Edition 1260 June 9, 2011

FOCUS ON ARMY CULTURE P4-5 LEADERSHIP CHANGES P6 MTF 3 MISSION REHEARSAL P24-25« «

DARK DAYSFull stories pages 2-3Full stories pages 2-3

Three Australian soldiers killed in separate incidents during a tragic fortnight in Afghanistan

Sgt Brett Wood, 32 LCpl Andrew Jones, 24 Lt Marcus Case, 27

2 NEWS Army June 9, 2011

The Soldiers’ NewspaperDirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

EDITORIALEditorSharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7609Deputy EditorJohn Wellfare: (02) 6266 7615Chief of StaffGraham McBean: (02) 6265 1161ReportersSgt Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614Cpl Zenith King: (02) 6266 7608LCpl Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304Cpl Melanie Schinkel: (02) 6265 2427Sydney photographer:Bill Cunneen: 0402 155 220

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By Cpl Melanie Schinkel

FALLEN decorated warrior Sgt Brett Wood was the first Australian commando to be awarded the pres-tigious Medal for Gallantry for his actions as a Team Commander while deployed on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan.

Sgt Wood was a corporal when he was awarded for his brave conduct as part of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) Task Force 637 during Operation Perth in 2006.

When asked about Sgt Wood’s character and role during the operation, CO 2 Cdo Regt Lt-Col C said Sgt Wood was a master of the commando skill set and a strong leader with uncompromising standards.

“Brett demonstrated a bias for action – he had the mental fortitude and physical toughness to persevere and overcome,” Lt-Col C said.

“He was a no-frills soldier. When given a job to do, he just got on with it with whatever manpower and resources he had available to him.

“Brett was meticulous with his planning, ruthless in his execution and pragmatic when reviewing his own performance.”

Partnered in support of the US Army’s light infantry the 10th Mountain Div, on July 17, 2006, the Cdo Pl was tasked to conduct a clearance of an anti-coalition militia sanctuary in the Chora Valley, Uruzgan province, Afghanistan.

It was about 1pm when the 10th Mountain Div was engaged by enemy heavy rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire on multiple flanks, which resulted in six soldiers being wounded and one killed in action.

While under heavy fire from large numbers of dis-persed anti-coalition militia, the Cdo Pl manoeuvred through thick vegetation to provide assistance to the pinned down element.

During this move, the Cdo Pl received a volley of four rockets, which impacted in the centre of its position and wounded six Australian soldiers, a loss to the pla-toon by one-third of its force.

Unknown to the Cdo Pl Commander at the time, Cpl Wood was also wounded in the foot by fragmentation from the RPG barrage.

To regain the initiative, Cpl Wood’s team was tasked by the Commander to assault forward and clear a group of compounds from which they were receiving enemy fire. Despite his wound, Cpl Wood did the task without hesitation and completed a rapid and aggressive clear-ance of numerous threat compounds.

Throughout the afternoon, numerous and relentless probing attacks by a determined opponent followed. Cpl Wood inspired his team and the remainder of the Cdo Pl to repel the continued attacks then successfully led a marksmanship team to infiltrate anti-coalition militia territory, which resulted in the deaths of seven militia members.

Lt-Col C said it was only after the engagement, when the threat to the platoon had subsided, that Sgt Wood informed the Commander of his wound from the original contact earlier that day.

“Sgt Wood’s act of gallantry was testament to his courage, leadership and sense of duty to his team and the platoon,” Lt-Col C said.

“If an organisation is defined by its people and their actions, then it’s with mixed pride and sorrow I say that Sgt Wood lived his life by a set of values that all mem-bers of 2 Cdo Regt should strive to follow.”

‘Meticulous in planning, ruthless in execution ...’

BORN in Ferntree Gully, Victoria in 1978, Sgt Brett Mathew Wood, 32, aspired to serve as an Australian Special Forces soldier. Sgt Wood enlisted in the Army in 1996 and after recruit training was posted to 6RAR before success-fully completing commando selection and marching into the then 4RAR (2 Cdo) in 1998.

Sgt Wood’s first operational deployment was to Bougainville in 2000 followed by East Timor in 2001 and Iraq in 2003.

In 2006, Sgt Wood deployed to Afghanistan on Operation Slipper and it was during this tour he was awarded the Medal for Gallantry for his leadership in action as a team commander.

He also received a Special Operations Commander – Australia Commendation for his service with the Tactical Assault Group – East in 2007.

Sgt Wood returned to Afghanistan as a section commander in 2009 and again, for the third time, in March this year.

Throughout his distinguished career, Sgt Wood was awarded the following accolades:� The Medal for Gallantry� The Australian Active Service Medal with

clasps: East Timor, ICAT, Iraq 2003 and CT/SR

� Afghanistan Campaign Medal� Iraq Campaign Medal� Australian Service Medal with clasp

Bougainville� The Australian Defence Medal� The United Nations East Timor Medal� The NATO ISAF Medal� Special Operations Command Australia

Commendation� Unit Citation for Gallantry� The Infantry Combat Badge.

He has been posthumously awarded the US Meritorious Service Medal for his service on operations in 2011.

Sgt Brett Mathew Wood – a history of proud service

By Cpl Melanie Schinkel

A POIGNANT tribute to Sgt Brett Wood by his wife Elvi touched the hearts of more than 1000 mourners at the com-mando’s funeral at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney on June 3.

Mrs Wood’s eulogy to her fall-en husband honoured his commit-ment to the nation and his ever-present commitment to his mates.

“As an Army wife, I always respected the bond soldiers had with each other – I never quite understood it, but I understand now,” Mrs Wood said.

She spoke of a dedicated soldier to those gathered at St Andrew’s and those who spilled out of the cathedral and into George Street.

“You always have each other’s back and you would do anything for each other. This is truly the warrior’s way. I’m so glad Brett always had you all by his side – for this I thank you.

“Brett, you have done your country proud and will always be remembered. I love you with all of my heart. Be in peace now.”

Sgt Wood’s mother Alison, father David, and his brothers and sisters supported Mrs Wood.

The family was joined by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, Defence Minister Stephen Smith, CDF ACM Angus Houston and CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie.

Colleague WO2 H said Sgt Wood’s memory would remain.

“Lying here before you is the

epitome of a warrior. Sgt Brett Mathew Wood – warrior – never to be forgotten,” he said.

Sgt Wood, 32, was killed by an IED during a partnered Special Operations Task Group and Afghan National Security Forces mission in Helmand province on May 23.

His journey home was marked by emotional services as col-leagues paid homage to the Medal of Gallantry recipient.

Overwhelmed with sorrow, 2 Cdo Regt’s Sgt G struggled to contain his tears as he delivered a heartfelt message at Sgt Wood’s memorial service at 2 Cdo Regt’s home at Holsworthy on June 1.

According to Sgt G, in the sec-onds after the devastating blast, those who could ran to help Sgt Wood and the other wounded soldiers in the face of the enemy without hesitation.

“Woodro, we are devastated about losing you – you truly were the best of us and it was an honour to serve alongside such a true and gallant warrior,” Sgt G said.

Sgt Wood was farewelled from Afghanistan for the last time at a memorial service and ramp cer-emony held at Multinational Base Tarin Kot on May 29.

Sgt Wood was buried at S y d n ey Wa r C e m e t e r y a t Rookwood. His name now joins Pte Luke Worsley, LCpl Jason Marks, Lt Michael Fussell and Ptes Tim Aplin, Ben Chuck and Scott Palmer on 2 Cdo Regt’s Roll of Honour.

Thousands gather to farewell warrior

Gallant: Commandos carry Sgt Brett Wood from St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney after his funeral service. Inset, SOTG personnel farewell their brother-in-arms at a ramp ceremony in Tarin Kot. Photos by Sgt Bill Guthrie and AB Jo Dilorenzo

NEWS 3 Army June 9, 2011

TWELVE soldiers have been wounded in four separate inci-dents in Afghanistan since May 23, a period saddened by the deaths of three soldiers.

Two Australian Special Forces soldiers were wounded when their vehicle struck an insurgent-laid IED on May 25.

The soldiers were part of an Afghan National Police and SOTG partnered mounted patrol in southern Afghanistan when their Bushmaster struck an IED.

Chief of Joint Operations Lt-Gen Ash Power said the soldiers had recovered well from their wounds and were being managed as outpa-

tients at their base in Tarin Kot.“Thankfully their wounds were

such that it appears they will make a full recovery,” he said.

“Their Bushmaster took the brunt of the blast and was signifi-cantly damaged in the explosion.”

The patrol secured the inci-dent site, provided initial first aid to their wounded comrades and organised a casualty evacuation helicopter to extract them from the field.

In a separate incident two soldiers were wounded in the dis-mounted IED blast that killed Sgt Brett Wood on May 23.

They have been under continual care by medical specialists since

being wounded and there has been a significant improvement in their medical condition.

Three other soldiers wounded in a separate small-arms fire incident on the same day are all in a stable condition and are being managed as out-patients at the medical facility in Tarin Kot.

Meanwhile, five aircrew injured in the Chinook crash on May 30 that killed Lt Marcus Case have been released from hospital. The Chinook crashed while undertak-ing a re-supply mission in Zabul province.

The five soldiers were evacu-ated to the Role 3 medical facility at Kandahar.

Spike in casualties during tough weeks for troops

Protection: SOTG personnel patrol with Bushmasters in Afghanistan (file photo). A bushmaster was damaged and two Special Forces soldiers wounded in an IED attack on May 25, among a dozen Australian casualties in recent weeks. Photo by LS Paul Berry

Victims of chanceTHE dea ths of two so l -diers in separate incidents in Afghanistan on May 30 have sent shockwaves through the Defence community.

LCpl Andrew Jones, MTF 3, was shot by an Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier and Lt Marcus Case, 6 Avn Regt, was killed in a helicopter crash.

LCpl Jones was walking with-in the base perimeter when he was shot by an ANA soldier in a guard tower. The ANA soldier fled and had not been found as Army went to print.

An investigation into the inci-dent is ongoing.

Despite receiving substantial medical treatment at the base and being airlifted to a nearby ISAF medical facility in Tarin Kot, LCpl Jones died from his wounds.

LCpl Jones, 9FSB, was serv-ing as a cook with FSU and leaves behind his loving parents, two younger siblings and girlfriend.

In a statement his family and girlfriend thanked those who helped him in his last hours.

“We know you did your best to save him and continue to face the big job ahead of you while also dealing with his death.

“Andrew was a dependable yet

cheeky character who we will miss with all our hearts. We are in deep mourning at the loss of our son, brother and boyfriend.”

In the second incident, which occurred a few hours after the shooting, Lt Marcus Case, 6 Avn Regt, was killed when an Australian Chinook crashed while undertaking a re-supply mission in Zabul province, 90km east of Tarin Kot.

A US Chinook was nearby and the crew on board witnessed the crash.

The US helicopter landed and

provided immediate medivac assistance by transporting Lt Case to the Role 2 facility in Qalat, 70km to the south of the crash site. Unfortunately, he could not be saved.

Lt Case was deployed to Afghanistan as a Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator.

He was described in a state-ment by his family as fun-loving, gentle and much loved.

“Marcus was the youngest of six very close brothers and sisters who adored each other and spent as much time together as they

could. Marcus was also the sparkle to his number one fans, his Mum and Dad.

“He will be sorely missed by his loving and very proud family as well as his large group of sup-portive friends. He was an idol to his niece and nephews who, upon seeing a helicopter, would point to it and gleefully say ‘there goes Marcus’.”

Defence has ruled out insur-gent ground fire as a possible cause of the crash. The Chinook helicopter could not be recovered and was destroyed in place.

LCpl Andrew Jones

Lt Marcus Case

LCPL Jones was born in Melbourne, Victoria in 1986. He joined the Army in 2004.

After recruit training, he completed his initial employment training as a cook and was posted to 1RAR’s Catering Platoon.

He was posted to 9FSB in 2008. In 2010, he was promoted to lance corporal.

LCpl Jones’ first operational deployment was to East Timor in 2008. His second, to Afghanistan, com-menced in November last year.

LCpl Jones was awarded the ASM with clasp Timor Leste, and ADM. LCpl Jones will be presented with the AASM with ICAT clasp, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO ISAF Medal.

LT CASE was born in Melbourne, Victoria in 1984. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2002 and was posted to 5/6RVR.

In 2003, he started the commando selection and training process with the 1 Cdo Regt. He was posted to 1 Cdo Regt and deployed to East Timor in 2007.

In March 2008, Lt Case transferred to the ARA, undertaking pilot training at AATC, Oakey. In December 2009, he was posted to 6 Avn Regt.

In January this year, Lt Case was part of the avia-tion deployment to Queensland to provide assistance as part of flood relief efforts.

Lt Case has been awarded the ASM with Clasp Timor Leste and the ADM. He will be presented with the AASM with ICAT clasp, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO ISAF Medal.

On guard: An Afghan soldier mans a guard tower at Patrol Base Mashal in the Chora Valley (file photo). LCpl Andrew Jones was shot while walking between buildings in the patrol base by an Afghan soldier on guard duty.Photo by Sgt Ricky Fuller

Air lift: An Australian Chinook conducts a resupply mission in Afghanistan (file photo). Lt Marcus Case was killed while a passenger during a Chinook resupply flight that crashed in Zabul province. Photo by Sgt Neil Ruskin

4 CULTURAL AWARENESS DAY Army June 9, 2011

By Sgt Andrew Hetherington

WITHIN 18 months Army per-sonnel will be sweating it out proving their fitness during new trade-specific AIRN and combat fitness tests.

The tests will be introduced when an extensive Physical Employment Standards (PES) review project is completed.

The PES project has assessed 22 Army corps and the employ-ment categories within them to see what physical demands are required for personnel to work within those roles regardless of age or gender.

D G P e r s - A B r i g G e r a r d Fogarty said Army and i ts employment category manag-ers had been working with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation since 2006 to devel-op a better understanding of the physical requirements for Army’s trades.

“Army already knows the intellectual requirements for each trade and after the PES project we will know what the exact physical requirements are by the end of next year,” Brig Fogarty said.

“Decisions for enlistment based on age and gender will become irrelevant and Army will enlist people into trades who pos-sess the required intellectual and physical abilities.

“By enlisting people into the right jobs, Army will be far more capable.”

Early results from the PES project indicate all personnel per-form common tasks as part of their Army jobs.

“There are also other physi-cal tasks performed only by our specialists and there are specific physical tasks that are only per-formed by personnel who operate in a close combat environment,” Brig Fogarty said.

“There are clearly differ-ent physical standards across our

Physical standards will change soon

Job fit: The Physical Employment Standards review project aims to develop practical fitness testing standards based on job requirements rather than age or gender.

By Cpl Zenith King

THE Are You An Australian Soldier? awareness DVD produced for the stand down was requested by the CA’s office in response to recent reports of unacceptable behaviour and use of social media in Defence.

Army Brand Management, under the direction of Strategic Brand Coordinator – Army, Rebecca Constance, was tasked to develop a video based on the core themes of ‘I’m an Australian Soldier’. The presentation needed to address unacceptable behav-iour in a language and style that would resonate with the target audience.

“The concept we developed was intended to make diggers challenge their belief system, in that their actions have consequences not just for them but their mates, other soldiers, and their families,” Ms Constance said.

“The presentation had to be in a style that would actively engage the young diggers in follow-on discus-sion and not just be another boring PowerPoint-style presentation.

“It is important for our organisa-tion, at all levels, to understand that our values of courage, initiative and teamwork are what bind us together and allow us to operate effectively and efficiently. Engaging in unacceptable behaviour undermines these values and our capabilities and it is important for our soldiers to remind each other of this message.”

The video was made using a com-bination of video and animation with Spr Nicholas Wiseman as the lead multimedia technician on the project.

“I provided all the animations within the video as well as cutting and treating the majority of the video clips used throughout the product,” Spr Wiseman said.

“Video was filmed from various unit locations at Puckapunyal, Victoria Barracks and Russell Offices. Post production was done from Army Learning Production Centre, Sydney.”

Three hundred DVDs were pro-duced and sent out to all Army units within Australia and operational areas.

Spr Wiseman said he believed in

the message in the product. “I person-ally don’t have the time for people who continue to give Army a bad name with foolish behaviour and those who do lose all respect and don’t belong within our Defence Force,” he said.

Spr Wiseman said he enjoyed working on the video, which took two and a half days of shooting and about four weeks of post production.

“Most of the time was spent in post production, cutting and mixing video/audio, generation of imagery and ani-mation work,” he said.

“Working on post production allowed me to use skills I’ve learnt within the multimedia trade and the fact that this video was then shown to Army as a whole has illustrated what we do as a trade.”

The DVD is available on the DRN. Go to iArmy at http://teamweb/army/iarmy/ and select ‘Are you an Australian Soldier’ from the drop down box on the right. It can also be down-loaded from the CA web site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/CA/ and can be ordered as a DVD from http://alpc/products/

DVD captures soldier attitudes on behaviour

trades, but our current fitness tests don’t reflect these differences.”

As a result of the PES review, AIRN fitness testing requirements will change and will consist of four individual tests.

“BFAs and CFAs will be even-tually replaced by a measurement which more accurately reflects the physical standards required of trades in a combat environment,” Brig Fogarty said.

“Each of the four new tests will address a key human perfor-mance capacity.”

The tests will include a forced march to demonstrate aerobic capacity, a box lift to demonstrate absolute muscular strength, a fire and movement activity-based assessment to demonstrate anaero-

bic capacity and a lift and carry assessment to demonstrate muscu-lar endurance.

Brig Fogarty said the tests would have different standards based on the specific requirements of each trade.

“Trials throughout the country are still being run to ensure the practical implications are iden-tified and to make sure they are accurate and safe,” he said.

“We need to also decide how and when they will be introduced, how personnel will access equip-ment such body armour to con-duct the tests and how candidates will be screened at recruiting.

“As pe r sonne l p rogres s through the ranks, in their trade, we know physical requirements

often reduce and the final test will need to reflect this.”

Brig Fogarty said there was still a lot of work to do before implementation could commence.

“When we are finished, all sol-diers and officers will be required to demonstrate they are capable of meeting the new standards to achieve proficiency in their trade and therefore be AIRN compli-ant,” he said.

“Everyone will be given ample time to understand and train for the new standards.

“They will be introduced over the next 18 months based on capa-bility, not on age or gender.”

The DVD is available at http://teamweb/army/alnip/vids/Lists/Posts/

Opinions on changeCpl Stuart Heeney, 3RAR, Holsworthy BarracksI think the current physical standards in Army are too easy and they don’t reflect what is required in the battlespace. You’ll never have to run 2.4km in PT gear in a battle and no one cares how many push ups you can do. It’s about whether you can climb over a wall wearing 30kg of body armour, with a weapon and think under pressure. I think new physi-cal standards will be good for infantry because it will identify who is not suitable to work in the job. It will strengthen units and the Army. As for the gen-der issue of allowing women to join combat corps, I think is a bad idea. No matter how physically and intellectually capable a woman is to be an infantry soldier, you cannot put a woman into an infantry call sign. It will change the dynamics [of the call sign] due to human nature. Blokes will be more interested in impressing women than focusing on their job.

Gnr Sarah Hodgson, 16 AD Regt, Woodside BarracksI feel women should be allowed to work in all of Army’s jobs, but even now the physical standards for a woman to enter and stay in the Army are lower than what a man’s are. I think this is wrong and believe men and women should have the same phys-ical requirements if they are in the same job. Even in my job as an air defender we have to pass the Army BFA, where the female level is lower than the male level and a regimental fitness assessment where the fitness levels for women are the same as the men.

LCpl Richard Robinson, Directorate Officer Career Management, Russell OfficersI’m all for changing standardisation, fairness and tak-ing away the gender issues with fitness assessments. If you can do the job then why not let everyone do the job they want to do. It should only change if they [Army] get the process right so there aren’t any teething problems with assessing people later on.

Bdr Kyle Golding, 16 AD Regt, Woodside BarracksI fully agree with making physical tests more specific to each job, as each job is different and requires a specific physical standard. It’s great combat corps will have their own personalised, job-specific fitness programs and assessments. I think if females can reach the fitness standards and do a job then they should be allowed to do it.

Pte Alexander Coe, 8/9RAR, Gallipoli BarracksIt’s great to see they are changing the physical tests and it will weed out the soldiers who shouldn’t be in the infantry. If all corps can pass a BFA that’s good, but it doesn’t mean all corps are fit enough to be infantry. Having fitness levels specific to each job is a good idea.

Cpl Amy Chesson, HQ 7 Bde, Gallipoli BarracksAs a clerk I came out of the presentation wanting to know more information because I’d like to know what the standards will be for me. It’s a good idea they will now concentrate on soldier skills for fitness rather than just running around a track. The new tests will be more relevant to our jobs as we are soldiers first before our trade and brings into context we are going to begin physical training relating to being a soldier.

All levels: Army HQ personnel watch the Are You An Australian Soldier? presentation (DVD cover inset) in a conference room at Russell Offices in Canberra.

Photo by LS Paul Berry

CULTURAL AWARENESS DAY 5Army June 9, 2011

By Sgt Andrew Hetherington

PERSONNEL around Australia stopped work last week to watch DVD presentations on what it means to be an Australian sol-dier and proposed changes to future Army physical standards tests.

The first and main presenta-tion, titled Are You An Australian Soldier? focused on topical repu-tation issues affecting Army.

CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie said recent actions by a small num-ber of individuals had brought discredit not just on themselves, but on their units and the wider Army.

“These individuals have either made deliberate choices to act in a certain manner, or not thought about the consequences of their individual actions, which dimin-ishes the value of the very good work undertaken by the major-ity of Army members,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“Whether it be making rac-ist, sexist or homophobic com-ments in the workplace, posting offensive material to social media sites, getting drunk and driving a car or getting into a fight, [these] are all examples of inappropriate behaviour where individuals have clearly not lived Army’s values.”

He said the key message that should be taken away from the presentations was that Army was a great organisation and people needed to take responsibility for their actions.

“A few people are letting us down and the media focuses on these instances,” he said.

“Army’s values of courage, initiative and teamwork are criti-cal to our success on operations and at home.

“As Australian soldiers, we each have a responsibility to live these values both on and off duty and people must be responsible for their individual actions.

“Also social media is an important enabler for the future, but individuals need to think about how they use it.”

Following the presentations, unit COs led discussions focus-ing on how soldiers should also live the Army values when out of uniform.

Gnr Sarah Hodgson, 16 AD Regt, said the presentation was well produced and informative.

“It was great to see actual

Think before you act

Values: “What is expected from Defence personnel is understanding, control, care, tolerance, good judgement and above all, leadership,” according to Capt Col Gill, HQ 3 Bde, pictured here talking with Pte Tegan Densem after watching the Are You An Australian Soldier? presentation in Townsville. Photo by Maj Al Green

Soldiers speak outCpl Stuart Heeney, 3RAR, Holsworthy Barracks

Soldiers should realise if they engage in unaccep-table behaviour, then they can expect to be dealt with by the disciplinary and administrative system. As a general rule everyone should know the differ-ence between what’s appropriate and inappropriate behaviour. If someone has to stop and think about what they were about to do and then don’t realise what is right and wrong and how it will affect them and the Army, then they shouldn’t be here.I don’t like to see unacceptable behaviour reported in the media or see the Army or ADF portrayed in a negative way, as it affects all of us.I love being an Australian soldier and I’m proud to do it. I’ve been one for 10 years and I enjoy it. It’s a good job and offers me challenges, a sense of pride and job satisfaction.

Gnr Sarah Hodgson, 16 AD Regt, Woodside Barracks

It was great to see actual soldiers speaking about what they felt about the issues. Most people in our unit could relate to what was being said as a lot of us are under the age of 25 and also use social net-working. It’s disappointing to see the media focus on the few bad things happening in Defence com-pared to all the good. If soldiers do the wrong thing then they should be punished as they have not just signed up for a job but a lifestyle. It’s disappointing for me when I see people not doing the right thing and not taking their job seriously. It’s great being an Australian soldier. I feel so proud of the things Army does overseas and to be a part of the team environment.

LCpl Richard Robinson, Directorate Officer Career Management, Russell Officers

It was good to see the message get out about what we need to be doing as soldiers, including what our responsibilities are with social media, what our personal standards should be and how we work together as soldiers. There is no place for bad behaviour and I believe people who disrespect the uniform and values of Army should not be here. Bad behaviour gives Army a poor reputation to Army’s people and culture. It’s disappointing to me when the actions of a few bring the rest of us into disrepute. Being an Australian soldier is a chance for me to serve the country, be with mates and do a job I love.

LCpl Shane Johnson, 3RAR, Holsworthy Barracks

I thought the presentation was relevant and using facts and figures about what has happened was good to see. What I found though, was that it was reactive to current issues and most of the informa-tion came from the month of March this year. The presentation of information like this should be proac-tive and brought up in training command units such as Kapooka. To me being an Australian soldier is getting up in the morning, putting on my uniform and wearing the Australian flag.

Pte Alexander Coe, 8/9RAR, Gallipoli Barracks

The presentation was informative and let us know what was expected from us not in a stuck up kind of way. Essentially we should look after our mates and if we see someone not doing the right thing then we should go up and tell them to pull their heads in. There should be more of that happening. Soldiers not doing the right thing are absolute fools and it’s a damn shame how a few ruin it for many. The bad publicity from their actions hurts Army. It means everything to me to be an Australian soldier; com-plete and utter pride.

Cpl Amy Chesson, HQ 7 Bde, Gallipoli Barracks

It was good how it used a different range people, including civilians, partners of Defence person-nel and people in the Army. I liked it because it was aimed at our level instead of having someone preaching to us about what we should be doing. I don’t like hearing about unacceptable behaviour in Army, as it puts us into disrepute and the rest of us have to wear it. For me being an Australian soldier gives me pride in myself and my job, as I’ve always wanted to join.

What do you think?We want to hear what you have to say. Write to Army News with your thoughts on Are You An Australian Soldier? Letters and views will be published next edi-tion. Write a letter to the Editor of Army at armynews@defencenews.gov.au

soldiers speaking about what they felt about the issues,” Gnr Hodgson said.

“Most people in our unit could relate to what was being said as a lot of us are under the age of 25 and also use social networking.”

Cpl Stuart Heeney, 3RAR, said soldiers should realise if

they engaged in unacceptable behaviour they could expect to be dealt with by the disciplinary and administration system.

“As a general rule anyone should know the difference between what’s appropriate and inappropriate behaviour,” he said.

“I don’t like to see unaccep-

table behaviour reported in the media or see the Army or ADF portrayed in a negative way, as it affects all of us.”

The main message to Army is straightforward – there’s no place for people who aren’t willing or able to work positively and con-structively in a team environment.

Group session: Commander 1 Bde Brig Fergus McLachlan (right) talks with brigade personnel after the presentation was shown at Robertson Barracks.

Photo by Pte Jason Cimino

RSM-A talks values after presentationBy WO Stephen Ward

I WANT to reinforce what has been said by your mates in the DVD.

I want to reinforce the fact they stated they are very proud to wear this uniform.

I want to reinforce the fact they also stated they are very disappointed with those people that bring this uniform into disrepute by their behaviour.

I will reinforce that word behaviour. If you behave in a manner that under-mines our ethos of service to the nation – that is serving the people of Australia – if you undermine the three core values of courage, initiative and teamwork, and if you defy those nine core behaviours, as well as transgress the fair go principles, then you are breaking those rules and you don’t belong to our organisation.

You can see that by the words from your mates in this DVD. Quite simply they don’t accept those that transgress and act in a way that puts shame upon them as individuals; your mates.

From my own point of view I am extremely disappointed with anyone who does transgress. Why is that? I am exceptionally proud of the work our soldiers do. I’m proud because they are wearing this uniform. I’m proud because they help people. You’ve seen it – the floods, the cyclones, Afghanistan, East Timor, Solomon Islands – we are a team.

If you behave in a manner that upsets the team then you don’t belong to the team. My recommendation for those people who do that: you don’t belong to the organisation. Pack your bags and leave.

6 NEWS Army June 9, 2011

DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, SUPPLY OF MILITARY CLOTHING & EQUIPMENTOEM – ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER

VCDF Lt-Gen David Hurley will take over as CDF when ACM Angus Houston leaves the post on July 4.

Maj-Gen David Morrison will also take up the job as CA when Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie retires on the same date.

The changes to the Army’s sen-ior leadership were announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard on June 1.

Chief of Navy designate RAdm Ray Griggs and Chief of Air Force designate AVM Geoff Brown were also announced.

The current Air Force chief, Air-Mshl Mark Binskin, will take up the position of VCDF vacated by Lt-Gen Hurley.

Ms Gillard said Lt-Gen General Hurley would bring a wealth of experience to the position of CDF.

“He has held several senior com-mand positions within the ADF including as Land Commander Australia, Chief of Capability Development Group and Chief of Joint Operations,” Ms Gillard said.

Lt-Gen Hurley graduated from RMC in 1975 and was posted to 1RAR to begin a distinguished career as an infantry officer. He was appointed VCDF on July 4, 2008.

Lt-Gen Hurley said the appoint-ments “in the shadow” of the deaths of three Australian soldiers would serve as a powerful and constant reminder of the leadership team’s responsibilities to government, par-liament and the Australian people.

“We are keenly aware this can only be achieved through the com-

VCDF to take over top role

Promotions: Lt-Gen David Hurley speaks to reporters after Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s announcement that he will take over as CDF when ACM Angus Houston retires on July 4. Inset, Maj-Gen David Morrison will become CA. Photos by Steve Dent

mitment of the servicemen and women and their families that we will have the honour to lead,” he said. “Our job is to lead these won-derful Australians and to ensure their service is valued and respect-ed.”

He also thanked the outgoing leaders, saying “they will be a hard act to follow”.

Maj-Gen Morrison joined the Army in 1979 after completing a BA at the Australian National University.

He graduated from the Officer Cadet School, Portsea, to the Royal Australian Infantry Corps and began a distinguished career as an infantry officer. He is current-ly the first Commander of Forces Command.

Ms Gil lard said Maj-Gen Morrison had wide-ranging com-

mand experience, having served as the Head of Military Strategic Commitments and DCA.

“In that position he led the review into Army’s command and control structure, which resulted in reform initiatives to ensure Army is able to sustain its current and future operational tempo,” Ms Gillard said.

Retiring CA Lt-Gen Gillespie said he had no regrets after 43 years in service.

“Australia is the lucky country and it’s worth fighting for,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“I wonder how many kids in other parts of the world, starting their working life as a young trades-man, might dare to dream of leading one of the oldest and most respected institutions in their country.”

Leaders: The new Defence leadership team, from left, AVM Geoff Brown, Maj-Gen David Morrison, Air-Mshl Mark Binskin, Defence Minister Stephen Smith, Lt-Gen David Hurley and RAdm Ray Griggs.

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NEWS 7Army June 9, 2011

SIX World War II veterans on an Australian Government commemora-tive mission have visited JTF 633’s headquarters at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

During their visit, the Army and Navy veterans met Defence personnel serv-ing at Al Minhad and held a service to remember Australians killed in WWII and in Afghanistan.

Delegation leader Maj-Gen Mark Kelly (retd) from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs said the visit was an excellent opportunity for the veterans, who were on their way to 70th anniver-sary commemorations for the Battle of Greece and Crete, to meet serving men and women.

“The opportunity to visit our troops in the Middle East will be one of the sig-nificant highlights of their visit to Greece and Crete this year,” Maj-Gen Kelly said.

“These gentlemen are national treas-ures and it’s great to see them passing on their experiences to the current serving personnel.”

Among those making the trip was Arthur Leggett, a veteran of the cam-paigns in both Greece and Crete.

“You cannot help but be impressed by the dedication and attitude of the soldiers here,” Mr Leggett said. “It’s quite an inspiring experience.”

The visiting veterans, aged between 88 and 101, were Mr Leggett, Norm Maddock, Basil Hayler, Alf Carpenter, Dan Bowden and Bill Tayler.

Vets visit deployed troops in MEAO

WWII battle rememberedBy Flt-Lt Mick McGirr

AUSTRALIA’S Federation Guard (AFG) has completed a week of commemorations in Greece for the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Greece and Crete.

The AFG participated in sev-eral commemorations to remember Australian and Allied soldiers who fought defending Greece from the World War II German invasion in 1941.

Major activities in Crete included ceremonies at the Hellenic-Australian Memorial in Rethymno, the Allied War Cemetery in Souda Bay and the German War Cemetery in Maleme. Veterans of the conflict, including a delegation from Australia, attended alongside Veterans’ Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon and DCA Maj-Gen Paul Symon.

Speaking after the Hellenic-Australian memorial service, Maj-Gen Symon said the ceremony was espe-cially significant for the ADF.

“What we’ve commemorated here today was a really remarkable battle,” he said.

“To have the Federation Guard here, some magnificent soldiers, sailors and airmen representing our nation and performing the way they did, it makes you very proud as an Australian.”

AFG Contingent Commander Lt Luke Haitas said he felt privileged to have been part of the ceremonies, especially as he was an Australian of Greek heritage.

“We are extremely proud to have had this opportunity to represent Australia and honour our veterans,” Lt Haitas said.

“The role that the AFG plays in these commemorations is vital in main-taining our military traditions.”

While in country, AFG personnel met their Greek counterparts, the Greek Presidential Guard.

The Presidential Guard CO, Lt-Col Peter Miliopolous, said the relation-

ship between the two units was very important.

“Australia’s Federation Guard reminds me of the relationship we have with the Australian military – we are blood brothers,” Lt-Col Miliopolous said.

“It’s really an honour to have per-sonnel from the ADF come to visit us. We have the same spirit – we’re broth-ers-in-arms.”

Lt-Col Miliopolous, who was born

in Sydney, said both units played an important role in their societies.

“They are very significant because they remind people every day of history and tradition – sometimes daily life makes us forget where we come from,” he said.

April and May this year marked the 70th anniversary of the Battle for Greece and Crete.

When German forces invaded Greece in April 1941 they faced Greek,

British, Australian and New Zealand troops, who conducted a fighting with-drawal towards beaches near Athens and on the Peloponnese from which many were evacuated to Crete.

In Crete, Commonwealth forces faced a German airborne invasion on May 20, 1941, and were defeated after 10 days of fighting.

More than 600 Australians were killed and 5000 captured in the Battle for Greece and Crete.

Memories: Lt Luke Haitas and Australian WWII veterans reflect during a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Greece and Crete. Inset, Pte Denny Lang, AFG, joins personnel from from Greece, the UK and New Zealand in a catafalque party at Souda Bay. Photos by Cpl Janine Fabre

Smart Soldier is a Restricted publication that comes out three times a year. It is produced by the Centre for Army Lessons and is sent free to your unit. Smart Soldier is full of operational, training and general lessons, observations and tips.All soldiers should read Smart Soldier.If you don’t have easy access to Smart Soldier, ask your chain-of-command for a copy or call 03 5735 7102 to see

if it is being delivered to your unit.

Smart Soldier

Inside your latest issue of Smart SoldierOp ExperiencesSoldiers that deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Timor were interviewed by Adaptive Warfare Branch (1 Div) and the Centre for Army Lessons (CAL). This article provides a small sample of the lessons collected.Training TrendsThe Combat Training Centre (CTC) released their 2010 Trends Report. This article provides a summary of the most frequently recorded observations. The full report is available from the CTC intranet website.Junior LeadershipMore extracts from the Junior

publication.

Female Body SearchesDPTC provide guidance on a doctrine reference, and Engineers provide additional tips.Op CATALYSTCAL produced an Op CATALYST handbook in 2010. This article provides extracts from that publication.DVD by ALPCThis Smart Soldier contains a DVD. It provides videos on operational experiences, junior leadership, dealing with civilians and more.Combat Tactical ChallengeGo to the CAL website, click on the Combat Tactical Challenge link to participate and help develop a TTP.

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8 NEWS Army June 9, 2011

By Cfn Max Bree

SOLDIERS deploying to East Timor were farewelled by NSW Governor Marie Bashir during a parade at Victoria Barracks on May 26.

Hundreds of family and friends turned out to farewell 160 mostly 8 Bde members of Timor-Leste Task Group (TLTG) 3 before their eight-month deployment.

Professor Bashir expressed her confidence in the soldiers’ skills and abilities during an address to the parade.

“You have been capably trained and there is a wealth of knowledge among you,” she said.

“It is your wide array of life experiences and strengths that will see all of you succeed in East Timor.”

The task group will help main-tain security on the streets and sup-

port the community at the request of the East Timorese government.

TLTG 3 OC Maj Robert Miller said he was excited about the deployment and had been encour-aged by the progress already made in East Timor.

“The security environment con-tinues to become more and more stable,” Maj Miller said.

The TLTG 3 soldiers spent near-ly two months of force concentra-tion training at Canungra before deploying.

Pte Joe l Young, UNSWR Armidale, said he was excited about the trip and hoped for the oppor-tunity to get some courses done in country.

Pte Young said family and friends were not all he would miss during the deployment.

“I’ll miss raiding the fridge and sleeping in,” he said.

Pte Ian De Souza, 2/17RNSWR

Sydney, said it would be great to deploy on operations.

“I’m not too fazed about the change of scenery,” he said. “It’ll be just a good experience to get over there.”

Pte De Souza put his univer-sity studies on hold to serve with TLTG 3.

“Uni is always going to be there but this doesn’t come up that often,” he said.

P t e C h r i s We t h e r e l l , 2/17RNSWR Sydney, said he was interested in a full-time Army career and would use the deployment to help make a final decision.

“It’s a try before you buy,” he said.

Normally a pastry chef, Pte Wetherell said he would miss his young family but not his day job.

“It’s good to get away from my usual work.”

By Cfn Max Bree

SIGNALLERS bound for East Timor with the fifth rotation of the Force Communications Element (FCE 5) were farewelled by family and friends at Holsworthy Barracks on May 13.

The 29-member contingent from 17 Sig Regt will spend eight months spread throughout East Timor providing strate-gic communications for the International Stabilisation Force.

The rotation has an average age of 26 and half have never deployed before.

FCE 5 troop commander Lt Cody Goulding said the soldiers’ youth made them tech-savvy operators.

“We have some of the most technical troops in the Army,” Lt Goulding said. “They are very technically able.”

Commander Forcomd Maj-Gen David

Morrison thanked the soldiers of FCE 5 for their dedication and loyalty.

“You are the latest in a long line of soldiers stretching back decades, even centuries,” Maj-Gen Morrison said.

“The nation is in your debt.“Thanks for your commitment, good

luck and good soldiering.”Sig Diego Fogo, Information systems

technician, said FCE 5 would be another one of life’s experiences but he would miss his wife and children most on his second deployment.

Troop Sgt Dennis Villanueva said he was excited about heading to East Timor after other trips to Afghanistan.

“It’s good to finally get a green deployment,” Sgt Villanueva said.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the [troop’s] senior leadership.”

“It should be a good experience.”

Sydney sigs say goodbye to families before Timor trip

Family affair: Sgt Dennis Villanueva joins his mother Larne and sister Rosie after a parade to mark the departure of a contingent from 17 Sig Regt to support operations in East Timor. Photo by Cfn Max Bree

Reservists given a vice regal send-off

Saying goodbye: NSW Governor Marie Bashir and 8 Bde commander Brig Phillip Bridie inspect troops about to deploy to East Timor at a parade in Sydney. Inset, Pte Chris Wetherell, 2/17 RNSWR, kicks back with his wife Lee, daughter Madison and baby Harry after the farewell parade.

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NEWS 9Army June 9, 2011

By Sgt Dave Morley

ENGINEERS from Kapooka paused on May 21 to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the deaths of 26 sappers in the Army’s worst training accident.

More than 90 people attended the ser-vice including serving and former ADF members and residents from across the Riverina area.

The accident occurred in 1945 when Kapooka was the national training cen-tre for the Corps of Royal Australian Engineers.

A routine explosives lesson conducted in a bunker went horribly wrong and four instructors and 22 soldiers were killed.

Commandant RMC Brig Dave Luhrs said few families of those killed were able to attend the funerals at the time.

“But they could rest assured knowing their loved ones were buried with dignity on Australian soil,” Brig Luhrs said.

“We have not, nor will we ever, forget the sacrifice of the 26 sappers who died on this site 66 years ago.”

Eleven of those killed were just 18 years old, some with service numbers only a few digits apart.

ARTC Commandant Col David Hay said he was unaware of the tragedy before being posted to Kapooka.

“But I intend to ensure this commem-oration will continue to be held,” he said.

“We propose to make sure this event becomes more widely recognised and have approached the Australian War Memorial with this in mind.”

For many years a service was held on the roadside near the accident’s actual location.

However, a permanent memorial was constructed last year by engineers from SME on land set aside by the Army about 100m opposite the site.

Memorial recognises RAE training deaths

Service: Visitors lay wreaths at the memorial for 26 sappers killed in the Australian Army’s worst training accident in 1945. Photo by Sgt Dave Morley

By Sgt Brian Hartigan

AMBERLEY-based Army truck-ies were involved in a major and unusual road move in May when they transported one of the ADF’s former hard-hitting bombers to Victoria.

Members of 9FSB helped DMO and the Air Force move a retired F-111 strike aircraft from its former home in south-east Queensland to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook from May 24-27.

Drivers Cpl Owen Dobos and Ptes Andrew Anderson, Jacob Ardrey, Trent Booth and Paul Walsh temporarily joined 82 Wing’s F-111 Disposal Team to move A8-125 across three states in a 12-vehicle convoy.

The transport unit’s involvement amounted to four semi-trailers and an escort vehicle. The semi-trailers moved the aircraft’s wings, fin, hori-zontal stabilisers and radome, which were removed for the journey, as well as support equipment required to reassemble the aircraft at the museum.

A special wide trailer was required to take the 25-tonne aircraft fuselage.

OPSO 26 Tpt Sqn Capt Andrew Jones said the task was not unusual insofar as his personnel carried several large loads as part of a well-planned and coordinated convoy.

“Obviously, as a transport squad-ron, we move large military loads all the time,” Capt Jones said.

“However, this move was a little different because there was a lot of

media interest in it and journalists,

locals and school kids came out in numbers at various scheduled stops to see the unusual main load.”

Flt-Lt Jake Romanowski, Air Force spokesman for the convoy and former F-111 Air Combat Officer, said it was great working with the Army drivers, who fitted seamlessly into the team.

“Considering we had DMO, RAAF, Army, private contractors and numerous interested parties with patchy mobile and internet coverage on the move, the teamwork went really well,” he said.

A8-125 is the most significant F-111 operated by the Air Force, being the first aircraft to roll off the production line for the RAAF, the first to land in Australia on June 1, 1973, and the last to touch down anywhere in the world on December 3, 2010.

Handle with care

Precious cargo: F-111 A8-125 is lifted off the transportation vehicle by crane after arriving at the Air Force Museum in Point Cook, Victoria. Inset, the Army drivers who joined the 12-vehicle convoy – from left, Pte Andrew Andersen, Pte Paul Walsh, Pte Trent Booth, Cpl Owen Dobos and Pte Jacob Ardrey.

Photos by LAC Benjamin Evans

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“However, this movedifferent because there w

media interest in it and

10 NEWS Army June 9, 2011

Free photos for familiesBy Cpl Melanie Schinkel

WHILE studying her Bachelor of Arts in Photography, a serving sol-dier’s wife was inspired to estab-lish a not-for-profit organisation offering deploying ADF members free professional photographic sessions with their loved ones.

Wagga Wagga-based Army wife and mother of three Melissa Wood is the President of Operation: Love Reunited – Selfless Australia (OpLove Australia); an organisa-tion recently launched online to provide serving personnel and their loved ones with more than just a few ‘happy snaps’ to get them through overseas deployments.

The OpLove Australia concept came about while Mrs Wood was researching for a university assign-ment. She discovered a website for a Colorado-based US organisation called Operation: Love Reunited.

“The idea immediately resonated with what I wanted to achieve with my photography, so I contacted the organisation’s board members and worked with them to establish an Australian branch,” Mrs Wood said.

Her husband, Sgt Steven Wood, serves in 1RAR and has deployed to Afghanistan, East Timor and Solomon Islands.

“Anyone who has seen their hus-band or wife, son, daughter, sister or brother off to war knows how hard it is to watch them walk away,” Mrs Wood said.

“Our son was just two months old when Steven deployed for seven months. He missed many milestones and achievements, but receiving photos of not just our baby but of our other two sons as well was a great morale boost for him.

“For Steven, photos of us con-nected him to home and illus-trated what was happening while he was away, whereas photos of Steven reminded us that his job in Afghanistan was important, not just for our family but for others too.”

If you would like more information on OpLove Australia or wish to volunteer your services as a photographer, visit www.oploveaustralia.com or email oploveaus-tralia@bigpond.com

Caught on camera: Three-year-old Jacob gives dad Sgt Steven Wood a hug after returning from a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan. Inset, WO2 Shaun Jolley and Cpl Kathryn Jolley’s two-week-old son, Riley, is one of the early stars of the free photography service. Photos by Melissa Wood

ANY ADF member deploying for more than three months is eligible to access the free photographic service.

Family members of deployed person-nel can also access the service.

Nine OpLove Australia volunteer pho-tographers are available in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, WA and Tasmania.

Three photographic sessions are available through the free service – pre-deployment, deployment and reunion.

Pre-deployment sessions usually involve the deploying ADF member with his or her family together.

Deployment sessions allow family members of deployed personnel to have photos taken and sent directly to the sol-dier on operations.

Reunion sessions are provided on the day a member returns from his or her deployment to be reunited with family members.

For all sessions, volunteer photographers provide free 6x4 inch photo albums or CDs.

Additional copies may need to be purchased by arrangement with the vol-unteer photographer.

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12 WORLD NEWS Army June 9, 2011

HOW TO CONTRIBUTEIf you have an inter-esting activity taking place overseas and you would like to see it featured in the world section of Army, send details to the editor by emailing armynews@defencenews.gov.au or, for more information, call (02)6266 7609.

Please ensure photos are high resolution and include accurate caption information.

EAST Timorese soldiers have been learning the art of welding from the skilled instructors of the East Timor Defence Cooperation Program’s (DCP-EM) Specialist Training Wing (STW).

The STW instructors, a mix of military and Defence civilian person-nel, recently added the welding course to the long list of specialist training packages on offer.

The East Timor Defence Force (F-FDTL) engineers learnt to weld using several different techniques and equipment, helping them become valuable contributors to future con-struction projects throughout the island nation.

DCP-EM team leader Lt-Col Ron Baumgart said the students took more

than just specialist skills away from the training sessions.

“It’s not just about training, but also about mentoring in order to build capability,” he said.

“Although the STW is currently commanded by an ADF officer, full authority will eventually transition to the F-FDTL when their own personnel are ready to take charge.”

Training facilitated by DCP-EM includes English language courses, leadership and high-level staff and management training in logistics, force development and budget man-agement.

The STW was set up by DCP-EM to deliver specialised engineering, medical and communications training to F-FDTL soldiers.

Timorese soldiers build on basic skills

Sparks fly: An F-FDTL soldier practises using an arc welder during specialist training hosted by the East Timor Defence Cooperation Program.

By Flt-Lt John McCourt

A REMOTE primary school in the highlands of East Timor has been revitalised as a top-quality learn-ing centre thanks to the work of local and international soldiers.

East Timor Defence Force (F-FDTL) engineers were support-ed by Australian and US troops in rebuilding the weather-worn Bella Vista School in Baucau, east of Dili.

It was part of a mission by US Navy engineers helping the East Timor Ministry of Education refur-bish schools in the new nation.

Extra help was needed and the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) flew in engineers, a plumber

and some hard-working helpers.ISF liaison officer Maj Andrew

Kirby said even the non-engineer volunteers were “more than happy to help out”.

“The refurbishment of the Bella Vista School required not only repairs to its roof and internal struc-ture, but also important and urgent repairs to a toilet block, upgrades to footpaths and grounds, and a major paint job.”

As part of deployment opera-tions, ISF engineers and other specialists often work alongside the F-FDTL under the indigenous capacity building program.

“The Bella Vista school pro-ject was a great example of what

can develop in terms of mateship between partnered forces,” Maj Kirby said.

“After a month of toiling side by side, the East Timorese troops and our guys developed a strong bond and mutual respect and that was fan-tastic.”

East Timor’s Education Minister, Dr Joao Cancio Freitas, and F-FDTL Chief Maj-Gen Taur Matan Ruak, flew into Bella Vista to offici-ate at the school’s reopening on May 16.

They were joined by the US Ambassador to East Timor, Judith Fergin, the Australian Defence Attaché in East Timor, Col Andrew Duff, and other dignitaries.

Back to schoolPitching in: Australian volunteers mix concrete for the refurbishment of the Bella Vista School in Baucau. Inset, East Timorese engineers render window frames on a classroom. Photos by Cpl Melina Mancuso

Army June 9,

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WORLD NEWS 13Army June 9, 2011

By Flt-Lt John McCourt

THE International Stabilisation Force (ISF) medi-cal team at Camp Phoenix in Dili helped deployed soldiers fight the flu with a round of vaccinations in mid May.

Senior Medical Officer Capt Luke Jeremijenko said 200 ISF members had the flu jab.

“Influenza is more serious than most people think,” he said. “The close-living environments for the troops here in Dili increase transmission and it can have serious con-sequences to the overall effectiveness of a deployment.

“It’s important to understand that immunity from the 2010 vaccine doesn’t protect people against the winter peak of 2011.”

The success of the ISF’s vaccination program has been a team effort, with ADF medics and combat first aiders helping out.

One of the major difficulties in conducting the vac-cination process in East Timor is maintaining “cold chain principals”, which help ensure delivery of vaccines into overseas climates.

Deployed troops get the flu jab

Jabbed: Combat first aider Pte Shannon Tuckerdelivers a flu vaccination to Capt Gabrielle Raffin.

Photo by Cpl Melina Mancuso

Range revitalisedBy Flt-Lt John McCourt

EAST Timor’s security forces and the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF) worked together to upgrade the police (PNTL) weapons range at Liquica, west of Dili, which was officially reopened on May 25.

ISF engineers lent their expertise to the pro-ject, ensuring the range complied with standards required for its use by local security forces and Australian troops.

Members of the ISF and the PNTL gathered at the range to mark its official reopening.

After a short ceremony, range practice ses-sions were held, led by PNTL Commander Longuinhos Monteiro and ISF Commander Col Michael Reilly.

Commander Monteiro thanked the ISF engineers for their expertise and said the facil-ity would be of considerable assistance for the PNTL’s weapons training, as well as for East Timorese and international troops.

ISF troops will be able to access the range on a regular basis.

On target: An Australian ISF soldier helps an East Timorese police officer rectify a stoppage at the new range facility in Liquica. Inset, an East Timorese police officer tries out a Steyr on the new range.

Photos by Cpl Melina Mancuso

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14 WORLD NEWS Army June 9, 2011

By Lt Jesse Platz

SPECIAL Operations Task Group (SOTG) per-sonnel have raised almost $40,000 to invest in three critically important trust funds.

Deployed Special Forces personnel have been regularly donating to the Commando Welfare Trust, the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) Resources Trust and the Legacy Trust to support family mem-bers of colleagues injured or killed during service.

The voluntary donations directly contribute to family support, welfare and education through bur-saries.

SOTG CO Lt-Col G said he was impressed by the generosity of his men.

“These trust funds mirror the values of the typical Australian soldier,” he said.

“Each one is giving his own hard-earned money to a cause, treating his mate’s family like his own.”

SOTG members raised $36,000 for the Commando Welfare Trust Fund, $2300 for the SASR Resources Trust and $564 for Legacy.

Lt-Col G said the Commando Welfare Trust Fund received the most donations because members of 1 Cdo Regt comprised the main SOTG effort during winter.

“We will continue to encourage donations for the rest of the year and beyond. It is the least we can do to ensure families of these dedicated Australians have peace of mind in challenging times,” he said.

The Commando Welfare Trust was raised to sup-port both emergency funding and long-term financial requirements of families in times of hardship.

The SASR Resources Trust was established in October 1996 to provide financial relief to SAS members and their dependants. Since inception, it has received more than $3 million in donations and dis-tributed more than $800,000 in beneficiary payments.

SOTG donations are also going to the SAS Historical Foundation, which is responsible for recording, preserving and displaying the heritage of the SAS in a Campbell Barracks museum.

SF raise funds on operationsComms enhanced

By Lt Jesse Platz

TROOPS of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) will have bet-ter communicat ions with the opening of the Signalman Sean McCarthy Communications Centre in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Opened on May 7, the centre has been named in honour of the SOTG signaller killed in action on July 8, 2008.

The Deputy Special Operations Commander Australia, Brig Mark Smethurst, unveiled the plaque during his recent tour of the Middle East.

He said the new facility would greatly enhance SOTG’s communica-tions and information systems.

“The new centre is an impressive, state-of-the-art asset,” Brig Smethurst said.

“It is the culmination of months of work by our men and women in Kandahar and will provide SOTG with an effective and dependable commu-nications infrastructure for many years to come.”

The centre was built to enhance communication and information sys-tems for the Australian Special Forces contingent in theatre.

It has been touted as the most advanced, well-equipped facility of its kind in the Middle East Area of Operations.

“It was an honour to be involved in the opening ceremony and reflect on the life and service of Sig Sean McCarthy,” Brig Smethurst said.

“He was a professional and dedicat-ed soldier and it is our privilege to have this facility named after him.”

Get the message: SOTG personnel who often operate long distances from established friendly positions will benefit from the increased capabilities provided by the new communications centre in Kandahar, opened by Deputy Special Operations Commander Brig Mark Smethurst (inset) on May 7.

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WORLD NEWS 15Army June 9, 2011

By Sgt Andrew Hetherington

AUSTRALIAN engineers deployed to Tarin Kot working with the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) are mentoring the construction of local civilian building projects.

When the projects are completed they will improve the way of life for the people of Uruzgan province.

PRT project engineer Capt Andrew Oxlade and his team visit a range of building projects weekly to inspect the work of civilian contractors.

One such building project is the new Tarin Kot girls’ school, being built to replace the only girls’ school in the town, which was in a bad state of repair.

When finished, the $2 million dou-ble-storey building will be a safe place to provide much-needed education for 600 female primary and high school students.

Its main features will include 23 class rooms, an indoor gym, a library and science laboratories.

“We go to the school site to inspect the civilian contractor’s quality of work and progress according to the work schedule and see if they have any issues,” Capt Oxlade said.

“It’s a partnership that allows us to

pass on construction knowledge, tech-niques and standards to them.”

The team does face challenges dur-ing their mentoring work.

“The local construction companies are not required to meet the same con-struction standards as we must meet in Australia,” Capt Oxlade said.

“But we include the Australian building code and Australian standards

for design as much as we can in every project, ensuring the product we and the contractor deliver is of a high standard.”

Civilian contract engineering man-ager Muntaz Omerzai has been working on the school since July last year.

“We are really happy with the qual-ity of work of the Australians and of them monitoring our work,” Mr Omerzai said.

“This school will help a lot of local people and the local government is happy with this project.”

Painter Mohammad Noor, who was working at the site during the PRT’s recent visit, said his daughter would attend classes when the school opened.

“My daughter, Hasina, is five and she has never gone to school,” he said.

“She will go to this school and get knowledge and education here.

“I hope the education will change her life and hopefully she will be a doctor.”

Mr Noor said he was grateful for the help Australia had given his country.

The Tarin Kot girl’s school is expected to reach completion as this edition of Army goes to print.

Concrete improvementsPRT’s crucial roleTHE PRT engineering works team con-sists of seven personnel and focuses on construction and reconstruction efforts in support of Afghan development projects.

The team is responsible for managing building projects, including the organisa-tion of the tender process, procurement of the contract and often the design of the buildings.

When construction begins, the team visits sites and mentors the civilian con-tractors until the contract is completed.

At any one time the team is manag-ing up to seven projects in various stag-es of tender, design and construction.

Future PRT projects will include a number of bridges to be constructed in Uruzgan province.

Almost finished: PRT’s Capt Andrew Oxlade discusses the progress of the new Tarin Kot girl’s school with civilian project engineer Muntaz Omerzai while painter Mohammad Noor (inset) prepares a wall in one of the new school’s classrooms. Photos by Sgt Andrew Hetherington

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WORLD NEWS 17Army June 9, 2011

By Lt Matt Schroff

TWENTY-two students became the newest members of the Uruzgan workforce after grad-uating from the Provincial Reconstruction Team’s (PRT) trade training school on May 7.

Under the guidance of Afghan and Australian instructors, the students completed the three-month basic course focusing on skilled trades such as carpentry, plumbing and concreting.

PRT Senior Project Engineer Capt Ryan Orders said the stu-dents were just getting started.

“What’s going to happen next is they’ll go back to their families, but we’ve introduced them to the contractors in the local area,” he said.

“This will give them an oppor-tunity to establish a connection with the construction industry. I’m confident that those who are inter-ested will be able to secure jobs.”

The students are also literally handed the tools for success upon receiving their diplomas, as they each receive a bag full of the most common tools they can expect to use on a typical construction site.

“It gives the students an immediate opportuni ty for employment, which is a major concern in the area for the young people,” Capt Orders said.

“It also develops the basic trade industry – the construc-tion industry is very important in Uruzgan.”

Training trade off

Ismatullah Ismat, a recent grad-uate of the school, said he came to improve his carpentry skills, but ended up learning a lot more.

“I really like the carpentry,” Mr Ismat said.

“I’m going to keep going with carpentry, do some work in town or on the base, and do some work with contractors in roofing or carpentry.”

As well as teaching students trade skills, the school also main-tains contacts with many of the local construction companies and contracting firms.

Each time a class graduates, there are typically three or four local contractors who participate in the ceremony and stay to talk with the graduates afterwards.

Mohammad Akbar, who works

with the construction company WNEG, said the trade school was a good source of workers.

“As an engineer, I’d really like to get some of these students to work with me,” he said.

“We have a problem on jobs because there is not skilled labour in town. We need guys for the roofing jobs and concrete, plumb-ing and steel fixing.”

Ready to work: A trade training school graduate receives his diploma from instructor LCpl Shawn James as Capt Ryan Orders looks on. Photo by US Air Force Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss

DEFENCE personnel, contractors and civilians who underwent minor surgical procedures at the ADF Health Facility at Al Minhad Air Base between February 2009 and August 2010 have been requested to contact their local Defence medical facility or general practitioner after an issue with a steriliser was recently identified.

An assessment found the administration of the steri-liser’s records was not carried out in accordance with Australian standards.

As such there was no guarantee that some instruments within the health facility were sterilised effectively.

Defence is unable to identify all individuals who had minor surgical procedures performed as in some cases administrative records regarding minor procedures were not maintained except on personal health records.

However, surgical instruments were thoroughly cleaned and put through a six-layer process, making it unlikely for infectious agents to survive.

Since the issue was identified the steriliser has been returned to Australia and tested.

The steriliser was found to be operating in accord-ance with Australian standards and full sterilisation was achieved during the testing process.

More information is available at www.defence.gov.au/health

Health advice from MEAO

SOLDIERS deployed on operations across the globe answered the Salvation Army’s call and started col-lecting donations for the Red Shield Appeal before and during the weekend door knock of May 28-29. Full details of funds donated by ADF personnel were still being calculated as Army went to print.

The ADF and Salvation Army have maintained strong links for decades and the close relationship has helped generate support for the charity. The red shield badge was worn by volunteers who provided welfare during both world wars.

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Secdet troopers hand over to MPsTHE soldiers of Baghdad Security Detachment 17 handed over Australian embassy security duties to 1 MP Bn on May 14 and returned to Australia on May 19.

The 33-member Secdet comprised mainly 2 Cav Regt troopers, but also included soldiers from other Army and Air Force units.

Attending the embassy parade to hand over responsibility to the Brisbane-based MPs, the Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, Maj-Gen Angus Campbell, said Secdet 17 had accomplished its mission of supporting Australian diplomats.

“Although security in Baghdad is improving, it’s essential our embassy staff are protected while under-taking their important duties,” he said.

“Your contribution in providing security has been invaluable to the successful Australian diplomatic mission in Iraq.”

The ADF has been providing security to the Australian Embassy in Bagdad for eight years.

During the deployment, Secdet 17 supported more than 1127 security activities for embassy staff, averaging five separate tasks a day.

OC Maj Shaun Richards said his unit had contin-ued the achievements of previous deployments and maintained the ADF’s professional reputation abroad.

“Our efforts in providing security to the Australian Embassy in a difficult environment have allowed the diplomatic effort to succeed in its mission to promote Australia’s national interests,” he said.

The 1 MP Bn Secdet rotation is expected to be the last of Operation Kruger. Embassy security responsi-bilities are likely to be managed by a civilian contrac-tor when the MPs depart in eight months.

March off: Secdet 17 marches off parade after handing over security responsibilities to the new rotation. Inset top, Secdet 17 members retrieve their Australian flag during the handover ceremony. Inset centre, Cpl Tony Jennings receives a commendation during the parade. Inset bottom, OC Secdet 17 Maj Shaun Richards greets his daughters, Amy and Haley, on his return to Australia.

Australian photo by AB James Whittle

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WORLD NEWS 19Army June 9, 2011

Partners form strong tiesAS THE engineers and medi-cal personnel taking part in Pacific Partnership finished up their work in Papua New Guinea, engineering contingent OIC Lt Michael Sipple reflected on the team’s experiences during the first half of the mission.

The Australian engineering con-tingent, made up of personnel from 17 Const Sqn and 6ESR, has been posted to the US Navy warship, USS Cleveland, as it visits several countries throughout the Pacific providing con-struction and medical aid.

Lt Sipple said it was a mission of many firsts for most of the Australian engineers.

“This is our first time on a ship,” he said. “It is the first time we have worked alongside US Navy Seabees (engineer sailors). It’s the first time for the majority of the members to use their trade overseas as international representatives of Australia.”

He said Pacific Partnership had been a great learning and relationship-building activity for all involved.

“Our sappers have established strong relationships with our Seabee colleagues, the ship’s crew, the host nations’ defence forces and the local people,” he said.

“These relationships have allowed us to learn new construction tech-niques from US, Tongan, Vanuatuan and Papua New Guinean engineers and to share our knowledge.”

While working on a construction project in Tonga, the combined team of engineers encountered a problem with a section of formwork.

“The Americans and Australians

kept talking about difficult and time-consuming solutions while the Tongans remained silent,” Lt Sipple said.

“After a few minutes, a Tongan ser-geant walked up to the formwork and fixed the problem in less than a minute with no tools.

“He looked at us with a cheeky smile before releasing an unforget-table laugh. The rest of us were left silently looking at each other until one of the lads spoke up and said ‘you must have learnt that when you were in Australia’.”

Lt Sipple said the participating

engineers put a lot of effort into each construction project and the comple-tion of a building was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local community members.

During visits to Tonga and Vanuatu, Pacific Partnership engineers complet-ed about a dozen construction projects,

while medical personnel treated almost 10,000 patients and more than 250 ani-mals. Participants have also engaged in about 15 community service projects throughout the region.

After leaving PNG, the team will continue the mission in East Timor and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Educational experience: Australian Spr Richard Pepper (right) works with a US engineer on a new classroom at Kameua Primary School in Vanuatu during Pacific Partnership 2011. Photo by LS Helen Frank

20 CENTREPIECE Army June 9, 2011 21

FIRE

READY

Maj Ian Toohill and Sgt Brian Hartigan

take a look at some of the best marksmen in

the world.

HU N D R E D S o f s k i l l e d marksmen from around the world came together at Puckapunyal to test their

skills in the fine art of combat shoot-ing for the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting in May.

More than 300 top shooters from 13 countries gathered at Puckapunyal from May 5-18 to compete for top accolades in a range of disciplines.

The Australian Army and Navy components of the meeting selected the champion shot of each service, with Maj Kirk Stone, a reservist at Land Warfare Development Centre Puckapunyal, crowned as the Army’s top shooter and PO Gordon Orr, Navy Band Sydney, taking the Navy’s top award.

RAAF have yet to join the competi-tion, but the invitation remains open.

The champion shooting unit was 1/19RNSWR and the champion brigade was 11 Bde.

Tough competitionMaj Stone first competed in

AASAM in 1996 and has always placed in the top 10.

“AASAM is an excellent training opportunity and a chance to compete against some of the best in the world,” he said.

AASAM is open to all ADF mem-bers as well as overseas competitors, and this year teams from Australia, Canada, French Forces New Caledonia (FFNC), Indonesia, East Timor, Brunei, Netherlands, USA, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand participated, with a contingent from Japan observing keenly with a view to joining the competition next year. Lt-Col Koki Watanabe, Japanese Ground Self Defence Force, said he was impressed with the event.

LCpl Lincoln Haycroft f rom Kununurra WA, who travelled 4000km to compete at his fourth AASAM, said the meeting was a great opportunity for young shooters to improve their skills.

“Coming third in the LSW match the first year I competed was a stand-out moment for me,” he said.

“With only two years of Army expe-rience before the match, I was shocked at that result, but, more importantly, surprised by how much I was able to improve throughout the competition.

“This year, I hit 10 bullseyes, top scoring with 50 out of 50 at 300m. I am pretty happy about that.”

“AASAM provides a good opportu-nity to do some training with regional defence forces in Australia and we are planning to return with a team of 16 competitors next year,” he said.

International eventConducted under the auspices of

the Combined Arms Training Centre (CATC), planning for AASAM is done by a small team of personnel posted to the Small Arms Policy Section.

Commandant CATC Col Sean Ryan

said AASAM was emerging as a sig-nificant regional engagement activity conducted by the ADF in Australia.

“It is not only an important bench-mark for the Army’s shooting standards, it is also a very useful activity to intro-duce new training systems and tech-niques into the shooting continuum” Col Ryan said.

Comprising a series of team and individual activities, including day and night shooting, wearing ballistic protection during LF6 and all close quarter practices, the re-introduction of 7.62mm machine guns, a bayonet assault course to simulate close-quarter fighting, and deliberate shooting out to

400m, this year’s event proved demand-ing.

Contestants fired pistols, rifles and machineguns using their respective forces’ standard-issue weapons, and matches were designed to replicate con-ditions and stresses of current opera-tional environments, helping to vali-date current doctrine and marksmanship training standards.

New additionsComputer simulation was introduced

for the first time this year, with seri-als at the Weapons Training Simulation System (WTSS) using computer-gen-

erated imagery specially designed by Meggitt Training Systems Australia to replicate realistic targets in an urban environment.

In another first for the ADF, advanced moving targetry for snipers was also introduced.

After observing the sniper demon-stration, Col Ryan said moving vehicle targets provided another great training enhancement for CATC School of Inf.

“This clearly presents a new oppor-tunity to train our snipers in the ability to hit moving targets,” Col Ryan said.

“The Badger mobility vehicle and guidance setup allows us to enhance the training of our snipers and promote the

kind of teamwork needed to engage tar-gets at extended ranges, which current classification and marksmanship train-ing ranges do not allow.”

Location, locationThis was the fourth year the annual

competition was held at Puckapunyal and AASAM CO Lt-Col Wally Jensen said he couldn’t be happier. “It is an ideal venue for such an event,” he said.

“AASAM has grown in size and reputation in recent years and, at this venue, event organisers are able to cope with some limited expansion in com-petitor numbers.”

He said the competition was an excellent, cost-effective international activity, built on the common language of marksmanship.

“Positive relationships are forged, shooting skills are shared in an atmos-phere of friendly rivalry between com-peting nations and esprit de corps is fostered among Army units,” Lt-Col Jensen said.

He said AASAM 2012 – from May 1-18 – promised to be an even stronger competition as more international teams came on board and as the high level of interest shown by ADF units continued to grow.

At home on the rangeBEFORE transferring to the ARes to pursue his interest in farming, Maj Kirk Stone served as an infantry officer for 15 years.

The Army’s champion shot for 2011 has served operation-ally in East Timor and Iraq, and has been closely involved in developing soldiers’ marksman-ship skills. He wrote the Army Combat Shooting Manual, has been closely involved with AASAM since he first competed in 1996 and is a member of the Army Shooting Team.

Those who know Maj Stone say it was inevitable the vet-eran marksman would win the event one day – he’s never placed outside of the top 10 in the event and last year came third. As a member of the Army Shooting Team he has repre-sented Australia in the UK, US and South Africa.

Maj Stone bested 147 other Australian soldiers for the top honour, while Indonesian Second Corporal Wolly Hamsan took out the overall award in the international event.

ArAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA my June 9, 2

ohill and artigansome of

ksmen in he world.

Fast mover: Cfn Greg Hamilton, 1 Avn Regt, leads the 16 Avn Bde shooting

team through the obstacle course before the team snap shooting contest.

Talking shop: Sniper Cpl Garth Cook talks US Marine Lt-Col Mark Mackey through the Australian-issue 7.62mm SR 98 sniper rifle

after the AASAM Sniper match.

Top shot: Maj Kirk Stone has been closely involved in Army shooting for 15 years.

En garde: Lt Levi Simington, 1RTB, shows his war face while fighting through

the bayonet assault course alongside a New Zealand Army competitor.

Smashed: A clay target shatters during a pistol match.

Moving target: A car occupied by dummies is towed across

the sniper range by the remote-control Badger mobility vehicle.

Smashed: A clay target shatters during a pistol match.

by dummies is towed across thhhe snnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnipppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppper ranannnnnnnnanannnannnnnnnanannannnnnnananaanaaannnnaaaannnnannnaannnaaannaa ge by the remote-cooooontrol Badggdgdggggddgdgdgdgggdgddddggggdgdgddgdggggdddddggggggdddddggggggddddddgggddddddggggggggggggggggereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee mmmmmmmmobbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbility vehihhhhhhhhhhhhhh cle.

Photos: Sgt John Waddell

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22 LETTERS Army June 9, 2011

I WAS speaking to a friend the other day and he toldme disheartening news.

He had heard that the JTF commander inAfghanistan stated he only wants WO1s on theOperational Mentor and Liaison Team.

As the Army is a small world and information travelsfar and wide on the diggers’ net, it may not be correct.

I would like to know if this is correct as I missedout on a trip with 2RAR due to numbers and, if this hadanything to do with it, I have my back up as it wouldhave been my first deployment to the Middle East andI was looking forward to the experience. It would alsohave been my last chance with a battalion as I will beposted at the end of this year.

I don’t see how one rank can cover everything andI have experience with the most recent TTPs and theeight-man section, not to mention my long list of experi-ences that comes with my 20 years.

My friend also told me that some didn’t pass theTOETs when tested for deployment. Now I’m not hav-ing a crack at WO1s, I’m not insubordinate and I dohave friends who are WO1s, but that is a big call and Ithink and feel experience not rank should be the big fac-tor as you want the right people for the job. Sgt David Joliffe3RAR, Holsworthy

Ability counts, not rank

AT THE risk of sounding like a waster whinging to the editor, I have noted with interest the announcement to increase mar-ried quarter (MQ) and living-in accommoda-tion (LIA) contributions from May 26.

Although I am grateful Defence subsidises our MQ contributions, it is a condition of service that all of us were originally recruited under that MQ and LIA subsidisation which was provided for at a generous rate.

This increase comes on the back of other numerous attacks on our conditions of service since December 2007.

In my case the increase will amount to an 11.5 per cent immediate rise on what I currently pay for a MQ, increasing from $370 per fort-night to $410 according to information I have received from the pay cell.

This decision has just negated any pay rise

that I have received in the past two years. If I was to request a 11.5 per cent pay rise effective a month from the original request, I would be rightly told to bugger off.

In relation to my fellow soldiers who have LIA, I fail to see why an increase is required when they are being housed on base in accom-modation that Defence already owns which is not subject to a rental market.

With such decisions coming thick and fast, it is difficult not to suspect, as many do, that the $20 billion in savings demanded by the Strategic Reform Program are in part being made on the backs of every member of the ARA by way of the reduction or curtailment of our conditions of service.

The circumstantial evidence is growing.LCpl Peter Evans1CSR, Darwin

New contributions unfair

Mentors: Should operational positions be allocated based on rank or the ability and experience of potential candidates? Photo by Sgt Mick Davis

DGPERS-A submitted an article to Army forinclusion in the May 26 edition to mark NationalReconciliation Week’s 2011 theme of “Let’s talkrecognition”.

It was intended that this article would recognisethe contribution made by the members of the ArmyIndigenous Strategy Steering Committee and promoteself-identification on PMKeyS by Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander soldiers.

Unfortunately, Army edited the published article, “Achance to improve Indigenous records”, in a way thatdestroyed the integrity of the original article.

In the opening line, many Indigenous soldiers areignored by the use of “Aboriginal”.

Army generally uses the term Indigenous or ATSIacronym to describe Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslanders. Changing Indigenous to Aboriginal and thenomitting Torres Strait Islanders in that opening para-graph was disrespectful.

DGPers-A is committed to the goals of CA’sDirective including raising Indigenous cultural aware-ness and developing personnel policy to support theparticipation and retention of Indigenous soldiers.Col Brendan StevensDirectorWorkForce Strategy – ArmyEditor’s note: Army apologises for the error.

Reference did not include all

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TRAINING 23Army June 9, 2011

Sigs turn up the heatBy LCpl Mark Doran

CHALLENGED by freezing tem-peratures, almost 100 reserv-ists from 8 Sig Regt took part in Exercise Mercury Rage from May 13-16 at the Majura Training Area near Canberra.

The enthusiastic reservists from depots in Adamstown, Canberra, Dundas, Holsworthy and Randwick committed themselves to the four-day activity to practise their trade and core soldier skills.

Ex Mercury Rage was part of 8 Sig Regt’s preparation for coming exercises, including Exercise Talisman Sabre, to be held from July 1 to August 7, as well as coming rehearsal exercises for Operations Anode and Astute.

The signallers controlled DSN and DRN terminals, managed satellite communications, laid lines, conduct-ed radio reconnaissance and clearing patrols and rehearsed infantry minor tactics.

CO 8 Sig Regt Lt-Col Darrin Glen said the unit had deliberately targeted commercial communication experts to be enlisted in RASigs and his part-time soldiers were professionals in their fields. “The 2 Div signallers are becoming a significant capability for Army,” he said.

“We’re sending individuals and capability to Op Anode and Op Astute and last year a number of reservists also deployed to Op Slipper.

“I take my hat off to how these sol-diers can turn up every Tuesday night and every training weekend because

they also have full-time family, social and work commitments – their dedi-cation and professionalism has been outstanding.”

LCpl Susan Hutchinson, who outside of her ARes role works for Defence in Future Joint Concepts, was responsible for internal telecommuni-cations during Ex Mercury Rage and said she was looking forward to Ex Talisman Sabre.

“Talisman Sabre is a great way to

consolidate everything in our trade in an environment which is well pre-pared and supported and I am look-ing forward to advancing my trade skills and supporting the ARA,” LCpl Hutchinson said.

“I have always considered my work in reserves as a parallel career and I find because of my training I have a range of skills and insights I can now apply in the workplace.

“There are always challenges as we

only come together for training on the weekends, so it is essentially a new team every time we deploy, but we have a great group and we have had a great time.

“The regiment is fortunate because we have so many people with a wide range of skills.”

Cpl Andrew O’Brien also works for Defence in his civilian career and was part of the satellite bearer detachment, which maintained the DSN, DRN

and voice communication during the exercise.

He said the exercise had been chal-lenging and at times stressful because of the extra tasks, such as conducting perimeter defence while trying to main-tain communications.

“My ARes work has put me in good stead for civilian employment as some of the challenges I face in the field help me in my job by allowing me to think outside the box,” Cpl O’Brien said.

Loud and clear: Cpl Andrew O’Brien conducts a comms check during Ex Mercury Rage at Majura Range. Inset, LCpl Susan Hutchinson puts her fieldcraft abilities to the test as the signallers practise core soldier skills. Photos by LCpl Mark Doran

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24 TRAINING Army June 9, 2011

Next stop,

Commanders train for village meetingsBy Lt Tim Boldeman

MENTORING Task Force 3’s com-mand and leadership team conducted valuable shura training at Lavarack Barracks, learning how to engage and work alongside their Afghan counter-parts during their coming deployment to Uruzgan province.

Shuras are an important part of Afghan culture. Traditionally, a shura is the forum in which legitimate political authority is exercised within a community and where decisions are made by popular consent.

Ultimately, the shura is a vehicle by which the community can collectively deliberate on issues and seek an outcome.

Hosting the training activity, Maj Damien Geary, CTC, drew upon his own experience from Mentoring Reconstruction Task Force 2 and included a scripted lesson from the International Security Assistance Force Counter Insurgency Academy.

Capt Sam Wythes-Willis organised the shura activity and said the training would help the MTF 3 commanders be better prepared to deal with issues in a tradi-tional Afghan way.

“This will be key in working with Afghans and ensuring we are best placed to mentor them in a highly complex envi-ronment,” Capt Wythes-Willis said

The activity gave the command and leadership team an insight into Afghan customs and traditions and outlined some of the key cultural differences.

One of the learning points many com-manders took away from the training was the importance of body language when conducting a shura.

The team was shown ways of identify-ing the effectiveness of the consultation and the strategies required to steer a con-versation to achieve an aim.

The training highlighted the need to understand the Afghan culture and the importance it played within a shura.

New culture: MTF 3 commanders take part in a traditional Afghan shura at Lavarack Barracks during training for their coming deployment.

Photo by Pte Craig Storey

Force protection: An MTF 3 soldier secures the perimeter as a convoy leaves the forward operating base during a mission rehearsal exercise at High Range Training Area in Townsville. Photo by Cpl Raymond Vance

Correcting the recordON PAGE 22 of the May 26 edition of Army, two naming errors appeared in the story covering new IET training for combat arms corps reservists. The new course is called the Combat Arms Module, not Combined Arms Module, as was originally printed in the story. The Combat Arms Training Centre is also referred to incorrectly as the Combined Arms Training Centre. Army apologises for the errors.

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TRAINING 25Army June 9, 2011

AfghanistanBy Capt Lacey Western

THE soldiers of MTF 3 have come a step closer to their imminent Afghanistan deploy-ment, completing a comprehen-sive mission rehearsal exercise at High Range Training Area in Townsville.

The 700-strong 2RAR-based task force spent 11 days training, planning and carrying out mis-sions to prepare for the dangers and challenges of their deploy-ment.

The CTC-managed exercise was supported by elements from across the Army and Air Force, with Black Hawks, an F/A-18 Hornet and role players adding to the realism.

CTC-Live fitted the troops out with the latest laser simulation technology, creating a realistic operating environment where sol-diers must use cover and com-manders have to think carefully about their tactics to avoid casual-ties.

Townsville-based civilian con-tractors Redsocks and Cubic also provided logistic and technical support.

Once deployed, the focus for MTF 3 will be on develop-ing the operational viability of the Afghan National Army’s 4th Brigade.

Working as part of Combined Team – Uruzgan will allow MTF

3 to draw on a range of interna-tional support options, including close air support, dedicated evacu-ation helicopters and an expansive net of linked intelligence assets.

MTF 3 CO Lt-Col Chris Smith said the realistic and comprehen-sive training prepared the soldiers well for the mission ahead.

“I’m happy with the outcome; the soldiers performed very well, they started at a very good stand-ard and finished the exercise at an excellent standard,” he said.

“Morale is very high right now; the guys are very confident in their own skills and they are confident in their equipment.

“They believe strongly in the mission they are going to Afghanistan to achieve.”

The culmination of the exer-cise signals the end of MTF 3’s collective training.

Final preparations are now under way for the combined force’s mid-year deployment.

CTC-Live has been helping soldiers prepare for deployment to Afghanistan with state-of-the-art simu-lation equipment designed to create a realistic battle-field complete with air and artillery support.

At the core of CTC-Live’s simulation capability is the laser-based equipment of the live simulation, range instrumentation and information system.

Soldiers wear GPS-equipped harnesses weighing about 4kg with a laser projector fitted to their per-sonal weapons.

The system, which can also be fitted to vehicles, provides a real-time common operating picture for exercise planners and records events and actions for after-action reviews.

Soldiers can inflict simulated hits and near misses on opposing forces and vehicles fitted with laser-detection equipment. The system also includes simu-lated mines, grenades and anti-armour weapons and allows for virtual air and artillery support.

CTC-Live CO Lt-Col Scott Tatnell described simulation as an enhancement to the live training conducted, which allowed soldiers to train to a level of realism never before achieved.

“Many systems used in field training can be very expensive, such as ground attack aircraft, or cannot apply realistic effects, such as indirect engagement,” he said.

“The inclusion of live simulation in training allows for soldiers and commanders to train in a cost-effec-tive yet realistic and high-tempo environment.”

For MTF 3’s mission rehearsal exercise, Joint and Combined Training Capability technicians provided a remotely piloted aircraft for reconnaissance and an F/A-18 Hornet for air support, without the need to keep the expensive air assets available throughout the entire exercise.

Even when the aircraft don’t appear overhead in the real world, pilots are in the simulator as troops call in air support. Real-world battlefield information on locations of friendly and enemy forces is fed into the simulator and the effect of the air strike is relayed to forces in the field through the simulation system, which automatically calculates injuries and kills based on proximity to the point of impact.

“Of course, the use of simulation can never fully replace the use of real assets,” Lt-Col Tatnell said.

“It is, however, more readily available given our current high operating tempo and not affected by climatic conditions.” – Capt Lacey Western

High-tech training

The whole picture: Brad Walton from Joint and Combined Training Capability watches over the simulated UAV feeds being transmitted to the MTF 3 commander. Photo by Cpl Raymond Vance

Captain Cameron Dickens joined the Army to go to places like Afghanistan and East Timor.

‘Why would you train for so long not to go the places where you are going to use that training?’ he asked.

Cameron’s wife Marin said ‘I was devastated when he went to East Timor, but I understand that these trips give our serving members the chance to help others and this is the reason that Cameron has put his heart and soul into his training.’

‘I have special advantage in that I work for Defence as a civilian so it gives me a better appreciation for the reasons our partners are away so much and also

means I have an employer who understands the unusual lifestyle attached to being a Defence family,’ she said.

When Cameron goes away, Marin is thankful for her DHA home and support network that it provides.

‘DHA gives us a house which in turn means a home for our family’. In living in the places we’ve been we’ve got some great friends,’ she said.

‘I met my good friend Vicki in Darwin, and when we moved to Sydney I met her sister Corinne, and now the three of us are all friends.’

‘DHA gives us a house which in turn means a home for our family.’

MARIN DICKENS, DEFENCE SPOUSE

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Battle tours open eyesFEATURES 27Army June 9, 2011

Lone Pine: Cpl Matthew Luhtasaari, 1RTB, reads the Ode of Remembrance at the Lone Pine service. Cpl Erin Moore, 10FSB, (inset top) and Bdr Peter Smith, 1RTB, (inset bottom) were the other recipients of the CA’s scholarship for the study tour of Gallipoli. Photos by Cpl Raymond Vance

French connection: From left, LCpl Nicholas Lines, 2CER, Cpl Rebecca Piper, RMC, WO1 Jodie Stewart, Army HQ, and Bdr Shane Fender, 7 Fd Regt, at the site of the ‘Cobbers’ statue at Fromelles.

A month ago Cpl Matt Luhtasaari, 1RTB, Bdr Peter Smith, 1RTB, and Cpl Erin Moore, 10FSB, knew plenty about Gallipoli – they just had never seen the

famous peninsula.Now, after visiting Gallipoli as recipients of the

CA’s ‘I’m an Australian Soldier’ scholarship, they would know more about the place than most people in the Army.

Also for the first time, three soldiers travelled to the Western Front as part of the scholarship. Cpl Rebecca Piper, RMC, Bdr Shane Fender, 7 Fd Regt, and LCpl Nicholas Lines, 2CER, walked the battlefields where more than 45,000 Australians died and said it was something they would never forget.

Cpl Piper said learning about the history of the bat-tles and “what the soldiers endured was a profoundly deep and emotional experience”.

“It was an honour to be part of the three Fromelles services from Cobbers Memorial Park, VC Corner and Pheasant Wood,” she said.

For Bdr Fender, the tour took a personal turn when the group travelled to Villers Bretonneux.

“Reading the Ode on Anzac Day at Villers Bretonneux with my great uncle’s name there on the wall is etched in my memory,” he said.

“By chance on the same day I discovered my other great uncle’s grave in Belgium – their deeds will never be forgotten.”

LCpl Lines said he felt honoured to be a part of the tour which was both humbling and inspiring.

“The Army traditions of teamwork, mateship, ini-tiative and courage were forged by these men in World War I,” he said.

“It wasn’t until I stood on the battlefield I really got a sense of how horrible the frontline was – to volunteer was an act of bravery in itself.”

The soldiers of the Gallipoli contingent also said the experience was the best education.

“I feel I now have a thorough and deep knowledge of the Gallipoli battle and what occurred there,” Cpl Luhtasaari said.

Bdr Smith said, he had “all this information in my mind, but I didn’t really understand it until I got there and saw all the stuff for myself”.

Cpl Moore said she had developed a good under-standing for what it “must have been like to have landed and fought at Gallipoli”.

“They were subject to relentless enemy shelling and sniping. It was far from easy; they had to live with rot-ting corpses, lice, flies and open toilets,” she said.

The scholarship wasn’t just about the tours, as all recipients took part in Anzac Day ceremonies including the dawn services.

Cpl Luhtasaari read the Ode of Remembrance at Lone Pine, while Cpl Moore and Bdr Smith acted as wreath orderlies.

“As an Australian soldier I stood proud knowing how many Australians have worn the uniform and endured tremendous hardships to serve their country,” Cpl Moore said.

Bdr Smith said being there “as a serving soldier made it not only the highlight of my military career but pretty much my life”.

The scholarship is fully funded and promotes the study of military history while recognising and reward-ing soldiers who achieve in the core areas of the ‘I’m an Australian Soldier’ initiative.

A call for nominations and further details for 2012 will be pub-lished in a later edition.

Six soldiers have experienced first hand two of Australia’s infamous WWI battlefields as recipients of the CA’s scholarship, Lt Adrian Miller and WO1 Jodie Stewart report.

28 FEATURES Army June 9, 2011

THE ADF will commemo-rate military working dogs on June 7, one year on from the death of explosive detec-

tion dog (EDD) handler Spr Darren Smith and EDD Herbie, 2CER, who were killed by an IED blast in Afghanistan.

Spr Smith was the first handler to be killed in action while operating a military working dog. Herbie was the second EDD to be killed in action – EDD Razz was killed by an IED in Afghanistan in September 2007.

The origin of Australian military working dogs can be traced back to Malaya, Borneo and the Vietnam War. EDD teams have deployed to Somalia, East Timor, Solomon Islands, Bougainville and Afghanistan. The Air Force has dog teams in East Timor.

Former RAE officer Capt George Hulse (retd) was the first OC of the Explosive Detection Dog Wing at SME.

“During the Vietnam War, mines, home-made bombs and booby-traps were being used in almost every area of the Australian controlled Phouc Tuy province of South Vietnam,” he said.

“There was also a presence of dozens of large tunnel complexes and thousands of enemy bunkers dotted throughout the province.

“The mines were killing and wounding our troops almost every day and the tunnels remained a lucky find rather than the outcome of a deliberate search. We needed something to help us resolve both of these problems.”

In 1969, the US Army began a Mine and Tunnel Detection Dog train-ing program and Australia wanted to evaluate the value of dogs in this role.

Mr Hulse, who in 1970 was post-ed to the US Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, saw dogs at work and met with numerous animal trainers and psychologists.

“I was convinced that dog teams could be trained to find explosives and tunnels and recommended Australia commence a Mine Dog Wing,” he said.

“The wing was quickly established at the School of Military Engineering, and in January 1971, we recruited the dogs, the staff and commenced training them for deployment to South Vietnam.

“The dogs were primarily trained to

detect explosives, but proved to be very efficient at detecting trip wires, enemy personnel, and indicated any unusual item, such as enemy signs along tracks, roads, built up areas, vehicles and buildings.”

Although the dogs were assessed for combat operations in early 1972 and passed, they were not sent to Vietnam because Australia had with-drawn from the war.

Today’s EDDs are deployed to Afghanistan where they are searching for explosives, weapons and ammuni-tion.

EDD handler LCpl Shaun Ward, 2CER, said handlers developed a strong bond with the EDDs, especially during deployments spanning six to nine months.

“They are someone you can always rely on to be there,” he said. “You look

after the dog before you look after yourself and they sleep in our swags with us.

“All of our searching is off lead so the danger for EDDs varies depending on what they find and how it’s placed.

“We have lost two dogs due to blasts, but the handlers do their best to read the dog and know when they have found something before they’re right on top of it.”

Working dogs have their dayAustralian military working dogs are contributing more than ever before in Afghanistan, but the capability was raised in a different time for a different operation, Cpl Zenith King reports.

Best friends: Spr Darren Smith and EDD Herbie were killed in action in Afghanistan last year. Inset, Australia’s military working dog capability was first raised in the late stages of the Vietnam War.

Tell us about the other hats you wearAll Reservists (Active and Specialist) should recently

have received mail asking about your civil skills (formal,

self-claimed, experience) for the Civil Skills Data e-survey.

It is very important that you complete this survey as it

helps the Australian Defence Force better identify people

with specific skills that can be drawn upon for emergencies,

exercises and deployments.

You will receive a half day pay for preparing and completing

the survey and it will also help your Reserve career.

It’s time to complete the Civil Skills Data e-survey

There’s still time for you to complete the survey. Make sure

you have all your paperwork ready – licences, degrees and

other qualifications – before you start.

If you have any questions about the survey, or any of the

information collected, please email your query and PMKeyS

number to ADO.CivilSkillsData@defence.gov.au

You can complete the survey on your own or a Defence

computer, but you should complete it as soon as you can.

Visit www.civilskillsdata.com today

CIVILSKILLSDATASkills in Reserve

FEATURES 29Army June 9, 2011

‘Targets down, patch out’A

FORTY-year uniformed career in the British and Australian armies which spanned the mean streets

of Northern Ireland through to the unforgiving dasht of southern Afghanistan came to a close in a tranquil Bungendore paddock as Chief of Joint Operations Lt-Gen Mark Evans retired.

Lt-Gen Evans relinquished com-mand of the ADF’s deployed forces on May 19 as his final act in a 35-year career in the ADF.

In farewelling the staff at HQJOC, Lt-Gen Evans said the last three years had confirmed what he had always known about a large organisation such as the ADF.

“Any organisation is less about its buildings or its technology – it’s more about leadership, a common purpose, a clear objective, a set of values and it’s about character,” Lt-Gen Evans said.

“Such organisations will always be successful – such is the nature of this command.”

He said the headquarters personnel and those deployed in joint task forces should be proud of their achievements over the past three years.

“You have shown yourself to be what I expected – great ambassadors of your country, tremendous humani-tarians and fine warriors.”

In reflecting on Lt-Gen Evans’

contribution, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations RAdm Ray Griggs who will be the next Chief of Navy, described him as a consummate pro-fessional with unsurpassed operational experience in the ADF who was an absolute gentleman.

“Gen John Baker is considered the ‘architect’ of joint operations in the ADF and what is now HQJOC, but Lt-Gen Evans is without doubt its heart and soul,” RAdm Griggs said.

“His three years have left a last-

ing legacy on those of us who worked closely with him and the ADF as a whole – he is proof positive that the operational art is alive and well.”

During Lt-Gen Evans’ tenure, HQJOC consolidated from eight dif-ferent locations to its new facility at Bungendore, established new process-es and positioned itself firmly as an operational-level headquarters.

HQJOC has been responsible for coordinating 54 overseas and domes-tic operations, 86 combined and joint

exercises and more than 180 Defence Aid to the Civil Community or search and rescue tasks since Lt-Gen Evans took command in June 2008.

“Sadly in that time we lost 19 sol-diers in Afghanistan and one of our sailors died on Operation Resolute,” Lt-Gen Evans said.

“I will always be acutely aware of the cost of our operations on individu-als and families and will never forget their sacrifice. I also know this is part of our job and that we need to remain

robust and resilient to such loss.”The staff of HQJOC lined the facil-

ity’s driveway to offer a final salute to Lt-Gen Evans as he departed through the security gate for the final time.

In his final address to the headquar-ters and those serving on operations he said he remained immensely proud of his service and enormously privileged to serve his country.

“In the infantryman’s vernacular, as I ‘down targets and patch out’, I wish you good soldiering and God speed.”

Australia’s popular joint operations commander Lt-Gen Mark Evans has called it a day after a long and impressive military career.

Farewell: HQ Joint Operations Command personnel line the driveway as Lt-Gen Mark Evans departs. Inset, Lt-Gen Evans says goodbye to HQJOC personnel on his final day as joint operations commander.

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30 PERSONNEL Army June 9, 2011

AS WE enter our third year of SRP, reform activities continue to be a good cultural fit for many aspects of Army’s business.

Positive behavioural changes are occurring with units taking initia-tive and proactively embracing the opportunity to improve their business practices. These changes in culture have been assisted through awareness workshops and the CA’s Challenge.

Units have been examining a num-ber of subjects in their reform activi-ties, from health, aviation mainte-nance and process mapping to course scheduling, transport and warehous-ing support functions, contract man-agement and training continuums.

To date, there have been eight rapid improvement exercises (RIEs) conducted in Army including the School of Inf, 1, 5 and 6 Avn Regts, RMC Duntroon, the School of Armour, 2/14 LHR(QMI), and 1 Div. There are three more scheduled in June and numerous others in the pipeline.

Recently, the School of Armour, in conjunction with armoured units, conducted the first RIE that focused on training.

Multiple units worked together to analyse the current training courses for M1A1s, ASLAVs and M113AS4s

REFORM UPDATEBy DCA Maj-Gen Paul Symon

and identified opportunities to reduce the consumption of some natures of high-explosive ammunition and the length of some formal courses. It also flagged further potential efficiencies through the use of crew training sim-ulators that will be delivered within Army’s minor projects schedule.

These findings highlight that Army’s culture is changing and sol-diers are welcoming the opportunity to find better ways of doing their business. They also pose a challenge to Army’s commanders to maintain the momentum generated by the CA’s Challenge program in 2010.

Reforms continue in leaps and bounds as more units take part

Support survey

A million on CampusONLINE education system Campus celebrated its one millionth course completion when AB Jenna Harvey finished the Introduction to Security course on May 9. Campus was launched in 2003 and offers almost 3000 courses to all Defence members.

Families need a voiceDEFENCE Families of Australia (DFA) is inviting personnel to par-ticipate in its annual pre-conference survey and meetings. This year’s survey topics include deployment, relocations, education, child care and the national Defence families access card. More details at www.dfa.org.au

Alumni networkThe Defence Alumni Network (DAN) is scheduled to be launched on July 5. The internet portal will provide a comprehensive program, including social networking, information, news and events designed to attract and engage former members.

IN BRIEF

By Leut-Cmdr Helen Walker and Sqn-Ldr Deanna Nott

A SURVEY designed to gauge the effectiveness of the Employer Support Payment Scheme (ESPS) is being sent to reservists, their military supervisors and their civilian employers.

Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division’s ESPS Directorate will contact a select group who received Employer Support Payments in the financial year 2009/10.

“The objective of the ESPS is to enhance employer support for reserve service, thus increas-ing the availability of reservists to undertake Defence service,” ESPS Director Doug Stedman said.

“As with any government pro-gram involving the expenditure of public monies, it is important that we monitor how well the program is achieving its objectives.

“This 10-minute survey will help us measure the value of the reserve

Support: The employer support scheme has helped reservists take time off full-time work to deploy on exercises and operations.

Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

service undertaken by reservists for which ESPS payments were made.

“The survey will also provide data on issues such as how employ-ers find out about the ESPS and where they go to seek advice on ESPS queries.”

The confidential survey data will also be used to assist Defence staff and Defence Reserves Support Council members involved in the organisation and conduct of employer support activities.

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PERSONNEL 31Army June 9, 2011

MENTORING Task Force 3 members deploying to the MEAO have made a valuable contribution to Defence and the wider community in understanding the physical and mental-health chal-lenges faced by deploying personnel.

MTF 3 personnel participated in the MEAO Prospective Study, to compare health and wellbeing before and follow-ing deployment.

The results of this study will ena-ble independent researchers to advise Defence on how to minimise health impacts and optimise health and wellbe-ing for all members undertaking opera-tional deployments.

The MEAO Prospective Study is one of the four studies within the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP) that is fully supported by CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie.

MEAO Prospective Study Principal Investigator Annette Dobson said pre-deployment timelines were tight and both researchers and senior Defence per-

sonnel were very appreciative of the sup-port from MTF 3.

“Many members completed a ques-tionnaire while others also participated in the physical and neurocognitive test-ing,” Professor Dobson said.

“The results from these tests will be ground breaking.”

University of Adelaide Node of the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health is conducting the study for Defence. All information is treated in the strictest confi-dence and no identifiable information will be reported to the Department of Defence.

Participation in the study will in no way affect future employment, entitle-ments or benefits.

“We encourage everyone to partici-pate on their return from deployment, not only for their own benefit, but to improve the health outcomes of their colleagues who may be deploying in the future,” Professor Dobson said.

More information is available on 1800 232 904 or email cmvh@adelaide.edu.au

Check up: The MEAO Prospective Study is seeking information on the health challenges faced by deploying personnel. Here Sgt Jonathan Stevens gets a check-up from Dr Felicity Williams. Photo by Lauren Black

RESERVISTS who have com-pleted an eight-year qualifying period and accrued a service credit may be eligible for mortgage sub-sidy assistance under the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS).

To qualify, active members of reserve units must complete effec-tive reserve service of at least 20 days within a financial year.

The 20 days must include at least one day of reserve service, with the other days made up of either reserve service, permanent service, CFTS or, in certain circumstances, required unpaid attendance.

Director Relocations and Housing Alan McClelland said only effec-tive service was recognised under

DHOAS legislation for the purpose of determining a member’s eligibility and the level of subsidy entitlement.

“It is important for reserve mem-bers to understand if they fail to ren-der effective service, DHOAS leg-islation determines they effectively stopped being a member of the ADF for that entire service year,” Mr McClelland said.

“Ineffective service can substan-tially reduce the subsidy benefit – or cease it altogether.”

Mr McClelland said if members believed exceptional circumstances had prevented them from performing effective service as reservists, they may still be able to have their service deemed effective under Regulation 20.

“Recognised exceptional circum-stances include the correction of a

record-keeping error or where a ser-vice-related medical condition made the member medically unfit to serve during the year,” he said.

“However, exceptional circum-stances would generally not include civilian employment or where ser-vice was not offered.

“If seeking Regulation 20 con-sideration, members must submit their applications through their units for endorsement by their command-ing officers.

“After endorsement, applications can be submitted to the Director-General Personnel of Army.”

For more information on DHOAS go to www.dhoas.gov.au, call 1300 434 627 or email dhoas@dva.gov.au

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Parachute Training SchoolParachute Training School60th Anniversary 60th Anniversary

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CelebrationCelebrationFriday 12 Aug 11Friday 12 Aug 11Open Invitation Open Invitation to all current and to all current and former Parachute former Parachute Training School Training School MembersMembers

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Bookings close 29 Jul 11

DIKKO By Bob DikkenbergDIKKO

War graves: Pte Chris Mattingly (above), Australia’s Federation Guard, takes time to reflect after a ceremony at Phaleron Commonwealth War Cemetery in Greece. Photo by Cpl Janine Fabre

Get set: Spr Nathan Law (left) sorts through his gear at Canungra during training before deploying to East Timor as part of Timor-Leste Task Group 3. Photo by Sgt John Waddell

Uplifting: LCpl Brendan Clark enjoys a warm welcome from local children while visiting remote villages in East Timor. Photo Cpl by Melina Mancuso

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Life Insurance

Your unit

It’s nice to know that your unit on the home front will be looked after if anything happens to you. Because life is full of uncertainties no matter how fit and healthy you might be now. So if you have people who depend on you financially, then consider Defence Health Term Life Insurance for their protection. It will even cover you on warlike operations if you take it out before you know you are to be deployed. Don’t delay.

For a quote, brochure or application form call Defence Health on 1800 335 425 or visit www.defencehealth.com.au

This information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to acquire this product. You may wish to seek independent advice. This product is underwritten by Asteron Life Limited (ABN 64 001 698 228, AFSL 237903) and Defence Health receives remuneration of 11.78% of all premiums you pay to Asteron Life Limited. The Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement may be obtained by calling the Defence Health Member Service Centre on 1800 335 425 or downloaded from www.defencehealth.com.au

LIFESTYLE 33 Army June 9, 2011

Say again, over

If you can think of a clever, witty caption for the pic-ture, above, email captioncomp@defencenews.gov.au with “caption competition June 9” in the subject line. Keep entries under 25 words. Entries MUST include sender’s name, rank and unit.

VIDEO GAMES

May 26 winner“When they said it was time to ‘retire’ I didn’t think they had this in mind.”Sgt Rob Logan3CER

We also liked ...“Now that she had Grumpy, Sleepy and Doc, Edna’s collection of Army garden gnomes was halfway complete.”Maj Dan HayesDMO

Car nuts look no furtherGran Turismo 5Available on PS3

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ALTHOUGH it was released in late November last year, Gran Turismo 5 (GT 5) has just made it into my lounge room and on to my 42-inch plasma, due to deployments and gaining permission from the better half to purchase it.

Being a self-confessed car nut who’s never played or owned a copy of the previous four GT games, it’s been an eye-opener and secret fantasy (just don’t tell my wife) having at my disposal 1030 cars and 26 tracks, of vary-ing configurations and surfaces including asphalt, snow and dirt.

Firing up the game, you are faced with a choice of two different modes – GT and arcade – to test your driv-ing skills.

Arcade mode lets you choose your car and track and either drive in a single race, time trial, drift trial or a two-player race with a friend sitting next to you.

This is a fun way to play, but not as satisfying as GT mode, which is really the only way to play GT 5.

This is where you create your profile, buy and sell your cars, earn credits and racing licences, enter and win races and championships.

There are two main ways to go racing; either begin your virtual life as a driver in the A-Spec racing world or manage a racing team and a driver in B-Spec.

B-Spec gives users the opportunity to watch a race driven by their virtual driver and give commands to ensure he tries to get the best result for the team.

It’s an entertaining aspect of the game, but most peo-ple will find actually racing the cars themselves more fun in A-Spec.

In this mode, petrol heads will soon have callused and chaffed thumbs and forefingers and sore, itchy, red eyes as they work their way through the race licensing system and attempt to win races and championships, earning enough credits to buy better vehicles and tune them to get through the game levels.

It’s as addictive as discovering chocolate after your first Easter egg hunt when you were a kid.

The visual rendering of time, weather effects, tracks and cars is magnificent and the way you tune a car before a race does change the handling characteristics.

Each time you drive a race you will have a variety of different computer opponents to race against. Depending on the type of race, most of them are either classic or current-day high-end vehicles such as the Bugatti Veyron.

You can also enter races online and drive against your mates or strangers.

There’s also a course maker which allows the crea-tion of race tracks from seven different themes.

It’s the type of game that will end up melting in the disc drive of many gamers’ PS3s as it’s so addictive and takes car nuts to a level of car heaven not even Top Gear could hope to achieve.

Be careful, though, not to make your partner a GT 5 widow/er. – Sgt Andrew Hetherington

For petrol heads: Gran Turismo 5 allows players to go into fine details tuning their vehicles for better on-track performance.

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34 LIFESTYLE Army June 9, 2011

Journey begins in the gym HEALTH

Enlistees’ messages of support boost LAC Bill Solomou as he sets out on the JOIN BILL CAMPAIGN to reclaim his fitness.

WHAT a difference a week makes. I would like to thank all service mem-bers for their encourage-

ment and support. The response has been outstanding.

Members have taken on my chal-lenge and have asked for advice, rang-ing from exercise techniques through to nutrition.

Nutrition will be discussed in com-ing issues, so in the meantime I rec-ommend limiting your meal sizes.

I know it’s going to be hard; I have started substituting some of my favourite ‘no go’ foods like chocolate for fruit.

At this stage, my motivation is quite high – my work colleagues are making sure I don’t fall off the train-ing wagon.

Under the guidance of PTI Sgt Shane Duncan I started the program this week and am a little sore – but not fatigued.

The program is tailored at losing weight, increasing muscle endurance and improving cardiovascular fitness.

PERFORM the conditioning cir-cuit at least three days a week, going through the circuit once in each session in the first week and twice in the following two weeks. Break up the session with 30 seconds of cardiovascular work – run, skip, bike or row and so on – between each exercise.

On alternate days incorporate the cardiovascular program. And don’t forget to take a rest on Sunday!

CONDITIONING CIRCUIT Warm-up: rowing machine, light intensity, for 10 mins.Stretch for five mins.Pec dec: 20 low-weight, high-intensity reps.Sit-ups: 20/25 (ADF) standard.Leg abductor: 20 low-weight, high-intensity reps.Seated chest press: 20 low-weight, high-intensity reps.Back extension: 20 low-weight, high-intensity reps.Seated leg curl: 20 low-weight, high-intensity reps.Assisted dips: 20 low-weight, high-intensity reps.AB coaster: 20 low weight, high-intensity reps.

Seated leg extension: 20 low-weight, high-intensity reps.Delt machine: 20 low-weight, high-intensity reps.Alternate arm leg lifts: 20 high-intensity reps.Squats: 20 high-intensity reps.Lat pull down: 20 low-weight, high-intensity reps.Knee raises: 20 high-intensity reps.Lunge: 20 high-intensity reps.Cool down: five mins.

CARDIOVASCULAR PROGRAMWeek one (total of 50 mins): Tuesday (15 mins); Thursday (20 mins); Saturday (15 mins). Week two (55 mins): Tuesday (20 mins); Thursday (15 mins); Saturday (20 mins).

Bill’s program

Working it out: Sgt Shane Duncan gives LAC Bill Solomou some fitness tips in the gym. Photo: LSIS Paul Berry

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It is structured on low-impact but high-intensity exercises. The program works your upper and lower body and torso.

Sgt Duncan encouraged person-nel to join my campaign and recom-mended people first see their local PTIs, medical staff and nutritionists for assistance.

“Set a realistic target, start off grad-ually and build up to the target,” he said.

“Don’t try to do too much too fast.” Those who train on a regular basis

might want to think about inviting a

colleague for a walk or a session in the gym. Your encouragement is all they may need to start exercising.

In the last issue, I spoke about set-ting a realistic goal and said I was aim-ing to lose about 15kg. It’s important to set a goal and also take note of your measurements.

Measure your chest, waist, hips, thighs, biceps and calves. Remember to place the tape over the largest body mass. For example, when measuring your waist, make sure you have the tape over your belly button.

The invitation stands – join me!

LIFESTYLE 35 Army June 9, 2011

EDITOR’S NOTE: During the six months of Bill’s fitness campaign we want to publish your messages of support, your campaign updates, advice and any questions you might have for the fitness experts within Defence. Keep your emails coming to Bill at vasilis.solomou@defence news.gov.au. Here are some of the mes-sages we have received so far:

I started last week to prepare to come back from LWOP. I’ve spent the last two-and-a-half years enjoying the great food of Penang (Malaysia). My current weight is 92kg and my goal is 80kg for now. Don’t have any PTI help but am working with an ex-Irish sol-dier who runs a boot camp over here.

Good luck! – Cpl Anita Gill

Go Bill! 100 per cent support from this end. I myself have just

been classed as disease free after dealing with two major operations on bowel cancer, and I, too, have put on weight over the past 15 months. I am fighting unfit and ready to rock! At present I am about 105kg and want to get to 85kg as well. My journey starts today ... race you to the end! – Tim

Good work man. That’s awesome you put yourself out there and set the

challenge. If you put in the effort you could lose truckloads of weight. I could have lost more than the 13kg I did. Well you’ve set the goal and

everyone knows it so I think you’ll have plenty of motivation. Good luck mate. I’ll be checking. – Camo

G’day young fella! Sign me up! The lat-est newspaper is awesome, and you are looking fantastic. – Cpl Andrew Eddie

I’ve just been reading your story in the newspaper, good on you and I hope you succeed. I’m 45 and yes I’ve put on some weight. I don’t exercise enough and I probably don’t eat how I should. You said the PTI’s program would be published in the next issue, but what about an eating plan? That would also be helpful. – Dave

BILL: Yes, Dave, keep a look out for coming editions of the newspaper as we’re going to cover such topics as healthy eating and nutrition.

I read with interest the weight loss program you have recently com-menced. I am in the same boat. I am 48 years old and weigh 85kg at pre-sent with my aim being to get down to 75kg. I have set myself a goal to do this within 100 days, which I began on May 23, so it will be good to compare how we are both going. – CPO Rohan Jennings

You mate...are a legend :D – LAC Robert Cain

I joined in 2002 as a mature entrant at about 95kg. I was a fat boy, but passed my Army fitness standards. Then a year later I was 105kg. I am now at 89kg, and have a new goal of 79kg. Why? I joined a triathlon team this past year and I can see that the 10kg will make a massive difference in run-ning and cycling times. My advice is make it fun. Start your exercise early in the morning, especially now that it’s

cold. As you get fitter, the weather will get better and you will look forward to getting up in the morning. Have a training partner who is in the same boat but who you don’t work with, so that at lunchtime you will feel guilty if you are not ready for your run as they might be out there waiting for you and wasting their own exercise time. Good luck and keep it up. – Capt Bart Kohler

I thought that when I joined Defence I would be in my prime, and I was for the first year. I have a desk job and that means that I sit down for hours at a time. Our department has recently implemented group fitness, but I need more. I was 63kg when I joined, 59kg after training and 75kg now. I feel like I have lost control. – Tegan

I couldn’t resist sending an email of encouragement. A few years ago I was overweight (94kg) and couldn’t find the motivation to lose weight. At the time, my colleagues recommended lunchtime PTI classes. It was tough at the beginning – those PTIs don’t take “no” for an answer. I resisted throwing in the towel and attended all lunchtime PTI classes (for about nine months) – it was worth every minute. The envi-ronment was positive, friendly and contagious. I’m now off the base and continue to train per the PTI classes. Last summer I managed to get down to 72kg with about 5 per cent body fat. I wish you all the best, and remember YOU CAN DO IT – REBIRTH THAT ADONIS BODY AND GREEK GOD LOOKS! – Theo

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SPORT 37 Army June 9, 2011

By LCpl Mark Doran

A CONVERTED try three minutes before the end of the game sank the hearts and hopes of a gallant Army men’s team as they surrendered a six-year domination of interservice rugby to Navy at Viking Park in Canberra on May 21.

In a complete turnaround, Navy’s forwards dominated play and used their strength to win the match 25-22.

The sailors dominated possession and territory for much of the first half and made the most of their opportunities by scoring the first two tries of the match.

Army showed patches of potency mainly through its outside backs and responded by scoring two tries which had the soldiers trailing 15-12 at half-time.

For most of the second half the match was balanced, but the Army attacks encountered strong Navy defence. Army scored a converted try to lead 22-18 late in the second half. A try in the corner and successful conversion by LS Adam Powell close to the end of the game ended any hope of making it seven in a row.

Assistant coach Maj Peter Conroy said the Army men’s team tried to play an expansive game and the backs demon-strated plenty of attacking flair.

“Unfortunately they were not well supported by the forwards which allowed Navy to successfully slow their attack and minimise their opportunities,” he said.

“Navy had done their homework on Army’s defence and were quite enterpris-ing in their attack.”

A combined Navy/Air Force women’s

team defeated Army 10-5. The teams traded blows for most of the match – one minute Navy/Air Force was on the attack only for Army to respond by launching a counter-attack.

The Navy/Air Force team scored the first and last tries of the match with the final strike being delivered with a try close to full-time.

The Army women’s team had just fin-ished its tour of New Zealand before the Services Rugby Championship. This was the first tour made by the women’s team in six years.

Openside flanker Capt Kate Porter said the Army women were hoping to use their fitness against Navy/Air Force by controlling the ball within the forward pack before spreading it out wide.

“During the game we realised our set-piece play was considerably more reliable than the opposition’s, although an attempt was made to take advantage of that, we were unfortunately unable to capitalise and the ball was often lost,” Capt Porter said.

Army women’s coach Maj Stan Carnes said the team’s best players on the day were Cpls Penny Dukes, Mollie Gray, and Kelly Boye.

“Cpl Gray and Cpl Boye played at a high standard and received points in this game the games we played on the NZ tour,” Maj Carnes said

The ASRU men’s team will be announced in August before the International Defence Rugby Competition in September/October.

More information on ASRU is available at www.servicesrugby.asn.au

Six-year interservice rugby win streak ends

Tough games: Capt Kate Porter fights through the Navy line in the interservice rugby at Viking Park in Canberra. Photo by LCpl Mark Doran

By Cpl Zenith King

PICTURESQUE Leura was the perfect starting point for this year’s Northface 100km ultramar-athon, which challenged a field of 800 runners through arduous terrain in the Blue Mountains on May 14.

One such competitor was RMC PTI Cpl Aaron Rawnsley, who com-pleted his first ever ultramarathon in 13hr 41min 22sec and achieved the goal he set some 10 months earlier.

Despite placing an impressive 78th in a field of 800, Cpl Rawnsley was most satisfied at seeing his training and preparation pay off.

“The race itself was good but it validates the research, training and nutrition I conducted beforehand,” he said. “Because this was my first ultramarathon I had a lot of prepara-tion to do, which was a lot more time consuming than the actual race.”

Cpl Rawnsley said from the moment he found out about the race he was totally focused on competing and finishing it.

“Midway through last year I decided to do it, but in July I frac-tured my foot so I couldn’t train for a while,” he said.

“I decided to take this time to sort out my training program which I commenced on January 1.

“At no stage during my training or the race did it cross my mind to quit, this was my goal and nothing was going to get in the way of it.”

He said although he ran a lot as a PTI it was nothing compared to what he had to train for in this race.

“Before [training for] this com-petition, the longest I had run was about 10km and I didn’t have to worry about trailing foods and mak-ing sure the body could digest them during running,” he said.

“For my first training session I decided to go for a 10km run at night, which was the first step in the long-term goal of being ready for the race come May.

“I used the natural surrounds of Canberra and also headed down to Mt Kosciusko to conduct runs at ele-vation and found the key was keep-ing up electrolytes during the race.”

Cpl Rawnsley’s longest run dur-ing this training period was 50km, for which he spent five hours tra-versing the summit of Mt Kosciusko.

“I decided 50km would be my longest because I was concerned about exposing myself to injury. If you are running any further than that

your recovery time starts impacting on your ability to progress with your training program.

He felt confident leading up to the race but said mental strength brought him home.

“I scaled some fairly difficult mountains around Canberra in prep-aration for this event but the terrain faced in the Blue Mountains was challenging,” he said.

“Everyone was hurting from about 30km onward but your men-tal toughness and tenacity take over from that point in.

“Around the five-hour mark I hit a mental low and asked myself how I was going to get through to the finish with 60km to go. I knew we still faced the most significant eleva-tion climb at the 80km mark, which saw us climb 750m in vertical ascent over a distance of 7km.

“The sixth and final leg was my strongest as I felt the sub-14-hour time pulling me in. By this stage it was dark and cold and like most competitors I was looking forward to crossing the finish line.”

Cpl Rawnsley will next compete in a triple triathlon with two other PTIs in Canberra on November 20.

One long runGoat track: PTI Cpl Aaron Rawnsley, RMC, scales a mountain track near Leura during the Northface 100km ultramarathon. Photo provided by Aurora Images

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SPORT 39 Army June 9, 2011

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Cash machineBy Cpl Zenith King

AFTER six days of competition, commando racer Blue Steel placed a credible 40th out of a possi-ble 320 cars in the annual Targa Tasmania rally event held from April 5-12.

Entering their car for the first time, Team Legacy Assist members traversed their way through 38 stag-es of gruelling competition.

Sgt M, 2 Cdo Regt, said the trip took a turn for the worse before the competition started.

“The mechanics travelled on the Spirit of Tasmania from Melbourne to Devonport with the Legacy Machine and the support vehicle but a few hours after they arrived the engine seized in the car,” he said.

“Luckily the mechanics were able to remove the engine and transport it back to Melbourne on the ferry for a three-day rebuild and turnaround.

“The engine arrived back in Launceston on the Friday for rein-stalment, run-in and a track day prior to the start of the event on the Tuesday.”

The rally started with a pro-logue on April 5 through the streets of George Town, which determined the competitors’ line up for the fol-lowing day.

“We started better than mid-field for the classics,” Sgt M said.

“Going into the event our aim was to finish the race and gain experience for the driver, navigator and support crew, which I feel we achieved.

“It’s a very strategic effort plan-ning refuelling and servicing time and staying within time penalties.”

Pte Damien Thomlinson, 2 Cdo Regt, was involved with organising sponsors and dealing with parts.

His role was extended three days before the event to navigate the course of the tough tarmac event.

“Our navigator pulled out due to a medical condition. I was never going to let the opportunity slide and quickly took on the role,” he said.

“I was a bit nervous though, as I was worried about letting our team down after the amount of work they had done spending countless hours

working on the car to get it up to race standard.”

Pte Thomlinson said being the navigator was a fairly easy role to adapt to given his military back-ground.

“The role is based on giving commands at the correct time to give the driver the best chance to set up for the next corner,” he said.

“Each day there were seven or eight courses ranging in dis-tance from 3km to the epic Mt Arrowsmith course, which was 56km.

“This was the real test for both my concentration and Sgt M’s driving ability, but throughout the whole event we only had one mild hiccup.”

The legacy machine and Pte Thomlinson will compete in Tarag High Country at Mt Buller in November to continue their effort of raising funds and awareness for Legacy and the Commando Welfare Trust.

Donations can be made to www.everydayhero.com.au/event/team_legacy_assist

Rallying support: Team Legacy Assist driver Sgt M and navigator Pte Damien Thomlinson receive their participation medals for Targa Tasmania. Inset, Sgt M manoeuvres Blue Steel through one of the short-course events.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTEIf you have an interest-ing sporting activity taking place that you want to see feature in the sport section of Army, send details to the editor by emailing armynews@defence-news.gov.au or, for more information, call (02)6266 7609.

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Academy racers get set for UK eventBy LCpl Mark Doran

ACADEMY Racing is fine-tuning its car in final preparation for the Formula Student UK competition.

Seven officer cadets, two officers, a civilian PhD student and their faculty adviser, Warren Smith, will represent the University of NSW Academy Racing team, formerly known as ADFA Racing, which is entered in the international team-based competition from July 14-17.

Student members of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) design, build and compete with small, custom-built high-performance race cars.

OCdt Ben Bonnell is in his third year at ADFA studying for his bachelor of business degree. He is one of the four team drivers as well as the workshop manager.

“I am definitely excited to be going to the UK as a part of the Academy Racing Team as it is the first year we have entered an overseas competition,” he said.

“We have measured our scores from the Australian competition against the

other teams competing in the event and hope to place in the top 25.” The Academy Racing car has recently undergone work to improve suspension and new panels and sign-writing have improved its look.

Academy Racing team captain and 2011 project manager OCdt Alistair Weir said the team was small and relied on every member to pitch in.

“We are taking second-year officer cadets to an international competition and will expect them to compete in the design, cost and presentation events, so they will need to know every facet of the car and how it works,” OCdt Weir said.

“The biggest challenges of preparing for the trip has been the logistics exercise – understanding shipping, liaising with overseas agents and understanding their rules, gaining sponsorship and budgeting money and time.”

The team members are responsible for their own airfares and accommodation, while the Academy Racing budget and the sponsors will cover costs related to freight, parts, tools and competition entry.

Track time: OCdt Ben Bonnell takes the Academy Racing car for a test drive at ADFA. Photo by LCpl Mark Doran

June 9, 2011

Mountain face offPTI takes on 100km Northface ultramarathon

Page 37

THE NEED FOR SPEEDFOR SPEED

Commando Commando racer burns racer burns

rubber inrubber inTasmanian Tasmanian

tarmac rallytarmac rallyPage 39

Race pace: Commando racer Blue Steel tears up the tarmac for Legacy in the Targa Tasmania rally. Inset, Pte Damien Thomlinson stood in as the team navigator at short notice.

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