With friends: Pte

Shane Telford, of 7RAR,

is welcomed to the
Operational Coordination
CentreProvincial
Headquarters by an
Afghan soldier.
Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

Edition 1319 December 5, 2013

TIME
DRAWS
NEAR Australias mission in
Uruzgan winds up


Page 2, 15-21 and liftout

Wear proudly Helping out

Slouch Hats and berets may Soldiers arrive in Ormoc for
be worn by Army personnel Operation Philippines Assist

PAGE 3 PAGE 5
 2 NEWS
Planning for the future: From left, Col Hazir Kalan, of the Afghan National Police, Lt-Col Paul Duncan, of Combined Team Uruzgan,
Lt-Col Randy Freeman, of the Uruzgan Liaison Team, Col Ghulam Dasiger, of the National Directorate of Security, and Lt-Col Kakul Shah,
of the Afghan National Army, meet at the Operational Coordination CentreProvincial. 
Taking over command
Afghanistans Operational Coordination Centre prepared for interagency manoeuvres
Cpl Mark Doran
AFGHAN National Security Forces
are ready to conduct independent
operations, according to a senior
Combined Team Uruzgan adviser.
Lt-Col Paul Duncan, Senior
Adviser Operational Coordination
Centre ProvincialUruzgan (OCC-
P), said his teams mission to
empower, coach and advise Afghan
personnel had been effective.
The OCC-P is assessed as being
independent in their capability
to plan and monitor interagency
operations across Uruzgan, he said.
They have been conducting
deliberate independent operations,
which are planned months in
advance, to immediate operations
providing security across the
province, such as their reactions to
short-notice security threats.
In recent months the ANSFs
focus was on conducting success-
ful security for voter registration
The Soldiers Newspaper
This is the last edition of Army for 2013. On behalf of the editorial team, we wish all our readers a merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.
LAST EDITION Well return next year with our first edition published on January 30. The deadline for copy is January 15.
Director
David Edlington: (02) 6265 4650
EDITORIAL
Acting Editor
Lauren Norton: (02) 6266 7615
Deputy Editor
Aurora Daniels: (02) 6265 3119
Sport/Coordination editor
Michael Weaver: (02) 6266 7707
Reporters
WO2 Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614
Sgt Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7613
Cpl Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608
Cpl Nick Wiseman: (02) 6265 4140
LS Helen Frank: (02) 6266 7606
Michael Brooke: (02) 8335 5231
Cpl Aaron Curran: (02) 6265 1355
and planning for the upcoming 2014
elections.
O ffi c e r s f r o m t h e A f g h a n
National Army, Afghan National
Police and the National Directorate
of Security synchronise interagency
cooperation across Uruzgan from the
OCC-P.
Australian advisers from CTU
transitioned from the role of direct
mentoring of the ANSF to being on
hand to provide advice and liaison.
Lt-Col Duncan said immediate
bonds were formed with the OCC-P
when they arrived in Uruzgan
as the Afghans had formed strong
relationships with previous teams.
Over time these bonds became
friendships and while its hard to say
goodbye, my team is also excited to
be going home to their families, he
said.
Over the past months, the OCC-P
has focused on consolidating com-
petencies to give the Afghans con-
fidence of their success and set the
conditions for the provincial leaders
CONTACT US
Email: armynews@defencenews.gov.au
Fax: (02) 6266 7701
Mail: The Editor, Army, R8-LG-044, PO Box
7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600
Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
ADVERTISING / SUBSCRIPTIONS
Advertising manager
Tim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or 0459 842 551
Email: advertising@defencenews.gov.au
Assistant manager advertising / subscriptions
Trish Dillon: (02) 6266 7607
Email: tdillon@defencenews.gov.au
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Photo by Cpl Mark Doran Miles, Lt Don Robertson, Capt Julian
to maintain their high opinion of the Western military force would, but it
agency. works for them, and most importantly
Apart from Lt-Col Duncans its able to be sustained when we
responsibility of leadership, the leave.
eight-man team advised the OCC-P Lt-Col Duncan said ANSF opera-
in all functional areas of the ANSF, tions in Uruzgan at the end of this
including personnel and logistics, fighting season had consolidated their
intelligence, operations, planning and successful actions in denying insur-
coordination. gents access to key areas of the prov-
In Australia there are not many ince. aged to support an initiative aimed at
situations where the ADF, police and While the ANSF at the OCC-P
intelligence agencies work together are expecting a drop in operational
so closely, so if you had to relate this tempo over the winter months, they
to us, the OCC-P would be similar have no illusions. They will be facing
in our response to disaster relief or a staunch and motivated enemy again
major domestic operations, only in in next years fighting season as the
this case there is an active enemy, Taliban attempt to disrupt the 2014
he said. electoral process.
We are at the end of a long men- The ANSF is very capable of donation, regular payroll deductions or
toring and advisory effort provided by independent operations, however, it is
the Dutch, US, Slovak and Australian important to note the legacy we leave
personnel, so it would be arrogant of in Uruzgan is that we have provided
us to presume we have some great the Afghans with the ability to decide
ideas that havent been already tried their own future.
by coalition forces. We cant guarantee anything, but will match all donations dollar for dollar
The Afghan security forces dont we have given them the skills, knowl-
plan operations in the same way a edge and procedures to be successful.
DISCLAIMER
Army is published fortnightly by the Directorate
of Defence News. It is printed under contract
by Horton Media Australia Ltd. The material
published is selected for its interest. The views
expressed in published articles are not necessar-
ily those of Defence or Army. Every advertisement
is subject to Directorate of Defence News approv-
al and the Directorate of Defence News may, at
its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement.
The directorate accepts no responsibility or liabil-
ity in relation to any loss due to the failure of an
advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form
not in accordance with the instructions received
by the Directorate of Defence News. The fact that
an advertisement is accepted for publication does
not mean that the product or service is endorsed
by the Department of Defence or Army.
Army December 5, 2013
BRIEFS
In memory
A road near Robertson Barracks in
Darwin has been named in honour of Cpl
Mathew Hopkins, who was killed in action
in Afghanistan in 2009. The commemora-
tion ceremony was held on November 16.
Mathew Hopkins Road runs about 600m
from the Stuart Highway end of Robertson
Barracks.
New ward opens
A NEW 12-room ward dedicated to ADF
in-patients has opened at St Lukes
Hospital at Potts Point in Sydney. It was
procured under the ADF Health Services
Contract through an agreement with
Medibank Health Solutions. Known as
ADF Ward St Lukes, the facility provides
in-patient services to the ADF members
located in the central Sydney area. It also
allows ADF health staff to access profes-
sional development opportunities in the St
Lukes campus. Director General Garrison
Health Services Brig Georgeina Whelan
said St Lukes Hospital would provide all
clinical services at the new site utilising
experienced staff, complemented by a
Defence Health Liaison Cell to ensure
military supervision of Defence patients.
Raising support
SIX ADF members will raise funds and
awareness of mental health issues when
they climb Mt Cook in New Zealand in
January. The personnel have moun-
taineering experience through the
Army Alpine Association and the ADFA
Mountaineering Club. They are Lt Will
McMahon, Lt Terry Harch, Leut Dean
Williams and Flt-Lt Andrew Stagg. We
are raising money and awareness for
mental health in Defence, Flt-Lt Stagg
said. We are doing this not only for sol-
diers returning from operations, but for
all those dealing with mental health prob-
lems. The 3750m climb will be taken in a
style called a grand traverse, where the
team summits by one route, traverses the
summit ridge and then descends the other
side of the mountain. Further details on
the climb and how to support their efforts
can be found at: www.give.everydayhero.
com/au/tri-service-grand-traverse-of-
mount-cook.
Vision for health
The Defence community is being encour-
eradicating trachoma and other prevent-
able eye diseases in indigenous commu-
nities by 2020. The initiative will be con-
ducted under the Commonwealth-wide
Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.
The Trusts executive chairman and for-
mer governor-general, Maj-Gen Michael
Jeffery (retd), invites Defence members
to support the Trust by making a personal
hosting a function or event. Individuals
can make a contribution through the
Trusts website www.jubileetrust.org.au
or by calling 1300 735 736. All donations
are tax deductible. The UK Government
and donors names will be recorded on an
archival scroll at Windsor Castle.
ARMY ONLINE
http://www.army.gov.au
http://www.facebook.com/
TheAustralianArmy
http://www.twitter.com/
AustralianArmy
http://www.youtube.com/ADFMedia
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
AustralianArmy
 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews NEWS 3

Wear with respect: Chief

CA Lt-Gen David Morrison
I would like to talk to you about
our headdress, the Rising Sun
badge and respect.
The Rising Sun is our badge of
honour. The Slouch Hat, brim up,
proudly displaying the Rising Sun
is the distinctive and respected sym-
bol of our Army to the Australian
public and to the people of the
world.
This unique headdress marks us
proudly as Australian soldiers and
has done so for well over a century,
just as it will for the centuries to
come.
This great Australian icon con-
fers a solemn obligation on every
officer and soldier. It always has
and always will.
The Slouch Hat was first worn
by Australian soldiers even before
our country achieved nationhood,
and is thought to have originated
with the Victorian Mounted Rifles
in 1888. I know of no enduring item
of dress that pre-dates the Slouch
Hat.
The Slouch Hat is the most
important and respected part of
our uniform. It is worn only by the
Australian military and it is worn
equally by all in Army, regardless
of regiment, regardless of corps and
regardless of rank.
It is the headdress that will
always be worn when represent-
ing Army in public, engendering
respect to and from the people of
Australia and to those from over-
seas.
On Friday, November 29, new
rules were promulgated in Armys
Dress Manual to enhance and focus
the wearing of this pre-eminent
Australian icon, which is venerated
by our nation and our allies.
I do not own our uniform iden-
tity we all do. This includes those
who have gone before us and those
who will serve our nation in the
future.
As Armys senior leadership
Message from
the Chief
and senior RSMs travel and talk to
our people and the veteran com-
munity, the subject of the wearing
of berets is often raised. I know that
for many, the beret is considered an
important and practical item of uni-
form that is relevant to regimental
and corps identity.
This was highlighted by the
recent Non-Combat Clothing
Review, where more than 80 per
cent of respondents asked for
enhanced regimental and corps
identity.
You are all important to me and
I respect your views, opinions and
feelings.
I have therefore made the deci-
sion that the beret will be approved
as an item of dress in the regimental
environment and on other specified
occasions.
Commanding Officers will have
authority and discretion to decide
when the beret may be worn within
their units, cognisant of occupation-
al health and safety, less when the
Slouch Hat is mandated through the
Army Dress Manual.
I make this decision in respect
and faith with Armys officers and
soldiers. Good soldiering.
Decision requires cooperation from all
RSM-C WO1 David Lehr
Last Friday, Chief of Army Lt-Gen
David Morrison announced that the
wider Army was authorised to wear the
beret with ceremonial and general duty
orders of dress in specific circumstances,
with effect from January1,2014.
He has also directed that should an
individual elect not to wear a beret due
to concerns about exposure to the sun,
they may do so without any detriment or
pressure from their chain-of-command.
The onus rests with all commanders
to ensure all aspects of heat and sun
exposure risk management are applied
and that adequate sun protection/sun
screen is made available, and applied
accordingly.
The Chief of Army says the Special
Operations Commander may authorise
members who are posted to Socomd
units to wear the beret when wearing
ceremonial and general duty orders
of dress during any circumstance or
occasion, which includes a ceremonial
activity of national significance or when
travelling overseas, and performing
official and/or representational duties.
However, he has stated that all Army
personnel are not authorised to wear the
beret when wearing field orders of dress.
The beret is to be purchased at the
members expense and Commonwealth
Headdress update:
The Slouch Hat and
the beret may be worn
by Army members.
 Photo by Steve Dent
funds are not to be used to purchase
berets. This decision to return the beret
as an authorised head wear means the
designated corps or regimental coloured
berets, including the Army/Service blue
beret may be approved to be worn in
specific circumstances, which will be
outlined in the Army Dress Manual.
RAA members are to wear the
miniature RAA hat badge in lieu of the
large RAA hat badge when wearing the
beret. The miniature RAA hat badge is to
be purchased at the members expense.
The Army Dress Manual will be
amended this month and all personnel
should refer to the manual for the
detailed guidance on wearing theberet.

WHEN BERETS MAY BE WORN

Only a Commander/Commanding
Officer/Officer Commanding may
authorise the wearing of berets by
unit members when wearing ceremo-
nial and general duty orders of dress
during the following circumstances or
occasions:
D
 ress Order No. 4AGeneral Duty
Dress (DPCU), i.e. dress of the day.
A
 n internal/barracks/Defence
establishment ceremonial parade
that is held by a corps, regiment,
unit or sub-unit, including ramp
ceremonies which does not include
other service contingents.
When a spectator at an internal/
barracks specified corps, regiment,
unit or sub-unit ceremonial parade
or activity.
When initially inducting or being
inducted into a corps, regiment,
unit or sub-unit that the beret has
direct heritage links with, e.g.
respective corps, regiment or unit
lanyard parade or farewelling a
corps, regiment, unit or sub-unit
member or at a military funeral in
either general duty or ceremonial
orders of dress.
When travelling overseas and per-
forming official and/or representa-
tional duties, except for the follow-
ing circumstances or occasions:
when participating as part of a
formed body;
when participating in field train-
ing activity;
when participating in a contin-
gent exercise; and
when on operational service,
unless posted on United Nations
or Multinational Force and
Observers duty.
When posted to a formation HQ
or an Army training establishment,
except RMC-D and ADFA.
The commander of the follow-
ing functional command HQ may
authorise the wearing of the beret
at his/her discretion during the
above circumstances and occa-
sions. Those functional commands
include:
HQ Forcomd;
HQ 1 Div;
HQ 2 Div; and
SOHQ.

WHEN BERETS ARE NOT TO BE WORN

With the exception of members
posted to Socomd units, a beret is
not to be worn when wearing cere-
monial, general duty and field orders
of dress during the following circum-
stances or occasions:
When in the field, on exercise or
on operations, both within Australia
and overseas, with the exception of
ramp ceremonies, when authorised
by the Commander/Commanding
Officer/Officer Commanding. Other
authorised field headdress is to
be worn, unless posted on United
Nations or Multinational Force and
Observers duty.
When participating in or attending Remembrance in Melbourne and
as a spectator in an external to bar- Martin Place in Sydney; and
racks/Defence establishment cere- Any other occasion where Army as
monial parade, activity or occasion a whole is being represented in the
of national significance, e.g: public domain, e.g. selling legacy
badges or poppies.
Anzac Day;
A  ny Army member who is posted
Remembrance Day;
to the following functional com- Mr Phillip Nelson
When an Army member is part of mand HQ or units, including: LEPDP Manager
a triservice contingent (whether in
AHQ; Forces Command
Australia or overseas); Victoria Barracks
HQ JOC;
A RMC or ADFA Graduation parade Paddington NSW 2012
Other Service HQ; Ph: (02) 8335 5903
or Queens Birthday parade; Any non-Army Group, e.g. Fax: (02) 8335 6506
At the Australian War Memorial ADFA, DMO or AFG etc; and phillip.nelson@defence.gov.au
in Canberra, the Shrine of RMC-D.
 4 NEWS
Thunderous end to year
Annual exercise sees a first for regiment
Lt Samuel Watts
GUNNERS honed their high-
intensity live-fire skills in South
Australia during Exercise Thunder
Run.
All elements of 8/12 Regt deployed
to the Cultana Training Area for the
regiments last exercise for the 2013
training year from October 11 to
November 1.
The regiment managed to get eight
full gun detachments in the field the
first time it has done this since the
introduction of the M777 Howitzer
into service.
Personnel integrated with 16 Air
Land Regt (16ALR) and its GAMB
Radar (Giraffe) and a number of
lightweight counter mortar radar
during the exercise.
Both RAA regiments conducted
radar adjustment missions as well as
counter-fire missions with the aid of
the Giraffe Radar.
This was particularly exciting
as this type of training had not been
conducted in some time and was
the first time the Giraffe was used
successfully to adjust fire from M777
Howitzers.
CO 8/12 Regt Lt-Col Julian West
said Ex Thunder Run was a success.
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Its hard to see what our veterans go through when they return to civilian life.
They battle invisible enemies such as post-traumatic stress, depression, and
chronic pain all of which wage a silent war on them and their families.
Our veterans are in desperate need of crisis support. We need your help urgently.
Donate generously at
defencecare.org.au
DefenceCare is a charity helping current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their
families in times of injury, illness and crisis. DefenceCare is part of RSL Welfare and Benevolent Institution
and is a Tier 1 RSL NSW recognised charity. ABN: 61 603 206 488. DGR: 752 766 491. CFN: 12317.
The exercise was an excellent end
to a high-intensity training year and
has set up 8/12 Regt for another good
year of training in 2014, he said.
The integration of the 16ALR
Giraffe and the Fire Support Patrol
Base (FSPB) operations were
highlights.
In the lead-up, personnel undertook
a series of command-post exercises
in Darwin as well as two full days of
exercising in Cultana.
This was a chance to confirm drills
and procedures before deploying into
the field for Ex Thunder Run.
Ex Thunder Run consisted of four
days of fire and movement from north
to south through the training area.
Each gun line was forced to carry
out core gunnery skills such as night
redeployments, hasty fire missions and
danger close fires, all while threatened
with enemy air power, counter-battery
fire and enemy recon patrols.
The Joint Fires Teams (JFTs) made
their way south and coordinated fire
support from both gun lines as well as
supporting PC9 aircraft.
The gun lines were also faced
with a threat from a notional enemy
BM-21 battery and were gassed while
occupying gun positions and firing in
support of the JFTs further south.
The chemical, biological,
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
The level of gunnery
was of a high
standard and high
tempo, all with the
added complexity of
enemy indirect and
CBRN attack.
 Lt Nathan Small, 8/12 Regt
radiological and nuclear (CBRN)
attack was supported by 9 Fd Sqn,
1CER, which used gas grenades to
replicate the BM-21 base eject gas
round.
Command Post officer Lt Nathan
Small, of 103 Battery, said it was a
good challenge.
The exercise was an excellent test
of objectives, he said.
The level of gunnery was of
a high standard and high tempo, all
with the added complexity of enemy
indirect and CBRN attack.
After the fire and movement
phase, the regiment consolidated in
the south of the range and began the
Golden victory for 2RAR
Cpl Max Bree
SOLDIERS from 2RAR became the
first Australians in 27 years to win a
gold medal on the Cambrian Patrol
in Wales from October 16-19.
Each team was sent out on
a recon mission through the steep
Cambrian Mountains before going
into a bull-ring with long marches
between each stand.
Commander Cpl Ben Katz
said the event was based on recent
operations and covered about 55km.
It was almost like a Kosovo-style
stabilisation scenario with a bit of
Iraq and Afghanistan thrown in, he
said.
It was a recon patrol mission
locating a training camp. On the
way we got re-tasked to things like
observation posts, water crossings
and a first-aid stand.
Competitors from 17 nations
slogged up and down the Welsh
mountains along with 83 British
teams.
Like us, they travelled a fair way
to get to the comp so most of them
were extremely competent, Cpl Katz
said. It was a good atmosphere.
Patrol 2IC LCpl Karl Fabreschi
said the distance between stands,
some up to 18km, was the toughest
part of the contest.
After youd have a short halt
it was pretty soul shattering to get
going but youd just have to get your
pack on and keep walking, he said.
Soldiers patrolled almost
All together: Gunners look on as rounds
land in the direct-fire impact area.
Take aim: 103 Battery fires from the Fire Support Patrol Base.
construction of a FSPB. Both gun
batteries, the regimental command
post and the A-echelon combined
efforts and created a strong and well-
defended position from which they
could fire.
From this location the regiment
defended against attack and continued
to provide indirect fire support.
FSPB members were exposed to
more gas attacks, night probing and air
threats and participated in small-arms
live-fire ambushes and other infantry
minor tactics training.
The base was held and maintained
for four days, resulting in a well dug-in
and defended position from which to
Rolling hills: Soldiers from 2RAR patrol through the Cambrian
Mountains in Wales.
continually over 48 hours, with Cpl
Katzs section getting little sleep.
Most of the boys got around an
hour-and-a-half sleep, he said.
Its designed to give you limited
or no sleep and a couple of the guys
were pulled out at some point to get
individually tested.
You cant just do it based on the
strength of one or two people; you
have to make sure the teams well
rounded. Its a 100 per cent team
effort at all stages.
Each stand was scored out of
100 and added together to give an
overall score. Points were taken
off for not staying under set times
between stands.
Army December 5, 2013
provide fire support. The culminating
activity was a direct-fire serial
involving eight guns firing from the
vicinity of South Hill into the Cultana
Range impact area.
After two adjusting rounds all eight
guns amassed fire with six rounds fire-
for-effect in a devastating display of
RAA fire power.
Detachment commandeer LBdr
Troy Price, of 103 Battery, welcomed
the chance to put skills into practice.
The direct-fire serial was a great
chance to practise direct fire gunnery
as a detachment and to see the impact
of the rounds they provide, he said.
Teams with more than 85 points
received a gold medal.
If one person drops out you cant
get a gold medal or silver medal and
if two people drop out you cant get a
medal at all, Cpl Katz said.
Out of nine gold medals we were
the only international team to win
one this year.
LCpl Fabreschi said silver
wouldnt have been good enough for
the team.
We knew we wanted to do well,
he said. Its only two days you
can survive through two days easily
enough.
Everyone put in; were all good
mates, mateship got us through it.
 Army December 5, 2013
Typhoon clean-up
Soldiers fill vital roles on Operation Philippines Assist
Sgt Dave Morley
AS SOLDIERS aboard HMAS
Tobruk steamed into Ormoc in
the Philippines on the morning
of November 26 a light mist hid
much of the citys devastation.
It wasnt until the mist lifted
and the ship anchored that the true
extent of the destruction caused by
Typhoon Haiyan became apparent to
those on board.
Trees that hadnt been uprooted
had been stripped bare of their
leaves, leaving scenes reminiscent of
a bushfire.
As far as the eye could see,
houses had their roofs ripped off,
but despite the widespread damage,
children were still running around
the beaches smiling and waving.
Two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats
with Navy divers, and the ships
boat carrying Navy hydrographers,
were the first into the water to begin
their task of checking the conditions
around the port areas in preparation
for the Operation Philippines Assist
force.
A pair of Army LARC Vs went
next, reversing carefully down
Tobruks stern ramp, before setting
off to conduct a reconnaissance of
the shore line.
One LARC drove onto a beach
near the city centre and instantly
drew a large crowd of interested
onlookers.
While recces were conducted,
the Ships Army Department
lowered two LCM-8s into the water.
After a hectic day of recces,
craning and refuelling activities,
some sub-units disembarked before
nightfall on the ships first day in
Ormoc.
LARC V and LCM-8 operators
from 35 Water Tpt Sqn worked into
the early evening ferrying troops and
equipment ashore.
Good cause: Capt Shad Marsh and Maj
Ken Golder with the headmistress and
teacher from Cogan Central School (above)
while Spr Codie McIntyre, of 1CER, uses
the skid steer front end loader to clean up
fallen branches (right). Photos by LS Bradley Darvill
Diggers go back to school
Sgt Dave Morley
DIGGERS from the 3CER-based
Recovery Support Force (RSF)
started their first Operations
Philippines Assist task on
November 28.
The work involves an extensive
clean up and repair job at the
Cogon Central School in Ormoc.
OC RSF Maj Ken Golder
said the RSF had been able to
start humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief operations within 24
hours of landing in the Philippines.
Of note is that within 12
hours of having a meeting with
Weve landed: Soldiers drive LARCs onto the beach in Ormoc in the Philippines to deliver cargo for the
Recovery Support Force during Operation Philippines Assist.
Army and Navy personnel
worked solidly in stiflingly humid
conditions to complete the task.
Recovery Support Force 2IC
Capt Alex Schreiber, of 3CER, said
the team was keen to get working.
It was good to arrive in Ormoc
and get some boots on the ground,
he said. The tempo and enthusiasm
from all involved to make it happen
was impressive.
Now were established in
Ormoc were looking forward to
starting key engagements with the
local community and confirming
the Department of Education
and Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade (DFAT) staff,
Australian soldiers have been able
to commence supporting the city of
Ormoc, he said.
Soldiers within RSF are
excited to work with the locals in
rebuilding key community facilities
like schools.
CIMIC team leader Capt Shad
Marsh said Cogon Central School
was chosen in consultation with the
Ormoc City Council, Philippines
Local Education Department and
DFAT.
The school project met our
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
where we can assist best. As
they established a beachhead near
Ormoc, diggers from 3CER were
warmly welcomed by a squad of
Philippines Army soldiers.
The Filipino soldiers were part of
a security platoon deployed around
the beachhead as the engineers and
supporting troops came ashore.
Troop sergeant Sgt Rolando
Pagulong, of a Mindanao-based
cavalry unit, said his people were
pleased the Australians had come
to help.
I am very happy and am
whole-of-government approach to
community rebuilding for Leyte
and the people of the Philippines,
he said.
This is the first project of many
community-based projects that
have been identified.
Barangay (District) Captain
Nilda Dejano said she was happy
that Australian soldiers were
helping clean and fix their school.
Thank you very much, and
more power to you, she said.
Dozens of passing local people
stopped briefly to see the diggers
and their equipment and to show
their appreciation.
Photo by Cpl Jake Sims
looking forward to working with the
Australian soldiers, he said.
You are all very, very welcome.
Capt Ariel Armstrong, of 4
Regt RAA, a Filipino speaker and
member of the CIMIC team, said
Sgt Pagulong and his men were
glad to be providing security to the
Australian soldiers.
His team were welcoming to
the members that came ashore,
Capt Armstrong said. They were
appreciative of the support that
initially came for his squad in the
form of rations and water.
NEWS 5
Dynamic duo: Sgt Emma Franklin and
Lt Warren Henry, of 1PMC, on board
HMAS Tobruk. Photo by Sgt Dave Morley
Small unit has
a large task
Sgt Dave Morley
One of the smaller units embarked in
HMAS Tobruk is the 1 Preventive Medicine
Coy (1PMC) detachment, comprising just
two members.
Environmental health officer Lt Warren
Henry said the team had equipment on board
to set up a fully functioning mobile labora-
tory for analysis of water samples.
We also have equipment for delivery of
pesticides to control vectors, he said.
Water sampling and analysis undertaken
by 1PMC will be able to identify safe drink-
ing water points for both the local commu-
nity and the deployed ADF elements.
Lt Henry said water testing was only part
of his teams task.
We will also undertake disease preven-
tion for ADF members and local communi-
ties, vector control, rodent control, hygiene
and sanitation advice and liaise with local
authorities, he said.
Supervisor Sgt Emma Franklin said peo-
ple in the preventive medicine trade were
regarded as the quiet achievers.
If everything is going well our work
goes unnoticed, she said.
One of the highlights of her job is mak-
ing a difference to locals.
Its a great feeling when you can ensure
that the water is safe to drink, and other dis-
ease threats have been minimised due to the
hard work we have done, she said.
 6 NEWS
Sappers
stand up
Parade welcomes two new regiments
Capt Lily Mulholland
Sappers from three reserve Royal
Australian Engineer regiments came
together on November 23 for a
parade to mark the disestablishment
of 21 Const Regt and the raising of 5
and 8 Engineer Regiments (ER).
The parade symbolised the
transition from the old to the new
and was a fitting way to demonstrate
the close links within the engineer
regiments of the NSW eastern region.
The two new regiments, established
as part of the restructure of reserve
engineer elements under Plan
Beersheba, are drawn from elements
of 5CER, 8CER and 21 Const Regt and
will come into effect from January 1.
The restructure brings combat and
construction engineering capabilities
together in one regiment, which, in the
case of 5ER, is also bolstered with the
additional specialist capabilities of the
Littoral and Riverine Survey Squadron.
As part of Plan Beersheba, reserve
brigades have been paired with full-
time multirole combat brigades.
5 Bde and 8 Bde have been paired
with 7 Bde and will generate a combat
engineer squadron for Battle Group
Waratah, as well as a composite
construction troop.
The restructure of 2Div RAE now
includes an engineer regiment in each
of 4, 5, 8 and 11 Bdes.
Outgoing CO 21 Const Regt Lt-Col
Tony Rogers said everyone involved in
the restructure was looking forward to
the future.
While there has been some
sadness in seeing 21 Const Regt
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disestablished as a regiment, the
individual sub-units remain intact and
indeed strengthened, and the former 21
Const Regt sappers are pleased to be
serving in their new units, he said.
Section commander of Resources
Troop Cpl Phillip Priest, of 101Const
Sqn, has been posted to 21 Const Regt
since 1986 and said the strong bonds
between soldiers would help with the
transition.
The regiment has long been
recognised for retaining its soldiers,
Cpl Priest said.
This is in no small part due to the
camaraderie between our soldiers and
many of us look at the regiment as
being our extended family. While I
think some of that will be lost when
it is disestablished as a unit, our
challenge is to ensure that in 5ER and
8ER the camaraderie and esprit-de-
corps remains strong.
Im sure that as a new regiment,
with new capabilities, there will be
new training opportunities.
CO 5CER and CO-designate 5ER
Lt-Col Zac Zaharias is excited about
the change.
I am honoured to be the first CO
of 5ER. 5CER was formed in 1995
from elements of 4 Fd Eng Regt
and this new regiment maintains the
historical links of two of its sub-units
4 and 5 Fd Coy whose heritage dates
back to WWI, he said.
The new regiment will continue
to be an integral part of 5 Bde and
the single regimental structure with
combat, construction and geospatial
capabilities will provide soldiers with
many opportunities to pursue a broad
range of skills and challenging work.
defending your assets
while you defend ours
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Standing proud: Soldiers and officers of 21 Const Regt wait for the parades reviewing officer.
 Photo by Maj John Thompson
Although Plan Beersheba is
standardising engineering capabili-
ties across the new Multirole Combat
Brigade, 5ER will be unique in that it
will hold a niche engineer capability
in the Littoral and Riverine Survey
Squadron (LRSS).
As well, 5ER will be the only
reserve engineer regiment with
responsibilities for bridging, covering
the force modular bridge and medium
girder bridge, while 8ER gains special-
ist reserve engineer regiment respon-
sibility for vital asset protection. Initially
He said 21 Const Regt and 5CER
had worked side by side for many
years, most recently during the ADFs
response to the recent NSW bushfires
in the Blue Mountains.
This collaboration will only
strengthen under the new structure. It
will be great to establish a new unit
identity that honours the work of our
predecessors while positioning us to
Lancers new steed arrives
Maj James Wackett
Parramattas 1/15RNSWL
passed a milestone with the
delivery of the units first five
Bushmasters in November.
The Lancers have transitioned
to the Bushmaster vehicles as
part of Plan Beersheba, which
will see Army Reserve units
better positioned to support and
integrate with their Regular Army
counterparts when required.
CO 1/15RNSWL Lt-Col Robert
Lording said the Bushmasters
were the latest in a long line of
First of a kind: Sgt Andrew Moore, Lt Xavier Kashelle, Maj Alexander Richards, Lt David Smith and
Cpl Liam Kiles, of 1/15RNSWL, in front of one of the units first five Bushmasters.
THE RESTRUCTURE
headquartered at Penrith, 5ER will
relocate to Holsworthy during 2014.
As a result of disestablishing
21Const Regt, 102 Const Sqn will
move to 8ER and the civil-military
coordination capability will be incor-
porated into 4, 5 and 11 Bde head-
quarters across 2 Div. 5ER will grow
to encompass four sub-units with a
strength of around 400 personnel:
4CE Sqn (HMAS Harman)
5CE Sqn (Penrith)
101 Const Sqn (Holsworthy)
LRSS (Holsworthy)
8ER will remain situated north of
develop Armys reserve engineering
capacity to better support future
operations both in Australia and in the
region.
CO 8CER and CO-designate 8ER
Lt-Col Andrew Kennedy agreed.
It will be a great honour to
command 8ER and to grow this new
regiment based on the strengths of
8CER and 21 Const Regt, he said.
platforms used by the Lancers,
who stabled their horses for the
last time in the 1930s.
Over the decades we have
moved from Matilda tanks to
Centurion tanks to the M113A1
Armoured Personnel Carrier and,
most recently, the Land Rover
Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Vehicle, Lt-Col Lording said.
The introduction of the
Bushmaster is the next chapter in
the units long history of service
and signifies an important step
on the road to executing Plan
Beersheba, allowing greater
Army December 5, 2013
Sydney and will be headquartered at
Bullecourt Barracks Adamstown.
The two existing CE Sqns, 6
CE Sqn (Dundas) and 14CE Sqn
(Adamstown), will remain at their cur-
rent locations.
The relocated 102Const Sqn will
be based at Singleton near the regi-
ments plant yard, with a building cur-
rently being refurbished for their arrival
in late January 2014. This squadron
will also soon have an extended foot-
print with a new Resources troop to
be raised at Muswellbrook following
recruiting efforts within that region.
There is much enthusiasm within
the existing squadrons, which will
certainly boost the integration and
growth of a new regiment family. I
am also confident that this new
establishment will broaden our reserve
engineer capability within 8 Bde and
provide a new Army Reserve presence
within the Singleton area.
interoperability with our Australian
Regular Army brethren.
The regiment conducted a
drivers course at the Puckapunyal
training area in Victoria last month
where personnel qualified to
operate the vehicles.
Troop leader Lt Ian Goodwin,
of B Sqn, was one of the 13
members who completed the
training.
Doing the course has given
me a great understanding of the
vehicles capability and how it can
be employed on a wide range of
tasks, Lt Goodwin said.
 Army December 5, 2013
5RAR soldiers take aim
New grenade launchers field tested
Cpl Nick Wiseman
and LS Helen Frank
MEMBERS of 5RAR in Darwin have
participated in a trial for the grenade
launcher component of the Enhanced
F88 rifle system.
Soldiers were given the opportuni-
ty to fire the Enhanced F88 rifle with
a grenade launcher attachment (GLA)
during day and night conditions.
Rifleman Pte Scott Burke, of
5RAR, said a number of alterations
had been made to the weapon from
previous designs that enhanced its
usability.
When you cock the weapon to
load a round, the opening is to the
side, he said.
This makes it easier to go through
the drills, enhancing your ability
to keep up the rate of fire with the
weapon.
Changes to the sight system made
it more effective, Pte Burke said.
The red dot is easier to identify
and makes it quicker to pick up a tar-
get and engage compared to the emer-
gency sights on the old one, he said.
The trial conducted by Thales, the
manufacturer of the Enhanced F88
The red dot is
easier to identify
and makes it
quicker to pick
up a target
and engage
compared to the
emergency sights
on the old one.
Pte Scott Burke, 5RAR
New look: Pte Scott Burke holds the new GLA.
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews NEWS 7
rifle, will help assess the performance
of a grenade launcher attachment
as part of the rifle system. The trial
results will enable formal acceptance
of the design.
The test reports are yet to be final-
ised but early indications are that the
system is well received by users.
The safety function on the new
design makes it a lot easier to switch
between 5.56 and HE, Pte Burke said.
Overall I believe the new GLA is
a good improvement.
OIC of the trial Lt Dylan Shimeld
also found the new design easier to
use.
I like the new GLA its easier
to take on and off, its lighter and the
drills are quicker, he said.
The Enhanced F88 rifle will be
procured under Project Land 125
Phase 3C. The weapon is a modu-
lar rifle and grenade launcher offer-
ing improved reliability, ergonom-
ics, accuracy, balance, significantly
reduced weight, less signature and
more options for mounting weapon
ancillaries.
Manufacture of the rifle is
expected to occur at Thales Lithgow
with introduction to service expected
from 2016.
Putting it to the test: Above, Pte Scott Burke, of 5RAR, fires the new GLA on an EF88 Austeyr at
Kangaroo Flats firing range, outside of Darwin, and the old and new F88 Austeyr and GLA (left) line up
side by side.  Photos by LS Jo Dilorenzo
 8 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

Winner is all about values
Lance corporal receives the RARs top annual award for junior leadership
This years Hassett Award winner
believes leadership is not defined by
rank.
Its about your values, LCpl
True leadership
Ryan Shaw said.
Leadership has nothing to do
inspires people
with ordering people around because to follow you
you have more power than they do.
True leadership inspires people to because you
follow you because you serve their
psychological need for purpose, value serve their
and direction.
R oy a l A u s t r a l i a n R eg i m e n t psychological
Foundation (RARF) President Maj-
Gen Mark Kelly (retd) presented need for
the prestigious award to LCpl Shaw,
of 2RAR, at the regiments annual purpose, value
dinner in Canberra on November 21.
This is the regiments most
and direction.
prestigious leadership award and
recognises the importance that Sir
LCpl Ryan Shaw, 2RAR
Francis Hassett placed upon junior
leadership as the basis of a successful
team, Maj-Gen Kelly said.
LCpl Shaw has demonstrated All smiles: LCpl Ryan
himself to be an outstanding and Shaw, of 2RAR, receives the
dedicated soldier with a selfless work 2013 Hassett Award from
ethic. He has been the champion RARF President Maj-Gen
soldier in the 2nd Battalion two years Mark Kelly (retd).
in a row and his leadership of his  Photo by Cpl Max Bree
team has been exceptional in every
respect. Ive worked with other guys taken everything I can from working As part of its anniversary year, foundation and are pleased he is able
We look forward to watching whove won the Hassett Award and with leaders both good and bad, the RARF appointed the regiments to continue to support the regiment,
his career develop and to seeing his seen how everyone idolises them. he said. first Victoria Cross recipient, Cpl Brig Bornholt said.
positive example being replicated by They were probably the best soldiers Becoming a good leader is Daniel Keighran, as an honorary life Cpl Keighran was happy to accept
other junior leaders in the regiment. in the battalion at the time. Its a big about knowing what works and what governor. the foundations invitation.
LCpl Shaw was honoured to responsibility and a big deal. doesnt. Its not about power, which RARF Secretary Brig Mark I know my Victoria Cross means
receive the award, which has been His advice to others wanting to is why it doesnt matter what rank Bornholt said it was an honour to a lot to the regiment and to all those
presented annually since 2006. improve their leadership style is to you are. have Cpl Keighran among the who have served in it, and I am proud
Ive always known its a big watch and observe. The dinner also recognised the foundations membership. to be joining the foundation in its
achievement, he said. Over the past seven years Ive regiments 65th anniversary. We w e l c o m e h i m t o t h e 65th anniversary year, he said.

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 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews NEWS 9

Service honoured
New indigenous memorial opens in South Australia
WO2 Andrew
Hetherington
A NEW memorial dedicated
to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander service personnel was
opened by Governor-General
Quentin Bryce in Adelaide on
November 10.
The indigenous memorial,
located at the Torrens Parade
Ground, represents the
commitment and sacrifice made
State of the art: CO 25/49RQR Lt-Col Allan by indigenous personnel in every
Rathjen thanks Queensland Governor Penelope conflict since the Boer War.
Wensley at the official opening of Sanananda Senior indigenous recruitment
Lines at Greenbank. Photo by Tim Asher officer WO1 Colin Watego, of
the Directorate of Indigenous

New lines
Affairs, said seeing the new
memorial and participating in the
ceremony was a humbling and
sobering experience.

open in
An inordinate sense of pride
came over me and it was such
a privilege to be part of such a
significant ceremony specifically

Greenbank
recognising the contribution
of our Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander men and women In your memory: Members salute during the memorials official opening. Photo by Kate Elmes
who have given so much in the
defence of Australia, WO1 fought in WWI and WWII, the This memorial will draw seek out the stories for their
Tim Asher Watego said. experience for me was so far the many of our forgotten indigenous great uncles, great aunties,
Being a very proud highlight of my entire military service personnel of the past as grandfathers, grandmothers and
THE new purpose-built home of 25/49RQR is locat- Bundjalung and Torres Strait career. well as those indigenous military other family members.
ed at the heart of the community from which most of Islander indigenous soldier, after WO1 Watego said the members still proudly serving It will encourage them to
the units members are drawn. nearly 40 years of continuous memorial would do much for today, he said. learn their stories and by doing
Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley for- service and also being a third past and future generations of I believe it is our young so will equip them to continue
mally opened the state-of-the-art Sanananda Lines at generation soldier belonging Aboriginal and Torres Strait people who will be encouraged to pass on those stories to our
Greenbank Training Area (GBTA) on November 16. to a family whose men have Islander people. more than most to search and future generations.
CO 25/49RQR Lt-Col Allan Rathjen said he
believed the $14 million facility was the first con-
structed from scratch for an Army Reserve unit in
Queensland for more than 20 years.
Lt-Col Rathjen was pleased to see the battalion
Veterans chance to display their artistic sides
relocate from Enoggera to GBTA. Aurora Daniels sponsor workshops. TVCI aims workshops will have people from the rigours of work, she
We should be closer to the centre of mass of the to provide veterans new skills experienced in therapy-through- said.
people who we draw our strength from, that being ADF veterans put pen to paper and qualifications that allow art and who are qualified I have compiled some of
the people of the Darling Downs and the southern and brush to canvas last month, them to reintegrate into society practitioners in their field, to my war art into a 2014 desktop
regions of south-east Queensland, he said. taking part in the inaugural upon return from operations assist if the need arises. calendar with 10 per cent of
It made sense to increase the footprint on the Veterans Corps Incorporated or once discharged, and have Maj Cassandra Brooker proceeds being donated to
Greenbank training area, and by putting the unit here ( T V C I ) Ve t e r a n s A r t a n d something else other than deployed to Iraq in 2007 and Soldier On.
we effectively put a piece of the community at the Photography Exhibition at the warfighting skills to identify Afghanistan in 2012. Her Maj Brooker encourages
range. Australian War Memorial on t h e m s e l v e s w i t h , L t - C o l oil painting on canvas, Jungle veterans to try the TVCI art or
CSM Admin Coy WO2 James Hudson, who has November 9. Barham said. Patrol, won second prize at the photography workshops.
been a 25/49RQR member for more than 30 years, The 15 veterans from across The workshops are not exhibition and was inspired from It doesnt matter if you think
said the new facilities and the relocation had a the three services raised funds designed to counter PTSD, but slides and photographs that her you cant draw, these classes will
significant impact. for the continued support of to recognise that learning artistic father took during the Vietnam teach different techniques and
It means its a 20-minute walk to work rather veterans and their families skills may release different War. mediums and you can just let
than a one-hour commute. Its factors like this that through the sale of artworks. emotions and reactions based on I use art as a mechanism loose, have fun and be creative
we expect to make a positive impact on attracting T V C I s L t - C o l B a r h a m individual experience. for relaxing and I find it an without any expectations or
new recruits, he said. Ferguson said the money would To that end, all TVCI-run enjoyable pastime to switch off judgement, she said.
The new facilities include the battalion, rifle com-
pany and administration company headquarters, a
Q-store and a transport compound.
There is a dedicated DP1 store, and a computer
room for soldiers to access the DRN, a new range
control office, a 320-man camp and a safe driver
training area.
The project, built under stage two of the Enhanced
Land Force program, was completed in June after six
years of planning and construction.
Maj George Bagjaluk, who was tasked with facili-
tating the move, said the technology in the facility
was both environmentally friendly and cost efficient.
The louvres on the windows open and close
automatically, according to the temperature, and the
lighting systems are sensor operated, Maj Bagjaluk
said.
Cpl Simon Scott, of C Coy, said something as
simple as the 168 individually lockable storage cages
made a big difference to his capability as a section
commander.
It means that we can do a lot more with the limit-
ed time we have on a Tuesday night, Cpl Scott said.
I know that we all have our PT gear with us, so I
dont have to worry about guys running in boots. All
my guys have their webbing and packs here on any
given parade night, so I can throw a pack march into
my training plan, knowing everyone has what they
need for that.
He is also happy the computer area is set up for
his diggers to use.
We used to have to stay back for the guys to be
able to log into their DRN accounts, after the clerks
were finished with their computers, he said.
Our guys would usually have to ring up for their
passwords every time they used the DRN because
they couldnt get on frequently enough, he said.
 10 NEWS
Drums sound in stadium
Brigade beats a dazzling display
Capt Jay Ellul
IN A first for 3 Bde, soldiers
treated 5000 Townsville residents
to a Beating Retreat parade
and equipment display on
November16.
The Beating Retreat parade
was held at Tony Ireland Stadium
in Kirwan to allow for sufficient
space for people to sit and enjoy the
spectacle.
Commander 3 Bde Brig Shane
Caughey said the parade was a way
of acknowledging the support the
Army receives from the Townsville
community.
The parade is the first of
its kind that the entire 3 Bde has
contributed to and was considered
spectacular to witness, with the
precision drill teams and artillery
gun volleys all contributing to the
parades ceremony, Brig Caughey
said.
It was a privilege to open the
parade to the Townsville community
whose support is unwavering for
all things Defence and this was our
way of showing our gratitude.
The parade included a
performance of the traditional
1812 Overture with artillery
accompaniment and was followed
by fireworks.
The capability display included
a helicopter flyover, armoured
vehicles, support vehicles, and a
plethora of military equipment for
residents to look at and touch.
Looking on: Crowds of locals look on
from the stands as soldiers march past.
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013
Awesome sight: Soldiers from 3 Bde in Townsville
impress the crowd at Tony Ireland Stadium during
the Beating Retreat parade. Photos by LCpl Kyle Genner
RETREAT
HISTORY
Beating Retreat is a custom
dating back to the 16th century.
Retreat consisted of pro-
longed drum-beating at sunset
to warn the night guard to
mount and to give notice to
soldiers the gates were about
to close.
Beating Retreat is a solemn
ceremony, which should only be
performed in the late afternoon
or evening.
A week of intense rehearsals
had the 450 soldiers in shape for the
parade that was Brig Caugheys last
official engagement before handing
over command.
RSM 3 Bde WO1 Bruce Walker
said the brigade worked with the
local council to find a time where
people would have the best chance
to attend. It was amazing to hear the applause
The locals were amazed by the
parade, he said. The stadium had
as the troops conducted various
a capacity of 5000, and every seat
was full.
drill procedures ... and when they
It was amazing to hear the
applause as the troops conducted
conducted the march-on, march past
various drill procedures, including and advance.
firing of volleys, and when they
conducted the march-on, march past WO1 Bruce Walker, RSM 3 Bde
and advance.
Loud and proud: Sgt Jennifer
Cooke, of 1RAR band, sings for the
crowd (right) as members of 2RAR
band display their skills (above).
 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews NEWS 11

Snipers hit the mark

Soldiers get fired up at SASR concentration in WA SCORES
Sgt Mick Davis
Highest possible score 1646 and Pte Simon Lancaster, 1074 LCpls Matthew
STRONG winds caused heartache as 1234 Tpr D and Cpl P, 7RAR Mack and Grant Robins,
snipers from Socomd and Forcomd SASR 1127 LCpls Chris 5RAR
battled 65km/h gusts during the 1217 Pte H and Pte M, Wiencke and Dean George, 1065 Ptes Thomas
SASR concentration from November 2 Cdo 6RAR Rodger and Shawn Stuart,
11-22. 1213 LCpl Karl Fabreschi 1107 LCpls Toby Leadley 2RAR
More than 20 competitors took part and Pte Kai Seibert, 2RAR and Karl Daly, 1RAR 1027 Ptes Mark Visnyai
in the event at Campbell Barracks, 1174 Pte Tyson Napier 1089 Cpl Chris and Mitchell Jones, 3RAR
Bindoon and Lancelin Training Area and Cpl Dwain Bould, 1RAR Cooke and LCpl Nicholas 823 Ptes Josh Mein and
in Perth. The activity was designed to 1170 Cpl Adam Pontifex Rolfe, 8/9RAR Drew McClean, 6RAR
share skills learnt from operations, par-
ticularly in Afghanistan, where a snip-
ers expertise is heavily drawn on, in
most part, due to the terrain.
It covered all tactical aspects of snip-
er training with competitors shooting
weapons such as the SR25 7.62 semi-
automatic rifle, HK 417, SR98, Blaser
Tactical 338 and the Barrett M82A2 .50
sniper rifle.
They were challenged at all
levels, including night shooting using
thermal scopes and other night-vision
equipment, firing on moving targets,
long-range observation exercises, live-
fire stalks and urban firing. Each event
was devised by the SASR Sniper Cell
and reflected operational scenarios
where competitors drew on skills they
had learnt. The settings pitted snipers
from the RAR battalions, SASR and 2
Cdo Regt against one another.
This years event was highly compet-
itive with the scores kept tight. At times
the first six pairs were within reach of
one another. It was obvious from the
strong competition that the snipers had
trained hard for the event. Sharp shooters: Pte Shawn Stuart, of 2RAR, shoots long-range targets at Lancelin Training Area in WA as part of the SASR sniper concentration.
The winning pair, from SASR, was Below, Pte Simon Lancaster and Cpl Adam Pontifex, of 7RAR, in a concealed position at Campbell Barracks. Photos by Sgt Mick Davis
the most consistent and within the top
five through all 18 scored activities. The The facilities here were pretty con- others who had the same passion for
number one shooter used a Sig Sauer ducive to wind shooting, so thats a big sniping.
Blaser Tactical 7.62mm bolt action snip- plus, he said. They all love the Army, they all love
er rifle and the second used a Knights The one percenters from experiences doing the training and doing the job and
Armament SR25 semi-auto bolt action. on operations and other approaches to they feel prepared to do everything after
The pair took out first place with 1234 different problems have helped develop doing this concentration, Sgt S said.
points, while Cpl P, of SASR, took out my skills. We have imparted as much knowl-
best sharp shooter. SASR Sniper Cell Sgt S has a keen edge as we can, we have trained Forcomd
SASRs Tpr D said it was a tough interest in the future development of snipers to a higher standard, shown them
fortnight of rivalry. sniper cells around the Army. new equipment and discussed issues and
They were at a very high standard After operations, sniping tends to fixes. We conducted training and reviews
and, as the scores show, we had been drop off in training where units dont for .338 Blaser, .50 Cal Barrett and vari-
chasing them for the whole two weeks, understand sniping to its full potential, ous scopes so they can train other RAR
he said. It was a good opportunity but its important to keep up the skills in soldiers in the future.
to hone my skills and showcase what peace time so that if a conflict comes up The ADF sniper skill level is very
SASR has in its inventory for training they are fully prepared, he said. high compared to a lot of armies. The
and equipment. Snipers dont always get the indi- Australian Army is doing things very
Pte H, of 2 Cdo Regt, said the sec- vidual and collective group training at well when it comes to training snipers.
ond place sniper pair was just 17 points the small team level, which they really Next year we will run it again with
short of the winners and 2RAR was only need. Socomd and Forcomd snipers and we
four points short with an impressive He said it was a great experience for may include the US marines based
score of 1213. the soldiers from Forcomd to be around in Darwin.

EVENTS
Static and snap range serials with physical
activities to ensure snipers maintained a
higher heart rate during the shoots out to
800m. On the go:
Cpl Chris
Moving targets by day out to 400m.
Cooke, of
Night moving targets with thermal scopes 8/9RAR,
against robotic targets. shoots
Run shoots with firing from alternate long-range
positions. targets at
Long-range timed engagements out to night. Inset,
2000m using .338 Blaser and .50 Barrett Pte Drew
sniper rifles by day and night. McClean,
Observation activities using binoculars of 6RAR,
and spotting scopes, which involved conducts a
locating military items hidden within a set long-range
amount of time. observation
Range estimation activities, which involved exercise at
snipers using their skills minus laser range Lancelin
finders to gauge the range to a number of
Training
targets then engaging those targets.
Area.
Live-fire stalks over three hours conducted
in an urban and rural environment wearing
all sniper field equipment. This was the
culmination of the event and tied together
all the snipers skills with a higher point
scoring system.
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 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews WORLD 13

Explosive undertaking
Army members do their bit to clear WWII ordnance in Solomon Islands
Leut Anthony White
M e m b e r s o f 6 ESR a r e
clearing unexploded ordnance
in Solomon Islands as part of
Operation Render Safe.
The Army is represented by
two 20EOD Sqn technicians and
XO Capt John Leathley.
It was Sgt Christopher
Rohweders second deployment
to Solomon Islands.
The 20EOD Sqn technician
was sent to Solomon Islands on
a previous EOD tasking in 2006,
only a few years after what the
locals call the tension times,
which led to the Regional
Assistance Mission to Solomon
Islands (RAMSI).
Back in 2006, the damage
caused by civil unrest and
disruption to everyday life that
created the need for RAMSI were
immediately obvious, as were the
ever-present WWII legacies. Group effort: Dressed in an official Op Render Safe t-shirt and cap, Cpl Christopher Charlton, of
You can clearly see the 20EOD Sqn, prepares a projectile to be x-rayed (right) and helps Sgt Christopher Rohweder stack
difference since 2006, he said. ordnance inside a shipping container at Hells Point in Honiara (above). The t-shirt and cap were
Many buildings have been specifically designed for personnel to wear on Op Render Safe. Photos by Sgt Hamish Paterson
rebuilt and services have been
restored. But many people cant good to see the skills we have skills in a physically challenging ongoing commitment to
live what they might consider being put to practical use helping environment, he said. removing WWII-era unexploded
a normal life, due to all the people. A r m y h a s b e e n w e l l ordnance in the South Pacific
unexploded ordnance that is Capt Leathley said Render represented by some skilled EOD and includes personnel from
literally lying around in their Safe offered a unique opportunity technicians on the task force and Australia, Canada, New Zealand,
backyards. for 20EOD Sqn members. we always learn new lessons and the US and Solomon Islands.
We have made a dent in the It is a joint squadron and we reinforce old ones on these types The operation, which began
backlog of EOD work this time are deployed into a multination of deployments so we take away the main phase of its tasking
around and it means that people Joint Task Force where all of as much as we have contributed. on November 8, finishes on
in the villages can feel safer. Its us are returning to core EOD Render Safe is the ADFs December7.

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 Army December 5, 2013
ANA firmly in control
Hero Corps members fighting capabilities show they are more than capable of taking the reins
Cpl Mark Doran
THE Afghan National Army (ANA)
is a capable, robust and effective
fighting force, which the insurgents
cannot beat in a tactical fight.
Thats according to CO 2 Cav
Regt Task Group Lt-Col Mick Bye.
He led the last Security Force
Assistance Advisory Team (SFAAT)
for 4 Bde 205 Hero Corps at
Multinational Base Tarin Kot.
He advised the Commander Hero
Corps, Brig-Gen Mohammed Rasul
Khan (Kandahari), on brigade opera-
tions and his interaction with ISAF
and ANA commands.
A s t h e l a s t c o nv e n t i o n a l
Australian Task Group operating in
Uruzgan province, the 2 Cav Task
Group also provided force protec-
tion for ISAF elements in Uruzgan
and Kandahar to support the process
of security transition, which will see
governance and security firmly in
control of the Afghan people.
While the ANA has issues with
its logistics, sustainment and main-
tenance capabilities, when it comes
to their fighting capabilities, they are
more than capable of taking control
of the security responsibilities for
Uruzgan, Lt-Col Bye said.
As past mentors and advisers
had already focused on the ANAs
Artillery support
delivers results
AN AUSTRALIAN artillery adviser has
witnessed the progression of Afghan
National Army (ANA) artillery first-hand
during his two deployments to Uruzgan.
Sgt Troy Charters, of 8/12 Regt RAA,
first deployed with the Mentoring and
Reconstruction Task Force 2 in 2009,
mentoring 4 Bde 205 Hero Corps based at
Multinational Base Tarin Kot.
In June, he deployed again, this time
with the 2 Cav Regt Task Group Security
Force Assistance Advisory Team.
He said four years ago the 4 Bde
gun line was in a state of disrepair. The
Uruzgan artillery battery had four old
Russian D-30 122mm guns, but they had
not been maintained and did not have the
dial sights or aiming circles needed to
engage the enemy.
Now, the ANA are employing these
same guns with great effect on the bat-
tlefield.
Sgt Charters said the team in 2009 was
so desperate to help the Afghans, his com-
mander sourced two dial sights to facili-
tate the gunners training.
One managed to make it into
Afghanistan, but we still had a lot of work
to do to get the guns and gunners ready,
he said.
Unfortunately we didnt get to fire
the guns during our rotation as they didnt
reach the required technical safety stand-
ards.
Sgt Charters was thrilled to find on
his return this year that the Afghan gun-
ners had not only refined their skills, but
were conducting advanced combined arms
operations.
They are doing really well, he said.
Their D-30s are now being deployed
with Afghan command posts and they are
firing high explosives, illumination and
smoke in support of ANA and Afghan
National Police operations.
The Afghan gunners are fast and
accurate, and can effectively engage by
direct and indirect fire.
Important support in the lead up to
operations was provided by Slovak,
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews WORLD 15
warfighting skill-sets, our team
directed their efforts into the skills
required to sustain a developing army,
which can take time and patience to
build.
The ANA is a
This year, brigade members
reported they had conducted nearly
capable, robust
800 operations, including 28 deliber-
ate brigade-level operations to main-
and effective
tain persistent pressure on insurgents fighting force ...
while protecting the population.
Other tactical operations included day Lt-Col Mick Bye,
and night ambushes, long-distance CO 2 Cav Regt Task Group
patrols, logistic resupply, checkpoint
operations, counter improvised explo-
sive device clearances and support to
other security agencies.
Lt-Col Bye said the task groups
Training the troops: Members
mission in Uruzgan was different to of the 2 Cav Regt Task Group
previous rotations. It had a diverse
Security Force Assistance
set of roles involving force protection Advisory Team for the ANAs
and advising the Hero Corps through
4 Bde 205 Hero Corps have
to the drawdown of the operation.
ensured the Afghan soldiers are
Force protection provided by
ready for the job.
the task group included the man-
ning of a Quick Reaction Force,  Photo by Cpl Mark Doran
the SFAAT security platoon, the and training met every requirement direct interaction advising personnel and their families and said their
Other Government Agency Platoon, with professionalism. from 4 Bde. support had ensured the Hero Corps
which provided security for the Many will not appreciate the Medical adviser WO2 Aaron was well postured and supported.
Provincial Reconstruction Team, and extreme challenge in remaining Writer spent more than 550 hours The Taliban refuse to fight them
the Kandahar-based 205 Coalition focused for hours at a time, consist- advising Afghan soldiers and dealt because they know they will come off
Advisory Team Protection Platoon, ently exercising tactical patience and with nearly 40 ANA fatalities, at least second best, he said.
which provided protection for the restraint in the face of often uncertain 60 soldiers and police who suffered As a result the insurgents will
corps advisory effort. circumstances, he said. from life-threatening wounds and continue to be kept to the peripheries
Lt-Col Bye said the personnel We estimate our team of 22 about 140 other casualties. of the province where security forces
who provided day-in-day-out security soldiers spent nearly 6000 hours in Lt-Col Bye thanked the soldiers are not always present.
The Afghan gunners
are fast and
accurate, and can
effectively engage
by direct and
indirect fire.
Sgt Troy Charters, 8/12 Regt RAA
Australian and US mentors from
Combined Team Uruzgan.
The efforts of Slovak soldiers from the
Combat Service Support Military Adviser
Team assisted the Afghan mechanics in
servicing the D-30 howitzers, confirming
the guns were ready to fire.
Battery Commander Capt Abdul
Sakad, of 4 Bde 205 Hero Corps,
acknowledged the hard work of the coali-
tion artillery mentors and advisers over
the past four years.
With Defence Health
finding a great deal for
Our logistics have also improved
greatly, where before we had problems
even finding stationery or district maps,
now our stores requests and ammunition
demands are being delivered consist-
ently, he said.
We have been very busy conduct-
ing independent operations against the
your family is childs play.
insurgents.
I am sad the Australians are leaving
Uruzgan, but I will always appreciate the
help they have given us.
Sgt Charters is grateful he was in Comprehensive health insurance
Uruzgan at the start and the end to see the
results of the hard work of the previous
cover at exclusive ADF rates.
rotations of coalition advisers.
It was all worth it, he said.
The ANA are fighting for
Call 1800 335 425 now or visit
Afghanistan they are good soldiers. www.defencehealth.com.au
They are not fighting for money or pres-
tige, they are fighting to make their coun-
try a better place.
 16 WORLD
Safety first for transfer
Combat engineers ensure Multinational Base Tarin Kot is in prime condition for handover this month
Cpl Mark Doran
Multinational Base Tarin Kot
(MNB-TK) has been transformed
by major engineering works as
Australian troops complete their
mission in Uruzgan.
Combat engineers and tradesmen
from 6ESR joined forces with civil
engineers, project managers, surveyors
and draftsmen from 19 Chief Engineer
Works to form the Force Extraction
Unit (FEU).
The engineering effort by FEU
began in January to deconstruct
Australian infrastructure and remediate
the ground at MNB-TK to Australian
standards.
Civilian contractors working with
FEU ranged from large international
firms to local Tarin Kot contractors,
who provided assistance in the larger
deconstruction projects and electrical
supply relocations.
Senior project engineer Maj
Christopher Sampson, of FEU, and his
team was responsible for all military
and deconstruction works at the base
from September this year.
The first rotation of FEU arrived
in February and conducted on-the-
ground planning for the deconstruction
of unit facilities around the base,
dictated by the cessation of their
operations, he said.
This didnt always align with
our available assets, and in some
cases units were required to move to
alternative buildings, allowing us to
stay on schedule.
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Hard at work: WO1 Brendan Johnson (left) and Maj Henry Stimson, of FEU, supervise the relocation and
installation of a generator at Multinational Base Tarin Kot.
Major deconstruction projects
completed during my rotation
included an ammunition storage point,
contractors accommodation and the
catering support facilities.
We transformed the old perimeter
of Camp Holland as the base shrunk in
size and the entry control points were
moved as we constructed the
new perimeter.
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Photo by Cpl Mark Doran
A policy set by the NATO Training
Mission in Afghanistan allowed
a significant amount of Defence
infrastructure to be transferred to the
Afghan government instead of being
disposed.
If facilities were not given as gifts,
FEU demolished the sites and returned
them to as natural a state as possible.
Infrastructure at Camp Holland and
Camp Russell given to the Afghans
included the reinforced concrete
accommodation and Drehtainer
Armoured Accommodation Module
complexes, which included the main
dining facility, electrical generators
and water reticulation systems.
Maj Sampson said FEUs main
concern was to provide infrastructure
which was safe and sustainable.
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Army December 5, 2013
Electrical remediation was a
major project because of the evolving
nature of the base, he said.
The base in Tarin Kot has
been inhabited by coalition forces
continuously since 2004.
We needed to ensure we handed
over infrastructure which was as safe
as possible, so our tradesmen installed
new wiring and provided 4 Bdes 205
Hero Corps with close to 30 facility
operations and maintenance manuals
translated into Dari.
Their Garrison Support Unit
soldiers were also provided with base
sustainment training and taught extra
skills in air conditioning, plumbing
and electrical maintenance.
Comprehensive environmental
surveys were conducted by FEU to
ensure the ADF met its environmental
management obligations in
preparation of transferring
responsibility to the Afghan
government.
Maj Sampson said there were no
significant environmental issues at
the base.
Uruzgans low rainfall and
lack of vegetation assisted with the
mitigation and when the ADF leaves
the province any environmental
hazards will have been appropriately
treated, he said.
We will hand over a site which is
safe and fit for use by its owners.
The transfer of MNB-TK marks
another step towards Afghanistan
taking independent responsibility for
its own security.
LUSI
XC
E
DEFEN
E
FOR CE
PER SO CE
N N EL
O
FFER
 Army December 5, 2013
Milestone
in the sky
Capt Chris Rickey
ITS value to Australian forces
operating in Afghanistan has been
proven time and time again.
The Heron, Australias Remotely
Piloted Aircraft (RPA), has a hard-
fought reputation as one of the most
reliable and effective platforms of
its type operating inside the MEAO.
Its status is now set to continue fol-
lowing the clocking up of 20,000
flying hours, according to CO Heron
Detachment Wg-Cdr John McMullan.
Weve been here since 2010,
so we have achieved 20,000 hours
in less than four years, which is an
immense amount of intelligence sur-
veillance and reconnaissance support
to the soldier on the ground, he said.
The Heron is considered an intel-
ligent aircraft and it is easy to see
why, given the saturated air space it
works within, the importance of its
mission, and the quality and training
of the team responsible for keeping it
airborne.
The team boasts an impres-
sive mix of personnel from across
Defence.
When you look around the
Heron detachment you see Army,
Navy and Air Force; you see con-
tractors; and you see some locally
engaged interpreters, Gp-Capt Tony
McCormack said.
The whole package is just one
team; it works seamlessly and its
just fantastic. Its the shape of the
Defence Force to come.
Units join forces as
mission draws down
Maj Haydn Barlow
THE functions of several ADF units have two units under the direct command of
been merged to reduce troop numbers in CTU.
Uruzgan province in preparation for the
final phase of the mission.
HQ 2 Cav Task Group, also known
as the Advisory Task Force, and
Multinational Base Command Tarin Kot
were consolidated under their parent
unit, Combined Team Uruzgan (CTU),
on November 1.
Commander CTU Col Wade Stothart field, will remain under our control until
said the organisational change was part
of the plan to simplify command and
control ahead of Australias departure.
The functions performed by these
two units remain, but on a lesser scale, we have the forces we need to complete
he said.
Groups merge: Spr Robert Muraru and explosive detection dog Shuba,
both of 2 Cav Regt Task Group, are kept busy during a handover patrol near
Multinational Base Tarin Kot. 
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Securing Kajran
Soldiers are helping Afghan forces tackle issues in the insurgents safe haven
Providing support: Soldiers from 2 Cav Regt Task
Group assist the ANSF to provide security during a
shura at Kajran in Daykundi province. Inset, locals gather
for the shura. Photos by Cpl Mark Doran
This allows us to reduce the number
of tactical headquarters and combine the
Col Stothart said Australian and
US troops would continue to protect
Multinational Base Tarin Kot and the
military advisors that operated there.
Our footprint is reducing as we hand
over base infrastructure to the ANSF, but
several key pieces of land, such as the air
the last day, Col Stothart said.
We have been given great sup-
port from our higher headquarters in
Kandahar and Kabul, so I am confident
this mission successfully and safely.
Photo by Cpl Mark Doran
Cpl Mark Doran
THE Afghan National Security Forces
(ANSF) have committed to an ongoing
security presence in the isolated district of
Kajran in Daykundi province.
Afghan and International Security
Assistance Force (ISAF) leaders travelled
to Kajran to meet with district officials and
locals and discuss the security situation in
Daykundi.
The Taliban attacked several Afghan
National Police check points in Kajran in
early October. Soldiers from 4 Bde 205 Hero
Corps deployed to the area soon after and
conducted a clearance of the Kajran-Gordak
Valley, where several insurgents were killed
or wounded before the remainder withdrew.
Lt Will Hetherington, of 2 Cav Regt Task
Group, said during the district visit and out-
door shura ISAF troops accompanied ANSF
to assist in their transition of responsibility for
security in the area.
It was the first time the locals had seen
ISAF troops in the area for nearly two years,
he said. They responded to us positively and
the security of the shura was enhanced by the
professionalism of the ANSF.
Commander 205 Hero Corps Maj-Gen
Abdul Hamid, Kandahar Chief of Police Brig-
Gen Abdul Raziq and Uruzgans Provincial
Governor, Amir Mohammad Akhundzada,
were joined by Commander Regional
Command (South) Maj-Gen Paul LaCamera
during the visit to the district centre.
About 300 Kajran men attended the shura
QPS Investment Group
wish all of our clients,
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Happy New Year
WORLD 17
and were reassured that security in their
district would be supported by the ANSF.
Maj-Gen Hamid travelled with
Commander 4 Bde 205 Hero Corps Brig-
Gen Mohammad Rasul Khan (Kandahari)
and while speaking with the Kajran locals
said the Afghan National Army (ANA)
would have an enduring presence in the
district.
I wanted to see the situation and discuss
the security issues of Kajran personally,
he said. Uruzgans provincial governor
is one of the most active governors in the
southern zone and together with Brig-Gen
Kandahari we can solve our neighbours
security problems.
Our ANA forces will stay in this area.
Brig-Gen Raziq also committed to assist-
ing the joint police-army efforts in Kajran,
which was well received by the district
police attending the shura.
Kajran is a traditionally ethnic
Hazara region and was transferred from
neighbouring Uruzgan to Daykundi in 2004.
The surrounding mountainous terrain iso-
lates Kajran from the rest of the province,
and persistent insurgent activity on the three
main routes into the district further discon-
nect it from the nearby provinces of Bamyan,
Helmand and Uruzgan.
This isolation makes it a safe haven for
insurgents in the peripheries of the district
as they attempt to use the routes, which are
manned by police check points, for their own
logistic purposes.
19 December 2013.
 18 WORLD www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

Troops are bringing it

Millions of materials and ordnance cleaned up as the ADF prepares to leave Multinational Base Tarin Kot
Cpl Mark Doran is responsible for providing ongoing infrastructure, which they might not
guidance and direction to the be able to manage or sustain.
ITS a large and complex task, but Australian national support elements We have disposed of some
we are on track, and I am confident on the ground in Tarin Kot, Kandahar materiel through sales to the local
we will achieve our mission in and Al Minhad Air Base in the United economy or by destruction where it
time. Arab Emirates, he said. was inappropriate to gift to the ANSF,
These elements include the he said.
Thats the view of Director
Force Extraction Unit (FEU), the We have been pleasantly surprised
General Transition and Redeployment
Force Support Unit, the Force by how much we could dispose of
Brig Andrew Bottrell, who has over-
Communication Unit and the through the local market as recycling,
all responsibility for the planning Australian Air Component, which thereby avoiding expensive transport
and implementation of the ADFs includes the Combat Support Unit. costs for the removal of building waste.
Afghanistan reassignment. Brig Bottrell said the engineer- Even the reinforcing steel from
This includes the reposturing of ing effort by FEU was focused on remediated concrete slabs is recycled
elements for the future mission in the deconstruction of infrastructure and sold through a local contractor.
Afghanistan and the extraction and and remediation of the ground to Civilian companies in Afghanistan
remediation of all Australian elements Australian standards. are given the opportunity to purchase
at Multinational Base Tarin Kot. The Australian Government has material from the infrastructure
Along with the continuation of agreed to the transfer of a range of they are deconstructing, which has
existing elements like the 205 Corps infrastructure to the Afghan National considerably reduced the cost of the
Advisory Team and the Logistics Security Forces (ANSF) who will use deconstruction effort.
Training and Advisory Team, the it to continue to provide security for Apart from building material, there
future mission includes Australian the people of Uruzgan, he said. was a deliberate decision not to return
advisers and security personnel at We have made every effort to a significant number of other goods to
the Afghan National Army Officer ensure we do this in a manner that Australia, such as furniture, gym and
Academy and the Special Operations leaves a legacy we are proud of. kitchen equipment and a large number
Advisory Group in support of A gifting policy has been set of tools.
Afghanistans General Directorate of by the NATO Training Mission in Brig Bottrell said if the ADF was
Police Special Unit in Kabul. Afghanistan and there is a significant to transport these items to Australia it
Brig Bottrell and his staff at the amount of materiel that Defence would cost more than the items were
Redeployment Fusion Cell (RFC) will hand over to the Afghanistan worth and require Defence to sustain
have worked closely with the staff Government. them in Australia.
branches of HQ JTF 633 to provide Brig Bottrell said there was a fine It has enabled us to provide some
coordination and oversight to the line between how much materiel genuine benefit to the ANSF while also
redeployment planning. Australia would give to the ANSF, avoiding a significant movement cost
Taking it down: Concrete slabs are demolished at Multinational Base The RFC undertook the initial as there was a potential to overload and a future burden on the sustainment
Tarin Kot.  Photos by Cpl Mark Doran planning for the redeployment and them with too much materiel and budgets of the ADF, he said.

Permanent, Course and Transit

Living In
Accommodation
From 1 September 2013, DHA started managing bookings for Living In Accommodation (LIA) at the
following bases in South Queensland:

> RAAF Base Amberley

> Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera
> Borneo Barracks, Cabarlah
> Swartz Barracks, Oakey, and
> Kokoda Barracks, Canungra.
Trucking on out of here: Soldiers carry out remediation works.
Whether you are looking to book LIA for an exercise, a course, a cadet camp, reserve duty, permanent
accommodation or individual transit, contact DHA.
HELP IS AT HAND FOR CLEAN UP
North Queensland is next to transition to the DHA LIA Booking and Allocation Service, and includes the
following bases: WHERE there is a need to destroy
items from the Afghanistan redeploy-
> HMAS Cairns ment, bilateral arrangements with both
> Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, and the US and the UK have been enacted.
> RAAF Base Townsville. Director General Transition and
Redeployment (DGTR) Brig Andrew
Bottrell said one of the major arrange-
The rest of the country will progressively transition to the DHA LIA Booking and Allocation system by May 2014 ments the ADF had used was through
ahead of the commencement of the new Base Services Contracts. the US Defence Logistics Agency
(DLA) Disposition Services, which
disposes of excess property received
www.dha.gov.au/LIA from military forces, including thou-
sands of items from air conditioners
and computers to vehicles and aircraft.
The arrangements have allowed
the ADF to dispose of explosive ord-
nance and other military equipment
by destruction, as well as selling more
benign materiel through a commercial
entity, he said.
The ADF has received support
through DLA for the disposal of excess
ccess
Easy a ookings materiel in Tarin Kot and Kandahar.
to b There are also disposal arrange-
online llocations ments for a range of materiel procured
and a from the US, which are controlled
by the International Traffic in Arms
Regulations (ITAR).
ITAR is a set of US government
regulations which control defence-
related equipment and its disposal.
Some equipment needs to be
destroyed and the ITAR details how it
is to be done.
There are more than 100 commer-
cial contracts in the MEAO which need
to be drawn down, reshaped or ceased
for services such as food, vehicles,
communications, materiel handling
and cleaning.
Brig Bottrell said in many cases
Defence was also responsible for
assisting outside contractors to leave
Afghanistan.
At the same time that all of this
work has been happening we have
needed to maintain our force protec-
tion and Combined Team Uruzgan
(CTU), as a part of the International
Security Assistance Force (ISAF),
which has also had to continue to per-
form its mission of assisting the ANSF
while coordinating the US drawdown
of MNB-TK and its handover to the
ANSF, he said.
This has been a complicated
mix of competing priorities and it
has only been achieved through
close cooperation and coordination
between the JTF-633, CTU and its
operational headquarters, Regional
Command (South).
 Army December 5, 2013
to a close in Uruzgan
The ADF is one of only a few coalition
countries that has the ability to extract
nearly all defence materiel by air,
according to Brig Bottrell.
The RAAF has been the backbone
of the redeployment effort, he said.
We have been exceptionally well
supported by the Air Component, with-
out whom our redeployment operations
would be significantly slower and more
complicated.
Since November last year, when
the redeployment operation com-
menced, the RAAF has moved about
2830 tonnes of materiel out of Tarin
Kot. However, this does not include the
thousands of personnel that have rede-
ployed over several rotations or their
personal equipment and baggage.
The only items the ADF are extract-
ing from Afghanistan by road are
Drehtainer armoured accommodation
modules, which have been transported
through Pakistan to Karachi and then
by sea to Australia.
Coalition forces, as part of the
ISAF mission, have lived at the base
since 2004. It was first known as US
Forward Operating Base Ripley and
was renamed Camp Holland by the
Dutch in 2006, which was the first year
Australian reconstruction forces, and
their equipment, moved into the base.
Brig Bottrell said the base was now
well and truly on the remediation path
and would soon be ready to transfer
fully to the ANSF.
Australians have a lot to be proud
of, including the way the ADF has
planned and implemented our draw-
down, he said.
We have done that hand in glove
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Its a large and
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Brig Andrew Bottrell, DGTR
with the coalition, and the legacy we
leave behind in the quality of infrastruc-
ture and the training we have provided
for the ANSF will reflect positively on
all who have served here over the years.
There has been a phrase coined
in the past few years that the manner
in which we leave this province
will be the manner in which we are
remembered here, and I think we will
be remembered fondly by the Afghans.
In November 2012, there were
201 vehicles and close to 630,000kg
of general cargo to return to Australia
from Tarin Kot, with a further
300,000kg earmarked for disposal.
By the beginning of October this
year, there were only 85 vehicles
remaining, about 95,000kg of general
cargo left to return to Australia, and
only 45,000kg remaining to be dis-
posed of, which included furniture,
electronics and gymnasium equipment
to be given to the Afghans.
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
There are also less than 280 shipping
containers remaining in the area as many
were given, sold or scrapped through the
Defence Logistics Agency process or
returned to their original owners.
Brig Bottrell said the historic tris-
ervice redeployment operation involved
a significant network of organisations
and people from across Australia over-
seen by Joint Operations Command.
It has involved Defence personnel
from all three services and the public
service, as well as personnel from other
government departments, he said.
This network of personnel has
stretched from numerous points in
Afghanistan to Al Minhad Air Base in
es
rat
st ow vacan
re
inte L
les ac tiv ity
Lo
w Sa
WORLD
the UAE and across much of Australia.
The Defence Materiel Organisation has
given terrific support across the board,
but particularly through the deployed
Disposal Support Team.
He is also very positive about the
support provided by Joint Logistics
Command and the 1st Joint Movement
Group.
There will be issues that will pop
up to surprise us as we enter the final,
dynamic stages of our redeployment,
he said.
But we have enough redundancy,
flexibility and expertise across
our organisation and our coalition
connections to deal with any concerns.
Investnot sp
eculate
cy rates
increasing
19
Ready to fly home:
A Bushmaster
approaches a C-17
Globemaster for
loading at Multinational
Base Tarin Kot.
ON THE MOVE
THE Force Extraction Unit, Force
Support Unit, Force Communication
Unit and the Australian Air
Component will together tackle:
2 700 pieces of infrastructure
3 000 pieces of fixed plant and
equipment
4 .7 million items of general
materiel and explosive ordnance
1 364 6m containers
2 000 combat radios
5 000 pieces of specialist,
force protection, and general
communications information
systems equipment
C losing or restructuring more
than 100 commercial contracts
and international agreements
Increased
building starts
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Photo by Australian Defence Force

 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews WORLD 21

Logistics for the future

Australian soldiers are ensuring ANA troops keep stores stocked and ready to go thanks to new training courses
Cpl Mark Doran
A COALITION Tiger Team
has taken on the colossal task
of establishing inventory and
accountability management
training for the 205 Hero Corps
of the Afghan National Army
(ANA) as it transforms its
ageing logistics system.
The ANA is transitioning its
logistics procedures from where
units received a set quota of
stores to a where units identify
their critical needs and submit the
required stores requests.
The team of 10 coalition per-
sonnel, a civilian contractor and
an interpreter conducted a two-
week course for 23 ANA soldiers
at Multinational Base Tarin Kot at
the end of October.
Capt Steven Towner, of 2 Cav
Regt Task Group Security Force
Assistance Advisory Team, said
the logistics course was designed
to focus on Class IX stores such as
vehicle repairs parts.
This professional training
will improve on the ANAs current
accountability processes, introduc-
ing a robust, logical procedure,
he said.
We intend to establish a simi-
lar process to the one used by the
Australian Army whereby when
minimum store levels are reached
the system triggers the re-order
process.
In late August, Class IX stores
management was identified as the
single greatest challenge for the
Hero Corps.
The stock list is designed to
sustain the corps entire fleet of
vehicles. US Army Capt Coleman
Harris, of ANSF Development Cell
Regional Command South, said
foreign military stores had been
flown in to help.
This influx of stores and
equipment will provide an oppor-
tunity for the ANA logisticians to
see how their new system works,
and give them the ability and con-
fidence to control these stores, he
said.
The joint project of Afghan, US
and Australian personnel consists
of consolidating the requisition
form system to ease the burden on
the amount of paperwork.
Hero Corps logistics officer Col
Habibulla Hotak said the students
were fortunate to receive coalition-
supported logistics training on-site.
It is time for us to take owner-
ship because our soldiers are the
future of the Afghan army and they
should be proud of where they are
now and where they are going. New processes: ANA 4 Bde soldiers check numbers of stores before ordering more.  Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

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Project Management
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Support: Ptes Joel Ryan, left, and Daniel Jack, of 2 Cav Task Group,
provide security at Nili for a delegation of Afghan and ISAF representatives.
 Photo by Cpl Mark Doran
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in Afghanistan valley
Cpl Mark Doran
LOCATED in the heart of Afghanistan,
Nili lies in a small valley surrounded by
the snow-capped mountains of the Hindu
Kush.
Australian troops are helping a
delegation of Afghan and International
Security Assistance Force (ISAF) repre-
sentatives to plan for the 2014 elections.
Daykundis Deputy Provincial
Governor Habibullah Radmanish,
Commander 205 Hero Corps Maj-Gen
Abdul Hamid and Kandahars Chief of
Police Maj-Gen Abdul Raziq discussed
security for election with ISAF
personnel.
Commander Combined Team
Uruzgan Col Wade Stothart travelled
with the delegation and said although
Daykundi was one of Afghanistans
more peaceful provinces, it was not
without its challenges.
Daykundi is a young province. It
was formerly a part of Uruzgan before
the Afghan government annexed it in
2004, he said.
The meeting instigated by Maj-Gen
Hamid and facilitated by ISAFs rotary
wing assets was a positive step as the
commander of 205 Hero Corps tours his
area of operations to confirm the security
provisions in advance of the coming
elections.
In the south of the province, Gizab
district voters have protested against
being included in the Daykundi count
instead of Uruzgans majority pashtun
electorate, which has stunted voter regis-
tration in the area. In the north, residents
are concerned roads will remain impass-
able at election time because of the
heavy spring snow pack.
Maj-Gen Hamid told the Daykundi
officials he understood security was a
priority for their people and raised the
possible deployment of soldiers from
4 Bde 205 Corps to assist local forces in
Kajran and Gizab during the elections.
He noted 4 Bde had quelled recent
unrest in the district, encouraging
residents to return to their homes and
allowing the roads to reopen.
Maj-Gen Raziq offered logistical
assistance to the Daykundi police
with extra equipment, weapons and
ammunition.
Deputy Governor Radmanish thanked
the Kandahar based security officials for
their offers of election support, saying
it would free up his local forces at a
critical time.
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22 Army December 5, 2013
BUSH TO BEACH
Cpl Nick Wiseman discovers patrolling Australias north is a combined effort.
I
T IS the middle of the night when
a boat appears from the darkness
almost beaching itself on the sands
of a small island off the coast of
Keeping an eye out:
Pte Antonio Sabatino Cape York.
Just as fast, six figures jump clear with
maintains watch.
Photos by Cpl Nick Wiseman weapons ready and disappear into the
shadows.
Morning comes, the boat is long gone,
there is no trace of human life and those
six figures are nowhere to be seen. They
are, however, watching and waiting. These
are the soldiers of the Regional Force
Surveillance Unit 51FNQR.
The patrol commander, OC B Coy
Maj Steven La Rose, said the mission
was to screen the area and identify illegal
activities.
Were looking for things like foreign
fishing vessels and any smuggling or
transfer of contraband and illegal maritime with all patrols except one inserted by, or
arrivals transiting through the area, he said. operating on, the ocean.
This particular patrol included not only
soldiers from 51FNQR, but also from other LCM-8 were used throughout the operation
units including 1 Cdo Regt, 20STA Regt,
1RAR, 2RAR, 2/17 RNSWR and 8CSSB.
The company patrol, which began on
November 9, split into two groups with
the main support element and three patrols
heading in by road. The remaining patrols
deployed on an Army LCM-8, traversing
Well-connected: Gnr
Byron Tworek provides
communications for
his patrol.
Ready to move: A patrol gets ready to
leave its observation point.
Cape York with a stop at Thursday Island to
pick up further equipment.
The support element consisted of a
company command post, Q-store and
medical support at Captain Billys Landing
on the east coast of the Cape with patrols
deploying from there to nearby islands.
These patrols deployed ground surveil-
lance radars, image capture and transfer
technology and static observation posts.
Maj La Rose said there were many
challenges in an area that big, that remote
and specifically because it was far-north
Queensland.
Weather conditions pose a challenge
with soldiers from other units not always
acclimatised to this part of Australia, he
said.
Differing from most Army exercises
and operational deployments, much of the
Op Resolute patrol was maritime based,
Two regional patrol crafts and an
for resupplying patrols on islands and also
as casualty evacuation platforms.
With a constant flow of bulk carriers,
fishing vessels and yachts, the patrols
were kept busy reporting back to the
command post, which then consolidated
the sightings and passing the information
I think what were doing out
here is really important so we
can help get information to
other agencies and they can
track down all the vessels.
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews CENTREPIECE 23
to their battalion headquarters and then on
to Border Protection Command and Other On the move: Cpl Beach assault: An
government agencies. LCM-8 drops off a
Chris Torenbeek
We dont actually get involved with patrol commander.
anything going on but gather information to and his patrol get
send back to Border Protection Command, ready to leave their
observation point.
he said.
They then have Customs and police
they can activate. Were essentially a sensor
for Border Protection Command.
Deploying to this remote and isolated
area often provides challenges for medical
support but Maj La Rose said this was not
so with it being the first time a primary
healthcare team was deployed in direct
support.
Given were so remote and cant meet
I knew they
the golden hour its an excellent fall back to
have these guys there, he said.
carried out regional
At least you know if it gets hairy we surveillance but
have a doctor and his team on site.
Maj La Rose said the company got a lot had no idea they
out of the mission.
We got to test a range of new plat- were so marine
forms, which we havent thrown together
focused out on the
before, he said.
The size of the patrol was also quite
large compared to what we have previously islands.
worked with and the ability to track with
both observation posts and ground surveil- Gnr Byron Tworek, 20STA Regt
lance radar has been proven
to work.
Battling crocs and big waves
Cpl Nick Wiseman boats come into an area making noise, The patrol spent a further 48 hours
he said. travelling north, patrolling the coast-
A MARITIME patrol totalling more This one was adamant and stayed line and river entrances before making
than 400km up and down Cape York about a metre from our boats. Even its way back to enjoy some well-earned
LCpl Jimmy Elia, 51FNQR patrol scout in far north Queensland has just been at low tide hed find the nearest bit of rest.
completed by a patrol from 51FNQR water and stay nearby. All members readily agreed they
in 4.4m tinnies. After completing the first leg of couldnt wait to get back home for
Patrol commander Cpl Stephen the patrol, the patrolmen returned to a proper fresh meal after living on
Moran said patrolling in the small boats Captain Billys landing to resupply with rations for the duration of the activity.
posed several challenges. rations, water and fuel because of the Patrolman Pte Jimmy Pascoe said
The saltwater and constant pound- limited room in the boats. he was getting a lot from his time with
ing of the waves takes it out of you even After the quick stop and debrief the unit.
though youre doing shorter days than they returned to the ocean and began Its a good life in the Army. I enjoy
others in static observation posts, he the second half of their patrol, this time
learning different skills but it can get
said. heading north.
Fortunately we managed to make Pte Jeffrey Tamate was on his first tiring out there all day in the boats,
land at night, which allowed us to rest tasking after joining the unit and com- he said.
up. pleting his patrolman courses. He said LCpl Morris Nona is a medic and
The patrol departed Captain Billys he was enjoying the patrol and driving said it was his job to help with any
Landing heading south along the Cape the boat. injuries.
analysing key terrain, which had been Its a pretty interesting experience, I have to make sure theyre okay
identified as possible areas where illegal he said. Im learning the importance backs can be an issue with the waves
vessels could land or cache equipment. of maintaining the craft and looking out out here, he said.
Cpl Moran said it was there that the for the people within it. LCpl Andrew Vela , 2IC, said he
patrol discovered another challenge Little things are different on enjoyed the patrol.
being stalked by a crocodile more than this side of the Cape, like the winds. I think the need to protect our
2.5m long. I live on the west side of the Cape borders is important and Id say were
Usually they will move on when near Weipa. making a difference, he said.
Riding the
waves: A
Zodiac picks
up a marine
technician
to repair a
regional patrol
craft. Inset, the
4.4m tinnie that
a croc circled.
 CHANGING THE WAY WE SERVE
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It has something to offer all ADF members, regardless of rank,
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To learn more, visit www.defence.gov.au/projects/suakin

 Army December 5, 2013
Bright beacon of hope
CA Lt-Gen David Morrison
C
hristmas is synonymous Thankfully, most of you
with family in Australia. will manage to get stand-down
Many of us rejoice in the time and to spend precious time
message of love and hope of with family and loved ones. Enjoy it.
the Christian tradition. Of course many of our mates are still
Yet even those of no religious
affiliation or non-Christian faiths pause
to enjoy this feat as a time of reflection
and as a time for reunion with loved
ones.
To soldiers, the message of peace at
the heart of Christmas is a beacon of
hope. Our profession knows better than
any the suffering and privation of war.
We have been on sustained operations
for well over a decade and most of our
soldiers have been deployed to war or
peace and humanitarian operations, often
multiple times.
All of you have seen the depth of
mans inhumanity to fellow man. The
promise of Christmas is that deep inside
all of us is the desire to live in harmony.
Our Army has worked hard to
improve the lot of our fellow human
beings all over the world and to preserve
peace for our fellow Australians.
This has been a demanding year for
all of us and also for our families.
RSM-A WO Dave Ashley
M
y message this festive
season is optimism. As
we start closing the doors
to our longest war, after
consistently delivering on everything
asked of us, we have much to be
optimistic about.
New and exciting structures with
the ongoing implementation of Plan
Beersheba and new equipment, such
as Land 121 vehicles and the landing
helicopter docks. Underpinning this we
have a greater focus on our values.
This goes to the human dimension of
Army, which is our most important asset.
In the next years our tempo will allow
us to invest back in the basics.
This will include hard and realistic
training.
This is professionally satisfying
training.
It will also include barracks routine
and all that comes with it, such as
competitive sport, competitions and
social activities.
Army will always be hard and
demanding none of us joined for the
easy life and I havent seen an easy year
since I joined in 1979.
CDF Gen David Hurley
T
HE ADF has achieved a great
deal this year as a result of
your dedication and hard
work.
Our operations in Timor-Leste and
the Solomon Islands ended successfully.
So too will our mission in Uruzgan,
allowing most of our people to return to
Australia by years end.
In addition to these operations,
in 2013 ADF personnel supported the
bushfire recovery effort in NSW, assisted
the people of the Philippines after
Typhoon Haiyan and worked tirelessly
to contribute to Australias border
protection operations under Operation
Resolute.
Your efforts and achievements have
been made in many ways.
The first Battle Honour awarded since
Vietnam was presented to the Special Air
Service Regiment and 2 Cdo Regt this
year for the Battle of Shah Wali Kot.
HMAS Toowoombas assistance
in seizing a record half-tonne of
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews CHRISTMAS 25
on operations including in grave danger
in Afghanistan.
Every deployed soldier will feel the
poignant sense of separation at being
away from home at Christmas.
To you, be assured that the entire
Army family is behind you and awaiting
your safe return.
As the year draws to a close, I want
to thank every one of you for your
unselfish service to the nation.
The Army has continued to serve
with courage and integrity.
In so doing you have upheld our
proud traditions and won enormous
respect from your fellow citizens.
To those of you travelling by road,
please exercise great care and stay safe.
To all of you and your families, Gayle
and I extend the compliments of the
season.
Have a safe, happy, holy Christmas
and return to work rested and motivated
for a terrific 2014.
Year well done: CA Lt-Gen David Morrison inspects personnel from 8/9RAR at the Uruzgan Lines
Our routine will see us with the Inauguration Parade.  Photo by LAC Dan Pinhorn
ability to better manage a healthier work/
life balance and to spend more time with
our families, loved ones and friends.
Master of Systems
This year the Chief launched
Respect as our fourth stated value.
Over the festive season, respect our
Engineering
badge of honour, the Rising Sun, by
acting lawfully and morally.
Respect each other. Before you depart
on leave find another member of our
team, someone you would not normally
have a need to speak with, and whether Never Stand Still School of Engineering and Information Technology
they are in or out of uniform, shake their
hand. Wish them well.
Respect yourself. Enjoy, but enjoy in
moderation. Come back from leave fit The Master of Systems Engineering (MSysEng) at the University of New South Wales
to fight. in Canberra provides you with the opportunity to acquire high-level understanding
We will still have many guarding our and advanced analytical skills in the key areas of systems engineering, requirements
walls over Christmas and unable to be
with their families and loved ones. engineering, test and evaluation, and capability option analysis.
Spare a thought for them as you enjoy
your leave. Compulsory Courses Applications
I for one will be raising my glass Systems Engineering Practice Applications for Semester 1 close
to them before I sit down to Christmas
dinner. Requirements Engineering 20 January 2014 (Defence funding
What makes my job remarkable is Test & Evaluation applications close 1 November 2013).
you. Army is and remains a great place
in which to serve. Capability Option Analysis Apply online at:
See you next year. Plus four elective courses. www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/pg_apply
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the families who support our military
personnel. via distance or intensive delivery mode
Many more ADF members will have
an opportunity to reunite with family and
friends this festive season than in recent
years but others will be separated by
deployments or postings over the holiday
season.
seit.unsw.adfa.edu.au/MSysEng
Wherever you are, I wish you and
your family a safe and happy Christmas
and a prosperous New Year.
 26 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

Take aim: Soldiers from 5RAR conduct the last stand during the 1 Bde military skills
competition at Robertson Barracks.  Photos by WO2 Neil Ruskin On the go: Soldiers conduct the stretcher carry component of the competition.

Skills on show in Top End

Soldiers are put to the test in 1Bdes annual
competition, Maj John McPherson reports.

W
hen the senior soldier
of an Army brigade is
happy you can usually
be assured things are
going along pretty well for the
soldiers.
The smile on the face of RSM
1 Bde WO1 Dave Allen said it all
following the annual military skills
competition between the units of the
Top End brigade, which ended on
November 9.
The fitness and genuine
competency levels displayed by
both the male and female soldiers of
1 Bde during this years military
skills competition was particularly
pleasing, he said.
Over a gruelling, hot 48 hours,
sections from each unit completed a
a section attack, a water crossing,
patrolling, mass casualties, a
stretcher carry and a section
defensive shoot.
Day two saw the sections
tackling the brigade obstacle course
before a 2km run and then a shoot.
In the final wash-up, 5RAR took
out the overall trophy and 7RAR
won the shooting and obstacle
course trophies.
All the soldiers did extremely
well, WO1 Allen said.
He particularly commended
LCpl Sophie Woolford, of 1CSSB,
who had to step up and lead her
section through the obstacle course
and run and shoot stands when her
section commander went down.
The training weve been doing
under PESA, the Armys Physical

series of stands testing them to their Employment Standards Assessment,
limits. has prepared us well for this
On day one of the competition competition and were really having
the stands included pack marching, a great time, LCpl Woolford said.

Keep it up: Above, WO1 David Allen encourages

soldiers during the competition, while soldiers
from 5RAR celebrate with the trophy after
winning the overall competition (right).

The training weve

been doing under PESA
has prepared us well
for this competition
and were having a
really great time.
LCpl Sophie Woolford, 1CSSB

Under pressure: LCpl Sophie Woolford, of 1CSSB, fires at the

marksmanship training range (above) and plans a medivac with
Cpl Woody Wood, of 1CSSB, (below).

On the lookout: A soldier provides cover

during the competition (above) as others
navigate the obstacle course (right).
 Army December 5, 2013
Photo by LS Helen Frank
Providing
opportunity
Project Suakin is supporting the ADF workforce,
Lisa Smallacombe reports.
A
major ADF workforce
r e f o r m p r o j e c t wa s
launched in Canberra on
November 26.
Project Suakin intends to
introduce a range of full-time,
part-time and casual employment
categories that are designed to offer
ADF members more options and
more employment flexibility as
their circumstances change.
Assistant Defence Minister
Stuart Robert said Suakin aimed
to improve the ADFs ability to
respond to current and future
workforce challenges, as well as
changes in the security environment
and the economy, by giving it a
more flexible workforce structure.
Suakin draws on a considerable
amount of research and
consultation with both permanent
and reserve ADF members, Mr
Robert said.
What they have told us is
that there is considerable capacity
and willingness among reservists
to contribute more than they do
now, while the permanent ADF
workforce aspires to greater career
flexibility.
The focus of Suakin is on
retaining a trained, experienced
and highly skilled workforce,
which is the key to sustainable,
affordable and deployable people
capability. The outcome will be a
better engaged ADF workforce an
excellent outcome for the nation.
Acting CDF Air-Mshl Mark
Binskin said the ADF currently
p r ov i d e d a c c e s s t o f l ex i b l e
arrangements through single-
service initiatives, and the aim of
Suakin was to build on that.
In practice: Delivering Suakin
Following the Chiefs of Service
Committee and Secretary/CDF
Advisory Committee agreement to
the initiatives under Plan Suakin,
in September 2012 work began
with the services and groups on
the structural and legal changes
necessary to make the enhanced
workforce model a reality.
Subject matter experts from
Defence People Group, and
personnel policy and remuneration
areas in Army, Air Force and
Navy, are working with the Suakin
Directorate to deliver the required
reforms through five courses of
action:
Service Spectrum: is intended
to provide options for a full
range of full-time, part-time
and casual service categories
across the permanent and reserve
components of the ADF.
I believe Suakin
may benefit certain
members who
have individual
circumstances
or who serve in
specialist individual
positions. It may
allow an individual
the flexibility to
remain in the ADF
while pursuing a
parallel career path.
Capt Tim Fricker, RMC-D
Under Suakin, the ADF
intends to move towards a more
enduring, whole-of-ADF solution,
with an agile and flexible people
management system built into the
organisations structure, Air-Mshl
Binskin said.
Suakin has options to achieve
this through flexible career
pathways, matching remuneration
and benefits with capability
delivered, enhanced workplace
flexibility, simplified processes and
helping to build an organisational
Remuneration: supporting the
service categories. Remuneration
and benefits are being designed to
reflect ADF members relative ser-
vice obligation (commitment) and
their contribution to capability.
Transfer Processes: working to
establish more streamlined and
efficient transfer processes that
allow members to move across the
service spectrum.
ForceNet: an e-portal to help
connect members to Defence
and each other. ForceNet aims to
improve reservist data to better use
the reserve.
Workforce Funding and Training:
research and analysis of current
practices and existing ADF
workplace funding and training
issues to help develop evidence
for reform.
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews FEATURES 27
ForceNet: the revolution
ForceNet is an e-portal that sits out- Tohmatsu to deliver ForceNet in a series
side the DRN and is accessible any time of stages, he said.
and anywhere members have access The next stage of the development,
to the internet, including on their mobile
devices.
which will improve personnel
administration, is a key to the delivery of
A ForceNet trial began in November
with six units across the ADF.
a contemporary service model.
The RPDE report found that our
Director General Suakin Brig Iain people, particularly reservists and
Spence said the trial tested the first stage former ADF members, have difficulty in
release of ForceNet, a public space finding job opportunities, despite their
designed to enhance communication
within the ADF workforce.
willingness to get involved.
ForceNet will enable ADF members to
This first stage edition of ForceNet
will allow members to connect with their
search for reserve job opportunities and
showcase their skills and qualifications
Defence colleagues, with the ability to
send direct messages to other users and
through user profiles that will provide
career managers with more insight into
create social groups around common
interest, he said.
available skill sets.
These are outcomes that will help
COs will also be able to send direct
communications, post content and
enhance the visibility of roles that require
less than full-time service, Brig Spence
create events on their unit page with
the confidence that their members can
said.
We also know from the RPDE report
access that information any time online,
enhancing unit-level communication.
that Defence members want to conduct
basic personal administration tasks, such
ForceNet is enhancing existing
Defence ICT solutions. It is built on and
as viewing payslips, changing contact
details, submitting forms and completing
will incorporate many of the functions of
the Defence Alumni Network.
training, without having to access a DRN
terminal.
The ForceNet team is designing the
systems functionality based on a stake-
ForceNet will provide links to the
PMKeyS Self Service Portal that Joint
holder needs analysis conducted by the
Rapid Prototyping Development and
Project 2080 is implementing, and to
CAMPUS Anywhere.
Evaluation (RPDE) Group in 2012.
Brig Spence said the RPDE report An official launch of ForceNet will take
found there was a need for an ICT tool to
enable communication and engagement
place in 2014, with both current and former
members of the ADF and members of the
within the Defence community. Defence APS gaining access with minor
Were partnering with Deloitte Touche differences in functionality.
culture that is more accepting of
flexibility.
As with the development and
introduction of a major piece of
equipment, Suakins design and
implementation will take time.
The ADF expects to have the
framework for the service model
in place in 2014, but anticipates it
will take a number of years for it to
reach full operating state.
To learn more, visit www.defence.gov.au/
projects/suakin
Director General Suakin Brig
Iain Spence said as with the
development and introduction of
any new asset, or major piece of
equipment, Suakins design and
implementation would take time.
The framework for the service
model will be delivered in 2014, but
we anticipate it will take a number
of years for the enhanced service
model to reach a fully mature
operating state, he said.
From mid-2014 we aim to
commence a staged roll-out of the
new structures, policies, procedures
and processes that collectively
make-up the enhanced service
model.
The roll-out was designed to
include education and training
initiatives to help build the skills
and knowledge required to lead a
workforce using the service model.
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 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews FEATURES 29

New paramedic trade

State ambulance service personnel join the ranks of reserve units, Maj Kathryn Ames and Lt Mick Trainor report.

E
XPERIENCED civilian par-
amedics are now formally
helping the ADF save lives
with the introduction of a
new Reserve Employment Category
Number (ECN).
The new trade ECN169 Combat
Paramedic recruits qualified state
ambulance service paramedics directly
into the Army Reserve, introducing
highly qualified and experienced per-
sonnel who can bring an advanced
range of medical skills into operation-
al areas and training environments.
The first soldier to be accepted into
the new ECN is Pte Matthew Meister
from Logan City in Queensland.
Pte Meister is an intensive care
paramedic with eight years experi-
ence in the Queensland Ambulance
Service.
As a civilian paramedic, he
completed the in-service Diploma
of Paramedical Science and the
Graduate Diploma of Intensive Care
Paramedics.
I always wanted to serve as a
medic in the Army and to contribute
in that capacity, but the creation of
this new ECN allows me to bring a
far greater scope of practice and
New role: Pte Matthew Meister is the first soldier to be accepted into the new employment category, allowing
his expertise from his civilian job as a paramedic to help him further support the Army Reserve.
Pte Meister believes his new
role will give him a greater range of
duties.
into high-tempo operational areas,
Pte Meister said.
In my role as a civilian paramed-
for both my unit and the Army as a
whole.
Pte Meister joined the reserves
It was through word of mouth that
he found out about the Armys new
role for qualified civilian paramedics.
The Queensland Ambulance
Service has been very supportive of
my Army Reserve service, he said.
They really appreciate the military
skills that I learn and can bring back
into my role as a civilian paramedic.
To be accepted as a combat para-
medic, state ambulance paramedics
must have a current Certificate of
Clinical Practice and be fully qualified
within their civilian job specification
to receive recognition of prior learning
on entering the Army.
Senior health adviser Col Andrew
Ellis, of 2 Div, said a number of
reservists worked as paramedics in
their civilian lives.
We have identified around 30 who
would be eligible to transfer at this
stage, he said. We need people. The
capability is vital to Army.
New combat paramedics will enlist
as privates with a fast-tracked promo-
tion to corporal. There is potential
for promotion from there through the
ranks to warrant officer.
At this stage, we want 50 combat
paramedics across Army, with around
10 in each brigade, Col Ellis said.

experience to Army, Pte Meister said.
State ambulance service paramed-
ics are trained to deal with everything
from minor injuries to medical emer-
gencies including catastrophic trauma.
The new trade gives me the ic, I encounter severe trauma and life- in 2004 as a combat medical atten- The pre-hospital skill set is the
opportunity to do more for the Army, threatening injuries every day. I can dant with the Royal Australian Army same as ECN031 Advanced Medical
such as be a medic on a range or bring those skills into the Army. Medical Corps and served with 1 Fd Operator, but at this stage, the ECNs
deploy with my full-time counterparts This provides a better capability Regt and 9RQR. are not interchangeable.

ENHANCING CAPABILITY
SENIOR health adviser Col Andrew
Ellis, of 2 Div, was a member of the
team responsible for developing and
implementing the new ECN.
They are in a
We knew we had a large civilian
workforce of qualified paramedics in the
civilian trade that
Army Reserve, Col Ellis said.
They are in a civilian trade that has
has developed
developed enormously as a profession,
and has reached high levels of
enormously as a
advanced care capability.
We know that those qualified as
profession, and
paramedics are able to manage serious
injury very well, and that the civilian
has reached high
settings many paramedics work in, so
far as trauma care is concerned, are not
levels of advanced
that different to Army.
That means they can bring
care capability.
something valuable to an Army setting. Col Andrew Ellis, 2 Div
Col Ellis said while health care

training had advanced within the Army,
innovative solutions were needed to
address capability gaps within the Army
Reserve.
Establishing a new trade in the
Army appeared to be an innovative
A health fund
first paramedic into a unit, Col Ellis
said.
He believes the benefits to Army
of being able to employ fully qualified
paramedics in their professional

solution but it was not easy, he said.
To introduce a new discipline,
work with state-based organisations to
recognise qualifications and militarise
it to generate capability was a huge
challenge.
But the general agreement was that
this was a good thing, and there was
tremendous support.
That support came from the
Development Group at ALTC, which
conducted trade analysis and course
development, the Directorate of Army
Health, which delivers the training, and
2 Div, 17 Bde and Forcomd.
It took two years between the
concept development and getting our
THE ROUTE TO ECN169
Meet the prerequisites for
employment as an ECN169
Combat Paramedic.
An existing Army applicant is to
complete a PE166-1.
Provide a PMKeyS record of
service.
Provide a true and certified
thats different
capacity are enormous.
ECN169 brings someone
streetwise and highly skilled with
training achieved through tertiary
education and professional
development, Col Ellis said.
We can fast-track recognition, and
those being accepted into this trade
wont require significant further military + Unlimited general dental
health education, although they will
require militarisation.
+ 98% member satisfaction
Interested individuals should apply
for transfer through their chain of
command or contact the 2 Div Health + 92% member retention
Training Sergeant, Sgt Nev Stott, for
further information on 0477 337 902 or
neville.stott@defence.gov.au
Navy + Army + Airforce
copy of their Ambulance Service
qualification Diploma of
Paramedic Science (Ambulance)
as a minimum. navyhealth.com.au
A letter from the state-based
ambulance employer stating 1300 306 289
currency and a minimum of two
years as a paramedic.
 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews FEATURES 31

A boost to the system

Aircraft maintenance enhanced with self-certifying technicians, Cpl Max Bree and Flt-Lt Barry Bardoe report.

A
STREAMLINED
maintenance system is
making better use of
Army aircraft technicians
enhancing adaptability, output and
proficiency.
Capt Steven Wardill, an aircraft
maintenance commander at 5 Avn
Regt, said qualified personnel dubbed
self-certifying tradespersons or SCTs
no longer needed a trade supervisor
to oversee their work, following the
introduction of a revised maintenance
certification system earlier this year
within 16 Avn Bde.
Historically we have operated

under a three-tier certification system
where all maintenance tasks were
certified by a tradesperson and a trade
supervisor, he said.
Safety-critical tasks then also
received a third level of certification
from an independent inspector.
The system focused on air safety
but constrained what work could be
done by the minimum number of people
needed for the task, according to Capt
Wardill. This cautious approach has
previously led to additional tradesmen
being required for each task, leading
to lower productivity and significant
Trade
backlogs of repairs.
If there was no trade supervisor improvements: The introduction of
Qualified aircraft
available then maintenance operations
were effectively stalled, he said. technicians are SCTs has significantly
The introduction of SCTs has
significantly enhanced the flexibility,
now self-certifying
tradespersons
enhanced the flexibility,
productivity, efficiency and robustness
of our maintenance workforce.
after a revised
maintenance
productivity, efficiency
The new system may seem to put
greater supervisory emphasis on the
certification system and robustness of our
was introduced
self-certifying tradespersons but Capt earlier this year. maintenance workforce.
Wardill said this was not the case. Main photo by Cpl Bill
They designed a robust structure Solomou Capt Steven Wardill, 5 Avn Reg aircraft
for building the SCT system so that the maintenance commander
three tier supervisor role is effectively
replaced through education and
empowerment to operate within the full recovery team, but using the new Previously a six-man maintenance currently comprises of about eight effectiveness it brings the work hours
aviation technical regulations, he said. system, two mechanics were dispatched team would travel in the trailing technicians, he said. more into line with most soldiers.
Safety critical tasks still attract from Townsville to fix the aircraft. aircraft to catch-up and repair any Theoretically, you can now The progression to adoption
supervisory certification attention to They ended up successfully aircraft having problems. achieve full-certification capability of SCT has been done in a very
ensure airworthiness, but a range of repairing the aircraft and enabling it to During the exercise I was able to with just three people. controlled, deliberate and careful
lesser technical tasks are now open to continue its transit to Sydney within 24 break my team down and spread them When you then combine this manner to ensure the absolute integrity
documented self-certification. hours, Capt Wardill said. out while maintaining full certification flexibility with the concept of cross- of the airworthiness requirements.
The system proved its value when a The likely alternative under the ability, Capt Wardill said. trade technicians qualified across The new system will be critical
6 Avn Regt Black Hawk recently broke old system would have seen the aircraft Thereby achieving simultaneous multiple aircraft types, the potential
to Army aviation ability to operate
down in Mackay and 5 Avn Regt was delayed at Mackay for up to a week maintenance support across all aircraft capability multiplication effect for our
asked to recover the aircraft. awaiting recovery elements from at all locations, and enabling the maintenance workforce is staggering. aircraft from the LHD when aircraft
Typically, a recovery of this nature Sydney. mission to proceed on schedule. Under the old regime, maintainers are operating from the vessels. Without
would require a minimum of five The new SCT system also proved Capt Wardill said the structure consistently worked very long hours SCTs cross trained on multiple aircraft
personnel to cover all maintenance its worth during a regiment exercise of maintenance teams could also be and often shiftwork to prevent types the footprint of the aviation
certification requirements, Capt when unserviceable aircraft were reworked under the new system to maintenance backlogs. The SCT maintenance staff would need to be
Wardill said. spread from Alice Springs to Darwin, provide the ability to deploy more system allows more concurrency and more than double and would detract
Due to their workload, 5 Avn awaiting technical assessment or repair maintenance teams simultaneously. more efficient use of each tradesmans from the ability to embark other
technicians werent able to despatch a at various remote airfields. A standard forward repair team time, and whilst enhancing operational combat elements.

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 32 FEATURES
Time is right for
doctor to lead
specialist unit
An Army doctor is filling a vital role in
Afghanistan, Capt Chris Rickey reports.
L
t-Col Michael Reade always military trauma training in Australia
seems to be in the right place as the US medical personnel here.
at the right time. The deployment has also been a
After 24 years in the Army
Reserve, Lt-Col Reade recently
joined the ARA and was appointed
as Professor of Military Medicine
and Surgery, a role created as part
of a Strategic Alliance with the
University of Queensland.
Im attached part-time to the
Royal Brisbane and Womens
Hospital where, as well as working
as a clinician, I conduct research
relevant to military trauma medicine,
develop ADF trauma medicine and
surgery policy as well as train ADF
clinical staff, he said.
However, the right place right
now for the Army doctor is the
NATO Hospital in Kandahar.
Lt-Col Reade is in command of
the hospitals Australian Specialist
Health Group (ASHG), where he
also works as one of the intensive
care physicians.
His training as an intensive care
physician, anaesthetist and trauma
medicine specialist helped him to
land the prestigious job as head of
the ASHG.
The work of Lt-Col Reade and
his nine medical specialists has
yielded massive benefits in trauma
research and treatment for the ADF.
At the moment we dont see bat-
tlefield trauma like this outside of
Afghanistan, he said.
It is very reassuring for us to
see that we have the same quality of
Top job:
Lt-Col
Michael
Reade, in
command
of the
Australian
Specialist
Health
Group in
Kandahar.
Photo by Cpl
Chris Moore
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During his military career Lt-Col
Reade has deployed to Bosnia in
1999, Kosovo in 2000 and 2001
attached to the British Army, East
Timor in 2003, Solomon Islands
in 2004 and once previously to
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Lt-Col Reade is looking forward
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www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Life changing: WO2 Carina Newlyn at the Murray Barracks Q-store in Port Moresby. 
Blues got a
new focus
After three years posted to Papua New Guinea with the Defence
Cooperation Program, WO2 Carina Newlyns outlook has changed,
LS Helen Frank reports.
A
FTER 30 years in the
Army, WO2 Carina
It has changed
Newlyn would have been
happy to spend the rest of
my whole
her career working in Port Moresby
with the Papua New Guinea
Defence Force (PNGDF).
focus on But WO2 Newlyn is coming
soldiering and back to Townsville after completing
a three-year posting to the Pacific
increased my island country as one of the Australian
Defence staff working with the
patience and Defence Cooperation Program.
WO2 Newlyn is a warehouse
understanding manager and worked as a quarter
master adviser to the PNGDF within its
Force Support Battalion (FSB).
WO2 Carina Newlyn My job was to look after resource
management and the supply system for
the FSB, WO2 Newlyn said.
I also passed on supply
information to the PNGDF Chief of
Logistics.
The FSB is very new and WO2
Newlyn was a mentor and liaison
officer to the PNGDF as it raised the
battalion.
She also helped with the
coordination of transport, supply,
headquarters and the Regimental Aid
Post.
I had quite a large involvement
with the FSB at my rank level, she
said. I was dealing with lieutenant
colonels and majors within the PNGDF
all the time.
The PNG soldiers who worked for
her affectionately called her Boss
Meri, which translates to Boss Lady,
and she was also known as Blue.
WO2 Newlyn said the culture and
people were a highlight of her time in
the country.
The people there are amazing, she
said.
She said she saw a great change
in the productivity of the soldiers
as she was able to improve their
working conditions.
They didnt have much when I first
Army December 5, 2013
Photo by LS Helen Frank
CLOSE TIES
WITH PNG
Australia has a long-stand-
ing defence relationship
with Papua New Guinea,
and at $25 million this
financial year, the Defence
Cooperation Program with
PNG is the largest Australia
has with any country.
The program aims to build
the capability and profes-
sionalism
of the Papua New Guinea
Defence Force and the
PNG Department of
Defence, which allows the
PNGDF to deliver on the
PNG Governments pri-
orities and contribute to a
secure and stable region.
got there so I put some of our finances
into revitalising the infrastructure at the
battalion, she said.
It made more of them want to
come to work and seeing their faces
was just awesome. I saw a massive
change and loved it.
Her posting wasnt without its
frustrations and sometimes simple
things such as getting quotes for
services werent options.
Some of the little things we take
for granted in Australia dont happen in
PNG, she said. But you just have to
get over that and move on.
WO2 Newlyn said the posting had
reinvigorated her work ethic as she
pushed others to work harder.
It has changed my whole focus on
soldiering and increased my patience
and understanding, she said.
 Army December 5, 2013
A personal connection
The widow of POW Eric Lomax, author of The Railway Man, makes a pilgrimage to Changi Chapel, Aurora Daniels reports.
R
MCs Changi Chapel holds
a special place in the heart
of Patti Lomax.
Her husband Eric was a
British prisoner of war in Changi and
on the Burma-Thailand Railway.
He wrote about his wartime experi-
ences in his 1995 autobiography, The
Railway Man, which also told of his
struggle with post-traumatic stress
disorder and his forgiveness towards a
former enemy.
The story has now been made into
a feature film starring Nicole Kidman
and Colin Firth, which opens at the
Australian box office on Boxing Day.
Sadly, Mr Lomax died last year
aged 93, halfway through the films
production.
Visiting from the UK for the films
premiere in Brisbane, Mrs Lomax
made a side trip to Canberra to visit
the chapel and the Australian War
Memorial.
Eric would have gone to this chap-
el in Changi Im sure, Mrs Lomax
said. And because he cant be here
today I wanted to visit it for him.
The chapel was built by Changi
POWs in 1944. After the war, it was
brought to Australia and installed at
the Royal Military College as a POW
memorial.
Mrs Lomax laid a wreath at the
Australian War Memorial in honour of
her husband. She hopes the film will
help veterans, military members and
their families know the sacrifices made
are not forgotten and are respected.
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www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Mental Health All Hours
Support Line 1800 628 036
is a confidential telephone
service for ADF members and
their families available 24/7.
Services include psychol-
ogy, medical, social work and
chaplains.
ADF personnel who have
deployed can self-refer to
the Veterans and Veterans
Families Counselling Service
on 1800 011 046. The service
provides counselling and
group programs to veterans,
peacekeepers and eligible
family members and is a free
call, open 24/7.
ADF personnel requiring fur-
ther support and treatment can
contact local Defence Health
Facility or call 1800 IMSICK
Emotional visit: Patti Lomax, wife of Burma-Thailand Railway POW Eric after hours (1800 467 425).
Lomax, visits the Changi Prisoner of War Chapel in Canberra.
 Photo by Cpl Aaron Curran
I hope the film reminds people of they dont open up then their families past behind and move forward, if battle Nagase, but Eric looked at me and said
what happened over there. Ive been go through hell. stress is treated.
told there are 300 veterans from the Most people have some connec- As a carer herself, she wants the
Burma-Thailand Railway alive here in tion to the military, be that family or a loved ones supporting veterans to know engraved on Erics headstone it
Australia, Mrs Lomax said. neighbour or friend, and so I hope this they also are not forgotten.
The Railway Man is not just about film spurs those suffering to get help. These people are never given
Eric and me, but about the conse- Erics story is just as relevant enough credit, Mrs Lomax said. The To read a review of The Railway Man and
quences of war. Veterans often dont today as it was after the WWII. People mind can just as well be helped in the
know theyre affected by PTSD and if can go through hell and then leave their end as it can be injured in war.
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FEATURES 33
While it is thrilling to have Kidman
and Firth in the leading roles, she said
they didnt go ahead with the film to
get awards.GETTING HELP
I just hope it starts to lead debate
about what happens in war, and the
impact on our returned personnel and
their families, Mrs Lomax said.
Military members need to be fully
supported when they return home. It is
not about BAFTAs and Oscars, it is a
memorial to those weve lost. Military
members do an amazing job.
When he was captured by the
Japanese, Mr Lomax was a 21-year-old
signals officer who loved trains.
While the film features gut-wrench-
ing scenes from POW camps and soul-
destroying times where Firth struggles
with inner demons, Mrs Lomax wants
to remind audiences that the story has a
powerful and happy ending.
I remember Erics meeting with
the Japanese interpreter Takeshi
Nagase when we travelled to Thailand
to find him, she said.
We were overlooking all those
white graves with the names and ages
of those killed they were just young
boys. It really struck me that maybe we
were being disloyal being there with Mr
Patti, sometime the hating has to stop.
It shook me. I have had that
shows just what he was really like.
have the chance to win a free double-pass to
see it in cinemas, see page 39.
(11/13)
 34 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

Centenary

This month marks 100 years since Army chaplains began serving

Operation Astute: Chaplain Capt Morgan Batt talks with children at an
Internally Displaced Persons camp after conducting morning mass in Balide,
Timor-Leste, in 2006.
Pakistan: Chap Carl Aiken conducts the Christmas Day church service at
the ADF medical centre providing humanitarian assistance to the earthquake-
affected community near Dhanni in Kashmir in 2005.
Photo by Cpl Bernard Pearson
Photo by Flt-Lt Trevor Grant
F
ROM WWI to Afghanistan,
Australian Army Chaplains
have been serving along-
side soldiers for 100 years.
In early 1912, with the mas-
sive growth of Australias military
forces, it was realised that some-
thing must be done to create a
formal department to administrate
the chaplains that the growing Army
required.
Four chaplains-generals were
formally appointed by Governor-
General Thomas Denman on
December 1, 1913, and the Army
Chaplains Department was
officially created.
This would be timely, as in
less than a year Australian troops
became involved in WWI.
From 1914 to 1918, more than
400 clergymen, representing many
different denominations, answered
the call to serve their country.
Since the Great War, chaplains
have served with distinction in
Japan, Korea, Malaya, Borneo,
Vietnam and more recently in
Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, Iraq
and Afghanistan.
Armys Principal Chaplain, Chap
Geoff Webb, has served for 23 years
and joined the Army as an already
ordained minister.
Chap Webb says the funda-
mentals of chaplaincy in the Army
havent changed over the past 100
years.
Chaplains still provide religious
services and support to soldiers
personal faith, he says.
But in other ways it has
changed markedly.
I think modern Australian
chaplains are the best equipped
that they have ever been and
offer a high standard of pastoral
and faith support to Army
Chap Geoff Webb, Principal Chaplain Australian Army
The early chaplains were
citizen ministers who volunteered
to be part of a citizen volunteer
expeditionary force to the Boer War
and both World Wars.
Now we are much more part
of a permanent professional Army
expected to be able to function in
that environment.
Chap Webb says the more com-
plex nature of both Australian soci-
ety and the Army demands a better
trained and equipped chaplaincy
than in the past.
This includes working in an
increasingly multi-faith society and
having such skills as being able to
deal with PTSD, moral injury and
other consequences of our greater
awareness of the cost of deployment
on soldiers, he says.
I think modern Australian
chaplains are the best equipped
that they have ever been and offer a
high standard of pastoral and faith
support to Army.
Looking after soldiers and
supporting them through their ups
and downs has always been the
part of his job that Chap Webb
loves most.
Ive always enjoyed looking
after soldiers, he says.
Ive always found pastoral care
of soldiers very rewarding.
In my experience, soldiers are
willing to talk to chaplains about
nearly any personal issue that they
may have and one of the reasons I
returned to ARA chaplaincy was
my desire to spend more time in a
ministry of pastoral care.
Chap Webb feels that a chap-
lains pastoral care is much more
appreciated in the Army than in
civilian ministry.
It is also a privilege to lead the
team of Army chaplains at the end
of their first century, he says.
The centenary of Army chap-
laincy was celebrated with the dedi-
cation of a plaque at the Australian
War Memorial in Canberra, the
launch of a book on the history
of Australian Army Chaplaincy, a
commemorative church service and
a centenary dinner on December 2.

Timor-Leste: Chap Len Eacott in Dili during

Operation Stabilise in 1999. Photo by Sgt William Guthrie

Celebration of faith
The Royal Australian Chaplains Department cel-
ebrated its 100 years of service on December 1. Korea: Chap Geoff Webb gives
To mark the event, the book Captains of the the benediction during the
Soul, has been written by Michael Gladwin. commemoration of the Battle of
The book details the history of Australian Maryang San in South Korea in Iraq: Chap Kerry Bartlett (centre) on the front line in Baghdad with
Army Chaplaincy. 2013. Photo by LS Helen Frank members of Australias Security Detachment, Pte Andrew Guyer
Captains of the Soul will be available in book- (left) and LCpl Phillip Kiely, of 7RAR, in 2008. Photo by Capt Joe Nyhan
stores from February 1 or can be ordered online
at www.bigskypublishing.com.au

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ACCOUNTANT/TAX AGENT
The services provided are:
Completion & Lodgement of Personal Tax Returns
Bookkeeping and General Accounting Services
Tax and Business Advice
Home and Business Loans
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To make a booking please contact us on;
Phone: 02 4648 3910
Fax: 02 4647 7087
Email: info@philsaccounting.com.au Op Tanager: Chap Andrew McNeil leads the Remembrance Day service outside an historic 300-year-
PO Box 437, Narellan NSW 2567 old fort at Balibo, in Timor-Leste in 2001. Photo by Sgt William Guthrie
 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
of service
alongside soldiers in war and in peace, LS Helen Frank reports.
Solomon Islands: Chap Mark Dunn conducts the
final Combined Task Force 635 chapel service at the
Guadalcanal Beach Resort in 2013.
 Photo by Cpl Amanda Campbell
IN THIS SIGN CONQUER
The Royal Australian Army Chaplains
Department is an all-officer corps that
provides ordained clergy to minister to
the men and women of the Australian
Army.
The role of Army chaplains is to
advise commanders and their staff on
religious, spiritual, moral, ethical, cultural
and welfare matters, to provide pastoral
care to soldiers and their families, to
provide advice to the chaplaincy chain
of command and to coordinate and lead
chaplaincy activities within units.
In 2013, there were 69 Regular Army
and 80 Army Reserve chaplains in the
Op Slipper: Chap Keil Maslen reads Australian Army. These belong to either
a prayer at the Christmas church one of several Christian churches, or to
service and carols at Camp Baker in the Jewish faith.
Kandahar in 2012. Although Army chaplains are commis-
sioned officers and wear uniform, they do
 Photo by Sgt William Guthrie
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WWI: Chap Crawford conducts a burial service on the battlefield in Herbecourt in France in 1918.
 Photo courtesy Australian War Memorial
FEATURES 35
Vietnam: Vietnamese children take an
interest in the Anzac commemoration
service conducted by Chap K. Hoffman in
the northern province of Quang Nam in
Vietnam in 1969.
 Photo courtesy Australian War Memorial
WWII: Left, a group portrait of Army
chaplains-general in 1943. Back row:
Chaplains-general A. Brooke, T. McCarthy
and A. W. P. Hodges. Front row: Chaplains-
general C. L. Riley, T. C. Rentoul and A. I.
Davidson. Photo courtesy Australian War Memorial
not carry arms and are the only officers
not to carry swords on parade.
At services on formal occasions,
chaplains wear their medals and
decorations on their clerical robes.
Chaplains in the Australian Army
begin their commission as a captain,
and there are five levels or divisions of
seniority with each corresponding to a
worn rank.
The highest is Division 5 are principal
chaplains, of which there are three in
each service.
In Army, principal chaplains wear the
rank of brigadier.
Australian Army chaplains, whatever
their rank, are mostly referred to as At home: Chap Robert Vun helps to keep morale high as
padre. The corps motto is In this he speaks with the troops during the bushfire crisis relief
sign conquer.
operation in Victoria in 2009. Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller
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 36 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

Health risk warning

Hospitalisations connected to the use of nutritional supplements
DEFENCE has warned all ADF members to
be aware of the dangers associated with tak-
ing dietary supplements following one death
and several hospitalisations in the US.
Specifically, Food Standards Australia New
Zealand has alerted Australian jurisdictions to
a joint US Food and Drug Administration and
Centres for Disease Control investigation involv-
ing the sport supplement OxyElite Pro.
This led to several cases of acute non-viral
hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver.
Senior Medical Advisor Victoria Ross, of
Joint Health Command, said at least two ADF
personnel had been treated for liver disease
thought to be related to nutritional supplements.
Joint Health Command strongly advises
against the use of supplements where there is no
medical requirement, Dr Ross said.
It is far safer to concentrate on a well-bal-
anced diet appropriate to the needs of the individ-
ual and an appropriate physical training routine.
Any substance, including prescription
medicines and vitamins, can be harmful if not
used correctly.
Some of the problems that exist with sup-
plements relate to the lack of quality control, as
the industry is not well regulated. Supplements
purchased overseas or over the internet are likely
to be more risky.
Not all the ingredients are always on the
label, so you may not know what youre getting.
Dr Ross said these products could contain
toxic or illegal substances prohibited for use in
the ADF.
Effects of these products can include addic-
tion, altered mood and aggression, skin prob-
lems, liver damage, diabetes, joint problems,
muscle weakness and heat control issues leading
to hyperthermia and/or dehydration.
Anyone who uses dietary supplements, or is
thinking about it, is urged to discuss the risks and
benefits with their medical practitioner.
Anyone who has used dietary supplements
and feels unwell or is concerned should contact
their Defence Health Centre.
Hotlines
holiday hours
The Army Fair Go Hotline
1800 100 064 will close from
December 13 and will re-open
from February 3, 2014.
During this period
personnel can contact DCOs
Defence Family Helpline at
Defencefamilyhelpline@defence.
gov.au or on 1800 624 608, the All
Hours Support Line on 1800 628
036 or the Defence Equity Advice
Line on 1800 803 831.
The Army Fair Go Hotline was
established to provide members,
partners and families with another
way to seek information and
advice on conditions of service
and issues in the workplace. This
service is available to all Army
personnel regardless of rank,
but it is preferable that issues
are raised through the chain of
command first.
Personnel are not required
to advise anyone they are using
the hotline and they can remain
anonymous. The chain of
command is only advised of the
call with the express permission
of the member, unless the
caller discloses information the
operators are obliged to report or
act upon.
Stand-down
arrangements
THE Defence Service Centre at
Cooma will be closed during the
stand-down period from 10pm
on December 23 until 7am on
January 2.
Callers to 1800DEFENCE
in that time will not be able to
leave a message. However,
email enquiries can be made to
dsc@defence.gov.au and staff
will action the request upon their
return to work.
Take care: The ADF warns personnel to use dietary supplements with caution after members were
Personnel should note that
treated for liver disease. Photo by LS Helen Frank
pay slips will be available to both
ADF and APS staff on December

Changes to whistleblower reporting

PUBLIC officials seeking to speak up
about wrongdoing or maladministra-
tion in the Commonwealth public sec-
tor can do so under the Public Interest
Disclosure Act 2013 (PID Act) from
January 15.
Under the PID Act, a public official
includes current or former ADF mem-
bers, APS employees and contracted
service providers. The Defence Public
Interest Disclosure Scheme replaces
the Defence Whistleblower Scheme.
The PID Act will replace other
whistleblower legislation and cover all
current and former public officials.
Defence, Australian Geospatial-
Intelligence Organisation (AGO),
Defence Intelligence Organisation
(DIO) and Australian Signals
Directorate (ASD) are separate agen-
cies under the Act and are required to
manage disclosures in a manner con-
sistent with the PID Act.
Steve Burge, of the office of the
Inspector General of Defence, said
the PID Act promoted integrity and
accountability in the Commonwealth
public sector, provided protection from
any adverse consequences of making
a disclosure, and ensured disclosures
9 for pay day of December
19. It is the responsibility of all
members to check their pay slips
and identify any issues before
stand-down.
were properly managed and investi- or maladministration alleged to have They are also encouraged to
gated by agencies. occurred at any time. check their pay slips and bank
A person who is prepared to speak Defence, AGO, DIO and ASD will accounts on pay day.
up about wrongdoing or maladmin- appoint authorised officers to receive Additional information on
istration is one of the most important disclosures. Contact details will be list- pay cut-off dates is available in
and accurate sources of information to ed on the Defence intranet and internet. DEFGRAM 628/2013.
address problems in public administra- Alternatively, disclosures can be Personnel travelling during
tion, he said. made to supervisors, managers or com- the stand-down period who
Complaints of suspected wrongdo- manders who must report immediately experience travel issues, can
ing made before January 15 will not be to an authorised officer. contact their duty officer, or QBT
covered by the new legislation, but will on 13 11 57, to make required
be managed under the existing Defence The current whistleblower hotline number, changes to travel plans. Further
Whistleblower Scheme. 1800 673 502, will continue, or contact the information on travel during the
Any disclosures made after January Directorate of Investigations and Recoveries on stand-down period is available in
15 can include suspected wrongdoing (02) 6266 4322. DEFGRAM 482/2013.

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 Army December 5, 2013
Sounding the end
of bloody battle
Armys generous support of the Defence Blood Challenge
Lauren Norton
The 2013 Defence Blood
Challenge came to a close on
November 30.
While results are yet to be
finalised, at the time of print, Army Service ambassador.
had recorded 1522 of the 3902
donations.
Armys blood challenge
ambassador, WO2 Graeme
Reynolds, the ADFA Bandmaster,
said Army personnel had shown
tremendous generosity throughout
the challenge.
Army has surpassed its total for
2012, of 1191, by more than 300
donations, he said.
However, I do not think that
this is an accurate reflection of how
many Army members, friends and
family have donated.
WO2 Reynolds said many
donors might not have registered
their donation yet, if at all.
One of the frustrating aspects
of this challenge has been in
reminding personnel to register their kinds of challenges, he said.
donations and joining Club Red,
he said.
Blood challenge champion
VCDF Air-Mshl Mark Binskin said national total so far coming from
it had been great to see personnel
support this years challenge.
The response from our people
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over the past three months is
commendable, he said.
With last minute donations
coming in, I really hope we can
achieve our target of 4000.
He praised the efforts of each
Our ambassadors this year have
been an inspiration and made a huge
contribution to the challenge, he
said.
They have done a fantastic job
raising awareness of the challenge
by sharing their personal stories and
encouraging people to donate.
I would like to thank everyone
who donated blood for their
generosity towards what I am sure
will be a fantastic final result.
WO2 Reynolds passion for the
challenge has encouraged Army
personnel across the country to
donate.
Army personnel and family
members have contributed greatly
to the cause and have shown that we
can lead from the front with these
We have had a tremendous
response from those members in
Queensland, with about half of the
that state. Given the number of full
and part-time Army members, it
would have been good to see the
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figure around 2000 donations, but
I understand the operational time
lines havent worked in our favour.
WO2 Reynolds received
enormous encouragement from
all ranks in the Army, which
reminded him the significance of his
contribution was not overlooked.
I have also seen many ADFA
undergraduates take part in this
challenge and they are to be
congratulated for participating, he
said.
WO2 Reynolds recommends the
role of ambassador to anyone who
wants to make a difference.
I have loved being the Army
ambassador and I hope that
everyone has seen the passion I have
for this valuable cause, he said.
The gift of life is a precious
commodity and one not to take for
granted. To provide a blood product
for people requiring it is most
commendable and honourable.
There is no greater gift than
saving someones life.
Official results from the
challenge will be published in the
first edition of Army in 2014.
Members interested in being next years
blood challenge ambassador can contact
army.brandmanager@defence.gov.au
for more information.
ENOGGERA
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DR KEN MORONEY
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Mitchelton Ph 3354 1900
Its over: Army
blood challenge
ambassador WO2
Graeme Reynolds
makes a final call
to arms.
Photo by Steve Dent
LEADING THE
CHARGE
Sgt Dave Morley
IN THE final weeks of the Defence Blood
Challenge, its organiser made a final
contribution for Army, making his 300th
blood donation.
Maj Gary Schulz has always been a
strong supporter of blood donation.
Ive donated blood since I joined the
Army at 18, he said.
I started giving blood then because I
was fit and healthy and didnt think there
were enough people giving blood.
Both my sons are in the ADF and
they are blood donors too.
Maj Schulz said he probably set the
example for them.
First of all, Im proud of them
because theyre in the ADF and second,
Im proud theyre following in my foot-
steps by giving blood, he said.
Id encourage all ADF members to
give blood and not just during the chal-
lenge. Its a healthy sign and special peo-
ple give blood.
Maj Schulzs son, AB Michael Schulz,
of 723 Sqn at HMAS Albatross, gave
blood on the same day.
I just decided to join him one day giv-
ing blood at Canberra and now Ive made
13 donations, he said.
I dont know if Ill make it to 300
donations but Ill give it a go.
AFGHANISTAN COLLECTION
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Operation Slipper - In Service
Against Terrorism the
Afghanistan Proud to Serve
Proud to Support
Collection has been
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for all Australians to express
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ARMYSHOP
PERSONNEL 37
Study calls
for mothers
to share their
experiences
Michael Weaver
THE impact of deployment on women
with dependent children will be investigat-
ed in a study called Mothers in the MEAO.
Ellie Lawrence-Wood, of the Centre for
Traumatic Stress Studies at the University
of Adelaide, wants to hear from a wide
range of mothers who have deployed.
It is expected that interviews will be
completed by next February and the find-
ings will be available towards the middle
of 2014.
This research represents an opportu-
nity for service mothers to not only share
their stories both the good and the not so
good but have a hand in shaping future
policy, Dr Lawrence-Wood said.
The findings will be presented to
the Department of Veterans Affairs and
Defence, along with recommendations
aimed at improving how mothers in the
ADF and their families are supported.
All interviews are confidential so
women who participate can be assured
their responses will not be identifiable.
We want to hear real stories and get a
real insight into the experiences of service
mothers, Dr Lawrence-Wood said.
We have focused on deployment to
the MEAO as we already have data regard-
ing physical and mental health outcomes
in relation to deployment from the large-
scale MEAO Health Study.
What we want to do now is get a
more in-depth understanding of the experi-
ences of mothers before, during and after
deployment.
She said the deployment of moth-
ers with dependent children into conflict
zones was a relatively recent occurrence.
Theres a lack of knowledge and
understanding about the experiences and
needs of these mothers, so the aim of this
research is to identify how mothers and
their families manage their family and
military commitments, and find out what
is being done well and perhaps what could
be improved or changed to better support
them into the future, she said.
More generally, the health and well-
being of women in the ADF has been a
priority for Defence, so the study is an
extension of this priority, with the specific
focus on mothers reflecting the increased
involvement of mothers in active duty
service roles including deployment into
conflict zones.
Participants will need to be available
for a telephone interview of up to one
hour.
For more information on the study, email
mothersmeao@adelaide.edu.au or phone
(08)8313 0674.
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Canberra
026123
6123 2960
2930
 38 LIFESTYLE PEOPLE www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

Frenchs all heart: Maj David French and his two sons, William (left)
and Jacob.
Michael Weaver
TWO determined cyclists are putting
their hearts and legs into a fundraising
effort to promote awareness of
congenital heart disease.
Maj David French, of Command
and Staff College, and his former
Navy mate Carl Jenkins aim to raise
$10,000 for HeartKids NSW, a not-for-
profit organisation, run by employees
and volunteers concerned with the
care of children either born with, or
who acquire congenital heart disease.
HeartKids NSW offers support to
families both in hospital, at home and
in rural NSW and the ACT, Maj French
said.
We are conducting the ride as my
Fit and healthy: PTI Cpl Dale Gorman
watches as physiotherapist Lt Kerrie Tessier
treats Taylah Carmelito during an ADF
son, William, required heart surgery at
medical display in Townsville. Photo by Troy Rogers
five-days-old to correct a narrow aorta.
In addition we are riding with the
names of 11 HeartKids on our jerseys Working up an appetite: Pte Roseleen Lenehan prepares
in recognition of their struggles.
a crab appetiser for the guests at the graduation lunch for
The ride goes from Canberra to
Sydney on December 13-14, and Initial Cooks Course 149 at Holmesglen Tafe.
people can like and follow the teams  Photo by LS Paul McCallum
Facebook page, which can be found
by searching for Ride for HeartKids.
You can track our training record,
which we will post to this page,
and as the big event nears, make a
contribution that you can afford and
you feel is appropriate, he said.
Donations can be made at
www.heartkidsnsw.gofundraise.com.au/
page/FrenchD

Op Dear Troops: Pte Samuel Frater, of AFG,

On song: Musicians Donna Ranauro, Danae Perkins and helps pack care packages that will be sent to
Shannon Marshall, of the Australian Army BandPerth, personnel serving overseas.
perform in Perth. Photo by Cpl David Baker  Photo by LS Helen Frank

Farmyard fun: Pte Richard Gillespie and CO 1RAR Lt-Col Eamon

Lenaghan feed the regiments mascot Septimus.

Meet and greet: Cpl Mark Donaldson VC takes the

time to meet trainees at Puckapunyal.

On operations: Pte Aaron
Ford, of Camp Baker Force
Support Unit, on the job at
Kandahar Airfield.
. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran
Lt Matt Warren
SOLDIERS from Puckapunyal were
lucky enough to have Cpl Mark
Donaldson VC take time out of his
busy schedule to speak to them on
November 9.
Many of the 250 eager soldiers
were trainees, only recently out of
Kapooka, who took the opportunity to
listen to Cpl Donaldson tell his story.
A very down to earth Cpl
Donaldson spoke of his journey from
a mischievous country boy and son
of a Vietnam veteran, to a 19-year-
old obsessed with the idea of being
part of the SASR.
He spoke of his unwavering
commitment to this goal and the path
that ultimately lead to the events of
September 2, 2008, which resulted in
him receiving the first Victorian Cross
for Australia.
Cpl Clint Tippett, of 1 Armd Regt,
was glad he had taken the time to go
to the event.
It was outstanding to hear how
he turned his life around, he said.
I was really inspired by it.
This was echoed by trainee Pte
Ashleigh Pullman.
It was inspiring to meet someone
who has achieved so much, he said.
After the presentation, Cpl
Donaldson was flooded with a variety
of questions from the crowd before
mingling with the soldiers during a
barbecue lunch.
He was generous with his time,
answering questions, signing books
and memorabilia, as well as chatting
with trainees about their journey so
far.
Trainee Pte Meg Cross was
excited to meet the VC recipient.
It was great to see how down to
earth he is, Pte Cross said.
He was so easy to talk to.
 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews LIFESTYLE FUN 39

Get your hands on Facing a

painful
past:

great gift ideas In The

Railway
Man,
Colin Firth
IF YOU want to expand your knowledge plays
this Christmas, Army is giving away Lt Eric
some exciting books. Lomax,
More than one copy of each title is up a British
for grabs. POW
To enter, tell us in 25 words or less captured
where you like to catch up on your holi- and put to
day reading. work on
Emails can be sent to competitions@ the Burma
defencenews.gov.au by December 13. Railway
Be sure to include your name and postal during
address. WWII.
Army has four signed copies of The
Battle Order 204 by Christobel Prey by Tony Park to give away.

Mattingley
The riveting true story account of a
young WWII pilots heroic journey,
illustrated throughout with fascinating
photographs, maps and excerpts from his
log books.
Tell My Sons by Lt-Col Mark Weber
At the pinnacle of a soaring career in
the US Army, Lt-Col Mark Weber was
tapped to serve in a high-profile job with-
in the Afghan parliament as a military
adviser. Weeks later, a routine physical
revealed stage four intestinal cancer in
the 38-year-old father of three. Over the
next two years he would fight a desper-
ate battle he wasnt trained for, with his
wife and boys as his reluctant but willing
fighting force. A dying fathers deeply
moving legacy for his sons is winning
hearts and minds around the world.
The Lost Battlefield of Kokoda by Brian
Freeman
Part fascinating military history, part
gripping archaeological mystery, part
exciting adventure, The Lost Battlefield
of Kokoda is the story of the trail and that
To be in the running email
armynews@defencenews.gov.au
with your name and postal address
and tell us in 25 words or less why
you joined the ADF.
Entries must be received by
December 13.
See the full review of The Prey in
our October 24 issue on page 31.
long-ago battle how it was fought, then
lost and found.
Command Authority by Tom Clancy
Theres a new strong man in Russia but
his rise to power is based on a dark secret
hidden decades in the past. The solution
to that mystery lies with a most unex-
pected source, President Jack Ryan.
Rescue at 2100 Hours by Tom Trumble
February 1942. The Japanese invasion
of Timor has begun and attempts to
evacuate a group of 29 Australian
airmen, charged with keeping an airfield
operational until the last moment,
are thwarted.
Moving film
POW travels back to Burma Railway to confront his demons
The Railway Man
Director: Jonathan Teplitzky
Running time: 116 minutes
Story by: Eric Lomax
Screenplay: Frank Cottrell Boyce,
Andy Paterson
Reviewer: Sgt Dave Morley
IF YOU only go to the flicks
once a year, make The Railway
Man the picture you see.
The film is based on the best-
selling autobiography of the same
name by Eric Lomax, a former
British signals officer captured at
Singapore in 1942.
Well-known English actor Colin
Firth plays the role of Lt Lomax,
a railway enthusiast (not a train
spotter), still struggling in 1980s
Scotland, to cope with the demons
of his torture by Japanese soldiers
on the Burma-Thailand Railway.
Aussie actress Nicole Kidman
plays his wife Patti, and never hav-
ing been a Nicole Kidman fan, I
have to concede she didnt do a bad
job.
Lomaxs unexplained behaviour
soon after their marriage prompts
Patti to visit his best mate, Finlay,
played by Swedish actor Stellan
Skarsgrd, to discover the truth
about his wartime suffering.
Finlay details Lomaxs torture
by the Japanese when found with a
home-made radio receiver and his
refusal to admit to anything other
than the truth.
Finlay also reveals the Japanese
officer, Takashi Nagase, played
by Hiroyuki Sanada, is still alive
and working as a tour guide on the
Burma-Thailand Railway.
Patti convinces Lomax to return
to Thailand and confront his former
captor in an attempt to let go of a
lifetime of bitterness and hate.
You will need to see the film to
find out how it ends.
The movies style is old-fash-
ioned, but this suits the story. It
shows how men of that generation
dealt with their emotional scars.
Lt Lomax visited the set dur-
ing filming but unfortunately died
before it was completed, aged 93.
His wife, Patti, attended the pre-
miere in Toronto, Canada and then
travelled to Australia to attend film
screenings on the east coast. The
film premieres on Boxing Day.
Army has 10 double passes to give away
for The Railway Man. Email ArmyNews@
defencenews.gov.au and in 25 words or
less tell us why you would like one of
these passes. Entries must be received by
December 13.

DIKKO  By Bob Dikkenberg

SAY AGAIN, OVER
Last editions winning entry
Latest ADF social networking tool allows
you to stay connected to your colleagues
all day.
Maj Duncan Munro
RMC-A

We also liked
I thought mooring this new ship would be
easier than this.
Sgt Royce Allen
4CSSB

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 40 LIFESTYLE HEALTH www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

In step with the outdoors

Forget new years resolutions keeping fit over the stand-
down period is as easy as getting outdoors, Lt Rob Orr writes.

A
S WE come around potential to increase the physical When performing body-
to stand-down skill and cognitive requirements weight exercises, look for useful
again, many chal- of the body. aids such as park benches to add
lenges will arise in Consider mounting a kerb variation.
while running or cycling, With a park bench you could
the quest to maintain health manoeuvring and controlling a perform incline and decline
and fitness. bike over and around obstacles push-ups, dips, step-ups (for-
For some the break will and terrain changes, or swim- ward and lateral), squat jumps,
mean they finally have time to ming or surfing in the swell of squat and row, rotating side
go to the gym and train with the ocean. planks the list goes on.
friends and family. On a subconscious level, However, always check the
For others, being away there is the requirement of the serviceability of the aid before
from work or on a holiday will bodys systems to process, and use.
restrict their ability to get to a potentially adapt to, constant An alternative would be to
gym, which is why its worth variations in the environment, take equipment with you.
focusing on some of the benefits for example, pupils dilating as Elastic workout bands (like
of training outdoors. you run around a corner into full therabands) are light and can be
Training outdoors simply sunlight. easily carried in the hands or in
means getting outside. No need On a conscious level you a camel back (which has your
to join a group meeting at a need to pay attention to the road water).
park or go to a community yoga surface and conditions, low- Whenever you get to where
class. Once you step out of your hanging branches and changes you want to perform some
abode, you are ready to train. in traffic lights. resistance training, pull the
This is one of the benefits of In addition, there is a need bands out and you have resist-
outdoor training. to forward plan rather than just ance ready.
There is no need to travel to move with the mind in neutral. In essence, both outdoor
the gym when you want to walk, Doing resistance training training and indoor training can
ride or run just hit the path and outdoors can be more challeng- provide you with the resources
take off. ing as there are no weight-train- to maintain your fitness over the
Another major benefit of ing machines lying around out- stand-down period.
training outdoors is the con- doors, although several councils All you need to provide is
stantly changing environment, now have some form of exercise the motivation.
from variations in terrain equipment along foot paths or in
(depending on the routes you parks that may be useful. Lt Rob Orr is a former Army PTI and
select) to changes in wind direc- The limitations are therefore is now a reservist and assistant
tion, light and smells. to use body weight only or take professor at the Bond Institute of Outdoor challenge: ADFA cadets make the most of the outdoors during the tyre flip
These variations have the equipment along with you. Sport and Health. component of the ADFA Fitness Excellence Challenge 2013. Photo by Cpl Jake Sims

Toll Transitions wish all ADF members

and their families a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
If you are moving and have not yet submitted your Application for Relocation (AFR) go
online at www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence as soon as possible so we can lock in
your dates.
December and January are very busy times for relocating members and their families.
Here are some helpful hints for those who are on the move.
Please advise Toll if you have any change to your inventory or contact details.
Prior to the day of uplift, please read Your Defence Relocation guide (available online at
www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence) to ensure you understand your and the removal providers
responsibilities.
Vehicles and towables being freighted are not covered by Tolls Warranty provisions. Check with your
insurer to see if they are covered while in transit, otherwise you are advised to arrange your own
insurance cover.
Your removal provider will contact you the day prior to pre-pack/uplift to confirm a start time. The
contracted work hours are from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Please contact Toll if you are concerned the uplift
or delivery will not be completed within these hours.
If you do not agree with the uplift or delivery condition as recorded by the removalist, note this on the ICR
then call Toll for assistance.
If for any reason you are delayed in transit or otherwise require a change to your temporary
accommodation advise Toll immediately. If you fail to arrive you will be liable for any no show fee from
the accommodation provider.
Remember that any request for long term storage, or overflow storage, must be approved by Toll.

For more information

Freecall: 1800 819 167
www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence
 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews SPORT 41

Show of strength: LS Luke Martin competes during with all the boys and raising money for the
a heat at the Australian Hero Games at Holsworthy.
 Photo by AB Kayla Hayes
Heroes workout
LS Helen Frank
CPL Cameron Baird died how he lived at
the front, giving his all without any indeci-
sion so the workout designed in his hon-
our for this years Australian Hero Games
started with a 600m sprint.
The Hero Games is a CrossFit competition
which has been hosted by 2 Cdo Regt since
2011.
The workout is dedicated to a fallen sol-
dier and raises money for the Commando
Welfare Trust.
Cpl Baird was killed in action in
Afghanistan in June.
His fellow commandos remember him as
an outstanding Special Forces soldier, exem-
plifying what it meant to be a commando,
living by the attributes of uncompromising
spirit and honour.
Cpl M said the workout was the perfect
memorial for his mate.
It was good to do the workout for Cam
Welfare Trust, he said.
It was a hard workout. I dont even know
my score, I was too tired at the end to worry
about it. But the man was well worth it, he RESULTS
was a weapon.
More than 140 people worked out in mem- Male open winner:
ory of Cpl Baird on November 6 and more Khan Porter, of CrossFit Play,
than $11,000 was raised on the day. 206 reps
Hero Games coordinator Maj F hoped to
raise more funds than in previous years. Second place:
We raised a total of $50,000 last year LS Luke Martin, of FBE Gym,
and we are hoping to double it this year, he 184 reps
said. Female open winner:
In addition to the competition day held at Alethea Boon, of CrossFit Active,
Holsworthy, the Hero Games is run around the 172 reps
world through CrossFit organisations.
Second place:
Army, Navy and Air Force were
Sara Gavin, of PH CrossFit,
represented along with AFP and civilians from
local CrossFit gyms. 143 reps
LS Luke Martin, of Fleet Base East Gym, The workout:
took out second place behind Khan Porter. Baird leading from the front
He said he discovered CrossFit while on 600m run (men 2min time cap, women
his PT course and has loved it ever since. 3min time cap)
This was my second competition but the 3 Rounds as many reps as possible
first one that I have done well in, he said. 1min pull-ups
Competing for Cpl Baird was inspiring, 1min deadlifts (men 90kg, women 70kg)
especially at the beginning when we had a 1min lateral burpees
minutes silence and heard about who he was 1min rest
and what he did.

ASRU passes physical test on Tonga tour

Cpl Max Bree
THE Australian Services Rugby
Union (ASRU) mens team wrapped
up a successful tour of Tonga from
November 2-12, narrowly retain-
ing the FrewenUtaatu Perpetual
Military Rugby Union Shield
between Australia and the Tonga
Defence Services.
ASRU captain Lt Tony Luxford
said the team confronted a Tongan
side that preferred to run hard at the
defence than pull fancy moves.
You might have heard of the
Maori sidestep, well theyve got the
Tongan sidestep, he said.
They play with a lot of aggres-
sion. Where their skills might not be as
sharp, they make up for it in their pride
and passion.
Theyre tough and physical, they
never give up.
ASRU started its first game against
Tonga with plenty of possession and
a few line breaks that didnt go any-
where.
Tonga scored the first points with
a penalty goal, followed shortly by a
field goal to lead 6-0.
A breakthrough finally came for
ASRU when LAC Playford scored
close to the corner at the end of the
first half. The conversion went wide
and Tonga still led at half-time, 6-5.
Early in the second half, winger
Captains effort: ASRU captain Lt Tony Luxford looks for support during ASRUs second game against the
Tongan Defence Services.
Tpr Jared Nicholas was put into space
out wide around the halfway mark.
He ran away for what appeared to
be a certain try before he was brought
down from behind by a high tackle
about 10m short of the try line.
The crowd yelled for a penalty try
but only a penalty was awarded.
Soon after, ASRU hit the lead for
the first time when lock Smn Will
Solway barged over for a try.
The conversion attempt was unsuc-
cessful and Tonga responded with a
converted try to regain the lead, 13-10.
Five minutes before full-time,
ASRU hit the front 15-13 when Cfn
Aaron Resch scored. Again, the con-
version missed its mark.
Tonga was awarded a penalty in
the last minute of the game and the
shot at goal looked wide, but at the
last moment curved back courtesy
the first half was marked with bruis-
ing defence that resulted in handling
errors.
Persistent pressure and patience
from ASRU proved the difference,
resulting in the two close-range tries.
ASRU scored first in the second half
via a penalty goal, which extended the
lead to 18-0.
There was a sense ASRU might run
away with the game, but a resurgent
Tonga scored its first try after a period
of sustained pressure in their attacking
22m zone.
With the score at 18-7, ASRU
bounced back and scored another con-
verted try, this time by Lt Luxford,
who dashed away from a lineout maul
to cross near the corner.
With the lead back out to 18 points,
Tonga scored two consolation tries
in the closing minutes to bring some
respectability to the final score of a
25-17 victory to ASRU.
Before the ASRU team left, they
of the breeze. The ball hit the left- gave their Tongan hosts boots, jerseys
hand upright and bounced through for and equipment as parting gifts.
Tonga to win 16-15. Its nice to leave a little bit of a
ASRU needed to win the second legacy for people that are not as
game to retain the shield and opened fortunate as us, Lt Luxford said.
The guys were told to take over
the scoring with a penalty goal.
any excess ASRU gear or any club
AB Alex Brown scored two tries in and training gear to give to the Tongan
the first half from scrum moves to set team. We did some training and coach-
the team up with a comfortable 15-0 ing at schools in Tonga and we gave
lead heading into half-time. away some jerseys and clothes to them
Despite ASRUs lead, most of as well.

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 42 SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

Armed with right stuff

Mighty Maroons make three in a row
Michael Brooke
ARMY basketballers helped the
Queensland mens team to their third
consecutive title in the Australian
Defence Force Basketball Association
(ADFBA) Championships.
The Qld men smashed NSW by 35
points to the tune of 83-48 in a state of
origin grudge grand final at Sydneys
Victoria Barracks on November 23.
The mighty Maroons now have
a three-title dynasty that dates back to
2011.
Capt Kyle Staples helped the Qld men
race away with the match by scoring 21
points while Pte Tom Zerna posted 17.
Pte Zerna, of 3 Combat Sig Regt,
received the players player award in rec-
ognition of his talent and skill in both
attack and defence.
Pte Zerna, 22, played guard-point and
models his game on Steve Nash from the
LA Lakers.
It means a lot to get the players
player award because there is no other
award that shows how much the people
like playing with or against you, he said.
I couldnt be any happier and words
cant describe how grateful I am.
The mens triumph restored Qlds
wounded pride after the womens team
was pipped by ACT/Wagga in a thrilling
grand final.
ACT/Wagga defeated Qld 63-50 to
end the Maroons winning streak.
The Qld women were well served by
Sig Leah Swain, who scored 12 points,
Cpl Kathryn Rodgers, who posted 10, and
Lt Danette Lee, who scored nine.
Sig Swain, of 3 Combat Sig Regt, was
rewarded for her performance throughout
the championships with the rookie of the
year award.
Sig Swain, 25, has played basketball
since the age of 16 but this was the first
year deployments and the op tempo have
permitted her to play in the champion-
ships.
Receiving the rookie of the year
award was an amazing feeling because
there were so many fantastic players com-
ing through the competition, she said.
Army won the lions share of indi-
vidual awards. LCpl Kylie Guarino, of
9CSSB, picked up the players player
award and Maj Wendy Jeffery, of Land
Systems Division, received the most valu-
able player award.
Maj Jeffrey, 35, dusted off the cob-
webs from her shoes and played in the
Victorian team for the first time since her
retirement.
I was shocked to receive the MVP
award because I had not played Defence
basketball for 10 years. So to come back
and win the award was awesome, she
said.
Aaron Marsh turned back the clock
with strong performances in the mens
masters to receive the mens most valu-
able player award.
It was awesome to be back playing
with some good mates, he said.
I played in nine combined servic-
es championship winning teams during
my time in the Army, but never won this
award.
Its especially nice to add this one to
the trophy cabinet.
Players player:
Above, Sig Tom
Zerna pushes
forward for
Queensland
against NSW
during the grand
final of the 2013
ADF Basketball
Championships
at Randwick
Barracks.
Photo by AB Kayla Hayes

Key player: Left,

Sig Bethany
Team spirit: The Queensland and ACT teams join for a group photo after Van Ross, of
their game. Photo by AB Sarah Ebsworth the Queensland
womens team,
runs past ACT
team member
Karen Hill.
Photo by AB Sarah
Ebsworth

Masters help mark 30th ADFBA

Michael Brooke
THE Australian Defence Force
Basketball Association (ADFBA)
turned back time as some masters
helped mark the 30th anniver-
sary during the annual carnival at
Sydneys Randwick Barracks from
November 17-23.
More than 175 players com-
peted, including masters men and
women teams, which played in the
championships as part of the gala
30th anniversary celebrations.
The masters teams featured
players from the past three
decades who performed
impressively against the current
crop of ADBA stars from Navy,
Army and Air Force.
The mens masters team was
particularly competitive, only los-
ing to grand finalists NSW and Qld.
Mens masters coach Flt-Lt
Peter Bounty said it was great to be
invited back to help celebrate the
anniversary.
It was fantastic to see so many
of the former greats of the competi-
tion return to the court. The games
were tough but played in great
spirit, he said.
ADFBA patron Brig Paul
Nothard said the championship pro-
vided an opportunity for everyone
to celebrate.
A feature of the anniversary
was the fundraising conducted
for the Soldier On charity which
raised $1100.
HISTORY
THE ADFBA formed in 1983
as an accredited ADF sporting
association under the auspices
of the Australian Defence Sports
Council (ADSC).
The ADFBA Championships
are state-based with combined
services teams (mens and
womens) from each state or
territory, except Tasmania,
competing.
After each championship, a
male and female national team
is selected to represent the
ADFBA.
The ADFBA national teams
have toured various countries
including the UK, Singapore and
New Zealand.
 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews SPORT 43

Handover: Retiring Army cricket coach Maj Lindsay Holmes hands the bat
to the incoming coach, Capt Tony Purton. 
Draw deals
a final blow
Michael Weaver
PRE-TOURNAMENT favourite
Army narrowly missed out on
claiming the Lindsay Hassett
Trophy National Interservice
Championship and the ACM
Angus Houston Cup at the annual
interservice titles.
Despite a thrilling 176-run draw
with Navy in the final of the one-
day tournament, Army lost the title
after a one-wicket loss to Air Force
in the earlier game.
Photo by Cpl Bill Solomou Navy stole Armys thunder in
what was the first time any team had

Changing of the guard

Michael Weaver
THIS years Australian Services
Cricket Association (ASCA) national
carnival saw a changing of the guard
in more ways than one for Army.
The defending champion Army
mens team was pipped at the post by
Navy in both the 50-over and T20 for-
mats in the closest interservice champi-
onships in living memory.
And current Army and ASCA coach
Maj Lindsay Holmes officially called
stumps. Unofficially, he wont be far
from the game that has given him
life membership with both the Army
Cricket and Australian Services Cricket
associations. He will now be watching
as a proud father rather than a seasoned
40-year soldier after his involvement
began in 1997.
The whole experience has been a
fantastic trip, Maj Holmes said while
watching play in his last ASCA cham-
pionships.
I was also fortunate enough to cap
my son, Craig, in 2011 and that was a
real highlight too.
It is no surprise that Tpr Craig
Holmes was a natural selection in this
years Australian Services team for
his exceptional ability as a cagey all-
rounder and gifted fielder.
As coach of the Army and
Australian Services Cricket teams
since 2007, Maj Holmes record and
contribution speaks for itself, yet he
said it was time to let someone else do
the talking.
He handed over to incoming Army
coach Capt Tony Purton, of the School
of Military Engineering, as this years
carnival wrapped up. Maj Holmes will
also be replaced as ASCA coach by
Service cricket champion WO Gary
Fuss, of Navy.
Tony was one of my former play-
ers and I know he will do a great job
for Army, Maj Holmes said.
I just told him to do the job his
way and do it for the greater good of
Army cricket.
Things are looking really posi-
tive, with Army team captain Sgt Ian
Roberts being named best player of the
carnival and Army gaining some good
sponsorships, which have really helped
cut players expenses.
He said the same could be said for
Australian Services Cricket after the
closest carnival he had seen.
Losing the interservice champi-
onship was really gut-wrenching and
shattering for the boys, but they gave
it their best shot on the day, he said.
The one-day and the T20 finals were
both real nail-biters and I had to have a
cardio massage to get over them.
With deployments rolling down
there is more opportunity for men and
women to be involved in the highest
form of representation for their unit,
service and themselves.
You see it when the players come
together they take these champion-
ships very seriously and they have a
lot of dedication to doing the best they
can, on and off the field.
won both the 50 and 20-over cham-
pionships at the 2013 Australian
Services Cricket Association
(ASCA) championships in Canberra
from November 20-29.
In the opening 50-over match,
Navy won its game against Air
Force by one solitary wicket on
November 20.
This win qualified Navy for the
final against defending champion
Army on November 22, even though
Army fell to a determined Air Force
team by one wicket on November
21.
In the final, Navy again won the
toss and sent Army into bat.
Navys WO Gary Fuss led the
bowlers with 3/33 from 8.4 overs.
The remaining wickets were shared
between the Navy attack, which dis-
posed of Army for 176 runs in the Hows that: Bdr Steven Watsford bowls against Navy in the T20 final
45th over. at Chisholm Oval in Canberra. Photo by Cpl Aaron Curran
Army captain, Sgt Ian Roberts
led by example with a solid 52 runs
that included six boundaries. on to defeat Army in the final which left Army needing seven runs
Navy lost its opening batsman of the Australian Services T20 from the final over with four wickets
Championship in a thrilling game in hand.
cheaply as Army bowlers set about
decided on the last ball. Playing in his final game for
putting the pressure on through Pte
Navy set a target of 5/140 from Navy, WO Fuss stepped up and
Alex Armour, with the figures of
its 20 overs, with Armys bowling conceded just four runs, which left
3/27, while Pte Glenn Randall, Cpl
honours evenly shared. In reply, Army three runs short of its target
Corey Baker and Tpr Craig Holmes
Army lost key wickets against disci- and capped a historic tournament
took two wickets each.
plined Navy bowling, backed up by for Navy.
It came down to the final pair Following the matches, the
to get Navy across the line, but a good catching and fielding.
Sig Beau Wright smashed 40 Australian Combined Services
great close-in catch by Sig Beau Cricket team was named for a series
Wright saw the 10th wicket fall and runs from 34 deliveries, while Sgt
of matches against the NSW Police,
the game end in a tie when the final Ian Roberts scored a quick-fire 26
an ACT under-19 side and the NSW
two batsmen had taken the score to runs from 18 balls. Cpl Corey Baker Development Squad.
176 runs. also boosted the innings with a
That was enough to see Navy smart 24 runs from as many balls. Army players named in the ASCA
win back the championship trophy. A four-over spell from Navy squad are: Pte Ryleigh Egan, Tpr Craig
But the test of nerves was clearance diver AB Kane Duncan Holmes, Cpl Corey Baker,Pte Glenn Randall,
not over yet, as Navy again held netted four successive wickets, Sgt Don Mander.

Exciting era for womens cricket Merici College

Michael Weaver side event, comprising an Army team the final game on November 25 with

TPR Rachel Martin, of 6 Avn Regt,

and a Two Blue team made up of
Navy and Air Force players and a few
a seven-wicket win after restricting Caters for ADF families in the ACT
the Two Blues to a total of 61 runs.
has been named the first captain of spare Army players. Army reached the total in the 12th
the Australian Combined Services The standard of play,
Womens team. adaptability and competitive spirit
over for the loss of just three wickets,
with opener WO2 Shelley Chattin top Merici College .
Australian Services Cricket displayed by our inaugural group scoring with 22 runs from as many
Association (ASCA) manager of of women cricketers all points to a s is a quality, affordable non-government secondary school,
deliveries.
educating girls in a Catholic environment
cricket operations, Maj Darren tremendous potential for growth in After the games, the inaugural sISRENOWNEDfor its strong focus on pastoral care
Mattison, said Tpr Martin epitomised the future, ASCA vice-president Australian Combined Services sHASTARGETEDSUPPORTfor !$&FAMILIESWITHAn
the vision for womens cricket in the Lt-Col James Brownlie said. Womens Cricket team was named. ADF mentor on site
ADF. In the first game on November24, Army players selected are: sOfFERSAWIDEANDVARIEDCURRICULUMINa
Tpr Martin was recognised for her the Two Blues scored a five-wicket Tpr Rachel Martin (c), WO2 Shelly technology rich environment
on-field performance and exceptional win against Army. Army batted first Chattin, Capt Sanchia Chadwick, sHASDIRECTBUSESTOTHE#OLLEGEFROMMOSTSUBURBS
off-field leadership at the inaugural and posted 6/84 in the T20 game. Lt Maddie Kirkham, WO1 Wendy and neighbouring NSW centres
womens matches at the ASCA Two Blues replied with 5/90 to Maxwell, Maj Candice Cushway,
National Championships. notch up its first win. Pte Kate Kauffman, Lt Kerrie
Rachel is skilled at her craft, In the second game, the Two Tessier, Pte Querida Kingston, Pte
has a desire to excel and seeks to Blues backed up and improved on Purdy Nell, WO1 Kellie Brett, Pte
positively influence the performance the opening effort with 2/119. Capt Deborah Williamson and Cpl Ian
of her teammates, Maj Mattison Sanchia Chadwick top scored with Chattin (coach).
said. 28 runs. To find out more about Merici College
The introduction of womens In response, Army managed 7/95 Servicewomen interested in competing see our WEbsite at www.merici.act.edu.au
games saw 18 eager participants take from its 20 overs, with WO2 Renee in the 2014 ASCA womens national or contact the Enrolment Officer Ms Trish Ryan on (02) 6243 4102
to the field. Goninan top scoring with 18 runs. cricket championship can visit or by email: patricia.ryan@merici.act.edu.au
Organisers went with a nine-a- Army exerted its dominance in www.ascacricket.com.au
  Photo by Cpl Bill Solomou

December 5, 2013

CALLING
STUMPS
After being part of the furniture in Army and Australian
Services Cricket for more than 15 years, Maj Lindsay Holmes
is stepping aside for the next generation. 
 Full story, page 43
Special
LIFTOUT

WE MADE
HISTORY

Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

As the sun sets on our time in Uruzgan,

we look back at Armys contributions,
achievements and sacrifices
 2 URUZGAN SPECIAL www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

As the conclusion of

A future
ADF operations in
Uruzgan province
approaches, Chief
of Joint Operations
Lt-Gen Ash Power

worth
discusses with Maj
Cameron Jamieson
the ADFs Uruzgan
experience and the
lasting effect efforts

fighting for
have had for the
people of the province.

T
HE impact of having thou-
sands of ADF personnel
serve in Afghanistan over the
past decade sees Australia
bolstered with the largest contin-
gent of active service members in 40
years.
Chief of Joint Operations Lt-Gen
Ash Power says the skills gained
throughout the deployments will A CHIEFS INSIGHT
strengthen the ADFs ability in future

operations.
Now when you look our officers
and soldiers you can see by the awards
and decorations they are wearing
that there is a wealth of experience
throughout the ranks and all three
services, he said.
We need to capture that, not lose
it, and focus on the potential future
challenges. We have a very strong
baseline from which we can draw and
then, through professional military
education opportunities, further
equipment acquisitions and a robust
and challenging collective training
environment, shape our people and our
capabilities to make sure we can meet
O
CTOBER 28, 2013, was a watershed
moment for the ADF when Australian
Prime Minister Tony Abbott addressed
the gathered dignitaries and soldiers during
a Recognition Ceremony at Multinational
Base Tarin Kot.
The ceremony acknowledged that Australias
military and civilian mission in Uruzgan province
ends this year and recognised the efforts
and achievements of all Australians who had
deployed to the region.
Chief of Joint Operations Lt-Gen Ash Power
says the ADF presence in Afghanistan ran
alongside some remarkable developments in
Defence equipment, training and organisation,
which included the creation of the Joint

successfully the new challenges we
will face.
Over the last five years in
particular we have developed the
individual training pipelines of all
three services a way of producing high-
calibre people who, when deployed
operationally, produce outstanding
results. Our people are singled out
by our allies and partners as being
exceptional, and we havent just
sent a one-off A Team to produce
these results. We have repeatedly
been sending people across a broad
spectrum across all three services, and
almost without exception they prove
to be outstanding in the operational
environment.
It reinforces to me that our recruit-
ing pipeline must be pretty good, and
then the individual services with their
own training pipelines combined with
the career-long professional military
education means that weve got it
about right. We dont need to tinker
with it too much, we just need to focus
on the expertise we build up in our
people through individual training.
Lt-Gen Power says while Army has
had the lead role within the province,
operations have been a triservice effort.
There have been naval medical
officers embedded at Tarin Kot, and
Air Force has made a significant
contribution, noticeably with RAAF
aircraft operating in and out of the
base, while the Heron UAV detachment
has both provided a valuable service
and provided Air Force with an
opportunity to grow our large UAV
capability, he said.
Air Force has also contributed
other specialists such as Airfield
defence guards, and an Air Force
officer has run the Multinational Base
Command at Tarin Kot.
Looking further afield, there
have been naval personnel serving
with the US 5th Fleets NAVCENT
and there has been Navys enduring
ship presence in the Gulf region since
the 1990s. Air Force has provided
a Control and Reporting Centre in
Operations Command and the building of its
dedicated home in Bungendore NSW.
Before assuming the role of Chief of Joint
Operations, Lt-Gen Power served in Afghanistan
and can offer a frank command insight into the
effect operations have had on soldiers, the ADF
and the people of Uruzgan province.
By contributing to the security umbrella within Uruzgan we
have also given the Afghans in the province, which is a very
difficult province with widespread poverty and low literacy
and numeracy rates, a chance to develop their own security
forces and work as best they can to develop their governance,
infrastructure and human capital.
Lt-Gen Ash Power,
Chief Joint Operations
Kandahar and Orion surveillance nations serving in Afghanistan is It is not a quick and agile body service that provide us with organic
flights. one of the biggest coalitions in the that makes fast decisions, so the intelligence, surveillance and
From this triservice effort world, and NATO, which itself is a exposure we have given our officers reconnaissance weve never had that
the three services have, over the 28-member nation organisation, is a to the politics of NATO has us better before, Lt-Gen Power says.
last decade, gained a much greater completely different construct to the prepared to work with them again if Weve also adapted some of
understanding of each others culturecommand structure we in Australia are we are ever asked to. the equipment we have in theatre to
and where each of them fits into the more familiar with. Ultimately, NATO has done a counter various threats, including the
bigger jigsaw puzzle. Our officers have served inside good job of commanding operations IED threat.
the ISAF command structure, and in Afghanistan and demonstrated its We have a Weapons Intelligence
Partnerships working within a NATO headquarters value globally. Team that can undertake the forensic
ANOTHER key legacy of ADF opera- brings its own challenges; it has its Equipment and processes
analysis of IED fragments and
tions in Afghanistan has been the own mechanisms, protocols and explosives. We can access fingerprint
opportunity to engage as a partner processes to approve things. The OPERATIONS in Afghanistan have databases to match an individual to a
with NATO. Australian military has a gung-ho, also seen rapid and effective equip- particular event.
In Uruzgan we have worked with can-do and quick decision-making ment procurements and modifica- Weve reinvented how we do
our French, Slovak, Singaporean, attitude, and thats not the way NATO tions. From new body armour to the detainee operations and conduct
Dutch and US partners, cementing does business, which is understandable Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar interrogations, things that have
our relationships with them, Lt-Gen when you think that at the coalition systems, the ADF has come a long taken quite a while to get to a very
Power says. level you are answering to 50 capitals way in a relatively short time. good capability level, where those
The ISAF coalition of some 50 across the globe. Weve got new platforms in within the Defence organisation and
 Army December 5, 2013
government are comfortable with the
mechanisms and protocols we have put
in place to ensure we are acting within
international and domestic law.
I have to say that the three Service
Chiefs, as capability managers,
have been incredibly responsive to
any operational user requirements
for enhancements to equipment,
procedures and force protection.
Helping hand
AT THE centre of the Afghan experi-
ence has been Australias mission to
help the people of Afghanistan achieve
greater national security while devel-
oping the nations fledgling democ-
racy.
By contributing to the security
umbrella within Uruzgan we have also
given the Afghans in the province,
which is a very difficult province with
widespread poverty and low literacy
and numeracy rates, a chance to
develop their own security forces and
work as best they can to develop their
governance, infrastructure and human
capital, Lt-Gen Power says.
They now have an opportunity
to live in a more secure environment.
They can get to a market, they can
travel along a bitumen road, they
can get their sons and daughters into
school, both men and women can
choose to join the security forces, and
they can now, in accordance with their
provincial priorities, get funding out of
Kabul to have programs implemented.
However, they still face many
challenges.
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
Afghanistan is a very complex
place and it has a long and proud
history. What weve done is given the
people the chance for a more positive
future, one that is not under the
middle-ages rule of the Taliban.
I am reasonably comfortable now
that the security situation in Uruzgan is
such that the Afghan National Security
Forces are at a level where they can
look after the security situation if they
have the mind to and their leadership
does the hard yards into the future. It
will be interesting to see what plays
out in the province next year while
there is still a large ISAF presence in
the country.
Bright future
LOOKING to the future, it is worth
URUZGAN SPECIAL
remembering that Australias military
commitment to Afghanistan is not
finished. Australia, together with its
ISAF partners, will continue to support
Afghanistan through a nationally
focused effort as the security mission
transitions across Afghanistan ahead of
the conclusion of the ISAF mission at
the end of2014.
On current planning, the ADF
commitment in 2014 will be up to
400 personnel, and will focus on
training and advisory support at
the Afghan National Army (ANA)
Officer Academy, ongoing advisory
support to the ANAs 205 Hero
Corps in Kandahar, and a continued
commitment to developing the ANAs
national logistics capability in Kabul.
Australia will also offer up to
3
I was in charge of all the Return
Stores Group coming into the work-
shop that needed to be sent back to
Australia. I look back on the memo-
ries of my rotation overseas and think
how grateful and lucky I was to have
that opportunity. The main thing I
would like my rotation to be remem-
bered for was that all the soldiers that
went over there all returned home
safely. With this amazing experi-
ence and opportunity of working in
an operational environment it has
allowed me to pass these skills sets
onto my peers and junior soldiers.
Pte Alice Little, Storewoman, MTF 4,
deployed January to July 2012
I remember the spectacular coun-
tryside and the interesting people.
We were able to travel around the
country and visit other exploitation
labs. I believe our rotation built great
coverage and fidelity of IED reporting
within Uruzgan through relationship
building with the people who needed
our skills. They started out as fel-
low soldiers but ultimately become
friends and familiar faces they
knew they could call on our help,
support and skills at any time. I
hope my team is remembered as a
small team of dedicated members
willing to help anyone.
Capt Andy McLintock, Team Leader,
Weapons Intelligence Team 8 deployed
April to November 2012
On hand: Australias contribution
to Op Slipper has helped to
improve safety and opportunities
for Afghans in Uruzgan. Spr
Callan Chapman searches a cave
in southern Uruzgan.
Photos by Cpl Chris Moore
18 Special Forces and other ADF
personnel to the ISAF Special
Operations Advisory Group.
These personnel will train, advise
and assist ANSF personnel in the
Headquarters General Directorate of
Police Special Units in Kabul.
Australia also has more than 100
ADF personnel embedded within a
range of ISAF Headquarters.
This commitment of embeds is
expected to evolve in 2014 as ISAF
prepares for the post-2014 train, advise
and assist mission.
In support of these military
commitments, the ADF will also retain
a National Command Element and a
National Support Element
in Afghanistan.
 4 URUZGAN SPECIAL www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

Soldiers bravery and

valour recognised
Cpl Mark Donaldson two guns while they were still firing was
History in
The Shah Wali Kot Offensive and the Battle of Derapet will be
amazing to watch.

W ITH dust kicking up from a Cpl Roberts-Smiths actions during forever remembered as part of the ADFs Afghanistan successes.

hail of Taliban gunfire, Cpl
(then Tpr) Mark Donaldson ran 80m
through the firestorm to rescue a
wounded Afghan interpreter.
I just saw him
there so I went
over to get him,
Cpl Donaldson
said. There was a
lot of fire coming
down. You could
see it kicking up
everywhere in the
dust around us. It
was pretty intense.
I started drag-
ging him first, then
got him to his feet,
got my arm under him and back to the
relative safety of the vehicle.
Cpl Donaldsons actions during
the ambush in Uruzgan province on
September 2, 2008, made him the first
Australian to be awarded a Victoria
Cross since 1969.
The Australian, US and Afghan patrol
came under intense fire suppressing the
convoy. During the two-hour battle nine
Australian soldiers were wounded.
From the north, the enemy held the
extreme high ground. To the south more
Taliban were obscured in the forested
terrain.
Moving between the only cover
available, Cpl Donaldson returned rapid
fire with 66mm and 84mm anti-armour
the Battle of Shah Wali Kot on June 11,
2010, earned him the second VC of the
Afghanistan campaign. Cpl Roberts-Smith
was patrol 2IC and was also tasked to
assist the primary patrol sniper. His patrol
first circled the area in choppers to pro-
vide sniper cover for the ground force.
When on the ground, Cpl Roberts-
Smiths patrol and two others were
attacked by three machine guns. With the
rest of the patrol fighting other Taliban,
the three troopers were on their own.
We got to within 40m of the position
and the rate of fire became ridiculous,
Cpl Roberts-Smith said. The three men
started to crawl forward.
The rounds were ripping over our
heads and it got to the point where we
stopped at the 20m, Cpl Roberts-Smith
said.
A grenade from the patrol commander
knocked out one of the guns before Cpl
Roberts-Smith ran at the final two.
The troopers cleared the buildings
behind the machine gun positions and
allowed another patrol to come through.
The battle continued all day with the
force elements extracted after midnight on
July 12, 2010.
We were outnumbered four to one and
we ended up killing 11 on a list of wanted
Taliban and found out that as we arrived,
senior Taliban commanders were having a
meeting, Cpl Robert-Smith said.
Cpl Dan Keighran
W
ITH some of
the fiercest
fighting seen
in recent years
and countless
medals awarded for gallantry,
Australians have been part of
battles that will go down in the
history books of the ADF.
Two of these battles, the Shah
Wali Kot offensive and Derapet, both
in 2010, were extremely challenging
and resulted in the awarding of two
of the highest medals for valour, the
Victoria Cross for Australia, as well
as the first Army Battle Honour since
the Vietnam War.
The Shah Wali Kot
Offensive
The Shah Wali Kot Offensive
involved soldiers from SOTG, the
Afghan Provincial Police Response
Company, supporting elements from
the IRR (now SOER) and airlift
support from the US Armys 101st
Airborne Div Task Force No Mercy.
They were tasked to disrupt the
insurgency in the area and protect
the northern approaches to Kandahar
city.
The village of Chenartu would
become the site of SOTGs main

weapons and his M4 carbine.
The patrol regained enough of the ini-
tiative to begin its epic two-hour battle to
extract itself 4km.
At times the Taliban closed to about
50m as the vehicles tried to exit. Heavy
weapons fire engaged the patrol out to
about 400m and it was at that point that
an RPG exploded above an open-backed
Humvee.
The airburst blew an Afghan inter-
preter from the back of the vehicle. The
Humvee driver was unaware of what
happened and continued driving.
Cpl Donaldson began the longest 80m
dash of his life. Even now his mates cant
believe or understand how he wasnt
killed, but they returned rapid fire into
the enemy positions to cover him as he
dashed to save the wounded man.
Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith
A S TWO Taliban machine guns
engaged onto his patrol from
20m away, Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith
saw a mate pinned with his face in
the dirt unable to fight back.
It was like
Im not going to
sit here while one
of the boys gets
hit, he said. I
thought Id just
have a crack.
When a
machine gun
moved across the
sections front,
Cpl Roberts-Smith
ran towards a wall
near the enemy
positions.
Sgt P, the patrol commander, didnt
believe Cpl Roberts-Smith was going to
make it.
When he went forward I honestly
thought he would be hit, he said. If he
didnt make to the wall, he was done.
Before he went forward I thought the
percentage of him surviving was zero,
but when he got to the wall I knew he
was all over it.
He took out the two guns with his
M14. Ive been in the Special Forces a
long time and its the first time Ive ever
seen something like that. Him running at
P INNED by Taliban fire on a ridge-
line, Cpl Dan Keighran and joint
fires observer Capt Brendan Perkins
struggled to pinpoint enemy positions
through the hail of incoming rounds.
Cpl Keighran
decided something
had to be done so
decided to draw the
Talibans attention.
I decided I
was going to go
for a run across the
ridgeline, he said.
During the
Battle at Derapet on
August 24, 2010,
Cpl Keighran ran
four times across
the ridgeline. His actions would later see
him become the third VC recipient from
the Afghanistan campaign.
Someone had identified our position
and they were firing clearly at us, Cpl
Keighran said. From there [Capt Perkins]
couldnt clearly identify targets because of
the number of rounds that were coming in.
Cpl Keighran had Pte Sean Parker put
down suppressing fire with a MAG 58,
as he sprinted 40m across the top of the
ridgeline in full view of the Taliban.
copter air weapons team was called
I stood up again and did it a second
time, Cpl Keighran said.
Capt Perkins now had an idea the
enemy were in one or two buildings but
couldnt be certain.
So I decided to do it one more time,
Cpl Keighran said. I was really pushing
my luck the third time.
Then, about 100m from Cpl Keighrans
position, LCpl Jared MacKinney was
struck by small-arms fire. The cluster of
troops providing first aid presented an
attractive target to the insurgents.
Cpl Keighran again ran exposed across
the ridgeline to draw enemy fire away
from the medical team.
LCpl Lukas Woolley was responsible
for managing LCpl MacKinneys
evacuation.
When Jared got hit, thats the point
when the battle changed dramatically and
what [Cpl Keighran] did saved other peo-
ple, he said. I saw one dash that he did
and it took a lot of heat off us.
effort to draw out the areas four key
Taliban commanders.
The preliminary phase
Soldiers from 2 Cdo Regt went
into Chenartu to talk to the locals
while small daylight helicopter raids
were conducted throughout isolated
villages in the area.
Intelligence began to indicate that
senior Taliban leaders based outside
the district were growing frustrated
with the situation and wanted to
bring in out-of-province command-
ers to take charge. Recognising the
opportunity, the SOTG conducted
no significant operations from June
7-10, giving the new enemy com-
manders time to infiltrate the district.
The decisive phase
In the early hours of June 10, com-
mandos inserted into the village of
Chenartu with the aim of drawing
insurgents into a decisive battle, with
the first engagement starting shortly
after sunrise.
Subsequent enemy small-arms
fire and RPGs were employed to put
pressure on the commandos and to
identify their fighting positions.
A larger enemy force was seen
moving to the south-west and a heli-
in. This broke up the enemy probing
action using Hellfire missiles and a
30mm chain gun, killing one more
insurgent.
Villagers could be seen fleeing
in a clear sign to the commandos
that a bigger attack was coming and
at exactly 10am every commando
position came under fire from small-
arms, heavy machine guns and
RPGs.
A second and more aggressive
assault came that afternoon with the
entire position engulfed in a hail of
coordinated and precise fire.
The commandos fought back in
a bid to regain the initiative with an
A10 Thunderbolt called in to strike
enemy positions on the high ground
overshadowing the commando posi-
tion, forcing the enemy to break
contact once again.
Throughout the day, members of
2 Sqn SASR monitored the situation,
At 3am on the 12th they arrive
back into Tarin Kot. The guys
walked straight in and the first
thing they said was hey boss,
what do you want us to do now?
 Lt-Col Paul Burns, SOTGs CO at the time
waiting for the key Taliban
commanders to reveal themselves,
but there were no indications until
the following morning.
Soldiers from 2 Sqn launched
machine gun position and every
capture-or-kill missions on those
commanders and came under
intense fire.
With fire ordered by the troop
commander in an effort to suppress
the machine gun positions, it was
apparent he had three options
withdraw, call in close air support
on the enemy positions in the vil-
lage or fight on.
The SASR force then con-
solidated on the valley floor about
100m from the main enemy defen-
sive position with insurgents hav-
ing three machine guns in the main
position, another on the flank in
support and several more in depth.
It was during this action Cpl
Ben Roberts-Smith earned a
Victoria Cross charging across
open ground to neutralise an
enemy machine gun position and
achieve the break in, silencing the Palmer and seriously injuring
three machine guns.
The assault force then fought
through the enemy position until
mid-afternoon where the soldiers
systematically broke down posi-
tions, destroying every enemy
enemy combatant in that village,
while concurrently protecting the
local civilians.
The troop held a shura to
confirm with the locals that the
only people killed were Taliban
and, with the helicopter crews
reaching the limits of endurance,
the decision was made to extract.
The exploitation phase
After calling off a pursuit of the
routed enemy, the commandos
swept through Chenartu to clear
the abandoned insurgent positions.
During the last of several mop-
up raids in the weeks following,
on June 21, one of the Task Force
No Mercy helicopters crashed
on its way into a village, killing
three commandos Ptes Timothy
Aplin, Benjamin Chuck and Scott
several others.
 Army December 5, 2013
the making
The Battle of Derapet The ranged fight
I
Insurgents from 500-600m down
the valley started putting fire on
T WAS August 24, 2010, when
a patrol set out on a key leader the Afghans and Australians and
was clear the enemy were focused
engagement activity. Members of
the local Afghan kandak and their on those on the ridgeline.
Clearly identifying enemy
Australian mentors were to meet
positions would become the key to struck.
village elders in Derapet, an area
of known insurgent activity, and success in the battle as the firing
ranged out to 600m.
establish a presence.
At that range, insurgent PKMs
Two ASLAV gun cars, an
ASLAV personnel carrier and a were ideally suited to put rounds
Bushmaster had moved into a fire onto Australian positions and
support position on a nearby hill none of the meagre cover available Jared MacKinney, Crash to his
on the morning of the patrol. on the ridgeline was safe.
An engineer team had cleared ASLAVs were well positioned to fire.
the position, known as IED Hill, engage the long-range targets and
before joining up with the patrol to the patrol had other fire support
clear the path into the village. assets available.
As dawn broke over the valley, To tap into all the firepower
the engineers saw the first signs on offer, Cpl Daniel Keighran ran
the patrol was in for a fight. down from the feature he was on
To add to the bad omens, the to collect the patrols joint fires
search team came under sporadic observer, who had been with the
fire as it completed the clearance section in depth and was now
and the ASLAVs moved into moving to a position further down moved to the landing zone.
position. the ridgeline to join the fight.
The 40-man patrol, made up of As they returned to the high
ground, the intensity of enemy fire
about 20 Australians, including
a supporting section from Patrol on their position picked up and
the targets could not be clearly
Base Hadrian, made its way into
Derapet from Patrol Base Anar Juy. identified.
The patrol walked down one It was at this point in the battle
side of the village and had planned that Cpl Keighran knew he had to
to go back through the green zone do something about the enemy
and sweep through Derapet when positions further down the valley.
the contact began. He drew fire away, allowing
The patrol was hit from multiple the joint fires observer to identify
fire positions in thick marijuana three enemy positions about 500m
crops and aqueducts 70-80m away. down the valley and started calling 100 insurgents.
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews URUZGAN SPECIAL 5
BATTLE HONOUR
ON MARCH 26, 2013, the first Army Battle Honour since the
end of the Vietnam War was awarded.
SASR and 2 Cdo Regt received the honour for SOTG
Rotation 12.
The Eastern Shah Wali Kot Battle Honour recognises
the efforts of both of these units during engagements, highly
commended by the ISAF command for their contribution to
efforts to disrupt insurgent activities in the region around one
of the Talibans traditional stronghold areas.
CA Lt-Gen David Morrison recommended that both units
receive formal recognition for their outstanding performance
during the offensive.
Afghanistan battles: A SOTG
soldier observes a 500lb bomb
strike an insurgent position during
the Shah Wali Kot Offensive.
in fire. This saw him awarded the Keeping watch:
nations highest military honour Australian soldiers
and cemented the Battle of from Mentoring
Derapet in the history books. Team Delta
it
Just as the fire support was of MTF 1 patrol
having an impact on the enemy towards Derapet
positions in the valley, tragedy in the days
leading up to the
Battle of Derapet.
Trying to save Crash
Within a few minutes of the Patrol
Base Hadrian section moving from
depth on to the ridgeline, LCpl
mates, was struck by small-arms
The troops providing first aid
presented an attractive target to
the insurgents.
Cpl Keighran again ran exposed
across the ridgeline to draw
enemy fire away from the medical
team.
With the casevac helicopter
inbound, LCpl MacKinney was
LCpl MacKinneys gunshot
wound was severe. Medics had
been doing CPR as the casevac
was called in and continued on the
helicopter as he was evacuated,
but attempts to revive him were
unsuccessful.
Shortly after the casevac left,
ISAF Apache helicopter gunships
flew and engaged the insurgents,
slowing the battle down.
The 40-man patrol had at least
6 URUZGAN CENTRE
OUR TIME IN URUZGAN
Army December 5, 2013
I was in the force protection pla-
toon for the duration of the trip. We
achieved quite a lot in regards to
moving into areas that Australian
forces hadnt operated in. We also
found a lot of IEDs and caches
around the valley and put a dent
in the resupply of the enemy. My
deployment has given me a broader
idea of counter insurgency opera-
tions and how the Australian Army
can integrate with its coalition part-
ners. It definitely improved my basic
soldiering skills and gave me the
confidence to become an effective
leader.
LCpl Josh Barnes, No. 1 Scout
and section CFA, MTF 2, deployed
September 2010 to June 2011
I was involved in checkpoint builds
and resupply runs out to the patrol
bases. I feel our rotation was instru-
mental in the mentoring of the ANA
and allowing them to be able to
provide more security for the local
people. We also gave them motiva-
tion and confidence to do it by them-
selves. Having had this experience in
Afghanistan I find now that I look at
the bigger picture a lot more now and
that I take a more active approach
into training and teaching people
things they dont know.
Cpl Nicole Davies, driver and trans-
port supervisor, MTF 3, deployed June
2011 to January 2012
2006
May-June
Government announces a two-year
240-strong Reconstruction Task Force
(RTF) will be sent to Uruzgan province.
June 13
Lt-Col Mick Ryan is appointed as the
Commander of the newly formed RTF in
Uruzgan.
September 18
The first of about 400 Australian
soldiers arrive in Afghanistan and start
setting up their base in Uruzgan. The
Australian commitment is in partnership
with the Netherlands and forms part
of the NATO-led International Security
Assistance Forces Stage III expansion.
Australias contribution is made up of a
A long journey: Pte Heath Ashby and
soldiers of Mentoring Team Bravo, 3RAR
Task Group, on a Afghan-led patrol with
ANA soldiers. Photo by Cpl Hamish Paterson
mix of engineers and security personnel
deployed to Afghanistan for up to two
years, working on reconstruction and
community-based projects.
2007
May 18
In line with the government decision
to increase the troop commitment to
Afghanistan, about 300 personnel
deploy as part of a Special Operations
Task Group into Uruzgan. The Task
Group is made up of personnel
comprising elements of SASR, 4RAR
(Cdo), Incident Response Regiment and
other support elements.
September 17
RTF completes three major construction
projects with the opening of a police
outpost in southern Uruzgan, the
redeveloped Tarin Kot Hospital and
the newly constructed Yaklengah
Comprehensive Health Clinic.
2008
April-May
RTF 4 replaces RTF 3 with 400 combat
engineers, infantry, cavalry and support
staff.
July 2
RTF 4 expands its operations north from
its base in Tarin Kot, building a series
of patrol bases for use by ISAF and the
Afghan National Police and Army.
October
The Mentoring and Reconstruction Task
Force (MRTF 1) takes over from RTF 4.
2009
May
600 MRTF 2 personnel deploy to replace
MRTF 1.
October 12
After three months of mentoring
by SOTG, the first class of Afghan
policemen to work alongside the
Australian forces graduate. The
graduates form the basis of the newly
established Uruzgan Provincial Police
Reserve Company.
2010
January 16
After more than eight months of
intense operations in Afghanistan,
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
the 730 members of MRTF 2 transfer
authority for security, mentoring and
reconstruction in Uruzgan to Australias
First Mentoring Task Force (MTF 1).
May 25
MTF 1 moves towards taking full
mentoring responsibility for ANAs 4 Bde.
The transfer of mentoring responsibility
to Australian forces is part of the
transition as a result of the drawdown of
the Dutch, who completed operations in
Uruzgan later in 2010.
September 16
Afghan and Australian forces in Uruzgan
put the finishing touches on preparations
for the first parliamentary elections run
by the Afghans.
November 18
The ANA and Afghan National Police
(ANP) successfully begin the first
combined Afghan-led operation in
Uruzgan, clearing the insurgent
stronghold of West Dorafshan and
confiscating dangerous weapons and
explosive components.
November
ANSF, who are partnered with SOTG,
parade as fully qualified ANP officers for
the first time.
2011
June 3
Thirteen members of the ANSF
graduate as certified explosive hazard
reduction technicians on the
completion of a newly-established
course run by Australian Army
Engineers in Uruzgan.
June 29
The Townsville-based MTF 3 takes over
from MTF 2.
August 1
The first operation between the
ANAs 6th Infantry Kandak and MTF
3 uncover several munitions caches
and successfully disrupts insurgent
operations in the Deh Rafshan area
near Tarin Kot. Operation Omeed Atil
is led by the ANA, with support from
their Australian mentors, and aims to
degrade insurgent influence in
Uruzgan and build local confidence
in the ANSFs ability.
December 3
Almost 900 soldiers deploy to
Afghanistan. They comprise soldiers
preparing to serve with MTF 4,
Combined Team Uruzgan, Provincial
Reconstruction Team, Artillery Training
Team-Kabul and SOTG.
2012
July 17
The transition to an Afghan security
lead in Uruzgan province formally
commences.
October
Australia assumes leadership of
Combined Team Uruzgan, taking over
from the US.
October 7
Australian forces begin the handover
of remote bases with the transfer of
responsibility for Patrol Base Wali to
the ANA. The handover means the 3rd
Kandak is now operating the patrol base
without any Australian presence on the
ground.
November 20
Authority in Uruzgan transfers from the
3RAR Task Group to the 7RAR Task
Group. Members of the 7RAR Task
Group are the first to adopt the new
advisory role under the smaller Adviser
Task Force model.
November
All four infantry kandaks of the ANA
4 Bde are operating independently
without advisers in Uruzgan province.
Australian troops no longer conduct joint
patrols with these ANA units. Australian
troops consolidate their presence
at Multinational Base Tarin Kot and
commence planning for the complex
task of redeploying Australian personnel
and equipment and remediating
buildings and facilities.
7
Our role was to provide security for
the Provincial Reconstruction Team
to enable them to provide shelter,
medical and tertiary facilities for the
locals. Higher security was required
during the summer months of our
deployment, however, enemy activity
tapered off during the winter months.
I would like MTF 4 to be remembered
for having left Afghanistan in a better
position than when we began our
rotation.
Pte Lambertus Koster, (RAINF)
Rifleman, MTF 4, deployed January to
July 2012
CTU 5 capped off years of hard work
and sacrifice by ADF members, their
families and our coalition partners.
Those efforts set the conditions for a
smooth transition of security respon-
sibilities and have denied the insur-
gents the use of Uruzgan as a safe
haven for their operations. Rather
than CTU 5 being remembered for
its achievements, the ongoing secu-
rity and stability in the region and
the opportunity which it provides the
Afghans and their children is what is
important to me.
Capt David Pearce, DCJ7- CTU ANSF
Development, CTU 5, deployed May to
November 2013
2013
March 26
The decision is made to drawdown and
close Multinational Base Tarin Kot in
Uruzgan province at the end of the year.
October 28
A ceremony is held at Multinational
Base Tarin Kot to recognise the more
than 26,500 Defence personnel who
have contributed to Australias mission in
Afghanistan since 2002. The ceremony
formally acknowledges the contribution
of Australia and its coalition partners to
the ISAF mission in Uruzgan province.
December 31
ANA to assume full responsibility in
Uruzgan.
 8 URUZGAN SPECIAL www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

Life-saving upgrades
The ADFs Afghanistan
deployments led to
vehicle and equipment
enhancements making
Army a leader in its
field, WO2 Andrew
Hetherington reports.

S
OLDIER combat equip-
ment used in Afghanistan
between 2006 and 2013
underwent a process of
evolution that significantly
improved the levels of protection for
personnel.
Director of Diggerworks and former
CO MTF 1, Col Mark Jennings, said
since 2006 had been three types of body
armour used by soldiers in Afghanistan.
Army came out of Iraq and into
Afghanistan in late 2006 using the
Enhanced Combat Body Armour
(ECBA), which had been delivered
as a result of an Operational User
Requirement from operations in Iraq,
Col Jennings said.
In June 2008, the ECBA was
replaced by the new Modular Combat
Body Armour System (MCBAS), which
was designed and optimised for use by
soldiers conducting static protection
tasks.
MCBAS was less comfortable to
wear, but provided better ballistic pro-
tection. Personal protection could be
expanded by incorporating additional
components to the arms, legs, neck and
groin.
Ammunition and carriage pouches
could also be attached to the front, back
and sides of the vest, negating the need
for webbing to be worn if the user chose
to do so.
The problems associated with the
HOW THE TIMES HAVE CHANGED
use of body armour, optimised for static
security tasks, became apparent when Evolution of body armour Improvements to weapons Combat Optical Gunsight as fitted to
the Security Task Group of RTF began F88s after soldiers saw the need for it
THREE generations of combat SOME weapons were purchased to
patrolling in Uruzgan, where they were in theatre.
body armour have been used in better assist soldiers in their mission, Col Jennings said the MOU for
required to become mobile as a result according to Diggerworks director Col
Afghanistan since 2006. collaboration of all parties in the role
of providing local area security for the Mark Jennings. and function of Diggerworks was
managed works teams. ECBA 8.5kg. Used from Soldiers were saying after a lot of signed in June 2011. Body armour: Maj Paul Duncan
MCBAS is still worn by Army units

deployed to Afghanistan, other than
SOTG and the 2 Cav Regt Task Group,
who now use the Tiered Body Armour
System (TBAS). Col Jennings said it
was introduced to provide adequate
protection for combat soldiers while
returning a degree of mobility and
freedom of movement.
When TBAS was introduced
in mid-2011, it gave soldiers greater
mobility through a lightweight body
armour system, he said.
Before then, soldiers working in
operational mentoring liaison teams
with the Afghans had, where possible,
worn Eagle Marine body armour, which
is similar in design and function to
TBAS, but provides greater mobility for
soldiers over MCBAS.
Since TBAS was introduced, it has
gone through iterative design chang-
es informed by the soldiers who had
used the system in Afghanistan. We are
now at version four after making those
changes based on soldier user feed-
back.
Helmets also changed, with the orig-
inal Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH)
evolving into the upgraded ECH that is
used now.
The ECH used in Afghanistan was
first fielded in Iraq in 2004-2005 and
has evolved with upgrades made in
2011 and 2012, Col Jennings said.
The ECH we have now has
different internal padding, a better
August 2006-June 2008.
MCBAS 10.9kg. Used from
June 2008 to present.
TBAS 6.7kg. Used from
April 2011 to present.
suspension system and a shroud to
integrate night-fighting equipment onto
the helmet via an improved mounting
system.
Other items of equipment were
also specifically developed for use in
Afghanistan such as ballistic eye wear,
the Australian Operational Combat
Uniform (OCU) in an Australian
Multicam Pattern, with under armour
shirts, combat pants with kneepads and
blast protective underwear.
These items were purchased and
introduced specifically for use by per-
sonnel who worked outside the wire in
Afghanistan, Col Jennings said.
As Army took on the mentoring
tasks in Afghanistan working in the
green zone, the OCU became relevant
for personnel involved in dismounted
patrols.
Col Jennings said Armys person-
al protection equipment was seen by
Australias ISAF coalition partners as
something to be envied.
Ive deployed to Afghanistan three
times and worn ECBA and MCBAS. I
havent used TBAS, but we know that
contacts in Afghanistan they needed
a machine gun with a 7.62 round and
it needed to be lighter than a MAG
58, so the Maximi was introduced,
he said.
So too was the Advanced
the way it was designed made it a high-
ly desirable item for personnel from
Britain and the US, he said.
Army took the approach, where if
the equipment was good enough for
Socomd and SOTG to use, then it was
good enough to be provided for our
Tier Two combatants and those working
outside the wire.
We are probably the only Army
doing this, by equally ranking the
mobility of the dismounted close
combatant in the conventional space
about the same level as the special
operations community.
Diggerworks was an organisation
created in June 2011 for the purpose
of developing and improving soldier
equipment in conjunction with Defence
Science and Technology Organisation,
Defence Materiel Organisation and
Army.
Without the work put in by DSTO,
the equipment used by soldiers would
not be at the advanced levels of quality
and protection it is now, Col Jennings
said.
The equipment still being used in
Other weapons introduced,
of MTF 1, patrols in the green
such as the H&K 417 and the Blaser
sniper rifle, were fantastic capability zone of Sarregin in the Mirabad
Valley Region wearing an MCBAS.
enhancements, which were not
available in the system, but were
purchased for the operation, he said.
Afghanistan will be further improved,
building upon the lessons learnt from its
use there.
The information gathered has been
written into the base level specifications
for project Land 125 Phase 3B soldier
equipment, which will include ballis-
tic eyewear, combat hearing protection, When TBAS was
helmets, body armour and load carriage.
Land 125 will deliver in a couple introduced in
of years a similar capability to whats
being used in Afghanistan now, with
mid-2011, it
incorporated improvements from
industry.
gave soldiers
Col Jennings said without the evo-
lution of soldier and other protective
greater mobility
equipment used in Afghanistan, there through a light-
would no doubt have been more battle-
field casualties. weight body
In MTF 1, we lost six men and
without vehicles like the Bushmaster, armour system.
personal and vehicle-mounted electron-
ic counter measures and the introduc- Col Mark Jennings,
tion of route clearance capabilities, we Diggerworks director
would have lost a lot more, he said.
The Bushmaster was the right
vehicle for Afghanistan, having the right
mix of protection and mobility.
Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
protecting troops
[A soldier] said hed been
in three IED blasts in the
Bushmasters in Afghanistan
and was still over there
driving them around.
Vaughan Ralston, DMO PMV engineering manager
ON THE MOVE
VEHICLES operated in Afghanistan by Army have
included IED detection and clearance vehicles the
Husky and Buffalo and SOTGs Land Rover long-
range patrol vehicle.
The Husky and Buffalo entered service in
Afghanistan in mid-2012.
Mentoring Task Force 4 was the first unit to
operate them.
The vehicles assisted in the detection and clear-
ing of explosive hazards to make roads safer for
soldiers in Uruzgan province.
SOTG extensively utilised the LRPV in the
country on patrols until the Bushmaster became its
primary combat vehicle in 2008.
Then and now: Lt Patrick Rooney
and Pte Jai Michel, of 7RAR, patrol a
construction site wearing the TBAS. Above,
Reconstruction Task Force soldiers train on
the rifle range wearing the ECBA.
 Photos by WO2 Andrew Hetherington and Cpl Ricky Fuller
URUZGAN SPECIAL
Ready to roll: An ASLAV gathers dust as it climbs a feature north of Tarin Kot.
Keeping soldiers
safe on operation
WO2 Andrew Hetherington
A
RMY has used two main com-
bat vehicles in Afghanistan, the
Australian Light Armoured Vehicle
(ASLAV) and the Bushmaster Protected
Mobility Vehicle (PMV).
They were the combat workhorses used
by Army personnel to safely travel around
Uruzgan and Kandahar provinces and Kabul.
Army first sent 10 ASLAVs to
Afghanistan in 2006 with RTF 1 and they
were initially operated by 2 Cav Regt.
ASLAV Systems Engineering Manager at
DMO Maj Anthony Lamers said almost every
variant of Armys ASLAV fleet was used in
Afghanistan.
We had deployed the personnel carrier,
gun, command, ambulance and recovery and
fitter variants, he said.
These vehicles had been operating in
Iraq, however, a few modifications were
needed for them to operate in Afghanistan.
The outer bar armour used in Iraq
was removed, due to the different threats
they faced in Afghanistan. They were also
enhanced with a belly plate and ballistic
protected drivers seat to protect crews from
IEDs and the electronic counter measures
(ECM) system was upgraded during their
time in country.
Maj Lamers said in six years of service
in Afghanistan, the ASLAVs performed
well and often operated outside their design
envelope.
They were maintained to a high level
and, from a DMO fleet management perspec-
tive, we did not see any critical failures or
causes for concern about the length of time
they were deployed.
The vehicles were still performing to a
high standard up to the time that they ceased
operations in country late last year.
The last unit to operate the ASLAV in
Afghanistan was the 3RAR Task Group
Mobility Support Combat Team.
One of the soldiers who operated the gun-
nery system on the ASLAV with the unit was
Tpr Michael McSorley. He also deployed
to Afghanistan in 2010 with MTF 1 as an
ASLAV driver.
He said the ASLAVs were highly effective
performing their combat roles working in and
outside Tarin Kot.
The shock factor they brought to the
party assisted the Australian mentor forces,
he said.
Being a part of one of the last two crews
to operate them in the MEAO was special for
me.
The Bushmaster PMVs entered
Afghanistan in 2006 and were operated by
soldiers from RTF 1.
DMO PMV engineering manager
Vaughan Ralston said the largest number of
Bushmasters operating in Afghanistan at one
time was 104.
9
Its primary role was to provide troop car-
riage and enhanced blast survivability, Mr
Ralston said.
Theyre the ADFs IED and mine blast
protected vehicle.
Since 2006, three variants of Bushmasters
have been sent to Afghanistan.
The Protected Mobility, Troop,
Command and Mortar Vehicles all served
there, Mr Ralston said.
Between 2009 and late-2012 several
upgrades were made to the vehicles. These
included the addition of protected remotely
controlled weapons station, an automated
fire suppression system in the crew space,
the ECM systems were also upgraded and
Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) vehi-
cles were fitted with an enlarged gun ring,
which could hold a .50 calibre machine gun.
Another substantial improvement was a
survivability enhancement to the lower hull,
floor, seat mounts and axle caps and having
the capability of mounting a self-protection
adaptive roller kit to the front of the vehicle
to assist with route clearance of mines and
IEDs.
In late-2012, the entire fleet of
Bushmasters was rotated out of theatre
and was replaced with more than 70 new
upgraded vehicles.
These new vehicles featured increased lev-
els of blast protection, resulting in improved
crew survivability, with the option of adding
extra external composite armour as needed.
All of the improvements made to the
Bushmasters were conducted after battle
damage assessments were completed on vehi-
cles that were hit by IEDs, Mr Ralston said.
The performance of the original and the
improved Bushmaster were considered to be
excellent by its operators, this is evidenced by
multiple Bushmasters being hit and destroyed
by IEDs, with none of the vehicle crews
being killed.
Weve used almost each one of these
events to feed into the modifications and
upgrades of the vehicles, as the threat has
evolved.
The vehicle has been incrementally
changed to keep ahead of the threat curve and
hence we have not had a death in a vehicle.
Mr Ralston recalled a conversation he
once had with a SOTG officer in Afghanistan.
The unit had just changed over to the
Bushmaster from using open-topped Land
Rover long range patrol vehicles.
The CO said he wasnt happy with the
Bushmaster until hed seen it save the lives of
his soldiers, Mr Ralston said.
I also spoke to an Armoured Corps
soldier driving Bushmasters for SOTG and
he said hed been in three IED blasts in the
Bushmasters in Afghanistan and was still
over there driving them around.
This demonstrates the effectiveness
of the Bushmaster in its role. Its been
absolutely fantastic and has saved
Australian lives.
 10 URUZGAN SPECIAL www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews Army December 5, 2013

They will always

Sgt Andrew Russell, 33 Tpr David Pearce, 41 Sgt Matthew Locke, 33 Pte Luke Worsley, 26
SASR 2/14 LHR (QMI) SASR 4RAR (Cdo) We are extremely proud of
February 16, October 8, October 25, November 23, our boy and we know that we
lost him doing a job he was

2002 2007 2007 2007
Kandahar Tarin Kot Tarin Kot Uruzgan trained for and loved doing.
province  John and Marjorie Worsley,
parents

LCpl Jason Marks, 27 Jason always strived

to be the best he
4RAR (Cdo)
could be, he loved
April 27, 2008 the Army, he loved
Near Tarin Kot his mates and he
loved his family.
 Cassandra Marks, wife

Sig Sean McCarthy, 25

SASR
July 8, 2008
Uruzgan province

Lt Michael Fussell, 25
4RAR (Cdo)
November 27,
2008

Uruzgan province

Pte Gregory Sher, 30

He was an
1 Cdo Regt extremely
January 4, 2009 positive person
Uruzgan province with a kind soul.
 Pte Gregory
Shers family

Cpl Mathew Hopkins, 21

7RAR
March 16, 2009
Near Tarin Kot

Sgt Brett Till, 31
IRR He was a devoted son and
March 19, 2009 Darren was a very loving brother to his family; a best
Southern husband and father, an friend to his father, Ray, and
Afghanistan absolutely remarkable his brother, Adam; always
Photo by LCpl Matthew Bickerton human being. loyal to his mates.
 Angela Smith, wife  Ray and Pam Palmer, parents
Pte Benjamin Ranaudo, Spr Jacob Moerland, 21 Spr Darren Smith, 26 Pte Timothy Aplin, 38 Pte Scott Palmer, 27
22 2CER 2CER 2 Cdo Regt 2 Cdo Regt
1RAR June 7, 2010 7 June, 2010 June 21, 2010 June 21, 2010
July 18, 2009 Mirabad Valley Mirabad Valley Shah Wali Kot Shah Wali Kot
Baluchi Valley

Pte Benjamin Chuck, 27 Pte Nathan Bewes, 23 Tpr Jason Brown, 29 Pte Tomas Dale, 21 Pte Grant Kirby, 35
2 Cdo Regt 6RAR SASR 6RAR 6RAR
June 21, 2010 July 9, 2010 August 13, 2010 August 20, 2010 August 20, 2010
Shah Wali Kot Chora Valley Northern Baluchi Valley Baluchi Valley
Kandahar
 Army December 5, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews URUZGAN SPECIAL 11

be remembered

LCpl Jared MacKinney, Cpl Richard Atkinson, Spr Jamie Larcombe, 21 Sgt Brett Wood, 32
28 22 1CER 2 Cdo Regt
Rich was the funny

6RAR 1CER February 19, 2011 May 23, 2011
August 24, 2010
man, always putting February 2, 2011 Mirabad Valley Southern
smiles on other Afghanistan
Tangi Valley Tangi Valley
peoples faces.
 Cpl Atkinsons family

Andrew was a LCpl Andrew Jones, 25

Photo by Sgt William Guthrie
dependable yet 9FSB
cheeky character May 30, 2011
who we will miss Chora Valley
with all our hearts.
 LCpl Andrew Jones
family

Lt Marcus Case, 27
6 Avn Regt
May 30, 2011
Zabul province

Spr Rowan Robinson,

23
IRR
June 6, 2011
Todd was an all- Helmand
round great guy. province
At work he was a
soldiers soldier, a
true professional Sgt Todd Langley, 35
who took pride in
his work and who 2 Cdo Regt
was caring. July 4, 2011
 Sgt Todd Langleys Southern
family Afghanistan

Pte Matthew Lambert,

26
2RAR
August 22, 2011
Khaz Uruzgan

region

Capt Bryce Duffy, 26
4 Regt RAA
Rick was a typical Australian October 29,
Luke was an amazing man, bloke, friendly, with a dry 2011
husband, father, soldier, son sense of humour and a natural FOB Sorkh Bed
and brother. charm.
 LCpl Luke Gavins family  LCpl Stjepan Milosevics family
Cpl Ashley Birt, 22 LCpl Luke Gavin, 29 Sgt Blaine Diddams, 40 LCpl Stjepan Milosevic, Pte Robert Poate, 23
6ESR 2RAR SASR
40 6RAR
October 29, 2011 October 29, 2011 July 2, 2012 2/14 LHR QMI August 29, 2012
FOB Sorkh Bed FOB Sorkh Bed Chora Valley August 29, 2012 Patrol Base Wahab
Patrol Base Wahab

Spr James Martin, 21 LCpl Mervyn McDonald, Pte Nathanael Galagher, Cpl Scott Smith, 24 Cpl Cameron Baird, 32
2CER
30 23 SOER 2 Cdo Regt
August 29, 2012 2 Cdo Regt 2 Cdo Regt October 21, 2012 June 22, 2013
Patrol Base Wahab August 30, 2012 August 30, 2012 Helmand Uruzgan
Helmand province Helmand province province province
 12 URUZGAN SPECIAL
How far weve come
Maj Cameron Jamieson speaks with the man who was there at the start of Australias mission in Uruzgan.
W
e had anticipated
the decision, CO
RTF 1 Brig Mick
Ryan recalls.
We knew the Dutch parliament
was due to make a decision on a
contribution to Afghanistan, and that if
that happened there would likely be an
Australian contribution to work with
the Dutch in Uruzgan.
So we knew it was likely someone
would go, but to get the news that the
ADF would send a combined-arms
RTF was very exciting.
In January 2006, Brig Ryan took
over as CO 1CER in Darwin.
Only six weeks into the job he
received the message to fly to Sydney
for a briefing on the Afghanistan
mission, followed by a meeting with
the Dutch and then a reconnaissance
mission to Uruzgan.
My first job was to build a
relationship with our Dutch partners,
Brig Ryan says.
The Dutch are not a traditional
partner for Australia, but our mission
in Afghanistan gave us a starting point
for building a unified task force.
They saw us bringing a number
of things to the table. First, it gave
the Dutch a connection to existing
ADF coalition forces operating
within southern Afghanistan, because
at that time the only international
partners operating in the south were
the Americans, Canadians,
British and Australians.
Second, they knew
we would bring a very
capable task force of
engineers, infantry,
cavalry and supporting
elements, which could
take care of itself, so
we werent going to be
a liability to them.
He travelled with his
Dutch colleagues and recon
team to Tarin Kot where they
Ready to begin: Soldiers from 5/7RAR disembark an
Australian Hercules on the ground in southern Afghanistan
to join RTF 1 in 2006.
SETTING THE SCENE
T
he completion of ADF
operations in Uruzgan Province
closes the chapter on Armys
lengthy presence at Tarin Kot.
In September 2005, the Special
Operations Task Group (SOTG) was
deployed to Afghanistan in support
of international efforts targeting key
insurgents.
It quickly established itself at
the fledgling base in Tarin Kot and
worked to establish its reputation and
cooperation with the Afghan Security
Forces.
Following a review of the
coalitions strategy in Afghanistan
and consultation with international
partners, it was recognised that
an increased focus on training
were briefed by Australian SOTG
members.
The first time I saw the mountains
around the base I was struck by what
a terribly bleak environment it was.
There were no trees, it was brown and
devoid of vegetation. You think wow,
this is very different, Brig Ryan says.
While our mission was very
different, the excellent groundwork
laid by the SOTG, coupled with our
mission to build small and large
projects plus train Afghans in trade
skills, made the local officials
very excited about the
opportunities on offer
and the chance for
local employment.
Back in
Darwin, there was
excitement for
the mission and
speculation about
the new task forces
structure.
We started
with the
mission
Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller
www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews
and mentoring Afghan forces was
required. It was determined that
NATO and partner nation conventional
troops should be deployed to improve
security in Uruzgan.
The importance of reconstruction
was also recognised and there was
a desire to help rebuild infrastructure
and undertake development projects.
This environment led to the raising
of the first Reconstruction Task
Force (RTF 1), the first of a line of
conventional task forces to serve in
Uruzgan.
As part of the recognition of
Armys contribution to Uruzgan, CO
RTF 1 Lt-Col (now Brig) Mick Ryan
reflects on the lead-up to and conduct
of the ground-breaking deployment.
instead of a unit to determine the
structure because the mission was the
priority, Brig Ryan says.
At 1 Bde theres a strong
culture of battle grouping, which
is about building organisations
around missions, not starting with an
organisation.
The mission was a protected
reconstruction mission, so that meant
we needed construction engineers,
infantry, cavalry, combat engineers,
an intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance capability and liaison
and logistic troops.
We kept working through various
iterations of those capabilities to ensure
we would meet the mission we were
given, and over time the structure of
the force grew from 100 personnel to
the final organisation of just over 400
people.
After its arrival in Uruzgan, RTF 1
went straight to work on construction
projects, however, there was another
impact on the developing mission.
We went in thinking we would
primarily be building things and
training people at the trade
training centre as a sideline,
Brig Ryan says.
We spent the first four
months on major works such
as large causeways and the
hospital, plus a whole range of
minor works, but as time went
on we understood that the main
effort had to be training people.
So we transitioned from
our prime focus on building
things to training people
it reinforced to us that our
mission really was population-
centric.
At the request of some
US Army mentors we even
helped train a company of
Afghan engineers there
was no task for us to do it
and there were no formal
command arrangements, but
on every single mission we
had Australians, Afghans and
Americans working together
on the ground.
After eight months RTF1
Army December 5, 2013
We built
things, but it
is the human
legacy that
I think was
our greatest
achievement.
Brig Mick Ryan,
CO RTF 1
was replaced by RTF 2 and the Darwin
troops returned home.
Leaving behind Afghan trade
trainers was a key achievement, he
says.
We didnt want to just produce
tradesmen, we wanted to leave
behind people who could train more
tradesmen.
Seeing Afghans train fellow
Afghans is far more satisfying
than just building things.
We also developed a
relationship with our NATO
partners in the region, which
helped pave the way for later
Australian activities in southern
Afghanistan.
We built a good relationship
with the local Afghans that those
task forces that followed us could
build further upon, and I believe
we left behind a desire by the
Afghans to want to continue
working with Australians.
We built things, but it is the
human legacy that I think was
our greatest achievement.