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AIRF RCEVol. 59, No. 11, June 29, 2017 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

The road to Invictus – Pages 23-24Canine medals with bite – Page 6

CUTTING EDGE

Honing our air warfare

skills Exercise

Diamond Storm, pages 2-3, centre

An F/A-18B Hornet prepares for a sortie during Exercise Diamond Storm.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

2 June 29, 2017RCEAIR FNews

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AIRF RCE

FLGOFF Chloe Stevenson

THE HERON, No. 5 Flight’s remotely piloted aircraft, was the eye in the sky for the air warfare instructors during Exercise Diamond Storm.

The intelligence officers on the Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC), previously known as fighter intelligence instructors, worked with 5FLT personnel deployed at RAAF Base Tindal for Diamond Storm.

The intelligence officers used the team from 5FLT to gain a solid pic-ture of the battlespace in which they were operating with a view to gradu-ating as air warfare instructors at the end of the exercise.

SGT Jacob Gossage, an air intel-ligence analyst at 5FLT, said the Heron’s role was tactically important for the intelligence officers taking part in the course.

“My role with Heron was to understand the mission priorities and the commander’s intent so that

we could meet those intelli-gence requirements through imagery purposes,” SGT Gossage said.

“We created a situational awareness picture for our customers so that they could make tactical decisions in a quickly changing environ-ment. For us specifically, the number-one priority was keeping the troops on the ground safe.”

SQNLDR Matthew Basedow, a 92 Wing air combat officer, is both the Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Officer and a payload operator at 5FLT.

“We were involved with the intelligence officers on the AWIC as they were using our platform as part of their course mis-sions,” SQNLDR Basedow said.

“We used chat networks to communicate with the exercise

headquarters in Darwin through the Ground Mission Station. We report-ed what we saw within the live envi-ronment back to Darwin. They used the intelligence we were collecting to shape the battlespace.”

FLGOFF Tracey Li

EFFECTIVE aerospace surveillance and battlespace management by No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit enabled real-time missions during Exercise Diamond Storm in the Top End in June.

114MCRU utilised the Mobile Control and Reporting Centre at RAAF Base Darwin and the Tactical Air Defence Radar System (TADRS) deployed to Delamere Escarpment to conduct air surveillance and air battle management for the Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC).

AWIC course director SQNLDR Steven Cutajar said the course would arm the stu-dents with the skills and knowledge to adapt and integrate their capabilities in a com-bined force.

“They will become experts at integrating their platforms to develop future tactics and concepts of operation that will prepare the Air Force for future combat operations,” SQNLDR Cutajar said.

S eve n t y - t h r e e p e r s o n n e l f r o m 114MCRU worked together to ensure the missions were conducted safely and effec-tively.

CO 114MCRU WGCDR Brett Risstrom said the unit contributed to the exercise by providing the systems that allowed 41 Wing air battle managers and air surveil-lance operators to direct the Diamond Storm missions in real time.

Communication electronic technicians, communications and information system controllers, personnel capability specialists, ground support equipment technicians and suppliers were also part of the team.

“Fifteen of the unit staff were deployed with the TADRS to a remote escarp-ment near Delamere Air Weapons Range, about 400km south of Darwin,” WGCDR Risstrom said.

“The staff on this site spent almost five weeks living and working in austere condi-tions to detect and track all aircraft in the exercise airspace.”

XO 114MCRU SQNLDR Robert Vine said Diamond Storm tested all of Air Force’s capabilities to their full extent and the unit had been challenged to use every component of the system.

“Technical staff in Darwin and Delamere were working 24 hours a day, seven days a week so that they could rise to this chal-lenge,” SQNLDR Vine said.

“The unit learnt many lessons about how it prepares for operations and these are already being incorporated into unit processes.”

Diamond Storm, which finished on June 27, was the culmination of a series of exer-cises conducted to test and graduate expert air warfare instructors across a range of capabilities and platforms.

It was held at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal, and the US Marine Corps partici-pated in some elements.

Look for more on Exercise Diamond Storm in the next edition of

Air Force News

Simulating up a stormThe final exercise to test air

warfare instructors also tested other skills and systems

All-out effort to make it real

A view of the battlespace from above

Communication and information systems

A Heron in the skies above RAAF Base Tindal during Exercise Diamond Storm.

Living the Air Force Values: RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORK

AIRF RCEVol. 59, No. 11, June 29, 2017 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

The road to Invictus – Pages 23-24Canine medals with bite – Page 6

CUTTING EDGE

Honing our air warfare

skills Exercise

Diamond Storm, pages 2-3, centre

An F/A-18B Hornet prepares for a sortie during Exercise Diamond Storm.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

3June 29, 2017RCEAIR F News


IN A first for Air Force, the Through Air Testing System (TATS) was deployed to the Delamere Air Weapons Range to test Air Warfare Instructor students during Exercise Diamond Storm.

TATS is a mobile radar system that can track and simulate enemy attacks on military aircraft.

Previously, this system has only been used to test and validate the weapons systems on aircraft to ensure they are working and responding to possible hostile weapons and threats.

For Diamond Storm, however, the system was used to test how the Air Warfare Instructor students would respond to enemy threats.

Adriaan Piels, one of two Mellori support systems managers deployed to the Northern Territory Air Weapons Range, said this was a first for TATS.

“This was the longest and most complicated deployment TATS had ever seen,” Mr Piels said.

“The system would normally only be used to validate the receiv-er parts in the aircraft itself, which set off the warning alerts for our pilots. So, if an enemy radar or any type of emitter sweeps through them, they get a warning telling them whether it is a threat or not.

“TATS can be used to simulate real-world radio-frequency emit-ters, radars, missile heads, search radars and tracking radars all through air.”

Mr Piels said the capability proved its worth during the exer-cise.

Delamere Air Weapons Range OC WGCDR Lynette Horne said providing the necessary support to ensure the successful operation of TATS during the exercise was a high priority.


PARTICIPANTS in the Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC) had more than just the bad guys in the air to worry about during Exercise Diamond Storm.

Operating out of both Delamere Air Weapons Range and Bradshaw Field Training Area were a number of simulated and visual ground “red” force threats that the course participants had to either iden-tify, engage or manoeuvre against as a part of Diamond Storm.

The “red” forces were known as the Integrated Air Defence Systems regiment. They comprised ADF personnel operat-ing the Through Air Testing System and vehicle convoys, as well as US personnel operating the Joint Threat Emitter.

Their mission was to fight off the “blue” aggressors (the AWIC students).

FLTLT Matthew Rush, OIC of Convoy Operations and operating out of Bradshaw, said the role of opposing ground forces was integral to the exercise.

“From Bradshaw, we simulated an integrated air defence system,” FLTLT Rush said.

“We had two convoys and they both acted as surface-to-air missile batteries. They either operated as the enemy convoy itself or they set up to give the aircraft something to target on the ground.

“As the ground forces, they commu-nicated with our team in the convoys, with the Through Air Testing System at Delamere and with the US person-

nel operating the Joint Threat Emitter at Bradshaw.”

The Joint Threat Emitter was sourced and operated by the US during the exer-cise.

US Master SGT Steven Jones, from 266 Range Squadron of the Idaho National Guard, said the emitter had a number of capabilities.

“The Joint Threat Emitter is a surface-to-air missile simulator. The idea is we deploy to remote locations like this and we radiate an electronic signal from the ground up to the aircraft. That allows the aircraft to train against electronic simula-tors,” he said.

“Out in the outback, we set this up to protect a simulated asset or some kind of target the aircraft was going to engage. So they either had to work around us or through us and we would try to engage them and simulate shooting them down.

“Our goal, our whole reason for being there, was to make sure we trained the pilots.”

FLTLT Rush said it was always a pleasure working with US personnel.

“It was really good, getting to meet them and seeing how they do business. That it is all a part of the Air Warfare Instructor Course – the integration piece,” he said.

Master SGT Jones was also positive about his time in Australia.

“We loved it. It’s probably the most hospitable place we’ve been. It was quite an adventure,” he said.

Simulating up a storm

Lessons grounded in a ‘red’ threat

Mobile system puts enemy attacks on students’ radar

More on Exercise Diamond Storm Centre

AC Shannon Keil and FLGOFF Larissa Barrett set up a simulated enemy position in a remote area of the Northern Territory. Photos: SGT Andrew Eddie

OFFCDT Christian Mapstone outside the Through Air

Testing System at Delamere Air Weapons Range.

114MCRU air battle manager FLTLT Ataman Iskender (right) operates as the tactical director and air

surveillance operator FSGT Sam Triffitt acts as the surveillance director during Exercise Diamond Storm.

Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

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OFFICER IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIAAVM Andrew DowseFor distinguished service to the ADF in capability development, strategy and planning, and information and communication technology operations senior appointments.

MEMBER IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIAAIRCDRE Michael Burnett For exceptional service as a legal officer and as the Deputy Judge Advocate Gen-eral – Air Force.AIRCDRE Andrew CampbellFor exceptional service in establishing the Air Combat Officer Specialisation; in organisational change management; and in the development of an integrated, networked air warfare capability.AIRCDRE Michael KitcherFor exceptional service to the ADF in air combat sustainment, aviation safety development, and major capability planning and introduction. AIRCDRE Hayden MarshallFor exceptional service in operational planning and logistics, and organisational management.AVM Stephen OsborneFor exceptional service in maritime surveillance and response support, Joint Battlefield Airspace Controller develop-ment, airborne early warning and control acquisition, and strategic planning.

MEDAL IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIASQNLDR Anthony KeirnanFor meritorious service in air lift capability development for the RAAF.SGT Geoffrey McLaughlinFor meritorious performance of duty in aircraft maintenance management and control.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSSGPCAPT S For distinguished command and leadership during Operation Okra from September 2014 until April 2015.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDALGPCAPT B For distinguished leadership as Comd Task Element 630.1.1 on Operation Okra.AIRCDRE G For distinguished leadership as Director, Combined Air Operations Centre, Qatar, on Operation Okra.

COMMENDATION FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICESQNLDR BFor distinguished performance of duties, in both airborne leadership in action and operational planning as the Task Element 630.1.1 Flight Commander on Operation Okra.WGCDR JFor distinguished performance of duties as Comd Task Unit 630.2 and Australian Target Engagement Authority within the Combined Air Operations Centre on Operation Okra during 2016.

FLTLT TFor distinguished performance of duties on warlike operations as an F/A-18 fighter pilot in Iraq and Syria while a member of Task Element 630.1.1 on Operation Okra during 2016.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSSFLTLT Lauren BishopFor outstanding achievement in logistics support to Heron remotely piloted aircraft operations for the RAAF.WGCDR Leona DownFor outstanding achievement as the Project Manager of the ADF Deployable Frozen Blood Project.SQNLDR Scott EganFor outstanding devotion to duty as the Battlefield Airlift Transition Office Operations Pilot and 35SQN C-27J Continental US Detachment Commander during the acquisition and introduction of the C-27J Spartan aircraft capability.SQNLDR Damien MaldonFor outstanding devotion to duty in the engineering management and capability development of the additional KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft acquisition and conversion.WOFF John MatthewsFor outstanding devotion to duty to the C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter acquisition project as the Technical Liaison Officer within the prime contractor in the US.WOFF Alisha O’BrienFor outstanding achievement as the Airman Aircrew Manager at Headquarters Air Mobility Group.WOFF Neil PinkerFor outstanding achievement in maintenance reform as the WOFF Engineering at 36SQN. WGCDR Adele SchwonbergFor outstanding achievement in star rank and senior officer financial management and personnel administration in the Air Force.WOFF Ryan WilsonFor outstanding achievement as a Loadmaster Instructor at 285SQN, 84 WG.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDALGPCAPT Iain CartyFor meritorious devotion to duty as CO of Combat Support Unit Rotation 14 during Operation Accordion.FSGT Paul CrouchFor meritorious achievement in managing the rectification of a major incident at the Defence Fuel Installation at RAAF Base Darwin.GPCAPT DFor meritorious achievement and dedica-tion to duty as the Comd Task Unit 630.1 on Operation Okra.CPL Benjamin DavisFor meritorious achievement in cyberspace intelligence analysis and counter impro-vised explosive device tactics research at 462SQN.WOFF Timothy DukeFor meritorious achievement in staff development as SNCO-in-Charge of the Armament Section at 6SQN.

Queen’s Birthday honours

CPL Bill Solomou

WHEN WOFF Ryan Wilson, of No. 285 Squadron, found out he had been nominated for a 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honour, he thought it was surreal.

The loadmaster instructor was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for his dedication, superior professional competence, and exceptional judgment in deliver-

ing a range of extraordinary training outcomes and capability improve-ments for the C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft in demanding circumstances.

He personally reviewed and amended CC-130J (Canadian C-130Js) Computer Based Training (CBT) to reflect operating systems and procedures used on Australian C-130J-30 aircraft.

“This CBT is now used to train

all C-130J-30 loadmaster trainees through the initial theory based component of the course,” WOFF Wilson said.

“This created a reduction in instructor contact hours and allowed students access to a virtual instructor outside of core working hours.”

WOFF Wilson said he was honoured – and on reflecting on the significance of the award – he felt proud to even have been considered.

Nomination was ‘surreal’

CPL Bill Solomou

WOFF Alisha O’Brien, of Headquarters Air Mobility Group (AMG), received a Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for her servic-es in restructuring the loadmaster and crew attendant workforce.

WOFF O’Brien said the Airman Aircrew Manager position was challenging and demanding, yet rewarding and she was proud to

have been the first crew attendant to fill the role. During her posting, there were some significant command-led initiatives that she was heavily involved in implementing.

“The most significant change was the restructure of the loadmas-ter and crew attendant workforce, moving the workforce from a time and competency base promotion system to a merit base promotion

system,” WOFF O’Brien said.“This restructure will help to

rebalance the rank structure; align-ing the AMG Airman Aircrew mus-terings with the wider Air Force.”

WOFF O’Brien said she was grateful to be have been given the opportunity to help shape the future of the Airman Aircrew workforce within AMG.

“I was not expecting to receive such an award,” she said.

Helping to shape the future of our workforce

WOFF Alisha O’Brien, of Headquarters Air Mobility Group, received a Conspicuous Service Cross.


WOFF Ryan Wilson, of 285SQN, is greeted by former US vice president Joe Biden during a visit aboard HMAS Adelaide. Photo: LS Peter Thompson

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Jaimie Abbott

NO. 92 Wing’s P-8A Poseidon has com-pleted its very first deployment overseas.

The Poseidon has deployed to Royal Malaysian Air Force Base (RMAF) Butterworth Malaysia as part of Operation Gateway. This deployment included Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) of the P-8A and was a key milestone on the path to declaring Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the aircraft and its system over the next 12 months.

The Poseidon’s predecessor, the AP-3C Orion, has operated from RMAF Butterworth for a number of decades as part of the bilateral Malaysian and Australian Operation Gateway.

Operation Gateway is Australia’s enduring contribution to the preserva-tion of regional security and stability in South-East Asia. The operation provides maritime surveillance patrols in the North Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

The state-of-the-art Poseidon is refin-ing its ability to take over this surveillance role in 2018.

Commander of Surveillance and Response Group AIRCDRE Craig Heap said the successful first overseas deploy-ment of the Poseidon was a significant step towards realising the full capability of the P-8A in an Australian context.

“Maritime surveillance in this part of the world has been a core mission of No. 92 Wing for decades with the Poseidon’s capabilities well suited to continue this role,” AIRCDRE Heap said.

“The aircraft, the aircrew who operate it, and the maintenance and support teams that keep the jet flying, have all performed extremely well during the deployment.”

CO 11SQN WGCDR David Titheridge said the combination of well-trained crews and the updated systems on the P-8A supported by a professional and dedicated maintenance force, provide arguably the best maritime patrol and response capability in the world.

“The operating environment is com-pletely different to Australia which pro-vides fantastic training for us and the P-8A Poseidon is a fundamental element of Australia’s future maritime warfare strategy,” he said.

Following testing of the Poseidon’s ability to deploy and operate from for-ward bases on the north and north-west Australian mainland in April, this deploy-ment to RMAF Butterworth marks the first time a RAAF P-8A Poseidon has operated from an overseas environ-ment since the first aircraft arrived in November 2016.

During each mission the aircraft con-ducted routine maritime surveillance on merchant and naval shipping along some of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

“With this overseas deployment com-plete, the next step from July through to August will be the completion of the operational evaluation of the Poseidon’s Search and Rescue capability. This will be another important step as we move toward declaring Initial Operational Capability of the P-8A system,” AIRCDRE Heap said.

Crucial steps achieved

International engagement

The crew disembarks a P-8A Poseidon at Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth.

DGAIR AIRCDRE Phil Gordon and GPCAPT Wendy Horder brief Royal Malaysian Air Force senior leadership on the capabilities of the P-8A Poseidon in support of Operation Gateway at Butterworth. Photo: LACW Amy Richardson

Tributes paid for well-liked memberIT IS with a heavy heart that we farewelled a well-respected and much-loved member of Air Force – WOFF Geoffrey Malcolm Tricker.

A full military funeral was held at Warrill Park Cemetery Chapel in Queensland on May 12.

WOFF Tricker was well known, both within Combat Support Group and the wider per-sonnel capability workforce.

He had a great passion for the Objective record management system, and was renowned for his extraordinary knowledge.

WOFF Tricker was known for his great sense of humour and was an effective leader, teacher and mentor.

He joined the Air Force on June 26, 1972, as a Clerk and had many postings throughout his

career, including: Base Squadron East Sale, Central Flying School, Headquarters Support Command Unit, RAAF Support Unit Canberra, RAAF STT, RAAF Unit Hong Kong, Base Squadron Edinburgh, 92WG, RAAF Support Unit Adelaide, RAAF Publications Unit, 24SQN, RAAF Support Unit Melbourne, Aviation Medicine Unit, RAAF School of Management and Training Technology, RAAF School of Radio, and RAAF Museum.

After becoming a reservist in 1999, he had numerous roles across RAAF Base Amberley, including 23SQN and HQCSG.

WOFF Tricker is survived by his wife, Belinda, and four chil-dren, Benjamin, La Shay, Belinda and Christopher.

WOFF Geoffrey Malcolm Tricker joined Air Force in 1972.

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CPL Bill Solomou

THE ADF’s most faithful capability, the military working dog (MWD), has been recognised with the world’s first Defence service medal for dogs.

Chief of Joint Operations VADM David Johnston introduced the Canine Operational Service Medal at the Explosive Detection Dog and Handler sculpture at the Austral ian War Memorial in Canberra on June 8.

VADM Johnston said MWD’s had served in combat and on peacekeeping missions for more than a century.

“From WWI to Vietnam, working dogs were used to track and locate the enemy,” he said.

“In 1992 the canine role changed. Australian soldiers deployed on a UN assistance mission to Somalia, where the working dogs were used to sniff out weapons and explosives. It is a lifesav-ing role they continue to perform today.”

VADM Johnston said there was no bond quite like that between a dog and its handler.

“I am in awe of a relationship where a dog unquestionably follows its handler into the chaos of combat,” he said.

“The Canine Operational Service Medal is a symbol of service and recog-nises our deep appreciation for the criti-cal work these canines perform to help keep ADF personnel safe.”

Mark Donaldson, VC, attended the ceremony and reflected on his own expe-rience with the four-legged heroes.

“Over the years as an observer and as a handler of a MWD, I and many of my comrades have seen how much these animals contribute to every effort of the Australian military capability,” Mr Donaldson said.

“They are truly a joint capability because they can span the air, sea and land spectrum.”

He said the dogs served with uncon-ditional loyalty, doing whatever they were commanded “no matter what it is”.

Air Force MWD handler CPL Samantha Luck, of the RAAF Security and Fire School, attended the event with Ulf, a Belgian Shepherd puppy. She was pleased to see the canine fraternity rec-ognised with its own medal.

“It’s rewarding to see the puppies grow and develop into working dogs,” she said.

RAAF MWD and explosive detection dog (EDD) handler CPL Marc Douglas, from 2SECFOR, attended with EDD Cowboy, who has deployed overseas with the US forces in Afghanistan.

CPL Douglas said Defence’s recogni-tion of the dogs with a medal “is abso-lutely amazing – they truly deserve it”.

The medal will be introduced in two phases. The first will focus on dogs with an aggregate of 30 days’ operational service since 1999 and the second will identify MWDs with service dating back to the Vietnam War.

Only the dog may wear the medal, which will be held by its unit once the dog is retired from service.

Medal designThe medal is made in Australia from nickel-silver and has been designed to reflect the ADF MWD capability. The obverse (front) features combat assault dog Quake, who was bred by the RAAF breeding program, became an Army combat

assault dog and died on operations in Afghanistan on June 25, 2012. The reverse (back) features the ADF emblem.

RibbonsThe ribbon colours are purple (representing animals), green (land), yellow (loyalty), blue (sea and sky)ClaspsA clasp with the name of the operation for which the award is made is presented with the medal. If another medal is awarded to the dog, an additional clasp, to be worn above previous clasps in order of receipt, is issued.

Medal for four-paw capability

CANINE DESIGN

CPL Marc Douglas with Cowboy at the launch of

the Canine Operational Service Medal at the

Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Photo: Jay Cronan

Mark Donaldson with CPL Samantha

Luck and Ulf, a Belgian Shepherd

puppy, at the medal launch.

Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

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FLTLT Bettina Mears

THE return of No. 77 Squadron from the Middle East has marked the end of 81 Wing’s involvement in Operation Okra for now and given OC 81WG GPCAPT Tim Alsop cause to celebrate what he called a remarkable achievement.

Family, friends and colleagues lined the 77SQN taxiway on May 19 to meet two of the squadron’s Hornets as they arrived at RAAF Base Williamtown after a long journey from the Middle East.

GPCAPT Alsop said the safe return of 77SQN personnel was an important day for 81WG. He attributed the success of the Operation Okra deployment to a range of factors, including a tailored aircraft management strategy, a focused training regime and close collaboration with Defence partners.

Recognising that maintenance sched-uling would make or break the strike element of Operation Okra, the unit designed an aircraft management strat-egy from scratch, he said.

“It was different to anything we have done with the Classic Hornet. We were very careful to separate the aircraft from the squadrons,” he said.

“In a practical sense, this meant six to seven aircraft were deployed at any one time as part of an 81WG aircraft pool. The squadrons shared those jets, which we periodically rotated home to com-plete deep maintenance.”

This successful approach was employed during the rotation of all three 81WG “line squadrons”, that all deployed at least once.

77SQN and No. 75 Squadron both completed two rotations totalling about 10 months, and No. 3 Squadron deployed for six months. Personnel from No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit and the 81WG Combined Workshops also filled key deployed positions, often in special-ised roles, over 26 months.

GPCAPT Alsop said the pre-deploy-ment training evolved into a focused regime over successive rotations, build-ing on core skills and learning from the experiences of air and ground crews.

“The mission itself draws on a num-ber of foundation skills that we practise

daily, but must then apply in a unique environment,” he said.

“The remote location of the deployed base meant the average mission length was about eight-and-a-half hours – not an insignificant time in a single-seat jet – so aircrew had physiological challenges to overcome.

“With pilots in the MER sometimes taking off at midnight and not landing until mid-morning, an ‘athletic’ approach was required,” he said.

“The adoption of sports nutrition and hydration methods, management of blood sugar levels and careful monitor-ing of fatigue and rest cycles was an important component of mission suc-cess.”

GPCAPT Alsop said 81WG worked closely with Defence partners, such as Milskil and Raytheon, to give aircrew a unique insight into the deployed environ-ment through high-fidelity simulation.

“During the work-up we had the ability to replicate the Okra environ-ment back in Australia by drawing on the detailed feedback we received from deployed personnel,” he said.

“We are putting young pilots into an isolated environment where they have to make really critical decisions under great pressure – with a raging fight below them – so the benefits of focused training can never be undervalued.

“Our people were intimately involved in the liberation of East Mosul and now the fight in West Mosul, which is being carried on by 82 Wing – in support of the Iraqi Security Forces.

“We have had a significant impact for such a small Air Force.

“What can never be understated is the incredible efforts of the mainte-nance team, working 24 hours a day and achieving nearly perfect launch stats over more than two years. For a 30-year-old aircraft, that is unbelievable.”

GPCAPT Alsop said 77SQN person-nel had earned a short time for “rest and reconstitution” but would “very quickly be back into business as usual”.

“Our focus is now on the Air Warfare Instructor course and maintaining the Classic Hornet capability through transi-tion to the F-35A,” he said.

‘Incredible’ feat hailed

24 aircraft rotated throughout 81WG deployment support phase

Total flight hours (excluding transits): 14772.8 hours Longest mission: 12.2 hours

81WG IN THE MIDDLE EAST

A 77SQN pilot is greeted by his

family on his return to RAAF Base

Williamtown from the Middle East.

Photos: CPL Nicci Freeman

FLGOFF Nick, of 77SQN, with his

brothers Tony and Will on his arrival

at RAAF Base Williamtown from

the Middle East.


THE new ADF Headquarters structure will be fully implemented on July 1 as an important outcome of the First Principles Review (FPR).

Its main aim is to bring about the four Cs – a coordinated, coherent, compre-hensive capability – which ultimately will help make the job of generating mil-itary capability easier for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians, according to Head One Defence AVM Neil Hart.

The ADFHQ’s establishment relates to FPR’s intent that Defence operate as one integrated system, called the One Defence approach.

It capitalises on legislative changes recommended in the FPR that have made clear CDF’s position as commander of the ADF, as well as greater clarity for One Defence roles more broadly.

“If we have a more concept-led and integrated approach to delivering capabil-ity, over time our units will experience less of the issues we have had in the past,” AVM Hart said.

“Issues such as equipment turning up that isn’t fully compatible or interoper-able with our networks, or with the other services or groups. There has been a lot of effort in the past on workarounds in the field, and a kind of retro-fitting of joint capabilities.”

The key change in terms of operating, exercising and preparing new capabili-ties is they will arrive as comprehensive packages. This will be done through One Defence’s Capability Life-Cycle approach, which covers everything from planning to maintaining Defence capa-bility. This process will also consider requirements for equipment to be inte-grated and interoperable parts of the joint force.

“This will allow units to spend more of their early effort during the introduc-tion to service on training and tactics development, rather than so much effort being spent just on making the system work and integrating or developing work-arounds,” AVM Hart said.

AVM Hart uses the analogy of buying a new phone to explain what he hopes the new ADFHQ will avoid.

“The legacy approach is like a cus-tomer buying a phone, then separately buying a call and data plan, then buy-ing subscriptions and cloud services and hoping the combination will work together. That often leads to plan chang-es, device upgrades and other compro-mises to make the system work – all with additional cost and time,” he said.

“Now many stores offer combined packages of devices, data and services they have designed, tested and priced, giving confidence you will get the capa-bility you paid for and can focus on using it to get the job done.”

In explaining what the new headquar-ters will look like, AVM Hart cited the evolution of HQJOC as a model, and as a great success story of “jointery”.

“In directing the development of the ADFHQ model, CDF often pointed to

the joint approach to planning and team-work at HQJOC,” he said.

“HQJOC has evolved significantly over the last 15 years or so, moving us from stove-piped service planning, to the integrated approach to joint planning and operations we now have.

“The arrangements at JOC put us in a fantastic place operationally, as a result of being an integrated entity that is not just joint, but also better supports us working with our friends and partners from across government, such as AFP, Border Protection and Foreign Affairs, and in coalitions.

“Joint and integrated has really become the only way we operate, fight and do business, and that is being reflect-ed through the integrated ADFHQ.”

AVM Hart said much of the day-to-day activities of staff in the ADFHQ won’t significantly change come July 1, but there will be a shift in philosophy.

“It’s about effective teamwork, which is what CDF, VCDF and the Service Chiefs agreed was important in agreeing to integrate the HQ. HQ tasks will take an integrated approach that can use the right military and civilian specialist HQ staff to develop a joint plan of action,” he said.

“The ADFHQ will play a key role in the strategic centre, bringing togeth-er more coherent military advice with a focus on one of the core things Defence does in developing, preparing and employing joint forces.

“In practical terms, the Chiefs will all be posted to ADFHQ reporting to CDF, and all of their HQ staff will be a part of the ADFHQ. However, what doesn’t change is that the Chiefs are still in com-mand of their service, responsible for developing their specialised workforces and delivering advanced capabilities to form joint forces.”

Another important aspect of the ADFHQ will be the establishment of a new senior position – Chief of Joint Capabilities – to lead the newly formed Joint Capabilities Group.

AVM Warren McDonald will take up the role on July 1 and will focus on the information warfighting environment and the enabling military capabilities of logistics, health and the Australian Defence College.

Information warfare development is a particularly important aspect of the new ADFHQ. It introduces a fourth warfight-ing environment to complement the existing focus on developing sea, land and air capabilities.

“I think that’s a critical piece of becoming the 21st-century ADF we need to be. There’s not one operation I can think of where assuring the use of infor-mation, along with protecting it, doesn’t form a key part of joint planning of our advanced capabilities, so we need to become more expert in that field,” AVM Hart said.

Battlespaces are getting more complex and the new ADFHQ will help Defence meet the challenges and opportunities.Image courtesy of Elbit

Our 21st-century ADFHQ

AVM Neil Hart is passionate about change. He would want to be. He has been at the forefront of it and implementing it in Defence for some time, first as co-lead of the Force Structure Review and then for the First Principles Review as Head One Defence Implementation.

Not a believer in change for change sake, AVM Hart said change was not to be feared.

“My advice is to embrace change, because with change comes opportunity. Frankly, many talk of ‘change fatigue’, but often it is resisting change that is more exhausting,” he said.

He said that “one of the hard-

est things I’ve found about change programs isn’t getting people to understand and embrace the new ideas, it’s getting people to let go of the old ways,” he said.

“So while doing new things can be challenging, trying to keep doing things in the old way, or holding on to the old tasks and processes as well, is often the real problem.”

“And so, really, the ADFHQ model is about building on the opportunities of the White Paper and One Defence and embracing the changes to realise the benefits of the more joint approach that is so essential for 21st-century warfare.”

CHANGE MEANS OPPORTUNITY

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RAAF Base Edinburgh supported South Australian veterans at a spe-cial service that commemorated the brave airmen of Bomber Command who served in WWII.

The service, held at the Air Force Memorial on the historic Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide on June 4, included the reading of the Airmen’s Prayer by Nikki King, daughter of Dambuster pilot SQNLDR David Shannon.

CO No. 462 Squadron WGCDR Mick Reidy delivered the commem-orative address in which he talked

about notable South Australians who served in Bomber Command, including SQNLDR Shannon.

Hand-picked as a Dambuster pilot at aged 20, SQNLDR Shannon conducted 69 missions in Bomber Command and survived the opera-tions.

462SQN participated in Bomber Command during WWII.

WGCDR Reidy paid tribute to the Air Force aircrew and ground crew who served with pride and dis-tinction in Bomber Command.

Immediately after the short and emotional commemoration, RAAF

Base Edinburgh members met with veterans from Bomber Command and other veterans at the Torrens Parade Ground Combined Services Mess, where tales and feats were exchanged between the generations of Air Force members.

Air Warfare Centre Chief of Staff GPCAPT Brendan Rogers presented SQNLDR Lyne Skinner (retd) with WWII-era Air Force pilot’s wings to replace his lost wings and recognise his service as a WWII pilot.

SQNLDR Skinner flew photo-reconnaissance Spitfires out of Malta during his career.

Tribute to a Dambuster

Nikki King, the daughter of Dambuster pilot SQNLDR David Shannon, during the Bomber Command memorial service in Adelaide.

From left, LACW Monika Tarnavetchi with SQNLDR Lyne Skinner (retd) and SQNLDR David Leicester (retd) after a

memorial service for Bomber Command. Photos: SGT Rob Hack

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Feature RCEAIR F June 29, 201710

IMPROVEMENTS in weapons tech-nology have led to the development of highly accurate precision-guided munitions, and these weapons demand

exponentially increased requirements for accuracy and accountability.

Air Force derives enhanced target coordinates via precise point mensuration (PPM), a controlled activity that provides precise three-dimensional measurements of features on the earth’s surface.

PPM accreditation is needed before measured coordinates can be entered into shared targeting databases within the allied community. This enables coordi-nate-seeking weapons to be employed.

Significantly, the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO) PPM Program has received full re-accreditation from the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). This is an important achievement and maintains Australia’s reputation within the allied targeting community.

In 2013, Australia became the first country apart from the US to achieve PPM accreditation, which is required every four years.

NGA’s Office of Targeting and Transnational Issues started the re-accreditation process in April. AGO’s PPM program managers escorted the

NGA accreditors to the Defence Force School of Intelligence at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra, and No. 87 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, for an extensive review of all program train-ing, documentation and the PPM certifi-cation process.

Re-accreditation was achieved thanks to the time and energy invested by the AGO PPM Project Management Office, and PPM Work Centres.

Air Force members who gain PPM certification are from the air intelligence analyst-geospatial intelligence mustering and are highly trained in the art of geo-spatial analysis in order to generate pre-

cise targeting solutions for strike aircraft.Several PPM analysts are deployed

on Operation Okra, conducting air opera-tions in Iraq and Syria.

SGT James Oates, an air intelligence analyst who recently returned from work-ing in the Combined Air Operations Centre in the Middle East, said analysts in the centre “have the experience of dropping points on coalition targets that can be prosecuted on the same day”.

“The reality of all the training and qualifications comes to fruition when identified targets are struck by coalition forces,” he said.

LACW Katherine Hare explains the significance of gaining re-accreditation for precise point mensuration

A joint standoff weapon is tested for accuracy (top right) after a PPM analyst derives coordinates (top left) using one

of three certified mensuration methods

(bottom).

Data on the mark

The Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) is proving to be a popular benefit for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. The Director of Relocations and Housing Mr Tony Job said, “Interest in the scheme remains positive and is now paying a monthly subsidy to more than 21,000 ADF Members.”

The initial term for the DHOAS Home Loan Providers is due to expire on 30 June 2017. In anticipation of the expiry, Defence initiated a project to re-test the market through an open tender process for the provision of home loan provider services. A Request for Tender was released on 25 October 2016 and tenders closed on 28 November 2016. Tender responses were received and evaluated by a tender evaluation team comprising representatives from the Services, Estate and Infrastructure Group, Defence People Group, CASG and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

“Whilst Defence was satisfied with the overall level of interest and number of responses to the tender, we were disappointed that there was no interest shown by any other major lenders”, Mr Job said.

As a result of a competitive evaluation of tender responses, Defence determined that a panel comprised of the following home loan providers represented the best overall benefit for ADF Members as well as value for money for the Commonwealth:

» Australian Military Bank

» Defence Bank

» National Australia Bank

The three successful home loan providers are the current DHOAS providers to Defence. The new panel will commence from 1 July 2017, and the process for members to apply for DHOAS remains unchanged. “I am confident that ADF members accessing a DHOAS subsidised loan will continue to obtain quality service and competitive rates”, Mr Job said.

Defence and the home loan providers have committed to apply continuous improvement and innovation to ensure business processes and home loan provider products and services are optimised to meet ADF member requirements and service expectations throughout the duration of the new deeds.

Further information can be accessed on the DHOAS website (www.dhoas.gov.au) or by speaking with a DHOAS consultant on 1300 4 DHOAS (1300 434 627).

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FeatureRCEAIR F June 29, 2017 11

TECHNICIANS graduating from No. 35 Squadron’s C-27J Spartan course are part of a rare breed within Air Force.

Maintenance Training Coordinator FSGT Geoff Donaldson said 35SQN technicians were equipped to work on all of the aircraft’s systems.

“The C-27J Systems course is unique in that it is a fully integrated modular course for both avionics technicians (AVTECHS) and aircraft technicians (ATECHS) alike,” FSGT Donaldson said.

“This initial course also qualifies technicians to conduct both avionics and airframe work, regardless of the techni-cians’ core trade.

“Normally, students complete their core trade AVTECH/ATECH specific training on an aircraft, and then com-plete non-core training at a later date.”

The need for the C-27J to operate remotely, with only a small support foot-print, has put demands on technicians to provide a wide range of skill sets.

During the course, students are taught avionics staples such as power and databus systems in week one and, in week three, move on to hydraulics and landing gear.

“35SQN has developed a true sys-tems course that delivers both avionics and aircraft modules in a sequence that builds one upon the other to maximise learning,” FSGT Donaldson said.

Currently, 35SQN is not equipped with training devices such as part-task trainers or a cockpit simulator, which are normally used to introduce students to an aircraft.

Instead, the 12-week systems course relies heavily on “hands on” experience with the real aircraft, complementing theory and classroom training.

“Over the 12 weeks of training, there’s two and a half weeks taken

up by working on an aircraft,” FSGT Donaldson said.

The first course of six technicians comprised students with various expe-rience levels on other aircraft, from tradespersons with single type experi-ence to trade supervisors with multi-type exposure.

The contingent included one member who had previously completed C-27J training overseas.

“This allowed us to draw direct com-parison from the two working courses, rather than only being able to carry out desktop analysis of the courseware,” FSGT Donaldson said.

“Their feedback, along with that of the other learners, will be invaluable in shaping and improving the course for future students and adding to the capa-bility of our maintenance workforce.”

The learning materials were largely drawn from the previous contractor-delivered training course, consisting of PowerPoint presentations.

Delivering an Australian-based train-ing course in a short space of time with limited resources was still a substantial effort for 35SQN, supported by the Air Mobility Group Training Systems Team.

“The body of work required was quite substantial and, due to the dedication, flexibility and profession-alism of all involved, we were able to deliver a product in eight months,” FSGT Donaldson said.

“35SQN development staff consisted of two full-time corporal developers and two leading aircraftman technicians on loan from the maintenance workforce, who expanded on and improved the presentations.

“They also developed a full suite of student work books, troubleshooting guides and theory assessments.”

Graduates embrace ‘hands on’ training

THE SHIFT to Australian-based training has started for No. 35 Squadron’s work-force.

The first six locally-instructed technicians graduated from their training on the C-27J Spartan at RAAF Base Richmond on June 6.

From July, new loadmasters and pilots for the C-27J likewise begin their training at Richmond.

Pilots will conduct some elements of their conversion training using a C-27J simulator at Pisa Air Force Base in Italy.

CO 35SQN WGCDR Jarrod Pendlebury said the shif t to Australian-based training was a sig-nificant achievement by the squad-ron. “Since late 2014, workforce instruction has been conducted in the United States under a contrac-tor-delivered initial training system,” WGCDR Pendlebury said.

“The original plan was to transi-tion from this model to a contractor-delivered mature training system at RAAF Base Amberley.

“However, shifting circumstances drove a need to develop a 35SQN-

delivered training system in the inter-im.”

In less than 12 months, an interim training solution was established at Richmond, which will be delivered entirely from within 35SQN’s own available resources.

Training will remain at Richmond until 35SQN moves to Amberley in 2019.

“The expectation is that we will eventually return to a contractor-delivered mature training system following the move,” WGCDR Pendlebury said.

“A dedicated training facil-ity is currently under construction at Amberley, which will be equipped with purpose-built training devices.

“These will include a cockpit simulator, cargo compartment train-er, and part task trainers, along with classrooms and other instructional areas.”

To date, five C-27J Spartans have been delivered to Richmond, with a sixth aircraft currently in transit to Australia.

Ten C-27Js are expected in Australia by early 2018.

Adapting to change35SQN welcomes the shift to Australian-based training, Eamon Hamilton writes

FLTLT Mark Seery, a pilot with 35SQN, conducts a preflight check of a C-27J Spartan at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece June 29, 2017

TESTING TIME IN THE TOP ENDIt takes a variety of disciplines, all performing at peak capacity, to prime a new batch of air warfare instructors, as the last exercise in the Diamond series showed


AIR Combat Group (ACG) has come a long way from the original Fighter Combat Instructor Course, developed in 1954, to its involvement in the integrated Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC) of today.

WGCDR Dick Cresswell established the Fighter Combat Instructor Course more than half a century ago in order to rectify deficiencies in air combat skills identified between WWII and the Korean War.

ACG continues to maintain the same drive for excellence in air combat, only now their pilot aces have transformed into more integrated “diamonds”.

OC 81 Wing GPCAPT Timothy Alsop, Exercise Director for Diamond Storm, said ACG’s shift to the AWIC was further progress towards a truly joint and integrated fighting force.

“The AWIC is a natural evolution of the traditional Fighter Combat Instructor Course,” he said.

“The change in terminology signals a widening of focus, from pure air combat to multi-Force Element Group, multi-agency and multi-platform integration.

“ACG remains heavily invested in the AWIC and brings generations of tertiary experience to the course, as well as pro-viding the bulk of the assets.

“While the number of students is relatively small, the supporting work-force gains a lot of experience by being immersed in such a challenging environ-ment.”

GPCAPT Alsop said another change to the previous course related to the change in ownership from ACG to the Air Warfare Centre.

“The diamond series of exercises challenges trainee air warfare instruc-tors to use every capability at their dis-posal to outsmart and outmanoeuvre the enemy,” he said.

From pilot aces to diamonds

Eamon Hamilton

AIR mobility has joined the esteemed disciplines that are tested by the Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC).

During Exercise Diamond Storm, the first two mobility tactics instructor (MTIs) candidates were responsible for integrating the C-130J Hercules into complex mission scenarios.

In the past, Air Mobility Group (AMG) platforms have been support elements for AWICs, rather than key players.

OC 84 Wing GPCAPT Paul Long

said the creation of the MTI qualifica-tion makes air mobility a recognised discipline within the AWIC.

“This is a big milestone for AMG, establishing a qualification on par with fighter combat instructor (FCI) and fighter combat controller (FCC),” GPCAPT Long said.

“We’ve long held our own internal qualification and tactics for AMG aircrew, which we’ve developed from our experience on exercises and operations.

“Having an MTI qualification allows us to better integrate with

wider Air Force missions, and allows other groups to better understand what air mobility provides.”

While the first MTI candidates were drawn from the C-130J work-force, future AWICs will draw from the wider AMG community.

Mission scenarios in Exercise Diamond Storm 17 required the MTI candidates to plan airlift support to ground forces in the battlespace. The MTIs need to have a deep understand-ing of not only their own capabilities and limits, but also those of friendly and adversary systems.

The C-130J flown by MTI can-didates at Diamond Storm is a much more effective platform than its Hercules forebears.

“Recent upgrades have made the C-130J much more effective in a modern battlespace, including new communications and situational-awareness systems,” GPCAPT Long said.

The first two MTI candidates were selected by the COs of Nos. 37 and 285 Squadrons for their above-aver-age captaincy skill sets, high tactical acumen and instructional qualities.

FLGOFF Deanna Ellick

AN ADDITIONAL 35 No. 2SECFOR personnel were deployed to the top end in support of Exercise Diamond Storm.

Among them were Air Force security staff (including military working dog handlers), airfield defence guards, Air Force police and airbase protection personnel.

Acting SNCOIC Security Operations SGT David Miller said various elements of the squadron “actively and positively integrated to perform the required secu-rity effect in support of the exercise”.

Personnel worked four 12-hour shifts in pairs during the week to provide around-the-clock security.

“The squadron performed extremely well, given the arduous working hours and ever-changing high-tempo environ-ment, while maintaining a high level of morale,” SGT Miller said.

FLTLT Zacari Smit said the team’s operations at RAAF Base Tindal con-sisted of mounted and dismounted patrols, community policing, surveil-lance activities, emergency response and small-arms weapon support.

“Our 34-person team was highly skilled, particularly with the integration of security specialists from all SECFOR musterings,” he said.

FLGOFF Tracey Li

JOINT battlefield airspace control-lers (JBACs) from No. 452 Squadron Darwin Flight worked tirelessly to ensure military aircraft achieved mission timings while integrating routine civil-ian aircraft operations during Exercise Diamond Storm.

“452SQN is very excited to be a part of Diamond Storm,” CO 452SQN WGCDR Darryl Porter said.

WGCDR Porter said his team at Darwin Flight included 37 JBACs and 21 communication electronic techni-cians.

“As well as their core duties of pro-viding Darwin air traffic control services for all military and civil air traffic within 40 nautical miles of Darwin, our person-nel were also responsible for critical airspace management, aviation risk management and aviation safety inci-dent reporting.”

WGCDR Porter said 452SQN DAR FLT often faced significant challenges during exercises such as Diamond Storm because of the increased traffic in Darwin’s air space.

“We are required to integrate exer-cise aircraft with regular civilian traffic,” he said.

“We overcome the challenges with detailed planning, risk management and training.”

SQNLDR Paul Scott, Flight Commander 452SQN DAR FLT, said

working with the US Marine Corps and US Navy provided an added layer of complexity.

“There are subtle differences in our standards, procedures and requirements and it can be challenging to streamline interoperability,” SQNLDR Scott said.

“We overcome the challenges through prior engagement with the for-eign forces, briefings and constant com-munication with relevant parties.”

Key players in complex missions Protection never sleeps

Heavy traffic under control

A 37SQN C-130J Hercules stands ready for duty during Exercise Diamond Storm.Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

LACW Heidi Thompson and her military working dog, Dagger, on a sunset patrol at RAAF Base Tindal.Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

452SQN JBAC FLGOFF Aaron Spencer conducts surface movement control at the RAAF Base Darwin airfield. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

F/A-18 Hornets take off from RAAF Base Tindal during Exercise Diamond Storm.

Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

See footage at: http://video.defence.gov.au/play/5212#

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FeatureRCEAIR F June 29, 2017 15

RESIDENTS and visitors on Lord Howe Island lined the short runway on May 14

to see a C-130J Hercules con-duct circuit training against a magnificent Mount Gower backdrop.

For the 400 locals and 400 visitors on the island, 600km off the NSW coast, the spec-tacular sight represented a longstanding and important lifeline.

The circuit training coincid-ed with the 75th anniversary of the first RAAF aero-medical evacuation from the island, conducted with a Catalina Flying Boat.

The aircraft was called out from the mainland in May 1942 to help a pregnant woman with a severe complication.

Representatives from all three Defence services cel-ebrated the anniversary with a visit to the island, a commemo-ration service and dinner.

Today, Lord Howe Island has a small hospital, but cannot cope with serious or complex issues.

A civilian air ambulance can respond to emergen-cies only during the day and in good weather conditions, with No. 37 Squadron and its Hercules the only alternative outside of those conditions.

Lord Howe Island resident and ADF liaison officer Clive Wilson said locals could sleep at night knowing help from the ADF is just a call away.

“It is fantastically reas-suring to this community that irrespective of what comes up,

if it’s possible, the ADF can be here to provide assistance,” he said.

Mr Wilson said the com-munity was grateful to all three services for their support over the decades.

The Air Force had helped to rescue people off distressed vessels around the island, the Navy had helped with the rescue of a couple off an American yacht 130 miles east of Lord Howe in a storm, and Army engineers had rebuilt the island’s airport.

“Things like that don’t get forgotten,” he said.

OC 84 Wing GPCAPT Paul Long attended the 75th anni-versary service. He said a Lord Howe Island landing was a welcome challenge for genera-tions of Hercules crews.

“The ability to place a large aircraft onto such a small air-strip requires practice, and the conduct of circuits enables us to refine our skills,” he said.

“The culmination of flying circuits at Lord Howe Island in the day is to then conduct a ‘touch and go’ and full-stop landing at night.

“The Air Force is one of the only fixed-wing organisations able to operate into Lord Howe Island in darkness.”

Over the past 75 years, the RAAF has responded to at least 25 medical emergencies on the island, ranging from appendectomies and shark bites, to labour and fractures.

Lord Howe Island’s 886m runway is the shortest 37SQN operates the C-130J Hercules into.

Just a call awayThe Hercules has been a lifeline to Lord Howe Island for 75 years, CAPT Anna-Lise Brink writes

A 37SQN C-130J Hercules lands at Lord Howe Island to mark the 75th anniversary of Air Force’s first medical evacuation from the island.Photo: PTE Samuel Brink

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Feature RCEAIR F June 29, 201716

RESIDENTS of the S u n r a y s i a d i s t r i c t were treated to two fly-overs from an F/A-

18A Hornet and WWII vintage Boomerang fighter to mark No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit’s 75th anniversary.

In addition to the parade, which featured the fly-overs, the celebrations included an official dinner at the local RSL and an open day, with the people of Mildura given the chance to take a close look at two F/A-18 Hornets inside the hangar.

CO 2OCU WGCDR Scott Woodland said the squad-ron, now a t RAAF Base Williamtown, had a long asso-ciation with Mildura.

“Although formed as No. 2 (Fighter) Operational Training Unit (2OTU) in Port Pirie, South Australia, in April 1942, the unit only remained there for a month before being moved to Mildura,” he said.

“There it conducted fighter pilot training for the remainder of WWII.”

I t was renamed No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit on September 1, 1958.

Ken Wright, a Mildura local, former 2OTU instructor and then MP who founded the 2OTU museum in Mildura, participated in the unit’s anniversary event.

Among the 18 personnel from 2OCU who visited for the event were SQNLDR Damon Stefani and LACW Danielle McLeod, who had the honour of marching through their home town.

“It was a surreal experience to bring the Air Force and its F/A-18s back to my home town in Mildura, particularly with my close friends and family in attendance,” SQNLDR Stefani said.

“The locals absolutely loved the event and I could not have been more proud of how the weekend unfolded.”

For LACW McLeod, the his-toric event coincided with her 21st birthday.

“I was very excited after finding out that 2OCU would be travelling to Mildura to under-take an aerial display as we marched down the main street,” she said.

“Many of my family and friends joined in the celebra-tions of both my birthday and 2OCU’s 75th anniversary.

“The weekend was a great success and I felt very privileged to be able to have shared my 21st birthday in my home town with such a memorable event in Air Force history.”

The celebrations attracted more than 2000 people.

Feeling right at homeThere were plenty of reasons to celebrate as 2OCU marked 75 years, FLGOFF Deanna Ellick writes

2OTU (now 2OCU) museum founder and Mildura local Ken Wright lays a wreath during the 75th anniversary commemoration.Photo: Paul Mensch (Mildura Weekly)

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APPLICATIONS are open to full-time and reserve members from cor-poral to squadron leader, and pub-lic service personnel, who wish to take part in the Air Force Adaptive Cu l tu r e (AFAC) Leade r sh ip Exchange (LX).

The LX is a professional devel-opment forum designed to enhance leadership effectiveness in the key areas of self-awareness and self-development, assertiveness, leading teams and communication.

It builds on participants’ knowl-edge of the behaviours and leader-ship approaches that enhance capa-bility through people.

In particular, participants explore what is required for Air Force mem-bers to support CAF’s Intent, Plan Jericho and Air Force Strategy 2017-2027 – People Capability through behaviours that underpin empower-ment, innovation, agility of thought and action.

This allows participants to con-sider what is required for Air Force members to discern, understand and take acceptable risk.

The LX allows members, across different ranks, musterings and spe-cialisations, to share ideas and expe-riences in an adult learning environ-ment.

Attendees develop skills for recognising behavioural styles and understanding how to influence them, building and maintaining rela-tionships, using assertive responses, applying active listening and under-standing how to show empathy in difficult situations.

LX 2016 participant WOFF Renee Vitanski described the LX as “an overwhelmingly positive experi-ence”.

“Self-awareness, appreciation of

others’ perceptions and self-reflec-tion for personal growth were chal-lenged far beyond what I have expe-rienced before,” she said.

“The course facilitators provided us with some really powerful and effective tools that have enabled me to communicate more effectively, provide greater inspiration to my team and tackle complex issues with confidence.”

AFAC runs up to six LX pro-grams each year and members who

are self-motivated, solutions focused and wish to continue to develop their social mastery skills are encouraged to apply. The programs are run in Canberra and attendance is fully funded by AFAC.

For more information please contact WOFF Tina (Christine) Hill on (02) 614 47300, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/afac or contact the Air Force Adaptive Culture team at [email protected].

NCORestricted Court Martial1 x Failure to Comply with a Lawful General Order – DFDA s 29(1)Member was accused of providing official information (imagery) to individuals external to Defence, without adhering to the procedures detailed in the applicable Defence Instruction.Member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge.Member was reduced (by two ranks) to the ranks. OFFICERDefence Force Magistrate1 x Obtaining a Financial Advantage – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (Cth) s 135.2(1)Member was accused of obtaining a financial advantage from the Commonwealth in relation to rent allowance, totalling $2904.80, by not notifying Defence Housing Australia of a change in the member’s circumstances. Member pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty of the charge.Member was fined $2900 (with $1450 suspended, and the balance to be paid in one lump sum).ORDefence Force Magistrate10 x Failure to Comply with a General Order – DFDA s 29(1)Member was accused of viewing inappropriate web pages on the Defence Protected Network, contrary to the applicable Defence Instruction.Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges.Member forfeited seniority in rank.

All Court Martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to com-mand review and appeal. The results are of trials across the ADF.

MAY TRIAL RESULTS

17June 29, 2017RCEAIR F Personnel

Learning to lead

The Leadership Exchange aims to enhance capability

through people.Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

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LAC Zakari Lange-Mathies, from the Air Task Group, conducts a pre-flight inspection on an F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft during his Operation Okra deployment in the Middle East.Photo: CPL David Cotton

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19June 29, 2017RCEAIR F Flightline

Task Unit Headquarters Operations Clerk LACW Kristy Milovankic (left), receives a radio call that is logged in by LACW Samantha Johnston during Exercise Diamond Storm in the Northern Territory. Inset: 1SQN aircraft Life Support Fitter ACW Estelle Leondari services a flying helmet during Diamond Storm. Photos: CPL Colin Dadd

Aircraft Technician CPL Paul Martin with his 2OCU Airman of

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One human resource management and payroll system for One DefenceDefence OneCutover Summary Information

Defence One will Go Live at 0830h Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on Monday 7 August 2017. In order to achieve this there will be a ‘cutover’ period where systems will not be accessible while the transition to Defence One occurs.

Self Service users, PMKeyS transactors and ADFPAY transactors need to be aware of the following dates pre, during and post the cutover period:

»» Pre»Cutover»–»Tuesday»25»July»1700h»AEST:»PMKeyS Employee Self Service Apply and Modify Leave menu items will be turned off to allow for a final tidy up of this data before closing down PMKeyS. All»ADF»members»must»have»submitted»leave»applications»for»the»cutover»period»by»this»time. Managers will be able to approve or decline leave applications during this time.

»» Cutover»Commences»–»Thursday»27»July»1500h»AEST:»All»access»to»Self»Service»and»PMKeyS»ceases.»All»reserve»diaries»must»be»entered»and»approved»by»this»time.

»» Monday»7»August»0830h»AEST:»Defence»One»Go»Live»–»available»to»all»users.

During the cutover period, ADFPAY and PMKeyS including the DRN and Home Portal versions of Self Service will be offline.

Key Message – Reserve Pay

Early cutoff follows the same procedures as occurs for the early cutoff for Christmas/New Year processing and for any planned system outages. There is still a pay day on 10 August (with early cutoff date). Members should make similar arrangements to the Christmas break to prepare themselves and their financial situation regarding the timing adjustment. See further along in this document for detailed information about Reserve Pay.

Cutover Detailed Information

Pre Cutover - Tuesday 25 July 1700h AEST: PMKeyS Employee

Implementation of the new ADF Payroll System Project Defence One (D1) Release 1a (R1a)Self Service menu items ‘Apply for ADF Leave’ and ‘Modify ADF Leave’ will be turned off. ADF members will not be able to apply or modify their leave during this period. Managers will be able to approve or decline leave applications during this time.

Thursday»27»July»1500h»AEST:»PMKeyS»and»ADFPAY»turned»off.

For»ADF»Members»and»APS»Staff:»No»Self»Service»Available

For»current»ADFPAY»and»PMKeyS»transactors: A read only version of ADFPAY and the read only PMKeyS Reporting environment will be available during Cutover (data correct as at 23 July). At the end of the cut over period the reporting environment will be taken off line to refresh with a copy of the new payroll environment (data correct as at 27 July including paydate 10 Aug data).

Note: the reporting environment will be available from Saturday 29 July to Friday 4 August.

Monday»7»August»0830h»AEST:»Defence»One»Go»Live»–»available»to»all»users.

Note: From Monday 7 August there will be four Employee Self Service menu items not available for ADF Members (LSL Service History & Absence Balances, Absence Accrual Details and ADF Banking Details). These items will be available from Monday 21 August after the first pay run has been completed.

Key Message – Retrospective Transactions

ADF Members and PMKeyS transactors are encouraged to ensure all historical information is updated in PMKeyS prior to the cutover period. This is important due to the complexity and level of effort required to update this information post go live.

Reserve Pay

There is no change to the Reserve payroll system or the processes/procedures to manage Reserve (RES) diaries. There will be a one off timing change in late July/early August for cut-off for submission and approval of RES attendance diaries and for

processing of RES and APS payroll. This is required to enable the migration of data for permanent members into PMKeyS (Defence One).

In accordance with standard PMKeyS downtime processes (implemented regularly for the Christmas period and the end of financial year) there will be a slight change in the pay cut-off date and the availability of PMKeyS Self Service (PSS) as outlined below:

» Reserve attendance diaries submitted and approved with cut-off date of Friday 21 July will be paid as normal on Thursday 27 July.

» Reserve attendance diaries entered and approved in PSS by 1500h Thursday 27 July will be paid on Thursday 10 August. Note: any manually submitted transactions need to be with the Reserve Pay and Administration Centre (RPAC) by 1200h on Wednesday 26 July.

» All Reserve members are instructed to enter their attendance diaries in a prompt manner leading up to the Thursday 27 July cutover. Equally, managers and supervisors who approve attendance diaries are to do so in order to meet the respective cut-off times.

» Reserve diaries for work undertaken from Thursday 27 July onwards can be entered into PSS on or after Monday 7 August. Diaries entered and approved by COB Thursday 17 August will be paid on Thursday 24 August.

» After that, the cut off dates and pay dates for RES and APS return to the normal fortnightly arrangements.

System Access

Post the 7 August ‘Go Live’ existing access will be maintained to PMKeyS.

For Further information visit: Defence Home > Groups > CIOG > For CIOG Staff > CIOG Initiatives > Defence One

DPS:APR028-17

SQNLDR Jaimie Abbott

THE Governor-General has made a surprise appearance to meet with participants of the ADF’s innova-tive arts program that is aimed at supporting the recovery of military personnel facing health and wellbe-ing issues.

GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove (retd) called in to the University of Canberra on June 6, the venue for the Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills (ARRTS) pro-gram.

The program provides partici-pants with an uplifting experience to assist their movement, speech and attention span and to build their self-confidence.

“There are endless amounts of people who would benefit from something like this and I wish I had the opportunity to hear a suggestion about this program when I was in service,” he said.

The ARRTS program follows the success of the ADF Theatre Project/Sydney Theatre Company collaboration The Long Way Home, which toured nationally in 2014.

“I saw the group from The Long Way Home and I thought ‘wow that’s a great one off’. I am so pleased it wasn’t a one off and it certainly has grown,” Sir Peter said.

“To me it was the leading wave of what’s happened now in this established program to invite peo-ple to express themselves outside of the confines of a military employ-

ment, either to prolong their time in service or help them transition out.”

The four-week program is open to all servicemen and women who have any type of injury or illness – physical or mental – which has occurred during their service.

During the “no-uniform, no-rank” program, the participants are able to showcase their artwork, musical and drama performances

and creative writing work as part of a VIP performance night.

Applicat ions for the next ARRTS program are now open.

Program head BRIG Wayne Goodman said the workshops were designed to complement and enhance participants’ recovery.

“It’s about encouraging our peo-ple to try something new,” he said.

“On this last program we had 16

participants who picked up a paint-brush for the first time just to try something different to assist in their recovery.”

ADF personnel do not need experience or training in the arts.

To apply for the next ADF ARRTS Program, in November, email [email protected] or phone Nina Craven on (02) 6265 5923.

Creative recovery20 June 29, 2017RCEAIR FPersonnel

ARRTS visual arts mentor Mariana del Castillo shows one of the participant’s works to, from left, ARRTS creative director LTCOL Geoff Grey, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Lady Lynne Cosgrove (obscured), and visual arts participant Craftsman Ryan Dix, of 1RAR, at the University of Canberra. Photo: Sam Groves

Get ready for pay system cut-overTammy Meacham

DEFENCE One, the new pay system for ADF members, will go live on August 7.

Air Force members, including Reservists, are responsible for ensuring their personal and pay details are correct before it rolls out.

During the cut-over period, ADFPAY and PMKeyS (Customised Defence Instance and Global Payroll), including the DRN and Home Portal versions of Self Service, are scheduled to be offline for transactions from 3pm on July 27 until August 7.

A read-only and reporting copy of ADFPAY and PMKeyS will be available during the cut-over period, but no leave submissions or allow-ance claims will occur.

Director General Personnel – Air Force AIRCDRE Henrik Ehlers said it was important for all members, managers and supervisors to have their personal details up-to-date and changes approved before the cut-over period begins.

“We all have a responsibility to regularly check self-service every time our circumstances change (including on return from an operation or exercise, and posting to a different location or position) to ensure we are receiving the correct pay and/or benefits,” AIRCDRE Ehlers said.

“Each one of us plays an important role to ensure the transition is efficient and timely.”

The responsibilities of members prior to the go-live date are outlined in the CAF Directive 012-17 – Defence One Self Service Responsibilities.

Members are required to complete pre-go live check-list by July 14. Visit: http://ciogintranet/staff/initia-tives/DefenceOne/Pages/Resources.aspx

One human resource management and payroll system for One DefenceDefence One

For Further information visit: Defence Home > Groups > CIOG > For CIOG Staff > CIOG Initiatives > Defence One

DPS:APR028-17

Implementation of the new ADF Payroll System Project Defence One Release 1a (R1a)

Defence One R1a Cutover Timeline

Pre Cutover Cutover Post Cutover

17:00 25 July

Self Service Apply & Modify Leave menus

turned off

15:00 27 July

PMKeyS, ADFPAY & remaining SS menus

turned off

Finalise pay for APS, RES & ADF

(Pay date 10 August)

29 July

Reporting environment

refreshed with pay finalisation

10 August

Payment of the last pay processed

in ADFPAY

24 August

First First payment processed out of Defence One for ADF Members

7 August

Go Live - PMKeyS & Self Service menus

turned on with * exception

21 August

ADF LSL Service History, Absence Balances Page, Absence Accrual Details & Banking

Detail menus turned on

* LSL Service History, Absence Accrual Details, Absence Balances Page & Banking Details will be available to Self Service users from 21 August 2017

COUNTERPARTS from Five Eyes defence agencies met in Canberra from May 1-4 to discuss information sharing protocols, aimed at develop-

ing better practice in preventing, detecting and responding to commonly shared fraud and cor-ruption risks.

The third annual Fraud and Anti-Corruption Network (FACNET) Forum, hosted by Audit and Fraud Control Division (AFCD), was attended by international senior level represent-atives from the Office of the Inspector General of the US Department of Defense (USDOD), the UK Ministry of Defence, the Department of National Defence Canada and the New Zealand Ministry of Defence/NZ Defence Force.

Acting CDF VADM Ray Griggs attended the forum and discussed the challenges facing the ADF.

A range of better practice themes were iden-tified and discussed during the forum including: ♦ the importance of setting the right “tone from

the top”;♦ the importance of transparency in decision-

making;♦ building resilience to fraud and corruption

risks in our organisations by promoting the importance of sound governance, coupled with driving positive cultural change; and,

♦ early and continuous engagement with indus-try to establish mutual obligations and expec-tations.As part of the FACNET program, AFCD

Five Eyes on corruption

UNREPORTED CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCEAN ADF member was found to have received a total of $31,640 in Member with Dependants Unaccompanied allowances without entitlement over a five-year period.

The investigation found the member had separated from their partner, had left the married quarters they shared, and had failed to report the changes in circumstances to Defence.

If the member had reported the change, the member would have been categorised as Member with Dependants.

The member was found guilty of offences under the Criminal Code Act 1995 and was given a two-year good behaviour bond and ordered to pay court costs. The member has resigned from the ADF but continues to make repayments to Defence.

RESERVIST WRONGLY USES MESS FACILITIESAN ADF Reserve member was found to have received a total of $8087 in ADF mess meals and ADF mess accommoda-tion without entitlement over a four-year period.

The investigation found the member had accessed the mess facilities during periods when they were not actively engaged in on-duty reserve employ-ment.

The member knowingly used the ADF mess and accommodation facilities, despite having been counselled by the CO on a previous occasion for receiving meals and accommodation at the discounted ADF rate without entitlement.

The member was issued with a ter-mination notice and ordered to repay $10,077 before being discharged from the ADF.

GUILTY OF INFORMATION FRAUDAN ADF member made an applica-tion for ADF War and Annual Leave in

Defence Force case studies

PMKeyS and forwarded the application to their supervisor for approval. After the leave was taken, the member can-celled their approved leave in PMKeyS.

The investigation found that the member submitted leave applications to their supervisor for approval and, once approved, the member took the leave. On the member’s return to work, they would delete the leave application from PMKeyS. The member was charged under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982, found guilty and terminated from the ADF.

DEFENCE TRAVEL CARD FRAUDAN ADF member used their Defence Travel Card (DTC) without authorisa-tion to pay for personal expenses to the value of $5733.

The investigation found the member had been making unauthorised with-drawals using their DTC over a six-month period. When initially questioned about the transactions, the member pro-vided falsified receipts in support of the use of their DTC.

The member eventually admitted using their DTC without authorisa-tion and for falsifying receipts. They received administrative action and were subsequently discharged from the ADF. Defence has fully recovered the $5733.

Group Name Number

Navy Michael Andrews (02) 6265 3052

Army Alistair Dickie (02) 6265 1402

Air Force Ernie Walsh (02) 6266 6315

Assoc Sec Chris Metha (02) 6266 2626

CASG Paul Mulholland (02) 6265 7884

CIOG Kim Daniel (02) 6144 4422

CFO Melody Montaos (02) 6265 6530

DPG Amber Brentnall (02) 6265 5094

DPG Emma Fitzpatrick (02) 6265 7993

E&IG Gavin Chester (02) 6266 7981

DSTG Peter Lambert (02) 6128 6350

JOC Anna Hackett (02) 6128 4082

SP&IG John Toohey (02) 6265 4144

VCDF Matthew Avakian (02) 6265 4273

GROUP Fraud Control Co-ordinators are appointed by their respective group or service to form a depart-ment-wide network. They inform risk stewards and control owners by regularly liaising with the Assistant Secretary Fraud Control and coordinating group or service-specific fraud activities such as:♦ biannual Defence fraud

report processes;♦ whole of Defence fraud

risk assessment devel-opment and evaluation;

♦ individual group and service fraud risk as-sessment evaluation and treatment; and,

♦ strategic intelligence threat assessment capa-bility initiatives for high fraud risks and emerging threats.

Group Fraud Control Coordinators

also hosted a one-day inaugural Fraud and Anti-Corruption Congress at Old Parliament House in Canberra attended by more than 130 representatives from within Defence, other Commonwealth agencies and industry. The congress was opened by acting Defence

Secretary Brendan Sargeant and VADM Griggs, both of whom delivered strong “tone from the top” messages.

VADM Griggs reinforced the message that ethical culture and good governance practices within Defence were key elements in effec-tively delivering military capability.

Delivering the keynote speech at the con-gress, Acting Inspector General of the USDOD, Glenn Fine, identified procurement fraud, cor-ruption, health care fraud and illegal technology transfers as the key risk areas for the USDOD.

Mr Fine also stressed the importance of transparency in decision-making, saying “sun-shine is the best disinfectant”.

A highlight of the congress was the presen-tation by a former Victorian state public servant convicted of fraud. He identified the significant personal consequences he suffered as a result of his actions, including marriage and relationship breakdown, loss of employment, financial hard-ships and ultimately a term of imprisonment. He stressed the importance for managers to know their people and to be vigilant for suspi-cious behaviours, saying, “if it looks wrong, it probably is”.

Some of the presentations from the congress are available on the Fraud Control and Investigations Branch intranet website at drnet.defence.gov.au/AssociateSecretary/AFCD/FCIB/DFC/Pages/Events-and-Publications.aspx

This second column in a quarterly series detailing cases of fraud in the ADF focuses on the national effort to stamp out fraud in allied defence forces

Acting CDF VADM Ray Griggs addresses the Defence Fraud and Anti-Corruption Congress. Photo: Jay Cronan

21June 29, 2017RCEAIR F Fraud and Ethics

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YOGA is one of those activities you either love or, more than likely, just don’t understand.

Those who don’t understand it sometimes confuse it with incense burning and chanting.

Personnel should be open-minded and understand a well-trained yoga teacher can provide much more than just a stretch class, according to a qualified yoga instructor at RAAF Base Amberley.

SGT Suze Coleman said yoga teach-ers could provide opportunities for personnel to learn to accept “what is”, including self-acceptance, and also to be open to making other choices.

“Students can learn a variety of breathing methods that may help with anxiety, pain, low energy, and so on, and to develop a broader perspective within which to understand their challenges,” she said.

“Traditional PT sessions may make personnel ‘fit’ in the sense of being more muscular, but often leaves them too bulked up and vulnerable to injuries that yoga, which emphasises flexibility, helps prevent.

“Yoga’s focus on meditation and maintaining calm fits perfectly with the military’s broad emphasis on instilling ‘mental toughness’, as well as physical

strength, to ensure personnel can suc-ceed on the modern battlefield.”

SGT Coleman conducts regular yoga classes at the RAAF Base Amberley gymnasium, which many personnel, of all ages, attend for a variety of reasons.

“That may be anything from recover-ing from injuries, tight hamstrings, lower back pain or just needing a good all over body stretch with the added bonus of mental clarity that yoga can provide,” she said.

“I believe yoga should be incorpo-rated regularly in all unit PT sessions. These sessions can be made easy or more challenging depending on the level of fitness of the personnel attending.

“Not all wounds are visible. But invisible wounds such as PTSD, depres-sion or anxiety can be aided with regular yoga and meditation classes.

“While we may not all have the same experiences or symptoms of illnesses, there are aspects in each of us that are consistently pulled away from this moment into stress, worry and replaying of moments with fear from both the past and the future.”

For more information go to: yogaaustralia.org.au/what-is-yoga

Sharpens concentration Neutralises stress Enhances a sense of wellbeing Subdues aches and pains Promotes sound sleep Tones and strengthens muscles Invigorates metabolism Increases lung capacity Supports positive thinking

Encourages self-acceptance Bolsters balance Smooths digestion Expands consciousness Lowers blood pressure Counteracts osteoporosis Relieves depression and anxiety Alleviates back pain Increases flexibility

BENEFITS OF YOGA

Yoga can offer you balanceAlthough a physical activity, yoga can equally offer as many mental benefits, SGT Dave Morley reports

Qualified yoga instructor SGT Suze Coleman said yoga can teach self-acceptance. Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

22 June 29, 2017RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

Look forward

23June 29, 2017RCEAIR F Sp rt

CPL Mark Doran

FIVE Air Force members are on the team of 43 athletes who will repre-sent Australia at the 2017 Invictus Games.

The team to compete in Toronto, Canada, from September 23-30, was announced at Parliament House on June 21.

A squad of 53 athletes, selected for the training squad from trials earlier in the year, was reduced to a team of 43 after a training camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation in early June.

The final team has 18 serving and 25 former members.

Defence Personnel Minister Dan Tehan congratulated the members of the team and introduced the co-cap-tains, CAPT Emma Kadziolka and SGT Peter Rudland, both of Army.

Mr Tehan said the hard work and dedication of the athletes throughout the rigorous selection process was commendable.

“While not all training squad members will participate in the 2017 Invictus Games, the support

of all Australians is with them in achieving their goal of representing their country at the 2018 Invictus Games,” he said.

“The fighting spirit displayed by all of our athletes is a reflection of the qualities the Invictus Games showcases and celebrates.”

The team announcement came on a day of mixed emotions for SGT Rudland. June 21 was the seventh anniversary of the Black Hawk heli-copter crash in Afghanistan in 2010 that killed three Australian soldiers and left him seriously wounded.

The accident left him with a trau-matic brain injury and severe dam-age to his legs, pelvis, arms, back, shoulders and face.

“Seven years ago I thought my career was over and my life would change for the worse,” SGT Rudland said.

“It did change but it changed for the better. I thought I wouldn’t be as good as I was before, but I found I’m actually a better person now.”

SGT Rudland said the Australian team was confident and looked for-ward to competing in Toronto.

“We have more training camps to attend before the Invictus Games and plan to peak as athletes when the time is right,” he said.

“An important role as co-captain is to be there for everybody, through the good times and bad.

“The athletes have a variety of physical and psychological injuries or illnesses and I want to ensure they are supported and everybody gets help when they need it.”

Defence Minister Marise Payne congratulated the athletes on making it through the selection process.

“There have been months of preparation and it’s an extraordinary commitment to come from being wounded, injured or ill and try to become part of the team,” she said.

“We ask an enormous amount of our servicemen and women and these 43 people are giving this back in training to be part of the team in Toronto.”

For information on the Invictus Games, including the list of team members, their biographies and images, go to www.defence.gov.au/events/invictusgames

Air Force Invictus Games reps: SQNLDR Danny Jeffery (HQ 81WG) SQNLDR Paul McGinty (JHC) PLTOFF Nathan Parker (ADFA) LAC Wade Roberts (10SQN) LACW Melissa Roberts (23SQN)

Still aiming for the skyCPL Mark Doran

HE DREAMS of becoming an Air Force pilot and, with his commitment and the continued support from the ADF, family and friends, he just may.

PLTOFF Nathan Parker, of ADFA, lost his hand after he was trapped when a bus contain-ing about 50 Defence personnel rolled in November 2015.

He also suffered tendon dam-age to his right hand and severe facial injuries.

Less than two years later, he has earned a spot on the Australian team for the Invictus Games, in Toronto in September.

PLTOFF Parker said the Games would help his recovery and rehabilitation.

“The best thing about being a part of the team is everybody is pushing themselves to the limits all the time,” he said.

“I’m still learning what my limitations are and the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that we never know exactly what they are.

“I’m inspired every day by my Invictus teammates, who are all facing their own daily chal-lenges but are all achieving amazing results.

“After attending the last few training camps, I can see not only myself improving, but my teammates are getting better.”

PLTOFF Parker said his first hurdle was applying for the Invictus squad.

“I know I’m not an elite ath-lete so my biggest challenge was raising the confidence to have a crack,” he said.

“Since then I haven’t looked back. We are all part of the team and we are here to give it a go. It’s such a supportive environ-ment. We are like a big family.”

PLTOFF Parker plans to compete in the swimming, track (100m, 200m and 400m sprints) and indoor rowing events.

His strongest sport is the rowing.

“I enjoy thrashing myself on the rowing machine and we will compete to get the maximum distance in one-minute and four-

minute time trials,” he said.“Defence has fitted me with a

great carbon fibre prosthetic gym arm which has various attach-ments with different functions including a rowing attachment.

“Occasionally it falls off and sometimes I train without it by hooking my elbow around the bar.

“It’s rewarding to push myself to the limits and com-plete a row. I will be dripping in sweat but it feels like I’ve given it all.

“It makes me feel Invictus – unconquerable.”

Juggling his training sessions with his studies for a Bachelor of Technology Aviation at ADFA keeps him busy and motivated.

PLTOFF Parker also has a recreational pilot’s certificate and still wants to fly for Air Force.

“My ultimate goal and life-long passion is to be a military aviator. I intend to try to find a way no matter what,” he said.

On the road to Toronto

MEN’S and women’s teams from the ADF will feature in the Rugby League Festival of World Cups, to be held across western Syd-ney between July 7 and 16.

They will be among 400 com-

petitors in teams from the armed forces, police, universities and wheelchair ranks of Australia, England, Scotland, Wales, Ire-land, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Fiji.

The four categories will hold their respective world cups as part of the festival.

More information can be found at www.rlwc2017.com/news/festival-world-cups

Defence teams feature in international festival

ON THE TEAM PLTOFF Nathan Parker works on his fitness

during the Invictus Games training

camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport and

Recreation.Photo: CPL Mark Doran

© Image courtesy of Department of Defence

Assisting serving and ex-servingADF members and their familiesin times of injury, illnessand crisis.

rsldefencecare.org.au

SP RTJune 29, 2017

FORGING AHEAD CPL Mark Doran

IT IS only four years since LACW Roberts was in an induced coma for two months after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a car

crash near RAAF Base Tindal. She also had severe facial and

skull injuries and was eventually sent to the Brain Rehabilitation Clinic in Brisbane for 10 months while she recovered.

LACW Roberts has undergone 10 operations in the past two years to improve her double vision and enable independent functions.

“My eye socket was repaired with a titanium plate,” she said.

“I’m an Air Force firefighter, but can’t return to my job because I can no longer drive a heavy rigid vehicle, wear head gear or do shift work.”

Despite all this, LACW Roberts is among five Air Force members to have been named, after a rigorous selection process, in the Australian team for this year’s Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada, in September.

She will compete in swimming, indoor rowing and athletics.

“Just being a part of the training squad was an incredible experience,” she said. “I’ve always been an active person and sport has always been an important part of my life.

“The Invictus Games is an elite

competition and it is one way I can show the world what I’m capable of despite my injuries.

“It’s not what I can’t do. I’m capa-ble of competing at this level of sport for my country. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

LACW Roberts is now training twice a day, six days a week and has joined a swimming squad and an ath-letics squad in Ipswich.

“I have coaches for swimming, running and throwing while I do my strength and rowing training at RAAF Base Amberley with extra guidance from WOFF Tony Benfer, the Australian team’s head coach,” she said.

“I try to fit in time for active recovery with yoga and stretching to maintain my optimal performance.”

The Invictus Games team includes serving and former members of Air Force, Army and Navy.

LACW Roberts said she has met people with different injuries and ill-nesses from across Australia in vari-ous stages of their recovery.

“To have such a big group of people I can call friends who have all experienced the same emotions as me is an incredible support mechanism,” she said.

“We all understand what each other is feeling and support each other without judgement.”

LACW Roberts works in No. 23 Squadron’s training section and is studying a bachelor degree of second-ary education.

She also won the Lipshut Family Bursary, which covers three years of full-time study at the university of her choice, in the Air Force proficiency and leadership awards this year.

“Next year I will complete my schooling in adult education. This will help me move towards my desire to commission as an Air Force train-ing systems officer,” she said.

“The past three years were painful, turbulent, uplifting and rewarding. I’m grateful to my family and Air Force for supporting me.”

Invictus athletes rise to the challenge

LACW Melissa Roberts

trains during the Invictus Games selection camp

at the Sydney Academy of Sport.

Photo: CPL Mark Doran

the official newspaper of the royal australian air force ... · airf rce vol. 59, no. 11, june 29,...

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