farewell - department of defence...edition 1244 september 16, 2010 farewell army salutes three of...

Edition 1244 September 16, 2010

FAREWELLArmy salutes three of its own See pageS 2-3

Goodbye: The bearer party escorts the gun carriage with LCpl Jared MacKinney’s coffin into Ashgrove Baptist Church on September 10 (above).Photo by Cpl Bernard Pearson

Honoured: The catafalque party rests at arms (left) during the funeral service for Pte Tomas Dale on September 8.Photo by Bernard Pearson

Final journey: The coffin of Pte Grant Kirby is escorted by colleagues from 6RAR on September 3. Photo by Sgt Chris Weissenborn

2 NEWS Army September 16, 2010

THE haunting sounds of Stairway to Heaven filled the St Peter Chanel Chapel in Brisbane on September 3 as family, mates and former colleagues said their final goodbyes to Pte Grant Kirby.

Pte Kirby and his 6RAR colleague Pte Tomas Dale were killed by an IED on August 20 while they were conducting an overwatch task in the Baluchi Valley in Afghanistan.

Pte Kirby’s coffin was carried from the church to the strains of the Led Zeppelin song before passing through an honour guard of his mates from 6RAR, as three volleys were fired in salute.

In his eulogy, Comd 7 Bde Brig Paul McLachlan spoke of conversations he’d had with a number of Pte Kirby’s mates, his CO and the family.

“The message I got from each of these con-versations was pretty much the same – Grant Kirby was a man who everybody loved to be around,” Brig McLachlan said.

“His approach to his job, to his family and his life set him apart from the crowd and made him someone you would seek out from afar.”

Brig McLachlan then directed a special mes-sage to Pte Kirby’s daughters, Isabella, 10, and Madeleine, 8, telling them their father was a great soldier and that they should be exception-ally proud of him.

Pte Kirby’s sister, Lauren, told the mourners that he was the best big brother anyone could ask for, and that he had the ability to be positive in every situation, no matter how bad.

“He was my best friend as well as my big brother,” she said.

In a heart-rending moment Isabella spoke of her love for her daddy, while Pte Kirby’s brother, Shaun, read an emotional poem describing how much he is missing – and will miss – him.

Pte Kirby’s father, Gary, surrounded by his family, reminisced on Grant the larrikin, from the time the 3-year-old ran off with a dozen eggs which he proceeded to break in his aunty’s hall-way, to the time he and his mates turned up for his wedding wearing tuxedos and board shorts.

He then said, “Grant, I love you”.The soldier who had been with Pte Kirby

just a few moments before he died, Pte Joe Thompson, told the family that Pte Kirby embodied the true spirit of the Australian soldier.

“He was a man who used humour to get through the tough times, who would do anything for his mates and would give everything to a cause he believed in,” he said.

“Kirbs, you are my best mate and my brother.”Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition

Leader Tony Abbott, Defence Minister John Faulkner, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, CDF ACM Angus Houston and CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie were among the mourners.

Three Australian sons

Mourning loss: The bearer party carries Pte Grant Kirby into St Peter Chanel Chapel, Brisbane. Photo by Sgt Chris Weissenborn

‘A man everyone loved to be around’

HEYSEN Chapel in Centennial Park, Adelaide, was overflowing on September 8 as family, friends and colleagues came together to celebrate the life of Pte Tomas Dale.

Pte Dale and his 6RAR colleague Pte Grant Kirby were killed by an IED on August 20 while serving with Mentoring Task Force 1 in Afghanistan.

Pte Dale’s coffin, adorned with Australian flag and his iconic slouch hat, entered Centennial Park atop the traditional gun car-riage.

The procession was led by drummers from the Australian Army Band-Adelaide, flanked by a guard of honour of soldiers from his bat-talion, 6RAR.

The coffin was carried into the chapel on the shoulders of the bearer party and guarded throughout the service by a catafalque party, both from 6RAR.

Commander 7 Bde Brig Paul McLachlan spoke highly of the 21-year-old soldier.

“Tom Dale was taken from us early as a young soldier of boundless potential who was living his life as hard as it could be lived, grabbing at every opportunity that came his way and leaving nothing in the tank,” Brig McLachlan said.

“Mention Tom Dale’s name to anyone

around the 6th Battalion and the first response you get is a big smile as they remember what he was like to have around.

“In a real-life evolution of the Anzac sol-dier, Tom Dale was a Generation Y version of the traditional digger character.”

Pte Dale’s father, David, spoke of how much he would be missed.

“The thought of spending the rest of our lives without you is scary – you were our world,” Mr Dale said, before promising to look after the mother Tomas loved so dearly.

Three of Pte Dale’s friends, dressed in South Adelaide Panthers Football Club guern-seys with ‘Dale’ and the number 14 on the back, paid tribute to a great mate who was committed to and loved his job.

Close friend David Sommerville said Pte Dale “died doing what he loved, around some of his best mates”.

“Tom will always be remembered in our hearts. He truly is a hero and will be dearly missed,” he said.

The service ended with a lone bugler play-ing the Last Post after mourners placed poppies on the coffin.

Mourners included Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, Defence Minister John Faulkner, CDF and CA.

Modern version of traditional soldier

Solemn duty: CDF ACM Angus Houston, CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie and Comd 7 Bde Brig Paul McLachlan salute the honour guard for Pte Tomas Dale. Photo by Cpl Bernard Pearson

FAMILY and friends of LCpl Jared MacKinney, Pte Grant Kirby and Pte Tomas Dale joined their military colleagues and members of the ex-service community in a memorial ser-vice for the fallen soldiers.

The service was held by their unit at its 6RAR Memorial at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.

During the ceremony held on September 1, Comd 7 Bde Brig Paul McLachlan, paid tribute to the three soldiers.

“It takes a certain type of person to join the military. To be willing to put your life on the line in the service

of your country is without a doubt the unusual choice of an exceptional bunch of people,” Brig McLachlan said.

“The examples in combat offered to us by Tom Dale, Grant Kirby and Jared MacKinney sets the bar even higher for us all.

“They fought and served with hon-our, courage and conviction.”

Brig McLachlan thanked the Queensland and Australian communi-ties for their ongoing support.

“The outpouring of sympathy and best wishes has been overwhelming, and humbling, and it makes us proud to be the soldiers of such a nation,” he said.

Family and friends pay tribute at Gallipoli Barracks

Memorial service: Beckie MacKinney, wife of LCpl Jared MacKinney (left), and the family of Pte Tomas Dale (right) lay wreaths for the fallen soldiers. Photos by AC Sandra Midson

Sacrifice honoured: Pte GrantKirby’s family is escorted by actingCO 6RAR, Maj Bill Shepherd.

NEWS 3 Army September 16, 2010

From Bris to Tarin Kot

By AB Melanie Schinkel

IN TRIBUTE to fallen soldier Pte Nathan Bewes a team of 80 family, friends and sol-diers walked and ran the Bridge to Brisbane raising more than $50,000 for Legacy.

Just 38 days after the 6RAR digger was killed in Afghanistan, partner Alice Walsh led the Keep Walking Bewesy team on August 29.

The team raised more than $43,000 in three weeks with support from deployed troops in Afghanistan, the general public and Gaythorne and Normanby RSLs.

Ms Walsh said the team was the highest fundraiser this year and was awarded $10,000 from Suncorp, raising the total to $53,083.90.

“We created this event in honour of Nathan to promote awareness, support our serving soldiers and show that we would never forget the sacrifice Nathan made for us,” Ms Walsh said.

“Of the subsequent four deaths of soldiers

in Afghanistan, three were from the same bat-talion as Nathan, and out of those three, two are survived by children.

“Nathan was such a kind and giving person that we decided to fundraise for Legacy, who support our deceased veterans’ families and children.”

Pte Bewes’ Army comrades carried 50kg packs for the duration of the 5km race.

Ms Walsh said that Pte Bewes would con-tinue to give and make a difference through the efforts of those who were closest to him.

“Our efforts will help to redefine the true meaning of a hero,” she said.

“Our heroes don’t wear capes – they wear cams and combat boots.

“We will continue to keep walking for Bewesy.”

The team is still collecting funds.

Donations can be made online at http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/keep_walking_bewesy

DESPITE a week that saw two memorial services for three of their mates, Brisbane-based soldiers from Mentoring Task Force 1 participated in a charity run at the Multinational Base, Tarin Kot, on August 28 to raise money for children with autism.

The ‘Bridge to Brisbane’ charity run was conducted to help Autism Queensland’s Kidstart program which has raised more than $3.14m for charities over the past 13 years. The Tarin Kot run raised $3500.

For the men and women of MTF 1, many of whom are normally based at Gallipoli Barracks, it was a welcome distraction to be able to assist a worthwhile charity after the grief of farewelling Ptes Tomas Dale, Grant Kirby and LCpl Jared McKinney.

“We actually had two runs to coincide with the Bridge to Brisbane event,” Lt Emma Cameron, a physiotherapist with MTF 1, said.

“There was a 5km run for mere mortals

and a 10km run for the more serious entrants. In the heat and the dust here, both these dis-tances are testing runs.”

Each contestant donated $25 to participate in the 5km run or $30 to take part in the 10km Tarin Kot Cup. And it was not just the Aussies contributing to the cause; they were joined by a number of their Dutch, Singaporean and US coalition partners.

“The instigator for the involvement was PTI Sgt Bradley Whittaker who’s always look-ing for different activities to keep people’s spirits up,” Lt Cameron said.

“With MTF 1 mostly comprising mem-bers from 6RAR, he thought it was a logical choice.”

In total there were 115 entries with the 10km main event taken out by Capt Rob Arnold in a respectable 38min 43sec over a sandy, rocky and uneven course. The wom-en’s 10km was won by Cpl Holly McBride in 43min 1sec.

laid to rest

Much loved: LCpl Jared MacKinney with wife Beckie and daughter Annabell.

The Soldiers’ NewspaperDirectorRod Horan: (02) 6265 4650

EditorialActing EditorGraham McBean: (02) 6266 7609Deputy Editor:Sharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612Chief of StaffBrain Hartigan: (02) 6265 1161Reporters:Sgt Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614Sgt Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7614Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe: (02) 6266 7606Cpl Zenith King: (02) 6265 2151

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

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

... the legacy lives on

Bewesy walkers: Pte Nathan Bewes’ cousin David Preston, left, sister Stephanie Bewes and partner Alice Walsh, walk to raise funds for Legacy at the Bridge to Brisbane (above) and runners take off in Tarin Kot (inset).

ABOUT 700 people packed Ashgrove Baptist Church in Brisbane on September 10 to fare-well LCpl Jared MacKinney.

LCpl MacKinney was killed following a fire-fight with Taliban insurgents in the Deh Rawud region of Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, on August 24.

The church overflowed with mourners, who braved steady rain to pay their last respects to the 28-year-old soldier.

In a statement, LCpl MacKinney’s family said he was a much-loved member of a very large extended family who remembered him in many ways as a loving husband and father, and treas-ured son and brother.

Jane, his mother, said he was patriotic and a dedicated soldier who was realistic about the risks.

“He was very competitive with himself and set very high personal standards,” she said.

“He played representative hockey for NSW when he was younger, but when he moved to Queensland took up rugby league. He was a pas-sionate supporter of the Canterbury Bulldogs.”

LCpl MacKinney’s father-in-law, David Smallbone, nicknamed him “Crash” at their first meeting, a name that quickly became a term of endearment in the family and the name he was known by to all his mates.

“Jared was a warm, caring and very selfless man who loved his whole family. He was a dedi-cated family man,” Mr Smallbone said.

LCpl MacKinney’s wife, Beckie, said in Jared’s eyes their 3-year-old daughter, Annabell, “his little princess”, could do no wrong.

“Jared was a very loving dad, a doting father, and nothing meant more to him than family. He was really the best husband and we shared the most amazing 11 years together.”

The couple’s second child is due soon and she said LCpl MacKinney had been looking forward to “meeting his little man” who would have been five weeks old when he returned.

“The long journey without Jared has begun for Annabell and me, and soon also for little Noah Jared who is due to come into the world in a fortnight.

“Noah will never get to meet his father, but he will come to know him for the incredible man he was through our love and memories.

“To Jared’s mates in Afghanistan and back home, we were all very proud of Jared and the work he loved doing. I know Jared would want me to tell you that we are very proud of you and fully support you in the job you are doing for us all.

“We have reached the deepest depths of despair since we were told of Jared’s death, but we have also been helped and comforted by the support and extraordinary generosity of spirit of old friends, new friends and strangers who cared.”

LCpl MacKinney was the 21st Australian sol-dier to be killed in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001.

‘Nothing meant more than family’

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A NEW ADF warehouse, opened on August 27, will bring JLU Victoria into the 21st century.

The new facility at Wadsworth Barracks, Bandiana, is capable of storing up to 19,000 pallets of combat and non-combat clothing and field equipment.

The $27m facility replaces eight World War II-vintage warehouses and will be fitted with modern equipment and technology, streamlining the storage and distribution of ADF clothing and equipment.

Commander Joint Logistics AVM Margaret Staib said its capabilities would support all of the ADF and assist personnel, including those deploying or deployed on operations.

“From early next year Australia’s deployed servicemen and women will all be supplied with combat clothing and other essential equipment from this new facility,” AVM Staib said.

JLU (V) Bandiana Business Manager Peter Worsteling said up to 40 BAE Systems personnel would operate the warehouse.

“Defence has installed a range of innovative, industry-standard warehous-ing equipment to support warehouse operations and we will further enhance warehousing technology through a num-ber of initiatives in the coming years,” he said.

Warehouse replaces outdated facilities

Quantum leap: Commander Joint Logistics AVM Margaret Staib opens the new warehouse. Photo by Ian Morley

Upgrade: The new warehouse.

Helping hand: Australian Army nurse, Maj Christine Saunders, talks to a Pakistani interpreter to relay the dosage of medicine required for her young Pakistani patient. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

Health checks help PakistanMORE than 1000 flood-affected Pakistanis have been provided with primary health-care treat-ment since the opening of the Australian health centre at Kot Addu in Punjab province.

The health centre, staffed by Australian civilian and Defence doctors, nurses and paramedics, is now seeing more than 200 patients a day, some of whom are in critical need of medical attention.

The flood-affected population of Kot Addu has been treated for a variety of conditions including diarrhoea, skin conditions, malaria, chronic conditions and other illness-es and injuries.

The AusAID-led Australian Medical Task Force and the ADF run the health centre to relieve over-burdened local health services in Kot Addu.

Tens of thousands of people are homeless and more than 250,000 are still relying on food assistance.

The task force provides primary health care – care similar to a gen-eral practice – including maternal and children’s health and a ward for day treatment.

It also includes basic diagnos-tic services including X-ray and pathology, a pharmacy and a pre-ventative-health program.

Dr Ian Nor ton, Darwin’s National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, said the team had a wealth of experience and was stepping up to the challenge.

“Many of the people we’ve treat-ed, especially many of the children, would have died had we not been able to treat them,” Dr Norton said.

“Many seriously ill people have come to us for treatment.”

OIC of the health facility Sqn-

Ldr Andrew Pearson acknowledged the operation was challenging but gratifying.

“The team has found it enor-mously challenging given the sheer number of people needing treatment and the heat, but we’ve really enjoyed the hard work and learnt a lot about ourselves and the Pakistani people,” Sqn-Ldr Pearson said.

“There’s not one of us who hasn’t been thrilled to be here to help.”

The health centre in Kot Addu is part of the wider Australian Government package of assis-tance to Pakistan in the wake of the floods.

Australia has contributed $35 million to support the immediate relief efforts of UN agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent move-ments and NGOs.

“The warehouse incorporates sig-nificant technological features which provide storepeople with the capability to make inventory changes in real time from anywhere inside the warehouse.

“Also included is a new fleet of 19 forklifts that will operate with the latest in-floor automatic guidance systems.

“Existing technologies such as data transaction technologies, which provide warehouse operators with the ability to undertake real-time warehouse transac-tions from anywhere inside the ware-house, have also been installed.”

The large surface area of the roof also plays a part in water conservation for the JLU base at Wadsworth Barracks.

“Rainwater harvested from the warehouse roof will be used as part of Defence’s local rainwater reticulation plan,” Mr Worsteling said. “The water will be used for washing and steam cleaning military equipment, reducing reliance on local water supplies.”

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Soldiers flood in to lend hand

Team effort: Soldiers from 53 Bty sandbag the Telstra exchange in Mooroopna (above). Photo courtesy of Shepparton News

Distribution line: Gnr Thomas Butler helps distribute the sandbags (inset).

By Peter Johnson

JUST 18 months after providing vital support to emergency services during the Victorian bushfires, soldiers have helped battle the floods in northern Victoria.

Army committed 55 personnel from 53 Bty School of Arty, and 10 vehicles including six Unimogs, following a request from the SES on September 5.

The troops were sent to Shepparton to assist with preparing and delivering sandbags, door knocking, and using their vehicles for evacuations if required.

CO School of Arty Lt-Col Brandon Wood said the soldiers had to move quickly when the call went out for help.

“It was 16 hours between the first phone call warning order on Sunday and having guys on the ground at 0800hrs on Monday,” he said.

“It was a pretty good turnaround for the School of Arty, and the community has been appreciative.”

He said the initial direction was for 48 hours but the anticipated delay in floodwaters reaching Shepparton meant the commitment was extended by 24 hours until floodwaters peaked.

“This was to enable tasking of the SES and other emergency services after assessing the extent of flood damage,” Lt-Col Wood said.

School of Arty handed over to 4 Bde ready reserve force (RRF) on September 9 in what brigade major 4 Bde Maj Philip Whitehead described as “a seam-less transition.”

The 4 Bde commitment is a com-mand-and-control element involving 54 members, mostly from the RRF, who will

support the SES. Many of the soldiers were involved with Op Vic Fires Assist last year and helping with this task was “very much within their capability on their own doorstep,” Maj Whitehead said.

“As reservists a number of them also work in the emergency services field so they bring these skills with them.”

Commander of 53 Bty troops at Shepparton Maj David Jones said tasks included sandbagging around telecom-munications sub stations and service stations, shoring up a Goulburn River levee bank, confirming locations of resi-dents should evacuation be required and providing vehicles to help people cross flooded roads.

53 Bty maintained an ongoing ‘be -prepared task’ to evacuate Shepparton residents as floodwaters rose on the night of September 7.

But the success of the SES-led infor-mation campaign and the sandbagging preparations meant the potential evacua-tion was avoided.

Two soldiers assisting at Shepparton, Bdr Paul Gardner from Morwell, Victoria, and Gnr Steven Field from Eden, NSW, felt an affinity with those affected by the floods.

“I come from a similar area, we have had a lot of floods like this,” Bdr Gardner said.“It’s good to come and support the local community, they need a hand. Everyone was happy to see us.”

“We had a few floods when I was younger, I know what people are like in those situations,” Gnr Field said.

“It has been good, it was something different, and it was good to see what the SES and other people do.”

A SERVICE honouring Australia’s involvement in peacekeeping mis-sions is scheduled to be held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial site at Anzac Parade in Canberra on September 14 at 11am.

Chair of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Committee Maj-Gen Tim Ford (retd) said all

Defence personnel, their friends and families were invited to attend what will be the 63rd anniversary of Australia’s peacekeeping efforts.

The memorial recognises the cour-age and professionalism of peacekeep-ers and also focuses on recognising the significant contribution by Australians to international peacekeeping.

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A FORMER Army diver was fare-welled by his mates when they released his ashes at depth off HMAS Penguin at Mosman on August 21.

Luke But ler died a t Por t Macquarie on July 27, aged 27, after a long battle with cancer.

He wanted his ashes released at the Army Dive Wing because his association with the school went back to 2005 when he completed an Army work diver course.

WO2 Jason Watkins, SI Army Dive Wing, said the event was a very special occasion.

“Research, and questioning a lot of different agencies, shows releas-ing of ashes at depth has never been completed before, or at least not been recorded,” he said.

The ceremony began with a group of divers going through pre-dive formalities before diving to a depth of 5m with Luke’s ashes.

The divers formed a circle, observed a minute’s silence and released the ashes.

WO2 Watkins deployed to Afghanistan with Spr Butler in 2006-07 as part of 1CER’s contribu-tion to Reconstruction Task Force 1.

He said Spr Butler was remem-bered as a bit of a larrikin.

“He was a real practical joker, but none of his jokes were ever practical,” he said.

“His interests were fishing, camping, shooting and four-wheel driving – all the things a typical Aussie bloke likes to do before he gets married. He was really big on water activities and did military and commercial diving, and free-diving as a hobby.”

Luke Butler enlisted in the Army in 2003 and was medically dis-charged in 2008.

Mates grant last request

Safe place of learningBy Leonie Gall

IT MAY be a typical Saturday after-noon in the nation’s capital but at least Lt Husain Qassim is enjoying a peace-ful day.

The 29-year-old Iraqi Army Officer is on exchange from the Iraq Military College in Baghdad where life was very different for him.

Basra-born Lt Qassim said it was very dangerous to study at the col-lege during 2006 and revealed he was attacked by terrorists with mortars.

Lt Qassim arrived in Australia in 2007, spending 10 months studying English in Melbourne before moving on to ADFA where he is completing an Engineering degree.

One of four students chosen from 100 applicants, Lt Qassim is currently the only Iraqi officer on exchange to ADFA.

He joined mates and more than 8,000 visitors on August 28 to enjoy festivi-ties ADFA had on offer to showcase available programs and facilities at the academy.

Open day visitors were treated to a range of tri-service displays including a show-stopping performance by the Roulettes, Army and Navy helicopters, military working dogs and a range of ADFA music performances.

Lt Qassim is embracing his time in Australia and is very positive about his experiences so far.

“There are really nice people in Australia – it’s a very friendly environ-ment,” Lt Qassim said.

“I really love it – I’ve made heaps of friends all around Australia.

“This is the good thing about the Army, I get to know people from all around Australia and overseas.”

When not hitting the books, Lt Qassim has taken the opportunity while at ADFA to indulge his love of working out and has become involved in sports including dragon-boat racing, football and soccer.

Next year Lt Qassim will attend RMC, after completing his degree, and is going on to train as a pilot in the Iraq Aviation Corps.

Lt Qassim will return to his country with hundreds of Australian friends and invaluable knowledge and experiences that he is looking forward to sharing with his Army.

Flying the flag: ADFA’s Iraqi exchange officer, Lt Husain Qassim.

Crossed rifles: Members of the ADFA Precision Drill Team highlight their coordination and skill during a performance at the open day.

Final dive: Luke Butler’s ashes are released underwater (above). Cancer claimed the life of the ex-soldier (pictured at right), who was passionate about diving.

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By Sgt Andrew Hetherington

NEW G-Wagon vehicles bound for Army and Air Force were put through their paces on and off road by soldiers and airmen at Puckapunyal in July.

The trials were run to determine user configuration requirements before they enter service next year.

Nine vehicles in a variety of four-by-four and six-by-six variants were used in the user evaluation, including military working dog transports, cab chassis, carryall and station wagons.

They were driven and tested by 15 Army and Air Force personnel over more than 2500km for each vehicle.

G-Wagon project manager and OC of the trials Robert Hudson, DMO, said after completing a five-day G-Wagon drivers’ course, the 15 per-sonnel moved off road.

“After dr iv ing the vehic les from Puckapunyal to Wodonga and back, the drivers deployed onto the Puckapunyal range,” Mr Hudson said.

“The vehicles were used as if they were deployed operationally, driving through difficult terrain during day and night, using night vision and with blacked-out lighting.

“They outperformed current in-ser-vice Land Rovers by travelling places

they couldn’t go, such as rocky and rutted roads and steep terrain.”

After each phase of the evaluation was completed, drivers filled out an evaluation sheet, with DMO observers, on how the vehicle had performed.

Trial participant and driver Pte Kaylene McNee, 26 Tpt Sqn, was one of the first Army personnel to be issued a G-Wagon licence.

She said she was impressed with its on and off-road capabilities.

“They were much easier than a Land Rover to drive and can be taken through more difficult terrain too,” she said. “Inside the dual-cab version it was spacious for passengers and could cruise at a higher speed on the high-way.”

She said there would be a lot of satisfied Army drivers when the G-Wagon arrived at units.

“It’s an awesome and reliable vehi-cle and I’m happy we are getting them next year.”

Mr Hudson said the feedback from drivers during the evaluation was extremely positive.

“They said they are excellent vehi-cles and a big improvement over what the ADF has used in the past,” he said.

The first batch of 30 vehicles will be delivered to driver-training estab-lishments in February next year.


THE development of an innovative new device to be fitted to F88, M4 and F89 weap-ons on exercises will prevent future injuries to soldiers, sailors and airmen.

The bullet-trap blank-firing attachment (BTBFA) developed by Thales Australia Ltd is designed to catch a live round fired from a weapon during a blank-firing exercise.

The BTBFA is made of steel, weighs 360g and allows blank rounds to be fired.

The internal baffles and outer casing will stop live rounds from exiting the barrel, prevent-ing injury or death to the firer or bystanders.

DMO project manager Stan Williamson said the new device would replace existing blank-firing attachments.

“The $10-million project involves the pur-chase of more than 54,000 BTBFAs for the ADF, with 2000 being manufactured each month at Thales in Lithgow,” Mr Williamson said.

“The first units to receive BTBFAs for F88s were ARTC at Kapooka and the School of Inf in early September, with other units to receive them at later dates.”

More than 35,000 F88 BTBFAs will be delivered, with the remaining F89 and M4 vari-ants delivered by November 2012.

G-Wagon proves its mettle

Testing times: Variants of the new G-Wagon tackle the Puckapunyal range during recent evaluation trials. Photo by Graham Davey

New bullet trap to improve small arms safetySafer option: The new bullet trap fitted to the F88 Steyr will help reduce the instances of live rounds being fired during blank-firing exercises.

Are you aware of your surroundings?

Are you familiar with the equipment?

Are there any risks associated with the task at hand?

- FOCUS - ACT

What you don’t know about safety could hurt you.

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8 NEWS – ARMY HQ FEATURE ON GOVERNANCE Army September 16, 2010

The following improvements are pro-posed to be introduced as part of the reform program.

u Annual Awareness Training: A sin-gle annual awareness training package has been developed to meet all Army’s mandatory awareness training needs: OH&S, Security, Equity & Diversity, Heat Injury Awareness, Suicide Awareness, Ethics & Fraud, and Drugs & Alcohol will all be integrated into a ‘Force Preservation Awareness’ (FPA) Package (Ready for the 2010 Pre-Command Course and ready for units in 2011). The FPA theme was selected in recognition that all serials are about avoiding undesirable loss which com-promises our Force Generation and Force Preparation activities.

u Simplifying PMKeyS recording of annual training: A single entry for every ADF member and APS employee in Army’s unit’s will be introduced to record the FPA training outcome.

u Improving PMKeyS access: Army-led initiative aiming to have the self-ser-vice system available on the internet.

u New Corporate Governance DI(A): A key capstone document is being developed, under which all of Army’s governance structures/action will sit.

u Reduced Unit Governance Burden: A new, single-agency is being devel-oped to integrate all audits, compli-ance assistance visits and remediation checks in Army units. This improve-ment is in direct recognition of feedback

from CA’s Challenge Workshops and will lead to dramatic reductions in the number of times units are visited each year for audits and assurance checks. Existing activities including security surveys and inspections, ArmySAFE Advisory Service visits, supply chain checks, financial services audits and Maintenance Advisory Service activi-ties will be considered for rationalisation within the new structure.

u CO’s Governance Website: all of the guidance in one spot by the end of 2010! The website will contain the cur-rent policy or point of reference in every area of administration.

GOVERNANCE REFORM IMPROVEMENTS

FOR as long as I’ve been in the Army there has been criticism about the way we conduct governance and rightly so – some things that we do are simply dumb.

Ill-defined accountabilities, poor risk-management leading to risk-aver-sion, and policy, practice and technol-ogy that hasn’t kept up with modern trends has regrettably resulted in cum-bersome and poorly targeted compli-ance and assurance processes.

Governance is not just something that loggies do – it’s core to Army business. These are cultural issues we need to resolve to ensure management

NEW DAWN FOR ARMY

Supporting the warfighter: Better governance at home makes life easier at the business end. Photo by LS Paul Berry

Reform from the bottom upBy Col Stuart Yeaman

THE Australian Army in 2010 is a complex corporate organi-sation, with large budgets, com-prehensive personnel-support policies and cutting-edge tech-nologies ultimately adminis-tered at the lowest level – the regiment, battalion or unit by a handful of unit staff.

The CO’s team of key appointments are responsible for keeping the detailed machinery of the modern Army running at maximum efficiency in an envi-ronment that is dangerous, where margins for error are slight and where there is close scrutiny by politicians, media and departmen-tal auditors, both within Defence and outside.

It is the Army’s administration system, or loosely “governance” that is intended to support the unit commander and his/her staff in administering in every detail, the equipment, people and safety standards of the organisation.

Governance is often packaged as all the Defence instructions, regulations, directives, informa-tion systems, audits and orders that are written by higher head-quarters. But, it is importantly also the sum of all the effort applied by every clerk, store-man, tradesmen or junior leader to make the system run better and more efficiently.

While there is a lot of policy, it is actually the training and the initiative of junior commanders in units that accounts for the great success of Army governance.

Some of Army’s best systems, including AIMS and ACMS, have been generated from the lowest levels, not from above, to meet the requirements of units.

The challenge for the Army of the future will be how to improve upon its current administrative system for the next generation, and many of those ideas will come from the junior leaders of today, looking at the problems from the unit now.

Army HQ introduces a new era in corporate governance for the modern Army. AHQ Chief of Staff Brig David Mulhall says let’s capitalise on the opportunities SRP presents.

“It is essential for commanders to stay engaged and provide appropriate feedback to AHQ through the chain of com-mand. We encourage commanders to remain tuned to new ideas and initiatives that will enable Army to turn needless waste back into combat capability,” Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie, CA.

of governance within Army has the sus-tained attention and intellectual com-mitment that it should.

C A e s t a b l i s h e d t h e A r m y Governance Board (AGB) to strategi-cally manage governance, compliance and assurance activity within Army.

Over the last 18 months, the Board has worked hard to fundamentally review and reform governance.

This work started before the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) which offers the opportunity to challenge what we are doing and to provide resources and commitment to find better ways.

The accompanying articles should provide a sense of some of what we have done so far and also to give you food for thought of what else can be achieved.

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NEWS – ARMY HQ FEATURE ON GOVERNANCE 9Army September 16, 2010

By Lt-Col John Brennan

“Why are we doing this?” Recently, COs and RSMs from around

the country have taken part in the CA Challenge Command Team Workshops in locations from Darwin to Melbourne and all points in between.

Initially, the above question related to the whole concept, but once into the nitty gritty of the two days, focus turned to why Army continues to use processes and procedures which we all know can be improved or changed.

The Command teams were given

briefings on Army reform, the Strategic Reform Program, and change manage-ment methodology, including a lean familiarisation workshop. This gave the leaders of Army a chance to brainstorm a variety of issues, and propose some ‘quick wins’ or ‘just do its’.

While it was acknowledged that gov-ernance remained a major challenge to streamlining Army processes, most par-ticipants agreed that they came away with a greater understanding of the reform agenda, and with some extra tools with which to implement the CA’s Challenge.

Workshopping challenging changesCA CHALLENGE COMMAND TEAM

Many minds make light work: COs and RSMs have been brainstorming ways of improving processes and procedures.

By Lt-Col John Brennan

‘HOW can I do this job better?’‘How can I get a better end result

where it counts?‘Does this job really need doing?’

Army will be rolling out a targeted Lean training program over the next few months to help us all answer these critical questions.

Lean management programs are rolling out across Army with 6 Av Regt and 1 Av Regt already underway. Comprehensive Lean training will be initially delivered to around 300 personnel Army-wide while around an additional 400 key personnel will receive familiarisation training.

Some of this training has been part of the CA Challenge Command Team Workshops, with a one-day Lean familiarisation program present-ed to commanders and RSMs.

Lean is not about cost cutting. It is not an acronym, rather it is a name

given to a change management meth-odology. Lean is a package of simple, commonsense ideas and tools based on the approach that savings will follow if you find ways to improve performance.

Lean looks at ‘end to end’ pro-cesses rather than just arbitrary cuts that don’t take account of impacts on other parts of Army.

The flow-on effects of changes in one part of Army can often make something harder to achieve, over-burden someone else, or simply shift costs elsewhere.

The US and UK militaries have both used Lean successfully to stream-line aspects of the way they work.

Lean is currently assessed as the most appropriate tool to assist reform efforts, but does not neces-sarily supersede other leadership and management tools already in place. One thing won’t change – the need to work more efficiently to free up time and money to focus on better training.

“Why do most military vehicles have four fuel cards each?”

This was just one issue identi-fied by CA Challenge Command Teams. In a unit of approximately 50 vehicles like say 8/12 Mdm Regt or Norforce, this was an administration nightmare.

“The cards can’t be used with any other vehicle, and the cards needed to be checked and audited

regularly in accordance with laid down regulations, monthly at least.

If fuel isn’t purchased on a card in any calendar month, the card is cancelled and cannot be reactivated for more than six weeks.

So, to keep the system alive, we would need to refuel each vehicle in the regiment four times, once from each outlet, to keep the cards active every month.

Brig David Mulhall said, “there’s no other way to say this. It’s simply dumb. AHQ will take on the chal-lenge of finding a better way”.

Outcome: AHQ is actively pur-suing this matter with JFLA who cur-rently have a fuel card solution out to tender. AHQ advocates a single fuel card solution and we will keep Army readers updated.

EXAMPLE OF A CHALLENGING POLICY

ARMY LEAN MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Management model goes lean

THE CA challenge command teams were also asked about the circula-tion of a draft consultation paper on travel and removals entitlements which had caused concern from some members.

The paper had been circulated to encourage discussion as part of the Strategic Reform process but instead alarmed members who were not aware of the internal consultation process.

DGPERS-A Brig Gerard Fogarty says units should not be alarmed by this ongoing review, or the consulta-tion process.

“Army’s views are well repre-sented at the senior level and at the working group level both informally and formally. The CA will not agree to a reduction to any individual entitlements without first thoroughly understanding all the impacts of pro-posed changes.

“It should be absolutely clear that all of the reviews undertaken as part of the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) will be deliberately thorough and we should not be alarmed by their thoroughness,” Brig Fogarty said.

ENTITLEMENTS ALARM

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SCAN - - ACT

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By Sarah Corcoran

KALEEN Primary School students have been busy putting pen to paper to support wounded Australian soldiers overseas.

The letters are part of the ADF’s new Simpson Pack initiative. The packs are given to wounded soldiers serving over-seas.

Named after the legendary story of Simpson and his donkey at Gallipoli, the packs contain a range of items such as clothing, toiletries, writing materials and a phone card to support the Australian soldiers who are wounded in the line of duty.

Among the items is a letter or card from a schoolchild offering heartfelt words of comfort and encouragement.

Canberra’s Kaleen Primary School students have written 400 letters and cards to soldiers.

“Each student has had the freedom to express their appreciation and some students have chosen to write poems, oth-ers have drawn pictures and many have included inspirational quotes to lift the spirit of Defence personnel,” Principal Grace Dunlop said.

“You have never seen a group of schoolchildren take such care with some-thing. They wanted to make sure they were absolutely perfect.”

Maj Brad Robertson, Army HQ, said the maturity shown by the students was to be commended.

“The pure emotion that is resident within a child gives them the ability to relate a complex message in a simple let-ter, and they seem to have an almost adult understanding of what the soldiers are experiencing.”

For Elicia Sangster, 8, her message for our wounded soldiers was simple yet

heartfelt. “Dear Soldier, I am a year three student and am writing a letter to let you know that Australia remembers you.

“We are proud of you and for all you have done for this country and how brave you must be to risk your life for Australia.”

Fellow Year 3 student Isabel, Maj Robertson’s daughter, wrote: “Dear sol-dier, you are a hard working soldier like my dad. You do the best and you hope for the best. Stay strong! My heart is with you!”

The simple yet emotive language shows the compassion and support the children are trying to convey to the sol-diers.

“I wrote what I was feeling for them and thought about how I hoped they would feel when they read my letter,” Isabel said.

Maj Robertson said the cards were having a positive impact on wounded sol-diers who had received the packs and he had received feedback from a doctor in Germany who detailed how moved the troops were to receive the cards.

Maj Robertson said it said a lot about the Australian child.

“They understand that we live in a lucky country, and they want to help,” he said.

“We’ve got 400 letters now, so that no soldier wounded in the future has to go without, but we’re obviously hoping we don’t have to use them.

“The empathy and compassion expressed through words and pictures is a credit to the school.

“The time spent by each student to produce these messages of support hon-ours our soldiers’ sacrifice and will undoubtedly assist in their overall recov-ery,” Maj Robertson said.

Children’s words help lift spirits

Dear Soldier,Have hope.H – Hopeful even if timesare dark.0 – Optimistic even ifeverything is goingwrong.P – Patient even if you’ve been waiting for a while.E – Enthusiastic even if others are not.We are thinking of you,Have courage.Samhita, age 11

Dear Soldier,I hope you feel better soon so

you can have a happy life with your family.Let peace run through your veins. Let yourself be free when-ever you want to.Hamish, age 7

Dear Soldier,Thank you for defending our nation. It takes a lot of courage to do what you are doing. We are thinking of you every day.Courage is being scared to death ... and saddling up anyway. (John Wayne).Gavin, age 11

Dear Soldier,You are incredibly brave for what you’ve done for Australia. People are very proud of you. I know that people are thinking of you for what you’ve done and sending you their positive thoughts.Michael, age 12

Dear Soldier,I hope this pack cheers you up. What you are doing for Australia is really brave. You’re a hero to everyone. Stay positive, I am sending you my strength and my thoughts to help you.

Melissa, age 12

Dear Soldier,Thank you for your strength and your bravery in fighting for world peace. Thank you for protecting us, and helping us to live safely. We really appreciate your cour-age and determination to make the world a better place.Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow. (Mary Anne Radmacher)Jese, age 12

LETTERS FROM CHILDREN TO SOLDIERS

Life lessons: Maj Brad Robertson thanks students for the letters they have written to wounded soldiers while (inset) Samhita Gutta, 11, and Gavin Hall, 11, read out their letters. Photos by Cpl Zenith King

ier Melissa age 12

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By Leonie Gall

IT’S been called liquid gold and a pint of yours could save the lives of three of your mates.

Defence’s second blood-drive challenge began on September 1 to encourage ADF members and their fam-ilies across Australia to raise much-needed blood-stock levels and get involved in friendly triservice rivalry for good measure.

Strategic Logistic Branch staff officer and blood-drive organiser Gary Schulz said the Red Cross would be pre-sent at most Defence estab-lishments between September and November taking blood.

This year’s challenge would be focused on boosting last year’s final tally of 1265 donations.

“Defence relies on blood as part of its core business so this blood not only assists the Australian population but it also assists our service person-nel overseas,” Mr Schulz said.

Strongly supported by Joint Health Commander

Maj-Gen Paul Alexander, the blood drive challenge will run until November 30. Air Force will be keen to defend last year’s inaugural challenge win of 477 donations.

Mr Schulz said Australian blood was some of the best in the world and it was a healthy sign to give blood regularly.

“I first started giving blood at 18 to get the free milkshake and party pies as a bit of a novelty, but then I started doing it as part of a group and it became a bit of a bonding thing,” he said.

“Giving blood is a feel-good experience – it’s know-ing that you’ve done ‘the right thing’ and doesn’t really hurt.”

Aus t r a l i an hosp i t a l s require more than 300,000 blood donations every three months to service the needs of patients but only about 3 per cent of Australians give blood regularly.

To make your donation count, use Defence service donation codes Army, DF01; Navy, DF02; and Air Force, DF03.

RESERVE employers were officially recognised for their contribution to ADF capabil-ity at an awards night at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

To honour employers who release their staff to serve in the reserves, the Defence Reserves Support Council ACT Committee held its annual Employer Support Awards evening on June 24.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Mike Kelly said the event formally recognised a number of supportive employers who were nominated by reserv-ists on their staff.

“For every reservist who ren-ders reserve service there is usu-ally an employer, or educational institution, who supports that reservist by willingly releasing them to don their uniform,” Dr Kelly said.

During the evening, the Defence Reserves Support Council ACT Committee fare-welled former chairman Bill Thompson, who recently retired.

Make a blood oathReserve bosses thanked

Sign up to donate: Filling out blood donation forms at the Red Cross Mobile Blood Bank at Russell Offices are, from left, Commander Joint Health Maj-Gen Paul Alexander, AB Elisabeth Hudson, Sig Sean Bourchier, AB Tiffany Hill and LAC Melissa McRae. Photo by LAC Aaron Curran

Use the correct tools & follow procedures.

Look after your team-mates.

Identify ways of doing it better.

SCAN - FOCUS -

Living with your mistakes is harder than you think….

When doing your job, do it right!


By LCpl Mark Doran

A CANBERRA based SNCO is $2500 richer after CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie awarded him a CA’s commendation and Army Suggestion Scheme prize for his work in making PMKeyS more user-friendly.

WO2 Kevin Kennedy was recognised for his ingenuity and professionalism in designing a PMKeyS business reporting tool (BRT), which has now been devel-oped and introduced to Army.

WO2 Kennedy, Strategic Reporting Cell, said the software application, which he had worked on for 10 years, took PMKeyS data and made it easy to use.

“One of the main advantages was that it saved time and was designed to deliver a standardised and consistent approach to PMKeyS reporting,” WO2 Kennedy said.

“The system has been on trial with 29 units across Australia since 2008 and has been progressively changing to meet the requirements of commanders.”

The Army Suggestion Scheme is designed to be an ongoing productivity-improvement program and is part of foster-ing a more adaptive and innovative Army.

The aim of the scheme is to encourage all members of the Army to contribute their ideas for improving the effective-ness, efficiency, productivity, quality and safety of the work environment.

RSM-A WO Stephen Ward said the scheme was a fantastic idea and the com-mittee had been overwhelmed with sug-gestions from the workforce.

“Some great ideas have come from all ranks, from privates all the way up to some lieutenant colonels, but it is mainly the corporals who are submitting most effectively to the scheme,” WO Ward said.

Innovative suggestion rewarded

Well done: CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie awards a commendation to WO2 Kevin Kennedy. Photo by LCpl Mark Doran


“WO2 Kennedy’s development of the BRT is the first concrete evidence we can see of the entire process going all the way through and getting a monetary reward.”

Soldiers can take part in the scheme by downloading a submission form from the intranet and processing it through the chain of command.

The Army Suggestion Scheme com-mittee is made up of the Deputy CA, Chief of Staff AHQ and RSM-A who decide what path the suggestion should take.

WO Ward said in 50 per cent of cases the suggestions are already in place.

“We then write back to thank them for their suggestion,” he said.

“The other 50 per cent we send away for further investigation by a subject-mat-ter expert such as DSTO, or to someone who is responsible for a particular piece of kit.

“Army Suggestion Scheme means that we use the entire intellectual capacity of our Army.

Nashos’ memorial unveiledBy ABIS Melanie Schinkel

WITH a firm handshake and Cheshire Cat grin, Vietnam vet-eran Pte Allen May’s greeting is cheerful.

But as he tells his story and anticipates the dedication of the National Servicemen’s Memorial, his eyes reveal a masked melan-choly.

Pte May was one of the 2500 national servicemen, ‘Nashos’, marching up Anzac Parade and con-gregating for the dedication of the National Servicemen’s Memorial at the Australian War Memorial on September 8.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce dedicated the $600,000 memorial fountain built to com-memorate about 290,000 former Nashos who served in the ADF between 1950 and 1972 including 212 who died on active service in the Borneo and Vietnam conflicts.

President of the Long Tan Veterans Association, Pte May was selected for national service by ‘birthday ballot’ in 1966 and was one of the 15,000 Nashos who served in Vietnam.

He was hit by artillery on February 28, 1967, and still suffers pain as a result of the shrapnel that hit his optic nerve, chest and back.

Pte May was a forward scout for D Coy, 6RAR, in the Battle of Long Tan.

“It was an experience I will never forget – certainly made a man out of me,” Pte May said.

“The morning after the battle, we went back in and wrapped up our own dead – we wouldn’t let anyone else touch them.

“Then we stayed for another three days and buried the dead Viet Cong.

“As you can imagine, in that tropical climate, it was awful because it wasn’t just dead bodies – it was body parts hanging in trees – the artillery just blew them apart.”

In 2007, Pte May flew back to Vietnam and, by chance, met a Viet Cong soldier who fought against him in the Battle of Long Tan.

“I went to shake his hand but he took mine, kissed them and apolo-gised to me for any inconvenience that was caused,” he said.

“He said that back then he had a

job to do and that he held no malice because he understood we had a job to do, too.

“So, I gave him a hug and at that moment I felt a 40-year-old weight lift off my shoulders – it was just amazing.”

Chairman of the Australian War Memorial Council, Gen Peter Cosgrove (retd), said that almost 64,000 young men were conscripted into the Army between 1965 and 1972, and that one-third of those men made up the total Australian Army force in Vietnam.

“It is timely we remember here today the contribution of all our national servicemen. Their service and sacrifice is worthy of com-memoration and inclusion within the enduring Anzac tradition,” Gen Cosgrove said.

“Nashos were more mature, less rattled and enthusiastic, and more solemn then the general recruit. They thought of nothing but the number of days to go, hated salut-ing and treated you based on your merit rather than your rank; but they worked well and took to the jungle like naturals,” Gen Cosgrove said.

Nashos remembered: Isabella Doherty, whose grandfather John Doherty was killed in the Vietnam War, and Betty Kingston, whose son Ian also died in Vietnam, lay a wreath at the opening of the National Servicemen’s Memorial. Photo by AB Melanie Schinkel

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THE histor ical bond between two Queensland-based learning institutions was solidified in sandstone at a ceremony attended by more than 300 guests and digni-taries in Brisbane on July 3.

A sandstone column engraved with the regimental badge of QUR was unveiled by Governor-General Quentin Bryce at the University of Queensland (UQ).

QUR CO Lt-Col Tim O’Brien said the occasion marked the strong relationship between the two organisations.

“We see this sandstone badge as permanent recognition of the very close connection that exists on many levels between our unit and the university,” Lt-Col O’Brien said.

Funded by the QUR Association, the engraved column within UQ’s Great Hall rep-resents the first non-university institution to be formally recognised by UQ.

Former QUR member and UQ Chancellor John Story hosted the ceremony and was joined by QUR Honorary Colonel Maj-Gen John Pearn.

Since QUR was established in 1948, thou-sands of UQ students and staff have served in the regiment, creating what Lt-Col O’Brien referred to as a “deep and enduring bond”.

ROLES were reversed when Catering Corps ORs held a formal dining-in night with their SNCOs cooking and their officers waiting on them at Robertson Barracks on July 30.

LCpl Nicole Rutland, dining president for the night, said the dinner was her idea to give eve-ryone a lift.

“We all work long, hard hours and put in a lot of effort, so it was good to get a little back of

what we put in,” she said. “It was also a way for the SNCOs to thank us for everything we’ve done throughout the year and to show us what a dining-in night is like from the other side.

“Having all the officers wait-ing on us was a very different experience – it was exciting for us as we got to see them doing the work we usually do.”

VIP guests included the COs and RSMs of all 1 Bde units as

well as the Honorary Colonel Commandant of the AACC, Col John Walpole, and the RSM AACC, WO1 Greg Bolt.

LCpl Rutland said the night was also designed to farewell a number of AACC members deploying to Afghanistan shortly.

“It doesn’t happen very often that catering corps people get to go overseas so it was a way for us to farewell them and wish them luck,” she said.


Seniors roll up for duty

Close bond recognised

Lt-Col O’Brien said QUR and UQ shared common goals as well as their history.

“We are similar in function – within the Army our regiment is a training establishment, providing what could be regarded as under-graduate, post-graduate and vocational train-ing for members of the A-Res,” he said.

The traditional role of QUR has been to deliver first-appointment course training to officers, however in recent years assumed responsibility for grade 2 and grade 3 captain and major promotion courses. QUR also pro-vides a range of specialist training courses including driving courses and initial employ-ment training for infantry soldiers.

Cooking up a storm: SNCOs take over the kitchen for the Catering Corps dining-in night. Close watch: Governor-General Quentin Bryce inspects the QUR guard of honour. Photo by David Sproule

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WORLD NEWS 15 Army September 16, 2010

By Lt Jesse Platz

SOLDIERS from the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor have begun preparations for Exercise Crocodile 2011 by identifying possible locations to hold military training.

Also known as Marine Exercise or Marex, members of Anzac Coy’s recon-naissance platoon are engaging members of communities to seek support for future land use.

LCpl Chris Cooke said the mission was focused on the south coast of East Timor.

“We’ve spoken to community members and their leaders, which are called Xefe de Sucos, to determine their thoughts on us using their land next year,” LCpl Cooke said. “We have so far received only posi-tive feedback.”

The exercise is a multinational, annu-al exercise comprising the East Timorese Defence Force (F-FDTL), the US Marine Corps and the ISF personnel to promote cooperation.

The reconnaissance platoon has already plotted potential land locations and under-taken key leadership engagement tasks to help limit any impact the training might have on those living close by.

Commander ISF Col Simon Stuart said a key role of the ISF was working “to pro-vide mentoring and support to the F-FDTL in military skills, communications, plan-ning, engineering and construction”.

“Following the success of this year’s exercise in June, it is important the momentum generated in training and development is carried on into the future,” he said.

Ex Crocodile 2011 is planned for September or October next year.

By Lt Jesse Platz andLeut Lauren Rago

AUSTRALIAN soldiers serving in East Timor had the honour of being invited to one of the nation’s most significant celebrations – Falintil Day.

The annual commemoration of the formation of East Timor’s military force was attended by President Jose Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, political and military dignitaries and hundreds of locals at the Government Palace in Dili.

C o m m a n d e r I n t e r n a t i o n a l Stabilisation Force (ISF) Col Simon Stuart said the event was a special day for the East Timorese and supporters.

“Falintil Day celebrates the forma-tion and, more importantly, the contribu-tion that the military arm of the resist-ance played during occupation and their role in the liberation and independence of Timor,” Col Stuart said.

“It’s a privilege to be here and the history is remarkable. We have to remember that in the end, after a 24-year struggle, they were ultimately success-ful.”

Falintil (a Portuguese acronym for Forcas Armadas de Libertacao Nacional

de Timor-Leste) stands for the Armed Forces for the National Liberation of East Timor.

The organisation was the original military wing of the nation’s political party and was established on August 20, 1975.

Falintil was officially dissolved in February 2001, only to be immedi-ately resurrected as the Falintil-Forca de Defesa de Timor-Leste, or the East Timorese Defence Force (F-FDTL).

T h e I S F a n d t h e D e f e n c e Cooperation Program continue to help transition the F-FDTL into a modern and professional force by building capacity in military skills, planning, coordination, reconstruction and main-tenance.

Col Stuart said the F-FDTL had pro-gressed well in a decade.

“Just looking at some photographs of these guerilla fighters in the jungle, to what we see today is a force that’s emerging – I think they’ve come a long way, there are plenty of challenges, they are quite young, but I think there is a lot of hope and encouragement for the future,” he said.

Maj-Gen Taur Matan Ruak is the first and current commander of the F-FDTL.

A force for progress

No snap Croc decisions

Seeing the country: An Australian Army Land Rover is driven through difficult terrain while scouting locations for next year’s Exercise Crocodile. Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo

Proud parade: East Timor military members on parade for Falintil Day at the Government Palace in Dili. Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo

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16 WORLD NEWS Army September 16, 2010

By Cpl Zenith King

AFTER 13 months as commander of the 140-strong military contingent in Solomon Islands, Lt-Col David Thompson has returned home to his family.

The Perth-based reservist returned to Australia on August 27 after handing over command to Lt-Col Paul Landford.

Lt-Col Thompson said he felt privileged to under-take the first 12-month deployment as CO of CTF 635.

“It was one of those life-changing experiences. To travel overseas as a soldier, and especially a command-ing officer for the ADF, was a huge honour,” Lt-Col Thompson said.

As CO CTF 635, he saw three separate rotations from four nations.

“Being in command of an operation overseas with four contributing nations was interesting,” he said.

“You must be fairly culturally aware and engage all of the cultures. Making sure it was a combined task force rather than any one particular flavour was important.”

During his rotation he dealt with floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and the national general election.

“I can honestly say I never had a dull moment.“During the natural disasters we provided our

assets and assistance. We helped with communications and, during the flood, used vehicles to evacuate civil-ians from flooded villages.”

Lt-Col Thompson said although it was busy during the election period, it was very rewarding.

“To be there from the start of the planning cycle and go all the way through to a very successful opera-tion was a huge feeling of accomplishment.”

Lt-Col Thompson worked closely with the Participating Police Force and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, which together provided security support to the election.

It was after visiting Solomon Islands as a mili-tary guide for Exercise Boss Lift in 2007 that Lt-Col Thompson applied for the CO’s position.

He said he was looking forward to returning to work as a school teacher.

CO returns to Australia

A TEAM of professionals sustained a significant engi-neering project in Papua New Guinea over seven weeks from July 25.

Exercise Puk Puk was con-ducted by 25 Spt Sqn, 3CER, as part of the Australian Defence Cooperation Program, which strengthens ties between the ADF and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).

Wewak’s Moem Barracks is home to the 2nd Bn Royal Pacific Islands Regiment, which benefited from major refurbish-

ments to its company headquar-ters, gymnasium, chapel and sol-diers’ club.

Maj Andrew Elgey, OC 25 Spt Sqn, said Wewak was not connected to any major centres by road.

“The location tested the logistics and planning process-es of the squadron,” Maj Elgey said. “We evenly distributed personnel across our three engi-neer troops so there was a com-bination of tradesmen, combat engineers and PNGDF soldiers, which spread skill sets and pro-vided opportunities to learn.”

The 130 personnel who con-tributed to Puk Puk included 30 PNGDF assault pioneers, field engineers and carpenters; 28 medical staff from 2HSB in Brisbane; and eight trade train-ees from SME in Sydney.

Maj Elgey said Puk Puk provided a great insight for the trainees into their future employ-ment in Army and allowed them to develop their trade skills in a demanding environment.

Engineering work included purchasing and fitting new elec-trical cabling and a large switch-board for the ORs’ kitchen,

which was fire damaged and inoperable since 2007.

An eagerly anticipated pro-ject was when the PTI, 3CSSB’s Cpl Dean King, coordinated a Friday sports carnival for the 400 children at Moem Barracks School. That weekend the sol-diers moved in for a 48-hour blitz to repair stairs, windows, plumbing and electrical faults at the school.

By way of thanks PNGDF soldiers set up recreational activ-ities such as fishing trips and cultural experiences for the ADF personnel.

Boost for barracks

Digging in: Spr Ben Heap, 3CER, digs a cable trench at Moem Barracks during Exercise Puk Puk.

WORLD NEWS 17 Army September 16, 2010

MORE than 250 ADF personnel engaged with East New Britain residents in Papua New Guinea during the final leg of Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10).

The week-long humanitar-ian assistance mission ended on September 13, which signalled the end of PP10.

About 50 ADF personnel were deployed on US Navy Ship Mercy in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, East Timor and PNG during the US-sponsored four-month venture.

The ADF contingent provided vital medical and dental care while conducting reconstruction projects.

HMA Ships Labuan and Tarakan provided ship-to-shore logistical support in Indonesia, East Timor and in PNG.

In a first for the ADF, Tobruk was designated the command ship for the last leg of the mission.

Australian Head of Defence Staff PNG Col Mark Shephard said the heavy Australian commitment to the PNG part of the mission reinforced a long-standing bilateral defence relationship.

“Our two countries share a relationship strengthened by geo-graphic proximity and historical

Last hurrah for partners

links,” Col Shephard said. “From a Defence perspective we are com-mitted to working closely with the PNG Defence Force to ensure it is an effective, sustainable and pro-fessional force.”

He said Australia’s participation in PP10 was a continuation of this work.

“Both defence forces will ben-efit from the collaborative effort – and working with the US takes it to the next level,” he said.

The PP10 finale wasn’t all hard yakka – in East New Britain ADF personnel played sporting matches and enjoyed a jazz concert and tra-ditional dancing.

Crowd pleasers: Pte Michelle Buckle, Ship’s Army Detachment, and AB Nathan Stanley, HMAS Tobruk, meet some locals at Kokopo market place during a US Navy band performance.

Time for reflection: HMAS Tobruk at anchor in Simpson Harbour in Rabaul during the last leg of Pacific Partnership 2010. Photos by AB Andrew Dakin

18 CENTREPIECE Army September 16, 2010 19

On the job: An Afghan local offers a handful of grapes to Pte Toby Hering (above left) during the Australians’ first shura in the Deh Rawud region of Uruzgan province, Afghanistan. Pte Hering on patrol in the green zone (above right).

Done and dusted: The ground erupts from the shockwave of an 84mm Carl Gustaf rocket firing during a range practice to the rear of the patrol base in Deh Rawud, southern Afghanistan. The soldiers conduct regular training and firing drills to maintain their operational effectiveness.

Heating up: Steep terrain and hot conditions face Mentoring Task Force 1 soldiers during a patrol back to their base in Deh Rawud.

Local meeting: An Afghan elder offers his identification to Capt Morgan Allen during the Australians’ first shura in Deh Rawud.

On the move: The first Australian soldiers in Deh Rawud pack their swags and prepare their vehicles for an early morning convoy up to their new patrol base.

Photos: LS Paul Berry

CHANGE OF SCENERY

WITH the drawdown of the Dutch in Uruzgan province it has been business as usual for the Australian mentors in Afghanistan.

As summer temperatures soar to 50 degrees Celsius, the Austral ians moved into the Deh Rawud region in southern Afghanistan.

Mentoring Team Delta (MT-D), part of MTF 1, began operations in the Deh Rawud area west of Tarin Kot.

Two patrol bases have become home to the soldiers of MT-D with the movement of stores, equipment and supplies, and the establishment of security points a priority in the early stages.

And it couldn’t have been

a more fitting reception for the Aussies as the Dutch and French soldiers hosted a barbecue to wel-come the newcomers to the region.

The Australians also found time to play some football before get-ting down to their main game in Deh Rawud.

MT-D will mentor Afghanistan National Army soldiers in the region under an effective partnered

mentoring program applied by all MTF 1 mentoring teams.

As the Australian flag flies in the region for the first time, life settled into the familiar routine of training, patrolling and getting some rest somewhere in between.

For the Australian soldiers of MT-D it is just another day at the office.

It’s business as usual as the Australian flag flies over the Deh Rawud region.

On the move: Dutch and French soldiers put on a barbecue to welcome the Australian MTF 1 soldiers.

Silhouette: The Australian flag flies for the first time over the remote Deh Rawud patrol base in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan.

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20 LETTERS AND VIEWPOINTS Army September 16, 2010

ON behalf of the wife and family of Pte Timothy James Aplin, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Army community for their sup-port and comfort following the passing of Tim.

Tim was a loving husband to Natasha, and a wonderful father to his children, Josie and Daniel, and Natasha’s children, Ty and Shinae.

Tim is also survived by his loving parents, Margaret and Richard Gunnell, and extended family.

Tim touched so many lives and was loved by all that knew him. He was a courageous sol-dier and a loyal friend.

He is sorely missed and his passing has left a huge hole in the hearts and lives of his family and friends.

The tragic event that took Tim Aplin, Ben Chuck and Scott Palmer has touched thousands. A poem titled The Immortal Three (reproduced at right) has been written in their honour by a fel-low soldier, Sgt Dean Caswell, from the School of Inf.

Please pass our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, in particular 2 Cdo Regt, 6RAR, 2RAR and RMC.

Please also pass our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of Tpr Jason Brown, Pte Grant Kirby, Pte Tomas Dale, and LCpl Jared MacKinney. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of need.Sgt Mick Kruger School of InfSingleton, NSW

I WISH to convey my frustration at the new so-called streamlined Qantas Business Travel (QBT) phone line.

I have just spent the last two hours, 49 minutes and 12 seconds on hold with QBT, constantly being reminded that my call was impor-tant but never ended up getting my call answered.

In the end, I just gave up.Luckily, it’s a local call, I have

my own office, a speaker phone and the ability to complete other tasks while awaiting service.

But what of the soldiers who do not have the luxury of waiting near-ly three hours for their call to not be answered?

Do we expect them to spend three hours on hold in their own time?

As Defence is a multi-million- dollar-a-year customer of Qantas, the least Qantas could do is employ enough call-centre operators to answer the phone when Defence members are trying to make busi-ness travel bookings.

The extended waiting time I am enduring is not a once-off either.

Last week my Ops WO spent some 80 minutes on the phone, most of it on hold, trying to make a book-ing.

What is QBT’s key performance indicator for wait times? Who is measuring it? Clearly, they are not being met.

Even the DRN help desk – dur-ing peak posting time – has the capacity to answer incoming calls significantly quicker than this.Maj Stephanie RoeHQ CATCPuckapunyal, Victoria

Mark Sweeney, Qantas Director-General People Services, responds:IN Defgrams 353/2010 and 426/2010 Defence personnel were advised of increased wait times when accessing QBT domestic booking services on 13 11 57.

It is recognised that QBT service levels have been unacceptable and are adversely impacting Defence personnel and their business.

The Department of Finance and Deregulation manages the whole-of-government contracts, with each department selecting a travel man-agement company from the panel of providers.

DSG will continue to manage the day-to-day elements of the travel booking service and monitor the service delivery against agreed key performance indicators.

QBT moved the Defence account to a new travel management sys-tem on June 16. This was also to assist in the transition to the whole-of-government travel arrangements that took effect on July 1.

While QBT expected that the impact on travellers would be mini-mal, working in a live environment with a high volume of bookings has

caused greater call wait times.We understand the frustration

felt by Defence travellers and staff and, in response to concerns raised by Defence, QBT has implemented a number of initiatives to restore service levels.

For more information about how travel is changing and for book-ing options visit the Defence Travel intranet website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/travel/default.asp.

This provides information on the impacts of the whole-of-government implementation and should be the first point of reference for all per-sonnel.

Defence and QBT will contin-ue to work together to monitor the situation and ensure all reasona-ble steps are taken to ensure wait times are minimised wherever pos-sible. DSG will be implementing an Online Booking Tool (OBT) from around mid-September.

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THE IMMORTAL THREEFor those who chose green and gold replacedBy desert cams and boots tight lacedA rifle, knife and greasy gunRain, snow and heat, no home no funAnd when the time to fight arrivesA bill is paid, not in cash but livesUsually theirs but sometimes oursUnwelcome sorry heartfelt hoursNo time for hugs, no time for flowers

But now the fight has come to an end for threeNot your time and not for meTimmy, Chucky and Palms tooSorry boys, the price was youSo those that still stand, take a kneeBrothers but not blood are weToday the lord takes his prizeWith three new bronzed Aussies lives

So all those men that call them brothersWeep not for themBut for their mothersFor the heroes threehave stepped through God’s portalTheir bodies to dustTheir names IMMORTAL

Call goes nowhere Words of comfort

Memory lives on: Pte Tim Aplin.

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LETTERS AND VIEWPOINTS 21 Army September 16, 2010

I WOULD like to take this opportu-nity to remind all soldiers of the pit-falls of having vehicles removed at Commonwealth expense by Toll.

With 15 removals under my belt, I thought I was pretty well versed in my rights and responsibilities when it came to moving during the posting period.

However, much to my chagrin this experience didn’t assist me with my dealings with Toll this year.

Like many other soldiers this year, I packed up my belongings, kids and wife and dutifully moved. As on previous occasions, Toll organised the movement of my car and motorcycle.

The motorcycle removalist turned up and filled out his obligatory paperwork indicating a few minor scratches to my bike on his paperwork, which I signed.

Unfortunately, when my bike was delivered in Sydney, there was a new scratch and one of the handle bar end weights was missing.

I noted the new damages on the receipt paperwork and filled out a claim with Toll.

Initially, Toll stated that due to the original pick up paperwork indicated a scratch in the vicinity of the new scratch they wouldn’t accept this new damage as a result of this move.

To their credit, a Toll representative came out to inspect the bike and agreed that this was new damage.

He also agreed that the missing han-dle bar end weight was covered by Toll and that I needed to get a quote into Toll for processing. This I did.

After five months of applications, phone calls, emails and quotes, I’ve been informed that Toll in Melbourne has now refused both of my claims because of the initial paperwork indicated the scratch.

Additionally, the missing handle weight was not their concern because it could have been overlooked by the removalist, hence not appearing on the paperwork.

Talk about frustration. My only course of redress, according to Toll, was to take them to court. Not very helpful.

So in an effort to shorten the learn-ing loop for all, I take this time to write

to Army to remind all soldiers that if you are having a vehicle moved at Commonwealth expense, please ensure that you get private insurance for the move in accordance with Pacman Vol 2 Pt 5.

Perhaps then, if the worst occurs, your insurance company will cover your loss or damage and they may indeed take Toll to court.Capt Paul Lambert HQ ForcomdVictoria Barracks, Paddington

Move takes its toll

Removal advice: Letter writer cautions soldiers to ensure vehicles moved at Commonwealth expense are insured.

RSM Ceremonial reviews dress ordersARMY Standing Orders for Dress (ASOD) have been reviewed, and a number of amendments made, with Volume 1 now ready for release.

ASOD Volume 2, while com-plete, is at the publishers for vetting and is expected to be avail-able on the Defence Restricted Network (DRN) within the first two weeks of October. Volume 1 will be available on September 20, at which time current online versions will be removed.

Members are encouraged to visit intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/_home for a comprehensive understanding. To highlight just a few key changes, I draw your attention to significant changes contained in the following sections of Vol 1:� Wearing of uniform – conduct in uniform and travel on public or commercial transport within Australia;� Personal grooming – earrings, nail polish, piercings and beards;� Clothing/embellishments – Sam Browne, shoulder titles, but-tons, trade patches, unit shoulder patches, ANF patch, backpacks, gloves and PT attire;� Footwear – removal of the black shoe as an initial free issue and the inclusion of black R.M. Williams boots (only specified styles);� Headdress – berets and base-ball caps;� Orders of Dress have been updated to reflect the inclusion of the long sleeve-shirt for general duty, as well as details and regula-

tions on ceremonial orders of dress;� Corps shoulder titles have been replaced with the Australia shoulder title. Upon release of ASOD volume 1, corps shoulder titles can no longer be worn.

Block scales have been updated to reflect these changes. It should be noted the block scale gives a member an entitlement to be issued a uniform. If there is no entitlement, the member cannot be issued the uniform. Accordingly, there is no entitle-ment to wear the uniform.

Furthermore, where the issue entitlement previously existed, but has now been removed, the item may still be reflected in ASOD. This is because those items cur-rently issued to members may still be worn until sunset clause expi-ration. An example of this is black shoes. They are no longer issued, but may be worn until December 31, 2014.

The revised ASOD specifies most sunset clauses. If the sunset clause is not apparent, the change may be considered as coinciding with the release of Volume 1 on September 20.

Queries on the changes can be clarified through the chain of com-mand. Unit RSMs are available for guidance and clarification, and all soldiers are strongly encouraged to visit the Army intranet and read the revised ASOD. WO1 Brett PatesRSM Ceremonial-Army

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22 TRAINING Army September 16, 2010

3CSR plunges into trainingBy LCpl Daniel Hodgson

OFFICERS and soldiers from 3CSR found them-selves scrambling down waterfalls and paddling against tough head winds, as they undertook the unit’s annual adventure training week in July.

The selected adventure activities were held in north Queensland over three days and included can-yoning through Waterfall Creek, sea kayaking in the Whitsundays and a 60km trek at Wallaman Falls.

OIC of the sea kayaking adventure Lt Jessica Adams said adventure training aimed to push sol-diers beyond their normal comfort zones.

“AT aims state that a soldier’s first taste of fear should not be on the battlefield,” Lt Adams said.

“The plan for 3CSR’s adventure week was to allow soldiers to learn something about their own abilities, while operating in a unique environment.”

Guides Mark Pearson and Andrew Pattinson from Salty Dog Sea Kayaking Adventures took a group of 26 keen soldiers on a not-so-sightseeing trip through the Whitsundays.

“The forecast looks wet, there’s going to be a head wind and possibly half a metre to 1m swells. It’ll be like a washing machine,” Mark said to the group after a round of capsizing drills in the calm bay at Shute Harbour.

Grumbles and groans aside, the group set off paddling with their gear and food stowed in the cargo holds of the double kayaks, amid the cloud front billowing around the islands.

“It was a great trip, we had three days of bad weather but then it cleared up,” Lt Adams said.

The paddlers were visited by a pod of dolphins playing in the calm waters off South Molle Island and some green sea turtles that popped up to say hello.

With a salty tale to tell, the soldiers returned from all activities relatively intact and are ready for the unit’s busy training calendar ahead.

Water hazard: 3CSR members wade through a river during the 60km trek of the unit’s adventure training

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Lodge your Pre-AFR and AFR online www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

Read the Defence Relocation Guide before you complete your AFR. The guide contains hard copy forms to be completed if you can’t lodge online.

Once your AFR is approved you will be given a Case Manager.

Your Case Manager is there to assist you. Call them if you need advice.

Advise your Case Manager of any special requirements that may affect your relocation.

Provide Toll Transitions with current and alternate contact details throughout the relocation.

For general assistance or after hours assistance call our Customer Service Centre on 1800 819 167.

Don’t

Wait till the last minute to lodge your Pre-AFR or AFR.

Get stressed if you are lodging online. Call us if you need assistance.

Forget to call your Case Managers if you need advice.

Lodge your AFR in hard copy unless you can’t lodge online. Remember online lodgement is Defence’s preferred lodgement method.

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Your Case Manager is able to assist with any questions about the relocation process or contact our Customer Service Centre on 1800 819 167 or visit www.tolltranstions.com.au

Are yourelocating over the

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New South Wales, NowraSuite 12, 55-57 Berry St Nowra NSW 2541

New South Wales, ParramattaJessie St Centre, 2-12 Macquarie St Parramatta NSW 2150

New South Wales, SydneyLevel 12, 32 Walker StNorth Sydney NSW 2060

Northern Territory, DarwinLot 1, 450 Winnellie RoadWinnellie NT 0820

Northern Territory, KatherineBuilding 255, Newham circ. RAAF Base Tindal

Queensland, BrisbaneLevel 6, 369 Ann St Brisbane QLD 4000

Queensland, CairnsNQX Building, 74 Lyons St Portsmith QLD 4870

Queensland, IpswichUnit 3, Level 1, 8 Gordon St Ipswich QLD 4305

Queensland, ToowoombaNQX, Tenancy 6, 1st Floor, 462 Ruthven St Toowoomba QLD 4350

Queensland, TownsvilleUnit 3, 24 Ross River Road Mundingburra QLD 4812

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Victoria, MelbourneLevel 8, 380 St Kilda RoadMelbourne VIC 3004

Victoria, Cerberus Building 192, Phillip Road HMAS Cerberus VIC 3920

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NSW Branch (02) 9682 1788 [email protected]

Newcastle (02) 4951 2666 [email protected]

QLD Nerang (07) 5578 2233 [email protected]

Townsville (07) 4722 4655 [email protected]

ACT Branch (02) 6255 1599 [email protected]

VIC Branch (03) 5248 0996 [email protected]

SA Branch (08) 8296 2411 [email protected]

WA Branch (08) 94096682 vvppwabranch @iprimus.com.au

Tasmania (03) 6376 2804 [email protected]

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24 TRAINING Army September 16, 2010


GUNNERS from 16 AD Regt had the opportunity to target a Tiger during an exercise held at Woodside barracks on August 26.

Exercise Tiger Hunt gave gunners from 110 and 111 Btys the chance to track and simulate shooting down an ARH Tiger from 1 Avn Regt.

The helicopter and its aircrew flew simulated gun, rocket and hellfire attack profiles, targeting 16 AD Regt HQ.

Defending the unit were five RBS-70 detachments from 110 and 111 Btys and two radar detachments.

Commander A Tp 110 Bty Lt Owain Griffiths said the exercise enabled the gunners to familiarise themselves with Army’s newest aviation asset and to track a real aircraft.

“After the aircraft landed on the unit parade ground the gunners received a brief by the aircrew and later the aircrew were given a brief on the capabilities of 16 AD Regt,” Lt Griffiths said.

“The aircraft then flew for two hours allowing the gunners to track it.”

110 Bty gun number Gnr Hannah Minehan has only been out of her trade training for two months. She is one of only four female air defenders in the Army. She said working with the Tiger was a great experience.

“It was the first real aircraft I’ve tracked and it was great to get a feel of what it’s really like, as opposed to work-ing in a simulator,” she said.

“It was an awesome and realistic experience, where we also learnt about the aircraft and its capabilities from the aircrew.”

Bdr Jason Scott was Gnr Minehan’s RBS-70 detachment commander during the exercise.

He said his gunners performed to a high standard.

“During each attack run we had at least 30 seconds to complete our drills to properly engage the aircraft,” Bdr Scott said.

“I was impressed with the way they performed and out of the six times we engaged the Tiger, I would say we would have easily hit it five times.”

1 Avn Regt Tiger pilot Capt Stephen Bates said the experience was also valu-able for him.

“We had the chance to learn about their equipment, which is one of the best low level air defence systems in the world,” Capt Bates said.

“It’s a very potent capability and the operators were professional with the way they set up and organised their firing.

“The RBS-70 system changes the bat-tle space for any helicopter flying near it.

“[Flying against it] you have to employ high-level tactics to defeat it.”

Lt Griffiths said his unit was planning to work with Tigers again in the future.

“To train with the Tigers was ben-eficial for the unit, as helicopters are a threat RBS-70 detachments are likely to encounter on the battlefield of the future,” Lt Griffiths said.

Gunners target Tigers

Sights set: LBdr Todd Makins shouts for a reload as RBS-70 operator Gnr Jonathon Hawke continues to track a Tiger during a joint training and familiarisation exercise at 16 AD Regt. Photos by LCpl Glenn Power

Lessons: Chopper pilot Capt Dan O’Connell explains the capabilities of the Tiger.

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FEATURES 25Army September 16, 2010

REG Saunders’ legacy as a pioneer on indigenous issues has continued through the work of a group of Australian soldiers. Three new houses now stand in the small

indigenous community of Pukatja (Ernabella) in remote South Australia as a result of an exercise that bore his name.

Exercise Saunders 2010 was a four-month Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP) exercise that began in May and involved more than 225 soldiers from 20 ADF units.

The exercise, the 17th since AACAP’s inception, was named after the late Capt Saunders, MBE, the first indigenous Australian soldier to receive a commission in the Army.

The exercise contingent was formed around 21 Const Sqn (6ESR) and included supporting elements from 19 CE Wks, 2HSB, 9FSB, and 21 and 22 Const Regts. OC 21 Const Sqn Maj Tim Kuffer said the scope of work followed that of previous AACAP projects – aiming to improve the environmental health conditions within remote Aboriginal communities.

“The health team developed health, nutrition and fit-ness programs targeting children at the Pukatja school, as well as running a dental clinic, a population health course and veterinary services,” Maj Kuffer said.

“The greatest success was the nutrition program, which focused on introducing schoolchildren to new and healthy food, cooking recipes and proper hygiene.”

He said the dental clinic operated out of an old building – refurbished by the sappers – in the centre of the community. It treated more than 200 members of the community and produced almost 50 dentures.

“For a community that normally waits months for dentures, the rapid production rate achieved by the Army dental technicians was remarkable.”

The sappers were also busy, building three three-bedroom homes and re-sheeting a dangerous section of road close to the community. A civilian contractor was engaged to construct a pipeline to supplement the exist-ing water supply.

Maj Kuffer said the training provided employment opportunities for community members. The three grad-uates of the population health course secured employ-ment as environmental health workers, while the eight students on the engineering construction course run by the soldiers also found work on a local housing project.

“Exercise Saunders 2010 allowed soldiers of a vari-ety of trades, from dental hygienists to plant operators, to hone their skills and help the indigenous population in a small but significant way,” he said. “All of the sol-diers involved in this exercise saw the direct and posi-tive impact they had on the community, and get a lot of satisfaction from that. They’re rightfully proud of what was achieved in Pukatja in a short period.”

Proud home makersThree new houses and almost 50 dentures are among the contribution troops have made to a remote community.

Nearly done: Sappers add cladding to a building in Pukatja in South Australia. Thanks for coming: Locals express their gratitude to the troops.

26 FEATURES Army September 16, 2010

ROTARY Wing Group (RWG) will soon have a new place to park and maintain its two CH-47D Chinooks at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan.

CO RWG 5 Lt-Col David Lynch said when the unit arrived in March, it was moved to a temporary shared hangar on the other side of the airfield.

“Our old hangar was torn down and the location was used as a fixed-wing tarmac area,” Lt-Col Lynch said.

“This increased the distance and time main-tenance crews and aircrew had to travel to work and the mess, from five minutes to 20 minutes. The new area had no connection to the airfield, making maintenance and aircraft dismantling tasks even more difficult.”

Nor was it linked to a permanent Defence computer network for maintenance personnel to use during servicing tasks.

“They had to drive 20 minutes back to the RWG HQ to print off or download technical diagrams to use as reference material and they had to use two hand-held secure radios to com-municate,” Lt-Col Lynch said.

“The new hangar and maintenance complex is under construction and will greatly improve the working conditions of RWG maintenance personnel.

“We hope the hangar will be finished by November. We will not use it on this rotation, but before we leave we will have a night watch-man come in and secure the location and put up the unit’s signs.”

A new hangar is not the only new addition to look forward to after the government signed the contract on March 20 to purchase seven new CH-47F models of the Chinook, valued at $513 million.

Lt-Col Lynch said the new aircraft would bring major benefits to Army’s aviation capa-bility and the crews who would fly and main-tain them.

“They look much the same as our current CH-47D aircraft, but what they will bring to Army is a greatly improved avionics package, an all-glass digital cockpit and instead of pilots having a GPS moving map display strapped to their leg, this and the blue force tracker system will be built into the aircraft,” he said.

“The aircraft will be easier to dismantle for transport aboard a C-17, where new systems have been developed to take out the transmis-sions and other components faster.”

Aircraft weight will also be kept down with ballistic protection being built into the airframe instead of being attached as an accessory.

Another advanced feature of the CH-47F is its sophisticated landing system.

“It will have a dust landing capability, where aircrew will come to a hover and can wind the aircraft down to the ground in complete brown-out conditions,” Lt-Col Lynch said.

“Providing the aircrew know where and what they are landing on, they can wind it down without being able to see what’s going on.”

Having seven new aircraft over the current six will allow for easier maintenance schedul-ing, especially during overseas deployments.

“It will give units more flexibility to sustain deployments like Afghanistan, allowing for the rotation of more aircraft into and out of thea-tre for maintenance after they have flown 300 hours,” Lt-Col Lynch said.

The first two CH-47F Chinooks are due to enter Army service in 2014, with the remaining five aircraft to arrive by 2017.

Work is under way on a new hangar and maintenance complex for the Chinooks of the Rotary Wing Group in Afghanistan, Sgt Andrew Hetherington writes.

Big birds to move nests

Around the clock: Day or night, maintenance crew members of the Rotary Wing Group work to ensure the Army’s two Chinooks are available for missions in support of coalition forces in Afghanistan (above). Meanwhile, Cpl Karl Ashman, 5 Avn Regt, is shown conducting servicing checks on the front rotor assembly of a Chinook (below). The CH-47s operate out of Kandahar Airfield.Photos by Cpl Raymond Vance

FEATURES 27Army September 16, 2010

IT WAS a pivotal moment for the Army Reserve and, as Col Rowan Martin reads it, the use of reservists on Operation Anode in

Solomon Islands was a winner.As a lieutenant colonel he com-

manded CTF 635 when Rotation 11 of Op Anode became the first rotation of a company-size reserve force from December 2006 to April 2007.

Platoon-level reserve deployments had served in Solomon Islands but Rotation 11 set a new benchmark. Col Martin said the deployment of the largely Brisbane-based reservists had obvious benefits for the ARA, employ-ers and reservists themselves.

“It was a great honour to take the task on,” Col Martin said. “Personally, I did not ever expect as CO of a reserve unit to deploy with a fair chunk of the unit.

“It was a particular and wonderful challenge to establish a set of proce-dures and planning documents for my successor. We accepted the challenge of breaking new ground.”

He said in his two years in the battalion, more than 70 soldiers trans-ferred from the ARes to the ARA.

“That’s effectively two platoons to the ARA. Without a doubt, operational deployment was a very important fac-tor in them making that decision.”

He said the deployment demon-strated the importance military fami-lies played in the success of opera-tions.

“When someone joins the ARA then they can expect to be away from home and deploy on operations,” Col Martin said.

“But this was a new experience for

the ARes soldiers and the support from families cannot be underestimated in the success of Op Anode from the ARes perspective.”

Targeted mission-specific training laid the groundwork for success so Rotation 11 encountered only “what we expected”.

Col Martin said Op Anode gave reservists something they could not experience at domestic camps, exer-cises or weekend parades.

“They get a taste of the range of responsibilities of the full-time sol-dier,” he said.

“Being deployed away from home for a long time has its own sets of challenges but also rewards not other-wise available to them.

“Those experiences make them more rounded soldiers.

“When they return home to their reserve units, they will be able to share that experience with others around them to provide a better context to their subsequent training.”

Col Martin added that employers were not left out of the equation.

“We briefed them before the opera-tion. We had a very active campaign in getting employers onside because we realised that if they were provided with the best possible information, they would be would be more encouraged to allow their employees to deploy,” he said.

“We had visits by employers to theatre. Each month we sent home a DVD of their employees and their work on operations to show them what they were doing.”

The members of Rotation 11 were delighted that some World War II vet-erans, who had served in the Pacific

Setting the standardThe work of Brisbane-based soldiers laid the foundation for more deployments of reservists on Operation Anode, Barry Rollings reports.

On patrol: Pte Luke Aimes (interpreter) speaks to one of the village elders in the Solomon Islands during 25/49RQR’s history-making deployment as the first company-size reserve force to serve on Op Anode. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram

theatre, presented Op Anode patches to their modern-day counterparts.

“Our battalion, 25/49RQR, oper-ated in the Pacific during WWII and the presentation reminded current soldiers they were the young genera-tion of a proud battalion history,” Col Martin said.

During Rotation 11, DSTO was commissioned to look at findings and recommendations regarding opera-tional deployments of reservists. This independent analysis was intended to determine the most effective way to raise, train and sustain an ARes capa-bility for subsequent deployments.

“It was designed to report on the unique requirement of a reserve deployment and we wanted to use it as a benchmark to ensure what we are doing and did was always improved upon; and that subsequent deploy-ments learnt those lessons,” Col Martin said.

PUBLIC hearings were held throughout August and into early September for the CDF Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the death of Pte David Smith.

Pte Smith, who was posted to the School of Armour, was killed in a training accident at Puckapunyal in June 2009.

He died as the result of injuries he sustained when the APC he was in rolled during an exercise.

COI President Paul Willee, QC, is expected to submit his report to CDF before the end of the year.

The COI was con-vened at the direction of CDF to gather informa-tion on the facts sur-rounding the incident to try to prevent similar incidents.

Findings from the inquiry may be used to inform decisions on improving safety, work practices or procedures.

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REMEMBER that even if you use a tax agent to lodge your tax return, you are responsible for the deduc-tions you claim.

Some Army members have used unregistered tax agents in the past, so it’s important you seek a reputable and registered tax practitioner. To check if your tax agent is registered, visit www.tabd.gov.au

Transporting bulky equipment

The cost of travel to and from work is usually not an allowable deduction. However, you can claim a deduction for the cost of transporting bulky tools and equipment between home and work only if the following apply:

� you are required to use them at work; and

� there is no secure area for storing them at your workplace.

Example: David keeps his kitbag at home because there is no secure place to keep it at work. David’s unit was placed on a 24-hour high readiness notice which required him to bring his kitbag into work. The cost of transporting the kitbag into work is an allowable deduction.

David had a field activity that required the use of his kitbag. David can claim the cost of transporting his kitbag between home and work for the field activity.

Home office expenses If you work at home you may incur

running expenses for services such as lighting, heating and cooling, clean-ing costs and the cost of repairs to furniture in the home office. You can also claim the work-related part of the decline in value (depreciation) of your office furniture and fittings.

You can claim a deduction for all the running costs for the home office if that area is used exclusively (100 per cent) for work-related activities.

If you work in an area of the home not used exclusively (100 per cent) for work-related activities, you can claim a deduction for part of the total run-ning costs if you work there when oth-

ers aren’t present or you use a separate room.

You can either keep a diary of the details of your actual costs and your work-related use of that area of the house, or use a fixed rate of 26c per hour for use of the facilities in that area of the house.

Example: Jim is an officer. He works in his lounge room where the rest of the family can watch television, so the costs of lighting and heating/cooling are private and not deductible.

If Jim uses the room when others aren’t present, or goes into a separate room, he can claim a deduction for additional running costs associated with the work activities. This applies even though the room is not set aside solely as a home office.

Work-related self-education expenses

If you are doing an educational course that results in a formal qualifi-cation, you can claim a deduction for self-education expenses at item D4 on your tax return if:

� the course maintains or improves the specific skills or knowledge you need in your current role; or� the course results in, or is likely to result in, an increase in your income from your current role.

Self-education expenses can include textbooks, stationery, student union fees, course fees, certain travel expens-es and the decline in value (deprecia-tion) of equipment to the extent it is used for self-education purposes.

If you incur costs for attending seminars, conferences, workshops or training courses connected to your work activities, you should claim them as other work-related expenses (item D5 on your tax return).

You cannot claim any costs paid or reimbursed by your employer.

Example: Joan is a technician and is studying for an advanced sys-tem technician diploma. Because the course relates to her job and will improve her chance of promotion, Joan can claim a deduction for its cost.

If Joan was studying to become a

medical officer, she could not claim a deduction because it would be unre-lated to her current role.

Gym memberships and fitness-related deductions

Most Army members must main-tain a high level of physical fitness, but some in special units must maintain fitness levels well above the general Army standard. Examples of these include physical training instructors and those in special combat squads.

You can only claim a deduction for costs for attending a fitness course or gym membership fees if you can dem-onstrate that:� you’re required to maintain a level of fitness well above the general Army standard; and� physical activity is an essential and regular element of your job.

Example: John is paid extra remu-neration to maintain the very highest level of fitness. To maintain this level, John does extra training three times a week at a city gym. His gym fees are an allowable deduction.

Jennifer undertakes fitness training three times per week while on duty. She also attends her local gym in her own time. Because Jennifer is not required to maintain an above standard level of fitness, she cannot claim a deduction for her gym fees.

PT clothing As part of your PT, you are

required to wear suitable sports attire. Whether you can claim a deduction for the cost of this attire depends on the type of clothing worn. The types are:

� conventional PT clothing; � non-compulsory PT clothing; and � compulsory PT clothing.

Conventional clothing such as track-suits, shorts, T-shirts, socks and sports shoes are not allowable deductions.

Although certain units have designed their own physical training clothing with their logo or emblem, this clothing is non-compulsory and is not part of the traditional Army

The level of work-related deductions made by some Army members in their income tax returns has been noted by the Australian Taxation Office as unusually high. This article may help you correctly claim work-related deductions.

Is your tax fit for lodgement?

uniform, and cannot be claimed as a deduction.

Where PT clothing forms part of a compulsory uniform, you may claim a deduction for costs incurred.

Examples of compulsory PT cloth-ing include official monogrammed shirts, shorts and tracksuits that clearly identify to the public you are a mem-ber of the ADF, such as a shirt with an official monogram of a regimental crest.

Sporting activities expenses

To maintain fitness, many members choose to participate in a sporting activity. A deduction is allowable for expenses incurred when taking part in a sporting activity if:� you are considered to be on duty

while participating in the activity:

� you’re participating as an official Army representative at interservice or combined service competitions; or

� you’re required to take part in the activity as part of your normal income earning activities.Example: Doug is a corporal and

is required to play rugby union on his weekly sports afternoon when he is considered to be on duty.

He also plays with the same Army team in the local civilian competition on weekends.

Doug can claim a deduction for expenses incurred for his sports after-noon, but not for his weekend sport.

Further information regarding common deduc-tions specific to ADF members is available at www.ato.gov.au/individuals and select: your situation – employment – work-related expenses – occupational guides to help you complete your tax return.

28 PERSONNEL – TAX FEATURE Army September 16, 2010

Vet check: A-Res member and qualified veterinarian Lt Garnett Hall from the International Stabilisation Force assists an East Timorese farmer. Photo by Andrew Dakin

Family affair: Sigs Alistair and Ryan McGillicuddy share a brew in East Timor. Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo

Nice work: Spr Dan Woodward hangs access doors to the refurbished Moem Barracks gym. Photo by LCpl Mark Doran

Helping hand: Sprs Stuart Wallace and Daniel Glover, 5CER, give up their Saturday morning to raise funds for legacy in Canberra. Photo by AB Melanie Schinkel

LIFESTYLE 29 Army September 16, 2010

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� Say again, over

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The DeltaBy Tony ParkPublisher: Pan MacMillan Australia480 pagesRRP: $32.99IN HIS seventh novel, The Delta, Tony Park has again blended his inti-mate knowledge of southern Africa with an action-packed plot that has the reader turning the page in anticipation from beginning to end.

The central charac-ter is the Namibian-born Sonja Kurtz, a former British Army special operative turned merce-nary.

After finding her spectacular assassina-t ion a t tempt on the Zimbabwean president in the opening chapter was a set-up, Sonja wants out of her lucrative life as a hired gun but has trouble saying no to her boss and one-time lover, the disgraced and shady former SAS officer Martin Steele.

A chance encounter wi th an American wildlife documentary crew takes Sonja on a journey back to her past where she finds the people she was once close to have changed in the two decades

she’s been away and her former home-land is under threat.

To secure the financial future of her teenage daughter, and with the unwitting documentary makers as her cover, Sonja is persuaded to embark on one last job – a reconnaissance of a nearly completed dam on Botswana’s Okavango River, which threatens to destroy the fragile Okavango Delta eco system, renowned

as one of Africa’s most diverse wildlife sanctuar-ies, and the region’s safari operators are prepared to pay to have it blown up.

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Director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) has delivered an all-star- cast movie worthy of its pre-release hype.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Body of Lies) stars as Dom Cobb, a talented ‘extractor’ who specialises in stealing secrets from the vulnerable subconscious minds of his victims while they sleep.

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LIFESTYLE 31 Army September 16, 2010

Loadingup for PTPACK load-carriage activities

can be conducted as part of your military vocation or on a hiking vacation.

Either way, heavy load carriage – just like lifting heavy weights or run-ning – can lead to injury if you have not taken the time to prepare your body for the demands you will place on it.

Poor preparation for load carriage can lead to blisters (which, believe it or not, can be fatal), stress fractures, spinal injury, nervous system inju-ries to the arm and thighs as well as common muscle strains and ligament sprains.

To prepare for load-carriage activi-ties and minimise the risk of injuries, the structures of the body need con-ditioning, as does the ability of the body to supply energy to the working systems.

Further, to condition the body cor-rectly you need to appreciate that load carriage is more than just load weight: speed of march, distance or duration of march, and the terrain (grade and com-position) all bear consideration.

When designing conditioning pro-grams, the most commonly used fit-ness industry approach is the frequen-cy of training, intensity of training, time or duration of session and type of training (or FITT).

Following this approach the rec-ommended conditioning dose for load carriage improvement would be as fol-lows:

FrequencyResearch suggests that the optimal

training regime for load carriage is at least two sessions per month and as often as once a week, depending on session intensity and length.

IntensityGradually increase load carriage

context (load weight, speed, terrain) to meet your requirement. If you have no specific requirements then adopt a maintenance training program with sufficient intensity to elicit a training response similar to that recommended by Fitness Australia for maintaining cardio respiratory health.

TimeAs with intensity, the duration of

your session should again gradually increase to meet your requirements. For maintenance, a minimum of 30 minutes is recommended. It is impor-tant that you avoid increasing your training duration at the same time as increasing your training intensity (load weight, speed, etc).

Type of trainingLoad-carriage training is undoubt-

edly the best way of improving load-

carriage performance. With this in mind, however, it does place strain on the body, and separate training is recommended to increase performance and resilience.

Activities that train the aerobic system, like running, swimming and cycling, can help make your energy systems more efficient. Likewise, weight training, conditioning the legs, trunk and upper body, can strengthen the muscles and tendons, increasing joint protection and increasing muscle efficiency when carrying load.

Finally it is important that your load-carriage training progresses to meet your environmental conditions. Consider the temperatures and humid-ity you will be carrying the loads in, as well as the type of clothing you will be wearing.

Just like playing sport, running a race or lifting weights, to minimise your chance of injury you must gradu-ally and progressively condition your body to withstand the stresses that will be placed on it.

LOAD MASTERED: Training for heavy load carriage, as well as doing complementary strength and cardio training, will improve your performance and reduce your risk of injury in the field. Photo by Sgt Neil Ruskin

Pack carrying has its fitness advantages but needs careful planning, Lt Rob Orr reports.

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SPORT 33Army September 16, 2010

THE SA Army basketball team broke the drought in the South Australian Defence Basketball interservice tourna-ment, pouring on 17 points in the last quarter of the final to give it a 44-40 win against RAAF.

Wearing borrowed ‘rain dance’ singlets after a uniform mix-up, it was raining bas-kets for Army as they broke RAAF’s five-year hold on the championship, turning a six-point deficit going into the final term into a four-point win.

The annual tournament was held on August 19 at RAAF Base Edinburgh and saw six teams enter the competition – four men’s and two women’s.

The women’s competition welcomed the return of two full teams and in the men’s competition Army, RAAF, APS and the Techos teams battled.

Returning for the second year, the Techos team – hailing from within ele-ments of 10 and 11 Sqn, 92 Wing – were well prepared, having earlier competed at the South Australian Police & Emergency Services Games.

The men’s teams proved to be well matched and the two finalists were not decided until the final game.

The standings at the end of the round robin competition saw Army top of the table with RAAF second, Techos third and APS fourth.

Player/coach Cpl David Portakiewicz said it was pleasing to see the team go one better than 2009.

“Last year we were unbeaten in the rounds but lost the final,” Cpl Portakiewicz said.

“This year we were again unbeaten in the rounds and we had a come-from-behind win in the final which was great considering we lost two players to injury the day before.”

RAAF attempted to alter its game plan in the final by trying to counter the strong outside shooting of the Portakiewicz brothers, David and Anthony, and the tough inside presence of Pte Jason Morton.

The tactics of Air Force seemed to be

paying off at half-time as they took the lead 20-15. Army clawed back early in the third quarter, however, another solid quar-ter by RAAF saw it extend its lead slightly, heading into the final quarter up 33-27.

In the fourth quarter Army put on an incredible team display, racking up 17 points to 7, while forcing RAAF into foul trouble.

“The difference this year was the addition of Pte Morton who gave us an extra option in offence when RAAF was double-teaming Anthony or me,” Cpl Portakiewicz said.

Army was made up of members from 10/27RSAR, 16 AD Regt, 2 Pl HQ – A Coy and 144 Sig Sqn and is now looking towards the national carnival.

“From here, we are hoping to add new dimensions and much-needed size and depth to help strengthen the SA com-bined team for the national combined tournament at the end of the year,” Cpl Portakiewicz said.

High scorers for the game were the Portakiewicz brothers and Pte Morton with 10 points each and Sgt Tim Muehlberg with 22 points for RAAF.

The two women’s sides matched up against each other twice during the com-petition which saw the ADF Blue team and the ADF Red team split the wins.

In the first match, LAC Michelle Hiesley top scored with 18 for the Red team to secure a 35-28 win. Sgt Penny Rogers (Army) top scored for the ADF Blue team in the second match with 14.

This year’s Sheralee Gormley tro-phy for the most valuable women’s player went to LAC Hiesley and the Justin Galbraith Trophy for the most valuable men’s player to LCpl Anthony Portakiewicz.

The ADBA Combined Services competition will be held at RAAF Base Williamtown from November 27- December 4.

For more information on SADB contact Sgt Tim Muehlberg on (08) 7389 4095 or at [email protected]. For all the latest SADB news visit www.sadb.basketball.net.au

Breaking the droughtRain dance pays off for SA basketballers

Jump shot: Pte Fernando Borges takes a shot at goal in the final of the South Australian interservice Basketball tournament at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Army won 44-40. Photo by LAC Shannon McCarthy

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34 SPORT Army September 16, 2010

By Cpl Zenith King

ARMY Thunder broke a two-year deadlock by beating the Palm Island Skipjacks 22-16 in the hotly contested Bill Coolburra Memorial Shield rugby league match on August 20.

After a 28-all draw the previous two years, Thunder was keen for a win in the annual match played in honour of former soldier and community local Bill Coolburra. However, mistakes in the first half meant the team almost missed out.

Thunder’s captain Sgt Clancy Fallon, 5 Avn Regt, said the match was extreme-ly physical, particularly in the first half where disciplined defence on both sides kept the scores at 4-all at half-time.

“It started pretty fast and I guess early on we were victims of our own enthusi-asm,” Sgt Fallon said. “We were trying to push passes and do too much too soon.

“As the game progressed, the Skipjacks scored a try and we hit back. But we weren’t achieving what we set out to achieve, which was to play simple football, complete our sets and the points would come.”

Thunder defended well throughout the game with a solid disciplined effort in the second half paying dividends.

WO2 Jason Griffiths, 35 Fd Sqn, said the team knuckled down in the second half and began playing a tight, controlled match. “The boys had to dig in deep against a very resilient Palm Island team which kept coming at us all day,” WO2 Griffiths said.

“Once we controlled the ball we were able to jump ahead to a 10-point lead but, on the back of a large penalty count and

constant pressure, they narrowed the gap to six points with 10 minutes to go. Our strong defence in the final 10 minutes ensured we held out and the result went our way.”

WO2 Griffiths said despite limited preparation, with the team being pulled together in the final week, they gelled quickly.

“With only one complete team training session under our belt, it was an extremely good team effort by all players who were tenacious in defence and creative in attack.”

Prop LCpl Daniel Halliday, 1RAR, scored a try in the second half and said it was a privilege to play against Palm Island.

“It was an experience I’ll never forget. They are rugby league mad over there and it felt good to go over and play in front of Bill Coolburra’s family and friends,” LCpl Halliday said.

“Bill was an engineer in Vietnam, so to hear the stories of his time in the Army was amazing, a real credit to him and his family.”

He said both teams played well and it was a tough, physical match.

“Both teams gave everything they had and to see the crowd get into the game like they did was a real indication of the quality of both teams.”

Standout players were Cfn Mick Cunningham, 3CER, who scored Thunder’s first try.

Halfback Gnr Zac Redfern, 4 Fd Regt, led the team around the park well and LCpl Halliday broke the Skipjacks’ line on numerous occasions.

Tries: Cfn Cunningham, 3CER; Cpl Joseph Abdul-Rahman 1RAR; LCpl Halliday, 1RAR; and Sgt Fallon, 5 Avn Regt. Goals: Spr Scott Ragan, 3CER.

� Uncle Bill died late last year. He attended the other two games.

� The last two encounters have had the same result – a 28-all draw.

� Bill was a dedicated soldier who served with 3 Tp RAE as an engineer in Vietnam (tunnel rat), Malaysia and Borneo.

� Bill, who was represented by his wife at the game, loved his rugby and believed it would be a good way to bring the communities together.

� Defence representatives visited his grave and laid a wreath in honour of his service to the Army.

REMEMBERING BILL COOLBURRA

Thunder cracks deadlock

Full steam ahead: Thunder skipper Sgt Clancy Fallon fends off the opposition on his way to scoring the winning try in the Bill Coolburra Memorial Shield match at Palm Island on August 20.Paying respects: Defence representatives along with family and friends visit the grave of Bill Coolburra. Photos by Maj Al Green

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SPORT 35 Army September 16, 2010

By Lt Jesse Platz

DILI Stadium was the place to be in late August as rugby league and Australian rules football took centre stage.

The International Stabilisation Force Tropics easily accounted for the local East Dili Eels in the AFL grand final held on August 15 and New Zealand earned bragging rights in the ISF rugby league charity match between Australian and New Zealand soldiers on August 22.

The Kiwis won the newly estab-lished annual rugby league contest six tries to five and raised $1800 for local orphanages while drawing a crowd of locals to the stadium for the game.

Deputy Commander ISF Cmdr Anthony Millar said the game, played on August 22, was for a good

cause and showcased the friendly rivalry between the trans-Tasman neighbours.

“I was really impressed by the speed and technique in the game and the outcome for the East Timorese,” Cmdr Millar said.

“We are an Anzac force, and Anzac has got some history.

“We have great camaraderie and fantastic competitors and what that shows is our enduring relationship and the fact that once we go on the football field we can be honourable competitors.”

After the post match, players from both teams set up a coaching clinic for the local kids who were presented with sporting equipment donated by Aspley Leagues Club in Queensland.

New Zealand capta in PO Thomas Matoe said the trophy

might stay in the Kiwi cabinet for a while, but the bond with the Australians continued to strengthen.

“It’s really good to be a part of this,” PO Matoe said.

“We have built our relations very well in Timor, we are always work-ing together – it’s good to get a bit of aggression out there on the park, but after the game, everyone’s all mates and we come together.”

Sgt Robert Ryan said the focus was already on nabbing the trophy in 2011.

“There was only one try in it – we’ll get them next time,” Sgt Ryan said.

Meanwhile, the AFL was a no-contest with the Tropics accounting for the Dili Eels by a massive 135 points. Deployed soldiers have par-ticipated in the competition since its inception in 2007.

Dishing it up in East Timor

Game on: Spr Toby Wilson prepares to palm off a New Zealand Defence Force opponent during a friendly charity rugby league match at Dili Stadium, East Timor. Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo

Flying high: An ISF Tropics player sets himself for a mark during the AFL grand final at Dili Stadium on August 15. Photo by Cpl Christopher Dickson

Time out: ISF Commander Col Simon Stuart and a local child play during the half-time break of the grand final of the AFL in Dili.Photo by Cpl Christopher Dickson

September 16, 2010

TOP JOB

Se

Thunder strikesBreaking the deadlock in shield match

Page 34

Army breaks the drought in the South Australian interservice basketball titles.

Story – page 33

Fast break: Cpl David Portakiewicz takes on his RAAF opponent in the final of the interservice basketball tournament played at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo by LAC Shannon McCarthy

farewell - department of defence...edition 1244 september 16, 2010 farewell army salutes three of...

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