16 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.

au/news/armynews Centrepiece 17

CAPABILITY THROUGH PEOPLE

Army is looking to lessons from
Soldiers return to their
the past to better prepare for pits after an assault
the future of warfighting. during Exercise
Southern Jackaroo at

T
Shoalwater Bay in May.
WO years ago, Army began an intellectual pivot  Photo by Cpl Dan Pinhorn
designed to review the lessons of the past 15
years, better understand the future operating
environment and ensure Australian soldiers
could prevail in the first fight of the next war.
Elements of this intellectual pivot included the Future
Land Warfare Report, Afghanistan Lessons Initiative,
Building on Beersheba papers and the new version of
Armys capstone doctrine, the Fundamentals of Land
Power.
To continue the intellectual growth of the Army and
enhance its ability to think about how it builds future capa-
bility, CA endorsed a new study that examined the future
of Armys development of its people.
The study focused on improving education, training and
doctrine to ensure these elements are combined to build
individual and collective professional mastery in contem-
porary and future soldiers and officers.
Director General Training Brig Mick Ryan says Army
has a strong tradition of focusing on training and excelling
in the day-to-day operations of soldiering.
However, the institutional value placed on education
and doctrine has not always reached the same level as
that of training and daily operations, Brig Ryan says.
One of the key aims of the new study was to ensure
that training, operations, education and doctrine are equal-
ly valued and that Armys investment in these areas is well
informed and appropriately synchronised.
In thinking about the future of Army and its education,
training and doctrine, the study team consulted broadly
across Army and beyond.
The vast majority of those engaged believed Armys
approach to education, training and doctrine was not bro-
ken, but was not as effective as it could be. At the same
time, many said Army had the intellectual wherewithal to
be world class in this regard.
This study represents the combined efforts of the
team and provides recommendations to ensure Army can
achieve its aspiration of having a world-class education,
training and doctrine system, Brig Ryan explains.
As the study notes, the Armys training education and
doctrine system is not broken, but it is not well positioned
as a system to exploit advanced learning techniques and
delivery to enable the organisation to retain its human
capacity edge over the next two decades.
It should provide enhanced direction and advocacy for
education, training and doctrine, as well as a synchronis-
ing mechanism for personnel policy, management and
ongoing learning, according to Brig Ryan.
An explicit system, which provides top-down strategic
direction executed using mission command from schools,
training centres, units and individual initiative, will provide
Army with the best chance to ensure it is appropriately
placed for future operational commitments, he says.
With strategic direction, commanders empowered
with appropriate authorities and resources, and the right
level of connectivity and feedback mechanisms described
in this study, Army can achieve a more streamlined and
transparent achievement of human capacity development.
As such, the implementation of this study will ensure
Key initiatives to improve education and training
Army is able to think about its future training and educa- ACCORDING to Director General Training of issues but centred on four key elements: the also be revised so more focus is placed on The Army, in cooperation with the Chief
tion needs and then ensure that its education, training and Brig Mick Ryan, Army possesses all of the system, a loosely defined and implicit object future learning methodologies and technolo- Information Officer and the Australian
doctrine system is appropriately oriented for the demands ingredients for a world-class education, train- at present; education and professional military gies. A new future training and education Defence College, is to develop a plan to
of the next two decades. ing and doctrine system. education; training and doctrine. section will be established to meet these implement distributed learning that exploits
It recruits some of the finest young men and The study provides recommendations and requirements. trials and takes into account training institu-
Implementation women in the nation and has well-established priorities and these have now been endorsed 3. Army will institute an Officer and Enlisted tions, unit locations, reserve depots and the
training infrastructure and a well-trained instruc- by CA. The key initiatives are as follows: Professional Development Framework. use of personal computing and communica-
Implementation of the priority tasks has started. This year,
Army will develop a unified human capacity strategy, focus tor workforce. 1. Army is to produce a unified strategy for This framework will be closely linked to tions devices by reserve and regular
more innovation resources on training and education, Army actively thinks about and seeks to the development of its human capacity. An the revised All Corps Officer and Soldier personnel.
begin building its professional development framework, shape its future as part of a whole-of-Defence explicit system, driven by an Army Human Continuum. As part of this, Army should build 6. Army will reinvigorate its doctrine and affirm
undertake doctrinal reform, produce a new simulation approach, Brig Ryan says. Capacity Strategy, will provide strategic direc- an online resource, designed around CA the hierarchy, structure and authorship of all
strategy, streamline the command and control of train- Yet, as the study into education, training tion that is executed through mission com- professional development priorities, which Army doctrinal publications. Armys doctrine
ing institutions, and build its campaign for large collective and doctrine notes, these assets separately do mand at schools, training centres, units and provides resources for the conduct of self- will be made more accessible and where
training activities. not guarantee a world-class education, training individual initiative. Subordinate strategies for study and for the conduct of ongoing unit possible released for an online unclassified
Brig Ryan says the study represents a plan of action and doctrine system now or into the future. workforce, career and talent management, professional military education to support the library.
for Army in its campaign to enhance its education, training The elements are to varying degrees training and education will also have utility. professional development framework. 7. The extant foundation warfighting training
and doctrine. sound, but they are not knitted together in 2. There is no evidence that Armys people 4. Army will review its objectives for science, management framework will be redeveloped
That is not to say this will be a simple task, he says. a cohesive, unified system within Army that lack imagination, inquisitiveness or innova- technology, engineering and mathematics so that it incorporates individual corps, all
As with all large institutional programs for change, is guided by strategic view of Armys future tive spirit. Current mechanisms encourage (STEM) qualified personnel, as well as the corps and joint outcomes. Additionally, Army
there are cultural, implementation and technical risks. human capacity needs. bottom-up innovation, however, innovation level of technical competencies it expects should embrace a campaign approach to
Each of these is examined and addressed in the study. The current system could better exploit at Army schools and training centres is tacti- in its broader workforce. This could be an significant collective training activities such
Army seeks to learn the lessons of previous large ini- futures studies and forward planning to ensure cal in nature and hindered by training tempo. element of the proposed Army Human as Exercise Hamel. In looking out five to 10
tiatives in our Army and in others to ensure the objec- Army is able to generate individual and col- Strategic innovation should be nurtured to Development Strategy. years in planning these exercises, Army can
tives described in the study have high-level advocacy, lective professional mastery over the next two review future institutional needs and worlds 5. Army will codify its strategy for the use of set longer-term capability development
are resourced and that the rationale for change is well decades. best practice learning methodologies. The information technology in blended learn- outcomes for Army, joint and coalition
described to Armys people. Brig Ryan says the study examined a range Army research and development plan should ing within a broader Defence environment. operations.
 Edition 1376 June 30, 2016

Soldiers from 2RAR conduct an

amphibious beach landing from
a Navy LHD Landing Craft during
Exercise Sea Explorer 2016 at
Cowley Beach near Townsville.
 Photo by Cpl Kyle Genner

2RAR plays
major role in
Exercise Sea
Explorer
P22-23

AMPHIBIOUS
ASSAULT
FUTURE WARFIGHTING CENTRE TRAGEDY REMEMBERED P2-3
 2 News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016

A dark day
Family and friends mark the 20th anniversary of the Black Hawk tragedy
Cpl Mark Doran
ARMY marked the 20th anniver-
ACTS OF Former soldier Gary
Proctor, a survivor of
the 1996 Black Hawk
sary of the 1996 Black Hawk trag-
edy that took the lives of 18 soldiers
COURAGE helicopter training accident,
at the 20th anniversary
with commemorative services held Australian Bravery commemorative service in
around Australia on June 12. Decorations awarded for Townsville. 
CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell,
Commander Socomd Maj-Gen Jeff actions on June 12,1996:
Sengelman, and Commander Forcom Star of Courage
Maj-Gen Gus Gilmore, joined sev- Cpl Dominic Boyle (SASR)
eral personnel injured in the accident
and family members of those killed Cpl Gregory Kirkham (5 Avn
at a commemorative service at the Regt)
Townsville Palmetum. Cpl Gary Proctor (SASR)
About 1000 members of the Bravery Medal
Townsville community joined current
Director and former Defence personnel to pay LCpl Brian Morris (SASR)
David Edlington (02) 6265 4650 their respects at the emotional cer- Capt Jim Ryan (SASR)
A/Editor emony. Sgt Mick Williams (SASR)
Richard Mihaich: (02) 6265 7219 On the evening of June 12, 1996,
at 6.30pm, two Australian Army Commendation for Brave
armynews@defencenews.gov.au
Black Hawk helicopters flying Conduct
Military Reporters in a formation of six collided dur- SSgt Nicholas Coenen
WO2 Andrew Hetherington: ing a night training exercise near
(02) 6266 7614
(SASR)
Townsville.
Sgt Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7613 WO2 Robert McCabe (SASR)
The Black Hawks were travelling
Cpl Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608 Chief of the Defence Force
Cpl Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304 at 200km/h, 30m above the ground.
The first Black Hawk crashed Commendation
Cpl Sebastian Beurich: (02) 6265 4140
Cpl Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355 immediately, killing 12 people on Tpr Scott Carnie (SASR)
LS Jayson Tufrey: (02) 6266 7606 board. The second Black Hawk was
able to make a crash landing, but Cpl Rob Cousins (SASR)
Contact us unfortunately caught fire and anoth- LCpl Craig Naumann (SASR) MRH-90 Taipans from
Email: armynews@defencenews.gov.au er six Army personnel were killed. 5 Avn Regt fly over the
Fax: (02) 6265 6690 LCpl George Taulelei (SASR)
Twelve others were injured. commemorative service
Mail: The Editor, R8-LG-048, Fifteen soldiers of the Perth-based Chief of Army in Townsville.
PO Box 7909, Department of 1 Sqn SASR and three soldiers of the Commendation Photos by Cpl Mark Doran
Defence, ACT 2600
Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/
Townsville-based B Sqn 5 Avn Regt Cpl Steven Frerk (SASR)
armynews lost their lives in the accident. Cpl Jamie Sharpe (SASR)
During the memorial address
Lt-Gen Campbell said the tragedy, as
Advertising and subscriptions for many, gave him a personal sense he said. The most emotional part
Marketing Manager of shock and loss, especially as he had was when the MRH-90 Taipans of 5
Tim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or only handed over command of 1 Sqn Avn Regt flew over the memorial and
0459 842 551 SASR in December 1995. broke into the missing man formation
Assistant Marketing Manager Friends and colleagues I had in the final stages of the ceremony.
Trish Dillon: (02) 6266 7607 served with since selection to the regi- It gets me every time you get
Email: advertising@defencenews.gov.au ment were gone, he said. over it, but you never get used to it.
subscriptions1@defencenews.gov.au But not forgotten never For the families, we spent the
forgotten. Sons, brothers, partners and days leading up to this event with the
fathers were taken before their time. parents who lost sons, kids who lost
DISCLAIMER An empty locker at work, an fathers and wives who lost husbands.
empty seat at the dinner table at We also flew to the crash site in
Army is published fortnightly by the home, empty nights for those left to a Chinook on Saturday for a small,
Directorate of Defence News and carry on. solemn service for the next of kin and
Multimedia. It is printed under con- Lt-Gen Campbell said the special members of 5 Avn Regt, which was
tract by Horton Media Australia Ltd. forces and aviation soldiers working organised perfectly.
The material published is selected for together that night in 1996 lived the In the immediate aftermath of the
its interest. The views expressed in ideal of existing for others. Black Hawk crash, SASR Sergeant
published articles are not necessarily It was already evident in their Mick Williams continuously placed
those of Defence or Army. Every adver- commitment to excellence in one of himself in great personal danger in his
tisement is subject to Directorate of the most demanding military training endeavours to save the trapped men.
Defence News and Multimedia approval endeavours, he said. He was awarded the Bravery
and the Directorate of Defence News It was manifest in their immedi- Medal.
and Multimedia may, at its discretion, Sgt Williams said although it had
ate reaction by running into aircraft
refuse to accept an advertisement. The been 20 years, the survivors and fami-
wrecks with exploding munitions to
Directorate accepts no responsibility or lies of those who were killed had not
rescue comrades and in some cases
liability in relation to any loss due to the really all been together since.
running back to the aircraft while
failure of an advertisement to appear To me its more of a celebration
severely wounded in order to try and
or if it appears in a form not in accord- of their lives, not their loss, he said.
save their mates.
ance with the instructions received by It meant a lot to be here and catch
Fourteen men who without fear for
the Directorate of Defence News and up with everyone.
their own safety worked to rescue the
Multimedia. Defence does not endorse Lt-Gen Campbell was my squad-
the products or services published in survivors despite their own injuries,
fire and exploding ordnance were ron commander in 1995 and Maj-Gen
advertisements. Gilmore was my commanding officer
recognised for their efforts.
SASR Cpl Gary Proctor was at one stage.
aboard aircraft Black 2 when it Visiting the crash site was an
www.army.gov.au crashed. emotional experience and it was
Although injured, Cpl Proctor amazing to see the area was still bare
placed himself in great danger by earth.
assisting the pilots and crew to get What stood out during the past
www.twitter.com/
clear of the wreckage before attempt- few days was the amount of support
deptdefence
ing to free others who were injured we have received from the Townsville
and remove the bodies of those killed. community.
www.facebook.com/ He was awarded the Star of It was outstanding.
TheAustralianArmy Courage. After the main ceremony, wreaths
Cpl Proctor said the commemora- and gifts were laid at the memorial
tive service was a fantastic way to and 18 trees were planted at the site
remember those who died in 1996. by the families of those who were
www.twitter.com/ lost, the survivors and the attending
AustralianArmy For the survivors, its just good
because we can support each other, dignitaries.
June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews News 3

remembered THE HONOUR ROLL

Capt Kelvin Hales Capt John Berrigan Cpl Michael Baker Capt Timothy Sgt Hugh Ellis Cpl Michael Bird
5 Avn Regt 5 Avn Regt 5 Avn Regt Stevens 1 Sqn SASR 1 Sqn SASR
Born November 28, 1969 Born December 1, 1968 Born March 22, 1972 1 Sqn SASR Born July 2, 1960 Born April 7, 1968
Kelvin Hales enlisted on John Berrigan enlisted on Michael Baker enlisted Born September 26, 1966 Hugh Ellis enlisted in the Michael Bird enlisted in
October 25, 1989. After May 20, 1988 as an Army in July 1989 and was Tim Stevens enlisted Army on September 8, the Army on August 11,
graduation from RMC Reserve soldier in 4/3 allocated to AAAvn. After in the Army on May 26, 1982 and was allocated 1987, and was allocated
on June 26, 1991, Kevin RNSWR. After graduating completing basic driver 1986 and was commis- to RAEME. He underwent to RAInf. He underwent
was allocated to from RMC on December and several aviation sioned as an officer in SAS selection in 1989 and SAS selection in 1991
5 Avn Regt in November 9, 1992, he was allocated trade courses, he was RAInf on January 22, was posted to SASR on and was posted to SASR
1993 and served in to AAAvn. He was posted posted to 1 Avn Regt. 1990. He underwent SAS June 21, 1989. Hugh came on May 22, 1991. Michael
Cambodia in 1993. to 5 Avn Regt on January Michael marched into selection in 1994 and was from 3RAR as a corporal came from 2/4RAR as a
1, 1994 and promoted 5 Avn Regt as a load- posted to SASR on June but reverted to trooper lance corporal but revert-
to captain on January 1, master in December 1, 1994. Tim came from and transferred to RAInf ed to the rank of trooper
1996. 1995. 8/9RAR as a lieutenant on posting to SASR. Hugh on posting to SASR.
on posting to SASR. Tim was survived by his wife, Michael was survived by
was survived by his wife. daughter and two sons. his wife.

Cpl Andrew Cpl Darren Oldham Cpl Brett Tombs LCpl Glen Hagan LCpl David LCpl Gordon Callow
Constantinidis 1 Sqn SASR 1 Sqn SASR 1 Sqn SASR Johnstone 1 Sqn SASR
1 Sqn SASR Born October 23, 1966 Born February 18, 1965 Born November 21, 1965 1 Sqn SASR Born December 22, 1961
Born June 18, 1962 Darren Oldham enlisted Brett Tombs enlisted in Glen Hagan enlisted in Born October 3, 1969 Gordon Callow enlisted
Andrew enlisted in the in the Army on March 18, the Army on January 22, the Army on July 6, 1988 David Johnstone enlisted in the Army on July 6,
Army Reserve on January 1987 and was allocated to 1986 and was allocated and was allocated to in the Army on November 1988 and was allocated to
18, 1986 and was allo- to RAInf. He underwent RAInf. He underwent SAS 19, 1986 and was allo- RAInf. He underwent SAS
RAInf. He underwent SAS
cated to RASigs. He was SAS selection in 1988 and selection in 1993 and was cated to the RAInf. He selection in 1993 and was
selection in 1991 and was
posted to SASR on March was posted to SASR on posted to SASR on July underwent SAS selection posted to SASR on July 1,
posted to SASR on May June 29, 1988. Brett came 1, 1993. Glen came from 1993. Gordon came from
9, 1990 to undergo SAS in 1991 and was posted to
24, 1991. Darren came from 5/7RAR with the rank 6RAR as a lance corporal 2/4RAR as a lance corpo-
selection. He was enlisted SASR on May 22, 1991.
into the regular Army and from 2/4RAR as a lance of private on posting to but reverted to the rank David came from 3RAR ral but reverted to the rank
was transferred to RAInf. corporal but reverted SASR. Prior to the acci- of trooper on posting to with the rank of private. of trooper on posting to
Andrew came from 1 Cdo to trooper on posting to dent Brett had elected to SASR. Glen was survived David was survived by his SASR. Gordon was sur-
Regt as a lance corporal SASR. Darren was sur- discharge and was excited by his wife and daughter. father. vived by his uncle.
but reverted to the rank vived by his de facto wife. about leaving the Army
of trooper on posting to to study. Brett was sur-
SASR. Andrew was sur- vived by his wife, son and
vived by his wife. daughter.

Tpr Jonathan Church Tpr David Frost Tpr Timothy Cpl Mihran Avedissian Cpl Darren Smith Sig Hendrik Peeters
1 Sqn SASR 1 Sqn SASR McDonald 152 Sig Sqn SASR 152 Sig Sqn SASR 152 Sig Sqn SASR
Born September 1, 1963 Born January 28, 1968 1 Sqn SASR Born January 2, 1967 Born September 28, 1968 Born December 15, 1970
Jon Church enlisted in David Frost enlisted in Born October 4, 1971 Mihran Avedissian and Darren Smith enlisted Hendrik Peeters enlisted
the Army Reserve on the Army on June 30, Tim McDonald enlisted his parents immigrated in the Army on June 30, in the Army on May 4,
November 5, 1989. He 1985 and was allocated to in the Army on May 10, 1988 and was allocated
to Australia from Ethiopia 1986 and was allocated to
underwent SAS selec- RAInf. He underwent SAS 1989 and was allocated to to RASigs. He was posted
when he was three. He RASigs. He was posted to
tion in 1993, transferred selection in 1992 and RAInf. He underwent SAS to SASR on January 16,
was posted to SASR on enlisted in the Army on 152 Sig Sqn on January
to the regular Army and selection in 1993 and was 1991 and underwent SAS
August 21, 1992. David October 3, 1984 and was 14, 1990 and underwent
was posted to SASR on posted to SASR on July 1, selection the following
November 26, 1993. Jon came from 2/4RAR as 1993. Tim came from the allocated to RASigs. He SAS selection in 1991. month. Hendrik came from
came from 1 Cdo Regt a corporal but reverted 3RAR with the rank of pri- was posted to 152 Sig Darren came from 139 103 Sig Sqn as a signal-
with the rank of private on to the rank of trooper on vate on posting to SASR. Sqn on March 4, 1987 and Sig Sqn as a corporal and ler on posting to SASR.
posting to SASR. Jon was posting to SASR. David Tim was survived by his underwent SAS selection retained his rank on post- Hendrik was survived by
survived by his father. was survived by his sister. father. in 1989. He came from 104 ing to SASR. Darren was his wife.
Sig Sqn as a signaller. He survived by his father.
was survived by his mother.
 4 News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016

Tailenders on parade
The Black Bear sets the beat for a historic meeting in Iraq of battalions raised for active service
Capt James Hook We might be last in the order of
march, but we have an operational tempo
THE Royal Australian Regiments that is the envy of every other battalion
tailender battalions have met on in the regiment. This is 8/9RARs sixth
active service for the first time in the major operation in the past seven years,
regiments history. he said.
Members of 7 and 8/9 Battalions held The COs exchanged gifts at the
a parade at Taji Military Complex in Iraq parade, with 7RAR presenting an eye-
on May 31, to mark the occasion. catching piece of artwork from Jos
CO 7RAR Lt-Col David McCammon Valdman, cartoonist at The Advertiser
told the assembled infantrymen their bat- newspaper in Adelaide.
talions shared a common heritage.
The 7th, 8th and 9th Battalions were The piece shows battalion mascots
all raised for war. They were raised in the Willy the Pig, of 7RAR, and Stan the
1960s for active service in South Vietnam, Ram, of 8/9RAR, accompanied by a
and served a total of four tours two Kiwi, representing New Zealand soldiers
by 7RAR and one each by 8RAR and who are serving in Iraq as part of Task
9RAR, Lt-Col McCammon said. Group Taji, alongside Australian soldiers.
The Army contracted after Vietnam, The 8th/9th Battalions pipe major,
with battalions being linked and even dis- Cpl Kenneth Horton, brought proceedings
banded. But operational requirements in to a close with a rendition of his units
2006 resulted in the delinking of 7RAR regimental quick march, The Black Bear,
and the re-raising of 8/9RAR. accompanied by soldiers bellowing their
Like our predecessors, our battalions famous Hoy! at the appropriate times.
have been raised for active service.
Personnel from 8/9RAR comprised
The parade was reminiscent of the
famous meeting of the Originals the about two-thirds of the 300 Australians in
7RAR members join their
1, 2 and 3 Battalions on active service Task Group Taji 2.
8/9RAR counterparts on
in Korea on March 21, 1953. When 8/9RAR paraded, it was in
parade at the Taji Military
CO 8/9RAR Lt-Col Jim Hammett said the process of completing its six-month Complex in Iraq.
it was magnificent to see the tailenders on deployment as Task Group Taji 2, handing Photo by LS Jake Badior
parade while on active service in Iraq. over to Task Group Taji 3.

Time to decompress,
then hard-won leave
Cpl Max Bree diers of Task Group Taji 2 made an routine. It also provided briefs on
invaluable contribution to the fight things such as welfare, finance and
THE soldiers of Task Group Tajis against Daesh through training and mental health.
second rotation arrived home in mentoring of Iraqs security forces, In the past weve seen guys
early June to be welcomed by he said. come back and then splinter as an
family and friends in Brisbane. Over the past nine months, the organisation, he said
men and women of Task Group Taji This is a better way to main-
About 250 ADF personnel
2 shared their knowledge and skills, tain the integrity of the deployed
deployed with the task group, which
and forged strong bonds of mateship organisation before everyone goes
was primarily drawn from 7 Bde, with our Iraqi colleagues.
to support the Building Partner on leave, Maj Sprice said.
Brig Rawlins also thanked the Its something we learned to do
Capacity mission in Iraq. friends and families of those recent-
One of those off the plane was from our Timor experience and has
ly returned.
Pte Tom Clifford, an infantryman been around in different variations
Their patience and sup-
who served as a Bushmaster driver port, coupled with the assistance for a number of years for those who
during his time in Iraq. of the broader Brisbane commu- deploy in formed bodies.
There was a bit of down time nity, underpinned the success of this Task Group Taji 2 comprised a
but for us it was pretty busy with deployment, he said. headquarters, training team, force
8/9RAR pipe major Cpl Kenneth Horton plays his units regimental quick our driving tasks and cars to main- The returning soldiers from Task protection and support elements.
march, The Black Bear, at the parade to mark the first meeting on operations tain. It was really good for my first Group Taji 2, who deployed to Iraq It has been replaced by Task
of the three tailender battalions.  Photo by LS Jake Badior trip, he said. last October, had to complete a Group Taji 3, which assumed com-
CO 7 Bde Brig Tony Rawlins three-day decompression package mand in Iraq on June 6 and com-
said the task group had every right before going on leave. prises about 300 ADF personnel
to be proud of its achievements. 2IC 8/9RAR Maj Mick Sprice drawn largely from 1 Bde, alongside
Writing, Art, Craft & Working with our New Zealand
Defence Force colleagues, the sol-
said the program was designed to
get soldiers back into a barracks
about 110 New Zealand Defence
Force personnel.

Photography Competition
Capt Nick Chamberlin
Patron: Major Gen David J McLachlan AO in the garden at the
Taji Military Complex.
The Department of Veterans Affairs are looking for members of the current serving and ex- Photo by LS Jake Badior
service communities to show off their creative talents in the annual Victorian Veterans
Story Writing and Art Competition (SWAC).

WHO CAN ENTER?

The competition, which began as a therapy exercise for returned veterans, is now open
to current and ex-servicemen and women (including National Service, Peacemakers &
Peacekeepers), their spouses, widows, eligible children and grandchildren (over the age of
18), who reside in Victoria.

STORY WRITING ART CRAFT PHOTOGRAPHY

Categories for the competition include story writing, poetry, art / painting, craftwork and
photography. The competition welcomes all entries, regardless of skill level. The special
writing category for 2016 is titled Well Meet Again.

VISUAL ART ENTRIES

Entries will be displayed to the public at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in September.
Prizes for the best entries in each category will be awarded at a presentation ceremony in late
November.
Entries for the competition close on Friday 29 July 2016.
Entry forms are available by calling Siobhan Hodgins
03 9496 2290 or Email swac@austin.org.au
www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/health-events/story-writing-and-art-competition-swac

SWACComp
 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews News 5

at Taji

Pte Mohamad Saleh mentors an Iraqi Army soldier during a Junior

Leaders Course at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq.  Photo by Cpl Jake Sims

Linguistic skills are a

truckies driving force
Capt James Hook Lebanon and moved to Australia with
his father when he was 15. He joined
PTE Mohamad Saleh is a truckie the Army four years ago, aged 21.
by trade, serving with the 9th Force Capt Matt Sebesfi, of the 2nd/14th
Support Battalion at RAAF Base Light Horse Regiment (Queensland
Amberley near Brisbane. Mounted Infantry), officer commanding
Six months ago, the fluent Arabic Kilo Five Zero training team, said Pte
Salehs skills were valuable to the train-
speaker deployed to Iraq as an Army
ing units mission.
linguist.
Mo was my linguist whenever I
Pte Saleh was the interpreter for one
went to meet Iraqi generals or colonels,
of Task Group Tajis training teams, and he was definitely a force multi-
which teaches Iraqi soldiers to succeed plier, Capt Sebesfi said.
in combat. It wasnt until he went on leave
I started off interpreting for the and I used a civilian interpreter that I
trainers as they instructed in navigation, realised how much work Mo had been
first aid, weapons, tactics and urban doing, and how much more information
warfare skills like clearing rooms and he was able to translate, understanding
buildings, Pte Saleh said. all the training terms.
It soon reached the stage where I We had 260 Iraqi soldiers on the
could give the lessons myself because junior leaders course, many of whom
I knew the language, I knew the ter- had years of combat experience.
minology and I had just learned the We quickly learned not to tell them
drills from the best instructors in the to do things our way.
Australian Army. Instead, we would ask the Iraqis to
I was the only private in the train- demonstrate a technique such as a room
ing task unit. All the rest were expe- entry, then we would advise them how
rienced NCOs, warrant officers and it could be improved tactically.
officers. We would point out the reasons
The experience definitely pushed why they might want to operate differ-
me out of my comfort zone, but being ently and leave it to the Iraqis to decide
part of something so important gave me to change their techniques.
massive job satisfaction. Pte Saleh said he enjoyed his
Iraqi soldiers were both impressed deployment and formed some great
and intrigued by Pte Salehs language friendships, both within training teams
skills. and with Iraqis.
They were shocked when they It was something completely
heard an Australian soldier speaking different to what Ive been doing in
Arabic, he said. Australia, he said.
They would ask me where I was It has opened my eyes to the
from, and I would tell them my story. options and opportunities offered by the
Pte Saleh was born in southern Army.

WO2 John Craig is greeted at Brisbane airport by his boys after returning from a six-month deployment
to the Taji Military Complex in Iraq.  Photo by Cpl Max Bree Have your say on the
future of Army Reserves
Rapport grows out of garden
Defence Reserves
Association

DRA 2016 National Conference

Capt James Hook trees, which became the catalyst for We dug into the rock-hard ground Saturday 27 August
the establishment of the TTU regi- and planted trees in potting mix, put
A PATCHY little garden has proved a mental garden. planter boxes in the shade and used United Services Club, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane
secret weapon for the training teams Lt-Col Hammett appointed water-filled trenches for irrigation. Conference 8.30 5 pm
of Task Group Taji. 8/9RAR staff officers Capt Nick Local Iraqi commanders followed Followed by Formal Dinner 7 pm
The windswept plot in front of the Chamberlin and Capt Dan Lawrence the progress of the TTU garden
Training Task Units (TTU) headquar- as the regimental gardening officer enthusiastically, and donated numer-
Cost:
ters has helped personnel build rap- and assistant respectively. ous flowers, shrubs and trees. Combined conference and dinner $150
port with Iraqi Army commanders at It is considered courteous in Iraqi Colonel Shahab, from the Conference only - $75
the Taji Military Complex in Iraq. society to make small talk when start- Baghdad Fighting School, started us
ing a meeting, Capt Chamberlin said. off with a couple of date palms, Capt
Formal Dinner only - $85
CO Task Group Taji Rotation 2s
TTU Lt-Col Jim Hammett said the We would visit the Iraqi com- Lawrence said. Why attend?
garden was inspired by visits to local manders to discuss training their sol- The Garrison Commander, Gen National peak Reserve forum - Tri-service all ranks
Iraqi units and training establish- diers to defeat Daesh, and the garden Karim, joined in and gave us a num- Presentations by military leaders, government, commentators
ments, all of which boasted gardens gave us a conversational opener. ber of plants.
of varying size. I had no gardening experience, Capt Lawrence said the hard work Professional development for junior members
The Iraqi commanders are proud while Dan knew how to mow a lawn had paid off. Network across services, units, ranks
of their regimental gardens, he said. and trim a hedge. Weve overcome a Our final mission was to hand Further information:
Discussions about the merits of number of challenges. The soil is ter- over the garden to the next rotation of
various gardening techniques eventu- rible, the heat and sun arebrutal, and Task Group Taji and ensure they give
MAJ Trevor Herrod (Retd) 0413 152 853
ally led to us being gifted a couple of the evaporation rate is massive. it the care it requires. dra.org.au/event/18512/dra-2016-national-conference
 6 News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016

March Doing great uncle proud

to be led
by ADF
Honour reflects links with France
A CONTINGENT of 140 ADF military hardware, but it recognises
personnel 80 Army, 30 Navy and current French operations and their Musn Liz Cherry performs with the ADF Combined Military Bands at the Royal Edinburgh Military
30 Air Force will lead the French servicemens sacrifice and service to Tattoo in Melbourne in February and (inset) her great uncle Capt Percy Herbert Cherry.
National Day parade in Paris on their country over time.
July 14. The ADF contribution to the MUSN Liz Cherry is among more Lagnicourt. There was strong enemy Im honoured to be attending the
T h e F r e n c h N a t i o n a l D a y, French National Day parade is par- than 100 soldiers heading to the opposition, and soon all of the offic- ceremonies where we are honouring
or Bastille Day as it is commonly ticularly timely as we will be in Western Front to commemorate the ers in the company became casualties. these battles and the lives lost. My great
known, commemorates the storm- France in July to participate in com- centenary of the battles of Fromelles Capt Cherry organised machine-gun uncle was only 21 when he died.
ing of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, memorative activities during this, our and bombing parties, sent back frequent The Western Front was a crucial
Centenary of Anzac period, for the
and Pozires in July.
as well as the Fte de la Fdration, The singer, whose great uncle Capt reports of progress and, when wounded theatre of WWI. Between 1916 and
which celebrates the unity of the 100th anniversaries of the battles of Percy Herbert Cherry, VC, MC, com- later in the action, refused to leave his 1918, about 290,000 Australians served
French people on July 14, 1790. Fromelles and Pozires, where we manded the 1st Bty, 7th Machine Gun post. in the theatre, where about 47,000
VCDF VADM Ray Griggs said it saw our countrys greatest achieve- Coy, at Fleurbaix, Messines and on Late in the afternoon, a single shell Australian lives were lost and more
was an important honour for the ADF ments and most substantial losses on the Somme, will sing the French and killed him instantly. than 130,000 wounded.
to participate in the event, to demon- the Western Front. Australian national anthems at ceremo- Capt Cherry never learnt of the Its an amazing honour to be
strate and further strengthen the close The Centenary of Anzac is a nies to commemorate the 100th anni- honours bestowed upon him: a Military attending, Musn Cherry said. My
and longstanding defence relation- very special time for all Australians versary of the battles. Cross awarded earlier and the Victoria great uncle exemplified bravery and
ship Australia has with France. and will be one of the most signifi- I am really excited, Musn Cherry Cross for Lagnicourt were both leadership and they are now part of my
The ADF is proud and honoured cant commemorations to take place said. Its a significant responsibility announced after his death. He is buried values as a soldier.
to be invited as the guest of hon- in our lifetime. learning the French national anthem, so in the Queant Road Cemetery, Buissy, During the commemorative ser-
our in the oldest and largest regu- For our Australian troops to be there is a lot of preparation involved. France. vices, Australias Federation Guard will
lar military parade in Europe on the involved in this event in France, it Hopefully, I get time to visit my Musn Cherry, of the Australian provide a catafalque party and flag and
Champs-lyses in Paris, VADM is a further opportunity to remember great uncles grave to pay my respects. Army Band-Melbourne, said she was wreath orderlies, while a contingent
Griggs said. and reflect upon the service and sac- On March 26, 1917, Capt Cherrys proud to be representing the ADF at a of 107 soldiers from 2 Div will parade
Not only is this a patriotic dis- rifice of our past and current service- battalion the 26th Australian Inf Bn place that was also significant to her their Colours and assist with burials of
play of French troops and their men and women, he said. was ordered to capture the village of family history. unknown soldiers.

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 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews News 7

Troops ready for Hamel

Expanded Cultana to host more than 9000 soldiers on exercise
Cpl Sebastian Beurich
Australian and US personnel line the
ABOUT 900 soldiers got their upper decks of HMAS Adelaide as it
first taste of the cold South comes alongside Flinders Wharf, Port
Australian air when they disem- Adelaide.  Photos by AB Chris Beerens
barked from HMAS Adelaide
on June 22, before heading to
Exercise Hamel.
The newly expanded Cultana
Training Area will play host to more
than 9000 soldiers for the exercise
held from June 27 to July 13.
Also participating in Exercise
Hamel this year are members of
Marine Rotational Force Darwin,
members of the United States Army
and members of the New Zealand
Army.
Director General of Training
Brig Mick Ryan said the exercise
was designed to ensure Army could
deploy an agile and enabled combat
brigade.
We will be testing 1 Bdes ability An Australian soldier
to support a range of operational con- guides the driver of
tingencies, from humanitarian assis- an ASLAV ashore at
tance and disaster relief through to Flinders Wharf.
major combat operations, Brig Ryan
said.
Unlike Shoalwater Bay, Cultana
is between 3000 and 5000km away
from all of our combat brigades,
which offers us an opportunity to

practise deployment of our land forc-
es over long distances.
17 CSS Bde has been essential in
ensuring we have the logistic infra-
structure in place to conduct such a
large scale and long distance activity.
Traditionally held in training areas
on the east coast of Australia either
Shoalwater Bay Training Area or
High Range Training Area this year,
Cultana was chosen as the preferred It is important to diversify the
site.
It is important to diversify the environment in which soldiers train to
environment in which soldiers train,
to better prepare them for future oper- better prepare them for future operational
ational challenges, Brig Ryan said.
Given the historical significance
challenges.
of the region in Australias military Pte Amy Priaulx checks United States Marine Corps personnel
Brig Mick Ryan, onboard a coach at Port Adelaide for their journey to Cultana training
history, there is no more suitable loca-
tion for the Army to train in during Director General of Training area.  Photo by Cpl Dan Pinhorn
the Centenary of Anzac.
The soldiers of 7 Bde got their first Cultana, so were expecting a lot of opportunity for increasing interoper- together through these types of exer- There will be extensive coverage
experience of Navys LHDs on the rain, he said. ability between the Army and Navy, cises. of Exercise Hamel in a future edition
trip from Brisbane to Adelaide. CO HMAS Adelaide Capt Paul Capt Mandziy said. This is the first time Adelaide has of Army.
From what we got to see of Mandziy said it was important for We have recognised that joint lifted a number of troops from 7 Bde,
the ship, I liked it, 2/14 Regts Tpr Army and Navy to work together on operations are the way of the future, so its the start of a great journey for Coverage of Exercise Hamel as it happens can
Benjamin Choi said. exercises such as Hamel. and the only way we can get good Defence as we move forward with the be followed at @AustralianArmy on Twitter or
Weve seen a few photos from Exercise Hamel provides a great at them is if we continue to operate amphibious capability. by visiting the Australian Army Facebook page.

Automation to be focus
of Innovation Day
Cpl Max Bree autonomous systems working along- EQUIPMENT FOR
THE ELITE
side soldiers in the field, but were also
FINDING uses for automated tech- interested in other enablers that come
nology to work with soldiers is the from outside our current perspective.
goal of the next Army Innovation The key question then is, when
Day, to be held in Canberra on bringing those elements together, how
October 12. does it extend the capability of the sol-
Selected industry exhibitors will be dier when theyre supported by autono-
invited to present products on the theme mous systems?
of manned and unmanned teaming for What opportunity does manned
the soldier. Proposals are being sought and unmanned teaming create that
using the widely available AusTender increases the combat effect?
internet portal. And when bringing those togeth-
Lead coordinator for Army er, how do we increase the capability
Innovation Day Lt-Col Steve Hledik of humans when theyre supported by The MOHOC Elite Ops Camera
2016 MOHOC, Inc. All rights reserved

said it would centre on automated sys- autonomous systems?

is equipment for the elite. It is the Exclusive Australian representatives:
tems that alleviate work done by sol- Potential exhibitors are being asked
to offer technology solutions against worlds first military-optimized camera
diers, or enhance how the task is per-
formed. several sub-themes, such as enhancing with revolutionary helmet contour. Fully
In this years activity, we are build- precision lethality, situational awareness mission ready, it delivers the smallest, Email: sales@spearpoint.net.au
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in AID 14 and AID 15 to look at how Other sub-themes include enabling ruggedized camera solution available. Web: spearpointtechnology.com.au
the land combat team can be supported manoeuvre, increasing force protection
by automated technology, he said. and taking soldiers out of the danger Learn more at: mohoc.com
An example would be robots or zone.
8 News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016

Skys the
limit for
deliveries
Army prepares and offloads its first cargo
by airdrop to the frozen continent
Lt Steven Liowillie during the initial impact. Significant
effort was invested in enhancing side
A DELIVERY of cargo to Antarctica protection to counter load roll-over.
by air broke new icy ground for the 176AD Sqn made special provisions
Army. of the materials used to build the loads,
Specialists from 176th Air Dispatch considering the strict environmental
Squadron (176AD Sqn) used the con- requirements for delivering cargo to the
tainer delivery system to deliver three Antarctic.
Above, the cargo, loads of supplies for medical, vehicles CO 9th Force Support Battalion
prepared by 176AD and plant equipment, along with personal Lt-Col Chris Clapton said the airdrop
Sqn, ready to be mail for Australian Antarctic Division was an excellent opportunity to showcase
dropped from a (AAD) staff, on June 4. the versatility of aerial delivery.
C-17A. An Air Force C-17A Globemaster Dropping large and complex loads
Left, expeditioners III flew a 7000km round trip and deliv- into a remote location during adverse
from Casey station ered the loads to the Casey drop zone in weather conditions demonstrates the util-
recover a load from Antarctica. ity of Defences aerial delivery capabil-
the drop zone. The loads were recovered with their ity, he said.
Photos by Chad Griffiths contents serviceable and no damage sus- The C-17As reach gives us the
and Kate Senekin tained. capacity to rapidly deliver critical stores
Pte Simon Grech, of 176AD Sqn, and equipment across the globe.
said it was the first time the Army had This ultimately enhances Defences
prepared and delivered loads by airdrop operational effectiveness and strategic
to the frozen continent. influence.
Were proud to have been involved Future Concepts Manager for
in conducting live airdrop loads into the AAD, Matt Filipowski, said access to
Antarctic, Pte Grech said. Australias Antarctic stations had been
This airdrop has demonstrated our limited to the warmer months, between
ability to be flexible and adaptable, and October and March.
to provide a strategic effect required During winter, Antarctica is cloaked
from a tactical level for military, civilian in darkness and experiences extreme
or other government agencies. temperatures, which means we cant
While Air Force conducted trial reach our stations by sea or air, Mr
flights to Wilkins Aerodrome between Filipowski said.
November 2015 and February 2016, But with the new capabilities of the
mid-winter weather in Antarctica makes RAAF C-17A we can now drop essential
airdrop the only means of resupply. supplies and equipment year-round.
For this task, 176AD Sqn prepared This is a really significant devel-
loads configured for a high-velocity opment, improving the logistical sup-
drop, using a 22ft extraction parachute to port we can provide to all our stations
stabilise the load during its descent. Casey, Mawson and Davis over the
The increased rate of descent allows long winter period.
greater accuracy in the high winds preva- CO 86 Wing Gp-Capt Adam Williams
lent in Antarctica at this time of year. said it was a great opportunity for both
The high-velocity configuration was organisations.
chosen because of the nature of the cargo The opportunity to support the AAD
and the information attained from the in this resupply demonstrates Defences
drop-zone reconnaissance. progression to a year-round resupply
The airdrop loads were designed to capability to the AAD research stations,
provide a greater degree of protection he said.

Be a part of the story

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Tell us about individual and unit
activities, achievements, training,
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or sporting events. news
If you think its newsworthy phone the Army News editor on
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 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews News 9

Setting sail for Hawaii

2RAR heads for largest maritime exercise
LS Helen Frank relief and maritime security operations to
sea control and complex war fighting.
TOWNSVILLE soldiers once again CO 2RAR Lt-Col Michael
found their sea legs as they embarked in Bassingthwaighte said the embarked force
one of the Navys largest vessels to par- comprised more than 500 personnel.
ticipate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific The landing force will be integrat-
ing with the US and other participating
(Rimpac). nations, he said. It will move through
Troops and vehicles from 2RAR combat enhancement training and force
boarded the landing helicopter dock integration that will culminate in a tactical
HMAS Canberra for a three-month exercise and beach landing.
deployment during which the ship will We will have a significant level of
2 Cav Regt soldiers drive ASLAVs take part in her first international exercise. integration for the exercise.
onto HMAS Canberra in Townsville. Rimpac is a biannual exercise con- The force will form a multinational
ducted off the coast of Hawaii. battalion landing team in Hawaii that will
Twenty-seven nations, 45 ships, five be one of two landing teams, which is a
submarines, more than 200 aircraft and first for a Rimpac exercise.
25,000 personnel will participate in the Lt-Col Bassingthwaighte said the
exercise, which runs until August 4. Australian Force would work with the
Rimpac 2016 is the 25th exercise in a New Zealanders, Americans and Tongans
series that began in 1971. as part of a battalion-sized landing team.
As the largest international maritime Its really about getting that common
exercise, it provides a unique training understanding of proceedings and work-
opportunity that helps participants foster ing effectively together, he said.
and sustain cooperative relationships criti- The activities we will be involved in
cal to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and will include the full range of amphibious
security on the oceans. activities, from pre-landing to air mobiles,
The participating nations and forces surface assaults and tactical actions
Above, 2RAR soldiers board HMAS Canberra in
will exercise a wide range of capabilities ashore.
Townsville, bound for Exercise Rimpac. Right,
and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of Its a great hit-out for the embarked
Cpl Nicole Thomas helps process Cpl Rawdon
maritime and amphibious forces. force and a great opportunity to work with
McLaggan for boarding. Photos by AB Steven Thomson These capabilities range from disaster other nations to achieve those effects.

Fired up and flexible

Cpl Mark Doran
2RAR soldiers are physically and
mentally prepared for the worlds
largest international maritime
exercise.
Section Commander Cpl Carlos
Barrera, of Alpha Coy, said the bat-
talion conducted a 10-week training
program earlier in the year designed
to take all soldiers through their
basic individual skills up to com- Pte Mitchell Cahill directs a 2RAR vehicle as it boards HMAS Canberra.
pany size operations.  Photo by LS Helen Frank
We rehearsed offensive and
defensive operations and military

LOOKING TO
operations in the urban environment
as well as combined arms training
with 2 Cav Regt and 4 Regt RAA
on Exercise Eagle Run, he said.

INVEST IN
Besides our familiarisation
training with the Zodiac F470, our
small-boats training was conducted Sgt Ian Butterworth puts 2RAR soldiers through their swimming
Call tod

PROPERTY?
during the Sea Series exercises off
HMAS Canberra with the 2RAR
paces at Lavarack Barracks.  Photo by Cpl Mark Doran
for a freay
Pioneers at the Cowley Beach no obligatioe,
Training Area.
Cpl Barrera has been with
2RAR for seven years and has been
Tested, boots and all consultatio n
n
A GRUELLING swim test is one of ming, mainly because the infantry
Speak to a Financial Planner that
a part of the battalions amphibious
development from the start. the newer challenges faced by sol- soldiers used small boats to con- Specialises in Property.
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Gone are the days of a slow for the test and those who fail con- We offer the following:
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announced the battalion would be
two minutes wearing DPCU and their times, he said. buy a property
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In the latest test, personnel the battalions daily physical fitness
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began to prepare ourselves mentally 18 minutes and immediately tread The amphibious capability Advise on deposits and Defence benefits
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a long way since the start. said the amphibious battalion land, we also need to tactically get
property for you and your goals!
Cpl Barrera was with the 2RAR needed a higher standard of swim- to the beach from a ship safely.
reconnaissance platoon when it
began developing its operating pro-
vehicles, which is also one of the The best part of being in the
cedures on Exercise Buhsu Landing
exciting parts of working with the amphibious battalion is being able
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 10 News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016

Sacrifice
honoured
Tree marks Queenslands toll at Gallipoli
Maj Kris Gardiner These men were drawn from all
areas of Queensland, eager to enlist, to
LINKING the community and protect the Empire and its way of life,
Defence, 1DIV/DJFHQ joined he said.
invited guests to recognise the sac- Holding a place of honour at the cer-
rifice of Queensland soldiers during emony was the original earthenware pot
the Gallipoli campaign at a recent used to propagate the original Anzac
ceremony. tree, carrying the signatures of those
Led by Commander 1DIV/DJFHQ involved with the 1916 ceremony.
Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan, an Anzac Personnel and guests were invited to
Tree was rededicated on June 3 at sign a newly constructed plinth for the
Gallipoli Barracks to honour the 566 pot and the book containing the names
Queenslanders who were killed in of the fallen, which will be placed on
action or died from wounds and dis- permanent display in the 1DIV/DJFHQ
ease from April 25, 1915 to January 31, historic collection.
1916. 1DIV/DJFHQ historian Col Dennis
The tree, a seedling from the origi- Scanlan said the signing of the plinth
nal lone Aleppo Pine, from which the provided a link to both dedication cer-
Lone Pine takes its name, was planted emonies at the barracks.
in 1997 on Duncan Oval to replace a Beyond time capsules and war
previous Anzac tree which has long memorials, it is rare that you get an
since disappeared. opportunity for military personnel and
The original tree, also a seedling members of the public to come together
from Lone Pine, had been planted 100 and add such a personal touch to a his-
years earlier. toric artefact, Col Scanlan said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maj- By signing the new plinth for the
Gen McLachlan paid tribute to those Anzac tree pot, the military and com-
Queenslanders who made the supreme munity maintain a very personal link to Commander 1DIV/DJFHQ Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan unveils a plaque at the ceremony to rededicate the
sacrifice. Queenslands military heritage. Anzac Tree on Duncan Oval to remember the Queenslanders who died at Gallipoli.  Photo by Cpl Terry Tucker

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 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews News 11

Digital test a success

Deployed HQ exceeds expectations in use of digitised battle space
1ST Div/Deployable Joint Force
Headquarters (1Div/DJFHQ) is
celebrating a landmark Exercise
Vital series, with the successful
implementation of the first digital
DJFHQ in the field.
Exercise Vital Launch/Prospect,
which forms part of Armys Theatre
16 exercise campaign construct held
Theoretically, it
from May 3 to 22 put the head-
quarters function in a simulated field
could allow the
environment with a fully integrated force to fight
digital system, providing a detailed
and high-speed command, control, anywhere in the
communication and computers, intelli-
gence, surveillance and reconnaissance world.
capability.
Built around the Mission Secret Maj-Gen Paul McLachlan,
Network (MSN) technology demon- Commander 1Div/DJFHQ
strator, provided by the Land Network
Integration Centre, the digitisation of
the DJFHQ deployed a level of joint
battle space connectivity, decision
speed and situational awareness never
before seen in ADF.
Commander 1Div/DJFHQ Maj-Gen
Paul McLachlan said the persistence was then transferred to HQJOC.
and willingness of the 350 personnel Maj-Gen McLachlan said the
on the exercise to embrace the digital opportunities offered by the integrated
epiphany meant the concept exceeded systems on the MSN enhanced inter-
expectations. operability and situational awareness,
The staff of 1Div/DJFHQ have which historically had been reduced
proven the superior flexibility, speed 1Div/ DJFHQ personnel man the deployed joint operations room during Exercise Vital Prospect 2016. because of its spread across multiple
and situational awareness offered by databases over a number of security
the fully digitised battle space, Maj- domains.
Gen McLachlan said. and sea interconnected like never bined with the RAAF Joint Automated nectivity and flow of information. Digitisation is a commanders
We as a group have pulled our- before, with real-time access to infor- Deep Operations Coordination System, The return of 1Div/DJFHQ to the
weapon allowing him or her to gain
selves out of the analogue morass to mation and cyber domains within joint, we had a fully digital deployed joint Army raise, train and sustain cycle,
decision superiority, Maj-Gen
become what a deployed headquarters inter-agency and coalition frameworks. fires capability that allowed us to saw the headquarters positioned as
Maj-Gen McLachlan said one of refine our processes and deliver the the major JTFHQ over the Darwin McLachlan said.
should look like in the 21st century.
The exercise, conducted as part of the most impressive firsts of the effects that a major joint task force based 1st Bde, the current readying It is a tool that must be used to
the Army raise, train and sustain cycle, exercise was the beyond-line-of-sight would need, Maj-Gen brigade. This will be further tested on win the decision cycle. Commanders
was chosen as the most appropriate feeds of the Advanced Field Artillery McLachlan said. Exercise Hamel in July. need to be personally invested in
moment to initiate the integration of a Tactical Data System and Battle Group Theoretically, it could allow the Through the GEC2O system, blue getting what they need out of these
multiple digital tools platform. and below Command, Control and force to fight anywhere in the world if and red tracks fed from 1st Bde and systems.
The end result was a system which Communications System from Darwin required. joint assets were fused, providing a Dont wait for someone to bring
saw command and control, joint fires and Sydney. He said one other success during detailed joint common operating pic- you a ribboned solution get in early
and manoeuvre forces across air, land, When these live feeds were com- Exercise Vital Prospect was the con- ture (COP). This consolidated COP and influence what you need it to be.

Modern systems Want your..

MILITARY QUALIFICATIONS
now a virtual reality ..recognised in civvy street?

Lt Ash Carter Sig Ryan

Wilcox, of
AN information systems trans- 1st Signal
formation is underway at the Regiment, logs
1Sig Regt with the delivery of the onto MILIS,
Mission Secret Network (MSN) one of the
to Exercise Vital Prospect 2016. many digital
While Forcom signal regiments systems used
have been using MSN for sever- on the 2016
al years, Exercise Vital Prospect Viral series of
marked the first exercise where exercises.
it was available on a vast scale to
staff in 1 Div.
The transformation continued
Certificate III in
with soldiers starting training on
the Enhanced Deployable Local
Driving Operations
[ HEAVY GENERAL FREIGHT; BUS; REFRIGERATED ]
Area Network (eDLAN) before its
arrival later this year.
Both MSN and eDLAN employ Joint Communications Element ing new technology this year with For a limited time, the Queensland Government. is funding a certication
a modern virtualised server Troop Commander Lt Matthew 1Sig Regt already receiving mod- for professional drivers. Which means eligible servicemen and women
architecture and this has necessi- Hunt said he was impressed by the ern JP 2008 Phase 5B1 satellite ter- can have their skills and knowledge recognised through a formal
tated a paradigm shift in the think- increase in quality and security of minals, the powerful new Tactical civilian qualication.
ing, administrative processes and services now available in support Internet Protocol Aggregation
training of soldiers. Certicate III in Driving Operations [TLI31210] is a nationally
of 1DivHQ. Network (TIPAN) system, the
Information Systems Technician Users will see a new laptop Land 121 Phase 3A Command recognised qualication. Applicable streams are: Heavy General
Sig Ryan Wilcox participated in and desktop similar to what they Post Module and long-awaited high Freight, Refrigerated and Bus.
lead-up training for eDLAN and are used to with the next-genera- power HF radio systems. Trainers Mark Punch and Daniel Green have a combined 30+ years in
enjoyed the chance to train on tion desktop, Lt Hunt said. Lt Hunt said the delivery of so
professional driving, transport and logistics and work with a number of
modern applications. The benefits continue well much so quickly was an opportu-
RTOs. For an eligibility check contact:
Our current networks still run beyond with a substantial increase nity to be embraced.
software from the early 2000s, Sig in the security and reliability of our While it is a challenge for us
Wilcox said. networks. to integrate all this new technol- Mark: 0427 018 828 - Daniel: 0416 010 223
This eDLAN training is the This means the commander ogy and the associated training, our
first opportunity for us to receive can better maintain an information soldiers have shown tremendous or e n qu i r i e s @ t r a n s p o r t t r a i n i n g . n e t . a u
up-to-date training on modern advantage in the face of rapidly initiative and adaptability to do
systems similar to those found in changing cyber threats. so in the midst of a busy exercise
industry. Numerous projects are deliver- schedule.
 12 News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016

Farewell
parade
FSE-5 and TCG-3 deploy to MER
Cpl Mark Doran selected for what they will bring to the
team and each team is expertly led,
FAMILIES and friends from across he said. Personnel from FSE-5 and
Australia said good bye to Force Many have previous operational TCG-3 on parade during
Support Element Five (FSE-5) and experience and there are many who are the farewell.
Theatre Communications Group deploying for the first time.
Three (TCG-3) during a farewell Regardless of their background,
parade in Townsville on June 10. each person has been superbly trained,
The parade at Lavarack Barracks individually and as part of a team, with
was reviewed by Commander Forces the skills they require to effectively
Command Maj-Gen Peter Gilmore and and safely do the mission that lies
hosted by Commander 17 CSS Bde ahead.
Brig Paul Nothard. Comprising more than 90 per-
FSE-5 is commanded by Lt-Col sonnel, predominately drawn from
David Jenkins and will provide theatre units within the 17 CSS Bde, FSE-5
logistics, reception, staging and on- includes members from 9FSB, 10FSB
forward movement, redeployment and as well as units from across Australia.
remediation effects for ADF members The unit will be deployed across
in the Middle East region. multiple locations in Afghanistan and
TCG-3 is commanded by Major Iraq.
Michael Shaw and will provide com- TCG-3 consists of more than 90
munications and information systems personnel, from all three services, with
support to continued coalition opera- a predominately communications spe-
tions in the MER. cialty, drawn together from 20 indi-
Maj-Gen Gilmore said the person- vidual units from across Australia.
nel had a particularly important job The unit will deploy across eight Cpl Robert Martin, from the Combat Training Centre, is joined by his son, left, and Pte Christopher Cutting,
to do. different locations in six countries on from 9th Force Support Battalion, is joined by his partner Olivia Grissel and her mother, Leonie Grissell,
Each person has been specifically four separate operations. during the farewell parade in Townsville.  Photos by Cpl Mark Doran

LS Mat Timu speaks to visitors on board HMAS Canberra during the

charity open day.  Photo by LS Helen Frank

Chinooks put
smiles on faces
Cpl Sebastian Beurich kids faces and the fact that all of the
ticket sales went to supporting charities
ARMYS newest helicopters almost made it much more enjoyable.
accidentally stole the show at HMAS Chairman and founder of NSW Kids
Canberras open day on May 21. in Need Peter Debnam said the support
With more than 1200 locals having from Defence was fantastic.
a look at the ship while it was berthed Personnel from Army, Navy and
at Garden Island in Sydney, the NSW Air Force bent over backwards to take
Kids in Need Worlds Largest Open part in the open day and make sure
House raised money for a number of everyone had a great time, he said.
Australian charities. Ive no doubts there are now plenty
Capt Geordie Keating was conduct- of family photos with soldiers and the
ing deck handling trials for the CH-47F Chinook.
on board Canberra when he was told Im sure every family group would
about the open day. tell you the Army involvement was the
It was pure chance the Chinook highlight of the day.
was on board conducting trials, and we The NSW Kids in Need open
were asked to be a part of it, he said. day assisted Bear Cottage Childrens
A bunch of different people came Hospice, Central Coast Kids In Need,
through some had military interests or the Duke of Edinburghs International
backgrounds, others just came to get a Award Australia, SHINE for Kids and
glimpse of the inside of the ship. the burns unit at the Childrens Hospital
We got to put smiles on a lot of at Westmead.
 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews News 13

Milestone marked Introducing

ADF Super
THE ADFs new military superannuation
3 Bdes quiet achievers commemorate 50th anniversary arrangement starts on July 1.
Under the new arrangement, ADF Super
will become the default employer superan-
nuation fund for new members joining the
ADF.
For the first time, ADF members will
also be able to choose their own superan-
nuation fund.
In addition, ADF members in the new
arrangement will no longer be required to
make personal superannuation contributions
and can roll over their accumulated super-
annuation benefits to another complying
superannuation fund on retirement, or at any
other time.
The new military superannuation
arrangement also includes ADF Cover
a statutory death and invalidity scheme
that provides benefits consistent with the
death and invalidity cover in the Military
Superannuation and Benefits Scheme
(MSBS).
All ADF members who fall under the
new arrangement will receive superannua-
tion contributions from Defence of 16.4 per
cent of ordinary time earnings and be cov-
ered under ADF Cover. This includes those
members who choose a superannuation fund
other than the default fund, ADF Super.
Cpl Mark Doran The dinner was also an excellent RAEME Association President of North Queensland Gus
opportunity for our junior soldiers Angus (right) at the presentation of the 102 Fd Wksp flag, More information is available from the following
ONE of 3 Bdes quiet achievers, 102 to meet and learn from our veterans, which was flown in Somalia during Operation Solace, to websites:
PACMAN: www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac
Fd Wksp, celebrated its 50th anniver- as well as be a part of an event that (from left) OC 102 Fd Wksp Maj Michael Fry, Brig Ross Grant ADF Consumer Centre: www.adfconsumer.gov.au
sary with a formal dinner at 3CSSB, remembers their RAEME service. (retd) and WO1 3CSSB Andy Pethybridge. ADF Super: www.adfsuper.gov.au
Lavarack Barracks on May 28. A highlight of the evening was ADF Cover: www.adfcover.gov.au
The unit also promoted its mascot, a when Gus Angus, the RAEME
crocodile known as Snappa. Association President of North Qld,
About 200 people attended the func- presented the company with the 102
tion and historical displays at the com- Fd Wksp flag, which was flown in
panys workshops, including 15 former Somalia during Operation Solace.
OCs, ASMs and CSMs. We also promoted our unit mascot,
As the Australian commitment in Soult-Walter Crock also known as
Vietnam expanded in 1966 after the Snappa to WO2.
deployment of the 1st Australian Task The certificate of promotion for
Force, 102 Fd Wksp was raised in 1966 WO2 Crock was presented to Bob
and deployed to Vietnam to relieve 101 Fleming, the owner of Billabong
Fd Wksp in 1967. Sanctuary, just south of Townsville,
During the war, 102 Fd Wksp was where the Edward River crocodile
located in South Vietnam near Vung makes her home.
Tau, Phouc Thuy, as part of the 1st WO2 Crock did live at Lavarack
Australian Logistic Support Group. Barracks, but in 1987, at the rank of
The unit remained in Vietnam until
craftsman, she grew too large to handle
1972 and was mothballed before being
and was moved to the park.
re-raised in Townsville in 1981.
In 1991, 102 Fd Wksp became a Although the 4m crocodile could
sub-unit of 3 BASB (later renamed 3 not attend the event, one of her off-
CSSB) spring attended in her place.
OC 102 Fd Wksp Maj Michael Fry Maj Fry said there were close to 150
said guests at the anniversary included members of 102 Fd Wksp who pro-
the second and oldest surviving OC, vided close maintenance and recovery
Col Max Tinkler (Retd) and the first support to 3 Bde units, from attach-
OC from when the unit was re-raised, ments to combat units, through to base
Brig Ross Grant (Retd). workshops in rear echelons.
It was important for our troops to Our soldiers have been deployed
commemorate the anniversary and give on operations to Somalia, Rawanda,
them an understanding of our units Bougainville, Timor-Leste, Soloman
significant history, Maj Fry said. Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan, he said.

Left: Cfn James Lowe (right) 102nd Fd Wksps youngest member

joins Colonel Max Tinkler (retd), the companys oldest surviving CO, to
cut the cake during the units 50th anniversary celebrations at Lavarack
Barracks. Right: RSM 3CSSB WO1 Joanne Downes (left), and CO
3CSSB Lt-Col Gabrielle Follett, present Mr Bob Flemming, owner of the
Billabong Sanctuary, with WO2 Soult-Walter Crocs promotion certificate.
 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews News 15

Up close and FULLY EQUIPPED

personalised
Ballistic
and blunt force
protection

Ocular/laser
protection Active aural
protection
Soldiers to kit out in state-of-the-art ensemble
IN THE wake of the successful Project Legacy in-service and in-use SCE fleets
Land 125 Phase 3B, Army is introducing would progressively be disposed of.
an enduring Soldier Combat Ensemble The spiral development of the SCE would
Modernisation (SCE Mod) plan. be guided and funded to ensure the Army
Director General Modernisation Army continued to provide leading SCE to those
Brig Chris Mills said the plan reflected who needed it.
Armys commitment to providing soldiers Col Toohey said this spiral development
with the best equipment available. would be led by Diggerworks, which will
This plan provides further evidence of draw its inspiration from user recommenda-
Armys intent to equip its close combatants tions, leading commercial designs, and by
with the worlds best SCE, he said. monitoring what Armys closest coalition
Based on user feedback, we are con- partners are doing with SCE.
fident the SCE Army is now provisioning Col Toohey said key focus areas for
is significantly enhancing the mobility and SCE spiral development included lighter
force protection of close combatants during and stronger body armour and helmets, and
training and on operations. lighter materials and niche configurations
Director Soldier Combat Systems Army for special forces, aviation and K9 close
Col Mick Toohey said the SCE Mod Plan combatants.
would progressively expand the provision This is another exciting development for
of leading SCE to close combatants who Armys close combatants, Col Toohey said. Variety of
needed it. The SCE Mod Plan demonstrates that packs that will
Col Toohey said close combatant need the soldiers, and their tailored personal load fit men and
was defined by the echelon to which each carriage and protective equipment, remains women
soldier was posted. at the heart of Armys capability.
These included operational, fighting, The spiral development feature of the
training and staff. plan also confirms Armys strong commit-
He said the state-of-the art SCE which ment to the continuous modernisation of
will be designed, configured and issued close combatant capability.
according to Armys standing tiered combat- Customised and scalable
ant definitions would be issued on a ready Direct questions about the SCE Mod Plan to Lt-Col
access, accountable item basis to manage Ben McLennan at benjamin.mclennan@defence.gov.
individual load carriage and
the fleet in a sustainable fashion. au or Maj Pat Wise at pat.wise@defence.gov.au protective elements

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 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Features 19

Our guardian angels

Infantry soldiers Force Protection Element
deployed to soldiers Cpl Bradley
Spaccavento, left, and
Afghanistan continue Pte Chris Di Florio in Kabul.
 Photo by WO2 Andrew Hetherington
to play a critical
role protecting ADF
members, WO2
Andrew Hetherington
writes

S
OLDIERS from 8/9RAR are
providing essential security
for ADF personnel working
inside and around Kabul.
Their role as guardian angels sees
the soldiers providing close person-
al protection to the many ADF men-
tors and advisers working with their
Afghan counterparts.
T h e A C o y 8 / 9 R A R Fo r c e
Protection Element (FPE) deployed
in January after completing three
months of mission-specific training
and armoured vehicle familiarisation.
On arrival in Kabul, the FPE was
split into three sections, each tasked
with providing physical protection to
Australians deployed to different units
around Hamid Karzai International
Airport (HKIA) and Kabul.
Cpl Bradley Spaccavento is one of
the FPE section commanders.
Our role is to conduct protect-
ed red and green zone moves in and
around Kabul in armoured four-wheel-
drives, Cpl Spaccavento said.
We work with the Kabul Garrison
CommandAdvisory Team (KGC-AT)
six days a week, escorting them to
work and providing protection while
they conduct advisory work with their
Afghan counterparts.
When we are not working with
KGC-AT were also tasked to provide
security to other ADF units in the
area.
A typical work day has the
8/9RAR FPE clearing and securing the
KGC-AT advisers workplace before
allowing them into their building. as before I was outside the wire and Im the battle tracker, he said. I a bit more dangerous compared to we could have done something better,
Once the building has been not in an urban environment, Pte Di facilitate communication between the working inside the HKIA area, Pte he said.
cleared we stand up our command Florio said. FPE soldiers and the command post, Di Florio said. We have to be alert Its a matter of staying on top of
post, where we coordinate movements On a normal day I arrive after the and I also track everyones location on for threats such as vehicle IEDs in cars everything we do, fixing problems and
for the advisers, he said. building has been cleared and assist a white board. and motorcycles and possible IEDs on moving on.
Section 2IC Pte Chris Di Florio is with the set-up of the computer servers While the job is different to what or under the road.
the senior soldier in the section and and the command post. both Cpl Spaccavento and Pte Di So far on this deployment its This isnt a mentoring mis-
has been in the Army for six years. When the building is safe to work Florio have experienced on previous the le a de rs hip com ponent Cpl sion like my 2IC or I have completed
I deployed to Afghanistan in in Pte Di Florio has an important role deployments to Afghanistan, operating Spaccavento has enjoyed the most. before. Its a different kind of oper-
2012 with Mentoring Task Force 4 to carry out during the rest of his work in Kabul is no less dangerous. It can be challenging at times and ation, but its very rewarding to be
but this time my role is very different, day. The red zone moves we do are there are occasions when Ive thought here.

Get on yer bike Expand your resume before you need it

WO2 Andrew Hetherington See website for Recognition of Prior Learning Fees & Conditions

AT TASK Group Afghanistan HQ at The majority of our clients are now referrals from other clients
Hamid Karzai International Airport,
some ADF personnel have been given BSB61015 Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management
bicycles to use during their deploy- BSB51915 Diploma of Leadership and Management
ment from the person theyve replaced. BSB51315 Diploma of Work Health and Safety
Even the Commander of Task Group
BSB41415 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
Afghanistan Brig Cheryl Pearce rides a
bike around the base, with a special han- BSB50215 Diploma of Business
dlebar-mounted carry box emblazoned Commander Task Group Afghanistan BSB51415 Diploma of Project Management
with her one-star rank. Brig Cheryl Pearce, right, and other BSB51615 Diploma of Quality Auditing
My staff officer convinced me I ADF members cycle around Hamid CPP50611 Diploma of Security and Risk Management
needed a bike and I use it to pick up my Karzai International Airport. TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
laundry and to go and do my afternoon  Photo by WO2 Andrew Hetherington TAE50111 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training*
exercise, Brig Pearce said.
Riding a bike during the day pro-
vides me with a moment of freedom in
have one to ride around, Pte Farallo
said.
www.hamel.edu.au
an environment where we have limited I use it to ride to work, go to the
movement. gym and it cuts the time it takes to get
1300 7 999 14
Operations clerk Pte Nicholas Farallo from my accommodation to my office.
never thought hed be riding a bike on As I ride down the road past people, info@hamel.edu.au
his deployment. they give me a smile and I think theyre a Qualifications assessed & issued by Hamel Institute RTO 32399
I was happy when I found out I did bit jealous they dont have one, too. * Qualifications assessed by Hamel Institute & issued by Tafe Queensland East Coast RTO 0418
 20 Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016

Party takes the cake

Celebrating a birthday on operations
makes the occasion more memorable,
WO2 Andrew Hetherington writes

S
OLDIERS and officers from the cargo at the freight distribution
the Royal Australian Corps centre.
of Transport (RACT) gath- The postal operators are kept
ered at Camp Baird in the very busy maintaining morale for all
Middle East region to celebrate their deployed Australians in JTF633, while
corps 43rd birthday on June 1. the driver specialists are responsible
Eighteen members got into the for the operation and maintenance of a
spirit by sporting one of three gifts: a variety of vehicles.
RACT baseball cap, a corps-branded Pte Natasha Elford and LCpl
ID lanyard or a coffee cup, sent to Matthew Konig are on their first
them by members of the RACT Head deployment to the Middle East region,
of Corps Cell in Australia, Brig Paul which made celebrating their corps
Nothard and Lt-Col Paul Rogers. birthday even more special.
A traditional truckie birthday Im a driver specialist for FSE 4
spread of donuts, chocolate milk and and I primarily transport ADF person-
an RACT cake was provided. nel around base from when they first
Commander JTF633 AVM Tim arrive at Camp Baird, Pte Elford said.
Innes and the oldest RACT sol- The highlight of my deployment
dier deployed to Camp Baird, LCpl so far was when I filled the position of
Graham Horsfall, cut the cake. driver for the Commander of JTF633.
Event organiser OC Force Support
LCpl Konig, a cargo specialist, has
Element (FSE) 4 and a member of
previously deployed on Operations
RACT, Maj Christine Pope, said it was
special for the members of the corps to Philippines Assist and Resolute.
celebrate its birthday while performing I help conduct airfield clearance
their roles on operations. of all the cargo from Australia with
We have soldiers and officers forklifts and trucks, and then support Royal Australian Corps of Transport soldiers
working in five out of the six RACT the forward movement of cargo to Iraq LCpl Matthew Konig and Pte Natasha
trades, Maj Pope said. and Afghanistan, LCpl Konig said. Elford wearing their new caps during the
We have movement operators, The best part about my job here corps 43rd birthday celebrations at Camp
responsible for the movement of all is the people I work with, and ensur- Baird. Left, AVM Tim Innes (front left) and
deployed personnel, cargo specialists ing all of the items being sent forward LCpl Graham Horsfall cut the cake.
and air dispatchers who handle all of reach personnel who need them.  Photos by WO2 Andrew Hetherington

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 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Features 21

A lasting relationship
Personnel and members of the Indigenous
community embraced Reconciliation Week,
Flt-Lt Nick OConnor reports

A
National Reconciliation Week advancements on the path to reconciliation in
ceremony was held at Simpson more recent times.
Barracks at the beginning of the There have been many changes that have
month as part of Armys broader had major outcomes for our community, she
said.
Indigenous engagement initiatives. The day concluded with the annual
Army Indigenous Elder Uncle Roy Australian Rules 9s carnival.
Mundine spoke about the importance of lead- Four Defence teams represent-
ership. ing Simpson Barracks competed for the
A smoking ceremony and Welcome Marngrook Shield, wearing jerseys designed
to Country were performed by senior by students from the Melbourne Indigenous
Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy, accom- Transition School.
panied by Corey Atkinson, with the assistance Defence Command Support Training
of members of the Defence Force School of Centre Formation Indigenous liaison officer
Signals. Sgt Jarrod Poxon said organising the day of
Aunty Joy shared her fathers experience celebrations was a highlight on the Simpson
of Army life during the First World War. Barracks annual calendar.
My fathers story is like so many It is a very important day for all of us
Commander 4 Bde Brig David Aboriginal men who were not seen fit to fight here at Simpson Barracks, Sgt Poxon said.
Westphalen and Defence for this country, she said. Making connections with our local
Command Support Training Centre My dad was one of 10 children and he Indigenous community fits well with the
Commandant Col James Roche felt very proud that he was able to enlist but broader Defence Reconciliation Action Plan
take part in the smoking ceremony he was absolutely dismayed when he was [at and the Armys Indigenous Strategy.
with senior Wurundjeri Elder Aunty first] rejected because he was Aboriginal and We have taken the opportunity to
Joy Murphy at Simpson Barracks. he was not a legal citizen of this country. establish this event in order to make lasting
Photo by LS Nina Fogliani Aunty Joy said while her father faced relationships with our local Indigenous com-
discrimination, the nation had made many munity.

NAIDOC Week
E V E RY y e a r, t h e N a t i o n a l signage and flags on July 4 at
Aborigines and Torres Strait Larrakeyah Barracks.
Islanders Day Observance In Canberra, a ceremony will be
Committee (NAIDOC) organises a held at Sir Blamey Square at Russell,
week to celebrate Indigenous his- on July 5 at 1.30pm, with local Elder
tory, culture and achievements. Matilda House delivering a Welcome to
For Defence, it is an opportunity Country and smoking ceremony.
to recognise the contributions that Members of Bungaree, the Navy
Indigenous Australians make, and to Indigenous Performance Group, will
demonstrate Defence commitment to perform a traditional dance followed by
increasing the number of Indigenous an Indigenous-themed afternoon tea.
people in the organisation. The event will close with a screen-
NAIDOC Week will run from ing of the Indigenous movie The
July 3-10 this year, with the theme of Forgotten. Another film, Harrys War,
Songlines: The living narrative of our will be screened on July 8 at noon.
nation. An Indigenous-themed Last Post
Defence will conduct key events in ceremony will be held on July 7 at
Darwin and Canberra as well as sup- 4.50pm at the Australian War Memorial
porting events in regional locations. with an ADF member playing the didg-
Defence will hold a flagship event eridoo.
in Darwin as the host city for NAIDOC
Week 2016. Further information on NAIDOC Week is available
Darwins flagship event will include on the official NAIDOC website at: http://www.
an announcement and unveiling of naidoc.org.au.
 22 Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016

Units wet and dry run

Exercise Sea Explorer was a chance for an Army team to craft its loading skills, Flt-Lt Lauretta Webster reports

E
IGHT hundred personnel
embarked in HMAS Adelaide
to participate in Exercise Sea
Explorer 16 held off the coast
of north Queensland from May 25 to
June 5. The ABT was responsible for
Teamed with embarked forces from
2RAR, 5th Aviation Regiment and some coordinating the movement of all
RAAF elements, the ships company
conducted a range of training exercises
stores and vehicles from Adelaide An Australian Army Light
to test its capability in order to support
the embarked elements.
onto the beach and then onto the Amphibious Vehicle from 10th Force
Support Battalion heads towards
The amphibious readiness element next objective. Cowley Beach.
activities included combat enhancement
training, force integration training and Lt Monica Merlo,
wet and dry rehearsals. ABT Commander
Commander of the amphibious task
group (CATF) Capt Brett Sonter said
Adelaide undertook a number of con-
current activities to be assessed against
operational capability requirements. barking in a tactical assault formation. er training serials with their ASLAVs on
The amphibious beach team (ABT) We c o n d u c te d rehe a rs a ls of Cowley Beach.
from 10FSB disembarked Adelaide via surface assault from Adelaide onto Having been loaded onto two LLCs
amphibious vehicles onto Cowley Beach Cowley Beach using a multitude of dif- by Adelaides crew from the heavy load-
to prepare the area for the wet training ferent platforms, including light land- ing dock, the soldiers and two ASLAVs
component. ing craft (LLC), Zodiacs and landing motored to shore, where the 2CAV
ABT Commander Lt Monica Merlo craft medium 8 (LMC-8), Lt Bannister- troops conducted driver rehearsals by
said the ABT was the link between the Tyrrell said. manoeuvring the ASLAVs off and on
ship and shore, in charge of preparing On approach to the beach, we the LLCs.
the beach for personnel and equipment. took up security positions around the Choppy waters did not make
The ABT was responsible for coor- inside of the vessel and then tactically this easy, but troop leader Lt Gerard
dinating the movement of all stores and advanced onto the beach, where we once Donnelly said the team was up to the
vehicles from Adelaide onto the beach again adopted security positions. challenge.
and then onto the next objective, Lt Pte Dylan Chapman, a rifleman with
The weather posed some challeng-
Merlo said. 2RAR, said he was ready for the water-
es. It meant that we had to push to a
We did this by using two different based training.
Our training prepared us fairly well different landing site, but eventually we
types of small boats, as well as LARCs
for this activity. Earlier on in the year managed and pushed the assets to the
(lighter amphibious resupply cargo), to
we did a 10-week training program that shore, Lt Donnelly said.
transfer cargo to the shore.
She said about 500 personnel and 37 focused primarily on our amphibious Driving ASLAVs on land has been
vehicles conducted training across the capability, which included inserting Tpr Luke Petersons role for eight
beach after setting up. onto beach heads much like the one at months, but this was the first time he
Soldiers from 2RAR then Cowley Beach, he said. qualified with the sea component.
approached the shoreline via small boats Back on the flight deck of Adelaide, It was a pretty unique experience. I
to begin their troop beach landing drills. RAAF personnel provided air traffic have never been on a Navy ship before
Platoon commander 2RAR Lt David control for the MRH90s, which were so it was exciting to go on with our
Bannister-Tyrrell said the rehearsals transporting personnel from the ground armoured vehicles and then drive them
involved embarking the small boats, combat element to the beach. onto the beach from the landing craft,
adopting tactical postures and disem- Soldiers from 2CAV performed driv- Tpr Peterson said.

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June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Features 23

from ship to shore

Lt Jessica Fortune, from 2nd Close Health Company, on board HMAS

Adelaide during Exercise Sea Explorer.  Photo by Cpl Kyle Genner.

Nurse lands on
her sea legs
Flt-Lt Lauretta Webster I was the nurse for the duration of
AACAP and I loved working in a small
LT JESSICA Fortune has embarked team. We were dual-hatted in our role,
in HMAS Adelaide for her first sea as we provided health support services
experience as part of Exercise Sea for the Army contingent and also aug-
Explorer 2016. mented at the local clinic, allowing us to
engage with the community, she said.
An Army nurse with 2nd Close
The trip also gave us the opportu-
Health Company, based in Townsville,
nity to see some of the sights around
Lt Fortune joined the Army in 2012 after Australia, including Uluru.
completing her nursing studies. Joining the Army became an option
As the treatment team nurse for for Lt Fortune during her nursing stud-
the amphibious platoon, she provided ies.
Role 1 health support for the embarked I made the decision when I real-
forces. ised Id regret it if I didnt try it out. I
It was my first time being part of an thought it sounded like a good fit for me,
amphibious exercise and I really enjoyed and I was keen to work in other parts
the new experiences, which Lt Fortune of Australia and other countries, if the
said were many and varied. opportunity presented, she said.
For example, the other day my team The year will continue to be busy
went from getting on and off helicopters for Lt Fortune, who will participate in
to the next day doing small boat serials, exercises Rimpac (Hawaii) and Sea
which involved moving from the biggest Raider, as well as Croix du Sud (New
ship in the fleet to light landing craft and Caledonia).
then to Zodiacs. Ive just been qualified by Defence
I was working on my sea legs. as a French linguist, and this lines me up
Lt Fortune went to Papua New well to put language and nursing skills
Guinea in 2014 with 2nd General to task in New Caledonia.
Health Battalion and then deployed Its a lot of time away but Im
for five months in 2015 with the Army enjoying my role, the team Im working
Aboriginal Community Assistance with and the travel opportunities, she
Program (AACAP). said.

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 24 Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016

Sweating on the future

Great minds are thinking alike in ensuring
Defence is working with the latest technology,

Cpl Sebastian Beurich reports

H
OW could an unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAV) that autono-
mously maps areas affect your The idea of
work? What about vehicle cam-
ouflage that can change patterns at the partnerships is to
flick of a switch?
These projects were showcased during
bring the best
Defence Science and Technology (DST)
Groups Partnerships Week, from June 6 to
people on board to
10 at Melbournes Fishermans Bend.
Other projects on display included
solve the difficult
Australias most flexible sweating man- problems as quickly
nequin, used to test combat uniforms and
body armour in tropical environments, and as possible.
testing of alternative fuel sources for vehi-
cles and aircraft. Alex Zelinsky,
DST Aerospace Division scientist Chief Defence Scientist
Jennifer Palmer said urban operations
posed a complex, congested and poten- best people. The idea of partnerships is
tially contested environment. to reach out and form alliances so we can
Our vision is to create small UAVs bring the best people on board and solve
which can be used in the urban environ- the difficult problems as quickly as pos-
ment. A lot of this has been done previ- sible, Dr Zelinsky said.
ously, but typically with large and heavy The Defence White Paper and the
sensors and processors, Dr Palmer said. Industry Policy Statement outlined the
We are developing UAVs for things game-changing technologies cyber oper-
like surveillance and mapping, to create ations, autonomous systems, hypersonics,
maps of regions which are uncharacterised undersea warfare and quantum technology
damaged buildings, or areas that havent all of which are areas we are looking at
been characterised previously. building partnerships in.
They could also be used for special- One area DST has forged a partnership
ised missions, like contaminant search and in is research on electrochromic cells.
source localisation. If there is a chemical An electrochromic device controls the
release in a city, we could do the initial optical properties of a material in a contin-
work with teams of unmanned airborne ual but reversible manner on application of
and land vehicles. a voltage. This means it is a material (glass
We are trying to create a situation or plastic, in this case) which can change
where we arent exposing soldiers and first the amount of light it transmits or absorbs.
responders to those types of dangers. While this technology is used in smart
The UAV research team is working windows to change the level of tint
with the Weapons and Combat Systems dynamically, it has been applied differ-
Division of DST to incorporate a DST- ently in this case.
designed, high-resolution sensor. University of South Australias Prof
We have access to unique sensors Peter Murphy is working with DST on
ultra-lightweight, ultra-compact and low- electrochromic cells able to change the
power consumption which were devel- camouflage pattern on vehicles, and pos-
oped inhouse at DST, Dr Palmer said. sibly uniforms, at the push of a button.
They can operate indoors, in darkness What weve got is two pieces of glass
and in obscured [smoke] environments with a thin coating of conducting polymer
as either a low-light camera or as a light between them. By changing the polymer,
detection and ranging sensor for area map- we can change the base colour of the cell
ping. Ultimately, these are the types of and adapt them to different environments,
sensors that are necessary for ultra-small Prof Murphy said.
vehicles like we are developing. If you apply a voltage, it will change
Chief Defence Scientist Alex Zelinsky the colour of the base cell and if you cut
said strengthening industry partnerships the voltage midway on a switch it will
helped to build capability and ensure hold its colour state. We can run these
access to the latest technology. cells off of a watch battery. We are tran-
While we have many great people sitioning [the glass] to polycarbonate to
working in DST, we dont have all of the make it a more robust technology.

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University of South Australias Prof Peter Murphy and Defence Science and
Technology Groups Vivienne Wheaton display electrochromic cells which
have the ability to change colour.
June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Features 25

is a group effort
Industry experience placement
students with Defence Science and
Technology (DST) Group James
Kennedy (left) and Stefan Kiss
display an unmanned aerial system
during DSTs Partnerships Week.

Left, scientists from DSTs Maritime Division

demonstrate an optimised exhaust baffle in
their water-testing tank.
 Photos by CPL Sebastian Beurich

Below, a demonstration of a lightweight lidar

mapping system, which could be used on an
unmanned aerial vehicle.

The latest generation of

combat body armour and
uniform is tested for a
simulated hot environment on
a sweating mannequin.

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 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Features 27

Future looks bright

Army cadets honed
their skills during an
annual competition
in Brisbane, Lt-Col
Christopher Holcroft
writes

A
USTRALIAN Army
Cadets from Tasmania
took out the coveted Chief
of Army Cadet Team
Challenge 2016 a first for the
Apple Isle.
About 80 cadets from across
Australia converged on Gallipoli
Barracks, Brisbane, to compete in the
recent event.
Cadet WO2 Tristan Crossley, of
58ACU in Western Australia, said the
CAs Team Challenge was a much
sought-after award.
Its the best award we can hope to
win as cadets, he said.
The cadets were assessed on a Australian Army Cadets from South Queensland
range of skills including field naviga- Cadet Capt Paul Boddington, right, checks the
compete in a patient-handling exercise during the
tion, use of radios, first aid and patient engineering work of Cadet Under Officer Brodie
CA Team Challenge at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane.
management, field engineering, leader- Photos by Lt-Col Christopher Holcroft Robertson, of 507ACU, during the CA Team
ship and problem-solving. Challenge Trophy.
Commander Australian Army
Cadets (AAC) Brig Wayne Budd said
each team comprised 10 members who
had savoured military-style training in
their units and put this to the fore in
the gruelling three-day challenge.
Cadet training is of a high calibre
and teams found the navigation legs
of the challenge quite demanding, he
said.
Participants proved their knowl-
edge by using radios to alert staff of
their exact position, which can be veri-
fied by the command post pinpointing
when cadets may be off the mark.
Some of the cadets who com-
peted in the challenge may one day
become leaders in the ADF. AAC is a
fantastic organisation that gives young
Australians opportunities they would
not otherwise experience, framed in a
setting with a military flavour.
CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell and
RSM-A WO Don Spinks presented the
top honours this year.
The AAC is a leading national
youth development organisation,
founded on strong community partner-
ship, fostering and supporting a con-
tinuing interest in the Australian Army. CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell, fourth from left, and RSM-A WO Don Spinks, sixth from
left, present members of the winning Australian Army Cadet team from Tasmania with
For more information, visit http://www.army their trophy for winning the CA Team Challenge at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane.
cadets.gov.au

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 28 Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016

Remote but in control

Dealing with language differences and distance are all in a days work for a team in South Sudan

A
DEDICATED team of Even though Bor is only five
three Australians continues hours drive north of Juba during the
to provide critical advice dry season, in the wet season the UN
and expertise to the UN cargo system can take between 48
Mission in South Sudan as part of hours to 28 days to be delivered.
Operation Aslan. Sqn-Ldr Pearson leads the intel-
The three Australian officers Sqn- ligence staff for Headquarters Sector
Ldr Claire Pearson, Col John Carey East. Maintaining an understanding
and Maj Brian Willsher work out of of the complex relationships within
a remote UN patrol base in Bor, in the South Sudan, she holds a close work-
eastern half of the country. ing relationship with the UN civilians
They have a combined total of 17 and other contingent representatives.
previous deployments to Afghanistan, Operating in the UN environ-
Iraq, Middle East, Timor-Leste, ment creates unique challenges where
Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Bosnia the standard tools and networks of an
and Northern Ireland. intelligence cell are absent, she said.
This previous experience has We have a large area of responsi-
greatly assisted us during our time on bility and this makes us heavily reliant
Operation Aslan, Maj Willsher said. on interaction with NGOs and the lim-
During the past three months we ited Sector East patrols.
have been responsible for a wide range Maj Willsher and I are the only
of tasks spanning Jonglei State. two Western and native English-
My main focus is planning future speaking staff in the Sector East
operations for the two infantry battal- Headquarters. The sector commander
ions from Ethiopia and India. I am also relies very heavily on us for support
heavily engaged in developing security and training of other UN members
contingency plans and coordinating Australians Maj Brian Willsher and Sqn-Ldr Claire Pearson at a remote UN patrol base in Bor, South Sudan. in our respective teams who may not
enabler support. have specific background for their cur-
A key challenge is communica- from Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Many of these patrols are insert- authorities, non-government organisa- rent appointment.
tion. Although English is the main Canada, Yemen, Vietnam, Namibia, ed and extracted via UN helicopters tions and the local community. Sqn-Ldr Pearson has also been
language, the military appreciation Moldova, Russia, Paraguay, Kenya, from Rwanda and Sri Lanka into The Bor team relies heavily on the appointed as the Sector East gender
process is even more difficult with Rwanda, India, Nepal, Guatemala, remote parts of Jonglei State, includ- UN logistic system and the ADF per- adviser while deployed.
so many people from non-English- Brazil and Germany. ing areas controlled by the South sonnel located in Juba, about an hour This has been a fantastic experi-
speaking backgrounds. Military liaison officers plan and Sudan Peoples Liberation Army-in away by helicopter. ence which has allowed me to focus
Col Carey is commander of the lead integrated team patrols, including Opposition. The wet season significantly on improving the lives of women here
Australian contingent and the senior force protection and UN agencies such The patrols are generally up to impacts the roads, which often become by working on initiatives to increase
military liaison officer operating out of as human rights, civil affairs and child four days in duration and assist with impassable for vehicle convoys, Maj female engagement and participation
Bor. He commands 25 military officers, protection, Col Carey said. establishing relationships with military Willsher said. in the peace process, she said.

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 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Personnel 29

Flexibility
to pay off
Increased opportunities for reservists will
help to keep critical skill sets in the mix
INTRODUCTION of the ADF Total SERVOP C arrangement), local unit or
Workforce Model (TWM) will enable project support.
Army to better retain skilled and val- SERCAT 5 members who are posted
ued members. to an Army Reserve position agree to
Designed to meet changing needs of render a specified pattern of service for
the workforce and offer a different way example, 50 days a year for two years
of thinking about how personnel contrib- approved by the unit CO.
ute, the model will increase opportunities Members of SERCAT 3 or 5 may
for reservists, allowing them to combine receive approval to serve under a
military and civilian skills, work prac- SERVOP C arrangement to render con-
tices and insights. tinuous full-time service (CFTS) for a
Director General Reserves Army defined period of time.
Brig Robert Marsh said the model would On completion of the agreed period
create a closer link and more seamless of CFTS, the member would return to
movement between regular and reserve baseline SERCAT.
forces, maximising the ability of all types Brig Marsh said these service cat-
of service. egories and options would provide great-
Dad and daughter slog it out on the battle beam at a trampoline park during DCOs family event in The ADF TWM will create more er stability and opportunities to serve
South Australia. opportunity and flexibility in the way we because members who were considering
serve, Brig March said.

Its no holds barred

transferring from the regular Army to the
Through innovative application of Reserve could now apply to transfer to
our people capability, we will become SERCAT 3 rather than being transferred
more competitive with civilian industry to the standby Reserve (SERCAT 2).

as families connect
in attracting and retaining critical skill In doing so, they would be indicating
sets. their availability to render service. He
Throughout an Army members said they could also apply to transfer to
career there may be times where they
SERCAT 5 if a vacancy existed.
need to change the way they serve to
He said SERCAT 3 members would
accommodate family or personal com-
EVERY year Defence supports mitments. keep their Army ID card, Defence
National Families Week, in late Creating more opportunity and flex- intranet log-on and security clearance.
May, acknowledging the impor- ibility in the way a member serves allows
tant role ADF families play in the Army to retain and grow certain skill For more information about the ADF TWM, visit
supporting members and the work sets, rather than risk losing capability, the TWM Intranet site at: http://drnet.defence.
gov.au/people/WP/ADF-Total-Workforce
they do in serving our nation. he said.
Model/pages/ADF-Total-Workforce-Model.aspx,
The National Families Week With the new service arrangements or the Army SharePoint page at http://drnet/
theme, Stronger families, stronger for reservists, a SERCAT 3 member Army/DWSA/Cultural%20Reform/Pages/Total-
communities, encourages people would be able to indicate availability for Workforce-Model.aspx.
to spend time with their families, short- or medium-term tasks generally Those registered on ForceNet should visit the
make contact with extended family within a financial year. ADF TWM page.
and take part in family activities in Such tasks could include exercises, Members can email any questions or feedback to
the wider community. deployments (when combined with a ADF.TWM@defence.gov.au
Over a few weeks, Defence
Community Organisation (DCO)
hosted family events around the
country with a wide range of activi-
ties designed to bring Defence fami-
Somaiya and Janine Harriden ham it up in the photo booth at
lies together to celebrate.
Families in South Australia had Puckapunyals family event.
fun at Latitude aerial trampoline event was an opportunity for one other Defence families, have fun
and climbing park in Greenacre, extended family to reunite, with together and celebrate.
while families in Puckapunyal Graham and Deborah Noble of It was also a chance to meet the
enjoyed a night out with a retro Townsville enjoying the day with areas local DCO support team,
family disco. The photo booth was their children and grandchildren. which provides programs and ser-
very popular with the kids. Families enjoyed the opportunity vices to help Defence families man-
DCO Waggas tenpin bowling to take time out to catch up with age the military way of life.

Time to sort out

new contracts
WITH the end of the financial year fast approaching,
standby Reserve members are reminded that all
DA50 contracts will expire on June 30.
Standby Reserve members who wish to under-
take DA50 work in the new financial year will need
to submit new contracts and have them approved
before undertaking any work.
Members who have requested a new DA50 con-
tract and start work before approval might not be
paid for that work.
Members of the standby Reserve who are seek- MILITARY GRADE
ing employment need to ensure they are registered
to enable offers of employment to be made.
BALLISTIC CERTIFIED
Directorate of Projects and Standby Reserve Exceeds U.S. military ballistic impact requirements for
Management Army (DPSRM-A) manages the spectacles (MIL-PRF-31013, clause 3.5.1.1)
pool of standby Reserve members and provides Certified ANSI Z87.1-2010 ballistic impact and optical
all Reserve members (registered and posted) with
requirements. Certified EN166. AS/NZS1337.1
opportunities for rendering military service.
DESIGNED IN AUSTRALIA FOR THE WORLDS BEST SOLDIERS
The registration form and additional information are available
from the DPSRM-A website: http://www.army.gov.au/Army-
life/Army-careers/Directorate-of-Projects-and-Standby
Ph: 02 9975 5998
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30 Health www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews June 30, 2016

Antioxidant
supplements or
extracts should not be
needed if you have a
balanced diet.
Mind your
miracle
molecules
Antioxidants in isolation may do more harm
than good, CPL Max Bree writes.

T
HEYRE billed as miracle mol- in some cases, suppressing the immune
ecules that reduce the risk of system.
disease and increase your gen- Proper absorption and utilisation
eral wellbeing, but loading up of antioxidants may require other fac-
on antioxidant supplements might not be tors [nutrients and non-nutrients] that
the best idea. can only be obtained from eating whole
Oxidants, or free radicals, are pro- foods.
duced by the body when immune cells If supplements or extracts are to be
kill pathogens and pave the way for taken to obtain antioxidants, these must
repair mechanisms to kick in. be taken with meals in order to optimise
But an overproduction of free radi- their bioavailability and utilisation in the
cals can result in inflammation that dam- body.
ages tissues. Antioxidants balance out Prof Garg said people shouldnt need
the process. antioxidant supplements or extracts if
They can be found in things such as their diet is balanced with nutrients.
green tea, fruits, vegetables and some Nor should they worry about seeking
nuts. But many products are offered as out products marketed as rich in anti-
antioxidant supplements or extracts. oxidants.
Prof Manohar Garg, the co-direc- Concrete evidence of the role of
tor of the Clinical Nutrition Research antioxidants in the prevention of chronic

Enoggera
Centre at the University of Newcastle, disease is lacking in the scientific litera-
said these may not have the same effect. ture, he said.
Antioxidants in purified form are In fact, antioxidant is an outdat-

&
chemically identical to those present in ed term unless a specific function in
whole foods but may not be effective biochemical and metabolic pathways is
when consumed in isolation, he said. associated with it.

Gaythorne
Consumption in the form of supple- It is believed antioxidants from veg-
ments or extracts raises serious concerns etables, legumes and fruit must be con-
about their bioavailability, toxicity and, sumed regularly to be most effective.

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 June 30, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Sport 31

ADF,
police
vie for
trophy
Leut Kirsti Burtenshaw
THEY work side by side in peacetime
and on operations both domestically
and abroad.
However, the ADF and a national
police team representing all state and ter-
ritory police forces will be on opposing
sides on July 1 as they battle it out for
supremacy in their inaugural rugby union
clash.
Coming off the back of their respec-
tive rugby championships, both teams
will be in prime condition for a game that
is not to be missed.
A friendly but fierce rivalry is expect-
ed both on the field and the sidelines with
fans and VIP representatives supporting
their respective teams.
Both teams are determined to be the
first to hold the trophy, which will be
presented by Governor-General Sir Peter
Cosgrove.
The coaches are excited about their
teams prospects, but are not leaving any-
thing to chance in a game that promises
to offer a lot to the players and the com-
munity.
Cpl Holyoak on the bike leg and WO2 Luke Woodland during the run leg battled wet and windy conditions in Cairns. I expect the game to be very physi-
cal taking into account the physically

Pair off to worlds

demanding roles undertaken by both
Defence and Australian police members,
ADF head coach Spr Keli Fukofuka said.
It will be a tightly contested match
and provides a positive step in continuing
to build a strong relationship between
both services that play a vital role within
the Australian community.
Armys fastest finishers qualify for international ironman championships in Hawaii Australian Police Rugby Union
(APRU) president Sgt Brett Howard said
he was looking forward to the game.
Cpl Max Bree than 3500 competitors, including but I knew he started before me, Cpl werent clear until he crossed the fin- All at the APRU are excited by the
professionals, while WO2 Woodland Holyoak said. ish line. opportunity to play against such a high-
A PAIR of Army ironmen qualified finished 53rd in 9hrs 48min. When I started the run I really I really didnt think I had come quality side, he said
for the world championships fol- Cpl Holyoak said his confidence didnt think I was going to beat him, first in Defence and I was extremely We expect it to be a great challenge
lowing the Asia-Pacific competition was boosted leading up to the event or several others. surprised to find out Id qualified in for our guys and hope it is a first step in
thanks to a newly acquired coach A battle with the elements led Cpl the age group category as well. building a strong relationship between
in Cairns on June 12. and training group, but on the day he Holyoak to think he wasnt going to A number of other Defence com-
Cpl Holyoak and WO2 Luke police and our armed services colleagues.
wasnt so sure. finish well. petitors qualified in the military divi- We have seen these guys play before
Woodland battled through a rain- I wasnt really confident on the Because of the wind I cooked my sion for the world championships in and are ready for a stern test.
soaked course to qualify in their day because of the staggered start, legs by continuously pushing on the October. Kick-off is at 3pm at Portsea Oval,
respective age groups for the iron- he said. It was difficult to know bike, he said. I had nothing in my This included WO2 Megan RMC Canberra, and entry is free, leaving
man world championships, to be held exactly where you were placed when legs for the run and I wasnt able to Webber, who was the fastest military enough time to make it a double header
in October on the island of Kona, youre moving past people. go any faster than I did. female around the course in 11hrs and catch the Brumbies play the Reds
Hawaii. This also meant Cpl Holyoak But if youre having a difficult 6min. afterwards at GIO Stadium.
The fastest Defence member was couldnt keep track of his nearest day, then everyone else is going Lt-Col Iain Addinell was quickest
Cpl Holyoak, finishing in 9hrs 44min rival WO2 Woodland. through the same thing. from the ADF around the 70.3 half- Keep up to date with both teams on Facebook /
and coming 43rd overall from more I saw him ahead of me on the run Cpl Holyoak said the results ironman course in 4hrs 43min. ADFRugby and /AustPoliceRugbyUnion.

Thunder wins Matt Locke match

BEING in the Army, or indeed being employed RSM 1 Cdo Regt WO1 P said the game had been
in the ADF, relies on each member being a team going for a number of years.
player and this is often reflected in the way person- Bellingen was Matt Lockes hometown and it was
nel take to team sports. with this footy club that Matt first became part of a
CO 1 Cdo Regt Lt-Col M said the Defence team team, he said.
focus was central to the men and women who worked It allows not only those of us from Socomd but
in Australias Special Operations Command. those from the wider Army and ADF team to make the
Socomd is a team of teams, and this is reflected in pilgrimage to Matts hometown and remember him
the manner in which we gather each year in Bellingen with his family, friends and locals.
to remember a team mate we lost in Afghanistan, Lt Lt-Col M said it was a great way to remember their
Col M said. comrade.
Each year Bellingen hosts a special rugby league Matt made the ultimate sacrifice as part of the
match between the Army Thunder and the local Armys team and the fierce but friendly competition
Bellingen-Dorrigo Magpies. is an incredibly fitting way to remember a warrior like
The Sergeant Matt Locke MG Memorial Rugby Matt, he said.
League Game remembers SASR soldier Sgt Matt As part of the annual event, money is raised to sup-
Locke, who was killed in Afghanistan on October 25, port Soldier On, a charity which looks after Defence
2007, while serving with the Special Operations Task personnel and those affected by its losses.
Group. As a result of this years game, held in March,
It is the only game Army Thunder plays against a Soldier On received a cheque for $6400, part of the
civilian team which Thunder won. $16,000 raised during the weekend.
The game is the major event during a weekend Other funds raised will support the Grub Club (a
which includes an ambrose golf tournament, other charity run by Matts family), Bellingen Junior Rugby
league matches and performances by the Army Band. League and the Dorrigo Swim Club.
SPORT June 30, 2016

OUR
IRON
MEN
Armys fastest
finishers qualify
for world ironman
championships in
Hawaii P31

Cpl Holyoak, during the run leg

at the Asia-Pacific ironman
competition in Cairns on June
12, was the fastest Defence
member, finishing in 9hrs 44min.

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