Edition
E
dition 1
1276
276
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March
arch 1
1,, 2
2012
012
Recreating history:
Part of the 8/12 Regt
military re-enactment
team for the 70th
anniversary of the
bombing of Darwin
gathers at one of the
ceremonial guns. Front,
LCpl Maria Mowbray
and Gnr Cameron
Rackemann, centre, Pte
Karen Cregan and Gnr
Shane Hubbert, back,
Gnr Steven Cockings,
LBdr Joel McKinnon and
Gnr Michael Dawod.
Photo by Cpl Andrew Eddie
Troops from 8/12 Mdm Regt
bring back World War II for
onlookers commemorating
the bombing of Darwin
BACK
IN TIME
Centrepiece
Clean-up duty
Waterworks
Emergency Support Force
Em
finishes flood relief
efforts in Queensland
Ne amphibious ship
New
departs
de
for exercises
with 2RAR
PAGE 3
PAGE 5
2
NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army
March 1, 2012
Soldier injured
in Christmas
Island crash
A SOLDIER was seriously injured
in a car accident on Christmas
Island on February 11.
Two 1CER members were in
the car at the time of the crash.
Local emergency services
attended the accident and provided
immediate first aid. Both members
were taken to Christmas Island
Hospital.
The seriously injured soldier
was aeromedically evacuated to
Perth to receive specialist medical care. The second soldier was
released from hospital without
injury.
The members of 1CER
had travelled from Darwin to
Christmas Island to conduct project work for Border Protection
Command.
The Defence Community
Organisation organised for the
seriously injured member’s next
of kin to travel to Perth under
the Australians Dangerously Ill
Scheme.
The scheme sponsors travel for
a next of kin, relative or nominated
person to a member of the ADF
hospitalised through serious injury
or illness.
Update to be
released on
Women’s Day
CA LT-GEN David Morrison will
present his direction on current
and future initiatives for women
in the Army during a nationwide
International Women’s Day morning tea on March 8.
The CA will host an event at
Russell Offices at 10am on the day
and has encouraged all formations
to do the same.
Units planning to host regional
events should forward the details
to Career Management – Army’s
leadership development coordinator, Michelle Hannaford, by email
to michelle.hannaford@defence.
gov.au
Video of Lt-Gen Morrison’s
presentation will be available on
the new Army website at www.
army.gov.au for viewing during
unit morning teas.
International Women’s Day is
celebrated worldwide each year to
recognise the economic, political
and social achievements of women.
Details of regional events are available
on the Army women’s networking forum
website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/
armyweb/sites/armywomensforum/
New home: CO 3RAR leads his battalion down the strand in a march welcoming the unit to Townsville.
Photos by Sgt Darren Hilder
Old Faithful welcomed
with Townsville march
Soldiers introduced to new home with parade in Anzac park
Cpl Nick Wiseman
SOLDIERS from 3RAR were
formally welcomed to the city of
Townsville in a parade held on
February 10.
The Townsville community and
local officials welcomed the battalion
with the parade followed by a traditional welcome and civic reception at
Anzac park.
Despite last year being a busy year
for 3RAR, the transition from Sydney
to Townsville started in November
after three years of planning.
CO Lt-Col Trent Scott said the
move was a resounding success.
“There were obvious challenges
in moving the large amount of unit
resources and personnel from Sydney
to Townsville,” Lt-Col Scott said.
“The facilities and housing provided to the battalion were first rate
and eased the stress on families and
their relocation.”
After years of planning and construction the battalion moved into the
new purpose-built Kapyong Lines at
Lavarack Barracks, which will provide everything for the unit to remain
combat ready.
Most of the soldiers had been positive about the move to Townsville.
Rifleman Pte Caleb Sue-See said the
new location was excellent.
“The lifestyle is something I am
really looking forward to,” Pte SueSee said.
“The barracks are awesome and
better than I have ever seen.”
With the relocation completed,
preparations for the 3RAR-led MTF
5 deployment remain the main effort
for 2012.
Lt-Col Scott said it would be an
extremely important mission and one
the battalion had put an enormous
amount of effort into.
“Although the unit is deploying,
it has still been tasked to support a
number of domestic and international
engagements,” Lt-Col Scott said.
“This will be excellent training
and experience for the troops.”
The move to Townsville collocates
3RAR with the rest of 3 Bde, allowing greater access to training facilities and assets as well as combined
activities with other units within the
formation.
Lt-Col Scott said these opportunities, along with access to the local
training areas, would provide the battalion with better training activities.
“The battalion as ever remains
combat ready and combat capable.”
Local welcome: Performers from the local indigenous Wulguru dance
group welcome the battalion during a parade at Anzac Park.
The Soldiers’ Newspaper
Director
David Edlington: (02) 6265 4650
EDITORIAL
Editor
John Wellfare: (02) 6266 7609
Production Editor
Sharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612
Reporters
Sgt Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614
Cpl Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608
Cpl Melanie Schinkel: (02) 6265 2427
Cpl Nick Wiseman: (02) 6265 4140
LS Paul Berry: (02) 6266 7606
LCpl Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304
LAC Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355
Andrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 7611
Sydney
Michael Brooke (reporter): (02) 9359 2494
Bill Cunneen (photographer): 0402 155 220
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NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
3
Timeline of
relief effort
January 26-27
Two Black Hawk crews from the Oakeybased Army Aviation Training Centre conduct aerial reconnaissance along Lismore’s
flood-affected Northern Rivers region and
evacuate an elderly woman trapped by
floodwaters in the township of Ewingar.
February 2
Air Force’s 37 Sqn transports sandbags and
flood assistance equipment in a Hercules to
help the residents of Moree in NSW.
February 3-9
A detachment of 50 personnel, four Black
Hawks and four Kiowas from Oakey are
assigned to assist the flood-stricken regions
of Roma, Mitchell, St George, Dirranbandi
and south-east Queensland. Two people are
hoisted from a rooftop in Charleville, a family
of five are recovered from a flooded property in Galonga and seven people are rescued
from a property south of Charleville.
February 5
Thirty-two Warrawee Retirement Village
residents aged 67-97 years old, 17 stretcher-bound, are evacuated from St George by
Air Force’s 3 Expeditionary Health Sqn and
a 37 Sqn Hercules aircraft.
Rising from devastation: Capt Charlie Mansfield, LCpl Ken Leahy and Spr John Wainwright, of 2CER, help remove debris from the Balonne
River bridge in St George (left), while LCpl Jim Riordan shovels mud from around a home in the town (centre) and soldiers clean up Warrawee
retirement village.
Photos by LAC Leigh Cameron
Flooding subsides
Troops return to normal duties after busy week of clean-up operations
Cpl Melanie Schinkel
February 8
Enoggera-based 7 Bde deploys the ADF
Emergency Support Force (ESF) comprising 90 soldiers from D Coy, 6RAR, and
2CER to begin flood relief operations in
Roma and Mitchell.
February 9
On arrival in Roma the ESF provides manpower to the local residents and concentrates its clean-up efforts on the inundated
main township. Meanwhile, another element
of the force supports the submerged community of Mitchell. The force assists by
cleaning out houses as well as two schools,
the community museum and swimming pool.
February 10-13
Flood recovery operations continue in Roma
and Mitchell but the majority of the ESF is
relocated to St George to provide assistance
to the community as soon as floodwaters
recede. Thirty sailors from Fleet Support Unit
Sydney join the force and work together with
the soldiers to restore 50 flooded houses
and the Warrawee Retirement Village. Prime
Minister Julia Gillard arrives to inspect the
flood damage and commends the force on
its efforts. Engineers from 2CER clear trees
and debris from the only bridge in the region
that crosses the Balonne River, allowing it to
be reopened for community use.
February 14
Force personnel finish their work in Roma,
Mitchell and St George and return to their
home units in Brisbane and Sydney. The
force remains on standby to provide further
assistance if required.
AFTER almost a week of battling mozzies, midges and
putrid mud in sweltering conditions the ADF Emergency
Support Force (ESF) departed
south east Queensland’s floodstricken communities and
returned to their home units on
February 14.
Led by 7 Bde, the ESF comprised 90 soldiers from D Coy,
6RAR, and 2CER and 30 Fleet
Support Unit (FSU) sailors from
Sydney’s Fleet Base East.
At the request of the
Queensland Government,
through
Emergency
Management Australia, the
ESF was called on to provide
vital flood relief and support to
the inundated communities of
Roma, Mitchell and St George
on February 8.
Joint Operations Commander
Lt-Gen Ash Power said he was
proud of the force’s tireless
efforts.
“Soldiers, sailors, airmen and
airwomen are always prepared
to get their hands dirty and help
those Australians having a rough
time. What makes me most
proud though is that they always
do their jobs with a smile on
their faces,” Lt-Gen Power said.
On arrival in Roma and
Mitchell the force immediately
began clearing mud out of houses and removing damaged items,
rubbish and debris. Two days
later 30 FSU sailors joined the
force and formed part of the element that moved from Roma to
assist in St George. On February
12 the remaining personnel in
Roma and Mitchell shifted to
join the main recovery effort
in St George before completing works and returning to their
home units.
The OC of the ESF, Maj Paul
Mackenzie, said the assistance
provided by ADF personnel was
“exceptional and without fault”.
“Lots of tears flowed as
locals shared their stories with
us. Our hearts went out to these
poor people whose whole lives
had been damaged by water –
for many it was the third flood in
two years,” Maj Mackenzie said.
“The level of support the
force provided had a huge
impact on boosting community
morale and the residents’ psychological state. They were so
grateful to us for our willingness
to drop everything and give them
our all. I think we made them
feel looked after and that they
would get through it all in the
end.
“I’m sure memories of this
experience will linger with the
personnel who were involved for
a long time.”
He said the force’s greatest
achievement was assisting the
residents of St George in recovering the Warrawee Retirement
Village.
“The nursing home residents
weren’t capable of cleaning it up
themselves. The force focused
its efforts on the facility for an
entire day until it was all cleaned
out. Without our assistance it
would’ve taken them about two
or three months to restore.”
Rifleman Pte Benjamin
Vitnell, D Coy, 6RAR, said
it was his first time providing
flood relief and he was glad to
help his fellow Australians during their time of need.
“This was one of the first
tasks D Coy had done together
this year and it was good to do
something real even though it
wasn’t what we would normally
do in our jobs – we didn’t mind
at all, we just got in there and
cracked on with it,” Pte Vitnell
said.
“I enjoyed working with the
sailors at the retirement village.
It was our first time working
with Navy personnel and good
to see that they weren’t afraid to
get their hands dirty.
“Once we got back to
Brisbane it was straight back to
work. For the time being we’re
continuing to maintain the force
and prepping just in case we
need to go back.”
INQUIRY INTO UNRESOLVED RECOGNITION FOR PAST ACTS
OF NAVAL AND MILITARY GALLANTRY AND VALOUR
INVITATION
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (the Tribunal) is directed to
inquire into and report on the appropriate recognition for specific acts of gallantry
or valour performed by the following naval and military personnel:
Gunner Albert Neil (Neale) Cleary - Army
Midshipman Robert Ian Davies - Navy
Leading Cook Francis Bassett Emms - Navy
Lieutenant David John Hamer - Navy
Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick - Army
Lieutenant Commander Robert William Rankin - Navy
Able Seaman Dalmorton Joseph Owendale Rudd - Navy
Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean - Navy
Leading Aircrewman Noel Ervin Shipp - Navy
Lieutenant Commander Francis Edward Smith - Navy
Lieutenant Commander Henry Hugh Gordon Stoker - Royal Navy
Leading Seaman Ronald Taylor - Navy
Captain Hector Macdonald Laws Waller - Navy
The Tribunal is directed to make recommendations on the eligibility of the naval
and military members, as listed, to be awarded the Victoria Cross, the Victoria
Cross for Australia or other forms of appropriate recognition for their gallantry or
valour.
The Tribunal is conducting public hearings to hear evidence in relation to this
matter. The following hearings will be conducted in March 2012.
Brisbane – Tuesday 13 March 2012 commencing at 1pm at the Royal on the Park,
Corner of Alice and Albert Streets, Brisbane.
Canberra – Wednesday 14 March 2012 commencing at 9am at the Alastair Swayn
Theatre, 35 Brindabella Circuit, Brindabella Business Park, Canberra.
After a preliminary consideration of the submissions received concerning the
naval and military members listed above, the Tribunal has invited a number of
those who have made written submissions to appear as witnesses at these hearings.
Interested members of the public are invited to attend the Tribunal’s hearings.
For administrative purposes, please register your interest in attending by
contacting the Tribunal via telephone
(02) 6266 3486 or e-mail DHA.Tribunal@defence.gov.au.
The terms of reference for this inquiry can be obtained by reviewing the Tribunal
website at:
www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au
4
NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army
March 1, 2012
Ready your
sea legs – CA
Chief heralds new era of joint cooperation
Cpl Max Bree
A JOINT force operating in a maritime
strategy would be crucial to meeting Australia’s security demands, CA
Lt-Gen David Morrison said in his opening day address at the Navy Sea Power
Conference in Sydney on January 31.
ing, posture and culture will be difficult
but it has begun,” he said.
“It is absolutely necessary because
Australian maritime strategy demands
it. The Australia Army is on board, fully
embarked and ready to play its part.”
Chief of Navy VAdm Ray Griggs
also told the conference Army and Navy
would have a special relationship aboard
the LHDs.
“All three services play vital roles in
maritime power
projection, but
Army and Navy
in particular must
operate hand
in glove in this
domain,” he said.
“The amphibiDavid Morrison, CA
ous capability
is most certainly a game changer; it
will change the way we have operated
amphibious capabilities and challenge the
way we train as an ADF.”
The Sea Power Conference, entitled
“The Navy Contribution to National
Security and Prosperity”, featured presentations by more than 25 maritime strategists and academics.
The conference, the sixth in 12 years,
Splash down: Australian soldiers will need to become experts in amphibious operations over the coming
addressed the importance of sea power
years, according to CA Lt-Gen David Morrison (inset). Pictured here are 2RAR soldiers working with the
to safeguard national interests amid the
US Navy and Marines during Exercise RIMPAC in 2010.
Photo by AB Peter Thompson
global economic downturn.
“
“A maritime strategy is not a naval
strategy, it’s a joint, indeed an interagency, and perhaps
coalition strategy
and Army has an
essential role to
play if that strategy
is to continue to
have relevance in
the coming dec– Lt-Gen
ades,” he said.
Lt-Gen Morrison said the Army could
be thought of as a projectile to be fired by
the Navy.
“The weapon system of the new LHD
is in fact the embarked force,” he said.
As the amphibious capability is developed, 2RAR will form the basis of the
first Army amphibious battle group.
Lt-Gen Morrison said the Army was
urgently coming to grips with maintaining and sustaining a whole range of land
equipment in a maritime setting.
“Our transition from the current train-
The Army is on board,
fully embarked and
ready to play its part.
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Army
March 1, 2012
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
NEWS
5
Expeditionary exercise
New amphibious ship HMAS Choules to disembark combat team in two major training activities
Michael Brooke
THE HMAS Choules Ship’s Army
Detachment (SAD) is ready for the challenge of embarking and disembarking a
combat team from the ADF’s newest and
biggest warship for the first time.
Exercises Sea Lion and Squad Ex in far
north Queensland this month will mark Army’s
first exposure to the 16,800-ton amphibious
warship, HMAS Choules, which was procured
from the Royal Navy last year.
The exercises will hone amphibious procedures for the ADF’s transition to a true expeditionary capability in 2014 when the 22,000-ton
Canberra-class Landing Helicopter Docks are
scheduled to come into service.
Detachment 2IC Capt Philip Murphy said
Ex Sea Lion and Squad Ex would introduce
soldiers from 3 Bde to amphibious operations.
“The exercises will improve the SAD
and the embarked forces’ understanding of
the tasks necessary for the ADF to marshall
a landing force and project it into shore as an
adequate response to any emergency,” he said.
A major feature of the force integration
training is the transfer of soldiers, vehicles and
equipment to landing craft for an assault.
The exercises will be conducted during
Choules’ work-up program and mariner skills
evaluation, which are essential for operational
certification.
“The work-up program won’t be too daunting as most of the SAD served in HMA Ships
Kanimbla and Manoora, so they have already
integrated well with Navy,” Capt Murphy said.
Cargo specialist Pte Rodney Ferris said he
“nailed” the Navy lingo while undertaking the
basic combat sea survivability course in the
UK last year.
“Integrating with the Navy proved to be a
bit of a challenge because it entailed learning
‘jack speak’ to develop commonality of language,” he said.
Pte Ferris said since the ship’s company
and the SAD first came together as an entity
last July they had gained competency in a wide
range of skills and systems new to the ADF.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to
put theory into practice during the exercises
because we were trained on all the equipment,
including the 30-ton crane and the vehicle lifts,
before HMAS Choules was handed over to the
ADF last year.”
CA Lt-Gen David Morrison said the new
ship marked “the start of a new era in the delivery of amphibious capability for the ADF”.
Lt-Gen Morrison recently announced he
would commit an Army battle group, based
on 2RAR, and a cross section of combat and
enabling capabilities to develop the Army’s
amphibious capability.
Capability boost: HMAS Choules will embark and disembark an Army combat team for the first time during two exercises in far north
Queensland this month. Inset left, Sgt Donovan Watson from the HMAS Choules Ship’s Army Detachment reunites with his partner, Carrie
Brown, and their children Liam and Kaen after the new vessel arrived at Fleet Base East in Sydney. Inset right, the vehicle deck on HMAS
Choules allows the ship to carry about 150 light trucks.
Photos by Royal Navy photographer Shaun Barlow, LS Brenton Freind and LS Nina Nikolin
‘I never thought
I’d do 40 years’
ON BEING ppresented the Federation Star
by CA Lt-Gen David Morrison, CDF Gen
David Hurley ssaid he never thought he would
serve 40 years
yea when he marched into RMC
Duntroon on January 17, 1972.
“Hea
“Heaven
knows what we thought
ahe of us, just getting through
was ahead
ins
the institution
was our first aim, and
then maybe being a commanding
offic which seemed to be a fairly
officer,
este
esteemed
objective to have in your
life Gen Hurley said.
life,”
“If I was to finish today after 40
years service and finish in this job
– or really in any of the jobs I have
had in the Army over the years – I
wou always say what a marvelwould
lou decision I made on January
lous
17, 1972.”
Gen Hurley is pictured
he with his wife, Linda, after
here
the presentation.
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6
NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army
March 1, 2012
Finalist led
security
revolution
Security leader:
Ray Andersson
is a finalist in the
Excellence in
Security Awards
for his work
revitalising the
security policies
for the Army.
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CIVIL
SKILLS
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Skills in Reserve
Cpl Mark Doran
A FORMER adviser to the CA who revitalised the
Army’s approach to security has been nominated as
a finalist in the first annual Defence Excellence in
Security Awards.
Ray Andersson’s role with the Service Security
Authority – Army was to provide strategic security
advice to the CA on all facets of Defence security policy
and its implementation in the Army.
Mr Andersson also developed, reviewed and monitored the implementation of Army-specific security policy and was involved in the provision and management of
timely security intelligence to Army and Defence stakeholders along with providing technical security advice.
Mr Andersson said he was quite chuffed and honoured to be informed of his nomination as a finalist.
“When I joined the department in 2007 my principle aim was to regain control of protective security
within Army as it was starting to lose its traction,” Mr
Andersson said.
“Incidents were occurring which needed attention
and were simple to fix. Security governance was falling
behind and required more efficient methods of providing
assurance to the CA and the Defence Security Authority.”
Mr Andersson’s first major role as when joining the
department was to develop the Army Security Plan,
which formed the basis of the Defence Security Plan in
2008.
As the Chair of the Army Security Working Group, he
was able to drive a number of changes which have had a
direct impact on improving security in the Army.
Mr Andersson said one initiative he took great interest
in was to encourage the development of security adviser
positions in Army.
From this work developed the Army Security
Addendum, which consolidated all the information from
DIA OPS 65-2 (Security Arrangements for Army) and
put it into a more user-friendly format for commanders
and unit security officers.
“We provided templates and pro forma enabling it
to become a one-stop shop for all commanders and unit
security officers to have a standardised format for their
security governance,” he said.
“We also had to ensure we captured the information commanders required to be able to undertake their
responsibilities for unit security effectively.
“The feedback I have received from units and regional
areas of the Defence Security Authority said it was an
excellent product.”
Mr Andersson transferred from Defence in January
and is now based in Darwin as the Regional Security
Adviser for North Australia with the Department of
Human Services.
The Deputy Secretary Intelligence and Security
Award for Outstanding Leadership in Security will be
awarded at the Australian War Memorial on March 27.
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Army
NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
7
Getting the war on canvas
Australian war artist contributes paintings to international art tour
Cpl Mark Doran
I N T E R NAT I O NA L w a r a r t ist Amber Martin was the only
Australian artist invited to exhibit
work as part of the Graffiti of War
Project, which is touring the US and
UK in 2012-13.
Art led to the offer from the Graffiti
of War Project.
“The first painting, FUBR, is of
1CSR’s Sig Matthew Thornton’s tattooed arm and fist holding dog tags
and it is a very powerful image,” Ms
Martin said.
“Its meaning could be one person’s struggle, not just with PTSD, as
it could also be a tribute to the loss of
his mates in combat.
“The other painting is titled ‘The
Other Side of War’ and is from a
photo taken by Sgt Neil Ruskin of
Capt Alison Gillam with Afghan children during her deployment with the
Reconstruction Task Force in 2008.
“I wanted to show a different perspective with the humanitarian side of
war which also showed women on the
front line and encouraged people to
think of the support roles.”
Ms Martin is now a member of the
International Society of War Artists
and recently travelled to the US to
present a painting to the US Navy in
Gulfport, Mississippi.
She also spent a week painting
in the company of US Marine Corps
Combat Artists, Sgt Kris Battles
and WO Michael Fay, at Quantico,
Virginia.
Ms Martin’s next major project
is an entry for the 2012 Gallipoli Art
Prize with a painting depicting the
spirit of the Gallipoli campaign.
Two of Ms Martin’s original
paintings are part of the travelling
exhibition, which showcases more
than 150 paintings, sketches, graphic
designs and photographs created by
service members in Afghanistan, Iraq
and Kuwait, as well as submissions
by civilian artists.
The Graffiti of War Project
launched the second exhibition of its
national tour in Montgomery, Orange
County, New York, on February
17 at the Wolfgang Gallery, which
is owned by Mikey Teutul from
the Discovery Channel’s American
Chopper.
Ms Martin also donated four canvas prints of Australian soldiers for
fundraising by the volunteer-run project.
The goal of the national tour is to
raise awareness for members of the
armed forces who suffer from Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder, to showcase the emotions of war to those
who have not experienced them
and bridge the cultural gap between
warfighters and civilians.
Ms Martin said social networking For more information on the Graffiti of War
with Facebook and posting images on Project National Art Exhibition go to
a site called Unconventional Military www.graffitiofwar.com
Caught on canvas: Australian war artist Amber Martin has been invited to exhibit two of her works featuring
Australian soldiers in the international Graffiti of War art exhibition.
Photo by Imajenit Commercial Photography
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Army
NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
9
Guide put to test
VC recipient trials war memorial’s new bookk on tthe
he Wes
Western Front
Cpl Nick Wiseman
VICTORIA Cross recipient Cpl
Benjamin Roberts-Smith, of SASR,
tested out the Australian War
Memorial’s Anzacs on the Western
Front battlefield guide during a visit
to the front late last year.
Authored by Dr Peter Pedersen,
head of research at the war memorial, the book guides readers through
the battles fought by the Anzacs from
1916-1918 and features fully illustrated
maps and images from the memorial’s
archives.
Cpl Roberts-Smith said the book’s
vivid descriptions of the battles allowed
him to orientate himself to the sites and
see how they looked during the campaign.
“You could really appreciate the way
the battles were fought and the tactical
plans the junior Australian officers used
to fight the Germans,” Cpl RobertsSmith said.
Visiting the battlefields gave Cpl
Roberts-Smith the opportunity to better
understand what his relatives who had
fought there had seen and experienced.
“I had four relatives land at
Gallipoli, the two who were able after
that went on to fight in France on the
front,” Cpl Roberts-Smith said.
“Thanks to Dr Pedersen I had a copy
of the book and can speak from experience in saying it is an excellent work.”
Each chapter covers the important
tactical milestones passed along the
way and explains how the Australian
Imperial Force and the New Zealand
Top honour: Cpl James Rowe (left) is presented the Greg Sher award
by Greg’s brother Steven and Cpl Dean Anderson at the 5/6RVR mess.
Annual award to
honour top soldier
Cpl Nick Wiseman
Good read: Australian War Memorial head of research Dr Peter Pedersen
(left) and VC recipient Cpl Benjamin Roberts-Smith launch the AWM’s
battlefield guide to the Western Front in Canberra.
Photo by Cpl Nick Wiseman
Expeditionary Force evolved to meet
the war’s changing demands.
The book also features the personal
accounts and comprehensive knowledge
of Dr Pedersen who, having visited the
battlefields several times since 1976,
said he had seen them change dramatically over the years.
“When I visited Gallipoli for the
first time in 1981 for Anzac Day, there
were five people including myself,” Dr
Pedersen said.
“Compare that with Anzac commemorations now.”
Anzacs on the Western Front is available from
bookstores and the Australian War Memorial
for $49.95.
CPL James Rowe, of B Coy
5/6RVR, is the latest recipient of
the company’s Greg Sher Award,
presented in honour of former
member Pte Gregory Sher, killed in
Afghanistan in 2009.
The idea for the award originated from two of Pte Sher’s mates
at B Coy, Cpl Dean Anderson and
LCpl Ryan Aitken, with the award
presented at their annual dining in
night by a member of Pte Sher’s
family.
Cpl Anderson said Pte Sher
had been an active member of the
unit before undertaking commando
selection and was sorely missed.
“Out of respect for those who
knew Pte Sher, we contacted members of the unit who were currently
deployed to the Solomon Islands to
have a local carver create a plaque
in his honour,” Cpl Anderson said.
So far the annual award has
gone to Pte Alexander Wilding,
LCpl Nicholas Stebbins and Cpl
Rowe.
To be selected for the award,
members of B Coy must perform
to a high standard throughout the
year in normal unit training as well
as specialised fitness tests, in recognition of Pte Sher’s exceptional
fitness.
Pte Sher’s father, Felix, said it
was an honour to see his son recognised in such a way.
“It was so unexpected to have
5/6RVR implement an award that
is so enduring and honourable to
him,” Mr Sher said.
“He loved the Army and it was a
large part of his life.”
Pte Sher’s family was invited
to the unit’s mess for a Tuesday
parade night to see the award on
display.
On his first visit to the unit, Mr
Sher bought the soldiers a round of
drinks in appreciation.
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10
WORLD
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army
March 1, 2012
A chance for
politicians to
gain insight
Hitting it big: LCpl Ryan Nash, of the Defence Force School of Signals, plays the drums with his band during a gig in Melbourne.
Sig falls into music
LCpl Ryan Nash’s Melbourne-based band records its first album
Cpl Melanie Schinkel
OVERLOOKING the Atlantic
Ocean on the west coast of
Ireland is a place known as the
Atlantic fall that has captivated many poets and musicians.
Far from Irish shores but named
after the same eminent location
is LCpl Ryan Nash’s Melbournebased band, The Atlantic Fall,
which is celebrating the release
of its first studio album.
By day LCpl Nash is a telecommunications technician at
Simpson Barracks’ Defence Force
School of Signals. But by night
he is a drummer performing in
Melbourne’s plethora of booming
live music venues in his folk-rock
band.
With LCpl Nash on drums,
Will Horton on bass guitar and
Irish expatriate Gavin Smith on
lead vocals and guitar, the band
formed in late 2009 and released a
demo in July 2010 before locking
themselves in a recording studio
for three weeks to lay down their
11-track self-titled debut album.
“This year we will be playing as many gigs as possible to
promote our new album, which
was released in late November. We
have also begun writing new material and aim to test it out at our
shows before heading back into
the studio later this year,” LCpl
Nash said.
“The band has a strong work
ethic which is setting it up for very
good things. We could already
record another album with the
amount of songs we’ve written.”
Influenced by colossal groups
such as U2, Foo Fighters, The
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
and Pearl Jam, The Atlantic Fall’s
music features solid melodic verses and powerful catchy sing along
choruses.
“I get a kick out of playing our
music live. I love seeing other people enjoy it and then come back
with their mates the next week to
hear us play again – it’s a wonderful feeling,” LCpl Nash said.
“Living in Melbourne, we are
really lucky because there are so
many first-rate venues to play in
and even more awesome bands to
play with that people want to see
perform.”
He said the band had received
overwhelming support from his
ADF workmates.
“The encouragement we’ve
received from my workplace has
been excellent. Many of the guys
from the School of Signals have
spread the word and turned up to
gigs to cheer us on. They think
it’s pretty cool to see a soldier getting out there and having a go at
music.
“This posting has been great
because it has enabled me to pursue other interests outside of the
Army. The odd field exercise or
duty doesn’t interfere with the
band too much and my bandmates
are really understanding, which
makes juggling my work responsibilities easier.”
FEDERAL politicians will soon be “in the trenches”
with soldiers again after the launch of this year’s ADF
Parliamentary Program by VCDF Air-Mshl Mark
Binskin and Defence Parliamentary Secretary Senator
David Feeney on February 8.
Members of Parliament will have the opportunity to
work alongside recruits at Kapooka, head to Shoalwater
Bay for Exercise Hamel or go to Perth for SASR selection.
There are also opportunities to visit overseas operations.
Positions are open for 19 politicians on activities
ranging from five to 10 days and usually occur during
Parliament’s recess periods through autumn and winter.
Speaking at the launch, Air-Mshl Binskin said politicians should find the ADF members to be an impressive group of young people.
“I am confident you will find them to be well
trained, dedicated, articulate and truly fine young
Australians,” he said.
“They are proud of the job they do and I know they
will welcome you to their unit, squadron or ship, particularly in the circumstances of this program where you
are prepared to join them in their daily routines without
the constraints of a VIP visit.”
Later in the year, 15 Defence personnel will also be
hosted at Parliament House during a sitting week to see
the inner workings of Parliament.
Listen to The Atlantic Fall at
www.facebook.com/Theatlanticfall,
www.myspace.com/theatlanticfall or
download the new album from the
iTunes store at http://itunes.apple.com/
au/artist/the-atlantic-fall/id424093629
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First-hand experience: Federal politicians Julie
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Timor and the Solomon Islands during the ADF
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Army
11
WORLD
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
Going great guns
Kabul-based artillery trainers seee confidencee ggrow
row among Afghan students
THE snow covered mountains on
the eastern outskirts of Kabul
resound with a thunderous crack
as Afghan National Army (ANA)
artillerymen live fire D-30 howitzers on the heavy weapons range at
the Kabul Military Training Centre’s
School of Artillery.
The exercise is the final phase of
a 16-week first appointment course
for ANA artillery officers before they
graduate.
The school has been open for 12
months, with the third rotation of
Australian artillery mentors finishing an eight-month deployment to
Afghanistan this month.
Artillery Advisory Team CO Lt-Col
Tim Griggs said his multinational team
of artillery mentors provided training
to about 400 Afghan artillerymen.
“We run courses ranging from six
to 16 weeks, targeting the basic level
to more compressive training at the
officer level,” he said.
“Each rotation has had a different
focus and we were able to build on
what has been achieved by the previous two rotations.
“We were handed the school at a
time when it was in a very good position, where we could not only focus on
running courses but also ensuring that
we invested in the instructional development of the ANA trainers.”
With ANA expected to take respon-
Ready to fire: WO2
Scott Caswell talks to
Afghan Lt Abdul Rauf
through range safety
procedures during a livefire exercise at the Kabul
Military Training Centre.
Inset, Afghan soldiers fire
the guns with supervision
from Australian and
US mentors.
Photo by Sgt Mick Davis
sibility for security in Afghanistan by
2014, Lt-Col Griggs said the training
and mentoring provided by the multinational team would allow the ANA to
run artillery training independently.
“While transition will definitely
occur, artillery is a specialist corps
which relies on a thorough foundation
of knowledge and it takes time to grow
that,” he said.
“The relationship that the
Australian mentoring team has with
the school is one that is highly valued
by the Afghans and one that I hope
will continue.”
The team has set itself apart from
similar mentoring programs by also
providing literacy and numeracy training to Afghan soldiers before they start
their artillery training.
“This is a key aspect of our training
because of the strong requirement for
literacy and numeracy skills in artillery, perhaps more so than in some of
the other branches of the ANA,” Lt-Col
Griggs said.
Mentor Bdr Bradley May said he
had witnessed several examples of positive change and growth in the Afghan
soldiers during his deployment.
“One aspect that stood out to me
was that the ANA members took on
more responsibility,” he said.
“They would come with solutions
to a problem, rather than just coming
to us with a problem asking us to fix
it.
“As their skills developed so did
their confidence, which was good
to see.”
NAVY, ARMY, AIR FORCE
Suck it up: Cpl Janice Collins, of CT-U, gets her blood screened by US Army
Sgt Samantha Brooks at the Tarin Kot Role 2 medical centre.
Photo by Sgt Mick Davis
Donors drawn to Tarin
Kot blood screening
Maj Al Green
for the person undergoing transfusion
during surgery.
When the call came for coalition sol“It’s my job to ensure supply and
diers to register for blood screening
make sure they get the right product,”
at Multinational Base Tarin Kot the
she said, adding that there was no shortresponse was both positive and negative age of willingness among the troops to
– donors of all blood types hastened to
provide it.
respond.
“You donate blood because your batRunning the blood screening protle buddy needs your help – I mean there
gram, US Army lab technician Sgt
are critically wounded soldiers on the
Samantha Brooks said in the event of
table and getting blood right away saves
an emergency, such as a mass casualty
lives, it really does.”
incident, pre-screened donors could be
It was this mindset that led Australian
called upon to ensure quick supply of the Cpl Janice Collins, of Combined
right blood type.
Team – Uruzgan, to roll up her sleeve and
“We want to provide the safest blood provide vials of blood for testing.
possible and with pre-screens it gets
“I give blood regularly back home
tested so that we know donors are good
and am especially motivated to donate
to go,” She said.
here in Afghanistan to help wounded
Sgt Brooks provides the blood typing comrades and all in need,” she said.
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12
WORLD
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army
Aussie officer
receives US
Bronze Star
Embeds make mark
Australian officers ‘punch above their weight’ at international headquarters
A SMALL group of ADF
embeds are making a real difference across key positions
at the International Security
A s s i s t a n c e Fo r c e ( I S A F )
joint command in Kabul,
Afghanistan.
Based at Kabul International
Airport, the operational headquarters is responsible for the
daily campaign in Afghanistan
and is staffed by personnel from
33 contributing countries.
A small group of Australians
hold key appointments throughout the HQ. They range in
rank from captain up to deputy chief of staff plans Maj-Gen
Steve Day, the highest ranking
Australian officer in Afghanistan.
The command’s chief of
staff, UK Maj-Gen Tim Radford,
described the Australian embeds
at the headquarters as “impressive”.
“Their contribution has been
made at a very important time in
this campaign, whether in legal
advice in support of operations,
future plans or current operations,” he said.
“The high quality Australian
officers within this HQ have provided a combination of intellect,
diplomacy and operational experience which has been invaluable.”
Australian embed Lt-Col
Michael Colquhoun has recently taken up a position as one of
the campaign planners and has
assisted Afghan forces writing
the future campaign plan.
“Working in this HQ offers a
unique experience for Australian
embeds. There’s nothing like
this at home,” Lt-Col Colquhoun
said.
Senior Afghan planners
recently produced their first campaign plan written in Dari and
translated to English.
Held in high regard: Former deputy chief of staff plans at Headquarters ISAF joint command, MajGen Michael Krause, is presented with the US Bronze Star by regional commander, US Maj-Gen
Curtis Scaparrotti in Kabul, Afghanistan.
“The fact that the Afghan
National Security Forces wrote
the campaign plan with assistance from us is a real indicator
that they are ready to step forward and take on lead responsi-
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bility for securing their country,”
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Maj Jim Matchett, another
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“The exposure to how the
other international partners conduct their operations has broadened my understanding of the
campaign in Afghanistan,” Maj
Matchett said.
MAJ-GEN Michael Krause has been awarded the US
Bronze Star for flying the Australian flag high at the
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) joint
command in Afghanistan.
He received the award at the end of his 12-month
appointment as deputy chief of staff plans at the
headquarters.
As the first Australian officer to take up the position, he described it as one of the most challenging
experiences of his 32-year Army career.
“This position was certainly the toughest job I’ve
had by a country mile. It’s required a level of perseverance and mental strength that I didn’t expect,”
Maj-Gen Krause said.
“It has also been extremely rewarding. Working
in a multinational headquarters where you are not
the lead nation means you have to sell yourself, your
goods and your plan every day.”
The Australian embeds at ISAF joint command
work with their coalition partners and in full partnership with the Afghan National Security Forces
to conduct operations which reduce the insurgent threat and support improved governance in
Afghanistan.
“I leave this appointment confident that the
Afghanistan plan is working,” Maj-Gen Krause said.
“We have seen the insurgent momentum stopped
and we enter 2012 with the initiative. This campaign
is very achievable and it’s a case of us having the
willpower and the resources to finish it off.”
Australia is just one of 49 contributing nations,
but Maj-Gen Krause said the contribution of the
Australian embeds at the joint command was invaluable.
“The Australians who work here are a classic
example of punching above their weight,” he said.
“I am proud of each and every one who has
served here because they have been a credit to
Australia. We produce exceptionally good officers
who put the mission first, and who endure a complex
and difficult work environment.”
He said he was honoured to be awarded the
Bronze Star.
“Working with the US forces is both humbling
and awe inspiring. They have paid a heavy toll in
blood and treasure and I am honoured to have taken
part in this campaign with them.”
Maj-Gen Krause handed over to fellow Australian
Maj-Gen Stephen Day on January 24.
SOUTHERN REGION HEALTH
SERVICES CONFERENCE 2012
Abel Point Marina,
Airlie Beach QLD
THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF WAR
WHEN
Saturday 31 March 2012, 0730 to 1700
WHERE
Victoria Barracks, St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Shedden Theater
WHO
Tri-Service Health Personnel of all ranks,
Defence Civilian Health Personnel, Civilian Health Personnel
REGISTRATION
$20 - Registrations Close 23 March 2012
Note: Information for pre conference function on Friday 30 March and
Formal Dinner on 31 March supplied with registration information.
ENQUIRIES
March 1, 2012
TELL US
YOUR
STORY
Nobody knows the
inside scoop like
soldier on
the ground.
the
If you have an
Captain Peter Rogers
Telephone: 0404 870763
Email: peter.rogers@defence.gov.au
interesting story
to tell, get in touch
with Army and get
it in print.
Many interesting presentations
about experiences and lessons
learnt relating to current
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Army
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
WORLD
13
Mentoring at the top
Australians contribute to skills development of high-level Afghan officers from 205 Corps
A typical mentoring day begins in
SENIOR Afghan officers from the 205
Corps are learning to lead and manage the corps’ morning operational briefing
their formation with the support of the and consists of mentors joining their
Afghan counterparts in meetings with
205 Coalition Advisory Team (CAT).
Led by Australian Col Richard
Parker, 205 CAT is a combined team of
Australian and US military personnel
tasked with developing Afghan National
Army (ANA) skills, knowledge and
effectiveness at the corps, or division,
level. The team accomplishes this with
daily one-on-one interaction with key
205 Corps ANA staff.
“The team enjoys an excellent working environment, supports each other
and is focused on achieving the outcome of a professional and capable 205
Corps through a methodical and dedicated approach to mentoring, advising
and teaching,” Col Parker said.
“The opportunity to serve alongside the US in the development of the
ANA allows varied points of view to be
expressed and we also learn from each
other as well as the Afghans.”
Mentor Lt-Col John Carey said
working daily as an adviser involved
many challenges and rewards as the
mentors imparted necessary skills and
knowledge to their Afghan counterparts,
helping them make effective decisions
while allowing Afghan policies and procedures to work for the Afghans.
“As advisers we must be patient,
enthusiastic and demonstrate interpersonal skills,” he said.
“There are daily obstacles, but progress is being made, largely because of
the dedication of the Afghans.”
key leaders and discussing the day’s
events and what opportunities may
come from those events.
Col Parker, who mentors 205 Corps
commander Maj-Gen Abdul Hamid,
thinks the learning is a two-way street.
“Maj-Gen Hamid is an experienced
officer, so I am more of a sounding
board and someone he can share ideas
with. It is a great privilege to serve with
him,” Col Parker said.
The day-to-day relationship and
mentoring is making marked improvements in the 205 Corps. Over the past
few months the corps’ staff have developed a greater planning capability and
are actively preparing for the 2012
fighting season, including conducting
independent operations.
“We are seeing correspondence produced on time that gets actions done,”
Col Parker said.
“The CAT is very proud of where
the corps is heading and we are looking
forward to watching this corps become
even more effective in the next six to 12
months.
“Our goal is to make the 205 Corps
the primary military force in the
region.”
The 205 Corps area of operations extends across Kandahar, Zabul,
Uruzgan and Daykundi provinces in
southern Afghanistan.
Sound advice: Col Richard Parker talks with Afghan Maj-Gen Abdul Hamid (inset) as troops of the ANA
205 Corps parade in Kandahar.
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Army
CENTREPIECE
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
15
The centrepiece of 70th anniversary commemorations for the bombing of
Darwin was a fast-paced re-enactment of the first Japanese air raid, Leut
Andrew Ragless and Cpl Nick Wiseman explain.
Photos by Cpl Andrew Eddie
Fire for effect: Gunners from 8/12 Mdm Regt re-enact the
defence of Darwin against the first major Japanese air raid
on February 19, 1942.
F
OUR Vietnam-era howitzers roared to life in a
200-second salvo to reenact the Army’s defence
of Darwin during the
70th anniversary of the
Japanese attack.
The enemy: Japanese
Aichi D3A Navy Type
99 Val carrier bombers
were used in the
bombings of Darwin
and Pearl Harbour.
The M2A2 105mm ceremonial howitzers were used in place of the anti-aircraft weapons that would have been fired
on the morning of February 19, 1942.
The air raid by 242 Japanese fighters,
bombers and dive bombers was the first
and largest enemy attack on Australian
soil.
Seventy years on, the soldiers of 8/12
Mdm Regt trained their guns on an Air
Force Orion representing a Japanese
bomber as it flew fast and low over a
crowd of more than 7000 onlookers.
Commanding the gun troop was Lt
Matthew Seabrook, who initiated his
team’s engagement by locating the
incoming aircraft with binoculars and
issuing fire discipline orders to his
troops.
Lt Seabrook said it was an honour
to be involved in the re-enactment and
illustrate the courage and initiative of the
men and women who fought to defend
the city.
“It’s a very important event in our
nation’s history,” he said.
“As a soldier, it made me very proud
to honour the Australians who fought so
bravely on that day.”
Gnr Luke Kerfoot said he had a
great deal of admiration for those who
manned the original anti-aircraft guns
on the day.
“It was a tough morning for us in
34 degrees and 80 per cent humidity –
I don’t how those diggers did it,” Gnr
Kerfoot said.
“We were all very proud to represent
them today.”
Supporting the re-enactment were
two female members of the unit dressed
in period nurse uniforms to represent the
medical staff who tended to the wounded.
LCpl Maria Mowbray said they had
researched the outfits and chose them to
make the event a little more authentic.
Ready for action: A
machinegun crew stands
to on anti-aircraft duty
near Darwin in 1942.
Historical photos provided by the
Australian War Memorial
The year Australia
nearly went out
Leut-Cmdr Tom Lewis
the shipping in the crowded harbour,
and the Zero fighters escorted them
T WAS because their first attack on all successfully – only three Japanese
Australia had failed that the Japanese machines fell to the anti-aircraft guns
struck against Darwin in 1942.
and defending US Kittyhawk fighters.
It was also because of their grand
On February 19, 246 people were
strategy that they kept coming back
killed, every capable aircraft destroyed
across the north of Australia, raiding
and 10 ships sunk. The Japanese had
Queensland, the Northern Territory, and avenged their submarine and achieved
Western Australia throughout 1942 and the first part of their aim: to prevent the
1943.
northern Australian land mass becoming
Their strikes both there and throughout south-east Asia were nearly success- a base for harassing the Japanese invaful – 1942 was the year Australia nearly sion of New Guinea.
If New Guinea fell, this would allow
went out.
the empire to control, through warship
The idea was simple: secure the
and aircraft deployment, the eastern
southern borders of the new-found
coast of the Australian seaboard. And
Japanese empire in what is now
therefore the US would be stymied,
Indonesia.
The presence of a large Allied deep- stuck in San Diego, and unable to prosecute the war as World War II ships and
water port a short sea voyage, or mere
aircraft did not have the range to travel
hours in aircraft away, was a nagging
thorn in the Japanese security fence.
to the Japanese possessions and attack.
Four 80-man submarines were sent
So the Japanese forces attacked
south where they laid mines and lurked all across northern Australia. In WA’s
submerged for targets outside Darwin
Broome, nine single-seat fighters killed
harbour.
about 86 people ready to depart the harOn January 20, 1942, they engaged
bour in flying boats.
by torpedo an American convoy and
Marauding aircraft raided as far
missed. Enraged local warships surged
south as Katherine in the NT, and to
out to destroy the threat and corvette
coastal settlements such as Milingimbi,
HMAS Deloraine evaded a torpedo by
attacked three times in 1943.
three metres due to teamwork and splitTownsville in Queensland was struck
second skill.
The corvette charged down the track four times by raiders. But the spoiling
strategy was in vain.
of the underwater weapon and depthThe Allies were strengthening their
charged the I-124 to the seabed. The
defence
with radar and fighter aircraft,
other three boats fled, and the Japanese
and then the bomber fleets began gathHigh Command brooded over their
ering and venturing north. Soon they
defeat.
were raiding slowly but successfully
A month later they attacked again,
around the Pacific, and the Japanese
this time with four aircraft carriers and
were pushed back to eventual defeat
188 aircraft. The high-level bombers
in 1945.
hit the town, dive bombers struck at
I
Star attraction: Prime Minister Julia Gillard has her photo
taken with the re-enactors from 8/12 Mdm Regt.
Nursie, nursie
Nursie, come over here
And hold my hand
Nursie, there’s something
I can’t understand
‘Round my hear t
I’ve got a funny pain
Oh-oh-oh-oh
It’s coming up again
“We completed the look by carrying
first-aid bags with us,” she said.
“The re-enactment went really well,
with the public commenting on how
good the costumes looked.”
Dressed up and walking through the
public on the Friday for photo opportunities, the two “nurses” found themselves being serenaded by a group of
World War II veterans.
LCpl Mowbray said she felt honoured to bring back the memories and
see the mateship they displayed.
“After all these years they still have
great memories singing and laughing
together,” she said.
“It was nice to be sung to like that, it
showed they still had their mischievous
side despite the tragic events.”
The main commemoration at
D a r w i n ’s C e n o t a p h wa s l e d b y
Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Prime
Minister Julia Gillard and VCDF Air-
Nursie, come over here
And hold my hand
I feel awful blue
Nursie, when I look at you
My hear t goes dooby-doo
Nursie, nursie
Can’t get any worsey
What ya gonna do?
Mshl Mark Binskin alongside international dignitaries.
Air-Mshl Binskin said he was
impressed with the ceremonial displays
and ADF support to help mark the anniversary.
“The Navy, Army and Air Force are
proud to support the anniversary of the
bombing of Darwin commemorations
and we honour the veterans who made
the long trip to Darwin and will ensure
their efforts are not forgotten,” he said.
“These commemorations are a
time for the community to reflect on
the largely untold story of the attack on
Darwin and remember the sacrifice of
around 250 people who were killed and
400 wounded during the Japanese air
attack.”
The bombing of Darwin anniversary
was officially recognised as a National
Day of Observance by the Prime
Minister on November 18 last year.
Time to remember: The catafalque party presents arms as
the bugler plays the Last Post near the end of the ceremony.
Mark of respect: Senior
military guests lay wreaths
at the cenotaph during the
Darwin service.
Looking back:
Veterans Sandy Dahl
and Geoff Turner
represent the 2/4th
Australian Pioneers
at the service.
16
LETTERS
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army
March 1, 2012
Family grateful for
all the support
WE WOULD like to pass on the appreciation of Tpr Adam Hasler’s family for
the incredible support received in relation
to his current battle with cancer.
Adam, of B Sqn 3/4 Cav Regt, was
recently diagnosed with Hodgkins
Lymphoma and the family have high
expectations of a full recovery following several months of chemotherapy in
Townsville.
The week confirming Adam’s illness,
his and wife Jasmin’s first son, Wyatt,
was born and it has not been easy for the
family over the past few weeks.
The Army family, however, have been
brilliant, according to Adam and Jasmin.
From B Sqn in Townsville, to the
deployed soldiers in Afghanistan,
2/14LHR and 2 Cav Regt, all have contributed in many ways to assist the young
family.
Adam’s immediate chain of command
has ensured a trouble free time for specialist appointments, flights to Brisbane
for scans and the time off for chemo.
Adam and his family can’t thank
the Army and friends enough for all the
assistance thus far and he looks forward
to getting back to work soon.
The Hasler family
Hobart
Experience building: Increasing joint training activities and long-term exchange postings with foreign
militaries is the best way to increase the skills and experience of Australian personnel, according to Capt
Jason Morrison.
Photo by Cpl Janine Fabre
No need to buy
skilled people
On the mend: Tpr Adam Hasler, of 3/4 Cav Regt, pictured here in Afghanistan,
has been undergoing treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma and is expected to
make a full recovery.
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I AM somewhat bemused by
the increased demand for lateral
recruits and the emphasis that is
being placed on this scheme to fill
“skills shortages” in the ADF.
While this is not a slight on the
individuals recruited through this
scheme, surely this is recognition
that our system is broken and that
we must address the root cause of
these problems.
By increasing the number of
long-term exchange postings (in
areas other than long-term schooling) and international exercises, we
have ample opportunity to harness
the operational experience and skillsets of other nations (principally
the UK, US and Canada) and learn
the operational lessons that we, as a
defence force, didn’t allow ourselves
to learn in Iraq and Afghanistan.
However, in the name of shortterm savings, these opportunities are
being reduced or eliminated and we
instead apply another band-aid to an
arterial bleed.
Cash retention bonuses do not
keep intrinsically motivated people
in the Army – it is belief in the mis-
sion, faith in the chain of command
and a sense of purpose towards
achieving this mission.
Continuing to throw cash at people in order to retain them, recruiting members whose own nations
no longer require their service, or
posting skilled personnel to menial administrative roles (which also
often happens in the case of lateral recruits) is an insult to those
who have never asked for anything
other than to serve their country in a
meaningful way.
Service over self is the only bastion that separates the Army from a
well-connected and equipped mercenary force. Those who have reversed
this should be targeted for removal
from the Army, rather than offering
them extra money in order to meet
arbitrary retention targets.
Capt Jason Morrison
Defence Materiel Organisation
DGPers-A Brig Gavan Reynolds
responds:
CAPT Morrison raises some important points regarding the growth and
sustainment of Army’s workforce.
To this end, Army is working on a
range of options to remediate longterm personnel deficiencies through
the use of targeted initiatives.
These initiatives include ongoing
trade reviews, additional recruiting
to target serious and critical trades
and enhancing the employment offer
so it meets our soldiers’ expectations.
To complement these initiatives,
Army has also undertaken work to
remediate shorter term deficiencies
which include the use of bonuses for
specific trades, continuous full-time
service and the recruitment of laterals from overseas applicants, the
reserve and other services.
There are some great benefits for
Army from these initiatives including growth in diversity and experience from continuous full-time service and lateral recruitment.
It is important to note that one
single initiative will not remediate the current deficiencies; rather
it is the combined and coordinated
effects of the Army People Plan
that will ensure that being a soldier
means you can support your family
while serving your nation.
PHILLIP DAHLER
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Army
FEATURES
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
17
More than the minimum
M
OST people come to the
Army after phone calls,
interviews and paperwork
with Defence Recruiting
but it was a marble drawn from a
barrel that brought Lt-Col Gary
Barnes to the Army more than 40
years ago.
The Army’s last continually serving national serviceman, Lt-Col Barnes
hung up his slouch hat on February 7.
While working as a clerk with the
Engineering Water Supply in South
Australia, Lt-Col Barnes was listening to the national service lottery as he
drove through Port Lincoln when his
number came up.
“Mine was the second or third
number out of the barrel,” he said. “I
was quite pleased. I thought it was an
adventure that I’d like to undertake.”
Despite the controversy surrounding
conscription, Lt-Col Barnes believes it
served a purpose at the time but would
not be “politically acceptable” today.
“For the time it was a very good and
efficient solution in fulfilling the need
to get soldiers into the military ASAP to
support the ADF effort in the war.
“I doubt that it would ever happen
again, at least not in my lifetime.
“Even the basic infantryman is now
very technically skilled; no longer can
you just throw a guy a rifle, give him
six months training and expect him to
go off to war.”
At 20 years of age, Lt-Col Barnes
arrived for recruit training at 2RTB in
Puckapunyal on July 8, 1971. But after
three weeks he was selected for officer
training at Scheyville near Sydney.
Some people became officers to lead
The Army’s last continually serving Nasho has retired after more than
40 years in uniform, Cpl Max Bree reports.
Long national service: Lt-Col Gary Barnes discusses operations with Polisario liaison officer Bomba Berray
while deployed with UN peacekeeping operations in Western Sahara in 1993.
Photo by LCpl Geoff Fox
men or gain status, but Lt-Col Barnes
and his mates were more pragmatic.
“There was more pay as an officer,”
he said.
“A number of us thought ‘if we’re
going to do it for two years we might as
well do it as an officer’.
“After three weeks of being pushed
around by the corporals at Puckapunyal,
we’d had enough and thought that officer training could not possibly be worse.
How wrong we were!”
While Lt-Col Barnes really had no
trouble with the rigours of the training at OTU Scheyville, only 32 out of
70 men passed the intense 20-week
National Service Officer course
designed to train platoon commanders
for Vietnam.
However, Australia’s involvement in
Vietnam was coming to an end and then
2Lt Barnes graduated just months too
late to be deployed.
“I was bitterly disappointed at the
time, however, in hindsight and for very
many differing reasons, I’m very glad it
didn’t happen,” he said.
Instead Lt-Col Barnes was posted
to 1RTB Kapooka as a platoon commander training new Army recruits – 17
year olds instead of the national service
20 year olds.
It was during this two-year posting
that he was inspired to take the “next
step” in his military career after meeting
two corporals from the SASR.
“They were two of the most impressive soldiers I had ever met in my short
career to that date,” Lt-Col Barnes said.
He said his selection course was
similar to selection today.
“It was bloody hard. Although initially it was only a few weeks of physical and mental stress to condition us
and skim the cream off the top, it was
followed by a number of must-pass
basic skills courses.
“It’s the hardest thing you’ll do in
your entire life.”
He passed selection in 1975 and was
posted to 152 Sig Sqn before becoming the SASR adjutant on promotion to
captain and later the operations officer
at 152 Sig Sqn.
In 1988 he was sent to Germany as
a squadron commander with the UK’s
7 Sig Regt and was there for the end of
the Cold War.
Three years after making lieutenant
colonel, he was deployed with the UN
peacekeeping mission to the Western
Sahara in 1993 as the commanding
officer of the Australian contingent.
A posting as Special Force Liaison
Officer to the US Special Forces
Command in late 2001 meant Lt-Col
Barnes served with US Special Forces
during the Iraq war in 2003.
His final posting was as the
Assistant Defence Attaché to the
Philippines.
“That final posting was possibly
one of the most rewarding postings of
my entire career and certainly one that
motivated me to endeavour to continue
to represent Australia, and more importantly the ADF, in a thoroughly professional manner.”
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18
FEATURES
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army
March 1, 2012
Singapore
Remembering old
mates: Veterans (front
row from left) Gordon
Butler, Roy Cornford,
Peter Dimopoulos,
(back row from left)
Derek Holoake, George
Smith and William Ennis
rest in the shade after
an emotional service
at Changi Chapel to
remember those who
died as POWs of the
Japanese during WWII.
Photo by Cpl Melina Mancuso
CHANGI COURAGE
IT WAS an emotional return for six veterans of the
Malayan campaign who travelled to the Changi
Chapel to remember those who died during their
internment as POWs.
For veteran George Smith, who spent more than
three years as a POW at the Changi camp, the ceremony was a reminder of the suffering he endured.
“Usually I try not to think about it – you get too
upset otherwise,” he said.
“But this service is great. It’s very moving to
come here.”
Australia’s Federation Guard mounted a catafalque party as wreaths were laid to honour the suffering of the POWs. More than 22,000 Australians
were captured after the fall of Singapore on
February 15, 1942.
More than 100,000 allied POWs were crammed
into Changi camp, which was originally a British
Army barracks, after the fall of Singapore. Many
work forces were assembled in Changi before being
sent to the Thai-Burma Railway and other work
camps throughout Asia.
POWs suffered from hunger, food deficiency
diseases, malaria, dysentery, ulcers and extreme
exhaustion while imprisoned at the various camps.
More than a third of Australian POWs died as prisoners. For those who survived, many returned home
with chronic illnesses and injuries.
BACK TO GEMAS
Safe hands
AUSTRALIA’S Federation Guard marked the 70th
anniversary of the Battle of Gemas at the exact time
and place the battle began in Malaysia 70 years
ago.
Eighty one Australians from the 2/30th Battalion
were killed in the battle, the first real contact
between Australian and Japanese troops.
The guard mounted a catafalque party at the
2/30th Battalion Memorial as the six visiting veterans of the campaign watched.
On the morning of January 14, 1942, a company
from the 2/30th Battalion mounted a successful ambush against the Japanese 5th Division at
a wooden bridge west of Gemas. The Japanese
troops were riding bicycles through a cutting and
over the bridge when the ambush commenced.
Following their success and as the ambush party
withdrew, the diggers found themselves encircled
by a fast-moving Japanese force. Though the situation looked dire, most Australians managed to get
through and continue on to Gemas, where the battle
raged on into the night and for the next day.
On the afternoon of January 15, having withstood continued Japanese attacks, the Australians
retreated to avoid suffering further casualties.
More than 1000 Japanese servicemen were
killed during the battle.
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A CONTINGENT from Australia’s Federation Guard
sounded the last post on January 22 as a mark of
respect for the 107 Australian servicemen killed
in 1943 after the battle of the Muar River against
Japanese forces.
Veteran George Smith, who was taken as a POW
and held by the Japanese for three years and eight
months, laid a wreath during the service.
“It has been very humbling to come back and pay
tribute to those who fought and died here,” Mr Smith
said.
“To see the current generation of servicemen and
women honour their sacrifices has made the occasion even more memorable.”
Members from the 2/29th Battalion, 2/19th
Battalion and allied Indian forces fought in the Battle
of Muar River on January 22, 1943, and retreated
when it became clear that their position was untenable.
More than 150 Australian and Indian servicemen
who were wounded during the battle were captured
by the Japanese and kicked and beaten with rifle
butts and bayonets. They were then crammed into
a small shed and starved of medical attention, food
and water.
At sunset, the wounded prisoners were roped
together in groups and led away. A survivor reported
that they were machine gunned, doused in petrol
and incinerated. Of the 110 Australian men taken
prisoner, only three were known to have survived the
massacre, which has since been called one of the
worst atrocities of the campaign.
A memorial stands in the community park at Parit
Sulong near the site of the massacre.
Army
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
FEATURES
19
sacrifices remembered
Veterans joined
Australia’s Federation
Guard to mark the
70th anniversary of
Australia’s darkest
World War II campaign,
Leut Nikola
Johnson reports.
SIX Australian veterans of the
Malayan campaign were given a standing ovation during a moving memorial
service at the Kranji War Cemetery in
Singapore on February 15.
The veterans, chosen to represent all
Australians who served in the Malayan
campaign and the Battle for Singapore,
stood together as a large crowd gathered
to show their appreciation for the sacrifices and hardships faced by those who
fought in World War II.
The service, which marked the 70th
anniversary of the fall of Singapore, was
held at dawn.
Australia’s Federation Guard mounted
“
... you see their
names in the Kranji
memorial and that
is very emotional. It
hurts my heart.
– Peter Dimopoulos, WWII veteran
a catafalque party, presenting arms as the
Last Post sounded and a minute’s silence
was observed.
Guard OC Maj John Cottis said it was
important to commemorate the veterans
who fought in the campaign.
“It allows us to acknowledge our history of service and sacrifice,” he said.
“What the veterans went through over
here was quite horrific. But making it possible for our current serving members to
talk to them and support them has a strong
impact.
“It shows that the veterans form part of
a heritage and that what they have begun is
continuing.”
The guard contingent joined the six
veterans and Veterans’ Affairs Minister
Warren Snowdon to recognise the anniversary with services in Gemas and Parit
Sulong in Malaysia, and Changi Chapel
and Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore.
For veteran Peter Dimopoulos,
a machine gunner who was taken to
Changi as a POW and then subsequently
Ceremonial support: Drummer AB Joshua Tibbles, catafalque party commander Cpl Christopher Thorne and guardsman Pte Graeme Coggins
support the Prisoners of War Memorial Service held at Changi Chapel in Singapore.
Photo by Cpl Melina Mancuso
to Thailand to work on the Thai-Burma
Railway, the dawn service at Kranji
brought back memories.
“It is emotional every time I come back
because most of our friends, all a bit older
than me at the time, you see their names in
the Kranji memorial and that is very emotional. It hurts my heart,” he said.
The Kranji War Cemetery is the final
resting place for Allied soldiers who died
during the Battle of Singapore and the subsequent Japanese occupation of the island
from 1942 to 1945.
There are 4461 WWII casualties buried or commemorated at the cemetery, of
which more than 850 are unidentified.
Within Kranji War Cemetery stands the
Singapore Memorial, bearing the names
of more than 24,000 casualties of the
Commonwealth land and air forces with
no known grave.
Veteran and former POW George
Smith said he appreciated the contribution
of the Federation Guard to the services.
“The boys have been great – they made
us feel young again,” he said. “We appreciate the hospitality – they looked after us –
and it’s great to have the guard all around
you in formal ceremonies.”
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To see more go to www.sandsofgallipoli.com.au/ArmyShop or call Army Shop on 02 6123 2960
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20
FEATURES
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army
Warrior to wordsmith
He’s a Vietnam War veteran and author of several
highly acclaimed war history novels. Gary McKay
spends a soldiers five with Cpl Mark Doran.
G
ARY McKay was conscripted
when he was 20 years old in
May 1968 and by April 1971
he was on his way to Vietnam
as a platoon commander with 4RAR.
He was severely wounded in a large
battle at Nui Le in September 1971, and
for his actions in the battle Mr McKay
was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry.
While posted to RMC in 1983, McKay
wrote In Good Company , an account
of his time in Vietnam. In 1992 he published Vietnam Fragments, the western
hemisphere’s largest oral history on the
Vietnam War.
Mr McKay said the biggest influence
in his Army career was Brig Fred Pfitzner.
“I worked for him as a subaltern, company commander and brigade major in 6
Bde.
“He was a great role model in the way
he cared for his soldiers and for his overall
military ethos.”
When asked about the main lesson
learnt from his Army career, he said there
was no substitute for tough, hard training
with ball ammunition.
“Infantrymen need to be trained in the
art of carrying the correct combat load and
pushing themselves and their unit to the
very edge,” he said.
“You must know where the envelope
edges exist both physically and mentally. The adage still applies: train hard,
fight easy.”
March 1, 2012
SSOLDIERS
O
FIVE
Gary McKay
Mr McKay said the qualities of a good
soldier included maintaining himself and
his equipment in the best possible working
order.
“They must also respect their fellow
soldiers regardless of their present abilities
and when in combat respect the enemy –
to disrespect the ability of the enemy is to
invite complacency and failure,” he said.
“From discussions I have had with current soldiers, I have been impressed with
their approach to the heavy Defence commitments we currently face.”
Mr McKay left the Army after 30 years
in 1995 and is now pursuing his career as
a full-time non-fiction writer and freelance
historian.
Looking back he remembers being a
brand new second lieutenant at Singleton
in 1969 and being tasked to conduct a
range practice.
He had organised the red flags, the
radios and telephones, clearances, targets,
groundsheets, and the medic and ambulance were all squared away.
“All was hot to trot – the platoon
rocked up but I had forgotten to pick up
the ammo from range control,” he said.
“My platoon sergeant, a crusty old
bugger, looked at me and asked, ‘Sir, do
you know why you are a second lieutenant?’.
“His lips narrowed and his eyes glared
as he said in a nasty voice, ‘Because there
are no frigging third lieutenants’.”
Mr McKay never forgot the ammunition again.
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Army
rmy
PERSONNEL
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
21
New centres: From left, Northern Territory APAC
OC Maj Tim Darragh, 1 Bde Commander Brig
Fergus McLachlan, Army Personnel Support
Centre CO Lt-Col Martin McKone and DGPers-A
Brig Gavan Reynolds open the new Army
Personnel Administration Centre at Robertson
Barracks, Darwin. Inset, Canberra APAC OC Maj
Craig Rose (left) and Brig Reynolds open the
ACT centre at Russell Offices.
Main photo by AB James Whittle
Admin streamlined
First new centres open in Darwin and Canberra to ease the burden on units
SOLDIER administration has
entered a new era of streamlined service with the opening of
the first regional Army Personnel
Administration Centre in Darwin by
DGPers-A Brig Gavan Reynolds on
January 30.
An initiative of the Strategic Reform
Program, the centres deliver administrative support to soldiers and allow units
to concentrate on their core business.
Army Personnel Support Centre CO
Lt-Col Marty McKone said units supported by the centres were still responsible for unit administration and initiating personnel administration for their
soldiers.
“The centres are there to support
units, and provide them with an organisation focused on the delivery of payroll
and personnel administration services,”
Lt-Col McKone said.
“Units are able to raise service
requests for referral of tasks to the centres. This allows units to concentrate
on the management of their personnel,
rather than processing data.
“Units can also request support for
tasks, such as leave audits and pre and
post-deployment administration assistance.”
Officially opened on February 6,
the Canberra administration centre at
Russell Offices will soldiers posted to
the ACT region who were previously
administered by the ADF personnel
centre.
Lt-Col McKone said merging the
Army’s administrative staff in the centres would benefit the Army’s pay and
administrative trades.
“These are centres of excellence for
payroll and personnel administration
and provide a quality-based learning
and mentoring environment for junior
administrative staff,” he said.
“A mentoring program for junior
staff posted to a centre from initial
employment training will help them to
gain skills and experience in their trade,
preparing them for their next posting.”
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The project will allow the Army to
retain a uniformed, deployable administrative capability operating to a national
standard for the delivery of administration support.
Lt-Col McKone said lessons from
the Darwin centre would be applied
to centres opening in Brisbane and
Townsville next year.
More information on the centres is on the
intranet at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/
armyweb/sites/apsc/
22
LIFESTYLE PEOPLE
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army
March 1, 2012
Train the trainer: Personal trainer Joel Bate (left) takes PTI Sgt Robert Kawana
through some reps during a strength training day with professional bodybuilders
at Buddy’s Gym in Adelaide.
Photo by LACW Nicci Freeman
New unit: LCpl Michael Niousios, of 1 Petroleum Coy, raises the unit flag after
the company’s transfer from 9FSB to 2FSB.
Looking for Dad: Belinda Wood helps her three
children Hayden, 3 months, Joshua, 1, and Travis,
3, find their father, Cpl Damian Woods, during
3RAR’s welcome to Townsville march.
Photo by Sgt Darren Hilder
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Warm welcome: Pte Patrick Hastings is welcomed
home from East Timor by his mother, Julie, at RAAF
Base Richmond.
Photo by LAC Chris Hall
Army
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
LIFESTYLE FUN
23
Seeking peacekeepers’ stories
People mover: The Ford XR6 proved a good choice for a long-haul family trip.
Photo by Sgt Andrew Hetherington
Family performer
A 1700km round trip from
Canberra to Bendigo for a wedding was the perfect way to test the
real-world performance of the Ford
XR6 sedan I hired for the journey.
For the trip the family-sized
sedan was loaded with a large suitcase, three small bags, two adults, a
2-year-old with his associated lifesupport equipment such as a portable DVD player, toys and a fullsized pram.
Having never driven an XR
series Falcon before I really didn’t
know what to expect and the experience was surprising.
It didn’t take long to find a spoton driving position in the comfortable driver’s seat. After turning the
key and heading out on the road, the
FORD XR6
Engine: 4.0-litre six cylinder
195kW/331Nm
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Rear-wheel drive
Fuel use: 9.9L/100km
Price: From $36,990
acceleration was exceptional for a
car of the XR6’s size and weight.
Handling was direct, predictable
and there was surprisingly a lack of
uncomfortable body roll in the corners. Everything felt well planted,
balanced and poised.
After eight hours of driving each
DIKKO
way, driver fatigue was at a minimum and all occupants didn’t suffer
from a sore posterior or legs.
With an impressive standard
kit list, heaps of internal passenger space, a cavernous boot which
would make a mafia boss drool, a
four-litre engine which constantly
outperformed its size and a sportstyled exterior with body kit, the
XR6 has a lot to offer a family or
individual wanting a comfortable
semi-performance vehicle.
H av i n g d r iv e n t h e o t h e r
Australian brand’s equivalent offering, I can definitely say the XR6
beats it in the areas of engine performance, handling, driver involvement and value for money.
– Sgt Andrew Hetherington
By Bob Dikkenberg
SOLDIERS who have served
on peacekeeping operations
in Bougainville, East Timor
and Solomon Islands are being
sought to share their personal
experiences for a research
paper.
Interviews can be conducted
by phone, email or in person
for the Australian National
University research.
To take part in the research,
contact Kimberley Doyle of the
university’s school of history
on (02) 6125 2357, or email
Kimberley.doyle@anu.edu.au
Have a say: Soldiers with peacekeeping
experience can contribute to an ANU
research paper.
Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo
SAY AGAIN, OVER
If you can think
of a witty caption
for the picture at
left, email
captioncomp@
defencenews.
gov.au with
“caption competition
March 1”
as the subject.
Try to keep
entries under
25 words and
include your
name, rank
and unit.
Last edition’s winning entry
“Sorry about the wait, I
threw in some extra fries.”
Cpl Richard Blakeney
1 Regt RAA
Enoggera
We also liked
“What’s the mileage like
on that badboy?”
TELL US
YOUR
STORY
Nobody knows the
inside scoop like
soldier on
the ground.
the
If you have an
interesting story
to tell, get in touch
with Army and get
it in print.
We can support you
with photographs,
writing and chain
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of command
approvals.
Contact the
editorial team
by email to
armynews@
defencenews.
gov.au
KD@SGDQL@MBNL@T
24
LIFESTYLE HEALTH
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army
March 1, 2012
Getting to the
sole of issues
When pain follows exercise, the solution might be getting yourself fitted
for foot orthotics, Cpl Nick Wiseman reports.
W
ITH ADF members
constantly on the go
at work, PT and sport,
some may experience
pain in the knees, ankles or feet.
What they may not realise is a lot of
these problems can now be corrected
by using orthotics.
A foot orthotic is a device used to
correct a variety of functional problems with the feet such as alignment
issues.
With the physical demand required
by members of the ADF, podiatrist
Matthew Hotchkis said the most common problems he came across were
shin and knee related.
“Pain is a big factor. Ongoing and
regular pain with exercise or day-today living could potentially need an
orthotic,” Mr Hotchkis said.
Although many people might experience pain from time to time it does
not necessarily mean they should be
prescribed orthotics.
The use of orthotics in different
footwear will depend on each case and
FOOTNOTE
UNDER current ADF policies, a permanent member is eligible for one
pair of prescribed orthotics at public
expense when approved by a medical officer (MO). Additional orthotics
may be issued at the discretion of
the MO if deemed necessary.
More information on orthotics can be
found in Health Directive No 257 available
online at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/
home/documents/data/ADFPUBS/HPD/
HD257.PDF
can vary from being worn in most footwear or physical activities only.
All referrals to a podiatrist must be
made by a medical officer.
If orthotics are required, part of the
process involves taking a plaster cast of
the foot or creating a computer-generated three-dimensional image of the foot
using a scanner.
Once this cast or image has been
made, it is then sent to a lab for an
orthotic to be created.
After the initial fitting, a check-up
will be scheduled to review the initial
prescription.
Off-the-shelf orthotics are available
as an alternative from many footwear
shops and pharmacies.
Mr Hotchkis said an off-the-shelf
orthotic could provide extra support.
“A lot of people presenting for prescribed orthotics quite often are already
using an off-the-shelf solution.
“Off-the-shelf orthotics can be
adjusted slightly using heat moulding
for a better fit.”
Whether you are in pain or not,
Mr Hotchkis said a shoe change alone
could quite often correct problems people experience.
“Some shoes can overcorrect –
therefore it’s important to get a shoe
which correctly supports the foot,” he
said.
“For those who have orthotics
already, it’s important to select a shoe
that will complement the orthotic.”
Easy fix: Orthotics being placed in your boots might make a world
Photo by LAC Bill Solomou
of difference.
Month
Date
Location
March
6-7
14 - 15
21 - 22
3-4
18 - 19
1-2
9 - 10
23 - 24
5-6
13 - 14
19 - 20
27 - 28
3-4
10 - 11
24 - 25
7–8
14 - 15
19 - 20
25 - 26
9 - 10
16 - 17
23 - 24
13 - 14
20 - 21
27 - 28
Canberra
Sydney
Darwin
Brisbane
Adelaide
Townsville
Darwin
Melbourne
Perth
Newcastle
Bandiana
Canberra
Brisbane
Sydney
Cairns
Shoalhaven
Hobart
Adelaide
Brisbane
Melbourne
Canberra
Townsville
Darwin
Perth
Liverpool
April
May
ADF Transition
Seminar
Calendar 2012
ADF Transition Seminars have been designed to assist with preparing your transition
from Defence by providing information and directing you to additional sources of
information.
The following topics are addressed during the seminars:
Your Career and You
Your Money and You
Transition Support Benefits
Transition Support and Administration
Reserve Service
Superannuation
Health Insurance
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Veterans and Veterans’ Family Counselling Services
June
July
August
September
October
November
To find out more about the ADF Transition Seminars contact your nearest ADF Transition Centre:
http://www.defence.gov.au/transitions/index.htm
Army
25
SPORT
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
Duty calls for tourer
Defence riders join cycling event to raise
se funds ffor
or the Na
National Vietnam Veterans Museum
LAC Bill Solomou
CYCLIST SUPPORT
FIVE members of the Australian
Defence Cycling Club (ADCC)
will represent the ADF in the
inaugural Tour of Duty fundraising recreational road cycling
event starting in Echuca on
March 25.
WO2 Neil McCallum, of
ADFA, and Sgt Daniel Ferguson,
of 1RTB, will join LS Susanne
Peterson, of HMAS Kuttabul,
Air Force Cpl Gavin McMahon,
of 1RTU, and LAC Stanislaw
Filipek, of 81 Sqn, along with
45 other cyclists from all over
Australia for the 400km four-day
ride.
They will ride via Bendigo,
Castlemaine, Maryborough and
Ballarat to finish at Melton on
March 28 to raise money for
the National Vietnam Veterans
Museum at Phillip Island,
Victoria.
WO2 McCallum comes from
a boxing and running background
but, because of injuries, took up
cycling as a way of keeping fit.
“I needed to do something that
was less harsh on the body and
describe myself more as a social,
fun rider,” WO2 McCallum said.
He is no stranger to distance
riding, averaging about 100km a
day, and earlier this year he completed the 200km Alpine Classic
in 8hr 6min.
His main focus is on training for a 24-hour solo bike ride
around Lake Burley Griffin in
November to raise money for
Legacy.
“With a support group from
ADFA I am hoping to raise
$60,000 for Legacy starting at
11am on November 10 and finishing at 11am on November 11,”
he said.
In the interim he said he was
looking forward to the Victorian
ride.
“This is a great cause and I’m
happy to be involved.”
Sgt Ferguson was informed of
the ride by a friend.
“I contacted the ADCC and
they were happy to have me on
board,” Sgt Ferguson said.
“I have several friends competing in the event.”
He said he had completed various one-day events, but nothing
over four days.
ADCC treasurer Mark
THE Australian Defence Cycling Club, with the assistance of the Defence Sports Council has this year
embarked upon its biggest venture to support and
promote cycling in the Defence community.
This initiative aims to raise awareness and participation in cycling as sport in Defence and support
members to compete at national events.
Support is available for a wide range of events
including road racing, mountain bike races, track racing and events such as the Around the Bay ride in
Melbourne.
It is hoped the club can help develop new cyclists
at the grassroots level into future champions.
Full details on the supported events and how to apply are
available on the ADCC website at www.adcc.asn.au
THE MUSEUM
THE National Vietnam Veterans Museum is the only
Museum of its kind in Australia covering a specific
period in Australia’s military history.
The collection of about 6000 artefacts exists to
permanently record Australia’s longest commitment
to any war to date. It presents the story of Australia’s
military involvement at a time of deep division among
the Australian population over compulsory conscription for national service.
This nationally recognised museum is dedicated
to preserving and displaying photographs, memorabilia, vehicles and aircraft that accurately detail the
history of Australian involvement in the Vietnam War
from 1962 to 1972.
Located on Phillip Island in Victoria, the museum
was officially opened in March 2007. From its initial
concept – a Land Rover and trailer touring Australia
in the 1990s – the museum now includes an Ah-1F
Hueycobra complete with a 20mm Gatling gun, TOW
launchers and rocket pods, a Centurion tank, Wessex
chopper, 105mm howitzer and several Land Rovers.
On yer bike: WO2 Neil McCallum, of ADFA, hits the road to train for the Tour of Duty fundraising
ride later this month.
Photo by LAC Bill Solomou
Croonen said the main reason the
club decided to support the Tour
of Duty ride was to strengthen its
connection to veterans.
“The organisers were keen to
have current ADF members ride
alongside the veterans as a way of
reinforcing the bonds between the
past and present ADF members,”
Mr Croonen said.
Tour of Duty organiser Peter
Liefman said the concept for the
ride originated from an idea he
and a few of his West Gippsland
cycling group mates came up with
and the inspiration for the event
came from America.
“It’s based on the Soldier
Ride, which is an initiative of the
Wounded Warrior Project,” Mr
Liefman said.
He said 20 Vietnam veterans
would be among the 50 riders and
they were hoping to raise $15,000
overall.
“Accommodation, food and
support are being provided by veterans along the way through their
networks and sub-branches”.
Each day’s ride will be broken
into four easy stages with vehicle
support and mechanical and first
aid assistance en route and at the
rest stops. Overnight stays will
be in Bendigo, Maryborough and
Ballarat.
There will also be an optional
ceremonial stage at Philip Island,
where the National Vietnam
Veterans Museum will host all riders.
More information on the ride can be
found at http://vetride.org/
To support ADF members go to the ADCC
website at http://www.adcc.asn.au/
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Email : advertising@defencenews.gov.au
26
SPORT
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Army
March 1, 2012
You oar-to join the club
Recruitment drive for rowers of all ages
Cpl Mark Doran
THE newly formed Australian
Defence Rowing Association (ADRA)
you approach your race and your enjoyment of the sport.”
Rowing caters to all fitness levels
and racers compete in a range of boats
from single or double sculls, quad sculls
with four rowers through to eight-man
boats with a coxswain.
Masters rowers compete in 1000m
races and the juniors (under 27) compete in races over 2000m with finish
times close to six minutes.
Most ADRA members have been
rowing at local clubs across Australia
and the Masters team will be selected
based mainly on results of club regattas
and interstate championships.
Lt-Col Rowland said she loved rowing because it gave her a work/life balance.
“Even though you have to get up at
5am to achieve that, I love the camaraderie from the sport – there are fantastic people involved who you meet on a
daily basis and the teamwork aspect is
incredible.”
While encouraging both young and
old members to join, future plans for
ADRA include enabling Defence members with disabilities to be involved in
the sport, especially for those with limited lower limb or torso movement.
is looking for members of all ages to
join the association as well as team
members to compete in the Australian
Masters Rowing Championships.
This year the Masters regatta will
be held from May 24-27 on Lake
Wendouree in Ballarat and is for competitors in age groups from 27-80 plus.
Teams of rowers will compete in races
of 1000m.
ADRA is looking for people who are
interested in rowing and is encouraging
members who competed at school or
university or who were with the junior
programs at ADFA or RMC, to get back
into the sport.
Rowing has been called the ultimate sport for teamwork. Lt-Col Selina
Rowland, of AHQ, said rowing was
based on three facets – technique, power
and mental approach.
“You aim to row perfect strokes
every time and the challenge and enjoyment of rowing is in perfecting the technique,” Lt-Col Rowland said.
“Power is about rowing effectively
and making it easier even though you
are gasping for breath at the end of a
race.
For more information on ADRA contact
“The mental approach is about how andy.horsburgh@defence.gov.au
AUSTRALIAN SERVICES
RUGBY UNION
Kapooka gears up
for sports series
Patron: Chief of the Defence Force,
General David Hurley, AC, DSC
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The Australian Services Rugby Union (ASRU) is about to commence a four-year campaign in
preparation for the next International Defence Rugby Competition, to be hosted in the UK in 2015.
The ASRU Committee invites interested Defence members to apply for the following
vacant positions:
•
•
•
•
Men’s Coach
Men’s Assistant Coach
Men’s Manager
Men’s Assistant Manager
• Women’s Coach
• Women’s Assistant Coach
• Women’s Manager
• Women’s Assistant Manager
•
•
•
•
Treasurer
Assistant Secretary
Events Manager
Website Manager
Positions are open to men and women from all three Services (full time and part time) and the
Australian Public Service.
Coach applicants will hold, at a minimum, an ARU Level 2 coaching qualification and have
recent experience coaching at senior representative level (e.g. single service or senior civilian grade
rugby). Superior planning, communication and leadership skills are paramount. Preference will be
shown to applicants with a record of success coaching teams at the senior/elite level.
Manager applicants will possess highly developed administrative skills (including budget
management) and superior initiative. Preference will be shown to applicants with experience in
successfully managing senior/elite sports teams.
ASRU also invites suitably qualified Defence members to submit an expression of interest to
participate in the new Australian Services Rugby Coach Development Program, which is open
to Foundation, Level 1 and Level 2 qualified coaches. This program is designed to identify, mentor
and develop future senior level men’s and women’s coaches across all three Single Service Unions.
Funding is available to assist participants progress their coaching qualifications and experience.
Applications are to be emailed to the ASRU Men’s National Operations Manager,
Lieutenant Colonel Adam Boyd, adam.boyd@defence.gov.au by 30 Mar 12.
An endorsement of support from the member’s superior is required. Guidance on likely annual
commitments is available from the ASRU POC. Information is also available on the ASRU
website,
www.servicesrugby.asn.au
Hitting the water: Lt-Col Selina Rowland (inset) unpacks the oars
ahead of training as (above) Navy Capt Charles Huxtable, front,
Lt-Col Rowland, Brig Alison Creagh, and Kym Fisher practise on
Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.
Photos by Cpl Mark Doran
Sharon Palmer
THE Kapooka sports series kicks off
on March 10 with about 16 teams
fighting it out in the Kapooka 10s
rugby union competition.
Now in its 21st year, the 10s continues to attract a large number of
teams. Organiser Capt Ian Marston
said it would also be the first year two
women’s teams would play an exhibition match.
“We had an exhibition match for
the rugby league last November and
we are planning on playing the women’s rugby union game either before
the finals or during the finals,” Capt
Marston said.
After the success of last year’s split
weekends, the Kapooka 7s (netball)
and 12s (AFL) will be played the following weekend on March 17.
“This just makes it easier all
round,” Capt Martson said.
“We don’t have to worry about
a lack of fields and having to take
down one set of goalposts and put up
another several times during the tournament. We also have trouble with
catering and don’t have enough freez-
ers and chillers if it’s all held on the
same weekend.”
About 15 teams are expected to
compete in the 12s with all three services fielding teams in both the men’s
and women’s competitions.
“The service teams use this carnival to determine their service sides
and RAAF are sending two teams –
northern RAAF and southern RAAF
– one taking in from the Queensland
border upwards and the other the
Queensland border downwards.
“The majority of the rugby teams
will be Army but there will be a bigger
mix in the AFL competition.”
Both the 12s and 7s have been
going for more than 10 years and the
7s continues to attract a large number
of teams, with about 15 teams expected across the three services and public
service this year.”
The Kapooka summer series,
which incorporates golf, rugby league
and a multi-endurance event, is scheduled for November 10.
More information on the Kapooka sports series
is available from Capt Marston on 0429 202 453
or ian.marston@defence.gov.au
SPORTS SHORTS
Footy for masters
THE Sydney Australian Rules Masters
Football Club is looking for over 35s players to play with or against. The club is
based at Rosedale Oval, Warwick Farm.
Contact Peter Kennedy on 0410 647 354
for more information.
Tenpin time
THE NSW Interservice Tenpin Bowling
Tournament will be held at the
Campbelltown Tenpin Bowling Centre on
March 14-15. March 14 will be a practice
day with a nine-game tournament being
held on March 15. The NSW State ADF
team will be picked on March 15 with
the top 16 bowlers earning a place to
play in the ADF national tournament to
be held in Sydney later this year. More
information is available from Leut-Cmdr
Steven Reynolds at steven.reynolds@
defence.gov.au or (02) 9926 2555.
The ACT Interservice Tenpin Bowling
Tournament is scheduled for March 27
at Tuggeranong Tenpin Bowl starting at
9.30am. For more information contact
Mark Jordan on (02) 6266 1283 or mark.
jordan@defence.gov.au
Army
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
March 1, 2012
SPORT
27
Stronger than
ever before
WO2 Gavin Wickham finds age is no barrier to triathlon performance
Cpl Mark Doran
“I SHOULD probably be slowing down, but I actually feel the
strongest I have ever been,” said
WO2 Gavin Wickham after winning two Australian Defence
Sports Triathlon Association
(ADSTA) championships only a
week apart.
Pedal power: Maj Iain Addinell, of AHQ,
competed alongside seven other Defence
members in the Huskisson Sprint Triathlon during
the Jervis Bay Triathlon Festival.
Tough run
hampers a
good tri
WO2 Wickham, of the Army
School of Health, was the fastest Defence competitor in the
Olympic Distance Triathlon at
the Geelong Multisport Festival
on February 12 and also secured
first position in the men’s ADSTA
Long Course Championships at
Huskisson during the Jervis Bay
Triathlon Festival on February 19.
ADSTA hit 2012 running with
23 athletes competing in Geelong
in the 1500m swim, 40km ride
and a 10km run event.
WO2 Wickham won the men’s
event in 2hr 10min 39sec which
placed him eighth in his category
and 56th overall.
WO2 Wickham said his swim
and bike legs were solid but he
felt his run was a bit off pace.
“It had rained all night so the
conditions were pretty tough, but I
was generally happy with my performance,” WO2 Wickham said.
“Racing in the over-40 category brings the race complexities because a few of the top performing triathletes that are over
40 were once professional athletes
and have come back to the sport
to fulfil their competitive desires.”
The competition was fairly
fierce as it was a qualification race
for the World Championships to
be held in Auckland in October.
WO2 Wickham’s wife, Capt
Alisa Wickham, of ALTC, led
the field from the start to win the
women’s ADSTA event in a time
of 2:30.17.
WO2 Wickham manages to
train with his wife at times and
said they were able to help and
motivate each other before events.
“Getting up very early on a
Sunday morning for a one to twohour run with your partner is very
rewarding and our two kids get
involved by riding their bikes so it
becomes a family affair,” he said.
ADSTA members joined more
than 3500 athletes in Huskisson
Cpl Mark Doran
“I HAD a good swim and bike, but when I started the
run I found I couldn’t breathe properly and slowed
down quite a bit,” Maj Iain Addinell, of AHQ, said of
his form in the Australian Defence Sports Triathlon
Association (ADSTA) Sprint Championships at
Huskisson during the Jervis Bay Triathlon Festival on
February 18.
“It all comes down to how you perform on the day.
I was in very good shape apart from being in a car accident the day before and it turned out I had a displaced
rib,” Maj Addinell said.
“My times put me as the 30th fastest swimmer, 29th
fastest bike rider and the 126th runner.”
Maj Addinell joined seven ADSTA athletes who
competed in the sprint triathlon, which consisted of a
750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run and won the male
championships in an overall time of 1hr 8min 51sec,
finishing 41st in the competition.
The ADF members were competing against some of
the quickest professional and age group athletes in the
world, including current world champions.
Originally a swimmer before he moved to Canberra
in 2010, Maj Addinell started to cycle to work and,
after commuting for a couple of months, decided to
enter a triathlon.
“I entered my first triathlon and placed in the top
30 without actually doing any specific training, but my
transitions were pretty slow,” he said.
“As I was becoming more interested in the sport I
entered a few more events in 2010/11 and I am now
training properly with one of the local clubs.
“You can’t compare times from triathlons because
every course is different – if you are swimming in a big
swell it makes a difference to your times, on the cycle
it could be relatively flat or undulating terrain, so your
bike times can change by three or four minutes, though
the runs tend to be mostly flat.”
Maj Addinell said he was now preparing for the
Batemans Bay Triathlon on March 31 and had entered
the Sydney Olympic Distance Triathlon (1.5km swim,
40km cycle and 10km run) scheduled for April 15.
“With my work and home commitments I can only
spend eight-to-10 hours a week on training. These
include early morning sessions with a 25km to 40km
cycle before work or a 2km swim session, combined
with a run,” he said.
“The competition is a part I love about triathlons,
but there is the camaraderie as well; it is a lot like a
military atmosphere.”
In it for the long haul: WO2 Gavin Wickham, of
the Army School of Health, transitions onto the
bike for the cycling leg (inset) and powers home
in the run leg of the Huskisson Long Course
Triathlon, part of the Jervis Bay Triathlon Festival.
WO2 Wickham placed third in his age group and
22nd overall in the event.
Photos by Tony Chapman
ARMY CRICKET
To join the ‘Red Men’ email:
Army.Cricket@defence.gov.au
over February 18-19. Nine ADF
athletes tackled the Huskisson
Long Course Triathlon, known
as the premier long course in
Australia, involving a 2km swim,
83km bike and 20km run.
WO2 Wickham placed third
in the 40-44 age group and 22nd
overall with his time of 4:07.09.
He started the race with an exceptional swim.
“I led my category for the first
half of the leg then sat in with
the lead group before coming out
feeling quite fresh,” he said.
“I absolutely carved it up on
the bike with speeds in excess
of 40km/h and an average of 38
km/h,” he said.
“I was stoked, but when you
push it a bit hard on the bike, you
can certainly pay for it during the
run leg.”
After playing Australian rules
since he was only five and being
a part of the Sydney League
by playing for Liverpool and
Campbelltown, W02 Wickham
said he was still looking for a
challenge when he quit the sport.
“I found running a triathlon was a very functional way of
keeping fit with the three disciplines of the sport,” he said.
“Coming from a team-sport
environment, I find the camaraderie among the ADF members getting away as a team and training
with local members to be one of
the best things.
“The training regime varies
depending on the distance of the
triathlon. The sprint events don’t
take as much preparation as the
ultra distance or Ironman events,
which require a lot of time and
discipline for about 12 weeks
before the event.
“The best attitude to have
before a race is to definitely enjoy
it and have fun, but if you want to
do well you need to have focus
and a plan with structure to ensure
your preparation is right.”
Future triathlon commitments for WO2 Wickham include
the Ultra Distance Ironman
Championships in Melbourne
on March 25, followed by the
International Triathlon Union
Olympic Distance Triathlon where
he will join more than 50 ADF
athletes in Sydney on April 15.
GET YOUR
FEET WET
The Australian
Defence Rowing
D
Association is
seeking new blood
see
for the coming
masters comp
March 1, 2012
Page 26
Pedal pushing:
WO2 Neil
McCallum is
training to
take part in the
inaugural Tour
of Duty bike ride
to raise funds
for the Vietnam
Veterans Museum
in Victoria.
Photo by
LAC Bill Solomou
TAKING ON
THE TOUR
Cyclists
fund
raise for
veterans
with 400km
road ride
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