June 30, 2016 Centrepiecewww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews16 17

CAPABILITY THROUGH PEOPLEArmy is looking to lessons from the past to better prepare for the future of warfighting.

TWO years ago, Army began an intellectual pivot designed to review the lessons of the past 15 years, better understand the future operating environment and ensure Australian soldiers

could prevail in “the first fight of the next war”. Elements of this intellectual pivot included the Future

Land Warfare Report, Afghanistan Lessons Initiative, Building on Beersheba papers and the new version of Army’s capstone doctrine, the Fundamentals of Land Power.

To continue the intellectual growth of the Army and enhance its ability to think about how it builds future capa-bility, CA endorsed a new study that examined the future of Army’s development of its people.

The study focused on improving education, training and doctrine to ensure these elements are combined to build individual and collective professional mastery in contem-porary and future soldiers and officers.

Director General Training Brig Mick Ryan says Army has a strong tradition of focusing on training and excelling in the day-to-day operations of soldiering.

“However, the institutional value placed on education and doctrine has not always reached the same level as that of training and daily operations,” Brig Ryan says.

“One of the key aims of the new study was to ensure that training, operations, education and doctrine are equal-ly valued and that Army’s investment in these areas is well informed and appropriately synchronised.”

In thinking about the future of Army and its education, training and doctrine, the study team consulted broadly across Army and beyond.

The vast majority of those engaged believed Army’s approach to education, training and doctrine was not bro-ken, but was not as effective as it could be. At the same time, many said Army had the intellectual wherewithal to be world class in this regard.

“This study represents the combined efforts of the team and provides recommendations to ensure Army can achieve its aspiration of having a world-class education, training and doctrine system,” Brig Ryan explains.

As the study notes, the Army’s training education and doctrine system is not ‘broken’, but it is not well positioned as a system to exploit advanced learning techniques and delivery to enable the organisation to retain its human capacity edge over the next two decades.

It should provide enhanced direction and advocacy for education, training and doctrine, as well as a synchronis-ing mechanism for personnel policy, management and ongoing learning, according to Brig Ryan.

“An explicit system, which provides top-down strategic direction executed using mission command from schools, training centres, units and individual initiative, will provide Army with the best chance to ensure it is appropriately placed for future operational commitments,” he says.

“With strategic direction, commanders empowered with appropriate authorities and resources, and the right level of connectivity and feedback mechanisms described in this study, Army can achieve a more streamlined and transparent achievement of human capacity development.

“As such, the implementation of this study will ensure Army is able to think about its future training and educa-tion needs and then ensure that its education, training and doctrine system is appropriately oriented for the demands of the next two decades.”

ImplementationImplementation of the priority tasks has started. This year, Army will develop a unified human capacity strategy, focus more innovation resources on training and education, begin building its professional development framework, undertake doctrinal reform, produce a new simulation strategy, streamline the command and control of train-ing institutions, and build its campaign for large collective training activities.

Brig Ryan says the study represents a plan of action for Army in its campaign to enhance its education, training and doctrine.

“That is not to say this will be a simple task,” he says.“As with all large institutional programs for change,

there are cultural, implementation and technical risks. Each of these is examined and addressed in the study.

“Army seeks to learn the lessons of previous large ini-tiatives – in our Army and in others – to ensure the objec-tives described in the study have high-level advocacy, are resourced and that the rationale for change is well described to Army’s people.”

ACCORDING to Director General Training Brig Mick Ryan, Army possesses all of the ingredients for a world-class education, train-ing and doctrine system.

It recruits some of the finest young men and women in the nation and has well-established training infrastructure and a well-trained instruc-tor workforce.

“Army actively thinks about and seeks to shape its future as part of a whole-of-Defence approach,” Brig Ryan says.

“Yet, as the study into education, training and doctrine notes, these assets separately do not guarantee a world-class education, training and doctrine system now or into the future.

“The elements are – to varying degrees – sound, but they are not knitted together in a cohesive, unified system within Army that is guided by strategic view of Army’s future human capacity needs.

“The current system could better exploit ‘futures’ studies and forward planning to ensure Army is able to generate individual and col-lective professional mastery over the next two decades.”

Brig Ryan says the study examined a range

of issues but centred on four key elements: the ‘system’, a loosely defined and implicit object at present; education and professional military education; training and doctrine.

The study provides recommendations and priorities – and these have now been endorsed by CA. The key initiatives are as follows:1. Army is to produce a unified strategy for

the development of its human capacity. An explicit system, driven by an Army Human Capacity Strategy, will provide strategic direc-tion that is executed through mission com-mand at schools, training centres, units and individual initiative. Subordinate strategies for workforce, career and talent management, training and education will also have utility.

2. There is no evidence that Army’s people lack imagination, inquisitiveness or innova-tive spirit. Current mechanisms encourage bottom-up innovation, however, innovation at Army schools and training centres is tacti-cal in nature and hindered by training tempo. Strategic innovation should be nurtured to review future institutional needs and world’s best practice learning methodologies. The Army research and development plan should

also be revised so more focus is placed on future learning methodologies and technolo-gies. A new future training and education section will be established to meet these requirements.

3. Army will institute an Officer and Enlisted Professional Development Framework. This framework will be closely linked to the revised All Corps Officer and Soldier Continuum. As part of this, Army should build an online resource, designed around CA professional development priorities, which provides resources for the conduct of self-study and for the conduct of ongoing unit professional military education to support the professional development framework.

4. Army will review its objectives for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) qualified personnel, as well as the level of technical competencies it expects in its broader workforce. This could be an element of the proposed Army Human Development Strategy.

5. Army will codify its strategy for the use of information technology in blended learn-ing within a broader Defence environment.

The Army, in cooperation with the Chief Information Officer and the Australian Defence College, is to develop a plan to implement distributed learning that exploits trials and takes into account training institu-tions, unit locations, reserve depots and the use of personal computing and communica-tions devices by reserve and regular personnel.

6. Army will reinvigorate its doctrine and affirm the hierarchy, structure and authorship of all Army doctrinal publications. Army’s doctrine will be made more accessible and where possible released for an online unclassified library.

7. The extant foundation warfighting training management framework will be redeveloped so that it incorporates individual corps, all corps and joint outcomes. Additionally, Army should embrace a campaign approach to significant collective training activities such as Exercise Hamel. In looking out five to 10 years in planning these exercises, Army can set longer-term capability development outcomes – for Army, joint and coalition operations.

Key initiatives to improve education and training

Soldiers return to their pits after an assault during Exercise Southern Jackaroo at Shoalwater Bay in May. Photo by Cpl Dan Pinhorn

Edition 1376 June 30, 2016

FUTURE WARFIGHTING CENTRE TRAGEDY REMEMBERED P2-3

AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT

2RAR plays major role in Exercise Sea Explorer P22-23

Soldiers from 2RAR conduct an amphibious beach landing from a Navy LHD Landing Craft during Exercise Sea Explorer 2016 at Cowley Beach near Townsville. Photo by Cpl Kyle Genner

June 30, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews2

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Cpl Mark Doran

ARMY marked the 20th anniver-sary of the 1996 Black Hawk trag-edy that took the lives of 18 soldiers with commemorative services held around Australia on June 12.

CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell, Commander Socomd Maj-Gen Jeff Sengelman, and Commander Forcom Maj-Gen Gus Gilmore, joined sev-eral personnel injured in the accident and family members of those killed at a commemorative service at the Townsville Palmetum.

About 1000 members of the Townsville community joined current and former Defence personnel to pay their respects at the emotional cer-emony.

On the evening of June 12, 1996, at 6.30pm, two Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters flying in a formation of six collided dur-ing a night training exercise near Townsville.

The Black Hawks were travelling at 200km/h, 30m above the ground.

The first Black Hawk crashed immediately, killing 12 people on board. The second Black Hawk was able to make a crash landing, but unfortunately caught fire and anoth-er six Army personnel were killed. Twelve others were injured.

Fifteen soldiers of the Perth-based 1 Sqn SASR and three soldiers of the Townsville-based B Sqn 5 Avn Regt lost their lives in the accident.

During the memorial address Lt-Gen Campbell said the tragedy, as for many, gave him a personal sense of shock and loss, especially as he had only handed over command of 1 Sqn SASR in December 1995.

“Friends and colleagues I had served with since selection to the regi-ment were gone,” he said.

“But not forgotten – never forgotten. Sons, brothers, partners and fathers were taken before their time.

“An empty locker at work, an empty seat at the dinner table at home, empty nights for those left to carry on.”

Lt-Gen Campbell said the special forces and aviation soldiers working together that night in 1996 lived the ideal of existing for others.

“It was already evident in their commitment to excellence in one of the most demanding military training endeavours,” he said.

“It was manifest in their immedi-ate reaction by running into aircraft wrecks with exploding munitions to rescue comrades and in some cases running back to the aircraft while severely wounded in order to try and save their mates.”

Fourteen men who without fear for their own safety worked to rescue the survivors – despite their own injuries, fire and exploding ordnance – were recognised for their efforts.

SASR Cpl Gary Proctor was aboard aircraft ‘Black 2’ when it crashed.

Although injured, Cpl Proctor placed himself in great danger by assisting the pilots and crew to get clear of the wreckage before attempt-ing to free others who were injured and remove the bodies of those killed.

He was awarded the Star of Courage.

Cpl Proctor said the commemora-tive service was a fantastic way to remember those who died in 1996.

“For the survivors, it’s just good because we can support each other,”

A dark day remembered Family and friends mark the 20th anniversary of the Black Hawk tragedy

he said. “The most emotional part was when the MRH-90 Taipans of 5 Avn Regt flew over the memorial and broke into the missing man formation in the final stages of the ceremony.

“It gets me every time – you get over it, but you never get used to it.

“For the families, we spent the days leading up to this event with the parents who lost sons, kids who lost fathers and wives who lost husbands.

“We also flew to the crash site in a Chinook on Saturday for a small, solemn service for the next of kin and members of 5 Avn Regt, which was organised perfectly.”

In the immediate aftermath of the Black Hawk crash, SASR Sergeant Mick Williams continuously placed himself in great personal danger in his endeavours to save the trapped men.

He was awarded the Bravery Medal.

Sgt Williams said although it had been 20 years, the survivors and fami-lies of those who were killed had not really all been together since.

“To me it’s more of a celebration of their lives, not their loss,” he said.

“It meant a lot to be here and catch up with everyone.

“Lt-Gen Campbell was my squad-ron commander in 1995 and Maj-Gen Gilmore was my commanding officer at one stage.

“Visiting the crash site was an emotional experience and it was amazing to see the area was still bare earth.

“What stood out during the past few days was the amount of support we have received from the Townsville community.

“It was outstanding.”After the main ceremony, wreaths

and gifts were laid at the memorial and 18 trees were planted at the site by the families of those who were lost, the survivors and the attending dignitaries.

Australian Bravery Decorations awarded for actions on June 12,1996:Star of CourageCpl Dominic Boyle (SASR) Cpl Gregory Kirkham (5 Avn Regt) Cpl Gary Proctor (SASR)Bravery MedalLCpl Brian Morris (SASR)Capt Jim Ryan (SASR)Sgt Mick Williams (SASR)Commendation for Brave ConductSSgt Nicholas Coenen (SASR)WO2 Robert McCabe (SASR)Chief of the Defence Force CommendationTpr Scott Carnie (SASR)Cpl Rob Cousins (SASR)LCpl Craig Naumann (SASR)LCpl George Taulelei (SASR)Chief of Army CommendationCpl Steven Frerk (SASR)Cpl Jamie Sharpe (SASR)

ACTS OF COURAGE

Former soldier Gary Proctor, a survivor of the 1996 Black Hawk helicopter training accident, at the 20th anniversary commemorative service in Townsville.

MRH-90 Taipans from 5 Avn Regt fly over the commemorative service in Townsville.Photos by Cpl Mark Doran

3 June 30, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 3

A dark day remembered

Capt John Berrigan5 Avn RegtBorn December 1, 1968John Berrigan enlisted on May 20, 1988 as an Army Reserve soldier in 4/3 RNSWR. After graduating from RMC on December 9, 1992, he was allocated to AAAvn. He was posted to 5 Avn Regt on January 1, 1994 and promoted to captain on January 1, 1996.

Capt Kelvin Hales5 Avn RegtBorn November 28, 1969Kelvin Hales enlisted on October 25, 1989. After graduation from RMC on June 26, 1991, Kevin was allocated to 5 Avn Regt in November 1993 and served in Cambodia in 1993.

Cpl Michael Baker5 Avn RegtBorn March 22, 1972Michael Baker enlisted in July 1989 and was allocated to AAAvn. After completing basic driver and several aviation trade courses, he was posted to 1 Avn Regt. Michael marched into 5 Avn Regt as a load- master in December 1995.

Capt Timothy Stevens1 Sqn SASRBorn September 26, 1966Tim Stevens enlisted in the Army on May 26, 1986 and was commis-sioned as an officer in RAInf on January 22, 1990. He underwent SAS selection in 1994 and was posted to SASR on June 1, 1994. Tim came from 8/9RAR as a lieutenant on posting to SASR. Tim was survived by his wife.

LCpl Glen Hagan1 Sqn SASRBorn November 21, 1965Glen Hagan enlisted in the Army on July 6, 1988 and was allocated to RAInf. He underwent SAS selection in 1993 and was posted to SASR on July 1, 1993. Glen came from 6RAR as a lance corporal but reverted to the rank of trooper on posting to SASR. Glen was survived by his wife and daughter.

Cpl Mihran Avedissian152 Sig Sqn SASRBorn January 2, 1967Mihran Avedissian and his parents immigrated to Australia from Ethiopia when he was three. He enlisted in the Army on October 3, 1984 and was allocated to RASigs. He was posted to 152 Sig Sqn on March 4, 1987 and underwent SAS selection in 1989. He came from 104 Sig Sqn as a signaller. He was survived by his mother.

THE HONOUR ROLL

Sgt Hugh Ellis1 Sqn SASRBorn July 2, 1960Hugh Ellis enlisted in the Army on September 8, 1982 and was allocated to RAEME. He underwent SAS selection in 1989 and was posted to SASR on June 21, 1989. Hugh came from 3RAR as a corporal but reverted to trooper and transferred to RAInf on posting to SASR. Hugh was survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.

Cpl Michael Bird1 Sqn SASRBorn April 7, 1968Michael Bird enlisted in the Army on August 11, 1987, and was allocated to RAInf. He underwent SAS selection in 1991 and was posted to SASR on May 22, 1991. Michael came from 2/4RAR as a lance corporal but revert-ed to the rank of trooper on posting to SASR. Michael was survived by his wife.

Cpl Andrew Constantinidis1 Sqn SASRBorn June 18, 1962Andrew enlisted in the Army Reserve on January 18, 1986 and was allo-cated to RASigs. He was posted to SASR on March 9, 1990 to undergo SAS selection. He was enlisted into the regular Army and was transferred to RAInf. Andrew came from 1 Cdo Regt as a lance corporal but reverted to the rank of trooper on posting to SASR. Andrew was sur-vived by his wife.

Cpl Darren Oldham1 Sqn SASRBorn October 23, 1966Darren Oldham enlisted in the Army on March 18, 1987 and was allocated to RAInf. He underwent SAS selection in 1991 and was posted to SASR on May 24, 1991. Darren came from 2/4RAR as a lance corporal but reverted to trooper on posting to SASR. Darren was sur-vived by his de facto wife.

Cpl Brett Tombs1 Sqn SASRBorn February 18, 1965Brett Tombs enlisted in the Army on January 22, 1986 and was allocated to RAInf. He underwent SAS selection in 1988 and was posted to SASR on June 29, 1988. Brett came from 5/7RAR with the rank of private on posting to SASR. Prior to the acci-dent Brett had elected to discharge and was excited about leaving the Army to study. Brett was sur-vived by his wife, son and daughter.

LCpl David Johnstone1 Sqn SASRBorn October 3, 1969David Johnstone enlisted in the Army on November 19, 1986 and was allo-cated to the RAInf. He underwent SAS selection in 1991 and was posted to SASR on May 22, 1991. David came from 3RAR with the rank of private. David was survived by his father.

LCpl Gordon Callow1 Sqn SASRBorn December 22, 1961Gordon Callow enlisted in the Army on July 6, 1988 and was allocated to RAInf. He underwent SAS selection in 1993 and was posted to SASR on July 1, 1993. Gordon came from 2/4RAR as a lance corpo-ral but reverted to the rank of trooper on posting to SASR. Gordon was sur-vived by his uncle.

Tpr Jonathan Church1 Sqn SASRBorn September 1, 1963Jon Church enlisted in the Army Reserve on November 5, 1989. He underwent SAS selec-tion in 1993, transferred to the regular Army and was posted to SASR on November 26, 1993. Jon came from 1 Cdo Regt with the rank of private on posting to SASR. Jon was survived by his father.

Tpr David Frost1 Sqn SASRBorn January 28, 1968David Frost enlisted in the Army on June 30, 1985 and was allocated to RAInf. He underwent SAS selection in 1992 and was posted to SASR on August 21, 1992. David came from 2/4RAR as a corporal but reverted to the rank of trooper on posting to SASR. David was survived by his sister.

Tpr Timothy McDonald1 Sqn SASRBorn October 4, 1971Tim McDonald enlisted in the Army on May 10, 1989 and was allocated to RAInf. He underwent SAS selection in 1993 and was posted to SASR on July 1, 1993. Tim came from the 3RAR with the rank of pri-vate on posting to SASR. Tim was survived by his father.

Cpl Darren Smith152 Sig Sqn SASRBorn September 28, 1968Darren Smith enlisted in the Army on June 30, 1986 and was allocated to RASigs. He was posted to 152 Sig Sqn on January 14, 1990 and underwent SAS selection in 1991. Darren came from 139 Sig Sqn as a corporal and retained his rank on post-ing to SASR. Darren was survived by his father.

Sig Hendrik Peeters152 Sig Sqn SASRBorn December 15, 1970Hendrik Peeters enlisted in the Army on May 4, 1988 and was allocated to RASigs. He was posted to SASR on January 16, 1991 and underwent SAS selection the following month. Hendrik came from 103 Sig Sqn as a signal-ler on posting to SASR. Hendrik was survived by his wife.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs are looking for members of the current serving and ex-service communities to show off their creative talents in the annual Victorian Veterans’Story Writing and Art Competition (SWAC).

WHO CAN ENTER?The competition, which began as a therapy exercise for returned veterans, is now opento current and ex-servicemen and women (including National Service, Peacemakers &Peacekeepers), their spouses, widows, eligible children and grandchildren (over the age of18), who reside in Victoria.

STORY WRITING ART CRAFT PHOTOGRAPHYCategories for the competition include story writing, poetry, art / painting, craftwork andphotography. The competition welcomes all entries, regardless of skill level. The specialwriting category for 2016 is titled “We’ll Meet Again”.

VISUAL ART ENTRIESEntries will be displayed to the public at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in September.Prizes for the best entries in each category will be awarded at a presentation ceremony in lateNovember.

Entries for the competition close on Friday 29 July 2016.Entry forms are available by calling Siobhan Hodgins

03 9496 2290 or Email swac@austin.org.auwww.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/health-events/story-writing-and-art-competition-swac

SWACComp

Patron: Major Gen David J McLachlan AO

Writing, Art, Craft &Photography Competition

June 30, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews4

Capt James Hook

THE Royal Australian Regiment’s “tailender” battalions have met on active service for the first time in the regiment’s history.

Members of 7 and 8/9 Battalions held a parade at Taji Military Complex in Iraq on May 31, to mark the occasion.

CO 7RAR Lt-Col David McCammon told the assembled infantrymen their bat-talions shared a common heritage.

“The 7th, 8th and 9th Battalions were all raised for war. They were raised in the 1960s for active service in South Vietnam, and served a total of four tours – two by 7RAR and one each by 8RAR and 9RAR,” Lt-Col McCammon said.

“The Army contracted after Vietnam, with battalions being linked and even dis-banded. But operational requirements in 2006 resulted in the delinking of 7RAR and the re-raising of 8/9RAR.

“Like our predecessors, our battalions have been raised for active service.”

The parade was reminiscent of the famous meeting of the “Originals” – the 1, 2 and 3 Battalions – on active service in Korea on March 21, 1953.

CO 8/9RAR Lt-Col Jim Hammett said it was magnificent to see the tailenders on parade while on active service in Iraq.

“We might be last in the order of march, but we have an operational tempo that is the envy of every other battalion in the regiment. This is 8/9RAR’s sixth major operation in the past seven years,” he said.

The COs exchanged gifts at the parade, with 7RAR presenting an eye-catching piece of artwork from Jos Valdman, cartoonist at The Advertiser newspaper in Adelaide.

The piece shows battalion mascots Willy the Pig, of 7RAR, and Stan the Ram, of 8/9RAR, accompanied by a Kiwi, representing New Zealand soldiers who are serving in Iraq as part of Task Group Taji, alongside Australian soldiers.

The 8th/9th Battalion’s pipe major, Cpl Kenneth Horton, brought proceedings to a close with a rendition of his unit’s regimental quick march, The Black Bear, accompanied by soldiers bellowing their famous “Hoy!” at the appropriate times.

Personnel from 8/9RAR comprised about two-thirds of the 300 Australians in Task Group Taji 2.

When 8/9RAR paraded, it was in the process of completing its six-month deployment as Task Group Taji 2, handing over to Task Group Taji 3.

Tailenders on parade at Taji The Black Bear sets the beat for a historic meeting in Iraq of battalions raised for active service

Cpl Max Bree

THE soldiers of Task Group Taji’s second rotation arrived home in early June to be welcomed by family and friends in Brisbane.

About 250 ADF personnel deployed with the task group, which was primarily drawn from 7 Bde, to support the Building Partner Capacity mission in Iraq.

One of those off the plane was Pte Tom Clifford, an infantryman who served as a Bushmaster driver during his time in Iraq.

“There was a bit of down time but for us it was pretty busy with our driving tasks and cars to main-tain. It was really good for my first trip,” he said.

CO 7 Bde Brig Tony Rawlins said the task group had every right to be proud of its achievements.

“Working with our New Zealand Defence Force colleagues, the sol-

diers of Task Group Taji 2 made an invaluable contribution to the fight against Daesh through training and mentoring of Iraq’s security forces,” he said.

“Over the past nine months, the men and women of Task Group Taji 2 shared their knowledge and skills, and forged strong bonds of mateship with our Iraqi colleagues.”

Brig Rawlins also thanked the friends and families of those recent-ly returned.

“Their pat ience and sup-port, coupled with the assistance of the broader Brisbane commu-nity, underpinned the success of this deployment,” he said.

The returning soldiers from Task Group Taji 2, who deployed to Iraq last October, had to complete a three-day decompression package before going on leave.

2IC 8/9RAR Maj Mick Sprice said the program was designed to get soldiers back into a barracks

routine. It also provided briefs on things such as welfare, finance and mental health.

“In the past we’ve seen guys come back and then splinter as an organisation,” he said

“This is a better way to main-tain the integrity of the deployed organisation before everyone goes on leave,” Maj Sprice said.

“It’s something we learned to do from our Timor experience and has been around in different variations for a number of years for those who deploy in formed bodies.”

Task Group Taji 2 comprised a headquarters, training team, force protection and support elements.

It has been replaced by Task Group Taji 3, which assumed com-mand in Iraq on June 6 and com-prises about 300 ADF personnel drawn largely from 1 Bde, alongside about 110 New Zealand Defence Force personnel.

Time to decompress, then hard-won leave

8/9RAR pipe major Cpl Kenneth Horton plays his unit’s regimental quick march, The Black Bear, at the parade to mark the first meeting on operations of the three ‘’tailender’’ battalions. Photo by LS Jake Badior

7RAR members join their 8/9RAR counterparts on parade at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq.Photo by LS Jake Badior

Capt Nick Chamberlin in the garden at the Taji Military Complex.Photo by LS Jake Badior

5 June 30, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 5

Saturday 27 AugustUnited Services Club, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane

Conference 8.30 – 5 pmFollowed by Formal Dinner 7 pm

Cost:Combined conference and dinner $150Conference only - $75Formal Dinner only - $85

Why attend?National peak Reserve forum - Tri-service all ranksPresentations by military leaders, government, commentatorsProfessional development for junior membersNetwork across services, units, ranks

Further information:MAJ Trevor Herrod (Retd) 0413 152 853

dra.org.au/event/18512/dra-2016-national-conference

Have your say on thefuture of Army Reserves

Defence ReservesAssociation

DRA 2016 National Conference

Tailenders on parade at Taji The Black Bear sets the beat for a historic meeting in Iraq of battalions raised for active service

Capt James Hook

PTE Mohamad Saleh is a truckie by trade, serving with the 9th Force Support Battalion at RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane.

Six months ago, the fluent Arabic speaker deployed to Iraq as an Army linguist.

Pte Saleh was the interpreter for one of Task Group Taji’s training teams, which teaches Iraqi soldiers to succeed in combat.

“I started off interpreting for the trainers as they instructed in navigation, first aid, weapons, tactics and urban warfare skills like clearing rooms and buildings,” Pte Saleh said.

“It soon reached the stage where I could give the lessons myself because I knew the language, I knew the ter-minology and I had just learned the drills from the best instructors in the Australian Army.

“I was the only private in the train-ing task unit. All the rest were expe-rienced NCOs, warrant officers and officers.

“The experience definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but being part of something so important gave me massive job satisfaction.”

Iraqi soldiers were both impressed and intrigued by Pte Saleh’s language skills.

“They were shocked when they heard an Australian soldier speaking Arabic,” he said.

“They would ask me where I was from, and I would tell them my story.”

Pte Saleh was born in southern

Lebanon and moved to Australia with his father when he was 15. He joined the Army four years ago, aged 21.

Capt Matt Sebesfi, of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), officer commanding Kilo Five Zero training team, said Pte Saleh’s skills were valuable to the train-ing unit’s mission.

“Mo was my linguist whenever I went to meet Iraqi generals or colonels, and he was definitely a force multi-plier,” Capt Sebesfi said.

“It wasn’t until he went on leave and I used a civilian interpreter that I realised how much work Mo had been doing, and how much more information he was able to translate, understanding all the training terms.

“We had 260 Iraqi soldiers on the junior leaders course, many of whom had years of combat experience.

“We quickly learned not to tell them to do things our way.

“Instead, we would ask the Iraqis to demonstrate a technique such as a room entry, then we would advise them how it could be improved tactically.

“We would point out the reasons why they might want to operate differ-ently and leave it to the Iraqis to decide to change their techniques.”

Pte Saleh said he enjoyed his deployment and formed some great friendships, both within training teams and with Iraqis.

“It was something completely different to what I’ve been doing in Australia,” he said.

“It has opened my eyes to the options and opportunities offered by the Army.”

Capt James Hook

A PATCHY little garden has proved a secret weapon for the training teams of Task Group Taji.

The windswept plot in front of the Training Task Unit’s (TTU) headquar-ters has helped personnel build rap-port with Iraqi Army commanders at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq.

CO Task Group Taji Rotation 2’s TTU Lt-Col Jim Hammett said the garden was inspired by visits to local Iraqi units and training establish-ments, all of which boasted gardens of varying size.

“The Iraqi commanders are proud of their regimental gardens,” he said.

“Discussions about the merits of various gardening techniques eventu-ally led to us being gifted a couple of

trees, which became the catalyst for the establishment of the TTU regi-mental garden.”

Lt-Col Hammett appointed 8/9RAR staff officers Capt Nick Chamberlin and Capt Dan Lawrence as the regimental gardening officer and assistant respectively.

“It is considered courteous in Iraqi society to make small talk when start-ing a meeting,” Capt Chamberlin said.

“We would visit the Iraqi com-manders to discuss training their sol-diers to defeat Daesh, and the garden gave us a conversational opener.

“I had no gardening experience, while Dan knew how to mow a lawn and trim a hedge. We’ve overcome a number of challenges. The soil is ter-rible, the heat and sun are brutal, and the evaporation rate is massive.

“We dug into the rock-hard ground and planted trees in potting mix, put planter boxes in the shade and used water-filled trenches for irrigation.”

Local Iraqi commanders followed the progress of the TTU garden enthusiastically, and donated numer-ous flowers, shrubs and trees.

“Colonel Shahab, from the Baghdad Fighting School, started us off with a couple of date palms,” Capt Lawrence said.

“The Garrison Commander, Gen Karim, joined in and gave us a num-ber of plants.”

Capt Lawrence said the hard work had paid off.

“Our final mission was to hand over the garden to the next rotation of Task Group Taji and ensure they give it the care it requires.”

WO2 John Craig is greeted at Brisbane airport by his boys after returning from a six-month deployment to the Taji Military Complex in Iraq. Photo by Cpl Max Bree

Linguistic skills are a truckie’s driving force

Rapport grows out of garden

Pte Mohamad Saleh mentors an Iraqi Army soldier during a Junior Leader’s Course at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq. Photo by Cpl Jake Sims

June 30, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews6

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A CONTINGENT of 140 ADF personnel – 80 Army, 30 Navy and 30 Air Force – will lead the French National Day parade in Paris on July 14.

The French Nat ional Day, or Bastille Day as it is commonly known, commemorates the storm-ing of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, as well as the Fête de la Fédération, which celebrates the unity of the French people on July 14, 1790.

VCDF VADM Ray Griggs said it was an important honour for the ADF to participate in the event, to demon-strate and further strengthen the close and longstanding defence relation-ship Australia has with France.

“The ADF is proud and honoured to be invited as the guest of hon-our in the oldest and largest regu-lar military parade in Europe on the Champs-Élysées in Paris,” VADM Griggs said.

“Not only is this a patriotic dis-play of French troops and their

military hardware, but it recognises current French operations and their servicemen’s sacrifice and service to their country over time.

“The ADF contribution to the French National Day parade is par-ticularly timely as we will be in France in July to participate in com-memorative activities during this, our Centenary of Anzac period, for the 100th anniversaries of the battles of Fromelles and Pozières, where we saw our country’s greatest achieve-ments and most substantial losses on the Western Front.

“The Centenary of Anzac is a very special time for all Australians and will be one of the most signifi-cant commemorations to take place in our lifetime.

“For our Australian troops to be involved in this event in France, it is a further opportunity to remember and reflect upon the service and sac-rifice of our past and current service-men and women,” he said.

MUSN Liz Cherry is among more than 100 soldiers heading to the Western Front to commemorate the centenary of the battles of Fromelles and Pozières in July.

The singer, whose great uncle Capt Percy Herbert Cherry, VC, MC, com-manded the 1st Bty, 7th Machine Gun Coy, at Fleurbaix, Messines and on the Somme, will sing the French and Australian national anthems at ceremo-nies to commemorate the 100th anni-versary of the battles.

“I am really excited,” Musn Cherry said. “It’s a significant responsibility learning the French national anthem, so there is a lot of preparation involved.

“Hopefully, I get time to visit my great uncle’s grave to pay my respects.”

On March 26, 1917, Capt Cherry’s battalion – the 26th Australian Inf Bn – was ordered to capture the village of

Lagnicourt. There was strong enemy opposition, and soon all of the offic-ers in the company became casualties. Capt Cherry organised machine-gun and bombing parties, sent back frequent reports of progress and, when wounded later in the action, refused to leave his post.

Late in the afternoon, a single shell killed him instantly.

Capt Cherry never learnt of the honours bestowed upon him: a Military Cross awarded earlier and the Victoria Cross for Lagnicourt were both announced after his death. He is buried in the Queant Road Cemetery, Buissy, France.

Musn Cherry, of the Australian Army Band-Melbourne, said she was proud to be representing the ADF at a place that was also significant to her family history.

“I’m honoured to be attending the ceremonies where we are honouring these battles and the lives lost. My great uncle was only 21 when he died.”

The Western Front was a crucial theatre of WWI. Between 1916 and 1918, about 290,000 Australians served in the theatre, where about 47,000 Australian lives were lost and more than 130,000 wounded.

“It’s an amazing honour to be attending,” Musn Cherry said. “My great uncle exemplified bravery and leadership and they are now part of my values as a soldier.”

During the commemorative ser-vices, Australia’s Federation Guard will provide a catafalque party and flag and wreath orderlies, while a contingent of 107 soldiers from 2 Div will parade their Colours and assist with burials of unknown soldiers.

Honour reflects links with France

Doing great uncle proudMarch to be led by ADF

Musn Liz Cherry performs with the ADF Combined Military Bands at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Melbourne in February and (inset) her great uncle Capt Percy Herbert Cherry.

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Cpl Sebastian Beurich

ABOUT 900 soldiers got their first taste of the cold South Australian air when they disem-barked from HMAS Adelaide on June 22, before heading to Exercise Hamel.

The newly expanded Cultana Training Area will play host to more than 9000 soldiers for the exercise – held from June 27 to July 13.

Also participating in Exercise Hamel this year are members of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, members of the United States Army and members of the New Zealand Army.

Director General of Training Brig Mick Ryan said the exercise was designed to ensure Army could deploy an agile and enabled combat brigade.

“We will be testing 1 Bde’s ability to support a range of operational con-tingencies, from humanitarian assis-tance and disaster relief through to major combat operations,” Brig Ryan said.

“Unlike Shoalwater Bay, Cultana is between 3000 and 5000km away from all of our combat brigades, which offers us an opportunity to practise deployment of our land forc-es over long distances.

“17 CSS Bde has been essential in ensuring we have the logistic infra-structure in place to conduct such a large scale and long distance activity.”

Traditionally held in training areas on the east coast of Australia – either Shoalwater Bay Training Area or High Range Training Area – this year, Cultana was chosen as the preferred site.

“It is important to diversify the environment in which soldiers train, to better prepare them for future oper-ational challenges,” Brig Ryan said.

“Given the historical significance of the region in Australia’s military history, there is no more suitable loca-tion for the Army to train in during the Centenary of Anzac.”

The soldiers of 7 Bde got their first experience of Navy’s LHDs on the trip from Brisbane to Adelaide.

“From what we got to see of the ship, I liked it,” 2/14 Regt’s Tpr Benjamin Choi said.

“We’ve seen a few photos from

Cpl Max Bree

FINDING uses for automated tech-nology to work with soldiers is the goal of the next Army Innovation Day, to be held in Canberra on October 12.

Selected industry exhibitors will be invited to present products on the theme of “manned and unmanned teaming for the soldier”. Proposals are being sought using the widely available AusTender internet portal.

Lead coord ina to r fo r Army Innovation Day Lt-Col Steve Hledik said it would centre on automated sys-tems that alleviate work done by sol-diers, or enhance how the task is per-formed.

“In this year’s activity, we are build-ing on what was examined and achieved in AID 14 and AID 15 to look at how the land combat team can be supported by automated technology,” he said.

“An example would be robots or

autonomous systems working along-side soldiers in the field, but we’re also interested in other enablers that come from outside our current perspective.

“The key question then is, when bringing those elements together, how does it extend the capability of the sol-dier when they’re supported by autono-mous systems?

“What opportunity does manned and unmanned teaming create that increases the combat effect?

“And when bringing those togeth-er, how do we increase the capability of humans when they’re supported by autonomous systems?”

Potential exhibitors are being asked to offer technology solutions against several sub-themes, such as enhancing precision lethality, situational awareness and sustainment.

Other sub-themes include enabling manoeuvre, increasing force protection and taking soldiers out of the danger zone.

Automation to be focus of Innovation Day

Troops ready for Hamel Expanded Cultana to host more than 9000 soldiers on exercise

Cultana, so we’re expecting a lot of rain,” he said.

CO HMAS Adelaide Capt Paul Mandziy said it was important for Army and Navy to work together on exercises such as Hamel.

“Exercise Hamel provides a great

opportunity for increasing interoper-ability between the Army and Navy,” Capt Mandziy said.

“We have recognised that joint operations are the way of the future, and the only way we can get good at them is if we continue to operate

together through these types of exer-cises.”

“This is the first time Adelaide has lifted a number of troops from 7 Bde, so it’s the start of a great journey for Defence as we move forward with the amphibious capability.”

There will be extensive coverage of Exercise Hamel in a future edition of Army.

Coverage of Exercise Hamel as it happens can be followed at @AustralianArmy on Twitter or by visiting the Australian Army Facebook page.“

It is important to diversify the environment in which soldiers train to

better prepare them for future operational challenges.

– Brig Mick Ryan, Director General of Training

Pte Amy Priaulx checks United States Marine Corps personnel onboard a coach at Port Adelaide for their journey to Cultana training area. Photo by Cpl Dan Pinhorn

Australian and US personnel line the upper decks of HMAS Adelaide as it comes alongside Flinders Wharf, Port Adelaide. Photos by AB Chris Beerens

An Australian soldier guides the driver of an ASLAV ashore at Flinders Wharf.

June 30, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews8

Lt Steven Liowillie

A DELIVERY of cargo to Antarctica by air broke new icy ground for the Army.

Specialists from 176th Air Dispatch Squadron (176AD Sqn) used the con-tainer delivery system to deliver three loads of supplies for medical, vehicles and plant equipment, along with personal mail for Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) staff, on June 4.

An Air Force C-17A Globemaster III flew a 7000km round trip and deliv-ered the loads to the Casey drop zone in Antarctica.

The loads were recovered with their contents serviceable and no damage sus-tained.

Pte Simon Grech, of 176AD Sqn, said it was the first time the Army had prepared and delivered loads by airdrop to the frozen continent.

“We’re proud to have been involved in conducting live airdrop loads into the Antarctic,” Pte Grech said.

“This airdrop has demonstrated our ability to be flexible and adaptable, and to provide a strategic effect required from a tactical level for military, civilian or other government agencies.”

While Air Force conducted trial flights to Wilkins Aerodrome between November 2015 and February 2016, mid-winter weather in Antarctica makes airdrop the only means of resupply.

For this task, 176AD Sqn prepared loads configured for a high-velocity drop, using a 22ft extraction parachute to stabilise the load during its descent.

The increased rate of descent allows greater accuracy in the high winds preva-lent in Antarctica at this time of year.

The high-velocity configuration was chosen because of the nature of the cargo and the information attained from the drop-zone reconnaissance.

The airdrop loads were designed to provide a greater degree of protection

during the initial impact. Significant effort was invested in enhancing side protection to counter load roll-over.

176AD Sqn made special provisions of the materials used to build the loads, considering the strict environmental requirements for delivering cargo to the Antarctic.

CO 9th Force Support Battalion Lt-Col Chris Clapton said the airdrop was an excellent opportunity to showcase the versatility of aerial delivery.

“Dropping large and complex loads into a remote location during adverse weather conditions demonstrates the util-ity of Defence’s aerial delivery capabil-ity,” he said.

“The C-17A’s reach gives us the capacity to rapidly deliver critical stores and equipment across the globe.

“This ultimately enhances Defence’s operational effectiveness and strategic influence.”

Future Concepts Manager for AAD, Matt Filipowski, said access to Australia’s Antarctic stations had been limited to the warmer months, between October and March.

“During winter, Antarctica is cloaked in darkness and experiences extreme temperatures, which means we can’t reach our stations by sea or air,” Mr Filipowski said.

“But with the new capabilities of the RAAF C-17A we can now drop essential supplies and equipment year-round.

“This is a really significant devel-opment, improving the logistical sup-port we can provide to all our stations – Casey, Mawson and Davis – over the long winter period.”

CO 86 Wing Gp-Capt Adam Williams said it was a great opportunity for both organisations.

“The opportunity to support the AAD in this resupply demonstrates Defence’s progression to a year-round resupply capability to the AAD research stations,” he said.

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02 62652253 or email: armynews@defencenews.gov.au

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Sky’s the limit for deliveries Army prepares and offloads its first cargo by airdrop to the frozen continent

Above, the cargo, prepared by 176AD Sqn, ready to be dropped from a C-17A.Left, expeditioners from Casey station recover a load from the drop zone.Photos by Chad Griffiths and Kate Senekin

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Cpl Mark Doran

2RAR soldiers are physically and mentally prepared for the world’s largest international maritime exercise.

Section Commander Cpl Carlos Barrera, of Alpha Coy, said the bat-talion conducted a 10-week training program earlier in the year designed to take all soldiers through their basic individual skills up to com-pany size operations.

“We rehearsed offensive and defensive operations and military operations in the urban environment as well as combined arms training with 2 Cav Regt and 4 Regt RAA on Exercise Eagle Run,” he said.

“Besides our familiarisation training with the Zodiac F470, our small-boats training was conducted during the Sea Series exercises off HMAS Canberra with the 2RAR Pioneers at the Cowley Beach Training Area.

Cpl Barrera has been with 2RAR for seven years and has been a part of the battalion’s amphibious development from the start.

“I was deployed in Afghanistan with 2RAR on Mentoring Task Force 3 in 2011, when it was announced the battalion would be taking on the ADF’s amphibious capability role.

“We were very excited and began to prepare ourselves mentally to take on the new challenges.

“I have watched the capability evolve and mature and it has come a long way since the start.”

Cpl Barrera was with the 2RAR reconnaissance platoon when it began developing its operating pro-cedures on Exercise Buhsu Landing with the Pioneers and Navy clear-ance divers.

“There were a lot of lessons learnt, such as how many personnel could fit in a Zodiac fully equipped and that we needed to upgrade our life preservers,” he said.

“There is still a lot to learn, especially with the advancements in technology, communications and small boats, and maybe one day we will have armoured amphibious

A GRUELLING swim test is one of the newer challenges faced by sol-diers who are a part of the ADF’s amphibious capability.

Gone are the days of a slow 50m swim and treading water for two minutes wearing DPCU and boots.

In the latest test, personnel need to swim 400m in less than 18 minutes and immediately tread water for 15 minutes wearing DPCU and boots.

Sgt Ian Butterworth, of 2RAR, said the amphibious battalion needed a higher standard of swim-

ming, mainly because the infantry soldiers used small boats to con-duct beach landings.

“We have a fairly high pass rate for the test and those who fail con-duct remedial training to improve their times,” he said.

“Swimming is incorporated into the battalion’s daily physical fitness programs at platoon level.

“The amphibious capability brings a lot of new challenges to Army.

“Not only do we need to fight on land, we also need to tactically get to the beach from a ship safely.”

LS Helen Frank

TOWNSVILLE soldiers once again found their sea legs as they embarked in one of the Navy’s largest vessels to par-ticipate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac).

Troops and vehicles from 2RAR boarded the landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra for a three-month deployment during which the ship will take part in her first international exercise.

Rimpac is a biannual exercise con-ducted off the coast of Hawaii.

Twenty-seven nations, 45 ships, five submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the exercise, which runs until August 4.

Rimpac 2016 is the 25th exercise in a series that began in 1971.

As the largest international maritime exercise, it provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships criti-cal to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the oceans.

The participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime and amphibious forces.

These capabilities range from disaster

relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex war fighting.

C O 2 R A R L t - C o l M i c h a e l Bassingthwaighte said the embarked force comprised more than 500 personnel.

“The landing force will be integrat-ing with the US and other participating nations,” he said. “It will move through combat enhancement training and force integration that will culminate in a tactical exercise and beach landing.

“We will have a significant level of integration for the exercise.

“The force will form a multinational battalion landing team in Hawaii that will be one of two landing teams, which is a first for a Rimpac exercise.”

Lt-Col Bassingthwaighte said the Australian Force would work with the New Zealanders, Americans and Tongans as part of a battalion-sized landing team.

“It’s really about getting that common understanding of proceedings and work-ing effectively together,” he said.

“The activities we will be involved in will include the full range of amphibious activities, from pre-landing to air mobiles, surface assaults and tactical actions ashore.

“It’s a great hit-out for the embarked force and a great opportunity to work with other nations to achieve those effects.”

Fired up and flexible

vehicles, which is also one of the exciting parts of working with the capabilities of the US Navy and Marines.”

Cpl Barrera said the most important quality of an amphibious battalion was to be flexible and able to adapt to ever-changing situations.

“The changes can involve the friendly or enemy forces, but the biggest changeable factor for us is the effect of weather on opera-tions,” he said.

“The best part of being in the amphibious battalion is being able to deploy at short notice to provide this capability to the ADF and the government.

“On Rimpac, we will be able to demonstrate how big this capabil-ity is and show what we can offer to support our coalition partners as a go-to force, which can be called upon to assist in humanitarian or disaster relief operations in our region, or offer a strategic effect.”

Tested, boots and all

Setting sail for Hawaii 2RAR heads for largest maritime exercise

Sgt Ian Butterworth puts 2RAR soldiers through their swimming paces at Lavarack Barracks. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

Above, 2RAR soldiers board HMAS Canberra in Townsville, bound for Exercise Rimpac. Right, Cpl Nicole Thomas helps process Cpl Rawdon McLaggan for boarding. Photos by AB Steven Thomson

2 Cav Regt soldiers drive ASLAVs onto HMAS Canberra in Townsville.

Pte Mitchell Cahill directs a 2RAR vehicle as it boards HMAS Canberra. Photo by LS Helen Frank

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June 30, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews10

Maj Kris Gardiner

LINKING the community and Defence, 1DIV/DJFHQ joined invited guests to recognise the sac-rifice of Queensland soldiers during the Gallipoli campaign at a recent ceremony.

Led by Commander 1DIV/DJFHQ Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan, an Anzac Tree was rededicated on June 3 at Gallipoli Barracks to honour the 566 Queenslanders who were killed in action or died from wounds and dis-ease from April 25, 1915 to January 31, 1916.

The tree, a seedling from the origi-nal lone Aleppo Pine, from which the Lone Pine takes its name, was planted in 1997 on Duncan Oval to replace a previous Anzac tree which has long since disappeared.

The original tree, also a seedling from Lone Pine, had been planted 100 years earlier.

Speaking at the ceremony, Maj-Gen McLachlan paid tribute to those Queenslanders who made the supreme sacrifice.

“These men were drawn from all areas of Queensland, eager to enlist, to protect the Empire and its way of life,” he said.

Holding a place of honour at the cer-emony was the original earthenware pot used to propagate the original Anzac tree, carrying the signatures of those involved with the 1916 ceremony.

Personnel and guests were invited to sign a newly constructed plinth for the pot and the book containing the names of the fallen, which will be placed on permanent display in the 1DIV/DJFHQ historic collection.

1DIV/DJFHQ historian Col Dennis Scanlan said the signing of the plinth provided a link to both dedication cer-emonies at the barracks.

“Beyond time capsules and war memorials, it is rare that you get an opportunity for military personnel and members of the public to come together and add such a personal touch to a his-toric artefact,” Col Scanlan said.

“By signing the new plinth for the Anzac tree pot, the military and com-munity maintain a very personal link to Queensland’s military heritage.”

Sacrifice honoured

Commander 1DIV/DJFHQ Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan unveils a plaque at the ceremony to rededicate the Anzac Tree on Duncan Oval to remember the Queenslanders who died at Gallipoli. Photo by Cpl Terry Tucker

Tree marks Queensland’s toll at Gallipoli

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Digital test a success Deployed HQ exceeds expectations in use of digitised battle space

1Div/ DJFHQ personnel man the deployed joint operations room during Exercise Vital Prospect 2016.

1ST Div/Deployable Joint Force Headquarters (1Div/DJFHQ) is celebrating a landmark Exercise Vital series, with the successful implementation of the first digital DJFHQ in the field.

Exercise Vital Launch/Prospect, which forms part of Army’s Theatre 16 exercise campaign construct – held from May 3 to 22 – put the head-quarters function in a simulated field environment with a fully integrated digital system, providing a detailed and high-speed command, control, communication and computers, intelli-gence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability.

Built around the Mission Secret Network (MSN) technology demon-strator, provided by the Land Network Integration Centre, the digitisation of the DJFHQ deployed a level of joint battle space connectivity, decision speed and situational awareness never before seen in ADF.

Commander 1Div/DJFHQ Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan said the persistence and willingness of the 350 personnel on the exercise to embrace the “digital epiphany” meant the concept exceeded expectations.

“The staff of 1Div/DJFHQ have proven the superior flexibility, speed and situational awareness offered by the fully digitised battle space,” Maj-Gen McLachlan said.

“We as a group have pulled our-selves out of the analogue morass to become what a deployed headquarters should look like in the 21st century.”

The exercise, conducted as part of the Army raise, train and sustain cycle, was chosen as the most appropriate moment to initiate the integration of a multiple digital tools platform.

The end result was a system which saw command and control, joint fires and manoeuvre forces across air, land,

Lt Ash Carter

AN information systems trans-formation is underway at the 1Sig Regt with the delivery of the Mission Secret Network (MSN) to Exercise Vital Prospect 2016.

While Forcom signal regiments have been using MSN for sever-al years, Exercise Vital Prospect marked the first exercise where it was available on a vast scale to staff in 1 Div.

The transformation continued with soldiers starting training on the Enhanced Deployable Local Area Network (eDLAN) before its arrival later this year.

Both MSN and eDLAN employ a modern “virtualised” server architecture and this has necessi-tated a paradigm shift in the think-ing, administrative processes and training of soldiers.

Information Systems Technician Sig Ryan Wilcox participated in lead-up training for eDLAN and enjoyed the chance to train on modern applications.

“Our current networks still run software from the early 2000s,” Sig Wilcox said.

“This eDLAN training is the first opportunity for us to receive up-to-date training on modern systems similar to those found in industry.”

Sig Ryan Wilcox, of 1st Signal Regiment, logs onto MILIS, one of the many digital systems used on the 2016 Viral series of exercises.

Joint Communications Element Troop Commander Lt Matthew Hunt said he was impressed by the increase in quality and security of services now available in support of 1DivHQ.

“Users will see a new laptop and desktop similar to what they are used to with the next-genera-tion desktop,” Lt Hunt said.

“The benefits continue well beyond with a substantial increase in the security and reliability of our networks.

“This means the commander can better maintain an information advantage in the face of rapidly changing cyber threats.”

Numerous projects are deliver-

ing new technology this year with 1Sig Regt already receiving mod-ern JP 2008 Phase 5B1 satellite ter-minals, the powerful new Tactical Internet Protocol Aggregation Network (TIPAN) system, the Land 121 Phase 3A Command Post Module and long-awaited high power HF radio systems.

Lt Hunt said the delivery of so much so quickly was an opportu-nity to be embraced.

“While it is a challenge for us to integrate all this new technol-ogy and the associated training, our soldiers have shown tremendous initiative and adaptability to do so in the midst of a busy exercise schedule.”

Modern systems now a virtual reality

and sea interconnected like never before, with real-time access to infor-mation and cyber domains within joint, inter-agency and coalition frameworks.

Maj-Gen McLachlan said one of the most impressive “firsts” of the exercise was the beyond-line-of-sight feeds of the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System and Battle Group and below Command, Control and Communications System from Darwin and Sydney.

“When these live feeds were com-

bined with the RAAF Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System, we had a fully digital deployed joint fires capability that allowed us to refine our processes and deliver the effects that a major joint task force would need,” Maj-Gen McLachlan said.

“Theoretically, it could allow the force to fight anywhere in the world if required.”

He said one other success during Exercise Vital Prospect was the con-

nectivity and flow of information. The return of 1Div/DJFHQ to the

Army raise, train and sustain cycle, saw the headquarters positioned as the major JTFHQ over the Darwin based 1st Bde, the current “readying brigade”. This will be further tested on Exercise Hamel in July.

Through the GEC2O system, blue and red tracks fed from 1st Bde and joint assets were fused, providing a detailed joint common operating pic-ture (COP). This consolidated COP

was then transferred to HQJOC.Maj-Gen McLachlan said the

opportunities offered by the integrated systems on the MSN enhanced inter-operability and situational awareness, which historically had been reduced because of its spread across multiple databases over a number of security domains.

“Digitisation is a commander’s weapon allowing him or her to gain decision superiority,” Maj-Gen McLachlan said.

“It is a tool that must be used to win the decision cycle. Commanders need to be personally invested in getting what they need out of these systems.

“Don’t wait for someone to bring you a ribboned solution – get in early and influence what you need it to be.”

“Theoretically, it could allow the

force to fight anywhere in the

world.– Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan,

Commander 1Div/DJFHQ

June 30, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews12

Cpl Sebastian Beurich

ARMY’S newest helicopters almost accidentally stole the show at HMAS Canberra’s open day on May 21.

With more than 1200 locals having a look at the ship while it was berthed at Garden Island in Sydney, the NSW Kids in Need “World’s Largest Open House” raised money for a number of Australian charities.

Capt Geordie Keating was conduct-ing deck handling trials for the CH-47F on board Canberra when he was told about the open day.

“It was pure chance the Chinook was on board conducting trials, and we were asked to be a part of it,” he said.

“A bunch of different people came through – some had military interests or backgrounds, others just came to get a glimpse of the inside of the ship.

“We got to put smiles on a lot of

kids’ faces and the fact that all of the ticket sales went to supporting charities made it much more enjoyable.”

Chairman and founder of NSW Kids in Need Peter Debnam said the support from Defence was fantastic.

“Personnel from Army, Navy and Air Force bent over backwards to take part in the open day and make sure everyone had a great time,” he said.

“I’ve no doubts there are now plenty of family photos with soldiers and the Chinook.

“I’m sure every family group would tell you the Army involvement was the highlight of the day.”

The NSW Kids in Need open day assisted Bear Cottage Children’s Hospice, Central Coast Kids In Need, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia, SHINE for Kids and the burns unit at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Chinooks put smiles on faces

LS Mat Timu speaks to visitors on board HMAS Canberra during the charity open day. Photo by LS Helen Frank

Cpl Mark Doran

FAMILIES and friends from across Australia said good bye to Force Support Element – Five (FSE-5) and Theatre Communications Group – Three (TCG-3) during a farewell parade in Townsville on June 10.

The parade at Lavarack Barracks was reviewed by Commander Forces Command Maj-Gen Peter Gilmore and hosted by Commander 17 CSS Bde Brig Paul Nothard.

FSE-5 is commanded by Lt-Col David Jenkins and will provide theatre logistics, reception, staging and on-forward movement, redeployment and remediation effects for ADF members in the Middle East region.

TCG-3 is commanded by Major Michael Shaw and will provide com-munications and information systems support to continued coalition opera-tions in the MER.

Maj-Gen Gilmore said the person-nel had a particularly important job to do.

“Each person has been specifically

selected for what they will bring to the team and each team is expertly led,” he said.

“Many have previous operational experience and there are many who are deploying for the first time.

“Regardless of their background, each person has been superbly trained, individually and as part of a team, with the skills they require to effectively and safely do the mission that lies ahead.”

Comprising more than 90 per-sonnel, predominately drawn from units within the 17 CSS Bde, FSE-5 includes members from 9FSB, 10FSB as well as units from across Australia.

The unit will be deployed across multiple locations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

TCG-3 consists of more than 90 personnel, from all three services, with a predominately communications spe-cialty, drawn together from 20 indi-vidual units from across Australia.

The unit will deploy across eight different locations in six countries on four separate operations.

Cpl Robert Martin, from the Combat Training Centre, is joined by his son, left, and Pte Christopher Cutting, from 9th Force Support Battalion, is joined by his partner Olivia Grissel and her mother, Leonie Grissell, during the farewell parade in Townsville. Photos by Cpl Mark Doran

Farewell parade FSE-5 and TCG-3 deploy to MER

Personnel from FSE-5 and TCG-3 on parade during the farewell.

13 June 30, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 13

THE ADF’s new military superannuation arrangement starts on July 1.

Under the new arrangement, ADF Super will become the default employer superan-nuation fund for new members joining the ADF.

For the first time, ADF members will also be able to choose their own superan-nuation fund.

In addition, ADF members in the new arrangement will no longer be required to make personal superannuation contributions and can roll over their accumulated super-annuation benefits to another complying superannuation fund on retirement, or at any other time.

The new military superannuation arrangement also includes ADF Cover – a statutory death and invalidity scheme that provides benefits consistent with the death and invalidity cover in the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS).

All ADF members who fall under the new arrangement will receive superannua-tion contributions from Defence of 16.4 per cent of ordinary time earnings and be cov-ered under ADF Cover. This includes those members who choose a superannuation fund other than the default fund, ADF Super.

More information is available from the following websites: • PACMAN: www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac • ADF Consumer Centre: www.adfconsumer.gov.au • ADF Super: www.adfsuper.gov.au • ADF Cover: www.adfcover.gov.au

Cpl Mark Doran

ONE of 3 Bde’s quiet achievers, 102 Fd Wksp, celebrated its 50th anniver-sary with a formal dinner at 3CSSB, Lavarack Barracks on May 28.

The unit also promoted its mascot, a crocodile known as Snappa.

About 200 people attended the func-tion and historical displays at the com-pany’s workshops, including 15 former OCs, ASMs and CSMs.

As the Australian commitment in Vietnam expanded in 1966 after the deployment of the 1st Australian Task Force, 102 Fd Wksp was raised in 1966 and deployed to Vietnam to relieve 101 Fd Wksp in 1967.

During the war, 102 Fd Wksp was located in South Vietnam near Vung Tau, Phouc Thuy, as part of the 1st Australian Logistic Support Group.

The unit remained in Vietnam until 1972 and was mothballed before being re-raised in Townsville in 1981.

In 1991, 102 Fd Wksp became a sub-unit of 3 BASB (later renamed 3 CSSB)

OC 102 Fd Wksp Maj Michael Fry said guests at the anniversary included the second and oldest surviving OC, Col Max Tinkler (Retd) and the first OC from when the unit was re-raised, Brig Ross Grant (Retd).

“It was important for our troops to commemorate the anniversary and give them an understanding of our unit’s significant history,” Maj Fry said.

“The dinner was also an excellent opportunity for our junior soldiers to meet and learn from our veterans, as well as be a part of an event that remembers their RAEME service.

“A highlight of the evening was when Gus Angus, the RAEME Association President of North Qld, presented the company with the 102 Fd Wksp flag, which was flown in Somalia during Operation Solace.

“We also promoted our unit mascot, Soult-Walter Crock – also known as Snappa – to WO2.”

The certificate of promotion for WO2 Crock was presented to Bob Fleming, the owner of Billabong Sanctuary, just south of Townsville, where the Edward River crocodile makes her home.

WO2 Crock did live at Lavarack Barracks, but in 1987, at the rank of craftsman, she grew too large to handle and was moved to the park.

Although the 4m crocodile could not attend the event, one of her off-spring attended in her place.

Maj Fry said there were close to 150 members of 102 Fd Wksp who pro-vided close maintenance and recovery support to 3 Bde units, from attach-ments to combat units, through to base workshops in rear echelons.

“Our soldiers have been deployed on operations to Somalia, Rawanda, Bougainville, Timor-Leste, Soloman Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said.

Introducing ADF SuperMilestone marked

3 Bde’s quiet achievers commemorate 50th anniversary

RAEME Association President of North Queensland Gus Angus (right) at the presentation of the 102 Fd Wksp flag, which was flown in Somalia during Operation Solace, to (from left) OC 102 Fd Wksp Maj Michael Fry, Brig Ross Grant (retd) and WO1 3CSSB Andy Pethybridge.

Left: Cfn James Lowe (right) – 102nd Fd Wksp’s youngest member – joins Colonel Max Tinkler (retd), the company’s oldest surviving CO, to cut the cake during the unit’s 50th anniversary celebrations at Lavarack Barracks. Right: RSM 3CSSB WO1 Joanne Downes (left), and CO 3CSSB Lt-Col Gabrielle Follett, present Mr Bob Flemming, owner of the Billabong Sanctuary, with WO2 Soult-Walter Croc’s promotion certificate.

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IN THE wake of the successful Project Land 125 Phase 3B, Army is introducing an enduring Soldier Combat Ensemble Modernisation (SCE Mod) plan.

Director General Modernisation – Army Brig Chris Mills said the plan reflected Army’s commitment to providing soldiers with the best equipment available.

“This plan provides further evidence of Army’s intent to equip its close combatants with the world’s best SCE,” he said.

“Based on user feedback, we are con-fident the SCE Army is now provisioning is significantly enhancing the mobility and force protection of close combatants during training and on operations.”

Director Soldier Combat Systems – Army Col Mick Toohey said the SCE Mod Plan would progressively expand the provision of leading SCE to close combatants who needed it.

Col Toohey said close combatant “need” was defined by the echelon to which each soldier was posted.

These included operational, fighting, training and staff.

He said the state-of-the art SCE – which will be designed, configured and issued according to Army’s standing tiered combat-ant definitions – would be issued on a “ready access, accountable item” basis to manage the fleet in a sustainable fashion.

Legacy in-service and in-use SCE fleets would progressively be disposed of.

The spiral development of the SCE would be guided and funded to ensure the Army continued to provide leading SCE to those who needed it.

Col Toohey said this spiral development would be led by Diggerworks, which will draw its inspiration from user recommenda-tions, leading commercial designs, and by monitoring what Army’s closest coalition partners are doing with SCE.

Col Toohey said key focus areas for SCE spiral development included lighter and stronger body armour and helmets, and lighter materials and niche configurations for special forces, aviation and K9 close combatants.

“This is another exciting development for Army’s close combatants,” Col Toohey said.

“The SCE Mod Plan demonstrates that the soldiers, and their tailored personal load carriage and protective equipment, remains at the heart of Army’s capability.

“The spiral development feature of the plan also confirms Army’s strong commit-ment to the continuous modernisation of close combatant capability.”

Direct questions about the SCE Mod Plan to Lt-Col Ben McLennan at benjamin.mclennan@defence.gov.au or Maj Pat Wise at pat.wise@defence.gov.au

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SOLDIERS from 8/9RAR are providing essential security for ADF personnel working inside and around Kabul.

Their role as ‘guardian angels’ sees the soldiers providing close person-al protection to the many ADF men-tors and advisers working with their Afghan counterparts.

The A Coy 8 /9RAR Force Protection Element (FPE) deployed in January after completing three months of mission-specific training and armoured vehicle familiarisation.

On arrival in Kabul, the FPE was split into three sections, each tasked with providing physical protection to Australians deployed to different units around Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) and Kabul.

Cpl Bradley Spaccavento is one of the FPE section commanders.

“Our role is to conduct protect-ed red and green zone moves in and around Kabul in armoured four-wheel- drives,” Cpl Spaccavento said.

“We work with the Kabul Garrison Command – Advisory Team (KGC-AT) six days a week, escorting them to work and providing protection while they conduct advisory work with their Afghan counterparts.

“When we are not working with KGC-AT we’re also tasked to provide security to other ADF units in the area.”

A typical work day has the 8/9RAR FPE clearing and securing the KGC-AT adviser’s workplace before allowing them into their building.

“Once the building has been cleared we stand up our command post, where we coordinate movements for the advisers,” he said.

Section 2IC Pte Chris Di Florio is the senior soldier in the section and has been in the Army for six years.

“I deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 with Mentoring Task Force 4 but this time my role is very different,

Infantry soldiers deployed to Afghanistan continue to play a critical role protecting ADF members, WO2 Andrew Hetherington writes

June 30, 2016 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 19

Our guardian angels

as before I was outside the wire and not in an urban environment,” Pte Di Florio said.

“On a normal day I arrive after the building has been cleared and assist with the set-up of the computer servers and the command post.”

When the building is safe to work in Pte Di Florio has an important role to carry out during the rest of his work day.

“I’m the battle tracker,” he said. “I facilitate communication between the FPE soldiers and the command post, and I also track everyone’s location on a white board.”

While the job is different to what both Cpl Spaccavento and Pte Di Florio have experienced on previous deployments to Afghanistan, operating in Kabul is no less dangerous.

“The red zone moves we do are

a bit more dangerous compared to working inside the HKIA area,” Pte Di Florio said. “We have to be alert for threats such as vehicle IEDs in cars and motorcycles and possible IEDs on or under the road.”

So far on this deployment it’s the leadership component Cpl Spaccavento has enjoyed the most.

“It can be challenging at times and there are occasions when I’ve thought

we could have done something better,” he said.

“It’s a matter of staying on top of everything we do, fixing problems and moving on.

“This isn’t a mentoring mis-sion like my 2IC or I have completed before. It’s a different kind of oper-ation, but it’s very rewarding to be here.”

Force Protection Element soldiers Cpl Bradley Spaccavento, left, and Pte Chris Di Florio in Kabul. Photo by WO2 Andrew Hetherington

WO2 Andrew Hetherington

AT TASK Group Afghanistan HQ at Hamid Karzai International Airport, some ADF personnel have been given bicycles to use during their deploy-ment from the person they’ve replaced.

Even the Commander of Task Group Afghanistan Brig Cheryl Pearce rides a bike around the base, with a special han-dlebar-mounted carry box emblazoned with her one-star rank.

“My staff officer convinced me I needed a bike and I use it to pick up my laundry and to go and do my afternoon exercise,” Brig Pearce said.

“Riding a bike during the day pro-vides me with a moment of freedom in an environment where we have limited movement.”

Operations clerk Pte Nicholas Farallo never thought he’d be riding a bike on his deployment.

“I was happy when I found out I did

Get on yer bike

have one to ride around,” Pte Farallo said.

“I use it to ride to work, go to the gym and it cuts the time it takes to get from my accommodation to my office.

“As I ride down the road past people, they give me a smile and I think they’re a bit jealous they don’t have one, too.”

Commander Task Group Afghanistan Brig Cheryl Pearce, right, and other ADF members cycle around Hamid Karzai International Airport. Photo by WO2 Andrew Hetherington

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June 30, 2016Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews20

SOLDIERS and officers from the Royal Australian Corps of Transport (RACT) gath-ered at Camp Baird in the

Middle East region to celebrate their corps’ 43rd birthday on June 1.

Eighteen members got into the spirit by sporting one of three gifts: a RACT baseball cap, a corps-branded ID lanyard or a coffee cup, sent to them by members of the RACT Head of Corps Cell in Australia, Brig Paul Nothard and Lt-Col Paul Rogers.

A traditional truckie birthday spread of donuts, chocolate milk and an RACT cake was provided.

Commander JTF633 AVM Tim Innes and the oldest RACT sol-dier deployed to Camp Baird, LCpl Graham Horsfall, cut the cake.

Event organiser OC Force Support Element (FSE) 4 and a member of RACT, Maj Christine Pope, said it was special for the members of the corps to celebrate its birthday while performing their roles on operations.

“We have soldiers and officers working in five out of the six RACT trades,” Maj Pope said.

“We have movement operators, responsible for the movement of all deployed personnel, cargo specialists and air dispatchers who handle all of

the cargo at the freight distribution centre.

“The postal operators are kept very busy maintaining morale for all deployed Australians in JTF633, while the driver specialists are responsible for the operation and maintenance of a variety of vehicles.”

Pte Natasha Elford and LCpl Matthew Konig are on their first deployment to the Middle East region, which made celebrating their corps birthday even more special.

“I’m a driver specialist for FSE 4 and I primarily transport ADF person-nel around base from when they first arrive at Camp Baird,” Pte Elford said.

“The highlight of my deployment so far was when I filled the position of driver for the Commander of JTF633.”

LCpl Konig, a cargo specialist, has previously deployed on Operations Philippines Assist and Resolute.

“I help conduct airfield clearance of all the cargo from Australia with forklifts and trucks, and then support the forward movement of cargo to Iraq and Afghanistan,” LCpl Konig said.

“The best part about my job here is the people I work with, and ensur-ing all of the items being sent forward reach personnel who need them.”

Celebrating a birthday on operations makes the occasion more memorable, WO2 Andrew Hetherington writes

Party takes the cake

Royal Australian Corps of Transport soldiers LCpl Matthew Konig and Pte Natasha Elford wearing their new caps during the corps’ 43rd birthday celebrations at Camp Baird. Left, AVM Tim Innes (front left) and LCpl Graham Horsfall cut the cake. Photos by WO2 Andrew Hetherington

June 30, 2016 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 21

EVERY year, the Na t iona l Aborigines and Torres Strait I s l a n d e r s D a y O b s e r va n c e Committee (NAIDOC) organises a week to celebrate Indigenous his-tory, culture and achievements.

For Defence, it is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make, and to demonstrate Defence commitment to increasing the number of Indigenous people in the organisation.

NAIDOC Week will run from July 3-10 this year, with the theme of ‘Songlines: The living narrative of our nation’.

Defence will conduct key events in Darwin and Canberra as well as sup-porting events in regional locations.

Defence will hold a flagship event in Darwin as the host city for NAIDOC Week 2016.

Darwin’s flagship event will include an announcement and unveiling of

signage and flags on July 4 at Larrakeyah Barracks.

In Canberra, a ceremony will be held at Sir Blamey Square at Russell, on July 5 at 1.30pm, with local Elder Matilda House delivering a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.

Members of Bungaree, the Navy Indigenous Performance Group, will perform a traditional dance followed by an Indigenous-themed afternoon tea.

The event will close with a screen-ing of the Indigenous movie The Forgotten. Another film, Harry’s War, will be screened on July 8 at noon.

An Indigenous-themed Last Post ceremony will be held on July 7 at 4.50pm at the Australian War Memorial with an ADF member playing the didg-eridoo.

Further information on NAIDOC Week is available on the official NAIDOC website at: http://www.naidoc.org.au.

A National Reconciliation Week ceremony was held at Simpson Barracks at the beginning of the month as part of Army’s broader

Indigenous engagement initiatives.Army Indigenous Elder Uncle Roy

Mundine spoke about the importance of lead-ership.

A smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country were performed by senior Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy, accom-panied by Corey Atkinson, with the assistance of members of the Defence Force School of Signals.

Aunty Joy shared her father’s experience of Army life during the First World War.

“My father’s story is like so many Aboriginal men who were not seen fit to fight for this country,” she said.

“My dad was one of 10 children and he felt very proud that he was able to enlist but he was absolutely dismayed when he was [at first] rejected because he was Aboriginal and he was not a legal citizen of this country.”

Aunty Joy said while her father faced discrimination, the nation had made many

advancements on the path to reconciliation in more recent times.

“There have been many changes that have had major outcomes for our community,” she said.

The day concluded with the annual Australian Rules 9s carnival.

Four Defence teams represent-ing Simpson Barracks competed for the Marngrook Shield, wearing jerseys designed by students from the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School.

Defence Command Support Training Centre Formation Indigenous liaison officer Sgt Jarrod Poxon said organising the day of celebrations was a highlight on the Simpson Barracks annual calendar.

“It is a very important day for all of us here at Simpson Barracks,” Sgt Poxon said.

“Making connections with our local Indigenous community fits well with the broader Defence Reconciliation Action Plan and the Army’s Indigenous Strategy.

“We have taken the opportunity to establish this event in order to make lasting relationships with our local Indigenous com-munity.”

NAIDOC Week

Personnel and members of the Indigenous community embraced Reconciliation Week, Flt-Lt Nick O’Connor reports

A lasting relationship

Commander 4 Bde Brig David Westphalen and Defence Command Support Training Centre Commandant Col James Roche take part in the smoking ceremony with senior Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy at Simpson Barracks.Photo by LS Nina Fogliani

EIGHT hundred personnel embarked in HMAS Adelaide to participate in Exercise Sea Explorer 16 held off the coast

of north Queensland from May 25 to June 5.

Teamed with embarked forces from 2RAR, 5th Aviation Regiment and some RAAF elements, the ship’s company conducted a range of training exercises to test its capability in order to support the embarked elements.

The amphibious readiness element activities included combat enhancement training, force integration training and wet and dry rehearsals.

Commander of the amphibious task group (CATF) Capt Brett Sonter said Adelaide undertook a number of con-current activities to be assessed against operational capability requirements.

The amphibious beach team (ABT) from 10FSB disembarked Adelaide via amphibious vehicles onto Cowley Beach to prepare the area for the wet training component.

ABT Commander Lt Monica Merlo said the ABT was the link between the ship and shore, in charge of preparing the beach for personnel and equipment.

“The ABT was responsible for coor-dinating the movement of all stores and vehicles from Adelaide onto the beach and then onto the next objective,” Lt Merlo said.

“We did this by using two different types of small boats, as well as LARCs (lighter amphibious resupply cargo), to transfer cargo to the shore.”

She said about 500 personnel and 37 vehicles conducted training across the beach after setting up.

S o l d i e r s f r o m 2 R A R t h e n approached the shoreline via small boats to begin their troop beach landing drills.

Platoon commander 2RAR Lt David Bannister-Tyrrell said the rehearsals involved embarking the small boats, adopting tactical postures and disem-

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June 30, 2016Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews22

Unit’s wet and dry run from ship to shoreExercise Sea Explorer was a chance for an Army team to craft its loading skills, Flt-Lt Lauretta Webster reports

Right, Bushmasters are driven off a Navy light

landing craft during the exercise.

Far right, a heavy plant vehicle lays down a beach driving mat disembarking from a Navy light landing

craft.

Below, members of 2RAR prepare to conduct an

amphibious beach assault as part of Exercise Sea

Explorer.

Photos by Cpl Kyle Genner

barking in a tactical assault formation. “We conducted rehearsals of

surface assault from Adelaide onto Cowley Beach using a multitude of dif-ferent platforms, including light land-ing craft (LLC), Zodiacs and landing craft medium 8 (LMC-8),” Lt Bannister-Tyrrell said.

“On approach to the beach, we took up security positions around the inside of the vessel and then tactically advanced onto the beach, where we once again adopted security positions.”

Pte Dylan Chapman, a rifleman with 2RAR, said he was ready for the water-based training.

“Our training prepared us fairly well for this activity. Earlier on in the year we did a 10-week training program that focused primarily on our amphibious capability, which included inserting onto beach heads much like the one at Cowley Beach,” he said.

Back on the flight deck of Adelaide, RAAF personnel provided air traffic control for the MRH90s, which were transporting personnel from the ground combat element to the beach.

Soldiers from 2CAV performed driv-

er training serials with their ASLAVs on Cowley Beach.

Having been loaded onto two LLCs by Adelaide’s crew from the heavy load-ing dock, the soldiers and two ASLAVs motored to shore, where the 2CAV troops conducted driver rehearsals by manoeuvring the ASLAVs off and on the LLCs.

Choppy waters did not make this easy, but troop leader Lt Gerard Donnelly said the team was up to the challenge.

“The weather posed some challeng-es. It meant that we had to push to a different landing site, but eventually we managed and pushed the assets to the shore,” Lt Donnelly said.

Driving ASLAVs on land has been Tpr Luke Peterson’s role for eight months, but this was the first time he qualified with the sea component.

“It was a pretty unique experience. I have never been on a Navy ship before so it was exciting to go on with our armoured vehicles and then drive them onto the beach from the landing craft,” Tpr Peterson said.

“The ABT was responsible for coordinating the movement of all

stores and vehicles from Adelaide onto the beach and then onto the

next objective.– Lt Monica Merlo,

ABT Commander

An Australian Army Light Amphibious Vehicle from 10th Force Support Battalion heads towards Cowley Beach.

June 30, 2016 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 23

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LT JESSICA Fortune has embarked in HMAS Adelaide for her first sea experience as part of Exercise Sea Explorer 2016.

An Army nurse with 2nd Close Health Company, based in Townsville, Lt Fortune joined the Army in 2012 after completing her nursing studies.

As the treatment team nurse for the amphibious platoon, she provided Role 1 health support for the embarked forces.

“It was my first time being part of an amphibious exercise and I really enjoyed the new experiences,” which Lt Fortune said were many and varied.

“For example, the other day my team went from getting on and off helicopters to the next day doing small boat serials, which involved moving from the biggest ship in the fleet to light landing craft and then to Zodiacs.

“I was working on my sea legs.” Lt Fortune went to Papua New

Guinea in 2014 with 2nd General Health Battalion and then deployed for five months in 2015 with the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP).

“I was the nurse for the duration of AACAP and I loved working in a small team. We were dual-hatted in our role, as we provided health support services for the Army contingent and also aug-mented at the local clinic, allowing us to engage with the community,” she said.

“The trip also gave us the opportu-nity to see some of the sights around Australia, including Uluru.”

Joining the Army became an option for Lt Fortune during her nursing stud-ies.

“I made the decision when I real-ised I’d regret it if I didn’t try it out. I thought it sounded like a good fit for me, and I was keen to work in other parts of Australia and other countries, if the opportunity presented,” she said.

The year will continue to be busy for Lt Fortune, who will participate in exercises Rimpac (Hawaii) and Sea Raider, as well as Croix du Sud (New Caledonia).

“I’ve just been qualified by Defence as a French linguist, and this lines me up well to put language and nursing skills to task in New Caledonia.

“It’s a lot of time away but I’m enjoying my role, the team I’m working with and the travel opportunities,” she said.

Nurse lands on her sea legs

Unit’s wet and dry run from ship to shore

Lt Jessica Fortune, from 2nd Close Health Company, on board HMAS Adelaide during Exercise Sea Explorer. Photo by Cpl Kyle Genner.

2RAR soldiers prepare to conduct a beach assault from a Navy LHD Landing Craft.

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June 30, 2016Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews24

HOW could an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that autono-mously maps areas affect your work? What about vehicle cam-

ouflage that can change patterns at the flick of a switch?

These projects were showcased during Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group’s Partnerships Week, from June 6 to 10 at Melbourne’s Fishermans Bend.

Other projects on display included Australia’s most flexible sweating man-nequin, used to test combat uniforms and body armour in tropical environments, and testing of alternative fuel sources for vehi-cles and aircraft.

DST Aerospace Division scientist Jennifer Palmer said urban operations posed a complex, congested and poten-tially contested environment.

“Our vision is to create small UAVs which can be used in the urban environ-ment. A lot of this has been done previ-ously, but typically with large and heavy sensors and processors,” Dr Palmer said.

“We are developing UAVs for things like surveillance and mapping, to create maps of regions which are uncharacterised – damaged buildings, or areas that haven’t been characterised previously.

“They could also be used for special-ised missions, like contaminant search and source localisation. If there is a chemical release in a city, we could do the initial work with teams of unmanned airborne and land vehicles.

“We are trying to create a situation where we aren’t exposing soldiers and first responders to those types of dangers.”

The UAV research team is working with the Weapons and Combat Systems Division of DST to incorporate a DST-designed, high-resolution sensor.

“We have access to unique sensors – ultra-lightweight, ultra-compact and low-power consumption – which were devel-oped inhouse at DST,” Dr Palmer said.

“They can operate indoors, in darkness and in obscured [smoke] environments as either a low-light camera or as a light detection and ranging sensor for area map-ping. Ultimately, these are the types of sensors that are necessary for ultra-small vehicles like we are developing.”

Chief Defence Scientist Alex Zelinsky said strengthening industry partnerships helped to build capability and ensure access to the latest technology.

“While we have many great people working in DST, we don’t have all of the

Sweating on the future is a group effort Great minds are thinking alike in ensuring Defence is working with the latest technology, Cpl Sebastian Beurich reports

University of South Australia’s Prof Peter Murphy and Defence Science and Technology Group’s Vivienne Wheaton display electrochromic cells which have the ability to change colour.

“The idea of partnerships is to … bring the best

people on board to solve the difficult

problems as quickly as possible.

– Alex Zelinsky, Chief Defence Scientist

best people. The idea of partnerships is to reach out and form alliances so we can bring the best people on board and solve the difficult problems as quickly as pos-sible,” Dr Zelinsky said.

“The Defence White Paper and the Industry Policy Statement outlined the game-changing technologies – cyber oper-ations, autonomous systems, hypersonics, undersea warfare and quantum technology – all of which are areas we are looking at building partnerships in.”

One area DST has forged a partnership in is research on electrochromic cells.

An electrochromic device controls the optical properties of a material in a contin-ual but reversible manner on application of a voltage. This means it is a material (glass or plastic, in this case) which can change the amount of light it transmits or absorbs.

While this technology is used in “smart windows” to change the level of tint dynamically, it has been applied differ-ently in this case.

University of South Australia’s Prof Peter Murphy is working with DST on electrochromic cells able to change the camouflage pattern on vehicles, and pos-sibly uniforms, at the push of a button.

“What we’ve got is two pieces of glass with a thin coating of conducting polymer between them. By changing the polymer, we can change the base colour of the cell and adapt them to different environments,” Prof Murphy said.

“If you apply a voltage, it will change the colour of the base cell and if you cut the voltage midway on a switch it will hold its colour state. We can run these cells off of a watch battery. We are tran-sitioning [the glass] to polycarbonate to make it a more robust technology.”

June 30, 2016 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 25

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Sweating on the future is a group effort

Left, scientists from DST’s Maritime Division demonstrate an optimised exhaust baffle in their water-testing tank. Photos by CPL Sebastian Beurich

Industry experience placement students with Defence Science and

Technology (DST) Group James Kennedy (left) and Stefan Kiss

display an unmanned aerial system during DST’s Partnerships Week.

Below, a demonstration of a lightweight lidar mapping system, which could be used on an unmanned aerial vehicle.

The latest generation of combat body armour and uniform is tested for a simulated hot environment on a sweating mannequin.

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June 30, 2016 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 27

AU S T R A L I A N A r m y Cadets from Tasmania took out the coveted Chief of Army Cadet Team

Challenge 2016 – a first for the Apple Isle.

About 80 cadets from across Australia converged on Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane, to compete in the recent event.

Cadet WO2 Tristan Crossley, of 58ACU in Western Australia, said the CA’s Team Challenge was a much sought-after award.

“It’s the best award we can hope to win as cadets,” he said.

The cadets were assessed on a range of skills including field naviga-tion, use of radios, first aid and patient management, field engineering, leader-ship and problem-solving.

Commander Australian Army Cadets (AAC) Brig Wayne Budd said each team comprised 10 members who had savoured military-style training in their units and put this to the fore in the gruelling three-day challenge.

“Cadet training is of a high calibre and teams found the navigation legs of the challenge quite demanding,” he said.

“Participants proved their knowl-edge by using radios to alert staff of their exact position, which can be veri-fied by the command post pinpointing when cadets may be off the mark.

“Some of the cadets who com-peted in the challenge may one day become leaders in the ADF. AAC is a fantastic organisation that gives young Australians opportunities they would not otherwise experience, framed in a setting with a military flavour.”

CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell and RSM-A WO Don Spinks presented the top honours this year.

The AAC is a leading national youth development organisation, founded on strong community partner-ship, fostering and supporting a con-tinuing interest in the Australian Army.

For more information, visit http://www.army cadets.gov.au

Future looks brightArmy cadets honed their skills during an annual competition in Brisbane, Lt-Col Christopher Holcroft writes

CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell, fourth from left, and RSM-A WO Don Spinks, sixth from left, present members of the winning Australian Army Cadet team from Tasmania with their trophy for winning the CA Team Challenge at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane.

Australian Army Cadets from South Queensland compete in a patient-handling exercise during the CA Team Challenge at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane.Photos by Lt-Col Christopher Holcroft

Cadet Capt Paul Boddington, right, checks the engineering work of Cadet Under Officer Brodie Robertson, of 507ACU, during the CA Team Challenge Trophy.

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June 30, 2016Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews28

A DEDICATED team of three Australians continues to provide critical advice and expertise to the UN

Mission in South Sudan as part of Operation Aslan.

The three Australian officers – Sqn-Ldr Claire Pearson, Col John Carey and Maj Brian Willsher – work out of a remote UN patrol base in Bor, in the eastern half of the country.

They have a combined total of 17 previous deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Middle East, Timor-Leste, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Bosnia and Northern Ireland.

“This previous experience has greatly assisted us during our time on Operation Aslan,” Maj Willsher said.

“During the past three months we have been responsible for a wide range of tasks spanning Jonglei State.

“My main focus is planning future operations for the two infantry battal-ions from Ethiopia and India. I am also heavily engaged in developing security contingency plans and coordinating enabler support.

“A key challenge is communica-tion. Although English is the main language, the military appreciation process is even more difficult with so many people from non-English-speaking backgrounds.”

Col Carey is commander of the Australian contingent and the senior military liaison officer operating out of Bor. He commands 25 military officers,

Dealing with language differences and distance are all in a day’s work for a team in South Sudan

Remote but in control

Australians Maj Brian Willsher and Sqn-Ldr Claire Pearson at a remote UN patrol base in Bor, South Sudan.

from Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Canada, Yemen, Vietnam, Namibia, Moldova, Russia, Paraguay, Kenya, Rwanda, India, Nepal, Guatemala, Brazil and Germany.

“Military liaison officers plan and lead integrated team patrols, including force protection and UN agencies such as human rights, civil affairs and child protection,” Col Carey said.

“Many of these patrols are insert-ed and extracted via UN helicopters from Rwanda and Sri Lanka into remote parts of Jonglei State, includ-ing areas controlled by the South Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition.

“The patrols are generally up to four days in duration and assist with establishing relationships with military

authorities, non-government organisa-tions and the local community.”

The Bor team relies heavily on the UN logistic system and the ADF per-sonnel located in Juba, about an hour away by helicopter.

“The wet season significantly impacts the roads, which often become impassable for vehicle convoys,” Maj Willsher said.

“Even though Bor is only five hours’ drive north of Juba during the dry season, in the wet season the UN cargo system can take between 48 hours to 28 days to be delivered.”

Sqn-Ldr Pearson leads the intel-ligence staff for Headquarters Sector East. Maintaining an understanding of the complex relationships within South Sudan, she holds a close work-ing relationship with the UN civilians and other contingent representatives.

“Operating in the UN environ-ment creates unique challenges where the standard tools and networks of an intelligence cell are absent,” she said.

“We have a large area of responsi-bility and this makes us heavily reliant on interaction with NGOs and the lim-ited Sector East patrols.

“Maj Willsher and I are the only two Western and native English- speaking staff in the Sector East Headquarters. The sector commander relies very heavily on us for support and training of other UN members in our respective teams who may not have specific background for their cur-rent appointment.”

Sqn-Ldr Pearson has also been appointed as the Sector East gender adviser while deployed.

“This has been a fantastic experi-ence which has allowed me to focus on improving the lives of women here by working on initiatives to increase female engagement and participation in the peace process,” she said.

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June 30, 2016 Personnelwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 29

INTRODUCTION of the ADF Total Workforce Model (TWM) will enable Army to better retain skilled and val-ued members.

Designed to meet changing needs of the workforce and offer a different way of thinking about how personnel contrib-ute, the model will increase opportunities for reservists, allowing them to combine military and civilian skills, work prac-tices and insights.

Director General Reserves – Army Brig Robert Marsh said the model would create a closer link and more seamless movement between regular and reserve forces, maximising the ability of all types of service.

“The ADF TWM will create more opportunity and flexibility in the way we serve,” Brig March said.

“Through innovative application of our people capability, we will become more competitive with civilian industry in attracting and retaining critical skill sets.

“Throughout an Army member’s career there may be times where they need to change the way they serve to accommodate family or personal com-mitments.

“Creating more opportunity and flex-ibility in the way a member serves allows the Army to retain and grow certain skill sets, rather than risk losing capability,” he said.

With the new service arrangements for reservists, a SERCAT 3 member would be able to indicate availability for short- or medium-term tasks – generally within a financial year.

Such tasks could include exercises, deployments (when combined with a

SERVOP C arrangement), local unit or project support.

SERCAT 5 members who are posted to an Army Reserve position agree to render a specified pattern of service – for example, 50 days a year for two years approved by the unit CO.

Members of SERCAT 3 or 5 may receive approval to serve under a SERVOP C arrangement to render con-tinuous full-time service (CFTS) for a defined period of time.

On completion of the agreed period of CFTS, the member would return to baseline SERCAT.

Brig Marsh said these service cat-egories and options would provide great-er stability and opportunities to serve because members who were considering transferring from the regular Army to the Reserve could now apply to transfer to SERCAT 3 rather than being transferred to the standby Reserve (SERCAT 2).

In doing so, they would be indicating their availability to render service. He said they could also apply to transfer to SERCAT 5 if a vacancy existed.

He said SERCAT 3 members would keep their Army ID card, Defence intranet log-on and security clearance.

For more information about the ADF TWM, visit the TWM Intranet site at: http://drnet.defence.gov.au/people/WP/ADF-Total-Workforce Model/pages/ADF-Total-Workforce-Model.aspx, or the Army SharePoint page at http://drnet/Army/DWSA/Cultural%20Reform/Pages/Total-Workforce-Model.aspx. Those registered on ForceNet should visit the ADF TWM page. Members can email any questions or feedback to ADF.TWM@defence.gov.au

WITH the end of the financial year fast approaching, standby Reserve members are reminded that all DA50 contracts will expire on June 30.

Standby Reserve members who wish to under-take DA50 work in the new financial year will need to submit new contracts and have them approved before undertaking any work.

Members who have requested a new DA50 con-tract and start work before approval might not be paid for that work.

Members of the standby Reserve who are seek-ing employment need to ensure they are registered to enable offers of employment to be made.

Directorate of Projects and Standby Reserve Management – Army (DPSRM-A) manages the pool of standby Reserve members and provides all Reserve members (registered and posted) with opportunities for rendering military service.

The registration form and additional information are available from the DPSRM-A website: http://www.army.gov.au/Army-life/Army-careers/Directorate-of-Projects-and-Standby Reserve-Management/Forms

EVERY year Defence supports National Families Week, in late May, acknowledging the impor-tant role ADF families play in supporting members and the work they do in serving our nation.

The National Families Week theme, “Stronger families, stronger communities”, encourages people to spend time with their families, make contact with extended family and take part in family activities in the wider community.

Over a few weeks, Defence Community Organisation (DCO) hosted family events around the country with a wide range of activi-ties designed to bring Defence fami-lies together to celebrate.

Families in South Australia had fun at Latitude aerial trampoline and climbing park in Greenacre, while families in Puckapunyal enjoyed a night out with a retro family disco. The photo booth was very popular with the kids.

DCO Wagga’s tenpin bowling

event was an opportunity for one extended family to reunite, with Graham and Deborah Noble of Townsville enjoying the day with their children and grandchildren.

Families enjoyed the opportunity to take time out to catch up with

other Defence families, have fun together and celebrate.

It was also a chance to meet the area’s local DCO support team, which provides programs and ser-vices to help Defence families man-age the military way of life.

Time to sort out new contracts

It’s no holds barred as families connect

Flexibility to pay off Increased opportunities for reservists will help to keep critical skill sets in the mix

Somaiya and Janine Harriden ham it up in the photo booth at Puckapunyal’s family event.

Dad and daughter slog it out on the battle beam at a trampoline park during DCO’s family event in South Australia.

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June 30, 2016www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsHealth30

Mind your miracle moleculesAntioxidants in isolation may do more harm than good, CPL Max Bree writes.

A MATTER OF BALANCE

THEY’RE billed as miracle mol-ecules that reduce the risk of disease and increase your gen-eral wellbeing, but loading up

on antioxidant supplements might not be the best idea.

Oxidants, or “free radicals”, are pro-duced by the body when immune cells kill pathogens and pave the way for repair mechanisms to kick in.

But an overproduction of free radi-cals can result in inflammation that dam-ages tissues. Antioxidants balance out the process.

They can be found in things such as green tea, fruits, vegetables and some nuts. But many products are offered as antioxidant supplements or extracts.

Prof Manohar Garg, the co-direc-tor of the Clinical Nutrition Research Centre at the University of Newcastle, said these may not have the same effect.

“Antioxidants in purified form are chemically identical to those present in whole foods but may not be effective when consumed in isolation,” he said.

“Consumption in the form of supple-ments or extracts raises serious concerns about their bioavailability, toxicity and,

in some cases, suppressing the immune system.

‘‘Proper absorption and utilisation of antioxidants may require other fac-tors [nutrients and non-nutrients] that can only be obtained from eating whole foods.

“If supplements or extracts are to be taken to obtain antioxidants, these must be taken with meals in order to optimise their bioavailability and utilisation in the body.”

Prof Garg said people shouldn’t need antioxidant supplements or extracts if their diet is balanced with nutrients.

Nor should they worry about seeking out products marketed as “rich in anti-oxidants”.

“Concrete evidence of the role of antioxidants in the prevention of chronic disease is lacking in the scientific litera-ture,” he said.

“In fact, ‘antioxidant’ is an outdat-ed term unless a specific function in biochemical and metabolic pathways is associated with it.”

It is believed antioxidants from veg-etables, legumes and fruit must be con-sumed regularly to be most effective.

Some dietary sources of antioxidants:Beta-carotene – pumpkin, mangoes, apricots, carrots, spinach and parsleyCopper – seafood, lean meat, milk and nutsPolyphenols – thyme and oreganoVitamin C – oranges, blackcurrants, kiwifruit, mangoes, broccoli, spin-ach, capsicum and strawberriesZoo chemicals – red meat, offal and fish (also derived from the plants that animals eat)Lignans – sesame seeds, bran, whole grains and vegetablesLutein – green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, and corn.

Antioxidant supplements or

extracts should not be needed if you have a

balanced diet.

Sportwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016 31

BEING in the Army, or indeed being employed in the ADF, relies on each member being a team player and this is often reflected in the way person-nel take to team sports.

CO 1 Cdo Regt Lt-Col M said the Defence team focus was central to the men and women who worked in Australia’s Special Operations Command.

“Socomd is a team of teams, and this is reflected in the manner in which we gather each year in Bellingen to remember a team mate we lost in Afghanistan,” Lt Col M said.

Each year Bellingen hosts a special rugby league match between the Army Thunder and the local Bellingen-Dorrigo Magpies.

The Sergeant Matt Locke MG Memorial Rugby League Game remembers SASR soldier Sgt Matt Locke, who was killed in Afghanistan on October 25, 2007, while serving with the Special Operations Task Group.

It is the only game Army Thunder plays against a civilian team – which Thunder won.

The game is the major event during a weekend which includes an ambrose golf tournament, other league matches and performances by the Army Band.

RSM 1 Cdo Regt WO1 P said the game had been going for a number of years.

“Bellingen was Matt Locke’s hometown and it was with this footy club that Matt first became part of a team,” he said.

“It allows not only those of us from Socomd but those from the wider Army and ADF team to make the pilgrimage to Matt’s hometown and remember him with his family, friends and locals.”

Lt-Col M said it was a great way to remember their comrade.

“Matt made the ultimate sacrifice as part of the Army’s team and the fierce but friendly competition is an incredibly fitting way to remember a warrior like Matt,” he said.

As part of the annual event, money is raised to sup-port Soldier On, a charity which looks after Defence personnel and those affected by its losses.

As a result of this year’s game, held in March, Soldier On received a cheque for $6400, part of the $16,000 raised during the weekend.

Other funds raised will support the Grub Club (a charity run by Matt’s family), Bellingen Junior Rugby League and the Dorrigo Swim Club.

Leut Kirsti Burtenshaw

THEY work side by side in peacetime and on operations both domestically and abroad.

However, the ADF and a national police team representing all state and ter-ritory police forces will be on opposing sides on July 1 as they battle it out for supremacy in their inaugural rugby union clash.

Coming off the back of their respec-tive rugby championships, both teams will be in prime condition for a game that is not to be missed.

A friendly but fierce rivalry is expect-ed both on the field and the sidelines with fans and VIP representatives supporting their respective teams.

Both teams are determined to be the first to hold the trophy, which will be presented by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

The coaches are excited about their team’s prospects, but are not leaving any-thing to chance in a game that promises to offer a lot to the players and the com-munity.

“I expect the game to be very physi-cal taking into account the physically demanding roles undertaken by both Defence and Australian police members,” ADF head coach Spr Keli Fukofuka said.

“It will be a tightly contested match and provides a positive step in continuing to build a strong relationship between both services that play a vital role within the Australian community.”

Australian Police Rugby Union (APRU) president Sgt Brett Howard said he was looking forward to the game.

“All at the APRU are excited by the opportunity to play against such a high-quality side,” he said

“We expect it to be a great challenge for our guys and hope it is a first step in building a strong relationship between police and our armed services colleagues.

“We have seen these guys play before and are ready for a stern test.”

Kick-off is at 3pm at Portsea Oval, RMC Canberra, and entry is free, leaving enough time to make it a double header and catch the Brumbies play the Reds afterwards at GIO Stadium.

Keep up to date with both teams on Facebook /ADFRugby and /AustPoliceRugbyUnion.

Thunder wins Matt Locke match

ADF, police vie for trophy

Cpl Max Bree

A PAIR of Army ironmen qualified for the world championships fol-lowing the Asia-Pacific competition in Cairns on June 12.

Cpl Holyoak and WO2 Luke Woodland battled through a rain-soaked course to qualify in their respective age groups for the iron-man world championships, to be held in October on the island of Kona, Hawaii.

The fastest Defence member was Cpl Holyoak, finishing in 9hrs 44min and coming 43rd overall from more

than 3500 competitors, including professionals, while WO2 Woodland finished 53rd in 9hrs 48min.

Cpl Holyoak said his confidence was boosted leading up to the event thanks to a newly acquired coach and training group, but on the day he wasn’t so sure.

“I wasn’t really confident on the day because of the staggered start,” he said. “It was difficult to know exactly where you were placed when you’re moving past people.”

This also meant Cpl Holyoak couldn’t keep track of his nearest rival – WO2 Woodland.

“I saw him ahead of me on the run

but I knew he started before me,” Cpl Holyoak said.

“When I started the run I really didn’t think I was going to beat him, or several others.”

A battle with the elements led Cpl Holyoak to think he wasn’t going to finish well.

“Because of the wind I cooked my legs by continuously pushing on the bike,” he said. “I had nothing in my legs for the run and I wasn’t able to go any faster than I did.

“But if you’re having a difficult day, then everyone else is going through the same thing.”

Cpl Holyoak said the results

weren’t clear until he crossed the fin-ish line.

“I really didn’t think I had come first in Defence and I was extremely surprised to find out I’d qualified in the age group category as well.”

A number of other Defence com-petitors qualified in the military divi-sion for the world championships in October.

This included WO2 Megan Webber, who was the fastest military female around the course in 11hrs 6min.

Lt-Col Iain Addinell was quickest from the ADF around the 70.3 half-ironman course in 4hrs 43min.

Pair off to worlds Army’s fastest finishers qualify for international ironman championships in Hawaii

Cpl Holyoak – on the bike leg – and WO2 Luke Woodland – during the run leg– battled wet and windy conditions in Cairns.

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OUR IRON MENArmy’s fastest finishers qualify for world ironman championships in Hawaii P31

June 30, 2016

SPORT

Cpl Holyoak, during the run leg at the Asia-Pacific ironman competition in Cairns on June 12, was the fastest Defence member, finishing in 9hrs 44min.