AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 9, June 2, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Ability shines at Invictus CENTRE Our women in Kabul Pages 14-15

LIFT-OFF!

How Woomera launched the

hypersonic agePAGES 2-3

DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

ReportersWO2 Andrew HetheringtonSGT Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7613CPL Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608 CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304LS Jayson Tufrey: (02) 6266 7606CPL Sebastian Beurich: (02) 6265 4140

CONTACT USraafnews@defencenews.gov.auThe Editor, Air Force News, R8-LG-047, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnewsFax: (02) 6265 6690

ADVERTISING and SUBSCRIPTIONSMarketing ManagerTim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or

0459 842 551

Assistant Marketing ManagerTrish Dillon: (02) 6266 7607

advertising@defencenews.gov.au subscriptions1@defencenews.gov.au

DISCLAIMERAir Force News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News and Multimedia. It is printed under contract by Horton Media Australia Ltd. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Air Force News. Every advertisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News and Multimedia approval and the Directorate of Defence News and Multimedia may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement. The Directorate 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 not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence News and Multimedia. Defence does not endorse the products or services published in advertisements.

AirForce.gov.au

youtube.com/AirForceHQ

facebook.com/RoyalAustralianAirForce

twitter.com/@Aus_AirForce

twitter.com/DeptDefence

RCEAIR F

Cover photo: We have lift-off of the HIFiRE 5b at Woomera. Photo: Bill Solomou

Living the Air Force Values: RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORK

2 June 2, 2016RCEAIR FNews

THE Woomera Test Range Compliance and Monitoring Flight (WTR CMF) played a key role in ensuring the safety and security of the HIFiRE 5b trial.

WTR CMF was responsible for placing road blocks, conducting evacuations and facilitating Indigenous clearances for the rocket test.

It was the first time a privately owned mine needed to be evacuated.

The second-stage landing site had to be cleared by the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara

Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the planned site did not disturb sites of cultural significance.

CO WTR WGCDR Noel Corbet said WTR val-ued its relationships with the Indigenous owners and stakeholders of the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA), including pastoralists, mining and railway companies, and state government departments.

“WTR’s commitment to the WPA is for the long term, and the engagement and building of trust is a key enabler to success and the flexibility of use of the WPA.”

Fourteen members of 3SECFOR augmented the regular CMF team to clear roads and take up road block positions throughout the WPA.

OIC CMF WTR SQNLDR Darren Shorter said all aspects of the planning ran smoothly during the trial.

“Noting the complexities of the evacuations and the size of the WPA, it is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the CMF team for an outstanding result,” he said.

Words and photos: CPL Bill Solomou

CMF paves way for the long term

WTR CO WGCDR Noel Corbet stands proud with his Defence

team in front of the HIFiRE 5b rocket at Woomera Test Range.

AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 9, June 2, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Ability shines at Invictus CENTRE Our women in Kabul Pages 14-15

LIFT-OFF!

How Woomera launched the

hypersonic age PAGES 2-3

See footage at: http://video.defence.gov.au/play/4668#

3June 2, 2016RCEAIR F News

CPL Bill Solomou

IN THE blink of an eye, more than a year of hard work was over at the Woomera Test Range.

But for the Air Warfare Centre, Air Force and the scientific community, the successful trial of the HIFiRE 5b (hypersonic international flight research and experimentation) experimental rock-et edges the world a step closer on a possible path towards hypersonic flight.

There was no traditional countdown at the launch. As it got down to “T” minus 15 seconds, there were 10 seconds of silence then five beeps in the last five seconds. Then lift-off was fol-lowed by cheers from all those involved.

The entire test flight was over in just nine minutes. However, the HIFiRE 5b countdown began more than 315,000,000 seconds before-hand, when the project began 10 years ago.

The trial of this game-changing technology has breathed new life into rocket-powered space launches at Woomera.

WTR CO WGCDR Noel Corbet and his team of dedicated personnel, contributed overwhelm-ingly to the launch of the HIFiRE 5b on May 18.

WGCDR Corbet said HIFiRE 5b was the first rocket launch in six years at the range.

“Innovation is a key component of the Air Force’s new Air Warfare Centre. Having the abil-ity to test an innovative hypersonic vehicle on

the world’s largest ground-based test range in Woomera illustrates the breadth of the activities possible within an Air Warfare Centre”, WGCDR Corbet said.

“In some respects this launch symbolises the return to Woomera for the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group (DST) and the HIFiRE program.”

HIFiRE 5b is one of a series of 10 flight experiments under the Australia-US collaborative project aimed at investigating physical phenom-ena of flight at more than five times the speed of sound.

The rocket reached an apogee of 278km above earth and into space and then achieved the target-ed speed of Mach 7.5 back towards earth (seven and a half times the speed of sound or 9200km/h).

The knowledge gained from these experiments will be applied to the development of future flight vehicles and testing of advanced air-breathing hypersonic propulsion engines, known as super-sonic combustion ramjets (scramjets).

Dr Allan Paull, DST Group Research Leader Applied Hypersonics, said the HIFiRE 5b trial was 100 per cent successful.

“The trial went extremely well. The results we obtained were better than we expected,” Dr Paull said.

“The flight itself was perfect, the count-down was perfect and the execution from the

Air Warfare Centre was perfect. This was one of those trials where everything went right.”

WGCDR Corbet said his role as range manag-er was to ensure all set procedures, notifications and reporting were followed correctly.

“If I or any of the launch team become aware of any safety issues we can call an abort to the launch,” he said.

“The collaboration of a diverse team from five different countries working with one common goal in a safe and effective manner is a challenge. Safety at the launch and down range through the evacuation and cooperation of pastoralists, indig-enous groups and mining personnel is a key part of ensuring the safety of the trial.”

“From our perspective there is no demarcation between ADF and APS. We are part of one team,” WGCDR Corbet said.

He said other elements fundamental to success were the support of No. 20 Squadron from the local RAAF base and additional deployed Air Force elements, including No.1 Combat Communications Squadron, and No.2 Expeditionary Health Squadron (2EHS).

HIFiRE experiments are conducted by the DST and the US Air Force Laboratory. Partners include the University of Queensland, Boeing, BAE Systems and DLR (German Aerospace Centre).

A TEAM of Air Force Communication Technicians (CETECH) from No.1 Combat Communications Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh assisted in the first live video streaming of the HIFiRE 5b rocket launch at Woomera.

The HIFiRE 5b rocket launch was viewed by ADF and APS personnel at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Air Force CETECH LAC Jesse Smith said the

task had its complexities, but with specialist advice they set up the link.

“We were involved in conducting the trunking for a live video feed. It was a great team effort,” he said.

Woomera Test Range Electronics Systems Coordinator David Klarich said, depending on classification, future launches could be streamed to the public.

TWO brand new ADF buses with Air Force drivers were provided from RAAF Base Edinburgh to evacuate gold miners during the rocket launch at the Woomera Test Range (WTR) on May 18.

SGT Bronte Roccisano, of the Air Warfare Centre-WTR and CPL Paul O’Leary, a reservist with No. 24 Squadron, were assigned to assist in the evacuation.

“I was very happy to help evacuate the miners to a safe area during the launch,” SGT Roccisano said.

Woomera Operations Support Manager Cheryl Strachan said this was the first time a mine had been evacuated since the new Woomera Prohibited Area legislation was implemented to cover the management of the 122,000 sq/km zone.

“We need to ensure there is no one within safety templates when we are conducting trials,” she said.

“This time a mine has fallen inside the safety template, so we needed to evacuate them.”

Mrs Strachan said about 110 people were evacuated to a pastoral station outside the safety template.

“We held them there until we got the all clear from range control and then we drove them back to their mine.”

Gone in a hard-won flashMonths of effort pays off as Woomera rocket launch brings the world closer to hypersonic flight

‘The flight itself was perfect, the countdown was perfect and the execution from the Air Warfare Centre was perfect. This was one of those trials where everything went right.

Dr Allan Paull,DST Group Research

Leader Applied Hypersonics

A SMALL medical from No.2 Expe-ditionary Health Squadron (2EHS) was on hand for the HIFiRE 5b trials at the Woomera Test Range.

The team consisted of a medical officer, nursing officer and two medical assistants, an ambulance and remote locality kit.

Members were deployed from 2EHS units at RAAF Bases Edin-burgh, Darwin and Williamtown.

OIC 2EHS Det EDN FLTLT Gina Noble said her team established a daily sick parade for ADF person-nel and were available to provide emergency response for all others at the Woomera Test Range, includ-ing setting up a casualty clearing station.

She said the team enjoyed the task “as it’s not every day you get to see a rocket launch”.

MEDICAL TEAM

Complexities of live link

Smooth ride for gold miners

Best care in case of the worst

No. 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron’s FLTLT Geoffrey Hillwood and FLTLT Gina Noble (front row) and LACW Anna-Jane Marmion and LACW Alex Creeper (back row).

SGT Bronte Roccisano and CPL Paul O’Leary, in front of the buses they used to evacuate local miners.

LAC Jesse Smith, David Klarich and LAC Daniel Godlevsky prepare for video streaming.

BUS DRIVERS

COMMS CREW

www.capitalproperties.com.au

FAST TRACKYOUR PROPERTY

INVESTMENTCAREER

CONTACT DETAILS FOR SEMINARS:Call 02 9222 9444 or visitcapitalproperties.com.au/seminarsfor info and bookings

Attend a Capital Propertiesseminar and find out how toinvest your hard earned cashDOWNLOAD OUR FREE PROPERTYINVESTOR SPREADSHEETS:capitalproperties.com.au/tools

4 June 2, 2016RCEAIR FNews

GPCAPT Dee Gibbon has her job cut out for her as she works to promote women’s involvement

in Afghan security forces, but the country’s recent history has made it a little less difficult than it might have been.

GPCAPT Gibbon is one of about 275 personnel from the three servic-es and Defence civilians deployed to Afghanistan as part of Australia’s commitment to NATO’s Resolute Support mission.

As the mission’s senior gender advisor, GPCAPT Gibbon works directly to GEN John W. Nicholson, Commander Resolute Support and US Forces – Afghanistan, to pro-vide guidance on programs to sup-port gender integration within the Afghanistan Armed Forces.

She said it helped that the notion of women in the security forces was no longer new in Afghanistan.

“There are women serving with the Afghan police and military who were recruited during the Soviet War and have reached the rank of colonel and brigadier,” she said.

“The challenge is in some of the more conservative parts of Afghanistan, especially the Pashtun region in the south, where they are not receptive to women working outside the home, let alone in non-traditional military or policing roles.

“The security ministries achieve recruiting success in the more mod-ern urban areas, such as Herat,

Mazar-e Sharif, Kunduz and Kabul, where the universities have a high representation of women and many girls attend school to years 10 or 12.”

GPCAPT Gibbon is no stran-ger to guiding cultural change, having been director of the Sexual Misconduc t P reven t ion and Response Office and of the ADF review into the treatment of women.

Part of her role in Afghanistan is as an internal adviser to other key Resolute Support personnel.

“Coupled with that, and arguably the more important role, is external gender advising, sometimes at the ministerial level to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defence (MoD),” she said.

“We work closely with our inter-national counterparts, non-govern-ment organisations, embassies and other stakeholders in progressing gender initiatives within Afghan security institutions.

“Afghan institutions have a man-date to apply UN Security Council Resolution 1325: Women, Peace and Security.

“This means they need to increase women’s representation in the military and police force and ensure there are adequate policies, equipment, facilities and training to enable women to join and succeed in their chosen profession.

“The other major element is to ensure women who choose these careers are safe in their workplac-

es and have access to support net-works and reporting lines should they experience sexual harassment or abuse.”

GPCAPT Gibbon said there was significant support for gender initia-tives from senior Afghan leaders.

The Afghan President’s wife, Rula Ghani, co-chaired the Women in Security Advisory Committee, which was attended by key minis-ters and activists.

The number of Afghan women in uniformed policing roles had doubled in two years and the MoD was recruiting more women for the Afghan National Army.

“I’ve met the most courageous, brave, feisty and brilliant women since I have been here,” GPCAPT Gibbon said.

“Anyone who thinks that Afghan women are weak or subservient has not met the women I’ve encountered during this deployment.

“I’ve also met some phenomenal men who are true gender champi-ons within the military and police. There are some very progressive and committed generals in the army and police force and some whose own daughters serve.

“They consider the women in their training and workplaces to be the ‘daughters of Afghanistan’ and want to give them greater opportuni-ties to contribute to Afghanistan’s long-term peace.”

Our women in Kabul Pages 14-15

The senior gender adviser to NATO’s Resolute Support mission is leading by example, CPL Mark Doran reports

‘Brave, feisty and brilliant’ women of Afghanistan

Our third pilot is ‘amazed’AUSTRALIA’s third F-35A pilot – FLTLT Edwin Borrman – has completed his qualifying flight in an F-35A at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, US.

FLTLT Borrman said the last jet he flew in Australia was the Hawk 127 while he was an instructor.

“I must say it feels good to be back at the front edge of aircraft performance. A little more power and capability defi-nitely puts a grin on my face,” FLTLT Borrman said.

“The training went surprisingly quickly, however, I did rely upon my previous experience in the F/A-18A and instructional experience in the Hawk 127 to help me through.

“Tactically the jet is amazing, there is so much situational awareness on dis-play. The hardest part is determining what my priority is at any given time and

where do I look to get that information.”FLTLT Borrman said the course had

given him “a great insight as to how our future F-35 pilots will transition directly from the Hawk to the F-35A”.

FLTLT Borrman completed his quali-fying flight in a United States Air Force F-35A aircraft and is now qualified to instruct other pilots in flying the F-35A.

He follows in the footsteps of the first two Australian F-35A pilots, SQNLDR Andrew Jackson and SQNLDR David Bell.

The first two Australian F-35A air-craft have been flying at Luke Air Force Base for around a year and the first two F-35A aircraft will arrive in Australia at the end of 2018.

The first operational squadron will be established by 2020.

F-35A’s tactical ability impresses latest Aussie to be trained to fly the jet

Australia’s third F-35A pilot, FLTLT Edwin Borrman, undertakes his first flight in an F-35A at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

C-27J Spartan assessed after WACO incidentFollowing a landing incident in Waco, Texas, a C-27J Spartan is cur-rently being assessed for repairs, which will determine the time frames for return to flying. The safety investigation is also continuing, however, the remainder of the RAAF’s C-27J Spartan fleet is continuing to con-duct training and operational test and evaluation activities.

Fleet of PC-9/As being reviewedThe PC-9/A fleet is being progressively reviewed and returned to flying. There are now over 20 aircraft flying across all Air Force PC-9/A Squad-rons/Schools. The impact to training is minimal, as Air Force is actively managing pilot training. As more aircraft return to flying, Roulettes displays will also resume.

AIRCRAFT NEWS UPDATE

Air Force Shop at Military Shop65 Kembla Street Fyshwick Canberraairforceshop.com.au - 02 6123 2930

RECOGNISING

MISSIONREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGEVERY

WE SHAREYOUR PRIDE

5June 2, 2016RCEAIR F News

FLGOFF Tom Maclean

LAC Nigel Raddie proved himself to be Air Force’s straightest shooter at this year’s Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM).

Having claimed the title of 2016 Air Force champion shot, he was carried across the Puckapunyal parade ground on a ceremonial wooden chair by his No. 1 Security Forces Squadron team-mates.

LAC Raddie performed consistently in dozens of matches against more than 300 of the world’s best combat marks-men.

His squadron provided the only Air Force unit team and was pleased with the number of top shooters it was able to gather for the event.

Team member CPL Ryan Cooper said much of the unit was deployed, “so we had to scrape together what we could and train with what we’ve got”.

A i r Fo rce member s o f t he Federation Guard team also performed well this year. Teams from 18 countries competed in the event at Puckapunyal Military Area from May 3 to 20.

The Republic of Korea and the United Arab Emirates Presidential Guard entered teams for the first time this year.

The competition has changed exten-sively since it began in 1984.

The focus has gone from range marksmanship to combat shooting, which, according to event CO LTCOL Angus Bell, “is about accurate firing with an adequate sight picture, not a perfect sight picture”.

The increased use of robotic mov-ing targets from Australian company Marathon Targets forced competitors to make quick decisions and react and counteract.

In a sniper match, one robot played a high-value target, a second robot was a low-value target and third robot was a hostage that needed to be saved.

In match 20, competitors had to tilt their service rifles on unusual angles to accurately fire through small and awk-ward openings in cover.

Obstacle courses and running between firing in many matches also tested fitness and endurance.

Competitors had to prepare and adapt their combat shooting in a new match that was spread over five differ-ent scenarios.

Air Force is looking for more entrants for next year’s AASAM, with its two weeks of rigorous matches pro-viding a good opportunity to improve combat shooting.

LTCOL Bell said skills gained at AASAM “will save lives on ADF oper-ations”.

Ready, aim, take a seatOur top shot sets his sights on hitching a grand ride to the winner’s dais

CPL Ryan Cooper takes aim during the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting at Puckapunyal. Photo: CPL Nunu Campos

LAC Nigel Raddie is carried by teammates to the presentation

dais to be crowned Air Force champion shot.

Photo: SGT Janine Fabre

Leadership shapes futureBy CPL Mark Doran

THE first CDF Leadership Forum for 2016 was held at RAAF Base Edinburgh from May 11-13.

The triservice event involved about 140 personnel and enabled warrant officers, senior non-com-missioned officers and non-commis-sioned officers to engage with senior ADF leaders.

The forum let the senior leader-ship team members articulate their vision, set their expectations of the participants as leaders and expose them to key issues.

WOFF Darcy Henriksen, of the Centre for Defence Leadership and Ethics, said the program gave the CDF and the senior leadership team, including DCN, CA, CAF, CJOPS and the three service warrant offic-ers, an opportunity to address key

leadership challenges facing the ADF.

“It allowed them to openly engage with the workforce of tomorrow and provided the partici-pants with an opportunity to watch, listen, discuss, share and learn from key presenters,” he said.

“The other important outcome of the forum was for soldiers, sailors and airmen to network as a joint force.”

Topics discussed at the forum included challenges with com-bat and training, moral courage, “money/medals and me”, leader-ship, ethics and the Sea King acci-dent, resilience and wellbeing, and cultural challenges in the 21st cen-tury.

CPL Jacqueline Clark, of No. 24 Squadron, said she enjoyed talking

to the leaders and learning about the future of Air Force and the ADF.

“They were all very approach-able and more than happy to discuss leadership or other issues with the participants,” she said.

“It was interesting to hear the senior leaders talk about what was normally expected of military per-sonnel and our future capability was people being able to do their job without necessarily fitting into a certain mould.

“The triservice networking opportunities during the forum syn-dicates were fantastic, along with the good discussions.

“I learnt we all face similar issues across the ADF and, although there are different ways of tackling those issues, we are all chasing the same goals.”

HURRY!

Apply by 30 June2016.

australianmilitarybank.com.au

*$250,000 minimum new lending plus an Australian Military Bank transaction account with minimum $1,500 monthly salary deposit. Loan value determines holidayvoucher value of either $2,000 or $2,800. Loan must be applied for between 17 February 2016 and 30 June 2016 and settled by 30 September 2016. Australian MilitaryBank reserves the right to vary, cancel or extend this offer at any time. For more details visit australianmilitarybank.com.au/dhoasholiday. ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL andAustralian credit licence number 237 988.

Pack your bags for a FREE

tropical getaway*.Switch, or take out a new DHOAS loan withAustralian Military Bank before 30 June.

Min. Loan $250,000. Other termsand conditions apply

Apply online or call 1800 739 347 today

6 June 2, 2016RCEAIR FNews

Heavy load, light touchFLTLT Eamon Hamilton

A STAGGERING 50 million pounds of fuel has been offloaded by the KC-30A multi-role tanker transport deployed for Operation Okra.

That figure equates to 22,679 tonnes, or more than 28 million litres, of fuel for Air Force and coalition aircraft in the Middle East region since September 2014.

Flying as part of Air Task Group 630, the KC-30A reached the mile-stone figure on April 27 during a sortie with a pair of Air Force F/A-18 Hornets.

As of May 2016, the task group’s Air Mobility Element (AME) had conducted 631 sorties with the KC-30A and flown more than 5000 hours.

Task group commander AIRCDRE Antony Martin said the tanker was an essential enabler for Operation Okra missions.

“The 50 million pounds of fuel has sustained aircraft conducting the full range of missions over Iraq and Syria,” he said.

The AME had built the KC-30A’s reputation as the “tanker of choice” among Coalition air forces in the Middle East.

The AME’s detachment com-mander said Operation Okra missions required the use of nearly all the KC-30A’s suite of refuelling systems.

“In a typical sortie, the KC-30A crew will use both the wing-mounted refuelling pods and the tail-mounted refuelling boom to transfer fuel,” he said.

“We normally take off with more than 100 tonnes of fuel on board, and can give away more than half of that if we’re flying a sortie over Iraq.”

The aircraft’s capability was demonstrated during a routine sortie on April 30 that began with the refu-elling of a pair of US Navy Super Hornets flying from an aircraft car-rier in the Persian Gulf.

The process began with a hose-and-drogue being unreeled from pods beneath each wing of the tanker, trailing a pair of baskets for the Super Hornets to intercept with a probe.

The air refuelling operator on the sortie said the KC-30A was a popular tanker for the US Navy pilots, who relied on US Air Force and coalition tankers in the area.

“Our tanker has ‘soft baskets’,

which shouldn’t damage their aircraft if they do make a contact with it dur-ing the refuelling,” he said.

“We also have longer hoses that allow them to keep space and see what’s going on around them.”

The KC-30A’s next receiver was an Air Force E-7A Wedgetail, rendez-vousing over Mount Sinjar in north-western Iraq.

Refuelling the E-7A requires the use of the KC-30A’s advanced refuel-ling boom system.

The first contact over Iraq between a KC-30A and E-7A took place last October and now typically occurs at least once a week.

“We’re familiar with the E-7A, because at home we refuel it on a regular basis,” he said.

Watching through 3D cameras,

the ARO used fly-by-wire controls to move the boom into a “pre-contact” position. The ARO then extended a probe in the boom into a refuelling receptacle on the receiver aircraft.

During such contacts, the E-7A will take on up to 15 tonnes of fuel, a process that takes up to 12 minutes and requires both aircraft to fly a racetrack pattern together in the skies of Iraq.

Before the KC-30A returned home, it reunited with the two US Navy Super Hornets to provide them with enough fuel to remain over Iraq or Syria.

Its ability to refuel two aircraft simultaneously is another reason the KC-30A is popular among coalition air forces.

Popular tanker surpasses a weighty milestone in the skies over the Middle East

A US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet refuels from an Air

Force KC-30A multi-role tanker transport over the

Middle East.Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

See footage at: http://video.defence.gov.au/play/4677#

DEFENCE FORCE TAX SPECIALISTS

We have extensive experience across allranks and specialities, including:l Investment properties

l Members who have served overseas

l Late lodgement of tax returns

Maximum returns - We know all the specific deductions, so you geta great tax return every year

Phone consultations - All tax returns are completed over the phone,so you don’t have to leave your base, ship or assignment

One Tax agent - We are not limited by locality so you and yourfamily don’t ever have to look for another tax agent again

Do you want aPHAT Tax Return?

1300 763 575or visit us online at

www.phatreturns.com.au

7June 2, 2016RCEAIR F News

Avital Terkowski and Rebekah Byers

FOUR Air Force personnel gained val-uable insights into international peace-keeping when they joined the ADF Peace Operations Training Centre during Exercise Pirap Jabiru in Thailand.

WGCDR Barbara Hey, SQNLDR Matthew Xerri, WGCDR Llani Kennealy and WGCDR Ritchie Cunningham took part in the exercise, tackling critical issues arising from peacekeeping missions.

The two-week exercise attracted 100 students and instructors from 20 region-al militaries and police forces, such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, and Tonga.

Training centre CO LTCOL Matt Nash said the topics covered were relevant to any operational environment.

“We discussed protection of civilians, gender, rules of engagement, caveats on national contributions and developing operational solutions in a complex multi-national, civil-military operational envi-ronment,” he said.

LTCOL Nash said the exercise was a chance for officers of any service to develop professional knowledge, networks

and cultural understanding of the militar-ies and police forces in the region.

“Pirap Jabiru presents a unique oppor-tunity to meet and establish relationships with many of our regional neighbours,” he said.

“The reality is that to be an effective ADF officer you need to understand the culture of militaries in South-East Asia and Pacific regions as they will be our partners in future peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief or combat operations.”

LTCOL Nash said participants in Pirap Jabiru 2018 could expect two weeks of intense classroom and syndicate education and training.

“We offer an open adult learning envi-ronment where all views are valued, con-sidered and treated equally.

“This year we have seen discussions and debates on different views that could not have taken place in an operational environment due to rank, position or mis-sion requirements,” he said.

Pirap Jabiru is a biennial peacekeep-ing exercise Australia has co-hosted with Thailand since 1998.

For more information on peacekeeping opera-tions or participation in exercises, visit www.defence.gov.au/adc/acsc/peacekeeping

Lessons in keeping the peaceExercise in Thailand tackles critical issues of international peacekeeping missions

A session in progress during Exercise Pirap Jabiru, facilitated through the ADF Peace Operations Training Centre in Thailand.

Something in it for everyone

‘There is enormous value in working in culturally and linguistically diverse groups that represent the realities of working in a peace mission.

Not only do participants and directing staff alike gain a better understanding and knowledge of peacekeeping to be used in future activities and operations, but we are able to develop valuable relations, with people from other countries.

Pirap Jabiru has given me a chance to continue to practise my Thai language skills and such activities are an incredible opportunity for linguists to ply their trade.

WGCDR Ritchie CunninghamDirecting staff

Gender adviser‘It has highlighted some of the basic challenges peacekeeping faces regarding communication and understanding the perspectives and processes of partici-pants from other countries.

I particularly enjoyed the syndicate work as the group was very diverse. There was a lot of experience in the room, with some having served in UN peacekeeping missions around the world. It is truly an excellent learning environment.

I would thoroughly recommend this exercise to other ADF members as it is a great opportunity to gain some insight and perspective into peacekeeping operations and a wonderful opportunity to connect with other international participants and learn from them.WGCDR Llani KennealyGender Adviser to CAF, and Women, Peace and Security Adviser to HQ Air Command

Staff officer‘I applied to participate in the exercise to gain greater exposure to joint military planning and participation in regional based exercises.

Having deployed on the UN Mission in South Sudan in 2012, I found participating in the exercise reinforced my ongoing interest in peacekeeping operations and humanitar-ian assistance and disaster relief.

The knowledge gained and networking opportunities afforded by joint and combined activities such as Pirap Jabiru will certainly shape my success in future roles.

SQNLDR Matthew Xerri Staff Officer Air-Ground Ranges, RAAF Base Amberley

Support officer‘Pirap Jabiru has provided greater awareness of how UN mandates are operation-alised and provided an excellent learning environment.

There has been a genuine openness, respectfulness and frankness within the syndicate discussions and I am grateful to have learned from their experiences.

The reality within such a setting [when deployed to Headquarters International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan] is how easy it is to misunderstand and miscommunicate with other nationalities not familiar to our own. The exercise has certainly given me the opportunity to consider how I can approach things differ-ently in the future and better understand where others are coming from.

WGCDR Barbara HeyReserve logistics support officer

Exercise Pirap Jabiru gave directing staff member WGCDR Ritchie Cunningham a chance to practise his Thai language skills.Photos: WO2 Neil Ruskin

Course presenter

8 June 2, 2016RCEAIR FNews

FLTLT Shaun Donnelly

IN ANOTHER first for the Air Force’s newest aircraft, the C-27J Spartan has moved more than 9000kg, including palletised cargo and explosive ordi-nance, and 30 passengers over three days in a short-notice mission to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.

The Spartan’s pilot, FLTLT Jason Meyers of No. 35 Squadron, said the three sorties were the aircraft’s first Army support task involving a range of loads and passengers, and even an aeromedical evacuation, in and out of an international airfield.

“35SQN welcomes these types of tasks from AMCC (Air Mobility Control Centre). It allowed all person-nel involved in the successful comple-tion of this task to highlight the things we do best and the areas of improve-

ment as we work towards our initial operational capability by the end of the year,” he said.

“The C-27J enhances the capability of the Air Mobility fleet and is specifi-cally well suited to operations in PNG. It goes to show the adaptability of the Spartan in the South-East Asia/Pacific region.”

The Spartan travelled about 5400 nautical miles during the three days and conducted the first aeromedical evacuation for its type, transporting a patient diagnosed with dengue fever.

Apart from the saving about $80,000 in contractor fees by using an in-house aircraft, the sorties also provided an opportunity to conduct operational test and evaluation in air logistics support missions and operat-ing from international airfields.

Two men and a variety of aircraft

Spartan rises to the taskNew kid on the block stars in PNG sorties

The C-27J parked at Port Moresby and, inset, being marshalled by Air Force’s SGT Steve Hodges, who, along with FSGT Aaron Reynolds, supports aircraft operations in PNG.

FLTLT Shaun Donnelly

TWO airmen are carrying on a long tra-dition of RAAF involvement in Papua New Guinea as they apply their support and local knowledge to keeping person-nel, aircraft and aid flowing.

FSGT Aaron Reynolds and SGT Steve Hodges are posted to the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, but are more likely to be found at the small PNG Defence Force Air Movements Section at Port Moresby International Airport (or Jackson’s Field).

The two-man section keeps busy as Australian aid, defence and diplomat-ic personnel move into and around the country. Last year, the small detachment moved just under 200 tonnes of equip-ment and approximately 1200 personnel.

FSGT Reynolds has been supporting aircraft operations in PNG since the early 1990s and enjoys working in the tropics.

“I have been in and out of PNG with the Mobile Air Terminal Unit that was contained within Air Mobility Group. It feels like my second home. I love the people and the experiences,” he said.

“The importance of our work is really evident. With more and more flights, we are responsible for the diplomatic clearances and the ground handling of all ADF and Government-chartered aircraft and Navy vessels.

“And this job is so unique. We work with all types of ADF aircraft, including C-17s, C-130s and recently we had our first C-27J conduct tasking here.

“We have also supported King Airs, KC-30As and the SPA [special purpose aircraft] fleet. Of course, Blackhawks, Chinooks and MRH-90 helicopters are thrown in for some variation.”

Although the location is not an Air Force facility, Australia has announced funding for the construction of a small cargo hangar.

The section also coordinates all ground handling and logistic support at remote airfields.

PNG has an important place in the history of the defence of Australia. SQNLDR John Jackson, then CO of No. 75 Squadron and Jackson’s Field’s name-sake, was shot down engaging Japanese Zero fighters over Port Moresby in 1942.

PNG is also the resting place of the only Air Force VC winner from the Pacific Campaign. FLTLT Bill Newton, of No. 22 Squadron, is buried in the Lae War Cemetery along with many Australian and allied servicemen who died during the New Guinea campaign.

“I am proud of the Air Force’s history in PNG. Many of the modern Air Force squadrons, like 75, 76 and 77, were either formed here or blooded here dur-ing WWII,” FSGT Reynolds said.

FSGT Aaron Reynolds with a C-17 at Port Moresby.

Expand your resume before you need it …See website for Recognition of Prior Learning Fees & Conditions

The majority of our clients are now referrals from other clients …

BSB61015 Advanced Diploma of Leadership and ManagementBSB51915 Diploma of Leadership and ManagementBSB51315 Diploma of Work Health and SafetyBSB41415 Certificate IV in Work Health and SafetyBSB50215 Diploma of BusinessBSB51415 Diploma of Project ManagementBSB51615 Diploma of Quality AuditingCPP50611 Diploma of Security and Risk ManagementTAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and AssessmentTAE50111 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training*

www.hamel.edu.au1300 7 999 14

info@hamel.edu.auQualifications assessed & issued by Hamel Institute RTO 32399

* Qualifications assessed by Hamel Institute & issued by Tafe Queensland East Coast RTO 0418

9June 2, 2016RCEAIR F NAIDOC Week

WGCDR Kate Fox

AIR Force’s Indigenous Historical Custodian believes this year’s NAIDOC theme should resonate with the Air Force community.

“The 2016 theme is a good oppor-tunity to understand the many links Air Force has to our Indigenous community and vice versa,” SQNLDR Gary Oakley said.

The theme, Songlines: The Living Narrative of Our Nation, recognises the “dreaming tracks”, or “songlines”, that follow the paths of Indigenous ancestral spirits as they brought the land to life.

Songlines are effectively oral maps of the landscape, enabling the transmis-sion of oral navigational skills in cul-tures without a written language.

They extend for large distances across Australia, and are often identical to trading routes. Some of Australia’s highways still follow their paths.

Songlines are also an important means of communicating traditional songs, stories, dance and art and carry significant spiritual and cultural connec-tion to knowledge, customs, ceremony and lore for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“Traditional [songlines] dances per-formed in the Torres Strait Islands today specifically refer to our aircraft and depict the Air Force roundel, illustrat-ing the importance of the relationship between the local people and their con-siderable commitment to Air Force dur-ing the WWII,” SQNLDR Oakley said.

“NAIDOC Week is also a good time

to reflect upon and understand the sub-stantial synergy between our Air Force culture and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

“We understand the importance of history, the importance of community, and the knowledge that we embrace val-ues unique to our ‘families’ means that we have far more in common than we might sometimes realise.”

Air Force will mark NAIDOC Week, from July 3-10, in different ways around headquarters and the bases, and it will also announce its NAIDOC Week awards.

On Wednesday July 8, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander memo-rial plinth will be unveiled at RAAF Memorial Grove outside Canberra.

Around the bases, East Sale has invited Gunaikurnai elders and their families to an afternoon tea and a spe-cial screening of the documentary film The Forgotten.

No. 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron is planning a flag-raising and erecting two flag poles.

Darwin intends to unfurl Indigenous flags and unveil a commemorative plaque.

Townsville will unveil an acknowl-edgement sign at the main gate and hold a smoking ceremony with representa-tives of the Wulgurukaba and Bindle communities.

Tindal will hold a flag-raising cer-emony, morning tea and street march.

For more information, visit www.naidoc.org.au/

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

IT IS a big leap from a childhood of fishing, hunting and camping in the Northern Territory bush to support-ing VIP operations in the Air Force.

But a full, active childhood pro-vided a solid foundation for per-sonnel capability specialist ACW Lateesha Barlow, who is now the operations support clerk for No. 34 Squadron.

In her role, ACW Barlow pro-vides domestic and international travel administration in support of VIP operations and day-to-day trav-el requirements in Air Force.

Joining Air Force just 18 months ago, ACW Barlow wanted to chal-

lenge herself and step outside her comfort zone.

“I had just completed year 12 and wanted a career that could give me the opportunity to develop per-sonally and professionally, to send me to a completely new location and offer the opportunity for further study with the chance to meet new people,” ACW Barlow said.

“I grew up in Darwin and, from a young age, I was taught how to fish, hunt and camp in the bush and this was where I spent most week-ends.

“I attended four different prima-ry schools and played four different sports during my childhood, where I met many great people who I still

call my close friends. I definitely appreciate any opportunity I get to go back, visit home in the top end and get back to the lifestyle I love most,” she said.

ACW Barlow said it was impor-tant to celebrate NAIDOC Week, and learn more about Indigenous culture.

“NAIDOC Week is a celebra-tion everyone can be immersed in, where they can express and learn about Indigenous culture,” she said.

“I t i s an opportuni ty for Indigenous Air Force members to exhibit our pride in our culture and for us to display our knowledge of history and the land we live on.”

Bush grounding breeds a desire to spread her wings

Following ancestral footstepsNAIDOC Week will be a chance to reflect on our strong links with Indigenous culture

Indigenous people unload a barge for No. 452 Squadron

on Milingimbi Island in the Northern Territory in 1943.

Right, a replica of a Mitchell bomber, featured on the ceremonial headdresses

worn by the Goigai Pudhai dance group at the opening

of the Australia Under Attack 1942-1943 exhibition

at the Australian War Memorial.

Photo: Courtesy AWM (IDs 060522 and ART94620)

ACW Lateesha Barlow, of No. 34

Squadron, at Defence Establishment

Fairbairn.Photo: SGT Murray Staff

Feature RCEAIR F June 2, 201610

‘Pretty good place to be’The training is gruelling but combat controllers say it’s worth it, FLTLT Nick O’Connor writes

AS HE accepted his combat controller brevet and beret, after months of arduous

training, SGT M was under no illusions that the hard work is all behind him.

“It has been a long road to get here, but the journey for those of us who were presented our berets is really only just beginning,” he said.

SGT M was one of an elite group of six members of No. 4 Squadron presented with their combat controller qualifications at RAAF Base Williamtown in late April.

Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Steve Roberton and 4SQN CO WGCDR Harvey Reynolds acknowledged the efforts of the course graduates.

WGCDR Reynolds said it took “at least 12 months to get to this stage” and noted the ded-ication and sacrifices involved.

“We recognise the impact that the training has on your time with your family and I want to acknowledge and thank your families for your continued support,” he said.

SGT M reflected on some of the physical and mental chal-lenges he encountered as part of the training program.

“Some aspects of comman-do selection were quite tough. There were some pretty chal-lenging PT sessions,” he said.

“I actually found some aspects of some of the sub-sequent courses mentally harder. There were stages in Commando Team Tactics, now Tactical Integration Course, that I found hard. And the few days during Conduct Under Capture training were probably some of the most mentally demanding days in the whole process.

“It’s also pretty hard on our families. You spend a lot of time away. Sometimes it almost felt like you were away on deploy-ment.

“For some courses you are not allowed use of phones or other methods of outside com-munication for weeks.”

Despite the gruelling training program SGT M said he did not regret undertaking the training.

“If anyone is keen to push themselves to new limits and be part of a new and exciting capa-

bility then I highly recommend having a go. It’s a pretty good place to be,” he said.

The combat control team (CCT) capability was intro-duced into Air Force in 2007.

CCTs work with Army’s 2nd Commando Regiment and provide a range of capabilities,

including joint terminal attack control of close air support, landing zone reconnaissance, aviation meteorology observa-tion and airspace management.

For more information about a career as a combat controller, email 4sqn.combatcontrol@defence.gov.au.

A trainee combat controller in action at the firing range.

Photo: SGT William Guthrie

‘ CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B *Conditions Apply

utas.edu.au/paramedicine

Upgrade your advanced medic qualification to a degreewith the Bachelor of Paramedic Practice (Conversion).This fully online course is available part-time, and for studyundertaken in 2016, students will receive a 50% discount ontheir tuition fees*.

If you already have a degree the onlineMaster of Advanced Paramedicine provides the opportunityto expand your clinical knowledge and further your professionalcareer.

Apply now.

Take thenext step inyour career

I gained a unique perspective of the strategic defence issues facing the Asia-Pacific after completing an outstanding course in the “Land of

the Long White Cloud”. The Joint Warrant Officer Ad-

vanced Course at Trentham Military Camp, 20 kilometres north west of Wellington was held from September 7 to November 20 2015.

The course aimed to prepare selected Warrant Officers for senior strategic advisory positions within the New Zealand Defence Force and it was conducted and administered by the NZDF Command and Staff College (CSC).

The nature of our work within the group frequently brings us into contact with other defence services, both nationally and internationally. By attending JWOAC, I was able to gain a much closer look into how militaries – and civil agencies – inter-act with one another.

The target group for JWOAC consists of Warrant Officers (or equivalent rank) from all three NZDF services including the Reserve Forces, as well as other government agencies. I was fortunate enough to get a position on the course and attended along with students from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and the US.

The course included a two-week orientation element which was conducted to assimilate international students to the Kiwi environment and it included assessments conducted by CSC staff and Massey University

academia. I completed two academ-ic essays, presentations, facilitated discussion, and an individual Critical Reflective Journal.

As a group, we travelled on a NZ study tour to all military bases and camps on the North Island. The tour was a great opportunity to be exposed to the operational/tactical aspects of the three services.

Showcasing NZDF capabilities, the tour gave us the opportunity to look at the relationship and align-ment between the strategic and the operational environment.

A course highlight was travel-ling to Vietnam and China with the students from the Advanced CSC, who were largely Squadron Leader or equivalents.

We had the opportunity to visit and talk to military counterparts on the geostrategic and political issues facing both of these countries.

The tour really put some perspec-tive on how issues in different coun-tries can have far reaching effects across the globe. It also showed how these issues can influence decisions made by governments and how global economies can be affected.

The JWOAC course is an out-standing professional development opportunity for Air Force WOFFs with aspirations of career advance-ment, and although the course is hard work with long hours of prepar-ing and delivering assignments, I would absolutely recommend it to others.

I encourage you all to keep focusing on developing your skills and progressing through the Airmen Development Continuum.

WOFF Rob Swanwick,WOFF-AF

WORDS FROM A WOFF

NZ course inspires

WOFF Rudi Vitasz, of Air Mobility Group RAAF Base Richmond, kicks off a regular column from WOFFs

THE formation of the Combat Support Division (CSD) with-in Joint Operations Command is aimed at improving com-

mand and control of Combat Support Group (CSG) capabilities, according to the division’s interim director.

GPCAPT Rob Barnes (Res), who will serve as director until a permanent group captain is appointed early next year, said the change was in keeping with the principles of Plan Jericho.

The new division has been assigned to the Air Operations Centre and will sit alongside the Air Combat, Air Mobility and Command, Control, C o m m u n i c a t i o n s , C o m p u t e r s , In te l l igence , Survei l lance and

Reconnaissance divisions. It was stood up March 1 and is awaiting a formal sign-off with the Air Force Organisational Directive later this year.

Along with the raising of the CSD, the Combat Support Coordination Centre has been renamed the Combat Support Control Centre (CSCC), there-by acknowledging its new role in the command and control arrangements.

CSCC deputy director WGCDR Paul Rickert, who reports to GPCAPT Barnes, has worked on the finer detail of the transformation.

“Addressing deficiencies in the command and control of CSG ele-ments assigned to enable exercises and operations, as well as the shortcomings

in tactical level planning, force genera-tion, and raise, train and sustain activi-ties within the force element group, is affirming the critical nature of airbase operations,” WGCDR Rickert said.

The priority for the CSD and CSCC this year was to make the transition to full operational capabil-ity while maintaining CSG support to Defence activities, he said.

The transition would include mov-ing the new director and cadre staff to join the Air Operations Centre at Bungendore.

The CSCC will stay with the CSG Combined Headquarters at RAAF Base Amberley.

Raising a fresh approachNew division stands up to improve control of airbase operations

CO Combat Support Control Centre WGCDR Paul Rickert, right, with Executive Officer SQNLDR James Alexander. Photo: CPL Casey Gaul

FeatureRCEAIR F June 2, 2016 11

Camaraderie is the name of the games as our Invictus athletes compete with resilience and pride … and medals are a bonus

SQNLDR Danny Jeffrey, above right, goes in hard in the wheelchair basketball.

SERVING and former airmen and women were among the Aussie-led medal charge at this year’s Invictus Games (IG) in Orlando, Florida.

Nearly 500 competitors from 14 nations com-peted in 10 sports over seven days of competition at this year’s games.

Australia competed in every sport with a resilience and pride that honoured not only the individual athlete but their family, friends and fallen mates.

With a team of only 40 competitors, Australian athletes came away with an impressive five gold, five silver and six bronze medals.

Competing in his first games, CPL Ade Rolfe, of RAAF Base Williamtown, won silver and bronze medals in the IT6 200m and 100m running events respectively.

He also participated in swimming, rugby and basketball.“My standout moments were when those who hadn’t

done anything like this before achieved their goals,” he said.“It has been a full-on journey for all of us. It’s great see-

ing where people were and where they are now, since we all met for the first time at the first training camp at Randwick back in March.”

CPL Rolfe said the opportunity to mix with international athletes was phenomenal.

“It was an honour to race against other vision impaired guys, and to see how other teams reacted to wins and losses. Even though we lost a few team-based games, our heads never went down and that is what team Australia proudly does,” he said.

CPL Rolfe said he would like to get at least one more games under his belt and then take on a coaching role.

“I’d like to stay part of all this and be part of a core team.We are going to take a lot away from this in various areas, such as team management, administration and athletically,” he said.

Australian team vice-captain WOFF Tony Benfer, a phys-ical trainer at HMAS Cerberus, was competing in his second games and took part in wheelchair basketball, rugby, swim-ming and indoor rowing.

“Coming into it this time was a little different but just as exciting,” he said.

“To be able to impart some of my knowledge and exper-tise and try to calm the guys down was easy for me to do, especially with the experience of 2014 behind me.

“I was happy with my performances. I didn’t come last and I made a couple finals. I did all right in the rowing and I set some PBs.”

LAC Wade Roberts, from RAAF Base Edinburgh, recorded some personal bests and was happy with his overall performance in his first games, competing in cycling, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball.

“Some of my standout moments were competing and just finishing all my events,” he said.

“Seeing the camaraderie from the other competitors throughout the games and the way they helped each other was great.

“Invictus definitely exceeded my expectations. The facili-ties were fantastic, the staff were great, the volunteers were amazing.”

LAC Roberts said marching on for the opening ceremony was excellent.

“It was a fantastic experience. You felt like a rock star, with everybody clapping and cheering and the music going off. It was such an awesome experience,” he said.

“A goal of mine will definitely be selection for the 2017 games.”

Competing for the second time, SQNLDR Danny Jeffery, from RAAF Base Edinburgh, took on a mammoth workload, including sitting volleyball, wheelchair rugby and basketball, archery, shotput and track.

He said he had more of an idea what to expect in Orlando.

“There is a lot of hype around the games, which you are able to deal with easier the second time around,” he said.

“My expectation coming into this was pretty much look-ing at bringing the wounded, injured and ill family back together at an international level.

“It was great to see people you have met previously come from where they were then to where they are now.”

SQNLDR Jeffery said the games weren’t about medals but about competing to the best of your ability.

“We’re not professional athletes. We’re just a bunch of wounded, injured and ill veterans from across the world try-ing to find a new path in life and move forward,” he said.

“To walk out and represent your country is not something before IG I ever thought I would be doing. Through adap-tive sport I have been given opportunities to do that and I’m grateful for it.”

12 13RCEAIR FInvictus Games June 2, 2016

‘

THE spirit of the Invictus Games was evident in all arenas, but a couple of moments in particular cap-tured the camaraderie.

Former 3RAR soldier Mark Urquhart won three gold medals in wheelchair racing and a bronze in the indoor rowing and was behind an amazing display of sportsmanship that echoed around the world.

Urquhart, fresh from winning gold in the 100m wheelchair race, lead the gruelling 1500m race from the start to the final 10 metres, where American Stephen Simons pulled alongside him.

Unexpectedly, Urquhart reached back and gave the American a push into first place, giving up his own chance for the gold.

He said helping his American competitor was something many Australian soldiers would do.

“Steve was struggling that day as it was ex-tremely hot and his arms were fatiguing,” he said.

”I just reached out and helped him – it was just an Australian-soldier thing to do, to help another soldier out. This is what we do in the military – we help our mates across the line.”

Prince Harry praised the act during the closing ceremony of the games, later apologising to Urqu-hart for using his name without checking first.

“I said, ‘Harry, you can use my name wherever you want … just sayin’.”

In another display of sportsmanship, Randwick Barracks-based physical training instructor CPL Tim Boland stepped in when it became apparent the Afghan powerlifting team was short a coach.

Games officials noticed the sole lifter from Afghanistan was standing in the waiting area alone and asked if anyone could help with coaching and strapping in. CPL Boland put his hand up.

“This poor guy couldn’t understand the com-mands and didn’t make his first two lifts,” he said.

“After I managed to find someone who spoke his language and we worked out how to communicate the sequence to him, he smashed his third lift. I think it was actually a PB, so he was stoked.

“Even though he didn’t medal, it felt pretty good to be able to help him out.”

A fighting chance for all

Mark Urquhart gives Stephen Simons a push towards gold at the finish of the 100m.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

With a contingent of more than 120 people made up of serving and former serving defence personnel, and a large group of civilian family and friends, it is an unconventional group to take away on a complex overseas activity.

We did so and it was an incredible success. It felt great to have, at the end of the day, built some sense of identity and esprit de corps across the group, and that proceeded very posi-tively throughout this year’s games.

COL Phil Langworthy, Chef de Mission

The Invictus Games in numbers: Seven days of competition; 10 sports; 149 events; 14 nations; 3064 starters in events; 410 medals; 836 volunteers; 1008 family and friends (with 239 children); 13 support dogs; 55,886 spectators; and 19,152 meals

An official medal tally between nations wasn’t kept as the Invictus Games encourages wounded and injured servicemen and women to use the power of sport

to inspire recovery and rehabilitation.

EVERYBODY COUNTS

CPL Ade Rolfe on his way to a bronze medal in the 100m track event and, inset, accepting his medal.

LAC Wade Roberts in full flight.

THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY

Words and photos: LS Jayson Tufrey

WOFF Tony Benfer competes in a breaststroke heat.

The Australian Invictus games team at the Shades of Green athletes village, Orlando.

Feature RCEAIR F June 2, 201614

FLGOFF Elise Carey (pictured right) suspects her gender is more of a help than a hindrance in her job as a supply adviser to the Afghan Air Force (AAF).

Working with Train Advise Assist Command – Air (TAAC-Air), at Hamid Karzai International Airport, FLGOFF Carey is helping the AAF to develop a pro-fessional, independent and sustainable air force.

“As a woman, I haven’t found any challenges working with the AAF and feel that the Afghans are very open with me, maybe even more so because I am a woman,” she said.

“We do rely on interpreters to enable communica-tion with our Afghan counterparts, which can be diffi-cult at times. However, we are lucky to have excellent locally engaged staff supporting us.”

FLGOFF Carey’s team is responsible for provid-ing supply chain advice to the commander of the AAF Logistics Kandak.

“We meet the AAF supply staff to provide advice on their supply issues, such as fuel requirements or vehicle management,” she said.

“It’s been an eye-opening experience to see how Afghans and our other coalition partners, such as the US, work together.”

FLGOFF Carey, who joined the Air Force in 2011, said her role in Kabul was diverse compared to some of the Operation Highroad deployment opportunities.

“The deployment has given me a fantastic oppor-tunity to be able to contribute to the AAF through the TAAC-Air mission.”

FLTLT Esther Suh’s deployment as the staff officer to Commander Task Group Afghanistan BRIG Cheryl Pearce has allowed her to spread her

wings.Her duties in Kabul include the aide-

de-camp role as well as staff officer duties such as visits liaison and support tasks.

During her deployment she has con-ducted visits to the Australian Embassy, and has also escorted the Australian Prime Minister, the Chief of Joint Operations, the forces entertainment tour musicians and politicians with the ADF Parliamentarian Program.

“It’s a rare opportunity as an Air Force Officer to be deployed in a triservice envi-ronment within a land operation and not be in direct support of air operations,” she said.

FLTLT Suh, who joined the Air Force in 2008, has drawn on her experience as a per-sonnel capability officer and staff officer to Commander Air Mobility Group to ensure BRIG Pearce can focus on Australia’s con-tribution to the Resolute Support mission.

“I was able to use my prior skills and experience to fulfil the position and focus

on the commander’s requirements,” she said.

“The challenge for this deployment is Task Group Afghanistan is scattered across the country. There are people located in Headquarters Resolute Support (RS), Camp Qargha, Kandahar Airfield and Bagram Airfield who all provide support to the RS mission.

“The real challenge was to create a con-nection with all locations and the key per-sonnel I needed to speak with to ensure the commander could tap into them when required to get the information she needed.”

FLTLT Suh said one of the highlights of the job was working directly for an Army one-star officer who was a “great mentor”.

“The most rewarding challenge is work-ing within the coalition environment of 40 nations, all with differing cultures and ways of doing business.

“Once I was able to adapt to and iden-tify these differences, I was able to effec-tively create key relationships and networks making my role much easier. The deploy-ment has given me the opportunity to wit-ness ADF’s contribution to the Middle East region from a strategic perspective.”

RESOLUTE AND

RESILIENT

Staff officer lands a rare opportunity

‘Afghans are very open with me’

FLTLT Esther Suh, deployed as the staff officer to Commander Task Group Afghanistan. Photos: CPL Mark Doran

FeatureRCEAIR F June 2, 2016 15

WORKING with people from 40 part-ner nations as an embedded NATO personnel capability officer (PCO) at Headquarters Resolute Support in Kabul has been a highlight of WGCDR Wendy Gill’s career.

“It’s certainly broadened my per-spective and understanding, not just of NATO, but of the different militaries who contribute to Resolute Support and their ways of doing business and managing personnel,” she said.

Even though “there can be language barriers and learning the NATO acro-nyms was like starting my career all over again”, WGCDR Gill, who joined the Air Force in 1996, said it didn’t take long to settle in to her first deploy-ment.

“It’s always a challenge to be out of my comfort zone and away from my home and family, but it also shows how resilient we can be,” she said.

WGCDR Gill (pictured right) brings her experience as a PCO and as former CO of the RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training to her job as part of the team managing the NATO Crisis Establishment.

She works in the Deputy Chief of Staff – Support Division, which looks after medical, logistics, engineering and personnel positions.

“I have a small multinational team with staff from Italy, Bulgaria, the US, the Netherlands, Romania and Australia,” she said.

“We constantly review the Resolute Support establishment as the mission evolves, in what is a very dynamic environment.

“I plan the strategic organisation we need to support the mission while others in our division work on the man-ning to ensure there are bodies against each of the positions.

“I do the places, they do the faces,” she said.

WGCDR Gill said that, once set-tled, she realised personnel manage-ment, filling positions and understand-ing the Resolute Support mission was similar to her previous Air Force roles.

“I still need to think outside the box and sometimes shift our resources in

Hard to beat such a dynamic roleAS THE finance adviser for Task Group Afghanistan, FLTLT Lucy Bree (pictured) knows things are on track when people leave her alone.

“As long as everything goes smoothly and no one needs to see me, it means I’m doing my job,” she said.

FLTLT Bree manages the task group’s budget and provides fi-nancial advice to the Commander, BRIG Cheryl Pearce, and other staff officers.

“I also manage payments for the ADF’s life support arrange-ments, such as accommodation, food, water, fuel, maintenance and cleaning at Kabul Internation-al Airport, Headquarters Resolute Support and Camp Qargha,” she said.

“A lot of our finances also go to the mutual logistics support we receive from the US and the UK, who operate the facilities.

“The main challenge, but also the best part of the job, is the highly dynamic environment.

“I normally work as a logistics officer, but I have found my expe-

rience in contract management, procurement and mutual logistics very helpful in the finance role.”

FLTLT Bree, who joined the Air Force in 2006, said the support arrangements were constantly changing, which meant she needed to adapt to bill payment processes, money going in and out, and tracking what is sup-ported.

“We ensure the correct ar-rangements are in place for the newer additions to the task group, particularly with recent changes to Train Advise Assist Command – Air (TAAC-Air) and the Kabul Garrison Command Advisory Team (KGC-AT),” she said.

“Everybody plays an impor-tant role and our headquarters supports all Australian personnel, including the advisors and force protection personnel at the Af-ghan National Army Officer Acad-emy, the mentors at the KGC-AT and advisors at the TAAC-Air.

“Our role is to look after their support arrangements so they can focus on their job.”

Some of our top personnel are working in diverse positions during

their deployments to Afghanistan on Operation Highroad.

CPL Mark Doran meets them

Making a difference outside the comfort zone

order to meet the strategic intent,” she said.

It was important for her to be a part of the Resolute Support mission.

“We are here to help make Afghanistan a safer place,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter what our support role is, because we all feel as though we are making a difference.”‘Learning the NATO

acronyms was like starting my career all over again.

WGCDR Wendy Gill PCO Headquarters

Resolute Support

BONUS$250

Fuel or eGift CardWhen you finalise your lease by 15/06/16†

With salarypackaging

Your savings

TOTAL SAVINGS(over 3 years)

Without salarypackaging

$0GST

$0Income tax $3,644Income tax

$1,818*GST

$0 $12,750

Vehicle expenses(per year)

Includes vehicle finance and running costs likeregistration, insurance, fuel and maintenance. $13,439Post-tax

$8,645Pre-tax

$4,132Post-tax

$0Pre-tax

Example based on a 2013 Mazda 3 Maxx Sport Autovalued at $20,000 at the time of entering the lease, anddriving 15,000 km per year.

on thevalue of the car

on thevalue of the car

per yearper year

Salary packageyour current carand save thousands.

^To be able to salary package your current car, it has to be less than 8 years old at the end of the lease. †To receive a $250 Fuel or eGift card your novated lease (either on your existingvehicle or a new lease) needs to be settled through Smartleasing before 15/06/2016. Please ensure that you mention this offer when speaking with your leasing consultant. *Whenentering into a novated lease on your existing car you may choose to claim the GST on the valuation of the car at the time of entering the lease (an additional fee may be applicable).**Savings example is indicative only and is based on the following assumptions: living in NSW 2123, salary: $70,000 gross p.a., travelling 15,000 kms p.a., lease term: 36 months,salary packaging 2013 Mazda 3 Maxx Sport Auto, valued at $20,000. All tax savings calculations include budgets for fuel, servicing, tyres, maintenance and re-registration over theperiod of the lease. These calculations also include comprehensive motor insurance, 2 year extended warranty and gold aftermarket pack, which includes window tint as part ofthe offer. The total amount saved is a comparison to financing the purchase price of the vehicle over 3 years and paying for all running and maintenance costs out of your post-taxearnings. Your actual savings will depend on your income tax bracket, the GST processing method nominated by your employer, administration fees payable under your employer’ssalary packaging plan and your personal circumstances. Residual value is $9,685.41 including GST at the end of the lease term. The vehicle can be sold or re-leased to payout theresidual at end of the lease term.

Love yourcurrent car?Then keep it! Whether you ownyour car or it's under finance,you can salary package it andsave thousands with a novatedcar lease^.

Find out how much you could save.

**

1300 162 721airforceleasing.com.au

When you join Defence Health, it’s our job to take care of you like part of the family. And we love our job.We understand the lifestyle of serving members, which is why we offer tailored health cover with higherbenefits exclusively for ADF and Reservist families. Our ADF Total Package includes higher benefits ondental, speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, antenatal and postnatal services and more.

Join the family. Call 1800 335 425 or visit defencehealth.com.au

OUR ONLYMISSIONIS TO LOOKAFTER YOU.

17June 2, 2016RCEAIR F Feature

Best of westExercise Western Phoenix is a fitting result amid change, writes FLTLT Shannon Monk

WITH feathers the same colour as the red earth of Australia’s north west, the Phoenix of 79SQN was seen flying high over the Exmouth Peninsula as

it achieved one month’s flying in 10 days.Exercise Western Phoenix, held between

May 2 and 12, gave Initial Fighter Course (IFC) trainees the experience of flying in a dif-ferent environment from RAAF Base Pearce.

Importantly, it provided clear airspace and good weather so trainees could conduct forma-tion flying as well as low level navigation.

CO 79SQN WGCDR Graham Williams said aircrew students were able to conduct flying from another base location that added complexity to the course.

“It allows them to practise flying in unfa-miliar airspace, to unknown airfields and experience deploying away from their home location. All of which are important skills for fighter aircrew,” WGCDR Williams said.

Eight Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter Jets were deployed to RAAF Learmonth, along with 79SQN support personnel.

Despite the change to living arrangements at RAAF Learmonth following the devastation of Cyclone Olwyn in 2015, the operation’s tempo for the deployment was very high.

“We have achieved approximately one month’s worth of flying in 10 days. An excel-lent rate of effort considering this is a remote airfield with bare base support functions,” WGCDR Williams said.

A new member to 79SQN, LACW Jazmin Ohl, said: “It was great to experience a remote part of Western Australia as well as having the ability to bond with squadron members we would not normally see on a day to day basis.”

While in Learmonth, aircrew and other members of 79SQN conducted a school visit to Exmouth District High to talk to the students about what it’s like to fly and maintain aircraft in the Air Force.

79SQN regularly make visits to local schools in the areas where they deploy and enjoy the opportunity to support the local com-munity.

PLTOFF Dylan West-Coad, a pilot, said he really enjoyed the opportunity to visit the chil-dren and to “share my story with them”.

“It’s great to be able to show support to the community as they are always welcoming when we visit.”

This was the last opportunity for 79SQN to exercise deployed operations as a wholly uniformed body, after July 2016, the main-tenance component of the squadron will be formally handed over to BAE Systems as part of LIFCAP (Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program).

IFC members are aiming to have completed Phase 1 and 2 of IFC by June before posting to 76SQN at RAAF Williamtown to undertake the tactical phases of the course.

79SQN deploys to RAAF Learmonth for Exercise Western Phoenix (above); formation training over the North West coast of Western Australia (main).

1300 738 601www.fleetnetwork.com.au/defence

Packageanewcarandsaveontax

Let the team at Fleet Networkshow you how to save thousandswhen buying your next new car.It’s all about using your pre-taxsalary, and taking advantage ofall the additional benefits onlyFleet Network can offer.

It’s worth a call –it’s your salary, after all.

Fleet Network Pty Ltd. To qualify for this offer you must mention this advertisement to Fleet Network prior to the completion of your initial contract. Vehicle must be new and supplied byFleet Network. Not valid in conjunction with any other current Fleet Network offers. Employees should consult their employer’s salary packaging policy before entering into a contract.*Subject to Employer policy. Vehicle for illustration purposes only.

Mention this advertprior to completingyour contract andget a bonus Fit BitCharge HR or aniPad Mini whenyour newvehicle isdelivered!

18 June 2, 2016RCEAIR FInnovation

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

A DRAB and tired-looking Air Movements section at RAAF Base Richmond has been given a new lease of life thanks to a morale-boost refur-bishment that also features Air Force values.

A change of paint colour from muted pink and cream to a deep blue aptly named ‘Squadron’ has been a big morale boost to Richmond members.

2IC 22SQN Air Movements FLGOFF Nick Pope had also arranged for broken equipment to be fixed and work areas to be updated with more DRN terminals to support their work.

“A run-down workplace affects morale and with so many other mis-sion priorities, it was pushed aside,” said FLGOFF Pope.

“Now, we have installed 10 new DRN terminals to allow our air load teams to complete their work simulta-neously, as well as updated furniture and facility repairs with the support of some great individuals at Brookfields and Estate and Infrastructure Group.

“When I first arrived at the section, there was no Air Force branding. I painted the mural and walls to enhance ‘esprit de corps’ and create something that the team would be proud of.”

FLGOFF Pope said he was moti-vated to provide the best possible work environment by building on Air Force values and the CAF’s intent which has a theme – people.

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

A RECENT change to the Manual of Dress will allow female members to wear flat shoes and wedge heels as an option to court shoes when wearing service dress as working dress.

This change was the direct result of SQNLDR Elizabeth Harrison developing the concept and working directly with the Warrant Officer of the Air Force, WOFF Rob Swanwick, to get the change implemented as quickly as possible.

SQNLDR Harrison, of Logistics Branch, said she decided to put for-ward the idea following her return from maternity leave, when she real-ised how uncomfortable court shoes were during a full work day.

“Instead of complaining about my uncomfortable shoes, I decided to do something about it,” said SQNLDR Harrison.

“WOFF Swanwick was suggested to me as the ideal person to submit my proposal and he was immediately supportive.

“I think that it is important that we have a comfortable, stylish and pro-fessional shoe that we can wear with our uniforms.”

Responding within a day, WOFF Swanwick supported the idea and began working with Air Force’s clothing committee representative WGCDR Robyne Green and the Clothing Systems Program Office to get the change made within three weeks.

“This is just one of the many great examples of innovation within Air Force which we were able to quickly put in place,” WOFF Swanwick said.

SQNLDR Harrison is happy with the outcome and how simple it is to effect change in Air Force.

“I was very impressed at how quickly the change has been approved. It really is a perfect exam-ple of Air Force’s learning and adap-tive culture,” SQNLDR Harrison said.

Further detail on approved styles of shoes can be found in AFHQ notice 014/16.

Lovin’ the vibeThere is nothing like a clever refurbishment to boost morale

FLGOFF Nicholas Pope stands proudly in front of the new breakout area at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

All the updates have boosted the morale of the Air Movements team.

In her six years at Richmond, Air Load Team supervisor CPL Karly Bagley has seen the morale drop, and now improve, over time.

“As everything got a bit more run-down, morale dropped. But since we worked together to fix everything including our team breakout area, it’s been a great morale booster as we now have a place to share ideas,” said CPL Bagley.

“Our new DRN terminals mean we always have enough for each shift and we can get our work done efficiently.

“I think all these changes have cre-ated a flow on effect to the team, creat-ing more pride in our workplace. The Air Movements section is a great place to work.”

The 22SQN Air Movements team has created a sense of pride in their workplace and encouraged a bottom-up innovation in Air Force.

One giant step forwardA fitting change allows for this new style of service dress footwear.

Air Force families and active Reservists are eligible for a 10%discount. Make the simple switch at navyhealth.com.au

Wear a differentkind of uniform?You’re still ourkind of member.

navyhealth.com.au1300 306 289

19June 2, 2016RCEAIR F New Horizon

IT CAN be tempting to think that people in the junior ranks have little influence over other members and a minimal effect on unit behaviours

and culture. But three junior members have spo-

ken about their experiences with val-ues-based behaviour in the Air Force.

They believe it is possible to be a great role model, to stand up when it counts and to have an effect on the culture.

CPL Matthew Hume recalls a situa-tion where he noticed some behaviours within a unit that put maintenance staff, aircrew, Air Force assets and the public at risk.

He decided to address the issue. The first time he spoke up, he felt he didn’t get much of a response.

It was as if the behaviours leading to the risk were seen as a bit of harm-less fun and part of the normal culture.

He persisted, raising it at a higher level. This time, unit leadership took action to ensure the behaviour aligned

with Air Force values and did not undermine safety.

“It took a lot of strength to speak up against my mates, but I learnt you need to speak up on matters of integ-rity,” CPL Hume said.

CPL Sarah-Jane Newell reflected on the influence of a SGT she worked for in the past who taught her that what you do matters far more than what you say.

“Under her guidance I learnt that honesty and communication are key to building and maintaining an effective and efficient team and workplace. We learnt to respect each others’ differ-ences, our strengths and weaknesses,” CPL Newell said.

“But it wasn’t just the things that were said. You communicate so much more with your behaviour and atti-tude towards a situation than with your actual words.

“If you consistently demonstrate that you are striving for excellence in all that you do, then you are uncon-

sciously positively influencing the other people around you who are look-ing to you for guidance.

“It’s not what you do or the amount you do, it’s the behaviour and attitude you display that makes the difference.”

LACW Samantha Johnston said working among people committed to doing the right thing has enhanced her induction into Air Force life.

“At the heart of capability are peo-ple: you and I, regardless of rank. We all have a responsibility to live by the Air Force values. If we’re doing the right thing, then living by the values should be easy,” she said.

LACW Johnston said she rejected the idea that you need lots of rank in order to make a difference.

“Do I feel like I am making a dif-

ference as an LACW? Absolutely. This has been made possible by being sur-rounded by people who are support-ive and strive to live by the Air Force values.

“I know that I play a part in making the Air Force great, I know that my actions today and tomorrow will be influencing the future Air Force.”

Is New Horizon the responsibility of senior leaders and commanders or can people at all levels make a difference?

Rise from the ranks

Personnel of all ranks can make a difference to Air Force culture and behaviour. Photo: CPL Terry Hartin

Defending Australia and its National Interestswww.defence.gov.au

FUNDAMENTALINPUTS TOCAPABILITY

The Defence and Industry Conferencecontinues to be a key event for Defence andindustry collaboration.The Government has a clear intent to reset andtransform the Defence and industry relationship. Usingthis intent, and acknowledging industry as a fundamentalinput to capability, the 2016 conference will focuson delegate involvement with concise and thought-provoking presentations, Q&A panel sessions andinteractive feedback on key topics.

With a renewed focus on efficiency and relevance, thiswill be a highly affordable, practical and productiveconference.

For more information about the conference, including theevent program and how to register, visit our websitewww.defence.gov.au/casg/DplusI/

CANBERRA CONVENTION CENTRE – 15 JUNE

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

THE Air Mobility Training and Development Uni t and No. 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron have tested one of the decision sup-port tools developed by Project Suakin to support the ADF Total Workforce Model.

The exercise involved the applica-tion of the Service Spectrum Options Generator to each unit. This tool pro-vides a structured framework to allow an organisation to identify the poten-tial range of Service Category and Service Options for each position.

The trial, held in April, assisted the unit to consider a wider variety of possible staffing solutions, includ-ing combinations of part-time work and job sharing. It will provide more information to both the unit and to the Directorate of Personnel – Air Force, particularly as planning for the 2017 posting plot progresses.

AMTDU Fl ight Commander SQNLDR Brent Vujcich took part in the trial and identified some alternative options for filling positions.

“In my team of four positions, we currently have a vacancy which has been difficult to fill. Through the SSOG tool, we identified a position that could be job-shared, giving more options to DP-AF when considering ways to staff the position,” SQNLDR Vujcich said.

AMTDU personnel capabi l -ity officer FLTLT Darren Carruthers found the trial of the SSOG tool could be beneficial for the unit.

Trial gets thumbs up The Defence Customer Satisfac-tion Survey is now open and it offers you a chance to have your say on a range of services. In the last six months, have you used any services from the following enablers below?

♦ ICT♦ Base services♦ Non materiel procurement♦ Legal♦ Finance♦ Geospatial information♦ Security♦ People services♦ APS education & training♦ Communication & public affairs♦ Audit and assurance

If yes, then the VCDF VADM Ray Griggs and Associate Secre-tary Brendan Sargeant invite you to participate in the survey and provide feedback.

Defence has conducted two surveys to date and it is using the results you provide to guide service improvement initiatives.

The survey, which opened on June 1 and will close on June 24, is your opportunity to provide feedback such as: Was it good? Did it take too long? How could it be improved? Was it simple or overly complex?

All Defence personnel will be sent an email from VCDF and Associate Secretary inviting you to participate. The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete.

For more, visit the Defence Corporate and Enabling Services website (main page of the DRN, fourth box down on right-hand side).

HAVE YOUR SAY

“This tool will give unit COs more flexibility to deliver capability by giv-ing them more options. The trial also helped to improve my understand-ing of the Total Workforce Model,” FLTLT Carruthers said.

3AMES PCO FLGOFF Olivia Quat t rocchi sa id she fe l t the SSOG was a straightforward and user-friendly tool for identifying workforce flexibility options.

“With a large Reserve work-force, the SSOG tool will allow us to effectively engage our personnel and provide our supervisors with more options to fill roles. I can also see how the Total Workforce Model could make a career in Defence more attrac-tive by offering greater flexibility,” FLGOFF Quattrocchi said.

The results of the unit trials will now be passed to the Directorate

of Personnel to assist with upcom-ing posting plots for AMTDU and 3AMES. Once the best way to use the information tool is evaluated, it will be made available to all units.

For further information and to view the TWM Service Spectrum, visit the TWM-AF website at http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/PERSAF/TWM-AF/Pages/TWM-AF.aspx or contact AirForce.TWM@defence.gov.au

Michael Brinums, right, a consultant from Ernst Young, discusses the Total Workforce Model with FLGOFFs Daniel Jaber, left, and Olivia Quattrocchi at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

20 June 2, 2016RCEAIR FPersonnel

21June 2, 2016RCEAIR F Flightline

MOTHER’S DAY DURING OPERATION OKRA

LAC Wade Roberts, aircraft technician from No. 10 Squadron, proudly promotes the Biggest Morning Tea, which raises awareness and funds for the Cancer Council on May 26. LAC Roberts organised the event, which was avidly supported by No. 92 Wing personnel. Photo: CPL David Cotton

CPL Luke Coghlan, of the Air Force School of Technical Training School, assists female technical trade camp participant Kate into a EOD-9 bomb protection suit. The camp, held at RAAF Base Wagga between May 16 and 19, is an initiative to increase capability through diversity and female recruitment. Photo: SGT Pete Gammie

Air Force supply clerks, LACW Rhonelle Christie and LACW Kerry Paszyn, display photos of their families to celebrate Mother’s Day while on deployment in the Middle East region. Photos: CPL Nicci Freeman

Above: CPL Lauren Gartrell, Communications information systems controller, holds a picture of her young son.Below: CPL Liz Mills, operations assistant, personnel capability specialist, Skypes home to her family.

CPL Nicci Freeman, Air Force imagery specialist, opens some of the gifts sent to her.

Air Force chaplain SQNLDR Robyn Kidd reads the Mother’s Day card sent to her by her son Michael.

1300 784 246 or visit www.spect.com.au FULLY ACCREDITED WITH AMB (ADCU), NAB, DHOAS LOAN PROVIDERS

Wealth for Defence

Spectrum is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, RegisteredTax Agent & Australian Credit Licence Holder.

Scan here tovisit our website!

BOOK NOW FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

LET’S HAVECOFFEE

Current Financial Situation

Home Loan

Property Expenses- Home or Investment

Defence Entitlements (eg DHOAS)

Tax Returns & Tax Planning

Free no obligationchat with our DefenceSpecialists

TO REVIEW YOUR:

FREE AIR FORCE NEWS APPDownload yours today!

Your free appis now

available onTablet and

Smartphone

UNLESS you’re planning on a long, gruelling training ses-sion or sweating for a couple of hours in the sun, the experts say

there’s probably no need for coloured sports drinks full of sugar and salt.

Sports drinks are often marketed as a source of fuel and hydration, boasting electrolytes that help with muscle con-traction and carbohydrates for energy.

While they may help the serious ath-lete, Dr Kate Pumpa, a sports dietitian at the University of Canberra, said they weren’t suited to all training regimes.

“If you’re just the average Jo trying to lose weight, who jumps on a treadmill and jogs slowly for 30 minutes, having that sports drink is probably not going to help,” she said.

“Consuming a sports drink after a short bout of exercise will probably result in more calories going in than being expended through the workout, with a net weight gain after the session.

“Most people eat and drink enough throughout the day to meet their energy needs for exercise.”

Sports drinks allow for carbohydrates and electrolytes to be rapidly absorbed, meaning they start becoming useful dur-ing prolonged exercise, Dr Pumpa said.

“If you’re exercising for longer than 45-60 minutes at a high intensity or you’re exercising in the heat, that’s when they become useful,” she said.

“If you’re doing endurance sports or exercising over a long period of time they can help you exercise for longer.”

The sweetness of most sports drinks could help athletes stay hydrated by promoting fluid ingestion, according to research quoted by the Australian Institute of Sport. Fluids were also better replaced after athletes were offered a fla-voured sports drink, as opposed to water.

Cool fluids were found to be more appealing to athletes exercising in hot

Orange sports drink ½ cup of sugar ¼ tsp salt ¼ cup hot water ¼ cup orange juice 2 tbsp of lemon juice 3½ cups cold water Dissolve the salt and hot water. Mix remaining and chill.Recipe from Nancy Clark’s Sport Nutrition Guidebook

Pineapple coconut sports drink 1 cup of water 1 cup of pineapple juice 1 cup of coconut water 1/8 tsp of salt Mix all ingredients, stir or shake to dis-solve salt and chill.Recipe from http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2014/07/07/how-to-make-your-own-delicious-sports-drink/

Isotonic sports drink50-80g sucrose1ltr warm waterPinch of saltSugar-free cordial for flavourOR500ml water500ml unsweetened fruit juicePinch of saltRecipe from https://www.indi.ie/fact-sheets/fact-sheets-on-sports-nutrition/547-food-and-fluid-for-your-marathon.html

Sugar is sweet in a sweatSports drinks can be a waste of energy in many cases, CPL Max Bree writes

DO IT YOURSELF

conditions or those who became hot through high-intensity exercise.

Sports drinks served in “slushie” or ice slurry form could be used before, during and after exercise as part of a cooling strategy in hot conditions.

Another study found enhanced immune function when carbohydrates were replaced during prolonged exercise.

22 June 2, 2016RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

Sports drinks may not be suited to exercise that does not get you in a lather.

1300 131 050www.stratton.com.au

TRANSPARENTNOVATEDLEASING

23June 2, 2016RCEAIR F Sp rt

LEUT Kirsti Burtenshaw

AIR Force’s SGT Brooke Saunders has been named captain of the triservice women’s squad after the ADF Rugby Union Championships in Brisbane.

SGT Saunders’ appointment, along with the selection of six of her teammates in the squad, was a highlight of the championships for Air Force.

“To have the opportunity of training and playing in a profession-al environment and for Air Force is an amazing experience,” she said.

“But to represent the ADF in an

international environment is an hon-our and a role I won’t take lightly.”

Neither the men’s nor the wom-en’s teams were able to record a win at the event, at Ballymore Stadium from May 15-21, but the experience was invaluable for both sides.

The championships were an opportunity for teams from all three services to not only train and play in a professional environment, but to play on a ground steeped in Australian rugby tradition.

Air Force men’s coach SGT Andrew Gordon-Douglas said the lead-up training camp and the com-petition itself were “pivotal” to the

development of Air Force players, coaches and officials.

“Although it didn’t show on the results board, there were lots of pos-itives to come out of the experience and that is priceless,” he said.

Apart from SGT Saunders, the Air Force women to make the squad, which may tour the US this year, were OFFCDT Izzy Atkinson-Smi th , SGT Debbie Gry l l s , FLGOFF Sarah Hume, FLTLT Stephanie Medcalf, FLTLT Katilyn O’Brien and LACW Brodie Stewart.

The Air Force members selected in the men’s squad were LAC Tyson Kilmister and LAC Tagaloa Simon.

CPL Max Bree

AUSTRALIA was too classy for their Kiwi rivals, with the ADF side dominat-ing the New Zealand Police Force to win 40-18 in a Rugby League Anzac test match in Newcastle on May 6.

Both sides struggled for the upper hand in the opening 20 minutes before Australia piled on 22 unanswered points in the back end of the first half.

ADF captain CPL Mitchell Knowles said it didn’t initially look to be a high-scoring game.

“It was a bit of an arm wrestle for the first 15-20 minutes until we got the first try and kept going from there,” he said.

“After we got a few tries, they got a bit deflated and that fed our confidence.”

Aussie dominance continued in the second half, with the lead stretching to 34-0 eight minutes in.

The Kiwis cracked the Aussies’ defence later in the second half to put their first try on the board.

But it was quickly answered when the Aussies made a line-break that led to a try under the posts.

A late fightback by the Kiwis got them to 18 points before the final siren.

“They were fast in the middle and fast out wide but they couldn’t match our skill,” front-rower AB Jimmy Ryan said.

CPL Knowles credited the front row-ers with keeping the side moving up the field.

“Without our forwards the scoreline would have been much different. Our forwards just dominated across the park,” he said.

The game also gave the Australian side the chance to identify problems with their gameplay.

“I was happy with our structure, defence and intensity. We just shut off a little in parts. We just need to play for the full match and not back off,” CPL Knowles said.

“It was a bit disappointing we didn’t stop them at one try and they managed to get 18 points.”

CPL Knowles said the Anzac test was also good preparation for future contests.

“It’s a good lead-up to the World Cup next year. Hopefully we’ll get a few more games in between now and then,” he said.

“Any time we can run together is always good for confidence and team cohesion.”

COMPETING on a field or on the water’s surface, like most sportspeople, doesn’t suit FLTLT Stewart Parkinson, who prefers to take on competitors at the bottom of a swimming pool.

Equipped with a snorkel, fins and stick FLTLT Parkinson competes in the oxygen-starved sport of underwater hockey, and was a member of the Australian team that won the world championships in South Africa in early April.

More than 20 countries play the sport and FLTLT Parkinson, who has been play-ing for 20 years, said Australia constantly fielded strong teams.

“Australians tend to be around the water doing a lot of fishing, diving or surf-ing, plus there’s pools all over the country. There’s also a whole bunch of our players who are … in the Australian spear-fishing team,” he said.

The Aussies finished third in their quali-fying group at the world championships then beat France, 5-2, in their quarter-final. They blitzed Colombia, 4-0, in the semis then Turkey, 3-0, in the grand final.

“I don’t think anyone expected the Turks to be as good as they were. They were really fast, big, physical dudes,” FLTLT Parkinson said.

He said the other teams struggled with Australia’s “more open and spaced-out” style.

But players need to worry about them-selves as much as the other team’s tactics during games.

“It’s hard to be able to stay down for any more than 20 seconds,” he said.

“It’s like trying to swim as fast as you can while holding your breath, taking a couple of breaths and then doing it again. You do that repetitively for 30 minutes.

Captain’s job caps it all offWinners aren’t the only grinners at rugby championships

LAC Haydon Turner kicks for a conversion against Army at the ADF Rugby Union Championships.Photo: CPL Casey Gaul

Front rowers put best foot forwards

CPL Mitchell Knowles breaks through the defence during the rugby league Anzac test against the New Zealand Police Force. Photo: SGT Shane Gidall

The sport where you sink and swimVeteran underwater hockey player FLTLT Stewart Parkinson is happy not to keep his head above water.

NEW ENEMIES FOLLOW OUR veterans HOMEMany returning veterans come home only to face new enemies – enemies they’ve never been

trained to fight. DefenceCare helps them with these battles.

To give $5, please text ‘CARE’ to 1990 1111. fightingnewenemies.com.auJames DallasAustralian VeteranClaims Manager, DefenceCare

Peter Hartung German WW2 Veteran

SP RTJune 2, 2016

RISING TO THE TOP

Forward momentum

P23

Captaincy the reward for a

job well donePage 23

Air Force’s SGT Brooke Saunders contests a

line-out against Army’s LT Sharyn Laws during

the ADF Rugby Union Championships in

Brisbane.Photo: CPL Casey Gaul