FORCEAIRVol. 51, No. 8, May 14, 2009 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

BIG FUTURE

2009 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER SPECIAL EDITION: PAGES 2-3 & LIFT-OUT

BIG TICKET ITEMS

Air Force welcomes new era of air power 100 Joint Strike Fighters with supporting systems and weapons. Eight new maritime patrol aircraft. Up to seven large high-altitude, long-endurance Uninhabited Aerial Systems. Two additional C-130J air-craft. New battlefield aircraft to replace the Caribou fleet. Continued acquisition of

five KC-30A multi-role tankers. Continued acquisition of

six Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. Continued introduction of

24 F/A-18F Super Hornets.

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD: The Defence White Paper will

deliver about 100 new F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters

with supporting systems and weapons to Air Force in one of

the biggest aircraft acquisitions in Australia’s history.

Photo: Liz Kaszynski, Lockheed Martin

ALL SMILES: CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin reads the Defence White Paper. Photo: FSGT John Carroll

By John Martin

THE Air Force is well placed to change almost its entire fleet of aircraft as ear-marked in the Defence White Paper, according to CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin.

The biggest planned acqui-sition will be about 100 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft with supporting systems and weapons.

But AIRMSHL Binskin says while that is what he calls the “big banner headline”, the White Paper promises so much more.

“Except for the Hawk, C-17 and C-130J, we’ll be changing every platform we have,” he said.

“To change the majority of the force in just over a 10-year period, I don’t think we’ve seen that before – not to this scale.

“The last time we did a big transition was the end of the Hornet introduction in 1989. Since then we’ve introduced the C-130Js, but we haven’t had a big-ticket change-out like we’re about to go through in the majority of the force – so it is a big challenge for us.”

AIRMSHL Binskin hopes that Air Force will have Initial Operating Capability of the JSF by around the middle of next decade, but that is dependent on a number of factors.

“The exact dates are yet to be agreed by government. It goes to second pass mid

this year and we’ll [then] have the exact dates we’re phasing those aircraft in,” he said.

“We’ll aim to phase them in, cognisant of running down the classic Hornets and getting the full life we need out of the Super Hornets.”

CAF said the JSF fleet would be primarily based at RAAF Base Williamtown, with a lesser footprint at RAAF Bases Amberley and Tindal.

He said the Air Force would continue to introduce new and upgraded systems to collect and fuse air surveillance infor-mation from multiple sources so that the Recognised Air Picture remained relevant for future joint operations.

Continued Page 2

2 White Paper AIR FORCE May 14, 2009

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From Page 1The Super Hornet will be based at

Amberley.The RAAF already has aircrew and

technicians working with the US Navy on the Super Hornet project.

“Around March we’ll bring the first six Super Hornets home. We’ll achieve Initial Operational Capability at the end of 2010 and we’re looking at Full Operational Capability at the end of 2012,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“The Joint Strike Fighter is a bit further out there. But we already have aircrew with a fair bit of knowledge of how to operate the JSF and what we need to do to use it effectively. They have been conducting simulation exercises with the US Air Force and have a very good understanding of the capability that’s going to bring.”

Hand in hand with the White Paper’s proposed acquisitions is its Strategic Reform Program, which aims to save about $20 billion in the ADF over the next 10 years.

AIRMSHL Binskin is not fazed by the task of finding more efficient ways to do business and share resources.

“Is it going to be a challenge? Yes. Do we know what we need to do? I think we have a pretty good idea. Have we planned out exactly what we have to do

AIR Force is well prepared to address the challenge facing the ADF as it looks to save $20 billion over the next 10 years under a new program of extensive reforms of its business activities to improve its account-ability, planning and productivity.

The package is called the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) and will run in parallel with the White Paper implementation programs to ensure Defence remains sustainable into the future. The program will seek to eliminate areas of wastage or duplication and improve productivity. It will be managed on a whole-of-Defence basis, drawing on the knowledge, skills and commitment of military and civilian personnel across the organisation.

The initial goal is for savings of $3 billion over the next four years, with the money being reinvested back into frontline capabilities.

CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin said the SRP was essential to improving the ADF of today and building the ADF of 2030 and that the proposed $20 billion in savings had been earmarked for reinvestment in current and future capability.

He said that Air Force was already well on the reform path with its Reshape and Air Force Improvement programs.

“We will continue to build on this foun-dation to deliver ongoing productivity by focusing on continual reduction of waste from overproduction, maintenance waiting times,

transportation, over-processing and excess inventory,” CAF said.

“The savings are critical to the current and future ADF, and I expect all of us to contribute to the SRP. Strong leadership, collaboration and cooperation across the Services, Groups and the Defence Materiel Organisation will be critical to its success.”

He stressed that the SRP was not about compromising capability to save costs; it was about delivering improved levels of capability at less costs by improving productivity and eliminating waste.

“While efficiencies can be found in sup-port areas, quality or safety will not be com-promised,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“We have identified important lessons from previous reform efforts and I am deter-mined that we learn from those. We will pay close attention to implementation planning, coordination, integration and oversight, devel-op and implement an effective communica-tion and change management strategy, adopt a transparent and collaborative approach across Air Force, hold commanders at all levels to account for their contribution to reform and ensure savings are underpinned by genuine reform.

“The program will require effort across the board, but will make it easier for us to do our work. It will result in better outcomes in all areas from the office to the flight line.”

Reform program to deliver efficiencies

to get there? No, not yet; that will be the first part of it. And is it worth the effort? Yes. In 10 or 15 years time, you’d like to be able to look back and say: ‘Yes, we had a stretch target. It was hard but we got there and because of it we now have a very, very good Defence Force’ – rather than not have the force we could have had and say, ‘actually we could have achieved that’.”

He said he was pleased that he had been fully linked-in throughout the White Paper development.

“The three [Service] chiefs worked very well together as we developed the options through detailed discussions on how we were going to develop a balanced Defence Force.”

He said that operational tempo was as high as it had ever been in Air Force, which was an important factor that was considered.

“The main driver for us is the stra-tegic environment. We know that we need to have a robust air combat capabil-ity. We know we have to have a good airlift capability and they’re two areas the White Paper delivers on. We know that we need to cover, as an Air Force, scenarios from humanitarian aid right through to the high-end war fighting.”

AIRMSHL Binskin was not con-cerned about what needed to be done

to phase in the new aircraft. “Air Force has always been at the leading edge of technology development. It’s nothing new,” he said.

“The change between the Mirage and the Hornet was a huge change, but we got into it very quickly and stood that capability up. I think learn-ing from that and the lead-up activities we are conducting, we will stand up the JSF quicker.

“Super Hornet helps us in this area. It has brought in the next level of tech-nology which is a good stepping stone into the JSF.”

Balance of powerr

Air Force will introduce new and upgraded systems to col-lect and fuse air surveillance from multiple sources for the Recognised Air Picture.

Improved military air traffic control, navigation and com-munications are to be intro-duced to permit closer align-ment of military and civilian air traffic control.

The delivery of foreign lan-guage training at the School of Languages is to be enhanced by $20m over four years.

$55m is to be spent improving support facilities and services for ADF families.

$400m is to be spent to improve ADF housing and accommodation assistance.

And there’s more HOT STUFF: Air Force will receive 24 new Super Hornets (right) next year as a stepping stone to the new Joint Strike Fighter fleet (above) due next decade. Photos: SGT Pete Gammie and LAC Aaron Curran

Kelly shares the good newsParliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Dr Mike Kelly visited RAAF Base Amberley on May 6 to brief personnel on the new Defence White Paper. “I was very pleased to be able to brief personnel at Amberley about the Government’s commitment to Air Force,” Dr Kelly said. “The Government has invested heavily in the infrastructure at Amberley to support its growth, and I know the Ipswich community is very supportive of the base.” Photo: ACW Jessica Smith

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3 White PaperAIR FORCE May 14, 2009

New era has begunPrime Minister Rudd promises a more powerful Defence Force

By Michael Brooke

THE FUTURE ADF will be better equipped, fully networked and better positioned to meet Australia’s air pow-er requirements as a result of the 2009 Defence White Paper.

Titled ‘Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030’, the White Paper was launched by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon on board HMAS Stuart at Fleet Base East in Sydney on May 2.

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Dr Mike Kelly, CDF ACM Angus Houston, CN VADM Russ Crane, CA LTGEN Ken Gillespie and CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin attended the launch.

Mr Rudd said it was the first Defence White Paper specifically prepared to meet the challenges to Australia’s defence and security in the 21st century and confirmed the Government’s com-mitment to the defence of Australia and the security and stability of the region.

It represents more than 14 months of hard work and the complete re-examina-tion of Defence strategy, capabilities, business processes and resources.

“The White Paper explains how the Government plans to strengthen the foundations of Australia’s defence and also provides an indication of the level of resources required over the coming years,” Mr Rudd said.

“It also notes the increasing uncer-tainty of the strategic environment, and better positions Defence to respond to the broad range of possible conflicts and contingencies likely to impact upon Australia’s future security.”

It provided a clear view of how much

strategic risk Australia was prepared to bear, and how much military power we should seek to develop.

“The more Australia aspires to have greater strategic influence beyond our immediate neighbourhood – that is to say the ability to exert policy influence that is underpinned by military power – the greater the level of spending on Defence we need to be prepared to undertake,” he said. “If we want to back up strategic influence with military power, we have to be prepared to invest the resources required, and to be content that the secu-rity benefits outweigh those costs.”

In terms of military power, the Defence policy meant that Australia had the capacity to act independently where we had unique strategic interests at stake, lead military coalitions where we had shared interests at stake, and to make tailored contributions to military coali-tions where we shared a wider strategic interest with others.

As a result, the ADF of the future will be a more potent force, particularly in the key areas of undersea and anti-submarine warfare, surface naval war-fare, air superiority, strategic strike, spe-cial forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and cyber defence.

The Government also plans to invest about $30 billion over the next decade to remediate the shortfalls and underinvest-ment in the Defence Budget.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said in order to adjust Australia’s view of challenges in the future, the Government intends to prepare a new Defence White Paper every five years.

“This five yearly White Paper devel-opment process will be the centrepiece of the Government’s new strategic risk-based approach to defence planning,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

ON THE FRONT LINE: Above, AIRMSHL Mark Binskin (left) and CDF ACM Angus Houston listen as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announces the detail of the new White Paper. Behind them are CA LTGEN Ken Gillespie and CN VADM Russ Crane while to the right Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon waits his turn to speak. KEEPING WATCH: Below left, a Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft at the Australian International Air Show in Avalon earlier this year. The White Paper highlighted the continued acquisition of six Wedgetails, due to be introduced into service from next year. Photos: ABPH Evan Murphy

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4 News AIR FORCE May 14, 2009

AIR FORCE personnel will play an important role among the 450 extra Australian personnel that the govern-ment committed to operations in Af-ghanistan on April 30.

Air Force engineers will be included among the enhanced engineering sup-port element that will work on improving Tarin Kowt airfield, while an extra C-130 and support personnel are also being committed.

The 450-strong force will increase Australia’s contribution to 1550 person-nel but at this point there is no increase to the combat forces on the ground. Instead, the new personnel will be employed in training and mentoring Afghan forces, engineering and enhanced staff duties within the headquarters.

Also, 120 of the new personnel will deploy specifically to provide security support during the forthcoming elections in August.

At present, it is anticipated by gov-

ernment that these forces will remain in place for eight months.

The increased contribution will be made up of: two additional Operational Mentoring and Liaison teams of about 100 per-sonnel; additional personnel for our current Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force efforts of about 70 personnel; an increase to the number of HQ embedded staff by about 70 person-nel; an enhanced engineering element of about 40 personnel; an Election Support Force of about 120 infantry personnel; an additional 50 personnel consisting of logistics and transport specialists, including one additional C-130 air-craft and support crew who will get the new elements of the force estab-lished in Afghanistan.

By Hugh McKenzie

DOCTOR Vicki Ross of Joint Health Command is firm about one thing – stay calm about the flu, any flu.

Dr Ross said there was no need to panic about the influenza A(H1N1) infection – dubbed swine flu – as no cases had been recorded in Australia.

“The Australian Government is continuing to focus on delaying the entry of the virus into Australia using enhanced border surveillance and vigi-lance for cases domestically so that these can be contained before they spread,” she said.

Defence is fully engaged with Commonwealth, State and Territory Government agencies that are respond-ing to the influenza A(H1N1) outbreak in overseas countries.

“Influenza is influenza and we’re not 100 per cent sure about the origins of this virus. It has elements of swine,

Get flu shot, don’t panic

Air Force to support ADF’s troop boost to Afghanistan

human and avian influenza and it is like it’s an assortment of strains that has come into being and is infecting people. There are teams world-wide that are looking at the genetics of it,” Dr Ross said.

She said it was unlikely current flu vaccinations available in Australia would protect against the new strain, but people were still encouraged to be vaccinated.

“It’s important for people to have the annual flu vaccine because Australia is moving into its own flu season and if we can protect against that, that’s a good thing,” she said.

“Washing your hands with soap and water, covering your mouth and nose when coughing, using tissues instead of handkerchiefs, disposing of used tis-sues carefully and not being a hero and coming to work while ill will reduce the chance of being infected or spread-ing any strain of influenza.”

Mexico is at the epicentre of the influenza A(H1N1) outbreak. The majority of cases outside of Mexico are still being reported as a mild ill-ness only.

Contingency plans are in place for distribution of anti-viral medication to ADF personnel deployed on opera-tions based on health risk assessment advice from Commander Joint Health. They are ready to be dispatched at short notice.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS: You should get the annual flu vaccine to protect against other flu strains this season, and you should also take precautions not to spread illness to others. Photo: LAC Casey Smith

Want to know more?Visit these websites: DRN: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/featuredtopics/default.asp?page=56540&title=general% 20information Internet: http://www.defence.gov.au/health/infocentre/features/i-swineflu_gen.htm

ON THE WAY: Air Force engineers and an extra C-130 will be among the ADF’s new commitment to Afghanistan. Photo: FSGT John Carroll

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5 NewsAIR FORCE May 14, 2009

By CPL Corinne Boer

AN $83 million, four-year pro-gram to bolster the ADF’s mental-health care was announced on May 1 in response to a comprehensive review by independent public health specialist Professor David Dunt.

The Review of Mental Health Care in the ADF and Transition through Discharge acknowledged the ADF’s mental health commitment but made 52 recommendations for improvement.

Prof Dunt said the ADF’s commit-ment to mental-health strategy com-pared favourably to military forces in other countries and Australian work-places.

He said the present situation reflect-ed a lack of funding and resources at the directorate level and regional men-tal-health teams.

“Its roll-out has been patchy and depended too much on the enthusi-asm and commitment of ADF regional mental-health providers,” Prof Dunt said.

CDF ACM Angus Houston has already committed to 49 of the 52 rec-ommendations.

“Since 2002, we’ve improved the way we care for the people who have mental health problems,” ACM Houston said. “But it is quite clear

Win for mental health from Prof Dunt’s report that more work needs to be done.”

The reform will include providing improved mental health governance and policy, an enhanced mental health workforce, improved mental health training for ADF personnel and pro-viders, enhanced prevention strategies including better research and surveil-lance, enhanced mental health reha-bilitation and transition services.

It also includes greater involve-ment of families in the mental health of ADF members and better facilities from which mental health services will be delivered.

Prof Dunt said a new model of services would result in better health for members.

“Most importantly, [there] is a need for further development of the mental health workforce,” Prof Dunt said.

“There is a need for a significant increase of site psychologists … as well as more efficient use of these peo-ple.

“[There is a] need for greater involvement of medical officers and doctors in mental health and there should be more training both at initial induction as well as after that.”

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said imple-menting the report would ensure easier

access to best practice mental health services for ADF members.

“Many of the recommendations can be implemented in the short-term while others will take several years to

achieve,” Mr Snowdon said. “This is a significant undertaking and Defence will report regularly to the government about its progress in implementing the recommendations.”

The report is available at www.defence.gov.au/health/DMH/Review.htm or for general information on mental health, visit www.defence.gov.au/health/DMH/i-dmh.htm

AN EXTRA $9.5 million in fund-ing for suicide prevention among vet-erans and ex-Service personnel was announced on May 4.

The Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-Service Community by Professor David Dunt examined the broad issues of suicide in the ex-service community and specific cases in the past three years.

Its 21 recommendations include: strengthening mental health pro-grams including suicide prevention; further simplification of adminis-

tration procedures for personnel leaving the ADF or applying for compensation; more experienced case managers assigned to support clients with complex needs; increased access to mental-health clinical expertise; and wherever possible, veterans’ fami-lies should be included in relevant events and services.

For more information, visit www.dva.gov.au/health/research/suicide_study/index.htm.

Suicide report released

KEEPING THEM WELL: From left, CDF ACM Angus Houston, Minister for Defence Science

and Personnel Warren Snowdon, Professor David Dunt and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Alan Griffin at the launch of Prof Dunt’s study into mental health in the ADF. Photo: Mark Brennan

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6 News AIR FORCE May 14, 2009

By FLTLT Jaimie Abbott

DEVELOPING an innovative audio-visual system has earned an Air Force corporal one of air traffic control’s high-est honours.

CPL Nye Davies was presented with the 2008 T.C. Delahunty award, which is an annual recognition presented to the 44WG airman or APS member who makes the greatest contribution to support for military air traffic control.

The first OC of 44WG, AIRCDRE Terry Delahunty, presented the award in a special ceremony at 44WG Detachment, RAAF Base Williamtown.

“CPL Davies has displayed skills in technical mastery, but this is really a rec-ognition of the entire team,” AIRCDRE Delahunty said.

CPL Davies was selected for his development of a cost-effective and easy-to-implement audio-visual recording sys-tem. It will provide Air Traffic Controllers with the ability to replay radar video and audio to assist in the effective conduct of air safety investigations.

Headquarters 44WG is now considering the system for use in other Air Force air traffic control detachments across Australia.

“It’s such an honour to receive this, particularly when so many others in the team were also worthy of the award,” CPL Davies said.

O C 4 4 W G G P C A P T Fo r s t e r Breckenridge said CPL Davies’ achieve-ments were considered to demonstrate

outstanding technical skills, ingenuity and professionalism and had resulted in a significant benefit to air traffic control operations.

CPL Davies is now working as a technician at 3 Control and Reporting Unit at Williamtown.

Technical ‘mastery’ praised by 44WG

RECOGNITION: CPL Nye Davies is presented with the award by AIRCDRE Terry Delahunty.

SOME new and significant changes to the administration of Air Force bases will have little im-pact on the day-to-day operations of units and their members.

That is the key message recently promulgated by CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin.

Under the implementation of the new Base Accountabilities structure from July 1, the position of Base Commander is being abolished and will be replaced by the base Senior ADF Officer (SADFO) and Airbase Executive Officer (ABXO).

The SADFO is CDF and CAF’s senior management representative on the base and is primarily respon-sible for Defence’s reputation and community relationship, while the ABXO will be primarily responsible for the delivery of airbase capability and the airworthiness of associated emergency systems. The ABXO will be selected from the Combat Support Unit on each base.

“The SADFO will have authority

to take command and control of the base when needed to allow a uni-fied response to any base security, emergency or similar incident and will also be the ADF authority for base orders, instructions and plans,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“Your unit commander will still be in command of your unit and they will remain responsible and accountable to me for the activities carried out within your unit.”

CAF sa id tha t the Base Accountability model had provid-ed Air Force with an opportunity to review its relationship with the Defence Support Group (DSG) and to clearly define each organisation’s responsibilities.

“I see this as a major step for-ward in our relationship,” he said.

Under the reform, DSG’s Base Support Managers (BSM) will be responsible for the provision of sup-port services and will take a greater role in the management of the com-mon areas of each base and in the

coordination and administration of base plans.

Unit commanders and managers will have greater authority to liaise with DSG for the support needed for their operations and activities. Part of this process will be the estab-lishment of the Base Management Forum.

The forum will enable all units to examine base issues and contrib-ute to the prioritisation of base-wide support services.

“I consider this to be a signifi-cant advancement as it allows Air Force to concentrate on its primary role; delivery of air power capabil-ity,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“The Base Accountabilities model provides Air Force with a timely opportunity to redefine its relationship with DSG and to ensure we work jointly to achieve Defence’s outcomes.

“I shall watch the implementa-tion very closely.”

New model for bases

NEW WAY OF WORKING: CPL Aaron Fuller from Combat Support Unit Edinburgh services a Defence vehicle on the base. The Edinburgh base commander will be known as the base Senior ADF Officer under the new Base Accountabilities structure, to be implemented across all RAAF bases from July 1. Photo: ACW Shannon Urie

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8 International AIR FORCE May 14, 2009

By LEUT Anthony Lutz

SQNLDR Simon McLaughlin has been recognised for using his medical skills to make a difference in the Middle East Area of Opera-tions (MEAO).

SQNLDR McLaughlin was award-ed a Silver Commendation by the Commander Joint Task Force (CJTF) 633, MAJGEN Mark Kelly, for his outstanding work as the Medical Officer attached to HQ JTF633.

His deployment coincided with Headquarters JTF633’s relocation from Iraq.

“It was my privilege to be a part of the final team in Baghdad, assist in turning that page over and then con-tribute to the next phase of Australia’s efforts in the MEAO,” SQNLDR McLaughlin said.

His position at HQ JTF633 involved a variety of tasks and chal-lenges. His role included the provi-sion of advice to CJTF and his staff about health issues affecting JTF633, as well as oversight of casualty treat-ment, medical administration, techni-cal support, and mentoring of doctors and medics out in the field.

“We also had to look at ways to improve the delivery of health serv-ices in the MEAO, from first aid training to the medical evacuation of injured back to Australia,” he said.

“The job also involved analysing disease trends and liaising with coali-tion forces about health intelligence.”

Several significant achievements contributed to his commendation.

He engaged in a review of medical evacuation procedures and identified areas of improvement to ensure a more robust and flexible capacity.

“We developed sets of Standing Instructions to ensure that the right kit and people were in place to get the job done,” he said.

“We also moved towards a more global JTF633 health operation, and started a health promotion program that kept all people informed about what was going on in theatre.”

SQNLDR McLaughlin also con-ducted planning for better organic health threat assessments, which in turn extended the Task Force’s capa-bility through people, training and scope of practice.

“A great highlight for me was

being a part of the massive machine that got our battle casualties from the point of injury back to Australia,” he said.

“Seeing first-hand Australians who have been injured on the front line to smiling on the back of an incredible C-17 aero-medical evacu-ation aircraft bound for Australia was a truly humbling experience.

“At the end of the day there can be no greater experience and feeling than knowing that what you do sup-ports the people doing the hard yards and taking on an incredible risk in the front line.”

Working in the Australian HQ was another “eye-opening” experience for him.

“So much work goes on behind the scenes to support our troops in the field,” he said.

“It’s been an incredible opportu-nity to work in the HQs.”

After four months in the MEAO, he is looking forward to putting up his feet and relaxing.

After a well-earned rest, he will head back to a new posting at 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, RAAF Base Townsville.

Just rewardsds for Simon

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: SQNLDR Simon McLaughlin at work in the Joint Operations Room at Headquarters Joint Task Force 633. Photo: SGT Brent Tero

By WO2 Graham McBean

NEW 5.56mm blank ammu-nition for the F88 Austeyr will be introduced into service to help prevent the contamination between ball and blank ammo.

The ammunition is coloured black and designed to provide

a “clear visual distinction” between ball and blank rounds and eventually will be produced for all 5.56mm weapons.

The new blanks come in blister packs of five rounds and should be available to units shortly. An anticipated 20 mil-lion new rounds are on order.

Chief Ammunition Technical Officer MAJ Ross Hall said the only real difference was in the colour of the round.

“There has already been a reduction in the rate of ball-and-blank contamination because people are so much more aware of the issue.

“The introduc-tion of the col-oured blank round provides another check in the proc-ess,” MAJ Hall said.

A b o u t e i g h t million of the exist-ing brass blanks will be withdrawn from service and linked for use with the Minimi light machine gun.

New blank ammo for Steyr weapon

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9 InternationalAIR FORCE May 14, 2009

By FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton

BREAKING through multiple language barriers in the midst of one of Africa’s worst ongoing con-flicts while loading cargo on a 30-tonne helicopter was all in a day’s work for FLTLT Andrew Miller.

FLTLT Miller was deployed for six months to the Darfur region of Sudan as part of Operation Hedge-row.

Operation Hedgerow is the ADF’s commitment to the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), a 26,000-strong peacekeeping operation in central Africa.

Since 2003, violence between rebels and tribal elements against government troops and militias has resulted in about 450,000 people being killed, including members of UNAMID.

In August 2008, the ADF initi-ated Operation Hedgerow, with an eight-person strong commitment to provide logistics and move-ments support to the UNAMID Headquarters element in the town of El Fashir.

Deployed as the Movements Control Officer in El Fashir from August 2008 to February this year, FLTLT Miller was the first RAAF member to deploy as part of Hedgerow.

Two other RAAF members remain – FLTLTs Nicole Strybosch and Kevin Brent.

FLTLT Miller said his role was to plan and co-ordinate the move-ment of cargo and personnel in the Darfur region using UN fixed wing and rotary assets.

“Predominately, this encom-passed movement of contingent-owned equipment (vehicles, tents, rations, water, ammunition, etc) and also rotation of the African battalions in and out of Darfur,” he said.

“We worked closely with mil-itary, police and civilians from a wide variety of African countries, including Kenya, Gambia, Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia and Nigeria.”

El-Fashir is an important provin-cial capital in Darfur, but is more than 1200km from the port of Sudan on the Red Sea, with little in the way of local infrastructure to make supporting the UNAMID mission an easy task.

“We had a limited number of trucks, forklifts and loaders, as well as air assets, in which to move the ever-increasing backlog of cargo and equipment coming in from the Port of Sudan,” FLTLT Miller said.

“The poor condition of the roads and runways also compounded the problem.”

Previous experiences as Air Movements Officer at RAAF Base Richmond did little to prepare him for the unique challenges that he faced in Sudan.

“Learning to do business ‘the UN way’, operating under a differ-ent set of rules and culture did take some getting used to,” he said.

“The language barrier was also another obstacle – trying to co-ordinate the loading of a shipping container on to an Mi-26 chopper with a Russian-speaking loadmas-ter and an Arabic-speaking forklift driver was a frustrating yet amus-ing experience I will not soon for-get.”

The obstacles, however, made success and cooperation all the more fulfilling.

“There was certainly some pro-fessional fulfilment in being able to pass on ADF methods of operation, as well as expertise and experience, to our UN and African Union part-ners,” he said.

“Overall it was a very unique experience. Being able to work with such a wide variety of African militaries and gaining a first-hand insight into the African/Muslim cul-ture was a fantastic and worthwhile opportunity.

“I hope the mission continues to push ahead and achieve all that it has set out to do in Darfur.”

C-17 offers lift in Timor

Turning up the heatBreaking the barriers a challenge in Sudan

INSIGHT: FLTLT Andrew Miller in Sudan during Operation Hedgerow with a soldier of the Gambian Armed Forces, operating as part of the UNAMID Forces in Darfur. Photo: FLTLT Andrew Miller

A 36SQN C-17 made a quick visit to East Timor recently to deliver Anzac Day stores and collect a Black Hawk from the Army’s East Timor Aviation Group. It was the second time a C-17 had landed in Timor, and gave Aussie soldiers, United Nations aviation staff and East Timorese firefighters the opportunity to get on board for a quick tour through the aircraft. Photo: LSPH Paul Berry

A TOP exam result in the 2009 Aviation Nursing Officers (AVNO) course earned FLGOFF Pamela Wittmann the prestigious Miss Margaret Lang Prize.

CO of the RAAF Institute of Aviation Medicine (AVMED) COL John Turner and Director of Defence Force Nursing GPCAPT Michael Paterson presented the award at RAAF Base Edinburgh following the two-week biannual course.

“The Aviation Nursing Officer course is a relatively new course conducted by AVMED,” COL Turner said. “The course offers intensive training in physiology, psychology, human factors and operational health in the aviation environment.”

FLGOFF Wittman said the course was an intensive but satisfy-ing two weeks.

“I now have a greater understand-ing of the assessment and manage-ment of aircrew, which I can use daily to support the flying squadrons on base,” she said.

“All of the staff at AVMED were extremely passionate about aviation medicine and this made the course thoroughly enjoyable.”

Annual Rent Allowance review

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) wishes to advise you that the

2009 annual Rent Allowance review has commenced.

If you are currently in receipt of Rent Allowance, and you are

included in this year’s review, you should have already received

your statement, letter and reply-paid envelope. If this is the

case, you will need to respond immediately.

The review is to establish if there have been any changes

to your domestic circumstances that would affect your Rent

Allowance.

You will need to complete the statement and provide details

about your current rental situation.

It is important you respond to this review. Failure to respond by

the due date may cause payment of your Rent Allowance to be

ceased.

INTELLIGENCE ON BOARDwww.thalesgroup.com.au

Photograph © Dominique Gonod.

Aerospace. Defence. Security.

10 News AIR FORCE May 14, 2009

By FLTLT Anita Green

RAAF Base Amberley recently rallied the troops to raise money for the World’s Greatest Shave in support of the Leukae-mia Foundation.

This year, SQNLDR Lyn Horne offered up her locks if she could raise $1000. This was too tempting for work mates and the amount was quickly reached. Personnel from all over the country chipped in to make sure SQNLDR Horne followed through on her promise. WOFF Kylie Terri did the honours at HQ Combat Support Group on March 13.

WOFF Terri is a breast cancer survivor who was proud to support the event.

The t eam cap ta in , WOFF Rod Greenslade, generously donated his time, money and hair to the cause after his wife Julie contracted Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in early 2007. Julie was fortunate enough

to survive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. This gave WOFF Greenslade and many others the motivation to shave their heads each year to raise the money, which helps the Leukaemia Foundation provide practical care and support to patients and families.

WOFF Greenslade and the main contin-gent of the Amberley team were shaved at Riverlink Shopping Centre at Ipswich on March 14. The other team members from Amberley were WGCDR Bryan Blacka and SGT Phil Bruce.

The RAAF Security and Fire School also fundraised for the event. SGT Troy Woof and LAC John Bein courageously offered to wax their legs if they each received $1000 in donations, while CPL Mel Robinson lost her hair for an additional $500 in donations.

By the end of March, Amberley had raised almost $6000, with more donations being received.

Farewell, my locks

BULLETIN BOARDAir Force BandMay 14: The Clarinet Quartet will give a free concert at the RAAF Museum, Point Cook, from 10am.May 15: The Band’s Sydney Detachment will support the RAAF Base Williamtown Sergeants’ Mess Autumn Ball from 7pm.

May 17: Force 10 will perform at the Ararat Rotary Fund Raising Concert at the Ararat Town Hall.May 17: The Air Force Jazz Ensemble will support the DCO Family Day at RAAF Base East Sale from 10am.May 17: The Ceremonial Band will support the 4WG Australian Air Force Cadets parade at RAAF Base Laverton, Point Cook.

May 18: The Band’s Sydney Detachment will support the Air Force Awards night at the Hellenic Club in Woden, Canberra.May 20: The Ceremonial Band will support the latest 1RTU graduation parade at RAAF Base Wagga from 11am.May 25: The Concert Band will give a free concert at the University of Melbourne’s Melba Hall.

Lang prize for top nurse

HAPPY TO HELP: World’s Greatest Shave participant SQNLDR Lyn Horne gives the thumbs up, flanked by supporters LACW Ashlee Calleja (left) and ACW Caitlin Wilcock, who all helped to raise money for the worthy charity at RAAF Base Amberley. Inset, SQNLDR Horne loses her hair at the hands of breast cancer survivor WOFF Kylie Terri. Photos: LAC Dan Pinhorn

The award is named in honour of Miss Margaret Lang, who was instrumental in the implementation of the RAAF Nursing Service.

During her tenure with the

RAAF, the Nursing Service was expanded to 616 by December 1945, and led to the eventual formation of 1 Medical Air Evacuation Transport Unit.

WELL DONE, PAMELA: Director of Defence Force Nursing GPCAPT Michael Paterson presents FLGOFF Pamela Wittmann with the Miss Margaret Lang Prize for the best exam result in the 2009 Aviation Nursing Officers course. Photo: LAC Glen McCarthy

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11FeatureAIR FORCE May 14, 2009

By LAC Aaron Curran

TO SOME people, volunteer-ing for the Red Cross involves giving a few hours one day a year to knock on doors for the Red Shield Appeal.

F o r F LT LT C a t h e r i n e Mahoney, an Intelligence Officer at the Defence Security Authority in Canberra, it involved much more than that.

On September 13 last year, Hurricane Ike, one of the most powerful hurricanes in US his-tory, hit Galveston, Texas, with 175km/h winds causing massive damage and 112 deaths.

FLTLT Mahoney was in the US for 18 months with her hus-band Mick, who was posted to Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

“After volunteering with the Red Cross in Australia, it seemed

a logical way to make friends and give back to the community,” she said.

Due to the number of hurri-canes that hit the Gulf Coast last year, the American Red Cross (ARC) had a wide footprint from Florida to New Mexico.

“I knew they needed volun-teers and I had the training, so I put my hand up,” FLTLT Mahoney said.

“Many of the ARC volunteers are retirees, so my contribution as a younger member was wel-come.”

Three weeks after Ike hit, she was deployed to the disaster relief HQ in Houston and was briefed on the situation in Galveston. She volunteered to go to Galveston as it was the worst-affected area.

“Once reaching Galveston, I spent my four weeks running the

registration area of the mega shel-ter,” she said.

“The Galveston shelter housed hundreds of residents in tents and so security was an issue.”

Even though many buildings were still standing, the scale of the devastation became evident to FLTLT Mahoney. With water that surged over the seawall filling the area, everything from buildings to communications to petrol stations was unusable.

“It was only after a day or two that I realised the devastation of Galveston was greater than what the eye could see, and recovery would take years,” she said.

“Residents on the neighbour-ing peninsula were not allowed to return for almost two months as disaster relief teams searched for bodies.

“Houses had no roofs, chil-

dren’s toys were caught in trees metres from the ground and nothing was left or salvageable.”

After taking in everything around her, FLTLT Mahoney quickly focused on what she was there for – helping people.

It was an emotional time for her, from great highs of achieve-ment when she assisted someone to find a loved one, to the great lows when she had to refuse entry to the shelter when it was closing.

“I was there when the shelter closed, and helped move up to 400 residents to a new, non-ARC shelter,” she said.

“It was emotional to say good-bye and good luck to people with whom I had developed the most unlikely bonds.”

FLTLT Mahoney is now back at work in Canberra.

SERVICE nurses are first to be remembered in a new coin series from the Royal Australian Mint com-memorating military service past and present.

The series will acknowledge and recognise the efforts made by everyday Australians during times of war, conflict and peacekeeping.

For more than 100 years, Australian service nurses have provided assistance and care with dedication, commitment and courage.

GPCAPT Michael Paterson, from the Directorate of Defence Force Nursing, said this latest recogni-tion of the contribution of ADF nurses was a source of quiet pride for current nursing officers, who could trace their profession back to the Boer War.

“Along with our medical colleagues, we have

Coins recognise Service nurses

RED CROSS ALERT: FLTLT Catherine Mahoney who worked for the American Red Cross to help the many victims after Hurricane Ike slammed into Galveston, Texas, last year. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

been a constant in every con-flict,” he said.

“We see this coin as a public recognition of the contribution of our predeces-sors.” The coin is available from www.ramint.gov.au

Hurricane help

12 AIR FORCE May 14, 2009 13Anzac Day

FROM town to city in Australia, and at locations around the world, Anzac Day was marked in great reverence again this year.

Cities were teeming with people as marchers took to the streets around

the nation.And as the sun rose over dawn ser-

vices everywhere, the new light of day showed just how many people had gath-ered to pay homage to our veterans of war.

Air Force, once again, was at the fore.CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin laid

a wreath and delivered the Ode of Remembrance at the Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux in France, and attended an afternoon ceremony at the Commonwealth and French monu-ments in Bullecourt, where he also laid a wreath and delivered the Ode. He also laid a wreath at the Australian Digger Memorial in Bullecourt.

Thousands of people gathered to pay homage at Hyde Park Corner in London.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon attended the dawn service at Tarin Kowt in Afghanistan and spent time with troops at the base.

He was joined by Keith Payne, a Victoria Cross winner for his courageous actions in Vietnam, as they stood side by

side with Australian troops to remember those who have paid the ultimate price in service to our nation.

“The Anzac spirit is epitomised in the courage and valour of our troops who are operating in challenging environments in Afghanistan and around the world. We should all be grateful for the efforts and sacrifices these fine men and women make on our behalf,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

In Malaysia, a small contingent of ADF, New Zealand and British forces gathered for the dawn service at the Penang ceno-taph near Butterworth.

Typical of the region, hot and humid conditions prevailed for the estimated 100-strong crowd accompanied by 80 serving personnel, all of whom enjoyed the dawn service officiated by chaplain SQNLDR Dean Griffiths.

37SQN led the Air Force contingent of the Sydney Anzac Day march with about 300 people on strength.

285SQN took a contingent to Gilgandra in western NSW for local services. Gilgandra is home to a dirt air-strip often used for training of Hercules crews in combat air lift.

Air Lift Group Training Systems Team took a contingent to Narromine in western NSW for local Anzac services. Narromine was home to an Air Force fly-ing training school during WWII.

Air Force representatives were sent to smaller centres throughout the country,

but perhaps the One Tree Hill visit epito-mised the contribution best of all.

One Tree Hill is a small community on the outskirts of northern Adelaide. Six members of One Tree Hill died in the two world wars. Despite its proud but sad record, it conducted its first Anzac service for 40 years this year.

More than 150 people gathered for the service, including representatives from the Development and Test Wing (DT WG) from the Aircraft Research and Development Unit, located at nearby RAAF Base Edinburgh.

The ceremony was organised by the One Tree Hill Progress Association with significant assistance from SGT Jason Tillett.

DT WG provided a catafalque party, commanded by SGT Shane Formosa. SQNLDR Bruce Whittington gave the address, SGT Tillet read the poem, In Flanders Fields, and WOFF Peter Albiston read the Ode. The Australian Air Force Cadets provided a flag bearer and handed out the order of service.

Nearly 85,000 people, including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, attended the Anzac Day Australian Football League game between Essendon and Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Mr Rudd was moved by the crowd’s reverence when they stood for a minute’s silence.

NATIONAL CAPITAL: Paying homage at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Photo: Mark Brennan

AMBERLEY PRIDE: SGT Amanda Broom and CPL Kristina Filippi from 2AFDS pose in front of Brisbane’s iconic “Brisbane Eye” before marching in the Anzac Day parade. Photo: CPL Melina Mancuso

MUSIC MAN: Chaplain FLTLT Yogananda Juste-Constant sings a hymn during the RAAF Base Edinburgh dawn service. Photo: AC Glynn Jones

ON THE BIG STAGE: The Air Force Band provides entertainment before the Anzac Day game between Collingwood and Essendon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Photo: LSPH Nina Nikolin

POIGNANT: FLTLT Erica Green, from RAAF Base East Sale, during the Anzac Day ceremony in Bairnsdale. Photo: LAC Christopher Hall

THE PIPES ARE CALLING: SGT Craig Dawson, a member of the Pipe Band, plays at the RAAF Base Edinburgh dawn service. Photo: AC David Cotton

COME IN, SPINNER: GPCAPT Kendall Quinn takes a turn with the kip in the traditional Anzac Day game of Two Up at the Control and Reporting Centre in Afghanistan. Photo: SGT Brent Tero

LONDON REMEMBERS TOO: LCPL Mark Gibson from the Grenadier Guards Regimental band plays the Last Post in front of thousands of onlookers at Hyde Park Corner. Photo: ABPH Andrew Dakin

MEMORIES: In Sydney, ACWs Jade Evans (left) and Jessica Johnson, from RAAF Base Richmond, are shown a photo of World War II veteran Meg Thomson, which was taken on Anzac Day when she was 20 years old. Photo: SGT William Guthrie

MESSAGE FROM HOME: Air Force members of the Control and Reporting Centre at Camp Palomino, Kandahar Airfield, with an Anzac Day banner made by students from Scots PGC College in Warwick, Queensland. The students also sent letters and Anzac biscuits. Photo: SGT Brent Tero G’DAY KIDS: A 37SQN member greets children watching his squadron march past in Sydney. Photo: LACW Amanda Campbell

LEST WE LEST WE FORGETFORGETAir Force takes Anzac pride to the streets

SQUADRON ON SHOW: 6SQN personnel march down George Street in Brisbane. Photo: CPL Melina Mancuso

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Military SystemsIntroduction to Electronic Warfare...................................18 – 20 MayBattlefield Digitisation.....................................................20 – 22 MayOptical Surveillance Systems.......................................... 15 – 17 JuneGPS & its Military Applications....................................... 22 – 23 JuneModern Military Navigation Systems............................. 22 – 24 June

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14 Anzac Day AIR FORCE May 14, 2009

A nation moved

FLYING THE FLAG: Above, flag bearer FSGT Mick Hawkins leads the RAAF Base Edinburgh march through Adelaide. Photo: AC David CottonSOLEMN DUTY: Left, Catafalque Party member Cadet Under Officer Jonathon Nicholas at the RAAF Base Edinburgh dawn service. Photo: AC David CottonPATRIOTIC: Right, FLGOFF Chris Kourloufas from RAAF Base East Sale reads at the Stratford Anzac Day service. Photo: ACW/T Nichola Freeman

TAKE NOTE: Above, LAC Ben Urquhart from the Control and Reporting Unit in Afghanistan shares Anzac biscuits and a note from students at Scots PGC College in Warwick, Queensland, on Anzac Day. Photo: SGT Brent Tero

EYES RIGHT: Above, RAAF Base Pearce members march in Perth. Photo: ABPH Dove SmithettFAR AND WIDE: Left, FLGOFF Naomi O’Neill from ALG stands tall at the Cenotaph in Narromine, NSW. Photo: Elizabeth YoungTHANKS FOR COMING: Below, personnel from RAAF Base Amberley are well received by spectators during the Brisbane march. Photo: CPL Melina Mancuso

15FeatureAIR FORCE May 14, 2009

MORE than 2000 Air Force per-sonnel can say they play a part in protecting Australia’s nation-

al interests – through early warning systems which make up the core plat-forms of Surveillance and Response Group (SRG).

How they do it is complicated, varied and often classified – whether it is in the maritime or over-land environment; aerospace, surveillance and battle space management; or air traffic control.

SRG was formed on March 30, 2004, by merging the former Surveillance and Control and Maritime Patrol Groups. Bound together by the motto ‘Foremost Sentinel’, the four wings contribute to the surveillance and response capability of the ADF.

Commander SRG AIRCDRE Warren Ludwig said the Wings had provided exceptional service to the Air Force and the nation, and would con-tinue to do so as new capabilities were introduced.

SRG is headquartered at RAAF Base Williamtown, along with 41WG, 42WG and 44WG. 92WG’s headquar-ters is at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

41WGFew people outside of Defence

are aware the Air Force is deployed to Afghanistan. That airspace is one of the busiest in the world, with many civilian and a large number of military aircraft movements each day.

41WG personnel are completing rotational stints at the Mobile Control and Reporting Centre (MCRC) in Kandahar, where they provide air sur-veillance and air battle management for operations.

Spanning across Australia, the

41WG units include: 3 Control and Reporting Unit (3CRU), located in Williamtown; 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit (114 MCRU) in Darwin; and 1 Radar Surveillance Unit (1RSU) in Adelaide. Also at Williamtown, Surveillance and Control Training Unit (SACTU) provides the training for Air Combat Officers and Air Surveillance Operators to enable them to perform air battle management and surveillance operations.

A new challenge is on the horizon for 41WG. It will be the introduction of the most complex command, con-trol and communication system for the ADF – Project Air 5333 (Vigilare). It will exchange information from the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, civil and military microwave radars, fighter and maritime

patrol aircraft, Royal Australian Navy air warfare-capable ships and various intelligence sources.

OC 41WG GPCAPT Daryl Hunter said the Vigilare project would produce a comprehensive picture of the skies above and around Australia, enabling a faster response to possible future incursions into the country’s airspace and maritime waters.

The first capability segment is scheduled to be complete and rolled out in mid-2010.

42WGThe newest wing in the Force

Element Group, 42WG, was reformed on January 1, 2006. There will be much attention on this wing in the next 12 months, as it takes delivery of the much-anticipated Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capa-bility for Air Force.

The introduction of Wedgetail (six aircraft and associated ground support segments) into operational service will place Australia at the forefront of what will be a technological leap forward in AEW&C operations.

Wedgetail will provide a flexible, responsive and mobile sensor and com-mand and control capability to sup-port air combat, surveillance and bat-tlespace management roles for joint and coalition operations. The aircraft will also be able to provide support to civilian agencies, including Coastwatch

and Customs, and will support key roles such as search and rescue.

2SQN will be the operating unit for the Wedgetail.

OC 42WG GPCAPT Stephen Meredith said operational testing began last month as part of Exercise Arnhem Thunder.

“The aircraft are expected to be delivered by Boeing from the end of this year. It will be exciting for all SRG personnel involved in bringing this important capability to maturity,” GPCAPT Meredith said.

44WGThe band of Air Traffic Controllers

(ATCs), technicians and support staff in 44WG provides a wide range of airspace management and control serv-ices to support operations at home and abroad.

For Newcast le , Darwin and Townsville airports, both military and commercial aircraft are landing and taking off safely thanks to 44WG ATCs who make quick and precise decisions from the tower and radar approach facilities.

44WG is made up of a team of Air Force and Australian Public Service ATCs and technicians.

All bases are covered with Air Traffic Control and Ground Electronic Services of airfield facilities such as radars and navigation aids. The 11 detachments include Darwin, Townsville, Oakey, Edinburgh, East

Sale, Richmond, Tindal, Amberley, Williamtown, Pearce and Nowra.

OC 44WG GPCAPT Forster Breckenridge said the Wing’s respon-siblities extended beyond military and commercial aircraft.

“We deliver aerodrome and radar control services to Army and Navy and we provide tactical control of forward airfields, battlefield aviation and other airspace activity, both within Australia and for operational deployments,” GPCAPT Breckenridge said.

44WG personnel have commit-ments in the Sudan and Middle East Area of Operations and have also been actively involved in a number of recent operations including East Timor, Iraq (Baghdad/Balad), the Solomon Islands and Indonesia. Their roles have ranged from active operational duties to peace-keeping and humanitarian missions.

92WG92WG was the first maritime wing

in Air Force history. It was formed at RAAF Base Edinburgh on July 1, 1977.

Today, 92WG commands two oper-ational squadrons – 10 and 11 SQNs; a training unit, 292SQN; two operational detachments, 92WG Detachment A at Butterworth, Malaysia; and 92WG Detachment B in Darwin; and a number of operational support and development elements.

92WG continues to operate a detachment of two AP-3C aircraft and support personnel in the Middle East. This detachment started in March 2003.

Operating AP-3C aircraft, 92WG’s combat roles include anti-submarine and anti-surface surveillance. The Wing also conducts long-range over-water and over-land intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in support of Australia’s national interests.

Orion crews have been involved in many rescues, helping save lives in situations ranging from local boat-ing accidents to major national emer-gencies. 92WG can be credited for the Great Southern Ocean rescue of Tony Bullimore and for the Wing’s efforts in the 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

The AP-3C was also recently used to assist authorities in the aftermath of the Victorian bushfires.

The AP-3C is scheduled to remain in service until 2018. It will be replaced under Project AIR 7000.

SRG still SRG still going going strongstrongFLTLT Jaimie Abbott takes a look at the FEG which recently

celebrated its fifth birthday

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EYES IN THE SKY: Airborne Electronics Analysis SGT Shane Forrest was part of a 92WG AP-3C crew that helped record the devastation of the Victorian bushfires. Photo: LAC Glen McCarthy

TOWER POWER: FLGOFF John Houghton and other 44WG Air Traffic Controllers at Point Cook directing air traffic for the Avalon airshow. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

WIDE-RANGING DUTIES: Members from 41WG, RAAF Base Williamtown, who showed off the TPS-77 Radar at the Australian International Air Show 2009 at Avalon. Photo: ABPH Evan Murphy

MUCH ANTICIPATED: In the next 12 months, 42WG takes delivery of the Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, seen here on the RAAF Base Richmond tarmac. Photo: CPL Col Dadd

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16 News AIR FORCE May 14, 2009

ENTRIES are being sought for the biennial RAAF Heritage Awards for 2010.

Since 1987, the Air Force has awarded prizes for works in the fields of art and lit-erature through the Heritage Awards Scheme.

The scheme was estab-lished to enhance the existing records of Air Force activi-ties and to encourage interest in the Service’s history and heritage.

Through the scheme,

a substantial body of art-works has been added to Air Force’s collection, displayed both publicly and throughout Defence facilities.

Winning entries of the Literature category have been published as part of the RAAF Heritage series of books.

In addition to the Art and Literature categories, the Awards now also include a Fellowship component which encourages serious and sus-tained research in the field of RAAF history, producing a

publishable manuscript with-in two years of the winner’s appointment.

The prizes for each cat-egory are: Art – first prize $5,000, second prize $2500. Literature – first prize $7500, second prize $3500. Fellowship – funding assistance to a maximum of $10,000.Entries must be submit-

ted by February 1, 2010, and accompany an official entry form available on the compe-

tition brochure or from the Air Power Development Centre’s website: http://airpower.air-force.gov.au

Entries marked “Heritage Awards” should be posted to the Air Power Development Centre, Level 3, 205 Anketell Street, Tuggeranong, ACT, 2900.

I n q u i r i e s s h o u l d b e emailed airpower@defence.gov.au

Winners will be announced at the Air Force birthday cel-ebrations in 2010.

Artwork wantedd

OUR HERITAGE: Second prize in the 2008 art category was “Exercise Kangaroo II 1976”. Entries are now invited for the 2009 awards. Photo: Air Power Centre

LIFE SKILLS: WOFF Rudi Vitasz explains Air Force life support equipment to participants of Exercise Executive Stretch at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: ACW Shannon Urie

Executives try Air Force life on for size

By FLTLT Philip Charlton

TWENTY-five managers and supervisors in South Australia recently had the opportunity to experience first-hand the military life of their employees who are members of the Defence reserves.

They were participants in the Defence Reserves Support (DRS) Executive Stretch 09 (EES09) pro-gram, held in late March. Over two days, they were exposed to life within the three Services. They were taken out of their comfort zones, thrust into unknown environments and required to work as a team with total strangers.

RAAF Base Edinburgh and 24SQN hosted them for the Air Force part of the exercise.

They were put through their paces with water sur-vival training. At the pool they donned the bright orange immersion suites, life vests that AP-3C aircrew use for survival if the aircraft ditches and embarked into inflatable life rafts. The teams were then given a chance to test their new life raft skills with races up and down the pool.

Back on dry land, they were given a ration pack lunch and then received weapons-handling drills with the Austeyr self-loading rifle and Minimi light sup-port weapon before being instructed in establishing a defence point.

Then, out of the blue, our old ficticious enemy the ‘Kamarians’ dropped by and attacked the defence point. This gave the EES09 participants a first-hand opportunity to be part of a Defence team working under adverse conditions.

Mitsibushi Motors Human Resources manager Alan Harrison said: “I was challenged; taken out of my comfort zone and introduced to activities I would never have dreamed of attempting at my stage in life.

“My idea of five-star accommodation was not sleeping outside without a roof over my head and star-ing at the stars while rain drops were falling on my head.”

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17FlightlineAIR FORCE May 14, 2009

BIRTHDAY BASH: 3CRU’s ACW Tahnee Crew (left) and 87SQN’s LACW Casey Gaul attended the celebrations at the RAAF birthday cocktail party at the Officers’ Mess, RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: ACW Amy Trebilco

TOP NIGHT: Above, WOFF Craig Morris and CPL Carol Morris at the RAAF Base Williamtown cocktail party. Photo: ACW Amy TrebilcoBIRTHDAY BOY: Below, celebrating his birthday, FLGOFF Joshua Garbett looks forward to his cake at RAAF Base Glenbrook. Photo: AC Philip Sharpe

REFLECTIONS: LAC Sam Davidson, from the 44WG detachment at RAAF Base Amberley, formed part of the Catafalque Party during the Air Force 88th commemorative ceremony held at Queen’s Gardens, Brisbane. Photo: CPL Melina Mancuso

ICONIC: CDR CSG AIRCDRE Noddy Sawade and WOFF CSG WOFF Simon Hall at RAAF Base Amberley after the base was nominated as one of Queensland’s top icons. To celebrate Queensland’s 150th birthday, the government released a list of the State’s top 150 icons. Photo: LAC Dan Pinhorn

PASSED OUT: Above, FLGOFF Tracy Roberts is congratulated by partner WGCDR Steven Rampant after graduating from 01/09 Initial Officers’ Course at Officers’ Training School. Photo: CPL Steve DuncanFUELLING AROUND: Right, 6SQN’s CPL Kim Wilson checks the fuel tank on an F-111. Photo: AC Craig Barrett

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18 Personnel AIR FORCE May 14, 2009

IF YOU have a passion for leadership, then the Air Force Leadership Exchange (LX) is the forum for you.

The LX is a professional develop-ment forum aimed at enhancing leader-ship effectiveness by giving participants the opportunity to openly share ideas and experiences with others of different ranks and occupations.

Any rank and mustering/speciali-sation from CPL to junior SQNLDR (APS4-EL1) with some leadership expe-rience is eligible to apply.

The applications are used to put together a forum containing a broad cross-section of ranks, jobs and experi-ence levels. This ensures you gain learn-ing from a diverse range of ideas and experience levels across Air Force.

Each LX is limited to 25 participants, and uses a supportive environment and action-based learning to address key leadership areas such as self-awareness and self-development, assertiveness, team building and communication.

Open-minded military and civil-ian Air Force members who can share and exchange ideas on leadership are encouraged to apply. Participants are expected to create and commit to clear, well-defined goals which focus on the continuous organisational and personal

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to visit schools and various community groups for young people to tell them about Air Force life.

It is part of a new community engage-ment program called “This is Your Air Force”, which aims to raise the level of understanding and interest in the Service.

The program has the strong support of CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin, who said it was not specifically designed to be a recruiting drive, but would no doubt have some influence on the future career decisions of those engaged.

“The original list of volunteers has come from the Alumni Visits List held by Defence Force Recruiting,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“While this is a good starting point, I feel we need a broader mix of jobs/

careers/backgrounds in order to demon-strate the diverse nature of the Air Force and, as such, I encourage more of you to volunteer for this program.

“The only caveat is that your supervi-sor approves of your participation as it will require you to be absent from the workplace occasionally.”

A visit coordinator has been appointed for each major region and will be respon-sible for managing the visits and volun-teers in their area.

“It is not my intent that every single community group within a region has to be visited,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“The number of visits completed should be based on what can be reason-ably achieved without adversely impact-ing the effectiveness of their individual units.”

ShowcasShowcasinging Air ForceAir Force

DEMO: Volunteers are being called for to demonstrate the mix of careers in Air Force to young people as part of a new program. Photo: LAC Vasilis Solomou

Who to contactIf you would like to volunteer for

this program, the visit coordinators are:

Northern Territory: FLTLT Emma Brown, (02) 6265 5477; emma.brown1@defence.gov.au

North Queensland (from Airlie Beach north): FLGOFF Lisa Power, (07) 4752 1702; lisa.power@defence.gov.au

South Queensland (from Mackay south): WOFF Michelle Foley (07) 5461 2218; michelle.foley@defence.gov.au

Western regional NSW (From Wagga to Dubbo and west to the border): FSGT Natilee Sargent, (02) 6937 4921; natilee.sargent@defence.gov.au

Northern NSW (from Newcastle across to Dubbo and north): SQNLDR Anne Taylor (02) 4964 6734; anne.taylor@defence.gov.au and FLTLT Amanda Norris,

(02) 4928 5488; amanda.norris@defence.gov.au

Canberra (and south-east coast south of Wollongong): FLTLT Diane Jackson (02) 6266 2773; diane.jackson@defence.gov.au

Sydney (and the east coast up to Newcastle and down to Wollongong): FSGT Vicki Lousick (02) 4587 3033; vicki.lusick@defence.gov.au

South Australia: SQNLDR Jacqui Carswell, (08) 8393 2272; jacqui.carswell@defence.gov.au

Western Australia: CPL Brooke Fitzpatrick (08) 9571 7266; brooke.fitzpatrick@defence.gov.au

East Sale (and regional Victoria): FLGOFF Amanda Van de Paverd, (03) 5146 7303; amanda.vandepaverd@defence.gov.au

Melbourne (and Tasmania): FLTLT Emma Brown, (02) 6265 5477; emma.brown1@defence.gov.au

Dates for 2009 July 27-31 (nominations close June 22).

August 24-28 (nominations close July 20).

September 21-25 (nominations close August 24).

October 19-23 (nominations close September 21).

development of values-based leadership. Previous participants have developed

increased self-awareness, identified a pre-ferred work style, improved their ability to appreciate and work with others’ differenc-es, increased self-esteem and confidence in managing subordinates, improved assert-iveness and communication skills, and provided additional benefits to their units when LX experiences have been applied and shared with other members.

Please note that travel, accommoda-tion and allowances for attendees are fully funded by the Adaptive Culture Program. Participants will be selected on the qual-ity of their LX nomination form which can be found at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/AFAC

Looking for leaders

19HistoryAIR FORCE May 14, 2009

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Did you know? Although the RAAF Wagga Heritage

Centre won’t be officially open in time for the base open day on October 18, a demonstration dis-play will be open to the public.

Air Force has a “One Museum” policy. The official guardian of the RAAF Heritage Collection is the RAAF Museum at Point Cook in Victoria.

Regional Heritage Centres like RAAF Base Wagga will focus on celebrating links between the base and local community.

RAAF Base Amberley has a similar collection.

By Andrew Stackpool

THE Air Force heritage display at RAAF Base Wagga is to reopen, fol-lowing an injection of $130,000 from Air Force to complete the building’s refurbishment.

To be known as the RAAF Wagga Heritage Centre, it will celebrate the long-standing relationship between the base and local community.

The Heritage Centre will be estab-lished at the former museum site in the old guardhouse building at the base front gate. After the building was closed, most of the exhibits were trans-ferred to the RAAF Museum for con-servation and safe-keeping; they will now be returned to Wagga.

The money comes on top of an ear-lier $200,000 spent to refurbish the building after the museum was first shut in 2001 for major remediation works and a further $75,000 spent late in 2008 to improve safety and disabled access.

While the work on the building was under way, Air Force commenced a program of community engagement. A community management commit-tee, known as the Wagga Museum Reference Group, was established. It is chaired by Deputy Base Commander WGCDR Karen Wood-Meyer and its

members include local Member Kay Hull.

The Group is examining working arrangements, timeframes for setting up and re-opening of the centre, and the recruitment and training of volun-teer guides and other staff members. At the same time, a public forum to discuss the various aspects of the cen-tre’s operation and way ahead, and to call for volunteers is scheduled for May 21.

WGCDR Wood-Meyer said it had been hoped to open the Heritage Centre for the base open day on October 18, but this would not now be feasible.

“[Now] the idea is to have an exhi-bition to show the concept of what it will look like when it’s all in place and the artefacts are repatriated from Point Cook,” WGCDR Wood-Meyer said.

“We’ve had a cast of thousands working like beavers behind the scenes, so it’s been a collective effort. We now have a viable option to offer to the public and we have a viable col-lection to repatriate.

“There’s a bit more work to do to get the collection in place but the building is ready for it, the traffic man-agement plan is in place and the risk analysis has been done.

“It shows real energy in the ADF towards engagement with the com-munity.”

Director of Air Force Heritage GPCAPT Dave Richardson said the public forum had a number of aims.

“The purpose is for us to explain to the public what we’ve been doing and to advise of the framework we have worked through on their behalf for a viable Heritage Centre,” he said.

“We need to let [the public] know what the plans are, what resources are available and what volunteer resources we’re looking for.

“Air Force recognises that there is strong [community] support for some-thing like this to celebrate those strong links between the base and the com-munity that go back to WWII, and we’re very pleased to be able to help celebrate that too.

“So, unlike the RAAF Museum which is chartered with safeguarding the whole Air Force heritage collec-tion, these regional displays have much more of a local flavour and much more of a local engagement.”

He said the Heritage Centre would provide the opportunity to focus on the good will and strong support which is expressed in Wagga.

“We’re committed to ensure that this works properly and well, and with the full level of community engage-ment.”

The RAAF Heritage Centre public forum will be held at the Wagga Old Council Chambers from 7-9pm on May 21. All are welcome to attend.

Heritagee returns

UNITED: Wagga base commander WGCDR John Herlihy (left) joins Wagga Mayor Kerry Pascoe, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Dr Mike Kelly, Member for the Riverina Kay Hull and local resident Geoff Auld in welcoming the new Heritage Centre. Photo: Wagga Daily Advertiser

ANYONE who has suffered a serious knee injury would be familiar with the months of rehabilitation required

for the joint to heal properly, not to mention the loss in fitness during the recovery period.

Sometimes the injury is unavoid-able like that distinctive pop of the knee from a wrong step during a fast- paced football match. But injuries due to incorrect warm ups and stretching or the wear and tear from running could be avoided with correct exercise tech-niques and strengthening of the joint.

The knee is a hinge-like joint and just like a hinge on a door, it is designed to move in only two direc-tions: bending and straightening. While there is a slight rotational component to the knee when walking, it is very minimal and only occurs at specific angles.

The following five guidelines may help you prevent serious injury to your knees.

Follow the design The knees are not designed to

rotate, so avoid activities that are rota-tion based. Knee rotations in warm-ups are a classic example.

This action places strain on the passive structures of the joint and does little to warm- up the active structures. Small-range knee bends, increasing in range of motion, provide a safer and more effective alternative.

Stretch don’t strain Avoid stretches that place strain,

like the hurdler stretch where you tuck the heels under the buttocks and lean-ing back to stretch the thighs.

Instead modify the hurdler stretch by placing the heel of the bent leg in towards the groin or increasing pelvic tilt when stretching the front of the thigh in the traditional standing thigh stretch.

Compound trainingWhen training muscles that sur-

round the thigh, train the muscles in a fashion that keeps them working together and avoid exercises that iso-late the muscles.

The leg extension exercise with heavy weights, for example places high stress on the knee joint and, due to the configuration of most machines, can increase force through the joint.

Compound exercises like the squat, lunge and step-up activate all the muscles that surround the knee joint.

Furthermore, by using the joints above and below the knee joint – the muscles that cross two or more joints – trans-fers force away from the knee joint.

With this in mind, these exercises, like any exercises, can do just as much damage to joints when performed incorrectly or with a load designed more to stimulate the ego than the muscles.

Keep the balance Depending on the activity, some

muscles may be used more than others and with time this can lead to muscle imbalances.

Muscle imbalances can alter the alignment of the knee structure, par-ticularly during movements under load and can lead to progressive damage.

An example common to runners is an overuse injury called patellofemoral pain syndrome that normally involves pain in and around the kneecap. Rather than give in-depth biomechanical anal-ysis of the causes of this syndrome, it is enough to say that one of the causes includes the knee cap being pulled out-wards by stronger structures.

Switch on controlThis is perhaps the most important

point. Following an injury to the knee, the controlling nervous systems can be

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switched off or miscalibrated – a prime reason why injuries tend to recur.

Even when the pain has stopped it is vital that physiotherapy treatment is sought and continued.

Not only are all the muscles required to work to protect the knee, they need to work at the right time.

The vastus medialis obliques mus-cle is the teardrop-shaped muscle on the upper inside of the knee.

This muscle is meant to activate with or slightly before the other three muscles of the quadriceps in order to align the kneecap so that when the stronger muscles pull, the kneecap moves in its correct groove. A com-mon consequence of knee injury has this muscle firing too late. The knee-

cap does not align properly and after a period of time you have another knee injury.

Apart from ensuring that the mus-cles fire on time, the speed that they fire is important. When straightening your leg, your hamstring muscles acti-vate to protect you from over straight-ening the knee and damaging the knee structures.

As such, the hamstring muscles must activate at not only the right time but, depending on the speed of move-ment, must activate fast enough to pro-vide a breaking force near the end of the knee’s range of motion. For more information, see your PTI or health professional.

PAIN IN THE KNEE: The chance of a serious injury can be reduced with correct strengthening techniques.

20 Lifestyle AIR FORCE May 14, 2009

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FINANCE

Keep identity secureSomeone has asked to use your terminal. Can they access your personal information? ASIC Chairman Tony D’Aloisio has 10 tips to keep you secure.

1. Always visit the website of an organisation by typing the web address into your browser

If you receive an email inviting you to click on a link, always type the web address into your browser or email or call your friend or bank and confirm the contact.

Be wary of emails or phone calls that supposedly come from your bank. Why? These may be phishing (email) or vishing (phone) scams which try to grab your personal details by taking you to a hoax website that often looks genuine.

2. Treat social networking sites in the same way as face-to-face meetings

Think carefully about what infor-mation you put on Facebook, MySpace and other places where you can meet and interact with others. Do your “friends” really need to know your date of birth, mobile number, employer or home address? Limit access to your profile to your close friends and don’t be tempted to add friends who you do not know.

Why? You would not give all your personal details to someone in a meet-ing so why reveal it online? Fraudsters can scour your profile for anything they can use for crime and they may be

able to obtain enough information to pass themselves off as you. They can also screen-grab your photo.

3. Disable pop-ups in your browser

Pop-ups are not only annoying, clicking on the pop-up message may allow others to download and install a program on your PC aimed at spy-ing or identity theft. They may even download a key-logger that records the keys you press and sends details to the scammer.

4. Make your passwords hard to guess

Use combinations of letters, num-bers and punctuation for your pass-words and change them frequently. Using any single word or easy number combination, for example your pet’s name or your birthday, makes it easy for scammers.

Why? Email is not secure. Scammers can intercept your email, find out your email address and guess your online email password. Never put financial information (such as account numbers, credit card numbers, PIN or passwords) in an email.

5. Always click the ‘log out’ button when banking online

When you visit secure sites

(such as your bank website or email account), make sure you always log out. Avoid using public computers for confidential purposes because even if you are logged out, the details of your activities are still stored on the PC.

6. Check whether the website is secure

If you’re asked to provide personal information, check that the details in the address bar of the browser start with ‘https’ (the ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’). It is easier for scammers and hackers to access sites that are not secure.

7. Check your credit report at least once a year

You can get a free copy of your credit report from credit reporting agencies. A list of agencies can be

found on the FIDO website. By check-ing your credit report you can make sure no one is using your name to bor-row money or run up debts.

8. Thoroughly check your account statements

Check that you have received all expected account statements. Follow up any unfamiliar transactions by con-tacting your bank or financial institu-tion. A missing letter could indicate that a thief stole the letter from your letterbox or changed your billing address.

9. Destroy personal information, don’t just throw it out

Scammers have been known to go through your rubbish in the hope of finding personal information. You

should shred, cut up or burn old bills, account statements or cards to prevent scammers from getting hold of your personal information.

10. Keep your letterbox lockedMake sure that you have a secure

lockable letterbox. Check the letterbox regularly and remove mail shortly after it has been delivered. Otherwise iden-tity thieves can easily steal letters from unlocked letterboxes.

Ask FIDOFor more information, including how to obtain financial advice, visit ASIC’s con-sumer website, FIDO at www.fido.gov.au or call 1300 300 630.

FOOLHARDY: Keeping passwords on scraps of paper is lethal. Photo: LSPH Paul McCallum

What should you do if you have your identity stolen?➤ Contact your banks, other financial institu-

tions and card issuer to report disputed transactions.

➤ Make a report to your local state or territory police.

➤ Contact a credit reporting agency and tell them that you have been compromised by identity theft and would like a file note placed on your file.

➤ Contact your local post office to check if your mail has been diverted to another address.

➤ Document the nature and timing of all conversations you have had in reporting the incidents to the various agencies.

➤ Contact any relevant government agen-cies or departments, including Australian Passport Office or Centrelink.

21LifestyleAIR FORCE May 14, 2009

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Storming the fortBy Barry Rollings

IT WAS a win that incorporated several firsts for LAC Steve Attwell when he contested the Defence 10km championship recently.

LAC Attwell made the rela-tively short trip in from RAAF Base Williamtown, where he is a sup-plier with 2 Air Transportable Health Squadron, to Newcastle to contest the championship, run in conjunction with the Herald Hill to Harbour Challenge on March 29.

It was his first attempt at the Defence 10km crown and his first look at the Newcastle course, where he finished first among the Defence men in 41min and 29sec.

“I was pleased with the win and surprised with the result,” LAC Attwell said.

“I am well aware that most of the top runners in Defence were away or unable to make the journey to Newcastle for the run. So, when the cats were away ...

“Not too many 47-year-old plodders get such a gong. I am well beyond my peak, so the time doesn’t compare with the past and I haven’t run a 10k of any sort since 2000.

“I thought I might be closer to 40min, if not under it, but the warmer weather and a lack of proper prepara-tion didn’t help,” he said.

LAC Attwell described the course as interesting, with a difficult uphill first kilometre.

“It took in Fort Scratchley which has some significance in Defence’s history,” he said.

“I got away well at the start and found a bunch of people running at the same pace fairly early so I stuck with them.

“I picked it up down the hill through the park and into the fort. Then I cruised the rest of the way trying to keep up with a couple of younger blokes but they kicked away over the last hundred metres or so.”

His expectations going into the event were to “just to enjoy the run, take in the scenery and do the best time I could”.

“I run most days as a matter of course and to keep my good mate Max Power happy. I built up running vari-ous distances (usually between 35 and 70min) over the preceding weeks, usu-ally running five or six times a week. But I didn’t do enough hills though as it turns out,” he said.

LAC Attwell describes himself as a sportsman all his life, so running has been part of his activities in some shape or form.

“But it has come along more since I gave up playing team sports many

moons ago,” he said. “I don’t do a lot of fun runs and races with the excep-tion of the City to Surf, as I prefer just to explore the world around me and running allows me to do that and maintain my health and fitness levels at the same time.

“I played soccer, Aussie rules and cricket as a kid and took part in school athletics.

“I never really took on running until the team sports phase passed and then I joined the Blue Mountains-Katoomba Athletics Club in 1997 and took part in

every season until it folded in 2001. My kids were Little Athletes with the junior club.

“I love the 1500m because it is the classic distance and Australia has a long history of excellence in the event. Anything longer feels like death on two legs.”

LAC Attwell plans “a dip” at the City to Surf again this August. He’s also considering having a crack at the ADF track championships when they come around next.

PRIDE OF LACE: LAC Steve Attwell won the combined men’s ADF 10km run during the Newcastle Hill to Harbour fun run. Photo: LAC Craig Barrett

$2000 raisedTHE Air Force Rugby Union

over-35s made off with the silver-ware – but charity was the win-ner when the Northrop Grumman Cup was played against the ACT Veterans’ Rugby Union Club at Duntroon.

The game raised $2000 for Legacy and the George Gregan Foundation.

The Air Force team, the Mirages, consisted of Air Force members from units as far away as Darwin, Townsvil le and Amberley.

If you are 35+ and keen to par-ticipate on the field or the sideline, contact SQNLDR Mike Bowen at michael.bowen@defence.gov.au

Women’s rugbyDEFENCE women players

will take their first steps up the representative ladder when they contest the Australian Services Rugby Union Championship in Canberra on May 23.

All three Services will be represented at Viking Park in Wanniassa at 1.30pm when a combined Navy/Air Force team will attempt to wrest the Mick Dunne Trophy from the defending champion, Army.

Calling golfersMEN and women golfers who

wish to be part of the 2009 ACT inter-Service Golf Tournament are urged to register their interest now.

The series is scheduled for October 19-23 at Mollymook Golf Club and will involve Army, Air Force, Navy and APS teams.

Teams will consist of 12 play-ers and two reserves.

The ACT Air Force golf representa-tive is: SQNLDR Mark Wilkins, mark.wilkins2@defence.gov.au or (02) 6266 4608; ACT APS representative: Col Eade, colin.eade@defence.gov.au or (02) 6127 6400.

IN BRIEF

By Barry Rollings

NOTHING but the best – that was the advice on which Air Force bodybuilder CPL Owen Batty based his recent World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Riverina championship successes.

CPL Batty, a PTI at RAAF College at RAAF Base Wagga, won the light-heavyweight and overall male categories in the open men’s bodybuilding competition at Wagga’s Civic Theatre on April 4.

CPL Batty had some good advice along the way from Tim Martin, winner of the Mr Olympia class three and overall amateur championship at the 2008 Natural Mr Olympia competition.

“I had been receiving a lot of advice from Tim over my dieting period of about 12 weeks and tried a lot of the things he discussed with me over email,” CPL Batty said.

Inspiration from Mr Olympia

“He was a great help throughout my dieting due to his vast experi-ence with all things to do with com-petition. As a result I was able to win my category and then went on to take the overall male bodybuild-ing title, competing against the other male category winners.

“The win automatically qualifies

AIMING HIGH: CPL Owen Batty poses with one of his trophies. Photo: WGCDR Ron Bossley

me for the Asia-Pacific titles, which will be held in Sydney in October.”

There will be little time for CPL Batty to rest on his laurels.

Soon he will begin his diet regimen again in preparation for the ADF natural titles, which are being held at HMAS Cerberus on September 16.

Ten days later he will contest the International Natural Bodybuilding Associa t ion (Vic tor ia) t i t le , where he hopes to qualify for the INBA Australian titles a week after that.

“The INBA Natural Olympia is also being held in Australia this year and placing at the Australian titles would land me on the Olympia stage,” CPL Batty said.

“Apart from that, I am des-perately trying – along with other members of the ADF – to get the ADF natural titles recognised as a tri-Service sport.”

Triathlon eightAIR FORCE has eight representatives in the

Australian Defence Services Triathlon Association’s 2009 Arafura Games team which will compete in the Olympic distance race in Darwin.

The games are on from May 9-17 and the Air Force triathletes are: SQNLDR Lee Guthrie, FLTLT Steven Edwards, FLTLT Nicola Hoey, FSGT Craig Hardwicke, SGT John Caples, SGT Rolf Just, CPL Marc Guilfoyle, CPL Peter Hughes. APS has two representatives in Jodie Barker and Christina Thorne.

ARMY beat combined Air Force/Navy 7-4 when players from Canberra and Wagga joined forces to con-test the 2009 ACT inter-Service Hockey Championships on April 2.

The match, played in warm and humid conditions at the ACT Hockey Centre in Lyneham, also doubled as a selection trial for the Defence Hockey Championships at Homebush in Sydney from May 30 to June 5.

Air Force/Navy scored two quick goals after the resumption to close the gap to 4-3.

Hockey team falls short

February 19, 2009

SPORT Inside: Attwell’s run to victoryMay 14, 2009

After 13 years, Air Force downs Kiwis in rugby

VICTORY VICTORY AT LASTAT LAST

THE Air Force scored its first rugby union win in 13 years against its New Zealand coun-terparts in Ipswich on April 23.

It was a tough and gritty performance dur-ing the Burn-Merz Shield competition and the 20-10 win stakes Air Force’s claim as a genuine contender for this year’s Australian Services Rugby Championships at Viking Park in Canberra from May 17 to 23.

Air Force will play Navy in what promises to be a cracking opening to the tournament on May 17 at 3pm.

Air Force then plays Army at the same venue on May 23 at 3pm, preceded at 1.30pm by the women’s championship game between the com-bined Air Force/Navy women and Army.

The Burn-Merz Shield, named after the first Australian and New Zealand airmen to die in combat, has been hotly contested between the Anzac nations since 2004, with NZ winning every year – last year by a resounding result.

Air Force were led by captain FLTLT William Scott and vice-captain CPL Bryan Hudson.

The home side’s rock-solid ruck and goal-line defence denied the Kiwis numerous scoring opportunities. The backline defence, despite some missed tackles late in the game, was perhaps the strongest it has been and was led by outside-centre AC Jeff Moate.

Attacking raids and a strong kicking game led by CPLs Hudson and Shaun Ward often found the Kiwis lacking out wide and allowed the Air Force to capitalise on resultant oppor-tunities.

The Air Force forwards dominated the scrums and maintained their composure and strength in the lineouts. Strong performanc-es in particular came from the front row of FLTLT Will Scott, AC Alex Chan and LAC Brian White, who worked their opponents tire-lessly in attack and defence. Flankers LAC Sean Johnson and CPL Richard Lucker left nothing in the tank with solid defensive games.

The win was praised by coaches FSGT Gary Anderson and CPL Scott McKenzie, who had only four days to put the team and a game plan together. Specialist coaching advice was pro-vided by Andy Tucker, who was instrumental in ensuring that Air Force got the most out of its available players.

For more information, visit www.airforcerugby.asn.au

FLYING HIGH: CPL Simon Aird from 36SQN plucks the ball from a lineout during the 20-10 game against the Kiwis in Ipswich.Photo: ACW Jessica Smith

WHITE PAPER

Defence Minister Joel FitzgibbonTHERE is no greater responsibility for a national government than the defence of the nation, its people and their interests. Successfully meeting that obli-gation requires sound long-term plan-ning, guided by regular and thoughtful assessments of the country’s strategic outlook and potential threats to our sov-ereign interests.

The last Defence White Paper was developed a decade ago yet the world has changed significantly over that period of time. The decade brought the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001, in the United States and subsequent events in London, Madrid, Bali, Jakarta and more recently, Mumbai.

Over the same period wars raged in Iraq and Afghanistan and fragility in Pacific Island countries grew more apparent. The nuclear ambitions of North Korea and Iran focused our minds, as did the prospect of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of non-state actors. Cyber warfare has emerged as a serious threat to critical infrastructure, piracy has re-emerged as a threat to maritime security and space is being used by more nations for strate-gic purposes. But the biggest changes to our outlook over the period have been the rise of China, the emergence of India and the beginning of the end of the

CDF ACM Angus HoustonTHE 2009 Defence White Paper, Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030, is a very good out-come for the ADF. It is exactly what we need to ensure we have the long-term guidance, planning and force structure to provide Australia with a military that has the capacity to protect Australia and her interests.

I am delighted with the capability decisions that have been made and the balance between the three serv-ices. This White Paper fully reflects the advice provided to me by the Service Chiefs and the advice I provided to Government.

Since becoming CDF in 2005, my vision for the ADF has been that we will be a balanced, networked and deploy-able force, staffed by dedicated and professional people who operate within a culture of adaptability and excel at joint, interagency and coalition opera-tions. This White Paper will deliver this force for Australia.

Force 2030 will be a joint force. Our single-service capabilities and systems will be bound together into a seam-less whole. Joint task forces will be the standard. Force 2030 will be networked. Maritime, land, air and the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance ele-ments will share information that will

Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030

A SPECIAL FOUR-PAGE SUPPLEMENT TO THE DEFENCE NEWSPAPERS

A positive outcome for the ADF

provide unprecedented situational awareness. Force 2030 will be balanced and flexible – a force with depth that is able to adapt rapidly to diverse tasks.

However, this commitment from the Government requires a return commit-ment from us all to improve the way we do business. The White Paper process highlighted hollowness and degrada-tion within Defence caused by the pri-oritisation of urgent equipment acqui-sition over less urgent but important parts of Defence. We have now reached a point where our information and com-munication technology systems, bases and infrastructure, logistics and other support services require immediate remediation.

In addition to this remediation, Defence will be undergoing a Strategic

Protecting our securityReform Program (SRP). The SRP com-prises a comprehensive set of reforms that will overhaul Defence, producing efficiencies and creating significant savings of about $20 billion, which the Government has agreed to rein-vest in capability. The reforms will be comprehensive and cover areas such as: capability development, estate, information communications and technology, intelligence, sustainment, logistics, non-equipment procurement, preparedness, personnel and operation costs, reserves, science and technology, shared services, strategic planning and workforce management. These reforms will generate savings of $3 billion over the next four years alone. I stress that while efficiencies can be found in sup-port areas, safety and quality will not be compromised.

These reforms will be carefully planned, led and managed on a whole-of-Defence basis. You will be critical to the process. We will draw on your skills, knowledge and commitment, and we will communicate regularly with you about how you can contribute and the changes you can expect.

This White Paper has been a lengthy, consultative and comprehensive task. I congratulate all involved ADF members on a job well done. The future security of our nation has been strengthened with the release of this White Paper.

so-called unipolar moment; the almost two-decade-long period in which the pre-eminence of our principal ally, the United States, was without question.

The 2009 White Paper was developed in the midst of a global recession. The Government has demonstrated the pre-mium it puts on our national security by not allowing the financial impact of the global recession on its Budget to affect its commitment to our Defence needs. This White Paper produces a substantial additional investment in the capability of our Navy, Army and Air Force.

Force 2030 is a balanced force, capable of meeting every contingency the ADF may be required to meet in the coming two decades.

I thank all those who contributed to the project. It’s an outcome that protects the security of all Australians.

AIR FORCE May 14, 2009

Joint Strike Fighter

Chinook Collins class submarine

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS2 WHITE PAPER WHITE PAPER 3AIR FORCE supplement – May 14, 2009

THE White Paper will ensure Air Force maintains its regional air superiority through the acquisi-tion of around 100 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters, along with the Super Hornets as a part of the bridging air combat capability.

Through the combination of highly-skilled people, multi-role combat fighters and assets such as Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, advanced weapons, air-to-air refuelling aircraft and command, control and surveillance capabilities, the Air Force will continue to offer air superiority, maritime strike, long-range strategic strike, offensive air support and close air support capability options.

Australia’s future Air Force will include a balance of conventional and unmanned aerial platforms.

White paper priorities for Air Force are:● About 100 fifth-generation JSF aircraft and associated weapons systems. First stage is to acquire at least 72 aircraft to provide three operational squadrons and a training unit. Acquisition of the fourth operational squadron of JSFs will be made later in conjunction with a decision on the timing of the withdrawal of the

24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet bridging air combat fleet.● Part of the Super Hornet fleet will be config-ured on the production line to enable them to be converted to the EA-18G ‘Growler’ electronic attack variant should later strategic circum-stances dictate.● Delivery of five KC-30A multi-role tanker transport for air-to-air refuelling will increase the range and endurance of combat and sur-veillance aircraft. These will augment Air Force’s airlift capability, with each able to deploy about 270 troops and significant quantities of stores over strategic distances.● Six new AEW&C aircraft will provide surveil-lance, command and control functions to other networked ADF platforms. The Wedgetail will transform air combat capability when it enters service from 2011.● Eight new maritime patrol aircraft, which will provide advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities as well as sophisticated maritime search capabilities. The eight advanced new maritime patrol aircraft will enhance the future anti-submarine warfare

capability of Air Force. They will have a signifi-cant surface-search capability.● Eight new maritime patrol aircraft will replace the AP-3C Orion fleet with a more com-prehensive and advanced maritime surveillance capability, supplemented by up to seven new high-altitude, long-endurance UAVs.● Enhanced air transport capability options through acquisition of two C-130J Hercules to bring the fleet number to 14.● Up to 10 new tactical battlefield airlifters with greater range, speed, payload and protec-tion measures than the retiring Caribou.● New and upgraded systems to collect and fuse air surveillance information from multiple sources to create a recognised air picture of the ADF’s primary operational environment.● Improved military air traffic control, naviga-tion and communications systems that will per-mit closer alignment of the national systems for military and civilian air traffic management.● The use of modern technology to deliver improved training outcomes through the appli-cation of high fidelity simulation and mission rehearsal systems.

ARMY in the 21st century will be equipped with world-class technology.

Significant funding will increase the combat power and survivability of the Army as well as enhancing its ability to operate as a modern networked, mobile and highly adaptable force.

Improving and enhancing a number of elements of the Australian Army, include:● A new combat vehicle system of around 1100 vehicles with greatly improved fire-power, protection and mobility, equipped with Army’s integrated battle management systems from inception.● Around 7000 support vehicles to com-pletely replace the various fleetsof wheeled transport and logistic support vehicles and trucks.● Improved mobility through the acquisition of seven new CH47F Chinook medium-lift helicopters. They will have improved elec-tronic warfare self-protection systems and maintenance arrangements.● Enhanced firepower through new 155mm artillery, both self-propelled and towed.

● .Army’s mortars will be replaced with a new and more capable system, and the Government will equip our soldiers with new direct-fire anti-armour as well as automatic grenade launcher systems.● Greatly improved communications and command and control systems for land forces.● The Army’s fire support will be augmented by the new Australian-assembled ‘Tiger’ Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters currently undergoing operational acceptance testing.● Acquisition of the MRH-90 helicopters will continue. Thirty MRH-90s will replace the Army’s Black Hawk troop lift aircraft. They will enter service with the Army in 2011● The Government will replace or upgrade the Army’s ground-based air defence system (currently based on the RBS-70 missile) with more advanced systems that will also include a new counter rocket and mortar capability to protect land forces from artillery, rockets and mortar fire.

Conventional land forces will continue to be based on three combat brigades (of

around 4000 troops) consisting of multiple battalion-sized units.

The growth of the two additional infantry battalions established under the Enhanced Land Force initiative will continue. The Army will be able to combine its combat and com-bat support units to generate 10 battalion-sized battlegroups tailored for a wide range of operations.

The generation of operationally-ready land forces will be enhanced by the forma-tion of Forces Command in Sydney, respon-sible for all individual and group training and in charge of the deployable logistics organisations supporting this process, along with a helicopter brigade comprising three battalion-sized units of reconnaissance, lift, and utility helicopters. Reforms being under-taken under the Adaptive Army initiative will be enhanced.

The Government has directed Defence to develop a detailed implementation plan by the end of 2009, ensuring that the Army’s internal balance and mix of full-time and part-time land force elements can meet these objectives.

NAVY AIR FORCE ARMY

OUR most basic strategic interest remains the defence of Australia against direct armed attack.

The ability to deter or defeat armed attack on Australia will continue to be the primary force structure determinant of the ADF. This means focusing predomi-nantly on forces that can exert air superiority and sea control in our approaches.

The Government has decided that Australia’s defence policy should continue to be founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct defence of Australia and in relation to our unique strategic

interests, but with a capacity to do more when required, consist-ent with those strategic interests that we might share with oth-ers, and within the limits of our resources. This posture entails the maintenance of alliances and international defence relationships that enhance our own security and allows us to work with oth-ers when we need to pool our resources.

In terms of military power, this defence policy means that we must have the capacity to: • act independently where we have unique strategic interests at

stake, and in relation to which we would not wish to be reliant on the combat forces of any foreign power; • lead military coalitions where we have shared strategic interests at stake with others, and in relation to which we would be willing to accept a leadership role, in part to compensate for the limited capac-ity or engagement of others; and • make tailored contributions to military coalitions where we share wider strategic interests with others and are willing to accept a share of the burden in securing those interests.

Defence of Australia comes firstAFTER the defence of Australia, our most important strategic interest is the security, stability and cohesion of our immediate neighbourhood, which we share with Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, New Zealand and the South Pacific island states. While we have a wide range of diplomatic, economic, cultural and other links with those countries, from a strategic point of view, what matters most is that they are not a source of threat to Australia, and that no major military power that could challenge our control of the air and sea approaches to Australia has access to bases in our neigh-

bourhood from which to project force against us.

Beyond our immediate neigh-bourhood, Australia has an enduring strategic interest in the stability of the wider Asia-Pacific region, which stretches from North Asia to the Eastern Indian Ocean. Strategically, our neighbours in Southeast Asia sit astride our northern approaches, through which hostile forces would have to operate to sustainably project force against Australia. More broadly, we have a deep stake in the maintenance of an Asia-Pacific regional security environment that is conducive to the peaceful resolu-

tion of problems between regional countries and can absorb the rise in strategic and military power of emerging major players.

Beyond our region, Australia cannot be secure in an insecure world. We have a strategic inter-est in preserving an international order that restrains aggression by states against each other, and can effectively manage other risks and threats, such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, ter-rorism, state fragility and failure, intra-state conflict, and the secu-rity impacts of climate change and resource scarcity.

Other strategic interests

THE 2009 Defence White Paper has focused significantly on enhancing Australia’s mari-time capabilities for the 21st century.

Over the next 20 years, the Navy force structure will include new major destroy-ers, frigates, submarines, amphibious ships, offshore combatant vessels, naval combat helicopters and other advanced enabling capabilities.

Key capability decisions for Navy are: ● Twelve new submarines to replace the cur-rent six Collins Class submarines. The program will span three decades and will be Australia’s largest-ever single defence project.● Equipping the three new Air Warfare Destroyers with the Standard Missile 6 long-range anti-aircraft missile. Should strategic circumstances warrant, a fourth AWD may be considered.● Eight new larger frigates, with an emphasis on anti-submarine warfare to replace the cur-rent Anzac Class frigates. They will be able to embark naval combat helicopters and mari-time UAVs.● Continuation of acquisition of two new

landing helicopter dock ships that will invigor-ate the ADF’s amphibious capability.● A new strategic sealift ship based on a proven design to strengthen the Navy’s amphibious and transport capability.● At least 24 new naval combat helicopters, equipped with dipping sonars to detect sub-marines at greater ranges.● Six new MRH-90 helicopters to replace the general utility service previously provided by the Sea King fleet, with a further seven shared with Army for common flight training.● Twenty new offshore combatant vessels equipped with modular mission systems that will incorporate the capabilities presently provided by the separate patrol boat, hydro-graphic and mine-hunter fleets.● Six new ocean-going heavy landing craft with greater range and speed than the aging Balikpapan class Landing Craft Heavy.● Replacement of the Navy’s oldest supply ship, HMAS Success, with a new replenish-ment and logistic support ship which will enter service at the end of the next decade and will be capable of carrying fuel, stores,

food and ammunition and be able to transfer this cargo to other major fleet units while under way.

The Government will also provide addi-tional funding for 700 positions within Navy’s workforce structure. This initiative will address the significant workforce challenges presently being experienced by Navy and will meet future requirements associated with the sig-nificant capability upgrades foreshadowed by the White Paper.

Navy has already announced its plan to increase the size of the submarine workforce through a new approach as part of the New Generation Navy strategy.

By providing targeted incentives for submariners that include training, adjusting crew numbers and formations, conditions of service, seatime and other initiatives, Defence will ensure that the current shortfalls are addressed, and that a robust submarine work-force is built for the future.

Combined with a range of recruitment and retention initiatives and strategies, this new approach will provide the basis for a larger and more sustainable submarine force.

PEOPLE are at the heart of delivering the Defence capability.

To support and sustain the current and projected future force and the new capabilities described in this White Paper, Defence will need to grow the full-time military workforce to about 57,800 personnel, and the civilian workforce, including contractors, to about 21,900 over the next 10 years.

Attracting and retaining the future workforce will be one of the most significant challenges fac-ing Defence, and the Government is determined to ensure that Defence puts the right strategies in place to achieve the required outcomes.

Government has directed significant new invest-ment in people initiatives.

The Defence People Strategy will seek to:● provide a compelling and competitive career;● offer professional and personal development;● offer career fulfilment;● provide a safe and healthy workplace;● recognise the critical support that families pro-vide; and, ● recognise the importance of Defence as a unique national institution.

PersonnelDefence will continue to seek new ways to

recruit and retain technical trades as well as key professional groups such as tradespeople and health professionals.NAVY: Funding for an additional 700 Navy person-nel will address structural hollowness, reducing the pressures on the current workforce, and ensure the Navy can meet the workforce demands of the future maritime capabilities. Navy will require a new approach to building and sustaining the workforce requirements of the new submarine capability.

ARMY: To build and sustain the workforce require-ments of the Enhanced Land Force and the Adaptive Army initiative, an Army Plan has been developed, which sets in place the force structure, disposition and numbers required to grow the Army and will be adapted to meet the needs of this White Paper.

AIR FORCE: The major capability transition over the next decade will mean that the workforce will need some modest growth and to be reshaped to meet the demands of new systems, processes and modern, flexible employment practices and will need some organisational restructuring to enable the significant level of capability enhancement described in the White Paper.

Pay and conditionsThe White Paper recognises that the long-term

strategic response to people issues must include adequate investment in people and their condi-tions, but suggests that an unbalanced approach that focuses too much on remuneration or too little on leadership in the workplace will lead to a poor outcome.

Over the next four years, the Government will invest in targeted improvements in remuneration, family support, housing and accommodation, health and rehabilitation and diversity. Measures include:● A new pay structure that provides more appro-priate recognition and reward for rank and skill advancement in the ADF has already been funded. ● Pay for trainees undertaking longer-term train-ing is being improved and a new trainee allowance introduced. ● The trial health care arrangements announced in the 2008-09 budget will be extended. ● The number of community development officers

available to help Defence families access services will be increased.● DCO will develop better arrangements to inform the immediate families of full-time ADF members on access to social networks and support systems. ● Defence will develop a simple, transparent and flexible package of housing and accommodation assistance options, aimed at reducing the number of anomalies in the current policies. ● Defence will reform healthcare delivery options to achieve greater efficiency and patient satisfac-tion. ● Primary outpatient and low-dependency inpa-tient healthcare will be improved. ● Defence will develop strategic alliances with state and private institutions to provide inpatient health care. ● Defence will implement workforce changes to ensure it has an effective structure to deliver physi-cal and mental health initiatives and services and other measures to reduce the impact of injury and illness. ● Programs to increase recruitment opportunities for women, indigenous and multicultural Australians will be implemented. ● Strategic reform will create an integrated, bal-anced workforce of full-time and part-time military, civilian and contractor personnel. ● Defence will work to streamline the transition between full- and part-time service during an ADF career. ● Defence must offer remuneration and conditions of service that address, among other things, fre-quent posting moves, housing, spousal employment, children’s education and family support.● Defence should consolidate and centralise like functions through the increased use of shared serv-ices for payroll and other functions, and improve

recruiting and non-equipment contracting services. This will be critically dependent on the implementa-tion of new information technology solutions that will improve administration and pay for Defence.

ReservesOver recent years, Defence has employed part-

time units in several operational deployments and large scale national security activities such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, APEC meetings and international VIP visits. Part-time personnel routinely undertake extended operational deploy-ments in the near region, such as the infantry com-pany group currently deployed to Solomon Islands. Critical specialists, such as surgeons and other professionals, also provide invaluable service to Defence operations on a part-time basis.

The Government is committed to a better inte-gration between part-time and full-time service in the ADF, and removing factors that impede the con-tribution part-time forces can make.

Further enhancements, especially to the High Readiness Reserves (HRR) are planned. Defence will also investigate a new form of part-time service based on workforce sponsorship.

ContractorsCommercial contractors have been used, in

some form, on all recent deployments. These have allowed ADF elements to redeploy, repatriate, reconstitute and prepare for subsequent operations. Contractors may be used in future for longer-term stabilisation and reconstruction operations.

4 WHITE PAPER

PEOPLE INITIATIVES

What the White Paper says about ...Future deploymentsIF, on occasion, the Government decided that it is in Australia’s wider strategic interests to undertake operations in the Middle East or nearby regions, such as those operations under way in Afghanistan, Australia would do so only after the Government had satis-fied itself that our forces have the necessary weapons, protection, logistic support, train-ing, combat readiness and force preparation to ensure successful operations with the least risk to our deployed forces.

Intra-state conflictINTRA-STATE conflict, such as civil war and conflict involving non-state actors, will be an enduring feature and the most common form of conflict in the period to 2030 and that the ADF needs to be prepared to play its part in dealing with such contingencies.

ADF deployments into situations of armed conflict short of conventional war may be required. These could be in the form of humanitarian, stabilisation, counter-insur-gency, peacekeeping and reconstruction interventions, such as we have undertaken over recent years in Cambodia, Namibia, Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, Somalia, Rwanda, East Timor, Solomon Islands, south-ern Iraq and Afghanistan.

TerrorismGROUPS like al-Qaeda and its associates will continue to employ terror across the globe.. The risk of terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia with a potential to affect Australian interests, or threaten Australians, will remain of con-cern for the foreseeable future. Islamist ter-rorism will likely remain a destabilising com-ponent of the global security environment for at least a generation. The capabilities of the ADF provide the basis for sophisticated counter-terrorism operations, especially where there might be a need for highly spe-cialised intelligence, surveillance and recon-naissance capabilities, or precision targeting and strike.

SpaceTHE Government places a high priority on assured access to high-quality space-based imagery to meet Defence’s needs for map-ping, charting, navigation and targeting data. It has decided to improve Australia’s intel-ligence collection capabilities by acquiring a satellite with a remote sensing capability, most likely to be based on a high-resolu-tion, cloud-penetrating, synthetic aperture radar. This important capability will add to Australia’s standing as a contributing part-ner within our alliance framework with the

United States, which will be given access to the imagery collected by this system.

Economic crisisTHE global economic crisis is likely to accel-erate some established trends such as the shift of economic weight to the Asia-Pacific region.

Fragile and vulnerable nations, particu-larly in our region, maintain few significant reserves with which to buttress their econo-mies from the crisis. Such nations may strug-gle to meet the demands of their citizens, and may be easier targets for foreign influ-ence in ways that might be unfavourable to long-term strategic stability.

The global economic crisis also presents the potential for extremists to seek to capi-talise on resentment fuelled by economic woes as governments struggle with dimin-ished revenues and are forced to cut budgets, including in critical areas such as health programs, food and fuel subsidies, or even counter-terrorism activities.

Climate changeCHANGING climate patterns, combined with booming population growth, will sharpen competition for scarce food, water and energy resources in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, and

are likely to exacerbate existing population and infrastructure problems in developing countries, straining their capacity to adapt and cope. Large-scale strategic consequences of climate change are, however, not likely to be felt before 2030. Countries in the Pacific may find themselves threatened by severe climatic events such as more intense cyclonic and extreme weather events. They may require external assistance to manage the consequences of climate change, and to respond to natural or man-made humanitar-ian crises or disasters.

Humanitarian aidDEFENCE will continue to provide a range of specialised capabilities on a scale and of a kind available from no other Australian agen-cy. These capabilities can also be deployed in support of regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

CostsDEFENCE will continue to drive down the costs of ownership of military capability. This will include greater use of simulation, a more active role for ADF Reserves, smarter mainte-nance and leaner logistics systems, improved information management, and, where appro-priate, a bias towards military- and commer-cial-off-the shelf capabilities.

AIR FORCE supplement – May 14, 2009