Edition 1366 February 11, 2016

MOVING AHEAD

INTERVIEW WITH THE CHIEF P2 TRIBUTE TO FALLEN P3

Training of Iraqi soldiers progresses PAGES 14-15

Capt Fin Bourke moves with an Iraqi Army soldier as he enters a building during training at the Taji Military Complex, Iraq.Photo by CPL Matthew Bickerton

February 11, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews2

DirectorDavid Edlington (02) 6265 4650

EDITORIAL EditorAlisha Welch (02) 6265 2253ReportersWO2 Andrew Hetherington (02) 6266 7614Sgt Dave Morley (02) 6266 7613Cpl Max Bree (02) 6266 7608Cpl Mark Doran (02) 6265 1304Cpl Sebastian Beurich (02) 6265 4140Cpl Bill Solomou (02) 6265 1355LS Jayson Tufrey (02) 6266 7606

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What is your emphasis for 2016 and what are Army’s goals and priorities?

To be very clear: we support opera-tions, we assist our wounded, injured and ill, we modernise our force and we continue our work in cultural renewal and development of the Army.

Those four priorities aren’t going to change. We are just going to keep chipping away at each of them.

We will see an Army that is; opera-tionally ready and capable, takes care of its people, continues to invest in the cycle of replacement, upgrading and introduction into service of equipment, and reflects the nation from which we emerge and are duty-bound to defend.

You’re a big supporter of joint operations. What do you expect Army to achieve this year in the joint environment?

The most important thing to under-stand about joint operations is it’s the only way we can fight effectively.

We are a small nation and we are a small land force. We are dependent on the capabilities within the three services to produce a total effect. We need to link those capabilities to wider Defence, other government agencies and coalition effects.

That’s how you campaign with the greatest likelihood of achieving your objectives. That’s why I’m such a strong supporter of joint operations and building a joint ADF.

What you’ll see advanced this year, is the further development of the ADF’s amphibious capability and the strengthening of our land-air integra-tion. This will occur through a range of exercises between our land and our Air Force elements.

The exercises are designed to understand what we can do as well as the areas where we still haven’t quite got it right.

Across the board I think there are going to be exciting new opportunities emerge from the Defence White Paper. When it is released, we need to look at it and see how it impacts the future design of our force.

In your address to the Seapower Conference last year, you said the question on the mind of Army’s senior leadership was how to embed amphibious competence within the force. What developments are under way in this area?

In an interview with Army reporter Sgt Dave Morley, CA Lt-Gen Angus Campbell outlines his thoughts, priorities and plans for Army in 2016.

Chief looks ahead

To fully gain the potential of the LHDs HMA Ships Canberra and Adelaide, and the suite of other effects that come together to generate a joint capability; the Army can’t have a sin-gle unit, like the 2RAR amphibious trials unit, as the singular competency and when that’s used, have nothing left to follow on.

The question is how to embed not just a culture and awareness, but also the practical realisation over time of a wider cross-section of our Army, comfortable to be an element of an amphibious force.

That is going to evolve as we work on what Army needs to contribute on a permanent rotation basis, as well as the key elements required of a ground combat force for an amphibious task force.

As we do our experimentation, test-ing and trialling, we’re narrowing and clarifying both what should be per-manent and how we should rotate ele-ments.

That ongoing experimentation will culminate in a big hit-out in the 2017 exercise cycle, which will bring together all the development work that’s been going on for many years.

So it’s likely then, further down the track, each of the battalions will rotate through training in these ships?

That’s certainly one of the options being considered and it will take time to build that breadth of competency. I’m attracted, but not yet committed to that pathway. As long as the spe-cialist skills needed permanently are understood and are maintained, while the rotating skills continue to be devel-oped – it will mean we have the most sustainable amphibious effect.

We’ve got more work to do in trial-ling, testing and exercising, and it’s better to make the right decision once than to be going back and forth.

How do you rate the progress being made by Task Group Taji?

I’m proud and always impressed with what I’ve seen on the visits I’ve undertaken and the comments made by other senior leaders about our people at Taji.

What I see being done is an effec-tive contribution to lifting the train-ing skill level in Iraqi battalions and brigades, and those brigades going into the field making a demonstrably stronger impact in combat.

Ultimately, it has to be about Iraqis fighting for Iraq. But we can give them that support and assistance.

Whether we’re talking about the Iraqi Army or the counter-terrorism service in the different areas of our assistance to the government of Iraq, I think Australians should be proud of

what’s being done. There is a tangible, beneficial effect on the skills, compe-tencies and drive of the Iraqi forces we train.

How long will Army maintain a presence in Afghanistan and in what capacity?

This is a question ultimately for government and they have given an indication that we’ll be there for some time yet.

My role is to oversee the prepa-ration and development of forces for deployment, to assist the coalition effort in supporting the Afghan gov-ernment.

I also offer advice on the security situation and the campaign as it devel-ops. That advice draws on lots of dif-ferent insights from across Defence. Ultimately it’s the CDF, as our prin-cipal military adviser to government, who will be leading in that advice to government.

I think to say we’ll be there for some time yet is about the right sense of where we are and where we’re going. It’s a campaign we have to respond to and assist the Afghans in securing Afghanistan.

Some significant acquisitions are in the pipeline, such as new Hawkei protected mobility vehicles, as well as the rollout of

the Soldier Combat Ensemble. What excites you most about the equipment being received?

The Hawkei vehicle and the soldier ensemble are fantastic, world’s-best pieces of equipment.

What I can absolutely say is that Australian soldiers have never been better equipped than they are today.

The drive and determination to see soldiers, and the support materiel around them, continue to improve is a focus of our capability acquisition cycle, the work of the Land Systems Division and AHQ. The experimental design and the commentary work that comes back from units, and the focus of Diggerworks, ensures soldiers’ views are listened to.

All of that is producing, I think, the best equipped soldiers on the planet, and I want to keep it that way.

What are your thoughts on Lt-Gen Morrison being awarded Australian of the Year?

I have congratulated him and I wished him well. It’s an important acknowledgement of his service and his contribution to broader Australian society.

I think he will be quite active in the role. I wished him all the best and I think the Army family will also wish him well.

Photo by LCpl Kyle Genner

February 11, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 3

Eamon Hamilton and Maj James Groves

DIGGERS from Townsville have had their first opportunity to put ‘boots on board’ an Air Force C-27J Spartan.

This occurred when a C-27J from No. 35 Sqn conducted operational test and evaluation at RAAF Base Townsville late last year.

The visit will inform the C-27J’s future interoperability with the Army, according to 35 Sqn pilot Flt-Lt Mark Seery.

“We’re utilising Army resourc-es, including troops and the CH-47 Chinook, in order to better determine how we can be interoperable with them,” Flt-Lt Seery said.

“The trials will ensure we can fit the required amount of troops on board in the kitting they need to wear.

“Depending on the configuration of the aircraft and how the troops are equipped, we can carry between 30 and 40 combat troops.”

Trials were also conducted to see how to cross-load pallets and cargo between the Spartan and CH-47 Chinook.

Supported by specialists from Ai r Movements Tra in ing and Development Unit (AMTDU), the trials will inform how future loading methods are prepared for the Spartan.

Gunners from 4 Regt, RAA, were among Army personnel involved in the Townsville trials.

Gnr Josh Boxsell, of 109 Bty, was one of 18 soldiers from the regiment who joined 12 soldiers from other 3 Bde units.

“We tested the seating configura-tions for 35 personnel in patrol order, and the results seemed to be fine because we moved on fairly quick-ly. We also tested eight soldiers with patrol order and cargo,” Gnr Boxsell said.

“When the cargo pallets were there we had to climb around them, dodge the hooks and all that on the walls. You had to be mindful of that and it slowed you down a little bit until the aircrew showed us different

LS Jayson Tufrey

AN initiative is under way in North Queensland to remember our fallen soldiers by dedicating ranges, features and buildings in their honour.

The concept is the brain-child of Regional Training Area Manager, North Queensland, Maj Glenn Fisher.

As part of the initiative, a marksman training range at Townsville field training area was named after Pte Benjamin Ranaudo, of 3 Bde, late last year. Pte Ranaudo was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009 while serving with MRTF 2.

His family, friends and mem-bers of 1RAR gathered for the moving ceremony.

An emotional Maj Fisher said this was the first of what he hoped to be many dedications to our fallen soldiers.

“The idea came to me after my posting as the principal staff officer and critical incident man-ager at 3 Bde.

“As I was responsible for the

notification coordination for all our personnel who were killed or wounded during that time, this is a personal matter for me,” he said.

“My intent in having our sol-diers commemorated in this way was to ensure they are never for-

gotten. As I was in the position to be able to influence these matters I decided to take ownership and run with this idea.

“I’ve had a lot of support from the units and brigades and I’m hoping to have three more dedica-

tions this year.” Locations within the Townsville and Mount Stuart field training areas have been identified to be named after three other 3 Bde soldiers.

1RAR RSM WO1 Sean McGinley said these dedications would be in the fore of the minds of the soldiers who used the facil-ities.

“The marksmanship training facility is used by all ranks within 3 Bde,” he said.

“The range develops indi-viduals in combat shooting and marksmanship proficiency. Skill-at-arms and combat effectiveness is fundamental prior to deploy-ment on operations.

“As soldiers arrive at the Pte Benjamin Ranaudo Marksman Training Range, they should pause to read the story of Pte Ranaudo in order to realise the skills they are developing here will be used in accurately engag-ing the enemy.”

WO1 McGinley said Pte Ranaudo’s family was extremely grateful having the range named after him.

Initiative for the fallen

Diggers in air trial

techniques, which help speed up our evacuation. You could tell they knew what they were doing.”

He never imagined doing trials such as this when he joined the Army.

“I never expected to work with the RAAF so much, same with the Army choppers. At 4 Regt we seem to have

a good relationship with these guys and it means we get to see how each other operates, which was especially important for us in the gun group when we need to do air mobility operations,” he said.

The trials of the pax and cargo loading configurations were successful

and the 3 Bde personnel walked away with a clear understanding of how the Spartan may be used to assist their units in air mobility in the future.

While at RAAF Base Townsville, the Spartan’s crew took the opportu-nity to build experience operating the Spartan in Northern Australia.

This included operating from a dirt airstrip in the High Range Field Training Area.

Flt-Lt Seery said these sort of trials were essential to the C-27J Spartan performing as a battlefield airlifter for the ADF.

Troops evaluate interoperability and cargo loading for air mobility of units

Gnr Josh Baxsell and other 3 Bde soldiers exit a C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter during trials at RAAF Base Townsville. Photo by LAC Brenton Kwaterski

The marksmanship range at Townsville renamed in memory of Pte Benjamin Ranaudo. Photo by LCpl Kyle Genner

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By Sgt Dave Morley

MEMBERS of 1 Avn Regt in Darwin are planning a fundraising pack march in early April for the upkeep of their mascot.

Known to her mates as Penny, the 11-year-old per-egrine falcon – full title Cpl Falcon Peregrinus Alert – is being trained to fulfil her new role.

Cfn Robert Webb, who recently took on the role as Penny’s lead handler, said he was training five handlers within the unit.

With no trained handlers on location, the mascot had been living at the Territory Wildlife Park in Darwin for the past seven years.

“The Territory Wildlife Park has been fantastic in the support they have given us in providing direct care to Penny and their ongoing support is greatly appreci-ated,” Cfn Webb said.

“Penny is owned by the unit as the official mascot and due to my experience as mascot-handler for wedge-tailed eagle Cpl Courage with 2 Cav Regt, I was imme-diately asked if I would like to start handling Penny.”

Cfn Webb said since Penny had returned to the unit, her behaviour had greatly improved.

“Penny is released onto a perch to begin with and called to the glove I wear to get a food reward,” he said.

“This is done for a couple of months and then we move to handler-to-handler, which has more issues due to her getting over-excited and distracted.

“None of this training had ever been done with Penny so it’s a slow path I am following to get her up to speed.

“Even though she doesn’t form an emotional bond with her handlers – falcons don’t do this – she knows where her food comes from and she knows she’s on a pretty good wicket, so we never have to be concerned about her returning to us.

“Since her return I have been able to set up an

Cpl Max Bree

MAINTENANCE constraints affect-ing an Armoured Cavalry Regiment are the target of a program identifying issues hampering deployment, opera-tion and sustainment.

Dubbed Plan Centaur, the program aims to improve maintenance on opera-tions by efficient sustainment of equip-ment in barracks.

Part of the plan involves creating a workforce trained on multiple vehicles so commanders are not limited in ways they can split or arrange the regiment.

Plan Centaur’s Director General, Brig David McGahey, said the review could also mean less administration work for RAEME trades personnel.

“We’re looking at all the time we spend on MILIS [the military integrat-ed logistics information system], how much is producing any outcome and how much is used for legitimately input-ting data,” he said.

“Hopefully we can give trades per-sonnel more meaningful time on the tools and be making the most of their trade skills.”

Phase 1 of Plan Centaur ended in mid-2015 and identified a number of issues and constraints affecting vehicle maintenance.

Brig McGahey said this included repetition on courses.

“If an ACR has three different types of vehicles in it, they’re going to do courses on all those vehicles,” he said.

“But if someone’s learning about torsion bar suspension on their basic course, then why are we teaching it on three separate courses?”

The program was also examining the type of support equipment trades per-sonnel needed.

“If they’re in support of an ACR, they’ll also need the mobility and equip-ment to operate if the organisation is split in two or three,” Brig McGahey said.

February 11, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews4

Handlers hope their fundraiser takes off

account for her but now need to start fundraising to supplement her care,” he said.

“For this reason we are conducting a fundraising pack march to raise some money for Penny and also signify her return to the regiment.

“All handlers will be pack-marching with Penny from the Territory Wildlife Park to Robertson Barracks, a distance of 48km, with the two-day march ending in a barbecue at the regiment.”

Cfn Webb said Penny’s cage was bigger than her accommodation at the Wildlife Park, but was not huge.

“We are working to relocate Courage’s cage from the old 2 Cav Regt lines and have it brought up to the regiment,” he said.

“We have also commenced a new program where members of the unit can request to have Penny brought into their children’s school for show and tell.

“This has had a great response from the unit’s fami-lies.”

Penny also has a Facebook page called Penny Alert for members interested in pictures and videos of her being trained.

Centaur identifying efficiencies

Vehicle program revs up

With Plan Centaur now in Phase 2, the maintenance community has the chance to come together and understand the root cause of issues and constraints.

They are conducting surveys, dis-cussions and workshops to identify and evaluate solutions for the final phase.

Plan Centaur is the first review of its kind in about 20 years and could lead to a restructure of RAEME trades, accord-ing to Brig McGahey.

“The current trade structure in RAEME is 35 years old, so we’re look-ing at adapting that for the new tech-nologies and techniques we’ll be using,” he said.

“Most of the new equipment will all have computers so we need to sort out what skills and equipment are needed to maintain modern vehicles that have diagnostics and fleet management sys-tems on board.”

For further information, email the Plan Centaur Project Management Office on plan.centaur@defence.gov.au

Cfn Robert Webb with peregrine falcon mascot Penny at 1 Avn Regt in Darwin.

Cfn Robert Webb and Penny with three of the other handlers.

Mechanics Cfn Khyle Jensen, front, and LCpl Jarrad Gordon service the engine of a Bushmaster at the Taji Military Complex, Iraq. Photo by CPL Matthew Bickerton

February 11, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 5

Sgt Dave Morley and LCpl Sebastian Beurich

MORE than 250 ADF members are in Melbourne rehearsing for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT), which will stage five per-formances at Etihad Stadium from February 12-14.

The Combined Military Band comprises 95 members. The Pipes and Drums of the ADF has 40 mem-bers and Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) contingent numbers 116.

The Pipes and Drums of the ADF has been especially formed for the event and will wear new kilts made from the ADFA triservice tartan.

The Combined Military Bands

will perform some of Australia’s most iconic songs, many of which have significant meaning to ADF members who have been deployed overseas over the past century.

AFG will provide a royal guard for the REMT, which they practised at recent Australian Day celebrations.

OPSO AFG Army Capt Matt Daniell said the royal guard was close

to the whole guard on parade, instead of a half guard.

“Normally, for other events, we would provide a half guard with about 60 people in the contingent.

“We only do a few royal guards a year, so they’re pretty special,” he said.

AFG members have been practis-ing since they returned from leave on January 11.

The REMT toured Australia in 2005 and 2010 with performances held in Sydney and supported by the ADF.

UK, Scotland, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Norway and Switzerland are also taking part.

The 65-year-old event attracts a television audience of about 100 mil-lion worldwide.

Cfn Ben WheadonTHE first ADF Pipes and Drums band includes four RAEME members.

One of those is Cfn Ben Wheadon, currently with Australia’s Federation Guard. He plays the bagpipes with the Australian Federal Police Pipes and Drums to keep up his skills.

“I did an audition in September, and in October I found out I was going to be part of the ADF band,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to working alongside other professional performers from all over the world. It’s going to be a great learning opportunity.”

Cfn Wheadon started playing the bagpipes in his school band in 2002.

“My school had a pipe band. I was interested in it and it took off from there,” he said.

“I’ve played in several highland gatherings over the years, as well as the 8/9RAR Tattoo in 2014, but never anything as big as the REMT.”

Cfn Wheadon has been practising hard with his regular band, the AFP Pipes and Drums, who are also participating in the Edinburgh Tattoo.

“We’ve had a fair few intensive weekend practises, which run all day Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

LCpl Ben BonneyPREPARATIONS are under way in rehearsal halls and on parade grounds across Australia for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to be held at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, from February 12-14.

RMC Band trumpeter LCpl Ben Bonney is one of six members of his band who is looking forward to their involvement.

He said he was thrilled to be chosen to take part.

“We’ll be there performing music to a crowd of more than 30,000 people,” he said.

“It’s also good to get away and meet other AABC people we don’t get to see often; it will almost be like a family reunion.”

LCpl Bonney said the RMC Band members had been memorising and individually practising their music since late last year.

“Once we get to Melbourne we’ll start practising with the Combined Military Bands of the ADF,” he said.

Attending the REMT will be a first for LCpl Bonney, but he played at a military tattoo in Basel, Switzerland, in 2011 and 2014.

LCpl Bonney has been playing the trumpet since he was 10 in his school band at Mackay, Queensland.

Sgt Deb DeakesAFTER a status change to Army Reserve in January 2014, the Army band of AAB-Melbourne so impressed CO AAB Lt-Col Andrea McMahon with its professionalism and marching band standard, it was selected to be the core band for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT).

Sgt Deb Deakes, a clarinet player since 1982, said AAB-Melbourne was providing 22 of the 35 Army band members for the tattoo.

“Because of this, AAB-M members feel a great sense of pride, which is largely due to the excellent leadership of our OC Capt Steve Cottier and our BSM WO2 Peter Mathison,” she said.

“We’ve been doing lots and lots of practice playing our parts, as we have to memorise the music for the display part of the show,” she said.

“We have been practising marching band drill, playing our parts.

REMT will be Sgt Deakes’ first tattoo, although she accompanied AAB-Brisbane to South Korea last year for the 67th anniversary celebrations of the ROK Defence Force.

She said she was looking forward to performing in the REMT. “This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event,” she said.

Musn Natalie DajskiFOR some people, the opportunity to practise their trade in front of a crowd of more than 30,000 people would be a daunting task, but not for Musn Natalie Dajski.

The RMC Band musician has travelled around the world playing in Army bands, so on her home soil at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo it’s just another day on the job.

“I had put my hand up and said I really wanted to go; I really wanted to get selected out of the four full-time clarinet players we have here,” she said.

“I’ve been pretty lucky – I performed in the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland and the Japanese Self-Defense Force Marching Band Display in 2014, then a tattoo in Tonga last year.

“Every marching band display is different, so I’m really excited about this one.”

Musn Dajski has been a member of the AABC for six years, playing clarinet as her primary instrument and saxophone on the side.

“I’ve always had an interest in music, my eldest sister also plays the clarinet, so she gave me lessons before I started playing at school,” she said.

Strike up the band

Members of the Pipes and Drums of the ADF rehearse for the 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Simpson Barracks, Victoria. Photo by LS Nina Fogliani

ADF musicians and guards fine-tune for Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

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Recognition for medicsA GALLANTRY and bravery award display recognising 12 health personnel was unveiled at Army School of Health recently by Special Operations Commander Australia, Maj-Gen Jeffrey Sengelman.

The display recognises the dis-tinguished bravery and outstanding actions of the 12 in the provision of health care under extremely arduous conditions in areas of operations since 2000.

Seven of them were at the unveil-ing, along with colleagues and family members.

Opening the proceedings, Head of the RAAMC Brig Stephan Rudzki said it was fitting that the members were recognised in such a way that enabled future health personnel to be reminded of the attributes their fellow corps members had displayed.

Brig Rudzki said it was important to acknowledge the majority of the men and women were still serving in the ADF and contributing to RAAMC.

Maj-Gen Sengelman stressed the importance of health professionals as part of the team.

He said their presence, knowledge and delivery of quality of health care

Special Operation Commander Australia Maj-Gen Jeffrey Sengelman, second from left, with three of the personnel recognised in a display at Army School of Health, from left, Cpl Jeremy Holder, Capt Dan Pronk and Sgt Bradley Watts.

THOSE HONOURED

Medal of Gallantry Cpl Jeremy Holder: Displayed outstanding gallantry and a high level of clinical care. While per-sonally under fire, he triaged and treated casualties. Distinguished Service

Medal Sgt Damien Silva: His excep-tional competence, level-head-edness and leadership of com-bat first-aiders in the treatment of seriously wounded personnel, directly saved lives. Sgt Bradley Watts: Led a small team of soldiers who, while under fire from anti-coalition mili-tia, evacuated a seriously injured soldier.’ Commendation for Gallantry Cpl Bernard Ryan: Despite being seriously injured by an IED and while under enemy fire, acted selflessly and highly professionally. After treating the other injured soldiers he treated his own wounds.Cpl Coen Ward: With complete disregard for his own safety, he calmly moved forward to relieve a less experienced first-aider and rendered life-saving inter-vention. ���Commendation for

Distinguished Service for distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations and in action

Maj Dan Pronk: Led a team of medics during the conduct of prolonged engagements with insurgents throughout southern Afghanistan and regularly risked

his safety to treat injured person-nel in dire circumstances.’Cpl Jacqui De Gelder: Demonstrated a distinguished level of skill, medical knowledge and selflessness while attend-ing multiple incidents involving seriously wounded or dying personnel, including Australians, Afghan National Army and local nationals.Cpl Garry Francis: His prompt and decisive actions, his direc-tions to others, and his superior care saved lives. Cpl Benjamin Tribe: Demonstrated exceptional dedi-cation, technical competency and gallantry under fire in the performance of his duties in the emergency treatment of Australian commandos, Afghan locals and enemy combatants.’Maj Dan Weber: Distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations and in action as the Regimental Medical Officer.Maj Marty Graves: Demonstrated exceptional dedi-cation in his performance of duty as the Medical Officer attending to mass casualties as a result of the detonation of a suicide bomber. His expert skill and tire-less dedication saved the lives of at least six Afghans and ensured the quality of life of many others.WO2 Jason Carter: In the immediate aftermath of the blast from an improvised explosive device, Sgt Carter displayed exceptional compassion and immense personal courage while caring for an Afghan casualty.

brought confidence to individual team members in knowing they would have the very best chance of surviving wounds received in combat.

RSM ASH/RAAMC WO1 Ross McGregor said having the display at the school would hopefully inspire

others to follow in the award recipi-ents’ footsteps.

He said trainees had the opportuni-ty to read and acknowledge those who had gone before them as a significant way to reinforce the ADF, ALTC and ASH culture and values.

Bravery awards for health personnel on display

February 11, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews6

THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCEARTS FOR RECOVERY, RESILIENCE,TEAMWORK AND SKILLS PROGRAM

ADFARRTS Program

It’s on again! Currently serving ADF personnel with health and wellbeingissues can now apply to attend a unique creative arts program utilising

music, drama, creative writing and visual arts.

No previous experience or training is required as tutoringand mentoring will be provided.

The Program will be held from 14 May to 11 June 2016.Applications close 1 April 2016.

More information about the ARRTS Program, including application forms,can be obtained by emailing ADF.ARRTS@defence.gov.auor calling 0419 549 383 or Nina Craven on (02) 6265 5923. D

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February 11, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 7

By Capt Megan McDermott

AGAINST the blue summer skies of Sydney, soldiers from 1 Cdo Regt parachuted into the waters off Manly Beach as part of the regiment’s annual currency training, called Exercise Red Pegasus 2.

More than 70 soldiers leapt from sev-eral Air Force C-130J Hercules using the T10 series parachute for the last time.

CO 1 Cdo Regt, Lt-Col M, said the training was part of the annual suite of commando activities designed to maintain the niche special operations capability.

“The regiment is an integrated unit comprising a high number of regular and reserve soldiers, who are all required to meet the same rigorous standards of a regular commando. Our parachute train-ing is part of that requirement,” he said.

On the first day of the exercise, com-mandos and support staff conducted an aerial certification and familiarisation jump several kilometres offshore. The following day the commandos conducted a parachute load follow in full view of Manly beachgoers.

The crowd witnessed the airborne

insertion, where Zodiac bundles were deployed out of the aircraft followed by a small number of paratroopers for assem-bling the bundles and a large follow-on force. Once in the water, the Zodiacs were inflated and used to pick up the follow-on force to simulate a beach infil-tration.

Lt-Col M hoped the demonstration would appeal to prospective candidates as part of the unit’s recent recruitment initiative.

“We are undertaking a large recruiting drive and are looking for smart, fit, enthu-siastic go-getters who can balance both a civilian career as well as reserve service,” he said.

As part of the recruitment drive, 1 Cdo Regt will re-raise training platoons in each of the commando companies to give reserve members the opportunity to prepare for October 2016 selection.

“Our program will pool like-minded aspirants, providing a vehicle to encour-age their training and preparation,” Lt-Col M said.

For more information about recruitment oppor-tunities at the regiment, email 1cdo.recruiting@defence.gov.au

By Capt Megan McDermott

AFTER almost 40 years of service, the last-standing T10 parachutes used by paratroopers and Special Ops personnel around the world have retired.

The chutes require paratroopers hook-ing onto a strong point in the aircraft before jumping from altitudes between 800-1000ft.

Soldiers from 1 Cdo Regt used the chutes for the last time while conducting their annual currency jump.

WO2 R, of the Parachute Training School, said the Army’s T10 series stat-ic line parachutes had served the Army well since their first operational service on loan from the US during Operation Stirling in the Vietnam War.

“In 1969, soldiers from 3 Sqn, SASR, conducted an airborne insertion into Phuoc Tuy, South Vietnam, using 100 US-loaned T10 parachutes,” WO2 R said.

The T10s were formally inducted into the Australian Army in 1976 and have been used by SASR, 1 and 2 Cdo Regiments, 4RAR, 3RAR and the

Parachute Training School. In 1995, the chutes were employed for the larg-est Australian parachute descent into the Northern Territory as part of Exercise Kangaroo. This was a complete Parachute Battalion Group (PBG) insertion con-ducted by 3RAR.

The T10s have been superseded by the T11 series.

“The T11 gives the soldier a slower rate of descent to reduce the risk of injury whilst wearing more equipment of the modern day soldier,” WO2 R said.

The T10 was parabolic in shape and had a 10.6m diameter, comprising 30 suspension lines and a load capacity of 164kg. It had a rate of descent of 4.6 to 6.7m a second.

In contrast, the T11 is a cruciform platform design with a flying diameter of 8.7m and can carry 181kg. The T11s have fewer suspension lines (28), and a rate of descent of 4.4 to 5.6m a second.

WO2 R said the final T10s would be converted for equipment or stores drops of up to 227kg.

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Static chutes retired

A soldier from 1 Cdo Regt jumps from a C-130J Hercules into the waters off Manly Beach as part of Exercise Red Pegasus. Photo by Cpl Janine Fabre

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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSSMaj-Gen Craig Orme (retd) For distinguished command and leader-ship in warlike operations as Commander JTF 633 on Operations Slipper and Okra from September 2013 to December 2014.

BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSSBrig DFor distinguished command and lead-ership in warlike operations during Operation Slipper.

SECOND BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSSLt-Col IFor distinguished leadership in war-like operations as part of a Special Operations Force on Operation Okra from September 2014 to February 2015.

MEMBER IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)Col Ashley Gunder For exceptional service tas the Commander Combat Training Centre and Senior Staff Officer HQ 1 Div during the period 2009 to 2015.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSSMajor BFor outstanding achievement in the per-formance of duty during Operation Bring Them Home in August 2014. Lt-Col Robert BrennanFor outstanding achievement as the 9RQR and inaugural Commanding Officer of the 11th/13th Brigade Reinforcing Battle Group. Lt-Col David EdwardsFor outstanding achievement as the Commanding Officer of the School of Artillery.

Lt-Col Gavin KeatingFor outstanding achievement in the per-formance of duty as the CO 3RAR.

Lt-Col John PapalitsasFor outstanding achievement as Staff Officer Grade 1 Capability Development-Training within HQ Forcomd.

Lt-Col Jasmin ShorttFor outstanding achievement as the Staff Officer Grade 1 Transitions, Directorate of Soldier Career Management – Army, AHQ.

Maj Mitchell WatsonFor outstanding achievement as the Officer Commanding D Squadron, 1 Armd Regt.

Lt-Col Martin WhiteFor outstanding achievement as the CO 7 Sig Regt.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDALLt-Col Sean Benporath For distinguished leadership in warlike operations whilst deployed on Operations Slipper and Highroad as the inaugural Commanding Officer Mentor to the 2nd Training Kandak, Afghan National Army Officer Academy from January 2014 to February 2015.

Capt KFor distinguished leadership in warlike operations as the Nursing Officer and Health Planner on Operation Okra.

MEDAL IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM)WO1 Craig EganFor meritorious service as the RSM of HQ 4 Brigade, Corps of Royal Australian Engineers, Combined Arms Training Centre and the 1 Div/Deployable Joint Force Headquarters during the period January 2010 to June 2015.

WO1 Anthony HortleFor meritorious service as the RSM of 16 AL Regt and the School of Artillery.

WO1 Michael LandyFor meritorious service as the RSM of 31/42 RQR and 7RAR.

WO1 Peter RussellFor meritorious service as the Senior Cargo Specialist of Maritime Wing, Army School of Transport and Headquarters 17 CSSB, and Operations Warrant Officer of 10FSB.

WO1 Peter ZajacFor meritorious performance of duties RSM of the Defence Command Support Training Centre and Ceremonial – Army.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDALLt-Col Dean AshtonFor meritorious achievement as Deputy Director Curriculum, Australian Command and Staff College.

Lt-Col Andrew BakerFor meritorious devotion to duty as Senior Instructor of the All Corps Majors Course and Advanced Operations Course, Officer Training Wing, Land Warfare Centre.

Sgt Mark BivianoFor meritorious achievement in the performance of duty as a Rifle Platoon Sergeant in 7RAR.

WO1 David BromwichFor meritorious achievement as the RSM of 6RAR.

Chap Stephen BrooksFor meritorious achievement as the Brigade Coordination Chaplain, 3rd Brigade.

Sgt Colin BurrowsFor meritorious achievement as a move-ments specialist with the 2 Cdo and 1st Joint Movement Group.

WO2 Daniel DonaldFor meritorious achievement as the Supervisor Separations within the Directorate of Soldier Career Management – Army, Army Headquarters.

Cpl Dean GeorgeFor meritorious achievement in the performance of duty as a Sniper Team Leader in 6RAR.

WO1 Brad GrahamFor meritorious devotion to duty as the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant of 2 Cav Regt.

Lt-Col Carrissa IbbottFor meritorious achievements as the Deputy Director of Workforce Modelling Forecasting and Analysis - Army.

WO2 Joseph LaycockFor meritorious achievement in the performance of duty as the Squadron Aviation Aircrewman Instructor in 171 Avn Sqn, 6 Avn Regt.

Maj PFor meritorious achievement as the Officer Commanding JTF 644 in August 2014.

Maj RFor meritorious achievement as a signals intelligence officer.

Sgt SFor meritorious achievement in the performance of duty while posted as a Company Operations Sgt to the 2 Cdo during 2014.

COMMENDATION FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICEBrig Andrew FreemanFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Combined Joint Staff Officer Logistics within NATO Special Operations Component

Command-Afghanistan from 11 January 2014 to 10 December 2014.

Maj Danielle HugginsFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations while deployed on Operation Slipper as the Female Tolay platoon commander to the United Kingdom-led mentoring mission to the Afghan National Army Officer Academy at Qargha, Kabul, Afghanistan from February to September 2014.

Capt Katrina KellyFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Nursing Officer to the United Kingdom-led men-toring mission to the Afghan National Army Officer Academy at Qargha, Kabul Afghanistan on Operations Slipper and Highroad from July 2014 to January 2015.

Colonel MFor distinguished performance of duties on Operation Slipper.

Maj RFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations while deployed as the Executive Officer and Officer Commanding on Operation Okra.

Cpl SFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations while deployed as a Team Commander on Operation Okra.

Brig David ShieldsFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations while deployed on Operation Slipper from 14 November 2013 to 15 November 2014.Maj TFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations while deployed as an Officer Commanding, Commando Company Group with the Special Operations Task Group Force on Rotation I on Operation OKRA.

Australia Day medals February 11, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews8

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CHAP Stephen Brooks chose to serve as a military chaplain to fulfil a chal-lenge and purpose in his life, and because it seemed to be the right fit for him.

The Brigade Coordination Chaplain with 3 Bde was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in the Australia Day honours for his tireless commitment and dedication to pastoral care and reli-gious ministry.

Chap Brooks originally joined the Army Reserve in 1994. He said that he was lured by the challenge of Army life.

“One of the things which really drew me to the Army was that I found it to be very accepting,” he said.

He found “the rich diversity of peo-ple” and the fact “many weren’t sing-ing from the same hymn sheet as me” endearing.

“When I compare it to other civil-ian organisations, I think the Army

genuinely offers care for its people and when they make mistakes they help them through it,” Chap Brooks said.

He said he didn’t join the Army to convert people, rather to help them come to an understanding of who they are.

“It’s not about me telling people how to solve their problems, it’s about listen-ing,” he said.

“I help them walk through the mine-field of their problem and come to the proper solution.

“At the end of the day, they have to own the answer, not me.”

When Chap Brooks learned he was being awarded a CSM, he was humbled by the praise which was being offered to him.

“As humans, it’s important to have a sense of self-worth. To be valued by your peers and superiors is a wonderful thing,” he said.

“It was also an acknowledgement of the wonderful support I have received from my wife and two children.”

LS Jayson Tufrey

A NURSING officer and now officer-in-charge of the Soldier Recovery Centre – Darwin, Capt Katrina Kelly, of 1 Bde, has been rewarded for her level-headed actions following an insider attack at the Marshal Fahim National Defence University in Qargha, Kabul, in August 2014.

Capt Kel ly was awarded the Commendation for Distinguished Service in the Australia Day honours for perfor-mance of duties in warlike operations as the nursing officer to the United Kingdom-led mentoring mission to the Afghan National Army Officer Academy at Qargha.

Her quick actions aided the critical treatment and extraction of 14 casualties.

Capt Kelly provided mental health and welfare support at Qargha above and beyond the scope of her prescribed duties and greatly assisted the wellbeing of Australian personnel.

After the announcement of her award, Capt Kelly said she was humbled at the opportunity to highlight the important work of Army’s medical staff.

“I felt very proud to be one of the two nursing officers to be recognised. This

reinforced my choice in profession and career pathway,” she said.

“This was an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate to the wider Army the unique skill-sets, roles and versatility of Army Nursing Corps members.”

Capt Kelly said the circumstances behind her receiving the award were still fresh in her mind, and praised the team working alongside her.

“I worked with two British combat medical technicians to treat a number of high priority casualties and remained with casualties awaiting evacuation,” she said.

“The Force Protection Element 2 members were outstanding in the support they gave the medical team as stretch-er bearers, combat first aiders, security, evacuating casualties and – most appreci-ated – helping to clean and refurbish the regimental aid post.”

She said her family and friends were very proud of her award, and without them she would not have had the opportu-nity to deploy.

“I feel this was a tangible thank you to my mother who put her career on hold and moved location to care for my sons while I deployed; something I was very grateful for,” she said.

Reward for care

Capt Katrina Kelly, recipient of a Commendation for Distinguished Service in the Australia Day honours. Photo by Cpl Nunu Campos

Devoted to a life of service

February 11, 2016 Newswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 9

Chap Stephen Brooks has received a Conspicuous Service Medal for his dedication and pastoral care. Photo by LCpl Kyle Genner

February 11, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews10

Service medals for tour Protection force praised for professionalism and attitude at handover in Kabul

FOLLOWING six months o f d i l igen t s e rv ice in Afghanistan, members of Force Protection Element (FPE) 4 have handed duties over to FPE 5 in ceremonies across Kabul.

Commander Task Group Afghanistan Brig Michael Annett said the level of profes-sionalism shown by members of FPE 4 had been exemplary.

“Every Australian who has deployed to Afghanistan dur-ing your tenure has returned home safely,” he said.

“It is a testament to your professionalism, positive atti-tude and team work.”

FPE 4 was made up of about 90 members from 8/9RAR and 7CSSB.

Together, they provided the critical transport and force pro-tection to ADF mentors per-forming an advise and assist role to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in both Kandahar and Kabul.

Members of FPE 4 received the Australian Operational Service Medal (Greater Middle East) and the NATO Non-Article 5 Medal.

Left: Lt Darwin Alvarenga receives the NATO Non-Article 5 Medal from the Chief Mentor of Camp Qargha, Brig Ian Rigden, of the British Army, during a transition of authority parade in Kabul. Above: Cpl Emma Barnett is congratulated by Brig Michael Annett after being presented with her Australian Operational Service Medal (Greater Middle East) at Hamid Karzai International Airport. Photos by Sgt Hamish Paterson

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By Lt Nick Tyrell

TRADIES from 1CER’s Construction Troop have teamed up with American, Timorese and Japanese personnel for a series of building projects in Hera, Timor-Leste.

During the five-week exercise – Hari’i Hamutuk – late last year, Army trades personnel assisted in construction works for the Timorese military and took the lead on projects

to house senior NCOs and build a classroom.

Cpl Namron King, a site foreman on the exercise, said it was great working with other nations.

“These projects have been extremely valuable, because it allowed us to realise how similarly we all operate which will create stronger bonds among the nations,” he said.

The exercise helped the Timorese military to enhance their construction

capabilities in trades like plumbing, electrical, carpentry and plant opera-tion.

“Working with this many coun-tries at once, as well as with the host nation, is unique,” Cpl King said.

The Australian Defence Cooperation Program – Timor-Leste, coordinated and planned the exercise with the Timorese military for 12 months. There are plans to broaden the scope of works and number of personnel for this year’s exercise.

Exercise builds bridges Tradies from four nations learn from each other working on projects in Timor-Leste

Personnel from the four nations (above and top left) work together during exercise Hari’i Hamutuk in Hera, Timor-Leste.

February 11, 2016News www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews12

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February 11, 2016 Centrepiecewww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews14 15

Above, an Australian Army trainer oversees an Iraqi soldier from the Ninewa Operations Command Commando Battalion during a live-fire shoot with the M249 machine gun at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq.

Below, an Iraqi soldier stabs a target while a trainer from Task Group Taji provides direction during bayonet fighting lessons. Photos by Cpl Jake Sims

AT THE POINTY ENDIraqi soldiers are continuing to sharpen their fighting techniques and tactics thanks to the expertise of Task Force Taji’s Australian and New Zealand trainers.

Left, an Australian Army trainer leads Iraqi Army soldiers from the Ninewa Operations Command Commando Battalion in a charge to the beginning of the bayonet course during fighting lessons at the Taji Military Complex.

AUSTRALIAN trainers, with the help of New Zealand counterparts, put Iraqi sol-diers through their bayonet

paces in December in a first for Task Group Taji in Iraq.

The task group has been dedicated to improving the knowledge and skills of Iraqi Army soldiers as part of Operation Okra in Iraq.

Soldiers from the Ninewa Operations Command Commando Battalion (NOC Cdo Bn) were the first to learn the finer points of bayonet fighting training from the task group, as part of an extend-ed period of instruction at Taji Military Complex, north of Baghdad.

Australian Army trainer Capt Gareth Rochester said the Iraqi soldiers enjoyed the training so much they asked for more.

“Bayonet fighting is all about focus-ing people on overcoming the enemy and the guys really absorbed what we were trying to teach them,” he said.

Each officer and soldier was taught the basic moves including the ready, high port, thrust, slash and butt stroke, before attempting the bayonet obstacle course, featuring targets made by Task Group Taji’s Combat Service Support Team.

Capt Rochester said the battalion’s soldiers had learnt the techniques quick-ly and performed well on the obstacle course.

The final weeks of the battalion’s period of instruction were filled with training in urban operations, counter IEDs and live-fire marksmanship, as it prepared for its culminating activity, Exercise Commando Strike.

Soldiers from Iraq’s 3rd Battalion, 71st Brigade, also took part in special-ist training with the Taji Task Group in December.

The instruction included mentor-ing on support weapons, particularly mortars and machine guns, training in marksmanship, general weapon- handling drills and physical training.

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SOLDIERS of 13 Bde dealt with an unexpected challenge while on Exercise Borneo when a major bush-fire forced them to relocate.

The brigade had begun the nine-day training exercise at Bindoon, north of Perth, to test their military skills at individual, section and platoon level when they were forced to evacuate.

“We had just managed to com-mence individual benchmark training when the fires at Bindoon town site compromised all the training we were doing at the Bindoon training area,” exercise Commander Lt-Col Murray Drover said.

He said the evacuation resulted in a four-hour convoy move, which included significant route changes on the way.

“We safely relocated all personnel, equipment and 42 vehicles back to Irwin Barracks without loss of equip-ment or breakdown,” Lt-Col Murray said.

“The ability of the planning team to then completely redesign the activ-ity within 24 hours, including the use of appropriately cleared use of private land, was fantastic.”

Exercise Borneo included night and day waterborne and vehicle insertions, culminating in blank-firing activities while dealing with mock IED and booby traps.

Small boat insertion techniques with assault boats and Zodiacs were

February 11, 2016Training www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews16

Fire threat to exercise 13 Bde soldiers forced to evacuate area and revise training activities

practised on the upper reaches of the Swan River.

OC 13 Fld Sqn Maj James Kurz said the site was a good launch point

for the exercise scenario. “My combat engineers, together with cavalry scouts from 10LH, used the stretch of river to perfect small boat-handling drills

and, when it was dark we launched the operation,” he said.

“The assault boats headed north-east into the Helena River and inserted

a reconnaissance team to observe an ‘enemy’ position near Palmer Barracks in Guildford.”

Maj Kurz said it was very realistic training and demonstrated the benefits of combining different combat capa-bilities.

“We had the boats, the crew and the skills to get the reconnaissance team into position without being detected by the ‘enemy’,” he said.

“All it takes is a bit of ingenuity.”Exercise Borneo enabled soldiers

to practise combat training relevant to regional stabilisation and support operations.

The exercise was named after the World War II amphibious landings on the island of Borneo that took place from May to July 1945. It involved many of the units currently part of 13 Bde.

“Like the amphibious operations on Borneo in 1945, this exercise ena-bled the different brigade units to work closely together to maximise the ben-efits of each of their various capabili-ties,” Maj Kurz said.

He said the exercise was becoming more integrated, allowing various units to train together more often.

The exercise concluded with mounted operations in the urban envi-ronment setting of Perth’s suburbs.

Pte Michael Mani, of 16RWAR, takes aim with an F89 Mimimi during Exercise Borneo. Photo by ABIS Chris Beerenst

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February 11, 2016Training www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews18

Teaching rules of engagementMuch relief

Exercise puts spotlight on disaster response

FOR the first time since its incep-tion in 2010, all four regional partners from across the Asia-Pacific rim gathered for Exercise Cooperation Spirit.

The humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise, con-ducted at RAAF Base Williamtown last November, involved 10 ADF members, five from the Chinese military, four from the US Pacific Command and two from the NZ Defence Force.

CJOPS VADM David Johnston said the exercise was an opportunity to deepen understanding and coordi-nation of our respective HADR capa-bilities and plans.

“The Asia-Pacific is a region prone to natural disasters, which makes HADR a natural and important area of cooperation between coun-tries in our region,” he said.

“The exercise was designed to build our collective capacity to pro-vide a disaster relief response in the future.”

The exercise consisted of semi-nars and a table-top activity based on a fictitious scenario of cyclone dam-age to a South Pacific nation.

“Unfortunately, such scenarios do have real-world application with Cyclone Pam impacting on Vanuatu in early 2015,” VADM Johnston said.

A c t i n g S O 2 O p s a t H Q 1JMOVGP Capt Hanneka Gordon’s role on the exercise was as a move-

LEGAL lessons on the laws of armed conflict and rules of engage-ment are essential for soldiers oper-ating on modern complex battle-fields.

In Iraq these lessons for the Iraqi Security Forces are being prepared by Australian and New Zealand forces.

Legal officer Maj Peter Thatcher said legal training focused on dealing with events likely to be encountered by the ISF on the battlefield.

“During theory lessons I use visual aids to ensure soldiers are able to iden-tify protected and non-protected per-sons and property,” Maj Thatcher said.

“The Iraqi soldiers have displayed a good understanding of the right course of action to take, applying it to the particular property or person they identified, which is positive to see.

“Their actions need to be instinc-tive and should observe the human rights of any persons they encounter, be they combatants, non-combatants or civilians.”

This legal knowledge is appreci-ated by Iraqi Army soldiers such as Pte Kadhim Ali Hani.

“I know how to act against and treat the enemy, and that we are to protect things like schools, mosques, hospitals and civilians,” he said.

“This information is significant because I can teach my soldiers and ensure we all fight humanely.”

Maj Thatcher said training in the laws of armed conflict and human rights obligations was essential in the overall training program being deliv-ered through the coalition’s Building

Air Cdre Noel Derwort presents Capt Hanneka Gordon with a certificate of appreciation for her involvement in exercise Cooperation Spirit, conducted at the ADF Peace Operations Training Centre. Photo by Cpl Craig Barrett

Partner Capacity mission. “We can be satisfied the trainees have been equipped with a correct understanding of proper actions that are compliant on the battlefield,” he said.

“Further, the fundamental motiva-tion for the Iraqi Security Forces must be that they have a legal obligation to comply with these rules.

“They also have the opportunity to continue garnering international sup-port by being viewed as a professional army which understands both the legal and moral imperative of compliance.”

He said the Iraqi Army conducted its own laws of armed conflict training and had a good understanding of these rules.

Maj Peter Thatcher discusses the laws of armed conflict with Pte Kadhim Ali Hani at the Taji Military Complex. Photo by Cpl Matthew Bickerton

ments planner for the HADR sce-narios.

She said the exercise was a valu-able engagement opportunity with countries that would not normally work so closely together.

“The scenarios allowed for discus-sion on the practicality of working on the same mission to support other regional countries that may be affect-

ed by a natural disaster,” she said. “The exercise achieved its main

goal of providing an engagement opportunity between the militaries of China, the US, New Zealand and Australia.”

Capt Gordon said the exercise allowed her to gain an insight into how other militaries approached a HADR situation.

SHAPINGTHE DEFENCE EMPLOYMENT PACKAGEFORTHE ADF - 2016 SURVEY

Would you like to be a part of ensuring that the package of benefits available to all ADFmembers (the Defence Employment Package or DEP) is the best it can be?The permanent ADF DEP study is a great opportunity to have your say on the financialand non financial aspects of your employment package.This year, we will be inviting asample of each Service to take part, so if YOU receive an invitation by email, we wouldlove you to participate.The study will be open from 7-21 March 2016.

Around 7 March, selected members will receive an email from the Directorate of PeopleIntelligence and Research in Defence People Group on the Defence Restricted Network.The email will ask them to participate in the internet-based survey application, whichwill be facilitated by the Defence contractor,True Choice Solutions of NewYork. TheADF DEP survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete.

While the survey is voluntary, the greater the response from those invited to participatethe better understanding the ADF will have of what is important to members in theirpackage. For example, all three Services are working to improve work-life balance fortheir members, and the survey will assess work-life balance measures. Responses will beanonymous and reported findings will be aggregated, so we encourage open and honestresponses.

Of course, any outcomes of the survey will have to be considered by the Services in thenormal manner.

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February 11, 2016 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 19

Policing is a tough job. Being a Military Policeman at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) in Kabul is even

tougher when dealing with a world of different nationalities and languages.

For tunate ly for the deployed Australian Army Military Police, a bit of Aussie friendliness goes a long way towards crossing the language gap.

Four soldiers from the 1st Military Police Battalion in Brisbane are inte-grated into a 16-strong Danish-led International Military Police (IMP) team for the NATO-led Resolute Support mis-sion.

They also work closely with soldiers from the Turkish Army who are respon-sible for the security of HKIA, which is a sprawling base the size of a small town and currently home to thousands of mili-tary personnel and civilian contractors.

Close to 250 ADF personnel are deployed in Afghanistan as part of Operation Highroad, which is Australia’s contribution to the mission.

IMP Supervisor, Cpl Aaron Wilcox, said his role as a manager of the unit’s military police investigators was to ensure the safety of all the troops and civilians who worked at HKIA.

“Our team is responsible for polic-ing the rules and regulations of the base, including traffic control, weapon states and dress standards,” he said.

“We also conduct security and identi-fication checks and search for prohibited items and substances at the entry control points.

“This requires us to liaise with people from more than 40 countries as we con-duct our investigations.

“We are also responsible for the secu-rity of visiting VIPs from the nations contributing to the Resolute Support mission.”

Cpl Wilcox said it was a highlight of

his deployment to be part of a capable team of soldiers in a policing role.

“The people at HKIA respect us because we are making a difference and helping them stay safe.”

Cpl Wilcox said while the Australians worked to their Army policing standards, the Royal Danish Army military police had taught the Aussies different profes-sional skills.

“The Danes are also learning a lot from us because we are very detailed in our investigations and spend a lot of time getting to know the people of the HKIA community,” he said.

Pte Jessica Clune, of IMP, said work-ing in the international environment of HKIA had been a high point for her.

“It’s been exciting to be doing my job on deployment and amazing to learn how the military forces from across the world go about their business,” she said.

“Sometimes it can be a challenge working with the other nationalities and trying to understand their languages, but we collaborate well and get the job done.

“The Danes have been teaching us Danish words and we have Aussie words to teach them every day.

“We also work closely with the Turks at the entry control points and when they find prohibited items our job is to control the scene, assist in the search and collect the evidence for our reports.”

Pte Clune said another important task of the IMP was working with the HKIA Hospital Emergency Department when casualties were admitted.

“Our job is to clear casualties of weapons and explosive ordnance before they are admitted into the facility,” she said.

“It was eerie when the United Kingdom Puma helicopter crashed on the base on October 11th because we were rehearsing for a mass-casualty air-craft crash scenario at the hospital at the time.”

Being a military policeman in Afghanistan presents some unique challenges,Cpl Mark Doran reports.

On the beat in Kabul

Above, MP Pte Jessica Clune greets a Turkish Land Forces soldier, above, at an entry control point during a patrol of the military base at Kabul’s airport. Left, MPs Cpl Aaron Wilcox and Pte Lachlan Cauchi on patrol at another control point. Photos by Cpl Mark Doran

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THREE Aus t ra l i an Army medical officers who served in Rwanda more than 21 years ago have enjoyed an

unplanned reunion in Iraq.The OC of the Health Unit in Iraq,

Maj Sean Kennaway, anaesthetist Lt-Col Peter Tralaggan and intensivist Col Peter Thomas did not think they would serve together again.

The trio shared stories about the sim-ilarities between a first rotation provid-ing medical care in Rwanda and now in Iraq.

“In Rwanda, when we first arrived we had all the challenges a first contin-gent always has,” Col Thomas said.

“We couldn’t locate all our equip-ment easily in the first week. For exam-ple, in our intensive care unit we fixed damaged ventilators to give us some capability until our equipment arrived.”

Maj Kennaway said moving modern medical equipment from Australia to the other side of the world and establishing a hospital always had some issues.

“There was a lot of cleaning up to be done in both Rwanda and Iraq. Turning a brown-field site into what we consider a first-world best-practice facility was a big task,” he said.

Maj Kennaway, who was a young lieutenant during his first deployment as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, said their tasks in Rwanda were similar to those in Iraq.

“Our role was to provide surgical support to the UN force, which is what we are providing to the Coalition at the Taji Military Complex,” he said.

“The major difference is that in Rwanda most of the work ended up being caring for and treating the locals.

“Due to the nature of our mission here, we are not providing care to the local population, but we are sharing best medical practices with the Iraqi Army medical staff.”

The Australian medical person-nel were based at the Central Hospital Kigali, in Rwanda, where they assisted local hospital staff.

“We trained nurses to give anaesthet-ics,” Lt-Col Tralaggan said.

“We assisted the hospital and local non-government organisations in sup-porting their huge workload.”

Treating the population in Rwanda improved the relationship between the United Nations and the Tutsis, he said.

“The thing I found troublesome was the minefields and the injuries the kids would sustain.”

Maj Kennaway said it was hard to believe it had been 21 years since the three served in Rwanda.

Lt-Col Peter Nasveld, the OC of the Medical Company in Rwanda, is also serving in the Middle East as the senior Health Officer based at Headquarters Joint Task Force 633.

Doctors team up againThree medical officers rejoin forces after more than 21 years, Capt Bradley Richardson writes.

Cpl Max Bree

HE HAD swum shark-infested waters, dodged Japanese patrols and trudged through 30km of enemy-controlled jungle.

But age finally caught up with former Spr Edgar “Mick” Dennis, sole survivor of an ill-fated Z Force mission in WWII. He died on November 10 last year, at 96.

He was part of a recon mission to investigate Japanese defences on the New Guinean island of Muschu in April 1945. But the eight-man patrol was com-promised and the Japanese started comb-ing the island for the commandos.

With their radios and torches dam-aged, the Australians couldn’t signal a support boat so tried to escape on a makeshift raft that soon came apart.

Four commandos then paddled out on logs hoping to be seen by a recon-naissance plane the next day. Two drowned and the others were found by the Japanese, tortured and executed.

Spr Dennis and three others headed back into the jungle but became sepa-rated. When his mates failed to show at a rendezvous point, Spr Dennis believed they’d been killed or captured.

While looking for them, Spr Dennis shot three Japanese soldiers and more patrols started hunting him.

“I thought, ‘I can’t do anything now, I can’t save the boys, I don’t know where they are, so now I’ll just see if I can kill as many Japanese as I can,’ ” he said to Army News in 2014.

With only 24 hours of rations, a revolver and Sten gun, Spr Dennis start-ed his one-man fight with the Japanese garrison. He would hide in thick jungle, just off an animal track and wait for a Japanese patrol to come into range.

“I’d knock the first three or four over, I’d shoot them,” he said. While the oth-ers ducked for cover, he would dash down the track and hide.

Age finally nabs escape artist

Spr Dennis eventually paddled to the mainland on a plank of wood. Halfway across the strait, a shark swam around him. He lay still until it left.

Spr Dennis reached the mainland and started his 30km journey through the jungle and back to Australian lines.

On the way he engaged enemy patrols and once caught a break when two Japanese appeared in front of him.

“A couple of Japs were coming down the hill. I’m standing at the bottom and I was just bringing my gun up,” he said.

“They saw me, they were trying to get their guns up but one knocked the other and they both went straight off the track into these high bushes and a couple more yards down a precipice.

“They were screaming, yelling as they tumbled down over the cliff.”

Nine days after the mission began, Spr Dennis finally found an Australian patrol. He was later awarded the Military Medal for his exploits.

From left, Maj Sean Kennaway, Col Peter

Thomas and Lt-Col Peter Tralaggan in the medical facility of the Taji Military

Complex in Iraq.Photo by Cpl Matthew Bickerton.

Mick Dennis at a service in Sydney in 2012 to mark the discovery of the bodies of fellow Z Force members.

February 11, 2016 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 21

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A SHEEN of rain covered the cloisters of the Australian War Memorial as a dedication to Flt-Sgt Lyndsay Arthur Bayley was read to the crowd of silent onlookers.

Cmdr Kate Ryan held the gaze of the crowd as she spoke of his life and how the 29-year-old navigator was killed in action in 1945, during a bombing run on Lutgendorf, Germany.

“The Lancaster on which Bayley was a crew mem-ber was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. Only one man managed to bail out, and spent the remaining weeks of the war as a prisoner of the Germans,” she said.

Flt-Sgt Bayley was the subject of the 1000th Last Post ceremony at the War Memorial on January 14.

The director of the War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, started the ritual in 2013 after visiting Ypres, Belgium, where a similar ceremony was held regularly

to commemorate the British and Commonwealth sol-diers who died in the two world wars.

At the end of each day, as the War Memorial begins to close its doors, its guests gather in the cloisters for the ceremony.

Cmdr Ryan said reading at the Last Post ceremony was a privilege, but a sobering reminder of the cost of war.

“I volunteered because I think it’s important to keep everyone informed of our predecessors and to make sure we will remember them,” she said.

“That’s what we say every day, but we have to make sure it actually happens.”

ADF members interested in participating in the ceremony, or any-one who would like to see someone memorialised, can contact the Australian War Memorial by emailing lastpostceremony@awm.gov.au or calling (02) 6243 4575.

Counting cost of warA pledge to remember is made at the 1000th Last Post ceremony at the AWM, writes LCpl Sebastian Beurich.

OTHER RANKGeneral Court Martial1 x Forgery – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (ACT) s 3461 x Using false docu-ment – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (ACT) s 347

The member was accused of making a false document in connection with their conditions of service. The member was also

accused of using the false document. The member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty. The member forfeited seniority in rank and was fined $4553.26 (to be paid in instal-ments).

All court martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to command review and appeal. The results are of trials across the ADF.

NOVEMBER TRIAL RESULTS

Sgt Dave Morley

ONE of Army’s early tunnel rats was remembered 50 years after his death in South Vietnam, at the Australian War Memorial’s Last Post ceremony on January 11.

Cpl Bob Bowtell, who was born on Anzac Day 1932, was a tunnel rat with 3 Fd Tp when he became the RAE’s first battle casualty in Vietnam on January 11, 1966.

Respects paid to tunnel rat

Cmdr Kate Ryan salutes as a bugler plays the Last Post during the ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.Photo by LCpl Sebastian Beurich

Cpl Bob Bowtell, RAE’s first battle casualty in Vietnam.

February 11, 2016Features www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews22

He died of asphyxi-ation while clearing one of the Cu Chi tunnels near Ho Bo Woods, outside Saigon, during Operation Crimp.

The operation targeted a Viet Cong headquarters believed to be concealed under-ground.

During the seven-day operation, eight Australians were KIA by Viet Cong and another 29 were WIA.

Cpl Bowtell’s troop commander, Capt (later Col) Sandy Macgregor (retd), said Cpl Bowtell was a mature corporal, serious, efficient, loyal and well regarded by his peers.

“Tear gas and smoke was blown down a tunnel sys-tem and Bob entered the same system about 100m away from where the smoke and tear gas was pumped in,” he said.

“When he went into this system he squeezed himself through a trap door into a room which was a dead end.

“His tear gas mask was also dislodged in the pro-cess. Bob fainted and despite many attempts to push him back through the trap door, he died.”

Col MacGregor said it drove home the reality of war, along with the dangers involved in chasing the enemy underground.

Bob’s grandson, Cpl Chris Bowtell, of 2CER, was unable to attend his grandfather’s Last Post ceremony, but said it was important that the memories of those who had come before were commemorated properly for both their achievements and their sacrifices.

“You have to know where you’ve come from to know where you’re going.”

February 11, 2016 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 23

NE A R LY 6 0 0 p e r s o n -nel descended on 103 Sig Sqn at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, to celebrate the

unit’s 50th anniversary.As part of the celebrations in

November, 3CSR hosted the annual RA Sigs Corps week activities. This includ-ed a Melbourne Cup Sweepstakes, the Princess Royal Trophy and the Caduceus Cup. The week culminated with a parade and gala ball at Townsville’s Jupiter’s Casino.

Originally formed from 1 Sig Regt on December 6, 1955, in Ingleburn, NSW, 103 Sig Sqn is now a sub-unit of 3CSR. 103 Sig Sqn has deployed on every major operation since Vietnam in 1966 and has also been involved in many humanitarian operations such as pro-viding support to Darwin after Cyclone Tracy in 1974, and more recently Op Vanuatu Assist in the wake of Cyclone Pam.

OC 103 Sig Sqn Maj Mathew Penney said the week went smoothly considering the logistical challenges.

“Hosting 590 personnel was a sig-nificant number of people at what is 3 Bde’s smallest unit. All the stakehold-ers, including 10FSB, 1RAR and DSRG, worked seamlessly together to feed and accommodate everyone,” Maj Penney said.

In the Princess Trophy, which was last contested in 1967, teams had to bat-tle for supremacy in technical signals knowledge, communications proficiency and physical fitness.

CO 3CSR Lt-Col Craig Tidswell said the trophy was a great opportunity for soldiers to obtain bragging rights to being the best communicator in some-thing that was trade-related.

He said many soldiers he spoke with would like the opportunity to compete for the trophy on a more regular basis.

Perhaps fittingly, out of the five teams, 103 Sig Sqn won the trophy with 102 Sig Sqn in second place.

The Caduceus Cup was next and Maj Penney said it was perhaps the most gruelling of the events throughout the week.

“It started as a relay run from Toowoomba to Brisbane, but as time has passed the event evolved,” he said. “Now it’s much more condensed and teams of 10 run 3.6km legs over a distance of 108km. The winning team was 3CSR who beat DFSS by just 30 seconds.”

Running alongside the relay was a mountain bike race. 3CSR won the team event over 126 Commando Sig Sqn cov-ering about 52km.

The week would not have been com-plete without a parade. Despite the swel-tering heat, about 160 marched in forma-tion signifying the end of the week, with 103 Sig Sqn leading.

After the parade, the reviewing offic-er, former OC of 103 Sig Sqn Maj-Gen Michael Clifford, and principal official guest Ewen Jones MP, were invited to unveil new memorial stones in front of 3CSR headquarters.

Lt-Col Tidswell said he always thought there was something missing from the unit.

“Although we’ve had a rock for the last 50 years at HQ, there was nothing celebrating the operations 3CSR was involved in,” Lt-Col Tidswell said.

Wrapping up the week was the gala ball and 340 made it to the event at Townsville’s Jupiter’s Casino.

Lt-Col Tidswell said it capped off a very big week.

“Especially after a big day on a hot parade ground, it was a beautiful even-ing. The veterans in particular relished the night,” Lt-Col Tidswell said.

“We’ve had a big week hosting the events and the feedback we received was nothing but praise, especially for the parade.

“Everyone was knackered by the end of the week after the sporting events and challenges, so I couldn’t be prouder of the unit for finishing strong.”

Squadron hosts its 50th bashThere was something for everyone at the anniversary of 103 Sig Sqn, writes LCpl Kyle Genner.

Sgt Corey Day, Lt Matthew Hawkey and Sgt Chris Acton, of 3CSR, march the banner onto the parade ground to mark the 50th anniversary of 103 Sig Sqn at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, while, inset, Cpl Jason Lewin, also from 3CSR, lays a wreath. Photos by LCpl Kyle Genner

Signaller James Hampson, of 3CSR, running in the relay event during the Caduceus Cup sports competition at Lavarack Barracks.

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BEING the only soldier from a foreign military service to march at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade will go

down as one of the highlights of Sgt Michelle Horning’s life.

Sgt Horning said she was humbled and honoured to be given permission to march with the US military on the 74th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor bombings.

“December 7 also happens to be my enlistment anniversary – this year was my 25th in the Army,” she said.

“Marching at Pearl Harbor really came about by accident. For a long time I have loved the idea of being there for one of my anniversaries but marching never came into the equa-tion.

“I like to be organised so I had emailed Pearl Harbor to ensure I could even access the place on the day. I never heard back from them and as a last resort I emailed the Pearl Harbor Parade Committee to ask for advice.”

Sgt Horning said she never expect-ed the response she received.

“After telling them it was my anni-versary and I wanted to attend Pearl Harbor for the commemorations, I was blown away to be offered a seat at the Pearl Harbor Day ceremony and a place in their march. To top it off I was the only foreign soldier to take part in the march,” she said.

“It must have been all meant to be as I was also fortunate enough to

source some cheap flights to Hawaii and my chain of command was only too happy to give me permission to attend.”

Sgt Horning was proud to find her-self located at the front of the parade, marching six ranks back embedded with the US Army. She said the experi-ence was surreal.

“It gave me goosebumps to hear the ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie’ chant come from the crowd every couple of min-utes,” she said.

“The comments from the crowd will stay with me for life. I even heard one young boy with his mother yell ‘she’s Australian – go Aussie’. This was such a proud moment for me.”

She said another highlight was hav-ing her family with her.

“My husband Patrick is American and learnt about Pearl Harbor in school. My daughters Kayla and Brianna are dual-citizens and it was important for them to understand some American history, too.

“The family have never really seen me at work before so it was a proud moment for them.”

Sgt Horning said she was received by the Americans with open arms.

“They were just so friendly and accepting,” she said.

“They were curious about my uni-form and what all the accoutrements meant. We compared protocols and they were particularly interested in our marching style.”

February 11, 2016 Featureswww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 25

A march like no otherLS Jayson Tufrey reports how a simple request turned into the experience of a lifetime.

THE old gentleman had to be in his 90s. He was stooped over and shuffling along, but also proud and resplendent in his Navy uniform.

His misty eyes had a distant look in them. As he boarded the barge to the USS Arizona memorial the uniformed members all came to attention and saluted him. The gathered tourists broke out into spontaneous applause.

He seemed oblivious as he made his way to his shipmates’ final resting place.

Maybe it was luck or divine inter-vention – he’ll never know which – as to why he was not one of the many good, young men who died that day.

Now, as he remembered them, the thoughts came flooding back and tears streamed down his face, as his trem-bling hand tossed a frangipani into the water – their eternal resting place.

While paying her respects on the USS Arizona, Sgt Michelle Horning was privileged to witness a Pearl Harbor survivor board the memorial.

“I don’t even know his name, and I never will, but he was one of the last survivors of the awful bombings of Pearl Harbor 74 years ago, to the day. I couldn’t help but shed a tear,” she said.

Tears for the fallen at ceremony

Sgt Michelle Horning at

Pearl Harbor with her

daughter Kayla on the

day of the march.

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The Australian Services Rugby Union (ASRU) serves to promote and develop theplaying, coaching and officiating of rugby in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

ASRU hosts the annual Australian Services Rugby Championship and fieldsmen's and women's senior teams selected from serving members of the RoyalAustralian Navy, the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force.

ASRU is about to commence the next four-year playing cycle. For the ASRUMen’s team, the next playing cycle culminates with the International DefenceRugby Competition, hosted by Japan in 2019. For the ASRU Women’s team, thenext playing cycle includes an international tour and annual participation at theAustralian Rugby Union’s National 7s and 15s Championships.

The ASRU Chairman invites interested ADF members (full time and part time) toapply for the following appointments.

Contact Lieutenant Colonel Michelle Mason, ASRU Secretary,michelle.mason@defence.gov.au or mob: 0414 999 752, for more information,

including duty statements and the 2016-2019 playing schedule.Applications are to be submitted by Fri 26 Feb 16.

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YOUR core is one of the most important muscle groups in your body and is used for the smallest of tasks, but

according to Army PTI Sgt Damian Cannizzaro, most of us don’t use our core effectively.

“People think of the abdominal muscles as your core, but they’re just a part of the larger muscle group including your pelvic floor muscles, hamstrings, gluteus maximus and others,” he says.

“Until people have an injury such as an abdominal tear, they don’t realise just how much they use their core.”

Sgt Cannizzaro says to do most movements correctly, we need to switch on our core muscles first.

“At recruit level we teach the correct lifting techniques, using the base of support technique,” he says.

“But the core is used in everything from everyday tasks, such as sitting and walking, to complex tasks like doing a dead lift.”

With the increase in popularity of yoga and pilates, Sgt Cannizzaro says people have realised there is a lot more to training their core than dynamic abdominal exercises such as sit-ups and leg raises.

“Balance activities using equipment such as a Swiss ball to add instability are an effective way to train your core,” he says.

“Most gyms are now providing equipment which combines muscular balance, mobility and core strength to build up stamina and endurance for sports competitions or assessments such as BFAs, physical employment standard assessments and other military fitness testing.

“Fitness trends are leaning towards pilates training, and gyms now provide

“Core mattersPTI CPL Todd Hayes conducts a

core strength exercise at RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide. Photo: CPL Nunu Campos

Strengthening your core will help protect against injury, LCpl Sebastian Beurich reports.

Not only will your everyday life

benefit from better and stronger core muscles, but the tasks you do at work and home

will become easier.

– Sgt Damian Cannizzaro

yoga and pilates classes. Beginners, intermediate and advanced core classes run in consultation with a physio section have enabled a swift turnaround for many long-term injured members.

“Beginners exercises can be as simple as kneeling on a Swiss ball or sitting on it with your hands and feet in the air and activating your core muscles to balance.”

Sgt Cannizzaro says if people consistently improve their core strength, they will find military testing easier in addition to improved mobility and flexibility.

“Not only will your everyday life benefit from better and stronger core muscles, but the tasks you do at work and home will become easier,” he says.

For more information on training your core muscle group, speak to your local PTIs.

123February 11, 2016 Healthwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 26

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Sportwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews February 11, 2016 27

By WO2 Andrew Hetherington

MAJ Ben Magi has narrowly missed out on winning the overall ADF National Golf title.

Up until the final hole he was fighting it out for the overall title lead. He missed out by two strokes to Navy’s experienced Leut-Cmdr Darryl Whitehead.

Maj Magi did though again win the best Army male player title at the championships, played at the Federal Golf Club in Canberra in December.

“This was my fourth ADF championship and was the third time I’ve been Army champion,” Maj Magi said.

“Leading up to the week of the competition, I was a member of an ADF team, which played against teams in New Zealand in an Anzac tournament, which we won.”

Maj Magi shot a respectable final overall score of 307.“I played well overall in round one, but putted poorly to

finish five over for the round,” he said.The following two rounds he played well in tough con-

ditions and led with one round to go.He lost the edge in tough, windy conditions in the final

round.While he finished second overall, he locked in the

Army Championship.”Maj Magi said his long game helped keep him competi-

tive during the four rounds.“I played really well off the tee all week and it was

a big advantage to keep the ball on the fairway at this course,” he said.

“It would have been nice to hole a few more putts, but that’s golf.”

Other top Army performers at the ADF championships were WO1 Beth Dippel, who won the Army’s women’s title, WO1 Rob Pilgrim won the Army Nett Champion title, Lt-Col Andrew Baker won the Regional Championship and Col Andy Adams won the Seniors Championship.

Air Force won the overall competition with a combined score of 3188 over Army with 3214 and Navy on 3253.

A CRICKET match played a t Puckapunyal on December 17 com-memorated the centenary of a game played on a field nicknamed ‘Shell Green’ during the Gallipoli evacuation.

Puckapunyal Cricket Club’s vice cap-tain, former WO2 Darren Deeble, said the Flowerdale Cricket Club offered to play a match to honour the centenary.

“On December 17, 1915, a game of cricket was played as part of the deception plan to mask the imminent withdrawal of Allied troops from the Gallipoli area,” he said.

“The game only lasted eight deliver-ies. It was halted when the Turkish gun-ners started shelling the field.

“We celebrated that game by host-ing the Flowerdale Cricket Club in a Seymour and District Cricket Association competition game and by naming our ground the Shell Green

Cricket Ground to commemorate the centenary of this match.”

Flowerdale won the toss and elected to bat to begin the 45-over game.

Every time it seemed Flowerdale’s batsmen were gaining the upper hand, Puckapunyal struck back with a wicket.

A solid bowling effort backed up by some at times brilliant fielding by the Puckapunyal team led to them dismiss-ing Flowerdale before the full 45 overs were bowled. Flowerdale were all out for 154.

Cpl Alby Davey took 4/26 among Puckapunyal’s most notable efforts.

Puckapunyal commenced their innings with a steady start and was 0/50 after 15 overs at drinks.

They chased down the score after 40 overs to finish 3/158. Cpl Davey was awarded Player of the Match for his 28no and bowling figures of 4/26.

Centenary success

In it to the last hole

Maj Ben Magi came within two shots of winning the ADF national title but was still named as best male Army player at the Federal Golf Club in Canberra.

Action from the cricket match between the Pucka side and the Flowerdale Cricket Club to mark the centenary of a game on Gallipoli.

February 11, 2016

SPORTADF Golf ChampionshipPage 27

INSIDE

SKY FALL

LS Jayson Tufrey

JUMPING from a perfectly ser-viceable aircraft and plummeting earthwards at terminal velocity isn’t for everyone, but Australian Defence Parachuting Association (ADPA) members live for the last week before stand down each year.

Army dominated the ADPA championships, held from December 14-20 at Picton in NSW, with two teams qualifying for the national titles to be held next month.

Not surprising, instructors from Parachute Training School took out the premier event, the four-way for-mation skydiving discipline, for the fourth year in a row.

The other events were the two-

way formation and two-way canopy relative work (CRW).

Winning Army team, Taipan Defence, has competed every year in the ADPA championships since 2010 as well as national and interna-tional competitions.

Last remaining foundation mem-ber and team captain, SGT P said it felt good to maintain their standard but their main focus was to give back to ADPA.

“We carry a bit of a legacy, but what comes with that are the skills to continually improve the training and support we can give to ADPA and its members,” he said.

“During this competition we’ve doubled up in other teams and jumped with some of the lesser experienced guys. This helped them

achieve better results and they glean from us skills we’ve learnt from some of the best from around the world.

“We like to run skills camps whenever we can, which in turn helps ADPA represent on a national level.”

Reservist SPR Trudy Keys, who has been skydiving for three years and has more than 145 jumps to her name, said this was her first time competing at the ADPA champion-ships.

“I’ve had a great week, I’m part of a really good team who all get along – it’s been so much fun,” she said.

“Our team is competing in the four-way and we started out like a lot of the other teams in that we

hadn’t jumped together before, so we had some shockers initially.

“However, we brought it more together and we did some consistent jumps just in time for the competi-tion days.”

Championship OIC, competitor and ADPA president CAPT John Grisinger said 51 competitors took part, an increase in 11 from the pre-vious year.

“Competitors have come from all over the country to take part – we have a few newcomers to Defence parachuting including ADFA cadets and people who had read about the association,” he said.

CAPT Grisinger said there were many challenges associated with getting the event off the ground.

“The number one problem is

getting people away from work,” he said.

“Other challenges are organising all the moving parts in the back-ground, such as rations, medics, safety officers, risk management, administration, coaches, event direc-tors and so on.”

The highlight for CAPT Grisinger was seeing the develop-ment of the competitors.

“Over the past five years I have seen the improvement of each team the following year,” he said.

“Seeing how the teams move for-ward is fantastic.

“In particular, our CRW teams who started out only scoring a point or two, are now competing in the civilian competitions and are in con-tention for medals.”

Winning Army team, Taipan Defence,

performs its four-way formation jump.

Photo by WOFF Shaunn Segon