Edition 1184 March 6, 2008

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TALIBAN TALIBAN CLASHESCLASHES

LAST ROUND OF AERRC BONUS NOW AVAILABLE SEE PAGE 2

Deadly find: Cpl Damian Woods, 2RAR, with a Taliban RPD 7.62mm machine-gun that he discovered while on patrol in the Dorafshan area in Afghanistan. The weapon was used in an attack onRTF positions theprevious night.

P3Photo by Cpl Hamish Paterson

2008

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WANT TO GO TO THE FOOTY GRAND FINAL?

THE second, and last, round of the Army Expansion and Rank Retention and Completion Bonus (AERRC) was launched on March 3.

Some 1860 ARA personnel are in line for the bonus, which is being offered to eligible corporals and sergeants with at least two years in rank and captains and majors with at least three years in rank.

Eligibility is determined on time in worn rank (not cohort) as at March 1.

In 2007, 4648 offers were made to members and 3889 entered the

scheme. Those personnel received $10,000 for an undertaking to serve for a further year and, having achieved this milestone, are now eligible for $30,000 if they contin-ue to serve in the ARA for a further three years.

This same offer is being made to members eligible for the bonus this year and Army expects that there will be a healthy par-ticipation rate, according to the Directorate of Military Personnel Administration - Army (DMPA-A).

DMPA-A advised that in review-ing last’s years result it was surpris-ing that there was a low take-up rate

of members electing to have their bonus paid into a superannuation account. Some benefits in taking the bonus may include lower taxa-tion rate on the payment, building a nest egg for the future, and reduced impact on existing Centrelink or CAS commitments.

All bonuses are taxable and therefore the overall benefit to indi-viduals will vary based on personal circumstances. It is in the inter-est of each eligible person to seek independent financial advice before deciding to take the bonus or allow-ance.

Potentially eligible person-

nel will be notified by their CO or administering CO or OC if they work in a non-Army group. The list of administering COs and OCs can be found at the Stay Army Web site.

If you think you may be eli-gible for the AERRC and haven’t been approached by your chain of command or personnel administra-tion staff by March 14, you should approach them for clarification.

» For full details on the bonuses on offer, including important FAQs, go to the Stay Army Web site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/STAYARMY/.

Army March 6, 2008

2 NEWS

RETENTION and recruitment are among my highest priorities.

We are striving to grow the Australian Army by 5000 soldiers over the next 10 years in accordance with our Hardened and Networked Army and Enhanced Land Force strategies. Retention is an integral part of growing the Army, and there are currently a range of schemes designed to deliver beneficial out-comes for our people.

As part of our ongoing commitment to retention, I am pleased to announce the roll out of Round 2 of the Army Expansion and Rank Retention and Completion Bonus from March 3. There are 1864 potentially eligi-ble Army personnel in this second and last round of the scheme. It has my full support and I encourage Army’s chain of command to administer the offers with energy and dili-gence.

In addition, the Critical Employment Category Retention Bonus and the Trade Transfer Bonus will also be available for eligi-ble personnel in 2008. Further information will be forthcoming on the specific implementation of these initiatives shortly.

Our funding must be aimed at those expe-rienced NCOs, officers and essential trades-people who will manage and support the rapid expansion of Army’s workforce over the com-ing years.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of other schemes that are still available to eligible personnel. The Army Recruit Instructor Bonus was introduced last year to attract experienced and high perform-

ing NCOs who contribute to outstanding recruit training outcomes as Recruit Instructors at ARTC. The Military Instructor Allowance was similarly introduced for broader application across Training Command and areas where our training expectations have been substan-tially increased to meet our growth needs.

I can assure you that the Retention Team in DGPers-A continually bring new proposals to me for endorsement. I encourage you all to keep your eyes on the Stay Army website and Army for more information.

You will also be aware of the introduction of the Graded Officer Pay Structure, the ongo-ing development of the OR Pay Structure and the changes to the WO1 Pay Structure; all of which are aimed at improving your base pay entitlements. The new Defence Home Ownership Scheme will be introduced in July 2008 and Defence is currently working on a review of Superannuation. These initiatives will benefit all soldiers in one way or another and, importantly, will affect both ARA and Reserve members.

To grow the Army by 20 per cent over 10 years is a great challenge and one that we must all attend to with energy and innova-tion. Our emerging personnel initiatives seek to improve our conditions of service and remuneration to reflect the contribution that our people are making at all levels. Keep up the good work. I openly encourage you all to consider these improvements and strengthen your commitment to serve longer, whether it’s in your present corps or trade or in a different area of Army.

The Soldiers’ Newspaper

DirectorRod Horan: �(02) 6265 4650

EditorialEditorDavid Edlington: �(02) 6266 7609Deputy EditorLt Peter Martinelli: �(02) 6266 7612Reporters:Cpl Andrew Hetherington: �(02) 6266 7614Cpl Mike McSweeney : �(02) 6266 7608Cpl Corinne Boer: �(02) 6265 2427Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe: �(02) 6266 7606Hugh McKenzie: �(02) 6265 2151Sports EditorBarry Rollings: �(02) 6265 7219Sydney Photographer:Bill Cunneen: � 0413 302 669

Email: armynews@defencenews.gov.auNOTE: This is not a Defence domain, so include “SEC=UNCLASSIFIED” in the subject line.

Fax: (02) 6265 6690

Mail: The Editor, Army, R8-LG-038, Department of Defence, Canberra ACT 2600

Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews

AdvertisingAdvertising ManagerGeoff Howard: �(02) 6266 7605;Mobile: 0405 310 074; Fax (02) 6265 6690Email: advertising@defencenews.gov.au

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Subscriptions�(02) 6266 7607Email: tdillon@defencenews.gov.au

DisclaimerArmy is published fortnightly by Defence Newspapers. 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 the Directorate of Defence Newspapers approval and the Directorate of Defence Newspapers may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement for publication. The Directorate of Defence Newspapers 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 which is not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence Newspapers. The fact that an advertisement is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service has the endorsement of the Department of Defence or Army.

Last round of bonus

TO ALLOW Army to grow, meeting the required needs of the Hardened Networked Army and the Enhanced Land Force, it needs to keep its trained and experienced soldiers.

Efforts to achieve increased retention are being made by targeting specific ranks and trades. Bonuses targeting individuals for trade transfer and retention have com-menced to assist Army to achieve its man-ning goals, and additional remuneration and conditions of service improvements will make Army service even more attractive.

Numerous changes have taken place within Defence over the past several years. New equipment has been introduced and this is being matched with new remunera-tion and conditions of service incentives such as salary adjustments, the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme and a review of superannuation.

There are many jobs available within the Army. Soldiers have always had a choice of jobs and the ability to change employment streams. A change in corps or job stream can often reinvigorate a soldier’s career progression and improve job satisfaction.

The CA directed that a team of senior warrant officers be raised to assist those soldiers considering the decision to sepa-rate to make a choice on alternative job options available to them. To date these warrant officers have assisted a large number of soldiers to transfer to technical trades. Those soldiers who have transferred and gained a specialist skill or trade have directly assisted the Army in achieving its growth.

By gaining a skill as a qualified trades-man, not only is the soldier adding to capa-bility for the future, but he or she has also gained a trade or skill to use when regret-tably discharge is elected.

The warrant officers are located in Canberra, Darwin, Townsville and Brisbane. They have assisted soldiers to transfer and find greater job satisfaction in their preferred corps dependent upon current vacancies and training capability across Army.

Retention is about promoting job satis-faction and offering job security to soldiers in a suitably remunerated position.

The Army must be an employer of choice to ensure that it is well positioned for the future and soldiers are satisfied with the job that they doing.

Current and future initiatives are aimed at achieving this and I look forward to hear-ing your verdict and ideas as I travel.

Message from CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy

Message from RSM-AWO Stephen Ward

Face of Army

Team player: Cpl Gregory Woodward, Combat Team Waler, OBG (W) 4. Photo by Cpl Rob Nyffenegger

Informative: CA addresses members of 1 Bde at Robertson Barracks. Photo by Gnr Shannon Joyce

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Army March 6, 2008

NEWS 3

By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

RTF so ld i e r s i n sou the rn Afghanistan’s Oruzgan province repelled several Taliban attacks last week.

The fighting occurred near the mouth of the Baluchi Pass, about 15km from Tarin Kowt, where RTF engineers are building a patrol base for the Afghan National Army.

While the enemy tried to box in the troops with simultaneous attacks from mutually supporting fire teams, the diggers’ defensive tactics pre-vailed. RTF troops responded imme-diately with ASLAVs, mortars, and follow-up patrolling.

RT F 3 C O L t - C o l D av i d Wainwright said on the first night after construction began it was obvi-ous that the Taliban did not want the Australians there.

“They attacked one of our securi-ty positions just on dusk with RPGs and small-arms fire,” he said.

“The contact went on for an hour and soldiers did an extremely excel-lent effort in holding that position in true Anzac spirit.”

There were no Australian casual-ties and Lt-Col Wainwright praised the performance of his men during the attack.

“Our training and drills are first rate, second to none and every time we’ve been challenged our soldiers and junior leaders respond just the way they have been trained,” he said. “I’m very proud of their actions.”

The morning after the attack the RTF combat team commander fol-lowed up with aggressive patrols and by liaising with the local people.

“We are here to protect the peo-ple and to support them and the Taliban will not break our resolve,” Lt-Col Wainwright said.

He said the RTF soldiers were positive about their task and would continue to be successful in their

mission to assist the people of Afghanistan.

“I am very confident with the patrols and the engagement by the soldiers that the message is getting through to the people here,” he said.

CDF ACM Angus Houston said the sporadic Taliban probing was ineffective because of the RTF’s force protection measures.

“This caused the Taliban to launch their attacks from the extreme range of their weapons systems in low-light conditions, which degrad-ed their ability to target Australian troops,” ACM Houston said.

“The immediate and aggressive response by RTF soldiers caused the enemy to break off their attack and abandon their weapons in hastily prepared caches.

“Our troops ... continue to dem-onstrate great perseverance, resil-ience and composure in undertaking this important work.”

Contacts in Afghanistan

Digging deep: Two RTF 3 soldiers document a cache of Taliban weapons discovered by patrolling troops (above).Anticipation: A group of soldiers serving with RTF 3 face out while patrolling in the Dorafshan area (left).Protection: An ASLAV from 2/14 LHR (QMI) returns to its dug-in overwatch position (right).Photos byCpl Hamish Paterson

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Army March 6, 2008

4 NEWS

By Capt Stuart Wood

IT may be an old cliché, but for eight Austral ian soldiers on Operation Astute in Timor-Leste their blood is truly worth bottling.

The soldiers provided blood for immediate transfusion during the emergency treatment of President Jose Ramos-Horta at the Aspen Medical Facility, Dili, following his serious wounding by rebels on February 11.

The soldiers had previously con-sented to be part of Aspen’s emergen-cy donor register, members of which make themselves available for blood donations in the event that their blood type is required urgently and Red Cross supplies are not available.

The register – believed to be the first of its kind in the ADF – lists more than 40 fully-screened and test-ed potential donors at the H-POD and Camp Phoenix in Dili.

President Ramos-Horta’s treatment is the first time the register has been activated in Timor-Leste.

One of the donors was Lt Glen Mitchell, 3CSSB. As the operations officer with the Combat Service Spt Coy collocated with the Aspen hos-

pital at the Dili heliport base – oth-erwise known as the H-POD – Lt Mitchell knew very quickly after the shooting that President Ramos-Horta would undergo emergency surgery at Aspen.

“For me it then became simply a matter of locating the emergency donors with the President’s blood type around the H-POD and lining up with them,” he said.

“As a donor you feel good no mat-ter who you’re helping to save, but the fact that we were helping someone who means so much to the future of this country, plus the fact that it was Aussies showing this compassion, was great.

“I feel like I have a very strong connection to this country now.”

Another of the emergency donors was Cpl Paul Faulkner, 2RAR, who is also donor back in Australia.

“I’d encourage everyone to consid-er donating blood. It’s a really worthy cause back home, and here I’m simply doing my bit as well,” Cpl Faulkner said. “I guess it did feel a bit spe-cial – being able to help out President Ramos-Horta, who’s so important to Timor-Leste, made it even more so.”

THE new Defence White paper will ensure Australia’s defence capability requirements are always achievable and guided by long-term strategic priorities, according to Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.

Mr Fitzgibbon was speaking at the announcement of the White Paper at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra on February 22.

He said robust analysis would be part of the new doctrine, to allow disciplined and cost-effective choices to be made about major capability investments, with future decisions always based on sound strategic guidance.

The White Paper is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

With the last White Paper devel-oped in the 1990s and released in 2000, so much had changed since then and a review was long over-due, Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The new document will be the blueprint for Australia’s future in defence,” he said.

“It will clearly set out the gov-

ernment’s plan for the size, capac-ity and shape for the next 20 years or more.

“There is no higher priority for any national government than the defence of its country, people and interests.

“Providing that security is an expensive business. Funds are never available in unlimited supply. That’s why the process is so impor-tant. The new government has com-mitted itself to maintain defence funding growth.”

Emphasis ing prudence in spending and value for money, Mr Fitzgibbon said that no govern-ment would ever be in a position to “fund all the things it would like to fund to ensure it is in a position to adequately deal with every possi-ble contingency the country might face” in the short, medium or long term.

The White Paper process would make sure the ADF had all the capability, protection and training it needed to ensure it was able to effectively defend the nation and its interests in as safe a manner as was possible.

“The White Paper is a vital plan-

ning document that will form the foundation of our future Defence capabilities,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“We owe it to the Australian people to get this planning right. The White Paper will help the gov-ernment make fully-informed and cost-effective decisions about the military capabilities we need to defend Australia and to promote our interests.

“The White Paper process will result in comprehensive policy guidance across the entire Defence portfolio, delivering on the gov-ernment’s election undertaking to re-examine Australia’s strategic environment. It will align defence strategic guidance, force struc-ture and capability priorities, and resource strategies, by taking a comprehensive view of the Defence enterprise.”

Mr Fitzgibbon commissioned a series of accompanying reviews across a range of Defence areas to underpin the new White Paper.

“These critical studies will be a key input to developing Defence business and budget priorities out to 2030,” he said.

TWO symbols from the Vatican will be displayed in Sydney’s Garden Island on Easter Monday.

Op Testament is part of the ADF’s participation in the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day.

The 3.8m-high World Youth Day Cross and the icon of Mary – a painting of Mary and the infant Jesus – will be the cen-trepiece of a ceremony at Garden Island from 8.45am-1pm on March 24.

Navy Systems Command Chaplain Stuart Hall said the visit was important to the ADF community.

“For many years, this base has seen many young ADF members depart to serve our country and to bring peace, security and freedom to people around the world,” Chap Hall said.

“It’s most significant and appropriate that these symbols of Christ’s love and compassion visit the Catholic military com-munity in Sydney, bring-ing peace and hope to the young men and women of not just Garden Island, but to all ADF members who serve in the greater Sydney region.”

Bishop Max Davis said the visit of the cross and icon to Garden Island would pave the way for the pilgrimage towards World Youth Day 2008.

“From July 9 until July 21, the Catholic Military Diocese will be hosting up to 1000 ADF and foreign military personnel to par-ticipate as ‘pilgrims’ for the event,” Bishop Davis said.

»For more informa-tion about the visit

of the Cross and Icon at Garden Island, or the Military Diocese’s program dur-ing World Youth Day, visit http://www.military.catholic.org.au/wyd2008 or email wyd2008@defence.gov.au

Easter visit for special symbols

CPL Lee Martin has been named sailor of the month in his workplace at HMAS Stirling, the first time in the base’s history that a member of Army has won the award.

He began his career as a sailor before later transferring to the Army.

Presenting the award, Leut-Cmdr Christopher Smith, XO HMAS Stirling, praised Cpl Martin’s “commitment and determination in the provision of high quality logistical services and support”.

“There are a large number of nominations for the award every month, and it is considered to be a great achievement to be selected. As a member of JLU (W), he is heavily outnumbered by his Navy counterparts, but is a more than deserving recipient of this award,” Leut-Cmdr Smith said.

New White Paper

Donors help Ramos-Horta

On the list: Lt Glen Mitchell, 3CSSB, one of eight soldiers who donated blood for President Jose Ramos-Horta’s emergency treatment. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram

Corporal makes a top sailor

Awarded: Cpl Lee Martin with the XO HMAS Stirling and the certificate. Photo by AB Nadia Monteith

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Army March 6, 2008

NEWS 5

1 MP Bn has begun a major restructure to support opera-tions and domestic events.

The battalion recently handed responsibility for investigations to the newly formed t r i - serv ice ADF Investigative Services.

Lt-Col Murray Heron, 1 MP Bn CO, said the restruc-ture started last month as a result of a unit establishment review conducted in 2006.

“It means a new concept of operations and 1 MP Bn is now focused on operation-al support to task forces and units in Australia and while deployed,” Lt-Col Heron said.

“The battalion can also provide limited policing sup-port to units in domestic situ-ations.”

Battalion elements will provide detention manage-ment, security of assets and personnel, non-lethal force opt ions, manoeuvre and mobility support to the combat arms and combat service sup-port elements.

They will also provide support to international, host nation and other policing agencies, including augment-ing and training police forces if required.

The changes will include the relocation of several force elements.

The new names and loca-tions of the companies will allow for a more streamlined approach to specialist policing support to the wider defence force and operations.

“The changes will provide stability in designated loca-tions for members and their families,” Lt-Col Heron said.

“There will be a better

A force for changeMP RESTRUCTUREHQ 1 MP Bn � Based in Sydney in short-term.� Augmented by operations and

support staff.� Has operational planning

responsibilities and forms the deployable Joint Provost Marshal capability.

A Coy � Formerly 1 MP Coy, based in

Townsville.� Will establish planning, training

and operational relationships with 3 Bde.

� Has been re-roled into an ARA sub-unit with one High Readiness Reserve section.

B Coy� Formed from elements of 1

and 2 MP Coys and based in Darwin, with 5 Pl in Sydney in short term.

� Will establish planning, training and operational relationships with 1 Bde.

� Has been re-roled into an ARA sub-unit with two HRR sections.

C Coy� Has rolled all MP ARes ele-

ments into one sub-unit.� Will establish planning, training

and operational relationships with 2 Div.

� Coy HQ in Melbourne with platoons in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane.

D Coy� Is the specialist MP sub-unit

within the battalion.� Close Personal Protection

based in Brisbane.� Military police dogs based in

Oakey.

rank structure for officers and soldiers and will complement the career progression plan for RACMP and other corps.”

Lt-Col Heron and staff from 1 MP Bn will visit units around Australia in the near future to inform them about the new capability and career opportunities.

Presentation: LCpl Gavin Fisher, 1 MP Bn, presents UN Police Inspector Gordon Muderedzwa with an MP badge during a weapons handback in Timor-Leste.Photo byCfn Stephen Cunnington

The Defence Force Welfare Association

(DFWA)Was established nearly 50 years ago to protect the interests of defence personnel in revamping the pension scheme of the time into the DFRDB.

We had to contend with the government and the bureaucracy to ensure that the new scheme refl ected the rights and interests of all service personnel. We were highly successful on that occasion and since then have worked to improve adf superannuation and disability provisions.

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www.defence.gov.au/militarysuperreview

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The debate is now on!

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Hit the site now and fi nd out just how important and complex this is about to become for you, and then join us online.

ARMY has secured fund-ing to launch a Maintenance Enhancement Project (MEP) that will address long-standing frus-trations among maintainers and improve the end-to-end mainte-nance processes for land materiel.

Col J im Phasey, Director Technical Regulation - Army (TR-A), said the MEP would enhance the utility of the MMM – the main-tenance module system – for units and shift Army’s maintenance focus from breakdown maintenance to pre-ventative, scheduled maintenance.

The MEP aims to re-establish a standard maintenance process, introduce new standard jobs, and enable automated scheduling with-in MMM, in order to increase unit efficiency and raise the operational availability of Army’s equipment.

“By improving our maintenance

Army March 6, 2008

6 NEWS

MEP OBJECTIVES■ Improved visibility of operational

availability.■ Sustainable improvements to

maintenance.■ Common maintenance proc-

esses.■ Compliance with authorised

maintenance processes.■ Increased user competency in

MMM.■ Increased utilisation of MMM

automation.■ Improved maintenance system

data integrity.■ Improved maintenance man-

agement decision making.

High-octane day revs Clipsal crowdBy Maj Sandra Turner

INFANTRY, armour, jets and 700 horses entertained crowds of nearly 300,000 at the 10th Clipsal 500.

Tri-service displays, including the 700-horsepower Armygeddon and units of 9 Bde and 16 AD Regt, supported the race meeting in Adelaide from February 21-24.

“This year we have really got it right, the displays allowed us to engage with the whole family,” said Capt Steve White, of 9 Bde.

“We can’t underestimate this kind of activity to create an awareness of the ADF and its capability, and also the benefit from a recruiting perspective.”

About 300 expressions of interest in full-time and part-time Army service were made from among the 291,000 fans.

“Every year we see more peo-ple inquiring about joining the ADF,” Capt White said.

The tri-service display fea-tured a large walk-through area that showcased the 9 Bde units including engineers, signals, artil-lery, armoured and infantry.

Stone Brothers Racing driver James Courtney visited the 9CSSB display before the race and had his blood pressure checked by Health Coy’s Pte Hanna Short.

16 AD Regt gunners explained the RBS-70 ground-to-air missile system to race fans, who were also drawn to medium-range mobility vehicles.

As in recent years, “petrol-heads” from near and far gravi-tated to Armygeddon as the street machine fired up and could be heard across the oval.

In celebration of the race’s 10th anniversary, four RAAF F/A-18 Hornets flew in forma-tion before both V8 races on both Saturday and Sunday.

This year’s air display was the biggest ever at any Australian sporting event.

But the weekend was not without tragedy, as driver Ashley Cooper died on February 25 from injuries suffered during one of the V8 Supercar support races.

A RAAF medical officer was among those who tended to the injured driver at the track.

Check up: Pte Hannah Short , 9CSSB medical assistant, takes V8 Supercar driver James Courtney’s blood pressure at the Army Reserve display (above)

On target: Gnr Russell Bolger tracks an RAAFF/A-18 Hornet during a demonstration at the Clipsal 500 (left).Photos byTpr Michael Franchi

Project to aid maintainers

process, our use of the MMM sys-tem and its automated functional-ity, and getting a grip on our tech-nical data, we will improve things today, and also position Army for a

successful transition to Elipse, which will replace MMM,” Col Phasey said.

Army units will receive new maintenance management support tools such as an end-to-end process model with interactive multi-media, and a “maintenance manager’s tool-box” of reports.

The MEP rollout will consist of four teams that will provide on-site support, mentoring and coach-ing to 1 Div and SOCOMD units in Brisbane, Townsville, Darwin and Sydney regions. On-site visits will start in March and will initially focus on 7 Bde units.

» For more information go to the “Maintenance” tab on the DTR-A intranet site; email JLC-ArmyMEPEquiries@drn.mil.au; or email DTR-A Project Manager Lt-Col Richard Critchley at Richard.Critchley@defence.gov.au

Army March 6, 2008

NEWS 7

By Capt Michael Brooke

RESERVISTS can look forward to deployments to Germany, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Australia’s far north in the year ahead.

2 Div units, supported by the ongo-ing development of the High Readiness Reserve (HRR), would operate at a high tempo to deliver tangible opera-tional capabilities, 2 Div Commander Maj-Gen Ian Flawith said.

“This is crucial to the Army’s capacity to sustain its commitment to ADF operations both domestically and overseas,” Maj-Gen Flawith said.

It is expected a battle group head-quarters and a combat team would participate in a major exercise to be conducted in Germany later this year.

Maj-Gen Flawith said reserv-ists would also deploy to Rifle Coy Butterworth in Malaysia, Operation Anode in the Solomons and support border protection in Australia’s north-ern waters.

“Each of the six brigades within 2 Div will continue to deliver a com-

pany-sized Reserve Response Force in support of domestic security opera-tions, as well as continuing with the development of the HRR capability,” he said.

“2 Div has already achieved the first two development milestones with more than 530 reservists having com-mitted to service in the HRR,” he said.

He said the Reserve’s ability to produce more trained soldiers would be further enhanced when 2 Div assumed responsibility to deliver most of the individual Reserve training from mid year.

“Each brigade within the divi-sion will have a sizeable training unit, based on the current university regiments, that will be structured and manned to deliver individual training,” he said.

5 Bde commander Brig Paul Brereton said individual and collec-tive training programs would signifi-cantly enhance the brigade’s capacity to mount force elements for operations as well as support domestic security operations.

Reservists continue to step up

Darwin remembersThumping: Gunners from 8/12 Mdm Regt fire their M2A2 howitzers during a re-enactment of the bombing of Darwin for the commemorative service at the city’s cenotaph (above).

Wet work: Sgt Christopher Grant, 8/12 Mdm Regt, stands in the pouring rain with his M2A2 gun crews during the commemorative service (right). Photos by Gnr Shannon Joyce

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MORE than 100 Sydney-based reserv-ists arrived home on February 9 after a 12-week tour of duty in Malaysia.

The soldiers were part of Rifle Coy Butterworth Rotation (RCB) 80, which operated from the Royal Malaysian Air Force base at Butterworth.

The soldiers from 8 Bde and 5 Bde endured months of intensive training, including company exercises and bi-lat-eral exercises with the Royal Malaysian Regiment.

Lt Jason Nowland, 8CER, said his three months as a platoon commander in Malaysia was “awesome”.

“I learned so much and improved my infantry skills,” Lt Nowland said. “We all worked hard ... my command skills improved dramatically by being there.”

Pte Adam Atkins, 41RNSWR, said it was good to be home and the trip was worthwhile.

“We had the opportunity to train with the Malaysian Army, participated in

Exercise Harangaroo and were treated like honoured guests,” he said.

After two weeks leave to unwind from their military service, which involved jungle patrolling, combined arms training, survival training and an exercise with the Malaysian Army, most from the contingent have now returned to their civilian occupations.

Brig Iain Spence, 8 Bde Commander, said the soldiers acquitted themselves particularly well.

“I am proud of these reservists who have served their country well for three months in often arduous and trying con-ditions,” Brig Spence said.

RCB not only helps strengthen the ties between Australia and Malaysia but also provides an excellent training opportunity. Reservists who deploy on RCB practise and reinforce their skills in a jungle environment, and achieve new training competencies from courses run in Malaysia.

Army March 6, 2008

NEWS 9

Back from Malaysia

Homecoming: Spr Paul Dunn, 8CER, Pte Matt Price, 4/3RNSWR, and Spr Ryan Bridges, 8CER..

THERE are 101,000 good rea-sons why Australia’s Memorials Development Committee is looking at two very special new monuments in Canberra.

That is the number of Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice of the 1.4 million who served in World War I and World War II.

The memorials will be built on the Rond Terrace at the lake end of Anzac Parade in parkland adjoining Lake Burley Griffin.

On February 18, Governor-General Maj-Gen Michael Jeffery announced a design competition for the memorials.

“As we look down Anzac Parade we see many other memorials ... but there is no national memorial, anywhere, which is specifically dedicated to World War I or to World War II. It is a major omission as these two conflicts have huge national significance,” Maj-Gen Jeffery said.

» Details of the design competition are available at the Memorials Development Committee site at www.mdc.org.au.

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Army March 6, 2008

10 NEWS

By Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe

ENGINEER Maj Michael Scott has won the Chauvel Essay Prize 2007 for his account of recon-struction in Afghanistan.

C A L t - G e n P e t e r L e a h y awarded Maj Scott the Australian Army Journal Chauvel Medallion and a $1000 cheque for his essay Rebuilding Afghanistan One Mud-Brick at a Time: Lessons from an Aussie Engineer, published in the journal’s autumn 2007 edition.

“I was honoured ... the other authors who submitted articles are quite senior to me and very expe-rienced, so I feel quite privileged,” Maj Scott said.

He based his essay on his obser-vations and experiences while deployed to Afghanistan from March to October in 2006.

E m b e d d e d w i t h t h e U S Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and then the Dutch PRT in Oruzgan province, he was the sole engineer responsible for the devel-opment and delivery of reconstruc-tion and development projects in the southern province before RTF 1 deployed.

Maj Scott submitted his essay to the Australian Army Journal to target a wider audience.

“I felt that more personnel would have access to it,” he said.

“The recommendations that I have put in there can be applied to any similar theatre, medium to high threat, where there is significant

Experience wins prize

Winner: Maj Michael Scott, SO to DG Future Land Warfare, AHQ, won the Chauvel Essay Prize 2007 with his essay Rebuilding Afghanistan One Mud-brick at a Time. Photo by LAC Aaron Curran

By Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe

CHOCOLATE grins were worn by deployed RAEME soldiers thanks to care packs sent from the RAEME Association of NSW late last year.

Association member Fred Jolly organ-ised “Operation Comfort Packs” so the association could be more involved with the soldiers of today.

“I am old enough to remember my mother and sisters packing stuff to send to the soldiers in World War II and that is where the idea was generated from,” Mr Jolly said.

He and association member Clyde Cook contacted food companies which gener-ously donated a variety of goods.

Mr Jolly and Mr Cook, with the help of their wives Sandra and Heather, organised, packed and sent 155 “comfort packs” to ARA and Reserve RAEME soldiers serv-ing in the MEAO, Timor and the Solomon Islands.

“We’ve got endless emails back say-ing how good it was and how well it was received from the troops. The replies we’ve got have just been fantastic it has made it all worthwhile,” Mr Jolly said.

“A corporal in Afghanistan sent me a letter just saying how great it was to have something to sit down to morning tea with, that had come from home.”

Mr Jolly and Mr Cook encourage all corps to get involved. “We would like to see the whole thing grow and cover all the sol-diers overseas,” Mr Jolly said.

reconstruction and development needing to occur.”

He was inspired by the Afghans’ dedication to improve their lives.

“They’re quite good at what they are doing over there but they

just don’t have the experience or the finishing skills and their mate-rial is quite poor,” he said.

“They are always happy to learn new skills, it felt good to impart knowledge and see the contractors

improve, in general the standard of projects was improving as well.”

» Maj Scott’s essay can be accessed at http://www.defence.gov.au/army/LWSC/docs/AAJ_IV_1.pdf.

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By Capt Al Green

THE Australian flags look bright this morning. From atop slab-sided Bushmasters, they stand out against a dying blizzard’s white backdrop near Tarin Kowt.

Snow blankets the normally drab landscape as RTF project engineers begin to inspect works by contractors and local-ly employed workers. Soldiers provide security for the engineers and one shakes his head, impressed by the hardiness of locals crossing the icy river valley.

Rakes and shovels in hand, senior engineer Capt Mick Koen and works supervisor Sgt Rod Smith scrape snow away to expose freshly laid foundations.

Always an exacting engineer, Capt Koen finds a discrepancy between the works and the plans and he wants it sort-ed out – snow or no snow.

The key, he says, is to make sure that buildings are going to be safe. This is a time for diplomacy – it is a mat-ter of finding effective solutions without offence.

“We do our utmost to establish part-nering relationships in all of our dealings with the people of TK,” Capt Koen says.

“This applies not only to our interac-tion with members of the provincial gov-ernment, but also while working through issues on-site with local contractors.”

The Australian Army engineers do their best to be seen as firm but fair. Capt Koen points out that the key to ensuring quality control is improving the indig-enous capacity.

“Wherever possible we make the most of opportunities to pass on construction skills to the locals,” he said.

“This is where our construction super-visors come to the fore – a significant amount of time during site visits is spent showing the workers not only the quality of work that is required, but more impor-tantly, how they go about achieving it.”

In return, the local contractors appre-ciate the time taken to demonstrate bet-ter ways of doing business. The impact

of the Australians has led to marked improvements, says works supervisor WO2 Matt Daldry.

“The local tradesmen’s skills and knowledge, though basic, continues to improve on a daily basis,” he says.

“This is evident whenever we visit a construction site – the locals may lack some equipment, but they make up for this in their determination to produce a facility they can be proud of.”

The building designs use modern con-struction methods and reflect local archi-tectural styles appropriate to the region’s climatic conditions. Draftsman Spr Josh Tyacke says that while construction techniques are different to those gener-ally seen in Australia, the same principles apply.

“The local contractors respond very favourably to the project drawings which are produced, and often provide inno-vative Afghan solutions to problems encountered,” he says.

Works manager WO1 Bob Nolan says the main aim of the projects “is to improve the lives of the population through the provision of modern facili-ties, particularly in the areas of health, education and governance”.

There are sound reasons behind hav-ing the projects managed by the RTF and delivered by local contractors, says quali-fied civil engineer Capt Peter Crunkhorn. “The obvious benefit is the amount of vital infrastructure which can be deliv-ered simultaneously by multiple contrac-tors for the local population,” he says.

But there are dangers.“The locals are also putting them-

selves at risk to build hospitals, schools and provide basic services for the people of Afghanistan,” works supervisor Sgt Rod Smith says.

“Our successes degrade Taliban support and build respect between the Australians and the locals.”

A reason why, in the coldest Afghan winter in living memory, the soldiers are outside the wire ignoring the chill and totally focused on the job at hand.

Taliban out in the cold

Army March 6, 2008

WORLD NEWS 11

Chilling out: Pte Damien Kent and Pte Adam Langford (above) provide protection for engineers in Tarin Kowt (left), while an Afghan soldier and Spr Brian Van Etten (right) carry wooden beams for a construction task.Photos by Capt Al Green and Cpl Hamish Paterson

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By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

NOT every soldier has the chance to visit family while on deployment – but a patrol in Honiara was a stroll through Pte Sean Williams’ back yard.

“I was born in Honiara in 1988. My dad was British and was a real estate businessman and met my mum, who lived here and they had a family,” Pte Williams, 19, said.

He deployed to the Solomon Islands with 8/7RVR last year.

“After my dad died I moved to Australia in 2000 with my mum and little brother when I was 11,” he said.

Pte Williams visited most of his relatives and some of his friends in Honiara during his deployment.

“I saw a lot of my family, including my three sisters, their children and my brother,” he said.

By chance, h is mother had booked a holiday to the Solomons before Pte Williams deployed.

“They were all really happy I visited them, especially my grandfather,” he said.

The deployment was the first time Pte Williams had returned to the Solomon Islands since 2000.

“When I was little this place looked a whole lot bigger. I noticed a couple of new buildings since I have been away, and a lot more roads have been sealed,” he said. “When I was a kid I used to play in the Botanical Gardens. The school used to take us there.”

Pte Williams speaks flu-ent pidgin and is considering a career change.

“When we were patrolling I was usually the one who inter-preted when we spoke to the locals,” he said.

“I’m already transferring to 3RAR, but I might look into becoming an interpreter.”

He said he enjoyed the deployment and was privi-leged to assist the people of the Solomons. “It’s a great feeling to be able to come back and help,” he said.

Familiar territory

Homecoming: Pte Sean Williams, 8/7RVR, patrols his birthplace in the Solomon Islands. He had a shaving chit while deployed on Op Anode.

Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

Army March 6, 2008

WORLD NEWS 13

MORE than 100 13 Bde troops were thanked for their work on Operation Anode this month.

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon visited the WA, Tasmanian and SA troops in the Solomon Islands.

“We currently have approximately 140 reservist men and women doing wonderful work … and it’s my pleasure and privilege to be able to visit and formally thank them for their efforts,” Mr Snowdon said.

Two patrol boats have also deployed with the soldiers to assist with training and technical advice in fisheries management.

“I’ve talked to people out in the villages and in the streets and they are very happy with us, so I feel we are doing a good job,” Mr Snowdon said.

Applause for effort

Thanks: Minister Warren Snowdon and 13 Bde soldiers.

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Army March 6, 2008

WORLD NEWS 15

Calm faces, tense times

By Capt Stuart Wood

“PARA … para.” LCpl Carlo Novak’s voice is as calm and firm as his body language as he directs the overloaded, dilapidated bus to a stop on a hairpin bend in the hills south of Dili.

“Hatudu surat, halo favour,” LCpl Novak says.

It is a polite request for ID and the driver com-plies. Behind him, LCpl Novak’s soldiers direct the adult male passengers out of the bus and the pains-taking process of check-ing identities begins. IDs are scanned, faces are cross-checked against file photographs of ‘persons of interest’ and the bus is searched. Nothing.

“Let ’em through. Obrigado barak,” the NCO directs. A wave to the driver and his passengers and the bus noses gingerly away from the armoured personnel carriers that form this outer cordon’s ring of steel.

For platoon command-er Lt Daryl Batchelor, the vehicle checkpoint (VCP), it is a well-practised rou-tine and is his soldiers’ bread and butter work.

Today the t a rge t s are known to be heavily armed, intent on harm and very, very close.

N eve r t h e l e s s , t h e Australians generate an air of calm, courteous, profes-sionalism.

“At the end of the day we’re here to help the Timorese people,” Lt Batchelor said.

“We know it’s pretty nerve-wracking for an individual to be removed from a group and asked to follow a soldier away to be asked a few more ques-tions, so we try to make the process as efficient and comfortable as possible.”

While not being the complete means of screen-ing entry into or exit from an area, VCPs are partic-ularly effective in Timor where there are very few roads through the moun-tainous interior.

This VCP is also a clas-sic example of the coop-erative effort required to bring true stability to this country. The checkpoint is manned by International Stabilisation Force sol-diers, Timor-Leste police and UN pol ice f rom Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

Vigilant: Soldiers from the Timor-Leste Battle Group (right) question a driver at a vehicle checkpoint, and a crammed truck (left) squeezes past an APC guarding a jungle road. Photos by Cpl Rachel Ingram

16 CENTREPIECE 17Army March 6, 2008

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WORLD WORLD VIEWVIEW

Aussie troops have had a busy couple of months. From the narrow jungle roads of Timor-Leste to the frigid mountain passes of Afghanistan, they have shown tenacity and professionalism.

Thorough: Cpl Lesley Cottle, 1 MP Bn, prepares weapons to hand over to UN Police in Timor-Leste. Photo by Cfn Stephen Cunnington

Alert: Pte Stuart Sweatman (front) and LCpl Brad Wintle (rear) clear part of Al Salman jail in southern Iraq. Photo by Cpl Rob Nyffenegger

On duty: A Timor-Leste Battle Group soldier watches the road during a vehicle check point for people of interest in the mountain area south of Dili. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram

Sharp end: An ASLAV fires smoke canisters during a range practice in Iraq. Photo by Cpl Rob Nyffenegger

Engagement: OBG (W) 4 personnel share a meal with a group of Iraqi dignitaries. Photo by Cpl Rob Nyffenegger

Fire support: Two 81mm mortars from the 2RAR Mortar Pl fire simultaneously during operations in the Chora region of Afghanistan.Picture by Cpl Hamish Paterson

Vigilant: An RTF3 soldier patrols against the rugged and

snow-covered mountains of Afghanistan’s Chora region.

Picture by Cpl Hamish Paterson

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Army March 6, 2008

18 PERSONNEL

THE sacrifices and support of Defence families have taken a front row seat at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

The importance, strength, self-reli-ance and courage of the families of ADF members was officially recog-nised with the unveiling of a plaque and a garden seat in the memorial’s Sculpture Garden on February 21

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon joined VCDF Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie, Australian War Memorial Director Steve Gower and members of Defence Families of Australia at the ceremony.

“In war and in peace, the men and women of our ADF have been supported by their families,” Mr Snowdon said.

“The work they do would not be possible without the love and under-standing that families give. Today provides a long overdue opportunity to recognise the families’ contribu-tion.”

He said there were many chal-lenges that went with being in the ADF family.

“Our families face frequent relo-cations, they have to deal with a fam-ily member being away from home on training or deployment for weeks or even months at a time – all these

factors add up to an increased level of pressure,” he said. “We are com-mitted to easing these pressures as much as we can, but the first step is to recognise the contributions of our families.”

The plaque accompanies a bench seat in the War Memorial’s Sculpture Garden.

“By establishing this seat here in the sculpture garden we seek to remind the visitors to this place that every person who serves in the ADF carries with them the love, the hopes and the fears of a family,” Mr Snowdon said.

“We thank these families for their service to our country.”

THE Office of the Defence Force Ombudsman (DFO) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of its existence and the roles it fills.

The Commonweal th and Defence Force Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan, said effective complaint handling involved several steps.

“The DFO recognises that the chain of command, commanding officers and unit administrative staff in particular, have a key role to play in resolving complaints in the first instance,” Professor McMillan said.

“Often the best place to achieve a resolution to a problem lies clos-est to the cause.

“The Ombudsman’s primary responsibility is to promote bet-ter administration throughout gov-ernment, predominantly through investigating complaints about the administrative actions and deci-sions of government departments.

“Anybody can complain to the Ombudsman and, importantly for serving members, the DFO is inde-pendent, free and impartial.”

Normally, the DFO would not investigate a complaint from a serviceman or woman if they had not first attempted to resolve the issue either administratively or, more formally, through a process such as the Redress of Grievance.

Recent work by the DFO included assessing and reporting on a number of complaint avenues generally well-known by Defence personnel and seen as effective, including the Redress of Grievance process and the system in place to deal with unacceptable behaviour complaints.

“The reports and feedback the DFO provided have been well received by Defence,” Professor McMillan said.

“Defence has recognised the value of increasing service aware-ness of the DFO’s role, and has invited the DFO team to present to a number of commanding officer, leadership, investigative and career

Under legislation, the DFO will assist Service personnel with complaints or Redresses of Grievance.

The DFO will only assist once internal processes to resolve issues have been unsuccessful.

Services and advice provid-ed by the DFO is independ-ent, impartial and free.

OMBUDSMAN’S ROLE

Professor John McMillan

A BILL that aims to enhance Defence’s military justice sys-tem was tabled in Parliament on February 20.

The Defence Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 is one of the final developments in response to a decade of reviews and inquiries calling for improvement, culminating in the Senate’s 2005 report, “The effec-tiveness of Australia’s Military Justice System”, according to Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon.

“The Bill strikes the right balance between effective dis-cipline and the rights of those individuals who are subject to it,” Mr Snowdon said.

“The court martial system is now gone. Finally, military justice offers the same rights to a fair hearing as civilian justice.

“This Bill extends those reforms to the summary dis-cipline system, where many military offences are first dealt with.”

Among the reforms is the right in all cases to appeal sum-mary authority convictions to a Military Judge of the Australian Military Court, and the right to choose trial over summary discipline in all but a number of minor offences.

“While simplified, this means evidence in summary proceed-ings must be relevant, reliable, sufficient, and consistent,” Mr Snowdon said.

Through the Bill, a maximum three-month time limit will be set between the laying of charges and the trial by a summary authority and, as with civilian practice, will allow the possible suspension of whole or a greater range of punishments.

“These initiatives, and many more incorporated in the Bill, aim to streamline and improve the ADF discipline system,” Mr Snowdon said.

How DFO can resolve complaints

Bill to improve justice system

management forums in recent times.

“The DFO bel ieves tha t Defence has shown a willingness to work toward improving its com-plaints processes but getting things right is not a ‘set and forget’ exer-cise. Like anything else that is dif-ficult in this world, getting things right requires careful and regular attention. Even with this, things can and sometimes do go wrong.

“When they do, the opportu-nity exists for the Ombudsman to become involved at the comple-tion of an internal investigation, or where a resolution cannot be reached due to administrative prob-lems associated with the process.

“Examples of administrative problems include: delay, relevant material not being considered, irrelevant material being relied on, lack of procedural fairness and application of deficient policy.

“If you have a complaint that arises from your service and you are unable to resolve it internally, feel free to contact this office and we’ll consider whether there is anything we can do to assist.”

Recognition for familiesA reminder: VCDF Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie, Mrs Nicole Quinn and Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon at the unveiling of the Defence Families of Australia commemorative plaque in the Sculpture Garden of the Australian War Memorial.Photo by LAC Al Bencke

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Army March 6, 2008

PERSONNEL 19

EXPRESSIONS of interest are sought for nomination as a mem-ber representative on the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS) Board.

There are vacancies for an officer and an OR. Nominees must have rel-evant skills and experience.

The MSBS Board manages the MilitarySuper Scheme and invests the

assets which comprise the MSB Fund. The board acts in the best interests of all MilitarySuper members in the administration of the scheme and the investment of the fund.

» Further information for potential nomi-nees is available at http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac/ or by emailing louise.scullion@defence.gov.au. Expressions of interest close on March 28.

Board nominations sought

On the move: Pte Jai Rosevear, 3RAR, and his deploying mates won’t be using a Defence Travel Card on this occasion, but personnel who travel for business using the card will benefit from a new accommodation deal.

Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

NEARLY two million pages of service history dating back to the Sudan War will enter the elec-tronic age under a new project in Melbourne.

The scheme, by the Central Army Records Office (CARO), will digitise the paper records held at Victoria Barracks.

CARO signed a contract worth nearly $1 million to complete the project’s first stage, which is expect-ed to be finalised by April.

The paper records have suffered through wear and tear, and their cur-rent storage facilities have not met National Archive standards, accord-ing to former CARO Digitisation Project manager Colin Brighton.

“The records are deteriorating partly due to the environmental and physical storage facilities in which they are stored,” Mr Brighton said.

In 1995 more than 16,500 records were moved and 550 were freeze-dried after a storage room had flooded.

“This incident was a direct con-sequence of the inadequacies of the storage environment,” Mr Brighton said.

The CARO Digitisation Project was designed to digitise and save electronic backups to personnel dos-siers and their index.

“There is only a single copy of

the majority of the post 1947 Army personnel records in existence,” Mr Brighton said.

“Currently Army has no way of reconstructing the dossiers or other historical registers should they be lost or damaged.”

The project would protect this information in the event of loss or irretrievable damage of the physical records due to fire or other natural or man made disasters.

It is anticipated that stage one of the project would digitise the CARO General Index, an alphabetical list of ex-Army service personnel dating back to the Sudan War .

The index is comprised of 1.8 million pages in 3299 hardcover volumes.

Each card in the General Index provides brief details of a soldier who enlisted between 1885 and 1972.

Stage two would digitise the Vietnam and Korean collection and stage three the remaining dossiers.

In the past CARO staff photo-copied part or entire dossiers, which were shelved according to service numbers, to find the information required to answer inquiries.

It is expected that the project would streamline record searches, and reduce the time taken to respond to these inquiries.

DEFENCE travellers can choose the lodging to suit their needs thanks to new accommodation management services.

The department signed a contract with accommodation broker Lido Group to utilise its buying power and obtain the best standard of domestic commercial accommodation available to Defence business travellers within travel budgets.

On February 18, the Lido contract was launched for Defence person-nel who travel for business using the Defence Travel Card. Personnel using the contract can expect to benefit from a preferred domestic accommodation listing and Defence-specific negotiated room rates. There is also a choice of two booking methods, which are:� online through a Defence specific

accommodation website, or� through Qantas Business Travel,

which will have access to the same inventory listed on the Lido accom-modation website.The Lido accommodation website

has been tailored to meet Defence’s needs. It includes a list of Defence-preferred hotels and individual hotel information such as star ratings, room type, rates, hotel amenities, hotel pic-tures, distances to Defence sites and maps of the location. The information displayed may vary between hotels. It is anticipated that as the Lido contract matures more hotels will be added to the accommodation database. This will offer Defence travellers a wider selec-

tion of hotels to choose from when undertaking official business travel.

In this new arrangement, the accom-modation rates in some domestic loca-tions have increased. The new limits will only apply when accommodation is booked using the Lido contract.

The Domestic Travel Budget Calculators have been adjusted to

reflect these changes and are available on the Travel website.

» For information on the Lido contract, visit the Defence Travel website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/travel/default.asp). If, after accessing the site, further assistance is required, phone 1800 333 362.

» Defence Travel Management con-tributed this article.

You can rest easy Project to digitise personnel records

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20 FEATURESArmy March 6, 2008

RECORD low waters tested pad-dlers along 110km of Tasmanian white water rapids in January.

Exercise Franklin Wilderness pitched 15 Army White Water Association kayakers and rafters against the Collingwood, Franklin and Gordon Rivers in southwest Tasmania for up to 10 days.

The low water levels challenged kayakers of all abilities as many rap-ids became more difficult and far more arduous.

“I’ve never seen it this low and can now say I’ve walked the Franklin,” OIC Maj Brent Maddock, 1CER, said.

The echoes of “ready, ready, heave” and “prepare to lift, lift up” were still being heard until 8 o’clock most nights.

The expedition was broken into a 10-man, 10-day rafting party led by Maj Chris Beattie, APA-H, and a five-day kayaking party of four led by LCpl Bob Godfrey, 5 Avn Regt.

For USAF exchange officer Capt Rod Bennet, Franklin Wilderness was a complete eye opener.

“Damn, if this is what you guys do for fun I’d hate to do your job,” Capt Bennet said.

But he also echoed Capt Tim McPhee, 51FNQR, who said the expedition was “the best thing I’ve done in 13 years in the Army Reserve”.

The Franklin boasts some of Australia’s most technically demanding rapids, with names such as the Churn, Thunder Rush and the Cauldron.

Each was scouted for likely haz-ards and safe paddling routes, and the team used field signals around the large, noisy rapids.

Rescue skills were tested and excitement ensued when not all went according to plan, as Maj Paul Middleton, MUR, discovered when he managed to sink a raft.

The high portage at the Churn (a huge and dangerous rapid) proved a daunting challenge to the uniniti-ated.

With more than 18 descents between them, Maj Maddock, Maj Beattie and Maj Middleton decided

all the gear would be carried along a 2km goat track around the rapid.

The still inflated rafts were hauled to the top of the cliff, low-ered down the other side and then paddled to the end of the track.

This demanding detour reward-ed all with a spectacular view high above the river.

At one point during a diffi-cult section of this portage a laden kayak slipped and quickly acceler-ated downhill towards Capt Harvey French, RMC-D, who was carrying another kayak with Sgt Craig Rowe, ALTC. Both took immediate evasive action.

“Well that just highlights an example of a bit of real risk and real life consequences,” Capt French said.

At the final campsite at Sir John Falls, the group could relax and appreciate the magnitude of what it had achieved.

» For more information visit the AWWA website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/AWWA/

Rafters walk Franklin

White water: Low levels didn’t make life any easier for the rafters and kayakers of the Army White Water Association. Photo by Sgt Craig Rowe

Still smiling: They said portage could be difficult – (bottom to top) Capt Tim McPhee, 51FNQR; Capt Eric Bettanin, HQ 7 Bde; Pte Damien Ridge, 5/6RVR; Lt Jai Taylor, 152 Sig Sqn; Maj Brent Maddock, 1CER, carry their raft up a steep incline. Photo by Lt-Col Ian Wing

Army White Water Association members experienced a rush out of recent exercise, even if at times they had to get out and walk.

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22 LETTERSArmy March 6, 2008

AN ARTICLE on the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme (“The ADF has got you covered”, Army, February 7) did not clarify that it is the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) that adminis-ters the scheme.

This has the potential to confuse members who could end up wasting time seeking timely and accurate infor-mation about their entitlements from the wrong source.

There were several other sections of the article which had the potential to cause confusion for members.

Compensation claims: While members need to report all injuries to the ADF, it is DVA which processes compensation claims. Access to DVA benefits requires a decision that liability has been accepted by DVA.

Benefits: Pension and incapacity benefits – “other Government benefits offsets” includes pensions paid by ComSuper.

Permanent impairment: The amount payable is age-related as well as depending on level of impairment. An example of circumstances leading to payment of the maximum benefit quoted would be for a member under the age of 30 who has lost the ability for independ-ent mobility. An injured person cannot receive the maximum lump sum and the maximum pension. Dependant children

lump sum benefits can only be paid with maximum impairment.

Rehabilitation: In some instances DVA can supplement the rehabilitation services provided by Defence for a serv-ing member where DVA has accepted liability for the injury. DVA provides rehabilitation (medical treatment, lifestyle and vocational) for accepted conditions after members have separated from the ADF. In addition to the ADF Transition Centres, which all separating members must attend, DVA provides the Transition Management Service (TMS) for members separating on medical grounds. TMS is a voluntary and free service to assist medically separating members with accessing DVA.

Incapacity and disability: Benefits from DVA are available for accepted conditions irrespective of the reason for separation. Serving personnel can be assessed for a permanent impairment payment although there is a minimum impairment threshold before payments are made. DVA may compensate serving personnel for lost allowances if the loss is caused by an accepted condition.

Insurance: DVA staff are not quali-fied and nor is it appropriate for them to provide advice on insurance.

For more information, contact DVA on 300 550 461 or at www.dva.gov.au.Mark TraversDirector Defence LinksDepartment of Veterans’ Affairs

BULLETIN BOARD

LAST year you published an arti-cle on snoring in the Sick Parade section (“Keep the noizzze down”, Army, June 14, 2007.

It prompted my partner to men-tion that I had several symptoms of sleep apnoea that I should have seen to (which is what the final part of the article advocated). I raised this matter with the RMO and off to a sleep study I went. The diag-nosis was severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

At the subsequent appointment with the RMO I was informed my career was at an end. I was to be downgraded to MEC 3, effective that day, and an ear, nose and throat surgeon would assess what could be done to better my condition surgi-cally – the future looked grim both in terms of health and career.

The sleep physician indicated that I may need a nasal continuous positive air pressure machine or a mandibular splint to overcome my OSA and, IAW Health Directive 47 – Management of Sleep Apnoea in the ADF, this made me non-deployable, of which the upshot was MEC 4 and medically discharged.

A Critical Skills Waiver was my only course of action to have some form of a future.

As a result of this diagnosis, I researched the symptoms, treatment and prevention of apnoea. I came across information on a breathing method known as Buteyko and, after

seeing a local ad for a seminar, I went along. The presentation made some significant claims for fixing asthma, sleep apnoea, sinusitis and so on and I was typically sceptical of the claims made regarding this method; put simply it teaches that we should be breathing through our nose and not our mouth, along with other techniques to improve arterial oxygen saturation and CO2 levels.

After participating in the training course I undertook another diagnos-tic sleep study and the assessment reported a significant drop in my apnoea and snoring.

I now have my career and my quality of life back. I attribute this

equally to nasal surgery I had which opened up my septum (obstructed due to a broken nose) and the breathing method.

My final point is that as a publication that produces articles to inform members about health issues, ensure you include all rel-evant information, including the impact on a member’s MEC and career. I had a positive result from this but I wonder how many other soldiers may have travelled this path and were confronted with the same outcome from a sleep study.WO2 Andrew GehrigHQ 1 DivEnoggera

A rude awakening More details on scheme

Nap time: Taking the chance to get some sleep on a long patrol. Photo by Cpl Rob Nyffenegger

Name changeTHE NSW branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association has a new name. All serv-ice men and women with the applicable qualifying service can become full mem-bers of the newly-titled Vietnam Veterans, Peacekeepers, Peacemakers of Australia (NSW Branch) Inc. For more information contact (02) 9682 1788.

Ex-military vehiclesCOLLECTORS of ex-military vehicles will gather at Corowa, NSW, from March 10-15 to display their restored vehicles, conduct a parade, hold a swap meet and have a ‘swim-in’ with amphibious vehicles. For further information or registration phone Jan Thompson on 0423 943010 or email kveinc@optusnet.com.au

CONTACT US:For more information about Reservist opportunities in the DMO, please visitwww.dmojobs.gov.au or 1800 DMO JOBS (1800 366 562)

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WO1 Tony MinnitiArmament SPOVictoria Barracks – MelbourneWarrant Offi cer Minniti is employed to assist with the review and update of weapons related documentation including Integrated Logistic Support Instructions and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Instructions.

“I have found DMO to be an excellent employer with a wide variety of work available”

AS A RESERVIST WITH DMOTHE OPPORTUNITIES ARE ENDLESS DMO offers the chance to broaden your horizons through a wide range of challenging and varied work. You may be employed in one of 215 major or 200 minor projects, across 50 locations in Australia.

A range of exciting opportunities are now available (both part-time and continuous full time service opportunities) for Army reservists. DMO is currently seeking reservists from within the following specialisations or trade groups:

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� Start – Feb 08

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The MEP will improve Army’s equipment operational availability by:

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The standard maintenance process and new standard jobs will be rolled out to all units. The onsite mentoring program will focus on 1 Div and SOCOMD units in:

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Army March 6, 2008

PEOPLE 25

Stamina: Sgt David Bowden, OBG (W) 4, runs up the side of a dune to have a look at the area in the desert south of As Samawah in Iraq.

Photo by Cpl Rob Nyffenegger

Roadblock: Pte Josh Thomeson, Timor-Leste Battle Group, and Malaysian Policeman LCpl Jos Kahcurrudui conduct a vehicle checkpoint in the mountain area south of Dili in the district of Dare. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram

Reflective: Cfn Tyrone Tynan,1 Avn Regt, with the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter. Photo by LAC Aaron Curran

On guard: Sgt Matthew Julian (left) and Pte Gavin Hoad, OBG (W) 4, inside the Police Centre in As Samawah, Iraq, during a key leadership meeting. Photo by Cpl Rob Nyffenegger

Guns: Tpr Dylan Close, Combat Team Waler, OBG (W) 4, prepares for a day on the firing range. Photo by Cpl Rob Nyffenegger

Training: Cadet Pte Tim Luck shoots a compass bearing with other Darwin-based cadets in preparation for a cadet camp in Tasmania. Photo by Gnr Shannon Joyce

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SICK PARADE

26 LIFESTYLEArmy March 6, 2008

A MEMBER of the ADF who holidayed in Italy recently had his first ice cream cone in 19

years. Why? The cone did not contain gluten, and the ADF member is “one in 100”, someone who suffers from coeliac disease.

Coeliac disease (pronounced seel-ee-ak) is an intestinal intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats.

The disease affects about 1 per cent of Australians, but four out of five suf-ferers don’t know they have it. It is one of the most under-diagnosed yet most common chronic diseases and, if left undiagnosed, may lead to more seri-ous diseases such as bowel cancer and osteoporosis.

The disease damages the lining of the small intestine. This causes a flat-tening of tiny, finger-like projections, called villi, which line the inside of the bowel. Their function is to absorb nutrients and minerals in food.

The lining of the intestine becomes

Gluten causes a cereal problem

COELIAC SYMPTOMSSymptoms can range from mild to severe and can include: bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, wind, ongo-ing fatigue, constipation, anae-mia, mouth ulcers (often severe), headaches, weight loss, hair loss, skin problems, short stature (or in children, failure to thrive), infertility, unexplained osteoporosis, recurrent miscarriages and joint or bone pain.

ADF POLICYThe recruiting standards for all three services remain that someone with coeliac disease would be MEC 4 and not compatible with service because all members potentially will need to survive on ration packs. If a member is diagnosed with coeliac once in the service, there are guide-lines to follow, which usually point to MEC 4, but there can be scope to view each case on its merits.

inflamed and its surface area becomes seriously depleted. This leads to defi-ciencies in vitamins and minerals and, sometimes, calcium, proteins, carbo-hydrates and fats. It is an auto-immune disease, which means that the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues. With coeliac disease, this means the gut and bowel system.

There is no cure, although current research might lead to immunisations to control the disease being available in a few years’ time. For now, however, the only way to manage the disease is to eliminate gluten from the suffer-er’s diet. This can be quite complex as foodstuffs might contain traces of glu-ten in their production. Examples are

some brands of black pepper and icing sugar, which use flour for added bulk.

By law, products containing gluten are required to indicate they do so, while most gluten-free products are also clearly marked.

While sufferers can still enjoy din-ing at restaurants or with other friends or family, they should check all foods offered, including for the danger of cross-contamination. The catch-cry should be: If in doubt, don’t eat it.

For non-sufferers, the disease may not seem serious; more a lifestyle annoyance. Indeed, for many years, some nutritionists, chefs and dieticians saw the diet as just another fad diet. The disease is far from a fad and can,

ultimately in the worst case, kill suffer-ers if they don’t control their diet. Nor are there degrees of severity; like preg-nancy, you either are, or you are not.

Many other myths surrounded the disease, including claims that specif-ic demographic and age groups were more prone to it. While some environ-mental factors and other family mem-bers who have contracted the disease do increase the risk of developing it, continued research has proved that anyone can contract it, and at any age.

If you think you may have coe-liac disease, do not remove gluten from your diet as that will prevent the disease being detected. See your doctor and ask him or her to test you

for it by ordering a simple blood test. Sometimes the result is negative but you might still have the disease and your doctor may then refer you to a gastroenterologist for a biopsy or other testing.

If the disease is diagnosed and you start a gluten-free diet, your symptoms will improve and the damage to the small bowel will be repaired. Relapse occurs if gluten is reintroduced.

As there is no cure at present, coe-liac disease sufferers will remain sensi-tive to gluten throughout their lives.

» For more information, contact the Coeliac Society in each state or Graham Price on (02) 9487 5088 or graham.price@coeliacsociety.com.au

Coeliac disease can be managed, writes Andrew Stackpool.

Food for thought: Coeliac disease sufferers must watch what they eat.Photo by Hugh McKenzie

Learn from the ADF family all you need to know about your money.

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ADF Financial Services Consumer Council

Half Page1.indd 1 5/2/08 4:31:06 PM

LIKE most areas of life, apply-ing some discipline to the use of your credit card is wise.

If you don’t have the money in your bank account to pay for the item, or that money is not coming in your next pay, then using your card is an expensive way to borrow money.

Credit card charges are usually higher than a personal loan or a mort-gage, so paying off your card should be your number one priority. Ideally, it should be paid off in full each month.

The most ominous sign of an untrained credit card is when only minimum repayments are made. Card issuers usually require you to make a minimum repayment each month, gen-erally only a fraction of your outstand-ing balance, often as low as 2.5 per cent or $25 for every $1000 owed.

Assume you have $1000 owing on your card and it has an interest rate of 18 per cent per year. If you only make the minimum repayments you end up paying about $1120 in interest, on top of the principal amount due, and it will take just under 13 years to wipe out the debt.

If paying off the full amount is not possible, then pay more than the minimum repayment and stick to that amount. For example, you would clear the $1000 debt in two years by dou-bling the initial minimum repayment

It’s important to choose the right credit card and make it work for you, ASIC Chairman Tony D’Aloisio writes.

THREE KEY TIPS■ Plan ahead: Whatever you’re buying, work out what you can afford and stick to that amount. ASIC’s budget planner is a great tool for planning your finances. It can be downloaded from www.fido.gov.au.■ Consider alternatives: Instead of always reaching for your credit card, consider alternatives such as EFTPOS, lay-by or a debit card.■ Use wisely: Pay as much of your balance as you can each month or, ideally, all of it. Most people only need one card – if you have more, you’re probably paying more than you need to in fees and charges.

of $25 to $50 and then sticking to a regular repayment of $50 per month.

The right cardIf you pay the whole balance every

month, then a card with an interest-free period (usually up to 55 days) is likely to suit you. If you can’t pay off the card in full, then a card with a lower interest is more important than an interest-free period. Shop around and use free websites such as InfoChoice and CANNEX to find a credit card with features that suit you.

Fees and chargesWhatever type of card you choose,

most, but not all, credit cards charge an annual fee. This fee varies widely depending on the issuer, credit limit, rewards programs, interest-free periods and interest rate. The annual fee should be clearly stated when you apply for a credit card.

A default fee is the amount your bank or financial institution charges for late payments or if you spend over your card limit. Typically, this is

a one-off fee between $25 and $50. Defaulting on your credit card can have other implications, such as triggering a higher interest rate and affecting your credit rating.

Some other common fees can be charged – these include charges for getting a replacement card, foreign currency purchases (including online shopping), cash advances, requesting additional statements, if you incorrect-ly query your statement, for dishon-oured payments and for changing from one card to another.

Rewards programsCards with rewards programs, such

as frequent flyer points or free travel insurance, can have higher interest rates and relatively hefty annual fees.

It’s important to understand the conditions for earning rewards or points because the benefit may be lost among the fees, especially if you’re not a big spender. When looking at these programs consider:� Will you use the card enough to

qualify for rewards?� Will the rewards outweigh the annu-

al fees?� Will you make unnecessary pur-

chases to earn rewards?� Will the program discourage you

from shopping around for the best prices?

� Are there time restrictions on redeeming your points?

Interest-free trapMany credit cards offer an inter-

est-free period – usually 30 to 60 days – on store or credit cards. If you pay the whole debt within that time frame, it can be a good way to buy but it does require discipline. The bottom line is that interest-free terms are not really designed to help you save. The short-term benefits may be good but you also need to consider the long-term costs if you can’t repay the debt within the set period, particularly ongoing fees and potentially higher interest rates.

» If you would like more information go to www.fido.gov.au. Email ASIC on ADFcolumn@asic.gov.au with topics that interest you.

Look what’s on the cards

Number crunching: Don’t let credit card debt blow out.

Army March 6, 2008

LIFESTYLE 27SMART MONEY

Advancing knowledge about the health issues

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28 LIFESTYLEArmy March 6, 2008

By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

AFTER viewing the Corolla Levin ZR for the first time in the metal I must confess I was impressed

with its semi-aggressive exterior design and overall stance.

It appeared a step up from the base model Corolla Ascent in looks and fea-tures. After sitting behind the wheel for the first few kilometres I expected the enhancements to also have been trans-ferred to the engine bay and suspension. Unfortunately they hadn’t.

The 1.8-litre four-cylinder is a spir-ited performer, but needs to be revved hard to make full use of the available 100kW. Torque, or a lack of it, is the main reason for this; the engine and suspension set up is no different to the $8510 cheaper base model Corolla Ascent.

Handling is quite direct and there is a significant amount of grip, which can be called on during cornering even in the wet. The interior is comfortable and well appointed, with a six-stacker CD player, steering-wheel controls, digital climate control, plush seat trim and a high degree of driver visibility, thanks to a well supported driver’s seat.

In all, the Levin ZR is a practical, comfortable, well-designed and con-structed Corolla, with hot hatch looks.

By Sean Roberts

Need for Speed has gone legit. It’s a surprise that the franchise long affiliat-

ed with illegal underground street racing has dropped the cops and now has you attending controlled events on closed tracks.

While it’s good to see a sequel switch gears and try something new, in this case it has resulted

TOYOTA COROLLA LEVIN ZR, 6-SPEED MANUAL, 5-DOOR HATCHBACKPrice: $29,500.00 plus on-road costs.Power: 100kW of power @ 6000rpm and 175 Nm of torque @ 4400rpm from a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine.0/100km/h: 9.7 seconds.Fuel consumption and type: Unleaded 7.7L/100km (Combined highway/city driving).CO2 emissions: 173 grams/km.For: Climate control A/C, enhanced safety fea-tures, alloy wheels, enhanced image and hatch practicality. Against: Not much different from base model Corolla; for an extra $8510 you pay for the climate control and other safety features; suspension, engine performance and handling are no different to base model either.Best suit: Someone who wants a practical, reli-able Corolla hatch, which looks different to base model Ascent and has improved safety and com-fort features. Insurance: $1278 for 12-month comprehensive insurance for a 25-year-old male living in Sydney.Rating: 3½ stars out of 5.

REV UP

Little better than the base model

Need for Speed: Pro StreetEA GamesXbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2 G ��3.5

in an identity crisis. Almost every element in Pro Street is a step backwards with the exception of the graphics, especially of the cars themselves.

The sound design is fairly good although all speech in the game is universally cringewor-thy thanks to characters retaining the “hardcore attitude” despite the fact that they are now well-behaved citizens. Additionally, the handling feels “off”, but can still be fun once you attune to it.

The story has been simplified to “winning everything to over-

throw the champ”, who runs his mouth off so that you may hate him and develop the motivation to slog through endless races until you take his crown.

This repetitive event structure and some impressive car cus-tomisation is all that’s left after removing the cheesy Hollywood storylines, free-roaming traffic and police presence. As a result, it feels light on content, but at least it has a decent online mode. It’s not a terrible game, but it needs a re-think when they inevitably shoot for another sequel.

Average gear shift

Street machine: Action from Need for Speed’s latest game.

Australia’s Reserve Forces

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WHERE Victoria Barracks, St Kilda Road, Melbourne

WHO Tri-Service Health Personnel of all ranks are welcome

REGISTRATION FREE RegistrationRegistration closes 18 April 2008

ENQUIRIES Telephone: 03 9827 0960Email: admin@platformpersonnel.com

Speakers in attendance:RADM Graeme Shirtley RFD — Surgeon General ADF AVM Tony Austin AM — Head Defence Health Services Division

The Victorian Military Health Conference 2008 is proudly sponsored by Defence Reserves Support.

For further information:Call 1800 803485 or visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves

Victorian Military Health Conference 2008 >>

ACROSS1 Aisle6 Hide12 Wax13 Soup bowl14 First16 Violent behaviour18 Snivel19 Minced oath20 Cavalry spear23 Oriental peanut sauce25 Agreement27 A fancy29 Work hard30 Wing32 Poetic foot35 Russian news agency36 English poet38 Relax40 Ocean fluctuation42 Assist43 Snare45 Bear constellation47 Forage plant49 Light wood51 Bay window52 French, friend53 Scalloped56 Moth repellant

58 Recount60 Confuse61 Modified organism62 Newborn infant63 Earth, water, air, or fire

DOWN1 Ornamental spangle2 Physicist3 Become firm4 Cropped up5 Wild cherry6 Restriction which

imposes a fixed time for returning home

7 Spoken8 Showy flower9 Edible mushroom10 Make law11 Wary15 Probable17 Spur21 Wild ox22 Temperature system24 Instrument for measur-

ing electricity26 Emaciating disease28 An Indian31 Greek goddess of retri-

bution

33 A barrier34 Repulsive37 Lubricating tool39 Sensible41 Greek monetary unit44 Tibetan monk46 Unwilling48 Compel49 Pig meat50 A place of non-exist-

ence54 Disorderly flight55 Oriental weight57 Female swan59 Male sheep

If you can think of a clever, witty caption to this picture, email captioncomp@defencenews.gov.au with “caption competition March 6” in the subject line. Keep entries under 25 words. Entries must include the sender’s name, rank, unit and postal address. Winner published April 3.

� Say again, over

CROSSWORD

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

DIKKO By Bob Dikkenberg

And the winner from February 7 is ...

Congratulations, you’ll receive a copy of Possums & Bird Dogs by Peter Nolan

“Wait, wait! Corey Delaney isn’t on our list of humanitarian aid.”Pte Jaloshin10/27RSAR

We also liked ...Hey mister wait, you forgot your bananas!!Tonia Chritoffel Cairns

It’s hard enough stop-ping a cabbie, what chance do I have of stopping a ship?LS Blake WalshHMAS Kuttabul

Answers

1. The Waratah 2. Alexander Popov 3. Six 4. Spinach 5. George Bush senior 6. Alfred Deakin, who was in office three times. 7. Adam Gilchrist (Australia, 149) 8. Margaret Mitchell 9. Cyclone Tracy 10. An apple

1. What is the floral emblem of New South Wales?2. Who held the swimming 50m freestyle record for eight

years before it was broken by Australia’s Eamon Sullivan at Sydney’s Olympic pool in February?

3. How many legs do ants have – six or eight?4. What was Popeye the Sailor Man’s favourite food?5. What US President said publicly he detested broccoli?6. Who was Australia’s second, fifth and seventh prime

minister?7. Who top scored in the World Cup cricket final between

Australia and Sri Lanka at Barbados in 2007?8. Who wrote the book Gone With The Wind?9. The tropical cyclone that devastated Darwin at Christmas

1974 was called Cyclone Tracey or Cyclone Tracy?10. In Swiss folklore, what kind of fruit did William Tell shoot

from his son’s head?

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Army March 6, 2008

LIFESTYLE 29

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30 SPORTArmy March 6, 2008

A JUMP-OFF was required to decide the winners of the four-way open at the recent Military Parachute Championships.

The Army’s Parachute Training School (PTS) staged the competition, the first held for a few years, at Jervis Bay on the NSW south coast.

The competition events were for-mation skydiving four-way open and four-way intermediate, canopy accuracy, speed stars and canopy formation four-way rotations.

All the events, although hard fought, were competed in good spirits, accord-

ing to one of the organisers, WO1 Phil Thamm said.

The four-way open was tied at the end of competition and required a jump-off. Teams remained tied at the end of the jump-off and the winner was finally decided by a countback.

Judging for most events was from video footage provided by highly experi-enced free-fall videographers.

The fact the titles were extremely successful was due, in no small part, to the support provided by CO PTS Lt-Col Jim Ryan and his staff.

The ADF Parachute Association

(ADFPA) hopes that its next competi-tion at the end of the year will be will be re-opened to foreign military teams and public servants.

WO1 Thamm said there had been interest already from as far afield as Britain.

“A request to have parachuting become an approved ADF sport will be progressed later this year,” WO Thamm said.

“We are seeking contact from skydiv-ers in the Navy, Air Force, and Defence public servants.”

A few years ago, parachuting lost

its status as an approved sport and the ADFPA was disbanded, with the cham-pionships being discontinued.

At the end of last year, parachuting regained its status as an approved sport for Army with Lt Fransisca Molnar the driving force for the change.

“What a fantastic event the champi-onships were,” Lt Molnar said.

“This competition was just a start and will only grow in stature. The future for the sport in Defence is certainly bright.”

» Interested people should contact WO1 Thamm on (02) 6055 4446 or email philip.thamm@defence.gov.au

FULL RESULTSFormation Skydiving Four-Way Open1st: Phil’s Fellas: Maj W Jones, WO1 P Thamm, Sgt M Piper, Sgt L Parsons.2nd: Voodoo Monkeys: Maj C Hodgens, WO2 S McAndrew, WO2 C McNee, WO2 A Shore.3rd: Spank the Monkey: Sqn-Ldr S Walsh, Flt-Lt B Calver, WO2 J Osborne, Sgt P Rudland.

Formation Skydiving Four-Way Intermediate1st: Whip It: Sqn-Ldr S Walsh, Flt-Lt B Calver, Cpl I Parkes, Pte L Mawley.2nd: Rigger Mortis: Capt R Hale, WO2 R Shields, Sgt H Yandall, Sgt R Dudgeon.3rd: No Flamin Idea: Cpl N Smith, LCpl K Chick, Cpl J Morgan-Brown, Cpl P Cuzner.

10-Way Speed Star1st: Team Three: Maj C Hodgens, Capt R Hale, Flt-Lt B Calver, Lt F Molnar, WOFF S Segon, Sgt R Orchard, Sgt P Rudland, Cpl I Parkes, LCpl K Chick, Pte J Pearce.2nd: Team Four: Maj L Shepherd, WO1 P Thamm, WO2 S McAndrew, WO2 C McNee, WO2 A Shore, Cpl L Cutler, Cpl P Cuzner, Cpl J Stewart, Cpl N Smith, Pte A Allen.3rd: Team Two: Maj W Jones, Capt B Adams, Capt S Lacey, Sgt R Dudgeon, Cpl M Cochrane, Cpl J Morgan-Brown, Pte M Charles, Pte L Mawley, Pte J Orlov, Pte A Weightman.

Accuracy Individual1st: Sgt M Piper 2nd: WOFF S Segon3rd: WO2 D Daniels

Accuracy Teams1st: Phil’s Fellas: Maj W Jones, WOFF S Segon, WO1 P Thamm, WO2 A Daniels, Sgt M Piper.2nd: Voodoo Monkeys: Maj C Hodgens, WO2 C McNee, WO2 A Shore, WO2 S McAndrew.3rd: Spank the Monkey: Sqn-Ldr S Walsh, Flt-Lt B Calver, WO2 J Osborne, Sgt P Rudland.

Spectacular jumping

Flying leap: An impressive exit out of a CASA 212-200 during the ADF Parachute Championships conducted at Jervis Bay on the NSW south coast.

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Army March 6, 2008

SPORT 31

ARMY picked up four major awards and had five men and two women selected in repre-sentative teams at the end of the Australian Defence Basketball Association Championships in Wagga.

The Rob Shortridge Trophy for the men’s highest points score was won by Capt Andrew Olechnowicz, while the men’s players’ player trophy went to Cpl Jim Boekel. The Brian Egan most valuable male player trophy went to Pte Mitch Selwood.

The women’s players’ player trophy went to Cpl Jeska Matthews.

Even the New Zealand Army got in on the act with the Clair Brining Trophy for the women’s highest points scorer shared by Lt Kate Hockings, (NZ Army) and AB Sarah Legg (Navy).

The Bob Croxton women’s most valuable player trophy was won by Karen Herbert (APS).

The players selected in the ABDA representa-tive teams were: LCpl Matt Rugendyke, Capt Judson Ruig, Cpl Jim Boekel, Pte Mitch Selwood, Capt Andrew Olechnowicz, Sgt Kathryn Spencer and Cpl Jeska Matthews.

By Barry Rollings

FRESH from a successful national champion-ship carnival in Wagga, the Australian Defence Basketball Association (ADBA) hopes to tour New Zealand in May-June with its representative men’s and women’s team.

Should the tour eventuate, it would be one of the highlights of the association’s 25th year.

The men’s focus over the six days in Wagga was to unseat NSW, which had held the crown for the previ-ous five championships. In the women’s competition, the team to beat was the ACT, the 2006 defending champion.

ACT held on to win the women’s title, with the Northern Territory men winning their first ADBA title.

New Zealand Army also contested the titles with men’s and women’s teams and, as a result, planning with its senior representatives has begun for the pos-sible mid-year visit.

The New Zealand Army side played the ADBA women’s team in a curtain-raiser to the Women’s National Basketball League game between the Canberra-based Australian Institute of Sport and Christchurch and won by 12 points. Before the ADBA women’s grand final in Wagga, the ADBA fielded a selection for one last game against the New Zealand women, which the visitors won by seven points.

The 2007 ADBA women’s competition was not as strong as in previous years but was played to the highest standard, with all teams producing exceptional basketball. The early favourites were NSW and the ACT but the surprise packet of the championships was a team from Victoria, Western Australia and the NT, which played as VICWANT.

The team made the grand final against the ACT and acquitted itself well. Strong team work and valuable contributions from all players were a feature as the ACT won 46-32 to claim its second successive title.

In the men’s competition the Kiwi Army only won one of its seven games. The size of the ADBA sides proved the difference. The ADBA Army men outplayed and outmuscled their smaller Kiwi Army counterparts 71-43.

All states except Western Australia were repre-sented in the ADBA men’s competition.

Five-time champions NSW were reduced in player strength and found the competition a lot hotter than in previous years.

The ACT, guided by Sgt Ken Robertson, proceeded to the grand final undefeated. The NT also made the grand final after some strong performances.

In a breakneck decider, the game was evenly poised at three-quarter time, with NT up by seven points. The ACT looked hungry at the break and began the final stanza tenaciously.

It had not counted on the exceptional shooting of Cpl Matt Rugendyke, who broke the ACT hearts and eventually proved the difference between the two as the NT team won 81-71.

NZ tour on the horizon

Basketball accolades

Great value: Kate Herbert with the Bob Croxton trophy and Pte Mitch Selwood with the Brian Egan trophy after they were judged the most valuable players.

Page 31March 6, 2008

Soldiers collect

basketball awards

YES, IT’S ALEAP YEAR

Participants in the Australian

Military Parachute Championships are shown here coming

to grips with the spectacular return

of the titles, held at Jervis Bay on the

NSW south coast. See Page 30

for full report