Edition 1395 May 4, 2017

OUR PRIDE

Soldiers pause to commemorate Anzac Day at global ceremonies

SPECIAL LIFT-OUT

Pte Jack Miller, of Task Group Taji 4, presents arms during the Anzac Day service at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq. Photo: Cpl Kyle Genner

TOP END WELCOME P2 LAGOON SEARCH P5

INSIDE: – Fitting recognition

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– 7 Bde on show P7

– RSM returns to the Home of the Soldier P15

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Edition 1395 May 4, 2017

OUR PRIDE

Soldiers pause to commemorate Anzac Day at global ceremonies

SPECIAL LIFT-OUT

Pte Jack Miller, of Task Group Taji 4, presents arms during the Anzac Day service at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq. Photo: Cpl Kyle Genner

TOP END WELCOME P2 LAGOON SEARCH P5

INSIDE: – Fitting recognition

for Tassie veterans P6

– 7 Bde on show P7

– RSM returns to the Home of the Soldier P15

www.twitter.com/AustralianArmy

http://video.army.gov.au

May 4, 2017News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews2

Long-standing partnershipLeut Desmond Paroz

THIS year’s rotation of about 1250 US marines to northern Australia is under way, with marines, aircraft, equipment and vehicles arriving in Darwin last month.

The 2017 rota t ion of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) is the sixth annual rota-tion conducted under the US Force Posture Initiative, with each rota-tion working from ADF locations around Darwin during the dry season.

Commander 1 Bde Brig Ben James said Top End ADF personnel were looking forward to continuing their training with the marines.

“In the five previous rota-tions, the MRF-D has built up an impressive ground forces capability working closely with the ADF and regional partners,” Brig James said.

“This year sees this achievement continued, with the addition of a sig-nificantly enhanced aviation compo-nent with 13 aircraft, including four MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

“We look forward to working with the marines in a range of bilat-eral and multilateral exercises, par-ticularly Exercise Talisman Sabre – the largest multinational exercise

Capt Dean Muller

THE Larrakia people welcomed old friends as the sixth rotation of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) attended a welcome to country ceremony at Robertson Barracks, Darwin, on April 21.

Larrakia Elder Mark Motlop said his people had long memories and paid tribute to the sacrifice made by US servicemen and women defending his native land during WWII.

“Today we’re not welcoming strangers, but old friends,” he said.

Chief of Staff 1 Bde Lt-Col Jim

Ryan also welcomed the marines to Darwin.

“Soldiers of 1 Bde are looking forward to training, exercising and operating side-by-side with the marines,” he said.

“For the next six months, you’ll reside in one of the most welcom-ing and unique communities in Australia.”

He said it had been terrific to see the numbers of the MRF-D grow from 200 in the first rotation in 2012 to a very capable force of 1250 marines this year, supported by a significant aviation combat element.

US marines arrive in Darwin for six-month rotation to the Top End

Welcome to country

Marines stand at ease during a welcome to country ceremony in Darwin.Photos: Cfn Priyantha Arachchi

Indigenous dancers perform for the marines.

to be held on Australian shores this year.”

Most of the marines come from 3 Bn, 4 Marine Regt, based in California. They are being accom-modated at Robertson Barracks and Defence Establishment Berrimah.

A detachment of four MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, five AH-1W and four UH-1Y helicop-ters will be accommodated at RAAF Base Darwin.

During the six-month rota-tion, the marines will conduct 10

major exercises and engage with a range of countries including China, Indonesia, Japan and New Zealand.

For further information, visit www.defence.gov.au/usfpi

US marines march on to the parade ground

at Robertson Barracks, Darwin.

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3 May 4, 2017 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 3

Eamon Hamilton

ARMY expects to soon be moving the M777A2 Howitzer long distanc-es by air, allowing it to be deployed anywhere in the world, after trials involving a C-17A Globemaster.

Members of 1 Regt RAA worked with crew from Air Force’s No. 36 Sqn to load an M777A2 onto the large transport aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley on April 20.

Entering Australian ser-vice in late 2010, the artil-lery piece weighs 4.1 tonnes and has a 155mm calibre that can fire ordinary and GPS-guided rounds.

Master Gunner WO1 Paul Boswell, of 1 Regt RAA, said preparing the M777A2 itself took only 20 minutes but the task of ensuring the load could travel on a C-17A safely took careful planning.

“The M777 requires some very specific timber shoring in order to ensure it is restrained adequately against the forces in flight,” he said.

The US, which is equipped with the C-17A and M777A2, provided measurements for timber shoring.

“2CER came to our assistance

and had two carpenters work around the clock to produce the final prod-uct,” WO1 Boswell said.

“Now that we have a proven set of shoring we plan to reproduce another three sets so we are ready to deploy a full battery if required.”

While the Army has moved other artillery pieces, it is yet to transport the M777A2 long distances by air.

“We train annually with 5 Avn Regt for underslung loads, where the M777A2, its ammunition and detachment can deploy by CH-47,” WO1 Boswell said.

“As for loading a M777A2 by C-17A, this is a first not only for 1 Regt RAA but for the corps.”

Future trials by the Air Mobility Training and Development Unit could pave the way for two M777A2s to be carried on a single C-17A, along with their accompa-nying tow vehicles.

“By using another two C-17As, we could have a full artillery battery, with its protected mobil-

ity vehicles and ammuni-tion, ready to deploy any-where in the world in under 24 hours,” WO1 Boswell said.

No. 36 Sqn loadmaster Sgt Melissa Vivian said the Howitzer had to be loaded using either a Unimog (a multi-purpose truck) or an MC3 gun tractor, “which is a specially modified Mack truck”.

“It also requires specially constructed supports that hold the artillery piece in

flight,” she said.When being transported by

C-17A, the towing vehicle would be parked inside the cargo bay along-side the M777.

Sgt Vivian said Army hoped to airlift the gun to Shoalwater Bay for exercises, saving a long road trip.

Bringing in the big guns

By using another two C-17As, we could have a full artillery battery …

ready to deploy anywhere in the world in under

24 hours.– WO1 Paul Boswell,

Master Gunner, 1 Regt RAA

Howitzer set to take off for distant operations

1 Regt RAA soldiers work with Air Force personnel to prepare an M777A2 Howitzer for loading onto a C-17A Globemaster. Photos: Cpl Ben Dempster

The Howitzer is manoeuvred into place inside the aircraft.

“

May 4, 2017News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews4

Long journey homeSgt Dave Morley

A WWII dog tag found hanging on a wall at a police station in Buka, Bougainville, made a long journey back to Australia to be presented to a deceased digger’s son.

Pte John Vaughan, 27, was killed in action at the Battle of Tsimba Ridge while serving with 31/51 Militia Bn on February 12, 1945.

His dog tag was found by a New Zealand police officer and eventually made its way to AHQ, via Wellington and the New Zealand High Commission in Canberra.

CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell presented the dog tag to Pte Vaughan’s son John Vaughan, of Canberra, at a ceremony at Russell Offices on April 19.

Lt-Gen Campbell said it was to the good credit of col-leagues from New Zealand that one of Mr Vaughan’s father’s dog tag was recovered.

“From a grateful nation, and also from an Army that appreciates the service of its people, I return this to you and acknowl-edge your father’s service and his life,” he said.

Mr Vaughan said he could not convey how much he appreciated the efforts and sensitivity of the New Zealand Police Force, the New Zealand High Commission and the ADF in bringing the matter to a dignified conclusion.

“I’m not sure what ‘closure’ really means, but I now have a sense of satisfac-

tion and contentment that everything that can be done has been done to preserve and honour my father’s memory,” he said.

“My father was killed when I was only three and the only memory I have of him is cleaning his rifle and boots on the veranda of our house.

“However, I recall quite vividly the afternoon when the news of his death reached us; we noticed two nuns walking down the street. They crossed the bridge and made their way towards the front gate.

“Mum immediately sensed the purpose of their visit and cried out, ‘Johnny’s been killed’, and rushed towards them.”

Case investigator and field team commander with Unrecovered War Casualties – Army Maj Scott Heiman, of AHQ, said it was important to conduct ceremonies such as this for two reasons.

“It assists the fam-ily still alive with the knowledge there is an Army unit out there looking and assist-ing in the search for those who didn’t come home, and it assures current soldiers they’ll be looked after. We won’t stop looking,”

he said.“It’s also quite poignant this particu-

lar serviceman’s dog tag was found in Bougainville by a New Zealand police officer, who was a former New Zealand Army reservist.

“She realised the dog tag’s importance; that it may have been from an unrecovered serviceman, and started the investigation to find out who it belonged to.”

Pte Vaughan had a street named after him in 1956 in his home town of Tully, Queensland.

Maj Conway Bown

IT’S August 1940. John Lloyd Vaughan is working near Atherton and Tully in Far North Queensland building roads through the rainforest escarpments when he enlists in 51 Bn, Far North Queensland Regt – a militia unit.

For the next 18 months he trained with his unit but with Japan’s entry into the war and the threat to Australia, the 51st was amalga-mated with 31 Bn, Kennedy Regt, from around Townsville. They were soon absorbed into the Second AIF as part of 11 Bde, 5 Div, and Pte Vaughan sailed for operations in New Guinea in 1943. His battalion returned to Australia the following year and after training sailed for Bougainville Island.

The US strategy for Bougainville was to establish a foothold and construct airfields to launch raids against the strong Japanese gar-rison on Rabaul. They had no inter-est in defeating the Japanese on Bougainville, just to hold a strong perimeter around their airfields.

By late 1944, US Gen Douglas MacArthur decided to withdraw his troops from Bougainville to use them for the liberation of the Philippines. US troops were to be replaced by Australia’s 3 Div and some elements of the 5th. Thus Pte Vaughan found himself on Bougainville in December 1944.

The Australian strategy was to clear the island completely and move on to the next objective. It was estimated by the Americans that 12,000 enemy were on the island;

the Australians estimated 25,000. In reality, almost 40,000 were still there when the 30,000 Australians started their three-pronged advance.

Lt-Gen Sir Stanley Savige’s plan was to head east over the moun-tains from the Allied airfields at Piva on the west coast thus splitting the island in half. At the same time, a force would move north to trap the enemy at the Buka passage and destroy them. Another force would

move south to the heavily garrisoned area around Buin.

The Australian troops were sup-ported by aircraft from the RAAF and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). In fact, RAAF Wirraway aircraft performed the world’s first forward air control operations mark-ing targets with tracer for RNZAF Corsair fighter/bombers to attack. Meanwhile, other RAAF aircraft per-formed spotting for artillery and para-chute resupply and tactical bombing.

Soldiers of 31/51 Bn pushed northwards and met stubborn

resistance at Tsimba Ridge with entrenched enemy covered by a pillbox, machine guns and snip-ers in the trees. A Coy fought hard on February 12, 1945, but Pte Vaughan fell while in contact with the enemy. His body was buried and later exhumed and reinterred on the island with many of the 512 Aussies who died on Bougainville. In 1946, all known dead were reinterred in New Guinea and this is where Pte Vaughan finally rests.

It is his dog tag that travelled further than he ever did, however. At some stage during his time on Bougainville, his ID disc was sepa-rated from him. Seventy-three years later, a NZ police officer was check-ing the storage shed at the their police post on Buka Island, part of that nation’s commitment to stability in Solomon Islands. She noticed four dog tags on a nail on the wall – three oval shaped of the style of the US armed forces, and one octagonal of the Australian style. Being an Army reservist in the NZ Defence Force, she immediately knew the importance of these relics and com-menced the actions that would start them on their journey home.

The Australian ID disc was inspected, photographed and record-ed by the Kiwis and then forwarded to the NZ High Commission in Port Moresby, PNG. From there it was sent to NZ Police HQ in Wellington where enquiries were made to see if Pte Vaughan had any surviving relatives. After getting Australian authorities involved, including the Unrecovered War Casualties section of AHQ, it was discovered that Pte Vaughan’s son lived in Canberra.

Dog tag’s 73-year journey from Bougainville to Canberra

My father was killed when I was only three and the only memory

I have of him is cleaning his rifle and boots on the veranda

of our house.– John Vaughan,

son of Pte John Vaughan, KIA Bougainville

CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell presents John Vaughan with Mr Vaughan’s father’s WWII dog tag. Photo: Jay Cronan

Dog tag travels further than owner

Pte John Vaughan.

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Capt Anna-Lise Rosendahl

DIVERS and combat engineers from 2CER helped Queensland Police search for clues in a sus-pected cold case murder investi-gation in Brisbane on April 11.

The soldiers searched a lagoon at Deagon Wetlands in the hope of locating items associated with Wayne Youngkin, who died in 1986 and whose remains were discovered in November last year.

Troop Commander Lt Ian Brooks said combat engineers swept the shallows with underwater mine labs while divers searched the deeper areas by feel using a grid search technique.

“The conditions were quite challenging as there was no

visibility and lots of reeds to obstruct our movements through the wetlands,” Lt Brooks said.

“We train for these kinds of con-ditions – low visibility and night diving – which is useful for this task.”

While the team didn’t find any-thing related to the case, Lt Brooks said it was an excellent opportunity to work with Queensland Police and build relationships.

“Hopefully these tasks come up in future and we can use our skills to help out as much as possible,” he said.

Police urge people with information on the Wayne Youngkin case to come forward. Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

2CER helps police investigation

Cold case

Spr Justin Letta, of 2CER, enters a lagoon at Deagon Wetlands to search for evidence during a Queensland Police investigation. Photo: Capt Maddison Cullen

Get involved in the Salvos’ Red Shield AppealEVERY week the Salvation Army provides 100,000 meals to the hungry, supports more than 500 victims of domestic violence and helps 3000 elderly people with aged care services.

The Red Shield Appeal is the charity’s major fundraising activ-ity and this year all donations will go toward their vast network of social services.

The Red Shield Appeal is on

this month, with the doorknock collection scheduled for the weekend of May 27-28.

To participate in the doorknock or to make a donation, visit www.salvos.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.

May 4, 2017News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews6

Sgt Dave Morley

A CONFERENCE to examine per-spectives and lessons of Australia’s war in Afghanistan and Iraq from 2001 to 2014 will be held at Gallipoli Barracks, Enogerra, from May 12-13.

Project Manager in International Policy Division and President of Military History and Heritage Victoria (MHHV) Col Marcus Fielding said to date little had been recorded about this period of Australia’s military history.

“With the official history for these wars still some years away, it’s time to undertake some preliminary analysis of this period and begin to understand the lessons for future conflicts,” he said.

“This conference will pose some thought-provoking questions and push for some coherent answers.”

A select group of participants and decision makers in these events will gather at the Monash Centre at Gallipoli Barracks to place on public record different perspectives and responses to many questions for the benefit and further development of history and scholarship.

Col Fielding said this nationally sig-nificant event was not to be missed.

“By attending this conference, former ADF members who served in the Middle East will be able to better understand the context of their service, while current members will learn from history in order to make more consid-ered decisions in the future.”

For more information visit www.mhhv.org.au

Operational lessons

Lt-Col Phil Pyke

FOR those who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWI, many have no known grave – either final rest-ing places long lost on foreign bat-tlefields or the fallen member was never located or identified.

Equally, for some WWI veter-ans who survived the war, peace and eventually a final marked grave elud-ed them. Many have been forgotten and lie in un-marked graves across Australia.

As par t o f the Tasmanian Headstone Project, CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell attended the dedication of 12 headstones for WWI veterans at Hobart’s Cornelian Bay Cemetery on March 30.

CA spoke of the men returning to Australia to resume their lives after surviving the horrors of war.

“They survived the war, but were not the same – no one could be. But they came home,” Lt-Gen Campbell said.

“And, as is the case of all the soldiers, they resumed their lives. But those lives were forever touched by the experience of that dreadful conflict – as indeed conflict touches everyone.

“For many reasons, at some point over the years that followed their identity as Australian soldiers was

lost to their community, lost to our memories.”

Lt-Gen Campbell said the young men were now appropriately rest-ing under the “most honoured of our insignia, the Rising Sun badge”.

“It is incredibly moving for me and gives me great pride to see the Rising Sun being restored to their identities,” he said.

Veterans, family members, politi-

cians, senior ADF officers and project supporters attended the service.

For Andrea Gerrard, of Tasmania’s Headstone Project Committee, commemoration became important after it was discovered that WWI veterans were lying in unmarked graves in Hobart’s largest cemetery at Cornelian Bay and other sites across the state.

“The Tasmanian Headstone Project

was set up to ensure these men are commemorated at their point of burial through the provision of a simple ped-estal headstone,” she said.

“We estimate there are about 500 to 600 veterans without headstones, including four men of Aboriginal her-itage in northern Tasmania.”

A ceremonial guard was provided by 12/40RTR and musical support from AAB-Tas.

Never forgotten Giving diggers a fitting final resting place

Above: CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell addresses the gathering at the dedication of 12 headstones for WWI veterans in Hobart.Left: Soldiers of 12/40RTR form a ceremonial guard. Photos: Lt-Col Phil Pyke

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Show of power 7 Bde opens gates to public

Above: Heavy weapons crews from 6RAR demonstrate the firepower of their mortars.Left: Pte Hayley Shiahan, of 1 MP Bn, demonstrates the skill and power of her military police dog.Bottom: LCpl Chad Phillips (left) and Cpl Bryce Cormac, of 6RAR, show Jotham and Alex a Bushmaster PMV at the 7 Bde open day. Photos: LCpl Joel Honig

Capt William Heck

MORE than 10,000 people flocked to 7 Bde Park in Chermside, Brisbane, on April 22 to see the brigade showcase its newest capabilities at the annual open day.

The Black Hornet PD100 and Wasp Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems were among the newest military hardware on show and, although they were only small, they attracted a steady stream of curious onlookers.

Gnr Lachlan Jenkins, of 20 STA Regt, operates the Black Hornet and said eve-ryone crowded around when they saw the little helicopter go up.

“Lots of hobbyists now fly drones so they like to have a look and compare it to what they are flying,” he said.

“I talked to a school teacher who is in the process of developing a drone program

for his school. UAVs are the way of the future and the interest in them is only going to get bigger.”

It was standing room only at the live displays where the troops showed off their skills during multiple military capability demonstrations.

Military attack dogs, explosive ord-nance disposal, infantry section attacks using blank ammunition, and an attack and withdrawal scenario involving the MRH90 and Tiger ARH were among the favourites with the crowd.

The brigade’s new emergency response vehicles and the new Soldier Combat Ensemble, which will be issued to 7 Bde soldiers in coming months, were also on display.

Organisations such as Mates4Mates, the Defence Community Organisation, Wounded Heroes and the RSL were also on hand to showcase their services.

Pte Mitch Anderson, of 2/14 LHR (QMI), shows Alliyah and Zahleigh an ASLAV.

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May 4, 2017News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews8

Shared opportunity

Capt Megan McDermott

AN AUSTRALIAN has been given the rare honour of leading the HQ Resolute Support flag ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Each Friday, Afghan and coa-lition forces working as part of the NATO-led train, advise and assist mission gather under the flags at the HQ to commemorate those killed in Afghanistan’s war.

A casualty list is read for those injured or killed in the past week, mostly Afghan National Defence and Security Forces personnel, followed by prayer and the sounding of the Last Post.

For chaplain Capt Troy Urlichs, it was a particularly special occasion as the service he led coincided with Good Friday.

“It was a great privilege for me to lead the service based on self sacrifice, particularly on the holy day of Good Friday,” Capt Urlichs said.

The brief but moving ceremony

was speckled with a mixture of coali-tion uniforms – a symbol of solidarity and a reminder that Afghanistan is not fighting the war alone.

Col Bronwyn Wheeler, who is embedded at HQ Resolute Support as the senior gender adviser, said it was poignant to see an Australian chaplain lead the ceremony.

“It reaffirms Australia’s support for Afghanistan and the Resolute Support mission,” Col Wheeler said.

The flag ceremony has been held every Friday at HQ Resolute Support for years, beginning at the height of the war before combat operations were handed over to the Afghanistan gov-ernment in 2014.

About 13,000 personnel from both NATO and partner nations are deployed under the Resolute Support mission, which focuses on developing the Afghan National Security Forces and security institutions.

Capt Urlichs is one of 270 ADF personnel contributing to the mission under Operation Highroad.

Honouring loss of life in Afghanistan

Capt Troy Urlichs receives thanks from a coalition member (above) after leading the HQ Resolute Support flag ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan (left) on Good Friday. Photos: Sgt Ricky Fuller

Symbol of solidarity

THE next Chief of Army Seminar will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre in September next year.

CA Lt-Gen Campbell said the semi-nar (formerly the CA Exercise) was a shared opportunity for the Australian Army, together with its national, regional and global partners, to discuss contemporary subjects relevant to land forces.

“The CA Seminar is the Army’s pre-mier event,” he said.

“The seminar brings together defence industry leaders and senior military and government decision makers to share ideas and challenges.

“The seminar is a valuable opportu-nity for members of our Army, together with our colleagues and partners, to discuss not only how we work together, but also the common experience of pre-paring, equipping and deploying a land force.”

The Land Forces international indus-try exposition will run at the same time as the CA Seminar.

The Land Forces industry exposi-tion is a comprehensive showcase of products, services and technologies for the armies of Australia, Asia and the Indo-Pacific region and provides a direct conduit between major industry sup-pliers and key government and military decision-makers.

More than 500 exhibitor companies from 23 countries participated in last year’s exhibition.

The 2016 CA Seminar attracted 34 international military, industry and scientific delegations from 18 nations, including 16 Chiefs of Army or senior military commanders.

For more information, visit www.army.gov.au/our-people/leaders/chief-of-army/chief-of-armys-exercise-2016

“

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9 May 4, 2017 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 9

Combating air threats Short-range ground-based air defence system to be developed

Ground-based air defenders Gnr Rikki Page and LBdr Sean Turnock, of 16ALR, operate a Saab Bofors RBS70 anti-aircraft missile system at Woodside Barracks, South Australia. Photo: Cpl Colin Dadd

GUNNERS of 16ALR will operate a new short-range ground-based air defence system being built to improve protection for deployed personnel.

The federal government approved the development of the system, which will provide the inner most layer of Australia’s enhanced integrated air and missile capability.

Defence Minister Marise Payne said the project was the first step in the development of Army’s contribution to the ADF’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence Program announced in the 2016 Defence White Paper.

“A modern and integrated ground-based air defence sys-tem is needed to protect our deployed forces from increasingly sophisticated air threats, both globally and within our region,” Ms Payne said.

“Australia’s current short-range capability is 30 years old and scheduled to be retired early next decade.

“The replacement system will provide improved protection for our deployed servicemen and women.”

A single supplier limited request for tender will be released to Raytheon Australia this year to develop its National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) for the ADF.

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said Defence would collaborate with Raytheon Australia and Canberra-based CEA Technologies to look at integrating the Canberra

firm’s radar into an upgraded NASAMS.

“CEA Technologies’ ground-breaking phased array radar system has already been incorporated into Australia’s Anzac-class frig-ates and this pro-ject will trial the technology in a land-based role,”

Mr Pyne said.Through the risk mitigation activ-

ity, Defence and Raytheon will also investigate using Thales’ Hawkei PMV, manufactured in Bendigo, Victoria, as a potential platform for the system’s mis-sile launchers.

Defence will complete a detailed analysis before returning to the govern-ment for final consideration in 2019.

A modern and integrated ground-based air defence system is needed

to protect our deployed forces...

– Marise Payne, Defence Minister

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May 4, 2017News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews10

FOUR highly trained companion therapy dogs were presented to serving and former ADF members last month to support them with their injuries and PTSD.

The dogs were trained as part of the Defence Community Dog Program at the Bathurst Correctional Centre in NSW, where selected inmates train the dogs as part of their rehabilitation.

Rescued pound dogs Aussie, Lucky, Yog i and Bear have spent the past six months com-pleting basic obedience train-ing and advanced therapy dog work under the guidance of a professional dog trainer.

Before taking ownership of the dogs, the veterans spent five days at the Bathurst Correctional Centre and participated in a handover program where they were introduced to their new dog and learnt how to take over their care and training.

One of the veterans said his dog, Bear, had been trained to help him pick up things off the ground.

“He can even help me take off my jacket,” the veteran said.

“I haven’t smiled much in the past few years, but at the moment I can’t stop smiling because I have Bear.

“I know he has my back 24/7.”Another veteran said his dog,

Yogi, started helping immediately.“On the very first night I had

Yogi, he woke me up when I was having a night terror,” the veteran said.

“He calmed me down and I went back to sleep. I’ve slept for three nights in a row. I haven’t slept for nine years – I feel amazing.”

Veterans from North Queensland, NSW and Victoria were the recipi-ents of the four latest therapy dogs at the recent handover.

Defence Bank Managing Director and CEO John Linehan said he was proud of the Defence Bank Foundation’s involvement in the Defence Community Dog Program, which gave veterans, rescued dogs and inmates a second chance.

“The dogs are making an enor-mous difference to the lives of the veterans and their families,” Mr Linehan said.

“We have received many let-ters and emails from dog recipients telling us how much their life has improved since receiving their dog.”

The cost to train and maintain each dog is significant and runs into several thousand dollars, however, the dogs are pro-vided to veterans at no cost.

For more information about the program, visit www.defence-bankfoundation.com.au

THE time taken to process certain claims for veterans has fallen dra-matically thanks to updated claims processing systems.

Almost $24m was allocated in the last federal budget to replace a number of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ rehabilitation and compensation sys-tems and to simplify and improve internal processes.

Claims for non-liability health care are now processed within a day and in some cases within 30 minutes, where previously the average processing times for these claims was 18 days.

Defence Personnel Minister Dan Tehan said veterans seeking treat-ment for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol and substance abuse were accessing treatment “faster than ever before”.

“This system update is ongoing and there will be further improvements to processing times and more consistency in decision making and calculations,” he said.

“The government wants veterans to have quick and easy access to the sup-port services they require.”

The next system improvements will focus on incapacity claims review, rehabilitation, needs assess-ment and Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 permanent impairment processing.

System updates allow faster processing

Dogs offer hope Military veterans benefit from therapy dog program

Therapy dogs Bear (above) and Lucky (left) during the ceremony at which they were handed over to deserving veterans. Photos: David Roma

WE PAY TRIBUTE

Anzac Day 2017

SPECIAL LIFT-OUT

A soldier presents arms during the Anzac Day dawn service in Penang, Malaysia. Photo: Cpl Steve Duncan

WHILE the numbers of veterans of older conflicts continues to dwindle, the support for their sacrifice and service and that

of current-serving members continues to swell as Australians came out in force all over the country to commemorate Anzac Day.

The inclement conditions across the east-ern seaboard did not deter ADF personnel and the public from paying their respects 102 years after Australian soldiers stormed the cliffs at Gallipoli.

For the first time in the national march’s history in Canberra, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans led the parade at the Australian War Memorial, where VCDF VAdm Ray Griggs stood in the pouring rain to take the salute.

Later, in his address, VAdm Griggs spoke about the devastation bestowed on Australia 75 years ago and how that time, more than

any other, challenged us as a nation.“It’s often said we came of age at

Gallipoli, but I think 1942 was a year that unified this country like no other, where the war effort became a national imperative,” VAdm Griggs said.

He recounted the various battles fought close to home that year after the fall of Singapore, which significantly impacted Australia.

“At that moment 15,000 Australians from 8 Div were condemned as prisoners of war,” VAdm Griggs said.

“Thousands more would die in captivity. Their war as POWs was far from over.”

In the days that followed, 22 nurses were gunned down at Bangka Island along with wounded soldiers and civilian evacuees from Singapore, and 188 Japanese aircraft bombed Darwin, devastating the town and leaving 243 people dead.

“Among the dead were the first American servicemen killed helping to defend

Australia as the US Destroyer Peary was lost along with 88 of her crew after sustaining heavy enemy air attack.

“This was the first of 65 attacks on the Australian mainland throughout 1942, which even included the war coming to Sydney on the night of May 31, with the audacious Japanese midget submarine attack.”

VAdm Griggs said the battles in the Pacific and surrounds, including PNG, con-tinued throughout the year, culminating in the Battle of the Coral Sea and by year’s end, while Australia suffered badly, the pendulum had started to swing as the Japanese were halted during their southward advance and morale was lifted after such heavy losses.

“It was a year in which conflict came to our doorstep, a year in which our alliance with the US was forged,” he said.

“In 1942, it was the collective efforts of the whole nation that allowed the year to end with a new dawn rather than in disaster.”

He said it was this ability to rise up time

and again that Australians should remember on Anzac Day.

“The threat that connects our troops at Gallipoli to those in 1942 to those who stand watch today is the grit, the determination and the will to endure the adversity they face in fighting for our way of life and our free-doms,” he said.

“This fight has always involved great sac-rifice and we have not always prevailed, and our troops have always fought in a way that warrants our gratitude, our respect and, most importantly, thoughtful reflection.

“That’s why we gather here every year from dawn and throughout the day, that’s why we must remember them always.”

In the Middle East Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull joined ADF troops to not only reflect on past service, but also to acknowledge those serving today.

Continued page 12

Soldiers commemorate Anzac Day across the country and the world, Sharon Palmer reports.

May 4, 2017 Anzac Daywww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews12 13

ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS

Cpl Max Bree

A ROUSING rendition of Waltzing Matilda echoed through the small French village of Bullecourt, where 100 years ago exploding shells and deathly cries resonated across the sur-rounding battlefield.

The music was provided by a contin-gent from the Australian Army Band who joined members of Australia’s Federation Guard and the French military for cen-tenary commemorations of the battles of Bullecourt this Anzac Day.

Australian soldiers stunningly broke into German defences on their famous Hindenburg Line in April 1917, despite the diggers’ supporting tanks breaking down or being destroyed.

But because high command didn’t know how far they had advanced, artil-lery support was withheld and the Australians were forced back.

They suffered more than 3300 casual-ties with 1170 Australians taken prisoner – the largest number captured in a single engagement during the war.

The Aussies had another crack at Bullecourt the next month when they joined British soldiers in taking the town and holding it against repeated German counter-attacks.

Although the area was of little stra-tegic importance, the actions cost the Australians about 7500 causalities.

Chief of Air Force Air-Mshl Leo

Vibrant French connection honours the AnzacsA banner in the French town of Bullecourt on Anzac Day.Photo: Cpl Max Bree

Davies attended the French and Australian services in the village.

“The Australian Army was so desper-ate here and ultimately so successful, and that’s the set up for what [the ADF] is currently doing,” he said.

“When I go to the Middle East and talk to a soldier, sailor or airman, it’s that same passion to be successful motivat-ing them, which motivated soldiers 100 years ago.”

A large crowd of locals welcomed the Australians and were present at both services.

“The French are so honest and genuine in their recognition of what the Australian soldiers did for them,” Air-Mshl Davies said.

“It was such a long time ago, but it’s vibrant, you can feel it.”

Air-Mshl Davies said the original dig-gers at Bullecourt might be surprised at

us remembering their actions 100 years later.

“I think they would understand what they did was important and that us rec-ognising what they did is important,” he said.

“They would probably be a lot more humble than we might think. You look at some of the old photos and they have that sparkle in their eyes, the feeling they’re doing something that’s right.”

Capt Anna-Lise Rosendahl

THE Last Post echoed across Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, repeatedly on Anzac Day as units held services to commemo-rate the fallen.

At the 6RAR Memorial Grove, members, veterans and families of the regiment gath-ered in the pre-dawn to see the catafalque party emerge from an APC and begin the service.

Names from the 75-long battalion honour roll were read out, with some in the crowd family of those soldiers killed.

CO 6RAR Lt-Col Jim Hunter said it was important to have families at the service.

“The families bear the burden of our com-mitment to Army and operational service, so allowing them to join us on such a special day is really important to the battalion,” he said.

“It is important to show the families that their commitment and sacrifice is just as important as the sacrifice made by the soldiers themselves.”

Also commemorating Anzac Day was a contingent from the Royal Gurkha Rifles, which has been attached to 6RAR while exercising in Australia.

They joined 7 Bde in marching through the Brisbane CBD for the annual Anzac Day parade.

Thousands of people lined the streets of Brisbane, proudly waving as a sea of troops marched past.

Gurkha rifleman Iman Grung said it was an honour to be involved in Anzac Day com-memorations given the history Australians and Gurkhas share, including fighting at Gallipoli in WWI.

“In that time we saw the bravery and that’s what we have to remember,” he said.

7 Bde troops honour a long and

proud history

7 Bde troops march past veterans during the Anzac Day march in Brisbane. Photo: Cpl Brenton Kwaterski

Flg-Off Chloe Stevenson

WHEN Monsieur Dubois sculpted the Menin Gate lions in 1822, he never would have known the depth of mean-ing they would hold for the Australian and Belgian people almost 200 years later.

When WWI found its way to the quiet city of Ypres in Belgium, the Menin Gate was no more than a 13m roadway that ran its way through the city. At the cross-over with the rampart moat, two stone lions stood proud and tall, each clutching the city’s coat of arms.

During the war, the lions watched from atop their plinths as thousands upon thousands of Australian and Commonwealth soldiers marched past their watchful guard on the Menin Gate road.

After Ypres was rendered near unrec-ognisable in the destruction of war, the lions were once again discovered – dam-aged but not broken, much like the spirit of the Australian soldiers who passed them by so many years ago.

In 1936, the Burgomaster of Ypres gifted the lions to the Australian govern-ment as a token of friendship and grati-tude for the sacrifices of its people in the region during the war.

Since 1991, the lions have flanked the entrance to the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in Canberra.

That was until a joint initiative was founded between the Belgian, Flemish and Australian governments to see the sculptures travel from their home in Canberra back to Belgium.

AWM Director Brendan Nelson said the lions were symbolic of the deep connection between the Australian and Belgian people.

“They will act as a reminder of the price paid by so many, in battles in which many thousands of Allied soldiers per-ished,” Dr Nelson said.

“We will be forever linked with the city of Ypres and the people of Belgium.”

The unveiling of the lions took place in a ceremony on April 24 at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing. Rebuilt after the war, the memorial has the names of all 6191 Australians who have no known graves and who perished in the battles of Ypres. It is a place of peace and rest, where the lost soldiers can be remembered and respected.

A particularly moving moment dur-ing the unveiling was when thousands of red poppies were released from the roof of the Menin Gate Memorial itself. They fell, in a swirling cloud of crimson, like the young soldiers whose names are etched on the walls behind them.

The travelling lions will stand on the bridge in front of the Menin Gate Memorial before being returned to the AWM after Remembrance Day on November 11.

Pride of place

Members of Australia’s Federation Guard on duty at the Menin Gate during the lion unveiling ceremony in Ypres, Belgium. Photo: Sgt Christopher Dickson

Musn Dave Leaders plays the bagpipes at the Ari Burnu cemetery during Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli, Turkey. Photo: AB Kayla Hayes

WO2 Stephen Johnson sounds the Last Post during the Anzac Day dawn service at the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby, PNG. Photo: Cpl Ben Dempster

From page 11“This is a reminder that the Anzac

story is not simply a matter for the his-tory books,” Mr Turnbull said.

“It is alive. Their service, their cour-age, their endurance, their mateship is as alive today as it was on the shores of Gallipoli more than 100 years ago.”

Mr Turnbull said the kinship today in the fight against terrorism around the world was apparent.

“The service of these young Australians and New Zealanders, work-ing together, serving together, putting their lives on the line together, as their grandparents and great-grandparents did a century ago, inspires us all.

“We honour them. We thank them. We salute them for their service and we say again, as we always do, lest we forget.”

At Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby, PNG, CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell and Governor-General Gen Sir Peter Cosgrove attended the dawn service to mark the 75th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign and the Battle of Milne Bay.

Speaking at the service, Sir Peter said those who laid in the 4000 graves at the cemetery would always be in the hearts of Australians.

“Their deeds, their sacrifices and the battles they fought have shaped us,” Sir Peter said. “They were courageous and enduring in some of the worst conditions warfare can demand. Many would fall here in the jungle, away from the wide brown land they loved, but were destined never to see again.”

He spoke of the 625 Australians killed on the track including his uncle, Bill, a flight sergeant with the RAAF Beaufighter unit, who died in a plane wreck. He is buried at Bomana.

Sir Peter said it was important to remember the bravery of the more than 1600 wounded who made it home.

“They have assumed the mantle of national treasurers, a living link to a time when our nation fought for its very sur-vival,” he said.

He also lauded the efforts the Papua New Guineans and, in particular, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who helped wounded Australian soldiers along the Kokoda Track.

In France, Defence Personnel

Minister Dan Tehan said Anzac Day was a chance for all Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifice of every man and woman who had served in defence of our nation.

“For Australian soldiers, the third

year of the Great War was the worst they ever experienced,” Mr Tehan said.

“More troops died in battle in 1917 and more were taken prisoner than in any other year. There has never been a year when Australia lost more to war than

1917. And yet they fought on; men asked to take on an extraordinary task.

“And in this darkest year, they did their duty and fought to the bitter end. This is the legacy of 1917 bestowed by those who gave their all.”

Sharon Palmer

DUST off. It’s an old call sign that relates to dedicated unhesitating service to our fighting forces and it was the theme of Paralympian Spr Curtis McGrath’s address at the national dawn service at the Australian War Memorial on Anzac Day.

In the eerie unnerving darkness and deafening silence before dawn, Spr McGrath’s moving address reminded the 38,000 people gathered of the dreadful toll war took and the important role mateship and medical teams played in saving the lives of sol-diers who died from wounds like his in earlier battles.

He spoke of Pte Alan Luckel who had his leg blown off at the knee on the Kokoda Track and sang while his mates struggled to stretcher him to safety while “the blood from his half-leg reddened the ridge”.

“300 yards later they buried him in the cono grass.”

Spr McGrath said all the while, in the God-forsaken jungle of Kokoda, Pte Luckel’s mates provided dedicated unhesitating service and continued to do so after they buried him.

“This war was fought in a dark life-sucking valley – some say it was a constant fog – they couldn’t have known where or how their next steps would land.”

Twenty years on, Spr McGrath said a different sort of dust off came in the

form of the casualty evacuation chop-pers in Vietnam.

“Badly hurt and dying solders were airlifted out of enemy fire, treated on board and choppered to the nearest field hospital. Many would survive the previously unthinkable,” he said.

Spr McGrath then spoke of his sur-vival in Afghanistan after an IED blew off his legs.

“What injured me on August 12, 2012, has taken thousands of limbs and lives before me, many civilians and too many unwitting young kids,” he said.

“I was an Army combat engineer; my job was to clear the day’s path of IEDs ahead of the patrol. Instructions came in late one morning to remove a boulder blocking one of the access roads. My mate Mac and I headed to the job ... I was out front and got caught unawares on what I thought was familiar, safe ground.

“In a violent hot explosion the ground beneath me erupted taking both my legs instantly.

“Somehow in a state of bewilder-ment and physical wreckage, bizarre moments of clarity took hold. I found myself trying to do my own first aid and was instructing the men on how to administer the morphine.

“Meanwhile my mates wrestled with five tourniquets on what was left of my legs as they swallowed their own terror and tears.

“Then came the men and women in the evacuation chopper, extraordi-narily skilled trauma specialists – with

their care I got an unforget-table dust off.

“When we join the services and go to war, of course we feel a strong sense of duty to our nation and to all Australians. But when we’re out there in the conflict zone, our greatest responsibility is to our mates alongside us. They are the ones we trust with our mis-sion and our lives.”

Spr McGrath reiterated the need to look after vet-erans when they returned from war, especially the broken.

“War hasn’t always returned us well,” he said.

“Now in the aftermath of so many conflicts, men and women come home to a silent, private suffering borne alone or with their distraught families, friends and communities. It has taken a terrible toll and, for some, it’s far from over.

“In soldiering and in peacekeep-ing we learn an ethic of service to our nation, to one another and to the com-munities we seek to unite and rebuild. In return, our nation is learning an ethic of care to our wounded veter-ans, service personnel whose ripples spread right across Australian life, a true measure of a nation’s decency and worth.

“On this Anzac Day we look back

on a century of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice. We honour those who have died and suffered through the old and the new wars and we thank them for all they have ingrained in our nation’s heart and way of life. May we as a nation contin-ue to provide those men and women who have served us with the care they need. Dedicated, unhesitating service to our fighting forces. A mighty Australian dust off. Lest we forget.”

An ethic of service to our nation

Spr Curtis McGrath gives a powerful address at the national dawn service in Canberra. Photo: Jayson Tufrey

Pte Jonathan Bird presents arms during the Anzac Day

dawn service at Camp Baird in the Middle East region.

Photo: Cpl David Cotton

Soldiers of Australia’s Federation Guard on parade during the rainy national service. Photo: Jay Cronan

For hundreds more images of this year’s

Anzac Day ceremonies across the country and the world, head to the Defence Image Gallery

at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20170700

May 4, 2017Anzac Day www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews14

Cpl Max Bree

THE muddy hellhole of the Western Front seems a distant memory as I travel through beautiful farmland and quaint villages in northern France.

Concrete bunkers poke through fields of green crops and war cemeter-ies appear as unexpected reminders of war on my way to the final resting place of Sgt James Bree, my great-great uncle.

Explosive shells that rearranged the landscape more than 100 years ago likely killed Sgt Bree as his platoon took their first steps towards German lines to protect the flank of a trench raid in July 1916. Lawnmowers are now the loudest thing at Armentieres war cemetery where I find his grave.

The son of an Irishman, James grew up in Omaru, on New Zealand’s South Island. He appeared in court aged 15, after dishing out his own ver-sion of justice to a boy who was bully-ing his brothers.

A near-slapstick drunken run-in with a local constable led the adult James back to court, accused of drunk-enness, obscene language and resisting police. He was fined 10 shillings for drunkenness, but contradictions in witness testimonies caused an exasper-ated judge to dismiss the remaining charges.

James joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force’s Otago Regt after the outbreak of war and fought at Gallipoli before being evacuated with a shrapnel wound and dysentery. He recovered and re-joined the Otagos

on the Western Front where he was promoted to sergeant, just ahead of the ill-fated trench raid.

Before they had even moved for-ward, James and his platoon were cut apart by machine-gun fire and shells.

My great-grandmother described James’ family as “Irish as Paddy’s pig” but war records and newspaper articles are the only source of information I hold about him. James was never men-tioned by my family. I learned of him when he appeared in an archive search a few years ago.

He now lies at Armentieres, along-side Commonwealth and German troops – a green parade ground where white headstones replace upright soldiers.

After more than 100 years, James Bree received his first family visitor.

One visitor in 100 yearsCpl Max Bree, of Defence News, visits the grave of his great-great uncle at Armentieres, France. Photo: Cpl Max Bree

Cpl Max Bree

AS GERMAN forces withdrew to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917, Australian soldiers followed and liberated the town of Bapaume in northern France.

Piles of rubble and smouldering buildings greeted the Australians, along with a number of mines set as booby traps that needed to be disarmed.

The diggers were jubilant and the 5 Inf Bde band marched through the town square playing the Victoria March.

About 30 soldiers were billeted in the town hall, one of the only buildings still habitable.

Several days later, a delayed-action mine under the building erupted, kill-ing almost everyone inside.

Songs of an Australian Army band were heard in Bapaume for the first time in 100 years, when a band con-tingent played for locals and marched through the streets with Australia’s Federation Guard on April 20 to com-memorate the village’s liberation.

Maj Andrew Coburn, staff officer of military heritage in France and Belgium, helped facilitate a service in the Bapaume Australian Cemetery where 74 Australians are buried.

“Our duty is to remember the sol-diers that never came home and it’s the French towns, villages and people who help fulfil that duty,” he said.

“When we visit them, we have to understand it’s the French people who look after our soldiers.”

Large crowds of locals turned out to watch the band’s performance and subsequent ceremony.

“100 years ago our soldiers came from the other side of the world to fight for liberty and for France; to them that is extraor-dinary,” Maj Coburn said.

“The mayor was not only excited we had not forgotten our soldiers, but also that we hadn’t forgotten the town of Bapaume.”

German forces went on to recapture Bapaume during their spring offensive in 1918, but New Zealand soldiers recap-tured the town in September that year, two months before the end of the war.

Honouring their memory with music “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them.

Remembering Bapaume

Recreating historyCpl Max Bree

A PHOTO of an Australian Army band marching through the smouldering buildings and rubble of Bapaume in northern France made headlines 100 years ago.

Newspapers lauded it as a “historic picture” and “one of the greatest bat-tle pictures ever known”. It featured members of the 5 Inf Bde band play-ing jubilantly in contrast to the ravaged town around them.

More than 100 years later, I was asked to recreate the photo with mem-bers of the Australian Army Band in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

We knew the intersection where the photo was taken, but extensive rebuilding after the war meant we couldn’t ascertain the precise location or direction.

PO Paul Berry, the contingent vide-ographer, suggested we use the town hall as a backdrop and I was sure the original band members would appreci-ate the lingerie shop that appears on the left in the recreated photo.

I positioned members of Australia’s Federation Guard either side of the street, and set them in poses from the

original photo. A digger with crossed arms, another in a “thinking man” pose to replicate smoking a pipe, but those who I told to put hands in their pockets seemed the most excited.

I set the music director in position, who uncharacteristically marched with a trumpet like bandmasters did 100 years ago.

The musicians were dressed off behind before they were given instruc-tions and moved back to a starting position.

I climbed up a big flowerbox on the intersection roundabout to get some height and, with a throng of locals watching, the band members marched as I started shooting.

We tested and adjusted their posi-tions then, after a couple of march throughs, the shot was in the bag.

Several photos were close to the mark, so PO Berry and I nitpicked finer details like making sure the sol-diers had their left feet forward, like the original.

The band is more spread out in the recreation since the road is now two lanes and, though we were missing a man on a horse and a soldier in a turban, I’m pretty happy.

Soldiers from the Australian Army Band and personnel from Australia’s Federation Guard recreate the photograph “Bandsman of Bapaume”, taken on March 18, 1917, in the town of Bapaume, France (below). Photo: Cpl Max Bree

Photo courtesy AWM

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May 4, 2017 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 15

GROWING up with stories of the Anzacs and ances-tors who served with the Torres Strait Light Inf Bn

inspired one man to join the Army 30 years ago.

RSM ARTC WO1 Ken Nelliman lived with an uncle and aunty in Brisbane when he was completing a traineeship with the Department of Social Security.

He says his uncle and two cousins all served in the Navy.

“I remember, as a child, my uncle would always banter and joke around about joining the Navy,” WO1 Nelliman says.

“When I was doing the traineeship I asked my Uncle Ted to take me to Defence Force Recruiting in Brisbane so I could start the recruiting process.

“If it wasn’t for him, I probably would not have gone – he really helped me take that first step.”

WO1 Nelliman enlisted in February 1987 and completed his recruit train-ing at Kapooka before posting to the School of Armour as a trainee driver/signaller.

One long-serving digger is honoured to return to the Home of the Soldier as RSM, Sgt Dave Morley reports.

A highlight of his career was his first deployment in 1992. He served in Somalia as a crew commander in M-113s with B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt, on Operation Solace.

“It was quite an eye-opener as the Army had not deployed a battalion group since Vietnam,” he says.

“I learnt so much as a junior crew commander, especially from my sec-tion commander, about how to oper-ate as an APC section in support of infantry.

“It was a fantastic opportunity and

confirmed all the lessons about how combat arms integrate.”

WO1 Nelliman’s other deploy-ments include Operation Catalyst in Iraq in 2006 and Operation Slipper in Afghanistan in 2008.

He was a recruit instructor (RI) in 1998-99 and, 30 years after arriving as a recruit, returned to Kapooka as the RSM of ARTC in January.

He says he is honoured to have been given the opportunity to serve as the senior soldier at the Home of the Soldier.

“Marking 30 years of service to the Army on my third posting to Kapooka is a significant milestone for me and places everything into perspective,” he says. “I never thought I’d return as an RI, let alone as the RSM.”

WO1 Nelliman still enjoys his job and is glad he has been given so many opportunities.

“I have made many good friends and, at the end of the day, we all have one thing in common – we have all made a commitment to this country and we all bleed green,” he says.

‘We all bleed green’INDIGENOUS recruits who recently completed the first Army Indigenous Development Program (AIDP) NSW – a combined Kapooka and Riverina TAFE initiative – were moti-vated to progress to recruit training according to RSM ARTC WO1 Ken Nelliman.

WO1 Nelliman said Riverina TAFE played a key part in prepar-ing them for progression into Army, coupled with the instructing and mentoring by the NCOs and officers at the Recruit Development Wing.

“The recruits who attended AIDP were quite successful on the recruit course,” he said.

WO1 Nelliman, who has been involved in specialist recruiting teams, said the ADF was a fantastic career option for any Australian, regardless of their background.

“We are already a diverse multi-cultural organisation, so I would strongly recommend the ADF to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men,” he said.

“The structure of the Army is not much different from growing up in a community – the skills people learn in ADF can be used back in Indigenous communities.”

WO1 Nelliman said he was a firm believer that any commander or unit could benefit from having, not just Indigenous members in their ranks, but people of all back-grounds.

“I’m proud of Army’s inclusive-ness and unprejudiced respect for talent, regardless of the package it comes in.”

Respect for talentWO1 Ken Nelliman returned to the Army Recruit Training Centre as RSM in January. Photo: Sgt Dave Morley

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May 4, 2017 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 17

Comin’ up rosesGreen-thumbed soldier makes life better at Taji, Capt Sharon Mascall-Dare and Cpl Kathryn Rooney report.

A New Zealand soldier tends his garden

at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq.

Photo: Cpl Kyle Genner

IN THE heart of Iraq, surrounded by concrete and dust, one New Zealand soldier is both protecting his Anzac counterparts and nur-

turing a garden of his own making.The soldier deployed to Iraq with

Task Group Taji Rotation Four (TGT-4), a combined force of Australian and New Zealand personnel who are work-ing with Iraqi security forces deliver-ing military training to prepare them for their fight against Daesh.

“Basically, we’re here to protect both the New Zealand and Australian soldiers we’re working with, as well as other coalition forces, including the British, Americans and the Iraqis we’re training,” he says.

“We make sure everyone goes out safe, and everyone comes back safe.”

The New Zealander says he takes every opportunity to build relation-ships with the Iraqi soldiers.

“We’ve learnt some Arabic and some of the Iraqis speak a bit of English,” he says.

“Sometimes, they show you photos of their brothers or cousins who have been killed in action. Many have had a rough time, but they’re often the sol-

diers who work hardest. They want to make a change.”

During his down-time, the New Zealander has worked hard to create a unique and tranquil retreat for himself and his neighbours in the Taji com-pound, constructing a garden next to his accommodation.

“New Zealand is pretty green and here it’s just dust, dust, dust,” he says.

“Early on I thought I needed to make the place more liveable. This garden has been a fun hobby to do outside of work hours.

“Everything from trimming the lawn, to picking off the dead-heads, to making sure everything is watered.

“Getting the flowers was an experi-ence – I asked one of the shop owners on base whose English is pretty good for plants and he offered me roses.

“I still don’t have any roses, but I have a huge array of other flowers. They still grow, they’re still flowers and they’re still beautiful.”

The garden has made a difference to life at Taji.

“I’m not rushing to get home,” he said.

“I’m missing family and friends but the lifestyle here isn’t too bad.”

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SOLDIERS will have more control over their allowance requests after the new pay system – Defence One – launches on August 7.

Troops will have the ability to submit, modify or delete a range of member-initiated allowances and deductions.

Director-General Personnel – Army Brig Leigh Wilton said Defence One Employee Self Service would give members far greater control over their individual allowance requests.

“This member-driven solution will increase data quality and provide sol-

diers with a more timely and accurate picture of their leave status and allow-ance entitlements,” Brig Wilton said.

Electronic requests through Self Service will streamline Defence pro-cesses in line with the First Principles Review and save time and resources.

Self Service will be unavailable for about 10 days during the imple-mentation of Defence One. Soldiers are encouraged to take action now to ensure their pay, allowance, leave appli-cations and approvals are up to date.

For further information on Defence One, visit the Defence Intranet homepage > Groups > CIOG > For CIOG Staff > CIOG Initiatives > Defence One

More control over your pay

Self Service allowances and deductions ESS > My Pay > My ADF Pay menu

will be expanded to include the fol-lowing new pages: ADF Allowance Request; ADF Modify Deduction; and ADF Deduction Request.

Instructional text is dynamically dis-played on both the Allowance Request and Deduction Request pages, based on the allowance and deduction type selected in the application.

Allowance Approvals: allowance requests will be sent electronically to major and above in the chain of com-mand or the person in the chain of command of the selected approver. Deductions do not require manager approval.

Workflow reminders will be as per current functionality for un-actioned requests: an email reminder to the relevant approver within a member’s

chain of command seven days after a member initiated request; a sec-ond email reminder to the approver and the approver’s manager (next in the chain of command) 14 days after submission; and, new workflow escalation functionality will escalate all un-actioned requests via email to the approver’s manager (next in the member’s chain of command), with a copy to the member 21 days after submission.

The new payroll system is able to detect incompatible or potentially incompatible allowances, so if soldiers have applied for an allowance via Self Service and it does not appear on their payslip, it may have been blocked due to an incompatibility during payroll processing. Contact the orderly room or Pay and Administration Centre (PAC) for assistance if this happens.

A NEW website has been launched to help ADF members and their families become familiar with new localities before arriving on posting.

The Defence Community Hub is a collaboration between the Defence Community Organisation (DCO), Defence Housing Australia (DHA) and Defence Families of Australia (DFA).

The website contains information about local healthcare services, child-care and schooling, public transport options, and links to the latest news and events in the area.

The Hub also connects mem-bers to a comprehensive network of Defence and public groups and centres.

Director-General DCO Paul Way said regardless of where members were posted across Australia, the new website was a helpful resource to con-nect with their new community before and upon arrival.

“The Community Hub also has links to DCO’s website where mem-bers and their families can find a range of support and resources, as well as information about the local DCO office and the services they pro-vide,” he said.

DHA Managing Director Jan Mason said the website demonstrated DHA’s ongoing commitment to pro-viding quality housing and related services to ADF members and their families.

“After a considerable process of

New website to help soldiers and families on the move

Chap Matthew Stuart, of 1CSSB, and his wife show their son a slouch hat during the unit’s family day at Robertson Barracks. Photo: Cfn Priyantha Arachchi

consultation and collaboration, it is encouraging to see this project reach its implementation phase,” Ms Mason said.

“The website is a tangible and practical way to help ADF families facing a move into a new area.”

DFA National Convener Robyn Ritchie said she was excited to see the Community Hub in action.

“DFA has been advocating for many years for improvement to

communication directly to families and has welcomed our inclusion as stakeholders in this exciting project,” Mrs Ritchie said.

“DFA looks forward to the Hub’s ongoing use to inform and assist families as they navigate their ADF journey.”

Members can access the Community Hub through their DHA Online Services dashboard or at www.defencecommunityhub.org.au

Stay connected

May 4, 2017 Personnelwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 19

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May 4, 2017www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsFun20

INSTAGRAM: CODEYS_ART By Pte Codey Anderson

DiggerscopesAQUARIUS

January 20 – February 18Your enjoyment of a combat shooting package will be tem-pered by a delay in transport away from the range. If you’re lucky, take solace in the delicious sandwiches provided by the mess and be grateful for the extra time to clean weapons.

PISCES February 19 – March 20

With your RSM frequently in the CO’s office, expect a lot of una-voidable pressure coming your way. This may be in the form of cleaning the compound or extra training. Either way, don’t expect any early knock offs this month.

ARIES March 21 – April 19

The closest vending machine to your workplace will be emptied of your favourite snack early this month. You try some alternatives but opt to go without until the machine is restocked.

GEMINI May 21 – June 20

Make the most of an unexpected guard duty this month to consider how baggy the sides of your pol-lie shirt are, no matter how much you try to tuck them in. You con-

Cpl Max Bree looks into his crystal ball to read your future.

sider getting your shirt tailored, but forget until your next guard duty.

CANCER June 21 – July 22

Your mates will consider you annoying this month when you repeat an anecdote or story for the fifth time.

LEO July 23 – August 22

You will do a BFA in an unfamiliar area this month. Despite the fact you pass, you will tell anyone who’ll listen that this running track is much easier than the track at your last unit.

VIRGO August 23 – September 22

Be wary of any coming dress inspections. No matter how good your pollies appear, it’s likely some-one in authority will find something wrong. Having a mate look at your

pollies beforehand is unlikely to have much effect on this.

LIBRA September 23 – October 22

You’ll be surrounded by familiar faces at work this month. Learn to like them because Talisman Sabre is coming.

SCORPIO October 23 – November 21

You’ll be excited to find out you’ve been panelled on a promotion course. This interest is tempered when you discover it starts next week and you need to complete pre-course study in four days.

SAGITTARIUS November 22 – December 21

You will become jealous of a mate who’s away playing rugby this month. You’re jealous of his fitness, sporting prowess and his missing out on a week-long field activity with lots of digging.

CAPRICORN December 22 – January 19

The dry cleaner will fail to remove a mystery stain from your suit inflicted sometime on Anzac Day. You continue thinking no one will notice the stain until finally opting to buy a replacement suit on April 24, next year.

TAURUS April 20 – May 20

Someone at your unit will be getting deployed this month. It’s not you.

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May 4, 2017 Peoplewww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 21

Pte Sharume Creed, of the Pilbara Regt, uses an improvised flotation device during training near Karratha, Western Australia. Photo: Cpl Nunu Campos

Sig Lachlan Smith, of Task Group Afghanistan, updates a computer at Hamid Karzai International Airport near Kabul. Photo: Sgt Ricky Fuller

Cpl Caitlyn Elleray updates Task Group Afghanistan soldiers on the threat situation in Kabul. Photo: Sgt Ricky Fuller

Capt Matthew Vernon, of 2/14 LHR (QMI), consults his map during a ‘tactical exercise without troops’ with a contingent of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Queensland.Photo: Capt Anna-Lise Rosendahl

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May 4, 2017www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsHealth22

The right moves

Capt Emma Williams provides exercise therapy advice to SCdt Peta Ker. Photo: Cpl Mark Doran

Physiotherapists are an integral part of ensuring a fit and healthy Army, Cpl Mark Doran reports.

DEFENCE demands high levels of fitness from its per-sonnel and many of the roles for soldiers are physically

demanding. Injuries happen, but military physi-

otherapists are available to assess and treat a variety of conditions affecting movement and physical function.

They provide assessment, advice and treatment for injuries as well as appropriate programs for prevention or prehabilitation.

Within Defence, APS, contractors and military personnel staff physiother-apy departments and work closely with medical officers.

Capt Emma Williams, of Joint Health Command, works in the Duntroon Health Centre (DHC) physiotherapy department.

She said there were about 40 depart-ments across Australia.

“Military physiotherapists are mainly based in Brisbane, Townsville and Darwin to provide clinical treatments and deploy with either the general health battalion, or provide more integral sup-port with one of the close health com-panies to support field exercises such as Talisman Sabre,” she said.

“The physiotherapy services we pro-vide are about on par with those avail-able to professional athletes with respect to timeliness of treatments and facilities available.”

Capt Williams said the most common injuries for Defence personnel were to the ankles, shoulders and knees, from sporting activities.

“The majority of our work is mus-culoskeletal and orthopaedics (post-surgery),” she said.

“The other common injuries we deal with are from military training activities and chronic injuries to the lower back and neck. We also do post-operative care for patients with issues like knee recon-structions and these can take up to 12 months of rehabilitation.

“Neurological conditions such as acquired brain injuries or balance prob-lems are often referred to specialist physiotherapy clinics.”

Appointment procedures vary in dif-

ferent locations, but at DHC there is a physiotherapy sick parade for acute inju-ries or patients can book an appointment at the department without seeing the medical officer or having a referral.

Capt Williams said physiotherapists were trained in exercise prescription to improve function and strength following an injury.

“Our focus in Defence is exercise-based physiotherapy where patients take ownership of their rehabilitation pro-gram,” she said.

“We’re not magicians – we can’t fix people – but they can fix themselves with the correct advice and guidance.

“The evidence is limited as to the value of electrotherapy treatments such as ultrasound or interferential therapy. Exercise therapy has been proven by research to be one of the most effective ways to improve or prevent pain and injury.

“ADF personnel are generally highly motivated and want to get back to their job as quickly as possible, so when we give them a rehabilitation exercise pro-gram people are generally receptive.”

Capt Williams said if members had a serious injury and could not pass a fitness assessment within 28 days there were administration processes in place including an assessment of their medical classification.

“This is where the doctor becomes involved and it could potentially lead to a medical downgrade,” she said.

“There’s sometimes a stigma about a downgrade, but it allows people to com-plete their rehabilitation.”

Capt Williams said if Defence mem-bers had any musculoskeletal concerns, physiotherapy staff at their local garrison medical centres were always ready to provide advice.

“We can either reassure them or investigate further,” she said.

“I would much rather see a patient with a small problem so we can work out the cause before it gets worse.

“It can be quite frustrating when someone comes in complaining about back pain they’ve had for 10 years when they have never seen anyone about it. It makes it a lot harder to treat.”

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Sportwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews May 4, 2017 23

Sgt Dave Morley

FEMALE surfers of all abilities are being sought by the Army Surf Riders Association (ASRA) accord-ing to Lt Megan Pate, who said surf-ing was “one of the best sports on the planet”.

The top 34 Army surfers took part in the Interservice Surfing Championships at Ulladulla in NSW from March 27-31, but only two were women.

“We have also just included a mas-ters division (35+) and body boarding division to the official competition list, so we are now also looking to recruit some top body boarders to represent Army and the ADF in the coming International Surf Festival in May,” Lt Pate said.

“Each service puts forward their top four representatives in each cat-egory of shortboard, longboard, female and now open and body boarding divi-sions, to form the ADF surf team.”

Stand-up paddleboarder Maj David Thompson said Army performed well overall in the interservice champion-ships and had podium finishers in all categories.

“ASRA’s most dominant competi-tor in the water was Lt Dylan Storrie, who finished first in the longboard and

second in the men’s shortboard event,” he said. “The best and fairest plaque, awarded in honour of the late president and a founding member of ASRA, Maj Matthew Carr, was awarded to Cpl Mitchell Frothalt for his contribution both in and out of the water.”

The weather throughout the compe-tition was a mixed bag.

“It was beautiful warm sunshine with small but clean waves one day, to less than ideal sideways rain, wind and choppy waves the next,” Lt Pate said.

She said ASRA provided a fun, welcoming and all-inclusive environ-ment regardless of surfing ability.

“The annual development camp is the ideal way to get involved and is held around December each year with a number of competitions and surf events held throughout the year,” she said.

“Surfers are scored by a team of judges based on things like degree of difficulty, innovative and progressive manoeuvres, variety and combination of manoeuvres, speed, power and flow.

“We don’t take life too seriously and all are there to have fun with a healthy level of competition and cama-raderie.”

For more information on Army surfing, visit www.armysurfridersassociation.com

Leut Kiz Welling-Burtenshaw

A TARGET is on the backs of Army’s rugby teams as they prepare to stay on top of the competition at this year’s ADF Rugby Union Championships.

Both the men’s and women’s teams have been undefeated in the annual triservice competition since 2014. At the time of printing this edition of Army News, the 2017 competition was about to kick off, being held at Ballymore on April 30, May 3 and May 6.

Army men’s coach WO2 Zane Mitchell, of 6 Avn Regt, said there were downsides to being on top.

“Being the team to beat is great, but it does put a certain amount of pres-sure on the players and coaching staff, which is perhaps not felt by Navy and Air Force,” he said.

Women’s coach Spr Keli Fukofuka said it could be easy to slip up.

“Air Force is going from strength to strength and Navy has always been our nemesis,” he said.

“If things go their way, and we aren’t up to scratch, they are capable of getting it over us, but we have the right attitude and talent to get the job done.”

Capt Alisha Hewett, of 2GHB, said the side was confident of a clean sweep again this year.

“We are up to the challenge. We have very strong sides – with solid preparation and players being released we will be able to maintain our domi-nance,” she said.

Both teams are brimming with tal-ent and Cpl Joshua Gray said playing for selection in the ADF side wasn’t far from their thoughts.

“Playing for Army and running onto the iconic Ballymore stadium is an amazing opportunity, and the high-light of many of our sporting years,” he said.

“The chance to perhaps gain a place in the ADFRU squad is the icing on the cake.”

The games will be live streamed and entry on game days is free. Details can be found at www.facebook.com/ADFRugby

Rugby champs kick off

Cpl Jackson Pearson at last year’s

competition.

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Lt Dylan Storrie rides a wave during the longboard competition at the 2017 Interservice Surfing Championships.

Valiant in defeatLeut Ben Willee

PLAYING against a talented rep-resentative team from the Victorian Women’s Football League the ADF Women’s All Stars put up a strong showing to come within 11 points of victory.

Played as a curtain raiser to the St Kilda versus Geelong game at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne on April 23, the final score was 4.2 (26) to 2.3 (15).

All Stars coach Lt-Col Danielle Glatz was proud of her team’s perfor-mance.

“They fielded a group of women who are aspiring for AFLW selection and have been training together for the last five months,” she said.

“Our entire team is made up of serv-ing members who have been training together for five days and yet today the scoreboard showed a hard-fought con-test that was neck and neck.”

Team captain Sgt Rhiannon Bush was impressed by the standard of football.

“This is by far the best pool of tal-ent ever for ADF women’s football,” she said.

“I’m pleased with the camaraderie and gel developed in a very short time.

“We’ve come a long way from last week where we didn’t even know each other’s names, let alone each of

Women on the ball in AFL curtain raiser

our styles of footy and strengths on the field.

“We formed our team in five days so to come out and play a team of that calibre is great. What a way to pull together, form as squad and give them a run for their money.”

Assistant Chairman Partner Relations Brig David Smith said it

was an excellent game of football. “It was probably the best team we

have fielded in the women’s competi-tion in the history of ADF Australian Rules and it was a hard fought game,” he said.

“Had a couple of opportunities in the last quarter gone our way we would have won the game.”

Pte Phoebe Monahan tries to evade her

opposition during the All Stars/Victorian Women’s Football League clash at

Docklands Stadium on April 23.

Photo: LS Nina Fogliani

Photo: LS Justin Brown

© Image courtesy of Department of Defence

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May 4, 2017

SPORT

SHINING LIGHTS

Leut Ben Robinson

PLAYING against traditional rivals the Australian Combined Emergency Services, in front of an estimated 12,000 people, the ADF Aussie Rules All Stars men’s team won the Anzac Challenge tro-phy for the fourth consecutive year.

The All Stars led for the first half, with the Emergency Services taking the lead late in the third quarter. However, the All-Stars managed to reverse the momentum and

came from behind to win by 11 points, 8.5 (53) to 5.12 (42).

Played as a curtain raiser to the AFL block buster between Port Adelaide and Carlton at Adelaide Oval on April 21, the Defence players were determined to keep the trophy.

AB Daniel Fry, who has played ADF representative football for more than five years, said it was an amazing experience to have played in all four recent wins against such an honourable opponent.

All-Stars coach Sgt James Debono said

he was inspired by the way the team played and lived up to the team’s ethos of disci-pline, pride, respect and professionalism.

“I couldn’t have been more proud of how the guys played and how they dug deep in the last quarter,” he said.

“Even though they were tired, they lifted in front of the huge crowd to bring home a win for the ADF.”

Smn Jacob Harvey-Bickley’s efforts were reflective of the team’s ethos, provid-ing one of the best individual four quarters of football the coaching staff had seen from

a Defence footballer. He was awarded the team’s most valuable player.

Gnr Travis Thone-Kaine was awarded the Matt Hall Player’s Player Trophy by his teammates for his consistent, tough game.

The annual Anzac Challenge is the highest level of representation for Defence Australian Rules football players and the ADF men’s team once again benefited from a week preparing for the game with the Port Adelaide Football Club.

– Women All Stars’ valiant fight P23

Four in a row for All Stars

The ADF All Stars and the Australian Combined Emergency Services teams go head to head at Adelaide Oval during their annual match. Photo: Sgt Rob Hack