ARDU marks 75 yearsPage 18

AIRF RCEVol. 60, No. 20, November 1, 2018 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

INVICTUS GAMESPride glows in Sydney

Pages 4-5

CLOSING THE GAPExercise Kummundoo

Pages 2-3

A PC-9/A currently used by the Aircraft Research and Development Unit flies in

formation near Nowra, NSW, with former ARDU aircraft an F/A-18 Hornet and a Douglas Dakota.

Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

GRAND TRIO

OUR 10th JSFLatest F-35A boost

Page 7

EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

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2 November 1, 2018RCEAIR FExercise Kummundoo

In safe hands – before and after dental treatment

LACW Ocean Mitchell, SGT Cathleen Browning, FLTLT Corey Wilson and FLTLT Melissa Miller visit Roebourne Primary School students for a dental education program during Exercise Kummundoo. Photos: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

FLTLT Corey Wilson and LACW Ocean Mitchell with Tangiora, who was given dental treatment in Roebourne.

3November 1, 2018RCEAIR F Exercise Kummundoo

FLTLT Nick O’Connor

EXERCISE Kummundoo 2018 has been hailed a success with a team of five personnel delivering vital den-tal and oral hygiene services to the remote West Australian community of Roebourne.

K u m m u n d o o , h e l d f r o m September 2-28, aimed to assist remote Indigenous people through the implementation of dental initiatives and outreach programs as part of Air Force’s “Our Place, Our Skies” strat-egy.

Exercise OIC FLTLT Corey Wilson paid tribute to his team mem-bers who stepped up to the challenge to meet objectives.

“The exercise was again a huge success. The Roebourne community was extremely welcoming of the Air Force team, and appreciative of the support we could provide,” FLTLT Wilson said.

“In this remote region, where access to dental services is very lim-ited due to the lack of dental profes-sionals, the demand for dental care was huge and kept us run off our feet.

“However, knowing that we were making a difference made it all worth it.”

Kummundoo was a multi-faceted mission which provided dental treat-ment, the delivery of oral hygiene and nutrition education, and built enduring

relationships with the community in which the team worked.

In turn, Kummundoo gave Air Force the opportunity to deploy to remote locations and for personnel to practise their skills in different circumstances than what they would encounter on a base.

“The team did a fantastic job to ensure we met our objectives, with some very long days and a high tempo of work,” FLTLT Wilson said.

“We achieved a great deal in a short amount of time, and the team should be proud of their contribution and achievement.”

FLTLT Wilson said a highlight was being able to use his skills to help a community in need.

“I found each day was extremely rewarding, both personally and pro-fessionally,” FLTLT Wilson said.

“One memorable patient was a young boy whose face was swollen and he was in severe pain from an infected tooth. He hadn’t been sleep-ing or eating for a few days and he was visibly distressed.

“Being able to alleviate that pain you could immediately see the instant relief in his face once the tooth was removed and he gave me a cheeky grin to say thanks.”

FLTLT Wilson said the “Happy Teeth” school toothbrushing pro-gram proved to be a hit within the Roebourne District School.

“The program is an Air Force leg-acy to the community. Happy Teeth is in line with the national oral health plan, focusing on educating the chil-dren and staff in establishing a daily toothbrushing routine,” FLTLT Wilson said.

“This involved each class commit-ting to carrying out supervised morn-ing toothbrushing before heading into class for the day.

“We followed-up the program to see how it was going 12 months after its introduction, and it was humbling to see that more than 70 per cent of the classes had maintained the initia-tive.”

FLTLT Wilson said he was proud to be involved in such an important community activity which would leave a positive impact for years to come.

“By extending beyond the dental clinic with broad health promotion activities, we aren’t just coming in to provide a band-aid solution,” he said.

“By providing the education and resources (donations of toothbrushes/toothpastes), we are here to make an impact on the lives of the commu-nity, and over the long-term, we hope to see a noticeable impact, through the reduction of dental disease in the region.”

Nothing like bright smiles

128 patients treated in the clinic 88 tooth extractions 103 fillings Other services provided included minor oral

surgery, root canal therapy and periodontal (gum) treatment.

Provided considerable oral hygiene instruc-tion and distributed 500 free toothbrush and toothpaste kits to community members

WHAT THE TEAM ACHIEVED

Community Engagement

FLTLT Melissa Miller helps a student from Karratha High School (Girls Academy) during Exercise Kummundoo.

4 November 1, 2018RCEAIR FInvictus Games

SGT Mark Doran

SYDNEY Harbour provided a spectac-ular backdrop for the Invictus Games debut of sailing where Team Australia won their first gold medal in the Elliott 7 open category race.

Sailing team captain SQNLDR Rob Saunders, of AFHQ, and his crew members, former soldiers Paul Langley, Craig McGrath and Marcus Wilson, joined the Elliott 7 keel boats as they sailed from Rushcutters Bay to Farm Cove.

The Australians won their first pool race over the one nautical mile course before the winner-take-all final six-boat race.

SQNLDR Saunders said the final was a tough race, especially with Denmark and the Netherlands hot on their heels.

“There were a lot of opportunities to make gains, but the wind was very shifty, and although we thought we picked the right shift, the Danes and the Dutch picked a slightly better one,” he said.

“It was a very tactical sprint race, without much room to recover from errors in the seven turns to the finish.

“We were third at the top mark, but we fought back and controlled the last two thirds of the race to finish in front.”

SQNLDR Saunders and the crew were elated to win the first gold medal for Team Australia.

“It was emotional. There were months of hard work and the other members of the crew had little sailing experience – it’s been a long journey.

“The work by our coaches and the volunteers was fantastic and the sup-

port of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club gave us the opportunities we needed to train.”

SQNLDR Saunders said the Elliott 7 was a lovely vessel to sail and was very fast.

“It can be unforgiving if not han-dled well, especially in windy condi-tions,” he said.

“Sailing has been a part of my life since I was young, but I’d stopped sail-ing because of family commitments.

“It was great to get back into it through the Invictus Games.”

The Invictus Games is focused on using sport as a power to inspire and support recovery.

SQNLDR Saunders said he could testify to this because being a part of the Invictus Games community had helped him on his own road to recov-ery.

“Watching how other people deal with their injuries, some of which are horrific, and how they get on with life has reinvigorated my passion for sport,” he said.

“Many of the competitors have opened up to me about their injuries and their recovery and watching their determination to achieve their best has been uplifting.

“The camaraderie during the games has been fantastic as everyone cheers and supports every nation’s team and competitors, whether they win a medal or not – it’s been fantastic to experi-ence.

“My family has also been impor-tant, my wife has been my rock through the hard times, and without their support things may have been dif-ferent for me, quite different.”

Teamwork right tack for gold

The Australian Invictus Games Sailing Team celebrates a gold medal win for the Elliott 7 Team race during the Invictus Games Sydney. Inset: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, congratulate the Australian team. Main photo: CPL Jake Sims

See footage at: http://video.defence.gov.au/play/5926#

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5November 1, 2018RCEAIR F Invictus Games

SGT Mark Doran

THE Invictus Games Sydney 2018 proved to be an inspirational success for Team Australia, which did the ADF and the nation proud from October 20-27.

Apart from winning medals, many competitors achieved personal best performances amid the camaraderie and strong support of friends, families and the Australian community.

The Invictus Games spirit proved to be the real winner as competitors proved the healing power of sport through their determination to achieve on their home ground.

For the crowd of 4000 attending the opening ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on October 20 it became an emotional experience.

The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry paid tribute to the competitors and said they were an example of a new genera-tion of service men and women – the Invictus generation.

“You are the unconquered genera-tion,” he said.

“You are the optimistic generation.“You are the new generation of ser-

vice, and you are the role models to us all.”

On October 21, road cyclists tested themselves against the clock and each other at the Royal Botanic Garden while Sydney Harbour provided a spectacular backdrop for the debut of sailing for the Games.

Team Australia’s Tim Grover won a silver medal in the men’s IRB3 road cycling criterium and Emilea Mysko won silver for the women’s event.

Grover demonstrated the spirit when he gave his medal to teammate Jason McNulty whose race ended early because of mechanical failure.

On the water, SQNLDR Rob Saunders, Paul Langley, Craig McGrath and Marcus Wilson dominat-ed the Elliott 7 team sailing event, to win the first gold medal for Australia.

Competition continued to rise on October 22, with a strong demonstra-tion of power and speed during the first day of competition at Sydney Olympic Park with the indoor rowing,

sitting volleyball and wheelchair ten-nis events.

PLTOFF Nathan Parker added to his growing collection of sports awards by winning a gold medal in the IR3 four-minute endurance competi-tion and a silver in the sprint and Ben Farinazzo collected two gold with the IR6 four-minute endurance and the IR6 sprint.

There was unbridled excitement when CAPT Emma Kadziolka, Tiffany White and CPL Sarah Petchell won gold, silver and bronze during the women’s IR6 four-minute endurance event.

With a strong effort in the sitting volleyball, Team Australia unfortu-nately did not proceed past the pool competition after narrowly losing their first match against Poland, although they did beat the French team in their second match of the non-medal com-petition.

During the tennis open doubles pool competition Samantha Gould and Jamie Tanner were defeated in a tie-break by the Netherlands while Trudi Lines and Stewart Sherman won their match against a joint Unconquered Team from the UK and the Netherlands to proceed in the non-medal event where they faced and were beaten by the US team the next day.

The powerlifting and swimming heats attracted capacity crowds to Sydney Olympic Park on October 23.

Team Australia’s CPL Taryn Barbara, CAPT Ruth Hunt and Sarah Sliwka all swam strongly in the wom-en’s ISD 50m freestyle heats to qualify for the next day’s swimming finals as did Andrew Wilkinson in the men’s ISC 50m freestyle.

In the IP3 women’s heavyweight competition the Australian women stole the show by winning all three medals.

CPL Sarah Petchell won gold with 86kg, Tiffany White was awarded silver with a lift of 80kg and Brigid Baker took bronze with 75kg.

The Australians hit the wheelchair rugby court for the one of most antic-ipated events at the Invictus Games

with fury during the round robin clash-es where they destroyed France 14-1, New Zealand 12-3 and the United States 8-4.

There was no better example of the Invictus Games spirit than when, in the final stages of the game between NZ and Australia, Davin Bretherton from the host nation placed the ball in the lap of opponent George Nepata, who is quadriplegic, and cheered him on to score a goal.

On October 25, a thunderous home crowd cheered Team Australia as they claimed victory in wheelchair rugby.

The gold medal match was tight at the start before Australia showed their strength, defeating Team UK 23-17 for Team Australia’s first ever medal in the wheelchair rugby event across the Games.

ABMT Braedon Griffiths of the Australian team said it was a tough hit-out against the US and even tougher against the UK.

“We put in a lot of hard work in our training to achieve our success on the court and I was fortunate to spend time training with the Australian national team and the NSW team with extra hours in the wheelchair and the gym,” he said.

During the swimming finals on October 23, Team Australia blitzed the competition with outstanding success in the pool and a swathe of medals.

CPL Sonya Newman inspired the crowd as she won four gold medals in the women’s ISC events and a silver in the women’s 4x50m freestyle relay

After the final race Australian swimmer Dean Knobel took the opportunity to ask his girlfriend Rachel Wilson to marry him. There were enormous cheers across the pool when she said yes.

The Invictus Games is an inter-national sporting event for wounded, injured and ill serving and former serving men and women.

To see more imagery and videos visit the Defence website and search for Invictus Games tabs at: images.defence.gov.au or video.defence.gov.au

Embracing mateship Down Under

Left: The Australian Invictus Games Indoor Rowing team at the Sydney Olympic Park. PLTOFF Nathan Parker, front, fifth from left, won a gold medal in the IR3 four-minute endurance competition and a silver in the sprint.Photos: CPL Jake Sims

Australian Invictus Games team members, Tiffany White, centre, CAPT Emma Kadziolka, left, and CPL Sarah Petchell, celebrate a podium finish in the Women’s IR6 one-minute sprint indoor rowing.

Team Australia member CPL Sonya Newman won four gold medals in the women’s swimming ISC event.

Australian Invictus Games wheelchair rugby player Peter Arbuckle, left, takes on an attacking player in a finals match against France at Sydney Olympic Park.

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7November 1, 2018RCEAIR F Fifth Generation

Alisha Welch

THE final F-35A Joint Strike Fighter to be delivered to Air Force this year has arrived at the United States Air Force’s Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, joining Australia’s first nine F-35A aircraft on the flightline.

A35-010 was delivered to No. 3 Squadron at Luke AFB on October 18 following a range of acceptance test-ing activities that authorised delivery from F-35 Program prime contractor Lockheed Martin.

In a significant achievement for the Australian F-35A Project, aircraft A35-009 and A35-010 will operate at Luke AFB under Australian command and control, as the first aircraft to be received on an Australian Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS).

3SQN Senior Engineer SQNLDR Leigh Tinker is based at Luke and said ALIS provided the essential off-board information system infrastruc-ture (hardware, software and data) that performed maintenance management, fault diagnostics, supply support, mis-sion planning and training manage-ment across the F-35A weapon system.

“ALIS is country agnostic, meaning the Australian ALIS is identical to the US ALIS,” SQNLDR Tinker said.

“Although identical, how we input and manage data can be tailored to suit

Alisha Welch

THE F-35 is far more than just an aircraft. The supporting systems and infrastructure that underpin the Joint Strike Fighter are critical to sustaining the capability well into the future – and establishing these systems is an international effort.

SQNLDR Jody Hillier, the Supply Chain Management Lead in the JSF Division, served in the US from May 2014 until January 2018 as the Supply Chain Management Integrated Product Lead at the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO).

During the Australian F-35A Project Management Review in September, the Assistant Program D i r e c t o r f o r L o g i s t i c s a n d Sustainment in the JPO, Dan Fri, presented SQNLDR Hillier with a US Meritorious Service Medal for her enormous contribution to the global F-35 Program.

“SQNLDR Hillier contributed to the development of standardised procedures for the safe and secure warehousing of hazardous and non-hazardous supplies and materials on a global scale,” Mr Fri said.

“In this assignment of tremen-dous international importance, SQNLDR Hillier’s outstanding leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts contributed immensely to the successful execu-tion of the F-35 supply chain man-agement strategy across the three US services, eight partner nations and three Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers.”

SQNLDR Hillier said she was honoured and humbled by the efforts of her US and international hier-archy to ensure her efforts while in post were acknowledged and rewarded.

“The portfolio I managed was extensive, allowing me to identify and implement critical courses of action to assist the warfighter to

10th JSF hits the spot

our regulatory and operating require-ments.

“3SQN has invested significant effort developing procedures to ensure a consistent approach to data entry while maintaining data integrity.

“Our maintenance and supply per-sonnel are actively applying these pro-cedures as we begin sovereign opera-tions at Luke AFB.”

SQNLDR Tinker said ALIS was a key enabler of the F-35A air system.

“Investing now by training our per-sonnel, as well as testing and refining our procedures, will provide a return many times greater as Australia’s F-35A capability grows,” he said.

“With our attention to detail and continuous improvement of ALIS pro-cedures, Australia is in a prime posi-

tion to be in the upper echelon of ALIS users world-wide.”

Project Director Support Systems GPCAPT Guy Adams, of JSF Division, said the JSF Information Systems team, in conjunction with the AIR6000 Military Platform Integration team of the Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG), had implemented an information systems architecture

meet their operational needs, as well as provide strategic value to the F-35 enterprise,” SQNLDR Hillier said.

SQNLDR Hillier said being part of a large international project team allowed her to work with and form an extensive global network of friends and colleagues that would “last a lifetime”.

“Since returning to Australia, I’ve been able to reach out to my colleagues to run issues past them and gain an understanding of their experiences and challenges,” she said.

“This has been valuable in enhancing Australia’s understanding of the Global Support Solution and effective supply chain operations as we move closer to activation later this year.”

SQNLDR Hillier said the rapid rate of global activation, balancing the priorities, disposition of spares and managing the subsequent activ-ity required resources and systems to be in place to support the F-35 Program.

“Planning is key and requires input from experts from partner nations across the F-35 enterprise – this all takes precise coordination to be effective,” she said.

SQNLDR Hillier said she was thrilled to be part of the fifth-gen-eration workforce supporting the delivery of the F-35A capability for Australia.

“The underpinning support systems for the F-35A are inno-vative and provide opportunities for Australia – both the ADF and Australian industry,” she said.

Leading by example

Latest F-35A delivery

integrating ALIS into the Australian D e f e n c e S i n g l e I n f o r m a t i o n Environment.

“As a result, the Australian ALIS system interfaces with and uses Defence information systems infra-structure to connect ALIS Squadron Operating Units (SOU) with the ALIS ‘Central Point of Entry’ and, in turn, the global F-35 Program,” GPCAPT Adams said.

“As aircraft are delivered to Australia, all of the associated data to sustain the aircraft is delivered ready for Australian personnel at Luke AFB to take full ownership and responsibil-ity for maintaining the jets.”

GPCAPT Adams said until now, all previous aircraft deliveries to the US Air Force’s international pilot training centre at Luke required 3SQN main-tainers to do their ALIS-related tasks over the shoulder of US contracted staff using the US ALIS.

“This will also be the first time Australia transfers ALIS data associ-ated with an air vehicle between two SOUs,” he said.

“This is an essential activity that will become routine during Australian verification and validation activities in 2019 and 2020, as well as follow-ing the anticipated declaration of ini-tial operating capability in December 2020.”

WHAT IS GLOBAL SUPPORT SOLUTION? The international F-35 fleet is supported by a Global Support Solution (GSS)

that allows users to benefit from increased capability, availability and affordability through economies of scale, interoperability and international cooperation.

The Australian F-35A sustainment solution is based on leveraging upon and integrating with the F-35 GSS while ensuring that Sovereign Sustainment Requirements (SSRs) are satisfied.

The Australian F-35A sustainment strategy is to maximise use of the GSS to support Australian sustainment requirements either by tailoring GSS support or, if required, operating outside of the GSS by developing direct commercial arrangements to meet Australian-specific SSRs.

US Meritorious Service Medal for JSF Division member

Air Force’s 10th F-35A, A35-010, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.Photo: WGCDR Darren Clare

Fifth-generationAir Force

Assistant Program Director for Logistics and Sustainment, Dan

Fri, of the United States F-35 Joint Program Office, presents

SQNLDR Jody Hillier, of JSF Division, with the US Meritorious

Service Medal in Canberra.Photo: André Agnew

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8 November 1, 2018RCEAIR FWarbirds Airshow

SQNLDR Teddy Woodhouse, right,

with Ruben, Maxwell and their father

Patrick Kashman during the Warbirds

Downunder Airshow.

Two F/A-18A Hornets from 2OCU joins two P-51 Mustangs and two P-40 Kittyhawks in formation at the Warbirds Downunder Airshow. Photos: CPL David Gibbs

Gloster Meteor jet fighter at the Warbirds Downunder Airshow.

9November 1, 2018RCEAIR F Warbirds Airshow

Classic display of flying skillsFLTLT Marina Lysenko

RECORD-BREAKING crowds of more than 21,000 aircraft enthusiasts gathered at the Warbirds Downunder Airshow in Temora, NSW, to enjoy awe-inspiring displays from October 12-13.

Air Force aircraft like the F/A-18A Hornet, a Hawk 127, the PC-9/A Roulettes, a C-17A Globemaster and an E-7A Wedgetail joined some of the best of vintage aircraft and warbirds to conduct thrilling manoeuvres.

Crowds also got to have a look inside a C-130J Hercules, check out static displays and try a flying simulator.

Flying Display Coordinator SQNLDR Paul Simmons said the event was a fantastic oppor-tunity for Air Force to showcase a wide array of equipment and the impressive people who were trained to operate them.

“The feedback I received over the weekend

was universally positive and demonstrated the incredible esteem that Air Force is held in the community,” SQNLDR Simmons said.

“People, whether from the country or the city, were enthralled by the superb flying displays. They loved getting up close to the equipment and the personnel who operate them and loved being immersed in the world of military avia-tion.”

One of the highlights was a meeting of the F/A-18A Hornets with vintage warbirds, coming together in a heritage formation with two P-40 Kittyhawks and two P-51 Mustangs.

XO No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit SQNLDR Philip Eldridge, who was the display pilot for the F/A-18A Hornet during the forma-tion, said it was a unique experience flying in formation with heritage aircraft.

“Flying with warbirds is not something I do every day, so it was very exciting to be doing it in front of such huge crowds,” he said.

Community Engagement

Crowds gather to look inside a C-130J Hercules from 37SQN.

A P-51 Mustang conducts an aerial display.

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10 November 1, 2018RCEAIR FOperation APEC Assist

Our team spirit key to PNG mission

Joint Operations

CAPT Dean Benson

ABOUT 1500 sailors, soldiers and air-men will form Joint Task Force 658 (JTF658) this month as part of the ADF’s commitment to Operation APEC 18 Assist.

JTF658 will be part of a broad-reaching assist mission to help the Government of Papua New Guinea deliver a safe and successful Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) program.

The mission includes a Joint Headquarters working alongside the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and with the Joint Security Task Force (JSTF).

Commander JTF658 MAJGEN Paul McLachlan said there had been some planning challenges, “but it has also been a real pleasure working with our PNG colleagues to further enhance the Joint Security Task Force’s compre-hensive planning for APEC Leaders’ Week”.

“It’s exciting to see now the first wave of personnel arrive in the coun-try,” he said.

“The deployed joint headquarters

will also be on hand throughout the event to provide further advice and assistance, if requested, to ensure APEC is safe, secure and successful.”

JTF658 was joined last month by about 130 RAAF and Army person-nel, who deployed on board a No. 36 Squadron C-17A Globemaster out of RAAF Base Townsville.

Navy’s HMAS Adelaide will arrive in PNG ahead of APEC Leaders’ Week from November 12-18, with further operational support coming from hun-dreds of ADF personnel located in Australia.

“This is truly a triservice and interagency contribution,” MAJGEN McLachlan said.

“We’ll have HMAS Adelaide sup-porting maritime security, air assets including F/A-18s and unmanned aerial systems patrolling the skies above, and Special Operations Command elements ready to assist if requested.”

APEC is the largest event ever held in PNG and will culminate in Port Moresby with Leaders’ Week.

APEC was established in 1989 as a way of promoting free trade between the 21 member nations.

Army and Air Force members board a 36SQN C-17A Globemaster bound for Papua New Guinea for Operation APEC Assist. Inset: NZ Army LTCOL Bradley Taylor, in his role as lead operations planner, with ADF staff at 1st Division HQ in Brisbane.Photos: CPL Jesse Kane; SGT David Hicks

LIFE IN THE RAAFIt’s a plum job

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson meets a former military dog handler who now loves being an Air Force plumber

LAC Andrew Lock, of 65SQN, at RAAF Base Richmond.Photo: CPL Casey Forster

FeatureRCEAIR F November 1, 2018 11

LAC Andrew Lock knows what it takes to be a tradie, and he happily rises to any challenge military life throws

at him.LAC Lock joined Air Force in

March 2011 as a military working dog handler because he wanted to do something different.

“I was a butcher in my old life and I felt like I was stuck in a rut. A military working dog handler looked like it would give me more of a chal-lenge in my work life,” LAC Lock said.

LAC Lock was a military work-ing dog handler for three years and posted to RAAF Bases Amberley and Tindal before remustering to plumber.

“I didn’t feel like being a dog handler was for me, and I wanted to do another trade,” he said

“I knew the demands of being an apprentice and I knew I could handle it.”

Becoming a plumber was a long process, with LAC Lock spending four years training with the Army to gain his trade qualifications.

Training to become a plumber starts at Albury-Wodonga with 18 months at TAFE, learning rules,

regulations and standards, and basic hand and tool skills.

Once completed, members post to Holsworthy to conduct on-the-job training with civilian contractors to complete logbooks.

“We worked all over Sydney with different people to learn skills in different areas of plumbing,” LAC Lock said.

“Civilian plumbers specialise in certain areas of plumbing, whereas in the military we do everything, so we move between different appren-ticeships to gain skills in each area.”

LAC Lock posted to RAAF Base Richmond’s No. 65 Squadron detachment after completing his training and has been working as a qualified plumber for one year.

“I enjoy the diversity we get in the Air Force – one minute we do our trade, the next we’re out there and helping the carpenters and the electricians or driving trucks,” LAC Lock said

“It’s never stagnant or stale, and it’s really rewarding work.”

LAC said the challenges in his job were keeping up his skills.

“We’re always learning different things in the military environment, and we have to keep up,” he said.

“If you’re away on exercise, you have to make sure you have every-thing you might need because you can’t just go to the shops to pick something up.

“You have to adapt and overcome and keep learning along the way.”

As a junior plumber, LAC lock has only deployed on local exercises, such as 65SQN’s Exercise Regal Burrow.

“I did Exercise Pitch Black and Exercise Arnhem Thunder as a dog handler, working with the Army and US Marines,” he said

“I’m looking forward to getting more experience on exercises and deployments as a plumber.”

LAC Lock said he could see himself spending his whole working career with Air Force.

“This is something I’ll do for the rest of my life, and I’d definitely choose Air Force over the service industry,” he said.

“It’s not a job, because you’ve got to do certain things like move around, so it’s a lifestyle and I’d rec-ommend it to anyone.

“I have also enjoyed the opportu-nity to represent the RAAF in rugby union, cricket and basketball.”

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece November 1, 2018

EYES IN THE SKIES

CAPT Dean Benson

THE C-27J Spartan has taken an earlier-than-expected step on the path to declar-ing final operating capability with the introduction of a maritime rescue asset.

No. 35 Squadron deployed two C-27J Spartan aircraft in a key maritime surveillance role off the north-eastern coast of Australia in September as part of expanded patrol efforts under Opera-tion Resolute.

35SQN now has the capability to deploy the lifesaving air-sea rescue kit (ASRK) after a series of training mis-sions run from RAAF Base Townsville.

C-27J detachment commander SQNLDR Mark Seery said the search-and-rescue capability was “just another role” for the Spartan but offered a new dimension to the Government’s effort to protect Australia’s borders and offshore interests.

“This is something we had to achieve

in order to declare final operating capability but the benefit of this is we can now provide a search-and-rescue ca-pability to the ADF and Maritime Border Command,” SQNLDR Seery said.

“Given our location [at Townsville], and the time we’ll have available to be airborne as part of Operation Resolute, it’s now more likely that we would be called upon as a responder.

“This kit is a key enabler to the C-27J’s search-and-rescue capability.”

The deployment of the ASRK involves launching smoke markers that allow the loadmasters to determine the strength and direction of the wind.

From there it is determined how far from the “survivors” to conduct the drop before the kit is sent out of the rear of the aircraft.

Loadmaster SGT Paul Graham said the ASRK would help prevent deaths at sea.

“This new capability is going to al-

low the C-27J to provide assistance by launching essential stores and life rafts,” SGT Graham said.

SQNLDR Seery said the prepara-tory efforts were “very successful” and no surprises came out of the training missions.

Part of this success was due to sup-port from the water by Army’s landing craft medium – known as LCM8s – of 71 Troop, 35 Water Transport Squadron and 10th Force Support Battalion.

These vessels and their crews pro-vided drop zone targets and recovered the ASRKs and smoke markers.

71 Troop Commander LT Andrew Richardson said the LCM8 support was essential to this task due to the size and weight of the ASRKs.

“Having the LCM8 on station also allowed 35SQN to test their ability in picking up smaller boats – essential for Operation Resolute,” LT Richardson said.

LS Jake Badior

THE ADF has proven its ability to adapt in the face of constantly evolving maritime threats by committing two C-27J Spartans to the Government’s recent enhancement to protect Australia’s borders and offshore interests.

Primarily a battlefield airlifter, the Spartan has also conducted maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sorties out of RAAF Base Townsville as part of Operation Resolute.

FLTLT Oliver Kersnovski, of No. 35 Squadron, said the C-27J was being

used for the first time as a maritime asset to complement Australian Border Force’s (ABF) presence across the country’s north.

The aircraft has been conducting visual and radar search under the direction of Maritime Border Command, a multi-agency taskforce within the ABF.

“The C-27J complements this effort by providing a large area that can be searched, which enables greater flexibility for the ABF to provide an air-to-surface response.”

Commander Joint Task Force 639 Air Component Co-ordination Element SQNLDR Duncan Flemington said

the aircraft radar and surveillance capabilities strengthened Operation Resolute’s fleet of assets.

“The deployment of the C-27J demonstrates Air Force’s commitment to our border security,” SQNLDR Flemington said.

“They’re able to deter and detect potential threats, and they also provide a great search-and-rescue capability.

“Complementary to Australia’s usual maritime patrol aircraft, the deployment of the C-27J shows the agility and multi-role capability of our assets.”

These assets also work closely with the Joint Agency Task Force established under Operation Sovereign Borders.

Spartan makes a seachange

Beefed-up border protection measures have given our aircraft the chance to prove their value and versatility,

FLTLT Jessica Aldred reports

Beacon of success

Joint Capability

THE AP-3C Orion, P-8A Poseidon and C-27J Spartan crews have expanded their patrols as part of Operation Resolute after an illegal

fishing vessel was found in Far North Queensland.

The vessel’s arrival in September sparked an enhancement of the ADF’s contribution to the operation, com-manded by Maritime Border Command (MBC), a multi-agency taskforce within the Australian Border Force (ABF).

The Orion was operating out of Dar-win, the Poseidon out of Learmonth and the Spartan out of Townsville.

No. 10 Squadron AP-3C pilot FLTLT David Burnard said Resolute was a diverse and interesting operation “with a wide range of flying for us”.

“We’re looking for illegal fishing and illegal exploitation of our natural resources, as well as piracy, smuggling and vessels involved in the drug trade,” FLTLT Burnard said.

“On one of our recent flights we conducted a unique mission, to resupply an ABF vessel at the Ashmore Reef. We used a helibox to throw a mechanical part they needed from the Orion to the vessel below.”

No. 11 Squadron P-8A Poseidon Pilot

FLTLT Grant Targett enjoyed flying the aircraft on Operation Resolute, which is the ADF’s contribution to a government-wide effort to protect Australia’s borders and offshore maritime interests.

“Flying the P-8A is really enjoyable. We get to fly the aircraft over the water at 200 feet and we can also conduct our surveillance work from flying altitude,” FLTLT Targett said.

“We were tasked by MBC to look for illegal maritime activities.”

Further to its role as a battlefield airlifter, the Spartan has also supported Operation Resolute.

No. 35 Squadron pilot FLTLT Oliver Kersnovski said the Spartan’s highly visible presence was a strong deterrent to maritime security threats.

“The C-27J presence provides reassur-ance to the people of north Queensland and the rest of Australia that MBC is protecting Australia’s natural resources as well as preventing threats to the main-land,” FLTLT Kersnovski said.

At any given time, up to 600 ADF per-sonnel are working at sea, in the air and on land to protect Australia’s borders and maritime interests alongside the ABF and other government agencies.

A C-27J Spartan drops a mock air-sea rescue kit during Operation Resolute

off the coast of Townsville.Right: Army’s CFN Jamie Garrett (left)

and PTE Sophie Morea carry the kit aboard the landing craft medium.

Photos: CPL Steve Duncan

Loadmasters SGTs Jay Goggin (left) and Paul

Graham scan the horizon off the north Queensland coast aboard a Spartan.

Photo: LS Jake Badior

An 11SQN P-8A Poseidon tracks a vessel while, inset, air combat officer FLTLT Bruce Wilson takes notes on the tactical rail of the Poseidon. Photos: CPL Craig Barrett

Loadmaster SGT Paul Graham in a Spartan during patrols for Operation Resolute.Photo: LS Jake Badior

FLTLT Ben Calman, conducts a low-level rigging run in a Spartan to observe a

small vessel on the Great Barrier Reef.Photo: CPL Steve Duncan

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Changes to Employer Support Payment Scheme

from January 2019

Do you or your employer receive Employer Support Payment Scheme

(ESPS) payments?

The process for submitting applications for payment under the ESPS is changing.

From 1 January 2019, applications for payment under the ESPS must be lodged online.

Webforms AD138-1 to AD138-4 will not be accepted from that date.

To find out more about the changes: www.defencereservessupport.gov.au D

PS

:MAY

032/

18

15November 1, 2018RCEAIR F News

FLTLT Shaun Donnelly

NEW facilities at RAAF Base Amberley for No. 35 Squadron and the C-27J Spartan are in the final stages of construction.

The project contractors took members of 35SQN and the C-27J Relocation Working Group on a tour to familiarise themselves with the facilities ahead of the squadron’s move from RAAF Base Richmond by the end of the year.

A purpose-built hangar for the Spartan, along with a new flightline and squadron headquarters, are being built at RAAF Base Amberley to house our fleet of 10 Spartans.

Since 35SQN’s re-establishment at RAAF Base Richmond in 2013, it has used facilities formerly belonging to the C-130H workforce.

This has meant the squadron headquar-ters, deeper maintenance and flightline have been located in three separate areas of the Richmond base.

CO 35SQN WGCDR Ben Poxon said Defence and the contractors had been working closely to ensure the new facilities at Amberley met the needs of the Spartan.

“The squadron buildings have been designed with the future missions in mind,” WGCDR Poxon said.

“The layout and workflow enables 35SQN force generation to minimise time to respond quickly to emerging situations.

“From the mission planning to the mainte-nance areas and the dispersal, each area is fit for purpose and what the squadron needs to get the most out of the space.”

The investment in purpose-built facilities demonstrates the Air Force commitment to the entire service life of Spartan operations.

“Constant communication with the con-tractor, the project managers and the staff permitted slight adjustments to the build-ing where we have expanded the role of the aircraft or changed an operating element,” WGCDR Poxon said.

Moving 35SQN to RAAF Base Amberley will place the Spartan closer to exercise areas and result in quicker deployment times to Northern Australia and into the wider region.

35SQN welcomed the 10th and final C-27J into Air Force service in April this year.

Build it and the Spartan will come

An artist’s impression of the new facilities at RAAF Base Amberley, where the C-27J Spartan (below) will be housed. Artwork: Laing O’Rourke; photo: CPL Steve Duncan

Infrastructure

Donna Browne and SGT Dave Morley

FRESH barista-made coffee will soon be a reality for airmen in the field, with the Army and Air Force Canteen Service (AAFCANS) investing more than $2.5 million over five years in improve-ments to its mobile amenities.

Six of the mobile food vans operat-ing across Air Force and Army bases will be replaced and a further nine vehi-cles, including custom-built all-terrain mobile kiosks and trailers, will join the fleet. AAFCANS is also expanding its pop-up outlets and container kiosks.

Personnel from RAAF Base Richmond were the first to test the new amenities vehicle before it was deployed.

They were pleased to learn Richmond would receive a new contain-er kiosk for its flightline precinct.

The refurbished kiosk is due to be commissioned in coming weeks.

AAFCANS board member AIRCDRE Ian Pearson said the kiosk would bolster local services for military exercises.

“I’m sure the airmen will be pleased to find barista-made coffee available on the flightline and on exercise, along with much greater access to freshly-prepared meals and snacks,” he said.

“Units not currently visited by the vans should discuss options with the local AAFCANS base manager.”

The $2.5-plus million investment will take the vehicle fleet from 19 to 28 and accompanies the $8 million spent on upgrading canteens, increasing the con-venience of kiosk locations and improv-ing ICT capability.

When not supporting exercises, the new mobile kiosks will be positioned on base to provide additional amenities.

Kiosk relieves the daily grind

FLGOFF Elliott Lazarevski picks up a coffee from the Army and Air Force Canteen Service’s new mobile kiosk at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Casey Forster

Complete your Application for Relocation (AFR) and Inventory online today. Go to www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defence to access and complete your AFR and Inventory. You’ll then be assigned a Toll Case Manager to help you relocate. Please contact your Case Manager or Toll’s Customer Service Centre on 1800 819 167 if you have any queries or concerns. We are ready to help you. Don’t delay, complete your AFR and Inventory online today.

WarrantyToll’s Warranty extends to cover the contents of cartons unpacked by you (excluding breakables and PBO items). PBO items are not covered except in the case of loss or obvious damage to the carton caused by the removalist If there is damage, please ensure the carton is unpacked in your presence and damage noted on the eICR.

Toll’s Warranty Scheme allows for New replacement cover to be applied to items which fall within predefined categories and age limits. Like-for-like replacement or compensation cover will continue to apply to items which fall outside the specified age limits. Not every item that sustains damage will be replaced with a new item or compensation paid at new value. In the first instance damaged items will be repaired where practicable and compensation paid for minor damage.Read the Warranty FAQs and Chapter 4 of the Relocation Guide on Toll’s Defence website.

The Toll Move Plan App - Download it TodayThe Toll Transferee Move Plan App gives you easy access to the details of your relocation itinerary. Download the Toll Move Plan App today and logon using the same valid username and password you use to access Toll Transitions’ website www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defence Toll Move Plan App - easy access to details of your relocation itinerary.

Read Toll’s “Your Defence Relocation Guide” Available on Toll’s Defence Website www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defence, the Relocation Guide will help you to understand your rights and responsibilities throughout your relocation. Please pay particular attention to Chapter 3 which provides you with the information you need to be appropriately prepared for your removal.

Relocating? Take action today to get your move underway

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www.tollgroup.com/movemaestro/defenceRead Toll’s “Your Defence Relocation Guide”

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16 November 1, 2018RCEAIR FOperations

SGT Mark Doran

SIX Air Force personnel are ensconced with-in a squadron monitoring and controlling coa-lition aircraft and ground forces on combat missions in the Middle East.

The Australians are embedded with 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron (727 EACS), call-sign Kingpin. Operating from an air base in the Arabian Gulf, they are respon-sible for putting aircraft, fuel and munitions in the right place at the right time.

With its radar and radio detachments, Kingpin’s duties include ground-based tacti-cal control of coalition aircraft, airspace de-confliction, aerial refuelling and air defence operations.

Air surveillance operator FSGT Gary-Jon Darrigo, of No. 41 Wing, is deployed with the Air Task Group on Operation Okra and, as an embed with 727 EACS, is responsible for the compilation, quality control and dissemina-tion of a tactical air picture.

“We receive the air and surface traffic information from airborne and ground-base feeds and assemble it for commanders to use at a strategic level,” he said.

“The work environment is dynamic and constantly changes, sometimes dramatically, so we’ve always got to be on our toes.”

Apart from US Air Force (USAF) and RAAF personnel, Kingpin’s 300 staff also include other Americans, Belgians and Danes.

Since 2014, Kingpin has been the main tactical control and reporting centre in the Middle East region.

FSGT Darrigo said every coalition air mission in the region had a dedicated team with a mission crew chief and an air surveil-lance officer.

“With the number of aircraft flying it’s important to identify and track them accu-rately,” he said.

“The responsibilities of working across a large theatre are challenging and rewarding, but it’s a highlight watching the different nationalities integrate to operate as one team.

“We’ve learnt procedures we’ve taken back to 41WG to feed into our mission rehearsal exercises and influence changes in how Air Force operates.”

With control of nearly a million square miles of airspace, Kingpin has an operational reach unmatched in any battlespace.

Commander 727 EACS LTCOL Casey Grider, of the USAF, said Kingpin ensured coalition strategy survived first contact.

“Our job is to take the plan developed by the Combined Air Operations Centre and exe-cute the missions throughout all the changes of the day, including weather, environment, timing, target and political changes,” he said.

“Kingpin employs a diverse team of oper-ators, who work together to take all of the chaos from across the three areas of opera-tions and organise it.”

LTCOL Grider acknowledged the profes-sionalism of the embedded Australians.

“They bring a particular level of strength to the team and come to us extremely well trained and prepared to operate in this dynamic environment,” he said.

Eagle eyes of Kingpins

FSGT Gary-Jon Darrigo monitors

coalition missions at a multinational air base

in the Arabian Gulf.Photo: SGT Mark Doran

International Engagement

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17November 1, 2018RCEAIR F Personnel

Virginia Sanders

REGULAR blood and plasma donor WOFF Scott Biddell has kept up the pace dur-ing this year’s Defence Blood Challenge and recently made his 100th donation at the Nepean Donor Centre in NSW.

WOFF Biddell, based at RAAF Base Richmond, has been donating since his early 20s and now gives plasma every fortnight.

“When I first started it seemed like a good thing to do, a way of giving back to those in need,” he said.

“I appreciated how for-tunate I was to not have any health issues and how I was able to help those who do.”

Donating blood and plasma became more personal after his brother was hospitalised with severe injuries.

“My youngest brother had a serious car accident and after-

wards he required 12 bags of blood and 12 bags of plasma during a 13-hour operation,” he said.

“The plasma alone was six months’ worth of one person’s donations.

“I learned more about the benefits of donating, plasma particularly, and how it helps people with health disorders and those who require blood and plasma products for other medical procedures.

“The simple act of donating can do so much to help save and improve the quality of peo-ple’s lives.”

WOFF Biddell is encour-aging Air Force members to donate during this year’s Defence Blood Challenge.

“It’s a very simple gesture that can make a big difference,” he said.

“No matter how often you give, every donation counts at a time when someone is in need.”

Never given in vain

WOFF Scott Biddell makes his 100th blood donation at the

Nepean Donor Centre in NSW.Photo: CPL Casey Forster

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ARDU 75th anniversary RCEAIR F November 1, 201818

Standing the test of time

THE strong legacy of the A i r c r a f t R e s e a r c h a n d Development Unit (ARDU) has gone on display in the

skies over Nowra, NSW, with an his-toric three-ship formation flight dem-onstrating 75 years of flight test his-tory with the ADF.

The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society’s Douglas Dakota, No. 81 Wing F/A-18 Hornet and ARDU PC-9/A, all branded with the unit’s markings, flew in formation on October 23 to commemorate ARDU’s 75th anniversary on December 1.

The unit, which operates with-in the Air Warfare Centre’s Test and Evaluation Directorate, will mark the continuous-service milestone at a for-mal ceremony at the ARDU hangar, RAAF Base Edinburgh, on November 31.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies will deliver a speech in honour of the unit and the ARDU Colours will be parad-ed.

CO ARDU WGCDR Daniel Rich said the ceremony would acknowledge

past and present ARDU members who have strived for more than seven dec-ades to advance ADF aviation capabil-ity.

“The men and women of ARDU are dedicated to collaborating with the other Force Element Groups to build on the great work of those who have preceded us,” WGCDR Rich said.

“The 75th anniversary events rec-ognise their achievements and high-light their vital role in developing Australian aviation, both in Defence and civilian sectors.

“ARDU continues to provide a complete and integrated aviation test and evaluation capability for Air Command and generates flight test professionals for future fifth-genera-tion Air Force capability.”

Established as No. 1 Aircraft Performance Unit at RAAF Base Laverton in December 1943, ARDU has pioneered flight test in the ADF.

To register interest in the unit’s anniversary events and to receive updates, visit www.ardu75th.com

In three-quarters of a century of continuous service, ARDU has never let its guard down, writes FLGOFF Bel Scott

The Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) is involved in a variety of tasks, including support to major acquisitions and numerous weapons and clearance trials locally and overseas with coalition platforms.

The unit is currently selecting pilots, air combat officers (ACO) and engi-neers for flight test training.

Next year it will be looking to select additional engineers as well as pilots with fast jet, P-8A Poseidon, E-7A Wedgetail or electronic warfare experi-ence.

These personnel can look forward to conducting short- or long-course training overseas at institutions such as the US Air Force Test Pilot School, the US Naval Test Pilot School, the Empire Test Pilot School and the National Test Pilot School.

These courses usually have stu-dents flying up to 40 different aircraft types and learning the peculiarities of performance, flying qualities and sys-tems tests.

ARDU uses Operational Evaluation Aircrew qualifications to enable the full spectrum of test and evaluation and remain responsive and relevant to its operational customer base.

Operational Evaluation Aircrew graduates complete a short course and undertake their role as experts on their respective mission systems.

ARDU conducts flight test and evaluation to support the introduction to service of Air Force’s new capa-bilities and the expansion of existing capabilities.

These include air-to-air refuelling receiver clearance programs with the KC-30A, testing to establish the type certification of C-27J, clearance of new stores and mission equipment on the P-8A and advanced weapons testing.

In the process, the unit fosters professional international relationships with coalition test partners.

For more information, visit the ARDU website on the intranet.

Why not join ARDU?

A PC-9/A, F/A-18 Hornet and Douglas Dakota fly in formation to mark the 75th anniversary of the Aircraft Research and Development Unit.

Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

A 33SQN KC-30A, operated by the Aircraft Research and Development Unit, conducts aerial refuelling compatibility flight testing with a US Navy

P-8A in April this year.Photo: Liz Wolter

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Credit cards tested September 1 - 30

The sample testing of credit card transactions during September has resulted in nil transactions being referred to Audit and Fraud Control Division for further investigation. A review of the credit card testing program is underway to make it more targeted.

Sample status Defence groupNumber of

transactions sampled

$ value of transactions

sampled

Average value of

transactions sampled

Completed transactions verified by supervisor

Navy 12 2433 203

Army 31 4645 150

Air Force 39 8295 213

ADFHQ 5 619 124

SP&IG 10 3136 314

Defence Science and Technology 5 851 170

Joint Capabilities Group 15 8501 567

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ADF members and their families transition-ing from the ADF will have access to a more tailored approach to manage the pro-cess thanks to a refresh of the way support is delivered.

Defence Personnel Minister Darren Chester announced in October that the format of the ADF Member and Family Transition Seminars had been revised to better meet the needs of those leaving the permanent ADF.

“We have responded to feedback from ADF members and their families to ensure the seminars are family-friendly with an emphasis on early engagement,” Mr Chester said.

The seminars are now a one-day expo-style format.

Concurrent information sessions will be held covering topics such as health, finance and career planning with representation from state and territory governments and ex-service organisations.

“The new seminar format and enhanced online content provides flexibility for fami-lies who have other commitments or are based interstate at the time. Family mem-bers who cannot make it to the session that the member is attending can still register

Seminars to improve transition

A Department of Veterans’ Affairs representative talks to Defence members during an ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar. Photo: POIS Nina Fogliani

to attend on another date or location, or access the information online at any time,” Mr Chester said.

The first one-day seminar was held at Melbourne Park Function Centre, Rod Laver Arena, on October 10.

More information is available at: defence.gov.au/DCO/Transition

Forum promotes innovative thinkers

20 November 1, 2018RCEAIR FPersonnel

THE Australian Defence College will support the innovative think-ing of junior leaders through the Defence Entrepreneurs Forum (DEFAUS) on November 15 and 16 at ADFA.

The two-day forum will be an opportunity for Air Force mem-bers to pitch to senior leaders their ideas and concepts for the future of Defence.

The forum, in its third year,

is a joint endeavour designed to further enhance networks and link pioneering minds across all three services and the APS.

PLTOFF Brent Maloney, who attended the forum last year, said it allowed junior ranks to connect with and inspire senior leaders.

“ I t i s a fo rward - th ink-ing few days where new ideas can bypass traditional rank structure,” he said.

MAJ Kate Tollenaar attended the previous DEFAUS events and is now part of the 2018 triserv-ice planning team based at the Australian Command and Staff College. “DEFAUS is about empowering Defence’s junior leaders, and aims to help ideas become reality. We want to contin-ue building a network of disrup-tive thinkers and foster Defence’s culture of innovation,” she said.

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21November 1, 2018RCEAIR F Personnel

IT MAY feel intimidating to speak to someone about their unethical behaviour, especially when it’s a peer, a commander, manager or

supervisor. However, we all have a duty to

stand up and speak out about doing the right thing.

Our Defence Values require us to display the courage to honour our convictions, stand up for what we believe is right and speak out robustly and openly against what is wrong. It is easier to speak out against unethical behaviour as it arises than it is to pub-licly defend inaction and negligence.

Recent research suggests people are more inclined to act with integrity when they come up against unethical behaviour where they have taken the time to create an action plan. The next time you come across an unethical situation, plan to do the right thing by using the following questions as a guide to make an integrity action plan.

Who do I raise the issue with? The sooner you speak up, the bet-

ter. Addressing integrity issues early can mean the difference between a behavioural management issue and a major incident where the public loses trust and confidence in Defence. � You can raise the issue directly with

the person involved, which is impor-tant if they are your subordinate. If the behaviour is a genuine mistake or a failure to follow procedure, you may be able to address and correct the issue immediately. The Dealing with Misconduct page on the PeopleConnect site provides steps to support you in managing unaccepta-ble behaviour.

You can raise the issue with your manager or CO.

� If it is not practical to discuss the issue with your manager or CO, you can ask the team at the Defence Ethics mailbox for suggestions on how to proceed.

� If the issue is serious and involves potential fraud or corruption, you can access the Public Interest Disclosure (PID) Scheme on 1800 673 502, or email Defence.PID@defence.gov.au. It offers legislative protections against reprisal, bullying and other malicious actions that may arise as a result of reporting unethi-cal conduct.� You may wish to refer to the

It is sometimes easier to identify unethical behaviour than it is to do something about it.

Prepare for action TERMINATEDOVER a 55-month period, an ADF member received $160,087 in rental allowance they were not entitled to after a change in their personal circumstances. The matter was investigated as the result of a Public Interest Disclosure (PID). The member was found guilty under the Criminal Code Act 1995 and is awaiting sentencing. The member’s service was terminated and the amount was repaid in full.

FORGERY FINEAN ADF member was found to have forged a receipt for a trust fund loan of several thousand dollars. The matter was investigated as a result of internal checks. The member was found guilty of offences under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 and the Criminal Code Act 1995. The member was fined and severely reprimanded.

UNFITAN ADF member falsified a fitness assessment record. The matter was investigated as a result of an internal report. The member was found guilty under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982. The member was subject to a fine and a reprimand.

RENTAL FRAUDAN ADF member was found to be in receipt of Rental Allowance they were not entitled to for two months. The member was classified as Member without Dependants (non-sharing), while sharing with another person. The matter was investigated as a result of a PID. The member was found guilty of offences under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982. The amount was repaid and the member was subject to seven days’ restriction of privileges.

RECENT CASE STUDIES

Difficult Conversation Quick Reference Guide on the PeopleConnect intranet site for tips on how to raise and manage the issue.

How do I approach the situation?Is there legislation, a Defence instruc-

tion or a manual relevant to the issue? These documents guide behaviour in Defence and you can refer to them to help you build a clear and objective argu-ment against unethical behaviour.

Take the time to write out your con-cerns about the situation and reference the legislation or policy that supports your position.

If you are still uncertain how the

legislation or policy applies to your situ-ation, the Defence Ethics mailbox can provide you with tailored advice and guidance.

What can I do if the issue is ignored or minimised?

If you have questions about what to do next, or what ethical behaviour in a particular situation might be, contact the Fraud Control and Investigations Branch via the Defence Ethics mailbox.

If you feel the issue is a serious breach of ethics or a contravention of the law, you may wish to raise a PID to an authorised officer via the Defence PID mailbox. Under the PID Act, you have

the right to protection from reprisal. If you submit a PID or refer an incident to the Fraud Control and Investigations Branch, your information will be treated in confidence and managed in line with Australian Privacy Principles. Your identity will not be released outside the Directorate of Investigations and Recovery unless it contacts you and obtains your consent.

Finally, remember that maintain-ing integrity requires honest and ethical behaviour and the highest standards of probity in personal conduct. Integrity is more than knowing what is right; integ-rity is doing the right thing even in the face of adversity.

To discuss any questions or concerns, email Defence.Ethics@defence.gov.au or go to drnet.defence.gov.au/AssociateSecretary/AFCD/FCIBTo report fraud, corruption or abuse of resources call (02) 6266 4322 or email fraud.inves-tigations@defence.gov.au.

AFTER an investigation into allow-ance fraud by the ADF Investigative Service in early 2017, a lieuten-ant colonel was convicted of four counts of obtaining a financial advantage contrary to the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 (Cth) and Criminal Code Act 1995.

The officer joined the ADF in the early 1990s and was a distinguished and valued contributor. However, while occupying a rental property and receiving full rental allowance (RA), the officer decided to sublet a room to a friend, initially for $150 a week, before raising that amount to $170 a week. Defence Housing Authority (DHA) was never notified of the change in circumstances despite the arrangement lasting several years and the officer completing annual reviews.

The ADF Investigative Service became aware of the officer’s crimi-nal conduct via a tip-off and com-menced an investigation. The investi-gation determined that: the officer did not meet their obli-

gation to tell DHA of a change of

circumstances when it occurred; the action resulted in personal

gain to the officer; and the officer not only received the full

amount of RA, but also received additional payments from the per-son staying with them.This is contrary to DHA guidance

and PACMAN (Division 4) which states that: If a member is receiving RA and

sublets part of the premises to another person, that subletting has implications for the rate at which RA is to be paid. In particular, that money, received by way of sublease rent, is to be taken into account and reduce the RA pay-able to the member; and

Members are obliged to inform DHA of changes in circumstances as soon as practicable and not wait for the rent review stage. When ADF members receive

significant allowances to alleviate the demands of service life, it is essen-tial the privileged nature of these

benefits are respected. With regards to the member in

question, not meeting their reporting obligations to the Commonwealth constituted a serious breach of Defence values.

The presiding magistrate said: “It is well recognised that where there is a breach of trust involved, that is a significant factor… The military relies on the honesty of its members in relation to the payments of allow-ances such as rental allowance. Where there is an abuse of trust, as in the present matter, that breach of trust must be dealt with by way of [the appropriate] punishment.”

The officer was found guilty of allowance fraud and consequently: dismissed from the ADF; sentenced to 60 days’ impris-

onment at the Defence Force Correctional Establishment and Metropolitan Remand Centre at Silverwater; and

ordered to repay to the Commonwealth the amount of $27,000.

Officer convicted, jailed

If in doubt, seek advice on identifying and reporting unethical behaviour.

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22 November 1, 2018RCEAIR FFlightline

11SQN Airborne Electronic Analyst SGT Jacob Kostoglou cleans the electro optics on the P-8A Poseidon aircraft at RAAF Base Learmonth before a mission on Operation Resolute. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

CO 37SQN WGCDR Matthew Cooper presents CPL Timothy Chatterton with a Good Show Award for his swift action to maintain safety during an incident at RAAF Base Richmond. Endorsed by ACAUST AVM Steven Roberton, it was presented during a change of command ceremony on October 12. Photo: CPL Casey Forster

CPL Meeka Cowling prepares to load international humanitarian aid at the Balikpapan airport, Indonesia, in support of Operation Indonesia Assist 2018.Photo: SGT Ben Dempster

LAC Ryan McColl prepares Australian Aid to be flown to Palu, from Balikpapan, during Operation Indonesia Assist 2018. Photo: LS Jake Badior

Defence Work Experience and Engagement Program participants engage in a team

building exercise while SGT Jason Jones, a facilitator at the RAAF School of Post

Graduate Studies, provides guidance.Photo: CPL Kylie Gibson

23November 1, 2018RCEAIR F Sp rt

LEUT Kiz Welling-Burtenshaw

A SEA of colours enveloped RMC’s Portsea Oval from October 12 to 13 as eight South Pacific nations fought for the Pacific Military and Police Rugby Union Cup.

It was the first Defence women’s rugby 7s competition aimed at Pacific participation and included Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

The final match came down to the familiar rivalry between New Zealand and Australia, with neither side giv-ing an inch. A game of twists and turns ended with the Kiwis lifting the inaugural cup after a 14-12 victory.

Fiji played strongly to win bronze, while Tonga took home the plate after finishing fifth.

No. 75 Squadron’s LACW Brooke McHugh said the tournament pro-vided highlights on and off the pitch.

“Not only did I enjoy myself from start to finish, but I also made friends from all the teams which I hope to continue to develop through work and socially,” she said.

“I hope they hold the event again soon and that next time we are able to get it over New Zealand.”

LT Sahra Costanzo

CPL Aaron Gill, of No. 6 Squadron, shot 732/775 to win the Air Force champion shot in the ADF Clay Target Association (ADFCTA) Combined Services Championship at Wagga Wagga Gun Club in September.

The six-day competition pitted 34 competitors from across Defence against each other in skeet, down-the-line (DTL)/trap and sporting clays disciplines.

CPL Gill said clay target shooting was different from shooting at the range for work.

“The targets are all different with regards to direction and the angle at which you shoot them,” CPL Gill said.

“It’s a mix of lots of practice and instinctual shooting, which requires you to adjust each and every shot to the target and any environmental fac-tors affecting the target, like wind or rain.”

CPL Gill said Air Force performed well against Navy and Army.

“This was a year of growth for Air Force, with a lot of new faces putting up some impressive scores,” CPL Gill said.

The competition pushed him to

constantly improve. “I find it ever challenging. I love competing with myself and others alike,” CPL Gill said.

“It’s always an extremely compet-itive environment, but also friendly. I have met some amazing people through the ADFCTA competitions.”

ADFCTA president LCDR Blizzard said the standard of competi-tion increased each year.

“Competing over three separate disciplines in clay target shooting is extremely difficult,” LCDR Blizzard said.

“Most competitors specialise in only one discipline, so to have com-petitors gaining such high scores is impressive.

“There really is no other com-petition in Australia, like the ADF Combined Services Championship, that pushes for excellence across all three disciplines.”

Air Force competitors CPL Gill, LAC Michael Crapella and LAC Samuel Lynch were selected from ADFCTA championships to represent the ADF at national-level skeet, DTL and sporting clay events next year.

Members interested in clay target shooting should email ramsay.fish@defence.gov.au for more information.

Competitors in the ADF Clay Target Association championships, from left, LAC Michael Crapella, CPL Aaron Gill, LCDR Glenn Blizzard, PTE Christopher Barber and CPO Steve Atkins.

Perfect pitch for sisterhood

The Australian team went down to New Zealand in a close final.

At home on the range despite traps

Fiji’s Vika Matarugo said the memories she took home were far more valuable than the results.

“The whole week has been some-thing we will never forget,” Ms Matarugo said.

“The welcome function we attend-ed where each team shared a dance or song from their country was a high-light. I enjoyed the environment off the field, making friends and sharing our love of rugby, as much as my time on it.”

ADF Rugby Union chairman RADM Michael Rothwell said the tournament “provided an excellent opportunity to recognise women com-peting in sport at an international level and the contribution they make to their nations’ defence and police forces”.

“It was remarkable to see the eight teams competing fiercely, but then forming a real sisterhood based on joy and celebration,” he said.

The captains of the teams competing in the Pacific Military and Police Rugby Union Cup share a moment.

SP RTNovember 1, 2018

EYES ON THE PRIZE

Friendship and rivalry on show

in rugby 7sPage 23

LACW Brooke McHugh fends off a defender during Australia's victory against Samoa at the Pacific Military and Police Rugby Union Cup.