AIRF RCEVol. 59, No. 1, February 9, 2017 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

MIGHTY LIFT

Spartan shines with IOC milestone

PAGE 6

CPL Matthew Spriggs cleans a flight deck window on A34-005, 35SQN’S newest C-27J Spartan

battlefield air lifter at RAAF Base Richmond.

Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

CAF unveils Air Force Strategy – pages 4-5REVEALED:

Exercise Red FlagOur members test their

mettle in the US PAGE 2

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2 February 9, 2017RCEAIR FNews

AIRF RCEVol. 59, No. 1, February 9, 2017 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

MIGHTY LIFT

Spartan shines with IOC milestone

PAGE 6

CPL Matthew Spriggs cleans a flight deck window on A34-005, 35SQN’S newest C-27J Spartan

battlefield air lifter at RAAF Base Richmond.

Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

CAF unveils Air Force Strategy – pages 4-5REVEALED:

Exercise Red FlagOur members test their

mettle in the US PAGE 2

FLTLT Eamon Hamilton

AUSTRALIA has taken a lead role in the latest iteration of Exercise Red Flag.

Held from Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada from January 23 to February 10, Exercise Red Flag 17-1 involves ADF personnel working alongside counterparts from the US and UK.

For the first time, RAAF person-nel will lead the exercise’s Combined Air and Space Operations Centre (CAOC), playing a key role in how missions are planned and executed.

The RAAF has also deployed an E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warn-ing and control aircraft to the exer-cise, along with a C-130J Hercules transport and a combat control team from No. 4 Squadron.

Air battlespace managers from 41 Wing will control Red Flag mis-sions to the Nevada Test and Training Range, a 31,000-square-kilometre

area of desert that simulates the threats of a modern battlespace.

RAAF Contingent Commander and Director of the exercise CAOC GPCAPT Stuart Bellingham said this was the first time a coalition nation other than the US had taken the lead in planning and executing Red Flag’s “air war”.

“Australia’s participation in Exercise Red Flag will enable coa-lition partners to better understand how we operate, and likewise con-solidates our strong working relation-ships,” GPCAPT Bellingham said.

“Each Red Flag mission involves a large number of aircraft and sys-tems having to work as a cohesive network in order to overcome a range of threats, requiring a deep under-standing of each other’s roles and capabilities.”

The RAAF’s involvement with this exercise also offers insights into systems that will be key to moderni-sation efforts under Plan Jericho.

The US Air Force (USAF) is debuting the F-35A Lighting II in Exercise Red Flag 17-1, while the US Navy has returned with the EA-18G Growler.

“This exercise is an ideal envi-ronment for our personnel to experi-ence how the Growler and F-35A are integrated within a larger mission,” GPCAPT Bellingham said.

“Both provide capabilities that are entirely new to the ADF and will be important pieces in how Air Force conducts operations into the future.”

This year also involves a size-able Royal Air Force contingent, including the Typhoon strike fight-er, Voyager tanker, Hercules and RC-135 Rivet joint surveillance air-craft.

Exercise Red Flag also plac-es a strong emphasis domains of a modern battlespace outside flying, including the effects of space-based systems and cyberspace.

Many of these capabilities are a

far cry from how air campaigns were conducted when the Red Flag exer-cise series was established in late 1975.

Its origins are in the experienc-es of the USAF during the Vietnam War, in which many personnel had little prior experience of training for a conventional conflict.

“Exercise Red Flag was estab-lished by the USAF to provide per-sonnel with an experience of modern combat operations, and to show them how to overcome the threats they might face,” GPCAPT Bellingham said.

“Since the RAAF first participat-ed in Exercise Red Flag in 1980, this exercise has informed both how we train our people and develop our air power.”

  More news about Exercise Red Flag 17-1 will be fea-tured in the next edition.

Following our lead

37SQN’s LAC Sam Brown with a C-130J Hercules at Nellis Air Force Base during Exercise Red Flag 17-1. Photo: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

Exercise Red Flag

AS the Centenary of Anzac contin-ues, it is important for Defence to look forward as well as backwards, according to CDF ACM Mark Binskin.

“We’re in the centenary of Anzac; it’s a heritage that’s been built on by men and women over the past 100 years and it’s a heritage that is well respected around the world,” ACM Binskin said.

“It’s not lost on me the sacrifices people have made over the years or the expectations of government and Australian people in how we perform and conduct ourselves today.

“We should never forget our heritage, but when we look into the future there are great things coming.”

The CDF was excited to see Air Force’s new F-35s starting to be delivered, as well as the P-8A Poseidons coming online.

He was also looking forward to Navy’s Hobart-Class Air Warfare Destroyers becoming operational in the next year or two.

“Navy will also have new replen-ishment vessels, along with new off-shore patrol vessels, new frigates and new submarines,” the CDF said.

“Army has new Land 400 vehi-cles coming and a range of systems to support the soldiers out on the frontline.”

CDF ACM Mark Binskin speaks to CPL Max Bree about this year’s priorities

Time to reflect amid great change

In December and January, ACM Binskin visited personnel in the Middle East and was pleased with the work our deployed personnel were conducting.

“I flew a KC-30A mission in support of the Mosul operation and got a chance to talk to technicians and aircrew,” he said.

“They understand the importance of their mission and they’re very proud of what they’re doing.

“In Taji our people were gearing up to train about 2000 federal police, and our people are directly seeing the results of what we’re doing.

“A number of units that have trained with Task Group Taji have come back through Taji and they have developed special relationships with the Australian trainers.”

The CDF said our conditions on operations compared favourably with other nations, saying “in many areas we lead”.

He was always keen to ensure a high standard of services and support for ADF members.

“While we always look to improve how we support people, we are pretty well up with other nations on how we look after our people and families,” he said.

“I’ve visited Defence Housing Australia a number of times to look at their performance and make sure they keep providing world-class housing that’s also affordable.

“Our health programs are well established, but there are always areas that can be improved and we take feedback on those.

“The mental health initiatives we have coming down the track are

important and should make a differ-ence for our people in the future.”

ACM Binskin expected a new workplace remuneration arrangement would be in place in November.

“I’ll be discussing this with Government early this year and we’ll get information out to people as that process develops,” he said.

He reinforced his commitment to the Prime Minister’s initiative on vet-erans’ employment, and to improving the transition for people who wanted to discharge from the ADF.

“We want to make sure they’re getting all the support they need,” he said. “If they do have medical requirements, that information needs to be transferred properly to DVA.”

Throughout 2017 the CDF will implement the new Headquarters, Australian Defence Force as a result of the First Principles Review and continue to progress cultural reform.

“Pathway to Change is coming up to five years. We’ve been getting good feedback on where we, as an organisation, need to take our cul-tural reform in the future,” he said.

  CAF reveals new Air Force Strategy, pages 4-5.

  Next issue, CAF, WOFF-AF outline their outlooks for 2017.

Commander Task Element 630.1 WGCDR Mick briefs CDF ACM Mark Binskin on board a KC-30A during his visit to the MER. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

3February 9, 2017RCEAIR F News

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

GPCAPT PFor distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations in Iraq in 2015.

GPCAPT SFor distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as Commander Air Task Group 630 in Iraq from July 2015 to January 2016.

Commendation for Distinguished Service

WGCDR GFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as Commander of a Task Unit and the National Target Engagement Authority between November 2015 and March 2016.

SQNLDR JFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations and outstanding airmanship.

WGCDR MFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as Commander Task Unit 630.2 and the National Target Engagement Authority between June 2015 and November 2015.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

SGT Craig BarnesFor outstanding achievement as combat control team assault zone survey specialist at No. 4 Squadron.

WGCDR Bradley Clarke For outstanding achievement in organisation and aerospace capability development as CO of No. 35 Squadron.

SQNLDR Adrian GreenerFor outstanding achievement in introducing United States Department of Defense accreditation of forward air control by ADF personnel of United States combat aircraft in operations against enemy ground targets for the close air support of land commanders.

GPCAPT Andrew LancasterFor outstanding achievement as CO of No. 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron and Director Engagement, HQJOC.

WGCDR Amanda LeslieFor outstanding devotion to duty in Air Force Reserve personnel administration and management.

SQNLDR Rodney OrrockFor outstanding devotion to duty as the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport Weapon System Support Manager in the Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office.

GPCAPT SFor outstanding achievement in air combat development and preparedness as CO of No. 1 Squadron.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

SQNLDR Tanya EvansFor meritorious achievement in training delivery and organisational development as Chief Instructor of the Officers’ Training School.

WGCDR Anthony GrimmerFor meritorious achievement in engineer and technical workforce management in Air Force.

FSGT Daniel HarveyFor meritorious achievement as the Senior Hypobaric Chamber Operator at the Institute of Aviation Medicine.

FSGT MFor meritorious achievement as Senior Non-Commissioned Officer – Targets, Operation Okra Air Task Group; and as Acting Officer in Charge – Target Materials Section, No. 460 Squadron.

SQNLDR Stuart MattnerFor meritorious achievement in the fields of explosive ordnance and precision guided munitions.

CPL Max Bree

AIR Force boasted a full range of air-to-ground munitions as Australia joined the coalition’s air campaign against ISIL in 2014.

But as Australian Hornets launched a con-tinuing series of strikes against the terrorist group, stocks of joint direct attack munition (JDAM) weapon variants began to dwindle.

It fell to SQNLDR Stuart Mattner and his Air-to-Ground Weapons Integrated Product Team, of CASG’s Explosive Material Branch, to restock the inventory.

“Despite our initial holdings, the only option available was to procure and certify the latest variants being offered by the manufac-turer,” he said.

Unfortunately, the upgraded bomb kits couldn’t simply be fitted to a Hornet and dropped on a terrorist position in Iraq or Syria.

“With these new variants, hardware and software updates were included, which required a great deal of collaboration with Air Combat Group, Air Warfare Engineering Squadron and TFSPO representatives before they could be employed,” SQNLDR Mattner said.

JDAMs were previously acquired to support Air Force’s training and sustainment cycle, with the allocated numbers known well in advance.

But as munitions rapidly fell on terrorist tar-gets, SQNLDR Mattner’s team had to quickly restock and certify the newest JDAM variants for operational use.

“Operational demand has dictated the need for multiple rapid procurements to occur since OP Okra commenced,” he said.

The team rapidly assessed new equipment for safety and suitability in light of the weapon components already in service.

These assessments were provided to TFSPO and ACEASPO to coordinate integration onto aircraft platforms.

“It wasn’t like we were procuring assets for three to six years down the track like we nor-mally do. We found ourselves buying new vari-

Making an impact

CPL Sebastian Beurich

EVOLUTION of our forces through mod-ernisation is present on the minds of most Air Force members.

At Air Force’s No. 4 Squadron, mem-bers are continually seeking to enhance joint interoperability, both within the ADF, and between our coalition partners, through improved Air-Surface Integration.

4SQN’s SQNLDR Adrian Greener was awarded a CSC after dedicating the past three years towards establish a US accred-ited Forward Air Controller – Airborne (FAC(A)) capability within the ADF.

“4SQN’s FAC(A) origins date back to 1970, when No. 4 FAC Flight was stood up to train RAAF FAC(A)’s employed during the Vietnam conflict,” he said.

“While the ADF is making great strides in advancing its technological capabilities, we also need to ensure our personnel are trained in the best tactics, techniques and procedures, and can employ those capabili-ties effectively, so we are aligned with our coalition partners to ensure seamless inter-operability within the battlespace.

“A Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and FAC(A) perform the exact same role, the only difference being

a JTAC operates on the ground and a FAC(A) in an airborne platform.

“They both work for the ground com-mander and facilitate force protection or projection through calling in Close Air Support (CAS) or integrating other fires assets such as artillery or naval gunfire to support the commander’s objectives.”

“No US partner nation can control US aircraft (fighters, bombers, attack helos) during a CAS mission without first hav-ing their training program accredited,” SQNLDR Greener said.

“Australia is the first and only US partner nation to achieve this milestone. This enables ADF FAC(A)’s to integrate with US aircraft during domestic training exercises, and in combat, to call in CAS during a coalition operation. 1st Aviation Regiment ARH Tiger FAC(A)s are the first operational beneficiaries of this program.”

SQNLDR Greener said it was “defi-nitely a nice surprise” when notified of gaining the award.

“However, the real satisfaction comes through knowing that if there’s ever a situ-ation where our troops are in need of CAS, with our own FAC(A)s on station, then we’ve got the situation covered.”

Helping troops was so satisfying

SQNLDR Stuart Mattner, CSM

Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

ants for six months down the track,” SQNLDR Mattner said.

“Operation Okra was the first operation-al use of a range of weapon types within Air Force’s inventory, with the most recent opera-tional consumption of weapons occurring in 2003. Air-to-ground weapons available now are generations ahead of those employed in that campaign.”

The team worked closely with industry sup-pliers and the Australian Embassy in the US to quickly acquire the weapons and bring them to Australia for certification, test and evaluation.

The first of those assets were provided to TFSPO and ACEASPO to facilitate aircraft

integration work, and were deployed for use in the Middle East within unprecedented time-frames.

“A significant portion of my team’s resourc-es were dedicated to supporting Okra, but none of them missed a beat. They’ve never let me down and they are never short of motivation to get the job done” SQNLDR Mattner said.

For his work, SQNLDR Mattner was award-ed the Conspicuous Service Medal.

“I am absolutely humbled to have been sin-gled out as it is very much a reflection of the entire team’s work over this challenging peri-od,” he said.

4SQN PC-9/A(F) and ARH Tiger aircrew about to depart on a mobile assault mission incorporating CAS and FAC(A) training in support of a platoon from 6RAR.

SQNLDR Adrian Greener, CSC

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4 February 9, 2017RCEAIR FAir Force Strategy 2017-2027

Leigh Watson

CAF is encouraging all personnel to understand how the new Air Force Strategy 2017-2027 applies to their work and how they will help Air Force evolve to become a fifth-generation Air Force.

Speaking in Canberra on February 1, CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies explained the strategy has five vectors for change.

“The world is changing, and we must keep pace. Simply having fifth-genera-tion aircraft is not the answer – we will need to evolve the entire Air Force,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“We are acquiring new capabilities, but we also need to harness all the ena-bling systems if we are to reach the full potential of fifth-generation technologies.

“In the future, the information age will be increasingly complex – we must embrace this future.”

AIRMSHL Davies said the 10-year strategy outlined five change “vectors” to transition Air Force to a fifth-generation joint force – one that “will prevail against the increasingly complex and lethal threats of warfare in the information age”.

“This includes supporting changes to our workforce, increasing our under-standing of the force-level implications of our fifth-generation capability, and learn-ing more about Army, Navy and Defence

systems so that we can play our part bet-ter,” he said.

CAF will officially release the strategy to Defence stakeholders at the Australian International Airshow (February 28 to March 5), but he said it was important that everyone in Air Force knew about it first.

“We should all understand the strat-egy, the five change vectors, and how they apply to our daily work priorities. We must energise Jericho and innovation in our strategy, so that everyone can offer ideas on how we might get there.

“This is an investment in our future and all of us have a role in Air Force’s transformation to that future.”

Of the five vectors, CAF said the capabilities which would require the most work and fundamental cultural changes were joint warfighting and people.

“I don’t believe we, as an Air Force, understand how joint we need to be. We have come a long way – we talk a lot about joint, but I’m not sure we are cul-turally able to shift from doing Air Force stuff first.

“I would like Air Force in a joint con-text to begin to put the joint effect before our own Air Force requirements.

“I want Army, Navy, APS and other agencies to know intimately what Air Force can do for them.”

This is an investment in our future – CAF

The Royal Australian Air Force will become a fifth-generation Air Force.

A fifth-generation Air Force is a fully-networked force that exploits the combat-multiplier effects of a readily available, integrated and shared battlespace picture to de-

liver lethal and non-lethal air power.A fifth-generation Air Force will

provide the joint and networked effects necessary to prevail against the increasingly complex and lethal threats of warfare in the information age.

A FIFTH GENERATION FOCUS

‘We must energise Jericho and innovation in our strategy.CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies

Cover of the Air Force Strategy 2017-2027.

For CAF’s video and more information visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf

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5February 9, 2017RCEAIR F Air Force Strategy 2017-2027

This is an investment in our future – CAF

The five strategic change vec-tors for Air Force are:

Joint Warfighting CapabilityIntegrate Air Force’s new and existing capabilities to ensure Air Force operates effectively with other Services, Groups and relevant Government agen-cies; forms a coherent part of the ADF’s joint order of battle; and is organisationally pre-pared for future changes in the delivery of air power.

People Capability Develop a fifth-generation workforce that can quickly and effectively adapt to rapid technological and operational change and exploit the oppor-tunities presented by Australia’s changing workforce demo-graphics.

Communication and Informa-tion Systems Ensure Air Force’s current and

future communication systems enable integrated operations with the ADF and our allies, and possess resilience and redundancy for operations in degraded and contested envi-ronments.

Infrastructure Upgrade Air Force’s fixed and mobile infrastructure to ensure Air Force’s bases are hardened, resilient, flexible and readily adaptable to future air power capabilities and requirements.

International Engagement Adapt Air Force’s international engagement program to De-fence’s broader international engagement policy goals to en-sure Air Force’s personnel, ex-ercises and exchanges shape and are informed by Defence’s international engagement agenda to support Australia’s extant military posture.

These five change vectors will help transition Air Force to becoming a fifth-generation organisation.

This means working jointly with the ADF, integrating across Defence, and being interoper-able with our allies and interna-tional partners.

The Air Force Strategy 2017-2027 integrates the changes already under way with Plan Jericho, and the First Principles Review to develop and sustain One Defence.

This means recognising that Air Force’s capabilities exist, and will be acquired on behalf of the ADF, as an integrated part of the One Defence model.

The Air Force Strategy will be translated into action through the Air Force Business Plan.

ADAPTING WITH VECTORS OF CHANGE

Don’t miss our February 23 edition. CAF and WOFF-AF will reveal their outlook for 2017

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies discusses the Air Force Strategy

2017-2027 with FSGT Paul Hollander, FLTLT Joel Flannery and WGCDR Melinda Sporer at Russell Offices in Canberra on February 1.

Photos: CPL Mark Doran

Cover of the Air Force Strategy 2017-2027.

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6 February 9, 2017RCEAIR FNews

Eamon Hamilton

AEROMEDICAL evacuation (AME) trials for the C-27J Spartan transport aircraft will clear the way for the air-craft to carry patients from frontline airfields and disaster areas.

Introduced to Air Force service in 2015, the twin-engine Spartan can carry up to 21 litter patients and eight AME staff.

Alternatively, the Spartan can carry three high-dependency patients and their accompanying medical support devices, and evacuate them from small, semi-prepared airstrips in remote areas.

The trials, held in December last year, included a demonstration flight from RAAF Base Richmond to Amberley.

CO No. 35 Squadron WGCDR Jarrod Pendlebury said the trials would confirm existing aeromedical evacua-tion techniques, procedures and equip-ment were compatible with the C-27J Spartan.

He said the trials would also increase familiarity for personnel who would use the Spartan in this role.

“Aeromedical evacuation is a role that the Spartan will make a big impact on within Defence. Remote airfields

within Australia and across the Asia Pacific are often out of range of smaller aircraft platforms like Army helicopters, or are unsuitable for larger transports,” WGCDR Pendlebury said.

“The Spartan has the speed and range to conduct evacuations from remote locations with little or no health-care infrastructure, and return patients to an airfield with a suitable healthcare centre.”

Although the Spartan has been acquired as a battlefield airlifter for Defence, there is considerable potential for the aircraft to benefit the civilian community during times of need.

“Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen Air Force Hercules bring home Australians injured during the Bali bombing attacks, while also employ-ing the AME role to provide critical support to coalition operations in Iraq and Afghanistan,” WGCDR Pendlebury said.

“A d d i t i o n a l l y, o u r C - 1 7 A Globemasters have been used to tremen-dous effect to evacuate hospitals threat-ened by floods and cyclones.

“Having the Spartan cleared to conduct aeromedical evacuation adds another option for Defence planners when they need to respond to a crisis.”

The government has congrat-ulated Air Force on achieving initial operating capability (IOC) for its fleet of C-27J Spartan aircraft.

Minister for Defence Senator Marise Payne said Air Force reached a signifi-cant milestone by attaining IOC late last year and this achievement would increase Defence’s ability to move people, equipment and sup-plies in Australia and the region.

“The Spartan can access airfields that are unable to support larger transport aircraft, thus increasing the reach for Defence when sup-porting communities across Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region,” Senator Payne said.

“The Spartan can now be tasked on missions to trans-port 40 passengers or three military pallets of cargo, as well as fulfil roles such as light equipment airdrop.”

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said he was proud of the milestone, as the C-27J Spartan was the missing piece in the air mobility matrix for tactical aircraft.

“The arrival of the Spartan will greatly increase the mobility and flexibility for local commanders, allowing intra-theatre airlift that will bridge C-130J Hercules and CH-47 Chinook options,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

Four of Australia’s 10 Spartans have arrived in Australia, where they are operated by No. 35 Squadron from RAAF Base Richmond.

Spartan milestone good for mobility

A friend in a crisis

Members of 35SQN on the flightline with four C-27J Spartan battlefield air lifters at RAAF Base Richmond.Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

MORE than 45 young legatees have nominated to be mentored by ADF personnel in preparation for tackling the Kokoda Trail later this year.

A total of 10 ADF mentors will be selected to support about 20 Legacy youth as part of Operation Legacy Australia Kokoda Challenge 2017 (Op LAKC 17).

They will walk the trail from August 28 to September 7.

Eleven nominations have been received and nominations close on February 20. It is anticipated that the selection process will be able to match the location of nominations from Legacy with that of nomina-tions from Defence.

Op LAKC Commander COL Chris Austin said the idea of men-toring young adults who have lost a father or mother, or who have a par-ent incapacitated due to ill health, should hold strong appeal for ADF members.

“Members of the ADF are well known for their comradeship and mateship and this extends to the families of Defence members,” COL Austin said.

“The first Legacy youth nomi-nee, Ronan Gotch, is the son of a commando who lost his battle with cancer in 2011. Ronan’s participa-tion in Op LAKC is supported by his father’s colleagues within the Special Forces community, who responded without hesitation.

“The real challenge between now and the close of nominations is to identify a broad cross-section of Defence veterans who have the desire, motivation and capacity to mentor and train young Legacy wards in preparation for walking the Kokoda Trail.

“As this year is the 75th anniver-sary of the Kokoda Campaign, there

is added gravitas to this Legacy ini-tiative.”

Defence members interested in partici-pating are asked to refer to Defgram 595-2016 and submit their expressions of interest through the chain of com-mand using webform AE136 and email it to: OPLAKC.17@defence.gov.au

Seeking Kokoda mentors

Legacy Australia Chairman Tony Ralph and junior legatee Ronan Gotch talk about the challenges of the Kokoda Trail at the exhibition at the Australian War Memorial. Photo: Lauren Larking

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7February 9, 2017RCEAIR F News

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson

AIRCDRE Ken Robinson has been handed command of Air Force’s largest force element group by out-going Commander Combat Support Group AIRCDRE Scott Winchester.

AIRCDRE Winchester handed over to AIRCDRE Robinson in front of CSG personnel at RAAF Base Amberley in a small ceremony on December 15.

AIRCDRE Robinson, previously posted as DP-AF, said he was for-tunate to have the opportunity to be the next Commander CSG.

“CSG has the lion’s share of Air Force’s personnel, and the most geo-graphically dispersed, with squad-rons and units spread across the country and overseas,” he said

“I look forward to building on the previous commander’s suc-cesses, and I will do my best to provide the leadership and guidance necessary to help take our collective

efforts in the right direction.”

CSG provides combat support effects at all Air Force bases as well as enabling Air Force to operate from forward bases and in other expe-ditionary environ-ments.

Commander CSG is also SADFO RAAF Base Amberley, Air Force’s largest air-base and soon to be Australia’s largest Defence base.

AIRCDRE Robinson said the works that have taken place at Amberley in recent years are emblematic of the mas-sive transformation of Air Force and Defence capabilities.

Infrastructure is being built at Amberley in preparation for the introduction of the EA-18G Growler this year, the relocation of the C-27J Spartan in 2019, and a new air traf-fic control tower.

FLTLT Natalie Giles

HAVING worked with partner nations in a US-led multinational coalition to liberate Eastern Mosul from Daesh forces, it is a pivotal time for the Air Task Group (ATG), and an oppor-tune moment for No. 75 Squadron’s “Magpies” to hand over the reins to the next rotation.

During a transfer of authority cer-emony on January 21, CO 75SQN WGCDR Mick said contributing to the liberation of Eastern Mosul during his time in command was a “remarkable achievement”.

“This didn’t happen by chance. It was a great effort, utilising incredible teamwork to achieve this outcome,” he said.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my team and how well they’ve performed. They have exceeded my expectations in every way.

“It’s important to recognise the effort of everyone as a group and the sacrifice of active service. The com-munications team, Combat Support Unit, the Task Unit Headquarters – everyone has performed brilliantly.

“Every single person deployed to the Air Task Group owns a portion of those weapons hitting targets. None of this could have happened without every one of them.”

75SQN finished its deployment having reached 1000 hours of on-station flying, conducting close-air support for Iraqi ground forces. Over two years, it accumulated 10 months of operational flying in support of Operation Okra.

As he handed over to the CO No. 77 Squadron WGCDR Grant, WGCDR Mick told the members of 77SQN their deployment would become as successful as that of his squadron. “It is almost 14 years to the day since I’ve flown combat mis-sions alongside WGCDR Grant. He is a great operator,” he said.

After signing the official transfer of authority, WGCDR Grant thanked the members of 75SQN.

“On behalf of all members of 77SQN, I’d like to pass on our appreciation to the other task ele-ments – the Task Unit Headquarters, Combat Support Unit and Theatre Communications Group – for the outstanding reception and integra-tion you’ve given to 77SQN. We look forward to working with you in the months ahead,” he said.

O ve r s e e i n g t h e c e r e m o ny, Commander of the Air Task Group AIRCDRE Phil Gordon said such cer-emonies were an important time to acknowledge each member’s active service.

“It is hugely important that we take the time to individually recognise each one of you for your contribution to this campaign. Be significantly proud of what you have achieved here. It’s impressive,” AIRCDRE Gordon said.

“Considering the size of our team deployed to support this operation, you have reached orders of magni-tude above my expectations for such a small force. I am immensely proud of the whole team.

Among other hand-overs, GPCAPT Stephen Young has taken over as Commander Task Unit (CTU) 630.1 at Australia’s main operating air base in the Middle East region.

AIRCDRE Gordon officiated at the transfer of authority ceremony at the base on January 2 in the presence of Commander Joint Task Force 633 AVM Tim Innes, as well as dignitaries from coalition partners.

Outgoing CTU GPCAPT Brendan Rogers completed his nine-month deployment by handing over to GPCAPT Young while normal opera-tions of the ATG continued.

Members of the ATG and the inter-national coalition shared an informal morning tea after the ceremony.

Meanwhile, AVM Innes officiat-ed the official transfer of command of the Air Mobility Task Group from WGCDR Philip Trigge to WGCDR Grant Kelly in the Middle East region on January 10.

Change in command of largest group

AIRCDRE Scott Winchester (left) signs over to AIRCDRE Kenneth Robinson. Photo: CPL Casey Gaul

Mantles passed on proudly

WGCDR Mick (left) presents WGCDR Grant with the Commander’s Pennant during the change of command from 75SQN to 77SQN. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

GPCAPT Brendan Rogers (left) hands over the Commander’s Pennant to GPCAPT Stephen Young. Photo: FSGT Mark Eaton

AVM Tim Innes (back) oversees the transfer of AMTG command from WGCDR Philip Trigge (right) to WGCDR Grant Kelly. Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

An F/A-18A Hornet from Air Task

Group 630 refuels from a KC-30A in

the Middle East.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

8 February 9, 2017RCEAIR FNews

Jacqueline Payne

A NEW approach that uses sports psychology to train young fight-er pilots is already paying off at RAAF Base Williamtown if the results of the most recent gradua-tions are anything to go by.

Air Combat Group Commander AIRCDRE Steve Roberton said eight new fighter pilots, including two exchange pilots, had worked extremely hard over the past six months and should be proud of their achievements.

“This achievement is even more pronounced as 2OCU are about to graduate their third F / A - 1 8 A / B O p e r a t i o n a l Conversion Course without sus-pension of a trainee,” AIRCDRE Roberton said.

“Air Combat Group has put into place a training approach that uses concepts around performance or sports psychology to enhance fighter aircrew training.

“This approach encourages fast jet aircrew trainees and instruc-tors to learn about, and develop an understanding of, the key mental skills for success in fighter avia-tion.”

AIRCDRE Roberton said the program also used select flying instructors as performance coach-es to help trainees develop their mental skills during lead-in fighter training and operational conver-sion courses.

“We also utilise professional

psychologist support and super-vision as a proactive measure to improve both trainee and instruc-tional performance,” he said.

“Although it is early stages in the new program, which was intro-duced mid-way through 2015, it appears to have reaped rewards already.

“The commanding officer of 2OCU throughout this time, WGCDR Adrian Maso, should be singled out for his role in lead-ing this cultural reform and the hat-trick of successful train-ing outcomes in the F/A-18A/B Operational Conversion Course.’’

AIRCDRE Roberton said the trainee pilots and instructors should be justifiably proud of their achievements.

OC 81 Wing GPCAPT Tim Alsop also praised WGCDR Maso’s approach to adopting a new training culture.

“These graduating fighter pilots will be put to the test when they join our operational squad-rons over the next few years,” he said.

“The new fighter pilots have an exciting future. They have the opportunity to fly F/A-18 A/B Hornets and F/A-18F Super Hornets – but also, in the near future, EA-18G Growlers.

“The F35-A Joint Str ike Fighter is also expected to arrive in Australia in late 2018, and these young pilots can expect to fly the fifth-generation technology.”

A new way of thinking

Australia’s newest fast jet pilots after graduating at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

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9February 9, 2017RCEAIR F News

PERSONNEL from 2SECFOR were put to the test during a short-notice security operation involving almost 500 vehicles and 700 people near RAAF Base Tindal.

The squadron’s Tindal Security Flight, which is responsible for security, policing and ground defence at the base, worked with Northern Territory Police in response to a simulated threat.

Flight commander FLGOFF Zacari Smit said the test demonstrated the flight’s ability to safely coordinate and manage a short-notice response to an increased security threat.

FLGOFF Smit said the operation, held in November, involved about four hours of screening operations during which 480 vehicles and about 700 peo-ple were processed.

“Personnel were provided with exer-cise intelligence reports indicating an increased likelihood for a ground-based attack. This enabled the activation of

escalated force protection measures,” he said.

“Preparatory contingency planning was conducted between the flight and Northern Territory Police to ensure an effective multi-agency response to any specific threat reporting.”

He said once a threat was “reported” the flight and police rapidly established a control point on the main route lead-ing into Tindal.

“All personnel requesting entry were challenged and screened for threat indi-cators,” he said.

“The control point was supported by secondary screening, overwatch and cut-off locations to ensure the protection of personnel moving through the control point.”

FLGOFF Smit said this type of capability was critical to supporting Air Force’s fixed-base operations in Australia and overseas.

Tindal’s swift call to action

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson

MESS members were able to relish exciting new flavours at RAAF Base Amberley when celebrity chef Matt Golinski took over the kitchen and shared his restaurant flair for the last Officer’s Mess pay night function of 2016.

Mr Golinski was invited to RAAF Base Amberley Combined Mess Facility by Officers’ Mess Committee president WGCDR Mark Wilkins, who wanted to reward mess members for their support throughout the year.

WGCDR Wilkins said it was also a chance to provide members with the gift of great food to see out 2016 and to enable Amberley cooks to gain some professional development with the help of a celebrity chef.

“Mess life is a really important part of being in the Air Force, and the Amberley Officers’ Mess Committee is committed to keeping events exciting for our members,” he said.

“We’ve also been able to provide the cooks with the rare opportunity to work with an industry professional, and everyone at Amberley would have benefitted from Matt’s influence in the kitchen.”

Mr Golinski created a three-course menu for the function and he mentored the cooks.

He said food was his passion and he

aimed to teach people what was exciting in food.

“I like to introduce chefs to new fla-vours such as bush food, which is on trend and it’s becoming more popular to use ingredients like finger limes and lemon myrtle in everyday food,” he said

“I’ve been mentoring for the past few years and the challenge is to find the right fit for the clientele and the res-taurateurs.”

FLGOFF Kierryn Higbed said young cooks who had yet to develop their own style had benefited from Mr Golinski’s mentoring.

“It’s been really good having Matt here and the cooks have had the chance to be exposed to another type of cook-ing,” he said.

“We don’t have the opportunity to prepare restaurant-style food very often and this experience gave the cooks a chance to be creative with their skills.”

The visit was Mr Golinski’s first to a RAAF base and he was treated to a look over a Super Hornet.

“I have a great love of flying and when I found out I’d be able to see some big aircraft I was pretty excited,” he said.

“It was good to see the lifestyle of the Air Force. It’s a whole city within itself. You don’t see that from the out-side, you just see a base. I’ve now got a different understanding of what happens behind the scenes.”

Top chef dishes up tasty tips

Above: Chef Matt Golinski (right) discusses food selection with RAAF Amberley Combined Mess staff, (from left) LACW Tori Milillo, LAC Adam McPhillips and AC Daniel Harnell.Left: One of dishes on the menu was lemon myrtle prawns with sea succulents, avocado and finger limes.Main photo: CPL Ben Dempster

2SECFOR personnel join with police in a security screening exercise outside RAAF Base Tindal. Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

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GROWLERS look set to roar over RAAF Base Amberley with the construction of new and refurbished facilities for

Air Force’s new electronic attack jet under way.

Facilities to support 12 EA-18G air-craft are taking shape, along with a new headquarters to house the Growlers of No. 6 Squadron.

SQNLDR Stephen Pace, of the Growler Transition Office, said the $422 million project included ancillary storage facilities, such as a pod container store for housing the Growler’s high-tech jamming pods.

“There will also be a number of new, refurbished or expanded maintenance facilities to cater for equipment that gets fitted to the Growler,” he said.

“The existing seat bay and aircraft mechanical equipment section will undergo expansion.

“A new pod shop and shelters to house material handling equipment and ground support equipment will also be delivered.”

The existing Tactical Operational Flight Trainer building will receive an extension to house new Growler simula-tors. Others, such as the maintenance facility for guided weapons and interme-diate level maintenance, will be expand-ed. The Technical Training Flight will also undergo refurbishment.

6SQN’s new headquarters and flightline shelters will be next to No. 1 Squadron’s F/A-18F Super Hornet facili-ties. Due to the similarities between the two aircraft, the proximity of these facil-ities will provide synergies for the tech-nical workforce from both squadrons.

“Engine-wise there’s no difference, airframe wise there are minimal differ-ences,” SQNLDR Pace said.

“However, there are some differenc-es on the electronic warfare side, with specialist technicians trained up in that area who will work exclusively on the Growlers.”

SQNLDR Pace said Growlers were not the only beneficiaries of the con-struction works.

“There are alterations occurring at 1SQN and a significant amount of work

that’s going into upgrading the in-ground refuelling lines at Amberley,” he said.

“That’s all the way from the fuel farm right through to the new flightline facilities. Delivery of new facilities has an added challenge in that you’ve got to maintain current capabilities while construction is happening. It’s a bit of a juggling act to ensure there is minimal impact to users.”

The project has also partly funded a four-level car park for 1200 vehicles.

Refurbished facilities at the Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey, to cater for Mobile Threat Training Emitter System (MTTES) administration and maintenance, are almost ready for hand-over to Defence.

MTTES vehicle-mounted “pop-ups” will be employed in the Western Training Area to train Growler crews.

Under Growler Project R8092, fixed tower structures serving the same pur-pose as the pop-ups, will be constructed at Delamere Air Weapons Range, togeth-er with a new Range Operations Centre under Growler Project R8097.

“The combination of new MTTES pop-ups and fixed structures will test the new capabilities being delivered and enhance the skills of the aircrew,” SQNLDR Pace said.

“They’ll need to do various things with those as part of their training con-tinuum.”

The delivery phase of the project began in January 2016 with the first site established in March, while enabling works started in April.

Phase One deliverables, such as the 6SQN facility, pod shop and GSE shel-ters, are due for completion throughout the year.

Phase Two deliverables, including new flightline hangars, an Air Combat Electronic Attack Systems Program Office facility and refurbished Super Hornet warehouse, will be delivered through to December 2021.

“The introduction of Growlers will provide the ADF with a force multiplier and are a capability that will certainly put Australia in an excellent position for the future,” SQNLDR Pace said.

There’s a buzz in the airFeature RCEAIR F February 9, 201710

Work is under way to prepare a home for our 12 new electronic attack jets, CPL Max Bree reports

An impression of the new-look facilities at RAAF Base Amberley, upgraded to meet the needs of the Growler (pictured above) fleet.

SQNLDR Stephen Pace in front of construction works for the new Growler facilities at RAAF Base Amberley.Photo: CPL Max Bree

DEFENCE members have celebrated the life and service of an “extraor-dinary” photographer, WO2 William “Billy” Cunneen, 83, who died on New Year’s Eve 2016.

WO2 Cunneen, born in Sydney in 1933, was one of the ADF’s most extraordinary and decorated photogra-phers, who captured historical military events spanning half a century.

Accolades for the photographer’s life came from high places, with CDF ACM Mark Binskin stating “he was a fine soldier”, while Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called his work “instrumental in explaining to all Australians the sacrifices made by Bill’s comrades in some of the most challenging conflicts in our nation’s history”.

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove wrote to WO2 Cunneen’s family to express his condolences and gratitude.

“Bill Cunneen was a man who saw the same things we all see, but he had that great and rare ability to capture

them – to capture moments, time and history,” he said.

“Bill witnessed some of the defin-ing and most difficult times our coun-try has faced – 50 years on from the Battle of Long Tan, Bill’s images are as powerful and insightful as ever.”

In an eulogy, BRIG Adrian d’Hage (retd) discussed WO2 Cunneen’s early military career.

WO2 Cunneen was 16 when he enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces in 1949.

In early 1952 he was embarked with the battalion on the troopship HMS Devonshire to Japan to complete further training.

“During his time with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan, he further developed and refined his love of photography,” BRIG d’Hage said.

“This led to a transfer to Army public relations, and the beginning of a long and distinguished career as a combat photographer.”

WO2 Cunneen spent time through-

out Asia capturing historical military events, but it was his coverage of the Vietnam War that best stood the test of time.

“When that battal ion’s (6th Battalion) D Coy was pitted against an overwhelming force at the Battle of Long Tan, the next morning, in true Billy Cunneen style, he managed to get himself on one of the first Hueys into the rubber plantation,” BRIG d’Hage said.

“His now famous series of pho-tographs were featured in last year’s 50th anniversary of the battle, just one of many testimonies to the longevity and value of his highly professional work.

“For 50 years his shutter recorded the actions and sacrifices of legions of Australian servicemen and women.

“It is a legacy that will remain part of Australian military history forever.

“Modest to the core, and a true gentleman, he was one of the finest combat cameramen this country has ever produced.”

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11February 9, 2017RCEAIR F News

Loss of a true gentlemanTributes flow for one of Australia’s finest combat photographers

WO2 Bill Cunneen at an Army exercise at Shoalwater Bay, circa 1968.

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece February 9, 2017

AUSTRALIAN TEAM ACHIEVES CYBERSECURITY MILESTONE FOR JSFTHE F-35A’s complex information sys-tem has achieved its first Australian Cybersecurity Accreditation – mark-ing another significant milestone for the Australian Joint Strike Fighter Program.

The F-35A’s Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) gained its accreditation from Air Force and the Defence Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG).

The Head of JSF Division AVM Leigh Gordon said this was a sig-nificant achievement for the F-35A program.

“A Cybersecurity Accreditation confirms that ALIS has sufficient pro-tection measures in place to counter external and internal cybersecurity threats,” AVM Gordon said.

“For the Australian F-35A Program, this accreditation authorises the F-35 support system, known as ALIS, to be operated in Australia and be connect-ed to existing Defence networks.”

AVM Gordon said ALIS was a highly integrated information system that had been designed to support all

aspects of the F-35 life cycle.“ALIS will be used by the Austral-

ian F-35A community to manage maintenance and sustainment tasks, perform pre-flight mission planning and support post mission analysis,” he said.

“The system has been designed in concert with the F-35 to ensure it can meet the information demands of a complex fifth generation fighter jet.”

To manage and sustain the highly complex F-35 information environ-ment, the Australian F-35A Program has built a dedicated information systems centre – the Off-Board Infor-mation Systems Centre (OBISC) at RAAF Base Williamtown. The facility is unique to Australia and offers an edge over other F-35 partner nations.

“The OBISC provides Australia with an environment in which we can simulate the F-35 information system to test its true capability, much like an aircraft simulator,” AVM Gordon said.

“The value of the OBISC continues to increase as we identify more and more novel ways to use it.

“The benefits that the OBISC offers Australia have been equally recognised by international F-35 part-ners, many of whom have expressed an interest in using or developing a similar capability.”

Australian JSF Information Sys-tems Security Engineer Flight FLTLT Shaun Reece played a critical role in achieving the Cybersecurity Accredi-tation for ALIS.

FLTLT Reece said he and his team were proud to be a part of the F-35 program.

“It is personally and profession-ally rewarding to be part of the team, which has spent countless hours be-hind the scenes examining technical system designs and evaluating them against Australian requirements in order to justify why the system should be granted an accreditation,” he said.

“The capability that the F-35A and ALIS will provide Air Force is unparal-leled to any aircraft and information system we use today.

“Being a part of the extended information systems team that will

introduce this capability into Australia is a privilege.”

AVM Gordon said the achievement could not have been possible without the continued support from Defence’s CIOG.

“Several CIOG staff embedded within the JSF Integrated Project Team worked with us to make this happen,” AVM Gordon said.

“We look forward to building on the great relationship we already have with CIOG as we move closer to declaring Initial Operating Capability in late 2020.”

System accreditation is not an end-state and many challenges lie ahead as the project moves into sustainment, however the Australian F-35A team is well equipped to en-sure the F-35A capability is appropri-ately protected as the system design evolves and new cybersecurity threats are identified.

The OBISC is expected to become operational from early this year.

Left: The Australian team responsible for achieving the first F-35A Autonomic Logistics Information System Cybersecurity Accreditation, from left, Chris Walsh, Mark Bilbrough, Scott Jenkinson, Anu Edirisooriya, Bill Patton, Steven Paterson, Jane Holzapfel, Jim Boekel, FLTLT Shaun Reece and Daryl Melhuish.Photo: Andre Agnew

Above, left: The Australian F-35A, A35-002, loaded with the GBU-12 ahead of its first

in-flight weapons release from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona in the US on December 14.

LOADED WITH POTENTIAL

ONE of Australia’s F-35A air-craft has conducted its first in-flight weapons release during an exercise out of the

Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, US.The GBU-12 500lb Paveway II

laser-guided bomb was employed by the Australian aircraft A35-002 during a sortie over the Barry M. Goldwater Range, just west of the air base on December 14.

Australian Deputy Director of the JSF Transition Team and F-35 Operational Requirements Manager, WGCDR Steven “Rooster” Bradley, said he was enthusiastic about what this achievement signified for the Australian F-35A program.

He said this exercise marked a sig-nificant milestone for the program and

it was indicative of the steady progress being made each day.

“The GBU-12 is the first in a long line of weapons to be certified in the years leading up to Australia’s initial operating capability (IOC) declaration in 2020,” WGCDR Bradley said.

The exercise was conducted only weeks after the two Australian fifth-generation fighters were upgraded with the initial warfighting capability software.

“This particular upgrade enables incremental expansion of aircraft performance envelope, increased mis-sion systems functionality and initial weapons capability, which includes the GBU-12,” WGCDR Bradley said.

“The 500lb GBU-12 is the latest variant of an extremely reliable and

uncomplicated weapon that Air Force has employed for many years.”

In addition, WGCDR Bradley said the F-35A would have more advanced 500lb and 2000lb GPS-guided bombs, as well as the longer range, 250lb small diameter bombs cleared for operations on the aircraft.

“From here, the Australian F-35A Program will continue to certify weap-ons in preparation for Block 3F soft-ware release, which provides the air-craft with a significant weapons capa-bility increase in the lead up to IOC,” he said.

Australia’s first two Joint Strike Fighters have accumulated more than 800 flying hours over the last two years at the F-35A International Pilot Training Centre at Luke AFB.

Laser-guided bomb exercise for the F-35A opens up new doors

‘The 500lb GBU-12 is the latest variant of an extremely reliable and uncomplicated weapon that Air Force has employed for many years.

WGCDR Steven BradleyF-35 Operational Requirements Manager

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FeatureRCEAIR F February 9, 2017 15

RAAF Base East Sale continues to lead the way in establish-ing relationships with its local indigenous population, after

conducting the RAAF Indigenous Youth Program for youth of the Gunaikurnai community.

WGCDR Catherine Fox said it was a “lovely way” to connect with students, teachers, parents, guardians, staff, and elders from within both Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation.

“Everyone I spoke with was keen to invest in the next generation,” WGCDR Fox said.

“Happily, they recognised the youth program provided great opportunities for young indigenous locals to get to know the base, the people, the jobs we do and to learn our culture and values.

“It was also a great opportunity for us to learn about Gunaikurnai culture, too.”

Young peop le f rom Buchan , Bairnsdale, Yarram, Drouin, Sale, and Briagolong donned DPCUs, boots, and caps to start the week-long program with a drill lesson – which they put into eager practice all week. They then showed off their skills as they marched into the Keeping Place at Bairnsdale.

The students enjoyed the challenge of the leadership reaction course, undertook PT, visited a morning brief at Central Flying School and experienced King Air flights over local land. They lit fuses on the Dutson Air Weapons Range, chal-lenged themselves in a Super Hornet simulator and got up close and personal with the local search-and-rescue chopper and PC-9A Roulette. They donned cam-ouflage paint in the field craft activities and completed artwork projects during the evening.

The students also took on the Air Force values, with one parent mention-ing that READIT (respect, excellence, agility, dedication, integrity, and team-work) had become her foster son’s new motto.

The students’ enthusiasm continued outside of the program with participant Jack Miller excited at the opportunities given to those in the Air Force.

“It has been good fun, getting to meet new people and doing things that you would not normally get to do in civilian life,” he said.

Irving Mosquito’s enthusiasm was so infectious that his younger housemate is now rearing to enrol in the next program; while Courtney Peterson, who was pre-viously undecided about which service to join, said after the program that “Air Force is looking pretty good”.

ABXO WGCDR Martin Quirke said the program was the culmination of two years of hard work, based on a desire for mutual understanding and respect with their local indigenous community.

“The whole base came together to deliver an outstanding program for the kids and it was fantastic to see them throw themselves into the activities so enthusiastically,” he said.

“We saw a visible change in them during the week as they absorbed our RAAF values and while they came from throughout the region not knowing one another, they quickly came togeth-er and learned the benefits of teamwork.

“They left energised and motivated, which says much about the program and the quality of the kids themselves.”

The students were presented with completion certificates by SADFO, GPCAPT Mark McCallum as a finale to the week.

GPCAPT McCallum said it was clear that the youth had gained much from their time with Air Force and were right-ly proud of what they achieved.

“Each group produced a painting rep-resenting their time with us and what was important to them. I was struck by how closely aligned their indigenous val-ues were with Air Force’s.

“I hope we will see few of them back in Air Force and in uniform,” he said.

Learning the ropes pays off

‘It is literally so amazing, if I

had the chance to stay I would. It is an amazing place with amazing people. I absolutely love it here.

Please, oh please, do this again next year so I can come again. Absolutely an 11 out of 10 expe-rience and words cannot really explain how much I loved this.

I love this camp – way better than expected.

WHAT THEY THOUGHT:

Students relish the challenge of East Sale’s “amazing” indigenous program

Students participate in theLeadership Reaction

Course led by 30SQN PTIs. Inset: Irving

Mosquito is keen to enrol in the next program.

Photos: Hollie Johnson

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16 February 9, 2017RCEAIR FNews

SGT Dave Morley

MORE than 60 NSW Police members from across western Sydney took to the skies in a C-130J, as a thank you for the high level of continuing support they provide to RAAF Base Richmond.

A/SNCO CPL Benjamin Gough of 1SECFOR, Air Force Police, at RAAF Base Richmond, said the police came from Hawkesbury Local Area Command, Penrith LAC, Traffic Services Group and Hawkesbury Highway Patrol (HWP) on December 9.

“We rely on a good working relationship with civilian authorities to enable us to effectively do our job, so it’s important we foster and maintain such relationships,” he said.

“I was pleased at the outcome – the event went smoothly and was enjoyed by all.

“All reports were positive and all police members came off the flight with big smiles, and a few with sick bags in hand, however they took it in their stride and still walked away smiling.”

CPL Gough said when he approached his chain of command with the idea, they liked it, so he liaised with CO 37SQN WGCDR Matthew Cooper, who was more than happy to support.

“WGCDR Cooper appointed his XO SQNLDR Simon Kerr as the POC for the squadron and he did all the hard work,” he said.

“SQNLDR Kerr even came in off leave to ensure the day went well.

“The C-130J crew, with aircraft captain FLGOFF Daniel Armstrong, were lucky enough to get a ride in one of the HWP vehicles the police offered on the day to say thank you to them.”

CPL Gough said if the opportunity to organise another similar event came up, he would do it all again.

“It’s a fantastic way for Air Force to say thank you – NSW Police work hard and don’t always get the thanks they deserve,” he said.

‘A fantastic thank you’

FLGOFF Daniel Armstrong, Commander Hawkesbury Local Area Command Superintendent Steve Eggington, and Air Force Policeman CPL Benjamin Gough in front of a C-130J Hercules and NSW Police vehicles at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Veronica O’Hara

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17February 9, 2017RCEAIR F News

AUSTRALIAN Air Force Cadets (AAFC) has become just the second Australian organisation to be grant-ed a national licence for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

The agreement brings two of Australia’s premier youth leadership organisations into full lockstep and makes earning the award easier for cadets.

Commander of AAFC GPCAPT Mark Dorward said the granting of the National Award Unit Licence would help the program to run more smoothly on a national level.

“Although we’ve been involved with the award for more than 30 years, there has been some disparity between opera-tions in each of the states,” he said.

“We are the fourth-largest provider of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in the nation and now, follow-ing the successful audit, conduct and management of the program during a provisional arrangement, this national licence will greatly improve coordina-tion between our two organisations.”

GPCAPT Dorward said cadets would benefit from a more streamlined approach that created less confusion and reduced the cost for members.

“AAFC is able to provide the pro-gram to our members around Australia at a single charge of only $110 per level per person while operating from just one set of rules (the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Handbook) instead of rely-ing on state interpretation of what the award will and won’t accept,” he said.

“Our motto is ‘reach for the stars’ and we encourage all our cadets to aim high and consider themselves worthy of great things.”

GPCAPT Dorward said the award was a leading youth development pro-gram which empowered Australians aged 14 to 25 to explore their full poten-tial, regardless of location or circum-stance.

“The 8000 AAFC members all wear

the Australian uniform with the Queen’s badge,” he said.

“Importantly, cadets completing the award also get to wear another royal crown and symbol – the award badge – that is recognised in 141 countries and territories around the world as an exem-plar of transformational learning.

“And they can also wear the badge on civilian clothing for the rest of their lives as testimony to their achievements.”

GPCAPT Dorward said AAFC was one of the “most dynamic, effective and satisfying” youth programs available.

“A significant proportion of members serving in today’s Air Force developed their aviation careers as a direct result of their participation in AAFC,” he said.

“As recognition of the value of cadets’ training, Air Force has provided us with 22 modern gliders. It is now sourcing four-seater powered training aircraft as direct support for cadets’ potential aviation and aerospace industry involvement.

“Many of our activities count towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, so it is a total win-win for our 628 cadets currently participating around the nation.”

Involvement in AAFC can gener-ate credits for the Year 12 Certificate of Education. Cadets may also under-take three weeks a year of full-time ter-tiary-level studies that will qualify them for a TAFE Certificate III in Business Management.

Similarly, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award may count towards high school leaving certificates as well as tertiary subjects.

“In partnership with the award, AAFC is a real game changer for Australia, giving young people autono-my, responsibility, skills and courage so they can effectively help lead Australia in every facet of military, government, business and community life,” GPCAPT Dorward said.

Double deal for cadets

NO. 65 Air Base Recovery Squadron took part in its first major airfield recovery during Exercise Cranky Wombat late last year.

Members from 65SQN, 1CCS, 2EHS 22SQN, MEOMS and 295SQN participated in the exercise, which aimed to recover Dochra Airfield in the Singleton Training Area, in central NSW, from October 4 to 18.

The airfield was last used by Caribou aircraft in 2007. It became unusable because of significant pavement and drainage defects, and approaches were affected by over-grown vegetation.

295SQN assurance team member WOFF Lincoln Mathews said it was a great exercise to take part in.

“I have conducted many airfield refurbishments and construction tasks over the years. However, the way this exercise was conducted to complete a quality airfield in a short timeframe and under budget is a tribute to all 65SQN personnel involved from the planning phase through to the con-struction phase,” he said.

The exercise offered unit-level training with tangible results.

Plant operator CPL Kristy Duggin said her experience on Cranky Wombat was extremely valuable.

“It allowed me the opportunity to use my operating skills in an envi-ronment in which we could see real results,” she said.

XO 65SQN SQNLDR John Cody

Cranky Wombat clears way for smooth landings

During Exercise Cranky Wombat:

• 900 tonnes of material was imported and placed from a civilian quarry

• 500 tonnes of material was imported from a range quarry

• 1500m of drainage was constructed

• 720kL of construction water was used

• 100 unexploded ordnance items were disposed of across Singleton Training Area

said the recovery of Dochra Airfield would contribute to 65SQN’s declara-tion of final operating capability.

“It has also provided the ADF with a refurbished operational air-field, improving training outcomes and interoperability between users,” he said.

The exercise also involved com-pleting unexploded ordnance disposal across the airfield and the wider Singleton Training Area.

The airfield has been reopened for Air Force tactical operations and will provide training opportunities for C-27J Spartan and C-130 Hercules aircraft crews.

IN FOR THE BIG HAUL

‘This national licence will greatly improve coordination between the two organisations.GPCAPT Mark Dorward

AAFC Commander

Australian Air Force Cadets’ air and land-based experiences and

training also count towards the coveted Duke of Edinburgh’s

International Award.

Participants in Exercise Cranky Wombat at Dochra Airfield in the Singleton Training Area. Photo: CPL Peter Borys

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Feature RCEAIR F February 9, 201718

A SYSTEM developed by the Fleet Management Reform Project’s Technical Governance and Policy

(TG&P) team has improved interaction between the operations and mainte-nance teams of a number of squadrons – and its potential is Defence-wide.

The Unit Maintenance Plan (UMP) is a visualisation system that makes maintenance forecast data much easier for operations and maintenance plan-ners to interpret.

It does this by taking information produced by the maintenance-manage-ment system and presenting forecast events in a calendar format.

In addition to date-based mainte-nance, it uses average or customised rates for aircraft hours and aircraft events – such as landings and flight cycles – to predict dates on which maintenance will fall due.

WOFF Cameron Lawrence said his team developed the system to reduce the time required to interpret the main-tenance forecast, “allowing faster deci-sions on maintenance planning”.

“It can also be configured to meet different types of squadron and aircraft-type operational requirements,” he said.

The UMP is being used by Nos. 1, 6, 33, 35, 37 Squadrons, No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit and 92 Wing (Nos. 10 and 11 Squadrons), with 92WG in particular reporting great improvements.

CPL James Morton said he was impressed with the difference the UMP had made since his team at 11SQN started using it last July.

“The UMP allows a one-stop shop for flight and maintenance planning at the coalface,” he said.

92WG’s WOFF Gordon Lawrence said “the UMP has been a stand-out core improvement in maintenance and operational planning activities”.

“92WG used to use a manpower-driven Excel spreadsheet which required the fleet planner to review both data sets on the DRN and DSN daily for aircraft and crew changes,” he said.

“The UMP enabled a manpower saving of 10 hours a week, and has greatly reduced confusion and reliance on the previous single point of failure.

“All key stakeholders within aircrew and operations are now aware of main-tenance that is being planned to meet operational taskings.”

The UMP synchronises a squadron’s flying program and its maintenance program, enabling visibility of any issues or clashes far enough in advance for the operations and maintenance teams to find a solution.

WOFF Lawrence said the TG&P team was dedicated to supporting air-craft maintenance teams, and took on suggestions from users to develop the most effective systems possible.

“92WG really pushed the UMP to

the limits and allowed us to see where improved functionality could be pro-vided,” he said.

The UMP partly owes its success to its uniformity and centralised control. It can be carried seamlessly across differ-ent aircraft platforms, with no special-ised training required for users.

CPL Morton said a common sys-tem used across Air Force allowed for smooth transitions as people posted around different force element groups.

“Updates controlled by a central point mean there won’t be ‘butchered’ versions of the UMP circulating. This does away with the need for multiple spreadsheets or databases,” he said.

“The application has come forward in leaps and bounds, but has a lot of potential to still grow with input from regular system users and further ele-ments coming on board.”

WOFF Lawrence said the UMP also had Defence-wide benefits, including the potential to be used on deployments and exercises.

“The concepts are directly applica-ble across ADF aviation and we already have some take-up in Army and Navy,” he said.

Most of the FMRP resources can be self-taught and are accessible via the Maintenance Operations Toolbox on the DRN (http://caas/Areas/RAAF/LOGBR/SitePages/Home.aspx). Click on ‘Production Planning & Control’ and then ‘ToolBox’.

A centralised aviation maintenance plan is saving time and confusion, FLGOFF Karyn Markwell reports

All on the same page

The Unit Maintenance Plan allows faster decisions on

maintenance planning.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

Faster, stronger

Upgrade of desktops is under way

THE Defence Strategic Workforce Plan (DSWP) 2016-2026 has been released following endorsement by the First Principles Review (FPR) Implementation Committee.

The plan identifies actions to address attraction and recruiting, education and training, learning and development, career and talent management, workforce mobility, transition and re-engagement, and partner-ship with other government departments, industry and academia.

The release of the DSWP supports the 2016 Defence White Paper and addresses a recommendation from the FPR.

Head People Capability RADM Brett Wolski said the plan had analysed the internal and external work-force situation.

“It has identified opportunities to improve the people system, identified areas of risk, and developed actions to address these,” he said.

“It’s vital to the future of Defence to identify actions to address attraction and recruiting, training and edu-cation, career and talent management and workforce mobility for all components of the workforce, including ADF and APS.

“The plan will ensure Defence is able to deliver and sustain the future workforce requirements.”

Director General Workforce Planning BRIG Natasha Fox said workforce planning was continuous.

“As such, it is part of the Defence corporate plan-ning cycle and embedded in force design and the capa-bility life cycle,” she said.

“The actions in the plan will be of benefit across the whole organisation.”

The DSWP is presented in two parts. Part One identifies the workforce implications from the 2016 Defence White Paper and the FPR, Defence’s approach to workforce planning and the Defence People System. Part One will be updated after future white papers, or as required.

Part Two, which will be reviewed more frequently, includes analysis of the Defence operating environ-ment, analysis of the current Defence workforce and future workforce requirements, an assessment of work-force risks and actions to address workforce risks.

For more information on the DSWP, visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/People/WP/Strategic-Workforce-Planning-and-Analysis/Pages/Defence-Strategic-Workforce-Plan.aspx

Planning for workforce of the future

THE Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG) has started its upgrade of more than 100,000 Defence protected desktop computers through the end user computer (EUC) project.

This year, EUC will deliver modern desktop hardware with an upgrade to Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010.

There will also be changes to approved software and peripherals as noted in Defgram 484/2016 and Defgram 555/2016. Base support notices will be sent out advising of timeframes.

Director General Business Relationship Management, CIOG COL Matt Rogerson said the rollout was a much needed upgrade for Defence users.

“Implementing EUC is critical for moving Defence onto a stable and supportable platform for desktop computing,” COL Rogerson said.

“The provision of modern desktop tools and access to the latest technological features will position Defence well for future requirements and remediate current shortcomings.”

As EUC begins the upgrades, you will be asked to con-firm applications and peripherals you use, as well as respond to questions that indicate the level of learning support you may require as part of the upgrade.

You will receive this information by email about 45 days before the upgrade of your site.

It is important these emails are promptly actioned to ensure EUC understands the impacts on each person.

The upgrade will be delivered on a site-by-site basis. The full EUC implementation schedule can be found on the EUC website or find ‘End User Computing (EUC)’ on the Defence intranet home page on the left hand menu bar.

EUC is working with Groups and Service representatives and site managers to minimise the impact on day-to-day activities. Site managers will advise you when your site is due to be upgraded.

More information on the project and changes to your working envi-ronment are available on the EUC website by searching EUC on the Defence intranet site.

SGT Bryce Madejewski

THE PTI trade is entering a new era in physi-cal and psychological resilience training.

PTI Mustering Sponsor WOFF Steve Weaver said the inspiration to update training methods came from Plan Jericho.

“I saw the need to modernise the PTI mus-tering in order to deliver on Air Force’s physi-cal training instructor capability under Plan Jericho,” he said.

“Our new capability will revolve around the prevention of injuries, both physical and psychological, saving hundreds of hours in lost time due to injury or illness.

“This has the potential to save Defence millions of dollars in rehabilitation and asso-ciated costs.”

Senior PTI representatives from around Australia attended the PTI conference at RAAF Base Amberley late last year.

The aim of the conference was to begin development of a physical training continuum to educate members, reduce chronic injuries and develop a more scientifically defend-able physical conditioning model built on increased muscular skeletal training.

The new PTI Sponsor, GPCAPT Mark Larter, opened the conference, while OC 95 Wing GPCAPT David Paddison and OC 96 Wing GPCAPT Marty Smith spoke on the rel-evance of PTIs in a modern Air Force.

“The modern PTI must be versatile and be prepared to augment their skill sets in order to enhance their value to a fifth-generation Air Force,” GPCAPT Larter said.

Air Force PTIs are already modernising by providing innovative, up-to-date training and strength and conditioning to units around Australia. They are becoming more sophisti-cated in the delivery of physical training, and play an influential role in injury prevention.

PTIs at No. 26 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown and No. 25 Squadron at RAAF Base Pearce have designed a new strength and conditioning program for fast jet pilots.

CPL Jay Cockburn and SGT Luke Hamilton have been working with the Institute of Aviation Medicine, No. 2 Flying Training School and No. 79 Squadron, on reducing neck pain in fast jet pilots.

Meanwhile, CPL Anthony Baker, of No. 4 Squadron, has developed a new strength and conditioning model for 4SQN combat controllers.

WOFF Weaver said he was pleased with the direction the trade was moving.

“It is my goal to ensure PTIs become respected and involved more closely in the rehabilitation of injured members to ensure they are reintegrated to the workforce faster and stronger,” he said.

19February 9, 2017RCEAIR F Personnel

PTIs who attended the conference at RAAF Base Amberley gather in front of an F-111.Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

I N F O RMAT I O N TOU R DAT E S

Employment information for SF operators and support staff applicants. Partners and family are very welcome to attend.

Brisbane, Gallipoli BarracksMonash Centre Theatre23 FEB 17 @ 1830h

Perth, Irwin BarracksMonash Centre Theatre02 MAR 17 @ 1830h

Darwin, Robertson BarracksRowell Centre Theatre08 MAR 17 @ 1830h

Townsville, Lavarack BarracksLachlanWilson Centre Theatre

14 MAR 17 @ 1830h

Sydney, Holsworthy BarracksMaitland Theatre

16 MAR 17 @ 1830h

Adelaide, RAAF EdinburghMonash Centre Theatre23 MAR 17 @ 1830h

Melbourne, Simpson BarracksAmiens Theatre

20 MAR 17 @ 1830h

Canberra, ADFAAdams Auditorium28 MAR 17 @ 1830h

Bonegilla, Latchford BarracksAWMATheatre

11 APR 17 @ 1830h

Acies Acuta

SPEC

IALOPE

RATIONS COMMAND

AUSTRALIA

S P E C I A L O P E R AT I O N S C OMMA N D

TRU S T E D . T E AM O F T E AM S . N AT I O N A L M I S S I O N F O R C E .

MAKING ANOTHER OFFICE CALL

DECEMBER TRIAL RESULTSNCODefence Force Magistrate1 x Obtaining a Financial Advantage – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (Cth) s 135.2(1) 2 x False statement in Relation to an Application for a Benefit – DFDA s 56(4) Member was accused of obtaining a financial advantage in relation to separation allowance, totalling $2136.19, by not notifying their commanding officer of a change in the member’s circumstances. Member was also accused of making false statements in relation to applications for benefits that the member was no longer entitled to, with the member being reckless as to whether the statements were false. Member pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty of the charges. Member was reduced in rank by one rank (having also forfeited seniority in their previous rank), fined $6700, and ordered to pay reparation totalling $2136.19.

2 x Assaulting a Superior Officer – DFDA s 25(1)1 x Act of Indecency Without Consent – DFDA s 61(3) and Crimes Act (ACT) s 60(1)1 x Assaulting a Subordinate – DFDA s 34(1)Member was accused of assaulting a superior officer by grabbing the superior officer on an intimate place on two occasions. Member was also accused of committing an act of indecency on a subordinate member. Member was also accused of assaulting the subordinate member by grabbing the subordinate member on an intimate place. Member pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty of the charges. Member was sentenced to 45 days of detention (wholly suspended) and reduced in rank by one rank.

1 x Assaulting a Subordinate – DFDA s 34(1)1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1)Member was accused of assaulting a subordinate member by striking the subordinate member with an implement.Member was also accused of prejudicing discipline by acting in a threatening manner towards another member.Member pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty of the charges. Member was fined a total of $1700 (to be paid in instalments) and severely reprimanded.

1 x Act of Indecency Without Consent – DFDA s 61(3) and Crimes Act (ACT) s 60(1)1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1)Member was accused of committing an act of indecency on a subordinate member. Member was also accused of prejudicing discipline by making an offensive statement to another subordinate member in the presence of the subordinate member. Member pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty of the charges. Member was reduced in rank by one rank and severely reprimanded.

All Court Martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are sub-ject to command review and appeal. The results are of trials across the ADF.

EACH year Defence reviews and adjusts member contribution and allowance rates for both accommo-dation and meals for the year.

The new rates came into effect on January 26 and are reflected in mem-bers’ pay as on payday February 9.

In relation to accommodation, changes made to the Group Rent Scheme (GRS), contributions and regional rent band adjustments reflect housing market realities.

Changes to meal and utility charges and allowances reflect the annual movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

To this end, the rent change will increase by an average of 1.4 per cent with member contributions for living in allowance (LIA) adjusted in line with the September 2016 Rents

and Utilities subcomponent of the CPI.

LIA accommodation contribu-tions have increased by 0.7 per cent while LIA utilities contributions have increased by 2.6 per cent.

The Acting Assistant Secretary People Policy and Employment Conditions, Lisa Arnold, said there was a long-standing requirement for Defence to share the cost of housing with members on a 50/50 basis.

“Contributions for service resi-dence and rent allowance properties are calculated annually based on the national average rent for Defence houses in each rent band,” Dr Arnold said.

“This rent band method offers a transparent method for calculat-ing contribution increases based on

actual rental increases rather than forecasts.”

Meal rates are also reviewed annually. This year there will be no change to the casual meal charges for breakfast, lunch or dinner nor any change to the discounted fortnightly meal charge, (based on 10 days of cas-ual meal charges) which will remain at $180.

If you have a question on an ADF housing or meal issue, you should forward it through your chain of command for assessment, in the first instance.

More information on housing assistance and meal contribution rates can be found on the Pay and Conditions Manual webpage at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/pac

Rate review20 February 9, 2017RCEAIR FPersonnel

EOIs for leadership courseEXPRESSIONS of interest are being called for the Air Force Leadership Certificate IV Coaching Course, which is scheduled for March 6-10 and May 1-5. Permanent and Reserve members are eligible to apply. The course focuses on leadership development at all levels and aims to produce coaches who assist Air Force personnel to be more effective. The coaching program is linked to Air Force’s core values and aims to directly support CAF’s intent and reform programs such as New Horizon and Plan Jericho. Deadline for applications is February 10.

For more details visit: http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/AFAC/Coaching/Pages/Coaching.aspx

IN BRIEF

Annual changes to rent and accommodation will be reflected in members’ pay from February 9.

21February 9, 2017RCEAIR F Flightline

Beards have sprouted on the faces of some personnel at 37SQN, as they raise money for bowel cancer treatment through the charity initiative Decembeard. In accordance with the RAAF Manual of Dress, the squadron’s Commanding Officer has approved his personnel to grow the beards, and as of December, the squadron had raised more than $3000. Photo: Eamon Hamilton

Left: CPL Alisha Clarkson from Air Task Group prepares an Australia Day breakfast of Vegemite sandwiches at Australia’s main operating air base in the Middle East.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

South Australian Policeman Senior Sergeant 1st Class Allan Dawson with Air Force Policeman CPL Naomi Chapman at the Woomera stakeholder open day late last year. Photo: SGT Murray Staff

Right: ACW Elisha Berglund, Aeronautical Life Support Fitter, helps Sian, 3, to try on some aircraft life support equipment on display at the 11SQN family day at RAAF Base Edinburgh.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Members from 35SQN participating in Decembeard show off their beards in front of a C-27J Spartan battlefield air lifter at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

PTE Greg Talu and CPL Matias Kewe compete in a beach flag race during Australia Day celebrations at Camp Baird in the Middle East on January 26. Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

FLGOFF Justin Milverton and FSGT Gavan Phillips with a MK 46 light-weight torpedo on display at the 11SQN family day late last year at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

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Just take the first step

♦  six push ups♦  12 sit ups♦  24 lunge steps (12 each side)

Week 2: conditioningThree times this week you will run/

walk. Run or jog the first 10 seconds of each minute, then brisk walk the last 50 seconds of each minute. Repeat for 30 minutes.

Week 2: muscle toningFour minutes on four minutes off 3

times♦  10 squats to a low chair♦  20 mountain climbers♦  10 push ups♦  20m run/jog♦  20m walk back and start again

Week 3: conditioningRepeat week 2 except run/jog 20sec

and brisk walk 40sec.

Week 3: muscle toningFor 16 minutes do the following:Every even minute: 20 crunchesEvery odd minute: 5 inch worms

Week 4: conditioning Repeat week 2 except run/jog 30sec

brisk walk 30sec.Week 4: muscle toningCompare results with week 1.For 12 minutes complete this over

and over until you run out of time♦  six push ups♦  12 sit ups♦  24 lunge steps (12 each side)Commit to this program and it will

set you up for some healthy habits in 2017. Don’t forget that if you have any questions, pop down to the base gym and ask the PT staff, that’s what we’re here for.

According to physical training instructor CPL Brett Suttor, fitness and health doesn’t have to be complicated

THIS year I’m going to get fit. How many of you have prom-ised yourself that before? The problem with most fitness kicks

is people either try to make it too com-plicated, spend money on super pills and potions, or expect results in five minutes. Having said that, here are my top three tips to success.

Set goalsThink about what your long term

goal is (12 months) and write it down. Put it on your fridge at home and up in the office somewhere you can see it every single day. It will help keep you focused on the days you feel like you’re not making it.

Eat real foodNo magic diets pills, powders, or

machines that neatly fold small enough to slide under your bed will see you suc-ceed. What is real food? To keep it as simple as possible if you can’t name all the ingredients when you look at it, then it’s not real food. Keep portion sizes down. No overflowing bowls or plates.

Exercise, exercise, exerciseKeep it simple. Following an exer-

cise program is an investment into your health. If you are a little hesitant to go to a gym because the whole process is daunting, then give this four-week pro-gram a go. If you get to week 4 and want more, then you have had a serious win and it’s time to look back at your goals. With them in mind make your next move.

Week 1: conditioningFour times a week walk at least 40

minutes. Download a fitness app on your phone and log your walks. This will give you something to race against if you are that way inclined. Do not try to run or jog. We are aiming at making solid long-term changes. The aim of this com-ponent is to get you moving, but not in a way that will make you so sore you give up after one or two attempts.

Week 1: muscle toningThree times a week complete this

series of exercises but not directly before or after your walks. Note your results each time you complete this as it will be important in week 4.

For 12 minutes do this over and over until you run out of time:

2016

2017

22 February 9, 2017RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

23February 9, 2017RCEAIR F Sp rt

LS Jayson Tufrey

SIX airmen and women were among the 77 wounded, injured and ill ath-letes from RSL and the ADF who vied for a spot on the Australian Invictus Games team at the Australian Institute of Sport in January.

A 53-member training squad was named after the week-long camp, from January 9-13. This squad will be reduced to a final team of 43 over the next series of training camps.

More than 550 competitors from 17 nations will compete at the Invictus Games 2017 in Toronto Canada from September 22-30.

LAC Wade Roberts, an air-craft technician from RAAF base Edinburgh who competed in last year’s Florida games, again made the

squad and said it felt good to be back for this year’s selection trial.

“It’s an honour to have the oppor-tunity to again represent Australia at Invictus,” he said.

“From a rehabilitation standpoint, I’m happy to be continuing training in my sports, which will ultimately allow me to return to work. Invictus is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, come together as a team and do your best no matter what circum-stances life throws at you.”

LAC Roberts is hoping to repre-sent Australia in track, indoor rowing, seated volleyball and cycling.

Athletes will have the opportunity to compete in 12 adaptive sports at the games: archery; athletics; golf; indoor rowing; powerlifting; road cycling; sitting volleyball; swimming;

wheelchair basketball; wheelchair rugby; wheelchair tennis; and driving challenge.

The games are an international adaptive multi-sports competition for serving and former serving military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during service to their country.

They use sport to inspire recov-ery, support and rehabilitation for our personnel, and to generate a wider understanding of and respect for those who serve their country and their loved ones.

Unsuccessful athletes for this year’s games will be in contention for other adaptive sports events and for an expanded ADF/RSL team for next year’s games in Sydney.

CPL Max Bree

LACW Bronwyn Mullins narrowly defeated a former golf pro to take top spot at the ADF Golf Association Championship at the Federal Golf Club in Canberra from December 5-9.

She finished one stroke better than the talented AB Derrin Morgan and stopped two-time champ LCDR Daryl Whitehead from gaining a hat-trick.

“I walked off the green and people were saying ‘congratulations’ and I was saying ‘did I win?’,” she said.

“I made it a really big point to not think about it. I was just playing my own game and, at the end, if I had done enough I had done enough.”

LACW Mullins stuck with a con-servative strategy throughout the tour-nament.

“My game plan is to go for the cen-tre of the green,” she said.

“I don’t pin [flag] chase, so as long as I hit fairways and greens, I know I’m good to go. Some people are quite

aggressive. They’ll go for the pins, but that’s their style.”

LACW Mullins started playing golf when she was five but hadn’t picked up her clubs for a while before she started practising a month out from the tournament.

“Golf is ingrained in my fam-ily. My parents and most of my family play so I just fell into it,” she said.

“But I know people who pick up a club at 16 and play really well.”

CPL Brendan Creek finished fur-ther down the overall ranking but took out the title of best-performing player from the Air Force, as competitors can win only one title.

“You trust your own game and play to your strengths,” he said.

“Some guys start chasing flags, but sticking to the green is the easiest way around the course instead of taking shots you can’t really play.

“And with the swirling wind you were better off playing to the green and trusting the club.”

CPL Max Bree

THE boys in blue dominated the ADF Football Federation National Carnival at Cromer Park in Sydney in November.

Air Force sides flew to victory in the men’s open and veterans’ (over-35) competitions.

It was the second championship in succession for the veteran’s team.

Vets team captain SGT Brad Moore, of 92 Wing, said they started with 21 players to field a side of 16.

“We were fairly confident from the start,” he said.

“We had a big squad and needed to cut a few players and that’s the first time we’ve had to cut so many. It was probably the best team we’ve had going into a tournament.”

The veterans beat Navy 6-0 before coming up against a tough Army side, which they beat 3-1.

“It was nail-biting in the second half, until we got that third goal and knew we were home,” SGT Moore said.

“Army was fairly even across the ground. They were probably just stronger in defence and that kept us from scoring.”

Air Force was also confident heading into the men’s open event, having defeated a local Sydney team and the veterans in warm-up matches after a week-long training camp.

The men’s team defeated Navy 2-1 but captain SGT Jason Thomas said the biggest problem was Army.

“We were down 1-0 and when we got back to 1-1 we thought we’d push on and take over,” he said.

“But then they got another cheeky goal. We showed a lot of character to come back from that.”

Air Force eventually won 3-2.“It’s the best feeling, it’s always

good to win the championship for RAAF,” SGT Thomas said.

He also credited star player CPL Josh Evans with helping the RAAF team dominate.

“He was a weapon. He was a solid midfielder and outstanding performer, winning the interservice player of the tournament. A lot of the guys look up to him,” SGT Thomas said.

LEUT Geoffrey Stewart

SLED hockey made its ADF debut during Defence’s Triservice Carnival in Melbourne in November.

Sled hockey players propel themselves by using the butt-end of small hockey sticks held in each hand. The sled provides mobility on the ice for players whether they have a physical disability or not.

Adaptive Sports South Australia worked with the Australian Submarine Corporation years ago to make sleds for sled hockey. These were stored and neglected.

Army’s CAPT Dave Hunt coor-

dinated the transportation of these sleds to Melbourne and their refur-bishment by the O’Brien Group Arena, and arranged for Ice Sports Victoria to provide the special sticks for the sport.

On November 17, players from the ADF ice hockey teams, includ-ing the Air Force Eagles, played the ADF’s first sled hockey game.

One of those players was FLGOFF Mitchell Brown, a for-mer Army sapper in Afghanistan, whose spine was fractured when his Bushmaster was struck by an explosion from an IED in 2010.

FLGOFF Brown had reduced mobility for weeks and required

four months of rehabilitation to fully recover.

He now plays ice hockey for the Adelaide Jokers and Air Force Eagles and enjoyed having a go at sled hockey.

“This is a great opportunity to get out and be involved in ice sports for people with lower body injuries, and also to get involved in team sports,” he said.

The ADF Ice Hockey Association will feature sled hockey in all triservice carnivals.

If you are interested in playing, contact SQNLDR Simon West (simon.west@defence.gov.au)

Greens game is up to scratch

On the road to Invictus

Confidence reaps rewards

Sleds out of storage and sitting pretty

THE recognition process for the ADF Archery Association is under way and expressions of inter-est are sought from prospective general members and committee members in order to have a ready-

to-go association to present to the ADF Sports Council. If you would like to see archery recognised as an ADF sport, email your expres-sion of interest to CPL Astin Darcy (astin.darcy@defence.gov.au).

Archery aiming for recognition

LACW Bronwyn Mullins makes one of her last shots on the

way to winning the ADF Golf Association Championship.

Photo: WO2 Andrew Hetherington

CPL Josh Evans shows the skill that won him player of the

tournament.

FLGOFF Mitchell Brown leads the chase to the puck in sled hockey.

© Image courtesy of Department of Defence

Assisting serving and ex-servingADF members and their familiesin times of injury, illnessand crisis.

rsldefencecare.org.au

SP RTFebruary 9, 2017

ON YOUR MARKS

The race to Invictus Games 2017 begins

Page 23

LAC Wade Roberts springs out of the blocks in a 200m sprint during Invictus Games selection trials at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey