September 2013
Air Lift Group:
Reserve Expertise in C-130H Hercules
Indonesia Project
Editor in consultation with RAAF Air Lift Group
Employed by Air Lift Group, SQNLDR Robert Sokol and FLTLT Tony
Charles, both Active Reservists are at the forefront of preparation for
the first of four RAAF C-130H aircraft to be delivered to the Indonesian
Air Force (TNI-AU) in late 2013, with the remaining three in 2014.
In almost every Air Force operational area where leadership overarches
planning and execution, you will find highly experienced Reservists.
SQNLDR Robert Sokol and FLTLT Tony Charles, both C-130 Airborne
Operations instructors are fine examples.
Photo: Defence Digital Media
FLTLT Tony Charles, Active Reserve and pilot is assisting with
preparing for the transfer of the first RAAF C-130H Hercules (note new
livery), to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) in late 2013.
What’s inside?
ALG:
Reserve Expertise in
Indonesia C-130H Model
Project and C-130J Model
Capability Development
1
19th International Air
Reserves Symposium
7
Improved Management of
Reserve Training
8
News Breakers' Caption
the Picture Contest
9
Club Red … time to roll
up your sleeves
11
Nation has Lost a Great
Australian
12
Breakers’ Mailbag
14
Good Health in
Las Vegas
16
Reserve Refinement
Update
17
Breakers Briefs
19
Call to Action: No Rest
in Retirement
22
Communicators and
Photographers Integral
to Talisman Saber 2013
23
EDITOR:
SQNLDR Peter Meehan SR
SOC DGRES - AF
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Air Lift Group:
The RAAF Reserve epitomises strength and
endurance in a unique partnership that it shares in
today’s ‘one team’ Air Force.
The operational Air Force duopoly is incredibly
successful at ALG and provides wide ranging unique
capabilities.
C-130H A97-006 was the last aircraft to go through
deep level maintenance under the existing contract
between Defence and Qantas Defence Services
(QDS). The aircraft was recently flown to RAAF
Townsville by SQNLDR Sokol and FLTLT Charles, for
repainting.
Significant deep maintenance work has been
performed on four C-130H Model aircraft by QDS. All
four aircraft are marked for transfer to the TNI-AU with
the potential for five other C-130s and a C-130H
Simulator as a possible package sale.
Photo: Australian Aviation
After deep-level maintenance by Qantas Defence Services,
C-130H Model A97-006 displaying refits on a variety of
fuselage panels, was subsequently flown to RAAF Townsville
for repainting in Indonesian Air Force livery in preparation for
expected late 2013 delivery.
A97-006 is likely to be the first C-130H aircraft to be
transferred to Indonesia, following completion of
servicing and other administrative agreements under
the transfer arrangements between the governments of
Australian and Indonesia.
WGCDR Nicholas Hogan, Commanding Officer 285SQN added to the
C-130H Model News Breakers' story by sharing his insight to Reserve
C-130J Model capability…
‘Reserve personnel also form a critical base of corporate experience at
285SQN, particularly from a C-130J pilot perspective’.
‘SQNLDR Sokol and FLTLT Charles are two of a number of Active Reserve
C-130H personnel who also assist with the development of C-130J pilots, as
the C-130J rapidly advances towards completion of role expansion since the
recent withdrawal of the C-130H’.
WGCDR Hogan added, ‘Advancements in the areas of airdrop, night vision
goggle procedures and electronic self-protection, are areas where pilots like
SQNLDR Sokol and FLTLT Charles greatly assist with the safe introduction
of new roles and the establishment of appropriate tactics, techniques and
procedures for C-130J operations’.
2
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Air Lift Group:
SQNLDR Robert Sokol joined the RAAF in 1990. On
completion of pilot training, he was posted to RAAF
Richmond to fly the C-130. He too shares his story…
'In 2004, I moved directly into the RAAF Active Reserve on
discharge and joined Qantas where I fly the A380 and
since moving to the Active Reserve, I've been employed by
37SQN and 285SQN'.
'My primary role Is a C-130H Qualified Flying Instructor
(QFI), an Airborne Operations Instructor and Unit
Maintenance Test Pilot'.
As a Reservist, SQNLDR Sokol also recently conducted a
flying tour to the MEAO to provide surge capability for
37SQN.
SQNLDR Sokol said, ‘Since the withdrawal of the C-130H
last year, I've remained type current in support of the
transfer of the C-130H to the TNI-AU. This support includes
test flights, ferry flights, Subject Matter Expert (SME)
advice on aircraft modification, SME advice on simulator
modification and audit of amended publications’.
Photo: 37SQN
SQNLDR Robert Sokol, Active Reserve who presently
flys with Qantas is ‘at-home’ in the familiar left and right
hand seats of the C-130H Herc.
‘I currently provide the management and instruction for the Airman Aircrew
Initial Course (AAIC) and Airman Aircrew Instructional Technique (AAIT)
course. I've recently been drawn upon by 285SQN to work within the
Electronic Warfare (EW) role expansion of the C-130J’.
‘My C-130H experience has also been used in C-130J Full Flight Simulator
(FFS) with the conduct of EW scenarios and in the debrief of crew
performance relating to these scenarios’.
SQNLDR Sokol added, ‘Reserve benefits for 285SQN include the ability to
have a pool of staff available to conduct instruction during peak training
periods; to provide relief to the full-time staff and to have experience
embedded in the unit not affected by the rigours of the posting cycle (ie) the
old hands’.
‘From a manager’s perspective, the fact that the Reservist operates on a asneeded-basis, makes that resource flexible and highly economical’.
Air Lift Group:
FLTLT Tony Charles shared his story with News Breakers… 'After pilot
training, I was posted to 36SQN to fly the C130H. In joining the Active
Reserve in 2010, I began a civil career as a consultant with Ernst and Young
and now work for Lend Lease as well as 37SQN and 285SQN at RAAF
Richmond as a QFI, Airborne Operations Instructor, Unit Maintenance Test
Pilot and Training Development Officer'.
3
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
'I’m presently supporting Airmen Aircrew Initial Course (AAIC) and Airman Aircrew
Instructional Technique (AAIT) Course in an instructional role as well as leading the
development of simulator training packages for the introduction of the C130J Radar
Warning Receiver'.
‘Reservists have been central to developing these intensive and technical real-world
training scenarios by drawing on operational experience from the C130H and then
rolling that experience into training for the C130J role expansion‘.
FLTLT Charles added, ‘There are very few C130J personnel, or former PAF C130H
personnel at this time who can bring this capability to 84WG, without significant
disruption to the existing posting cycle, or other Service needs – having myself and
SQNLDR Sokol at the forefront providing these capabilities, is a real win-win situation
for 285SQN and 84WG’.
Air Lift Group:
Reach Leadership and Aerial Delivery
Procedures
‘Civilian job didn't work out – I work at Air Lift Group – great decision’!
FLTLT Warwick Chate, Active Reserve shares his story…'I joined the Air
Force out of high school as a technical apprentice. After working on various
aircraft types, I commissioned as an Engineering Officer in 2003 and
transferred to the Reserve in 2012'.
‘I'm working on two projects – the first being the ALG Reach Leadership
Program in the development and facilitation of the Program’.
‘Reach Leadership contributes to grass-roots leadership and assists ALG
members to become more motivated to take a pro-active approach to
developing their own leadership skills beyond Professional Military Education
and Training (PMET)’.
‘The second project is at Air Movements Training and Development Unit
(AMTDU), helping re-design the Aerial Delivery (AD), design procedures
manual’.
FLTLT Chate added, ‘I’ve been analysing current flowchart processes and
translating the data into a newly structured procedure system that is more
user-friendly and meets airworthiness regulatory requirements (ie) developing
a manual that guides AMTDU staff to conduct AD load clearance tasks
effectively and efficiently'.
Photo: ALG
FLTLT Warwick Chate, Active
Reserve and ‘one-time’ technical
apprentice is now a part of Air Force
Leadership and Aerial Delivery
Design.
‘I'm pleased to say that the delivery of both projects is another example of
how Reserve manpower and skills allows Permanent Air Force (PAF), members to
remain focused on their high tempo operational workloads’.
Air Lift Group:
4
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Air Movements Training and Development
Unit
‘Contributions by our Reserve personnel are
essential for Air Movements Training and
Development Unit (AMTDU) to meet mission
requirements’.
WGCDR Carl Newman, CO AMTDU at RAAF
Richmond told News Breakers…‘Fully integrated
Reservists and Australian Public Servants (APS)
provide a level of continuity and mentorship within
AMTDU that would be difficult to achieve with PAF
personnel due to posting cycles’.
‘Reserve experience allows members to punch well
above their weight in terms of productivity – WOFF
Neil McCamish and FLTLT Warwick Chate are
examples of the impact Reservists make to AMTDU's
mission’.
Photo: ALG
(L-R): WOFF Neil McCamish, former RAAF Richmond
Reservist of The Year; WGCDR Carl Newman, CO AMTDU
and FLTLT Warwick Chate, Active Reserve who re-wrote load
clearance procedures.
‘In 2012, WOFF McCamish was awarded the CPL
Dean Gill Award as the RAAF Richmond Reservist of
The Year. This award recognised the significant load
certification and the mentoring impact WOFF
McCamish has provided during his time at AMTDU –
his efforts directly enable ADF deployment
requirements’.
‘FLTLT Chate has been an integral part of the
AMTDU team over the last 12 months engaged in the
complete re-write of AMTDU load clearance procedures’.
‘Without his stoic efforts, AMTDU would not be able to meet the timelines imposed, or
realise the significant airworthiness improvement and process efficiencies that our
procedure re-write will provide. As a direct result of FLTLT Chate's efforts, load
certifications will continue to comply with Technical Airworthiness requirements while
taking less time and resources to deliver.'
5
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Air Lift Group:
Loadmaster Mentoring Training Guidance
‘Railway goods clerk with Westrail to Air Force rotary-wing crewman to
Air Lift Group fixed-wing crewman to AMTDU Project Officer Mentor –
what a life!’
WOFF Neil McCamish, Active Reserve. He too shares his story…
'I joined the Air Force as a Clerk and later remustered to helicopter crewman
having served in numerous SQNs: Nos 5, 9, 12, 35 and 36SQN as a
crewman/loadmaster and transferred to the Reserve in 2007. I later joined the
Projects Team at AMTDU, RAAF Richmond'.
WOFF McCamish said, ‘Some air transport certification projects I've been
involved in include remediation of NARY Special Operations Vehicles (SOV);
G-Wagon Surveillance and Reconnaissance Vehicles (SRV); internal
remediation of Chinook Helicopters (CH47D); G-Wagon 6x6 Cab Chassis
Cargo Vehicles and John Deere JD270 Skid Steer Loaders’.
‘With the exception of the NARY SOV, all assets are presently operational, or
being introduced into service for use by Army and Air Force’.
WOFF McCamish added, ‘In addition to my Reserve contribution to load
certification, as a senior load development project officer, I also mentor, train
and guide new loadmasters to become qualified AMTDU project officers with
an engineering authority’.
‘Reserve workforce continuity in the Unit is important as most PAF project
officers are on a three year posting cycle. At present, project officers can take
six to twelve months to achieve engineering authority. Utilising Reserve
experience at AMTDU is likely to reduce this time frame to four months
enabling greater productivity of the PAF members’.
Photo: ALG
Remediation of Special Operations
Vehicles and working as a Projects
Team member, WOFF Neil
McCamish, Active Reserve is part
of the vital Reserve component at
ALG, RAAF Richmond NSW.
Photo: Australian Aviation
A97-006 flying over RAAF Base
Richmond on a test flight following QDS
deep-level maintenance is likely to be the
first C-130H model to be prepared for
transfer to Indonesia later this year.
6
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
19th International Air Reserves Symposium
Editor in consultation with WGCDR Rowley Tompsett AR DGRES-AF Branch.
Symposium theme – Total Force Concept: removing cultural
impediments to deliver enhanced capability.
The Royal Australian Air Force will host the 19th International Air Reserves
Symposium (IARS), in Sydney from Wednesday, 2 to Friday 4 October, 2013.
AIRMSHL Geoff Brown AO, Chief of Air Force (CAF) has invited senior air Reserve
representatives to attend the Symposium comprised of 24 delegates representing nine
air forces from around the world – United Kingdom and the United States of America.
During its 19 year history, IARS has provided a valuable forum for senior air Reserve
representatives of IARS members to discuss common ‘air force Reserve’ matters.
IARS accomplishes its objectives by sharing experiences and information and cooperating on air force Reserve topics. IARS recognises that, with more emphasis
being placed on the reduction in size of traditional standing air forces, the integration
of Reserves into total force structures will result in an increasing reliance on Reserves
to provide a greater breadth of capability and skills in the future.
Integration of Reserves will require innovative approaches to the management of a
limited number of personnel, both full-time and part-time.
Senior air Reserve representatives will take part in the 19th IARS discussion forum, as
this event offers a unique opportunity for members to contribute to the valuable
discussion agenda and exchange of ideas in a multinational forum.
The Sydney Symposium will be held at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia
(incorporating the Imperial Services Club), adjacent to Sydney Harbour.
The Symposium will be chaired by AIRCDRE Terry Delahunty, Director General
Reserves - Air Force. The program for the event will commence during the afternoon
of Wednesday, 2 October and finish after the business session on Friday, 4 October
2013.
The Symposium will be opened by CAF, with closing remarks by DCAF. Delegates will
be welcomed by the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Air Commodore Professor
Marie Bashir, at a Government House function.
Delegates will hear presentations from: MAJGEN Paul Brereton, HCRESD; BRIG
Iain Spence, DG Suakin; Mr Jack Smorgon, DRSC National Chair and take part in a
workshop conducted by AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers, DGPERS-AF. Presentations on
foreign air force Reserves will be made by LTGEN Dieter Naskrent, Deputy Chief,
German Air Force; MAJGEN Richard Shook Jr., Mobility Advisor, USAF Air Reserve
and GPCAPT Martin Routledge, RAF Reserve.
The 19th IARS Project Officer:
WGCDR Rowley Tompsett at rowley.tompsett@defence.gov.au
or (02) 6265 2926 / 0408 661 372.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Improved Management of Reserve Training
WGCDR Judith McCann, Program Manager, Air Force Improvement, HQAFTG.
On 1 January, 2012 Headquarters Reserve Training Wing (HQRTW) was
disbanded. The Air Force Organisational Directive (AFOD) 2013-02, formalising
the disbandment was signed by Director General Personnel - Air Force
(DGPERS-AF) on 25 May, 2013.
The AFOD also established new Reserve positions throughout Air Force Training Group
(AFTG), to carry out Chief of Air Force’s (CAF) new ‘Intent for Education and Training of
Air Force Reserves’.
With the disbandment of Reserve Training Wing and the Training Flights in the local
City SQNs, together with a lack of Reserve Direct Entry recruiting targets, resulted in
the cessation of locally based Induction and Initial Employment Training.
A little known fact is that Direct Entry Reservists make up approximately 25% of all
Reservists and that they contribute an equivalent proportion of Reserve Service Days
served and a similar proportion to deployments and backfill.
Reserve recruiting targets are being re-invigorated by DGPERS-AF and the Reservist
training system is being re-established to support the implementation of the integrated
training model concept.
The integrated training model will utilise both full-time and flexible delivery options for
Induction and Initial Employment Training for Reservists (IIET).
AIRCDRE Brian Edwards, Commander AFTG said, ‘Air Force Training Group is
reviewing its courses and methods of delivery to ensure Reservists are trained more
efficiently. And, their unique circumstances are taken into account as much as possible’.
‘Under the new arrangements, Reservists will be provided more one-on-one support
and proactively managed and assisted throughout their training.’
HQAFTG will soon call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to fill positions within HQAFTG
at selected schools and at major bases to provide local support to Reservist trainees.
Mr John Fisher, HQAFTG Staff Officer, AFTG Training Systems and Standards said,
‘The training system must cater for the flexible workforce in order to better utilise and
capture the skills on offer to Air Force’.
‘AFTG is re-developing its courses to provide a more flexible learning environment for
Reservists. Courses will be reviewed based on priority of need. And, courses with
Reservists waiting to undertake IIET will be re-developed first. However, the changes to
more flexible methods of learning will not only benefit Reservists – there will also be
flow on effects for PAF trainees.’
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
News Breakers' Caption the Picture Contest
Enter Now!
Submit your suggested caption for this image:
East Coast Air Defence
Exercise 2013 was a tactical
Defensive Counter Air
Operation. F/A-18 Hornets from
No 3SQN prepare to refuel with
a No 33SQN KC-30A
Multi-Role Tanker Transport.
Photo: CPL Janine Fabre, 1JPAU
Winning entry will receive
from News Breakers a
moulded glass decanter
with etched RAAF Crest.
Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy
Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy, 28SQN AFID-AMB.
First Prize!
The best caption entry will win a moulded glass decanter with etched RAAF Crest. The decanter, of traditional
design, could take pride of place amongst your entertainment favourites at home or office.
Enter via e-mail to News Breakers Editor peter.meehan1@defence.gov.au
before Friday, 22 November 2013.
9
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
June 2013 Caption the Picture Contest Winner
The Tarinkot air load team prepare to remove a Kalmar container carrier from an RAAF C-17
Globemaster at Multi National Base -Tarinkot.
Congratulations
SGT Simon Cazneaux
Armament Technician
ASCESQN RAAF Edinburgh, SA.
Photo: Air Force File
Winning Caption
"Whoa big fella… we'll get you to the Monster Truck Rally on time."
SGT Simon Cazneaux has won a moulded glass decanter with etched RAAF Crest. The decanter is of
traditional design (as seen on previous page).
Make sure you enter this issue's Caption the Picture Contest
Conditions of entry:
Contest is open to all current Defence personnel. Entries will be judged by the Deputy Director
General Reserves - Air Force.
Judge’s decision will be final. No correspondence will be entered into.
Entries to peter.meehan1@defence.gov.au before Friday, 22 November 2013.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Club Red … time to roll up your sleeves
Army can’t have it all their own way – get to it!
SQNLDR Peter Meehan, Specialist Reserve, Editor.
This year’s Defence Blood Challenge launched by VCDF,
AIRMSHL Mark Binskin on 2 August, is gathering momentum
around Australia with tri-Service personnel picking up the
challenge and donating to this vital national cause.
Last year, Army took out the well-deserved first prize; however
Air Force wasn’t far behind and took out the per capita prize. Air
Force Reservists have it within their grasp to bolster Air Force
donations and make a difference.
The Defence Blood Challenge, underway since 1 September, will
conclude on 30 November. Members are encouraged to donate
as often as they can at an Australian Red Cross Blood Services
(ARCBS), collection centre or at ARCBS mobile blood banks
visiting Defence bases and sites.
SQNLDR John Yialeloglou, Specialist Reserve told News
Breakers, ‘I've never needed a blood transfusion and I’m the
biggest ‘woose’ on the planet when it comes to blood. However, I
rolled up my sleeves’ with work colleagues and donated blood for
the first time’.
Photo: Red Cross Darwin
AIRCDRE Watson, Commander Headquarters
Northern Command, led the Defence Blood
Challenge when he donated blood with LEUT Jon
Milton (Navy) and CPL Samuel Butler (Army) at
the Darwin Donor Centre.
‘My wife is a regular donator and I’ve wanted to donate for years, so I decided that
being a ‘chicken’ was no longer a good enough reason to avoid
this important community service; I also felt that it was
inconsistent with my leadership responsibilities as a Reservist to
watch my colleagues at AFHQ regularly donate blood and
plasma while I stood by’.
SQNLDR Yialeloglou added, ‘Apart from potentially saving
thousands of lives, the inter-Service competition for the most
blood donations is creating healthy rivalry. Last year Army, with
their numerical superiority, took out the well-deserved first prize
with 1,191 donations. However, Air Force wasn’t far behind with
919 donations and took out the per capita prize’.
‘A record total of 3,295 donations were made last year by
Defence personnel, families and friends and the aim of the 2013
Defence Blood Challenge is to set a new record’.
Footnote:
Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) compatibility testing is
another quick and painless thing you can do to help people
desperately in need.
11
Photo: LS Helen Frank Defence News
Ms Tahnee Bell looks after SQNLDR John
Yialeloglou, Active Reserve as he donates blood
for the first time in the mobile Red Cross donation
bus at Russell Offices, ACT.
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Nation has Lost a Great Australian
Tony Gaze DFC** OAM (b3-2-1920 – d29-7-2013) WWII RAAF Spitfire ace and
First Australian Grand Prix Motor Racing Champion. His life was spent
exploring possibilities of human achievement.
WGCDR Richard Bluck, Reserves Branch.
Several hundred people gathered for a Memorial Service to honour and
celebrate the extraordinary life of Frederick Anthony Owen ‘Tony’ Gaze. The
Melbourne born Australian gained his Air Force ‘wings’ at RAAF Point
Cook. He flew with the RAF during WWII and with the RAAF Citizen Air
Force’s No 21 (City of Melbourne) SQN after the war.
A ‘Who’s Who’ of Australian aviation and motor racing fraternities, past and
present, attended the Service held in the beautiful grounds and Chapel of
Geelong Grammar.
Tony achieved an astounding array of ‘firsts’ and achievements – enough to fill
several editions of ‘Boy’s Own Annual’ – the classic 1950’s adventure books.
Four speakers outlined aspects of Tony’s life (in précis):
Tony’s Family Heritage
‘He was a legend in every way, but to many he was a quiet unassuming
gentleman who had unwavering loyalty to family and friends. He was a
Remarkable Man!’
– Alec Moore (cousin).
Photo: Tony Gaze Website
Tony Gaze, born Melbourne
Victoria, graduated in 1941 with
just under 122 hours flying time
recorded in his RAF Pilot’s Log
Book.
Flying and the War Years
‘Knowing Tony Gaze and writing his story has been a highlight of my life, both
professionally and personally… as many have said, it was a privilege to have known
him and Diana’.
– Stewart Wilson (biographer and Editor AERO Australia).
Contribution to Motor Sport
'Tony was our first Australian Grand Prix driver with appearances
in the Belgium, British and German GP’s and the Monte Carlo
Rally, as well as establishing the Kangaroo Racing Stable. His
contribution to Australian motor racing was recognised with the
award of the Medal of the Order of Australia’.
– Tim Schenken (Confederation of Australian Motor Sport).
Photo: Tony Gaze Website
A Personal Perspective
‘He was a humble, quiet and measured man who always showed
undying love and loyalty to those close to him. In some ways, he
was like a prized water well, maybe with a narrow opening at the
top that disguised the deep, clear water below’.
– Christopher Davidson (stepson).
12
Tony Gaze, the first Australian F1 Grand Prix
Champion in his Ferrari 500/625 at Wigram, New
Zealand 1956.
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Tony Gaze was impressively quiet by nature – an understated, almost shy,
gentlemanly demeanour that was underpinned by a sharp intellect and steely
determination.
He was his own greatest competitor in the pursuit of best possible performance
in whatever he did: Spitfire ‘ace’, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix motor racing
champion and highly accomplished post war rally driver and glider pilot.
The appearance of the Temora’s Aviation Museum’s WWII Spitfire V at the
conclusion of the Service was flown by ‘war-bird’ aviator Guy Bourke. The
elliptical wing of the veteran D-Day Spitfire cut an edge against clear sky
overhead the Chapel of Geelong Grammar – Tony’s school. It was a poignant
and fitting finale to the life and achievements of a remarkable Australian whose
life and deeds touched many.
Outside the Chapel, a fascinating array of vintage and classic cars gleaming in
the August sunshine included the FX Holden which Tony Gaze and motoring
legend Lex Davidson took, as the first Australian entry, to the 1953 Monte Carlo
Rally.
Tony’s ashes will be taken by Spitfire to his beloved Goodwood racing circuit in
the UK where he also is revered as a legend.
Footnote: Air Force attendees were GPCAPT Terence Deeth, representing
Chief of Air Force; WGCDR Richard Bluck, representing Air Force
Reserves Branch; SQNLDR Rod Humphries XO and WOFF Shaun Howard,
WOD No 21 (City of Melbourne) SQN. They were accompanied by SGT
Peter McCracken from the Air Force Band who performed the Last Post.
Photo: Tony Gaze Website
Tony graduated from No.5 Service
Flying Training School in 1941.
After a short period with 57
Operational Training Unit at RAF
Hawarden, he was posted to 610
[Spitfire] Squadron at RAF
Westhampnett, part of tGPCAPT
Douglas Bader’s Tangmere
Fighter Wing.
News Breakers June 2010 issue featured the book launch of ‘Almost Unknown’
by Stewart Wilson (Chevron Press 2009), that tells the story of Tony Gaze the
remarkable high achieving Australian. Wilson is editor of ‘Aero Australia’
magazine and author of many iconic publications about RAAF aircraft.
Photo: Tony Gaze Website
‘Downing the Messerschmitt’ - limited edition print depicts Tony Gaze
shooting down a Me 262 in his Spitfire Mk XIV. Paintings and prints about
Tony Gaze’s exploits are available.
For more information go to: www.tonygaze.com
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SQNLDR F.A.O Tony
Gaze OAM DFC and 2
Bars was a very
distinguished, although
largely unsung
Australian.
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Breakers’ Mailbag
Send Air Force Reserve News Breakers comments to the Editor: peter.meehan1@defence.gov.au
I’m happy to see some really important capabilities of Air Force being appropriately recognised for the
great service they provide for our nation. Congratulations on another great edition of News breakers.
(June, 2013 News Breakers edition: June, 2013).
GPCAPT Terence Deeth
Chief of Staff - Air Force Training Group
RAAF Williams VIC
The Fireys at ‘Willy’ enjoy Reserve News Breakers and look forward to each edition. It’s a great read
and very informative about Reserve capability.
LAC Dave Coughtrie
Firefighter
381ECSS
RAAF Williamtown NSW
Absolutely loved SQNLDR Chris Hayden’s story on working as a Reservist on deployment to Jerusalem
as a member of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), as an observer reporting
on violations from signatory countries, or other parties – great read! (News Breakers edition: June, 2013).
SQNLDR Andrew Van de Gumster
SO2 Operational Contracts
Supply Chain Branch
JLC VIC
As more Reservists are being called upon to provide Air Force supplementation, the News Breakers
story about F-111 disposal, that also included the transfer of Reserve skills and expertise to Super
Hornet, serves to reinforce the value of Reserve enhanced capability. (News Breakers edition: June,
2013).
WOFF Wade Godbee
WOE Reserves 1SQN
RAAF Amberley QLD
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
I have a Reserve colleague who is interested in keeping in touch with the Reserve world. The DRN 3Mb
limit won’t allow e-mail success. Do you have a way to get News Breakers out to private e-mail
addresses? By the way, keep up the good work.
Editor: Send the appropriate link below for readers facing file size difficulties:
Intranet:
DGRES-AF News Breakers
http://intranet.defence.gov.au/RaafWeb/sites/DGRES-AF/comweb.asp?page=184580&Title=News Breakers
Internet:
Defence Reserve support Council
http://www.defencereservessupport.gov.au/news/newsletters-other-publications.aspx
WGCDR Wilhelmus Merkx
CO 1 Recruit Training Unit
RAAF Wagga NSW
Thanks News Breakers for letting us know about the passing of our Air Force veteran greats. I was
recently saddened by the loss of WWII ‘Battle of Britain Ace’ SQNLDR Tony Gaze and No 21 (City of
Melbourne) SQN Reservist, including the passing of Vietnam 9SQN crewman WOFF Snow Coughlan.
Broadly speaking, Air Force needs a more effective system of notification about the passing of serving
and veteran members to enable us to properly pay our respects.
SQNLDR Glenn Buesnel-May
Air Force Leadership 2
Australian Defence College
Reserve integration appears to be moving along well. Efficient integration of the Reserve can only mean
a massive boost for Force Element Groups and remote locations around Australia, not to mention the
benefits of cost effectiveness through Reserve capability.
SQNLDR Gary Westley (Ret’d)
Formerly of 36SQN
Qantas Australia
Air Force Reserve News Breakers back issues visit DGRES-AF or Defence Reserve Support Council
15
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Good Health in Las Vegas
SQNLDR Peter Meehan, Specialist Reserve, Editor.
FLTLT Danny O’Neill, Specialist Reserve (SR) Nurse Practitioner (NP),
returned last month from the USA after presenting a paper at the 2013
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (ANNP), conference in Las
Vegas.
His presentation was hailed by his NP counterparts as being highly
informative about the NP work being conducted within the RAAFSR and Port
Macquarie and Wauchope Hospitals in NSW.
NPs are senior clinical staff members within their specialty. With many years
of experience the NPs offer treatment and expert clinical skills that focus on
recognition of the ‘whole person’ health needs within the context of their
environment. The NP also acts as a provider within a hospital emergency
department and is able provide diagnosis and treatment.
The benefits of expanding emergency NPs was central to FLTLT O’Neill’s
presentation, the facts of which were innovative and gave rise to wide spread
interest amongst US Navy, US Air Force and US Navy ANNP conference
attendees.
Sharing his story with News Breakers, FLTLT O’Neill said, ‘With 7,500 NPs in
attendance, the ANNP conference provided an outstanding opportunity to
network with international NPs in a productive conference environment’.
Photo: Treasure Island Hotel
Treasure Island Hotel and Conference
Centre, Las Vegas staged the 2013
American Association of Nurse
Practitioners.
‘The former Mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman, a high profile US lawyer and strong
supporter of NPs and Barbara Safriet, the US federal government health lawyer, also a
passionate supporter of NPs, both brokered the US government and American Medical
Association (AMA) to ensure NPs share the same practice and health care billing rights as
physicians’.
‘To that end, the outcome empowers US NPs to deliver care, without restriction, to enable better
care and health care access for US citizens. The US federal health system supports NPs to
provide equivocal care to all areas of health care’.
FLTLT O’Neill added, ‘I met many NPs who own and run urgent care centres and family
practices. The US has around 185,000 licensed NPs practicing within speciality areas’. I also
attended a US NP Armed Services forum where the Air Force and Army debated increasing NP
recruitment for 2013 and retaining their current NP practitioners’.
‘The US Air Force discussed effective utilisations of NP's in garrison health support and family
practice specialities, including aero medical evacuations. The forum demonstrated the success
of effective use of NPs in deployed environments with encouraging debate that echoed future
growth in NP practitioners’.
Footnote:
FLTLT Daniel O’Neill, Specialist Reserve, FCENA FACN(MA), MNPracStud,
MaAdvancePrac (Emerg), PG Dip (Critical Care) Dip IMC RCS Ed, B.Sc (Hons), No 3 Aero
Medical Evacuation (AME) SQN RAAF Richmond, is a Nurse Practitioner at Port
Macquarie Base Hospital and Wauchope District Hospital, NSW.
16
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Reserve Refinement Update
Background to Reserve Refinement progress…
In February, 2013 a Joint Communiqué from Deputy Chief Air Force (DCAF) and
Air Commander Australia (ACAUST) outlined the first phase of initiatives flowing
from the Reserve Refinement (RR) activity.
Many of the changes foreshadowed in the February Communiqué now have been
actioned and came into effect on 1 July, 2013. These changes have been widely
disseminated by formal channels, service newspapers and direct communications to all
serving reservists. Work is continuing on other RR topics including improving and
streamlining processes for Supplementary Employment Group (SEG) (formerly Band 4).
Changes for Reserves from 1 July, 2013
Terminology
Use of the Band 1 to Band 4 descriptors will cease. The revised structure for the
Operational Reserve includes the:
1. High Readiness Reserve (HRR) both High Readiness Active Reserve (HRAR)
and High Readiness Specialist Reserve (HRSR);
2. Operational Employment Group (OEG);
3. Supplementary Employment Group (SEG).
Necessary changes have been made to PMKeyS. (Check in on-line Self Service
PMKeyS).
Postings
For members engaged on short term projects or tasks SEG pool positions have been
established at Head Quarters Air Command (HQAC) and the Force Element Groups
(FEG’s). SEG pool positions are in the process of being established in Non-Service
Groups. Previous Band 4 members have been, or will be, posted (after consultation) to
one of the following: an OEG position; to a SEG ‘pool’ positions in a work sponsor
organisation; or to a ‘City’ SEG ‘pool’ position.
Current arrangements for SEG GPCAPT and Star ranked officers will remain.
Mandatory Annual Service Requirements
The mandatory annual service requirements for FY13/14 onwards will be:
a.
HRR – Active Reserve (AR) 50 Reserve Service Day (RSD) and Specialist
Reserve (SR) 7 RSD;
b.
OEG - 20 RSD (AR option to serve 32 RSD and SR option to serve 20 RSD);
c.
SEG – 1 RSD.
17
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Individual Readiness Requirements (IRR)
There are no changes to the IRR for the HRR. For the OEG and SEG the IRR is limited
to extant health assessment arrangements currently applying to the AR and SR (five
yearly assessments) except for those musterings/specialisations requiring specific
aspects of IRR.
Commanders retain the discretion to set required IRR for certain positions, sections or
units.
For more information
Enquiries about the Reserve Refinement including reference documents, progress
updates, FAQ’s, go to the DGRES-AF website – Reserve Refinement pages.
For Reserve Refinement questions or comments go to:
airforce.reserverefinement@defence.gov.au
18
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Breakers' Briefs
Reserve Pay Slips
WGCDR Tony Smith, Acting Deputy Director Flexible
Employment and Remuneration, Directorate Personnel - Air
Force, encourages members to elect to access their payslips
though PSS.
E-mail address is dsc@defence.gov.au
E-mail Subject header should be recorded as 'Reserve payslip opt out'. In
the body of the e-mail, members are to state:
I, (rank), (initials), (surname), EMPLID> do not require my Reserve payslip to
be sent to my home address. I will access my payslips through PSS.
Note:
For more information please visit one of the following websites:
Global Payroll:
http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/Sites/DPAF/comweb.asp?page=1306322&Title=Reserve-specific
Flexible Employment:
http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/DPAF/comweb.asp?page=191138&Title=Flexible
Remuneration:
http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/DPAF/comweb.asp?page=191132&Title=Pay
Reserves:
http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/DPAF/comweb.asp?page=1212138&Title=Reserve
RAAF Museum Update
Reservists and PAF members visiting Melbourne, make sure a
visit to the RAAF Museum at historic Point Cook Base is on your
holiday or ‘on-duty’ agenda.
Just 20 minutes drive from the Westgate Bridge along the Geelong
Freeway; the Museum is free to the public and open Tuesday to Friday
10.00am-3.00pm and Weekends and Public Holidays 10.00am to
5.00pm.
Sabre jet and Mustang fighter aircraft, both of the Korean War era
and a Vampire jet, being of type that introduced the jet age to the
RAAF – each having stamped their authority during war and peace
are on display.
19
Photo: RAAF Museum
Mr David Gardner promoted the RAAF
Centenary Celebrations March, 2014 at the Air
Force Museum, RAAF Williams, Point Cook
birthplace of the Australian Flying Corps in 1914
and the Royal Australian Air Force in 1921.
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Breakers' Briefs
The 'Strike Reconnaissance Hangar' features a recently retired RAAF F111G Strike aircraft, a F4E Phantom and a Canberra Bomber.
Subject to weather, free to the public interactive flying displays are
scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 1.00pm (excluding
Christmas and New Year period).
Visit the RAAF Museum website for more details.
Photo: RAAF Museum
Photo: RAAF Museum
Mr David Gardner, Director RAAF Museum
last month addressed an illustrious gathering
of RAAF war time combat pilots and their
guests at the Athenaeum Club, Melbourne.
Central to the Director’s speech was the
RAAF Museum’s preservation of the nation’s
military aviation heritage and the aircraft
types that played vital roles for Australia
during war and peace.
90th Anniversary of Legacy
Since 1923, Legacy has kept a promise to help the families of our incapacitated and
fallen veterans. Currently they are assisting over 100,000 families and are already
supporting a new generation of personnel in the ADF and their families.
Everything Legacy has achieved would not be possible without the help from volunteers,
donors, supporters and sponsors. The funds raised from Legacy Week during September
will help Legacy continue to assist widows, including 1,900 children and people with
disabilities Australia-wide, with essential services in counselling, special housing,
medical, advocacy and social support.
You can find out more the 90th anniversary at: http://www.legacy.com.au
20
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Breakers' Briefs
Air Force Ground Combat Badge
A Chief of Air Force (CAF) Directive has been released formalising the policy and
processes associated with the Air Force Ground Combat Badge (AFGCB).
The AFGCB recognises service by Air Force members, Permanent and Reserve, where
their deployed role in a ‘warlike’ area of operations required them to operate within a
combat or escalated threat environment, beyond that routinely experienced within a
deployed base.
Nominations 2014 Australia Day Medallions
Nominations are now being sought for the 2014 Australia Day
Medallions. The Australian Day Medallion recognises outstanding
performance by individuals during the last 12 months or noteworthy
contributions over a number of years.
They are open to all serving ADF personnel, Civilians and Officers and
Instructors of Cadets.
Nominations from non-Air Command units are to be processed through the
chain of command to AFHQ, no later than Friday, 25 October 2013. All
nominations must be submitted using Web Form AD110 - Nomination for
Australia Day Medallion. The AFHQ POC for nominations is
FLTLT Stephanie Anderson on (02) 62653669 or
stephanie.anderson@defence.gov.au
SQNLDR Kate Fox News Breakers Editor Elect 2014
SQNLDR Peter Meehan Specialist Reserve, Editor
Story submissions for December edition of Air Force Reserve News
Breakers are welcome now.
After almost six years, the next publication will be my last as Editor of News
Breakers with SQNLDR Kate Fox, Active Reserve taking over the Editorial
role in 2014.
Act now!
Send your Reserve story with high resolution imagery for December to either:
kate.fox@defence.gov.au and/or
peter.meehan1@defence.gov.au
21
Representational Image
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Call to Action: No Rest in Retirement
SQNLDR Paul Warner, SADMINO HQ 42WG and Visits Officer EX Talisman Saber ‘13.
WGCDR Phil Darvall, Active Reserve was plucked from long service leave while
planning his leisurely retirement, to take up post on last month’s Exercise
Talisman Saber 2013 (TS13). He is possibly the newest Reservist in the Air Force.
The Combined Joint Visits Bureau at Exercise Talisman Saber, based at Camp Rocky,
is where WGCDR Darvall managed a group of Reserve Visits Officers who processed
and coordinated VIP visits to the area of TS13 operations.
SQNLDR Paul Warner, released from HQ 42WG to work as a Visits Officer under
WGCDR Darvall said, ‘Visitors to the Combined Joint Visits Bureau included, American
Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich; Chief of Defence Force, General David Hurley and Chief of
Joint Operations LTGEN Brian Power’.
SQNLDR Chris Johnson, Active Reserve, escorted numerous national and international
visitors into operational areas which included, an impressive tour of 382 Expeditionary
Combat Support SQN, based at Williamson Airfield.
In addition to the SQN’s on-ground airfield engineering capabilities, VIPs had the
opportunity to visit the new Transportable Air Operations Tower (TAOT), which included
a tour of the TS13 fire support facility where Panther Fire trucks were deployed to the
remote Williamson Airfield for the joint exercise.
Footnote:
TS13 was the latest in the biennial series of
exercises conducted jointly by Australia and the
United States.
The aim of the TS series of exercises is to practice
combined and joint task force operations in ‘high
end’ mid-intensity war fighting environments,
improve combat readiness and enhance
interoperability.
TS13 involved approximately 30,000 Australian and
US sailors, soldiers and airmen and women who
trained, then performed the mid-level intensity
operation.
Photo: AB Leanne Mack
A feature of TS13 was the increased participation
of staff from a range of civil agencies including: the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the
Australian Federal Police, AusAID and their US
counterparts.
(L-R): MAJ Jamie Cord; LCPL Bevan Grieve; WGCDR Phil
Darvall; CPL Tracy Waddell; SQNLDR Paul Warner; SGT
"Frenchy" Haywood; CAPT "KU" Patel.
Background: Army Kiowa and Blackhawk helicopters at
Camp Rocky, Rockhampton Airport.
22
News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – September 2013
Communicators and Photographers Integral
to Talisman Saber 2013
SQNLDR Deanna Nott, Specialist Reserve Public Affairs Officer.
A team of Air Force Specialist Reserve Public Affairs
Officers and Reserve Imagery Specialists from across
Australia joined their full-time counterparts at RAAF
Amberley and Shoal Water Bay Training Area in QLD to
support Exercise Talisman Saber 2013 (TS13).
SQNLDR September Clare, TS13 Detachment Commander
said, ‘Newer members of the Reserve team were given the
opportunity to develop their knowledge of command and
control arrangements, while the experienced Reservists
honed their skills in the training environment’.
SQNLDR Clare, involved in PAF workforce development
within Air Command has a visionary plan for the Specialist
Reserve group, ‘I’m working towards ensuring that the team
will have similar opportunities in the future – I’m capturing of
all the TS13 ideas brought forward by the Specialist
Reservists as they deliver a vital communications capability
for Air Force’.
‘Public Affairs is a growing business and we need the
capability and support of Reservists as they have a wealth of
knowledge and experience that Air Force can draw on,
especially in a crisis situation’.
Photo: LAC David Said 28SQN AFID-RIC
No 28 SQN Imagery Specialist, SGT Shane Gidall
(left) films GPCAPT Geoff Harland, Officer
Commanding No 82 WG, as he is interviewed by
28SQN Public Affairs Officer, SQNLDL Deanna Nott
(right) during Exercise Talisman Saber 2013.
SQNLDR Tina Turner, a civilian strategic communications
adviser spent time at RAAF Amberley contributing to a range
of stories and assisting in coordination of media activities.
‘I’ve really enjoyed the experience which included servicing
local radio to coordinate daily broadcasts about TS13 flying
schedules and coordinating media visits to the USS Blue
Ridge and USS George Washington’.
SQNLDR Trevor Grant, Active Reserve managed the
collection and production of imagery and vision said, ‘It was
great to see the efficiency of Permanent Air Force (PAF) and
Reserve members working cohesively’.
‘The one-team TS13 experience provided members with an
outstanding opportunity to effectively serve in an operational
environment; shooting home town stories, public affairs
imagery and preparing a range of video web clips’.
‘The Reserve and PAF team is highly trained in video and
stills acquisition and catered for all eventualities that cropped
up during TS13’.
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Photo: LAC David Said 28SQN AFID-RIC
No 28 SQN Imagery Specialist, SGT Shane Gidall
records the action at RAAF Amberley during Exercise
Talisman Saber 2013.