Issue 5, 2010

m a g a z i n e ›

READY, WILLING, ENABLED

Roll of Honour in AfghanistanPages 10 – 11

Australian Army dentist Major Thien Pham shows the tools of his trade while conducting dental checks on local villagers at a clinic in the Kampong Cham province of Vietnam as part of Pacific Partnership 2010. The exercise seeks to deliver a variety of medical, dental, engineering and veterinary projects in South-East Asia and Oceania until September. Full story pages 26 – 27 Photo: ABIS Andrew Dakin

3www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

CONTENTS

i n s i d e t h i s e d i t i o n

Columns

secretary: Taking care of business 12

Chief of the Defence Force: A strengthened resolve 13

News

snapshot 4-9

Roll of honour for soldiers killed in Afghanistan 10

Pictorial 14

Double century for Anglesea Barracks 16

Defence Industry Policy Statement released 18

Secretary speaks at ASPI dinner 19

Features

spotlight on reform: Capability development shaping the future force now 20

Ministerial & executive support: Caretaker conventions in a Federal election 22

science and Technology: Funds boost for food research at Scottsdale 23

Health: Military health study powers ahead 24

Navy: Partnership of exchange in Vietnam 26

Defence support: Environmental advice enables operations and exercises 28

Defence support: Defence powers down for Earth Hour 29

Health and safety: OHS champions lead the way 30

People: Symposium a positive start to long-term conversation 32

Army: Prevention and planning the key to fraud control 34

Air Force: Final bombs drop for F-111s 36

Geospatial Imagery: DIGO’s humanitarian and disaster relief assistance 38

Defence support: Professional mastery of legal support to operations 40

Chief Information Officer Group: Fighting fire with fundraiser in Darwin 42

The Last Word: Defence engages strategic thinkers from ASPI 43

Defence magazine

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editorialThis edition includes a range of articles that focus on enablers – and no, I’m not talking about the caffeine many of use religiously to jump-start each morning.

I mean the myriad organisations, initiatives and programs that enable us – Defence personnel – to get the job done.

My enablers are Microsoft Word’s thesaurus, spelling and grammar check but, considering my line of work, I probably shouldn’t be admitting that.

In this edition, articles such as the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP), Army’s fraud control and prevention plan, and Defence’s legal support to operations offer insight into what’s happening behind the scenes to assist us in our jobs every day.

This brings me to my next train of thought – without the support from our families, friends, colleagues and communities, we couldn’t do the jobs we do.

Many of us put our families, friends and loved ones through a lot of stress and worry by working for Defence, but despite this they encourage us to ‘crack on’ and ‘be the best we can be’.

The nation was devastated when we lost six soldiers in Afghanistan recently, but it’s their communities that will be there and care for the grieving families they left behind.

I had never seen a community pull together the way Queensland’s small country town of Gayndah did when they lost their young Sapper Jacob ‘Snowy’ Moerland.

Another example of community support can be found in this edition’s article about a community in Darwin that banded together to raise funds for a family, whose son tragically died in a house fire.

Finally, let’s not forget our colleagues and mates, who are always there for us and sometimes are the only people who truly understand our work environment.

When I was fast asleep onboard HMAS Kanimbla, a young seaman abruptly dragged me out of my rack, ELSRDs (Emergency Life Support Respiratory Device) in hand, because the deafening toxic hazard alarm had failed to wake me – that toxic gas could’ve killed me!

Personally, I believe it’s the camaraderie, mateship, encouragement and empathy we give and receive from all the people in our lives that enable us to get through the challenges each day brings.

– ABCIs Melanie schinkel

Defence Magazine is now being enabled by the Directorate of Defence News, and this editorial is provided by one of its military reporters.

PHOTO OF THe MONTH:Three AH-64 Apache attack helicopters

fly past saluting members of Special Operations Task Group, in honour of

Privates Ben Chuck, Tim Aplin and Scott Palmer. The men, part of 2nd Commando

Regiment, were killed on operation when the helicopter they were in crashed en

route to an operation in northern Kandahar. Another seven Australians were wounded

in the incident. Our two-page roll of honour appears on pages 10-11.

Photo: Corporal Raymond Vance

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SnipSHOTDefence Library Service Warehouse open for businessOn May 3, the Directorate of Defence Library Services (DLS) staff celebrated the culmination of three years hard work when Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Michael Maher, Director General Base and Customer Support Services in Defence Support Operations, officially declared the Defence Library Service Warehouse open for business. “The establishment of the DLS Warehouse will not only attain significant savings in managing low use library items, it will also provide improved service to clients and reflects best practice in collection management for a large distributed library service,” AIRCDRE Maher said.

The DLS Warehouse project commenced in 2007 with an investigation into warehousing options for low-use DLS print and multi-media items that have direct defence/military significance.

AIRCDRE Maher explained that the basement at Campbell Park in Canberra was identified as the best choice as it was the most cost effective, sustainable, and convenient option.

As part of establishing the warehouse, state-of-the-art scanning equipment was purchased by DLS. This means that as material is requested, DLS staff can scan it and send it electronically to clients explained AIRCDRE Maher. Once a requested item has been scanned and sent, an electronic copy of the item will be linked to its catalogue record so that other clients can download it on demand.

If you would like further information about the DLS Warehouse please email defence.library@defence.gov.au.

Archives Act opens upThe Government’s commitment to improve openness and transparency across government departments and agencies has been amply demonstrated by the passing of the Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill 2010 which commences on 1 November this year.

But what many people are not aware of is that changes have also been made to the Archives Act, with one of the more significant changes affecting the open access period for classified Defence archival records.

Under the changes, the period at which Commonwealth records become publicly available has been reduced from 30 to 20 years. This earlier open access period will be phased in across 10 years from January 2011.

Records from 1980 and 1981 will be available in January 2011, records from 1982 and 1983 in January 2012 and so on.

The Directorate of Classified Archival Records Review (DCARR), in the FOI and Information Management Branch, reviews classified Defence records that will be eligible for public disclosure under the Archives Act.

The Directorate consults with relevant agencies within Defence and advises National Archives of Australia on the implications that disclosure of records might have on Australia’s national security and international relations.

“The changes to the Archives Act will continue to develop the pro-disclosure culture the Government is fostering in the Public Service and, while it is not possible at this stage to estimate the resource implications of the earlier open period, I’m sure we are in for a busy time” DCARR Director Mr Jim Ryan said.

“For example, documents created by the Defence intelligence agencies are not available for public access under the FOI Act but they are available under the Archives Act. Cabinet documents too are affected by the change, with the same 10-year phase-in period applying. The new open period may generate more requests for these types of information.”

More information about the access provisions of the Archives Act and examples of the types of documents that remain exempt from public access can be found on the DCARR Intranet.

Green light for Exercise Pitch BlackThe Royal Australian Air Force’s largest and most complex air exercise, Exercise Pitch Black 2010, officially commenced on 16 July with three weeks of air combat training scenarios above the skies of the Northern Territory.

The exercise runs from 16 July to 6 August 2010 with the participation of international air forces and other Australian Defence Force personnel.

Up to 1500 Service men and women from Australia, and contingents from the air forces of New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand will support the exercise.

An additional 60 aircraft from the RAAF and participating forces will be based at RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal, near Katherine.

Exercise Pitch Black 2010 will also see the last participation in such an exercise by the F-111 strike fighter and also marks the 20th anniversary of the participation of the Republic of Singapore Air Force in Pitch Black exercises.

Air Commander Australia Air Vice Marshal Mark Skidmore welcomed the visiting nations and highlighted the importance of Exercise Pitch Black at the official opening.

Air Vice Marshal Skidmore said the Exercise is of great importance to Australia, not only because of the high complexity air combat training opportunities it provides, but also because of the invaluable opportunity to strengthen ties with other participating air forces.

Participating aircraft include F-111s, F/A-18 Hornets, Hawks and PC-9/As will battle it out as ‘blue’ force challenges ‘red’ force.

Singapore will provide early warning through its E-2C aircraft and will also provide air-to-air refuelling using its KC-135 refueller.

Officer Conducting the Exercise Air Commodore Mel Hupfeld said everyone participating in the exercise has a vital role.

“The aim of Pitch Black is to exercise international forces in the planning and execution of large-scale offensive counter air operations in a coalition environment against a capable adversary force,” Air Commodore Hupfeld said.

Australian Chinook helicopter fired upon by insurgentsAn Australian CH-47 Chinook helicopter was fired upon by insurgents on 15 July as it was taking off from a coalition patrol base in the Arghandab Valley region of Kandahar.Two coalition forces soldiers on board the helicopter received minor wounds as a result of the attack. There were no Australian personnel wounded in the incident.

The Chinook immediately flew to the Role Three Medical Facility at the Kandahar Air Base where the two coalition forces soldiers are currently being treated for their wounds.

The Chinook was supporting an ISAF operation at the time of the attack.

Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East, Major General John Cantwell said the coalition soldiers were provided immediate first aid while en route to the medical facility.

“Our Australian troops are well trained which was evident in the way the crew reacted to the incident in providing immediate medical assistance to the wounded soldiers and ensuring the Chinook arrived at the medical facility in less than 15 minutes,” Major General Cantwell said.

An investigation is currently underway to establish the extent of the damage sustained by the helicopter. The incident is unlikely to impact on ongoing operations in the region.

“We are thankful that no Australian soldiers were

wounded during the attack but our thoughts are with the two coalition soldiers as they recover from their wounds,” said Major General Cantwell.

Navy recruits march out of HMAS CerberusCongratulations has been extended to 117 new recruits who graduated from the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School during a ceremony and parade at HMAS Cerberus at Crib Point in Victoria on 16 July.The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin, accompanied by the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane, reviewed and inspected the new recruits on parade who had successfully completed 11 weeks of intensive training.

“The graduation of these men and women, in front of their family and friends, is a significant occasion and will stand them in good stead as they commence their careers in the Royal Australian Navy,” Mr Griffin said.

“In the coming years, the Australian people will place their trust in these sailors to serve with the Navy values of loyalty, integrity, honesty, courage, and above all, honour.

“The heavy responsibility the sailors have accepted today is one that they should be proud to bear, and from the discipline and quality of their presentation today, I know that they are worthy of Australia’s trust.

“These newest members of the Navy should be proud of their achievements and as they embark on the next phase of their naval training I would like to commend them on their choice of career and thank them for serving their country,” Mr Griffin said.

Vice Admiral Crane, himself a former junior recruit who rose through the ranks during his 40-year career said, “The Royal Australian Navy Recruit School has been training and grooming new sailors for over 80 years. I think it is important to acknowledge the significant role played by the Recruit School staff in the development of the new recruits and the significance of the support provided by their family and friends”.

ABOVe: Aircraft Technician Corporal Basil Alien checks over a 3 Squadron F/A-18 Hornet after it arrived at RAAF Base Darwin to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2010.

RIGHT: Joint Battlefield Airspace Controller Pilot Officer Lachlan Lawrence from No. 44 Wing Detachment monitors communications with incoming aircraft at RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 2010.

continued on page 7continued on page 6

Report into incident in Afghanistan released Defence has released an Inquiry Officer report into an incident in Afghanistan where two Afghan men travelling on a motorcycle were shot by Australian forces on 11 August 2009.

The two men were later identified as Afghan National Police officers.

The Inquiry Officer concluded the engagement was conducted within the soldiers’ rules of engagement.

The Inquiry Officer found neither officer was wearing a uniform at the time of the incident. He said the pillion passenger was wearing a blue shirt (which is consistent with the Afghan National Police uniform) but this did not become evident until after the casualties were attended to following the incident.

The Inquiry Officer visited the incident site and found it may not have been possible to see or hear the Australian soldiers until the motorcycle was reasonably close to the check point. Of note, prior to the motorcycle approaching the vehicle check point (VCP), three cars had obeyed visual signals to stop before being allowed to pass through the VCP.

The redacted report can be found at: http://www.defence.gov.au/coi/

employers take off to see Reservists in actionTwenty-two employers of Defence Reservists travelled to Solomon Islands on 5 July as part of Exercise Boss Lift – the Defence program designed to encourage employer support for the Reserves.

“This is a unique opportunity for employers and aims to highlight the skills Reservists gain from being in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and how those skills can benefit civilian employers,” Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly MP said.

“Boss Lift and other employer engagement activities like Exercise Executive Stretch also help employers understand their Reservist’s important contribution to Defence capability.”

Employers participating in the four-day Boss Lift program visited soldiers from the New South Wales-based 5th Brigade, who are currently on a four-month deployment to the Solomon Islands.

First locally trained Air Force C-17A pilots graduateFlight Lieutenant David Whyte and Pilot Officer Stephen Maunder are the first two Air Force pilots to undertake their conversion course for the C-17A Globemaster at RAAF Base Amberley. Until now, all Australian C-17A pilots have been initially trained on the aircraft in the United States.

It is anticipated the use of the newly-constructed training facilities at RAAF Base Amberley will

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SnipSHOTThe Commanding Officer of the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School, Commander Paul O’Grady, said, “HMAS Cerberus is the Navy’s foremost and largest training establishment and the Navy’s Recruit School plays a key role in inducting men and women into the Service, to enable them to think for themselves, work with each other and learn the necessary knowledge and skills to forge a specialist career”.

Defence enters into new ICT partnershipDefence has taken another step in its Strategic Reform Program with the announcement that it has entered into a new contract with IT product and services giant, Fujitsu.Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Dr Mike Kelly said Fujitsu has been engaged by Defence for the consolidation and provision of Defence’s central information and communications technology support services.

The announcement follows a successful evaluation process of those companies who responded to the Request for Tender release in January 2010 and subsequent successful negotiations with the preferred tenderer, Fujitsu.

Dr Kelly said the initial term of the contract will be three years at an approximate cost of $151.3 million for routine operational services.

He said that Defence’s suppliers will have a significant role to play in delivering Defence’s strategic sourcing objectives, including improving services and reducing complexity and costs.

“Within a few years Defence aims to have fewer suppliers of ICT services. However, those suppliers who are selected as key strategic partners will have increased responsibility and the opportunity to contribute directly to Defence’s business outcomes”, Dr Kelly said.

Combined Afghan and Australian force targets major insurgent cellAfghan security troops and Australian Special Forces have conducted disruption operations in southern Afghanistan that successfully targeted Taliban networks in an insurgent stronghold in northern Kandahar province during the month of June.The large-scale offensive against Taliban insurgents in the district of Shah Wali Kot, was part of ISAF’s HAMKARI initiative, an ongoing civil-military activity aimed at bringing security, governance and economic opportunity to the people of Kandahar.

The five-day Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and Special Operations Task Group operation involved heavy fighting against insurgents, resulting in the deaths of a significant number of insurgents.

On day two, the large-scale contact lasted more 13 hours. On arrival by helicopter, the combined force was immediately engaged by insurgents using small arms and machine gun fire. During a four-and-a-half hour period, the Taliban used concealed fighting positions and access to aqueducts and creek lines to bring sustained fire against the coalition force.

The combined force suffered two casualties from gunshot wounds. One Australian soldier was wounded in the arm while a partnered Afghan ANSF officer was struck in the side. While under fire from insurgents, both were rapidly aero-medically evacuated to Tarin Kowt where they are recovering.

The Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, Major General John Cantwell, said the

combined force had dealt a major blow to the insurgent forces and their commanders and made a major and direct contribution to ISAF security operations focused on Kandahar province and its nearby districts.

“Through the Shah Wali Kot offensive, the combined coalition force has severely disrupted an important insurgent stronghold. They inflicted substantial losses on a determined and heavily armed enemy force,” Major General Cantwell said.

The operation also denied the insurgents a staging area from which to transit into Uruzgan province, which is expected to have a positive effect on security.

Commander of the Special Operations Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel P, said that it was the combined and synchronised effort between the ANSF, Australian Special Forces, and the U.S. Task Force helicopter detachment that led to the success of the Shah Wali Kot offensive.

“By removing the insurgents from where they were not welcome, we have strengthened the community’s resolve to keep out the Taliban,” Lieutenant Colonel P said.

After five days of operations, Australian Special Forces, in cooperation with their Afghan partner forces, succeeded in achieving all operational tasks that resulted in surviving insurgents departing the area.

The disruption of Taliban operations has now enabled the ANSF and Australian troops to meet with members of the local community to plan ways for the Government of Afghanistan to assist in preventing Taliban insurgents from returning.

A large number of weapons were recovered after the contact including assault rifles, heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenade launchers and several radio handsets.

Pacific Rim nations prepare for ultimate test off HawaiiThe Australian Defence Force’s largest international maritime exercise, comprising three ships, two AP-3C Orion aircraft and approximately 1200 personnel commences in Hawaii in July. Exercise Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 is designed to test their interoperability with 14

Pacific Rim nations, including the United States, South Korea, Indonesia and Canada. This year marks the 22nd RIMPAC.

Australian Navy ships HMAS Kanimbla, Newcastle and Warramunga; Navy Clearance Divers; soldiers from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment; and members of 11 Squadron and 92 Wing from Royal Australian Air Force Base Edinburgh in South Australia will participate in the largest and most important exercise for many years.

The Commander of Australia’s contingent to RIMPAC 10, Commodore Stuart Mayer, says the biennial exercise will be the ultimate test of how we operate with our Pacific partners.

“This RIMPAC will also give both Navy and Army the chance to exercise in an amphibious space,” Commodore Mayer said.

“The first of two new Australian amphibious Landing Helicopter Dock ships (LHDs) is due to be completed in 2014 so we continue to exercise our developing amphibious capability in this environment. The information sharing opportunities presented by RIMPAC directly contribute to our preparations for the LHD.

“This is an exciting new capability the ADF is taking on and the Navy, Army and Air Force will have a role to play,” Commodore Mayer said.

This RIMPAC will be the last for the Navy’s 817 Sea King Squadron which is due to be de-commissioned in 2011.

RIMPAC 2010 will be conducted until 1 August.

New national delegates for Defence Families of AustraliaThe Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin, has congratulated the new national delegates of Defence Families of Australia.The six new national delegates are: Annaliese McCammon – National Policy Officer; Amita Tandukar – National Communications Officer; Keron Wise – National Delegate for the Australian Capital Territory and Southern New South Wales; Dannii Khan – National Delegate for North Queensland; Jillian Macey – National Delegate for South Queensland; and Marion Donohue – National Delegate for the Northern Territory and Kimberley.

“The Government greatly values the views and contributions of Defence Families of Australia members. Their input is heard and their opinions are valued,” Mr Griffin said.

“Through Defence Families of Australia, Defence gets a clear picture of the issues affecting the families of our serving personnel and possible options for resolving these issues.

“Consultative groups such as Defence Families of Australia are essential in ensuring Defence has a

broad range of information available when making policy decisions.

In August, Defence Families of Australia will release a comprehensive policy paper outlining the key issues discussed and recommendations for new initiatives to be implemented in the coming year. The paper will be released on the Defence Families of Australia website.

ABOVe: Weapons captured by Afghan National Security Forces and Australian Special Forces from the Special Operations Task Group during the Shah Wali Kot Offensive.

LeFT: An Australian Special Operations Task Group Soldier waits to move towards a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter as part of the Shah Wali Kot Offensive.

LeFT: HMAS Newcastle fires a Standard Missile (SM-2) as part of the Surface-to-Air Missile Exercise (SAMEX) with HMAS Warramunga during RIMPAC 2010.

produce significant financial and workforce savings compared to sending personnel overseas.

The Aircrew Training System for the C-17A at RAAF Base Amberley includes Boeing instructors, a full-motion cockpit and separate loadmaster station simulator.

Pilots converting to the C-17A require 350 hours of training provided by Boeing instructors, which includes 120 simulated flight hours. The trainee pilots then complete the operational conversion by conducting a series of five flights in a real C-17A under the supervision of Air Force Qualified Flying Instructors.

Navy’s strategic vision outlinedThe Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane, has unveiled the blueprint for Navy’s future, launching the new edition of Australian Maritime Doctrine in Canberra, which details the philosophical and strategic concepts needed to meet the many future challenges to maritime security.

The maritime sector is already worth $48 billion annually to the Australian economy. The continuing expansion in our use of the sea will see this amount grow further in the years ahead.

“We are surrounded by three great oceans that control our climate, generate enormous wealth and provide our most important transport medium. Too many Australians still see the sea as a barrier rather than as our highway to the world,” VADM Crane said.

First released in 2000, this new edition of Australian Maritime Doctrine can be found at: http://www.navy.gov.au/Publication:Australian_Maritime_Doctrine

Intimate insight into Army’s peopleThe Australian Army’s new online advertising campaign, Under a Rising Sun, is a bold initiative that aims to correct some of the myths about the military and assist the recruiting effort.

Deputy Chief of Army Major General Paul Symon said the campaign is aimed at addressing incorrect public perceptions about the Army, with the primarily online campaign giving an up-close and personal look into the lives and backgrounds of five serving Army personnel and their families to unveil their real stories.

“They all have inspiring stories to tell, so I encourage everyone to have a look and make up their own minds about what the Army really has to offer,” MAJGEN Symon said.

The new campaign consists of an initial four-week television campaign that launched on 6 June, while the website went live on 4 June.

LeFT: The Defence Families of Australia Executive at the Defence Families of Australia annual conference dinner.

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SnipSHOTSNAPSHOT: REGIONAL FOCuS

Aussie jobs shored up under Nulka contractAbout 130 Australian Defence industry jobs will be shored up under a new ship decoy contract awarded to BAE Systems.

The company has been awarded its 12th consecutive contract for the Nulka decoy, guaranteeing production and Defence industry jobs around the country until at least 2013.

The BAE Systems-made Nulka decoys have been fitted to 12 ships across the Royal Australian Navy, protecting ships such as the Adelaide-class guided missile frigates and the Anzac-class frigates.

Australia’s Air Warfare Destroyer will also be protected by the Nulka Active Missile Decoy System.

Response to AsPI report releasedMinister for Defence Senator John Faulkner has released the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) Report on the Disclosure of Defence Capability Planning (DCP) Information, the Government’s response, and its proposals for enhancing the DCP.

Among the improvements announced, the new DCP will provide additional information on project schedules, including new information for industry in the form of forecasting a timeframe for Initial Materiel Release. The Government also announced proposals to provide greater transparency in Defence planning.

A one-stop-shop website will provide links to Defence capability and acquisition programs with regular on-line updates as an enhanced resource for industry.

More super Hornets touch downAir Force’s transition to next-generation air combat capability has advanced further with the arrival of another six F/A-18F Super Hornets at RAAF Base Amberley on July 6, following a four-day journey from Naval Air Station Lemoore in California.

“This is the culmination of the hard work and dedication of the Royal Australian Air Force, Defence Materiel Organisation, United States Navy, the Boeing Company and their industry partners, Raytheon, General Electric and Northrop Grumman,” Minister for Defence Senator John Faulkner said.

Twelve of the RAAF Super Hornets have now been delivered by Boeing. The first Super Hornet delivered, A44-201, remains in the United States conducting ongoing advanced software development trials with the United States Navy. It is anticipated that this development activity will be completed later this year and the aircraft will be ferried to Australia before December to bring the in-service complement to 12 aircraft.

VICTORIADefence Lake Attack is backThere are few community activities which penetrate the bluestone walls of Melbourne’s Victoria Barracks, nor have as wide-reaching social impact, as the annual Defence Lake Attack Community Fun Run and Walk.

What started as a relay road run from Puckapunyal to Canberra in the mid-1980s has grown to become an annual highlight on the Melbourne fundraising calendar. The event is now a single-day fun run and walk, open to Defence and the entire community. It draws an ever increasing participation, with a record figure of almost 3000 completing the fun run or walk in 2009.

The 2010 event will be held on Sunday 29 August. Again, the primary activity will be the fun run and walk, in which the participants run, jog or walk around one 5km lap of the scenic Albert Park Lake (or two laps for the keen 10km participants).

But this is more than just another fun run. In keeping with the theme of community, it is Defence’s opportunity to showcase some key capabilities, equipment and opportunities to the public. Following the fun run and walk, a range of interesting displays and demonstrations will be provided, which will include aerial manoeuvres by the RAAF’s famous Roulettes aircraft, fly-pasts by historic aircraft from the RAAF Museum, equipment displays from Defence and the emergency services, activities for children, live music provided by the Royal Australian Navy Band, and much more.

The Defence Lake Attack is now run in a strategic partnership with the Melbourne Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, and their expertise in raising and disbursing funds for charity has substantially assisted the growth of the event in recent years.

An event of this significance would not be possible without the support of community-minded businesses, large and small. It is their generous sponsorship which is the mainstay of the disbursements that are able to be made to the recipient charities. In 2009, $212,000 was divided equally between the Melbourne branches of the following four selected charities: Legacy, Red Kite, Kidsafe and the Compassionate Friends.

The Defence Lake Attack is currently under the stewardship of Joint Logistics Command’s

Director Supply Chain Operations and Plans,

Colonel Andrew Maclean. The event continues

to evolve from the initial road relay run of almost

30 years ago.

“We want to showcase Defence’s multi-faceted

nature: its esprit-de-corps, something of the

character and the people behind the news,”

Colonel Maclean said.

“We want to create something which can be

shared with the people of Melbourne, and

something which will continue to live beyond the

posting cycle.”

For information on how your unit or organisation,

or your group of interested friends can become

involved in the 2010 Defence Lake Attack, register

and compete in the fun run or walk, or make an

online donation, please visit the Defence Lake

Attack website, www.lakeattack.com.

WESTERN AuSTRALIAAnnual Army Art showArmy Art was instigated more than 34 years ago

by the SASR Auxiliary at Campbell Barracks, and

in support of such a worthy, charitable event, this

year’s Army Art Show will be held at Leeuwin

Barracks’ historic Drill Hall, in East Fremantle.

This year’s event will be held from 13-15 August.

Army Art prides itself on promoting all things

Western Australian art – paintings, sculpture,

glass, ceramic, and jewellery etc, which is all

produced and crafted by either established or

emerging artisans in their fields.

Everything that is displayed at the exhibition is

for sale. There is an entry fee to exhibit the work,

and if sold, a commission is deducted which goes

towards a donation to the chosen beneficiary.

The beneficiary changes each year, and in the

past has supported worthy charities such as

Legacy, War Widows Guild, Guide Dogs for the

Blind, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia,

Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s Research

Foundation, and M.R.S. Auxiliary (WA).

This year’s nominated charity is the Recreation

& Sport Network, whose mission is to enrich the

life of people living with disability by facilitating

inclusion in sport, recreation and civic life.

Entry is by pre-purchased tickets only, with

enquiries to Anne on 08-9447 7141.

DARWINDarwin’s Own Air Force squadron Poised for expanded RoleFrom 1 July, No.13 (City of Darwin) Squadron,

currently the provider of Air Force Reserve training

and administration for the Northern Territory, will

take on an expanded role in the operation of RAAF

Base Darwin.

Under sweeping changes announced by the Chief

of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin, No.13

Squadron (13 SQN) will amalgamate with 321

Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (321ECSS)

RAAF Base Darwin and assume responsibility

for managing the airfield and supporting air base

operations, as well as maintaining its reserve

training activities. 321ECSS will be disbanded.

The current Commanding Officer (CO) of 321ECSS,

Wing Commander Noel Hinschen, will become

Commanding Officer of the expanded 13 SQN, and

the current CO 13 SQN, Squadron Leader St. John

Morris, will become Flight Commander in charge

of training.

The integration of 13 SQN and 321ECSS, which

will see the restructured 13 SQN assigned to

Combat Support Group from Air Force Training

Group, is being mirrored at Air Force bases

across the country as a result of a review of Air

Force Combat Support. At RAAF Base Tindal,

322ECSS, already part of Combat Support Group,

will continue to manage the airfield and support

airbase operations.

WAGGA WAGGATechnical experience students visit Wagga WaggaForty Defence Technical Scholarship (DTS)

recipients visited RAAF Base Wagga Wagga

and the Army Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) at

Kapooka on 6 July to see first hand the technical

career training available in the Army and Air Force.

The DTS recipients, along with school career

guidance counsellors and teachers, visited Defence

sites in Wagga Wagga, Bandiana, and HMAS

Cerberus during their four-day experience program.

The scholarships are part of the Government’s

$71 million program, allocated across 10 years,

to assist in attracting and recruiting more people to

critical technical trade careers in the ADF.

CAIRNSstrong Defence presence in CairnsMinister for Defence Materiel and Science Greg

Combet, and Member for Leichhardt Jim Turnour,

met with Australian Defence personnel and local

Defence businesses to discuss defence operations

in Cairns on 5 July.

Mr Combet and Mr Turnour toured HMAS Cairns

and met with Commanding Officer HMAS Cairns

Commander Bob Heffey during the visit.

They received briefings on the support roles and

functions of HMAS Cairns, the Defence Indigenous

Development Program – Navy, as well as Minor

War Vessel Sea Training Operations. During

the visit Mr Combet and Mr Turnour spoke with

off-watch crews from Hydrographic Survey Ships

and Armidale Class Patrol Boats.

They also took time to step on board

HMAS Shepparton and HMAS Benalla,

Paluma Class Survey Motor Launches. These

vessels undertake hydrographic survey tasking to

update marine charts to ensure safe passage in

Australian waters.

Following their visit to the Navy establishment,

Mr Combet and Mr Turnour met with local business

leaders in Cairns to discuss opportunities for them

in the Defence sector.

There are more than 890 ADF members

stationed in Cairns and 248 Defence Housing

Authority properties.

Defence injects approximately $96 million into the

Cairns economy each year. This expenditure helps

generate jobs and provides substantial support to

the local economy.

TOWNSVILLEGovernment surrenders guns to Townsville

The Federal Government will surrender two

100-year-old naval guns to Townsville City Council.

The move follows the Government’s decision last

year to put Jezzine Barracks into community hands

by transferring the ownership to the Council.

Minister for Defence Materiel and Science Greg

Combet said that the two historical guns, which

are located at Townsville’s Kissing Point Fort,

would now be owned by the Council and hence

the local community.

“Since the turn of the 20th century these guns have

stood guard over Townsville,” Mr Combet said.

“Now the community of Townsville will stand

guard over the heritage and preservation of these

guns for future generations.”

Mr Combet said that Jezzine Barracks and the

two naval guns at Kissing Point Fort were an

important part of Townsville’s long and enduring

military history.

The Federal Government has also made significant

investment in the expansion of Lavarack Barracks,

making way for an additional 730 troops who will

soon call Townsville home.

ABOVe: Framed by the 105mm starting gun from 2nd/10th Field Regiment, runners sweep past scenic Albert Park Lake in the 2009 Defence Lake Attack.

sergeant Andrew Russell, Special Air Service Regiment, died of wounds sustained when his patrol vehicle struck an anti-tank mine on 16 February 2002

Trooper David Pearce, 2/14 LHR QMI, was killed when his ASLAV was struck by an IED on 8 October 2007.

sergeant Matthew Locke, Special Air Service Regiment, was killed by Taliban insurgent small-arms fire on 25 October 2007.

Private Luke Worsley, 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (Cdo), was killed by Taliban insurgent small-arms fire on 23 November 2007.

Lance Corporal Jason Marks, 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (Cdo), was killed by Taliban insurgent small-arms fire on 27 April 2008.

signaller sean McCarthy, Special Air Service Regiment, was killed when the vehicle he was travelling in was struck by an IED on 8 July 2008.

Lieutenant Michael Fussell, 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (Cdo), was killed when struck by an IED during a dismounted patrol on 27 November 2008.

Private Gregory sher, 1st Commando Regiment, was killed in a rocket attack on 4 January 2009.

Corporal Mathew Hopkins, 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, was killed during an engagement with the Taliban on 16 March 2009.

sergeant Brett Till, Incident Response Regiment, was killed by an explosion during a route clearance task on 19 March 2009.

Private Benjamin Ranaudo, 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, was killed as a result of an IED on 18 July 2009.

sapper Jacob Moerland, 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, was killed as a result of an IED strike on 7 June 2010.

sapper Darren smith, 2nd Combat Engineers Regiment, died of wounds sustained during an IED strike on 7 June 2010.

Private Timothy Aplin, 2nd Commando Regiment, died as a result of a helicopter crash on 21 June 2010.

Private scott Palmer, 2nd Commando Regiment, died as a result of a helicopter crash on 21 June 2010.

Private Benjamin Chuck, 2nd Commando Regiment, died of wounds sustained in a helicopter crash on 21 June 2010.

Private Nathan Bewes, 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, was killed as a result of an IED on 9 July 2010.

A further 44 Australian soldiers have been wounded in action this year. As of July 2010, 144 personnel have been wounded since Operation Slipper began in 2001.

The Australian Defence Force and its extended families have suffered the heaviest losses since the Afghanistan campaign began in 2001, with six brave soldiers killed in action this year.Many tributes have honoured the ultimate sacrifice the soldiers have made for their country, while on these two pages, Defence Magazine honours their lives as dedicated husbands, partners, fathers, sons, brothers and comrades to the many more who knew them better than most.PRIVATe NATHAN BeWesPrivate Bewes was born in Kogarah, NSW, in 1986. He joined the Army in 2005 and in the same year successfully completed his recruit and infantry basic training prior to being posted to the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. This was his second deployment to the Middle East. Private Bewes was qualified in Direct Fire Support Weapons (DFSW), Combat First Aid and as a driver of the Protected Mobility Vehicle. Private Bewes was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT), Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor Leste, the Australian Defence Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO medal with clasp ISAF. Private Bewes was also awarded the Infantry Combat Badge and for previous deployments, he was awarded the Returned Active Service Badge.

“Nate was my best friend, my soul mate, the one I knew I’d be with for the rest of my life. He was an amazing mate to our many friends and was loved by everyone. He always made me laugh and I have never loved anyone so much. He was an excellent soldier who was willing to put his life in danger along with his mates from Team 3 for the people of Australia.”

– Nathan’s partner, Alice Walsh

PRIVATe BeNJAMIN CHuCKPrivate Chuck was born in Atherton, QLD, in 1983. He joined the Army on 11 May 2004 as part of the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme. On completion of his Commando Selection and Training Course

and Reinforcement Cycle he was posted to the then 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) – now 2nd Commando Regiment. This was his third tour to Afghanistan and was serving with the SOTG. Private Chuck was an outstanding Commando who was highly trained and excelled at all he attempted. Private Chuck was the Patrol Medic within his sniper team. He was suited to this role as his affectionate and caring nature drove his passion for helping his mates. Private Chuck has been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ICAT, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO ISAF Medal, the Infantry Combat Badge and the Australian Defence Medal. Private Chuck has also been awarded the Returned from Active Service Badge from his first deployment to Afghanistan.

“Through his deeds and actions, Ben has become a son of our nation. The six years he spent with the Commandos were the best of his life. Ben has been called many things over the past week, a hero, a son of our nation, but the one I like the most is our son”

– Ben’s father, Gordon Chuck

PRIVATe sCOTT PALMeRPrivate Palmer enlisted in the Army in 2001. Private Palmer successfully undertook Commando Selection and Training in 2006 and joined the then 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) in November 2006. This was his third tour to Afghanistan and was serving with the SOTG. Private Palmer has seen Operational service in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. His professionalism was of the highest order and he excelled at everything he did. Private Palmer loved his job and working alongside his mates. Private Palmer was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with clasps Iraq, East Timor and International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT), the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Australian Defence Medal, the Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor Leste, the Australian Defence Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the NATO ISAF Medal. Private Palmer was also awarded the Returned from Active Service Badge from a previous deployment.

“While our grieving has just begun, we lovingly remember the man whom Scott was: a devoted son and brother to his family; a best friend to his father, Ray, and his

brother, Adam; always loyal to his mates. His connection to the University Pirates Rugby Club characterised how dearly he valued his mates, maintaining great friends from that club long after he had moved on. To us all Scott was

a larrikin who made us laugh, he had mischief in his smile, love in his heart, and was completely generous regardless of circumstance.”

– Scott’s parents, Ray and Pam Palmer

PRIVATe TIMOTHY ALPINPrivate Aplin enlisted in the Army Reserves on 4 February 1992. Private Aplin transferred to the Regular Army on 20 September 1995, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He successfully completed the Commando Selection and Training Course in 2008 and was posted to the then 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) in January 2009 after completing the Commando Reinforcement Cycle. To achieve this goal he willingly took the required reduction in rank from Sergeant. Private Aplin was an outstanding and dedicated Commando who was highly respected. This was his second tour to Afghanistan and he was serving with the SOTG as a team demolitions specialist. Private Aplin has been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with East Timor, Iraq and ICAT clasps, the Infantry Combat Badge, United Nations Medal with Ribbon UNTAET, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Australian Defence Medal, the Defence Long Service Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Private Aplin has also been awarded the Returned from Active Service Badge from a previous deployment.

“Tim was always ‘the rock’, the one who people turned to when the chips were down. He will continue to be a source of strength and inspiration to us all. The love and vivaciousness that Tim shared with all those who knew him was infectious. His humour, his kindness and his practical, no–fuss approach to life will give us the courage to navigate through this extremely difficult time.”

– Tim’s wife Natasha Alpin

sAPPeR DARReN sMITHSapper Smith was 26 years old, born in Adelaide, SA.

Sapper Smith’s military career commenced as part of the Army Reserve, enlisting on 29 November 2001 and completing recruit training in January 2002, serving as part of 3rd Field Squadron.

He went on to complete his Combat Engineer suite of courses in 2004 and become part of the Australian Regular Army where he was posted to 1st Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER), Darwin in October 2004. He completed a number of driver courses up to heavy vehicle and Armoured Personnel Carrier.

While at 1 CER, he successfully completed his Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) Handler course in December 2006.

Sapper Smith was posted to 2CER in January 2009. He was Junior Leader Course qualified, having completed the course in November 2008.

His deployment as part of MTF–1 was his first

operational deployment. He deployed in March 2010. As

part of his tour he has been awarded the Australian Active

Service Medal with Clasp ICAT, NATO Service Medal, and

the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Sapper Smith has also

been awarded the Australian Defence Medal.

Sapper Smith’s dog was Herbie, a 3-and-a-half-year-old

Collie Cross.

“He was very passionate about his job and understood

the risks involved but he was the sort of man who always

put others first, and did his best for them whether it

was his mates in the Army or at home with his family

and friends. Darren had a special relationship with his

working dog, Herbie.”

– Darren’s wife, Angela Smith

sAPPeR JACOB MOeRLANDSapper Jacob Moerland was 21 years old and was born in

Cairns, QLD. He enlisted on 9 July 2007 and completed

his Initial Recruit Training at 1st Recruit Training Battalion

(1RTB) in October 2007.

After completing his driver courses and the suite

of Combat Engineer courses in May 2008, Sapper

Moerland was posted to 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment

(2CER), Brisbane.

2CER was his first posting as a Combat Engineer.

While at 2CER, he went on to complete a number of

courses including: Protected Mobility Vehicle Driver course

in April 2009 and Combat First Aider in August 2009. His

deployment as part of Mentoring Task Force – 1 was his

first operation, deploying in January this year.

As part of his tour he has been awarded the Australian

Active Service Medal with Clasp ICAT, NATO Medal

and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, along with the

awarding of his AASM.

“We would like everyone to know how proud Jacob was

to serve his country. Jacob wanted to join the Army from

an early age and he loved his mates and his job and

I have never seen Jacob so happy as during his march

out parade.”

– Jacob’s mother Sandra Moerland and sisters Bethany and Laura.

ABOVe LeFT: One of the two medals awarded to Explosive Detection Dog Herbie for his combat service in Afghanistan. ABOVe: (L–R) Lance Corporal Joshua Colbourne with Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) Harry, Sapper David Brown with EDD Bundy, and Corporal Craig Turnbull with EDD Tank gather to pay their respects and remember Sapper Jacob Moerland, Sapper Darren Smith and EDD Herbie who were Killed in Action in Uruzgan on 7 June 2010.

LeFT: Bearer parties of Pte Benjamin Adam Chuck, Pte Timothy James Aplin and Pte Scott Travis Palmer carry them onto the RAAF C-130 Hercules, flanked by members of Special Operations Task Group and other coalition soldiers.

Deaths abroaD hit home for Defence

12 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

SECRETARY’S COLuMN

Taking care of businessThere is a certain rhythm of work in Commonwealth Government departments and agencies. Regardless of which one you work in, there are almost always regular weekly and monthly meetings. A few times a year we front up to parliamentary committee hearings. And every three years a federal election is held.

As we all know now, the Prime Minister has

announced that a Federal election will be held on

Saturday, 21 August 2010.

Different arrangements apply between the time

when an election is called, and when an election

result is clear and a new Government is formed.

Referred to as the caretaker period, this is when

there is no longer an operating Parliament. Although

the business of government continues and ordinary

matters of administration are still addressed, the

nature of the relationship between our department

and the Ministers’ offices changes. Caretaker

conventions refer to the special arrangements that

apply to government business during an official

federal election campaign.

With the Prime Minister’s announcement and

the proximity of the 2010 election, you should

all be familiar with the caretaker conventions.

The Guidance on Caretaker Conventions 2010 is

available from the Department of the Prime Minister

and Cabinet website (www.dpmc.gov.au).

Preparations for a smooth transition to the caretaker

period, and to an incoming Government (whether

returned or new) are now formally underway.

Ministerial Support and Public Affairs Division is

taking the lead on providing advice to Defence

officers on caretaker conventions, and is also

conducting information sessions.

A separate article on the intricacies of caretaker

conventions appears in this edition.

Now that the caretaker period has commenced,

we have activated a caretaker advice intranet

site (http://intranet.defence.gov.au/oscdf/caretaker). An email advice line (caretaker.advice@defence.gov.au) is now also up and

running. Both can be accessed if you have any

questions or concerns about how the caretaker

period and the caretaker conventions may impact

on your day-to-day business.

Effectively handling Defence business during the caretaker period and ensuring there is a smooth transition to the incoming government is one of our top priorities for the year.

strategic Reform Program

As you should know, our other top priority, after operations, is the implementation of the Strategic Reform Program (SRP). Since April, the CDF and I have spoken on the subject both inside and outside Canberra and we have been able to meet with some of you. All members of the Defence Committee have been making similar visits. For my part, I have been impressed with your level of commitment and enthusiasm, and that you are very positive about the SRP and Defence’s future.

What we hope to achieve with these visits and the discussions involved is to share our perspectives on the reform program, to help give a better understanding of what it means both for the organisation and for us as Defence employees, to help and encourage you to become actively involved, and to get your feedback, your ideas and your views on SRP.

Most important, we want to help you to think critically about reforms and to participate in helping bring them about.

If you don’t have the opportunity to attend a presentation on SRP, obtain a copy of one of the many speeches that have been given and read it, talk to your boss, talk to your team members, and familiarise yourself with the fact sheets on the SRP website. The more you know, the better-equipped you will be to become involved.

The key point is, to meet Australia’s future Defence requirements, we need to deliver Force 2030. This will create a Defence organisation that can better handle the future environment — it will provide a more balanced, networked and deployable force. SRP is the vehicle that helps us get there — the

link between Force 2030 and SRP is fundamental.

To embed and sustain Force 2030 we need the

cultural change, reform behaviours and business

transformation that SRP will help deliver. It is not

just a cost-reduction and re-investment exercise.

We must embed reform behaviours, such as

cost-consciousness, innovation and continuous

improvement in our day to day business.

So what can you do to make a difference? We all

need to be open to new ideas and see ways to

improve the way we work. Be confident to put your

ideas forward. Spend time and resources wisely.

Think laterally and be aware of the flow-on effects

of actions taken today and how they can impact on

tomorrow.

The CDF and I, and all the Defence Committee

members, have discussed with the Senior

Leadership Group that they need to engage in,

and commit to, the SRP. In turn, they need to

communicate and consult with you on the reform

initiatives. If you are finding this process difficult

your branch head is there help.

Finally, on behalf of the Department, I would like to

pay my respects and offer my deepest sympathies to

the families of Sappers Jacob Moerland and Darren

Smith, who tragically lost their lives in Afghanistan

following an IED blast, and Privates Tim Aplin, Ben

Chuck and Scott Palmer, who died in a helicopter

crash in southern Afghanistan. I also offer my

respects to the family and loved ones of Private

Nathan Bewes, who most recently lost his life

through an IED attack in Afghanistan’s Chora Valley

region. The tragic losses of our young men are a

reminder both of the dangers the ADF faces day in

and day out in Afghanistan, and the importance of

building the best possible Defence organisation to

support and sustain those operations.

13www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCE’S COLuMN

A strengthened resolve

The last six weeks have been a particularly sad time for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). We have lost six outstanding soldiers on operations in Afghanistan. Sapper Jacob Moerland and Sapper Darren Smith, along with Darren’s explosive detection dog Herbie, were killed by an improvised explosive device on June 7. Private Timothy Aplin, Private Scott Palmer and Private Benjamin Chuck were killed in a helicopter crash on June 21. Most recently, Private Nathan Bewes was killed by an improvised explosive device on July 9. These men represented the very finest qualities

of the Australian Army. They were tough,

courageous and determined. They took great

pride in being Australian soldiers and nothing

was more important to them than looking after

their mates and serving their country. They were

highly skilled and dedicated, applying themselves

to the profession of soldiering with vigour and

enthusiasm. I am exceptionally proud of the way in

which they conducted themselves while deployed.

These men were undertaking very important

work on behalf of our nation and impressed their

fellow soldiers – both Australian and Allied – with their expertise and mission focus.

In addition, some of our people have been wounded in action. I am very thankful that some of these soldiers were not severely hurt and they were able to remain in theatre as they wanted. However, there are seven soldiers in particular who are doing it tough at the moment, and they are the members of the Special Operations Task Group who were onboard the helicopter that killed three of their mates. These soldiers have been brought home to Australia and are receiving the very best care possible, though two remain in a critical condition. They remain very much in my thoughts.

At times like these as we grieve for our dead and assist our wounded, it is easy to focus more on what we have lost than all that these soldiers and their fellow ADF servicemen and women have achieved in Afghanistan. You should have no doubt that our mission is vital to our national security and we are making a very big difference to the lives of the people of Afghanistan, particularly in Uruzgan province.

I want it to be clear to you though that I am aware our achievements have come at a very high cost. I have attended the funerals of the soldiers we have lost and spoken with their families. I have been overwhelmed by their devotion, resilience and the pride they have shown, not only for their loved one, but also for the Australian Army. They have

suffered terribly, but their strength proves that the

values of courage, integrity and loyalty are not only

demonstrated by our soldiers, but also by their

families. I am always cognisant of the important

role played by our defence families, and the

burdens they must sometimes bear.

Having spent time with these families and the

soldiers’ closest friends, I am convinced that these

six soldiers would not want our resolve to waiver.

In fact, I am certain it would be the contrary.

They would want us to continue to focus on our

mission, support our soldiers and help the innocent

people of Afghanistan. Our resolve should be

strengthened with their sacrifice.

On a separate but related note, one of the greatest

ambassadors for the men and women of the ADF

and our mission in Afghanistan has been our

Minister, Senator John Faulkner. You will all be

aware that he recently announced that regardless

of the outcome of the upcoming election, he will

not remain as our Minister.

The men and women of the ADF serve our nation

well, particularly those who are currently deployed

overseas, not only in Afghanistan, but all over the

world. In return, Senator Faulkner, as our Minister,

has served us extremely well and with unwaivering

dedication, integrity and compassion. I thank

him most sincerely for his leadership during a

particularly difficult and busy period.

“Having spent time with these families and the soldiers’ closest friends, I am convinced that these six soldiers would not want our resolve to waver. In fact, I am certain it would be the contrary.”

14 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 15www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

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2

8

54

3

PICTORIAL: THE MONTH IN FOCUS

1. Commanding Officer No.33 Squadron Wing Commander Guy Wilson (centre) was Parade Commander for the No.33 Squadron Consecration Ceremony on 2 June. No. 33 Squadron conducted the parade to consecrate the recently-awarded Squadron Standard, which is awarded by order of the Sovereign to an operational squadron that has completed 25 years of service in the RAAF, or for having earned the Sovereign’s appreciation for especially outstanding operations.

2. Sapper Tim Kesby from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment crosses the road to paint the exterior of the Hope Centre, Quy Nhon, Vietnam. Australian Army engineers have worked alongside US military personnel and Vietnamese locals during Pacific Partnership 2010 exercise.

3. Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Adam Hubbard of Assail Three conducts a flood repair exercise in a flooding simulation cell during a damage control exercise onboard HMAS Betano during the Minor War Vessels Concentration Period.

4. Colonel Leuvering from the Royal Netherlands Army presents Commander of the Afghan National Army 4th Brigade, Brigadier General Abdul Hamid, a departing gift at the handover parade on May 25 as key mentoring responsibilities transferred from the Dutch to the Australians.

5. The Block II Super Hornets based at RAAF Amberley practise low level flying in and around Mount Mitchell, which is located about an hour’s drive south-west of Amberley.

6. The first two C-17A pilots to graduate in Australia from the C-17 Pilot Initial Qualification (PIQ) Course at RAAF Base Amberley are Flight Lieutenant David Whyte (middle) and Pilot Officer Stephen Maunder (left). With them is C-17A Qualified Flying Instructor, Flight Lieutenant Simon Grant.

7. Actress Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto in NCIS) leaves her mark onboard HMAS Kanimbla during an NCIS TV season promotion.

8. Leading Aircraftman Dean Beetson of 321 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron takes possession of the ball in spectacular style after a ‘Blues’ field kick at RAAF Base Darwin on 11 June, as part of the Squadron’s passionate obsession wtih the State of Origin series. For the record, the ‘Maroons’ hammered the ‘Blues’ 24-12 in a modified OZTAG match.

6 7

16 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

NEWS

16 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

Planning is underway to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Hobart’s Anglesea Barracks in December 2011. Here, we look at the history of one of the oldest Defence establishments in Australia, its links to British military forces and whether it may be haunted by ghosts.

Nestled among the undulating land between

Hobart’s stunning harbour and the imposing and

often snow-capped 1270-metre Mount Wellington,

Anglesea Barracks is arguably one of Defence’s

most beautifully situated sites.

Established before the more famous Port Arthur,

Anglesea Barracks was built in 1814 (only eight

years after Hobart itself was settled), making it the

oldest continually occupied Defence establishment

in Australia.

Governor Macquarie, during his visit to Van

Diemen’s Land in 1811, visited Hobart and was

concerned troops were living among the convicts

and the general community. After inspecting

the existing arrangements, he jumped on his

horse and, accompanied by Lieutenant Governor

Anthill, rode up the adjacent hill and confirmed

the selection of the current site by stating, “This

is the spot for the Barracks”. A short time later,

it is believed tents and a number of temporary

structures were established on the site.

The foundation stone of the officers’ quarters was

laid on the henceforth named Barracks Hill in 1814,

and several buildings were partially completed by

1818, however troops had occupied the barracks

area several years before that date.

The barracks soon became a thriving hub for

the then small Hobart Town, and was named

Anglesea by Lieutenant Governor Arthur after the

Marquis of Anglesey, commander of the allied

buildings at the barracks, such as the captain’s

quarters and the drill hall, remained in military

use. The military gaol was converted for use as a

reform school for wayward girls. The former girls’

reformatory is now home to the Military Museum

of Tasmania.

From 1898, the civil use of the site changed as

the Boer War of 1899-1902 became instrumental

in revitalising defence activity at the barracks.

Following Federation in 1901 and the passing of

the Defence Acts of 1903 and 1908, Anglesea

Barracks gained in military importance and a new

military building phase commenced including

construction of married quarters and a new drill

hall. In 1901, responsibility for Defence passed

to the new Australian federal government and

the barracks passed back into full military control

where it has remained ever since.

The barracks provided support to Australia’s efforts

in the First and Second World Wars and continues

to support Defence activities, including support to

the 12th/40th Battalion, Royal Tasmanian Regiment.

Today, the soldiers transition through Anglesea on

their way to operations around the world.

Architecturally, the barracks can be divided into

three phases: buildings erected between 1814 and

1838 and made of convict brick; those from 1838 to

1870 made mostly from local sandstone; and those

erected since the turn of the 20th century.

Common to many historic parts of Hobart, it is said

that Anglesea Barracks is haunted. People staying

in the former soldiers’ hospital have reportedly

woken to someone mopping their brow, and more

than one commanding officer has reported seeing

a ghostly apparition of a woman standing in his or

her lounge room.

Anglesea todayCurrently Anglesea Barracks houses the Army

Personnel Agency-Hobart, Adelaide University

Regiment (Tasmania Company), Australian Army

Band-Tasmania, 29 Squadron RAAF, RAN and RAAF

Headquarters, Defence Support Group, Air Force

Cadets and Defence Force Recruiting.

Demonstrating that Anglesea still has an influence

on the modern Defence organisation, Defence’s

purchasing and travel cards are managed by the

Corporate Card Support Centre which is located in

the 1840s vintage soldiers’ barracks.

Meeting our heritage obligationsDue to Anglesea’s long and distinguished history,

social and archaeological values, the barracks is on

the Commonwealth Heritage List both as a precinct

and as individual buildings. It is carefully managed

by Defence, with special care taken of its many

unique features, such as the former hospital’s

innovative sky light under which the operating

table was positioned.

After developing a comprehensive heritage

management plan for the site, restoration works

have been undertaken to halt rising damp and

other water ingress issues from compromising

some of the buildings.

Interestingly, many buildings need to be returned

to their original state, as the use of original lime

washes allows the building to breathe and let

water escape, compared to modern plastic paints

that trap water and salts, crumbling the ageing

sandstone. In other places, techniques such as

clever trompe l’oeils (a style of painting that gives

an illusion of photographic reality) have been

used to show where original windows and doors

were located.

Defence Support Operations Base Support

Manager in Tasmania, Phil Spehr explained that

continuing use of the buildings has ensured their

survival, but much care is needed to make sure

that Anglesea Barracks continues to prosper.

“The people of Hobart have a strong connection

to their barracks, witnessed by the outstanding

success of the military tattoos and other

occasions,” Mr Spehr said.

“We’re grateful to have a heritage management

plan that deals with the sites issues so

comprehensively.”

Recognition for Defence

Through its highly effective management of

Anglesea’s heritage values, Defence has attracted

favourable comment from the Department of

Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and

has been called “a leader in the Commonwealth

for heritage management”, a statement of which

Defence is proud and which recognises the

department’s considerable investment in this area.

As a steward of many of Australia’s environmental

and heritage treasures, Defence takes its

obligations seriously and is committed to ensuring

the best possible heritage outcomes while

continuing to use its military facilities. Heritage

sites also contribute considerably to the esprit de

corps that is an important, often intangible, but no

less real aspect of military life.

Anglesea Barracks will celebrate its 200th

anniversary in December 2011 and the Anglesea

200 project committee is already busy planning for

the celebrations that will recognise this milestone

event in Australia’s military history.

cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo, and then Master-

General of Ordnance in England. From 1848 to

1858, the barracks were home to the British 99th

Regiment of Foot.

It remained headquarters of the British military

forces in Tasmania until the last regiment left

in 1870, when most of the site then passed out

of military control; except for a small portion

retained for the volunteer forces which had been

raised during the 1850s, and a permanent military

cadre staff.

From 1870-1901, the barracks underwent a period

of civil occupation during which various education,

social welfare and recreational functions were

accommodated. During this time only a few

ABOVe: Built in 1846, the Military Gaol became a reformatory for the wayward girls of early Hobart Town and is now the Military Museum of Tasmania.

RIGHT: The Sergeants Mess at Anglesea Barracks.

“After inspecting the existing arrangements, Governor Macquarie

jumped on his horse and, accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Anthill, rode

up the adjacent hill and confirmed the selection of the current site by stating,

‘This is the spot for the barracks’.”

17www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

Mr Combet described the policy as a culmination

of two-and-a-half years of engagement with the

defence industry and analysis of the strategic

requirements that shape Defence policy. In

particular to support the policy, the Minister

outlined the Government’s commitment of

$445 million out to 2018-19 for a range of

programs that industry can access to improve

their competitiveness, their capacity for innovation,

their ability to enter export markets and the skills

of their workforce.

The global defence industry has undergone

significant changes during the last several

decades. Globalisation and the end of the Cold

War have contributed to a major consolidation

within the industry, which has seen the

rationalisation of major defence suppliers. This has

resulted in a global defence industry dominated

by a very few defence companies, mostly based in

Europe and North America.

In turn, this presents both challenges and

opportunities for Australia’s defence industry. It is

a challenge for our small-to-medium enterprises

(SMEs) that need to accommodate major

investment decisions made in Europe and North

America. Yet it is also an opportunity for Australian

SMEs to make profits through integrating into the

global supply chains of international primes and

their major subcontractors.

At the same time, the Defence White Paper 2009

(Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century:

Force 2030) and the Strategic Reform Program (The

Strategic Reform Program: Delivering Force 2030),

which includes the Government response to the

Mortimer Review, are having a significant impact

on defence industry in Australia. They are already

driving changes to Defence and the Australian

Defence Force (ADF), many of which will affect

Australia’s defence industry.

For its part, the Government has a number of

expectations of defence industry. Industry must

become more resilient and self-reliant if it is to

prosper and grow in the future. It can no longer

expect the use of offsets or local content quotas

to help protect Australian defence industry

from overseas competition. Previous experience

has shown that this approach is not in the best

interests of Government, industry or Defence.

The Defence Industry Policy 2010 – Building

Defence Capability: A Policy for a Smarter

and More Agile Defence Industry Base is

underpinned by four key principles:

Setting clear investment priorities: Defence industry investment policies must be

driven by the Government’s endorsed strategic

tasks for Defence and the military capability needs

that derive from these tasks. The Defence White

Paper 2009 and the Strategic Reform Program

ABOVe: Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, The Hon Greg Combet MP, launching the new Defence Industry Policy Statement.

BuILDIng DeFence cAPABILITY: A policy for a smarter and more agile defence industry base

By Tim Bloomfield

articulate clear strategic policies for Defence,

which the Defence Industry Policy Statement 2010

applies in the defence industry context.

Establishing a stronger Defence – industry relationship: Sound relations

between Defence and industry require clear

communication between all parties. This statement

also advances a considerably more flexible

approach to defence procurement and contracting,

where varying kinds and levels of risk are

managed through the appropriate procurement and

contractual vehicles.

Seeking opportunities for growth: The

Government will seek to increase the opportunities

for Australian defence industry to identify and

make the most of business opportunities within

Australia and overseas. This is not providing

industry with expensive taxpayer-funded (or

backed) guarantees, but rather encouraging a

competitive industry base that has opportunities

to grow and is supported by forward looking and

flexible Government policies.

Building skills, innovation and productivity: The Government will ensure that

Australian defence firms have every opportunity

to enhance their capacity for innovation, skilling

and productivity. This is important for Australia’s

defence and will help to sustain viable defence

industry enterprises into the future.

The Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, the Hon Greg Combet MP,

recently launched the Government’s Defence Industry Policy Statement 2010

at the Australian Industry Group Headquarters in Canberra.

NEWS

www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine18

19www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

NEWS

Department of Defence Secretary Dr Ian Watt recently spoke on the topic of ‘the Defence Strategic Reform Program:

Delivering Force 2030’ at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s (ASPI) annual dinner in Canberra.

The following are extracts

from his 20-minute speech

– to view a full version visit

http://www.aspi.

org.au/events/

recentEventDetail.

aspx?eid=428

“Defence now stands on

the threshold of a real

opportunity,” Dr Watt said.

“The impetus for the

Strategic Reform Program

(SRP) is to drive cost reductions. But its most

fundamental raison d’être is to change the way

we do business so that we can remain potent,

strategically responsive and relevant.

“Defence, right now, is on a path to becoming an

even better organisation, with the potential to

become a world leader. Delivering on Force 2030

will require additional funding to areas where past

under-investment has left vulnerabilities in our

military capabilities and our support functions.

“What has happened to our views in the 14

months since publication of the White Paper –

and in 10 months at Defence?

“We have seen significant political unrest in

Thailand and tensions dramatically escalate,

yet again, on the Korean Peninsula. It has now

been just over a year

since Iran’s disputed

presidential election

and the regime’s

subsequent apparently

successful crackdown on

demonstrators.

“Closer to home, the

White Paper recognises

positive developments

in Indonesia over the

past decade and regards

Indonesia as a vital

democratic regional partner. And a pleasant

development since the White Paper is the

invitation to join with ASEAN at the inaugural

ASEAN+8 Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Hanoi

this coming October.

“Of considerable interest, China’s military

capability has continued to grow apace, perhaps

even faster than the White Paper estimated.

China has, for example, taken significant steps in

its anti-access and area-denial capabilities with

the testing of a conventional anti-ship ballistic

missile. China’s power projection capabilities are

also improving, as demonstrated by its sustained

deployment of naval vessels to the Indian Ocean in

support of international counter-piracy efforts.

“Finally, and this is not new, East Timor and

the South Pacific island states continue to face

“Defence, right now, is on a path to becoming an even better organisation, with the potential to become a world leader.” – Secretary for Defence Dr Ian Watt during

his address to ASPI on 30 June.

Defence on thresholD of real opportunity

significant risk of instability. Australia will be

expected to provide security and humanitarian

assistance in the South Pacific for the foreseeable

future, and will need to work with traditional

allies, Japan and South Korea, and new partners

India, Singapore and Indonesia to share collective

responsibility for regional stability.

“Defence stands by the force structure outlined in

Force 2030 – we think it provides a firm foundation

for Australia to manage a range of possibilities in

the years ahead.

“SRP is about cost reduction for reinvestment,

but it is much more. It is essential for the delivery

of Force 2030 and the tangible means by which

we can identify and pursue efficiencies, and their

pursuit tells us where we have inappropriate or

wasteful allocation of resources. At a deeper level,

it is about understanding priorities and making

good choices.

“Force 2030 is a vision of Defence as an

organisation, as well as a vision of capability for

the ADF. We must function as a single entity – one

Defence. Defence needs to be agile and it must

question resource needs and allocation. It must

understand and manage risk and its organisational

structure needs to align accountability, authority

and capacity. And it must harness its diversity in

ways that create something greater than the sum

of its parts.”

20 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

SPOTLIGHT ON REFORM: CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT GROuP

d e f e n c e m a g a z i n e › www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 21

To create a stronger, more agile and harder-hitting Defence Force, the Government has agreed to invest around $245 billion to $275 billion in developing Force 2030. Naturally, expenditures of such large sums of money require careful consideration of all possible, affordable capability options.

By T

im C

adde

y

“The Capability Development Reform Stream’s reforms are much wider, with active involvement and input from Strategy Executive, the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), along with close involvement of Navy, Army, Air Force and the rest of the Defence groups in the Stream’s reforms.”

To that end, the Capability Development Reform

Stream is focused on improving the quality of

advice to Government on major capital equipment

capability proposals.

These reforms could be mistakenly considered

a Capability Development Group (CDG) centric

activity. However, the Capability Development

Reform Stream’s reforms are much wider, with

active involvement and input from Strategy

Executive, the Defence Materiel Organisation

(DMO) and the Defence Science and Technology

Organisation (DSTO), along with close involvement

of Navy, Army, Air Force and the rest of the

Defence groups in the Stream’s reforms.

The Stream has instigated more than 100 actions

to assist with the reforms. These actions have

been drawn from many sources, including the

Defence Capability Plan Companion Review,

the Government’s response to the Defence

Procurement and Sustainment Review (Mortimer

Review), the 2008 audit of the Defence Budget

(Pappas Review), and the ANAO’s Performance

Audit No.48 2008-09 Planning and Approval of

Defence Major Capital Equipment Projects.

incorporated in the handbook. The interim version

is available on the Defence Restricted Network

at: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/cde/sites/ProcessDevelopment/docs/DCDH_2010_Defence_Capability_Development_Handbook_v20.pdf

Revised capability committee arrangements: The membership of capability development-related

Defence committees has been reviewed, resulting

in a small, but significant, number of changes to

membership and processes. These changes were

made to ensure that the right people are involved

at the right time in the capability development

process to make the right decisions.

Committee charters for the Defence capability

committees are being drafted to reflect the

new membership arrangements and more

clearly describe the roles and responsibilities of

committee members. The committee business

rules are also being updated as part of the broader

review of Defence’s Governance Framework.

Desk officer skilling: Following a comprehensive

review of CDG’s desk officer skilling needs,

including a training needs analysis, a new Desk

In addition, the Stream has adopted 18 of the

recommended actions from the Mortimer Reform

Stream to aid in managing the interface between

these two streams.

These reforms are about improving the way we

conduct the capability development business.

With all this activity, one could ask, how is this

translating to practical reform outcomes? The

simple answer is there is a significant and growing

portfolio of reforms that have been rolled out. For

example:

Interim DCDH: The Defence Capability

Development Handbook (DCDH) will be used to

communicate to Defence and defence industry

personnel the way capability development will be

conducted across Defence. The DCDH replaces the

2006 Defence Capability Development Manual and

provides a body of knowledge, best practices and

processes for capability development.

An interim DCDH was released on the Defence

intranet for use from February 2010, with the final

version expected to be published to a broader

audience later this year, once other inter-

related reform stream activities are refined and

Officer Skilling Program (DOSP) was delivered to all new CDG staff in February 2010.

The DOSP addresses issues raised in the Defence Procurement and Sustainment Review and the ANAO’s Performance Audit No 48 2008-09 Planning and Approval of Defence Major Capital Equipment Projects about the need to ensure that CDG staff are adequately skilled to develop capability proposals.

Cost estimation: Obviously, with such large sums of money committed to delivering Force 2030, the capability proposals submitted to Government for its consideration need to accurately forecast the likely costs involved, often years in advance of the contracts being signed for the equipment.

To up-skill staff, new cost estimation training has been developed and rolled out. To date, more than 70 staff have received the basic cost estimation training. In addition, more than 50 staff have undertaken the intermediate cost estimation course, with attendees from CDG, DMO and the Department of Finance and Deregulation.

More monthly courses are scheduled out to September 2010 and of note, on the June 2010 course, two New Zealand Defence staff participated. The new training has been widely acclaimed for its content and quality and will lead to better information being available to inform decision-makers.

strategy-led capability development: Working in close cooperation with the Strategic Planning

Reform Stream, practices and procedures to

institutionalise the Force Structure Review process

have been adopted to ensure that the strategic

basis for major capability investment projects is

used consistently and accurately throughout the

capability development process.

Once a project is included in the Defence

Capability Plan (DCP), the Strategic Policy

Division’s Force Structure Development Directorate

produces an Authoritative Strategic Guidance

(ASG) document. Each ASG is critically reviewed

and analysed to ensure that there is consistency

between the higher level strategic documentation

and the scope of the project.

The ASG is then fully incorporated into the

capability development documentation and

becomes the strategic basis for further developing

the project’s capability requirements. This provides

a tangible and auditable link to the decisions

made at the Force Structure Review and ensures

compliance with Government’s strategic direction

through the White Paper.

New role for capability managers: The Capability Development Reform Stream

also provides support to the Procurement and

Sustainment Stream, especially in regard to

the new role for capability managers (CMs)

in the capability development and acquisition

processes. The CMs will have the responsibility

to exercise oversight and coordination of all

elements necessary to introduce the full level

of operational capability into service by the date specified by Government.

The DCDH, when released later this year, will capture these new processes.

Liaison with other Defence groups: Within CDG, the Directorate of Capability Support (DCS) provides advice and support to CDG desk officers in the areas of infrastructure, workforce planning, logistics planning, and information and communications technology.

DCS also facilitates interaction with Defence Support Group, People Strategies and Policy Group, Joint Logistics Command and Chief Information Officer Group to ensure the relevant fundamental inputs to capability are appropriately considered throughout the capability development process.

The DCS also has a strategic role in assessing the combined impacts of DCP projects across its areas of responsibilities, and working with other Defence groups to identify opportunities for savings through the improved consolidation or timing for multi-domain projects.

These Capability Development Reform Stream’s reforms, which include many other initiatives not described in this article, are evidence that SRP is delivering positive results. There is more work to be done, but progress has been excellent and there is a widespread willingness to identify more areas of reform as the Capability Development Reform

Stream helps assist in delivering a stronger, more

agile and harder-hitting ADF.

22 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

MINISTERIAL AND ExECuTIVE SuPPORT

When an election date is announced and the House of Representatives dissolved, the Government needs to adhere to ‘Caretaker Conventions’ until an election is held and a clear result is known, or if there is a change of Government, that new Government is sworn in.

During the caretaker period, Defence’s day-to-day business continues and advice of a factual nature is still provided to the ministers. Essentially, the Government is still the Government but the rules change slightly as the caretaker conventions come into operation.

The caretaker conventions are special arrangements which apply to Government business and the role of the APS during an official Federal election campaign.

The conventions state that during the caretaker period:

› Governments avoid making major policy decisions

› Governments avoid significant appointments

› Governments avoid major contracts and undertakings

› Government avoid entering into major international negotiations and visits

› Public servants avoid involvement in election activities.

Why have caretaker conventions?These special arrangements apply because every general election brings the possibility of a change of government. Therefore, major decisions or undertakings that would commit an incoming Government to a particular course of action are avoided.

Furthermore, with the dissolution of the House of Representatives, there is no popular chamber to which the Executive can be held responsible.

The caretaker conventions also protect the apolitical nature of the public service and ensure Commonwealth resources are not used in a way that advantages a particular political party.

How does this affect me?As officers of the Commonwealth and members of the Australian Defence Force, this will affect advice to ministers and their staff.

All Defence employees need to be aware of what decisions are usually avoided by the Government during the caretaker period, the role of the

A Federal election is being held on August 21 which will affect the advice and support Defence provides to its ministers.

Opposition in any major decision that does need to be taken, how requests to visit bases and establishments are dealt with, and what advice should or should not be provided to ministers.

Can I find out more?Ministerial and Executive Support Branch will be running a number of information sessions in the lead up to the election. A website to help understand what Defence’s responsibilities are during the caretaker period will be available shortly on the Defence intranet homepage http://intranet.defence.gov.au and to provide helpful examples of situations from previous caretaker periods. You will also be able to email your queries to caretaker.Advice@defence.gov.au

The Federal elecTion & careTaker convenTions

...the Government is still the Government but the rules change slightly as the caretaker conventions come into operation.

23www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

DEFENCE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ORGANISATION

The Defence science facilities at Scottsdale

in Tasmania have received a $12.6m funding boost from the

Federal Government for the development of important

upgrades to pilot food production facilities, and

chemistry and nutrition laboratories.

The Minister for Defence Science and

Materiel, the Hon Greg Combet MP,

announced the funding boost in early June

saying new facility upgrades cemented the

critical role DSTO Scottsdale plays in meeting

the nutritional needs of the Australian

Defence Force (ADF).

“The Scottsdale Defence Nutrition and

Food Science facilities are an important part

of the Australian Defence Force’s research

arm,” Mr Combet said.

The DSTO Scottsdale research facility

determines appropriate nutrition, food

and feeding regimes to enable the ADF

to perform to the highest level. Its research

and development efforts integrate chemistry,

food technology, microbiology and nutrition,

with a specialised food facility.

Works include the redevelopment of

the food technology facilities, upgrades to

existing chemistry and nutrition laboratories,

and improvements to working areas.

The aim of the project is to address

inadequacies in existing facilities,

including existing infrastructure, work

flows, occupational health and safety,

and functionality issues.

DSTO Scottsdale was established in 1954

and is the only facility within Australia to

both produce food and undertake research

into the nutritional value of ration packs and

rationing systems used by the Australian

Defence Force.

DSTO Scottsdale focuses on research

and development in the areas of nutrition

for performance enhancement and the

development of improved rations and

rationing. It also produces specialised food

items for ADF combat ration packs, including

freeze-dried, vacuum-sealed meals.

Construction is expected to be complete

by October 2012.

Government green lights food science facility

Food research at Scottsdale – a brief historyOn 17 September 1951, a cost estimate of 62,710 pounds was submitted to Federal Cabinet for a research annex to be built next to Dewcrisp in Scottsdale and the expenditure was approved in May 1952.

Work began in May 1953 and after numerous delays with materials and equipment, the building was ready for operation in May 1954. In July that year, work began on the compressibility of vegetables with Mr Lance Strickland as the first officer in charge.

At the end of 1958, the annex became the Army Research Laboratories, administered by Army as a research station for the further development of ration packs. This role also included research and development for Navy and Air Force. Lieutenant Jeff Fairbrother was appointed acting officer-in-charge. There were four permanent staff and casual staff were contracted as required.

The administration block was added in 1965 and a large experimental processing wing, boiler room and laundry were completed in 1970. The establishment was renamed the Armed Forces Food Science Establishment (AFFSE) in 1971. By this stage there were 32 staff and Dr Raymond Hutchinson was the director. A pilot freeze dryer was installed in 1972.

Dr Ross Richards became director in 1974. A re-organisation of services within Defence resulted in a single Defence Science Division in 1975 and AFFSE became part of the science laboratories and trials division in the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). Staffing levels were at 34 – the all-time high.

In 1977 a large prefabricated store was added, and in 1980 new laboratories were added for nutrition, chemistry and microbiology. Staffing levels were at 28, including three Army positions.

As part of Defence’s Commercial Support Program (CSP) the now-named MRL Tasmania was the successful in-house tender in 1994 and established a five-year contract. Staff numbers were reduced to 16 (from 24) and Dr Graham Driver was appointed as manager. Yet another name change in 1996 saw the formation of the Defence Nutrition Research Centre.

In mid-2000, the establishment was formally removed from the Commercial Support Program and the now-named DSTO Scottsdale and the 14 full-time staff continue to provide research and development in food science and nutrition and quality specialised food products to the Australian Defence Force.

ABOVe: Dried foods at DSTO Scottsdale ready for packaging and delivery to hungry soldiers.

BeLOW: The DSTO Annex in the late 1950s.

24 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 25www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

jOINT HEALTH COMMAND

The most extensive health study in Australian Defence Force history was officially launched on Tuesday, 15 June.Launching the program, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Alan Griffin MP, said, “MilHOP is the brand name for the Military Health Outcomes Program, which consists of three studies on the Middle East Area of Operations and one study in response to the 2009 Dunt Review, to establish a baseline for mental health prevalence in the ADF”.

“For the first time, the Government and Defence will have the information needed to support the development of evidence-based policy and targeted health programs designed to support ADF members and their families cope with the impact of operational deployments,” Minister Griffin said.

MilHOP is the product of the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) – a consortium of the University of Queensland, University of Adelaide and Charles Darwin University, and is funded by the Department of Defence and Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Vice Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley, delivered a firm message to ADF leaders, saying “you need to encourage your men and women to respond to this survey”.

“To be successful we need at least 55 per cent of the personnel who are in the Defence Force to respond.

“It’s not only those who have served overseas that we need, but also those at home who are yet to deploy, and those who may not deploy – we need data from across the board,” LTGEN Hurley said.

According to Director of CMVH, Professor Peter Warfe, one of the major outcomes of the three MEAO studies will be to reveal, “whether there has been any adverse outcomes in the health of personnel who have deployed to the Middle East, compared with those who haven’t”.

Director of Mental Health, Colonel Stephanie Hodson,

HEALTH STuDYpowers AHEAD

said the Health and Wellbeing Survey stems from

the recommendations of the 2009 Dunt review and

has four goals.

“It will give us a mental health prevalence rate. It will

allow us to look at risk factors and protective factors

for mental health issues. It also will allow us to look

at stigma and barriers to care. Finally it will allow us

to validate and enhance our current mental health

screening processes,” COL Hodson said.

Minister Griffin concluded by saying, “The health

and wellbeing of Australia’s military personnel

is a cornerstone of the Australian Government’s

defence policies and programs.

“That is why we have invested heavily into

new and improved Defence health initiatives such

as $83 million to implement the recommendations

of the Dunt Review into mental health, and

$155.3 million to enhance ADF Rehabilitation

Services,” Minister Griffin said.

The MilHOP studies are due to be completed

by 30 June 2012.

FROM LeFT: Director Centre of Military and Veterans’ Health Professor Peter Warfe, Vice Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General David Hurley, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel the Hon Alan Griffin MP, and Commander Joint Health Command Major General Paul Alexander.

ABOVe: Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel the Hon Alan Griffin MP, and Vice Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General David Hurley, are shown the software program by Lieutenant Commander Tony Ellis and Corporal Alisha Davis.

MilHOP breakdown

MilHOP comprises four distinct studies:

› MeAO Health study – This study will examine the 25,000 current and ex-ADF personnel who deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) between 2001 and 2009. It is being conducted by the University of Queensland node of CMVH.

› MeAO Prospective Health study – This will assess current ADF personnel both before and after they deploy to the MEAO in 2010-2011. This study is being run by the University of Adelaide node of CMVH.

› MeAO Mortality and Cancer Incidence study – This will look at rates of death and cancers among MEAO veterans. Unlike the other studies, it will acquire data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, and does not require direct input from Service personnel.

› Health and Wellbeing survey – This study looks at the mental health of currently serving ADF personnel who have not deployed to the MEAO. Participants are asked to complete a survey either in hardcopy or online. A number of participants will be invited to take part in a subsequent telephone interview.

MilHOP fast facts

› MilHOP is the largest health study in ADF history. It aims to understand the health and wellbeing needs of current and former Service personnel, in order to deliver better healthcare products and services.

› MilHOP is being conducted by the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) – an independent organisation – in conjunction with the University of Queensland and University of Adelaide.

› To guarantee privacy, information provided is not stored with personally identifying details and is not accessible by the Department of Defence or Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

› Participation is entirely voluntary and participants may withdraw at any time. Defence and Veterans’ Affairs will not be notified of your participation or non-participation.

› With regard to the Health and Wellbeing Survey, Service personnel will be contacted by email with directions on how to complete the survey. If you haven’t received your copy, see the contact information on this page. Participants can choose which parts of the survey they wish to do.

› Because of its importance, Chief of Defence Force has directed that Service personnel be allocated time during normal work hours to complete the Health and Wellbeing Survey.

› The more people who participate, the more comprehensive the data will be and the better the outcomes for all Service personnel.

By Ben Wickham

THE ADF has acted quickly to reassure people that the information collected as part of the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP) survey will remain private and confidential.A recent media report stated that information from

the preliminary study focus groups for the survey, which

involved about 120 people, were inadvertently posted on

the website of a university involved in the study.

The preliminary study responses were used to shape

the MilHOP survey, which began this month and will run

until November.

Commander Joint Health Command Maj-Gen Paul

Alexander said there was no question about the

confidentiality of the program.

“I want to reassure Defence personnel that the

information they provide through the MilHOP program

of studies is absolutely confidential and there is no question

on the release of individual details,” he said.

“We appreciated the time and efforts of the individuals

who were involved in the focus groups. They were open

and honest and their responses gave us a really good

understanding of the issues and problems that can occur

on operations.”

Maj-Gen Alexander said the intention was always to post

the results of the study and the questionnaire on the website

so people involved in the focus groups could see that their

contributions were incorporated into the overall program.

“We’ve reviewed the processes within Defence and

within the Centre of Military and Veterans Health so people

involved in the study don’t need to worry, their privacy will

be protected.”

The MilHOP survey forms part of a broader Defence

commitment to improve health care, particularly mental

health care, for ADF members.

Understanding the stressors that affect deployed ADF

members is critical to enabling the development of

strategies to care for Defence personnel.

“To achieve this we need our members to know they can

speak openly and honestly about the issues affecting them,”

Maj-Gen Alexander said.

Roadshows promoting the survey are being conducted

in Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney this month.

Maj-Gen Alexander said there had been good response

rates so far, but he’d like to see more people involved.

“This project is critical in improving the long-term health

and wellbeing of ADF personnel.

“This study is about you and ultimately for you. It also

relates to the impact on your family and other relationships.”REA

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26 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 27www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

NAVY

Thirty-nine Vietnamese nurses sit in a conference room at the Binh Dinh hospital in Quy Nhon as Lieutenant Deirdre Smith from the Royal Australian Navy gets dressed

into operating theatre scrubs and begins a presentation on hand-washing.

The Vietnamese nurses ask a plethora of questions

and LEUT Smith expertly shares her knowledge of

hand-washing procedures, management of needles

and sterilisation with them. Flight Lieutenant

Danny O’Neill, an Air Force Nursing Officer,

shared a similar experience during his spinal care

exchange meetings with Vietnamese nurses.

Both nurses are onboard USNS Mercy as part

of Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10), a US-led

humanitarian assistance mission in South East

Asia and Oceania. Visiting five nations on this

year’s mission, approximately 70 ADF personnel

will assist the 900-strong PP10 team in the

provision of medical and dental clinics and

engineering repairs.

Working with US military, partner nations and

non-government organisations, Australian medical

and engineering personnel are also assisting host

nation personnel to enhance services provided to

the local people.

A big part of this enhancement is the Subject

Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) program,

coordinated by a team of three personnel in the

education and training department onboard USNS

Mercy. Over the course of Mercy’s visit to each

of the five host nations, health and veterinary

personnel meet with their local counterparts to

exchange information on various topics.

As part of the SMEE program, the host nation

requests topics and PP10 medical coordinators are

able to ensure the required subject matter experts

are onboard. The benefits for PP10 team members

are two-fold, said SMEE coordinator Commander

Laurie Gentene, United States Navy.

“The benefits of the SMEE program are that we all learn from each other and build a relationship with the people involved,” CMDR Gentene said.

In Vietnam, Australian and Vietnamese health personnel exchanged information on spinal care, infection control, operating theatre personnel management and sterilisation. The exchange enabled Vietnamese and partner nation nurses to benchmark their operating procedures, techniques and resources.

“Building relationships is the first step in an ongoing communication. We can continue to exchange information long after we leave.

“Once we have benchmarked the education, training and resources in the host nations we are able to increase the complexity of the topics at the next Pacific Partnership visit,” CMDR Gentene said.

“The activity was really worthwhile, particularly discussions regarding vaccinations, safety needles and sterilisation. I have exchanged emails and I am looking forward to continuing the exchange,” LEUT Smith said.

The exchange of information has also occurred onboard Mercy between partner nations with FLTLT O’Neill conducting numerous in-service training sessions for the hospital corpsmen and nurses of the US Navy as well as other nations’ militaries including Canada and France.

“This is such a great opportunity to discuss different practices between all our nations. By learning from each other we are growing professionally and enhancing our teamwork,” FLTLT O’Neill said.

With a number of non-government organisations and partner military health personnel providing health care to thousands of patients in each host nation, teamwork is essential.

By Lieutenant Kara Wansbury

P a c i f i c P a r t n e r s h i p 2 0 1 0Pacific Partnership 2010 seeks to build on the relationships established in previous Pacific Partnership missions to deliver a variety of medical, dental, engineering, and veterinary projects in South East Asia and Oceania.

The mission will be conducted from May to September 2010, visiting each host nation for a number of weeks.

H o s t n a t i o n sPacific Partnership is scheduled to visit Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea. Specific locations within each country will be announced prior to arrival at that country.

A D F i n v o l v e m e n t› Three phases of 12 Australian Army Combat

Engineers from 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment based in Brisbane

› Approximately 50 medical and dental personnel in three phases from all three services

› Heavy Landing Craft based at Cairns, HMA Ships Labuan, and Tarakan

› ADF Contingent Commander

› ADF Public Affairs team made up of a Public Affairs Officer and photographer.

E n a b l i n g p l a t f o r m sThis year’s mission will be conducted from USNS Mercy.

The Pacific Partnership team will work with host nations on public health and preventive medicine, veterinary care, optometry and ophthalmology, dental, adult and paediatric medicine, medical subject matter expert exchange, immunisations, nutritional counselling, biomedical repair and medical environmental assessments.

As requested by each host nation, Pacific Partnership engineers will provide focused humanitarian civic assistance to include school and medical clinic repairs, water catchment system improvements and in Cambodia the establishment of three fresh water wells. Additionally, the engineering team will provide support to the medical and dental healthcare providers.

A PAR+NERSHIP O F E X C H A N G E

1 Flight Lieutenant Danny O’Neill with United States Navy Hospital Corpsmen Daniel Deveau (left) and Sandy Hernandez in the casualty reception, where they provided special care to Vietnamese patients at anchor off Quy Nhon during Pacific Partnership 2010.

2 Lance Corporal Jason Walker from the Second Combat Engineer Regiment cleans the paint gun with a Vietnamese local at the Hope Centre in Quy Nhon, Vietnam.

3 Lieutenant Rebecca Pollkehn reassures 37-year-old patient Huyn Buhn in the recovery ward of United States Naval Ship (USNS) Mercy, following her surgery.

4 USNS Mercy at anchor off Vietnam, during Pacific Partnership 2010.

5 Lieutenant Dierdre Smith, Nursing Officer from the Royal Australian Navy, briefs Vietnamese nurses from the Binh Dinh District Hospital in the operating theatre of USNS Mercy as part of Pacific Partnership 2010.

6 Commander Australian National Command Element for Pacific Partnership, Lieutenant Colonel Helen Murphy, on the wharf at Guam Naval Base with USNS Mercy in the background.

4

1 2 3

5

6

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DEFENCE SuPPORT GROuPDEFENCE SuPPORT GROuP

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As with a wide range of Defence activities, processes are enabled to ensure the protection of environments while the ADF is on operations, consistent with the Government’s environmental policy agenda and legislation.

Head Infrastructure John Owens explained that Defence’s environmental program is managed out of Infrastructure Division (ID) in Defence Support Group (DSG), and reaches out to all groups and services within Defence, with day-to-day management and support being provided by regional environmental staff in Defence Support Operations (DSO), which is also in DSG.

“Through the Defence Environmental Management System, we have seen the maturing of policies and processes to achieve sustainable outcomes for a wide range of Defence activities,” Mr Owens said.

ID and the ADF working to achieve sound environmental outcomes Estate Policy and Environment Branch (EP&E) within ID, is the policy lead on environmental management, providing direct support and guidance to the ADF in the planning of exercises and relevant operations.

“Adherence to Defence environmental policies in the planning and conduct of operations and exercises reduces the likelihood of serious and expensive environmental incidents and secures Defence’s reputation for high quality environmental management,” Mr Owens said.

EnvironmEntaladvice enables support to operations and exercises

“The environmental professionals in ID and DSO work together in fostering the Defence environmental management system which includes assisting the development of processes and procedures applicable to the ADF.

“As the policy lead, ID staff provide guidance and advice on environmental matters, while regional environmental officers in DSO help units meet their obligations on a day to day basis.”

Importantly, in recent years there have been no significant impacts on the environment caused by activities during Defence exercises such as Talisman Saber.

The Maritime Activities Environmental Management Plan and Air Operations Environmental Management Plan, developed by Navy and Air Force respectively, are also examples of the successful environmental planning framework that has been developed in close partnership between the ADF and DSG. The application of consistent procedures under these plans has assisted the ADF in meeting its environmental compliance obligations.

The ADF has made good progress in integrating environmental requirements into its business processes, resulting in an improved capability to manage its environmental risks.

“This improvement has been realised not only with regard to the conduct of training activities in Australia, but also with regard to ADF operational deployments which carry high risks to the environment,” Mr Owens said.

OperationsThe ADF carries a range of environmental risks that, if not mitigated, could impact on the conduct of operations.

By incorporating environmental considerations into the Joint Military Appreciation Process, military commanders can implement environmental risk mitigation measures during the deployment and conduct of missions that protect human health and the environment, reduce the occurrence of environmental incidents, and limit the ADF’s potential long-term liability.

Advice from ID has assisted forces preparing for deployment to develop environmental annexes to their operational orders or administrative instructions in support of camp and facility location, ongoing site maintenance and support, site remediation and property vacation/refurbishment requirements. This guidance also addresses environmental health and HAZMAT (hazardous materials) management requirements.

Mr Owens reinforced that ID is working closely with Joint Operations Command to develop an ADF environmental management plan applicable to operations. This plan will bring together common risks and mitigation measures and assist the ADF in applying consistent approaches to planning and managing environmental aspects of operations.

Training areasAlmost all Defence training areas in Australia are heritage-listed and subject to specific environmental protection requirements. The ID-sponsored heritage and landscape protection policies support the conduct of ADF training.

“The training area sustainability monitoring and reporting policy under development by ID specifically includes the development of sustainability indicators related to military landscape requirements for training,” Mr Owens said.

This approach, being developed in consultation with the ADF and with the Directorate of Operations and Training Area Management in DSO, will assist in ensuring that training areas remain fit for purpose and assist in improving land management regimes linked to military use requirements.

The Estate Policy and Environment Branch within ID can be contacted at environmentAndHeritage@defence.gov.au

In 2010, Defence continues to prove its environmental credentials through

the implementation of an innovative and best practice environmental agenda

which includes all parts of Defence – both ADF and APS.

ABOVe: Protective beach matting being deployed during the amphibious lodgement phase of Exercise Talisman Saber 2009. This mitigation measure, along with others, was developed by Infrastructure Division and exercise planners to meet exercise objectives and protect the sensitive coastal environment of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Defence sites and facilities across Australia once again participated in Earth Hour earlier this year to raise awareness of the issue of climate change and energy efficiency.

Earth Hour 2010 not only let us save energy by turning lights and other appliances off for an hour, it also provided a good opportunity to look at some of the broader and longer lasting activities Defence is undertaking to combat climate change.

Earth Hour first began on 31 March 2007, when 2.2 million people and 2,100 Sydney organisations, including Defence, turned off their lights for one hour as a call to arms on climate change.

Since that time Defence has been an enthusiastic participant in Earth Hour, this year joining a record 126 countries and territories, and more 4,000 cities who also participated.

earth Hour in the Riverina Murray Valley

Living in a part of Australia hard hit by crippling drought and scorching climatic conditions, the people of the Riverina Murray Valley area are tuned into the issue of climate change.

The Defence community in the area shares these concerns and joined with all base commanders, commandants and base support managers to support the Earth Hour initiative.

During Earth Hour, sites including Latchford Barracks, North and South Bandiana, RAAF Base Wagga and Kapooka recorded energy savings of up to 34 per cent.

Regional Energy and Sustainability Officer Glenn Thompson explained that although there were no special celebrations or activities for this year’s Earth Hour, this perhaps indicates the changing attitude of people toward sustainability.

“People understand that it’s not just about turning the lights off for an hour a year, we have to be conscious of our impacts on the earth all the time.”

Acting Assistant Secretary Garrison Estate and Business Support, Mark Painting, agrees that longer term changes are the most significant.

“The real challenge is to sustain this momentum and achieve long-term behavioural change as that’s where we’ll make the biggest difference,” Mr Painting said.

“That said, I acknowledge and appreciate the great efforts of those involved with Earth Hour – great results from a great team.”

earth Hour in Darwin

According to the CSIRO, although Darwin experiences significantly more rain than the Riverina Murray Valley region, climate change still seems likely to have a significant impact on the Northern Territory (NT) region with tropical cyclones or storm surges tipped to increase in the area.

For an area that draws its income from agriculture, tourism and mining, climate change poses a significant challenge to the NT: for example, rises in average temperatures of two to three degrees Celsius could lead to the loss of 80 per cent of freshwater wetlands in Kakadu.

All major bases in NT participated in Earth Hour with Robertson Barracks recording the highest level of energy savings, followed closely by Larrakeyah.

Regional Energy and Sustainability officer for NT Mark Watson said that Defence is committed to ensuring it consumes the smallest amount of energy possible whilst maintaining capability as outlined in the Defence Energy Policy.

“This commitment applies to all areas and should be embraced in our activities all year round,” Mr Watson said.

“We should all continue to minimise consumption of non-essential energy, both at work and at home. Congratulations to all those serving and working at Robertson Barracks and Larrakeyah/Coonawarra for your achievement during this event.”

It is earth Hour every day at Defence

As well as participating in Earth Hour 2010, Defence is committed to ensuring longer lasting energy and sustainability initiatives are rolled out across Australia.

Areas of priority in 2010 include:

energy

› Defence continuing to implement its sub-metering program to identify areas of high usage and target its energy efficiency program accordingly

› improving energy reporting by regions to identify issues and progress against their energy efficiency action plans

› increasing participation by Groups and Services in identifying areas where energy efficiencies

can be realised, such as Joint Logistics Group’s energy audits of their massive warehousing facilities and looking for energy savings on those high energy usage sites.

Waste

› reducing paper waste by printing less, printing double-sided and increasing the recycled content of paper

› focusing on product stewardship arrangements, where the supplier is responsible for the waste generated by their product. For example, the supplier could take back the packaging waste from the office equipment that Defence purchases at time of delivery.

Water

› increasing rainwater harvesting and the use of alternative sources of water

› identifying leaks and unaccounted water losses which can cost Defence thousands of dollars per year. Projects are currently underway to investigate leaks across the country.

Defence’s commitment to saving energy and resources goes far beyond Earth Hour. If you have any ideas on how we can continue to save energy and resources at your location please contact your Regional Energy and Sustainability Officer.

For additional ways you can help combat climate change please visit our website.

DEFENCE POWERS DOWN FOREARTH HOuR

2010

Did you know?Defence uses more than 500,000 reams of paper yearly which equates to:

› nearly going around the Earth’s circumference twice if paper was laid end to end

› weight wise, nearly 7 Boeing 747’s

› covering the entire Sydney Opera House 710 times

so please:

› only print if necessary

› always print double sided

› read documents online.

Phot

o: ©

Sew

ell /

WW

F 20

10

IMAGe: Sydney Harbour with the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge after lights out in support of Earth Hour 2010.

Further information:Regional Energy and Sustainability Officer http://intranet.defence.gov.au/environment/resoweb/contacts.htm

Website http://intranet.defence.gov.au/environment/climate_change/climate_change.htm

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PEOPLE STRATEGIES & POLICY

In its seventh year, the 2010 Defence OHS Awards recognised the outstanding performance by individuals, groups, and organisations in creating safer working environments within Defence.

The Defence OHS Awards were presented on 8 June by Vice Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General David Hurley and Director General OHS Mr Lindsay Kranz.

In the five award categories, 24 entries were received, five from Army, nine from Navy, three from Air Force, three from Defence Support Group, three from Defence Science and Technology Organisation, one from People Strategies and Policy Group.

Director General OHS Lindsay Kranz said the Awards are an important part of changing Defence’s culture of safety.

“We spend a lot of time and effort reacting to failures, but we now recognise Defence people who have been proactive,” Mr Kranz said.

“They have seen a need, maybe a near miss or unnecessarily high risk practice, and they have set out to do something about it. They personify the Defence value of innovation by attacking a risk at the source, thoughtfully and with an eye on the change that has to be made.

“We use their examples to inspire others to think about the risks that they encounter, throw off the feeling of helplessness, roll the sleeves up and fix it.”

Meanwhile, Defence award winners have been entered into the 2010 Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (SRCC) Safety Awards. Winners will be announced at the Gala dinner on 23 September 2010, at The Great Hall, Parliament House.

The winners and commendations of the five award categories are:

Category 1 – Leadership Award for Injury Prevention and Management: recognises demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement in occupational health, safety and injury management performance through the application of leadership and best practice in the workplace.

There was one entry for this category. One entry was commended.

ABOVe LeFT: LEFT TO RIGHT –Mr Stephen Cook and CMDR Andy Schroder from HMAS Harman with the commendation for Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System.ABOVe RIGHT: Two of the organisers of the Defence OHS Awards, Director General OHS Mr Lindsay Kranz and Learning and Development Coordinator Ms Elyse Emerson.

Defence OHS champions LeaD The WaY By Elyse Emerson

FAST FACTS:The Defence OHS Awards, now in its seventh year, achieves the aims of:

› recognising innovation and excellence in the fields of occupational health, safety and rehabilitation

› raising the profile and awareness of occupational health, safety and rehabilitation programs in Defence

› encouraging people at Service and Group workplaces throughout Defence, to develop, implement and evaluate initiatives that help achieve a safer and healthier work environment, and

› providing the gateway into the Commonwealth level Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (SRCC) Safety Awards and Safe Work Australia Awards where Defence is recognised as an OHS industry leader.

The commendation was Navy – HMAS Newcastle

2009 – FFG Upgrade (October 2008 – September

2009); accepted by CMDR Andrew Rourke.

Category 2 – Best Workplace Health

and Safety Management System recognises

excellence in demonstrating commitment to

continuous improvement of workplace health and

safety through the implementation of an integrated

systems approach.

There were three entries for this category.

Two commendations are awarded.

DSTO Melbourne – Integrated Composites

Facility, Mr Gary Simpson.

Navy – HMAS Harman; Mr Stephen Cook,

accepted by CMDR Andy Schroder.

Category 3 – Best Solution to an Identified

Workplace Health and Safety Issue recognises

excellence in developing and implementing

a solution to an identified workplace health

and safety issue.

There were nine entries for this category.

Three commendations were selected.

HMAS Coonawarra, Fairlead Guides, Navy;

accepted by CMDR Richard Donnelly.

School of Armour, Resolution of First Aid

Kit Reliability, Ms Ingrid Hohol, Army.

Weapons System Division, 2008 Targeted

Wellbeing Program, DSTO Edinburgh;

accepted by Ms Lucia Polisena.

Category 4 – Best Individual Contribution to Health and Safety recognises outstanding personal achievements in improving and enhancing workplace occupational health and safety.

There were nine entries for this category. One winner was selected.

Air Force – RAAF Base Darwin, Rigging subject matter expert, Mr Bruce Hansen; accepted by WGCDR Robert Graham

Category 5 – Rehabilitation and Return to Work Award recognises demonstrated efforts towards excellence and innovation in rehabilitation and return to work programs for ill or injured employees.

There were two entries for this category. One winner was selected.

Navy – HMAS Kuttabul, Clinical Pilates Rehabilitation Program, Ms Anna Lewis, Physiotherapist.

The dedication of these individuals and groups demonstrates the growing commitment to improving OHS performance within Defence.

Nominations for the 2011 Defence OHS Awards will be called for in September 2010. For further information, check out the Defence OHS Champions on the Hall of Fame at http://ohsc.defence.gov.au/DefenceOHsAwards/ (Intranet) or http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/ohsc/programs/DefenceOHsAwards/ (Internet). Or contact OHS Communications via email at: ohsc.comms@defence.gov.au .

ABOVe LeFT: Vice Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General David Hurley addresses the audience at the this year’s Defence OHS Awards in Canberra. ABOVe RIGHT: The 2010 winners and commendation recipients (back L-R): CMDR Andrew Rourke, Director General OHS Mr Lindsay Kranz, Chief of Army LTGEN Ken Gillespie, Chief of Navy RADM Russ Crane, CMDR Andy Schroder, Deputy CEO of Comcare Mr Steve Kibble; (front L-R): CMDR Richard Donnelly, LCDR Tony Hayward, Ms Anna Lewis, WGCDR Robert Graham and Ms Lucia Polisena.

Phot

os: M

ark

Bren

nan

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PEOPLE STRATEGIES & POLICY

The Symposium had five overarching objectives, to:

› create awareness of the People in Defence

strategic approach and the Government’s

mandate for a whole-of-Defence

people framework

› present an opportunity for participants to

provide feedback on the People in Defence

strategic approach

› engage participants in a conversation on People

in Defence, what it means for them and how

they would like to see it evolve

› encourage collaboration among Defence people

professionals, and

› inform participants of the need to align Group/

Service people plans and projects with People

in Defence.

Day one of the Symposium focused on developing

a shared understanding of People in Defence in the

context of the Strategic Reform Program (SRP).

The day one keynote speaker, Chief of Navy

Vice Admiral Russ Crane, set the tone of the

Symposium by quoting the 2009 White Paper.

“People are at the heart of delivering the Defence

capability…To ensure that we have the people we

need, we must be able to respond to a fast-moving

and fast-changing labour environment. We must

be adaptable to the changing needs of those who

serve and those who are attracted to a career

in Defence.

“We do not have time to waste in the people

space,” VADM Crane said. “I call on you all most

strongly to use the opportunity provided by this

Symposium to debate and innovate… Now is the

time for action; our Defence people deserve no

less… Force 2030 is happening right now.”

SRP is a primary vehicle for achieving Force 2030;

People in Defence provides guidance on how

Defence’s approach to people management must

change so that more consistent outcomes for its

people are delivered, and so that Defence will, in

turn, deliver the capability required for Force 2030.

Presentations by Head People Capability Major

General Craig Orme, and Head Workforce and

Shared Services Reform Craig Pandy, plus a

robust question and answer session between

Symposium participants and a panel of senior

people professionals from across Defence, further

explored the connections between SRP and People

in Defence.

Syndicate sessions were conducted in the

afternoon to allow participants to contribute to key

ABOVe: Participants at the People in Defence Symposium engage in conversation to achieve momentum on various strategies. BeLOW: Deputy Secretary People Strategies and Policy Group Phil Minns outlines his thoughts during a question and answer session at the Symposium.

People in Defence Symposium: positive start to long-term conversation

On 15 and 16 June 2010, People Strategies and Policy Group hosted more than 200 Defence leaders and people

professionals from across all groups and services at the

People in Defence Symposium.

People in Defence initiatives such as the Defence

Employment Offer, APS Career Development, and

Managing a Diverse Workforce.

Day two focused on making it happen; working

together to implement Defence’s people vision

for 2015.

Deputy Secretary PSP Phil Minns opened

the day by stressing that to deliver its people

commitments, Defence needs an effective

and efficient people system, consistent

behaviours and pro-active, productive and

collaborative partnerships.

Director-General Workforce Planning Air

Commodore Tony Needham emphasised the need

It’s important that we don’t lose the momentum achieved during the Symposium. I urge all participants to stay in touch with the presenters, syndicate facilitators and their fellow people professionals – let’s keep the conversations going.

Deputy Secretary People Strategies and Policy Phil Minns

for people professionals to measure successes in delivering People in Defence, identify gaps and then work collaboratively to close those gaps.

Brooke Everett (Director Business Intelligence, People Strategies and Services, Intelligence and Security Group), Brigadier Gerard

Fogarty (Director General Personnel – Army) and AIRCDRE John Hewitson (Director General – Air Force) shared with the Symposium their stories of aligning their respective strategic people approaches to People in Defence, demonstrating that alignment doesn’t mean groups and services will lose the integrity of their people strategies.

As with day one, syndicate sessions were conducted in the afternoon, designed to allow participants to make a practical contribution to determining how people professionals will successfully work together to achieve People in Defence. Session topics included roles and responsibilities of a professional HR workforce – skilling ourselves and influencing and modelling cultural change.

When asked to reflect on whether the Symposium

was successful, Mr Minns responded, “Absolutely.

The main aim of the Symposium was to raise

awareness of People in Defence among Defence’s

leaders and people professionals and start the

many conversations that will ensure that by

2015 we are well placed to achieve the people

capability required to deliver Force 2030.

“I believe awareness has been raised and the

conversations have commenced.”

But Mr Minns stressed that this is just the

beginning. “The recurring message of the

Symposium was that change needs to take

place now. I believe that Symposium attendance

captured most of the key people we need to drive

portfolio-wide cultural change.

“It’s important that we don’t lose the

momentum achieved during the Symposium.

I urge all participants to stay in touch with

the presenters, syndicate facilitators and their

fellow people professionals – let’s keep the

conversations going.”

All Symposium presentations– including syndicate

sessions – and contact details are available online

via the PSP Group’s Intranet site.

RIGHT: Keynote speaker on day one of the Symposium was Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane, who emphasised that now is the time for action. BeLOW: The panel of senior people professionals from across Defence during the Symposium.

By Deputy Secretary People Strategies and Policy Phil Minns

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OPERATIONSARMY

The Army’s current Fraud

Control and Prevention

Plan has been heralded

a key enabler in the link

between the Strategic

Reform Program (SRP)

and fraud control, with

the Defence Fraud

Control Plan No. 8

(DFCP8) being launched

earlier this year.

When the Secretary and Chief of the

Defence Force signed the Defence-wide

plan, they noted that in addition to being

an important continuing component of

broader Government policy, fraud control

in Defence must be a fundamental

consideration in reform as planners strive

to make the most efficient, effective and

ethical use of the resources provided by

Government to deliver Defence capability.

“Given the depth of reform envisaged by

the SRP, it is important that fraud risks

are considered in the broader context of

the SRP and incorporated into the new

Army model viewed as best practice

ABOVe: Signing up to improved fraud management in Army is its Chief, LTGEN Ken Gillespie (front left)

with Inspector General Ray Bromwich (front right), with back row (L-R) Executive Officer Fraud and Audit

Management Army Ciaran Strachan, Regimental Sergeant Major-Army Warrant Officer Stephen Ward, and

Executive Officer Fraud Control Planning Dean Gilbert.

& planning the key to fraud controlPrevention

By Dean Gilbert and Ciaran Strachan

and revised business processes that will be implemented to achieve SRP

objectives,” the Secretary and CDF jointly stated.

Fraud control planning is a requirement of the Financial Management and

Accountability Act 1997 and fraud risk assessments must be completed at least

every two years. Defence takes this opportunity to review its practices and

ensure there is compliance both with the intent and spirit of the Act.

This means Defence looks for new ways to identify and treat emerging fraud

risks before they escalate, as well as ensuring that existing fraud risks are

appropriately treated. The Defence Audit and Risk Committee review the

proposed methodology of the plan and then review it again prior to sign off by

SEC/CDF.

DFCP8 was the culmination of hundreds of hours of work by dozens of people

in all groups across Defence. The Inspector General of Defence is responsible

to SEC/CDF for developing the fraud control plan and utilises specific

knowledge of Group Fraud Control Coordinators (GFCC) about their groups and local areas.

Planning for DFCP9 is well underway and will incorporate suggestions and lessons learnt from DFCP8.

There will be a greater focus on forensic data to determine and understand emerging fraud trends and to direct resources to prevent these types of fraud from becoming entrenched within Defence. Forensic data will also enable greater focus on areas where fraud treatments need to be focused. However, no area can be ignored and monitoring of all identified fraud risks will continue.

Greater professionalism of Defence personnel dealing with fraud control planning is also being realised with 12 Defence personnel recently completing the Certificate IV Government (Fraud Control).

There are also meetings underway with other Government agencies to share knowledge and techniques of fraud control to obtain a whole-of-Government perspective. By sharing and gaining expertise from different agencies, Defence will be able to compare its plan and implement improvements to fraud control planning in the future.

This ensures Defence provides a high level plan to its Ministers and the public of Australia, thereby demonstrating that the most efficient, effective and ethical use of Defence resources is achieved.

Army Fraud Control and Prevention Plan 8 (AFCPP8)When developing AFCPP8, Army financial governance staff conducted a review of Army’s previous Fraud Control Plan (AFCP7), which included random sampling of 25 Army unit fraud control plans.

This focused compliance with legislation, internal policy, better practice guides, previous fraud control audit findings from the Australian National

Audit Office, and other relevant information on effective fraud detection and prevention strategies.

The Army financial governance team concluded its previous methods of treating fraud risks were ineffective as they largely targeted areas of perceived risk rather than actual risk. Further, poor communication and a lack of assistance to its Army formations meant many Unit Fraud Control Plans (UFCPs) were out of date.

A number of improvements were needed to form AFCPP8 to ensure consistency with the new strategic direction of Defence Fraud Control Plan 8, to further ensure its members received adequate and up-to-date fraud trend information and support tools for the development and maintenance of their UFCPs.

With this in mind and armed with feedback from commands, brigades and other formations, the Army financial governance team worked closely with IG staff to produce an approach to fraud prevention and detection which revolutionised Army’s approach to fraud control planning.

Previously, Army’s approach to fraud control only consisted of a bottom-up fraud risk assessment, which was conducted every two years. Now, Army’s fraud risk assessment process will be both a top-down and bottom-up exercise, which will be conducted every three months.

This change stems from the identified need to inject quantitative and qualitative fraud trend information into Army’s overall fraud risk assessment (top-down), which will be used to update Army’s fraud treatments strategies.

The outcomes of the top-down analysis and updates to treatment strategies will then be communicated to Army, resulting in all units updating their own treatment strategies (bottom-up), which ensures Army is kept up to date with the most recent fraud trend information, and is armed with well researched and current treatments on how to combat fraud.

To effectively integrate fraud risk updates, Army financial staff developed an extensive change management and communications strategy which utilises all forms of communication, from formal

(directives, minutes, etc) to informal (e-mail

distribution lists, newsletters, forums).

The creation of a UFCPP toolbox ensures updated

treatment strategies are available for units to

simply copy and paste the new treatments into

their plan. All treatment strategies have a strong

focus on controls, which ensures fraud prevention

is maximised as efficiently and effectively as

possible. Each treatment strategy conveys in a

simplified format the areas of control weakness

to focus on so as to effectively prevent and

detect fraud.

The toolbox also contains further guidance

and quarterly fraud trend information, which is

provided to assist unit commanders and their key

staff with enough information to make informed

decisions when it comes to fraud control.

New areas of risk have revealed the need for

a leave management treatment strategy. This

new treatment strategy ensures effective leave

planning takes place so that Defence members

and public servants in positions of power (such as

contract managers and financial signatories) take

leave at least once a year, which allows a new set

of eyes to act in their position. This in turn combats

any cover up activity which may be occurring

during a prolonged period which has not been

previously exposed because the incumbent had

not taken leave for several years.

This treatment strategy further contributes

towards better leave management, which will

assist Defence in reducing its leave liability, and

further ensures the workforce has an adequate

amount of rest and respite.

The AFCPP8 and the UFCP8 toolbox can

be accessed from the Army homepage on

the Intranet.

Army’s fraud risk assessment process will be both a top-down and bottom-up exercise, which will be conducted every three months.

Given the depth of reform envisaged by the SRP, it is important that fraud risks are considered in the broader context of the SRP and incorporated into the new and revised business processes that will be implemented to achieve SRP objectives.” – Joint statement by Secretary and CDF

“

36 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine36 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

The impending retirement of the F-111 marks the end of an era for 278 Squadron Technical Training Flight Amberley with the final trade-specific courses now completed.During the last four decades, 278SQN has equipped the F-111 technical workforce with the underpinning aircraft system knowledge and trade skill sets to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft and maintain its operational capability.

All F-111 specific trade courses, safety and familiarisation courses have now concluded with the completion of the F-111 Manager’s Familiarisation course on 3 June.

The manager’s course was tailored for engineering officers, Warrant Officers and Flight Sergeants new to employment on the F-111. It provided an engineering overview of all F-111 aircraft, avionics and armament systems.

278SQN Amberley has now transitioned to providing technical instruction on a new modern aircraft platform and it looks forward to providing the same level of quality training for the life of the Super Hornet.

There are mixed feelings about teaching the last F-111 courses, OIC 278SQN Technical Training Flight (TTF) Amberley, Flight Lieutenant Paul Mulcahy said.

“There is some sadness due to the impending retirement of the F-111, with the majority of the current instructors having worked on the aircraft for more than 15 years. For some this is the only airframe they have worked on,” FLTLT Mulcahy said.

“But, there is also excitement at the prospect of providing instruction on a technologically-advanced modern fighter aircraft, such as the Super Hornet.”

There are 30 instructional and management staff employed within 278SQN TTF AMB. However, this will reduce to 25 next January following the retirement of the F-111.

Technical nous noT losT

for F-111 Training squadron

An emotional wave swept over Amberley as F-111s were loaded with high explosive (HE) weapons for the last time during 6 Squadron’s final bomb camp conducted 7 to 11 June.

The F-111s generally use HE weapons during major exercises such as Chong Ju, Talisman Saber and Northern Challenge. But due to limited training opportunities in the F-111’s final year of service, 6SQN scheduled a specific bomb camp to exercise HE ops.

A pair of F-111s took to the skies each day and night for the duration of the exercise conducted above the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

With the impending retirement of the Air Force’s longest serving aircraft, all 6SQN members participated in the exercise with armament technicians being called upon from both 6SQN and 1SQN, including reservists, to join in the auspicious occasion.

6SQN pilot, Flight Lieutenant Vladislav Bismarck said the bomb camp was specifically dedicated to preserving HE currency for both maintainers and aircrew.

“The bomb camp provided aircrew with hands-on training for pre-flighting loaded aircraft and the opportunity to practise some of the more technical aspects of delivering weapons in a formation, such as simultaneous time over target attacks,” FLTLT Bismarck said.

The 2.5-hour sorties saw a total of 86,000 pounds of HE employed during the week, including Mk82Air, Mk84, GBU-12, GBU-10 and GBU-24 weapons.

Preparing for a bomb camp relies heavily on the cohesive teamwork of the squadron across all aspects from aircrew, maintenance, logistics, operations and support personnel.

“The aircrew needed to develop a specific attack

profile and determine the type of weapon and fusing that is required the day before they fly the mission,” FLTLT Bismarck said.

“The preparation of the weapons requires a high level of expertise from the gunnies. There are a lot of lanyards, fuses and mechanisms that need to be precisely prepared so that the weapons can be employed safely and accurately.”

Weapon orders and storage on base is something that the logistic staff have to pre-plan months in advance.

Senior Engineering Officer, Squadron Leader Peter O’Donnell got his hands dirty, with armament technicians closely supervising the loading of a GBU-24 laser-guided bomb for the final sortie.

6SQN Armament Technician, Sergeant Simone Cazneaux joined the Air Force in 1991 and spent 12 years working on F-111s before taking on a posting at ARDU.

Having spent his entire Air Force career on the same aircraft type, SGT Cazneaux chose to return to 6SQN in 2008 to see out the F-111 era.

“It is quite emotional watching the last bomb being loaded,” SGT Cazneaux said.

“I felt a tingle run up my spine as I reflected on the last 19 years I’ve spent working on the Pigs.”

The bomb camp provided aircrew with the opportunity to expend HE weapons, utilising tactics they do not necessarily practise every day.

“Some profiles that were flown tested and evaluated contingency plans that should be second nature,” FLTLT Bismarck said.

Environmental factors such as wind, cloud cover and limited moon illumination during

BACKGROuND: Two F-111s taxi out from the ordnance loading area prior to take off at RAAF Base Amberley during Exercise Chong Ju. ABOVe: Pilot, Flying Officer Daniel Mills (left) and Air Combat Officer, Flight Lieutenant Leon Izatt, plan the day’s mission for Exercise Chong Ju in the No.6 Squadron operational planning room at RAAF Base Amberley.

AIR FORCE

By Flight Lieutenant Skye Smith

The AMB TTF faces significant change as it transitions from the delivery of F-111 to Super Hornet training. This includes instructor availability as many are currently undergoing training to qualify on the new aircraft.

“However, effective planning and the overall reduction in the amount of required F-111 training due to its impending retirement ensured we overcame any issues,” FLTLT Mulcahy said.

Some TTF instructors were placed in a unique situation when they were called upon to deliver Super Hornet training without having any previous practical experience on the aircraft.

“This was not an issue for the F-111 though as all of the F-111 instructors had more than 10 years of practical experience working on the aircraft”.

A significant difference between the F-111 and Super Hornet training is the modularised training system for the F-111.

“For example, students would attend a week-long training course on a particular aircraft system and then return back to the workplace to consolidate what they learned in a practical environment before returning to 278SQN to undertake their next course.”

In comparison, Super Hornet training is conducted in a single block format with all training provided at the start of employment on the aircraft. These

courses range from eight to 12 weeks in duration depending on the trade.

The initial F-111 technical training course was undertaken in 1968, with an LAC P.R Adnams receiving the first course certificate issued in Australia on 24 April that year.

The course was No.1 Aircrew Egress Systems Technician Course and was three weeks or 84 hours in duration. At that time, 278SQN was known as the F-111 training centre.

During the last four decades, 278SQN TTF AMB (and its earlier iterations) has trained every F-111 technician that has come to work on the jet.

This equates to more than 20,000 students and well above 13,000 separate trade-specific, generic and safety-related courses during 42 years.

F-111 trade training has changed dramatically since Warrant Officer John Bland, WOFF TTF AMB, graduated in 1984.

“The training received then was far different to the training we currently conduct. The training has evolved for the better during the past 42 years,” WOFF Bland said.

The staff at 278SQN TTF AMB are looking forward to joining with the 82WG fraternity in farewelling the F-111 and celebrating its proud history in style at the end of the year.

night sorties provided additional challenges to the crews.

This training was similar to the type of strike missions F-111 crews have become accustomed to. However, the bomb camp allowed aircrew to see the weapon impact and assess hit/miss results immediately.

6SQN typically used the SWBTA twice a year for the graduation of aircrew operational conversions during Exercise Northern Challenge, which were based out of RAAF Townsville. 1SQN also used SWBTA twice a year for Joint Tactical Airborne Controller (JTAC) HE training or major exercises such as Talisman Saber.

Most 6SQN aircrew will convert onto the Super Hornet as the unit transitions platform types next year.

“I feel very privileged to be selected as one of the final crews on the F-111,” FLTLT Bismarck said.

“But I am also looking forward to the new systems that the F/A-18F has to offer.”

The F-111s will be farewelled in December this year, having served the nation for the last 37 years, making them the longest serving aircraft in the RAAF.

high explosive

lasT hurrah for F-111sBy Flight Lieutenant Skye Smith

ABOVe: Flying Officer Daniel Mills, a pilot with No.6 Squadron, in the cockpit of F-111 A8-130, completes pre-flight checks prior to take off for Exercise Chong Ju at RAAF Base Amberley.

d e f e n c e m a g a z i n e › 37www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

38 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 39www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

Defence imagery in FOCusfocusfocusfocus

DEFENCE IMAGERY & GEOSPATIAL ORGANISATION

The Department of Defence generates vast amounts of handheld imagery during the course of daily operations, the majority of which can be divided into public affairs imagery and operations/intelligence imagery.

The need to comply with Commonwealth

directives, such as the Archives Act, has resulted

in large amounts of imagery being archived.

The Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation

(DIGO) has responsibility for ADF Type II

‘operational and intelligence imagery’. And the

Defence Hand-held Image Gallery (DHIG) was

established on the Defence Secret Network to

facilitate sharing these images to the wider ADO

community through a robust web-based interface.

The gallery content is varied, with a large

proportion of maritime subjects due to

considerable contributions from Navy and Air

Force’s 92 Wing. Selected imagery from Australian

Government and foreign agencies is also included.

Feedback from users shows that the Defence

Hand-held Image Gallery meets a variety of needs.

Flight Sergeant Shane Clause from 92 Wing

said his section (92TIF GEOINT) has been using

the DHIG consistently since its inception and

has provided several essential capabilities not

previously held.

“The ability to search for past imagery showing

orders of battle has significantly enhanced our

ability to conduct comparative cover analysis on

items of interest. This has improved the quality,

accuracy and timeliness of our imagery reports,”

FSGT Clause said.

“The remote upload function has also allowed

us to contribute to the DHIG while deployed

on operations. This has made 92 Wing more

responsive to

imagery requests

by enabling us

to release large

amounts of imagery

to the greater ADF

while deployed and

in a short space

of time.

“The DHIG has

also reduced the

workload of the

GEOINT section by providing a single source of

handheld imagery that those with a need-to-know

can access.

“Before the DHIG, 92TIF GEOINT received

constant requests for generic images from past

sorties that we were unable to efficiently archive.

We now direct requestors to the DHIG, allowing

us to concentrate on more urgent tasking.”

Assistant Director with DIGO Phil Shears reinforced

this by acknowledging the DHIG as an invaluable

resource that provides high-quality images from

across the Australian Defence theatre of operations

and encompasses a variety of topics.

“Provision of high-resolution images allows

users to exploit the smallest details. In a recent

case, a customer gained significant insight from an

image that was seemingly unrelated to their issue,”

Mr Shears said.

“Important features were identified in the

background of the image and the user was

able to discover information that was not

available elsewhere.”

Warrant Officer Robert Fengler from the Navy

Communications and Information Warfare Branch

said the age-old cliché that pictures are worth 1000

words is no different in the intelligence community.

“The Navy Imagery Specialist Category has been

involved for many years in providing operational

and intelligence imagery into various databases,”

WO Fengler said.

A capability initiative with the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is enabling more consolidated, cohesive and successful humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

The Assistant Secretary of the Defence Geospatial-Intelligence Branch in the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (DIGO), Mr Frank Colley, is driving the capability initiative, which aims to draw members of the ASEAN Regional Forum and neighbours together.

“DIGO has been involved in supporting HADR for many years,” Mr Colley said.

“However, experience has taught us that the provision of timely and effective support in times of crisis is greatly affected by the ready availability of source data.”

Mr Colley believes that successful HADR operations are principally enabled by a series of well-made and timely decisions, and many of these decisions have a critical, underlying spatial or geospatial component, such as:

› what type of disaster has occurred and what is the extent?

› who and what has been affected?

› where is the response most required?

› how will the response transit and where will it arrive?

› how will distribution occur?

Australia, South-East Asia and the Pacific region are environments that are extremely susceptible to natural disaster and the requirement for humanitarian assistance. The region also contains some extremely remote and uncharted areas, where available information, data and mapping are poor or even non-existent.

Mr Glenn Maiden leads DIGO’s efforts in responding to HADR crises.

“The Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 wreaked shocking damage in the South-East Asian region,” Mr Maiden said.

“The ramifications of this event were pivotal to ASEAN member countries when reassessing how to better plan for and respond to future disasters. In particular, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) recognised that the availability of geospatial data in a timely manner is a critical enabler for a successful HADR effort.”

At the ARF inter-sessional support group meeting in April 2009, Australia proposed the concept of an

“The July rollout is focused on delivering an initial HADR data warehouse and dissemination capability. However, the architecture has been designed as highly extensible, so once the system has proven its utility and viability in the HADR arena, it is expected that ARF DReaMS will be augmented with additional capabilities, such as advanced geospatial modelling and editing tools.

“By proactively making HADR information available before a crisis, we aim to facilitate enhanced HADR planning and training and assist in the development of policies for better information sharing,” Mr Colley said.

In times of crisis, the system will provide prompt and consistent data dissemination, and link the people who are providing support to enable more effective and timely HADR outcomes – a win-win situation for the region.

TOP: A Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16D ABOVe: A 400mm WS-2 rocket launch system. These are just two of many images on the Defence Handheld Image Gallery.

By Corporal Craig Eager

“But this imagery was never available for viewing. Fortunately, as a result of the DHIG, these images are now available for searching, viewing and downloading; and can be used for various presentations, even training aids or other requirements.

“Navy gathers a significant amount of imagery from its own professional imagery specialists along with images submitted from Fleet units, so to have access in one central point provides an excellent point of reference.”

The DHIG provides simplistic but comprehensive search and retrieve functions by way of structured metadata, allowing the user to pinpoint specific subjects of interest (providing the image exists) with a keyword. Another search function, ‘keyword browsing’, allows the user to view specific keywords within defined metadata fields (such as type/class, city, country or originating agency etc).

For technical information relating to hand-held imagery management / metadata requirements, general enquiries or transferring/uploading imagery; help is available through the DRN at digo.hhi@defence.gov.au or phone DIGO Hand-held Imagery on 02 612 77438.

“Australia is well placed to assist other nations in the times of distress, particularly those within our immediate region. In recent years, Australia has been able to deploy defence capabilities to aid regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. The Australian Defence Force provided critical disaster recovery assistance following events such as the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and the floods caused by cyclone Guba in Papua New Guinea in 2007.”

– The Defence White Paper 2009

Humanitarian side to geospatial information

online, geospatial warehouse – the ARF Disaster Relief Mapping Service (ARF DReaMS), which provides a central location for countries affected by disaster to share geospatial information.

“We are particularly pleased that Singapore formally agreed to co-sponsor the ARF DReaMS initiative which was a major factor in achieving endorsement by the ARF Ministers on 23 July 2009,” Mr Maiden said.

The aim of ARF DReaMS is to provide a central data repository that is populated with broad-scale base data, with a key focus on aeronautical data for South-East Asia and the Pacific.

ARF DReaMS is based on ESRI web service technology, where traditional maps, data and any relevant geospatial information are made available digitally. As a baseline, the system is nominally a 1:500,000 scale map skin, augmented with commercially sourced aeronautical data.

In the initial capability, ARF DReaMS will operate much like any traditional web portal, where members authenticate to a secure site to access and upload HADR information.

“DIGO has been working with industry and we are very excited with the support that we have received. We are well on track to meet the intended aim of an initial ARF DReaMS operating capability by July 2010,” Mr Maiden said.

Once a representative from a member country logs on to ARF DReaMS, that person is able to upload any additional information related to their area of responsibility and access the data provided by all members when supporting HADR missions.

Member countries are expected to provide more detailed data on a voluntary basis, and are not expected to upload any sensitive data.

“DIGO envisages an open system that is able to accept any available data relevant to the HADR mission at hand, such as geospatial data, photos, PDF documents etc,” Mr Maiden said.

Mr Colley said that DIGO views the system as evolutionary.

“We believe that the ARF DReaMS capability provides a great foundation for future development,” Mr Colley said.

“Once our ARF partners build their confidence in the site and see its potential, the site will rapidly expand in the level of participation and the range and utility of the data made available.

BeLOW: The home page of the ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster Relief Mapping Service. FAR LeFT TO RIGHT: Data extracted and exploited from the ARF-DReaMS service for crisis support planning purposes.

defence support group

41www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine40

The application of military force and capability is, like any other activity, subject to legal regulation. To claim success in military operations, a commander must demonstrate that those operations were conducted within the bounds of the law.

Consequently, when the Australian Defence Force plans and conducts military operations, it is essential that military commanders are provided with an accessible and reliable source of legal advice.

Central to this are ADF legal officers who sit alongside commanders and staff, not only in deployed locations around the globe, but also in the command headquarters within Australia, including at Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC).

HQJOC, the single-integrated headquarters commanded by the Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS), is responsible for planning, controlling and conducting campaigns, operations, joint exercises, and other activities on behalf of CDF. Since 2009, HQJOC has been located in a purpose–built facility at Bungendore in NSW.

Assisting CJOPS to fulfil his key role as the principal adviser to CDF regarding operational matters, 10 legal officers and two paralegals from Defence Legal Division (DLD) are outposted within HQJOC, including three legal officers located within Special Operations Command. At least another 10 legal officers can be posted to direct command units (including on deployment to overseas operations) at any one time.

HQJOC’s legal officers are, in turn, supported by the lawyers within DLD, most particularly the Directorate of Operations and International Law, as well as within the Military Strategic Commitments Division of the office of the Vice Chief of the Defence Force.

“My staff and I work closely with the commander and his staff to ensure that legal requirements are factored into operations and practical, lawful solutions are found and implemented,” GPCAPT Hanna said.

“We are involved in the process of ensuring that the ADF complies with its obligations regarding the lawful use of force. We are also available to provide legal advice where sensitive issues management is required.”

GPCAPT Hanna places emphasis on the team approach, not only within his office, but also with legal officers in deployed locations.

“Each legal officer, including those who are on deployment, has more senior lawyers to whom they can turn to for advice and guidance either in location or by phone and email.”

That said, GPCAPT Hanna has great expectations of the individual legal officer.

“CJOPS stresses professional mastery across all our activities. The provision of legal advice is no different. Each lawyer must fully understand the operations they have been allocated to and the law that is applicable, and then deliver timely, accurate, relevant and practical advice that enables military operations to commence or continue.”

the experience of deploymentLieutenant Jessica Fulton joined the HQJOC legal office at the beginning of 2010 and is part of the team responsible for providing legal advice to the ADF’s regional and minor operations – for example: Op Anode (Solomon Islands), Op Mazurka (the Sinai) and Op Azure (Sudan). LEUT Fulton works directly with the Task Force Commander or his/her staff.

As a junior Navy Legal Officer, LEUT Fulton is in no doubt about the importance of her duties at HQJOC.

“I had never worked with Air Force or Army before, and the calibre of experienced Defence personnel at HQJOC is impressive,” LEUT Fulton said.

“Planning and conducting operations are enormous tasks, and anticipating and addressing the legal issues can be challenging.

“In February, I travelled to New Caledonia for three days of planning and preparation for a major exercise where I worked with representatives of the French and New Zealand forces to iron out the Rules of Engagement.

“This sort of work teaches you a great deal about interoperability issues and the complexities of working with other nations. All this experience feeds straight back into my advice and planning work; I have already applied some of the lessons I learnt in Noumea to tasks for current operations.”

Commander Scott Ritchie recently returned from the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) (Op SLIPPER) as the chief legal adviser (J06) to the Australian HQJTF. He oversaw the provision of legal support by a cadre of more than half a dozen

legal officers attached to various task forces or groups located in Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf and other areas in the Middle East.

CMDR Ritchie was posted to HQJOC in 2010, where his previous deployment to the MEAO has proved invaluable.

“Deploying overseas is a truly unique experience which serves to enhance the quality of the legal support that I can offer to CJOPS and HQJOC,” CMDR Ritchie said.

“I would suggest that, for most military lawyers, it is the highlight of our professional career to be able to provide operational law advice that may not always be popular, but is certainly accepted and acted upon.”

Similar sentiments can be found among the legal officers currently deployed or who have recently returned from deployment. Major Anthony Vella recently returned to Australia after serving in the HQJTF legal office as the assistant to the J06.

“What strikes you about the MEAO HQJTF is the depth and breadth of issues that it must be across at any one time.

“The HQ is constantly being fed reports, taskings and planning products from numerous sources – the operators on the ground, theatre information gathering assets, our coalition partners, JOC and the wider Defence organisation,” MAJ Vella said.

MAJ James Field is undertaking his second deployment to Afghanistan and is the legal officer for the First Mentoring Task Force (MTF–1) in Uruzgan, Afghanistan. MTF–1 principally provides a mentoring role to the 4th Brigade of the Afghan National Army, so that they can continue to improve their capability to provide security and stability to Afghanistan.

“My primary purpose here is to provide timely and accurate operational law advice to the commanders and troops who are engaged in constant operations against determined and versatile adversaries,” MAJ Field said.

“What makes this deployment so rewarding, however, is not just the regular legal duties, but the many opportunities to use my legal knowledge to assist the Afghan National Army and local legal community.

“Along with my Dutch colleagues, I provide mentorship and assistance to the ANA Legal Advisor for 4th Brigade, 205th Hero Corps. There is also the opportunity to provide assistance to the local legal community which, in Uruzgan, faces an

incredibly difficult and often dangerous daily effort

in supporting the rule of law.”

Lieutenant Commander Sophie Hill has recently

completed the first rotation as an embedded

ADF legal officer in the International Security

Assistance Force (ISAF) Joint Command (IJC)

in Kabul, Afghanistan. The IJC oversees the

operational activities of coalition forces in

Afghanistan, including approximately 46 troop

contributing nations and a total force strength of

about 100,000.

“Each day for the last six months I have been part

of the multinational team in the IJC operations

centre, advising the officers and IJC staff on

day-to-day operational law issues, an exercise

made more complex by the fact that the task forces

consist of nations operating under their own, often

widely different, national rules of engagements

and policies,” LCDR Hill said.

“It has been a privilege to have been part of the

IJC from its establishment and to be part of a

coalition team focused on ISAF’s role of conducting

security and stability operations throughout

the country, together with the Afghan National

Security Forces.”

Overall, there is no doubt that the contribution

of ADF legal officers continues to be a valuable

enabler for operations. With today’s complex

operational environment and increasing

operational tempo, the need for competent and

capable legal advisers continues to grow. Australia

has a well-deserved international reputation for

conducting operations within the bounds of the

law, due in no small part to the highly valued legal

advice provided by ADF legal officers.

LEFT: Lieutenant Commander Sophie Hill was deployed with the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The professional mastery of legal support to operations

Essentially, all commanders of ADF operations, including those generated from Northern Command (NORCOM) and Border Protection Command (BPC), have direct access to military legal advisers, either within their respective commands or on a ‘reach back’ basis to HQJOC.

The issues are many and varied, ranging from international humanitarian law and explanation of rules of engagement to interpretation and application of various ADF and coalition orders and policies. In supporting the operational activities undertaken by the ADF, the role of ADF legal officers is a critical enabler and highly valued in ensuring the ADF continues to maintain its hard-fought reputation on the international stage.

The current Director Legal at HQJOC, Group Captain Chris Hanna, explained that the legal issues worked on are directly related to enabling military operations.

Defence Legal Division, part of Defence Support Group, is an integrated national in-house legal service staffed by Australian Defence Force and Australian Public Service personnel. Defence Legal consists of 123 ADF legal officers, 34 APS legal officers, 93 other permanent staff and 375 Reserve legal officers, who serve in more than 50 sites in Australia and overseas.

Further information about Defence Legal, including the services it provides, is available on the Defence Legal intranet site.

abovE: The HQJOC legal team includes (from L-R): Mrs Peta De Haan (paralegal), SQNLDR Richard Crane (SO2 Domestic Ops), GPCAPT Chris Hanna (J06), WGCDR Julian Tattersall (SO1 Regional and Minor Ops), LEUT Jessica Fulton (SO3 Regional and Minor Ops) and MAJ Michael Webster (SO2 Global Ops). Team members not pictured are Mrs Leonie Martin (paralegal), CMDR Scott Ritchie (SO1 Global Ops) and LTCOL David Bishop (SO1 Domestic Ops).

By HQJOC Legal Office with assistance of deployed Legal Officers

THE LAST WORD

The Leaders in Strategy Team (LiST) from within Strategy Executive has enabled a more open and robust dialogue with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) following a lecture by three of its prime strategists.

Doctors Rod Lyon, Andrew Davies and Mark Thomson (pictured above) each provided assessments of Australia’s Defence policy before an audience of about 100 Defence staff at Russell Offices in Canberra.

The lectures also garnished the full support and encouragement of Deputy Secretary Strategy Mr Peter Jennings, who thanked the trio for their candid commentary and welcomed further such debate.

“The LiST mission is to create an environment to foster innovation, encourage new ideas and to develop our workforce through discussion and activities,” Mr Jennings said.

During the lectures, Dr Lyon spoke of Australia’s political location and the principal characteristics of our strategic alliances, while Dr Davies unveiled his thoughts on force structuring and capability. Dr Thomson rounded the occasion off with debate on the all-important topic of Defence funding in the wake of the global financial crisis.

LeADeRs In sTRATegY By Michael Weaver

A new website on the Defence intranet has

been developed as a helpful tool for all staff in the

Strategy Executive.

Dr Lyon observed what he called the ‘classic’ messages from the 2009 Defence White Paper, where the main role of the ADF is to engage in conventional combat against other armed forces, with a maritime force being the core element.

“But there is still a complex strategic picture,” Dr Lyon said. “We need more focus on self-reliance and a capacity to do more when required.”

“For example, if the United States was attacked tomorrow, is Australia required to assist under the ANZUS (Australia New Zealand and United States) Treaty?”

Dr Lyon said the challenge will be to apply those ‘classic’ principles to a 21st century strategic environment, which signals Australia’s determination to weigh up the balance between self-reliance, alliance and partnerships.

To enable the right balance, Dr Davies took the podium to elicit his thoughts on force structure, and was quick to point out that the current structure still largely resembles that of the 1960s and ‘70s.

“There have been some subtle changes, with the primary operating environment being much larger and there is an additional emphasis on amphibious manoeuvre,” Dr Davies said.

Dr Thomson then focused his attention on the issue of Defence’s funding model to achieve White Paper objectives.

“In addition to meeting the broad objectives of the White Paper, savings will allow Defence to correct long-term hollowness and remediate the enabling functions of the Australian Defence Force. This is, of course, the $20 billion Strategic Reform Program,” Dr Thomson said.

More importantly, Dr Thomson highlighted the premium the Government has put on national security by not allowing the financial impact of the global recession on its Budget to affect its commitment to the needs of Defence.

“The funding of Defence is not quite the hot topic it was five to 10 years ago,” Dr Thomson said to more than a few sceptical audience members.

Mr Jennings said that Minister Faulkner and Secretary Watt both strongly encouraged close Defence engagement with ASPI and other think-tanks and academic institutions. This will help to build a more informed community understanding of defence issues and make our policy work more robust.

“In addition to meeting the broad objectives of the White Paper, savings will allow Defence to correct long-term hollowness and remediate the enabling functions of the Australian Defence Force.”

– ASPI Director Dr Mark Thomson

neW site sets strategic

objectives

› a campaign against the use of the word ‘ongoing’

› expectations of Strategy Executive staff

› guidance on working with DEPSEC Strategy’s office, including templates for correspondence, and

› a link to the LiST (Leaders in Strategy Team) newsletter.

The link is at: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/oscdf/se/

“I plan to add items of interest to the site on a regular basis and would welcome any comments,” Mr Jennings said.

Deputy Secretary Strategy Mr Peter Jennings said the site is focused on delivering high-quality policy advice, driving organisational reform and providing strategic leadership for the Executive.

“A key part of my job is to assist the Minister for Defence, Secretary and CDF to better respond to the demands of Defence’s high operational tempo,” Mr Jennings said.

The site includes:

› information about the role of Deputy Secretary Strategy

› the new strategic plan for the Executive

› links to each of the divisional intranet sites

m a g a z i n e ›

n e x t i s s u e

> Theme: Defence in the community