LOVE AND SACRIFICE - Department of Defence · Edition 1209 April 2, 2009 LOVE AND SACRIFICE...

Edition 1209 April 2, 2009

LOVE AND SACRIFICESoldiers killed in Afghanistan mourned P2

SCHOLARSHIP FOR MALARIA RESEARCH P4 TOURS TO EXPLAIN NEW PAY STRUCTURE P17

Dear husband: Sgt Brett Till, IRR, and his wife Bree on their wedding day. Sgt Till was killed in an explosion during a route clearance task on March 19.

Proud dad: Cpl Mathew Hopkins, 7RAR, cuddles his newborn son Alex several days before returning to Afghanistan, where he died in a firefight with insurgents on March 16.

The Soldiers’ NewspaperDirectorRod Horan: (02) 6265 4650

EditorialEditorDavid Edlington: (02) 6266 7609Deputy EditorsSharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612Lt Kris Gardiner: (02) 6265 2151Senior Reporter:WO2 Graham McBean: (02) 6266 7608Reporters:Cpl Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614Cpl Corinne Boer: (02) 6265 2427Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe: (02) 6266 7606Sports EditorBarry Rollings: (02) 6265 1304Sydney Photographer:Bill Cunneen: 0402 155 220

2 NEWS Army April 2, 2009

By Lt Kris Gardiner

A BRILLIANT father, a compassionate son, a reli-able mate and a wonderful, loving husband whose “smile would crack the frowns off a hundred faces”.

They were the words Bree Till, the wife of Sgt Brett Till, used to describe her husband, whose body was returned to Australia on March 26.

Sgt Till, 31, a highly respected explosive ordnance disposal technician from IRR in Holsworthy, was killed by an explosion that occurred during a route clearance task in southern Afghanistan on March 19.

Mrs Till, who is expecting the couple’s third child, said her husband joined the ADF because he believed it offered the best means to provide for their children.

“He was extremely grateful for the opportunities this path provided and committed himself admirably to fulfilling his role at work and at home,” she said.

Mates of Sgt Till fare-welled him during a sol-emn ramp ceremony in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, on March 21.

After the C-17 carry-ing his body arrived at RAAF Base Richmond, his family and military dignitaries met the bearer party on the apron.

Soldiers from his unit formed an honour guard and bearer party to receive and carry the casket from the aircraft. The haunting sound of a lone piper drifted across the apron as Sgt Till was piped into a reception area for a short private indoor service, led by the IRR chaplain.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, Chief of Defence Force ACM Angus Houston, Chief of Army Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie and Commander SOCOMD Maj-Gen Tim McOwan attended the ceremony.

ACM Houston praised Sgt Till’s bravery, saying he had “without question saved the lives of his mates”.

“Brett gave his life to protect others. We are hum-bled by his extraordinary courage and will be forever grateful for his selflessness,” he said.

Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie asked Australians to remem-ber the sacrifice of a young soldier who was serving his nation with distinction.

“Our thoughts are with Brett’s family and friends during this difficult period. As his tragic death is heav-ily felt throughout the Army, I want to ensure that Brett’s legacy and dedication is honoured and never forgotten,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

CO IRR presented Sgt Till’s posthumous awards to his family – the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the ICAT clasp and the Army Combat Badge.

In a statement released after the ramp ceremony, Sgt Till’s father Noel spoke of his pride in his son.

“I will be forever proud of Brett, for his devotion to his wife and children, for his selfless concern for the wellbeing of others and his dedication to his mates and country,” he said. “What more could anyone ask. Yet he gave more.”

Sgt Till’s funeral will be held in Sydney on March 31. As this is after the print deadline for Army, coverage of his funeral will appear in the April 16 edition.

Contact usEmail: [email protected]: (02) 6265 6690Mail: The Editor, Army, R8-LG-038, Department of Defence, Canberra ACT 2600Web site: www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews

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DisclaimerArmy 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 the Directorate of Defence Newspapers approval and the Directorate of Defence Newspapers may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement for publication. The Directorate of Defence Newspapers accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form which is not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence Newspapers. The fact that an advertisement is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service has the endorsement of the Department of Defence or Army.

By WO2 Graham McBean

FAMILY, friends and fellow soldiers were joined by hundreds of mourners on March 27 to remember the life of Cpl Mathew Hopkins and the courage that was typical of his military career.

Cpl Hopkins’ wife, Victoria, and seven-week-old son, Alex, were joined by a large circle of family and friends who filled Christ Church Cathedral in Newcastle.

A 7RAR bearer party of his mates carried his casket – draped in the Australian flag and adorned with slouch hat and service medals – into the cathedral.

The character and courage of a devoted new father and committed soldier was hon-oured during the hour-long service.

Cpl Hopkins’ mother, Bronwyn, delivered an emotional eulogy that paid tribute to her son’s generosity, compassion, loyalty and love of his family.

“Mat was a painfully shy child who grew up to be a confident man,” she said.

“Family was everything to Mat. He lived his life full-on. He learned to run before he could hardly walk. He had a love of books and a great thirst for knowledge. He was a man of few words, but when he found something he was passionate about he would never stop talking.

“Mat only ever wanted to join the Army and when everyone else in Year 12 was study-ing or out partying you would find Mathew reading every book he could on Army life, or out training, so he could be the best possible soldier.”

Maj Ben Toyne spoke on behalf of CO 7RAR, Lt-Col Shane Gabriel, and recalled a man and soldier of the highest character. Maj Toyne said Cpl Hopkins was in the lead of the action to suppress the enemy when he was fatally wounded.

“To those who knew him, it was no surprise that Cpl Hopkins was at the front of the action and leading by his example … he died as he lived – leading from the front, protecting his mates and exemplifying our regimental motto of duty first,” Maj Toyne said.

Among the mourners were Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, representing Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, Chief of Defence Force ACM Angus Houston and Chief of Army Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie.

Other dignitaries included Commander 1 Bde Brig Michael Krause, NSW Premier Nathan Rees, Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon and Shadow Defence Science and Personnel Minister Bob Baldwin.

Cpl Hopkins’ casket was taken to the Lake Macquarie Memorial Park lawn cemetery where it was met by a gun carriage for the

Corporal lived life to the full

final procession. An honour guard, band and bearer party accompanied Cpl Hopkins on his last journey.

In a statement, Victoria Hopkins remem-bered Mathew as a good husband, her best friend and a devoted father.

“He was excited about becoming a daddy,” she said. “He only got to spend four days with our son when he was born before he had to

go back overseas. I’m so glad that Mat got to meet his son and experience fatherhood.”

The 21-year-old infantry soldier, known as Hoppy to his mates, was killed in action on March 16 during a joint patrol with Afghan National Army soldiers while serving with MRTF 1 near Kakarak north of Tarin Kowt.

About 20 Taliban insurgents attacked the patrol with small-arms fire and RPGs.

Cpl Hopkins was repatriated to RAAF Base Williamtown in Newcastle on March 23 and was carried from the aircraft on the shoulders of his mates and met by family in a solemn ceremony.

ACM Houston extended his heartfelt sym-pathy to Cpl Hopkins’ wife, son, family and friends. “We will keep the memory of Mathew in our hearts, and we will also continue to keep the many soldiers currently on deployment in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.

Lt-Gen Gillespie posthumously awarded Cpl Hopkins the Australian Defence Medal before speaking to the family.

Lt-Gen Gillespie described Cpl Hopkins as a professional and dedicated soldier who was a valued member of the Army.

“He is an inspiration to us all, and his loss has been felt by all members of the Army fam-ily,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

Cpl Mathew Hopkins enlisted on March 28, 2005. He was allocated to the RAInf after recruit training. He was posted to 5/7RAR and qualified as an M113 crewman driver and later as an M113 crewman commander. He deployed to Afghanistan with RTF 1 from November 2006 to April 2007. He later deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the Force Protection Combat Team (FPCT), known as Combat Team Tusk, with MRTF 1. He was a section commander with FPCT. He was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with International Coalition Against Terrorism clasp; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; NATO ISAF Medal; and Infantry Combat Badge.

PROUD TO SERVE

Heavy hearts: Cpl Mathew Hopkins’ 7RAR mates lower his casket into the hearse during the funeral service. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram

Smile could crack the frowns off 100 faces

Sgt Brett Till enlisted in the Australian Army in 2001 and was allocated to the RAE corps after recruit training. Sgt Till trained as a combat engineer and served with a number of units, includ-ing 1CER and SME. An EOD technician with IRR, he was deployed as part of SOTG at the time of his death.

DEDICATEDCAREER

Brave: Sgt Brett Till in Afghanistan.

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NEWS 3Army April 2, 2009

By Cpl Andrew Hetherington and Stan Williamson

RECRUITS at Kapooka are con-tinuing to see red on the bayonet assault course after the upgrade of replica training weapons.

Late last year ARTC Kapooka became the first unit to receive the new red Steyr replica weapons.

More than 1600 of the fake guns will be issued. They feature a high-quality red polymer on a steel frame welded to a rendered barrel, which replaces previous models of red weapons made from fibreglass.

Small Arms Program Manager Lt-Col Paul Nathan said the early replicas had worked well but sus-tained significant training damage and needed replacing.

“The new red guns, known as the 5.56mm Austeyr F88 A1 weapon system replica, have a number of characteristics similar to the real thing,” Lt-Col Nathan said.

“They use a recycled barrel from the Austeyr rebuild program, a gen-uine F88 bayonet lug, muzzle flash suppressor, moveable fore grip and

A SOLDIER has been evacuated to a US medical facility in Germany to receive specialist medical care for wounds received in Oruzgan province, Afghanistan.

He was one of three members of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) wounded when insur-gents attacked a joint Australian-Afghan dismounted patrol with an IED, RPGs and small-arms fire on March 24.

A coalition interpreter was wounded in the same engagement.

Fragmentation from the IED caused the casualties.

The most seriously wounded sol-dier underwent surgery at ISAF medi-

cal facilities in Kandahar before he was flown to Germany for further treatment. The other two OMLT soldiers received serious but not life-threatening injuries and continue to receive medical treat-ment in Tarin Kowt. Both men are in a satisfactory condition.

The interpreter, who received serious wounds to his upper body, also received intensive medical care in Kandahar and is also in a satisfactory condition.

The four men were given combat first aid by the patrol and moved by helicop-ter to the Dutch hospital at Tarin Kowt, when it was safe to do so.

During the contact, the OMLT patrol returned fire and received coalition close air support.

Hurt digger evacuated to Germany

a standard front and rear sling swiv-el to enable the use of a sling.”

The weight of a new red gun is also similar to the real weapon, between 4.2 and 4.8kg.

“We have performed a lot of testing on them to verify they will withstand the rigours of the bayonet assault course at Kapooka,” Lt-Col Nathan said.

The School of Infantry at Singleton and Parachute Training School at Nowra will also soon take deliveries.

“The replicas will be used for obstacle and bayonet assault course training and in unarmed combat training. Even recruiting has shown

interest to use them for recruiting activities at schools,” Lt-Col Nathan said.

One hundred Browning High Power Mk 3 pistols and 32 F89 Minimi LSW replicas also are to be produced.

The design for the F89 replica was not yet finalised as it was a lot more complex than a Steyr to build.

“We need to decide whether it will have a link of ammunition hanging off it or a pouch magazine, so there’s a bit more discussion to be had,” Lt-Col Nathan said.

The red guns are produced by Replicators Australia, a small com-pany based in Melbourne.

Seeing red with upgraded replica

Training gun: The new red Steyr replica weapon.

Danger zone: Australian and Afghan soldiers on patrol in the Baluchi Valley, southern Afghanistan. Photo by Capt Lachlan Simond

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MALARIA research got a shot in the arm with the awarding of a Fulbright scholarship to Maj Alyson Auliff.

Maj Auliff, from the Malaria Institute (AMI), was among 23 indi-viduals to receive the scholarship at a presentation dinner in Hobart, to help in the battle against one of the ADF’s biggest enemies – malaria.

Working on a system to inves-tigate how malaria parasites devel-op resistance to drugs and use it to evaluate new drugs, the scholarship will allow Maj Auliff to travel to the US to conduct part of her research at the University of South Florida (USF) and the famed Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

The scholarship came as a sur-prise to Maj Auliff and took a while to sink in.

“It was a bit of a head buzz – I didn’t realise what a big deal it was until I got down there,” she said.

With an interest in parasites, the dedicated soldier scientist has been studying malaria, in particular plasmodium vivax, a form of the parasite common to this part of the world, since 2000.

Unable to be grown in a labo-ratory, plasmodium vivax has remained a problem to study and develop drugs to help fight the dis-ease.

“Malaria is always changing, as soon as we develop a drug it’s already developed a resistance to it” Maj Auliff said.

Building upon her previous work with Professor John Adams and his team at USF, Maj Auliff will use a technique developed to grow study

specimens of a far deadlier strain of malaria, and apply it to her own research.

“I’ll be taking the drug resist-ant gene from plasmodium vivax and putting it into another form of malaria so we can grow in a labora-tory and study it,” she said.

Maj Auliff is confident that using this technique, she will be able to make inroads in finding better ways of treating sufferers.

“Currently we smash the parasite with drugs – I don’t think we’ll find a vaccine, but we can certainly find a better way of treating people,” Maj Auliff said.

Maj Auliff plans to continue working with the AMI fighting malaria when she returns from her time in the US.

Bright spark: Fulbright scholarship winner Maj Alyson Auliff is looking forward to continuing her studies and work on malaria research in the US at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

THE eligibility criteria for the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme will be tightened for members who have had a break in service of up to five years, under legislation before Parliament.

This is among proposed changes to the DHOAS under the Defence Legislation Amendment Bill (No.1) 2009, introduced into Parliament on March 18. If passed, the amendments to the DHOAS Act will take effect 28 days after being signed into law. They will not apply retrospectively and will not affect anyone’s entitlements that are based on a subsidy certificate issued before the amendments take effect.

Director Housing and Removals Policy Mr Robert McKellar said the amendments were designed to correct some anomalies and improve the scheme’s administration.

“Several months’ operation of the scheme has highlighted some areas where there have been unintended outcomes that are not consistent with the policy intent,” Mr McKellar said.

He said the amendments would clarify the eligibility and entitlement of members who rejoined the ADF after a break in service of up to five years before July 1, 2008, “removing a windfall gain for some of these members.”

Members may receive a shorter period of subsidy assistance if they had a two-to five-year gap in effective service before starting a period of reserve service.

Mr McKellar said the proposed change was designed to be more equi-table by bringing members with up to a five-year break in service who rejoined before July 1, 2008, under the same rules as members who rejoined after that date.

The amendments also make clear that

the previous service of members who rejoin after more than a five-year break does not attract a home loan subsidy.

Mr McKellar said the amendments would improve the reliability of subsidy certificates as evidence to a home loan provider that a subsidy is payable to a member. “This is done by making the issue of a certificate conditional on a member having a service credit in the scheme,” he said.

He said the legislation would ensure only serving members buying a home for the first time had access to the option of a subsidy lump-sum payment.

The amendments clarify the subsidy could be paid either monthly or as a com-bined lump-sum payment and monthly payment. They also ensure members who take a lump-sum payment option retain sufficient service credit to support ongo-ing monthly payments.

The proposed changes provide a con-sistent framework for administering enti-tlements where a subsidised borrower has shared liability for a loan, including clari-fying the entitlements of subsidised bor-rowers who are partners. They also ensure the entitlement of a subsidised borrower who has a joint mortgage with a person who is not their partner is proportional to his or her liability for the loan.

Finally, the amendments will mean when decisions on members’ entitlements are made, the scheme administrator must provide written reasons for the decisions and provide advice about review options.

Information on the amendments is at http://defence.gov.au/pac/ or http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac. Information on DHOAS is at www.DHOAS.gov.au

Tightening provisions for DHOAS

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A SOLDIER killed in a car accident was farewelled by family and friends at his funeral in the main chapel at Robertson Barracks on March 27.

Pte Colin Delmar, who died in a collision with another vehicle in Darwin on March 19, was remem-

bered as an outgoing sol-dier who got the job done when required, but enjoyed life to the full.

Pte Delmar enlisted in the Army on March 31, 2003, and served in 1CSSB, 1 Armd Regt and 8/12 Mdm Regt. Mourners heard that he received

a Soldier’s Medallion for his exemplary conduct and service on operations in Iraq. OC 1CSSB Maj Peter Baxter said this was “a great achievement for a guy whose Dad says he would always try to get out of jobs at home so he could spend time with his mates”.

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By Lt Kris Gardiner

THE Army’s B350 King Airs are about to get a new home and expanded roles.

The three aircraft, which have been based at Oakey with 173 Survl Sqn, are to be transferred across to 38 Sqn RAAF in Townsville, replacing the retiring DH-4 Caribous.

This follows the announcement in February by Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon that the Government would retire the Caribous after 45 years’ service later this year.

With 173 Survl Sqn losing its aircraft, HQ 16 Avn Bde is working closely with DOCM-A and SCMA to identify and address the career wishes of 173 Survl Sqn personnel.

CoS HQ 16 Avn Bde Lt-Col Andrew MacNab said the aircrew and techni-cians would be reallocated within Army Aviation and there might also be an opportunity for service transfers.

“We’ll do everything we can to make sure our officers and soldiers are looked after as they have provided us with effec-tive and loyal service and we hope to retain them in the combat aviation capa-bility,” Lt-Col MacNab said.

“If our combat Army aviators wish to remain in the Army we’ll be looking to allocate them to transition courses for the alternate operational aircraft types; the

RAAF may also offer some the opportu-nity to don a blue uniform.”

He said wherever the 173 Survl Sqn personnel hoped their professional com-bat aviation careers took them, the Army would attempt to facilitate their needs and make sure the transfer was as smooth as possible.

“It’s going to be very emotional for the squadron and for Army Aviation as the Australian Army aviation capability was borne from fixed-wing aircraft oper-ations. But we’re the ADF, we all have a common goal and a common task,” he said.

AHQ has not given a timetable for the completion of aircraft transfer and the eventual future of the squadron has yet to be decided by the CA.

Lt-Col MacNab said the Army was working closely with the RAAF during the transition process to match as many of the capabilities of the Caribou and King Airs as possible.

On top of the additional RAAF requirements, the King Airs will continue their surveillance role.

“Army’s not losing a capability, it’s just moving it to a different organisa-tion,” Lt-Col MacNab said. “The King Airs have a requirement to continue what they were doing – it should be transpar-ent to anyone that it’s the same aircraft but with a different logo.”

King Airs to move to RAAF

Fond farewell to friends

Help appreciated: Marysville resident Brig Nicholas Jans presents Sgt Donald Dickson with a certificate of thanks after the devastating February bushfires. The ADF withdrew its troops from Marysville on March 14. Before leaving, the soldiers enjoyed a last meal with the residents of Marysville and police search crews. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram

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New works bids now dueUNITS have until April 30 to submit bids for minor new works projects up to $250,000 under the Facility Operations (Facops) program.

The program aims to main-tain the condition of the Defence estate to a suitable standard in support of Army capability and all units could submit bids.

Defence base-support author-ities said minor works from upgrades to soldiers’ accommo-dation to refurbishing the ration store or perimeter fence were ideal for the Facops program.

Bids must be submitted in a Corporate Services and Infrastructure Requirement (CSIR) statement and submitted by April 30.

AHQ head of Base Support Lt-Col John Carey said the preparation of the CSIR was a consultative process between the unit and regional Defence Support Group (DSG) staff.

“The CSIR is essentially a business case to support a deci-sion made further up the chain of command on whether the project will be funded and thus implemented,” he said.

“It contains details of the problem, the proposed solution and what the measurable out-comes of the solution would be.

“Schedule, risk assessment

and funding information are also included. Examples of previ-ous CSIRs are available at your regional DSG office.”

Lt-Col Carey said: • All risk-managed works bids were reviewed on several levels throughout the development of the Facops program.• Units must ensure a represent-ative attends the Base Facilities Conference usually held in July.• The unit must also inform base-support representatives at either TC-A, Land HQ or SOCOMD and AHQ – who can assist with ensuring the project is approved at higher levels.

“DSG capacity in regions is constrained by the capacity of suitable contractors, not just by dollars,” Lt-Col Carey said.

“The priorities are balanced across the whole Defence estate, not just by Service, therefore we need to work closely with DSG and articulate the true value of a Facops request.”

Final approval for projects is normally in December. DSG will undertake scheduling and procurement actions to support commencement of the works in the new financial year.

Further details on the Facops pro-gram can be found at: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/DLOGA/COMWEB.ASP?PAGE=26041&Title.

Army motors onBy Sub-Leut Andrew Ragless

THE ADF was a key attrac-tion for thousands of specta-tors at South Australia’s larg-est annual sports event, the Clipsal 500 Adelaide motor sport carnival.

One of the biggest draw-cards to the ADF static dis-play was a 105mm M2A2 howitzer, while soldiers from 16 AD Regt made good use of Adelaide’s superb autumn weather to show off their RBS-70 anti-aircraft missile system.

Army Reserve was also out in force with representation from 9CSSB, 48 Fd Bty, 3 Fd Sqn, 3/9 LH (SAMR) AUR, 10/27 RSAR, 144 Sig Sqn, JMCO-A, 3 HSB and AFSU. The combined hands-on dis-play featured everything from combat engineering equipment and small arms to catering and medical treatment facilities.

WO1 Phil Munro, 9 Bde, said the event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Army’s proud tradition and modern technology.

“This is a great event to be involved in, not only to market the many and varied opportuni-ties available to reservists but also to collectively promote the diverse careers available in the Army and the wider ADF,” WO1 Munro said.

Say again: Sgt Joanne Morgan, QM 144 Sig Sqn, sits in the back of a Landrover 110 fitted with radio with Toyrn Nossel (left) and Ben Bezemer (right). Photo by Tpr Michael Franchi

Another crowd-pleaser was Army’s purpose-built vehi-cle Armygeddon. Unleashed once a day for a demonstration circuit, Armygeddon invoked a thunderous cheer from the crowd rivalling that for the V8 Supercars.

Taking time out from their busy schedules on day one of racing, Ford drivers Craig Lowndes and defending cham-pion Jamie Whincup dropped

by to meet some of the men and women of the ADF.

Despite a strict five-minute itinerary, a wide-eyed Lowndes couldn’t resist the lure of Armygeddon’s 670kW super-charged 7-litre C5R Chevrolet V8 engine and respectfully asked to start her up.

With a wry smile, Project Manager of Team Army Lt-Col Tom Regener said, “If he could hide his face he would sneak

back over here later and say, ‘can I just have a look at this beauty’.”

Featuring the opening round of the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series, the Clipsal 500 Adelaide cen-teres on four days of racing action on the internationally acclaimed 3.2km street circuit. Whincup seized the crown for the second year running despite a shaky start.

$793m for infrastructureMORE than $793 million will breathe life into Defence infrastructure projects under Stage 1 of the Enhanced Land Force (ELF) initiative.

A joint announcement by Defence M i n i s t e r J o e l F i t z g i b b o n a n d Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Dr Mike Kelly said new facilities and sup-porting infrastructure would support the capability requirements for ELF.

Mr Fitzgibbon said the infrastruc-ture spend would provide new facilities throughout Australia but particularly for the relocation of 3RAR from Sydney to Townsville.

Dr Kelly said new facilities and other infrastructure were earmarked for Kapooka, Singleton, Holsworthy and Puckapunyal for associated training.

“Facilities also will be provided at RAAF Bases Amberley, Edinburgh and Richmond for increased joint enabling elements resulting from the establish-

ment of Enhanced Land Force capabili-ties,” Dr Kelly said.

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NEWS 7 Army April 2, 2009

A SAFER and more secure Defence community will result from the reintroduction of garrison policing in Army bases in the next five years.

The Domestic Policing Unit (DPU) was officially raised on January 1 to provide a professional, impartial and modern garrison polic-ing and minor criminal investigation capability.

Presently, there are five sections based at training establishments at RMC, Singleton, Puckapunyal, Bandiana and Kapooka.

There will be garrisons in Darwin, Brisbane and Townsville by the end of next year and the current 19 personnel will expand to 78 by 2013.

OC DPU Maj Martin Lark said the unit would provide a dedicated domestic policing capability, allow-ing 1 MP Bn to focus on its opera-tional role.

“The DPU will provide a 24-hour policing point of contact for Army to report crime and policing-related incidents. It is intended the DPU will collocate with the recently raised ADF Investigative Service (ADFIS), and work closely with them on polic-ing matters affecting Army,” Maj Lark said.

“It will employ contemporary policing practices such as directed policing. This involves employing community-based and intelligence-led policing methods, developing and implementing proactive and pre-ventative measures and providing an

appropriate response to reduce and quickly respond to reports of crime.”

The DPU will work closely with the ADFIS and other service police organisations. Importantly, it will establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal police authorities.

The unit will be under command of Provost Marshal – Army Lt-Col Mark Luscombe, who is responsible to the CA for the national tasking of all garrison policing and minor criminal investigation in the Army.

Maj Lark said the DPU was an Army Headquarters unit that, while outside of the chain of command of local commanders, would work closely with unit commanders, their staff and the wider military com-

munity to address policing-related issues.

RMC section commander Cpl Julian Carey is excited with his new role and said there was a great need for a domestic policing unit with a garrison police force and minor criminal investigation qualified investigators to be available at all times to support units in the garrison area. “The most important thing is to look after the soldiers themselves and assist commanders with law and order,” Cpl Carey said.

The expansion of the Military Police brings the opportunity for new members to join the Domestic Police Unit in the new role.

For more information contact WO1 Anthony Chamberlain on (02) 6266 6518.

Safer beat for all

Safer digs: Cpl Julian Carey and LCpl Shaun Cunningham, of RMC’s section of the Domestic Policing Unit. Photo by WO2 Graham McBean

By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

TWENTY-FOUR trees were planted in memory of Pte Greg Sher, 1 Cdo Regt, in a traditional Jewish ceremony at his graveside at the Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, Melbourne on March 18.

More than 300 family, friends, 1 Cdo Regt members and students from Pte Sher’s past schools attended.

Pte Sher’s father, Felix, said the cer-emony was significant to his family in many ways. “We were bringing life to people who had been laid to rest, by planting something which will grow . . . it’s uplifting,” he said.

“The other important factor of the service was including children from Greg’s past schools, allowing them to mix with the military, creating a compas-sionate environment.”

CO 1 Cdo Regt Lt-Col Vance Khan said the 40 soldiers of the unit who attended the service were proud to sup-port Pte Sher’s family.

“We now consider the Sher family to be a part of our regimental family and for us, participating in this Jewish tradition was recognition that we do have a close bond with them,” he said.

A total of 24 trees were planted, all

Mediterranean cypress pines. “The num-bers two and four added up to six, which was a number always predominant in Gregory’s life,” Mr Sher said.

“We arrived here in Australia on September 6 in 1986, his month of birth was twice six, his day of birth was half six, and his grave number has a six on it.”

The tree type was selected to enable anyone to visit Pte Sher’s grave because, under Judaism, some adherents cannot be under the same roof as a dead person.

“We planted the particular tree type as it grows straight up and does not form a canopy or roof, to not preclude anyone from standing at Greg’s grave site,” Mr Sher said.

During the service some of Pte Sher’s mates were presented their Afghanistan campaign medal by Mr Sher.

“It was particularly poignant that today Greg’s father Felix honoured us by presenting medals to 13 of our soldiers recently returned from Afghanistan,” Lt-Col Khan said.

“This enabled Felix an opportunity to pay his personal respects to close friends of Greg. It was also a humbling and sig-nificant experience for the soldiers to receive their medal from Mr Sher.”

Branching out: Members of 1 Cdo Regt help Pte Greg Sher’s brother Barry, mother Yvonne, father Felix and girlfriend Karen plant a tree in his memory. Photo by Pte Natalie Duncan

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WHILE the rest of Brisbane celebrated St Patrick’s Day and the wearing of the green, musicians from the Australian Army Band Brisbane (AAB-B), together with Queensland University Regiment (QUR) and the Artillery Band held an open day to allow potential recruits an insight into life in the green skin of an Army musician.

Twenty-eight musicians plus various family mem-bers converged on the AAB-B to hear the concert band and various ensembles demonstrate their abilities.

Visitors, who had been asked to bring their instru-ments, then took part in workshops led by members of AAB-B. The day culminated in a combined perform-ance of visitors and Army Band members.

Participants travelled from as far away as Sunshine Beach, just south of Noosa, to attend.

After the performance, band members mingled with the public over a sausage sizzle where visitors were encouraged to question band members regarding life as an Army musician. Participants expressed sur-prise at the excellent working conditions enjoyed by Army musicians in Brisbane.

Members of the Defence Force Recruiting Team Brisbane were also on hand to provide information.

OC Music Director Maj Peter Thomas said the day was a success with a number of visitors indicating they were considering a career as an Army musician.

“Many of the guests expressed thanks for the opportunity of playing with the Band,” he said.

“Often people are unaware of a musician’s role within the Army and a day such as this gives them the opportunity to mix with serving musicians and receive information first hand.

“For the younger visitors it opens their eyes to the high standard expected of Army musicians and gives them something to aspire to.”

High note: Young hopefuls join with the Army band to get an idea of what it’s like to play in a professional military concert band. Photos by Cpl Neil Reeves

Striking accord


Sax appeal: Elise Bosse (left), Msn Lauren Thurlow and Francesca Richeux get together for a jam.

THE new home of the ADF’s Headquar te rs Jo in t Opera t ions Command (HQJOC), the Gen John Baker Complex, was opened by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on March 7.

The state-of-the-art facility, near Bungendore, about 30 minutes’ drive from Canberra, houses up to 750 staff and will bring together for the first time the Chief of Joint Operations; maritime, land, air and special operations staff; the

joint operations intelligence centre; the Special Operations Commander Australia and other Defence command elements.

The opening featured a short parade by Australia’s Federation Guard and the unveiling of a brass bust of former CDF, Gen Baker, whose vision for combined command and control operations in the 1990s led to the HQJOC concept.

As the command and control hub of the ADF, HQJOC enhances Australia’s interoperability with coalition partners.

HQJOC officially opened

Inspection: Prime Minister Kevin Rudd inspects the Federation Guard at the opening of the Headquarters Joint Operations Command. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

All photos © Australian Department of Defence

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By Michael Brooke

THE 1/15 RNSWL’s 124th anniversary celebrations coincided with the dis-covery of the original versions of five poems written by Banjo Paterson in 1899 while enroute to the Boer War.

The signed poems by one of Australia’s legendary bush balladeers were discovered recently in the Lancer Museum, at the historic RNSWL Barracks in Parramatta.

The poems were found by Mr Ian Hawthorn, a history buff and former member of the Lancers, in a dusty old 1899 cash book that was unearthed in the Museum’s archive storeroom.

Two of the poems were scientifi-cally authenticated as being in Banjo Paterson’s hand-writing and were dis-covered in the back pages of a cash book used by Maj G. L. Lee, who commanded a squadron of the Lancers in South Africa during the Boer War.

Paterson, who travelled with Maj Lee as a war correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald aboard the SS Kent, used the book to write the first known versions of There’s Another Blessed Horse Fell Down and Johnny Boer.

The diary also contains the first ver-sions of Reveille (about the Lancers), The Rum Parade and Driver Smith.

Each poem was eventually published. However, these original drafts all have various differences to the final versions.

Mr Hawthorn said “this has to be a landmark discovery”.

“The diary itself is hugely significant

as the personal diary of Maj Lee, who led the squadron fighting in the Boer War, but at the back of the diary, there are a series of hand-written poems signed, Banjo Paterson,” he said.

“Paterson, who wrote The Man From Snowy River and the national bal-lad Waltzing Matilda, wrote the poems in inspired moments on the long, cha-otic journey to South Africa and while accompanying the Lancers in action on the Veldt.

The diary was given to the Museum in the 1960s or 1970s and has been sitting in a dusty corner for decades before Mr Hawthorn found the poems while doing some archive work.

Mr Hawthorn, who formerly com-manded A Sqn, 1/15 RNSWL, said the Museum potentially contains other his-torical treasures that would further raise its profile among the Army and the wider community.

The museum displays vehicles, weap-onry, uniforms and memorabilia, but vol-unteers have only begun to sift through a “heritage goldmine” of maps, manu-scripts, scrapbooks and war diaries.

Lancer Barracks dates back to 1820 and is listed on the Register of the Australian National Estate and is also classified by the Australian National Trust.

CO 1/15 RNSWL Lt-Col Eric Stevenson said the discovery of the Paterson poems in the Lancer Barracks augured well for the unit’s 125th anniver-sary celebrations in 2010.

Unique find: History buff Mr Ian Hawthorn with the poems by Banjo Paterson found at the Lancers Museum in Parramatta. Photo by Michael Brooke

Banjo poems found

By WO2 Wayne Ryan

PUBLIC relations photographer Pte Jim Brooks was killed in an accident during Exercise Southern Safari in New Zealand on February 11, 1979.

Some 30 years later, during a quiet commemorative service held at the Non-Operational Deaths Memorial at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, a plaque was laid alongside other Army members who also paid the ulti-mate sacrifice.

“The night before the accident, Jim had us all in stitches around the camp fire,” said ex-military NZ photographer Mr Hal Tapley recounting the last day.

“I still remember those last two days like it was yes-terday – it’s something that never leaves you.”

Fellow NZ photographer Paul Hillier said they wanted to get some shots of the APCs crossing a creek the day before the exercise started. “Jim was on the other side of the creek setting up with Hal, I was opting to use my telephoto lens. Moments later the APC acci-dent occurred, tragically taking Jim’s life.”

Pte Brooks’ Army career began in 1965 as a young infantryman in the reserves and all who knew him spoke highly of him, saying he had a great sense of humour and his professionalism and dedication was beyond reproach.

In memory: Former NZ Defence photographers Mr Hal Tapley and Mr Paul Hillier were the last to see Pte Jim Brooks alive 30 years ago.

Photo by WO2 Wayne Ryan

Photographer remembered

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Meanwhile, nil stocks of size 54 and 55 pugga-rees at Bandiana have led to shortages at clothing stores, but new stock was expected on March 30. Where the required puggarees are not available and the clothing store is unable to transfer stock from an alternative location, the clothing store should contact the National Fleet Manager, Mr Mick Taylor, on (03) 9282 6505.

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WORLD NEWS 11Army April 2, 2009

By Leut Anthony Lutz

THE Australian hangar at Kandahar Air Field is a hive of activity as the Chinooks of the latest Rotary Wing Group (RWG) rotation return to operations after the Afghan winter.

For C Sqn, 5 Avn Regt, this will be their third operational year in Afghanistan

The Technical Support Troop (TST) reassembled the helicopters, which arrived from Australia on USAF C17s.

RWG CO Lt-Col Karl Hamlyn said a break over the past few months gave the RWG time to rest, refit and manage its personnel rotation capacity.

“We’re a small unit and we provide support in the area of operations for an extended period of time,” Lt-Col Hamlyn said.

“So the winter here was an opportunity to take stock and get ready for this rotation.”

He said C Sqn had devel-oped a reputation for profes-sionalism, competence, and reliability with the coalition in Afghanistan.

“We provide rotary wing suppor t across Regional Command South as part of an American Task Force. So

we work for the entire coali-tion, not just Australia,” Lt-Col Hamlyn said.

“Our coalition partners are glad we’re back. We’re now at our home away from home once again.”

Asked about the challenges RWG faced, Lt-Col Hamlyn said environmental conditions were always a consideration.

“The dust and heat can make flying – and especially landing in some locations – dif-ficult. The aircrews are always mindful of that,” he said.

Under the command of Capt Paul Bellas, the TST arrived mid-February as part of the force insertion team.

“The Chooks arrive with the tail pylons, forward and aft transmissions and blades removed,” Capt Bellas said.

“We then get into the 12-hour shifts and get the aircraft ready to test fly. The processes starts with ground runs and serviceability is then confirmed in the air.”

Cfn Jimmy Connaughton, TST, summed up the unit’s feelings by saying, “We’re a team here, and we always get ahead. All of us are looking forward to seeing and hearing about the wing’s great results from the pilots.”

Chooks back in the Ghan

Airfix for grown ups: Personnel from C Sqn’s TST work on one of two CH-47 Chinooks at the Rotary Wing Group’s hangar at Kandahar Air Field in preparation for flight operations in Afghanistan. Photo by Sgt Brent Tero

DEFENCE hosted its second doctrine devel-opment workshop for the UN’s Department of Peacekeeping Operations, in Singapore on March 17-18.

Tw e n t y - f i v e p a r-ticipants from the Asia-Pacific region attended the workshop, develop-ing doctrine to support coordination of military, police and civilian agen-cies in complex peace operations.

“This workshop was an important opportunity for partner countries in the Asia-Pacific region to contribute to the develop-ment of this guidance,” Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Civil Military Centre of Excellence Michael Smith said.

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12 WORLD NEWS Army April 2, 2009

By Leut Anthony Lutz

THE Force Communications Unit (FCU 1) has signalled its move into its new location at Kandahar by raising its flag for the first time.

The ceremony also marked the relocation of the HQ Iraq/Gulf States Sig Sqn to be col-located with HQ JTF 633.

CO FCU 1 Lt-Col Murray Thompson said his unit had been flat out since arriving in thea-tre in September 2008.

“From day one we’ve had to plan and then execute the step up of HQ JTF 633 from Baghdad to our present location,” Lt-Col Thompson said.

“This was completed in two parts as the HQ was placed initially in temporary facilities until these new buildings came on line.

“It was a real team effort from across FCU 1 as we surged manning for the task from the other unit locations such as Tarin Kowt and Kandahar.”

With their mission to provide force level communications to JTF 633 and provide the commanders on the ground with an effective command and control system in theatre, FCU 1 has troops in seven different locations across the MEAO.

FCU 1 members are drawn from all three services, with the majority from 1CSR and 1CCS.

WO1 Trudy Fisher, RSM FSU 1, praised the work of her personnel who took up the chal-lenge to make the relocation work seamlessly.

“FCU 1 is made up of soldiers, airmen and women and a single sailor. Each and every member involved in the relocation worked very hard and should be proud of their achieve-ments,” WO1 Fisher said.

New base: FCU 1 personnel watch as the unit flag is raised over their new building at Kandahar Air Field. Photo by Sgt Brent Tero

Sigs get new digs

By Capt Simone Heyer

“KIA ora” isn’t the cheery salutation you’d expect to hear from Aussie soldiers on patrol in East Timor, but it’s one that New Zealand Company Sgt Pererika Makiha insisted using around Dili.

A section of D Coy sol-diers from Baucau worked with soldiers from Kiwi Coy in Dili as part of East Timor Battle Group (ETBG) 5’s Anzac exchange, and in return, a section from Kiwi Coy in Baucau worked with D Coy – giving both groups a chance to see how the others do business.

OPSO ETBG 5 Maj Paul Greive said the two-week program was conducted to maintain and enhance inter-operability between the two forces.

“Having a Dili-based sec-tion swap with one from rural Baucau gave soldiers the bonus of experiencing opera-tions in different types of ter-rain,” Maj Greive said.

He said there were many benefits from this kind of program with the soldiers from both countries learning a lot from each other.

“After two ETBG 5 Anzac exchanges, Australians have reported that the Kiwis put an emphasis on interaction with the Dili community,” he said.

“From the other side, the New Zealanders were impressed with the Aussies’ Tetum language skills.”

“Aside from superficial differences with equipment and uniform, we found the tactics, techniques and pro-cedures were actually quite similar.”

Kiwi Coy Alpha section commander LBdr Johnny O’Byrne said it was a good experience having the sec-tion of Australians embed-ded in his platoon.

“We don’t get to mix with the Australians much, It was especially good for the young guys on their first deployment,” LBdr O’Byrne said.

“Most of the Aussie sec-tion had already been to Iraq and seen conflict, so they had stories to tell.”

Australian section com-mander Cpl Ryan Ocampo

said his soldiers got a lot out of the exchange.

“We’ve been part of for-ward operating base secu-rity, the ready reaction force for the Dili area, street patrols, sports and church patrols,” Cpl Ocampo said.

“The New Zealand approach to patrols is dif-ferent to ours, and the Kiwi guys react well with the kids. We’ve really enjoyed playing soccer with the local youth – it’s a good way to interact with the community. People shake our hands, they seem to appreciate what we’re all doing.”

The next ETBG 5 Anzac exchange will be held this month.

Anzac patrol: Australian and New Zealand soldiers on patrol in Dili, East Timor. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

Anzacs patrol in Dili

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WORLD NEWS 13Army April 2, 2009

By Capt Lachlan Simond

AFGHANISTAN is a dangerous place and 40 years of conflict has left little in the way of accessible emergency medical facilities.

In Oruzgan province two years ago the regional hospital was unrec-ognisable.

Thanks to the efforts of the Australian Reconstruction Task Forces, a modern well-appointed hospital now sits where tents used to suffice for wards.

Even with these improvements, however, there are injuries and ill-nesses which the local doctors can-not deal with.

This is where ISAF’s Role 2 Hospital in Camp Holland has become a life saver.

Staffed by Australian, Dutch and Singaporean medical teams, the facility has recently been joined by an Australian surgical team.

Col Susan Neuhaus, a surgeon with the team, says that working at the Role 2 facility offers the team of doctors and nurses a unique experience.

“Working in a multinational Dutch-led environment has some big challenges, particularly with the severity of blast trauma, dealing with sick children and working in such an austere environment,” Col Neuhaus said.

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Saving lives in Oruzgan

ing on these challenges had a positive impact on the local community.

Abdul and Khudanoir are two Afghan fathers. They sit together outside the high-tech military hospital, a world away from their mud-brick existence.

Their experiences are similar: both have young sons who were badly injured

and both were rushed to the Tarin Kowt Hospital, where they were promptly told that their best hope was the nearby facil-ity at the military base.

Abdul explains he is a poor man who cannot afford medical treatment.

“Without this hospital my son would have died,” he said.

The other father agrees, adding “Tashakur”, thank you in the Dari lan-guage spoken in the region.

Khudanoir cannot praise the staff enough who have worked to save his young son, who was badly injured in a rock avalanche.

“They treat my son with the utmost

On the mend: Maj Rob Baird, Australian Surgical Team based in Tarin Kowt, talks with the father of a young patient about his condition after he was treated at the Role 2 Hospital at Camp Holland. Photo by Capt Lachlan Simond

care, their work is very good. Not only do they care for my son, but they have looked after me very well while we have been here. The care is far better than if he was at home, they give us both food and treat my son very well,” he said.

The two men are members of a tight-knit fathers’ group which formed at the hospital.

At one stage there were five fathers, all living with their chil-dren while they were treated. While most returned home with their sons having recovered from their injuries, others have not been so fortunate. Col Neuhaus says that while the staff celebrate the suc-cesses, they still have to deal with the heartbreak of losing patients – a fact made harder when they are children.

“It’s hard on the staff. The chil-dren here are so brave and stoic, but thankfully the wins make it worthwhile,” she said.

The treatment of Abdul and Khudanoir’s sons are two of those success stories, and both fathers thank the medical staff for their efforts in saving the lives of their sons before returning home to their respective villages.

The ADF will continue to pro-vide surgical and intensive care teams to Camp Holland’s Role 2 Hospital with regular two-month rotations of personnel into theatre.

Injured Afghans get aid at Camp Holland’s hospital

14 CENTREPIECE Army April 2, 2009 15

COMMANDER JTF 633 has been given a demonstration of the effectiveness of Australia’s gunners in Afghanistan after they engaged insurgents during his visit to their

base. Maj-Gen Mark Kelly was visiting the 12 men of 4 Fd Bty, who are serving with the British 8 ALMA Cdo Bty 29 Regt at Patrol Base Silab and Forward Operating Base Edinburgh in Helmand province, when a foot patrol returning to PB Silab was attacked by insurgents just outside the wall.

Lasting only a matter of minutes, the small engagement was ended by the gunners, who laid down accurate and rapid artil-lery fire.

Maj-Gen Kelly was impressed by the gunners, whose speed and professionalism helped protect their British mates.

“It’s fantastic how they all worked together – it’s why we sent them out here,” Maj Gen Kelly said.

“I’m proud that I was able to see them in action because it’s important to see what training and cooperation can do to bring about a successful operation.”

Deployed to Afghanistan in October, the 4 Fd Bty gunners have continued the outstanding performance where the gunners from 8/12 Mdm Regt left off.

During the gunners’ time in country, which has seen them endure a numbing Afghan winter, they have taken part in key southern Afghanistan operations, including the clearing ofNad-e Ali during Operation Sond Chara in early January.

Australian contingent member Lt Chris Lingard echoed Maj-Gen Kelly’s sentiments regarding cooperation between the nations.

“We came out here knowing that our mission was going to be gruelling because peace just doesn’t happen overnight,” Lt Lingard said.

“But we all have worked together in good spirits, which I hope can be used as an example for the Afghan Army.

“It’s been a rewarding deployment and we have some good experience to take back home.”

DEPLOYING to Afghanistan with a British artillery unit would be an experience of a lifetime for any Australian gunner – and that prospect is about to become reality for 15 gunners from 105 Mdm Bty, 1 Fd Regt.

The gunners will shortly deploy to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, with their host unit, 40 Regt Royal Artillery (RA), the Lowland Gunners. It will be the third rotation of Australian Army gunners providing fire support to ISAF and Afghan National Army troops in Helmand.

The troop recently returned home after six months of intensive training in the UK with the Lowland Gunners. It was a hard slog, but the skill sets gained will be of immense value to the RAA and Army.

The direction and focus for the gunners was clear after 1 Fd Regt was advised early last year to prepare a gun troop for war-fighting operations in Afghanistan. Immediately there was a buzz in the air and members of 105 Mdm Bty gunline knew they had a good chance of selection and began to train seriously.

Fitness, team training, first aid, marksmanship and Stage 6 gun-nery were the focus, with the fitness component reinforced by the CO’s battle fitness test and regimental swim test, which were a gate-way for selection.

Before the first exercise on the L119 light gun in May 2008, the battery developed gun troop tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for a three-gun troop operating independently in an Afghan scenario, moving as a troop complete without traditional recon.

The battery developed the TTPs based on principles of security and defence rather than the traditional procedures of moving and occupying new gun positions. The TTPs were applied and tested thoroughly with the CO’s enemy party in the first gun exercise, which was a great success.

The battery also developed its technical abilities, achieving Stage 4 gunnery including the CO’s tactical direct fire challenge.

The second exercise ensured the right soldiers were selected and the troop was at the Stage 6 gunnery level and ready to deploy on operations. The exercise included three key activities.

The first, a combined-arms live-fire defence of a gun position, saw the battery fire all weapon systems simultaneously over three hours combined with a 2/14 LHR (QMI) cavalry patrol live firing to defend the position.

The last two activities included two days of modified safety and two days of danger close practice with companies from 6RAR and 8/9RAR, a squadron from 2CER and a troop from 2/14 LHR (QMI) and ended with a destruction mission on a Hesco house compound at danger close distances. My troop was then selected to deploy.

On arrival in the UK, it was full steam ahead with the troop immediately beginning 40 Regt’s intense pre-deployment package. The SNCOs and I did the tactical commanders cadre (TCC) while bombardiers and below commenced cascade training. The battery also did the SA80 rifle conversion.

The TCC involved briefs on Afghanistan, UK force structure and situation updates. It also involved demonstrations of the UK TTPs in Afghanistan including IED and mine drills as well as contact and casevac drills.

After a week the battery began the L118 conversion course at the Royal School of Artillery Larkhill. The major differences to our guns were ammunition and sighting systems and procedures for communicating fire discipline.

WO2 Shaun Graham, BSM 105 Mdm Bty and I were respec-tively appointed Troop Sergeant Major and Troop Commander of the 4th gun troop of 40 Regt. In recognition of the Aussie gunners’ home battery, plus the need to give the 4th composite troop a title, CO 40 Regt RA renamed the troop the 105 Tp RA/RAA.

After the conversion course the battery commenced Ex Helmand Gunner to test the troop’s tactical abilities in a forward operating base and on manoeuvre outreach group deployments.

The exercise included multiple Apache and Chinook sorties and amputees acting as casualties. The battery was tested on various convoy drills including stand-off attacks, complex ambushes with personnel wounded in action, IED finds and IED strikes, casualty extraction, indirect-fire attacks, and forward operating base defence during indirect-fire missions.

Shortly after Christmas leave the troop undertook Ex Pashtun Sabre, which was designed to put the UK Battle Group through live-fire company attacks with artillery support. During the last few days of the exercise, the troop conducted a danger close practice at distances of 100-120m from infantry in stage three pits.

We also conducted a light gun direct fire serial, where each detachment commander and detachment 2IC were given seven rounds each to engage the target.

It was an exhilarating experience for all that didn’t end there as we then began training on the .50-cal machine gun and the grenade launcher – kind of unusual for a gunner.

We are now ready, willing and more than able for Helmand.

105 Tp RA/RAA Commander Lt Khalid Elkhaligi provides a first-hand account of gunner pre-deployment training with a British artillery unit.

Big guns: An Australian gunner and British counterpart fire the L119 gun during training in the UK as part of their pre-deployment training for Afghanistan.

Teamwork: Lowland Gunners and members of 1 Fd Regt pose for a group photograph during a break in training.

Exhilarating experience: Sgt Jamie Fogg gets instruction on firing a .50-cal heavy machine gun.

Close up view of hot shots

Under fire: Members of gunnery team two of Delta Troop 8 ALMA Battery Commando 29RAR conduct a firing mission at Patrol Base Silab. Photo by US PO2 Aramis X. Ramirez

Chief visit: Commander JTF 633 Maj-Gen Mark Kelly meets Australian gunners at Patrol Base Silab in Helmand province. Photo by US PO2 Aramis X. Ramirez

On target: A member of 4 Fd Bty practises with a British SA80 rifle.

Maj-Gen Mark Kelly witnessed our gunners at work on a visit to Afghanistan last month.

GUNNERS PRIMED

16 LETTERS Army April 2, 2009

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YOUR FAMILY LAWYERS

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DFWA has worked for you since 1959 to campaign for improved conditions of service for ADF members and their families; advocate fair and equitable treatment and retirement benefi ts for former ADF members; and provide help for serving and retired personnel make claims under Commonwealth legislation covering superannuation, compensation and veterans’ entitlements.

With respect to the SAS pay issue, the Association has alerted Government that there may be yet a further group which may be affected by this problem – those that are either recently discharged, or in the process of being discharged, some on medical grounds, and possibly some widows.

With respect to travel to and from the new Headquarters Joint Operations Command near Bungendore, the Association is concerned that although the promised road improvements might improve safety in the long run, it does little to resolve general transport issues for ADF personnel posted there, having to travel long distances by private means, often after hours, along a notoriously dangerous country road. Problems such as these highlight the need for more effective, independent representation for ADF members, which is our role !

DFWA continues to work hard for you and has achieved much in its 50 years … help us continue with the good work by joining NOW.

Want to learn more about these matters ?

Visit www.dfwa.org.au

Remember … we give you a voice

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Cast in solid gold or silver

I AM writing in response to the letter “Webbing issue” (Army, March 5).

To all the “senior soldiers” of the Army, particularly within the infantry corps, I understand that with all of your experience of six to 18 months you have a lot of experience with the wearing of webbing.

I would like to say, “dry your eyes princess” and take a good look at how you put the webbing together.

I wish to draw your attention to the following points: chest webbing is not designed to carry Minimi link; can you tell me where your mate is carrying his first aid dressings in case he is hurt? Or are you going to use your own first aid dressing and hope you don’t get hurt?; and can you carry the Minimi if the gunner gets shot including carrying all his ammunition or do you cry and tell your section

commander that you are unable to support your section mates.

Now I understand I will receive a lot of flak from all the “senior soldiers” out there asking me what gives me the right to question their experience.

I am an infantry corporal with 20 years’ experience. I have done four operational tours; one as a patrol commander and two as a section commander. I have had soldiers injured while on opera-tions and have required them to change weapons around within the section in order to keep the main firepower in the field.

The current issue of Land 125 still has some issues; however, it is a step in the right direction.

The only way the Land 125 webbing will get fixed correctly is if the “senior soldiers” with experience wearing it take the time to fill out RODUMs with constructive criticism.Cpl Michael HallSchool of ArmourPuckapunyal

SEVERAL Army members deserve mention for their role in the recovery of Caribou A4-285 from Efogi airfield in Papua New Guinea late last year.

WO2 Anthony Eddie and Sgt Andrew Hahn, AMTDU – along with two RAAF engineering officers – were pivotal in the external lift effort. These mem-bers did an outstanding job of assessing, preparing and hooking up various unusual loads, which ranged from engines and propellers to wings and fuselage sections.

The most efficient use of the limited air assets was achieved while maintaining the highest standards of safety. The civilian B206L and BK117 helicopters utilised are not part of the ADF inventory. The fact that the procedures worked so well is testament to the skill and ability of the aforementioned members and once again highlights the value of AMTDU within the ADF.

An article on the recovery of the aircraft appeared in the February 5 edition of Air Force News. WOFF Rod Cairns38 SqnRAAF Townsville

I’M the SOTG bloke whose house burnt down in the Victorian bushfires.

I’d just like to express my thanks to not only all of the members who offered help and support, but also the families of those members who also offered their help.

I really didn’t expect the amount of

assistance that I was given both from the blokes and the ADF.

Thanks, too, to all the members who have worked in the affected area.

I know from locals that they have been more than impressed by, and greatly appreciate your efforts.

I think that sometimes we underesti-

mate the friendships and networks that we form as members of the ADF.

Thanks again to all those still serving in Afghanistan and particularly to the members of SOTG and 1 Cdo Regt. I couldn’t ask to be associated with a bet-ter bunch of blokes.Name and rank withheld

Webbing woes: do a RODUM

Fire victim stoked by support Efforts appreciated: Soldiers sift through the ruins of a burnt-out property. Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller

Lift efforts praised■ Preference is given to letters under 250 words. Letters might be edited for publica-tion.■ Letter writers must include their name, unit, location and contact number for pur-poses of verification.■ Letters might be rejected if they are too long, abusive or can be answered by the author’s unit.

■ Efforts will be made to seek offi-cial responses, where appropriate, but responses are not guaranteed.■ Letters can be sent to one of the follow-ing addresses:Email: [email protected]: Letters to the Editor, Army newspaper, R8-LG-038, Russell Offices, Canberra ACT 2600

HOW YOU CAN HAVE YOUR SAY

By WO2 Graham McBean

DEFENCE recruiting figures continue to defy national trends with a massive 54 per cent increase in enquiries across the ADF in January compared to the same period last year.

The boon in interest bucks the Australian trend where Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that full-time unemployment increased by 47,100 in the Australian workforce in February.

ADF enquiries for 2008 peaked in October with a 27 per cent increase to 8780 – or 1863 more people than the same period in 2007.

However, the January increase from 3503 in 2008 to 9937 enquiries this year had exceeded expectations.

Recruiting authorities said the figures were encouraging but it was too early to tell whether a tightening labour market was having a direct affect on ADF recruit-ment and retention.

Director Military Recruiting Gp-Capt Sheldon Kimber said work was needed to convert enquiries and applications into 11,100 recruits.

“I do believe we have put in place recruiting strategies and initiatives that have led to an increased interest in recruit-ment,” Gp-Capt Kimber said.

“I would expect that this increased interest, coupled with changed economic circumstances, should improve our chanc-es of recruiting many of the people making enquiries.

“However, regardless of the economic circumstances and job market, the ADF is an employer of first choice, not last resort.”

Appl ica t ion figures peaked in September 2008, also at 27 per cent, with a more modest 13 per cent in October and 14 per cent in November.

The January figure was down marginal-

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PERSONNEL 17Army April 2, 2009

By Leila Daniels

SOLDIERS are on track for the implementation of the Graded Other Ranks Pay Structure (GORPS) in June for regular members and in August for reservists.

The majority of members have now been placed into the new structure in preparation for the roll-out. In a phased implementation, sailors will receive their pay under the new structure from April 16 with RAAF to follow in May, with the changes backdated to September 4, 2008.

The roll-out of GORPS is large and complex.

DGPers-A Brig Gerard Fogarty has directed a refine-ment of processes to ensure there will be a smooth imple-mentation as far as possible.

“I want to assure all mem-bers that my staff are keeping a close eye on the delivery of GORPS and will be working very hard to resolve issues, should they arise, as quickly as possible,” Brig Fogarty said.

The Army Indus t r i a l Relations team from DGPers-A will be out and about con-ducting briefing tours from mid-April to late May and the program will cover a wide area of barracks and bases. The briefing tour program is being finalised and specific dates

TOUR SCHEDULE� Week starting April 13 – Hobart, Launceston� Week starting April 20 – Victoria Barracks (including Defence Plaza), Randwick, Holsworthy, Moorebank, Singleton� Week starting April 27 – Keswick, Woodside, Larrakeyah, Robertson Barracks� Week starting May 4 – 5 Avn Regt, Lavarack� Week starting May 11 – Enogerra, Oakey, Cabarlah, Canungra� Week starting May 18 – Victoria Barracks Melbourne, Watsonia, ALTC, ARTC, Puckapunyal� Week starting May 25– Karrakatta, Swanbourne

Hopefuls flock to join Pay roll-out good to go

and times will be released as soon as possible. Members will have a chance to ask questions and gain a detailed understand-ing of what the pay structure means for them.

For the latest information, visit the GORPS website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/dppa/comweb.asp?page=159268. Note that Army will have more coverage about the introduction of GORPS as the June implementation approaches. Soldiers should direct any questions associated with the pay changes to their unit or DSG pay representative through the chain of command as the first point of enquiry.

New starters: Some latest recruits accept the ‘Queen’s shilling’ in Canberra. The economy didn’t rate a mention with these enlistees. Photo by WO2 Graham McBean

ly by 57 to 1272 but DFR is now approach-ing the traditional recruiting period.

January enlistment/appointment figures for the full-time Army were at 93 per cent of predicted targets as at February 1, with part-time figures at 70 per cent for the same period.

Gp-Capt Kimber said there was no direct historical connection between eco-nomic downturns and recruitment, but increased retention of serving personnel in a tough job market reduced vacancies. He was more concerned that trades, profes-sions (including engineering and specialist recruitments) were still undersubscribed.

“We are not yet seeing the same increases in actual enlistments and recruit-ing numbers in the roles and trades we particularly want to fill,” he said.

Gp-Capt Kimber said more than 100,000 enquiries were needed to achieve recruiting targets. More than 40,000 appli-cations were then required to convert suc-cessful civilians into recruits.

WHY THEY SIGNED UP

Daniel Turner, 17, left: “It’s the mateship, skills and experiences you come away with that attracted me. I like being part of a team and contributing. I’m starting as a rifleman but want to become a mechanic later on.” Peter Couchman, 19: “The main reasons were travel, job security and fitness. I’ve been involved in surf lifesaving and football for many years so I have always enjoyed being active and outdoors and being fit, which is a major drawcard to the Army.”

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By Maj Phil Pyke

FOR many in the ADF, the idea of abseiling doesn’t usually mean being freely suspended 140m over a valley.

This was the challenge that awaited officers from 12/40 RTR, 16 Fd Bty and Adelaide University Regiment as they undertook adventure training down the Gordon Dam in south-west Tasmania.

CO 12/40 RTR Lt-Col Colin Riley said the aim of the exercise was to assist officers in developing individual and team qualities and skills that enhanced performance in the workplace.

“The qualities and skills include leadership, teamwork, trust, physical and mental fortitude, initiative, resource-

fulness, self discipline and stress man-agement strategies,” Lt-Col Riley said.

“The exercise was physically and mentally demanding as the officers were exposed to stressful and arduous condi-tions.”

The Gordon Dam, a uniquely designed double curvature arch, is the fifth highest in Australia.

Lt-Col Riley said an additional chal-lenge was that most of the activity was undertaken as a free descent because of the concave wall of the dam face.

“It was a great exercise to build con-fidence and leadership while experienc-ing distinctively stressful conditions,” he said.

TRAINING 19Army April 2, 2009

Dam good experience

Hive of activity

Just hanging around: Lt Nathan Grandin, 16 Fd Bty, gives a thumbs up as he begins his descent. Photo by Maj Phil Pyke

Units take a leap of faith

By Capt Al Green

EXERCISE Silicon Brolga recently took place during a high tempo period of 3 Bde activity.

The aim was to test HQ 3 Bde staff in a variety of formation headquarters’ func-tions to prepare them for operations.

Maj Jim Hammett, Brigade Major, said the exercise worked to enhance per-formance in several areas.

“The individual and collective skills of participants improved markedly as staff worked through the military appre-ciation process (MAP) and the subse-quent delivery of orders,” Maj Hammett said.

One of the biggest challenges faced was HQ 3 Bde’s ability to concurrently plan and control decisive action and sta-bility operations in the joint environment.

“The complexity of working with a traumatised civil population and destroyed infrastructure while fighting a determined enemy from a joint perspec-tive tested and developed our capability,” Maj Hammett said.

Coinciding with the concentration of deploying force elements and concur-rent operational planning, staff worked to maximum capacity to conduct a high-tempo MAP and Command Post Exercise.

Facili tated by the CTC Battle Command Wing, the exercise was conducted at the Ralph Honner Battle Simulation Centre on Lavarack Barracks.

Scenarios included expeditionary/entry operations, medium intensity opera-tions, counterinsurgency and stability and support operations.

Leading the way: Maj Chris Saultry briefs Commander 3 Bde Brig Stuart Smith during the exercise.

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20 TRAINING Army April 2, 2009

By Cpl Corinne Boer

A NEW recruit fitness program has reduced the number of injuries to recruits at 1RTB, Kapooka.

The program, introduced in September last year, has already reduced RAP attendance by 3 per cent and has also reduced injury severity rates.

It aims to introduce recruits more gently to higher levels of physical training than they may have been used to in civilian life.

WOPTI WO2 Mick Chattin said the previous program was too com-plex and when combined with the military training was placing too much physical load on the recruits.

He added the recruits were wast-ing time watching instruction instead of working on their fitness.

“The new program simplifies everything people need to do,” WO2 Chattin said.

“We’ve gone back to working on fitness rather than teaching skills.”

The program was devised in a working group of WOPTIs with the aim of developing a new continuum that follows the Army’s principles. The program focuses on the core values of soldier fitness; walking, running and circuit training.

Each exercise is taught in stages; for example sit-ups are taught as a full-range sit-up, fingers-to-the-knees sit-up and as a crunch. This method enables soldiers who are not fit enough to complete the full range exercise to adopt the less strenuous version to keep them working rather than just stopping.

Another benefit of this approach is that it allows the fitter recruits to

New program working out

keep up their fitness by working within their own ability.

The first seven weeks con-centrates on the Recruit Fitness Assessment, nutrition and an intro-duction to the gym. The remain-der of the program focuses on rope climbing, obstacle courses and other complex skills.

The recruits build up their fitness over time with simple load bearing activities walking 2km with patrol order one week and 3km marching order the following week.

“When the recruits get to the obstacle course they are not getting as injured because they have devel-oped their fitness slowly,” WO2 Chattin said. He said the program

could be adapted to the wider Army by utilising the first seven weeks to maintain fitness to BFA and CFA standard.

“If every unit completed the first seven weeks after they return from Christmas leave, I think you will probably find they may reduce inju-ries in units,” he said.

The program consists of swim-ming components as recovery ses-sions and to build confidence for recruits who can’t swim.

“At least three-five recruits in each platoon can’t swim. We put a deep water running belt on them to give them that confidence of flota-tion,” WO2 Chattin said.

East Timor teamwork

Jovial: Capt Jon Abundo, ISF, has a laugh with Malaysian members of the UN Police during a weapons familiarisation exercise in East Timor. The ISF and their UN security partners conducted the session, which involved police from Namibia, Portugal, Malaysia and Australia. Photo by LS Paul Berry

On your marks: WO2 Mick Chattin watches recruits during a recovery session. Photo by Cpl Corinne Boer

Running session: Recruits take to the track at Kapooka. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram

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PEOPLE 21Army April 2, 2009

Come on in: Pte Matthew Duggan, deployed with the ISF Quick Response Force, sits with a member of the East Timor National Police Rapid Intervention Unit in the back of an APC. Photo by LS Paul Berry

Steed of steel: LCpl Matty Watt, School of Armour, with an M1A1 Abrams tank at the Australian International Airshow 2009 at Avalon, Victoria. Photo by LAC Aaron Curran

Thank you: MRTF 1 soldiers read thousands of good luck and thank you messages written on three message scrolls sent from the US. Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller

On patrol: OC MRTF 1 Combat Team Tusk Maj Joshua Jardine joins one of his platoons for a patrol in the Baluchi Valley in Afghanistan.

Photo by Capt Lachlan Simond

Well done: Sig Nicholas Ilic hands a $1100 cheque to Legacy representative Mr Brian Edwards after members of the Support to Military Operations Centre raised money for charity, by holding a fortnightly casual dress day. Photo by Tpr Michael Franchi

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Remember our fallen soldiers this ANZAC Day at the Oakey RSL Club on Sat 25th April

ANZAC Day traditionally begins with the Dawn Service at the Memorial, a reminder of the dawn landing on Gallipoli in 1915. Gathering in the early morning chill gives a genuine touch to this special day of remembrance.

We would be very honoured to invite the many servicemen and service women who have served as part of the Australian Forces especially those who have taken part in a United Nations Peacekeeping Task Force, throughout the world to take part in this year’s service to pay homage to all those people who have served their country, and honour those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifi ce.

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22 LIFESTYLE Army April 2, 2009

Say again, over

If you can think of a clever, witty caption to this picture, then email [email protected] with “caption competition April 2” in the subject line. Keep entries under 25 words. Entries MUST include the sender’s name, rank and unit.

The winner of the March 19 caption competition is ...

We also liked ...

“Hold the line till the water restrictions kick in, then we’ll take them.”Sgt Andre MurrayRandwick Health Centre

“You’ve got a bug on your visor ... let me get that for you.”Damian CavanaghJoint Logistic Unit Victoria

“Actually guys, I don’t think it’s our day to water.”Leut-Cmdr Annette NelsonDirectorate of Navy Employment Conditions

DIKKO By Bob Dikkenberg BULLETIN BOARD

Events at the AWMTHE Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra will begin on April 25 at 5.30am, with the national ceremony starting at 10.15am. The Out of the Dust: Life in Afghanistan photographic exhi-bition opens on April 3 and ends on May 24. It pays tribute to the Afghan people’s determination to survive. On April 5 at 2pm, there will be a free public lecture given by memorial historians called Gallipoli – courage, catastrophe and controversy. It will discuss the failed strategy of Gallipoli and the tragic Light Horse charge at the Nek. For more information visit www.awm.gov.au

Marching medicosRAAMC Association is encouraging members eli-gible to march this Anzac Day to do so with either the RAAMC Association or their own RAAMC unit association. In Sydney members will form up in Bent Street and in Brisbane, Charlotte Street. This year the Sydney march will be led by Maj-Gen Jeffrey Rosenfeld, Surgeon General DHR. For more infor-mation visit www.raamc.com.au or contact Maj John Smith, 2HSB, on (07) 3332 4922, 0411 130 240 or by emailing [email protected]

Disaster replacement medalsTHE policy for the replacement of medals has been relaxed for the victims of the Queensland floods and Victorian bushfires. Defence Support Parlimentary Secretary Dr Mike Kelly said family members who lost medals in the floods and bushfires could now make application for replacements by filling out an applica-tion and statutory declaration on the Defence Honours and Awards website at www.defence.gov.au/medals. Enquiries can also be made by calling the toll-free number 1800 111 321.

An avionics technician is multi-skilled and responsible for the on-going maintenance of avionic systems and equipment including aircraft communication, navigation, radar, electrical, electronics and instrument systems and selected ground equipment. They also conduct limited inspection and repair of aircraft safety equipment and armament.

Education Requirements Completion of Australian year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English, Mathematics and Science (with a Physics content) and one other subject.

Defence Assisted Study Scheme (DASS) DI (G)PERS 05-1 may be available to assist

interested soldiers who do not meet the educational requirements.

Employment Training The avionics technician course is conducted at the RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAF STT):

Duration 64 weeks

The aircraft maintenance techniques types course: Duration 9 weeks

On the job training: 12 months

ECN 412 AVIONICS TECHNICIAN TRADE TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY

Civil Accreditation On completion of the on the job training period you are awarded with a certificate IV in aero skills (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Avionics AQF4)

Return of Service Obligation (ROSO) Training undertaken under the Army Technical and Trade Scheme (ATTS) incurs an initial obligation of six years service from the commencement of initial trade training.

Course Commencement Dates 7 SEP 09 - 4 NOV 10

11 JAN 10 - 16 SEP 10 15 MAR 10 - 14 OCT 10

Applications to be submitted via unit orderly rooms.

Trade Transfer Bonus Successful trade transfers to ECN 412 Avionics Technician qualify for a trade transfer bonus of $25,000.

50% of the bonus is paid on commencement of the training course. The remaining 50% of the bonus is paid at the completion of 12 months of service, either in training for the technical trade or as a combination of training and work in that trade.

For Further Information:

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Email: [email protected]: 02 62657795

Or contact the Regional Trade Transfer and Retention Warrant Officer: Enoggera Barracks 07 3332 5165 Lavarack Barracks 07 4771 7819 Robertson Barracks 08 8935 2980

24 LIFESTYLE Army April 2, 2009

GOT a sniffle and a cough? Think you have the flu and now wish you had your free yearly influenza

vaccination? Fifty per cent of ADF person-

nel were vaccinated in 2008 and this year Joint Health Command want to increase that number significantly.

The A and B influenza virus strains are highly contagious and commonly spread from person to person through moisture droplets created by coughing, sneezing and by touching contami-nated surfaces.

Director of Military Medicine Col Carmel van der Rijt said the flu was usually more dangerous to elderly peo-ple or young children.

“Nevertheless, it can be a serious illness for young healthy adults who often require one to three days sick leave and subsequent restricted duty for one to two weeks to fully recover,” Col van der Rijt said.

“It also has a secondary impact on your health as members are not able to undertake normal physical training over the period of the illness.”

Symptoms can include a high fever, sore throat, headache, chills, sweating,

fatigue, coughing and muscle aches and pains.

Col van der Rijt said there were many ways ADF personnel could pre-vent themselves from being infected.

“The primary method of prevent-ing influenza, other than becoming a hermit, is to be immunised with the current season’s vaccine,” she said.

“Where there is a good match between the vaccine and the circulat-ing virus, the vaccine offers 70-90 per cent protection for healthy adults.

“It’s also possible to use anti-viral medication to prevent influenza if it’s taken within 48 hours of having con-tact with a case of influenza.

“This medication is only effec-tive against the influenza virus not the other viruses, which can cause a flu-like illness.

However, influenza testing normal-ly takes too long for this medication to be prescribed unless there is a flu outbreak.

“Personal hygiene is also impor-tant in preventing flu and this includes washing your hands regularly, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.”

She said it was important for ADF members to be vaccinated as military

bases are at increased risk of influenza outbreaks because of their high popu-lation density.

“Outbreaks in these setting have significant impact, as individuals with flu normally need to be isolated and this can result in large numbers of peo-ple not being able to undertake training and being absent from work,” Col van der Rijt said

“Attack rates of 50 per cent of per-sonnel during outbreaks on military bases have been reported in some jour-nal articles.”

Personnel deploying on operations are normally required to be immu-nised against influenza as part of their deployment preparation.

An influenza outbreak in an opera-tional setting could have a significant impact on an operation.

The 2009 vaccine is now available in all ADF medical units, so go into your local RAP to receive your injec-tion to prevent yourself becoming a flu statistic and to protect your family and mates.

For more information visit: http://www.immu-nise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publish-ing.nsf/Content/Handbook-influenza

� Flu vaccines take effect about 14 days after they are administered and although protection may last a few years, a new vac-cine is distributed annually so as to make sure that the match between vaccine and circulating strain is as close as possible every year. They are up to 70-90 per cent effective when the match is close.

� Often confused with a bad cold, influenza can cause serious and debilitating compli-cations such as pneumonia, particularly in the elderly and other high risk groups.

� Accounting for 10 per cent of all work-place absenteeism associated with illness,

influenza is the cause of 1500 deaths in Australia each year.

� If you think you have the flu see your doc-tor and discuss sick leave so you do not spread the virus at your work place.

� To prevent spreading the virus cover your cough and sneeze and wash your hands.

� In adults the infectious period is one day before to five days after symptoms develop and this can be longer in children lasting up to two to three weeks.

� Annual vaccination is the single most effective measure to prevent influenza.

HEALTH

FLU FACTS: NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT

Shoo away fluThe importance of vaccination against influenza is overlooked every year by many ADF members. Cpl Andrew Hetherington explains why you should visit your RAP for your free needle of confidence.

Dry reaching: Don’t become a flu statistic this year, get vaccinated. Photo by Cpl Andrew Hetherington

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SPORT 25 Army April 2, 2009

By Capt Adrian Dolahenty

REGULAR and reserve gunners made an outstanding combined con-tribution to the inaugural Sir Roden Cutler VC Splash and Dash char-ity fundraising biathlon at Manly Beach on March 8.

Gunners from A Fd Bty joined more than 200 athletes in the 3km foot race along Manly promenade and a 1km swim from Shelley Beach back to the South Steyne Club House of Manly Surf Life Saving Club.

The event raised about $10,000 for the Cutler charities – CarerCar and Pick Me Up services – and the lifesavers.

Reservists from 28 Fd Bty, 7 Fd Regt, based at Dee Why were highly visible at the start at the recruiting stand around a 25-pound gun – the same type in service in Sir Roden Cutler’s era.

Sir Roden was born and raised in Manly, had links with the Manly Surf Club and was awarded a VC for extraordinary courage and gallantry as an artillery officer during World War II.

Bdr Ross Edwards, A Fd Bty, said he was excited to represent the battery in the charity race.

“Fitness is extremely important and I think there needs to be a push on the importance of fitness in the

Army because it’s a big part of being a soldier,” Bdr Edwards said.

Gnr Damien Brown, 28 Fd Bty, said there had been a lot of interest from the public in serving in the artil-lery.

“A few women were disappointed they couldn’t join up as gunners,” Gnr Brown said. “I’ve been a gunner for seven years and it’s good to use my skills.”

Lady Joan Cutler, widow of Sir Roden, was clearly delighted with the artillerymen’s involvement in the first biathlon. Lady Cutler spoke with uniformed gunners about Sir Roden and her fond memory of Anzac Day marches.

The charity fundraiser gave the services and corporate teams the chance to battle it out to win a per-petual trophy while raising money.

The inaugural perpetual trophies are 105mm artillery cartridge cases.

Recent shark attacks in and around Sydney Harbour did not deter the gunners from participating in the 1km swim as Army representatives took to the waves without hesitation.

Gnr Tristan Browning, 23 Fd Regt, said: “It was pretty muddy out there, but I wasn’t too worried about them. It was good to be involved.”

Gunners from 7 Fd Regt indicated they were keen to train for the event this year and enter a team next year.

By Capt Alan Lynch

FOUR tries to three was enough to give the Bellinger Valley-Dorrigo Magpies a hard-fought 24-17 win against Army Thunder in the recent inaugural Matthew Locke Charity Shield rugby league match in Bellingen on the NSW North Coast.

The shield was named in hon-our of Sgt Matthew Locke who was killed in Afghanistan in 2007.

The charity shield concept grew from a small idea discussed among friends. With a scheduled match for Army Thunder cancelled, it was seeking a match to kick-start its 2009 season.

Army Thunder team captain Sgt Nick Matthews, who hails from the nearby town of Urunga, was instru-mental in discussions that set the inaugural shield in place in the town where Sgt Locke hailed from.

More than $5600 was raised for two charities, Life Love and Health Foundation, a charity set up by the Locke Family and Legacy.

SCOREBOARDBellinger Valley-Dorrigo Magpies 24 (Ray Morris 2, Brad Hart, Matt Bush tries; Brendan Myers 4 goals) def Army Thunder 16 (Pte Mike Hamer 2, Cpl Shane Harden-Parnell tries; Cpl Adam Wallace 2 goals).Best players: Alex Hull (Magpies), Cpl Harden-Powell (Thunder).

Gunners help hit fund target

Charity knock: Cfn Lewis Balcomb charges at the Magpie defence with Cpl Adam Wallace, left, in support, and Cpl Shane Harden-Parnell looking on, right. Photo by Richard Layt Photography

Starting line: Gnr Zac Reid, left, and Pte Paul McTighe get set to go.

Photo by Bill Cunneen

Magpies swoop Thunder

Family spokesperson Debbie Locke said the charity was set up to raise money to build a school in East Timor and it was a fitting cause because most members of the Army team had served there.

Several other ‘Bello boys’ within the Army team were also returning to take on their old team. Capt Brendon Matthews and Cfn Lewis Balcomb turned out for the Thunder.

In front of a crowd that exceeded the town’s population of 2600 and included CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie and the patron of Army Rugby League RSM-A WO Stephen Ward, the Thunder looked like they may be too big, too fit, too fast and

overpowering for the Magpies. But, being a trial match, the num-bers were somewhat lopsided. The Thunder fielded a team of 18 play-ers and the Magpies ran with 30 players.

First-term Magpie captain-coach Josh White said the concept had snowballed. “It’s turning out to be bigger than State of Origin, with roped-off VIP sections in the grand-stand and the Army bringing all their top brass into town,” he said.

Thunder started strong, quickly running in the opening try courtesy of Cpl Shane Harden-Parnell.

The Magpies soon equalised and the game see-sawed with the Magpies sheer weight of numbers proving the difference. “Our guys really showed the locals what we are capable of and I was really proud of the effort,” Sgt Matthews said.

“For myself, Brendon and Lewis, it was somewhat of a surreal feeling coming back to play against our old team; and the opportunity for a few old mates to have a shot at us certainly made us go in harder.”

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26 SPORT Army April 2, 2009

THE Riverina ADF Rugby Club (RARC) has taken a “joint task force” approach in its efforts to field two teams in the Southern Inland Rugby Union competition this year.

As well as being open to members of all three services, the RARC has called on civilians in the Wagga district sporting community to help swell its ranks.

“We have an active committee which is committed to building a strong founda-tion for long-term participation of the ADF in the Southern Inland Rugby Union competition,” RARC president Lt-Col Scotty Palmer explained.

He said the RARC rejoined the Southern Inland Rugby Union competi-tion in 2008 after a break because of the challenges associated with recruiting enough players to field first and reserve-grade teams.

“The RARC is a popular fixture for the local teams which enjoy the com-petition against a Defence team, play-ing on the well-maintained ground at Kapooka against some quality competi-tion that includes representative players from the Army and other Services,” he said.

“In 2008, the team comprised players from Kapooka, the RAAF Base at Wagga and we also had a civilian player in the

squad. “In 2009 we want to extend our engagement with the Wagga district and offer an opportunity for the locals to play for a team that is an important part of the community.

“For the Military members, it offers the opportunity to take a welcome break from the challenges afforded by a high tempo training environment and to play a part in the local community. Away games offer an opportunity to take in some of the local towns as far away as Hay and Griffith.”

Lt-Col Palmer said as a “bare mini-mum” the club needed to attract 40 play-ers to field two teams. To date recruiting is well on target with the numbers of players turning up for training increasing every week.

“The civilians will have all of their insurance costs covered by the RARC – our policy is a team policy,” Lt-Col Palmer said.

“The registration cost covers socks and shorts and, when combined with the fact that even transport is laid on for away games, it’s a great package.”

The competition begins on April 18.

Interested players, coaches or potential commit-tee members can contact Capt Ryan Pearce (club secretary), Gavin Bellis (head coach) or Lt-Col Palmer at: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

By Capt Paul Sylvester

1 BDE maintained its dominance throughout the day to win the 2009 rugby union 10s competi-tion at Kapooka on March 14.

Now in its 16th year, 18 teams from as far away as Darwin, Townsville and Adelaide contested the round-robin, with a preliminary phase in the morning session and an afternoon session involving the semi-finals and finals.

The results of the morning ses-sion determined which teams lined up for the cup, plate and bowl semi-finals and finals with prize pools of $1800, $900 and $500 respectively for the winners.

1 Bde won the cup final 27-10 in a much-anticipated decider against Kapooka.

Kapooka’s structure, while solid throughout the day, continued to suffer from a slow start.

1 Bde capitalised to maintain control with its fast, nimble, attack-ing style despite Kapooka’s more settled approach.

1 Bde’s success was the result of having played together for a number of months before the com-petition. It had contested the Hot 7s International in Darwin play-ing against international and state sides, as well as the South Darwin 10s competition, which it won.

1 Bde captain Capt Mikaele Dreu, 1 Avn Regt, paid tribute to the coaching and support staff as well as the players.

“Although going in an unknown entity, the boys were determined to return to Darwin with the spoils,” Capt Drue said.

“It was a sweet victory. The boys played their hearts out and not only produced a wonderful result, but they also displayed entertaining and professional rugby.”

Despite being a team-focused event, the games were highlighted by individual effort, skill, desire and passion.

There were a number of nota-ble mentions but the most valuable player award went to Lt Benjamin Grumley from 8/9RAR.

As was the case in past years, the morning’s preliminary session was fiercely contested.

1 Bde Combined stood out to win its first two games by a margin of 120 points and finish in top spot.

Teamwork approach to rugby recruitment

Looking for players: Uranquinty farmer Tristrum Rodham, who played 14 games for RARC in 2008, foreground, and RARC president Lt-Col Scotty Palmer look forward to the start of the 2009 SIRU season. Photo courtesy of The Daily Advertiser

Not to be outdone, Kapooka, 3RAR, 6RAR, 8/9RAR, Army Aviation, 9FSB, 2/14 QMI and the Vikings all had two wins apiece in a fight to secure top positions for the cup semi-finals.

The remaining teams in the draw – Singleton Army Rugby, 17 Const Sqn, RAAF Edinburgh, Border Army Rugby Club II (BARC II), 2CER and the School of Artillery displayed good attacking rugby but had to be content with filling minor placings in the morning session.

If the morning session was fiercely contested, the afternoon session was a “corker”, kicking off with the semi-finals. The top two scoring sides in each draw would progress to the finals and again they

were punctuated by solid defence and cunning attacking rugby.

The bowl final was played between the School of Artillery and BARC II. The plate was contested by Vikings and 3RAR.

In the bowl final, the School of Artillery narrowly beat BARC II 31-29. BARC II had skipped out to a commanding lead but was mowed down in the second half and eventu-ally lost in the final minutes.

The plate finished at 12-12 between Vikings and 3RAR at full-time and was decided by a “golden point” in extra-time period.

Vikings scored a try in the final minutes of the first extra-time peri-od to win 17-12.

1 Bde stands tall

Long haul: Cpl Gregory Smallwood, 8/9RAR, contemplates what could have been. Photo by Capt Tarek Elgayar

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SPORT 27Army April 2, 2009

ARMY skydivers were part of a new Australian canopy forma-tion record in early March when 36 people flew their parachutes linked together in a spectacular diamond pattern, extending 40m high and 27m wide and weigh-ing in at 3500kg.

After participants jumped from two aircraft at 14,000 feet, 4000m over Nagambie near Puckapunyal, the formation took 7.5mins to build and was held for 25sec while the 36 skydivers descend-ed towards earth. The formation broke the Australian record of 26 set the previous day and the record of 25 set in 2007.

WO1 Phil Thamm, Evalution Cell, RMC, who was part of both the old and new records, said it was pleasing to see Army partici-pation grow from two to four for the latest attempt.

“To have four Army skydivers take part in the training camp and attempts on the record at this elite level indicates sport parachuting has a very healthy future within the ADF,” he said.

“Building a large canopy for-mation takes considerable skill and the formation itself must be engineered correctly. This means having different sized canopies in specific positions in the forma-tion.

“Various positions required certain skills and experience and we’re fortunate to have Army jumpers who can now share what they’ve learned with the rest of the military parachuting commu-nity.”

After a week of training the record was achieved on the sec-ond attempt, with three Army personnel being on the successful jump. Joining WO1 Thamm in the record-breaking jump were WO2 Andrew Daniels, Directorate of Logistics Systems Support, DMO, and Sgt Daniel Brauman, Fire Support Wing, School of Artillery.

Just for the record

The Army trio, and civilians who set the 36-canopy record, were part of a wider squad of about 50 skydivers, including Maj Allan Gray, HQ SA Cadets Brigade, (26-way record holder) who all played significant roles during the training jumps prior to the record.

“All the personnel who attend-ed the camp had the skills to be a part of the record, but unfor-tunately only 36 could be on the attempt,” WO1 Thamm said.

The record was conduct-ed under the auspices of the Australian Parachute Federation with the help of Americans Chris Gay and Brian Pangburn who organised the world record forma-tion of 100 skydivers in 2007.

WO1 Thamm said engineer-

ing such a large formation was complex and took considerable experience.

“With Chris’ and Brian’s world class coaching, the confidence and skills of the team increased throughout the training camp. We started out with jumps involv-ing just two people linking-up their canopies and as the skills improved the formations grew.

“All the skydivers were weighed as the weight or wing loading of the canopy is impor-tant. Sometimes even canopies of the same size with the same weight fly differently.

“This at times meant that can-opies were moved around in the formation.”

Weather played its part and at one stage hopes of achieving

the record faded and the record attempts were not made until the last day.

The focus has now turned to a new record of 50 with planning to occur within the next year.

The sport of canopy formation is growing across Australia and in the Army. Two-way canopy for-mation competition constitutes two team members plus a videog-rapher.

There are plans to include i t a t the Army Parachute Championships in December.

WO1 Thamm is willing to organise training in canopy formation for Army skydivers. He can be contacted at: [email protected] and other details of the Australian record can be seen at http://www.cano-pyformation.info

Part of team: From left to right, WO2 Andrew Daniels, WO1 Phil Thamm, Sgt Daniel Brauman, and Maj Allan Gray took part in the record-breaking jumps. Photo by Steve Fitchett

Aussie Rules coach wantedADFA Rams Australian Football Club is seeking quali-fied coaches to assist in the training and development of the ADFA Rams teams for 2009. The club seeks two coaches to coach in divisions three and four of the ACT Australian Football League. Ideally, applicants would hold a current Level 1 Coaching Accreditation and have a high level of enthusiasm towards training and develop-ing new players to the game and club, and the club’s first 18. Coaches are required at training on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as weekend game days. The season runs through to mid-August. Expressions of interest should be sent to President, Off-Cdt Anthony Davis [email protected] or vice-president, Off-Cdt Johnathon Dowl [email protected] or 0417 142 815.

Calling clay shooters THE inaugural ADF Clay Target Championships will be held at the Shoalhaven Clay Target Club in Nowra from April 28-30. The event is open to regular and reserve members who have a current shooters’ licence. The competition will cater for down-the-line (DTL) trap events only. For more information, contact CPO Michael Bryan on (02) 4424 1902, 0419 546 818 or email [email protected]

Defence athletes gear upDEFENCE athletes are expected to contest the Arafura Games, Darwin, May 13-19, with the Defence half mara-thon for state teams in Canberra and Sydney half mara-thon – both on May 17 – and the Canberra Marathon on April 19. The Defence cross country championships will be held in June in Victoria, and the Defence marathon is set down for July 5 on the Gold Coast.

Ironmen ready for actionFOURTEEN members of the Australian Defence Services Triathlon Association (ADSTA) will contest the 2009 Ironman competition in conjunction with the Australian Ironman at Port Macquarie on Tuesday. The event consists of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run. ADSTA contestants are: Maj J. Rudd, Maj P. Bell, Sqn-Ldr L. Guthrie, Capt D. Madge, Capt R. Russell, Leut J. Nottle, WO2 A. Allan, WO2 P. Lee, WO2 P. Thomas, Sgt J. Caples, Sgt G. Robinson, Cpl R. Nicholls, LCpl S. Borwick, Pte W. Eliot.

SPORT SHORTS

April 2, 2009

RRECORD ECORD HIGHHIGH

Story –

Soldiers part of history-making jump

Diamond in sky: 36 jumpers take to the sky to complete an Australian canopy formation record. Photo by Steve Fichett

CUP HEADS TO DARWIN

1 Bde dominates Kapooka 10s

SEE PAGE 26

LOVE AND SACRIFICE - Department of Defence · Edition 1209 April 2, 2009 LOVE AND SACRIFICE...

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Transcript of LOVE AND SACRIFICE - Department of Defence · Edition 1209 April 2, 2009 LOVE AND SACRIFICE...