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Edition 1207 March 5, 2009 OCdt Catherine Mitchell HELPING HANDS CHIEF URGES VIGILANCE ON ASBESTOS P6 CENSUS SHOWS THE SHAPE WE’RE IN P24 Bushfire support continues REPORTS ON PAGES 2-3 SPECIAL LIFTOUT IN CENTRE Sheltered: Emily, a Millgrove local, watches as Pte Soksan Long, 5/6RVR, builds a tent for her family to sleep in at a relief centre in Lilydale, Victoria as bushfires threaten her home town. Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo

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Page 1: HELPING HANDS - defence.gov.au€¦ · HELPING HANDS CHIEF URGES VIGILANCE ON ASBESTOS P6 CENSUS SHOWS THE SHAPE WE’RE IN P24 Bushfire support continues REPORTS ON PAGES 2-3 SPECIAL

Edition 1207 March 5, 2009

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HELPING HANDS

CHIEF URGES VIGILANCE ON ASBESTOS P6 CENSUS SHOWS THE SHAPE WE’RE IN P24

Bushfire supportcontinues� REPORTS ON PAGES 2-3� SPECIAL LIFTOUT IN CENTRE

Sheltered: Emily, a Millgrove local, watches as Pte Soksan Long, 5/6RVR, builds a tent for her family to sleep in at a relief centre in Lilydale, Victoria as bushfires threaten her home town. Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo

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The Soldiers’ Newspaper

DirectorRod Horan: (02) 6265 4650

EditorialEditorDavid Edlington: (02) 6266 7609Deputy EditorsSharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612Lt Kris Gardiner: (02) 6265 2151Senior Reporter:WO2 Graham McBean: (02) 6266 7608Reporters:Cpl Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614Cpl Corinne Boer: (02) 6265 2427Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe: (02) 6266 7606Sports EditorBarry Rollings: (02) 6265 1304

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

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

Support: OCdt Catherine Mitchell, MUR, provides assistance at the Strathewen Community Service Hub as part of Op Vic Fire Assist.

Photo by ABPH Jo Dilorenzo

Face of Army

By WO2 Graham McBean

NEW search teams have deployed in support of the Victorian Government to conduct a second phase of searches in fire-devastated towns.

A 20-strong advance party deployed on February 26 and a further 110 deployed on March 1.

Victorian police asked the ADF through Emergency Management Australia to provide personnel after the Victorian Coroner requested the search effort be escalated to ensure everything reasonable was done to find people reported as missing.

Commander JTF 662 Brig Michael Arnold said search teams would under-go specific training for the task before being deployed in the field.

“The original Search Task Group conducted rapid-impact assessments of about 1300 houses in fire-affected areas,” Brig Arnold said.

“The task will involve working with police to conduct thorough and method-ical searches of specific locations in bushfire affected areas.”

Meanwhile, Defence acted quickly last week to set up emergency accom-modation for residents who evacuated from Warburton to Lilydale because of the increased fire threat in their towns. Trucks from 44 Tpt Sqn arrived with soldiers from the 5/6RVR to erect 16 tents at the Lilydale Football Ground.

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has invited soldiers to record expres-sions of sympathy and support in the Victorian Bushfire Message Book.

The Message Book will stand as a lasting record of the nation’s support, made up of thousands of pages from around Australia.

“I invite you to add your name to the pages of the Bushfire Message Book,” Mr Rudd said.

To make a submission visit the Army homepage at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb or http://www.army.gov.au

2 NEWS Army March 5, 2009

More searchesfor fire victims

Inspection: Pte Jono Horn (left) and LCpl Brian Paterson, 5/6RVR, search properties at Kinglake. Photo by Sgt David Grant

Messages of support

CHIEF OF ARMY’S UPDATE

Fellow soldiers,

YOU will no doubt be aware of ongoing media coverage on the issue of Special Forces (SF) pay. I write to inform you of the actions currently under way to fix this complex matter, and hope this information will assist in providing some clarity on an issue that is in the public domain.

Let me state that, first and foremost, your welfare is my high-est priority. I want to make sure that you can do your job well, whether that is here in Australia, or overseas on deployment. I understand that pay and remu-neration plays an important role in achieving this. I have therefore been very disappointed to read and hear assertions that Army does not care about its soldiers and that somehow it would pur-posely place its members into financial hardship through the way it administers them. I can assure you that nothing could be further from the truth.

The issues surrounding chang-es to the administration of SF pay are complex, sufficiently so that I have been personally involved with my senior leadership in seek-ing to resolve this issue as quickly and fairly as possible. To this end, I have issued a directive (Chief of Army’s Directive 06/09) that clearly lays out the plan and mile-stones to remediate all SF trade competencies and pay anomalies. You can read this Directive on the Chief of Army DRN intranet website (listed under Publications/Orders/CA Directives), or on the Defence internet website (listed under Reports and Publications).

Let me be very clear about this – there is no longer any debt incurred as a result of the imple-mentation of these Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) determinations. My direction removes any discussion about debt. Soldiers will be remuner-ated at the same levels they were before the implementation of the determinations. Any soldier who has previously had money deduct-ed through this process will have that money reimbursed.

Some soldiers may, in time, have their salary reduced if they are unable to achieve the com-petencies required to justify a higher rate of pay. I am sure you

agree that this is only fair and reasonable. Those soldiers, how-ever, which I expect to be a small number, will not be required to pay back any extra salary that they may have received up until that point. Each soldier going through this process will have an individual action plan raised and will have reasonable opportunity to gain any required proficiencies before salary adjustments are made. I am determined to give those soldiers every chance to succeed.

While the issue of debt has now been resolved, complete remediation will take some months to achieve. I have a broader responsibility to ensure that any monies legitimately owed to the Commonwealth, for debts not associated with this particular issue, are recovered. I think you would agree with me that this is entirely appropriate, as that is con-sistent with the way in which all soldiers of Army are managed.

I have publicly guaranteed that no disciplinary or administrative action will be taken against people who have raised with their political representatives their genuine con-cerns about their pay. I am a man of my word and I have given the appropriate directions. However, I would ask that affected soldiers give their chain of command all of the pertinent details so that this matter can be brought to a proper conclusion. The chain of command is your ally in this mat-ter. The chain of command within Special Operations Command has my full confidence and support as they deal with these issues. I have done, and will continue to do, everything within my powers and authorities to assist you as indeed I do for every soldier in the Australian Army.

I want to hear from you if you have concerns or queries related to your pay and remuneration. I also want your ideas and suggestions on how any of our systems can be improved. Your feedback is of value and I want you to ensure you com-municate with me, the RSM-A, and your chain of command. I will also continue to take every opportunity to speak to you as I travel around the Army, and you can communi-cate with me by email.

Lt-Gen Ken GillespieChief of Army

Former Commissioner for Victoria Police Christine Nixon assumed com-mand of the Bushfire Reconstruction Authority on March 2 from interim head Maj-Gen John Cantwell.

Ms Nixon said a grateful Victorian community welcomed the ADF’s response.

She said the ADF had the “capac-ity to bring calm, sensible and well-led people to be part of the process in those early stages”.

She said the critical infrastructure assessments conducted by ADF teams saved months of work in determining what was needed.

“They [soldiers] are not precious and

they’re very used to being in tough envi-ronments and trained to follow rules and processes and are not put off,” she said.

“What we saw in this instance was numbers of people dead and it is tough for everyone to deal with but they are professional and that is what I have seen.”

Ms Nixon said the recovery would continue based on community wishes within affected areas.

During a visit to soldiers, Chief of Army Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie said ADF elements would continue to support the Victorian community where necessary but specialist Defence assets should transition to civilian agencies when they were ready.

“I think we provide a specialist set of skills that helps other organisations to take time to plan and get their require-ments in order,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“We should fade back into being the Defence Force as quickly as we can, a force that is preparing and looking to support the nation and let the commu-nity run their own lives.”

Despite the scale of the destruction, Lt-Gen Gillespie said the ADF showed skills in working with the government agencies and communities in crafting a way ahead.

“There are a myriad of stories – all strong and emotional stories about the human spirit and the human spirit is going to see the place survive and sur-vive quickly,” he said.

Action taken to addresspay issue

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By WO2 Graham McBean

OPERATION Anode soldiers who were diverted to the Victoria bush fire relief are back on schedule to deploy to Solomon Islands.

Soldiers concentrated at Puckapunyal for pre-deployment training as rota-tion 18 on the weekend that bushfires took hold but were among the first ADF troops tasked to bushfire assistance.

Two platoons were tasked before the end of the weekend to provide tentage and bedding in Yea and Alexandra.

The third platoon deployed at the end of the first week to erect a small tent town for 120 police and emergency serv-ices working in Marysville, one of the towns worst affected by the fires. A field kitchen also deployed.

Anode platoon commander Lt Al Martin said it was a small diversion for a worthy cause.

“Op Anode is predominantly sec-tion work and the men were very keen to get out and work together as a team and help the Victorian community,” Lt Martin said.

“It was an excellent opportunity to get the troops working together straight away.”

Lt Martin said remote locations such as Marysville lacked facilities.

“According to the Victoria Police commander, the emergency services working in the area had been living off Vegemite sandwiches for the first week of the fire,” he said.

Top cover provided

Snr Sgt Geoff Marsh, Victoria Police, said the ADF support was a welcome relief.

“Ninety-five per cent of the infrastruc-ture in Marysville has been destroyed,” Snr Sgt Marsh said.

“We had been living pretty rough so it was nice to see the guys turn up to give us a hand.”

I ron ica l ly, Op Anode’s mis -sion rehearsal exercise at High Range near Townsville was transfered to Puckapunyal because of the Queensland floods.

Op Anode troops set up tents

Welcome support: Pte Robert Geng and other soldiers readying to deploy on Op Anode prepare the bedding for a tent town set up for emergency services personnel at Marysville, the village that was virtually wiped out in the Black Saturday bushfires. Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller

NEWS 3 Army March 5, 2009

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4 NEWS Army March 5, 2009

THE Commission of Inquiry (COI) report into the drowning of three SASR soldiers in Swan Bay in 2007 has been released.

The three men, who were on a mili-tary course at Swan Island in Victoria, were travelling at high speed when the car they were travelling in failed to negotiate a right hand bend on the bridge to the island. The car left the road and entered the water.

Investigators were unable to deter-mine who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident, but found that the men all had blood alcohol levels over the legal limit.

Two fellow SASR soldiers, who were following them in a second car at the time of the accident, made repeat-ed attempts to save their mates. COI President Peter Callaghan praised the efforts of the two soldiers.

“They strove, in vain, to save the occupants of the vehicle with great courage and persistence,” Mr Callaghan wrote. “I commend them for their brave efforts.”

In all 19 findings were made by the COI, with four recommendations which Defence has agreed to implement.

A copy of the COI report is available for down-load from the Defence website at http://www.defence.gov.au/coi/index.htm

NEITHER the omission of ADF procedures nor the actions of ADF personnel contributed to the death of Pte Ashley Baker, a Commission of Inquiry (COI) has found.

Pte Baker, 2RAR, died on November 5, 2007, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound while serving in Dili with the East Timor Battle Group. While cer-tain incidents might have affected him emotionally, the COI found no incident alone or in conjunction with others moti-vated Pte Baker to take his own life.

While the Baker family appreciated the care that the Army had taken, they believed it would have been better to have been advised from the start that Pte Baker’s death looked like suicide.

The COI recommended that in future similar cases, family members be briefed on the facts surrounding their relative’s death as soon as they are accu-rately known, or immediately at the con-clusion of the autopsy.

A copy of the COI report can be found at http://www.defence.gov.au/coi/reports/Baker_R.pdf

SASR deaths: report issued

Findings into Timor fatality

LRPV now a museum piece

It’s a deal: David Blackhall, the Managing Director of Land Rover/Jaguar Australia, presents a long range patrol vehicle to Army Museum Bandiana Manager Maj Graham Docksey. The LHD V8 petrol LRPV joins an extensive display of 21 Army Land Rovers on display. The vehicle, fitted with a 30mm ASP cannon, was built in Australia in late 1989 and shipped to the UK in 1991 for Land Rover UK to evaluate and market. It was displayed at various military shows over the next couple of years and in the Middle East. As the vehicle has only 900km on the clock and is good condition, Land Rover/Jaguar Australia decided to donate it to the museum. Photo by Doug Fothergill

THE Clothing Systems Program Office (CLOSPO) has received a number of RODUMs and CLOSPO Hotline requests to replace patent leather footwear as a result of the sole separating from the upper.

The issue relates to stock that has not been rotated, which causes the glue to degrade over time, or that has been exposed to environmental con-

ditions that cause the glue to break down. CLOSPO has addressed the issue with the manufacturer. While action is being taken to eliminate future failures, a plan has been imple-mented to rotate faulty items from ADF Clothing Stores to the Primary Storage Unit at Bandiana.

Enquiries to Mr Frans Buissink on (03) 9282 6511 or email [email protected].

Action taken on sole flaw

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NEWS 5 Army March 5, 2009

By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

ARMY is continuing to assist flood victims in North Queensland with something you would least expect – the supply of water.A detachment of seven combat engineers from 25 Spt Sqn, 3CER, two preventa-tive medical technicians and a technical electrician from 3CSSB with their CPC 20 Cross Plate Clarification water puri-fication plant deployed to Karumba by a RAAF Hercules on February 17.

The town was down to its last five days of potable drinking water when they arrived.

Between February 18-25, the detach-ment purified and provided the residents of Karumba and Normanton with 1.4 megalitres of clean drinking water.

Detachment leader WO2 Glen Donaldson, SSM 25 Spt Sqn, said the first task for the detachment was to replenish the town’s drinking water.

“The main road leading into town was closed off from January 11 and is not expected to open for another four to six weeks, making it hard for them to get in food, vehicles and other supplies,” he said.

“Daily we are providing between 350-400,000 litres of water.”

The 3CSSB preventative medicine detachment is testing the water from the source to the tap to ensure that it remains safe to drink.

The Karumba fishing industry is also benefiting from the soldiers work, using around 480,000 litres of water to pro-duce ice for six fishing boats.

“It’s not much water really, as our machine is capable of producing 20,000 litres of water an hour.”

The detachment is working around the clock out of the Karumba water treatment facility half a kilometre out of town.

“We have utilised a local billabong for our water source, which contains about 40 megalitres,” WO2 Donaldson said.

“We are running in 24 hour shifts, with three teams of two people working eight-hour shifts, around the clock. We are matching the town’s consumption with our output.”

From the beginning of the detach-ment’s stay, the local population has made them feel at home.

“We get local visitors daily to the site to shake our hands and say ‘g’day’ and we’ve been made honory members of the Recreational Club Karumba while we’re here,” WO2 Donaldson said.

“We’ve participated in a couple of events such as a family day to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the SES.”

He said this was not the first time the water purification equipment had been deployed, with same plant sent to Banda Aceh during the disaster relief.

“For the guys, using that same machine to produce water to help a local community, has been a great and reward-ing experience,” he said.

“We have been committed to con-tinue to work here for at least a total of 30 days. This date will be reviewed due to the road closures and broken water pipelines in the area.”

Drinking supplynow safe

Pure water: 3CER’s water purification plant makes potable water for flood-affected Karumba.Using a nearby billabong, the plant is producing 20,000 litres of water and hour.

Clean and clear: Spr Ashley Sams, 3CER, tests the quality of water processed from the purification plant. Testing the quality regularly ensures that everything is working.Photos by Cfn Christian Gilbert

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6 NEWS Army March 5, 2009

By Tpr Michael Franchi

DIRECT charging will be introduced by ATM owners from March 3.

The change, introduced for all finan-cial institutions by the Reserve Bank of Australia, aims to make ATM fees more transparent by ‘direct charging’ the fees to a customer’s account.

The RediATM network, formally Rediteller, will not direct charge for ATM transactions.

Members of ADCU or Defcredit will not incur a direct charge when they use RediATMs. Existing bank ATM fees still apply.

The fees will vary for each ATM owner and type of transaction, however account holders will be advised on the screen before proceeding with the trans-action. Proceeding with the transaction will incur the charges displayed.

The RediATM network has more than 1300 tellers with plans to double the amount in coming years.

For more information on direct charging for ADCU members call 1300 132 328 or visit www.adcu.com.au/uploads/000notification_to_members_final.pdf, Defcredit members can call 1800 033 139 or visit www.defcredit.com.au/rediatm. To find the location of RediATMs visit www.rediatm.com.au

THEY put it up and they pulled it down.

That was the case for two engineers when they tore down the bridge they helped construct 20 years ago.

5CER removed the 36m Bailey Bridge in January from the Majura Field Firing Range in Canberra. The bridge had been erect-ed by 4 Fd Tp, 4 Fd Regt, with assistance from SUR Pioneer Pl in 1989.

Sgt Jim Davey and Cpl Shane Fenech, who were both involved in the con-struction of the bridge, were sad to see its removal.

A 6 0 - t o n n e c r a n e caused damage when it travelled over the bridge, which could carry a maxi-mum weight of 30 tonnes.

Lt Malcolm Gale, 5 Tp Commander, was pleased with the opportunity the dismantling of the structure presented for the less expe-rienced members.

“It was great for them to work alongside old hands such as Sgt Davey and

Cpl Fenech,” Lt Gale said. “The exercise was also an excellent opportunity for the sappers to practise their mobility support work.”

The sappers worked hard in the extremely hot conditions over the week-long exercise.

The bridge was disman-tled by hand with 5CSSB’s heavy vehicle recovery team assisting with the removal of the damaged centre parts.

Two undamaged bays of the bridge and its ramp units were recovered and reconstructed at the 4 Sqn depot at HMAS Harman.

The bridging stores will be used by members of 5CER for training to place and fix explosive charges, reserve demolitions and basic bridging training.

The exercise was a rare chance for the 5CER engi-neers to link their current training with a significant historical task while build-ing experience for bridging tasks into the future.

ARMY is taking the exposure of members to asbestos very seri-ously with Chief of Army Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie clearly articulating his intent to minimise the risks of exposure.

“The health and safety of our people is of great concern to me and I want to assure every member that it is my intent that no Army personnel be exposed to asbestos,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

There is no safe level of expo-sure of asbestos, a cancer-causing material often still found in older buildings and equipment.

There is a risk to health when the asbestos fibres are disturbed and become airborne. If the asbes-tos product remains in good condi-tion it does not pose a health threat and can be closely monitored until scheduled replacement or upgrade of the facility or platform.

Col Phil Langworthy, Director of Army Safety Assurance, reminds all personnel of the importance of reporting any suspected expo-sure to asbestos using an AC563-Defence OHS Incident Report.

“It is very important that all members report any suspected

Asbestos warning

exposure as well as updating their Unit Asbestos Hazard Register,” he said. “This will ensure that every-one is aware of the existence of the hazard and help to minimise the risk to personnel in the work area. This also allows us to properly manage and monitor the material.”

The Army Asbestos Management

Plan provides organisational guid-ance for the management of asbes-tos identified within Army units and establishments.

The Asbestos Management Plan can be found at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/CA/docs/CA_Directive_24-08_Management_of_Asbestos_within_the_Australian_Army.pdf

� Serving members must contact their local ADF health service to arrange an asbestos exposure evaluation if they are concerned about actual exposure.

� Defence Asbestos Exposure Evaluation Service (DAEES) is open to current and former civil-ians of the Department of Defence and former ADF members. The service includes assessment, counselling and, if necessary, any further testing.

� If any personnel suspect that they have been exposed to asbes-

tos while working for Defence, they are to call the Defence Hazardous Exposure line on 1800 000 655.

MANAGE THE RISK: WHO TO CONTACT

Safety must come first: CA

20-year span between bridge work Direct hit from ATMs

Full circle: Cpl Shane Fenech and Sgt Jim Davey with the bridge at Majura Field Firing Range that they helped both build and dismantle.

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NEWS 7Army March 5, 2009

By WO2 Wayne Ryan

HANDOVER of new accommoda-tion for 500 living-in officers and sol-diers at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, could make south-east Queensland the five-star destination of the ADF.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon formally acknowledged the comple-tion and handover of Project Single LEAP Phase One facilities at Gallipoli Barracks on January 30.

The Brisbane ceremony also marked the handover of accommodation at Holsworthy Barracks and RAAF Base Amberley.

“Defence’s Single Leap project is delivering contemporary accommoda-tion facilities for ADF men and women who are required to live-in at military establishments,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“Our hard working servicemen and women deserve to be accommodated at the highest possible standards and these new facilities will contribute to an enhanced military lifestyle and improve ADF recruitment and reten-tion.”

The 1395 single-occupancy units are a far cry from the four-to-a-room affairs of the 1970s and 80s that sol-diers from that era would recognise.

Moving out into a flat was not allowed until the soldier had served 18 months with the unit.

Back then your personal space con-sisted of an open corner of a room, fur-nished with a single bed a metal table for your alarm clock and a locker.

This fine piece of craftsmanship, had room for your uniforms (greens) and a few civilian clothes. Privacy, was a rare commodity in those days, only occurring when nature called – todays soldiers find it hard to believe.

Comd 7 Bde Brig Steve Day said there were four major benefits for sol-diers with these new rooms.

“Each soldier has their own bath-room, a personal cooking area, under-cover car parking and a shed they can call their own,” Brig Day said.

He said that with the ever-grow-ing Brisbane region – with between 1000 to 2000 people moving into the area each week – it was extremely dif-ficult for soldiers to attain affordable accommodation close to the barracks and these rooms would help lessen concerns about finding outside accom-modation.

“This is the end of the accommoda-tion phase of the project, we are now entering the work areas and super-mess phase,”

The area super mess, planned for completion by April 2010, will incor-porate the ORs, sergeants and officers messes, and have a car park that will easily accommodate 300.

Rooms with standards

Five star: Brig Wayne Budd, Director General Private Public Partnership, shows Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon one of the 500 rooms soldiers will call home at Gallipoli Barracks. Photo by WO2 Wayne Ryan

DEFENCE chiefs have united to guarantee that rising health costs will not affect the provision of health services to ADF personnel.

Joint Health Command has taken significant steps to bring costs under more sustainable control while maintaining high health care stand-ards.

A new system of prioritisation would better manage the premium prices of “near-immediate” health treatment.

Defence General Garrison Health Support Cdre Robyn Walker said Defence health services had not been immune from the international explosion in health costs or gov-ernment calls to more responsibly manage limited taxpayer provided resources.

Cdre Walker said the CPI had increased about 3.1 per cent a year while Defence spending had increased by 3 per cent a year in real terms. However, she said health

costs had increased at 8 per cent a year for many years.

But Cdre Walker stressed free health care would always remain “a highly valued condition of service for ADF members”.

“Improved health care processes will therefore be focused on better aligning health care delivery against real clinical need and available resources,” Cdre Walker said.

“This will ensure that ADF health care remains well positioned against national benchmarks.”

Cdre Walker said a new manage-ment philosophy would introduce a “previously under-utilised” prioriti-sation policy.

“That will more readily ensure that members get the right care, within the right timeframe, and from the right provider at the right cost,” she said.

According to Cdre Walker, the principle of prioritisation meant “health care access based on clinical need”.

The new policy states:� operational imperatives continue

to receive medical care sooner than otherwise clinically neces-sary.

� emergency and high clinical urgency cases treated without delay.

� ADF capability not compromised.Cdre Walker said prioritisation

would also mean that members in non-operationally critical postings and locations would have health care needs more aligned with national benchmarks.

“If you are in an online unit and need a knee reconstruction to keep you operational, you are still pri-ority. But, say, if you are based in Russell and fit for normal office duties, not deploying and not in pain from your knee, you will be lower priority than a communications operator with the same diagnosis heading for the Middle East with his or her unit in six months.”

Health care assured

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8 NEWS Army March 5, 2009

By Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe

FOUR hundred lost medals have been returned to many delighted families thanks to the hard work and dedication of Lt-Col Glyn Llanwarne.

The 400th medal was returned to the granddaughter of World War II veteran Mr Jack Nelson Rogers.

“I had been chipping away on this one since 2005 and like many other searches the trail ran cold,” Lt-Col Llanwarne said.

“I listed him on my web site and not long after received an email from his granddaughter who had been researching her family history.

“This is a significant milestone for me because it represents a large group of veterans or families who now have the tangible recognition of their service to Australia back in their possession.”

The low-key hobby began nine years ago when Lt-Col Llanwarne stumbled across medals for sale in a second-hand store.

“Having recently returned from East Timor I understood the importance that recognition of service meant, so I naive-ly purchased some medals and started researching,” he said.

“The satisfaction of locating a family and returning part of their military history was incredible so I just keep going.

“With each return I do the excitement Precious metal: Lt-Col Glyn Llanwarne holds some of the 200 medals in different stages of research. Photo by Tpr Michael Franchi

THE independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal will inquire into unresolved recognition issues for the Battle of Long Tan.

Dr Mike Kelly, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, said many people had written to him call-ing for greater recognition for indi-viduals involved in the Battle of Long

Tan and he would encourage them to make a submission to the inquiry.

Submissions close on March 23 and can be sent to: Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal, Locked Bag 7765, Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610, or emailed to [email protected]

For more details visit www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au

Inquiry into Long Tan issues

400th success for medal detector

grows and I derive great satisfaction by seeing those lost medals back where they belong.”

Lost medals are often found in gutters after Anzac Day, in old houses awaiting demolition and at the tip.

“Some have been bought at second-hand stores over the years and the buyer now wants them back with the family,” Lt-Col Llanwarne said.

“I even get medals that just turn up in the mail with no return address or indica-tion of how they were found.

“I have about 200 medals in differ-ent stages of research at the moment and more turn up all the time.

“I used to buy medals but now I get so

many donated I don’t have to and can use my resources on research.”

Returning lost medals involves hours of searching the internet and white pages, placing advertisements in local newspa-pers and contacting cemeteries for clues.

“A lot of research I do is assisted by many individuals or organisations who go unheralded for their efforts,” he said.

“Specifically, over the years Army and its readers have provided considerable help and information. I thank you very much for all the clues, assistance and messages of support.”

For more information or to assist Lt-Col Glyn Llanwarne visit http://www.lostmedalsaustralia.com or http://lostmedalsaustralia.blogspot.com

LT-COL LLANWARNE’S STANDOUT MOMENTSMOST MEMORABLE� I met with an elderly lady in 2007 to return her father’s WWI medals which had been lost to the family for over 60 years. We spent a wonderful hour together looking over his letters and other personal items. It was a very moving moment to have everything back together.

MOST ROMANTIC� A lady had a relationship with a WWI soldier who was killed. She later married another man, keeping the relationship with the soldier a secret from her family. Receiving his medals, she had kept them hidden along with his letters until the day she died. The lady’s grandchildren found her stash and asked me to return them to a rel-ative of the soldier. Both parties were very happy with the outcome.

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NEWS 9 Army March 5, 2009

By Lt Bill Heck

IT MIGHT not have been a Baz Luhrmann spectacular but the thousands of people crammed to watch the re-enactment of the bombing of Darwin appreciated the performance just as much.

Members of 8/12 Mdm Regt set the scene with sirens, smoke and gun fire to give a brief glimpse of the day war came to Australia.

Darwin was devastated by the morning attack in February 1942 that killed more than 252 Allied service personnel and civilians.

Gnr Brendan Dover, 8/12 Mdm Regt, said the re-enactment was great because it gave the crowd a taste of the Japanese air raid.

“The good thing was we tried to keep it as authentic as possible and show the people what it was like. It was a good bit of fun but next time

we would like a few more rounds if possible,” Gnr Dover said.

Although news of the attack was kept secret at the time the people of Darwin have never forgotten and the significance of the commemo-ration has grown every year. The re-enactment was followed by a full service conducted by the Darwin City Council. Veterans and survi-vors were given prominence with the laying of wreaths and prayers.

One show that’s bound to bomb

JOINT Operations Command will open its new state-of-the-art headquar-ters near Bungendore on March 7.

Chief of Staff HQJOC AVM Greg Evans paid tribute to the former chief of the ADF, Gen John Baker, who died in 2007, whose vision it was in the mid-1990s that had come true.

“His brilliant insight was that CDF should command CJOPs, and that CJOPs should command all joint task force commanders. The simplicity of genius,” AVM Evans said.

“Basically it signalled the beginning of the end to single-service rivalries and to the staff culture that supported that.

“It was the start of a huge change and it is a great pity he didn’t live long enough to see this building named after him.”

All operations, planning, logistics and support staff will all be in one team, along with air operations, a fleet element, submarine operations, special operations and the Joint Movements Group.

HQJOC will also be forming a new relationship with the Army’s new Forces Command, which combines Army’s Land and Training Commands.

“This new Forces Command will raise, train, and sustain Army forces for assignment to JOC,” AVM Evans said.

“It is the most significant reform which is happening right now. They will be running the crucial preparation job, and reconstituting the forces that have returned home.”

AVM Evans said JOC staff had been scattered over seven different locations before the new facility opened.

“It’s been especially hard for J1 [per-sonnel] and J4 [logistics] staff who have been working 300km apart instead of at the next desk, but now we are all togeth-er,” he said.

AVM Evans added the staff who had marched in would establish a culture that would stick.

“I want broadly educated staff, not narrow-minded specialists. I am looking for cooperative attitudes from people who understand the contribution of other arms, who understand the value of other military cultures and the APS culture,”he said.

“I think the new HQJOC will change the ADF career path.

There will be a time for specialist work in the single-service, followed by joint generalist work at JOC and deploy-ments as part of a JTF.

T h a n k s to our opera-tional tempo we are alre-ady seeing p e o p l e a t every level deve loping enormously p o w e r f u l s k i l l s e t s . And this real expe r i ence is being fed straight into our understanding at HQ level. Many staff now in JOC understand foot patrols in the Kush-Khadir or counter-IED tac-tics because they have been there.”

AVM Evans thinks that over time a normal career path will include several JOC postings at different career levels.

“It will mean that everyone will know where their single service actions fit into joint war-fighting,” he said.

“The young people who are learning the lessons now will be our future lead-ers. They will safeguard and preserve these lessons for the rest of their time in the military.

We have years of experience in what really works and, more than that, we have seen war as it is likely to be fought in the future.”

HQJOC opens for business

Spectacular: A battery of artillery guns fire to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin by Japanese aircraft during World War II. Photo by Gnr Shannon Joyce

Set: AVM Greg Evans

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10 NEWS Army March 5, 2009

VICTIMS of the Bangka Island massacre have been honoured at an annual memo-rial service in South Australia by serving members of the Australian Army medical community.

Personnel from 3HSB joined guests on February 15 to remember the 22 nurses who survived the sinking of their hospital ship, Vyner Brooke, only to be forced into the sea and shot by Japanese forces on February 14 1942.

One of the nurses, Sister Vivian Bulwinkle, survived the massacre, later joining 32 other nurses as POWs.

Continuing its tradition of supporting the South Australian’s Women’s Memorial Playing Fields Trust committee’s annual memorial service, 3HSB provided the Master of Ceremonies, Lt-Col Karl Haas, Padre Maj Carl Aiken, as well as six nursing officers who made up the catafalque party and 10 sol-diers to help the event run smoothly.

CO 3HSB Lt-Col Stanley Papastamatis acknowledged the importance of the event, saying it provided an important link to the

By Steve Ridgway

MOST politicians have no per-sonal experience of military life and yet are involved in deci-sions on billion-dollar projects or overseas deployments that directly impact the ADF.

Resources can be affected and lives put on the line with a simple vote or change of policy.

However, a group of politi-cians will have the chance to bet-ter understand the ADF follow-ing the launch of the 2009 ADF Parliamentary Program.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Mike Kelly launched the program on February 23. As a former colonel, Dr Kelly

is familiar with the ADF, how it functions and what it takes to become a proficient and profes-sional member.

“Parliament House stares down towards the Australian War Memorial. It’s a reminder to all parliamentarians about the respon-sibilities we have,” Dr Kelly said.

“Recently, we politicians have all stood to take part in condo-lence motions. But we also need to know where the money is going and why.

“At the human level, more of us also need a deeper appreciation of the effort it takes to become a proficient and professional mem-ber of the ADF, so we can explain it to the public.”

CDF Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the parliamentary program had been a great success since it began in 2001.

“It’s about explaining what we in the ADF do and showing par-liamentarians how we defend the national interests,” ACM Houston said. “I hope the parliamentarians, after their first-hand experiences, will share my pride in seeing our people do what they do best.”

While the program is designed to offer politicians experience, the CDF wants it to be a positive experience for ADF members.

“I want our people to relax, to engage with the politicians, wel-come them and show them what we are capable of,” he said.

By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

DETAILS of more than 88,000 Army personnel who died on active service have been col-lated onto a DVD.

Australia’s Army War Dead 1885- 1972 contains the service details of soldiers killed between 1882-1972, covering nine theatres of war from Sudan to Vietnam.

Jim Rouse, operations officer at Central Army Records Office (CARO) in Melbourne, said the DVD was an initiative of the Victorian Registrar of Births,

Deaths and Marriages, which approached CARO in 2002.

“Initially, the project was to capture only those Victorians who died on operational service,” Mr Rouse said.

“The project was quickly expanded to capture all Australians who died while serv-ing with the Australian Army, whether on operational duty or otherwise.

“However, for privacy reasons the DVD which has been released to the public details only those who died on operational duty,

up to and including the Vietnam War.”

To assist with the massive col-lation task, three Army agencies provided specialist support.

“CARO provided the raw data references, mainly in book or file form. Five personnel in the Records Cell of CARO managed the loan of the reference mate-rial and provided subject matter expertise, assisting with the trans-lation and interpretation of mili-tary jargon and abbreviations,” Mr Rouse said.

“Army HQ approved the

project and the use of the rising sun logo and the Army History Unit provided a brief on the nine operations which the DVD cov-ers.”

The project took more than seven years to complete, with the task of inputting the data being left up to 70 Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages volunteers.

The DVD can be purchased online for $250 at https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/bdm/family-history-shop?action=getProductDetails&categoryCode=CDROM&productCode=VH23

Slain nurses remembered

Politicians to join the ranks

Proud to serve: Lt-Col Karl Haas, Lt Chris O’Kane, Capt Martin Reidy, Lt Danni McKenna, Lt-Col Stanley Papastamatis, Capt Paul Wirth, Lt Michelle Kruse, Lt Enrico Genito and Lt-Col Kim Sullivan at the remembrance service.

past and exposed new officers and soldiers to the ceremonial aspects of Defence service.

Guest speaker Lt-Col Kim Sullivan, a former member of 3 Forward General Hospital, talked about the indomitable spirit of the women who cared for Australian sol-diers, often close to the frontline.

He also spoke of the privilege he was granted when he was chosen as one of seven serving RAANC officers to escort a group of ex-POWs, including some of the World War II nurses, back to Bangka Island in 1993 to dedicate a memorial to those who were killed on the beach.

War dead records now on DVD

Join the gang: Capt Andrew Bernie and politician Mrs Kay Hull at the ADF Parliamentary Program launch for 2009. Photo by Brian Doherty

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12 WORLD NEWS Army March 5, 2009

THE Afghan National Army (ANA) has hosted members of MRTF 1 and the advance party of MRTF 2 who conducted a patrol in the Chora Valley.

The patrol also delivered supplies to outlying patrol bases, where mem-bers greatly appreciated catching up with their mail.

Although vigilant at all times through the dirt, dust and dangerous environment, patrol members were happy to help out their mates and build confidence with the ANA.

The patrol gave Maj Mohammed Aghan an opportunity to thank MRTF 1 CO Lt-Col Shane Gabriel for his team’s efforts.

The ANA provided a meal that included spiced rice with portions of chicken and beef. Those attend-ing were also treated to traditional breads and fruits.

During the get-together, Maj Aghan took the opportunity to welcome members of the MRTF 2 advance party to the province.

A feast to remember

AN AUSTRALIAN officer has played a central role in a project to install a new surgical operation room at a hospital near Kandahar Air Field (KAF).

Capt Phil Baldoni, of the ISAF Regional Command South Logistics office, supervised the coordination of the construction. The project was completed on February 3.

“The expansion was necessary to meet the growing medical needs of the hospital and to continue the ISAF mission of reaching out to offer care to local Afghans,” Capt Baldoni said.

“While the operation room will increase the space in the hospital by

about a third, actual output of care is expected to increase by about 50 per cent.”

D u t c h M a j H a r m R e n e s , Operations Chief for the ISAF Regional Command South Engineers, said the hospital expansion would help with the care of additional sol-diers when American troops arrived.

The US Defence Department announced on February 17 that two combat units totalling more than 12,000 troops would be deployed to southern Afghanistan in coming months. “This is just a continuation of trends we’re seeing at KAF to make room for the growing number of troops,” he said.

A BLACK Hawk received damage to its tail shaft dur-ing the conduct of a night fly-ing training mission in East Timor on February 9.

No one was injured as a result of the incident but the tail shaft was badly dam-aged.

The helicopter was land-ing at its ISF base at Dili Airport when the incident occurred. The aircraft was operating in good weather conditions at the time of the incident.

The reason for the heavy landing is not yet known but is under investigation.

Helicopter damaged in landing

Expansion for KAF hospital

Banquet: Members of MRTF 1 and MRTF 2 are welcomed at a formal dinner at Patrol Base Locke. Photos by Sgt Brent Tero

Hard yards: Crew commander WO2 Stephen Sewell en route to the village Mirwais and Patrol Base Locke in the Chora Valley.

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14 CENTREPIECE Army March 5, 2009 19

Fifty vehicles and 200 personnel travelled through three provinces and more than 400kms in freezing conditions day and night to rebuild two bridges in southern Afghanistan. WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS:CAPT LACHLAN SIMOND

AUSTRALIAN soldiers successfully com-pleted a dangerous engineering task in southern Afghanistan by rebuilding two bridges on Highway One.

Taliban insurgents had destroyed the two bridges in Zabul province, cutting off communities, restrict-ing the distribution of humanitarian aid, the conduct of commerce and trade, and access to medical and school facilities.

The operation, cloaked in secrecy, was completed in late December as winter conditions in southern Afghanistan worsened.

ISAF chose MRTF 1 to complete the dangerous mission as the unit had the unique combination of combat power and engineering expertise.

But the task had its own logistical challenges. Fifty vehicles and 200 personnel travelled through three provinces and more than 400kms in the face of the constant threat of road-side bomb and insurgent attacks, while also working at an altitude equivalent to Australia’s highest mountain.

Engineer Troop OC Lt Nick Trotter said his crew worked in extremely difficult conditions.

“We built the bridges in snow and sleet and worked until the wee hours of the morning. It was a harsh environment to work in, but the lads put in a huge effort and got the job done, ahead of schedule and we all got home safely,” Lt Trotter said.

The challenge was to rebuild a bridge to span a 30m gap over a crossing that had collapsed as a result of Taliban insurgent actions. The engineers and force protection elements then had to move to a second site and build an additional bridge.

“The bottom line is of course there are now two bridges where two had been destroyed,” CO MRTF 1 Lt-Col Shane Gabriel said.

“Most importantly now with the onset of very bad weather conditions, the local people can resume their business and get around their province,” he said.

The MRTF 1 soldiers completed their mission without incident and well ahead of schedule, in some of the worst conditions yet experienced during their reconstruction efforts.

BRIDGING THE GAPBRIDGING THE GAP

Building blocks: Engineers from MRTF 1 manipulate a 300kg bridge section into place in Zabul province as part of the bridge reconstruction project.

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Road conditions: An ASLAV from MRTF 1 negotiates the treacherous winter roads between Tarin Kowt and Kandahar. Finished product: An armoured supply truck crosses the newly completed bridge.

Measuring up: Cpl Andrew Noble counts the pieces of the parts that will make up the bridges. Night shift: As the sun sets, engineers from MRTF 1 prepare for a long and cold night’s work ahead of them.

On fire: LCpl Dale Overend welds the side panels of a bridge.

Teamwork: Spr Zachary Hurst (left) and Spr Sam Barber secure a panel on the bridge in Zabul province, Afghanistan.

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Pte Katherine Beveridge, 1HSBPte Beveridge worked as part of the medi-cal team at Kinglake Civil Relief Centre. Health-care providers were an essential part of the initial support to Op Vic Fire Assist and continued supporting residents through clinics and door knocks. “There are no words to describe what has happened. It is hard to imagine what the people would have gone through on that Saturday night,” she said. “It is just devastating and it is amazing how strong they are and how they are coming together for each other. I am just happy to be here and to give some help in the way that I can.”

Our people on frontline

Tpr Adam Haynes, 4/19PWLHR“It was better to do something, even if it is just moving stuff off trucks, rather than sitting at home and watching it on television. We were going out to places and the ground was hot and you could feel the steam coming up. Some houses were OK, some were just devastated.’’ He first deployed to Gippsland to help search properties before moving over to Kinglake. “We’ve been going around talking to a lot of residents, working out what their situation is and filling in forms to make sure it is all record-ed and we know what is happening within the area. Some people are fine but some are still in shock and in tears. So it is good to let them know we are out there to get things happening for them.’’

Pte Linda Clare, 4CSSBPte Clare, a logistician, answered the call to deploy with Op Vic Fire Assist on February 8. The mother with two boys said it was great to see the com-munity spirit. “We have been getting a lot of pats on the back and a lot of people saying ‘thank you’. The people are great. There is a lot of love going around. It’s nice to see. I’ve been a city dweller all my life and I have never experienced the community love and feeling like this. It is just amazing to see people bounce back up and get back on with it. It is a way of us putting the jigsaw back together.”

OP VIC FIRE ASSIST SPECIAL

LIFTOUT

Cpl Andrew Piechota,39 Const SqnONCE the bushfire threatening his fami-ly’s Gippsland property slowed down, Cpl Piechota put on his Army uniform and headed off to another stricken area to help. “It got a bit scary there for a while because the fires got right down to the front road,’’ he said. “But in the end they were all right.’’ Then came the call from his unit, the Newborough-based 39 Const Sqn. “I volun-teered to come up here to help out,’’ he said. “I just thought that people needed help and I might be able to contribute. Up here, we are chopping up fallen trees to clear roads. We need to get in and clear the tracks to ensure access for people to make sure the firefighters and police can get in and out.’’

Tpr Ben Tanzer, 4/19PWLHRTpr Tanzer had only been married three days when he put up his hand to help in the bushfire recovery effort. He was at his wedding on the day bushfires tore through many parts of Victoria. “I couldn’t go on Sunday when they gave the first call because I was on my honeymoon. But I felt really, really guilty; I felt I should be with the rest of the boys doing something.” So when his unit started seeking another rota-tion of soldiers, he was first on the list. “When the call came again, I said I was right and I was coming up,” he said. “My wife wasn’t overly happy but she knows it’s a big deal.” In the bushfire recovery effort, he first lent a hand in Traralgon before moving with his fellow soldiers up to Kinglake. “It’s so random and it doesn’t make any sense. I went to a rose farm at Toolangi and all the roses are gone, the house is gone, the shed is gone. And yet a child’s plastic trike is sitting in the middle of the grass untouched – it’s insane.”

Grim sign: Memorial flowers are placed where the Strathewen Town Centre once stood, in front of a sign that previously said “Total fire ban”. Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo

Army March 5, 2009

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16 OP VIC FIRE ASSIST Army March 5, 2009 17

SPIRIT SPIRIT FORGED FORGED BY FIREBY FIRE‘IT’S two days I never want to live

through again,” muses 4 Bde’s head of coordination, Lt-Col Alan Quaife. It’s a sentiment echoed throughout

HQ 4 Bde. Most agree those first two frantic days of response to Op Vic Fire Assist are a blur. Within two weeks the busy but normally quieter headquarters would rotate almost 2000 Defence personnel through the area of opera-tions of Australia’s worst natural disaster.

Even old hands are impressed. From a stand-ing start more than 260 tonnes of equipment were shifted in a week. At its peak, JTF 662 totalled about 800 people and resources were diverted from as far afield as Townsville. The field kitchen at Kinglake Civil Relief Centre deployed with the expected task of feeding 150 soldiers. The next day the kitchen was feeding 1000 people. Such was the situation.

For Comd 4 Bde Brig Michael Arnold it all began on his way to review a parade. Operation Anode’s Rotation 18 had concentrated at Puckapunyal for pre-deployment training to the Solomon Islands in April. However, few oppor-tunities existed to farewell the soldiers. Sunday, February 8, was chosen. Brig Arnold listened to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on the radio on his way to the parade. Mr Rudd said the full magni-tude of the Black Saturday bushfires was becom-ing clear. The PM added it was clear the ADF would be committed.

“I basically took that as a warning order,” Brig Arnold says.

After the parade, a staff member told him Deputy Chief of Army Maj-Gen Paul Symon was on the phone. Brig Arnold thought: “It’s started.” The next day he was travelling through country Victoria with the Prime Minister. As two of the earliest people to see the devastation, both were taken aback by the destruction.

“It was a tremendous shaping experience. The Prime Minister directly tasked me to estab-lish accommodation at Yea and Alexandra. Being tasked by the PM was an experience. For me, going to Marysville and Kinglake developed a picture of what was expected. It was like a recon.”

Fortunately, most of the brigade’s COs attended the Anode parade and could start responding quite quickly. Reserve elements were contacted and dispatched as they volunteered. Incredibly, the largely 4 Bde-based reserve ele-ments of the now designated JTF 662 were meet-ing and delivering outcomes within 24 hours.

An advance party of engineers was in place with emergency services on Sunday evening at Broadford. By Monday afternoon the newly

created Engineer Support Group (ESG) was cut-ting containment lines around the rim of the fire area. Two Anode platoons deployed to Yea and Alexandra to establish accommodation for emer-gency services and civilians. Another 160 sol-diers were raised, rebadged as the Search Task Group (STG) and attached with the Victorian Police by the Monday.

“It really was a blur. We were finding our feet and trying to assess the task, gather information and establish linkages with key players in the State and Defence,” Brig Arnold says.

WHAT confronted the task force was more like a Hollywood movie than an Australian reality.

Once past Whittlesea, the landscape turns increasingly black and grim. More than 1800 houses have been destroyed, most reduced to white ash and piles of corrugated iron. Ironically, brick fire places remain standing. More than 324,000 hectares of bushland had been burnt and 294,790 hectares were still burning two weeks after Black Saturday.

Almost every practical sign of human exist-ence in Strathewen has vanished. Getting direc-tions for Strathewen from the command post at Kinglake, an officer says “turn left on to Bowden Spur Road, go 500m along the dirt road and then drop off the face of the world”. In the lowest lying forested areas of Strathewen it is hard to even find a lot of debris. Large gum trees on the edge of town have been snapped midway up the trunk, such was the ferocity of firestorms. The tiny community lost 45 from a population of about 200.

Survivors tell of the magnitude of the fire and the terror of being caught. “It was just too fast,” Kitty Howard says. “They said an eight-minute warning but there was just no warning. One minute you could see the smoke and you knew there was fire and it was just minutes and we were driving through fireballs. The fireballs were jumping from one side of the road to the other and they were three times the size of the trees. It was like the devil itself.

“We made it through to Yea. I didn’t know whether I was on the road or in the bush. One was the same as the other there was that much stuff on the road. You couldn’t see, it was dead black when it wasn’t red with flames all over you.”

Brig Arnold says the local authorities were not equipped for the aftermath. He recalls his first conversation with the Kinglake mayor. Hundreds of calls for help were pouring in from the community but they could do little more than log the requests. Brig Arnold says the framework

of the Army’s command and control was an important factor in overlaying an early process for response.

“When the CO of 4CER, Lt-Col Madden, arrived with his CP, which he established right next to the mayor and her team in the relief cen-tre, it was like the levee broke and things could move forward. That CP brought a sense of order and started processing the information the mayor and her team had got together,” he says.

“The information was systematised and fed into the planning process. The engineers were attached to the headquarters and could respond to the urgent requests for water, felling danger-ous trees and clearing roads so other emergency services could get there and go to work.”

Even now, the fires are still burning. State authorities are concerned that changing weather conditions could bring new fires and renewed problems. Defence assistance continues with the new deployment of search teams to begin sec-ondary searches.

THAT first ADF response is remarkable in itself. The ESG cut 75km of containment lines. The chainsaw teams cleared 35km

of roads. The STG did initial searches of 1300 homes – work that stretched police resources would have had to complete. Then Police Commissioner Christine Nixon says it would have taken state authorities months.

The nine Defence Community Service Hubs established often acted as de facto community centres. They provided a place for the commu-nity and State authorities to meet and discuss a path forward as response transitioned to recov-ery.

Brig Arnold seems as much grateful as proud of his troops. He mentions chief of staff, Lt-Col Jason Cooke, and Lt-Col Quaife for their efforts but says headquarters staff deserves the praise of a thankful Victorian community.

But he has special mention for the troops. “The soldiers have been absolutely magnificent in all their endeavours. They have been com-passionate. The younger soldiers have shown wisdom beyond their years and they had to deal with considerable emotions that they would never have envisaged they would have to come to grips with,” he says.

“When we asked them to help they responded in overwhelming numbers and I appreciate the efforts of each and every one of them. I hope that in these tragic circumstances they get a great sense of worth, a sense they were critically important and that their efforts were highly val-ued by the Australian community.”

In the aftermath of the fires that obliterated swathes of country Victoria, the Army moved quickly to provide support to recovery efforts, WO2 Graham McBean writes.

’‘ ... TURN LEFT

ON TO BOWDEN SPUR ROAD, GO 500M ALONG THE DIRT ROAD AND THEN DROP OFF THE FACE OF THE WORLD.

Fuel stop: An Army kerbside refuelling point set up at Kinglake in Victoria tops up a fire truck with diesel. Photo by AB Jo Dilorenzo

Talking point: JTF 662 Commander Brig Michael Arnold updates the media on the ADF’s response to the bushfire crisis. Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller

Grim task: Soldiers inspect a burnt-out vehicle on a devastated property in the Marysville area. Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller

Helping hand: Tpr Drew Maddison, 4/19PWLHR, helpsFlowerdale residents move donated stores to a localrecreation reserve. Photo by ABPH Jo Dilorenzo

Scorched earth: Countryside in the Kinglake area devastated by the Victorian bushfires (top). Photo by POPH Dave Connolly

Coming together: A resident and a soldier watch the live broadcast of the National Memorial Service at the Community Service Hub at Kinglake (left).Photo by ABPH Jo Dilorenzo

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18 OP VIC FIRE ASSIST Army March 5, 2009

By WO2 Graham McBean

DURING his first reconnaissance of fire-ravaged country Victoria, Brig Michael Arnold identified that military support services would be on the front line of the disaster relief efforts.

After touring the area with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd he said significant primary health care and psychological support was critical.

Environmental health and civil-military liaison (CML) teams also would play a crucial part in meet-ing community needs while sup-porting ADF assets.

He said the CML team was his “covering force” and vital link to the community.

“They provided me with valu-able intelligence I could pass to state authorities if I was concerned about a community and it enabled me to identify critical shortfalls we could do something about,” Brig Arnold said.

CML head Lt-Col John Raike said an initial assessment of com-munities was revealing.

“In some communities, such as Narbethong, water had run out,” Lt-Col Raike said.

Cyclonic firestorms in some areas were so intense that 40cm-diameter gum trees splintered in half.

Where power supply ran sani-tation and essential services emer-

gency support was prioritised. The CML team had direct contact with councils and emergency services and was only two levels removed from Maj-Gen John Cantwell, interim head of the Bushfire Reconstruction Authority.

“We could find out immediately what the needs were and respond,” Lt-Col Raike said.

“We were trying to cross-level resources across agencies for med-ical supplies and goods.”

Primary medical care deployed from 1, 2 and 3HSBs with more than 30 staff in the first critical week.

The primary role was to sup-port the ADF, with a secondary role to support civilian agencies.

Capt Sara Molloy, 1HSB, said ADF teams conducted outreach clinics in outlying communities but their best use was to free up civilian agencies.

Capt Molloy grew up in the Kinglake area and said it was heartbreaking to see the destruc-tion.

“I think there was a big require-ment to show the local commu-nity we are here to support them and assist civilian providers to get first aid and emergency service to them,” Capt Molloy said.

“It was having someone to talk to in the communities that had been cut off where we provided outreach clinics. This freed up the

local support to treat communities with large amounts of people.”

The disaster created its own problems for the safety and medi-cal welfare of military and civil-ians.

C a p t Pa t r i c i a Vi e t h e e r, 3HSB, led the Environmental and Preventative Health team. Preventative health measures were a primary concern and most impor-tant was the water supply.

Capt Vietheer said the break-down of infrastructure had criti-cally damaged the environment.

“We had an issue with a number of water tankers that had been used for the bushfires, which were going to be used to transport water,” Capt Vietheer said.

“We had to test them first and a lot of them showed the presence of coliforms, which told us they were contaminated with bacteria.”

Three psychology teams deployed initially. A uniform psych team continues to support ADF personnel departing the area of operations.

Maj Nick Wallace, 1 Psych Unit, said two teams deployed to provide counselling support to civilian populations, while the third team deployed to support the ADF.

Maj Wallace said recovery for the civilian population would be a long-term process but a strong community bond was encouraging.

ARMY personnel in Australia and overseas have responded to the plight of their fellow Australians with fundraising for bushfire victims.

Commander 1 Bde Brig Michael Krause presented a cheque for more than $15,000 to Red Cross Northern Territory Executive Director Ms Sharon Mulholland after Darwin soldiers dug deep. Brig Krause said a tar-get of $10,000 was set for the units across the brigade.

“We have soldiers here who have been personally touched by this tragedy,” Brig Krause said.

“It’s a tribute to the spirit of ordinary Australians that we can generate this sort of response.”

Norcom Defence personnel in Darwin also threw their support behind the appeal to help those affected by Australia’s worst nat-ural disaster.

R e c e n t l y a p p o i n t e d Commander Norcom Cdre David Gwyther said Norcom was deep-ly saddened by the immeasurable loss Victorian communities are feeling.

“It’s a shocking tragedy, which has touched the lives of so many, and the hearts of so many more,” Cdre Gwyther said.

Overseas deployments have joined the fundraising drive with their own efforts.

In East Timor, soldiers col-lected more than $13,000.

Our critical support role

Flood of funds from soldiers

ADF members and APS employees can now make one-off or ongoing donations to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal via sal-ary deduction. Donations can be made to the Salvation Army (code: WG0001) or Red Cross (code: WG0002) through PSS or your local pay staff. To make a donation via PSS click on My Pay/Allotments or Deductions/New. For more informa-tion and tax implica-tions read Defgram No 69/2009 at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/home/documents/departme.htm

HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO FIRE APPEAL

Team ready: The Engineer Support Group prepares to move on to its next mission of clearing roads and conducting fire-reduction activities in the Strath Creek area. Photos by Cpl Ricky Fuller

Help at hand: Cpl Vincent Kumar assists nurse Ann Ward to treat a local man at the Kinglake civil relief centre.

Relief: Reverend Neville Kellam chats with Lt-Col John Raike and WO2 Brett Munford about the needs of the parish.

Donation please: Capt Matthew Fielden helps collect funds from soldiers at Lavarack Barracks for the Victorian fire appeal. Photo by Capt Al Green

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20 FEATURES Army March 5, 2009

TONY Rafty was born to draw. An infantry soldier, war artist and correspond-ent, sketcher, painter and

cartoonist, Rafty, at 93, is one of the best known caricaturists in Australia.

“I was born at the Paddington Royal Hospital for women and my father was waiting outside saying the rosary when the matron went screaming over to my father and said, ‘get that brat out of here, he’s scribbling on the walls’ so I was the first graffiti artist.”

Working as a caddy during the Depression fuelled a young Rafty’s creativity as he sketched many of the players he caddied for.

“I had no idea I was going to be a cartoonist, I’d always consid-ered myself an architect,” he said.

“One of the blokes I used to caddy for was Harry Ruskin Rowe, a renowned Sydney archi-tect. I asked him for a job but I was knocked back and finished up getting a job at the Referee newspaper.”

It was here Rafty learned about the reproduction of cartoons and the business of printing which he says came in handy in later years. Tony joined the Commonwealth Military Forces before World War II. His brother, Stanley, joined up and became a wireless operator but was killed in a naval battle.

During the war, Rafty served as a war artist and journal-ist in New Guinea, Borneo and Singapore.

He sketched the surrender of the Japanese in Singapore and covered the release of POWs from prison camps and completed many sketches of war action.

Rafty says he doesn’t know how he developed his talent, but after working for several newspa-pers, he was fortunate to be men-tored by the great Bill Pigeon.

“He was a painter and an art-ist. He had a great talent and I was able to switch from humor-ous drawings to straight drawings and sketches,” Rafty said.

“Back in New Guinea I’d been in the Shaggy Ridge area with Bill

[Later Sir William] Dargie. I was with him for about three months as a war artist and he marvelled at how quick I could do the stuff. Here was me, I was only a bud-ding learner and he was the great man who had covered the Middle East, Greece and Tobruk. Being with him I learned a lot.”

Rafty reflects on his time as a war artist and correspondent with pride.

“I was privileged, I saw the men who’d been through hell to keep us living in the land of freedom that we have today. It’s wonderful to see and be a part of the Anzac Day marches. I’ve still got my marbles and I still march. They had a wheelchair for me last year and I told them to get lost. I marched, I found the energy, but I’ll probably use the wheelchair next time.”

After returning from the war, Rafty went to the London Olympics in 1948, starting a career of sports caricaturing, in which he sketched every signif-icant athlete who performed in

the Olympic or Commonwealth Games up until 2004.

He was the first caricaturist in the world to have subjects appear on national stamps. Australia Post produced stamps of his images of cricketer Victor Trumper, billiards champion Walter Lindrum, ten-nis star Sir Norman Brookes and jockey Darby Munro.

“If you come to my place the only place you won’t find my art is on the ceiling. I’ve got poli-ticians, swimmers, footballers, golfers – I’ve 11 prime ministers and they’ve all signed their pic-tures,” Rafty said.

“I’ve got a cricket bat that Don Bradman signed on both sides. I don’t know what’ll happen to the collection. I’d like to sell it, see it go to a good home.”

Rafty’s many works are housed in various museums including the National Library and the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, with others held at the Imperial War Museum in the United Kingdom.

Window on historyWindow on history

The man: Artist Tony Rafty with a selection of his work (above). Photo by Bill CunneenPhoto by Bill CunneenHis work: A sketch of Gracie Fields entertaining patients at Concord Hospital in 1945 (right).

War artist, cartoonist, illustrator and pioneer – Tony Rafty’s career has taken him all over the world and allowed him to meet many famous people as Hugh McKenzie reports.

Howzat: Cricket legend Victor Trumper on one of four postage stamps released in 1981 using Tony Rafty’s caricatures of Australian sports identities. The original artworks are held in the National Philatelic Collection.Stamp reproduced with permission of the Australian Postal Corporation

Image reproduced with the permission of Mr Tony RaftyImage reproduced with the permission of Mr Tony Rafty

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LETTERS 21Army March 5, 2009

I WORKED in Canberra over the Christmas reduced activity period. I became ill on December 27 and I rang CAMU-D, expecting, that while there would be reduced services, there would still be RAP timings similar to weekends.

Unfor tunate ly, CAMU-D was closed until January 12. I then rang 1800 IM SICK and was advised I would need to contact any local GP I could find. As it was the first working day after Christmas, none of the GPs that I rang had any available appointments or understanding of the invoicing process demanded by 1800 IM SICK. I ended up attending the local emergency depart-ment, waited six hours for treatment, then went on night shift.

While I understand and support reduced activity periods, the level of health support provided in the Canberra region over this period was clearly inad-equate.

A better solution would have been to have CAMU-D open for specified consultation hours (eg 1000-1200h), so that those with acute injuries or illness-es could receive appropriate and timely care while still allowing the majority of the unit to stand-down for a well-earned rest.

I f t h i s i s no t poss ib l e and 1800 IM SICK is to remain in place, then there needs to be more engagement with local GPs so that they are aware of the process used by Defence and the likeli-hood of Defence members approaching them for medical assistance. The person-nel answering 1800 IM SICK calls could then provide a list of GPs in the region that are willing and able to take Defence members.

Defence has a responsibility for the health care of its members; this should not be devolved to an already over stretched public health system. Capt Philippa ClearyHQJOCBungendore

Maj-Gen Paul Alexander, Commander Joint Health, responds:IT IS established practice that dur-ing the reduced activity period over Christmas leave, ADF facilities will be closed.

Accordingly, each region prom-ulgated via a number of methods its Christmas stand-down arrangements. The ACT/Southern NSW Area Heath Service Christmas 2008 Closures Plan provided detailed information on how to access emergency, urgent and routine heath care while ADF facilities were closed.

Details of four civilian medical prac-tices that were able to provide urgent/routine health care to ADF members were provided along with the adminis-trative arrangements for accessing such services. This information was promul-gated on the Defence intranet website well in advance of the leave period.

It is unfortunate that your experi-ence with the 1800 IM SICK line and the subsequent attendance at the local emer-gency department was not to your sat-isfaction when alternative methods for accessing medical care were in place.

It must be acknowledged that waiting times in public facilities will generally be longer than in ADF facilities. Equally, we have to balance demand for services in a reduced period, against the costs of providing on-site health providers in ADF facilities. Therefore it is highly likely that if an ADF member has cause to attend a civilian medical facility, it is expected that there will be longer wait-ing times for a variety of reasons.

Joint Health Command continues to provide a high quality health service to a standard equivalent to or better than that provided to the general community. We will examine our stand down arrange-ments and methods of promulgation of this information before the 2009 block leave period.

Thank you for taking the time to bring this event to our attention.

Seeking more health support I AM writing in relation to the

CA’s directive that soldiers can only wear the currently issued webbing (belt-rig and Land 125) and what the reasoning was for this ban.

Due to the procurement system of the Army, whereby the contract is awarded to the lowest bidder, the issued webbing has a ridiculous amount of design flaws. These are already known by infantry soldiers and are complained about bitterly. They include: poor quality material, inferior stitching, shoddy attach-ment systems, unworkable pouches and poor fitting.

Alas, these complaints have fall-en on deaf ears when it comes to our military masters. However, while it may be a trivial matter to the desk-jockey in Canberra who dons his gear once a year for his qualifying shoot at the WTTS, for those of us who use it daily it is unacceptable. The strength and level of our dissat-isfaction can be shown by the hun-dreds of dollars that we are willing to shell out in order to purchase our own systems which do the job that the issued gear cannot.

The Army has shown the ability to innovate when required. A recent example, after realising the inad-equacies of the issued footwear, it allowed soldiers to purchase their own for their comfort. Yet in this situation it appears willing to risk the fatal scenario of a soldier com-ing under fire, going to ground and

Webbing issue

reaching for his ammunition pouch, only to find it isn’t there. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.Pte Michael KreminskiA Coy, 3RARHolsworthy Barracks

Maj Judy Friend, SO2 Clothing, responds:I THANK you for your interest in the issues surrounding webbing and your concern about a ban on non-issue webbing.

Firstly, I would like to assure you that there is no CA directive that prohibits the wearing of non-issue webbing. We are aware that a commercial web site reported a ban on non-issue webbing, which may have created the perception that an Army-wide ban was in place.

There have been various unit and command directives that mandate suspensions on use of non-issue webbing. These directives have been in response to reports involv-ing safety breaches or accidents. An example was a safety incident in 2005 that resulted in a soldier fatal-

ity. The investigation identified that the particular design of the soldier’s non-issue webbing contributed to contamination of blank and ball ammunition.

Where possible, soldiers should use the issued webbing as it has undergone rigorous testing to ensure that it is fit for purpose, safe for use, and integrates with other items such as the Module Combat Body Armour System. Furthermore, on operations it is not possible for Army to support non-issue webbing, so any replacement in theatre would be issue webbing.

Army has tolerated the use of non-issue webbing, as it is rec-ognised that a “one size fits all” approach to webbing is not practi-cal. This tolerance is tempered by Army’s responsibility for the safety of soldiers and using untested web-bing can have potentially fatal con-sequences.

Where the issued webbing is found to be deficient, the RODUM process should be used so that the deficiency can be identified and cor-rected. RODUMs do not fall on deaf ears, in fact they are a powerful tool for change and DMO is required to report to government on the number of RODUMs received and their res-olution. Since 2004 there have been 80 RODUMs raised on Land 125 webbing and 50 RODUMs on the older belt rig webbing. These have been used to improve and feed the development of the next generation of issued webbing.

Tested: Issued webbing.

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22 TRAINING Army March 5, 2009

By Capt Al Green

DOCTORS, nurses and medics from 1RAR recently simulated battlefield conditions at the Townsville Hospital as they honed their skills in trauma response at the Townsvile Skills Centre.

The centre’s director, Dr Paul Lane, said the training aimed to simulate combat injuries and test the skills and responses of 1RAR’s medical team.

“The skills centre staged and filmed the simulation followed by a critique of the team’s response,” he said.

“This is not only to evaluate the clini-cal response but also to look at commu-nication and teamwork.”

In the first scenario, the hospital’s resident robotic mannequin, “Brian”, suffered an amputated arm, abdominal wounds, head injuries and a broken leg when his shower block was hit by enemy fire.

“This type of severe multiple trauma is something that Army medical teams deal with every day in field operations,” Dr Lane said.

“To then be able to step back and have a long, clinical look at how the team

responded and the role each had to play is invaluable.”

1RAR’s Regimental Medical Officer, Dr Andrew Challen, said the simulation was an opportunity for Army doctors, nurses and medics to sharpen their trau-ma skills.

“It’s essential that while we’re not engaged in operations we are keeping up our skills in trauma response,” he said.

“The Townsville Hospital Skills Centre is fantastic in this regard.”

In another simulation, Brian was pulled from a truck submerged in icy water.

“Accidents, including those involving heavy vehicles, are something we need to be prepared for on operations,” Dr Challen said.

“We must be ready for anything and everything.”

Dr Challen, who has served in Timor and Iraq, said the team participating in the simulation training at the hospital was part of a high-readiness brigade.

“We all expect to be deployed some-time in the next 12 months to two years so this type of training is essential as we prepare for the next operation,” he said.

Medics wing itRevival: From left Cpl Malcom Roberts, Lt Jason Nardini, Cpl Greg Kerr and Cpl Martin Kerr, 1RAR, at Townsville Hospital. Photo supplied by Townsville Hospital

Healthy dose of credentialsTRAINING for medics has received a booster shot with a new package that delivers more qualifi-cations in a shorter time.

Basic Medical Operators (BMO) and Advanced Medical Technicians (AMT) will be able to apply for Victorian Nursing Registration and work among civilians to maintain their skills under the new training continuum set to start in July. OC Health Services Wing Maj Jo-Anne Hem said the training was one of the biggest breakthroughs for RAAMC in a long time.

“Up until now medics have had difficulty in achieving nursing regis-tration,” Maj Hem said.

“Instead of taking up to 4½ years to get their training done, they’re now getting it done in 18 months.”

The new training continuum will address issues and concerns such as the increase in the medic’s role, standardisation of clinical experience, less opportunities in the workplace for clinical practice and ongoing con-solidation and practise of skills.

Two new modules will be added to the two existing training modules. Module two provides gap training for Certificate IV in Nursing and module three provides 20 weeks of on-the-job training in a clinical envi-ronment.

“Wi th on- the- job t ra in ing the medics will consolidate the skills they learn on the first course before they come back and do their advanced course,” Maj Hem said.

She said the changes came about because the medic’s role had increased over the years and the school wanted to ensure the training kept up with the role”.

“We also discovered that med-ics were going out to the units to do their consolidation training and weren’t getting adequate opportu-nity to continue to consolidate their skills,” she said.

“There was no standardisation of skills maintenance because each unit manages things differently.”

BMOs returning to ALTC to com-plete the Advanced Medical Assistant Course and AMTs who have trained outside the new continuum will need to undergo the four-week gap train-ing. The gap training comprises of pre-course package with a two-week

residential phase and a two-week clinical phase.

An audit will be conducted to determine how many medics require the training.

Unit RSMs are required to provide returns indicating num-bers of AMTs requiring gap train-

ing and numbers el igible to apply for Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC). Returns are to be sent to [email protected].

Email training continuum enquiries to [email protected] and RCC enquiries to [email protected].

Care giver: Pte Dave Cavanagh, 8 Sig Regt, tends to a fellow soldier during an exercise. Photo by Cpl Bernard Pearson

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Fitter armourer’s inspect, maintain and repair a wide range of Army weaponry such as pistols, machine guns, sniper and assault rifles, as well as performing machining tasks and working on a variety of other equipment including chainsaws, pumps, watercraft, armoured vehicles and artillery.

Education Requirements

Completion of year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English, Mathematics, Science and one other subject.

Defence Assisted Study Scheme (DASS) DI(G)PERS 05-1 may be available to assist

interested soldiers who do not meet the educational requirements.

Employment Training Fitter and Turner course: 18 months

Fitter Armament Maintenance Techniques course:5 weeks

On the job training: 12months

ECN 146 FITTER ARMAMENT TRADE TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY

Civil Accreditation On successful completion of employment training and the on the job training program you are awarded the certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade or equivalent.

Return of Service Obligation (ROSO) Training undertaken under the Army Technical and Trade Scheme (ATTS) incurs an initial obligation of six years service from the commencement of initial trade training.

Course Commencement Dates 16 MAR 09 – 18 JUN 10 11 MAY 09 – 20 AUG 10

6 JUL 09 – 9 OCT 10 Applications to be submitted via unit orderly

rooms.

Trade Transfer Bonus Successful trade transfers to ECN 146 Fitter Armament qualify for a trade transfer bonus

of $17,500.

For Further Information: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/ArmyWeb/sites/STAYARMY/

http://www.army.gov.au/stayarmy/ Email: [email protected]

Phone: 02 62657795Or contact the Regional Trade Transfer and Retention Warrant Officer:

Enoggera Barracks 07 3332 5165Lavarack Barracks 07 4771 7819Robertson Barracks 08 8935 2980

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24 PERSONNEL Army March 5, 2009

SOLDIERS are getting younger, serving less time and working longer hours, according to the latest Defence Census.

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said the Census, which has been conducted since 1991, was very important, providing valuable information not available from other sources.

“The Defence Census captures demographic infor-mation on permanent and active reserve ADF members and Defence public service employees,” Mr Snowdon said.

Compiled from information gathered in May 2007 from permanent and reserve members, the Census has provided an up-to-date picture of the ADF, with the document revealing some interesting information about the Army.

The average age of soldiers has dropped marginally from 29.6 in 2003 to 29 years, with length of service dropping to 6.8 years from 8.2 years, with more than half of the ADF having served less the 10 years.

Due to the high operational tempo, Army personnel saw an increase in average work hours, from 50.3 hours to 50.7 hours, going against the ADF’s average, which saw a drop from 49.3 to 48.9 hours.

And despite a push to recruit more female soldiers, the Army is still predominantly male at 90 per cent, a percentage that hasn’t changed since 1991.

While these findings were not all that positive, it was not all bad news.

Despite a drop in the percentage of personnel receiv-ing Defence assistance for further education from 62 per cent in 1995 to 42 per cent, average education levels have risen from 50 to 54 per cent, with many undertak-ing an educational qualification since leaving school or currently studying.

Also more soldiers are “settling down” with a decrease in the amount of single members to 34 per cent from 44 per cent in 2003 since 1991.

All information gathered from this census will influ-ence personnel decisions for the next four years.

“The data plays an important part in framing per-sonnel policies and initiatives that make a difference to Defence people, particularly ADF families, and allows Defence to better target its programs, ensuring value for money,” Mr Snowdon said.

ADF CENSUS FACTSGENDER � Predominantly male Army (90 per cent), Navy (83 per cent) and Air Force (84 per cent).� Reservists are male dominated, Army has the highest proportion of males (83 per cent), with Navy and Air Force (80 per cent).

AGE� 6 per cent of personnel are under 20, 45 per cent are aged 20-29, and 30 per cent aged 30-39. Only 2 per cent were aged 50 and over. The median age is 29 years.� 24 per cent of reservists are in their 20s, 28 per cent in their 30s and 24 per cent in their 40s. The median reservist age is 36.7 years.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE � 37 per cent of reservists have had prior experi-ence with the permanent ADF – including almost three out of four senior NCOs and WOs.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN� 87 per cent of the permanent ADF were born in Australia, including 1.4 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. � 8 per cent were born in the UK, Ireland or New Zealand, with the balance coming equally from other European countries or Asia.� 6 per cent of our permanent forces still spoke a language other than English at home. � Reserve percentages were virtually identical.

LENGTH OF SERVICE� The median length of service across the per-manent forces has fallen to 6.8 years from 8.2 years in 2003. 59 per cent, up from 56 per cent in 2003 had served for less than 10 years and only 15 per cent had served for 20 years or more.

HOURS AT WORK AND TIME AWAY� Permanent force members work an average 48.9 hours per week. Members of the Navy and Army averaged around 50.5 hours per week, with the Air Force averaging 44.1 hours per week.� 81 per cent of permanent force members had spent time away from home, averaging between 15 and 16 weeks. � 7 per cent had spent two weeks away or less, and 12 per cent had not been away at all. � Navy members had spent most time away – an average of 18.8 weeks.

HOME LIFE� Air Force members are more likely to be mar-ried or in partnerships (61 per cent) than soldiers (55 per cent) or sailors (47 per cent).� 31 per cent of the permanent force have never been married. � As a group, the ADF is now less married than in the 2003 census (39 per cent down from 41 per cent), with another 16 per cent in permanent relationships.� 54 per cent had gained a qualification since leaving school, while the percentage of those studying for post secondary qualifications increased from 19 per cent to 24 per cent.� 35 per cent of the ADF have one or more dependent children — an average of two.� 12 per cent had never had a service-spon-sored removal, while almost half had between one and four removals.� 27 per cent had been moved between five and nine times. Navy headed the table (4.5 moves) ahead of Air Force (4.4) and Army (4.1).

ACCOMMODATION� The majority of permanent force members and their families are living in service-provided accom-modation (56 per cent).� 23 per cent are in private rentals with rent allowance.� Only 16 per cent either own or are buying their own home.

DEPENDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS� One in 10 permanent members had a depend-ant with special needs. � Almost one half of permanent members had applied for and received Defence recognition in accordance with DI(G) Pers 42-5 (up from 30 per cent in 2003).� 36 per cent had not applied.� 11 per cent were still unaware of the provision.

How we are shaping up

Census finds drop in age of soldiers

On the move: Soldiers from East Timor Battle Group 5 work together during a morning physical training session in Dili. The latest Defence Census has found ADF permanent force members spent an average of 15-16 weeks away from home a year. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

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PERSONNEL 25Army March 5, 2009

THE electronic Manual of Personnel Administration (e-MPA) is going from strength to strength as more members dis-cover the benefits of using it to complete administration processes.

Capt Timothy Lucas, Package Master Personnel & Unit Administration, Management & Training Wing at RMC Duntroon, said he used the e-MPA within his unit and found it very user-friendly, allowing him to deliver a much more uniform and focused training pro-gram to his 400 unit administrator trainees.

“The e-MPA has been really helpful for me to be able to do my job in delivering adminis-tration training. As my trainees have graduated and gone back to their units they have given me some really positive feedback saying that the e-MPA is gold,” Capt Lucas said.

This feedback is encouraging for DGPers-A, proving that investing in the concept is helping the Army improve its delivery of qual-ity personnel administration.

Its success provides a stable basis for future business change management when the Chief Information Officer and Head People, Strategies & Policy Group implement an upgrade to PMKeyS software and associated HR business practices in the next three years.

During 2009, management of the e-MPA will move from development into routine operations.

New business overviews and procedures will be added and existing documents refined where needed to support consistent delivery of personnel administration throughout the Army.

� Feedback on the e-MPA is always encouraged and can be given to Maj Garry McKay on (02) 6266 5125.

� To access the e-MPA go to http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/EMPA/

By Ray Andersson

TECHNOLOGY has changed the mod-ern battlefield and rapid advances in information communications technology has produced new threats that were never envisaged by our fathers and forefathers.

Information that took months in the 1800s to move from the battlefield to the public can be immediately accessed at the touch of a button.

Adversaries have the ability to intercept communications and any pictures placed on a blog or social networking site, using them to gather intelligence regarding the vulnerability of equipment and mission details. These have also been used to iden-tify the morale of individuals and their units, allowing the enemy to exploit any complaints and even go so far as to reduce public support for overseas operations.

Facebook itself created a revolution in social networking that has both a posi-tive and negative side to it. The issue with having friends on Facebook, whether you

know them or not, is once they’re your friend, they can access anything about you listed on the site, making it easy for a ter-rorist group, a criminal, marketing groups, or spies to gather information.

No one wants our military families targeted by our adversaries or criminals through online social networking, so sol-diers and families are encouraged to prac-tise operational security when online.

Mobile and satellite phone systems travel through a number of unsecured sta-tions before reaching home. Treat all unen-crypted phone systems as insecure and expect someone to be listening in. You may accidentally place your mates or your family at risk if sensitive information is intercepted.

Remember, we are at war with enemies who use any tactic to achieve their aim.

For further information contact Unit Operations Staff and USOs, or the Service Security Authority – Army site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/SSAA/

MEMBERS are advised that pay changes resulting from the recent 2.8 per cent increase under the WRA and SRRA could impact on government and child support payments. It is an individual’s responsibility to advise Centrelink or the relevant government agencies and update their records accordingly.

Threat can be a click away

E-manual proves popular

Payment advice

Facebook: Great fun but can be accessed by friend or foe so always be wary and practice good opsec.

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26 PEOPLE Army March 5, 2009

Job well done: Sgts Kim Booth and Nicole Oldfield at a medal presentation ceremony at Australia House in Kartoum for their work as part of Operation Azure in Sudan. Photo by Johann Hattingh/UNMIS

On target: Lt James Coltheart advances towards targets during a range practice in Dili, East Timor. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

Welcome home: LCpl Josh Jeffory gets a hug from his children after returning home from his deployment to the Middle East with FLLA 5. Photo by AC Benjamin Evans

Crunching the numbers: Sgt Renee Platt keeps the office running smoothly as chief clerk with Operation Anode in Solomon Islands. Photo by LAC Aaron Curran

Sold: Maj Dave McGarry, Cpl Erin Salleo and Maj Susan Burns with Army branding merchandise at Russell Offices. Photo by Cpl Corinne Boer

Another close shave: LBdr Steven Rogers shows one of his many talents as he cuts Gnr Lindsay Knott’s hair in East Timor. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

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When Jacob’s Dad passed away after returning from East Timor, he and his family were devastated. That’s when Legacy stepped in to off er practical help like education assistance, fi nancial hardship relief, health and ageing needs, and a lifetime of social and emotional support. To make sure we’re here if your family needs us, please consider how you can help Legacy.

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28 LIFESTYLE Army March 5, 2009

� Say again, over

If you can think of a clever, witty caption to this picture, then email [email protected] with “caption competition March 5” in the subject line. Keep entries under 25 words. Entries MUST include the sender’s name, rank and unit.

The winner is ....

We also liked ...

“Officer training never looked so promising.”Cpl Ben Langham7 Sig Regt

“Who said the Army was led by clowns?”WO2 Joe Ashby-Cliffe RMC–D

DIKKO By Bob Dikkenberg

BULLETIN BOARD Puppy raisers wantedASSISTANCE Dogs Australia is search-ing for puppy raisers and sitters in the Holsworthy, Moorebank and Kapooka areas. The 14-month challenge trains a labrador or golden retriever to assist a person with additional needs to open a door, turn lights on and off, and retrieve items. For more details contact Megan Barnes on (02) 9548 3355 or visit www.assistancedogs.org.au

Calling clay shooters THE inaugural ADF Clay Target Championships will be held at the Shoalhaven Clay Target Club in Nowra from April 28-30. The event is open to regular and reserve members who have a current shooters’ licence. The competition will cater for down-the-line (DTL) trap events only. For more infor-mation, contact CPO Michael Bryan on (02) 4424 1902, 0419 546 818 or email [email protected]

Touch for homeless INTERESTED Defence touch players are invited to enter a team in the Anzac Day weekend Hunter Valley Touch Life fundraising event. Every year the event raises funds for the homeless people of Australia. The tournament will be held at the Hunter Valley Gardens on April 26-27. For more information call Shannon Frazer on (02) 6277 7800 or Charlotte Waddy on (02) 9286 8304, or visit http://www.touchlife.com.au

Career Manager Entry Exam – Practical Phase.Capt James FardellDEOS

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LIFESTYLE 29 Army March 5, 2009

By Wg-Cmdr Ken Llewelyn

FIFTY years ago the Fiat 500 with an air-cooled two-cylinder engine became an Italian icon. And in 2009 the Italian

manufacturer’s latest 500 is rapidly following the same route.

Without doubt the baby Fiat is the cutest car I have driven. The top of the range test car had the 1.4-litre petrol engine, a quick and easy-to-use six-speed gear box and the brightest Ferrari Red paintwork, which really attracted attention.

Views varied; one interested motorist thought it was a fantastic restoration job, while two ladies were so enthused they asked if they could sit in the driver’s seat. Generally, it was the fairer sex who showed most interest.

The 500 comes in three models; the Pop, Sport and Lounge models ranging in price from $22,990 to $29,990. Engines range from

1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines or a very eco-nomical 1.3-litre diesel.

At just over 3.5m long it is a cinch to park and the Euros have given the baby Fiat a five-star crash rating. Standard equipment includes the full pack of airbags. ABS and EBD with brake assist, traction and stability control are standard with the 1.4-litre-model.

The electric steering lacks a little feel, but there is a sport button, which sharpens steering and throttle response.

Around the city, I found the 500 a delight-ful drive, zippy, easy to park and economical. But on a drive from Canberra to Sydney the journey was a bit of a chore with no cruise control and the upright throttle position ensur-ing a cramped calf after 100km or so.

But it is an easy car to love – and if most of your driving is around the city the baby Fiat is well worth a look.

A real fun steerFAST FACTSFiat 500 Lounge three-door with six-speed manual transmission

Price: $27,990 plus on-road costs.Power: 74kW of power from a 1.4-litre engine. 0-100km/h: 10.9 sec-onds (claimed).Fuel consumption and type: UNLD RON 95, 6.6 L/100km (com-bined). Co2 emissions: 182 grams/km (combined).For: Easy to park, very cute and eco-nomical.

Against: Fairly expen-sive, basic suspension and no cruise control.Best suit: Someone who wants a trendy, different, small car for around town or for short inter-town trips.Insurance: $1595 for 12-month comprehen-sive insurance for a 25- year-old male liv-ing in Sydney.

Rating:

BOOKS

A Unique Flight By Michael Nelmes New Holland 352pp. $45.

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AUNIQUE Flight profiles 29 aircraft

from the Australian War Memorial’s historic col-lection, spanning four conflicts from World War I to the Vietnam War.

Some aircraft which feature in the book are now on display at the Memorial’s new perma-nent exhibition – Over the Front: the Great War in the Air.

Featuring colour and black and white photo-graphs, A Unique Flight illustrates the remark-able advances in the technology of flight.

Each profile covers the known history of the aircraft, restoration information, operations flown, aircraft data, and notes on colour schemes.

The book contains extraordinary stories that highlight the trag-edies of war, the adven-tures and the courage of the young men who flew

the aircraft, and helps the reader gain greater insight into the experi-ence of war.

A fascinating, beauti-fully illustrated book which draws the reader in, A Unique Flight is a must read for anyone interested in historic aircraft.

The Australian War Memorial has kindly offered nine copies of A Unique Flight to give away. To be in the running to win, answer the following question: The War Memorial’s Over the Front exhibition includes a boot of the Red Baron’s – is it a left or right boot? Entries can be emailed to [email protected]. Write ‘Unique Flight Competition’ in the subject line and include your name, rank and unit in the body of the email with your answer. Entries close March 20.

BOOK GIVEAWAY

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Cute and compact: The Fiat 500. Photo Fiat website

MOTORING

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HOW TO WORK OUT YOUR FIGURE

Mr Ben Conoley digs into a salmon focaccia. His daily energy intake is calculated based on the Harris and Benedict formula:

1. Calculate BMR 66.4730 + (13.7516 x 75kg) + (5.0033 x 171cm) – (6.7550 x 30 years) = 1750 calories per day.

2. Estimate AMR 1.5 (moderately active).3. Calculate daily energy requirement BMR x AMR

1750 x 1.5 = 2625 calories per day.4. Calculate DIT – 10 per cent of daily calorie requirement, 10 per

cent of 2625 = 262 calories.5. Ben’s daily energy intake 2625 + 262 = 2887 calories per day. Photos by Tpr Michael Franchi

HEALTH

Counting caloriesDetermining how many calories your body needs a day can be tricky. Lt Rob Orr breaks down a complex formula and explains the different factors involved in the calculation.

Basal Metabol ic Rate (BMR) is the amount of energy the body needs to

sustain itself in a temperate envi-ronment.

While in scientific circles the BMR state is a little more techni-cal, simply put it is the minimum energy needed by the vital organs to function while the body is at rest (but not asleep).

The BMR is usually expressed in relation to energy requirements (calories) per day.

An equation utilised to predict approximate caloric values for BMR was developed in 1914 by J. A. Harris and F.G. Benedict using college-aged students.

Their formula is still used today by many health and fitness profes-sionals to predict the daily calorie requirements of their clients.

Recently questions have been raised regarding the tendency of the equation to underestimate the calorie needs for the very muscular and overestimate the calorie needs of the ‘very fat’.

With activity in mind, to deter-mine the body’s daily energy requirement BMR must be mul-tiplied by the daily or Active Metabolic Rate (AMR). AMR

Harris & Benedict - calories per day� Female BMR = 655.0955 +

(9.5634 x weight in kg) + (1.8496 x height in cm - (4.6756 x age )

� Male BMR = 66.4730+(13.7516 x weight in kg) + (5.0033 x height in cm) - (6.7550 x age)

Active Metabolic Rate (AMR)� Sedentary -1.2� Lightly active 1.375� Moderately active 1.5� Very active 1.725� Extra active 2.0Diet Induced Thermogenesis (DIT)� Approx 10 per cent of the total

energy intake

A HEALTHY FORMULArefers to the amount of energy the body utilises for a given activity. AMR is expressed by a numerical value dependent on the nature of the activity.

Many health and fitness pro-fessionals include Diet Induced Thermogenesis (DIT), or the amount of energy utilised to breakdown and digest food. This is approximately 10 per cent of the total energy intake. As this is energy need, it is added from the energy requirements.

If the BMR is how many cal-ories needed per day, a common question for those wishing to lose weight is ‘How much do I reduce my intake by?’ Most experts agree that a 300 – 500 calorie deficit with moderate daily exercise is safe for permanent weight loss.

There are several things you must take into account before get-ting out the calculator:

�These equations are only a pre-diction and can vary dramatically depending on the formula you use.

�Even calorie counter books for foods are only an approximate and the nutrient value is based on examination of a sample (and can change rather dramatically).

�Calorie deficits lead to weightloss… not necessarily fat loss.

�Weight loss and calorie restric-tive diets can be very dangerousand it is vital that you seek advicefrom your medical staff beforeattempting any calorie restrictivechanges to your eating habits.

Of course there is a simplersolution. Eat healthy foods thatcontain a high nutritional value andincrease your daily metabolic rateby exercising and staying active.

30 LIFESTYLE Army March 5, 2009

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SPORT 31Army March 5, 2009

By Capt Matt Moran

UNIT pride was on the starting line at the annual 3 Bde swimming champion-ships.

After a series of relays and individual sprints, 1RAR took out the overall title, winning the Brigade Commander’s Trophy.

Co-Captain of 1RAR’s team Pte Noah Outteridge said it felt great to win the tro-phy and prove the battalion was the best. “We were behind 3CSSB after the individ-ual events so we had to win as many team events as possible,” Pte Outteridge said.

Event Organiser Maj Matt Richardson said it was fantastic for the brigade units and set the scene for the rest of the sport events to be held throughout the year.

“Well done to the Big Blue One, they put in a champion effort to win the first Commander’s event,” he said.

1RAR XO Maj Tony Swinsburg said the win showed the battalion’s commitment to brigade sports. “1RAR won despite intense preparations for MRTF 2 and it demon-strates our robustness, it was a fantastic win,” Maj Swinsburg said.

During the event, soldiers collected more than $1500 for the Victorian bushfire appeal. Overall, the brigade raised close to $10,000 for victims of the disaster.

Making a splash: Cpl Peta Van Bramley, 1RAR, competes in 200m medley relay (above) while Pte Ben Robinson, 1RAR, gets set for the 50m backstroke (below left) and Pte Noah Outridge and Pte Jesse Bird accept the winning on behalf of 1RAR for the Champion Unit from 3 Bde Commander Brig Stuart Smith. Photos by LCpl Mark Doran

1RAR in the swim

SGT Nicholas Matthews and Tpr Chris Hiette were two of four Australian representative players selected in the world team at the end of the Defence Rugby League World Cup final late last year.

Navy and Air Force each had a player included, AB Kyle Arnold and Cpl Michael Green.

Sgt Matthews, a front-rower, played his junior foot-ball with Bellington and Sawtell and was a member of the Newtown Jets in 2006. He was vice-captain of the Australian Defence team.

His Defence representative record also includes the 2008 and 2006 Anzac Test curtain-raisers, the 2004 Test match between Australia and Britain in Australia and the Defence team’s 2003 tour of Britain.

His most memorable World Cup 2008 moment was Australia scoring in the dying seconds of the semi-final against New Zealand to secure a berth in the final against Britain.

Tpr Hiette is a front-rower who played eight games in last year’s World Cup schedule and played in the 2006 Army Anzac Test match against Britain.

He represented Townsville Stingers from the under-12s through to the under-19s and also the North Queensland under-15s.

He found it a great thrill to make the final and play in front of friends and family at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The four Defence players attended the NSW Academy of Sport and watched the Manly Sea Eagles, 2008 National Rugby League champions, doing a field session. After a tour of the facilities, they were addressed by Manly coach Des Hasler on big game days and how to prepare for them.

The Australian team also took the opportunity to spend a day at training with the Australian team at Jubilee Oval at Kogarah, home of St George-Illawarra Dragons, during their camp.

Army duo selected in team

Making the grade: Tpr Chris Hiette, left, and Sgt Nicholas Matthews, right, have been selected in the world rugby league team. Photos by Bill Cunneen

A COMPOSITE team from the three services will compete in the 26th running of the Six Foot Track marathon in the Blue Mountains on March 14.

The Six Foot Track was described accurately last year by Maj Darren Kaehne as the toughest off-road marathon in Australia, if not the world. During the event, competitors run along the Six Foot Track, a bridle trail originally cut in 1884 from the historic ‘marked tree’ at Katoomba to Jenolan Caves.

For information on the event or the Australian Defence Running and Athletics Association go to the website www.adf.coolrunning.com.au.

Running challenge

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March 5, 2009

BACK ON TRACK

OCdt comes out of shadows

By Barry Rollings

AFTER an absence of several years from athletics, OCdt Alisha Hewitt hopes her record-breaking javelin throw at the Australian Defence Track and Field Championships will gain her entrée to the Arafura Games in Darwin from May 9-17.

OCdt Hewitt, 23, cleaned up the women’s open javelin field with a throw of 38.16m at the Defence titles staged at Geelong from January 24-26 by Athletics Victoria as part of the Victorian Country Championships.

OCdt Hewitt, who joined the Army in 2004 and transferred to RMC last year for general service officer training, was surprised by her results at Geelong.

Commitments to her career saw her put athletics on hold until now. Her only other competition in the past four years was a unit carnival when attached to 10FSB.

But, just to prove she has lost little of the skills that helped her to third place in the national under-18 heptathlon championship earlier in her career, OCdt Hewitt also won the shot put with a throw of 11.99m and rounded off the titles with equal third in the Victorian Country women’s open high jump with a leap of 1.55m.

Beginning her athletics career in Little Athletics in Newcastle at the age of eight, she continued until 18, with stints at Wallsend club in Newcastle and Salisbury club in Adelaide.

The heptathlon consists of the high jump, javelin, shot put, long jump, 100m hurdles, 200m and 800m.

OCdt Hewitt felt she didn’t have the overall fitness level and time to train for the running elements of the heptathlon – hence her return to the field events.

“I have attempted a return to athletics a few times but work commitments have restricted me until now,” OCdt Hewitt said.

Even though work prevented her planned participation in the ACT track and field cham-pionships on February 21-22, she finds she has a little more time these days to devote to athletics again.

“I am happy to be back in the sport again and keen to be selected for the Arafura Games,” she said.

“My results in Geelong did surprise me a little.”

But, she pointed out that as a heptathlete, she always amassed most of her points in the field events.

“I threw a personal best in the javelin, and did reasonably well in the shot put and high jump. My high jump clearance was close to the record.

My main aim now is training for those events that I contested in Victoria and improv-ing my technique with the Arafura Games in mind.”

WO2 Simon O’Regan, LTC, put in a solid performance in the men’s 5km, recording a

blistering 15min and 45sec for the win and the AD men’s 35+ record.

Two records were broken when a star-stud-ded line-up assembled for the men’s 100m.

Flt-Lt Spencer Cox was fastest overall for Defence, and also ran a faster time than all other Victorian athletes for the 100m, clocking 11.25sec.

Lt Aaron McMahon, SME, who is vying for Arafura Games selection, ran 11.65sec for second, with Flt-Lt Mark Thompson third.

The glory belonged to WO Andrew Hart (Navy) and Cpl Steven Graham (RAAF), with both breaking respective records for the AD Masters and veterans’ 100m.

WO Hart ran 12.74sec and Cpl Graham clocked 11.89sec. PO Peter Bevin finished second in the veterans 100m in 12.29sec.

Defence fielded a smaller team than in pre-vious years but the quality of the team’s results showed the Defence contingent performed admirably over the weekend, setting a number of Australian Defence records and outperform-ing the Victorian athletes in some events.

Peter Mahieu (APS) entered a number of events including the 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and the shot put and discus.

He performed well in the 800 metres to win in 2min and 39.37sec, was second to WO Hart in the men’s 45+ 400m in 70.22sec. Mahieu was also a close second to Leut Ray Chambers in the discus, with a throw of 26.13m.

LAPPINGNG IT UP1RAR takes 3 Bde honours

SEE PAGE 31

Golden girl: OCdt Alisha Hewitt with her medals.Photos by LAC Aaron Curran