cpl paul devir edition 1212 may 14, 2009 edition …...edition 1212 may 14, 2009 2 adf 2009 white...

Edition 1212 May 14, 2009

Cpl

Pau

l Dev

ir

BIGLIFT

AT A GLANCE� 1100 deployable combat vehicles.� Seven CH-47F Chinooks to replace current fleet of CH-47Ds.� Major beneficiary of 46 MRH-90 helicopters to replace the Black Hawks.

� Two batteries of self-pro-pelled and four batteries of towed artillery.� Replace or upgrade the RBS-70 air-defence system.� 7000 wheeled transport and logistic support vehicles.� New mortars and new direct-fire anti-armour weapon, plus

automatic grenade launcher system.� Five newly-established Geospatial Imagery Analyst teams.� Enhancements to the Steyr, continued development of body armour and battle management system under the Dismounted Soldier Modernisation project.

By WO2 Graham McBean

CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie has welcomed the White Paper as a defining document underpinning his view the Australian Army is the best small army in the world.

He said the broad set of capability outcomes from the White Paper now placed the Army in a position to meet any of the diverse challenges the government asked it to do.

Lt-Gen Gillespie said it enhanced the reforms already underway with the Adaptive Army and it was the result he had hoped for.

“It has my full support and it gives me and my com-manders certainty that we will bring to a successful con-clusion the HNA and ELF initiatives as well as enable my vision for Adaptive Army,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

Unveiled on May 2, the White Paper provides for a new generation of armoured vehicles, new artillery, more improved helicopters, significantly enhanced communica-tions and a 7000-strong fleet of B vehicles.

Individual soldiers would also benefit from a broad range of weapon and protective capabilities.

Lt-Gen Gillespie said the White Paper reinforced the pivotal role of the Army in the nation’s defence and in advancing the nation’s interest.

“I am very happy with the result for Army.”

� More coverage – Pages 2-3 and liftout

Best small army in the world, says CA

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Edition 1212 May 14, 2009

2 ADF 2009 WHITE PAPER Army May 14, 2009

The Soldiers’ Newspaper

Acting DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

EditorialActing EditorSharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612Deputy EditorLt Kris Gardiner: (02) 6265 2151Senior Reporter:WO2 Graham McBean: (02) 6266 7608Reporters:Sgt Brian Hartigan: (02) 6266 7614Cpl Corinne Boer: (02) 6265 2427Sports EditorBarry Rollings: (02) 6265 1304

Sydney Photographer:Bill Cunneen: 0402 155 220

Contact usEmail: [email protected]: (02) 6265 6690Mail: The Editor, Army, R8-LG-038, Department of Defence, Canberra ACT 2600Web site: www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews

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DisclaimerArmy is published fortnightly by Defence Newspapers. It is printed under contract by Capital Fine Print. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Army. Every advertisement is subject to the Directorate of Defence Newspapers approval and the Directorate of Defence Newspapers may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement for publication. The Directorate of Defence Newspapers accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form which is not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence Newspapers. The fact that an advertisement is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service has the endorsement of the Department of Defence or Army.

Eternal vigilance: Cpl Paul Devir, 2 Cav Regt, stands guard at the Darwin Cenotaph as mourners lay wreaths. Photo by LS Helen Frank

Face of Army

By Michael Brooke

THE future ADF will be better equipped, fully networked and bet-ter positioned to meet Australia’s air power requirements as a result of the 2009 Defence White Paper.

Titled Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030, the White Paper was launched by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon at Fleet Base East in Sydney on May 2.

Mr Rudd said it was the first Defence White Paper specifically prepared to meet the challenges to Australia’s defence and security in the 21st century.

Representing more than 14 months of hard work involving all areas of Defence and the complete re-examination of Defence strategy, capabilities, business processes and resources, it is the most comprehen-sive White Paper produced.

The Paper was launched on the Anzac class missile frigate HMAS Stuart in an event attended by the Defence Science and Personnel M i n i s t e r Wa r r e n S n ow d o n , Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Mike Kelly, CDF ACM Angus Houston, CN VAdm Russ Crane, CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie and CAF Air-Mshl Mark Binskin.

Mr Rudd said the White Paper confirmed the Government’s com-mitment to the defence of Australia

and the security of the region.“The White Paper explains how the Government plans to strengthen the foundations of Australia’s defence and also provides an indication of the level of resources required over the coming years,” he said.

“The White Paper also notes the increasing uncertainty of the stra-tegic environment and better posi-tions Defence to respond to the broad range of possible conflicts and contingencies likely to impact upon Australia’s future security.”

Mr Rudd said the White Paper provided a clear view of how much strategic risk Australia was prepared to bear, and how much military power we should seek to develop.

“The more Australia aspires to have greater strategic influence beyond our immediate neighbour-hood – that is to say the ability to exert policy influence that is under-pinned by military power – the great-er the level of spending on Defence we need to be prepared to under-take,” he said.

“If we want to back up strate-gic influence with military power, we have to be prepared to invest the resources required, and to be content that the security benefits outweigh those costs.”

Mr Rudd said in terms of military power, the Defence policy meant that Australia had the capacity to act

independently where we had unique strategic interests at stake, lead mili-tary coalitions where we had shared interests at stake, and to make tai-lored contributions to military coali-tions where we shared a wider strate-gic interest with others.

As a result, the ADF of the future will be a more potent force, particu-larly in the key areas of undersea and anti-submarine warfare, surface naval warfare, air superiority, stra-tegic strike, special forces, intelli-gence, surveillance and reconnais-sance, and cyber defence.

The Government also plans to invest about $30 billion over the next decade to remediate the shortfalls in the Defence Budget.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said the capabilities outlined in the White Paper would, over the next 20 years, “create one of the most capa-ble Defence forces in our region, with the world’s best people, equip-ment and support systems”.

“The ADF we are creating will have access to leading-edge tech-nology, the finest equipment and the most professional and capable soldiers, sailors and airmen and women,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

In order to periodically adjust Australia’s the challenges in strategic outlook, the Government intends to prepare a new Defence White Paper every five years.

Looking to future: CDF ACM Angus Houston launches the White Paper with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Defence Service Chiefs onboard HMAS Stuart. Photo by AB Evan Murphy

Potent forceADF to be bigger, bolder and stronger


THE pathway to the Army of 2030 was unveiled on May 2 with the release of the long-awaited Defence White Paper in Sydney.

As the Adaptive Army structure emerges on July 1 it will be underpinned with a plan for increased combat power, better survivability and new technology for a networked, mobile, adaptive force.

CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie said the size of the Army did not need to change significantly, but endorsed the structur-al reform commenced last year with the Adaptive Army.

“The White Paper will provide sig-nificant funding to increase the combat power and survivability of Army as well as enhancing its ability to operate as a modern networked, mobile and highly adaptable force,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

Conventional land forces will remain based on three brigades of about 4000 soldiers with multiple battalion-sized units. The growth of 7RAR and 8/9RAR will continue under the ELF program.

The Army will combine its combat

and support units to generate 10 battal-ion-sized battlegroups tailored for a wide range of operations.

The generation of operationally ready land forces will be enhanced by the for-mation of Forces Command, located in Sydney.

It will be responsible for all individual and group training to provide troops that are ready to complete final preparation for operations.

The Army will be able to deploy a brigade group to engage in combat opera-tions and sustain that force for a pro-longed period of time while also being capable of deploying a battalion group to a different area of operations.

Lt-Gen Gillespie said a detailed plan for rebalancing the Army would be com-pleted by the end of 2009.

“Army’s plan will specifically exam-ine removal of hollowness to ensure the resulting force structure is deployable, supportable and sustainable.”

Read a full version of the CA’s Order of the Day at: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/CA/docs/WP_ORDER_OF_THE_DA-final_%282%29.pdf

Pathway for Army paved with power

ON THE ROAD WITH THE WHITE PAPER

Good oil: Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Mike Kelly shakes hands with Cpl Torben Petersen at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, (above) while Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon talks to soldiers at 2RAR in Townsville (inset).Photos by Tpr Michael Franchi and Capt Al Green

THE Defence White Paper hit the road with Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon and Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Mike Kelly visiting personnel at various Defence establishments.

Mr Fitzgibbon visited soldiers and their families at Robertson Barracks, Darwin while Mr Snowdon went to the Riverina region to visit Defence person-nel and Dr Kelly visited Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera.

Speaking to members of 1 Bde, Mr Fitzgibbon said the White Paper was about more than just new equipment. “It is about the systems and sustainment that make that equipment effective; from the most complex submarine to the pack on a soldier’s back,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

At the Army Recruit Training Centre, Kapooka, and RAAF Wagga, Mr Snowdon highlighted the role both train-ing establishments played and their part in developing future capabilities.

“They have a vital role to play as over the next decade we grow the permanent ADF by 3000 to approximately 57,800 personnel,” Mr Snowdon said.

Talking to soldiers in Brisbane Dr Kelly emphasised the Defence White Paper represented the most compre-hensive statement on Defence ever pro-duced. “It affirms the government’s com-mitment to the defence of Australia, the protection of our sovereign interests and the security and stability of our region,” Dr Kelly said.

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ADF 2009 WHITE PAPER 3Army May 14, 2009


NEW combat kit, mobility and tech-nology unwrapped in the Defence White Paper will bring to reality CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie’s vision for the Adaptive Army.

Lt-Gen Gillespie said his core projects for the White Paper centred on the Army’s people, networking, protected mobility and fighting vehicles, soldier survivability and lethality; and close combat capabilities.

“These were my ‘vital ground’ during the development of the White Paper and consideration of its budget implications,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

The new kit includes:� about 1100 protected combat vehi-cle systems to provide enhanced land combat survivability. The vehicles will provide greatly improved firepower, pro-tection and mobility to fight and win close combat engagements in open and complex terrain;� approximately 7000 wheeled transport and logistic support vehicles and trucks are to replace existing fleets procured over the next decade. About 40 per cent will be protected and significantly reduce the risk to soldiers in high-threat environ-ments;� seven replacement Chinook heavy lift helicopters with improved mobility. The new CH-47 has lift capacity of about three times of the Black Hawk.

� acquisition of the larger and more capable MRH-90 helicopters to replace the Army’s Black Hawk and the ARH Tiger to replace the Kiowa; � self-propelled and towed artillery sys-tems. The plan is to acquire six oper-ationally deployable 155mm batteries, comprising four lightweight 155mm and possibly two operationally deployable batteries of 155mm self-propelled how-itzers; and� improved communications and com-mand-and-control systems. Enhanced com-munications and networking for our land force will aid situational awareness and rapid response in a more coordinated man-ner and, in turn, increase the Army’s capac-ity to survive and succeed in combat.

Lt-Gen Gillespie said the new Navy and Air Force capabilities would also assist the Army.

“Capabilities such as amphibious ves-sels, air-warfare destroyers, additional C130J and the Caribou replacement are as important to Army capability as they are to the RAN and the RAAF,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“The new Canberra Class amphibious ships will essentially be movable Army FOBs. We will be working very closely with our Navy colleagues to ensure that the capability that is delivered from about 2014 is exactly what we in Army need.”

Ready for new gear

IMPRESSIVE results from UAVs on the battlefield have inspired new buys of the unmanned aircraft to enhance the effectiveness and survivability of ground forces.Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said UAVs were reducing the number of lives at risk while increasing information to the warfighter. “The acquisition of a number of advanced tactical UAVs will greatly enhance the force protection, mobility and realtime situational awareness of our troops on the ground,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. New vehicles will include Tier 1 man-portable craft for company-size elements and the larger Tier 2 tactical UAVs with longer endur-ance and wider range of payloads.

What’s on the cards

TACTICAL UAVS

NEW regional-based language-training facilities will enhance cultural understanding of our neighbours and local populations where the ADF is deployed. CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie said language skills and cultural awareness were the foundations of relationship building. “The ADF’s operational effectiveness is enhanced through an understanding of history, cul-ture, religion and socio-economic structure,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said. “Skills in foreign languages make a key contribution to the success of the ADF mission in operational deployments, peacekeeping and humanitarian mission, Defence cooperation programs and interna-tional engagement activities.

TRAINING FACILITIES

A NEW Cyber Security Operations Centre will be established as the ADF’s reliance on networked operations continues. The centre will accommodate a continuously staffed watch office and analysis team ready to coordinate respons-es to incidents in cybersapce.Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said the new capability aimed to protect the integrity of networks from potential adversaries. “The new centre will be created in the Defence Signals Directorate, which already possesses signifi-cant cyber-security expertise,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. It also will serve broader national security goals across other government depart-ments.

CYBER SECURITYPhoto by Pte Jodie Richter Photo by Sgt John Carroll

Photo by PO Damian Pawlenko

Combat kit: New ARH Tigers will replace Kiowas. Photo by AB Phillip Cullinan

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EXTRA Australian training staff announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will contribute directly to the completion of the Afghan brigade in Oruzgan province.

The two additional Operational Mentoring and Liaison Teams of about 100 personnel announced by Mr Rudd will have the primary aim of raising the Afghan National Army’s 4 Bde.

Mr Rudd said the size of the full-strength brigade would be about 3300 personnel.

“By increasing our training teams, we will significantly increase the ‘through-put’ of Afghan National Army trainees,” Mr Rudd said.

“The aim is to deliver an … Afghan National Army 4th Brigade in Oruzgan, ready to provide security in the province as soon as they are able to assume those responsibilities.”

The new brigade will comprise a brigade headquarters, three infantry kandaks (Afghan battalions), a combat support kandak combat service support and garrison kandak, as well as a high-way security kandak.

Aussies contribute to Afghan brigade

On the move: Two Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams will be among the 450 ADF personnel to deploy to Afghanistan. Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller


MORE than 450 extra ADF personnel will join NATO forces in a US-led troop surge and a new strategy to defeat the Taliban in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced the new contribution on April 30 to enhance the Australian training and men-toring effort of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in Oruzgan province.

Mr Rudd said the Australian mission intersected with the new US strategy to “disrupt, dismantle and defeat Al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan and prevent its return to either country”.

“Australia’s current force in Oruzgan does not have with it sufficient training elements to build Afghan military and police capacity within a reasonable time frame in which to base an exit strategy,” Mr Rudd said.

“That is why it is necessary to build upon our existing training capacity.”

The enhanced commitment will increase operational capability and logis-tics support to the MRTF and a short-term commitment to assist with security during the upcoming Afghanistan elections.

Australia’s increased contribution will include:� two Operational Mentoring and Liaison Teams of about 100 personnel;� additional personnel for the current

MRTF efforts in Afghanistan of about 70;� an increase of headquarters embedded staff by about 70;� an enhanced engineering element of about 40 personnel; � an Election Support Force of about 120 personnel;� an additional 50 personnel consist-ing of logistics and transport specialists, including one additional C-130 aircraft and support crew to establish the new ele-ments of the force.

The contribution follows US President Barack Obama’s decision to increase US forces from 38,000 to nearly 60,000 under the new strategy in Afghanistan.

Mr Rudd said NATO forces including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Turkey had also agreed to send more troops.

“Australia has therefore decided to increase its medium-term contribution to Afghanistan.

“Not as a blank cheque, but with the explicit objective of training Afghan forces so that responsibility for Oruzgan province can in time be handed over to the Afghans themselves.” Mr Rudd said.

“The Australian Government has no interest in Australian forces being in Afghanistan for a day longer than is nec-essary – that is also why it is necessary to be absolutely clear about our mission and the earliest basis for an exit strategy.”

More troops in Oruzgan

COALITION pressure on the Taliban leadership continues to intensify with the death of another senior insurgent leader in Oruzgan.

A combined Australian special-forces and coalition operation tracked Mullah Noorullah and another insurgent to a tunnel system, where they were killed.

Classed as a senior insur-gent commander, Noorullah was involved in the use of IEDs and rocket attacks against coalition forces.

He was also believed to have been involved in the major battle with Afghan, MRTF 1 and SOTG elements on April 12 where up to four insurgents were killed.

Chief of Joint Operations Lt-Gen Mark Evans said the ISAF counter-insurgency strategy used by Australian and coalition troops was degrading the Taliban leader-ship and their ability to con-duct coherent operations.

“Through our opera-tions targeting the Taliban’s leadership and its networks, coalition forces are disrupt-ing the insurgents’ ability to command and control opera-tions,” Lt-Gen Evans said.

“The Taliban are not able to readily coordinate attacks on coalition forces until replacement leaders are recruited and they can rebuild their knowledge and skills.”

Lt-Gen Evans said pres-sure on the Taliban was needed to create confidence in Afghan communities that there were viable alternatives to the Taliban. He said the new operation was evidence of incremental success.

Pressure mounts on the Taliban leaders

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NEWS 5Army May 14, 2009

By Cpl Corinne Boer

ADF personnel preparing to deploy to Iraq, MEAO and East Timor were offi-cially farewelled at a parade held at Lavarack Barracks on April 23.

More than 200 personnel participated in the parade attended by their families and friends.

Secdet 15 will comprise 100 person-nel to provide support to the Australian Embassy in Iraq. Force Communication Unit 2 (FCU 2), a joint communica-tions unit, consists of 111 members from Army, Navy and Air Force. They will be deployed to the MEAO.

A further 27 personnel will form Force Communication Element 2 (FCE 2) to be deployed to East Timor.

The two communications units have been training in Townsville at 3CSR over the past two months to prepare for the deployment where they will provide spe-cialist communications support to the operations.

CO 3CSR Lt-Col Warren Gould will

command FCU 2. He said the teams would not only provide national com-mand communications across entire thea-tres, they would also provide welfare sup-port like Internet access and phones to all the soldiers so the task ahead was quite large and important.

“The soldiers, sailors and airmen are well prepared and keen to deploy,” Lt-Col Gould said.

“We recognise the eight-month tour is a long tour, but we are prepared for that and our families are prepared as well.”

Lt-Col Gould said the teams in the MEAO would be dispersed across seven locations.

“The physical dispersion across a wide area is a challenge that I think is quite unique to most other units.”

Personnel for Secdet 15 have been drawn from infantry, cavalry, military police and combat service support units based in Townsville, Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney. Townsville-based 2RAR sol-diers will make up the infantry compo-nent for the mission.

By Hugh McKenzie

DOCTOR Vicki Ross of Joint Health Command is firm about one thing – stay calm about the flu, any flu.

Dr Ross said there was no need to panic about the influenza A(H1N1) infection – dubbed swine flu – as no cases had been recorded in Australia.

“The Australian Government is continuing to focus on delaying the entry of the virus into Australia using enhanced border surveillance and vigilance for cases domestically so that these can be contained before they spread,” she said.

Defence is fully engaged with Commonwealth, State and terri-tory government agencies that are responding to the influenza A(H1N1) outbreak in overseas countries.

“Influenza is influenza and we’re not 100 per cent sure about the ori-gins of this virus,” Dr Ross said.

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Farewell troops

Good luck: Commander 3 Bde Brig Stuart Smith and CO 3CSR Lt-Col Warren Gould with troops preparing to deploy (above). Cpl Corey Warde, 3CSR, with his kids (left). Photos by LCpl Karl Leibbrandt

“It has elements of swine, human and avian influenza and it is like it’s an assortment of strains that has come into being and is infecting people.

“There are teams world wide that are looking at the genetics of it.”

She said it was unlikely cur-rent flu vaccinations available in Australia would protect against the new strain, but people were still encouraged to be vaccinated.

“It’s important for people to have the annual flu vaccine because Australia is moving into its own flu season and if we can protect against that, that’s a good thing,” she said.

Mexico is at the epicentre of the influenza A(H1N1) outbreak. The majority of cases outside of Mexico are still being reported as a mild ill-ness only.

Contingency plans are in place for distribution of anti-viral medi-cation to ADF personnel deployed on operations based on health risk assessment advice from Commander Joint Health. They are ready to be dispatched at short notice.

For more information, visit the Joint Health Command’s site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/featuredtopics/default.asp?page=56540&title=general% 20infor-mation or http://www.defence.gov.au/health/infocentre/features/i-swineflu_gen.htm. Other relevant sites are www.health.gov.au, www.flupandemic.gov.au, www.who.int and www.cdc.gov.

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AN EXTRA $9.5m in funding for suicide prevention measures among veterans and ex-serv-ice personnel was announced on May 4.

T h e I n d e p e n d e n t S t u d y into Suicide in the Ex-service Community examined the broad issues of suicide in the ex-service community and specific cases in the past three years.

Conducted by independent pub-lic-health specialist Prof David Dunt, the study provides 21 recom-mendations for practical initiatives to improve mental health.

Veteran Affairs’ Minister Alan

Griffin said the new funds would ensure timely implementation of ini-tiatives.

“Mental health in the ex-service and veteran community is a critical issue and the government is allocat-ing $9.5m to fund appropriate sup-port,” Mr Griffin said.

Prof Dunt said the system needed to be “more user friendly” and made easier for those at risk of self-harm to get the support needed.

Mr Griffin said the government would continue to work with the ex-service community.

Changes will include:� strengthening mental health pro-

grams including suicide prevention; � further simplification of admin-istration procedures for personnel leaving the ADF or applying for compensation;� more experienced case manag-ers assigned to support clients with complex needs; and� increased access to mental-health clinical expertise.

Prof Dunt said veterans’ families also should be included in relevant events and services (treatment or otherwise) where possible.

For more information visit www.dva.gov.au/health/research/suicide_study/index.htm

More funding for suicide prevention

By Cpl Corinne Boer

AN $83m, four-year program to boost the ADF’s mental-health care was announced on May 1 in response to a comprehensive review by independent public health specialist Prof David Dunt.

The Review of Mental Health Care in the ADF and Transition through Discharge acknowledged the ADF’s mental health commit-ment but made 52 recommendations for improvement.

Prof Dunt said the ADF’s com-mitment to mental-health strat-egy compared favourably to mili-tary forces in other countries and Australian workplaces.

He said the present situation reflected a lack of funding and resources at the directorate level and regional mental-health teams.

“Its roll-out has been patchy and depended too much on the enthu-siasm and commitment of ADF regional mental-health providers,” Prof Dunt said.

CDF ACM Angus Houston has already committed to 49 of the 52 recommendations.

“Since 2002 we’ve improved the way we care for the people who have mental health problems,” ACM Houston said.

“But it is quite clear from Prof Dunt’s report that more work needs to be done.”

The reform will include: � providing improved mental health governance and policy;� an enhanced mental health work-force and improved mental health training support given to ADF per-sonnel and providers;

� enhanced prevention strategies including better research and sur-veillance;� enhanced mental health rehabili-tation and transition services; and� greater involvement of families in the mental health of ADF mem-bers and better facilities from which mental health services will be deliv-ered.

Prof Dunt said a new model of services would result in better health for members.

“Most importantly, [there] is a need for further development of the mental health workforce,” Prof Dunt said.

“There is a need for a significant increase of site psychologists … as well as more efficient use of these people. [There is a] need for greater involvement of medical officers and doctors in mental health and there should be more training both at ini-tial induction as well as after that.”

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said implementing the report would ensure easier access to best prac-tice mental health services for ADF members.

“Many of the recommendations can be implemented in the short-term while others will take several years to achieve.

This is a significant undertaking and Defence will report regularly to the government about its progress in implementing the recommenda-tions,” Mr Snowdon said.

The report is available at www.defence.gov.au/health/DMH/Review.htm

Mental health boost

Hard facts: CDF ACM Angus Houston, CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Alan Griffin listen as Prof David Dunt presents the findings of his comprehensive review. Photo by Cpl Corrine Boer

REFORM GOALS

� Increasing oversight of mental-health services and the mental health strategy including development of a comprehensive e-health data manage-ment record-keeping system.� Breaking down stigma by dem-onstrating that Defence’s goal is to treat and rehabilitate wherever pos-sible and that discharge on health grounds is the last resort.� Expanding the Battle Smart (stress management and resilience training) program to improve the psy-chological resilience of ADF members and their ability to function compe-tently under stress and recover from the impacts of exposure to trauma and adversity.� Enhancing the ADF Rehabilitation Program through better case man-agement by medical officers and increasing the number of rehabilita-tion coordinators.� Ensuring transition service arrangements adequately provide seamless transition from military to civilian life for individuals with mental health issues as well as scoping ways to remain in contact with transitioning members and ensure that all person-nel are recognised for their service.� New and improved facilities for enhanced delivery of mental health services and easier access to care by ADF members and involvement by their families in support programs.� Augmenting regional mental health teams to provide mental health literacy training to ADF members, engage in preventative work and provide regional outpatient treat-ment programs.

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By Michael Brooke

3RAR marked the 58th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong with a parade which provided many of the young soldiers with a unique opportunity to meet veterans of the battle.

More than 250 past and present mem-bers of 3RAR attended the ceremonial battalion parade at Holsworthy Barracks on the eve of Anzac Day to mark the Battle of Kapyong on April 24, 1951.

For its extraordinary heroism 3RAR was awarded the US Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation.

3RAR’s Kapyong Day commemo-ration was held with the battalion’s customary grandeur with a traditional parade.

Land Commander Maj-Gen David Morrison said the veterans of Kapyong had set the standard for all battalions in the Army to follow. He said at Kapyong, 3RAR established a legacy for courage and initiative in adversity.

“What Kapyong had established has been realised again every time this great battalion has deployed over the past 10 years,” Maj-Gen Morrison said.

“Old Faithful it remains, despite the passage of time and the thousands of

soldiers who have served in the ranks of 3RAR in the interim.”

This year’s parade featured four vet-erans from the Battle of Kapyong includ-ing Lt-Col Ben O’Dowd (retd) who chat-ted with some of the soldiers about the brave diggers who were killed stopping the Chinese advance which threatened to smash through the UN defence line.

He said 32 Australians were killed and 53 were wounded for their part in stalling the Chinese advance and pre-venting Seoul from falling into enemy hands, with their discipline and training enabling them to turn defeat into victory.

“It was a savage battle and at one stage I thought we were going to get knocked off because the Chinese just kept coming no matter how much fire we poured into them,” he said.

Lt-Col O’Dowd said none of the sol-diers realised that in fighting so hard to save themselves that they were writing a glorious new chapter in the “fighting spirit of Anzac”.

“Kapyong was an awful slaughter where every digger fought like mad to save himself and his mates from being overrun by the Chinese,” he said.

FROM January 2010 Army will transition to three-year com-mand tenures for unit and forma-tion command, for all regular and reserve command appointments.

Two-year commands will be offered in exceptional circumstances only and could cover compassionate, unit tempo or performance issues.

The changes will not affect sub-unit commands, which will remain two years in tenure.

The transition to three-year com-mands will see:� Lt-Cols will now be considered

for unit command appointments in their first year in rank, to com-mence in their second year in rank;

� an increase in the minimum time in rank for colonels from three to four years; and

� three-year posting tenures for unit and formation RSMs.The changes result from a review

that was conducted by DGPers-A to

examine the advantages and disad-vantages of both the current two-year command approach and the move to three-year command tenures. Implementation will be phased from 2010 to 2012 to ensure an equitable rotation for corps with fewer com-mand appointments.

CA Lt-Gen Ken Gil lespie acknowledged that there may be a reduction in command opportunities for some officers.

“This does not mean, however, a reduction across the board in oppor-tunities for advancement,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“Retention of quality officers – regardless of whether they have commanded or not – is a very high priority”.

The development of more flex-ible career pathways will be done to address the reduced opportunity for command and will see a fundamen-tal change in the way Army manages the careers of members.

“I have directed CCMA to con-

tinue developing more flexible career pathways so that we can continue to offer challenging and rewarding career paths not necessarily based on traditional ‘gates’ such as unit com-mand,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“I look forward to providing you all with more information on this in the very near future.”

For soldiers, the change to three-year command tenure will mean greater stability in the leadership of commanders.

“It is our principal responsibility as officers to ensure the stable lead-ership, training and development of our soldiers,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“In a unit and formation envi-ronment, the continuity and stability of command provided by three-year tenures is of great benefit to our sol-diers.”

Members are encouraged to seek advice from their career advisors and chains of command if they require any further infor-mation.

WHAT THE TRANSITION WILL DO

� Align the command tenure between Army’s senior leadership and subordinate command-ers.

� Reduce formation and unit tempo caused by compressed training regimes.

� Give greater opportunity for commanders to con-solidate their leadership and management skills.

� Provide continuity for a single command team to manage a full deploy-ment cycle within a unit or formation including pre-deployment, deploy-ment and reconstitution.

� Improve geographic sta-bility and reduce family turbulence associated with regular postings in key command appoint-ments.

Tenure change

Kapyong paradeCommemoration: 3RAR soldiers on parade at Holsworthy Barracks.

Photo by Bill Cunneen

Three years for command postings

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ISAF Election ChiefBRIG Damian Cantwell has been appointed as Commander International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Election Task Force. Brig Cantwell was deployed to Afghanistan in May to coordinate security support to the Afghan presidential and provincial-council elections scheduled for August 2009. The appoint-ment coincides with the Australian Government’s announcement that an election-support force of about 120 ADF personnel would be deployed to sup-port election security in Oruzgan province.

Soldier homeA Special Forces soldier who suffered life-threaten-ing wounds in an impro-vised explosive device incident in southern Afghanistan on April 4 has returned to Australia for further medical treatment. CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie said he was encouraged by reports the soldier’s condition had improved.

Shared interestsDEFENCE Secretary Nick Warner and CDF ACM Angus Houston have signed a strategic part-nership agreement with AusAID that provides a framework for closer coop-eration between the two organisations. The agree-ment recognises shared strategic interests and the imperative for closer whole-of-government cooperation in dealing with Australia’s diverse security challenges.

Recovery starts

THE recovery of up to 400 WWI British and Australian soldiers remains at Pheasant Wood, in Fromelles, France, began on May 5. Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said the excavation marked the next step in ensuring those who sacrificed their lives on July 19 and 20, 1916, at the battle of Fromelles were buried with honour and dignity. For more information go to www.defence.gov.au/fromelles

Anzac trailTHE exploits of the nearly 300,000 Australians who fought on the Western Front will be better commemorat-ed under a plan announced by Veterans’ Affairs Minister Alan Griffin that outlines an integrated Anzac trail of commemoration on the former battlefields. He said the trail would foster a deeper appreciation of what Australians achieved and endured in WWI.

Field activityTHE ADF is participating in the first Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum field activ-ity demonstrating disaster response capabilities. The activity will demonstrate air, land and sea response capabilities of contributing nations to the effects of a fictional super-typhoon in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines.

IN BRIEF

By Cpl Corinne Boar

EMOTIONS ran high as soldiers were reunited with their loved ones on April 23 after a lengthy 13-month deployment on Operation Herrick.

The soldiers returned to Townsville airport greeted by cheers from their families and a formal welcome from the regiment. Troop Commander Lt Chris Lingard said the reunion was a mixed bag of emotions.

“I think everyone was excited and relieved to be back in Australia after such a long time away, but a little sad at the same time that the tour has ended,” Lt Lingard said.

Sixteen soldiers from the Townsville-based 4 Fd Regt and its sub unit, A Bty, based in Sydney were deployed as part of the United Kingdom’s Task Force Helmand (Operation Herrick) attached to the British 29 Cdo Regt.

Six-months of intensive lead-up training was conducted in Northern Ireland followed by a six-month deploy-ment. Combined with leave from the operation, the deployment amounted to more than 13 months away from home.

During their deployment the soldiers worked with their British counterparts in support of NATO forces and the Afghan National Army (ANA), often supporting ground troops fighting with the Taliban.

The majority of the deployment was spent in remote forward operating bases and patrol bases in Helmand province.

Lt Lingard said the experience to train with the British and put that train-ing into action was invaluable. He added that the commandos they deployed with were advanced forces so the soldiers really had their work cut out for them.

“We put into action what we have trained for and proved that Australian gunners can do the job just as well as other countries even though we haven’t deployed in the gun role since Vietnam,” he said.

Lt Lingard offered his advice for the next contingent of soldiers who were to deploy to Afghanistan.

“Australian soldiers are well-respect-ed throughout the world so don’t for-get your Australian traditions and your past,” he said.

Acting CO 4 Fd Regt Maj Nick Wilson said it was good seeing the sol-diers step off the aircraft looking so fit and well.

“They have done an outstanding job representing both Australia and 4 Fd Regt overseas,” Maj Wilson said.

“They had good reports from 29 Cdo Regt as proficient, professional and focused soldiers and they certainly bring a wealth of experience back into 4 Fd Regt.”

By Sgt Brian Hartigan

A NEW intercommunication harness for Bushmaster is set to improve capac-ity in the vehicle and leave the fleet ready to accept the next generation of battlefield management hardware.

SOTAS is a communications harness

similar to the system currently fitted in the Bushmaster, but with much greater data-carrying capacity.

Thales won a contract to supply more than 700 complete systems plus spares, to be installed across the Bushmaster fleet after the old intercommunication system went out of production.

Project manager Brian Tucker said the system’s

prime function was for inter-

communications within the vehicle and to transmit voice or data over connected radios into a network.

“In that regard it’s no different to our current system. It’s just that this system has a much higher data capacity,” Mr Tucker said.

“This is not a quantum leap – soldiers won’t necessarily see much difference in it – but it does give us the ability in the future to interface new systems into the vehicles and consolidate all the informa-tion into one or two displays.

“These displays are not part of the new system, however, but will be deliv-ered under other projects in the future.”

Mr Tucker said installation of SOTAS

would leave the Bushmaster fleet ready to accept a range of networking hardware including radios, anti-fratricide systems and data-transfer devices.

Installation is expected to commence by September and will take about 18 months to complete.

In action: Soldiers from 4 Fd Regt in Afghanistan. The gunners returned home after 13 months away on April 23.

Roger that: New intercommunication harnesses for Bushmasters will be phased in from September. Photo by LAC Guy Young

Gun homecoming from Op Herrick

New comms for Bushies

Next step: Excavation starts at Fromelles.

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By Col Phil Langworthy

SENIOR Army leadersh ip has expressed concern with the tragic inci-dence of operational casualties being overshadowed by the greater loss of soldiers from operational training, misadventure and other accidents in Australia.

The increased operational tempo of the last decade and in particular, the tragic incidence of combat fatalities in 2008-09, has highlighted the operational risks to personnel.

However the cost of training losses to capability, our families and our units has become enormous.

CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie is extremely concerned with the current incidence of non-operational casualties.

“The harm that is being done to our workforce as a result of accidents and carelessness, especially those that are alcohol related, is unacceptable,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“I am deeply concerned about the extent of personnel damage and the human and capability costs to our Army.”

While risks from operational threats can only be partially planned for, risks from the direct consequence of soldiers skylarking, acting with gross negligence or through misuse of alcohol, a problem that continues to plague Army, are almost always foreseeable and manageable.

RSM-A WO Stephen Ward said there was a failure of both individual discipline

and mateship. “Irresponsible actions, as a result of letting off steam, too often have us grieving the loss of a great mate. Remember, your mates,” WO Ward said.

Lt-Gen Gillespie said he expected the excellent levels of professionalism, resourcefulness and responsibility invaria-bly displayed by soldiers when deployed, to be equally demonstrated back home.

The concept of work hard – play hard must not be confused with irresponsible stupidity which can creep into non-opera-tional and off-duty activities.

The “hidden enemies” of alcohol, speed and carelessness are significantly damaging our force and are all too easily disregarded and accepted as tragic acci-dents – they not ‘accidents’ and they are not acceptable.

They are a scourge on Army’s repu-tation and are contrary to the intent of Army’s values and ethos.

“We owe it to ourselves, our mates and our Army to do better,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

We all have a responsibility to our mates to keep them safe. If they are doing something stupid and reckless, then stop them. This is not easy, but being a good soldier never is.

Don’t let these hidden enemies get you or your mates.

Additional information and advice is available from the Directorate of Army Safety Assurance and from the ArmySAFE website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/ARMYSAFE/


SELECTED senior RSMs are going back to school in a ground-breaking professional-develop-ment innovation to produce bet-ter and more informed warrant officers with potential for higher appointments in their careers.

Four pioneering RSMs have joined senior majors a t the Australian Command and Staff College (ACSC) in Canberra for the four-month single-service module of the command and staff course.

The aim is to give senior WO1s aspiring to higher tiers of RSM appointments insight into prob-lems and issues faced by senior commanders at brigade level and beyond.

Up to eight warrant officers a year will be selected to attend the Army Single Service Module of the ACSC that senior majors attend as preparation for promotion to lieu-tenant colonel.

A two-week Capstone course, also in Canberra, would be conduct-ed for up to 16 WO1s each year for those who are not selected for the

ACSC course. RSM-A WO Stephen Ward said there was a need to pro-fessionally develop RSMs to better prepare them in their roles assisting their respective commanders at for-mation and functional levels.

He said it was also important that RSMs were given knowledge to operate in triservice environments by delivering a professional devel-opment program focusing on the joint operations arena.

“There are more demands on warrant officers than in the past and they are smarter people – technol-ogy has given us tools to do our job better and quicker. We need to be cognisant of what is happening,” WO Ward said.

“Furthermore, decisions have to be made far quicker in a modern, networked and adaptive force than they have been in the past and the focus of the single-service module is the joint decision-making proc-ess.”

WO Ward said senior Air Force and Navy warrant officers already attended ACSC and he was confi-dent the course would produce a better Army WO1.

He said the four RSMs currently

at ACSC started with trepidation but the results they were achieving confirmed the benefits.

While it was not practical to send all of Army’s 135 Tier 1 RSMs to the ACSC, WO Ward said the Capstone course would impart important skills and knowledge of Army processes to all WO1s who were going on to Tier B positions.

“One of the outcomes I want from the Captstone course is for WO1s to have participated in a pro-gram that delivers knowledge on critical thinking, change manage-ment and effective writing.”

WO Ward said ultimately a pool of senior graduate RSMs would be available and “the best of the best” would be chosen to go forward into more senior appointments such as Tier C.

“I want to challenge people to be able to step forward and get out of their comfort zone and actually take this on,” WO Ward said

“If they don’t want to take it on then I’m afraid they will be ignorant and they will not be able to face the future challenges presented to Army – they can’t afford to sit back and be comfortable.”

Back to school

Non-ops casualties not acceptable: CA

Lessons learned: RSMs from left, WO1 Kevin Ryan, WO1 Michelle Wyatt, WO1 Robert Thompson and WO1 Ian Gardiner on course at the Australian Command and Staff College with RSM-A WO Stephen Ward (centre). Photo by WO2 Graham McBean

Pte Sher KIA report released

Much missed: Pte Greg Sher.


A REPORT into the killing of Pte Greg Sher in Afghanistan on January 4 has been finalised and an edited, unclassified version released.

Releasing the report, Chief of Joint Operations Lt-Gen Mark Evans said Pte Sher’s death was a remarkable and unusual occurrence that could not have been avoided.

“While our soldiers are well-trained and well-equipped, conflict always comes with great risks,” Lt-Gen Evans said.

“Sadly there will always be the possibility that we will lose good soldiers like Pte Sher.”

The inquiry officer concluded that Pte Sher was killed instantly when struck by an insurgent 107mm rocket that failed to function prop-

erly. He was treated immediately at the scene by his colleagues and this treatment only ceased when it was obvious that Pte Sher was not capable of being revived.

Lt-Gen Evans said the period

around the death of Pte Sher was characterised by constant, intense and prolonged engagements by Afghan and ISAF troops against the insurgents, aimed at pressuring the Taliban and its leadership and forc-ing them out of hiding.

While other rocket attacks had occurred in the days leading to Pte Sher’s death, the risk of an effective rocket attack was assessed as low.

“This was based in part on the Taliban’s previous inaccuracy with this weapon,” Lt-Gen Evans said.

The rocket that killed Pte Sher struck him in his side but only par-tially detonated after striking a wall at the back of the compound.

Pte Sher was not wearing body armour at the time, but the report concluded it was unlikely to have saved him.

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THE former CO of RTF 4 has challenged negative predictions of the war in Afghanistan and said the Dutch and Australian model of operations was working.

Lt-Col Stuart Yeaman spoke to ADFA and RMC cadets as part of a RUSI-sponsored series of presenta-tions and highlighted the progress made with reconstruction and secu-rity operations in Oruzgan province.

The presentation followed com-ments made by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in The Hague that the restructured US response to the war would reflect the Dutch-led effort.

Lt-Col Yeaman said mutu-ally-supporting lines of operations worked where population protec-tion and support, and development of local skills and training, were important partners to security opera-tions.

“The two types of operations mutually support each other, which has been a major lesson in itself,” Lt-Col Yeaman said.

“The major observation from our experience is that these are indeed important lines of operation and when conducted properly will position political decision makers to successfully conclude the war.”

Lt-Col Yeaman said public and media attention focused on isolated incidents as if they were indicative across the whole of Afghanistan.

“A lot of it doesn’t make sense,” he said.

“Particularly in Oruzgan prov-ince where the Dutch and the Australians have a very good hold on the province and a lot of the sto-ries that have been put out just don’t ring true.”

He said Mrs Clinton’s recent remarks on the US restructure of the war in Afghanistan were encour-

By Lt Kris Gardiner

RECENT events in Afghanistan and a country music tune have inspired a young digger to put pen to paper pro-ducing his own musical tribute to serv-ing members and their families.

The Real Australian Heroes, written by Pte Peter Noble, celebrates the cour-age and sacrifice of soldiers past and present and the impact active service has on their families. Pte Noble said most people in Australia knew someone who was a serving member or had served.

“I felt the need to write a song to express how important the Anzacs are and how important the Australian Army’s work overseas is,” he said.

“I also wanted to describe what it’s like for the family members not sure if their husbands, fathers and brothers are going to come home.”

Pte Noble said his other inspiration for his work was the song Poster Girl by country performer Becky Cole, written as a response to fans who disapproved of her performing in Afghanistan.

“I first heard the song when it was performed by the school of music band. Its message and its support for the sol-diers really struck me,” he said.

“I really wanted to honour the sol-diers by doing something like that to re inforce the fact that we need to support our troops – what they’re doing is no easy task.”

Pte Noble said the song took about two weeks to put together and was origi-nally recorded in a punk-rock style at the Defence Force School of Music at Simpson Barracks by Sgt Peter Bell. However, it was a suggestion by CO

Encouraging signs for Afghanistan

Noble tune sings praise for matesHeroes overseas inspire young soldier

aging and Australia and its Dutch partners could take heart from the messages.

“It is interesting that Hillary Clinton has grabbed hold of the Oruzgan model and it is influencing a lot of strategic review,” he said.

Civil engineer Capt Clare O’Neill assisted in the presentation and had the unique perspective of having served in the first and last RTFs.

She said the difference with-in two years “was amazing” and showed that Australian operations were making substantial progress.

“It is difficult to capture the before-and-after snapshot with sta-tistics, but the development that has spread from Tarin Kowt into region-al areas since 2006 is astounding,” Capt O’Neill said.

“There were places in 2006 that I thought would take 10 years before we could work freely there, like Sorgh Morghab or the Balluchi Valley, and on RTF 4 we were build-

ing a patrol base there and a school. I would have laughed if you had told me that we would have been able to do that in 2006.”

Capt O’Neill told cadets that when she arrived in Tarin Kowt with RTF 1 there were about 20 vehicles in the streets, the roads had been cut off by Taliban forces and the bazaar was empty.

She described Tarin Kowt as “a bustling Asian city” on her return in 2008 where women were walk-ing unaccompanied in the streets and hundreds of motor vehicles had appeared on the roads, government presence had returned and Afghan police and army were in control.

She said a highlight was see-ing Afghans she had helped train in 2006 working independently under local government programs.

“I consider myself pretty lucky to have seen those changes because I had been away for 11 months and the changes just hit you.”

Positive development: Capt Clare O’Neill notices the progress made in Afghanistan on her seconddeployment to the country. Photos by Cpl Neil Ruskin

Good strategy: Former CO of RTF4 Lt-Col Stuart Yeaman believes the operations in Afghanistan are working.

Fine-tuned: Pte Peter Noble and his tool of the trade.

Defence Force School of Music Lt-Col Gordon Lambie after listening to the song that led to its final sound.

“Lt-Col Lambie suggested to try an acoustic version, so I rearranged it and came up with the current version that I’m very proud of,” Pte Noble said.

He and his wife shot a video for the song, which can be seen on YouTube, and he hopes it generates some positive feedback.

“I’ve played it to a lot of people already and the feedback has been really positive, but it would be great to see how the public and the rest of the ADF like it,” he said.

Pte Noble’s song The Real Australian Heroes can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il2mOqhevZI&feature=channel

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THREE Army cyclists from RMC were among five Defence cyclists to ride from Canberra to Melbourne through fire-affected towns in Victoria to raise funds for a related and important cause.

Capt Catherine Crane, Capt Duncan Powrie, Cpl James Fox, Leut Dan Croker and Nathan Rickerby (APS) covered 900km detouring through Marysville, Flowerdale, Kinglake and other fire-affected towns offering a helping hand to clean-up and recovery crews.

Dubbed the Ride for Recovery, the main focus of their efforts was to raise funds to assist the burns’ unit at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

Organiser Capt Powrie said the ride was born of a desire to actually do something for the victims of the fires other than simply putting hands in pockets.

“Watching the news as it unfold-ed, I really felt we should help out, but rather than just donate to the bushfire appeal, I wanted to do something more specific,” Capt Powrie said.

“The idea for a bike ride through affected towns came up pretty quick and, once that was decided, it didn’t take much effort to find some other

By Lt Bill Heck

THE intel flooded the headset and the commander scanned the arcs and iden-tified a target.

I locked on the laser and fired the main gun, destroying the enemy armour.

After barely 10 minutes of training I had engaged and destroyed the lead vehicle of an elite Soviet tank squadron, from my post in an Abrams.

No, this wasn’t a dream and it wasn’t a game. I was in the Advanced Gunnery Training Simulator (AGTS) used by 1 Armd Regt to train tank crews in real-scenario gunnery and tactical command.

The system allows crews to practise procedures, movement, fire control and tactical missions without using a drop of fuel, a single track kilometre or a single live round.

Tank commander Lt Brendan Thomas, 1 Armd Regt, said the simu-lated system negated the need for heavy logistics support, thousands of litres of fuel and up to 200 main rounds needed just to train.

“We can build our skills, conduct missions and practise drills and forma-

tions in highly complex and intense environments without the constraints of weather or budget,” he said.

The system allows tank crews to maintain their training and skills through the northern Australian wet season.

1 Armd Regt CO Lt-Col David Graham said the gunnery training facil-ity significantly increased the efficiency and effectiveness of his tank crews.

“The benefits of this system are inval-uable, especially when you consider the difficulties associated with training in the north of Australia during the wet season.”

After my brief but tragically-fatal mission, I sat back and watched a profes-sional crew take on the same scenario.

In a demonstration of slick, precise battle drills all the targets were engaged and destroyed within an average of seven seconds after each was identi-fied. Brilliant compared to my dawdling attempt, but only considered ‘acceptable’ by the experienced gunners.

I don’t think I will be rushing the trade transfer, but the experience under-lined the importance of simulated train-ing and the awesome capability of the Abrams tank.

Abrams simulator delivers top skills

Cyclists on fire900km to raise funds for hospital burns’ unit

Top squad: Four of the five team members at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Photo by AB Quentin Mushins

Eagle eye: A crew member looks out for potential targets.

people crazy enough to join me.”Capt Powrie said that while the

group actually rolled up their sleeves in affected towns along the route, they all wanted to do something a bit more significant.

“Burns injuries are terribly dam-aging, both physically and mentally. The rehabilitation process from such injuries is often very long and chal-lenging, involving multiple episodes of surgery and enormous pain.

“By riding from Canberra to

Melbourne, we hoped to raise aware-ness of these terrible injuries and raise money to help the burns’ unit.

“The Alfred Hospital was a vital cog in the immediate reaction to the Black Saturday bushfires – and con-tinues to provide treatment for many victims.”

Capt Powrie suffered an injury after a fall on the ride and one of the first things he did on arrival at the Alfred Hospital was to have his wounds attended to.

“A few Alfred staff accompanied us on the final leg of the ride and one of those was a nurse from the burns’ unit who agreed to change my dressings from the tumble.

“It wasn’t an easy job to remove the old ones. She had me strip down to my jocks to soak the old dress-ings off.

“What surprised me most was her being able to do all that in riding shoes and lycra – but she did take her helmet off.”

Capt Powrie said that when the dressings were off the riders were taken for a tour of the burns ward – “with me still in my jocks.”

Ride for Recovery donations can still be made at www.thealfred.org.au/donations and selecting Ride for Recovery from the ‘donate here’ dropdown box.

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Military SystemsIntroduction to Electronic Warfare...................................18 – 20 MayBattlefield Digitisation.....................................................20 – 22 MayOptical Surveillance Systems.......................................... 15 – 17 JuneGPS & its Military Applications....................................... 22 – 23 JuneModern Military Navigation Systems............................. 22 – 24 June

Materials ScienceDurability of Reinforced Concrete Construction ............24 – 26 June Welding in Structural Engineering ...............................27 – 29 July

Naval ArchitectureBasics of Naval Architecture........................................... 16 .– 17 June

Occupational Health & SafetyLaser Safety Introductory(Sydney ........................................... 22 JuneLaser Safety(Sydney ....................................................... 22 – 2 5June

Satellite CommunicationsSatellite Communications Overview ....................................... 15 JuneSatellite Communications Intermediate...........................15 - 17 JuneSatellite Communications Advanced................................15 - 19 June

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Annual Rent Allowance review

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) wishes to advise you that the

2009 annual Rent Allowance review has commenced.

If you are currently in receipt of Rent Allowance, and you are

included in this year’s review, you should have already received

your statement, letter and reply-paid envelope. If this is the

case, you will need to respond immediately.

The review is to establish if there have been any changes

to your domestic circumstances that would affect your Rent

Allowance.

You will need to complete the statement and provide details

about your current rental situation.

It is important you respond to this review. Failure to respond by

the due date may cause payment of your Rent Allowance to be

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WORLD NEWS 13Army May 14, 2009

By Lt Peter Martinelli

AFTER seven months in Iraq, the crew of V23C is pretty familiar with Route Irish.

The once notorious road to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) is a lifeline for the soldiers of Secdet 14, who have made sustainment runs from their base in the Green Zone 134 times.

After dinner, the ASLAV convoy rolls from the front gate of ‘The Cove’, the heart of Op Kruger and home to most of its infantry, cavalry, MPs and combat service support personnel.

In the back of V23C, Cpl Troy Harvey sketches gothic cityscapes as the ASLAV rocks, weaves and bucks along the road.

His eyes, showing through goggles, flash hood and Kevlar, dart across the page. A medic’s shears are jammed into the loops of his body armour.

The fine-arts graduate is wedged between the legs of two operators/gun-ners, who constantly shift in their hatch-es, vigilant for threats. It has been a good tour for Secdet 14, but no one is taking chances this late in the game.

The sustainment runs pick up mail and supplies delivered by regular Australian cargo flights. “The sus runs aren’t too stressful,” says crew com-mander Cpl Jarrod Philby.

Cpl Philby is on the back end of his second Secdet deployment, his third in Iraq. “By the end of this tour I will have spent 16 months in Baghdad,” Cpl Philby says over the intercom.

He keeps an eye on the passing armoured SUVs and cement trucks that pass in the evening haze.

“In these past months we have done more jobs than the other two Secdets com-bined. We have come close to a Secdet record – this week has been crazy.”

The convoy rolls past Saddam Hussein’s private zoo, hidden in the gloom behind drab concrete blast walls.

“During the day you can still see the cages,” Cpl Philby says.

It is rumoured that Saddam released the animals shortly before the coalition overran Baghdad in 2003.

“It would have been funny to see lions and tigers running down the street,” Cpl Philby chuckles.

He last drove these streets with Secdet 10. “The threat has dropped away a lot since then,” he says.

“The Iraqis seem to be taking control of their country. It is a lot cleaner; they are fixing some of the infrastructure as well.”

It has been an uneventful run into BIAP, but the streets remain dangerous and the diggers of Secdet 14 remain vig-ilant until they return home.

Worn track drawing to a close

Sketchy neighbourhood: Cpl Troy Harvey takes time out for some drawing in the back of on ASLAV as crew commander Cpl Jarrod Philby (inset) prepares for a convoy. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram

14 CENTREPIECE Army May 14, 2009 15

FOR THE FALLENFOR THE FALLENON THE 94th anniversary of

Australia’s first significant mil-itary action, past and present members of the ADF paused to

remember those who have contributed to all Australian military operations.

CDF ACM Angus Houston said Anzac Day was a time to reflect on the contribution made by all past and present servicemen and women who had displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country.

“Today we honour the courage and sacri-fice of those who have contributed so much in shaping the identity of this proud nation,” he said.

More than 1.8 million Australians have signed up for military service – and more than 102,000 of those have died serving their nation.

Sadly, six more names have been added to honour rolls in the past year – LCpl Jason Marks, Sig Sean McCarthy, Lt Michael Fussell, Pte Greg Sher, Cpl Mathew Hopkins and Sgt Brett Till.

Today, around 3000 ADF members are deployed on operations, writing their own chapter in the growing Anzac legend.

Australians of all ages and persuasions came together at places of significance in the UK, France, Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea and elsewhere.

Thousands made the pilgrimage to Gallipoli to experience Anzac Day at the birthplace of the Anzac legend. Thousands more bowed their heads to reflect on former battlefields in France.

Among them was Veterans’ Affairs

Minister Alan Griffin, who said attending an Anzac Day service at locations where Australians had served was a unique expe-rience, especially for those whose family members had served there.

“It is pleasing to see so many Australians attending Anzac Day services, no matter where they are in the world,” he said.

“I am proud that even as the number of our veterans dwindle, the commitment of Australians to honour their service and sacri-fice remains strong.”

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon spent Anzac Day in Afghanistan with Australian troops who have lost colleagues on the bat-tlefield – 10 since operations in that theatre began.

Travelling in company with Keith Payne VC, Mr Fitzgibbon attended a dawn service at Tarin Kowt before visiting soldiers at their forward operating bases.

He said it was a tremendous honour and privilege to spend Anzac Day with our troops on operations in Afghanistan, and to honour the sacrifices of fallen Australian soldiers.

“The Anzac spirit is epitomised in the courage and valour of our troops who are operating in challenging environments around the world,” he said.

“We should all be grateful for the efforts and sacrifices these fine men and women make on our behalf.”

On the home front, soldiers from 3RAR and 4RAR, who recently returned from Op Slipper, joined veterans from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam to commemorate Anzac Day 2009 in Sydney.

Bagpipes, drums and bugles broke the morning silence at the Cenotaph in Martin

Place, where Land Commander Australia Maj-Gen David Morrison laid a wreath in memory of Australia’s war dead.

Later in the morning, an estimated 250,000 people watched as they marched down George Street.

Similar services were held around the country including in Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Darwin and horse racing came to a standstill at Randwick as 5CSSB mounted a four-man six-minute catafalque party in the saddling enclosure between races.

While big numbers attended these major events, by contrast, eight Townsville-based soldiers on a flood-relief mission in Queensland’s gulf country found themselves on the other end of the scale – but reported their participation was all the more special for the experience.

As 3CER’s water-purification mission in Karumba continues into its third month, LCpl Mathew Kennedy and his colleagues shut down their equipment for that one special day and split their numbers evenly between Karumba and Normanton.

“We were received very well by the gen-eral public. People were very impressed that we’d come along,” LCpl Kennedy said.

“Obviously the key difference in a com-munity like this was the size, but the key similarity was that all kinds of people were willing to come out and pay their respects.

“Every Anzac Day is special, but this one I think was particularly special because we participated in a community where we were also helping the community at the same time.”

In services across the country and around the globe, Australians came together to remember the fallen and acknowledge the sacrifice of Defence personnel currently serving to protect the nation.

Perth: People gather in the pre-dawn darkness at the State War Memorial in Kings Park, overlooking the city, for the dawn service. Photo by AB Morgana Salabert

Darwin: ADF personnel form a catafalque party around the city’s Cenotaph as part of the dawn service. Photo by LS Helen Frank

Brisbane: Current-serving soldiers march in the city’s Anzac Day parade. Photo by Cpl Andrew Eddie

Bedourie, Queensland: Members of 26 Tpt Sqn with mascots Cpls Vernon and Penny at the local Anzac Day service.

Sydney: Army Cadets carry WWII colour patches of the AIF displayed on banners as they march past the Martin Place Cenotaph. Photo by Navy Imagery Unit - East

MEAO: Force Support Unit 1 personnel are joined by embassy and mission representatives from 12 nations for the dawn service. Photo by PO Dave Connolly

Jakarta: Australian and New Zealand embassy staffjoin ex-patriots in remembrance at the Menteng PuloCommonwealth War Cemetery. Photo by Mubarok

Honoured dead: A Secdet 14 soldier patrols near the graves of 48 Australian and New Zealand servicemen buried at the North Gate War Cemetery, Baghdad. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram

Thursday Island: Soldiers of 51FNQR parade during Anzac Day ceremonies. Photo by Torres News

Kandahar: Australian and ISAF personnel watch the catafalque party as they stand guard over the memorial at Camp Baker during the dawn service. Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller

Tarin Kowt: Keith Payne VC and Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon join soldiers for the dawn service at Camp Holland. Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller

London: Australians gather for the dawn service at The Australian War Memorial Wall at Hyde Park corner. Photo by AB Andrew Dakin

Kabul: Representatives from ISAF’s multinational force join Australian and New Zealand soldiers for the dawn service outside the headquarters building.

Canberra: Maj Jay McLeary, NZ Army, with his son Caelum after the dawn service at the Australian War Memorial. Photo by Mark Brennan

East Timor: Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon addresses those gathered at the dawn service in Camp Phoenix. Photo by LS Paul Berry

Randwick Racecourse, Sydney: A member of 5CSSB prepares a simple memorial in the saddling enclosure for a catafalque party between races. Photo by Bill Cunneen

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16 LETTERS Army May 14, 2009

I LIVE in Marysville and would like to thank the Army for mak-ing soldiers available to march in Marysville on Anzac Day.

I know tha t many locals approached them (often with beer in hand) to resume acquaintance after the march.

And many others told me how much it meant to them to have those diggers back where they had done such sterling service on Op Vic Fire Assist.

I can’t remember precisely who it was, but one of them said to me when we met in the main street prior to forming up for the march, that the opportunity to serve an Australian community in need was a great priv-ilege and honour.

While this, of course, is exact-ly the kind of attitude that I would expect from a modern soldier, it was deeply appreciated nevertheless. So appreciated, in fact, that I incorpo-rated that little bit in my Anzac Day address.

My Anzac Day address focused on the theme of the contemporary Anzac spirit and how it is represent-ative of Australian values (I think this is why Anzac Day has become our de facto national day). The con-temporary Anzac spirit was present in innumerable ways on and after February 7 – not least among our soldiers.

The size of the crowd was truly astonishing, given the inclement conditions (it was near snowing)

I HAVE been attending Anzac Day services now for more than 50 years, and have heard many fine musicians play the Last Post.

I have never heard the Last Post played so beau-tifully as the Australian soldier who played this year at the Gallipoli dawn service.

His interpretation of the tune, and the long, haunting notes was very emotional and was so fit-ting for such an occasion.

The bugler is a credit to your country’s armed services, and I would be grateful if he could be advised of the feelings of this writer, and I feel, many others. Thank you so much.Brian JacobiTokoroa, New Zealand

WOW, the Army has finally embraced a commonsense approach to name-plates – well it must make sense to some.

Now people won’t have to go through the anguish of trying to remem-ber the first name of long-lost casual acquaintances when next they meet – well, that’ll be OK for those who use their first name.

ASOD Vol 1, para 4.23 states that “the Army nameplate is to show the first and last name (the first name may be abbreviated, for example, Mick Jones) no nicknames are to be used.”

Woe betide all the Stretchs, Blues, Tinys, Dustys, Spikes, Clarkys, Smithys et al who will now have their embarrass-ing first names revealed in all their white on black splendour, not to mention all of those who have chosen to use their sec-ond or even an AKA name to hide some unthinkingly bestowed label by an obvi-ously over-celebratory or poorly spelling male parent.

and the fact that so many of those who were attending had to come some distance to do so. I conserva-tively estimate that we had twice as many people as an average year.

Anzac Day in Marysville is usu-ally a bit of a ‘public’ event but on all other days the onlookers simply have to come over from where they are living, a short stroll away. This time they had to make an effort; and the fact that they did was testament to the significance of the bonding/

remembrance experience of Anzac Day this year.

As I said to the soldiers at the final cookhouse dinner before they shipped out after serving us so well, “there are disasters; and then there are Disasters. There is support; and then there is Support. And there are armies; and then there is the Australian Army”. Brig Nick JansVisiting FellowAustralian Defence College

March means a lot

Warm welcome: Sgt Donald Dickson gets a hug from a Marysville resident after he and fellow 8CSSB soldiers took part in Anzac Day activities in the township.

Army nameplate losing character

Breaker Morant, Weary Dunlop, Digger James, Monsta Smith and, of course, the war correspondent Banjo Paterson just wouldn’t sound the same if they had to assume their lesser-known first names, even if generously allowed to abbreviate it. Whoever heard of Andy Paterson or Bill James?Lt-Col Nick ReadDHOC RAADCVictoria Barracks, Brisbane

Aussie bugler hits right key

Who’s Harry?: Breaker Morant

HOW TO HAVE YOUR SAY

■ Preference is given to letters under 250 words.

■ Letter writers must include their name, unit, location and contact number for purposes of verification.

■ Letters might be rejected if they are too long, abusive or can be answered by the author’s unit.

■ Letters can be sent to: [email protected] or mailed to Army newspaper, R8-LG-038, Russell Offices, Canberra ACT 2600

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18 TRAINING Army May 14, 2009

By Cpl Corinne Boer

INSTRUCTORS call out com-mands to nervous recruits har-nessed 10m above the ground at 1RTB’s high-wire course. A few recruits holler while their confi-dence is tested, scaling thin planks or swinging from one rope to another. Amid the yelling there is a cry far more distinct than the rest, one of clear distress.

A recruit is clinging tightly to a rope ladder, refusing to budge. High-wire course supervisor Cpl Garry Wheeler climbs to the distraught recruit and calmly talks her through the predicament, and she continues climbing.

This scenario is a daily occur-rence for Cpl Wheeler, who takes 6000 recruits through the high-wire course every year. His role at 1RTB combines the disciplines of a recruit instructor and unit adventurous train-ing leader.

The infantryman was posted to 1RTB, Kapooka as a recruit instruc-tor in 2007. Cpl Wheeler believes the posting gives junior NCOs an oppor-tunity to refine their soldiering skills and build on leadership qualities.

“Whether it is drill, weapons or field lessons, it helps an individual to become a better, more rounded NCO,” Cpl Wheeler says.

“It harnesses your skills as a cor-poral and you become a master at giving instruction.”

Recruit Instructors (RI) are very important in shaping an individual’s military career and for many recruits they are the first introduction to the military.

Cpl Wheeler says this influence was a bit intimidating initially but his confidence grew with experience.

“You always remember your recruit instructor.

“I’ve seen clerks and storemen return to 1RTB who I have trained, so it’s rewarding in that sense,” he says.

A posting to 1RTB was part of Cpl Wheeler’s career progression. He had reached his professional peak in the sniper cell and sought to sharpen his basic soldier skills and give something back to the ADF.

The hours required of an RI are arduous, in particular during the first 10 days a platoon is raised. Cpl Wheeler says the extended hours are

required because the transition from civilian life to Army life is abrupt.

“We have to be very vigilant over the recruits when they first arrive but, over time, we get to see more of our families,” he says.

Fellow instructor Bdr Bradley Buik agrees the initial workload is intense and demanding. RIs can sometimes work up to 120 hours a week.

“The challenge is to maintain the intensity; if you are not mentally pre-pared it can be a taxing job,” he says.

Coming from an air defence background, Bdr Buik says the RI course set him up with the basic foundation and gave him enough information to train a platoon.

“I don’t think it’s a role for any particular type of individual other than those wanting to maintain a pro-fessional attitude,” he says.

“If you are motivated and if you like to learn, this is a great place to come.”

Sgt Ian Mason, a platoon sergeant on his second posting to 1RTB, returned because he believes the job satisfaction is immense.

According to Sgt Mason, one of the best aspects about 1RTB is the chance to work in an all-corps envi-

ronment. “Everyone brings in their own expertise and I learned so much about other corps,” he says.

Sgt Mason’s interpersonal and communication skills have improved during his postings at 1RTB.

He says learning to deal with recruits from different backgrounds on a day-to-day basis is a skill that can’t be taught.

“I can speak to people more con-fidently and have a lot more diplo-macy,” he says.

There is a belief among some sol-diers that a posting to 1RTB is a bad posting.

Sgt Mason believes this myth may have occurred from fear or a bad experience at 1RTB.

“I think people should put up their hand and come here and find out for themselves what it is like.

“It’s one of those jobs where you’ll get out of it exactly what you put into it,” he says.

A Recruit Instructor bonus scheme is offered to qualified corporals and sergeants posted to 1RTB. $10,000 is offered on posting and an additional $10,000 on completion of two ARA or four reserve platoons within the 12-month training year. The 1RTB bonus will continue to be offered until 2011.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A RECRUIT INSTRUCTOR

Mentoring the future force

Not like that: Cpl Garry Wheeler helps recruits with their harnesses.Photos by Cpl Corinne Boer

Drilling it in: Bdr Bradley Buik refines recruits’ drill technique.

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TRAINING 19Army May 14, 2009

WO2 Graham McBean

CRUNCH time has arrived for Brisbane-based 7 Bde as it pre-pares for its final tests as a deploy-able formation at Shoalwater Bay Training Area in June and July.

All units of the brigade will deploy on Exercise Diamond Dollar from June 1-28 in order to confirm sub-unit collective training goals, conduct battle group activities and prepare for Exercise Talisman Sabre 09. Talisman Sabre will be the first exercise as a formation in the role of blue force in more than a decade.

7 Bde will then embark on mis-sion-specific training from October, before coming online as the opera-tional formation in 2010.

Chief of Staff 7 Bde Lt-Col Simon Hardy said it had been a long road for 7 Bde under the HNA and

ELF initiatives, but the journey was almost complete.

“There are always challenges with growth and we have overcome them pretty successfully, thanks to some hard work from all within the brigade as well as a range of sup-porting agencies” Lt-Col Hardy said.

“We would always prefer grow-ing pains.”

There were definitely some chal-lenges when 7 Bde began mount-ing operations overseas in 2005 and 2006 while still largely based on an integrated manning.

Significant growth began in 2005 with the expansion of 2/14 LHR (QMI) from a single ARA squadron to about 450 soldiers at present.

The re-raising of 8/9RAR and growth in 2CER were two big out-comes under the ELF project as was 7CSSB, which at one point in 2007

was scheduled for disbandment by the end of 2008.

Headquarters staff numbers also began to expand in 2008 and com-pleted its growth this year to its ELF endstate. The HQ is now deploy-able and capable of command-ing a number of battle groups in a complex conventional war-fighting environment.

Lt-Col Hardy said 2009 began with the unit and sub-unit collec-tive training and it was now time to put the finishing touches to its development.

“We would consider Talisman Sabre as the culmination of our training in conventional war-fight-ing skills and the brigade will have exposed its personnel to a range of mid-intensity conventional warfare scenarios by its end,” he said.

7 Brigade ready for challenges


RECENT upgrades to the WTSS facil-ity at Singleton have highlighted the potential for conducting more advanced training than just the AIRN.

Introduction of the magazine-fed ‘Blue Fire’ gas system has given users far greater freedom of movement and allows for identical weapon drills to the real weapon.

Sgt Alistair Scott, Special Forces Training Centre (SFTC), said the WTSS facility was underestimated.

“SFTC uses the WTSS extensively across our training continuum and has seen a dramatic improvement in our train-ing outcomes on all levels,” Sgt Scott said.

“The WTSS in no way replaces the need for live-fire training, however, it allows you to set the standards higher and ultimately allows you to use your live ammunition on more advanced shoots.”

Sgt Scott said future upgrades also would potentially provide even more training enhancements by networking the WTSS system to multiple locations.

He said the benefits in time, money and better training were clearly evident from recent SFTC training.

WTTS upgrade more life-like

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“We recently conducted a course on the [12.7mm QCB and MK19 AGL] where all students were run through simu-lation on weapons after completing the required lessons,” he said.

“All the students need to do at a later stage, before deployment, is to conduct a small amount of revision and then live fire the weapons to achieve full qualifications.

“This is an example of how command-ers can use the WTSS to provide flex-ibility in training and time-management options.”

Sgt Scott said using the WTSS was an excellent way of rectifying and bridg-ing capability gaps across Defence which was cost-effective and applicable to the Defence ‘train, maintain and sustain’ capability ethos.

Ready for action: 7 Bde soldiers on an exercise last year at Wide Bay Training Area. The brigade is gearing up for Talisman Sabre. Photo by WO2 Graham McBean

On target: .50 cal machine guns can be used at the upgraded facility in Singleton.

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and Leanne Francis, Family Law Solicitor

20 PERSONNEL Army May 14, 2009

Dates set for GORPSSOLDIERS in the ARA and on continuous full-time service will see the benefits of the much anticipated GORPS implemen-tation in their pay packets from June 11, with reserve soldiers transitioning from August.

However, while implementa-tion is progressing well with ini-tial testing of all ARA members placed into the new structure getting under way this week, the complex organisational change will place demands on the pay system. This will cause ADFPAY to have a reduced level of service during May and June as GORPS is implemented for RAAF and Army.

As such, new allotments, deductions and out-of-cycle processing will be affected and all users of ADFPAY should make themselves familiar with

the system availability at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/MilitaryPayrollSystems/

To ensure all personnel have a complete understanding of their placements in GORPS and any subsequent changes to their pay, it is strongly recommended that sol-diers print a pre-GORPS SVA on May 14 and May 28 in order to compare it to their post-GORPS SVA.

DGPERS-A Brig Gerard Fogarty said members should make themselves familiar with what their SVA looks like now.

“When GORPS is rolled out they will have a point of reference for following up queries with their unit pay staff,” he said.

Members will be able to view their GORPS SVA from June 1. Any enquiries they have about where they have been placed or

their new GORPS salary after examining the June 1 SVA, should go through their chain of com-mand as the first point of contact for any issues.

Brig Fogarty also recommended soldiers discuss the changes with their partners, especially if they are deploying, to ensure they have points of contact to assist them if any subsequent issues arise.

Unit pay staff will assist mem-bers to obtain a copy of their SVA through PSS.

More information and frequently asked questions on GORPS can be found at: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/DPPA/comweb.asp?page=159268&Title=WRA%20-%20GORPS.

The next edition of Army will include a dedicated brochure and a centrespread with all the information members and the chain of command require to assist people in understanding GORPS.

COMMON QUERIESCan I salary sacrifice my back pay into my superannuation?No, salary sacrifice arrangements are only effective with respect to earnings for the employee’s future services for their employer. The back pay that members will receive as a result of GORPS does not meet this requirement for prospectivity as members have already earned the entitle-ment to be paid the back pay amount from 4 September 08, and relates to services that members have already made. Will my back pay be tax free if I have been on a deployment from September 4, 2008?Yes, backdated salary adjustments are taxed proportionately for time in a tax-free zone. When will the non-reduction provisions (NRP) for GORPS expire?NRP for GORPS won’t have an expiry date. You remain eligible for NRP until pay grade movement or promotion renders it unnecessary.How do I find out about salary changes?Visit the link “Where have I been placed?” on the GORPS website. Locate the docu-ment relevant to your corps, identify your current skill grade, your old pay grade and then look across at your new pay grade. Look on the new GORPS pay rate docu-ment for your new pay grade to find your dollar amount.

MESSAGE FROM THE RSM-ASOLDIERS will start to see the benefits of GORPS very soon. We have been working hard and for a signifi-cant period for ORs to have their pay structure reviewed.

The June imple-mentation of GORPS will be one of the most significant parts of the total ADF Remuneration Project. GORPS gives Army the ability to better reward the skills and responsibilities of soldiers and it forms a very important part of the attractive conditions of service package that we now offer our soldiers.

With soldiers knowing that they have a secure job, are well paid, with paid leave, are to receive reviewed pay rates more relevant to skill level, are in receipt of service allowance, have access to subsidised housing and home loans and free health care, this employment package rates extremely competitively when compared with what is on offer for life on Civvy Street.

Some soldiers will notice a change in their skill-grade placement. As part of the placement of employment cat-egories into the new structure, some skill grades were placed in a higher pay grade, recognising the increased work value that has developed since their trade review.

The introduction of GORPS will not change the need for Army to review employment categories in the future. These reviews will ensure the employment structures meet Army’s capability requirements and that members are remunerated appropriately. The employment catego-ries within RAAC, RAInf, RAA, RAAOC and RACT are being looked at. As a result of the review, the outcome may see a submission put to the DFRT later this year to seek pay-grade movement for some skill grades.

The industrial relations team has worked tirelessly to ensure members receive the best possible placement within GORPS which reflects their work value. The team will continue their briefing tour through to the end of May, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and find out what GORPS means for you.

If you have enquiries, you must use your chain of com-mand. Your pay staff, military or civilian, will be provided with information and procedural packages to enable them to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

RSM-A: WO Stephen Ward

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22 PEOPLE Army May 14, 2009

You missed a bit: Tprs Ben Baxter and Joel Mezzone clean an F89 during a Secdet 15 mission rehearsal exercise in Townsville. Photo by Cpl Mick Davis

Choice bro: Pte Matthew Carbone and Gnr Shannon Crickett of New Zealand on an ISF patrol through the Lautem district of East Timor. Photo by LS Paul Berry

Get some: Pte Kent Taylor prepares to step off on a patrol during Operation Shak Haliwel in Afghanistan. Photo By Cpl Ricky Fuller

Kick it to me: WO2 James Bullard throws a football around with children in a remote village in the Lautem district of East Timor.

Photo by LS Paul Berry

Best mates: Spr Joshua Colbourne and Harry the explosive detection dog scan forward as they take part in Operation Shak Haliwel in Afghanistan. Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller

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� Say again, over

If you can think of a clever, witty caption for this picture, email captioncomp @defencenews.gov.au with “caption competition May 1” in the subject line. Keep entries under 25 words. Entries MUST include sender’s name, rank and unit.

We also liked ...

Orange 1: “Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Orange 2: “Yes I’m thinking what you’re thinking.”Trevor DowsettDLOG ESD

“The Ompa Lompa Defence Force exchange was going well until someone waved a chocolate bar at them from the other side of the pool.” Lt Ian Carter5CSSB

The winner of the April 30 caption competition is ...

“Look kids! Synchronised Teletubbies.”Cpl Bernard Pearson1JPAU

Tribute to Afghan life

EXHIBITIONS

By Lt Kris Gardiner

A TRIBUTE to the Afghan people and their determination to survive is the description given to a new photo-graphic exhibition at the Australian War Memorial.

Out of the Dust: life in Afghanistan, is a collection of images produced by Dutch photographer Hans Stakelbeek illustrating the rehabilitation and rebuild-ing progress in Afghanistan and the determination and courage of its people to live normal lives through so much upheaval.

Opening the exhibition at the Courtyard Gallery at the memorial, Netherlands Ambassador Willem Andrae said stability in Afghanistan would not come from the barrel of a gun, but through the type of work the photo-graphs illustrated.

“The exhibition tells the story of our joint reconstruction work in Oruzgan. Sometimes an image can say more than a thousand works. I am proud to say this is a very eloquent exhibition,” Ambassador Andrae said.

Stakelbeek chose his subjects intel-

ligently, selecting images that subtly communicated the Afghan’s desire for change and their willingness to adopt it – all of which is captured in a medium forbidden under Taliban law.

The Netherlands Ambassador said Stakelbeek’s work went beyond the usual shots seen through the selective gaze of the media and offered the public a chance to see a people often personi-fied as backward – even barbaric.

Images of girls being schooled, por-traits of police recruits, Afghanistan’s new law enforcers in training and vil-lage leaders watching a presentation by Dutch soldiers illustrate that the desire to be free of the Taliban is not the will of the West, but something the Afghans themselves actively seek.

“The exhibition carries an optimistic message: there is hope for the future in everyday life in Oruzgan,” Ambassador Andrae said.

Out of the Dust is at the Courtyard Gallery at the Australian War Memorial until May 24. It will then move to the Freehills Law Library at the University of Sydney from May 29-June 27. For further information visit www.awm.gov.au or www.netherlands.org.au

Lessons learnt: A Hans Stakelbeek image of girls attending school in Oruzgan.

DIKKO By Bob Dikkenberg

Congratulations, Pte Roslyn Tainsh, 16 AD Regt! You have won the Patches Competition. Your copy of Australian Army Unit Colour Patches 1987-2008 is on its way. The correct answer was: “1987”.

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LIFESTYLE 25Army May 14, 2009

FINANCE

Don’t lose your identitySomeone has asked to use your terminal. Can they access your personal information? ASIC Chairman Tony D’Aloisio has 10 tips to keep your details secure.1. Always visit the website of an organisation by typing the web address into your browser

If you receive an email inviting you to click on a link, always type the web address into your browser or email or call your friend or bank to confirm the contact.

Be wary of emails or phone calls that supposedly come from your bank. Why? These may be phishing (email) or vishing (phone) scams which try to grab your personal details by taking you to a hoax website that often looks genuine.

2. Treat social networking sites in the same way as face-to-face meetings

Think carefully about the informa-tion you put on Facebook, MySpace and other places where you meet and interact with others. Do your ‘friends’ really need to know your date of birth, mobile number, employer or home address? Limit access to your pro-file to your close friends and don’t be tempted to add friends who you do not know.

Why? You would not give all your personal details to someone in a meet-ing so why reveal it online? Fraudsters

will scour your profile for anything they can use for crime and they may be able to obtain enough information to pass themselves off as you. They can also screen-grab your photo.

3. Disable pop-ups in your browser

Pop-ups are not only annoying, clicking on the pop-up message may allow others to download and install a program on your PC aimed at spy-ing or identity theft. They may even download a key-logger that records the keys you press and sends details to the scammer.

4. Make your passwords hard to guess

Use combinations of letters, num-bers and punctuation for your pass-words and change them frequently. Using any single word or easy number combination, for example your pet’s name or your birthday, makes it easy for scammers.

Why? Email is not secure . Scammers can intercept your email, find out your email address and guess your online email password. Never put financial information (such as account numbers, credit card numbers, PIN or passwords) in an email.

5. Always ‘ log out’ when banking online

When visiting secure sites like your bank website or email account always remember to log out. Avoid using pub-lic computers for confidential purposes because even if you are logged out, details of your activities are still stored on the PC.

6. Check website is secureWhen asked to provide personal

information, check that the details in the browser’s address bar start with ‘https’ (the ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’). It is easier for scammers and hackers to access sites that are not secure.

7. Check your credit report at least once a year

You can get a free copy of your credit report from credit reporting

agencies. A list of agencies can be found on the FIDO website. By check-ing your credit report you can make sure no one is using your name to bor-row money or run up debts.

8. Thoroughly check your account statements

Check that you have received all expected account statements. Follow up any unfamiliar transactions by con-tacting your bank or financial institu-tion. A missing letter could indicate that a thief stole the letter from your letterbox or changed your billing address.

9. Destroy personal information, don’t just throw it out

Scammers have been known to go through rubbish in the hope of finding personal information. You

should shred, cut up or burn old bills, account statements or cards to prevent scammers from getting hold of your personal information.

10. Lock your letterboxMake sure that you have a secure,

lockable letterbox. Check the letterbox regularly and remove mail shortly after it has been delivered. Otherwise, iden-tity thieves can easily steal letters from unlocked letterboxes.

Ask FIDOFor more information, including how to obtain advice, visit ASIC’s consumer website, FIDO at www.fido.gov.au or call 1300 300 630.

Foolhardy: Keeping passwords on scraps of paper is lethal. Photo: LS Paul McCallum

What should you do if you have your identity stolen?➤ Contact your banks, other financial institu-

tions and card issuer to report disputed transactions.

➤ Make a report to your local state or territory police.

➤ Contact a credit reporting agency and tell them that you have been compromised by identity theft and would like a file note placed on your file.

➤ Contact your local post office to check if your mail has been diverted to another address.

➤ Document the nature and timing of all conversations you have had in reporting the incidents to the various agencies.

➤ Contact any relevant government agen-cies or departments, including Australian Passport Office or Centrelink.

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26 LIFESTYLE Army May 14, 2009

HEALTH

Please the kneesA knee injury is painful and can put your fitness program on hold for many months. Lt Rob Orr looks at the correct exercise techniques that may avoid serious injuries and strengthen the joint.

ANYONE who has suffered a serious knee injury would be familiar with the months of rehabilitation required

for the joint to heal properly, not to mention the loss in fitness during the recovery period.

Sometimes the injury is unavoid-able – like that distinctive pop of the knee from a wrong step during a fast- paced football match. But inju-ries caused by incorrect warm ups and stretching or the wear and tear from running could be avoided with correct exercise techniques and strengthening of the joint.

The knee is a hinge-like joint and, just like a hinge on a door, it is designed to move in only two direc-tions; bending and straightening. While there is a slight rotational component to the knee when walking, it is very mini-mal and only occurs at specific angles.

The following five guidelines may help you prevent serious injury to your knees.

Follow the design The knees are not designed to

rotate, so avoid activities that are rota-tion based. Knee rotations in warm-ups are a classic example.

This action places strain on the pas-

sive structures of the joint and does little to warm up the active structures. Small-range knee bends, increasing in range of motion, provide a safer and more effective alternative.

Stretch don’t strainAvoid stretches that place strain,

like the hurdler stretch where you tuck the heels under the buttocks and lean-ing back to stretch the thighs.

Instead, modify the hurdler stretch by placing the heel of the bent leg in towards the groin or increasing pelvic tilt when stretching the front of the thigh in the traditional standing thigh stretch.

Compound trainingWhen training muscles that sur-

round the thigh, train the muscles in a fashion that keeps them working together and avoid exercises that iso-late the muscles.

The leg extension exercise with heavy weights for example, places high stress on the knee joint and, thanks to the configuration of most machines, can increase force through the joint.

Compound exercises like the squat, lunge and step-up activate all the muscles that surround the knee joint. Furthermore, by using the joints above and below the knee joint – the muscles

that cross two or more joints – trans-fers force away from the knee joint.

With this in mind, these exercises, like any exercises, can do just as much damage to joints when performed incorrectly or with a load designed more to stimulate the ego than the muscles.

Keep the balance Depending on the activity, some

muscles may be used more than others and, with time, this can lead to muscle imbalances.

Muscle imbalances can alter the alignment of the knee structure, partic-ularly during movements under load, and can lead to progressive damage.

An example common to runners is an overuse injury called patellofemo-ral pain syndrome, which normally involves pain in and around the knee-cap. Rather than give in-depth biome-chanical analysis of the causes of this syndrome, it is enough to say that one of the causes is the knee cap being pulled outwards by stronger structures.

Switch on controlThis is perhaps the most important

point. Following an injury to the knee, the controlling nervous systems can be switched off or miscalibrated – a prime reason why injuries tend to recur.

Even when the pain has stopped, it is vital that physiotherapy treatment is sought and continued.

Not only are all the muscles required to work to protect the knee, they need to work at the right time.

The vastus medialis obliques mus-cle is the teardrop-shaped muscle on the upper inside of the knee.

This muscle is meant to activate with or slightly before the other three muscles of the quadriceps in order to align the kneecap so that when the stronger muscles pull, the kneecap moves in its correct groove. A com-mon consequence of knee injury has this muscle firing too late. The kneecap does not align properly and after some

time you have another knee injury. Apart from ensuring that the mus-

cles fire on time, the speed that they fire is important. When straightening your leg, your hamstring muscles acti-vate to protect you from over straight-ening the knee and damaging the knee structures.

As such, the hamstring muscles must activate at not only the right time but, depending on the speed of move-ment, must activate fast enough to pro-vide a breaking force near the end of the knee’s range of motion.

For more information see your PTI or health professional.

2

Pain in the knee: The chance of a serious injury could be reduced with correct strengthening techniques.

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SPORT 27Army May 14, 2009

By Michael Brooke

THE Army Rugby Union devel-opment team lost a match against the New Zealand Army College but won the respect of their oppo-nents in a rugged Anzac Day encounter in Wellington.

The Army Colts lost the game 26-0 but played with great courage and commitment to win the admiration of their all-conquering arch rivals who have established a reputation for toughness and intimidation.

The Anzac Day clash provided the Army Colts with the test of char-acter they required to push for selec-tion in the Army senior team that is contesting the Australian Services Rugby Championship (ASRC) from May 17-24.

Eleven players have been selected to spearhead Army’s campaign in the ASRC, with Spr Paul Thorton, 1CER, even catching the attention of the Australian Sports Institute, which invited him to join an Australian Under-20s development training camp.

The Anzac Day showdown was a terrific encounter, but the score hardly reflects the fierceness of the competi-tion, with the Colts out-muscling the Kiwis for much of the game, only to suffer from occasional lapses in con-centration that cost them dearly.

COLTS SQUADPte Adam Nixon, 6RAR; Pte Heath Toon, AMTDU; Spr Shaun Richardson, 2CER; Bdr Scott Ashurst, 1 Gl Group; Sgt Matthew Hines, 1RTB; Pte Tristan Salvi, 7CSSB; Spr George Wepener, 1CER; Tpr Jake Byrt, ALTC; Cpl Dean King, SOI; Capt Steven Wright, LTS; Cpl Keiran Dan, 1RTB; Capt Trent Beilken, QUR; Pte Tom Boole, 1CSSB; Pte Marc Boye, 31/42RQR; Pte Joshua Gray, 5RAR; Spr Robert Prowse, 2CER; Spr Errol Parsons, 2CER; Lt Benjamin Grumley, 8/9RAR; Spr Paul Thornton, 1CER; Sgt Nathan Busch, RMC; Maj Peter Conroy, RMC; Cpl Benjamin Jones, 4RAR; Cpl Bronson Mitchell, 1RTB; Cpl Craig Rogerson, 6RAR; Pte Christopher Wallace, 6RAR; Tpr Isaac Harris, 1 Avn Regt.

Rugby lesson for Colts Kiwis too strong for our diggers

Uphill battle: Cpl Craig Rogerson tries to stop the try-scoring onslaught from the NZ Army rugby team in the curtain raiserat the 2009 ANZAC Rugby Tournament. Participating teams fought for the tournament trophy (inset) as well as country pride.

Photos by Cpl Brad Hanson NZ Army.

Co-coach Capt Jason Richardson said the Colts dominated virtually every statistic except the score.

“But for five minutes after kick-off and 10 minutes before full time, the Australians dominated posses-sion, territory and the set pieces,” he said.

Capt Richardson said the young Australians just couldn’t finish off

opportunities. “The Kiwis ran in two tries in five minutes in the per-fect conditions at Wellington,” he said.

“You can’t let a New Zealand side get any confidence, and unfor-tunately we did that.”

Capt Richardson said Colts prop Bdr Scott Ashurst, 1Gl Group, performed well in the scrum and played strongly while Cpl Craig Rogerson, 7CSS, was the team’s best back with his strong midfield defence.

Capt Richardson and Cpl Jack Waria are the new co-coaches of the development team, while the new managers for the trip were WO2 Duncan Reid, JLU Darwin, and WO2 Greg Gutterson, 1CER. Col John Hutchinson was the contingent commander.

Army kicks off its quest for glory in the ASRC in Canberra from May 17-24, with the soldiers eagerly anticipating the showdown against Navy on May 23. The sail-ors are seeking to avenge the 36-0 defeat inflicted on their Colts side by the Army Colts last month.

The ASRC will be held at Vikings Park in Canberra, with Army playing Navy on May 20 at 3pm followed by a game against Air Force on May 23 at 3pm.

ARMY beat combined Air Force/Navy 7-4 when players from Canberra and Wagga joined forc-es to contest the 2009 ACT Interservice Hockey Championship on April 2.

The match, played in warm and humid conditions at the ACT Hockey Centre in Lyneham, doubled as a selection trial for the Defence Hockey Championships at Homebush in Sydney from May 30 to June 5.

Army had won the corresponding fixture at the 2008 championship, so Air Force and Navy members were keen to get one back.

In what was a fast paced opening half, the Army established what appeared to be a commanding 4-1 lead through good teamwork and effective passing of the ball through the tightly marked midfield.

After a spirited half-time talk, the Air Force/Navy team, having the better-stocked bench, was keen to give the tiring Army members a better run for their money in the second half.

Although the Air Force/Navy team was able to score two quick goals after the resumption to close the gap to 4-3, Army was able to regroup, holding out a commit-ted Air Force/Navy team to score three more goals.

Army takes interservice competition

Check this: Maj Peter Young tackles LS Candice Freeman for the ball. Photo by LAC Aaron Curran

GOLFERS who wish to be part of the 2009 ACT Interservice Golf Tournament are urged to reg-ister their interest now. The series scheduled for October 19-23 at Mollymook Golf Club on the NSW South Coast will involve Army, Air Force, Navy and APS teams consisting of 12 players and two reserves. October 19 will be a practice day with competition staged on October 20-22, followed by a presentation dinner. All those inter-ested should send their details to their respective service representative no later than May 29.

To register for this event, contact either the ACT Army rep-resentative Sgt Nick Jago on [email protected] or (02) 6265 9363 or ACT APS representative Col Eade on [email protected] or (02) 6127 6400. Further ADFGA informa-tion can be found at http://www.adfga.com

Calling all ACT golfers

May 14, 2009

SHOT DOWN

Colts beaten by arch rivals

PAGE 27

HOCKEY CHAMPSArmy too strong for competition

SEE PAGE 27

Valiant effort: Capt Trent Bielken tries to avoid being tackled by members of the NZ Army rugby team. Photo by Cpl Brad Hanson NZ Army

WHITE PAPER

Defence Minister Joel FitzgibbonTHERE is no greater responsibility for a national government than the defence of the nation, its people and their interests. Successfully meeting that obli-gation requires sound long-term plan-ning, guided by regular and thoughtful assessments of the country’s strategic outlook and potential threats to our sov-ereign interests.

The last Defence White Paper was developed a decade ago yet the world has changed significantly over that period of time. The decade brought the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001, in the United States and subsequent events in London, Madrid, Bali, Jakarta and more recently, Mumbai.

Over the same period wars raged in Iraq and Afghanistan and fragility in Pacific Island countries grew more apparent. The nuclear ambitions of North Korea and Iran focused our minds, as did the prospect of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of non-state actors. Cyber warfare has emerged as a serious threat to critical infrastructure, piracy has re-emerged as a threat to maritime security and space is being used by more nations for strate-gic purposes. But the biggest changes to our outlook over the period have been the rise of China, the emergence of India and the beginning of the end of the

CDF ACM Angus HoustonTHE 2009 Defence White Paper, Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030, is a very good out-come for the ADF. It is exactly what we need to ensure we have the long-term guidance, planning and force structure to provide Australia with a military that has the capacity to protect Australia and her interests.

I am delighted with the capability decisions that have been made and the balance between the three serv-ices. This White Paper fully reflects the advice provided to me by the Service Chiefs and the advice I provided to Government.

Since becoming CDF in 2005, my vision for the ADF has been that we will be a balanced, networked and deploy-able force, staffed by dedicated and professional people who operate within a culture of adaptability and excel at joint, interagency and coalition opera-tions. This White Paper will deliver this force for Australia.

Force 2030 will be a joint force. Our single-service capabilities and systems will be bound together into a seam-less whole. Joint task forces will be the standard. Force 2030 will be networked. Maritime, land, air and the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance ele-ments will share information that will

Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030

A SPECIAL FOUR-PAGE SUPPLEMENT TO THE DEFENCE NEWSPAPERS

A positive outcome for the ADF

provide unprecedented situational awareness. Force 2030 will be balanced and flexible – a force with depth that is able to adapt rapidly to diverse tasks.

However, this commitment from the Government requires a return commit-ment from us all to improve the way we do business. The White Paper process highlighted hollowness and degrada-tion within Defence caused by the pri-oritisation of urgent equipment acqui-sition over less urgent but important parts of Defence. We have now reached a point where our information and com-munication technology systems, bases and infrastructure, logistics and other support services require immediate remediation.

In addition to this remediation, Defence will be undergoing a Strategic

Protecting our securityReform Program (SRP). The SRP com-prises a comprehensive set of reforms that will overhaul Defence, producing efficiencies and creating significant savings of about $20 billion, which the Government has agreed to rein-vest in capability. The reforms will be comprehensive and cover areas such as: capability development, estate, information communications and technology, intelligence, sustainment, logistics, non-equipment procurement, preparedness, personnel and operation costs, reserves, science and technology, shared services, strategic planning and workforce management. These reforms will generate savings of $3 billion over the next four years alone. I stress that while efficiencies can be found in sup-port areas, safety and quality will not be compromised.

These reforms will be carefully planned, led and managed on a whole-of-Defence basis. You will be critical to the process. We will draw on your skills, knowledge and commitment, and we will communicate regularly with you about how you can contribute and the changes you can expect.

This White Paper has been a lengthy, consultative and comprehensive task. I congratulate all involved ADF members on a job well done. The future security of our nation has been strengthened with the release of this White Paper.

so-called unipolar moment; the almost two-decade-long period in which the pre-eminence of our principal ally, the United States, was without question.

The 2009 White Paper was developed in the midst of a global recession. The Government has demonstrated the pre-mium it puts on our national security by not allowing the financial impact of the global recession on its Budget to affect its commitment to our Defence needs. This White Paper produces a substantial additional investment in the capability of our Navy, Army and Air Force.

Force 2030 is a balanced force, capable of meeting every contingency the ADF may be required to meet in the coming two decades.

I thank all those who contributed to the project. It’s an outcome that protects the security of all Australians.

Army May 14, 2009

Joint Strike Fighter

Chinook Collins class submarine

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS2 WHITE PAPER WHITE PAPER 3ArmyArmy supplement – May 14, 2009

THE 2009 Defence White Paper has focused significantly on enhancing Australia’s mari-time capabilities for the 21st century.

Over the next 20 years, the Navy force structure will include new major destroy-ers, frigates, submarines, amphibious ships, offshore combatant vessels, naval combat helicopters and other advanced enabling capabilities.

Key capability decisions for Navy are: ● Twelve new submarines to replace the cur-rent six Collins Class submarines. The program will span three decades and will be Australia’s largest-ever single defence project.● Equipping the three new Air Warfare Destroyers with the Standard Missile 6 long-range anti-aircraft missile. Should strategic circumstances warrant, a fourth AWD may be considered.● Eight new larger frigates, with an emphasis on anti-submarine warfare to replace the cur-rent Anzac Class frigates. They will be able to embark naval combat helicopters and mari-time UAVs.● Continuation of acquisition of two new

landing helicopter dock ships that will invigor-ate the ADF’s amphibious capability.● A new strategic sealift ship based on a proven design to strengthen the Navy’s amphibious and transport capability.● At least 24 new naval combat helicopters, equipped with dipping sonars to detect sub-marines at greater ranges.● Six new MRH-90 helicopters to replace the general utility service previously provided by the Sea King fleet, with a further seven shared with Army for common flight training.● Twenty new offshore combatant vessels equipped with modular mission systems that will incorporate the capabilities presently provided by the separate patrol boat, hydro-graphic and mine-hunter fleets.● Six new ocean-going heavy landing craft with greater range and speed than the aging Balikpapan class Landing Craft Heavy.● Replacement of the Navy’s oldest supply ship, HMAS Success, with a new replenish-ment and logistic support ship which will enter service at the end of the next decade and will be capable of carrying fuel, stores,

food and ammunition and be able to transfer this cargo to other major fleet units while under way.

The Government will also provide addi-tional funding for 700 positions within Navy’s workforce structure. This initiative will address the significant workforce challenges presently being experienced by Navy and will meet future requirements associated with the sig-nificant capability upgrades foreshadowed by the White Paper.

Navy has already announced its plan to increase the size of the submarine workforce through a new approach as part of the New Generation Navy strategy.

By providing targeted incentives for submariners that include training, adjusting crew numbers and formations, conditions of service, seatime and other initiatives, Defence will ensure that the current shortfalls are addressed, and that a robust submarine work-force is built for the future.

Combined with a range of recruitment and retention initiatives and strategies, this new approach will provide the basis for a larger and more sustainable submarine force.

THE White Paper will ensure Air Force maintains its regional air superiority through the acquisi-tion of around 100 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters, along with the Super Hornets as a part of the bridging air combat capability.

Through the combination of highly-skilled people, multi-role combat fighters and assets such as Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, advanced weapons, air-to-air refuelling aircraft and command, control and surveillance capabilities, the Air Force will continue to offer air superiority, maritime strike, long-range strategic strike, offensive air support and close air support capability options.

Australia’s future Air Force will include a balance of conventional and unmanned aerial platforms.

White paper priorities for Air Force are:● Around 100 fifth-generation JSF aircraft and associated weapons systems. First stage is to acquire at least 72 aircraft to provide three operational squadrons and a training unit. Acquisition of the fourth operational squadron of JSFs will be made later in conjunction with a decision on the timing of the withdrawal of the

24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet bridging air combat fleet.● Half of the Super Hornet fleet will be config-ured on the production line to enable them to be converted to the EA-18G ‘Growler’ electronic attack variant should later strategic circum-stances dictate.● Delivery of five KC-30A multi-role tanker transport for air-to-air refuelling will increase the range and endurance of combat and sur-veillance aircraft. These will augment Air Force’s airlift capability, with each able to deploy about 270 troops and significant quantities of stores over strategic distances.● Six new AEW&C aircraft will provide surveil-lance, command and control functions to other networked ADF platforms. The Wedgetail will transform air combat capability when it enters service from 2011.● Eight new maritime patrol aircraft, which will provide advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities as well as sophisticated maritime search capabilities. The eight advanced new maritime patrol aircraft will enhance the future anti-submarine warfare

capability of Air Force. They will have a signifi-cant surface-search capability.● Up to seven new high-altitude, long-endur-ance UAVs will complement the new maritime patrol aircraft and replace the AP-3C Orion fleet with a more comprehensive and advanced maritime surveillance capability.● Enhanced air transport capability options through acquisition of two C-130J Hercules to bring the fleet number to 14.● Up to 10 new tactical battlefield airlifters with greater range, speed, payload and protec-tion measures than the retiring Caribou.● New and upgraded systems to collect and fuse air surveillance information from multiple sources to create a recognised air picture of the ADF’s primary operational environment.● Improved military air traffic control, naviga-tion and communications systems that will per-mit closer alignment of the national systems for military and civilian air traffic management.● The use of modern technology to deliver improved training outcomes through the appli-cation of high fidelity simulation and mission rehearsal systems.

ARMY in the 21st century will be equipped with world-class technology.

Significant funding will increase the com-bat power and survivability of the Army as well as enhancing its ability to operate as a modern networked, mobile and highly adapt-able force.

Improving and enhancing a number of elements of the Australian Army, include:● A new combat vehicle system of around 1100 vehicles with greatly improved fire-power, protection and mobility, equipped with Army’s integrated battle management systems from inception.● Around 7000 support vehicles to com-pletely replace the various fleetsof wheeled transport and logistic support vehicles and trucks.● Improved mobility through the acquisition of seven new CH47F Chinook medium-lift helicopters. They will have improved elec-tronic warfare self-protection systems and maintenance arrangements.● Enhanced firepower through new 155mm artillery, both self-propelled and towed.

● .Army’s mortars will be replaced with a new and more capable system, and the Government will equip our soldiers with new direct-fire anti-armour as well as automatic grenade launcher systems.● Greatly improved communications and command and control systems for land forces.● The Army’s fire support will be augmented by the new Australian-assembled ‘Tiger’ Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters currently undergoing operational acceptance testing.● Acquisition of the MRH-90 helicopters will continue. Thirty MRH-90s will replace the Army’s Black Hawk troop lift aircraft. They will enter service with the Army in 2011● The Government will replace or upgrade the Army’s ground-based air defence system (currently based on the RBS-70 missile) with more advanced systems that will also include a new counter rocket and mortar capability to protect land forces from artillery, rockets and mortar fire.

Conventional land forces will continue to be based on three combat brigades (of

around 4000 troops) consisting of multiple battalion-sized units.

The growth of the two additional infantry battalions established under the Enhanced Land Force initiative will continue. The Army will be able to combine its combat and com-bat support units to generate 10 battalion-sized battlegroups tailored for a wide range of operations.

The generation of operationally-ready land forces will be enhanced by the forma-tion of Forces Command in Sydney, respon-sible for all individual and group training and in charge of the deployable logistics organisations supporting this process, along with a helicopter brigade comprising three battalion-sized units of reconnaissance, lift, and utility helicopters. Reforms being under-taken under the Adaptive Army initiative will be enhanced.

The Government has directed Defence to develop a detailed implementation plan by the end of 2009, ensuring that the Army’s internal balance and mix of full-time and part-time land force elements can meet these objectives.

NAVY AIR FORCE ARMY

OUR most basic strategic interest remains the defence of Australia against direct armed attack.

The ability to deter or defeat armed attack on Australia will continue to be the primary force structure determinant of the ADF. This means focusing predomi-nantly on forces that can exert air superiority and sea control in our approaches.

The Government has decided that Australia’s defence policy should continue to be founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct defence of Australia and in relation to our unique strategic

interests, but with a capacity to do more when required, consist-ent with those strategic interests that we might share with oth-ers, and within the limits of our resources. This posture entails the maintenance of alliances and international defence relationships that enhance our own security and allows us to work with oth-ers when we need to pool our resources.

In terms of military power, this defence policy means that we must have the capacity to: • act independently where we have unique strategic interests at

stake, and in relation to which we would not wish to be reliant on the combat forces of any foreign power; • lead military coalitions where we have shared strategic interests at stake with others, and in relation to which we would be willing to accept a leadership role, in part to compensate for the limited capac-ity or engagement of others; and • make tailored contributions to military coalitions where we share wider strategic interests with others and are willing to accept a share of the burden in securing those interests.

Defence of Australia comes firstAFTER the defence of Australia, our most important strategic interest is the security, stability and cohesion of our immediate neighbourhood, which we share with Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, New Zealand and the South Pacific island states. While we have a wide range of diplomatic, economic, cultural and other links with those countries, from a strategic point of view, what matters most is that they are not a source of threat to Australia, and that no major military power that could challenge our control of the air and sea approaches to Australia has access to bases in our neigh-

bourhood from which to project force against us.

Beyond our immediate neigh-bourhood, Australia has an enduring strategic interest in the stability of the wider Asia-Pacific region, which stretches from North Asia to the Eastern Indian Ocean. Strategically, our neighbours in Southeast Asia sit astride our northern approaches, through which hostile forces would have to operate to sustainably project force against Australia. More broadly, we have a deep stake in the maintenance of an Asia-Pacific regional security environment that is conducive to the peaceful resolu-

tion of problems between regional countries and can absorb the rise in strategic and military power of emerging major players.

Beyond our region, Australia cannot be secure in an insecure world. We have a strategic inter-est in preserving an international order that restrains aggression by states against each other, and can effectively manage other risks and threats, such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, ter-rorism, state fragility and failure, intra-state conflict, and the secu-rity impacts of climate change and resource scarcity.

Other strategic interests

PEOPLE are at the heart of delivering the Defence capability.

To support and sustain the current and projected future force and the new capabilities described in this White Paper, Defence will need to grow the full-time military workforce to about 57,800 personnel, and the civilian workforce, including contractors, to about 21,900 over the next 10 years.

Attracting and retaining the future workforce will be one of the most significant challenges fac-ing Defence, and the Government is determined to ensure that Defence puts the right strategies in place to achieve the required outcomes.

Government has directed significant new invest-ment in people initiatives.

The Defence People Strategy will seek to:● provide a compelling and competitive career;● offer professional and personal development;● offer career fulfilment;● provide a safe and healthy workplace;● recognise the critical support that families pro-vide; and, ● recognise the importance of Defence as a unique national institution.

PersonnelDefence will continue to seek new ways to

recruit and retain technical trades as well as key professional groups such as tradespeople and health professionals.NAVY: Funding for an additional 700 Navy person-nel will address structural hollowness, reducing the pressures on the current workforce, and ensure the Navy can meet the workforce demands of the future maritime capabilities. Navy will require a new approach to building and sustaining the workforce requirements of the new submarine capability.

ARMY: To build and sustain the workforce require-ments of the Enhanced Land Force and the Adaptive Army initiative, an Army Plan has been developed, which sets in place the force structure, disposition and numbers required to grow the Army and will be adapted to meet the needs of this White Paper.

AIR FORCE: The major capability transition over the next decade will mean that the workforce will need some modest growth and to be reshaped to meet the demands of new systems, processes and modern, flexible employment practices and will need some organisational restructuring to enable the significant level of capability enhancement described in the White Paper.

Pay and conditionsThe White Paper recognises that the long-term

strategic response to people issues must include adequate investment in people and their condi-tions, but suggests that an unbalanced approach that focuses too much on remuneration or too little on leadership in the workplace will lead to a poor outcome.

Over the next four years, the Government will invest in targeted improvements in remuneration, family support, housing and accommodation, health and rehabilitation and diversity. Measures include:● A new pay structure that provides more appro-priate recognition and reward for rank and skill advancement in the ADF has already been funded. ● Pay for trainees undertaking longer-term train-ing is being improved and a new trainee allowance introduced. ● The trial health care arrangements announced in the 2008-09 budget will be extended. ● The number of community development officers

available to help Defence families access services will be increased.● DCO will develop better arrangements to inform the immediate families of full-time ADF members on access to social networks and support systems. ● Defence will develop a simple, transparent and flexible package of housing and accommodation assistance options, aimed at reducing the number of anomalies in the current policies. ● Defence will reform healthcare delivery options to achieve greater efficiency and patient satisfac-tion. ● Primary outpatient and low-dependency inpa-tient healthcare will be improved. ● Defence will develop strategic alliances with state and private institutions to provide inpatient health care. ● Defence will implement workforce changes to ensure it has an effective structure to deliver physi-cal and mental health initiatives and services and other measures to reduce the impact of injury and illness. ● Programs to increase recruitment opportunities for women, indigenous and multicultural Australians will be implemented. ● Strategic reform will create an integrated, bal-anced workforce of full-time and part-time military, civilian and contractor personnel. ● Defence will work to streamline the transition between full- and part-time service during an ADF career. ● Defence must offer remuneration and conditions of service that address, among other things, fre-quent posting moves, housing, spousal employment, children’s education and family support.● Defence should consolidate and centralise like functions through the increased use of shared serv-ices for payroll and other functions, and improve

recruiting and non-equipment contracting services. This will be critically dependent on the implementa-tion of new information technology solutions that will improve administration and pay for Defence.

ReservesOver recent years, Defence has employed part-

time units in several operational deployments and large scale national security activities such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, APEC meetings and international VIP visits. Part-time personnel routinely undertake extended operational deploy-ments in the near region, such as the infantry com-pany group currently deployed to Solomon Islands. Critical specialists, such as surgeons and other professionals, also provide invaluable service to Defence operations on a part-time basis.

The Government is committed to a better inte-gration between part-time and full-time service in the ADF, and removing factors that impede the con-tribution part-time forces can make.

Further enhancements, especially to the High Readiness Reserves (HRR) are planned. Defence will also investigate a new form of part-time service based on workforce sponsorship.

ContractorsCommercial contractors have been used, in

some form, on all recent deployments. These have allowed ADF elements to redeploy, repatriate, reconstitute and prepare for subsequent operations. Contractors may be used in future for longer-term stabilisation and reconstruction operations.

ArmyArmy supplement – May 14, 20094 WHITE PAPER

PEOPLE INITIATIVES

What the White Paper says about ...Future deploymentsIF, on occasion, the Government decided that it is in Australia’s wider strategic interests to undertake operations in the Middle East or nearby regions, such as those operations under way in Afghanistan, Australia would do so only after the Government had satis-fied itself that our forces have the necessary weapons, protection, logistic support, train-ing, combat readiness and force preparation to ensure successful operations with the least risk to our deployed forces.

Intra-state conflictINTRA-STATE conflict, such as civil war and conflict involving non-state actors, will be an enduring feature and the most common form of conflict in the period to 2030 and that the ADF needs to be prepared to play its part in dealing with such contingencies.

ADF deployments into situations of armed conflict short of conventional war may be required. These could be in the form of humanitarian, stabilisation, counter-insur-gency, peacekeeping and reconstruction interventions, such as we have undertaken over recent years in Cambodia, Namibia, Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, Somalia, Rwanda, East Timor, Solomon Islands, south-ern Iraq and Afghanistan.

TerrorismGROUPS like al-Qaeda and its associates will continue to employ terror across the globe.. The risk of terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia with a potential to affect Australian interests, or threaten Australians, will remain of con-cern for the foreseeable future. Islamist ter-rorism will likely remain a destabilising com-ponent of the global security environment for at least a generation. The capabilities of the ADF provide the basis for sophisticated counter-terrorism operations, especially where there might be a need for highly spe-cialised intelligence, surveillance and recon-naissance capabilities, or precision targeting and strike.

SpaceTHE Government places a high priority on assured access to high-quality space-based imagery to meet Defence’s needs for map-ping, charting, navigation and targeting data. It has decided to improve Australia’s intel-ligence collection capabilities by acquiring a satellite with a remote sensing capability, most likely to be based on a high-resolu-tion, cloud-penetrating, synthetic aperture radar. This important capability will add to Australia’s standing as a contributing part-ner within our alliance framework with the

United States, which will be given access to the imagery collected by this system.

Economic crisisTHE global economic crisis is likely to accel-erate some established trends such as the shift of economic weight to the Asia-Pacific region.

Fragile and vulnerable nations, particu-larly in our region, maintain few significant reserves with which to buttress their econo-mies from the crisis. Such nations may strug-gle to meet the demands of their citizens, and may be easier targets for foreign influ-ence in ways that might be unfavourable to long-term strategic stability.

The global economic crisis also presents the potential for extremists to seek to capi-talise on resentment fuelled by economic woes as governments struggle with dimin-ished revenues and are forced to cut budgets, including in critical areas such as health programs, food and fuel subsidies, or even counter-terrorism activities.

Climate changeCHANGING climate patterns, combined with booming population growth, will sharpen competition for scarce food, water and energy resources in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, and

are likely to exacerbate existing population and infrastructure problems in developing countries, straining their capacity to adapt and cope. Large-scale strategic consequences of climate change are, however, not likely to be felt before 2030. Countries in the Pacific may find themselves threatened by severe climatic events such as more intense cyclonic and extreme weather events. They may require external assistance to manage the consequences of climate change, and to respond to natural or man-made humanitar-ian crises or disasters.

Humanitarian aidDEFENCE will continue to provide a range of specialised capabilities on a scale and of a kind available from no other Australian agen-cy. These capabilities can also be deployed in support of regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

CostsDEFENCE will continue to drive down the costs of ownership of military capability. This will include greater use of simulation, a more active role for ADF Reserves, smarter mainte-nance and leaner logistics systems, improved information management, and, where appro-priate, a bias towards military- and commer-cial-off-the shelf capabilities.

cpl paul devir edition 1212 may 14, 2009 edition …...edition 1212 may 14, 2009 2 adf 2009 white...

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