Edition 1421 June 14, 2018 The soldiers’ newspaper

BLAST ZONE

7 Bde uses its full force for Exercise

Diamond Strike Centre

Gunner Ryan Keam (right) fires an M777 lightweight towed howitzer at Shoalwater Bay during Exercise Diamond Strike.Photo: Cpl Oliver Carter

Exercise Predator’s

Walk no easy stroll

Pages 4-5

Queen’s Birthday honours

recipients Pages 2-3

Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of

AustraliaMaj-Gen Fergus McLachlan: For distinguished service in the appoint-ments of Head Modernisation and Strategic Plans – Army, Comd Forcomd and significant contributions to the Army and modernisation as part of the joint ADF for Australia’s interests.Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan: For distin-guished service in the appointments of Head Land Systems Division, Comd 1 Div and significant contribu-tions to Army strategic command and control capabilities within the ADF.

Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of

AustraliaMaj B: For exceptional service to the Army in the field of specialist military engineering between 2003 and 2017.Col Jeffrey Brock: For exceptional service to the Army in the fields of aviation, medicine and health.Col Gabrielle Follett: For exceptional service to the ADF as CO 3CSSB and as a Staff Officer in the Office of the CDF and Army HQ.Col Damian Hill: For exceptional service as Comd Combat Training Centre, CO 4 Regt, RAA, and as act-ing Comd 3 Bde.Brig Christopher Mills: For excep-tional service as Chief of Future Operations HQ Regional Command South in Afghanistan, Director Exercise Planning at HQJOC, Director General Modernisation Army and for contributions to the develop-ment of ADF capabilities.Col Nicole Sadler: For exceptional performance of duty in the field of mental health leadership, strategy and reform for the ADF.WO Donald Spinks: For exceptional service to soldiering within the ADF in senior RSM appointments, culminat-ing in the appointment as RSM-A.Brig Neil Sweeney: For excep-tional service as the Deputy Comd JTF633 National Command HQ for all Australian Forces in the Middle East, while deployed on Operation Accordion from July 2016 to April 2017. Brig Leigh Wilton: For exceptional service as Deputy and Chief of Staff of Army HQ, and Director General Personnel – Army and for contribu-tions to Army’s personnel capability.

Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the Military

DivisionWO1 Kelvin Baulch: For meritorious service in the field of engineering, services and construction manage-ment within the Army and wider ADF.WO1 Matthew Bold: For meritorious service as RSM 9RQR and 7RAR.Maj Richard Clark: For meritori-ous service as the Brigade-Major of Headquarters 9RQR and the Assistant Operations Officer at HQ 2 Div.WO1 Paul Simpfendorfer: For meritorious service in the field of forward arming and refueling and aviation special operations and as the Leadership Package Master at the WONCO-Academy.WO2 John Smallacombe: For meritorious performance of duty in promoting positive relationships between Indigenous communities and the Pilbara Regiment and rehabilitat-ing wounded, injured and ill soldiers within the 5RAR.Capt Matthew Sullivan: For meritori-ous performance of duty as RSM 1 Bde and Regimental Master Gunner of the Combined Arms Training Centre.

OUR TEAMActing Director Angela Buchecker

Editor Shane Hendrickson: (02) 6265 2253

Reporters Sgt Mark Doran Sgt Max BreeSgt Dave MorleyCpl Sebastian BeurichCpl Julia Whitwell Cpl Bill SolomouPte Renee Breeze

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ISSN: 0729-5685 (Print)ISSN: 2209-2218 (Online)

Going above and Congratulations to the recipients of 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours

WO2 W: For meritorious performance of duty, application of skills and lead-ership as a Manager of Intelligence Operations within the ADF.

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Lt-Col N: For distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as CO SOTG632 on Operation Okra from November 2016 to June 2017.Col Richard Vagg: For distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as Comd TGT-4 in Iraq on Operation Okra, from December 2016 to June 2017.

Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)

Lt-Col Christopher Gardiner: For distinguished leadership in warlike operations as CO Training Task Unit of TGT-4 in Iraq on Operation Okra from November 2016 to June 2017.Col Michael Murdoch: For distin-guished leadership in warlike opera-tions as Comd of the Kabul Garrison Command Advisory Team, and Senior Mentor to the Kabul Garrison Commander from October 2016 to June 2017.

Commendation For Distinguished Service

Maj B: For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as XO SOTG632 TGT-4, in Iraq on Operation Okra from November 2016 to June 2017. Col Kahlil Fegan: For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as the Director of Plans in Combined Joint Force Land Component Command – Iraq, as part of Operation Inherent Resolve from July 2016 to April 2017.Maj Chris Gilmore: For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as OC Training Team One of TGT-3 in Iraq on Operation Okra from May to December 2016. Maj Brian Hickey: For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as OC North Baghdad Operations Command Advisory and Assistance Team, TGT-4, Iraq on Operation Okra from November 2016 to June 2017.LCpl J: For distinguished perfor-mance of duty in warlike operations in Iraq, on Operation Okra from March 2017 to October 2017.

Cpl M: For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations and in action as the lead JTAC in SOTG632 TGT-4 on Operation Okra in Iraq from November 2016 to June 2017.Maj M: For distinguished perfor-mance of duty in warlike opera-tions as the OC SOTG623 TGT-4 Special Forces Advisory Team and as the Deputy Commander of Task Force – Counterterrorism Service on Operation Okra from December 2016 to June 2017.Brig Cheryl Pearce: For distin-guished performance of duty in war-like operations as Comd Task Group Afghanistan, Operation Highroad from February 2016 to November 2016.Maj R: For distinguished perfor-mance of duty in warlike operations as OC SOTG623 TGT-4 Intelligence Fusion and Support Cell, in Iraq on Operation Okra from November 2016 to June 2017.Pte R: For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations in Afghanistan, on Operation Highroad from September 2016 to February 2017.Brig Jason Walk: For distinguished performance of duty in warlike opera-tions while serving as the Deputy Director Sustainment, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan on Operation Highroad, in Kabul, Afghanistan from July 2016 to August 2017.Col Mark Welburn: For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as the Deputy Chief of Staff Security Force Assistance, Headquarters Train Advise Assist Command – South, Kandahar Afghanistan while deployed on Operation Highroad over the period May 2016 to May 2017.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

Lt-Col Charmaine Benfield: For outstanding achievement as the Staff Officer Grade One Selections and Appointments with Career Management Army during 2016 and 2017. Maj Katie Burrup: For outstand-ing achievement in developing and implementing a Family and Domestic Violence Framework in North Queensland as Staff Officer Grade Two – Personnel at HQ 3 Bde.Col Steven Hume: For outstanding achievement in the coordination of materiel support to ADF operations.Lt-Col Benjamin McLennan: For outstanding achievement as the Staff Officer Grade One Soldier Combat Systems, Modernisation Branch, Army HQ. Lt-Col N: For outstanding achieve-ment in military intelligence.Lt-Col Dennis Robins: For outstand-ing devotion to duty as the Senior Instructor Land Intelligence Wing, Defence Force School of Intelligence.Col Leonard Rouwhorst: For out-standing achievement as JOC lead planner for the Middle East Region from January 2015 to August 2017.Col Kirsty Skinner: For outstanding

devotion to duty as the Staff Officer Grade One Postings, Directorate of Soldier Career Management, Army.Lt-Col Henry Stimson: For outstand-ing achievement as the Brigade-Major 6CSSB.Brig Wade Stothart: For outstanding achievement in significant contribu-tions to the reform and improvement of career management and the Army people capability as Director General Career Management – Army.Col Simeon Ward: For outstanding devotion to duty during the transi-tion of the Capability Development Group and establishment of the Force Design function within Defence.Lt-Col Philippa Weiland: For out-standing dedication to duty as Staff Officer Grade One Psychology in HQ Forcomd.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

Lt-Col Peter Allan: For meritorious achievement as Brigade-Major 7 Bde.Cpl James Cunningham: For meritorious achievement as a Section Commander in 1RAR.Cpl D: For meritorious achieve-ment as a Troop Sergeant within 71 Electronic Warfare Sqn, 7 Sig Regt.Lt-Col Travis Gordon: For meri-torious devotion to duty as Comd JTG658 in support of the national elections of PNG during the conduct of Operation Hannah. Lt-Col Clarence Hovell: For meritori-ous achievement in operational plan-ning and execution in the Army.WO2 J: For meritorious devotion to duty while posted as the Manager of Geospatial Intelligence Support within Special Operations HQ.WO2 L: For meritorious devotion to duty in the field of Static Line parachuting, instruction, and training development from 2016 to 2017.Cpl M: For meritorious achieve-ment as a Troop Sergeant within 71 Electronic Warfare Sqn, 7 Sig Regt.Lt Melissa Osmand: For meritorious devotion to duty as the Personnel Advisory Committee Section Cpl with-in the Directorate of Soldier Career Management.Capt Angela Rose: For meritori-ous achievement in establishing the Defence Force School of Signals Regional Training Wing. WO1 S: For meritorious devotion to duty as a squadron sergeant-major in the Special Air Service Regiment between January 2014 and December 2016.Maj Scott Samson: For meritori-ous achievement as OC Trainee Rehabilitation Wing at the School of Military Engineering.WO1 Jason Sten: For meritorious devotion to duty as RSM Australian Contingent and Force HQ Training WO while deployed to the UN Mission in South Sudan on Operation ASLAN from November 2016 to August 2017. WO2 Lucas Telley: For meritori-ous devotion to duty as acting RSM 1CSSB.

WO1 Matthew Bold in Iraq in 2016.

Maj Chris Gilmore instructs officers from the Iraqi Army’s 76th Brigade.

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beyond the call of duty

Pte Renee Breeze

FOR pioneering 1RAR’s combat shooting cell, Section Commander Cpl James Cunningham, was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal for this year’s Queen’s Birthday Awards.

Cpl Cunningham joined a selective course run by senior SASR instructors in 2016, of which less than half of par-ticipants passed.

With peer assistance and unit sup-

port, he went on to raise a combat shooting cell to pass on the skills he learned.

Cpl Cunningham said combat shooting took a fresh look at “how” members were trained, rather than only in “what’ they were trained.

“In an adult learning environment, trust is foundational,” he said.

“It’s accepting that adults bring a whole wealth of experience and although it might not be directly rel-

evant, it’s by appreciation of that expe-rience that new ideas or questions are welcomed.

“Recognising that people are inter-nally motivated and self-directed – it’s about guiding that internal motivation toward a common goal.”

Known as the battalion’s training cell, Cpl Cunningham’s team has con-ducted more than ten courses so far.

Results showed increased lethality for participants hailing from 1RAR,

other battalions and RAAF. “We quantify lethality as being a

combination of speed, accuracy and combat behaviours, measured through a standardised test unique to the course,” he said.

“The course was developed from knowledge passed on by Socomd, entrusting specific people to maintain those skills in wider Army.

As he introduced method-ologies used in combat shooting, Cpl

Cunningham said resistance to change could be overcome by applying the same tenets he used in teaching.

“Having respect for one another brings trust,” he said.

“I’m an advocate for change, not for change’s sake - but through methodical procedure, based on facts and group collaboration.

“We have to stay in front of the 8-ball and the only way we do that is by learning and asking.”

Skilled sharpshooter honoured

Pte Renee Breeze

CLANDESTINE transactions in CA’s office were revealed at an RSM’s ball on May 26.

RSM-A WO Don Spinks, presented outgoing CA, Lt-Gen Angus Campbell, with a rising sun made of bayonets, bringing to light an 18-month-old secretly-commissioned memento.

Representing soldiers past and present, the memento was designed to thank Lt-Gen Campbell for his leadership during his tenure as CA.

WO Spinks said Lt-Gen Campbell had no idea it was coming.

“He was really surprised,” he said.

“A lot of thought went into it – he always talks about the rising sun badge and the importance of it to Army.

“It’s personally significant to him. It’s our badge of hon-our.”

It was painstakingly made by troops from Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and Socomd.

The end result was a scale replica of an emblem syn-onymous with CA’s office in Canberra.

“The bayonets were creat-ed using 3D printing technol-ogy and carefully painted so you can’t tell the difference,” WO Spinks said.

“There was a lot of back-wards and forwards, getting the scale and look of it right.

“It’s a direct replica of what’s on the wall outside the Office of the Chief of Army; it’s a work of art and in typical RAEME style the lads have engraved their names on the woodwork.”

CA surprised by farewell memento

RSM-A WO Don Spinks presents CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell with the memento. Photo: Cpl Nunu Campos

Cpl James Cunningham, has been awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal at this year’s Queen’s Birthday Awards.Photo: Cpl Nunu Campos

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June 14, 2018News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews4

FLASHES of green descend-ed on Mount Bundey Training Area, Northern Territory, and Cultana Field

Training Area, South Australia as 1 Bde, enabling units and RAAF’s 35 Sqn conducted Exercise Predator’s Walk from May 14-25.

Comd 1 Bde Brig Matt Pearse said the skills and teamwork devel-oped would be carried into subse-quent exercises.

A welcome new addition to Exercise Predator’s Walk this year was the C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlifter.

Flown by 35 Sqn, the new air-craft prove to be a versatile replace-ment to the Caribous.

Providing a short take-off and landing capability and an abil-ity to lift five tonnes of cargo, the Spartan’s involvement with Predator’s Walk marks the first time the new capability had worked with a combat brigade.

While Predator’s Walk was an excellent introduction to the C-27J capability, 35 Sqn will return in September for Exercise Predator’s Run as an integrated element of the 1 Bde’s re-supply and logistic sup-port capability.

1 Bde’s Brigade Air Liaison

Predator’s Walk no easy stroll

This year’s Exercise Predator’s Walk was enhanced by a new capability, reports Maj Kris Gardiner.

Officer, Sqn-Ldr Nathan Thompson, said the response by 1 Bde to the new Air Force capability was excellent.

“Units of 1 Bde, and indeed the broader Darwin area including Norforce, have been really keen to partner with 35 Squadron to

develop the procedures for Army to fully utilise this asset,” Sqn-Ldr Thompson said.

“Given the enthusiasm shown by the formation towards the C-27J Spartan and its capabilities I think it’s fair to say the aircraft has ticked all the right boxes for Army.”

103 Bty, 8/12 Regt, conduct live-fire training at the Mount Bundey Training Area during Exercise Predator’s Walk.

Personnel from 1 Bde in Darwin prepare to board a C-27J Spartan from RAAF’s 35 Sqn.

Soldiers from 5RAR conduct an attack on a simulated enemy position. Photo: Pte Jeremy Rodwell

Soldiers from 7RAR attack a simulated enemy position.

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Lt Victoria Roadnight trains Gnr Cara Miles in the 101 Bty, 8/12 Regt, command post.

Capt Nicholas Woodham and Gnr Jack Johnston, of 101 Bty, 8/12 Regt, set a 155mm shell fuse.

Sappers from 9 Fld Sqn, 1CER, build obstacles at a simulated defensive position.

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Cpl Bill Solomou

HUGS, laughter, and tears were shared during the transition of authority parade to mark the change of CJOPS from VAdm David Johnston to Air-Mshl Mel Hupfeld, at HQJOC, on May 24.

VAdm Johnston made a huge effort to shake the hand of every member who lined up to form his farewell guard of honour.

All showed mutual respect as they said thank you and good-bye to the popular commander.

VAdm Johnston was the fourth CJOPS since the position was estab-lished in 2008; he now moves on to his new role as VCDF. Air-Mshl Hupfeld is the first Air Force officer to become CJOPS.

VAdm Johnston said he was hon-oured and privileged to have led a pro-fessional and dedicated team.

He thanked everyone, including the families who allowed members to do the job they do.

“To our community, the ADF reputation is based on our history and our operational performance,” VAdm Johnston said.

“The ADF is renowned for its expertise, hard work and skill that we commit to operations.”

VAdm Johnston praised the efforts of ADF personnel, from planning and supporting, through to command and control.

“When we deploy people on opera-tions and exercises, all the activities that are done on behalf of our ADF, our nation and the government in order to deliver the outcomes for our people, you do well,” he said.

“Your role is largely not seen by the public and that is the way it should be, because of the nature of the work we do. Thank you for the work you do; it is the foundation of which all opera-tional performance is built on.”

Upon receiving the “weight”, the changing of the pennant, and signing

Incoming CJOPS Air-Mshl Mel Hupfeld, left, accepts the weight of command from outgoing CJOPS VAdm David Johnston as Defence Minister Marise Payne looks on. Photo: Lauren Larking

Role’s ample weight

the transition of authority witnessed by Defence Minister Marise Payne, Air-Mshl Hupfeld said he was thrilled to take on the role as the new com-mander.

“To have the position whatever col-our the uniform, the fact that Air Force has had the opportunity, I am truly grateful for that,” Air-Mshl Hupfeld said.

He said he had deep respect for VAdm Johnston and the work he had undertaken during his time as CJOPS.

Air-Mshl Hupfeld’s message to all the members at HQJOC was honest and from the heart.

“Under the leadership of VAdm Johnston, over the past four years, your significant efforts, commitment and achievements has brought this headquarters to a level that is absolute-ly amazing,” Air-Mshl Hupfeld said.

“There is not much that I need to change.

“Certainly, what you have done has been highly impressive and has set us on a terrific vector to move forward.

“That’s what I am going to lever-age off.”

Air-Mshl Hupfeld said he was adamant he would earn the trust of the team.

“One of the key things that is important to us here is trust; that is trust amongst each other; that is trust to the CDF and certainly it is trust to the minister and the government,” Air-Mshl Hupfeld said.

“This is vitally important; it is something that we always have to keep working on.

“My trust in you is extant. VAdm Johnston’s trust in you is very apparent to me, and I take that as implicit in this hand over.

“What I commit to you is that I need to earn your trust.”

Air-Mshl Hupfeld urged all ADF

members to keep up the good work.“Your work is vitally important to

the security of this nation. Everyday what you do makes a difference, and where that rubber hits the road is through JOC,” he said.

“We then deploy the capabilities and the forces that all our services rep-resent and provide to us to do the job we have to do.

“It is going to be a daunting task; my wife and I are truly excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“And we have a great team to work with.”

Maj Kris Gardiner

Scaling the overhangs and sheers drops of an ancient mountain chain and braving the hidden and surface threats of the Southern Ocean are not what casual observers would consider related activities; however that’s not the case for a group of sol-diers for 1 Bde.

Exercise Predator’s Adventure ran from May 26 to June 6, chal-lenging more than 200 soldiers from 1CSSB, 1 Armd Regt, 8/12 Regt, and 7RAR to face their fears and help develop teamwork, self-awareness and decision-making under stress.

Delivered by Army’s Adventurous Training Wing (ATW) Predator’s Adventure took the sol-diers away from the familiarity of barracks and field training exercises, and placed them into controlled high-stress activities designed to build strength through personal experience.

OC ATW Maj Dan Fussell said the benefits of adventurous training for the soldiers went beyond goal-setting.

“Understanding your tolerance for stress and identifying the coping mechanisms within you is key to developing resilience, particularly

the kind required to deal with the stressors inherent to military opera-tions,” he said.

“While there is a definite physi-cal resilience associated with adven-turous training, it is what happens between your ears that matters most.

“The soldiers are not only enhancing their mental state, but they are building a system of pre-ventative measures to maintain long-term mental health.”

With activities pushing the sol-diers’ tolerance levels on towering cliff faces and in the open ocean

daily, generating discussion among soldiers was never an issue.

Comd 1 Brigade Brig Matt Pearse said the resilience training offered by ATW was invaluable.

“Readiness is more than attaining training levels and administration, it is equally about mental preparation,” Brig Pearse said.

“Through this type of industri-alised-resilience training, we are providing our people the tools to self-regulate in times of extreme pressure, and also to help those around them recover faster.”

Testing stress under extreme pressure

Soldiers 1 Bde conduct a Tyrolean traverse over the high cliffs of Wilpena Pound. Photo: Aaron Lowndes

7June 14, 2018 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 7

Capt Jesse Robilliard

TWO sappers worked through the tropical heat of the Philippines over five weeks to help cement the rela-tionship between the ADF, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States Marine Corps.

Five schools in the Philippines have new classrooms thanks to Exercise Balikatan from May 7-19.

Sprs Tim Quirk and Dillon Butler, of 3CER, helped build two classrooms at Calignatan Elementary School near Tarlac.

“I am a plumber so I ran the roof. We laid all the roof, did the drainage, the downpipes, the water tank which provides water for the hand wash basins, just to improve the hygiene of the school,” Spr Quirk said.

“It’s great to see the kids enjoy-ing the classroom and I’m sure the teachers will take a lot away from it.”

Exercise Balikatan is an annual exercise conducted by US Pacific Command and the AFP.

The ADF and Japan Self-Defense Forces also participated this year.

The work party that built class-rooms at Calignatan Elementary School was indicative of the partici-pating nations.

“We have been working with the US marines and Filipino Army engineers for the past five weeks,” Spr Quirk said.

“The Filipinos took charge, so seeing their construction tech-niques, seeing how they worked,

Relationship cemented

was great. Integrating with the US marines was also great, good team-work, I enjoyed it.”

The school was closed to stu-dents during the construction phase.

Not so on the day of the hando-ver ceremony, dignitaries, teach-ers and above all students were on hand to inspect the brand new facilities.

Australia has been a participant in Balikatan since 2014 and this year the contingent included about

60 ADF members. Comd Australian contingent Wg-Cdr Jeff Peterson said the exercise was important for relationship building.

“The level of importance for the Australian commitment for Exercise Balikatan shows our com-mitment to the region,” he said.

“It shows our desire and willing-ness to work alongside, to assist the development of the military forces here and the capacity here in the Philippines.”

Exercise Balikatan Director US Marine Corps Lt-Gen Lawrence Nicholson opens a classroom at Cabu Elementary School in the Philippines during Exercise Balikatan. Photos: LS Jake Badior

Spr Dillon Butler at a classroom handover at Calangitan Elementary School.

A student from Cabu Elementary School in the Philippines speaks during a classroom handover ceremony.

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Capt Fiona Bickerstaff

TASK Group Taji (TGT) 6 has complet-ed a six-month deployment to the Taji Military Complex, training more than 5600 members of the Iraqi Security Forces.

Comd TGT-6 Col Robert Calhoun said the rotation had contributed sig-nificantly to the ongoing Build Partner Capacity mission.

“It has been a privilege to serve as part of such a unique task group. To be part of an integrated task group, serving in the same part of the world, and wear-ing the same patch, as our Anzacs did in 1915 is very special,” Col Calhoun said.

“What is most important, however, is what has brought us together as a Coalition team, and that is to support our partners, the Iraqi Security Forces.

“Their courage and sacrifice to save their nation from extremism is hum-bling. It has been an honour for the Taji 6 team to work with the Iraqis.”

TGT-7 will continue the legacy of the Australian and New Zealand Build Partner Capacity mission which has trained more than 34,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces over the past three years.

“I know Rotation 7 will embrace this mission with the same spirit and deter-mination as our predecessors. On behalf of all personnel of Rotation 6, we wish

Goodbye after a job well done

9June 14, 2018 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 9

them every success,” Col Calhoun said.During the handover, Comd TGT-7

Col Mick Say said he was looking for-ward to building on what TGT-6 and previous rotations had achieved.

“TGT-7 – collectively – is very keen to get started and get into the mission,” Col Say said.

“Our preparation for this deploy-ment has been extensive and we are all ready to start.

“We will continue to develop the capabilities of the Iraqi Army, in par-ticular the brigades, and build on the relationships with other Coalition part-ners that are here supporting us and delivering training as well.”

‘It has been a privilege to serve as part of such a unique task

group.– Col Robert Calhoun,

Comd TGT-6

Comd TGT-7 Col Mick Say salutes during a transfer of authority ceremony from TGT-6 at Taji Military Complex, Iraq. Photo: Cpl David Said

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Capt Megan McDermott

ENGINEERS from Townsville’s 3CER and Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) have returned from the largest Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief exercise (HADR) in the South Pacific – Exercise Croix du Sud.

Troops were hosted by the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia (FANC) between May 14-25 alongside 2000 other multinational participants.

Troop Commander Lt Joe Huston said the engineers embarked on HMAS Choules in Sydney before sail-ing to join the exercise in Noumea.

“We arrived in HMAS Choules in the country’s capital where we met the French company we would be work-ing with throughout the exercise,” Lt Huston said.

Little time was spared before the troops commenced force integration training.

Lt Huston said engineers were tested across various water activities at the French Commando Nautical Centre to build camaraderie before heading out field.

“It was great to see the troops working alongside the French and marines, breaking down barriers and forging relationships that continued into the field phase of the exercise,” he said.

Participants were thrown into a hypothetical tsunami scenario designed to test their response to a natural disaster while dealing with simulated civil unrest.

In a region prone to natural disas-ters, Lt Huston said this type of train-ing was particularly relevant to those in his corps.

“As an engineer it’s important for us to train with regional partners to prepare for HADR operations, which

we will likely be tasked to respond to,” he said.

“Engineers are often required to assist with the initial cleanup follow-ing a disaster as well as providing support to security and stabilisation operations in deteriorating civilian safety situations.”

The engineers conducted an amphibious beach landing, unloading 255 embarked troops and 57 French vehicles in preparation for the distri-bution of aid.

Lt Huston said his troops worked alongside the MRF-D and FANC engi-neers, establishing vehicle checkpoints as well as conducting search tasks and route clearances in support of the wider HADR scenario.

He said this gave his soldiers a valuable opportunity to observe and learn from the other nations.

“We all benefited from observing the procedures of different nations as well as learning to work through and overcome communication challenges,” he said.

While there may be differences in language and standard operating procedures, Lt Huston said that an engineer can be spotted in a crowd no matter what military they belong to.

“It’s been great to see that all engi-neers across all the different nations have that same sense of larrikin humour,” he said.

Croix du Sud involved 11 ships, 13 aircraft and troop contributions from France (New Caledonia), Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Indonesia (observer) and Chile.

The ADF also contributed Minehunter coastal vessels HMA Ships Yarra and Gascoyne, RAAF aircraft and a headquarters element of about 30 ADF personnel.

Regional partners ready for disaster

June 14, 2018News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews10

LCpl Iain Dinnie, of 3CER, and Cpl Dimitri Massouelle, of the French 17th Airborne Engineer Regiment, man a vehicle check point during Exercise Criox du Sud. Photo: Cpl Kyle Genner

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BUILDINGS at Lavarack Barracks came under vicious assault by a com-bined-arms combat team bent on clear-ing an “enemy” force holed up in Coral Lines during early May.

1RAR’s A Coy formed the nucleus of “Combat Team Alpha” that included tanks, sappers, MPs, gunners and Queensland police officers taking part in an exercise dubbed Yellow Raid.

Clearing the enemy meant making use of the combat team’s urban ops skills and night fighting abilities; tied in with joint fires and the MPs’ handling detainees captured during the assault.

The exercise was conducted over three days, mostly within normal work hours.

Comd 3Pl, Lt Christine Knowles Diamond, found the soldiers receptive to the way the training was conducted.

“Many of them said how good it was to spend more time conducting mean-ingful rehearsals and training, knowing that at the end of the day they would go home,” she said.

US Marines staying in Coral Lines said they couldn’t believe a company

Battle of Lavarack

would assault one of its own buildings and wished they could do similar train-ing back home.

OC A Coy Maj Emlyn Mordike said the experience of working in the combat team benefited its enablers.

“Structuring a scenario to suit the facilities of Coral Lines meant we could achieve a full planning cycle for a com-bined arms team to achieve a tactical task,” he said.

“This low cost, easy to plan exercise construct paid huge dividends for our combined arms continuation training.”

‘This . . . exercise

construct paid huge dividends for our combined arms

continuation training.– Maj Emlyn Mordike,

OC A Coy

11June 14, 2018 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 11

Soldiers from A Coy, 1RAR, move in to storm a building at Lavarack Barracks as, inset, an Abrams tank moves through the barracks.

US soldiers take part in an attack.

June 14, 2018 Centrepiecewww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews12 13

DIAMOND IN THE SKYFIRING relentlessly on a notional

force of Marcellans, tanks and artillery broke the early even-ing silence at Shoalwater Bay

during the final battle of Exercise Diamond Strike on May 31.

It was the final combined-arms training activity leading up to Exercise Hamel testing 7 Bde as it prepares to take over from 3 Bde as the ready brigade.

On the gun line, LBdr Roger Boll of 1 Regt RAA said the exercise gave gunners a chance to experience a live-fire scenario with the whole brigade.

“It’s always a bit of a thrill, es-pecially when you’re firing the high charges – you get a big bang,” LBdr Boll said.

“It’s definitely good to come out and go through the actual live-fire – it helps everyone maintain their drills.

“When we’re dry-firing on bar-racks, you’re going through the motions, but when you’re out here dealing with the live stuff, every-one knows they’ve got to be more prepared and more focused. You definitely see the difference.”

The exercise also debuted a new way of using the Battle Management System (BMS).

CO 7CSR Lt-Col Leslie Juckel said

7 Bde was the first to use the BMS on the Mission Secret Network (MSN).

“Where previously we’ve been confined to a radio network, we’re now combining a radio and a satellite network,” Lt-Col Juckel said.

“We’re the first brigade that’s re-ally rolling out the systems of Land 200, and the MSN, so we’re taking the

network to a new level.“It means staff planners can use

this BMS for planning and conduct-ing the battle, and for situational awareness across this exercise, and as we go forward into Hamel.”

Comd 7 Bde Brig Anthony Rawlins said Diamond Strike used all of the brigade’s resources.

“The full brigade is in the field, with all of our capabilities, less those personnel who are currently deployed on operations,” Brig Rawlins said.

“Additionally, we have Raider Company from the US Marine Corps MRF-D in support of us, and we have elements from the enabling Bdes 6, 16, and 17, with us as well.”

As it prepares to assume the role of ready brigade, 7 Bde displays its lethality during Exercise Diamond Strike, Cpl Julia Whitwell reports.

Abrams tanks and US marine soldiers engage targets at Shoalwater Bay during Exercise Diamond Strike. Photo: Cpl Oliver Carter

Left to right; Gnr Claudia West fires an M777 lightweight towed howitzer; an Abrams moves along the road after completing a live fire serial; US marines watch for targets from their pit; and, Gnr John Parker loads charge bags into an M777 lightweight towed howitzer.Photos: Cpls Oliver Carter and Julia Whitwell

A US Marines sniper watches for targets.Photo: Cpl Julia Whitwell

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“DON’T keep history a mys-tery” was the theme of National Reconciliation Week held May 27-June 3.

Defence personnel honoured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a special event at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) on May 31.

By exploring the past and sharing stories about Indigenous history and cultures, National Reconciliation Week aims to foster deeper understanding of Australia’s national story.

Cpl Dean Smith, of RMC, said it was eye-opening to discover what Indigenous soldiers went through dur-ing their service in the ADF.

“My link to my Indigenous herit-age was through my grandmother who has passed away, so it’s become harder as I’ve gotten older to learn about my culture,” he said.

“Reconciliation Week has brought me closer to understanding the role that Indigenous people have played in Australian history.

“What their contribution was is a highlight for us to reflect on, especial-ly during this time each year.”

Defence supports Indigenous communities by awarding contracts to companies owned by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under the Commonwealth Indigenous Procurement Policy.

About 2.4 per cent of Defence’s workforce is Indigenous, with most of that in the ADF.

Proud of the historyWe celebrate the role of Indigenous Australians in the Army, Pte Renee Breeze reports.

June 14, 2018 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 15

Cpl Dean Smith, of HQ RMC, points to a relative on the Wall of Remembrance at the War Memorial.Photo: Pte Renee Breeze

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A SURFING trip to the Mentawai Islands with a fallen comrade’s son was a chance for SASR members

to reflect.Henry Diddams, son of Sgt Blaine

Diddams, was joined on the trip by organiser WO2 M and a number of SASR surfers and experienced water operators.

WO2 M, Cpl W and Cpl Mark Donaldson, VC, mentored Henry, who rose to the challenge of the large surf that hits the islands off Sumatra.

Henry tackled waves six to eight feet high with courage and enthusiasm that would have made his father proud, and even managed to steal the odd wave off the older guys.

“The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The boys that organised it and came made it an incredible experi-ence,” Henry said.

“All of them share a common bond being from the same unit my father served in. Staying in contact with Dad’s mates, the boys from the regi-ment, allows me to still have the same mentorship and positive influence of an army father being around. They look out for me.

“It’s good having male role models in my life as I come from a family of strong females; they provide great sup-port for me but in different ways.”

June 14, 2018Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews16

WO2 M said the Mentawai experi-ence exceeded his expectations.

“Not only was it great to see Henry smile so often and enhance his surf ability, I got the chance to reconnect with my own son, as well as my mates, all of whom have been dislocated through the posting cycle,” he said.

“I just wish I could harness all those endorphins.”

For many years the SASR has had

a board riders’ club set up primarily for the members of the squadrons to decompress.

In 2014, then-RSM “Buzz” switched the focus of the club to engage the families and friends of fallen warriors. Buzz’s concept was that many of the members lost in combat enjoyed surfing as a pastime and it would be great to introduce and encourage the sport as a means

of maintaining support between the unit, friends and families of those left behind.

This was especially important because many of these kids no longer had fathers to teach them the funda-mentals of surfing and beach safety.

Cpl W took the lead in 2014 and the club quickly gained momentum with meetings six to eight times a year.

With the support of staff at Legacy

Dunsborough and serving members, many successful weekends were held and it was clear that surfing was an effective means to engage the families of the fallen and for serving members to stay in touch with them.

“I always enjoyed getting back to the ocean after deployments, training or even trying and difficult times in my life,” Cpl Donaldson said.

“Somehow the ocean feels like a reset button. A place we can go and be alone or share to reconnect with nature and reconnect with others. That vehicle is the ocean and surfing.

“It makes kids turn into adults and adults into children.”

Cpl W agreed.“Current-serving members involved

have found the club a great way to decompress,” he said.

“It has fostered good working rela-tionships and networking which carry over into the workspace.

“In addition we have honoured our fallen brothers by engaging their families, showing them the continued support they more than deserve, simply by taking the kids for surf.

“There are a lot of unit members and their families who have supported the camps we have run over the years. I want to express my sincere thanks because without their help none of this would have ever gotten off the ground.”

Carving new memoriesSASR members take son of fallen comrade on ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’.

The Cove released a new channel for formation and battlegroup staff called ‘Command Post’ on June 1.

It features articles, advice and blogs, along with templates and exem-plars to assist in day-to-day staff life.

Channels on the military education website previously focused on junior leaders and combat teams.

Designer of Command Post, Maj Michael Fry, of HQ Forcomd, said he encouraged staff to access the resource.

“The staff environment can be chal-lenging,” he said.

“Suppor t ing commanders to think, analyse and act faster than our adversaries involves managing multi-ple information flows and competing priorities.

“As HQ staff across Army work up to Exercise Hamel, it’s a great time to get onto Command Post to see what

resources can be of assistance.”E n a b l i n g e a s y n av i g a t i o n ,

Command Post is divided into three categories: staff skills, planning and liaison and staff functions.

Like other channels on the Cove, Command Post is collaborative.

“It’s a graduation from individual professional military education to look-ing at things from a collective view-point,” Maj Fry said.

“It’s particularly useful for staff pre-paring and conducting collective train-ing activities.

“The Cove team wants to develop Army’s corporate knowledge through collecting and sharing resources to gen-erate discussion.”

Command Post can be accessed via cove.org.au, and contributions can be made via the webpage or to soldiercove@gmail.com

One-stop shop

Cpl Mark Donaldson, VC, and inset, Henry Diddams, son of Sgt Blaine Diddams.

The Cove features articles, advice and blogs.

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A MASS casualty exercise at Kabul Airport on April 24 simulated a worst case sce-nario.

During the simulation the wounded, played by Australians with Task Group Afghanistan, did what they could to help themselves before the coalition medics arrived and provided the first level of care.

Ambulances then transported ‘casu-alties’ to the US-led Role 2 Enhanced NATO Medical Treatment Facility, where the next level of health providers practised their life-saving procedures.

At the facility, Australian medical staff work alongside Romanian, US, British, Turkish, Danish and Czech medics.

OIC Australian Medical Team, Maj Emma Bucknell, is also the head of one of the five main trauma bays at the facility, which were led by doctors from different nations.

“My trauma team normally con-sists of a Danish airway nurse, a US physician’s assistant and an Australian

nurse,” she said. “My team on my shift today is a Romanian nurse, an Albanian nurse, a US medic and an Australian medic.

“The multinational environment gives me a fantastic opportunity to learn how health professionals from other countries work in emergency sit-uations.”

In Canberra, where she works for Joint Health Command, Maj Bucknell maintains her skills by working regu-lar shifts as a general practitioner in a civilian clinic.

During her holidays she works in hospital emergency departments across the country, such as Inverell and Ipswich, and before her deploy-ment to Afghanistan on Operation Highroad Maj Bucknell worked in the Emergency Department of the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

If that’s not enough, in her spare time she has worked as a doctor with Mount Isa Mines. Maj Bucknell said the experience of trauma and medical conditions experienced in Afghanistan

was an incredible learning experience for the military medical team.

“From the trauma perspective it helped me become more current and I’ve learnt a lot of skills from the US emergency physician and the US surgi-cal team,” she said.

“Even though coalition military personnel are screened well, we also deal with the civilian contractors.

“This means we deal with situa-tions, such as heart attacks, strokes or general medical conditions we don’t normally see with military medicine.”

The Australian medical team of 12 people is a mix of Army, Navy and Air Force full-time and reserve personnel for about six months.

Maj Bucknell said the medical facility was the first stop for primary

care for hundreds of the troops and contractors based at Kabul Airport.

Maj Bucknell said deploying as a clinician, manager and adviser, was a positive experience.

“We’ve integrated well as a team with the coalition personnel and a RAN medic was recently awarded the US Army Achievement Medal for his work here,” she said.

Care in KabulMedics from coalition nations work together in emergencies, Sgt Mark Doran reports.

June 14, 2018 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 17

Australian, Czech and American military personnel deployed to Afghanistan in support of the Resolute Support mission provide medical care to role-players during a mass casualty exercise. Photo: Sgt Mark Doran

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ARMY’S long-time nemesis the Musorian Armed Forces will be gradually replaced in coming years to make way for new fic-

tional opponents.A new adversary framework, the

Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE), will be slowly phased in bringing dynamic, free-thinking adversaries pre-senting conventional, irregular, criminal and cyber threats.

DATE features five fictional countries, each with different political, economic and social factors, all making use of hybrid warfare.

HQ Forcomd Director of Training Col Stuart Cree said the new opposing forc-es would challenge Army with increased uncertainty and chaos to better simulate the real world.

“In recent years we have seen the char-acter of war evolve; DATE is a revolution with the way Army conceptualises the enemy in our training environment,” he said.

“This will fundamentally improve the way we teach combat operations and tac-tics within Army.”

3 Bde will use DATE opposing force TTPs on Exercise Hamel this month as a

DONOVIA

GORGAS

LIM ATR

ARIANA

CaspianSea

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AzovSea

Persian Gulf

POLITICAL

Emerging Democracy

MILITARY

Smallest militar y in region, Tier 2 emerging capabilit ies

RELIGION

Eastern Orthodox Christianity

ECONOMY

Primarily service economy

POLITICAL

Autocracy

MILITARY

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RELIGION

Apostolic Christian

ECONOMY

Service andAgriculture Based

POLITICAL

Theocracy

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RELIGION

Sunni Muslim

ECONOMY

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POLITICAL

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ARMY AIR NAVY ARMD INF ARTY SPFOS IO

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Army’s Land Adversary System

aus.dateteam@defence.gov.auDRN http://collab/army/DATE

+61 2 8335 6570Know Your Enemy.

Know Your Enemy.

Evolving fictional threat

June 14, 2018 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 19

The Decisive Action Training Environment will bring dynamic, free-thinking adversaries against which to train.

pilot of the new training system. DATE is also being implemented

into the individual training system, with courses and TEWTs being redeveloped to reflect the new framework.

It allows training and exercise design-ers to quickly integrate contemporary trends into scenarios.

DATE was developed by the US Army’s Training and Doctrine Command to allow development of unique, challeng-ing and relevant training.

It was recently adopted by the UK, New Zealand and Canada, meaning con-sistency in training between Australia’s allies.

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operations and tactics within Army.

– Col Stuart Cree, HQ Forcomd Director

of Training

Army’s long-time nemesis, the Musorian Armed Forces, which will be replaced in coming years.

The Decisive Action Training Environment features five fictional countries, each with different political, economic and social factors, all making use of hybrid warfare.

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NAIDOC Week runs from July 8-15 and this year’s theme is ‘Because of her, we can!’.

NAIDOC Week 2018 will celebrate the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made, and continue to make, to our communities, fami-lies, rich history and to our nation.

As pillars of our society, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played, and continue to play, active and significant roles at the community, local, state and national levels.

This year Defence is encouraging all per-sonnel and bases to host or participate in community NAIDOC Week events.

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NAIDOC Week to honour Indigenous women

LBdr Hart answers questions from students at Durack Primary School. Photo: Gnr Jack Rogers

Logistics Officer Maj Michael Cahill manages Task Group Taji’s Logistics Coy at Taji Military Complex, Iraq. Photos: Cpl Steve Duncan

Above: Sgt Paul Summersgill, of 1 Sig Regt, shows a cadet a new EF88 Austeyr during Exercise Fresh Start.Photo: Cfn Priyantha Malavi Arachchi

Left: Capt Lachlan McDonald, a Joint Forward Air Controller instructor with Task Group Taji – 6, with Iraqi Forward Air Controller students.

Pte Joe Underwood provides force protection for Task Group Taji-6.

June 14, 2018 Peoplewww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 21

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THE ADF Rugby Union (ADFRU) women will take on the Australian Police Rugby Union team in Canberra on June 22.

The ADFRU squad features a balance of youthful enthusiasm and wise heads in what’s hoped to be a new chapter for ADF women’s rugby.

The team is spearheaded by the experi-ence of Wallaroo and Super W stars Pte Sarah Riordan, Off-Cdt Izzy Atkinson-Smith (Air Force) and AB Courtney Frankl.

While in Canberra the team will help run a coaching clinic with the Australian Police for 50 local primary school kids, before training alongside a women’s youth side.

On the eve of the match both the ADFRU and police squads will pay their respects and at an Australian War Memorial Last Post Ceremony.

The game kicks off at 3pm at RMC and entry is free.

You can follow ADFRU on Facebook @ADFRugby

Best of the best make the grade

Pte Shania Allen Pte Georgia Bradbery Pte Bree-Anna Cheetham Sig Payge-Louise Condon Pte Renee Cross Pte Terri Ellis

Cpl Nicola Emsley Spr Gemma Hauck Capt Alisha Hewett Cpl Nicole King Cpl Lucy Lockhart

Pte Sarah Riordan Cpl Jade Roberts Pte Julia Robinson Pte Kertisha Thompson Cpl Mary Yakauc

Soldiers selected for triservice squad

June 14, 2018Sport www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews22

Cpl Bill Solomou

ADDICTED to challenging himself, it was no surprise Sgt David Walsh, of HQ Land Warfare Centre, would compete at the recent Port Macquarie half Ironman Australia event on May 6, and finish in the top 10 in his field.

A member of the ADF Triathlon Club, he improved his time by more than 6 min-utes in the half Ironman 40- to 44-year age group.

Although coming from a running background, Sgt Walsh said the ride was his best leg on the day, averaging 35.5 km/h for the 90km undulating course.

“I am addicted to the personal chal-lenge and the competition to see how well I can go against others in my category,” Sgt Walsh said.

“It’s a sense of accomplishment and achievement that makes it so addictive.”

Sgt Walsh said he started triathlons about 18 months ago, and this was his second half Ironman.

“My training routine consists of approximately 10 hours a week, broken up into 3 sessions in the saddle, 3 sessions in the pool and 3 running,” Sgt Walsh said.

“My diet is nothing special, just eat healthy, meat / chicken and veg, and I make sure I stay away from processed food and junk food as much as possible, which is easier said than done.”

Sgt Walsh said his next event will be the triathlon Age Group World Championships in the shorter distances (sprint and Olympic) in Qld in Sept.

“Following that I want to do another half Ironman at the end of the year with my ultimate goal to complete a full one next year,” Sgt Walsh said.

Half IronmanSgt David Walsh – HQ LWC –

4:43 (10th AG) Lt Maxwell Allansen – 1 Sig

Regt – 5:27 (32nd AG)Lt Ryan Leonard – 9FSB –

5:51 (42nd AG)Cpl Sophie Woolford – RMC-D

– 5:52 (12th AG)Sgt Mark Rakocevic – 8/9RAR

– 7:12 (119th AG)

Ironman

Capt Dominic Lopez – 7RAR – 9:51 (12th AG)

Maj Stuart Zahnleiter – 2RAR – 11:39 (48th AG)

Capt Dale Cooper – HQJOC – 11:56 (75th AG)

Pte Edward Lyons – 2RAR – 13:21 (30th AG)

Addicted to the challenge

Sgt David Walsh in the running leg, and right, in the cycling leg of the Ironman.

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PTE Nathan Whittington and Sgt Shane Bramley represented Army among the 13-strong Australian team at the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs in the United States from June 1-9.

Pte Nathan Whittington competed in the 100, 200, 400, 4x100m track events, sitting volley ball and swimming, win-ning gold in the 200 and 400m and bronze in the 100m and 4x100m relay.

Pte Whittington said it felt amazing to be competing in the United States.

“The atmosphere the Americans put on is like nothing I have ever experi-enced before,” he said.

“The opening ceremony had 35,000+ people; you don’t get to experi-ence something like that every day.

“I think seeing the wounded injured and ill breaking down their barriers is probably the best thing I will ever wit-ness in my lifetime.”

The Australian team competed in 11 adaptive sports including, archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, and wheel-chair basketball, and for the first time in Warrior Games history, indoor rowing, powerlifting, and time trial cycling.

Pte Whittington said the Australian team was the smallest but also the loud-est, by far.

“I do hope we’re annoying them and getting inside their heads a bit. We wouldn’t be the Aussie team if we weren’t out here stirring the other teams up – but it’s all in good fun,” he said.

“We’re supporting not only our own guys but also everyone else who is out there having a crack because it is bloody tough work up here.

“The altitude makes competing pret-ty tough. I felt that in my 100m when I had a bit of a spew. And after the 400m I was not in a good way.”

Pte Whittington said the camaraderie within the Australian team was great.

“Everyone is supporting each other during their events in a pretty vocal way,” he said.

“Also pre and post competition

whether it’s nerves or somebody is just having a down-day, which we all have from time to time, that support and mateship is second-to-none.”

The Warrior Games is an adaptive sport competition for wounded, injured and ill (WII) serving and former serving defence personnel hosted by the United States Air Force.

Pte Whittington, admitting he is pretty competitive, said his high-light stemmed from more than just competing.

“I have been an amputee for eight years now so being able to help those out who are relatively new to being an amputee is rewarding,” he said.

“One British guy has been an ampu-tee for only 18 months and I gave him some tips on running and prosthetics adjustment and he came away with a bronze medal – that felt great.

“That sort of thing means much more to me than standing up there and receiving a medal.”

Pte Whittington said the power of recovery through sport had a lot of sig-nificance to him.

“I was lucky enough to be intro-duced to track pretty early after my amputation,” he said.

“Having that new goal to focus on definitely got me out of the darkest time of being an amputee.

“Doing sport and physical activity is the only thing that makes me feel like being an able-bodied person again.”

The Games brought together around 300 personnel from the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Command. Competitors from the UK Armed Forces, ADF and Canadian Armed Forces also competed at the Games.

Australia’s involvement in the Warrior Games is part of a broader adaptive sports program in which cur-rent and former serving WII military personnel participate in a variety of competitions in the United States and Canada, as well as the Invictus Games, which will be held from October 20-27 in Sydney.

Pte Nathan Whittington serves the ball during the ‘Commonwealth Cup’ sitting volleyball match against the United Kingdom. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

Sportwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsJune 14, 2018 23

Breaking down barriers

June 14, 2018SPORT

WARRIORSOur wounded, injured or ill

personnel take on the world P27

Sgt Shane Bramley prepares to pass the ball during the wheelchair basketball match against Canada as part of the Warrior Games.Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey