gg’day pontiff’day pontiff - department of defence · 2015. 3. 17. · airforce vol. 50, no....

FORCEAIRVol. 50, No. 13, July 24, 2008 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

G’DAY PONTIFFG’DAY PONTIFF

Precision Red flares up for Hercs

Pope Benedict XVI receives warm welcome at RAAF Base Richmond

INSIDE:

Welcome home for CRC rotation Page 3

HOLY PARADE: Base Commander WGCDR Chris Phelan waits in line behind Prime Minister Kevin Rudd,

NSW Premier Morris Iemma and other government representatives to greet Pope Benedict XVI at RAAF

Base Richmond on his arrival for World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney. Photo: CPL Rachel Ingram

By FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton

THE WORLD’S attention fell on RAAF Base Richmond for a few hours on Sunday, July 13, as Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Sydney for World Youth Day 08.

Flying from Rome, the Pontiff set foot on Australian soil initially at RAAF Base Darwin, when his Alitalia Boeing 777 made a refuelling stop there, en route to Richmond.

His Holiness’ B777 landed at Richmond at pre-cisely 3pm, with first honours for greeting the aircraft going to air movements personnel from Richmond’s No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron (1AOSS) detachment.

As the Pontiff descended from the B777, he was greeted by a line of dignitaries including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, NSW Premier Morris Iemma and Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell.

Also there to greet the Pontiff was CO of CSU-Richmond/Glenbrook, WGCDR Chris Phelan.

WGCDR Phelan described His Holiness as healthy and limber when he disembarked the B777. “I was very impressed, and I genuinely hope that he enjoys his stay,” he said.

After a brief time inside Richmond’s Air Movements Terminal, Pope Benedict XVI was whisked away off base in a heavily-escorted motor-cade.

The whole event went off without a hitch, played out before more than 70 media representatives and hundreds of members of the public who lined Richmond’s perimeter fence.

Continued Page 4

Centre

2 News AIR FORCE July 24, 2008

Advertising managerGeoff Howard: (02) 6266 76050405 310 [email protected]

Advertising RepresentativeTim Asher: (07) 3332 76510414 552 [email protected]

Postal address:R8–LG–048, Russell OfficesCanberra, ACT 2600

DisclaimerAIR FORCE News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence Newspapers. Printed by Capital Fine Print. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising if it is deemed inappropriate and to change the size of the ad, print type or other specifications if material is not compatible with our system. The fact an ad is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service has the endorsement of Defence or AIR FORCE News.

FORCEAIRDirectorRod Horan: (02) 6265 [email protected] Liebelt: (02) 6265 [email protected] Editor/Sports EditorBarry Rollings: (02) 6265 [email protected]

Senior ReporterAndrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 [email protected]

Reporter/PhotographerLAC Aaron Curran: (02) 6265 [email protected]

Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews

Email: [email protected] (Put [sec=unclassified] after title in subject line)

SubscriptionsTrish Dillon: (02) 6266 [email protected]

Fax: (02) 6265 6690

Commendation winners

Refl ections on our leadership

CAF Commendation – Gold� WGCDR Peter Sterrett – for

his outstanding efforts as an air staff officer at the office of the Air Attache in Washington.

� SQNLDR Dean Ransom – for his outstanding performance as staff officer capability manage-ment at HQSRG.

� FLTLT Andrew Harrison – for his outstanding performance as the F-111 aircraft stores compatability strike design engineer at the Aircraft Stores Compatability Engineering Agency.

� WOFF Terrence Yelds – for his exemplary performance as the HQALG safety adviser in achieving the best individual contribution to health and safety for 2007.

� SGT Jodi Ross – for her tireless and exemplary performance as valet to CAF.

� SGT Tania Schiebel – for her exemplary performance as driver to CAF.

� SGT Reece Twible – for his outstanding performance as a senior NCO within the alternate

Air Mail Warrant Officer of the Air Force WOFF-AF Ray Woolnough, AM

mission equipment maintenance section at 6SQN.

� LAC Steven Hobbs – for his out-standing performance as a pho-tographer, imagery manager and webmaster at 87SQN.

DCAF Commendation – Gold� SQNLDR Lee de Winton – for her

exemplary performance as the staff officer to DCAF.

� SGT Lynette Moerman – for her dedication and professionalism as the personal assistant to DCAF.

ACAUST Commendation – Silver� SQNLDR Kenneth Bowes – for his

outstanding performance as SO2 Air intelligence Plans at the AOC at HQJOC during Exercise Talisman Saber 07.

� CAPT Christopher Killeen – for his outstanding service as a USAF exchange officer with 37SQN.

� FLTLT Gilbert Gonthier – for his exemplary performance as the OIC of the air mobility control centre during 2007.

� FLTLT Anthony Cullen – for his

Greetings, Airmen of the Air Force.

What a wonderfully busy and his-torically changing period we have just been through. With a new Chief and the announcement of the new Warrant Officer of the Air Force, my imme-diate thoughts were initially sad but were quickly erased when I looked at my work schedule. My calendar is full and I have a lot to achieve before I leave the permanent Air Force and move to Townsville with my lovely wife, Sheryl.

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on my working relationship with the past Chief, AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd (ret’d). Here was a person who, in my opinion, optimised what I term ‘a great leader’. Here was a leader who never shirked his responsibility to make a decision, and who always took ownership of any task that was given to him from higher command. Having worked closely with AIRMSHL Shepherd (ret’d) at HQAC and here at AFHQ, I fully appreciated his vision for our great Air Force, and do feel that through his tenacity he has put us on a road to future greatness. To the Shepherd family, AIRMSHL Shepherd (ret’d), Anne, Rohan and Jarvis, thank you for your professionalism, under-standing and friendship – from me and Sheryl and the Airmen of the Air Force.

Our new Chief, AIRMSHL Mark Binskin, is another great leader, and I can only feel excitement at the prospect of working for and with him for the remainder of the year. I have already had some insight into where he wants the Air Force to head and, believe

me, it is exciting. His vision has had a direct effect on my decision to join the Active Reserve on my retirement from the Permanent Air Force, as I want to remain part of the Air Force family.

The recent announcement of my replacement as the Warrant Officer of the Air Force is another exciting moment in the history of the Air Force. WOFF John Millar, known as ‘JJ’ to all who know him, is a character that is not only good-hearted and caring, but is a very professional and accomplished air-man. I am in no doubt that ‘JJ’ will not only do the position proud, but that his work for you and the Air Force will be nothing short of 120 per cent.

Having said all of that, I would like to thank all members – civilian and mil-itary, either on the ground or in the sky, for putting on a farewell parade, display and dinner at RAAF Base Glenbrook on July 3. The day will be remembered, not only by those changing command, but by all who contributed to its success.

There are many issues that I would like to see finalised by the time I vacate this position. Namely, the airmen’s pay case (GORPS), the wet weather and cold weather clothing saga, and a number of smaller issues that affect our good and hardworking members of the Air Force. You can be assured that I will continue to strive to help all airmen and I will do that until the day I walk out the door.

To those good-hearted people who have asked me to stop and ‘smell the roses’ and not to work myself to a stand-still – I am listening to your good sound advice and I am planning a couple of long weekends to balance my time.

Finally, I would like to congratu-

exemplary service to Air Force intelligence and operations.

� FLGOFF Adam Lawson – for his outstanding performance as the operations officer of 41WG air battle management co-ordi-nation centre during Operation Deluge.

� SGT Ross MacDonald – for his exemplary performance as the SNCO in charge the 37SQN avionics workshop.

ACAUST Commendation – Bronze� FSGT Graeme Mitchell – for

his outstanding performance as the manager of the authorised maintenance certification at 37SQN.

� CPL Robert Donaldson – for his professional competence, technical ability and team con-tribution within the ASOC.

ACAUST Commendation – Bronze (Group)� WGCDR Ross Adams – HQAC

(Glenbrook)� SQNLDR Tony Smith – AOSG/

SRG (Edinburgh)� SQNLDR John Wainwright

– CSG (Amberley)� SQNLDR John Kane – ALG

(Richmond)� SQNLDR Paul Gallagher

– 395ECSW (Townsville)� SQNLDR Phil Eddes – AFTG

(Williams/Laverton)� SQNLDR John Kane – ACG

(Pearce) – for their outstand-ing performance as Reserve Liaison Officers in the imple-mentation of the Air Force Reserve Restructure process.

AIR Force’s Air Lift Group has completed its role in the repatriation of SIG Sean McCarthy from Afghani-stan.

SIG McCarthy died on July 8 when the vehicle in which he was travelling with two other Australian soldiers and a coalition soldier was hit by an impro-vised explosive device while they were on patrol in southern Afghanistan.

The other soldiers were wounded in the attack, but the two Australians have since returned to their unit.

On July 13, following a ramp cer-emony at the International Security Assistance Force base at Tarin Kowt in Oruzgan Province, eight of his fellow Servicemen carried the casket contain-ing his body onboard a waiting 37SQN Hercules.

He was subsequently transferred to

a 36SQN C-17 for the final journey back to Australia and, on July 15, CDF ACM Angus Houston, CA LTGEN Ken Gillespie and Special Operations Commander MAJGEN Tim McOwan joined Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Mike Kelly, MP, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Bronwyn Bishop, MP, members of the SASR and family and friends at RAAF Base Amberley in welcoming him home.

Attended by an honour guard, SIG McCarthy’s body was borne from the aircraft and placed in a waiting hearse. Then, it was driven to the nearby termi-nal building where it was again taken by the bearer party and presented to SIG McCarthy’s family.

SIG McCarthy’s funeral service was held on the Gold Coast on July 18.

ALG’s sad ALG’s sad missionmission

AIR FORCE RANKSThe following explains the rank abbreviations, as featured in AIR FORCE News

ACM � Air Chief Marshal

AIRMSHL � Air Marshal

AVM � Air Vice-Marshal

AIRCDRE � Air Commodore

GPCAPT � Group Captain

WGCDR � Wing Commander

SQNLDR � Squadron Leader

FLTLT � Flight Lieutenant

FLGOFF � Flying Officer

PLTOFF � Pilot Officer

OFFCDT � Officer Cadet

WOFF-AF � Warrant Officer of the Air Force

WOFF � Warrant Officer

FSGT � Flight Sergeant

SGT � Sergeant

CPL � Corporal

LAC � Leading Aircraftman

LACW � Leading Aircraftwoman

AC � Aircraftman

ACW � Aircraftwoman

late the personnel listed below for recently being presented their well-deserved commendations. ’Till next time, please keep on smiling.

SOLEMN DUTY: Australian soldiers carry the casket of Signaller Sean McCarthy to a waiting 37SQN C-130 during a memorial service in Southern Afghanistan. Photo: LS Kade Rogers

3NewsAIR FORCE July 24, 2008

Defence Force Credit Union LimitedABN 57 087 651 385 AFSL 234582

Big rate for a limited time on term depositsRight now, you can open a new Defcredit

Premium Term Deposit and lock in a high rate

of 8.5%p.a.* for 12 months. Or you can choose

from our other Term Deposits, such as 8.45% p.a.

for nine months or 8.4% p.a. for six months.

From a minimum investment of just

To invest in a Defcredit Term Deposit, call 1800 033 139 or visit your local branch.*This rate is only available on funds that are not currently deposited with Defcredit. Rates are based upon minimum deposit of $5,000, are correct at the time of printing and are subject to change. Conditions apply, please refer to the Products and Services Conditions of Use. Fees and charges may also apply, please refer to the Fees and Charges Schedule for details.

DEF1391_AANN

www.defcredit.com.au

$5,000

Wyatt Attorneys

Military CompensationAll states, all services.Protect your position now!

The choice of Service Personnel. Links with the ADF for more than 25 years.

Freecall 1800 773 880

903/276 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000

02 9262 7338 [email protected]

www.wyatts.com.au

By FLTLT Jaimie Abbott

AVM Mark Skidmore certainly timed his first visit to RAAF Base Wil-liamtown as Air Commander Australia well – as he was able to personally wel-come home members from Afghani-stan.

Around 40 personnel from No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit (3CRU) and 41WG were recognised for their deployment to Kandahar and other loca-tions within the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) in a special wel-come home afternoon tea.

Many had returned from six-month stints at the Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) in Afghanistan, where they pro-vided air surveillance and air battle man-agement for operations.

This included air-to-air refuelling and safe transit of military aircraft throughout the operational area.

Among those recently returned from Kandahar was Detachment Commander WGCDR Ian Gibson, who was presented with an Australian Active Service Medal at the afternoon tea.

“I am proud to have been a part of such an important operation where the CRC operated 24 hours a day in such a busy environment,” WGCDR Gibson said.

Home againgainAfghanistan’s airspace is one of

the busiest in the world, with a large number of civilian and military aircraft movements each day.

FLGOFF Alesha Whitehead returned to Australia on March 7 this year after seven months working as a force mar-shaller.

“To be in control of the majority of the Afghan airspace and responsible for the safety of all the aircrew within it was something I am very proud to have achieved,” FLGOFF Whitehead said.

“It was a rewarding experience and one that I will never forget.”

That enthusiasm was echoed by FSGT Brian Holdcroft who received an Afghanistan Campaign Medal on the day.

FSGT Holdcroft said he wouldn’t mind going over again.

“The hours were long, but it was such a challenge to work in the CRC as an air surveillance operator,” FSGT Holdcroft said.

Families were also invited to the welcome home event.

“The families and friends of the staff have played a key role in this opera-tion so far,” OC 41WG GPCAPT Chris Westwood said.

“We simply could not do what we

do without this amazing support from home.”

Since an advance party moved into Afghanistan in April 2007, two full rotations of staff have served their six month deployments. The third rota-tion is currently in Kandahar. A fourth rotation has recently commenced force preparation training.

Today, there are 75 personnel

operating the CRC in the ongoing mission. The last time a 41WG unit deployed overseas was in 1958 when it was sent to Butterworth during the Malayan Emergency.

“It’s been a long time between operational deployments and the work they are doing over there now is extremely valuable to Australia’s international reputation,” Commander

Surveillance and Response Group AIRCDRE Warren Ludwig said.

AVM Skidmore also presented a Commander Joint Task Force Bronze Commendation to LAC Patrick Morgan for exemplary service.

Medals were also presented to CPL Ben Martin and SQNLDR Mike Dunn for service in Afghanistan and Iraq.

41WG and 3CRU rotation back from six months in Afghanistan

WELCOME HOME DAD: Above, LAC Richard Mullens from 3CRU is reunited with his wife Derrilin and daughters Shahla, Liyana and Kaiya at RAAF Base Williamtown.CONGRATULATIONS: Below left, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement Greg Combet, MP, (centre), ACAUST AVM Mark Skidmore (fourth from left) and AIRCDRE Warren Ludwig (fourth from right) with 41WG personnel. Photos: AC Mark Friend

��

What is RSL Legal Aid?

The RSL Legal Aid Scheme is an initiative of the RSL in cooperation with National Legal Aid (NLA). It is a scheme designed to facilitate the provision of free legal information and preliminary legal advice to Australian Defence Force personnel wherever they may be serving.

Information about civilian law is available from a number of sources, including legal aid commissions and law societies in each state and territory of Australia. Sometimes an understanding of the law relating to your problem will enable you to decide how best to handle it. Sometimes you may also need legal advice. The RSL Legal Aid Scheme is designed to help you obtain information about the law and preliminary advice about your problem.

For information about how to access the scheme, visit the RSL website at:

http://www.rsl.org.au


10SQN crews hit HawaiiTWO 10SQN Orion crews

have said “aloha” to Hawaii after deploying to the island for the bi-annual US-led Exercise Rimpac (Rim of the Pacific).

Air Force’s maritime and support assets are once again gaining invalu-able exposure to, and experience in, joint and combined operational exercise activity after the crews and supporting personnel from 10SQN and 92WG deployed to the island.

The exercise is being conducted from June 29 to July 31. It is the 21st in the series, which started in 1971.

It includes 35 surface combat-ant ships, six submarines, more than 150 aircraft and 20,000 sail-ors, marines, soldiers, airmen and American coastguardsmen. Participating countries are Australia, Canada, Chile, Netherlands, Japan, Peru, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, UK and USA.

The Orions departed RAAF Base Edinburgh on June 28; other assets, personnel and stores deployed on a 36SQN C-17 and 37SQN C-130J.

In addition to the Orions, Australian units participating are HMA Ships Anzac, Tobruk, Success and Waller, Clearance Diving Team Four, Army amphibious specialists and a headquarters element.

OC 92WG GPCAPT Stephen Osborne has been appointed as the

Multi-National Force Maritime Patrol Commander and will be responsible for the tasking and con-trol of all maritime patrol aircraft deployed for the exercise.

In addition to working with the Orions, he is operating from the

Task Group headquarters, which is based at the US Marines Air Station at Kaneohe Bay on Oahu Island in Hawaii. Full coverage of 10SQN’s involve-ment in Exercise Rimpac will feature in the next edition.

ALOHA: OC 92WG GPCAPT Stephen Osborne and CO 10SQN WGCDR Kevin Murray with their Hawaiian shirts in hand ready to deploy to Hawaii for Exercise Rimpac. Photo: AC Glen McCarthy

Operation Testament was the ADF’s contri-bution to World Youth Day 08 (WYD08). WYD08 is the largest youth event in the world and was held in Sydney from July 15-20, attracting more than 125,000 inter-national visitors. Operation Testament comprised personnel drawn from across the Services carrying

out the logistics for an international ‘Military Pilgrims’ program, as well as security sup-port for the event. The ‘Military Pilgrims’ attended celebra-tions around Sydney during the week-long youth festival, which culminated in a final mass celebrated by the Pope at Randwick Racecourse on July 20.

Keeping the faith on Op Testament

From Page 1By no means a solely internal effort,

the Papal arrival required a cohesive effort by several Defence and government agen-cies, including NSW Police, for some weeks ahead of the arrival.

WGCDR Phelan said the arrival was well beyond what they initially intended to have on the day.

“The organisers of the World Youth Day event originally intended that His Holiness’ arrival via Richmond would be kept low-profile, but once the word got out, the entire nature of the day changed,” he said.

Planning early and planning personal-ly with government agencies also proved essential.

“From the experience, I took away the vital importance of face-to-face liaison with all players,” WGCDR Phelan said.

“I take a lot of pride in the accom-plishments of my executive officer, SQNLDR Cate Williams, in directing the team who put it all together.”

In recent years, the base has forged a successful reputation for hosting high-profile events, including providing APEC support during Operation Deluge, as well as several repatriation ceremonies and the 2006 Defence Air Show.

“On the day, it all came together for an absolutely flawless operation,” SQNLDR Williams said.

“We encountered no incidents on the day – security was maintained and the Prime Minister’s office was extremely pleased with how it all went.

“The hour that His Holiness was at RAAF Base Richmond required months of planning on our part, particularly in coordination with members of the Explosive Ordnance Team from Orchard Hil ls , CSU-Richmond/Glenbrook, 1AOSS, No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron and Defence Support Group, as well as the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Customs and the US Air Force.” Full coverage of Air Force’s involvement in Operation Testament will be featured in the next edition.

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: Above, 1AOSS air movements personnel eagerly await the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI’s aircraft at RAAF Base Richmond. From left, LAC David Webb, LAC Callen Burmester, AC Jesse Selby, LAC Ben Lavender, CPL Mick Stephenson and CPL Jeff Coupe.CLEARING PATROL: Left, explosive detection dog handler, CPL Cameron Scott from 382ECSS, puts dog ‘Bea’ through her paces searching media in the lead-up to the Pope’s arrival. Photos: CPL Rachel Ingram

Richmond greets the Pope

THANKS FOR COMING: Above, Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd, accompanied by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, after arriving at RAAF Base Richmond.


Recognising and rewarding you with subsidised Home LoansDefcredit DHOAS Advantage Home Loans can help you purchase or pay

off your home sooner. These specially designed loans can provide you with

monthly subsidies on your home loan repayments and exclusive savings not

normally available on our standard home loans. So not only can you save on

your repayments, but on your day-to-day banking, credit card and more.*

To fi nd out more, call us on 1800 033 139, visit your local Defcredit branch or log on to www.defcredit.com.au

*Terms and conditions apply.

Defence Force Credit Union Limited ABN 57 087 651 385 AFSL 234582

DEF1330 AANN (07/08)


THE future of Air Force air-to-air refuelling and airlift is now being cre-ated at Brisbane Airport.

The first Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) to be modi-fied to KC-30B status in Australia arrived in Brisbane on May 29. Due for delivery next year, it will become the second KC-30B in Australian service.

The year-long conversion proc-ess is being carried out by Qantas Engineering.

Its future home, 33SQN, is now close-by at RAAF Base Amberley, after relocating from RAAF Base Richmond following the retirement of the B707 on June 30. The squadron began oper-ating from its new base the next day.

An induction ceremony for the A330 at Brisbane Airport on June 6 provided an opportunity for members of Qantas, EADS CASA, the Defence Materiel Organisation and Air Force to see the big aircraft up close.

Also there to see the new jet was the KC-30B Transition Team’s Amberley Detachment – which officially became part of 33SQN on July 1 when the squadron moved on base.

Their new CO, WGCDR Guy Wilson, was on board the Airbus when


RETIREMENT of the B707 fleet has also meant retirement of the B707 simu-lator at 285SQN.

A training unit for Air Lift Group, 285SQN took delivery of the simula-tor during its formation in 1999 and has operated the sim with support by CAE Australia, Pty Ltd. Taking its final ‘flight’ on June 25, the simulator was decommis-sioned before members of DMO, CAE, and the Air Force in a small ceremony.

AIRCDRE Jack Plenty, Commander Air Lift Group, said the simulator had been in Air Force service since September 1999. “It became the first military flight simulator in the world to achieve a level-five simulator accreditation – the highest level of civilian flight simulator fidelity,” AIRCDRE Plenty said.

Its retirement closes an interesting chapter in B707 training for the Air Force.

When the original aircraft were pur-chased in 1979, crews had to travel to Hong Kong in order to use a B707 simu-lator owned by airline Cathay Pacific. In

1990, the Air Force determined a need for the acquisition of high-fidelity flight simulators, for all large aircraft to reduce the high fatigue placed on them during training sorties.

A new flight simulator facility was completed and the new B707 simulator arrived at RAAF Base Richmond in 1998. The following year, the B707 simulator achieved CASA level-five accreditation.

Former B707 flight engineer Ian Macgregor is now DMO’s simulator logis-tics manager at 285SQN.

He said in November 2003, the B707 and C130J simulators were formally accepted into Air Force service. “This event was only possible following the sat-isfaction of over 1000 simulator function and performance requirements.

“Since then, 33SQN and 285SQN have enjoyed the faithful service of their B707 full-flight simulator with hardly a hic-cup,” he said. “No simulator ever perfectly matches the aircraft it represents, however praise for the quality of the Air Force B707 simulator from pilots, flight engineers and ground crew has never ceased.”

Tanker takes shapeit landed at Brisbane Airport. He reg-istered 10 hours in the co-pilot’s seat during the two-leg flight from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France to Brisbane.

A former B707 captain, WGCDR Wilson said: “This is an exciting time for us because this aircraft will bring a considerable increase in capabil-ity for the Air Force. We’re gathering a glimpse of what’s to come.”

He will be among the first four Air Force pilots to undergo a Qantas A330 conversion course in September, con-ducting classroom lessons and simu-lator training before conducting ‘line flying’ on the A330 with Qantas for several months to gain experience.

One member joked that the aircraft had come to Brisbane “brand new from the factory, only to be pulled apart into a thousand pieces and have holes cut into it”.

That process will require up to 100 workers at the Qantas Conversion Centre, which was refurbished for the task. The conversion includes structural changes for installation of a refuelling boom and receptacle, air-to-air refuel-ling pods, a new airborne refuelling operator station in the cockpit, and installation of military avionics.

The Air Force’s first KC-30B is

entering the final stages of a four-year development program in Europe and is due to begin the final phase of its flight test program later this year.

Director General Airlift and Training Systems for DMO, AIRCDRE Steve Drury, said: “The aircraft repre-sents the best capability for Air Force

and best value for tax payers. The new tankers will greatly contribute to Australia’s effective participation in allied and coalition operations.”

At 59m long and with a wingspan of 60m, the KC-30B will be the biggest aircraft operated by the Air Force.

It will also bring about another leap

in airlift capability available to the Air Force – capable of transporting 270 passengers, 40 tonnes of cargo, or more than 100 tonnes of fuel.

It will have twice the fuel offload performance than the former B707 when conducting air-to-air refuelling operations.

B707 sim is retired after near decade

SNEAK PEEK: CO 33SQN WGCDR Guy Wilson with the A330 aircraft at Brisbane Airport, where it is being converted by Qantas for Air Force service. Photo: LAC Scott Woodward

LAST FLIGHT: Former CO 33SQN WGCDR Jim Ghee controls the 285SQN B707 simulator on a fly-past of Sydney Harbour during its decommissioning at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: ACW Shannon Urie

33SQN prepares for exciting new future as first MRTT is converted

VEHICLE SALARY PACKAGING AT FLEETNETWORK.COM.AU

BRISBANEGOLD COAST

SYDNEYCANBERRA

MELBOURNE

1300 657 706

WHO ARE WE?

At It’s Just Lunch we organise fun, first dates for busy professionals.

It’s Just Lunch matches your profile with a similar, like-minded person and arranges a fun first lunch-time date or after-work drinks. We minimise the stress and maximise your chances of finding the right partner!

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS RELAX, TURN UP AND HAVE FUN!!

SUCCESS!

So far, It’s Just Lunch has been responsible for introducing thousands of happy couples who enjoy socialising and networking to meet new and interesting people.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY TO FIND A

RANGE OF INFORMATION INCLUDING:

- What to expect- Dating tips- Locations- Our restaurant partners- And more!

IT’S JUST LUNCH!

www.itsjustlunch.com.au

JOIN NOW AND RECEIVE

$200 OFF YOUR MEMBERSHIP


Take a guided tour of Air Force’s visual identity with new tool

Eleven Hornets, six Hawks and three PC-9s par-ticipated. Units involved included 2OCU, 76SQN, 323CSS, 44WG DET and RAAF Base Townsville. Seven aircrew and an intelligence officer graduated. High Sierra ran from June 9-26 and is the culmi-nation of the fast jet conversion course to the Hornet. More than 200 personnel from 2OCU and 76SQN also deployed.

Sierra stats

2OCU seven pass Sierra

Visual dentity uidelines A guide to producing consistent and

effective visual communications

I G

ON OUR WAY: Two students in a 2OCU Hornet roll out at the start of a mission during a previous High Sierra exercise.

By Andrew Stackpool

DO YOU know what the Air Force brand is? Do you know where to find out how, where and by whom Air Force’s symbols should be properly represented?

These are two of several questions that have occupied people within the Directorate of Coordination at Air Force Headquarters (AFHQ).

The brand comprises a mixture of Air Force values and symbols that together provide Air Force’s identity to its stake-holders and the wider public.

The brand embodies Air Force’s unique characteristics and is intended to enhance Air Force pride. The brand comprises three symbols. The first is the Air Force logo – the words ‘Air Force’ in Air Force blue, and incorporating the Air Force Roundel as the ‘O’. Second is the Air Force Roundel, and the third is the Air Force badge.

The symbols all meet essential speci-fications and a concern for the directo-rate was how to ensure these are properly used whenever they are reproduced in any media format.

“A common misconception that white behind the crown and scrolls of badges is a requirement – it is not at all, and that is one of the main messages we want to get across,” FSGT Benjamin Wright from AFHQ said.

To ensure correct reproduction, AFHQ recently promulgated its Visual Identity Guidelines (pictured right). These are available in hard copy, on the Defence intranet and on a DVD and are intended for use by units for everyday use and by professional designers and establishments.

Air Force’s Brand Manager Michele McGee said that the guidelines are intend-ed as a basic tool box. “People need to be

aware that to look professional we need to have a consistent and coordinated message and style regarding our brand – something we can be proud of,” Mrs McGee said.

These guidelines provide all the rel-evant information including word doc-uments, colours, and layout needed by anyone who needs to create any form of document, such as PowerPoint presenta-tions and newsletters that incorporate any of the symbols.

“The guide will assist people to pro-duce a professional product, either to do some desktop publishing for their unit or as a draft for professional printing. We are asking anyone who is designing anything pertaining to external Air Force publi-cations of any type to look at the guide before they produce it,” she said. More information is available at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/AFIMAGEGUIDE

SEVEN new aircrew have joined the ranks as F/A-18 fighter pilots following their graduation from No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit’s (2OCU) Hornet conversion course.

FLTLT Adam Clarke, FLGOFFs Edwin Borrman, Matthew Deveson, Sean Hamilton and Farzan Kalantary, and PLTOFFs Andrew Nilson and Bryan Thompson reached the cli-max of their course and conversion from the Hawk to the F/A-18 with their participation in Exercise High Sierra (HS08). The activity – held at RAAF Base Townsville from June 9-26 – delivered vital training for the aircrew and represented the final phase of the course.

HS08 also provided the appro-priate course conditions for the Fighter Intelligence course. FLGOFF Bradley Blumberg graduated as one of Air Force’s newest INTELLOs.

Conducted biannually, High Sierra forms an integral part of the overall training program delivered by 2OCU.

Eleven F/A-18 Hornets, eight Hawks, three PC-9s from the Forward Air Control Development Unit and more than 200 personnel participated in the exercise.

CO 2OCU WGCDR Phil Gordon said the activity is the culmination of six months of intensive training on the Hornet.

“High Sierra provides important training for all aircrew and ground crew in deployed operations, result-ing in the graduation of seven new operational fighter pilots,” he said.

The exercise also provided invalu-able training for the Hawks operating as the adversarial aircraft against the Hornets and PC-9s.

2OCU XO SQNLDR Stephen Chappell noted the heightened per-formance of the squadrons.

“76SQN were outstanding in their support and provided fantastic training to the students with their adversary presentations. Their junior aircrew also benefited from observ-ing their mates graduate ahead of them on the course,” he said.

HS08 also provided 2OCU and 76SQN personnel the opportunity to test their procedures away from home base. With direct support from323CSS, 44WG Detachment and local corporate support, RAAF BaseTownsville provided an excellent location for 2OCU to successfully complete the exercise.

The course graduation din-ner held on June 29 rewarded the high achievers of the preceding six months. FLTLT Daniel Wilsonwas awarded the JP Conlan trophyfor best instructor; FLTLT Clarke the Drummond Memorial trophy for weapons proficiency; PLTOFF Thompson the Powell Memorial Trophy for academic proficiency; and FLGOFF Kalantary the MichaelE. Ryan Trophy for course dux.

FLTLT Clarke summed up theexperience for the students: “The course was extremely challenging and, while the stakes were high for all the students, we still found time to enjoy the flying and the tight-knit fighter pilot community,” he said.


Phone today1800 000 916

All homes come ready to rent with quality inclusions & fi ttings such as:�Stainless Steel Appliances �Light Fittings�Carpets & Ceramic Tiles�Air-Conditioning �Ceiling fans �Turfi ng�Verticals �Fencing

and much more

please call us for further information or check out our web site at

www.wacalhousing.com.au

OUR ADVANTAGES1. Deal Direct with the Developer/Builder and save thousands2. We will assist in organising your tenants through our selected local agents3. A Full depreciation schedule will be supplied with every package4. Professional Finance assistance is also available5. Follow the construction process through our unique weblink, photos of your home will be posted on the site at each stage of construction

PROPERTY INVESTMENT WILLPROPERTY INVESTMENT WILLSECURE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURESECURE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

Quality selected home & land packages in high rental demand areas throughout South East Queensland

Call NOW and ask about our specialCall NOW and ask about our specialCASH-BACK offer to service personnel ONLYCASH-BACK offer to service personnel ONLY

THE introduction into Air Force service of an all-weather long-range air-to-surface missile passed another milestone recently when a test AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Mis-sile (JASSM) was successfully released from an F/A-18 at the Jervis Bay range facility or the first time.

Designed to demonstrate that the missile can safely separate from the air-craft, the test was the result of a coor-dinated team effort by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), Air Force and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

Project manager SQNLDR Michael Spencer said the purpose of the trial was to determine if the aerodynamic flow per-mitted safe separation of a missile from the launch aircraft. To conduct it, test pilots released the missile under opera-tionally representative flight conditions and delivery manoeuvres.

“The trial was conducted using a JASSM Separation Test Vehicle (STV), which replicates the operational JASSM and transmits separation data to a telem-etry ground station operated by the Ranges and Assessing Unit at Jervis Bay,” SQNLDR Spencer said.

“The STV is fitted with a telemetry kit and flight termination system. The system is used to deliberately destroy the missile in mid-flight, in order to manage safety on the air weapons range.”

DMO is acquiring the missile for Air Force through Project Air 5418 Phase 1 – Follow-On Stand-Off Weapon under contracts with Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force. The DMO project office

is teamed with the Hornet Weapons Integration Project Team, from the Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office, to integrate JASSM onto the Air Force ‘classic’ F/A-18A/B+ Hornet aircraft and achieve the Initial Operational Capability by the end of 2009.

SQNLDR Spencer said the trial’s success was made possible with support from other key Defence units includ-ing the Development and Test Wing of AOSG that provided the aircraft compat-ibility engineering expertise, test aircraft and crews; Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control that provided the technical expertise on the missile and its testing; the Jervis Bay Range Facility personnel with their telemetry equipment; 81WG for logistics engineering support; 78WG that provided a Hawk chase aircraft; and DSTO that provided wind tunnel testing and risk analyses.

“More Australian JASSM flight trials are planned as part of an incremental test program,” SQNLDR Spencer said.

“This program builds on the results from each test to progressively improve confidence that the missile can be launched and operated safely over the range of flight altitudes, speeds and manoeuvres required to be used by our Hornet aircrews.”

Meanwhile, other upgrades to the Hornet continue on track following the successful trialling of its new Raytheon ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver and acceptance into service of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) missile. Article supplied by SQNLDR Michael Spencer.

JASSM isis releasedreleasedNew missile tested on the Hornet

An autonomous, long-range, con-ventional, air-to-ground, precision stand-off missile designed to destroy high-value, well-defend-ed, fixed and relocatable targets. 2,000-pounds with a penetra-tor/blast fragmentation warhead, JASSM cruises autonomously in adverse weather, day or night.

It is integrated on the American B-1, B-2, B-52 and F-16 aircraft. Future platforms include theF-15E, and F-35. Australia is currently the only other country procuring the sys-tem. Its stealthy airframe makes it extremely difficult to defeat.

JASSM stats

New helo catches a lift

TESTERS: Above, ARDU technicians load the JASSM on to the test Hornet at RAAF Base Williamtown during the trial. Photo: SGT Shane GidallSKY HIGH: Left, the ARDU Hornet testing the JASSM over the Jervis Bay weapons range. Photo: SQNLDR Derek Thresher

Army’s third MRH90 multi-role helicopter is unloaded from a 36SQN Globemaster at Brisbane Airport on June 22. The C-17 was on a return leg from overseas when the opportunity to pick up the MRH90 arrived, enabling it to be delivered early. It is the first time that a helicopter of this type has been transported in a C-17. Photo: LS Kelvin Hockey

Our new eLearningmodule can help you get

Financial Advice.www.adfconsumer.gov.au

ADF Financial Services Consumer CouncilADF Financial Services Consumer Council

For more information contact us at: [email protected]

Do you need a FinancialAdviser?

How do you fi nd anAdviser?

How does an Adviser get paid?

What shouldyou ask the Adviser?

FPCJune08_2.indd 1 3/7/08 10:54:26 AM

9 NewsAIR FORCE July 24, 2008

��

�� We make it easier for you

��

DefenceHOME OWNERSHIPASSISTANCE SCHEME

By LAC Aaron Curran

AFTER 21 years in the Air Force, WGCDR Jason Waller has ended his successful Air Force career in style.

WGCDR Waller, CO of No. 2 Flying Training School (2FTS), RAAF Base Pearce, joined in a 26-ship PC-9 fly-past conducted in Thunderbird forma-tion to mark the end of No. 211 Pilots’ Course – and his career.

Joining WGCDR Waller in the for-mation was former CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd (ret’d), who was at Pearce to attend the pilots’ course grad-uation. He retired on July 3.

The Thunderbird flight – which is an important training activity for junior pilots in formation flying – went out over Rottnest Island, Perth, and then Pearce to the cheers of the assembled crowd below. They were there to cel-ebrate the course graduation the follow-ing day.

WGCDR Waller joined the Air Force in 1987. After ADFA, he went to pilot training in 1992 and was then posted to the P-3 Orions in Edinburgh.

Thunderbird salute at Pearce

His first stint at 2FTS came after that, where he was employed as a quali-fied flying instructor and thereafter pro-moted to flight commander.

Various staff jobs in Canberra await-ed WGCDR Waller after his time in the west, then another stint with the Orions brought him back to SA. He commanded a task group in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO), then finally came back to 2FTS as the CO.

“My greatest experiences in the Air Force have been my command at 2FTS and in the MEAO with the Maritime Patrol Detachment,” WGCDR Waller said.

“I enjoyed flying immensely, which goes without saying, and also work-ing in the Strategic Operations Division with the then-AIRCDRE Shepherd dur-ing operations Bastille, Falconer and Catalyst. It was an extremely busy time and we did huge hours, but it was rewarding to see those operations kick off.”

Of the changes in the Air Force dur-ing his time, he said that a lot of people talked about loss of conditions of serv-

ice, but he believed ground had been gained on that issue.

“There have been a lot of improve-ments in the way we look after our peo-ple,” he said. “We have become much more professional, both in the military and business sense. The Air Force has become a lot smarter and better focused on how we do things.”

He said while pilot training proce-dures and processes may have changed, students were still the same.

“I don’t think students have changed since Orville and Wilbur Wright stepped

in front of an aircraft,” he said. “The students are from a different generation and have different value sets, but they are fundamentally always the same.”

WGCDR Waller’s wife and three children were upset when he told them he was going to leave the Air Force.

“My wife was actually shocked the day I put in my resignation. She has put up with everything that all other Defence families put up with and with-out her I would have been unable to achieve what I have in the Air Force.” he said.

WGCDR Waller’s retirement coin-cided with the graduation of nine Air Force and three Navy officers from No. 211 Pilots’ Course.

AIRMSHL Shepherd (ret’d) attended as the reviewing officer on the day and presented the pilots with their ‘wings’. One graduate, PLTOFF Jay Moriarty, was so keen not to miss his graduation parade he discharged himself from hos-pital after having an appendix operation only a few days before.

Dux of the course went to OFFCDT Shaun Hayles.

Trevor goes the distanceWOFF Douglas “Trevor” Thompson’s long and dedicated service was recognised recently when he received the fourth clasp to his Defence Long Service Medal from CDR AOSG GPCAPT John Teager. The working dog handler turned loadmaster said: “I have enjoyed the first 35 years in the Air Force and look forward to a few more yet.” Photo: ACW Shannon Urie

FAREWELL FLIGHTS: Outgoing CO 2FTS WGCDR Jason Waller and former CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd (ret’d) prepare to board a PC-9 to take part in the traditional 26-ship ‘Thunderbird’ formation fly-past at RAAF Base Pearce (pictured left). The graduation of No. 211 Pilots’ Course coincided with their retirement from the Air Force. Photos: LAC Aaron Curran


RAAF Base Williamtown took a major step to minimise potential risks and accidents to its off-road motorcy-cle riders when 19 base riders gradu-ated from its recent ADF Off-road Motorcycle Safety Awareness course.

The course was organised by SGT Darrell Greig from the Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office and run by Australian Institute of Sport-qualified ProART instructors, Lyndon Blake and Tye Thies.

The course was held at Maitland district motorcycle club from May 28-29 and addressed the skills, drills and fundamentals of motorcycle riding across the motocross, enduro and tri-als disciplines to provide course par-ticipants with a broader spectrum of off-road riding skills and knowledge.

The ADF liaison officer for the Ride Smart project is FSGT Brad Kirkels, who is also the RAAF Base Tindal Base Safety Adviser. He said that all courses are conducted under the Defence Motorcycle Safety – Ride Smart campaign, which was launched by the previous government in August 2006.

“Since taking over the role as ADF liaison officer [for motorcycle safety

Safety goes off-road

awareness courses], the Air Force has heavily supported the project and over 80 per cent of Air Force off-road rid-ers have now been trained,” FSGT Kirkels said.

“A certain percentage of riders are missed due to work commitments, medical restrictions or deployments.”

He said that there were a few acci-dents associated with off-road riding; these varied, but he pointed out that they are no different from injuries members receive playing other sports such as football or netball, or from day-to-day tasks.

“The feedback through the course critiques from students has been inval-uable. Our members approve of the course and are impressed on how it is organised and conducted,” he said.

“Due to the increased awareness and publicity, I am receiving numer-ous phone calls and emails daily from members asking about future courses.

“Nominations are also coming in from members who are currently deployed and looking for a safe return to riding [on return home].

“Collectively, our ADF off-road riders are hoping that this continuing, positive approach toward motorcycle

safety is the first step to motorcycle riding both on and off-road becoming an approved sport.”

For more information on the courses, contact the ADF liaison officer, FSGT Brad Kirkels, on (08) 8973 6668 or email: [email protected] or visit: http://ohsc.defence.gov.au/Programs/MotorcycleSafety/default.htm or www.defence.gov.au/dpe/ohsc/programs/motorcyclesafety Story provided by FSGT Brad Kirkels.

PARLIAMENTARY Secretary for Defence Procurement Greg Combet, MP, got a first-hand look at some of Air Force’s frontline fleet when he toured RAAF Base Amberley on July 9.

His tour included discussions with staff from the Strike Reconnaissance Systems Program Office regarding

the retirement of Australia’s F-111 aircraft and he also inspected the first of the four Airbus A330 aircraft being converted in Australia to a KC-30B Multi Role Tanker Transport under Project Air 5402. A visit to the C-17 and Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control facilities was also part of the tour.

Combet visits Amberley

STABLE: ProArt instructor Lyndon Blake uses AC Alan Reitsma for a demonstration outlining the correct body position to use when riding.

WHEELY GOOD COURSE: ADF riders listen to a lecture by ProArt instructors during an off-road motorcycle safety awareness course held at the Maitland motocross track, near RAAF Base Williamtown. Photos: AC Mark Friend


Learn about Financial Advice with our new eLearning module at: www.adfconsumer.gov.au

For more information contact us at [email protected]

QuarterPageJune08_2.indd 1 7/7/08 1:23:59 PM

Would you like To Save Up to $0.45c / Ltr * on Fuel Costs ?

You can by Salary Packaging a New or Existing Vehicle Ask us how?

�� Special offer to all Members of the Australian Defence Organisation �� Flexible Lease Terms to suit your income �� NO complicated contracts �� Choice range of new vehicle makes & models �� Used cars, refinances, sale and lease backs and private purchases

are also available

IT COSTS NOTHING TO FIND OUT MORE, So give us a call…. Today!

FREECALL: 1800 salary (1800 725 279)

EMAIL: [email protected] A Division of Darryl Adams Financial Services

(* Fuel savings will vary & depend upon many conditions & your salary package )

RE SETTLEMENT TRAINING FOR THE ARMED FORCES

Learn to operate aDump Truck

IMOT can train you on:•Dump Trucks • Excavators • Front End Loaders • Graders & •Skid Steer Loaders

• Construction Safety Awareness (Blue Card)Qualifi ed Workplace Trainers & AssessorsRegistered Training OrganisationIssuance of Nationally Recognised Certifi cation

Tel: (08) 9404 6060 — Fax: (08) 9405 8175Email: [email protected]

www.mtsonline.com.au


By Barry Rollings

THE dying wish of a husband and father was realised beyond his wildest dreams when the ‘Cancer Walk for Kids’ rolled in to Can-berra on June 6 with more than $71,500 in the kitty.

The concept was that of former PO Bob Wilson, 62, who was diag-nosed with cancer on June 28 last year. That co-incidentally was the birthday of his son and RAAF Base Richmond loadmaster SGT Stuart Wilson, who has subsequently deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations with 37SQN.

Bob, who died on April 2, would have been mighty proud as the fund-raising foot soldiers, who had almost tripled their goal of $25,000, did the last hard slog to their objective, the Royal Australian Navy Memorial on Anzac Parade.

They were met by three cheers and CDRE Peter Marshall, chair-man of the central canteens com-mittee, who boosted funds by $500 with a cheque on behalf of Navy.

“During his many visits to the Prince Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane for treatment, dad met and saw many children with cancer and was touched by their situations,” SGT Wilson said. “That’s why he

Walk fulfils dad’s wish

High expectations for HQJOC’s new Bungendore base

By MAJ Allan Croft

CONSTRUCTION of the ADF’s new command and control headquar-ters outside of Queanbeyan has just been completed, and two Air Force members about to start work there have some different expectations.

WGCDR Simon Nickson is the Deputy Director Administration in Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), and SGT Brad Clifton is driv-er for CJOPS LTGEN Mark Evans.

The new HQJOC facility – which was handed over to Defence by the construc-tion company on July 11 – will begin operating in January but its staff cur-rently work in locations spread from the CBD, Garden Island and Potts Point in Sydney to Russell and Fairbairn Offices in Canberra. Its role is to plan, control and conduct campaigns, operations, joint exercises, and other activities on behalf of CDF.

For WGCDR Nickson, the move into one location brings immense gains in effective administration.

“The consolidation of my branch greatly increases my ability to provide support,” WGCDR Nickson says. “It is a lot less frustrating than dealing with staff in several locations and it gives me a lot more control.

“Professionally, working in HQJOC gives me a greater understanding of the tri-Service planning process. I used to be in Air Command, which was just one component, but at Bungendore I will see all three colours of service working in a coordinated fashion.

“Besides, unlike many other head-quarters, everyone gets a huge work-space, there’s oodles of parking, your own locker and a decent gym,” he adds.

For SGT Clifton, the experience will be different, but similar in some ways.

He comes from the Federation Guard where he had little opportunity to inter-act with a workforce made up mostly of officers.

“A highlight of my time in the Guard was a trip to London for the opening of the Hyde Park Memorial, but there was not much opportunity for advancement,” SGT Clifton explains.

“At Bungendore, I will be working with a completely different group of people and getting an insight for the first time into how a headquarters works.

“CJOPS’s car is beautiful to drive; it’s a V8 with plenty of power and park-ing assist and the boss says I should get to run up to Sydney at least once a month. However, I’m yet to find a wash-point for the car out at Bungendore,” SGT Clifton says.

The next phase of the HQJOC project is the installation of all the information and communication systems into the facility by Defence. More than 750 staff will fill the building when it opens its doors early next year.

How to get published

AIR FORCE News encourages readers to send stories of less than 400 words in length. Photos should be high resolution digital JPEGs (300DPI) and contain full details in the file information. Send your contributions to [email protected]

decided to organise a fundraising event for kids with cancer and send the proceeds to the children’s hospi-tals in Sydney and Brisbane.”

The walk of more than 1200km from Coolangatta to Canberra began on May 4.

The eight permanent walkers were joined along the way by about 150 volunteers and other walkers, including some of his old subma-riner mates and people from com-munities through which the event passed. Bob’s wife Carol was heav-ily involved and did some walking, daughter Kim Hinkley found time in her busy life as the mother of four

children to organise the logistics and join in for six days. Stuart walked on three days.

Kim was amazed by all the sup-port, generosity and how all the community and past and current submariners pulled together in such a short time.

Walker Jock Copeland, 67, was surprised that people driving on the highway would stop and donate. In most of the towns, the group of walkers expanded to 50.

“Thank you to everybody who has been involved in walking, or helped along the way and support-ed us,” a tearful Carol said. “It was Bob’s dream that we do this.”

“The amount raised was quite in excess of what dad was expecting, so it’s fantastic,” SGT Wilson said.

“He would have been ecstatic if he had been able to be here. I think halfway through the walk he would have realised just how much it had grown beyond his expectations and he would have been over the moon.

“It was his dying wish and we made him a promise that it would go ahead.”

As the bronze figures of the Navy memorial looked down on the scene in silent approval, he said: “I am sure he’s up there right now, looking down on us and smiling.”

TRIUMPHANT MARCH: From left, Kim Hinkley (Bob Wilson’s daughter) Carol (his wife) and Stuart Wilson (his son) celebrate after completing the 1200km walk. PROUD: Below, walkers gather at the Navy memorial after their $71,500 effort. Photos: AB Jo Dilorenzo

LOOKING AHEAD: WGCDR Nickson (left) and SGT Clifton contemplate their new futures at HQJOC during a visit to the site. Photo: MAJ Allan Croft

STILL DRIVING THAT OLD CAR?

VEHICLE SALARYPACKAGE INSTEAD

www.fleetnetwork.com.au

† This offer is not applicable to any contracts signed prior 30th December 2006. You must mention or present this advert prior to completion of a contract. DVD or GPS navigation supplied after delivery of your vehicle and subject to both vehicle and novated lease being supplied by Fleet Network. This offer is subject to Fleet Network’s terms and conditions check our website for details.* To approved applicants.

DRIVE A NEW CAR AND SAVE DOLLAR$ IN TAX*

Twin Headrestmounted DVD

player with 7 inchscreens or GPS Satellite

Navigation with 3D moving maps†

limited offer while stocks last, DVD player or GPS Satellite navigationcan’t be claimed in conjunction with any other offer.

THE CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE

Fleet Network Pty Ltd D/L No. 12559 33 Action Road, Malaga WA 6090

FLEET PRICING AVAILABLE TO DEFENCE FORCE PERSONNEL EMPLOYEES ON MOST VEHICLES.*

ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF NEW AND NEAR NEW MOTOR VEHICLES.

TRADE-INS AND CASHBACK AVAILABLE TO APPROVED APPLICANTS.

0892482225CALL FLEET

NETWORK ON

LIMITED OFFER

AVIATION STUDIESAt UNSW Aviation:

Graduate Programs in Aviation Management��Postgraduate courses offered by distance mode

��Entry to those with appropriate professional experience and/or degree

Bachelor of Aviation�� A three year degree with Flying & Management options

UNSW AviationTel: (02) 9385-6767Fax: (02) 9385-6637

Web: www.aviation.unsw.edu.au

aviationfaculty of science


Indigenous recruits target

Trainingits own

By ACW Tamara Sharp

WHEN 29 recruits from six squadrons were successfully trained and assessed under the inaugural Recruit Phase Two program conducted by Reserve Training Wing (RTW) at Am-berley in May, it marked a mile-stone for RAAF Active Reserve (RAAFAR) training.

Traditionally, the initial ground defence field exercise and assessment component of recruit training is completed on loca-tion at No. 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU), recently moved to RAAF Base Wagga from Edinburgh.

However, this course was ini-tiated and run by RTW under the authority of 1RTU, utilising staff from the RAAF Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS) and various RTW squadrons to instruct and provide logistics support.

Wing Training Manager WGCDR David Graham said there were numerous advantages in RTW conducting this training.

“First, this method provides an opportunity to train our mem-

BUSH SERVICE: Defence and NAIDOC representatives honour indigenous servicemen and women at the memorial. Photo: Kev Piggott

bers in greater numbers at the one time than normally provided at 1RTU, shortening their induc-tion training and saving about 12 months,” he said. “Second, our trainees are able to network to a greater extent with other mem-bers participating from various RTW squadrons.”

WGCDR Graham said that by RTW regulating phase two, it could coordinate training with the recruitment process in line with the reserve restructure. RTW would also be able to coor-dinate phase one and phase two courses to be run concurrently in a shorter timeframe.

The successful training of the 29 recruits had relieved some of the backlog of reservists requir-ing phase two training. Phase two is able to train up to 40 recruits, four times the number of posi-tions 1RTU holds for reservists on each of their courses.

The Amberley course cor-responds with the new flexible approach to training adopted by RTW. The training conducted at Amberley took eight days rather than the usual 15 days. This was

achieved by eliminating stand-downs over the weekends and prior completion of pre-requisite training at the squadrons before attending phase two.

“An increase in the number of phase two courses available to recruits at 1RTU and RTW locations offers greater opportu-nity for reserve members to align family and civilian work com-mitments with RAAFAR training opportunities,” WGCDR Graham said.

The OC RTW, GPCAPT David Pasfield, said that the RTW was now operating as a sin-

gle training organisation with 11 arms (HQ and 10 RTW squad-rons), rather than a number of independent training units.

“RTW is reducing the over-all training times for reservists completing induction and initial employment training (IET),” GPCAPT Pasfield said.

“Timely progress ion of reservists through induction train-ing and IET increases the number of qualified reserve members and decreases the amount of inactivi-ty during training, which, in turn, supports Air Force capability.”

GREEN PHASE: ACWR Lan-Anh Vu (left) and ACWR Vanessa Cheng keep watch for the ‘enemy’. Below, ACR Keith Gough (left) helps ACWR Melanie Schenk carry a sandbag to build pits. Photos: ACW Tamara Sharp

DEFENCE has initiated the ADF Indigenous Recruitment Strategy and formed the Direc-torate of Indigenous Affairs to encourage Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders to serve in the ADF.

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon launched the initiatives in Canberra on July 8.

“The ADF has much to offer indigenous Australians in areas such as training, skills development, employment and health care,” Mr Snowdon said.

He said the recruitment strategy demonstrated the ADF’s pride in its indigenous heritage through a com-mitment to the long-term employ-ment of indigenous Australians.

“Initiatives include tailored prep-aration programs, improved recog-nition of indigenous culture across

Defence and mentor support, all designed to ensure that indigenous recruits are well-prepared to join the ADF and succeed in military train-ing and employment,” Mr Snowdon said.

“I think we need to contemplate the very important and critical role that indigenous Australians have played in the ADF in the past – in fact, since the Boer War.

“The ADF strategy and its ini-tiatives represent a great step forward but we must be mindful that it may take time before a real difference is made to the lives of indigenous Australians and, in turn, to the number of them who choose to serve in the ADF.”

The Directorate of Indigenous Affairs will manage indigenous issues across Defence, consult-ing and collaborating with other government agen-cies, indigenous commu-nities and Defence’s own Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network.

Mr Snowdon later joined the CDF and Service Chiefs at the annual memorial serv-ice for the National Aborigines and Islander D a y O b s e r v a n c e Committee (NAIDOC), held near the Australian Wa r M e m o r i a l i n Canberra.

How do you fi nd a FinancialAdviser?




At ADCU, we understand the stress of getting a new home loan. That’s why we work hard to make the process easier for you.

Our DHOAS loans offer competitive rates, no monthly or annual fees, and are just easier to understand. To fi nd out more, visit our special DHOAS web site www.adcu.com.au/DHOAS which contains all you need to know about our DHOAS home loans.

Remember, you don’t have to wait for your Subsidy Certifi cate before you apply for your DHOAS home loan – we can start the application process right away.

Three Great Offers:

Red Balloon experience gift 1. certifi cate for a limited period* to every member who takes out a DHOAS home loan with ADCU.

All DHOAS borrowers will 2. be given the opportunity to go into the draw for $5,000 in American Express travel money*.

A great deal on home and 3. contents insurance, with up to 20% discount and $100 Cash Back* on a combined home/contents policy

See You at the Roadshow - From 9 July 2008 our staff will be attending the national roadshows presented by the ADF and the Scheme Administrator. So come and fi nd out about the ADCU DHOAS ‘advantage’. A list of roadshow locations and dates is available at www.dhoas.gov.au.We want to make the DHOAS loans process easier for you, so please utilise our special DHOAS contacts:

DHOAS team on •1300 2 DHOAS (34627) DHOAS website at •www.adcu.com.au/DHOASemail at • [email protected]• local ADCU branch

* Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.adcu.com.au/DHOAS for full details.

Colin McGowanRegional Manager Outer Sydney

DHOAS Loans Made Easier


By LAC Aaron Curran

RED Nose Day received some high-flying support recently from Perth-based 79SQN.

A red cone, moulded into the shape of a Hawk 127’s nose, was placed on the aircraft for the day then put on static dis-play for all to see.

Red Nose Day, held annually on the last Friday in June, is the major fund-raiser for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Funds raised through Red Nose Day activities assist in providing vital services and prevention programs.

FSGT Scott Matthews and all the members of 79SQN organised the event with the remainder of RAAF Base Pearce’s personnel donating.

“79SQN members adorned red noses and collected donations as base person-nel arrived through the front gate,” FSGT Matthews said.

“We were lucky enough to have a graduation parade on and managed to collect from all the invited members of the public as well.”

Getting the nose of the Hawk organ-ised only took a couple of phone calls and some enthusiasm from 79SQN personnel. “Squadron surface finisher, reservist LAC Scott Miles, deserves a special mention for his efforts in prepar-ing and then restoring the Hawk nose,” he said.

After donations were collected, with personnel at times standing in the rain, more than $1500 was raised and sent to SIDS and Kids WA.

“It was a bit of fun and for a great cause,” FSGT Matthews said. “Besides, when else do you get to make your CO look like that?”

Meanwhile, personnel at other bases were also doing their bit for SIDS, including the recruits from 1RTU course 11/08. With the help of one of their course instructors, CPL Chris Wilson, the recruits raised $70 for Red Nose Day.

The recruits, while in their third week of training, were happy to help with the worthy cause and approval was also given for them to wear their red noses during the lunch time meal parade.

Red noseses fly high

WE NOSE BEST: CO 79SQN WGCDR Steve O’Halloran and the squadron’s ‘Red Nose’ Hawk were a matching pair for Red Nose Day. The Hawk was put on display for the charity at RAAF Base Pearce. Left, the CO is joined on the flightline by red-nosed SENGO, SQNLDR Shaun McNamara, and squadron personnel. Photo: LAC Aaron CurranCOURSE OF ACTION: Below left, recruits from 1RTU course 11/08 line up clown-faced for drill practice in their third week of training to support Red Nose Day at RAAF Base Wagga. Photo: FSGT Russell Vine

37SQN trains for the ‘real thing’, as FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton reports.

Precision work14 AIR FORCE July 24, 2008 15 Centrepiece

The sharp end of combat airlift has been refined as Air Force C-130s con-ducted high-tempo mis-sions during Exercise Pre-

cision Red 2008.Coordinated by 86WG and locat-

ed out of RAAF Base Townsville in May and June, Precision Red focused on preparing the 37SQN C-130J workforce for ‘the real thing’.

CO 37SQN WGCDR Mat t Hegarty said: “Precision Red was the culmination activity for 37SQN aircrew who are preparing to deploy. The exercise came at the end of an airborne operations training period, and provided newly-trained aircrews with realistic MEAO-based scenar-ios.”

A typical mission involved crews operating for up to 10 hours a day, flying day and night into three airfields in the Townsville and Shoalwater Bay Field Training Areas.

Crews had to negotiate strict air-space controls and often dodge simu-lated ground threats at low level.

“Pilots had to pass a check ride by demonstrating a sound understanding of combat airlift tactics and proce-dures peculiar to the MEAO environ-ment,” WGCDR Hegarty said.

“The exercise exposed mainte-nance and aircrews to similar work-ing conditions, including time con-straints, communication difficulties, and working with many and varied external agencies.

“The aircrews also practised com-bat search and rescue techniques and familiarised themselves with personal equipment – including combat search and rescue radios, portable GPS, side

ALL SECURE: LAC Adam Wissmer from 37SQN checks the tie-downs on a vehicle embarked in a C-130.

EARLY START: Above, FLGOFF Adrian Whiley conducts pre-flight checks before a morning sortie during Exercise Precision Red.ADGIES ARE GO: Above left, members of 2AFDS board a C-130 during the exercise.TIED DOWN: Left, SGT Grant Broadfield and AC Jesie Selby tie down two off-road motorcycles ready for transportation aboard a C-130. Photos: FSGT Craig Sharp

FUELLING AROUND: AC Jessie Selby from 1AOSS checks one of the generators for fuel levels.

ON YA BIKE: CPL Trevor Marshall rides on a Polaris quad bike ready to be loaded by WOFF Garry Suther and SGT Andrew Perry.

G’DAY MATE: LAC Corey Harrison of 1AOSS uses the satellite phone to check on aircraft movements during Exercise Precision Red.

PYROTECHNICAL: A 37SQN Hercules deploys its decoy flares on a mission during Exercise Precision Red out of RAAF Base Townsville.

arms and body armour – turning their theory into practice.”

FLGOFF Steven Andrews said that once crews completed Precision Red, “it’s assumed that you can be an effective member of a two-pilot crew in a tactical environment.

“The squadron needs to be confi-dent that we can be pushed out of a comfort zone and into abnormal situ-ations likely to be encountered away from home, and still operate the air-craft safely,” FLGOFF Andrews said.

“There was greater exposure to complex airspace, short notice task-ing changes, high workload, and a heavy emphasis on operating effec-tively in a hostile environment.

“Precision Red definitely gave us a far greater understanding of how Hercs and we as operators are expected to operate on deployment.

“All crews walked away with a lot of new techniques, experience and

confidence that could not have been gained outside of an exercise like this.”

The planning and coordina-tion required was also recreated at Townsville. An air operations centre was created to coordinate the tactics, intelligence, operational and airload support to execute each mission.

87SQN Air Mobility Tactical Intelligence Flight (AMTIF) provid-ed intelligence support for Precision Red. FLGOFF Kim Wilson of AMTIF said “intel provided research and mission briefings to crews, threat warnings to the detachment com-mander or XO, information to aid crews during combat search and res-cue, debriefed aircrew, and prepared mission reports”.

Hercules aircrew were plucked from the cockpit to undergo escape and evasion practice.

More complex escape and evasion

scenarios were played out with sev-eral crews going bush for the day in the Townsville Field Training Area, where they were tracked down by instructors from the Combat Survival Training School and exfiltrated by commandoes from 4RAR.

Live bombing practice from F-111Cs provided a realistic back-drop for the Hercules crews undergo-ing the escape and evasion training.

Air traffic controllers from 44WG tested their deployed talents by run-ning airspace management from a forward tactical airfield within the operational area. Their workload was made busier with F-111Cs and Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicles active in the training area.

FLTLT Trevor Langford, a 44WG air traffic controller, said: “This exer-cise maintained one of our core skills of providing airspace management within an area of operations.”

Airload teams from No. 1 Airborne Operat ions Support Squadron were similarly deployed to load and unload aircraft.

Hercules rarely travelled empty, with passengers, pallets and vehicles being loaded and disembarked at all airfields, often with engines running.

Airfield security was well-exer-cised by No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron (2AFDS), which sent 90 members to Precision Red.

CO 2AFDS WGCDR John Leo said the exercise proved an oppor-tunity to reignite old acquaintances with the squadron.

“We’ve been flat out with opera-tions in recent history and so has 37SQN,” WGCDR Leo said. “We used to have these exercises with each other a lot more often, so it was good to get into Precision Red with them.”

2AFDS practised several of its key skills.

“We provided loads for 37SQN and we conducted airfield insertions and airfield defence.

“There’s a stack of new guys in the unit who have arrived in the last two years, and many of them have not yet seen a Hercules, let alone been in one,” WGCDR Leo said.

2AFDS also brought with it Mog trucks, Landrovers, motorbikes and quadbikes to be loaded and unloaded on the Hercules, as well as used in the field.

“From our perspective, to have a live airfield to operate into and defend for the exercise was fantas-tic,” WGCDR Leo said.

WEIGHTY WORK: 37SQN loadmaster WOFF Garry Suther checks load weights aboard a C-130.

NIGHT RIDER: A Landrover 110

vehicle is about to be rolled out of a C-130.

THIS WAY: FLTLT Glenn Bruhn shows FLGOFF Adrian Whiley the planned flight path during an exercise mission.

RAAF SPECIAL TACTICSAIR POWERANY PLACEANY TIME

RAAF Base wide information tour September 2008

Special Tactics presents an opportunity for highly motivated individuals to become involved with the integration of RAAF and Coalition Combat Air Power into

Special Operations with ADF and Coalition Special Forces.

How to Apply: — DIG (Pers) 149-1 Selection for Service with Special Forces— AD 343 Webforms Tick Box C (STS) by NLT 21st November 2008 — EOI on People Central Hot Jobs by NLT 21st November 2008

Successful applicants expect to be attached to ACG from 19th January 2009 For further information:

http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/Sites/HQACGhttp://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/SFTC/


Now your rellies can join too Your service as a permanent or Reserve member of the ADF entitles your parents, brothers and sisters to be members of Defence Health.

They can purchase health insurance for themselves and their dependants and take advantage of the very competitive premiums and meaningful benefits.

Visit our website today or call 1800 335 425.

It’s an entitlement of your Defence service.

By FLTLT Dianne Bell

AIR Combat Officer (ACO) stu-dents from the inaugural course at the School of Air Warfare (SAW) at RAAF Base East Sale recently had the opportunity to turn theory into reality.

They departed the classrooms, step-ping out of the SAW synthetic trainer and into the cockpit for the first time.

They went well-prepared after suc-cessfully completing eight weeks of ground school and five simulator sorties in the SAW synthetic trainer.

Ground school consisted of lectures on aircraft systems, aerodynamics, meteorology, air traffic control, aviation safety, flight administration, systems navigation, communications, aviation risk management and aviation survival.

Students put all their ground school theory into practice with the start of a simulation program. The first sim ses-sion introduced the students to basic station set-up, aircraft checklist man-agement and basic instrument interpre-tation. Subsequent sessions consoli-dated and built on the skills previously learnt.

By the fifth session, students had a solid grasp of the procedures required to operate a flight management system while airborne.

Nine ACO students recently had their first taste of aviation in the B350 King Air.

“The ACO course so far has been

ACOs get et airborne

FRESH AIR: Above, ACO students PLTOFFs Thomas Dayman and Melissa Houston walk back to the 32SQN flightline after returning from a training flight in a B350 King Air aircraft. GROUNDWORK: Left, qualified aviation instructor FLTLT Duncan Flemington (right) instructs PLTOFF Thomas Dayman in the SAW synthetic trainer at RAAF Base East Sale. Photos: CPL Col Dadd

Air Combat Officers (ACOs) were introduced into service in December 2006, with the new category comprising former navigators, fighter controllers and air defence officers. The School of Air Warfare (SAW) replaced the School of Air Navigation (SAN) in January this year and introduced the new ACO curriculum.

Fast facts

interesting and very enjoyable,” student PLTOFF Thomas Dayman said. “I am excited about the new specialisations available to ACOs.”

Students will continue with training on both the synthetic trainer and B350 until the end of their introduction to the aviation phase.

With successful completion of the phase check, students will move into mission command and airspace battle management (ABM) training, which includes operation of SAW’s new air warfare simulator developed by DSTO.

The students will also participate in simulated air operations and air cam-paign planning activities. The last com-ponent of the ACO common course will allow students to take their skills aloft

and build their mission command abili-ties.

Upon completion of the ACO com-mon course, the ACO students will be streamed to either ABM, air combat and tactical support (ACATS) or mari-time patrol and reconnaissance (MPR).

Further flying training for ACATS

and MPR students will be conducted at SAW in preparation for C-130H, Super Hornet or AP-3C conversion.

ABM students will continue their training at the Surveillance and Control Training Unit in Williamtown for employment within ABM Radar Units and eventually the Wedgetail AEW&C.

“I was recruited as an air defence officer but with the new ACO stream-ing options available, I am hoping to progress on to an airframe in the ACATS stream,” PLTOFF Dayman said. “As such, I look forward to thechallenges at the culmination of the ACO common course.”

THE last links of a family Air Force tradition will end on July 28 when AVM Tony Austin retires after 28 years of distin-guished service.

The Head of Defence Health Services since May 2005, AVM Austin graduated from Officers’ Training School (OTS) in 1980 and his last official duty was as reviewing officer of the school’s Initial Officer course 02/08 on June 6.

AVM Austin’s grandfather, AIRCDRE Herbert Austin (ret’d), served in the Army dur-

ing WWI but transferred to the Australian Flying Corps in 1920 and then the RAAF upon its inception in 1921. He served until 1950.

AV M A u s t i n ’s f a t h e r, GPCAPT Rex Austin (ret’d) served for 33 years, from 1942 to 1945 and then from 1950 to 1980. During WWII, he was shot down and became a prison-er of war at the infamous Stalag Luft III. AVM Austin’s brother, Bruce, was a flying student of ACM Angus Houston and a fel-low course mate of AIRMSHL

Geoff Shepherd (ret’d). After graduating, he became a Mirage fighter pilot and qualified flying instructor before leaving the Air Force in 1983 to take up a career with Qantas.

AVM Austin’s official fare-well was held at the Australian Defence College in Canberra on July 21. AVM Austin is pictured left inspecting OTS graduates at RAAF Base East Sale in his last official duty. He is accompanied by parade commander, FLGOFF Karen Hunter.

OTS send-off for Austin

Photo: CPL Col Dadd

18 Photo feature AIR FORCE July 24, 2008

Air Force personnel close the curtainon another successful exercise.

BOU SUNSET: Above, 38SQN pilot FLTLT Natalie Pietrobon looks out on the runway at Mt Bundy during Exercise Pitch Black ‘08. Photo: LAC Guy Young COMMUNICATION: Right, ACW Robyn Lamont, from 1AOSS at RAAF Base Amberley, awaits the arrival of aircraft in Darwin.

Photo: LAC Leigh CameronSHARP END: Below, LAC James Cox, an aircraft life support fitter from 75SQN, inspects equipment fitted on a G-Suit. Photo: LAC Leigh Cameron

WELL DONE: Above, LAC Matt Kunde and US Navy PO Stephen Robinson prepare steaks on the grill at the Tindal Airmen’s Mess. Photo: LAC Leigh CameronREADY TO LOAD: Below, CPL Justin Bailey checks a TALU’s engine prior to loading equipment at RAAF Base Darwin. Photo: LAC Guy Young

A last lookook at PB08

OPS BOARD: LACW Lindy Perret from 322ECSS prepares essential operations data during Pitch Black. Photo: LAC Leigh Cameron

19FlightlineAIR FORCE July 24, 2008

Whatshouldyou ask a FinancialAdviser?




ON GUARD: Above, LAC Clifford Morgan (left) and CPL Pat Maron from 2AFDS on duty at the entrance to the Australian Embassy in Baghdad.

Photo: CAPT Joe NyhanCHARITY DRIVE: Below, CO CSU Edinburgh WGCDR Rod Smallwood presents a cheque to CAPT Beverley Demopoulos and Judy Parry from the Salvation Army for the Red Shield Appeal. With them are 292SQN collection members (from left) NCOCDTs Dean Adams, Simon Ackerman and Scott Brandon. Photo: AC Glen McCarthy

REV IT UP: Above, 75SQN Hornet pilots PLTOFF Adrian Kelly (left) and CAPT Cedar Hinton, US Marine Corps, present V8 supercar driver Steve Richards with a signed photo of an F/A-18 at the Darwin round of the V8 Supercar series. Photo: AB Bradley DarvillSAFETY: Left, CPL Andrew George tests his equipment at the Orion Detachment in the MEAO. Photo: AB Paul BerryWELL STOCKED: Right, CPL Alan Durbidge from 322ECSS manages the stock in the Orion Detachment warehouse. Photo: AB Paul Berry

hmaC086418

DEFENCE is the largest and most complex Australian Government agency with responsibilities to prevent or defeat the use of armed force against Australia.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified people for the following position.

PART TIME MILITARY JUDGEAPPOINTMENT TO THE

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY COURT(Successful candidates will be required to become

part-time members of the Australian Defence Force)

Following the passage of the Defence Legislative Amendment Act 2006, a new Australian Military Court was established on 01 October 2007. The Australian Military Court replaces the old system of courts martial and trials by Defence Force Magistrates.

To date, Defence has filled the permanent positions of Chief Military Judge and two military judges. Defence now seeks to fill the positions for part-time military judges. These are part-time statutory positions, appointed by the Governor General, on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence.

In general, part-time military judges will possess personal qualities such as integrity, fairness, maturity, sound temperament and a commitment to military justice. They will also demonstrate intellectual and analytical skills, sound judgement, decisiveness, and the capacity to command authority and manage and initiate change. This will be supported by the ability to communicate fairly, effectively and courteously with all court users.

Part-time military judges will be familiar with the Australian Defence Force structure and organisation, and will have a sound knowledge of the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 and the Discipline Law Manual. They will have a commitment to the use of technology and participation in ongoing judicial education.

Part-time military judge (up to eight positions)Past or present service in the ADF, Regular or Reserve Forces is not a prerequisite. However, upon appointment successful candidates will be required to meet the qualifications contained in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982,section 188. The statutory qualifications are:

• the person is enrolled as a legal practitioner and has so been enrolled for not less than 5 years;

• the person is a member of the Reserves and is not rendering continuous full-time service;

• the person holds the rank not lower than the naval rank of commander or the rank of lieutenant colonel or wing commander (or is capable of promotion to that rank); and

• the person meets the person’s individual service deployment requirements.

The conditions of service for a part-time military judge have been determined by the Remuneration Tribunal (Commonwealth). The daily fee for part-time judges is $967.00. Tier 2 travel entitlements will apply. Additional special rules for the remuneration of part-time judges are detailed in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982, section 188AU. The position has tenure for ten years, subject to compulsory retirement age.

In addition, persons appointed as a part-time military judge must not engage in other Reserve employment outside the duties of his or her office as a military judge, if to do so would conflict with his or her duties as a military judge.

Persons who previously applied for the positions of Chief Military Judge or permanent military judges, and were unsuccessful, are invited to reapply.

Further informationAdditional information may be obtained by contacting the application manager, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Williams on 02 62436327.

ApplicationsApplicants are to address the personal and professional qualities described above. A personal résumé is to be provided and at least two professional referees nominated.

Applications are to be submitted electronically to [email protected] by 5.oo pm Friday 1 August 2008, or to:

Part-Time Military Judge Applications OfficerInspector General Australian Defence ForceDepartment of Defence91 Northbourne AveCANBERRA ACT 2600

Defence supports workplace equity and diversity principles.

20 Letters AIR FORCE July 24, 2008

TOGETHER with my partner, Bev Malone, I was privileged to be one of the 200 ex-Butterworth RAAF personnel who flew up to Penang late in May to attend the wonderful three day 50th anniver-sary celebrations at the three ven-ues: the air base for the twilight parade, the Equatorial Hotel for the gala dinner ball and the RAAF Hostel (‘Hostie’) for a “wind down” on the last day.

The organisation for each was superb – particularly the grandness of the ballroom ambience at the Equatorial Hotel, coupled with the excellent food and the great music of the Air Force Band. The cama-raderie and pleasant nostalgia asso-ciated with such occasions was as good, if not better, than functions I had attended during my 30 years in the RAAF.

As mentioned in AIR FORCE

Help us fi ll the letters pageAIR FORCE News is interested in what you have to say, so email your letters to the editor at: [email protected] can cover any topic related to Air Force, including general thank you letters to personnel like those featured on this page. Submissions should be less than 300 words and include the author’s name, unit and contact details.

News (June 12, page 5), the “driving force” for this anniversary occasion was WGCDR Frank Grigson, CO of 324 Combat Support Squadron. He was appropriately congratulat-ed at the gala dinner by (former) CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd, who was accompanied by Mrs Anne Shepherd. WGCDR Grigson gave public gratitude and praise to all concerned in the “organising team” at each of the three func-tions. However, I believe that it was most unfortunate that there was no reciprocal public announcements made, particularly at the ball, by any of the visiting RAAF guests from Australia, when congratulatory plaudits could also, and most impor-tantly, have been directed to FLTLT Tanya Carter.

She, without any doubt, was the always-available “go-to” and “fixer” for the myriad of aspects that had

to be addressed, including the daily putting into place of the 50th anni-versary agenda items. I hasten to say that I would liked to have made a suitable announcement along these lines, but my 81 years and difficulty with stairs leading on to the stage precluded me from making such an offer.

It is for this reason, as well as wanting to make congratulatory endorsements through the pages of AIR FORCE News, I think it more than appropriate that the “letter to the editor” medium is the most befit-ting place for extending to FLTLT Carter and her team the highest plaudits, recognition and heart-felt thanks from all the “Down Under” visitors.

WGCDR (ret’d) A.E. (Ted) Ilton(Butterworth service 1960-63 and 1972-74)Kirra Beach, QLD

Tops, Tanya

ON BEHALF of my family, I wish to express our thanks for the small but significant contribution made by a member of your service to the funeral of my fa-ther, Robert Gehrig, who passed away on May 24.

Dad had served as a wireless air gunner and observ-er in WWII in the Pacific, originally serving from 1942 with 36SQN and moving between a number of squadrons, and in action against Japanese forces in New Guinea, before finishing the war with 92SQN at the rank of FLGOFF. It was decided that as a gesture of recognition of dad’s service to his country that we would seek help from the Air Force to dress his cof-fin appropriately. WOFF Simon Hall, RAAF Base Richmond WOD, was extremely helpful and efficient in providing an officer’s cap, sword and RAAF Ensign (post-war version with RAF Roundel) for dressing dad’s coffin. WOFF Hall’s assistance was deeply appre-ciated by mum, my brothers and all who attended the funeral. A simple gesture of assistance deeply appreci-ated and noted by many. Thank you and BZ to WOFF Hall.

WO2 Andrew Gehrig HQ1 DIV Gallipoli Barracks

Thanks and BZ to you, WOFF Hall

MY NAME is Jodie Jeffery and I am an entrant in the RSL Queensland Girl in a Million Quest in Townsville.

I would like to put a thank you notice in AIR FORCE News. I was fundrais-ing out the front of the Townsville RSL when CPL Ralph Raper (from 38SQN) came and stood beside us encouraging all who were coming and leaving the RSL to donate money.

He had such a wonderful fundrais-ing manner and really boosted our fun-draising total. All of the money raised goes towards supporting our local war veterans.

I would like to thank him for giv-ing up his time and helping out. Many thanks, Ralph.Jodie JefferyTownsville

Ralph helps charity questBUTTERWORTH BLING: FLTLT Tanya Carter from 324CSS was a driving force behind the successful 50th anniversary celebrations at Butterworth. She is pictured in party mode during the gala ball at the Equatorial Hotel in Penang. Photo: LAC Scott Woodward

21PersonnelAIR FORCE July 24, 2008

By WGCDR Jane Wheaton

AFTER 30 years as part of the Air Force structure, the Clerk Supply (CLKSPLY) and Supplier (SPLR) musterings have been restructured into two new musterings, Supply (SUP) and Movements (MOV).

The significant change was made on July 1, marking the beginning of a new era for the large workforce.

The Chief of Air Force Advisory Committee directed the restructure of the CLKSPLY and SPLR trades in October 2006.

“[It] was initiated due to con-cerns for the sustainability of the current musterings, and to align the trades with new capabilities being introduced,” the Director of Supply Capability – Air Force and muster-ing sponsor, GPCAPT Peter Brennan, said. “Through the restructure, we can better target career training to capability needs, remove duplication in mustering roles and training, and offer better individual career oppor-tunities.”

Since then, a small team has

been working on the Supply Trades Restructure (STR) project to plan for the transition of the current work-force, develop new training cours-es and present a pay case for each mustering to the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal.

The project affects more than 1200 CLKSPLY and SPLRs employed in every FEG, AFHQ, and other Defence groups. The new mustering structures will provide personnel with more clearly defined career pathways and training that is more applicable to their workplace.

New Initial Employment Training (IET) courses commenced this month. The SUP IET will be delivered at the RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT). MOV IET will be delivered via a partnership between RAAFSALT, which will deliver phase 1, and the Air Movements Training and Development Unit, delivering phase 2. The new SUP Supervisor course will start in October, while new MOV post-graduate courses will be intro-duced in 2009.

In an emphasis on personal choice, SPLR and CLKSPLY were recently given the option of electingtheir future in either MOV or SUP. The election results were close to the evolving CE structure of the newmusterings, with 65 per cent of the workforce electing a career in SUP and 35 per cent electing MOV.

The transition to a mature MOVand SUP structure will continue until2011. With new positions coming online between 2008 and 2011, both trades will initially carry some vacan-cies until recruiting and promotions can address the shortfall.

Additionally, some personnelwill be required to undertake SUPand MOV training to gain the skills of their new trade. DP-AF staff will manage the transition of personnel to place people onto training coursesand into a position of their elected mustering as quickly as possible. The new musterings have been visible in PMKeyS since July 15. Changes to pay will take effect on August 7 (backdated to July 1).

Move on up MOV, SUP

SEVEN new Fairness and Resolu-tion Centres will help Air Force devel-op and support its people in a safe and equitable workplace.

The centres, in Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin and Brisbane, are staffed by Defence equity coordinators (DECs) and dispute resolution practitioners (DRPs).

DECs provide advice and assistance on equity and management of unaccept-able behaviour complaints, and training on equity and diversity. DRPs facilitate dispute resolution options such as con-flict-coaching, mediation and workplace conferencing as alternatives to the formal complaint process.

They encourage members to actively engage in resolving issues themselves, rather than pursuing the formal com-plaints process. While the grievance option is always open, it’s not the only option.

By encouraging members to resolve their workplace issues locally, quickly and at the lowest level, the centres aim to build conflict management skills as a core competency in Air Force.

Queensland DRP SQNLDR Wendy Presneill said the accessibility of the cen-

tres means conflict can be resolved at the earliest opportunity.

“We don’t take away the command-er’s authority, the control of staff, or impose solutions,” SQNLDR Presneill said. “The best people to do that are those involved in the conflict them-selves. Once you get people talking, they can come up with the way forward. If they come up with their own options and retain control, the solutions are more likely to stick,” she said.

“The DRPs and DECs have been cho-sen and assessed very carefully for their experience, skills and personal quali-ties. They are qualified and trained to best manage Air Force’s duty of care to its members,” Director Alternative Resolutions and Equity Helen Marks said.

“The centres reflect a shift in our approach to conflict management from reporting to resolving,” Director General Fairness and Resolution Di Harris said.

“If Air Force is to achieve its goals, strong and cohesive working relation-ships are essential. The new centres will help Air Force to build and maintain these relationships,” she said.

A1 SERVICE MEDALSComplete range of full size & miniature replica medals

Best quality at best price

Court or swing mounted, ribbons and bars

Deliver anywhere in AustraliaFREE ribbon bar with every set

DISCOUNT on multiple purchasesSIMPLY CALL

A1 SERVICE MEDALS to orderPh 03 9877 6082 / 0422 630 42461 Lee Ann St Forest Hill Vic 3131

Email for [email protected]

Money Back Guarantee

New centres to help with fairness and resolution

The DECs and DRPs provide com-manders, managers and members with a range of services. They are based in seven new cen-tres. They provide local and early advice on how to respond to conflict and unacceptable workplace behaviour. They provide interactive problem-solving to enable members to think more broadly about an issue and

identify the best options to resolve it at the lowest possible level. They provide a suite of alternative dispute resolution services includ-ing mediation, conflict-coaching and conferencing to resolve or pre-vent conflict and complaints. They assist with the local delivery of equity and diversity programs. They provide coordination and sup-port for the equity adviser network.

Centre services

SUPPLYING THE GOODS : SUP AC Bernard Box completes a consignment form at RAAF Base Darwin. Photo: LAC Christopher Dickson

FILLING THE NEED: The new MOV and SUP musterings have now replaced the SPLR and CLKSPLY trades. Pictured is LAC James Johnston drawing off a fuel sample for testing at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: AC Glen McCarthy

Our national military compensation team providesspecialist advice on military compensation claims.

www.darcyssolicitors.com.au

Reputation & Results™

www.darcyssolicitors.com.auwww.slatergordon.com.au

NEW SOUTH WALES • QUEENSLAND • VICTORIA • SOUTH AUSTRALIA • WESTERN AUSTRALIA • AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Free call

�1800 339 148

FLEETNETWORK FOR VEHICLE SALARY PACKAGING 08 92482225

Darwin CBD Land!Darwin CBD Land!FOR PRIVATE SALEFOR PRIVATE SALE::

~600m2 land in CBD! In exclusive private Estate

Walk to Mitchell St & Waterfront. Awesome views over Frances Bay

Build your tropical dream home

Call Ray 0428 214 217Call Ray 0428 214 217

22 Personnel AIR FORCE July 24, 2008

THE Family Assistance Office has advised that from July 1 any tax exempt income earned by Aus-tralian citizens from an Australian source while stationed overseas will be included as income and used to calculate family assistance payments.

This includes Family Tax Benefit A and B.

Personnel on warlike service (Operations Catalyst, Slipper and Palette II) will not be affected by this change because of the special nature of their service as recognised under section 23AD of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA).

This change to family assistance will impact ADF families where per-sonnel are deployed on non-warlike operations and who are subject to an exemption under section 23AG of the ITAA.

Income earned by ADF person-nel deployed overseas on non-war-like service may be exempt from tax under section 23AG of the

Air Force Departure Lounge� Who’s leaving after 20 or more years’ service

Must/SpecCLKCLKSPLYASURFINPHOTFIREFTRADAVTECHADMINELECTRPLTSPLRAVTECHGSEFITT

Last day July 2June 30July 1July 2July 2July 2July 2June 25July 1June 30July 4July 3

Years362825242322212121202020

NameWOFF Melvyn EggmolesseSGT Robert van der MeulenSGT John PowerWOFF David PangCPL Steve WilsonWOFF Ian BoardmanSQNLDR Anthony BannerFLTLT Paul GuyWGCDR Jason WallerLAC Paul DavisFSGT Darren EastwellSGT Kenneth Hanlon

CHANGES to the Child Support Agency’s new Child Support Scheme which began on July 1 could have impli-cations for ADF members on posting.

The changes will affect every par-ent who pays or receives child support, including ADF parents. They aim to pro-vide maximum support for children while being fairer for both parents and reflect the government’s move towards encour-aging shared parenting over traditional custodial/non-custodial parenting.

The scheme is designed to: better reflect community values around shared parenting;

better balance the interests of parents and children;

treat both parents’ incomes and living costs in a similar way; and

treat children from first and second families in a similar way. The way child support payments are

calculated has been changed and recog-nise that providing care and making child support payments are both ways to con-tribute to the cost of raising a child.

Parents who are not primary carers but still provide care may find they pay less child support under the new scheme, because they contribute to the child’s accommodation, food and entertainment. Less time spent providing care will result in an increased child support payment.

Family assistance changes

Child care’se’s new deal

Calling Long Tan helpersTHE AIR Force is seeking volun-

teers to present the ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards to high school students in Australia between October and December 2008.

The awards involve providing annual cash awards to one Year 10 ($100), one Year 11 ($250) and one

Year 12 ($500) student in all schools in Australia based upon criteria relat-ing to their demonstrated leadership and teamwork activities. To present these awards at daytime school assem-blies or evening school speech nights, the Air Force is seeking volunteers (of any rank) in the PAF and reserves.

If you wish to nomi-nate, contact the Air Force Coordinator, P LTO F F N i c o l e Lucas on (02) 6265 2938 or email [email protected] . A Frequently Asked Quest ions document is availa-ble for further infor-mation.

Nominations for volunteers close on September 5.

CSA policy specifics Are you deployed or deploying? The Child Support schemes contain policy specific to ADF personnel serving in war-like zones. For more information, refer to the CSA website – online law and policy guide sub clause 2.16.14.

FAMILY MATTERS: WGCDR Michelle Heading with her children Zara, Carter and Stephanie are pictured at the Defence Intelligence Organisation open day. Major changes to child support and family assistance from July 1 will impact many ADF families. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

For example, an ADF member may post to the same locality as their child. Once there, they may spend more time with their child, and make greater contri-butions to their child’s accommodation, food and entertainment. The member’s child support payments would be reduced to reflect the new level of care provided.

Where a member posts away from their child’s locality so that contact is less frequent, their contribution to their child’s accommodation, food and entertainment will be reduced. Child support payments will increase to reflect the reduced level of care provided. For more information on the scheme, visit the Child Support Agency website: ww.csa.gov.au The Personnel Policy and Employment Conditions Branch contributed this arti-cle.

Take note The Income Tax Assessment Act (1936) is complex legisla-tion. This article does not cover all possible taxation issues relating to foreign income tax treatment or circumstances of individual members. Members should obtain their own tax advice from a qualified tax adviser.

ITAA subject to certain conditions. This exemption recognises that in some countries the member may be required to pay local tax and there-fore should not be required to pay Australian tax; that is, be required to pay tax twice.

Section 23AG exempt income is included on a member’s payment summary. The reason for this is because it is recognised as income for other purposes.

It is this income, currently exempt under section 23AG, which will now be included in the assessment of Family Tax Benefit.

For non-warlike service, the effect of allowances on your Family Tax Benefit will depend on the type of allowance received.

T h e p r i m a r y a l l ow a n c e , Deployment Allowance, is exempt from taxation in its own right (a pure exemption) and will not be counted.

Field Allowance, if received, will also be included.

Changes to the child support pay-

ment formula that came into effect on July 1 may also have an impact on personnel deployed overseas. For more information, see the pay and conditions website: http://i n t rane t .de fence.gov.au /pac / or internet: www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac/ or contact the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50 or visit: www.familyassist.gov.au The Personne l Po l i cy and Employment Conditions Branch contributed this article.

How does a Financial Adviserget paid?




23HistoryAIR FORCE July 24, 2008

BULLETIN BOARDAir Force BandJuly 24: The Jazz Ensemble will support the AOSG 5th anniversary cocktail party at the RAAF Base Edinburgh Officers’ Mess. July 28: Force 10 will perform two concerts, at 11am and 1.30pm, at the Arts Centre in Melbourne as part of the ‘morning melodies’ series.July 30: The Ceremonial Band will support the 1RTU graduation parade at RAAF Base Wagga from 11am. July 31: The Ceremonial Band will support the RAAFSFS graduation parade at RAAF Base Amberley.July 31: The Ceremonial Band and Williams clarinet quartet will perform to music students at Casurina Primary School in Darwin.August 1: The Ceremonial Band will march in the “Freedom of the City” ceremony at Katherine, NT. August 1: The Williams clarinet quartet will perform at the Tindal Officers’ Mess cocktail party.

August 2: The Parade Band will perform at the RAAF Base Tindal Family Open Day.August 3: The Ceremonial Band will support the 3WG AAFC annual memorial parade at Ashfield, NSW. Call for membersThe National Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Association of Australia welcomes eligible ex-Servicemen to join. They should contact the association for more information. Visit www.nmbvaa.com.au to find a complete list of committee members in each state and their contact details.Military ExpoNewcastle and Hunter Region ex-serv-ice organisations are organising an “All things military” expo in Newcastle for October 18, involving recruiting for cadets, ADF personnel and service providers for ex-Service personnel.For more information, contact the chairman, Stephen W. Finney, at email: [email protected], mobile 0408 434025 or (02) 4952 2335.

By Andrew Stackpool

A MISSIONARY’S passion for military history has helped resolve the mystery of a missing RAAF Hudson bomber.

The Hudson, A16-126, was one of three aircraft tasked to attack Japanese shipping in Gasmata harbour on the island of New Britain on February 11, 1942. During the attack, the three Hudsons were in turn attacked by Japanese fighters scrambled to intercept them and two, A16-126 and A16-91, were lost.

Its crew was FLGOFF Graham Gibson, PLTOFF Frank Thorn and SGTs Barton Coutie and Arthur Quail.

On May 5, the wreckage of a Hudson bomber was found by American missionary Mark Reichmann and his son Jared who live on New Britain.

The Reichmanns are World War II enthusiasts whose hobby is finding wrecks and other sites of significance. Mr Reichmann said that they hear sto-ries [of possible wrecks] and go out to look for them.

“So far, we have found eight Japanese aircraft, an American P-38 fighter and two sunken Japanese war-ships,” he said.

Hudson’ss last run

ON SITE: From left, FSGT Shaun Cranfield, FLTLT Mark French and Air Niugini pilot Colin Greenwood inspect the Hudson’s inverted fuselage.

Photo: FSGT Gavin Willmett

“We have also found grave sites and caves with rations and equipment in them.”

The family had first heard of A16-126 approximately a year ago, but sev-eral searches had proved unsuccessful.

For their final search, they were helped by the local area chairman, David Kovi, and local villagers who led them to the site in the mountains above the town of Gasmata after a 90-minute drive, a 30-minute ride on a bulldozer and a two-hour trek in the rugged mountains.

They contacted Australian authori-ties and on June 28, an Air Force recon-naissance team flew to the site.

I t comprised SQNLDR John Cotterell and FLTLT Mark French from Air Force Headquarters, FSGT Gavin Willmett from the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby and FSGT Shaun Cranfield from No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations Section, and a PNG government official.

They confirmed it was A16-126. They found the aircraft was in several large pieces with the cockpit upside down and buried in mud, and several bullet holes seen in the tail section.

Ammunition from the aircraft was

also found, but the bombs were not seen.

“The reality for those flying in Papua New Guinea during the war is that if you lost your aircraft, the likeli-hood of recovery was extremely remote. Even today, these jungles are dense and unforgiving,” SQNLDR Cotterell said.

FLTLT French said the reconnais-sance operation was a culmination of three months preparation and investiga-tion into the circumstances involving the crash of Lockheed Hudson A16-126.

“[The operation] involved liaising with family members, the Australian War Memorial, National Archives of

Australia, PNG Government and the staff at our High Commission,” he said.

“The success of the operation was in part due to the support and assistance of Mr Reichman, Mr Kovi and a large number of local villagers who guided the Reichmanns to the aircraft.

“Being part of a team that was about to discover a significant part of Air Force history, and knowing that our team was about to provide closure for the family of the crew was a highlight of my 15-year career.

“The various cultural, geographical and logistical issues were significant to the success of the operation, and were quickly overcome through the training

the Air Force has provided me over theyears.”

With the aircraft’s identity con-firmed, a recovery team including forensics experts will conduct a more thorough search in early October for human remains. The timing of the search and recovery operation coin-cides with the start of the dry season inNew Britain.

Following the discovery, Air Forcecontacted relatives of the men.

Air Force’s missing aircraft reg-ister has approximately 1100 entries, most of which were lost during WWII.Approximately another 100 were lost in Australia.

WARBIRD: Restored Hudson bomber A16-112 of the same type as A16-126. This aircraft flew with 32SQN and then 6SQN at Milne Bay, and is now with the Temora Aviation Museum. Photo: Keith Webb

ADF Financial Services Consumer CouncilFor more information contact us at: [email protected]

ADF Financial Services Consumer Council


How do you fi nd anAdviser?

How does an Adviser get paid?

What shouldyou ask the Adviser?

Our new eLearning

module can help you get

Financial Advice.

www.adfconsumer.gov.au

Half PageJuly08.indd 1 3/7/08 10:57:59 AM

24 Lifestyle AIR FORCE July 24, 2008

FINANCE

The fate of your finances does not lie in or with the stars, but with good advice, GPCAPT Robert Brown writes.

WHAT do astrology and stock market forecasting have in common? First, both are guesswork masquerading as sci-ence.

So entrenched is this illu-sion, many investors spend hours studying reports in the misguided hope they can scien-tifically predict their fortunes.

The only positive and pre-dictable outcomes from this process are the lining of the pockets of funds managers and financial advisers; and the pro-tection of trustees who must be able to demonstrate they have acted with “care, skill and dili-gence” in investing superannua-tion fund assets.

The second thing astrology and market forecasting have in common is investors pay seri-ous money for both services.

Many people are convinced that by spending big dollars on

“experts”, their financial out-comes will be significantly enhanced in the long run.

As a result of such “profes-sional advice”, it is not uncom-mon for portfolios to be invest-ed in an unnecessarily compli-cated array of shares, managed funds and unlisted trusts. The cost of so doing is considerable.

The third thing these two activities have in common is saturation media coverage. The press is full of astrological col-umns, all of which are so delib-erately vague that working out what the “authoritative” writ-ers are predicting is practically impossible.

Similarly vague stories con-cerning the direction of the stock market crowd financial pages around the world.

One could be forgiven for thinking most of these inane sto-ries are written to simply fill the

ever-decreasing amount of inde-pendent editorial space which manages to survive among the advertisements for funds man-agers, superannuation schemes and financial advisory firms.

The fourth area of common ground is the role of “gurus” in astrological and stock market forecasting.

Given the dubious record of most investment research, why do people flock to expen-sive seminars to hear experts make highly qualified predic-tions about the stock market? I can only conclude it’s because the listeners want and need to believe in something.

The ability of “gurus” to present their “scientific research material” in a lucid, articulate and enthusiastic manner, rein-forces the desire on the part of their followers to remain within the flock of true believers.

So, if you can’t believe in the worth of stock market invest-ment “gurus”, who or what can you believe in?

The important questions about investment are those that challenge us to think – not about “who” we can trust, but what process we can trust for logically investing funds over the medium to longer term.

There is ample evidence to suggest actively managed “mar-ket timed” portfolios (which typically rely upon expensive “research” to make the right calls) will fail to deliver the goods in the long run.

On the other hand, passive-ly managed portfolios, on an

almost “set and forget” basis, cost substantially less to deliver, and are much more likely to achieve a satisfactory result.

This point was well made by the world’s best-known investor, Warren Buffett who said: “For investors as a whole, returns decrease as motion increases.’’

This raises the issue of the role of your financial adviser. Financial advisers who pro-mote themselves as “gurus” are doomed to fail because, in the long run, picking managers and shares is a loser’s game; how-ever, those who see themselves as providing a comprehensive service, including structuring, tax and estate planning, will be

able to add value and justify their existence and their fees.

You will have noticed a number of advertisements about the ADF Financial Services Consumer Counci l ’s new eLearning module on ‘Getting Advice’.

ADF members who are serious about finding a finan-cial adviser who will meet their needs should consider taking advantage of this valuable and entertaining resource.

GPCAPT Brown is an Independent Member of the ADF Financial Services Consumer Council.

STAR STRUCK: Fortune-telling and financial security have little in common.

It’s not rocketcket science

Your car. Your savings. Your choice.

Find out why 7,000 Defence employees use SmartSalary Car Leasing – call 1300 557 944 for a free quote.

• Let our car lease specialists do the hard work for you• Use our buying power so you get the best deal• Let us make your car search hassle free

25LifestyleAIR FORCE July 24, 2008

MOTORING

By CPL Andrew Hetherington

SUZUKI has had a long history of selling four-wheel drives in Australia, which began with the first of the com-pany’s products hitting our roads in the early 70s, with a three-seat, 360CC two-stroke small four-wheel drive called the LJ10.

Thirty years later, Suzuki’s four-wheel drive flagship is called the Grand Vitara and for the first time is now avail-able with a 1.9L diesel engine.

Exterior styling is typical modern Suzuki, a little boxy in design, but the body still has smooth edges, producing an aesthetic, athletic stance, coupled with a high quality paint finish and five spoke alloy wheels. On the road, to keep things moving along, drivers will need to keep the engine revving over 2000rpm. Falling below this target at first will produce a feeling of frustration as you feel you need to play ‘catch up’ with the rest of the traffic around you. Once you spend a day behind the wheel, drivers will learn how to make the 95kW and 300Nm of torque best work for them. Inside, occupants are accommodated on com-fortable seats, covered in a hard-wearing fabric. The top of the centre of the dash-board features a digital clock, outside

Price as tested: $34,990 plus ORC.Power: 95kW of power at 3,750rpm and 300Nm of torque at 2,000rpm from a 1.9L common rail turbo diesel engine.0-100km/h: 13.2 seconds (claimed).Fuel consumption and type: Diesel 7.6L/100km (combined/claimed), 66L fuel tank. Co2 emissions: 195 grams/km.Safety: Dual front and side SRS airbags, curtain SRS airbags (front and rear), head-impact protection structure, ABS with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), brake-assist, electronic stability program (ESP).For: Spacious cabin and rear storage area,

reliable, well built, well thought out practical dash and controls and fuel economy. Against: Maximum torque could be assess-able from lower rpm; and rising price of diesel fuel. Best suit: Families looking for honest, reli-able, off-road family transport, which will pro-vide mid-sized car fuel economy. Alternatives in price range: Nissan X Trail, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, KIA Sorento and Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe.Insurance: $1645 for 12-month comprehen-sive insurance for a 25-year-old male living in Sydney.My rating: 3.5 stars out of 5.

Suzuki Grand Vitara five door manual turbo diesel wagon

temperature and fuel consumption gauge, situated above an MP3-compatible ster-eo and easy-to-use climate control and four-wheel drive mode buttons and dials. Drivers also have at their fingertips stereo and cruise control buttons mounted on the leather-clad steering wheel.

I didn’t have time to take the Vitara into the bush, but with the 200mm ground clearance, families could easily venture off-road where the average sedan or van cannot go.

The new diesel Grand Vitara is an intelligent alternative to unlead-e d f o u r - w h e e l d r ive s , p r ov i d -ing mid-sized car economy, which will suit most people looking for a family sized wagon with genuineoff-road capabilities.

Diesel Vitara fit for families

NIMBLE: It’ll take more than a closed road to stop the Suzuki. Photo: CPL Andrew Hetherington

IN THE seven-year period from 2000-2007 there were 234 deaths among full-time ADF personnel. After adjusting for the different age and sex structures of the ADF and the general Australian population, death rates for members of the ADF are significantly lower for overall mor-tality, cancer, cardiovascular disease, assault and suicide, according to Aus-tralia’s Health 2008, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s lat-est national report card on health.

If you were a permanent member of the ADF on October 31 last year, you had about 51,699 ADF colleagues, 86.7 per cent of whom were male.

Your average age was 31 years and about 90 per cent of your colleagues were aged between 20 and 50 years, six per cent were under 20 years and four per cent were between 50 and 65 years. In contrast, in 2006 the median age of the Australian workforce was 39 years for males and 38 years for females.

Pros and consMilitary service has both positive

and negative effects on health status. Positive effects arise from the provision

of a comprehensive suite of support services to ADF members, including health care services, the requirement to maintain physical fitness and the sup-portive nature of military culture.

However, ADF members often oper-ate in severe and hazardous environ-ments. Their training in preparation for operational tasks can be intense and dangerous. Their work can be physical-ly arduous and may involve operating in remote areas, with variable levels of health support. Deployment also means separation from family, social supports, peer networks and the Australian way of life. All of these factors can poten-tially harm members’ health.

Causes of deathThe rate of suicide, which is about

half of that in the non-military popula-tion, is particularly noteworthy.

The rate of death from land trans-port is similar for Defence members and the general community. This is notable because military personnel are highly mobile, often posted far from their families and, anecdotally, spend more of their time (both at work and during leisure hours) driving. In recog-nition of their mobility, the ADF has a

wide range of policies aiming to reduce deaths from land transport crashes.

The only cause of death that was significantly elevated for ADF per-sonnel was death due to air transport. Based on 14 deaths over the seven-year period, members were nearly 10 times as likely as the general Australian population to die from this cause. This elevated death rate was largely a result of several accidents in recent years, such as the helicopter crash on the Indonesian island of Nias in 2005, in which nine ADF personnel died.

MorbidityThe ADF’s EpiTrack health sur-

veillance system collects data on your first and subsequent attendances at pri-mary health care facilities. Based on EpiTrack data from 2005-06, the top five reasons for health service attend-ance and the five most commonly responsible for restricted duty, were injuries and musculoskeletal disorders; respiratory tract conditions; skin condi-tions; symptoms, signs and ill-defined conditions not elsewhere classified; and diseases of the ear, nose and throat.

The five most common groups of conditions responsible for lost work days (sick leave) were:� injuries and musculoskeletal

disorders;

You’re looking goodHEALTH

� respiratory tract conditions;� symptoms, signs and ill-defined

conditions not elsewhere classified;� mental health disorders and stress

reaction; and� intestinal infectious diseases.

Although the data sources are not directly comparable, it is interesting to note that the top five reasons for pri-mary health care attendance for ADF personnel differ from those of the gen-eral working-age population.

For example, based on a survey of general practitioners, the most com-mon reasons for GP encounters among Australian males aged 25–64 years were:� hypertension.� upper respiratory tract infection.� lipid disorders.� back complaints.� diabetes.

OHSOver the three-year period 2004-

05 to 2006-07, there was an improve-ment in many measures of occupation-al health and safety incidents among ADF members. For example, incidents resulting in incapacity fell from 473 in 2004-05 to 216 in 2005-06, and fell further in 2006-07 to 185 incidents. Visit www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10585 to order a copy of the report.

IN GOOD SHAPE: Overall, the ADF is doing well. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

The ADF is fit and well; that’s the picture that emerges from a national health report. Hugh McKenzie highlights some of the findings.

Tell me, I forget.Show me, I learn.Involve me, I understand.

For more information, call 1300 784 246 or visit www.spect.com.au

Spectrum Advising Defence Personnel for 26 years

Let Spectrum work with you over the

next 3 months to energise your wealth.

Tax Time- an ideal opportunity for you

to have a free review of your situation.

Spectrum’s wealth creation strategies include:

•Shares & Managed Funds

• Property Investments

• Tax Planning

• Loan Structures

• Superannuation

• Defence Home Ownership

As in playing Monopoly if you’re not on the

board, you’re not in the game of wealth

creation. Example: Sarah has invested in a well

located 4 bedroom house worth $400, 000,

receiving $400 a week in rent.

Using the benefits of negative gearing Sarah

reduced her fortnightly payments to only $230.

CASE STUDY:

The property game

CONFUCIUS

IncomeAllowableDeductions

Rent at $400 pw A $20,800

Interest paid on loan $28,000

Rates- council & water $1,700

Insurance $600

Property Manager’s Fees $2,000

Depreciation Allowances $7,500

Borrowing Costs $500

Trip to inspect property $500

Claimable Expenses B $40,800

Tax Deductible Amount B-A $20,000

Refund $20,000 @ 30% $6,000

26 Sport AIR FORCE July 24, 2008

GAME PLANSquash� The 2008 ACT inter-Service squash

competition will be held at the ADFA Indoor Sports Centre from July 31-August 1. For more information, ADF members should contact FSGT Brett Parker on (02) 6127 4548 or email: [email protected]; APS members should contact Allyn Darcy on (02) 6265 5142 or email: [email protected]

� The 2008 Australian Defence national squash championships will be held at RAAF Base Williamtown from August 25-29. For more information and to obtain an entry form, visit: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/squash/

Lawn bowls� The NSW inter-Service lawn bowls

carnival will be held at Penrith Club from August 18-22.

� The event is open to all ADF and APS members and nominations close on July 31. For more information, contact SGT Gerard Harkins on (02) 4587 2621.

Golf� Air Force golfers are being sought

to represent the inter-Service golf competition from October 24-28 at Mollymook Golf Club.

� Interested players should contact SQNLDR Mark Wilkins on (02) 6265 5083 or email: [email protected]; or FLTLT Wayne Thompson on (02) 6127 2596 or email: [email protected]

By Barry Rollings

ALL that glitters should be gold. That’s the positive view of Air Force’s SGT Tracey Mosley on the eve of the 2008 Beijing Olym-pics.

SGT Mosley, a CISCON with 382ECSS at RAAF Base Amberley who already has a silver medal in her trophy cabinet, will repre-sent Australia in softball against seven other nations, including the United States, Japan, Canada, China, Venezuela, Taiwan and the Netherlands.

The team departs for China on August 6, to prepare for the Olympic tournament which begins on August 12. Australia’s opening game is against Japan.

All games will be played at the Fengtai Softball Stadium, and the top four teams at the completion of the round-robin stage will enter the play-offs.

“We have played these teams on a fairly regular basis, so we have a fair idea of what the opposition has to offer and who their strike players are,” SGT Mosley said.

She thought the United States and probably Japan would present the toughest opposition at the Olympics.

“But in saying that, any team can get to the medal rounds,” she said.

“We will be right up there for the gold. We have a number of camps heading into the Olympics so we should be ready by the time we get there.

“This wi l l be my second Olympics. I was in Athens where we won silver.”

Able to play in a number of posi-tions, SGT Mosley is primarily a catcher now.

A club player for Saints in Brisbane, she has also represented South Australia and Queensland at state level. She was born in Sydney but moved to Brisbane and then to Adelaide.

Her softball career began 24 years ago as a 10-year-old at Wynnum West State School in Brisbane.

“We have a number of camps leading up to a tour of Canada where we will play games against Venezuela, Canada and Japan, then in the Canada Cup,” SGT Mosley said.

“I am thankful to 382ECSS for all their support and especially the ICT Section at Amberley in my preparation for the Games,” she said.

The Australian women’s open

team departed Sydney for Toronto on June 28.

From July 1 to 4, they played double-headers against Venezuela and Ontario All Stars at four differ-ent venues around Toronto.

Kitchener, Ontario, was the venue for the tri-nations series from

July 6-8 July involving Australia, Canada and Japan.

After contesting the Canada Cup in Vancouver from July 12 to 20, the team returned to Sydney on July 23. A full report on SGT Mosley’s Olympic competition will be pub-lished in AIR FORCE News.

Beijing bound

MOSLEY’S MISSION: SGT Tracey Mosley from 322ECSS, RAAF Base Amberley, is going for softball gold in Beijing from August 12. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

��

��

��

��

Discount��

Discount��

Discount��

��

27SportAIR FORCE July 24, 2008

By LEUT Stuart Cayzer

AIR Force’s CPL Di Casey picked up two major awards at the end of the recent Defence Hockey Championships in Albury, where eight Air Force men and four women were included in the representative teams.

CPL Casey was one of the women chosen for the Australian Country Hockey Championships at Busselton in Western Australia at Bovell Park from July 26 to August 2.

The Helen Massa Medal for the women’s best and fairest player and the highest goalscorer’s award were both presented to CPL Casey from the Army Logistics Training Centre in Albury.

CPL Casey dominated this year’s tournament, scoring 15 goals from five games on the way to leading her VIC/NSW combined team to the championship. She has been a domi-nant force for the Defence Hockey teams for many years and still shows her elite skills regularly.

She has represented the Defence Force, NSW, at a state open level and Australia at the world indoor champi-onships. She combines her goalscor-ing ability with considerable leader-ship qualities and a reputation for fair play.

Army had 13 men and 11 women named, with Navy providing six women and five men.

By LEUT Stuart Cayzer

QUEENSLAND men and the com-bined NSW/Victoria women’s team won their respective titles when play-ers representing Navy, Army, Air Force and the APS from all states converged on Albury recently for the Defence Hockey Championships.

The 2008 titles were held at Albury Hockey Centre and supported by the North Bandiana Army Barracks.

Both teams led the championship from the start of the week and fin-ished with strong performances but had to overcome tough opposition in their respective finals.

The women’s final was primed to be a high-quality game with the strong attack and fast midfield of VIC/NSW pitted against the controlling midfield and defence of ACT. VIC/NSW was too strong in the end as it utilised the full length of the pitch to its advantage for a 2-0 win.

The goalscorers were CPL Di Casey and PTE Tahnee Donovan.

The winning team consisted of 11 Army players and two each from Navy

and Air Force (OFFCDT Kate Aitken and CPL Di Casey).

The men’s final pitted the carnival’s strongest offence – of Queensland – against the strongest defence – of NSW – at the carnival with Queensland win-ning 2-0. Queensland gained the early ascendancy, scoring its first goal after 11 minutes. The only way that NSW was going to have a chance of winning was by eliminating the key forward and mid-field players of Queensland and taking every single chance that presented itself. NSW was unable to convert its oppor-tunities and when Queensland scored another goal in the middle of second half, it proved too much to overcome. The goalscorers were AC Tom Miller and SGT Phil Southern.

The winning team consisted of: 11 Army, one Navy and four Air Force players (FLTLT Alan Brown, CPL Andrew Gawthorne, FLGOFF Conlan Mallet and AC Tom Miller).

Final standings Men: Queensland 1, NSW 2, NT/VIC 3, ACT 4, Western Australia 5, SA/VIC 6. Women: VIC/NSW 1, ACT 2, Queensland 3, WA/SA/NT/NSW 4.

Dashing Di wins two

The teams will be looking to con-solidate and improve on their per-formances at last year’s champion-ship, where the men finished second and the women just missed out on the final.

With many new young players coming into the squad, a fast, fresh look to the teams has added to the experienced campaigners, giving them the best chance of performing well at the championships again.

The teams will meet in Perth in late July for a lead-in training camp before the country titles. Inquiries should be directed to Defence Hockey president, CMDR Andrew Gordon, on 0409 249033; or public relations manager, LEUT Stuart Cayzer, on 0411 107 865.

Front-runners arerewarded at titles

Air Force reps Men: SQNLDR Owen Reinhardt, FLTLT Ole Bailey, FLGOFF Conlon Mallet, AC Tom Miller, FLGOFF Mark Ross, CPL Evan Wain, SGT Clint Bird and LAC Andrew Gawthorn. Women: CPL Dianne Casey, LACW Deb Herbst, LACW Amanda Olzard and CPL Rebecca Ward. Coach: FLTLT Alan Brown. Manager: LAC Shayne Borger.

ON THE RUN: Above, CPL Di Casey (right) goes on the attack against the ACT’s CAPT Anna Reinhardt in the recent championships in Albury. Below left, SQNLDR Owen Reinhardt (left) has front position for Queensland as he is challenged by a Northern Territory player. Photos: LEUT Stuart Cayzer

SPORT July 24, 2008

By MAJ Marc Hastie and Barry Rollings

AIR Force’s SGT Mick Rand end-ed his tenure as the Australian De-fence Cycling Club president in the best possible way by winning the road championship at the national titles on July 6-7 at Holsworthy.

Air Force wrapped up first and sec-ond in the prestigious event, thanks to its cunning tactics.

The road champion is decided on a points classification system based on places gained in each of the events.

Clever racing by WGCDR Paul Connor in the road race and criterium events enabled him to finish a close sec-ond by a point behind SGT Rand.

SGT Rand won the criterium, was second in the road race and turned in a commendable effort in the time trial.

“The weekend was a great success due to the hard work of event organiser CPL Jason Roberts (Army) and the association committee over the past 12 months,” SGT Rand said.

Forty-seven riders from the ADF and APS competed. Racing began with the 60km road race in which the A-graders set a cracking pace around Holsworthy Barracks. A breakaway by

Air Force’s CPL Jarrod Hughes and CPL Dean Benedetti put the main field under stress. CPL Hughes maintained the pace and pressure to cross the line well ahead of the main group.

SGT Rand caught the field out by jumping ahead on the back straight for a well-deserved second. CPL Roberts showed the peloton how to win a sprint finish by producing massive power from well back to cross for third by half a wheel.

PTE Martin Elsum won the B-grade 40km road race with a convincing win in a competition that was well-fought out.

The criteriums were an all-Air Force affair with honourable riding by SGT Tim Grover and SGT Dan Ferguson (both Army) supported by WO2 Lee Chevalier attempting to keep the pace high to drop off weaker riders.

Event commissaire MAJ Marc Hastie said the racing was of an excel-lent standard with all competitors dig-ging deep in the events to provide a great weekend of racing. “The standard of cycling has evolved over the past few years with the competition and stand-ard of riders showing an improvement in skills and tactics,” he said.

RAND RRULES ROAD

NUMBER ONE: SGT Mick Rand from 77SQN can’t

contain his excitement after crossing the line first in the ADF road championship at Holsworthy. The win ended

his tenure as Australian Defence Cycling Club

president in style. Taking second place for Air Force was WGCDR Paul Connor from DMO (pictured right).

Photos: FLTLT Matt Pinkstone

TRACEY GOES FOR TRACEY GOES FOR GOLD:GOLD: Our top Our top

softballer softballer heads to the heads to the

Olympics Olympics – Page 26 – Page 26

gg’day pontiff’day pontiff - department of defence · 2015. 3. 17. · airforce vol. 50, no....

Documents