AIRF RCE

Air Force security restructure Medics now civilian qualifiedP3 P7

Air Force’s ‘best of the best’ wrap up Exercise Aces North

CUT ABOVEP12-13

Vol. 55, No. 13, July 18, 2013 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY: One of three Hornets which conducted a dawn strike

at RAAF Base Williamtown to mark the end of a six-month fighter combat course. Inset below, 1SQN armament

technician LACW Roimataoterangi Jenner drives on to the flightline at

RAAF Base Darwin to start another day during Exercise Aces North 13.

Photos: LACs Craig Barrett and Dan Pinhorn

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RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORKLiving the Air Force Values:

2 July 18, 2013RCEAIR FOperations

CPL Mark Doran

A TEAM of six Air Force security police are part of the Force Protection Security Section (FPSS) keeping watch over the 7000 ISAF troops and locally engaged employees at Multinational Base Tarin Kot (MNB-TK).

They integrate closely with the airfield defence guards who form the Security Force (SECFOR) at MNB-TK to achieve a unified approach to force protection.

They provide ground defence, secu-rity and policing functions and conduct screening, base entry and exit searches, biometric testing and enrolment and prohibited substance testing.

In September 2012, the last of the US military police completed their tour at MNB-TK leaving the four Air Force security police responsible to ISAF for coordinating force protection.

OIC FPSS and Provost Marshal for MNB-TK FLTLT Geoff Jarrett said his team does not stop as they are on call 24 hours-a-day.

“FPSS operate in teams of two and we all perform the same hands-on tasks,” he said.

“There is so much happening on the base but 60 per cent of what we do is old fashioned policing, so basic com-munication and the ability to listen are very important.”

Prohibi ted substance test ing includes testing for explosive residue and the ingredients and components used in explosive devices.

FPSS also facilitate airport security by screening and vetting the incoming and outgoing passengers flying on the

Keeping watch

Op Anode ceasesADF support to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands ceased on July 1.

Chief of Joint Operations LTGEN Ash Power said the conclusion of ADF assistance, known as Operation Anode, was a result of the stable security situation and capacity of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Participating Police Force to respond to pub-lic order management issues.

“Australian personnel and equipment will be progres-sively withdrawn in the com-ing months,” he said.

“All ADF personnel will return to Australia by the end of September.”

The Australian-led Combined Task Force 635 has included rotations of person-

nel from New Zealand, Tonga and Papua New Guinea who will now begin the task of redeploying personnel and equipment.

LTGEN Power commended the efforts of ADF personnel who have been committed to the country continuously since July 24, 2003.

“Security in Solomon Islands and the ability of its government to re-establish law and order and build public confidence has improved markedly since the ADF first arrived to assist in restoring public order,” he said.

“The progress to date means the time is now right for us to return home.”

More than 7200 Australian personnel have deployed to Operation Anode since 2003.

Afghan civilian airline which uses the airbase.

FLTLT Jarrett said the main offences investigated by FPSS includ-ed major fraud, vehicle accidents and possession of narcotics by civilians.

“Narrow roads and heavy machin-ery combined with local drivers are the most common causes of ISAF vehicle accidents,” he said.

“There are occasional minor thefts, but there have been no report-ed cases of violence within the ISAF forces at MNB-TK.”

ADFIS jurisdiction at MNB-TK is solely for Australian forces while FPSS are responsible for polic-ing the Australian, US, Slovak and Singaporean military personnel.

Two female security police joined the FPSS team in March, to help with the cultural requirements of screening Afghan women.

LACW Meegan Chadwick, FPSS, arrived in Afghanistan in late April and said the main challenges included understanding the significant cultural differences and beliefs.

“We are usually well received by the contractors and locals because they understand we are doing our job and trying to make their lives better,” she said.

“Communication is generally easy when our interpreter is with us, other-wise we have to resort to a lot of hand signals to get our message across.

“We try to engage the locals by

speaking Pashtu words and it’s funny and unexpected when they respond in English.

“It can also be humbling because we realise we are both cooperating and trying to make things easier for each other. It confirms we are doing a good thing here.”

On the second day of her deploy-ment, LACW Chadwick was exposed to the realities of Afghanistan when an Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) casualty from an improvised explosive device was brought by ambulance to the MNB-TK Role 2 Hospital.

LACW Chadwick says part of the FPSS role is to provide security for the Role 2 medical staff.

“It was hard for me to watch, the victim had a compound fracture to his leg, but it also really grounded things for me – this is a war-zone and terrible things happen,” she said.

“The ANSF are doing a similar job to us by policing and patrolling and it is unfortunate when they are targeted by insurgents.

“So far the whole experience of this deployment with the FPSS has been amazing. We have opportunities to see and do things we would never do at home.

“We have a very close-knit team, so it’s hard to have a bad day because if you are feeling down it takes two seconds for someone to realise and do whatever they can to pick you up.”

A BIG step towards Afghan independ-ence was taken on June 23 when the last ISAF-manned Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Uruzgan province was closed.

COL Douglas Cardinale, Deputy Commander Combined Team Uruzgan (CT-U), said FOB Hadrian, in the Deh Rawud district, was closed after the final relocation of remaining ISAF per-sonnel and equipment.

Australian Mentoring Teams worked out of FOB Hadrian from 2010 mentoring the 1st Kandak, 4th Brigade Afghan National Army until it achieved operational independence in November last year.

“The Afghan National Police and the Afghan National Army have been doing a good job, and showing they are capable of conducting independent operations,” COL Cardinale said.

“The insurgency wasn’t expecting the resistance that the ANSF has put up this fighting season.”

Australian and US Army engineers

Last ISAF FOB closesPACKING UP: The load team prepares to hook up a container to be airlifted from FOB Hadrian to Kandahar Air Field.Photo: CPL Mark Doran

worked from December last year to remedi-ate the large base and reduce the tactical infrastructure, which included two M777A2 howitzers from the US Army’s 1-9 Field Artillery.

CTU deputy chief engineer CAPT Michael Jasny said the ground was handed over in a clean and sustainable condition with

only the base’s perimeter walls left to be dis-mantled by contracted support.

“The two howitzers were airlifted to Kandahar Air Field by US Army CH-47 Chinooks from Task Force Knighthawk on June 18 along with containers of stores and equipment,” CAPT Jasny said.

“The site will be returned to bare earth.”

SECURITY: LACW Meegan Chadwick, of Multinational Base Tarin Kot FPSS, takes a biometric image of an Afghan local with a Secure Electronic Enrolment Kit. Inset, CPL Barry Twomey conducts an explosive and bomb-making component swab test. Photos: CPL Mark Doran

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3July 18, 2013RCEAIR F News

THE Security Force Squadron parade held at RAAF Base Amberley on July 4 marked the beginning of a new era for Air Force security musterings.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown reviewed the parade, heralding a new chapter for the role.

“Today marks a significant change to Air Force security that will enable us to more effectively meet security needs associated with our new highly technical aircraft and systems,” he said.

“The new Air Force police and Air Force security integrate all the previ-ous police and security core skills together with airfield defence guards and explosive ordnance demolition technicians, giving Air Force a highly enhanced security capability.”

The RAAF secur i ty pol ice (SECPOL) mustering disbanded, splitting into two new musterings: Air Force Security (AFSEC) and Air Force Police (AFPOL).

Restructuring key security and service policing (SP) capabilities was part of the transition to SECFOR, under the command of OC 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing (ECSW).

Provost Marshal Air Force (PM-AF) WGCDR Tony Monson said SECPOL contributed to effective Air Force command and control of fixed base and expeditionary operations by playing a fundamental role in the maintenance and enforcement of dis-cipline, service policing and inves-tigations, day-to-day and mandated security requirements.

Under the changes, AFSEC and AFPOL will play a significant part within the SECFOR construct. AFSEC will no longer be recognised as SP, while AFPOL will focus on policing and base-level investiga-tions while still providing qualified investigators to support the ADF Investigative Service (ADFIS).

“Under the changes, AFPOL members will now have the opportu-

A new era for security

nity to post in and out of the ADFIS and base environment,” WGCDR Monson said.

“The added bonus to this is that it will offer greater location stability to members who wish to stay in a par-ticular area for longer.”

OC 395ECSW GPCAPT Peter Davis acknowledged the SECPOL workforce and their achievements to date and highlighted the fantastic

opportunities

ahead, such as the enhanced security and policing capability made possible by SECFOR.

“Support for Air Force opera-tional and exercise commitments will also be enhanced, with the move to SECFOR squadrons giving us an increased capacity to move resources to meet priorities,” GPCAPT Davis said.

“The integration will ensure Air Force security remains flex-

ible, adaptable, agile and respon-sive to the wider Air Force secu-

rity needs, both at home and overseas bases.”

Both OC 395ECSW and PM-AF recognise the challenges and rewards ahead, ensuring the security forc-es transition not only meets CAF’s requirements but incorporates effective change management principles.

“The devil is in the detail. We will make sure transition matters are planned and executed to limit the impact on personnel while identifying and gaining benefits and efficiencies,” WGCDR Monson said.

“We are working with OC 395ECSW on a range of these aspects and are very closely aligned to achieve the best possible solution for the provision of security and policing within Air Force.”

The security police officer catego-ry will remain and continue to sup-port the Air Force security, policing and investigation needs. They will continue to wear the existing gold Security Police Badge, while AFPOL are now wearing a newly designed Air Force – Service Police badge.

SECURITY CAPABILITY: SECFOR personnel receive their berets at the inauguration parade at Al Minhad Air Base on July 4. Inset, LACW Samantha Vassallo, CPL Damien Martin and LAC Shaun Richardson display their new patches.Photos: SGT Joel Graham and LAC Terry Hartin

Farewell to gallant soldierCPL Nick Wiseman

“HE will never be forgotten by his regiment,” said CO 2nd Commando Regiment LTCOL B at a moving funer-al for CPL Cameron Baird, a gallant soldier who was killed by small arms fire in Afghanistan on June 22.

The funeral, held at the Reedy Creek Baptist Church on the Gold Coast, was attended by CPL Baird’s family, friends and his fellow com-mandos.

LTCOL B said the Army had lost a great soldier, one who led from the front and whose life was full of stun-ning accomplishments.

“Today we honour Cam, we remem-ber him and we thank him for all that he has given and all that he has shared with us over the years,” LTCOL B said.

“Conspicuous gallantry, composure and leadership under fire’, reads the citation for his Medal for Gallantry, and this is how his team mates described his

ALWAYS REMEMBERED: Comrades from 2nd Commando Regiment carry CPL Cameron Baird’s coffin at his funeral service on the Gold Coast. Photo: AB Lee-Anne Mack

actions every time he went out on an operation.”

CPL Baird was serving with the Special Operations Task Group on his fifth tour of Afghanistan when he was killed during an engagement

with insurgents in the Khod Valley.His body was returned to RAAF

Base Richmond on June 29 where members of his unit formed an honour guard, escorting CPL Baird back to his waiting family.

NEW SQUADRON: Reviewing Officer CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown inspects members of the newly formed Security Force Squadron (SECFOR) during the inauguration parade.Photos: LACW Kylie Gibson

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5July 18, 2013RCEAIR F News

New housing at EdinburghNEW accommodation has been officially opened at RAAF Base Edinburgh, resulting in 432 new units for single members living on base. The accom-modation features self-contained apartments with secure storage, parking and recreational facilities. Project Single Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct Phase 2 will improve the standard of accommodation across 14 bases around Australia, delivering 3015 units nationally.

Boss Lift leaves SolliesA GROUP of 28 employers deployed on the final Exercise Boss Lift to the Solomon Islands from July 1 to 4, to see the contribution their staff made to the Solomon Islands on Operation Anode. Over the past 11 years, Defence has taken more than 1000 employers to the Solomon Islands. The drawdown of ADF personnel from the region means the Boss Lift focus has shifted to major domestic exercises.

Hawk contract awardedBAE Systems UK, the original Hawk aircraft manu-facturer, has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to upgrade the Lead-In Fighter Hawk fleet. Defence Materiel Minister Mike Kelly said both BAE Systems UK and BAE Systems Australia have worked closely with Defence to define the scope of the upgrade. “This provides a solid foundation for the progression of aircrew onto the F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets and the Joint Strike Fighter when it is introduced into service,” Dr Kelly said.

Maintenance changesREFORMS to the maintenance of the 12 C-130J Hercules have delivered the equivalent of an extra aircraft being available for missions, by increas-ing their availability by eight per cent. Head of the Defence Materiel Organisation’s Aerospace Systems Division, AVM Colin Thorne, said the changes made considerable savings in workforce and maintenance costs. A review was launched in 2011 and Australian Aerospace has been approved to increase servicing intervals from 30 to 38 weeks, extending the full cycle of scheduled maintenance from 480 to 608 weeks.

Lync up with colleaguesAN INSTANT messaging and video conferencing tool called Microsoft Lync was expected to be made available to all users of the Defence Restricted Network as of July 15. Following an upgrade of the Defence Secret Network to Microsoft Lync 2010 by the Chief Information Officer Group in March this year, a requirement for similar functionality on the Defence Restricted Network was also identified. Microsoft Lync provides users with an instant mes-saging capability to enhance business communica-tion between people and work groups. For further information on Microsoft Lync 2010 and its func-tionality on the DRN visit the Lync website http://ciogintranet/ictservices/lync/pages/default.aspx

IN BRIEF

Protecting troops

Talisman Saber 13 kicks off

UNMANNED Air Systems (UAS) will play a pivotal role in Air Force’s ability to support Australia’s national security interests into the future, according to CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown.

In a speech delivered to the Williams Foundation Seminar earlier this month, CAF provided a fresh perspective on the moral and ethical issues surrounding the use of UAS.

“Some pundits will argue that the use of these systems is immoral,” CAF said.

“Many media articles use phrases like, ‘drones have killed’ – it is as if the platform has become an entity and responsibility is being placed on this inanimate object.”

CAF said although the word ‘drone’ was commonplace in the wider media, it was not a term used in Air Force to describe UAS.

“UAS are not drones because they are far more complex and sub-ject to ground-based human control,” he said.

“Unmanned Air Systems are designed by humans, controlled by

humans, with operational decisions made by humans.”

CAF argued it was the responsi-bility of the government of the day and society to argue whether the nation had the right to engage in war.

“So the moral argument is whether it is justified to use violence in the name of national security – not whether the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) is right or wrong,” he said.

“If it is determined a war is just,

then the question of the justness of using RPA is one of ethics.”

CAF said the introduction of the Triton maritime UAS or an equiva-lent, which is used in concert with the future replacement of the AP-3C, the P-8 Poseidon, replacing the AP-3C, would “revolutionise mari-time surveillance”.

But he acknowledged the most contentious role for UAS, which he said Australia does not possess, “is that of strike”.

CAF said he saw little difference between the use of an armed RPA and a manned platform, and said he envisaged Australia would acquire a UAS with strike capability.

“We have a duty to the population to safeguard as best we can the men and women we commit to conflict,” he said.

“If it means obtaining a capabili-ty that increases the protection of our personnel then it would be negligent not to consider UAS.”

In a message to those who object to the use of UAS because they are “too cowardly” and “too removed from scrutiny”, CAF asked them “to consider the safety of the sons and daughters, or brothers and sisters, we commit to combat”.

“War is not a sporting contest where the fairness of a level playing field is sought,” he said.

“We must have a balanced and informed discussion on the use of unmanned systems.”

A link to CAF’s speech can be found at www.airforce.gov.au

SURVEILLANCE: A US Navy MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system. Photo: Alan Radecki, Northrop Grumman

SGT Dave Morley

AIR Lift Group is expecting to be well in demand during Exercise Talisman Saber 13 (TS13), taking place from July 15 to August 5 at Shoalwater Bay in Queensland.

KC-30A tankers will put recent expe-rience gained in Guam during Exercise Cope North and Darwin during Exercise Aces North into practice. They will con-duct air-to-air refuelling support to Super Hornets.

C-17A will conduct a cooperative air-drop mission with their US Air Force (USAF) counterparts, which is expected to include delivery of container delivery systems stores.

These systems, weighing up to a tonne each, will be delivered to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area from July 20-22.

Richmond-based C-130Js will sup-port ground forces in the form of airdrop and airlift missions throughout the exer-cise.

Up to three C-130Js will support Army’s 3 Brigade’s mass insertion of troops to the SWBTA, also from July 20-22.

King Air 350 light transports from Townsville’s 38SQN will provide a flexi-ble transport solution, airlifting key exer-cise personnel around Australia during the exercise.

Combat Support Group (CSG) will be kept busy as well.

CO 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (ECSS) WGCDR Andrew Lancaster said TS13 was a unique opportunity for elements of CSG to deploy in support of a Joint Task Force (JTF), conducting combined force entry operations in a hostile environ-ment.

“CSG force elements, togeth-er with personnel from the USAF 36 Contingency Response Group, are responsible for opening and operating the main air point of entry for ground forces conducting the exercise,” he said.

“The success of opening and main-taining the air bridge is critical to the overall success of the JTF mission and showcases all CSG’s enabling functions, notably airfield engineering, communi-cations, health support, logistic support and base operations.”

Personnel from 382ECSS will be activating Williamson Airfield in the SWBTA for the exercise.

SUPPORT: Top, C-17As will conduct a cooperative airdrop mission with the USAF, which is expected to include delivery of container delivery systems stores to Exercise Talisman Saber at Shoalwater Bay in Queensland. Inset, KC-30As will provide air-to-air refuelling support to Super Hornets during the exercise. Photos: GNR Shannon Joyce and SQNLDR Paul Simmonds

IN the July 4 edition of Air Force News, special coverage of the Combat Support restructure incorrectly reported that all security force personnel had been approved to wear the Air Force blue beret. All security force personnel except for explosive ordnance disposal technicians are approved to wear the beret.

Clarification

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6 July 18, 2013RCEAIR FPacific Partnership

Supporting neighboursDEFENCE personnel are help-ing improve the lives of people across the Pacific as key contribu-tors to Pacific Partnership, the US-sponsored humanitarian and civic assistance mission.

This year Pacific Partnership is delivering medical, dental, veteri-nary, explosive remnants of war dis-posal and engineering aid to Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa, Tonga, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Solomon Islands. About 100 medi-cal and engineering personnel from Australia, the US and Japan are embarked in landing ship HMAS Tobruk for the mission in PNG.

Director General Joint Exercise and Evaluation Branch AIRCDRE Ken Quinn said the support from the Wewak Provincial Authority in the lead up and preparation to this year’s program had been outstanding.

“Papua New Guinea is Australia’s closest neighbour, and the ADF acknowledges and remembers the assistance and sacrifice of the people of Wewak and the region in WWII,” AIRCDRE Quinn said.

“So it is significant that Australian, US and Papua New Guinea defence force members are working together, as we have worked together alongside each other for many years.

“The Spirit of Pacific Partnership is about working collaboratively to build capacity, community and help our neighbours.”

Australian, US, Japanese and Canadian military medical practitioners are training local doctors and nurses and running medical clinics and basic health awareness fairs.

Deputy Chief of Joint Operations RADM Steve Gilmore said as well as embarking specialist medical and engineering personnel, Tobruk’s ship’s company was assisting the townships in Vanimo and Wewak which have a com-bined population of about 40,000.

“Volunteers from Tobruk’s crew have been hard at it for two weeks now refurbishing sport facilities, memori-als, public buildings and assisting with bringing awareness of health and hygiene issues to locals,” RADM Gilmore said.

FLTLT David Liu is a dentist posted to RAAF Base Williamtown in both 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron and Williamtown Health Centre. He joined the Air Force in 2011 after graduat-ing from the University of Melbourne’s dental school.

“We are providing simple extrac-tions, fillings and cleaning,” he said.

“We have brought consumables with

A healthy impact

LENDING A HAND: Clockwise from left, Manam Island; security

policeman SGT Darren Powell; dentist FLTLT David Liu; crew on HMAS

Tobruk watch a local fisherman off Wewak; pharmacy officer FLGOFF Stuart Benson with Japanese Navy pharmacist LCDR Yusuke Kazama.

Photos: LAC David Cotton

a view to improve oral health and awareness. We are integrating with American, Japanese and local dental providers to improve interoperability and exchange information.

“It’s hot and humid here so the doctors are seeing a lot of different conditions. It’s hard work, but we are all having a good time.”

Pharmacy officer FLGOFF Stuart Benson, of 3 Aero Medical Evacuation Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond, said it had been a great opportunity.

“I have visited the hospital phar-macy and provided some education – and been educated myself – regarding pharmacy supply, clinical pharmacy, and antibiotic stewardship,” he said.

“I’ve learnt enough Tok Pisin to be able to talk to the locals about their medicines, and seen some con-ditions which we would never see in Australia, including leprosy, malaria and filariasis (a parasitic disease).”

Security policeman SGT Darren Powell said it had been great to enhance his skills.

“My main role within Pacific Partnership was that of force pro-tection of the visiting contingent,” he said.

“It has been a great experience working alongside an array of ADF members.”

The ADF contribution to Pacific Partnership this year also includes USS Pearl Harbor and an Australian National Command Element on board HMAS Tobruk.

ADF medical and engineering personnel are also aboard the USS Pearl Harbor – deploying to Samoa, Tonga and the Marshall Islands – and HMNZS Canterbury which will provide aid to Kiribati and Solomon Islands.

The ADF has been involved in every Pacific Partnership mission since it started in 2006 and has visit-ed around 20 countries, treated more than 400,000 patients and built more than 180 engineering projects.

Pacific Partnership 2013 ends on August 19.

‘I’ve learnt enough Tok Pisin to talk to locals about medicines and seen

conditions we don’t see in Australia like leprosy, malaria and parasitic diseases.

– FLGOFF Stuart Benson, pharmacy officer

PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE: FLTLT Joshua Bamford makes learning about health fun for children at the community health fair in Vanimo. Photo: LAC David Cotton

LEUT Ryan Zerbe

FOR two Air Force environmental health officers (EHO), deploying to PNG has been an ideal chance to help improve the health of local people.

FLTLT Josh Bamford and FLGOFF Joel Pollock are currently deployed on Pacific Partnership 2013, in the townships of Wewak and Vanimo in PNG.

They are the only EHOs de-ployed and have been busy working at local hospitals and schools to provide health education to resi-dents of the two townships.

The pair sailed to PNG in HMAS Tobruk in early June before com-mencing work in Wewak.

FLTLT Bamford said the experi-ence has been eye-opening and he was learning a lot.

“We’ve moulded our approach to what’s here and what’s needed to improve the health of the communi-ties, particularly through preventive medicine,” he said.

“The combined experiences of the ADF and the partner nations we’re working with have allowed us to have a stronger impact than if we were here alone.

“It’s good to learn how culture and limited resources can play a part in how we work in the Pacific region so in the event of a disaster we know how we can best help.”

For FLGOFF Pollock the expo-sure to working in an operational environment has been interesting.

“I’ve been involved in public health workshops with local nurses, community health workers and local environmental health staff raising awareness of health matters, par-ticularly for people isolated in the rural communities here,” he said.

“We’ve been focussing heavily on public health issues like com-municable diseases vector-borne illnesses such as malaria, which are serious problems here. We have found preventative health advice is important in rural and iso-lated communities that have found new and inventive ways to use their mosquito bed nets for fishing.

“We’re aiming to drive home the importance of preventative health and change those behaviours.

“Educating children and health professionals about water quality and food safety is also important.”

FLGOFF Pollock has served as an EHO since 2010 after transfer-ring from Security Police.

He has participated in exercises within Australia, but said his first overseas deployment as an EHO has been an experience to help him build on his skills.

FLTLT Bamford and FLGOFF Pollock will return to Australia with HMAS Tobruk in late July.

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7July 18, 2013RCEAIR F News

UPSKILLING: Medics will now undergo more rigorous training to gain experience in civilian hospitals and qualifications in enrolled nursing and paramedicine. Photo: LACW Shannon McCarthy

Top-quality medical careLS Helen Frank

ADF medics now earn recognised civilian qualifications in nursing and paramedicine and can work in civil-ian hospitals under changes to the medical assistants course.

Just as the Australian healthcare system has had to evolve and contin-ually seek improvements to patient safety and quality of care, the ADF also strives for excellence.

All health personnel must now register with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before being able to undertake any on-the-job training or employment in civilian hospitals. ADF medics have not previously had to register with AHPRA and have largely been restricted to working within Defence facilities.

Senior mustering adviser WOFF Tim Lempriere said on-the-job expe-rience was previously maintained within Defence health care facilities, with support from local area hospi-tals and ambulance service providers.

“This support had mostly been limited to members observing clinical procedures,” WOFF Lempriere said.

While it provided exposure to

varied clinical presentations and environments not conventionally experienced by Defence medics, it fell short of the required “hands-on” experience desired by Defence health personnel.

Last year medical assistant train-ing underwent a significant trans-formation. Instead of a number of different phases to training, medics now complete one combined course at the Army School of Health in a triservice environment.

“Civilian qualifications obtained on the course now provide Air Force medics with significant clinical skills and a range of other qualifications that support their employment in both Defence and civilian health care environments,” WOFF Lempriere said.

The new course is challenging and slightly longer than previous training but is delivered at recog-nised tertiary level. Medics who complete the ADF medical assistants course will have civilian-recognised qualifications in both enrolled nurs-ing and paramedicine.

“Air Force medics need to adapt to changing environments and situa-tions and really need to think on their feet,” WOFF Lempriere said.

“Healthcare delivery by med-ics in the field must be more than basic first aid. It must be appropri-ate for a modern and well-equipped medical response. The nature of warfare now demands an aggres-sive and action-oriented skill base in medical personnel so wounded troops receive expert care and, most importantly, can be returned to duty quickly.”

WOFF Lempriere said the ADF medical assistants training continuum provided the required knowledge and skills to directly support deployed personal in the field and their commanders. It is critical that the support medics pro-vide contributes substantially to the mission success and the survival of personnel.

“The introduction of the ADF medical assistants course as initial employment training for Air Force medics will have direct and signifi-cant influence on Air Force health and will contribute directly to enhanced operational capability.”

Air Force medic training will continue to evolve and adapt in line with Air Force, ADF and civilian agency future platforms and capa-bility requirements.

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Flexible workplacesDEFENCE is conducting a large-scale research project across Navy, Army and Air Force to understand flexible work within the ADF.

The research will help in the design of a workforce model to provide enhanced flexible career options to ADF members.

Research Fellow from the ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment Dr Samantha Crompvoets is leading the research.

“There is limited information cur-rently available on what flexible working arrangements are in place in Defence, why they are requested, who is request-ing them, and what the outcomes are,” Dr Crompvoets said.

“We need a clearer picture of how flexibility is already applied in the ADF and of how it might be applied in the future,” she said.

“This diary study will provide some clarity around how formal and informal

flexibility applies in the context of the day-to-day experiences of ADF members from all three services.

“Selected ADF members will com-plete a confidential diary over a five-day working week to describe their current working arrangements.”

Dr Crompvoets said COs, warrant officers and XOs were also being asked to take part in a short interview to pro-vide their insights on the current flexible working arrangements.

Defence will be better placed to ena-ble flexibility as a result of this research.

Flexible work practices are high on the agenda for Defence and the 2013 White Paper recognises that Defence’s approach to its people needs to be flex-ible to build a more responsive and inte-grated workforce.

The research will inform a report submitted to Defence senior leaders later this year.

Master of the manifestFLTLT Gavin Briggs

“HE IS the Colossus of catering, the master of the manifest and doyen of the doily.”

These were the words of praise which greeted 31SQN’s WOFF Heath Ross at a surprise presentation cer-emony where he was awarded Air Force’s first ever ‘A’ Category crew attendant.

C O 3 4 S Q N W G C D R J o h n Davidson said the respect colleagues held for WOFF Ross was impressive.

“He is the most universally respect-ed individual in any mustering that I have ever met, respected by subordi-nates, peers and superiors alike,” he said.

“He is literally the ‘godfather’ of the mustering as he has done more than any other individual to build his capability and to build the profession-alism of the mustering to very high levels.

“He cares greatly for his people and looks after them without ever compromising professional standards and people respect that. So you can’t do any more than that. He is a remark-able individual.”

The ceremony was held at 34SQN at Fairbairn in Canberra on July 1. Also present at the ceremony, along with members of 34SQN, was Commander of Air Lift Group AIRCDRE Gary Martin, CSC OC 84WG GPCAPT Lindley Ghee and incoming CO 34SQN WGCDR Philip Trigge.

WOFF Ross’ recommendation to become the first mustering member to attain A Category status was based on a consistent standard of excellence and effectiveness of the highest levels practicable as a crew attendant and display of outstanding leadership and instructional ability.

“His professional knowledge is unparalleled,” WGCDR Davidson said.

“He can always be relied on to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.”

WOFF Heath Ross joined the Air Force in 1991 as a cook before remustering in 1997 to his current role. He has also served at 33SQN and 285SQN.

“Flying with a number of differ-ent prime ministers, governors general

and overseas dignitaries, having close working relationships with them and serving them on the aircraft is obvi-ously a highlight of my career,” WOFF Ross said.

“It was a privilege to work at 34SQN in that regard – not many peo-ple get that opportunity but here you do.

“The crew attendant mustering

is a fantastic job and has absolutely great opportunities at both 33SQN and 34SQN. Obviously 34SQN is more VIP focused, but for anyone joining Air Force, crew attendant at either squadron offers fantastic opportuni-ties.”

Members of 34SQN organised to bring WOFF Ross’ son Jack to the cer-emony, which was a nice surprise.

A CLASS ACT: 34SQN crew attendant WOFF Heath Ross proudly displays his Category A certificate with his son Jack at Fairbairn in Canberra. He is Air Force’s only A Category crew attendant. Photo: CPL Guy Young

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9July 18, 2013RCEAIR F NAIDOC Week

Skills respectedLS Helen Frank

DEFENCE personnel gathered at the Australian War Memorial on July 10 to celebrate the military service of indig-enous Australians.

The memorial, held annually during NAIDOC Week, recognises the contri-bution of indigenous servicemen and women.

After a Navy musician opened the ceremony by playing a piece on the didgeridoo, a catafalque party from Australia’s Federation Guard marched into position.

CDF General David Hurley said in his address indigenous members had always been afforded the same pay and conditions as their peers, but more importantly, they were equals and respected for their skill and treated with dignity.

“These are the same virtues we strive to uphold in the ADF today,” GEN Hurley said.

“The modern ADF must reflect its history and value the vision of those who saw their indigenous comrades not for the colour of their skin, but for their courage, endurance, mateship and sac-rifice.

“Today, Australian servicemen and women are deployed on operations around the world; in Afghanistan, on peacekeeping operations throughout the Middle East and North Africa, and on maritime and border protection tasks closer to home.

“Among the ranks are our indigenous colleagues, standing shoulder-to-shoul-der with their fellow countrymen as they have always done.”

During the ceremony the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags flew at the War Memorial and Defence estab-lishments around the world. For the first time the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were raised at Al Minhad Air Base in support of the indigenous service men and women deployed to Operation Slipper.

GEN Hurley acknowledged the ser-vice of indigenous servicemen during

PROUD: Top, Op Slipper personnel wait for FSGT Luke Walker, left, to

serve up NAIDOC Week cake at Al Minhad Air Base. Inset, Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island

flags fly at the NAIDOC Week Ceremony at the Australian War

Memorial. Photos: Joel Graham and LS Helen Frank

Rich and diverse historyFLTLT David Cusworth

“I’M in the next thing to heaven here,” Air Force indigenous elder Uncle Harry Allie said as he looked out across Canberra from CAF’s sixth-floor office at Russell.

“It’s a good view out there and it’s indeed an honour to be here.”

Visiting the national capital for NAIDOC Week, the veteran of 23 years’ service remembered how the Air Force was when he joined in 1966.

“Maybe there were things done covertly, but I found my mates stood up for me, especially my first posting at East Sale,” he said.

“Because it was a small boat it built that mateship, and that’s what I always knew.”

Appointed last year, Uncle Harry advises Air Force on ways to increase indigenous participation.

“The good thing is there’s good people out there and so long as you keep going forward, it’s worth it,” he said.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown, Uncle Harry and CAF’s indigenous advisor, newly promoted GPCAPT Lisa Jackson-Pulver, joined other ADF members for CDF’s NAIDOC Indigenous Memorial Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.

GPCAPT Jackson-Pulver spoke in acknowledgement of country, recognising her own diverse background as a Koori woman with roots in the Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta

BOLD: CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown chats with Air Force’s indigenous elder Uncle Harry Allie after the Indigenous Memorial Ceremony. Photo: CPL Guy Young

Students enjoy a look around Amberley

and Dhunghutti lands, and further afield among the Cymru and Alba people of Wales and Scotland.

“For me, to acknowledge the traditional owners of country allows me to become a good guest, who contributes appropriately and who stays well,” she said.

Country never forgets us, she said, and we must never forget country.

“We come from the land, we will return to the land. When we acknowledge country, we do so

recognising that this ritual is not negotiable.”

GPCAPT Jackson-Pulver said she was proud of being an indigenous Defence member.

“It’s an awesome thing to be a part of something like the big family we are,” she said.

“NAIDOC Week provides us the opportunity to remember that this period we are in is a drop in the ocean in the past 60,000 years. It’s about taking a breath and remembering who we are.”

LS Helen Frank

AT A time when most students were taking a break, about 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students from the Caboolture and Moreton Bay region spent their school holi-days learning at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

The students from Years 9 and 10 took part in a winter school program hosted by QUT’s Oodgeroo Unit.

During the program the students visited the RAAF Base Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre where, under the escort of WOFF Gary Thompson, they saw the recently retired F-111. Students also had the opportu-nity to view a C-17 at 36SQN.

With the visit taking place close to NAIDOC Week, WOFF Thompson, a descendant of Bidjara people formerly from Springsure and now from Barcaldine in Queensland, took the chance to speak with the students about the career oppor-tunities the military offered.

“It’s good to see there are agencies out there that give indigenous youth the opportu-

nity to see what military employ-ment and opportunities we have for them to explore once they have the education level for entry,” he said.

“I mentioned tertiary qualifi-cations to several students and told them a little about ADFA and, this created interest, espe-cially when I said your degree would be paid for.

“The higher the education level these students can obtain, the more certainty of full time employment they will have.

“I told them they should plan for the future not the present. My mother was a guiding factor in my direction as she promoted education all the time.”

The students enjoyed get-ting up close and personal with some of the aircraft and chatting with officers, airmen and air-women.

“The visit was awesome,” Year 10 student Alex said.

“I really enjoyed the RAAF base and networking with the people out there. I want to enter the RAAF as a fitter and turner or aircraft technician, so the visit really helped me make a plan for that.”

HANDS ON: Hunter, of Bribie Island State High School, sits in the navigators’ seat, and Hayden, of Glasshouse Country Christian College, takes the controls in the pilot seat at RAAF Base Amberley.

WWI and WWII “who fought for a king and a country that did not recognise them as citizens”.

“We remember all Australians lost in conflict, particularly those of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent,” he said.

“We thank them for their service and welcome the contribution of those indigenous Australians who continue their legacy.”

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11July 18, 2013RCEAIR F News

A show of tactical skillEamon Hamilton

THE spectacle of four C-130J Hercules flying low over New South Wales on June 21 represent-ed an important step for 37SQN.

During a four-hour sortie, the C-130Js practised their formation flying skills along a 1100km route, simulating an airdrop at low level.

The mission represented the C-130J’s move towards taking on more of the tactical airlift roles left vacant by the retirement of the C-130H in late 2012.

CO 37SQN WGCDR Darren Goldie said the formation allowed senior C-130J pilot FLTLT John Calvert to become qualified to lead a multi-formation crew.

“It was also an opportunity to expose the more junior formation crews at the unit to multi-element formation procedures,” WGCDR Goldie said.

The majority of the C-130Js’ missions are solitary flights, mean-ing little opportunity for crews to practice formation flying, which is required in some missions.

“As the Air Force’s primary tactical air mobility platform, the C-130J is required to be able to safely and effectively insert or resupply Defence personnel any-where in our region of interest,” WGCDR Goldie said.

“In a threat environment, this requires a concentration of force to the drop or landing zones, and this

is most effectively achieved using formation procedures.

“This squadron has worked hard to regain this skill set in our crews, and will further develop it over the coming years.”

The success of the June 21 mis-sion went beyond the aircrew. The Air Mobility Control Centre care-fully planned 37SQN’s workload to ensure sufficient C-130Js were available. The 37SQN maintenance teams worked hard to ensure five aircraft – four C-130Js and a spare were available for the mission.

Taking into account aircraft in the Middle East, 37SQN flew nine C-130Js that day, with the remaining three aircraft in sched-uled servicings.

At 2.30am on June 21, the maintenance teams pre-flighted the five Hercules. Shortly after 5am the aircrew walked out to their aircraft.

The spare C-130J was called in when one of the aircraft had difficulty starting an engine, and as dawn broke at RAAF Base Richmond, the hum of 16 Rolls Royce turboprops could be heard across the base.

Departing Richmond indi-vidually, the C-130Js joined as a four-ship at Coonabarabran and descended to 250ft above ground level.

A simulated threat area in the high country near Orange required careful flying by crews before they

conducted a simulated airdrop of paratroops and cargo near Young.

They then flew east for the coastline, past Sydney Heads and to the Blue Mountains, before returning to RAAF Base Richmond.

The formation’s return was enthusiastically met by the remain-ing 37SQN members on the ground.

“The response to the formation at 37SQN is exactly what you’d expect; pride in a difficult job done well,” WGCDR Goldie said.

“It also serves as a very visual statement of where the Squadron is moving, and I think there’s a lot of optimism at the moment as well.”

‘It serves as a very visual statement of where the squadron is moving,

and I think there’s a lot of optimism at the moment as well.

– WGCDR Darren Goldie, CO 37SQN

SGT Dave Morley

A FORMER Royal Mili tary Col lege gradua te who le f t Duntroon as a Royal Australian Corp Transport lieutenant in 1976 recently returned to be commis-sioned as the new Anglican Bishop of the ADF.

Bishop Ian Lambert received the appointment at the Anzac Memorial Chapel of St Paul on July 5, after two decades in the Army and two with the Anglican Church.

He said he was excited about the appointment.

“I can see, with 20/20 hind-sight, how God has been moving in and through my life and I can see how this is the right time and the right appointment for me,” he said.

“I trust I can serve the Defence community well.”

Bishop Lambert said while he came into the job with excite-ment, he also came in with a lack of knowledge.

“Things have changed so much since I left the Army,” he said. “I understand the culture but not the mechanisms within, so I’ve got a fairly steep learning curve there,” he said.

“I did Exercise Long Look with the British Army of the Rhine, but I think the highlight of my career

was the posting to Puckapunyal. I became a Christian there and had the pleasure of integrating my faith with my life and my work.”

Bishop Lamber t sa id he became an authorised lay minister at Puckapunyal.

“We ran a youth group minis-try there for all the teenage kids,” he said. “We called it TOPS – Teenagers of Pucka – and worked on the basis these kids had noth-ing.

“We provided them with enter-tainment and fun and shared the gospel with them.”

Bishop Lambert said he was putting together a visits sched-ule to all the bases and chaplains around Australia.

“Hopefully I’ll get most of that in by the end of the year,” he said. “I would also like to go to Afghanistan before the troops withdraw.”

As the new chief minister and pastor within the Defence com-munity, his role is to guard the faith, promote unity, discipline and the mission of the church in all Defence units and communities, at home and overseas.

Bishop Lambert was previ-ously the regional bishop for the NSW South Coast, Southern Monaro and Snowy as well as being rector of the Anglican parish of Batemans Bay.

Right job at the right time

EXCITED: Reverend Ian Lambert is enthusiastic about his appointment as the Anglican Bishop of the ADF. Photo: LS Helen Frank

HIGH FLIERS: Three C-130J Hercules from

37SQN fly in formation past the Sydney coastline.

Photos: CPL Amanda Campbell

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece July 18, 2013

FLTLT Cath Friend

AIR Force’s ‘best of the best’ fighter pi-lots have put their war-fighting skills to the ultimate test

during Exercise Aces North (AN13), and have passed with flying colours.

Graduating as the new-est fighter combat instructors (FCI), they are now members of the elite fraternity that wear the yellow and blue patch with pride.

The punishing exercise made up the final four weeks of the FCI course, involving more than 900 personnel and close to 60 aircraft. Seven fighter combat instructors, four fighter combat controllers (FCC) and two fighter intel-ligence instructor (FII) course students were happy to see

the end of one of Air Force’s most difficult courses.

The group pushed them-selves to the limits physically and mentally, while keeping a cool head throughout. The past five months focused on academics as well as air-to-air and air-to-ground training, which students were required to put it into practice in war-like missions in AN13.

AN13 exercise director GPCAPT Robert Chipman said it was a challenge.

“Students were required to bring all of their training together and immerse them-selves in scenarios that are as complex as the instructors and Air Force could make them,” he said.

“We make it as close to combat as we can achieve.”

It was the 32nd FCI course 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) had conducted.

“The aim of the course is to take our most talented pilots, weapon system officers, air battle managers and intel-ligence officers and put them through a rigorous six months of training to ensure they have the skills that they need to lead in combat,” GPCAPT Chipman said.

In a typical Aces North mission they had to fight their way into a target area, with minimal weapons on board, where they would be heavily outnumbered by enemy air-craft. They had to drop bombs on precise coordinates, defend against surface-to-air missile threats and anti-aircraft artillery and had to fight their way back out of the airspace.

This year’s FCI course was the first fully integrated regime, proving Air Force can support itself in battle.

Fighting the battles in the air were the F/A-18A Hornets and F/A-18F Super Hornets, which received fuel from the KC-30A tanker. Communicating locations of the enemy targets and adversaries to the fighter pilots were air battle manage-ment support members from the E-7A Wedgetail and the Mobile Control and Reporting Centre. On the ground in enemy territory was a 4SQN combat control team calling in the air-to-ground targets.

“This is a very exciting time for Air Force and what has been achieved in the past six months cannot be underes-timated,” GPCAPT Chipman said.

“We have seen such a fantastic improvement in the combat effectiveness across so many platforms.”

AN INTEGRATED FIGHTING FORCEThe vital role of FCC

FLTLT Cath Friend

MOST fighter combat control (FCC) graduates are thankful for passing the course, but for FLTLT Jeremy Feldhahn it was just the beginning.

Passing the course opened the door for FLTLT Feldhahn to become a weap-ons system officer (WSO) and later the first Air Force member to gradu-ate from the FCC and fighter combat instructor (FCI) course.

In 2008, FLTLT Feldhahn, then an air battle manager (ABM) at 3 Control Reporting Unit, completed the FCC course as the last step in career pro-gression as an ABM. After graduating from the FCC course he was offered a job with the Super Hornet Project.

In 2010 he began training to be a WSO and completed the conversion course to the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2011.

“When I returned to Australia the opportunity came up to be on the FCI course as the first WSO and to try and develop the syllabus with the intent it would be a trial to get the course up and running and then deliver the course in 2015,” FLTLT Feldhahn said.

During the course, FLTLT Feldhahn and wife, SQNLDR Hannah Jude-

Smith, welcomed the birth of their first child, Sebastian.

FLTLT Feldhahn was scheduled to be posted to 1SQN as WSO FCI.

“We really need to define what a WSO does long term, particularly now that the E/A-18G Growler is coming,” FLTLT Feldhahn said.

“So I will need to develop and design the WSO role and prepare for the FCI course.

“I’m looking at a promotion in 2014, hopefully to flight commander at either 1SQN or 6SQN, but at a mini-mum I would like to stay at Amberley and be around for the next FCI course to see that through.”

FLTLT Feldhahn said the biggest challenge going from FCC to FCI was being in the supporting role as opposed to performing the role.

“Having to do the briefing and debriefing was quite challenging on top of the execution, but really rewarding when it comes off,” he said.

“The best part of finishing is you don’t realise how you are improving until the end and you look at the start of Aces North when it took six hours to plan a mission and now it takes one. Especially when the end missions were much more complex.”

Graduating from two gruelling courses

THE fighter combat instructors (FCI) will now be employed in three broad fields. The first is to instruct the students coming from the Hawk 127 on to Hornets.

Others will become squadron weapons officers (WO) responsible for developing the training profiles for combat aircrews, and ensuring they are maintaining the skills and proficiencies to succeed in combat.

Some FCIs will become WO subject matter experts. Over the past six months they have developed a high degree of expertise on the aircraft systems and the tactics used to exploit them. They are also experts on poten-tial adversary aircraft and adversary tactics. They form the backbone of the Air Force knowledge base on which to develop tactics and exploit systems to ensure Air Force is successful in combat.

FCIs, fighter combat controllers and fighter intelligence instructors will now spear-

head the teams to introduce new Air Force capabilities and integration, such as

the F/A-18G Growler and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, ensuring

the aircraft are as effective as possible in the shortest amount of time.

Where to from here

Aces North firsts:➤ First Air Combat

Group fully inte-grated course

➤ First F/A-18F Super Hornet FCI course

➤ First weapon sys-tem officer graduate

➤ First time the E-7A flew with the first E-7A FCC graduate

➤ First time 4SQN combat control team was used

➤ First time a FCC came back to become a FCI graduate

➤ First time KC-30A Multi-role Tankers participated.

➤ 33SQN flew 36 mis-sion successes with the two KC-30s.

➤ 33SQN off-loaded more than 900,000 tonnes of fuel.

Aces North fast facts

REUNITED: FLTLT Jeremy Feldhahn is welcomed home by wife SQNLDR Hannah Jude-Smith and 12-week-old Sebastian who was born while FLTLT Feldhahn was on the FCI course. Photo: CPL Mark McConnell

IN THE HOT SEAT: Left, a F/A-18A Hornet pilot flies through the skies of the Northern Territory, behind a KC-30A. Above, WOFF Andrew Newman, an air refuelling officer for the KC-30A, sits at his work station prior to commencing air-to-air refuelling. Right, LACW Adrielle Juju, of 36SQN, on the flightline to check C-17s.Photos: SQNLDR Paul Simmonds and LAC Dan Pinhorn

IT’S A PASS: Fighter Combat Instructors

conduct a dawn strike on RAAF

Base Williamtown signifying the completion of

their six-month course.

Photo: LAC Craig

Barrett

FLIGHT SKILLS: Top, pilots run through pre-flight checks in a C-130J Hercules cockpit before they depart the Delamere range airstrip. Above, An F/A-18F Super Hornet taxis after the simulated strike on RAAF Base Williamtown. Photos: LACs Dan Pinhorn and Craig Barrett

UP IN THE AIR: Top, joint battlespace air controller, SQNLDR Wayne Macgregor-Davies, checks a flight plan. Above, four F/A-18F Super Hornets and an F/A-18A Hornet soar across the Top End alongside a KC-30A.Photos: LAC Dan Pinhorn and SQNLDR Paul Simmonds

Best in the businessFLTLT Cath Friend

FIGHTER combat controllers (FCC) are the tactical leaders of air battle management units, who ensure the team is always ready for operations.

To achieve this, Surveillance and Response Group select air battle managers (ABM) who have four to five years’ experi-ence and have demonstrated exceptional performance on operations and exercises. They must be able to not only plan for, but execute air battle manage-ment in any type of conflict the Air Force can envisage.

The FCC course is run concurrently with the Fighter Combat Instructors (FCI) course and both culminate in Exercise

Aces North. This year was the 20th anniversary of the FCC course and for the first time an FCC student was on board the Wedgetail involved in the exercise.

FCCs ensure the FCI course gets the real-time information it requires in battle, by communicating and coordinating with all combat assets. They inte-grate command and control (C2) assets like the Wedgetail

and Control and Reporting Centres (CRC) with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms like the AP-3C Orion.

It is important to have these airborne radar to overcome radar horizon, meaning a Wedgetail can see low-flying aircraft. FLTLT Andrew Harris was on the Wedgetail and was awarded overall dux.

“Having the radar in the air and moving around means we can simply move it to a better position so that we can see more and have a longer range, which in turn allows us to detect more targets in that area,” he said.

“The E-7A Wedgetail is vital to the ADF because it can perform air battle management anywhere in the world. At short notice we can give the war-fight-er the high-end information he requires to go into a high threat area and hit his target and get home safely.”

Academic dux FLTLT Wayne Armstrong said the course was hard work but a rewarding expe-rience.

“Being a FCC student meant very high workloads, very high intensity and very high stress levels although the payoff for the course is definitely worth it – the

amount of experience you gain from doing this course definitely makes us better operators,” he said.

“As a C2 package command-er I had to make sure all the jets had access to the voice commu-nication and data link systems they needed to conduct the mis-sion and for us to provide core air battle management functions such as fighter control. We had to keep higher headquarters informed on fight progress and relay tasking changes during the mission.”

FCC course director SQNLDR Robert Vine said when the CRC and the Wedgetail come together they become a vital source of information to commanders and war fighters.

“They share their information by a variety of means including advanced digital data links and voice communications, allowing the Air Force to take ground-based sensors and intel-ligence sources and fuse those together with the airborne systems that the E-7A has,” he said.

14 July 18, 2013RCEAIR FNews

FLTLT Gavin Briggs

SQNLDR Samantha Freebairn juggles being a mum and a pilot. While not every day is easy, she loves being a leader in the Air Force.

SQNLDR Freebairn spoke about her experiences at the Queensland Public Sector Young Leaders Conference last month.

A Globemaster pilot with 36SQN, SQNLDR Freebairn spoke of the challenges women face in trying to successfully juggle their many roles and demands.

In her speech titled “Fostering a Culture of Commitment and Accountability”, she spoke about her own experiences with respect to gender diversity and accountability.

“I’d like to spend a few moments telling you about women in the military. Firstly, I am a woman and I am serving in the military, I am a pilot of the C-17 aircraft, I am a wife and I am a mum,” she said.

SQNLDR Freebairn

acknowledged days were often busy and challenging for any working parent, but said she had “a great family, a job I love, a supportive boss and an organisation that is supporting women returning to work after children, and in many other ways is extremely progressive”.

“This transition period is one I am very proud to be a part of and the reason I am choosing to stay in the Air Force. I want to ensure this change is enduring,” SQNLDR Freebairn said.

She said women should not be scared to reach for their dreams.

“First, someone has to be interested in flying or the military, and then we, as an organisation, have to get them to be interested in flying in the military,” she said.

“This is sometimes perceived as too hard or too dangerous by women when in fact anyone can learn to fly. Women learn differently to men and require different support networks.

“The Air Force is currently trying to even the playing field to ensure everyone has the best chance of success.”

One of the themes SQNLDR Freebairn discussed in her speech was Air Force’s commitment to increasing gender diversity with a requirement to comprise 25 per cent women.

Currently, Air Force is made up of 17.5 per cent women. Attention is being focused on supporting, retaining, recruit-ing and progressing women within the more non-tradition-al employment roles like air crew (3 per cent), and techni-cal trades (6 per cent), because even small gains in these areas will have an enormous impact in decreasing the occupational segregation of these fields.

SQNLDR Freebairn’s speech illustrated to the audience that Air Force has hard-working leaders who are unafraid to confront problems and seek solutions to challenges women face in securing a flying career in the military.

Leaders are out in front

LEADING THE WAY: C-17A pilot SQNLDR Samantha Freebairn, of 36SQN at RAAF Base Amberley, impressed the crowd at the Queensland Public Sector Young Leaders Conference. Photo: LACW Kylie Gibson

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15July 18, 2013RCEAIR F News

Cadets get their wingsFLTLT Sean Watson

AUSTRALIAN Air Force Cadets (AAFC) can now proudly wear new proficiency badges and wings, designed specifically for them.

The new badges began being dis-tributed last month to more than 2000 AAFC and staff eligible to wear them.

AAFC National Commander GPCAPT (AAFC) Ken Given said the Proficiency Badge was new, while the Pilot Wings were an update to an exist-ing design.

“Both badges will provide standard-

ised recognition towards the proficien-cies and qualifications achieved by our cadets and instructors,” he said.

The badges were designed on behalf of the AAFC by Air Force Cadet Branch Logistics Officer, WOFF Michael Papa.

“The AAFC Proficiency Badge resembles the Air Force Operational Readiness Badge – featuring an out-stretched Wedge-tailed Eagle surrounded by a circular disk with ‘Australian Air Force Cadets’ embossed around it,” he said.

“The badge will recognise those cadets and instructors who achieve a

designated number of AAFC proficien-cies.”

The new AAFC Pilots Wings feature the AAFC national crest superimposed over upswept dove wings. The wings were re-designed to prevent confusion between the old AAFC design and Air Force badges currently in service.

Examples of both badges have been presented to CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown.

“It is very pleasing to see our young cadets have badges that appropriately recognise their achievements in the AAFC,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

FLTLT Bettina Mears

ACTING OIC 1 Combat Communications Squadron (1CCS) Airfield Systems FSGT Jason McLaren has implemented cost-saving initiatives that have saved Air Force $142,000.

For his commitment to the initiatives, FSGT McLaren has been presented with an OC Commendation.

Since 1965, 1CCS has been focused on the delivery of efficient and tactical communications sup-port to enable airspace control and FSGT McLaren took the lead on a costs analysis review to identify economically viable alternatives.

OC 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing (395ECSW) GPCAPT Peter Davis said the review resulted in the development of sustainable cost saving initiatives for the squadron and the wing.

Cost-conscious approach pays off

“Since assuming his role as OIC of 1CCS Airfield Systems capability in 2012, FSGT McLaren has dis-

played great leadership and dedication to refining what we do,” GPCAPT Davis said. “The revised processes have also assisted in the prevention of equipment damage.”

FSGT McLaren insti-gated a project to install a base mains power feed to the tactical Air Surveillance Radar site at RAAF Base Williamtown which negated the need for costly transport.

He also identified trans-port savings relating to the Transportable Air Operations Tower (TAOT) acceptance testing at RAAF Base Tindal, the commu-nications support require-ments provided by TAOT for Exercise Leadfoot at RAAF Learmonth and for the sup-port provided at the 2013 Avalon air show.

AWARDED: CO 395ECS WG GPCAPT Peter Davis presents FSGT Jason McLaren with an OC Commendation. Photo: LACW Jessica de Rouw

NEW BADGES: Air Force Cadets now have proficiency badges and wings designed specifically for the AAFC.

RAAF Curtin marks 25 yearsFLTLT Gavin Briggs

ONE of Australia’s two northern bare bases paused briefly in early June to acknowledge its first quarter-century.

RAAF Curtin, situated in a remote area near Derby in Western Australia’s West Kimberley region, was officially opened in the late 1980s and provides Air Force with an enhanced capability to conduct operations from mainland Australia.

CO 13SQN WGCDR Robert Graham attended from RAAF Base Darwin and joined Air Force caretaker staff and their families for a morning tea to celebrate the anniversary.

The facility was named in honour of Australia’s wartime prime minis-ter John Curtin, who led the nation in WWII.

The base was opened on June 11, 1988 by then prime minister Bob Hawke and hundreds of residents from across the West Kimberley region attended the ceremony.

Aleta Lee-James, partner of base acting caretaker CPL Dennis O’Connor, was present at the anniver-sary.

“It was a great day. The local com-munity was very proud to welcome the RAAF to Derby and continue to be supportive of the Air Force presence today,” Ms Lee-James said.

The base underwent significant enhancements during the 1990s and beyond.

Responsibility for RAAF Curtin transferred from 396 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing to 13SQN on January 1 this year.

Unit safety adviser and acting care-taker CPL O’Connor has been working at the base for the past 18 months, and said the community provided strong

support to Air Force and its people. “The local community is quite

interested in the base,” he said. “They have a lot of affection and enthusiasm for the work we do.”

Along with contractor services,

a four-person detachment main-tains the base and provides airfield maintenance to a constant state of readiness.

The base can be fully opera-tional within 24 hours. Until

Exercise Pitch Black in 2006, RAAF Curtin had only been acti-vated once.

The airfield is suitable to han-dle a variety of aircraft, from tac-tical fighters to civilian airliners.

CURTIN’S OPENING: On June 11, 1988, then prime minister Bob Hawke officially opened RAAF Curtin near Derby in WA. The bare base has celebrated its 25th anniversary.

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17July 18, 2013RCEAIR F History

FLTLT Gavin Briggs

THE nature of intelligence work goes largely unnoticed and for good reason. However, this meant a lot of the work done by Air Force intelligence officers (INTELLOs) during WWII remained hidden for many years.

This situation rings true for the service personnel of 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (1PRU).

The unit was formed on June 8, 1942 in Laverton, Victoria, and two months later moved north to Hughes Airfield in the Northern Territory.

In David Vincent’s Mosquito Monograph: A History of Mosquitoes in Australia and RAAF Operations, he described the unit’s objectives as “to carry out long-range strategic recon-naissance and tactical reconnaissance”.

Air Force historian Dr Gregory Gilbert described intelligence “as the glue that binds the different elements of Air Power together”.

“Without good air intelligence you cannot run an effective air campaign,” he said.

“The members of 87SQN played a critical role in gathering intelligence for the Allies in the South-West Pacific Area during WWII. The squadron now undertakes intelligence, surveil-lance and reconnaissance activities that underpin the RAAF’s ability to apply air power and, every day, they uphold the proud traditions and heritage of the Air Force intelligence community.”

T h e s q u a d r o n f i r s t f l e w Brewster Buffaloes and Lockheed F-4 Lightnings before moving to Australian-built Mosquito aircraft – both the De Havilland FB 40s and pur-pose-built PR 40s.

The Mosquito’s air-frame was made almost entirely out of wood and went by the nickname “Wooden Wonder”.

On September 10, 1944, 87SQN was formed from elements of 1PRU at Coomalie Creek in the NT. This new squadron was based in the same loca-tion where the RAAF’s sole photo-

Secrets in the skies

Out of the shadowsFLTLT Gavin Briggs

DECADES before the digital revolu-tion, a small but dedicated band of Air Force Intelligence personnel gave great war-time service in the defence of Australia.

Their work remained so secret that long after the war had ended, they were not permitted to talk about their exploits.

That is about to change with a series of Air Force Intelligence 50th anniversary activities to be held later this year in Adelaide and Canberra, commemorating the efforts of the Air Force Intelligence Officer Branch.

Canberra resident and former intel-ligence officer Douglas Guppy, now aged 91, is eager to attend the celebra-tions.

“I am looking forward to seeing if any of the people I knew and served with are still around,” Mr Guppy said.

“I don’t think there will be too many, unfortunately, but it will be interesting nonetheless.”

Mr Guppy’s war-time service began a decade before the formal establish-ment of the RAAF Intelligence Officer Branch in 1953. He served with the RAAF during WWII, alongside 1 Photo Reconnaissance Unit (1PRU) and 87SQN.

“A group of fellow geologists I knew before the war joined the RAAF as Intel officers in special duties,” he said.

“They wanted more people so I asked them to help get me in.”

THE 50th anniversary of the formation of the RAAF Intelligence Officer Specialisation will be celebrated at a number of events this year in Adelaide and Canberra.On September 20, 1953, the RAAF Intelligence Officer Specialisation was established and has since proved to be a critical component of Air Force’s intelligence capability, enabling air operations throughout the RAAF’s diverse and significant operational history.Events include:87SQN, RAAF Base Edinburgh, September 20➤ Air Force Intelligence

(AFINT) Symposium➤ Opening of new 87SQN

HQ building➤ Emplacement of AFINT

50th anniversary time capsule

➤ Formal dinner

Canberra, Weston Creek, October 5➤ Presentation ceremony

and semi-formal dinner, October 6

➤ Informal brunch

For more information regarding event details email RAAF.Reunion@defence.gov.au or call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362) and ask to be put through to RAAF Reunions.

50 years of memories

graphic reconnaissance unit – 1PRU – had been since December 1942.

The squadron flew Australian-built Wirraways and Mosquitoes. In the lat-ter stages of the war, from March 1945 onwards, the squadron received 16 Mosquito PR Mk XVI variants from Britain.

The missions conducted by 87SQN were carried out over occupied Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), Java, Celebes in Indonesia, Timor, Borneo and the Philippines.

The squadron was tasked with photo reconnaissance of enemy strength, loca-tion and movements. This air intelligence proved vital in the Allies’ planning against Japan.

The Mosquitoes of 87SQN flew unarmed, allowing them to fly higher, fur-ther and faster over enemy territory.

In June 1944, a detachment of three aircraft was based briefly alongside the RAF 136SQN on the Cocos Islands. Their top secret mission was to fly over Singapore but continued bad weather in the Indian Ocean region hampered their efforts, forcing them to fly just one sortie over Christmas Island before their even-tual return to Coomalie Creek, in the NT.

In July 1945 the squadron flew its longest photo reconnaissance mission over targets in Java – a flight which covered more than 3700km. On August 15, the day the war ended against Japan, the squadron flew its last wartime operation. One hour into its flight to Timor, the Mosquito was called back to base.

The final operational flight against the Japanese was a mapping run over Timor on October 3. The squadron had contin-ued conducting flights over identified

Japanese formations until they could be disarmed by the victorious Allied forces.

Soon after the war’s end, the squadron returned to Australia and was disbanded, in July, 1946.

The squadron was reformed at RAAF Base Fairbairn when Survey Flight was redesignated as 87SQN, and after much work mapping parts of Australia or the Commonwealth, it was again disbanded in December 1953.

On July 1, 2006, 87SQN reformed at RAAF Base Edinburgh and its wartime service was formally recognised.

In February 2009, Governor-General Quentin Bryce presented the squadron with six battle honours for its outstanding performance during WWII. They were: Darwin 1942-1944; Pacific 1942-1945; Philippines 1944; Dutch New Guinea 1945; Borneo 1945; and Morotai 1945.

As a geologist at Adelaide University, Mr Guppy’s employer was famous Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson.

“He was in control of manpower at Adelaide University’s geology department and he wanted me to work in the uranium deposits for the American bomb trials,” Mr Guppy said.

“Douglas Mawson tried to stop me joining, however geologists were sought after as we are trained to study things very carefully and we are good at looking at things and picking up unusual activity and inconsistencies. We proved to be very useful to the RAAF.”

After the war, Mr Guppy

resumed his civilian career as a geologist which took him to places such as Persia (modern-day Iran). Mr Guppy is looking forward to seeing other WWII veterans.

“The thing that interests me the most about the anniversary events is being able to talk again to men who flew the reconnaissance mission in the Mosquito from 87SQN. They did all our photography for us,” Mr Guppy said.

“It was a difficult time for them as they were a long way from home and unarmed. That was to save weight, so they could fly the long distances through enemy territory.

“I am rather looking forward to it.”

ANNIVERSARY: Former Air Force Intelligence Officer Douglas Guppy, 91, is looking forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of Air Force Intelligence. Photos: CPL Aaron Curran

LOOKING BACK: Clockwise from far left, 1PRU members at their canteen at Coomalie Creek in 1943; 1PRU personnel at the officers tent at Coomalie Creek in 1943; 1PRU members load camera magazines into a Lockheed Lightning aircraft at Coomalie Creek in 1943; Cobbers author Dr Thomas Wood discusses aerial photographs with 1PRU’s FLGOFF L. Basser, FLTLT W.J. Ryan and SQNLDR C.C. Lawrie in 1944. Photos courtesy of the Australian War Memorial and donor N.M. Walker

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18 July 18, 2013RCEAIR FAir Force Improvement

Flexible reserve training

Air Force BandJuly 19: Fromelles service at Mel-bourne Shrine, Melbourne.July 25: Chamber Series at St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne

For full details on upcoming displays, go to: www.air-force.gov.au

Air Force events

WGCDR Judith McCann

NEW reserve positions have been created and the Reserve Training Wing and associated training flights in city squad-rons have been disbanded under training refinements requested by CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown.

His ‘Intent for Education and Training of Air Force Reserves’ Directive means recruiting tar-gets are being reinvigorated with an integrated training model concept introduced.

This will support reserv-ists in upskilling and use both full-time and flexible delivery options for Induction and Initial Employment Training.

Commander Ai r Fo rce Tr a i n i n g G r o u p ( A F T G ) AIRCDRE Brian Edwards said the review will ensure reservists are trained more efficiently, and their unique circumstances are taken into account as much as possible.

“Under the new arrange-ments, reservists will be pro-vided more one-on-one support, and proactively managed and assisted throughout their train-ing,” he said.

HQ AFTG will soon call for expressions of interest to fill positions within that area, at selected schools and at major bases to provide local support to reservist trainees.

Staff officer AFTG Training Systems and Standards John Fisher said “the training system must cater for the flexible work-force, in order to better utilise and capture the skills on offer to the Air Force”.

“The changes to more flex-ible methods of learning will not just benefit reservists – there will also be flow-on effects for Air Force trainees,” he said.

BUILDING A STRONGER AIR FORCE: Air Force Improvement team members FLGOFF Jesse Lovell and FLTLT Matthew Thomas demonstrate process mapping to staff members from Russell Offices.Photo: CPL Guy Young

LEAN Continuous Improvement (CI) training helps personnel gain the skills to remove inefficiencies from the workplace.

There are courses in awareness briefings, improvement practitioner training, executive change leader-ship training and advanced training to improvement leader level.

The Air Force Improvement (AFI) awareness briefings are delivered on Air Force promotion courses as communication pack-ages, but COs can also request a briefing at their unit.

The improvement practitioner training is aimed at specific per-sonnel who have been assigned to lead an improvement project and those who have been appointed as a CI coordinator within their Force Element Group. It provides them with the basic change management

and project management skills to define and establish improvement. It also provides more in-depth training on specific Lean tools and techniques.

Executive change leadership training is aimed primarily at OCs and directors, COs and other executive-level officers who occu-py key change leadership roles. The course introduces concepts associated with whole of enter-prise Lean business improvement, change leadership and elements of governance needed to effectively implement and lead a program of reform.

Advanced training for improve-ment leaders is provided using Green Belt Training in Lean Six Sigma. Members joining AFI as base consultants complete this intensive course at the University

of Technology, Sydney. It is designed for the AFI consultants to advance their skills to provide more specialist Lean CI support across Air Force.

Further information is available through local AFI team OICs: Amberley, Darwin and Townsville – FLTLT Todd Byron on (07) 5361 2722; Canberra – SQNLDR Mia Clapton on (02) 6265 3786; Edinburgh and Pearce – FLTLT Scott Schultz on (08) 7383 2120; Richmond and Glenbrook – FLTLT Shaun Toussaint on (02) 4587 2155; Wagga Wagga, Williams and East Sale – Brett Morrison on (03) 9256 2191; Williamtown and Tindal – FLTLT Fiona Lauman on (02) 4034 9874.

The skills to make improvements

➤ Acknowledgement and acceptance that the reserve workforce have per-sonal commitments and are a shared resource with civilian employers.

➤ Utilising both full-time and flexible delivery options for Induction and Initial Employment Training through an agreed training plan for each reserve member.

➤ Maximising the use of Recognition of Prior Learning and Recognition of Current Competencies.

➤ Responding to a single recruiting sys-tem that integrates the requirements of both reserve and permanent Air Force trainees.

Principles of training reform

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19July 18, 2013RCEAIR F Justice

CAPT Scott Ritchie Director Military Discipline Law

WHEN a person assaults another by touching, kissing, handling or otherwise interfering with them in an indecent manner and without their consent, it is a sexual offence.

What makes an assault indecent is determined by current com-munity standards; however, any unwanted physical attention that is lewd or sexual could be seen as being indecent.

Overall, indecent assault can be characterised as behaviour comprising any unwanted sexual

behaviour or touching that is forced upon people against their will.

The ADF does not tolerate any form of indecent assault and it breaches the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 and civilian criminal law.

An offender is liable to a term of imprisonment for, in the case of the ACT where it is referred to as an act of indecency, up to seven years.

In addition, an offender can face administrative sanction for indecent assault, including dis-missal from the ADF.

A member can be suspended from the ADF while an allegation of indecent assault is investi-gated.

Indecent assault can cause enormous and long-lasting trauma to the victim. It also can impair unit morale, cohesion and effec-tiveness in the workplace and on operations.

The prosecution by the ADF of recent cases of indecent assault demonstrate the resolve of the ADF to ensure that those members who engage in such criminal and offensive behaviour are held accountable.

Tough stance

JUNE TRIAL RESULTSNote: All Court Martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to command review

and appeal. The results indicated are of trials across the ADF.

Other rankDefence Force MagistrateOne charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm DFDA s 61(3) and Crimes Act (ACT) 1900 s 24(1)

One charge of assaulting a subordi-nate DFDA s 34 (in the alternative)

One charge of creating a disturbance on service land DFDA s 33(b)

One charge of failing to comply with a general order DFDA s 29(1)

The member was accused of creat-ing a disturbance and hitting another member in the face, causing injury. The member was also accused of being in an inappropriate workplace relation-ship. The member pleaded not guilty to the charges of assault and creating a disturbance, and guilty to the remaining charge. The member found not guilty of all charges except for failing to comply with a general order. The member for-feited seniority.

Defence Force MagistrateEight charges of misuse of a Commonwealth credit card DFDA s 61(3) and Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 s 60(1)

The member was accused of obtaining Commonwealth funds totalling $5406.54 when not authorised to do so. The mem-ber pleaded guilty to all charges and was found guilty of all. The member was dismissed from the ADF and sentenced to imprisonment for three months.

OfficerRestricted Court MartialOne charge of prejudicial conduct DFDA s 60(1)

The member was accused of being in a relationship with a member married to another member under their direct com-mand. The member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty. The mem-ber was reduced in rank and severely reprimanded.

NCORestricted Court MartialOne charge of attempted act of inde-cency without consent DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code Act 2002 (ACT) s 44(1)

The member was accused of attempting to take an inappropriate photograph of another member without their consent. The member pleaded guilty and was found guilty. The member was fined $4530 (with $2265 suspended), to be paid in fortnightly instalments of $87.12. The member was also severely repri-manded.

Defence Force MagistrateOne charge of theft DFDA s 47C

The member was accused of taking a number of electronic items when not authorised to do so. The member pleaded not guilty to the charge and was found guilty. The member forfeited seniority, was fined $2000 (to be paid in fortnightly instalments of $120), and ordered to return the electronic items.

Photo: LS Helen Frank

Bruce Jackson

CHANGES to Defence housing policy will enable ADF members to have a non-dependant person reside in their Defence-subsidised housing for the purpose of providing child care.

As of July 1, a fam-ily member or au pair can occupy a service residence or a rent allowance prop-erty on a full-time basis to assist members and their families.

Military Conditions and Housing Policy assistant director Bob Jones said the changes would give mem-bers a greater degree of flexibility.

“Defence is commit-ted to being an employer of choice and this change is another example of Defence’s commitment to supporting members through the changing stag-es of their life and career,” Mr Jones said.

“It also recognises the unusual patterns of work commonly associated with Defence service.

“The changes comple-ment a range of enhance-ments to family-friendly policies, such as the recent improvements to carer’s

leave, which is also aimed at assisting Defence fami-lies who need help with the care of children.”

In-home child carers will not be recognised as dependants by Defence and there is no change to ben-efits such as the number of bedrooms or removals.

It is a member’s respon-sibility to inform Defence Housing Australia in writ-ing when their housing cir-cumstances have changed.

Defence will not be part of any contract or arrange-ment between the member and the carer or any organi-sation that facilitates the arrangement and members will be responsible for providing remuneration to the carer, complying with relevant labour laws and providing the necessary liability or worker’s com-pensation insurance.

A resident child care form has been developed to gather information and feedback and to notify Defence Housing Australia of changes. It is avail-able on the People Connect website and further informa-tion is available at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/pac/ or www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac/ For enquiries about Defence housing policy email housing.policyinquiry@defence.gov.au

PERSONNEL will be able to check availability and book live-in accom-modation with a new online service.

Defence’s Head Defence Support Operations Mark Jenkin signed a five-year contract with Defence Housing Australia (DHA) on June 21 to provide a national living-in accom-modation booking and allocation service to ADF members.

There are more than 33,000 rooms available as living-in accom-modation across Australia, which are used as permanent, course, exercise and transit accommodation.

The living-in accommodation booking and allocation system will provide ADF personnel, unit and Defence administration with 24/7 access to real-time information on accommodation availability and options.

Acting head of Defence Support Operations Sue Parr said the system would provide a streamlined consist-ent process for ADF members.

“The booking and allocation system will allow ADF members to book living-in accommodation at all locations across Australia, through a

convenient online national system,” Ms Parr said.

A pilot program will begin in South-East Queensland in September with the remaining regions to transi-tion to the DHA-managed system in the first half of next year.

There are dedicated DHA field implementation teams currently working in each Defence Support and Reform Group region, focused on gathering issues to ensure service and local requirements are captured in the new service.

Contact LIAProject@dha.gov.au

In-home care for children

New online living-in service

FLTLT Gavin Briggs

A NEW tool to help members understand the value of their ADF pay and benefits is set to be launched on August 1.

The user-friendly Compare Your Package (CYP) service will provide full-time ADF members with an up-to-date estimation of the financial value of their condi-tions of service and an overview of the intangible benefits available in their Defence service offer.

People Policy and Employment Conditions Branch project man-ager David Scott said it was hoped the service would give a comprehensive view of members’

entitlements and the rewards and benefits available.

“How members use that infor-mation is up to them – hopefully they will be influenced to stay longer in the ADF,” he said.

The CYP report pulls together many of the benefits available to ADF members, including allow-ances, top-up superannuation and retention bonuses.

As a whole package, members can use it to understand how the Defence service package provides a wide range of benefits that other employers might not offer.

“That’s why we would say that it is an approximation,” Mr Scott said. “It’s not an actual 100 per

cent representation but it is very close.”

The program was authorised by the Chief of Services Committee to assist with retention of full-time ADF members, especially those who are critical to maintaining capability.

Members thinking of leaving the ADF are being encouraged to use the CYP to make an informed decision. The online tool will allow them to compare their Defence package of pre-tax financial and non-financial benefits with what is available outside of Defence.

The CYP can be accessed on the intranet from August 1 at http://cass/apps/cyp

Take advantage of your entitlements

SUPPORT: Changes to the Defence Housing Policy mean ADF members can have a non-dependant person live in a service residence or rent allowance property to care for their children. Image: Bob Dikkenberg

20 July 18, 2013RCEAIR FPersonnel

21July 18, 2013RCEAIR F Flightline

READY TO ROLL: LACW Andrea Lee checks out the Chris Stillwell Ford Mustang at RAAF Base Tindal. Photo: LAC Terry Hartin

DEPLOYED: LAC Alan Williams is a fire-fighter at Al Minhad Air Base. Photo: PO Phil Cullinan

OPERATION SLIPPER: Medic CPL Mylie White checks her equipment on the flightline at Al Minhad Air Base. Right, senior military recruiting officer FLTLT Luke Headley enlists new members at Defence Force Recruiting in Townsville. Photos: CPL Glen McCarthy and PO Phil Cullinan

MEET AND GREET: LACW Laila Engle and LAC Salvador Blasco-Celda answer questions by students after the Air Force Wind Ensemble’s school concert at Karama Primary School, Darwin. Inset, FSGT Mark Cleary with his Air Commander Australia Silver Commendation for outstanding performance as the programming officer at the Officers’ Training School, RAAF Base East Sale. Photos: CPL Cam Scott and LAC David Cotton

ON THE GO: FLTLT Craig Gillies, an operations officer with 92WG, as watch keeper for Joint Task Force 639 Air Component Coordination Element during Operation Resolute RAAF Base Darwin. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

DONATIONS: 10SQN’s WOFF Lara McAuliffe, the Sergeants’ Mess historian, presents a book to MAJ Sue May. It is part of a collection donated to the Salvation Army.Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

ON SHOW: Military working dog handler LAC Luke Webber and dog Otto prepare for a display for Flagstone State School students. Photo: LACW Shannon McCarthy

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22 July 18, 2013RCEAIR FHealth

Supplementary questionsProtein powders, pre-workouts and other potions – what’s good, what’s not and do we really need them? LS Helen Frank weighs in to the world of amino acids in the first of a three-part series.

DO YOU want to increase your endurance during workouts, decrease your recovery time between

training sessions, increase your strength gains or speed up your fat loss? Effective supplementation can augment your efforts in the gym and the kitchen, but you need to know what you are taking.

The most common supplement used by gym goers is protein powder. You need protein for a number of reasons.

Australian Institute of Sport dieti-tian Greg Shaw said protein was an essential nutrient in the diet and was necessary to build body proteins that have important structural and func-tional roles.

“Proteins are made up of various sequences of about 20 different amino acids,” Mr Shaw said.

“Eight of these amino acids are essential and must come from the diet. Some amino acids are used as a minor fuel source during exercise.”

Amino acids act as building blocks for most bodily structures, including hair, organs, skin and muscles. Using amino acids, we build new tissue and repair damaged tissue.

Defence’s Senior Medical Adviser

for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mathew Klein, said Joint Health Command encouraged good nutrition in the form of a healthy, balanced diet rather than the use of supplements.

“While additional protein is ben-eficial when building muscle bulk, it can be obtained by adding protein-containing foods rather than by the use of supplemental protein powders,” Dr Klein said.

Protein is needed to maintain qual-ity of life, especially in the later years where bodies are more susceptible to skeletal muscle wasting.

Studies of men eating 1g of protein per 1kg of body weight showed they had a greater level of feeling full than similarly-aged men eating less protein. They also reported a superior ability to stick to an eating plan.

Most people don’t need a lot of protein. Mr Shaw said the recom-mended daily intake was 0.75g per kilo of body weight a day, but some people would need more.

“Those undertaking resistance exercise have requirements that are slightly higher at 1.5-2g a day depend-ing on age, nutrition, training focus, training age and gender,” he said.

Highly active athletes, powerlifters crossfitters, people trying to gain mass

and strength and those trying to lose weight can benefit from an increased protein intake. This improves diet adherence and provides amino acids for muscle recovery and repair.

So do you need to use a protein powder to supplement your protein intake? Protein powder can help ath-letes recover from training, but that doesn’t mean you need protein powder.

Protein powders have been for-mulated to stimulate muscle tissue growth from a minimal amount of

quality protein. However, the vari-ability in the ingredients, quality and contamination can impact on their effectiveness.

“I would recommend a protein powder to a person who is looking to increase muscle mass and is undertak-ing regular resistance exercise for con-venience immediately after resistance training if they are unable to access quality food within the next hour,” Mr Shaw said.

“I encourage real food protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, beef

and eggs, at all main and mid-meal snacks to continue the growth and repair of muscle tissue if the person was looking to increase lean muscle mass.”

Mr Shaw said protein intake is an effective way of increasing muscle protein for 24 to 48 hours after resist-ance exercise, so regular intake of quality protein sources throughout the day would help muscle growth.

Next edition: Choosing the right supplements.

Bulking up: Protein powder can help athletes recover from training, but that doesn’t mean you need protein powder. Real food protein sources help muscle growth.

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23July 18, 2013RCEAIR F Sport

Father figures ride for charityFLTLT Gavin Briggs

RECENT family bereavements spurred RAF exchange officers of 92WG, FLTLT Kev Ross and SGT Stephen Barnes, to get on their bikes and ride for a good cause – in memory of their fathers.

They took part in the Star 2 Remember Charity Bicycle Ride, joined by LAC Andy Duncan. The three pedalled about 1000km over eight days from Adelaide to Melbourne, with only one tyre change during the entire journey.

They raised $6500 that will be shared equally between the South Australian branches of the Heart Foundation and The Cancer Council.

These charities were cho-sen due to the recent deaths of FLTLT Ross’ and SGT Barnes’ fathers, whose illnesses are sup-ported by the charities.

“A huge thank you on behalf of the team for everyone’s sup-port, encouragement and dona-tions to two special causes that

are close to both our families,” FLTLT Ross said.

“The team received support from the RAF Sport Lottery Fund, the RAAF in the form of support vehicles, and Transfield Services for food and water.”

CO 10SQN WGCDR David Hombsch and OPSO 92WG HQ FLTLT James Magnuson joined the riders to Mount Gambier on the first three days of the charity event.

As a UK exchange offic-er with 292SQN, FLTLT Ross said the physical challenge was always going to be hard.

“As such, we started our train-ing over six months ago, fitting in training sessions between deployments on Op Resolute,” he said.

“No amount of training was ever going to be enough, but with such personal commitment to the cause we were never going to give up.

“We couldn’t have done the event without our support team who were fundamental in pro-

tecting us along the route and followed us tirelessly, warning other vehicles of our position ahead.”

The support crew comprised FLGOFF Stuart Collett and SGT Mihai Rotaru from 92WG.

“We would like to thank the RAAF Base Edinburgh commu-nity for their donations and for getting involved with supporting our two charities,” SGT Barnes said.

“Special thanks must go to LAC Andy ‘Goggles’ Duncan for getting involved at such short notice. He was an invaluable asset and a major strength of the team.

“A huge thanks goes out to our friends and families in the UK and Australia for their con-stant support and encouragement, both in the training and planning of this charity bike ride.”

FLTLT Ross and SGT Barnes intend to assist in the research and education of both diseases by raising awareness along with vital funds to help other families.

SCENIC: From left, LAC Andy Duncan, FLTLT Kev Ross and SGT Stephen Barnes took time out from the ride to take in the scenery of the 12 Apostles on the Victorian coastline.

Advanced air for OCDTWO1 Phil Thamm

TRAVELLING at 40km/hr under canopy with the aim of docking onto another canopy is one of the most spectacular forms of skydiv-ing and is exactly how OCDT Simon Kube, of ADFA, spent the weekend of June 15-16.

He attended a canopy formation skills camp at Goulburn, under the auspices of the Australian Defence Parachute Association (ADPA).

OCDT Kube joined a small group of Defence skydivers at the camp to build skill in the sport of manoeu-vring canopies together to create specific formations.

He Kube was first introduced to canopy formation last year at an ADPA camp at Nagambie in Victoria.

“It was awesome to be able to

build our confidence in canopy for-mation. We were given the freedom to organise and carry out our own training under the watchful eye of our highly experienced coach,” OCDT Kube said.

“When I started, I really didn’t know much about canopy forma-tion although I’d been told how much fun it was by my instructor, Jules McConnell, who recently medalled at the World Canopy Formation Championships.

“Now that I’ve become involved, I’ve found it a close-knit and friendly group where everyone just wants to jump, have fun and do cool things in the sky.

“It’s quite unlike any other parachuting discipline and really sets itself apart with the teamwork and communication needed as well as being just a little bit wild.”

ODCT Kube said he would like to continue jumping canopy formation under the ADPA, while an all-time goal would be to represent the ADF in national and overseas competi-tion or be part of large canopy formations.

He looks forward to building up the discipline across Defence and appreciates the support provided by ADPA.

Although Defence numbers are small for this discipline, they are steadily growing with a number of teams competing at the last Defence Parachute Championships and it is hoped to have future repre-sentative teams compete in national and international competitions.

For more information email sky.diving@defence.gov.au

Quadrangular cricketers setJohn Martin

LAC Kaleb Tymko entered the cricket scene in a blaze of glory when he scored two Twenty20 centuries in one day for Air Force in 2011.

And the Australian Services Cricket Association (ASCA) is hoping he can repeat that form in Brisbane next month when he comes up against some fine bowl-ers at the International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia Pacific (EAP) quadrangu-lar Twenty20 Tournament in Brisbane.

LAC Tymko, of 10SQN, is one of three Air Force representatives chosen in the ASCA team that answered an SOS to com-pete in the tournament, from August 12-17 at venues across Brisbane.

FLTLT Jarrod Moxey and CPL Adam Bosworth will also take part.

Team captain SGT Ian Roberts (Army), who has led the team since 2011, has high expectations.

“This is possibly the best ASCA side that has been selected on talent alone and we will be up against some very, very good opposition,” SGT Roberts said.

That opposition will be a highly regarded Australian indigenous devel-opment squad, the Papua New Guinea national team and a team from East Asia/Pacific, which will draw on players from Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, the Philippines, Tonga, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea.

PNG, which is ranked 19th in the world and aspiring to climb higher, will use the tournament as a warm-up before their participation in a Twenty20 World Cup Qualifier game in Dubai later this year.

The ASCA team members were picked on the strength of their performances in the International Defence Cricket Challenge last November.

Originally, a New Zealand Maori XI was invited to play in the tournament.

But when the Kiwis withdrew in late April, the ASCA was invited to take their place – and they can hardly wait.

LAC Tymko, a swashbuckling left-hand opening bat, first played service cricket at the ADF titles in November 2011.

He was integral to Air Force winning the services’ Twenty20 title.

He first scored 114 off 54 balls in a pre-liminary game against Army, then smashed

BIG HITTER: LAC Kaleb Tymko is one of three Air Force cricketers selected in an Australian Services team for a quadrangular tournament in Brisbane. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

101 off 45 balls against Army in the final of the ACM Angus Houston Cup.

His opening batting partner, CPL Ricky Mace, said he had never seen such clean hitting.

“He’s definitely going to play a major part in the future of Air Force and Defence cricket,” CPL Mace said.

Although it’s still winter, LAC Tymko said he had already had a number of train-ing sessions in Adelaide, including facing a bowling machine in the nets.

The ASCA players will gather in Brisbane on August 7 for pre-tournament training.

The other members in the team are: Army – SGT Roberts, MAJ Nic Griffith, SIG Beau Wright, SGT Don Mander, LCPL Al Ryder, CPL Corey Baker, SGT Martin Blackman, TPR Craig Holmes and SGT Mark Brown.Navy – WO Gary Fuss and AB Al Kristensen.

If you are interested in representing Air Force at this year’s national triservice carnival email raaf.cricket@defence.gov.au

SP RTJuly 18, 2013

ADVANCEDAIR On a wing and a

canopy for OCDT

Full story: page 23

CHARITY RIDE SUCCESS

Page 23

FREE FALLING: OCDT Simon Kube is all smiles at 6000ft as a colleague drops in during the Canopy Formation Skills Camp at Goulburn. Photo: WO1 Phil Thamm