right royal visit p2 7 bde's grand send - Department of Defence

Edition 1228 February 4, 2010 

Excellent work: Medal 

for Gallantry recipient 

Cpl Giancarlos 

Taraborrelli mentors an 

Afghanistan National 

Army member at 

an observation post 

during his service in 

Afghanistan. 

Photo by Cpl Guy Young 

RIGHT 

ROYAL 

VISIT P2 

7 BDE’S 

GRAND P5 

SEND-OFF 

COURAGE 

UNDER FIRE 

Pte Kevin Dillon 

SHIP P7 

WRECK 

FOUND 

Star of Gallantry 

and three Medals 

for Gallantry 

awarded in 

Australia Day 

honours See P3

2 NEWS Army February 4, 2010 

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interested in doing on-the-job training at 

Army with a view to pursuing a career as a 

ilitary Reporter. 

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anberra. During the placement, soldiers will 

e trained in news writing and photography, 

nd will be assessed on their abilities. 

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Disclaimer 

Army is published fortnightly by Defence 

Newspapers. It is printed under contract by Capital 

Fine Print. The material published is selected for its 

interest. The views expressed in published articles 

are not necessarily those of Defence or Army. 

Every advertisement is subject to Directorate of 

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that an advertisement is accepted for publication 

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endorsement of the Department of Defence or Army. 

Face of Army 

Ever ready: Pte Kevin Dillon, MRTF 2, 

provides security in the Mirabad Valley 

region of Oruzgan province, Afghanistan. 

Photo by Sgt Mick Davis 

Landmark: Prince William checks the score with Cpl Kyle Balfoort after firing a Minimi. Photo by Cpl Raymond Vance 

A right royal shot 

By Michael Brooke 

THE soldiers of 3RAR and 2 Cdo 

Regt hosted a landmark royal 

visit when Prince William visited 

Holsworthy Barracks on January 

20 during a whirlwind tour of 

Sydney. 

Prince William, who recently 

graduated as a RAF helicopter pilot, 

joined A Coy, 3RAR, for a livefire 

practice at the Marksmanship 

Training Range. 

He chatted with the soldiers 

before demonstrating his prowess 

with the Steyr and the Minimi. 

Cpl Kyle Balfoort had the distinction 

of helping Prince William 

come to grips with the Army’s 

“tools of the trade”. 

“He was all over it,” Cpl 

Balfoort said in reaction to the 

Prince’s handling of the weapons. 

Prince William’s grouping of 

103mm on the Steyr was shy of 

the day’s best score of 70mm, but 

better than more than a dozen new 

soldiers, who had earlier joked they 

were determined not to lose to a 

‘RAFie’. 

They can take comfort in the 

fact that Prince William was originally 

an officer and troop commander 

in the Household Cavalry 

before he transferred to the RAF 

in 2009. 

He handled the Minimi with 

remarkable expertise, as his three- 

to six-round bursts shredded the 

target at a range of 100m. 

The soldiers of A Coy gave 

Prince William the thumbs up as 

a marksman and also as a “really 

good bloke”. 

Most of the soldiers had an 

IN BRIEF 

Overpaid in error 

DEFENCE has identified an error in 

the payment of allowances affecting 

63 personnel. The personnel, who 

recently returned from overseas, 

were accidentally overpaid their 

International Campaign Allowance. 

Overpayments ranged from $2000 

to $9000. Defence is offering all personnel 

options for managing repayments 

to avoid unfairly burdening 

families. Defence Minister John 

Princess visits gunners 

MEMBERS of 8/12 Mdm Regt 

deployed to Afghanistan met 

Princess Mary of Denmark during 

her visit to Helmand province late 

last year, southern Afghanistan. 

The gunners (pictured above) 

were deployed with the British 

Army’s 1 Regt, Royal Horse 

Artillery. 

While visiting Danish troops 

opportunity to chat with the Prince, 

who was genuinely interested in 

their operational experiences – particularly 

in Afghanistan where his 

brother, Prince Harry, has served. 

Cpl Jeremy Kiely, a manoeuvre 

support section commander, 

said Prince William was relaxed 

and very comfortable talking to the 

Faulkner said the cause of the overpayment 

was a manual input error. 

Black Hawks support 

BAE Systems had been awarded 

a three-year contract worth $35m 

to support the Black Hawks for 

the remainder of their service. The 

Black Hawk will remain the primary 

troop lift capability for the Army until 

it is replaced by the MRH 90 progressively 

between 2011 and 2015. 

deployed in Helmand, the 

Australian-born Danish Princess 

made time in her busy itinerary to 

visit the 15 Aussie artillerymen of 

“Brumby Troop”. 

The gunners were based at 

forward Operating Base Armadillo 

supporting British and Danish 

ISAF troops, as well and Afghan 

National Security Forces. 

soldiers. LCpl Matthew Ferndale 

described him as “just really chilled 

and really happy to mix it with the 

boys.” 

LCpl Chris Finn probably 

summed up the feelings about 

Prince William’s morale-building 

visit best of all. “Any celebrity who 

wants to see the ADF, they go to 

Reservists recognised 

RESERVE Forces Day 2010 will pay 

special recognition to reservists who 

volunteered and served overseas 

and were awarded a medal for that 

service. Maj-Gen Craig Williams 

made the announcement at the 

event’s national launch late last 

year. To mark Reserve Forces Day, 

a parade will be held on July 4 in 

Sydney along with parades in 20 cities 

across Australia. 

the naval bases, they never come 

out here where we’re actually doing 

the hard yards,” he said. “It was 

pretty respectful for him to come. 

He’s a good bloke.” 

Ironically, Pte Thomas Quirke, 

of 1 Section, was no stranger to 

royalty or Prince William, having 

first met him at The Gallery 

Nightclub in York in 2007. 

“He said he remembered shaking 

hands with me, but it was a 

really big night and I probably 

wasn’t the only well-wisher,” he 

said with a grin. 

After the live-fire exercise 

Prince William posed with the diggers 

for a commemorative photo 

and was presented with a slouch hat 

by CO 3RAR Lt-Col Trent Scott. 

Lt-Col Scott said the Prince’s 

visit coincided with a period of 

intense training for A Coy, which 

has worked hard in its role as the 

ready company group to deal with 

any short-notice contingency. 

Prince William also visited 2 

Cdo Regt where he met some 2 

Cdo Regt and IRR soldiers wounded 

in action in Afghanistan. 

The veterans’ families were also 

in attendance, creating a small and 

personal affair away from the glare 

of media and minders that allowed 

the Prince and the soldiers to relax 

and engage in candid discussions. 

The Prince’s down-to-earth 

manner impressed the soldiers and 

their families. The conversations 

focused primarily on the similarities 

of service life in the UK and 

Australia, as well as specifics about 

the soldiers’ wounds and rehabilitation 

programs. 

Contract signed 

DEFENCE has signed a two-year 

deal with Manpower Services to 

deliver the ADF’s recruiting services. 

Defence Personnel, Materiel and 

Science Minister Greg Combet said 

the contract was an interim arrangement 

to ensure continuity of recruitment 

operations while longer-term 

arrangements were finalised. The 

previous service provider withdrew 

from the contract last September.

Army February 4, 2010 

Recognition: Medal for Gallantry winner WO2 John Lines in Afghanistan 

with unexploded ordnance. 

Awards 

honour 

bravery 

By WO2 Graham McBean 

GALLANTRY awards earned under 

heavy enemy fire on operations led 

this year’s Australia Day honours. 

Pte S received the Star of Gallantry 

– the nation’s second highest award for 

alour – for his bravery in “circumstancs 

of great peril” while a lead scout in 

fghanistan in 2008. 

Pte David Cox, WO2 John Lines, and 

pl Giancarlos Taraborrelli received the 

edal for Gallantry for their actions in 

fghanistan. 

The citation for Pte S states his galantry 

ensured the safety of his team 

hile neutralising the enemy threat and 

chieving mission success. 

Pte S was heavily engaged at close 

uarters with automatic fire and RPGs 

by a well armed and determined insurgent 

force. 

He displayed complete disregard 

for his personal safety by moving to an 

exposed firing position to fire and throw 

grenades to suppress enemy within 30m 

of his position. 

The citation states: “His selfless act 

enabled the rest of his team to fire and 

manoeuvre to regain the initiative and 

neutralise the enemy. His efforts are in 

he finest traditions of the Australian 

rmy and the ADF.” 

Medal for Gallantry recipient WO2 

ines said it was a great honour to be 

recognised by his country. 

The then sergeant and an Australian 

ieutenant were serving with an OMLT 

n Afghanistan near Kakarak on January 

, 2009, when they encountered a large 

nemy force. 

His citation states he acted with total 

isregard for his personal safety to neuralise 

the assaulting elements and suppress 

flanking forces. 

“It was very intense,” WO2 Lines 

said. “There was just myself, an 

Australian officer and 18 Afghan soldiers 

and it was a very intense couple of 

hours.” 

The patrol encountered a meeting of 

insurgent leaders, including their body- 

guards, who opened the contact with 

heavy small-arms fire and RPGs. 

WO2 Lines’ citation states that his 

“courageous and gallant” action during 

the contact and the direction and 

encouragement to the ANA soldiers were 

instrumental in regaining the initiative 

from the enemy. 

“It’s a very prestigious award and I 

am happy to be in the same company 

as those soldiers who have received it 

before,” he said. 

“But both the other Aussie and 

myself were just doing our job at the end 

of the day and I just wanted to get us out 

of there alive.” 

Pte Cox was serving as a rifleman 

and combat first aider with MRTF 1 at 

Kakarak when he earned his Medal for 

Gallantry on March 16, 2009. 

His citation states: “While under 

heavy fire and with total disregard to his 

personal safety, he moved across open 

ground to render first aid to a wounded 

soldier and evacuate the casualty to an 

area of relative safety where he provided 

further emergency treatment.” 

Cpl Taraborrelli received his Medal 

for Gallantry for his actions with an 

OMLT on March 16, 2009. 

While in contact with a numerically 

superior enemy force and under 

sustained fire, the then lance corporal 

secured a compound and suppressed 

enemy flanking forces. 

His actions helped the recovery of 

a seriously wounded Australian soldier 

and the withdrawal of his patrol. 

His citation reads that with total 

disregard for his personal safety, Cpl 

Taraborrelli directed and inspired the 

ANA soldiers he was mentoring. 

Cpl Taraborrelli said it was an honour 

to receive the award but he was sure 

other people would have done the same 

thing in his position. “It was just what 

was required of me on the day – everyone 

has a job to do and it has to be 

fulfilled,” he said. “It was just one of the 

jobs that had to be done.” 

Full list of Army’s Australia Day 

honours recipients – Page 26 

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Inspiration for everyone 

TPR Mark Donaldson, 

VC, was named Young 

Australian of the 

Year by the National 

Australia Day Council 

on January 26. 

The honour comes a 

year after Tpr Donaldson 

became the first ADF 

member in almost 40 

years to be awarded the 

Victoria Cross. 

The National 

Australia Day Council 

citation stated his bravery 

in the face of great 

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respect. 

It added that since 

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Action to reduce allergen exposure 

THE Army has developed a series 

of controls to minimise exposure of 

cadets to allergens in foods while 

improving related management practices. 

This follows the death of Australian 

Army Cadet Nathan Francis on March 

30, 2007, after he had an anaphylactic 

reaction to a beef-satay meal he conumed 

from a ration pack. 

During the same camp, a section 

f six cadets spent an unplanned night 

By Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe 

BAD things might come in threes 

but Cpl Adam Wallace hopes to 

break the cycle after attending two 

ehicle accidents last year. 

First on the scene at both crashes, 

the 8CSSB transport supervisor 

twice rendered life-saving first aid. 

He said adrenalin and military training 

got him through. 

Cpl Wallace saw a vehicle “split 

in two” on November 12 when it 

crossed the New England Highway 

and into the path of a semi-trailer. 

“I hit the brakes, jumped out and 

watched in disbelief as the front 

of the car continued to slide into a 

ditch, with the rear end settling a 

good 60m away,” he said. 

“The two people in the car were 

UNSW@ADFA is a campus of the University of New South Wales and is located at the Australian 

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Logistics & Supply Management 

Performance Based Logistics........................................ 22 – 24 Feb 

Introduction to Logistics ...................................................4 – 5 Mar 

Management 

Operations Research ......................................................................... 

Effective Business Case Writing: 

Capability Options Analysis .......................................... 22 – 26 Feb 

Effective Business Case Writing: 

Evidence-based Business Cases ................................... 22 – 23 Feb 

Strategic Human Resource Management and 

the High Performing Organisation ........................................12 Mar 

Testing Preparedness - Minimising the Risk 

through Exercise Management ....................................16 – 17 Mar 

Organisational Resilience..............................................30 – 31 Mar 

Occupational Health and Safety courses 

Laser Safety Introductory 

1 Day & 4 Day (Adelaide) ............................................. 22 – 25 Feb 

Laser Safety Introductory 

1 Day & 4 Day (Melbourne)..........................................22 – 25 Mar 

Project Management 

Recovering Troubled Projects, 15 – 16 Mar 

Introduction to Project Management...........................22 – 24 Mar 

away from their campsite after becoming 

disorientated while undertaking a 

navigation exercise. 

Comcare investigated alleged multiple 

breaches of the Occupational 

Health and Safety Act 1991 and began 

proceedings against Army in the 

Federal Court. 

Justice Anthony North delivered his 

findings on June 30 last year, resulting 

in Army receiving a substantial 

financial penalty and entering into an 

undertaking with Comcare to complete 

Systems Thinking 

Systems Thinking & Modelling.................................... 1 – 3 Mar 

Systems Engineering 

Introduction to Systems Engineering 

(Canberra) ................................................................15 – 17 Mar 

Systems Engineering Practice 

(Canberra) ................................................................. 18 - 19 Mar 

Requirements Engineering......................................29 – 31 Mar 

Most of these courses can be tailored 

for in-house delivery. 

A number of our courses can also 

be used towards credit in eligible 

postgraduate programs. 

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Courses offered in Feburary - March 2010: 

a comprehensive range of remedial 

actions. 

DCA Maj-Gen Paul Symon said 

AHQ and HQ AAC had been collaboratively 

working on these recommendations. 

“Justice North’s findings have only 

served to harden my resolve that we 

must never allow this type of incident 

to occur again,” Maj-Gen Symon said. 

The response is comprehensive, 

involving more than 50 individual 

actions, including reviewing the food- 

Saviour breaking cycle 

Life saver: 

Cpl Adam 

Wallace has 

been on 

the spot at 

two vehicle 

accidents. 

both trapped so all I could do was 

monitor them until rescue teams 

arrived,” he said. 

He faced another emergency earlier 

last year when a caravan under 

tow rolled near Coffs Harbour. 

“I jumped out and immediately 

removed the female passenger as 

I was concerned the vehicle might 

explode,” he said. “I was concerned 

she was suffering from internal 

injuries so I kept her upright and 

monitored her breathing until help 

arrived. Her husband was a little 

shaken but OK.” 

The couple was transported to 

Coffs Harbour Hospital after rescue 

teams arrived. The woman, however, 

had informed Cpl Wallace she 

was missing an envelope containing 

$300 and her wedding rings. 

“The carnage was spread over 

50m but the boys and I began the 

search. We managed to find the 

money and her rings.” 

Hospital staff later informed Cpl 

Wallace the woman would have 

drowned in her own blood had he 

not kept her upright. He received a 

letter and card of thanks in the following 

weeks from the couple who 

had made a full recovery. 

stuffs provided in ration packs and 

improving labelling. 

Only ration packs with improved 

labelling can be issued to non-service 

personnel. 

HQ AAC has initiated a review of 

the training system for AAC staff and 

developed specific policies and procedures 

for managing cadets with food 

allergies/intolerances. These include, 

but are not limited to, an anaphylaxis 

policy, a policy on the identification 

and management of cadets with health 

By Lt Gregory Green and 

Sgt Andrew Hetherington 

A SOLDIER awarded the Medal for 

Gallantry for his service in Afghanistan 

with the British Army in 2007 presented 

the medal to his former unit on 

December 4. 

Cpl Justin Huggett, School of Inf, 

gave his medal on loan to 2RAR for display 

in the battalion historical collection. 

“I couldn’t think of a better place 

to have it held,” Cpl Huggett said. “It’s 

just the perfect spot something like that 

should be ... it belongs to all of 2RAR.” 

He said it was a good feeling to provide 

his award to the display. 

“I hope the young diggers see it 

before they head to Afghanistan in the 

conditions, training for Army cadet 

staff in the identification and management 

of food allergies and an improved 

risk-management system for all cadet 

activities. 

AHQ and HQ AAC continue to 

monitor the performance of all actions 

to ensure their effectiveness and make 

refinements where required. 

Further details can be obtained from CA 

Directive 31/09 and Deputy Director Safety 

Incidents and Analysis Lt-Col Peter Davies. 

On show: Cpl Justin Huggett presents his Medal of Gallantry to Maj Ben 

McLennan for display at 2RAR. Photo by Troy Rodgers, Townsville Bulletin 

Gallantry medal 

an inspiration 

NORCOM HQ will remain in Darwin 

following a government review of its 

roles and functions. 

Defence Minister John Faulkner 

said the decision was in Australia’s 

best interests. “Given the strategic 

near future, and it puts some fire in them 

to do a great job,” he said. 

OC A Coy 2RAR Maj Ben McLennan 

received the medal on behalf of the unit 

and praised Cpl Huggett for his generosity. 

“Without exaggerating, Cpl Huggett 

was recognised as a hero within 2RAR,” 

Maj McLennan said. “He’s the exemplar 

of what our battalion’s soldiers and 

NCOs are capable of.” 

Cpl Huggett was a member of 1 Bn 

Grenadier Guards Battle Group during 

Exercise Long Look in 2007 when he 

earned the medal. 

The citation for his award commended 

him for “the highest standards 

of gallantry and personal courage during 

numerous intensive fire fights”. 

No move for Norcom 

importance of the north of Australia 

and its approaches and the important 

role Norcom plays across a number 

of Defence tasks, I have decided 

that Norcom should be retained in 

Darwin,” Senator Faulkner said.


Large deployment: 1000 Army personnel march onto Duncan Ovals at Gallipoli 

Barracks, Enoggera, for an official farewell parade. Photo by ACW Jessica Smith 

By Capt Alastair McPherson and 

WO2 Graham McBean 

BRISBANE farewelled its largest 

deployment of troops to leave 

Enoggera since World War II on 

January 20 and marked a major milestone 

in the re-emergence of 7 Bde as 

a deployable formation. 

About 1200 soldiers will deploy on 

operations to the Middle East and East 

Timor as 7 Bde assumes the role as the 

Army’s deployed brigade. 

Personnel are drawn from units 

across Australia but based predominantly 

on units from the South Queenslandbased 

7 Bde. 

It was one of the last official functions 

for departing Comd 7 Bde Brig 

Steve Day. 

“The years of being drip-fed resources 

have created a lean and hungry culture 

in the brigade and that is not a bad 

thing,” Brig Day said. 

“That hungry culture has been 

retained; the soldiers are full of initiative, 

and ready to go.” 

Brig Day said the Brisbane-based 

soldiers were second to none. 

“No-one in the world produces better 

soldiers than Australia does – there are 

some that do as well, but none better. 

The soldiers will form MTF 1, 

Timor-Leste Task Group and FSU 3. 

7 Bde has already farewelled Secdet 

“The long time 

away can be 

tough for the 

soldiers as well 

as loved ones, 

so I really thank 

family and 

friends for their 

support.” 

Pte David Deitz (pictured 

left with son Josh). 

Farewell 

to big 

and bold 

16, mostly from 2/14 LHR (QMI), while 

soldiers from 139 Sig Sqn deployed to 

the Middle East with FCU 3. 

A farewell at Holsworthy had already 

been held for the 140 communicators 

from FCU 3 (Op Slipper) and the FCE 3, 

which will be deployed to Op Astute in 

East Timor. 

Defence Personnel, Materiel and 

Science Minister Greg Combet reviewed 

the Brisbane parade hosted by Comd 1 

Div Maj-Gen Michael Slater. 

7 Bde’s year-long preparation 

included its combined-arms activity, Ex 

Diamond Dollar, and the ADF’s major 

joint combined arms training on Ex 

Talisman Saber. 

More recently, deploying forces conducted 

mission-specific training, culminating 

with MREs to test the competency 

of the deploying units. 

Pte David Deitz from MTF 1 said the 

long training had been successful. 

“Thanks to the lead-up training and 

leadership in 6RAR we are ready for 

Afghanistan,” Pte Deitz said. 

“The time away on training and 

deployment can be tough for the soldiers 

as well as loved ones so I really thank 

family and friends for their support,” he 

said. 

Soldiers had the opportunity to mingle 

with family and friends, media and 

official guests at a barbecue after the 

parade. 

Friends and family: Cpl Nicole O’Brien, left, and Cpl 

Carrie Warre (above) look forward to working together in 

the CSSB while WO2 Leon Nelson, FSU 3, enjoys the 

farewell parade with wife, Renee, and children, Blake, 7, 

and Abbie, 5 (right). Photos by ACW Sandra Midson 

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Green light for $1.4b in works 


and Tpr Michael Franchi 

BRISBANE-based Gallipoli Barracks 

has been the big winner from $1.4 

billion of work approved by the 

Parliamentary Standing Committee on 

Public Works. 

The committee announced late 

last year that Enhanced 

Land Force (ELF) Stage 2 

projects at 12 bases and 

raining areas around 

ustralia would go ahead. 

The makeover for 

allipoli Barracks, which 

ncludes HQ 1 Div and 

Bde, will continue when 

he new work begins in 

mid-2010. 

HQ 7 Bde already 

moved out of its temporary 

igs and into its new head- 

uarters last October. 

That move followed 

he opening of new livingn 

accommodation and the 

recent move by 8 Personnel Services 

Coy and ADFIS into their new working 

spaces. 

Outgoing Commander 7 Bde Brig 

Steve Day said another $820 million 

in enhancements were proposed for 

Gallipoli Barracks. 

“The planned enhancements are 

designed to accommodate growth and 

expansion for years to come,” Brig Day 

said. 

Under Stage 2, Enoggera-based units 

will benefit from new military skills 

training facilities within the planned 

Enoggera Close Training Area (ECTA). 

New facilities include a 24-lane 

WTSS range (in addition to the existing 

12-lanes) and a mission rehearsal exercise 

facility. 

The parliamentary committee also 

gave DHA the green light for 51 new 

Go ahead: Committee makes funds available. 

Photo by Tpr Michael Franchi 

homes at McDowall, just north of 

Gallipoli Barracks, worth $27.2 million. 

It also approved 97 new homes at 

Larrakeyah Barracks in a $52.4 million 

project. 

Committee chairman Senator Jan 

Lucas said the construction projects 

“will provide much-needed housing for 

members of the ADF and their families 

and the committee commends DHA for 

the environmentally sustainable features 

included in the designs”. 

“THEY’RE KEEPING THEIR PROMISE TO MY DAD.” 

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Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane 

A battle simulation centre, night 

training facility, mask test facility, 

method of entry facility and urban 

operations training facility. 

A fitness centre with a 50m indoor 

pool, basketball courts, squash 

courts, multi-use rooms, and office 

accommodation for training instructors. 

Three multi-storey car parks within 

walking distance of major base 

facilities. 

Purpose built 8/9RAR precinct 

with permanent facilities for the 

battalion, its essential combat support, 

combat service support and 

enablers. 

New two-storey regimental HQ for 

2CER with each squadron occupying 

separate buildings but sharing 

a central engineering skills training 

facility in a mix of indoor and outdoor 

areas. 

A third cavalry squadron at 2/14 

LHR (QMI) with an additional 

squadron headquarters, working 

accommodation and storage facilities. 

139 Sig Sqn expansions with new 

facilities for signals and support elements, 

and the headquarters plus a 

unit training facility. 

Facilities at 7CSSB with a new 

supply warehouse and vehicle 

compound, plus a new armourer’s 

workshop within the current building. 

The existing vehicle workshop 

will be extended with eight more 

workshop bays, and an electronic 

instrument repair workshop. 

Lavarack Barracks, Townsville 

Refurbish facilities for 3CSSB; construct 

new and refurbish existing 

facilities at CTC; new and refurbish 

existing LWC WO&NCO Academy; 

three new ranges for the field training 

area and new explosives store 

house. 

Greenbank Training Area, Qld 

Construct new HQ 25/49RQR, two 

company buildings, Q store and 

transport compound; and accommodation 

facilities. 

New training facilities comprising 

safe driver training area, marksmanship 

training range, range-control 

complex, urban operations training 

facility, method-of-entry training 

facility, engineer mine-clearance 

lanes, vehicle wash facility and 

depot and new entry point. 

Kokoda Barracks and 

Canungra Training Area, Qld 

Construct new battle simulation 

centre, living-in accommodation 

and camp accommodation. 

Refurbish the gymnasium and electronic 

open range. 

Lone Pine Barracks, Singleton 

New HQ School of Infantry, permanent 

living-in accommodation, bat- 

tle-simulation centre, weapon repair 

facility, museum and pass office. 

New and refurbished training area 

and ranges comprising new urban 

operations training facility and new 

explosive pallet space. 

RMC, Canberra 

New living-in accommodation 

and working accommodation for 

instructors. 

New facilities for Majura Training 

Area, Camp Blake, comprising 

accommodation, lecture theatre, 

headquarter offices, amenities and 

refurbishment of existing urban 

operations training facility. 

Simpson Barracks, Watsonia 

New Technical Training Wing building; 

and refurbish covered training 

area. 

Puckapunyal Military Area, Vic 

New explosive pallet space. 

RAAF Base Edinburgh, 

Adelaide 

New Land Warfare Centre WO&NCO 

Academy. 

Cultana Training Area, SA 

New explosive pallet space, urban 

operations training facility, field 

firing training system range and 

accommodation. 

Distinguished career: Commandant RMC, Brig Mick Moon, Don Bridgeford 

(son), WO1 (Retd) Ian Haycock and Bill Bridgeford (grandson) at the 

presentation at RMC. Photo by Grace Costa 

Display reflects 

RMC’s success 


memorabilia were garnered in public 

THE collected medals and memorabilia 

of Lt-Gen Sir William Bridgeford have 

been donated to the RMC Museum for 

permanent display. 

Sir William graduated from RMC in 

June 28, 1915, and had a distinguished 

career spanning 40 years, both world 

wars, Malaya and the Korean War. 

The Bridgeford family donated Sir 

William’s 23 medals, including the 

Military Cross and foreign awards, on 

service and it is appropriate they are displayed 

publicly and open to the public,” 

Mr Bridgeford said. 

RMC archivist and museum manager 

Ross Howarth said the public display 

also recognised the success of Australia’s 

officer training establishments. 

“It reflects on the achievements of 

graduates of RMC, OCS Portsea, OTU 

Scheyville and the WRAAC School,” Mr 

Howarth said. 

“The Charter of the RMC Museum is 

December 8 along with other memora- to recognise, honour and display the hisbilia 

including his uniforms and swagger tory and life of Australia’s officer train- 

stick. 

ing schools.” 

Grandson Bill Bridgeford said Sir RMC also received the medals, infan- 

William’s career, reflected with the medtry sword and a Japanese surrender sword 

als and memorabilia, would now be of Sir Sydney Fairbairn Rowell, donated 

available to the public. 

by his daughter, Rosslyn Poynter, on 

“His medals and awards and other November 16.


Tribute 

lifts 

spirits 

By Sgt Andrew Hetherington 

A MEMORIAL plaque joined soldiers’ 

slouch hats and boots on the 

wreck of the Australian Hospital 

Ship (AHS) Centaur, more than 2000 

metres below the surface of the South 

acific Ocean. 

The Seahorse Spirit was contracted 

by the Australian and Queensland govrnments 

to find the Centaur. 

Maj Arthur Dugdale, Army Special 

rojects, was one of the privileged few 

o be aboard the ship during the search, 

he only ADF member and on the project 

teering committee. 

He recalled what he saw after the 

remote controlled submarine made several 

passes over the wreck site. 

“There was great excitement and 

relief on board as we continued to view 

he video, where we also saw hospital 

beds, coats and shoes,” Maj Dugdale 

says. 

After the survey of the ship was complete, 

on January 12 the plaque was laid 

n the wreck, which was followed by a 

memorial service. 

“During the placing of the plaque 

tension was high as a lot could have 

gone wrong, but once that was done the 

pictures became quite moving,” he says. 

“We had in effect placed a headstone 

for 268 lost women and men whose resting 

place we had found. 

“The service that followed reminded 

all of us aboard that our search had been 

borne of a need not only to locate, but 

also to remember.” 

Maj Dugdale says during the service 

he spent time reflecting on those who 

had lost their lives in the tragedy. 

“My thoughts weren’t particularly 

pleasant, imagining how so many soliers 

had died,” he says. 

“Clearly by their words to me later, 

many of the crew were also moved and 

he service was a good way to cap our 

ork, which came to feel like a grand 

dventure.” 

As the ship sank in such deep water, 

t was remarkable how little of the 

reckage was strewn around the site. 

Almost everything above deck, 

ncluding the superstructure was still 

ttached to the hull and debris rested 

n an area of no further than 25 meters 

rom the wreck. 

To prepare for the three-and-a- 

THE FINAL VOYAGE 

In the early hours of May 14, 1943, the 

2/3 Australian Hospital Ship, Centaur, 

was steaming her way north from 

Sydney. She was carrying 2/12 Field 

Ambulance to Cairns and then onto to 

Papua New Guinea. She was to bring 

battle casualties back to Australia. The 

ship was brightly lit, her white hull 

emblazoned with a broad green banner 

and several red crosses that proclaimed 

her as a vessel of mercy. It was dark 

as the Centaur chugged along at about 

11 knots. Of the 332 men and women 

on board, only 10 needed to be awake, 

the rest were off duty and resting. The 

Japanese submarine 1-177, under the 

command of Leut-Cmdr Nakagawa sank 

the Centaur about 0400hr. The tragedy 

killed 268 people. Many died in the 

initial explosion, some died trying to 

escape the inferno, others while trying 

to launch lifeboats and rafts. Some were 

trapped on board and went down with 

the ship. 

half week sonar and video search, eight 

months of preparation went into researching 

a probable site. 

“This involved creating a search area 

small enough to be practicable and cost 

effective, which was eventually conducted 

in roughly an area of 400 square km,” 

Maj Dugdale says. 

“The closest estimate to the ship’s 

location came from the Centaur’s navigator 

Gordon Rippon. He had said it 

was actually within one nautical mile of 

exactly where the Seahorse Spirit found 

it.” Maj Dugdale will continue to work 

on the project, where he will organise a 

national memorial service to be held in 

Brisbane in March and a commemorative 

activity on May 14. 

For more information visit http://www.army.gov. 

au/AHS_Centaur.asp or http://tmbevans.fatcow. 

com/ or call 1800 019 955 

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NEWS 7 

Time to remember: Maj Arthur Dugdale lays a wreath over the wreck site of AHS Centaur (above). Images 

of the Centaur deep in the ocean (inset). Photos by Bruce Long and Maj Arthur Dugdale 

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Cowboys tackle the jungle 

he tough get going: The Cowboys NRL team with their mentors on a pack march. Photos by LCpl Mark Doran 

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By Maj Al Green 

IF TEAMWORK among the Cowboys 

looks a little slicker, the reason might 

lie in a patch of jungle just west of 

Tully. 

The Army and the Cowboys NRL 

club came together in December in a 

preseason three-day training camp from 

hell. 

The jungles of Tully arguably present 

one of the toughest military training 

environments in the world. 

The footballers had their private possessions 

confiscated before being issued 

military kit as a prelude to a 5km march 

deep into the rainforest. 

It was testing from the start with a 

midnight “kick off” and a PT session 

that lasted until first light. 

For Carl Webb, not knowing what to 

expect added to the challenge. 

“It was tough but we all got through 

it together and had fun with it,” he said. 

Practical lessons covering fieldcraft, 

radio procedures, first aid and field 

hygiene were held to equip the ‘recruits’ 

with the basics for jungle survival. 

When darkness fell it became pitch 

black under the jungle canopy. Those 

expecting a peaceful sleep were disappointed; 

sharp-toothed creatures, not 

all of them friendly, foraged around the 

camp and the players had to maintain a 

watch throughout the night. 

If the Cowboys weren’t strong on 

teamwork at the start they certainly were 

by the end of day two. 

First came a 5km stretcher carry 

Veterans in 

good health 

SEPARATE studies of East Timor and 

Bougainville veterans found that health levels 

compared favourably with soldiers who 

did not deploy to the operations. 

The studies found mortality and cancer 

rates for the Bougainville and East Timor veterans 

were no different to the rates of personnel 

who did not deploy. 

They also found that there were no significant 

differences in symptoms of post-traumatic 

stress for East Timor and Bougainville 

veterans compared to non-veterans. 

Overall rates of high-risk drinking behaviours 

were also low among veterans of both 

studies. 

Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science 

Minister Greg Combet said the studies helped 

Defence understand the unique physical, mental 

and emotional impacts of deployments. 

SKYDIVE AUSTRALIA 

THE EAST COAST 

through difficult terrain and Jarra Creek 

– chest deep in places. 

Just when they thought it couldn’t 

get harder the players found a trailer in 

their path that needed to be relocated to 

a site two hours away along a steep and 

muddy track. 

Then ropes were used to haul stores 

up and down ravines on yet another 

‘special mission’. 

By nightfall the hungry footballers 

had earned the remainder of their ration 

pack but seemed a little disappointed at 

the meagre portions after all that hard 

work. 

According to Shannon Gallant the 

experience was tough but worthwhile as 

the team united. 

“We’re fitter and better for it, but I’ll 

have blisters through to the new year,” 

he joked. 

Capt Sebastian Aleksandrowicz 

who helped coordinate the training said 

the benefit for the participants was the 

level of mental and physical toughness, 

beyond sheer athleticism, required to 

build teams in challenging environments. 

“It’s also about developing leadership 

skills and building respect for one 

another – not that those are lacking here 

– but we can certainly help to enhance 

those qualities,” Capt Aleksandrowicz 

said. 

Coach Neil Henry agreed it was 

great to get the players out of their comfort 

zone. 

CLOTHING UPDATE 

Trousers khaki 

Trousers khaki heavyweight 

are available from clothing 

stores for purchase. 

Skirt khaki 

Skirts khaki heavyweight are 

available from clothing stores 

for purchase. 

Defective items 

To report a defect against a 

clothing item, a RODUM is 

to be submitted in addition to 

any unit promulgated instructions. 

A user guide can be 

accessed at http://vbmweb. 

sor.defence.gov.au/rodum/ 

Documents/RODUM%20We 

b%20User%20Guide%20Ed 

16%20-%20Nov%2008.pdf 

Direct clothing entitlement enquiries 

to WO2 Anthony Romkes on 

(03) 9282 6602 or email anthony. 

romkes@defence.gov.au. 

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Available in Sydney - Cairns - Brisbane - Gold Coast


Stressing? Help is at hand In focus: Problems 

A NEW video production on combat 

stress reaction awareness is 

being produced by Joint Health 

Services to support Army Mental 

Health. 

The DVD is presented by John 

Schumann, the author of the song I 

was only 19, which will be used as 

an integral element of the production. 

Mr Schumann relates his own 

experiences with Vietnam veterans 

to the stress issues that face our sol- 

diers on contemporary deployments, 

training activities and life in general. 

A Defence spokesperson said the 

aim was to encourage soldiers to 

seek help early if they are experiencing 

problems. 

“[The video] is to help commanders, 

colleagues and families to 

understand that help is available and 

effective. 

“Importantly, having problems 

doesn’t mean discharge – rather all 

soldiers are integral to capability 

and that we aim to help and then 

return them to work.” 

Mr Schumann has interviewed 

Army identities including 

Commander 1 Div Maj-Gen 

Michael Slater, CO 1 Psych Unit 

Lt-Col Brian Johnston and staff and 

soldiers from 3 Bde. 

CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie gave 

personal anecdotes from UN operations. 

Schumann and his band play for 

troops in East Timor – Page 16 

ADF joins the 

cyber fight 


AUSTRALIA joined the worldwide 

cyber warfare fight with 

the official opening of the Cyber 

Security Operations Centre 

(CSOC) on January 15. 

Defence investigated about 200 

electronic security incidents on its 

own networks every month in 2009. 

The CSOC was set up last July at 

cost of $3 million and is a unit of the 

Defence Signals Directorate (DSD). 


said old assumptions about geographic 

boundaries and time zones 

were obsolete. 

“Cyberspace is always open for 

business,” Senator Faulkner said. 

“But this also brings great chalenges 

to those who guard our elecronic 

borders.” 

Lynn Moore, Head of CSOC, 

aid the unit drew on DSD’s experise 

and high powered computng 

resources to understand cyber 

hreats. 

“CSOC operations and response 

eams react to significant threats on 

overnment networks and informaion,” 

Ms Moore said. 

“We also assist agency informaion 

communication technology staff 

n developing mitigation strategies.” 

CSOC will also provide advice 

nd threat assessment to government 

through its relationship with 

the Computer Emergency Response 

Open for business: Defence Minister John Faulkner at the CSOC 

Operations Centre. Photo by Brian Doherty 

Team Australia. Ms Moore said the 

most common incidents against 

Defence networks involved spoofing 

and phishing. 

“Spoofing is a way of attacking 

a computer program, in which the 

program is modified,” she said. 

“Phishing is the criminally 

fraudulent process of attempting to 

acquire sensitive information such 

as usernames through the use of 

socially engineered emails. 

“The threat actor creates an 

email that appears to be genuine to 

convince the victim to open it and 

download malicious software. 

In some cases malicious emails 

appeared to be from familiar sources 

and friends. 

“The CSOC provided advice and 

mitigation strategies to many agencies 

regarding these types of activities,” 

Ms Moore said. 

don’t mean a 

discharge – the aim 

is to help soldiers 

and return them to 

work. 

Photo by LAC Aaron Curran 

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NEWS 9 

CA labels 

reports 

inaccurate 

CA LT-GEN Ken Gillespie has corrected the record 

on misleading media reporting on ADF reserves. 

Lt-Gen Gillespie said media reports and correspondence 

from interest groups had focused on perceived 

reductions to ARes training days. 

“This perception is not accurate. The number of 

days paraded on an annual basis by reservists has risen 

steadily,” he said. 

“Expenditure associated with this increase has, 

until this financial year, been accommodated within the 

flexibility afforded by the overall military workforce 

budget.” 

He said this might have led to a perception that 

ARTS was less constrained by budget pressure, but that 

perception was not true. 

“Further to this, $9.6 million of Defence supplementation 

has covered the increased costs caused by 

the new graded pay scales,” he said. 

As a result of this funding boost, no reduction in the 

number of days paraded will be necessary to offset the 

new pay scales. 

CA also said that cutbacks to reserve ammunition 

allocation also were untrue. 

He said ammunition was managed to ensure forces 

were prepared for operations and deployments. 

The training priority for the ARes was to provide 

support to, prepare for, and deploy on operations. 

“Training and preparation for these will be funded 

first. Army is carefully managing its training days 

budget to ensure capability is delivered in the highest 

priority areas within the funding available,” he said. 

“Reservists are performing magnificently on operations 

because of the strong training conducted. Army 

will continue working hard to support these initiatives, 

but must operate within priorities and budget constraints.” 

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lateralaspect.FNW1110


Festivities: From left, Spr Jessie Fuente, Cpl Wayne Meech, WO2 Shawn 

Goodbody as Santa, Spr Brandon Keemink and his dog, Aussie, and Spr 

Mark Winwood at Camp Holland, Afghanistan. Photo by Sgt Mick Davis 

Goodies galore: Soldiers from CTF 635 enjoy their RSL gifts on Christmas 

Day in Solomon Islands. Sgt Francesco Mazzella 

USE THE FORCE 

TO GET YOUR 

MASTERS 

Financial support for ADF personnel studying external postgraduate or 

undergraduate courses is provided through various schemes from the Australian 

Defence Force. The contact officer for the ADF Higher Education Advanced 

Standing (ADFHEASS) Scheme can assist with enquiries. 

Use this opportunity to study a Master of Business at the Victoria Graduate School 

of Business at the City Flinders Campus, opposite Flinders Street Station. 

VU is now taking direct applications in various Masters programs, including; 

Management, Industrial Relations/Human Resources Management, Enterprise 

Resource Planning Systems (SAP R/3),Global Logistics and Transport. 

Contact the ADFHEASS 

LCDR Heather Walker, RAN 

Email ADF.HEAS@defence.gov.au 

Phone 0419 753 962 

Or 

The Victoria Graduate School of Business 

Email vicgradbus@vu.edu.au 

Phone 03 9919 1295 

WWW.VU.EDU.AU 

CRICOS Provider No. 00124K 

SapientNitro VUR 614 

Best wishes: Maj Craig Campbell spreads the Christmas cheer through Dili 

in East Timor. Soldiers gave gifts to the children on Christmas Day. 

Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo 

Christmas 

wraps up 

CA LT-GEN Ken Gillespie personally 

thanked Australian community support 

for soldiers deployed on operations 

during the Christmas season. 

Care packages, hampers and letters 

flooded into operational areas and eased 

the burden of being away from family. 

Lt-Gen Gillespie told Brisbane radio 

station 4BC that six tonnes of care packages 

arrived in December and took 14 

air-transport pallets to move them. 

“I really do want to offer my sincere 

appreciation to the hundreds of families 

and individuals who have taken the 

time, effort and expense to support our 

soldiers currently serving in operational 

theatres across the world,” Lt-Gen 

Gillespie said. 

More than 25,000kg of mail was 

sent to operational theatres and represented 

more than 6kg of mail for every 

deployed person. 

Further messages were sent through 

blogs, web posts and emails in addition 

to radio, television and other media 

organisations sponsored to support soldiers. 

Commercial organisation Chrisco 

dispatched 30 food hampers to East 

Timor, 20 to Solomon Islands and 20 to 

Afghanistan. 

The RSL continued its traditional 

support with the delivery of its Christmas 

care packages. 

School and community groups also 

provided Christmas spirit. West Wyalong 

Public School and the local community 

collected lollies, magazines and small 

gifts for about 135 care packages. The 

CA said the support had assisted in a 

personal and meaningful way to bring 

Christmas to about 4000 troops on operations. 

Middle East celebrations featured 

a traditional Christmas dinner for the 

National Headquarters, the C-130 

Hercules and AP3 Orion aircraft detachments, 

the Force Communications Unit 

and the RAAF Combat Support Unit. 

In keeping with tradition, it was the 

one time where officers served dinner to 

junior ADF personnel. 

Care packages also arrived for explosive 

detection dogs on Op Slipper who 

chewed their way through tinned food 

and chewing toys. 

Sig Julieanne Horsman, Op Anode, 

said off-duty soldiers left uniforms in 

cupboards to wear Christmas themed tshirts 

and Santa hats in Solomon Islands. 

“Soldiers of all ranks excitedly 

opened the hampers, some immediately 

tucking in to the tasty snacks inside, 

while others placed their boxes under 

the Christmas tree to save for later,” Sig 

Horsman said. 

Anzac soldiers, sailors and airmen 

in East Timor marked the festive season 

with a series of carol services in Dili. 

Op Astute padre Chap Andrew Rutley 

said it was a way of connecting people 

with home. 

“It is important for people to enjoy 

the Christmas experience regardless of 

where they are,” Chap Rutley said.

12 WORLD NEWS Army February 4, 2010 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in 

leadership 

ADF personnel in the MEAO 

have a new commander. 

After 12 months at the 

helm, Maj-Gen Mark Kelly 

formally handed the reins over 

to Maj-Gen John Cantwell in 

December 2009. 

Defence personnel paraded 

and a ceremony was held 

at Australia’s main support 

base in the MEAO to mark the 

change of command at the head 

of JTF 633. 

CDF ACM Angus Houston 

said the direction and professionalism 

exhibited by Maj- 

Gen Kelly during his tenure 

was in keeping with the finest 

traditions of the ADF. 

“I would like to thank Maj- 

Gen Kelly for his leadership 

and dedication and acknowledge 

the outstanding results 

achieved by the task force 

under his command,” ACM 

Houston said. 

“To Maj-Gen Cantwell, 

I offer my best wishes as he 

assumes command and takes on 

this most demanding of operational 

appointments.” 

In his farewell speech, Maj- 

Gen Kelly said the young men 

and women on parade and 

New CO for MRTF 2 

AFTER six months in the 

job, MRTF 2 CO Lt-Col Peter 

Connolly officially handed over 

command of the battle group 

to Lt-Col Andrew Hocking on 

December 12. 

Lt-Col Connolly awarded service 

medals to his soldiers before a 

transition of authority parade was 

held at Camp Holland to recognise 

those across the JTF, including 

Australian Public Servants and 

contractors, had been a constant 

source of inspiration for him 

throughout his 12 months as 

their commander. 

“This is a unique privilege; 

to command young men 

and women of the ADF, our 

soldiers, sailors, airmen and 

women, while serving on operations 

and I thank you all for 

your wonderful contribution 

to making this year a positive 

and memorable experience. 

It’s been my honour to serve 

you during that time,” Maj-Gen 

Kelly said. 

During the ceremony, the 

Commander’s Pennant, the 

symbol of authority representing 

his responsibilities to the 

organisations within JTF 633, 

was lowered and presented to 

Maj-Gen Kelly. 

The two major-generals then 

signed a certificate to mark the 

transfer of authority. 

“It’s a significant day today, 

a change of command, and it’s 

appropriate that we make the 

time to recognise the transition 

of authority between one 

commander and the next. On 

the change of command. Former 

Commander of JTF 633 Maj-Gen 

Mark Kelly also awarded a Bronze 

Commendation to Four Section, 1 

Platoon, Combat Team Alpha, for 

outstanding professionalism and 

commitment to duty. 

The soldiers continued site 

exploitation and battlefield clearance 

for a further eight hours after 

that note I welcome my good 

friend, Maj-Gen John Cantwell, 

to the MEAO and congratulate 

him on his selection,” Maj-Gen 

Kelly said. 

Maj-Gen Cantwell said there 

were very few opportunities 

to serve which provided such 

challenges and rewards than to 

lead on operations. 

“There can be no doubt that 

this period of service will be 

the pinnacle of my 36 years of 

service and I embrace it with 

great excitement, pride and 

some foreboding,” Maj-Gen 

Cantwell said. 

“Indeed, the role for the 

commander in such an appointment 

is about leadership and 

it’s about service and I very sincerely 

embrace my responsibility 

to serve the men and women 

of JTF 633 for the year ahead.” 

Maj-Gen Cantwell also said 

that like all members of JTF 

633, he was proud to play a part 

in furthering Australia’s interests 

in the region, including the 

Government’s commitment to 

bring security and stability to 

the people of Afghanistan. 

Reflection: Maj-Gen Mark Kelly and the new commander Maj-Gen John Cantwell (inset). Photos by Sgt Mick Davis 

Rewarding: Outgoing CO Lt-Col Peter Connolly awards service medals to soldiers before the transition 

of authority parade to recognise the change of command to Lt-Col Andrew Hocking at Camp Holland. 

Photo by Rachel Ingram 

member and mate, Pte Benjamin 

Ranaudo, was killed and Pte Paul 

Warren was seriously wounded 

during an operation in the Baluchi 

Valley. 

One of Lt-Col Connolly’s final 

duties was to unveil the Australian 

memorial dedicated to Australians 

who have been killed while on operations 

in Afghanistan.


Crackdown 

on caches 

A MAJOR operation being conducted 

by Australian and Afghan National 

Army forces is being hailed as the start 

of a bright future for the people of the 

Mirabad Valley region. 

More than 30 caches have been found 

since Operation Pelatel Man’a started on 

January 1. 

The contents included IED components, 

rocket propelled grenades, mortars, 

home-made explosives and thousands of 

rounds of small arms ammunition. 

MRTF 2 CO Lt-Col Andrew Hocking 

aid the findings were helping save lives. 

“This is the first large deliberate opertion 

in what has been an insurgent and 

ED hotspot,” Lt-Col Hocking said. 

“The great thing about this operation 

s it was planned, executed and will be 

reviewed in partnership with the ANA,” 

he said. 

Following the initial clearance phase, 

MRTF 2, ANA, Dutch soldiers and other 

ISAF partners concentrated on gaining 

the support of the population in the 

broader Mirabad Valley and met with 

local leaders. 

Lt-Col Hocking said once the Afghan 

Inquiry into Afghan deaths 

AN INQUIRY into an incident that 

killed four Afghans and wounded two 

in Oruzgan province on April 27 and 

28 last year has found ADF personnel 

complied with the rules of engagement 

governing immediate targeting. 

Chief of Joint Operations Lt-Gen 

Mark Evans initiated an inquiry following 

claims the people killed were 

farmers doing irrigation work at night 

and not, as believed, Afghans laying 

IEDs. 

The inquiry officer concluded that, 

on the balance of probabilities, it was 

likely the people engaged were placing 

IEDs. 

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WORLD NEWS 13 

Uncovered: IED components found in 

Mirabad Valley. Paying respects: MRTF 2 soldiers salute as the fallen soldiers pass by. Photo by Sgt Mick Davis 

people trusted there would be persistent 

security, it would give them more freedom 

to engage government organisations 

and allow freer discussion of their needs. 

“Operation Pelatel Man’a is about 

convincing the population the ANA is 

capable of providing security and about 

commencing development to improve 

the lives of the people now and into the 

future. 

“To convince people the ANA and coalition 

forces can provide security, it needs 

to be more than words, it needs to be 

deeds. Words are hollow in Afghanistan 

as a result of its difficult history.” 

The inquiry found that during the 

conduct of the pre-approved operation, 

eight individuals were observed 

acting suspiciously along a footpad 

about 9.30pm on April 27 in a particular 

area where insurgents are active. 

The group was observed for more 

than three hours and the targets were 

then engaged using close air support. 

The CO received positive identification 

of the targets on three occasions 

before authorising the engagement 

and the inquiry found he took 

all reasonable steps to confirm he was 

targeting insurgents laying IEDs. 

ANA soldiers honoured 

MRTF members formally paid 

respects to eight Afghan National 

Army troops killed by a roadside 

bomb on January 7. 

At the time of the incident, ANA 

soldiers from the Australian-mentored 

2nd Kandak were conducting 

a logistics task. There were 

no Australian or coalition soldiers 

involved in the explosion. 

The bodies of the Afghan soldiers 

killed in the incident were airtransported 

to Tarin Kowt where an 

honour guard of MRTF members 

saluted the convoy. 


Mark Evans said the loss of the soldiers 

was a tragedy for the ANA and 

the Afghan people they protect. 

“The Afghan soldiers working 

with the Australian mentors are demonstrating 

courage and tenacity and 

have been growing in confidence in 

their capacity to provide security for 

the local people,” he said. 

“Neither this bombing nor others 

will deter our resolve to continue 

protecting the local people and 

providing a level of security for the 

community.” 

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Allan key anyone? The Heron gets carefully unpacked at Kandahar airfield. 

Photo by Cpl Andrew Eddie 

Smooth landing as 

Heron hits ground 

THE Heron Unmanned Aerial System 

(UAS) has commenced high resolution 

intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance 

(ISR) flights in support of 

DF operations in Afghanistan. 

Under Project Nankeen, DMO has 

signed a contract with MacDonald, 

Dettwiler and Associates Ltd to provide 

Heron services to the ADF. 

The first was delivered at Ben Gurion 

airport on December 10, 2009. 

The Australian Heron detachment has 

been drawn from many parts of Air Force 

nd Army. It includes UAS pilots, payload 

perators, intelligence officers, imagery 

nalysts, engineers, administrative and 

ogistics personnel. 

The detachment has been preparing 

or the delivery of the Heron by workng 

with the Canadian Heron detachment 

t Kandahar airfield, drawing on the 

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The Heron uses leading-edge technology 

to boost force protection by providing 

ground commanders with ongoing, 

real-time situational awareness. 

The Heron is a medium-altitude longendurance 

UAS. It can remain airborne 

for more than 30 hours with a cruising 

altitude of 30,000ft, and can carry 250kg 

payloads. 

It cannot be seen or heard at normal 

operating parameters. 

It has a length of 8.5m, a wingspan 

of 16.6m, a take-off weight of 1200kg, 

an operational range of several hundred 

kilometres and an automatic take-off 

and landing system. It is navigated by a 

Global Positioning System but is also fitted 

with back-ups if it needs to be flown 

in a GPS-denied environment. 

It is equipped with a range of sensors. 

The Heron is used for ISR, escort and 

battle damage assessment. 

MMHBUS000025 

A healthy start 

Check-up: Medics conduct health clinics as part of SOTG’s support of local Afghan police. 

Photos by Lt Aaron Oldaker 

SOTG has started the New Year by 

supporting Afghan police establish 

a stronger presence in remote parts 

of southern Afghanistan during the 

first part of winter. 

SOTG operations led by the 

Provincial Police Reserve (PPR) 

were conducted to deny the influence 

of the Taliban in the region and 

to protect the population throughout 

the province. 

These operations took place in 

the mountainous valleys of Garmab, 

Patan and Kush Kadir. 


Mark Evans said in partnership with 

the PPR, SOTG held formal discussions, 

or shuras, with community 

leaders in these areas to assess their 

security needs and requirements for 

humanitarian assistance. 

“The communities responded 

positively, with many people from 

outlying areas travelling to meet 

with the PPR and SOTG,” Lt-Gen 

Evans said. 

“This continues SOTG’s population 

centric approach adopted in 

recent times in line with the intent 

of Commander ISAF Gen Stanley 

McChrystal.” 

While the visits to the valleys 

were primarily fact-finding mis- 

Aussie grub’s up for diggers 

DIGGERS in Tarin Kowt and surrounding 

bases in Oruzgan province 

are now enjoying Aussie 

tucker courtesy of Supreme Global 

Service Solutions who took over 

the ADF catering contract on 

December 1. 

Under the watchful eye of an 

ADF catering officer, the contracted 

staff and Australian cooks are serving 

up a select number of fresh dishes 

at breakfast, lunch and dinner to 

meet the dietary preferences of the 

Australian and Dutch soldiers. 

Historically, Australian ration 

requirements have been provided for 

under the existing Dutch arrangements, 

as the Netherlands is the lead 

nation in Oruzgan. 

While the contract is now under 

Australian management, the needs 

(and tastes) of the Dutch have not 

gone unnoticed and there remains a 

distinctly European flavour to some 

of the dishes. 

Making friends: A SOTG soldier from shakes hands with possible 

future leaders of the Garmab Valley. 

sions, a SOTG Medical Officer said 

valuable hands-on health care work 

was also provided. 

The SOTG medics took the 

opportunity to conduct health clinics, 

treating approximately 200 people 

in the three valleys. 

“What we did was look at the 

general population, look at people 

specifically, get some background 

information, see what they wanted, 

what they needed, and make some 

suggestions, and at the same time 

treat anybody who was sick as well,” 

Major G said. 

Maj-Gen Evans said the population 

centric approach was helping to 

foster positive relations between the 

community, the PPR and the SOTG. 

“The stronger ties between the 

Afghan National Security Forces 

and the population in these areas 

will give locals further confidence to 

seek assistance from the government 

of Afghanistan,” he said. 

Supper time: Sgt Peter Castle, FSU 2, supervises the quality control 

at the Camp Holland mess. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram 

Chief of Joint Operations, Lt-Gen 

Mark Evans said the menu designed 

and developed by the Australian 

catering staff would ensure all forces 

were catered for within the Camp 

Holland mess. 

“The final catering arrangements 

will ensure the Australian and coali- 

tion soldiers are able to enjoy freshly 

prepared and cooked meals on a 

regular and routine basis,” Lt-Gen 

Evans said. 

Lt-Gen Evans also said the move 

to completely fresh rations would 

occur progressively, and was a positive 

addition to the catering service. 

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Traditional 

tour in Timor 

On song: John Schumann and the Vagabond 

Crew perform at the FOB in Gleno, East Timor. 


AUSTRALIAN and New Zealand military personnel 

serving in East Timor took time out before Christmas 

to enjoy performances by leading entertainers. 

John Schumann and his band, the Vagabond Crew, 

comedian Gary Bradbury and singer Chantelle Delaney 

performed a series of concerts at military bases in East 

imor as part of the 17th Tour de Force. 

The concerts follow the tradition established almost 

0 years ago when leading Australian performers enterained 

more than 4000 troops from countries serving in 

he International Force for East Timor. 

Commander Australian and New Zealand personnel 

eployed in East Timor, Cmdr Stuart Mayer, thanked the 

our de Force for bringing world-class entertainment 

nd a taste of home to the troops. 

“Again we have seen a great response from the 

ustralian entertainment industry and we are grateful to 

he entertainers who have come here to perform,” Cmdr 

ayer said. 

Pte Joseph Nolen summed up the sentiments of the 

roops, saying he enjoyed the concert, but noted that his 

oved ones were not far from his mind. 

“I miss my family heaps,” he said. “I hope they have 

great Christmas and are happy to know I will be home 

oon.” 

CONTACT 

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Newcastle (02) 4951 2666 

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nclvets@bigpond.net.au 

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Townsville (07) 4722 4655 vethelp@bigpond.com 

ACT Branch (02) 6255 1599 vvfact@vvfact.org.au 

VIC Branch (03) 5248 0996 bestav17@bigpond.com 

SA Branch (08) 8296 2411 snafu@chariot.net.au 

WA Branch (08) 94096682 vvppwabranch 

@iprimus.com.au 

Tasmania (03) 6376 2804 petermackie@intas.net.au 

Blame it on the boogey: Musicians from 1RAR Band perform a Michael Jackson medley. Front row left to right: Cpl Sheree Klopp, 

Musn Paul Hadley, LCpl Arthur Florence, Maj Dan Hiscock, Musn Ben Bonney, Sgt Phil Johansen. Back row: Musn Angie Currington 

Sgt Mick Lee, Cpl Marcus McCray, Musn Grant Thomas and Musn Barney Briggs. Photos by WO2 Mark Dowling 

Band strikes MEAO 

By Lt Madeline Denholm 

and what was going to be required in each Former commander of the MEAO Maj-Gen 

location, but when you’re around the other side 

FROM rock concerts to Carols by 

of the world, you have to be pretty flexible.” 

Candlelight, jazz sessions to trivia nights, The immediate challenge once they arrived 

1RAR Band have wrapped up a whirlwind was an environment very different from their 

three-week tour of the MEAO. 

home base of Townsville. 

The 15 members, who included musicians “Kabul, which was our first stop, was bit- 

from the rock band and the front-line – or terly cold and we struggled with that,” Maj 

horn section – and the technical support crew, Hiscock said. 

arrived in the MEAO in mid-December last “Instruments aren’t designed to be played 

year and performed for Australian and ISAF in zero or sub-zero temperatures, so that took 

forces in several locations across Afghanistan an adjustment period, but it worked out okay.” 

and the Middle East. 

The next stop was Camp Holland at Tarin 

Mark Kelly said the tour had been a great success. 

“It was appreciated by all JTF 633 personnel 

who were able to see them perform, as 

well as many of our coalition partners.” 

Maj Hiscock said it had been several years 

since any service band had deployed overseas 

under its own strength as an independent act 

without the assistance of celebrities through 

Forces Entertainment tours. 

“As musicians, our primary role is the 

maintenance of morale in barracks and on 

operations. We don’t get many opportunities to 

Musical Director Maj Dan Hiscock said Kowt, where the band hosted a Carols by deploy, but when we do, it’s something we all 

almost six months of planning went into the Candlelight concert on Christmas Eve, played look forward to,” he said. 

tour. 

at Christmas church services, and then per- “It was particularly good this time because 

“We’ve been working on programs, arrangformed a rock concert that afternoon. we got to support our own troops, like 1RAR, 

ing charts, coming up with not only the con- They also performed concerts for other at a time of year when we can make a tangible 

certs, but also music trivia, karaoke and all the ISAF forces at Tarin Kowt before travelling difference because they’re all missing home, 

different contingencies that we might be faced to Kandahar for a series of New Year concerts and, at Christmas, I don’t think there’s a better 

with over here,” Maj Hiscock said. 

and other musical events as part of their tour time to have music support than when you’re 

“We knew roughly where we were going for Operation Slipper. 

on deployment overseas.” 

In the swing: The 1RAR band goes wild. 

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Patrols 

keep 

streets 

safe 

By Sig Julieanne Horsman 

A DRAMATIC drop in holiday season crime 

across Honiara is being attributed to the hard work 

of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and 

members of the Regional Assistance Mission to 

he Solomon Islands. 

High visibility patrols ensured locals celebrated 

Christmas in a safe and enjoyable environment. 

Soldiers from Op Anode accompanied RSIPF and 

Participating Police Force officers as they pounded 

the pavement in the main street. 

The operation ran from December 24-28 in addition 

to ordinary patrols. 

RSIPF Acting Assistant Commissioner of 

Operations Nathaniel Mosese said “this year’s 

Christmas celebration is a historic occasion with 

Police experiencing a record low in crime activities 

across Honiara City and surrounding communities”. 

Mr Mosese also thanked members of RAMSI who 

sacrificed a Christmas with their family and friends to 

instead assist the RSIPF with their patrols. 

New Year celebrations also went smoothly with 

soldiers and the PPF again teaming up with the 

RSIPF to launch a targeted campaign. 

No major incidents occurred and police made only 

10 arrests, mostly for drunk and disorderly conduct. 

This was a significant improvement on last year’s 

figures which were much higher. 

Deputy Commander of RAMSI’s combined task 

force Maj Stuart Brown was also full of praise for his 

soldiers. 

“The efforts of soldiers from all contributing 

nations of RAMSI are appreciated throughout the 

year, especially during the festive season,” he said. 

“It’s great to see tangible results from the combined 

operation assisting the RSIPF, both in Honiara 

nd in Auki where the New Zealand platoon conucted 

a similar operation.” 

Guardian angels: Cpl Tony Robertson, left, and 

Pte Steve Ward take a break with PPF Senior 

Constable Steve Woods while patrolling the 

streets of Honiara on Christmas Eve. 

Photo by Pte Joshua Monteiro 

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Refuge renovation rescue 

By Flg-Off Michael McGirr 

THE head of the Regional Assistance 

Mission to the Solomon Islands Special 

Coordinator, Graeme Wilson, visited a 

Christian Care Centre in Honiara recently 

renovated by CTF 635. 

The Christian Care Centre provides a safe 

haven for women who have been victims of 

rape, sexual assault and domestic violence – 

and provides assistance to around 1000 women 

each year. 

Home to a group of experienced counsellors, 

the centre also provides reconciliation and 

rehabilitation services for couples. 

Members of the CTF helped renovate the 

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centre after it was forced to close for safety 

reasons. The centre’s key building had been 

attacked by white ants causing significant damage 

to the internal structure of the building. 

As part of the visit, Mr Wilson was shown 

the main building CTF members from Australia, 

New Zealand, Tonga and Papua New Guinea 

had helped work on. 

Mr Wilson said volunteer work done by 

members of RAMSI was important as centres 

like the Christian Care Centre played such a 

vital role in the community. 

“It serves a really useful purpose, in this 

case it’s enabled the building to be operational 

again due to the renovation work that was 

done,” Mr Wilson said. 

WORLD NEWS 17 

Reaching out: CTF 635 chaplain Capt Greg Prosper talks with Sister Francister Amo on the beach outside the Christian Care Centre 

in Honiara and joins sisters and RAMSI Special Coordinator Graeme Wilson (inset) on a tour of the centre. Photos by Cpl Guy Young 

Accompanying the Special Coordinator on 

the visit was ADF Chaplain Capt Greg Prosper 

who met with the sisters from the centre to discuss 

some of the religious aspects. 

“It’s a great thing for me to see how God’s 

love has been put in action in really serving 

these ladies in need,” Capt Prosper said. 

Sister Daisy Jaoka, who works at the centre, 

said the reconstruction assistance and training 

provided by the military team was vital to 

ensure the house could be regularly cared for 

long after reconstruction had finished. 

“It has been very good to learn from RAMSI 

to help us keep Maeva House maintained. We 

can now do the painting here which makes us 

very happy,” she said.


SIX ADF members serving as UN 

Military Observers in Sudan received 

their Australian Service Medal and 

United Nations Medal for service 

late last year at Australia House in 

Khartoum. 

In a small ceremony held on November 

18, Commander of the Australian 

Contingent for the ADF contribution to the 

United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) 

Lt-Col Glenn Taylor recognised the significant 

contribution the six had made during 

their six-month deployment. 

During the ceremony, Lt-Col Taylor 

presented Australian Contingent 9 UNMOs 

(pictured left to right) Maj Brian Ardely, 

Capt Paul Manuel, Capt Sharon Cord, Capt 

Luke Hodda, Capt Peter Amaricai and Leut 

Katrina Gosper with their medals. 

Members of the current contingent were 

also there to hear Lt-Col Taylor congratulate 

and thank the UNMOs for their work 

in “challenging and, sometimes, difficult 

circumstances”. 

The UN Medal is awarded to defence 

force and police members who have served 

at least 90 days’ service as part of UNMIS. 

On the fly: Pte Fadi Jabboki runs through the 

jungle during a section attack demonstration. 

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Baptism of fire: A night live-fire 

demonstration takes place at the Pulada 

Range (above left) while Fiona Henderson 

gets a lesson on the F89 Minimi from 

Pte Ian Dahlenburg (above centre) and 

Aron Ward digs into a ration pack with his 

employee, WO1 Ian Mintern. 

Photos by LS Paul Berry 

Employers 

get taste 

of life on 

other side 

HEAVY rain did not dampen the spirits of 

Ex Boss Lift participants in Jahore Bahru, 

Southern Malaysia. 

Employers of 15 Defence reservists travelled 

to Malaysia in December to take part in the 

three-day program conducted by the Cadet, 

Reserve and Employer Support 

Division. 

The soldiers demonstrated their 

skills by performing a section attack and night 

live-fire demonstration on the Pulada range. 

Employers lived on ration packs and took 

part in weapons lessons giving them a first-hand 

look at the training reservists take part in during 

their time in Malaysia. 

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Mike 

Kelly said employers visited soldiers from 

NSW-based 5 Bde, currently on a three-month 

deployment as Rifle Company Butterworth 88. 

“We feel it is important for employers to 

understand reservists develop skills during their 

military service that can directly benefit their 

businesses.” Dr Kelly said. 

UNMOs praised for job well done 

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20 CENTREPIECE Army February 4, 2010 21 

TAKING 

POSITIVE 

STEPS 

AS MEMBERS of Timor-Leste 

Battle Group 6 prepare to return 

home, they can be confident they 

have made a positive contribution 

to East Timor. 

The key to the success of TLBG 6 – which 

is based on a 2RAR battle group and deployed 

in June 2009 – has been its application of adaptive 

campaigning principles, according to CO 

Lt-Col Dave Smith. 

Lt-Col Smith says the battle group has tailored 

adaptive campaigning – which is the 

military contribution to whole-of-government 

efforts to resolving conflict – to suit the operational 

environment in East Timor. 

“This has allowed us to ensure a balanced 

approach across all aspects of the ADF commitment 

to East Timor and develop a long-term, 

effects-based plan that can be handed over to 

the follow-on force without interruption.” 

He says the rebuilding of a local football 

stadium is a good example of the battle group’s 

approach. 

“In this project we built indigenous capacity 

by teaching skills to local trade students and 

army engineers, engaged the local population 

to provide support for aspects of the reconstruction 

process and had a firm information 

strategy to tie it all together. 

“In combination, this delivered outcomes 

that not only strengthened confidence in the 

government of Timor- Leste, but also reinforced 

the status and image of the police and army in a 

place that was a source of unrest in 2006.” 

He says successful adaptive campaigning 

relies heavily on a strong and capable 

Combined Operational Liaison Team (COLT) 

to engage with a broad range of agencies and 

organisations. 

“There has to be a focus on supporting 

agencies already in theatre,” he says. 

TLBG 6’s adaptivecampaigning 

strategy has 

improved the security 

situation in East Timor. 

Report: Capt Chris Hawkins 

“In East Timor these agencies include 

the Defence Cooperation Program, Timor- 

Leste Police Development Program, the UN 

and the various agencies of the Timor-Leste 

Government. 

“The COLT, which was first created during 

the TLBG 5 deployment and further developed 

during our time in theatre, allows us to maintain 

a close working relationship with all of 

these agencies via dedicated liaison officers.” 

Lt-Col Smith says work is under way to 

incorporate the battle group’s adaptive campaigning 

approach into future operational level 

plans in East Timor. 

“With the security situation remaining stable 

and the battle group headquarters merging 

with the JTF HQ to produce a single force, the 

challenge is the development of an integrated 

operational and tactical level plan that remains 

true to the principles and lines of operation 

within adaptive campaigning,” he says. 

HOW TIMOR-LESTE BATTLE GROUP 6 HAS APPLIED ADAPTIVE CAMPAIGNING IN EAST TIMOR 

JOINT LAND COMBAT 

Operations have focused on individual and collective 

training programs to ensure the battle group 

retains the capacity to provide a robust-response 

capability. Individual training programs undertaken 

by the battle group include: the Junior Leader 

Course; Supervisor Infantry Operations – section 

courses; Subject Two for CPL – RAEME; Visual 

Trackers Courses; drivers courses; CFA courses; and 

weapons courses.TLBG 6 also capitalised on the 

recent adoption of the Army Capability Requirement 

Infantry 2012 ORBAT. Deployed with two 2012 

light infantry rifle companies, the battle group has 

practised coordinated dismounted manoeuvre with 

delivery of increased direct fire weapon effects in 

combined-arms settings (including APCs and Black 

Hawks). Blank and live-fire training in close country 

and urban environments has allowed operational 

test and evaluation trials by the Australian Defence 

Test and Evaluation Office. This has also supported 

the information actions and Indigenous Capacity 

Building (ICB) lines of operations in terms of providing 

capability demonstrations for the Timor-Leste 

Defence Force. 

POPULATION PROTECTION 

Operations that maintain the situational awareness, 

security and response requirements of the 

UN Technical Arrangement (UNTA) and Status 

of Forces Agreement. To meet UNTA obligations 

the battle group maintains a series of layered 

response capabilities to support the UN and 

Government of East Timor. This includes the 

maintenance of strong working relationships with 

UN security agencies, other government agencies 

and Non-Government Organisations. More importantly, 

the battle group retains situational awareness 

through a system of hierarchical engagement 

with the key stakeholders and the population of 

East Timor. This has been built on the success 

of previous ADF and NZDF deployments to East 

Timor, which have established a strong connection 

with the local population. 

INFORMATION ACTIONS 

Operations with coordinated delivery of information 

to shape the perceptions, attitudes and behaviours 

of target populations, enhancing the physical 

effects of the other lines of operation. Coordinated 

by the newly-developed Information Dominance 

and Influence (IDI) Cell, the battle group has significantly 

shaped the security environment with 

complimentary non-physical effects. IDI Cell planning 

has allowed the battle group to coordinate 

the delivery of information across multiple lines of 

operation at decisive points to maximise the benefits 

and successes of these operations. 

TLGB 6 is currently conducting operations involving 

the significant rebuild of an East Timorese 

sporting venue. This includes construction and 

mentoring programs to deliver effects along the 

Population Support and ICB lines of operation. The 

information actions undertaken to shape popular 

support for preliminary works, an opening event, 

sponsorship and national media interest, are of 

critical importance to the successful outcome of 

this activity. 

On the march: ISF solders patrol through 

Suai districts. Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo 

POPULATION SUPPORT 

Operations designed to reinforce existing population 

support capabilities and agencies to restore 

or replace necessary essential services of affected 

communities, consistent and synchronised with 

East Timor Government and whole-of-goverment 

objectives. The rapid growth of the East Timor 

Government and business services, as well as 

the influx of NGO and commercial businesses, 

has seen growth in capacity for the delivery of 

infrastructure and essential services for the East 

Timorese population. However, scope still exists to 

improve the standard of living for the population. 

TLBG 6 operations are, wherever possible, aligned 

to support AUSAID and NZAID goals as well as 

complement the planned effects of the other lines 

of operation. For example, TLBG 6 engineers have 

supported Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) 

and F-FDTL-led engineering construction works 

for medical clinics in remote regions. This has 

increased the standard of health care available to 

remote communities. Future battle group operations 

will involve a significant engineer bridging 

activity aligned with the East Timor Government 

bridging priorities, as well as support to AUSAIDled 

governance and agriculture development 

programs. 

INDIGENOUS PROGRAMS 

Operations designed to nurture the establishment 

of civilian governance, by providing support to 

existing development programs consistent with 

whole-of-government objectives. Numerous ICB 

support agencies exist in East Timor. The AFP-led 

East Timor Police Development Program provides 

specialist training to the Timor Police, while the 

DCP and NZ Military Assistance Program provide 

specialist training to the F-FDTL. TLBG 6 has provided 

support to each of these programs. TLGB 

6’s main effort is the development of the F-FDTL 

with the aim of assisting the F-FDTL to continue 

its transition to a professional military force by 

providing a professional example. TLBG 6 has 

provided a series of live- and blank-fire demonstrations 

for key F-FDTL leadership. Future indigenous 

capacity building operations will develop 

the capacity of the F-FDTL to participate in joint 

exercises. 

COLT 

Combined Operational Liaison Team (COLT) is 

the glue that binds the plan together. To achieve 

success, TLBG 6’s plan for operations in East 

Timor requires integration across the five lines of 

operation and a sound working knowledge of, and 

relationship with, the UN, East Timor Government, 

other Australian and foreign government agencies 

and non-government organisations operating in 

East Timor. The COLT concept was introduced by 

TLBG 5 in early 2009 and quickly demonstrated its 

value as an information gathering and coordination 

agency. Since TLBG 6 assumed authority, the 

COLT capability has been expanded to take on a 

greater whole-of-government focus. The TLBG 6 

COLT has four liaison teams in each of the main 

East Timor Government and UN elements, an 

OGA/NGO liaison team and an Engineer/CIMIC fly 

away team. Each of the liaison teams spend time 

meeting or consulting with key leadership in the 

organisations at the East Timor operational level. 

This informs the ISF Commander and TLBG CO of 

developments and issues in these organisations. 

This approach also seeks opportunities for the ISF 

to provide coordinated support to the East Timor 

Government, UN and NGO initiatives. 

Up and onwards: Troops board a waiting Black Hawk. Photo by LAC Christopher Dickson 

Force reduction 

AUSTRALIA’s commitment to the 

ISF in East Timor will draw down 

from about 650 to 400 personnel 

this month. 


announced the drawdown on 

December 10 which started with 

about 100 ADF members returning 

to Australia in mid-December. 

Further reduction to about 400 

ADF members will occur gradually. 

The drawdown coincides with the 

deployment of the Brisbane-based 

8/9RAR and the return to Australia 

of 2RAR. 

The transition of authority 

to 8/9RAR is scheduled for late 

February. 

The overall joint Australian-New 

Zealand force will decrease from 

800 to about 550 personnel with the 

current New Zealand contribution 

remaining unchanged at 150. 

Senator Faulkner said the security 

situation had remained stable in 

East Timor since the February 2008 

attacks on East Timor’s President 

and Prime Minister. He said 100 

ADF members had been withdrawn 

in January 2009 with no significant 

effect on the security situation. 

“The decision to reduce the 

number of ADF personnel recognises 

the ongoing calm security situation 

in East Timor and the efforts 

of the Government and people of 

East Timor to uphold this,” Senator 

Faulkner said. 

He said the ISF would increase 

its focus on capacity-building of East 

Timor’s military forces.

22 LETTERS Army February 4, 2010 

Seeking equality 

AFTER reading the article 

“Plan has flex appeal” (Army, 

November 26), I have had 

enough of the unfair standards 

between the sexes in the 

Defence. 

How about women having 

equal rights at deployments and 

job opportunities rather than worrying 

about enlistment, workplace 

lexibility, mentoring and communication? 

Why don’t you do a Defencewide 

survey on women in 

Defence who wish to be deployed 

and have equal opportunities as 

their male counterparts? 

Why is the ADF the only 

“old fashioned” work group of 

its kind? Do you think women 

don’t understand what they sign 

up for? It’s like studying a teachng 

degree for four years then 

being told you can’t go and teach 

because you are a woman. 

How does the Defence 

Department think they are going 

to retain females if they are not 

given an equal chance? 

All this government and political 

blabbering about why women 

can’t patrol is a load of rubbish. 

I know of many females who are 

excellent at their jobs and exceed 

the physical fitness of males in 

their same chosen area, so why 

are we still not allowed the opportunity 

to go be in that position? 

What is the point in learning 

how to be a section commandr 

on a Junior Leaders’ Course 

hen, clearly at this point in time, 

no female will ever be in command 

of a section in war-time 

scenarios? 

So Defence would rather send 

an incompetent soldier who is 


Jobs for the girls: Female recruits complete the same training as male colleagues. 

unfit and who doesn’t perform 

well over a female who is “on 

paper” a much suitable soldier 

for the task. We are all trained 

as soldiers exactly the same at 

Kapooka so why are we not treated 

the same? 

Cpl Chloe Witts 

SME 

Moorebank 

Mr Peter Sullivan, Director Rights 

and Responsibilities, Fairness and 

Resolution Branch, responds: 

LET me assure you the 

Government is committed to 

overcoming systemic, cultural, 

attitudinal and behavioural 

aspects of the ADF that directly 

or indirectly discriminate 

against women. ADF women, 

and those considering a career 

in the military, should be confident 

they have equal career 

opportunities to their male colleagues. 

Women are deployed with their 

male counterparts on a number 

of operations overseas including 

those to the Middle East, 

East Timor and Solomon Islands. 

While not currently in direct combat 

positions, women are increasingly 

being deployed to areas of 

operation. Women also have a 

long and proud history of serving 

our nation and play an integral 

role in Defence achieving its primary 

role of protecting Australia 

and its national interest. 

Defence is conducting a 

Physical Employment Standards 

Project. This is being conducted 

by the Defence Science and 

Technology Organisation and the 

University of Wollongong and 

will establish minimum physical 

standards for all ADF employ- 

ment categories. These will apply 

to all ADF members, men and 

women. 

The establishment of these 

standards will provide the ADF 

with assurance its personnel possess 

adequate physical capacities 

to complete the required tasks 

effectively and with minimal risk 

of injury. The results of the project 

will inform the policy debate 

about a future expanded role for 

women in the ADF. 

Any possible changes to existing 

employment policy would need 

to be carefully managed to ensure 

they do not adversely impact on 

capability, force structure, unit 

morale or women themselves. 

Despite this, more and more positions 

and employment categories 

are being opened to women and 

the three services have this constantly 

under review. 

If the hat fits 

I TOTALLY agree with Maj Murray Stewart’s letter 

(Army, December 10). 

Being in an engineer unit, there is of course a 

certain brashness and reluctance for any sapper to 

wear the slouch hat flat. A nice curve is seen by the 

vast majority as a very Australian thing, and has even 

been dubbed by some of our support staff the “engineer 

slouch”. 

In reference to RSM-A’s comments in the 

November 26 edition, it is quite clear the slouch 

hat is not only a tradition but a practical thing. The 

tradition being its character, the practical its sun 

protection. Why then are we constantly told to “iron 

that hat flat”? I could understand it for ceremonial 

purposes, but not in barracks and when in DPCU. A 

nice curve is quite obviously part of the hat’s history. 

Nowhere in ASODs have I found it to say that this 

icon of the Australian Army be worn ironed flat. 

I still have my first slouch stashed away at home 

against the day that my superiors let me wear an 

aged, curved hat. 

Spr Christopher Wager 

3CER 

Lavarack Barracks 

BOTH of my grandfathers served in the 1st AIF, 

one in France with 32 Bn and the other in the 

Middle East with 10 Light Horse. Both wore their 

slouch hats with the brim flat. 

For most of my years of service I was required to 

wear a beret, a glengarry cap, a slouch hat with the 

brim turned up or a peaked cap. Like many of my 

generation, I now require regular treatment for facial 

skin cancer. What may seem to some to be a tradition 

with style and flair seems to me to be sheer stupidity. 

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer 

in the world. A slouch hat, worn with the brim flat, is 

one of the best forms of protective headgear available. 

Maj Allan Lowe (retd) 

Australian Embassy 

Bangkok, Thailand 

Limo life 

for some 

not others 

I LIVE in an Army MQ within the bounds of 

Defence Establishment Berrimah (the old HMAS 

Coonawarra) in Darwin. 

Why am I paying the same rate for a sub-standard 

MQ (as defined in Pacman Part 5 Para 7.5.20 as it is 

at least 20-25 years old) as that of someone living in a 

brand new MQ? 

I don’t have any drama about paying the MQ levy 

and I like living on Berrimah, I just don’t think that it 

is right or fair that I am paying for something that I am 

not getting. This situation equates to someone who is 

entitled to drive a limousine, gets to drive a mini but 

pays the higher limousine rate. 

When the MQ rates were being revamped I 

enquired as to whether the MQs on Berrimah and the 

RAAF base would be subject to the change as well. I 

was informed that the rate for these houses would not 

change as they would be classed as sub-standard and 

that as people were posted out, they would not be re-let 

as MQs. 

People are still moving in and the rates are still 

going up. When do I get to drive my limousine? 

I have enquired about rectifying this situation 

through DHA and they stated that the houses are not 

owned by DHA but are managed by them on behalf of 

the Army; therefore they do not set the rate, it is set by 

Army. 

I understand that it is easier to say let’s put all MQs 

in one basket and call it B1 or whatever, but they are 

not all the same and therefore should not be dealt with 

in that manner. Can we see an equitable resolution to 

this problem? 

Cfn Graham Jones 

1 Avn Regt 

Robertson Barracks 

Mr Rob McKellar, Director Housing and Removals Policy, 

responds: 

THE Group Rent Scheme contributions that members 

pay for their housing are set by and are paid 

to Defence. DHA neither sets nor collects members’ 

contributions. 

Member contributions are calculated on a national 

basis. The contribution that a member makes is not 

based on the value of the individual residence that the 

member occupies, but on the average rent value of all 

the residences in the rent band/amenity group provided 

for the member’s rank group. 

Defence policy is to share the national rental cost 

with the member on a 50/50 basis, although Defence is 

currently subsidising more than half the average rent. 

The contributions that members make are the same 

for all members with the same rank group and housing 

circumstances, regardless of where they are posted 

within Australia. This ensures that members are not 

disadvantaged if they are posted to high rent posting 

locations. 

Cfn Jones suggests that member contributions 

should be not be set collectively under the Group Rent 

Scheme, but should be dealt with individually. This 

would result in members posted to high-cost locations, 

such as Darwin, paying considerably more than they 

currently do, as contributions would have to reflect 

the rental value of each residence. That would not 

provide an equitable outcome and would not meet the 

Government’s requirement that housing assistance 

minimise financial detriment for ADF members arising 

from regional differences in rental costs, thereby facilitating 

ADF mobility. 

Defence, in conjunction with DHA, is continually 

improving the quality of accommodation being occupied 

by members and their dependants. In July 2007, 

as part of the introduction of the new housing classification 

policy based on market rent, the minimum 

standard for service residences was improved. 

New housing is being constructed and existing 

housing is being upgraded as part of a 10-year transition 

program to ensure that all service residences meet 

the new minimum standard by July 2017. During this 

transition period, housing that meets the old amenitybased 

standards remains suitable for occupation by 

ADF members, and continues to be factored into the 

calculation of ADF members’ contributions for their 

housing. 

As part of the upgrade program, major housing 

construction projects are planned both on and off-base 

in Darwin. 


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24 PERSONNEL Army February 4, 2010 

Care is improved 

JOINT Health Command has 

introduced a new ADF Medicines 

Formulary that will significantly 

improve pharmacy distribution 

processes and bring the ADF in 

ine with civilian best practice. 

The new publication catalogues 

the medicines routinely available 

to Defence health practitioners for 

prescribing to members. 

SO1 Pharmacy Wg-Cmdr John 

Hatfield said most ADF members 

would notice little change. 

“Most of the medicines in normal 

use in the ADF are included in 

he ADF formulary but there will be 

ome changes,” Wg-Cmdr Hatfield 

aid. 

“Some products which are not 

really medicines will no longer be 

routinely available.” 

He said the most common 

xamples of these were dietary sup- 

Rationalisation: Medicine 

distribution is improved. 

plements and “complementary” 

medicines. 

“Typically there is little or no 

robust evidence supporting the use 

of these products as medicines. 

“Many ADF members will be 

surprised to learn that some members 

had been provided some of 

these products in the past.” 

He said multiple brands of the 

same medicines would no longer 

be available and where there were 

many medicines available to treat 

specific conditions, the range of 

those available would be reduced. 

Joint Health Command health 

centres will also be able to obtain 

other medicines when the healthcare 

needs of individual ADF members 

cannot be met with ADF formulary 

medicines. 

Commander Joint Health Maj- 

Gen Paul Alexander said formulary’s 

introduction was a long 

overdue reform in ADF healthcare 

provision. He said Defence could 

no longer sustain an unconstrained 

medicines provision system – something 

which no other healthcare 

system in Australia provided. 

Defence remains committed to 

ensuring high quality healthcare 

and will use the ADF formulary to 

ensure that happens. 

Total surprise: Director of the Defence Academy UK, Lt Gen Andrew Graham, 

Commandant RAdm Neil Morisetti (centre) and then Maj Mark Ascough. 

Photo by Jeremy Clifton-Gould/SercoUK 

Reward for 

excellence 

LT-COL Mark Ascough surpassed his own expectations 

to become the first foreign officer awarded the 

Chief of Defence Staff prize for Best Student at the 

UK Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC). 

Director General UK Defence Academy Lt-Gen 

Andrew Graham presented the award to then Maj 

Ascough – who completed the course last year – for 

his professional excellence and significant contribution 

to all aspects of life at Kings College, London. 

“I was so surprised when my name was announced 

that I sat there in disbelief,” Lt-Col Ascough said. “The 

course was excellent and I would have to say on a personal 

and professional level it has been a highlight of 

my career to date.” 

The ACSC prepares officers for staff and command 

appointments within the joint service environment. 

The ACSC included overseas study tours to Egypt, 

Poland, Normandy and Washington. 

New psych 

takes prize 


FORMER PTI Lt Scott Gayton began his new 

career as a Defence psychologist this year after 

achieving first-class honours in psychology from the 

University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). 

Lt Gayton’s award of dux of his honours degree 

earned him the prestigious Australian Psychological 

Society prize. 

His thesis investigated resilience, post-traumatic 

growth and general health and wellbeing among 

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics and USC 

paramedical students. 

His interest in the field 

aligns with Defence Force 

Psychology Organisation 

research in human performance, 

resilience and human factors 

in land operations. 

Lt Gayton said he was 

fortunate to receive long-term 

schooling and it showed that 

support for soldiers was available 

through Defence to achieve 

their career goals. 

“It was a tough year but 

the long-term schooling was 

a much better option for me 

Achiever: Lt Scott 

Gayton. 

than long-distance education,” he said. “I am hoping 

that with my background as an OR that I can help get 

psych support down to unit level and get soldiers the 

support they need when they need it.” 

His research was one of 14 chosen out from 38 

higher degree research projects to be presented at the 

USC Research to Benefit Society conference last year. 

As the APS prize winner, Lt Gayton will present an 

abstract of his thesis at the APS annual conference in 

Melbourne in July. 

Lt Gayton has started an internship as a psychologist 

at RMC. He believed his experience as a 3RAR 

sniper and PTI would be invaluable in his new role.

Your support troops 

Health Insurance 

As a member of the ADF your extended family is eligible for Defence Health membership. That means 

your mother, father, brothers and sisters, children, grandchildren, ex-partners, in fact all your support troops. 

If you or a family member want to join call 1800 335 425 or visit www.defencehealth.com.au

26 AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS Army February 4, 2010 

For service to country 

On Australia Day Army’s best joined the Honours’ 

List in recognition of their service. Army joins the 

ation in congratulating all recipients. 

COMPANION (AC) 

IN THE MILITARY 

DIVISION OF 

THE ORDER OF 

AUSTRALIA 

Lt-Gen David John 

HURLEY AO DSC 

For eminent service to the 

ADF as Chief of Capability 

Development Group, Chief of 

Joint Operations and VCDF. 

OFFICER (AO) 

Maj-Gen Anthony Peter 

FRASER AM CSC 

For distinguished service 

to the Australian Army in 

the fields of aviation and 

project management as 

DG Army Aviation Systems 

Branch and Head Helicopter 

Systems Division in DMO. 

Maj-Gen David Lindsay 

MORRISON AM 

For distinguished service to the Australian 

Army in the fields of training and education, 

military strategic commitments and force 

structure and capability; in particular, as 

Commander ADC, Head MSC and DCA. 

MEMBER (AM) 

Brig Ian Ross 

ERRINGTON CSC 

For exceptional service to 

the ADF as a Project Director 

in the Multinational Security 

Transition Command-Iraq 

and as HADS-Jakarta. 

Lt-Col Benjamin 

Nicholas JAMES 

For exceptional service 

and leadership as the SO1 

Personnel of HQ 1 Div from 2005-2007 and 

as CO 2RAR from 2007-2009. 

Col Bruce McEwan MURRAY 

For exceptional service to the Australian 

Army in the fields of career management, 

personnel and training, particularly as the CO 

of the SME and as the CO of SCMA. 

Brig Andrew Alexander NIKOLIC 

CSC 

For exceptional service to the ADF in the field 

of operations and international policy. 

Lt-Col Stuart David YEAMAN 

For exceptional service as the Commander, 

RTF 4, during Op Slipper in Afghanistan from 

April-October 2008. 

MEDAL (OAM) 

Cpl Michael Anthony 

COLE 

For meritorious service 

as the Senior Combat 

Engineer Mentor for the 

4th Kandak Battalion, 

Afghan National Army 

in MRTF 1 in Oruzgan 

province. 

Specialists in military compensation 

claims, reconsiderations 

and appeals. 

Freecall 1800 555 777 

www.slatergordon.com.au 

Maj Ruth Margaret HAYES 

For meritorious service as the Employment 

Category Process Manager, ALTC and for 

service to the Australian Army Catering 

Corps. 

WO1 Raymond John HOLZE 

For meritorious service as the Unit Sergeant 

Major while employed at the Defence 

National Storage and Distribution Centre. 

WO1 Craig Thomas HOWE 

For meritorious service as the RSM of the 

10/27RSAR from 2006-2007 and 5RAR from 

2008-2009. 

WO1 Peter George MARSH 

For meritorious service as RSM of 9RQR 

from 2005-2006 and the 1RAR from 2007- 

2008. 

WO1 David Anthony QUIRK 

For meritorious service as the RSM 1CER, 

SSM of 21 Const Sqn and Engineer Task 

Group, RTF2, and as Career Manager RAE. 

STAR OF 

GALLANTRY 

(SG) 

Pte S 

For acts of conspicuous 

gallantry in action in 

circumstances of great 

peril while a lead scout in 

Afghanistan in 2008. 

MEDAL FOR 

GALLANTRY 

(MG) 

Pte David William COX 

For gallantry in action in 

hazardous circumstances 

while a rifleman and combat 

first aider in MRTF 1 at 

Kakarak, Afghanistan on 

March 16, 2009. 

WO2 John Matthew 

LINES 

For gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances 

while acting as an OMLT member at 

Kakarak, Afghanistan on January 4, 2009. 

Cpl Giancarlos Brasil 

TARABORRELLI 

For gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances 

while an OMLT member at Kakarak, 

Afghanistan on March 16, 2009. 

COMMENDATION 

FOR GALLANTRY 

Sgt B 

For gallantry in action as the 

commander of an explosive 

ordnance detachment in 


Cpl Bernard Ronald 

RYAN 

For gallantry in action while 

an advanced medical technician 

in the OMLT at Kwajeh 

Ahmed, Afghanistan on 

March 24, 2009. 

Cpl Scott Philip TAMPALINI 

For gallantry in action while an OMLT member 

in Afghanistan at Chora December 19, 

 

2008, Kakarak March 16 and Sorkh Morgarb 

March 18, 2009. 

Cpl Nathen Fane WEBB 

For gallantry in action while a section commander 

in 2 Pl, CT Tusk, MRTF 1, in the 

Chora Valley, Afghanistan on December 29, 

2008. 

DISTINGUISHED 

SERVICE CROSS 

(DSC) 

Maj G DSM 

For distinguished command 

and leadership in action in 


Lt-Col Shane Leslie 

GABRIEL 

For distinguished command 

and leadership in 

action while CO MRTF 1 in 

Afghanistan from October 

2008-June 2009. 

Maj M 

For distinguished command and leadership 

in action in Afghanistan in 2008. 

Lt-Col P 

For distinguished command and leadership 

in action in Afghanistan, 2008. 

DISTINGUISHED 

SERVICE MEDAL 

(DSM) 

Sgt D 

For distinguished leadership 

in action as a patrol 

commander in Afghanistan 

in 2008. 

Sgt G 

For distinguished leadership 

in action in Afghanistan in 

2008. 

Capt Paul William 

GRAHAM 

For distinguished leadership in action as 

OC OMLT 1 on Cemetery Hill West, Chora, 

Afghanistan between November 23-25, 2008. 

Cpl Leon David GRAY 

For distinguished leadership in action while a 

section commander in 2 Pl, CT TUSK, MRTF 

1, in action in the Chora Valley, Afghanistan 

on December 29, 2008. 

Cpl J 

For distinguished leadership in action as second 

in command of a patrol in Afghanistan 

in 2008. 

Maj J 

For distinguished leadership in action as a 

troop commander in Afghanistan in 2008. 

LT Jacob Alexander KLEINMAN 

For distinguished leadership in action as OC 

OMLT 3 in Kakarak, Afghanistan on March 

16-18, 2009. 

Maj David William McCAMMON 

For distinguished leadership in action while 

OC the OMLT, MRTF 1 from October 2008- 

June 2009. 

Capt P 


platoon commander in Afghanistan in 2008. 

Capt T 


platoon commander in Afghanistan in 2008. 

WO2 Adam John WEST 


platoon mentor on Op Slipper with MRTF 1 in 

southern Afghanistan. 

Reputation & Results TM 

 

COMMENDATION 

FOR 

DISTINGUISHED 

SERVICE 

Pte A 

For distinguished performance 

of duties in warlike 

operations in Afghanistan 

in 2008. 

WO2 Nathan COLE 

For distinguished performance 

of duties in warlike 

operations as the Gun Line 

Section Commander, Royal 

Australian Artillery Troop 

and 2IC Kajaki Gun Troop in 

Afghanistan. 

Lt-Col Andrew John HOCKING 

For distinguished performance of duties 

in warlike operations as the Lead Planner, 

Coalition Joint Plans Branch and as the 

Australian Senior National Representative on 

HQ ISAF in Afghanistan. 

Maj J 

For distinguished performance of duties in 

warlike operations in Afghanistan in 2008. 

Cpl J 


warlike operations in Afghanistan in 2008. 

Sgt M 


warlike operations in Afghanistan, 2008. 

WO2 M 


warlike operations in Afghanistan, 2008. 

LCpl Jack Kade McEWAN 


warlike operations while a sniper team leader 

in MRTF 1 in the Chora Valley, Afghanistan 

on November 23, 2008. 

Maj Michael Lee MURDOCH 

For distinguished performance of duties 

in warlike operations while the Operations 

Officer, RTF 4 during Op Slipper in 

Afghanistan. 

Pte Thomas Bao-Jin PRICE 


warlike operations as a combat first aider in 

a mass casualty situation in the south of the 

Baluchi Valley, Afghanistan on January 12, 

2009. 

Capt R 


warlike operations, in Afghanistan in 2008. 

CONSPICUOUS 

SERVICE CROSS 

(CSC) 

Brig Michael John 

ARNOLD 

For outstanding achievement 

as the Commander 

JTF 662 on Op Vic Fire 

Assist in February and 

March 2009. 

Lt-Col Matthew 

Charles BRUMLEY 

For outstanding achievement 

as SO in the Force 

Development Group, 

LWDC. 

Maj Peter Sean CARNES 

For outstanding achievement as the SO2 

Simulation Operations in ASW, LWDC. 

Lt-Col Mark Gerard FLANAGAN 

For outstanding achievement as CO, 42 RQR 

and Rotation 15 of CTF 635, Op Anode. 

Maj Wayne Lee GOUGH 

For outstanding achievement as the Chief 

of Plans, Unit-level Mission Rehearsal 

Exercises, Combat Training Centre Live, 

Combat Training Centre. 

Lt-Col Timothy David GRIGGS 

For outstanding achievement as 

Deputy Director Combat Support in 

Land Development Branch, Capability 

Development Group, since January 2005. 

Lt-Col James Angus McTAVISH 

For outstanding achievement as the Chief of 

Staff, HQ ARTC. 

Lt-Col Henry William MARR 

For outstanding achievement as SO1 and 

Acting Director Supply Chain Operations, HQ 

JLC, Melbourne. 

Col William Parker MONFRIES 

For outstanding achievement as the 

Commander’s Education, Training and 

Development adviser HQ TC-A. 

Col Cameron Leigh PURDEY 

For outstanding achievement in providing 

logistics support as CO 10 FSB. 

CONSPICUOUS 

SERVICE MEDAL 

(CSM) 

WO1 Paul Michael 

CASEY 

For meritorious achievement 

as the personnel 

establishment subject 

matter expert in the Army 

Headquarters Organisation 

Section Review Team. 

Capt Brendan 

Frederick HAYWARD 

For meritorious achievement 

as the Battle Group 

Intelligence Officer, Anzac East Timor Battle 

Group Four. 

WO1 Birralee Ann KING 

For meritorious achievement as the RQMS 

of 3CSSB. 

Maj Gregory 

KOHLMEYER 

For meritorious achievement as the Senior 

Instructor Ordnance and SO1 Development, 

ALTC. 

Cpl Simon Lawrence 

MAJEWSKI 

For meritorious achievement as a Section 

Commander and Acting Pl Sgt within 7RAR 

and in the development, training and deployment 

of the first OMLT. 

Maj James William ROBINS 

For meritorious achievement as Head of the 

Intelligence Section of the Counter IED Task 

Force. 

Maj Selina Alice 

ROWLAND 

For meritorious achievement as the Senior 

Instructor External Training Wing, RMC, 

Duntroon. 

Maj Mark Anthony SCULLY 

For meritorious achievement as the SO2 

Employment Management, Directorate of 

Workforce Management-Army. 

WO1 Colin Friar SPEIRS 

For meritorious achievement as the 

Electronics Counter Measures Warrant 

Officer of the Army Explosive Hazards 

Centre. 

Sgt T 

For meritorious achievement in capability 

development for ADF Counter Terrorism.


ooking up a feast: RSM WO 1 Darren Murch and CO Lt-Col Andrew Hocking, MRTF 2, cook a barbecue with a 

tudent from the trade training school at Camp Holland in Afghanistan. Photo by Sgt Mick Davis 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUSTRALIA DAY 27 

Celebrating a 

great nation 

AS AUSTRALIANS celebrated 

Australia Day and ‘threw another 

shrimp on the barbie’, so too did 

our troops here and overseas. 

Sports were a large focus for the 

day as soldiers took time out to relax 

and celebrate. 

Troops in the Middle East 

embraced the spirit of Australia Day 

with the recognition of their own 

ADF ‘Lambassador’, RAAF Cpl 

Dean Bickley. 

“Thanks to all the lamb farmers 

from Gidgegannup to Alice 

River for the fare that we barbecued 

today,” Cpl Bickley said. 

In Tarin Kowt, troops celebrated 

the day by pitching the officers 

and SNCOs against the soldiers in a 

cricket match. 

“There was also a bit of international 

rivalry when the Australians 

took on the Dutch and the United 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States in cricket later in the day,” 

RSM MRTF 2 WO1 Darren Murch 

said. 

Similarly in East Timor and 

Solomon Islands, troops participated 

in various sporting activities and 

ended their days with barbecues. 

In Australia, the ADF contributed 

to the celebrations throughout 

the country. The main focus was in 

Sydney were Gunners from 23 Fd 

Regt and 7 Fd Bty had an auspicious 

start to the year when they fired a 

ceremonial 21-gun salute at Sydney 

Harbour. 

The day featured performances 

by the 23 Fd Regt band, an aerial 

demonstration by the Red Berets, 

and a speech by Commander 

Forcomd Maj-Gen David Morrison. 

In Canberra, the AFG conducted 

a royal guard for the Governor 

General, raised the flag and fired a 

21-gun salute at Regatta Point. 

On fire: Gunners from 23 Fd Regt and 7 Fd Regt fire the guns at the 

celebrations in Sydney. Photo by Michael Brooke

TRAININGArmy February 4, 2010 

A focus on 

war skills 

By WO1 Tony Dunne 

ONE of the key initiatives 

rolled out with the introducion 

of the Adaptive Army 

has been the Army Training 

Continuum (ATC). 

It provides the continuous 

development of the Army’s individual 

and collective training 

regimes to enhance capability 

– a great phrase, but what does 

t really mean and how does it 

ffect the average soldier? 

In a nutshell, the ATC is the 

means through which we can 

hape training to provide a beter, 

combat-ready soldier. 

It ensures what we are doing 

s relevant to all lines of operaion 

and will see a marked 

mprovement in our foundation 

ar-fighting skills. 

Most soldiers are familar 

with the individual training 

elivered by training schools 

nd most soldiers have also paricipated 

in collective training 

ctivities at unit level or on exerises 

to prepare for their role on 

26929 28 

operations. What has been lacking 

is a link between individual 

and collective training regimes 

to ensure we really do “fight as 

we train and train as we fight”. 

The ATC emphasises the 

interdependence of individual 

and collective training. 

“In a nutshell, 

the ATC is the 

means through 

which we can 

shape training to 

provide a better, 

combat-ready 

soldier.” 

If, for example, the objective 

of all Army training is conducting 

successful operations, and 

it is, then all training should be 

relevant to that goal. 

So recruit training, initial 

trade training and leadership 

900M 2 LAND From only $195,000 * 

5% discount ^ 

plus delayed 

settlement 

until April 2010 

training, as well as collective 

training activities, should all be 

relevant to our role on operations. 

The ATC also recognises 

learning from experience and 

allows that to influence the way 

we train and fight. 

This doesn’t mean our training 

becomes focused on “the 

war”; we have to remain prepared 

for any contingency. 

It means some lessons will 

influence the way we do things 

now, in a specific theatre of 

operations, while others may 

be more foundational and will 

influence our training through 

doctrine and training management 

packages. 

All soldiers and trainees 

should have a fundamental 

knowledge of the ATC for them 

to provide input. 

WO1 Tony Dunne is Comd SM Training 

at HQ TCA. For more information on 

the ATC visit http://intranet.defence. 

gov.au/armyweb/sites/ca/comweb. 

asp?page=187303 and click Improved 

Training and Education. 

Hurry in for your choice of these 30 new easy to build on blocks just released in the Pacifi c Dunes Hillside precinct. 

Take advantage of Pacifi c Dunes 5% rebate^ exclusively for Uniformed Defence Force Personnel (including reserves) 

on any land purchase at Pacifi c Dunes. With 900m² blocks available from just $195,000* and delayed settlement 

until April 2010 you can afford your piece of Port Stephens lifestyle. All residents enjoy the Pacifi c Dunes Club 

House, swimming pool, tennis courts, summer house, bushland parks and a great sense of community. 

Now’s the time to secure your block and save with your discount. With only 30 lots 

available, you better enquire now. Freecall 1800 606 220. 

WINNER 

UDIA Award 

Excellence 

Sharp eyes: Spotter Pte Adam Tanner and sniper LCpl Clancy Roberts, 3RAR, look for 

targets at Shoalwater Bay Training Area. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore 

PREMIER GOLF AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY 

www.pacificdunes.com.au 

*Terms and Conditions apply. ^Not to be 

used in conjunction with any other offer. 

HURRY! 

30 Blocks Only *

TRAININGArmy February 4, 2010 

A focus on 

war skills 

By WO1 Tony Dunne 

ONE of the key initiatives 

rolled out with the introducion 

of the Adaptive Army 

has been the Army Training 

Continuum (ATC). 

It provides the continuous 

development of the Army’s individual 

and collective training 

regimes to enhance capability 

– a great phrase, but what does 

t really mean and how does it 

ffect the average soldier? 

In a nutshell, the ATC is the 

means through which we can 

hape training to provide a beter, 

combat-ready soldier. 

It ensures what we are doing 

s relevant to all lines of operaion 

and will see a marked 

mprovement in our foundation 

ar-fighting skills. 

Most soldiers are familar 

with the individual training 

elivered by training schools 

nd most soldiers have also paricipated 

in collective training 

ctivities at unit level or on exerises 

to prepare for their role on 

26929 28 

operations. What has been lacking 

is a link between individual 

and collective training regimes 

to ensure we really do “fight as 

we train and train as we fight”. 

The ATC emphasises the 

interdependence of individual 

and collective training. 

“In a nutshell, 

the ATC is the 

means through 

which we can 

shape training to 

provide a better, 

combat-ready 

soldier.” 

If, for example, the objective 

of all Army training is conducting 

successful operations, and 

it is, then all training should be 

relevant to that goal. 

So recruit training, initial 

trade training and leadership 

900M 2 LAND From only $195,000 * 

5% discount ^ 

plus delayed 

settlement 

until April 2010 

training, as well as collective 

training activities, should all be 

relevant to our role on operations. 

The ATC also recognises 

learning from experience and 

allows that to influence the way 

we train and fight. 

This doesn’t mean our training 

becomes focused on “the 

war”; we have to remain prepared 

for any contingency. 

It means some lessons will 

influence the way we do things 

now, in a specific theatre of 

operations, while others may 

be more foundational and will 

influence our training through 

doctrine and training management 

packages. 

All soldiers and trainees 

should have a fundamental 

knowledge of the ATC for them 

to provide input. 

WO1 Tony Dunne is Comd SM Training 

at HQ TCA. For more information on 

the ATC visit http://intranet.defence. 

gov.au/armyweb/sites/ca/comweb. 

asp?page=187303 and click Improved 

Training and Education. 

Hurry in for your choice of these 30 new easy to build on blocks just released in the Pacifi c Dunes Hillside precinct. 

Take advantage of Pacifi c Dunes 5% rebate^ exclusively for Uniformed Defence Force Personnel (including reserves) 

on any land purchase at Pacifi c Dunes. With 900m² blocks available from just $195,000* and delayed settlement 

until April 2010 you can afford your piece of Port Stephens lifestyle. All residents enjoy the Pacifi c Dunes Club 

House, swimming pool, tennis courts, summer house, bushland parks and a great sense of community. 

Now’s the time to secure your block and save with your discount. With only 30 lots 

available, you better enquire now. Freecall 1800 606 220. 

WINNER 

UDIA Award 

Excellence 

Sharp eyes: Spotter Pte Adam Tanner and sniper LCpl Clancy Roberts, 3RAR, look for 

targets at Shoalwater Bay Training Area. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore 

PREMIER GOLF AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY 

www.pacificdunes.com.au 

*Terms and Conditions apply. ^Not to be 

used in conjunction with any other offer. 

HURRY! 

30 Blocks Only *

30 FEATURES Army February 4, 2010 

Survivor: Dudley Warhurst takes a look at the plaque, with his son Peter, after the commemorative 

ceremony in the western courtyard at the Australian War Memorial. Photo by Sgt Andrew Hetherington 

Applications; 

DOCM-A would like to invite in-service candiates who wish to undergo training at RMC to 

utilise the following application process. All ARA in-service applications are to be submitted 

directly to RMC-A. 

Application pre-requisites include; 

The application is supported by a CO’s recommendation (PR014) 

A PS006 is completed prior to selection board 

The applicant must have a year 12 education (four subjects, one of those being English) 

Kokoda vet 

remembers 


“IT WAS bloody awful. We lost 113 

killed on the Kokoda Track and 132 

wounded. It was too many.” 

This was how Kokoda veteran Dudley 

Warhurst, 90, recalled his service fighting 

with the 2/14 Aust Inf Bn during World 

War II. He was speaking at the unveiling of 

a plaque for the unit at the Australian War 

Memorial in Canberra late last year. 

The 2/14 fought in many locations, 

including Maaten Bagush, Mersa Matruh, 

Syria, Lebanon, Gona, Kakoda and Borneo, 

suffering significant casualties between 

1940 and 1946 of 245 killed and 379 

wounded. 

Mr Warhurst was one of six surviving 

members of the unit at the ceremony. 

Before the war he was a carpenter. He 

joined the Army on May 20, 1940, and 

finished with the rank of sergeant on 

September 16, 1945. 

He fought at Mersa Matruh, Syria, 

Kokoda, Gona and Balikpapan. 

The ceremony brought back many memories 

for him, particularly of mates who 

didn’t make it home. 

He vividly remembers the living conditions 

he experienced during the time he 

spent fighting in the jungle. 

“We got a tin of bully beef and a packet 

of biscuits a day. For breakfast it was cut 

into three, so three of us could share one 

tin,” Mr Warhurst said. 

He remembers once when he and his 

In-service applicants should complete a PE063 (Application by a serving member for appointment as 

an Offi cer), and submit their application to; 

AOSB Supervisor, HQ RMC-A, phone: (02) 6265 9542, fax: (02) 62659456, 

email: amanda.crawford2@defence.gov.au NLT 22 March 2010. 

Complete an Army Offi cer Selection Board in the week 10 May – 14 May 2010 

Commence training at RMC-D 6 July 2010 

section travelled to a place where rations 

were meant to be located. 

“The Americans were supposed to drop 

it there from 10 DC-2 aircraft. They lined 

up the aircraft fully loaded and the Japanese 

cleaned up all of them,” he said. 

He and his mates had to wait until the 

next day for a feed when finally two aircraft 

flew over at 200 feet and dropped the 

food in a grass-covered dry lake. 

“Twenty-five per cent of the food was 

lost after the drops, mostly the biscuits, 

hitting the ground at 100 mile-an-hour 

wrapped up in blankets.” 

Sgt Warhurst finished the war at 

Balikpapan in Borneo, but he had the 

choice to continue fighting. 

“They said do you want to go home or 

on to Japan?” he said. 

His answer was predictable for someone 

who had been fighting for more than 

five years. “I said no thanks, I want to go 

home.” 

He also remembers the day when the 

war ended. “It was a great relief, it was 

throw your hat in the air if you had it on,” 

he said. 

“We were near an airstrip when we 

heard about it and we were allowed to go 

for a swim in the nuddy. But it was a hell 

of a shock when the Australian nursing 

service turned up, we had to put our clothes 

back on.” 

The plaque can be viewed in the grounds 

of the Australian War Memorial.


Fans keen 

on green 

machine 

Army’s latest recruiting 

attraction dazzles car 

buffs at Summernats, 

reports Sgt Andrew 

Hetherington 

A 

LARGE crowd of eager, 

sweating autophiles, hardly 

able to contain twitching 

camera shutter button 

ingers, waits in 36C heat for the 

overs to come off. 

They are keen to see Armygeddon’s 

high-powered replacement unveiled to 

he revhead public at the Summernats 

ar show in Canberra. 

When the modified 1978 Ford LTD 

taff car is revealed, the first thing that 

ttracts admiring looks is the huge 

ngine. 

The chromed Ford V8 pumps out 

n unbelievable 525kW of power. 

hen it is fired up it sends a rumble 

hough chests and, if listened to for 

ny length of time, would induce hearng 

loss. 

The vehicle’s next most striking 

eature is its paint job; the organic 

reen paint scheme with a rising sun 

blended into the rear panels looks 

magnificent. 

The paint work alone would turn 

heads anywhere, even if the car was 

under tow and didn’t have an engine. 

The specially made chrome, fivespoke, 

18-inch wheels boast a rising 

sun badge and the words Team Army. 

The car can carry a driver and three 

lucky passengers. Rear passengers 

enter through modified doors and are 

seated in green-and-black racing seats, 

complete with harnesses. 

Absent is a stereo for obvious reasons, 

as the only soundtrack to be 

heard is the one thumping through the 

ront fire wall. 

The dash accommodates 12 gauges 

et into carbon fibre, with a silver steel 

inish. The RPM gauge would not be 

Pride in your colours? 

Hi Profile can put your 

Company/corps/battalion 

colours onto: 

End of year / TOD 

commemorative 

Team shirts 

Hats caps 

Bags etc 

Call Col [the boss] on: 

07 3846 5455 

or 

just google Hi Profile and see 

what we can do 

out of place in an Abrams tank. The 

steering wheel and centrally mounted 

gear stick are both finished in silver. 

Designed to perform burnouts, 

cruise around motorsport and recruiting 

events, and to attract trade trainees 

to the Army, the $240,000 LTD took 

18 months to build. 

Trainee mechanics at the Army 

School of Electrical and Mechanical 

Engineers at Albury-Wodonga worked 

on the initiative, known as Project 

Digger. 

Cfn Jason Ralph put in more than 

200 hours to get the vehicle ready for 

Summernats. 

COMBINED PROPERTY RENT 

Role: Our duty is to provide you 

with a specialist 

Property Management Service 

“It gives us the opportunity to work 

on a car which is completely different 

to anything we have in the Army,” he 

says. “We learn skills working on this 

vehicle which allows us to fix problems 

on other vehicles.” 

He describes the new vehicle as 

“absolutely awesome”. 

“You look around here (at 

Summernats) and there is not another 

car of that same type built to that high 

standard.” 

Even Summernats founder Chic 

Henry was impressed. “He came up 

and said, ‘You guys have really hit the 

nail on the head with this car’,” Cfn 

AO: Brisbane to Redcliffe Peninsula 

Purpose: PROTECT and SECURE your 

Property Investment. 

Method: We achieve this via; 

a comprehensive appreciation of our local 

market, solid leadership, experienced and 

qualifi ed staff, Innovative systems and 24h 

support capability 

Endstate Endstate: Your property looked after, income 

secured and your peace of mind assured 

Formoreinformation: 

For more information: 

Please call Scott (Worm) Allen on 07 3366 8822 

www.combinedpropertyrent.com.au 

Slick look: An impressive rendering of the rising sun badge adorns the side of the 1978 Ford LTD 

staff car, while a more traditional image of the badge is cast in the wheels (above). Team Army 

members (below) are justifiably proud of their handiwork. Photos by Sgt Andrew Hetherington 

Ralph says. “I feel proud I’ve had a 

hand in creating it.” 

For the knockers who contend 

Armygeddon and Project Digger are 

a waste of money, Cfn Ralph is proof 

the Team Army concept works. 

“Armygeddon was one of the reasons 

I joined the Army. I saw it at 

Queensland raceway a couple of years 

ago,” he says. “I thought these guys 

get to do a pretty awesome job and 

they love what they are doing so much 

and give up their own time to help put 

together and maintain a car.” 

Team Army boss Lt-Col Tom 

Regener says Team Army and Project 

FEATURES 31 

Digger was money well spent. “The 

project aligns with the Government’s 

new Kickstart initiative to combat skill 

shortages in technical trades,” he says. 

“It costs around $120,000 a year 

to operate the team and fits in with 

the Kickstart program to invest $100 

million to support 21,000 young 

Australians to enter trades.” 

The Project Digger vehicle will be 

officially named soon and is due to 

appear at Top Gear Live in Sydney this 

month, Clipsal 500 in Adelaide and the 

F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne in March, 

and the Careers Expo in Melbourne in 

late April.

32 PEOPLE Army February 4, 2010 

At ease: Cfn Matthew Richards takes a break from work 

in Solomon Islands. Photo by Tpr John Bain 

30% off fuel 

Work in the Army? 

Then you can get: 

30% off fuel 

30% off car maintenance 

30% off registration & insurance 

Pre-flight: Tpr Paul Noble, a Black Hawk loadmaster, checks the airport runway prior to giving the thumbs up to launch his 

aircraft in Dili, East Timor. Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo 

On target: Maj 

Edward Wunch (left) 

conducts a pistol 

weapons test, under 

the instruction of LCpl 

Daniel Ryan in Dili. 


Congratulations: CA 

Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie 

presents OCdt Denna 

Fryer the CA’s Prize at 

the ADFA graduation 

parade (right). 

Get an obligation-free quote, 

call 1300 112 769! 

Visit www.smartsalary.com.au 

Well done: Commander ISF Cdre Stuart Mayer presents 

Cpl David Cant his certificate of promotion in East Timor. 

Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo

BBASH 10893

34 LIFESTYLE Army February 4, 2010 

BOOKS 

A good read 

The Good Soldiers 

By David Finkel 

Scribe Publications $35 

By Gordon Traill 

DAVID Finkel, an editor 

and journalist with 

The Washington Post, 

was embedded with the 

/16 Infantry Battalion based in 

aghdad. They were part of the 

surge” in 2007. 

His account of the new stratgy 

of the war in Iraq was told 

through his eight-month involvement 

with the unit’s soldiers, in 

the US and through the highly volatile 

and unpredictable, roadside 

bomb ridden streets of Baghdad. 

He captures the feelings of the 

pre-deployed soldiers with their 

ideals of hope, honour, love of 

their country and winning the war. 

He grabs the reader by the 

scruff of the neck with his no 

holds barred description of events 

that change these soldiers’ lives 

forever. 

Finkel describes how these 

young men are robbed of their 

youth as they learn early on in 

Baghdad about death, fear and 

destruction. 

One soldier wrote in his last 

journal entry the desperation he 

faced during his deployment, 

“I’ve lost all hope. I feel the end 

is near for me, very, near.” 

He also captured the heartache 

and difficulties the soldiers 

and their families faced when 

they returned home. 

The Good Soldiers is beautifully 

written and is difficult to 

put down. This book is not just 

for soldiers, but also for families 

with members deployed to Iraq 

– it would be an inroad into the 

minds of their loved ones. 

The Good Soldiers is the best 

book I have read on the Iraq War. 

Gordon Traill is an Iraq veteran and 

editor of the Australian Peacekeeper 

and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association 

Australia website www.peacekeepers. 

asn.au 

MOTORING 

Comfortable cruising: The DN-01 handles most road conditions with ease. 

Photo by Sgt Andrew Hetherington 

Super cruiser 

is three rides 

in one bike 


THE first time I laid eyes on a Honda DN-01 I 

wondered if it was a big bike or a scooter on 

steroids. 

Its styling is nothing short of what you’d 

expect to see as a bike in a future instalment of Blade 

Runner. When I first approached it I thought it looked 

like a shark. To look at it front on, the headlights give 

it an almost human appearance. It looks like there are 

two eyes looking back at you. After 10 minutes walking 

around gazing at the huge wheels, LED tail light, sleek 

body and silver exhaust, I began to like the design so 

much I imagined owning one. 

When you first go to 

throw your leg over the 

comfortable sculptured 

seat you notice the raised 

handle bars and the easy to 

read, fully digitised instrument 

panel, which displays 

speed, what gear you are in, 

which transmission mode 

you have selected, fuel 

level, rpm, time and a trip 

meter. 

My first impression was 

this is a big scooter, but it 

isn’t. It’s a cruiser. There’s 

no scooter on the market 

with a liquid cooled 680cc 

HONDA DN-01 680CC 

Price: $10,990 

Final drive: Enclosed shaft 

Wheel size: 17 inch 

For: Comfort, riding position, futuristic 

looks, it’ll never date, ABS, the 

HFT and it’s a bike. 

Against: Width and smallish fuel 

tank 15L 

Best suit: Anyone who wants a 

reliable, responsive cruiser. 

Insurance: 12-month comprehensive 

insurance for a 25-year-old 

male: $899 Sydney, $2033 Darwin, 

$1587 Brisbane and $1352 

Townsville. 

V Twin engine, and it has no under seat storage like a 

scooter either. As I looked at the left hand grip there’s 

no clutch and near the hand grip there’s a plus and 

minus paddle shift arrangement, for the semi-automatic 

Human Friendly Transmission (HFT) easily operated by 

index finger and thumb. 

Sitting on it you feel more comfortable than what 

you would on most bikes and most lounge chairs at 

home. As I accelerated from the kerb I wasn’t expecting 

the rush from the V Twin; does this cruiser move. The 

exhaust note is deep and sounds like it should belong to 

something bigger than a 680cc. 60 and 100km/h comes 

up in a blink of an eye and the transmission borders on 

a similar smoothness to VW’s car DSG. Whether you 

are in drive (sport where it revs a little higher improving 

responsiveness) or in manual mode the changes are 

hardly noticeable. 

I gave manual mode a good workout on a hilly section 

and it was flawless, allowing me to have as much 

control as I wanted. Handling was light, sure, safe, giving 

you still the fun of leaning over as far as the 130mm 

ground clearance will provide. 

The 712mm seat height will allow most people a 

comfortable perch to ride from and the angled foot 

boards give you confidence even when leaning into 

corners. 

The large diameter wheels coupled with a telescopic 

fork front and rear 7-step adjustable suspension gave a 

comfortable ride in most conditions. 

The DN-01 is a bike with many personalities, it can 

be a relaxed cruiser, a semi-auto sport-like bike you can 

blast around town on, or it can be a sensible commuter; 

where you can manually change gears and if you don’t 

want to do the changing, let the HFT do it for you. It’s 

three bikes in one, what more could you want?


Say again, over The December 10 winner is ... 

If you can think of a clever, witty caption for this picture, email captioncomp@defencenews.gov. 

au with “caption competition February 4” in the subject line. Keep entries under 25 words. Entries 

MUST include sender’s name, rank and unit. 

Are you eligible for a 

DHOAS subsidy? 

Then you are also entitled to home and contents 

insurance through the Defence Service Homes Insurance 

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

The scheme offers: 

• Comprehensive cover 

• Economical premiums 

• No general excess 

• Contents new for old replacement, regardless of age. 

“All the lady of this household 

wanted for Christmas was a 

man in uniform.” 

LCpl Andrew Taylor 

2FSB 

We also liked ... 

“Steady on there, Santa, 

you’re not going anywhere in 

those boots – they’re not on 

the CA’s approved list.” 

Maj Neil Warnock 

HQ Forcomd 

“With little money for training, 

the boys from air dispatch will 

try anything to stay current.” 

Pte Daryl Arnold 

11/28RWAR 

DIKKO By Bob Dikkenberg BULLETIN BOARD 

Dental reunion 

THE Royal Australian Army Dental 

Corps Association will hold a reunion in 

Canberra from April 23-25 at the Crowne 

Plaza Hotel. For enquiries contact 

Graham Sagar (07) 3262 3847, email 

gsagar@optusnet.com.au or visit www. 

raadcassociation.com 

Book request 

ANNA Walker would like to research her 

great uncle, Pte Samuel Edgar Walker 

VX43820 2/21 Bn (Infantry), who died 

in a POW camp at Hainan Island during 

WWII. Two books ‘Gull Force Survival & 

Our Australia-wide network 

is easy to access. 

For the cover you can count on 

just call 1300 552 662. 

 

LIFESTYLE 35 

Leadership in Captivity 1941-1945 by 

Joan Beaumont, and Ambion Island of 

Mist by Courtney Harrison, could contain 

the information she needs. If you have 

either of these books contact her on (02) 

4737 7069. 

Kyneton air cadet reunion 

430 Sqn Australian Air Force Cadets will 

be holding a 30-year reunion and freedom 

of entry parade at Kyneton, Victoria, 

on February 27. The parade begins at 

1.30pm in Ferguson St and reunion celebrations 

start at 6.30pm at the drill hall in 

Market St. For information call (03) 5422 

1073 or email 30years430@gmail.com 

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LIFESTYLE 37 

HEALTH 

Getting going in 2010 

You really pigged out over the break! Now it’s 

a mad scramble to get fit but, according to Lt 

Rob Orr, the best thing you can do is take it 

one step at a time and slow down. 

WHETHER a seasoned athlete, 

an occasional fitness 

participant, or a beginner 

with a New Year’s resolution 

to get fit, many members will 

return to work and vigorously engage 

in a fitness regime. 

One of the key causes of injury 

when returning to training and sport, 

as well as being a major motivation 

buster, is the “bull at a gate” syndrome. 

Members feeling refreshed from 

eave or under pressure to pass a fitness 

assessment, decide to take the 

plunge and get stuck into their fitness 

routines. 

Training diligently every day for 

n hour, many push hard to reach their 

oals. 

Unfortunately, this approach often 

eads to failure as the body and mind 

ire rapidly. For some, motivation is 

ost, while for others who push through 

mental warning barriers, overtraining 

and injury await. 

The key step in avoiding these pitfalls 

and ensuring a successful return 

to physical training is knowledge, and 

with this in mind this article will look 

at the impact of leave on the body and 

how to begin/start again with physical 

raining. 

Fact 1: Detraining 

As physical activity is reduced over 

the festive season, physical fitness 

declines. Some research has shown 

that as much as 1 per cent of VO2, a 

measure of aerobic fitness, is lost each 

day following inactivity. 

In performance measures, this 

equates to an increase in a 2.4km 

run time of around one minute or a 

decrease in shuttle run ability of seven 

levels per week of inactivity. 

When it comes to strength, although 

the loss is not as drastic, muscle 

strength is also lost due to inactivity. 

Fact 2: Weight increase 

Often over the leave period, the 

reduction in physical activity combines 

with an increase in food and alcohol 

consumption. The outcome of this 

equation, of calories out versus calories 

in, is an increase in body weight. 

This increase in weight reduces the 

aerobic fitness of the body, reduces 

the body’s relative strength, and, most 

importantly, increases the weight your 

body must now carry. 

The two combine to have a notable 

impact on fitness and injury potential 

as a now less-fit body must carry additional 

weight. 

For those who were very active 

Too much too soon: Beware of over training. Photo by AB Paul Berry 

before going on leave, this effect on 

fitness is an important consideration. 

Often members expect to be able to 

perform at the same level of fitness on 

return to activity. 

They expect to be able to run at 

the same pace or for the same length 

of time, do as many push ups or lift as 

much weight. 

Many simply continue with their 

training program as if they had never 

taken a break. 

For those few able to exercise at 

the same pace and volume, the cost of 

performing at this same level is higher 

than it was pre-leave and soon the 

body fatigues or an injury occurs. 

Those who fail to start training at 

the same level will lose motivation and 

in all probability cease training. 

Conversely some members will 

attack their training with even more 

vigour in an attempt to rapidly return 

to pre-leave fitness levels. 

Again, the outcome of this approach 

can often be fatigue and/or injury. 

BEGINNING 

MADE EASIER 

For the first four weeks a 

steady progressive approach 

to training is recommended: 

➤ For the first two weeks 

train no more than three to 

four times a week. Then, if 

comfortable with frequency, 

increase to no more 

than five times a week. 

➤ Train at a low intensity – no 

more than 80 per cent of 

maximum effort. 

➤ Train for no more than 40 

minutes (excluding warm 

up and cool down). 

➤ Try as many different activities 

as possible. Rotate 

through different weighttraining 

exercises, try 

different cardio machines, 

run different routes. 

For those beginning with a new 

training program, a similar trap exists 

where they suddenly begin their exercise 

program with overenthusiastic 

high-volume training every day . 

Regrettably, the progressive 

increase in body stress begins to overwhelm 

the initial enthusiasm. 

Waking every morning with muscle 

soreness and fatigue leads to a loss of 

motivation and soon one day of training 

is missed, then two, then a week 

and soon training is forgotten. 

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE SPACE SEMINAR 2010 

23-24 March 2010 | BAE Systems Theatre, Australian War Memorial, Canberra 

DPSDEC014/09

38 SPORT Army February 4, 2010 

A Christmas carnival 

Eyes on the ball: Lt Tom Dobbs, 9 Pl (above) in action at the net during the 

volleyball tournament at Dili Stadium, East Timor on Boxing Day, while Pte 

James Slattery (right) has a go at Gaelic football. Photos by AB Jo Dilorenzo 

EVEN though they were missing family 

members back home, more than 500 

Australian service personnel deployed 

to East Timor made the most of 

Christmas by participating in sporting 

events and sharing a traditional meal. 

Due to operational requirements, the 

troops spread their activities over two 

days so that half of the personnel could 

celebrate on Christmas Day and then the 

other half could do the same on Boxing 

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Celebrations started with teams competing 

in cricket, volleyball and extreme 

frisbee. A highlight of the sports day 

was a series of Gaelic football matches 

that had been made possible through the 

donation of Gaelic footballs by a former 

soldier from Ireland. 

The troops then enjoyed a hearty 

Christmas dinner of turkey, ham and 

prawns washed down by a ration of two 

beers for each soldier before matching 

wits and general knowledge in a trivia 

competition. 

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Youthful 

Qld fails 

to beat 

the odds 

By Leut Pete Bounty 

TWO youthful Qld 

teams fell short of the 

experience and class 

of the NSW men and 

ACT/Wagga women 

teams in the finals of the 

26th Australian Defence 

Basketball National 

Championships. 

Held in December 

at the Army Logistics 

Training Centre at 

Latchford Barracks, an 

inexperienced Qld women’s 

team went down 56- 

35 after putting up a strong 

fight early in the match. 

ACT/ Wagga got away 

to a good lead in the first 

quarter, but Qld responded 

with good defensive pressure 

to draw level in the 

second. Qld kept up the 

pressure in the third quarter 

but failed to capitalise. 

Qld’s poor shooting 

allowed the ACT/ Wagga 

team to regain control, 

winning easily 56-35. 

The men’s game was 

shaping to be a classic 

with Qld taking it to NSW 

in a fast first quarter. 

Qld’s resistance was 

short-lived with key NSW 

players on target from 

beyond the three-point line 

and cruised home to win 

76-43. 

NSW coach Cpl Rob 

Greig said he was expecting 

Qld to come out hard 

but felt the depth in his 

team would be too much. 

“We’re very lucky this 

year, we go 10 deep and 

everyone did what was 

asked of them,” he said. 

Qld coach WO2 Bruce 

Ferguson said a lack of 

opportunity to prepare 

for the tournament made 

it difficult for his team. 

“Their speed up the court 

and their outside shooters 

really hurt us”, he said. 

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Picture of concentration: Bdr David Schwartz, 

DFR Brisbane, defends his title at the golf 

championships in Canberra. Photo by Cpl Peter Borys 

Mews mows 

down field 

to nett win 

A QUALITY field of 

152 golfers teed off at 

Canberra’s Federal Golf 

Club to contest the 26th 

ADF National Golf 

Championship. 

With many golfers 

keen to defend their 

2008 titles, Leut Daryl 

Whitehead led the field 

from start to finish with 

a four-round total of 292 

(four over par). 

The overall ADF Nett 

Championship was won 

by WO1 Norm Mews, HQ 

AAC Bde, who led the 

section from start to finish, 

coming out in front 

by six shots. WO1 Mews 

also led home six other 

contenders to take out 

the WO2 Peter Medlicott 

Memorial Regional 

Handicap Championship. 

Bdr David Schwartz, 

DFR Brisbane, shot 295 

(+7) and was never really 

troubled in successfully 

defending his Army title 

from WO2 Kim Johansen, 

1 Fd Regt. 

The Army Nett title 

was taken out by WO2 

Robert Pilgrim, HQ 

Forcomd, from WO1 Pete 

Hawken, LHQ TVL. 

In the state teams 

event, the Queensland 

contingent again took out 

the title with seven of the 

Qld Army players backing 

up in the Army Services 

team to help take out the 

Service Championship. 

Tournament Director 

Wg-Cmdr Trevor Owens 

deemed the tournament 

a success and was happy 

with the overall season. 

“Despite some windy 

conditions early on in the 

tournament, the weather 

was kinds to us,” he said. 

“2009 was the largest 

event for player numbers 

in its 26-year history and, 

as a matter of historical 

significance, 25 of those 

events have been contested 

at the Federal Golf 

Club,” he said. 

The 2010 ADF 

National Championship 

will be held from 

December 6-10 with the 

entry package scheduled 

to be with the regional 

reps in early July. 

OTHER RESULTS 

Navy champion: LCdr Andrei 

Ezergailis, RAAF champion: Cpl 

Mark Patton, RAAF nett winner: 

Flt-Lt Nick Willers, Ladies 

champion: WOFF Lainie Thorn, 

Ladies nett winner: AB Virginia 

Vale, Veterans champion: 

Sgt Greg Fraser, APS champion: 

Wayne Coles, APS nett 

Champion: Allyn Darcy. 

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SPORT 39 

Test of traditions 

By Cpl Andrew Eddie 

THE Boxing Day Test between old cricket foes 

Australia and England is a sporting tradition held in 

the highest regard by Australians the world over. 

The match draws massive crowds to the superb 

Melbourne Cricket Ground and is played in the most 

competitive of spirits by finely tuned professionals. 

In Afghanistan, the much less salubrious Kandahar 

Airfield is the venue for the annual grudge match. It 

sports an uneven, stony dirt surface with a rolled out 

‘carpet’ pitch, and a field reduced in size. 

Crowd numbers peaking in the handfuls witnessed 

the most recent game between teams from Australia 

and England. Sides were made up of willing participants 

with varying degrees of skill. However, this 

cricket match had one similarity to the ‘real thing’, the 

competitive spirit, albeit mixed with jovial interludes 

and a fair dose of friendly banter. 

Due to time constraints, the game was played as a 

30 over per side encounter. Umpire for the match was 

Sqn-Ldr Trevor Alley. 

The English side was drawn from 9 Regt and captained 

by SS Mark Salter. 

Batting first, the Aussies looked comfortable but 

after a handful of overs, lost a few quick wickets. 

The middle part of the innings was the most productive 

for the Australians, with captain ‘Sweens’, 

Spr Aaron Woods, Cpl Adam King (RAAF), and Sgt 

Robert Jordan, who at best estimation (no ‘individual’ 

scoring was done) all scored between 25 and 40 runs. 

As the last overs became a dash for runs, wickets 

tumbled and the Australian total reached a fairly formidable 

180 runs. 

After the break, the Aussies went to work immediately, 

claiming two English wickets in the first over. 

Then entered man-mountain LCpl Vinnie de Souza, 

Smash it: LCpl 

who had already left his mark by capturing three 

Vinnie de Souza’s 

Australian scalps with his quick and accurate bowling. 

t-shirt says it all, 

The game changed complexion almost immediately. 

(above inset) as 

Within a blistering 10-over period, the English score 

Aussie batsman 

went from a very humble 2-0 to within sight of vic- 

Spr Aaron Woods 

tory. The Aussie boys collectively sighed in relief as 

snaps his bat and 

‘Woodsy’ finally dismissed LCpl De Souza for a domi- 

his head (above). 

nating 70-odd runs. He had lost a few partners along 

the way, and at 7-124 in the 13th over, there was plenty 

Howzat: Cpl 

of time to score the necessary 57 runs for victory. 

Jannick Hill dives 

Stylish or not, English captain SS Salter ‘dug in’ 

full length (left) to 

in true military fashion, and proceeded to scratch and 

take a cracker of 

claw at the bowling, inching his side towards victory. 

a catch. 

It was fascinating to watch, right to the nail-biting 

Photos by 

conclusion when only four runs, and one wicket sepa- 

Cpl Andrew Eddie 

rated the teams. Unfortunately for the English team, SS 

Slater ultimately lobbed a simple catch to short midwicket 

from the bowling of Cpl Hill. The catch was 

gleefully accepted, and the Aussies were overjoyed. 

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HIT 

THE 

BEACH 

Summer is a time for sun, surf, sand and cricket. Here Pte 

Joshua King, 9CSSB, dives in the pristine sand of Glenelg Beach 

in Adelaide in an attempt to stop a try in the national Summer 

Touch Footy Festival. Unfortunately the 9CSSB touch players lost 

their final by two tries. Meanwhile, our troops have been engaged 

in a range of sports both here and abroad including beating the 

Brits in cricket in Afghanistan and a sports carnival in East Timor. 

More sport on pages 38-39. Photo by LCpl Glenn Power 


February 4, 2010 

CRICKET 

ANYONE? 

Pitching it 

to Brits at 

Kandahar 

P39

right royal visit p2 7 bde's grand send - Department of Defence

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