AIRF RCEVol. 55, No. 16, August 29, 2013 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

ON GUARD

WELL DESERVED: SGT Dean Cox proudly displays his Bronze Star, awarded for his work with the US 3rd Infantry Division in Afghanistan as a personal bodyguard. Photo: LAC Dan Pinhorn

SGT Dean Cox awarded US Bronze Star

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COs tO DRive

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fpeCm sAviNG lives

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2 August 29, 2013RCEAIR FNews

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RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORKLiving the Air Force Values:

FLTLT Phil Mayne

EARLIER this month, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown brought together Air Force’s commanding officers to review and build on the progress made to date in delivering the New Horizon program.

The Commanding Officers’ Call, held at RAAF Base Glenbrook, gave COs the opportunity to engage directly with Air Force senior leaders and hear presentations ranging from ethical lead-ership to barriers to cultural change.

Launched in September 2012, the New Horizon program leverages exist-ing safety, continuous improvement and adaptive culture programs to further evolve Air Force culture.

AIRMSHL Brown sa id New Horizon improved Air Force capability by developing and sustaining things that enhanced capability, and by preventing the issues that degraded capability.

“New Horizon is about capability because people create Air Force capa-bility,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“Our COs lead capability; their units are responsible for operational deliv-ery, and they directly shape and influ-ence almost every member of Air Force. They have the most influential role in the success of New Horizon of anyone in Air Force. We need to take advantage of that.

“I’m confident that our command-ers are better equipped to move New Horizon forward as a result of this Call, so it has been great value.”

A key feature of the Call was a presentation by Sex Discrimination Commissioner and author of the Review into the Treatment of Women in the ADF, Elizabeth Broderick.

She highlighted what a privilege it was to work with the many Air Force personnel who were genuinely deter-mined to make their service inclusive, respectful and high performing.

Her speech emphasised that developing a more inclusive culture and recruiting more women into Air

Force, and into the ADF, was about improving capability. She also high-lighted the need for change as a result of the shrinking of Air Force’s tradi-tional labour market. She said Air Force faced a significant training cost with every unwanted departure impacting the future operational effectiveness of the organisation.

CAF supported this view, telling commanders that New Horizon was all about making Air Force a better organi-sation, one that can attract, recruit and retain the best people now and into the future.

“Most of the policy work to date focuses on entry to Air Force,” he said.

“Targeted strategies such as the graduate pilot scheme and the tempo-rary special measure of Recruitment to Area will contribute to building a critical mass of women at recruitment.

“Merit remains the principle selec-tion factor for promotion and com-mand because it is fundamental to get-ting the best people in our supervisory and leadership roles.”

CAF said over the past three dec-ades there had been three major cata-lysts for Air Force change.

“The first involved flying safety,” he said. “Throughout the 1980s and early ’90s we lost too many planes and people.

“Then we had the F-111 Deseal/Reseal Board of Inquiry, which forced us to look at our ground safety.”

He said the Skype incident at the Australian Defence Force Academy and the subsequent ADF cultural reviews were the latest catalyst for change.

“After listening first-hand to the experiences of Air Force people who have been sexually abused, and reading many cases of inappropriate behaviour, I took a vow that Air Force needed to be different,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“Our people need to understand that this sort of behaviour is no longer accepted.

“My aim is that every Air Force member will feel physically and emo-tionally safe in the workplace, both at home or when deployed.”

Di r ec to r-Gene ra l A i r Fo rce Improvement AIRCDRE Adam Brown said New Horizon relied on outstanding leadership to be successful.

“While all Air Force people are leaders in their own right, it is our commanders’ leadership in particular that engages and inspires,” AIRCDRE Brown said.

“They create the high energy levels, the innovation, the focus on people and the trust within their units that is so fun-damental to achieving New Horizon’s intent of being a better Air Force.”

He said the COs were able to col-lectively analyse CAF’s intent, exam-ine policy initiatives, debate the critical issues requiring action, and commit to actions within their units.

“We covered a lot across the four days, and came away with a clearer appreciation of what actions are neces-sary to eradicate unacceptable behav-iour and build diversity within Air Force,” AIRCDRE Brown said.

He said the activity achieved a number of outcomes.

“Firstly, it got all of our COs on the same page with respect to New Horizon,” AIRCDRE Brown said.

“Over the past 12 months we have been on a journey within Air Force Headquarters to come to grips with the cultural reality presented by the various Defence cultural reviews.

“To some extent, we needed to take our COs on that same journey so they could better explain the program to their people.

“But, most importantly, the COs developed action plans to address key personnel issues. They identified a raft of ideas that we have not previously considered.

“This is the value you get from bringing together such a power-ful group of people from across the organisation.”

During the event CAF launched the inaugural RAAF Leadership Companion. The booklet will help members of all ranks gain a greater understanding of what is required of them as ethical leaders.

CULTURAL CHANGE: COs participate in a group discussion during the Commanding Officers’ Call at RAAF Base Glenbrook.Inset, the RAAF Leadership Companion booklet provided to COs. Photos: LAC David Said

New Horizon pledge

CO 381ECSS WGCDR Sonia King attended the COs’ Call.What was your attitude going into the event and did it change during the four days? I think that, from the out-set, while all COs were supportive and involved in the New Horizon initiative, some of us were seeking further guid-ance on where the program was going. Getting together with COs of vastly dif-ferent types of units allowed us to talk through concerns, initiatives and ideas of how we can progress CAF’s intent in a consistent and cohesive way.

What was your impression of the event? Did it answer your questions or better inform you about the New Horizon program? It was a fantastic opportunity to meet many other COs and leverage off their experience and knowledge. I believe most people agreed it was extremely worthwhile. The opportunity to hear from and submit questions to presenters such as CAF, DCAF, ACAUST, DGPERS-AF and Elizabeth Broderick helped in under-standing the issues, and also dispelling a lot of myths.

Do you agree New Horizon is all about building and sustaining capability? It was clearly articulated what the chal-lenges were in regard to where the Air Force had traditionally recruited from, and where we would be recruiting from in the near future. We can’t rely on what has worked in the past anymore and need to initiate new strategies for Air Force to continue to be a great place to work, and an organisation that people want to join. Over the course of the event it became clear that the changes were not all about sustaining capability;

it is equally about making the changes because it is fundamentally the right thing to do.How will you take New Horizon to your troops? I’m intending to work together with my executive team to personalise the issues within my unit and get dis-cussion started at all levels. There were a lot of great ideas from around the room on different strategies that have worked for different COs and units, so we’ll explore those. Using those exam-ples will also help get a consistent mes-sage across the Air Force that wherever

somebody is posted to, they know their CO has been to this conference, has participated in the discussions, has heard and contributed towards ideas and examples of how to demonstrate, implement and ensure the behaviours that will keep the Air Force a capable, safe and diverse workplace. This is our Air Force and everybody at every rank is responsible for how we move ahead. Everybody was keen and energised dur-ing the conference, and actively think-ing of what would and wouldn’t work in their own unit.

COs’ Call – a commander’s perspective

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3August 29, 2013RCEAIR F News

AIR Force’s most senior airmen and airwomen congregated at RAAF Base Richmond on August 12-13 for the 2013 Warrant Officer Conference, during which key stra-tegic issues impacting the service and its people were discussed and debated in an open forum.

This year’s theme, “Influence through Knowledge”, focused on the rank of warrant officer as being a position of influence and trust, which WOFF-AF Mark Pentreath said was critical.

“Air Force personnel look to war-rant officers as their leaders and their voice to whatever level of command we support,” WOFF-AF Pentreath said.

“Our workforce also looks upon us to make sense of many of the deci-sions which have and will continue to impact them in the short to long term.”

During the conference WOFF-AF Pentreath discussed Air Force achievements and challenges, making clear that the high operational tempo and tireless effort of Air Force per-sonnel had been acknowledged at the highest levels of the organisation.

“If you and your airmen and air-women are feeling a tad tired, it’s understandable,” he said.

“You only have to stop and look back on what we’re accomplishing

to realise it’s an amazing time in Air Force’s history.”

WOFF-AF Pentreath said 500 personnel were currently deployed, which equated to significant vacan-cies across the service at any one time.

“Air Lift Group (ALG) and Combat Support Group personnel continue to perform pivotal roles in the drawdown from Tarin Kot,” he said.

“ALG personnel have been on continuous operations in the Middle East for the past 10 years, while 92WG continues to provide out-standing support to the Government through their efforts on Operation Resolute.”

He also focused on capability, say-ing through the introduction of eight new aircraft systems, Air Force was experiencing the greatest increase to capability since World War II.

WOFF-AF Pentreath said one of the main challenges facing the organ-isation was the need to rebalance the workforce and grow intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and security force capability, while the current financial pressures and ongoing requirement to contribute to savings without adversely affecting capability would continue to chal-lenge Air Force.

Several senior officers addressed

EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Above, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown chats with warrant officers during the 2013 Warrant Officer Conference at RAAF Base Richmond. Inset above, conference attendees pose for a group photo. Inset left, during the conference, Air Force’s most senior enlisted member, WOFF-AF Mark Pentreath, spoke at length about the importance of New Horizon and Air Force’s cultural change program. Photos: LAC David Said and Lauren Larking‘

Air Force personnel look to warrant officers as their leaders and their voice

to whatever level of command we

support.– WOFF Mark Pentreath,

Warrant Officer of the Air Force

the conference attendees, including CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown, who said warrant officers were critical influencers in the reform activities under way in Air Force.

“As I visit units, the thing I real-ly enjoy is that people tell me they want to do things better,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“I think that is one of the great things that has come out of this Air Force Improvement and strategic reform.

“People look at the way they’re doing business, they’re no longer satisfied and they’ve got a thirst for change. A big part of that change also relates to people, because it’s

people who actually get the most out of capability and that’s a really core area for all of us.”

During the conference, attendees were joined by Warrant Officer of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, WO Dennis Moratti, as well as WO Navy Martin Holzberger and RSM Army WO1 Dave Ashley.

Influence, knowledge is the key

DURING the 2013 Warrant Officer Conference, Air Force’s cultural change program, New Horizon, was a key talking point.

WOFF-AF Mark Pentreath spoke about the importance of cultural change to Air Force’s future, saying the two most dangerous words in relation to New Horizon were “just joking”.

“Some of our people still seem to think they can belittle a member in front of their peers or subordinates and, if they follow their comments with ‘just joking’, then it’s okay,” WOFF-AF Pentreath said.

“Without trying to state the obvious – it’s not! Until such time our people recognise the impact of their own behaviour and we reinforce the behaviour expected of bystanders who sometimes do or say nothing, it’s going to continue to be a painful journey for many of our people.”

WOFF-AF Pentreath said he began his New Horizon jour-ney more than 12 months ago when he learned about the expe-riences of many women in the Air Force.

“Being a ‘very close to’ 50-year-old bloke who has completed more than 33 years’ service, I didn’t think we had a problem,” he said.

“I enjoyed attending work functions and dining-in nights and looked forward to trips away, whether they were for exercises, operations or conferences. It wasn’t until I heard stories from many females across Air Force that I realised there was a com-pletely different version of this journey.

“These members, part of our team, would often attend work functions in fear – fear of the possible harassment that would be waiting for them.

“The majority would drink sparingly and leave early so as not to put themselves in an extremely uncomfortable and, in some instances, dangerous situ-ation.”

WOFF-AF Pentreath said he was shocked to learn many women left events nervous about what awaited them at their base accommodation.

“Some would receive unwant-

ed visits by their ‘supposed’ peers throughout the night – a tap on the window or a knock on the door asking for personal favours. Others paid to stay in a local hotel because they felt safer,” he said.

“I had always believed we shared similar experiences across the Air Force regardless of our gender, sexual orientation or ethnic background.

“I was shocked, angered and saddened to hear some of my fellow airmen have had to endure this as part of their journey.”

He said everyone knew what was “black and white” in relation to inappropriate behaviour but it was the part in the middle – the “grey” – that continued to worry him.

“We need to shrink that grey area so everyone has a far better understanding of what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, and then encourage and support our people to act on inappropriate behaviour quickly and effectively,” he said.

‘Just joking’, Air Force’s dangerous phrase

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4 August 29, 2013RCEAIR FNews

THE Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU) Air Force shares with Army has led to confusion about Air Force personnel and the roles they undertake to serve the nation.

As a result, a project team has been established to investigate and deter-mine the feasibility for an Air Force General Purpose Uniform (GPU).

The team is considering patterns and colour variations which would easily distinguish Air Force personnel from Army personnel, while retaining the same garment template and fabric properties as the current DPCU.

Four dyed pattern swatches have been developed and presented to CAF.

The next stage of the project is to manufacture fully sewn uniforms in final colour designs in order to assess the feasibility of committing to more detailed development.

Understandably, some members have expressed concerns about the affordability of introducing a new uniform for Air Force.

That is why the GPU will use the

existing DPCU garment template and fabric properties.

The costs to Air Force will be mini-mal, and will be funded through sav-ings from recent reforms to the man-agement of uniforms and personal equipment, including the return of E2 and E3 kitting.

The GPU will be phased in over a number of years after the current stock of DPCUs has been exhausted.

Should the option be considered viable, it will replace DPCUs for the majority of Air Force members, and provide a unique identity for Air Force personnel.

Members who require DPCU for their primary duties will continue to have an entitlement, and GPU will not impact on specific kitting for mem-bers deploying to overseas locations in operation-specific uniforms.

For further information, contact Headquarters Air Command Warrant Officer WOFF Brett Holland at brett.holland@defence.gov.au

CPL Max Bree

AN AIR Force nursing officer teamed up with RAAF Base Tindal’s search and rescue chopper crew to rescue hikers lost in Kakadu National Park on August 12.

FLGOFF Rebecca Bade, of No. 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron, was part of relief manning at Tindal when an emergency beacon went off in the national park.

Within 45 minutes, FLGOFF Bade and the chopper crew were airborne and headed towards Kakadu.

“We found three female bushwalkers located at the end of a narrow gorge,” she said.

“They’d gone up the gorge but they couldn’t get out.

“They were there for two days prior to activating their beacon.”

FLGOFF Bade understood two of the women were experienced hikers, while the third was bushwalking for the first time.

It became apparent the women set off the beacon because they couldn’t get out of the gorge safely.

“We had to winch them out of their location then relocate them close to their vehicle so they could safely get out of the national park,” FLGOFF Bade said.

“They were very grateful; they couldn’t express their thanks enough for our assistance.

“From what I understand, they also made phone calls to show their apprecia-tion for the assistance we provided to them.”

When the call for medical personnel came through, FLGOFF Bade said the duty doctor had no problem sending her out.

“Because of the possibility of injuries it was required that a nurse or doctor go,” she said.

“The doctor was more than happy for me to go and I had contact with her if I needed assistance.”

FLGOFF Bade said she was keen to go out on another search and rescue task.

“I would like to make sure that eve-ryone gets to do it but it’s definitely an experience I would relish being involved with again,” she said.

Tindal chopper in Kakadu rescue

New uniform in pipeline

UNDER CONSIDERATION: WOFF-AF Mark Pentreath and CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown with sample cloth swatches of the proposed General Purpose Uniform. Photo: SGT Murray Staff

ALWAYS PREPARED: Tindal’s search and rescue helicopter rescued three bushwalkers in Kakadu on August 2. Photo: SGT Shane Gidall

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5August 29, 2013RCEAIR F News

Aurora Daniels

DEPLOYING in a “vastly differ-ent” role, embedded in the US 3rd Infantry Division in Afghanistan as personal bodyguard and assistant to Deputy Commanding General of Force Development, BRIG Mark Brewer, has earned SGT Dean Cox from RAAF Base Amberley a Bronze Star.

He conducted close personal pro-tection (CPP), planned and carried out secure movements daily throughout many regions in Regional Command South Afghanistan, coordinated with both coalition and Afghan forces in all aspects of CPP training and procedures, and engaged with VIPs, high-ranking Afghan National Army and Afghan Police.

“It was a very different deployment, working directly with US and Afghan personnel, but also having access to such high-ranking officials,” SGT Cox said.

“It was mainly an individual deployment – I really only had myself and BRIG Brewer to worry about, although we did often have other secu-rity personnel providing security for myself while I watched the brigadier.

“It was great to be embedded in a regional HQ. It was a real eye-opener to see how the whole machine works and how hard they all work. They would start at 6am and finish after mid-night some nights for 12 months and we would be travelling every day – sometimes overnight.”

He said it was a surprise to receive the medal on August 9 at the CO’s

FOR exceptional and meritorious service during Operation Enduring Freedom. SGT Cox’s outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Afghanistan contrib-uted to the overwhelming success of the Command’s mission. His actions are in keeping with the fin-est traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, Regional Command South, and the US Army.

Citation

Bronze Star for risky role

parade at Amberley, where he is an airfield defence guard ground defence instructor with the SNCO training team at the RAAF Security and Fire School.

“I feel quite lucky because not many Air Force personnel are thrust into positions were they could be con-sidered for a Bronze Star and it is a different sort of medal than many we would receive in Australia – awarded for valour or meritorious service.”

His wife and children were very happy and proud of his achievements and recognition after a long period without seeing him – although he said it was something they were used to.

“My wife is a FSGT supplier with 15 years’ service. We have both been the ones deployed and the ones left at home while the other deploys, so we know what to expect. It is always much harder being the person sitting at home in an empty house, though. She was

more worried than usual as it was a risky role,” he said.

After previously deploying to Al Minhad Air Base and Timor-Leste, this was a vastly more intense deployment than SGT Cox had previously experi-enced. He had to put BRIG Brewer’s safety before his own for seven months.

The tempo of the work helped him

not to worry about his own safety as much.

“We were very busy because the brigadier had to engage with many leaders and go to most of the forward operating bases, shuras, parades, pres-entations, Purple Heart ceremonies and, very sadly, ramp ceremonies as well,” SGT Cox said.

“In the field you are a battlefield

aide to make sure everything runs smoothly. You organise accommoda-tion and ensure your boss is not left standing on the flightline waiting for an aircraft.

“You have to think on your feet and make a lot of last-minute contingency plans.

“If the opportunity came up again I would jump at it.”

RECOGNITION: WGCDR Tony Houghton presents SGT Dean Cox with the citation that accompanied the Bronze Star he now wears. Photo: LAC Dan Pinhorn

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6 August 29, 2013RCEAIR FNews

F-111 preserved at Fighter World

HISTORY: RETIRED F-111C aircraft A8-148 was handed over to Fighter World in Williamtown on August 5. Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Anthony Grady (right) handed over aircraft A8-148 to the president of Fighter World Williamtown, AVM John Quaife (retd). This aircraft was loaned to Fighter World because of its involvement in the sinking of the freighter Pong Su using laser-guided bombs off Port Stephens in March 2006. A8-148 was withdrawn from service on November 23, 2010. The F-111 fleet was retired in December 2010 after 37 years of service. A8-148 is one of six F-111s identified for preservation and display purposes outside of Defence. Photo: LAC Craig Barrett

Getting the job done safely

WORKING TOGETHER: (Main and inset) WOFF Shane Harper, of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment Task Force, discusses explosive ordnance safety at Multinational Base Tarin Kot with SGT First Class Lal Nazar, of the Afghan National Army 4th Brigade, 205 Hero Corps. Photos: CPL Mark Doran

CPL Mark Doran

ImprovIng explosive ordnance safe-ty within the Afghan national Army (AnA) is a high-priority task for an Air Force armament technician deployed to Uruzgan.

WoFF Shane Harper has deployed to Afghanistan as an explosive ordnance adviser with the 2nd Cavalry regiment Task Force.

The task force is providing adviso-ry support to the 4th Brigade, 205 Hero Corps, as they plan and conduct independ-ent operations.

WoFF Harper’s role is to advise the 4th Brigade as they integrate explosive ordnance safety into their policy, proce-dures and activities.

He said his first step was to ensure the AnA stored and handled their explosive ordnance safely with an effective manage-ment system.

“our next steps will include estab-lishing an operational supply chain and ensuring there is an ongoing explosive ordnance safety training system in place,” WoFF Harper said.

“We assisted the 4th Brigade to estab-lish a new ammunition storage point where the different types of ordnance are now segregated appropriately and stored within weatherproof shipping containers.

“The first step was to instil greater understanding and respect for explosives in the Afghan soldiers as they are from a background of being exposed to the pro-duce of war since they were children.”

In a country which has been in conflict for nearly 35 years, Afghanistan is lit-tered with remnants of planted explosive devices and unexploded ordnance.

most armies destroy expired ammuni-

tion because, even in training situations, it could put lives in danger.

This has been an area of focus for WoFF Harper.

He said the safety training system had helped the 4th Brigade understand about degradation of explosive ordnance over time and the importance of life cycle management for the explosive ordnance stocks.

“The ammunition storage point has helped the AnA improve their explosive management immensely,” he said.

“Continued training in explosive ord-nance safety is still required so we will adapt an Australian training package tai-lored to meet the Afghan needs.

“It has been an education for me to work with the soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry regiment Task Force and the experience has instilled a greater under-standing of integrated operations.”

He said his deployment had given him a great opportunity to work with the AnA soldiers who were actually in the fight.

“Being able to help them become more effective will ensure they have a free Afghanistan,” WoFF Harper said.

“The Afghan soldiers are passionate about their work and very resourceful – if they don’t have the means they will always find a way to get the job done.”

7August 29, 2013RCEAIR F News

Sgt Dave Morley

ARMY reservists returning to Melbourne after a four-month Operation Anode deployment were greeted by a detachment of airfield defence guards (ADGs) when they arrived at Henderson Field, Honiara, on August 1.

The C-17A Globemaster taking them home was secured by a detachment of ADGs from the newly formed 2 Security Forces (SECFOR 2) Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley.

PLTOFF Sean Gordon, 1RFLT com-mander, said his task was primarily liai-son on the ground with local authorities, such as the police, and to provide secu-rity for the aircraft from when it landed to when it took off.

He said he joined the Air Force in March 2011 for a career change.

“This is the job I’ve always wanted to do,” PLTOFF Gordon said.

“What we were doing there was a relatively new set of tasks and another opportunity for team members to develop their skills.

“It’s just another capability SECFOR 2 can provide, and an example of our ability to undertake ‘Short Notice To Move’ tasks.”

Section commander CPL Kevin Crick said what he enjoyed about working in SECFOR 2 was being busy all the time.

“There are things to learn, things to teach, and we’re working with good people,” he said.

“Our job is to be ready to deploy on a task at short notice.”

Ready to deploy

gOOD JOB: From left, SECFOR 2 ADGs AC Matt Brouff, CPL Kevin Crick, AC Liam Thomas, PLTOFF Sean Gordon, LAC Gregory Polak and AC Landon Gauld secured the 36SQN C-17A Globemaster at Henderson Field in Honiara before the aircraft flew the final rotation of soldiers deployed on Operation Anode home to Australia. Inset, members of Combined Task Force 635 board the aircraft. Photos: CPL Amanda Campbell

9August 29, 2013RCEAIR F News

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Air Force Shop donates $13k to Welfare TrustCpl Nick Wiseman

MORE than $13,000 has been donated to the RAAF Welfare Trust Fund by the Air Force Shop, which will help improve amenities at bases throughout Australia.

Welfare Trust Manager Russ Thomson said the fund awarded more than $64,000 last year and this latest donation would go a long way towards helping Air Force members.

“The funding we get from Air Force Shop every year is a big part of making the lives of Air Force personnel better,” Mr Thomson said.

He said recent grants had gone towards projects like refurbishing emer-gency accommodation at RAAF Base

Williamtown and the purchase of a new fishing boat for the RAAF Base Darwin fishing club.

“Each year we invite establishments across the country to tell us what they need to improve the lives of Air Force members and we look at how we can help,” Mr Thomson said.

“It’s very much driven by local needs.”

The RAAF Welfare Trust Fund has been helping Air Force members and their dependants since 1947.

Visit the Air Force Shop website at www.airforceshop.com.au If you have an idea to improve life on your base, or simply need financial support, contact the trust at rwtf@defence.gov.au or visit raafweb/sites/RWTF

Values inspire diversityINSpIRED BY ADF:

FLTLT Joseph Friedman recently posted to 22SQN

at RAAF Base Richmond and is the first Jewish Chaplain

in the RAAF.Photo: CPL Veronica

McKenna

Sgt Dave Morley

AIR Force’s first Jewish chap-lain posted in to 22SQN at RAAF Base Richmond on July 29.

FLTLT Joseph Friedman, known to friends and colleagues as Yossi, said after working within the Jewish community for a few years he felt the desire to branch out and integrate further into Australian society.

“I was educated in a promi-nent Sydney public school and have always enjoyed mixing with many people from different back-grounds and religions,” he said.

“I consider our ADF personnel to be heroes and am personally grateful to them all for ensur-ing that we can live in a peaceful country – a country that respects and protects the multicultural nature of its inhabitants and ena-bles all to live freely”.

CHAP Friedman said he was very excited to be joining the RAAF and considered it an hon-our to be able to be of assistance to the servicemen and women who do so much for the country.

“My congregation are all very supportive of this move and are proud of the fact that their Rabbi will be a serving member in the ADF,” he said.

“My family is also extremely proud.

“I am honoured to have been selected as the first Jewish Chaplain to the RAAF and hope to fill this role as best I can.”

CHAP Friedman said he was looking forward to meeting and befriending as many members as he could.

“I hope to be able to share the Jewish values that have inspired me and spread awareness of Jewish culture and tradition,” he said.

10 August 29, 2013RCEAIR Fperations

CPL Mark Doran

SMALL of stature and loud of voice, SGT Debbie Grylls has left her mark on ISAF troops at Multinational Base Tarin Kot.

RAAF Physical Training Instructor (PTI) SGT Grylls and Army PTI, CPL Chad Gill, assisted more than 500 personnel a week during 24 training sessions to maintain their operational fitness.

Airmen and airwomen, soldiers and sailors from Australia and the US joined the PTIs daily for their gruelling training routines inside the former aircraft hangar known as ‘Orion’s Gym’.

SGT Grylls said fitness was essential for maintaining readiness and her sessions also contributed to the mental health of the personnel.

“They are working long hours every day, so if they can’t make our sessions, we also provided work-out plans for their own personal training and nutrition,” SGT Grylls said.

“Our charity fun runs on the

base were highlights as everybody got involved and had a good time. The St Patrick’s Day Fun Run raised more than $2500 for Legacy and the Tarin Kot Superhero Run in June drew 235 competitors who all wore inventive and colourful costumes.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to be deployed to Afghanistan as a PTI.”

SQNLDR Ashley Hill from Combined Team Uruzgan (CTU) said SGT Grylls’ sessions epito-mised the ethos of CTU – courage, teamwork and unity.

“She drove us individually to our own physical limits but by making the sessions teamwork-focused, she provided an oppor-tunity for ISAF personnel to work together, breakdown cultural bar-riers, unite and achieve success.” SQNLDR Hill said.

During her seven-month deployment SGT Grylls was attached to Multinational Base Command – Tarin Kot Force Protection Security Section (FPSS).

FPSS conducts daily operations at Tarin Kot including screening, base entry and exit searches, biom-etric testing and enrolment, as well as prohibited substance testing.

SGT Grylls said at one stage FPSS was short of female per-sonnel and she assisted with the screening of female local nationals being processed for civilian flights.

“Meeting a young girl who had lost her leg was one of the most confronting experiences I have had,” she said.

“It really brought home the real-ities of this conflict and the effects it has on the civilian population.

“I was also tasked for casualty security at the Role 2 Medical Facility, which was another real eye-opener.

“I think I have changed a bit. The personal and profes-sional development I achieved in Afghanistan was unexpected. I didn’t fully realise the new skills I had learnt or the worthwhile expe-riences which happened until the end of my deployment.”

Dynamo makes them go, go, go

PUSHING HARD: Above, SGT Debbie Grylls coaches CPL Nicolas Sheriff in Orion’s Gym; left, geeing up her charges. Photos: CPL Mark Doran

MANAGING base security, infrastructure and utili-ties for a population of, at times, almost 7000 mili-

tary personnel, civilians and contrac-tors has been like running a small town for WGCDR Lee de Winton.

She was base commander of the Multinational Base Command – Tarin Kot (MNBC-TK), and transferred her authority to WGCDR Simon Sauer on August 2.

This was the last rotation for the RAAF base command element before the base is transferred to the Afghan Government by the end of 2013.

WGCDR de Winton said she was exceptionally proud to have command-ed such an amazing group of airmen and airwomen who had achieved great things during their rotation.

“It was a challenging and exciting mission,” she said.

“The security of the base was our

responsibility and at times it was like running a medieval fort.

“It was our job to protect every-body within MNB-TK, so we redrafted the force protection plans, secured the base and searched it multiple times.

“We also maintained the power supply and spent more time discuss-ing and fixing sewerage than anybody could possibly have imagined.”

The 26 personnel with HQ MNBC-TK Rotation Six assumed responsibil-ity for coordinating logistics resupply, aviation, medical response and base support functions of the base on January 20.

WGCDR de Winton said her team had left the MNB-TK in different shape to how they found it for the final rotation.

“We’ve worked through maintain-ing the base while helping to coordi-nate the upcoming redeployment plan as the base is gradually drawn down,” she said.

PROUD TO SERVE: Above, FSGT Clayton Haack from Rotation Six and, right, WGCDR Lee de Winton speaks to personnel during the transfer of authority parade.

JOB WELL DONE: SGT Christopher Rounsley from Rotation Six.

Rotation Six’sThe final rotation for the RAAF base command element at Tarin Kot inherit a different set of challenges,CPL Mark Doran reports.

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11August 29, 2013RCEAIR F perations

TWO C-17s delivered six Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) to Australia’s Afghan Headquarters at Kabul International Airport – North on August 10 and 11.

The PMVs will support Australia’s contribution to the

Afghan National Army Officer Academy.

Kabul’s logistics officer CAPT Monika Gabrys, of Force Support Unit – 8, who facilitated the PMV move, said it was a coordinated effort between Air Force and the Joint Movements Control Centre.

“A lot of effort was required in order to ensure the delivery went smoothly,” CAPT Gabrys said.

“Central to our scheme of manoeuvre was detailed planning so all involved on the ground here in Kabul understood their role.”

Globemasters deliver Bushmasters

fond farewell from TK“The challenging part of my role

was in knowing who did what within the different organisations.

“Within the coalition environment there were some capabilities we were not familiar with, so it was vital we discovered who could be of assistance in different situations.

“With help from the US Expeditionary Disposal Remediation Team, MNBC-TK coordinated the removal of more than one million kilos of scrap metal through a waste management site.”

RAAF ground defence and security personnel provide security and access control to MNB-TK.

The MNBC-TK security force ele-ment provide security for the base and associated airfield.

The base commander was also ably supported by the MNBC-TK security police.

Guests at the transfer of author-ity Parade included Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS) LTGEN Ash Power; Commander Joint Task Force 633 (CTF 633) MAJGEN Michael Crane; Commander Combined Team Uruzgan (CTU) COL Simon Stuart; and incoming Commander CTU COL Wade Stothart.

COL Stuart welcomed Rotation Seven and told Rotation Six that apart from acknowledging the transfer of authority, the parade allowed the com-bined team in Uruzgan to recognise their demonstrated commitment to the mission.

“You have done a sterling job to improve every aspect of this now large operational base’s functions, from security to contractors, and literally everything in between,” COL Stuart said.

“In each and every endeavor encountered you have proven equal to the challenge and there have been many. Rotation Six has displayed determination, perseverance and a lot of initiative, which represented your service exceptionally well.”

STRONG GUIDANCE: WOFF Discipline Jennine Riches, of Rotation Seven, marches during the transfer of authority parade. Inset, Rotation Seven Base Commander WGCDR Simon Sauer addresses his team during the parade. Photos: CPL Mark Doran

GOODBYE: Members of Rotation Six salute before marching off from the Multinational Base Command Tarin Kot.

He said MNBC-TK had routinely been tested, but had approached the lot with good humor and good heart.

“You have contributed much to the unity among the formation and through your engagement with every unit that resides at the multinational base,” he said.

“Each of you should depart clear in the knowledge that your efforts con-tributed to helping protect and support coalition and Afghans alike. You have made a difference and it matters.”

During the parade LTGEN Power presented the Australian Active Service Medal (International Coalition Against Terrorism), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO Medal to eligible members and award-ed a CJOPS Gold Commendation to SQNLDR Alan Brown.

MAJGEN Crane awarded a CTF-633 Silver Commendation to SGT William Burnett and CTF-633 Bronze Commendations to CPL Nicolas Sheriff and FLTLT Geoffrey Jarrett.

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12 August 29, 2013RCEAIR FNews

WO2 Andrew Hetherington

“I WAS gobsmacked and tears came to my eyes when I found out I’d received it,” said William “Crash” Cradock after receiving his Air Force Australian Public Service (APS) team member of the year award for 2012.

The armament test engineer with the Aircraft Stores Compatibility Engineering Squadron, based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, began his association with the Air Force in 1971 when he joined as an apprentice armament fitter.

During his career in uniform he worked his way up to the rank of sergeant before discharging in 1995. In 1997 he joined the APS working in a number of roles, until 2006 when he was offered the sought-after role he now fulfils.

“At our unit we integrate and test weap-ons systems and stores for all ADF aircraft, which includes fuel tanks, missiles, guns, bombs, torpedoes and flares,” Mr Cradock said.

“It’s a fun job and I’m sort of the ‘go to’ man at the unit – people come to me for information or advice because of my experience.”

Mr Cradock has worked with a large number of differing aircraft in his career, comprising most of the modern aviation inventory of the ADF, but it was his work with the AP-3C Orion and ARH Tiger that gave Air Force reason to present the award on July 5.

“The work I did on the Orions was on the safety and suitability testing for the flares they carry,” Mr Cradock said.

“We didn’t have vibration testing data on them, so I organised from scratch how to test the flares by using a vibration table to determine if they would be safe and work in the Middle East.

“With the Tiger project I discovered a number of practise rocket warheads stored somewhere in the Air Force system and, after we tested them, I worked out they would be compatible for use with the aircraft.”

WELL DESERVED: Armament test engineer William “Crash” Cradock. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

Award moves test engineer to tears

SGT Dave Morley

A CEREMONY to mark the 23rd anni-versary of the loss of a popular CO in a mid-air collision was held near RAAF Base Tindal on August 2.

WGCDR Ross Fox died after two 75SQN F/A-18 Hornets collided at about 30,000 feet in 1990.

The other pilot, FLGOFF David Smith, was able to land safely at Tindal; however, WGCDR Fox’s air-craft crashed about 40km north-west of Tindal at Hornet Hill.

CO 75SQN WGCDR Pete Mitchell said it was important the current Magpies (75SQN members) remem-bered the ultimate sacrifice by WGCDR Fox.

“It is our duty to remember his sac-rifice, not just because he was the CO, but also because of the values and cour-age of 75SQN that he displayed and represented,” WGCDR Mitchell said.

“It was an honour and a privilege to have two 75SQN members who were in the squadron at the time of the incident at the memorial service.

“WGCDR Justin Cockroft was an armament technician at the time and SGT Max Magee was a junior avionics technician.”

SGT Magee, now a reservist based at Tindal, remembers the terrible day well.

“I was working flightline that day when the flightline supervisor of the

day took us aside and informed us there had been an air incident and our jet had been involved,” he said.

“Our jet had already landed and had been towed to one of the hangars.

“Later I was told the CO, WGCDR Fox, had been involved and had crashed. I was shocked.”

SGT Magee said he was involved in the search for wreckage.

“In the following days it was con-firmed the CO had not survived the crash.”

SGT Magee said 75SQN members were devastated.

“To lose a member of such a close-knit community is a blow but when it is the CO it affects everyone from the top down,” he said.

“He made it a point of knowing the names of each of the squadron mem-bers. He always had time to talk to you and was genuinely interested in how everyone was doing.”

Magpies remember CO

PAYING TRIBUTE: CO 75SQN WGCDR Pete Mitchell, centre, pays his respects with SGT Max Magee, left, and WGCDR Justin Cockroft who were both with 75SQN at the time of the crash. Inset, 75SQN members at the memorial to WGCDR Ross Fox at Hornet Hill. Photos: LAC Terry Hartin

Mr Cradock said that, throughout his career, he’s had a thirst for knowl-edge, which had him spending a lot of time sitting and studying inside vari-ous aircraft.

“I remember when the Air Force first got the Hornets, I would sit in the cockpit for up to four hours at a time and feed numbers into the displays to ensure everything worked as it should,” he said.

“When a pilot walked in and said ‘I’m not getting this on the display’, I sort of had a fair idea where to go to solve the problem.

“I was gaining buckets of informa-tion – it was unbelievable and even now it sometimes shocks me what questions I can answer.”

So what advice does an award-win-ning Defence APS team member give to fellow civilians working in Defence, who don’t think their efforts are being recognised?

“Keep at it and someone will, even-tually, pick up that you are doing a good job and reward you accordingly.”

The Air Force APS team member of the year award recognises a person who exemplifies both the APS and Air Force Values and who has made an outstanding contribution to the Air Force team.

On AugusT 2, 1990 a mid-air collision between two 75sQn F/A-18 Hornets at about 30,000 feet resulted in the tragic death of the then-CO WgCDR Ross Fox, aged 39. WgCDR Fox died instantly as a result of the collision, which resulted in the outer portion of FLgOFF David smith’s aircraft port wing slicing through the forward fuselage of WgCDR Fox’s aircraft. FLgOFF smith was able to land safely at Tindal; however, WgCDR Fox’s aircraft crashed about 40km north-west of Tindal at a place ironically called Hornet Hill.

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14 15RCEAIR FCentrepiece August 29, 2013

ELECTRONIC BODY ARMOURThe Counter IED Task Force explains the importance of force protection electronic countermeasures in the war against IEDs.

Experts clear technology

ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES FAST FACTS Currently 32 per cent of IEDs in Afghanistan

are the type that would be jammed by the ADF’s FPECM.

At the peak of operations in Uruzgan province up to 60 per cent of known IED switch types were

radio controlled. Even battle-damaged FPECM anten-

nas can still work (although effective range is reduced). The ADF is served by the most

comprehensive range of sophisti-cated, purpose-designed FPECM available.

ADF FPECM operates at a fraction of the civilian

Australian radio frequency exposure standards. ADF personnel have access to compre-

hensive training manuals – the Electronic Countermeasures.

Force protection electronic countermeasures are used on vehicles, and individually by personnel operating outside the wire in Afghanistan.

The technology prevents insurgents from deto-nating IEDs by remote control in the vicinity of a person or vehicle fitted with FPECM.

FPECM units do not emit dangerous ionising radiation and operate below maximum safe exposure limits for radio frequency emissions.

‘THIS technology is capable of protecting personnel against anywhere between 32 and 55 per cent of

attempted IED attacks. It saves lives in Afghanistan every day.”

Counter IED Task Force head BrIg Wayne Budd is passionate in his defence of force protection electronic counter-measures (FPECM).

Concerns have been raised this year that the technology may cause cancer. It is currently used to prevent remote-con-trol IEDs from being detonated near ADF personnel and vehicles operating outside the wire in Afghanistan.

The technology was tested extensive-ly before introduction. To date, there are no known definitive links between expo-sure to FPECM devices and cancer.

“It is inherent in our tasks and respon-sibilities to ensure that any piece of equipment we issue to personnel is safe to use,” BrIg Budd says.

“Of course there’s a process we must go through to make sure our kit is safe and of course that’s a process we’ve fol-lowed with FPECM.”

For the task force’s capability direc-tor, Chris McNicol, it’s a balancing act to keep the performance parameters of the devices secret from the enemy while reassuring ADF members and the public that the technology is safe to use when operated in accordance with procedures.

He can’t give away too much detail on how the technology works for fear of helping insurgents find ways to defeat it.

“We know our jammers at first baffled and then infuriated our enemy,” he says. “In Iraq they called our jammers a ‘force field’ around our armoured vehicles and they wrapped electrical insulation tape

around their rPg-7 warheads thinking it would help penetrate the invisible

bubble.“In Afghanistan we watched

YouTube clips where Taliban insurgents tried to initiate IEDs and blamed each other because they failed to function.”

T h e F P E C M u s e d i n Afghanistan today are a far cry from the radio jammers of old, which would send out a barrage of radio waves in a pre-scribed frequency range to drown out competing radio traffic.

But FPECM is at the forefront of

what Mr McNicol calls a “classic arms race” in a modern counter-insurgency setting.

“We see our enemies trying to design different IEDs to beat our jammers, and that means we have to stay one step ahead of them.”

Mr McNicol says, although safe, the FPECM must be used carefully and in accordance with training.

“The Australian radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ArPANSA) is the expert advisory and regulato-ry body for all forms of radiation. The FPECM devices we use operate at levels well below the maximum safe exposure limits for radio frequency emissions set by ArPANSA – they emit non-ionising radiation.”

Lower energy non-ionising radio fre-quency radiation lacks the energy neces-sary to damage DNA or cause genetic damage. The ArPANSA website con-tains detailed information about various forms of radiation at www.arpansa.gov.au/RadiationProtection/basics/ion_nonion.cfm

Mr McNicol regards the FPECM as the latest in a long line of technology and equipment upgrades helping protect per-sonnel on the battlefield.

“Once, three or four decades could pass and a soldier would look exactly the same – wearing and carrying the same gear – now five years is long enough to see a significant difference in what is worn and carried by warriors,” he says.

“The same is true for body armour – for more than 100 years the only gen-eral issue armour worn by Australians was the helmet, now the tactical body armour system is so common we don’t even think of it as unusual.”

By the end of this year, Australian forces will have been deploying with FPECM devices for 10 years.

Devices were initially fitted to vehi-cles, then mounted in backpacks and now every person likely to contact the enemy carries a personal jammer.

“This is an invisible electronic form of body armour designed to defeat hostile radio signals as effectively as the tiered body armour system defeats bullets,” Mr McNicol says.

“We can only guess at the number of lives this technology has saved.”

SAFETY

FPECM save lives. FPECM meets

Australian and international standards.

There is no evidence linking exposure to FPECM and brain cancer.

Rates of brain cancer in the ADF are no different from the general community.

Analysis of the available data has found no evidence that force protection electronic counter measures (FPECM) cause cancer.

CDF addresses concerns in the mediaIN A letter to the editor

partially published in The West Australian

newspaper, CDF GeN David Hurley aimed to set the record straight on force protection electronic countermeasures.

CDF corrected misperceptions over radio frequency radiation and the matter of safe emission levels perpetuated in media coverage.

He said the welfare of ADF personnel was his highest priority and Defence would continue to monitor developments in standards and research relating to the technology.

To date, there are no known definitive links between exposure to force protection electronic countermeasure devices and cancer. The ADF has no evidence of a cancer cluster and has not identified a link between significant health effects and exposure to force protection electronic countermeasures. These findings are supported by the repatriation Medical Authority (rMA), which also undertakes extensive investigation into potential causes of dis-ease in our military population. Like the ADF, the rMA has not found a link between radio frequency radiation and brain cancer.

Sadly, I acknowledge that some Army personnel have developed various types of cancers. However, each person was diagnosed with a different type of cancer. This does not support the theory that the ADF is experienc-ing a cancer cluster as your publication suggested. The Centres of Disease Control sets specific criteria for identifying cancer clusters. To satisfy these criteria, all cases must involve the same type of cancer, or types of cancer which are scientifically proven to have the same cause. Further, a cancer cluster requires that the observed number of cases is higher than the rate one would typically observe in a similar setting. – Gen David Hurley, CDF‘In Iraq

[insurgents] called our

jammers a ‘force field’ around our armoured

vehicles...– Chris Mcnicol,

Counter IeD Task Force Capability Director

SAFeTY FIRST: LAC Noel Klaehn wears his force protection electronic countermeasures (FPECM) technology during a patrol in Tarin Kot, Afghanistan. Below right, airfield defence guards patrol on the outskirts of Tarin Kot while protected by their FPECM. Photos: CPL Chris Moore

‘To date, no direct link has

been established between radio

frequency radiation and cancer of any

kind...

Michael Weaver

RIGOROUS testing of the force protection electronic counter-measures (FPECM) used on deployment has confirmed that it is safe.

Based on the information provided, Comcare has stated that there is “no indication that there is an established link between electronic counter measure equipment and risks to health and safety”.

Commander Joint Health RADM Robyn Walker said suggestions that FPECM have caused cancer were misleading.

“FPECM saves lives,” she said. “Remote-control impro-vised explosive devices are a very real threat in the Middle East Area of Operations, especially to dismounted troops.”

FPECM uses radio frequency waves, a form of radiation, which has been studied by scien-tists internationally.

To date, no direct link has been established between radio frequency radiation exposure and cancer.

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation and the Land Engineering Agency have conducted laboratory and in-field testing of the radio frequency radiation emitted by FPECM, which confirms that the devices comply with the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection Guidelines and ARPANSA standards. As such, ADF per-sonnel are most unlikely to suffer any short or long-term health effects.

Cancer Council Australia reports that the risk of being diagnosed with a brain cancer by age 85 is 1 in 100 for men and 1 in 151 for women.

RADM Walker said the number of cases of brain can-cer diagnosed in ADF mem-bers was no more than would be expected to happen in the general community.

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Feature RCEAIR F August 29, 201316

A SMALL team of medics from across the ADF are expanding their medical qualifications as part of a

pilot 13-week peri-operative nursing course.

The medics will gain civilian-accred-ited qualifications which will allow them to adapt to any area within the military and civilian operating-theatre environment.

The course started in Melbourne on July 1 then moved to RAAF Base Amberley and will finish with a clinical placement at St Andrew’s Hospital in Ipswich.

It is based on a course previously held at RAAF Base Williams which has been revised and relaunched in collaboration with Mayfield Education.

CO Air Force Health Operational Conversion Unit at Amberley, WGCDR Michael Penman, is responsible for the conduct of the course on behalf of the Health Training Advisory Group and the manager of Joint Health Training. He said it was a great opportunity for medics to expand their clinical skills.

“It will enhance the ADF peri-opera-tive nursing capability via multi-skilling our members,” WGCDR Penman said.

“The previous course, although lengthy, did not provide ADF medics avenues to practise their newly acquired skills in both a military and civilian setting.”

WGCDR Penman said the collabora-tion with Mayfield Education and St Andrew’s Hospital had rectified this in combination with the wide number of clinical placement deeds in place across Defence Health.

“The medics will now be able to undertake the necessary ongoing clinical placements as qualified theatre members in civilian operating theatres,” he said.

“This, in turn, will make them better qualified to use their theatre skills on operations – either land based or at sea.”

Students did their initial six weeks of study at Mayfield Education in Melbourne, followed by one week at

Amberley undertaking individual ser-vice requirements and finishing with six weeks at St Andrew’s.

The course combines in-class lec-tures, online learning and simulator training with the hands-on clinical experience that can only be achieved by working in a hospital.

Simulation training uses a function-ing simulated operating theatre complete with post-anaesthetic care unit. This allows students to interact and practise new skills before undertaking direct patient care within a clinical placement.

CPL Lisamaree Wyer, of No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, said it was an area of nursing she had been interested in for a while.

“I had the opportunity to assist in theatre when I was posted to Amberley when they had a theatre capability there,” CPL Wyer said.

“I’ve been trying to increase my skills in this area since and being part of the pilot program has been a privilege and honour as the Air Force representative.”

The medics on course already hold enrolled nursing qualifications as part of their existing training but after com-pleting this course they will receive a Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support, Certificate IV in Sterilisation, four anaesthetic units and a diploma-level peri-operative nursing unit.

Planning is under way for more courses in collaboration with St Andrew’s Hospital and Mayfield Education following completion and evaluation of the pilot course.

A new course for medics will lead to a moremulti-skilled professional medical capability for the ADF. CPL Nick Wiseman reports.

At the cutting edge

AT THE READY: Medical staff at the Role 2E Hospital conduct a practise scenario during Exercise Talisman Saber 13. Photo: CPL Max Bree

Medics embark on revised 13-week operation course

IMPROVING SKILLS: CO HOCU WGCDR Michael Penman.

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SQNLDR Andrew Greaves owes his life to those who have rolled up their sleeves to donate blood.

SQNLDR Greaves is based at RAAF Base East Sale where he works as an aviation safety officer.

During his career he has spent time flying transport aircraft, work-ing as a flying instructor and was also part of the Roulettes display team.

In 2007 he was diagnosed with Myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. It is one of the blood can-cers, along with Leukaemia and Lymphoma.

“I felt what appeared to be a small hole in the bone at the front of my skull,” SQNLDR Greaves said.

“Over the following days, it seemed to increase in size and after seeing the SMO I was sent for a CT scan. Within days I was undergoing surgery to remove a lump from the bone marrow in my skull.”

After that initial surgery, SQNLDR Greaves underwent vari-ous treatments including chemother-apy and total body irradiation. He also needed blood.

During the course of his treat-

ment, he received numerous platelet and red blood cell infusions, one blood transfusion and an allogeneic stem cell transplant.

“Without the generosity of blood donations I would not have survived the disease to date or the treatment,” he said.

With his first-hand experience of the benefits of blood donations, he has been chosen as Air Force’s ambassador for this year’s Defence Blood Challenge.

As this year’s ambassador, SQNLDR Greaves aims to continue the excellent work of his predecessor, SGT Andrew Kleef.

“I am really proud to have been selected as the ambassador for this year,” he said.

“One in three Australians will require blood or blood products at some stage in their lives, yet only one in 30 donate.

“While it would be great to get the Air Force to out-donate both Army and Navy in this year’s chal-lenge, my main aim will be to raise the importance of blood donations and encourage as many personnel as possible to become regular donors.

“Defence is a large pool of fit,

Air Force’s Defence Blood Challenge ambassador knows first-hand how blood donation saves lives, LS Helen Frank reports.

Saving a life

SECOND CHANCE: SQNLDR Andrew Greaves owes his life to donated blood products. Photo: CPL Steve Duncan

GET INVOLVED

The Defence Blood Challenge runs from September 1 to November 30. All Air Force personnel, families and friends are encouraged to give blood to have their donation counted towards the Air Force total.

To register your donation for Air Force visit www.donateblood.com.au/defence

FeatureRCEAIR F August 29, 2013 17

healthy people who are in the prime demographic for giving blood. With initiatives such as the Defence Blood Challenge we can raise our profile with the Australian people and fur-ther support the public.”

This year to date, Air Force has made more than 1300 donations potentially saving more than 4000 lives.

RAAF bases in NSW are lead-ing the way with the supply of blood, ensuring Air Force is the force that keeps the hearts of Australians beating.

CAF ENCOURAGES DONATIONSIN A message to all Air Force personnel, CAF AIRMShL Geoff Brown has encouraged everyone to get behind the 2013 Defence Blood Challenge.

“Last year I set you the challenge to beat Army’s tally of 767 donations, and I am proud to say that you well and truly achieved this and made 919

donations – thank you,” AIRMShL Brown said.

Last year RAAF Base Williamtown personnel made the most donations and were presented with the Blood-is-Low Cup.

“I encourage you and your fami-lies to support this worthy cause,” AIRMShL Brown said.

DEFENCE BLOOD CHALLENGE

Toll Transitions Case Managers are standing by ready to help you. Complete your Application for Relocation (AFR) online now at www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence and your Case Manager will contact you to get things moving.

Introducing the Whole of Relocation Cost (WORC) Model

From August 2013, all ADF members undergoing a domestic removal will have their goods uplifted on any day within the week of their preferred uplift date. This new approach does not involve a change to your entitlements.

Members will submit their AFR in the usual manner nominating a preferred uplift date. Toll will determine the removal cost, taking into consideration all relocation costs, and select the best value for money uplift date within the week of your preferred uplift date.

If there is an operational requirement or extenuating personal circumstance that requires your uplift to be on a specific date, you will require your unit approval prior to submitting your AFR.

You are encouraged to submit your AFR early in your relocation process. Your Case Manager will then be able to confirm your uplift date well in advance of your actual move date, which will minimise any impact of this change on you.

So don’t delay, submit your AFR online today.

For more information Freecall: 1800 819 167 www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

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COMBAT Support Group (CSG) has begun a movements review in the first of a series of key capability reviews that will determine the future direction of the Force Element Group (FEG).

In 2012 CSG undertook a comprehen-sive review that led to the recent re-organ-isation of the FEG, as part of the Combat Support Improvement Program (CSIP).

A key recommendation identified the need to examine a full range of CSG capabilities.

The new series of reviews will look at CSG’s key capabilities in more detail.

Each review will focus on a particular capability through a series of interviews, surveys and workshops.

The results will be compared to CSG’s preparedness requirements and concept of operations to develop a baseline capabil-ity requirement.

From this, options for the most effec-tive and efficient way to deliver this capa-bility to Air Force will be developed.

CSG Chief of Staff GPCAPT Dan White said the key to the approach being developed was consistency and repeat-ability, and that the tools being applied to the first review would roll through all reviews.

“We want all decisions about the shape of CSG into the future to be based on sound evidence and agreed assump-tions,” GPCAPT White said.

The first of these reviews is addressing the movements capability. To assist, CSG has employed a civilian consultancy to provide scientific expertise and a meth-odology that is able to be repeated, with the work being overseen by a CSG review board.

OC 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing GPCAPT Peter Davis, a review board member, said the board had a key role to play in the capability assess-ment.

“It provides the military expertise you can’t buy,” GPCAPT Davis said.

Once a preferred option is selected, a detailed implementation plan will

19August 29, 2013RCEAIR F Air Force Improvement

then be developed to inform any future changes to the FEG’s structure.

The movements r ev iew wi l l be followed by an examination of catering operations later this year. Administration, logistics, communi-cations and information systems, and ground engineering reviews will follow in 2014.

Other CSG capabilities will be evalu-ated as part of a rolling program, starting in 2015.

Capability under review

GOING INTO DETAIL: Personnel from 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron load a pallet into a US Air Force C-130J Hercules guided by a loadmaster at RAAF Base Amberley during Exercise Talisman Saber 13. Photo: LAC Dan Pinhorn

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20 August 29, 2013RCEAIR FPersonnel

CHANGES to how Defence man-ages domestic removal dates began on August 5 following a successful trial in south-east Queensland late last year.

The new removal process consid-ers the Whole-of-Relocation-Cost (WORC) when selecting the date of removal. For the purposes of WORC, the removal cost is inclusive of the removal services, travel and accom-modation.

These changes do not affect relo-cation entitlements.

Members should still submit their removal request and preferred uplift date as normal. Toll will cost the removal for each day in the week of the preferred uplift date. If the best

value for money uplift date varies from the member’s preferred date, Toll will contact the member and advise them of the new date.

Air Force recognises a member may have exceptional personal cir-cumstances or operational considera-tions that require them to move on a different date to that selected by Toll. In these circumstances, the member’s CO will be asked to determine the uplift date.

Air Force has requested Toll pro-vide COs with the costing for the member’s preferred uplift date and the cheapest identified date so they can make an informed decision. COs will also be provided with information regarding operational requirements and/or extraneous circumstances.

Call for safety award nominations

Removal change

NOMINATIONS are open for the 2013 Air Force Safety Awards (AFSA).

The AFSA are part of a whole of Defence initiative designed to recognise and reward individuals, groups and units that have dis-played innovation and excellence in safety management.

The awards also provide an opportunity to showcase innova-tive work health and safety solu-tions, systems and practices.

The scheme encompasses both aviation and work health safety initiatives and is open to all Air Force personnel, including Defence civilians and cadets.

This year, the nomination process and assessment criteria have been revised to align with the Defence Work Health Safety Awards (DWHSA). This change streamlines the entry process

from the AFSA into the higher award scheme. The AFSA serves as a gateway to the 2014 DWHSA.

Nominations close on September 30 and forms contain-ing assessment criteria for each category (see panel) are avail-able from the AFSA page on the Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety (DDAAFS) website.

CAF Directive 18/13 provides interim policy for the AFSA scheme and nomination process, and replaces Part 2 Section 1 Chapter 9 of AAP76730.001 Air Force Safety Manual.

All nominations should be forwarded to DDAAFS at airforce.safetyawards@defence.gov.au and for further information contact the DDAAFS Safety Culture and Leadership Officer on (02) 6128 7418.

Christian seminar The Military Christian Fellowship of Australia will hold its annual seminar on September 7 at Russell Offices in Canberra. This year’s theme is ‘Strength and Courage’. The seminar is open to anyone associated with Defence. For more information contact Lisa Thomas on (02) 6266 4950 or email mcf.office@defence.gov.au, visit www.mcf-a.org.au or see DeFGRAM 354/2013.

Advice line transitionsThe Defence equity Advice Line (DeAL) will soon transition to the Defence Service Centre (DSC) in a move that supports a reform initiative to decommission low call volume 1800 helplines. From September 2, all calls to the DeAL will be referred to the DSC, known as 1800DeFeNCe (1800 333 362). The redirection will be in place for three months, after which the DeAL number will be decommissioned.

New online toolA ReVAMPeD version of the Compare Your Package (CYP) online tool is now available. CYP assists full-time ADF personnel with estimating the value of their conditions of service (salary and benefits). For further information see DeFGRAM 425/2013.

LIA booking pilotA NATIONAL online booking and allocation system for living-in accommodation will begin with a pilot program in southern Queensland from September 1, with other regions rolled out by May 2014. For further information see DeFGRAM 468/2013.

Indigenous networkA NeW indigenous network group is now hosted on the Defence Alumni Network. For further infor-mation email indigenous.affairs@defence.gov.au or see DeFGRAM 467/2013.

Gathering of eaglesThe RAAF Association, Tasmania Division, will hold a ‘Gathering of eagles’ in hobart from September 6-8 to commemorate the deeds and sacrifices of the RAAF, Royal Air Force and Allied air forces. For more information contact State Secretary SQNLDR Alan Robertson on 0418 545 207 or email raafatas@netspace.net.au

IN BRIEF

AWARD CATEGORIES

Workplace health and wellbeing initiative.

Workplace health and safety management system.

Solution to an identified workplace health and safety hazard.

Individual contribution to health and safety.

Individual contribution to health and safety by an individual with responsibility for health and safety as part of their duties.

health and safety representative of the year (non-military).

Rehabilitation and return to work management.

Individual contribution to rehabilita-tion and return to work.

Royal Aeronautical Society aviation safety award.

POLICY CHANGE: The new removal process considers the cost of the entire relocation to determine the date of removal, but the changes do not affect any relocation entitlements. Photo: CPL Aaron Curran

DEFENCE has been subjected to considerable commentary in the Australian media over the past few years regarding a culture of unaccep-table behaviour.

A voluntary survey is being launched to determine if the media-portrayed understanding of Defence aligns with members’ experiences.

Head of People Capability MAjGEN Gerard Fogarty believes the launch of the Whole of Defence Unacceptable Behaviour Survey will provide members the opportunity to tell their side of the story directly to decision makers, and provide a realis-tic view of Defence culture.

“Defence is committed to achiev-ing a workplace where everyone is consistently treated with dignity and respect, and our people enjoy coming to work each day,” MAjGEN Fogarty said.

“The launch of this survey will give us an idea of the level of unac-ceptable behaviour that exists in our organisation, the type of behaviour, when and where the incidents are occurring.”

The survey will run from

September 6-16, with invitations emailed to randomly selected members.

The questions are personal in nature but, to maximise privacy, the survey link can be forwarded to a personal email for participants to complete away from the workplace.

All responses will remain anony-mous.

The responses will provide a bal-anced view on the culture that exists today, help track improvements in cultural reform, and target reform efforts.

Because of its anonymity, the survey is not suited for reporting incidents.

To report an incident of unac-ceptable behaviour, personnel should contact their CO or manager, the ADF Investigative Service on 1300 233 471, or the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office on 1800 796 776 or + 61 2 6127 3122 (if calling from overseas).

For more information email the survey team at UB.2013@defence.gov.au

Survey to improve Defence culture

TIMES OF CHANGE: A Defence-wide unacceptable behaviour survey will provide leaders with a balanced view of Defence culture and help target reform efforts. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

The average cost of a removal in Air Force is $11,800, with annual removal costs exceeding $40 million each year.

The trial data indicates Defence can expect budget savings of $5 mil-lion annually from financial year 2014-15, with Air Force saving up to $1.5 million.

Funding for Air Force members’ removals will continue to come out of Air Force’s budget, which is man-aged by Director General Personnel – Air Force.

Further information about the imple-mentation of WORC can be found in DEFGRAM 361/2013.

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21August 29, 2013RCEAIR F Personnel

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TWO health studies focusing on the health impacts of operational deploy-ments were released by CDF Gen David Hurley on August 8.

Gen Hurley said the results of the studies showed that ADF members who deployed to the MeAO were gen-erally physically and mentally healthy.

“Our personnel are ordinary Australians who are asked to deal with extraordinary events but not everyone who has deployed will experience trauma,” Gen Hurley said.

“These studies show that most peo-ple will not develop mental health con-cerns but we are better prepared today to help those who do.”

More than 14,000 veterans took part in the MeAO Census Health Study, which collected data from ADF personnel who deployed between 2001 to 2009 and included information such as their deployment history, health survey and deployment experiences questionnaire.

A further 1325 veterans took part in the MeAO Prospective Health Study, which examined the health of ADF personnel before deployment and after returning home from the MeAO between June 2010 and June 2012. This study sought to examine the onset of health concerns related to deployment.

Commander Joint Health RADM

AIR Force supervisors of Australian Public Service (APS) personnel are reminded to take into consideration the recently revised APS Values and new APS employment Principles when writ-ing this year’s Performance Feedback Assessment and Development Scheme (PFADS) reports.

The new employment principles and values came into effect on July 1 and can be remembered easily by the I CARe acronym. Impartial – The APS is apolitical

and provides the government with advice that is frank, honest, timely and based on the best available evi-dence.

Committed to Service – The APS is professional, objective, innovative and efficient, and works collabora-tively to achieve the best results for the community and government.

Accountable – The APS is open and accountable to the Australian community under the law and within the framework of ministerial responsibility.

Respectful – The APS respects all people, including their rights and their heritage.

Ethical – The APS demonstrates leadership, is trustworthy, and acts with integrity, in all that it does.

First-level and second-level super-visors are to conduct performance exchanges with each of their APS employees by August 31 and record the decision on PMKeyS Self Service no later than September 20.

For further information, visit the PeopleConnect site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/peopleconnect and read DEFGRAMs 355/2013 and 412/2013.

Robyn Walker said the study provided a comprehensive and robust account of the health of ADF personnel who deployed to the MeAO.

“The studies highlight that not all deployed personnel will be exposed to

trauma and most of those will not go on to develop mental health disorders,” RADM Walker said.

“However, ADF members repeat-edly exposed to traumatic experiences either at home or on deployment are

with an alcohol disorder and 1.6 per cent reported suicidal ideation.”

RADM Walker said the census study confirmed that the prevalence of PTSD symptoms was much higher in ex-service members and those who had been medically discharged as most would expect.

“The results reiterate what we have long recognised, that separation and military commitments do have an impact on ADF families,” she said.

“But a range of support options are still available to those families.”

Both studies were voluntary and part of the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP), which com-menced in 2010 to determine the impact of operational deployment on the health and wellbeing of members of the ADF.

Gen Hurley said the health and wellbeing of Australia’s military per-sonnel was a priority.

“These studies will further inform policy and targeted health programs designed to support ADF members and their families,” he said.

“Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will continue to seek opportunities to improve and evolve our support systems.”

Copies of the studies are available at www.defence.gov.au/health/home/ i-MilHOP_Message.htm

Heed revised APS values

Health studies releasedmore likely to develop mental health conditions.”

According to the Black Dog Institute, one in five of all Australians aged between 16 and 85 experience a mental illness in any year with the most common being depressive, anxiety and substance-use disorders. The 2007 national Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing found 6.4 per cent of Australians aged 16-85 were suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The MeAO Prospective Health Study found 0.1 per cent of partici-pants at pre-deployment and 1.9 per cent at post-deployment reported

symptoms which were cons i s ten t with PTSD.

RADM Walker said the results of the studies revealed responses that com-pared favourably with similar studies conducted overseas.

“Spec i fica l ly, t he p rospec t ive study found that, post deployment,

4.8 per cent of the participants report-ed symptoms consistent with psycho-logical distress,” she said.

“Of the respondees, 1.9 per cent reported symptoms consistent with PTSD, 2.5 per cent reported symptoms

MEAO FOCUS: CDF GEN David Hurley and Commander Joint Health RADM Robyn Walker announce the MilHOP findings. Inset, a C-130J lands at Multinational Base Tarin Kot. Inset photo: LS Andrew Dakin

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Master of sky and track

SQNLDR Tony Gaze was a man of firsts. He was the first Aus-tralian to shoot down a German jet and the first Australian to

fly the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) first jet fighter, the Meteor, in combat.

He was also the first Australian airman to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) three times, albeit as a mem-ber of the RAF and, after the war, he was the first Australian to compete in a World Championship Grand Prix. In 1960 he became the first Australian to compete in the World Gliding Championships, too.

The World War II fighter pilot Ace was credited with 12.5 confirmed victories (11 and three shared).

Frederick Anthony Owen Gaze, son of Irvine Gaze, was born in Melbourne on February 3, 1920.

His father was 24 when, in 1914, he was at Port Melbourne docks when Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition was a member short and Irvine signed on. The expedition was a disaster that turned into a British triumph, thanks to Shackleton’s epic 800-nautical-mile voyage in an open boat to rescue his men, including Irvine Gaze. Gaze and

➤ Flew WWII combat in Spitfires: Mark I ,II,V,VI, IX, XIV, XVI, XIX, 21.

➤ Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross three times.

➤ Flew Mustang I, Typhoon, Martinet and combat in Meteor III jet fighters.

➤ Credited: 12.5 com-bat victories, mostly German Me109 and German Fw190, as well as German Me262, Ar234 and German V1 rocket, plus another four ‘probable’ and five ‘damaged’.

➤ Shot down in occu-pied France and escaped.

➤ First Allied pilot to land in France after D-Day (unofficially).

➤ Flew a range of German aircraft after WWII including Fw 190.

➤ First Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix racing car driver.

➤ First Australian Grand Prix Champion.

MANY FIRSTS

SADLY MISSED: Leg-endary World War II veteran, former pilot and race car driver SQNLDR Tony Gaze passed away on July 29. He is pic-tured here with his biog-raphy, Almost Unknown.

22 August 29, 2013RCEAIR FIn Memorium

others had been left behind at the base camp established by Robert Falcon Scott before Scott died in 1912 during his failed attempt to be first to the South Pole.

SQNLDR Gaze could list his occu-pation as “gentleman” on his passport because of family firms, the Ezywalkin Shoe Company and the Clifton Shoe Company, and was a student at Queens’ College, Cambridge, when war broke out in September 1939.

After joining the RAF and com-pleting his training on Spitfires, he joined 610SQN at Westhampnett, near Goodwood, in March 1941 with his younger brother Irvine Jnr, known as Scott. In April 1941, Scott, 19, was killed when his Spitfire was shot down.

The squadron was one of three that formed the Tangmere Wing, led by the famous Douglas Bader. Under Bader’s aggressive leadership, the wing flew over northern France to engage the Luftwaffe.

SQNLDR Gaze achieved his first success on June 26, 1941 when he shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 109. During July he accounted for two others, shared in the destruction of a fourth and prob-ably destroyed two more. These successes

resulted in the award of the first of his three DFCs.

On August 19, 1942, flying a Spitfire with 616SQN, SQNLDR Gaze shot down an enemy aircraft during the Dieppe opera-tion and was awarded a second DFC for his “great skill and fine fighting spirit”. He was then appointed to command 64SQN equipped with the new Spitfire Mark IX.

In September 1943, forced to land 32km west of Dieppe following an intense dog fight with the German ace Gerhard Vogt, SQNLDR Gaze avoided capture and was picked up by members of a French Resistance organisation. After being shel-tered in safe houses for several weeks, he and other evaders were escorted to the foothills of the Pyrenees. There, guides led them into the mountains where they began the arduous journey to Barcelona, Madrid and, finally, Gibraltar, where SQNLDR Gaze was flown back to England. He was the first Allied airman to land back in the UK after the D-Day raids in June 1944.

Returning to operations later in 1944, SQNLDR Gaze was appointed a flight commander on 610SQN. He shot down a V-1 flying bomb over Kent before the squadron was transferred to Holland. SQNLDR Gaze became the first Australian to down a German Messerschmitt Me262 jet before rejoining 616SQN. He was awarded a second bar to his DFC on June 1, 1945.

SQNLDR Gaze remained in the RAF for two more years, flying the Meteor jet and as a test pilot before returning to

Australia, where he joined 21SQN Citizen Air Force and remained until 1951.

But it was not only flying that defined this man. SQNLDR Gaze was also known as the “godfather of Australian motor racing’’.

He was drawn into motor racing when he began a relationship with Kay Wakefield, the 30-year-old widow of Johnny Wakefield, a successful pre-war English racing driver who was killed flying with the Fleet Air Arm in 1942.

While based at RAF Westhampnett, he suggested the idea of a motor racing track around the perimeter of the airfield to Lord Charles March, the Duke of Richmond and owner of the land and, in 1948, the first race was held at the newly named Goodwood circuit.

SQNLDR Gaze returned home, taking a pre-war Alta racing car with him and start-ed racing on the Rob Roy hill climb outside Melbourne. He married Kay in 1949 and in 1952 became the first Australian to com-pete in Formula One racing at the Belgian, British and German Grand Prix.

Three years later he launched Australia’s first international driving team, Kangaroo Stable, the team that gave rise to three-time world champion Jack Brabham.

In 2006, SQNLDR Gaze was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the Commonwealth.

SQNLDR Gaze passed away at his home near Geelong on July 29, aged 93. A memorial service was held in Corio on August 15.

Air Force legend SQNLDR Tony Gaze passed away on July 29. Rosalind Turner, from the Office of Air Force History, explains why he was such an awe-inspiring man.

DefenceCare is a charity helping current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their families in times of injury, illness and crisis. DefenceCare is part of RSL Welfare and Benevolent Institution

and is a Tier 1 RSL NSW recognised charity. ABN: 61 603 206 488. DGR: 752 766 491. CFN: 12317.

It’s hard to see what our veterans go through when they return to civilian life. They battle invisible enemies such as post-traumatic stress, depression, and chronic pain – all of which wage a silent war on them – and their families. Our veterans are in desperate need of crisis support. We need your help urgently.

Donate generously at defencecare.org.au

23August 29, 2013RCEAIR F Flightline

GOOD TO GO: Above, aviation fuel operator LAC Dean Pather, 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron, checks the gauges as a fuel truck is replenished during Exercise Talisman Saber 2013. Photo: LAC Dan Pinhorn

WELL EQUIPPED: Right, supplier SGT Bob McGirr, 77SQN, completes paperwork for the disposal of aircraft life support equipment at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: LAC Mark Friend

WELCOME HOME: FLTLT Adrian Rogers is greeted by his daughters shortly after the welcome home parade for Security Force Rotation 1, which returned to RAAF Base Amberley on August 9. Photo: LAC Dan Pinhorn

GLOBAL REACH: Above, air intelligence analyst LACW Connie Mylan at work in the support section of the ADF Warfare Centre.HARD AT WORK: Right, CPL Garry Thoburn, 26SQN, at work at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photos: LAC Craig Barrett

INTO THE SPIRIT: LACs Adam Walton, Robbie Walsh and Tim Chatterton, 3SQN, conduct a coin drop at the front gates of RAAF Base Williamtown. $20,000 was donated to SIDS and KIDS Hunter Region. Photo: LAC Craig Barrett

Air Force BandSeptember 6-8: Battle of Britain, Hobart.September 11: 1RTU graduation parade, Wagga Wagga.

RoulettesAugust 31: ADFA Open Day, Canberra.September 1: Pretty Pine Expo, Deniliquin.September 7: Teen World Flight, Wollongong.

RAAF MuseumSeptember 4: Battle for Australia, Melbourne.September 8: 4 Wing AAFC Annual Parade and Expo, Point Cook.

RAAF BalloonAugust 31: ADFA Open Day, Canberra.

Air Force events

24 August 29, 2013RCEAIR FFinance

COMMON mistakes are made by ADF members when preparing their annual tax returns, according to the

Australian Tax Office.These mistakes include:

➤ Insufficient documentation avail-able to support car expenses. If you use the ‘cents per kilometre’ method, you must be able to show how you worked out your estimate for work kilometres by keeping a diary of work-related travel, or bas-ing your costs on a regular pattern of travel.

➤ Incorrectly claiming motor vehicle expenses on the basis that you are carrying bulky equipment. If your employer pro-vides secure storage for your equip-ment or you transport your equip-ment to and from work as a matter of convenience, then the transport costs are private and a deduction is not allowed.

➤ Incorrectly claiming physical fitness expenses. Claiming expens-es for fitness courses, gymnasium memberships, other health-related items, such as protein shakes and

supplements, when your required fitness level is not well above the general ADF standard.

➤ Incorrectly claiming home office, mobile phone and internet expenses. Claims need to be sup-ported by evidence and you can only claim the work-related portion. This is best achieved by maintain-ing an annual diary for a four-week period that establishes the actual work percentage of the computer, phone or internet costs.

Don’t leave it too lateIf you prepare your own tax return, then remember that your 2012/13 financial year return must be submit-ted to the Australian Tax Office by October 31.

If you use a registered tax agent (including a qualified accountant) to complete your tax return, then you may have until May 15 next year to submit it, provided the Australian Taxation Office approves your tax agent’s extension of time request.

Generally speaking, if you had not appointed a tax agent before June 30 this year then you are no longer able to

appoint one for the 2012/13 financial year.

If you wish to appoint a tax agent for future requirements, make sure that person is a registered tax agent by checking online at the Tax Practitioners Board website at www.tpb.gov.au

Each year the Australian Tax Office publishes a document to specifically help ADF members understand their tax obligations.

That document contains an excel-lent summary of the typical expenses ADF personnel are permitted to claim.

It also contains examples of expenses which can’t be claimed.

If you use a tax agent, you should refer that person to the latest version which can be found at www.ato.gov.au/individuals/income-and-deductions where you can follow the links.

This article was supplied by the ADF Financial Services Consumer Council, which is an expert and impartial entity offering independent financial education, advice to the Service Chiefs and relationship manage-ment with the financial services industry. Its website is at www.adfconsumer.gov.au

Avoid the common mistakes as the ATO deadline approaches fast.

CORRECT DOCUMENTATION: It is important to keep a diary of work-related travel. Photo: CPL Nick Wiseman

Beware of traps during tax claims

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onsumer.gov.au

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PREVENTION: LT Rob Orr goes through a warm-up routine during a workout. Including a proper warm-up will always help to prevent injuries. Photo: PO Paul Berry

INJURIES affect not only fitness, but have the potential to damage health, motivation, lifestyle and even careers.Fortunately, many sporting and

physical training injuries are prevent-able with a little planning and cau-tion. Here are eight quick tips to help prevent injury.

Check your playing surface and training equipment

Gym equipment should always be checked before use. Cables should not be frayed, plate weight pins should be secure and dumbbell weights secured at each end. Playing fields should be checked for rocks, potholes, etc.

Training and sporting equipment must fit properly and be in good working order, for example, good quality running shoes.

These precautions are valid even when participating in post-PT games or ‘kick-arounds’ in the unit.

Mouthguards should always be worn during activities where physical contact with another person or equip-ment is a possibility.

Don’t play sport to get fit, get fit to play sport

Many sporting injuries are caused by fatigue, which can cause muscle timing and mental reaction speed to

decrease. This affects physical coor-dination, leading to a mistimed catch or kick, and the ability of the protec-tive muscles to respond to overstress, leading to muscle and tendon strains and ligament sprains.

Always warm up thoroughlyThere is often a tendency to jump straight into a physical activity and warm up as you go.

Unfortunately the physical demands and level of coordination required between the preceding activ-ity, for example, walking to the gym or sporting field and the activity to be undertaken, are vastly different and it is during this adjustment phase that the chances of injury are very high.

Listen to your bodyListen to your body and it will usu-ally tell you when things start to go wrong. The first sign of injury signi-fies the time to cease the activity.

Pushing through the injury should be avoided as this action will increase the risk of a more serious injury, increase the risk of an additional injury and increase recovery time.

Avoid exposure to the elements

The elements in which physical activ-ity is taking place can have a marked effect on injury potential.

It is important to maintain good

A few simple measures can help keep injuries at bay, Lt Robert Orr writes.

Playing hurt is costly25August 29, 2013RCEAIR F Health

hydration by drinking sufficient water during physical activity.

Likewise, dressing to meet envi-ronmental conditions is important. When the body is cold, reaction speeds slow and muscle elasticity decreases. Warm clothing is therefore important.

When it is hot and humid, ensure clothing provides protection from the sun yet allows for heat loss. A light-weight shirt is not only better for sun protection but for heat loss as it will

trap sweat – an effective means of heat loss through evaporation.

When running or cycling in the dark, ensure the clothing worn can be seen by others, even when travelling on bicycle paths and dirt tracks.

Leave the ego behindAvoid playing for sheep stations. While the will to win is good, injur-ing yourself and others through over-competitiveness is not.

The memory of your victory will

last until the next game, your injuries may last a lifetime.

In the gym, impress with flawless technique rather than being trapped under the weight bar or flying off the back of the treadmill.

Always complete your physiotherapy treatment

Just because the pain and physical effects of an injury can no longer be seen or felt, it does not mean that the damaged tissues have recovered or are able to perform to the level required.

This step is vital if the potential for re-injury is to be minimised.

Just as sensible people would not drive a car or fly in an aircraft until the mechanic was 100 per cent happy with its performance, you should also con-tinue with physiotherapy treatment until discharged by your physiotherapist.

Don’t follow, leadRather than following a program out of a magazine or on a website, adding a popular exercise to a training regime because everyone else seems to be doing it, or following the current train-until-you-break fad, consult a combat fitness leader or PTI to get a program designed to meet your specific needs and abilities.

Lt Rob Orr is a former Army PtI and now a reservist and Assistant Professor at the Bond Institute of Sport and Health. He has been writing health and fitness articles for these pages for almost 20 years and this article marks his 300th since they began.

The ADFA Graduating Class

of 1993will be holding their 20 year reunion

cocktail party at theAustralian War Memorial on

14 Dec 13

ADFA class of 93 and staff(1991-1993) are welcome.

Tickets are available for purchase ($130) at

http://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/ADFA 93

The event will also be raising money for “Soldier On”.

For further details refer to the ADFA Class of 93 Facebook page or contact adfa93.Reunion@defence.gov.au

ADFA Graduating Class

of 1993

We can ProduceYOUR DesignLukus ProductionsPhone: 03 5967 3537Email: info@lukus.com.auwww.lukus.com.au

PATCHES

RAAF CrestsOfficial RAAF EnsigniaUniform Name PatchesPilot & Aircrew Name PatchesSpecial Requirement Patches/BadgesHighest Quality Authorised Supplier

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26 August 29, 2013RCEAIR FSp rt

➤ Men’s snowboard1. Air Force FLTLT Rhys Brown 52.50 100.00 26.00

178.502. Army CAPT Rich Keller 100.00 54.50 14.00 168.503. Air Force LAC Levi Williams 65.00 8.00 80.00

153.00 4. Air Force LAC Rhyan Bassett 52.50 65.00 32.00

149.505. Air Force FLTLT Rohan Jacobsen 29.00 20.00

100.00 149.00➤ Women’s snowboard1. Air Force FLTLT Amanda Gosling 100.00 100.00

80.00 280.00

2. Army LT Julie Lakotij 80.00 80.00 60.00 220.003. Army CAPT Arriana Keeys 40.00 40.00 100.00

180.00➤ Men’s skiing1. Navy AB Julian Jais 0.00 0.00 25.15 25.152. Navy MDSMN Matt Smith 14.96 12.76 3.13 30.853. Air Force FLTLT Michael Atkinson 17.96 16.23 0.00

34.19➤ Champion men’s snowboard squad Air Force (966.5pts)➤ Champion women’s snowboard squad Air Force (546pts)

CARVING UP THE POINTS

Boarders back on topCPL Max Bree

AIR Force snowboarders ended the Army’s nine-year winning streak, taking out the overall title at the ADF Snowsports Championships in Perisher Valley from August 11-15.

The men took four of the top five spots in the individual standings, while the airwomen won the snow-board team competition overall.

Army male boarders began the event well with first and second plac-es in the giant slalom event, but Air Force hit back taking first and second in the snowboard cross.

The overall result came down to the slope-style event, but a lack of snow during the RAAF boarders’ training camp at Mt Hotham meant they couldn’t practise their jumps.

FLTLT Rhys Brown, of 2SQN, topped the overall individual stand-ings and said the result could have gone either way.

“It was close, it really could have been anyone’s,” he said. “We prefer the slope-style, which is probably the Air Force’s best event and even though we didn’t have the jumps the week before we got first and second.”

FLTLT Amanda Gosling, of the Directorate of Aviation and Air Force Safety, finished on top of the wom-en’s individual standings.

“I was pretty confident, but snow-boarding is a game of luck as well as skill, so you never know what the result is going to be,” she said.

But it wasn’t an easy slide to victory, FLTLT Gosling said.

“The girls have really stepped up this year,” she said. “We’ve got great teams from each of the three services. It’s good competition.”

Strong finish in Nordic biathlon

TAKING AIM: CPL John Granich and SQNLDR Andrew Scholten compete in the Biathlon event.

Candice Murray

AIR Force personnel returned strong results at Exercise Coolshot 13 – the Air Force and Interservice Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Championships at Mount Hotham, Victoria.

Returning for his second year of skiing, and after excellent preparation, CPL John Granich, of HMAS Harman, was promoted to the senior men’s category and took out the RAAF Cross Country Skiing Male Championships.

CPL Granich was pleased with his improved showing and said it was better than last year.

“It was great to have the support of the team in maturing as an athlete and a leader,” he said.

SQNLDR Greg Foord, of RAAF Base Edinburgh, took out the RAAF Seniors Biathlon, while seasoned competitor FLTLT Tina Willmett remained undefeated in the hotly contested senior women’s RAAF Cross-Country and Biathlon events.

SQNLDR Lesley Leppard won the RAAF Intermediate Biathlon, SQNLDR David Child won the RAAF Intermediate Cross-Country and Biathlon, and ACW Valerie Lim won the RAAF Award for outstanding effort and determination.

In the interservice competition, the senior men’s and women’s biathlon, which was can-celled due to poor snow conditions, was raced as a 15km/7.5km freestyle cross-country ski event instead.

SQNLDR Andrew Scholten was the fastest Air Force finisher, just behind the race leaders.

The following day, intermediate men and women raced a 5km/3km biathlon with four shoots (two prone and two standing) in near perfect conditions. The intermediate women’s biathlon was won by ACW Chantelle Neville, edging out Navy by 4sec.

“I can’t believe I’ve come so far – next year will be even better,” ACW Neville said.

Air Force came a strong second in both the men’s and women’s biathlon patrol, a team-based event held over several hours and cover-ing about 12km, which involved intelligence gathering, navigational exercises and target shooting.

The sprint relay that afternoon was held in blizzard conditions, with teams sprinting 1km laps in a mixture of classical and skating disciplines.

The final event of the competition, a classi-cal cross-country skiing race in picture-perfect conditions, finished with Air Force coming

second in both the senior and intermediate women’s race. First to the end for Air Force was SQNLDR Scholten, setting a scorching pace and setting up a photo finish at the 10km mark.

The women’s event saw an even stronger finish at the 5km mark from FLTLT Willmett, who again brought credit to the team in her penultimate year of competition.

The excellent camaraderie between all services highlighted the ADF’s ability to operate effectively in triservice environments, and was reflected throughout the event.

Exercise Coolshot 13 was held from August 4-16.

Incoming Air Force Nordic Biathlon Association (AFNBA) president SQNLDR Rod Orrock said that with a strong team base, “high hopes are held for next year’s inter-service competition for the Air Force and I can’t wait to lead the team into hosting next year’s event”.

Air Force personnel (permanent and reserve) interested in Nordic and biathlon skiing can contact SQNLDR Rod Orrock at raafnordic@defence.gov.au

It’s a date! ADF day at ThredboLS Helen Frank

FOLLOWING the success of last year’s Thredbo ADF Day, Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd has announced that this year’s event will be held on September 20.

Thredbo Training Manager Paul Corcoran said it was a great opportu-nity to raise awareness of the sacri-fices made by Australia’s servicemen and women.

“Our intentions are pure and we want to take the time out to thank ADF members for their service to this great nation,” Mr Corcoran said.

“We are currently in contact with the Disabled Winter Sports Association with the aim of getting some of our disabled veterans out on the snow for the first time, empower-ing their rehabilitation.

“Having served in the RAN myself for 21 years, I am now in a position to empower the corporate world to recognise those efforts and to simply say ‘thank you’ to all ADF members.”

Military members will be able to buy a one-day lift pass for Thredbo on September 20 for $30. Members will be required to show their service ID card to receive the discount.

Mr Corcoran said he received a great deal of positive feedback from last year’s event and it was wonderful watching members of the public come up to ADF members, shaking hands and thanking them for their service.

“Most of all my aim is to highlight publicly the great efforts of the ADF and those fantastic people that wear our nation’s uniform,” he said.

HIGH STANDARDS: CPL John Granich, FLTLT Tina Willmett and SQNLDR Greg Foord with their spoils from the Air Force and Interservice Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Championships at Mount Hotham.

ON THE EDGE: Competitors race in the snowboard cross event during the Australian Defence Alpine Snowsports Championships at Perisher Valley. Inset, FLTLT Michael Atkinson hits the slopes. Photos: CPL Max Bree

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27August 29, 2013RCEAIR F Sp rt

SGT Christopher McCallion was ecstatic after notching up his first win as RAAF Base Wagga’s coach when the team beat the Riverina Rams in a charity Australian football match on August 11.

“It’s really nice to get the monkey off the back,” SGT McCallion said after RAAF Wagga, with the home-ground advantage, won 8.15 (63) to 2.7 (19).

This was the second time the teams had met to raise money for Wagga charities. Last year, the Rams won by a point.

Base charity committee member SQNLDR Brett MacDonald said the match provided a chance for some of the older footballers to dust off the boots and play in a fun, competitive game.

“The match is also a great opportunity for the base to foster community relationships and raise funds for two local charities – Can Assist Wagga and the Wagga Women’s and Children’s Refuge,” SQNLDR MacDonald said.

CPL Mark McGowan, of No. 1 Recruit Training Unit, took out best-on-ground honours.

During the past three years the committee has raised more than $30,000 and hopes to raise in excess of $10,000 this year with charity events, including a sports trivia night.

Wagga’s charity win

Michael Brooke

AIR Force’s most dedicated runners joined personnel who just wanted to have a go at the world’s biggest fun run from the Sydney CBD to iconic Bondi Beach.

The Air Force runners navigated their way through a human tidal wave of 85,000 athletes to complete the 2013 City2Surf in brilliant sunshine on August 11.

The Air Force runners included ADF athletes as well as running enthusiasts who wanted to conquer the 14km fun run.

FLTLT Stephen Gibbins, of RAAF Base Richmond, ran his first City2Surf in a time of 54min 8sec to place 409th overall.

FLTLT Gibbins hit the after-burners early in the event, covering the first 6.2km at an average speed of 16.92km/hr, but slowed to 13.60km/hr at the infamous heartbreak hill at Vaucluse.

“I was pretty happy with my time today because it’s a milestone, as well as preparation for the Canberra Half Iron Man in December, in which I hope to do well,” he said.

FLTLT Gibbins said he enjoyed challenging him-self physically and urged other Air Force personnel to do some exercise for the reward of good health and a “free endorphin hit”.

“Running isn’t always about winning, but just about having a go and doing your best because we enjoy the exercise,” he said.

Other race competitors included Gold Charity Legacy representatives, LACW Lisa James and LAC Matthew Spriggs, also from Richmond.

LACW James, of 22SQN, ran her second City2Surf in a time of 88.02 to place 27,467th overall.

“The biggest challenge for me wasn’t heartbreak hill but pushing my way through thousands of peo-ple at the start line,” she said.

“It was a great atmos-phere but there were just

so many people snapping at each others heels through the race.”

LACW James said this event was the second of three City2Surfs she will run this year to raise money for Legacy.

In finishing the Sydney City2Surf and the Brisbane City2Surf in June, LACW James raised $1013 for Legacy, and has now set her sights on the Sydney Tough Mudder in October and the Melbourne City2Surf in November.

CPL Matthew Spriggs clocked 88.36 to place 28,065th while raising $991 for Legacy.

Other runners included WGCDR Tim Horton, who ran 67.25, to place 5942 overall and 266th in his age group of 50-59.

“I ran a personal best today, about five minutes faster than I have run this event before,” he said.

WGCDR Horton, of Woodside Barracks in South Australia, said he ran his seventh Sydney City2Surf “to keep the young blokes honest”.

John Martin

THE ADF men’s basketball team was given a special mission when it played the Australian Opals at the Australian Institute of Sport on August 10.

The Opals had assembled in Canberra to prepare for their two coming games against the New Zealand Tall Ferns to decide which team qualifies for the women’s world championship in Turkey next year.

The Opals’ coaching staff wanted two things from the ADF Basketball Association (ADFBA) team, made up of five airmen, three soldiers and two sailors.

They wanted help to prepare for the New Zealand Tall Ferns and to play the kind of fast, powerful game the Opals are anticipating from the US at the world titles.

The Opals won 79-51, thanks largely to Lauren Jackson’s 30-point game and a flurry of three-pointers towards the end. But for most of

the game the margin was within 10 points.

LAC Kevin O’Sullivan and FLTLT Josh Garbett both scored 10 points.

The other Air Force players were LAC Ashley Condon (captain), LAC Stewart Cartwright and LAC Scott Benyon. FLTLT Danni Stone was team manager.

The ADF team and the Opals posed together for a group photo-graph after the game and FLTLT Garbett said the feedback was good.

“They were very happy with our intensity,” he said. “They got to run all their players. There were a lot of talented players on court.”

Australia and the US have a fierce rivalry. The US has won the world championship eight out of 16 times. Australia won it in 2006, but finished third in 1998 and 2002. They also took the bronze medal at the Olympic Games last year where the US won gold.

This time Australia, with new head coach Brendan Joyce, has high hopes.

In basketball-mad Turkey, the games there will be played in front of thousands of fans.

About 150 people watched the game on August 10. They included ADF supporters, members of the Australian men’s Boomers squad who were also in camp in Canberra and junior basketballers.

ADFBA pres ident LTCOL Geoffrey Young said it was an honour to be part of the occasion.

“The side was selected at short notice and through the good will of the members’ chains of command,” he said.

LTCOL Young will hand over to WGCDR Chris Robson in September.

The ADFBA national champi-onships will be held at Randwick Barracks in Sydney from November 15-23.

Footnote: Jackson continued her domi-nance, scoring a two-game total of 41 points to lead the Opals to two wins against New Zealand and qualification for the world titles.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: The Australian Opals basketball team joins the ADF men’s team for a photo after their match to help prepare the Opals for this year’s world titles.

Men on rebound against Opals

Runners take on iconic City2Surf

HOME RUN: FLTLT Stephen Gibbins, of ALG-HQ, rounds the final turn for the home stretch as he competes in the 2013 City2Surf fun run. Photo: LS Brenton Freind

Calling coaches and managersPROSPECTIVE coaches and manag-ers of Air Force’s soccer teams for the ADF interservice championship have until September 14 to apply.

The Air Force Football Association is calling for nominations for players, coaches and team managers to

represent the service in open men’s, over-35 men’s and open women’s teams at the nationals at Manly Football Club from November 2-8.

Send expressions of interest to FLTLT Ben Cowan at ben.cowan@defence.gov.au

SP RTAugust 29, 2013

Big shots hit the slopes

HIGH TIMEAttitude at altitude helps Air Force finally break the drought

Page 26

FOCUS: Snowboarder LAC Levi Williams

competes in the slope-style event during

the ADF Snowsports Championships at

Perisher Valley. Inset, FLTLT Rohan

Jacobson approaches a jump. Photos: CPL Max Bree

Page 26