AIR F RCERCEVol. 54, No. 20, October 25, 2012 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force12 Th

WE’LL PROTECT YOUAir Force detachment to take over security of Tarin Kot base and airfield

TRAINING WITH SCORPIONS A DECADE OF ORION OPS P5INSIDE: P12-13

FLTLT Nick O’Connor

AIR FORCE will soon mark yet another impor-tant milestone in its proud history with 65 personnel assuming responsibility for securi-ty at Multinational Base Tarin Kot.

The Security Force Element – to depart for Afghanistan in coming weeks – will comprise ground defence officers,

airfield defence guards and Security Police from 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing headquartered at RAAF Base Amberley.

Speaking at a recent gathering of deploy-ing personnel and their families at Amberley, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown said they had “a vital role to play”.

Continued Page 3

IN THEIR ELEMENT: A 36SQN C-17A comes in to land at Multinational Base Tarin Kot, where a RAAF

Security Force Element will soon deploy to assume responsibility for security of the base – the main hub for troops who patrol Uruzgan

in Southern Afghanistan, pictured above inset. CAF

met with some of the RAAF security members and their

families at RAAF Base Amberley, including FSGT

Adam Fletcher, an ADG from 1AFDS, pictured top inset with

his daughter Lilly. Photos: SGT Mick Davis and LS Paul Berry (file

photos) and LAC Dan Pinhorn

2 October 25, 2012RCEAIR FNews

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DISCLAIMERAir Force News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under contract by Capital Fine Print. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Air Force News. Every adver-tisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News approval and the Directorate of Defence News may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertise-ment. The Directorate accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence News. The fact that an advertisement is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service is endorsed by the Department of Defence or Air Force News.

CPL Max Bree

SERVING women can transfer to combat roles next year after the imple-mentation plan for the removal of gen-der restrictions on all ADF jobs was signed in Canberra on October 11.

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon was the guest speaker at a recent signing event, also attended by VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin (representing CDF), CA LTGEN David Morrison, DCN RADM Trevor Jones (representing CN), DCAF AVM Leo Davies (rep-resenting CAF) and Head People Capability MAJGEN Gerard Fogarty who are signatories to the plan.

From 2013 serving female person-nel may apply for Air Force airfield defence guard or ground defence offic-er positions, with civilian women able to apply for these roles by 2016.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown said the removal of gender restrictions was a positive step towards greater equality in Air Force.

“Air Force is ready for women to become airfield defence guards and ground defence officers, which will overall provide more career choices for women in Air Force,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

The change will coincide with the start of the new Physical Employment Standards in January next year.

VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin said that with women already subma-riners, pilots and engineers, the open-ing of all jobs was inevitable.

“Today, women perform roles which several decades ago may have seemed impossible, but are now a tan-gible reality,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“The removal of all gender restric-tions is a logical next step.”

Following the full integration of women in combat roles, new fitness standards will be developed for testing potential Air Force recruits.

Mr Snowdon, who has played a significant role regarding gender equality issues within the ADF since 2008, welcomed the plan.

“The major driver for me has always been equal treatment and also

Clothing prices to be standardised across ADF

NEW POLICY: Prices at ADF clothing stores have been unchanged since 2008. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

Lauren Bradley

PRICES at ADF clothing stores will be standardised across the three services when a new costing policy is introduced on November 1.

The Director of the Clothing Systems Project Office, COL Haydn Kohl, said under the new policy, prices for similar items across the ADF would be the same regardless of ser-vice, gender or size.

“However, in some cases where there is a clear difference between the garments, such

as heavyweight and lightweight trousers, the prices will remain different,” he said.

Although this approach has largely been the case in the past, the new policy standard-ises future pricing of Defence clothing.

COL Kohl said the new policy will take effect on November 1 with the price of many items set to be updated.

“This is the first time that prices have been updated since 2008, so when members next go to a clothing store they should expect to see that prices have changed.

“Defence makes no profit from the cloth-

ing it sells nor does it seek to recoup distribu-tion, transportation or storage costs,” he said.

“This new policy only applies to non-combat clothing sold through clothing stores. It does not affect combat clothing or protec-tive equipment.”

Future price updates will now occur each July and clothing stores will advise members of price changes as they happen.

For more information, contact the ADF Clothing Hotline liaison for Air Force, FSGT Geoff Gillard, on (03) 9282 7215 or geoff.gillard@defence.gov.au

FLTLT Melody Earl

AIR Force wants to hear your story.

Through the New Horizon Cultural Assessment Project, Air Force is seeking the views of members to assess Air Force cul-ture, now and at regular intervals in the future, according to WGCDR Paul Webb, of Air Force Adaptive Culture.

“By allowing Air Force mem-bers to share their experiences, good or bad, the cultural assess-ment project will provide a means to help drive cultural reform that will ultimately make Air Force a better organisation,” he said.

The objective of the cultural assessment project was not to conduct a traditional quantitative survey but to capture detailed data, opinions and experiences, he said.

“Detailed data is critical to assist our organisation in effec-tively addressing the needs of members and developing the roadmap to achieving the desired workplace.

“The project is not a ‘tick a box’ exercise. It has a ‘narrative capture instrument’ which is a fancy way of describing how members’ views can be heard and later analysed to find out what the trends and themes are which per-sonnel believe are important.”

The project began on October 22 and will run for five weeks. Analysis will be complete by mid-December. Collected data and views will be used to direct efforts and prioritise cultural reform projects. The data instrument will also allow Air Force to periodically collect and conduct analysis of members input.

Participants can access the project via the ‘Latest News’ link on the Air Force intranet homepage and record their views anonymously.

Share your story with Air Force

Gender plan ready

understanding that if we had 50 per cent of the Australian community who are denied access to a significant number of positions in the Defence community we’re not properly being represented in the Defence community by the whole of the population,” Mr Snowdon said.

“I want to thank all of those who were involved. I also want to thank the CDF, who has a strong personal inter-est in driving this change.”

AIRMSHL Binskin told guests [at the signing event] that the removal of gender restrictions had his and the Service Chiefs’ full support.

“To sustain a robust and agile ADF into the future, we need to ensure every member is able to contribute to their full potential,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“Those who can meet our stand-ards and wish to serve should be able to do so.”

THE TIME HAS COME: The implementation plan that outlines how combat roles will open to women over the next five years was signed in Canberra on October 11. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

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From Page 1The Security Force Element

deployment comes as the Slovak Force Protection Platoon prepares to depart after providing security at Multinational Base Tarin Kot since the formation of Combined Team Uruzgan in mid-2010.

The Air Force members will work directly to the Australian Multinational Base Commander and will be respon-sible for security of the base and its airfield. The deployment coincides with the ADF’s move from a mentor-ing role to an advisory role with the Afghan National Army’s 4th Brigade.

The ground defence officers and airfield defence guards have been drawn from both 1 and 2 Airfield Defence Squadrons (AFDS), with it being the first major operational deployment for 1AFDS outside of Australia since 2006.

CAF AIRMSHL Brown said their job was to protect everybody on the base.

“Tarin Kot is home to over 7000 soldiers – Australian, American and Afghan – supporting contractors, and it is a very busy airfield,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“You will be operating in environ-

ments that are physically austere. You will be required to work among and with a diverse range of people.

“I know that you have all been well prepared for the challenges you will face on this deployment.

“Your commanders have ensured that you have received the best possi-ble individual and collective training to prepare you for the mission.”

AIRMSHL Brown encouraged per-sonnel to foster a sense of mateship and support each other during chal-lenging times while deployed.

“All of you are about to embark on missions that will challenge you in

many ways – physically, profession-ally, and mentally,” he said.

“Make no mistake: you will each have hard days during your deploy-ments. But it is the support you offer to your mates and that your mates bring to you that will see you through such times.”

He paid tribute to the families and friends of deploying personnel, saying Air Force valued highly the support provided by loved ones.

“As parents, partners, relatives and friends of these highly skilled Air Force men, you are perhaps unknowingly an integral part of the

Air Force team,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“I consider you a very special group of people. You do not wear the Air Force uniform, but on a regular basis you share the duty that uniform imposes and provide the support and encourage-ment that is critical to our success.

“I know you are proud of the Air Force members who stand before you for what they have achieved – in many ways, you too share these achieve-ments. Your support, strength, adapt-ability and sense of humour during the upcoming deployment will be greatly appreciated and valued.”

Security role at Tarin Kot

FAREWELL: SGT Chris Neutze with his wife Gemma and son Caden at a pre-deployment family barbecue at RAAF Base Amberley; left, LAC Brad Evans with his wife Remy and their daughters Charlotte, left, and Aalia.

Photos: LAC Dan Pinhorn

BIG JOB: Multinational Base Tarin Kot, located just outside of Tarin Kot, the capital of Uruzgan (pictured above), is home to more than 7000 Australian, American and Afghan soldiers. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

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FLTLT Stephanie Hall

AS THE Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) approaches three years on duty in the skies of Afghanistan, it continues to provide vital intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support to Australian units operating throughout Uruzgan Province.

The RPA has logged more than 12,000 flying hours since first deploying in January 2010.

The group currently in charge of the Heron, Rotation 9, has been working flat out during the Afghan summer with pleasing results.

CO Heron Detachment Rotation 9 WGCDR Chris Plain, of RAAF Base Pearce, said the support provided by his team was crucial.

“Our support to ground forces is vital. We often operate two aircraft simultaneously and they both stay on-station for about 12 hours, sometimes much longer,” he said.

Based at Kandahar Airfield in Southern Afghanistan, the Australian Heron detachment currently comprises 25 Air Force, three Navy and one Army member.

The aircraft are hired on an hours-a-month basis with all maintenance per-formed by a Canadian aerospace com-pany.

Navy observer SBLT Adrian Wedd, of HMAS Albatross, said he was proud to be involved with the Heron and was looking forward to future opportuni-

ties of working with the ISR capability alongside the Air Force.

“Unmanned platforms will probably be a part of the Navy’s future. I look forward to bringing my experience as a Heron PO to the table as part of that,” SBLT Wedd said.

The Heron system includes the RPA itself, a ground control station from which the aircraft is operated, a ground data terminal which links the ground station and the aircraft, and a ground mission station in which the information collected is analysed.

Inside the ground control station is an air vehicle operator and a payload operator.

WGCDR Plain said all the air vehi-cle operators were “fully qualified ADF pilots with the skills and experience required to operate the aircraft in the dynamic airspace around Kandahar”.

“Many have a background flying the F/A-18 or Hawk 127, while others have previously flown Navy helicopters or RAAF multi-engine aircraft,” he said.

The payload operator is responsible for operating the aircraft’s sensors in a way which best supports the mission.

The full motion video feed collected by the Heron is beamed into the ground mission system, where an ISR officer leads a team of imagery analysts and electronic warfare specialists.

Depending on the nature of the mis-sion, the ISR officer may then communi-cate information directly to a joint termi-nal attack controller in the field.

WHEN FSGT Ben Stibbs and about 30 colleagues deploy to Afghanistan soon as part of Heron Rotation 10, they will have a heart-felt side mission on their minds.

They will be doing their best to raise funds to help Jackson Keleher, a young boy who suffers from quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

Since a television program on the boy’s plight was aired in September, his family has been inundated with thousands of mes-sages of support and thousands of

dollars have been donated to help with Jackson’s therapy and medical expenses.

FSGT Stibbs, an airborne elec-tronics analyst from 2SQN, also offered his support.

“I will be deploying with approx-imately 30 people for 4½ months and I propose that we collectively run the equivalent distance from Kandahar, Afghanistan to Sydney, Australia (11,522km),” he wrote an email to Walk Talk Fly, The Jackson Keleher Cerebral Palsy

Fund. “This could be completed by the members during their down time between work commitments and we would log the distances run each day.”

FSGT Stibbs and FLTLT Victoria Lewis, who will also be deploy-ing as part of Heron Rotation 10, met Jackson and his father David at RAAF Base Richmond on September 28 where Jackson also had the opportunity to see the fleet of Hercules aircraft.

Vital role continues for Heron

12,000 PLUS HOURS: A Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft is towed to the flightline in Kandahar. Photo: CPL Melina Mancuso

Our support to ground forces is vital. We often operate two air-craft simultaneous-ly and they both stay ‘on-station’ for about 12 hours, sometimes much longer.

– WGCDR Chris Plain

11,522km for a good cause11,522km for a good cause

HELPING HAND: FSGT Ben Stibbs with Jackson Keleher in the cockpit of a 37SQN HerculesPhoto: LAC David Said

DONATIONSas at 18 October

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5October 25, 2012RCEAIR FF News

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FLTLT Cath Friend

WHEN three EA-18G Growlers f r om the famous VAQ-132 Scorpions landed at RAAF Base Amberley on September 28 they understandably captured a lot of attention.

The US Navy aircraft flew in to participate with RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets in Exercise Growler 2012 (Ex GR12).

It was the first time the Growler had deployed to Australia or the Southern Hemisphere, hence the special interest given that 12 of RAAF Super Hornets are to be fit-ted with the Growler electronic war-fare system.

Ex GR12 – which started on October 1 and was due to end on October 19 – also presented the RAAF’s first opportunity to work with the EA-18G Growler and the importance of that was underlined by CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown.

“The training of our people is absolutely critical and we feel very privileged to operate with some of the most experienced crews who were involved in the Libya opera-tion,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“The most important factor in establishing any capability is the training of the people to actually operate the particular capability.

“This is where our relationship with the US Navy is so important and why this exercise was so impor-tant.”

Ex GR12 is an Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) bilateral exercise focused on joint training between the allied forces and ena-bled real-world proficiency in AEA employment and integration. It also promoted bilateral military rela-tions.

OC 82 Wing GPCAPT Geoff Harland said the aim was to gain a ground-level understanding on EA-18G Growler operations at a squadron level as well as to build a relationship with the Air Force community and the USN Growler community.

CMDR Dave Kurtz, the new Commanding Officer of the VAQ-132 EA-18G Growlers, said the air-craft aimed to degrade, deceive and deny the threat system they were going against.

“This will allow the Growler to put the enemy on the back foot in the hope that it will make bad deci-sions or simply not be able to make decisions at all because they don’t

FLTLT Cath Friend

THE F/A-18 Super Hornet and the EA-18G are essentially the same aircraft and come off the exact same assembly line with more than 90 per cent in common.

“The only difference,” said the CO of the visiting VAQ-132 EA-18G Growlers, CMDR John Kurtz, “is it will be fitted with few extra hundred pounds of wiring to support the ALQ-218 Receiver System and ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System.”

As you look at the jets side by side, what initially sticks out are the ALQ jam-ming pods.

“The jamming pods are the heart and soul of the system and that’s what provides the electronic airborne attack capability,” CMDR Kurtz said.

When the aircraft is airborne the Ram Air Turbine on the front of the jamming pod will spin and create the electricity for the transmitters inside the pod, which allows the aircrew to target the specific threat systems in the air and on the ground.

“This provides denial and deception of the enemy threat systems to allow our aircraft or ground forces to proceed with their mission.”

The ALQ-218 Wing Tip Pod, which is the receiving pod integrates with other receivers that are spread throughout the aircraft to allow the EAQ-218 receiver sys-tem to do some in-depth calculation.

“Within milliseconds of when a signal arrives to different parts of the aircraft, the Growler can then use that information to calculate where on the ground or in the air that threat system is located.”

This is a significant capability upgrade from its predecessor, the EA-6B Prowler, which had the ability to detect threat sys-tems but was not very good at specifically locating the threat.

The aircraft enables aircrew to provide

All eyes on GrowlersSpot the difference

LOOK HERE: One of the USN EA-18G Growlers taxis on to 1SQN’s flightline. Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy‘‘‘‘‘‘

VIP GUESTS: Two US Navy EA-18G Growlers fly over RAAF Base Amberley on their arrival for Exercise Growler 2012; right, one of the visitors touches down.

Photos: CPL Glen McCarthy and LACW

Shannon McCarthy

have enough information and there-fore are unable to carry out their mission,” he said.

CMDR Kurtz took over from CMDR Jay Matzco at a change of command ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley on October 4.

During Ex GR12, a typical com-bat mission plan between the Super Hornets and the EA-18G Growlers allowed the F/A-18F to work in a much more complex and hostile

environment and still be able to pre-vail and achieve its mission.

G P C A P T H a r l a n d s a i d : “When the Super Hornet aircrew were planning their missions they would look at what capabilities the Growler had with the airborne elec-tronic attack systems that would enable the Growlers to open doors for the Super Hornet to reduce its threats so they could safely and effectively carry out the mission.”

The training of our people is absolutely critical and we feel very privileged to operate with some of the most experienced crews who were involved in the Libya operation.

– CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown

WITH five EA-18G Growlers and 172 members, the Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-132 Scorpions are normally based out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island off Washington State, however, they are currently deployed to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa Japan for six months to carry out exercises in the western Pacific.

In January 1971, VAQ-132 became the first opera-tional squadron to transition to the EA-6B Prowler and became the first Prowler squadron in Vietnam. In 1991, it became the first Prowler squadron to fight in Operation Desert Storm and once again the first Prowler squadron supporting NATO’s Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In mid 2008, the VAQ-132 Scorpions started their transition to EA-18G Growlers.

On August 5, 2009, the EA-18G Growlers from VAQ-129 and Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-132 completed their first at-sea carrier-arrested landing aboard the USS Harry S. Truman.

The VAQ-132 Scorpions reached operational status in October 2009 and became the first Growler squadron to operationally deploy on February 17, 2011, for Operation Odyssey Dawn, enforcing the UN no-fly zone over Libya.

MAINTENANCE: Aviation structural mechanics 2nd class Ryan Baird, left, and 3rd class Lars Johnson remove a panel from an EA-18G Growler at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: LT Frederick Martin

air and ground forces with up-to-date real-time information to where those threats are so they can either adjust their route or more finely tune the Growler to protect them.

The RAAF will be the only force out-side the US Navy with the EA-18G capa-bility.

CAPT John Springett, Commander Electronic Attack Wing, US Pacific Fleet, said there was quite a need for the use of airborne electronic attack.

“Having another force out there with the capability is good news for the USN as we’re working really hard right now,” he said.

“Piloting the Growler is also very similar to the F/A-18F Super Hornet but the biggest difference is the electromag-netic spectrum, which you cannot see in the Super Hornet but you can see in the Growler but fundamentally it is very simi-lar.”

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown said this was an important capability.

“It will allow the Air Force to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum; it will allow us to reduce the risk for all ADF opera-tions across the spectrum of operations,” he said.

“I think a lot of people don’t realise what a game changer this capability is.”

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CPL Nick Wiseman

THE inaugural ADF Mental Health Day was marked on October 10 with a viewing of the DVD Dents in the Soul and regional activities aimed at promoting awareness of mental health.

By raising awareness it is hoped more people will find the courage to come forward and seek help for problems they may be facing from their military service.

CDF GEN David Hurley said one of the biggest hurdles in dealing with this issue was changing the way we think about mental health.

“We all have to learn to look beyond the stereotypes and see men-tal health issues, including PTSD, as we do any other illness,” he said.

“Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin and Commander Joint Health RADM Robyn Walker addressed VCDF group members at a morning tea fol-lowed by a viewing of the DVD and group discussions as part of activities in Canberra.

RADM Walker said events like

ADF Mental Health Day were important to promote awareness and better educate members about mental health injuries.

“The reality is that any one of us could be affected at any time and it’s about how we are treated that mat-ters,” RADM Walker said.

She said there were many stig-mas and barriers surrounding mental health.

“There is a fear that ADF mem-bers won’t be able to deploy. Well, we wouldn’t want to deploy someone with a broken leg because they’re not fit to do their job but we also don’t want to deploy people that are unfit with a mental health problem. But it doesn’t mean you can’t be treated and then be fit to deploy at a later time,” she said.

“It is not a bad thing to say you have a problem – if days like today can get us talking a little more and understanding better then we’re help-ing the community not just the ADF.”

AIRMSHL Binskin said mental health issues could affect anyone and for any reason.

“Everyone suffers from anxiety,

depression or jus t fee l ing down at some point in their life which is all part of your mental health,” he said.

“It is important to recognise that mental health issues can come from many sources. Experiences on deployment do not necessarily put you at risk of a mental health condi-tion. People who have not deployed experience mental health issues at similar rates to those who have deployed.

“Our research shows that it is our experiences throughout our life that contribute to mental health issues and this can develop slowly over time.

“I urge everyone who feels they have mental health issues to speak to friends, family or medical pro-fessionals, and get early treatment. As an organisation, we want to help people to regain their mental health fitness and continue with a produc-tive career.”

Activities were conducted region-ally to better educate members about mental health injuries.

CPL Mark Doran

DEFENCE’S newest training facility, the Land 121 Operator Training Facility at RAAF Base Amberley, was officially opened by Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare on October 4.

Named Chora Valley Lines, the facil-ity will train more than 10,000 ADF per-sonnel over the next 10 years to operate the next generation of field vehicles and trailers, including the new Mercedes Benz G-Wagon.

Chora Valley Lines was named in recognition of the men and women of the ADF who have served in Afghanistan, especially the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr Clare said the G-Wagons had been built and tested to exacting stand-ards.

“They are as tough as the Army

and Air Force personnel that they will carry,” he said.

The G-Wagons are part of Land 121 or Project Overlander, a $7.5 billion program providing close to 7500 new protected and unprotected vehicles to the ADF over the next decade.

The Land 121 facility cost about $11 million, and took nine months and more than 52,000 hours of construction work to complete.

It is purpose-built and includes two 24-student classrooms, a training com-pound with vehicle inspection ramps, an undercover training area and a com-pound suitable for medium and heavy trucks and trailers.

The facility’s training team consists of Army and Air Force personnel with a large component of civilian driv-ing instructors from Vertical Horizonz Australia.

Driver facility opens

Breaking down the barriers

The All-hours Support Line is a confidential tel-ephone service to assist ADF members and their families with accessing mental health services, such as psychology, medi-cal, social work and chap-lain services. The number is: 1800 628 036.

HELP AT HANDDON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE: Above inset, on ADF Mental Health Day, VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin encouraged ADF and APS members who felt they had a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety, to seek treatment. Photos: Lauren Black and CPL Mark Doran

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7October 25, 2012RCEAIR FF News

CPL Mark Doran

HUNDREDS of survivors and rela-tives of the victims from the 2002 Bali bombings paid tearful tributes to the 202 people killed, including 88 Australians, at memorial services on the island of Bali on October 12.

Chaplain WGCDR Ian Whitley, of 31SQN at RAAF Base Wagga, was the master of ceremonies at the remembrance service at Garuda Wisnu Kencana, and introduced speakers including Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and former PM John Howard who laid wreaths and paid their respects to the victims.

WGCDR Whitley was one of two ADF chaplains who flew to Denpasar in October 2002 as part of Operation Bali Assist. Their duties included hold-ing drips, loading stretchers and giving words of comfort to the injured.

What was meant to be a 24-hour deployment became one week of intense physical, mental and spiritual ministry as they worked around-the-clock offering the injured and fam-ily and friends of the dead compassion and counsel.

WGCDR Whitley said the 10th anniversary service was for people of many countries, with a variety of reli-gious traditions and backgrounds who were united by a tragic act of terror-ism.

“We came with heavy hearts and

Bali loss creates unity

sought to remember and reflect on our loss,” he said.

“The survivors also came to cel-ebrate life knowing their names could have been on the roll and, although their injuries have healed, the scars still remain.

“Before and after the service were opportunities for me to talk to people

one-on-one, which was emotionally draining, but very worthwhile.”

Former RAN Chaplain Richard Thompson also participated in the ser-vice.

Ten years after the operation, WGCDR Whitley said he still experi-enced memories of disturbing sights, smells and sounds.

“Although it is a part of my job, I will need to spend time reflecting privately to help me sort through the discussions with survivors and families which dragged memories to the sur-face I have to deal with,” he said.

“What has amazed me, as a Christian chaplain, is how the event has brought together very diverse reli-

gious groups who now have the ability to work together and communicate.

“The terrorists wanted to divide and create animosity, but in some sense they actually achieved the oppo-site.”

Bali bombing memorial servic-es were also held across Australia, including at Parliament House.

SPIRITUAL COMFORT: WGCDR Ian Whitley with Made Bagus Arya Dan, son of an Indonesian victim of the Bali bombings, and his mother, during the 10th anniversary memorial service at Garuda Wisnu Kencana, which he officiated, above. Photos courtesy WGCDR Whitley

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9October 25, 2012RCEAIR FF News

CPL Max Bree

SIX medical personnel from Health Services Wing have returned from Nepal after their first humanitarian mission as part of the US Air Force’s (USAF) Operation Pacific Angel.

A doctor, nurse, environmental health officer, dental assistant and two medical assistants joined medical staff from the USAF and Mongolian Armed Forces to provide health care for rural Nepalese and share skills with the Nepalese Army from September 3-20.

Op Pacific Angel is a combined humanitarian assistance operation run by the USAF and sponsored by the US Pacific Command.

In its fifth year, the operation pro-vides assistance and civil-military support to areas in the Pacific region, similar to the US Navy’s humanitarian assistance mission, Pacific Partnership. But instead of sailing to various Pacific ports aboard a hospital ship, the USAF flies into four different regions each year in aircraft loaded with supplies, medics and engineers.

Working in the mountains outside the city of Pokhara, the combined team of more than 200 personnel treated more than 600 patients on the first day, working up to about 800 a day as the operation progressed.

The small RAAF team included LACW Mercedes Ford, a medical assis-tant with RAAF Base Williamtown’s 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron, who worked in the triage section, direct-ing patients to optometry, paediatrics,

Angels home from Nepal

women’s health, the pharmacy or den-tal.

LACW Ford said many Nepalese came in with stomach pains and diar-rhoea but the local children were always smiling, despite many being infected with scabies.

“They were absolutely gorgeous. They would all come up to us and say ‘namaste’ which means ‘hello’,” she said.

“We gave them stamps and little koalas,” she said.

Spectacles also became a local fash-ion statement after the first few pairs were handed out.

“When the locals got wind that if you went to the optometrist you got a free pair of glasses, everyone wanted free glasses,” LACW Ford said.

While trying to get herself some fashionable specs, a Nepalese woman

went into labour at the optometrist and had to be rushed to hospital.

LACW Ford said rural Nepalese seemed to come from across the moun-tains to see the Pacific Angels and lines formed at the gate around 7pm for treatment the next day.

“I heard that some people had trav-elled for a few days just to come and see us,” she said.

LACW Ford and the team also spent

time with USAF medics at a military base in Pokhara, giving Nepalese Army medics extra skills to deal with an earthquake expected to soon hit Nepal.

As part of a subject matter expert exchange, the team passed on methods of dealing with haemorrhaging, chok-ing, first aid and field hygiene.

“We were teaching [the Nepalese Army medics] about choking and they said ‘that’s a bit better than what we were taught,’” LACW Ford said. “So we told them they can’t really go against what they’ve been taught but it was something they could take up with their chain of command.”

Their time with the Nepalese Armymedics finished with a mass casual-ty exercise to simulate an earthquake, were LACW Ford got a lesson in local culture.

“In their culture they’re not allowed to show affection towards females in public,” she said. “I was ‘unconscious’ [during the simulation] and one of the Nepalese medics didn’t want to do CPR so he called one of the female medics to do it instead.”

After some precarious drives through the mountains and treating sickNepalese, LACW Ford gained a new appreciation for the comforts of home.

“I will never whinge about traffic again or about water or hygiene or any-thing,” she said.

At the end of Op Pacific Angel, more than 4000 local villagers had received free medical care by a com-bined team of about 200 medics.

NEW PERSPECTIVE: Right, medical assistant LACW Mercedes Ford holds a Nepalese baby while her mother visits a doctor during Op Pacific Angel and, inset, LACW Ford and US SGTs Eric Natalicio and Steven Henry follow a group of Nepalese Army medics to a training site in Pokhara.

Photos: Master SGT Jeffrey Allen

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10 October 25, 2012RCEAIR FFNews

PERSONNEL from RAAF Base Glenbrook are getting on board Air Force’s blood challenge mission with 23 RAAFies from Headquarters Air Command (HQAC) making the trip down the mountain to Penrith to give blood on October 5.

A third of the group were first-time donors as part of the Defence Organisation Blood Challenge.

First-time donor and Glenbrook’s challenge coordinator FLTLT Ben Gray said getting inexperienced donors involved was a big part of the challenge.

“I was pretty nervous about giving blood before we made the trip,” he said.

Another first-timer was Deputy Air Commander Australia AIRCDRE John Samulski.

“You never know when you, a family member or a friend may need blood,” AIRCDRE Samulski said.

“While we want to get as many RAAFies donating as possible during the challenge and beat Army, donating blood makes a big difference in the local community.”

One in three Australians will need blood products during their lives, yet only one in 30 currently donate. Of these donations, 34 per cent are used in life-saving cancer treatments.

Air Force donors register their donations online as a group through Club Red so each donation of whole blood, plasma or platelets counts towards the challenge tally. Friends and family can also join the Air Force group on Club Red.

First timers see redDEFENCE ORGANISATION BLOOD CHALLENGE

HQAC’s FSGT Kel Sorensen said donating blood for the first time with a group took the fear out of it.

“It was actually pretty fun,” he said. “You’re all doing your bit togeth-er.”

FLTLT Gray is confident Air Force can stop Army’s winning streak and

come out on top when the challenge ends on November 30.

“Although donors can only give one whole blood donation during the challenge, plasma or platelet dona-tions can be made every two weeks,” he said.

He hopes to bring in a few more

first-timers along when personnel from RAAF Base Glenbrook donate again shortly.

“We’ll be going in back in a few weeks, so hopefully the positive expe-rience of this trip will encourage some new faces to join as well,” FLTLT Gray said.

FACING THE CHALLENGE: FLTLT Ben Gray provides Deputy Air Commander Australia AIRCDRE John Samulski with moral support as he donates blood in Penrith. Photo: LAC David Said

At the time of printing, Air Force had 259 donations and was trailing Army in the Australian Defence Blood Challenge.

➤ Army: 480

➤ Air Force: 313

➤ Navy: 231

➤ APS: 228

Keep up to date with Air Force’s effort at www.airforce.gov.au/Blood_Challenge

At th ti f i ti A

The tally

➤

K

Mo bros ready to growEamon Hamilton

MOUSTACHES will sprout on upper lips next month as Air Force personnel raise money for annual men’s health initiative Movember.

And it won’t just be the junior ranks throwing away their razors.

Many senior officers will also get behind the cause, including ACAUST AVM Mel Hupfeld, his deputy AIRCDRE John Samulski, Director General Air Command Operations AIRCDRE Gavin Turnbull, and all the FEG com-manders.

Last year Air Force raised more than $87,500 for Movember beneficiaries, including Beyond Blue and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

DCAF AVM Leo Davies said as well as a fun way to raise money for charity, Movember allowed people to get a serious topic open for discussion.

“We need to break down the stigma that a ‘no worries’ approach to men’s health is acceptable, and that health issues should be identified and treated early,” AVM Davies said.

Air Force teams are invited to register through www.movember.com.au. They can then join the RAAF network at http://au.movember.com/mospace/net-work/raaf to measure Air Force’s total.

11October 25, 2012RCEAIR FF News

Put to the SAR testEamon Hamilton

AIR Force could play a key role in supporting NSW Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams in future disas-ter relief missions.

On September 10, a NSW USAR Task Force conducted a three-day exercise in Queensland, simulating a response to a collapsed building.

The task force was supported by a 37SQN C-130J Hercules, which car-ried 22 tonnes of equipment, along with USAR personnel and dogs, from RAAF Base Richmond to RAAF Base Amberley.

The task force was assessed throughout the exercise by the United Nations’ International Search and Rescue Advisory Group.

The NSW USAR task force has responded to disasters in Australia and around the world and is recognised as one of the best heavy USAR teams in the world.

Being UN-accredi ted means the NSW USAR Task Force may be charged with being one of the first respondents in future Asia-Pacific dis-aster relief missions.

Air Force has already played a key role in deploying Queensland and NSW USAR teams after earthquakes in Indonesia, New Zealand and Japan.

Commander Air Lif t Group AIRCDRE Gary Martin said an offi-cial accreditation for NSW USAR teams would put great responsibility on Air Force.

“The key to a USAR team’s suc-cess when responding to a disaster is

arriving on the scene quickly with its equipment intact,” he said.

“Air Force is one of the only organisations in the Asia-Pacific which can provide this capability, so an ongoing working relationship remains critical.

“We have great capacity for deploying teams throughout the Asia-

Pacific, with the C-17A and C-130J, and soon to be joined by the C-27J and KC-30A.”

AIRCDRE Mart in said Air Movements personnel needed to be well rehearsed in dealing with rescue teams to ensure they could load and unload their equipment quickly.

“Government and people in disas-

ters count on these teams, and we are tremendously proud to be associated with them,” he said.

Queensland achieved UN USAR accreditation in 2008, so Australia now joins the US and Japan as one of just three countries in the world to have two accredited heavy task forces.

TEAM EFFORT: LAC James Roberts, left, of 1AOSS, escorts State Emergency Services volunteer Graeme Veitch and his search and rescue dog Wellington on to the flightline during an International Search and Rescue Advisory Group exercise. Photo: CPL Amanda Campbell

MORE than $14,000 was raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Queensland when RAAF Base Townsville held its annual Charity Bike Ride earlier this month.

More than 50 cyclists and 13 sup-port personnel made the 105km ride from Hervey Range to the west of Townsville and back to the base.

Organiser WOFF Gus Augostis said this year’s ride held extra significance to previous years.

“This year the ride was held in memory of FSGT Ray Kopp, who sadly succumbed to motor neurone disease on April 29,” WOFF Augostis said.

“Ray was a long-term member of RAAF Base Townsville and a keen cyclist. He participated in several fund-raising cycling activities in Townsville, including the base charity bike ride in 2009.”

WOFF Augostis said riders in this year’s event came from Army, Air Force, the APS and companies contracted to Defence.

“The Charity Bike Ride has been held annually since 2007 and continues to gain popularity with Defence person-nel from the RAAF base,” he said.

Townsville rides for Ray

WE’RE BACK: Riders finish the 105km race. Photo: LACW Siobhan Holden

12 13RCEAIR FF October 25, 2012Centrepiece

The Orions leave the Middle East with 10 years worth of achievements and memories, reports Jaimie Abbott.

MIGHTY EFFORTMIGHTY EFFORTF

OR almost a decade they have been the airborne eyes and ears for the ADF in the Middle East, but now, after more than 2400 mis-

sions and 23,000 fl ying hours, the AP-3C Orions are returning home to Australia.

The first of two AP-3C Orions operating in the MEAO has already returned home along with 38 person-nel as part of the Operation Slipper redeployment program, which will take place in two stages. The second aircraft, along with the remaining 40 personnel, will return home to RAAF Base Edinburgh by the end of the year.

Since 92WG first deployed to the MEAO in January 2003, it has rotated more than 3500 personnel on three- to six-month tours of duty.

The Orion crews have conducted overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks in Afghanistan and Iraq, maritime patrols of the Arabian Gulf and North Arabian Sea and more recently, counter-piracy missions in the vicinity of Somalia, working closely with the US-led Combined Maritime Force and other international task forces as part of Operations Bastille, Falconer, Catalyst and Slipper.

SQNLDR James Parton, of 10SQN, said the four months he had been in the MEAO had been busy but undoubtedly rewarding.

“The Orions have been in theatre for 10 years, and in that time flew an average six hours flying every day they have been in the MEAO,” SQNLDR Parton said.

AP-3C Orion maintenance crews worked in extreme environmental conditions in the MEAO –- commonly working in temperatures of more than 50 degrees.

“I tip my hat to the maintenance crews because for every hour of fly-ing, that generates hours of main-tenance, so without their efforts we would not be able to do our job,” SQNLDR Parton said.

Launching from Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, overland Afghanistan AP-3C Orion missions included escorting friendly road convoys and searching for insurgents placing IEDs or launching rockets.

Crews also provided direct support to coalition ground forces by using the electro optics sensor to search visually, day or night, for suspicious activity.

The Orion’s data link was used to transmit video footage of the suspi-cious activity in real-time to troops on the ground.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the decade of operations in the Middle East was now a significant part of the Wing’s history.

“I also recognise the significant support and personal sacrifices made by the families, friends and loved ones of those who have deployed,” he said.

“Our AP-3C Orions provided a world-class intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability to coa-lition forces in the Middle East and proved themselves to be extremely versatile.

“The Middle East deployment witnessed the aircraft’s purpose expand from being almost exclusively maritime-focused to becoming an invaluable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset in the land environment. One of the aircraft’s main roles was to transmit real-time surveillance video to ground force commanders in order to provide them with essential situational awareness.”

OC 92WG GPCAPT Craig Heap was extremely pleased with the com-mitment and dedication of his person-nel.

“92WG personnel should be extremely proud of their achievements. Their work has been an important component of Australia’s contribution to coalition operations in the Middle East. They have saved the lives of coalition forces and civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan and the wider Middle East, contributing significantly to regional security,” GPCAPT Heap said.

“I would also like to recognise the significant support and personal sacri-fices made by the families, friends and loved ones of those who deployed.”

The withdrawal of the AP-3C Orions from the MEAO will allow the Wing to return to a more normal “raise, train, sustain” pattern of activ-ity, including high-end warfighting skills training, in addition to continu-ing to meet its Operation Resolute border protection commitments.

GPCAPT Heap said 92WG’s suc-cess was made possible not only by the efforts of its aircrew and maintain-ers.

“Over the past decade people working in capability development, acquisition, intelligence, operations, training, logistics, test and evaluation and administration have all contrib-uted to 92WG’s excellent results,” he said.

He said the success of the deploy-ment would also not have been pos-sible without the support of a wide range of Defence personnel and units outside of the Wing, including those in Combat Support Group, Maritime Patrol Systems Program Office, Joint Operations Command, Surveillance and Response Group and Aerospace Operational Support Group.

➤ In January 2003, two AP-3Cs deployed to the MEAO in support of Operation Fal-coner, along with support personnel. The aircraft returned to RAAF Base Edinburgh in April.

➤ In April 2003, the first upgraded AP-3C deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Falconer; the first long-term operational deployment for the type. A second Orion deployed shortly after.

➤ In October 2004, about 160 personnel – mainly from 92WG – and two aircraft were based at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

➤ By November 2004, lessons learned in the MEAO were resulting in further possible upgrades to the AP-3Cs, including aircrew protection systems and an electronic warfare self-protection package. Some of these concepts developed on operations were undertaken as modification for the AP-3C during the following years.

➤ In June 2009, the Government announced an Orion and RAN frigate on operations in the Persian Gulf AO would also rotate through the Gulf of Aden on anti-piracy patrols as part of TF 150 based in Bahrain. The Government announcement followed an incident on May 17 when HMA Ships Ballarat and Sydney went to the aid of two merchant ships being confronted by pirates.

➤ In December 2009, the AP-3C Detachment got new neighbours when the C-130 De-tachment joined it at Al Minhad. The move enabled maintainers of each type access to a wider range of parts and accessories, thereby removing duplication of effort and increasing efficiency.

➤ In May 2010, an 11SQN Orion on an anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden played a major role in the liberation of a Russian-flagged oil tanker from pirates. The aircraft was diverted from another task after the ship transmitted a mayday call. The Orion made visual contact and then, with its long-range cameras, confirmed pirates had boarded from three small craft. It circled the tanker for the next two hours and maintained communications with the crew by VHF radio before being forced to proceed off-task due fuel. The key data provided by this mission enabled the rescue of the crew by a Russian warship the following day.

➤ In December 2010, an AP-3C air delivered urgently required spare parts to HMAS Melbourne on patrol in the Somali Basin.

➤ In February 2011, a 10SQN Orion on an anti-piracy patrol in the Arabian Sea played a major role in foiling the attack by two pirate vessels on a merchant vessel. The Orion filmed several attacks and attempted boardings by two skiffs launched from a dhow. The crew provided data to allow the merchant ship to out-manoeuvre the small pirate vessels. Eventually the pirates gave up the chase, all the while filmed by the Orion.

➤ In May 2011, a Pakistani fishing dhow in distress was spotted by an Orion on anti-piracy patrol in Arabian Sea. The Orion dropped water, passed details to coalition forces and remained with the dhow until forced to return to base with low fuel. The dhow was taken in tow by a Pakistani naval vessel.

➤ In August 2011, the detachment achieved 20,000 hours of operational flying. This equated to about 833 days of 24-hour operations or 2¼ years of continuous fly-ing and 500,000 maintenance hours over the eight years. During the eight years, the Orions’ roles expanded to include Overland ISR (intelligence surveillance and recon-naissance).

➤ In January 2012, the detachment achieved more than nine years continuous service in the MEAO.

OVER TIME: Above, WOFF Darren Gray operates the electro optics sensor in the Orion during a mission in September this year; right, CPL Terry Tabone tests an Orion’s props during a pre-flight service in 2008; below, AP-3C “Lara” starts a night-time mission over Iraq in 2007.

Photos: SGT William Guthrie and LS Paul Berry

VARIED ROLES: Above, CPL Anthony Gough cleans the window eave on an Orion in the MEAO in 2007; right, FLGOFF Andrew Colefax plots the AP-3C aircraft’s position to ensure data accuracy in position monitoring in September this year.

Photos: SGT William Guthrie and LS Paul Berry

SUPPORT: CPL (then LAC) Mark Mazar heads out to the flightline to assist crew with the return of an Orion in 2008. Photo: CPL Mick Davis

VIGILANT: A pilot inspects a small fishing vessel during an ISR mission in the MEAO in September this year. Photo: SGT William Guthrie

LOOKING BACK

JOB DONE: After another successful mission, 11SQN Crew Gold from Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance –Task Unit return to Al Minhad Air Base in United Arab Emirates. Photo: SGT William Guthrie

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15October 25, 2012RCEAIR FF News

RoulettesOctober 27: Moto GP, Phillip Island.October 29: Hazelwood Car and Bike Show, Yinnar, Victoria.November 2-4: Gold Coast Marine Expo.

Air Force BandNovember 4: Wangaratta Jazz Festival.November 4: RAAF Association National Servicemen’s annual pilgrimage service, Point Cook.

RAAF MuseumNovember 4: NASHOs, Point Cook.

Air Force BalloonOctober 27: Canberra Montessori School, Holder.November 3: Catalina Festival, Lake Macquarie.➤ For the full cal-

endar of coming Air Force events, visit www.air-force.gov.au

Air Force events

ALL DRESSED UP AND READY TO GO: Left, Garth Tander sits in an F/A-18 as 3SQN pilot SQNLDR Jason Easthope issues last-minute advice; above, Dr Michael O’Donoghue conducts a pre-flight medical check on Shane Van Gisbergen at the Williamtown Health Centre; left inset, Tander’s helmet is adjusted by LAC James Cox; right inset, CPL James Clews fits out Van Gisbergen. Photos: LAC Craig Barrett

Sky high showdownIT WAS billed as the Holden versus Ford F/A-18 dogfight.

On September 21, 3SQN pilots SQNLDR Jason Easthope and FLTLT Jason Cross, both motorsport fans, took Holden driver Garth Tander and Ford driver Shane Van Gisbergen for a spin – literally – in the skies near RAAF Base Williamtown.

Doing basic fighter manoeu-

vres, the idea was to promote one of Australia’s premier mot-orsport events, the Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercar race on October 7.

“That was pretty awesome ... pulling seven G, going superson-ic was amazing,” Van Gisbergen said afterwards.

Tander thought the manoeu-vrability of the jets was unbe-lieavable.

“We were just flying along and we had done a complete loop and you hadn’t even real-ised what was going on. Never experienced anything like it. I blacked out three times.”

Back on the ground, Tander, clearly still awed by the adrena-line-pumping experience, made a reciprocal offer to the pilots.

“If we ever get the opportu-

nity to take you for a ride in the cars, scare you on the ground, we’ll do that,” he said.

For the record, Holden was declared the winner of the dog-fight – but only just, much like the result on race day when Jamie Whincup held off a Falcon in a tense duel in the final laps at Mount Panorama.

Air Force also thrilled the

Bathurst fans during the race with flying displays by an F/A-18 and the Roulettes over Mount Panorama on both days.

FLTLT Cross was inter-viewed at Bathurst in Pit Lane with the two V8 drivers to recall the dogfight experience.

Watch the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lxvMbD1cJM

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16 October 25, 2012RCEAIR FFFlightlineWELCOME ON BOARD: Left, the Air Force’s Senior Leadership Team now has four female members after AIRCDRE Cath Roberts was promoted on October 4. Pictured with AIRCDRE Roberts, left, is Carolyn Spittle, AIRCDRE Kathryn Dunn (who was also promoted this month) and AIRCDRE Tracy Smart. Photo: FSGT John CarrollPLUGGING IN ON OPS: Right, communication electronics technician LAC Matthew Gledhill on the job at Al Minhad Air Base with FCU. Photo: SGT Mick Davis

SHIELD OF HONOUR: CPL Matthew Jarvis, an air surveillance operator from 1RSU, with his Airman of the Quarter award. Photo: LACW Nicci Freeman

WELL DESERVED: Above, Gareth Blacklock congratulates FLGOFF Amber Reynolds for being awarded an ADF Gold Level Commendation for her performance as a senior nursing officer with 4EHS Detachment at RAAF Base Wagga. Photo: WGCDR Jo Elkington

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17October 25, 2012RCEAIR FF Personnel

FAMILY members of overseas lat-eral recruits will soon be eligible for Australian citizenship at the same time as the recruit.

From January 1, amendments to the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 will allow for exemption of the usual residency requirements for certain family members of overseas lateral recruits, according to Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Bowen and Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon.

“The government recognises that families who support ADF members serving Australia should be able to build a close and continuing relation-ship with Australia at the same time as their serving family members,” Mr Bowen said.

“We are providing families with ear-lier eligibility for citizenship to assist them with settling in Australia, includ-ing providing access to employment opportunities and educational assis-tance.”

In order to qualify, the overseas lateral recruit must be granted certain visas after July 1, 2007, and undertake 90 days service in the permanent forces or 90 days of paid service in the reserve forces of the Army, Navy or Air Force or be discharged from Defence service as medically unfit for service as a result of that service.

The amendments also ensure eli-gibility for citizenship for the fami-ly members if the ADF member dies before becoming eligible.

The changes will clarify that

REQUIREMENTS

➤ Family members of an overseas lateral recruit will be exempt from the usual residency requirements of the Act if the recruit was granted a Labour Agreement (Migrant) Class AU visa, Labour Agreement (Residence) Class BV visa, Employer Nomination (Permanent) Class EN visa or a Regional Employer Nomination (Permanent) Class RN visa on or after July 1, 2007.

➤ The family must have also been granted a visa of the same type as the recruit on the basis that they were ‘Members of the Family Unit’ and were included as applicants in the recruit’s visa application.

➤ Family members of an overseas lateral recruit will not be exempt from the residency requirements if:

• The recruit was granted one of the listed visas and their family members subsequently came to Australia on a visa not listed.

• The recruit migrates or migrated to Australia for another purpose and subsequently decides to join the ADF.

• The recruit acquired Australian citizenship automatically (for example because the recruit was born in Australia) or is an Australia citizen by registration.

• If the family are non-Australian citizens who become family members of existing ADF personnel (eg, a non-citizen who marries a person who is already serving with the ADF).

Defence service refers only to appoint-ed and enlisted personnel in the ADF.

Mr Snowdon said these amend-ments would assist Australia to attract personnel to highly specialised roles within the ADF because they would provide tangible benefits to lateral recruits’ migrating families.

“Over the past five years the ADF has recruited over 500 members from

overseas. Fast-tracking citizenship for their families will ease some of the stress associated with such a significant move,” Mr Snowdon said.

Family members of overseas lat-eral recruits who were granted the same visa on or after July 1, 2007, can take advantage of these amendments when they come into effect.

Families must still meet all other

relevant eligibility criteria to acquire Australian citizenship, such as identity, good character, national security, pass-ing the citizenship test (if aged 18 years and over and under 60) and making the Pledge of Commitment.

For more information, see www.citizenship.gov.au or for Air Force enlistment questions, email RAAF.lateralrecruitment@defence.gov.au

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18 October 25, 2012RCEAIR FPersonnel

It is envisaged that the following PAF specialisa-tions and musterings and Active Reserve positions (by rank, specialisation, mustering band – B1, B2 or B3) will have an allocated target for PBs in 2013, however the final list of Promotion Boards for 2013 are still subject to final confirmation:PAF SQNLDR to WGCDR: ACO, ADMIN, AERO, AFENG, ARM, ELECTR, ENVH, INTEL, JBAC, LEGAL, LOG, MED, NURS, OPSO, PHARM, PLT, TSO.RESERVE SQNLDR to WGCDR: ADMIN 357608 (B3- RIC), LOG 372018 (B3-AMB).PAF FLTLT to SQNLDR: ACO, ADMIN, AERO, AFENG, ARM, CHAP, DENT, ELECTR, ENVH, GRDEF, INTEL, JBAC, LEGAL, LOG, MED, NURS, OPSO, PHARM, PLT, SECPOLO, TSO.RESERVE FLTLT to SQNLDR: ADMIN 364753 (B3-TDL), ADMIN 538084 (B3-EDN), CHAP 498005 (B3-DAR), GRDEF 375842 (B3-RIC), LOG/ANYO 384538 (B3-EDN), OPSO 580219 (B3-ACT), OPSO 580208 (B3-ACT), TSO 501540 (B3-RIC), TSO 375916 (B3-RIC), TSO 357488 (B3-PEA).PAF FSGT to WOFF: ADG, AIRCRAFT, ARMAMENT, ASOP, AVIONICS, CE, CLK, COOK, FIREFTR, GIA, GSEMGR, MOV, SECPOL-

ACTIVE Reserve Promotion Boards (PBs) are drawing near and the process for selecting can-didates in 2013 has been reviewed and amended.

The aim is to provide reserv-ists identified for promotion an opportunity to negotiate posting/promotion outcomes with their personnel managers (PMs) to find the best balance between personal aspirations and capability fit.

To achieve this, PBs will now be conducted by location rather than position, and, where possible, slightly more candidates than posi-tions will be identified.

Subsequently, armed with the positional information provided by units and the additional infor-mation provided by members as part of the EOI process, PMs will negotiate with members to find the best fit.

This aligns closely with the PAF process except that the posting solu-tion is locationally based and reserv-ists have a right of refusal.

Where a member identified for promotion fails to secure a promo-tion in conjunction with the next posting cycle action, their promo-tion offer will lapse and will need to re-compete for promotion at a future PB.

A key part of this process will be the information provided by units and members themselves.

Members will have visibility of the quarantined positions and will be able to use this information to decide whether to opt in. They may also indicate a preference for

DP-AF updates Active Reservists on the 2013 promotion board process

Reservists, get on boardAFPOL, SIGSOPLING, SIGSOPTECH, SUP, WKSSPVR.RESERVE FSGT to WOFF: ATECH may be AVTECH 384594 (B3-EDN).PAF SGT to FSGT: ADG, AIRCRAFT, ALSFITT, ARMAMENT, ASOP, AVIONICS, CE, CLK, COMBAT CONTROLLER, COOK, GIA, GSEMGR, MOV, PTI, SECPOL-AFSEC, SECPOL-AFPOL, SIGSOPLING, SUP, WKSSPVR.RESERVE SGT to FSGT: ASOP 378316 (B3-WLM), ATECH 380690 (B3-AMB), CLK 561384 (B2-ACT), GIA 359118 (B3- ACT), PTI 384532 (B2-EDN), SECPOL 584746 (B3-EDN).PAF CPL to SGT: ADG, AIRCRAFT, ALSFITT, ARMAMENT, ASOP, AVIONICS, CE, CISCON, CLK, COOK, FIREFTR, GIA, GME, GSE, MEDASST, MOV, NDITECH, PTI, SECPOL-AFSEC, SECPOL-AFPOL, SIGSOPLING, SIGSOPTECH, STRUCTURES, SUP, WKSSPVR.RESERVE CPL to SGT: ADG 501553 (B1-RIC), ADG 505153 (B1-EDN), ADG 377093 (B3-AMB), CLK 380391 (B3-RIC), CLK 384771 (B3-EDN), CLK 497331 (B3-WLM), GIA 359752 (B3-AMB), GIA 497318 (B3-WLM), GSETECH 384650 (B3-EDN), SECPOL 584747 (B3-EDN), SECPOL 584751 (B3-EDN), SECPOL 490360 (B3-AMB), SECPOL 346679 (B3-EDN), SUP 491470 (B3-RIC), SUP 384756 (B3-EDN), SUP3 382361 (B3-WLM), SUP 375810 (B3-GBK).PAF LAC to CPL: ADG, AIRCRAFT, ALSFITT, ARMAMENT, ASOP, AVIONICS, CE, CISCON, CLK, COOK, DENTASST, ELECN, FIREFTR, GIA, GME, GSE, MEDASST, MOV, PLUMBER, SECPOL-AFSEC, SIGSOPLING, SIGSOPTECH, STRUCTURES, SUP.RESERVE LAC to CPL: ABP 357719 (B2-PEA), ABP 375979 (B2-RIC), ABP 371820 (B2-WIL), ABP 377034 (B2-AMB), ABP 384666 (B2-EDN), ABP 384844 (B2-EDN), ADG 376725 (B2-RIC), CISCON 372393 (B3-EDN), CLK 495217 (B3-RIC), CLK 505205 (B3-WLM), CLK 380018 (B2-RIC), FIREFTR 552277 (B3-RIC), MTD 498256 (B3-TVL), MTD 371835 (B3-WIL), MTD 505177 (B3-EDN), MTD 372790 (B3-HOB), PLANTOP 383544 (B3-TVL), SECPOL 584748 (B3-EDN), SECPOL 584749 (B3-EDN), SECPOL 584752 (B3-EDN), SECPOL 584753 (B3-EDN), SECPOL-MWDH 497949 (B1-DAR), SUP 513848 (B1-AMB).

a position to which they are par-ticularly attracted.

Positional information will, where applicable, include: job description, essential criteria, band level, number of reserve days allocated, funding avail-ability, whether work can be done remotely, and the nature of service required (block periods of work during peak periods or continuous throughout the year).

As part of the EOI process confirming promotion interest and eligibility, members will also be required to provide certain infor-mation to assist PMs should they be identified as sufficiently com-petitive for promotion by the PB within the targets set.

EOI processThe 2013 Active Reserve pro-

motion positions will be advertised by DP-AF Promotion Cell via:➤ The DP-AF Website (intranet)

– http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/DPAF/ComWeb.asp?page=188566;

➤ Integrated Workforce Managers (formerly Reserve Liaison

Officers)/Staff Officers person-nel;

➤ Email: The Reserve Task List Network; and

➤ The internet: Defence Alumni Network (DAN) – www.dan.gov.auActive Reserve personnel must

opt in by submitting a Member Statement (AD718), available on Web Forms, if they want to be con-sidered at the 2013 Active Reserve PBs.

They must as a minimum address the following key points that will assist PMs to formulate posting plots for promotees:➤ Desired number of days for the

next financial year (minimum and maximum);

➤ Preferred disposition of days and any known limitations (block periods versus regular part-time attendance);

➤ Preferred role within standard suite of duties generally appli-cable to employment category and next higher rank; and

➤ Relevant qualifications, skills and experience in the civil sector that is not likely to

otherwise be evident to the PB or PM. Before submitting an EOI,

members must ensure that they meet the relevant eligibility requirements to be considered for promotion:➤ Attain three years time in cur-

rent substantive rank as of January 1, 2013;

➤ Have at least one reserve service PAR or Reserve Supplementary Report (SR) in rank;

➤ Have completed a minimum of 60 days in the preceding three years with 20 days reserve attendance during the training year that concludes immediately preceding the PB (July 1, 2011, to June 30 for the 2013 PB); and

➤ Relevant PMET distance and Residential courses. For queries on PMET, contact WGCDR John Brown, DDPMET, at john.brown1@defence.gov.au

EOIs are to be emailed to FSGT Marcia Karo at marcia.karo@defence.gov.au by December 14.

PAF and reserve targets

PAPER WORK: DP-AF personnel are busy preparing for the Active Reserve promotion boards, which involves identifying reserve positions against which promotions will be considered for the 2013 promotion boards. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

Are you relocating in 2012? Have you completed your Application for Relocation (AFR)?Toll Transitions Case Managers are standing by to help. It is

important to complete your relocation documentation as soon

as possible, especially if you are relocating during the peak

posting period and your preferred moving dates are to be

met. You must include your preferred dates on your AFR, as

until we have actual dates we cannot start your relocation.

The priority of your Toll Transitions Case Manager is to

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In addition your Case Manager will explain the Full and Partial Unpack option which is new in 2012. If you choose

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19October 25, 2012RCEAIR FF Personnel

Chance for say on SRP

CPL Mark Doran

ETHICS played a key role at the CDF NCO Leadership Forum at the Australian Defence College (ADC) in Canberra from October 2-3.

Single-service sessions with the service warrant officers and syndicate discussions provided opportunities for NCOs from the three services to dis-cuss leadership in the ADF by sharing their experiences and thoughts.

Close to 100 NCOs attended the annual forum which has been con-vened at the ADC since 2003.

Guest speakers included VC recip-ient CPL Mark Donaldson, of the SASR, who spoke about leadership from an NCO perspective, and Mr Eddie Jaku who gave his perspectives on life as an Auschwitz survivor.

One highlight of the forum program was the service chiefs panel where CN VADM Ray Griggs, CA LTGEN David Morrison, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown and CJOPS LTGEN Ash Power answered questions about the ADF from forum participants.

SGT Duane Chugg, of the RAAF School of Technical Training at RAAF Base Wagga, said the leader-ship forum gave the NCOs an oppor-tunity to hear views of members of all three services.

“We heard about scenarios where things have gone wrong and learnt how they could be fixed,” he said.

“One of the examples we dis-cussed during the forum was the ques-tion, ‘Why do people do bad things?’

Focus on leadershipENERGISED: SGT Duane Chugg, of RAAFSTT, and CPL Millie Bass, of 1RTU, who travelled from RAAF Base Wagga to Canberra to attend the CDF NCO leadership forum in Canberra.

Photo: CPL Mark Doran

THE fifth Strategic Reform Program (SRP) Change Readiness Survey will be open for completion online from November 2-6.

Head of Strategic Reform Management AVM Ian Smith said the survey results would provide the senior leadership group and his office with significant feedback.

“We will receive insight into how Defence personnel are respond-ing to change, and will assist in determining how reform initiatives are planned and implemented in the future,” he said.

The previous survey, in November 2011, had 3402 respons-es and provided a valuable and comprehensive look into how per-sonnel were responding to change and their understanding of the SRP.

“Defence is continuing to use this feedback to help communicate more effectively with personnel about the SRP and its objectives, and what reform means across the Department,” AVM Smith said.

The fifth survey will build upon these results, targeting the senior leadership group and selected Defence personnel across Australia. These personnel will receive emails inviting their participation in the survey.

The confidentiality and anonym-ity of respondents will be ensured.

It is important that personnel at all levels and from all locations participate to ensure the results represent Defence as a whole.

“We found Army, Navy and Air Force all have different methods, but ultimately we all have one goal, which is to do the right thing and fix the problem.”

CPL Millie Bass, of 1 Recruit Training Unit, said NCOs of all ser-vices and all levels shared their differ-ent backgrounds and experiences.

“At the end of the day we know what we should be doing and during the forum we learnt there are differ-ent ways – and there’s no right or

wrong – to get the best result,” she said. “We are fortunate to have three diverse services, which are all fantastic, and the exposure to them during the forum will make also make it easier for us when working in tri-service environments.

“We will be better prepared and have a greater understanding of how they work.”

Commander ADC MAJGEN Craig Orme closed the forum and said the par-ticipants took away with them a sense of the size and complexity of the Defence

Organisation and of the challenges faced by the nation.

“Leadership is not about the things you have to do, leadership is about the things you don’t have to do, but you do anyway,” MAJGEN Orme said.

“The things you have to do are called your job – the difference between organisations which are good and excellent is not just doing the job, but having the leadership to go the extra yard.”

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21October 25, 2012RCEAIR FF Health

WHEN we are young, keeping fit is easy and enjoyable, but as we get older it is harder and def-

initely not as much fun.Health benefits come from many

of the activities we enjoy in our prime – we can exercise every day of the week and our speed, endurance and recovery times are at an optimum.

Anyone of any age can be consid-ered fit, but in our 40s, 50s and 60s age matters as it affects our strength, speed and endurance.

Physical declines associated with aging are not inevitable but are mainly due to a detraining or deconditioning effect, which comes from a decrease in exercise levels, frequency or inten-sity.

WO2 Stuart Laughton, of 8CHC, has been a PTI for nearly 30 years and said older Defence members needed to do regular exercise to help maintain their strength, flexibility and balance.

“It shouldn’t be a case of having to get back into it as you shouldn’t ever drop your standards or let yourself go,” he said.

“It only takes a couple of weeks without exercise to start losing your fitness levels as our muscles waste and our joints lose their flexibility.

“Physical and mental wellbeing

and a healthy, balanced diet are all central to maintaining overall fitness.”

Being overweight or underweight also reduces levels of fitness.

When we are overweight our bodies have to work harder to function prop-erly.

Being underweight is not any healthier as it means the body lacks the capacity to perform efficiently.

Weight training can help maintain muscle tone and strength, however, cardio work outs such as hill running or interval training can condition the aerobic and the anaerobic systems, which can lead to dramatic fitness improvements.

WO2 Laughton said focusing on core strength and body weight exer-cises such as chin-ups, dips and sit-ups would also improve results.

“It’s easy to set up a circuit for yourself and it’s also a benefit to be able to lift your own body weight out of trouble,” he said.

“We don’t want you to smash yourself, cause yourself injury by lift-ing heavy weights or try to become a competitive athlete.

“Defence wants you to main-tain your fitness for all your years of service, but we also want you to think beyond that and live a long and healthy life.”

Age no barrier to fitnessDon’t let age get in the way of physical fitness and health, CPL Mark Doran reports. SWEAT IT OUT: FSGT

John Mace does cardio training at the Russell Gymnasium and knows the importance of keeping fit. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

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22 October 25, 2012RCEAIR FSp rt

John Martin

WHEN the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) cricket team arrives in Australia to play in the International Defence Cricket Challenge (IDCC) in November, it will be in good hands.

The team will be hosted at RAAF Base Glenbrook where the liaison offic-er will be FLTLT Emma Archibald.

FLTLT Archibald spent nearly four months last year doing a squadron offic-er course at Sekolah Ikhtisas Tentera Udara in Penang.

“I’m not really a cricket fan, but I did get to know some of their cricket-ers,” FLTLT Archibald said.

“Having spent a lot of time operating within their air force I got to know the language, culture and special require-ments.”

This will be the third time the Australian Services Cricket Association has staged the IDCC.

The Malaysians won the tournament in 2009.

This year it will be up against the ADF, Royal New Zealand Air Force, New Zealand Army, Pakistan Defence team and a Barbarian team which will

Malaysia finds an old friend

THE high marks just keep get-ting higher for RAAF Base Wagga which held its third charity day on October 5.

About 600 staff and students joined civilian representatives from within the local community on the sidelines to cheer on Ground Training Wing (GTW) and RAAF College in an annual Australian football game.

For the third year in a row, GTW won.

And for the third year in a row, the fundraising efforts doubled.

About $5000 was raised the first year, $10,000 was raised last year and the tally is approaching $21,000 this year. The money will be split evenly between breast and prostate cancer charities.

GTW trailed early in the game but turned it around to win 17.7 (109) to 11.5 (71).

GTW coach FLTLT Bre t t MacDonald kicked 10 goals and

was the game’s standout perform-er.

There was also a tug-of-war at half-time of the match.

Not all the money was raised on the day. Activities throughout the year included regular barbecues, ‘show your colours’ days and a sports trivia night with auction.

More than 180 civilian and Defence members attended the auc-tion of sporting memorabilia from which $9000 was raised.

Wagga at the double for charity again

comprise Army players from Australia and New Zealand.

RNZAF players will be based at RAAF Base Richmond.

The RAAF team will also be based at Richmond from November 6-11 for trials and team selection.

On November 9, the RAAF, RMAF and RNZAF will hold an air forces round-robin competition in Sydney, fol-lowed by a function that evening.

IDCC12 will start in Canberra on November 12 with a series of Twenty20 games and 50-over one-day games, cul-minating in the IDCC grand final at Manuka Oval on November 23.

FLTLT Archibald is not surprised the Malaysians did so well last time.

“They are a semi-professional team and they are well known and respected within the RMAF.

“With a large Indian Malaysian population and strong British influence still present, cricket is actually widely played in Malaysia.”

For more information, email RAAF.Cricket@defence.gov.au or contact RAAFCA vice-president FLTLT Justin van Beuningen on (02) 4588 1140.

COMING BACK: The happy Malaysians after their win in Canberra in 2009; inset, liaison officer FLTLT Emma Archibald.

Air Force basketballers denied in a thriller

The close basketball rivalry between Air Force and Army continued in the South Australian interservice championships at RAAF Base Edinburgh on September 20-21.

Teams representing the Air Force, Army, Navy and APS competed but the final came down to Air Force and Army. Army won 65-63, after a three-point attempt was blocked by an Army player in the final seconds.

NO QUARTER GIVEN: Above, SGT Tim Muehlberg drives to the hoop for a lay-up under heavy defensive pressure during the grand final against Army.

AWAY: AC Jamie Stow drives past PTE Andrew Crew.

Photos: LAC Brenton Kwaterski

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23October 25, 2012RCEAIR F Sp rt

Breaking the magic mark

SEVEN Air Force players were selected in the Australian Services Bowls Association national squad after the championships in Booval, Queensland, from September 17-21.

T h ey i n c l u d e C P L R o b Fitzgerald who won the award for best second against all ser-vices, SGT Tony Tapper who was voted Most Valuable Player for Air Force and Air Force team manag-er SQNLDR Ian Lane who was a member of the winning ACT side in the state-versus-state competition.

Air Force was unable to match it with Navy in the interservice compe-tition.

“We thought we could win it but knew exactly how strong Navy was,” SQNLDR Lane said. “We’re disappointed not to get a better out-come but it’s great to see new play-ers coming into the squad.”

He was thrilled with the ACT

win in the triservice state compe-tition, which was its first in the event’s 28-year history.

ACT beat Victoria in a thrill-er, with CPO Phil Black having to draw at least second shot with the final bowl of the match.

“It was a fantastic pressure shot. To win by one shot was as close as

you get, and was really a victory for the whole side. If there had been one shot gone against us over the preceding 83 ends, all would have been lost,” SQNLDR Lane said.

Sixteen players and eight reserves were picked in the ASBA squad which will contest Australian open qualifying in Melbourne in February, vying against up to 200 civilian bowlers for places in the main draw.

They will also contest the Soldiers Point Six-Way Challenge at Soldiers Point, NSW, in July, against NSW Police, NSW RSL, NSW firefighters and NSW green-keepers.Air Force squad members: CPL Rob Fitzgerald (lead), SQNLDR Ian Lane (lead), SGT Tony Tapper (third), SGT Gerry Harkins (reserve), CPL James Dwyer (reserve), FSGT Shaun Keitel (reserve), SGT Michael Peterson (reserve).

Seven lawn bowlers selectedFor information about Defence lawn bowls go to: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/people/sites/LawnBowls

BEST SECOND: CPL Rob Fitzgerald leads for NSW.

ANY disappointment SGT Lance Purdon felt when he clocked 3hr, 5min 15sec in the ADF marathon champion-ship in July has now been erased in the US.

On October 7, SGT Purdon – one of a number of pacemaker patients from around the world invited to run in the Minneapolis marathon – fin-ished 198th out of 8780 runners in the 42km event.

He finished 41st from 804 runners in the Male 40-44 section.

But the thing that would have delighted him most was his time: 2:56.48.

The ADF marathon on the Gold Coast was a joyous occasion for SGT Purdon.

He was the leading Air Force fin-isher and crossed the line hand-in-hand with his wife, Jodie Barker.

But it came with some disappoint-ment.

“I wanted to beat three hours – however, four weeks after having my pacemaker change it wasn’t to be,” he said shortly afterwards.

SGT Purdon, now a reservist, used to be captain of the Air Force Australian football team, and played for the ADF combined team.

But he fell sick in 2003 and the day after his 31st birthday had a pace-maker implanted.

He got into running after he met his

future wife, Jodie Barker, a renowned Australian Public Service runner and triathlete.

On May 29 this year, SGT Purdon’s pacemaker had to be rou-tinely changed.

Six days after the operation, he received an email that cheered him up no end.

He was on his way to Minneapolis.The race was sponsored by pace-

maker manufacturer Medtronic which invited pacemaker patients from around the world to apply under its Global Heroes program.

SGT Purdon was among more than 200 applicants.

But his application was one of the lucky winners.

“This program is more than run-ning the marathon,” the email from Medtronic said.

“It’s an exclamation of full life. Your accomplishments stand as an inspiration to others.”

A few days after his pacemaker was changed – and despite his stitches not yet having dissolved – SGT Purdon was back training at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

Four days later he lined up in the Sri Chinmoy half-marathon in Canberra and wa s ecstatic with his time of 1:25.41.

FLASHBACK: SGT Lance Purdon and his wife, Jodie Barker, cross the finish line on the Gold Coast.

ADFA runners out in forceTHIRTY-FIVE ADFA cadets raised more than $8000 for the Cure Cancer Australia Foundation when they competed in the Sydney Running Festival in September. The midshipmen and officer cadets are from ADFA’s Marathon and Distance Running (MADR) and had put in more than six months of training. The marathon course traversed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Oxford Street and Centennial Park before heading to the Opera House. OFFCDT Matt White completed the half-marathon in 77:49 minutes, placing him 42nd.

Tenpin bowler wins bronzeCPL Jason Lindsay has won a bronze medal in the national tenpin titles that started on October 6 and continue in Sydney. CPL Lindsay and PO Brendan Parr finished third in the restricted teams challenge doubles competition won by LCDR Steve Reynolds and WO2 Steve Ritchie.

Netballers head to Edinburgh THE Australian Defence Softball Association (ADSA) national championship carnival will be held at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia from December 1-9. Women will compete for the WO1 Dowsett Perpetual Trophy and men for the Pat Rawlings Perpetual Trophy. For more information, contact ADSA secretary WO2 Virginia Morris at virginia.morris@defence.gov.au

SYDNEY RUN: OFFCDT Aimee Van Dartel.

IN BRIEF

GETTING READY: SGT Cassie Fien checks a stopwatch as Combined Team Uruzgan deputy commander COL Ben James clocks up the kilometres on the treadmill.Photo: CPL Hamish

Paterson

How the Melbourne marathon came to Tarin Kot

ANYONE who has worked on Australian bases with PTI SGT Cassie Fien will know just how passionate she is about her sport. As an accomplished mid-dle-distance runner herself, she has always set a fine example.

Now, however, SGT Fien has

been instrumental in bringing the Melbourne marathon to Tarin Kot.

“I contacted the guys at Melbourne Marathon and asked if I could run the Melbourne Marathon over here,” she said.

“They jumped at the idea.”The event was for all person-

nel at the Multinational Base Tarin Kot, Members were able to register via a special link on the Melbourne marathon website.

The actual Melbourne event was held on October 14.

The timing of the Tarin Kot event wasn’t made public for

security reasons. The Tarin Kot event was to have four catego-ries – marathon, half-marathon, 10km and 5.7km – with part of the entry fee going to Acquired Brain Injuries.

See next edition for the results.

DMO DMO MILITARY RESERVESexciting opportunities Australia wide!

LEAD TWICE THE LIFE

Exciting opportunities are available for Military Reservists in the following trades/ specialisations: » Project Managment » Logistics » Finance » Administration » Technical Trades » Engineering (mechanical & electrical) » Aircrew

DEFENCE MATERIEL ORGANISATION | www.dmojobs.gov.au or call 1800 DMO JOBS (1800 366 562)

SP RTRTOctober 25, 2012

A day A day at the at the races races at TKat TK

Meanwhile, another marathon runner hits the mark in Minneapolis – PAGE 23

SGT Cassie Fien has made her mark as a top-class middle-distance runner in Australian and international company. So it is not surprising that now she’s manager of the Multinational Base Tarin Kot gymnasium she wants to spread her love of the sport a little. “I contacted the guys at Melbourne Marathon and asked if I could run the Melbourne Marathon over here,” SGT Fien says. “They jumped at the idea and the TK Melbourne Marathon was born.”

MEASURING UP: SGT Cassie Fien marks out the running track at Multinational Base Tarin Kot. Photo: CPL Hamish Paterson

FULL STORY, PAGE 23FULL STORY, PAGE 23

Malaysian cricketers will be in good hands

– PAGE 22

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