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Edition 1208 March 19, 2009

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FIRE AND ICE

WHAT WE’RE DOING TO IMPROVE SECURITY IN AFGHANISTAN P12

WHY WENEED A GOOD BUDDY ROAD TO RECOVERYP3 P14

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Winter’s grip: MRTF 1 soldiers go through their morning routine in the snow-cloaked Baluchi Valley in southern Afghanistan as they undertake security operations in the area along with Afghan and Dutch soldiers.Photo by Capt Lachlan Simond

2 NEWS Army March 19, 2009

The Soldiers’ Newspaper

DirectorRod Horan: (02) 6265 4650

EditorialEditorDavid Edlington: (02) 6266 7609Deputy EditorsSharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612Lt Kris Gardiner: (02) 6265 2151Senior Reporter:WO2 Graham McBean: (02) 6266 7608Reporters:Cpl Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614Cpl Corinne Boer: (02) 6265 2427Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe: (02) 6266 7606Sports EditorBarry Rollings: (02) 6265 1304

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

Rugged up: Sgt Donna Haigh, MRTF 1, can still smile despite the harsh winter conditions in Afghanistan.

Photo by Capt Lachlan Simond

Face of Army

SOLDIERS across 4 Bde have paid their respects to Cpl Rocelyn Freeman who died lending a mate a hand in the Black Saturday fires.

Cpl Freeman was a signaller with 108 Sig Sqn and had been an impor-tant member of the brigade’s recruiting team.

OC 108 Sig Sqn Maj Margaret Sorial said Cpl Freeman’s attempt to assist a friend threatened by the fires typified her approach to life and Army service.

Maj Sorial said Cpl Freeman was an experienced radio operator known for her thorough and methodical running of a radio detachment, who took no short cuts and achieved excellent results.

“She had the capacity to guide and mentor peers and subordinates to get the best from a team,” Maj Sorial said.

“She also developed a passion for

recruiting. She was proactive in her approach, engaging with the community and promoting the squadron and the Army.

“However, she is best remembered as a bubbly, outgoing, considerate junior leader, who focused

on soldier welfare, both on deployments and in barracks.”

Maj Sorial said Cpl Freeman was instrumental in reviving the Simpson Club at 108 Sig Sqn and developing esprit de Corps in social settings.

“She will be sadly missed by the officers, warrant officers and soldiers of 108 Sig Sqn.”

By Barry Rollings

THE ADF’s role in the reconstruc-tion of Iraq was recognised on March 12 at the Australian War Memorial with a visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Mr Nouri Kamil al-Maliki.

In a moving and dignified cer-emony in the Hall of Memory, where ADF personnel mounted a catafalque party, Mr al-Maliki laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as those in his entourage, ADF members and the media looked on, to the strains of the Last Post and Rouse.

After signing the visitors’ book in front of the Pool of Reflection, he made a brief visit to the Memorial’s gallery, which commemorates con-flicts from 1945 to the present in which Australia has been involved.

At an afternoon tea address in the courtyard gallery, where a rep-resentative gathering was attended by Army, Navy and Air Force per-sonnel who had served in Iraq, Mr al-Maliki was warmly welcomed by CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie.

“We have enjoyed being able to

work alongside the people of Iraq as they rebuilt their communities,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“It is remarkable to witness the dramatic improvements in the secu-rity situation in Iraq since the dark days of 2006. Australia and Iraq’s normalising relations are testament to these advances in security and stability.

“The increasing stability and security in Iraq is a direct result of the courage of Iraq’s people, its gov-ernment and its security forces.”

In forecasting a bright future for Iraq, he said Australia looked for-ward to maintaining “our defence cooperation program with Iraq”, with a focus on capacity-building assistance for Iraqi security forces in key areas such as logistics and junior officer training.

Mr al-Maliki thanked Australia for its assistance in Iraq to counter terrorism and aggression and also extended his sympathy to “the fami-lies and loved ones of those who lost their lives in helping Iraq”.

“I applaud the decision of the Australian Government to stand by Iraq to send Australian troops to

support Iraq against a regime that has not only done injustice to its own people but to the whole world,” he said.

“Australian forces have left a good memory and still continue to do so.”

Maj Donna Manton, AHQ, served in Iraq in 2006 when “things were not going as well as would have been liked at that stage”.

“But the progress that has been made in the past few years is really quite heartening,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Maj Crispin Boxhall, former-ly of the British Army. He joined the Australian Army in 2006 and is now with the Army Directorate of Logistics. He has had three tours to Iraq, returning from the most recent in October.

“Every time I go there, I do see progress, certainly from the initial warfighting through to the peace-keeping of today,” Maj Boxhall said. “I think we have a long way to go but it is definitely on the up and definitely worthwhile. You can see results.”

A FORMER corporal whose family perished in the recent Victorian fires is out of a medically-induced coma.

Darren Gibson suffered severe burns trying to save his wife and three young children, who died in the family home at Kinglake.

CO 17 Sig Regt Lt-Col Susan Coyle said Mr Gibson was receiving extensive treatment.

“All our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” Lt-Col Coyle said.

Mr Gibson joined the Army in 1990 as a gunner in RAA. In 1997 he joined RASigs as a radio operator and served in JTS, DFSS, ARTC and 1CSR.

He showed his love of woodworking when he built an honour roll for 104 Sig Sqn Vietnam veterans. He commenced

his carpentry and joiners apprentice-ship at ALTC and discharged in May 2008. He deployed to Cambodia, Bougainville, Solomon Islands and Iraq during his Army career.

“Darren’s family have requested pri-vacy for the loss of his wife and their children,” Lt-Col Coyle said. “They have passed on that they are extremely grateful for the support being offered to Darren by past and present members.”

To assist Mr Gibson’s recovery, an account has been established with Defcredit. The details are: BSB: 803205, Mbr No 16773, Acct No: 20780757, ITF for Darren Gibson.

Messages of support, photos or memories can be passed on to WO1 Michelle Griffith on [email protected]. An alternative point of contact is Lt-Col Susan Coyle on [email protected].

By WO2 Graham McBean

VICTORIA Police has stood down ADF search teams in the state’s bush-fire-stricken areas.

The last Search Task Group (STG) – whose members were from NSW-based 5 and 8 Bdes and the SA-based 9 Bde (including Tasmanian soldiers) – finished its work on March 13.

JTF 662 will maintain its headquar-ters and small assistance tasks will con-tinue. However, the large contributions of ADF personnel ended with the police advice to Emergency Management Australia that ADF search teams were no longer required.

Commander JTF 662 Brig Michael Arnold said the taskforce would remain

ready to support the Victorian com-munity.

“I’d like to thank all those interstate members of 2 Div for their outstand-ing efforts in the last two weeks,” Brig Arnold said.

“Our focus now turns to post opera-tional administration and the continued capture of the lessons learnt.”

The last STG was relocated to Marysville on March 10 and was sched-uled to rotate out of the area of opera-tions last weekend.

Marysville community, including police and other emergency services farewelled the soldiers on March 13.

See the Centrepiece for a full account of the last STG deployment to Op Vic Fires Assist.

Search teams withdrawn

Died helping a friend

Ex-corporal’s tragic loss Pause for reflection: Soldiers form a catafalque party at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra as Iraqi Prime Minister Mr Nouri Kamil al-Maliki pays his respects. Photo by Sgt Rob Nyffenegger

Iraqi PM offers thanks to ADF

Sadly missed: Cpl Freeman.

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Smart Soldier is a Restricted publication that comes out three times a year. It is produced by the Centre for Army Lessons and is sent free to your unit. Smart Soldier is full of operational, training and general lessons, observations and tips.All soldiers should read Smart Soldier.If you don’t have easy access to Smart Soldier, ask your chain-of-command for a copy or call 03 5735 7102 to see

if it is being delivered to your unit.

Smart Soldier

Inside your latest issue of Smart SoldierCachingCaching tips for soldiers seeking enemy caches or for those that want to use a cache.RTF3 Tactical ObservationsAn article by CAPT Watson, providing tips on the enemy, country and general TTP. Battling ComplacencyUS soldiers contributing tips to Company Command are reproduced in this article.Operating in the JunglePart 2 of an article written by MAJ Tracey. This article provides information on flora, fauna, clothing, shelter and other equipment.

CTC Training TrendsThis information has been extracted from a much larger report, and summarises the most frequently recorded observations by CTC Observer/ Trainers.CA Lessons SeminarA recent CA Lessons Seminar provided terrific observations on a wide range of topics.Shoot and Scoot LettersTwo JNCOs have contributed letters.Combat Tactical ChallengeGo to the CAL website, and click on the Combat Tactical Challenge link to participate, and help develop an Army TTP. Get together with some mates and do a group submission.

CAL intranet website: http://lwdc.sor.defence.gov.au/cal/

NEWS 3 Army March 19, 2009


ADF weapon and range safety author-ities are urging soldiers to remember the buddy system and correct range procedures as the new training year gets underway.

More than 750 negligent discharges were reported between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2008 – with about 60 per cent occurring with the unload drill and 20 per cent during the final-function test.

Safety authorities said these occur-rences were due to personnel leaving the magazine on during the unload or placing it on during the final function test.

Meanwhile, 56 incidents of ball-in-blank ammunition contamination had occurred since August 2000.

Maj Leon Helmrich, SO2 Small Arms Policy and Safety, said a key message was to use a buddy.

He said negligent discharges had dropped since the introduction of the buddy system but weapon operators needed to be constantly alert to safety.

“One negligent discharge is too many and using a buddy during safety precautions, unloading and final func-tion test could reduce up to 80 per cent of negligent discharges immediately,” Maj Helmrich said.

“Each one of them is a potentially life-ending event and we can certainly reduce the numbers substantially.”

CDF ACM Angus Houston intro-duced the buddy system after the Kovco Inquiry in 2006 specifically to prevent negligent discharges during weapon clearances and final-function testing.

BE A GOOD BUDDY� If unloading weapons, final-function test or weapon clearances are not collectively supervised, then the operator must take reasonable steps to obtain assistance from another qualified person to act as a buddy.� A person asked to be a buddy must do so (regardless of rank) unless: they are not qualified on the weapon; there are reasona-ble grounds to refuse, though being a senior rank is not itself a ground for refusal.� Buddies must directly observe and when necessary correct the operator’s drills or handling of the weapon.� Buddies must ensure a magazine is not fitted before the working parts are allowed forward.� When unloading and on the individual safety precautions, the buddy must clear the weapon as an inspecting officer would dur-ing collective safety precautions (with white light or manual check at night).

EVERY negligent dis-charge is taken seriously by Defence.

However, ADF authori-ties highlight that negligent discharges represent a low number of incidents com-pared to the hundreds of thousands of safe weapon handling procedures con-ducted in training and on operations.

It is mandatory for all unauthorised and negligent firearm discharges to be reported and investigated as quickly as possible. Incidents are collated through dan-gerous occurrence reports, ammunition incident reports and the discipline system.

Investigations analyse each incident to identity any defi-ciencies in training or equip-ment. The findings inform and improve upon existing Defence policy on weapons handling and training.

This reinforces the very high standard of weapons training within the ADF.

All personnel who have an unauthorised discharge are required to undertake further training to confirm and improve their skills and knowledge of Defence’s safe weapons handling require-ments.

Discharges serious business

Firing up buddies to keep safe

Maj Helmrich said the buddy sys-tem worked by providing an additional level of safety.

Another main safety issue highlight-ed by ADF occupational health and safety was ammunition contamination.

Of the 56 incidents since 2000, 12 had resulted in the firing of ball ammu-nition through blank firing attachments, with two personnel wounded.

Maj Helmrich said the main cause of contamination incidents was poor clearance of weapons and equipment.

He said ADF personnel needed to understand the necessity for compre-hensive inspections of weapons, web-bing and magazines before and after range practices and immediately before conducting training with blank ammunition.

Safety in numbers: Pte Greg Harris and Pte Peter Hallin, 5RAR, practise room entry drills in Dili, East Timor. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

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AN international cast of military and civilian minds will meet on March 31 to discuss the Army’s next generation of new information technologies to support the Adaptive Army initiative.

The ambitious project aims to have the Army Knowledge System (AKS) up and running by July 1 this year.

Blue Sky Day will bring Telstra executives, US generals and key mili-tary stakeholders together to debate how social-networking and emerging tech-nologies can support and complement the chain of command.

Deputy Chief of Army Maj-Gen Paul Symon said the concept was to harness the knowledge and attitudes of our younger generation using the mod-ern digital communications they have grown up with to augment the chain of command.

He said the project was not without its risks, but the age of instant commu-nications had rendered manual chains of command ineffective when rigidly applied on their own.

“There is a sweet spot out there somewhere that doesn’t destroy our cul-ture or the importance of the chain of command,” Maj-Gen Symon said.

“Using knowledge technologies and social-networking tools now available can give voice to our soldiers and NCOs and give them an opportunity to help us build the best possible Army we can.”

The AKS will introduce four streams of computer networking models to

produce realtime Army systems similar to chatting with friends in Antarctica on MSN-type technologies.

More information on what the DCA means by knowledge streams can be found in his intent statement on the Army home page.

US commander Maj-Gen Mike Oates created Task Force Mountain blog in Iraq with impressive results, and will be a key speaker on March 31.

Posts on Task Force Mountain include everything from changes in enemy techniques posted by soldiers to posts from families back in mainland US.

Information passes through moder-ators similar to Wikipedia-type know-ledge databases where realtime deci-sions can be made and friendly TTPs adjusted to meet new enemy threats.

Maj-Gen Symon said the knowledge streams introduced on July 1 would not be sophisticated or final but would take the important first step.

In addition, a personal page (Soldiers Career Log) is being explored by RSM-A and SCMA that will provide career pathway and management advice, as well as personnel policy and develop-ments.

“We are going to embark on this journey to see where it takes us,” Maj-Gen Symons said.

Existing software and architecture would be used where possible, with Beta testing of the four knowledge streams to begin on June 1.

Brave new world for soldiers

Gunners take high groundTHE gloves came off when air-defence gunners took on the clans during the Mount Barker Caledonian Society’s Highland Gathering at tug-of-war.

South Australia’s 16 AD Regt’s 111 Bty claimed victory over their medieval counterparts, the Varangian Guard, after first taking out the unit competition.

Fiercely contested – these things are there to be taken seriously after all – 111 Bty then issued the chal-lenge and threw open the competi-tion to one and all.

RSM 16 AD Regt WO1 Glynn Potter said the event, held on

February 15, was a great day of traditional entertainment.

“The Clans’ strong men always draw huge crowds to witness their feats of strength,” WO1 Potter said.

“The multiple laps, of the 60m circuit, carrying at least 150kg per arm is always impressive.”

The 48th annual Mount Barker Highland Gathering is the largest of its type in South Australia and has been held continuously since its inception.

The gathering also marks the beginning of the South Australian piping competition year and this year it had six competing bands

including Victorian bands from Ringwood and Frankston RSL.

WO1 Potter also competed on the day as a member of the Mount Barker Pipe Band, which took out fourth place in the Pipe Band com-petition.

Other events on the program included the traditional Highland dancing, the Australian Muscle strongman competition and demon-strations of medieval combat by the New Varangian Guard re-enactors.

The day featured other tradi-tional highland strength competi-tions such as caber tossing and hag-gis hurling.

Pulling their weight: Gnr Flex Toutygine (left), Gnr Damien Mott (middle) and LBdr Phil Rowlings form part of the team that claimed victory over the Varangian Guard. Photo by LCpl Glenn Power

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NEWS 5Army March 19, 2009

By Capt Alastair McPherson

THE explosive detection dogs (EDDs) of 2CER have been rec-ognised for their dedicated serv-ice on operations.

Four serving dogs and one that was killed in Afghanistan were awarded ADF Trackers and War Dogs Association (ADF TWDA) medals at Gallipoli Barracks on March 5 for war dog operational service and four-year service.

This was the inaugural award of medals to explosive detec-tion dogs from the ADF TWDA, which received permission in 2008 to design and issue medals for dogs that have served their country overseas.

CO 2CER Lt-Col Joel Dooley awarded the medals in a regi-mental parade near the 2CER Regimental HQ.

“This is a significant occasion recognising the service these dogs provide to the nation. Their serv-ice is a reflection of the dedica-tion and professionalism demon-strated by their handlers,” Lt-Col Dooley said.

The handlers proudly stood by their dogs as Lt-Col Dooley awarded the medals before about 20 members of the ADF TWDA, all ex-serving dog handlers from previous conflicts, and a throng of Brisbane media.

Handler LCpl Craig Turnbull accepted the medals for Razz, who was killed on September 1, 2007. After the parade LCpl Turnbull reflected on the times he had with Razz and said that she was part of his family.

“She was a wonderful dog. A top EDD that was very intelligent. She was a family member to me and I’ll never forget her,” he said.

Without doubt the star of the day was EDD Mandy, who raised her paw to shake hands with the CO after the award. Mandy retires shortly after six years of service including operations in Solomon Islands.

ADF TWDA President Lt-Col George Hulse (retd) said the EDDs did an exceptional job.

“These dogs are superbly trained, so are their handlers. We need to recognise their service

and these medals from the asso-ciation are part of that recogni-tion,” he said.

The EDDs provide support to the ADF and government agen-cies in the detection of improvised explosive devices, explosives, ammunition and weapons.

Military working dogs have been used for centuries as mes-sengers, combatants, for security, and more recently as mine and explosive detection dogs.

EDDs are trained to locate bombs, weapons and explosives.

They have supported almost every major event in Australia including Expo 88, Sydney 2000 Olympics , CHOGM, Rugby League World Cup 2003, Melbourne Commonweal th Games and other, smaller, polic-ing operations.

EDDs and their predecessors, the tracker dogs, have deployed overseas to Vietnam, Somalia, Bougainville, East Timor and to Afghanistan.

Th ree EDDs have l o s t their lives on active service in Afghanistan in recent times.

Paws for reflection

Dogs’ day: Explosive detection dog Mandy shakes hands with with handler Spr David Brown after being awarded her medals. Photo by Capt Alastair McPherson

IT WILL pay to put forward good ideas to improve Army’s effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, quality and safety in the work environment.

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mented or considered worthy of rec-ognition.

The Army Suggestion Scheme has been designed to be an ongoing pro-ductivity improvement program and is part of fostering a more adaptive and innovative army.

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By Barry Rollings

WHEN it comes to his area of expertise, 2009 Chief of Defence Force Scholarship winner Lt-Col Trent Scott is taking a strategic and practical approach to removing the oft-heard lament “it’s a lost art” from the lexicon.

After receiving his award from CDF ACM Angus Houston, Lt-Col Scott will devote his year of study at the Land Warfare Studies Centre at RMC-Duntroon and ADFA to complete his research for a paper on The Lost Operational Art: Reinvigorating Campaigning into the ADF.

In presenting the award, ACM Houston said he looked forward to Lt-Col Scott’s finished product in what was important and neces-sary work required by the ADF.

Surprised and excited at the prospect, Lt-Col Scott said: “I am looking forward to the oppor-tunity of engaging with a wide range of stakeholders both with-in the ADF and overseas and to contribute towards enhancing the ADF’s capability to effectively plan and execute comprehensive, whole-of -government campaigns that meet our strategic intent.”

The scholarship has been in place for several years and appli-cants must apply formally each March/April. Candidate applica-tions are reviewed by a selec-tion board which makes recom-mendations to the CDF for final approval.

It is open to any permanent member of the ADF who has not previously been awarded a CDF Scholarship.

It may be used to complete or progress a research program that

has already begun, but its aim is to provide support to an indi-vidual in a designated research project that will be of relevance and benefit to Defence.

Posted to the Land Warfare Studies Centre as a Visiting Military Fellow in order to com-plete research for his paper, Lt-Col Scott also has Visiting Fellow rights at ADFA.

“Effective, comprehensive, holistic and whole-of-govern-ment campaign planning is essential for successful ADF involvement in any of the current and future complex actions the ADF is or will be involved in,” Lt-Col Scott said.

“This year of study will ensure I can value-add in some small way to developing the ADF’s capability to effectively plan and execute actions that meet our strategic goals.”

Rediscovering lost art form

It’s academic: CDF ACM Angus Houston, presents the CDF Scholarship for 2009 to Lt-Col Trent Scott. Photo by Bryan Doherty

TOWNSVILLE was the desti-nation of choice for the Defence Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG) when he conducted a familiarisation visit to key ADF facilities.

Mr Bob Dadae, in Australia to discuss bilateral defence relations, and the continued support to the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) through the Defence Cooperation Program with Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, took the oppor-tunity to visit 3 Bde, a forma-tion that prides itself on its strong relationship with the PNGDF.

It’s an associat ion that has developed through regular exchanges and exercises.

In 2009 combined training activities with the PNGDF will include Exercise Wantok Warrior – an infantry company exchange with the Pacific Islands Regiment

PNG Minister visits 3 Bde

Familiarisation: Cpl Todd Young, Sniper Team Leader, 2RAR, shows sniper equipment to PNG Defence Minister Bob Dadae. Photo by Capt Al Green

– assistance by 3CER sappers with infra-structure development and engineer training in PNG during Exercise Puk Puk. PNGDF logistics specialists will also be embedded

with various 3 Bde units on Exercise Logitura.

Mr Dadae’s visit was high-lighted by a Ready Combat Team demonstration of an assault on a method-of-entry facility.

Speaking to the soldiers, Mr Dadae thanked them and talked about the positive role volunteer soldiers have in society.

“The noblest service a citizen can provide his or her country is through service in the Defence Force,” Mr Dadae said.

Commander 3 Bde Brig Stuart Smith thanked Mr Dadae for his visit.

“You should leave here with the message that our brigade comprises smart, tough and adaptable soldiers who value their defence relationship with the PNGDF,” Brig Smith said.

By Tpr Michael Franchi

SOLDIERS will be gunning for championship status at the 2009 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM).

The competition will take place May 9-22 at Puckapunyal. It will consist of three major components; the Champion Shot of the Army, the Australian Army Individual and Team Events and the International Competition.

CO AASAM Lt-Col David Hoey said there was a lot of interest from within and outside of the ADF.

“We already have nominations from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Canada, New Zealand, and Britain. We are expecting more teams to respond in the near future,” Lt-Col Hoey said.

“Soldiers can expect a demanding combat-focused shooting competition. It will be physically challenging, but the core focus is on marksmanship.”

He said it would be an opportunity

for soldiers to see how they performed against the rest of the ADF and inter-national competitors.

“We are looking at getting Navy and Air Force teams involved too, to create friendly interservice rivalry,” he said.

“It will be a great chance to meet soldiers from other formations within the ADF and international forces.”

The competition identifies the best combat marksmen for selection in the Australian Army Combat Shooting Team to represent Army at overseas international skill at arms competi-tions. It also allows for assessment of current in-service small-arms system capabilities, equipment and targetry, training analysis of combat shooting techniques, weapon training doctrine and small-arms practices.

ADF teams have until April 3 to register for the competition. For more information visit www.army.gov.au/AASAM or http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/AASAM.

Call to arms at Pucka

APPLICATIONS are invited for the 2009 Chief of the Defence Force/Secretary Environment and Heritage Awards.

The initiative seeks to highlight and acknowl-edge achievements of individuals or units in managing environmental risks. The awards recog-nise and promote lead-ership in environmental and heritage manage-ment in Defence.

Applications may be submitted by individuals, units or groups.

Further information is available at http://intran-et.defence.gov.au/envi-ronment.

Chance to nominate for awards

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SAPPERS from 1CER tested their new water purification system during Exercise Salty Sip held at Fort Hill Wharf in Darwin from March 2-4.

The exercise confirmed the desali-nation capabilities of the new reverse osmosis water purification units received by the unit mid-2008.

Commander 4 Tp Lt Tim Rowe said the new system lived up to the manufac-turer’s guarantee of producing 100,000lt of desalinated water a day.

He said the new $3 million system could be run continuously for three days without resupply or for 500 hours sup-plied with chemicals and diesel.

“No-one has had it out and put salt water through it – we had been told what the machine was supposed to do, but no-one had seen it happen on the ground,” Lt Rowe said.

“We had a shake out of the equip-ment and made sure we could desalinate salt water to a drinkable quality at the rate the machine was supposed to.”

Environmental health officers did onsite testing of the water quality and gave the machine the thumbs up.

Lt Rowe said while the old systems were capable of desalinating water the new units were impressive and cut the number of people required to operate the system from 10 to three.

“The new system is fully automated and controlled by a programmable logic controller,” Lt Rowe said.

“If anything starts going wrong or the quality of the water is too low, then it automatically shuts down and tells us what’s wrong and we can rectify it.”

TRADING a self-made bed in the wet jungle for a soft one back in Townsville was probably a happy outcome for eight Army pilots and aircrew on an Aircrew Environmental Survival Course – but it came at the end of a dramatic night thanks to Cyclone Hamish.

Coming from Oakey and 5 Avn Regt, Townsville, they were among 33 ADF person-nel on the second night of the jungle phase of the course held in mountains about an hour’s drive from Townsville.

Combat Survival Training School (CSTS) CO Sqn-Ldr Colin Evers got word late on March 6 a cyclone warning had been declared for the area.

“It was a toss-up whether to leave staff and students up there until morning because of the late hour of night and long duty day already worked, but Chief Instructor Flt-Lt Ben Kurylowicz made the call that with conditions getting a bit wet and windy up there and dirt roads getting slippery, it was only going to get worse so it was time to move everyone out,” he said.

The students, in groups over an area of about 3 sq km, were gathered together in the darkness, loaded on to Unimogs, and driven out of the jungle to rendezvous with buses driven by CSTS HQ staff for the drive back to base. The students finally got to bed about 3.30am.

When the cyclone danger had passed, the stu-dents returned to the jungle on March 9.

Meanwhile Joint Operations Support Staff in North and South Queensland closely monitored the path of the cyclone. Several units were on standby to assist the community including a Forward Command Element from HQ 7 Bde, an Emergency Support Force from 2CER and a Domestic Incident Security Force from 8/9RAR.

Salty sip good drop Jumble in jungle over cyclone

Pure drop: Spr Blake Cameron checks out the brew from 1CER’s new $3 million reverse osmosis water purification unit in Darwin. Photo by Spr Aaron Karlsen

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THE winning design for the national World War I and II memorials has been announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Canberra.

Mr Rudd said the design produced by Richard Kirk Architect Pty Ltd and chosen from 43 others, repre-sented not only those who served and died in both con-flicts, but those on the home front as well.

“The monuments’ design will communicate the inspirational and timeless messages to reflect the spirit, sacrifice and commitment of the Australian nation dur-ing the World Wars,” he said.

“The thoughtful design will further promote under-standing and a sense of national identity while also providing an enduring point of focus and reflection for all Australians and international visitors alike.”

The black and grey granite memorials, which will be situated on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin at the bottom of Anzac Parade, are expected to cost $21m to complete.

The Federal Government has donated $250,000 towards the project which will rely on public donation to fund.

� The memorials are designed with special cuts in the stone and will be built aligned to the altitude and azimuth of the sun.� Visitors to both memorials will witness lighting effects which will appear at dawn on Anzac Day, at 11am on Remembrance Day and on the anniver-sary of the end of the Battle for Kokoda.� The memorials will be surrounded by poppies planted in terraces denoting the battlefields of both World Wars.� Every community in Australia that lost members to the wars will be represented including the number of those who died.

$21m memorials promote identity

The plan: Architect Richard Kirk explains his winning design for the national World Wars I and II memorials to PM Kevin Rudd. Photo by Lt Kris Gardiner

THE WINNING DESIGN

Gulf War Syndrome revisitedTHE Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) has decided to re-examine Gulf War Syndrome following the release of findings from a study of US Gulf War One veterans by the US Veterans’ Affairs Department. The study found evidence that confirmed the disease is real, and could be associated with the use of Pyridostidmine Bromide pills, a drug issued to the 1873 Australian personnel serving in the Gulf at the time to combat the effects of exposure to nerve agents. The RMA has invited interested people and organisations to make submissions on the matter after obtaining a copy of the RMA Submission Guidelines from www.rma.gov.au. Submissions close on May 29.

Fromelles contract awardedOXFORD Archaeology will excavate the mass burial site of Australian and British World War I soldiers at Fromelles in France. Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said the Australian and British Governments would share the cost of the Pheasant Wood excavation, which is expected to begin in May and take up to six months. The Army is developing a list of 1st AIF soldiers it believes might be buried at the site and is encouraging potential relatives to register on Army’s Fromelles Relatives database. Visit www.defence.gov.au/fromelles or contact 1800 019 090.

Car hire trial ceasesTWO days’ free car hire will no longer be available to ADF members when they arrive on relocation to Darwin or Tindal. The Directorate of Housing and Removal Policy advises that the change will take effect from April 1. Under the trial, two days’ car hire – excluding fuel costs – was available to members posted to Darwin and Tindal while they were awaiting the transportation of their pri-vate vehicle. Due to the low take up rate, the Personnel Steering Group decided to terminate the trial.

CorrectionTHE article entitled “Hard slog rewarded” on Page 9 of the February 19 edition stated that Lt Simon O’Brien was awarded the Sword of Honour and the Queen’s Medal at the RMC Graduation in December. In fact, the Queen’s Medal was presented to Lt Hailey Smith. Army apologies for the error.

By Edwina Callus

THE task of transporting slung loads from Chinooks is likely to become significantly safer thanks to Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) research.

DSTO researcher Dr Rami Reddy instigated the research program after being struck by the level of risk associated with carrying multiple slung loads of mixed density.

“It was clear to me that stabil-ity and control problems would present significant challenges to Chinook operators carrying slung loads,” Dr Reddy said.

Currently the safe operat-ing envelope for loads is estab-lished through flight testing over a range of increasing airspeeds, which is a costly exercise and not without some risk.

The goal of the slung loads research is to build a simulation capability to predict the flight

conditions under which a partic-ular load becomes unstable. This can allow the flight testing to be safer and more targeted.

Current research efforts are focusing on a Chinook carry-ing a disabled Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) as a slung load and future efforts are expected to include investigation of a Chinook carry-ing an MRH 90.

For such slung loads, flight trials present far too great a risk

of airframe loss. Computational modelling of ARH and MRH behaviour as helicopter external loads is considered the best pre-diction and risk mitigation avail-able if the need arises to recov-er an ARH or MRH 90 with a Chinook.

The simulation tool developed by DSTO will be able to pro-vide Chinook operators with an invaluable insight into the flight conditions under which a load becomes unstable.

IN BRIEF

Simulation to aid safe lifting

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By Cpl Corinne Boer

DEPUTY Chief of Army Maj-Gen Paul Symon fostered a sense of history among soldiers who gath-ered to celebrate the Army’s 108th birthday in Canberra.

In his address in Blamey Square, Maj-Gen Symon asked the audience to strike a balance between sombre reflection and celebration.

He said Australian soldiers were in harm’s way in 1901 and remained in harm’s way in 2009.

“Let’s be honest, there is no such thing as a safe operational deploy-ment,” Maj-Gen Symon said.

“That is why it’s not appropri-ate to view today as an occasion for unrestrained festivity in the manner of an individual’s birthday celebra-tion.”

He added we were custodians of the slouch hat and the badge of the rising sun.

“Just as our forebears stared squarely at danger in South Africa 108 years ago, so too we are justifi-ably proud of the way our mates perform with great courage and dis-tinction as I speak.”

The ceremony gave young sol-diers like LCpl Nathan Hobbs, DOCM, the opportunity to reflect on the past and focus on those who continue to serve.

“It’s a time of gathering and get-ting together of all ranks,” he said.

Lt-Col Malcolm MacGregor, Land Warfare Studies Centre, said the day provided a greater focus on what the soldiers were doing.

“I think there is always a per-spective on the past, which is impor-

tant, but I think that what we are doing today is also important and we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that we are losing soldiers.”

Birthday celebrations by soldiers on Op Astute included a few games of sport with New Zealand counter-parts, and two cans of beer.

The ISF HQ played cricket at Camp Phoenix while members of the battle group mixed skills with ultimate frisbee and cricket games. The soldiers were permitted two beers during the cutting of the Army birthday cake.

March 1 is also 5RAR’s birthday so the Tigers had more to celebrate; with a unit dinner and an appear-ance of their mascot.

Members of FSU Afghanistan also took time out to celebrate with a cake at Camp Baker, Kandahar.

Making wishes: Deputy Chief of Army Maj-Gen Paul Symon and Pte Stephen King cut the birthday cake in Canberra. Photo by AC Luke Morris

Shared celebrations: FSU members in Afghanistan enjoy a cake at Camp Baker, Kandahar. Photo by Sgt Brent Tero

Birthday party: The Army’s birthday parade at Blamey Square in Canberra. Photo by Cpl Corinne Boer

Howzat: Op Astute personnel celebrate the Army’s birthday with a game of cricket. Photograph by LS Paul Berry

Birthday cheers

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By Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe

A SPECIAL tribute to the late Maj Peter Badcoe, VC, allowed family, old mates and the local community to reflect on his extraordinary acts of heroism.

Point Nepean Community Trust held a formal ceremony in Badcoe Hall on February 7 to honour Maj Badcoe and pay trib-ute to the significant history of the Officer Cadet School (OCS) Portsea, Victoria.

Fellow Portsea graduate CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie was unable to attend the ceremony but was eager to commemorate the life and sacrifice of a brave and inspi-rational soldier.

“This was truly a very moving occasion for me and I am sure for all who returned to Portsea to honour Peter Badcoe, who repre-sents so impressively the ethos of OCS Portsea,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said. “Peter Badcoe lived the OCS motto of ‘Loyalty and Service’ as

his personal creed and made the ultimate sacrifice.

“A man of few words he pre-ferred to let his actions speak for him. He led from the front and was willing to risk his own life to save his friends.”

Maj Badcoe’s VC was award-ed posthumously for outstand-ing bravery against the enemy between February and April 1967 while serving as Sector Operations Officer in Thua Thien province, South Vietnam.

“His VC was awarded not for a single act of unselfish bravery but rather for a series of actions over a couple of months,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.

“He very deliberately exposed himself to extreme risks on every occasion he was in combat, and seemed to be almost impervious to danger. Peter Badcoe was an authentic Australian hero.”

Carey Badcoe, the eldest of Maj Badcoe’s three daughters, was delighted to attend the cer-

Loyalty, service rewarded

emony and meet so many peo-ple who had known her father throughout his career.

“It was absolutely wonderful to share this experience with so many of his friends and members of the local community,” she said.

“The tribute to my father is only a small element of the Army

heritage within the community and our family is very proud to be a part of it.”

The framed tribute is mount-ed in Badcoe Hall and displays a photo of Maj Badcoe, replicas of his medals and uniform, and the VC citation from The London Gazette on October 17, 1967.Man of honour: Maj Peter Badcoe, VC.

Reflection: Carey Badcoe and Vern Bechaz who designed the framed tribute to Maj Peter Badcoe, VC.

By Tpr Michael Franchi

TPR Mark Donaldson’s VC has attracted a lot of attention since it went on display in the Conflicts 1945 to Today gallery at the Australian War Memorial.

The VC joined the gallery on February 13 after Tpr Donaldson loaned it to the war memo-rial so everyone could enjoy it.

Memorial visitor Kingsley Southwell said it was a fitting award given what Tpr Donaldson VC had done to earn it.

“He is now one of 97 great guys who well deserved it,” Mr Southwell said. “They’ve got to deserve it, they just don’t give out a 100 of them for the sake of it, they are special.”

Another visitor Dallas Jackson said 80m was a long way to run under fire, especially when you are carrying someone.

“Going out there and doing something above and beyond a direct order is something else, it wouldn’t be easy.” he said.

Another visitor Renee Seidel couldn’t imag-ine what was going through Tpr Donaldson’s mind at the time he performed the act.

“I am thankful for soldiers just like him, who do it day-in day-out,” she said.

Tpr Donaldson’s VC will eventually join the 59 VCs currently on display in the Hall of Honour, which is the largest public collection of VCs in the world.

FAMILIES and friends of the 16 Vietnam-era service-men from Tasmania who died during that war now have a memorial to their memory.

A service was held in Tasmania late last year where the Lindisfarne RSL opened the Tasmanian Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Anzac Park in Hobart.

Premier of Tasmania David Bartlett unveiled the memorial at a ceremony in front of 200 VIPs, Vietnam veterans and family members. The memorial comprises a central stone and plaque, surrounded by 16 indi-vidual plaques – one for each of the men.

Fourteen of the 16 men were Army personnel: Pte David Banfield 5RAR; Pte Kevin Brewer 4RAR; Pte Garry Cashion 7RAR; Spr Geoffrey Coombs RAE; Pte Guy Godden 3RAR; Cpl Thomas Grose 2RAR; Pte Francis Hyland 2RAR; Pte Barry Kelly 6RAR; 2Lt Geoffrey Locke 9RAR; Pte Albert McCormack 6RAR; Cpl John Needs 6RAR; Spr Peter Penneyston RAE; Pte Carry West RAE; Cpl Alan Wilkinson 4RAR.

Viet vets in Tassie honoured

On loan: Tpr Mark Donaldson’s VC on display with the rest of his service medals. Photos by Tpr Michael Franchi

Admirers: Dee Blanshard and Ian Lang of Mission Beach Qld check out Tpr Mark Donaldson’s VC.

VC proves popular


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

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

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By Capt Lachlan Simond

IN A farewell address, the out-going Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East, Maj-Gen Mike Hindmarsh, told the soldiers of MRTF 1 that they were running a marathon but were achieving phenomenal results.

As the 7RAR battle group pass-es the halfway point in its eight-month deployment, its operations show just how far it has come since it took responsibility for the mis-sion in October 2008.

The new and essential line of operations that MRTF 1 has estab-lished is the responsibility of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Teams (OMLT).

Since October these soldiers have lived, worked and fought alongside soldiers from the Afghan National Army (ANA) at a number of patrol bases and combat outposts throughout the province.

These small teams mentor their Afghan partners in every facet of

operations from planning and logis-tics through to patrols and tactics.

The mentoring teams and Combat Team Tusk, the manoeuvre element of MRTF 1, have conduct-ed numerous missions and patrols culminating in ANA planned and led operations.

These shared experiences cre-ate a situation where all operations for the remainder of the deploy-ment will be entirely focused on the ANA and their continued devel-opment, according to CO MRTF 1 Lt-Col Shane Gabriel.

“In the first half of our deploy-ment, we have established the Australian approach to ANA men-toring – an approach that is based on respect for the ANA as equal partners in this fight and the provi-sion of our example as central to the mentoring role,” he said.

“We have seen the results of this approach provide our partners with enhanced capability and potential.”

In January and February, MRTF 1 personnel deployed to the troubled Baluchi Valley dur-

ing Operation Tura Ghar, involv-ing 800 soldiers from Australia, Afghanistan and the Netherlands. The combat team, OMLT and ANA worked hand-in-hand in the danger-ous and wintry conditions to great effect.

“Operation Tura Ghar is an important benchmark for a couple of key outcomes. First, we closed down the Baluchi Valley as an insurgent sanctuary, which has put a big hole in their plans,” Lt-Col Gabriel said.

“Next, we demonstrated that Australian mentored and reinforced ANA led operations work, even in the most complex of operations, and directly enable the ANA to lead the fight against the insurgency in their country.”

With half their race run, MRTF 1 is now well placed to har-ness their experiences to forge an even closer alliance with the ANA and make further progress on both the mentoring and development lines of operation.

12 WORLD NEWS Army March 19, 2009

Marathon a team effort

No stone unturned: Soldiers from MRTF 1 patrol through a green zone in the Baluchi Valley, southern Afghanistan. Photos by Capt Lachlan Simond

Close alliance: Cpl Michael Cole, RAE, discusses operations with an Afghan National Army engineer that he and his team have trained.

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WORLD NEWS 13 Army March 19, 2009

By Capt Simone Heyer

D E F E N C E M i n i s t e r J o e l Fitzgibbon and East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao opened the new Specialist Training Wing at the East Timor Defence Force training base in Metinaro on March 6.

Mr Fitzgibbon said the $6 mil-lion project was delivered under the auspices of the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) between the ADF and East Timor Defence Force.

“The Specialist Training Wing will provide high quality training for the East Timor Defence Force in areas such as communications, logistics, engineering and medical skills delivered by DCP personnel,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

He and CDF ACM Angus Houston were welcomed to the base with an honour guard of East Timor Defence Force members, before moving on to speeches and the plaque unveiling. The Minister, CDF, Mr Gusmao and East Timor Defence Force Commander Brig-Gen Taur Matan Ruak were shown around the complex, fitted out with a

large lecture theatre, medical clinic, classrooms, computer rooms and an engineering workshop.

The Specialist Training Wing will be run by a DCP contingent com-prising infantry, signals, engineer and medical personnel. The wing will provide training to all levels of East Timor service men and women.

The facility is staffed by DCP instructors, but will gradually be taken over by East Timor Defence Force staff.

OC DCP Metinaro Maj Barry Rhodes said the facility took six months to build.

At the opening, ACM Houston presented a CDF Commendation to WO2 Brendan Creer for his role in the Specialist Training Wing’s deliv-ery.

Maj Rhodes said fundamental to the success of the Specialist Training Wing was an English language pro-gram run by Maj James Rogers.

“East Timor Defence Force mem-bers get many offers to attend cours-es run by overseas militaries and the courses are all run in English. It’s important the soldiers are as well prepared as possible,” he said.

By Kloe Croker

SOLDIERS in Solomon Islands were treated to two concerts and a trivia night with Australian entertainers on the first Tour De Force for 2009.

The lineup included Renee Brack, an MC and television personality, comedian Dave Jory, singer and song writer Mark Wilkinson and Melbourne rock band Asleep in the Park.

Ms Brack said her last tour to Solomon Islands was so incredible that she decided to volunteer again.

“The forces entertainment tour to Solomon Islands was unforgettable,” Ms Brack said.

“We got to experience the front line of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands and see the good work

the ADF and Australian Federal Police do to help another nation on its way to full independence … and the local chil-dren were too cute for words.”

The troops took time out to appreci-ate new Australian talents and become involved in the atmosphere of live con-certs. Pte Mark Routledge said it was good to get a break from work.

“The entertainers have brought a lit-tle piece of home to us and gave us the chance to listen to live music and to meet some more Aussies,” he said.

“The tour definitely boosted morale within the troops.”

Dave Jory said the tour opened his eyes to a different cultural environment. “I would find it so hard to be away from home for so long but the troops were so good natured about it,” Mr Jory said.

Specialist centre opens

School’s in: Cpl Mark Everingham and entertainer Maxine Harman visit the children of Gifu Primary School during the Forces Entertainment Tour to Solomon Islands. Photo by Kloe Croker

Entertainers rock Solomon Islands

Site inspection: Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and CDF ACM Angus Houston are given a tour of the new Specialist Training Wing by Maj Barry Rhodes. Photo by LS Paul Berry

14 CENTREPIECE Army March 19, 2009 15

TPR John Hallett recalls the evening meals he spent with ash drifting on to his plate. It’s a compelling reminder to the young soldier of the job he has

been doing for the past two weeks. As the 3/19 LH (SAMR) trooper leaves

Victoria for his home base in Elizabeth, South Australia, his memories are typical of the many young soldiers who experienced first hand the devastation in Victoria.

But there is one small distinction from previous contingents.

Tpr Hallett and his mates talk in equal proportions of a community getting stronger as each day goes by.

The new search teams deployed after requests from the Victorian Coroner and Victoria Police and the soldiers now have first-hand experience of the worst-affected areas.

Now, as the last search rotation, they say more and more Australian flags are pitched next to burnt houses and signs declare they will rebuild.

The soldiers are genuinely struck by the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of this community.

“It has rained on and off for the last five days and it is beginning to rejuvenate,” Tpr Hallett says.

“There is a lot less dust and it has started to bring out some green. Perhaps the rain is lifting people.

“I have seen a lot of real community spirit among the locals and the volunteers

and there is a real willingness to share. “When we got to Flowerdale early on we

went to assemble a tent at the community centre. The woman running it and organis-ing charity throughout the area was trying to offer us tea and you kind of feel a little guilty because the people here were left with nothing and they are the ones being gener-ous.”

Both Tpr Hallett and Cpl Sean Flanagan from the 8CER Dundas depot near Sydney, highlight the volunteers from across Victoria providing free massages to the Army, emer-gency services and local community members.

Cpl Flanagan agrees the shared experi-ence is serving to unite the community and make it stronger. The Sydney policeman in civilian life says it is impressive.

The taskforce soldiers from NSW-based 5 and 8 Bdes and the SA-based 9 Bde (including Tasmanian soldiers) were rede-ployed last week to Kinglake and Marysville to continue the thorough searches in one of the worst-affected areas.

While JTF 662 will maintain its head-quarters and direct small assistance tasks, the large contributions of ADF personnel ends with the police advice to Emergency Management Australia that the search task is complete.

It ends the relief response, but highlights the training and the effectiveness of the Army Reserve in the those initial first days.

It is no surprise to Cpl Flanagan. He says as a member of the RRF in NSW the contin-

gent was briefed and prepared to deploy to a situation like the Victorian fires.

However, he says the devastation is still confronting. “We were taken aback by what we were faced with, but we were able to pick up the task and go forward.”

Ironically, the NSW contribution to the rotation recently practised a response situa-tion similar to the Victoria fires. OC Search Task Group Maj Ian Hart says the joint exercise with NSW Rural Fire Service had prepared his soldiers for this task.

“Exercise Ainsley Leap was primarily a consequence-management exercise for 5RRF and was based on the 1994 Sydney fires that surrounded most of the Sydney metropolitan area at the time,” Maj Hart says. “As a result of the lessons learned from this activity we were very well prepared for this challenge and I know my soldiers were very keen to prove themselves by making a meaningful contribution to the relief opera-tion.”

Since arriving in Victoria on March 1, the new Search Task Group has cleared more than 776 premises.

Initially, the rotation deployed to the Kinglake area and included searches in the Castella, Toolangi, Steels Creek, Chum Creek and Dixons Creek areas.

Searches included the Narbethong and Buxton communities along with Marysville.

JTF 662 forward headquarters and the Quick Response Force also relocated from Kinglake to Marysville to better support the search effort.

Commander JTF 662 Brig Michael Arnold has thanked the interstate sol-diers who provided much-needed relief to Victorian reservists and other ADF person-nel. “I am truly grateful for the magnificent response by soldiers of 5, 8, and 9 Bdes to our call for support,” Brig Arnold says.

“They have had a difficult task for the past two weeks both emotionally and physi-cally. Their performance has been first class and deeply appreciated by the Victorian community.

“I would also like to acknowledge the excellent performance of staff officers, warrant officers and senior NCOs from the previous formations and 13 Bde. They have played a critical role in sustaining the opera-tion of HQ JTF 662.”

As the interstate rotation conducts post-operation administration thing, they finally have time to pause and reflect.

It is hard to come away from the fire areas neutral about the experience. But for many it is an extension of what they joined the Army to do.

Cpl Flanagan says as a member of the RRF back in NSW, he was ideally situated to assist and it was the experience of using his skills to help other Australians he will remember.

“The nature of the disaster captured the minds and hearts of most Australians. Most people felt the need to contribute in some way whether it was donating money, cloth-ing, food or just their time. I believe this was the best way I could contribute,” he says.

As the Army starts to draw down its bushfire assistance to the Victorian Government WO2 Graham McBean and Michael Brooke report on our last rotation of searchers. Photos by AB Jo Dilorenzo

New dawn: Burnt trees near Kinglake, Victoria.

Thorough search: Soldiers from 5/6RVR joined Victoria Police in a more detailed search for victims in the Kinglake area after the devastating Black Saturday bushfires.

Hosing down: Soldiers are decontaminated after searches on bushfire-affected properties. No stone unturned: Searching for bushfire victims in the Kinglake area. Planning station: Maj Garry Ward briefs police officers at the command post on the searches completed.

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16 LETTERS Army March 19, 2009

UNTIL January, I was categorised as a Member With Dependants (Unaccompanied), as I am locat-ed at 1 Avn Regt in Darwin and my wife and children are living in Townsville.

Unfortunately the marriage has broken down and we have sepa-rated. I provide financial support to my children through an agreement with my estranged wife.

In accordance with Pacman Ch 8, Pt 1, I have been re-catego-rised to MWOD. This is because I am unable to look after my children for more than 90 days a year. I am unable to do this because they live in Townsville and I live in Darwin, and I do not get 90 days’ leave a year and they have schooling com-mitments.

Can someone therefore please explain why the Army has decided my children are no longer depend-ants? As a result of the Army deciding I do not have children any more, I have lost entitlement to reunion travel. Aside from two entitlements to RLLT, I am now in the position where I have to pay to travel to see my children, or pay for them to visit me. How is that fair?

For those who think I am using this forum to search for a com-passionate posting, then you are wrong. I love my current job with 1 Avn Regt working on the ARH Tiger and would like to remain here.

What I would like is an answer to my question. I would prefer an answer that doesn’t constitute “refer to Pacman”. I have done that and from what I can see it is flawed. Furthermore, although

my estranged wife is no longer a dependant, my children are still my children and always will be.Sgt David Ferguson1 Avn RegtRobertson Barracks

Ms Colleen Goth, Director Service Conditions, responds: WHILE I understand that you are now separated by distance and time from your children, you are correct that under the current Pacman rules you are classified as a Member Without Dependants (MWOD).

There are many government classifications regarding depend-ency, such as Family Assistance Classifications, and the interpreta-tion of dependency differs, particu-larly when Commonwealth funding is concerned.

I understand that the MWOD classification may offend when taken literally, particularly when under the Shared Parenting Amendments to the Family Law Act you know that you are the parent of your children in law. Your stated position that your children are still yours is correct.

You are also correct that you will lose your status of MWD(U) due to the breakdown of your mar-riage and the fact that you are posted to Darwin and your family resides in Townsville.

The reason that this will occur is that you are no longer in a rela-tionship which makes you eligible for that entitlement. Once again this may seem unfair to you, but the intent of the entitlement is not to inform you that your children

are not your responsibility. As you clearly identify they are your chil-dren and always will be.

You have stated that you are unable to meet the 90 nights’ requirement to qualify as a Member with Dependants for entitlement purposes. This is a situation many ADF members find themselves in after a marriage breakdown.

The principle behind MWD is that your dependants normally live with you or that they are precluded from doing so due to service rea-sons (the underlying assumption here being that if you were located with them you would be resident with them). While it may be difficult to accept you do not fall into either of these categories, this is the case.

The Army is not saying that you are no longer a father, or that you are not responsible for your children. Defence is saying that it will provide you with two Remote Location Leave Travel trips and one Recreation Leave Travel trip per annum and provide you with rental assistance.

The Department, through this action, is recognising that your service does attract benefits that most other Australian employees do not enjoy.

Part of your service means you are mobile. This mobility may mean you are able to obtain a posting which enables you to meet the cri-teria for MWD again. I understand you enjoy life in Darwin and you are to be commended for your serv-ice. Likewise, your family circum-stances have changed dramatically and that too is a challenge that must be difficult to adjust to.

I HAVE recently been posted to Canberra, which involved initially fly-ing to Canberra and then returning to old station for the relocation.

DHA arranged accommodation at HMAS Harman with my work location being Campbell Park offices.

As I was posted unaccompanied, I also needed to find accommodation. I was informed by DHA there was no entitlement for allowances towards the hire of a car for the period. I had no transport to commute to and from HMAS Harman or to look for accom-modation. As a result I had to hire a car for a week to travel between HMAS Harman and Campbell Park daily and to look for accommodation, which cost $450 including petrol.

All I received was an allowance to travel by taxi to and from HMAS Harman ($60).

When I questioned DHA they informed me it was not their responsibil-ity and that it was a common complaint by members posted to Canberra.

Could you please advise why there is no allowance to cover the hire of a car or other allowances for transport in these situations? Maj Gary SchulzDefence Catering Policy CellCampbell Park, ACT

Mr Robert McKellar, Director Housing and Removals Policy, responds:DEFENCE offers members the oppor-

tunity to find accommodation in their gaining posting location by providing house hunting trips while members are still in their losing posting location.

A member eligible for a service resi-dence or rent allowance, and/or an adult dependant if required, may be provided limited assistance with travel, accommo-dation, car hire and telephone expenses for a maximum of three days to enable the member to find accommodation in the gaining posting location.

These provisions are contained in Pacman Ch 7, Pt 1, Div 4. While these provisions are available to members before they move from their losing post-ing location, there is currently no provi-sion to provide car hire once a mem-ber has arrived in their gaining posting location.

As is the case with the general Australian population, it is normally a member’s individual responsibility to arrange their own transportation to and from their place of duty.

In cases where public transport is not available to members, service trans-portation may be provided, at a cost to members, to enable members to perform their duties. In Maj Schulz’s case, public transport is available at HMAS Harman to enable members to readily get to their place of duty. It is not intended to intro-duce policy to provide members with car hire to get to and from their place of duty.

Revved up over transport issue

Separated but still a provider

Tiger passion: Working on the ARH Tiger is a delight for the writer of the letter below, though he is unhappy that his family situation has led to him being re-categorised as MWOD.

Vehicle mechanics repair and maintain all vehicle types including cars, trucks, prime-movers, trailers, plant equipment and armoured vehicles.

Education Requirements Completion of Australian year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English, Mathematics and Science and one other subject.

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interested soldiers who do not meet the educational requirements.

Employment Training Vehicle mechanics course: 18 months

On the job training: 12 months

Civil Accreditation On successful completion of employment training and the on the job training program, you are awarded the certificate III in Automotive – Heavy Road Transport or equivalent.

ECN 229 VEHICLE MECHANIC TRADE TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY

Return of Service Obligation (ROSO) Training undertaken under the Army Technical and Trade Scheme (ATTS) incurs an initial obligation of six years service from the commencement of initial trade training.

Course Commencement Dates 22 JUL 09 - 15 MAY 11 26 AUG 09 - 17 JUN 11 7 OCT 09 - 22 JUL 11

Application to be submitted via unit orderly rooms.

Trade Transfer Bonus Successful trade transfers to ECN 229 Vehicle Mechanic qualify for a trade transfer bonus of $17, 500. (Conditions apply.)

50% of the bonus is paid on commencement of the training course. The remaining 50% of the bonus is paid at the completion of 12 months of service, either in training for the technical trade or as a combination of training and work in that trade.

For Further Information:

http://intranet.defence.gov.au/ArmyWeb/sites/STAYARMY/ http://www.army.gov.au/stayarmy/

Email: [email protected]: 02 62657795

Or contact the Regional Trade Transfer and Retention Warrant Officer: Enoggera Barracks 07 3332 5165 Lavarack Barracks 07 4771 7819 Robertson Barracks 08 8935 2980

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I AM a committee member of the Holsworthy Pistol Club (HPC), and write to you on behalf of the club.

By our membersh ip , we are closely associated with the Australian Army Sports Pistol Association (AASPA), formally recognised by the Army Sports Association.

I noticed with interest the article about Capt Paul Nowak’s attend-ance at World Shoot 15 in Bali (Army, March 5).

HPC shoots the IPSC practice mentioned in the article – as well as UIT and Service Pistol practic-es – each Saturday on a dedicated range within the Holsworthy Range Complex.

We have found with the current

licensing laws that intending partic-ipants in the sport of pistol shoot-ing have to jump through hoops for about 18 months to get, first, a probationary licence, then a full licence, then a permit to acquire and finally to purchase, if they wish, a pistol. Given that most post-ings are about two years this means that Army members have just about finished jumping hurdles when they are posted out of the area and have to start again in another State. Coupled with the need to put in at least six scored shoots a year while juggling operations, exercises, work commitments and family etc, it just gets too difficult.

So, we have come up with an alternative: ADF members can join AASPA at a cost of $20, which at

the same time makes them Class 6 members of HPC. As Defence members shooting on an Army Range on Army land, they do not require a licence (Section 123 of the Defence Act 1903) to shoot and the HPC makes club pistols (semi-auto or revolver) and ammunition available for civilian pistol famil-iarisation and practice at a nominal cost.

This presents a relatively straightforward way for ADF mem-bers to try out the sport of pistol shooting, and improve their skills in small arms. If they wish to fur-ther their involvement, then HPC can assist them.

Enquiries about the club can be directed to [email protected] Greg FackenderHolsworthy

18 LETTERS Army March 19, 2009

ONE of my 61-year-old soldiers recently attempted the BFA and completed the run in 14:53.

With the AIRN standard for a 51+ male being 14:30, this resulted in a fail by 23 seconds. Normally he completes the walk and passes it, however, he has been training lately, was feeling fit and decided to give the run a go.

This event has highlighted to me that the BFA tables in DI(A) Pers 148-2 do not cover Defence person-nel above the age of 55. It is implied within the tables by the way they are constructed with the last age group covering 51-55. Clearly these were designed for an era where 55 was the compulsory retiring age but now this has extended to 60 for regulars and 65 for reservists.

By applying the logic of reduc-ing performance with additional age, and using the same increment that is applied in the current tables when moving from the 46-50 age group to

the 51+ age group for males, an addi-tional 42 seconds should be allowed every five-year age group up until age 65. Accordingly, the maximum time for the 2.4km run for a 61- to 65-year-old male should be 15:54.

Clearly the times need to be amend-ed to reflect an older Army workforce. Many members of my squadron are highly experienced hydrographic sur-veyors, and are also ageing. Army has very few of these highly qualified per-sonnel and it would be a shame to lose them because we expect a 64-year-old to be as fit as a 54-year-old.Maj Zac ZahariasOC Littoral and Riverine Survey Sqn21 Const RegtHolsworthy Barracks

Col Stephan Rudzki, Director Army Health, responds:THANK you for raising your con-cerns regarding the age group standards in DI(A) Pers 148-2 Army

Physical Conditioning Assessment System.

The issue of extending age groups was considered before the update of DI(A) 148-2 in September 2007, but it was determined that change was not necessary. The thinking behind this decision was that the minimum aerobic standard for Army service remained the 51-55 age standard. While it is acknowledged that aerobic performance declines with age, the expectation is that older members of the Army have to be fitter than civilian counterparts.

Running performance is also dic-tated by more than aerobic capacity. The integrity of the joints and the leg-acy of aches and pains also determine run performance. The walk test was specifically introduced to assess aero-bic capacity in a less stressful way. It may be appropriate for your soldier to accept the reality of time and do the walk test.

Too costlyIN RECENT years I have noticed the introduction of the “I am an Australian Soldier” medallions and posters, and now I have received an “I am an Australian Soldier” booklet. I understand this is an ini-tiative designed at developing our soldiers, however, I honestly can’t see the development these trinkets offer. Would this money not be better spent in improved training resources?

In reality these medallions are but a beer coaster in the live-in lines and the pamphlets will clut-ter the squadron for a number of months before being sent to the bin. I am not having a crack at the initiative as I believe it is a good idea, but the expense of these items I find hard to justify considering I am unable to obtain a new set of cams and boots from the Q-store. Cpl Douglas LivingstoneB Sqn, 2/14 LHR (QMI) Gallipoli Barracks

Ump trumpIT IS great to see the innovation and brilliant ideas that the Army continues to produce as evidenced by the article “Patched up umpires identified” (Army, December 11, 2008). For someone to come up with the idea of using a white background for an umpire’s patch is truly inspiring. And then to top it off by having the word “umpire” on it is bordering on sublime. It is no surprise at all that the trial of the patch, no doubt a long and rig-orous affair, was successful given such a genesis. I remain in awe.Maj Neale Hughes ADFWCRAAF Williamtown

IN RESPONSE to Pte Michael Kreminski’s letter (“Webbing issue”, Army, March 5): while the SO2 Clothing does an admirable job highlighting the obvious flaw in the author’s argument, I must also point out an additional error. Namely, that I must don my gear twice a year for my qualifying shoot at the WTSS. Capt Trent Groves ADFA

ON JANUARY 11 our son, Pte Stephen Andrew Wilson, tragi-cally took his own life.

At the time of this tragic event, the support given to us by the Army and the wider Defence Organisation was greatly appre-ciated and we now write to thank a number of people – Capt Chris Osborn and Ms Rachel Roberts of the Defence Community Organisation, who could not have been more caring, sup-portive or helpful; Lt-Col Ben James, Stephen’s former CO in 2RAR, for his much appreciated role as official mourner; the cur-rent CO of 2RAR, Lt-Col David Smith, for providing the firing party at extremely short notice; the members of the bearer party (Stephen’s mates and his brother, Tpr Raymond Wilson); the mem-bers of the firing party; WO1 Bill Degenaro, RSM Ceremonial (and personal friend) who took control of the ceremonial side; Monsignor Greg Flynn, Senior Chaplain (RC), who conducted a moving and dignified funeral mass and service; Chap (Ang) Owen Davies, RANR, who assisted at the funeral service and was also a supportive friend; Musn Steven Carter from the RMC Band, the bugler who did an excellent job; Musn Adam Cameron-Taylor from AABC-Newcastle who was provided at very short notice as a piper and also did a superb job; all of the staff in the background, the clerks, movers etc, who arranged for people to get to Canberra from all over the country at very short notice; finally, although no longer serving, former WO2 Wendy Eve, late-RACT and now with White Lady Funerals, for combining total professionalism with deep compassion.Graham and Sharon WilsonBanks, ACT

Thanks for support and care

Invitation to join clubTwice as ready

Running out of timeStriding out: Soldiers hit the track to ensure they keep up fitness levels. Photo by Cpl Corinne Boer

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There has been lots of news coverage recently about ‘direct charging’ of ATM fees, which commenced on 3rd March 2009.Prior to 3rd March, fi nancial institutions paid each other every time a customer used another institution’s ATM. Now, ATM owners will charge this fee directly to the customer (cardholder). The fee will be shown on the ATM screen; and you can choose whether to proceed with the transaction. This arrangement was introduced by the Reserve Bank on the basis that there would be more transparency when ATM fees are disclosed upfront. So fi nancial institutions, including Australian Defence Credit Union, have no control over the fees charged to members’ accounts by ATM owners.Avoiding Fees & ChargesHow can you avoid paying these fees (ranging from $1.50-$2.00 per transaction)? Use a rediATM! There are over 1300 of these ATMs throughout Australia, many of which are on military bases.

They are hard to miss as they are bright red in colour and are usually located close to a credit union branch. To fi nd out the location of the rediATMs, visit www.rediatm.com.au.There are other ways to avoid paying ATM fees:

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FEATURES 19Army March 19, 2009

WITH the pride of their units and their states on the line, 80 cadets from all over Australia con-

verged on Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney to take up this year’s Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge from March 5-8.

“The CA’s Challenge is the most prestigious award we can win as cadets,” Cadet WO2 Lucy Dixon, of the South Australian team, said before the contest.

The main honours this year went to the team from South Queensland while the North Queensland team took out the RSM-A Trophy for Drill.

The cadets formed up in teams of 10, representing the eight Australian Army Cadet regions across the country.

They were required to assist in a mock mission conducting surveillance operations on “alleged criminal activ-ities”, starting with a night insertion. Each section was to night navigate to an area of operations and, from there, begin their operations. Throughout the night the cadets had to report back any observations they made while remaining undetected.

They then had to pack-march to a range shoot.

“The challenge was a big eye opener to see how different everyone’s leader-ship styles are,” Cadet Under Officer Rachel Clatcherty, of South Queensland, said. “The most challenging part for me was the shooting.”

Assessment of the cadets had begun at the moment of their insertion into the challenge and they were watched closely as their position was constantly probed by “criminals” in the area. Intelligence collected by the cadets led them to be relocated to the Holsworthy obstacle course, which they had to complete

Equal to the challenge

before being able to continue on to the next stage.

Cadet WO1 Michael Mani, WA Cadet RSM, said the obstacle course was a highlight of the weekend. “It pushed each of the section members to their limits and also brought them togeth-er as teams, as they had to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses to achieve their goals,” he said.

Presenting the awards, CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie said he saw the cadets display the qualities of teamwork, dis-cipline and mateship. He said they were the next generation of the ADF and they were exactly the calibre of people the Army wanted.

“It was impressive to see the dedica-tion of the cadets and the determination put in by all of the teams,” he said.

Skills tested: Cdt WO1 Michael Mani at the completion of the early morning navigation exercise (above).

Title holders: CA Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie with the winning team from South Queensland (right).

The next generation of soldiers brainstormed and footslogged their way through the 2009 CA’s Challenge, Maj (AAC) Ben Robinson writes.

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20 FEATURES Army March 19, 2009

DIGGERS swapped their rifles for surf-boards and hit the waves at the Peter Badcoe Club at Vung Tau during the Vietnam War.

They could be found at the barbed-wire protected beach known as Back Beach – which backed on to the Australian base – playing a round of golf, swimming, surfing, sun bathing and hav-ing a beer.

Stuart Scott’s newly released book Charlie Don’t Surf but Aussies Do ventures into the intri-cate details and tales from the men and women who visited and built the club.

Mr Scott said he started the project after read-ing an article in an American surfing magazine in 2007.

“An ex-US champion surfer who was a Vietnam veteran mentioned that the Australians over there had more up-to-date surfboards than the Americans,” Mr Scott said

“This intrigued me, so I checked the Australian War Memorial photo library and found a couple of good photos there and started asking every veteran I could find about it.”

The recreation and leave centre was named after VC recipient Maj Peter Badcoe who died in the Huong Tra district while attempting to throw grenades under heavy machine gun fire.

The club included bars, a swimming pool named after former prime minister Harold Holt, mini-golf course and a concert stage.

The Army supplied surfboards, sailing boats and powerboats for water skiing.

Armed lifesavers watched out from towers in case of attack and, in the early stages, were equipped with a surfboat and rescue rope reels.

Stan Middleton said that he and many Vietnam veterans were very happy with the release of the book and the stories in it.

“My wife Sinh worked at the Badcoe Club and was able to provide the names and contacts of per-sonnel that worked there,” Mr Middleton said.

Mr Scott said everyone had different memories of the place, “from it being just a basic concrete floor to it being a beachside hotel beer garden”.

To order the book or to pass on a story, visit www.charliedontsurf.com.au or email Stuart Scott at [email protected].

� 1966: 1 Australian Logistic Support Group starts to set up at Vung Tau and Sydney surfboard makers donate boards.� 1967: Work begins in January and the Peter Badcoe Club is officially opened in November.� 1968: Accommodation blocks are completed in May and the Harold Holt memorial pool officially opens in August.� 1971: Australian task force with-draws from Phuoc Tuy.� 1972: Centre is handed over to the Vietnamese.

Barrel of fun

Time out: Soldiers from Tracker Platoon, 6RAR/NZ (Anzac), with surfboards instead of weapons at Vung Tau around 1969-70. Photo by John Neervoort

In the turmoil that was the Vietnam War, Australian soldiers found a piece of surfing paradise at Vung Tau, Tpr Michael Franchi reports.

RIDING THE CREST OF A WAVE

In the swim: The Harold Holt memorial swimming pool, with Badcoe Club’s accommodation blocks in the background. Photo by Paul Haw

Surf’s up: Pte Leigh Floyd takes time out to ride the waves around 1969-70. Photo provided by Leigh Floyd

Picture perfect: The Australian stretch of beach in the foreground, with the Korean, American then Vietnamese zones in the background. Photo by Paul Asbury

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22 PEOPLE Army March 19, 2009

Hair today gone tomorrow: Capt Naomi Gallagher, HQ Norcom, loses her locks for charity. Photo by LS Helen Frank

From the top: Lt-Col James Allen, on Op Hedgerow in Sudan, is given his new rank slide by Gen Martin Luther Agwai, Commander of the military force at UNAMID HQ in Darfur.

Hooray for padre: Chap Charles Vesely with an Australia Day Medallion awarded for his support to 1RAR soldiers and their families. Photo by LCpl Mark Doran

Wave of support: LCpl Jose Gomez takes time out to mix with local children during a visit to Tamboko village in Solomon Islands. Photo by Kloe Croker

Sharp-eyed: Sgt Bernie Maus, 2 Cav Regt, scans for threats from an ASLAV turret in Afghanistan. Photo by Capt Lachlan Simond

SEND US YOUR PHOTOGRAPHSIf you have a photograph that you think is suitable for the People page, send it to [email protected]. Images should be high-resolution jpegs and must be accompanied by information that includes the identity of the people in the photograph.

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LIFESTYLE 23Army March 19, 2009

� Say again, over

If you can think of a clever, witty caption to this picture, then email [email protected] with “caption compe-tition March 19” in the subject line. Keep entries under 25 words. Entries MUST include the sender’s name, rank and unit.

The winner of the March 5 caption competition is....

We also liked ...

“And you are getting posted to ...?”Capt James FardellDEOS Orchard Hills

“Once again the combination of Coronas and beer goggles causes a balls up.”Maj T Davies10 FSB

DIKKO By Bob Dikkenberg

In Kilted Company: A story of part–time soldieringBy Max CarmichaelMelbourne Books 236pp. $29.95.

By Michael Brookes

AUTHOR Max Carmichael has produced a well researched and superbly written history of A

Coy, 10/27RSAR.While there is an A Coy in just about

every infantry battalion in the Army, this particular A Coy is unique to the south east of South Australia and has offered the chance for many in the region to pro-vide part-time service.

As a result, this book is not your typi-cal military history, offering an account of service and commitment rather than battle.

It speaks volumes about the profes-sionalism, dedication, skill and pride of those who served in the South East Coy from 1950-2000, through an anthology of stories that capture the spirit and col-ourful language of the Australian digger.

In Kilted Company covers the good times as well as the difficult periods in the long and proud history of A Coy, accurately recording the changing for-tunes of the Army Reserve.

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“However, right from the start we received a ‘fair go’, and I felt that rather than being made to feel like intruders, we were immediately accepted.”

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Corporal John had served 6 years in the Army

and was considering buying his own home

but didn’t want to take 30 years to pay it off.

After consultation with Spectrum John increased

his knowledge on Defence Entitlements and

investment strategies. This enabled John to:-

• Time the purchase of his home to best utilise

DHOAS, HPAS and the First Home Owner’s

Grant (FHOG)

• Increase his deposit using other assets and RA

• Accelerate the repayment of his home loan

via a positively cash � owed property with a

Government backed 10 year rental guarantee

(i.e. National Rental Affordability Scheme - NRAS).

• Pay out his home loan early using increased

equity from other capital growth investments

This case study is for illustrative purposes only and not to be

construed as � nancial advice. You need to consider your own

personal circumstances when making an investment decision.

Spectrum’s wealth creation strategies consider:

• Property Investments

• Tax Planning

• Loan Structures

• Defence Entitlements

• Shares & Superannuation

Want to own your own home?And pay it off sooner?

Get � nancially � t. For life.

Know your entitlements

DHOAS, HPSEA, HPAS,

RA, MSBS, DFRDB

24 LIFESTYLE Army March 19, 2009

HEALTH

Don’t get spiked

MANY people enjoy a drink or two on a night out, but if you are not careful you may become

the victim of drink spiking, regard-less of whether you are male or female.

History shows that during the party season there is a greater likelihood of members being exposed to, or involved with, prohibited substances. But it can happen any time of the year.

There are some basic things you can do to protect yourself and your mates from drink-spiking incidents.

What drugs can be used?� Extra alcohol� Sedatives� Rohypnol� GHB (Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate)� Ketamine� Stimulants (less common)� Ecstasy� Speed

What are the symptoms?Most people feel sudden and unmis-

takable symptoms following a spiking incident. However, some people feel few symptoms from a drink-spiking incident, usually because they were

extremely drunk in the first place – this is another reason to drink responsibly. Some of the symptoms may include;� Feeling dizzy or faint, especially if

the feeling comes on suddenly.� Feeling nauseous or sleepy.� Feeling “more drunk” than you

would expect, given how much you have had to drink.

� Losing consciousness.� Waking up with memory blanks.

What should I do?You are in danger if you believe

you or a friend may have been a drink-spiking victim. Drink spiking is a form of poisoning, and you can never be sure what the impact of the drug will be, especially combined with alcohol. Quick action may save a life or prevent a rape.� Don’t leave the victim alone under

any circumstances.� Make sure your whole group knows,

straight away.� Let the bar staff know straight away.� If the victim loses consciousness,

call an ambulance.� Get the victim away from the venue

and away from potential offenders.� Notify your MO and CO/OC or,

after hours, the base duty officer.� Report to your nearest medical cen-

tre for testing, even if you are start-ing to feel better.

� Report the incident to the police – drink spiking is a crime.

� Get everyone who was present when the spiking incident occurred to write down everything they can remember about the events leading up to the incident.

Will it affect my career? If you follow the procedures

above, and report the suspected spik-ing incident immediately through your chain of command or, after hours to the duty officer, then DI(G) PERS 15-2 Involvement by Members of the Australian Defence Force with a Prohibited Substance states that no adverse action will be taken against a member reporting accidental prohib-ited substance use.

However, members who report accidental prohibited substance use after being identified for prohibited substance testing should not expect immunity if they test positive to a pro-hibited substance.

So, if you or a mate have had your drink spiked, your first priority is to ensure the victim’s safety, and the sec-ond priority is to report it.

Drink spiking is a dangerous offence where drugs are added to victims’ drinks leaving them in a vulnerable situation. Flt-Lt Anthony Marinac explains how to prevent becoming a victim and what you should do if you believe your drink has been spiked.

� Don’t get drunk. A person who is drinking responsibly may still be spiked, but has a better chance of realising it and taking action.

� Never leave your drink unattended or even out of your sight. It takes only a second for someone to spike your drink.

� Don’t get involved in shouts with people you don’t know and trust. Buy your own drinks. Don’t drink anything you didn’t see poured or opened.

� Where possible, buy bottled drinks and keep the lid on. For females, this can easily be slipped into your handbag when danc-

ing. Otherwise, a straw in the bottle may make it harder for an offender to slip a tablet or powder into your bottle.

� If your drink tastes strange, bitter or salty, throw it away.

� If your drink has bits floating in it, throw it away. Drugs like ecstasy do not fully dissolve.

� If you’re on a date with someone you don’t know, buy your own drinks and arrange for a friend to call you periodically through the evening.

� Stick together as a group. A drink spiker may try to separate you from your friends after the drug has started taking effect.

STAYING SAFE WHEN OUT AND ABOUT

Lethal cocktail: Always watch your drink when you are out socialising.

ADF Financial Services Consumer CouncilFor more information contact us at: [email protected]

ADF Financial Services Consumer Council

Do you need a FinancialAdviser?

How do you fi nd anAdviser?

How does an Adviser get paid?

What shouldyou ask the Adviser?

Our new eLearning

module can help you get

Financial Advice.

www.adfconsumer.gov.au

Half PageJuly08.indd 1 3/7/08 10:57:59 AM

Share scams often look realistic and are presented professionally. ASIC Chairman Tony D’Aloisio explains what to look for so you don’t get caught out.

PUMP and dump scams have been around for decades in one form or another. These scams are a way of artifi-

cially inflating share prices.The scammers usually own large

parcels of shares in small publicly list-ed companies. They attempt to drive up the share price by spruiking false statements to unsuspecting victims.

If the scammers succeed in con-vincing enough people to buy shares, the share price will inevitably increase beyond its real worth. Once this hap-pens (ie. the ‘pump’) the scammers sell (ie. ‘dump’) their shares at the peak of the price spike.

When the scammers sell their shares, the price decreases, liquidity in the shares falls and victims are left holding shares at their deflated value.

Typically, pump and dump scams take advantage of shares that are of extremely low value, often referred to as ‘penny stocks’. This makes it easier for the scammers to pump up the price. These scams often involve companies that are likely to have unexpected price spikes anyway, for example, emerging mining companies.

Pump and dump scams are ille-gal. The operators of pump and dump scams can be charged with a varie-

ty of offences, including misleading investors with false rumours relating to stock exchange listed companies. If found guilty, the operators of pump and dump scams can be jailed and heavily fined.

Keep a look outPump and dump scams can sur-

face in many different ways includ-ing online, by phone, by text mes-sage or in person. It’s important that if someone does make contact ‘out of the blue’, people do their research and consider getting professional, licensed financial advice before making a deci-sion.� Online

Realistic and professional websites that claim to give ‘share tips’ or offer ‘investment opportunities’ are aplenty. These websites sometimes try to get people to subscribe to their servic-es and often quote alleged industry experts. People need to look beyond the slick presentation to find the real information.

The internet is a great way to share information. However, with this free-dom also comes the ability to eas-ily mislead people. There are lots of investment and finance forums, chat rooms and blogs out there. And while

Pumped up for a dumping

most of the information may be legiti-mate, there will always be some people trying to push their own wagon.

Watch out for comments from peo-ple who are supposedly giving ‘inside knowledge’ or a ‘heads up’. These tips could be people trying to serve their own interest.

� By phoneSometimes scammers operate out

of boiler room call centres and have teams of people working the phones to pump up a share’s price. Sometimes these are based overseas, sometimes within Australia. If someone rings out of the blue, it’s best just to hang up.

Sometimes the people calling claim to be from a legitimate business and say they got a person’s name from a ‘database’. In other cases, they claim to be trying to contact someone else and then ‘mistakenly’ give away the hot tip. Don’t fall for this – they’re just trying to make you feel like you have some inside knowledge. Ask the fol-lowing questions:➤ What is your name, address and

phone number? ➤ Do you hold an Australian financial

services licence?➤ What is the name of the company

holding the licence?

➤ What is the licence number?➤ What is the licence holder’s

address?This information can then be

checked to see if they are a legiti-mate business on ASIC’s consumer website.

Be wary of anyone who claims they don’t need a licence, or who won’t answer questions and never agree to anything over the phone.

� By text messageThere have been situations where

people have received text messages from unknown senders with what appears to be investment tips. Often these are written as though it wasn’t intended for the receiver, making them believe that they’ve stumbled onto a hot tip. The safest thing to do is delete the message straight away.

� In personThe scammers might have an

office, run seminars, hand out flyers, and even offer to visit people at home to try to persuade them to buy the shares. People must be sure to check the credentials of anyone offering to deal with their finances.

What to do?If you think you’ve been targeted

for a pump and dump scam, the best response is to ignore it and say that you’re not interested. Always do your own research on shares and consider seeking professional financial advice.

More information is at www.fido.gov.au or call 1300 300 630. E-mail ASIC with topics that interest you to [email protected]

FINANCE

Exercise caution: Don’t be taken in by scammers. Photo by LS Paul McCallum

LIFESTYLE 25Army March 19, 2009

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26 SPORT Army March 19, 2009

By Eliza Sum andSharon Palmer

EVER wondered what, if any-thing, goes through a weight-lifter’s mind as they grunt and strain to lift 100kg over their heads?

For Cpl Graham Walker it must have been gold as he took out the 62kg snatch, clean and jerk at the Australian Masters in Geelong with a score of 177 (77kg for the snatch and 100kg for the clean and jerk).

The result has ensured his place in the Australian Masters team to take on the world’s best in October in Sydney.

“Let’s put it this way, I just concentrate on making sure that I get the lift,” Cpl Walker said.

Weighing in at just 60kg and standing at 165cm small, Cpl Walker says he was destined to be a boxer or a weightlifter.

“My mother wasn’t very keen

on boxing,” he said. “As you can see, weightlifting is a non-contact sport, and I saw my cousin doing it in South Africa, so I decided to pick it up too.”

After winning bronze at nationals as a junior, Cpl Walker gave the sport away for about eight years, only returning as a form of rehabilitation for an ankle injury. His best result since his return was in 2006.

“I was competing at the nation-als against the young guns and I won the silver medal with a score of 181.”

Since then, he has concentrat-ed on competing at the masters’ level. “This was my third masters and it’s the best I have done at this level.”

He enjoyed being in the Army although work commitments often conflicted with weightlifting competitions and he was forced to withdraw from the Australian World Masters team last year.

“These things happen, but I know that work will always come first,” he said.

“I was ecstatic with my result this time and that’s why I’m work-ing hard so I can get a good total, hopefully 190 or close to 200 in Sydney.”

H e n a m e s t h r e e - t i m e Australian Olympian Charlie Henderson as an inspiration, say-ing, “I don’t want to let myself go when I get old.”

The 12th Australian Masters Games were held in Geelong from February 20-March 1. More than 60 sports were contested in and around Geelong and more than 7100 competitors participated. The 13th Australian Masters will be held in Adelaide in 2011.

The 7th World Masters Games will be held in Sydney from October 10-18. Organisers expect 25,000 people from 100 countries to compete in 28 sports at 72 ven-ues throughout the city.

World bid gets a lift

Pocket rocket: Cpl Graham Walker on his way to a gold medal. Photo by Chloe Brian

By Monique Ndario and Sharon Palmer

THE football competition at the 12th Australian Masters Games attracted military attention in the form of the ADF men’s soccer team which came away with a silver medal in the 35-plus division at the end of the competition.

WO2 Eddie Balarezo, AATC, was named player’s player for the com-petition with WO2 Kevan Naughton, 10FSB, also among the standouts.

Unbeaten leading into the gold medal playoff, team captain Sgt Geoff Gillard (RAAF) said the team was con-fident of taking the gold but failed to capitalise on its opportunities.

“We were disappointed because I think we played the better football throughout the tournament and the

match, but they converted their chances and we didn’t,” he said.

“But in terms of the competition, we had a great week both on and off the paddock and interacted really well with our competition.

“It was a really positive PR exercise as well as a lot of fun.”

Sgt Gillard said the team now had its sights set on the World Masters in Sydney in October.

“We are all keen to do another Australian Masters and take home the gold next time but we have also regis-tered for the worlds and should have an even stronger team as a couple of the guys who couldn’t make it to Geelong will be back and another couple will have turned 35 by then,” Sgt Gillard said.

Team manager Sgt Andrew Webb

(RAAF) said the team performed well all week. “These guys are the best of the best,” he said.

He also said while they brought a high level of military fitness to the park, there was also an underlying sense of fun among the team.

This was no more evident than in the team’s pre-match custom.

A red headband was awarded to the lowest performing player from the pre-vious game judged by his peers.

The headband had to be worn for the duration of the next game.

“The headband is just a way of breaking the ice among the players and at the same time it is a way of boosting their spirits, because they want to avoid wearing it because that would mean they were voted the lowest performer.” Sgt Webb said.

ADF team: Back row, left to right: Manager-Sgt Andrew Webb (RAAF); Sgt Nelson Aceituna (RAAF); Flt-Sgt Brett Chapman; WO2 John Plackett, LMB; Sgt Geoff Gillard (captain) (RAAF); Capt Ian Rainbow, 5CER; Player/coach – Sgt Scott Hanson (RAAF); Cpl Bradley Moore (RAAF); Cpl Colin Dean, 17 Sig Regt. Front row, left to right: Sqn-Ldr Alec Tattersall; Flt-Sgt Paul Bonnar; WO2 Kevan Naughton, 10FSB; WO2 Eddie Balarezo, AATC; Sgt Matt Stacey (RAAF); Cpl Jason Jones (RAAF); WO2 Mark Ninnes, 19CEW. Absent: Sgt Damian Vincent (RAAF). Photo by Chloe Brian

Results: ADF 2 b Barwon 1. Scorers: WO2 Kevan Naughton, Sgt Geoff Gillard. ADF 4 b Surfside 1. Scorers: Sgt Geoff Gillard(2), Flt-Sgt Paul Bonnar, Sqnd-Ldr Alec Tattersall. ADF 3 b Pressure 1. Scorers: Sgt Geoff Gillard, Cpl Jason Jones, WO2 Eddie Balerezo. Semi-Final ADF 3 b Pressure 0. Scorers: Sgt Geoff Gillard, WO2 Eddie Balerezo, Sgt Nelson Aceituno. Final Barwon 2 b ADF 0.

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SPORT 27Army March 19, 2009

By Barry Rollings

NEXT time you see Pte Paul Daniel, be sure to give him a big wave.

He’s not craving the “hello” kind though, just those huge green monsters that take your breath away when, from the comfort of your lounge, you watch insanely courageous (or is that just insane?) surfers take off on salty skyscrapers from exotic places like Hawaii’s Waimea Bay.

Now 31 and a quartermaster at 3RAR, Pte Daniel’s progres-sion to big wave surfing has been logical since his childhood days at Seaspray on Victoria’s 90-Mile Beach.

“As far back as I can remember, I was always a surfer,” Pte Daniel recalled.

“I could walk 50m out my front door and be on the beach at Seaspray. I would surf before and after school, summer or winter; I didn’t care. I won many ‘pretend world championships’ as a 10-year-old there. It’s all I ever thought about as a kid.”

He moved to Maroubra when he was 12.

“The first time I stepped in the water as a kid in Maroubra, I thought it was the biggest wave I’d ever seen. In reality it was probably only 1m but I’d never seen anything like it,” he said.

“I guess that was the moment I became hooked on big-wave surf-ing. By the time I was 16, all I wanted to do was surf big waves. Between the ages of 16 to 20, I rode some of the biggest waves in the country – 9m in WA, 7.5m in Tasmania, 6m in Victoria, and 4.5m in Queensland and 7.5m in Sydney.”

From then on he has travelled to some of the most beautiful places in the world in search of the big-gest and heaviest waves. From Teahupoo and Java (both 4.5m) to France (7m), Mexico (9m), 9-12m at Mavericks in California and, of course, Jaws in Hawaii (9-15m).

But Pte Daniel admits “a lot of these waves I watched but didn’t ride”.

“After seeing a local in Hawaii killed on a monster 12m wipeout, even I had my limits.”

Big wave surfing takes total commitment and discipline, Pte Daniel says.

“We paddle into or are towed by jetskis onto waves which are at least 6.2 m high, on surfboards known as ‘guns’ or ‘rhino chas-ers’,’’ he said.

“The bigger the wave, the faster it travels, and the bigger the surf-board needed to catch it.

“A larger board allows a rider to paddle fast enough to catch the wave and has the advantage of being more stable, but it also lim-

its their manoeuvrability. In a big wave wipeout, a breaking wave can push you 6.2m to 15.5m below the surface. Once you stop spinning around, you have to quickly regain your equilibrium and figure out which way is up.”

His favourite big-wave surf-ing spots include Waimea Bay, Ghost Trees, off Pebble Beach in California, Jaws in Hawaii, Cyclops in WA and Ours in Sydney.

He’s seen a fellow surfer tackle a 13.5m wave at Ghost Trees and another of 16.5m. At Jaws, so called because of size and ferocity of the waves, he’s seen waves reach 21m high, moving about 48km/h.

Describing himself as a kami-kaze, or big wave surfer, rather than a technical enthusiast, Pte Daniel admits to many wipeouts and close calls, which he says are “just part of big-wave surfing; in reality part of any form of surfing”.

Being a “kamikaze” surfer, he says the coming triservice surfing championships will be a huge chal-lenge for him. “I’ve never really bothered about my technique; I’ve always just charged big waves.

“But I’m really looking forward to the challenge and I’m actually enjoying technical surfing for the first time since I was a kid. I’m sure I will be surfing against much bet-ter technical surfers.”

Making waves

NSW Army Surfriders’ Association (ASRA) completed the first of its selection trials in small, weak and windblown surf on February 26 at the Wall on Sydney’s Cronulla Beach. The trials are being held to select the team to contest the 2009 Triservice Surfing Championships in the Port Stephens area from March 31-April 2. This year’s championships are being organised by Army and staged by RAAF Base Williamtown. The final selection will be on March 26 at Cronulla to select the 24-person team. POCs for the ASRA are Cpl John O’Connor on 0425 280 452 or Stuart Brook on 0439 042 392.

SURFING TRIALS

Pumped: Pte Paul Daniel is looking forward to the challenge of more technical surfing in the championships. Photo by Tim Forsyth

INTERESTED players for the ACT and Wagga will lock horns and hockey sticks in Canberra on Thursday, April 2 in quest of championship honours and repre-sentative selection.

The 2009 ACT interservice hockey competition will be held at the National Hockey Centre in Mouat Street, Lyneham, from 1pm-4.30pm, with the schedule of matches to be decided.

“Members from the permanent

and reserve Navy, Army and Air Force, along with Defence APS per-sonnel are encouraged to field full teams to ensure ACT has a com-petitive inter-Service competition,” ACT hockey representative WOFF Vicki Chapman said.

The ACT Combined Services hockey teams will be selected on the day for the 2009 Defence Hockey Championships from May 30-June 5 at Homebush in Sydney.

Nominations are sought for play-ers, coaches and managers. Those

interested should provide their ACT representatives with completed per-sonal details proforma and authori-sation forms by March 27.

Defgram 483/2007 provides conditions under which APS mem-bers may participate.

For further information contact: WOFF Vicki Chapman, (02) 6128 7049, or e-mail: [email protected]; or Shayne Borger, telephone 0400 774 763, or e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Netball coach wantedADFA Netball Club is seeking a qualified coach for the 2009 season. The club is promi-nent in both the Canberra and Defence sports communities. Ideally, applicants would hold a current intermediate coaching accreditation (formerly known as level 1 to 2). The success-ful applicant will be required for at least one evening training session during the week and for the duration of the Saturday games. The season runs from April-September. For further information, contact Maj Carla Watts on (02) 6268 8535 or [email protected]

10km road championshipTHE Australian Defence Running and Athletic Association will conduct the 2009 Defence 10km road championship in conjunction with a 10km fun run starting at Empire Park, Newcastle, on March 29. Age categories include men’s and women’s open, veteran men 35-44 years, veteran women 35 years and over and masters men 45 years and over. Competitors should enter the race online at www.hilltoharbour.net and email the race director, Sqn-Ldr Richard Gardiner, advising of their entry and age category details. Further details at www.adf.coolrunning.com.au or email [email protected]

ASAFA titles in MelbourneTHE 2009 AUSTRALIAN Services Australian Football Association (ASAFA) Championships will return to the home of footy as Navy, Army and Air Force teams continue their rivalries from April 15-19 in Melbourne. Matches will be played at Whitten and TEAC Ovals, with Army out to defend both the Jimmy Sail Cup in the men’s action and the Cdre Geoff Ledger Cup for the women’s national title.

Hockey honours on line

Rhino hunter searches for the big guns

SPORT SHORTS

March 19, 2009

ALL’S SWELL

SNATCHING THE GOLDMaster stroke by pocket rocket

SEE PAGE 26

3RAR’s Pte Paul Daniel rips it up

Story –

Phot

o by

Bill

Cun

neen

edition 1208 march 19, 2009 fire what we’re doing to ...€¦ · edition 1208 march 19, 2009 sgt...

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