Edition 1282 May 24, 2012

TransitionUruzgan among provinces to begin move to Afghan-

led security from mid year

PAGE 3

THE THE RIGHT RIGHT

FITFITSoldiers trialling Soldiers trialling candidates for candidates for

next combat bootnext combat bootPages 4-5Pages 4-5

What does the latest Defence budget mean

for you?

Money mattersUruto b

led s

PAGE 2

Fitting in: Capt Matthew Dirago, of Duntroon, surveys the selection of boots being trialled to replace the in-service boots. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

Army May 24, 2012NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews2

The Soldiers’ Newspaper

DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

EDITORIALEditorJohn Wellfare: (02) 6266 7609Production EditorSharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612ReportersSgt Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614Cpl Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608Cpl Nick Wiseman: (02) 6265 4140 LS Paul Berry: (02) 6266 7606Cpl Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304LAC Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355Andrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 7611

SydneyMichael Brooke (reporter): (02) 9359 2494Bill Cunneen (photographer): 0402 155 220CONTACT USEmail: armynews@defencenews.gov.auFax: (02) 6265 6690Mail: The Editor, Army, R8-LG-044, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsADVERTISING / SUBSCRIPTIONSAdvertising managerTim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or 0459 842 551Email: advertising@defencenews.gov.auAssistant manager advertising / subscriptionsTrish Dillon: (02) 6266 7607Email: tdillon@defencenews.gov.au

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

ARMY ONLINE

http://www.army.gov.au

http://www.facebook.com/TheAustralianArmy

http://www.twitter.com/AustralianArmy

http://www.flickr.com/photos/AustralianArmy

http://www.youtube.com/ADFMedia

DEFENCE’S $971m 2012-13 budgetary cuts won’t affect oper-ational capabilities or military personnel numbers, according to CDF Gen David Hurley.

The cuts are part of measures to achieve a budget surplus by next year, with Defence set to contrib-ute $5.4 billion to the Australian Government in budget savings over the next four years, while saving an additional $3 billion to fund inter-nal activities.

Gen Hurley said although the cuts would be challenging, the business of Defence would go on

as usual with no cuts to military personnel numbers or operational requirements.

“Operations are our core busi-ness and Defence and Government have agreed there will be no impact on our current operations, including the provision of equipment for our deployed forces.”

Gen Hurley said there would be significant changes to the Defence Capability Plan with 10 projects being cancelled while other pro-grams would be deferred or subject to rescoping.

“These changes have the poten-tial to introduce additional risk to

the management of our transition between current and new fleets and the introduction of new capability,” Gen Hurley said.

He said the risks would need to be considered during the develop-ment of the 2013 White Paper.

“This is a tough budget,” Gen Hurley said. “It will force us to change the way we think about our business.

“Not cuts are easy, but we are convinced the savings chosen are those best able to be managed and absorbed.”

Major savings will come from the rescheduling of the acquisition

of 12 Joint Strike Fighters and the retirement of the C-130H aircraft. The reduction, mainly by natural attrition, of 1000 APS positions will also save an estimated $360m over the budget and forward estimates period, while $91m over the budg-et and forward estimates period is expected to be saved through the cessation of the Army and Navy Gap Year programs.

Want to know more? Visit the Defence Secretary’s homepage on the intranet or follow the links to the Portfolio Budget Statements on the Defence internet home-page at www.defence.gov.au

Budget won’t affect operations – CDF� Major Defence savings to contribute to national surplus

Defence Budget 2012-13Reallocated fundingSavings

$1.3b – Project already approved by GovernmentRescheduling, rescoping or cancelling a small number of projects, including a two-year delay in the acquisition of 12 JSFs after delays in the US ($900m).

$1.7b – Projects not yet approved by GovernmentCancelling a small number of projects and rescheduling and rescoping others in the Defence Capability Plan, includ-ing:� Cancelling procurement of self-pro-

pelled howitzer and proceeding with additional towed artillery ($220m).

� Defer later stages of JSF project ($700m for follow-on purchase of JSF in addition to the 14 already approved).

$1.2b – Major capital facilities programDeferring lower-priority ele-ments of the major capital facilities program, while main-taining funding for critical upgrades and enhancements.

$438m – Reduced administrative costsReductions in travel, outsourcing and consumable items.

$360mReduction of 1000 public servant positions.

$250mRetirement of the C-130H.

$91mClosure of Army and Navy Gap Year programs.

$50mDeferring full rollout of ADF family health Program.

$46m – Workforce policy changesNo impact on entitlements except changes already recom-mended in SRP.

$45mMinor capital equipment programs.

OUR uniforms are an important component of our identity as an Army.

As you may be aware from the special newspaper supplement, The A-Z of Army in the April 26 edi-tion of this paper, a review of our uniforms has been ongoing since 2009. The review had three phases, with Phase One and Phase Two now complete. These earlier phases result-ed in a number of changes, including making DPCU Dress of the Day. The last phase, Phase Three, is about to commence.

Phase Three will deal with our ceremonial and general dress uniforms (polyesters). It will commence with an online survey, which you are strongly encouraged to complete. The Survey will commence on May 28 and will run for six weeks until July 13.

Guidance to your chain of command accom-panies this advice to maximise your online access to the Survey. You will receive an e-mail on May 28 from me on your DRN account with a link to the survey. The survey will also be available on the Defence Intranet through the ASOD website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/asod/

The survey will take approximately 20 min-utes to complete. It will inform decision makers of your opinion on our general dress uniforms (polyesters) and asks detailed questions on accoutrements, placement of rank and design, size range, comfort and fit. You will also be able to comment on whether you are satisfied with our current uniforms. Each question is accom-panied by a free text box to provide you with maximum flexibility to provide your opinions in detail.

While Army’s development of ceremonial and general dress uniforms must meet function-ality and cost considerations, your participation will allow your input into our uniform identity and ensure Army takes your advice into consid-eration.

All officers and other ranks are encouraged to complete the survey to provide your input. The survey presents an opportunity for all Army members to influence our future uniforms and you will add great value if you participate in this process. The results will be consolidated and analysed after the survey closes on July 13. The intent will be to produce concept designs using the input provided by you in the survey. These concepts will be presented in a road show to occur in 2013, before the delivery of our next generation of ceremonial and general duty uniforms.

Maj-Gen Angus CampbellDeputy Chief of Army

Have a say on future uniforms $2.9b

Reallocated and reprioritised to manage inter-nal cost pressures for priority areas of invest-ment including:� $700m additional investment in Collins

Class submarine sustainment.� $550m for information technology remedia-

tion activities across Defence.� $400m for improved housing for ADF per-

sonnel.� $330m for relocation of Defence units from

Moorebank to Holsworthy.� $270m additional funding for Navy fleet sus-

tainment.� $220m for investment in maintenance and

upgrade of the Defence estate.� $160m for Fringe Benefit Tax liabilities.� $150 million for enhanced garrison support

services.� $70 million for further investment in inter-

national engagement under the Defence Cooperation Program.

Most of the $2.9 billion was reallocated from savings in the Defence Capability Plan and the Approved Major Capital Investment Program, with further savings, predominately in 2012-13, from across the general departmental operat-ing budget, including:

� Reductions in Navy’s operating budget, including a review of overseas exercises and other international engagement activities.

� Placing into temporary storage approximate-ly 15 M1A1 Abrams tanks and 100 M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers.

MASSIVE STOCK CLEARANCEMASSIVE STOCK CLEARANCEMASSIVE STOCK CLEARANCE

MILITARY SHOPFyshwick Canberra

65 Kembla St Fyshwick Canberra02 6123 2950 militaryshop.com.au

MILITARYSHOP

EVERYTHING MILITARYFRONT + CENTRE

OVER 300 ITEMS ON SALE UP TO 90% OFFSilva 54/6400B Compass Was $250.00Now $240.00Save $10.00

Silva 4-6400B CompassWas $129.00Now $103.20Save $25.80

Auscam Brit ZipNotebook Cover

Was $29.95Now $19.95Save $10.00

LeathermanWave Multi-tool

Was $199.00Now $159.20

Save $39.80

Army May 24, 2012 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 3

DEFENCE will conduct an inquiry after an Afghan boy was wounded during an engagement with suspect-ed insurgents.

Australian Special Forces were on a partnered security opera-tion with elements of the Afghan National Security Forces in central Uruzgan when the incident occurred on May 1.

The boy, believed to be 12 years old, is expected to recover. He is cur-rently in a stable condition at the Role 3 Medical Facility at Kandahar, supported by his father.

Joint Operations Commander Lt-Gen Ash Power said soldiers gave immediate first-aid to the boy and called for a medical evacuation to the Role 2 Medical Facility at Tarin Kot.

“On arrival at Tarin Kot, medi-cal teams stabilised the boy before transferring him to Kandahar for further treatment,” Lt-Gen Power said.

“The partnered force at the inci-dent site identified the boy’s father and arranged for him to be moved to his son – they are both in the Kandahar Role 3 Medical Facility and I understand the boy is in a seri-ous medical condition but is stable and he is responding to treatment.”

Defence will inquire into the mat-ter to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Child wounded in partnered SOTG operation

THREE SOTG personnel are recovering after being wounded during a mission in Afghanistan’s Northern Helmand on the morning of May 3.

The three soldiers and two Coalition members were wounded when an insurgent-laid IED detonat-ed mid-way through the mission.

Joint Operations Commander Lt-Gen Ash Power said the wound-ed soldiers received immediate first-aid after the blast site was secured, and a casualty evacuation was quickly organised.

“Two Australian soldiers suf-fered serious blast and fragmenta-

tion wounds in the incident,” he said.

Both have returned to Australia for further treatment and rehabilita-tion.

“The third Australian suffered minor wounds and is likely to return to full duties after a short period of recovery.

“Insurgents engaged the part-nered force multiple times during the mission,” Maj-Gen Power said.

During the mission, several caches containing narcotics and drug manufacturing equipment were recovered along with weapons, ammunition and IED components.

Special Forces troops wounded in Helmand

In recovery: Three SOTG members were wounded in an IED blast during a partnered mission in Helmand province.

AFGHANISTAN President Hamid Karzai has announced Uruzgan is among the next provinces to begin the transition to Afghan-led security responsi-bility from the middle of the year.

When the latest transitions are complete, more than 75 per cent of Afghanistan’s population will live in areas under Afghan-led security.

The MTF and SOTG will support Afghan National Security Forces as they progressively take the lead for security in Uruzgan throughout the transition.

The transition process can take 12-18 months, which will keep Australia on track to meet its 2014 or earlier transition target.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the Government would consider providing for Afghan National Security Forces after transition.

“We’re prepared to contemplate an ongoing presence of advisers, of trainers, and also Special Forces, but that presence would be very substantially less than our current, on average 1550 [member] component, which is made up by a large majority of our current mentors and trainers,” Mr Smith said.

At the Lisbon NATO-ISAF Summit in November 2010, Afghanistan and ISAF countries agreed that Afghan security forces would take responsibility for security by the end of 2014.

The pending transition of Uruzgan province reflects the progress made by Afghan, Australian and ISAF mili-tary and civilian teams in improving security and in the training and mentoring of the Afghan National Security Forces.

Mr Smith said the Government would continue with the Development Assistance Program after transition.

“We want to continue with capacity building and help-ing the Afghan Government so far as improving govern-ance and improving the strength of their infrastructure,” Mr Smith said.

“When it comes to matters military, we have said that we are open to continue to make a contribution so far as training and advising is concerned, and so, for example, we currently engage in high-level or specialised training.

“We’ve also agreed to a proposal by the UK Government that we join with the UK and also potentially Canada and New Zealand, and other countries, to engage in high-level training of Afghan National Army officers.”

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Mr Smith planned to reaffirm Australia’s ongoing commitment to Afghanistan at the NATO-ISAF Summit on May 20-21, announcing a $100m annual contribution to sustaining and supporting Afghan forces for three years from 2015.

Transition plan official� Afghan President includes Uruzgan in provinces to begin transition from mid year

Draw down coming: MTF operations in Afghanistan will continue as the transition to Afghan-led security in Uruzgan province takes place over the next 12-18 months. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

Project Management

Never Stand Still School of Business & School of Engineering and Information Technology

Master of Project Management

The Master of Project Management at the

University of New South Wales in Canberra

provides students with the opportunity to

acquire an understanding and advanced

analytical skills in the key areas required to

manage a project including:

– integration management

– scope management

– communications management

– risk management

– quality management

– schedule management

– cost management

– human resource management

– procurement management

Doctor of Project Management

On completion of a Master of Project

Management degree, a further period of

research (2 years full-time equivalent) may be

undertaken to lead to the award of a Doctor of

Project Management.

Modes of Study

Courses are available via distance or

on campus.

Program participants can tailor their program

in a flexible learning education environment

to suit their experience and background and

focus their studies in areas best suited to

their workplace and career aspirations.

Applications

Applications for session 2 close 20th June 2012

Apply online www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/pg_apply/

If you require more information about these

programs please contact:

Mrs Vera McLuckie

Telephone: +61 2 6268 8255

Email: seit.studentmailbox@adfa.edu.au Web: seit.unsw.adfa.edu.au/pm

CRICOS Provider Number: 00100G

CANBERRA

Organisations are dynamic entities that need to respond to changes in their industry, the

regulatory environment, the technologies they either deliver or utilise, and their relationships

with suppliers and customers in achieving their strategic objectives. Regardless of whether

changes are proactive or reactive, projects play a key role in successful change occurring

through transformation and innovation.

www.unsw.adfa.edu.auCall 1300 76 35 75 24/7

or visit us online at www.phatreturns.com.au

Defence Force tax specialists -We have extensive experience across all ranks and specialities, including:

� Members who are currently deployed or have served overseas� Members with investment properties� Members who have fallen behind on lodging their tax returns

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

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

Now the #1 tax agent for ADF membersMaximum returns - We know all the specifi c deductions, so you get a great tax return every year!

Army May 24, 2012NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews4

“Finding theSgt Dave Morley

SOLDIERS from across Australia are t r ia l l ing new boots to replace the in-service Terra and Zamberlans from 2014.

Clothing Systems Program Office has been hard at work with the Army since 2010 to deliver new combat boots. The Army’s guidance was that the boots must use prov-en materials and designs, be at the same standard or better than the lat-est Terra Version 5, and that suppli-ers must conduct regular fitting and training for ADF personnel.

The trial will help evaluate ten-ders received from a wide range of industry suppliers late last year.

Clothing systems program office director Col Haydn Kohl said nine combat and six cold weather com-bat boots were approved for further evaluation.

“All 15 boots were suitable to take to trial and any boot may be selected,” he said.

“The trial will play a significant part in establishing that the boots are up to the task and will fit the widest range of male and female soldiers.”

Project manager Maj Dan Hayes said many soldiers had seen and worn other boots and may wonder

� User trials underway to identify the ADF’s next combat bootwhy they were not selected for the trial.

“Boots were selected through the open tender process from tenders that demonstrated that they met our requirements. If a tender was not compliant or a boot was not ten-dered, it can’t be assessed”.

Dubbed Defence Trial 891, the trial started in March when soldiers from 1 Bde, 7 Bde, 17 CSS Bde, RMC and Socomd were fitted for boots. The fitting team, compris-ing soldiers from participating units with DSTO support, sized more than 500 soldiers, including 60 women.

“Getting a well-fitted boot onto a

soldier’s foot is an important part of the trial,” Maj Hayes said.

“Surprisingly, about 10 per cent of trial participants were wearing the wrong size boots before the trial.”

D Coy, 6RAR will trial the boots on exercise in Malaysia, while other units will trial the boots for 16 weeks, including on Exercise Hamel.

Cold weather boots will be tri-alled by Socomd and Forcomd per-sonnel in Australia and overseas.

Col Kohl said the ADF would wear the selected boots for the next five to 10 years. “So we need to choose well,” he said.

“Test data provided by tenderers helped identify that the boots were safe for ADF use, but Defence Trial 891 will put the boots into the real world to prove their compatibility with ADF equipment and suitability for dismounted operations.”

Director Logistics – Army Col Andrew Freeman said in-service boots continued to be suitable for their roles and would remain in use until stocks were depleted.

“There will not be an immediate change but a gradual introduction as Terra and Zamberlan stocks reduce,” he said.

... the trial will put the boots into the real

world to prove their suitability for dismounted

operations.– Col Haydn Kohl, Director,

Clothing Systems Program Office

Fitting in: Darwin-based personnel are fitted for boots as the trial team makes its way around Australian bases. Photo by Maj Dan Hayes

Wide range: Duntroon personnel survey the selection of boots available for the Army boot trial. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

Master of Systems Engineering

Never Stand Still School of Engineering and Information Technology

Compulsory courses (all four):

– Systems Engineering Practice

– Requirements Engineering

– Test & Evaluation

– Capability Option Analysis

Plus four elective courses.

Specialisations within the program are:

– Test and Evaluation

– Space Systems

– Electronic Warfare

– Networking

– Marine Engineering

– Weapons Ordanance

Entry to the program is available to

applicants:

– with a relevant first degree

– without a first degree providing they

have acceptable experience and/or

qualifications

– via distance or on-campus

Applications

Applications for session 2 close

20th June 2012

Apply online at:

www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/pg_apply/

Further Information

If you require more information about this

programs please contact:

Ms Pam Giannakakis

Telephone: +61 2 6268 9566

Email: seit.studentmailbox@adfa.edu.au

http://seit.unsw.adfa.edu.au/MSysEng

CRICOS Provider Number: 00100G

CANBERRA

The Master of Systems Engineering (MSysEng) at the University of New South Wales

in Canberra provides you with the opportunity to acquire high-level understanding

and advanced analytical skills in the key areas of systems engineering, requirements

engineering, test and evaluation, and capability option analysis.

www.unsw.adfa.edu.au

Andrea Evans, Director, is an Accredited Family Law Specialist and is one of Canberra’s most experienced, well credentialed and respected family lawyers.

If you need legal advice following the breakdown of your relationship Evans Family Lawyers can help you resolve your problem constructively and effectively, whether it be a parenting or fi nancial matter.

Contact Evans Family Lawyers today.

P: 6247 6147 F: 6247 3707 E: enquiries@evansfl .com.au W: www.evansfl .com.au

Separation & divorce

Parenting matters

Property matters for de facto & married couples

Child & spousal maintenance

Cohabitation & binding fi nancial agreements

Superannuation in family law

Child support

Domestic violence & protection orders

Suite 4, Level 4, 10 Moore Street, Canberra

Army May 24, 2012 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 5

best fit� Cold weather combat boots differ from

combat boots in that they are expected to perform in environments from five degrees down to sub-zero temperatures and are insulated and waterproofed.

� Sydney-based Redback Boot Company has supplied the ADF with 261,000 pairs of Terra V5 Boots, and 650,000 pairs of boots overall since 1999.

� On average, 125 pairs of boots are issued daily from unit Q Stores and cen-tral issuing points.

FAST BOOT FACTS

WORD ON THE STREET

Soldiers participating in the trial were asked how they felt about being in a position to choose the ADF’s next boot. Here’s what they had to say:

� “Hopefully our likes and dislikes are taken into consideration for the final outcome.” – Pte David Beecher, 5RAR.

� “By letting those who actually use it choose it, the Army will get the prod-uct they need.” – Lt Blake Bishell, 1 Armd Regt.

� “I am privileged to trial the new boots for the Army.” – Pte Toby Finegan, 5RAR.

� “It needs to happen more often with

different equipment, like pouches, eyewear and weapons, so the people actually using the gear can have a say in it.” – Pte Jordan Ivone, 5RAR.

� “The Army needs to conduct more of these trials at soldier-level to ensure we get the right equipment for the sol-diers of tomorrow.” – Cpl Ewan Jack, 1 Armd Regt.

� “I’m glad to be involved in the trial, as it allows me to have a say in the equipment I may be wearing in the future.” – Tpr Jared Nicholas, 1 Armd Regt.

� “I’m hoping I can make a difference and help future boot users.” – Pte Kasey Norris, 5RAR.

In-service Terra combat boots.

Trial combat boots.

Trial cold weather combat boots.

Getting the boot: Capts Matthew Dirago and Kelly Dunne, of Duntroon, try on new boots for the Army boot trial. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS 5

Transitioning to civilian life? Have your skills recognized with nationally accredited qualifi cations to open up career opportunities. You have developed skills that are highly transferable; why not get them recognized against civilian qualifi cations? AFS training

can step you through the process of having your skills formerly acknowledged to a nationally accredited standard. Determine which qualifi cation/s best match your skill sets

by checking the qualifi cations on line at www.afsi.com.au or choose from the sample qualifi cations listed below.

Have you spent time training personnel? Do you want to have your skills recognised and become a trainer in civilian life? You could have your training skills recognised

to become a workplace trainer and assessor. Attaining the TAE40110 Certifi cate IV in Training and Assessment you will have the skills required to train others as an nationally

accredited trainer.

Australian Forensic Services Training Company

For further queries contact AFS directly on vince@afsi.com.au or by telephone at 0403 692 101

BSB30707 Cert III inOccupational Health and Safety

PSP50904 Diploma of Government (Injury Management)

BSB41407 Cert IV in Occupational Health and Safety

PSP51704 Diploma of Government (Investigation)

CPP30607 Cert III in Investigative Services PSP51204 Diploma of Government (OHS)

CPP40707 Cert IV in Security and Risk Management

PSP51304 Diploma of Government (Project Management

CPP50607 Diploma of Security and Risk Management

PSP51904 Diploma of Government(Workplace Inspection)

TAE40110 Cert IV in Training and Assessment

PSP51804 Diploma of Government (Security)

PSP41204 Cert IV in Government (Project Management)

PSP60904 Advanced Diploma of Government (Workplace Inspection)

PSP41604 Cert IV in Government (Security) PSP60604 Advanced Diploma of Government (OH S)

PSP41504 Cert IV in Government (Investigation)

PSP40904 Cert IV in Government (Injury Rehabilitation Management)

PSP41104 Cert IV in Government (OHS) PSP41404 Cert IV in Government (Statutory Compliance)

PSP50104 Diploma of Government PSP41704 Cert IV in Government (Personnel Security)

10% discount for servingfamilies and reservists*

navyhealth.com.au1300 306 289* Conditions Apply

The natural choice for health cover

Army May 24, 2012NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews6

MORE support and recognition for indigenous soldiers is on the way with the signing of the refreshed Army Indigenous Strategy.

The Strategy Steering Committee Chair, Maj-Gen Mick Fairweather, flagged the development of the Army Regional Indigenous Network this year as a major step for increasing support.

“The Regional Indigenous Network will build on the success of the Defence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network by provid-ing an informal and fluid forum for indigenous members to contact, mentor and support each other as needed in their local areas,” he said.

An Army Indigenous Lapel Pin has been struck to promote the Army’s commit-ment to indigenous Australians and celebrate the long and proud history of indigenous service.

“Indigenous Australians have been engaged in all conflicts since the Boer War and continue to serve with pride today,” Maj-Gen Fairweather said.

“The Army is committed to increasing the numbers of indigenous Australians in its ranks, contributing to the development of indigenous com-munities and establishing its reputation as a culturally aware and integrated employer.”

Distribution of the lapel pins has been timed to tie in with this year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week – let’s talk recognition. The week, which runs from May 27 to June 3, is an opportunity for

all Australians to recognise the contribu-tions, cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The lapel pin was designed in con-sultation with Army Branding and indig-enous Army members representing a broad selection of ranks, service type and geographic location. The design shows the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag flying under the Rising Sun.

The pins will be distributed to all Indigenous soldiers to present to

their families and friends to celebrate the Army’s sup-

port of its indigenous members and confirm its continued com-mitment to improv-ing opportunities for all indigenous Australians.

Cpl Shannon Tann, a reservist

from JMCO Perth and one of the new-

est members of the Army indigenous Strategy

Steering Committee, said the pins would be worn with pride.

“They symbolise Army’s commitment to past and current serving Indigenous soldiers,” Cpl Tann said.

“They’ll be appreciated by family and also the indigenous veterans I meet through my work on the DVA Committee for the annual Indigenous Veterans Ceremony in WA.”

For more information on the Army Regional Indigenous Network or to request Army Indigenous Lapel Pins, contact AIS Desk Officer Maj Del Madge, dell.madge@defence.gov.au. For more information on National Reconciliation Week go to www.reconciliation.org.au/nrw

Focusing on recognition� Initiatives encourage indigenous recruitment

s Strait provid-

fluid s

brate istory

Indigenous soltheir fam

celebrport

mi

fan

est mArmy in

St i C

Heavy liftingEamon Hamilton and Capt Kris Gardiner

OF ALL the loads to be flown by a C-17A Globemaster, few are heavier than this.

On May 11, Army and Air Force teamed up to load an Abrams on board a Globemaster at RAAF Base Darwin and flew it to Shoalwater Bay.

The successful move marked the first time the tank had been airlifted in Australia, providing vital experience for Army and Air Force personnel, and real-ising a key strategic capability.

The 61-tonne tank from 1 Armd Regt was carefully driven up the cargo ramp and restrained to the cargo floor in a precise position, allowing the aircraft to remain balanced in flight.

Commander 1 Bde Brig Gus McLachlan said the airlift was an important milestone.

“It demonstrates the great capability now afforded to

the ADF and shows the Australian public that we have the ability to deliver our forces, if needed, with relative ease to any place we need them to be,” he said.

Commander Air Lift Group Air-Cdre Gary Martin said the Abrams was one of the heavi-est single loads which could be carried on board the Globemaster.

After disembarking at Williamson Airfield the Abrams joined the rest of 1 Bde to begin a series of exercises in the lead up to Exercise Hamel in June.

Feel secure and in control of your spending with our True Blue Credit Card’s 3.99%p.a. introductory rate,* competitive ongoing rate, low annual fee and up to 55 days interest free.

Call 1800 033 139 or visit your local branch today.

Def

ence

Ban

k Li

mite

d A

BN 5

7 08

7 65

1 38

5 A

FSL/

Aus

tral

ian

Cre

dit

Lice

nce

2345

82 (

05/1

2)

defencebank.com.au

Stay true to your limits with our True Blue Credit Card

4133

VALID FROM

GOODTHRU

MONTH/YEAR MONTH/YEAR

Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply and are available on request. Approval subject to satisfaction of Defence Bank lending criteria. Offer not available to existing True Blue Credit Card holders. *The introductory rate is applicable for the first six months, which then converts to the variable credit card interest rate. For current interest rates log on to defencebank.com.au

introductory rate*3.99p.a.

%

Army May 24, 2012 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 7

Cpl Max Bree

WHEN Capt Nichola Goddard became Canada’s first woman killed in action during 2006, the news was hard to take for Capt Géneviève Bertrand.

Not necessarily over the death of a female and fellow officer but because she had lost a friend.

“The way that impacted ... was because I had known her before,” Capt Bertrand said. “That’s more hurtful on a personal level.”

Canadian military sociologist Leut-Cmdr Karen Davis (retd) believed Capt Goddard’s comrades looked past gender when remembering her.

“Her colleagues prefer to remember the first forward observer officer, that called the guns, killed since Korea,” Ms Davis said.

Capt Bertrand and Ms Davis were part of a Canadian military delegation invited to Australia by CDF Gen David Hurley to share Canada’s experiences integrating women into combat roles.

The Canadian team toured major mili-tary bases from Melbourne to Townsville from May 7-18 and shared their experiences with staff at combat training centres includ-ing Singleton and Puckapunyal.

Support from unit commanders was the key to integrating women into combat corps, according to the visiting Canadians.

When the Canadian Forces introduced women into combat roles in 1987, the smoothest transitions were at units with commanders who fully supported the new role of women, Ms Davis said.

“In 1997 we interviewed over 30 women who had left the combat arms,” Ms Davis

said. “They talked about how commanders from different levels of leadership impacted on them.

“As soon as a leader shows any sign that a woman can’t do it ... or they don’t agree with it, that influences all the leaders below them.”

She said there was no massive influx of volunteers once frontline combat positions were opened to women.

“It was a challenge to recruit women into combat arms. But those they did recruit and the women today are highly capable soldiers,” she said.

The head Another member of the del-egation, Col Jennie Carignan, joined the Canadian military in 1986 and became one of her country’s first female combat engi-neer officers.

“I come from a family where there were no barriers to what I could do,” Col Carignan said.

“I had no idea about discrimination or ‘you can’t do that because you’re a girl’.

“[After joining the forces] you see the reaction of some people, that’s when you think ‘there’s a little bit of friction here’.”

As one of the first females in the combat arms, Col Carignan was well aware of ini-tial mistakes made in the early days regard-ing women’s sleeping arrangements.

“The reaction was to separate women from their sections or platoons. By doing that they cut them off,” she said.

“When we deploy to the field now the section members are all together.”

Today, women form 4.2 per cent of officer positions and 1.5 per cent of other ranks in Canadian combat corps.

Many lessons to pass on� Canadian officers tour Australian bases to share their experiences integrating women into combat roles

Leading the way: Canadian Army Col Jennie Carignan (left) and Capt Géneviève Bertrand were members of a delegation touring Australia to share their country’s experience opening combat roles to women. Photo by Cpl Max Bree

omen into combat ro

www.qpsig.com.au

Personalised Property

Investment Specialists

Littlewood Park4 Bed, 2 Bath, DLUG, 2 living areas - estimated rent $360pwStarting at $395,000

Investing in Your Future!QPS investment group offers high quality Investment properties. We also provide a comprehensive service that includes more than just selling you a property. We can help you with your finance and

structure your loan to suit your needs and we can refer you to very good solicitors. We supervise the construction of all our properties and maintain the highest standards in the building industry. Once your house is ready for tenants we will look after the property management for you as well. QPSIG

also offers a 15 year Rent Protection Plan for all of our investment properties.

REIQ Licence No - 3355877

Aust Army Approved Manufacturer

Ph: 07 3408 2444Fax: 07 3408 2679

email: unitplaques@bigpond.com

Over 25yrs of service to

Defence

Quality supplier Quality supplier of plaques, of plaques, trophies, trophies,

medallions, medallions, desk desk name-plates, name-plates,

glassware, glassware, hat hat badges, badges, general general

engravingengraving

Call John NOW

UNIT PLAQUESUNIT PLAQUES& TROPHIES& TROPHIES

Army May 24, 2012NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews8

AUSTRALIAN Superbikes Team Honda stopped by 1 Armd Regt at Robertson Barracks ahead of races in Darwin on April 21-22.

Pictured here from left, Tpr Joseph Pyke, Team Honda’s Josh Hook and Tpr Sean Hundy compare machinery during the visit.

Racing at Hidden Valley in Darwin after the visit, Hook went on to secure third and second place in supersport events.

His team mates Wayne Maxwell and Jamie Stauffer, who also visited, placed in the top six in their superbike races.

Bikers roll up on Darwin tankies

INNOVATIONS from members of 6RAR, Norforce and the Royal Tasmania Regt have been recognised with top hon-ours at the 2012 Defence Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Awards.

6RAR’s rehabilitation and return to work program, Capt Shane Sarlin’s revi-sion of the Norforce WHS Management System and Capt Adam Mahoney’s Royal Tasmanian Regt Cold Weather Package were among Army’s eight award win-ners announced at Fairbairn Defence Establishment on April 20.

VCDF Air-Mshl Mark Binskin and Director General Work Health and Safety Lindsay Kranz presented the awards, which recognise outstanding performance by members and units in creating healthi-er and safer work environments.

6RAR received a WHS award for cas-ualty management, making administra-tion and rehabilitation of wounded and ill personnel a key function of command.

CO 6RAR Lt-Col Mark Jennings cre-ated the reinforcement platoon facility for management, administration and rehabili-tation of unit casualties.

Lt Paul Nolan accepted the award on behalf of the battalion.

“A lot of hard work goes into rehabili-tating and reintegrating our soldiers and the CO sees it as his highest priority to get those members back into the battalion and back to work,” Lt Nolan said.

Capt Shane Sarlin, of Norforce, received a WHS award for consolidating parallel WHS systems into one system for the unit, reducing duplication of effort.

He trained 160 members including soldiers, sailors and Defence civilians in incident management.

“If we can incorporate safety, and safety management systems into the work that we already do, then everyone will do it as part of their normal everyday excit-ing jobs and we won’t even have to think about it,” Capt Sarlin said.

Air-Mshl Binskin encouraged an open WHS reporting culture within Defence.

“Everyone has a role in leadership to make the system as good as it can be,” he said.

Nominations for the 2012 ArmySAFE awards can be accessed through the ArmySAFE website on the DRN.

Celebrating work safety� Awards recognise top performers

WHS awards: � Capt Adam Mahoney, of

12/40RTR, for developing a cold weather package.

� Capt Shane Sarlin, of Norforce, for developing a comprehensive brigade WHS management system.

� 6RAR for casualty man-agement. Lt Paul Nolan accepted the award on behalf of the team.

Commendations: � Headquarters 13 Bde for

significant improvements in the awareness of health and wellbeing. Brigade commander Brig Stephen Coggin accepted the award.

� WO2 Warren Spires, of 6 Avn Regt, for his moral courage and ensuring the workforce was operating in a safe environment.

� 3 Bde for the Soldier Recovery Centre. Maj Stuart Baldwinson accept-ed the award on behalf of the team.

Recognition:� 1RTB for the safe delivery

of initial recruit training.

� Cpl Mark Parsons, 8/12 Tech Spt Tp, for the devel-opment of WHS compliancy and improving unit safety.

WINNERS

Taking the lead: Capt Shane Sarlin, of Norforce, received the Best Individual Contribution to Health and Safety Award for developing a brigade health and safety management system. Photo by LAC Bill Solomou

†Rates only available for new vehicles less than 1 year old. Different interest rates and comparison rates apply for used cars. *The comparison rate is based on a $30,000 loan taken over 5 years. This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates are current at the time of publication and are subject to change. Terms and conditions and lending criteria apply and are available at www.adcu.com.au. #Application fee of up to $150 waived for applications lodged before 30 June 2012. ^Terms and conditions apply. Authorised under NSW permit number LTPS/12/01872 and ACT Permit number TP 12/00889. Australian Defence Credit Union Limited ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL No. 237 988 Australian credit licence number 237 988.

9.90%†

Interest Rate

9.94%* Comparison Rate

p.a.

p.a.

Plus NO APPLICATION FEE for a limited time only#

Car Loan

For more information or to apply now enquire in branch, visit www.adcu.com.au or call 1300 13 23 28.

PPlluusss fofoforrr aaa lililimimimiteteteddd tititimememe ooonlnlnlyyyy##

Stop dreaming and start driving with an ADCU Car Loan

WIN 1 of

5

$500 F

uel Vo

ucher

s^

Army May 24, 2012 WORLDwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 9

Big projects in the works� The managed works team oversees major infrastructure development in Uruzgan provinceCpl Mark Doran

“WE ARE a unique hybrid organisa-tion, and achieving some unique out-comes,” is how senior project engi-neer Capt Simon Everett described his crew in Afghanistan.

The managed works team of seven Army engineers is helping deliver capi-tal infrastructure in Uruzgan to support development and governance as part of the Provincial Reconstruction Team.

The team of two project engineers, three works supervisors (who cover the various trades), a surveyor and a drafts-man are all based at Multinational Base Tarin Kot.

Capt Everett said the development in Uruzgan was aimed at increasing local capacity to deliver services and improved access between the provincial capital, Tarin Kot, and the district cen-tres for agriculture and trade.

“Horizontally, we are building roads and bridges and other support infra-structure such as waste water treatment facilities and solid waste transfer sta-tions,” Capt Everett said.

“Vertically, we are delivering build-ings to increase the capacity of local line ministries, such as the governor’s shura building being constructed in his compound.

“This will allow him to bring his district administration teams into Tarin Kot and increase his ability to deliver governance in a central setting.

Two major projects, the Sajawul Crossing and Tarin Kot roads upgrade,

were completed by Afghan contractors recently.

The main crossroads around Tarin Kot have been widened and sealed to an all-weather and high-capacity standard and a sealed road now links Tarin Kot and Chora.

The team is working on other big projects, such as the Tarin Kot hospital accommodation project and repairing the Radio Television Afghanistan build-ing, which was destroyed by insurgents last year.

Capt Everett said in the time the team had been working with local contractors, the quality of work had improved considerably and they could see it in the Afghans’ concreting tech-niques and general craftsmanship.

“We are trying to deliver projects under a Western methodology in a country with an undeveloped construc-tion industry, so part of our mission is to mentor the local contractors,” he said.

“This will help raise their standards and improve their techniques and proce-dures to enable them to deliver a higher quality product.

“We deliver projects in Afghanistan as close as possible to the way we would in Australia, so all our procedures and management techniques ensure the quality of works is as high as possible.”

Projects in Uruzgan are delivered within the overall security plan, which ensures they are constructed in areas where the Afghan National Security Forces can provide protection from insurgent threats.

Building bridges: From left, engineers LCpl Joe Culliver, WO2 Richard Lougue and Capt Simon Everett, of the managed works team, finish a survey task on the Sejuway Crossing in Uruzgan province. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

Army May 24, 2012WORLD www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews10

Cpl Mark Doran

OPERATIONS in the Dehjuy area of southern Uruzgan have uncovered the largest weapons cache found during MTF 4’s deployment and one of the larg-est in MTF history.

The cache was identified by the Afghan National Army (ANA) on April 17 during a 72-hour part-nered patrol.

The combined operation con-sisted of 80 ANA soldiers from the 6th Kandak and 42 Australians from Mentoring Team Six.

As a completely ANA intelli-gence-driven patrol, with an inde-pendently developed scheme of manoeuvre, the mentors only pro-vided advice when needed.

MTF 4’s current operations officer, Capt Don Baker, said the cache finds demonstrated the refinement of the ANA’s search techniques and was a key indicator of the development of their search capability.

“The first consequence of these finds is the direct impact on the insurgency by stopping these items being pushed out to areas through-

out Uruzgan and having second order effects as IEDs,” Capt Baker said.

“Second is the significant affect on ANA morale and we will see them seeking to lead more inde-pendent operations for more pro-

tracted periods without coalition enablers.”

There were eight cache finds during the clearance operation, with most found in areas close to waterways.

The last cache found, which

had the majority of the explosives, was buried one metre underground in a livestock pen.

Capt Baker said Australian engineers were involved in all phases of the patrol, providing mentoring support to the ANA’s search-qualified soldiers.

“MTF 4 also assisted in men-toring the ANA with back-load-ing all found items to Patrol Base Sorkh Bid before forwarding spe-cific items to the ANA brigade headquarters in Tarin Kot,” he said.

“The items will be used for future ANA ‘blow in place’ cours-es and assist in their future capa-bility development.

“This demonstrates that the ANA is now contemplating its allocation of resources and assets and considering what its train-ing liability will be for training courses.

“The success of the patrol is an excellent demonstration that the ANA can do the job, has further solidified the relationship between the Australians and the ANA with-in the patrol base and the positive effect the mentoring from MTF 4 is having at the coal face.”

� Three-day clearance operation results in one of the largest cache finds in MTF history

Afghan op yields big haulBombs and bullets: The large cache of explosives and weapons was found on April 17 during a 72-hour partnered patrol in the Dehjuy area of southern Uruzgan province.

Work pays off: Afghan soldiers survey the spoils of their efforts as the weapons and explosives are gathered.

www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews

INSIDE THE CACHE� 73 Type 56 Chinese RPG high-explosive anti-

tank rounds

� 56 82mm recoilless rifle rounds

� 51 RPG fuel cells

� 5 RPG-7 carriers

� 1 82mm recoilless rifle tripod

� 18 Type 72 Chinese anti-personnel mines

� 3 Mk. 7 British anti-tank mines

� 1 stack mine

� 8 unknown high-explosive mines

� 2 pressure plate IEDs

� 3 high metal content pressure plates

� 3 Chinese imitation Claymores

� 1 Russian M4

� 3 AK-47

� 1 .303 rifle

� 10,736 7.62 short rounds

� 50 7.62 rounds

� 100 12.7mm rounds

� A large quantity of IED components including detonators, fuses, wire and detonation cord

Hawkei. Fully networked to help you make the right decisions.

Developed to meet Army’s operational requirements, Hawkei is a high

performance protected vehicle - light enough to be rapidly deployed

underslung a CH-47 Chinook. Comfortably accommodating five crew, with

blast and ballistic protection integrated into the design, Hawkei features

scalable armour which can be fitted in the field in less than 30 minutes.

Building on the heritage of Bushmaster, Hawkei is built to save lives.

To find out more visit hawkei.com

Call or email Tory Thurgood to find out more

1800 248 881tory@rmapropertygroup.com.au

www.rmapropertygroup.com.auMajor sponsor of Defence SportsLi

cenc

e 25

0448

5

Supported by the State and Federal Governments

RMA Property Group have been advising Defence Personnel on property investment for twenty years!

“Buy an investment property where you will receive all of your normal

depreciation & investment allowances...Plus you’ll get back $9,524 from the government each year for 10 years.”

Let us show you how to:Understand how NRAS works

Calculate how NRAS could work for you

Select a suitable NRAS property

The National Rental Affordability Scheme or NRAS was launched for the purpose

of providing assistance and funding to increase the supply of affordable rental

dwellings, reduce rental costs to low to mid income earners. Eligible tenants

are determined on an income basis with the service industries such as police,

teachers and nurses targeted as potential tenants.

My wife and I wanted to invest in something to protect our financial future but we really weren’t

sure of our investment options. RMA Property Group sat down with us and helped us develop

a strategy that makes that future look secure. Thanks Tory and RMA. . Phil Mckay

Army May 24, 2012 WORLDwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 11

THE ScanEagle UAV has flown its last mis-sion in Afghanistan, with the Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aerial System taking over the surveillance role in full.

Joint Operations Chief Lt-Gen Ash Power said the ScanEagle had provided constant intelligence, surveillance and recon-naissance support to ground elements in Afghanistan since 2007.

“During that time the ScanEagle has made significant contributions to the force protection and situational awareness of the coalition force soldier on the ground,” he said.

“This was an average of 22 hours per day over the four-year-and-10-month period – a tremendous effort.

About 180 ADF personnel deployed

in support of the ScanEagle, mostly from 20 STA Regt, with elements from 16 AD Regt, Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation, 1 Topo Svy Sqn and 16 Avn Bde.

“ScanEagle has been the vehicle for the Australian Army to develop its UAV capability and the Army is now taking the next step by employing the Shadow 200 TUAS,” Lt-Gen Power said.

During its five years in operation in Afghanistan, ScanEagles flew about 32,000 hours in more than 6200 missions in support of the Reconstruction Task Force, Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force, MTF, Combined Team – Uruzgan and the SOTG.

Pictured inset is the last ScanEagle team after the UAV’s final flight.

ScanEagle’s fi nal fl ight

Cpl Mark Doran

MEDICAL staff from MTF 4 have been supporting and mentoring their Afghan National Army (ANA) counter-parts at Multinational Base Tarin Kot.

The Australian medical staff sit with the ANA doctors and medics for two-hour sessions twice a week at the ANA clinic and do mentoring based on clinical presentations.

The medical staff look at diagnoses, treatment and management with the aim of building the ANA members’ skills for looking after Afghan soldiers when inter-national forces draw down.

The mentoring also includes putting supply and medication systems in place through the ANA’s pharmacy chain and, where possible, managing patients in local external facilities and hospitals.

MTF 4 regimental medical officer Capt Anthony Sayce said he was fas-

cinated to see the friendships the Australians had formed with the Afghans as they learnt about each others’ cultures.

“Our rapport with the ANA was soon established once they realised where our sense of humour was and this allowed us to talk more freely to discuss cases,” Capt Sayce said.

“In the three months I have been here we have seen some important steps forward, particularly in the approach to diagnosing clinical conditions and how we could empower the ANA to manage them in the future.

“There are also some interesting presentations we don’t typically see in Australia such as the eye and skin con-ditions, infectious diseases and battle-related traumas.

“The flow of knowledge goes both ways and one of the things I have learnt, apart from patience, is about relying on clinical skills and listening to each indi-vidual patient’s story.”

Medics mentor� Aussie doctors work with Afghans

Medical matters: Afghan doctor Capt Ahmad Farid (left) and MTF 4 RMO Capt Anthony Sayce discuss ANA Sgt Fazal Rahman’s condition at Multinational Base Tarin Kot’s Afghan clinic.Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

for

1300 112 769

www.armyleasing.com.au

There’s been a change in the rules for salary

packaging a car – which means you can now

access the savings available from taking up a

novated lease even if you don’t drive very much,

or aren’t a high income earner.

* ^ www.armyleasing.com.au

Now anyone can save by salary packaging a car.

^

Apply today and receive a $100 Gift Card

Official and Exclusive

salary packaging

provider for the

Department of Defence

Helping you own your home sooner with...the lowest standard variable DHOAS rate*.

Terms and Conditions, Fees and Charges and lending criteria apply. *The ADCU DHOAS Value Home Loan has had the lowest standard variable DHOAS Home Loan rate from 16 February 2012 to 24 May 2012 . Visit dhoas.adcu.com.au for more details. ^Application fee of up to $400 waived for applications lodged before 29 June 2012. Australian Defence Credit Union Limited ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL No. 237 988. Australian credit licence number 237 988.

Talk to someone who will put your needs first.

CCCOMPETITIVE

Go to dhoas.adcu.com.au, call 1300 2 DHOAS or visit your local branch.

Army May 24, 2012 WORLDwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 13

Afghans put skills to test� A team of Afghan soldiers prove they can hold their own in a military skills competition with AustraliansLeut Nikola Johnson

AN AFGHAN National Army (ANA) team won a collective train-ing activity with Australian troops at Multinational Base Tarin Kot last month.

Members of MTF 4’s Operational Mentor and Leadership Team joined forces with the ANA to run the collec-tive training activity.

The training exercise included five teams from the OMLT, a team from Combined Team – Uruzgan and a team from the ANA.

The teams were put through a kit check, the correct application of a tourniquet, a stretcher carry, a 5km route march and a range shoot.

Teams had points deducted if com-ponents of their kit were missing and for failing to apply the correct marks-manship principles during the range shoot.

Capt Craig Armitage, of MTF 4, said the activity was a sign of unity between the two forces.

“The purpose of today’s event was to mentor the ANA in a collec-tive training activity and to enhance the current relationship we have with them, with joint participation in a small-team environment,” he said.

ANA Sgt Muhiullah said he enjoyed the competition.

“These drills were very good. This is very good for our operations with coalition partners,” he said.

“We are really happy about coali-tion forces and especially Australian forces. They are really here in Afghanistan to help the Afghan people

and we have a very good relationship going on patrols with them.”

OMLT OC Maj Phil Whitehead complimented the Afghan soldiers on

their leadership, teamwork, endurance and determination – qualities he said were essential for soldiers to succeed on the battlefield.

The winning Afghan team mem-bers were each awarded a certificate and a compass for their efforts in the competition.

Carrying their weight: Afghan and Australian troops compete side by side in a stretcher carry during the training activity at Multinational Base Tarin Kot in Afghanistan. Photo by Cpl Melina Mancuso

CONTACT

info@dha.gov.au

139 DHA (139 342)

www.dha.gov.au

Your housing updateDefence Housing Australia

Are you discharging from the

ADF?

If you are discharging from the ADF you’re probably already thinking about where you and your family will live.

It’s important you notify Defence Housing Australia (DHA) of your circumstances, and the dates of your discharge (and any subsequent changes), so we can manage your housing correctly.

If you secure a rental property in your discharge location, you can receive Rent Allowance (RA) until the date of your discharge.

What is RA?

RA subsidises the cost of renting a property in the private rental market.

The allowance can be paid to you to help cover the cost of rent. Your RA entitlement is determined by conditions set by the Department of Defence, and you can check it with DHA.

Here’s what to do

If you’re discharging from the ADF you need to inform DHA in writing at least 28 days before you discharge and let us know if anything changes.

The conditions of Rent Allowance for discharging members are detailed in PACMAN, volume 2, chapter 7, part 6, paragraph 7.6.29.

Did you know you can you

RA online at www.dha.gov.au?

>

Army May 24, 2012WORLD www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews14

Cpl Mark Doran

AUSTRALIAN medics working with the trauma teams at the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit (MMU) at Kandahar Air Field have been refining their emergency trauma skills with the US Navy.

Sgt Leigh Willis, of FSU 6, and Cpl Brad Passmore, of Rotary Wing Group, work with the US Navy trauma teams every four days for a 24-hour shift.

The MMU has been supported by a multinational team of top medical professionals from coalition nations whose primary role is to provide the highest medical care to personnel injured in combat operations in southern Afghanistan.

A survival rate of 98 per cent for coalition casualties has been achieved and sustained by the Role 3 facility’s medical staff.

Sgt Willis said their normal roles at Kandahar Air Field included providing level-one health support with a doctor and a nurse at the Camp Baker RAP for military and civilian personnel, and environmental health support.

“The trauma teams are led by an emergency physician and consist of two nurses, two US Navy corpsmen and an Australian Army medic,” Sgt Willis said.

The MMU has 12 trauma bays and a trauma team can respond at any time to numerous casualties based on their categories.

If multiple category A patients arrive, another six trauma teams can be called in before supplementary teams need to be formed.

An average of 341 trauma casualties are admitted to the MMU each month.

Sgt Willis said it was fantastic to be working with a US Navy trauma team, as it was increasing his working knowl-edge and experience.

“The highlight of this deployment is working in a facility which provides an amazing capability – you wouldn’t find something similar in a civilian hospital,” he said.

“Recently we had an unfortunate occurrence with the loss of a US sol-dier from a significant injury and being involved in the repatriation and the hos-pital honour guard was an eye opening understanding of the way the US reacts.

“I haven’t found too many chal-lenges other than the medical facility is much larger than the Role 2 facility in Tarin Kot, which means there are a lot more medical staff standing behind the red line wanting to be involved.”

The three most common battle casu-alties seen at the medical facility are blast injuries resulting in amputation, head injuries resulting in brain trau-ma and ballistic injuries from gunshot wounds.

Of the trauma admissions, 52 per cent are caused by improvised explosive devices and 38 per cent are from gun-shot wounds.

Trauma teams also attend to vari-ous non-battle casualties that would be expected on a base that is home to more than 30,000 soldiers and civilians.

Cpl Passmore said it was a privilege to be working in the MMU and a huge responsibility.

“My deployment has been fantas-tic, I love every second working in this facility and I get to see a lot of different battle injuries so the experience I am getting is phenomenal,” Cpl Passmore said.

“The most challenging part of work-ing here is witnessing a coalition death. You could go and dwell on the experi-ence but I found it helps to talk to your mates.

“The biggest day we had when I was here was when we had several category A [highest priority] casualties come in.

“I was very conscious of my work at the time.

“I would recommend this work to all Australian Army medics who are interested and want to help, as the expe-rience here will last forever.”

On call at Kandahar’s Role 3 unit� Aussie medics work in major military hospital

Help at hand: Medic Sgt Lee Willis is based at the Camp Baker RAP at Kandahar Air Field and works on rotation with US Navy trauma teams at the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit. Photos by Cpl Melina Mancuso

Medical emergency: The Role 3 facility receives and treats the most severe trauma casualties in southern Afghanistan. Photos by Cpl Melina Mancuso

Call us on 1300 738 601www.fl eetnetwork.com.au Lease Package Save

Buy a new car with your Pre-Tax Salary Limited Offer*

$200 Fuel Voucher or Roadside Assistance

(Roadside Advantage) for the length of your

initial lease (up to a maximum of 5 years)

with a retail value of $286.20

Pay no GST on the purchase price of your new car

Pay no GST on your fuel, services, tyres and insurance.

Pick the car you want - it’s your choice·

You receive national fl eet discount on the price of your car.

One easy monthly payment

and save thousands $$$$

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

Army May 24, 2012 WORLDwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 15

Cpl Nick Wiseman

AUSTRALIA will support Papua New Guinea in the lead up to national elec-tions in June, Defence Minister Stephen Smith announced during an Anzac Day visit to Australia’s northern neighbour.

Speaking at a media conference, Mr Smith said Australia would provide two civilian helicopters to help with trans-port during the election.

“This will also form the basis for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force long-er-term aviation capability,” he said.

Also visiting the country for Anzac Day was CA Lt-Gen David Morrison, who met with Papua New Guinea’s Defence Force commander and Secretary for Defence at Murray Barracks.

Lt-Gen Morrison also watched a demonstration at the 1st Bn Royal Pacific Islands Regt at Taurama Barracks.

He said the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea was vitally important to both countries.

“We’ve had a strong relationship with Papua New Guinea for more than 100 years,” he said.

“The relationship between the Australian Army and Papua New Guinea Defence Force is also very strong and will continue with further training activities planned over the next couple of years.”

Support for close neighbour

Cadet’s top honour� Senior CUO joins CA in Papua New Guinea to carry 39th Battalion bannerCpl Nick Wiseman

THE 39th Battalion banner was held high with pride by an Army Cadet during Anzac Day in Papua New Guinea.

CUO Nicholas Dolling, of the Southport School Army Cadet Unit, accompanied CA Lt-Gen David Morrison and four veterans from the Kokoda campaign.

CUO Dolling said he had been excited about the trip since receiving his invitation and thought it would be an amazing opportunity.

“I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen,” he said.

“I was told I’d be travelling to Papua New Guinea with the CA and his staff and be the custodian for the 39th Battalion banner.”

Up early for the dawn service, CUO Dolling was impressed with the service at the Bomana War Cemetery.

At the completion of the dawn ser-vice, he then accompanied the CA on a trip to Isurava on the Kokoda Track, flying across Papua New Guinea by helicopter.

He said he felt proud to be Australian after seeing the crowd’s warm welcome as the World War II veterans stepped from the helicopter.

“Seeing the veterans back at Kokoda and the welcome they received was quite an experience,” he said.

“It was really nice being up there with the veterans.”

Lt-Gen Morrison said it was a great idea to include someone from the next generation on the visit for the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign.

“We approached the school and asked for the senior cadet under officer

to be released to accompany the veter-ans and myself to Papua New Guinea,” he said.

“The Southport school had a very strong cadet unit and were the custodi-ans of the 39th Battalion banner.”

Looking back on his visit to Papua New Guinea, CUO Dolling said he would be back to visit in the future.

“I’m looking to continue my ser-vice and join the Army in the future, in what capacity though I’m not sure yet.”

Heritage: CUO Nicholas Dolling, of the Southport School Army Cadet Unit, proudly carries the 39th Battalion banner during his visit to Papua New Guinea for Anzac Day. Photo by Cpl Nick Wiseman

Army May 24, 2012 CENTREPIECEwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews16 17

Cpl Max Bree

THE East Timor International Stabilisation Force’s Anzac Coy has the next best thing to a local in its

ranks.Pte Nigel Piedade, born in Australia to

Timorese parents, is fluent in Tetum and has been known to catch the locals off guard.

“Some are surprised and some don’t believe it at first,” he said. “But it’s much easier to communicate.”

Although he hadn’t been to Dili for some time, Pte Piedade said it was hard not to notice how far the city had come.

“I know for a fact it wasn’t this well built back around 1994-95.”

And his Timorese parents were more than happy to see him deployed to their old home.

“They’re over the moon. In part because they’d rather me here than in Afghanistan,” he said.

“But that’s the same as everyone’s par-ents I’m guessing.”

Pte Jared Snoxell arrived at RAAF Base Laverton geared-up and ready for a deploy-ment to East Timor, but his mum wasn’t let-ting him go easily.

“She got a bit upset but I think that’s just what mums do,” he said. “When I hopped out at Laverton she turned on the water works.”

And after he’d been serving with Anzac Coy’s 2 Platoon for three months, Pte Snoxell’s mum was still eager for news of her boy.

“I hadn’t called her for I think a week and I got a nasty email saying ‘why haven’t you rang?’”

Pte Snoxell, a 24-year-old builder, and 82 other Melbourne-based reservists from 5/6RVR have formed two platoons of the Anzac company that offers support to the East Timorese government.

Country Victorians from 8/7RVR and a platoon of New Zealanders round out Anzac Coy’s complement of riflemen who also provide security for key assets in East Timor.

“I’ve been in the building industry since I was 16,” Pte Snoxell said. “It’s probably just the right time in my life to do some-thing like this.

“But it’s tough being away from your normal life – [being unable to] hop in your car or just do whatever you want, like going to Vegas.”

The relative calm in Dili has resulted in a slowing of Anzac Coy’s tempo.

And while promotion courses and gym training fill some downtime, self appointed morale officer Pte Tim Clark steps in to fill the rest.

Pte Clark, 21, claims to go by the name Lord Timothy Grey Clarke after buying 10 square feet of an estate in Scotland as part of a conservation effort.

“[The owner] found a loophole in Scottish law that said if you own one square foot of land, you get to be a lord,” he said.

After receiving a pink t-shirt featuring teen pop-music idol Justin Bieber in the mail, Pte Clark made sure it wouldn’t go to waste.

“My dad sent me the t-shirt as a joke,” he said. “So I ripped the sleeves off and wear it while I’m lifting weights in the gym.

“I get some pretty strange looks.”

Cpl Max Bree tags along with an Anzac Coy section undertaking a community engagement patrol south of Dili and learns a few things about local attitudes towards Australian soldiers and soccer.

THE calm on a dusty Dili street is broken as excited children emerge and swarm our four man patrol.

Yelling “Mister! Mister!” smiling kids race to high-five diggers, pose for photos and hassle the soldiers of 2 Platoon’s 5 Section until they see their picture on the camera’s screen.

I’d joined the soldiers on a communi-ty engagement patrol, sent by Anzac Coy to keep in touch with the local people.

Or as 5 Section’s commander, Cpl Troy McCann, puts it, to get a feel for the “atmosphere of the place”.

The patrol is tasked to see if, among other things, locals are happy with the security situation, how the community is going and how their living conditions are overall.

“They always ask us to do more patrols,” Cpl McCann said. “Australians have got a very good reputation and they like to see Australian soldiers here.”

But Cpl McCann said it was now the job of the East Timorese police patrols to keep the communities safe.

Before deploying Cpl McCann did a three-month course in the Timorese language Tetum and had plenty of oppor-tunity to practice with the locals.

“If you make a mistake, they’ll try and help you out,” he said. “They don’t laugh at you. I think they like the fact you just have a go.”

The smiles and photos are a long way from the scenes of chaos in 2006 that prompted the redeployment of Australian forces to East Timor on Operation Astute.

Although Dili today is not without

Meet the boys

problems, including high youth unem-ployment, fiery political rivalries and martial arts gangs, stability has largely been restored to East Timor.

A government ban on martial arts gangs training may have helped the peaceful lead-up to the election and presi-dential voting on March 17.

“That doesn’t stop all violence,” Cpl

McCann said. “But I’ve never seen any trouble whenever I’ve been out.”

As we move on, one of the kids runs ahead and continues to demand my atten-tion, since I carry the biggest and coolest camera.

He pushes his little brother out of the camera shot and strikes several poses to show off his red Portuguese soccer jersey

with “C. Ronaldo” printed across the back.

The children eventually disappear and we continue our patrol.

But as we arrive back at the vehicle 30 minutes later we see “Ronaldo” and 20 of his little mates swarming over the rest of 5 Section, striking poses and demanding to see their pictures.

Tight group: Pte Callum

Pritchett (left) and Pte Nigel

Piedade clean weapons while

serving with Anzac Coy in

East Timor. Inset, Pte Tim

Clark shows off during

company PT.Photos by

Cpl Max Bree

Swamped: Pte Alex O’ Keeffe plays with the

local kids during an Anzac Coy patrol.

On the mend: Members of Anzac Coy fix a makeshift soccer goal in Dili.

Reaching out: Cpl Troy McCann chats with English teacher Celestino Soares Belo during a Dili patrol.

Why novate with anyone else?

1st for service

1st for choice

1st for price

1st for innovation

“

Army May 24, 2012 FEATURESwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 19

Upholding the tradition

CAPT Justin McBurney deployed to Afghanistan with a Bible that has gone to war with his family for five

generations.Inscribed by its past custodians, the

small, fragile relic is kept safe and secure by the 16 AL Regt officer on his deploy-ment with Combined Team – Uruzgan.

Before Federation, the NSW Government issued copies of the Soldier’s New Testament to contin-gents deploying to the Boer War.

Capt McBurney’s great, great uncle, Tpr Alfred Maxwell, served with the NSW Mounted Rifles and was issued the Bible before he sailed to South Africa in 1900.

The Bible was passed to his son, Pte Alfred E. Maxwell, who deployed with the 55th Bn in World War I and fought at Polygon Wood.

It was then passed on to his nephew, Pte Ernest McBurney, who served with the 8th Division in World War II when they surrendered to the Japanese at Singapore in 1942.

Ernest died on the Burma railway and the Bible was recovered by his brother and fellow prisoner of war, Pte Ronald McBurney, from the 2/30th Bn, who hid it from his captors while working on the railway and in Changi Prison for two years.

Ronald, Capt McBurney’s grand-father, passed the Bible to his son, Leut Phillip McBurney, when he was deployed for three tours in Vietnam on board HMAS Sydney and HMAS Vampire.

Capt McBurney’s father offered him

the Bible when he deployed as a platoon commander to East Timor in 2008, but he turned it down as he felt a peacekeep-ing mission would not uphold its tradi-tions.

Capt McBurney monitors the Shadow and Heron UAVs from Multinational Base Tarin Kot as they seek out insurgent activity.

He said the Bible reminded him of where he came from and of the bond of his family with the military.

“I keep it stored in several plastic bags, inside an ammunition pouch, in a locked building, so it is as safe as it can be here,” Capt McBurney said.

“Because of its age and condition I am always nervous when handling it and feel even read-ing it could cause more damage.”

Before he left for his deployment Capt McBurney’s mother jokingly said, “If you lose the Bible, don’t bother com-ing back.”

Future plans are to have the Bible restored and possibly loan it to the Australian War Memorial on the proviso it is returned when wanted by the family.

Apart from the fine religious draw-ings, the Bible also contains souvenirs such as dried leaves collected from South Africa and Palestine.

Capt McBurney said when he had children he would explain to them his own experiences with the Bible in Afghanistan and then have his father explain his history with it in Vietnam.

“If my children should ever be required to go to war, I will hand the Bible down to them and continue this tra-dition for a sixth generation,” he said.

Cpl Mark Doran catches up with a captain carrying on a long family tradition in Afghanistan.

If my children should ever be

required to go to war, I will hand the

Bible down to them ...

– Capt Justin McBurney, 16 AL Regt

Good book: Capt Justin McBurney deployed to Afghanistan with a Bible that has gone to war with members of his family since the Boer War. Photos by Cpl Mark Doran

For full speaker and session details download the full agenda at

www.neo-australia.com.au today!

Network Enabled Operations 2012Information Dominance for Operational Success

Main Conference: 18 & 19 June 2012 Venue: Old Parliament House Canberra

BOOK NOW! Call +61 2 9229 1000

Email registration@iqpc.com.au

Visit www.neo-australia.com.au

Quote ‘ARMY’ for a

10% DISCOUNT off the standard

price

DEFENCE TRANSITIONS

������������ ������� �� ����������������������� ��������������

www.nextjobnow.com.au Call 1300 112 114

������������ �� �������������������� �• ������������ ��������������• �������������������������• ������������ ��� ��� ��������� ��• ���� � ��� ��!����!"�������� �����• #������ �$%�&�'(��� �������������• �)���������$�� ��� ����������$���• �����*��������������+$�� �����������$��• �"�!����!""� ��!$�� �),,)��������• -��� �$�����!�"��#�""��$��%���&��'��#�����$��(��)�*��$��+�������,�*�$��"��

Army May 24, 2012FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews20

TELL US YOUR STORY

Nobody knows the inside scoop like

the soldier on the ground.

If you have an interesting story to tell, get in touch with Army and get it in print.

We can support you with photographs, writing and chain of command approvals.

Contact the editorial team by email at

armynews@defencenews.gov.au

NATO’s largest airbase and the busiest single runway operation in the world, Kandahar Air Field is home

to Australia’s Rotary Wing Group (RWG).

First deployed to Afghanistan in 2006, RWG is staffed by personnel from the Townsville-based 5 Avn Regt and operates two Chinooks in support of ISAF operations.

The 10th rotation of RWG is embed-ded with the US Army’s 25th Combat Aviation Brigade and performs combat service support, quick response force and air mobile missions.

Home to more than 30,000 person-nel, Kandahar Air Field has more than 21,000 aircraft from 42 different nations landing and taking off each month and supports more than 360 military and civilian aircraft.

RWG troop commander Capt Andrew McConville said the group did everything up to direct-action tasks, which were deliberate missions designed to take troops out and put them on the ground to clear an objective

“We do an average of five standard missions per week, which will normally last six hours but can last as long as 10 hours during the day, and at night they can last five to six hours,” Capt McConville said.

“The US task force is fantastic. They have a ‘can do’ attitude and are all about flying for the troops on the ground, so it is actually quite rewarding to work with them.”

About 65 ADF personnel serve with RWG and are deployed to support oper-ations from February to October each year.

The Chinook provides significant lift capability in high-altitude condi-tions, making it well suited to opera-tions within a traditionally harsh envi-ronment.

Cpl Mark Doran takes to the skies with the aircrews playing a small role in the major air operation at Kandahar.

Small part of the big

Capt McConville said Afghanistan’s environment was the crews’ biggest challenge.

“It has taken more helicopter casual-ties than the insurgent threat,” he said.

“The high altitude in the mountains, the heat in summer and the high winds combine to make very unstable condi-tions for operating an aircraft.

“There is also the challenge from insurgent threats and getting in and out safely when operating near the forward operating bases, which are normally sit-uated in the green zones.”

Kandahar was and still is the operational centre of gravity for the Taliban, evidenced by the regular rock-et attacks and the number of trauma patients received at the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit from con-flicts in the field.

Cpl Nik Nekeare has been deployed since February and is one of six air crewmen based at Kandahar with RWG. He’s responsible for loading and secur-ing passengers and cargo.

“Being in Afghanistan involved in Operation Slipper is an absolute high-light of my career and by working with the US forces we get to compare our level of professionalism with theirs and demonstrate our ability to perform,” Cpl Nekeare said.

“The US Army does things a bit dif-ferently but they get the job done just as well as us.

“Afghanistan is a beautiful country with what is now a changing environ-ment from the winter cold to the warmth of spring and we are fortunate to be able to fly over the wire every day and see it.

“It gives me satisfaction as, although we are a large asset in Australia, here we are just a small part of this opera-tion with only two helicopters working alongside the 30 US Chinooks based at Kandahar Air Field.

“We are proving ourselves and gain-ing a lot of experience as the RWG pro-vides a valuable contribution with a sig-nificant impact to this large organisation.”

Aussie touch: US troops are transported to a patrol base on board an Australian Chinook. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

Gunning to go: Cpl Nik Nekeare prepares a Chinook’s Minigun before a mission. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

Warm up: Rotary Wing Group aircrew conduct a pre-flight brief inside a CH-47D Chinook. Photo by Cpl Melina Mancuso

Follow her journey at www.adcu.com.au/chloe2012

Congratulations to ADCU Member Chloe Esposito for winning the Bronze Medal in Modern Pentathlon World Cup #2 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil!

rn

Brought to you by

Follow Chloe’s Progress: Support Chloe

Visit chloe2012.adcu.com.au, donate, buy merchandise or follow her

journey to the London Olympics!

Australian Defence Credit Union Limited ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL No. 237 988 Australian credit licence number 237 988.

Army May 24, 2012 FEATURESwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 21

NATO air operation

Room with a view: Air crewman Cpl Cameron Smith takes position at the rear of the Chinook during a flight in Afghanistan. Photo by Cpl Melina Mancuso

PHILLIP DAHLERACCOUNTANT/TAX AGENT

The services provided are:• Completion & Lodgement of Personal Tax Returns• Bookkeeping and General Accounting Services• Tax and Business Advice• Home and Business Loans• Completion & Lodgement of ABN applications• Completion & Lodgement of monthly and quarterly BAS statements To make a booking please contact us on; Phone: 02 4648 3910 Fax: 02 4647 7087 Email: info@philsaccounting.com.au PO Box 437, Narellan NSW 2567

Army May 24, 2012FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews22

‘I’M OFF to the Territory to catch crocodiles,” Norforce patrolman Pte Roger Matthews said

to his parents back in 1984 as he left the family home on an adventure to the Top End of Australia.

His obsession with the reptiles began when the Leyland broth-ers visited his school in the 1970s promoting the Northern Territory with imagery depicting the bush, dirt roads and the barren red out-back.

“From that moment I knew I had to go there,” he said.

Shaking their heads in dis-belief, his parents were telling him people just don’t go and do that, but after hitchhiking to the Territory from Wollongong he has now been there for more than 25 years.

Working initially as a barman at the .303 bar on the Adelaide River, Pte Matthews said the job allowed him to make invaluable contacts.

“I got to meet everyone in the [crocodile] industry,” he said.

“From there I had a brief stint with buffalo catching before land-ing a job working at a local croco-dile farm.”

After three years at the croco-dile farm he followed one of the managers to a bigger farm, the Darwin Crocodile Farm, where he was in his element catching and trapping crocodiles for their extensive breeding program and doing nesting work on the Mary and Adelaide Rivers for saltwater crocodiles.

Pte Matthews said during that time he was lucky enough to be part of the last freshwater croco-dile muster on the Daly River.

“We caught 940 crocodiles in four nights,” he said.

“The Daly River is an incred-ible place for crocodiles.”

Since then he has always had his fingers in the industry but has left crocodile farming and now works for the NT Government as a senior horticulturist.

Although not farming croco-diles anymore, he does have eight freshwater crocodiles at home in the backyard as family pets.

Having raised half of them from the incubator when he worked at the crocodile farm, he said they were initially kept in tanks until one crossed his wife’s path while she was walking out-side.

“It was about that time I thought they should go in a pen,” he said.

IN THE Top End wet season, female saltwater crocodiles will make nests of mud and vegeta-tion to lay their eggs and then guard them, sometimes with a male nearby as well.

Crocodile hunters such as Pte Roger Matthews will come in by boat, helicopter or over land to collect the eggs and take them back to crocodile farms, raising the chances of surviv-ability substantially compared to the wild.

When collecting the eggs, the hunters usual-ly work in two-man teams, with one maintaining watch while the other carefully collects the eggs and marks them with a pencil to ensure remains positioned in the same way as in the nest.

Reserve service is a big enough adventure for most people, but it’s almost ordinary compared to the other activities Norforce patrolman and crocodile hunter Pte Roger Matthews gets up to, Cpl Nick Wiseman reports.

Grabbing the croc by the tail

“Despite what people may think, they’re the ideal low-main-tenance pet.”

Even the local primary school has had trips to his backyard to view the crocodiles and learn more about the animals.

Pte Matthews describes his crocodiles as all having very unique personalities.

“Destin is very social, coming

out for people, while Psycho lives up to his name coming out snap-ping every time,” he said.

“Roger, on the other hand stays away from everyone, being not very sociable at all.”

Missing the excitement of crocodile hunting, Pte Matthews has gone back to his roots and started his own business, Crocodile Catching Contractors,

removing problematic crocodiles from various areas around the Territory.

From leaving home all those years ago through his time at croc-odile farms and now starting back into his old game, Pte Matthews said he has enjoyed the hard work over the years and every moment working with the reptiles.

“I love them, I just love them.”

WHAT IS NESTING?

HUNGRY crocodiles laying in wait would deter most people from crossing a river, but they were an afterthought for one Norforce patrol when a civilian vehicle started to float away.

Patrolman and croc hunter Pte Roger Matthews tells the story of one patrol’s uncomfortable close encounter.

“We were on our way back from a patrol around the Coburg Peninsula when we got to the East Alligator River and found it flowing too fast to cross,” he said.

“We knew we’d have a 10 or 15-minute window of opportunity when the tide came in to complete the crossing.”

Weighing down the vehicles with more than 250 kilograms of sandbags, the patrol threw seeds in the water to work out the speed and best time to cross.

“A civilian troop carrier started across and almost made it before starting to float backwards,” he said.

“The command was given and we launched in with the first vehicle pushing the civilian troop carrier across to safety.”

After the rest of the patrol vehicles made it across, it was time for Pte Matthews’s vehicle and it was at this time they could see the five hungry crocodiles watching a short distance away.

The soldiers made their way into the river, resist-ing the urge to duck their heads out the window to check on their progress for fear of losing something in the process.

With the water rising quickly, not much could be seen of the vehicle by the time they made it across except the top of the canopy. Even the muesli bars that had been sitting on the console floated out the window towards the crocodiles.

The patrol made it across safely that night to the cheers of the many civilians waiting by their vehicles still stuck on the other side and continued their cold, wet drive home to Darwin, some 300km away.

“The rescue and river crossing was certainly a highlight of that patrol,” Pte Matthews said.

NO ORDINARY RIVER CROSSING

Happy snap: Norforce patrolman and crocodile hunter Pte Roger Matthews has plenty of stories to tell from his 25 years in the Northern Territory, including some involving his pet crocs (inset). Photos by Cpl Nick Wiseman

Army May 24, 2012 FEATURESwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 23

ARMOURED and artillery corps person-nel put on an explosive combat power demonstration for Exercise Chong Ju at Puckapunyal on May 10.

The simulated attack included Abrams, ASLAVs, Bushmasters, 155mm M777-A2 artillery and infantry soldiers on foot and firing a Javelin anti-armour missile.

The commandant of the Combined Arms Training Centre Col Sean Ryan said Ex Chong Ju was an important part of

training for the Army’s next generation of leaders.

“The exercise is an opportunity for young officers and soldiers to see first hand how all the ADF systems work in unison in a potential operational scenario,” he said.

For more images from Ex Chong Ju, check out the photo gallery in the online version of Army at www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/

Earth shattering experience

We’re targeting relatives of Defence personnelturning 30 something.

DAUGHTER

BROTHER

SON

SISTER

Serving Defence families better

Turning 30 something and don’t have hospital cover? Then

the government will hit you with higher premiums for every year

you delay and, in some cases, a higher Medicare Levy Surcharge.

But you can fight back by joining Defence Health. Because we’re

a not-for-profit organisation, we can offer you comprehensive

hospital cover for a lot less. So join now. www.defencehealth.com.au

Don’t get hit by the Lifetime Health Cover penalties.

Call 1800 335 425 before June 30 and save!

Army May 24, 2012 PERSONNELwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 25

ARMY is working to address the number of reserv-ists who enlist but are unable to complete their train-ing.

The issue will be tackled under a series of Strategic Reform Program activities starting at the end of this month.

Known as “reserve trainee wastage”, the number of reservists who do not complete recruit training, initial training (IET) or officer training is considered inef-ficient and potentially undermines the Army’s reserve capability.

Activities targeting specific milestones of reserve recruit, IET and officer training, as well as the recruit-ment process, will be conducted on a rolling four-week schedule. The first activity will be held at Randwick Barracks from May 28 to June 1.

As with all of Army’s SRP initiatives, the activi-ties will use the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which breaks down each step of the processes to identify ways to work faster and more efficiently.

DCA Maj-Gen Angus Campbell and Commander Forcomd Maj-Gen Mick Slater have committed to addressing the reserve trainee wastage issue.

Commander 2 Div Maj-Gen Steve Smith will work with the Directorate of SRP – Army on the initiative, with 2 Div’s assistant commander, Brig Phillip Bridie, running the activity alongside personnel from AHQ, Forcomd, 2 Div and Defence Force Recruiting.

The SRP lead, Lt-Col Shaun Muldoon, said the problem would be tackled in two parts with the aim of identifying and addressing root causes.

“We first need to look at the entire system from the point of recruitment through to the point an individual completes IET or the regimental officer basic course training milestone,” he said.

“This will inform the second part, which will focus on deeper and targeted analysis of specific milestones within that training continuum.”

Brig Bridie said the wastage issue translated to unrealised capability because a robust, transparent and flexible training system supported by effective com-mand, leadership and management was fundamental to the Army’s success.

He said reform would be a crucial part of meeting capability requirements under Plan Beersheba.

“Our reform recommendations must be informed, widely consulted and based on hard evidence,” he said. “Armed with this we have the justification for change.”

For more information on the reserve trainee wastage activity or other reform opportunities, contact Lt-Col Muldoon on (02) 6265 1458, email shaun.muldoon@defence.gov.au or go tohttp://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/SRP_A/

Reforming trainee program� Initiative looks at reserve recruiting

Looking for solutions: A Strategic Reform Program initiative will look into the issue of reservists who join but are unable to complete their recruit or initial employment training, currently a significant expense for the Army.Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

Finding efficiencies: The Lean Six Sigma methodology used in Army reform activities aims to break a process down to its individual elements looking for ways to save time and resources.

With 3,010m2 LAND

24

ONLY 1 REMAINING AT THIS SIZE

339,000$Includes First Home Buyers Grant + Developers Cash Back356,000

$

BLOCKS OF LAND AVAILABLE

House & Land

$10,000 CASH BACK TO ANY MEMBERS OF THEAUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE AND FAMILY

ARTIST IMPRESSION(property does not include turf/landscape/driveway)

(*subject to eligibility criteria)

Army May 24, 2012www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsLIFESTYLE PEOPLE26

TELL US YOUR STORY

Nobody knows the inside scoop like

the soldier on the ground.

If you have an interesting story to tell, get in touch with Army and get it in print.

We can support you with photographs, writing and chain of command approvals.

Contact the editorial team by email at

armynews@defencenews.gov.au

Mission medal for WO2WO2 Natalie Lockwood was the first Australian to be presented a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) medal.

WO2 Lockwood was deployed from 8 Sig Regt, Randwick Barracks, to South Sudan in October 2011.

The UNMISS mission and mandate became active on July 10, 2011, after the referendum and independence of South Sudan.

The UNMISS medal’s col-ours are: blue to represent the UN, black and green to rep-resent the area of operations in South Sudan and white for hope for peace and prosperity.Photo by Flt-Lt Jeremy Wall

In tune: Musns and sisters Cpls Tara Neilson, left, and Melody Neilson at the State Museum of Painting and Sculpture in Ankara, Turkey. They were part of commemorative services marking the 97th anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli. Photo by LS Andrew Dakin

Honoured: Lt-Col Neil Grierson, left, and Lt-Col Simon Watts were invested into the Order of Logohu on April 26 after receiving Distinguished Military Service medals for their service to the PNG Defence Force. They are pictured here with Lady Esmie Ogio and Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio in front of Government House in Port Moresby after the investiture ceremony.

WHILE YOU’RE DEFENDING NATIONAL SECURITY

WHO’S DEFENDING YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY?

PEREGRINE FINANCIAL PLANNING SPECIALISES IN FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR

MILITARY PROFESSIONALS.

We’re qualifi ed fi nancial planning experts AND experienced military professionals too. So whether you’re starting your career, a family or

commencing retirement, we offer tailored advice, to protect YOUR future.

PHONE 1300 858 4465 NOW FOR YOUR NO OBLIGATION, FFRREE CONSUULTATION.

It’s that simple.

Visit wwww.peeregrinefi nancial.com.au for further information.Servicing Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Townsville.

Other areas by arrangement.

Lee Bowden and Peregrine Financial Planning, ABN 35 740 804 280 are Authorised Representatives of GWM Adviser Services Limited, T/A MLC Financial Planning, Australian Financial Services Licensee No. 230692. Registered Offi ce at 105 – 153 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060.

MilitaryMilitary Plaques

Ph: 07 5495 8259Ph: 07 5495 8259Fax: 07 5499 1231Fax: 07 5499 1231

SPIT POLISHED PRESENTATIONSSPIT POLISHED PRESENTATIONS Noel &Sheralyn Vellnagel

P.O. Box 1258 , Morayfi eld Qld 4506sales@spitpolished.com.au www.spitpolished.com.auwww.spitpolished.com.au

• History Plaques & Boxes •Sculptures Now stocking •Hat Badges •Desk Name Plates •Canes & Stands

Army May 24, 2012 LIFESTYLE FUNwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 27

If you can think of a witty caption for the picture at left, email captioncomp@defencenews.gov.au with “caption comp May 24” as the subject. Try to keep entries under 25 words and include your name, rank and unit.

SAY AGAIN, OVER

Last edition’s winning entry“The Afghanistan Hokey Pokey com-petition starts to heat up.”

WO2 Eddie BrennanMultinational Force and ObserversSinai

We also liked“Worst jumping castle, ever”

Sgt Warren Dunn127 Sig TpHolsworthy

DIKKO By Bob Dikkenberg

TELL A STORY

armynews@defencenews.gov.au

Fast but not furiousLANCER EVO

Engine: 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo217kW/366Nm

Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch auto with steering wheel paddles and sport modeAll-wheel drive

Fuel use: 10.1L/100km

Price: From $74,890 before on-road costs

Sgt Andrew Hetherington

EVERYONE knows Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution is a fast car, but it never ceases to amaze with how eas-ily it handles tight and twisty tarmac at speed.

Anyone piloting the 217kW 2012 Mitsubishi Evo 10 sedan comes to recognise frenetic urgency of how it delivers its power through its four wheels via the six-speed twin clutch, paddle shift gearbox.

If left in sport mode for longer than 20 minutes, it could actually be a little annoying.

No doubt the computer was pro-grammed to provide a performance hit, but the Evo seemed like it was always searching for the perfect gear to accelerate at light speed.

It defies logic how a car which can transport five people in relative com-fort and quietness can perform like this with so little body roll during cor-nering.

Front seat passengers in this test vehicle were fortunate to be anchored in place by one of the best items pro-vided on the optional performance pack list – Recaro leather seats. They’d definitely keep your eating habits in check.

The other impressive items in the performance pack include Brembo brakes, Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs, enabling the Evo to repeat-edly stop from high speeds with little brake fade and to maintain grip levels through high-speed cornering.

There was a lot to like about the Evo, but one aspect I thought was bor-dering on unacceptable was its fuel economy and the resulting travelling range.

During the test I spent 15 minutes sweating buckets, driving conserva-tively, trying to find the nearest servo when the fuel gauge began flashing

and lost all of its quirky coloured LCD bars. Staring at the trip meter I sud-denly realised I would only get about 300km to a tank.

Take note before you purchase an Evo 10 as your only transport – you’re going to spend plenty of time and money at the bowser. I admit I put

the car through some spirited driving scenarios, but only 300km to a tank is hard to accept.

The 2012 Evo MR sedan was a hard-core, but surprisingly comfort-able driving experience.

It handled like a big go-kart and had the heart of a sprinter, willing to

get occupants to where they needed to go in a hurry.

But it’s not cheap. Buyers will pay more than $75,000 before on roads for the MR model test car with the perfor-mance pack, which seems pricey when compared to its main Japanese com-petitor’s similar performance offering.

However, if you are in the mar-ket for a vehicle which oozes street cred, can outperform almost any other brand in a sprint off the line at the traffic lights and carve up a twisty road with the efficiency of a sushi chef, then the Evo 10 should be at the top of your list.

High performance: The Lancer Evo 10 loves windy roads. Inset, Recaro seats and other performance highlights help the interior, but hard plastics and budget trim serve as a constant niggle to buyers once they realise they’ve paid $75,000 for a Lancer.

Are you eligible for a

DHOAS subsidy?

Our Australia-wide network

is easy to access.

For the cover you can count on

just call 1300 552 662.www.dsh.gov.au

Then you are also entitled to home and contents

insurance through the Defence Service Homes Insurance

Scheme—even if you don’t have a DHOAS home loan.

The scheme offers:

• Comprehensive cover

• Economical premiums

• No general excess

• Contents new for old replacement, regardless of age

Advertisement

Authorised by the Australian Government, Capital Hill, CanberraPrinted by Capital Fine Print, 9 Pirie Street, Fyshwick, ACT, 2609 D

VA

DH

IS1B

Army May 24, 2012www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsLIFESTYLE FINANCE28

Shop around before choosing a financial adviser, says Australian Securities and investments Commission chairman Greg Medcraft.

AS ADF members you know the importance of relying on expert advice when making decisions. When it comes to

investment decisions, you may decide to use a financial adviser; and if you do, it pays to do some research to ensure you find one that’s right for you.

ASIC’s recent research (Report 279, Shadow shopping study of financial advice) underlines the importance of shopping around before you engage an adviser.

Look for someone with experience and expertise. Don’t just rely on rec-ommendations from friends or family. Professional associations such as the Financial Planning Association and CPA Australia can provide a list of advisers in your area.

Once you have a list of firms or advisers’ names, phone them to find out about their business. Explain that you want to talk about their services but not make a commitment at this stage. Visit their websites to make sure they have an Australian Financial Services licence and get a copy of their financial services guide.

ASIC’s shadow shopping research found that people can be swayed by an adviser’s confidence, approachability and friendliness, and find it difficult to assess the quality of the advice they receive. So it’s important to focus at the outset on the services an adviser offers.

For more information on finding a financial adviser, see ASIC’s consumer website www.moneysmart.gov.au

Know the value of good advice

Here are some questions you can ask an adviser, and tips about what to listen for.

Professional experience� How long have you been giving

financial advice? You may prefer someone with more than five years’ experience.

� What type of clients do you mostly see? Are the clients in a similar situation to you?

� What investments do you advise on? What about the investments I currently have? If the adviser is restricted to certain types of prod-ucts he or she might not be able to advise on your current investments.

Make it clear whether you want comprehensive advice or limited advice about an existing invest-ment.

Puts clients’ needs first� An adviser should ask about

your income and expenses, what you own and what you owe, your dependents and your financial goals, both short and long term.

� How do you deal with a client who has a few different financial objec-tives? An adviser should help you prioritise your financial objectives, explain and discuss choices with you and develop a realistic strat-egy to achieve your objectives.

Qualifications� What qualifications do you have? A

diploma or degree qualification in finance, economics, accounting or financial planning is desirable. Also look for professional designations such as Certified Financial Planner.

Fees� How much will it cost and how are

you paid? A fee-for-service model charges a set amount for a specific piece of work. Some advisers are paid a mix of fees and commis-sions. If they charge ongoing fees, you should expect regular reviews. However they charge you, make sure you ask lots of questions.

Phot

o by

Reb

ekah

Day

Email ASIC at ADFcolumn@asic.gov.au with topics that interest you.NEED TO KNOW

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ADVISER

ManagementEffective Writing for Managers and Professionals, 18-19 Jun or 16-17 Jul

Military SystemsIntroduction to Guided Weapons, 4-6 JunOptical Surveillance Systems, 13-15 JunIntroduction to Radar Systems, 15-17 AugBattlefield Digitisation, 21-23 Aug

Naval ArchitectureBasics of Naval Architecture, 20-21 JunIntroduction to Naval & Maritime Strategy, 20 Jul

Occupational Health and Safety/Laser SafetyLaser Safety 1 Day (Sydney) & 4 Day, 25-28 JunLaser Safety 1 Day (Adelaide) & 4 Day, 6-9 Aug

Project ManagementPRINCE 2™ Foundation, 25-27 JulPRINCE 2™ Practitioner, 30-31 JulIntroduction to Project Management, 6-8 AugAgile Project Management, 9-10 Aug

Risk ManagementRisk & Resilience Management, 26-27 Jun & 21-22 AugAll-Hazard Response Preparedeness-Minimising the Risk through Exercise Management, 1-2 Aug

Systems EngineeringIntroduction to Systems Engineering (Canberra), 13-15 AugSystems Engineering Practice (Canberra), 16-17 Aug

Expressions of Interest:

CommunicationsBasic Communications Principles (3 day course)Modern Communications Systems (2 day course)

Enterprise ArchitectureIntroduction to Enterprise Architecture (2 day course)Systems Planning (2 day course)

Geographic Information AnalysisPrinciples of Geographic Information Analysis and Remote Sensing Overview (5 day course)

LeadershipLeadership for Team & Work Group Performance (1 day course)Leading People-Leading the Way (2 day course)

ManagementOrganisational Problem Solving for Managers (2 day course)

Project ManagementComplex IT Project Management (3 day course)Managing Integration Projects (2 day course)

Systems ThinkingSystems Thinking and Modelling (3 day course)System Dynamics Modelling Practicum (3 day course)Introduction to Problem Solving (2 day course)

Most of these courses can be tailored for in-house delivery.

A number of our courses can also be used towards credit for eligible postgraduate programs.

For further information and details of over 70 courses contact:

E: bsu@adfa.edu.au T: (02) 6268 8421

or go to http://bsu.unsw.adfa.edu.au/courses

CRICOS Provider Number: 00100G

UNSW Canberra is a campus of the University of New South Wales located at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. UNSW Canberra offers a range of postgraduate programs and Professional Education courses for the general community and Defence personnel. These courses provide stimulating learning and networking opportunities within a supportive environment.

Courses offered in May - August 2012:

Professional Education Courses

Never Stand Still Business Services Unit

CANBERRA

Air Force Shop at Military Shop 65 Kembla Street Fyshwick Canberraairforceshop.com.au 02 6123 2930

MASSIVE STOCKCLEARANCELED LENSERM7 TORCH

Normally $109.95NOW $89.95

SAVE $20.00

Normally $10.00NOW $8.00SAVE $2.00

4 COLOURFILTER SETTo suit M7/P7

Normally $17.95NOW $14.90

SAVE $4.05

Lite Holster

Over 300 items on saleUp to 90% off

ARMYARMYSHOPSHOPARMYSHOPArmy Shop at Military Shop

65 Kembla Street Fyshwick Canberraarmyshop.com.au 02 6123 2960

Army May 24, 2012 LIFESTYLE HEALTHwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 29

Hot tips for cold weatherDon’t increase your risk of injury during winter sports, Lt Rob Orr reports.

IT’S FOOTBALL season, which means many ADF members will be well into their league, union, touch and soccer seasons. Yet these, and other winter sports can

lead to injury for the ill-prepared, with potentially serious health and career consequences.

Last year, sport and fitness training accounted for 21 per cent of all reported ADF injuries.

Rugby league/union, touch football and soccer ranked among the top five injury-causing sports.

Sports Medicine Australia recently claimed that during winter 30 per cent more people present to hospital with sporting injuries than during warmer months.

So why are sporting injuries more common in winter and how can the risk of injury be minimised?

Cooler climateTo ensure you are adequately pre-

pared keep the following in mind:

���Warm up properly – colder muscles impact on your energy usage and muscle movement, thereby placing your body at greater risk of injury.

� Acclimatise – get used to exercising in colder weather by training out-doors.

� Keep hydrated – drink water before, during and after the game and train-ing as dehydration still occurs in cold weather.

� Wear sunscreen – you can get burnt even on cold or cloudy days so use a broad-spectrum 30+ sunscreen, espe-cially during snow sports.

Human errorHave you ever been asked to fill in

for a work team at the last minute, per-haps with the match that night?

People will often jump in to make up numbers, even if they rarely play the sport or haven’t played for many years.

Low-level sports-specific skills and inexperience can increase the chances of injury.

To stay injury-free, use common sense and remember the following:

� Avoid being obligated to play when you are not prepared.

� Ensure you are fit enough to play

Don’t risk it: A proper warm-up and cool-down, a good pre-season training program and a bit of common sense will help prevent injuries during the cooler months.

sport – when fatigue sets in, technique falters and injuries occur.

� Undertake pre-season fitness training.

TerrainSporting fields or ovals have a wide

range of hazards that can lead to injury.Most team sports at some point have

players sliding, falling or jumping, and loose soil, stones, sticks and uneven ground have the potential to cause injury.

To ensure your chosen location won’t give you any nasty surprises:

� Watch out – lowered pipes, drains and sprinklers can create potential trip hazards.

� Check the area – have each team search for hidden obstacles and remove potential hazards like stones.

� Avoid rough surfaces – don’t use solid concrete paths or gutters that ring the playing area as boundaries; use marker cones (or jumpers) placed well within the field instead.

Equipment� Don’t go without – ensure you have all

the equipment required for your sport and that it fits correctly.

IF YOU GET INJURED

If you are unlucky enough to get injured this season, sports injuries and incidents should be reported to WHS via AIMS.

Defence sport was previously exempt from reporting to Comcare due to a CDF exemp-tion, however under the new WHS act sporting incidents where personnel are injured enough to seek medical care or hospitalisation have to be reported to Comcare.

Participation in sporting activ-ity for Defence members is a work place activity and should be treated as such.

• Extractors• Performance Exhausts• Standard Mufflers &

Brakes• Shocks & Suspension

• Car Servicing• Road Worthy Certificate

44 Pickering StEnoggera

Ph: 3355 3455‘we’ll beat any price’

Support is only a phone call away

Help with mental fi tness is just a chat away. ADF members can access mental health care by talking to their CO or supervisor, presenting to the health facility on their base or contacting their Mental Health and Psychology Section. 24-hour assistance is available on the All Hours Support Line which offers 24/7 access to crisis counselling and referral for treatment and support.

1800 628 036

Advertise in Army Classifi eds $46.20 Advertise in Army Classifi eds $46.20 inc GSTinc GST per insertion Email : advertising@defencenews.gov.au per insertion Email : advertising@defencenews.gov.au

• Extractors• Performance Exhausts• Standard Mufflers &

Brakes• Shocks & Suspension

• Car Servicing• Road Worthy WW Certificate

44 Pickering StEnoggera

Ph: 3355 3455‘we’ll beat any y price’p

Support is onlya phone call away

Help with mental fi tness isjusjust a chat a away. ADADF F members can accesc smenmenm tal health care byy talking to to t ttheir CO or supervisor,presenting to the heah lthfacility on their base orcontacting their MentalHealth and Psycy hologyyySection.24-hour assistanccee isisavailable on the AAll l HouHourrs sSupport Line whiicch h ofoffefeersrs24/7 accessss to ccrisissiscouunsensellil ngn annd d d refefr errerrrala ffor treatma ent and supsupsupporporp t.t.

180000 66228 88 03030366

CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS

50,000 HUNGRY PEOPLE

THANK GOD FOR THE SALVOS

EVERY WEEK. WE THANK GOD

FOR YOU.

DONATE NOW13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

salvationarmy.org.au

Army May 24, 2012SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews30

Sharon Palmer

BEING part of a team that broke three consecu-tive Australian formation skydiving records on one day in 2010 provided Maj Warwick Jones with the motivation to do it all again – this time to qualify to attempt the world skydiving record of a 500-person skydiving formation.

Maj Jones, Maj Greg Jack and Maj Allan Gray, who were all part of the record-breaking Australian team, left for the Perris Valley in California on April 30 to attend compulsory training camps to qualify for selection.

“In 2010 after 44 descents and 12 days of gruel-ling training, we not only broke the 81-way record but three consecutive national records were set,” Maj Jones said.

“They were the 105, 109 and 112-person skydiv-ing formations, which eclipsed all expectations and also involved about a dozen ADF skydivers.”

Maj Jones said although there was some doubt as to whether there would be enough Australians at the camp to break the record of 112, the training camp would still be a qualifying event for the world record.

“I know of about 80 Australians going, but we will still jump as part of a team to hopefully get selected for the world record.

“About 200 people have already been selected, including Maj Jack, for the world record which will be undertaken in Dubai in February next year.”

He said although there were inherent risks with any parachute jump, the risks increased with the greater numbers in the skies.

“These camps I am attending are essential to train parachutists in large formation skydiving jumping,” he said.

“One hundred people is daunting, 500 is just mind blowing as the risks are higher so there is a lot of pressure and it requires a lot of teamwork and concentration.

“But I have attended many training camps around the world and have more than 3000 jumps under my belt, so I have the experience and mindset for the event.

“I also do tandem skydiving and instructional work most weekends, which provides some subsidy to fund these types of trips.”

As the national selector for the Australian Defence Parachuting Association, Maj Jones said since the sport gained approval last year, anyone could work towards improving and taking advantage of opportunities such as this.

“I would encourage all skydivers or anyone inter-ested in the sport to join the association and come and attend the skills camps and competitions being run throughout the year, as they may lead to bigger and better competitions down the track,” he said.

“We are hoping to send a team to the Oceania Games next year and that team will be selected after the military nationals in December.”

For more information on Defence sports parachuting or to join the association, email skydiving@defence.gov.auFor more information on the world record attempt, go to www.dubai500.com

Go ahead jump: The record-breaking 112-person Australian formation skydive at Perris Valley in California in June 2010. Photo by Craig O’Brien

Major record attempt� Skydivers train in the United States for all-time high in Dubai next year

TriathlonTWENTY-FIVE Army athletes will contest the Australian Defence Sports Triathlon (ADSTA) iron-man and half-marathon championships in Cairns on June 3. They will be joined by 10 Air Force and five Navy colleagues. The two events, which will be run concurrently, are the ironman (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.1km swim) and the half iron-man (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21km run). The race starts at 6.30am at the main pier in Cairns and the ride will take partici-pants up to Port Douglas amid stunning scenery along the coast road.

SquashTHE Australian Defence national squash cham-pionships will be held at RAAF Williamtown from August 5-12.The cham-pionships are open to all ADF and Defence APS members of all levels, and the emphasis of the Australian Defence Squash Racquets Association is on recruit-ing more women and APS members. Under changed financial arrangements for Defence sporting associations, travel costs will be met by Defence Squash. Entry forms and relevant information have been posted on Defence Squash’s Facebook page and the intranet web page at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/pspg/sites/Squash. For more information con-tact Sgt Melinda Boyd on (02) 6937 5530

X countryFOR the first time Kokoda Barracks is hosting the south-east Queensland region triservice cross country race with cash prizes and awards up for grabs. It will be held on August 17 from 7-9am. More information is avail-able from troy.perry@defence.gov.au

SPORT SHORTS

FREE CERT IVIN FITNESS

*Conditions Apply.

SPORTwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsArmy May 24, 2012 31

Race of a lifetimeRace of a lifetime

I HAVE never run a marathon, let alone an ultra marathon, but the inaugural Special Forces 200km extreme ultra marathon was an itch I just had to

scratch.Everyone around me said I was mad

for even contemplating it, but that just inspired me more.

As a reservist and shameless adren-aline junkie, I continuously seek to chal-lenge myself physically and mentally; my philosophy being, you never know what you are capable of until you try.

After completing the Kokoda Track earlier this year, the ultra mara-thon, which retraced the route of the Sandakan Death March in Borneo in World War II, beckoned as an exciting test of character and personal fitness.

Apart from the personal challenge, this event also enabled me to pay trib-ute to the 1800 Australian POWs who perished during the Sandakan death marches.

Organised by Sabah Adventure Travel, Malaysia’s first 200km ultra marathon attracted nine of us (two Australians, two Brits, four Malaysians and one Singaporean).

The race commenced with great fanfare and local media at Ranau on April 29 and concluded 200km later in Sandakan on May 2.

Day one had us run for 50km, fol-lowed by 35km on day two, then 8km in dense jungle on day three, followed by 35km on day four and finally, a massive 66.7km on the last day.

I was well read on the Sandakan death marches so my thoughts during the race often turned to the hapless POWs who were cruelly murdered by

the Japanese when they became too weak to serve as porters.

The agony the Aussie POWs endured meant I never dared surrender to the temptation of giving up in the face of delirium-inducing fatigue, intense muscular pain and the unrelenting, scorching sun.

It was national pride as much as the knowledge that I would let myself down if I didn’t finish that kept me going through 37-degree heat and suffocating humidity.

Ultimately, I finished fifth in a time of 39.5 hours, which wasn’t too bad con-sidering I was coming last on day one after straining my right patellar tendon and last again on day three when I got lost in the jungle.

Day five was clearly the most gruel-ling. The end was in sight, but after only seven hours’ rest from the 35km run the day before, we set out at midnight for the last 66.7km, which I completed in 13 hours, some three hours faster than the last four competitors.

Strangely, I felt only mild relief at not having failed this challenge, rather than wild euphoria at having completed my first ultra marathon.

Though my feet are still blistered and my knees agonisingly sore and swollen, I am searching for my next challenge, the most appealing being a 250km ultra marathon in Libya where my grandfather fought Rommel’s Afrika Korps.

It seems that mine is a journey of self-discovery as much as a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Australian heroes.

Defence news reporter Michael Brooke is a reservist who likes a challenge. From April 29 to May 2 he took on the inaugural extreme ultra marathon in Borneo and tells us his story.

Photo by George Chong

Photo by Rabini HM Ayub

Ultra madness: Defence news reporter Michael Brooke completed the gruelling Special Forces 200km extreme ultra marathon in 39.5 hours. The race took him from Ranau to Sandakan in Borneo and retraced the route of the Sandakan death march in WWII where over 1800 Australian POWs died. Photo by Rabini HM Ayub

DMO DMO MILITARY RESERVESexciting opportunities Australia wide!

LEAD TWICE THE LIFE

Exciting opportunities are available for Military Reservists in the following trades/ specialisations: » Project Managment » Logistics » Finance » Administration » Technical Trades » Engineering (mechanical & electrical) » Aircrew

DEFENCE MATERIEL ORGANISATION | www.dmojobs.gov.au or call 1800 DMO JOBS (1800 366 562)

May 24, 2012

Seasoned skydiver Maj Warwick Jones, of Land Systems Seasoned skydiver Maj Warwick Jones, of Land Systems Division, is one of three majors training in the US to qualify for Division, is one of three majors training in the US to qualify for the 500-person world record attempt jump in Dubai next yearthe 500-person world record attempt jump in Dubai next year

MAJOR RECORD RECORD

JUMPJUMPPage 30Page 30

BORNEOBORNEOULTRAULTRARetracing the steps of the Sandakan Death March

Page 31Page 31