defence: where are we? · 2011-07-20 · issue 1, 2009 magazine › defence: where are we? as this...

Issue 1, 2009

m a g a z i n e ›

DEFENCE: where are we?As this edition goes to press, Defence added another operation to its global effort, with 450 ADF personnel involved in Operation Vic Fire Assist - aptly fitting our theme of Defence: where are we? Pictured here, Warrant Officer Hovington (left), a fireman and a local resident map out a path for the M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers near Humevale, Victoria. Full story on P7.

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Also InsIdeDefence Magazine salutes Australia’s

Victoria Cross recipient Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC and his

actions of valour in Afghanistan.

2www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

Defence

magazineeditor: Michael [email protected] Phone: 02 6265 7117

deputy editor: Jack [email protected] Phone: 02 6265 1949

Imagery support: Public Affairs Branch

Defence Magazine is produced by the Directorate of Internal Communication, Governance Division.

ISSN 1446-229X

design and layout: Grey. GREY17244

How to contribute to defence MAgAzIne

Contact Michael Weaveror [email protected] Phone: 02 6265 7117http://www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine/

CoNtENts d e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

editorial

There are no better examples of events of the first six weeks of 2009 to highlight the theme for this edition of Defence Magazine: Defence – where are we?

As we go to press, Defence assets are being utilised to fight devastating fires in Victoria, while also supporting communities ravaged by severe floods in North Queensland.

Just five days into the year, the Chief of Defence Force announced that Australia had lost its eighth soldier in Afghanistan when Private Gregory Michael Sher was killed in a rocket attack in Oruzgan Province.

Eleven days later, the CDF stepped out again to salute Trooper Mark Donaldson as he became the first Australian in almost 40 years to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

We pay tribute to the heroism of both soldiers in this edition.

Late last year, Special Operations Commander Major General Tim McOwan provided a rare insight into where the ADF’s most elite soldiers are, to effectively put you in the shoes of a Special Operations Task Group member. We follow their footsteps with a four-page spread inside.

Another story looks at the vital work of a civilian’s mission to support the Secretary General of Iraq’s Ministry of Defence, while in her spare time, trying to convert those willing to a yeast extract also known as vegemite.

Technology is also playing its part and this is highlighted with the exceptional work of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, which has painstakingly recreated the final moments of HMAS Sydney II, for an ongoing Commission of Inquiry to set history straight.

From the Services, we document the Air Force’s first all-female flight in a C-17, the bold initiatives of New Generation Navy, while getting more familiar with the Army through the eyes of their civilian initiation course.

And that is but a snapshot of what is inside and indeed where Defence sits in what is shaping up to be another busy year.

- Michael Weaver, Editor.

Inside this edition

columnsSecretary 10Chief of Defence Force 11

newsSnapshot 4Christmas – New Year snapshot 12

cover storyTrooper Mark Donaldson, VC 14

featuresSpecial Operations: Insight outside the wire 18DSTO: Science helps set history straight for HMAS Sydney II 22Reserves: Reservists shine in the Solomons 24Vegemite mission: Michelle Pitman in Baghdad 25ADFA: Cadets taste more than military life 28DMO: Successes for Defence Export Unit 30Air Force: First all-female crew takes flight 32Navy: New Generation Navy full steam ahead 34Army: Public servants and steyrs 36JLC: Joint Logistics Unit Victoria staffed 38PSP: Personnel, Policy, Employment and Conditions for 2009 40Fairness & Resolution: 2008 Disability Day 42Fairness & Resolution: Indigenous Cadet Scheme 44Exercise Boss Lift: Dispute practitioners go jungle 45DSG: Reforming practice and delivering savings 46The Last Word: Lieutenant Colonel John McLean 47

THe WAY We WeRe

This photo of the Russell precinct and the Australian-American Memorial (unveiled on 16 february 1954) provides a reminder of a bygone era for defence in canberra. The lady at right is Joan Buchan, while the lady on left is unidentified.

If you have similar photos of defence from days of old, please contact the editor, or send to [email protected].


NEws

snapshotAustralian soldiers wounded in roadside bomb attackTwo Australian soldiers and a dog serving with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-1) have been wounded in a road-side bomb attack in southern Afghanistan.

The soldiers were conducting a security patrol on 30 January 2009 when the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle they were travelling in was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED).

The wounded soldiers and dog were successfully evacuated by helicopter to an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) medical facility for treatment.

Both soldiers received non-life threatening wounds to their lower body and are in a stable

condition. One soldier will be evacuated to Germany for specialist treatment. The other wounded soldier will continue to receive medical treatment in Afghanistan and is expected to return to duty. The dog is also doing well and is also expected to return to duty.

The families of the wounded soldiers have been informed. The ADF will not release the personal details of the wounded soldiers.

The IED caused damage to the Bushmaster, however, the protection provided by the Bushmaster again contributed to saving the lives of Australian soldiers.

Navy’s seven days in 30 secondsAn advertising campaign to promote a career in the Royal Australian Navy,

named 7 Days in the Navy, features a 30-second ad with footage captured onboard HMAS Anzac during one week.

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel the Hon. Warren Snowdon, MP, said the new campaign addresses the misconception that a life in the Navy is a lonely existence.

“The ad is fast-paced and takes the viewer behind the scenes into the world of the Navy, letting them see what it is really like onboard one of our ships,” Mr Snowdon said.

“Navy offers more than just great training and jobs, it offers a lifestyle, and this ad reveals the multitude of

experiences including the day-to-day tasks, travel and sporting activities a Navy life holds.

“Viewers may be surprised to see what a week in the Navy involves, and this is perhaps one of the reasons the ad is so striking.”

Passing skills to the Afghan National ArmyAbout 50 members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) recently completed training in the vital role of combat engineering support, conducted by the Australian Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan.

Corporal Michael Cole from 1st Combat Engineering Regiment (1CER) was an instructor on the latest graduating course and said the engineering capability will be of lasting benefit, especially in terms of providing the ANA with the skills base to continue its own training.

“This is the basic course involving the establishment of security structures, hesco bastions, concreting, sandbagging and force protection measures,” Corporal Cole said.

“It will enable them to conduct a lot of their own force protection measures and maintain their existing establishments without assistance from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).”

The students were given graduation certificates during a small ceremony inside the ANA compound at the Dutch-Australian military base at Tarin Kowt. The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force One, Lieutenant Colonel Shane Gabriel and the ANA soldiers’ Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Akbar.

Corporal Cole said it was satisfying to be making a contribution to the future of the ANA.

RIgHT: Australian Army combat engineer, corporal Michael cole, stands with engineers from the Afghan national Army after they graduated from an engineering course run by the Australian defence force.

“The course was very rewarding because of the quality of the students. They’re all keen to learn and they really take a lot of pride and will go the extra mile. This can only improve the future for the ANA,” he said.

2009 Eureka prizes now taking nominationsNominations have now opened for the 2009 Australian Museum Eureka Awards and DSTO is again sponsoring the prize for Outstanding Science in Support of Defence or National Security.

Defence employees are encouraged to submit work that has developed or has the potential to develop innovative solutions which can be applied to advance Australia’s capabilities in defence or national security. The work must have been completed in the last five years.

Nominations close on 1 May 2009. Hosted annually by the Australian Museum,

the Eureka Prizes reward excellence in the fields of research & innovation, science leadership, school science and science journalism & communication.

Nominations are submitted online to the Australian Museum and a panel of judges assesses the nominations and selects a winner. All winners will be announced at a dinner in Sydney on 18 August 2009.

For further information and to submit a nomination, go to: http://www.austmus.gov.au/eureka/

A member of the Sydney-based 1st Commando Regiment at the time of the attack, PTE Sher was with a Special Operations Task Group element that had deployed from Tarin Kowt to a provincial patrol base.

When returning his body home, soldiers from Sydney’s 1st Commando Regiment, those with which he had served, formed an honour guard and bearer party to receive and carry the casket from the aircraft to his family.

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie and the Special Operations Commander Australia, Major General Tim McOwan also paid tribute to PTE Sher on behalf of the Australian Army.

“We in the Army extend our deepest sympathies to Greg’s family during this very difficult and emotional time,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

“Greg was a dedicated, passionate and well respected solider who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our nation. We strongly support his family, his friends, his unit and the wider Army who are mourning his loss.”

Major General Tim McOwan described PTE Sher as a remarkable man who took pride in his work and who others looked up to.

“Greg epitomised the characteristics all soldiers strive for: he was brave, loyal and determined. Greg was a quiet achiever who never sought praise or recognition for his work. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed,” Major General McOwan said.

Shortly after his death, his family released a personal statement that gave an insight into the calibre of person PTE Sher was.

“He was man purpose and committed determination, and an extremely positive person with a kind soul,” the statement read. “He was the sort of mate who would do anything for anyone, and his friends knew him for the great guy that he was. He was a loyal and loving family member who always put his family high on his list of priorities.”

For his service in East Timor, Private Sher received the Australian Active Service Medal, the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor Medal and the Infantry Combat Badge. Private Sher has also been awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Clasp, the Australian Defence Medal, and the Returned from Active Service Badge.

Private Gregory Michael sher

Private (PTe) gregory Michael sher, 30, was tragically killed on 4 January this year during a rocket attack in oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

in memORY

ABoVe: Private greg sher and partner Karen.

care to comment?do you have an opinion on these stories?

If so, we are seeking your constructive and

concise comments in a ‘letters to the editor’

section. Please send via email to: defence.

[email protected]

www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

6

NEws

snapshot

ABoVe: Major general Mark Kelly Ao (left) and Major general Hindmarsh, Ao, csc both take a hand in cutting the cake during the change of command ceremony held on the 12 January 2009.

ABoVe: once safely on board HMAs Arunta, injured

french solo yachtsman, Yann elies, gives a thumbs up

to his rescuers on the ship, showing his appreciation

to the crew. Photo: Able Seaman Photographer Lincoln

Commane.

7 RAR deployable ahead of scheduleThe 7th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (7 RAR) has achieved a major milestone in its growth to a full infantry battalion.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said 7 RAR was scheduled to be operationally deployable as a general infantry battalion working in a battle group by 2010.

“The Battalion has recently deployed its first combat team on operations in Iraq as the Baghdad Security Detachment; and its headquarters and a second company to Afghanistan as part of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“This means 7 RAR is operationally deployable well before the directed timeframe of 2010.”

7 RAR was raised in Darwin in January 2007, as the first of two battalions to be raised under the Enhanced Land Force (ELF) initiative.

The battalion will relocate from Darwin to Adelaide in 2011 and continue to grow to a full mechanised battalion by 2013.

The second additional battalion – 8th/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (8/9 RAR) – was also raised in Brisbane in October 2007, and will be a motorised infantry battalion, using the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles.

Changing of CommandWith the new year come the usual changes of command, with two notable handovers occurring of late.

On 12 January, the Command of Joint Task Force 633 was passed from Major General Mike Hindmarsh to Major General Mark Kelly.

Major General Hindmarsh assumed command of the Joint Task Force on the 1st March 2008 after serving as the Commander Special Operations Command. Major General Kelly has now assumed

command of the Joint Task Force having most recently served as the Commander Land Command.

Closer to home, Commodore David Gwyther was recently appointed the new Commander, Northern Command (COMNORCOM) – the ADF’s operations in Australia’s north and northern approaches as directed by the Commander Joint Operations.

Commodore Gwyther is also the ADF’s senior representative across the north. Based at Larrakeyah Barracks, Commodore Gwyther will command up to 800 Defence personnel on operations.

Commodore Gwyther succeeds Air Commodore Ian Meyn who has been in charge of Northern Command since February 2007.

Arunta rescues FrenchmanThe crew of the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Arunta recently rescued a badly injured skipper of a yacht in challenging conditions in the Indian Ocean, approximately 850 nautical miles off the Western Australian coast.

Frenchman Yann Elies was competing in the round-the-world ‘Vendee Globe’ yacht race when he suffered a broken femur. At the time of the

rescue, race officials had classed Mr Elies as being in a life-threatening condition.

Using a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, specially trained crew from Arunta extracted Mr Elies from his yacht, Generali.

A doctor from the Royal Flying Doctor Service, embarked in the Anzac-Class frigate, administered emergency medical treatment.

Shortly after the rescue, the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Stephen Bowater said his crew displayed exceptional professionalism during the two days to reach the French sailor.

“From receiving the order to deploy to sailing

out of HMAS Stirling, we only had a precious few

hours to get the ship operational,” Commander

Bowater said.

“This was achieved without compromise to

the safety of the crew or the operation of the ship.

“We have proven again that the Navy

constantly maintains the ability to respond at short

notice to emergency situations.”

Defence steps up to assist VictoriaAs of 11 February, Defence’s contribution to the bushfire crisis in Victoria has involved more than 450 personnel engaged in providing specialist and emergency support to some of the most devastated areas as part of Operation Vic Fire Assist.

This Joint Task Force (JTF) includes full-time and reserve Defence members, primarily from the Army’s 4 Brigade. Major contributing units include the 4 Combat Engineer Regiment, 22 Construction Regiment, 4 Combat Service Support Battalion, 108 Signals Squadron and 4/19 Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment.

Two Defence medical and psychological support teams were also deployed to assist with the provision of specialist health support including counselling services.

The JTF is currently operating in nine locations throughout the affected areas. An Engineer

sNIPshotdefence to investigate human remains in Png

A defence investigation team will travel to Papua new guinea (Png) in february on a mission to identify possible World War II human remains stored at the defence section of the Port Moresby High commission, and to excavate two alleged graves of Australian soldiers in Buna and esologo.

A preliminary team examined the graves in november last year, following anecdotal reports from locals, and assessed them as being likely to contain the remains of Australian soldiers.

The investigation team, which comprises a forensic Anthropologist, Archaeologist and several forensic odontologists, will excavate the graves and any remains will be recovered, identified if possible, and re-interred with dignity.

The remains are believed to have been recovered from along the sanananda and Kokoda Track during the past 12 years and the team will conduct the difficult and detailed forensic work required to solve the mystery of their identity.

force support unit off to the Middle east

The force support unit, known as fsu-1, is a logistic unit deployed to the Middle east to service all Australian Middle east military operations, including Afghanistan. This is a rotation to replace the currently-deployed fsu.

The force support unit is based around the 1st combat services support Battalion (1 cssB) from Robertson Barracks in darwin, but also includes personnel from the navy, Army and Air force, drawn from across Australia. The unit commander is lieutenant colonel ed smeaton.

Joint statement on defence cooperation with Indonesia signed

The Adf signed a Joint statement on defence cooperation with Indonesia on 12 January, with chief of the Australian defence force Air chief Marshal Angus Houston and his counterpart, commander in chief Indonesian Armed forces, general djoko santoso, signing the statement in Jakarta.

d e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

continued>

ABoVe: Joint Task force 662 search Task group soldiers search fire affected properties in the

Kinglake West area, as part of the Australian defence force's contribution to the continuing

bushfire crisis in Victoria. Photo: Corporal Ricky Fuller.

continued>


NEws

snapshot

Support Group that now consists of about 70 personnel, including seven heavy plant machines, two chainsaw sections and logistics support, is assisting with fire containment measures, re-opening of roads and fire fighting measures around the Victorian town of Yea.

A Primary Health Care Team is providing medical support for deployed Defence personnel in Tarralgan and Flowerdale.

Joining them were four Defence search teams headquartered in Kilmore assisting fire crews in searching on foot across rough terrain, and a qualified officer to help with the coordination of aerial reconnaissance operations. An Air Force AP-3C Orion aircraft also assisted in the search for households affected by the fires in remote areas.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon, visited the bushfire area on 10 February and reaffirmed the Prime Minister’s commitment to do all possible to help the Victorian Government and the local communities affected by the disaster.

“This support is tangible evidence that the Victorian tragedy has drawn a national response and the role of the Navy, Army and Air Force is to provide whatever support is required in this time of need,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Shortly after the initial reports of devastation, the ADF deployed heavy earth-moving equipment and approximately 70 personnel to the vital task of building fire-breaks. They also constructed close to 100 kms of containment lines within a week of the initial fires.

Defence Magazine will feature more extensive articles on the Victorian bushfire disaster in the next edition.

same-sex discrimination endsSame-sex discrimination will be removed from a range of Commonwealth laws relevant to ADF members by 1 July 2009.

The changes will remove discrimination in areas including social security, taxation, Medicare, veteran’s affairs, workers’ compensation, and educational assistance.

The changes made by the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws – Superannuation) Act

2008 ensure that same-sex couples are no longer denied the payment of death benefits from superannuation schemes, or the tax concessions on death benefits, currently made available to opposite-sex couples.

According to Attorney-General Robert McClelland, this legislation makes a practical difference to the everyday lives of the Australians and their families who have suffered discrimination under Commonwealth laws.

“Removing discrimination is about making sure that same-sex couples and their families are recognised for all practical purposes and have the same entitlements as opposite-sex de facto couples,” Mr McClelland said.

for more, visit www.ag.gov.au

First MRH90 assembled in AustraliaThe first Australian-assembled Multi Role Helicopter (MRH90) has been formally accepted at the Australian Aerospace facility in Brisbane.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement The Hon. Greg Combet, MP, said that under Project AIR 9000, a total of 46 MRH90s are being procured to replace the Navy’s Sea King and Army’s Black Hawk fleets as well as provide additional air-mobile support to Army.

“This is the fifth MRH90 to be accepted,” Mr Combet said. “The first four aircraft were manufactured in France, air transported to Australia and are now based in Townsville with

the 5th Aviation Regiment for training,” “The acceptance of the first Australian-

assembled MRH90 is a result of the extensive work done by the DMO, many contractors and project personnel within a tight timeframe.

“Acceptance of the first Australian assembled MRH90, in addition to recent acceptance of the fourth aircraft from France, will enable an increase in the training rate for aircrew in Navy and Army.

The MRH 90 is the first fly-by-wire production helicopter in the world; it is equipped with a Forward Looking Infra Red System, advanced weather radar and has the same helmet-mounted sight and display as the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter.

“It has a larger cabin and greater endurance and speed than the current troop lift aircraft in ADF service,” Mr Combet said.

New home for ACt Public sector Management ProgramAfter 16 years with Defence, the running of the Public Sector Management (PSM) Program in the ACT has moved to the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC).

The PSM Program is a unique joint venture between Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments that delivers contemporary public

lefT: At the handover of the Public sector Management Program to the Australian Public service

commission (APsc) is, from left: Peter Hansen (climate change, Water, environment and Arts),

Karen Kentwell (Manager national secretariat, APsc), Jacqui curtis (new chair local leadership

group), Air commodore Ian Pearson (outgoing chair AcT llg), Melinda Kopilow (new manager

AcT PsM Program, APsc) and stephen grieve (Veterans Affairs).

continued>

sector management training to managers and

emerging leaders throughout Australia.

The PSM Program was piloted in the ACT in

1991 and the first courses were rolled out in 1992.

Then Secretary, Mr Tony Ayers was a keen supporter

of the PSM Program and offered Defence to manage

the program in the ACT. So began a long and happy

working relationship between Defence and the

PSM Program, from which hundreds of Defence

employees have undertaken. These participants fully

interact with the broader APS and contribute greatly

to Defence through their PSM Program work-based

project and course work.

In mid 2008 the governing body of the ACT

PSM Program, chaired by Air Commodore Ian

Pearson, agreed that management of the PSM

Program in the ACT should transition to the

APSC. This coincided with the APSC becoming a

Registered Training Organisation.

To mark the transfer, AIRCDRE Pearson

recently hosted a morning tea at the ADFA Officers

Mess, where he reminded fellow members of

the PSM Program Local Leadership Group (LLG)

of the unique benefits the Program provides. He

said the PSM Program is specifically tailored for

its intended audience, saying that the Program

was created and endorsed by the public sector

for the public sector. Given the PSM Program’s

cross-agency and cross-jurisdiction delivery, he

said that it continues to be particularly attractive to

Defence’s mobile workforce.

AIRCDRE Pearson also acknowledged the

excellent work by Defence Education, Training

and Development Branch staff in managing the

PSM Program, in particular, former manager, Mr

Iaian Calman, Mr Robert Todkill who managed

the transfer of the Program from Defence to the

APSC, and long-serving staff from the program’s

ACT Coordination Mrs Melissa Tyrie-Simpson

and Mrs Deborah Hart who both ensured the

smooth transfer.

More information on the ACT PSM Program

including the 2009 Program brochure is available

by visiting: www.psmprogram.gov.au .

sNIPshot

The Joint statement focuses our defence engagement with Indonesia in areas of counter-terrorism, maritime security, intelligence, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and peacekeeping. The statement also outlines activities for future defence engagement, including military training and postgraduate education, study visits and exchanges, combined exercises and maritime surveillance and patrol.

senior Taliban insurgent commander killed

The special operations Task group (soTg) has killed a senior insurgent commander during a recent operation in oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

Mullah Abdul Rasheed was involved with the importation of foreign fighters, Ied experts and potential suicide bombers. He had been identified as a primary Ied facilitator, responsible for coordinating Ied emplacement in oruzgan province.

He is also believed to have been the organiser of the rocket attack that killed Private gregory sher.

HMAs Warramunga farewelled

Royal Australian navy Anzac class frigate HMAs Warramunga and her ship’s company of 185 men and women have begun operations in the Persian gulf after being farewelled in a traditional ceremony on January 12 in front of family and friends.

Warramunga’s six-month deployment will involve the conduct of maritime security operations in the central and southern Persian gulf as part of Task force 152.

This will be the second time that Warramunga has been deployed to the gulf, as she replaces HMAs Parramatta which is due to return to fleet Base east in february.

Aussie entertainers take to east Timor

A group of Aussie entertainers performed for troops who spent christmas away from home and their loved ones. Performing at all-Australian military bases in dili and remote outposts in east Timor, the entertainers who formed the “Tour de force” completed six concerts in four days.

The performers forming the “Tour de force” were: 20-year-old country music singer Jasmine Rae, newcastle singer, songwriter and guitarist Morgan evans, widely-travelled comedian lehmo, who travelled to the Middle east in 2005, and the tour’s Mc and dancer/singer/actor Aniela Hedditch (on her third forces’ entertainment tour).

continued>

ABoVe: Sailors from HMAS Warramunga pose for a photograph prior to the ship’s departure. Photo: Petty Officer Photographer Damian Pawlenko

ABoVe: The lines are slipped during HMAs

Warramunga’s departure for the Middle east

Area of operations (MeAo). Photo: Petty Officer

Photographer Damian Pawlenko


sECREtARy’s ColuMN

2009 will be a significant year for defence

We’ll see the release of the first White Paper in nearly a decade, which will provide a strategic assessment to 2030 and advice on the defence force needed to protect Australia in the future.

And we’ll see the start of deep reform in Defence. This will be driven by the White Paper and budget audit and the initiatives that underpin them and fix the broken backbone of our business.

Given the milestone represented by the White Paper, 2009 will be divided into two very distinct parts and take two very distinct forms.

Between now and the release of the White Paper, budget audit and companion reviews, the Service Chiefs, Group Heads and many others will focus on developing these interdependent initiatives for Government consideration.

That’s going to require an enormous amount of work by a large number of people in a short period of time. And I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who puts in the hard yards on this vitally important work. Apart from operations, this is our number one priority until May.

Once the White Paper, budget audit and companion reviews are released, the rest of 2009 will focus on implementing the deep reform that will flow from these and other initiatives, such as the savings measures and the Defence Materiel Organisation review by David Mortimer.

While the detail of the deep reform will be subject to Government consideration, what’s already clear from the 2008 efficiency and effectiveness program is our need to prioritise to meet Defence objectives.

That doesn’t mean working harder and longer and doing more with less. It means concentrating on those functions that have a direct impact on organisational goals. And doing things more efficiently and effectively.

This is particularly true when it comes to my priorities to improve: advice to Government; business and financial management; and our ability to attract and retain a first class civilian workforce.

We made major gains in our financial and business management in 2008, especially with the unqualified financial statements and disposals program. I’m pretty comfortable with our performance in this area at the moment – but warn that we cannot slip back into bad habits. It took us many years and lots of hard, grinding effort to achieve what we did last year. We must maintain that ground and continue to improve.

That said, we’ve still got ground to make in our advice to Government. The Ministerial Support and Public Affairs Division review of our 2008 performance showed some gains had been made, particularly in capturing the style and tone of the Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries and the quality and timeliness of Questions on Notice.

But we’re continuing to fall down on the quality and timeliness of Ministerial and Cabinet Submissions and Question Time Briefs. Advice to Government is core business and I want to see a big improvement in the major indicators in 2009.

This year, the People Strategies and Policy Group will also roll out the civilian career and talent management framework, after extensive consultation. Some of the framework’s priorities include clarifying career paths, providing better access to career advice and support and

introducing programs to improve supervisor and manager skills and for new starters.

I’m looking forward to what will be a challenging 2009 for everyone in Defence. It’s a year that will leave a major imprint on the department and the nation for many to come.

fires affect defence community

The bushfires in Victoria have deeply shocked

and saddened all of us. And unfortunately the

Defence community has not been untouched by

this tragedy.

I understand some Defence personnel

have lost family and friends, and others have

lost property. Our thoughts are with all of our

colleagues who have been affected by the fires.

As you know Defence has deployed many

ADF personnel to assist the Victorian emergency

and fire operations, and they are doing a great job

under challenging circumstances.

I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of emails

from our people offering to help or asking how they

can help, and I thank you for your suggestions. It’s

times like these that the Defence community’s true

spirit and commitment

to the welfare of the nation really comes to the fore.

I am aware of a range of initiatives underway

at the local and regional level and thank everyone

for their emails and ideas of how we can help.

If you don’t have anything at your local or unit

level to contribute to, you can consider donating

to the Australian Red Cross appeal or the

Salvation Army appeal.

the focus of 2009

White paper and deep reform


CHIEF oF tHE DEFENCE FoRCE’s ColuMN

s I am sure you are already aware, the 16th of January 2009 was a momentous day for the Australian defence force (Adf). for the first time in 40 long years,

one of our own was awarded the Victoria cross.

Trooper Mark Gregor Donaldson, from 1

Troop, 3 Squadron, Special Air Service Regiment,

Australian Army, received this most esteemed and

revered of honours “for most conspicuous acts of

gallantry in action in a circumstance of great peril

in Afghanistan, as part of the Special Operations

Task Group during Operation SLIPPER, Oruzgan

Province, Afghanistan”.

Victoria Cross recipients are at the very core

of the ethos from which our military identity has

been forged. We in the modern ADF strive to live

up to the heroism and the values of the Victoria

Cross recipients that have gone before us. Trooper

Mark Donaldson is truly equal to them all. This

young man performed an extraordinary act of

supreme valour.

I ask all Defence members to take a moment

to truly contemplate his selfless act of mateship

and loyalty – not only to his fellow Aussie

comrades but to the Afghan interpreter whose life

he undoubtedly saved.

Everyone in the ADF has answered the call of

duty to serve our nation, but I am sure you would

all agree that this young man went far above and

beyond what can reasonably be expected of any

one of us uniform.

For that reason, we should stand united in

our pride as one of our very own is admitted into

the most exclusive of military fraternities. Trooper

Donaldson now joins the ranks of those military

personnel deemed to be the most gallant; the

most heroic; the most devoted. He joins a band of

brothers so admired for their valour, that there are

only ten surviving members in the world today. As the highest ranking member of the

Australian Defence Force, there has been no other current serving member I salute. Until now. Though there is no statutory requirement, tradition holds that even the most senior officer will salute a Victoria Cross recipient as a mark of the utmost respect for their act of valour. It will be my great honour henceforth to salute Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC.

Bushfire catastropheThe recent bushfire disaster in Victoria is

a catastrophe on an unprecedented scale for

our nation. I know that you would have been as

shocked as I was to see the level of devastation

in these small communities and the anguish

of the people who have suffered losses in this

unspeakable tragedy.

Sadly, people in Defence have been directly

affected. Though it is too early to state with any certainty, it does appear that some of your

colleagues have lost family, friends and cherished

possessions. To any ADF member directly affected

by this event, I want you to take the time you

need to look after your family and friends. To

those unaffected, I ask you to please support your

colleagues who have to take some time away from

work. As they look after their family and friends,

I ask you to do what you can to look after them.

In terms of ADF support to the disaster, you

can all be very proud of the assistance provided

by your colleagues. Since the enormity of this

disaster became evident over the weekend, many

people in Defence have been working to ensure

that Operation VIC FIRE ASSIST goes as smoothly

as possible.

A number of inquiries have been received from

people within Defence who want to donate money

or goods. I applaud your generosity and encourage

you to follow the advice of the Prime Minister and

donate to the Australian Red Cross

or the Salvation Army appeals.

Sadly, we cannot forget that this crisis is not

yet over. To all ADF members in areas still under

threat, I ask you to look after yourselves and your

family. Please stay safe.

I salute youTrooper Mark Donaldson VC:

chief of defence force Air chief Marshal Angus Houston offers some advice to Trooper Mark donaldson Vc, after the investiture ceremony at government House. Photo: Steve DentA


sNAPsHot

Plenty has happened since the last edition of Defence Magazine, and while many in defence took the traditional stand-down period to spend with family and friends, for many other parts of defence, it was business as usual. so to keep you up to date, here is a snapshot of what you may have missed out on during the christmas / new Year period.

1. christmas for Able seaman cook Megan Burgess, 24, from Wynn Vale, sA, was spent preparing meals for the 180 sailors aboard HMAs Parramatta during the ship's deployment to the north Arabian gulf. Photo: Corporal Mick Davis2. The Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP listens as the chief of defence force, Air chief Marshal Angus Houston thanks members of the special forces during their visit to Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan 17 december 2008. Photo: LAC Guy Young3. lieutenant colonel glenn Weir, of Manly Vale, received a heroes’

welcome when he returned home from a four-month deployment as the commander of Australian troops in solomon Islands in december. Photo: Captain Michael Brooke4. Her excellency the governor-general of Australia Ms Quentin Bryce and Kirsty sword gusmao, greet Major fern Thompson for a brief on the Black Hawk Helicopter during a visit to east Timor. The governor general visited east Timor at the invitation of the President Jose Ramos Horta. Photo: SGT Katrina Johnson5. dMo general Manager

Programs Warren King (right), speaking with sA Premier Mike Rann; sA Minister for employment, Training and further education, Paul caica; and Raytheon Australia ceo Ron fisher at the opening of the Maritime skills centre (Msc) in Adelaide back in november.6. Royal Australian Air force (RAAf) cooks show off the tools of their trade. Pictured is corporal cassandra Mather, sergeant Mick dixon, leading Aircraftman lachlan Robinson, leading Aircraftman callam stacey and leading Aircraftwoman Kina

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On November 24, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, a Special Ambassador for Snowy Hydro SouthCare, honoured the Service's sponsors at an evening function at Duntroon House. Business and community leaders from throughout Canberra were in attendance to see awards presented to the Snowy Hydro SouthCareís major sponsors and hear former patient Commodore Roger Boyce speak.

CDRE Boyce began by saying "I've always wanted to win the lotto, but I don't think I will because I've already used up all my luck". Roger is referring to March 9, 2008 when he came off his motorcycle and suffered 12 broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a broken collarbone and head injuries. If it weren't for the three passing motorists that helped provide care, and the Snowy Hydro SouthCare crew that gave him a swift passage to hospital, he may not be here today.

one good service helps another

ToP: david Marshall, eoghan o'Byrne, Air chief Marshal Angus Houston, James Willson, Mike castle and Wayne evans at the function for the snowy Hydro southcare rescue service at duntroon House.ABoVe: southcare's captain craig Thomas with commodore Roger Boyce. craig helped save Roger after his accident on the 9th of March.

nobel, who have the task of feeding around 200 personnel at RAAf Base learmonth during operation ResoluTe. Photo: Corporal Chris Moore7. Petty officer Rebecca Ried spent the christmas period protecting the working oil pumps at Iraq’s Khawr al Amaya oil Terminal, home to the headquarters of Task force 158. Thirty-one Australian sailors, 10,000 kilometres away from home, work and live 10 metres above the Persian gulf aboard Iraq’s Khawr al Amaya oil Terminal (KAAoT), home to the headquarters of Task force 158 (Tf158). Photo: CPL Mick Davis

8. The navy's most senior sailor, Warrant officer-navy Mark Tandy (left), is shown the navigation station of HMAs Pirie by Petty officer glenn Waterston, the coxswain of Assail 6. Photo: ABPH Bradley Darvill

9. scientist, dr Peter dawson on station with the International stabilisation force - east Timor as an operations Analyst. Peter has worked for the defence science and Technology organisation (dsTo) at fishermans Bend since 2006, and this is his first deployment. Peter’s

job is to model atmospheric hazards to military and civilian populations. “If someone was to release a biological weapon on an area, we work out what the effect would be and what will happen, taking into account weather and terrain,” he explained. Photo: SGT Katrina Johnson

10. The troops listen in as comedian lehmo regales them with funny stories and jokes during a force's entertainment tour to east Timor. entertainers performed six concerts in four days, travelling to all the Australian bases in east Timor.Photo: SGT Katrina Johnson

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CoVER stoRy

For Most Conspicuous

Acts of Gallantry

n 16 January, Trooper Mark donaldson became the 97th Australian to receive the Victoria cross and the first special Air service Regiment soldier to receive the

decoration.

He is the first Australian soldier to receive the Victoria cross for Australia, which was created in 1991 to replace the Imperial medal in the Australian

system of honours and awards.The recognition of TPR donaldson’s

actions from 2 september 2008 comes after he also received minor wounds whilst conducting night-time operations in oruzgan Province, Afghanistan on 12 August 2008.

nine Australian soldiers were wounded in the fire fight of 2 september, where a protracted battle was waged against an enemy at a distance of 50 metres to, at times, 500 metres away.

once the dust settled, TPR donaldson, Vc, spoke to Army newspaper three days after being awarded the Victoria cross by the governor-general of the commonwealth of Australia, Her excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, Ac.


It’s a great honour to receive the VC. You couldn’t be more overwhelmed and proud as a soldier, especially an Australian soldier to receive the highest military award you can get. And now as a recipient, there’s lots of responsibility and tradition that goes along with that, so I’m going to uphold that, as well as be a soldier in the Army.

I don’t feel any different to what I was. I still feel like Mark Donaldson and still want to be like Mark Donaldson to my mates. Obviously, [my life]

has changed and there’s lots of things that have come out of this and there’s places I’m going to have to go and people I’ll have to see, which is a great honour as well. But I don’t really feel any different to being me, to being a dad and being a soldier and being a mate.

Being the first one in 40 years since Keith Payne and first the first Australian VC since they changed it in 1991; it’s going to be quite significant and you’re going to have to expect that. And being a soldier, you’re not really trained to look after media but it’s just another job and you just get it done.

Memories of 2 septemberIt was a long day and long afternoon. A couple

of days beforehand we’d been working pretty hard. We’d done some patrols and had quite a few successes, and in that morning we’d had some success on the mission we were doing.

With the terrain, it was the only way we really

could come back [to base] with the vehicles. There was high ground to the north and to the south was the green belt, and there was about 300-400 metres of just the dash and the desert in between, and that’s where they caught us. There was nowhere else to go really.

Afghanistan is hot and dry and rocky and there’s no cover from the trees or the mountains – there’s just nothing there to protect you. The way we were travelling back to base, the sun was

in our eyes and that’s when they caught us out. They came from two different directions and then towards the end of it, it was coming from three directions, so there weren’t many places to hide.

We didn’t see that many [of the enemy], but

from the amount of fire that was coming down,

there was obviously a fair number of them. They

had the low ground and superior high ground

and the green belt below for cover. That’s where

they live and what they do is move around, so it’s

not going to look any different to us if they walk

around with a shovel.

The fire fightI guess it’s like if you get a DFSW [Direct Fire

Support Weapons] Platoon to put up a gun line and have it concentrated on one area and then run through that. And then you’ve got the 84mms shooting into the same area. At the heaviest parts of it, that’s probably what it was like.

You’d be on this side of the car and you’d start getting targeted and your only other cover was to

run around to the other side of the car, so we’d run around and you’d get shot from that side as well. So it was just constantly moving around and getting shot at.

Honestly, it was just like a normal contact, so blokes just started firing and moving and that’s what you’re trained to do – just fire and move. We just tried to regain the initiative and fight back. That’s pretty much where it went from there. We just kept fighting from then on.

I was too busy trying to spot blokes and trying to see what where it was coming from. I was


The following is his story, in his words:

I don’t really feel any different to being me, to being a dad and being a soldier and being a mate.

‘‘’’

continued>

lefT: governor-general of the commonwealth of Australia, Her excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, Ac, congratulates Trooper Mark donaldson, Vc, at his investiture ceremony. at government House. Photo: WOPH Steve Dent RIgHT: from left: Minister for defence the Hon. Joel fitzgibbon MP; Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP; Mr Keith Payne Vc; Trooper Mark donaldson Vc; Mrs emma donaldson (with daughter Kaylee); governor-general of the commonwealth of Australia, Her excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, Ac; chief of the defence force Air chief Marshal Angus Houston and chief of Army lieutenant general Ken gillespie. Photo: WOPH Steve Dent

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shooting an 84mm, so I was trying to get that in the right spot. I honestly didn’t think that ‘shit, there’s a lot of fire coming down’. It was more that we just had

to fight back.

Regaining the initiativeIt was really just the volume of fire that went back

down. They [Americans] had the Humvees with a 40mm and the 50-cals [50-calibre machine guns] and they also had 60mm mortars that they cracked out of one of the vehicles. One of the blokes helped load them up and shoot them off while giving target indications. The vehicles were moving around for a bit too – shoot for a bit and then move – keep shooting and moving. I guess that’s what really gave us that time to start moving out of there.

Rescue of Afghan interpreterThere was an RPG [rocket-propelled grenade] air

burst above his vehicle and he was in the back of that, `cause the humvees have an open back on them. And he just got blown out of it by the air burst. Obviously the car was driving at the time and it just kept driving. It didn’t know that someone got blown off the back. We saw it from behind and that’s when I ran out there and grabbed him.

I just saw him lying there so I just went over to get him. I got him moving and just got him out of there. You know, it was…yeah…it was pretty intense.

I started dragging him first and then we got him to his feet and I put my arm around him and got him back to the vehicle. There was a lot of fire coming down. You could see it kicking up everywhere in the dust around us. It was pretty intense there as well.

From what I remember seeing, everyone was still fighting. Of course, your mates are always going to fight by your side and they’re going to be there to fight for you, especially if they see you in trouble, or if you look across and you see them fighting, it just makes you want to fight hard as well.

Eventually myself and one of the other blokes got into the back of the vehicles and we started moving. We got moving a bit better from there. They were still shooting at us, into the back of the vehicle, as we were driving out of there.

It’s definitely the most intense fire fight I’ve been in.

Back on baseWhen we got back there [to base], we had the

triage set up and the medic was doing an awesome job of getting everyone sorted out and everyone getting first-aid given to them. You’d look down and there was 12 stretchers laid out with all these guys lying there, bandages all over them and getting patched up and people just trying to give them first aid.

You’re watching your mates and you’re just going, ‘mate, I’m just gonna have to come back to you because Johno or whoever over here needs help first’. That was the last time for a while that we saw a few of them.

So after that, we got back and just sat down and had a bit of a chat about it and went over things like blokes do, you know, they talk to each other and just talk about what they saw.

The first time someone actually spoke to me directly about it was probably the day after I received it [the VC] and it was one of the guys that was there and he just said, ‘you know, myself and one other bloke were talking about it and we were just amazed that I didn’t get hit’. They couldn’t believe it and they just said I definitely deserve it, so…yeah.

Train hard, fight easyTraining is what really kept us alive. It’s just the

training that we do. We train pretty hard and we rehearse a lot of things. Train hard and fight easy I guess is that old adage. It’s not always an easy fight, but hopefully you’ve trained a lot harder than when the fight comes up.

The VcIt was about two weeks before the ceremony

when I first found out. The CO rang me up and said he wanted to have a chat with myself and my wife and the Chief of Army. And we just made a booking and sat down and he just gave me the bit of paper.

I never knew at all that people were going to put me up for an award. I was stunned, overwhelmed and what do you say. You’ve just been told you’re being awarded the highest honour you can get in the Australian honours and awards system. I don’t know how anyone reacts to that to be honest.

Yesterday [18 January] it started sinking in when we had five minutes to sit down and just be yourselves again and you know, you sit there and just go ‘wow, I’ve just received this. This isn’t all caught up in a whirlwind anymore; it’s starting to be a bit of reality’.

The futureIn the short term, there’s a lot of things I have

to do with being a recipient of the VC and I want to honour those commitments. In the long term, hopefully I’ll just go back to being a soldier, because that’s what I joined up to be.

I just want to keep my Army career going. We’ll see what happens really. We’ll start with tomorrow and then we’ll see where it goes from there.

For Most Conspicuous Acts of Gallantry

The Victoria Cross (VC) remains the most honoured and most coveted award of all the orders and decorations open to members of the ADF. It stands for supreme courage, a disregard for danger and complete devotion to duty.

Created by Queen Victoria in 1856, and made retrospective to 1854 to recongnise the individual deeds during the Crimean War, the Imperial VC has been awarded to 96 Australians. The Australian VC, created in 1991, has been awarded to only one Australian – Trooper Mark Donaldson.

Senior Curator at the Australian War Memorial, Nick Fletcher, believes that a look back on previous VC recipients provides a unique insight into the changing attitudes of war.

“If you look back at the earliest examples of VCs to Australians, such as in the Boer War, they tend overwhelmingly to be acts of courage, of going out under heavy fire to save a wounded comrade. It’s all about saving lives,” Mr Fletcher said.

“But when we get into very serious conflicts in which the nation itself is threatened, such as the WWI and WWII, they tend to be much more for killing large numbers of the enemy.

“But Trooper Donaldson’s VC is a life-saving VC. He was certainly very active in attacking the enemy, and probably inflicted heavy casualties on them, but much of the focus has been on how he saved the interpreter.

“I think that reflects our attitude to war a bit more in that we have a great regard to those who try to save lives. We may have seen the wheel turn full circle there.”

The VC is suspended from a bar by a red ribbon, and designed in the form of the Maltese Cross. In the centre of the medal is a lion guardant standing upon the Royal Crown. The words “For valour” are inscribed below. On the reverse of the cross the date of the act of bravery is inscribed, along with the name, rank, and unit of the recipient.

The Australian award is still hand-fashioned by the original fabricators, Hancocks Jewellers of London, and is still produced from the captured Sebastopol guns.

When worn, the VC takes precedence over all other awards, and is positioned to the far left of any medal group.

CoVER stoRy

An award steeped in valour

By Jack Foster

continued>

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Husband always a heroBy WO2 Graham McBean

By WO2 Graham McBeanWhile Australia’s senior leaders have

applauded the bravery of Trooper Mark donaldson Vc, his wife, emma, and two-year-old daughter, Kaylee, are still his biggest supporters.

As a former signals soldier of 14 years herself, emma said she fully understood Mark’s commitment to the Army and his wish to continue serving with the sAsR.

“He was in the Army when I met him so the Army came with the man,” emma said.

emma and Kaylee joined him in the week following his investiture at the numerous media events and public appearances.

If it wasn’t difficult enough being an sAsR soldier’s wife, the media whirlwind that descended on the donaldsons may well be considered above the call of duty.

But they haven’t been without their lighter moments.

When Mark presented his Vc to the Australian War Memorial on loan, Kaylee exclaimed “look, daddy is getting another present”. emma replied: “no, daddy is giving one away this time”.

of course, emma is proud of her reluctant hero’s exceptional bravery.

“Mark has always been Mark to me but I have always known he was special – and it really was an emotional thing. I couldn’t believe that it was my Mark and he is now Australia’s hero. It was just a weird thing for me,” she said.

she is adamant that she wants Mark to return to soldiering with the sAsR as he had enlisted in the Army specifically to join the Perth-based regiment.


for most conspicuous acts of gallantry

in action in a circumstance of great peril in

Afghanistan as part of the special operations

Task group during operation slIPPeR, oruzgan

Province, Afghanistan.

Trooper Mark gregor donaldson enlisted

into the Australian Army on 18 June 2002.

After completing Recruit and Initial and

employment Training he was posted to the

1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

Having successfully completed the special

Air service selection course in April 2004,

Trooper donaldson was posted to special Air

service Regiment in May 2004.

on 2 september 2008, during the conduct of a

fighting patrol, Trooper donaldson was travelling

in a combined Afghan, us and Australian vehicle

convoy that was engaged by a numerically

superior, entrenched and coordinated enemy

ambush. The ambush was initiated by a high

volume of sustained machine gun fire coupled

with the effective use of rocket-propelled

grenades. such was the effect of the initiation

that the combined patrol suffered numerous

casualties, completely lost the initiative and

became immediately suppressed. It was over

two hours before the convoy was able to

establish a clean break and move to an area free

of enemy fire.

In the early stages of the ambush, Trooper

donaldson reacted spontaneously to regain the

initiative. He moved rapidly between alternate

positions of cover engaging the enemy with

66mm and 84mm anti-armour weapons as well

as his M4 rifle. during an early stage of the

enemy ambush, he deliberately exposed himself

to enemy fire in order to draw attention to

himself and thus away from wounded soldiers.

This selfless act alone bought enough time for

those wounded to be moved to relative safety.

As the enemy had employed the tactic of a

rolling ambush, the patrol was forced to conduct

numerous vehicle manoeuvres, under intense

enemy fire, over a distance of approximately

four kilometres to extract the convoy from the

engagement area.

compounding the extraction was the fact

that casualties had consumed all available

space within the vehicles. Those who had not

been wounded, including Trooper donaldson,

were left with no option but to run beside the

vehicles throughout. during the conduct of

this vehicle manoeuvre to extract the convoy

from the engagement area, a severely wounded

coalition force interpreter was inadvertently

left behind. of his own volition and displaying

complete disregard for his own safety, Trooper

donaldson moved alone, on foot, across

approximately 80 metres of exposed ground to

recover the wounded interpreter. His movement,

once identified by the enemy, drew intense and

accurate machine gun fire from entrenched

positions. upon reaching the wounded coalition

force interpreter, Trooper donaldson picked him

up and carried him back to the relative safety of

the vehicles then provided immediate first aid

before returning to the fight.

on subsequent occasions during the battle,

Trooper donaldson administered medical care

to other wounded soldiers, whilst continually

engaging the enemy.

Trooper donaldson’s acts of exceptional

gallantry in the face of accurate and sustained

enemy fire ultimately saved the life of a coalition

force interpreter and ensured the safety of the

other members of the combined Afghan, us and

Australian force. Trooper donaldson’s actions

on this day displayed exceptional courage in

circumstances of great peril. His actions are

of the highest accord and are in keeping with

the finest traditions of the special operations

command, the Australian Army and the

Australian defence force.

The Citation:


An insight into the life of a special operations soldier is a rare opportunity. But in december 2008, special operations commander, Major general (MAJgen) Tim Mcowan gave an update on the special operations Task group (soTg) in Afghanistan, allowing for a unique look into the workings of this elite group of soldiers.

Sent deep into known Taliban safe havens in Afghanistan, their critical operations are both frequent and dangerous. At the time of MAJGEN McOwan’s address, the Special Air Service (SAS) element of the SOTG had spent 216 days outside the wire, and the commando element 256 days. In almost every patrol outside the wire, both elements have been involved in some form of contact or firefight.

outside the wireSpecial Operations Commander parades his elite group of soldiers. By Jack Foster

outside the wireoutside the wireMembers of the special operations Task group (soTg) prepare to embark on a night time operation in oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. Photo: Able Seaman Paul Berry

outside thewire

sPECIAl oPERAtIoNs

outside the wireoutside the wireoutside the wire


outside thewire


19


“These men continue to operate in extreme

danger and in an extremely demanding physical

environment, and they continue to deliver the results

expected of them,” MAJGEN McOwan said.

“Without the SOTG’s actions, the success

of Australian efforts in reconstruction, and now

mentoring and training of the Afghan national

army, would be greatly constrained.”

Special Operations soldiers do not operate in

a traditional infantry sense in that they do not seek

to clear or hold ground, roads or other objectives.

Rather, they conduct highly-targeted operations

against the insurgent command infrastructure

– providing security for the population while

enhancing security for the Mentoring and

Reconstruction Task Force.

In many instances, these soldiers stealthily

capture Taliban (TB) leaders without ever firing

a shot. Such was the case when commandos

infiltrated undetected into the heart of a TB safe-

haven to capture Ahmad Shah in his bed.

In another example, MAJGEN McOwan

explained how commandos operated for more than

40 days in a known TB safe-haven, successfully

killing or capturing five Taliban leaders and

killing or capturing dozens of Taliban fighters and

Improvised Explosive Device (IED) facilitators.

“If, after this briefing, any of those two target

groups should read on the web of those we are

after, then know this: we will find you, we will

hunt you down. Your time is limited, leave now

and go back to a normal life without violence,”

MAJGEN McOwan said.

While the major focus of his speech was

on the sterling efforts of the SOTG, MAJGEN

McOwan took the opportunity to highlight the

importance of a collaborative effort in supporting

operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

“The overall effort of course, is made up of

many different countries all working together for

the same goal, and our successes should never

be looked at solely on a national basis, as it is

only through the support and assistance of our

coalition partners that they have been achievable,”

MAJGEN McOwan said.

The individual bravery of these men was

highlighted during a battle in September 2008, in

which nine Australian soldiers were wounded—

the largest number of Australian soldiers wounded

in a single action since Vietnam. During the

battle, a soldier, now known to be Trooper Mark

Donaldson VC, exposed himself to enemy fire to

draw fire away from other wounded soldiers.

TPR Donaldson then noticed that an Afghan

interpreter had been seriously wounded. Without

prompting, and without regard for his own safety,

ran back to recover the wounded Afghan.

“He ran across about 80 metres of fire-swept

and exposed ground, drawing intense and accurate

machine-gun fire from the entrenched enemy

positions,” MAJGEN McOwan said.

“Still under fire, he then lifted the wounded

man onto his shoulders and carried him back to

the vehicles before applying first aid and then

returning to the fire fight.

“This small example illustrates the mettle

of the men that I command but we should never

forget the quality of our adversary. They should

never be underestimated.”

In his closing remarks, MAJGEN McOwan

stated that his soldiers needed not sympathy, but

an understanding of what they are required to do.

“I ask that you try to place yourselves, if only

momentarily, in the mindset of these men who

have been asked by their government to undertake

these operations,” MAJGEN McOwan said.

“Try to imagine the physical demands of the

long marches by night, the lack of sleep and the

rigours of their lives, imagine the anticipation as

they approach a compound in which they know

Taliban are holed up ready to kill them. Imagine

the fear as they enter that compound as they know

they must.

“I know my soldiers don’t seek any form of

sympathy; they have volunteered and willingly

chosen the life of a soldier.

“But they do, quite reasonably, expect to be

treated fairly and shown a degree of understanding.

It’s not much to ask for what they give.”

The full transcript of MAJGEN McOwan’s

address can be found at: http://www.defence.gov.

au/media/SpeechTpl.cfm?CurrentId=8602

outside the wireoutside the wireoutside the wireA cH-47 chinnok offloads supplies for the special operations Task group (soTg) during an operation in oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

outside thewire

‘‘

sPECIAl oPERAtIoNs

Members of the special operations Task group (soTg) prepare for a patrol in southern Afghanistan. Photo: LAC Rodney Welch

A member of the special operations Task group (soTg) takes aim in a green belt during an operation in oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

outside thewire


Members of the special operations Task group (soTg) conduct a mud-map briefing during an operation in oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

’’

‘‘Try to imagine the physical demands of the long marches by night, the lack of sleep and the rigours of their lives, imagine the anticipation as they approach a compound in which they know Taliban are holed up ready to kill them. Imagine the fear as they enter that compound as they know they must.

– Special Operations Commander, Major General (MAJGEN) Tim McOwan


21

he defence science and Technology organisation (dsTo) has pieced together the final hours of one of Australia’s greatest war mysteries – the disappearance

of HMAs Sydney II.

In collaboration with the Australian division of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), the team of 12 DSTO staff has given a scientific insight into Sydney’s final battle sequence, what it would have been like for those on board, as well as providing answers as to why there were no survivors.

Excited to be setting history right, Dr Stuart Cannon, head of the Surface Ship Structural Group within DSTO, and president of the Australian arm of RINA, said the process was like “trying to finish a huge jigsaw puzzle”.

Throughout history, other WWII ships had survived torpedo hits and others had survived shell hits from larger calibre shells. However, Sydney had to endure the sustained attack at close range from 15 cm shells smashing into the sides of the ship, raking the upper decks with 20 mm shells at a rate of fire of more than 100 rpm and sustained shelling with 3.7 cm guns.

“If one of these shells goes off, you have to realise that these fragments are red hot pieces of steel,” Dr Cannon said. “If they go into any wiring, or anything flammable, a fire will start up instantly, and the room will fill up with toxic gas and smoke.”

As Sydney sustained hit after hit, the damage to both equipment and crew multiplied along with

the loss of numerous capabilities. Fires broke out in many areas of the ship and choking smoke and toxic gases engulfed the upper decks and was drawn into the lower decks.

“Then came the torpedo hit to the bow, resulting in extensive forward flooding,” Dr Cannon said. “The loss of the ship’s electrical power and the physical blockage to passageways would have made any damage control operations very difficult.”

Although the initial action resulted in damage to the port side of Sydney, a turn to port after five minutes exposed Sydney to shelling on its starboard side and magnified the damage with just as many shell hits as that of the port side.

“The boats and Carley floats on port and starboard sides were either blown overboard or were damaged directly by shells or the thousands of fragments that were spraying around the upper decks, meaning the boats and floats were rendered useless for evacuation or lifesaving,” Dr Cannon said.

After the engagement ceased, Sydney limped slowly away to the south east. She was severely damaged with a very large number of casualties, several major fires, much of the upper and lower decks filled with smoke, flooding in the bow, and electrical power almost totally gone. The weapon holes were also fuelling the fires by allowing air in from outside.

“The damage control crews would have been overwhelmed at this stage and any damage control that was being conducted was simply to try to save the ship,” Dr Cannon said. “At this time the computer model predicted that Sydney was rolling

up to 40 degrees from upright.“Everybody would have probably been

incapacitated inside the ship where the numerous shells had hit.”

These findings were tabled in 400-page report in January this year, and form part of the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances around Sydney’s disappearance, with the full Commission of Inquiry report set to be released in the coming months.

One of the biggest challenges in re-creating her final battle sequence was retrieving as much information about the ship itself from various historical archives here and overseas.

“Getting this information right was extremely important,” Dr Cannon said. “Without it we wouldn’t have been able to determine the consequences of the shell hits to the various compartments and systems of the ship.”

“We also had to take a detailed look at 36 hours of the underwater video footage from the Finding Sydney Foundation, as well as thousands of still photographs,” Dr Cannon said. “When we saw something of interest, we’d go back and review it, then discuss it, and then review it again. It was a very labour-intensive process.”

Aside from the physical examination of the video imagery, and a large quantity of historical documents, photographs and other publications, DSTO and RINA then used a number of scientific analysis tools to measure the flow-on affects after each of the weapon hits.

The vulnerability assessment program, named XVAM, was based on blast and fragment damage algorithms to calculate the extent of damage

DEFENCE sCIENCE AND tECHNoloGy oRGANIsAtIoN


science helpsset record straight

throughout the structure. Dr Cannon explains how this was useful when identifying regions of concern or vulnerable areas within the ship design.

“Once a shell hit Sydney, the scientific package would show us the size of the fragments and the speed at which they would have come out,” he said. “From this, we could see the damage originating from a detonation point, and then calculate the probability of system failure, injury to personnel, and structural damage within the impact zone.

“Another program predicted the progressive flooding of the damaged ship and the implications this had on the overall motions and stability of the vessel in the ocean.”

To help illustrate the findings from the various DSTO computer simulations more clearly, a high-fidelity, computer-based model of the ship was created. The aim was for the model to be used to image particular locations on the ship, to undertake forensic visualisations of the vessel, and to generate realistic animated visualisations of

critical phases of the engagement.“This gave a very good visual depiction of

what happened from the view of the Kormoran,” Dr Cannon said. “These images and animations were also used in the Commission of Inquiry when showing exactly where on the ship the shell hits would have been felt.”

Between two and four hours after the fighting stopped, Sydney is likely to have rolled to an angle beyond which she could have recovered, lost buoyancy and sank rapidly—with evacuation highly unlikely.

“Just imagine what the angle of the deck would be like, imagine the lean, you couldn’t walk or stand, and any survivors would simply have been trying to stop being thrown around either above deck, or trapped below.”

Forming part of the report was also a literature review of the probability of survival in the water, with a specific focus on the search patterns for Sydney after the battle.

“The searches that they did were reasonable for the time, but they were looking for a ship, so they were flying much higher, rather than looking for bodies in the water,” Dr Cannon said. “The water was warm, and hypothermia was not an issue. But there were disturbing reports from the Germans of many sharks in the water.”

Tabling the report to the Commission on Inquiry was an emotional experience for Dr Cannon and fellow authors. In a courtroom setting, they faced the public gallery packed with relatives and families of people lost on the Sydney.

“When we were talking about what it would have been like on board, what the survivors would have been experiencing, the public area was completely silent,” Dr Cannon said.

“You could sense the emotion, and obviously it's incredibly powerful for these people to realise what it would have been like, and what happened to the ship.

“Whether that gives them closure, you just don’t know.”

– Head of the Surface Ship Structural Group within DSTO Dr Stuart Cannon

Just imagine what the angle of the deck would be like, imagine the lean, you couldn’t walk or stand, and any survivors would simply have been trying to stop being thrown around either above deck, or trapped below

‘‘’’

150 mm shell damage to the port side. Representation of HMAs Sydney II late in the evening.

A break is shown in HMAs Sydney II's inverted bow on port side.

shell detonation around the 32’ cutter support davits.

damage to port side of Bakery, debris can be seen in doorway.



Final hours for HMAS Sydney II unveiledBy Jack Fosterset record straight


PeRATIon Anode in the solomon Islands illustrates that Army Reservists are well-trained and provide real capability to the Australian defence force (Adf).

In recent times the Army Reserve has taken on the responsibility of providing Head Quarters staff and peacekeepers for the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which has helped the ADF during the busy operational tempo.

The deployment of Reservists and other ADF personnel, at the invitation of the Government in Honiara, has helped to improve law and order in the Solomon Islands which is vital for economic growth and sustainability.

Since the commencement of RAMSI in July 2003, Reservists and other ADF personnel have been greeted warmly by the local population and are happy to assist in returning their lives to normality.

More than 140 Army Reservists from the 5TH and 8TH Brigades from the Royal New South Wales Regiment recently returned home from a successful four month deployment to the Solomon Islands.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, welcomed the Reserve soldiers at a parade at Holsworthy Barracks on 11 December.

Dr Kelly said he was pleased with the contribution the Reserve was making to RAMSI, where Australia and her Pacific partners are helping the local government to develop peace and stability.

“The security situation in the Solomon Islands remains stable and this is largely due to RAMSI’s presence,” he said.

“While there is still work to be done, we are confident that the Solomon Islands is making progress towards managing their own internal security.”

Dr Kelly said Australians should be proud of their soldiers’ efforts to serve in this capacity away from their family and friends.

In recognition of the Reservists contribution to the overseas peacekeeping operation they were presented with the Australian Service Medal by the Commander of the 5th Brigade, Brigadier Paul Brereton, at a parade at Holsworthy Barracks.

Brigadier Brereton thanked the part-time soldiers from Canberra, Wollongong, Bathurst, Orange and Sydney’s Western suburbs for their professionalism and quality of work during the deployment.

The Commanding Officer of the contingent for Operation Anode (Rotation 16), Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Weir, said this operation illustrated that Reservists are well-trained and can provide real capability to the Army during the busy operational tempo.

“The soldiers carried out 24-hour street patrols and other designated tasks in support of the participating Police Forces within the Solomon Islands,” he said.

“During the deployment the Reservists mounted an intense 30-day operation in inhospitable jungle which resulted in the capture of a local man who

was charged with the attempted murder of a RAMSI policeman in 2008.”

At the grass roots level the Reservists also won the trust and confidence of the local people by their involvement in civil military cooperation projects which brought much joy and happiness.

The Reservists often handed out school books and other educational items to needy children while the medics helped provide care to sick children at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara.

The medics spent up to two days a week assisting at the hospital while working alongside ASPEN medical contractors.

The medical care the Reservists and contractors provided ranged from the amputation of limbs to delivering babies.

The experience gained in the hospital was very beneficial for the medics who also operated clinics in remote villages through the Solomons, where they provided basic medical care and education for the locals.

Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Weir said the medical care the Australian soldiers provided to the locals helped to strengthen quality long-term relationships with our neighbours in the Pacific.

Reservists shine in SolomonsBy Captain Michael Brooke

o Private Vanessa noordermeer, an Army Reservist from cronulla, is thanked by commander of the Holsworthy-based 5th Brigade Brigadier Paul Brereton, after receiving her service Medal for a four-month deployment as a peacekeeper to solomon Islands recently.Photo: Captain Michael Brooke

oPERAtIoN ANoDE

‘‘

INtEllIGENCE, sECuRIty & INtERNAtIoNAl PolICy

eeeg oCivilian gives good advice to help rebuild IraqBy Michael Weaver

You don’t know what you are capable of, or what you know until you are put in a corner and have to produce. This is like an intense personal growth course which I am loving and thriving in– Defence civilian on posting to Baghdad Michelle Pitman.

‘‘

’’ continued>


25

eeeg oichelle Pitman knew a jar of Vegemite would come in handy when she packed her bags for a posting to Baghdad, after

receiving some timely advice about feeling isolated from her usual surrounds in Australia.

Now, four months into her posting as the

advisor to the Secretary General of the Iraq

Ministry of Defence, Michelle is getting used

to being away from family, friends, prawns and

shopping…and walking around with body armour.

“I have access to the Daily News Summary,

the Defence external website and ongoing contact

with International Policy Division,” Michelle said.

“It’s actually quite isolating from Defence but I

was warned about this and was prepared. Also I’m

so busy here, it’s not a big issue.”

The Secretary General of the Iraq Ministry of

Defence is Iraq’s equivalent of Australia’s Defence

Secretary and Michelle’s role ranges from general

advice and assistance, to budgets and staffing, to

capacity-building and governance.

Additionally, Michelle gets involved with

broader coalition projects and is currently working

with Australian Brigadier David McGahey on

reviewing the logistic systems of Iraq’s Ministry of

Defence and Ministry of the Interior.

“It’s really interesting and broad, and the

Iraqis are really great to work with. It’s pretty long

days – I usually start around 7.30-8am and finish

around 8pm, but the tangible difference you’re

making and the great people both in the coalition

and the Iraqis I work with, makes it worthwhile,”

Michelle said.

Obviously, the job is not without personal

security considerations and language barriers and

while Michelle says she is getting used to it, the

sound of alert alarms when something happens

never fails to make her heart race.

“My very poor Arabic and their smattering of

English seems to be enough a lot of the time, plus

I have a translator if I need, but it’s amazing how

good my charades ability has become.

“The environment is quieter at the moment

but we still have things happen. The occurrences

are normally some distance away but you can still

hear and feel the explosions.

“We had more bombings here recently and my

translator, who is Iraqi and lives in the red zone,

was 50 metres from a woman with a suicide vest.

He saw it happen. He was physically fine, but she

killed five others with her.

“I told him these are incredibly difficult

circumstances to live in and he looked me in the

eye and said ‘No, it’s impossible’.

M


26

INtEllIGENCE, sECuRIty & INtERNAtIoNAl PolICy

obviously, the job is not without personal security considerations and language barriers and while Michelle says she is getting used to it, the sound of alert alarms when something happens never fails to make her heart race.

‘‘’’

“I don’t know how they live with that kind of

thing in their mind for the rest of their lives.

“I am really protected and safe, but it is such

a privilege to work with people who have been

through this and it changes your perspective.

“Life is incredibly precious.”

Michelle also begins most days with her

fingers crossed, but it is for the simple things such

as whether there will be sufficient water and

electricity for the day.

She describes her living conditions as “a little

hut”, which is “comfortable enough”, but one thing

that makes up for it all is the sheer experience of

working to help a country rebuild its government,

and in turn, people’s lives.

“You don’t know what you are capable of, or

what you know until you are put in a corner and

have to produce. This is like an intense personal

growth course which I am loving and thriving in,”

Michelle said.

“Sometimes in Canberra, you are a very small

part of a very large organisation, so seeing any

difference you are making is quite difficult. Here

I can see immediately and for the long term that

what I’m doing is having a significant effect and is

meaningful and useful.”

Michelle also praises the ADF’s Security

Detachment (SECDET) on the ground in Baghdad of

about 90 personnel drawn from infantry, cavalry,

military police and combat service support.

“They (SECDET) look after me and are some of

the best blokes I have met here. Getting to know them

has been like getting an Aussie cultural experience

I didn’t know about until meeting them. They are

professional, skilled people who also happen to be a

lot of fun. We can be really proud of our Diggers.”

Speaking of ‘Aussie experiences’, some of

Michelle’s rare periods of down time are spent

bonding with the Iraqi people, who have invited

her into their homes for meals with their families.

And this is where the jar of Vegemite has

come in handy.

“For the record, we are the only nation who

likes Vegemite, but I will keep offering samples

and try and convert a few – for my country.”


lefT: l-R, Michelle Pitman with security detachment members Private david Bleines and Private Jayden Holborn at the Iraqi Tomb of the unknown soldier in Baghdad. cenTRe: l-R, Private david Bleines, an Iraqi soldier, Michelle Pitman and Private Jayden Holborn in Baghdad. RIgHT: l-R, Australian Ambassador to Iraq Bob Tyson, Minister for defence science and Personnel Warren snowdon, Multi-national security Transition command-Iraq commanding general, lieutenant general frank g Helmick, chief of defence force Air chief Marshal Angus Houston, Michelle Pitman and Brigadier david Mcgahey at the Multi-national security Transition command Iraq - Phoenix Base during the cdf's recent visit to Iraq.


27

ADFA Cadets get taste of more than just military lifeEach year, approximately 250 Navy Midshipmen and Army and Air Force Officer Cadets are received into the wider Australian Defence Force following a three-year military and leadership training program at the Australian Defence Force Academy. It is also no surprise that on the road to graduation, cadets also get top marks for their work in the community.

By Michael Weaver

ADFA


n what was a watershed year for AdfA’s community involvement, cadets last year wrote a new chapter into its community service history with a total of $59,354.65 raised on behalf of Australia-wide

charities.

A driving force behind ADFA’s team effort has been Midshipman Benson Chian from the Republic of Singapore Navy. Not surprisingly, MIDN Chian was awarded the Academy’s most prestigious award, the Commander in Chief Medal by Governor-General, Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce during the 2008 Graduation Parade.

“This amount topped last year’s fundraising achievement by more than $15,000,” MIDN Chian said.

“ADFA staff and cadets linked up with ten different charity groups to participate in events and activities with a desire to raise awareness of, and support for, the work of community groups.”

ADFA started the year with participation in The World’s Greatest Shave, followed by the ANZAC Day Appeal, Red Shield Appeal, Red Nose Day appeal, Jeans 4 Genes Day appeal, Legacy Appeal, Movember appeal and the RSL Red Poppy Day appeal. Each activity was coordinated

and organised by ADFA midshipmen and officer cadets and involved direct liaison with charity organisations in selling of badges and collecting donations throughout the Canberra region.

Cadets in the 2008 ADFA musical production also raised donations for Camp Quality.

MIDN Chian said in addition to fundraising, cadets were involved in regional volunteer work, including a significant environmental conservation effort with LandCare and renovation work at Randwick Hospital, Sydney, on behalf of the CanTeen organisation.

“The highlight was the 2008 ADFA CanTeen Day organised by Officer Cadet Ashleigh Beard,” said MIDN Chian.

“This event involved midshipmen and officer cadets hosting a group of CanTeen teenagers on an activity-filled visit to ADFA.”

The day commenced at the ADFA Boat Shed with sailing and dragon boating activities on Lake Burley-Griffin, before taking on the over-water obstacle course at the Indoor Sports Centre, followed by demonstrations of military self-defence. The CanTeen members also visited the Weapons Training Simulation System (WTSS) and participated in simulation firing of the F88 AUSteyr.

“The people from CanTeen experienced a day in the life of an ADFA trainee and made lasting

friendships with cadet buddies. They reflected how much they enjoyed the day and are already looking forward to this year’s event,” MIDN Chian said.

The majority of community service activities conducted by ADFA are coordinated and managed by ADFA cadets. Participation is non-compulsory, and as such, cadets from across all year levels are involved in their personal time.

The 2008 Deputy Commandant ADFA, Captain Peter Murray, RAN, commended the members of the ADFA’s Community Service team on their outstanding efforts.

“These types of activities provide midshipmen and officer cadets with excellent leadership development opportunities and as such, are strongly supported by the ADFA command,” CAPT Murray said.

He said that ADFA plans to build on the success of the community service activities conducted this year with similar activities in 2009, to promote a deeper sense of community spirit within future officers of the ADF.

On graduating, Benson summed up his own sense of achievement: “Coming to Australia and graduating with my peers is a truly satisfying feeling. It is my honour to represent Singapore and I hope bilateral ties between our two defence forces will continue to flourish”.

ADFA Cadets get taste of more than just military life


oPPosITe: Midshipman Wei chong Benson chian, divisional officer at the AdfA graduation Parade on 11 december 2008. BeloW lefT: AdfA's Voluntary extra-curricular Activity team prior to 2008 AnzAc day appeal. cenTRe: AdfA cadets with a group from canTeen enjoying a day of activities on lake Burley griffin. RIgHT: The governor-general, Her excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, Ac, presents Midshipman Wie chong Benson chian from the singaporean navy, the commander in chief Medal during the 2008 Australian defence force Academy (AdfA) graduation Parade. Photo: ABPH Jo Dilorenzo


he defence export unit (deu) has been a major

driver in facilitating new export opportunities for Australian companies. As the unit approaches its first

birthday, Alison Walas reflects on the achievements so far.

During the past 12 months, the DEU has facilitated new exports of around $200 million, and are supporting additional export opportunities of over $500 million. The DEU has been successful in achieving market access for Australian companies worldwide. The unit’s primary focus is supporting Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), in particular, those with products involving higher order technology capabilities and where export sales have the potential to sustain domestic research and development.

The Australian Defence Industry has proven its capability on the international stage. The highly-skilled workforce, advanced manufacturing infrastructure, a sophisticated research and development base, with a widespread culture of flexibility, innovation and collaboration are all characteristics that have added to the attraction of Australia as a reliable and value-for-money source of defence materiel.

“A strong Australian Defence Industry is an important strategic component of Australia’s Defence capability,” says Terry Whelan, Head of

the DEU. “The DEU has been extremely successful in facilitating opportunities for SMEs to link into the global supply chain.”

To date, export opportunities have been facilitated through the DEU for protected mobility vehicles, armour plate, communications equipment, aerospace components, radar specialised lighting equipment and engineering services to name just a few. “This success has improved the ability for Australian companies to be included in the global supply chains of the major Defence primes. The success of the DEU lies in part in its ability to draw together the other government departments (both Federal and State) to provide a whole of government approach to defence export,” says Mr Whelan.

Support is also provided to larger Australian companies, whose participation in a DEU sponsored export activity would contribute to the profile of that activity and consequently enhance its value or where it is likely that opportunities for prime contractors will have flow-on benefits for SMEs as subcontractors.

With ongoing challenges for Defence exporters, including foreign acquisition plans, trade constraints and resource requirements, the DEU through its worldwide network is able to promote and facilitate defence exports from Australia. The range of activities the DEU is involved in is exhaustive, but includes: ■ compilation and maintenance of a database

of Australian defence and defence-related products and capabilities with export potentialcollection, analysis and dissemination to

DEFENCE MAtERIEl oRGANIsAtIoN

Defence Export Unit facilitates $200 million of new exportsBy Alison Walas

T

The past 12 months have been extremely

successful for the Defence Export Unit (DEU).

Operating under “Team Australia” (an initiative

between the Australian Government and Industry

in promoting Australia’s innovative defence and

security technologies overseas) were successful

in facilitating a number of Australian companies

achieving partnering agreements at international

events. In 2008, Team Australia had a number of

successful missions to the following places:

singapore19-24 feb 2008The DEU’s Team Australia participation at the Singapore Air Show resulted in 10 companies receiving orders for their products and services. This was the first exhibition where the DEU was able to bring Austrade, DIISR, four State government departments of industry and economic

development to be partners in the same team. The cooperation and collaboration of the government departments in a whole of government exercise proved to be successful, as each group brought its own expertise and network to bear for the success of individual companies.

India8-18 April 2008The mission included 14 Victorian Aerospace companies and DEU was requested to help organise meetings for some of these companies with the Indian Government, Indian Defence organisations and civil industries / companies. DEU representatives were MAJGEN Mike Fairweather and GPCAPT Brent Crowhurst. The DEU, through General Fairweather, was instrumental in providing opportunities for a number of the attending companies and the Australian Defence Attache to obtain meetings

DEU highlights major milestones


industry of targeted market intelligence on international opportunities for Australian defence exports

■ continuous engagement with defence industry sectors and liaison on product development, market intentions and any other relevant matters

■ in conjunction with relevant government and industry elements, development of plans and campaigns for the international marketing of specific defence products

■ coordination of targeted defence and defence-related industry missions based on specific export promotion campaigns and activities

■ evaluation of international product exposure events such as defence exhibitions and determination of industry participation in such events

■ provision of a full-service project management and coordination service under the Team Australia banner for Australian industry participation in international defence exhibitions and missions where warranted

■ coordination of access to ADF assets by potential international customers, including the facilitation of inbound visits to Defence establishments, where this would assist in the promotion of integral Australian systems and components

■ coordination of letters of support for particular products from Ministers, Service Chiefs or other officers/officials to their international counterparts

■ arranging education and information sessions

to enhance Australian defence industry’s awareness of support available from the DEU and, where applicable, how to access specific international market opportunities, and

■ promulgation to relevant stakeholders of a forward program of DEU facilitated activities.Within Defence, the Defence Export ControlOffice (DECO) is responsible for administering controls on the export of defence and dual-use goods, and the granting of authorisations to export, in the form of permits and licenses. DECO’s mission is to ensure Australia exports responsibly by:

■ providing advice on the control status of goods, and

■ issuing permits and licences for the export of controlled defence and dual use goods.In 2009, DECO will be holding Practitioner

Workshops that are designed to raise awareness of Australian export controls and are open to industry representatives and Defence personnel involved in exporting and importing defence and strategic goods. For more information about these workshops, or how to register, visit www.defence.gov.au/strategy/deco/default.htm

For more information about the DEU contact Jeanette Mitchell on (02) 6127 2744, email [email protected] or visit www.defence.gov.au/dmo/about/domains/deu.cfm

For more information about DECO phone 1800 66 10 66, email [email protected] or visit www.defence.gov.au/strategy/deco

with the senior staff of the India Ministry of Defence.

united Kingdom, spain, france and germany 14-25 July 2008The Trade Mission included 18 Australian companies, all involved in the Aerospace industry. The Mission coincided with the Farnborough Airshow. The focus of the first week of the mission was to ensure each of the Australian companies had one-on-one meetings with the major primes and the Tier 1 suppliers to the global primes.As a result, a number of agreements have now been signed to investigate future work. Two companies, Lovett Engineering and Production Parts signed work with Pratt & Whitney for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.One of the smaller Australian companies, PHM Technology signed agreements with IAI, Thales and

Raytheon for possible inclusion of their technology into future programs. PHM has also entered pilot programs with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

united statesseptember 2008The Association of the US Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition was attended by 11 Australian companies that covered areas from electronics and communications to security and weapons.There were a number of achievements including:■ Lunar Lighting: attracting a potential

distributor who bought the display they brought over and an order for 500 sets of lights from the US Army.

■ BisAlloy steel also reported that they had at least one major order.

■ Metal Storm had access to personnel

interested in their new product who had never heard of their technology or development, and have sold an evaluation system of their quad barrel grenade launcher.

■ CODAN, PDL Toll and C4i all reported new agreements and opportunities with some possible, very short term results.

The DEU was also present at the Singapore Airshow, Farnborough in the UK and Defence Services Asia Malaysia, Modern Day Marine. “The DEU has proven its ability to link local Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into the global supply chain. These trade missions are crucial in developing and maintaining networks worldwide,” says Terry Whelan, Head of the DEU.“I am very proud of the work my unit is doing and am looking forward to seeing what successes we have for other SMEs in 2009,” said Mr Whelan.


nulka is Australia's largest regular defence export and has been in full production since 1997.

Air Force’s first all-female crew

takes flight By Rachel Bowman

AIR FoRCE


32


nother entry was made in the Air force’s history books on 8 december 2008, when the first all-female air crew took to the skies.

Captain of the historic flight was 36 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander (WGCDR) Linda Corbould, together with Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) Samantha Webster as co-pilot. Warrant Officer Katrina Salvesen, and Sergeants Paula Ivanovic and Julie Snell were the crew’s Loadmasters.

The 30-minute flight was from RAAF Base Amberley, high level to Ballina, where the flight then descended to proceed up the coast to the Gold Coast before returning to Amberley.

“Being a member of the RAAF’s first female flight crew was a truly wonderful feeling,” FLTLT Webster said.

“On take-off, once all the checks were completed, the Captain, WGCDR Linda Corbould, simply said ‘well, we did it!’ and then it was back to work.”

FLTLT Webster said the flight will be a highlight of her career, not only because it was the first all-female crewed flight, but also because of another professional milestone.

“I felt extremely proud to be part of WGCDR Corbould’s final flight as CO, on the second anniversary of her taking delivery of the first RAAF C17,” FLTLT Webster said. “Other than that though, it was business as usual.”

When queried about the pink 36 Squadron

caps, it was revealed that they were something the girls in the Squadron had made up when WGCDR Corbould became Commanding Officer in 2006.

“WGCDR Corbould was the first female CO of an operational Air Force flying Squadron. It seemed perfect to wear them for the flight,” FLTLT Webster said.

At the time of the flight, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP commented “I’m sure today’s first all-female crew will not be the RAAF’s last”.

Women comprise 50 per cent of the Australian population and 46 per cent of the Australian workforce, while 13 per cent of the permanent ADF workforce is female.

Currently only two per cent of the Air Force’s pilots are female. There are 14 female pilots, from 654 pilots, flying a number of aircraft including, the C-17A Globemaster III, C-130J Hercules, Caribou, AP-3C Orion and the Challenger 604. The ratio of female Loadmasters is even smaller, at only one per cent.

From the 94 Loadmasters working on the C-130J Hercules and the C-17A Globemaster, only 4 are female. Statistics like these came as a surprise to FLTLT Webster said, but highlighted the significance of the flight.

“It was a little surprising to learn that women had been flying in the Air Force for more than 20 years before we could crew an entire aircraft with all females,” FLTLT Webster said.

Recently, the Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston reported that the ADF Reference Group on Women had been established. The group comprises senior women with a track record of success in male-dominated industries and professions, or who have been responsible

for innovative strategies aimed at increasing the participation rates of women in their workplaces.

Earlier this year, Commandant Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Air Commodore Margaret Staib, AM CSC addressed the United Services Institute of the Australian Capital Territory (USI of the ACT) on increasing the participation rates of women in the Royal Australian Air Force.

AIRCDRE Staib said the Air Force currently has an 18 per cent officer and 16 per cent airmen female participation rate, which is higher than the average for the ADF. Despite these figures, the participation rates of females in the Air Force during the past decade remains relatively unchanged, despite many of the employment restrictions being progressively lifted in the past 20 years.

“Female aircrew numbers in the military are slowly increasing, which we love to see, but there is definitely room for many more,” FLTLT Webster said.

“This flight will definitely be a career highlight for me as we become part of Australia’s aviation history.”

Whilst the ADF is striving to improve the participation rates of women, historic events like the first all-female crew to fly an Air Force aircraft provides ample motivation for young women who are seeking a different and exciting career.

“The late Nancy Bird-Walton was Australia’s first paid female pilot in 1935 and the ladies of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force from 1939 paved the way for women in both aviation and the military in Australia,” FLTLT Webster said.

“And with WGCDR Corbould appointed as Commanding Officer of 36Sqn in 2006, I know the future role of females in our Aussie military is looking extremely bright.”

A

The four female crew and four of the female passengers on completion of their milestone flight and walk across the tarmac, satisfied with the results. Photo: CPL Melina Mancuso


33


New Generation Navy goes full steam ahead

NAVy

chief of navy Vice Admiral Russ crane is given a tour of HMAs Pirie's diesel generator space by the charge of Assail 6, chief Petty officer James Bishop. Photo: ABPH Bradley Darvill


New Generation Navy goes full steam ahead

hief of navy’s new generation navy initiative has taken a major step forward with a hand-picked team of experts meeting for the first time in canberra before embarking on a

national tour of navy establishments to communicate the ngn message.

The group has been picked by CN from all fields

to help chart the way forward. Assisting them is the

NOUS private corporate consultancy group, which

will give the program an added edge as it sets out

to fundamentally change the way Navy thinks and

carries out its day-to-day activities.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral (VADM) Russ

Crane opened the meeting, stating that work being

done by the NGN team underpins how Navy will

meet future operational and personnel challenges.

“Our Navy has always operated in

unpredictable and changing environment, both at

sea and ashore. The structural and cultural reforms

implemented over the coming years, combined

with strong leadership, will ensure a better Navy

for future generations,” VADM Crane said.

Director General of the Navy Transformation

and Innovation Branch, Commodore (CDRE) Richard

Menhinick encouraged all Navy personnel to keep

informed on what the NGN team is initiating.

“Navy personnel need to take the time to find

out what is happening and encourage others to be

informed on why this work is being done now. I

would encourage Navy personnel to discuss with

their peers and subordinates the NGN program to

ensure we have the people we need to get the job

done,” CDRE Menhinick said.

The New Generation Navy team is

now embarking on a national tour of Navy

establishments to communicate the NGN message

and to gather feedback from personnel of all ranks.

The response so far has been encouraging.

One of the first initiatives is already building

up steam. Plan TRAIN will see two ANZAC frigates

dedicated to training to unclog training pipelines.

One ship will remain alongside to conduct training.

The other will undertake daily running, to further

progress competency training.

The program will begin with HMAS Arunta

conducting alongside training and HMAS Anzac on

sea training duty. Initial emphasis will be placed on

training of Marine Technicians who are one of the

categories facing serious shortages. But all critical

categories will receive the attention required to

improve the current training shortfall.


cWhat is ngn in a nutshell?The NGN has three main focus points:■ leadership and values – A senior leadership

team to ensure the NGN concept is adopted throughout Navy

■ cultural Reform – To reduce the increasing expectation that operational reliefs are an acceptable method of crewing ships at no notice

■ structural Reform – A reform of the way Navy breaks down clogged training pipelines

Who is the navy ngn team?The team is organised around three work themes and has an NGN nominated team leader. They are: Structural Reform – CMDR Lee Goddard; Leadership and Values – CMDR Rod Robinson; Culture – CMDR Jenni Wittwer.

Other members include: CMDR Simon Andrews (Submarine Review Implementation), CMDR Grant Dale (Plan Train, Due Diligence Report Implementation), LEUT Richard Adams, Mr John Ellis and Ms Claire Starkey (on six-month secondment from People Strategies and Policy Group).

The NOUS Group team members are: Tim Orton, Felicity Hudson, Michael Robertson, Elspeth Hendry, Sean Kirk and Joe Roff.

An integral part of the NGN success is the establishment of the Integrated Product Team (IPT) to gain credibility and test development for current relevance. They are: Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Matthews, LCDR Denneny, Petty Officer McClintock, Leading Seaman (LS) Kleinart, LS McBean, LS Shankland, and LS Neaves.

What navy personnel can do to contribute to the success of the ngn program!■ Be an active participant and encourage

others to do so■ Take part in the NGN workshops■ Contact an NGN team member with your

ideas and inputFurther information about the NGN program is available via the Navy’s Intranet website.

the facts

chief of navy Vice Admiral Russ crane (right) addresses the commanding officer lieutenant commander grant zilko (immediately left) and crew of Assail 6 on board HMAs Pirie during operation Resolute. Photo: ABPH Bradley Darvill


an the APs really be trusted with automatic weapons? strategic Policy division’s Russell Mcgoldrick attended the defence civilian Army familiarisation course (dcAfc)

in god’s country, Puckapunyal, Victoria to find out.

It’s 0615, and I’m in PT (that’s Army talk for Physical Training) and running on the spot. Coordination, never having been my greatest strength, I tread on a traffic cone for the third time, and kick it out of the way.

“RIGHT!” shouts the PTI. “You kicked my cone – nobody kicks my cone! I want you to give me one push-up and apologise to the cone for kicking it”

Dutifully, I lie down, do my push-up, and, in my most sincere voice, I apologise. “Oh cone,” I profess. “I am most humbly sorry for making inappropriate contact with you, and I will never treat you like that again” – the irony of the moment having been lost on me at the time.

But what was I doing here? And who is awake at 6:15am anyway?

DCAFC is an annual two-week course designed to give 30 public servants a taste of Army life. Divided into both theoretical and practical elements, the course starts with lectures from a diverse range of guest speakers, tours of

(PUBLIC)

Servantsand Steyrs

ARMy

c

ABoVe: The defence civilian Army familiarisation course group at Puckapunyal's Tank Museum. lefT: A number of nervous participants anxiously wonder what awaits them ahead of their three-day out bush experience.


37


ABoVe: Andrew flahive, Peita spence and sheralee Ide get to understand the term 'digging in' during the Army familiarisation course.

ABoVe: colin Walmsley and Jolanta skawinski enjoy a chat with a visiting us soldier as a part of their tour of the school of Armour.

military facilities, and climaxes with two nights ‘in the field’, being woken by gunfire and having mock battles, and concludes with the gruelling Basic Fitness Assessment, and a formal dining-in night. As we gathered at Melbourne Airport, getting to know each other and speculating on what lay ahead, the excitement was mixed with trepidation.

Aside from morning PT, the first half of the course was predominantly based in the classroom, with participants learning about the Army’s functional lines of command, procurement processes, and the issues and concerns facing soldiers both at home and on deployment. These lessons were all beneficial, however the opportunity to socialise with the soldiers in their mess and in the lines was invaluable in breaking down barriers between the APS and ADF, and gaining a better understanding of the role and concerns of all ranks.

By the second week, we left the classroom, and thanks to our ever-suffering directing staff, were considered proficient to handle an unloaded Steyr without hurting anyone.

After visiting the schools of Armour and Artillery, and having spent a relaxing Sunday touring the Goulburn Valley wineries, we were issued with our blanks, given the requisite safety briefings, and pack-marched to Grenade Range Two which was to be home for the next two nights. This was where real Army life began, as we started digging…and digging…and digging, to make sure that our fighting pits could stand up to whatever the ‘enemy’ could throw at us.

The time in the field gave us a chance to glimpse the practicalities of Army life – daily routine, digging pits, performing piquets, and living on ration packs.

A visit from the Chief of Army, LTGEN Ken Gillespie was a feature of the course. His visit gave us a greater understanding of the challenges currently facing the Army provided the opportunity to ask questions relating to our own roles in supporting the Army. Other high points were using the Weapons Training Simulation System, performing a fighting withdrawal at 5am, and a live shoot on the Marksmanship Training Range.

Having spent most of our nights in the Sergeants’ Mess, the last night of the course was an opportunity to attend a formal dining-in night with the officers. Silver service and a Kangaroo Court were the order of the night, and a good time was had by all. The last morning of the course was a highlight, as we saw (and felt) the full effects of several 105mm howitzers in an indirect firing display.

As we boarded the bus back to Melbourne, reflecting on our two weeks, and with an enhanced respect for the Army from all participants, there were mixed emotions, a lot of new friendships, and a great sense of camaraderie among the group. We all had different, yet extremely valuable experiences. The course was definitely a career highlight and well managed and coordinated by all directing staff. I would recommend it to anybody seeking to have a greater understanding of the Army’s role.

getting familiar with Army

The 2008 Defence Civilian Army

Familiarisation Course (DCAFC) was held

at the Combined Arms Training Centre,

Puckapunyal from 10-21 Nov. The course

comprised Defence civilians ranging

from APS-5 to EL-2, which included

representation from most groups. The

DCAFC gives selected APS personnel

the unique opportunity to increase their

understanding of the culture, ethos and

modus operandi of the Army.

The course was run over a 12-day

period, giving participants exposure to

military facilities and equipment as well as

participating in field activities. The DCAFC

also provides participants with a theoretical

component, providing information about

Army doctrine, strategic planning and internal

business management processes.

The hands-on program allows course

members to experience the daily routine

and challenges faced by our soldiers. It also

offers the opportunity to acquire a new

understanding and appreciation of the Army as

well as providing a positive professional and

personal experience.

The next DCAFC will be conducted in

late 2009. Nominations will be called for

through the release of a DEFGRAM which is

expected to be published in Jul/Aug 09.

Further information is available from

Ms Amy Taylor on (02) 6265 7131 or through

the Directorate of Civilian Personnel

Management Army Website: http://intranet.

defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/DCPMA/

comweb.asp?page=Home.


Have you been on a mission, been out in the field training, or just working in the office today? Whatever the case if you’re an Adf member then the chances are you have

worn clothing or used equipment that Joint logistics unit (Victoria) - Jlu(V) - has handled, repaired or rebuilt as part of normal business.

Ken Nichol, acting Business Manager, explains how JLU(V) is the largest land materiel maintenance agency within Defence, and also the national logistic unit for all combat clothing and equipment, artillery, armoured vehicles, general service vehicles and many other commodities.

“We are one of seven business units of Joint Logistics Command’s Supply Chain Branch,” Mr Nichol said. “Our activities are largely located in regional Victoria and we support the Australian Defence Force (ADF) internationally, nationally and regionally.

“We provide a wide range of logistics support including materiel maintenance, warehousing, distribution, loan pools, disposals, clothing store and Regional Explosive Ordnance Services (REOS).”

JLU(V) is comprised of four main sites, the largest of which is Bandiana near Albury Wodonga,

with other logistic elements at Puckapunyal and Hobart, and the REOS element located at Victoria Barracks Melbourne.

The Bandiana site is JLU(V) headquarters and concentrates on national responsibilities where tasks undertaken include totally stripping and rebuilding and/or storing the ADF’s holdings of:

■ Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV) less Bushmaster

■ Artillery equipment■ General Service Vehicles (commonly known

as B Vehicles) including Mack, Unimog and Land Rover

■ Electronic, optical and electrical equipment, including RBS 70 Very Low Level Air Defence System (VLLADW), and also

■ Tri-service stocks of both combat and non-combat clothing and field and barracks stores.

The Bandiana site provides a range of regional support services to units in Albury Wodonga, such as the Army Logistic Training Centre (ALTC), the Army Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) and RAAF Base Wagga Wagga.

The Puckapunyal site near Seymour supports the units located throughout the Southern Victoria area including the Combined Arms Training Centre (CATC) and 4th Brigade units. The support includes:

■ Materiel maintenance of unit vehicles and equipment

■ Warehousing and distribution of stores■ Provision of loan pool vehicle, equipment

and stores■ Provision of weapon repair and storage

services■ Recovery of unit vehicles and equipment; and■ Provision of clothing stores services.

The Hobart site provides regional services for Tasmanian-based units, with a particular focus on the support of adventure training activities for the ADF.

Working from Melbourne, the REOS section conducts clearance tasks of unexploded military ordnance for Victoria, Tasmania and southern NSW. Where required they also provide assistance to state authorities such as Victoria Police and other agencies.

In addition to these sites, JLU(V) oversees the management of 12 contracted clothing stores throughout Victoria and in southern NSW (Nowra, Canberra, Wagga Wagga).

Mr Nichol said JLU(V) has a proud history of providing logistic support to Defence for more than 60 years. In times past the workforce comprised just military and Australian Public Service (APS) staff, however, recent years have seen the focus shift to outsourcing and the unit is now supported

joINt loGIstICs CoMMAND

National focus and regional achievementfor Victorian unit

Importance to region (Albury/Wodonga)“The importance of Defence to the region is

regularly recognised by both the cities of Albury

and Wodonga through ceremonial presentation

of the keys to the Senior Area Representative,”

Mr Nichol said. JLU(V) Bandiana, together with

supporting contractors, employ more than 700

people. When added to the staffing of the Army

Logistic Training Centre (ALTC) and Defence Support

– Riverina Murray Valley (DS-RMV) together with

their supporting contractors Defence is the largest

employer in the region. Not included in this is

the flow on effect to local industry resulting from

supporting their logistic requirements.

future developmentssoldier support Warehouse (east Bandiana)

Constuction is about to commence on a new

and much needed JLU(V) warehouse to store

soldier support and clothing items. It will

be approximately 16,000m2 in size and it is

intended to incorporate the installation of modern

warehouse management systems. Project funding

of $36m has been approved, that includes all

requirements for the new warehouse, a canopy

upgrade for the existing main warehouse

and upgrades and/or demolition of existing

warehouses located at North Bandiana—with an

expected completion date of March 2010.

AslAV Remediation

JLU(V) and BAE Systems will soon commence

full remediation of the ASLAVs which have

been returned from the Middle Eastern Area of

Operations. Expected completion December 2009.

Indoor Test firing facility (Puckapunyal)

Work has also commenced on planning a test fire

facility to compliment the Weapons Storage and

Repair Facility at the Puckapunyal site.

by a number of contractor staff. “Our key focus is support to operations,

whether overseas or domestic contingencies, and to major exercises,” Mr Nichol said. “We consistently produce greater than 700,000 hours of maintenance work annually, including specialist work forwarded to outside industry.

“These activities represent about half the annual materiel maintenance completed by Joint Logistics Command. We also manage and store inventory valued at greater than $1.3 billion in our network of warehouses and provide stocktaking and disposals services.

“All up we have about 14 military and 130 APS staff, with the balance of staff being provided by our various contractors.”

The key supporting contractors in JLU(V) include BAE Systems (formerly known as Tenix Defence at Bandiana and Tenix Toll Defence Logistics at Puckapunyal and Hobart) and Serco Sodhexo. BAE Systems provides warehousing, distribution and maintenance services at each site. At Bandiana, BAE Systems also provides specialised support to the M113 Upgrade Project which requires 350 upgraded vehicles by end 2010, and this is expected to increase by 81 vehicles in support of the Enhanced Land Force (ELF) to be delivered by mid 2011. Serco Sodhexo operate 12 clothing stores for JLU(V).

the facts

MAIn: An AslAV with Remote Weapon system mounted at Jlu(V) Bandiana. ToP: 10th light Horse Regiment carry out amphibious training as part of their driver and crew commanders’ course. BoTToM: An Australian light Armoured Vehicle (AslAV) rolls around camp on the dusty roads in Afghanistan. Photo: Corporal Ricky Fuller



39

PEoPlE stRAtEGIEs AND PolICy

Challenges ahead are more than on paper

The Personnel Policy and employment conditions

(PPec) Branch will continue to meet defence’s people policy needs into 2009, but with a focus on aligning

existing and emerging policies with broader organisational and White Paper challenges.

The outcomes of a number of reviews

being conducted within Defence will provide an

evidence base for people policy development in

2009 and beyond.

Military PayThe ADF WRA (2006-2009) and SRA (2006-

2009) will provide the fourth and final wage increase

of 2.8% for members on 5 February 2009.

The ADF remuneration reform agenda

continues into 2009, with the development of the

next WRA and SRRA. The next WRA and SRRA will

be structured to continue to deliver remuneration

that is both competitive and consistent with broader

community wage expectations. If the Defence Force

Remuneration Tribunal approve, the new WRA will

come into effect on 4 November 2009.

Full implementation of GORPS is planned for

completion in early 2009.

As the Remuneration Reform Project draws

to a conclusion, work will commence on a ‘next

generation’ remuneration innovation and reform

program. The overarching objective of this program

is to provide ADF remuneration arrangements

that attract, retain, develop, engage, retain and

transition its military workforce in parallel with

Defence’s White Paper commitments.

For the latest information on the ADF

Remuneration Arrangements, see: http://intranet.

defence.gov.au/pac/ under “ADF News”.

decA 2009+Union negotiations will continue into March

2009, with a draft Agreement to be widely

distributed during April - May 2009. Information

sessions will be held following distribution of

the draft. Defence APS employees will have the

opportunity to vote on the new draft DeCA in May.

If approved, a new DeCA will come into effect on

1 July 2009.

Defence APS employees are strongly

encouraged to participate in DeCA information

sessions. These sessions are designed to inform

employees about the outcomes of the national

consultation program and how the draft agreement

will deliver simplicity, flexibility and choice in pay

and conditions for the mutual benefit of employees

whilst meeting the business needs of Defence.

For the latest information on the DeCA 2009+,

see: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dwr/

Adf conditions of service Review

The Conditions of Service Review team will

continue reviewing policies and decision-making

powers to ensure that decisions are made at the

most appropriate level within Defence. This will

better provide Commanders and Managers with

greater visibility of issues affecting their people.

The review team will also be looking at

how comparable global organisations deliver

employment benefits and a competitive conditions

of service package, and how we can adopt best

practice employment and retention methodologies.

The culmination of the review team’s work will

be the development of options for a contemporary

conditions of service package for the future. This

package will be presented for consideration by the

Defence People Committee.

The outcome of the review will be

communicated to members and their families once

the review process has concluded.

Adf Housing and Accommodation Assistance strategy 2009-2029

This strategy will be finalised in early 2009. It

will provide a framework for domestic ADF housing

and accommodation assistance up until 2029. The

strategy will align with the outcomes of the White

Paper and Companion Reviews.

changes to the group Rent scheme

During the next two years, the annual

adjustment of Group Rent Scheme (GRS)

contributions will be moved forward in the year

to better align with the increase in rents paid by

Defence, which occurs in January each year. Up to

2008, ADF members’ share of rental increases has


40


Challenges ahead are more than on papernot been passed on until October—November each

year, with Defence carrying the additional cost for

10–11 months. In 2009 the GRS adjustment will occur

in July—August, while from 2010 onwards the GRS

adjustment will occur in March—April each year.

Unexpectedly high market rent increases in

recent years have resulted in a blow-out in

the subsidy applied to ADF members’ Service

residences and rent allowance. The Defence

subsidy is now 57.16 per cent of the weighted

average rent across all rank groups, with members

paying 42.84 per cent. It is planned to return the

subsidy level to 50 per cent over a 10 year period

through the addition of a subsidy correction

amount to the annual GRS adjustment. The subsidy

correction program will commence no earlier

than 2010, in view of the change in the timing of

the GRS adjustment in 2009 and 2010. Further

information on the change in the timing of the GRS

annual adjustment and subsidy correction program

will be published in 2009.

defence Personnel Regulations Review

The Defence Personnel Regulations provide

the legislative basis for ADF personnel policy –

both tri-service and single-service. A review of the

Regulations commenced in 2007 and will conclude

in mid 2009. They will come into effect later in

2009 after being signed by the Governor-General.

Review of the Adf Medical employment classification system

A number of recent Boards and Courts of

Inquiry have identified weaknesses within the

current Medical Employment Classification (MEC)

system. In order to rectify these weaknesses, a

review of the system will continue into 2009. PPEC

Branch is collaborating with Services, Joint Health

Command and Joint Operations Command to

review and amend the MEC system to meet these

ongoing requirements.

deregulationFollowing the scoping study undertaken in

late 2008, attention will now turn to developing a

client-centred workforce policy framework. This

framework will examine:

■ Streamlining and simplifying workforce policy

across Defence;

■ Reducing complexity of workforce policies

across Defence;

■ Developing a principles-based approach to

workforce policy, wherever possible;

■ Reducing duplication in processes and

administration;

■ Examining accountability mechanisms in a

deregulated environment;

■ Ensuring decision-making is devolved to the

lowest, most appropriate level;

■ Improving education and support for decision-

makers;

■ Reviewing and reducing the number of forms; and

■ Automating processes, applications and

approvals, where possible.


41

Did you know?■ did you know the Pay and

conditions website is the authoritative source for Adf and APs pay, benefits and conditions of service policy and information?

■ We received more than 4 million hits on this website in 2008. so get online and bookmark the websites below:

defweb:

http://intranet.defence.gov.au/pac/

Internet:

www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac/


hen music is in the air at Russell Hill it’s usually

accompanied by plenty of braid, brass and formality.

But late last year the

lunchtime crowd was moving to a different tune

to celebrate Defence’s contribution to the United

Nations-sanctioned International Day of People

with Disability.

Against a back-drop of sizzling sausages came

the dulcet jazz tones of drummer and pianist Geoff

Conn and guitarist Adam Conroy and songs for the

festive season by the Defence Choir.

By day Geoff, who has a disability on the

autism spectrum, works with the Koomarri

JobMatch team at the Campbell Park shopfront

and Adam, who has a disability that affects his

vision and mobility, teaches music and produces in

his own recording studio.

By night and on weekends they perform in

pubs in Canberra and surrounding regions. Geoff

also drums for the Queanbeyan Pipers.

International day Deputy Secretary, People Strategies and Policy,

Phil Minns said the International Day of People

with Disability promotes greater understanding and

mobilises support for the dignity, rights and well-

being of people with disability.

“Defence celebrates the day as a

demonstration of its support for the rights of

people with disability,” he said. “In line with

our principles of equity and diversity, we aim to

provide a fair and equitable workplace where we

can all strive to do our best.”

Action planIn addition to celebrating the talents of its

people, Defence used the day to launch a new

Disability Action Plan.

The plan develops an inclusive work

environment that allows people with disability to

contribute to Defence’s goals. The plan has eight

objectives to attract, recruit and retain people with

disability and to tap into existing talent.

The plan’s strategies include:

■ Participating in the Stepping Into work

experience program for final year tertiary

students with disability (see breakout box)

■ Recruiting people with an intellectual

disability at the APS1 level (see breakout box)

■ Participating in the Koomarri JobMatch

program (see breakout box)

■ An online network for people with a disability

(see breakout box)

Director, Rights and Responsibilities,

Peter Sullivan believes that attracting talented

candidates with disability and then supporting

their career aspirations is mutually beneficial for

Defence and the individual.

“It allows Defence to contribute to their

confidence, self-worth and independence, which

promotes and enhances the acceptance of people

with disability in the workplace,” he said.

“The theme for last year’s day was dignity

and justice for all, which means full and equal

enjoyment of human rights and participation in

society by people with dignity.

“Defence’s 2008 contribution to the day and

our Disability Action Plan showcased what can be achieved when the theme is openly embraced,” he said.

Defence’s Disability Day Showcases Talent

FAIRNEss AND REsolutIoN

W

care to comment?do you have an opinion on these stories? If so, we are seeking your constructive and concise comments in a ‘letters to the editor’ section. Please send via email to: [email protected]

ABoVe: geoff conn and Kerry evans from the Koomarri JobMatch campbell Park shopfront celebrate disability day late last year.


Defence’s Disability Day Showcases Talent

neW onlIne dIsABIlITY neTWoRK

Defence has launched a new online network to help staff with disability – whether disclosed or not – connect and share their experiences and lessons learned.

The network allows staff with disability to stay up-to-date with new information and have an input to key disability issues in Defence.

“The only requirement to join is that staff are willing to work with the Fairness and Resolution Branch to make Defence an inclusive work environment that values diversity and actively promotes the employment of people

with disability,” said Director, Rights and Responsibilities, Peter Sullivan.

“Members can choose to remain anonymous to others on the network if they wish, but that means they won’t be able to engage directly with individuals.

“While the network will provide staff with the chance to share their unique experience of working in Defence as a person with disability, it is not to be used as a forum to seek advocacy or make complaints about individual issues. The FRB will moderate the use of the network,” he said. The benefits:

■ Members will be kept up-to-date with new information on disability

■ Members will get the chance to have a say and input into key disability issues facing Defence

■ Members will have the opportunity to be involved in focus groups and other forums and share their views on particular disability issues

■ Members will be able to provide input into the disability website and make suggestions on useful information

Just type in http://intranet.defence.gov.au/fr/disability/supportinternal.htm#3 and follow the prompts to sign up. For more information contact: Ian Heldon at [email protected] or Cathy Hill at [email protected]

PRogRAM desIgnATes PosITIons

Last year Defence designated a number of APS1 Defence Support Group positions for people

with disability and conducted a recruitment exercise restricted to people with an intellectual disability.

So far, four people have moved from non-ongoing into these permanent full-time positions.

“Designating positions reflects Defence’s commitment to increasing the number of people with disability in our workforce,” Director, Rights

and Responsibilities, Peter Sullivan said.“We need to ensure that Defence doesn’t

indirectly discriminate against anyone during our recruitment processes. DSG has led the way by running this recruitment exercise. I encourage other Groups to look to see what they can do in this area.”

neW conTRAcT WITH KooMARRIDefence has signed another three year contract with Koomarri JobMatch to employ 15 staff with intellectual disabilities at the Campbell Park shopfront. Koomarri JobMatch places people with intellectual disabilities into integrated employment. “The scheme provides a service that saves time for Defence people and represents

excellent value for money,” Director, Rights and Responsibilities, Peter Sullivan said. RIgHT: The fairness and Resolution Branch’s Peter sullivan (back left) and the campbell Park shopfront manager Kerry evans (back middle) at the signing of the new contract with Koomarri’s chief executive officer, Margaret spalding (front middle).

sTePPIng InTo defence

Last year Defence participated in the Stepping Into program to give final year tertiary students with disability the opportunity to gain work experience.

The scheme is in partnership with the Australian Employers Network on Disability and tertiary institutions.

In 2008, three students with disability got the chance to apply their skills and knowledge in several work areas – and more will get a go this year.

“It’s a great opportunity for everyone,” Director, Rights and Responsibilities, Peter Sullivan said.

“The students gain invaluable hands on experience in the workplace. And Defence staff gain a greater appreciation of the issues facing people with disability in the workplace.”

RIgHT: 2008 stepping Into program participant Michael Bradley.



ate last year, nine defence Indigenous cadetship Program participants received a crash course on life in the department

through a three-day tailored awareness training program.

The cadets are sponsored by individual Groups and current sponsors are the Defence Materiel Organisation, Defence Support Group and the Defence Intelligence Organisation.

The training gave the students a greater appreciation of Defence and public service values and culture, their rights, responsibilities, expected behaviours and professional development opportunities and the role of the Directorate of Indigenous Affairs in the Fairness and Resolution Branch in supporting them through the program.

The Defence Indigenous Cadetship Program provides full-time undergraduate students with 65 per cent of an APS1 salary for each year they participate.

In addition to financial support, cadets undertake a 12-week work placement with Defence for each year they are on the program. At the end of their degree, cadets are offered a permanent position by their sponsor Group, either in Canberra or at another location.

Deputy Director Indigenous Affairs, Dawn

O’Hara, said the awareness training is designed

to ease the transition to the workforce, for

placements and full time positions.

“The training was carefully developed by

the University of Western Sydney’s Director,

Indigenous Employment and Engagement, Melissa

Williams with the DIA to ensure it met the unique

needs of the Indigenous students and eased the

transition into the workforce,” Dawn said.

“While it addressed public service integration

issues, including student and supervisors

expectations, it also covered the issues

participants may face as Indigenous Australians.

“During the training, students had an

opportunity to discuss with public service, Defence

and Indigenous culture experts their experiences

and lessons learned. Mentors and supervisors

were also invited to come and share the journey.

“The new training package has been

developed to better meet student needs. And

student comments indicate it was a great success

and a deeply enriching experience,” she said.

For further information about the Defence

Indigenous Cadetship Program contact Ashleigh

Manski on 02 6127 2973.

Indigenous students

gain the knowledge

FAIRNEss AND REsolutIoN

l

Living the dreamThe Defence Indigenous

Cadetship Program has allowed Peter Varcoe to achieve one of his lifetime goals.

“Ever since I began my career as an electrician I’ve always wanted to go to university and do a degree in engineering. I’ve always wanted to progress, continue my studies and get a higher education, and the program has provided me this opportunity,” he said.

Peter is studying a Bachelor of Electrical/Mechatronics at the University of South Australia in Adelaide. As a young husband and father, the program has provided the opportunity for Peter to fulfil his goals.

“I wouldn’t have been able to go to university without the program. It’s given me a better opportunity to continue to improve myself academically and by this better provide for my family and one day help give back to the community,” he said.

Peter, who is a Defence Materiel Organisation sponsored cadet, has had three placements in Defence – one in Canberra, one in Adelaide and now his third with the DMO in Maribyrnong in Melbourne.

Program delivers the lot

The Defence Indigenous Cadetship Program is giving Kerry Kennell everything she is looking for in a career path.

“The program gives me the chance to access the path I want – one that gives me a job that will take me around the country, friends and opportunities in Defence,” Kerry said.

“Ever since I was in high school I wanted to join the Australian Defence Force, but I wasn’t successful. I’m attracted to Defence because it’s large and diverse and there’s lots of things to do for a graduate.

“The financial assistance and work experiences offered by the program are also real pluses. It’s a fantastic opportunity and a good starting point for a career in government.”

Kerry is studying a double degree in law and criminology at Griffith University in Brisbane.

“Before I went to university I had four years in local government. I’ve always been interested in government work,” she said.

But her interest in law has been an acquired taste. “I saw a law degree as a valuable asset, but

didn’t realise how interesting it was until I got into it and started to explore native and heritage title issues,” she said.

Kerry, who is a Defence Materiel Organisation sponsored cadet, has been in the program since 2005, and has had work placements at RAAF Base Amberley, HMAS Kuttabul and now the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne.

ABoVe: defence Indigenous cadetship Program awareness training participants.


Uplifting jungle week for bossesBy Stephen Ridgway

EX Boss lIFt

ToP: gary candish checks out night vision goggles for size. MIddle: Meat is being smoked over a slow fire in the jungle survival camp. BoTToM: dispute Resolution Practitioner carol Bowen in the jungles of Malaysia with the Australian Rifle company Butterworth as part of exercise Boss lift.

efence public servants carol Bowen and gary candish usually spend their time helping resolve work-place conflict at defence establishments

in the nsW Region.

But in early January they shared an

experience that was very different. They spent

a week 8000kms from home in the jungles of

Malaysia with the Australian Rifle Company

Butterworth as part of Exercise Boss Lift.

All but four of the 117 soldiers were Reserves,

and — as well as seeing for themselves the

experience of jungle survival training — both

negotiators talked to the Reserve soldiers about

how they had negotiated their three-month leave

of absence from their civilian employers.

“I was very impressed with what I saw,”

said Carol, the Dispute Resolution Practitioner for

NSW. “It was a level of enthusiasm I haven’t seen

before, and I’m ex-Army myself!

“When talking to the employers at home,

I always mention that they will be getting their

employees back from their Reserve time as highly-

trained professional people — hardworking and

committed team players with leadership skills. It’s

what they learn as Reservists and they’ll take that

ethos back to their civilian work.

“But their civilian skills are also useful to the

Army — it’s a cross-pollination that benefits both

sets of employers.

“The jungle survival training was very challenging — they have a knife and some water and they must survive 36 hours. But they all looked happy and interested — they definitely had a strong rapport despite the rudimentary and challenging conditions.”

The jungle survival camp was also an eye-opening experience for colleague Gary Candish, the Defence Equity Coordinator for NSW.

“I had very little to do with Deployed Army Reservists until this trip, but seeing them in the jungle showed me they are hard core — I had thought they just spent their time having fun! Now I appreciate what they do and if the chips are down I’d like to have them beside me.

“Reservists bring experience from their life outside. They don’t live in the Mess, they have their own family and social lives, they are different ages and bring different skills — one of the Reservists I spoke to was a strawberry farmer who does his soldiering when it’s quiet on the farm — but it all comes together when they put their uniforms on.

“After this trip I’ll definitely be recommending the Army Reserve to any bosses I meet — they are articulate, sharp, responsive — and they are also clean cut.”

Of the 100,000 people in Australian uniform some 45,000 are Reserves. All are volunteers, and they have to volunteer again to serve overseas. In Australia they can also get involved in security at major events, and participate in disaster relief operations. Their bosses are compensated while they are away on duty.

d


efence support group (dsg) will this year undertake major reform to become a more proficient and effective organisation, delivering considerable

savings to defence.

Deputy Secretary Defence Support Martin Bowles said to be successful, reform will be based on a detailed examination of DSG’s business and how it can best meet the priorities of the Defence organisation.

“In Defence Magazine Issue 4 2008-2009, I said that DSG will need to evolve if it is to continue to be a vibrant, customer-focused and customer-driven organisation. I also said that organisational change will be necessary to ensure that DSG is aligned with broader Defence reform,” Mr Bowles said.

DSG-managed activities account for more than 25 per cent of Defence’s budget and more than 50 per cent if Defence Materiel Organisation is not included. As such, Mr Bowles says DSG must shoulder a sizeable part of the reform effort underway across Defence and this reform will not be achieved without significant change to the way DSG does business.

“I believe the best response to this challenge is to grasp business reform now, rather than wait for change to be thrust upon us. DSG is determined to be pro-active - to find ways to work more effectively and efficiently, and to maximise control over our future by leading reform. We are committed to working with the Groups and Services to prioritise, and continue to improve, the support we provide to them,” said Mr Bowles.

In late 2008 the DSG Executive considered its existing business model and agreed some general principles for a new approach to service delivery that would enable DSG to deliver its products and services in as seamless a manner as possible.

This involves centralising a range of transaction-based functions to create greater efficiencies. On the other hand, where effectiveness is the critical measure, DSG is likely to deliver the service at a base level with the emphasis on maintaining high quality and consistency across bases.

“In coming months DSG will seek to align the structure of our workforce at bases with our new model of service delivery. We will determine just what DSG is accountable for in terms of ‘government as owner’ and service delivery functions. We will also work through the changes we need to make to implement the Base Accountabilities Model,” said Mr Bowles.

“Two of the keys to providing improved services to our clients will be the continued development of a performance management framework and the compilation of performance metrics for our products and services. These enhanced tools will help DSG to refine our customer management system and information resources to better support the Defence Service Centre and customer support centres.

“Having reliable performance metrics will enable DSG to focus on the parts of our business that really need attention. For example, metrics tell us that the cost of a service to DSG can vary greatly in different locations. The answer is probably not as simple as it appears, though it’s clear that DSG needs to examine the difference

in costings. The metrics show us where questions need to be asked.”

At an organisational level, there will be significant reforms to the functions and services DSG delivers. In personnel services, DSG will continue efficiency improvements related to pay and personnel administration processing for ADF personnel and continue efforts to consolidate personnel services for Defence civilians. Financial and business services will also be streamlined.

DSG also intends to streamline contract management for garrison support services, streamline customer support centres, consolidate the Defence Service Centre role and reform the management of training areas and ranges.

“The DSG executive has agreed that we will need to restructure the organisation as we change business processes. While no firm decisions have been made about a new structure, I don’t believe our current structure is sustainable in the long term,” said Mr Bowles.

“DSG also has plans to establish contract hubs to bring together each of the regions serviced by the same garrison support services contractor. Similar hubs for comprehensive maintenance contractors will also be established, along with new arrangements for the development and management of training areas and ranges.

Mr Bowles said a plan detailing DSG’s reform process will ensure communication about DSG reforms is open, honest, clear and ongoing.

Reforming practice and delivering savings

d

DEFENCE suPPoRt GRouP

I believe the best response to this challenge is to grasp

business reform now, rather than wait for change to be thrust

upon us. dsg is determined to be pro-active - to find ways to

work more effectively and efficiently, and to maximise control

over our future by leading reform.

‘‘

’’


give us an insight into 16th Air defence Regiment / what is your role in the Army and the wider Adf?

Our Regiment is the only Army unit that provides specialist air defence for Army and the wider ADF against a range of air threats.

What makes the regiment unique from the traditional form of soldiering?

I think our role makes us unique. Our soldiers need a high general aptitude to be suitable to serve with the Regiment, and they must be capable of achieving a high level of proficiency in skill sets that have a heavy technology component.

How big is the Regiment and where are your personnel deployed?

We are about 300 personnel at the moment. We currently have an entire Battery group deployed in East Timor as part of the Army Battle group there. We have also been deploying individuals to the Middle East in training and surveillance

roles to support those operational needs. So we are contributing in a number of areas and it is the adaptability of our soldiers that have allowed them to perform well in these other missions.

What are the plans for the Regiment this year?

This year we have a very busy schedule advancing our air defence skills, trialling new capabilities, and participating in major exercises in Australia and overseas. We just launched a recruiting drive in South Australia to help boost our numbers. This year in June we will celebrate our 40th anniversary as a Regiment – we have a big celebration and open day planned.

What is on your ‘to-do’ list during your tenure as commanding officer?

Like all Commanding Officers I want to build a strong unit. This is in part achieved through challenging and developing our soldiers, striving for excellence in performing our mission and always looking for better ways to do business.

The Regiment has the challenge of expanding our capabilities in the future so we must start preparing for that now in terms of our knowledge and skills.

How did you all cope with the latest heatwave to hit south Australia?

If December was the coldest on record here for a long time then January certainly made up for that. It’s very hot here at present. Adelaide is still in a major heat wave, although the worst has hopefully past. We have had to be very careful in observing the wet and dry bulb temperatures and ensuring the correct supervision and activity restrictions are in place for our guys and girls.

tHE lAst woRD

The Last Word

lieutenant colonel John Mclean, commanding officer 16 Air defence Regiment at Woodside in south Australia.

This year in June we will celebrate our 40th anniversary as a Regiment – we have a big celebration and open day planned.

‘‘

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m a g a z i n e ›

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