Edition 1290 September 13, 2012

FALLENFALLENOur soldiers return to Australia after two incidents claim five lives in Afghanistan

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Pte Nathanael Galagher LCpl Mervyn McDonald

Spr James Martin LCpl Stjepan Milosevic Pte Robert Poate

Army September 13, 2012NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews2

Five of our best and� Fallen soldiers farewelled from Afghanistan and returned to Australia in emotional ramp ceremoniesTHREE soldiers killed in an attack in Afghanistan on August 29 have been returned home to mourning family and comrades.

At RAAF Base Amberley, Spr James Martin, LCpl Stjepan Milosevic and Pte Robert Poate were received by an honour guard and bearer party formed by members of their respective units – 2CER, 2/14LHR (QMI) and 6RAR – before their caskets were car-ried from a C-17 Globemaster to their loved ones on September 5.

The soldiers were serving with the 3RAR Task Group in Afghanistan when they were killed in an insider attack at Patrol Base Wahab in the Baluchi Valley region of Uruzgan province.

Earlier they were farewelled by their comrades in Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, where the poign-ant refrain of a lone piper playing a lament for the fallen set the solemn tone as many of those assembled were moved to tears. Speakers paid homage and soldiers remembered fallen mates with heartfelt words.

Paying his respects, CO 3RAR Task Group Lt-Col Trent Scott reached out to family and friends in their time of loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, loved ones and mates of these three professional and com-mitted soldiers who tragically died doing the job that they loved,” Lt-Col Scott said.

“We will honour our fallen mates through quiet professionalism and commitment to our mission here in Afghanistan and we will mourn them in the traditional Australian way when we get home.”

Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, Maj-Gen Stuart Smith, said the loss was deeply felt by all ranks in theatre.

“Today we farewelled our five brave soldiers who were killed in action while conducting security operations in Afghanistan,” Maj-Gen Smith said.

“This ramp ceremony has been our dignified salute to their service. We

grieve as a Defence family, but we now place aside our pain to offer our thoughts and prayers to the families of each of these men.”

Speaking at the RAAF Base Amberley ramp ceremony, CA Lt-Gen David Morrison expressed his condo-lences to the families.

“Today Army mourns the loss of fine soldiers, each of whom was out-standing in their own right,” he said. “These men’s commitment to their chosen career as soldiers and to our mission in Afghanistan was unwaver-ing, as was their loyalty to their mates and their love for their own families and their Army family.”

Five soldiers were hit in the burst of automatic fire that killed Spr

Martin, LCpl Milosevic and Pte Poate. Their comrades made every effort to revive the three soldiers, but their wounds were fatal.

One of the five soldiers was seri-ously wounded in the attack while another sustained minor wounds.

The soldiers were mentoring the Afghan National Army 4th Brigade, 205 Corps, in Uruzgan province.

A security operation to apprehend the perpetrator is underway.

As a result of this incident, all Australian personnel, in cooperation with Afghan commanders, have adopt-ed enhanced force protection meas-ures, including additional security, while an initial investigation into the shooting is underway.

ENGINEER Spr James Martin was an intellectual soldier who was a quick learner and adapted well to the Army environment.

He was respected by his mates and was considered a loyal friend and comrade.

A musically talented individual, he often played his base guitar for his mates. He was also an avid follower of Aussie rules.

Based in Brisbane, he was on his first deployment as part of the 3RAR Task Group.

He is survived by his mother Suzanne Thomas, his younger brother Angus and sister Holly, and his grandparents Lucille and Ralph Thomas.

“James was a very loving son, brother and grandson... He was a fantastic big brother and role model... He had a witty sense of humour and a great sense of fun. He was very thoughtful, caring and considerate of others,” his family said in a statement.

“James was a great communica-tor and he used every opportunity to transfer new skills and facts on to his family and friends. He never shied away from an intellectual discussion and when opinions were in conflict, he ended up being right most of the

SPR JAMES THOMAS MARTIN

LCPL Milosevic, known as Rick to his family and Milo to his com-rades, was from 2/14LHR (QMI), based in Brisbane, and deployed to Afghanistan with the 3RAR Task Group in June.

LCpl Milosevic is survived by his partner Kelly, daughters Sarah, 8, and Kate, 6, mother, brothers and sisters.

“Rick was a courageous, com-mitted, immensely proud soldier. His desire to serve his country and hon-our his family saw him join the army at 36,” his family said in a statement.

“Rick was a typical Australian bloke, friendly, with a dry sense of humour and a natural charm. He had a comfortable ease. He would show respect to everyone he met.”

LCpl Milosevic was born in Penrith, NSW, in 1972. He enlisted in the Army in 2008. He was posted as a cavalryman to 2/14LHR (QMI) in Brisbane in 2009 on completion of his basic training and initial employment training.

His potential was quickly identified

LCPL STJEPAN MILOSEVIC

PTE Robert Poate had a reputation for creating mischief without getting caught and was proud of his family, his military service, his Canberra ori-gins and his red hair, which he vehe-mently defended as being “strawberry blonde”.

Pte Poate, of 6RAR, deployed to Afghanistan with the 3RAR Task Group in June.

He is survived by his parents Hugh and Janny, and his sister Nicola.

Pte Poate was born in Canberra in 1988. He enlisted in the Army in 2009. On completion of his basic and initial employment training, he was posted as a rifleman to 6RAR. Pte Poate was a highly qualified soldier, having completed specialist training as a Bushmaster driver in 2010 and vehicle commander in 2011.

Pte Poate was known for having

PTE ROBERT HUGH FREDERICK POATE

outstanding leadership potential, which led to him completing a pro-motion course for corporal last year. He will be fondly remembered by his “brothers by choice” in 6RAR as a larrikin and a professional soldier.

and he achieved outstanding course results in a short period of time, being promoted to lance corporal in 2011 and becoming an ASLAV crew commander. He was a highly quali-fied soldier with a strong future.

LCpl Milosevic was a much-liked and respected member of the regi-ment. His leadership and professional abilities stood out in the unit, on the rugby field and on operations. He was also a devoted family man.

time. But he made you like him in the process.

“Once James had made his decision to enlist in the Army as a combat engineer, he remained very determined and focused on this goal. He researched his new job and the training required meticulously.”

Spr Martin, 21, was born in Perth and enlisted in the Army last year. After recruit training and initial employment training he was posted to 2CER’s 7 Combat Engineer Sqn.

Spr Martin completed a number of additional courses including high threat search, communications and weapon courses.

Honour guard: Soldiers from 2CER, 2/14LHR (QMI) and 6RAR carry the caskets of Spr James Martin, LCpl Stjepan Milosevic and Pte Robert Poate from the memorial service at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo by LAC Bill Solomou

Paying respects: Spr Benjamin McDonald presents arms as the national anthem is played at the memorial service in Tarin Kot for the five Australian soldiers killed on August 29 and 30 in Afghanistan. Photo by Maj Al Green

Army September 13, 2012 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 3

bravest

PTE Nathanael Galagher was serving with the SOTG in Afghanistan when he was killed in a helicopter crash on August 30 (Afghan time).

Pte Galagher was known for always putting 110 per cent into everything he did. He had a “can-do” attitude, always wanting to get the job done and taking everything in his stride.

Pte Galagher is survived by his partner Jessie, parents Wayne and Sally, and sister Elanor.

“Nate was a country boy at heart. Nate wasn’t a ‘showy’ kind of guy, but rather one who would demonstrate his love through the little things which meant the world. He was so loving and grateful. We never heard Nate say a bad thing about anyone,” his family said in a statement.

“Easygoing is the perfect word to describe Nate. Nothing was a problem to him.

“Becoming a father was so important to Nate. You’ve never seen a man so happy to hear the news that he had a baby on the way. We will miss Nate’s caring, loving ways and he will always be a hero to all of our family, includ-ing his unborn son.

“Nate idolised LCpl Mervyn McDonald, who was also killed in the crash. Merv was generous

PTE NATHANAEL JOHN AUBREY GALAGHER LCPL MERVYN JOHN MCDONALDQUICK witted with a positive energy is how LCpl Mervyn McDonald, 30, has been described by those who worked alongside him.

He was serving with the SOTG in Afghanistan when he was killed in a helicopter crash on August 30 (Afghan time).

LCpl McDonald is survived by his fiancée Rachael, his mother Myrna and stepfather Bernie, and brothers Percy, Roger and Gary.

“Merv was the warmest guy you’d ever meet. You could see it in his eyes, they had a special sparkle,” Rachael Sprigg-McKinnie said in a statement.

“He was a real Aussie bloke with a passion for his country, especially its natural splendour.

“Even after several tours, he felt a real sense of duty to return to Afghanistan and he was committed to sharing his experience with his team and 2 Cdo Regt.”

LCpl McDonald was born in Carnarvon, WA, in 1982. He joined the Army in 1999 and was posted to 1RAR. On completion of his selection and training course and reinforce-ment cycle, LCpl McDonald was posted to then-4RAR (Cdo), now 2 Cdo Regt, in 2008. LCpl McDonald was on his sixth Afghan tour.

His last visit to Carnarvon a couple of

FALLEN commandos Pte Nathanael Galagher and LCpl Mervyn McDonald, of 2 Cdo Regt, have been remembered as dedicated and skilled Special Forces troops during ramp ceremonies in the MEAO and Australia.

Pte Galagher, 23, and LCpl McDonald, 30, were killed in a heli-copter crash in Helmand province in the early hours of August 30 while serving with the SOTG.

The soldiers were farewelled from Tarin Kot in Afghanistan by fellow Australian and coalition soldiers who lined the route and saluted the slow-moving convoy of long range patrol vehicles carrying them to the Hercules for their jour-ney home.

At a moving ceremony, mates paid tribute to Pte Galagher and LCpl McDonald, honouring their lives and their service.

CO SOTG Lt-Col I praised the fallen commandos.

“For these men, their contribu-tion will live on in the memory of our lives, their spirit and achieve-ments always in our hearts and minds,” he said.

“Tell others – tell them what these men did. History will not remember what we say here today. History will remember however, what these men did.”

Speaking at RAAF Base Richmond on September 4, CDF

Gen David Hurley expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.

“Today we receive home five Australian soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” he said.

“The thoughts and prayers of the entire Defence community are with their families, friends and col-leagues on this very difficult day.

“We are indebted to these men for their courage and selflessness in choosing a life of service and for the pride and honour with which they served.”

The Australian Special Forces and their partnered Afghan National Security Force unit were participat-ing in a targeted mission when the helicopter crashed.

The Acting CDF at the time of the incident, AirMshl Mark Binskin, said the soldiers were en route to the mission area when their aircraft hit the ground.

“Early reporting indicates the aircraft was attempting to land in the mission area when the incident occurred,” he said.

The cause of the crash was not yet known, but specialist aircraft recovery personnel attended the site to ensure information required for an air crash investigation was appro-priately recorded.

Initial reporting indicated there was no insurgent action in the area at the time of the incident, which could be related to the crash.

Commandos died in the job they loved

with his experience and shared it with the other boys in the team, especially Nate.”

Twenty-three-year-old Pte Galagher was born in Wee Waa, NSW. He joined the Army in 2007 and was posted to 1RAR. On completion of his selection and training course and rein-forcement cycle, Pte Galagher was posted to 2 Cdo Regt in November last year. Pte Galagher was on his second tour to Afghanistan.

months ago was bittersweet, as he made the trek home to farewell his father who recently passed.

LCpl McDonald was a dedicated and enthu-siastic soldier, who was always willing to come forward with ideas and solutions. He was highly professional, but his quiet nature and humility meant he always deflected credit back onto fel-low members of his company.

Farewelled: 3RAR Task Group Chap Kent Williams says a prayer during the memorial service in Tarin Kot. Photo by Sgt William Guthrie

Heading home: Long range patrol vehicles carry the five fallen soldiers to a Hercules to carry them on their last journey home from Tarin Kot in Afghanistan to Australia. Photo by Sgt William Guthrie

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Army September 13, 2012NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews4

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Cpl Nick Wiseman

‘FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!’ boomed the voice of RSM Duntroon WO1 Ken Bullman as he raced across the parade ground. This time it was not a drill – there was thick dark smoke billowing from the heritage-listed library and historic museum.

The actions of WO1 Bullman and Lt-Col Jason Hedges on the after-noon of Saturday, March 12 last year, resulted in both men being awarded the Commendation for Brave Conduct in the 2012 Bravery Awards.

WO1 Bullman saw the smoke from across the parade ground, asked his wife to call Lt-Col Hedges and raced towards the fire.

“I had this image in my head that in our centenary year we were going to lose a hundred years of history, herit-age buildings and essentially ruin a number of centenary activities includ-ing a royal visit only months away,” he said.

“I could see the Queen presenting us our colours with black rubble from the building next to the parade ground.”

WO1 Bullman checked for danger then smashed a glass pane in the solid front doors to enter the building.

“The old glass was a lot thicker than I expected and took some effort to break,” he said.

WO1 Bullman ran to the museum, fearing the loss of priceless history but

Fight to save heritage� Duntroon RSM WO1 Ken Bullman and Lt-Col Jason Hedges saved the Duntroon Library from fire

Fire fighter: WO1 Ken Bullman looks at historic medals that could have been lost had the fire destroyed the whole building. Photo by Cpl Nick Wiseman

Awarded for bravery: Lt-Col Jason Hedges and WO1 Ken Bullman fought a fire that broke out in the Duntroon Library and Museum.

quickly found the smoke was com-ing from the library, so he ran in that direction only to be stopped by another set of solid wooden doors.

WO1 Bullman kicked-in the doors.

“Part of the roof had collapsed from the fire onto furniture and book-shelves and you could see the flames up in the roof from the cavity where

the roof had fallen through,” he said. WO1 Bullman sprayed the flames with a fire extinguisher and then he heard a voice asking if anyone was in there. Realising it was a staff cadet, he instructed him to gather up all the extinguishers.

Lt-Col Hedges called ACT Fire and Rescue before he entered. He found WO1 Bullman and the pair smashed

a window to allow the rehabilitating staff cadets, some with crutches, to pass through the fire-fighting supplies.

The cadets continued to bring extin-guishers from nearby buildings and helped the soldiers fight the fire until ACT Fire and Rescue took control.

Lt-Col Hedges and WO1 Bullman were treated for smoke inhalation while making sure all the staff cadets

on the scene were accounted for. WO1 Bullman said he liked to think they had made a difference that day.

“You just don’t know how far the fire was throughout the roof,” he said.

“If we hadn’t been there on the Saturday, there could have been a lengthier response and the whole building, history and books could have been lost forever.”

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Army September 13, 2012 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 5

LS Paul Berry

TWO soldiers will receive individual bravery awards for rescuing a driv-er and passenger from the cab of a burning truck in September 2010.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce announced on August 27 that six Bravery Awards would go to four ADF members for their actions responding to the serious vehicle crash.

Maj Patrick Davison and Cpl Shawn Scott will be awarded Commendations for Brave Conduct and will also receive a Group Bravery Citation alongside Cpl Todd Barnes and Lt Brandon Coghill.

The group were part of a convoy of ADF vehicles driving on the Bruce Highway on September 29, 2010, en route to Lavarack Barracks to partici-pate in Exercise Hamel.

About 2.30pm, an Army Mack truck towing plant equipment was struck by a civilian B-Double truck, causing both vehicles to burst into flames.

Cpl Shawn Scott, then a 2/14LHR ASLAV crew commander, was one of the first to a scene he described as a fireball.

“I could see the driver in the Mack truck so I ran over and tried to open his

side of the door, but it was all jammed up,” Cpl Scott said.

“At the time there were tyres exploding from the heat, other things were going off and fire was coming down the back of the trailer,” he said.

“There was another person in the car – I was only expecting one. It took me three attempts to pull him clear as carefully as I could without doing him any further damage or injury.

“He was a big guy and it took me a while to get him to a safe distance.”

Maj Davison was on the scene shortly after.

“I climbed into the cab to help the driver who was very distressed as his legs were trapped in the steering and pedal linkages and the rear of the cab was now on fire,” said Maj Davison.

“I told him I would get him out and that I would stay with him until his legs were free; all I can remember is know-ing that I had to get this bloke out or he would die in there,” he said.

Lt Coghill had moved his ASLAV through the debris to stop oncoming traffic before approaching the scene with a first aid kit and fire extinguish-ers.

“We came across the civilian truck

driver who had been ejected from his vehicle on impact,” said Lt Coghill.

“I instructed Tpr Ward and Sqn-Ldr Weekes to start providing first aid to the civilian and moved to the Army Mack, which was on fire, and started using the extinguishers, but the fire was too fierce.

“Cpl Scott and Maj Davison had already climbed on to the bonnet to free the sappers from inside the cabin,

so I helped stretcher them to a casualty collection point set up by the cavalry scouts,” he said.

Lt Coghill said his enduring memo-ry of the incident was seeing his troop acting quickly, efficiently and with great discipline.

“Everyone just assessed the situa-tion and conducted the tasks that need-ed to be done,” he said.

The three men agreed that the

awards were unexpected and hum-bling.

Cpl Scott said if he hadn’t been on the scene, the other members of the unit would have stepped up and done exactly the same thing.

“It is humbling to receive the award, but what’s more humbling is that those two guys can go home to their families and loved ones. The rest of the stuff is sort of irrelevant,” he said.

Highway of hell� Diggers save lives in horror truck crash

Aftermath: The burnt out husks of the two trucks involved in the 2010 crash give some indication of the fire from which Cpl Shawn Scott, pictured inset, and Maj Patrick Davison rescued the Mack truck crew.

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Army September 13, 2012NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews6

Cpl Mark Doran

“IT’S like making a deposit in my savings account,” is how WO2 Scott Rutland, of Army HQ, describes donat-ing blood.

An enthusiastic donor, WO2 Rutland gives blood every three weeks.

He has so far made 120 donations and has a goal of at least 200.

With the 2012 Defence Blood Challenge now underway, WO2 Rutland said it was a fantastic project because the ADF was full of fit, healthy people who were community minded.

“I originally started donating blood when I turned 18 as it seemed to be a good way to get out of work,” he said.

“I was then asked to donate plasma because it is a diverse blood component which can be used for a wide range of purposes.

“It’s no more effort on my part, its helping more people, and I can donate more frequently.

Plasma or platelet donors can donate every two to three weeks as the process involves returning red cells to donors at the time of donation. Whole blood donations can only be made every three months.

Some of the plasma collected is processed by the blood service to treat patients who have clotting problems, often after trauma or liver transplanta-tions.

Family circumstances also motivated WO2 Rutland to donate more often.

His first child was delivered in an

emergency caesarian and his wife needed blood immediately.

WO2 Rutland said he saw the ben-efits of his donating efforts again when his third child was born premature and required three major surgical procedures in the first two weeks.

“He needed a fair amount of blood to help save his life,” he said.

“More recently my father was suffer-ing from bowel cancer, which required three or four serious operations and he was using a lot of blood.

“Unfortunately he still lost his life, but if people had not donated blood, he would not have had the opportunity for those operations.

“It motivates me to keep donating because someone is going to need that blood and one day it could be me.”

WO2 Rutland also donates platelets every third or fourth donation.

Platelets assist in the blood clotting process and are used primarily in the treatment of people with various cancers.

WO2 Rutland said it was a longer donation, which required donors to be more committed.

“It’s a bit harder to get, so if you are healthy enough to give it and the Red Cross asks you, step up and donate as you will be helping people who desper-ately need it,” he said.

“The Blood Service still takes the plasma, but they get the platelets as well which is definitely worth the effort.”

Visit www.donateblood.com.au/clubred to join the challenge and donate.

‘Someone will need that blood’� Warrant officer has given blood 120 times

Pumping it out: Prolific blood donor WO2 Scott Rutland, of Army HQ, gives blood for the 120th time at the Canberra Red Cross Blood Centre. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

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Army September 13, 2012 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 7

Lauren Bradley

A MEAL out field could soon be a whole lot easier after 4 Regt RAA Sgt Chris Flynn took out first prize for his Spillinator deployable bar-becue in the Townsville leg of this year’s Diggerworks Good Ideas Expo.

The Expo was held in Townsville on August 3 and showcased a range of inno-vations from Army personnel and other Defence staff from a range of roles.

The Spillinator allows the user to cook using a range of different techniques.

Second prize went to 3CER Cpl Jared Martin for his Mine Lab Cylume Holder, designed to attach an infra-red Cylume stick to the bottom of a Mine Lab during night engineer search operations.

Joint third prize went to 2RAR Cpl Trent Barlin-Butler for a four-to-six-person portable stretcher with an in-built panel marker, and 3CER Cpl Matthew Snowden for his Route View program.

Commander 3 Bde Brig Shane Caughey, was chief judge for the expo and said he was impressed with the level and detail of ideas and innova-tions put forward.

“There were a diverse range of ideas presented to enhance training, administration, resource management, safety and operational capabilities,” he said.

“From simple ideas to the more com-plex, they all demonstrated innovation and initiative to improve how we train and fight.”

Brig Caughey said the expo was the first step in the process and the effort now was for Diggerworks and other Defence agencies to progress the ideas into capability outcomes.

Diggerworks has provided written guidance to participants on the future development of their ideas.

The next Good Ideas Expo will be conducted in Darwin on September 26-27.

Diggerworks is looking for ideas from all members of the ADF from any unit across the Northern

Territory. All ideas are welcome, not just those that benefit the close com-batant.

The Good Ideas Expo for southern Queensland will be held on October 9-10 in Brisbane.

The finals will be held at the Land Warfare Conference in Melbourne on November 2.

For more information email Diggerworks on diggerworks@defence.gov.au Entry forms are available from Maj Wayne Giddings on wayne.giddings@defence.gov.au

An army of good ideas� Diggerworks’ Good Ideas Expos are revealing a raft of innovations from across many areas of Defence

Now we’re cooking: 4 Regt RAA Sgt Chris Flynn’s Spillinator modification for deployable barbecues collected first prize at the Ideas Expo in Townsville.Now we’re cooking: 4 Regt RAA Sgt Chris Flynn

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Army September 13, 2012 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 9

Cpl Nick Wiseman

HOLIDAY accommodation provided by the Army Amenities Fund will be easier for members to access with the launch of a revitalised website.

The new website will feature a mod-ern look complete with stunning photos of each holiday location and up-to-date information on what the fund offers.

Fund secretary Peter Alomes said the new-look website would be more appealing and have more of a tradi-tional Army feel to it.

“The old site was pretty ordinary. The launch of the new site also high-

lights the fact that we have grants avail-able to units for worthwhile projects and provides additional information in relation to making an application,” he said.

Applications for grants will be con-sidered on a case-by-case basis for the provision of recreational amenities that will benefit Army members and their dependants, as well as other purposes deemed worthwhile by the directors of the fund.

Examples of grants approved in recent years include assistance to units in the clean-up after Cyclone Yasi and the provision of medallions and tro-

phies to sporting events and other com-petitions.

Coinciding with the launch of the new website will be a 12-month review into the use of the existing holiday facilities.

The aim of the review is to gather sufficient statistical information to bet-ter understand what recreational and holiday facilities Army members would prefer to use in their time off duty and what role the Army Amenities Fund might play in meeting that need.

The web site can be viewed at www.armyholidays.com.au

Michael Brooke

CDF Gen David Hurley met instructors at the Army Dive Wing and checked up on a $63.3 million refurbishment of their facilities during a visit to HMAS Penguin in early August.

Gen Hurley talked with dive wing instructors Cpl Michael Bell and Cpl John Richter about the courses they conducted and the ren-ovations being made to the facilities shared with the Royal Australian Navy Diving School.

Cpl Bell said the construction work started last December and was due to be completed in December next year.

“HMAS Penguin has been

around for quite a long time now and the refurbishment is long over-due,” he said.

“It means we can conduct our training in new, purpose-built facili-ties.”

The refurbishment project includes a 6m dive tank, a new three-storey building with training space, support facilities for the dive training pool, a library, facilities for instructors and improved access.

Two heritage-listed buildings will also be refurbished with equip-ment rooms, drying rooms, change facilities, waterfront classrooms, store rooms and workshops, while keeping the origi-nal exteriors of the buildings intact.

Getting away: The new Army Amenities Fund website makes it easier to duck off for a weekend away.

Diving into great new facilities

Facility upgrade: Dive Wing personnel show CDF Gen David Hurley through the $63.3 million refurbishment. Photo by Michael Brooke

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Army September 13, 2012NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews10

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Maj Keirin Joyce and Cpl Nick Wiseman

SHADOW Group 2 has been cer-tified ready for deployment to Afghanistan after almost seven weeks of technical and tactical train-ing at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia.

Bunking down in Camp Rapier, the group quickly transformed the area to replicate the operational airspace they would use on operations.

Group operations officer Capt Ray Brin said before coming to Woomera they had completed a month of training

by the manufacturer of the Shadow – AAI Corp.

“We were eager to move into the final phase of technical and tactical training,” he said.

Exercise Desolate Lion achieved several milestones, with 244 flights and a total of 467 flight hours.

The first phase of the exercise included setting up the camp and equip-ment and carrying out testing before all operators conducted an extensive series of training flights under the watchful eyes of the US instructors.

Once the first phase was com-pleted the group launched into its own training schedule to become certified

for deployment as Shadow Group 2 and will replace the current group in Afghanistan.

Troop commander and Shadow operator Lt Dan Evangelisti said he was looking forward to his first deploy-ment.

“It’s going to be a really good test of all our abilities,” he said.

“We’ve done a lot of training lead-ing up to this and everyone is excited to get into theatre to do the job and keep learning.”

Now certified, the 47 members of Shadow Group 2 are completing final training and administration, preparing for their deployment.

Shadow of Ex Lion� Group Two is ready to deploy with several milestones achievedCpl Nick Wiseman

A BREAKFAST Blast Smoothie cre-ated by an Army chef took out the breakfast recipe at the Defence Recipe Challenge cook-off on August 9.

Promoting dental-friendly foods, cooks from throughout the ADF were encouraged to enter their recipes.

The Senior Instructor at the ADF School of Catering, WO2 Darren Morley, said the best part of the com-petition was beating the catering officer who put out the challenge.

“He encouraged many of the catering corps to enter the competition as well as submitting one himself,” he said.

“It was a good challenge that fos-tered esprit de corps.”

WO2 Morley described his recipe as a wholesome breakfast meal for the health conscious. It was full of healthy ingredients and provided a great start to the day.

The recipe is now part of a book developed some years ago after it was noticed that Army Reserve members were not issued with a suitable cook-book as a reference when they returned to their units.

WO2 Morley said the School of Catering decided to compile recipes and images to benefit both the students and instructors. The initiative started off as a simple folder with 40 recipes.

“It’s now grown into a full cook-book with 120 pages of cooking tips and information as well as another 230 pages of recipes,” he said.

“All reserve cooks that attend the basic catering course receive the cook-book as part of their initial employment training. The book is still growing and will continue for years to come.”

For his dental-friendly prize-winning entry, WO2 Morley received an electric toothbrush to ensure his teeth would remain healthy for years to come.

BREAKFAST BLAST SMOOTHIE

THIS recipe is a great start to the day as it is low in fat, calories and carbs, yet still offers protein, fibre and a good balance of vitamins

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Ready to fly: Shadow Group 2 is ready to deploy to Afghanistan after spending almost seven weeks completing a hectic training program near the Woomera Test Range in South Australia.

A boost for health is a blast for cooks

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VETERANS and members of Austral ia’s Federat ion Guard thought of the soldiers lost in the Battle of Milne Bay 70 years ago as they saluted at the dawn service on August 25 in Papua New Guinea.

The battle holds a significant place in Australian and Allied military his-tory, being the first definitive Allied repulse of Japanese land forces during WWII.

Japanese forces landed at Milne Bay on the night of August 25, 1942, aiming to secure it as one of two main routes to Port Moresby. The iconic Kokoda Track was the other.

For the veterans, aged from 88 to 93, their commemorative return to Milne Bay evoked deep emotions.

A veteran of 2/10 Bn, Murray Willing, 92, described one of the early encounters with the Japanese shortly after their landing.

“About midnight there was sing-ing and chanting coming up the road towards us and there were two Jap tanks with lights on. And we thought, well this is not very funny … and then it was hand to hand. And that went on for a while,” Mr Willing said.

It was the first time 92-year-old 61 Bn veteran Edwin Bousen had returned to the area since WWII.

“I’ve become very emotional, espe-cially when the Last Post is played,” Mr Bousen said.

“I get a lump in my throat and I can’t talk, because it brings back the

Memories of Milne Bay� Veterans return to Papua New Guinea 70 years after the battle that claimed more than 160 Australian lives

memory of those who lost their lives because of what happened here at Milne Bay.”

Edmund Jones, 90, who served in 2/9 Bn, described the indelible mark of war.

“Coming back now, all these memo-ries come back to you,” Mr Jones said.

“I thought at the time there are better ways to settle arguments but it was now war and that was out of the question.

“All through the war I realised a lot of young people were going to be killed and harmed during the war. And those of us, if we survived, you

just had the feeling that we had to do something useful with our lives. What useful meant I didn’t know, but I cer-tainly knew that was what we had to do.”

Along with their support units, two brigades of Australian infantry fought at Milne Bay, the Australian Military

Forces’ 7 Bde (9, 25 and 61 battalions) and 18 Bde, Australian Imperial Force (2/9, 2/10 and 2/12 battalions).

In overall command of the Milne Bay defence was Maj-Gen Cyril Clowes, who estimated 700 Japanese were killed. Australia suffered 353 casualties, of whom 161 died.

Honour: Members of Australia’s Federation Guard participate in the memorial service at the Bomana War Cemetery. Inset top, veterans Arthur Gould and William Eric Hansen lay a wreath at the Milne Bay Memorial. Inset bottom, Tpr Rodney Laumua places a poppy at the grave of Cpl John French, VC. Photos by Sgt Brent Tero

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Sgt William Guthrie

WO2 Luke Conolly, like most people serving in the MEAO, regularly receives mail from loved ones back home in Australia.

There are also gifts from members of the public in packages addressed to “a member of the ADF serving in Afghanistan”.

WO2 Conolly, based at Tarin Kot with the 3RAR Task Group, received a parcel containing a special treat – a hand-made quilt – sent from an unknown source in South Australia. A letter with the quilt explained who sent it but not how it came to be addressed directly to him.

Hailing from Townsville where his wife and two children live, WO2 Conolly said he was chuffed to receive a care package from somebody he didn’t know from the other side of Australia.

Curiosity getting the better of him, he rang his wife Rebecca and asked

her if she knew anything about the gift. Rebecca revealed all – it was arranged by the wife of a close friend.

WO2 Gregg Orlicki is serving in Kandahar and his wife, Natalie, “dobbed” both of them in to a group of women she knew.

Chris Poulton of Gawler in South Australia, made WO2 Conolly’s quilt as part of Ozzie Hero Quilts. She explained in her letter that the group was made up of several enthusiastic quilters looking to recognise and sup-port those serving in Afghanistan.

WO2 Conolly said he appreciated the effort and time involved to produce such a unique gift.

“I’d just like to thank Chris and the group of lovely ladies from the bottom of my heart who give up their own time to make these fantastic quilts – I am very chuffed to receive it and I honestly didn’t think that I would get or receive anything of this nature,” he said.

“We all appreciate the fact that there are people back home who think of us.”

Maj Al Green and Sgt William Guthrie

New Giraffes are replacing a borrowed one in Tarin Kot, Afghanistan – not a variety of wildlife but in the form of some serious life-saving hardware.

Leased from Sweden, the Giraffe ARTE 740 740, was the title of the distinctive Counter-Rocket Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) radar system that has been providing a reliable indirect fire warning to Multinational Base Tarin Kot since December 2010.

The system comprised the Giraffe radar, mounted atop a Piranha light armoured vehicle.

The incoming Swedish-designed Australian-owned radar system is mounted on an armoured transporter (MAN SX-45) and is undergoing the final operational capability process.

With two Giraffes replacing the old system, senior C-RAM watch keeper Capt David Petersen said the safety on the base would be further improved.

“The integration of two Giraffe radars will significantly enhance the current C-RAM defence of Multinational Base Tarin Kot – this is a world-class C-RAM system.”

The arrival of the Giraffe radars is one of the last stages of the Land 19 phase 7A acquisition project. The

On the radar� New C-RAM systems arrive

Warm and fuzzy: WO2 Luke Conolly, CSM Logistics Spt Coy, 3RAR Task Group, proudly displays his Ozzie Hero Quilt. Photo by Sgt William Guthrie

Act of kindness in mystery gifts

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORLD

tems arrive

Standing tall: OC C-RAM system Maj Charles Slinger explains the new Giraffe FOC radar’s capabilities to CA Lt-Gen David Morrisonand other guests at Multinational Base Tarin Kot.Photo by Sgt William Guthrie

Giraffe radars are a Swedish-made system that is considered one of the best radars in the world for the detec-tion of rockets, artillery and mortars.

Capt Petersen said the three Giraffe radars would bring exiting new opportunities for 16 AL Regt.

“The system will provide far greater airspace management, sense, warn and locate capabilities,” he said.

Bdr Jordan Haskins, who man-aged the everyday functioning of the

old system, was set to oversee its redeployment.

“It was very reliable considering it was radar designed for the cold weather environments of Europe and it is now operating in desert condi-tions. Preventative maintenance and TLC was the key to its dependabil-ity,” he said.

“With two systems in place we will have complimentary coverage – it adds to increased safety for all personnel on the ground.”

Army September 13, 2012WORLD www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews14

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SEVEN Australian veterans of the World War II Timor campaign joined Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Warren Snowdon for a ceremony at the Dare-Fatanuba memorial in Dili on August 27.

“Despite being outnumbered, the Australians undertook many suc-cessful guerrilla operations with the support of the Timorese people. The Dare-Fatanuba memorial acknowledg-es Australia’s appreciation for their amazing commitment and persever-ance,” Mr Snowdon said.

“We cannot forget the contribution, and the sacrifice of the Timorese peo-ple in assisting our men. Today we pay tribute to all who died in the defence of Timor, including the local men and women who prevented many more Allied deaths.”

The veterans met serving soldiers deployed on Operation Astute to swap stories and compare equipment.

The Timor campaign was one of the first land actions against the Japanese after the Fall of Singapore in

1942. The Japanese invaded Timor on February 20, 1942, the day after the Bombing of Darwin.

Some 1400 Australian troops from Sparrow Force deployed to Timor in December 1941 in a bid to prevent the island being used as a staging point for an invasion of Australia.

After resisting the Japanese attack for a short time, most of the Australian and Dutch troops were captured. Some joined the 2/2nd Australian Independent Company which, with the support of the Timorese, waged a year-long guerrilla war against the Japanese.

Australian troops with the 2/4th Independent Company arrived in the second half of 1942 and assisted in the guerrilla campaign. Australia lost two naval vessels – HMAS Voyager and HMAS Armidale – during the cam-paign.

By mid-February 1943, the Australian troops were withdrawn. The Australian casualties of the Timor campaign were more than 100 dead and more than 130 wounded.

Timor vets remember� Recognising service 70 years on

Sharing stories: WWII veteran Ian Hampel inspects the weapons being used by troops in East Timor during a visit to Dili for the 70th anniversary of the Timor campaign. Photo provided by DVA

Armews

Beating the black dogSqn-Ldr Paul Lineham

CPL Matt Pratten spends any spare time he has on his deploy-ment to East Timor preparing for one of the major challenges of his life.

In October, when his tour has finished, he will take on the Peru Challenge, a punishing trek through the Lares Valley in the Andes mountains of Peru to the sacred Inca site of Machu Picchu 2438m above sea level.

Cpl Pratten’s goal is two-fold – as an ex-infantryman, he’ll prove to himself he’s still got it when it comes to long stomps, but more importantly he’s intent on helping raise the profile of the Black Dog Institute and awareness of mood disorders. He’s well aware of the dangers of mood disorders, having had a number of encounters with depression in the past himself.

“I wouldn’t have gotten through it without a lot of help and support,” he said.

“I aim to push myself to the limits to show those who have given me a hand that it has been very worthwhile.”

However, before his great adventure starts he has an addi-tional challenge – to raise $4000 to take part in the trek.

The funds will be donated to the institute, which is attached to the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney and affiliated with the University of NSW.

The Peru Challenge 2012 is not only a physical challenge for Cpl Pratten but an emotional challenge as well.

To help Cpl Pratten march to Machu Picchu, check out his online page http://peruchallenge2012.gofundraise.com.au/page.PrattenM

Photo by LAC Oliver Carter

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Army September 13, 2012 CENTREPIECEwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews16 17

A FOUR-WHEELED LEAP AHEADG-WAGONS were put

through their paces at the Janowen 4WD Park near RAAF Base Amberley at a media day for the new vehicle on September 4.

Units have been replacing their Land Rover fleets with eight variants of the Mercedes Benz G-Wagon since July 2, but this was the first opportunity for staff from the Project Land 121 Operator Training Facility to demonstrate the vehicles’ capa-bilities for guests.

Variants on display included the 4WD single-cab carryall and panel van, and dual-cab station wagons, as well as the 6x6 variants including the mobile com-mand post and the surveillance and recon-naissance vehicle.

Project Land 121 will deliver 2146 unprotected G-Wagons, including spe-

The Mercedes Benz G-Wagon has made a grand entry into the ADF vehicle fleet, Cpl Mark Doran reports. STRAIGHT INTO THE FIELD

TWO months before the media day, personnel from 7CSSB put their new G-Wagons through their

paces off road from July 10-12.The quick field trip meant 7CSSB

the first unit in the Army to use the G-Wagons on an exercise.

The eight G-Wagons, 14 Mack Trucks and 32 personnel began their road journey on Exercise Wandering Turtle from Enoggera Barracks on July 10.

8CSSC OPSWO WO2 David Wynne said the main purpose of the exercise was to test the unit’s ability to conduct an administrative road move using both vehicle types.

“It also allowed drivers to practise their off-road and difficult terrain driving skills at Landcruiser Mountain Park at Jimna,” WO2 Wynne said.

“We took three different G-Wagon variants – the station wagon, 4x4 and 6x6 carryalls, after taking delivery of them brand new on July 6.

“The road move to Landcruiser Mountain Park was 160km and when we arrived we drove the G-Wagons through terrain ranging from well-formed second-class roads to moun-tainous goat tracks.”

8CSSC Transport Supervisor Cpl Ric Todd was one of the section com-manders for the exercise.

“I’ve driven vehicles there before and the most difficult track we took the G-Wagons through was a red-rated track, which was the second most dif-ficult to drive on,” he said.

He said the G-Wagons performed well on muddy, wet, flooded and rutted tracks and also on the highway.

“They have a lot more horsepower than a Land Rover, so the key factor for drivers is they understand that in the past when they used to put their foot down in a Rover, something might have

happened, but with the G-Wagon some-thing does happen,” Cpl Todd said.

“Overall cruising speed on the high-way was good and they can pull a load well too.

“It’s also nice to drive a vehicle which will do 100km/h going up a hill.”

Cpl Todd’s experience with the G-Wagon began well before Ex Wandering Turtle.

“I was a member of the Land 121 driver testing officer team in 2011 and was involved with developing and running the first driver’s courses at Amberley,” Cpl Todd said.

“In the beginning we were taught how to operate the G-Wagon from a German instructor, who we called the Stig, and from there, as a team, we put together the G-Wagon conversion course.

“For me it was a great experience.”8CSSC driver Pte Jess Gibbs said

she put the G-Wagon through a thor-ough workout during the off-road phase of the exercise.

“The vehicle performed well when I drove it up and down large hills, on rocky surfaces and through water crossings,” Pte Gibbs said.

“It coped with the terrain better than what I’d expected it to.”

She said the G-Wagon was a big improvement over the Land Rover it would replace.

“It has a lot more grunt and it’s more comfortable to drive,” Pte Gibbs said.

“It has air conditioning, better seats and you can hold a conversation with the other person in the cabin when you’re driving.

“These factors will help drivers cope with fatigue during long road trips.”

7CSSB has already received 20 G-Wagons, with another 10 due to arrive by the end of the year.

cial is t modules and 1799 Haulmark trailers, replacing about two-thirds of the current Land Rover fleet over the next four years.

The G-Wagon rollout marks a significant mile-stone for the $7.5 billion venture known as Project Overlander, which will provide the next genera-tion of the ADF’s field vehicles and trailers.

Forty one vehicles and 16 trailers have been delivered to Air Force units including 1 and 2AFDS and 144MCRU. For Army, 7 Bde has already been issued with its initial allocation of 116 vehicles and 93 trailers.

DMO’s Land 121 P h a s e 3 A P r o j e c t Director, Ken Butler, said the team had to meet all the different ADF capability require-ments for a vehicle fleet and meld them into one solution that satisfied all users.

“The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon pro-vides the ADF with a more modern, safe and capable vehicle,” he said.

“It’s all about providing soldiers and airmen and women with a better capabil-ity and these vehicles are a technological advancement on the older Land Rovers.

“One of the best features of the G-Wagon is the crew’s comfort and the operator’s positions.

“It’s better for the drivers because the vehicle is automatic, so they can now con-centrate on the route selection and their situational awareness rather than worrying about changing gears.”

The G-Wagon provides current-gener-ation technology and improved safety for drivers and passengers as a result of mod-ern design features including enhanced roll-over protection and handling.

Other features in the off-the-shelf mili-tary vehicle, which is used by more than 60 armies worldwide, include electronic data-control units, which help the vehicle operate to its optimum potential, and on-board data collectors, which store the fleet management data.

All G-Wagons are hard-wired with communication cabling for antenna mounts and power supplies, and when delivered are fitted with radio mounting brackets that allow the operators to install their radios and connect their cables.

OC Project Land 121 Training Team Maj Tim Keeffe said the G-Wagon was a

fantastic capability upgrade for the ADF.“We can increase our payloads and the

vehicle allows us to travel over harsher ter-rain than we could in the Land Rover with safety, comfort and reliability,” he said.

“It’s a modern vehicle which will sit on 100km/h on the highway easily for hour after hour and it has air conditioning and a selectable automatic transmission which makes driving very simple.

“If you had to drive from Darwin to Mt Bundey, would you rather do it in a Land Rover with canvas flapping around your ears, or in an automatic with air con-ditioning?”

“The end result of Land 121 is that Australia will have one of the best B-vehicle fleets in the world.”

As the OC of the training team at Defence’s newest training facility at RAAF Base Amberley, Maj Keeffe is responsible

for managing conversion training for Army and Air Force drivers transition-ing from Land Rover to G-Wagon.

The Land 121 training team is a collaboration between DMO and Army and Air Force HQs.

T h e L a n d 1 2 1 Training Facility was p u r p o s e - b u i l t a n d includes two 24-person classrooms, a training compound with vehi-cle inspection ramps, an undercover training area and a large compound suitable for the medium and heavy trucks and trailers that will be a part of Land 121 Phase 3B.

More than 10,000 students will be trained over the next 10 years to help drivers have a great-er understanding of the vehicle’s capabilities and limits and ensure they achieve the best levels of performance.

Maj Keeffe said the plan was to develop a facility which would produce quality training immediately and be an enduring asset for Defence.

“The introduction to G-Wagon training started in April last year and will finish in December 2014, with close to 4200 stu-dents,” he said.

“The five-day conversion course teaches people how to operate the mission systems and understand the disparate parts of the vehicle, including the drive train, differen-tial locks, trailer and module to orchestrate them into whatever effect they need.

“Students get a lot out of the compre-hensive course package because driving the G-Wagon is very different to driving a Land Rover – it takes a different approach, mental attitude and skill set.”

Units receiving G-Wagons can conduct their own conversion training as soon as they have driver testing officers qualified to deliver the training management package.

A maintenance facility is being con-structed at Bandiana which will provide training for the life of the Land 121 project and be handed over to ALTC on the pro-ject’s completion.

Land Rovers will be phased out of the ADF by 2020, with most units being con-verted within the next five years, although 3 Bde will retain its Land Rover fleet until the light protected mobility vehicles – part of Land 121 Phase 4 – are delivered.

To find out what it’s like behind the wheel of the G-Wagon, read the review on page 27.

It’s better for the drivers because the

vehicle is automatic, so they can now concentrate on the route selection and

their situational awareness rather than

worrying about changing gears.

– Ken Butler, DMO

Ready to roll: Cpl Warrick Hickson (foreground) and Tim Conquest, of the Land 121 Training Team, trial a variant of the G-Wagon during the media day at the Janowen 4WD Park near RAAF Base Amberley.

On track: A G-Wagon is put through its paces over rough terrain.

Put to the test: Troops from 8CSSC try one of their newly issued G-Wagons on a muddy 4WD track.

Running the show: OC Project Land 121 Training Team Maj Tim Keeffe

oversees media day activities.

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Army September 13, 2012LETTERS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews18

The Soldiers’ Newspaper

DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650EDITORIALEditorJohn Wellfare: (02) 6266 7609Production EditorSharon Palmer: (02) 6266 7612Deputy EditorAurora Daniels: (02) 6265 3119ReportersSgt Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614Cpl Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608Cpl Nick Wiseman: (02) 6265 4140 LS Paul Berry: (02) 6266 7606Cpl Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304LAC Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355Andrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 7611Michael Brooke: (02) 8335 5231CONTACT USEmail: armynews@defencenews.gov.auFax: (02) 6266 7701Mail: The Editor, Army, R8-LG-044, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews

ADVERTISING / SUBSCRIPTIONSAdvertising managerTim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or 0459 842 551Email: advertising@defencenews.gov.au

Assistant manager advertising / subscriptionsTrish Dillon: (02) 6266 7607Email: tdillon@defencenews.gov.au

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

TELL US YOUR STORY

Nobody knows the inside scoop like

the soldier on the ground.

If you have an interesting story to tell, get in touch with Army and get it in print.

We can support you with photographs, writing and chain of command approvals.

Contact the editorial team by email to

armynews@defencenews.gov.au

SORRY for bringing up a sub-ject that has come up many times before, but I need an answer on unit PT shirts.

Can we be forced to purchase and wear a unit PT shirt?

Army Standing Orders for Dress Volume 1, 3.16b seems to cover this and it reads that it is a choice but I am getting conflict-ing answers to my question from my chain of command. I have even tried Defence Legal but didn’t get a clear answer.

The most common answer has been “just let it go”. I have been informed that it is in unit standing orders, but wouldn’t ASODs be the ruling document on this issue?

I will be purchasing one but I would still like the problem clari-fied if possible. Cfn Robert Eustace 1 Armd Regt Robertson Barracks

RSM-Ceremonial WO1 David Lehr responds:IN ACCORDANCE with Army Standing Orders for Dress (ASOD) Volume 1, Chapter 3, Paragraph 3.16 (b), Army issues its members with the brown T-shirt, black shorts and white socks at point of entry.

These items may be worn dur-ing the conduct of unit PT sessions. ASOD is not the authority docu-ment that directs Army personnel to purchase a unit or sub-unit PT T-shirt – ASOD provides guidance to OCs and COs to approve a unit or sub-unit designed PT T-shirt that may be worn in place of the issued PT attire.

Unit PT shirts are a uniform expense� CO-approved unit PT shirts must be worn if directed

Therefore, if an OC or CO has provided clear orders, direction and authority towards the wearing of a unit or sub-unit PT T-shirt, that order is to be obeyed by all unit personnel, in accordance with gen-eral orders and the Defence Force Discipline Act.

The purchase of this item is at the member’s expense and is designed to promote unit or sub-unit esprit de corps within the gar-rison area, as well as maintain a consistency of uniform when per-forming PT sessions.

Any profit made from the sale

of PT shirts is to be in accordance with regulations and this money contributes towards the sustain-ment of unit or sub-unit trust funds.

Members currently receive uni-form allowance, which can be used to purchase unit PT T-shirts, other items of dress and accoutrements.

One in all in: COs and OCs can mandate the purchase and wearing of unit PT T-shirts that meet ASOD guidelines to build esprit de corps and a consistency of dress during PT activities.

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IN THE year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, at what is the world’s longest-running and most famous annual international

engagement event, the 54-strong ADF Band had the audience on its feet every night of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2012.

The Tattoo, held from August 3 to 25, attracted more than 225,000 specta-tors who were blown away by the ADF Band’s joyous performance, which ranged from a traditional marching band set coupled with crisp drill and hard rock to a salute to the 30th anniversary of the Man From Snowy River and Peter Allen’s perennial icon “I still call Australia Home”.

On top of the live performances, the tattoo has an audience estimated at 300 million world-wide via television and social media as well as through DVDs and CDs sold.

The band was part of the Massed Bands’ formal finale and also had an eight-minute solo performance in which the band set out to explore the history of Australia from the arrival of the tall ships to colonial times and on to rock idols and internationally renowned superstars AC/DC and Kylie Minogue.

The Director of Army Music and Contingent Commander, Lt-Col Gordon Lambie, said they were the first permanent-forces ADF band to perform at the Edinburgh Tattoo in the UK.

Army September 13, 2012 FEATURESwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 19

Standing room onlyThe ADF band wowed crowds with rock and drill at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Andrew Stackpool reports.

Crowd pleasers: The ADF Band marched the audience through some of Australia’s history at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Inset, singers Cpl Deb Cotton, AB Stephanie Monk and Musn Mark Nivet perform “I still call Australia Home” during the set.

“For any musician to perform at Edinburgh castle is something very special,” he said.

The band was also the first to have members up in the stands engaging the audience.

Tattoo chief executive and producer Brig David Allfrey was impressed by the members’ efforts.

“I sense that you will have swelled with pride – and some satisfaction – at the performance delivered by this

shockingly talented band. Their pro-fessionalism and ‘can do’ has stood out from the outset, and Australia can be so pleased with their contribution to the show,” Brig Allfrey said.

“The set has deep musical com-

petence, flair and the essential light-ness that makes it so accessible to our diverse audience.

“So many people have comment-ed to me on how much they have enjoyed it.”

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Army September 13, 2012 FEATURESwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 21

MUCH like a chamele-on altering its appear-ance to avoid prey, ADF vehicles could one day

change their camouflage to blend into various environments.

New research is focused on the development of electrochromic materials that change colour with subtle variation in applied voltage. It now forms the basis of a new col-laboration between Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the University of South Australia.

While an outcome is still some years off, according to DSTO researcher Vivienne Wheaton it could be a great improvement on the current all-purpose camouflage paint pattern developed by DSTO.

“Historically, we have devel-oped camouflage that works very well against specific backgrounds. However, backgrounds change, obviously, by moving from one location to the next – and the ADF can expect to deploy vehicles to a wide variety of operational areas,” Ms Wheaton said.

“Even if we stay in the same position, the same scene can look very different at different times of the day, under different weather conditions and throughout different seasons. A camouflage scheme that worked effectively in one instance may be completely ineffective in another.”

Densely coloured panels of polymer film can change with-in moments to a transparent grey. Applying electricity to densely col-oured panels of polymer film chang-es the alignment of small particles in the film to give a darker or lighter appearance.

“The panels are purchased samples of electrochromic mate-rial that can be deposited onto glass or other polymer surfaces,” Ms Wheaton said.

“Applied voltages of less than five volts will generally initiate col-our changes in electrochromic mate-rials, where the change is a result of the chemical species switching between oxidation states.”

That poses a problem for future implementation of this form of tech-nology.

“It’s important that modern cam-ouflage covers most of the electro-magnetic spectrum – from visible light, through infrared and radar wavelengths, because battlefield sensors exploit many different parts of the spectrum,” Ms Wheaton said.

In short, a military vehicle suita-bly camouflaged to the naked eye is potentially exposed to night vision, thermal imaging or other modern sensor systems.

“A number of adaptive technolo-gies are under development through-out the world focusing on different parts of the electromagnetic spec-trum, but integrating them into a multispectral solution is a significant future challenge,” Ms Wheaton said.

As this work is at a concept stage, there are still many technical challenges to surmount.

“If this technology were to be developed to create an adaptive camouflage system, ideally the materials would be controlled so as to respond automatically to changes in the environment around them,” Ms Wheaton said.

“That would require sensors, integrated with the system, to sense the environment and appropriate signal processing to make enough sense of the environment’s stimu-li, and effectively guide the colour transition and pattern generation. Most current implementations of electrochromics use materials like glass or shiny films that are not well suited to a camouflage application on military vehicles.”

DSTO also has a related PhD collaboration with the University of South Australia to investigate the science behind the panels, with the aim of developing the concept beyond the lab.

“The collaboration is examining the challenge of developing electro-chromics that can be packaged in a more robust, field-ready way,” Ms Wheaton said.

Adapting to the futureDefence scientists are researching camouflage technology that could one day allow vehicles to change colour depending on their surroundings.

Making a change: New research being undertaken by DSTO’s Vivienne Wheaton, pictured inset, may allow future military vehicles to adapt their camouflage patterns to different environments.

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Army September 13, 2012FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews22

CROSSFIT and martial arts enthusiasts have struck gold with dedi-cated training facilities

as part of the new state-of-the-art gym complex at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.

Boasting four dedicated train-ing rooms, a separate instruction-al facility and an Olympic-sized swimming pool due to open soon, the new facility is already turning heads.

PTI Supervisor WO2 Bridget Pearce said although there was work still to be done, the new facil-ity was impressive.

“It’s a great time to be posted to Enoggera,” she said.

“The amount of training equip-ment now available means soldiers of all fitness levels are catered for.”

Something for all in new gymFitness enthusiasts at Enoggera have great new facilities for a workout, Cpl Nick Wiseman reports.

Fighting fit: PTIs Sgt Anthony Topp and Cpl Taryn Fraser test out some of the new equipment at 7 Bde’s new gym. Photos by Cpl Nick Wiseman

Stage one includes boxing, car-dio, weights and circuit training rooms all bursting with new fit-ness equipment.

It also includes the eight-lane

swimming pool with full wheelchair access and family friendly areas.

The new pool is indoors and heated, which means person-

nel will be able to use the facility year round, and it also includes an above-pool obstacle course.

WO2 Pearce said all the extra training area available meant there was room for everyone.

“We can now run our combat fitness leader and military self-defence courses without interrupt-ing personnel who are training. We can also run complete training ses-sions indoors regardless of weath-er,” she said.

The old gym facility, which will now house the future Soldier Recovery Centre, was small in com-parison and at times PTIs had to turn away personnel due to space con-straints.

Stage two of the project will include a double-storey facility featuring basketball courts and a climbing wall.

Army September 13, 2012au/news/armynews

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Ball a unique war relicSEVENTY years after an inter-unit football match in the desert of Palestine, the football used in the game has turned up in Adelaide.

The ball was on display at a luncheon for a Defence-sponsored football match held between the Adelaide Crows and Essendon on August 5.

SSgt Bob Dikkenberg discovers the full history behind a WWII-vintage football on display in Adelaide.

Seeing the football brought back a flood of memories for the guest of honour at the lunch-eon, World War II veteran Bill Hermanson, 95.

Mr Hermanson was a member of the 2/10th Battalion, the first South Australian battalion formed for the Second AIF.

After taking part in the defence of Tobruk, the 2/10th trained in Palestine and between late September 1941 and early January 1942, it formed part of the force garrisoning Syria.

Also forming part of the garrison force was the 6th Battery, 2/3rd Field Regiment, made up of volunteers from Western Australia.

The records are unclear on who offered the challenge but a match

between the two units was soon organised.

It wasn’t the best site for a game of football – the ground was strewn with Turkish ordnance left over from World War I and littered with jagged stones and gravel.

Many battalion histories have stir-ring accounts of their sporting con-

tests and the 2/10th history devotes a whole chapter to sport. Their history shows that in 1942 the 2/10th and 2/3rd battalions held two matches.

The 2/10th Battalion won the first match by 19 points and the 2/3rd Regiment

won the second by 14 points, accord-ing to the history.

Maj Barry Willoughby, the man-ager of the Army Museum of South Australia where the ball, signed by the 2/3rd Regiment team, is usually on display, described it as “like the Ashes urn; it’s a one-off”.

“There’s certainly nothing like it in the Army museum network. To me it’s a significant thing and I’m honoured to have the privilege of being able to pick it up and look at it as part of my job.”

It’s like the Ashes urn; it’s a

one-off.– Maj Barry Willoughby,

Army Museum of South Australia

Artefact: WWII veteran Bill Hermanson shows Maj-Gen Neil Wilson (retd) the ball he used for a football match in Palestine in 1942. Photo by Cpl Rodney Welch

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Army September 13, 2012PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews24

ADF families can provide feedback about their expe-riences and views on ser-vice life through the ADF Families Survey throughout September and October.

CDF Gen David Hurley said Defence understood that a service career could place significant demands on the families of ADF members and was committed to ensuring the support available to them was of a high standard.

“To ensure we make the right commitments and deliver on those commitments, we need to understand the needs of ADF families. Specifically, how they feel about current programs and services on offer, and what we can do to improve them,” he said.

“This survey is your chance to have an open and honest conversation with Defence about the support you and your families receive.”

Gen Hurley said Defence was committed to putting in place initiatives that would

help members to stay with the ADF longer and through the changing stages of their lives and careers.

“Your views are consid-ered and have the potential to effect real change,” he said.

Since the last ADF fami-lies survey, Defence has estab-lished the Defence Family Helpline to provide a 24-7 support service to families, support for partners’ educa-tion and employment has been increased and a Deployment Support Booklet has been released to provide a go-to resource to assist families when a loved one is deployed.

The survey will cover top-ics such as how separation, workload and mobility impact on families, what Defence support services families’ access, what they think about them and how they can be bet-ter communicated.

The Defence Families Survey opened on September 3 and will close on October 21. The results are expected to be available in 2013.

Feedback wanted� A new survey seeks opinions on programs and services

FAMILY SURVEY

Who should complete the survey?� Spouses and ADF-recognised interde-

pendent partners of permanent full-time ADF members

� Full-time ADF members who are single parents

� Full-time ADF members who are single with other dependants

� ADF couples (where both are full-time ADF members)

How to complete the surveyThe survey should take about 20-30 min-utes to complete and will be open until October 21.

It can be accessed via:

� Defence Community Organisation website at www.defence.gov.au/dco

� Defence Families Australia website at www.dfa.org.au

Alternatively the paper survey can be mailed to you by contacting the survey messaging service on (02) 6127 2153, or by emailing Defence.Surveys@defence.gov.au

DEFENCE families could soon be log-ging onto their favourite social network-ing sites for more information about changes that will affect them.

Defence Families Australia (DFA) delegates met in Canberra in August to raise issues affecting military house-holds.

DFA convenor Julie Blackburn said families wanted to know more about entitlements.

“Families are still asking for greater access to information that affects them,” she said.

“We’ve asked Defence to consider a greater use of social media to more effectively communicate changes to any policies that affect families.”

The delegates also sought to improve access to affordable and flexible child care that met the needs of the modern ADF family.

“Geographic instability and the affects of the serving member being absent from home contribute to the unique nature of the Defence family and DFA will continue to advocate for the provision of support services for

families even in these times of fiscal restraint,” Ms Blackburn said.

At the DFA annual dinner on August 23, CDF Gen David Hurley announced he and Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon had signed a Charter for Defence Families of Australia setting out three clear functions for DFA:� To advise the Minister, the CDF and

Defence on matters affecting Defence families.

� To provide a forum for families to individually or collectively raise concerns and advocate on behalf of families.

� To help Defence families obtain infor-mation on policies that affect them and Defence assistance available to them.“The Charter reinforces DFA’s aims

and it provides a strong mandate for the organisation’s excellent work to con-tinue,” Gen Hurley said.

Partners, parents and children of serving ADF members can register as DFA members on the website www.dfa.org.au and follow the DFA Facebook page to receive regular news updates and Defence community event reminders.

Defence families seek information

Have your say: Karen Lang fills out the national Defence Families Survey. Inset, patron of the Defence Community Organisation Linda Hurley shares her experiences. Photos by Cpl Nick Wiseman

Family matters: Defence households can receive information about Defence issues that affect them through DFA. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

TELL US YOUR STORY

If you have an interesting story to tell, get in touch with Army and get it in print.

Contact the editorial team by email to

armynews@defencenews.gov.au

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Army September 13, 2012 PERSONNELwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 25

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ADF expectant mothers can now receive new service dress maternity uniform items off-the-shelf at their local clothing stores.

The maternity range has been updated, with an increased number of sizes and a consistent design for the three services.

The short and long-sleeve shirts, skirts and slacks are now available in more than 50 sizes.

CPO Jane Lapa, of the Clothing Systems Program Office (CLOSPO), said it was great to see the comfort of pregnant women considered through the introduction of extended sizes in the maternity range.

“There has certainly been a significant change in clothing since my pregnancy some years ago. This is a change that positively influ-ences the wellbeing of ADF members,” she said.

CLOSPO Sustainment Manager Karl Meadows said when updating the design DMO and the service headquarters wanted to build on what had already been done, while taking the opportunity to standardise across the three services.

“The final design is common to all three services, with the only difference being the col-our and type of fabric used,” he said.

“Implementing one style of dress has result-ed in efficiencies that have allowed us to pro-duce a greater number of sizes to better meet the needs of expectant service women.”

Members with a medical certificate will now be able to receive a new uniform on the spot from any clothing store in Australia. Orders can be placed for additional stock if appropriate sizes are unavailable.

Keeping mum: New mothers can now get maternity uniforms off the shelf at their local clothing store.

Mums make cut� Maternity wear can now be purchased off the rack

NOMINATIONS are now open for the second Annual Defence Excellence in Security Awards, with a new fifth category announced.

Chief Security Officer Frank Colley is encouraging personnel to nominate across the five categories of outstanding performance by a security specialist, DepSec I&S award for outstanding leadership in security, outstanding contribution to security by a team, outstand-ing contribution to security by an individual or the recently added outstanding industry security inno-vation.

“Security is a vital part of our everyday business and it is impor-tant that we celebrate achievements

in security across Defence and Defence industry,” Mr Colley said.

The Awards program is being managed by the Defence Security Authority and will culminate in an Awards Ceremony in Canberra in March next year.

Up to three finalists will be identified for each category and invited to the ceremony where the winners will be announced and pre-sented with trophies. Runners-up will also have their achievements recognised.

Entries close on October 15 and more information, including how to enter and nomination forms, is available at intranet.defence.gov.au/securityawards or email securityawards@defence.gov.au

Search for stars of security

Hotlines combineDEFENCE helplines that aren’t often used are being decommis-sioned.

Forty-four low-volume helpline numbers have now received their last calls, with a further 79 numbers identified for possible shutdown.

The review, led by Defence Support Group (DSG) with the Directorate of Customer Access Management (DCAM), and in consultation with helpline owners, is projected to save about $400,000 over the next few years in support of the Defence Strategic Reform Program.

“DCAM is also working with a number of helpline owners to progress consolidation options to move first-level support enquir-

ies into DSG’s Defence Service Centre (1800DEFENCE). The consolidation of helplines into 1800DEFENCE is expected to streamline first-level support for customers and significantly con-tribute to greater savings across Defence,” a spokesperson for the DCAM said.

Consolidation of help lines will provide customers with a single con-tact number for the majority of prod-ucts and services provided by DSG and the wider Defence community. It will also help provide nationally con-sistent first-level customer support, the spokesperson said.

For further information or to suggest num-bers to be closed contact DSO.DCAM@defence.gov.au

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Army September 13, 2012www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsLIFESTYLE PEOPLE26

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In tune: Vocalists Cpl Deborah Cotton, Musn Mark Nivet and AB Stephanie Monk perform with the ADF Band on board Royal Yacht Britannia to mark the opening of this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Photo by Mark Owens

A packet of fun: Nursing officers Lt Roselyn Glass and Lt Olivia Scott, of 2GHB, put some imagination into ration-pack meal presentation in Nauru. Photo by Pte Anthony Mohr

www.d

A Legacy of fi tnessSIG Samuel Godber, of FCU-7, is shown here clocking up the kilometres at Multinational Base Tarin Kot to raise money for Legacy.

Coalition personnel raised a sweat for the great cause, forming teams to compete in the 24-hour treadmill run and static cycling in the gym.

Five teams of cyclists and two teams of runners took shifts.

The furthest distance covered by a team on the treadmill was 282.4km by 3RAR Task Group HQ.

The 3RAR Task Group Logistics Support Company took out the distance cycling event, covering 821.5km.

Competitors collected money using donation boxes at their workplaces or by creating donation links through Facebook to raise funds.

Coalition Forces at Multinational Base Tarin Kot gave generously, with

teams raising an impressive $5280.

Photo by Cpl Hamish Paterson

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Honour: Pte Tim Jackson presents arms during the Legacy Week launch at Martin Place in Sydney. Photo by AB Sarah Williams

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Army September 13, 2012 LIFESTYLE FUNwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 27

If you can think of a witty caption for the picture at left, email captioncomp@defencenews.gov.au with “caption comp September 13” as the subject. Try to keep entries under 25 words and include your name, rank and unit.

SAY AGAIN, OVER

Last edition’s winning entry“During a well-deserved break the lads cleverly disguise their copies of 50 Shades of Grey.”

WO1 Steve Hooper1 Regt, RAA

We also liked“The latest Avon catalogue caused an unplanned halt.”

Chap Stephen Maggs8/7RVR

DIKKO By Bob Dikkenberg

A big step up from the Rover� The G-Wagon impresses on road and off. And it has air-con

G-WAGONEngine: V6 turbo producing 135kW/400Nm

Transmission: Five-speedtiptronic gearbox

Fuel use (claimed): 10L/100km combined

RRP: From approx. $220,000 depending on variant and options

Cpl Mark Doran

I WAS invited to experience the newest member of the ADF’s vehicle fleet, the Mercedes Benz G-Wagon, at the Janowen 4WD Park near RAAF Base Amberley on September 4.

Characterised by its boxy styl-ing and body-on-frame construction the G-Wagon looks stylish with its Australian camouflage paint job and in case you were wondering, G is for Geländewagen which is German for cross-county vehicle.

For the drive to Janowen I jumped on-board a 6x6 single cab carryall with a Land 121 Training Team driv-ing instructor, Air Force Cpl Brooke Shaw, who explained the features of the vehicle during the hour and a half of highway travel.

The first thing I noticed was it was quiet. There was minimal road noise and, with a V6 turbocharged engine, the G-Wagon handled the 100km/h speed limit with ease, even with the 1800kg of concrete blocks in the tray.

I then noticed I was travelling in a comfortable air-conditioned cab. Now that’s a luxury for an old soldier.

Cpl Shaw said the handling was the best feature, especially compared to the older Land Rover.

“Being an automatic the G-Wagon is also a lot easier to drive, especially with the tiptronic transmission,” she said.

“Water crossings are a lot easi-er because there is less preparation needed as the fording switch cuts power to the alternators and we can cross 750mm of fresh or 600mm of salt water.”

At the 4WD Park and after the

safety brief, we headed to what seemed a near-impossible hill in an old quarry, but the G-Wagon didn’t seem to care.

As long as the drivers pick their path and know what they are doing, the G-Wagon will climb and climb and just when you think it cannot go any more, it will keep going, seem-ingly without effort.

When it was my turn behind the wheel on the off-road track, it became

obvious the steering and general han-dling dynamics of the vehicle were made for these conditions.

I did have to be reminded by Cpl Shaw the cabin was not as wide as the tray and noticed some of the old Land Rover rules did not apply.

The secret for G-Wagon obstacle crossings is to go slow and this works well, as do controlled descents using brakes.

Once low-range is selected, all electronic systems such as ESP and ABS are remapped for better off-road performance.

The G-Wagon feels more at home when off-road. It offers a perfect driv-ing position with excellent visibility and with its relatively narrow size it can fit through tight spaces.

Delivering 135kw with 400Nm of torque, the G-Wagon has three fully locking differentials, which makes it one of the best off-road vehicles I have ever driven. And did I mention it’s air-conditioned?

Strong swimmer: The G-Wagon combines solid off-road capability with a high standard of performance and comfort for long highway drives. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

Cpl Nick Wiseman

THREE women from Army HQ and a civilian friend will trek about 45km in less than 19 hours for charity in the Blue Mountains on September 15.

The Trek for Timor Blue Mountains is a fund-raising hike to support schools, scholarship programs and community resources in East Timor.

Maj Ledy Rowe, Maj Anna Llanwarne, Kate Thomas and Tamara Galhuber will take on the challenge as a team

Ms Thomas said it was the first time any of them had done something like this.

“We’re not out to break any records or prove anything to anyone other than ourselves that we can do this,” she said.

“All the money we raise will go to the charity which will educate today’s children and adults in Timor Leste.”

Donations to the team are welcomed and can be made by visiting http://www.trekforti-morbm.org.au/sponsor-a-team/ using the team name “Hambos Heros”.

TROOPS in South Queensland are invit-ed to support RUOK Day with help from the on-base shops on September 13.

The South Queensland Regional Mental Health Team is promoting the day, which aims to raise awareness and prevent suicide by encouraging people to ask the question “are you okay?” of friends, colleagues and loved ones.

Resources on how to ask “are you

okay?” and on how to say “I’m not okay” will be available at AAFCANS Enoggera, Amberley and Oakey on the day.

For more information and resources, go to www.ruokday.com or contact the South Queensland Regional Mental Health Team’s Jennifer Young on (07) 3332 4590 or email jennifer.young1@defence.gov.au

A day to ask the question

Trekkers warm up for mountains hike

Good cause: Teams will

undertake the 45km Trek for

Timor in the Blue Mountains to

raise money for school programs

in East Timor.

Nominations now open for the 2nd Annual Defence Excellence in Security Awards

Supported by the CDF and Secretary, these awards honour and celebrate outstanding achievements in security by those working for Defence—ADF, APS and industry.

Award categories

Who can enterAny Defence employee or Defence industry company employee can submit a nomination.

Entry forms are available

securityawards@defence.gov.au

Finalists will be invited to an official ceremony in Canberra in March 2013, where the winners will be announced and presented with trophies.

NOMINATE NOW!

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Nominations open from 20 August – 15 October 2012

As usual, look before you leap, says Australian Securities and Investments Commission chairman Greg Medcraft.

Email ASIC at ADFcolumn@asic.gov.au with topics that interest you.

AUSTRALIAN investors are now able to trade in carbon credits. You may have read about carbon

trading in the media.Here’s how this new category of

investment works and how to check if a carbon investment is legitimate.

What is carbon trading?Carbon trading is when you buy

and sell tradeable emissions units known as carbon credits (also called carbon offsets). These units often relate to activities that reduce emis-sions, such as tree planting or captur-ing methane from landfill.

Australia’s largest carbon emitters face a charge for their emissions unless they acquire and surrender back to the government the number of “emissions units” that represent their annual emis-sions. People participating in voluntary offset schemes may also buy units.

Carbon credits are not backed by any assets and don’t pay any dividends or interest.

Some also have expiry or cancel-lation dates when they become worth-less. They can’t be re-sold for any guaranteed or minimum price.

The government has proposed a limited buy-back scheme for some car-bon units, but this may not be readily accessible to retail investors.

Regulated carbon creditsThe only types of carbon credits

regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia are:� Carbon units – issued directly to

companies and by public auction.� Australian carbon credit units

– issued for Australian emission reduction or sequestration projects.

� Eligible international emissions units – issued under the Kyoto Protocol.Financial advisers and investment

companies that advise you to trade in or offer to sell you regulated carbon credits must be licensed or registered

with ASIC. Check ASIC’s carbon reg-ister at www.asic.gov.au to make sure they are registered.

Some carbon credits are not regu-lated in Australia as financial prod-ucts.

These are usually bought online from suppliers or through companies that operate a carbon-trading platform and are used to offset people’s person-al household or travel emissions.

Just because these credits are unregulated doesn’t mean they are illegal or invalid.

It means that the people promot-ing or selling them don’t need to be licensed by ASIC.

However, unregulated carbon

credits (such as verified emissions reductions or voluntary carbon units) are generally not worth the same as regulated carbon credits.

Carbon credits that appear cheap may also not be eligible under the Australian Government’s carbon pric-ing mechanism and may not rise in price to match the value of eligible credits.

Carbon scamsBe wary of offers to sell you car-

bon credits.If the caller claims they can gen-

erate Australian carbon credit units through a carbon offset project, always check if the project is listed on

the Clean Energy Regulator’s website, www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au. If it is not, it could be a scam.

If you think someone is making false claims about a carbon offset pro-ject, you should complain to ASIC or the Clean Energy Regulator.

The carbon credit market is new in Australia. Make sure you know what’s involved and how to check if a carbon investment is legitimate before you put your money on the line.

For more information and general tips on investing go to ASIC’s MoneySmart website, www.moneysmart.gov.au.

Carbontrading

The pros and cons of a new line of investmentPhoto by Cpl Mark Doran

Army September 13, 2012www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsLIFESTYLE FINANCE28

Roll up your sleeves and give blood together Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au/clubred

SUPPORT THE DEFENCE ORGANISATION BLOOD CHALLENGEDonate blood between 1 September and 30 November 2012Make your donation count by joining your Defence Organisation group at donateblood.com.au/clubred.

Your Donor ID is required to join online. You can ask for your Donor ID at the time of donating or call the Blood Service on 13 14 95.Family and friends are welcome to join the Challenge.

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Army September 13, 2012 LIFESTYLE HEALTHwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 29

Helping others to mendLAC Bill Solomou discovers that a PTI’s role is not just about keeping people fit.

“I had to start walking again.

Walking, talking and

even my eyesight

suffered after the operation.

– LACW Sam Millen

Fighting fit: LACW Sam Millen had a special

rehabilitation program developed by PTI Cpl Matt Loadsman after brain surgery left her

with limited mobility and vision.

Photo by LAC Bill Solomou

UNBEKNOWN to many mem-bers the role of Physical Training Instructors (PTI) is not only making personnel sweat,

they also assist with rehabilitation train-ing.

PTI Cpl Matt Loadsman said as long as a member had the all clear from medi-cal personnel to start exercise they could self refer. However, many members were referred to them by physiotherapists and medical specialists.

“Ailments range from lower limb inju-ries right through to back injuries and shoulder rehab,” Cpl Loadsman said.

“We structure our gymnasiums around having all the components to be able to rehab any part of the body.”

PTIs will assess members who come to them for rehabilitation support.

“We sit down with them and in con-junction with their medical specialist’s advice we formulate a rehab program,” he said.

One such member is LACW Sam Millen, who is recovering from major surgery.

Two years ago she was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition and after several unsuccessful operations a complete body scan was undertaken.

The scan revealed she had a brain tumour. After it was removed, LACW Millen was left with limited mobility and vision.

“I had to start again, walking, talking and even my eyesight suffered after the operation,” LACW Millen said.

“I had to learn to read and write again.”

Once LACW Millen’s capabilities were assessed, Cpl Loadsman was able to prepare a training routine to assist her.

“The main technique or mantra I have applied to Sam, as she had to relearn a lot of her functional movement patterns,

has been repetition,” Cpl Loadsman said. “When we first started she couldn’t catch a ball, now she can.”

Cpl Loadsman said as LACW Millen started to improve he modified the rou-tine to include more complex move-ments with an increase in volume and resistance.

He said LACW Millen’s dogged attitude and determination had seen her improve dramatically.

“Our next phase is water,” he said. “Because of the density of the water the resistance against the body is much higher so in Sam’s case it will be very beneficial.”

LACW Millen acknowledges that without the support of Cpl Loadsman, her recovery would not be at the stage it is now.

“I definitely believe that the physical training is making a difference,” she said.

“I didn’t want to be broken, my desire to strive has been very positive.”

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Army September 13, 2012SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews30

CPL Andrew Stewart, pictured, grabbed the chance to learn new techniques when he took part in an Australian Defence Parachute Association (ADPA) camp in York, WA, on June 23-24.

Cpl Stewart plans to contest the NSW canopy piloting competi-tion at Picton in October and the camp, under the guidance of top civilian coach Cameron Rolfe, was designed to improve those skills.

“Cameron has a lot of experi-ence and it was great to be able to learn from one of the best canopy pilots in the sport,” Cpl Stewart, who has about 850 jumps to his credit, said.

High-performance canopy pilot-ing, know as “swooping”, is the art of flying and landing a skydiving parachute using advanced tech-niques.

To swoop effectively, the para-

chutist exits the aircraft at 5000 feet and deploys their parachute, flying their canopy to a predetermined height and geographical point over a small pond and swoop course. At this point the skydiver manually manipulates the parachute to initiate a rotating dive, which dramatically increases the canopy’s flight speed.

The canopy pilot stops the para-chute’s rotation on a specific course heading while at the correct altitude,

allowing their canopy to recover from the dive and level out with maximum speed before entering the course.

An ADPA camp was also held in Sydney from July 7-8.

The ADPA will conduct its national championships in December.

For more information about ADPA, email sky.diving@defence.gov.au.

SGT Greg Probyn displayed his skills and determination at the Northern Territory Brazilian Jiu Jitsu championships in Darwin on July 28.

For the first time, the champi-onship was held outdoors at Mindil Beach.

Sgt Probyn, of 8CHC, won his age group and division in the “gi” category and placed second in the “no gi” category.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a self-defence martial art promoting the concept that a smaller, weaker per-son can defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using lever-age and proper technique by apply-ing joint locks and choke holds

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be used for sport grappling tournaments (gi and no gi) and mixed martial arts competition or self defence.

Sgt Probyn was introduced to the sport after completing his Military Self Defence (MSD) course in 2008 and an instructor from the course invited him to a class.

“After my first lesson I saw how effective Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was as a self-defence [technique],” he said.

“I must admit I went into my first competition after training for three months and was submitted within a minute and 30 seconds, while still on my feet.

“The ADF MSD course has close links to the sport and the ground domination techniques in the syllabus are basic but effective Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques.

“The techniques used in MSD enable the exponent options dependant on the situation to dis-engage, restrain or back-choke an assailant.”

The competition in Darwin would be considered small in com-parison to the major tournaments throughout Australia, though com-petitors came from South Korea to compete.

Sgt Probyn is now preparing for the Pan Pacific championships in Melbourne in November.

Practising a splashy entry

� Military self-defence course led to serious competition

Jiu Jitsu hits the open air

Mat finish: Sgt Greg Probyn

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SPORTwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsArmy September 13, 2012 31

ARMY’S touch footbal lers showed promise of things to come when they contested the South Australian interunit and interser-vices championships at RAAF Base Edinburgh on August 16-17.

Last year, Army only entered two teams in the inter-unit competi-tion. This year there were enough players for four-and-a-half teams, with 102 Bty (Edn) and 48 Bty (Keswick) entering the fray.

The competition was held over two days, with the first day being the inter-unit and the 49 Army play-ers made up more than half the total number of players.

A team from DSTO beat JEWOSU/92 Wg in the final.

Army played two games in the men’s interservice championship the next day, losing to eventual cham-pion Air Force, 9-1 and APS 10-5.

Cpl Mitch Annetts, of 1CSSB, and Pte Gino Geracitano, of 9CSSB, were Army’s best players.

“Although we were inexperi-enced, the players adapted quickly to each others’ playing styles,” Cpl Annetts said.

“With help from Capt Mick Gray as coach, the team picked up new skills quickly and improved greatly from the first game.”

Cpl Annetts was excited about what he called the raw unsourced talent in the South Australian Army community.

“Now that there are four new units at Edinburgh, we can look for-ward to seeing what the following years produce.”

Capt Gray was also encouraged. “The team became more com-

petitive over the day as cohesion improved,” he said.

Army also figured in the wom-en’s interservice championship, but had to combine with APS in a team against Air Force, which won 4-1.

The Southern States Defence Touch Association, which is made up of members from SA, Victoria, WA and Tasmania, will send up to four teams to the nationals at Enoggera Barracks from October 28 to November 2.

Touch players look forward to future

Cool results for biathletes� Maj Filip Likar leads Army to victory in the ADF Nordic Skiing and Biathlon championships

Lt-Col Nathan Crowley and Lauren Harris

HAVING competed in every Nordic interservice biathlon championship since 2001, Maj Filip Likar knows what it takes to win.

Maj Likar has won Army’s over-all male championship four times and secured his second ADF male title for the second year in a row at this year’s event.

Held at Mt Hotham in Victoria from August 3-15, the final race decid-ed the service winner, with Army edg-ing Navy out by just three points.

Maj Likar, who also claimed the ADF champion shot title, was a full-time soldier for 23 years and since 2006 has been in the reserves with DJFHQ.

He attributed his win to his supe-rior fitness, as he trains all year round and is in training for the Toowoomba half marathon in October and Ironman in December.

“I am a repeat offender and after

the first year I was hooked,” Maj Likar said.

“My main strength is my aerobic base and mental focus. I try not to let the white noise of the other competi-tors interfere with my race strategy and just do my own thing.”

His nearest rivals in the interser-vice championships were Leut Sven Howorth and Leut-Cmdr Gary Lewis, with the championship decided in the final cross country ski race.

Twenty-six Army biathletes com-peted in seven senior and five novice Nordic skiing and biathlon competi-tions against teams from Navy and Air force, with many having never com-peted before.

First timer Lt Terence Harch, of 3CER, was awarded Army’s most out-standing novice for 2012. Lt Harch and Lt Adrian Mong raced in the team relay with Cpl Nathan Wood and Lt William Miles. The team fell just short of winning the overall novice competi-tion by one point.

“I would like to compete again in the next biathlon,” Lt Harch said.

Best intermediate/novice: NavyBest male track team: Army Best female track team: Navy Biathlon: Army Biathlon sprint: Navy Biathlon patrol, male: Army Biathlon patrol, female: Navy Championship winner: Army

Male champion: Maj Filip Likar

Female champion: Leut-Cmdr

Wendy Hughes

Champion shot: Maj Filip Likar

Points: Army 437.05, Navy 433.84,

Air Force, 373.15.

ADF NORDIC SKIING AND BIATHLON RESULTS

“It’s a good sport and is definitely an endurance sport.”

He said he was surprised at being the outstanding novice but said he liked to keep fit.

“A particular highlight for me was charging past the Air Force and Navy – it is a fun and healthy rival-ry between the services and the sport would benefit from new novices join-ing the teams.

“It is a challenging sport, having a weapon on your back and skiing,

and you’re going downhill so fast in crouch position.”

Army was represented by a small female team with Capt Danita McGregor and Pte Claire Sandford skiing strongly to keep the service competitive for the overall victory.

Lt Harch said the sport was a great way to involve military personnel, a good workout and encouraged team-work and good combat training.

“It’s a good replication of the stresses of an operation environment in

the fact that you are doing a half mara-thon and shooting a weapon straight,” Lt Harch said.

“You have to keep your heart rate down and the weapon steady.”

Maj Likar agreed the sport would benefit from more people giving it a go.

“It would be nice to see more beginners,” Maj Likar said.

“Getting the support of the unit commanders to give novices a chance to participate would be great training.”

If you are interested in compet-ing in the biathlon, Lt Harch suggests training in hill runs, bike riding and if you are really keen, roller skis.

“If you like endurance sports and shooting, then biathlon is the sport for you,” Lt Harch said.

Winter biathlon is open to all Defence personnel, with instruction in Nordic skiing and biathlon small bore rifle shooting provided in the week before the interservice competition.

Personnel interested in biathlon should con-tact Lt-Col Nathan Crowley at nathan.crowley@defence.gov.au

ON YOUR MARKS: Lt Terence Harch, left, and Sgt Stuart Jefferis line up on the range in the biathlon (above) as Lt-Col Zac Zacharias, white hat, Cpl Sean McGrath, black hat, and WO1 Mick Voss vie for position at the start of the biathlon (right).

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September 13, 2012

COOL COOL WINWIN

Maj Filip Likar steers Army to the narrowest of victories in the ADF Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Championships, taking out the

overall male title in the processFull story P31

Photo by Cpl Sean McGrath

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