The soldiers’ newspaperEdition 1460 March 5, 2020

ON YOUR MARK

Invictus Games team announcedPAGE 3, CENTRE

Invictus Games competitor Matt Model participates in athletics practice during the final training camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation. Photo: Cpl Nicole Dorrett

OPERATION TAMARCommemoration marks

25 years – PAGE 14

BUSHFIRE ASSISTThe ADF continues its

support efforts – PAGES 4-7

UNSUNG HEROESNational Day for War

Animals – PAGE 2

OUR TEAMDirector David Edlington

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News2

LS Kylie Jagiello

A PAW-PRINT track representing the steps of a dog as it circles into sleep is part of a new memo-rial unveiled at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on February 24.

Dedicated to military working dogs (MWDs), it honours generations of dogs that have served, given unconditional loyalty and, in many cases, died in the line of duty.

Circling into sleep was created by artist Steven Holland with the help of explosive detec-tion dog Billie, who was trained by her handler to walk in a tight circle on a bed of clay to create the tracks.

With a backdrop of five MWD handlers and their animals, Defence Personnel Minister and Veterans Affairs Minister, Darren Chester, deliv-

ered the commemorative address on the National Day for War Animals, acknowledging the service and sacrifice of our four-legged heroes.

“No dog serves alone. Their service is only matched by their handlers and the bond between them must be unbreakable,” Mr Chester said.

In the centre of the memorial is a tear-shaped stone where the remains of Aussie (MWD 426) were interred last December. Aussie’s second handler, former LCpl Shaun Ward, attended the memorial and remembered Aussie as a bit of a mischief maker.

“He was fairly boisterous and if there was any water around you couldn’t get him out of it,” Mr Ward said.

“When the harness went on though, the job was on and he was a million miles an hour.”

Aussie was well known among MWD han-

dlers, not just for how long he served but for the number of domestic and international operations he was a part of.

Having worked with dogs and their handlers for a decade, veterinarian officer Maj Kendall Crocker was honoured to attend the second National Day for War Animals.

“It is important to recognise the service and sacrifice of the dogs and the handlers,” Maj Crocker said.

“To see them honoured permanently at the Australian War Memorial is rewarding and special.”

MWDs were first used by the Royal Australian Engineers in 1918 when British dogs worked as messengers for Australian sappers in the trenches on the Western Front.

Tails of heroism in circle of prints

Top: Handlers and their animals at the dedication to military working dogs at the Australian War Memorial, from left, Sgt Stuart Conlin with Trip, LAC Gregory Chance with Veda, New Zealand Army’s LCpl Maylin Broderick with Flicka, LAC Bradley Evans with Ollie and Spr Luke Saxton with Mate.

Left: Former handler Shaun Ward remembers his long-serving dog Aussie beside the Military Working Dogs Memorial plaque.Photos: LS Kylie Jagiello

Far left: A curious Trip with Sgt Stuart Conlin.Photo: Jay Cronan

March 5, 2020 Invictus Games 2020defence.gov.au/news/armynews 3

Flg-Off Erika Seymour

THE team that will represent Australia at Invictus Games The Hague 2020 was announced at a ceremony in Sydney on February 14.

The 32-member team comprises 15 Army, 12 Navy and five Air Force personnel.

They will be among 500 participants from 20 nations competing in individual and team sports including archery, athletics, indoor rowing, powerlift-ing, road cycling, sailing, sitting volleyball, swim-ming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and the Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge.

The combined ADF, Returned and Services League and Veteran Sport Australia team was announced by Assistant Defence Minister Alex Hawke.

“The Games are an opportunity to honour the ser-vice and sacrifice of the men and women who have defended our freedoms and values and acknowledge the determination and courage our Australian team members have shown to overcome adversity and com-pete,” Mr Hawke said.

Sgt Shane Bramley, of 1CHB, is the team captain. He’s been in the Army since 1996 and has been an Army Physical Training Instructor since 2003.

Sgt Bramley represented Australia in the Warrior Games in 2018 (as a competitor and team captain) and 2019. In The Hague he will compete in athletics, wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball.

“Sport and physical training have always been part of my identity, but I progressively withdrew from participating in both as the impact of my conditions [service-related musculoskeletal injuries] took their toll,” Sgt Bramley said.

“Through the ADF and Veteran Sport Australia Adaptive Sports Program, I have reconnected with sport and training in a way that restores my sense of self.”

Sgt Bramley’s message for anyone thinking about getting involved in adaptive sports is to take the plunge.

“Just do it – get involved. Your willingness to be involved is enough. The rest takes care of itself.”

Former Pte Lenny Redrose, of Melbourne, will compete in wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing and wheelchair rugby at the games.

Mr Redrose played National Premier League soccer before surgery left him in a wheelchair.

Now he volunteers at the two spinal cord rehab hospitals in Melbourne, working with new patients. He has also spoken at the Training Recovery Wing

Ready for victory

See more on the Invictus Games: CENTRE

Invictus Games competitor Lenny Redrose during the final training camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation.

Invictus Games team co-captains Sgt Shane Bramley and Cpl Sarah Petchell

take part in a press conference.

Assistant Defence Minister Alex Hawke makes his address at the Australian Invictus Games team announcement, Victoria Barracks, NSW. Photos: LS Jayson Tufrey

Watch video at: youtube.com/watch?v=CWmtID53kp0

at Holsworthy Barracks with soldiers recovering from significant injuries.

“I love it. I really do,” Mr Redrose said.Mr Redrose encourages patients to bring their part-

ners and parents to the sessions, as he believes the heal-ing journey involves everyone.

“I’m absolutely loving training for the games,” he said.

Head coach WO Geoffrey Stokes said it would pro-vide a positive experience for all involved.

“The glass is half full. No matter how tough life can be, there are still opportunities,” WO Stokes said.

“The amount of sports the competitors have entered is impressive.

“It gives all competitors a very full program, not only at the games but also for their preparation for the games.”

For more information on this year’s team visit defence.gov.au/events/invictusgames or follow the team online at facebook.com/team.invictus.australia or twitter.com/aussieinvictus or instagram.com/aussieinvictus

Operation Bushfire Assist4

Flt-Lt Marina Lysenko

VICTORIA’S Emergency Management Commissioner has praised the ADF’s swift response to the state’s bushfire emergency.

Speaking on February 14, Commissioner Andrew Crisp said Defence brought an impressive scale of forces to support the response, relief and recovery efforts, which meant results could be deliv-ered quicker to affected communities.

“From planes to helicop-ters, from ships to plant and equipment, the sheer numbers of personnel and their assets, which the ADF could get out on the ground on any one day, was fantastic,” he said.

Commissioner Crisp also noted the community response to ADF participation in recov-ery efforts.

“ADF involvement brings a sense of confidence to the com-munity,” he said.

“People see the uniforms and feel safe.

“That is an intangible ben-efit and it had an equally, if not greater, impact on the relief and recovery efforts.”

A key factor that enabled close coordination between Victoria’s emergency services and the ADF support was the

close working relationship established between ADF liai-son officers and the various services working in Emergency Management Victoria’s State Control Centre (SCC) in Melbourne.

Senior ADF liaison officer at the SCC, Col Michelle Campbell, said the rapid and agile Defence response had its foundations in lessons from Victoria’s 2009 Black Saturday fires.

“Previously, the state-level ADF liaison was with each agency individually and that took a lot of time,” Col Campbell said.

“Now, by being embedded at the SCC we could liaise directly with all the agency representatives to support the effects they were trying to achieve and it sped everything up.”

Commissioner Crisp said the presence of the liaison officers helped emergency services staff understand what resources Defence had avail-able and how their people and assets could be employed.

“Working with the ADF liaison officers has been terrif-ic,” Commissioner Crisp said.

“Professionally and person-ally, it has been an absolute pleasure working with them.”

Driving a rapid response

Senior ADF liaison officer to Emergency Management Victoria’s State Control Centre, Col Michelle Campbell, discusses ongoing operations in south-east Victoria with Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner, Andrew Crisp. Photo: Maj Cameron Jamieson

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March 5, 2020 Operation Bushfire Assistdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 5

FRENCH citizens renewed their vows to “never forget Australia” in response to recent bushfires with a solidarity march in Villers-Bretonneux.

Like their ancestors of WWI, local schoolchildren sang songs to honour and stand with Australia and a eucalyptus “tree of solidarite” was planted.

The march on February 2 was organised by the com-munity of Villers-Bretonneux, involving about 1000 peo-ple and concluding at the Australian National Memorial.

Australia’s liaison officer to the French Army, Lt-Col Ben McLennan, said it was a privilege to work alongside one of the world’s “benchmark” military forces.

“It is a partnership that has existed for over 100 years, characterised by similar mis-sions, objectives, values, chal-

lenges and opportunities,” he said.

“Through our partnership, our armies are better together.”

About $73,000 was raised for bushfire recovery, with donations, fun runs, an auction and government contributions.

The French sent knitted blankets and mittens for injured wildlife and messages of sup-port to Australia.

In January, France sent a team of fire-fighting experts to Australia to offer assistance.

The relationship between Australia and France has been longstanding, particularly with the people of the Somme, which was heavily impacted during WWI.

Australian soldiers relieved Villers-Bretonneux on the night of April 24-25, 1918, and the townspeople commemorate Anzac Day every year.

Marching together in hard times

Leut Max Logan

MEMBERS of the Orbost community in Victoria joined military men and women from around the country and overseas dur-ing a farewell event for personnel as they prepared to depart after weeks deployed in support of Operation Bushfire Assist.

There was singing, dancing and laugh-ter at Lochiel Park on February 21 as locals gathered to meet members of the ADF and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), deployed under JTF 646.

Members of the community were thanked for supporting the troops and ensuring they felt welcome and comfort-able in their home away from home – a cluster of khaki tents set up on the side-lines of the football oval.

Second-in-Command of the RFMF contingent, Lt Sikeli Naqoli, said the level of community support had been extremely high.

“We’ve forged comradeship, we’ve

made a lot of friends with the families in the area and we will miss the friendship and sense of community,” Lt Naqoli said.

“The farewell event was a great oppor-tunity to gather and appreciate the com-munity’s involvement in supporting the work of the task force and thank them for their hospitality.

“Despite the difficult circumstances, we’ve enjoyed every moment of the oper-ation and we’ve learnt a lot, which we will take back home to Fiji.

“Helping out during Bushfire Assist has been a pleasure for us because over the years Australia has helped us in our time of need – this opportunity will be cherished into the future.”

In a fitting display of the RFMF’s spir-it during Bushfire Assist, the contingent performed a Cibi (traditional Fijian war dance), before showcasing their singing voices during the Isa Lei (traditional fare-well song).

Capt Christopher Wetherell , of

8/9RAR, was the liaison officer for the Fijian contingent during Bushfire Assist.

“It has been an opportunity to work with them closely, understand their cul-ture and how they can support local Australians trying to get back on their feet,” Capt Wetherell said.

“The RFMF and ADF have undertak-en route clearance support tasks, includ-ing cross-cutting, tree felling, clearance of culverts as well as myriad community engagement activities.

“The interoperability between the two forces is outstanding. Culturally there is a lot of alignment, including both coun-tries adopting a can-do attitude in all situations.”

For Capt Wetherell, the farewell event was less of a goodbye and more of a “see you later”.

“Although I was sad to see the RFMF departing, being posted to 8/9RAR will ensure that I have the opportunity to work with them again,” he said.

Fond farewell for new friends

Republic of Fiji Military Forces soldiers deployed on Operation Bushfire Assist sing a farewell song to the people of Orbost, Victoria, before returning to Fiji. Photo: LS Kieren Whiteley

Sporting the community

Chap John Raike receives a donation of club merchandise from Luke Henry, of Collingwood Football Club, to be distributed to fire-affected communities in Gippsland. Photo: Pte Michael Currie

Cpl Julia Whitwell

TAPPING into the commu-nity’s love of sport, an Army padre has set about lifting the spirits of Gippsland residents.

After bushfires swept through the region, devastating the landscape and threatening homes, Melbourne-based Chap John Raike was determined to find a way to help the community.

“I was trying to think of a morale boost for them, because they needed a bit of a lift,” Chap Raike said.

An AFL fan himself, he asked Collingwood Football Club for memorabilia to donate to Gippsland residents.

Collingwood spokesperson Luke Henry said the club was

eager to help, donating scarves, hoodies, and AFL and netball merchandise.

“The club is more than happy to be able to assist such a worthy cause,” Mr Henry said.

Chap Raike said the dona-tion was a boost to community spirit.

“I was surprised by how generous they were – they donated more than 100 items,” Chap Raike said.

“The scarves and hoodies were certainly a big hit with the young ’Pies supporters in Gippsland.

“Gestures like this help reduce community anxiety and let people know they are not alone and that others care about their plight.”

French citizens conduct a solidarity march in response to Australia’s bushfires, concluding at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, France.

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March 5, 2020 Operation Bushfire Assistdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 7

Flg-Off Evita Ryan

WHEN Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve staff raced to save endangered spe-cies from bushfire in late January, there was little time left to prepare the facilities and historical sites in the reserve.

With the reserve still under threat from the Orroral Valley fire in early February, 6RAR’s A Coy stepped up at the request of the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) to help pre-pare key sites in the reserve.

Parks and Conservation Service Ranger John McRae worked with the ESA and said there was only time to evacuate the endangered spe-cies.

“With the soldiers, we got a lot done in a short space of time just as it looked inevitable that the reserve was going to be severely impacted by bushfire,” Mr McRae said.

Cleaning up leaf litter, debris and vegetation, the 6RAR team cre-ated bare-earth fire breaks around the buildings and breeding facilities in the reserve, removing anything flammable to reduce the risk of fire

damaging the centre.“I showed the wildlife staff pho-

tos of what they’d done and they were very happy,” Mr McRae said.

The team also prepared the his-toric Nil Desperandum, a late 1890s rammed-earth homestead that was restored after it was damaged by the bushfires that hit parts of the ACT in 2003.

The homestead’s camellia grove, which is maintained by a volunteer group, took several years to regener-ate after the 2003 bushfires.

“The camellia grove is very pre-cious to us,” Mr McRae said.

“It was surrounded by thick bush but the soldiers created a bare-earth perimeter around it.

“The homestead is in a remote location and the area is not defenda-ble from bushfires, so this work was just to give it a chance and minimise the risk of damage from bushfires.”

6RAR also undertook haz-ard reduction works at two sites of cultural significance to the Ngunnawal people under the guid-ance of Kie Barratt, an Aboriginal field officer with the ACT Parks and

Conservation Service.“Wallaby Rock is the only

known Ngunnawal rock-art site in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve,” Mr McRae said.

“In 2003, the rock art was badly damaged by heat from the bushfires so the soldiers cut back vegetation that had grown close to the rock.”

On the edge of the reserve is Birrigai Rock Shelter, a significant Ngunnawal site that dates back 25,000 years.

“The soldiers cleaned vegetation from around the shelter and interpre-tative signage to reduce the risk of fire damaging the rock shelter,” Mr McRae said.

Mr Barratt said the 6RAR sol-diers hooked into the work and showed appropriate respect.

“It made me feel really proud to pass on local knowledge and stories to those guys and to work together to protect those sites for the Ngunnawal mob and future genera-tions,” Mr Barratt said.

A Coy Platoon Commander Lt Jack Membrey said the team felt honoured to preserve the sites.

Flg-Off Evita Ryan

THE Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens, 5km south of Batemans Bay, normally welcomes more than 75,000 visitors a year.

Sadly, the 40.5ha gardens were destroyed by a New Year bushfire. B Coy from 6RAR stepped in to do some of the heavy lifting for the volun-teers, many aged in their 70s, who are working to get the gardens open again.

Gardens manager Michael Anlezark said the fires that came through on New Year’s Eve were devastating.

“They affected probably every single plant on the site. We’ve lost a lot of wildlife. We’ve lost a lot of structures, including all our bridges and walkways,” Mr Anlezark said.

“Our gardener’s residence was destroyed, our depots were destroyed and unfortunately they contained every single tool that we owned – every gardening tool, every power tool, our Gators, our tractor, everything.”

With a volunteer workforce of more than 100 people, who collectively work more than 16,000 hours each year, the gardens are a community hub and Mr Anlezark said the team was doing

everything it could to restore them. At the request of the Eurobodalla Shire Council, B Coy has been helping with the overwhelming workload.

“Physical hands on deck and heavy lifting are what the Army can do and they’re doing a great job,” Mr Anlezark said.

The platoon’s Lt Ranulph West said the team was happy to help clear routes, remove debris and cut up fallen trees.

“The botanic gardens is a site where many volunteers are emotionally invested due to the years of effort they have put in to building and maintaining the gardens,” Lt West said.

“Being able to help with a project like this is really special for our platoon.”

OC 6RAR B Coy Maj Chris Stuart said the opportunity to support the recovery efforts in small communities was invaluable for the company members.

“In particular, the team are feeling a strong sense of job satisfaction when they hear from locals about how much this type of work means to the community,” Maj Stuart said.

Platoon’s race to protect sites

Heavy lifting to help bring gardens to life

Cpl William Gardiner, of 6RAR B Coy, helps to clear up at the destroyed Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens site outside Batemans Bay. Photos: Cpl Dan Pinhorn

Pte Brianna Pierce works with staff member Di Clark in the nursery at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens.

Soldiers from 6RAR’s A Coy with ACT Parks and Conservation Service Aboriginal field officer Kie Barratt after undertaking fire protection work around Indigenous sites of cultural significance in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve during Operation Bushfire Assist. Photo: Lt Jack Membrey

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News8

Lt Zachary Allen

THE morning silence was broken by artillery and machinegun fire around Darwin city on February 19, just as it was 78 years ago.

At 9.58am that same day in 1942, the nation was changed forever after the first large-scale direct attack on Australia’s mainland by a foreign mili-tary force.

Darwin was the target of two shat-tering air raids that struck civilian and military facilities alike.

To commemorate this historic day, officers and soldiers of the 8/12 Regt RAA led a re-enactment of the Army’s response.

Wearing period attire, the gunners raced to fire four Vietnam-era M2A2 artillery pieces and multiple machine guns with the community watching

from a safe distance. CO 8/12 Regt Lt-Col Joe Wheatley spoke about the sacrifices made and bonds forged since WWII.

“This commemoration presents an opportunity for us to reflect on the sacrifices made by both the people of Darwin and the soldiers at the time,” Lt-Col Wheatley said.

The wreath laying during the ceremony demonstrated the shared

involvement of the civil population and the military at the time and how that has endured.

“The strong involvement of the community and local organisations show the unique bond the ADF has with the Northern Territory since these raids,” Lt-Col Wheatley said.

Bdr Tristan Batchelor, a detach-ment commander for the re-enactment, said artillery soldiers had “a connec-

tion to this history because of the inte-gral protection those anti-aircraft and coastal defence batteries provided to Darwin”.

He said it was hard to fathom the devastation of raids in which 256 people died and hundreds more were wounded.

“Those in the community must have felt as though invasion was imminent,” he said.

Reliving the day the first bombs fell

Gunners from 8/12 Regt RAA fire an M2A2 Howitzer

during a re-enactment of the bombing of Darwin.

Photo: WO2 David Millard

IN BRIEFHawkeis on trackDEFENCE has accepted 138 low-rate initial-produc-tion Hawkei protected mobility vehicles – light, and 138 companion trailers required for initial materiel release. The final component of the Hawkei reliabil-ity program, the production reliability acceptance test, commenced last May and is expected to be completed in the middle of this year. The test contin-ues to inform vehicle reliability and is a key enabler for entry into full-rate production. The first Hawkei vehicles will be delivered to 3 Bde in Townsville. The Government is exploring opportunities to enhance the lethality of its protected vehicle fleets, which may include integrating remote weapon stations onto the Hawkeis.

Generation equalityDEFENCE is encouraging personnel to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), held every year on March 8. “Generation equality” is this year’s campaign theme, encouraging equal opportunities for women to lead, learn and live free from violence and discrimination. Activities will be held across Australia, including the Defence flagship event at ADFA on March 11. Defence aims to be a diverse and inclusive organisation, actively promoting an environment where personnel feel empowered to contribute, develop and succeed. More information on IWD events can be found at unwomen.org.au/international-womens-day/events/

Arts opportunities openPERMANENT and reserve members can now apply for the ADF Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills (ARRTS) program. ARRTS is a four-week, Canberra-based program comprising visual arts, music and rhythm, and creative writing streams. Programs will be held between May 17 and June 13 and November 2-17. No artistic experience

is required as training and mentoring will be provid-ed. All program-associated travel and subsistence will be funded by ARRTS. Applications are available from defence.gov.au/JCG/ARRTS/ or by emailing ADF.ARRTS@defence.gov.au

Reunion for 6RARANYONE who has served is welcome to a reunion celebrating 55 years of 6RAR, at the Brisbane Con-vention and Exhibition Centre from June 5-7. The event will include a meet-and-greet, a gala birthday dinner and a commemorative service and general meeting. This year is also the 20th anniversary of 6RAR’s deployment on Operation Tanager to East Timor and the 10th anniversary of Mentoring Task Force 1 to Afghanistan. Veterans from 2000 and 2010 are especially encouraged to make it to Brisbane for the reunion. For more information contact Allan Whelan on 0427 632 402 or wheels6rarassn@gmail.com

The final component of the Hawkei reliability program is due to be completed in May. Photo: Belinda Dinami

March 5, 2020 Newsdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 9

Cpl Julia Whitwell

IN A loss to Army and the other communities he served, the sec-ond RSM-A, WO1 Kevin “Lofty” Wendt, died on January 27 after years of living with cancer.

Filling the highest enlisted appointment of RSM-A from 1987 to 1990, WO1 Wendt served Army for almost 30 years, accumulating many honours and awards. These included the Medal of the Order of Australia and the British Empire Medal.

Many of those years were spent in mentor and leadership roles in 8RAR and 8/9RAR, where he gar-nered the respect of his peers, sub-ordinates and superiors. He served in 8RAR as a platoon sergeant from 1966 to 1973, as CSM in 8/9RAR from 1973 to 1975 and as RSM in 8/9RAR from 1980 to 1982.

RSM 8/9RAR WO1 Mick Carroll said WO1 Wendt was “a liv-ing embodiment of Army values”.

“I still remember, when I was a young soldier, seeing him around a bunch of RSMs and he was a very imposing figure. He was so engag-ing and would talk to anyone,” WO1 Carroll said.

WO1 Wendt’s service continued into his civilian life.

“Lofty was one of these people who came from the community, came to Army to offer all he could and then went straight back to serv-

ing his commu-nity,” he said.

WO1 Wendt became a member of the council in Biggenden, Queensland, and spearheaded numerous projects in the community.

He joined the council, drove the school bus, served in the Lions Club, fishing club, Degilbo Hall resto-ration committee, the school P&C, and established the Biggenden Emergency Service Cadets.

WO1 Wendt’s daughter, Leisa Dunmore, said he lived and breathed serving his country and community.

“He was just being true to what he was called to do in this life. He knew what he had to offer and he did what he did because he was being true to who he was. Everything else just fell into place and any accolades he got were just a reflection of that,” Ms Dunmore said.

Her father “was all about duty first and leading by example”.

“That got drummed into me

from a young age. He always kept a comb in his pocket and he would spit polish his boots and polish his brass every night to make sure his uniforms were ready for the next day,” she said.

“He’d say, ‘It’s the little things that matter and you always lead by example’. He wouldn’t ask his soldiers to do anything he wasn’t prepared to do.”

A Facebook page to share memories and anecdotes of WO1 Wendt has been set up at facebook.com/LoftysLegacy

Ever true to his calling

Members of 8/9RAR honour WO1 Kevin Wendt (inset, earlier in his career) in a funeral service at Biggenden in Queensland.

LS Kylie Jagiello

A COMPETITION between military and banking personnel produced collabora-tive results when Army took on National Australia Bank (NAB) in a cyber-security challenge.

Cyber-security experts from both organisations tackled a simulated cyber attack in a competition at the Melbourne offices of information technology and data company Splunk on February 13.

The challenge pitted Army’s 138 Sig Sqn against the NAB team in a realistic attack by a malicious actor. The teams’ job was to identify the nature of the attack.

Head Information Warfare Maj-Gen Marcus Thompson was the driving force behind the collaboration with the NAB.

“Whether it’s the ADF protecting net-works and mission systems or NAB pro-tecting the funds and data of customers, we’re all in the business of defending the nation,” Maj-Gen Thompson said.

“Cyber security is a broad field and we need to continually challenge the way we approach and think about defensive cyber operations.”

Lt Remy Coll commanded the Army team and said technical skill was not as important as learning quickly.

“It speaks a lot that our military mem-bers went in with limited experience on the platform and were able to adapt and over-come the problems,” Lt Coll said.

Banking on cyber security expertise

‘We’re all in the business of

defending the nation.

– Maj-Gen Marcus Thompson,

Head Information Warfare

Army and National Australia Bank cyber-security experts knuckle down in a challenge to identify a simulated attack.

“We exchanged notes with the NAB team and it was great to see how they queried the system to find things.”

Army cyber operator Sig Leigh Head said even though it was a com-petition, NAB team members offered their expertise and advice to their Army opponents.

“Having never touched Splunk before, we tried to achieve what we could with the little understanding we had of the system,” Sig Head said.

“With my previous cyber training, I applied those concepts to extract the information from the program.”

AUSTRALIAN ARMY TEAM 2020

Peter Walter Brown – Age: 40

ADF service: Joined the Army in 1996 as an infantryman. Loved the training, discipline and routine. Discharged in 2002 knowing his military training would provide him with many skills for the rest of his life.

Competing in: Athletics, wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? A below-knee amputee. After injuring his left ankle and many years of discomfort and a series of failed surgeries, removing his lower-left leg was the best step forward. He feels lucky to have had received this treatment as it allows him to get on with life and look forward to the future.

Sgt Shane Bramley – Age: 46

ADF service: Joined the Army in 1996 serving in the Royal Australian Corps of Transport as an air dispatcher before transferring to the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps as a physical training instructor in 2003. Deployed to Timor-Leste twice, in 2001 and in 2009. Is currently posted to Townsville serving in 1CHB.

Competing in: Athletics, wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? Has sustained multiple service-related musculoskeletal injuries and has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Experiences chronic pain, fatigue and joint instability as a result of his conditions.

Trent Forbes – Age: 41

ADF service: Joined the Army in 1997 and discharged in 2016. Deployed to Timor-Leste in 2006-07 and to Afghanistan in 2009 and 2011-12.

Competing in: Archery, wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby and swimming.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? A variety of physical and mental injuries resulting from multiple operational deployments.

Emma Murfet – Age: 29

ADF service: Joined the Army in April 2011 as a parachute rigger and was posted to 176 Air Dispatch at RAAF Base Richmond. Posted to the Defence National Distribution and Storage Centre before being medically discharged in October 2014.

Competing in: Athletics, powerlifting, indoor rowing and swimming.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? In 2012 she had a parachute incident and sustained a back injury.

Lenny Redrose – Age: 34

ADF service: Joined the Army in 2012 and discharged in 2016 with the rank of Pte. His unit was Joint Movement Coordination Centre based in Brisbane. Deployed on two operations: Operation Queensland Flood Assist and Operation Philippines Assist. Philippines Assist was his career highlight – being in a high-pressure environment brought out the best of his character and training. The Philippines had been hit by a cyclone, which he found to be a massive eye opener. This operation taught him how resilient people can be.

Competing in: Wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing and wheelchair rugby.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? A T4 paraplegic complete. In October 2016 he walked into surgery and came out the other side with spinal-cord damage from the chest down. Doesn’t have any voluntary movement, no sensory feeling and suffers from severe chronic neuropathic pain on a daily basis.

Peter Miller – Age: 35

ADF service: Joined the Army (infantry) and served from 2010 to 2014.

Competing in: Athletics, wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? Spinal, hip and ankle injuries.

Mark Armstrong – Age: 49

ADF service: Was in the Army, in the Royal Australian Infantry Corps 1987-89, and the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps 1989-99. During this time he served in Rwanda during 1994-95.

Competing in: Wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? Many physical injuries, a brain injury and neurological, visual and psychological injuries.

Cpl Sarah Petchell – Age: 39

ADF service: Comes from a proud history of service in the Army. Her father served in Vietnam and her grandfather in WWII. Joined the Army as a reservist clerk in 1998 and transferred to the regular Army in 2012. Postings have included Defence Force Recruiting, the Sydney University Regiment, 39PSB, 1 Int Bn, 1CHB and 6RAR and the Army Personnel Administration Centre – South Queensland. In 2012, helped set up the Soldier Recovery Centre in Brisbane, which supports wounded, injured and ill soldiers returning to work or transitioning out of the military.

Competing in: Athletics, powerlifting and indoor rowing.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? Spinal pain, shoulder tear and instability, chronic pain in feet and instability in ankles. These conditions are the result of various injuries.

Kerrie Tessier – Age: 29

ADF service: Joined the full-time Army as a physiotherapist in 2012 and was medically discharged in 2016. Worked at Lavarack Barracks and 8CHC at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Worked on the way the ADF deploys physiotherapists into operational environments during her graduate year. Also worked with the ADF hockey and cricket teams.

Competing in: Archery, cycling, indoor rowing, swimming and sitting volleyball.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? Injured joint between the collarbone and sternum, which led to reduced movement of right arm and nerve issues. Had to give up her career as a result, which she found challenging to come to terms with.

Taryn Barbara – Age: 33ADF service: Joined the Army in 2004 straight out of school and was medically discharged in November 2018. During her 14 years of service, she participated in a range of humanitarian operations including supporting flood assistance operations in Queensland. Took part in an infantry foundation war-fighting activity in 2010 in Papua New Guinea before transferring to become a physical training instructor.

Competing in: Powerlifting, indoor rowing, swimming and sitting volleyball.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? Sustained a cumulative back and hip injury during an Army physical training course. Also suffers from neck, knee and mental health issues.

Chris O’Brien – Age: 35

ADF service: Joined the Army in 2002 and became an artillery officer in December 2005. Served 13 years in the full-time Army, including two deployments to Afghanistan in 2008 and 2010.

Competing in: Wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and swimming.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? Has had five surgeries on his knees during (and shortly after) his service.

Damien Irish – Age: 44

ADF service: Joined the Army in 1997 and discharged in 2009. Achieved the rank of Cpl and was a driver in the Royal Australian Corps of Transport. Was deployed to Timor-Leste in 2001.

Competing in: Athletics, powerlifting, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, swimming and sitting volleyball.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? Suffers from post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression.

Matt Model – Age: 35

ADF service: Joined the Army as a rifleman in 2004 and deployed overseas on peace-keeping operations in 2006 and 2007. Was injured in Timor-Leste in 2007 and medically discharged in 2008.

Competing in: Athletics, powerlifting and indoor rowing.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? Sustained a lumbar-spinal injury after a significant fall. This occurred at night during operations to catch a former rebel leader.

Peter William Brown – Age: 38

ADF service: Joined the Army in November 2011 and was medically discharged last month. Joined as a parachute rigger but transferred to administration due to injury.

Competing in: Athletics, powerlifting, indoor rowing and swimming.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? A parachute accident resulted in major injuries to his left leg and lower back, and mental health issues.

Shannon Stewart – Age: 42

ADF service: Joined the Army in 2010 and was medically discharged in 2018. Deployed to Afghanistan with 2 Cav Regt.

Competing in: Archery, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.

What is the nature of the injury or illness? Injuries are service-related, post-traumatic stress and physical injuries.

March 5, 2020 INVICTUS GAMES 2020defence.gov.au/news/armynews10 11

Photos: LS Jayson Tufrey

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Capt Zoe Griffyn

AS THE only regiment in Australia that delivers the Subject 1 for Corporal course for reservists, UNSW Regt – part of 8 Bde (Training) – faces a challenge when a large group of sol-diers with training needs is deployed to Rifle Company Butterworth in Penang, Malaysia.

To combat this problem, a mobile training team of four instructors was sent to the jungle base to ensure 25 deployed members gained their essen-tial leadership training.

Trainees ranging from junior sol-diers to lance corporals welcomed a break from “normal” training and the freedom to manage their own time and space.

Led by course manager WO2 Sean Plunkett, the team included small-group instructors WO2 Jamie Davis, WO2 Phillip Reid and Sgt Sosefo Puliuvea, who worked tirelessly to

deliver training in an offshore location with reduced support from Regimental HQ.

WO2 Plunkett said they expect-ed challenges “such as limited DPN access and a small number of consum-able stores”.

“But a picquet having his unattend-ed lunch stolen by monkeys was defi-nitely a new experience for us,” WO2 Plunkett said.

The relationship between the instructors was a key part of their abil-ity to conduct the course in a remote location.

This team spirit rubbed off on the trainees, who said they enjoyed the camaraderie.

The course was delivered during the trainees’ four-month deployment, which reduced the reservists’ absence from civilian employment and families by 16 days.

No monkeys were harmed as a result of the course.

Brett Peterson

A NEW year has meant a new intake at ADFA of officer cadets and midshipmen, ready to embark on a career in the ADF.

The first-year trainee officers started with ADFA’s four-week Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT) program, which introduced them to military life.

Visiting instructors (VIs) arrived at ADFA from around the country to ensure the next generation started their careers on the right foot.

The instructors worked on basic

skills, such as drill and weapons handling, and provided a general introduction to military life.

Air Force instructor Sgt Sean Hinton, of 1RTU at RAAF Base Wagga, said the tri-service nature of ADFA was an important aspect of his own professional development as a military skills instructor (MSI).

“I’ve learnt a lot from Army and Navy instructors about how they conduct their training, and also how I can apply my experience with theirs to ab-initio training in a joint environment,” Sgt Hinton said.

CO ADFA Lt-Col Matthew

Freeman said additional VI staff were needed for the initial training period to cater for a larger-than-usual cohort of first-year trainee officers.

“We appreciate RAAF’s assis-tance in providing five visiting instructors at short notice to support this year’s YOFT program,” Lt-Col Freeman said.

“Each year, ADFA calls on MSIs from the Air Force and general mili-tary instructors from each of the ser-vices to support training at ADFA.

“While there is a particular call for qualified MSIs during YOFT, I

would also encourage all MSIs to consider a posting to ADFA as part of their career development.”

He said that such postings allowed instructors to “expand on their personal and professional development as an instructor while at the same time meeting the capa-bility requirements of their service by training the future junior officers of the ADF”.

Expressions of interest for instructional roles at the E-6, E-8 and 03 rank levels for 2021 positions at ADFA can be submitted to DOCM-A for Army.

More than monkey business

PERSONNEL transitioning from Defence will have greater opportuni-ties to complete tertiary education thanks to the introduction of the Military Academic Pathways Program at Flinders University.

The free four-week program teaches participants academic skills and can be a pathway to many of the university’s undergraduate degrees.

Program leader Associate Professor Ben Wadham, himself a veteran, said the program was aimed at “minimising the red tape” veterans experience when considering university as a post-service option.

Nineteen participants have complet-ed the program and 14 of those have applied for courses in engineering, paramedicine, international relations and psychology.

“[Veterans] acquire significant skills during their service, many of which are transferable, but don’t know all the opportunities out there,” Prof Wadham said.

“We found the program helped them feel confident and prepared for university study. Among the most val-ued content were academic writing sessions and exposure to a variety of disciplines.”

Many of the participants in the pilot program were younger arms-corps veterans who had minimal exposure to study entitlements.

“We know there are challenges younger veterans face if they want to study at university,” Prof Wadham said.

“I took this path after my own time in the Defence Force and negotiated a way to higher education, but it wasn’t without its challenges. There needs to be recognition of service skills and the value of these to university studies, bridging opportunities and awareness of what pathways are available.”

More information about the program can be found at flinders.edu.au/study/pathways/military-veterans.html

Academic skills course opens paths for veterans

Starting off on the right foot

Military skills instructors

assess the drill of first-year

trainee officers at ADFA during

Year One Familiarisation

Training.

Reservists were able to complete the Subject 1 for Corporal course while on deployment to Rifle Company Butterworth in Malaysia thanks to a mobile training team from UNSW Regt.

March 5, 2020 Trainingdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 13

Features14

Australian Army History Unit, with research undertaken by Wayne ShippFOR 12 months from August 1994, almost 700 Australian peacekeepers from the ADF served in Rwanda in response to the humanitarian disaster and genocide occurring there.

They would witness many atrocities including the violent massacres of displaced persons and provide medical treatment and immunisation for more than 40,000 Rwandans.

On July 25, 1994, the Australian Government announced it would send an Australian contingent to join the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda II (UNAMIR II). This commitment, known as Operation Tamar, would have the primary role of providing medical treatment and care to the various nations that formed the UN commitment.

Two Australian contingents, ASC1 and ASC2, rotated through six-month deployments for Operation Tamar, with ASC1 deploying from August 1994 to February 1995 and ASC2 from February to August 1995.

Both were structured around a Medical Support Force of a Medical Company with per-

sonnel drawn from Army, Air Force and Navy medical units, an Infantry Company and APCs to provide security and support, along with logistical, engineering and preventative-health personnel.

Both contingents encountered dangerous situations including several armed confrontations with members of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA). One such event was the violent closure of the internally displaced persons camp at Kibeho by the RPA.

On April 22, 1995, the RPA fired on the inter-nally displaced persons camp, killing many.

The Australian personnel were operating an aid post out of a hospital that came under fire from the RPA before moving to a compound con-trolled by a UNIMAR Zambian contingent.

Throughout the massacre, the Australians continued to treat the wounded and evacuated civilian NGO staff to safety, under heavy fire.

Australian personnel counted 4050 bodies after the massacre.

Maj Carol Vaughn-Evans, Lt Thomas Tilbrook, WO2 Rodrick Scott and Cpl Andrew Miller were awarded the Medal for Gallantry for their actions at Kibeho.

Best and worst of human nature

Reflecting on the past

Community comes together to remember the efforts of Operation Tamar, Cpl Veronica O’Hara reports.

CDF Gen Angus Campbell salutes after laying a wreath at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial in Canberra during the national commemorative service for the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda. Photo: Lauren Larking

A medical team provides assistance to a woman and her child during Operation

Tamar in Rwanda.

FORMER Rwandan refugees and Australian peacekeepers stood with their families at the 25th anniversary commemorations of the United Nations Assistance Mission in

Rwanda (UNAMIR), Operation Tamar.More than 700 people attended the national

commemorative service on February 22 at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial in Canberra, to reflect on the contribution and courage of ADF personnel who saved hundreds of civilian lives.

Pte Theogene Ngamije, who was a young child during the conflict, said it was an honour to stand before the veterans.

“I owe my life to the brave men and women who served in Rwanda, especially during the Kibeho camp massacre,” Pte Ngamije said.

“No day was easy. I was always scared, hungry and intimidated and I wished there was another planet to which I could go and make a living. Things worsened when I was separated from my parents – I thought that was the end of my life.

“One day a tall Australian soldier took a knee, offered me a piece of biscuit and the Australian flag patch from his uniform and took me to safety. That kindness came when I needed it most – it has stuck in my heart. He saved mine and the lives of many other displaced children.”

Operation Tamar was established in 1994 as Rwanda recovered from civil war and geno-cide, with about 700 personnel deploying in two Australian Services Contingents (ASC) to support peacekeeping efforts.

Governor-General David Hurley presented the Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) Warrant to each Service Chief or their representative.

Following the service, 190 veterans were pre-sented with their individual MUCs during a recep-tion at Anzac Hall in the Australian War Memorial.

For WO1 Brent Doyle, the commemoration was a chance to reflect on the journey ADF and Rwanda have been on since.

“Rwanda was one of those deployments where

we saw the very best and the very worst of human nature at the same time – the genocide demonstrat-ed the pure evil that can exist in the world, but the compassion and bravery shown by UN and ADF forces reminded me there was a balance,” WO1 Doyle said.

“[The commemoration] was also a chance to catch up with mates that I hadn’t seen for a long while.”

As a combat engineer, WO1 Doyle served with the first ASC during August 1994 to February 1995.

“Early on we provided power, water and sew-erage to the Australian Medical Support Force. As capacity built up, we started to deal with the explosive remnants of war, clearing some of the mines and unexploded ordnance that were in the country,” he said.

All three services were represented during Operation Tamar and the Australian contingents were respected and admired for their compassion, professionalism and humanity.

Pte Ngamije said their bravery in treating wounded and dying victims was “no doubt an act of true heroism”.

“Without your presence there would be no impartial account of the unspeakable events,” he said.

In his early days in Australia, Pte Ngamije thought of how he could give back to the nation and the soldiers that helped him.

“I wanted to give back to this wonderful com-munity and thought the best way was to join the Army,” he said.

“I pray that someday I get to change someone else’s life as well. As a survivor and a member of the ADF, I’m proud to be following in your path.

“To Australia, thank you for allowing men and women to serve in Rwanda and giving me a home, hope and a true identity of who I am today.”

Pte Theogene Ngamjie speaks at the presentation

of Meritorious Unit Citations to veterans of

Operation Tamar.Photo: LAC John Solomon

Supporting Australia’s Reservists and their Employers

Do you or your employer receive Employer Support Payment Scheme (ESPS) payments?

The way to lodge an ESPS claim online is changing

By March 2020, AUSkey and myGov will be replaced by myGovID

To lodge a claim Employers of Reservists and self-employed Reservists will need to begin transitioning from AUSKey to myGovID now

Further information can be sought at www.abr.gov.au/mynewkey

Australian Army History Unit, with research undertaken by Wayne ShippOPERATION Hammersley took place in the Long Hai hills between February 10 and March 3, 1970. Twelve Australians were killed and a further 59 wounded. Two APCs were destroyed and a Centurion tank and an Iroquois helicopter were badly damaged.

The operation commenced as the routine provision of security to quarrying activities undertaken by 17 Const Sqn. A Fire Support Base was established near the quarry to conduct patrols and ambushes.

On February 15, the first major contact with the enemy occurred when 9 Pl, 8RAR, initiated an ambush on an estimated company-sized force of the Viet Cong D445 Battalion. D445 Battalion was a well-trained, well-equipped and dis-ciplined force with extensive combat experience, including the Battle of Long Tan.

On February 18, C Coy, 8RAR, mounted in APCs from B Sqn, 3 Cav Regt, were committed to searching the bunker system in the Minh Dam Secret Zone. On enter-ing the area, the APCs came under direct and heavy fire. One APC was disabled by a mine, which severely wounded the driver, the crew com-mander and five members of C Coy.

Crew from other APCs and members of C Coy ran to the disabled APC under heavy fire and

rescued the wounded C Coy members. However, a satchel charge thrown into the vehicle killed both of the wounded APC crew members before they could be rescued.

Three unsuccessful attacks occurred against the bunker systems before the Australians withdrew to call in airstrikes. Because of a two-day delay of the airstrikes, D445 Battalion was able to leave the area.

While no further direct con-tact was made with the enemy, from February 25, 10 more Australians were killed by the

detonation of anti-personal mines – eight in the one inci-dent – and many more were wounded.

The resulting public out-cry in Australia caused by the number of casualties meant this was the last time Australian troops conducted operations in the Long Hai hills. This also led to a reas-sessment of the value of undertaking high-risk opera-tions of this nature for little observable value throughout the theatre for the remainder of the war.

Acknowledging service and sacrifice Troops of 8RAR prepare to sweep through thick scrub in the Long Hai mountains in Vietnam during Operation Hammersley. Photo: AWM

Remembering the war 50 years on

A member of Australia’s Federation ‘rests on arms’ during the national service.

CDF Gen Angus Campbell lays a wreath at the Vietnam National Memorial in Canberra

during the national service for the 50th anniversary of Operation Hammersley.

Photos: LAC John Solomon

MORE than 350 attendees at the 50th anniversary com-memorations of Operation Hammersley paused to

acknowledge and remember the service and sacrifice of all those who took part in the operation.

A national commemorative service was held at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra on February 18.

Twelve Australians were killed and 59 wounded during the operation

conducted in Phuoc Tuy Province, Vietnam, with a further two killed in the days following. Most of these casualties were caused by landmines.

The next-of-kin of personnel killed were among those who laid wreaths at the service.

Robert Hall, an 8RAR veteran of Operation Hammersley, delivered the Call to Remembrance.

“Today is a day to reflect on the qualities of endurance and courage that characterised the Australians’ service in

Vietnam, often in the most trying, dif-ficult and dangerous of circumstances,” Dr Hall said.

“It is a day to reflect on what the war in Vietnam, and what operations like Hammersley, cost Australia – what it cost those who served and what it cost their families.”

Watch the Operation Hammersley National Commemorative Service by visiting the “Live videos” on the DVA Facebook page at facebook.com/DVAAUS

March 5, 2020 Featuresdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 15

YOU couldn’t wipe the smile from James Roodt’s face when the Australian Defence Force Academy temporarily inducted him as its youngest ever

trainee officer.The five-year-old Sydney boy loves all

things Army and wants to be a soldier when he grows up.

Despite going through a tough time with ill health, James’ wish hasn’t dimmed.

The Starlight Foundation, with the support of ADFA, was able to grant James’ wish to be a soldier for the day during ADFA’s Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT) program at the Majura Training Area near Canberra.

After being issued with his own pair of custom-size DPCUs and a bush hat, James enthusiastically joined the first-year trainee officers of ADFA’s Foxtrot Sqn.

Over the course of the day, James participated in a number of activities, including riding in a Bushmaster, helping first-year trainee officers set up field shelters and meeting the ADFA Band.

As tokens to remember his special day, James was presented with a slouch hat by ADFA CO Lt-Col Matthew Freeman and an Army teddy bear from the trainee officers.

James’ favourite part of the day was riding in the “truck” (Bushmaster).

“It was really noisy and fun,” James said.James’ father, Donovan Roodt, said his son

had been interested in the military ever since their neighbours’ son joined the Army at the start of 2019.

“Since then, James has loved hearing his stories whenever he’s been home on leave,” Mr Roodt said.

“James loved every minute of his day with ADFA. The way he opened up to the trainee officers over the course of the day was amazing to see.

“The ADFA staff and trainee officers went above and beyond in helping James have a great day and we can’t thank them enough.

“James definitely still wants to join the Army when he grows up, even more so now than before.”

Cpl Adam Richards, of AHQ, a visiting instructor to ADFA during the YOFT period, was James’ host for the day.

“James’ request came through to me in my role at AHQ and I floated the idea to ADFA,” Cpl Richards said.

“ADFA staff were supportive and wanted him to have the best day possible. Ever since I gave him his uniform, the smile hasn’t come off his face.

“He had a great day.”

Army’s shining star A trainee officer from ADFA’s Foxtrot Sqn presents five-year-old James Roodt with an Army teddy bear.

Features16

ADFA and the Starlight Foundation have helped grant a five-year-old boy’s wish, Brett Peterson reports.

THE V8 Supercars were the main attraction for the 200,000 people at the Superloop Adelaide 500 from February 20 to 23, but

Team Army grabbed its own share of attention with the ear-pounding engines of Project Matilda and Project Digger.

Project Matilda was revealed in January at Canberra’s Summernats street machine festival. A Mercedes G-Wagon 6x6, powered by a Detroit Diesel two-stroke 6V53 supercharged engine from an Australian light armoured vehicle (ASLAV), it features many enhance-ments with a fully customised body, including gull-wing doors that pay hom-age to its Mercedes heritage.

More than four years in the making, the project was directed by Maj Graham Anderson and is part of a trainee pro-gram at the Bandiana base in Albury-

Wodonga in which diesel mechanics volunteer their skill and time to work on machines like Matilda.

Named after the WWII tank, Matilda appeared on the track every day at Adelaide, supported by a G-Wagon SRV operated by the Air Force and its Team Army partner, Project Digger – a 78 Ford LTD that blew green smoke while doing burnouts and receiving enthusias-tic crowd support.

New to the group of trainees who created the vehicles is Cfn Margret Finau, who has been a mechanic for two years. She is originally from Tonga and loves being part of Team Army.

“In the workshop there are around 150 people and only 15 of those are women. But it’s great to be part of a team where we meet up on Tuesday afternoons to work on the cars and

get to travel to racing events around Australia,” Cfn Finau said.

“And I get to show people that there’s more to Army than war and weapons. It’s amazing.”

The most popular of the other Army vehicles on show at Defence Corner was the M1A1 Abrams tank.

Tpr Adam Doherty, of 1 Armd Regt, was part of the team accompanying the tank.

“It’s a tank I first saw when I was in Year 7 and ever since then I knew I wanted to do this,” he said.

Other Army vehicles on display included the M113 APC, which comes in variants including an ambulance and recovery vehicle, the ASLAV, a light armoured reconnaissance vehicle, and the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle.

Army was loud and proud in flexing its motor muscles at the Adelaide Supercars event, Flt-Lt Thomas McCoy reports.

Green with engine envy

Team Army muscle car Project Digger performs a burnout at the Superloop

Adelaide 500.Photos: LACW Jacqueline Forrester

Cfn Margret Finau with Project Matilda at the Defence Corner during the Adelaide Supercars event.

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1. What is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world? a. Jerusalem; b. Athens; c. Damascus

2. In which country was snooker invented?

3. Rain contains which vitamin?

4. Hamilton is the capital of which Atlantic Ocean Island?

5. Which vegetable has more chromosomes than humans?

6. How many strings does a violin have?

7. What body of water separates Saudi Arabia from Africa?

8. Who wrote A Clockwork Orange?

9. In what year was the Tour de France first held?

10. Which two countries have a dragon on their flag?

Answers

1. c. Damascus. 2. India. 3. B12. 4. Bermuda. 5. Potato. 6. Four. 7. Red Sea. 8. Anthony Burgess. 9. 1903. 10. Wales and Bhutan.

Quick-fire questions

Cpl Codey Anderson

March 5, 2020 Peopledefence.gov.au/news/armynews 17

Cpl Robert Thatcher hosts a traditional smoking

ceremony at a farewell event for the ADF and

Republic of Fiji Military Forces soldiers stationed in Orbost, Victoria, during

Operation Bushfire Assist. Photo: LS Kieren Whiteley

Pte Andre Swart shows local Corryong kids around a Bushmaster at a thank-you event for the community during Operation Bushfire Assist. Photo: LS Kieren Whiteley

Lt Misty Evans takes part in the weekly 5K Parkrun in Kingscote, Kangaroo Island. Photo: LS Shane Cameron

Lt Eric Wong, left, and Pte Andreanna Kontakos stop for a photo with Ong Dia (the spirit of the earth) during a celebration ceremony held by The Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia and New Zealand and the Phap Hoa Buddhist Youth Group. Photo: Pte Max Coleman

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Michael Green and Capt Sarah Vesey

JUST three years ago, then Cpl Zak Martin-Taylor’s world was falling apart.

A training accident in 2015 had left him with significant injuries to both knees. Having worked his way back to fitness after two surgeries, the 3CER combat engineer suffered a recurrence of his injuries. This second setback meant he would never be as mobile as he had once been.

Mr Martin-Taylor said 2017 was a low point in his life. A posting to Newcastle had separated him from his mates in Townsville and, compounded by his physical limita-tions, depression set in.

“I was in a new town where I didn’t know anyone, I couldn’t play any of the regular sports like rugby or touch and I was having to consider the possibility that I may have to leave the Army. It was a very isolating and tough time in my life,” he said.

Then he stumbled across a US first-person view (FPV) drone rac-ing video that changed his outlook both on his ability to participate in sport and his career options.

“I was instantly drawn to the sport. I’ve always been very elec-

tronically minded and with drone racing I get to design things and get to know people,” Mr Martin-Taylor said.

He found a club in Newcastle and won the rookie class at his first event. By last year, he was winning the Australian open event.

On posting back to Townsville, Mr Martin-Taylor was dismayed to find there was no drone racing club.

So he started the Townsville FPV drone racing club. While still serving full-time with the Army, he was setting up monthly and sea-sonal events.

In the meantime, he realised no hobby shops in the area stocked parts or offered advice on drones. That prompted him to open Rising Sun FPV, a business focused on drones and 3D printing.

By then, his impending medical discharge from the Army no longer filled him with dread about what he would do in a post-military career. Instead, it became a “really posi-tive” experience.

Having a new career to focus on and being involved with a sporting group before he discharged meant there was less of a shock when he left the Army.

“Having a good support network was key for my transition out of the Army. Drone racing definitely

helped with that,” he said. Having gone through the transition process, Mr Martin-Taylor recommends that all serving members attend a transi-tion seminar.

“Even if you’re not transitioning out soon – just so you know what the process is. I did find myself at times saying, ‘What’s the next step, what do I need to do?’ The informa-tion helps with that,” he said.

Mr Martin-Taylor still rep-resents the Army Drone Racing Team as a retired member. This has allowed him to stay involved in the sport and represent Army at drone racing competitions around the country and overseas.

Most recently, he and teammate 2RAR communications officer Capt James Jenkins were selected to compete at the X-Class World Invitational Championships in Texas last November.

Placing a respectable fourth, Mr Martin-Taylor was thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to represent the Army against the top drone racers from the United States and the United Kingdom.

Mr Martin-Taylor also works with Mates4Mates, encouraging others to get involved in drone racing as a wellbeing activity, and promoting drones in schools as part of STEM programs.

Capt Sarah Vesey

THE Army Drone Racing Team kick-started the year with a racing display at the Defence Force Careers Expo in Melbourne in February.

More than 2000 people attended the expo and the drone racers revelled in the opportunity to support youth development and STEM engagement.

The huge netted area inside the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre was buzzing with the drone racing competition, where pilots from Army, Air Force and Navy took each other on over the three days.

The competition provided plenty of practice for the pilots to iron out technical issues and hone their flying skills before the next big drone racing tournament, at the Wings Over Illawarra Air Show in May.

The Army Drone Racing Team is made up of a diverse range of trades and musters, and visitors to the expo chatted with the pilots not only about drone racing but about their military experience.

Drone pilot Spr Alex Brown enjoyed speaking to people considering a career in Defence.

“The team pilots at the expo all have their own story on why they joined the military and their journey so far in the Army,” he said.

“I am passionate about drones and also photography. Flying drones allows me to combine the two to make some amazing videos while improving my technical proficiency as a drone racer.”

Drone Racing Team captain Pte Mackenzie Togo said the future of drone racing in the Army was exciting.

“We now have over 30 members in the association and we regularly participate in open days, Defence community events, STEM engagement and drone racing competitions around the country,” Pte Togo said.

“It is really rewarding to have the opportunity to speak to people about drones and how we use them for sport and as a capability in the military.”

Army Drone Racing Association pres iden t L t -Col Kei r in Joyce welcomed engagement opportunities such as the Defence Careers Expo to develop greater interest and enthusiasm in the STEM fields, including drones.

“ T h i s i s a n o t h e r v a l u a b l e opportunity for our drone pilots to engage with our youth and those considering a career in the military,” Lt-Col Joyce said.

“Wherever we go, the Drone Racing Team tries to engage as many young people as we can to show them how much fun there is in drone racing and also the huge potential in the future within the STEM fields.”

Drone racing is rapidly growing sport largely due to its accessibility, low-cost equipment and first-person pilot view of the race action.

Drone racing is an approved Army sport and any Army personnel can join regardless of skill level. For more information visit the Army Drone Racing Facebook page or email adra.secretary@defence.gov.au

A flying start to a military career

First-person view of piloting a new path

Spr Alex Brown compares notes with a fellow ADF drone racer during the Defence Force Careers Expo in Melbourne. Photo: Capt Sarah Vesey

Veteran Zak Martin-Taylor is still racing drones with the Army and credits the sport with making his transition after a medical discharge from the military into a positive experience.

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Sportdefence.gov.au/news/armynewsMarch 5, 2020 19

Cpl Sebastian Beurich

GRIM weather failed to deter almost 30 would-be sailors from taking part in the SheSails Discover Sailing day co-hosted by the Canberra Yacht Club and ADF Sailing Association (ADFSA) on February 9.

The 28 sailors, from all three services and with a mix of sailing experience, were guided through rigging, launching and sailing.

SheSails, an initiative of Australian Sailing, helps dispel the myth sailing is a “rich, white man’s sport”, Canberra Yacht Club Commodore Sue Hart said.

“At club level, sailing is anything but that,” she said.

“We train a lot of women and kids from eight years and up.

“As with any sport, we keep them until they’re 15 or 16 and then they go, which seems to be particularly prevalent with women.

“SheSails is particularly focused on women [aged] 18 to 30 to get them into the sport and keep them coming back.”

Sailing novice Air-Cdre Kirrily Dearing, who maintained her cheer after her boat capsized, said the event encouraged “people to get outside of their comfort zone”.

“We were all having fun out on the water. There were a lot of laughs,” Air-Cdre Dearing said.

“It was a fantastic turnout, having nearly 30 turn up on such a cold, wet day was awesome.”

Although she has been sailing for some time, Undergraduate Program member OCdt Orla Gray said the event was an opportunity to network with other women from the workplace she’ll be joining in a few years.

“It’s all about women empowering other women to just get out there and give it a go,” OCdt Gray said.

“I know that some of the participants are already planning on doing some of the ADFSA events later in the year.

“I really hope they all decide to come back and give it another go at some point.”

ADFSA’s next event is the Sydney Harbour Regatta from March 6-8. For more information about Defence sailing, email ADFSA.committee@defence.gov.au

Women master the masts

ADF women braved the weather in

the SheSails Discover

Sailing day in Canberra.

Photo: Cpl Sebastian Beurich

SPORT

NEW TACK

ADF women set sail on a different

course

Page 19Page 19

Participants try their hand on the water during the ADF Sailing Association and Canberra Yacht Club SheSails Discover Sailing day on Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin.Photo: Cpl Sebastian Beurich

March 5, 2020