The Australian Army in Profile 2011

Transcription

THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
IN PROFILE
2011
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
The Army in Profile 2011
Published by Army Headquarters
All text and images copyright Commonwealth of Australia
and the Australian War Memorial unless otherwise accredited.
For further information, please email Army Headquarters at
army.brandmanager@defence.gov.au
Indigenous Australian readers are advised that this publication
may contain images or names of persons who are now
deceased, which may cause offence.
The Project Team would like to thank and acknowledge all
those who contributed to this publication. Further thanks to the
staff from Army newspaper for some of the articles and the 1st
Joint Public Affairs Unit for many of the photographs.
Cover image by LS Andrew Dakin
20110718adf8106603_264
Scan this QR code with your
smart phone to connect to the
Army website.
IN PROFILE 2011
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
IN PROFILE 2011
CONTENTS
Chief of Army Foreword
7
CHAPTER1:
MOMENTS FOR CELEBRATION
Gratitude to a Distinguished Leader
10
Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith Awarded the
Victoria Cross For Australia
16
The 7th Brigade
56
Moving South
104
17 CSS Brigade: Year in Review
58
Operation ASTUTE
107
CHAPTER 5:
LOOKING BACK
A Cold Change
62
Operation TOWER
108
110 Years Young
153
Australia’s Federation Guard On Duty
64
Operation ANODE 108
1911: Preparation For War 155
Talisman Sabre 2011
68
Operation RESOLUTE 110
The Claws Are Out
72
158
Exercise Saunders 2011
74
Regional Force Surveillance Units Support
Operation RESOLUTE
1941: A Nation in Turmoil and a Defence
Strategy Shattered
113
1951: Korea
163
1971: Farewell to ‘The Dat’ — The Australian
Withdrawal From Vietnam
170
Named, Remembered & Honoured
174
Royal Military College of Australia
Centenary Year
21
Chief of Army Scholarship: Study Tour 2011
76
Operation QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST
116
A Year of Friendship
27
Caring For Army’s Wounded, Injured and Ill
78
Operation YASI ASSIST
126
First For Arafura Games
80
Australian Army Cadets
82
CHAPTER 4:
VALE
The Battle For Greece and Crete:
70th Anniversary Commemorations
29
RSPCA Awards Sarbi the Purple Cross
32
Counter-Terrorism Capability Recognised
34
Welcome, Mr President
38
The 45th Anniversary of the Battle
of Long Tan
40
Meritorious Unit Citation Awarded to MTF–1
42
NORFORCE: Modern Warrior, Traditional Values
43
CHAPTER 2:
AROUND ARMY
The 1st Brigade 49
A New Home for the 7th Battalion,
The Royal Australian Regiment: 52
Supporting the Families of the 1st Brigade —
AUSTF 8 (Rear)
54
CHAPTER 3:
OPERATIONS
Operation SLIPPER
86
Parit Sulong — The Missing Men of the Battle of Muar 178
Corporal Richard Atkinson
138
Sapper Jamie Larcombe
139
CHAPTER 6:
ARMY MODERNISATION
Sergeant Brett Wood, MG
140
Army’s Future: 2011 and Beyond ...
184
Lance Corporal Andrew Jones
141
Plan Beersheba — Army’s Future Structure
186
A Short History of the Second
Australian Mentoring Task Force
87
Lieutenant Marcus Case
142
The Army Reserve — 2011 and Beyond
188
A Crucial Connection
93
Sapper Rowan Robinson
143
Operation KRUGER Farewells Iraq
94
Sergeant Todd Langley
144
Army and Diggerworks: the Soldier
Combat Ensemble
190
Operation PALATE II
98
Private Matthew Lambert
145
Land Network Integration Centre
192
Operation MAZURKA
98
Craftsman Beau Pridue
146
Project Land 121 195
Operation PALADIN
99
Corporal Ashley Birt
147
Emerging From the Shadows
196
Operation RIVERBANK
99
Captain Bryce Duffy
148
Knowledge is Power
199
Service in the Sinai
100
Lance Corporal Luke Gavin
149
Directorate of Army Research and Analysis
200
Operation AZURE
103
Simulation in 2011
203
Image Index
206
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CHIEF OF ARMY
FOREWORD
It gives me great pleasure to launch this edition of the Army
in Profile. This book provides a permanent record of the
highlights of a memorable year for the Australian Army.
Sadly it also pays tribute to twelve of our mates who died
while serving overseas in Afghanistan and Timor Leste.
Their sacrifice is recorded on a separate Roll of Honour in this
edition. However, I wish once again as the Chief of the Army
to pay tribute these men and express my sincere condolences
to their families and loved ones.
Likewise, I wish to place on the record my best wishes to our
soldiers who were wounded on operations either physically or
mentally. Ensuring that the Army stands behind you and your
families as you recover from your wounds is one of my most
important priorities as Chief of Army.
In 2011 Army demonstrated its versatility and flexibility in
responding to a diverse range of challenges. We sustained our
performance across the spectrum of operations. A full schedule
of the operations to which Army supplied force elements is
included in this edition. Every soldier who served on one of
these operations in 2011 enhanced our reputation and deserves
credit for this.
Apart from our most demanding operations in Afghanistan,
Timor Leste, Solomon Islands and we were called upon
to render significant assistance to our fellow citizens on
Australian soil. The New Year had barely dawned when we
were asked to respond to the floods in Queensland. Our people
performed magnificently, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with
their fellow Australians in the midst of this time of crisis.
The spontaneous expressions of respect and affection from
their fellow citizens to our soldiers demonstrated that the
Army holds a special place in the esteem of Australians. We
must all be conscious of this. The Army is one of this nation’s
oldest and most revered institutions. It has existed almost
continuously since Federation. Indeed, the Army holds some
of Australia’s most prized traditions on trust.
At all times we need to remember that service within the
Army, while demanding and sometimes dangerous, carries
rich rewards and privileges. For our part we must uphold and
reflect community values as well as provide opportunities for
all suitably qualified men and women to serve in our ranks.
The portrait of our Army that emerges in this publication is of
large, inclusive organisation. But we need to do even better in
that regard.
It is appropriate that we continue to dedicate our primary
focus to current operations. .However, the entire Army
workforce, both civilian and uniformed, produced excellent
results in 2011. The major reforms that my predecessor Ken
Gillespie initiated under the banner of the Adaptive Army
were implemented with vigour and are already producing
handsome results. Similarly Army continues to find new and
more efficient ways to achieve effects while saving resources
through the Strategic Reform Programme. This has placed
demands on all of us but I believe that we have improved the
way we do business and those responsible for the main effort
in this programme deserve congratulations.
Army is in the midst of its most comprehensive re-equipment
programme since the end of the Second World War and its
most significant restructuring since the end of the Vietnam
War. Our move to introduce like combat brigades under Plan
BEERSHEEBA will impose more efficient use of scarce
resources while significantly improving our capability.
IN PROFILE 2011 | 7
It will yield a force generation and sustainment model that
will provide the Government and people of Australia with
the Army that they have said they need in official policy
announcements going back to the turn of this Century.
I am determined to drive these improvements towards
fruition during my terms as the Chief of the Army.
These changes will also enable us to take the Army to sea
under the new maritime concept of strategy authorised by
successive governments since 2000. Our future lies in the
littoral approaches to Australia as an integral part of the
Australian Defence Force, capable of conducting decisive
joint operations. This provides enormous challenges as well as
enticing opportunities for the Army. But it places land forces at
the heart of Australian Grand Strategy.
This is the first time that I have had the privilege to launch an
edition of the Army in Profile. I am deeply honoured to have
been appointed to the Chief of Army. I would like to thank my
predecessor Ken Gillespie for handing over an Army in such
robust good health. But I also wish to thank all of soldiers and
our civilian workforce for your service to the nation in 2011.
This book constitutes a fitting tribute to all your efforts.
Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO,
Chief of Army.
PHOTO: Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, Chief of Army,
talks to Australian Defence personnel in a Royal Australian Air Force
C–130 Hercules aircraft prior to take off from Kabul, Afghanistan.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CHAPTER 1
MOMENTS FOR
CELEBRATION
10 | MOMENTS FOR CELEBRATION
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
GRATITUDE TO A
DISTINGUISHED
LEADER
‘I WILL LEAVE THE ARMY AT MIDNIGHT ON
JUNE 26 WITH ABSOLUTELY NO REGRETS.
IF I WAS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, I WOULD
DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN,’ SAID THE CHIEF
OF ARMY, LIEUTENANT GENERAL KEN
GILLESPIE, AC, DSC, CSM, THE WEEK BEFORE
HE WAS DUE TO RETIRE AFTER 43 YEARS OF
SERVICE.
LEADERSHIP
Lieutenant General Gillespie’s illustrious career began in
January 1968 when he stepped off a bus at the Balcombe
Army Apprentice School in Victoria at the age of 15. His time
as a soldier during his four-year bricklaying apprenticeship
shaped the leadership style he used during his numerous
command appointments and, most importantly, as Chief of
Army for the past three years. Indicative of the development of
his leadership is a story he related concerning an experience at
the Apprentice School.
‘When I was an apprentice in 1970, I was one of the senior class
members and we had issues between the staff and apprentices.
The CO [Commanding Officer] of the school, Lieutenant
Colonel Max Johnson, gathered the senior class members and
asked our perspective on how to fix the problem. He gave us
the confidence to talk to him, as he should’ve been a revered
person. In the end, we saw him as a friend we could talk
honestly and openly to,’ Lieutenant General Gillespie recalled.
The lesson struck home and became a principle by which
Lieutenant General Gillespie interacted with others through
his career.
‘I had my feet kept on the ground due to having a wonderful
bunch of friends spread across the ranks who I started out and
served with, including RSMs [Regimental Sergeants Major],’
Lieutenant General Gillespie explained. ‘The nice part about
that was every time they thought I was straying from the path
and not being as human as I could be, they gave me a gentle
nudge and asked, “what did you mean by that?” They weren’t
frightened of me. They were game to tell me life as they saw
it, and gave me a different perspective, which kept my feet
rooted in reality.’
He related this experience as advice for all members of the
Army, regardless of rank.
‘No-one should be frightened of anybody. You shouldn’t
hold someone in awe because of the position they are in,’
Lieutenant General Gillespie added.
IN PROFILE 2011 | 11
‘I am in awe of some people; however it’s because they’ve
earned my respect. Sometimes they are not senior to me and
don’t operate in the military sphere at all,’ he said.
‘If you can survive in an organisation like Army, when people
aren’t frightened of you, and they can look you in the eye
and give you the point knowing it won’t be held against them,
it’s a wonderful way of exercising good leadership.’
PHOTO: Former Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, AC,
DSC, CSM (Retd), inspects the Australian Federation Guard during his
farewell parade.
PHOTO: Former Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM (Retd) has breakfast with troops at Camp Rocky, the staging
area for Exericise TALISMAN SABER.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CAREER
THE FUTURE
FAREWELL
Lieutenant General Gillespie’s career highlight was reaching the
pinnacle of the Army, working his way up from the rank of Sapper.
‘The future of our Army is bright. The need for an Army
remains apparent, and life is not getting easier in terms of
international security,’ Lieutenant General Gillespie emphasised.
‘I will leave Army a very proud CA, proud of 43 years’ service
and proud of the institution I’m leaving. It’s an awesome
institution and deserves as much respect at home as it enjoys
internationally,’ reflected Lieutenant General Gillespie.
‘The crowning achievement was the last three years leading
one of the finest institutions in Australia,’ Lieutenant General
Gillespie asserted.
There were also other career highlights along his journey,
including commanding troops on operations on three
occasions in Namibia, East Timor, on Operation Slipper after
11 September 2001, and as Commander of Joint Operations
during his term as Vice Chief of the Defence Force.
Along with the high points in his career, there were also challenges,
with the most significant the operational deaths of soldiers.
‘Dealing with the families of the bereaved and those who have
been wounded was difficult,’ Lieutenant General Gillespie
admitted. The response of families of the soldiers who had
suffered encouraged him to turn the tragic events into positives
and improve the way Army deals with veterans and their
reintegration into the workforce.
‘I felt genuine loss in each of the events we’ve had. On every
occasion with the families, there was more to take away from
their strength and character than many people realise,’ he said.
‘I’ve tried to give back to them by focusing very hard as the
Chief to make Army much more humanised, to deal with
people with more dignity. We’ve changed the way we look
after our wounded, from discharge to pension, to rehabilitation
and continuing performance in the workforce.
For those who have had to separate from the service, I’ve tried
to make them feel valued and give them a different sort of life,
one they might have had if they had been serving in the Army
a decade ago.’
‘The Army is professional, has wonderful and talented people
at all levels of command. I believe it runs so well because of
the quality of our leadership from top to bottom.’
Lieutenant General Gillespie has yet to decide what he will do
on his first day out of the Army which, coincidentally, will be
his birthday.
‘I joined the Army at 15, straight out of school and worked
non-stop at it since. I’ve never felt the need to search for
something else to do. The Army has provided me with many,
varied careers and different challenges.
He mentioned in particular the honour of serving with the
people — military and civilian — within the Army. ‘I will
truly miss the families, the soldiers, the civilian staff and the
veterans I have had the privilege of knowing and working with
over this time. The opportunity to be with people, to have the
sense of the Army family and having friends who have lasted a
lifetime was wonderful.’
I will do something. I would like a better balance of work and
life than I’ve had over the past six years and golf will certainly
be a part of it.’
His final message to Army is one focused on pride.
‘I think Army’s performance under the most arduous of
circumstances, such as during SUMATRA ASSIST and the
warfighting roles around the world, performing challenging,
gut-wrenching hard work makes me tremendously proud.
‘I think the culture of the organisation is one the nation should
be proud of. If we didn’t have the culture, we wouldn’t have
had the successes over the past 10 years when our troops
haven’t let us down.’
PHOTO LEFT: Former Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken
Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM (Retd) chats with participants in the
Australian Defence Force Paralympic Sports Program.
PHOTO ABOVE: Former Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken
Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM (Retd) pays his respects at the Menin Gate
daily remembrance ceremony.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CORPORAL BENJAMIN ROBERTS-SMITH
AWARDED THE
VICTORIA CROSS FOR
AUSTRALIA
By Sergeant Andrew Hetherington
CITATION:
For the most conspicuous gallantry in action in circumstances
of extreme peril as Patrol Second-in-Command, Special
Operations Task Group on Operation SLIPPER.
‘My head’s still spinning. It feels extremely humbling and
makes me feel extremely proud to be a part of the unit, but
more so the Squadron for what we achieved on the day and
being a part of something where we took the fight to the
Taliban and we won. The boys did some amazing things.’
This was the reaction from Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith,
VC, MG of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) on
23 January 2011, following his awarding of the Victoria Cross
for Australia (VC), making him Australia’s most decorated
serving soldier.
PHOTO: Victoria Cross Recipient Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith,
VC, MG.
‘You read all the other recipients’ stories and think that’s
awesome,’ he said, never thinking that he would be awarded a VC.
‘It’s still surreal. I was just like everyone else in Afghanistan;
I was doing my job — I know it’s a cliché but it’s true. You
always go over there and fight as hard you can and never go
over there half-hearted.’
Corporal Roberts-Smith was invested by the GovernorGeneral, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, CVO, at his
unit’s home at Campbell Barracks in Perth.
Amongst those to share a beer with him at the post-ceremony
function was fellow Victoria Cross recipient and SASR
member Corporal Mark Donaldson, VC who said his mate was
a naturally talented soldier.
‘He does everything well across the board,’ Corporal
Donaldson said.
‘To do his job properly as a trooper, then to step up to a
corporal’s position, take command and inspire leadership,
came to him naturally.’
Sergeant P – who was Corporal Roberts-Smith’s Patrol
Commander during the action on 11 June 2010 and who
received a Star of Gallantry for his role in the battle – was also
amongst those to congratulate him.
‘Whatever job he takes on, he does it to the best of his ability,’
Sergeant P said.
‘He’s good at it, he’s an out and out good soldier and
obviously extremely brave.’
Corporal Roberts-Smith said he knew his life would change
after receiving the award.
‘Having been mates with Mark [Donaldson] for quite some
time, I’ve had a bit of an insight into what it would be like and
I think I knew what I was getting into,’ he said.
‘The bottom line is life’s going to change drastically,
particularly with the media.
‘The reality of it is the world will turn and I’ll come back to
work and there will be things I’ll have to do on the side, but
my main focus, as always, will be to come back to work and
run my patrol and get prepared to go back to Afghanistan.’
‘IT FEELS EXTREMELY HUMBLING AND
MAKES ME FEEL EXTREMELY PROUD TO
BE A PART OF THE UNIT, BUT MORE SO
THE SQUADRON FOR WHAT WE ACHIEVED
ON THE DAY AND BEING A PART OF
SOMETHING WHERE WE TOOK THE FIGHT
TO THE TALIBAN AND WE WON.’
EXTREME PERIL
Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith enlisted in the Australian
Regular Army in 1996. After completing the requisite courses,
he was posted to the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian
Regiment where he saw active service in East Timor.
In January 2003, he successfully completed the Australian
Special Air Service Regiment Selection Course.
During his tenure with the Regiment, he deployed on
Operation VALIANT, SLATE, SLIPPER, CATALYST and
SLIPPER II. Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith was awarded
the Medal for Gallantry for his actions in Afghanistan in 2006.
On 11 June 2010, as part of the Shah Wali Kot offensive,
a troop of the Special Operations Task Group conducted a
helicopter assault into Tizak, Kandahar Province, in order to
capture or kill a senior Taliban commander.
Immediately upon the helicopter insertion, the troop was
engaged by machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire
from multiple, dominating positions. Two soldiers were
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
wounded in action and the troop was pinned down by fire
from three machine guns in an elevated fortified position to
the south of the village. Under the cover of close air support,
suppressive small arms and machine gun fire, Corporal
Roberts-Smith and his patrol manoeuvred to within 70
metres of the enemy position in order to neutralise the enemy
machine gun positions and regain the initiative.
then took the initiative again and continued to assault enemy
positions in depth during which he and another patrol member
engaged and killed further enemy. His acts of selfless valour
directly enabled his troop to go on and clear the village of
Tizak of Taliban. This decisive engagement subsequently
caused the remainder of the Taliban in Shah Wali Kot District
to retreat from the area.
Upon commencement of the assault, the patrol drew very
heavy, intense, effective and sustained fire from the enemy
position. Corporal Roberts-Smith and his patrol members
fought towards the enemy position until, at a range of 40
metres, the weight of fire prevented further movement
forward. At this point, he identified the opportunity to exploit
some cover provided by a small structure.
Corporal Roberts-Smith’s most conspicuous gallantry in
a circumstance of extreme peril was instrumental to the
seizure of the initiative and the success of the troop against
a numerically superior enemy force. His valour was an
inspiration to the soldiers with whom he fought alongside and
is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army
and the Australian Defence Force.
As he approached the structure, Corporal Roberts-Smith
identified an insurgent grenadier in the throes of engaging
his patrol. Corporal Roberts-Smith instinctively engaged the
insurgent at point-blank range resulting in the death of the
insurgent. With the members of his patrol still pinned down
by the three enemy machine gun positions, he exposed his
own position in order to draw fire away from his patrol, which
enabled them to bring fire to bear against the enemy. His
actions enabled his Patrol Commander to throw a grenade
and silence one of the machine guns. Seizing the advantage,
and demonstrating extreme devotion to duty and the most
conspicuous gallantry, Corporal Roberts-Smith, with a total
disregard for his own safety, stormed the enemy position
killing the two remaining machine gunners.
His act of valour enabled his patrol to break-in to the enemy
position and to lift the weight of fire from the remainder of
the troop who had been pinned down by the machine gun fire.
On seizing the fortified gun position, Corporal Roberts-Smith
PHOTO ABOVE: The Victoria Cross for Australia.
PHOTO RIGHT: Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith and other SASR
members of the Special Operations Task Group prepare to deploy to
the Shah Wali Kot Offensive.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE OF AUSTRALIA
CENTENARY YEAR
The year 2011 marked the centenary of officer training in the
Australian Army. From the early days of the Royal Military
College (RMC) to today’s state of the art training, there have
been a multitude of changes in the way officer training has
been conducted in Australia. However, one quality remains
the same — it is world class training that produces the highest
calibre of leaders.
THE OPENING CEREMONY —
27 JUNE 1911
General announced that King George V had granted the
College the title ‘Royal’. Henceforth the establishment would
be known as the Royal Military College of Australia.
On that day, a proud and enduring tradition was born.
Celebrations to mark a century of officer training at RMC
continued throughout 2011 culminating with the presentation
of new Colours to the College by Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II on 22 October 2011.
The establishment of a military college for the training of
Army officers was one of Lord Kitchener’s recommendations
following his 1909 review of the military forces of the
Commonwealth of Australia. In May 1910, the first
Commandant of the College — Brigadier General William
Throsby Bridges — was appointed.
The site selected by Brigadier General Bridges for the new
College was a lush grazing property located on the Molonglo
River. The historic property was named ‘Duntroon’ by its first
owner, Robert Campbell, in 1833. Bridges considered the site
ideal, noting that Duntroon House would make a suitable Officers’
Mess and there was plenty of room to build cadet accommodation
and training facilities. The slopes of nearby Mount Pleasant would
shelter the College from the prevailing winds.
The first intake of 32 Australian and 10 New Zealand Cadets
arrived on 21 June 1911. The college’s opening ceremony was
hosted by the Governor-General six days later, on June 27.
The ceremony included a parade at which time the Governor-
PHOTO ABOVE: The new Queen’s Colour Ensign and the new
Regimental Colour Ensign.
PHOTO LEFT: The Royal Military College Corps of Staff Cadets is
presented with New Colours By Her Majesty the Queen.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CENTENARY EVENTS 2011
31 January — Presentation of the Duntroon Society Plaque
and Portrait of W.J. Urquhart — Staff Cadet No. 1
The first of RMC’s centenary events took place on 31 January
2011 with the presentation of the Bastiaan Plaque by members
of the Duntroon Society, and the unveiling of a portrait of Staff
Cadet No. 1, Walter J. Urquhart.
The plaque was unveiled by Mrs Margaret Morrison, widow
of Duntroon Society founder the late Major General A.L.
‘Alby’ Morrison. Mrs Morrison was assisted by Major General
Michael Jeffery (Retd) and Colonel Colin Richardson.
Later that day, a portrait of Staff Cadet Urquhart was presented
by his granddaughter, Carol Urquhart-Fisher. The portrait
depicts Walter Urquhart at various stages of his Army career:
as a cadet, an officer in the Australian Light Horse and as a
Brigadier.
1 April — Presentation of Medals and Memorabilia
belonging to A.M. Forbes, Staff Cadet No. 2
On 1 April 2011, at the Third Class Lanyard Parade,
Dr Jim Forbes, a graduate of the RMC class of 1942,
presented medals and memorabilia belonging to his father,
Alexander Forbes, Staff Cadet No. 2. These are now on
display in the Cadets’ Mess.
PHOTO RIGHT: The Bastiaan Plaque.
PHOTO LEFT: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II inspects the Guard
at the Royal Military College - Duntroon.
14 April — Centenary Commemoration Coin Launch
On 14 April 2011, the former Chief of Army, Lieutenant
General Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM (Retd), unveiled
an Australian legal tender coin issued by the Perth Mint to
celebrate the College centenary.
Struck from 1 ounce of 99.9 per cent pure silver, the coin
bears a design inspired by the history of RMC as a prestigious
military training facility. The Perth Mint released only 7500
of these commemorative coins. Each coin was accompanied
by an RMC badge and presented in a themed gift box with a
numbered certificate of authenticity.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
11 June — Queen’s Birthday Trooping the Colour at Rond
Terrace and Freedom of Entry to the City of Canberra
In 2011, the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony was moved from
the RMC parade ground to Rond Terrace on the shores of Lake
Burley Griffin. Around 3000 Canberra residents braved freezing
conditions to witness the parade, which included three cheers for
Her Majesty and a 21-Gun Salute fired from Mount Pleasant.
Immediately following the Trooping of the Colour ceremony,
the parade formed to exercise the Corps of Staff Cadets and
Band of the Royal Military College’s right to Freedom of
Entry to the City of Canberra.
Chief Minister for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT),
Ms Katy Gallagher, invited the Corps of Staff Cadets (which
has held the right since June 2001), and the Band (which
received the right in 2004) to march through the streets of
Canberra, as tradition dictates, with ‘swords drawn, bayonets
fixed, drums beating, band playing and the colours flying’.
During the march up Anzac Parade, the Corps and the Band
were ritually challenged by the acting Chief Police Officer of
the ACT, Commander Bruce Hill, who required them to show
cause as to why he should allow them to proceed with their
march. With the presentation of the appropriate Freedom of
Entry scrolls, the acting Chief Police Officer stood aside and
allowed the march to continue past the saluting dais where the
Chief Minister accepted the parade’s compliments on behalf of
the citizens of Canberra.
The Freedom of Entry march concluded with the Corps and
Band saluting the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier as
they marched past the Stone of Remembrance in the forecourt
of the Australian War Memorial.
PHOTO: The annual Trooping the Colour ceremony has held at
Rond Terrace on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
18 June — Centenary Rugby Carnival
The RMC Centenary Rugby Carnival concluded with a final
score of RMC First XV 22, OCS New Zealand 6 — thus
ending the inaugural match for the Bridges Cup.
In spite of a ferocious Kiwis Haka prior to kick-off, RMC
outplayed their New Zealand rivals in a game reflecting the
traditional good spirit between the two establishments.
The Bridges Cup is named after the first Commandant of
RMC, Major General Sir William Throsby Bridges, reflecting
his visits to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, UK;
the United States Military Academy at West Point; and the
Royal Military College of Canada at Kingston before the
establishment of RMC at Duntroon in 1911.
A YEAR
OF FRIENDSHIP
By Ms Kate Kovacevic
The Australian Army actively engages with foreign military
forces to meet Defence and Government objectives, and to
enhance Army’s capacity to conduct successful coalition
operations.
Australia and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have common
strategic interests, particularly in seeking a peaceful resolution
to tensions on the Korean peninsula. Both countries have
made significant and practical contributions in order to secure
regional security and stability, including sending troops to
Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor, and conducting operations
to eradicate piracy.
The relationship between Australia and the ROK was
strengthened by Australia’s participation in the United Nations
Commission on Korea which began in 1947 and continued
during the Korean War (1950–1953).
During the Korean War, more than 18 000 Australian troops
served under United Nations command, with 339 Australians
losing their lives.
To mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the
governments of Australia and the ROK designated 2011 as a
‘Year of Friendship’.
PHOTO: Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO
warmly welcomed Republic of Korea Chief of Staff General Sang-Ki
Kim during his visit to Australia.
PHOTO: The Royal Military College, Rugby Club hosted the Centenary Rugby Carnival at Portsea Oval, 18 June 2011. The game is between
RMC Old Boys vs Officer Cadet School New Zealand Old Boys.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
The bilateral relationship between the nations was recognised
during a visit to Australia by the ROK’s Chief of Staff,
General Sang-Ki Kim, in August. General Kim’s visit was
doubly significant as 2011 marked the 60th Anniversary of
landmark Australian battles in Korea — at Kapyong in April
1951, and Maryang San in October 1951.
‘We value our relationship and embrace this opportunity to
deepen cooperation with the Republic of Korea,’ Lieutenant
General Morrison added.
The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO
welcomed General Kim, whose visit marked a milestone in
Army’s relationship with the ROK. It was also the first occasion
Army has formally received a Chief of Staff from the ROK.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUSTRALIA
AND THE ROK WAS STRENGTHENED BY
AUSTRALIA’S PARTICIPATION IN THE
UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON KOREA
WHICH BEGAN IN 1947 AND CONTINUED
DURING THE KOREAN WAR (1950–1953).
‘Army seeks to enhance the bilateral relationship with the
Republic of Korea, which is founded in history and based
on common strategic interests,’ Lieutenant General David
Morrison asserted.
General Kim’s visit marks the beginning of closer ties between
Australia and the ROK.
70TH ANNIVERSARY
COMMEMORATIONS
By Ms Rebecca Constance
April and May of 2011 marked the 70th anniversary of the
Battle for Greece and Crete — battles which were critical to
the European theatre of World War II.
THE COMBINED GREEK AND BRITISH
COMMONWEALTH FORCES FOUGHT BACK
WITH TREMENDOUS COURAGE AND
TENACITY, BUT WERE VASTLY
OUTNUMBERED AND OUT-GUNNED.
At Holsworthy, General Kim told his hosts, ‘Coming to the
3rd Battalion is a great event and a pleasure for me. If we
have to work together in the future we will be able to harness
great power.’
Army seeks to enhance relations with the ROK by increasing
practical cooperation in senior officer dialogue, attendance
at junior officer professional development courses, counterterrorism, contingency exercises, peacekeeping and
humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
THE BATTLE FOR GREECE AND CRETE:
The Campaign for Greece began with the Italian invasion on
28 October 1940.
A number of key events occurred during General Kim’s visit,
including tours of Army barracks; a wreath-laying at the 3rd
Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, in Holsworthy;
an Honour Guard; an official welcome by the Chief of Army
in Canberra; and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian
War Memorial.
PHOTO: Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO
presents a gift to Republic of Korea Chief of Staff General Sang-Ki
Kim during his visit to Australia.
Within weeks, the Italians had been driven out of Greece,
and Greek forces pushed on to occupy much of southern
Albania. In March 1941, a major Italian counterattack failed
and Germany was forced to come to the aid of its Axis ally.
Operation MARITA was launched on 6 April 1941, with
German troops invading Greece through Bulgaria in an effort
to secure the southern flank.
PHOTO: Members of Australia’s Federation Guard led a
commemorative ceremony at the Phaleron Commonwealth War
Cemetery in Athens, Greece.
The combined Greek and British Commonwealth forces fought
back with tremendous courage and tenacity, but were vastly
outnumbered and out-gunned. Within 24 days, their defence of
mainland Greece had collapsed, resulting in an evacuation of
the remaining Allied forces to the island of Crete.
On Crete, the Allies faced a German airborne invasion —
Operation MERCURY — launched on 20 May 1941.
The Battle for Crete was unprecedented in three respects:
it was the first battle in which German paratroopers were used
on a massive scale; it was the first primarily airborne invasion
in military history; and it was the first time invading German
soldiers encountered mass resistance from a civilian population.
At the end of the first day of fighting, the Germans had
suffered very heavy casualties and none of their objectives
had been achieved. The next day, through miscommunication
and the failure of Allied commanders to fully grasp the
situation, Maleme airfield in western Crete fell to the
Germans, enabling them to fly in reinforcements and
overwhelm the defenders. The battle for Crete lasted around
10 days and resulted in the loss of over 600 Australian soldiers
with a further 5000 taken prisoner.
The 70th Anniversary commemorations of the Battle for
Greece and Crete saw Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG)
participate in several ceremonies in honour of the Australian
and Allied soldiers who fought and died defending Greece
from the German onslaught.
Major activities in Crete included ceremonies at the HellenicAustralian Memorial in Rethymno, the Allied War Cemetery
in Souda Bay and the German War Cemetery in Maleme.
Veterans of the conflict, including a delegation from Australia,
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
attended ceremonies alongside the Minister for Veterans’
Affairs, the Honourable Mr Warren Snowdon MP, and the
former Deputy Chief of Army, Major General Paul Symon, AO.
Speaking after the Hellenic-Australian memorial service,
Major General Symon described the ceremony as especially
significant for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). ‘What
we’ve commemorated here today was a really remarkable
battle,’ he observed.
AFG Contingent Commander Lieutenant Luke Haitas felt
privileged to have been part of the ceremonies given his Greek
heritage. ‘We are extremely proud to have had this opportunity
to represent Australia and honour our veterans. The role that the
AFG plays in these commemorations is vital in maintaining our
military traditions,’ asserted Lieutenant Haitas.
While in country, AFG personnel met their Greek counterparts,
the Greek Presidential Guard. The Presidential Guard
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Miliopolous,
emphasised the importance of the relationship between the
two units. ‘Australia’s Federation Guard reminds me of the
relationship we have with the Australian military — we are
blood brothers,’ he commented.
‘It’s an honour to have personnel from the ADF come to visit
us. We have the same spirit — we’re brothers-in-arms,’ added
Lieutenant Colonel Miliopolous.
This was a particularly fitting sentiment — representative
of the strength of the Greek-Australian relationship and
appropriately reflective in time of war and peace.
PHOTO: Veterans of the WWII battle for Greece and Crete attend
the commemorative ceremony at the Phaleron Commonwealth War
Cemetery in Athens, Greece.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
RSPCA AWARDS SARBI THE
PURPLE CROSS
In what can only be described as an extraordinary journey and
a fortunate life, Army’s most famous four-legged soldier, Sarbi
the Explosive Detection Dog (EDD), received the RSPCA’s
most prestigious animal bravery award, the Purple Cross.
Sarbi’s ‘tale’ began in September 2008 when, following
Coalition contact with insurgents, the black Labrador-cross
was declared Missing in Action.
‘Early on in the contact, an RPG [rocket-propelled grenade]
exploded within five metres of Sarbi and me and part of
the shrapnel broke the clip that had her lead attached to my
body armour,’ Sergeant D, her handler, explained. ‘Sarbi was
running free while the contact continued and, a short while
after, I was hit by a couple of more RPGs and wounded.’
Sergeant D took cover in a hole on the side of the road. Sarbi
came within five metres of him, but a .50 calibre machine-gun
fired over their heads and she ducked away.
PHOTO: Explosive Detection Dog Handler Corporal Adam Exelby
and dog Sarbi who received the Purple Cross from the RSPCA.
and how they could give her back,’ Sergeant D said. ‘We had
reports saying she was still in the area, and some said she had
died. It weighed heavily on me that I’d left her there.’
treatment for the animals of the Light Horse Brigade. Since the
award’s inception in 1993, only eight animals have received
the Purple Cross.
Sarbi remained missing in action for almost 14 months. A US
soldier knew his Australian mates were missing an EDD and
spotted her wandering with an Afghan man near an isolated
patrol base in north-eastern Uruzgan Province. Once she
responded to some basic commands given in English, the US
soldier knew he had found Sarbi.
‘I am very proud of the professional and dedicated work of
our combat engineers and dog handlers, and the vital role they
play in keeping our soldiers safe on deployment,’ said the
former Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, AC,
DSC, CSM (Retd). ‘I am thrilled that the RSPCA has chosen
to honour Sarbi and, by extension, all of Army’s working dogs
and their handlers.’
Sarbi was flown to Tarin Kot to be reunited with her handler,
and where a thorough veterinary check revealed that she was
in robust health — and a good eight kilograms heavier than
when she had gone missing!
It is Sarbi’s remarkable tale of loss and recovery that prompted
the RSPCA to recognise Sarbi’s contribution to the Australian
Army at the Animals in War Sculpture at the Australian War
Memorial on 5 April 2011.
‘I THINK THERE’S NO DOUBT THAT SARBI HAS
SHOWN AN INCREDIBLE RESILIENCE AND
STRENGTH THAT SHOULD BE RECOGNISED.’
‘At that time the last coalition Humvee was coming past me so
I had to jump onto it and wasn’t able to recover her,’ Sergeant
D continued. ‘I was wounded along with eight others and had
to get to medical treatment. Even though I was concerned for
them, I was worrying about Sarbi too.’
Sarbi was awarded the Purple Cross by RSPCA Australia’s
National President Mrs Lynne Bradshaw. ‘It [the award]
recognises the deeds of animals that have shown outstanding
service to humans, particularly if they’ve shown exceptional
courage,’ Mrs Bradshaw explained. ‘I think there’s no doubt
that Sarbi has shown an incredible resilience and strength that
should be recognised.’
‘I spent 10 days with US soldiers trying to find her. US
military intelligence staff made recordings and played them
on local radio stations to let people know Sarbi was missing
The award was named to honour the Purple Cross Society,
established soon after the outbreak of World War I to raise
funds for the supply of equipment and to pay for veterinary
Sarbi’s Army career as an EDD officially came to an end in
December 2011, when she was retired from service to live
with her handler. Retirement will no doubt be as much of an
adventure for Sarbi as her service with the Australian Army,
but it will also be an opportunity to put her paws up and enjoy
life as a much-loved family pet.
PHOTO: Sarbi and her handler from the Special Operations Task Group
watch a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft being loaded before boarding.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
COUNTER-TERRORISM CAPABILITY
RECOGNISED
In 2011, Australian Defence Force (ADF) service for Special
Forces counter-terrorist and special recovery duties was
formally recognised with a new award; the Australian Service
Medal with Clasp: Counter Terrorism / Special Recovery
(ASM CT/SR).
The ASM CT/SR recognises service in the Tactical Assault
Group (TAG), honouring the contribution of the members of
Special Operations Command who provide a capability that,
by its very nature, is not widely understood or articulated.
The Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) held a ASM CT/
SR medal presentation on 29 September, with 95 medals and
clasps presented at Campbell Barracks in Perth. Over 250
people attended the event to witness presentations to serving,
ex-serving and the family of deceased unit members.
A few days earlier, on 25 September 2011, the work of the
TAG was acknowledged in a special function hosted by the
2nd Commando Regiment (2 Cdo Regt).
The Commanding Officer, 2 Cdo Regt, Lieutenant Colonel C,
emphasised that it was crucial to recognise the roles TAG East
and West soldiers had played since 1979.
‘The key aspect of the role the unit plays is short notice
response; essentially, we maintain a permanent operational
footing,’ Lieutenant Colonel C explained. ‘As a result of
this need, we’ve recognised each soldier’s commitment and
ongoing support to an operation.’
Lieutenant Colonel C described the soldiers’ training as
necessarily extremely complex to equip them to respond to a
multitude of threats and operating environments.
‘We need to ensure that everyone in the unit is prepared
through the individual training continuum, [with skills] such
as counter-terrorism driving, method of entry skills and other
specialist capabilities,’ he said.
‘We also need to collectively respond to situations in
different environments such as high rise buildings, ships at sea,
at anchor or alongside, commercial aircraft, as well as complex
strongholds containing multiple locations and potential
chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.’
Counter-terrorism (CT) training and response has been the
remit of the Australian Army’s Special Forces for the last four
decades. As the nature of terrorism has evolved, so too has the
Army’s strategic response with the TAG’s focus to provide
siege and hostage recovery and counter-terrorism capabilities.
The TAG comprises a Regimental Special Operations
Command and Control Element, intelligence and specialist
support staff, a squadron or company headquarters as
applicable, and land, water, sniper, and signals troops.
The counter-terrorism and special recovery capability was
first raised in 1979 as an interim TAG within the Special Air
Service Regiment. A permanent TAG was established in 1980.
The CT capability was expanded in 1997 when a second TAG
(TAG East) based on the 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian
Regiment (4 RAR Cdo) was established. This capability was
retained when 4 RAR (Cdo) was re-roled and raised as the
2 Cdo Regt.
In mid-2010, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support,
the Honourable Dr Mike Kelly, AM, MP, announced that the
Government had accepted the recommendation of the inquiry
conducted by the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal.
The inquiry recommended that 60 or more continuous days’
service in the TAG since its inception in 1980 (as well as service
in the Interim TAG in 1979) should be recognised by a new
award — the Australian Service Medal with Clasp: Counter
Terrorism / Special Recovery.
PHOTO: Special Operations Task Group soldiers wait to board the
next UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
WELCOME,
MR PRESIDENT
By Mr Graham McBean and Major Arthur Dugdale
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
On 17 November, the Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia
Gillard MP, introduced the President of the United States of
America (US), Barack Obama, to an enthusiastic and largely
military audience at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin.
The introduction also included personal thanks from the Prime
Minister to members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF)
for their assistance during periods of natural disaster; their
commitment to operations in areas such as East Timor, the
Solomon Islands and Afghanistan; and for their continued hard
work while training in Australia. ‘Thank you for the way that
you uphold the standards of our country. We are so tremendously
proud of you,’ Prime Minister Gillard told those assembled.
President Obama then addressed the audience of around 1800
which included US Marines and members of the local Darwin
community. He described the close bond between Australia
and the US, formally acknowledged in 1951 with the signing
of the ANZUS Treaty, now in its 60th year.
President Obama also thanked Australian troops and their
families for maintaining a close working relationship between
US and Australian forces from ‘Australia’s Pearl Harbor’
at Darwin in World War II through to current operations in
Afghanistan. ‘You work together so well, it’s often said you
can’t tell where our guys end and you guys begin,’ Mr Obama
asserted. ‘Today, I want to say “thank you”. Thank you for a
job well done. Thank you for your incredible sacrifices. Thank
you for your families’ sacrifices. And welcome home.’
In a joint statement, the Prime Minister and the President
announced initiatives designed to enhance bilateral
collaboration and offer increased opportunities for combined
training and exercises. They described the initiatives as
strengthening an already robust partnership that had been
an anchor of stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region.
President Obama emphasised that the region was of ‘huge
strategic importance’ to the US and the deepening of the
ANZUS alliance sent a clear message of US commitment.
Prime Minister Gillard acknowledged that such a political
decision also carried a personal dimension for the military.
‘We are conscious that when we talk about the American–
Australian alliance, when we talk about ANZUS, really we’re
talking about you, because you are the ones who do the heavy
lifting, you are the ones who make this alliance live day in,
day out, through the work that you do.’
Under new force posture initiatives established between the
two countries, up to 2500 US Marines and other personnel
will rotate through Australian bases within the next five
years. US troops will arrive in early 2012 with an
expected 250-strong liaison element of Marines based at
1st Brigade’s Robertson Barracks. US troop rotations will last
up to six months at a time and joint and separate training will
be conducted during the Northern Territory’s dry season.
Closer cooperation between the Australian and US Air Forces
has also been announced and will result in increased rotations
of US aircraft throughout northern Australia.
Importantly, a closer training partnership with US Marines
will provide significant benefits for the Australian Army and
Navy, as the ADF further develops its expertise in amphibious
operations in the coming decade.
PHOTO PREVIOUS PAGE: The President of the United States of
America, Barack Obama, addressed troops at RAAF Base Darwin.
PHOTO LEFT: The President of the United States of America,
Barack Obama, inspects the RMC Band during his official visit to
Canberra.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: Veterans of the 1966 Delta Company 6 RAR march in front of members of the current 6 RAR at the parade to mark the 45th
anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE BATTLE OF
LONG TAN
On the 45th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, the brave
veterans of D Company, 6 Battalion, The Royal Australian
Regiment (6 RAR), were formally recognised with the award
of a Unit Citation for Gallantry in a moving parade at Gallipoli
Barracks in Brisbane.
Long Tan veterans, their families, official guests and members
of Mentoring Task Force 1 gathered to watch the 6 RAR parade
which began with a trooping of the colours. Mounted in front
of the parade ground were 18 self-loading rifles adorned with
slouch hats, representing those killed during the Vietnam War
battle. The Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin
Bryce, AC, CVO thanked D Company veterans on behalf of
all Australians.
Two former D Company platoon commanders, Geoff Kendall
and David Sabben, accepted the Unit Citation on behalf of the
Long Tan veterans. A number of individual medals were also
awarded for the Battle of Long Tan at this parade and at other
ceremonies at Government House.
‘The audacity of believing that a handful of soldiers could halt
a force of thousands is simply unimaginable,’ The GovernorGeneral, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, CVO told the
assembled audience. Long Tan is commonly regarded as the
definitive Australian battle of the Vietnam War. 108 Australian
and New Zealand soldiers fought a pitched battle against
more than 2000 North Vietnamese soldiers and Viet Cong in a
rubber plantation not far from the small village of Long Tan on
18 August 1966.
The men of D Company fought a desperate battle in torrential
rain for four hours. They were almost overrun and were only
saved by a timely ammunition resupply, accurate artillery
fire from the nearby Australian base, and the arrival of
reinforcements by armoured personnel carrier.
18 Australians were killed and 24 were wounded, the largest
number of casualties in one engagement since the arrival of
the Australian Task Force two months earlier. After the
battle, the bodies of 245 enemy soldiers were discovered,
with evidence that more bodies had been carried away.
In 1969, on the third anniversary of the battle, a cross was
raised at the site by the men of 6 RAR. Veterans from the
battle gathered at the cross to remember the fallen, and the
day was commemorated as Long Tan Day from that time on.
Over time, Vietnam veterans came to adopt the day as the
national day of commemoration for all who had served and
died in Vietnam. In 1987, following the welcome home parade
for Vietnam veterans in Sydney, the then Prime Minister,
Bob Hawke, announced that Long Tan Day would be known
as Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION
AWARDED TO MTF–1
The members of Mentoring Task Force – 1 (MTF–1) were
presented a Meritorious Unit Citation on 18 August, Long Tan
Day, at a parade held at Brisbane’s Gallipoli Barracks in front
of a crowd of family and friends. Predominantly from the
7th Brigade, MTF–1 comprised men and women from over 55
Australian Defence Force (ADF) units. The Governor-General,
Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, CVO presented the
citation to the unit, also presenting a number of individual
awards to members of the task force.
MTF–1 was reunited for the parade, and its former
Commanding Officer, the Commanding Officer of the
6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR),
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jennings, commented that it was a
great honour and privilege for the unit to be recognised with
the Meritorious Unit Citation. ‘MTF–1 is a great example
of how the ADF is operating in Afghanistan at the moment,’
he told the crowd. Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jennings also
described such recognition as a great honour and privilege.
‘MTF–1 was a great example of Australians on operations,’
he said. ‘We lost six brave young warriors last year. Their
sacrifice will never be forgotten by us or their families.’
The Meritorious Unit Citation was awarded to the unit
for sustained distinguished service in warlike operations
on Operation Slipper in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan,
between 20 January and 30 October 2010. MTF–1 contributed
markedly to improved security and development through its
partnering with the 4th Brigade, Afghanistan National Army.
During the eight-month deployment, MTF–1 conducted
over 1700 patrols involving more than 560 small arms fire
incidents. Over 100 improvised explosive devices and more
than 250 weapons and explosives caches were located. The
Task Force suffered more than 50 improvised explosive device
strikes and almost 40 battle casualties, including six men who
were killed in action. MTF–1 displayed remarkable endurance
and courage to build positive relationships with the local
people, tribal leaders and officials of the Afghan Government.
Major General John Cantwell, commander of ADF units in the
Middle East Area of Operations during 2010, also addressed
the parade. ‘Today your endeavour, your remarkable courage,
your quiet determination, sacrifice and pain will be recognised,’
he told MTF–1 members, their families and friends. ‘It can’t be
paid back, we know that, and you know that, but as a society,
as Australians, as service men and women, we salute you
sincerely and with an enormous thanks and pride.’
Both Major General Cantwell and Lieutenant Colonel
Jennings paid tribute to the fallen members of MTF–1.
In remembering them, Lieutenant Colonel Jennings said,
‘MTF–1 lost six brave young warriors last year, their sacrifice
will never be forgotten by us or their families — our thoughts
go out to them and the pain will never go away for any of us.’
As a fitting final command to MTF–1, Lieutenant Colonel
Jennings’ voice rang out over the parade: ‘MTF–1, for the final
time, to history — dismissed!’
The parade also saw the award of a Unit Citation for Gallantry
to the D Company, 6 RAR, veterans of the Battle of Long Tan,
fought in Vietnam 45 years earlier on 18 April 1966.
NORFORCE:
MODERN WARRIOR,
TRADITIONAL VALUES
In 2011, the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE),
which was raised in 1981, celebrated 30 years of protecting
Australia’s northern borders and forging strong and enduring
relationships between Army and Australia’s northern
Indigenous communities.
Army’s presence in the top end was further cemented in
1985 with the establishment of two additional Regional
Force Surveillance Units — the Pilbara Regiment in Western
Australia, and the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland
Regiment, in Cape York, in Far North Queensland.
NORFORCE can trace its heritage to the 2/1st North Australia
Observer Unit, colloquially known as the ‘Nackaroos’.
The ‘Nackaroos’ were hand-picked bushmen, physically and
mentally tough and known for their ability to live off the land
in some of the most inhospitable and isolated parts of northern
Australia. The ‘Nackaroos’ were formed in 1942 in response
to the perceived threat of Japanese invasion and tasked with
assisting in the defence of northern Australia. Relying on
local Indigenous knowledge, they conducted reconnaissance,
scouting and coastal surveillance patrols across the Kimberley
and the Northern Territory. These patrols were reduced in July
1943 as the Japanese threat subsided, with the unit ultimately
disbanded in 1945.
With an area of operations that covers a hostile and capricious
environment, NORFORCE crosses two time zones and covers
over 11 000 kilometres of coastline and 1.8 million square
kilometres (14 per cent of the total land mass of Australia).
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the need for regional force
surveillance in remote northern Australia was again recognised,
and the integrated NORFORCE Regiment of Regular and
Reserve was tasked with land, sea and air surveillance,
detecting activities that could threaten Australia’s sovereignty.
The Regiment’s strength, however, lies in the local knowledge
and survival skills of its Indigenous members.
‘NORFORCE has forged links with the local Indigenous
communities, attracting significant numbers of Indigenous
Australians to its ranks. This is essential to the Army,’ asserted
Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, Chief of Army.
‘I take pride that the Army was ahead of many other
organisations in offering equal opportunities for Indigenous
Australians. NORFORCE was at the cutting edge of this trend.’
NORFORCE comprises approximately 520 Regular and
Reserve soldiers. Of this number, around 75 per cent are
Indigenous and drawn mainly from the area they patrol. This
utilises invaluable local knowledge, cultivates the exchange of
traditional skills and strengthens the close bond between Army
and these remote communities.
For the soldiers of NORFORCE, irrespective of background,
all belong to the one skin group, ‘Green Skin’. For the
Indigenous members of NORFORCE, their work as ‘Green
Skins’ is also about custodianship of ancestral lands. ‘I used to
follow my grandfather all the time out bush, and he taught me
about the country: to maintain it, respect it, because it keeps
you alive. In NORFORCE we look after the country and make
sure it’s kept good, and no-one is in there trying to destroy it,’
explains Patrol Commander Corporal Ronald Roe1.
In commemorating 30 years of NORFORCE, the parallels
between the ‘Nackaroos’ and the ‘Green Skins’ are readily
identifiable. The Regiment’s motto ‘Ever Vigilant’ is an
apt description not only of NORFORCE’s core business of
surveillance and border protection, but also of the respect
with which the Regiment treats the land and Indigenous
communities.
PHOTO: North West Mobile Force soldier Private Corinthian Noketta
from the Wallman Community in Turkey Creek radios information
to command elements during a patrol activity during Operation
RESOLUTE on Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Kathy Marks, ‘NORFORCE – Brothers in Arms’, Sydney
Morning Herald Good Weekend, 10 December 2011.
1
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CHAPTER 2
AROUND
ARMY
48 | AROUND ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
THE 1ST
BRIGADE
The year 2011 was a busy and challenging year for the
1st Brigade — Army’s mechanised brigade — with the focus
on two supporting operations.
The first operation involved raising 1600 personnel to deploy
to Iraq, East Timor and Afghanistan. The second comprised
the reintegration of these soldiers into the Brigade in order to
support Army’s Force Generation Cycle in 2012.
The 1st Brigade led the way with Mentoring Task Force – 2
(MTF–2), a battlegroup based on the 5th Battalion, The Royal
Australian Regiment, comprising some 27 units in total.
Signalling the transition from supporting to preparing for
operations was the ‘Welcome Home Parade’ held on
3 September 2011 for those who had deployed throughout
the year. Thousands of family members and ‘Top End’ locals
lined the streets of Darwin, dressed in the distinctive yellow
‘we missed you’ t-shirts, to cheer the soldiers home and
recognise their service to the nation.
It was a proud day for the Brigade, but one tinged with sadness
for the families of those MTF–2 soldiers who did not come home.
PHOTO LEFT: Corporal Andrew Pulsford from the 2nd Cavalry
Regiment, based in Darwin, is given a hug by his children after the
‘Welcome Home Parade’ in Darwin.
PHOTO RIGHT: A 2nd Cavalry Regiment crewman scans the horizon
for danger in his Australian Light-Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) during
Exercise Eagle’s Run at Mt Bundey, Northern Territory.
In August, the 1st Brigade re-set its focus on the road to war,
and the gradual development of individual, collective, combat
team and battlegroup competencies. Mount Bundey Training
Area became home for many, just as the monsoonal build-up
was hitting its energy-sapping worst. By the end of the year,
the units’ sights were set squarely on Exercise HAMEL in
June–July 2012, and the ultimate certification of the Brigade
as combat ready.
50 | AROUND ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: 1st Armoured Regiment M1A1 Abrams tanks lined up at the rally point prior to starting a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault
in the Shoalwater Bay training area during Exercise PREDATOR’S STRIKE.
52 | AROUND ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
A NEW HOME FOR THE 7TH BATTALION,
THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN
REGIMENT:
By Major Haydn Barlow and Sapper Nick Wiseman
2011 saw a major reorganisation of the Brigade, with the
7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (7 RAR)
Battlegroup relocating to the most advanced Army facilities in
Australia, at Adelaide’s Horseshoe Barracks.
Working accommodation, training facilities, fitness centre,
health centre, community facilities and a combined mess were
among the $623m worth of new facilities incorporated into
Horseshoe Barracks, located within Royal Australian Air Force
(RAAF) Base Edinburgh and officially opened on 9 September.
This move increased the Brigade’s training area flexibility and
provided the South Australian community with a new Army
organisation to call its own.
The facilities include a purpose-built driver training area on
base for armoured crewmen to maintain sound individual
vehicle skills. A 24-lane Weapon Training Simulation System
has been built specifically for use by 7 RAR troops to refine
their collective and individual shooting skills in barracks.
The Battalion also has an urban operations training facility
collocated within the barracks area.
The project has also improved base engineering services at
RAAF Base Edinburgh, providing substantial upgrades to
electrical, water, sewage, storm water, gas, communications,
security and transport infrastructure. Speaking at the official
opening of Horseshoe Barracks, Defence Parliamentary
Secretary Senator the Honourable David Feeney described
the new facilities as ‘among the best in Australia’. He was
accompanied by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David
Morrison, AO and Commander 1st Brigade, Brigadier Gus
McLachlan, AM, ADC.
PRESENTATION OF NEW COLOURS
The rain clouds eased over Torrens Parade Ground in
Adelaide for three crucial hours on 10 September as 7 RAR
was presented its new Colours by the Governor-General,
Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, CVO. Dressed in
electric blue, the Governor-General provided a striking contrast
against the sea of khaki as she presented the new Colours in
front of a cold but enthralled crowd of around 1000 people.
‘The presentation of new Queen’s and Regimental Colours
is a solemn and symbolic ritual,’ the Governor-General told
the assembled crowd. ‘Colours unite a battalion, celebrate its
history and confirm its camaraderie.’
Standing to attention behind the Colours party was the
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mick Garraway,
and more than 200 of his soldiers.
Lieutenant General Morrison, AO commented that the move
considerably enhanced the Army’s training ability. ‘The raising
of 7 RAR and its relocation to Adelaide improves Australia’s
security through the development of a stronger, more versatile
Army,’ he said.
‘Our Colours represent the history, the traditions, the sacrifices
and the fighting standards of those who have served in this
unit, many of whom join us today and whose standards we
strive to maintain. We accept them humbly,’ Lieutenant
Colonel Garraway said.
Upgrades are also planned for the Cultana Training Area,
including new permanent camp accommodation.
The Colour party ‘trooped’ the old Colours through the ranks
one final time, closing a chapter for past members, whose
association dates back to 1965 and is steeped in RAR folklore.
Other additions include a new urban operations training
facility capable of supporting a battlegroup-sized element and
a new field firing training system range allowing the use of
armoured vehicles in live-fire training.
The upgrades and additions at Cultana expand the operational
area from 470 to 2000 km², enabling the conduct of joint training.
Lieutenant Colonel Garraway spoke enthusiastically of
the opportunities ahead for 7 RAR as the soldiers made a
new home in the city of churches. ‘We have commenced a
new era in the battalion. Our relocation to this fine city has
been accompanied by a growth in numbers and a growth in
capability,’ he announced.
PHOTO: Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, CVO Governor
General presents the new Queens Colours during the parade.
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SUPPORTING THE FAMILIES OF THE
1ST BRIGADE —
AUSTF 8 (REAR)
By Lieutenant Colonel Matt Pearse
In 2011 the 1st Brigade pioneered a new way to manage, care
for and support the members and families of those deployed
with the Mentoring Task Force – 2. To facilitate this support,
the 1st Brigade raised the Australian Task Force 8 (Rear)
(AUSTF 8 (Rear)).
At its peak, Headquarters AUSTF 8 (Rear) managed the
training and administration of more than 550 non-deployed
soldiers from the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER)
and the 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment,
while concurrently providing initial return to Australia
administration and welfare for over 1000 soldiers deployed to
the Middle East and East Timor.
AUSTF 8 (Rear) was also the single point of contact for all
incident management and welfare support for soldiers as
they were re-established in Australia. Headquarters AUSTF
8 (Rear) also supported the families and friends of Corporal
Richard Atkinson and Sapper Jamie Larcombe, both from
1 CER, who were killed in action while deployed on Operation
SLIPPER in Afghanistan in February 2011.
AUSTF 8 (Rear) utilised a variety of communication methods
to keep partners and families informed of operational progress
and to pass on important welfare and support information.
These included the employment of local and remote unit
welfare officers, bi-monthly letters, Facebook sites, telephone
calls, open-forum information briefings, monthly family
fun days in Darwin (supported by the Defence Community
Organisation and Darwin Council), and an SMS alert system.
AUSTF 8 (Rear) worked closely with key support
agencies to develop a robust post-deployment reintegration
plan. Two information nights were held in Darwin to provide
advice on couple and family reunion, and the development of
support and coping skills. A number of Corps and Combined
Arms professional development activities were conducted to
allow soldiers to discuss and actively share their operational
experiences. A community expo was also held at Robertson
Barracks to help returning soldiers — particularly single
soldiers — reconnect with a wide variety of community,
sporting and educational organisations.
AUSTF 8 (Rear) has proven very successful. Partners and
families were able to establish healthy support networks
within the Army community, thus allowing deployed soldiers
to focus on the task at hand, confident in the knowledge that
their families were being well looked after and supported.
PHOTO: Soldiers from 5 RAR conduct a ‘Beat the Retreat’ parade.
Robertson Barracks opened its gates to the public for a display of
Army vehicles and equipment.
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THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
THE 7TH
By Lieutenant Bill Heck
BRIGADE
2011 was a year for 7th Brigade (7 BDE) to refresh and
rebuild following the deployment of Mentoring Task Force – 1
(MTF–1) in 2010, and prior to mounting and deploying force
elements for operations in 2012.
The year began with 7 BDE as Combined Joint Task Force
(JTF) 637, coordinating the deployment of Australain Defence
Force (ADF) personnel to assist civilian authorities with the
Queensland flood emergency. From there, the tempo never
waned with successive training events at combat team and
headquarters level, to Exercise TALISMAN SABRE in
July 2011. The Brigade is now on a firm footing to launch
Australian Task Force 10 (AUSTF–10) into the Middle East
Area of Operations (MEAO) following a six-month training
program on the ‘road to war’.
As the flood waters rose in January 2011, 7 BDE members cut
short their Christmas leave and returned to assist in the disaster
relief effort in Brisbane and central and western Queensland.
For many operational veterans, the floods’ aftermath in the
affected areas was among the most confronting experiences
encountered in their military careers.
Brigadier Paul McLachlan, Commander 7 BDE, assumed
command of JTF 637 on 17 January from Colonel Luke Foster.
PHOTO: Officer Commanding Alpha Company, 8/9 RAR, and
Emergency Support Force Group Commander, Major Nathan
Ravenscroft (left), discusses the required search areas with
Queensland Police Force members in Grantham.
Members of the 8th/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian
Regiment (8/9 RAR), were on the ground in Grantham as the
water subsided, initially searching for those who perished in
the torrent.
Brigadier Paul McLachlan described what he had witnessed
in Grantham and some of the flood-affected areas as ‘absolute
carnage’. ‘The worst-affected areas of Brisbane and Ipswich
were trashed, and no-one was prepared for the destructive wall
of water that washed away Grantham. Grantham continually
shocked everybody who went in there, including guys with
early operational experience in East Timor and an Engineer
Corporal who was part of the tsunami response,’ he said.
Brigadier Paul McLachlan commented that the most important
quality ADF personnel brought to the flood effort was their
attitude. ‘Without fail, every single place we visited we had
people come up and comment on the dedication and the work
ethic of my soldiers.’
When JTF 637 finally stood down and the soldiers had wrung
out their socks, 7 BDE shifted their focus to combined arms
warfighting incorporating simulation and using the Battle
Management System – Command and Control (BMS-C2)
at the combat team level.
A pivotal task for 7 BDE in 2011 was field testing the new
Tactical Operational Command and Control Headquarters
(TORC2H) BMS-C2 introduced to Defence under Project
LAND 75 phase 3.4. The BMS-C2 is widely considered a
quantum leap in Defence capability in enabling synchronised
command and control (C2) from formation to combat team level.
Exercises BLUE DIAMOND and DIAMOND STRIKE
prepared the combat teams and the Brigade headquarters
in combined arms effects and planning, culminating with
the Brigade Combined Arms Training Activity on Exercise
DIAMOND DOLLAR.
DIAMOND DOLLAR saw the fully integrated employment
of the new M777 gun, Army Reconnaissance Helicopter,
M1A1 Battle Tanks and Cavalry elements in a field
firing environment at the combat team level. This type of
synchronisation, with its full range of capability, firepower and
mobility, was a first for Army and set the conditions for
7 BDE’s commitment to TALISMAN SABRE 11.
Critical to 7 BDE’s success on the Exercise was the digitised
C2 capability which also showed its flexibility as it was
stepped up into Legais following the break-in and clearance.
‘This technology is a game changer — it completely
revolutionises the way a Commander controls his forces
because he no longer needs to fight for information,’
Brigadier Paul McLachlan said. The efficacy of the TORC2H
BMS-C2 enabled increased situational awareness and
supported commanders at all levels from brigade to combat
team, to rapidly and effectively coordinate, plan and execute
operations in significantly compressed time-frames.
Preparation for the deployment of AUSTF–10 assumed
priority in the Brigade post TALISMAN SABRE 11.
Elements of the Brigade will be deployed into every
operational force element heading into the MEAO in 2012,
including Combined Team Uruzgan – 3, FCU 7 and AATT-K,
with 8/9 RAR leading the charge as the main element of
Mentoring Task Force – 4 (MTF–4).
The Commanding Officer of 8/9RAR, Lieutenant Colonel
Kahlil Fegan, emphasised that the battlegroup’s training
focus was on honing foundation warfighting skills starting
with sections, then building up to and including combat
teams. ‘My aim this year was to ensure we mastered our
foundation warfighting skills and practised rolling out with all
the attachments we are likely to take on operations,’ he said.
MTF–4 will deploy in early 2012 and will represent the first
time since the Vietnam War that 8/9 RAR deploys in a direct
combat role.
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17 CSS BRIGADE:
YEAR IN REVIEW
The 17th Combat Service Support Brigade (17CSS),
commanded by Brigadier David Mulhall, comprises over 1000
Army Reserve and 2000 Regular personnel based in nine units
across Australia. The Brigade is responsible for providing
general Combat Service Support, Combat Health and policing
to land-based forces in joint, combined and inter-agency
operations.
The Brigade experienced a busy year in 2011, concurrently
supporting operations, exercises and Defence Aid to the Civil
Community tasks. The year commenced with 17 CSS Brigade
providing support to the Joint Task Force established to assist
flood and cyclone-affected areas of Queensland. The Brigade
provided essential logistic capabilities including drivers,
environmental health support, logistic staff planners and Lighter
Amphibious Resupply Cargo craft for riverine support.
The Brigade’s focus then moved to Exercises SHAKEOUT
and WARHORSE in the lead-up to 17 CSS’s ‘road to war’ for
Exercise TALISMAN SABRE and Exercise HAMEL.
Commander 17 CSS Brigade was appointed Coalition Forces
Logistic Component Commander with a combination of
United States and Australian staff to exercise command of the
theatre logistics system. Concurrently, the Brigade raised and
deployed a Force Support Group as the lead logistic element
for the provision of general Combat Service Support, Military
Policing support and life support to exercise participants over
the period 1 June to 8 August 2011.
In early September, 17 CSS Brigade generated a Logistic
Planning Team which deployed to the United Kingdom as
part of Exercise SUMAN WARRIOR 2011. This international
engagement opportunity was based on the concept of several
nations working on a Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster
Response task.
The Brigade has contributed capabilities to all the Australian
Defence Force’s (ADF) major operations and exercises during
2011, including Security Detachments for Operation KRUGER,
Detainee Management Teams for Operation SLIPPER, Force
Communication Elements on Operation ASTUTE and a number
of specialists as members of Force Installation Teams and Force
Extraction Teams.
THE BRIGADE EXPERIENCED A BUSY YEAR
IN 2011, CONCURRENTLY SUPPORTING
OPERATIONS, EXERCISES AND DEFENCE AID
TO THE CIVIL COMMUNITY TASKS.
On 17 September, the Ipswich community welcomed home
Force Support Unit – 4 (FSU – 4) led by the 9th Force
Support Battalion (9 FSB) at Royal Australian Air Force Base
Amberley. FSU – 4 was responsible for the coordination and
provision of logistic support to Australian forces in the Middle
East Area of Operations, assisting more than 2350 ADF
personnel during the period December 2010 to August 2011.
PHOTO: Craftsman (CFN) Joe Tentori, an Armourer with the 10th Force Support Battalion (10 FSB) goes over some of the finer points of his
trade with Metal Smith CFN Peter Shaw at the Forces Support Group during Exercise Hamel.
The year 2011 has also seen significant restructure within
17 CSS Brigade. The Combat Health Support (CHS) Force
Modernisation Review took effect from 14 November,
brigading all Forces Command health assets under the
command of 17 CSS Brigade. The CHS restructure sees the
establishment of a Combat Health Operating System designed
to deliver integrated health care through the development of
a Land Based Trauma System, a superior Health Training
Continuum and Force Health Protection, Health Knowledge
and Materiel Systems. The new CHS structures include the 1st
Close Health Battalion (formerly 1st Health Support Battalion),
the 2nd General Health Battalion (formerly 2nd Health Support
Battalion), the 3rd Health Support Battalion and 1st Psychology
Unit. Other significant changes to 17 CSS Brigade’s command
and control structure include the transfer of 3rd Recovery
Company, 15th Transport Company and 1st Petroleum
Company from 9 FSB to the 2nd Force Support Battalion.
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PHOTO: Aurora Australis in the sunset.
62 | AROUND ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
A COLD
CHANGE
By Corporal Rob Serafin
Following a nine-day journey on the Australian Antarctic
Division’s ice-breaker ship, the Aurora Australis, Lieutenant
Colonel Dave Buller took command at Australia’s busiest
Antarctic station, Casey.
In a year marking the centenary of the pioneering 1911–1914
Australasian Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Douglas Mawson,
Lieutenant Colonel Buller began his unique 12-month
deployment with the Australian Antarctic Division. The
voyage on the Australis introduced Lieutenant Colonel Buller
to the unique and surreal environment of the Antarctic region.
As he ventured further south, the cooler climate and icebergs
in the distance added to the extraordinary experience.
‘THE OVERRIDING FEELING ON ARRIVAL
AT CASEY WAS THAT I WAS VERY
PRIVILEGED AND HUMBLED TO BE IN SUCH
AN AWE-INSPIRING AND UNFETTERED
ENVIRONMENT, WHERE I WAS CONSTANTLY
SURROUNDED BY SPECTACULAR VIEWS
AND INQUISITIVE WILDLIFE.’
‘The ship started ploughing through ice floes when we passed
60 degrees south, with increasing numbers of penguins and
seals watching us as we passed by,’ Lieutenant Colonel Buller
recalled. ‘The overriding feeling on arrival at Casey was that
I was very privileged and humbled to be in such an aweinspiring and unfettered environment, where I was constantly
surrounded by spectacular views and inquisitive wildlife.’
Spending 2011 in Antarctica was a challenge Lieutenant
Colonel Buller was ready to embrace, and a deployment of
‘polar’ opposites to his previous service in Bougainville,
East Timor, the Solomon Islands and Afghanistan. At the
outset, Lieutenant Colonel Buller acknowledged that he had
expected the conditions to be tough but, despite the hardships,
he knew the posting would include a substantial novelty factor.
‘I went, planning to grow a full beard to keep me warm over
winter — something I could never do in the mainstream Army.’
On loan to the Antarctic Division to lead Casey, Lieutenant
Colonel Buller was acting in a non-military capacity. His
understanding of logistics, amphibious operations and the
diversity of his Army career experiences were crucial factors
in his securing the position from a short list of military and
civilian personnel. Living and working in cold and windy
conditions with a great deal of snow and ice, as well as long
periods of darkness in winter and light in summer, are just
some of the hardships Lieutenant Colonel Buller experienced
during his 12-month tenure.
Lieutenant Colonel Buller’s responsibilities included the day-today running of the station, ensuring that its community’s needs
were met. This involved planning the air, sea and land-based
projects that operate from Casey, as well as ensuring that
station resources could support such activities. Lieutenant
Colonel Buller also oversaw the upgrade, replacement and
repair of key station services ranging from accommodation,
powerhouse, waste processing facilities and runway
maintenance. ‘To achieve what was required, I needed current
knowledge of the entire Casey operating area, so I got out
a fair bit to understand the environmental factors that were
needed to inform decision-making and planning of station
projects,’ he explained.
It wasn’t all work for the team at Casey — there was a unique
social and recreational aspect to the posting that involved
glacier and iceberg tours (via inflatable boat), land-based trips
to field huts using Hagglunds (tracked snow vehicles), quad
bikes and skis.
The Australian Antarctic Division has more than 100 scientists
working at Casey, Davis, Mawson and Macquarie Island
stations on various research projects. The Antarctic summer
is the busiest period for station personnel, with a number
of scientific projects such as studies on human impact on
Antarctic environments, monitoring of wildlife and glacial
behaviours, all conducted in and around bases like Casey.
PHOTO: Aurora Australis conducting resupply over ice at
Mawson station.
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AUSTRALIA’S FEDERATION GUARD
ON DUTY
By Captain Kathryn Christie
Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) was established in 2000
to provide the Australian Government and the Australian
Defence Force (ADF) with a permanent ceremonial capability.
The AFG has its home in Canberra and has gained a reputation
as a highly professional ceremonial unit, serving both in
Australia and overseas. While the AFG is tri-service, it is
commanded by an Army Officer Commanding, Executive
Officer and Guard Sergeant Major. The Army component of
the AFG comprises personnel from all corps and trades, and
all members are required to fulfil ceremonial duties.
THE AFG HAS ITS HOME IN CANBERRA AND
HAS GAINED A REPUTATION AS A HIGHLY
PROFESSIONAL CEREMONIAL UNIT, SERVING
BOTH IN AUSTRALIA AND OVERSEAS.
The AFG plays an important role in marking national days
of significance such as Australia Day, ANZAC Day and
Remembrance Day. The Anzac Day Guard at the Australian
War Memorial and at Martin Place in Sydney are provided by
the AFG. Overseas, Guardsmen mount a Catafalque Party at
Anzac Cove, Turkey, and Villers-Bretonneux in France. This
year, for the first time, a Catafalque Party was also mounted at
the Menin Gate in Belgium.
The AFG fulfils an important role for the Governor-General
and the Prime Minister by providing Guards of Honour and
Credential Guards for visiting Heads of State, Heads of
Government and ambassadors. In 2011, these dignitaries have
included Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the President of the
United States, Barack Obama, and the Presidents of Malta,
Cyprus and the Seychelles.
The AFG has assisted at numerous commemorative services
overseas in 2011 including the 70th Anniversary of the Battle for
Greece and Crete, the 65th Anniversary of the Republic of Italy,
the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War, and the Fuzzy Wuzzy
Angel Medallion Ceremony in Papua New Guinea.
On 15 May 2011, Army led a contingent from the AFG to
the Mediterranean to commemorate the 70th anniversary of
the Battle for Greece and Crete. The contingent supported
16 ceremonial activities during the deployment at Australian,
Allied and Axis memorials. The contingent also supported a
DVA mission of Australian World War II veterans who served
in the region in 1941.
‘We are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to be a part
of these commemorations in Greece and Crete. Several of our
contingent have relatives who served in Australian and even
German forces during the war, so this will be a rare chance
to walk in their footsteps and visit some of their gravesites,’
commented Greek-Australian Lieutenant Luke Haitas, the
contingent commander and AFG Operations Officer.
felt indebted to them. It was humbling to have the opportunity
to commemorate those who helped my grandfather and his
mates,’ she commented.
In June an Army-led contingent from the AFG participated in
the Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day) Military Parade in
Rome. The day commemorates the referendum in which the
Italian people decided on a new form of government following
World War II and the end of Fascism.
As the major centenary anniversaries for World War I and the
70th anniversaries of World War II battles approach, AFG Army
members look forward to the opportunities to represent the ADF
and their service both domestically and overseas.
AFG Guard Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class Two
Mick Dewar, marched in the parade as part of the Australian
Flag Party. ‘We were one of many international delegations
carrying their national flag through the parade and we marched
through the centre of Rome past the Colosseum, along the Fori
Imperiali, past the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and saluted
the Italian President and our Governor-General along the way,’
he explained.
On 24 July Army-led AFG contingent supported the Fuzzy
Wuzzy Angel Commemorative Medallion Ceremony in
Papua New Guinea. The ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ were civilians
employed by the Australian forces during World War II. They
carried supplies to the troops and helped evacuate sick and
wounded troops. The ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ are synonymous
with the infamous Kokoda Trail. The Medallion Ceremony
was held at Bomana War Cemetery, a scenic and beautifully
presented burial ground for over 3500 Allied servicemen and the
largest single resting place for Australian service personnel.
AFG member Private Jessie Mather, who participated in the
Catafalque Party, had a more personal link to the ceremony.
During World War II Private Mather’s grandfather served as an
engineer in Papua New Guinea. ‘He always talked about the
Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, they had great mateship with them and
PHOTO: Party from Australia’s Federation Guard stands at attention at
the Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day) military parade in Rome.
66 | AROUND ARMY
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PHOTO: The crowd at the ANZAC Day 2011 Parade with Australia’s
Federation Guard preforming in the centre.
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THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
TALISMAN SABRE
2011
Exercise TALISMAN SABRE is a biennial military training
exercise involving forces from Australia and the United States
(US). In 2011, the exercise was designed to train participating
forces in the planning and conduct of combined operations
on a variety of missions, including conventional warfare,
peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance operations.
Brigade and the US Army’s 2/23rd Infantry Battalion utilising
classic insurgent tactics. The coalition forces primarily
comprised the Australian Army’s 7th Brigade (7 BDE) and
the US Marines’ 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in
Okinawa. Command and control for the exercise was based on
the USS Blue Ridge.
The variety of missions creates complexity and, when added
to the scale of the exercise, its true impact can be appreciated.
Geographically, Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2011 (TS11)
was conducted across six Defence training areas in Queensland,
the Northern Territory and the Coral, Timor and Arafura Seas.
It involved 8500 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and
14 000 US servicemen and women from the US Navy, Army,
Air Force and Marine Corps. In excess of 30 ships, 120 aircraft
and 1500 road vehicles participated in the exercise.
Other land scenario events were played out at the Townsville
Field Training Area, the Delamere Range facility and
Bradshaw Field Training Area in the Northern Territory, and in
the ports of Brisbane, Gladstone and Alma.
THE SCENARIO
The fictional nation of Kamaria, to the north of Australia,
was created to set the scenario for realistic exercise events.
The scenario described Kamaria as seeking to expand
its interests in the South Pacific region with displays of
aggression inciting regional unrest. The United Nations
responded by authorising the establishment of a US and
Australian coalition to restore peace in the region.
Under this construct, initial conflicts saw naval and air
engagements across the north of Australia. Land engagements
within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) ensued,
with enemy forces represented by the Australian Army’s 1st
SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES
The initial land activity was a joint live fire exercise
incorporating naval gunfire, air-delivered munitions and
mortars. It successfully exercised Australian and US Joint
Terminal Attack Control teams, providing them a rare
opportunity to guide fire support from Australian and US
F/A-18s, Australian Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH)
Tigers and Australian and US combat ships.
An amphibious landing conducted by the 31st Marine
Expeditionary Unit on 19 July at Freshwater Beach was a
major activity for TS11. The assault on the beach employed
around 15 amphibious vehicles and 350 marines and sailors.
The activity was particularly valuable in assisting with the
development of the Army’s future amphibious capability
aspirations, as well as providing US forces with a suitable
location and scenario to conduct an amphibious operation —
not a common occurrence in the average training year.
PHOTO: An Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) crewman, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, secures the loading ramp of the vehicle as part of an
amphibious assault on to the beach of Freshwater Bay during Talisman Sabre 2011.
70 | AROUND ARMY
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The integration of air support was tested with ARH Tigers
and Black Hawks of Battle Group Cavalier providing combat
aviation support to 7 BDE, engaging in force-on-force and
live fire training. As part of the battlegroup, the Tigers
provided close air support to the manoeuvre brigade with the
objective of creating a fully integrated combined arms effect
against the enemy.
and the US 1/158th Long Range Surveillance Unit, also
Reservists. Reconnaissance and infiltration deep into enemy
territory was conducted, enhancing coalition operations and
improving exposure to a range of procedures and capabilities,
while also boosting the experience levels of soldiers from both
countries. The RFSU soldiers came from the Pilbara Regiment,
the 51st Far North Queensland Regiment and NORFORCE.
The 2nd Health Services Battalion deployed a new
Weatherhaven hospital at Camp Growl in SWBTA. During the
training activities, the battalion treated more than 150 mock
patients, simulating a realistic range of battlefield injuries and
illnesses such as severe burns and malaria. This was achieved
while members were also caring for the genuinely sick and
injured, with the unit well supported by around 20 reservists,
mainly senior specialists who were new to the Weatherhaven
facility. The Weatherhaven hospital is flexible in design,
is thermally efficient and has robust tactical shelters which
can be configured to form a complex.
A task force including 300 soldiers from the US Army’s
1st Battalion, Airborne 501st Infantry Regiment and seven
soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian
Regiment, flew from Alaska to complete a tactical parachute
insertion at SWBTA.
Also part of the health support plan was the integration of US
Marine Corps medical personnel and Australian Army Black
Hawks to form an aeromedical evacuation capability, again
testing and confirming the interoperability of the two nations’
forces in coalition operations. The Marines’ 40th Medical
Battalion regarded the activity as positive reinforcement of the
contribution made by both countries which combined to create
a very effective capability.
Army Reserve units contributed significantly to the
achievement of training objectives, with the integration of 44
members from the Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSU)
Other highlights and exercise milestones included the use of
ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicles from the Australian
Army’s 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment
to support soldiers on the ground during live fire training, the
conduct of a US Army night live fire, and over 1000 Australian
and US troops honing their urban warfare tactics in the Urban
Operations Training Facility at SWBTA.
SCENARIO CONCLUSION
TS11 was designed to ensure that all forces faced challenging
obstacles and included fewer conventional situations such as
displaced persons, humanitarian assistance and a simulated
mass grave scenario. Through the use of clever obstacle and
diversionary tactics, the Kamarian forces imposed significant
delays on the coalition forces and, as a consequence, the
coalition forces had not fully achieved their objectives by the
end of the exercise.
PHOTO: Right Hand Aircrewman Corporal Howard Campbell from 5th Aviation Regiment, Australian Army, raises Chief Petty Officer
Kathy Canady, 4th Medical Battalion, United States Navy, on a hoist from Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter 224.
72 | AROUND ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
THE CLAWS
Marlin 41 engages with 70mm high explosive rockets and
30mm cannon from high above the friendly location.
By Captain Nic Williams
‘SIR, I WANT THOSE TIGERS OVER ME EVERY
TIME I GO IN,’ WAS THE OVERWHELMING
CALL FROM THE INFANTRY SOLDIER TO
THE BRIGADE COMMANDER IN THE AFTERACTION REVIEW.
ARE OUT
0300h. Combat Team Marlin’s Operations Officer is on
the phone with 2nd Operational Conversion Unit, Royal
Australian Air Force, confirming from over 2000 miles away
that the 12 FA/18s are ready to launch. Members of the Royal
Australian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers are hard at work
adding the finishing touches to ensure that the ‘day at war’
proceeds without a hitch.
0445h. ‘Launch the FA/18s, time on target 0715,’ the
Squadron flight leader orders as he begins to brief the six
Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Tiger crews on their
role in the Joint Air Attack Team. The Forward Arming and
Refuelling Point (FARP) is busy preparing the ammunition for
the scheduled coordinated joint fires strike.
0645h. Six Tigers (three troops of two) launch. The flight line
team is proud and relieved to have all the aircraft ready for
their mission. The aircraft crews are focused and businesslike.
0715h. ‘Shack.’ The first of eight Hellfire missiles and 18
Guided Bomb Units hits the enemy target. The missiles are
followed by 25 other explosions over the next 15 seconds.
This is one of only five radio conversations over the five-hour
mission which coordinated 12 FA/18s, six ARH and a
KC-30A mid-air refueller in order to achieve this time on
target mission.
All this was just the start of the Tigers’ day.
One troop now breaks off to escort a Black Hawk airmobile insertion of an infantry company. The second pushes
deeper into enemy territory to provide precision fire to a
reconnaissance strike team in order to secure the landing zone.
The third troop returns to the FARP to rearm and change crew
for the main effort.
The FARP swings into action and reloads the Tiger in record
time as operations calls in to confirm H hour.
REORG
In one day, the members of The 1st Aviation Regiment
(1 AVN) were able to show diggers on the ground an effect
that, until now, they thought only the United States Army
could provide. And what was their reaction? ‘Sir, I want those
Tigers over me every time I go in,’ was the overwhelming call
from the infantry soldier to the Brigade Commander in the
after-action review.
This was the mid-point of a two-month campaign waged by
1 AVN for Exercise DIAMOND DOLLAR and Exercise
TALISMAN SABRE. In total, eight Tiger aircraft and 120
personnel deployed from Darwin via Royal Australian
Air Force C-17 Globe Master aircraft and road convoy to
Rockhampton.
1 AVN’s contribution to Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2011
was a clear demonstration that both the Regiment and the
Tiger are well and truly postured to provide capability for the
rest of the Australian Defence Force.
The Tiger crew launches.
‘Marlin 41 in hot’ was the call the infantry combat team heard
as the ARH engaged with 30mm semi-armour-piercing high
incendiary explosive rounds providing simultaneous close
range fires onto the enemy location; with Australian Light
Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV) and danger close artillery,
the engineers scramble to prepare Bangalores for the enemy’s
obstacles.
The obstacle is blown; the M1A1 Abram tanks and infantry
press through the ASLAV and Tiger fire support to clear the
enemy pits. The Royal Australian Air Force BAE Hawk is
overhead preparing to destroy any enemy reserve.
The Joint Fire Observer (JFO) calls across the radio, ‘Dagger
call sign, clear the air, the Hawk is taking too long. I want to
bring the Tiger back in now to destroy those armoured vehicles.’
PHOTO: Australian Army Tiger Pilot and aircraft Battle Captain, Captain Gary Whitehead from the 1st Aviation Regiment.
74 | AROUND ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
EXERCISE
SAUNDERS 2011
Some 400 kilometres inland from Broome in Western
Australia is the remote community of Fitzroy Crossing. It is
here that the 19th Chief Engineer Works (19 CE Wks) of the
6th Brigade (6 BDE), supported by other units, conducted the
Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP)
for 2011.
AACAP is also known as Exercise SAUNDERS, named after
Captain Reginald Saunders, the first Indigenous Australian to
be commissioned in the Australian Army.
Although based out of Fitzroy Crossing, AACAP focused on
the much smaller Indigenous communities of Joy Springs
and Bayulu. The members of AACAP are a diverse team
comprising dental, health, and training and construction
specialists. Led by Major Glen Billington, the team deployed
to the region throughout May, June and July 2011.
AACAP is a cooperative initiative of the Department of
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous
Affairs. Army’s aim is to improve environmental health
conditions within remote Aboriginal communities.
AACAP began in 1997 in various locations in the Northern
Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.
The tradition of locating AACAP in remote localities
continued in 2011 with the eighteenth AACAP (AACAP 18)
that Army has supported in the past 15 years.
PHOTO: Captain Reginald Walter Saunders
With 19 CE Wks as the mounting headquarters, the 2011
contingent comprised 50 Regular and Reserve personnel
from 15 units across 6 BDE, 17th Combat Services Support
Brigade and the 2nd Division (2 DIV). This year, a number
of projects were delivered using contracted services, with
overall direction provided by Army‘s specialists in Project
Engineering. The construction activities were led by 19 CE Wks,
with trade support from 21st Construction Regiment as well
as civilian contractors. Their combined efforts resulted in the
construction of four residential houses and a specialist
medical clinic.
Exercise SAUNDERS not only provides an opportunity for
Army personnel to practise core health training and skills,
but also allows them to learn from people who routinely
live and operate in remote regions. The health team gained
valuable experience from the program working alongside
local dental, medical and veterinary teams. A highlight of the
deployment was joining the Royal Flying Doctor Service to
provide support for regional health clinics.
Fitzroy Crossing is in the NORFORCE area of operations.
Exercise SAUNDERS 2011 saw NORFORCE increase its
level of community engagement.
AACAP projects benefited the Indigenous communities
around Fitzroy Crossing by allowing Army to make best use
of its construction, health and training expertise and logistic
capability. Through community engagement, NORFORCE
was able to reinforce Army’s commitment to the Australian
people, no matter where they live. Importantly, AACAP 18
capitalised on Army’s ability to collectively deliver a range of
services to remote communities that would not normally be
available in a single project.
The aim of this increased engagement was to make contact
with the remote community prior to the arrival of the
larger AACAP Group, and follow up once the training and
construction were complete. As a result, Army’s relationship
with that community was extended beyond the four-month
presence of the engineer, health and training group. This
approach will be continued into the future, utilising the
knowledge and assistance of the local Regional Force
Surveillance Unit.
Some of the training Captain Mick Webster and the Land
Warfare Centre Detachment – South Australia of 2 DIV
offered to the community included small engine operation and
maintenance, and hygienic food preparation. Specialist dental,
medical and veterinary support was provided by members of
the 1st Health Support Battalion and the 5th Combat Services
Support Battalion.
Exercise SAUNDERS 2011 was very successful and ‘packed
a big punch’.
AACAP PROJECTS BENEFITED THE
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES AROUND
FITZROY CROSSING BY ALLOWING ARMY
TO MAKE BEST USE OF ITS CONSTRUCTION,
HEALTH AND TRAINING EXPERTISE AND
LOGISTIC CAPABILITY.
76 | AROUND ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CHIEF OF ARMY SCHOLARSHIP:
STUDY TOUR 2011
By Major Darryl Kelly and Warrant Officer Class One Jodie Stewart
Once selected, the real challenge for these young leaders
begins. Each recipient is allocated study criteria covering
individual aspects of his/her respective campaigns. This
requires careful research, deliberate rehearsal, detailed map
appreciation and an understanding of the campaign’s overall
significance in World War I.
On a daily basis, irrespective of weather conditions, the parties
ventured out to investigate their battlefields.
In Gallipoli, the soldiers traversed many kilometres, often
in driving rain and freezing conditions, across the hills and
gullies, seeking an understanding of exactly what happened,
and the conditions the ANZACs experienced. To use their own
words, ‘experience was the best education’.
The Chief of Army’s ‘I’m an Australian Soldier’ Scholarship
promotes the study of military history and recognises soldiers
who excel in the core behaviours of the ‘I’m an Australian
Soldier’ initiative. The scholarship aims to develop selected
soldiers through an historical study tour of the sites of
significant Australian campaigns.
For six junior non-commissioned officers (JNCOs),
the 2011 scholarship presented the opportunity of a lifetime —
a chance to visit some of the famed battlefields of World War I.
The Chief of Army’s ‘I’m an Australian Soldier’ Scholarship is
an annual award open to soldiers and JNCOs.
This year, Bombardier Peter Smith and Corporal Matt
Luhtasaari from the 1st Recruit Training Battalion and
Corporal Erin Moore from the 10th Force Support Battalion,
accompanied by historian Major Darryl Kelly, visited the
battlefields of Gallipoli.
Bombardier Shane Fender from the 7th Field Regiment,
Corporal Rebecca Piper from the Royal Military College and
Lance Corporal Nicholas Lines from the 2nd Combat Engineer
Regiment travelled to the Western Front under the leadership
of Warrant Officer Class One Jodie Stewart.
PHOTO: The Chief of Army ‘I’m an Australian Soldier’ Scholarship
recipients with guests and former Chief of Army, Lieutenant General
Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM (Retd).
They also examined how the leadership of yesterday could
inform and assist them as leaders today. ‘I developed a good
understanding of what it must have been like to have landed
and fought at Gallipoli. They were subjected to relentless
enemy shelling and sniping. It was far from easy. They
had to live with rotting corpses, lice, flies and open toilets,’
commented Corporal Erin Moore.
The experience and feelings of the team on the Western Front
were similar to those of their mates at Gallipoli. They toured
areas etched forever in Australian consciousness: places
such as Fromelles, Pozieres, Polygon Wood, Hamel, Mont St
Quentin, Villers-Bretonneux and the Menin Gate. ‘What the
soldiers endured [here] was a profoundly deep and emotional
experience,’ observed Corporal Rebecca Piper.
For Bombardier Shane Fender, the tour took on a personal
flavour as they travelled through the French and Belgian
battlefields. Etched on the wall of the Villers-Bretonneux
memorial was the name of a great uncle. Later that day, he
visited the grave of another uncle who lies at rest in Belgium.
The horror and heroism of the Western Front and Gallipoli were
appropriately articulated by Afghanistan veteran Lance Corporal
Nicholas Lines. ‘It wasn’t until I stood on the battlefield that I
really got a sense of how horrible the front line was —
to volunteer was an act of bravery in itself,’ he asserted.
‘IT WASN’T UNTIL I STOOD ON THE
BATTLEFIELD THAT I REALLY GOT A SENSE
OF HOW HORRIBLE THE FRONT LINE WAS —
TO VOLUNTEER WAS AN ACT OF BRAVERY
IN ITSELF’
The tour culminated with each group participating in ANZAC
Day commemorations both at dawn and throughout the day.
The scholarship diggers were perfect ambassadors as they
mingled with the crowds and provided personal briefs on
the campaign and the fallen soldiers who lay around them.
Corporal Matt Luhtasaari enjoyed a special moment as he
recited the immortal words of the ‘Ode of Remembrance’
at Lone Pine.
Before leaving Turkey, the Gallipoli team had one more visit
to make. This was to the Commonwealth War Cemetery at
Hydra Pasha, hidden away in the suburbs of Istanbul. It is here
that our forgotten ANZACs — those captured at Gallipoli and
in the Sinai, and those who died in Turkish captivity, now lie.
The cemetery is rarely visited and the loneliness was evident
as the three JNCOs roamed through the fading headstones,
pausing in a silent tribute to each of the fallen Aussies, just to
tell each one: ‘rest soundly mate — you’re not forgotten’.
78 | AROUND ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CARING FOR ARMY’S
WOUNDED, INJURED
AND ILL
By Ms Kloe Croker
On 1 June 2011, former Chief of Army, Lieutenant General
Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM (Retd), convened the Wounded,
Injured and Ill Diggers Forum at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra
which was attended by over 115 delegates. The forum presented
a development opportunity to ensure that Army listens and
learns from its soldiers and their families. Service providers and
senior commanders were also invited to the forum.
Feedback generated from the forum was utilised to enhance
Army’s comprehensive and integrated approach to the
management of its wounded, injured and ill personnel
and their families. Key elements addressed during the
workshops included medical treatment in theatre and at home,
communication, rehabilitation and access to support services.
Former Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie,
AC, DSC, CSM (Retd), opened the forum, with the Minister
for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Science and Personnel,
the Honourable Mr Warren Snowdon MP, among the
distinguished guests.
Among the topics discussed at the forum was the Casualty
Administration and Support Framework which was established
in 2010 to support wounded soldiers during their recovery.
Army continues to learn from its experience in managing
wounded, injured and ill soldiers, with the Casualty
Administration and Support Framework evolving to become
the Army Support to Wounded, Injured and Ill Program
(SWIIP). SWIIP recognises that, regardless of the nature of the
wound, injury or illness, Army as an organisation must work
to assist soldiers to overcome the challenges they face on the
road to recovery.
Since the 2010 Wounded Injured and Ill Diggers Forum,
Army has been working to increase support to soldiers and
their families. Full-time Army Casualty Administration
Support Officers and part-time Regional Casualty
Administration Support Officers have been appointed at
various locations around the country to coordinate support
requirements. Other support structures include the Wounded
Digger Website, Soldier Recovery Centres and an increased
use of the welfare-board framework.
THE FORUM PRESENTED A DEVELOPMENT
OPPORTUNITY TO ENSURE THAT ARMY
LISTENS AND LEARNS FROM ITS SOLDIERS
AND THEIR FAMILIES.
PHOTO: Sapper Michael Clarke from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment meets with former Chief of Army Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie,
AC, DSC, CSM (Retd), at the Chief of Army Wounded, Injured and Ill Digger Forum.
Soldier Recovery Centres are being established in Army barracks
in the main areas of troop concentration to optimise soldier
recovery from physical and psychological health problems.
Each soldier has a program specifically tailored to suit his/her
individual needs and physical conditioning. This program may
include activities designed to maintain military training, or to
provide educational opportunities for future development.
The first Soldier Recovery Centre has been established in
Townsville, with more to be opened throughout 2012.
Army is committed to offering seriously wounded, injured
and ill soldiers more opportunities to prepare for life after
service in the Army. This includes providing targeted training
and education as part of an extended transition. Army’s
involvement in the Australian Defence Force Paralympic
Sports Program is another element of SWIIP supporting the
recovery process.
SWIIP also works closely with the Department of Veterans’
Affairs and other relevant agencies such as ComSuper, to
assist soldiers to access the relevant benefits.
The Chief of Army’s Wounded, Injured and Ill Diggers Forum
will continue as an annual event. Army will continue to listen
and learn from its wounded, injured or ill soldiers so as to
provide the best possible care and assistance.
80 | AROUND ARMY
FIRST FOR
ARAFURA GAMES
By Ms Kloe Croker
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
In May 2011, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) entered
a team with acquired disabilities in the Arafura Games and
Oceania Paralympic Championships for the first time.
with assistance from the volunteer guides of Disabled Sports
Australia. The guides developed the soldiers’ skills in sit
skiing, conventional skiing and snowboarding.
Both events were held in Darwin in the Northern Territory,
and are recognised international sporting competitions for
athletes from the Asia-Pacific region. The competition began
in 1991 and is now held every two years.
The annual winter and summer camps provide seriously
wounded, injured and ill soldiers the opportunity to participate
in recreational and competitive sports under the guidance of
internationally recognised Australian sporting coaches.
Soldiers in the ADF Paralympic Sports Program were
members of the tri-service team that represented the ADF in
a number of sports including swimming, track and field, and
power-lifting.
A number of Army soldiers competed in the team from the
ADF Paralympic Sports Program. Warrant Officer Class two
Dennis Ramsay won an impressive total of five medals in
the track and field events. These included the Arafura 5000m
wheelchair (silver), 1500m wheelchair (bronze), Oceania
5000m wheelchair (silver), Oceania 1500m wheelchair (silver)
and Oceania javelin seated (silver). Private Clint Vardy
competed in swimming and track, Sergeant Michael Lyddiard
competed in swimming, and Private Stephen Osborne
competed as a representative of the Australian Paralympic
Power-lifting Team.
The ADF Paralympic Sports Program is a clinical
rehabilitation program which uses adaptive sport to optimise
functional independence, physical fitness and promote positive
self-image and self-esteem.
Members of the ADF Paralympic Sports Program also
participated in the second Winter High Performance Camp
from 24-29 July. The camp was conducted at Jindabyne
PHOTO: Sergeant Michael Lyddiard competing in the 50m butterfly at the Arafura Games.
PHOTO: Warrant Officer Class two Dennis Ramsay competes in
the 5000m wheelchair event at the 2011 Arafura Games.
82 | AROUND ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CADETS
By Major (AAC) Benjamin Robinson
The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is a personal development
program for young people conducted by the Australian
Army in cooperation with the community. The program is
designed to benefit the nation by developing individuals, their
communities and the Australian Army.
In 2011, the AAC comprised 217 units located in every state
and territory: almost 15 000 cadets, over 1100 part-time
volunteer officers and instructors of cadets, 160 Army Reserve
personnel, 18 Australian Regular Army personnel and 38
Australian Public Service employees (of whom 29 were fulltime officers/instructors of cadets).
The success of the AAC is the result of much hard work,
particularly over the last six years. Significant effort is devoted
to ensuring that the program remains focused on achieving
positive youth development outcomes. The AAC optimally
develops its youth through:
• ongoing and regular participation in activities and
experiences;
• its use of a military-style hierarchical structure and
environment including the adoption of military uniforms,
titles, ranks, customs and traditions; and
• the sequential building of skills through adolescence in the
transition to adulthood. This includes providing leadership
opportunities and using more experienced cadets in the
planning and conduct of activities and in senior advisory
and representational roles.
Over 2000 activities were conducted by the AAC in 2011.
These included field-based annual camps and bivouacs,
ceremonial and remembrance functions, community service and
support to charities, activities with Australian Defence Force
(ADF) units, weekly ‘parade nights’, promotion and specialist
courses, and national and international exchanges. These
activities were conducted by AAC units, which are collectives
of cadet units operating in district AAC battalions, whole AAC
regions, and at the national and international levels.
In addressing the CACTC participants, the former Chief of
Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM
(Retd), asserted: ʽThe cadet force is a really important part
of Army’s future; you’re all a part of Army’s future. Not all
of you will go on to serve, but those of you who do will play
a great role in the future of our nation and it’s worth my time
to be here on this weekend watching you participate in this
challenge.’
The AAC’s involvement in the Army Cadet Exchange program
has resulted in the development of many friendships with
international partners over the past five years. In 2011, 21
cadets and six Army Cadet Staff travelled to the Cayman
Islands, Canada, the Republic of Korea, and the United
States of America. In return, cadets from the Cayman Islands,
Canada, the Republic of Korea, and the United States of
America were hosted through a range of cultural and cadet
activities in NSW and the ACT.
In 2011 the AAC once again conducted its highly successful
national Adventure Training Award (ATA) at the Buckland
Training Area in Tasmania. Over the course of a week, cadets
from every AAC region participated in activities designed
to test their resolve and skills in the areas of fieldcraft,
navigation, first aid, teamwork and endurance. The reward for
successful completion of this gruelling individual assessment
was the award of the prized ATA Boomerang and Torch Badge.
The Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge (CACTC) was
conducted at Canungra in 2011 for teams from each of the
eight AAC regions.
Cadets participated in assessed activities in the areas of
fieldcraft, navigation, first aid, weapon handling, drill and
leadership. The CACTC is regarded as the AAC’s premier
team event, with the winning team for 2011 the New South
Wales AAC Brigade.
PHOTO: Lieutenant General Ash Power, AM, Chief of Joint Operations speaks with Northern Territory Army Cadets at Larrakeyah
Barracks, Darwin.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CHAPTER 3
OPERATIONS
86 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE SECOND
AUSTRALIAN MENTORING
Afghanistan
TASK FORCE
By Colonel Darren Huxley
On 17 May 2010, personnel from 27 different units and
headquarters across the three Services of the Australian Defence
Force (ADF) met in Darwin and formed Battle Group Tiger.
OPERATION
On 5 June 2010, Battle Group Tiger began its mission-specific
training, culminating with a mission rehearsal exercise in
early September 2010 as its final preparation for combat in
Afghanistan.
SLIPPER
Operation SLIPPER is Australia’s military contribution to the
international campaign against terrorism, maritime security
in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO), and the
eradication of piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
Major General Angus Campbell, AM, assumed his command
of all Australian Defence Force (ADF) units deployed in the
MEAO assigned to Operation SLIPPER on 13 January 2011.
Under Operation SLIPPER, Australian forces contribute to the
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) led International
Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, undertaking
a peace enforcement mission as per Chapter VII of the United
Nations Charter, UN Security Council Resolution 1833, and
at the invitation of the Government of the Islamic Republic
of Afghanistan.
ISAF seeks to bring security, stability and prosperity to
Afghanistan and aims to prevent the country again becoming a
safe haven for international terrorists.
Around 1550 ADF personnel are based in Afghanistan as part
of Operation SLIPPER while approximately 800 personnel are
deployed across the broader MEAO.
Australia’s military contribution to Afghanistan is part of the
Government’s comprehensive approach to supporting global
security and Australia’s national security by fighting terrorism
and supporting efforts to prevent Afghanistan being used as a
safe haven and training ground for terrorism.
In the space of four months, Battle Group Tiger completed
three collective field activities, 19 individual courses or
training activities, took pre-deployment leave, and prepared
approximately 1200 personnel for potential service in the
Middle East. It was a whirlwind of preparation, particularly for
the administrative staff, with Chief Clerk Warrant Officer Class
two Glen Snijder and Quartermaster Captain Noel Allport
drowning in paperwork and equipment respectively.
Battle Group Tiger deployed on Operation SLIPPER as a
task group of the Australian Middle East Joint Task Force
(JTF) 633, and was assigned under the North Atlantic Treaty
PHOTO: Villagers from Charmestan, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan,
speak with leaders from the Afghan National Army and their
Coalition Force mentors about the presence of a new Patrol Base in
the area, Patrol Base Mohammed.
88 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: Afghan National Army leads the patrol out of the base heading towards the Shura (Afghan meeting) with village elders,
in southern Afghanistan.
90 | OPERATIONS
Organisation (NATO) operational control of Combined
Team Uruzgan — a newly established coalition headquarters
commanded by United States Army Colonel Jim Crieghton.
Battle Group Tiger officially commenced its mission as the
second Australian Mentoring Task Force (MTF–2) in October
2010, taking over in Uruzgan Province from the 6th Battalion,
The Royal Australian Regiment, Battlegroup.
MTF–2 operated in three major regions within Uruzgan.
Combat Team Delta patrolled the Dorafshan bowl, the Baluchi
Valley and journeyed to all reaches of the Chora district.
PHOTO: Captain Matt Whitwell talks with local elders in Sorkh Lez
during a community engagement.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
Combat Team Bravo initially conducted operations in the
Dorafshan bowl, but then settled down in the Mirabad Valley.
Combat Team Charlie roamed the Deh Rawud district and
patrolled into the Tangi and Tagaw valleys on a regular basis.
Between October 2010 and June 2011, MTF–2 conducted
12 major operations in conjunction with coalition and Afghan
partners. It assisted in the design and construction of five
company-sized patrol bases and provided oversight for the
Afghan National Army’s (ANA) construction of another
two bases. MTF–2 resupplied up to nine Australian bases
every month by ground convoy and almost every day by air.
It also administered, equipped and commanded in excess of
1000 personnel at the height of operational activity. MTF–2
mentored indirectly over 2500 Afghan soldiers in routine
military tasks, from the functioning of a Brigade headquarters
to the duties of a rifle section. It advanced the 4th Afghan
Brigade to new levels of capability, boosting Brigade
members’ confidence in their own operational independence.
IT ADVANCED THE 4TH AFGHAN BRIGADE
TO NEW LEVELS OF CAPABILITY AND GAVE
THEM SIGNIFICANT CONFIDENCE IN THEIR
OWN OPERATIONAL INDEPENDENCE
Three brave Australians gave their lives in support of the
MTF–2 mission and five were severely wounded. A number
of other courageous personnel either suffered minor wounds
or endangered their own lives to save or assist others.
All personnel displayed the courage, commitment and loyalty
befitting an Australian Army unit at war.
PHOTO: Sergeant Jason Johnson from the Mentoring Task Force – 2, shakes hands with village local during a Afghan National Army lead patrol
through the region, in southern Afghanistan.
92 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
A CRUCIAL
CONNECTION
Australian Defence Force (ADF) women are engaging
with the local population in Afghanistan as members of
the International Stabilisation Assistance Force’s Female
Engagement Teams (FETs).
The FETs support education programs, economic development
and the provision of health services to the local population
and provide an opportunity for Afghan women to discuss
their concerns openly with female soldiers and seek ways to
improve their lives and those of their families. The FETs also
provide school supplies and medicine to the villagers.
‘A SIMPLE MEASURE OF PROGRESS IS
THE NUMBER OF WOMEN DOING THEIR
SHOPPING IN THE BAZAAR.’
FETs work in close conjunction with the Provincial
Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Uruzgan, a multinational effort
led by Australia, which has a female development assistance
program. Within this program there are specific female
engagement projects relating to women’s education and health
care. The PRT also works with the Director of Women’s
Affairs in the Provincial Government.
Together, the FETs and the PRT work to improve living
conditions and access to basic services for rural Afghan
women and their families in Uruzgan. These people represent
one of the most isolated and disadvantaged population groups
in the country.
Corporal Jenny Sapwell, Mentoring Task Force–2 (MTF–2),
describes her participation in a FET patrol with a female
interpreter in the village of Sorkh Lez.
‘There were no problems entering the qualas [compounds]
and speaking to the women. It was great to engage with them,
as it is rare to see females out of their homes, let alone be able
to speak to them.’
Captain Sarah Vesey, Joint Task Force Headquarters, regularly
attends activities and development sites in Uruzgan and is
encouraged by the increasing number of females taking an
active role in the community.
‘A simple measure of progress is the number of women doing
their shopping in the bazaar. It has gone from very few, to
about 100 a day,’ Captain Vesey said.
In a significant milestone for women in Afghanistan, Uruzgan
Provincial Governor Mohammed Omar Shirzad recognised
the role of women in Afghanistan by hosting more than
150 Afghan and Coalition Defence servicewomen at an
International Women’s Day function on 6 March 2011.
PHOTO: Corporal Ali Lenicka visits Malalai Girls School during a
female engagement patrol throught Tarin Kot, Afghanistan.
94 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
OPERATION KRUGER
FAREWELLS IRAQ
Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who deployed as
part of Operation KRUGER’s Australian Security Detachment
(SECDET) completed a successful eight-year mission on
28 July 2011.
The SECDET was first deployed to Baghdad in 2003 in the
immediate aftermath of the Iraq war and contributed over 18
rotations during a period of prolonged insurgency. Throughout
its mission, the SECDET’s composition, structure and location
continuously evolved to meet the dynamic nature of the
operating environment.
The SECDET provided consistent and professional close
personal protection to key Australian government personnel,
ensured the physical security of the embassy precinct, and
protected vehicles travelling within Baghdad and in other
areas of Iraq.
Testament to the success of the eight-year mission is the
SECDET’s impressive legacy which ensured that no diplomats
or embassy personnel were injured by insurgent action.
The SECDET’s mission was completed following a phased
transition to contracted security similar to that provided to
other Australian diplomatic missions.
Over 1900 ADF personnel served in the Baghdad SECDET
mission. They worked closely with Coalition and Iraqi
Security Forces throughout Operations CATALYST and
KRUGER to ensure close coordination with those responsible
for security in Iraq’s International Zone.
OVER 1900 ADF PERSONNEL SERVED IN
THE BAGHDAD SECDET MISSION. THEY
WORKED CLOSELY WITH COALITION AND
IRAQI SECURITY FORCES THROUGHOUT
OPERATIONS CATALYST AND KRUGER
TO ENSURE CLOSE COORDINATION WITH
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURITY IN
IRAQ’S INTERNATIONAL ZONE.
Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Ash Power AO, CSC,
commented that a review of the SECDET’s operational record
offered a sobering and reflective look at Iraq’s recent history.
‘When violence peaked in Iraq during 2004-2005 and again
in 2006-2007, SECDET personnel also felt its intensity with
15 personnel wounded in action through a combination of
insurgent rocket and IED attacks,’ Lieutenant General Power
observed.
Throughout the bulk of the mission, the SECDET comprised
a mix of infantry and cavalry soldiers utilising the Australian
Army’s Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV) for
PHOTO: Australian Defence Force members of Security Detachment
Seventeen on parade during their farewell ceremony at the Australian
Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.
96 | OPERATIONS
protected mobility. In 2008, the ASLAV-25 vehicles were
replaced with an ASLAV Personnel Carrier fleet augmented
by up-armoured civilian vehicles. In late 2009, the SECDET’s
composition changed to solely up-armoured civilian vehicles.
In August 2006, Corporal Sarah Webster was wounded in an
attack at the SECDET’s working accommodation. Despite this,
she described the SECDET as an exciting deployment.
‘Everything I have been trained to do in my job, I got to
employ as part of SECDET.’
When the exiting, SECDET personnel lowered their flag in
Baghdad for the last time, they also took the opportunity to
remember Private Jake Kovco who was killed in a firearms
incident while serving with the SECDET in 2006.
‘Over the course of the SECDET mission, our soldiers have
done their duty with the character for which Australian
soldiers are renowned — courage, initiative and teamwork.
The cessation of the SECDET mission closes another chapter
in Army’s long contribution to the people of Iraq and to the
reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq as a nation,’ observed
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO.
Two ADF personnel remain in Iraq serving as United Nations
Military Observers under Operation RIVERBANK.
PHOTO: ASLAVs drive along the parade ground that stretches
between two crossed swords called the Swords of Qadissiya.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
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THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
Jerusalem, Israel
Sinai, Egypt
Baghdad, Iraq
Kabul, Afghanistan
Kandahar, Afghanistan
OPERATION
MAZURKA
OPERATION
PALATE II
Operation PALATE II is the Australian Defence Force (ADF)
contribution to the United Nations Assistance Mission to
Afghanistan (UNAMA). UNAMA is a political mission that
was established on 28 March 2002 by United Nations Security
Council Resolution 1401 to promote reconciliation and
rapprochement, and to manage humanitarian relief, recovery,
and reconstruction in Afghanistan.
Two Australian Army officers serve as Military Advisers
within the UNAMA Military Adviser Unit. Their duties
include maintaining contact and liaison with all military forces
throughout Afghanistan on behalf of UNAMA. The ADF
officers are based in Kabul and Kandahar.
The 25 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members of
Operation MAZURKA work to assist the Multinational Force
and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai, Egypt.
The MFO is a non-United Nations organisation established in
1981 to oversee longstanding peace agreements in the region.
The MFO is maintained by 11 nations including Australia,
New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Fiji and France.
Australia’s involvement in the MFO began in early 1982
with the formation of an Australia-New Zealand combined
helicopter squadron.
OPERATION
PALADIN
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is committed to
Operation PALADIN in Jerusalem, which constitutes
Australia’s contribution to the United Nations Truce
Supervision Organisation (UNTSO).
The UNTSO was established in 1948 to supervise the truce
agreed at the conclusion of the first Arab/Israeli War.
ADF members assist in the peace process by monitoring the
border, preparing daily operational briefings and supporting
the Headquarters.
Since 1956, members of the Australian contingent have been
employed in a variety of roles, including as staff officers in the
UNTSO Headquarters in Jerusalem, and as Military Observers
throughout the region.
Operation MAZURKA is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Stuart Graham.
Operation PALADIN is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Nick Bolton.
OPERATION
RIVERBANK
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has two officers
deployed to Iraq to support the United Nations Assistance
Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The ADF contribution is known as
Operation RIVERBANK.
A Colonel is based in Baghdad and currently fulfils the role of
Senior Military Adviser to the Special Representative of the
Secretary General within UNAMI.
A Lieutenant Colonel in Kirkuk acts as Military Adviser to
the UNAMI.
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SERVICE IN THE
ANZAC Day activities took members of AUSCON to Cairo
and Jerusalem. AUSCON also provided ceremonial support
to commemorations of the charge of the Light Horse at Be’er
Sheva (Beersheba).
SINAI
By Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Graham
For 17 years Australia has deployed 25 Australian
Defence Force (ADF) members to support the 2400-strong
Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai.
This contingent is an integrated force and is drawn from 11
contributing nations. The ADF provides specialist expertise in
the operational, planning and administrative appointments.
Deployments for the Commanding Officer and the Second
in Command are of 12 months’ duration, with the remainder
of the Australian Contingent (AUSCON) deploying on
a six-month rotation of 12 persons every three months.
This deployment cycle ensures the continuity of skills and
capabilities in AUSCON MFO responsibilities.
AUSCON WORKS ALONGSIDE A DIVERSE
GROUP OF NATIONALITIES, WITH A MIX
OF MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PERSONNEL
CREATING A TRULY MULTICULTURAL
ENVIRONMENT.
AUSCON works alongside a diverse group of nationalities,
with a mix of military and civilian personnel creating a truly
multicultural environment. With AUSCON personnel working
in a diverse range of MFO appointments, the work ethic of
the contingent is well recognised within the MFO community.
Forged by past rotations, this is a reputation of which
AUSCON is justifiably proud.
AUSCON standing within the MFO community continues
to be enhanced through participation in shooting, driving
and sporting competitions. Although a small contingent, and
not always on the winner’s podium, AUSCON is always
well represented at such events. Competing against the four
main battalions and the other larger contingents, the Aussie
reputation of ‘having a go’ and ‘doing our best’ always holds
AUSCON in good stead.
The two AUSCON Physical Training Instructors play a
significant role in AUSCON’s success in the sporting arena.
Physical training sessions are conducted three times a week,
with the Canadians and Kiwis often joining in. Even though
AUSCON is a long way from home, the friendly rivalry with
Australia’s neighbours from ‘across the ditch’ is even present
in the Sinai!
AUSCON physical training sessions also include weekly
range practice with the F88 and 9mm Self Loading Pistol
conducted by one of the four security sergeants. A professional
development program coordinated by the Regimental Sergeant
Major involves all members of AUSCON delivering a military
history presentation related to the area of operations.
The Sinai is a region with a rich history and remarkable
scenery. On occasion, representational duties have provided
AUSCON with an opportunity to visit many of the sites of
significance to Australia’s military history. In 2011,
The MFO mission is to ‘observe, report and verify’ in a
particularly volatile and critical area of the Middle East.
The role of MFO in the peace process cannot be understated,
and AUSCON’s mission is to provide highly skilled personnel
to support the MFO in supervising the implementation of the
Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel.
For many years the situation in the Sinai and for the MFO was
stable and calm. However, 2011 has seen significant change
in Egypt. Due to the uncertainty within the region, it is vital
that all AUSCON members are properly trained, proactive and
complement all other elements of the MFO in order to develop
the synergy necessary for force success and cohesion.
The presence of the MFO ensures interaction between Egypt
and Israel is maintained, bringing the parties together to
discuss and resolve issues that relate to the Treaty of Peace.
The success of the MFO can be measured by time.
The Treaty of Peace has been maintained over 29 years,
with contributing nations understanding the strategic benefit of
maintaining peace in this area of the world. The ADF’s longstanding commitment to this role demonstrates an unwavering
support to the ideals of the MFO. Although considered a minor
operation, Operation MAZURKA provides critical niche
capabilities and enhances the reputation of the ADF on the
world stage.
PHOTO: ‘Thunder of a light horse charge’. This photograph has
been described as one of the charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade at
Be’er Sheva on the 31 October 1917.
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THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
South Sudan
OPERATION
AZURE
Operation AZURE involves the deployment of Australian
Defence Force (ADF) personnel to the United Nations Mission
in Sudan (UNMIS).
The ADF contingent of 17 includes six Military Observers and
11 other personnel who specialise in air movements, aviation
safety and logistic support.
The United Nations Security Council authorised establishment
of UNMIS on 24 March 2005 following the signing by the
government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation
Movement of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement to end a
civil war that had lasted more than 20 years. UNMIS supports
implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and
assists with the protection of civilians.
Australia’s contribution to UNMIS under Operation AZURE
has temporarily transitioned to the new United Nations
Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) pending agreement
between the UN and the Australian Government on an
enduring contribution to UNMISS.
Operation AZURE is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Craig Delaney.
PHOTO: Captain Paul Lambert visits locals in the village of
Manikakara, southern Sudan, near the border with the Democratic
Republic of Congo.
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THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
MOVING
the majority of contingents in the north and the relocation
of others to the south to form the United Nations Mission in
South Sudan (UNMISS).
SOUTH
By Lieutenant Colonel Craig Delaney
Sudan is a country that has historically been plagued by
conflict. The North-South civil wars have cost the lives of
1.5 million people. A continuing conflict in the western region
of Darfur has driven two million people from their homes
and reportedly killed more than 200 000. The United Nations
Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) was established by the United
Nations Security Council on 24 March 2005 following its
determination that the situation in the country constituted a
threat to international peace and security.
After six years and 13 Australian Defence Force (ADF)
rotations, Operation AZURE effectively came to an end on
9 July 2011 with the establishment of the world’s newest
nation, South Sudan.
AFTER SIX YEARS AND 13 ADF ROTATIONS,
OPERATION AZURE EFFECTIVELY CAME TO AN
END ON 9 JULY 2011 WITH THE BIRTH OF THE
WORLD’S NEWEST NATION, SOUTH SUDAN.
Operation AZURE is the ADF contribution to UNMIS.
The latest ADF team, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Craig Delaney, comprises six military observers and 11 other
personnel. The team specialises in air movements, aviation
safety and logistics support to ensure UNMIS is able to
perform its role of supporting the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement between North and South Sudan.
Operation AZURE, like any other operation, has seen the ADF
maintain a reputation for being able to get the job done.
ʽWhere others may see obstacles, the Aussie “can do” attitude
shines through. It is amazing how Aussies find themselves
doing tasks, jobs and providing guidance outside their area of
expertise, simply because they are known as being achievers,’
said Lieutenant Colonel Delaney. ʽWe have a lot to live up to
because of the talents and achievements of the Australians who
have served before us.’
The contingent has a proven track record for managing in
testing circumstances. ʽThe issues and challenges coordinating
logistic support for the 10 000 troops of the member nations
from around the world were numerous. Each contingent,
including a number of supporting units, came from not just
many different countries, but also varied religious beliefs.
This continually posed complex challenges in coordinating
support, which was required in a timely manner. These
challenges were compounded by the fractured national,
state and local government systems which required differing
levels of clearance to run ground and air resupply,’ explained
Lieutenant Colonel Delaney.
These challenges were further compounded as UNMIS was
required to ʽliquidateʾ, in UN terms, by 31 August 2011 and
move out of North Sudan. This involved the repatriation of
The ADF contingent is now located in Juba, the largest city
and capital of the Republic of South Sudan. Here, the ADF
will continue to provide support to the new mission under
Operation ASLAN.
Despite the enduring challenges Sudan faces, the ADF
contingent is inspired by the attitude of many of the local
people: ʽThe Sudanese people have a tremendous strength and
courage despite the turmoil. Their spirit and optimistic outlook
is truly admirable’ adds Lieutenant Colonel Delaney, ʽTo be a
part of such a historic moment in Sudan’s troubled history is
both an honour and a privilege, and one experience of many
that will stay with us for life.’
UNMISS’ mandate is to create a secure environment
conducive to the peaceful resolution of internal securityrelated issues in support of peace and stability in South Sudan.
PHOTO: Sergeant Lewis meets one of the locally employed staff
constructing a referendum support base in Unity state, southern Sudan.
106 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
Timor-Leste
OPERATION
ASTUTE
The Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF)
comprises of Navy, Army and Air Force personnel from
Australia and New Zealand and is commanded by Colonel
Luke Foster. Operation ASTUTE is the military codename for
the Australian arm of the ISF.
The ISF operates at the invitation of the Government of
Timor-Leste and in support of the United Nations. Its role is
to maintain stability and provide a secure environment for
ongoing development in Timor-Leste.
The ISF currently numbers around 460 personnel, 380 of
whom are from the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The Australian commitment includes elements of the 8th
Brigade and Army Aviation. Support elements comprise
engineers, logistics and supply personnel, and Army Aviation
from the wider ADF.
The New Zealand contingent of the ISF, known as Gyro 11,
consists primarily of troops from the 1st Battalion of the
New Zealand Army.
PHOTO: Share and share alike – Officer Commanding ANZAC
Company, Major Robert Miller, gets a taste of village life during an
ANZAC platoon visit to a village in the remote Timor-Leste district
of Viqueque.
108 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
OPERATION
TOWER
Operation TOWER is the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF)
contribution to the United Nations Integrated Mission
in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and is commanded by Wing
Commander Nick Burma.
The UNMIT was established by United Nations Security
Council Resolution 1704 following civil unrest in Timor-Leste
in 2006. UNMIT is the United Nations’ fifth Timor-Leste
mission since 1999 and the third since Independence in 2002.
With representation from 13 countries, the UNMIT Military
Liaison Group conducts daily monitoring of the security
environment and provides military advice on the restoration
and maintenance of security. ADF members are also employed
as staff officers based at UNMIT headquarters in Dili.
Military Liaison Officers play a crucial role in security reform.
They also contribute to the professional development of the
Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) by designing and
delivering Liaison Officer training to F-FDTL officers and
senior non-commissioned officers.
The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and the senior leadership
of the F-FDTL have officially recognised the importance of
this training, enhancing the ADF’s profile with the F-FDTL
and positively reinforcing Australia’s contribution to UNMIT.
OPERATION
ANODE
Operation ANODE is the name of the Australian Defence
Force (ADF) contribution to the Australian-led Regional
Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
RAMSI is also known as Operation HELPEM FREN
(Pidgin English for ‘Helping Friend’).
RAMSI’s mission is to assist the Solomon Islands Government
in the maintenance of security, law and justice, economic
governance and in improving the machinery of government.
The military component of RAMSI comprises personnel from
four troop-contributing nations: Australia, New Zealand,
Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
The main task of the military component is to provide security
for RAMSI’s multinational Participating Police Force (PPF),
which works alongside the Royal Solomon Islands Police in
maintaining law and order.
Timor-Leste
Specialist military staff in RAMSI’s headquarters also provide
coordination between the multinational military effort and
the PPF.
The Combined Task Force consists of approximately 160
personnel, of whom 115 are Australian. These personnel
are primarily drawn from the New South Wales-based
5th Brigade, including the 4th/3rd and 1st/19th Battalions of
The Royal New South Wales Regiment, and the 1st/15th
Regiment of The Royal New South Wales Lancers.
ADF personnel are deployed at the invitation of the Solomon
Islands Government.
The Combined Task Force deployed in support of
Operation ANODE is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Campbell Smith.
Solomon Islands
110 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
Christmas Island
Cocos Islands
Norfolk Island
Lord Howe Island
OPERATION
RESOLUTE
Operation RESOLUTE is the Australian Defence Force’s
(ADF) contribution to the whole-of-government effort to
protect Australia’s borders and offshore maritime interests.
At any one time, up to 400 ADF personnel at sea, in the air
and on the land operate alongside personnel from Customs and
other agencies as part of Operation RESOLUTE.
Operation RESOLUTE is the only ADF operation that defends
the homeland of Australia and its assets.
The Operation RESOLUTE area of operations covers
approximately 10 per cent of the world’s surface including
Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, which extends up to
200 nautical miles around the mainland, Christmas, Cocos
(Keeling), Norfolk, Heard, Macquarie and Lord Howe islands.
Army’s contribution to Operation RESOLUTE includes the
Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSUs) which conduct
patrols of land-based security operations, and a Transit
Security Element of approximately 37 personnel from either
Army or Air Force aboard the Armidale Class Patrol Boats.
Heard Islands
The RFSUs are tasked with the land and littoral surveillance of
the inhospitable areas of northern Australia. They play a vital
role in the detection of threats through continual surveillance
of the northern coastline and hinterland of Australia. They
also undertake reconnaissance patrols by foot, vehicle and
watercraft, and conduct surveillance from static observation
posts and through systematic communication and liaison with
police, Customs, regional authorities and local landowners.
The RFSUs are under the command of three separate
headquarters: the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland
Regiment, in Cairns; the Pilbara Regiment in Karratha;
and the North West Mobile Force in Darwin.
PHOTO: Soldiers from the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland
Regiment.
112 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
REGIONAL FORCE
SURVEILLANCE UNITS SUPPORT
OPERATION RESOLUTE
By Lieutenant Peter Croce
The stark beauty of dawn breaking over the remote landscape
marks the start of another day at the office for the Regional
Force Surveillance Unit (RFSU) members who remain
concealed in their observation posts.
Members across all ranks process the information at
Headquarters Northern Command, coordinating and
controlling the whole-of government effort to develop
future plans and logistics.
Staying out of sight and delivering vital intelligence is the
daily job description for the Army’s RFSU elements stretching
from Cairns, Far North Queensland, to the Pilbara, Western
Australia, while undertaking Operation RESOLUTE.
From Headquarters Joint Task Force 639 at Larrakeyah
Barracks, Darwin, Commander Northern Command controls
the ADF units assigned to Operation RESOLUTE. He also
controls Army assets and personnel when Defence aid to the
civil community is requested in the Northern Territory and
Kimberley regions.
Unit members, from a wide range of backgrounds, deliver the
vital land-based capability for border protection operations
and execute their responsibilities with a deep passion for
RESOLUTE, the only Australian Defence Force (ADF) operation
that detects and deters illegal activity in Australia’s waters.
Commander Northern Command, Air Commodore
Ken Watson, says the RFSUs play a vital role in the detection
of threats through the continual surveillance of the northern
coastline and hinterland of Australia.
ʽThey are an integral and valued part of the RESOLUTE
team. Many current indigenous leaders have been members
of the RSFUs in the past, so along with a current contribution
to Australia’s security, the RFSUs are contributing to nation
building,’ Air Commodore Watson said.
With headquarters in Cairns, Broome and Darwin, the three
RFSUs include:
• 51st Battalion, The Far North Queensland Regiment;
• The Pilbara Regiment; and
• North West Mobile Force.
The RFSUs deploy reconnaissance patrols by foot, vehicle and
watercraft. Surveillance is conducted from static observation
posts and by systematic communication and liaison with police,
customs, other regional authorities and with local landowners.
PHOTO: Corporal Tabuai is an Army Reservist with the 51st
Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment.
114 | OPERATIONS
PHOTO: The enormous task of making the roads passable again in West End, Brisbane is tackled by Army Reserve soldiers from
the 9th Battalion Royal Queensland Regiment who assisted Queensland emergency services as part of Operation QUEENSLAND
FLOOD ASSIST.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
116 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
OPERATION
QUEENSLAND FLOOD
ASSIST
By Mr Graham McBean, Sergeant Andrew Hetherington and Corporal Melanie Schinkel
The Australian Army played a critical role in responding to
the worst natural disaster in Queensland’s history. In total,
over 1900 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel were
deployed as Joint Task Force 637 (JTF 637) on Operation
QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST.
As the majority of Australians surveyed the devastation of
Grantham, Brisbane, Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley on the six
o’clock news, JTF 637 responded early in the crisis, bringing
in significant specialist capabilities followed by boots on the
ground as the water began to subside and the clean-up began.
No-one was prepared for the torrent that swept cars away in
Toowoomba, the destructive wall of water that descended
on Grantham, or the tragic loss of so many lives. For many
operational veterans, the devastation in the wake of the floods
was among the worst sights they had encountered. Brigadier
Paul McLachlan, Commander JTF 637, commented.
‘It was the worst carnage I have seen. Grantham has continually
shocked everybody who has been in there, including guys with
experiences of East Timor early in operations and an engineer
corporal who was part of the tsunami response.’
As the disaster unfolded, rotary-wing aircraft provided vital
response capability, bringing supplies to isolated towns and
regions, and executing daring airlift rescues by day and night.
Troops from the 8th/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment
(8/9 RAR), were involved in the heart-wrenching search and
recovery tasks in the Grantham and the Lockyer Valley.
Brigadier Paul McLachlan observed that the most important
quality ADF personnel brought to the flood effort was attitude.
‘Without fail, every single place that we have visited we have
had people come up and just comment on the dedication and
their work ethic. People are amazed at just how hard every
person is working. The dedication, professionalism, humility
and the support for those involved has been amazing.’
Former Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, AC,
DSC, CSM (Retd), visited the soldiers on the ground during
rescue and clean-up operations.
Lieutenant General Gillespie commented that ‘The recovery
effort went very well; a strong bond has been established
between the troops and the local people, the police, council and
other officials.’ He added, ‘It was particularly pleasing to see
regular and reserve forces working seamlessly together in such
a strong fashion. I was particularly proud to observe that, in
the face all of that damage, what I call “Team Australia” came
together to help other suffering Australians: it doesn’t get much
better than that.’
PHOTO: Two soldiers from 8/9 RAR look over the devastation in the town of Grantham.
118 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: A CH47 Chinook helicopter airlifts an ADF Water Purification Unit from Rockhampton to Theodore. The unit provided safe drinking
water to the residents of Theodore.
DELIVERING HOPE WITH THE
NECESSITIES
5th AVIATION REGIMENT
A Chinook from 5th Aviation Regiment transported 13
tonnes of essential supplies from St George to the floodisolated cotton-growing town of Dirranbandi in mid-January.
Dirranbandi is around 120 kilometres south of St George and
has 450 residents. The town became isolated as the main roads
were cut by floodwaters. Local resident Kimberley Gillan
said the town appreciated the delivery. ‘Daily necessities like
bread, milk and baby formula had been getting pretty scarce.’
11th BRIGADE
Personnel from 11th Brigade answered the call to
provide clean water to the residents of Theodore, located
approximately 200 kilometres south of Rockhampton.
Captain Darren Carter, 31st/42nd Battalion, The Royal
Queensland Regiment, Sergeant Brian Shephard and Sergeant
Chris Chase, both from 35th Field Squadron, deployed to
Theodore on 6 January 2011.
The team arrived aboard a Black Hawk and a Chinook that
carried their water purification unit in an external sling. The
team also helped locals to clean their homes.
‘We had more than 100 people come by to get water and we’d
sometimes see some people four times a day,’ Captain Carter
commented. The local population appreciated their assistance.
Even though they had little to offer, they demonstrated both
generosity and humour in their dealings with the Army team.
Captain Carter recalled, ‘One day we were walking back from
our site to our accommodation and there were a couple of
blokes sitting outside their house having a beer. They asked us,
“Do you want a beer?” The soldiers replied, “No, sorry, we’re
on the dry.” These locals were covered in mud, their house
was decimated and they had half of their belongings on the
median strip. One of the blokes looks at it all and says, “Well,
bugger me, and I thought I was in a bad way!”’
ARMY PITCHES IN…
• Soldiers with hand tools and heavy equipment including
front-end loaders, Mack dump trucks and skid-steer
loaders, and engineer support participated in the massive
clean-up effort, performing such tasks as road clearance,
kerbside collection, engineering reconnaissance and
assisting volunteers.
• Soldiers delivered about 800 000 litres of drinking water
by truck.
• Army Bushmaster vehicles and other heavy machinery were
used to transport people and stores, as well as to clear debris.
• Infantry personnel supported search and clean-up
operations.
• Engineers cleared debris by hand and with heavy
machinery, as well as conducting structural integrity
inspections of buildings.
• An Army Chinook helicopter provided heavy lift support.
• Nine Army Black Hawk helicopters undertook search,
recovery and transport tasks.
• Four Army Kiowa observation helicopters conducted
search operations.
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THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: Sapper Matthew Vayro assists local residents in removing
debris from the streets and verges into an Army Front End Loader in
Karalee, Queensland.
PHOTO: Army Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles drive through
the town of Grantham, Queensland.
122 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: Army Aircrewman guide Forest Hill residents to a
waiting Black Hawk helicopter for transfer to Gatton to escape
rising flood waters.
BLACK HAWK RESCUE
For more than nine hours on 11 January 2011, Black Hawk
220’s aircrew battled the most arduous flying conditions they
had ever encountered to help around 200 flood-stricken Forrest
Hill, Laidley and Gatton residents.
Captain Tony Southwood, a Black Hawk pilot from the Oakeybased Army Aviation Training Centre, was on board Black Hawk
220 assisting its pilot. He recalled that the weather became so
bad that, at one point, they had to land for their own safety.
‘Our average visibility was only about two kilometres.
The rain was heavy and we had lightning and thunderstorms
rolling on top of us, so we had to land and shut down until
it was safe enough for us to continue our tasks.’ Captain
Southwood said.The most significant rescues he witnessed
involved Laidley Hospital patients and a family of six trapped
on the roof of their Laidley home.
‘It was so hard to stop the tears from forming in my eyes.
Aircrew were carrying tiny crying babies onto the aircraft —
it was very powerful stuff,’ he explained. ‘Corporal Robert
Nelson rescued four children, their mother and grandmother
by individually hoisting them by sling about 25 metres from
their verandah rooftop into the helicopter.’
Corporal Nelson, who has served in East Timor, regards these
as his first real rescues in a four-year career as an aircrewman.
He explained that rescuing the family of six was particularly
difficult because two of the children were very young and too
small for the sling.
‘Although I have trained a lot to do this, it’s nerve-racking
picking up a real person from that height. For me, it was a tiring
but rewarding day because I helped people who were stranded
and had no other way of escaping the rising floodwaters.’
124 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CLEANING UP THE CAPITAL
Blue skies and receding waters were followed by a welcome
flood of Enoggera-based soldiers — much to the relief of
Brisbane and South-East Queensland residents. The soldiers
were deployed throughout Brisbane to assist in the mammoth
clean-up of Queensland’s capital.
More than 90 soldiers from 9th Battalion, The Royal
Queensland Regiment, were among the first to deploy to the
West End, just south of the Brisbane River, on 14 January.
The diggers worked as many as 22 hours in a day before the
floodwaters finally peaked, clearing mud and debris from the
streets. They performed tasks such as sandbagging, patrolling
and casualty evacuation before changing their focus to reopen
Brisbane’s flood-devastated roads.
Engineers from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment (2 CER)
and 21st Construction Squadron brought heavy machinery
and specialist skills to clean-up operations in South-East
Queensland. Sapper Naomi McCutcheon, a plant operator from
2 CER, was removing piles of debris with a loader for several
long days. ‘I’m just taken aback by the amount of devastation
in this area — it’s incredible,’ she said at the time, ‘You just
can’t really understand until you get here and see it. I wish I
could do more because there are many other suburbs that need
our help.’
PHOTO LEFT: Soldiers from 2 CER load a truck with water-damaged
furniture and household items from a home in Chelmer, Brisbane.
PHOTO FAR LEFT: Private Louis Farrell from B Company
9th Battalion Royal Queensland Regiment works hard to clear the
mud from an intersection in West End, Brisbane after the deluge of
flood-waters subsided.
126 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
OPERATION
YASI ASSIST
By Mr Graham McBean and Lance Corporal Mark Doran
In a summer of natural disasters, more than 1200 soldiers,
sailors and aircrew from Joint Task Force (JTF) 664 responded
within hours of Tropical Cyclone Yasi crossing the North
Queensland coast.
Many soldiers reported for duty, arriving in the disaster zone
while their partners and families managed posting cycle
relocations in and out of the Townsville area. Commander JTF
664, Brigadier Stuart Smith, thanked the military families for
both their understanding and their sacrifices, commenting,
‘Some families have recently arrived in North Queensland and
many of their removals have been affected by the floods, so it
really has been a demanding time.’
Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel were warmly
received by the North Queensland community and their efforts
and contribution proved highly effective. ‘Army has the ability
to bring lots of manpower into a site to repair damage and move
debris off roads in a coordinated fashion, and provide early
reconnaissance in hard-hit areas,’ Brigadier Smith explained.
The teamwork and rapid response capability of the ADF,
allied with the hard work and initiative displayed by its
personnel, ensured the effectiveness of the ADF contribution
to community recovery in the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi.
PHOTO ABOVE: An Australian flag flies amongst the trail of
destruction left behind by Cyclone Yasi in Townsville as soldiers from
the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment help clean the streets.
PHOTO RIGHT: Corporal Chris Hanley, Transport Driver from
3rd Combat Service Support Battalion hands out water to the children
of South Johnstone State School on their first day back at school after
Cyclone Yasi tore through Far North Queensland.
128 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: A LCM8 docks at Mourilyan Harbour
during Operation YASI ASSIST.
WORKING TOGETHER
Army and Navy joined forces in the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi
when an amphibious beach team from the 10th Force Support
Battalion and 35th Water Transport Squadron established a
beachhead in Mourilyan Harbour to receive Army’s Landing
Craft Medium (LCM8) and the Navy’s Landing Craft Heavy.
The landing craft delivered critical supplies, including food
and water, for the civilian population at Tully Heads, as well
as assets and personnel from the 3rd Combat Services Support
Battalion. These included engineering equipment, trucks and
ambulances for Operation YASI ASSIST.
LCM8 crewman Private Tate Ellis explained that, once they
had delivered the first load of food and water, they would
return immediately to Townsville to prepare for another trip
north. ‘On the next trip, we brought up a bladder containing
35 000 litres of diesel for use by the units operating in the
area,’ Private Ellis added. ‘It was fantastic to get out and do
the job to help and support the locals.’
ASSETS DEPLOYED:
• HQ JTF 664 – Command and Control.
• Army personnel – supporting operations including
reconnaissance, liaison, emergency relief, recovery
and clean-up.
• Small Army watercraft – amphibious landing capabilities,
light sea lift of emergency supplies and equipment.
• Land Craft Heavy – amphibious landing capabilities,
medium sea lift of emergency supplies and equipment.
• Six Black Hawk helicopters – search, recovery and transport.
PHOTO: Private David Wallis, Water Transport from 10 Force
Support Battalion in Townsville is part of the LCM8 crew involved
in transporting diesel from Townsville to Mourilyan Harbour
refuelling Army vehicles involved in Operation YASI ASSIST.
• One Chinook helicopter – search, recovery and transport.
• Eight Kiowas – search and reconnaissance operations.
130 | OPERATIONS
ON CLEAN-UP DUTY
Armed with chainsaws, axes, shovels and a generator,
the soldiers of 3 Brigade got down and dirty to lend a hand
in the Cyclone Yasi clean-up.
The Officer Commanding Alpha Company, 51st Battalion,
The Far North Queensland Regiment, Major Steve Paton,
said that the soldiers’ presence lifted the spirit of local
communities. Many people exhibited an obvious sense of
relief when they saw help arriving.
‘Our role included route reconnaissance and establishing
access along the major highways and roads to key
infrastructure,’ Major Paton said.
Many soldiers from Lavarack Barracks were quickly deployed
throughout Townsville to help repair damage and clear debris.
Lieutenant Tobias Pitt, from Bravo Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry
Regiment, noted that the main challenge lay in coordinating
the effort since all areas had been equally affected.
‘We started working in the Gulliver area at noon straight after
Tropical Cyclone Yasi had passed and finished at dusk each
night,’ Lieutenant Pitt explained. ‘The work was coordinated
with the State Emergency Services Queensland, while the
Queensland Police Service cordoned the roads we worked on.’
PHOTO RIGHT: Happy to help in the clean up on Operation YASI
ASSIST is Sergeant Steven McGowan, an Engineer from
16 Squadron, 15 Troop, 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment.
PHOTO MIDDLE: Corporal Alan Thomas from B Squadron 3rd/4th
Cavalry Regiment joins in the clean-up work of clearing the streets of
Townsville during Operation YASI ASSIST.
PHOTO FAR RIGHT: Private Barrett assists the township of
Cardwell cleaning the streets of fallen trees and debris after Cyclone
Yasi tore through the town.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
132 | OPERATIONS
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
AIR SUPPORT WELCOMED IN
CYCLONE ZONE
Air assets from the 5th Aviation Regiment (5 Avn Regt) in
Townsville and the Army Aviation Training Centre in Oakey
thundered into the Cassowary Coast regional area bringing
troops and vital supplies. Six Black Hawks, one Chinook and
eight Kiowa aircraft were force assigned to provide critical
Defence Assistance to the Civil Community in the cycloneravaged areas of North Queensland.
The Kiowas were used as observation platforms to meet the
commander’s information requirements on the status of the
affected communities, the condition of roads and the level of
damage to infrastructure such as power lines. The Chinook
and Black Hawks moved troops, equipment, water and food
into the disaster area.
The Commanding Officer of 5 Avn Regt, Lieutenant Colonel
James Brown, described the work as steady, allowing the
commander the flexibility to hurdle blocked roads and receive
instant information.
Lieutenant Colonel Brown said that, although the Army
Aviation Training Centre was not an operational unit, the way
it had responded to the two urgent Defence Assistance to the
Civil Community requests had been magnificent.
‘As usual, the work we did under the conditions was a
testament to the training and dedication of the air and groundcrews of 5 Avn Regt, as well as the whole of the aviation
capability. The 6th Aviation Regiment from Holsworthy also
responded quickly and effectively at extremely short notice
to look after the people of Queensland,’ Lieutenant Colonel
Brown added.
The task force for Operation YASI ASSIST was formed early
and quickly established command and control elements under
the command of Brigadier Stuart Smith. This enabled the local
disaster management groups’ requests to be handled through
Headquarters 3rd Brigade.
‘The weather was the biggest challenge for us; all our aircraft
were flown to Mackay to weather out the storm because of
concerns about the tidal surge,’ Lieutenant Colonel Brown
added. ‘We had missions which were cut short because of
the weather and a number of tasks were modified because the
cloud cover and rain were too extreme for operations.’
Aircraft and crews from 5 Avn Regt were also involved
in the evacuation of Theodore and in assisting Emergency
Management Queensland in the Queensland flood relief efforts
at towns such as Emerald, Ipswich, Biloela and Rockhampton.
PHOTO: Soldiers from Support Company, 1st Battalion The Royal
Australian Regiment land in an A15 Chinook in Cowley Beach Training
Area to assist in the clean up of towns affected by Cyclone Yasi.
134 | OPERATIONS
SUPPORT DELIVERED:
• About 2800 ration packs in the Cairns district, and more
than 390 ration packs and about 400 bottles of water in the
Innisfail district.
• Almost 50 tonnes of stores delivered to the Cairns district
and about 20 tonnes to the Townsville district.
• More than 160km of road cleared in the Townsville district.
• Debris removed from about 260km of road in the
Townsville district, 35km in the Cairns district and about
45km in the Innisfail district.
• Yards and grounds of more than 90 community properties
cleared in the Townsville district and 40 community
properties in the Innisfail district.
• Trees cut and cleared from almost 210 sites and debris
cleared from about 90 houses in the Innisfail district.
• Almost 250 tonnes of debris collected from the Innisfail
district.
• Doorknocks conducted on about 5000 homes in the
Townsville district and more than 450 homes in the
Innisfail district.
• About 210 civilians moved by air and road in the Cairns
district, 90 in Townsville and 14 in the Innisfail district.
PHOTO: A Black Hawk from the Joint Task Group 664, the Aviation
Task Group for Operation YASI ASSIST, lands for re-fueling at the
Tully Airport after completion of a troop transport task.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CHAPTER 4
VALE
138 | VALE
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
SAPPER
JAMIE LARCOMBE
CORPORAL
RICHARD ATKINSON
Sapper Jamie Larcombe, a 21-year-old member of the Darwinbased 1st Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER), was killed on
operations in Afghanistan on 19 February 2011.
Corporal Richard Atkinson, a 22-year-old member of the
Darwin-based 1st Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER),
was killed on operations in Afghanistan on 2 February 2011.
Corporal Atkinson was born in Hobart in 1988 and joined the
Army in 2007. In the same year, he successfully completed
his Recruit and Combat Engineer basic training prior to being
posted to 1CER.
He was promoted to Lance Corporal in 2009, having displayed
exceptional leadership in unifying his section during their
preparation for operations in Afghanistan. His dedication to his
section was further rewarded with his promotion to Corporal,
just prior to their deployment.
Corporal Atkinson was leading his Combat Engineer section
as a Search Commander when he was killed in action.
He is survived by his fiancée, parents, brother and sister-in-law.
Sapper Larcombe was born in Kingscote, South Australia,
in 1989. He joined the Army in 2008 and successfully
completed his Recruit and Combat Engineer basic training.
Corporal Atkinson was awarded the Australian Active Service
Medal with Clasp: International Coalition Against Terrorism;
Afghanistan Campaign Medal; the Australian Defence Medal;
and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Medal with
International Security Assistance Force Clasp. He was also
awarded the Army Combat Badge.
Corporal Atkinson’s service in the Australian Army included
deployments on Operation PADANG ASSIST (Indonesian
Earthquake) in October 2009 and Operation SLIPPER
(Afghanistan) from October 2010 to February 2011.
He was subsequently posted to 1CER in Darwin.
Sapper Larcombe was described by his Army mates as
dependable and genuine, with a wisdom instilled by his
country upbringing that was widely respected.
His service in the Army saw him awarded the Australian
Active Service Medal with Clasp: International Coalition
Against Terrorism; the Afghanistan Campaign Medal; the
Australian Defence Medal; and the North Atlantic Treaty
Organisation Medal with Clasp: International Security
Assistance Force.
Sapper Larcombe is survived by his partner, parents, and three
younger sisters.
During Sapper Larcombe’s service in the Australian Army,
he deployed on Operation PADANG ASSIST (Indonesian
Earthquake) in October 2009 and Operation SLIPPER
(Afghanistan) from October 2010 to February 2011.
140 | VALE
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
SERGEANT
BRETT WOOD, MG
LANCE CORPORAL
ANDREW JONES
Sergeant Brett Wood, a 32-year-old member of the Sydneybased 2nd Commando Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on
23 May 2011.
He was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when
he was killed in action by an improvised explosive device.
Lance Corporal Andrew Jones was a 25-year-old member of
the Amberley-based 9th Force Support Battalion serving in
Afghanistan with the Force Support Unit.
Sergeant Wood was born in Ferntree Gully, Victoria, in 1978
and joined the Army in 1996. Following recruit training, he
joined the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.
Sergeant Wood successfully undertook commando selection
and training and was posted to the 4th Battalion, The Royal
Australian Regiment (Commando), in November 1998.
Lance Corporal Jones was killed on operations on 30 May 2011.
He was born in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1986 and joined the
Army in 2004. Following recruit training, he completed his
Initial Employment Training as a cook, and joined the Catering
Platoon of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.
He was posted to the 9th Force Support Battalion in 2008.
Sergeant Wood had considerable operational experience.
His first deployment was to Bougainville in 2000. In 2001,
he deployed to East Timor on Operation TANAGER and in
2003 to Iraq on Operation FALCONER. In 2006 Sergeant
Wood deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation SLIPPER.
He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry for leadership in
action as a Team Commander during this tour.
Sergeant Wood received a Special Operations Commander –
Australia Commendation for his service with the Tactical
Assault Group – East in 2007. In 2009 he returned to
Afghanistan as a Section Commander. In March 2011,
Sergeant Wood deployed to Afghanistan for the third time.
Sergeant Wood is survived by his wife.
He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry; the Australian
Active Service Medal with Clasps: East Timor, International
Coalition Against Terrorism and Iraq 2003; the Afghanistan
Campaign Medal; the Iraq Campaign Medal; the Australian
Service Medal with Clasps: Bougainville, Counter Terrorism
and Special Recovery; the Defence Long Service Medal; the
Australian Defence Medal; the United Nations East Timor
Medal; the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Medal with
Clasp: International Security Assistance Force. He was
also awarded the Special Operations Command – Australia
Commendation and Unit Citation for Gallantry and the
Infantry Combat Badge. Sergeant Wood was posthumously
awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and the United
States Meritorious Service Medal.
Sergeant Wood’s service in the Australian Army saw him
deploy on a number of operations:
• Operation BEL ISI II (Bougainville), March – August 2000
• Operation TANAGER (East Timor), April – August 2001
• Operation FALCONER (Iraq), February – May 2003
• Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan), April – September 2006
• Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan), July – November 2009
• Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan), March – May 2011
Lance Corporal Jones’s first operational deployment was to
East Timor in 2008. His second, to Afghanistan, commenced
in November 2010.
Lance Corporal Jones was a loyal, reliable and committed
soldier who was dedicated to serving his country. He was
a team player who loved his job. His was a quiet, amiable
personality and he enjoyed a joke with his mates.
Lance Corporal Jones was a skilled cook who was always
the first to volunteer to deploy on exercise. In 2010, he was
promoted to Lance Corporal after completing his Junior
Leader Course.
He is survived by his parents, two younger siblings and
his girlfriend.
Lance Corporal Jones was awarded the Australian Active
Service Medal with Clasp: International Coalition Against
Terrorism; the Afghanistan Campaign Medal,; the Australian
Service Medal with Clasp: Timor-Leste; the Australian
Defence Medal; and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
Medal with Clasp: International Security Assistance Force .
During Lance Corporal Jones’s service in the Australian Army,
he deployed on Operation ASTUTE (East Timor) from July
to October 2008 and Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan) from
November 2010 to May 2011.
142 | VALE
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
LIEUTENANT
MARCUS CASE
Lieutenant Marcus Case was a 27-year-old member of the
Sydney-based 6th Aviation Regiment (6 Avn Regt). Lieutenant
Case was deployed to Afghanistan as a Heron Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle Operator. This was his first deployment to
Afghanistan.
He was killed on operations in Afghanistan on 30 May 2011.
SAPPER
ROWAN ROBINSON
Lieutenant Case was born in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1984.
He enlisted in the Army Reserve on 25 June 2002 and was
posted to the 5th/6th Royal Victorian Regiment.
In 2003, he commenced the Commando Selection and
Training process with the 1st Commando Regiment (1 CDO).
On completion of his training, he was posted to 1 CDO, which
included an operational tour to East Timor in 2007.
On 19 March 2008, Lieutenant Case transferred to the
Australian Regular Army, graduating as an officer before
undertaking pilot training at the Army Aviation Training
Centre in Oakey. On 10 December 2009, he was posted to
6 Avn Regt in Sydney.
Lieutenant Case’s first deployment was to Malaysia in July
2005 as an infantryman with the Rifle Company Butterworth. In
January 2011, he was part of the Aviation Battle Group deployed
to Queensland to assist in ADF flood relief operations.
A keen and motivated officer, Lieutenant Case was an
excellent pilot. He lived a very rich life, taking every
opportunity that was offered to him and making the most of
it. He was confident and capable and regarded as a man who
would tackle and complete any task.
Sapper Rowan Robinson was a 23-year-old member of the
Sydney-based Incident Response Regiment (IRR). Sapper
Robinson was on his second deployment to Afghanistan,
having deployed on Operation SLIPPER in 2007.
Lieutenant Case is survived by his parents and five siblings.
He was the youngest of six children.
He was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal
with Clasp: International Coalition Against Terrorism; the
Afghanistan Campaign Medal; the Australian Service Medal
with Clasp: Timor-Leste; the Australian Defence Medal and
the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Medal with Clasp:
International Security Assistance Force.
During his service in the Australian Army, Lieutenant Case
deployed on Operation ASTUTE (East Timor) from June to
September 2007; Operation QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST
in January 2011; and Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan) in
May 2011.
Sapper Robinson was serving with the Special Operations
Task Group when he was killed in action on 6 June 2011.
Sapper Robinson is survived by his mother, father, sister and
two brothers.
Born in Wahroonga, NSW, in 1987, Sapper Robinson joined
the Army in 2006. Following his initial recruit training, he was
posted to the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment. After four years
of service, he joined the IRR at the beginning of 2010 where
he completed his reinforcement cycle.
Sapper Robinson was awarded the Australian Active Service
the Afghanistan Campaign Medal; the Australian Defence
Medal and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Medal with
Clasp: International Security Assistance Force. He was also
awarded the Army Combat Badge.
Sapper Robinson’s mates described him as a superb young
man who was fit, ‘happy go lucky’ and a great team member.
He was a dedicated and professional soldier whose skill belied
his youth. His easy-going nature made him popular with his
peers and superiors.
During Sapper Robinson’s service in the Australian Army,
he deployed on Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan) from
September 2007 to April 2008 and from March to June 2011.
144 | VALE
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
SERGEANT
TODD LANGLEY
Sergeant Todd Langley was deployed as a Commando Section
Commander in the Special Operations Task Group on the
seventh operational deployment of his career.
Sergeant Langley was killed on operations in Afghanistan on
4 July 2011.
PRIVATE
MATTHEW LAMBERT
Born in Margaret River, Western Australia, in 1976, Sergeant
Langley enlisted in the Army Reserve on 18 April 1993 and
transferred to the Regular Army on 14 September 1994 to serve
with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. On
completion of the Commando Selection and Training course in
2004, he was posted to the 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian
Regiment (Commando), remaining with the unit through its
transition to the 2nd Commando Regiment (2 CDO).
Sergeant Langley was an extremely experienced Section
Commander who always set an example to those who worked
with him. He was an exemplary Commando and leader who
gave his best, and inspired those around him to achieve similar
standards. Sergeant Langley was universally respected by all
members of 2 CDO.
Sergeant Langley is survived by his wife and four children.
He was awarded the Commendation for Distinguished Service
2002 and 2008; Australian Active Service Medal with Clasps:
Timor-Leste and International Coalition Against Terrorism;
the Afghanistan Campaign Medal; the Australian Service
Medal with Clasp: Counter Terrorism and Special Recovery;
the Defence Long Service Medal; the Australian Defence
Medal; the United Nations Transitional Administration East
Timor Medal; the United States Meritorious Service Medal;
Private Matthew Lambert, a member of the 2nd Battalion,
The Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR), based in Townsville,
North Queensland, was serving in Afghanistan with the
Mentoring Task Force – 3.
He was killed on operations on 22 August 2011.
and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Medal with Clasp:
International Security Assistance Force. He was also awarded
the Infantry Combat Badge and the Unit Citation for Gallantry.
During Sergeant Langley’s service in the Australian Army he
deployed on a number of operations:
• Operation TANAGER (East Timor), October 2000 – May 2001
• Operation CITADEL (East Timor), May – October 2003
• Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan), February – May 2006
• Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan), May – August 2007
• Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan), December 2008
• Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan), July – November 2009
• Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan), March – July 2011.
Private Lambert was born in Kogarah, NSW, in 1985. He
joined the Army Reserve in southern Queensland, enlisting
in the 9th Battalion, The Royal Queensland Regiment, in
August 2005. In February 2007 he transferred to the Australian
Regular Army and was posted to 2 RAR in Townsville.
Private Lambert was a highly respected soldier who excelled
in any task he was assigned, and was committed to serving his
country in Afghanistan.
Private Lambert is survived by his parents and family.
Private Lambert was awarded the Australian Active Service
the Afghanistan Campaign Medal; the Australian Service
Medal with Clasp: Timor-Leste; the Australian Defence
Medal; the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal; and the North
Atlantic Treaty Organisation Medal with Clasp: International
Security Assistance Force. During Private Lambert’s service in
the Australian Army he deployed on Operation ASTUTE (East
Timor) from June to November 2009 and Operation SLIPPER
(Afghanistan) from June to August 2011.
146 | VALE
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CAPTAIN
BRYCE DUFFY
Captain Bryce Duffy was a member of the 4th Field Regiment,
The Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery (4 FD REGT),
based in Townsville, and was serving in Afghanistan with the
CRAFTSMAN
BEAU PRIDUE
Captain Duffy was killed on operations on 29 October 2011.
He was born in Sydney, NSW, in 1984 and educated in
Brisbane. He joined the Australian Defence Force Academy
in January 2003 where he completed a Bachelor of Science.
He graduated from the Royal Military College – Duntroon
in December 2006 and was posted to the 1st Field Regiment,
Royal Australian Artillery (1 FD REGT), based in Brisbane.
Craftsman Beau Pridue was deployed to East Timor with the
Timor-Leste Task Group Rotation 3. Craftsman Pridue was on
his first deployment.
Captain Duffy served with 1 FD REGT between 2007 and
2010. He was posted to 4 FD REGT in Townsville in January
2011 as the Assistant Operations Officer prior to his second
deployment to Afghanistan in September.
He died as a result of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in
East Timor on 15 September 2011.
Craftsman Pridue enlisted in the Army Reserve on 15 December
2007 under the Army Reserve Traineeship and Apprenticeship
Program as a Fitter Armament. He was posted to the 111th
Workshop Company, 8th Combat Service Support Battalion,
and was deemed qualified in his trade in December 2010.
Craftsman Pridue was a keen surfer with a jovial nature that
kept morale high in the workshop. He was popular with his
colleagues, and was a highly respected and professional
soldier who completed tasks reliably and competently.
Craftsman Pridue was awarded the Company’s Most Efficient
Soldier for 2010.
He is survived by his parents and family.
Craftsman Pridue was awarded the Australian Service Medal
with Clasp: Timor-Leste; the Australian Defence Medal; and
the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal.
During Craftsman Pridue’s service in the Australian Army he
deployed on Operation ASTUTE (East Timor) from June to
September 2011.
Captain Duffy was a well-known and highly regarded young
officer. He was recognised by his commanders for his strength
of character, determination and diligence. His peers remember
him as an officer who maintained the highest personal
standards. His selfless dedication to duty was demonstrated by
the fact that he had volunteered for his second tour of duty in
Afghanistan at short notice after a fellow officer was wounded
in action.
Captain Duffy is survived by his partner, parents and family.
He was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with
Clasp: International Coalition Against Terrorism; ; the
Afghanistan Campaign Medal; the Australian Defence Medal;
and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Medal with Clasp:
International Security Assistance Force; He was also awarded
a Meritorious Unit Citation – 1st Mentoring Task Force –
Afghanistan 20 January to 30 October 2010.
During Captain Duffy’s service in the Australian Army he
deployed on Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan) from January
to October 2010; Operation YASI ASSIST (Australia) in
February 2011; and Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan) from
September to October 2011.
148 | VALE
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
LANCE CORPORAL
LUKE GAVIN
CORPORAL
ASHLEY BIRT
Lance Corporal Luke Gavin, a member of the 2nd Battalion,
The Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR), based in Townsville,
North Queensland, was serving in Afghanistan with the
Corporal Ashley Birt was serving with the Combined Team
Uruzgan in Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Gavin was killed on operations on
29 October 2011.
He was killed on operations on 29 October 2011.
Born in Manly, NSW, in 1982, Lance Corporal Gavin enlisted
in the Army in 2004. On completion of his basic training and
Initial Employment Training, he was posted to 2 RAR as an
infantryman in 2005. He was promoted Lance Corporal in
January 2009.
Corporal Birt was born in Nambour, Queensland, in 1989.
He enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in June 2007
and was allocated to the Royal Australian Engineers as a
Geospatial Technician.
Following his Engineer Initial Employment Training and
Specialist Technical Geospatial Basic Course in December
2008, he was posted to the 1st Topographical Survey Squadron
(1 TOPO SVY SQN) as a Geospatial Technician. He was
promoted Lance Corporal in February 2011 and Corporal in
April 2011.
Corporal Birt’s colleagues described him as a popular
soldier who was proud to serve with 1 TOPO SVY SQN.
He maintained a very high level of physical fitness and played
hockey at the highest level. His natural leadership style,
maturity, sound work ethic and dedication to his specialist
trade saw him rapidly promoted through the ranks.
Corporal Birt is survived by his parents and brother.
He was a highly qualified soldier, having completed specialist
training as a combat first aider, a Pashtun linguist and an
Infantry Support Weapons Operator.
with Clasp: Solomon Islands II; the Australian Defence
Medal; and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Medal
with Clasp: International Security Assistance Force. During
Corporal Birt’s service in the Australian Army he deployed
on Operation ANODE (Solomon Islands) from July to
September 2010; Operation QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST
from January to February 2011; and on Operation SLIPPER
(Afghanistan) from May to October 2011.
Lance Corporal Gavin was a well-respected member of
2 RAR whose positive attitude and loyalty were appreciated
by his superiors and colleagues alike. His subordinate
soldiers were motivated by his professionalism, mateship and
outstanding specialist skills. He was also known as a devoted
husband and father.
Lance Corporal Gavin is survived by his wife and three children.
with Clasp: Timor-Leste; the Australian Defence Medal;
the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal; and the North Atlantic
Treaty Organisation Medal with Clasp: International Security
Assistance Force.
During Lance Corporal Gavin’s service in the Australian Army
he deployed on the following operations:
• Operation ASTUTE (East Timor), May – October 2006
• Operation ASTUTE (East Timor), October 2007 – March 2008
• Operation ASTUTE (East Timor), May 2009 – February 2010
• Operation SLIPPER (Afghanistan), June – October 2011
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CHAPTER 5
LOOKING BACK
152 | LOOKING BACK
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
110 YEARS
YOUNG
By Ms Natalie Alexander
The Australian Army celebrated its 110th birthday on 1 March
2011 with a commemorative service and breakfast at the
Australian War Memorial. The ceremony, led by former Chief
of Army Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM
(Retd), began at 7 am with the procession of the Army Banner
by members of Australia’s Federation Guard, accompanied by
the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
As members of the Army and other Defence personnel flanked
the War Memorial’s Pool of Reflection, Lieutenant General
Gillespie delivered the birthday address which reflected on
the long and proud history of the Australian Army. He spoke
of the strong affinity between the Australian community and
the Army, one of the first Commonwealth institutions founded
after Federation in 1901.
‘The need for the unified defence of our island continent was
a major impetus behind the Federation movement,’ Lieutenant
General Gillespie observed. ‘The Australian Army has always
been a truly national institution and has seen the service of almost
two million personnel over the past century. Australia continues
to have an Army for, and of, the whole Australian nation.’
Lieutenant General Gillespie acknowledged that the Army’s
110th birthday provided an opportunity to remember both
the Army’s achievements and its losses in Afghanistan over
the past 12 months. ʽBefore we celebrate, we must pause to
reflect on the work our people are doing for our nation, in
Afghanistan, and in many other parts of a troubled world.’
PHOTO: The former Chief of Army Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM (Retd), addresses the crowd at the Australian Army 110th
Birthday Commemorative Service.
While the Army and the Australian community had paid a high
price for its Afghanistan commitment, the Army remained
committed to its mission, and to other planned and unplanned
tasks such as operations in flood and cyclone-affected
communities at the beginning of 2011. ʽThe nation remains
well served by its Army and the young men and women who
have volunteered to constitute it,’ Lieutenant General Gillespie
asserted. ʽIn my 43 and a bit years of service, I’ve seen many
changes in Australian society and in our Army. What that
service qualifies me to say with the utmost confidence is that
the current generation of young Australians who make up the
bulk of the Army are very impressive people indeed.’
The former Chief’s address was followed by the laying of
wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Lieutenant
General Gillespie, Private Shane Fitzpatrick, one of the
Army’s youngest soldiers, and Mrs Lorna Ward, the oldest
surviving female veteran of World War II.
‘THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY HAS ALWAYS
BEEN A TRULY NATIONAL INSTITUTION
AND HAS SEEN THE SERVICE OF ALMOST
TWO MILLION PERSONNEL OVER THE PAST
CENTURY. AUSTRALIA CONTINUES TO
HAVE AN ARMY FOR, AND OF, THE WHOLE
AUSTRALIAN NATION.’
154 | LOOKING BACK
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
1911:
PREPARATION
FOR WAR
By Mr Roger Lee
THE YEAR 1911 WAS CRITICAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY.
HOWEVER, MOST AUSTRALIANS REMAIN UNAWARE OF THE DRAMATIC RESHAPING OF THE
ARMY BETWEEN FEDERATION IN 1901 AND THE OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR I IN 1914.
When the independent colonies joined to become a Federation,
they brought with them complex and established military
legacies, despite their common British colonial heritage.
The desperate need for standardisation within the colonial
forces saw a British pattern adopted for the new nation’s
military. However, a vast gulf existed between intention
and realisation. The first ten years of the new Australian
military force were characterised by political and social strife,
experimentation and, at times, neglect. The year 1911 stands
out as the turning point for establishing a credible military
capability in Australia — a capability that would be utilised
in 1914, but would not have existed without the developments
of 1911.
PHOTO: Lord Kitchener, seated with Defence Minister Joseph Cook
and Major General John Hoad (opposite), leave Spencer Street Station,
Melbourne in January 1910 on an official visit. Kitchener toured the
colony advising the Australian Government on defence prepraration.
In the years following Federation, debate raged between the
proponents of two distinct standpoints. The first was espoused
by those who saw Australia’s defence as relying principally on
the Royal Navy with a limited capability Army designed solely
for the protection of Australia’s vital assets. Opposing them
were those who advocated the development of an Australian
Army with genuine expeditionary and major combat
capability, and with the ability to operate as part of an Empire
response force wherever British interests were threatened.
The rise of Japan and the politics of the British Empire in
those early years further complicated the debate. An annual
subsidy paid to the Royal Navy to encourage the stationing
of major warships in Australian waters was a constant source
of annoyance to the ‘Imperial commitment’ defence lobby as
it diverted scarce resources from the preparation of a capable
Australian Army.
156 | LOOKING BACK
Internally, successive federal governments sought to extend
their control over the military by reorganising command and
control arrangements and allowing the Government more
day-to-day involvement in what was traditionally regarded as
‘internal military affairs’. Several reviews during the period
also highlighted the perilous state of Australia’s defences.
Warships were obsolete, military equipment was old and
inadequate, and war stocks of ammunition and replacement
equipment were practically non-existent. The internal debate
over defence priorities and even the various reorganisations
of the Army sent confusing messages concerning Australia’s
defence policy to London and to the Empire’s principal
Defence body — the Committee on Imperial Defence.
The Australian Government recognised the parlous state of
the nation’s defence preparedness and, in 1909, invited Field
Marshal Lord Kitchener to inspect and comment on Australia’s
defence preparation. Kitchener toured the country in 1910 and
made a number of recommendations, many of which were
adopted and implemented in 1911. Not even Kitchener, however,
could avoid becoming embroiled in the arguments between those
who favoured an independent ‘Australian’ defence policy and
those who advocated a collaborative ‘Empire’ approach. Those
in favour of an independent approach were, with considerable
justification, very suspicious of Kitchener’s motives, believing
him to be a partisan promoter of the ‘Empire’ approach.
The public reaction to the Kitchener visit encapsulated the
view of a large proportion of the population. Kitchener, the
‘hero of Omdurman’, was subjected to pop star-like adulation,
and the constant refrain throughout his visit was Empire
solidarity1. Not for the first time perhaps, the politicians failed
to understand the popular view in developing their policies.
1
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
Lord Kitchener was polite but critical of what he found and
made a number of recommendations to improve Australia’s
defence preparedness. While his central proposal was the
introduction of a scheme of compulsory military training,
it was his related finding that proved significant. Kitchener
was the first senior Imperial figure to acknowledge that, due
to its remoteness, Australia could be invaded by an organised
enemy long before the Royal Navy could react.
This conclusion provided the justification for the establishment
of a capable Australian Army. Whether that Army could be
sent overseas on Imperial duties would continue to be a major
political issue. Without a capable Army, however, the debate
was irrelevant.
KITCHENER WAS THE FIRST SENIOR IMPERIAL
FIGURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, DUE TO
ITS REMOTENESS, AUSTRALIA COULD BE
INVADED BY AN ORGANISED ENEMY LONG
BEFORE THE ROYAL NAVY COULD REACT.
Kitchener estimated that his scheme would produce for Australia
84 infantry battalions, 28 light horse regiments, 49 field artillery
batteries, 7 heavy artillery batteries, 7 communications companies
and 14 field engineer companies — all from a population
of just under four million. Kitchener also recommended the
establishment of an Australian officer training college to prepare
staff officers and to train the instructors of the Militia forces.
The basis of this instruction was the Imperial system and its
methods. Kitchener also recommended strengthening rifle clubs
as the third tier reserve of trained riflemen.
Omdurman was the site of the 1898 battle in which an Anglo-Egyptian army led by Lord Kitchener defeated the Sudanese.
Responsibility for implementing the Kitchener
recommendations fell to the Fisher Labor Government which
had won government in its own right with a landslide at the
April 1910 elections. The new Minister for Defence was
Senator George Pearce who received a personal briefing from
Kitchener on his findings.
Force to World War I as quickly or as successfully as it did.
It is also arguable that, without these preparations, the
Australian contingent either would have been unsuitable for
service alongside the other Empire forces, or would have paid
a much higher price to gain the necessary skills.
Much changed in 1911 as a result of the Kitchener visit.
The existing military service schemes were restructured
to provide the level of trained manpower that Kitchener
suggested. The unpaid volunteer units of the Militia were
merged into the paid Citizen Military Forces. Kitchener
also recommended a standing (part-time) Army of 81 000 in
peacetime, expanding to 135 000 full-time in war. This would
enable the Army to provide credible local defence and attain a
standard that would allow its inclusion in an Empire army.
The Royal Military College at Duntroon opened its doors on
27 June 1911. All of this pointed to a serious attempt to create
a capable fighting force.
Australian involvement in Imperial defence was heightened
by the presence of the Prime Minister at the 1911 meeting
of the Committee of Imperial Defence. At this conference,
the contentious idea that, in times of great emergency, all
the Dominions under the leadership of Great Britain should
subscribe to mutual support was finally agreed. As part of
this, the requirement for common equipment, organisation
and training across the Empire was formally established.
The Dominions remained adamant that this was not an openended agreement committing forces to an Imperial-led army.
What none of the participants could have realised was that
1911 was a critical year for the Australian military. Without
the focus on equipment, organisation and training that began
in 1911, it is questionable whether Australia could have
dispatched the 20 000 men of the first Australian Imperial
PHOTO: Lord Kitchener in the Domain of Government House, on the
occasion of a review of cadets.
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THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: 15 February 1942, British troops surrender to the Japanese in the city area, after the unconditional surrender of all British Forces
following the successful invasion of Malaya and Singapore Island by the Japanese 25th Army.
1941: A NATION IN TURMOIL AND A
DEFENCE STRATEGY
SHATTERED
By Mr Roger Lee
While most Australians know that World War II began on
3 September 1939, few realise that 1941 was the year that
Australia’s remoteness and international insignificance —
major influences on its defence policy — effectively ended.
In the 40 years following Federation, Australia had relied
on these strategic realities, as well as the Royal Navy, to
guarantee its security. Prior to 1941, Australia had become
engaged in war through choice, and when it was in the
national interest to do so. The events of 1941 demonstrated
that Australia was no longer able to pick and choose its
international involvement; the actions of other nations could
involve Australia against its will. One of the elder statesmen
of Australian history, T. B. Millar, once observed that,
‘Australian political leaders maintained the colonial reliance
upon the Royal Navy out of a desire to reap the benefits of
independence without the international responsibilities.’
He added that ‘Australia’s pre-war policy over Japanese
expansionism was a triumph of self-interest and pusillanimity
over principles of any kind.’
The year 1941 became the period of reckoning for two
decades of misguided defence policies. When Japan attacked
the United States in December 1941, the whole basis of
Australian defence planning collapsed, and the war ceased to
be something remote and largely irrelevant to Australians.
The consequence of this act of aggression for Australia was
the collapse of previous defence strategic assessments.
The results were calamitous, but thanks to a new ally, not as
calamitous as they could have been.
Having failed comprehensively to learn any lessons from
the previous world war, Australia entered World War II in a
far worse state than in 1914. The Army was still a part-time
force, hopelessly under-strength and equipped with museumstandard equipment. The Army could not be sent for service
beyond Australian territory; thus, as occurred in 1914, an
entirely new and separate force — the Second Australian
Imperial Force (AIF) — had to be raised.
A belated recognition in the late 1930s of the threat posed by
expansionist Japan, combined with a growing suspicion that
the much-hyped ‘Fortress Singapore’ was not the deterrent
to Japan it was purported to be, resulted in some hasty and
largely ineffective remedial work on the Australian Army.
Muddled thinking about Japan and likely Japanese intentions
further confused government policy when war eventually
broke out — for the war was against Germany. The problem
was that the British Government quite reasonably wanted
160 | LOOKING BACK
Australian troops sent to Europe. The Australian Government
was watching events to the north, not in Europe, and was
caught up in the swell of popular pro-Empire support and
forced to raise troops to go to the direct support of the British.
To placate nervous Australian politicians, the British
authorities continued to talk up the Singapore deterrent,
while belatedly trying to hasten completion of the
fortifications. With an ongoing domestic political distrust of
Japan, the Australian response to war was much slower than
in 1914. It was not until January 1941 that the first Australian
soldiers engaged the enemy in North Africa.
A total of three AIF Infantry divisions were raised and saw
service in the Western Deserts of Africa and the Mediterranean
theatres of war. In recognition of the uncertainty surrounding
Japanese intentions in the Pacific, the Australian Government
raised another AIF infantry division and sent it to reinforce
Singapore. The part-time domestic forces were also ramped
up, with the Militia called up on the outbreak of war. Training
rates were increased, although the conscripts theoretically
could only be held for the legislated 90 days. The approach
to preparing the part-time troops — the pre-war bulk of the
Australian Army — was amateurish and half-hearted.
The Australian Government did not, however, consider the
implications of unfolding events. The fall of France required
the Royal Navy to undertake tasks in the Atlantic and
Mediterranean that were previously the responsibility of the
French Navy. The Royal Navy suffered heavy casualties in
ships in 1939–41, not least during the evacuation of Crete.
In mid-1941 the Vichy French Government allowed the
Japanese to enter French Indo-China (now Vietnam), bringing
Japanese bases much closer to Singapore than pre-war
planning had envisaged.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
Between 1939 and 1941, defence policy wavered between
support for the Empire’s war effort in Europe and a desire
to retain sufficient military strength in Australia to deal with
any southward strike by Japan. The inevitable result of these
conflicting directions was a policy that saw the AIF raised
very slowly and deliberately held back from deployment.
This policy prevented Militia members from joining the
AIF for overseas service, thus depriving the AIF of many
good recruits and potential leaders. Overall, the mobilisation
was poorly conceived and incompetently executed. For the
first few years, even domestic security was largely left to
the Returned Service League’s private Army, the Volunteer
Defence Corps.
Domestic defence industry preparedness was equally woeful.
There was insufficient industrial capability to provide for the
new forces being raised and the Army had to rely initially
on supplies of complex equipment such as tanks, aircraft
and artillery from overseas. In the early years of the war,
Australia was not a high priority with overseas suppliers and,
consequently, the Army remained seriously underequipped for
most of the war.
that the key assumptions of the pre-war strategy were already
beginning to unravel. The Australian Government recalled the
AIF from the Middle East and began to look increasingly to
the United States for military and materiel support.
An Australian military historian recently summarised the
change in Australian defence policy in 1941 as: ‘Australia
moved rapidly from a strategy of defending the country with
Great Britain’s last man and last shilling to defending it with
the United States’ last man and last dollar!’
The year 1941 provides many good lessons for strategic
planners, chief among them the dangers in believing in
the predictability of future conflicts. This was a year that
demonstrated all too clearly the risks of pursuing strategies built
on wishful thinking, financial rationales or flawed assumptions.
THE YEAR 1941 PROVIDES MANY GOOD
LESSONS FOR STRATEGIC PLANNERS, CHIEF
AMONG THEM THE DANGERS IN BELIEVING IN
THE PREDICTABILITY OF FUTURE CONFLICTS.
In 1941 Australians were forced to consider the unthinkable —
Australia was a part of Asia and a long way away from
traditional and culturally similar allies. Australia was forced to
look beyond the traditional paradigm for allies and supporters
during a period that revealed the true extent of the decline
of the British Empire and Britain as a world power. In many
ways, 1941 was the beginning of an independent, confident
new Australia free from the Empire entanglements that guided
its development in the 40 years following Federation.
The Japanese strike into South-East Asia resolved all the
domestic political doubts, quickly establishing new national
defence priorities and overcoming much of the political
grandstanding of the previous two years. While Singapore
did not fall until early in 1942, the last weeks of 1941
demonstrated that Britain was already so overextended that,
unless Australia could find a new ally, it would largely be
responsible for its own defence. While neither the British nor
the Australian Governments could have anticipated the fall of
Singapore, Britain’s inability to provide adequate supplies of
modern equipment to the garrison in Singapore demonstrated
PHOTO: SINGAPORE, 12 August 1941. ‘Taken the morning after Singapore and Pearl Harbour bombed by the Japanese. Members of HQ
Royal Australian Engineers 8th Division - all taken POW and only myself survived.’ NX26178 Sapper Rae Brown.
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THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: General J. Van Fleet (far left) inspecting 3 RAR while bestowing the Presidential Unit Citation for their action in Kapyong.
1951:
KOREA
By Dr Andrew Richardson
During 1951, the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian
Regiment (3 RAR), fighting as part of a British
Commonwealth Brigade in Korea, was engaged in the two
most significant and commemorated battles of the Australian
Army’s deployment to the three-year Korean War.
The battles of Kapyong (23–24 April 1951) and Maryang San
(2–8 October 1951) were significant confrontations with a
numerically superior enemy force, and saw 3 RAR win the
first honours for the newly formed Royal Australian Regiment.
KAPYONG
The massive Chinese Fifth Phase Offensive was launched
on 22 April 1951 to drive the United Nations forces into the
southern part of the Korean peninsula. 3 RAR and the 2nd
Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
(2nd PPCLI) as part of the 27th Commonwealth Infantry
Brigade, were ordered 60 kilometres north-east of Seoul to the
Kapyong River Valley to stem the enemy’s advance. 3 RAR
dug in on the high ground on the east of the river to form one
part of a defence-in-depth blocking position, with 2nd PPCLI
on the western side.
The South Korean 6th Division retreated in the face of
overwhelming Chinese numbers on the afternoon of
23 April. The Australians and Canadians, with the 1st Battalion
Middlesex Regiment (1 Mx), the 16th Field Regiment
164 | LOOKING BACK
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
(16 Fd Regt), Royal New Zealand Artillery, and Company A,
72nd US Tank Battalion, in support, settled in to face the
impact of the enemy advance.
difficult with the pursuing enemy maintaining contact well
into the night, before 3 RAR was able to break contact and
continue its withdrawal.
3 RAR fought off waves of attacking infantry with A and
B Companies at the front facing extremely heavy fire and
bearing the brunt of the attack. Battalion Headquarters 3 RAR
was forced to withdraw to 1 Mx’s position south-west of
its four companies, some four kilometres from its fighting
troops. This effectively left the companies isolated overnight.
16 Fd Regt provided effective fire support which held off the
enemy, despite having to relocate its position due to enemy
encroachment.
3 RAR lost 32 killed in action. Along with its Canadian,
British, New Zealand and United States allies, 3 RAR
managed to hold the advancing Chinese divisions in the
Kapyong River valley for 24 hours, allowing United Nations
forces further south to shore up a defensive line. It then
successfully conducted a fighting withdrawal to extricate itself
from encirclement and rejoin its parent brigade, exemplifying
the discipline, courage and skill required to succeed in its
mission. For their courageous actions, both 3 RAR and
2nd PPCLI were awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation by
the United States Government.
As the morning of 24 April dawned, the open ground
below A and B Companies’ positions revealed Chinese
forces in great numbers. The artillery, tanks and a company
of American mortars poured fire onto the open ground
in support of the Australians, causing extremely heavy
casualties and a localised withdrawal by Chinese forces.
B Company was ordered off its position to higher ground,
and then subsequently reordered back to its former position,
necessitating a bayonet charge to remove the Chinese now
occupying it. This attack failed, placing the Australians in
even greater peril.
The Chinese attempted to outflank the Australian positions
to the east, meeting D Company on a feature called Hill 504.
Again, 16 Fd Regt used its firepower in support, allowing
D Company to repulse repeated attempts on its position.
In the early afternoon, two United States Corsairs accidentally
delivered a napalm airstrike on D Company’s position, killing
two soldiers. Shortly afterwards, orders came through to
conduct a fighting withdrawal of all four companies southwest through the 1 Mx position. This proved extremely
PHOTO: View from the hill occupied by A Company, 3 RAR towards
C Company’s position in the foreground at Kapyong.
166 | LOOKING BACK
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
MARYANG SAN
Later that year, as part of a large United Nations offensive,
3 RAR was again involved in a significant action — this time
at Maryang San. The 28th British Commonwealth Brigade was
part of a four-division attack — Operation COMMANDO —
just north of the 38th parallel. 3 RAR’s contribution was to
assist in the capture of Hill 355 (Kowang San) by a British unit
and, in the second phase of the battle, take Hill 317 (Maryang San)
itself. The Americans had tried to capture Maryang San
and failed on two previous occasions. Maryang San was
mountainous and rugged, with opportunities for both entrenched
defence and attackers to move under cover of foliage.
The assault against Kowang San was launched on 3 October
1951. Well-entrenched Chinese positions caused heavy
casualties among the United Nations allies. With the final capture
of this first hill (Kowang San) delayed until late on 4 October,
3 RAR’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Hassett,
launched his attack against the eastern ridge of Maryang San at
4.45 am on 5 October, having first positioned his companies in
the foothills of the objective under cover of darkness.
With A Company creating a diversion on the south-eastern
spur, B Company made its way up to the crest of the eastern
ridge, allowing D Company to fight on to take the objective.
C Company remained in reserve. Under cover of mist from the
Imjin River, progress was reasonably solid until late morning
when the mist lifted. Suddenly exposed halfway up the steep
hillside of the main ridge, D Company pushed through a
severe firefight to take one of Maryang San’s knolls, leaving
further heavily defended knolls still to capture.
D Company continued on with the support of 3 RAR’s
Medium Machine Gun Platoon, taking a further two knolls
under heavy grenade, small arms and machine-gun fire,
PHOTO: View from the northernside of Hill 355.
168 | LOOKING BACK
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: Senior personnel from 3 RAR, 1951. Lieutenant Colonel Frank Hassett is second from left.
PHOTO: Maryang San is the peak in the middle distance, captured by 3 RAR in October 1951.
but counting on accurate supporting mortar and artillery fire
to suppress the defenders as much as possible. At this point,
Hassett threw C Company in to support D Company and make
a final push for the summit of Maryang San. A Company was
absorbing heavy Chinese fire on the southern flank allowing
D Company (and C Company) to progress along the knolls
without additional defenders to negotiate. C Company climbed
the remaining 130 metres up the steep slope and removed the
Chinese from the summit at 5 pm. Thereafter they resisted
heavy counterattacks, while A Company cleared the Chinese
from their positions south-east. The summit had to be defended
for a further two days against shelling and mortar fire.
Having secured Maryang San, Hassett was directed to assault
‘The Hinge’ to assist the attack by the Northumberland
Fusiliers on Hill 217. B Company attacked along the ridge
from Maryang San towards ‘The Hinge’ with Hassett
coordinating supporting fire from his headquarters on the
summit of Maryang San, which was also subject to fierce
bombardment. B Company took ‘The Hinge’ on the morning
of 7 October and continued to hold it through what Captain
A.G.W. Keys described as ‘the Communists’ biggest artillery
effort of the war’.
Three separate Chinese counterattacks failed to budge the
Australians from their position and, by dawn on 8 October,
the Chinese had abandoned their assault on ‘The Hinge’ and
withdrawn from Hill 217. The objectives had been won. In five
days of fighting, 3 RAR had destroyed two Chinese battalions,
killed at least 283 Chinese, and taken 50 prisoners, with a loss
of 29 killed and 89 wounded in action.
IN FIVE DAYS OF FIGHTING, 3 RAR HAD
DESTROYED TWO CHINESE BATTALIONS,
KILLED AT LEAST 283 CHINESE, AND TAKEN
50 PRISONERS, WITH A LOSS OF 29 KILLED
AND 89 WOUNDED IN ACTION.
Kapyong was a defensive operation, while Maryang San was
an offensive operation. Both however, demonstrated 3 RAR’s
ability to conduct close combat with great skill and courage
under different tactical circumstances, great adversity, and
against overwhelming numbers. Kapyong and Maryang San
are Battle Honours proudly emblazoned on the Colours of the
Royal Australian Regiment.
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THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
1971: FAREWELL TO ‘THE DAT’ —
THE AUSTRALIAN
WITHDRAWAL FROM
VIETNAM
The Australian Army began its commitment to the Vietnam
War in 1962 with the deployment of the Australian Army
Training Team – Vietnam. In 1965 the first formed unit, the
1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment Group, was
deployed as part of the United States (US) 173rd Airborne
Brigade. The desire for a distinct Australian area of operations
led to the deployment in 1966 of the 1st Australian Task
Force (1 ATF) to Phuoc Tuy province. 1 ATF commenced
operations with two battalions and supporting arms, including
New Zealand sub-units, adding a third infantry battalion in
December 1967 and a tank squadron in early 1968.
By 1971, the enemy provincial forces had been pushed out
of Phuoc Tuy province and Highway 15 — the main route
between Saigon and the port of Vung Tau — was open to
unescorted traffic.
Despite 1 ATF success in Phuoc Tuy, opposition to the war
continued to grow in Australia. The commitment of National
Service conscripts to operations in 1966 was the focus of
much of this opposition. Some members of the Australian
Labor Party, then in opposition, had been active in the anti-
conscription movement in 1916. Conscription for service
outside Australia had been contentious ever since; even in
World War II, conscripts could only be deployed to a designated
area including the territories of Papua and New Guinea.
THE ENEMY’S TET OFFENSIVE IN 1968 HAD
RAISED SERIOUS DOUBTS IN AUSTRALIA
AND THE US AS TO WHETHER THE VIETNAM
WAR WAS WINNABLE.
The enemy’s Tet Offensive in 1968 had raised serious
doubts in Australia and the us as to whether the Vietnam
war was winnable. In 1970, Australian opposition to the
war culminated in a series of Moratoriums — coordinated
demonstrations in all major Australian cities. The first was
in May 1970, the second in September and the third in June
1971. Events in Vietnam such as the Mai Lai massacre, the
invasion of Cambodia and the release of the Pentagon Papers,
progressively lent moral and, in the latter case, intellectual
justification to the Moratorium organisers.
PHOTO: June 1971. South Vietnam. A centurion tank of C squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment, moving through the jungle. The Squadron supported
soldiers of 3 RAR and 4 RAR in Operation Overlord on the border of Phuoc Tuy and Long Khan Provences, to the north od 1 ATF base at Nui Dat.
172 | LOOKING BACK
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
US public opinion had also turned against the war. President
Nixon was elected in December 1968 and began to plan
the American withdrawal from Vietnam. The US military
leadership planned a balanced withdrawal, and the first
contingent — albeit a relatively small percentage of the US
commitment of over 500 000 troops — headed home in June
1969. At the same time, the US requested that the Australians
remain in Phuoc Tuy to secure Vung Tau and the highway
connecting it to Saigon.
The year 1969 was a tumultuous period for the Australian
Government which had become increasingly focused on its own
leadership woes and internal politics after winning the Federal
election by a narrow margin. Despite mounting pressure, no
decision was made on the Vietnam commitment until April
1970, when the Government announced that the 8th Battalion,
The Royal Australian Regiment, would not be replaced at
the end of its tour in November of that year. Unlike the US
withdrawal plan, the Australian approach was simply not to
replace units as they reached the end of their tours, with little
regard for the impact on the capabilities of 1 ATF.
In March 1971, the Government announced further reductions
in the force, including the withdrawal of the tank squadron, the
Royal Australian Air Force bomber squadron and some light
transport aircraft. There was no plan to retain a balanced force
as the Australians drew down and the enemy, noting the signs,
began to return to the province.
In July and August 1971, during Operation OVERLORD,
the 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, and Royal
New Zealand Regiment (4 RAR/NZ), supported by tanks and
artillery, fought a series of actions in bunker systems around
the Courtney rubber plantation against the 274th Viet Cong
Regiment, successfully capturing the bunkers. In September,
following the withdrawal of the tanks, 4 RAR/NZ encountered
the 33rd North Vietnamese Army Regiment near Nui Le in
what was to be the last major Australian action of the war.
Without tank support, three Australian assaults were driven
back and the enemy moved to counterattack the Australians.
The lack of bunker-busting capability was exacerbated by the
fact that the light anti-armour weapons issued to the Battalion
had been withdrawn because they were defective. As the
enemy retreated under cover of darkness, the Australians
had suffered heavier casualties than in earlier, similar actions.
The lesson of maintaining force balance and tailoring
operations to the capabilities of the force was relearned at a
high cost.
In August 1971, the Australian Government announced that
1 ATF would cease combat operations in Phuoc Tuy province
in October, and the logistics base at Vung Tau would close in
February of 1972. In October, the 3rd Battalion, The Royal
Australian Regiment, returned to Australia on HMAS Sydney,
leaving 4 RAR/NZ to guard Nui Dat. 4 RAR departed ‘the
Dat’ on 7 November 1971 and sailed on HMAS Sydney on
9 December. The last logistics units departed Vung Tau on
5 March 1972. The Australian Army Training Team was
to remain in Phuoc Tuy until precipitately withdrawn in
December 1972 following the Labor election victory.
While debate on the Vietnam War tends to focus on whether
Australia should have committed troops to the conflict in the
first place, the year 1971 offers valuable lessons on how
(or how not) to extract forces from a lost war.
PHOTO: Nui Dat, South Vietnam. November 1971. The last Australian
troops to leave Nui Dat, home of the 1st Australian Task Force in
Vietnam for more than five years, rumble past the main gate of the base
aboard armoured personnel carriers on their way to Vung Tau.
174 | LOOKING BACK
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
NAMED, REMEMBERED &
HONOURED
By Mr Alan Cooper
On a cloudy July evening in the north of France a poignant and
moving ceremony was held to dedicate fourteen headstones at
the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery. Marking the
95th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles, relatives of the young
soldiers who died in World War I were able to witness the results
of the Unrecovered War Casualties team’s work.
Family members, dignitaries and Fromelles residents gathered
on the 19 July 2011 as a mark of respect for the young men of
Australia who travelled half way around the world to serve the
country and its allies. The ceremony honoured a commitment
and a pledge that these young men would not be forgotten.
Since 2008, the process of exhuming, identifying and
reburying the remains of 250 Australian and British soldiers
from a World War I burial site near the French town of
Fromelles has been underway.
In 2009, the remains of 250 soldiers were recovered from
several burial pits near Pheasant Wood on the outskirts of
Fromelles. In January and February 2010, the bodies were
reinterred in a new Commonwealth War Graves Commission
cemetery, the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery.
On 19 July 2010, the 94th anniversary of the Battle of
Fromelles, the remains of the last unknown soldier were laid
to rest, and the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery
was dedicated in the presence of a large crowd. His Royal
PHOTO: Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery,
in northern France.
PHOTO: Children from the Cobbers School, Fromelles assist with the ceremony at the Fromelles Military Cemetery.
176 | LOOKING BACK
Highness Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, Her Excellency
Ms Quentin Bryce, CV, CVO the Governor-General of
Australia, and other dignitaries were joined by the families and
descendants of many of those who were lost during the Battle
of Fromelles.
The painstaking excavation work at Fromelles has resulted
in the identification of 110 of those recovered as Australian
soldiers and these men have been reburied by name. A further
100 of those remaining are believed to be Australian while two
others may be soldiers from the British Army. A further 38 are
unidentified — ‘known unto God’ in the parlance of military
cemeteries.
The identification of those who died during the Battle of
Fromelles is a challenging task and one that affects the
emotional fibre of many Australian families today. Meticulous
forensic analysis was required in accordance with international
standards to establish identity where possible.
THE IDENTIFICATION OF THOSE WHO DIED
DURING THE BATTLE OF FROMELLES IS
A CHALLENGING TASK AND ONE THAT
AFFECTS THE EMOTIONAL FIBRE OF MANY
AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES TODAY.
The work of identifying more of those remaining will
continue until 2014. Each year a Data Analysis Team and a
Joint Identification Board will convene at Australia House in
London to continue the work of Fromelles.
The Data Analysis Team considers a variety of evidence
and provides a method for collegiate analysis. The evidence
includes archaeological artefacts, anthropological data, DNA
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
analysis and matching historical archival material such as
individual military records, Commonwealth War Graves
Commission records and information provided by families.
Anthropologists, geneticists, archaeologists and members of
the British Ministry of Defence, Australian Department of
Defence and the Australian High Commission are represented
in the Data Analysis Team. By following thorough analysis on
a case-by-case basis, the team provides recommendations to
the Joint Identification Board.
The Board considers the evidence of the Data Analysis Team
in order to catalogue the identities of the remains in one of
three categories:
Everyone involved in the ongoing project maintains the
conviction that many more of those who are ‘known unto
Godʾ will be commemorated in the Fromelles (Pheasant
Wood) Military Cemetery with a personal headstone.
This will finally restore their identity and their dignity while
also acknowledging their service and sacrifice at the Battle
of Fromelles.
REMEMBERING
Fourteen soldiers were remembered on 19th July 2011:
Captain Thomas Francis Sheridan, 29th Battalion
3310 Corporal Frederick Fletcher, 55th Battalion
1168 Corporal David Frederick Livingston, 29th Battalion
• Category 1 — soldiers identified by name. All soldiers
allocated a Category 1 identification have had their identity
established beyond reasonable doubt.
1590 Corporal Charles William Murray, 30th Battalion
• Category 2 — soldiers identified by nationality. Category
2 identifications have had their origin established, usually
through artefacts.
4811 Private Percy Geason, 55th Battalion
• Category 3 — soldiers yet to be identified by name or
nationality. Category 3 identifications comprise those
soldiers with no evidence to support an identification of
any kind.
3227 Private George William Hungerford, 53rd Battalion
While the Joint Identification Board convenes as a group,
decisions on Category 1 and 2 identifications are made by
a single decision-maker representing a particular country.
This member has been appointed to confirm identification in
accordance with the strict practices and procedures that have
been established by the Fromelles project. Both the Team and
the Board rely on the information and DNA samples collected
from families, with the Australian Army setting the standards
in this work.
4420 Lance Corporal William Andrew Craigie, 54th Battalion
4744 Private Albert Clive Bromley, 53rd Battalion
1390 Private Herbert James Haslam, 29th Battalion
2056 Private Matthew Hepple, 30th Battalion
325 Private Maurice Leslie Reid, 32nd Battalion
4299 Private Arthur Russell, 54th Battalion
743 Private Daniel Bernard Ryan, 30th Battalion
311 Private Leslie Gordon Walsh, 31st Battalion
PHOTO: Major General Brian Dawson, Senior Australian
Representative to NATO and EU, representing the Chief of Army
payed his respects as the last post is played.
178 | LOOKING BACK
PARIT SULONG —
THE MISSING MEN OF
THE BATTLE OF MUAR
By Ms Dale Morley
IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON OF 22 JANUARY 1942, AFTER A WEEK OF BLOODY AND
DESPERATE FIGHTING AROUND MUAR, MALAYA, THE ALLIED GUNS FELL SILENT.
IN THE SMALL PROVINCIAL VILLAGE OF PARIT SULONG, A MEDICAL CONVOY OF THE
MOST SERIOUSLY WOUNDED AUSTRALIAN AND INDIAN SOLDIERS AND A FEW BRAVE
VOLUNTEERS SAT ALONE ON THE BATTLEFIELD WITH LITTLE HOPE OF HELP.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
At 1105, Lieutenant General Gordon Bennett sent Lieutenant
Colonel Charles Anderson, Commanding Officer of the 2/19th
Battalion, the following message:
one another, with bodies two or three deep. During the chaos,
the steady stream of advancing Japanese never ceased — the
invasion force was marching on Singapore.
ʽRegret that there is little prospect any success attacks
78M – 80M to help you ...
You may at your discretion leave wounded with volunteers ...
Sorry, unable to help after your heroic effort. Good Luck.
Gordon Bennett.’
At sunset, the guards busied themselves moving machine-guns
to the south of the building. Prisoners were carefully tied with
their hands behind their back and the rope around their necks
then secured to the next prisoner in the line.
The convoy sat waiting. Every now and again sporadic shots
would ring out. Occasionally someone in the convoy would
retaliate using one of the handful of weapons which remained.
At 1430 the ammunition ran out and, for a short period,
the road was bathed in an eerie silence before the convoy’s
position was overrun by the enemy. The Japanese yelled,
shouted and gesticulated at the wounded, directing them to
move to a nearby building.
A few of the more able-bodied tried to assist those who were
more seriously wounded. Others dragged themselves to the
building. Those who did not move quickly enough or failed to
comprehend the directions they were given were hit with rifle
butts, kicked, bayoneted or shot.
When a prisoner died or fell unconscious, he was cut from the
line and left where he fell. When the guards ran out of rope,
signal wire was used. As night fell, even this ran out, leaving
the last 20 or so prisoners untied.
The wounded prisoners were moved to the rear of the building
and shot with rifles and machine-guns. The sound of automatic
gunfire rang out, then gradually subsided, leaving only the
sound of sporadic rifle shots. Prisoners who had been left
inside the building or beside it were collected and dragged to
the rear of the building, adding to the group of dead and dying.
Cans of fuel and paraffin oil were collected and poured over
the prisoners and an attempt made to cremate them. Exactly
what happened to the remains of those 144 Allied soldiers has
been disputed since the end of the war.
Once the group was assembled, they were ordered to remove all
equipment, personal effects and clothing. By now, the road was
busy with Japanese troops moving forward. The prisoners sat
huddled together — naked, bloody and broken. Passing troops
kicked, punched and prodded the prisoners with bayonets.
Four men survived that night, but only two survived the war.
The first was Lieutenant Ben Hackney who was left near
the building when guards thought he was dead. He escaped
later to the jungle where he partially recovered before being
recaptured, spending the rest of the war as a prisoner.
Their clothes and equipment were searched and the clothes
tossed back into the centre of the huddled mass. The men were
forcibly moved again to a little shed and then later to a public
works accommodation building. Inside, men fell on top of
The second man was Private Reg Wharton, who escaped to the
jungle before being recaptured. He rarely spoke of his wartime
service and, after his death in 1984, his family found a small
exercise book which gave a short account of his time in the
Army and briefly touched on what he had endured.
PHOTO: South East view of the public works depot used to hold
allied wounded before the massacre.
180 | LOOKING BACK
The question of what became of the wounded Allied soldiers’
bodies has been the subject of speculation for many years.
Hackney reported seeing the flames of a large fire and
Wharton wrote of having fuel poured over him and being set
alight. Historians contend that the fire could not have been
sufficiently hot, or burned sufficiently long to completely
cremate such a large number of remains. Yet no sign of
the massacre was located after the war by either the graves
recovery teams or the investigators for the war crimes trials.
In December 2005 Professor Richard Wright and historian
Ms Lynette Silver made a submission to Army Headquarters
suggesting that, based on their research, the Japanese did not
have the time or the fuel to cremate over a hundred sets of
remains. Considering that none of the wounded were ever
located, it is reasonable to assume that those remains may have
been buried at the killing field.
Both Richard and Lynette were asked to present their claims
to a panel of experts for consideration. What followed was a
rigorous review of all available information on the battle,
the massacre and subsequent attempts to locate the remains.
After lengthy discussions on the case with the Australian
Defence Staff in Kuala Lumpur and the Malaysian National
Heritage Commission, a joint investigation of the site was
arranged to ascertain whether a mass grave of Allied soldiers
existed at Parit Sulong.
In March 2011, a team of over 30 Australian and Malaysian
forensic experts, archaeologists, surveyors, geophysicists,
researchers and investigators from the Australian Army’s
Unrecovered War Casualties Unit (UWC-A) and the Malaysia
Heritage Commission, jointly led by Dr Stephen Chia of the
University of Science, Malaysia, and Ms Dale Morley from
UWC-A, worked at the site of the old public works depot and
the adjacent police compound.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
The site had long since been abandoned and was heavily
overgrown. It was carefully cleared and then surveyed by the
National Heritage Commission. The building in which the
prisoners were held still stands, allowing accurate surveying
of the site.
Teams systematically excavated the area described by
Ben Hackney in his account, right down to the virgin clay,
and examined the ground for any sign that a mass grave had
existed. Geophysicist Dr Rosli Saad and his team used groundpenetrating radar and resistivity testing at the site, particularly
close to the homes which had been built in the area.
Hundreds of artefacts were removed from the dig site. Each
artefact was carefully examined by archaeologist Squadron
Leader Tony Lowe, and anthropologist Squadron Leader Denise
Donlon, then photographed and recorded. The artefacts were
almost exclusively discarded domestic items and animal bones.
While the excavation was taking place, Ms Lynette Silver,
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Vercoe, Commander Russell Lain and
Mr Muhamad Mansur spoke to locals who had information
relating to the Japanese advance through Muar and the ensuing
massacres, not only of Allied troops, but of members of the
local populace.
After three weeks of shifting and searching through tonnes of
soil, no sign of a mass grave was uncovered. The site gave no
indication that the area had been involved in a violent battle,
or that over 100 Allied troops and an unknown number of
innocent civilians had been killed in that location.
While there was now no possibility of a mass grave located at
the site, the question of what happened to the wounded Allied
soldiers remains.
WHAT IS KNOWN IS:
• Of the soldiers left in the convoy, only Hackney and
Wharton survived the war.
• No remains of any of the soldiers left in the convoy were
located after the war.
• The Japanese attempted to cremate the remains at the place
where they were killed.
• During the same battle, the Japanese disposed of bodies by
throwing them into the river and by cremating them. There
are also eyewitness accounts of remains from both sides
left in the open for up to two months.
river and the land. While some of these remains could have
belonged to the hundreds of Allied soldiers who were shot
and pushed off bridges along the Simpang Kiri River during
the same period, they could also have been the remains of the
wounded soldiers killed on the evening of 22 January 1942.
Of the 4000 Allied soldiers who fought in the Battle of Muar,
only 809 succeeded in rejoining the main force in Yong Peng.
Many were killed in the battle or died in captivity as prisoners
of war. Over 260 Australian soldiers who fought in the Battle
of Muar are still missing.
• There was no sign of a grave, bodies or equipment when
Hackney was led back through the area following his
recapture five weeks later.
• Locals confirmed that Parit Sulong floods on a regular
basis, and that the floods extend past the building which
Hackney described in his statements.
• No mass grave exists in the vicinity of the public works
depot where the soldiers were killed.
As a result of ongoing research into the massacre, a clearer
picture of what happened on 22 January 1942 and in the days
and months that followed has emerged.
Records show that the area flooded two months after the battle
and has flooded annually since. Over the years, any trace of
the soldiers and their equipment is likely to have been washed
into the Simpang Kiri River.
In 1945 when the Allies returned to the area to investigate
the massacre, one investigator commented that he saw bones,
helmets and equipment in the marshy area between the
PHOTO: Excavation of old war time Parits (monsoonal drains).
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
CHAPTER 6
ARMY
MODERNISATION
184 | ARMY MODERNISATION
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
ARMY’S FUTURE:
2011 AND BEYOND ...
The year 2011 has marked a very busy period for the
Modernisation and Strategic Planning Division in Army
Headquarters. The first year was one of learning and gaining
an understanding of how the Modernisation Division could
best work within the Department of Defence to ensure the
achievement of Army’s program of modernisation. The second
year focussed on taking charge of Army’s future with efforts
primarily involving close work with Capability Development
Group (CDG) and, in particular, the Defence Material
Organisation (DMO).
IN 2011, SIGNIFICANT SUCCESSES HAVE BEEN
ACHIEVED WITH TANGIBLE STEPS TAKEN
TOWARDS ARMY’S MODERNISATION.
In 2011, significant successes have been achieved with tangible
steps taken towards Army’s modernisation. This chapter of
Army in Profile highlights some of these achievements.
As a new organisation, we have worked overtime to build the
framework of operation to ensure that Army’s needs in new
or renewed capability were clearly articulated. We worked
towards ensuring optimum use of Army’s information and
resources, demonstrated in the creation of ‘iArmy’ and,
within it, the new ‘Army Lessons Learned’ environment. This
involved close cooperation with the Defence Science and
Technology Organisation (DSTO) and tied that organisation
closely to Army’s modernisation processes, particularly in
experimentation and project analysis. We also brought the
Future Land Warfare Directorate, Land Warfare Studies Centre
and the Army History Unit together to form the Directorate of
Army Research and Analysis. These two initiatives will help
win the battle for resources, thus assisting us to develop more
rapidly as a professional force.
We worked hard to ensure that those projects already in the
Defence Capability Plan (DCP) were integrated effectively
into the Army. The central document for Army’s modernisation
is now the Army Objective Force Handbook. This utilises
the guidance provided by higher level references such as the
Defence White Paper and the Defence Planning Guidance as a
basis to establish the form and function that will characterise the
Army of the future. The other important document is the Army
Modernisation Handbook, which describes how Army must
drive its own future. These two handbooks, along with the 2009
Adaptive Campaigning - Future Land Operating Concept, are
the three essential references for understanding the way Army
modernises and for describing the shape of the future force.
We have pushed hard to achieve Army modernisation targets
such as the digital networking of the field Army, Army’s
significant role in amphibious operations, a single distributed
synthetic environment for simulation as a tool to assist training
and experimentation, and planning for the replacement of the
entire armoured fleet.
The single biggest project for 2011 — and one which
incorporates all these elements of modernisation —
is Plan BEERSHEBA.
The centrepiece of BEERSHEBA is three like brigades (known
as Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigades) working to a 36-month
Force Generation Cycle. This has significant implications
for enabling the brigades and organisations of our Army, in
particular, the Army Reserve. The implementation of Plan
BEERSHEBA will enhance Army’s ability to sustain operations
offshore for lengthy deployments and enable better management
of equipment allocations, as well as facilitating transfers for
soldiers between brigade locations. It will also significantly
enhance the professionalism of Army’s contribution to the
ADF’s amphibious role.
Modernisation Division is all about integration. There are
two aspects to this integration. The first involves ensuring
that people in other areas of Defence who generally see the
DCP in terms of individual equipment programs recognise
that Army is keen to ensure that the equipment introduced
into service will create real capability. Capability is best
described with reference to systems such as the Battlefield
Operating System and involves synchronisation of many of the
equipment programs in the DCP. It also involves all elements
of the fundamental inputs to capability. The second aspect
of integration concerns the optimal conversion of equipment
to capability. As new equipment is introduced, it needs to be
integrated into an Army that is at war and constantly training
and preparing for operations. An Army in this state does not
have the luxury of stopping to receive new equipment and then
converting this to capability.
To this end, Modernisation Division has been instrumental
in establishing two integration centres. The Land Network
Integration Centre (LNIC), based in Fyshwick in the
Australian Capital Territory, features a full version of
Army’s digital network constructed to test that what is
acquired actually works. The second integration centre is
‘Diggerworks’. Diggerworks is an organisation established
by a memorandum of understanding between six two-star
generals and civilian band two officers that has fundamentally
changed the way soldiers are equipped. Both centres are
highlighted in this section of the Army in Profile 2011.
Some of the capability enhancements of 2011 are already in
evidence. The new G-Wagons — part of the roll-out of vehicles
under Land 121 to replace the ageing Rovers — are beginning
to appear in units. ‘Shadow’, the new unmanned aerial vehicle,
has arrived in Australia and is bound for Afghanistan for
operation in early 2012. The capability of the soldier has been
significantly improved through the creation of Diggerworks
with Land Systems Division in DMO and with DSTO.
There have been significant developments in Counter
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) efforts through our work
with the Counter IED Task Force. Likewise, the digital network
and battle management system received a boost with trials
conducted during Exercise TALISMAN SABRE by the LNIC.
In Afghanistan, lifesaving enhancements have been made
to the ASLAV with the fitting of a mine-resistant seat for
the driver and a belly plate underneath the entire vehicle to
achieve a level of protection closer to that of the Bushmaster.
The year 2011 has been a period of consolidation for
Modernisation Division and a year marked by success with a
number of Army initiatives coming to fruition.
Major General John Caligari, DSC, AM
Head Modernisation and Strategic Planning – Army
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PLAN BEERSHEBA —
ARMY’S FUTURE
STRUCTURE
forces. Its warfighting focus will remain on stability operations
and this task will provide the basis for the structure, training
and equipping of the Reserve force.
The work conducted in 2011 will see the implementation of
Plan BEERSHEBA over the next 10 years and will ensure
that the Australian Army optimises its forces to maximise
capability in order to remain robust and relevant well into this
century’s third decade.
By Lieutenant Colonel Eamon Lenaghan
On 31 October 1917, the 4th Light Horse Brigade charged the
Turkish defences at Beersheba, winning a significant victory.
Less well known is the reorganisation, re-equipping and
retraining of the Desert Mounted Corps that occurred in the
months prior to the battle that underwrote this feat of arms.
Army has adopted the name Beersheba for the next phase of
the Adaptive Army initiative. Plan BEERSHEBA describes a
phased program to adjust Army’s force structure so that it can
generate optimal capability to conform to strategic guidance
and meet the challenge of contemporary warfare. It aims to
learn lessons from over a decade of continuous operations, and
maximise capability through the application of Army’s Force
Generation Cycle.
Plan BEERSHEBA seeks to ensure that Army is a robust,
relevant and affordable element of Australia’s defence as
described in Force 2030. It positions Army to contribute to
the development of joint capability, and the introduction into
service of the Defence Capability Plan.
The year 2011 saw the further evolution of Plan BEERSHEBA
and the securing of Government agreement in October.
Considerable effort was devoted not only to the plan itself, but
also to seeking stakeholder endorsement across Army, Defence
and Government.
Plan BEERSHEBA involves, in the first instance, the
development of Multi-role Combat Brigades, based on the
1st, 3rd and 7th Brigades, which have fundamentally common
structures containing all elements of the combined arms team.
The 2nd Division will support these brigades, providing
additional capacity. Second, Plan BEERSHEBA involves
adjustments to the three enabling brigades (6th, 16th, and 17th)
to equip them to better support deployed forces. Third, some
adjustments have been identified to enable Special Operations
Command to more effectively align its force structure to its
standing tasks. Finally, changes will be effected within the
Deployable Joint Force Headquarters (1st Division) to better
support the force generation of Defence’s amphibious forces.
PLAN BEERSHEBA DESCRIBES A PHASED
PROGRAM TO ADJUST ARMY’S FORCE
STRUCTURE SO THAT IT CAN GENERATE
OPTIMAL CAPABILITY TO CONFORM TO
STRATEGIC GUIDANCE AND MEET THE
CHALLENGE OF CONTEMPORARY WARFARE.
Army is committed to the development of a world class
amphibious capability. An infantry battalion will be dedicated
to providing ‘tip of the spear’ amphibious capability, enabled
by other elements from the ‘Ready’ and enabling brigades.
This is an affirmation of Army’s commitment to a truly joint
amphibious capability.
Plan BEERSHEBA demands a greater operational capability
from the Reserve. The 2nd Division will be closely aligned
with the Army Force Generation Cycle and will be responsible
for defined capability outputs in direct support of ‘Ready’
PHOTO: Major General John Caligari, DSC, AM, former Head
Modernisation and Strategic Planning – Army, inspects a BAY Class
ship in the United Kingdom in preparation for the HMAS Choules
arriving in Australia.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
THE ARMY RESERVE —
2011 AND BEYOND
The Army Reserve has a new role — to deliver specified
capability to support and sustain Australian Defence Force
(ADF) preparedness and operations.
To fulfil this role, the Army Reserve has four core tasks and
several supporting tasks. The core tasks include:
• delivery of specified warfighting capabilities with an
emphasis on stability operations;
• provision of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,
and domestic security as part of a whole-of-government
approach;
• provision and maintenance of specialist individual
capabilities; and
• contribution to Army surge capabilities.
Underpinning these tasks is a commitment to the promotion
of Army’s image and the ethos of the ADF through the Army
Reserve’s strong bonds with regions and local communities.
Plan BEERSHEBA is Army’s plan for the next phase of the
Adaptive Army Campaign.
Under Plan BEERSHEBA, the Army Reserve will consist
of six brigade-sized formations within the 2nd Division with
units, sub-units, teams and individuals integrated within
Army’s Combat Support and Combat Service Support
brigades. The 2nd Division formations will be paired, with
each pair aligned to, and on the same Force Generation Cycle as
its partnered full-time Multi-role Combat Brigade (MCB).
In each ‘Ready’ year, the paired Army Reserve formations will
be required to produce a battalion-sized group which may be
used in its entirety or as a ‘capability brick’ by the ‘Ready’ MCB
commander for operational deployments or in major exercises.
In order to fulfil the enduring annual Army Reserve capability
requirements, the generic structure of the 2nd Division
formations developed for Plan BEERSHEBA include: a Royal
Australian Artillery mortar capability under the command
of an Infantry battalion, the re-roling of all Army Reserve
Royal Australian Armoured Corps units to the production
of Bushmaster crews, and the embedding of the Brigade
Operational Supply Company within each Combat Services
Support Battalion.
DURING 2011, SIGNIFICANT WORK HAS
BEEN DEVOTED TO ESTABLISHING THE
ARMY RESERVE WITHIN THE ARMY’S
‘TOTAL FORCE’ CONCEPT.
During 2011, significant work has been devoted to establishing
the Army Reserve within the Army’s ‘Total Force’ concept.
This work has been conducted in collaboration with the
Australian Regular Army and the Australian Public Service.
Complementing this work has been the Cadet, Reserves and
Employer Support Division’s (CRESD) Plan SUAKIN.
Plan SUAKIN is designed to develop the Reserve workforce
required for Plan BEERSHEBA and to enable better use of
the Army Reserve in Force 2030. CRESD has developed
a sophisticated Personnel Cost Model and a Predictive
Behaviour Model which facilitate accurate costings for
operations, as well as determining what incentives best
motivate different skill groups for specified tasks. These
decision support tools will be an essential part in progressing
the Army Reserve components of Plan BEERSHEBA and
integral to designing the Army Reserve of the future.
PHOTO: Army Reservists will have a more defined role under Plan
BEERSHEBA and are well entrenched in Army’s Total Force Concept.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
ARMY AND DIGGERWORKS:
THE SOLDIER
COMBAT ENSEMBLE
By Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Juchniewicz
In the past, the individual load carriage and personal protection
systems employed by the Australian Defence Force (ADF)
have been sub-optimised to meet the requirements of the entire
organisation. This has meant that there has been one type of
combat uniform and limited types of body armour, irrespective
of job or role.
Army has identified the need for a Soldier Combat Ensemble
(SCE) that is designed to be functional and fulfil its intended
purpose. This means that different types of combat uniform,
load carriage and body armour systems are required for
different roles and tasks.
‘A SOLDIER SYSTEM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE
PROTECTION TO INDIVIDUAL COMBATANTS
FROM PHYSICAL THREATS AND THE
ENVIRONMENT’.
PHOTO LEFT: An Mentoring Task Force - 3 Soldier with new
Crye Cam and Tiered Body Armour System.
PHOTO RIGHT: Soldier Combat Ensemble differs depending on role
and enhances soldiers survivability on operations.
The SCE is best described as ‘a soldier system designed to
provide protection to individual combatants from physical
threats and the environment as well as facilitating an efficient
means for individuals to carry mission loads in a close combat
environment’.
In broad terms, the SCE includes: combat clothing (combat
uniform, footwear and cold weather clothing); personal
protection systems such as body armour, combat helmets and
eye protection; and individual load carriage systems such as
equipment pouches and field packs.
A tiered structure has been introduced within the SCE to cater
for the different roles and tasks of close combatants. This
structure includes Tier 1 systems for specialist unique roles
such as tank crew; Tier 2 systems that focus on the dismounted
close combatant; and Tier 3 systems that are designed to be
general purpose.
After two years of design, development and evaluation
by soldiers, 2011 was the ‘trial of truth’ for the equipment
on operations. Components of the SCE were issued to the
Mentoring Task Force and to the Special Operations Task
Force operating in Afghanistan, with a commercial ‘off-theshelf’ enhanced combat uniform and new lightweight body
armour with a more integrated load carriage system.
Army’s intent is to ensure that the SCE will continue to
evolve, with each iteration developed on an annual basis and
provided to the Readying Force Elements of the ADF’s land
component. This will ensure that the equipment is capable of
evolving rapidly to include new technologies and/or reflect
changes in the operating conditions.
Another ongoing development is the new Tiered Body Armour
System (TBAS). The current version (version 3) was first
introduced to the Mentoring Task Force in April 2011 after
two years of trials. Based on the feedback from this task force,
the next version of TBAS (version 4) will be introduced in
mid-2012, reflecting a 12-month development process.
This success is also indicative of the contribution of the
recently created Diggerworks. This is an organisation of
Army personnel in the Defence Materiel Organisation and the
Defence Science and Technology Organisation. Diggerworks’
key role is to conduct soldier engagement while coordinating
rapid trialling and implementation of soldier combat systems.
Over the past two to three decades, Army has successfully
evolved its soldier survivability systems. With the adoption
of an iterative development path and with the coordination
of Diggerworks, Army is now positioned to continuously
evolve its soldier combat systems to meet the demands of
contemporary operations.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
LAND NETWORK
INTEGRATION
CENTRE
By Lieutenant Colonel Darcy Rawlinson
As early as 2006, Army identified the need for a specialist
organisation to inform decisions on its emerging land
network capability.
By mid-2010, the Land Network Integration Centre (LNIC) had
been raised within Army Headquarters. The LNIC is manned
by a mix of military and specialist contractor staff whose role
is to inform Army’s networking decisions while supporting the
development of Army’s Land Network Capability.
The year 2011 began at a hectic pace for the LNIC, with a
number of significant tasks reaching fruition. These included
the establishment of an Operational Data Exchange Network
(ODEN) in Afghanistan, the implementation of a Battle
Management System (BMS), the Multinational Experiment 5
(MNE5) and a trial of Time-Domain Multiple Access (TDMA)
satellite terminals.
The ODEN enhancements fulfil an urgent operational
requirement to provide both the International Security
Assistance Force and the Australian Army data networks that
operate from the Main Operating Base down to patrol bases.
The network was designed, built and tested by the LNIC
and was deployed into theatre within six months of the
identification of the initial requirement. The ODEN uses the
latest technology and includes capacity for future expansion to
accommodate the introduction of new capabilities into theatre.
A priority for LNIC includes maximising opportunities to
improve Army’s networking capability and ensuring that
Army continues to learn from its digitisation experience.
During Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2011, the LNIC
designed and implemented a BMS for the Opposing Force
in order to promote the benefits of digitisation and provide
broader exposure to Army’s network capability.
The LNIC also supported the MNE5 and a trial of TDMA
satellite terminals. MNE5 is a coalition experiment to
provide interoperability among major coalition partners.
This experiment was the first opportunity for the new BMS –
Command and Control to connect to allied command support
THE LNIC WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH
ARMY UNITS, THE DEFENCE MATERIEL
ORGANISATION AND INDUSTRY TO
IDENTIFY, TRIAL AND DEMONSTRATE
NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE ARMY’S
NETWORKING CAPABILITIES.
systems. The trial of TDMA satellite capabilities will be
used to inform future phases of the JP2008 Military Satellite
Communication project and enhance Army’s understanding of
adaptable satellite waveforms.
The LNIC will continue to work with Army units, the Defence
Materiel Organisation and industry to identify, trial and demonstrate
new technology to enhance Army’s networking capabilities.
PHOTO: The Land Network Integration Centre team with former
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM
(Retd).
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PROJECT
LAND 121
By Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Weir
Project LAND 121 phases 3, 4, 5A and 5B aims to provide
field vehicles, modules and trailers with a longer versatility
and lifespan than the assets currently in service. In enhancing
this capability, Army will be providing the backbone of
mobility systems for the future land force.
The light and lightweight capability segment will deliver six
vehicle variants, two trailer variants and a range of specialist
modules including canine, ambulance, surveillance and mobile
command posts. These will account for around half of Army’s
unprotected tactical training requirement.
In total, LAND 121 seeks to deliver 7501 protected and
unprotected vehicles across the range of light, lightweight,
medium and heavy fleet segments. In addition, each category
will provide trailers to enhance payload-carrying capability
and modules to enable specialist functions.
The medium and heavy capability segment will deliver eight
to ten unprotected, and eight to ten protected vehicle variants.
Fifteen to 20 module variants and seven to ten trailer variants
will also be provided. This represents the entire protected and
deployable medium and heavy requirement, and around one
half of the unprotected tactical training requirement.
PROJECT LAND 121 AIMS TO PROVIDE FIELD
VEHICLES, MODULES AND TRAILERS WITH
A LONGER VERSATILITY AND LIFESPAN
THAN THE ASSETS CURRENTLY IN SERVICE.
The Australian Government has agreed that around 30–40
per cent of Army’s land fleet should be protected to allow
operational deployment, with the remainder unprotected and
used for tactical training. Between 30 and 50 vehicle types will
be delivered across all of the project’s phases. Vehicle variant
types range in payload capacity from one tonne to upwards of
60 tonnes. In most payload categories, there are specialised
variants such as Recovery, Integrated Load Handling Systems
and command vehicles.
PHOTO: The Mercedes G-WAGON introduced under Project Land 121 phase 3.
The Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) – Light capability will
provide a fleet of around 1300 PMVs and associated trailers
for command, liaison and light cargo-carrying functions.
These vehicles will provide a protected replacement for the
Land Rover fleet, affording increased force protection in
operational environments.
Overall, Project LAND 121 seeks to deliver a networked
and integrated capability as a significant contribution to the
modernisation of the land forces. Ongoing cooperation with
a number of C4I (Command, Control, Communications,
Computers & Intelligence), force protection and specialist
projects will see the delivery of vehicles with a generational
advancement on current fleet technology.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: The RQ-7B Shadow 200 during flight testing at Woomera.
EMERGING FROM
THE SHADOWS
By Major Keirin Joyce
Delivered in August 2011 following some 20 years of
development, the RQ-7B SHADOW 200 is Army’s new Tactical
Unmanned Aerial System under Joint Project 129 Phase 2.
A market survey in late 2008 demonstrated conclusively that
there was only one system in service that could meet the
majority of Army’s requirements — the RQ-7B SHADOW
200. Further evidence was provided by the US Army and
Marine Corps which had already given the Shadow 200 a
thorough workout. The Australian Government approved its
acquisition in July 2010.
Deployment of 20 Surveillance and Tactical Acquisition
Regiment over the Australian summer to replace the Scaneagle
in Afghanistan is on schedule, and this long-running project
will finally emerge from the shadows and fulfil its mission to
‘seek to strike’.
The Shadow 200 has created a whirlwind of activity for Army
in 2011 and is the first of two US Army systems to come into
service with the Australian Army. Both systems are purposedesigned to enable expeditious operational deployment. The
first operational rotation of Australian Army personnel has
been trained in the US, simulation equipment has arrived, and
the first test flights have been flown at Woomera.
While the Shadow 200’s sorties are shorter in duration
than those of its predecessor, the Scaneagle, it provides
a substantial increase in capability. The Shadow 200 has
the capacity to carry concurrently an electro-optic camera,
infra-red camera, laser pointer, laser rangefinder, laser target
designator and communications relay payload.
PHOTO ABOVE: Soldiers receiving Shadow training.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
KNOWLEDGE
IS POWER
The Army Knowledge Group (AKG) is a sub-unit of the Land
Warfare Development Centre and is located at Puckapunyal.
The role of AKG is to facilitate Army learning through the
management, integration and delivery of lessons, doctrine
and technology-based learning products through an Army
Knowledge Domain (AKD). The most visible and best known
element of this initiative is ‘iArmy’.
In order to facilitate Army learning, AKG is further divided
into areas of subject matter expertise (SME) including
Doctrine Wing, Centre for Army Lessons, Army Learning
Production Centre, iArmy and AKD. SME staff are tasked
with ensuring that Army — as a learning organisation —
embraces the latest and most appropriate technologies and
practices in order to best facilitate effective learning.
iArmy is one of Army’s most recent technology initiatives,
developed and launched in 2011 to capture Army’s tacit
knowledge in a single portal. It is the ‘visible dashboard’ of
AKD. Comprising over 3500 individual databases, iArmy
incorporates the key knowledge areas produced for Army
by the AKG: doctrine, lessons and e-learning. iArmy was
formally launched on 17 March 2011 and achieved immediate
success with an average of 75 000 plus hits per month on the
site. iArmy version 2.0 was designed to provide more utility for
the Army community and was launched in September 2011.
The iArmy version 2.0 portal evolved with the assistance of
user feedback. The scope of iArmy has subsequently been
expanded to support the development of military-specific
applications, thus making Army’s knowledge available to all
ranks and to all locations across the Australian Army.
iARMY IS ONE OF ARMY’S MOST RECENT
TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES, DEVELOPED AND
LAUNCHED IN 2011 TO CAPTURE ARMY’S
TACIT KNOWLEDGE IN A SINGLE PORTAL.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
DIRECTORATE OF ARMY RESEARCH
AND ANALYSIS
The Directorate of Army Research and Analysis (DARA) was
formed in early 2011 with the merging of the Land Warfare Studies
Centre (LWSC) and the Directorate of Future Land Warfare and
Strategy. DARA is a Canberra-based directorate of the Land
Warfare Development Centre which is based in Puckapunyal.
Within the Directorate, DARA retains the names and functions
of the three branches of Future Land Warfare, Strategy and
LWSC. To study the future is to also study past and present
trends, and the inclusion of LWSC and the creation of a
PHOTO: What does the future hold for capability?
closer working relationship with the Army History Unit
have enhanced research and analysis capabilities to support
modernisation.
DARA’s mission is to ‘lead Army’s conceptual thinking
through the conduct of research and analysis and promotion of
professional debate into the changing character of land warfare
and Australia’s strategic environment, in order to support
Army’s modernisation and provide advocacy for Army’s role
in the defence of Australia and its national interests.’
This mission will be achieved through three broad lines
of operation. The first involves support to modernisation,
with DARA developing concepts to support the Army
modernisation objectives. The second line of operation
comprises the review of strategic guidance and the provision
of advice on its implications for Army. The third involves
advocacy to promote the wider understanding and appreciation
of land warfare, provide an institutional focus for applied
research into the study of land warfare, and raise the level of
professional and intellectual debate within the Australian Army
Throughout 2011, DARA has continued to develop such
concepts as riverine and near coastal operations, land force
ballistic missile defence, gaining and maintaining access in an
era of anti-access and area denial, mobilisation, and regional
engagement and security framework. A major output has
been the rewriting of Army’s Modernisation Handbook, the
essential guide to Army’s program of modernisation.
DARA conducts independent analysis, commentary and input
into contemporary and emerging issues of importance. This
line of operation informs senior leadership of developments
in technology, the human dimension, conceptual thinking
and potential capabilities which can be harnessed. It also
provides analysis of current trends, with the aim of identifying
future threats and opportunities. In 2011 this analysis has
included reviewing the Army after Afghanistan, support to
the development of amphibious capability and the land force
in a maritime strategy, engagement and cooperation with
international allies, and support to joint experimentation.
Collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology
Organisation and the Army History Unit, liaison with
national and international strategic ‘think tanks’, and the
investigation of technological breakthroughs, including high
speed watercraft and jet packs, have also been the subject of
independent analysis by DARA.
DARA welcomes new ideas and professional debate, regardless
of origin. Through the provision of open forums across the
wider Army, DARA seeks this expression of opinion without
the requirement for staffing through levels of command.
PHOTO: Near coastal and riverine operational concept to enhance
Army capability.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
PHOTO: Simulation options are endless and Army’s Simulation wing leads Army’s efforts.
SIMULATION
IN 2011
Simulation is a key element of Army’s efforts to modernise.
It enables a ’learning by doing‘ approach to a range of
activities at relatively lower cost, significantly lower risk, and
with greater regularity than traditional ‘live’ training. This is
important because, while professional military judgement,
subject matter expertise and historical study and analysis can
offer solid theoretical analysis, simulation provides tools and
supporting methods which can test the decision-making of
staff, small groups and individuals.
Allied Auroras 11 is an American, British, Canadian,
New Zealand and Australian armies program activity
designed to technically test the ability to conduct a distributed
formation-level multinational exercise. This testing is
conducted through the use of different simulation and national
Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence
(C4I) systems and effectively proves the concept of the
distribution of simulation and C4I. Interoperability gaps in
terminology, doctrine and computer systems are also identified
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE SIMULATION
SYSTEMS MEANS THAT BATTLEGROUPS
AND FORMATIONS DO NOT HAVE TO
CONCENTRATE IN ONE GEOGRAPHICAL
AREA TO CONDUCT TRAINING.
for further analysis within the program. Interfaces have been
constructed between Army’s constructive simulation, OneSAF,
and C4I systems. The development of these simulation
systems means that battlegroups and formations do not have
to concentrate in one geographical area to conduct training.
Domestic and coalition training can now be conducted over
distributed networks providing efficient and effective training
while allowing soldiers to remain in home locations.
During 2011 significant advances have occurred in the
development of Virtual Immersive Combat Environment
(VICE) products to support Army’s training and education.
VICE provides Army with a common set of desktop
simulations (modified commercial games) that can be utilised
at Battle Simulation Centres, on unit training networks, or on
soldiers’ personal computers in barracks or at home.
The Australian Army is a world leader in employing this type
of technology. The VICE software (VBS2, VBS2 Fires and
Steel Beasts Professional) can be used for a variety of training
activities and educational experiences, although it is best used
for small unit decision-making tasks.
VICE represents a grass roots modernisation approach for the
Australian Army. It facilitates experiential learning in complex
environments for all members from the soldier through to the
combat team.
THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
IMAGE INDEX
1 & 208
Steve Dent
20110803adf8550446_02628
CPL Hamish Paterson
20101015adf8248214_05159
ABIS Jo Dilorenzo
20110922adf8114832_1192–3
CPL Janine Fabre
20110518adf8270845_19229
Unknown
IA2944360–61
CPL Rodney Welch
20111209raaf8161479_01944–5
CPL Janine Fabre
20110518adf8270845_14331
Unknown
3 Aurora
PO Damian Pawlenko
20111001adf8095516_0866
CPL Zenith King
20110405adf8485572_01532
CPL Janine Fabre
20110602adf8270845_23265
CPL Melina Mancuso
20111117adf8164101_00058–9
FLTLT Michael McGirr
20100524adf8442556_07733
Lauren Black
20110425adf201084LJB_05966–67
CPL Bernard Pearson
20110624adf8237482_004811
CPL Chris Moore
20101021adf8262658_11735
Specialist Marcus Fichtl US Army
110719-A-TW035-00369
ABIS Jo Dilorenzo
20090720adf8114832_00812–13
ABIS James Whittle
20111117ran8484535_07236–37
Corporal Melanie Schinkel
20110720adf8529717_00470
SGT Brian Hartigan
20100304adf8223206_00514
David Foote
20111116AUSPIC_006238
SGT W. Guthrie
20110717adf8178707_021173
SGT Rob Nyffenegger
20100721adf8243116_51215
LACW Kylie Gibson
20110818raaf8540677_024641
Australian War Memorial
ART2815974
Unknown
MG_9761a16
LACW Kylie Gibson
LAC Vasilis Solomou
20110303raaf8526959_000976
LT Aaron Oldaker
20100419_909_030119
Unknown
20061016ara8243523_1044–45
LAC Benjamin Evans
20110425raaf8490713_0094
Lauren Black
20111022adf201084LJB_05420
Dave Patterson
20111022UNSW00000s145_228621
Grace Costa
20111022dps8513881s145_149522
Grace Costa
20113101dps8513881_01023
Philip Vavasour
20111106dps8434824_s080_31724–25
LAC Bill Solomou
20110618raaf8526959_03026
Steve Dent
20110803adf8550446_01027
20110818raaf8540677_054242–43
LSIS Andrew Dakin
20110709adf8106603_09546–47
LSIS Andrew Dakin
20110903adf8106603_06248
CPL Hamish Paterson
20110916adf8248214_01149
LSIS Andrew Dakin
20110709adf8106603_00250–51
LSIS Andrew Dakin
20110910raaf8161479_010453
LSIS Helen Frank
20110930ran8100087_15855
PO Damian Pawlenko
20110113adf8095516_04356
63
LCPL Mark Doran
20110601adf8439709_05579
Cpl Zenith King
20110509adf8485572_00980
CPL Glen McCarthy
20110508raaf8298528_027981
Steve Dent
20111005ARA_PA059734_v283
ABIS Jo Dilorenzo
20111027adf8114832_08184–85
Spc. Edward A. Garibay
110226-A-5634G-00287
ABIS Jo Dilorenzo
20101202adf8114832_00288–89
CPL Christopher Dickson
20110102adf8144078_04590
ABIS Jo Dilorenzo
20101202adf8114832_25891
CPL Melina Mancuso
20110208adf8164101_142128
Unknown
20110714rn00000_001174
ABIS Jo Dilorenzo
20111121adf8114832_02092
Lance Corporal Mark Doran
20110207adf8439709_001129
Unknown
20110719adf0000_005175
Unknown
20110514_US_939895
CPL Melina Mancuso
20110206adf8164101_010130
Unknown
20110719adf0000_002177
CAPT Cameron Jamieson
20080222adf8267338_26396–97
20110204adf8439709_008131
Dale Morley
PWD Depot Building
A02684100–101
CPL Melina Mancuso
20110208adf8164101_107131
Dale Morley
Q4181
Unknown
20110115_ADF_8235241_001102
CPL Melina Mancuso
20110207adf8164101_194132
Unknown
ARMY20110912adfPicture1182–183
Unknown
20111212_ADF8118726_001105
20110207adf8439709_074134–135
Unknown
HMSPA Intro 2
CPL Melina Mancuso
20110917adf8164101_248106
Unknown
20110719adf0000_004150–151
Unknown
20110127adf8261939_008a189
CPL Janine Fabre
20110726adf8270845_028111
CPL Janine Fabre
20110301adf8270845_050152
Unknown
Soldier Combat Ensemble2
190
CPL Janine Fabre
20110726adf8270845_012112
P00717.001154
Unknown
Soldier Combat Ensemble1
191
CPL Janine Fabre
20110114adf8270845_052114–115
PB1454157
Unknown
Land Network Intrigation centre
193
PO Damian Pawlenko
20110113adf8095516_107117
127902159
Unknown
G Wagon 2Land 121_1
194
CPL Janine Fabre
20110106adf8270845_245118
P00086.004161
Unknown
Shadow 200#4
196
PO Damian Pawlenko
20110115adf8095516_017120
83857162–163
Unknown
Shadow 200#3
197
PO Damian Pawlenko
20110113adf8095516_076121
147847165
Unknown
AMKG#6199
PO Damian Pawlenko
20110111adf8095516_226122–123
042315166
Unknown
Jetpacks DARA1
200
CPL Janine Fabre
20110114adf8270845_029124
044421168
Unknown
Riverine Craft DARA2
201
CPL Janine Fabre
20110115adf8270845_027125
044485169
Unknown
Simulation 2
202
CPL Melina Mancuso
20110204adf8164101_047126
FOD-71-0305-VN171
ABIS Jo Dilorenzo
20110726adf8114832_006204–205
CPL Melina Mancuso
20110209adf8164101_109127
CUN/71/0539/VN172
Pte K
20111111adf5022010_620206–207
178
187

The Australian Army in Profile 2011

Transcription

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