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FAREWELLFinal salute to a passionate digger

FOUR-PAGE TALISMAN SABER LIFTOUT INSIDE FRESH LOOK FOR ARMY WEBSITE P3

Page 2

Edition 1218 August 6, 2009

2 NEWS Army August 6, 2009

The Soldiers’ NewspaperA/DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

EditorialA/EditorSharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7609Senior reporter:WO2 Graham McBean: (02) 6266 7608Chief sub-editorFiona van der Plaat: (02) 6266 7612Reporters:Cpl Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614Cpl Corinne Boer: (02) 6265 2427Sports editorBarry Rollings: (02) 6265 1304

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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 the Directorate of Defence Newspapers approval and the Directorate of Defence Newspapers may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement for publication. The Directorate of Defence Newspapers 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.

CA ORDER OF THE DAY

July 31IN April 2003 Australia committed to coalition operations as part of the US Operation Iraqi Freedom. Enabled by the success of that original commitment of a special operations and aviation task group to combat operations, Army has maintained a continuous col-lective and individual commitment to the Australian mission.

This has included the security detachment that continues to provide security and mobility to Australia’s diplomatic mission in Iraq; the Australian Army Training Team – Iraq, whose efforts enhanced capability and capac-ity within the Iraqi Army; and the Al Muthanna Task Group and Overwatch Battle Group (West), whose joint operations with the UK’s Multi-National Division South East enabled the first transfer of provincial security responsibility back to Iraqi authority.

In addition, there were many soldiers, NCOs and officers embedded within coalition-force units and headquarters whose professionalism and commitment made a significant contribution to both Australian and coalition mis-sion success.

All of this was ably supported by Army support personnel whose contribution formed the core of the ADF support commit-ment.

I also wish to formally rec-ognise the contribution of those in Army who may not have deployed but whose efforts back in Australia facilitated success.

To enable and support an operation of this complexity and duration is a credit to all in Army who participated either in the planning, mounting or support of this operation. To have achieved this measure of sustained com-mitment and success, concurrent to other operational commitments and Army developmental objec-tives, reflects well upon us all and has enhanced our reputation.

In the last six years, much has been achieved. Together as units and individuals, ably supported by our coalition colleagues, we have served Australia and the people of Iraq with distinction.

We have contributed to free-dom in Iraq. Now is the time to step back and further encourage Iraqi control of their own destiny. This achievement is in no small part owed to the efforts of all Army personnel who have proudly served both the peoples of Iraq and Australia.

Your dedication and sacrifice, and those of your families, is greatly appreciated and recog-nised by the nation.

Lt-Gen Ken GillespieChief of Army

By Michael Brooke

THE courage and sacrifice of Pte Benjamin Ranaudo was remembered when hundreds of relatives and members of the extended Defence family came together to mourn his loss.

Pte Ranaudo, 22, was laid to rest at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery in Victoria on July 31 after an emotional memorial service where his family members and Army mates spoke in glowing terms of his bravery and passion for soldiering.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd saluted Pte Ranaudo as “a true Australian hero” when he expressed his con-dolences to the family.

Pte Ranaudo became the 11th Australian to die in Afghanistan when he was killed by an IED during a cordon and search operation in the Baluchi Valley, about 25km north of Tarin Kowt on July 18.

The character of the devoted and committed sol-dier was honoured during the hour-long service. Mourners included Mr Rudd, Defence Minister John Faulkner, CDF ACM Angus Houston, Deputy CA Maj-Gen Paul Symon and Commander 3 Bde Brig Stuart Smith.

In a touching tribute, Pte Ranaudo’s 1RAR comrades carried his casket, draped with the Australian flag and adorned with his service medals and slouch hat, from the hearse into the Boyd Chapel for the service.

The ceremony was a fitting tribute to a soldier described as “a wonderful young Australian”.

In delivering the eulogy, Brig Smith said not only had Pte Ranaudo always wanted to be a soldier but he came to embody the Army values of courage, initiative and team-work.

“From an early age Ben had always dreamed of being a soldier and his wish came true on May 16, 2006, when he joined the Army,” he said.

He said Pte Ranaudo

showed courage by “swap-ping his driver’s seat in his Bushmaster to support his mates in a cordon and search operation in the Baluchi Valley, when he was killed by an IED”.

Brig Smith said Pte Ranaudo’s example had made his mates in the MRTF 2 more determined to suc-ceed in the mission to make Afghanistan a safer and bet-ter place for its people.

“Ben’s example had become their inspiration,” he said. “If a young man such as Ben can serve his coun-try with such distinction then surely this is also an inspiration to the people of Australia.”

He said Pte Ranaudo’s sacrifice would be remem-bered and that his name would be added to the 1RAR Roll of Honour as an exam-ple for other soldiers to fol-low.

Pte Ranaudo’s mother, Jennifer, said she was deep-ly saddened but couldn’t be more “proud of her little sol-dier”.

At the end of the memo-rial service, 1RAR soldiers mounted Pte Ranaudo’s casket onto a gun carriage and escorted it to the buri-al plot near the Garden of Remembrance, where his mates farewelled him with a 21-gun salute. They said he died while serving the nation and that his sacrifice was not in vain, nor would it be for-gotten.

Pte Ranaudo’s long jour-ney home began at Tarin Kowt on July 20. In a mov-ing memorial service and ramp ceremony, MRTF 2 and coalition forces, including the Afghan National Army, lined the road to the run-way where the aircraft was waiting to take him home. Family, colleagues and dig-nitaries gathered at Avalon Airport, Victoria, on July 26 for the return of his body.

Pte Ranaudo is survived by his parents, Angelo and Jennifer, as well as members of the extended family.

THE family of Pte Paul Warren, wounded by the bomb explosion that killed Pte Ben Ranaudo, has sent their condolences to the griev-ing Ranaudo family.

Pte Warren returned to Australia last weekend after receiv-ing medical care in Germany.

Mrs Rochelle Warren said, “While it is a long road ahead for Paul, our boy will be coming home. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ben Ranaudo’s family and friends who weren’t so lucky. On behalf of all of Paul’s family I’d like to thank you all for your love, best wishes and continued support for Paul in his long recovery.”

‘True Aussie hero’

.MESSAGE FROM PTE RANAUDO’S FAMILYWE WOULD like to say how proud we are of our son. Benjamin was a proud sol-dier. He believed in what he did. It was more than a job it was his passion, his life.

He was a son, a brother, a comrade, a life partner. His smile could light up the darkest of days. Ben touched the lives of so many with his warm heart. His strong spirit carried his family and friends through his absence and it will carry them through their loss.

Our heart goes out to the injured soldier and his family.

We thank the nation for your kind words and

condolences. The response has been overwhelming. We would also like to thank the Defence Force for their support in our time of need; they have been professional and compassionate.

To Benjamin’s com-rades, our support is with you. You have lost a friend and a brother. You are all in our hearts. We send our support and prayers to all the men and women serving here and overseas keeping our country safe.

Please, let’s not let Benjamin’s death, and the death of the other 10 sol-diers, be in vain.

Glowing tribute to Pte Ranaudo

Long road to recovery

Final salute: MRTF 2 members form a guard of honour and salute as Pte Benjamin Ranaudo’s casket is moved to the airstrip at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram

Mission ends: Cpl Andrew Hebden lowers the Australian flag which had been flying over ‘Aussie Island’ at Camp Victory in Baghdad.Photo by PO Dave Connolly

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NEWS 3Army August 6, 2009

By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

ARMY personnel and civilians can now access Twitter, Facebook, and You Tube on the Army inter-net site.

CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie said the Army website upgrade and the use of the linked websites would enable Army personnel and the pub-lic to be made aware of new and emerging stories about the Army.

“Army must seek to retain the trust and commitment of our people and the Australian public through truthful, effective and pervasive communication and networking,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“This form of immediacy creates greater transparency and account-ability while developing confidence and trust, which all members of Army can add value and a voice to solving their concerns.”

The sites will be hosted by Army and the CA will place his thoughts on the forums.

While accessing the Facebook and Twitter sites, soldiers and the public will have the opportunity to bookmark and share a range of images, videos and other products. In time, the site will host blogs and the means to respond to messages.

Access to the sites is not avail-

able from the DRN, although this is not a disadvantage.

“Up to 80 per cent of Army members do not have access to the DRN,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“Although we are working very hard to make the DRN available to all members of the Army, the new site will establish a sophisticated web presence on the public internet in order to engage with families, soldiers without DRN access and the community at large.”

The new website went live on August 3.

The Army’s internet site is located at http://www.army.gov.au

Wired: CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie checks out the new innovations on the Army website. Photo by Cpl Andrew Hetherington

Website’s new face

AN inquiry has revealed no medical intervention would have saved Cpl Mathew Hopkins who died after he sustained a fatal gunshot wound in Afghanistan in March 16 this year.

VCDF Lt-Gen David Hurley released the Inquiry Officer’s report in Canberra on July 24.

Cpl Hopkins, who served with the MRTF, was killed during an intense engagement with Taliban insurgents while conducting a joint patrol with the Afghan National Army near Kakarak, 12km north of Tarin Kowt in Oruzgan province.

Lt-Gen Hurley said the Inquiry Officer recommended that the appoint-ment of a Commission of Inquiry was not warranted.

“The CDF has accepted the recom-mendation,” Lt-Gen Hurley said.

The inquiry officer also found that all training and procedures supported the conduct of the operation.

The level of training and the applica-tion of procedures allowed the patrol to maintain good order under significant pressure and subsequently extract itself from the area of contact.

Lt-Gen Hurley commended the cour-age of the Australian, Afghan and coa-lition soldiers who provided medical assistance to Cpl Hopkins and helped with his evacuation. “The members of Cpl Hopkins’ patrol fought well in dan-gerous and chaotic circumstances under heavy insurgent fire,” he said.

Report delivers inquiry findings

“Their ability to perform at the level they did and maintain cohesion is a tes-tament to their techniques, training and procedures.”

Cpl Hopkins was the first member of Australia’s MRTF to be killed in action since its formation in October last year and one of 11 soldiers who have died since operations began in Afghanistan in 2001.

The Inquiry Officer’s report can be found at http://www.defence.gov.au/coi/

Report released: No medical intervention could have saved Cpl Mathew Hopkins.

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By WO2 Graham McBean

CDF ACM Angus Houston has esti-mated Australia is about one-third of its way through its training task in Afghanistan.

The CDF said the ADF training mile-stone for the Afghan National Army’s 4 Bde had reached Capability Level 3, which meant it now had an initial capa-bility to operate at company level.

ACM Houston said the goal was to train 4 Bde to conduct battalion-level operations but the mission also would include establishing effective command-and-control, logistics and combat-service support.

He said the progress was a huge step forward but there was still more work to be done.

“We’re only probably about one-third of the way through a very long and very important training process to give Afghanistan the security forces it needs to be able to prevail over the Taliban,” ACM Houston said.

The CDF made the announcement during a round-table conference with media in Canberra and forecast this out-come was still about three to five years off at this point in the mission.

ACM Hous ton compared the present situation in Oruzgan province to Australian efforts in southern Iraq in 2005.

He said Afghanistan was a more com-plex situation and “probably more chal-lenging” but eventually the Australian troops would accomplish the mission.

“I take you back to where we were in

Training achieves milestone

Iraq in 2005-2006, and things were look-ing very, very grim indeed in that place,” he said.

“But look at Iraq now. It’s going rea-sonably well. It’s certainly a workable nation.”

CDF also said the Australian mentor-ing and training effort had been cited as the benchmark in Afghanistan but it was important that coalition forces remained until the mission was completed.

“We are well on the way to basically training what will be a very effective army and a very effective police force, but we’re only part of the way through that process.

“If we were to all withdraw now, we would leave the country in a situation where I think there would be a civil war, if you like, and there is a very strong possibility that the Taliban would pre-vail.”

ACM Houston said that would most likely result in Afghanistan returning to a pre-2001 situation where it was used by terrorist groups as a training ground.

CDF VISITS MEAOCDF ACM Angus Houston visited the MEAO in late July, where he met col-leagues of Pte Benjamin Ranaudo, other ADF personnel and conducted meetings with coalition partners. “Our people in the Middle East and Afghanistan are doing excellent work and I ask all Australians to keep them in their thoughts.” He also met with ISAF Commander Gen Stanley McChrystal, Commander Regional Command South, Maj-Gen Martin de Kruif and the US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Lt-Gen Karl Eikenberry (retd).

Liaising with locals: MRTF 2 soldiers chat to Afghan men and boys during a patrol in Oruzgan province, Afghanistan (above), while CDF ACM Angus Houston (right) walks through FOB Mirwais in southern Afghanistan. Photos by Cpl Rachel Ingram

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CDF ACM Angus Houston has announced a new policy of open and transparent public disclosure of civil-ian casualty incidents and allega-tions involving Australian forces in Afghanistan.

ACM Houston said the Taliban used allegations of civilian casualties by coa-lition forces to undermine support for operations.

He said the Taliban caused 80 per cent of civilian casualties but then often alleged coalition forces were responsible.

The new policy of releasing informa-tion on all “credible incidents” of civil-ian deaths and injuries would provide an open and transparent method of counter-ing Taliban misinformation.

“We’re up against an adversary who uses every set of these circumstances as part of his campaign,” he said.

“They are using information, distort-ed information, misleading information against us.

“So every time there’s a civilian casu-alty, even if it was caused by them, they will point to us.”

ACM Houston made the announce-ment at a media briefing during which he provided a list of 13 civilian casualty inci-dents and allegations involving Australian

soldiers, and the results of those where investigations had been completed.

He said the campaign in Afghanistan was largely about winning hearts and minds of the Afghan people, and civilian casualties were strategically important.

ACM Houston stressed that although the ADF’s operations were carefully planned and conducted, civilian casualties did occur at times.

“On a number of occasions our offen-sive actions have been delayed, modified or completely aborted due to potential risk to civilians,” he said.

“We take reasonable steps to ensure that our contacts with the Taliban do not put the lives of innocent civilians or non-combatants in jeopardy.”

Under the new processes, Defence will issue a public statement when civilian casualties are confirmed or when alle-gations of incidents involving coalition forces are substantiated.

After the allegation or incident has been fully reviewed the findings will then be released to the public.

“Under our new processes, all credible civilian casualty claims or incidents will be publicly reported,” ACM Houston said.

“It is vital that in the event of an alleged or actual civilian casualty that there are transparent, consistent and robust processes in place.”

ADF Force Support Unit 2 (FSU2) was farewelled at the 1RAR parade ground in Townsville on July 18 before heading to the Middle East.

FSU2 will provide logistics support to all operational nodes in that theatre, but its main assignment will be sup-porting operations in Afghanistan.

Defence Minister John Faulkner, who recently returned from visiting

Afghanistan, attended the parade. “I can personally vouch for the important role you will play in providing support throughout the Middle East,” Senator Faulkner said.

“Our troops there are operating in arduous and dangerous conditions and the contribution you make to support-ing and sustaining them is pivotal to our success.”

Casualties out in open

Off on an ‘arduous’ job Heads up: Senator John Faulkner walks the line at the farewell for ADF Force Support Unit 2 at the 1RAR parade ground. Photo by Cpl Guy Young

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DMO is seeking input on how it can improve in-service equipment.

It has set up product-specific focus groups aimed at providing direct feedback on how a piece of kit has performed in operations or training so that the manufacturer or supplier can improve the products supplied to the ADF.

Assistant Director Industry Policy Management Joe Hujs said there were only two provisos – the kit must have been in use at least six months, and more purchases must be planned so the chance to incorporate any improvements is still there.

He said soldiers could make a dif-ference and help to improve the kit used by the ADF.

Previous focus groups have provid-

ed feedback on the Bushmaster, Steyr and other small arms and ammuni-tion, and clearance diving equipment.

That feedback has resulted in manufacturers being able to make relatively small enhancements so the products better suit ADF users.

The manufacturers can be large or small, but need to be Australian or have an Australia base.

Soldiers whose suggestions are accepted will be involved in the focus groups, along with other service users, manufacturing companies, capability managers, and systems program or project offices.

For further information on product-specific focus groups and to suggest subjects, contact Joe Hujs on (02) 6265 1248 or email [email protected]

D E F E N C E M i n i s t e r J o h n Faulkner has assured personnel that equipping and funding the ADF top his list of priorities.

Senator Faulkner said uniformed members would directly benefit from the proposed $20 billion in savings under the Strategic Reform Program in the next decade.

“What the Strategic Reform Program will lead to is money being spent on the real focus of the ADF as a defence force ready and capa-ble of doing its primary role and function, which is the defence of our nation and meeting the strate-gic challenge of the 21st century,” Senator Faulkner said.

“I can say to you categorically, as the new Defence Minister, I will be ensuring the men and women of the ADF are properly and appropri-ately equipped and sustained into the future.

“That is a primary role and responsibility for me, it is a heavy responsibility and it’s one I intend to meet.”

S ince becoming Defence Minister in June he has visited per-sonnel in Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, RAAF Base Edinburgh, Fleet Base East, HQJOC, and 38 Sqn and 5 Avn Regt in Townsville.

He has asked Defence to arrange an extensive program of regular vis-its to establishments and operational areas to gain a better understanding of the organisation and its people.

“One of the best ways of keep-ing in touch with the concerns of Defence personnel is to meet as many as I can and talk to people directly,” he said.

“Three days after being sworn in as Defence Minister I went to Tarin Kowt, so I hope that is a pretty good indication that meeting our men and women at the frontline is a very high priority for me.

“I will take whatever opportu-nity I can to keep in touch, to learn more, see more and understand more directly about what personnel are doing.”

He said the feedback from sol-

Minister up to challenge

Well equipped: DMO wants to ensure it has the right kit for soldiers.

All focus is on our kit

diers in Afghanistan was “frank but overwhelmingly positive”.

“The thing that really does come through to a visitor is the extraordi-nary success of the work the ADF is doing. The beneficial impact in Tarin Kowt and the surrounding area is one of the really positive untold stories,” he said.

He reiterated the Government’s position Australia was already con-tributing enough troops and “did not have any intention of becoming the lead nation in Oruzgan province” once the Dutch withdraw in 2010.

Asked about his expectations of Defence members, he said they were high but he had “absolute con-fidence that those expectations will be met”. Similarly, personnel were entitled to have high expectations of him, but his commitment to support-ing them was “unwavering”.

Apart from being keen to engage with ADF members, Senator Faulkner has set about strengthen-ing Defence industry ties. “The men and women of the ADF are depend-ing on what industry can provide

to ensure that we have a capability edge,” he said.

He told the Defence + Industry Conference in Adelaide on July 1 that it “continues to be the position of the Government that the ADF has to be able to control our air and sea approaches against credible adver-saries in the defence of Australia, to safeguard our territory, critical sea lanes, our infrastructure and our people”.

“This means the ADF must be structured and equipped to engage in conventional combat against other armed forces. The White Paper remains the Government’s blueprint for action in Defence.

“My primary concern as the new Minister for Defence will be to deliver on those commitments.”

Senator Faulkner, who served as Defence Science and Personnel Minister in the Keating Government, said he had had a long-term interest and engagement with the Defence portfolio and looked forward to the challenges ahead.

Learning curve: Defence Minister John Faulkner and Lt-Gen Mark Evans receive a briefing from Cpl Tavis Mclaren about the Rove Prison observation post in Solomon Islands. Photo by Cpl Guy Young

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Education and Training Solutions


By Tpr Matt Whitby

THE guns of 7 Fd Bty have fired for the last time, end-ing an era of 40 years of service in the Australian Army.

The M2A2 105mm howitzers were used in the Vietnam War and were brought across to the Army Reserve in 1976.

Soldiers from the battery, which is part of Karrakatta-based 13 Bde, fired the guns at the Lancelin training area last month.

Despite inclement weath-er conditions, around 100 past members and families, including Vietnam veterans joined soldiers to witness a historic silencing of the guns.

The battery now takes up a new role, utilising 81mm mortars to replace the ageing artillery.

Bty Commander Maj Steve Mathers said it was a sad day for all involved.

“It is the start of a new era for 7 Fd Bty and we will be able to fulfil another important role for the Army Reserve,” he said.

Commander 13 Bde Brig Stephen Cain said he was exceptionally impressed with the conduct of the final shoot.

“The professionalism of the soldiers in extremely trying weather conditions, demonstrated the capability of reservists to achieve stand-ards of the highest level,” he said.

“The transition to mortars represents a great opportu-nity for reservists to maintain the capability of providing indirect fire support to the Army.”

ONLINE roll-out of the Officer Occupational Analysis Survey to regular and reserve officers will begin from August 10 through DRN accounts.

The survey is aimed at lieutenants to lieutenant colonels, who will have until September 30, to com-plete it.

Data collected will measure the tasks officers per-form in their current job and support Forces Comd’s ongoing examination of the officer training continuum.

It will also provide feedback to officer career man-agement in AHQ.

Project Liaison Officer Brig Iain Spence, HQ Forces Comd, said results were expected after April 2010.

“Success of this survey now relies on all officers completing the questionnaire – and formation com-manders and commanding officers ensuring this hap-pens,” Brig Spence said.

“All officers need to accurately and honestly com-plete this survey within the timeframe given.”

A minimum 70 per cent valid response rate is required. The infantry pay-trade case indicated com-manders must be involved to ensure this target is met.

Officers must have spent more than three months in the workplace and have attended their ROBC.

Reserve officers who have paraded for less than 20 days in the 08/09 financial year are not eligible. Reserve officers can claim for two hours pay through their units.

Hardcopy surveys are to be mailed to Army Officer OA, DSPPR BP 33-4-016, Brindabella Park, Canberra ACT 2600.

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By Steve Ridgway

WHEN Capt Ian Grant joined the Army as a musician 40 years ago, little did the Queensland farm boy realise his audiences would some day include the Queen and Pope John Paul II.

“When my parents said join the Army or work on the farm, I was already the drum major of the cadet band, so the Army won. I joined as an apprentice musician in 1969,” Capt Grant said.

He has played on many high-profile occasions, but he said playing for the Queen and a pope remained the high-lights of his career.

He joined towards the end of the Vietnam War, and even now his biggest regret is never having served overseas.

“I have five clasps on my Long Service Medal, plus the ADM, but I’m still hoping for that overseas deployment before I retire.”

CA will present Capt Grant with his fifth clasp next month.

Now a reservist, Capt Grant’s works at the Brisbane office of ArmySafe Advisory Service, the Directorate of Army Safety Assurance’s OH&S compliance watchdog. It is the latest stop in a career that has seen many changes.

“When I first joined, the National Service scheme was still in place. Many of these young nashos knew they could be fighting overseas. I have always felt respect for those who gave up two years of their lives to serve,” he said.

“I first trained on the SLR, and our field training uniforms were jungle greens, but I think DPCU make a better working uniform.”

While polyesters and ceremonial uni-forms have changed little, Capt Grant said the kit and equipment was “nowhere near as effective as we have today”.

But he feels strongly that people are more important than equipment. “Forty years has been a long time, but the cama-raderie and lifetime friendships add to our lives,” he said.

ELEVEN years after it was dis-banded, 26 Spt Sqn will be re-raised to provide engineering sup-port to Army, as part of 8CER.

CO 8CER Lt-Col Craig Jolly made the announcement during an RAE, RAAOC and RAAMC Corps birthday celebration at the unit.

26 Spt Sqn was an original sub-unit of 8CER until 1998, when it was disbanded. It will now provide opportunities to develop personnel in a variety of engineering skills, and will employ drivers, plant opera-tors and various construction trades.

“8CER had recently embarked on a recruiting drive utilising the Army Reserve Traineeship and Apprenticeship Program to develop these additional skill sets,” Lt-Col Jolly said.

Maj Maree Seagrott-Mitcheson,

Squadron’s new lease

OC 26 Spt Sqn, said the re-estab-lishment of the unit would provide an enhanced capability to the ADF.

“26 Spt Sqn has been re-raised with the introduction of the Modular

Take the cake: Lt-Col Craig Jolly and 8CER’s youngest member, Rec Joshua Teague.

Dreams of a drummer boy

Keeping the beat: Capt Ian Grant out front of the cadet band drummers in the late 1960s (above) and in mid-career formal mode (right).

Engineer Force concept to provide manoeuvre support and improved training capability to 8CER, while will better position it to support ADF operations,” she said.

The final composition of the unit is yet to be determined

“It’s composition is currently 60 personnel, with 57 reservists and three regular army staff,” Maj Seagrott-Mitcheson said.

“Positions include plant opera-tors, heavy vehicle drivers, con-struction tradespeople, pre- and post-recruit training personnel and specialist course managers, as well as a primary health-care team and supervisory and managerial staff.

“Currently, there are job oppor-tunities at the unit for plant operator trainees, apprentice carpenters, elec-tricians and plumbers.”

IN BRIEFVietnam remains foundTHE remains of the final two missing ADF personnel from the Vietnam War have been located. Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Minister Greg Combet said a RAAF investigation team had recovered the remains of Flg-Off Michael Herbert and Plt-Off Robert Carver near the remote site in Quang Nam Province where they crashed their aircraft in November 1970. The Australian and Vietnamese governments are yet to decide on a timetable for returning the remains to their families.

Somalia serviceTHE independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal will look into the recognition of ADF service in Somalia between 1992 and 1995. More than 1600 ADF members served in Somalia with the UN Operations Somalia I and II and the Unified Task Force Somalia. This service has been recognised through the Australian Active Service Medal with

Clasp Somalia, the Australian Service Medal with Clasp Somalia, and the United Nations Medal. Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Mike Kelly said the tribunal would consider a campaign medal for Somalia and the level of recognition for HMAS Tobruk and HMAS Jervis Bay, along with a unit citation for 1RAR Group. The terms of reference for the inquiry and guidance on making submissions can be found at www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au. Submissions close on August 24.

Banding togetherRMC Band and Australian Army Band (Kapooka) will join forces for Army in Concert on August 19 at the Canberra Theatre. The military musos will be joined by Australian stage veteran Michael Cormick. Tickets are $50 gen-eral admission and $40 for concession and groups of 12 or more. Money raised will go to Canberra Legacy. Further information from Cpl Matthew O’Keeffe on (02)6265 9392 and email [email protected]

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A LEGAL officer’s lifetime of humanitarian work and academic achievement has been recognised by the Queensland University of Technology.

Lt-Col David Freeman was awarded the 2009 QUT Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumni Award on July 22 and was a finalist for Outstanding Alumnus for 2009 across QUT’s seven faculties.

Executive Dean QUT Law Faculty and former federal attor-ney-general Michael Lavarch nominated Lt-Col Freeman for his contribution to human rights and international humanitarian law at the local, state, national and inter-national level.

Lt-Col Freeman said he was flattered by the award, which rec-ognised the achievements made by graduates of QUT or predecessor institutions since their graduation.

He said the award highlighted the opportunities the ADF offered to its people and the work Defence achieved at a domestic and interna-tional level.

“I am completely honoured and humbled by the award because there are, over the last 30 years of law school, many graduates who have achieved far greater things than I have,” Lt-Col Freeman said.

“I think that winning the award reflects on the professionalism of

the ADF, and I accept the award on behalf of the ADF, and the unique opportunities it has given me.”

Lt-Col Freeman’s military deployments include HQ Interfet in 1999, appointments as a legal officer to SFTG in Iraq in 2003, and with the SOTG in Afghanistan in 2005, and the 2008 inquiry into the death of LCpl Jason Marks in Afghanistan.

He was also an international observer for the first free demo-cratic elections in East Timor in August 2001 as part of the United Nations Association of Australia.

His domestic appointments have included OC B Sqn at ADFA and Chief Legal Officer HQ 7 Bde, Special Operations Command and HQ 1 Div.

Lt-Col Freeman’s recent aca-demic milestones include a Master of Defence Studies from UNSW, a Master of Laws (Hons) in International Law from University of Queensland and Certificate in International Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford.

Awa r d s i n c l u d e a C A’s Commendation, Meritorious Unit Citation as part of his contribution to SOTG in Afghanistan.

Lt-Col Freeman’s military and academic achievements will con-tinue as he is on study leave to complete his PhD in International Humanitarian Law.

Legal eagle’s career soars

Well done: Lt-Col David Freeman (above) and (right) QUT’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Peter Coaldrake presents Lt-Col Freeman with the 2009 Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumini award. Photos courtesy of Erika Fish, QUT

THE 2009 Military Officers Make-A-Wish Ball will be held on September 5, in the Grand Waldorf Ballroom at the Sebel and Citigate hotel Albert Park Melbourne. The black tie event will be held between 7pm-mid-night. The event regulary hosts 650 ADF officers, their partners and guests, and Defence industry sponsors of the event. Guests are treated to a complimentary three-course meal (including drinks) and an array of enter-tainment, with Red Symons as MC. Last year’s event raised $46,400 for Make-A-Wish Australia. Information on the event can be found at www.militaryball.com.au

Ball for a good cause


By Steve Ridgway

THE Belgian-made FZ LAU-97 70mm rocket system, the latest addition to the arsenal of the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH), was tested at Woomera from June 16 to July 11.

With a range of 5km the system would spoil the day for most soft-

skinned vehicles and ground forces.While test results are still being

processed, initial indications look good, according to ARH Project Director Bruce Whiting.

“The Tiger’s weapon systems are now close to being fully tested,” Mr Whiting said. “Limitations on employment of weapon systems are starting to be lifted.

“So far this year the Hellfire laser -guided missile has been certi-fied (cleared for operational use). That now gives the ARH anti-armour firepower out to 8km.”

He added that the 30mm cannon has also been certified. “All being well, the Tiger – the Army’s only aerial weapons platform – should be fully operational in 2010.”

Unit colour patchesUNIT colour patches are provided via unit funding and not through CLOSPO DMO. Units can place order for the patches through www.arcadeemb.com.au/defence.

Defective clothingTO REPORT a defect against a clothing item, a RODUM is to be submitted in addi-tion to any unit promulgated instructions. A web user guide can be accessed at

http://vbmweb.sor.defence.gov.au/rodum/Documents/RODUM%20Web%20User%20Guide%20Ed16%20-%20Nov%2008.pdf

Your questionsIF YOU have questions related to cloth-ing entitlements, clothing prices or avail-ability of clothing, please contact the Army Clothing Hotline – Sgt Anthony Romkes on 03 9282 6602 or email [email protected].

CLOTHING UPDATE

THE Graded Other Ranks Pay Structure (GORPS) will come into effect for all reservists other than those on CFTS on pay day August 28.

All reservist ORs are encouraged to see their unit pay representatives or their admin-istrative support staff at the customer service centre to obtain a copy of their pre-GORPS pay advice for July.

This pay advice must be retained for comparison purposes once GORPS has been implemented. The pay advice for August, which will detail reservists’ post GORPS pay, will be available by September 18.

Throughout August GORPS information teams will be travelling to reserve unit areas to present and provide updated pay structure sessions.

GORPS information sessions will be held at the following locations:� August 11: Holsworthy, 8pm, Maxwell

Club.� August 11: Adamstown, 7.30pm, MUD.� August 11: Larrakeyah, 7.30pm, Ratty

Club.� August 18: Dundas, 7.30pm, Lecture

Room Building 2.� August 18: 9pm, Pymble.

Further GORPS information can be found on page 14-15 of the May 28 edition of Army News or at the Army GORPS website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/DPPA/comweb.asp?page=159268&Title=WRA%20-%20GORPS

Rocket systems prove a success

GORPS set for reserve

My GORPS pay-grade is lower than my current pay-grade. Does this mean my salary will reduce?The mapping of the 16 pay grades to 10 pay grades meant some of the old pay grades needed to be combined with others into the new structure. This does not necessar-ily mean your new salary is lower. In most cases members will see an increase in salary. In some instanc-es, however, as a result of the new structure, some skill grades have been reduced in salary. Army has ensured that any member in this situation will receive a non-reduc-tion provision in the form of an allowance, until their post GORPS salary catches up – either through promotion, Skill Grade move-ment or Workplace Remuneration Agreement increases.I only received a small back pay. Why isn’t it more?The amount of back pay may be small or in some cases nil for some members. The amount is determined by what pay-grade the member was previously on, the new GORPS pay-grade and if the member was previously in receipt of any HDA for a higher pay grade.

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WORLD NEWS 11Army August 6, 2009

TOWNSVILLE-based soldiers of the second rotation of MRTF 2 are continuing the high-tempo patrol regime established by their Darwin-based predecessors.

The team has been on the ground for a month and has been conduct-ing patrols throughout Oruzgan province, including familiaris-ing itself with the Baluchi Valley, once claimed as a stronghold by the Taliban.

The combat team’s OC, Maj David Trotter, said they were alert to the danger from IEDs and to attacks by Taliban insurgents.

“The most challenging thing is the human and the tribal dynamic, getting to know the people,” he said.

“We’re moving off the routes into areas where IEDs haven’t been planted as frequently but there’s still a significant threat out there.”

During its first patrol, Army engineers surveyed an area they

believed looked suspicious. Their caution was justified when they uncovered an explosive device.

“The engineers made an excellent assessment and decided to search an area where an IED was found. It saved lives,” Maj Trotter said.

Platoon Sgt Gavin Whiteside said the challenge for any new rotation was gaining situational awareness and getting to know the locals.

“The people here are very friend-ly and pro-International Security Assistance Force,” he said.

“We are trying to get the message out that the elections are coming this month and that we’re here to provide stability.”

The patrol started in the dry hills before heading into the farming land of the Baluchi Valley, where the sol-diers met the locals.

The aim of the patrol was also to disrupt the insurgents’ freedom of movement through the area.

“I’d say the patrols are going well and the blokes are getting a lot out of them,” Sgt Whiteside said.

“But we are still acclimatising to the altitude, and the temperature is heating up.”

Other crucial members of MRTF 2 are the soldiers of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT).

OMLT OC Maj Brenton Russell said their role was to work along-side the Afghan National Army to increase their confidence.

The aim was “to turn men into soldiers and soldiers into leaders”.

“We eat, sleep, work, train and fight alongside them,” he said.

Field conditions are also slowly improving. Australian service cooks are now deployed to forward operat-ing bases so OMLT soldiers can get fresh hot food every day.

Also, many of the forward bases now have internet access.

Out and about onout on a meet and greetgreet

Steep learning curve: A MRTF 2 gunner keeps watch on patrol (far left); soldiers make their way down the foothills to the Baluchi Valley (above) and meet the locals. Photos by Cpl Rachel Ingram

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12 WORLD NEWS Army August 6, 2009

A SENIOR Taliban insurgent command-er has been killed in a recent operation led by Afghan National Security Forces and supported by Australian troops.

Mullah Amanullah Akhund, a known IED facilitator, was killed after a com-bined Australian and Afghan patrol was fired on by insurgents.

Chief of Joint Operations Lt-Gen Mark Evans said Akhund was known to have targeted Australian, coalition and Afghan troops.

“His removal, as a leader of insurgents, will continue to disrupt the Taliban’s net-work and its operations, especially in the lead up to Presidential and Provincial Council elections next month,” he said.

THE RAAF C-17 fleet has been busy flying vital equipment and supplies into Afghanistan in the past month. Here a 5 Avn Regt Chinook is unloaded at Kandahar airfield in southern Afghanistan (above and right). The delivery of the Chinook follows the first landing by a C-17 on a remote airstrip at Tarin Kowt a few weeks earlier to deliver supplies to MRTF 2. This was the first time any of the Australian C-17s, which started flying with the RAAF in late 2006, had touched down on a dirt strip in a war zone. The C-17s can carry up to four times the load, over twice the distance, of the C-130 Hercules that have been delivering to Australian forces in the MEAO since 2002.

Photos by PO Dave Connolly

A COMPANY-SIZED group of Australian infantry and cavalry has arrived in Afghanistan in time for the country’s elections this month.

Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East Maj-Gen Mark Kelly said the latest Australian commitment, announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd earlier this year, was part of an 8000-strong reinforcement of the International Election Support Force.

“The 120 Australian troops have deployed to Afghanistan to provide additional security to the Afghanistan Presidential and Provincial Council elec-tions,” he said.

They would be supporting the Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army. “The conduct of free and fair elections is an important milestone for

the people of Afghanistan,” Maj-Gen Kelly said.

“The provision of security by Afghan National Security Forces will also be a clear demonstration of the growing capac-ity of Afghanistan’s institutions to man-age their own affairs.”

He said the expression of the demo-cratic will of the people was a reminder to the Taliban insurgents that there was no place for oppression and intimidation in Afghanistan.

After the elections, the Australian Election Support Force will move on to provide additional security to the opera-tions of MRTF 2.

The force, including soldiers from 1RAR, 2 Cav Regt, 3/4 Cav Regt (B Sqn), and combat engineers from 3CER, has deployed for about eight months.

Taliban bomb expert killed

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WORLD NEWS 13Army August 6, 2009

By Maj Sandra Turner

A SKULL with a long, flat jaw, com-plete with teeth, protruding from the cupola of a Unimog truck could have been mistaken for the remnants of a large crocodile in Dili, East Timor, recently. But it was in fact a piece of prehistory.

Members from the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) serving in East Timor were asked to put their logistics and transport skills to use in helping to move some special cargo.

At the request of President Jose Ramos Horta, the ISF helped transport the collection of fragile geological and paleontological specimens across part of Dili.

The specimens comprised the O Mundo Perdido display at the Mercado Lama in Dili, and were transferred 4km to the new Presidential Palace.

The Tarbosaurus bataar specimen (a relative of T-Rex) was expertly disman-tled and re-assembled by a visiting geo-logical team from Monash University.

Each piece was labelled and care-fully wrapped and placed into purpose-built boxes. The larger pieces (up to 2m

in length) were individually moved onto the Unimog using a forklift.

The large skull was transported on the passenger seat of the Unimog with the teeth sticking out of the cupola, which provided an unusual spectacle for interested locals.

The display was informally opened in its new home by Dr Horta, who has co-written a children’s book about dino-saurs with the Monash team’s leader, Professor Pat Vickers-Rich.

Some of the first visitors to the newly relocated display were local schoolchil-dren, who learnt more about prehistoric creatures who once lived on the nearby island of Australia.

Members from ISF HQ helped the schoolchildren with a mask-making activity that was part of their visit.

The ISF originally helped with the exhibition in 2008 by providing logisti-cal support to move specimens from around country East Timor to the Mercado Lama.

Support for the move was provided by Combat Service Support Company from Timor-Leste Battle Group 6, while the ISF’s Military Police assisted with safe transport.

My, what big teeth you have: Members of the ISF help the Monash University geological team move dinosaur parts (above); and ISF Commander Brig Bill Sowry and East Timor President Jose Ramos Horta are dwarfed by the Tarbosaurus bataar in its new home at the Presidential Palace. Photos by LCpl Royce Pascoe and LAC Christopher Dickson

By Maj Sandra Turner

IT WAS a long training day for mem-bers of the ISF in East Timor recently, when a mass-casualty exercise ran them through their emergency man-agement paces.

Soldiers from Timor-Leste Battle Group 6’s (TLBG 6) A Coy enacted a scenario to test the responses of the Joint Task Headquarters, TLBG 6, the Timor-Leste Aviation Group 11 and the ISF medical facility.

Playing out a vehicle-accident sce-nario, ISF units tested the soldiers’ first-aid, field communications, aero-medi-cal evacuation and medical procedures, investigative processes and vehicle recovery actions.

The A Coy soldiers left Chauvel Barracks in Dili before dawn to set the scene on a secluded part of a local road near Aidabaleten.

With volunteers acting as injured personnel, the call for “assistance” went out and the exercise launched into full swing.

The exercise was the culmination of several training activities undertaken by TLBG 6 since it arrived in the country in mid-June.

A big head drops jaws

Significant preparation went into the exercise. This included notifying the nearby residents that the ISF would be in the area to do some training.

A small number of locals watched with interest from a distance.

As usual, the most inquisitive were the children, who said hello to the sol-diers as they waited for the ISF support.

The outcomes from the exercise were discussed in a debriefing activity the next day.

Aid on a lonely road

In safe hands: An “injured” Pte Kyle Wilson receives attention during the exercise. Photo by LAC Christopher Dickson

14 CENTREPIECE Army August 6, 2009 15

IT’S hard to imagine how you step up from Victoria’s Black Saturday bushfires but deploying to Solomon Islands is a good start.

As the largely Victoria-based Rotation 18 (R18) of Op Anode returns home this month, many members see parallels between their unexpected diversion to Op Vic Fires Assist and their work in Solomon Islands.

The contingent was diverted to Yea and Alexandra on the first day of its pre-deployment training to assist hard-pressed emergency services.

Cpl Alfonso Lai, a firefighter by profession, said his work with the people of Solomon Islands reflected at the international level the assistance R18 provided to the Victorian communities during the bushfires.

In fact, within a week of arriving in Solomon Islands, R18’s first main task was to evacuate local people caught by rising flood waters and return them the next day after the danger had passed.

But, similarities aside, the step from ashes to tropi-cal sweat has been an evolutionary one that has trans-formed the soldiers.

As they return to their civilian lives, they will bring back to their communities and units the benefits of their hard-won experience.

CO CTF 635 Lt-Col Neil Grimes said the full-time deployment to Solomon Islands required a leap in pro-fessionalism and commitment.

“The step up from your average Army Reserve infantry battalion training weekend to this is massive,” he said.

“I have been sending soldiers up to 200km away from this particular base in Guadalcanal. They are deploying by boat, by helicopter and other aircraft.

“We are insisting they communicate over the long distances with satellite communications and high-fre-quency radios.

“They are operating independently for long periods of time and they are planning their own logistics. It is a good outcome for soldiers who do six, eight or 10 weekends a year.”

The benefits flow through into all spheres of civilian and military lives.

The reality is there are only so many establish-ment positions the regular Army can staff. If reservists weren’t deploying to Solomon Islands an ARA com-pany would need to be diverted from somewhere else.

The ARA also stands to benefit from the many sol-diers who are planning to transfer to the full-time Army after their experience in Solomon Islands.

Not only does full-time experience on operations raise the bar on the reservists’ basic training require-

ments back home, it can fast-track the time it takes to earn qualifications.

Thanks to a training program conducted in tan-dem with operational tasks in Solomon Islands, some reservists were able to rack up qualifications in three months that would take up to three years in depots.

Op Anode is conducted largely at the section level and in many cases infantry sections acted independ-ently in support of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Participating Police Force.

In one task in the latter stages of their deployment, soldiers from 3 Pl temporarily re-established the FOB at Mbalisuna to help the RSIPF calm a developing situ-ation at a palm-oil community 25km from Honiara.

The soldiers deployed to Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Ltd 3 (GPPOL3) plantation after requests from the RSIPF for assistance.

Section commander Cpl Tim Knight said a gang of five youths had been harassing the community and had threatened to burn the community store.

“The RSIPF request was to maintain deterrence and we are reasonably close to villages on the coast where there has been trouble. We’ve maintained daily patrols through the GPPOL3 workers’ camp and at the store.”

The individual experience was equally compelling for young soldiers overseas for the first time.

It was the first time 20-year-old Pte Dan Lees, 8/7RVR, had been further north than Sydney. He said the environment was a challenge in itself.

“I wouldn’t say I would like to live here but it is something I would like to have done at least once in my life, and seeing how the people live is something I will take with me. You can’t see this kind of living culture in Australia so it was a great benefit to me.

“It was interesting walking through the markets and how they would try to sell you something, which was a good way to put something into the local community, just through buying something or saying hello.

“Just seeing how hard it is to live over here than it is at home shows how lucky we are,” he said.

A former ARA soldier, Capt John Pearse, said Op Anode was an important opportunity for reservists.

“It’s a big step, taking a lot of young men and women out of their civilian jobs and bringing them on six months’ full-time service and four months in a country,” he said.

“It is a massive difference and they are learning a lot about being a full-time soldier on operations in unfamiliar territory and dealing with a totally different culture. The depth of change is incredible.”

If a detour to the devastating bushfires in Victoria wasn’t enough of an eye-opener for these Op Anode reservists, Solomon Islands had many more challenges in store. Report: WO2 Graham McBean Photos: Cpl Guy Young

We’ve gone out on patrol through some of the islands and the people are really friendly. It is just unfortu-nate that they have had some cir-cumstances that have put them on the back foot for a while.LCpl Kevin Farrell, 8/7RVR

We have been further east than any other section and we saw how they have lived their lives for hundreds of years. It was a unique experience.” — and it is not something that you can travel to see on holidays.Alfonso Lai, 5/6RVR

When we arrived here we were called out in our trucks to evacu-ate people to more secure areas after flash flooding. We went around knocking on doors to make sure everyone was okay with local police and the next day we took everyone back after the waters subsided. Because we are out in the local community every day you are seeing the culture as it is.Pte Kristine Witty, 4CSSB

It was good knowing I was actually contributing to the RAMSI mission and we weren’t just driving around and waving at people. We were mak-ing a difference in people’s lives.Pte Matthew Welsh, 8/7RVR

We got out of Honiara and into the country areas and experienced more about the culture of Guadalcanal itself. The kids are always friendly and were running after our vehicle and saying hello.Sgt Marco Siljama, 5/6RVR

“

”

Memories: Soldiers on Rotation 18 of Op Anode explore a US World War II amphibious vehicle graveyard on Guadalcanal.

All set: Cpl Bradley Watkins on range with a MAG58. Eyes on the prize: LCpl Anthony Howard makes the running at an AusKick clinic for locals. On watch: Pte Daniel Lees on patrol at a palm oil settlement outside Honiara. All clear: Employers on Ex Boss Lift check out their employees’ fieldcraft.

Better now: Medic Cpl Karen Creelman treats a young girl for scabies in the remotevillage of Gifu.

FEFEEL THE HEAT

WHAT THE TROOPS SAY

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16 LETTERS Army August 6, 2009

ON BEHALF of this year’s “I’m an Australian Soldier” scholarship recip-ients, I would like to thank the Army for the opportunity to travel to Turkey and embark on 14 fascinating days in Gallipoli and Turkey.

From the commencement of our bat-tlefield tours, the contingent adopted the theme “walking in the footsteps of heroes”.

We researched and discussed all aspects of the campaign, walking and, at times, crawling off track in an attempt to emulate the conditions experienced by the Anzacs of 1915.

In doing this, we were able to gain a far better perspective of the enormity of the challenges faced by the Anzacs from a topographical perspective as well as carrying out simple daily tasks and routine.

Each day we covered a different aspect of the campaign, from the land-ings through to the December 20 with-drawal. Of particular highlight were some of the more memorable treks, including the scaling of Plugges Plateau, crawling through the thorns and scrub of Shrapnel Gully and the hills and gullies of Rhododendron Spur. This gave us a clear indication of the challenges to gain a foothold on that eventful morning of April 25, 1915.

OUR son, LCpl Stephen Carl Johanson, of 5RAR in Darwin, was recently killed in a motor vehicle accident while home on leave after an eight-month deployment to East Timor with Timor- Leste Battle Group 5.

On behalf of our whole family I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Army most heartily for the incredible level of support they provided over a couple of very difficult weeks.

In particular, we so appre-ciated the personal support of Marie Kelly of DCO Darwin and the organisational skills of Capt Jamie Cord in setting up a very memorable military funeral for Steve.

We also thank most sin-cerely Chaplain Bob Bishop, who led the service, and Maj Sean Kearns who interrupted his own leave to be present to give a very moving eulogy.

Thank you to Sean Kearns and to all Steve’s mates in D Coy, 5RAR, for providing an environment in which Steve thrived – the Army was his life! God bless you all.Les JohansonBodalla, NSW

I WAS appalled to see that the ADF seems to have pandered to the whims of our distant Pacific neighbours (neighbors) by changing the spelling of the joint exercise from Talisman Sabre to Talisman Saber.

I was under the impression that the Macquarie Dictionary was the definitive source for spelling of words and ‘saber’ doesn’t appear anywhere in that worthy publication.

It’s bad enough to have one’s deci-sions coloured (colored) by software applications which proffer solutions from the Webster’s Dictionary or some similar tome but to have the front page of Army

(July 23) displaying such a garish mis-spelling, is horrendous (not sure how they spell that).

I’m waiting with bated breath for accounts of the US forces traveling home in their aluminum ships and airplanes after no doubt gorging themselves on Ossie shrimps all around our harbors after the rigors of the exercise.

Oh how I miss the distant days of 2005 when a sabre was, I believe, still a sabre. If it is such a contentious issue, why not Talisman Sword – or is that a specter too difficult to comprehend. Lt-Col Nick ReadDHOC RAADCVictoria Barracks, Brisbane

Experience of a lifetime

The culmination of our tour was by far the dawn service at the Anzac com-memoration site; this was without doubt the highlight of our military careers. This once in a lifetime honour in rep-

resenting the Army was a stirring and highly emotional experience and as proud a moment as anyone could expe-rience.

While each day was a highlight in

itself, some of the more notable includ-ed delivering individual presentations on key aspects of the campaign, the interaction with members of the Turkish military, attending the Turkish interna-tional service, and the cultural tour of Troy and Assos.

For the three of us, the experience is difficult to put into words. Leading a battlefield tour as guides, delivering key components of the campaign was inval-uable to our development as JNCOs.

To now have an insightful and thor-ough knowledge of the campaign which many see as Australia’s baptism of fire, is something we will cherish and draw upon and use in future training activi-ties.

And lastly, to experience first hand, the respect the Turkish people have for all things Australian. This is a result of the heroic deeds of the Anzacs 94 years earlier. That respect was reciprocated at all times by members of our contingent.

Once again our sincere thanks for granting us the honour through the “I’m an Australian Soldier” scholarship pro-gram, to represent our country and our Army. It is an experience which we will never forget.Cpl Damian CannizzaroSection CommanderALTCLatchford Barracks

History talk: Cpl Damian Cannizzaro briefs two New Zealand Defence Force members on the actions around Chunuk Bair.

Proud soldier: LCpl Ste-phen Johanson in Timor.

Grieving family’s heartfelt thanks

THE BOSC (Brigade Operational Support Company) concept is an excellent theoreti-cal idea as it allows for the centralisation of administration, supply and catering.

This means first class support for reserve brigade units. However, this is possible only with full manning. Currently, several of the BOSCs are not fully manned.

This reduces the services that can be sustain-ably provided to brigade units. This is especially the case in administration and supply, where several of the trades are critical.

I believe the manning of the BOSCs should be increased, and quickly to reduce the pressure on the personnel based there. Through the provision of several more clerks and warehouse staff, many more operations such as Op Vic Fires Assist can be supported in a professional and thorough manner.

Without a timely increase, I believe these trades may become even more critical, due to the high tempo and workloads on the personnel, which will quickly affect the support that BOSCs and similar units provide to reserve brigades and the Army as a whole.Maj Dennis MaddockOC 4 BOSCSimpson Barracks

Give boost to BOSCs

Rattling the sabre over spelling

HAVE YOUR SAY■ Letter writers must include their name, unit, location and contact number for purposes of verification.■ Letters can be sent to: [email protected]; or Army newspaper, R8-LG-038, Russell Offices, Canberra ACT 2600

ECN 315 MILITARY POLICEMANTRADE TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY

Military Police support commanders at all levels by providing assistance with command and control both in Australia and on operations. Military Police also assist the Provost Marshal - Army by providing policing support to the wider Defence community. Military Police men and women can expect to be involved in policing tasks in a variety of situations in both the fi eld and barracks environments. Military Police must be able to operate independently, make ethical decisions based on available information, be fl exible in their approach to problem solving and communicate effectively with soldiers, their commanders and members of the public.

Some of the tasks that Military Police undertake include, investigations, liaison with other policing agencies, law enforcement duties, close personal protection for VIP, assistance with physical security, handling detainees and captured enemy and traffi c regulation. In addition to working as a General Duties Military Police a soldier in the RACMP can choose to specialise as an Investigator, a Military Police Dog Handler or a Close Personal Protection Operator.

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After completing initial training a qualifi ed Military Policeman is on Pay Group 3. After successful completion of the probationary period and the Service Police Investigator Course, a Military Policeman is on Pay Group 4

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Initial corps training is undertaken at the Defence Police Training Centre at Holsworthy, NSW over a 11-week period. This is followed by 12-month On the Job Experience.

Military Policemen are encouraged to specialise by undertaking further military and trade courses as well as tertiary studies during their initial engagement.

Other training and courses include: • Close Personal Protection - Trains Military Police men and women as an individual and member of a team able to provide protection to designated military personnel and civilian dignitaries. • Military Police Dog Handler - Trains Military Police men and women in all aspects of Military Police Dog employment, including asset and area security, man- trailing/tracking and basic animal husbandry.

• Detention Centre Supervisor (All Corps) - Trains Military Police men and women and other Service personnel in the requirements needed to operate a detention facility.

• Investigators Course – Trains Military Police men and women in the advanced skills of investigations to be employed in the ADF Investigation Service (ADFIS).

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18 FEATURES Army August 6, 2009

THE Army is confident the Defence Capability Plan 2009 will boost its ability to hit hard and fast.

Unveiled on July 1, the $60 bil-lion plan includes new Steyr variants, networked mortars and new 155mm artillery, backed up by F-model Chinooks. Enhanced battlespace com-munications are also a priority.

Defence Minister John Faulkner said the openness of the plan would also help industry plan ahead and deliver on time.

Speaking at the Defence + Industry Conference in Melbourne, Senator Faulkner said a strong and effective ADF would require growth in both capacity and capability.

“The Government wants to ensure that Australian industry shares in that growth,” he said.

The Government has promised to maintain 3 per cent real growth in the Defence budget until 2017, and 2 per cent growth from then until 2030. There is also an index-linked safety margin of 2.5 per cent.

“No other sector has such a solid predictable growth plan locked in for the future,” Senator Faulkner said.

The big-ticket Army projects are:

Chinook replacementPrevious plans for piecemeal

improvements have been ditched.

The idea now is a wholesale replacement of the Army’s existing D-model fleet with seven new F-model aircraft (Air 9000).

Subject to a final decision in 2010-11 to 2011-12, the new fleet is expected to reach initial operating capability between 2016 and 2018.

Indirect fireThe 105mm Hamel gun and

M198 towed howitzer will both be replaced at the end of their service life by a mix of towed and self-pro-pelled 155mm artillery.

First-pass approval is complete and initial operating capability is scheduled for 2012 to 2014.

A new project will link existing 81mm mortar capability into a joint fires environment using a networked ballistic calculator, and acquire advanced munitions (Land 136 Mortar Replacement). Some Reserve artillery units will also be equipped with a mortar capability.

The planned upgrades are sched-uled to take effect from 2014 to 2016, subject to a decision in 2012-13 or 2014-15.

Body armourAs part of Land 125, soldiers will

get improved modular body armour, as well as ballistic and eye protection to better shield them from blasts, projectiles and lasers.

These are expected to be ready for use between 2011 and 2013.

Steyr rifleThe Steyr will be developed to

commander, marksman, grenadier and standard variants. The enhance-ments are expected to improve target acquisition, probability of hit and co-operative engagement.

The rifles are due to be ready for action by 2011 to 2013.

Non-lethal weaponsIn peace-keeping operations, the

ideal is to have the option of a non-lethal response.

JP 3011 will develop weapons that should become available for operations between 2014 and 2016.

IEDsJP 154 includes a “technology

refresh” on methods of dealing with IEDs, and new ways of detecting them. The technology will start entering service from 2010.

CBR DefencesImproved methods of detecting,

warning and protection from chemi-cal, biological and radiological weap-ons will become available from 2011.

VehiclesThe ASLAV upgrades remain in

Land 112 Phase 4.The expected replacement pro-

gram for land combat vehicles (Land 400) will appear in later plans.

Additional phases have been added to Land 121 to deliver light protected vehicles, as well as vehi-cles to meet training requirements.

Gap crossingThere are plans to enhance

Army’s capability to cross a range of wet or dry gaps in support of combat operations (Land 155 Enhanced Gap Crossing). Subject to decision, initial operating capability is planned for 2016 to 2018.

BattlespaceSeveral programs – includ-

ing JP 2044 Phase 4 (Digital Topographical Systems Upgrade), JP 2064 (Geospatial Information Infrastructure), JP 1770 (Rapid Environmental Assessment) and JP

High hopes for hard and fastThe latest blueprint for Defence spending confirms a commitment to growth and, while Australian industry stands to benefit, the Army’s aim is for the ultimate winners to be those in the front line.

1771 (Geomatic Support System) – are expected to enhance the ADF’s ability to understand and exploit the battlespace.

NetworkingExisting projects to network the ADF

will continue. These include JP 2072 (Battlespace Communications System, Land), Land 75 (Battlefield Command Support) , and JP 2089 (Tact ical Information Exchange).

Since the last Defence Capability Plan in 2006, there have been substantial changes to satellite communications as a result of joining the US Wideband Global Satellite program.

The required ground infrastructure will be addressed in new phases of JP 2008 (Military Satellite Capability).

For more information go to www.defence.gov.au/dmo then click on the DCP icon.

On target: New-look Steyrs designed to improve aim and accuracy are on the way. Photo by Capt Cameron Jamieson

Wholesale replacements: A new fleet of Chinooks is expected to be operating within the coming decade. Photo by Cpl Kirk Peacock

On the move: Land 112 has been expanded to include the delivery of light armoured vehicles. Photo by Capt Lachlan Simond

Rowell Centre Robertson Barracks

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Maxwell Club Complex Holsworthy Barracks Other locations

13 Aug 09 1800-1930 See the SFTC or STAY ARMY website14 Aug 09 0730-0900

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Lachlan Wilson Centre Laverack Barracks

For further information contact: Contact Special Forces Training Centre

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 02 6575 0190

Website: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/SFTC/

Special ForcesInformation Presentation Tour

Find outwhere youbest fit in


Special ForcesInformation Presentation Tour


NB: The SFTC website details all dates for upcoming presentations, applications and courses.NB: The SFTC website details all dates for upcoming presentations, applications and courses.



NSW Military HealthSymposium 2009 >>

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WHERE HMAS WATERHEN, Waverton

WHO Tri-Service personnel of all ranks as well as Defence Civilian Health workers are welcome

REGISTRATION Registration is FREERegistration closes 6 November

ENQUIRIES Mr David TalakovskiTelephone: 02 8335 5269Email: [email protected]

Many interesting subjects will be discussed at the symposium. Updates will appear as available on www.raamc.com

NSW Military HealthSymposium 2009is proudly sponsored by Defence Reserves Support.

For further information:Call 1800 803 485 or visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves

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20 TRAINING Army August 6, 2009

By Michael Brooke

S O L D I E R S o f 5 R e s e r ve Response Force (5RRF) relished the challenge of some unexpected but highly realistic training when Exercise Taylor Resurgent was held at public venues in Sydney.

The annual collective training activity was designed to further sus-tain and enhance the capability of the 5RRF to conduct protective and security operations on Australian territory.

More than 135 soldiers partici-pated in the exercise from July 17-19, which honed the ability of 5RRF to conduct low-risk search activities at major public venues and events in support of the civil community and other government agencies.

Pte Peter Bisley, 23 Fd Regt, said the exercise was “just awesome”.

“It was so realistic and involved searching the venues we may in future be tasked with,” Pte Bisley said.

In the training scenario the

5RRF soldiers conducted a mission rehearsal exercise at Army bases in Kogarah, Sutherland and Penrith and search tasks at Balmain ferry wharf, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney Cricket Ground and St James sta-tion rail tunnels as a Defence Aid to the Civil Community (DACC).

OC 5RRF Maj Ian Hart said the exercise provided a realistic envi-ronment to assess the RRF in a vari-ety of tasks and scenarios.

“The exercise was significant because, for the first time, the exer-cise concluded with the planning in place for 5RRF to transition from DACC to Defence Force Assistance to the Civil Authority (DFACA), which further illustrates the maturity of our capacity to support the civil-ian community and civilian author-ity,” Maj Hart said.

The exercise was also significant because it marked the graduation for 60 new RRF soldiers and allowed them to put their newly gainedtheory into practice.

C p l G r e g S h e p h a r d ,

1/19RNSWR, said the exercise fur-ther developed his skills and confi-dence while providing his section with the opportunity to search the myriad of tunnels of St James sta-tion.

SO1 Collective Training 5 Bde Lt-Col Robert Agnew said the exer-cise was realistic and achieved all the training objectives.

“The objectives included improv-ing C3 and future planning capa-bilities within 5RRF and the 5 Bde HQ,” Lt-Col Agnew said.

“These objectives enabled and prepared 5 Bde to support future short-notice tasks allocated by 2 Div or JOC.”

Commander 5 Bde Brig Paul Brereton said the exercise and the brigade training regime was instill-ing a “culture of readiness” in his officers and soldiers, which was recently highlighted when the 5RRF Coy HQ and 1 Pl were stood up at short notice and deployed on Op Vic Fires Assist.

By Sgt Dave Morley

LIEUTENANTS who accept a post-ing to 1RTB in their final year will receive many advantages that some of their peers within Army will not be exposed to, according to CO 1 RTB Lt-Col Scott Palmer.

Lt-Col Palmer said a 12-month post-ing to 1RTB as a platoon commander gave lieutenants a well-rounded experi-ence in a non-corps environment.

“The position of platoon commander at 1RTB is a little different to platoon commanding or troop leading in a regular Army unit,” Lt-Col Palmer said.

“The recruit training platoon com-mander has a lot more responsibility for the critical administrative processes of the platoon. This responsibility is akin to the role a sub-unit 2IC would fulfil, which certainly sets them up for success in their next posting as a sub-unit 2IC or staff officer on a higher HQ”

Pl Comd 36 Pl Lt Sarah Mooney said she was unsure of what to expect when she was first told of her posting to 1RTB.

“Since coming here I’ve been able to look upon my role as training the Army’s newest soldiers and as such have devel-oped a positive outlook on my posting here,” Lt Mooney said.

Lt Mooney said she appreciated the unique position she has had as a platoon commander.

“You are the first example of an officer that the recruits are exposed to and your ability to perform as an officer directly affects their point of view on how officers in the Army should per-form,” she said.

“It’s important that you set them a

good example and that’s an excellent position to have.”

She said one of the many benefits for her career was being able to present les-sons in front of a class confidently while also knowing the subject.

“I guess that’s one of the satisfying points as well, being able to see what you’ve taught them and then watching the recruits put it into practice,” she said.

Lt Mooney would highly recommend a posting to 1RTB.

“It gives you so much additional exposure to the critical all-corps skills and you get to work with some consum-mate professionals which is awesome,” she said.

“You gain some good exposure to where your diggers have come from, what they’ve been through and what to expect from them later in your career when they come back into your unit.

“I have also found that my manage-ment skills have improved enormously. Not just managing the recruit instructors’ workload of those under my command but also my own time. I have time to play sport and play an active role in the mess.”

Pl Comd Digger James Pl Lt Sam Wythes-Willis said he approached his posting to 1RTB with some trepidation.

“But sometimes the unknown is a good thing,” Lt Wythes-Willis said.

He said the biggest challenge he faced at 1RTB was getting his head around the expectation of turning civilians into sol-diers within 80 days.

“Managing their administrative issues and the pace of training – you need to be on top of everything,” he said.

He said the posting was a goodexperience.

1RTB posting is a top job

Working resurgent skills How’s that?: 5RRF soldiers scan the SCG during Exercise Taylor Resurgent. Photo by Michael Brooke

THE joint expertise of ADF specialist anaes-thetists was enlisted by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetics in Cairns recently.

Brig Brian Pezzutti, Maj Ben Butson and Maj Alex Douglas joined the Navy Health Services organised activity to con-duct a series of five work-shops for their civilian counterparts in emergency treatment.

The six ADF par-ticipants are highly expe-rienced reservists who together have more than 50 operational deployments.

The activity gave the ADF a chance to conduct a recruiting display at the 1650-strong conference.

ADF specialist help recruited

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PERSONNEL 21Army August 6, 2009

By Belinda Mitchell

ARMY members remain proud of their service and speak highly of it to their friends, an annual study has found.

In the 2008 Defence Attitude Survey (DAS), of a randomly select-ed 30 per cent of ADF and APS per-sonnel, more than four out of five participants said they were proud to tell others they were in the Army.

Almost three-quarters of Army respondents were satisfied with the leadership of their immediate super-visor. And the proportion reporting they were adequately rewarded by verbal recognition rose from 47 per cent in 2007 to 62 per cent in 2008.

The members who believed their workload was too heavy decreased by about 6 per cent (to 37 per cent), while 7 per cent fewer members felt their work hours were excessive (down to 34 per cent).

Perceptions that a unit’s opera-tional commitments were too high were down from 19 per cent to 16

per cent, and fewer respondents admitted to actively looking at leav-ing the Army (down from 32 per cent to 24 per cent).

However, fewer Army partici-pants felt their contributions were valued by their leaders (52 per cent, compared to 56 per cent in 2007).

The DAS provides an insight into Defence members’ attitudes and opin-ions on issues affecting their work-place, career and family. This gives them a voice in personnel-related policy and programs.

CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie said DAS findings had a far-reaching impact on all Defence groups. “It ena-bles Army members to exert greater influence over strategic-level decision making than via any other means.”

One result of the survey was the establishment of the Army Sugges t ion Scheme and the Contact the CA email address ([email protected]), Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

For a DAS 2008 summary, go to www.defence.gov.au (Reports and Publications)

Loud and proud about the job

TWO RAAOC soldiers have reached the corps’ highest trade recognition, being appointed Trade Conductor in their relevant categories.

WO1 Michael Stewart (Operator Supply Chain) and WO1 Peter Shearim (Operator Unit Supply) were each pre-sented with a Conductor Parchment dur-ing the RAAOC Conference at Bandiana.

RAAOC Head of Corps Maj-Gen Grant Cavenagh formally appointed the new recipients, who will now be the key representatives of their trade.

Both WO1 Stewart, HQ Force Comd, and WO1 Shearim, AHQ, have clear

views on the direction of their respective trades in providing a capability to Army.

WO1 Stewart said trade conduc-tors were expected to play a key role in this year’s ECNs 294, 296 and 298 Employment Category Review.

“The appointment of conductor rec-ognises technical expertise, demon-strated subject mastery and contribution to supply-chain operations in pursuit of improving wider Army capability,” WO1 Stewart said.

The appoin tment of RAAOC Conductor was reintroduced into the Army in 2006.

Masters of trade rewardedCertified: Newly appointed Trade Conductors WO1 Michael Stewart and WO1 Peter Shearim (left and right) with Maj-Gen Grant Cavenagh.

A MATTER OF ATTITUDEArmy responses to DAS 2008:� 54 per cent had confidence in

senior Defence leadership� 83 per cent were proud to tell

others they were in the Army� 67 per cent trusted Defence

to operate with fairness and integrity

� 74 per cent said their families supported their Army career

� 54 per cent said their postings had a negative effect on their children’s education

� 68 per cent said their postings had a negative impact on their partner’s employment

� 34 per cent said they spent too much time away from home due to their trade/specialisation

� 62 per cent said their career development had been good

� 24 per cent were actively look-ing at leaving the Army

� 54 per cent saw more financial attraction in civilian employment than in Army employment

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22 PEOPLE Army August 6, 2009

Down to earth: Sig Kristina Conomy, ISF, and interpreter Natalie Mendonsa Nogueira chat with children in Los Palos, East Timor.

Photo by LAC Christopher Dickson

Fill her up: WO2 Lee Maloney, Rotary Wing Group Afghanistan, closes the fuel bay hatch on a Chinook after completing refuelling at a coalition forward operating base in southern Afghanistan. Photo by PO Dave Connolly

Open path: Commander 1 Bde Brig Michael Krause opens the 1 Bde bicycle path with the assistance of Mark Lloyd, Air Services Australia, RSM 1CER WO1 John Kirkham (far left) and CO 1CER Lt-Col Tim Bayliss (far right) .

Photo by LCpl Shapiro Lwin

Electric light orchestra: Australian Army Band Brisbane and the Brisbane conservatorium of music orchestras form a 140-piece concert band to celebrate Queensland Day at the Southbank Piazza. Photo by Cpl Neil Reeves

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LIFESTYLE 23Army August 6, 2009

24 LIFESTYLE Army July 23, 2009

� Say again, over

If you can think of a clever, witty caption for this picture, email [email protected] with “caption competition August 6” in the subject line. Keep entries under 25 words. Entries MUST include sender’s name, rank and unit.

We also liked ...“Yo, captain! What’s a guy gotta do to get a Section 8 around here?”Pte Joel Zugai155 Sig Sqn

The winner of the July 9 caption competition is ...“Capt Eames has implemented the TEKFF (Tacticle Elvis Kung Fu Fighter) to combat increasing threats in Afghanistan.”Pte Martin Ryan7RAR

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24 LIFESTYLE Army August 6, 2009

FINANCE

Long and short of rich rewards

The ghost of experts past: Will your planning see you in easy retirement or will it be your memorial? Photo by LS Paul McCallum

THERE has been a cam-paign over many years to persuade people to be concerned only about

the return on their investments in the long run, a timeframe British economist John Maynard Keynes defined as “when we’re all dead”.

This raises the uncomfortable dis-cussion about whether, in the long run (say, 10 years or more), investors can hope to outperform the index by picking opportunities in various asset classes and relying on experts.

Unfortunately, the long-run cam-paign has struggled because:

➤ Short-term league tables, often focusing on comparisons of periods as short as one month, make good copy in the media.

➤ Funds managers who perform well in the short run often promote meaningless short-term information to excite investors.

➤ Short-term performance is an “easy sell” for financial advisers.

➤ Any concept requiring patience, prudence, time and a cool assessment of risk and debt levels contradicts our society’s culture of immediacy.

Suffice to say there is a great deal of marketing hype about the worth of research, the brilliance of investment expertise and the performances of one funds manager over another.

The product providers’ hope is that investors and their advisers (many with little more expertise than their clients) will be convinced riches in excess of the index will be achieved in the long run, if only the client is a true believer in a unique and scientifically-designed process that is beyond the understanding of mere mortals.

Billions of dollars and many brilliant careers rest on a resolution of the argument over the ability of investment experts to outperform the index in the long run, so the argu-ment is unlikely to be settled soon.

In the meantime, here are four fundamental principles that are hard to argue with:1. There is a correlation between

risk and rewardGiven the risky and undiversi-

fied portfolios into which many people enthusiastically invest their hard-earned savings, it’s clear this principle needs a greater level of acceptance among investors. And,

of course, events of the past year have demonstrated that losses hap-pen from time to time, even with relatively conservative portfolios.2. High levels of debt involve high

levels of riskThis is a lesson many investors

have learnt to their considerable cost in the past year, as asset values have plummeted.3. Size matters when it comes to

investment management feesIt is clear active managers charge

more (for administration systems, research, complex reports, labour costs, tax and so on). So investors need to consider whether the after-fees performances of active manag-ers outshine index (passive) manag-ers in the long run.4. There are two types of econo-

mists – namely, those who don’t know and those who don’t know they don’t knowBe sceptical of predictions by so-

called “experts”.Be guided by these basic princi-

ples and it will be hard to go wrong in the long run.

Gp-Capt Robert Brown is Chairman of the ADF Financial Services Consumer Council

The debate over the value of investing in the long run still rages, so Gp-Capt Robert Brown suggests sticking with the basics.

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As you (quietly) grunt and grind your way through a gym session, be aware of the social niceties. Lt Rob Orr looks at the rules of conduct.

Don’t be a drip: A clean towel is a must. Photo by LS Paul McCallum

HEALTH

WHILE concentrating on a work-out, it is easy to forget we are not alone. With this

in mind, it is important to remember social graces and show some basic gymnasium etiquette.

If you drop it, mop itTowels (not tea towels) should be

used on all upholstery, including mats and cardio equipment. After you have finished on a machine or mat you should mop up any sweat that may have splashed on the equipment or fallen out-side the towel’s coverage (where you rest your head, for example). Use paper towels or disinfected cloths, if available.

This is more than a matter of eti-quette – it has important hygiene impli-cations. Infections, particularly from small cuts or scratches, can be passed on through sweat.

Also, remember to wash your towel after a work-out.

Catch up on the runMany gym users squeeze their exer-

cise into busy days. So if you wish to socialise, be wary of hogging the equip-ment while you do so. By all means, chat to a friend as you run on a tread-mill, but avoid gossiping while perched on a sit-up mat or the end of a bench.

Mobile phones, of course, should be used considerately. If you need to take a call, move away from the equipment and, if possible, the training area.

TRAIN YOUR MANNERSDon’t:� Hog stations� Yell or curse� Drip on the equipment

Do:� Be polite� Share � Mop up after yourself

A little grunting from exertion is nat-ural, but loud, look-at-me grunts have no place in a gym. Likewise, training part-ners need to curb any rowdy barracking.

Finally, check your language (and the writing on your clothing). As a highly trained member of the ADF with sought-after communication skills, you should not need to use profanities.

Think we, not meThe gymnasium equipment belongs

to the ADF, thus we need to share the equipment and look after it.

If you are training across several pieces of equipment, you still need to share. Avoid leaving your towel on one apparatus while you use others. Rotate around the stations with your towel and if you find someone else on a station you are returning to, ask if you can work in with them.

Likewise, if someone else has annexed a station with their towel, see if you can work in together.

If you need to wait, use free weights or other plentiful equipment.

Avoid dropping the weights (unless onto a specific drop mat), as this dam-ages them. Micro-fractures in equip-ment can also cause injuries to people who use them later.

Put weights away after use. Whether you bench-press the weight of two parked cars or a feather duster, be professional and don’t make your clearing-away part of someone else’s work-out.

Dress to go, not showApart from complying with the rel-

evant military policies on clothing to be worn during PT and personal training (ASOD, volume 1, chapter 3, para 3.18 and 3.19), choose clothing that will help, not hinder, your work-out. Loose and baggy clothing can get caught in equip-ment, limit your range of motion and bounce around when you are running. Rips and tears are even more dangerous, particularly as snags for weights.

Weight belts are not hanging racks for weights. First, the stitching is not designed to withstand this load and can give way. Second, the extra weight on your body puts pressure on fatigued muscles if you mis-step or drop off a heaving beam or dip bar.

Enclosed shoes are a standard requirement. They absorb sweat from your feet and provide protection. For stretching and balance work, where there may be some benefit in training without shoes, ask the PT staff or gym-nasium manager if there is a safe area to work without shoes.

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26 SPORT Army August 6, 2009

AFTER winning its round-robin game against RAAF by eight points, Army succumbed 76-59 in its rematch in a hard-fought decider at the South Australian Defence Basketball’s (SADB) interservice championships on July 16-17.

Despite Army’s 55-47 win in the earlier match, an excellent game was anticipated and RAAF did not disappoint.

RAAF, enjoying their home advantage in the RAAF Base Edinburgh gym, adjusted their tactics going into the final to counter the strong outside shoot-ing of the Portakiewicz brothers, Pte Anthony and Cpl David.

Those tactics seemed to be paying off when RAAF led 42-24 at half-time on the back of an excellent second quarter in which Cpl Tim Muehlberg sunk three three-point shots and Cpl David Thomas produced a determined display on the boards.

Army clawed its way back early in the third quarter thanks to a quickfire 13 points from Cpl Portakiewicz, until another solid effort from Cpl Thomas and Sgt Glen Solomon allowed RAAF to retain its lead heading into the final quarter.

Army reeled the deficit in slightly, but it was not enough and Air Force won by 17 points. High scorers for the game were Cpl Portakiewicz with 22 points for Army and Cpl Thomas with 20 for RAAF.

Seven teams entered, with five men’s teams and two women’s teams from all services taking part. The women’s competition attracted two full teams for the first time in several years with a RAAF team and a combined ADF team.

The men’s competition took a slightly different approach this year with the teams entered by Navy, Army, RAAF and APS, joined by a side manned com-pletely from 11 Sqn aircraft tech-nicians.

“The rise of the 11 Sqn ‘Techos’ team led by Cpl Hong Le added a new dimension to the SADB community and inspired spirited rivalry within the com-

petition,” one of the organisers, Flg-Off Laine Pearce said.

Across the two days of com-petition, the men’s teams proved fairly well matched and the two finalists were not decided until the final matches.

The standings at the end of the round-robin competition had Army in the lead from RAAF, APS, 11 Sqn and Navy. The APS team narrowly missed out on mak-ing its second consecutive grand final appearance after a 38-31 loss to Army in their last game.

The preceding three games took their toll on the under manned APS team, allowing the fresher Army team to run the game out.

The women’s title went to ADF women with a decisive 31-9 result after it and RAAF had split the honours in the two prelimi-nary matches.

Mrs Jess Kellaway topscored with 10 for the Air Force women in the first match and Cpl Julie Weston topscored for the ADF women in the second match with 14. ACW Michelle Hiesley was topscorer in the decider with 13.

Most valuable player (MVP) awards were introduced for men and women, coinciding with the induction of the second SADB Hall of Fame member, Sgt Sheralee Gormley (RAAF) in rec-ognition of her outstanding dedi-cation to Defence basketball in South Australia and the Australian Defence Basketball Association.

The men played for the Justin Galbraith Trophy in recognition of Justin’s inclusion as the first member of the SADB Hall of Fame in 2008.

This year’s MVP awards went to LACW Sam Eichler and Flg-Off Laine Pearce, who received the most votes during the round-robin and finals.

� For more information on SADB, contact Cpl Tim Muehlberg on (08) 8259 4095 or email [email protected]

� For the latest news relating to SADB visit www.sadb.basketball.net.au

Final falter costlyNetball pace picks upNSW has already rallied its troops for the Australian Defence Netball Association’s national carnival next month. Now its rival states and territories are scrambling to catch up, as they stage their respective selection trials. Members of all services and reserve forces, as well as Defence civilians, can try out. The carnival will be held in Townsville from September 13-18. The respective state representatives have further information: NT – Lt Peita Starcevic, [email protected], (08) 8935 2128; ACT – Flt-Lt Tanya Evans, [email protected], (02) 6266 1532; Western Australia – Cpl Shani Logan, [email protected], (08) 9384 3613; Victoria – WO2 Tracey Baido, [email protected], (03) 8481 7792; South Australia – Cpl Rachael Gorton, rachael. [email protected], (08) 8259 2723; North Queensland – Sgt Kristi Vetter, [email protected]; South-East Queensland – Capt Sarah Weiss, [email protected], (07) 3332 7014; NSW – Sgt Megan Walker, [email protected], (02) 6575 0042. For information, see intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/ADFNA.

Tough terrain for cyclistsFLT-LT Shane Taylor can expect some strong competition when he defends his Australian Defence Cycling Club Endurance Mountain Biking Championship crown on August 23. Lining up for the title will be Air Force’s Cpl Mick Crummy, Army’s LCpl Jamie Bailey and Navy’s LS Darren Smith. LAC/W Phillipa Rostan will not defend her title as women’s endurance MTB champion, leaving the competition open. The Defence championship is held in conjunction with the Cycle Epic in the Lockyer Valley, South-East Queensland. Open and masters (40-plus) categories will be contested in A grade (102.8km Epic) and B grade (51.8km Pursuit). Information on the event and how to enter can be found at www.adcc.asn.au, or contact Sqn-Ldr Floyd. Entries close on August 16.

On your bikes, helpersTHE Australian Defence Cycle Club (ADCC) is seeking volunteers to assist with the 2009 Mountain Bike World Championships in Canberra from September 1-6. “For each day worked, volunteers will receive one free day’s entry to the World Cup event and every effort will be made to ensure time off to observe the event of your choice,” spokesman Flt-Lt Brendon Mulloy said. Volunteers, who do not need to be ADCC members and may be ADF or DPS personnel, are needed for the set-up from August 24-September 4, and during the event. Limited accom-modation is available at RMC, Duntroon, or HMAS Harman. Volunteers do not need to be ADCC members and may be either ADF or Defence Public Service. Interested members should send their details to Flt-Lt Mulloy at [email protected].

SPORT SHORTS

High flyer: Cpl David Portakiewicz leaps above Sgt Glen Solomon to score in the men’s final between the RAAF and the Army. Photo by AC Glynn Jones

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SPORT 27Army August 6, 2009

PTE Alexander Canavan, 1 Avn Rgt, wrote his name in the record books as the sun went down for the last time on the Shoal Bay Classic in Darwin on July 17.

Pte Alexander won the final run-ning of the 16.2km event, introduced in 1989 to honour the memory of the late LS Gary Petras and senior WRAN Sharyn Petras.

These two young sailors, who had both served the Navy with distinction, had been married only five months before they were killed in a car acci-dent near HMAS Coonawarra, now Defence Establishment Berrimah, (DEB).

Gary worked at Shoal Bay Receiving Station and Sharyn at Base Calibration at RAAF Darwin.

The final activity in The North’s Navy Week, the Classic attract-ed 80 competitors from HMAS Coonawar ra , RAAF Darwin , Robertson Barracks and visiting US service personnel.

Pte Canavan won the Petras Memorial Trophy, donated in 1989 by the parents of the late LS Petras, in 1hr 5min and 58sec from Phil Lewis of SBRS in 1:06.14, with Air

Open male1 Pte Alex Canavan, 1 Avn Regt,1:05:582 Sgt Murray Wilson, 321 ECSS,1:06:423 Capt Joclan Herrman, US ARMY, 1:12:04.

Veteran male1 Mr Phil Lewis, SBRS, 1:06:142 Capt Richard Bryson, HQ 1 Bde, 1:07:263 Flt-Lt Andrew Gibbs, 44 Wg Det Dn, 1:27:19.

Veteran female1 Sgt Kirsty Bird, AAB-D, 1:18:332 Flt-Lt Nicola Hoey, 44 Wg Det Dn, 1:20:163 Cpl Debbie Benjamin, 1 Avn Regt, 1:42:09.

Team relay run1 Complicated TSE 53, 1:05:102 SBRS, 1:13:073 The Crocs, TSE 53, 1:13:52

Team relay walk 1 Sick, Lame and Lazy Psychology Section, 2:15:55 (Maj Alison Kaine, WO2 Kim Lawson, Cpl Georgina McLean);2 X Team, HMAS Coonawarra, 2:29:04(LCdr Rebecca Jeffcoat, CPO Paul Carey, PO William Robinson, LS Mark Thomson, LS Zoe D’Orival, LS Karen Deane).

Army first in last Bay Classicic

Force’s Sgt Geoff Wilson third in 1:06.42. The 1998 record of 57:54 from Tim Ellison wasn’t seriously threatened.

First woman home was Sgt Kirsty Bird, AAB-D, in 1:18:33, followed

by Flt-Lt Nicola Hoey in 1:209.6 and Cpl Debbie Benjamin, 1 Avn Regt, in 1:42:09.

The event offered entrants the option of either competing as an individual, a running team (six mem-bers) or walking team (six mem-bers), each covering 2.7 km.

The first running team was Team Complicated, TSE 53, in 1:05:10. The first walking team home was Team Sick, Lame and Lazy from the Psychology section at Winnellie in 2:15:04, followed by Team Coonawarra Coxswains AKA X Team in 2:29:04.

In announcing the event would be the final in its current format, Keith Petras thanked Navy PTIs who had kept the event running and built it up over the years. “After 20 years, it’s probably time to put this event to bed,” Mr Petras said.

“It has changed greatly over the years with HMAS Coonawarra’s location now becoming DEB and SBRS basically being run by Boeing civilian staff, not Navy sailors.

“We’ve even changed the race to start in the reverse direction from Shoal Bay.”

SHOAL BAY CLASSIC RESULTS

Winning run: Pte Alexander Canavan, 1 Avn Regt, is presented with the winner’s trophy by Keith Patras after the Shoal Bay Classic. Photos by LS Helen Frank

First lady: Sgt Kirsty Bird after crossing the line first female.

2HSB’s challenging finishNOT even a significant injury to one of its number with only a quarter of the journey complete deterred team 2HSB from finishing the 96km Kokoda Challenge charity fund-raiser.

The team of Sgt Penelope O’Regan, AACC, Cpl Shane Lewis, RAEME, Cpl Trevor Peduzie, RAEME, and Maj Dave Bullock, RAAMC, joined more than 1500 competitors on July 18 and 19 at Mudgereeba in South-East Queensland to compete in Australia’s toughest cross-country race.

The 96km annual event is in its fifth year and is designed as an ongoing legacy to the soldiers who defended Australia on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. The challenge gives ordinary people the chance to experience the Kokoda spirit.

Since 2005, it has experienced staggering growth with more than 3000 competitors and 5000 spectators this year.

The arduous course snakes through the Gold Coast hinterland, working its way up through 5000m of verti-cal elevation.

Each team enters with the prospect of raising $1100 for the Kokoda Youth Challenge Program charity.

Maj Bullock said 2HSB began its planning in March when Sgt O’Regan identified three other “gul-lible individuals”.

“Sgt O’Regan was the driving force behind the whole thing,” he said.

“Having convinced the trio of unsuspecting victims to join her in the venture, we quickly set about prepar-ing for what was without a doubt one of the most – if not the most – physically challenging and unforgettable experiences of our lives.

“Sgt O’Regan single-handedly arranged all aspects of the challenge and trained the team.”

Team 2HSB had set a goal to complete the 96km within 20 hours – achievable and looking promising up to the 25km mark, where Cpl Peduzie suffered a sig-nificant knee injury.

The team decided, based upon the Kokoda spirit, to continue to the end point at the best speed Cpl Peduzie could muster.

“He showed true and commendable military deter-mination and resilience in continuing to trek over 75km to complete the course in an impressive 22hrs,” Maj Bullock said.

He also praised the team as a whole. “Team 2HSB was fortunate in the selection of a most fantastic sup-port crew of Cpl Hendrik Bavage, RACT, Pte Daniel Levick, RACT, Cpl Christie Bavage, RAAMC, Lt Emma Cameron’s, RAAMC, and Sgt Rodney O’Regan, AACC.

Maj Bullock also said the team would be back next year, “stronger, wiser and faster”.

Cooling down: Cpl Trevor Peduzie and Cpl Penelope O’Regan hit the water in the Kokoda Challenge. Photo by Maj Dave Bullock

August 6, 2009

Army falters in final Page 26

TALL ASK

On the ball: Pte Anthony Portakiewicz tries to leap above ACM Josh Gardner in the 2009 South Australian interservice basketball tournament. Photo by AC Glynn Jones

Biennial joint exercise wraps up

Army August 6, 2009

EXERCISE SUCCESS P2 URBAN COMBAT SKILLS P3 3RAR DROPS IN P4

Capped off: A US marine and an Australian soldier discuss the possibilities of an exchange. Photo by Cpl Guy Young

Talisman Saber 09

2 TALISMAN SABER 09 Army August 6, 2009 3


EXERCISE Talisman Saber 09 ended on July 26 having successfully achieved major objectives in combined joint opera-tions between Australian and US forces.

The major biennial opportunity between the two countries produced numerous les-sons learned while developing key capabili-ties for Australian troops.

Spokesman Brig Bob Brown said the exercise involved about 25,000 Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine forces across a number of Australian training areas.

“It was a tremendous opportunity for us to operate at the combined task-force level because we don’t often get that opportu-nity,” Brig Brown said.

“It was very successful in terms of the planning and execution of mid- to high-intensity warfare. However, it also enabled us to practise other contingencies such as peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.”

He said a wide range of important capabilities were tested for the Australians, including amphibious and airborne opera-

tions and logistics support. It was preceded by a force integration and live-firing phase, and also enabled computer-generated virtu-al and constructive forces to be integrated into the exercise.

While the US was the bigger player in the amphibious assault with its larger resources based on the US Marines, it was an important opportunity for the ADF’s assets given the enhanced amphibious capabilities foreshadowed in the Defence White Paper.

The amphibious HMA Ships Manoora, Kanimbla and Tobruk, as well as LCM8s, took part in the seaborne assault, which was a good precursor to Australia acquiring its new amphibious ships in the next couple of years.

“It was valuable for us to participate in a large-scale amphibious operation and a lot of lessons came out of it for the future,” Brig Brown said.

He also highlighted the significant contribution made by the Joint Combined Training Capability linking the virtual and constructive forces to real participants.

Logisticians also played a greater role with 17 CSS Bde at Rockhampton practis-ing support of a major force, as well as sup-porting the exercise in real-time.

Brig Brown said another important ele-ment was practising the transition from peace enforcement to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance operations during the urban operations phase.

“We were able to execute a number of very valuable scenarios in the urban envi-ronment, using the urban operations train-ing facility” he said.

“We brought in the Australian Federal Police for the first time and included civil-ian role players in the exercise as part of a whole-of-government approach.”

He said 3RAR’s parachute assault may well be the last time this was done at unit level in the Talisman Saber exercises.

He said the two-week exercise was conducted safely with minimal environmen-tal impact. It provided invaluable training experience for all participants, at the tacti-cal as well as the combined taskforce level.

Exercise a success

By Cpl Cristina Noelia (US)

3RAR combined with US Marines from 31 Marine Expeditionary Unit to conduct one of the milestone activities for Talisman Saber 09.

The joint force participated in an urban assault at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area at the purpose-built urban facility on July 23.

As the combined force made its way to the town they were hit with a series of obstacles, including mock IEDs, mines and enemy fire.

Soldiers from US 9 Fd Sqn role played the enemy force and had set up obstacles and tacti-cal positions within the town and throughout the area to engage the forces as they advanced.

Lt John Leathley, 9 Fd Sqn, said a lot of improvisation was used to delay the advance into town.

“We tried to make it as realistic as possible so they could get the most out of their training here,” Lt Leathley said.

Using cameras on the training grounds, observer/trainers monitored and recorded the unit’s performance in an after-action review using the footage to identify their mistakes and measure proficiency.

Commander CTC Col Ashley Gunder said

accurate feedback was an important part of the process.

“It’s important for a unit to know its strengths and weaknesses, what works and what doesn’t,” Col Gunder said.

“This facility allows units to enhance the abilities of their tactics, equipment, leaders and [fellow service members].”

Marine Pl Commander 1Lt Jake Grader said it was good preparation for infantry operations.

“We get out here and practise fundamental skills that we’re using in Iraq and Afghanistan,” 1Lt Grader said.

“This is what it’s all about. From here, we can think about what we need to improve and what we did right to be ready for the real thing.”

The training proved to be beneficial to the Marines and soldiers and gave them a taste of what to expect should they end up in a real-world urban combat situation.

“It was a real eye-opener,” US Marine Cpl Dominic Nunciato said.

“This is where we learn from our mistakes, in a setting that’s as close to real-world as you can get. It emphasised the importance of situational awareness.”

Combined effort on urban assault course

ONE of the culminating events throughout the simulated war occurred at the Urban Operations Training Facility – a mock town intended to train troops for current operations.

Simulated enemy troops from 5RAR and 1CER created mock IEDs and mine fields. The role involved a lot of creativity and improvisation. Part of the opposing force’s role was to adopt an unconventional combat mentality to closely match the theatres in which both friendly forces are cur-rently operating.

Using wire, soda cans and other objects lying around, simulated enemy troops rigged hidden bombs. Opposing forces set up bunkers under lay-ers of rocks and bricks. They then discussed ways to further hinder the enemy advance.

Maj Stewart Purvis, 5RAR, said the true value

in this training came from getting to think like an insurgent.

“If they should find themselves overseas soon and given an urban situation, they can think back to this exercise when they had to use unconven-tional tactics,” Maj Purvis said.

“We’ve had to employ many unconventional military tactics that defy the doctrine we use. While blue force was practising conventional war-fight-ing techniques, we’re gaining a different kind of knowledge out here.

“A lot of the obstacles we set up proved to be quite a challenge. [Friendly forces] were able to work together to overcome them and keep push-ing on,.

He said the soldiers had done a great job “in challenging the opponents and making them work hard”.

UNCONVENTIONAL COMBAT

Target to front: A US marine aims an M16 at the urban operations training facility. Photo by Cpl Michael Augusto (US)

Ever vigilant: Soldiers patrol by a wrecked vehicle. Photo by Cpl Guy Young Ready: CO 6 RAR Lt-Col Jason Blaine briefs the teams. Photo by Cpl Guy Young

Protection: AFP conduct civil disturbance response training. Photo by Cpl Michael Augusto (US)

Full bottle: CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie receives a briefing on the exercise during his visit. Photo by LCpl Paul Zellner (US)

Check point: Pte Justin Ward (left) and Pte Fabian Scholte, 6RAR, maintain careful watch. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

In force: US soldier PFC Daniel Villalba. Photo by Cpl Chris MooreUnited stand: Australian and US soldiers parade at the completion of a phase at the exercise. Photo by Cpl Guy Young

Teamwork grown and skills sharpened

By LEUT Darren Mallett

MAJ Ed Jones was an umpire on one of the largest playing fields in mod-ern conquest.

But the field was not a sports oval nor a court – it was Exercise Talisman Saber 2009.

The exercise to train Australian and US forces in planning and conducting combined task-force operations was conducted over such a wide area with 25,000 participants.

The role of the umpire was pivotal in ensuring simulated engagements accurately reflected what might hap-pen in actual circumstances.

For the umpires, that meant provid-ing realism to, and controlling, exercise situations Australian and US forces participated in during the two-week active phase.

Umpires were attached to both sides and with all elements of the exercise scenario, whether land, sea or air-based.

Through a process of statistical analysis, combined with actual condi-tions, umpires calculated equipment attrition and personnel casualties.

Maj Jones said he was one of 77 umpires spread throughout six train-ing areas in central and northern Queensland, the Northern Territory, and with maritime forces exercising in the Coral, Timor and Arafura Seas.

“We even had umpires located in Hawaii for airborne serials. We nomi-nate who becomes a casualty and the extent of their incapacitation,” he said.

Umpires on the battlefield

By Lt Madeline Denholm

IN A large-scale tactical drop, 150 Australian soldiers parachuted into Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) in one of the culminating events of the joint exercise, Talisman Saber 2009.

It was an early start for the sol-diers from 3RAR and 176 Air Dispatch, as well engineer and transport sup-port elements, who boarded the RAAF C-130 Hercules at RAAF Base Richmond about 0200hr.

The flight to SWBTA took almost five hours, while the jump over Drop Zone Kapyong took just 30 to 40 sec-onds to complete.

3RAR Recon Platoon Commander Lt Jonathan Wick said it wasn’t a long

drop. “They hooked their static line or their parachute on to a cable. They exited the plane at approximately 120 knots and then fell 1,000 feet,” Lt Wick said.

“It’s not too far when you think about it.”

The static line is the link from the parachute to the aircraft. When the paratrooper jumps out of the aircraft, the static line pulls the parachute for them. This allows a rapid deployment for those forces on to the ground from a very low height.

Pte James Fuller, 3RAR, said he gets an urge just to get out off the plane.

“You’re up in the plane, you’ve got your pack hanging off you, you just want to get out [of the plane], do your

awareness count., Pte Fuller said.“It’s sort of quick from there, you

get down and hit the ground hard.”LCpl Michael Quilty, 3RAR, said

the jump was pretty quick.“Everyone follows the next guy

out, there is not really any time to think about not jumping. It’s good fun,” LCpl Quilty said.

In addition to being part of Talisman Saber 09, the drop had spe-cial significance for 3RAR.

Lt Wick said the parachute capa-bility of 3RAR has transferred from an Airborne Battle Group to an Airborne Combat Team.

“It is a highly mobile force which can insert via parachute into remote areas and areas well above the capa-bility of conventional forces,” he said.

3RAR’s quick drop

By Sgt Rob Nyffenegger

LIFE-LIKE serials and role players made learning a serious business during Talisman Saber 2009.

The large number of role players placed throughout the Shoalwater Bay Training Area took to their assigned tasks with gusto and enjoyed the ability to develop scenarios for the troop arrival in their areas.

One such role-player, Cpl Stuart Ward, 1CSSB, played ‘Joe’ a service station owner during Talisman Saber. Joe and his ‘family’ lived and operated a scenario service sta-tion.

Having served 23 years with the British Army and gained extensive experience on overseas deployments to the Middle East, Europe and America, Cpl Ward has seen the world and knows the importance of realistic training.

“It’s a good education for the young-sters. War fighting is not just military-on-military anymore,” he said.

Participants trained with scenarios specifically designed to help them gain an understanding of some of the things they may face in real-world situations while on deployments.

“It put perspective on the whole situa-tion,” Cpl Ward said.

Capt Ed Rodriguez, US Army National Guard 1/160 Light Infantry, role-played the

“That could be anything from dust in their eyes, which must be washed out, to the most serious casualties requiring urgent medical attention.”

Once casualties were identified, the next part of the exercise kicked in as initial responders in the field adminis-tered first aid.

“Then the more seriously-affected casualties were evacuated to teams of medics who were on stand-by,” Maj Jones said.

One of those teams was the 35-per-son contingent that staffed a primary casualty reception facility located in HMAS Kanimbla. On board Kanimbla,

specialist trauma surgeons, doctors, a radiographer, theatre nurses and other medical staff ran their own set of work-ups to ensure they could cater for any number and type of simulated injury.

According to Maj Jones, the best news for any simulated casualty was that they magically healed after the phase of the exercise in which they were deemed injured.

“In a situation where the umpire’s word is final, at least I can lay my hands on someone and declare they are well again,” he said.

Troops play up

Drop zone: 3RAR soldiers parachute into SWBTA. Photo by Sgt Neil Ruskin

Get set: A C-130 Hercules taxies on to the airfield. Photo by Cpl Guy Young

Pack up: A soldier retrieves his parachute after landing on the drop zone. Photo by Sgt Neil Ruskin

Info: Maj Ed Jones and LCdr Rod McLean dicuss calculating casualties during the exercise. Photo by AB Evan Murphy

mayor of a shanty town. “We became a critical point for them (the approaching forces), where the leaders on the ground are going to have to make decisions,” he said.

However, learning was not just for the conventional forces, it also served the role players well and had them thinking in new ways.

“It gets the role players in the mindset of what is going through the insurgent or civilian on the battlefields way of think-ing,” said US Army SSgt Michael Sands, a psychological operations specialist.

Simulation: Capt Brian Riva (standing), US Marines, informs Capt Steven Larose (centre), 3RAR, that one of his soldiers has a simulated abdominal injury. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

4 TALISMAN SABER 09 Army August 6, 2009