACCESS THE RESERVE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM ON 1300 361 008
for confidential, independent, cost free counselling.
The Reserve Assistance Program is a pilot initiative concluding on 30 Jun 2015.
DPS DEC010-14
Veterans: you may be eligible for alternative support through Veterans and
Veterans Families Counselling Service 1800 011 046.
GET YOUR COPY EVERY PAY THURSDAY
OR READ ONLINE:
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army LIFESTYLE FINANCE
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
25
Rules of the load
Do your homework before buying prepaid cards, says Australian
Securities and Investments Commission chairman Greg Medcraft.
P
REPAID cards can be
convenient when you’re
looking to buy a gift, or if
you’re travelling and don’t
want to carry cash with you. But
they have some limitations you
should keep in mind.
Prepaid cards are available from
financial institutions, retailers,
foreign exchange merchants and
post offices.
They need to be ‘loaded’ with
money before you can make
purchases.
Some prepaid cards are also
known as ‘reloadable cards’, and
allow the cardholder to top up the
amount available on the card.
Many cards can be used at a
variety of locations, and some can
be used with any retailer that takes
credit or debit cards.
Fees
Fees vary across different card
providers but they are usually
higher than you would pay at
most banks or credit unions for a
standard debit card tied to a bank
account.
The types of fees:
F
ees for loading funds on the
card.
F
ees for withdrawing money at
an ATM.
F
ees for not using the card for a
certain period of time.
Fees for a negative balance.
C
urrency conversion or
overseas transaction fees when
you use the card overseas
(compare these to the foreign
currency exchange rates offered
by other currency providers).
Some merchants may also add a
surcharge to purchases made with a
prepaid card.
Check what fees apply to make
sure a particular prepaid card is a
cost-effective option.
Expiry dates
Most prepaid cards have an expiry
date.
Card issuers differ in terms of
how they treat funds left on cards
after the card expires, so always
check the terms and conditions.
When your prepaid card expires,
the card issuer could:
G
ive you a new card with the
outstanding balance, minus a
fee.
Visit ASIC’s MoneySmart at moneysmart.gov.au,
for more tips to help you make smart choices
about your personal finances.
Weigh up the options when you choose a reloadable card.Photo by Cpl Max Bree
No bond, no hassles
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Rockingham hassle-free with
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Are you a Defence member without dependants or unaccompanied
and entitled for rent allowance? DHA has released brand new city
living apartments in Sydney and Rockingham. Enjoy the benefits:
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H
ave the funds transferred to
an account nominated by you.
C
harge you a monthly fee until
the funds are withdrawn or
used.
If you think you might have
funds left on an expired card,
contact the issuer to find out if and
how you can access the money.
It’s important to read the terms
and conditions for the card to
know what will happen to your
funds both before and after the
card expires.
Reloading time lag
Reloadable amounts can
sometimes take a few days to
register on the card, especially
when you’re loading them
overseas.
Think ahead to make sure the
funds are available when you need
them.
Travel cards
Some cards allow only a single
currency to be loaded, while
others allow for multiple
currencies.
Make sure the card you choose
caters for the currencies you need.
26
SPORT
ADF athletes
hurdle pain at
Noosa event
MORE than 55 Defence athletes competed in the 2014 Noosa
Olympic Distance Triathlon to test
themselves in a tough competition.
The Noosa triathlon is the oldest
and most prestigious Olympic distance
event in Australia and the second largest Olympic distance triathlon in the
world.
More than 7500 participants swam
1500m, cycled 40km and ran 10km
on one of the most scenic triathlon
courses in the country.
Competitor WO2 Megan Webber
said for the first time the Defence
Triathlon team started the race as a
single group, rather than mixed among
the traditional age group waves.
“The beauty of the ADF starting as
one group meant we could race against
each other,” she said.
“The team made a huge impact
in the marshalling area, with the 57
Defence members having a striking
presence.”
The team consisted of two RAAF,
nine Navy and 44 Army members,
who all wore the ADF triathlon uniform.
Of the team of 44, 15 were ADF
women and eight were reservists.
The ADF competitors enjoyed race
day, despite overcast conditions which
greeted the athletes at the start line at
7.26am.
The triathlon started with the
1500m swim, which was easily conquered by Sgt Greg Woodward, of
7CSSB, who clocked 23.13, as well
as Sig Leigh Trevan, of 7CSR, and
Lt Annie Rose Tanner, of 6 Avn Regt,
who both timed 23.17.
The 40km bike ride was the next
event.
Navy’s Leut Dave Stevenson
“
Army www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
smashed the ride in 1:05:24, which
was a minute faster than Maj Hayden
Pickering, of HQ 1 Div, and Sgt
Woodward.
The top six ADF men averaged
just under 40km/h for the cycle event,
given the minutes required to transit
from the swim venue to the bike stand.
Outgoing Defence Triathlon president Maj Pete Howden, of AAVNTC,
hit a top speed of 95.7km/h during the
descent.
The stage was set for an exciting finish in the 10km run, with
Sgt Woodward holding a three-minute
lead over Capt Paul Watson and Sgt
Troy Ibbot.
Another four male ADF athletes
were ranked two minutes behind the
top trio.
In the women’s category, Sig
Trevan finished the bike event with a
three minute lead over Navy’s Leut
Nat Davies, while Lt Tanner was two
minutes further back.
Although the athletes struggled
with sore muscles after the swim and
the cycle, they hit top gear in the 10km
run, with Sgt Woodward on course to
finish first among the ADF athletes.
However, he was mowed down
over the last 200m by Leut Stevenson
who also sprinted to the finish to cross
the line to clinch overall victory in a
time of 2:15:07.
The luckless Sgt Woodward held
on for second while Capt Adam Zahra,
of AAVNTC, placed third overall.
In the women’s event, Sig Trevan
placed first with a combined time of
2:28:54, finishing ahead of Lt Tanner
and Leut Davies.
The beauty of the ADF starting
as one group meant we could
race against each other.
– WO2 Megan Webber
January 29, 2015
WO2 Megan Webber
hits top gear at the 2014
Busselton Ironman event in
Western Australia.
IRONMAN
RESULTS
 Sgt Josh Horsager 10:18:48
 WO1 Peter Lee
10:31:19
 RAAF WO Mick Whitaker
10:35:26
 Sqn-Ldr Colin Smith 10:47:06
 Cpl Laurie Iljazov
10:47:17
 WO2 Megan Webber10:50:23
 WO2 Luke Woodland11:06:15
 Cpl Nathan Banks 11:08:09
 Leut Jye Snare
11:27:54
 Capt Holly Orchard 11:38:44
 Cfn Luke Hansen
11:53:00
 Off-Cdt Sean Oh
11:53:55
 CPO Bruce Harvey 12:10:32
 Flt-Lt Simone Marks 12:44:20
 Cpl Brendan Wilkie 13:27:14
 Flt-Lt Dave Carroll 13:29:06
 Sgt Luke Hamilton 16:10:00
 Cpl Marion Hamilton 16:10:00
 Cpl Iain MacDonald Did not
finish the race
Iron soldiers hot to trot in
Olympic distance triathlon
FITNESS freak WO2 Megan
Webber blitzed the field at the
2014 Busselton Ironman event
in Western Australia.
WO2 Webber ran the race of
her life to be the first Defence triathlon woman to finish the event
on December 9.
“I was happy with my performance,” she said.
WO2 Webber also placed sixth
among a record turnout of 19
Defence triathlon competitors.
Overall, WO2 Webber placed
ninth in her age group and 50th in
the women’s category.
WO2 Webber, of the Army
School of Ordnance, completed
the swim, cycle and the run in a
combined time of 10:50:23.
The top three ADF men were
Sgt Josh Horsager, of SoI, in
10:18.48, WO1 Peter Lee, of
ALTC, in 10:31:19, and WO
Mick Whitaker, of RAAF Base
Edinburgh, in 10:35:26.
The ironman event started with
a 3.8km swim around Busselton’s
famous jetty in the Indian Ocean,
followed by a two lap 180km bike
race along the coast and through
forests, and culminated in a gruelling 42.2km marathon along the
foreshore.
This year was the race’s biggest
turnout, which was made possible
by the new two lap bike course
with more than 2000 competitors.
The ADF team was a mix of
seasoned ironmen and rookies,
who performed well.
Army dominates ADF golf championships
From back page
tournament for the 128 available places and we
balloted in a handicap cut off at 15 to get the numbers down,” he said.
“Just before the tournament began we had 20
entrants withdraw because of work, medical and
personal reasons; so we managed to get all of the
reserves a place on the start list.
“Even though it wasn’t the strongest field we’ve
had play here in recent years, the scores from the
winners this year were consistent with what had
been returned in past national championships.
“It was a great event overall and we were lucky
with the weather, as on the third day of competition there were thunderstorms threatening and several showers falling around Canberra.”
Other standout Army golfers were National
NETT Champion Maj Rodney Fletcher (16 AL
Regt); the runner-up in the Army Championship,
WO2 Steve Rotherham (5 Avn Regt), and WO1
Tony Greenwood (DCSTC) who took out the
Army NETT title.
“The second day absolutely nothing worked for
me, but I managed to scrape the ball in and scored
an 85 and on day three I played well and managed
78.
“The last round I managed 81 but overall my
putting was the aspect of my game which let me
down.”
She achieved an overall score of 327 for the
tournament.
Cpl Rumble aims to play in the national championship again this year.
“I want to get more practice in before going
back to Canberra and be more consistent with my
game,” she said.
“I would also like to participate in the interservice golf again.”
Wg-Cdr Trevor Owens, Tournament Director
and Treasurer of the ADF Golf Association, said
there was no shortage of ADF golfers wanting to
play in the 29th, four-round, 128 field, stroke-play
event.
More information on ADF golf is at http://www.adfga.com.
“Originally we received 148 entries for the au/adf-national-championships
Champions Pte Josh Evers and
Cpl Malina Rumble.
Photo by WO2 Andrew Hetherington
Army 27
SPORT
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
January 29, 2015
Skydivers on target
 2 Cdo Regt parachutists drop into the ADPA championships in NSW
Capt John Grisinger
SKYDIVERS from 2 Cdo Regt
dominated the Australian Defence
Parachute Championships in
Sydney.
ADF parachutists
execute a fourway formation
at the 2014
championships in
Sydney.
Photo by WO1 Phil Thamm
“My team worked hard throughout
the year to achieve a bronze medal
in the comp, after coming last in the
2013 championships,” he said.
OCdt Trudy Keys took part in the
four-way formation event for the first
time.
“This was my first parachute
championships and I really enjoyed
the vibe of the competition,” she said.
“There was always someone ready
to help out with advice when I was
trying to work out how to complete a
formation in the air.”
The two-way vertical formation
competition event challenged
the competitors to complete set
formations while in a vertical body
position of feet to earth or head to
earth.
The medal this year went to
Penguin Defence, which included
three members of 2 Cdo Regt – Pte
C, Cpl S and Pte B as cameraman.
“Vertical formations require
discipline and small body movements
to achieve team formations
smoothly,” Cpl S said.
The final event of the competition
was canopy classic accuracy, which
was won by Sgt H, of 2 Cdo Regt.
Sgt H was instrumental in the
development of the classic accuracy
squad through 2014.
“It’s great to see classic accuracy
back in competition but we still have
a long way to go,” he said.
The event has been around since
the advent of steerable parachute
canopies in the 1950s.
During this event competitors
deployed their parachute immediately
Queensland’s basketball triumph
WO2 Chris Grant scores for
Victoria. Photo by Cpl Colin Dadd
QUEENSLAND dominated the ADF Basketball
National Combined Service
Championships with both
men’s and women’s teams
finishing on top.
Queensland beat NSW
55-39 in the women’s final,
while Queensland beat Victoria
70-61 in the men’s.
The competition was held
at RAAF Base Edinburgh in
December.
Pte Grace Amey, of 1 Sig
Regt, was voted most valuable
women’s player of the four-day
tournament and also rookie of
the year.
Playing in her first ADF basketball tournament, Pte Amey
said she thoroughly enjoyed the
competition and camaraderie.
“The tournament and all the
games were exceptional,” she
said.
“The final was surreal, the
atmosphere and the quality of
the basketball was incredible.”
Pte Amey said the afterhours socialising created great
camaraderie among the statebased teams.
Queensland women’s coach
Cpl Ruth Wicks, of 1CHB, said
her team picked up its performance in the final, despite giving away some “silly” penalties.
“It was a great turnaround
from the preliminary rounds,”
she said.
“The win was based around
our defence, our rebounding,
transition and teamwork.”
Eight soldiers were selected
for the women’s ADF basketball
team and seven on the men’s.
on exiting the aircraft and glided to
a precise landing on a 20cm round
disk.
Scoring was based on the number
of centimetres competitors landed
from the centre of the disk.
The accuracy event required
competitors to know their equipment
and be apt at reading surface wind
during the approach.
The Defence championships were
a great success with more than 800
parachute descents being carried out
without incident.
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QUEENSLANDER
The championships were conducted
at the Sydney Skydivers Drop Zone,
west of Holsworthy Barracks, from
December 15-20.
The competition was open to fulltime and reserve members.
The championships provided the
competitors with an opportunity to
display skills and team spirit honed
through various civilian competitions
and Australian Defence Parachute
Association (ADPA) training camps.
The ADPA teams manager
Sgt Matt Hawkins said it was “great
to see so many members from across
Defence competing at the event”.
“We have members here from
private and officer cadet to major all
getting into the competition,” he said.
The competition featured three
sport parachuting disciplines, being
four-way formations, two-way vertical
formations and canopy classic accuracy.
Eight teams from across the
country keenly contested the four-way
formation event.
The event challenged parachutists to
exit an aircraft while linked as a fourperson team, with a fifth team member
above them as cameraman.
The teams then completed as many
of the stipulated formations for that
round as they could in the allocated
time of 35 seconds.
Sgt Hawkins said the competition
was carried out over 10 rounds, with
one point accrued for each correct
formation.
“The four-way formation event is
the ultimate litmus test for small team
skills,” he said.
“Members must work together
in sync without the ability to
verbally communicate in a dynamic
environment.”
The Taipan Defence team won this
year’s event to claim three triumphs in
a row.
The team included three Army
and two RAAF personnel: Sqn-Ldr
Sean Walsh, Maj J, Sgt M, Sgt Shane
Pieschel and WOFF Shaunn Segon as
cameraman.
Second place went to the Panda
Defence team and third went to Team
Velociraptors, which was led by PO
Matthew Holmes.
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Soldiers
fly high in
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January 29, 2015
ON PAR
FOR TITLE
WO2 Andrew Hetherington
ARMY golfers outplayed their interservice peers by winning the 2014 ADF National Golf Championships Service
Teams event held at the Federal Golf Club in Canberra from
December 9-12. Army finished with a score of 3098 ahead of
Navy which finished with 3199 and Air Force on 3223.
Two of Army’s best golfers Pte Josh Evers, a quartermaster
from 5 Avn Regt, and Cpl Malina Rumble, a quartermaster from
8 Sig Regt, defended their 2013 titles by winning the Army
Champion and the ADF National Women’s Champion trophies.
For Pte Evers, even a new addition to his family could not
stop him from competing.
He’d only welcomed his new baby, Grace, home three weeks
before the tournament began.
Lucky for him he had an understanding wife and relatives
to assist with new-born parenting duties while he prepared to
achieve a personal goal of taking out the Army Champion title.
“With grandparents and parents baby sitting, I still had
two weeks of solid preparation playing three hours a day in
Townsville leading up to the tournament,” Pte Evers said.
“It’s the second time I’ve played the nationals and last year
I came fourth overall in the ADF title; this year I came second
overall.”
Playing off a handicap of two, his first goal this year was to
go under 300 and he did, scoring 291.
“On the first day I was nervous and scored a two over 74; day
two I hit out and played well scoring 72,” he said.
“On day three, during difficult weather conditions with rain
and wind, I didn’t hit the ball as well and scored four over par 76.
“On the final day I had a freakish back nine, getting two birdies and an eagle, scoring a 69.
“During the last round I played well on the 15th hole, where
I got a birdie and a comfortable lead, which for me sealed the
Army title.”
2014 ADF National Ladies Champion Cpl Rumble nearly
didn’t tee off due to a fractured bone in her ankle.
“When I injured myself a week and a half into my combat
fitness leader’s course in May, I just strapped it up and then
discovered the extent of the injury after passing the course,”
Cpl Rumble said.
“I had surgery on July 14, wore a moon boot on my leg, used
crutches to get around and then went into rehab.
“I was only medically upgraded just before the championships on November 25 and since early May I’d played only two
rounds of golf and visited the driving range twice.”
Before playing she’d hoped to defend the title she won in her
first attempt in 2013.
This year she played off a handicap of three.
“On the first day I had a good round, but didn’t perform exceptionally well at any holes and scored an 83,” Cpl Rumble said.
Continued page 26
Cpl Malina Rumble
hits a shot on the
way to winning
the Australian
Defence Force
National Ladies
Champion trophy
at the Australian
Defence Force Golf
Association National
Championships.
Photo by WO2 Andrew
Hetherington

Richland County Post # 6

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