AIRF RCEVol. 60, No. 2, February 22, 2018 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Testing our war-fighting at

Ex Red Flag Pages 12-15

BATTLE STATIONS

THE YEAR AHEAD

Pages 2-3

Senior leaders reveal their priorities for 2018

Our swift response to

cyclone crisisPage 7

TONGA AID LIFT-OFF!

Pages 10-11

How Woomera has transformed

Air Warfare Instructor - Fighter Combat Controller FLTLT Michael Pickering and Air Battle Manager

FLGOFF Stephanie Geaney monitor the airspace during

Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

Photo: CPL David Gibbs

EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

ReportersSGT Max BreeSGT Mark DoranSGT Dave MorleyCPL Bill SolomouCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Julia WhitwellPTE Renee Breeze Sarah Collins

raafnews@defencenews.gov.auThe Editor, Air Force News, R8-LG-047, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600

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DISCLAIMERAir Force News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under contract by Horton Media Australia Ltd. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Air Force News. Every advertisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News approval and the Directorate of Defence News may, at its discretion, 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. Defence does not endorse the products or services published in advertisements.

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2 February 22, 2018RCEAIR FThe year ahead

Our Force Element Group commanders outline their priorities for 2018

AIR COMBAT GROUP

Focus on healthy force generation to ensure ACG excels on operations.

Successfully transi-tion the F-35A and Growler into service.

Quality manage-ment and sup-port of our most important asset – our people. This will ensure that ACG will remain a high-performance organisation which is prepared to fight, trained to win and trusted to protect.

AIRCDRE Mike Kitcher

COMBAT SUPPORT GROUP

Force Generation: A greater em-phasis will be placed on FORGEN analysis and plans, providing CSG a greater ability to articulate what we can deliver to support the projection of air power domestically and globally.

Plans and planning: Planning and coordination of missions and tasks will be more aligned to HQAC’s plan-ning framework and requirements.

Base Operating Concept: Conclude the project to articulate the operating concept for each airbase.

Integrated airbase effects: Using the Base Accountability Model framework, we will build upon our momentum to position CSG as the principal entity to deliver integrated airbase effects.

MER EAOU design: CSG will work with HQAC and HQJOC in the design of an Expeditionary Air Operations Unit that is efficient and sustainable and best suited to deliver airbase combat support in the Middle East.

AIRCDRE Ken Robinson

SURVEILLANCE AND RESPONSE GROUP

Concurrency: SRG will focus on our ability to concurrently undertake raise train and sustain events while main-taining our deployed footprint as the strategic environment requires.

Force Generation: We will further develop and refine the processes and plans that enable efficient and timely FEG-wide FORGEN.

People: We will develop our people and processes to ensure we are prepared to maximise our people’s potential. This will allow us to fully ex-ploit the joint operational opportunities fifth-generation capabilities provide, as they are progressively delivered.

Plan Jericho: SRG will continue to embrace Plan Jericho at unit, wing and FEG level through enhanced joint activity planning, improved training integration and well considered sys-tems upgrades.

AIRCDRE Craig Heap

AIR FORCE TRAINING GROUP

AIRCDRE Glen Braz

Publish an Air Mobility capability development strategy that is aligned with Plan Jericho principles and considers force generation (including command and control) from a whole-of-AMG perspective rather than being platform-centric.

Publish a FORGEN plan that is integrated with supported unit require-ments; meets military strategic objec-tives; and is effective in meeting our raise-train-sustain requirements while being efficient enough to deliver maxi-mum national tasking for Defence.

Implement the Safety Always pro-gram.

Continue cultural reform programs.

Implement Defence Aviation Safety Regulations; with a focus on setting accountabilities and responsibilities at appropriate levels.

AIRCDRE Bill KourelakosAIR WARFARE CENTRE

Our mission to pre-pare the warfighter for fifth-generation warfare will be achieved by the fol-lowing:

Developing en-hanced integrated warfare capability in AWC members.

Shifting mindsets and actions to realise a force ca-pable of integrated warfare.

Enabling the Force Generation of an Air Force capable of superi-ority in integrated warfare.

AIRCDRE Vincent Iervasi

People: Provide a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment for all while ensuring a sustainable work-life balance.

Capability: Generate the right people with the right skills at the right time to support internal force generation and the require-ments of joint customer organisations.

E.E.E: Deliver modern, effective, efficient and es-sential education and train-ing systems on schedule to underpin a transformation across Air Force aligned with Plan Jericho and the Air Force Strategy.

Reform: Bed down AFTG structural reform through establishment of the air and ground academies.

AIR MOBILITY GROUP

Note: On December 11, command of AMG was handed over at RAAF Base Richmond from AIRCDRE Richard Lennon to AIRCDRE Bill Kourelakos. AIRCDRE Lennon led AMG since June 2015 and is now Director General Force Analysis in Force Design Division. AIRCDRE Kourelakos comes into the role having previously served as Deputy Air Com-mander Australia. He will also be Senior ADF Officer for Richmond.

Innovation: Embrace and encourage a culture of innova-tion through improved educa-tion and training systems and anywhere-anytime learning opportunities.

3February 22, 2018RCEAIR F The year ahead

CAF and WOFF-AF share some of their key objectives for this year

There’s no stopping us

THIS year promises to be another busy one for all Air Force members as we pro-gress to become the first fifth-generation Air Force. Of importance:

I have recently updated my CAF’s intent based on the transformations through Plan Jericho and the Air Force Business Plan.

Our Air Force Strategy 2017-2027 is now one year old and we will con-tinue to progress our plans to become a diverse and skilful workforce.

We have a new Jericho team, bringing fresh eyes and bottom-up innovation to all that Air Force is try-ing to achieve.

Our Air Power Conference is being held from March 20-21 with the theme of Air Power in a Disruptive World. We will be host-ing many overseas counterparts and other VIPs through two days of focused and illuminating discussions.

Our Hornets are home from Operation Okra after a successful campaign against Daesh. We need to prepare now for whatev-er and whenever the next campaign will be.

CAF AIRMSHLLeo Davies

I’M SURE you are all ready for what will be at times a challenging yet rewarding 2018.

The WOFF Employment Continuum (WOFFEC) is pivotal for setting the solid foundation for where our enlisted airmen force needs to be; ready to provide support for our fifth-generation capabilities and beyond.

All the WOFFEC initiatives contribute to the development of our fifth-generation enlisted workforce and Senior Enlisted Leaders (SEL), which is why it remains one of my main priorities for 2018.

Air Force’s number-one priority is to provide air power capability for joint warfighting and this can’t be accomplished unless we have quality enlisted leaders at all levels.

We won’t develop those leaders unless we continue to invest in their training and growth. This year, I will continue to focus on the investment in enlisted airmen education, train-ing and professional development opportunities both within Australia and overseas.

In line with CAF’s fifth vector of international engagement, I have developed many strong relationships with my international counterparts. I will continue to maintain and build on them, working hard to find more opportunities for exchange training positions for enlisted airmen at all levels.

I plan to work closely with WO-N and RSM-A to explore Joint Professional Military Education and Training opportunities. We will sup-port and champion the joint warrant officer course and CDF leadership forums.

Integral to the success of the WOFFEC is the conduct of both the squadron WOFF and base WOFF courses. I will champion two courses for WOFFs that will be conducted at RAAFSPS (School of Postgraduate Studies), RAAF Base Wagga, in April and August and the inaugural base WOFF course, which is planned for June and July.

A priority high on my list is to work closely with DGPERS-AF focusing on senior airmen life-cycle

management. A key initiative of the WOFFEC is the conduct of the WOFF talent management boards, which are planned for March. All WOFFs will be considered by Air Force for inclusion in the talent man-agement process.

Visiting remote units and people will be a main focus this year. By remote I don’t just mean locality but also those people employed outside of Air Force Group. I’ll also continue to lobby hard for every enlisted air-man outside of Air Force to have access to a dedicated SEL to empow-er the use of their chain of command.

As I mentioned at my appoint-ment ceremony in 2015, I will con-tinue to support resilience initiatives and maintain my work to remove the stigma surrounding those who seek support for mental health challenges.

As many of you have heard me say, my role as an Air Force leader has always been and remains to be to guide, influence and protect my boss, my people and my organisation. This will not change in 2018.

WOFF-AF Rob SwanwickKeeping up the pace

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies welcomes back Air Task Group personnel from the Middle East.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Photo: SGT Mark Doran

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4 February 22, 2018RCEAIR FNews

FLGOFF Finian Kelly and Jaimie Abbott

NO. 1 Remote Sensor Unit (1RSU) has marked a significant milestone for Air Force – tracking a tiny Australian satellite known as “Buccaneer” in orbit.

At less than a metre in length and weighing just 4kg, the nano-satellite proved to be a challenging target for the C-Band Space Surveillance Radar System (also known as the Holt radar).

1RSU’s CPL Matthew Tillbrook was able to gain a signal lock on the satellite much to the delight of onlook-ers – who applauded as they witnessed history from RAAF Base Edinburgh.

The C-Band rada r sys tem, located at Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station near Exmouth, Western Australia, is a joint initia-tive between the United States and Australia. It marked a one year anni-versary when it reached final operating capability in December.

As the first dedicated southern hemisphere low-earth orbit sensor in the US Space Surveillance Network (SSN), the Holt radar provides vital

space catalogue information.The SSN is a worldwide network

of telescopes and radars that detect, track, identify and catalogue man-made objects in space.

Observations taken by the C-Band radar in Australia are sent through to the United States Air Force’s (USAF) Joint Space Operations Centre at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, where personnel analyse the data provided to formulate or update orbital element sets for space objects.

C O 1 R S U W G C D R J u l i e n Greening said the Holt radar not only delivered capability from a situational awareness perspective, it bridged pre-vious relationship gaps between opera-tional users in niche capabilities on both sides of the Pacific.

He said this strengthened joint rela-tionships between the two air forces, while allowing the transfer of new ideas and innovation between com-munities.

“41 Wing is well aware, as the operator of a US asset, that this is an opportunity to build trust, while gener-ating essential integrated air and space

Defence capability for Australia,” he said.

Information generated by the SSN is used by agencies all over the world to contribute to space-flight safety, and to ensure satellites are not endangered by space debris.

The Holt radar is the first of several planned space situational awareness sensors to make Exmouth their home, all of which will be operated remotely from RAAF Base Edinburgh by 1RSU.

USAF Commander 21st Operations Group COL Devin Pepper said he was proud of the radar’s contributions to space launch detection and orbital observations in the southern and east-ern hemispheres during the past year.

It is estimated that more than 40,000 space object tracking events have been conducted in its first full year of operations.

This comprises more than 260,000 individual observations, including daily tracking of the International Space Station, various satellites, “space junk” and one of the new-est objects to enter Earth’s orbit, Buccaneer.

FLTLT Stephanie Anderson

OUR working relationship with the United States Air Force (USAF) was further enhanced during Exercise Carpentaria Crocodile held in north Queensland.

The exercise, part of the Enhanced Air Co-operation (EAC) series, was held at RAAF Bases Townsville and Scherger as well as Mapoon Airfield.

Carpentaria Crocodile was a tactical exercise without troops that aimed to develop plans on activating RAAF Base Scherger for air operations in a security and stability operation, or contested environment scenario.

The first of a series of exercises over the coming years, Carpentaria Crocodile had 20 personnel from

across Air Force’s Force Element Groups, but the main contingent was from Combat Support Group. USAF participated with 12 per-sonnel from 36th Contingency Response Group.

OC 95WG GPCAPT David Paddison said the exercise pro-vided great learning outcomes for both Air Force and USAF planning staff and forged new working rela-tionships.

“The exercise assisted the par-ticipants to develop a wider under-stating of Air Force Bare Bases, and a better appreciation of our closest coalition partners capabili-ties,” he said.

“Having members, including a USAF representative, physically visit the base to understand the remoteness of Scherger and plan-ning factors involved was highly beneficial to the overall planning.

“The outcomes were successful and demonstrated a good level of integration between Air Force and USAF.”

The exercise incorporated staging at RAAF Townsville and Mapoon Airfield in far-north Queensland, and the participants received input from Border Force, 51st Far North Queensland Regiment and Mapoon Shire Council on the different elements of support required for operating in the area.

The scenarios for the exer-cise, held between October 29 to November 11, were developed by No. 295 Squadron, required the participants to generate activation plans that incorporated the geo-graphical, environmental, tactical and logistical challenges unique to far north Queensland.

A joint exercise with bite in Qld

Space skills on track

‘41 Wing is well aware, as the operator of a US asset, that this is an opportunity to build trust.

– WGCDR Julien Greening, CO 1RSU

Air Surveillance Operator LAC Adric Knapp and USAF exchange liaison officer, MAJ Alfred Maynard, monitor the C-Band radar sensor station inside the 1RSU operations room at RAAF Base Edinburgh.Photo: CPL David Cotton

C-Band Space Surveillance Radar System is near

Exmouth, WA.

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5February 22, 2018RCEAIR F News

Shaping warriorsSGT Max Bree

THE Afghan Air Force (AAF) has no problems developing capable pilots, according to GPCAPT Ian Goold, head of Australia’s contribu-tion to NATO’s Train Advise Assist Command – Air.

“The Afghans are good warriors; you give them an armed aircraft like an A-29 Super Tucano, a set of rules and a target, and they’ll complete their mission to a very high standard,” GPCAPT Goold said.

However, he said building main-tenance and support capability were the main challenges facing the AAF, which was the reverse of most modern air forces.

“Western air forces take a lot of time to grow the warriors – fast jet aircrew in particular – but they have a good record of building the non-commissioned officer cadre to keep the aircraft flying,” he said.

“Afghanistan can grow warriors to fly the aircraft within about two or three years, but it might take 15 years to develop a sergeant responsible for maintaining a squadron of aircraft.

“If they can read Dari and English

particularly well, most will want to be pilots and officers, but the AAF needs those well educated people to maintain the aircraft, particularly the more complex aircraft like the UH-60 Black Hawk.”

Fourteen Australians work in the command, advising the AAF in areas, such as maintenance, logistics and air-to-ground integration.

The AAF is in its second year of a four-year expansion phase whereby its combat capability will increase three-fold.

Black Hawks are arriving to replace the Soviet-era Mi-17 transport helicopters, with the first squadron of aircraft and aircrew due to be opera-tional by the middle of the year.

As the Australians continue their work in the multinational advisory command, GPCAPT Goold said his team brought a special touch to the operation.

“There’s a level of cultural empathy for the Afghans that the Australians find natural,” he said.

“The Afghans respond really well to the Aussie sense of humour, profes-sionalism and sometimes our banter with our American mates.”

Above: An Afghan Air Force A-29 Super Tucano crew leader signals a pilot during takeoff on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

Left: AAF airmen, assigned to the Kandahar Air Wing, work in the cockpit of an Mi-17 on Kandahar Airfield.Photos: Staff SGT Sean Martin (USAF)

Our part in training the Afghan Air Force

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IN LATE January, the world lit up with reports that heat maps pub-lished by fitness tracking applica-tion Strava were revealing the

movements of personnel exercising on military bases.

The implication for military per-sonnel deployed to secret, or unde-clared, bases was that it would reveal the location of those bases when using their fitness trackers.

Personnel who wore their fitness trackers on patrols or during vehicle movements may have also been reveal-ing routes or patterns of life which could be exploited by enemy forces.

It’s easy to believe this isn’t a big deal, but Deputy Chief Information Warfare MAJGEN Marcus Thompson said it could create the “perfect storm” of conditions for a threat actor to target airmen, their families or colleagues.

“For the individual, the bottom line is once data is shared on the internet, whether it’s on Strava or any other app, it’s out there forever. You’ve lost control of that data,” he said.

“One of my biggest concerns is the aggregation of data over time. The data collected by apps like Strava, com-bined with other freely available data like your uploads to social media, can help others understand patterns of life for both individuals and ADF units.

“If you use a device while running

Taking the heat off

around a military base, then use the same device while running around a restricted area, it has the potential to tie the two locations together and build a picture of the individual and their unit.”

None of this is to say Air Force

personnel shouldn’t use fitness track-ers – they are a great tool to make sure you are keeping your fitness on track.

First Assistant Secretary Security and Vetting Service Celia Perkins said it was important airmen were aware of the potential security risks posed by

personal electronic devices such as fit-ness trackers.

“It’s important to ask yourself where the data goes, who has access to it and what it’s being used for,” Ms Perkins said.

“The best mitigation strategy is to

actively and regularly review the pri-vacy settings of both your devices and application, and limit how much of your personal data is being collected by an app.

“The same goes for your social media accounts, internet browsers and even your smart TV.”

A lot of the personal security prin-ciples applied to fitness trackers are the same as are applied to smartphones – especially because fitness trackers generally take their GPS signals from linked devices.

While it’s difficult to avoid technol-ogy which stores data about our lives, MAJGEN Thompson said the main thing to think about is not being com-placent.

“Some of the measures you can take to minimise your personal data footprint include restricting use of personal communications devices in foreign countries and disabling public sharing options on apps,” he said.

“With technology changing so quickly, the best thing you can do is be aware of the threat and stay informed about the technology you are using.”

For further information on how to secure your devices, type “Personal Security Campaign” into the DRN search bar or talk to your Unit Security Officer.

Fitness tracking devices might be putting you and your base at risk, CPL Sebastian Beurich reports

6 February 22, 2018RCEAIR FNews

SECURING YOUR DEVICES Set passwords on your devices

and download security updates when they are available.

Turn off GPS and location services, as well as wi-fi and bluetooth when you aren’t using them.

Source your applications from reputable companies.

Avoid storing detailed personal information on your devices.

Lock down your social media profiles so they aren’t publicly accessible.

Consider whether you need to upload personally identifying data to apps.

Personal electronic devices are effectively small comput-ers – they can be affected by malware just the same as your PC at home.

Activity through fitness devices can be tracked by more than just the user.

Veteran honoured FLGOFF Dean Squire

WOFF Thomas “Lachie” Lachlan Campbell (retd) has had a very long wait to receive honours he won at the tail end of WWII.

But now the 91-year-old veteran has seven awards following a ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville last month.

Two generations of Campbells were by Lachie’s side when he was presented with the Australia Service Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with Japan clasp, First, Second and Third clasp to the Defence Force Service Medal and the Australian Defence Medal.

Of them all, the Australian Service Medal 1945 to 75 with Japan Clasp places WOFF Campbell at the cen-tre of an historic time. It’s the medal of a peacekeeper and is awarded to a member of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF).

After US forces dropped two atomic bombs on Japan in August 1945, putting an end to the conflict between them, Lachie was deployed with the BCOF to bring peace and stability to the defeated country.

During visits to Japanese towns and cities, including Hiroshima, he wit-nessed the devastation to buildings, food shortages, and poverty.

Lachie actually became eligible for the service medals in 1997, but did not become aware of the distinction until last year when DVA extended health benefits to BCOF veterans.

At the ceremony Lachie was delight-ed to finally receive his medals.

“I’d like to think I share this on behalf of other BCOF members who may have passed away and not had the privilege to receive this honour,” he said.

In 1946 the Australian Government made a commitment to recognise the service of the BCOF, a commitment finally ratified in 2017 which for the first time allowed veterans to claim their honours.

WOFF Campbell was presented with his awards by the RAAF Base Townsville SADFO WGCDR Phil Godfrey.

“It’s so important to recognise the service and sacrifice made by our veter-ans. It’s a great honour to celebrate the brilliant career of WOFF Campbell with these medals,” WGCDR Godfrey said.

Personnel Capability Officer FLTLT Kristina Filippi, of 27SQN, congratulates

WWII veteran WOFF Thomas Lachlan Campbell (retd) on his achievements.

Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy

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7February 22, 2018RCEAIR F News

Aid flows into Tonga

A 36SQN C-17A Globemaster at Tonga’s Fua’amotu International

Airport in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Gita.

Photo: CPL David Said

SGT Mark Machielsen, of 23SQN, talks to a Tongan movements

official about the unloading of aid.Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

Air Movements team member LACW Kim Cunningham, of 23SQN, directs a forklift into position to unload aid from a C-17A.

Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

CAPT Megan McDermott

AIR Force personnel on board C-17A Globemasters formed part of an early ADF contingent which delivered vital aid to Tonga in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Gita.

After ripping through Samoa, Gita intensified to a category four cyclone as it struck Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, causing power outages and widespread havoc on February 12.

36SQN Loadmaster SGT Michael Haberfield said two C-17 flights had delivered about 15 pallets of aid to Tonga by February 16.

A id was sou rced f rom the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) emergency supply warehouse in Brisbane.

“We’ve been working hard to load the stores onto the aircraft for trans-portation to Tonga so that we can start helping those who need it as soon as possible,” SGT Haberfield said.

“Having the DFAT stores pre-posi-tioned in Brisbane allowed us to get them quickly loaded onto the aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley and delivered to Tonga as early as Tuesday evening.”

The second C-17 delivery was received by Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Sika and Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Leveni Aho at Fua’amotu International Airport.

Mr Sika said Tongans were extreme-ly appreciative and anxiously waiting to receive supplies as many were still housed in evacuation centres.

“Houses have been badly damaged and many people have not returned home – first they need tents and shelters like the donations you have brought,” Mr Sika said.

Impressed by the C-17’s cargo capa-bility, Mr Sika jested it was like seeing “a flying warehouse”.

“The space inside is bigger than our storage. I’m not sure where we’re going to store the donations but we will defi-nitely take good care of them and dis-tribute to the people who need it.”

Mr Sika said 70 per cent of Tonga’s population was affected by Gita, which was the strongest recorded storm to pass over the island nation in recent memory.

While the first Australian Aid stores were being received by those affected, intermittent communications, blocked roads and damage to infrastructure proved to be a challenge.

A small ADF Support Response Team (SRT), which arrived on the first C-17 flight into Tonga, continued to work closely with DFAT and NDMO to conduct damage assessments.

SRT Commander LTCOL Scott Hill, who deployed to Fiji in the wake of Cyclone Winston two years ago, said assessments would help Tongan author-ities determine the next moves for relief efforts.

“The Tongan community have already done a tremendous job in com-mencing the clean-up effort,” LTCOL Hill said.

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Feature RCEAIR F February 22, 20188

CPL Bill Solomou meets a member who finds small arms very fitting

LIFE IN THE RAAFHits the mark

KEEPING small arms honed and ready for action is a dream job for Air Force Ground Mechanical Fitter

and Turner (GMEFITT) CPL Michael Snushall.

CPL Snushall, 53, of No. 1 Security Force Squadron, is posted to HMAS Harman, in Canberra.

His core role is to maintain, repair, and manage small arms issued to Air Force members conducting their weap-ons testing.

Before joining Air Force in 1989, CPL Snushall completed his fitter and turner apprenticeship with the then Sydney water board.

“After my apprenticeship, I decided to look at alternatives, and joining Air Force was something I always wanted to do,” CPL Snushall said.

However, after six years on the job, CPL Snushall decided it was time for a sea change and moved to the Gold Coast. He grew a beard, worked gen-tlemen’s hours and surfed every day.

In time, he missed Air Force and re-joined in 2001 and since then he has never looked back.

“It’s been 17 years (with Air Force) now and I still love the job,” he said.

“I have done two deployments –Operation Slipper/Catalyst 2007 and then Operation Accordion in 2017.

“I have had numerous postings and met some great people along the way.”

Just like the barrel of a gun, CPL Snushall’s straight-down-the-line

approach to work suits his job well.CPL Snushall said a weapon either

passes or fails – there was no comprise in terms of safety when it came to small arms.

“People know I’ve checked the weapons to be safe. It’s either green or red, there’s nothing in the middle, you can either use it, or you can’t,” he said.

CPL Snushall said his favourite small-arms weapon was the old SLR.

“I went through recruits using this weapon. How I passed the shoot, I don’t know. The SLR isn’t left-handed friendly,” he said.

“This weapon is used at Australia’s Federation Guard, where I spent time.

“The drill work that can be mas-tered is so unique, and in my opinion is more versatile than the F88 Steyr during ceremonies.”

CPL Snushall recommends Air Force to anyone seeking a challenging and rewarding career.

To relax, the goofy foot packs the car with his surfboard and heads off to Wollongong to tackle the break out at Port Kembla, something he has been doing since he was a teenager.

As a retirement plan, he and his partner Jane, have recently purchased an old church in the Barossa Valley in South Australia.

GMEFITT is a priority recruiting position. For more information contact Air Force recruit-ing on 13 19 01 or visit https://airforce.defencejobs.gov.au/jobs/fitter-and-turner.

CPL Michael Snushall checks the barrel of an F88 in an armoury at Australia’s main base in the Middle East region during his Operation Accordion deployment last year. Photo: SGT Max Bree

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Alisha Welch

THE conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant of the F-35 Australia is acquiring (F-35A) has become the first variant to success-fully complete three lifetimes of full-scale durability testing.

Since 2010, the AJ-1 CTOL airframe has undergone testing at BAE Systems in the United Kingdom for structural faults over three lifetimes – equivalent to 24,000 hours or 90 years of flying.

SQNLDR Jason Taghaode, the former Air Vehicle Lead in the Joint Strike Fighter Division, part of Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, said no major faults were identified during the testing.

“Developed with the assistance

of computer software, the testing confirmed the aircraft can with-stand the significant forces expe-rienced by a fighter aircraft dur-ing flight, well beyond its designed service life of 8000 hours,” SQNLDR Taghaode said.

“Through the use of 165 pneu-matic load rams, the test aircraft was subjected to forces equivalent to those typically experienced in flight.

“Some minor issues were dis-covered, such as cracks in non-critical structure, which will lead to improvements to the overall air-craft structural design.”

Marcus McDonald, the F-35 Air Vehicle Science Team Leader in Defence Science and Technology, said the durability test achieved two technical world firsts.

“In addition to being the first full-scale airframe test to have been surveyed by infra-red cameras to de-risk the test schedule, it was also the first full-scale airframe test to apply whole-of-airframe frac-ture surface bar-coded marker-band technology,” Mr McDonald said.

“This allows for rapid post-test forensics.”

The test aircraft is now being separated into individual compo-nents to detect the presence of any cracking, which will inform where design changes are required to ensure the aircraft meets its lifecy-cle capability requirements.

For more information, visit.baesystems.com/en-uk/article/f-35a-lightning-ii-airframe-completes-third-life-testing-in-unique-facility

90 years of hard graft

Alisha Welch

PRATT & Whitney’s F135 engine, which powers the F-35A, has achieved a significant milestone by demonstrating the full life cycle of its cold section during accelerated mission testing in the US.

The cold section – fan and compressor – was put through 9400 total accumulated cycles, which is the equivalent of about 14 years of operation or 2000 F-35 missions.

The testing, which focused on the F135 engine that powers the conventional take-off and land-ing variant of the F-35, took place from August 2014 until October 2017 at Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee.

It involved running the engine in

simulated operational conditions.Accelerated mission testing

is conducted to test and validate engine reliability and maintain-ability during its lifespan, as well as identify any potential issues well before being encountered by an operational fleet of aircraft.

Engine Structural Integrity Officer FLTLT Rashmin Gunaratne, of the Defence Aviation Safety Authority, said the testing was con-ducted via a program called Lead the Fleet.

“The goal was to have a cou-ple of engines being operated at a higher rate than the rest of the fleet to determine how the components are degrading over time,” FLTLT Gunaratne said.

“Being ahead of the rest of the

engine fleet – in terms of running time – means engine failures or faults due to usage can be captured by the test engines rather than operational engines.

“It also allows sufficient time for the engineers to revise inspec-tion schedules and servicing time-frames, as well as modify compo-nents based on the test results.”

FLTLT Gunaratne said it was important Australia continued to contribute to the Lead the Fleet program because it was focused on gaining efficiencies and improving safety.

“Further changes to inspections and component design are expected based on the program’s results,” he said.

Top: Pratt & Whitney’s F135 engine for the F-35A undergoes accelerated mission testing in the US. Photo: Pratt & Whitney/AEDCAbove: Durability testing is done to the F-35A Lightning II airframe at BAE Systems UK in East Yorkshire. Photo: BAE Systems UK

Engine endures test

F-35A’s airframe set to last a lifetime after gruelling test

9February 22, 2018RCEAIR F News

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Feature RCEAIR F February 22, 201810

20SQN’s “originals”, left, CPL Candice Carpenter, FLTLT Andrew McGough, SQNLDR Simon Bartlett (former CO 20SQN), LAC Shaun Mulligan, Paul Butler, CPL (now SGT) James Carpenter, SGT Andrew Appleby, FLTLT Wayne Dicks and WOFF Molly Millington. Absent: FSGT Rita Coles (deployed).

WOFF Lynette Taylor

THE last of the No. 20 Squadron “origi-nals” were posted out at the end of 2017, leaving behind the foundations that will see 20SQN continue to flourish and deliver airbase operations support at RAAF Base Woomera.

So, how did the originals feel about their time at 20SQN and their lasting impressions of Woomera?

FLTLT Andy McGough, who was posted in as the Base Aviation Safety Officer, says: “It might have been the

start of RAAF Base Woomera and 20SQN, but it was far from the start of Defence in Woomera.”

“There was a large amount of rela-tionship development and basic frame-work building, but it was about the peo-ple who lived and worked there,” he says.

FLTLT McGough says he has good memories of getting out and exploring with his boys and the social interaction with the locals.

SGT James Carpenter, now at No. 17 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal, says his

favourite highlights were: setting up the mechanical equipment operations and maintenance section workshop; assist-ing with airfield operations and aircraft loading and unloading; and visits to the old launch sites and the RAAF Base Woomera observatory.

SGT Christopher Speedie, Personnel Capability Specialist, says the friendships developed in the “small community were an important part of support to defence operations and military personnel at Woomera”.

People key to change

Former CO 20SQN SQNLDR Simon Bartlett in front of a ‘Blue Steel’ missile at RAAF Base Woomera in 2014.Photo: CPL Aaron Curran

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IN JUST a few years RAAF Base Woomera has re-emerged as a fully functional base contributing to our air power despite its remoteness and small

size.Re-established in January 2015 on an

existing 70-year-old site, Combat Support Group’s No. 20 Squadron’s base has progressed from offices with no desks to a facility with accommodation, hang-ars, office buildings, a fully functional airport with air movements support and a mechanical equipment operations and maintenance section.

Such was the successful nature of the redevelopment, the base achieved final operating capability in just nine months in September 2015.

Former CO 20SQN SQNLDR Simon Bartlett says the squadron’s first 18 months was a period where personnel worked with the mindset of setting up a new unit, but remained in a state of con-tinuous improvement.

“We are now conducting a standard Combat Support Group airbase support operation with, in our case, a role of directly supporting the Air Warfare Centre and its Air Force Ranges Directorate through the Air Force Test Range Squadron (AFTRS),” SQNLDR Bartlett says.

“We are very conscious of the needs of the AWC and the AFTRS and how our support contributes to air power in Air Force.”

Although Woomera is a remote post-ing – the nearest major services are about 200km away in Port Augusta and Whyalla

– it has benefits for those posted in the village.

“I recognise the commitment of mem-bers willing to be posted to such a remote area and the courage they show in vol-unteering to serve here, especially those members who bring their children to Woomera,” SQNLDR Bartlett says.

“While it may seem a challenge the reality is that in such a small community everyone gets on so well together.

“It has been described as the democra-tisation of distance; we are so far away we have to look after ourselves.”

SQNLDR Bartlett, who posted out last December, indicated how much had been achieved since January 2015 when asked to nominate his highlights during his post-ing.

“Being selected to command a squad-ron is an extraordinary honour because you get to develop a team, who in this case were special people keen to serve in such a remote location,” SQNLDR Bartlett says.

“Watching how agile the team is when remoteness impacts on daily tasks and issues arise has been very pleasing.

“For example, during a three-day power outage in September 2016, we were able to provide generators for the village’s water pumps, and opened up a field kitch-en with the assistance of our contractors and provided meals to the community.”

The Woomera township is 70 years old and at its peak it had a population of 6000. The first Australian scientific satellite, WRESAT, was launched from Woomera in 1967.

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

THE close relationship between Air Force and the Kokatha people – the traditional landowners of RAAF Base Woomera – is a source of pride for No. 20 Squadron.

Former CO 20SQN SQNLDR Simon Bartlett says elements of the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation ban-ner have been adopted in the squadron badge.

“The eagle, with its Air Force connection, carrying a woomera wrapped in Sturt Desert peas, the South Australian floral emblem, in conjunction with the seven sisters constellation form the centrepiece of our badge,” he says.

“In the Kokatha dreaming, the seven sisters con-stellation holds a very important place and we are honoured to have these significant elements as part of our badge.

“The Kokatha had generously invited us to visit a site that has a special place in their culture, and we have had the opportunity to be shown Kokatha picto-grams which are more than 30,000 years old.

“We treasure this relationship and Woomera would not be the same unique posting for us all if we did not have this special relationship.”

Isolation hasn’t dimmed the enthusiasm for pro-gress on getting RAAF Base Woomera up and run-ning, but not without recognising and engaging with the Kokatha traditional owners.

Sticking together pays off

Building close tiesA member of the Coober Pedy Youth Shed next to an Air Force B350 at RAAF Base Woomera.

In just a few years, 20SQN has made a big impact at Woomera, SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers writes

12 13RCEAIR FExercise Red Flag February 22, 2018

More on Red Flag Pages 14-15

Stories: FLGOFF Chloe StevensonPhotos: CPL David Gibbs

EXERCISE Red Flag has given our Con-trol and Reporting Centre personnel a world-leading training opportunity that is ordinarily not available within Australia.

Sixteen personnel from No. 41 Wing, including Air Surveillance Operators, Air Combat Officers (Air Battle Managers) and Intelligence specialisations were deployed into the control and reporting centre on Red Flag.

CO No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit and 41WG Red Flag Detachment Commander WGCDR Brett Risstrom said the exercise was about “as good as it gets” in terms of training for the Surveillance and Response Group personnel.

“The control and reporting centre provides the air battle management of the entire air war,” WGCDR Risstrom said.

“That includes the controlling, separating of aircraft and ensuring the safe and expeditious flow of the exercise aircraft in and out of the Nevada Test and Training Range.

“It involves all aircraft participating in the exercise, including the ADF, Royal Air Force, United States Navy and the United States Air Force.”

He said the complexity and realistic threat replication provided at Red Flag was unrivalled.

“Red Flag provides high end, realistic training to 41WG staff to ensure that we are fully prepared to provide persistent, integrated, air and space defence of Australia.”

For FLGOFF Stephanie Geaney, an air battle manager at the control and reporting centre, she had learnt a great deal from our coalition partners during her first Red Flag.

“As an air battle manager, I control the aircraft in the roles of escort and strike,” FLGOFF Geaney said.

“Escort is the air-to-air warfighting and the strike capability is the air-to-ground fight.

“Exercise Red Flag is a large force employment; I get to see a lot of differ-ent capabilities from the United States and United Kingdom.

“I can see what their capabilities are and learn how to integrate with them and develop our own integration for further war-fighting.”

She said they had integrated with the marines, who had different positions in comparison to how the Australians oper-ate, which made the exercise interesting.

Red Flag featured a combination of simulated and “live” threats.

This included threat aircraft in the ex-ercise area, simulated surface-to-air mis-sile threats and radar systems, electronic warfare against exercise participants and cyberspace threats.

FLGOFF Geaney and her fellow 41WG personnel were exposed to this simulated and “live” threat environment, developing their experiences within a modern and complex battlespace.

IT’s NOT every day you see an Australian E-7A Wedgetail in Nevada skies.

A Wedgetail from No. 2 Squadron tra-versed halfway across the world to participate

in an “intense” training regime for Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, US.

In such a complex and busy air space, having full situational awareness is critical to modern air operations and the E-7A is one of the world’s most capable Airborne Early Warning and Con-trol platforms.

The aircraft is equipped with a Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) Radar that can cover four million square kilometres during a single 10-hour mission.

To put that in perspective, this is around the same land area of the Northern Territory and Western Australia combined.

FLTLT Grace, an Air Combat Officer (Air Battle Manager) on board the E-7A Wedgetail, said the exercise was “no mean feat”.

“If I had to sum up Red Flag in one word it would definitely be, intense,” FLTLT Grace said.

“A surveillance and control officer on board the E-7 Wedgetail is basically the conduit be-tween the commander on the ground and the tactical assets in the airspace.

“There are two main functions which we per-form. The first function is a force marshal func-tion; we provide direction to ensure the aircraft are at the right place at the right time, doing the right things.

“As you can imagine, with the hundreds of aircraft which operate on Red Flag, this is no mean feat.”

FLTLT Grace said the other function they performed was being the tactical commander of

the airspace and to provide any dynamic prob-lem solving which might arise as a result of the tactical fight.

“We are a control and command node and we are airborne.”

She said the training aircrew Air Combat Of-ficers received on the United States Air Force (USAF) exercise was empowering to their de-velopment as professional aviators.

“Being on an exercise like Red Flag teaches you to be dynamic in your decision making. It’s definitely an excellent opportunity to put into action things that we’ve learnt in the previous months to years and to see their effects in a real world situation.”

FLTLT Grace said the E-7A Wedgetail crew worked closely with the USAF during the three-week exercise.

“We were a part of a three-day, dedicated mission cycle; for example, a day for mission planning, a day for execution and a day for de-brief.

“Throughout these phases we interact with the maintainers, mission planners, intelligence and aircrew ensuring that we take away those lessons learnt to make ourselves better in the tactical fight.”

2SQN personnel received a Mission Com-mander’s award for stringent and timely appli-cation of rules of engagement during a complex dynamic targeting event. The crew of the E-7A Wedgetail were presented with an American flag in recognition.

The three-week exercise ended on February 16 and it involved elements from Air Combat Group, Surveillance and Response Group, and the Air Warfare Centre.

Training is ‘as good as it gets’

Our personnel engaged intense and realistic air-to-air warfare training during Exercise Red Flag. The eagle eyes of a 2SQN Wedgetail came to the fore as

battlespace awareness is now more crucial than ever in the digital age

AFTER the Vietnam War, the United States Air Force (USAF) conducted aerial studies which determined that an aircrew’s chances of surviving a combat tour increased significantly if they survived their first eight-to-10 missions.

During the Korean conflict, the air-to-air kill ratios achieved by the USAF were 10 to 1. In Vietnam, the USAF found that their success rate in air-to-air kill ratios was a mere quarter of this.

At the time a conclusion was drawn that previous training was found to lack scope and realism. The USAF decided it needed an exercise that replicated all the dangers aircrew would face in a complex and modern air battle space.

In 1975, Exercise Red Flag was born. Mr Daniel Wheaton, USAF 57th Wing Historian, said Red Flag first began in 1975 as an internal

USAF exercise following the conclu-sions drawn from previous conflicts.

“Various studies of aerial conflict have indicated that the first eight-to-10 missions were very hazard-ous to aircrew and their weapon systems,” Mr Wheaton said.

“These were the time periods where they were normally shot down.

“Red Flag duplicates those first 10 missions. It gives the aircrew – it gives the pilots – that experience that’s under their belt so that when they actually go down range and fight in a war they’ve already got those first 10 missions.

“You have to remember in Vietnam, our enemy, for the first time, had effective ground-to-air weaponry, surface-to-air missiles and rockets that we had really never trained against.”

Following the success of Red

Flag staged within the USAF, other nations, such as Australia, took part in 1980.

Mr Wheaton said that RAAF con-tributed greatly to Red Flag.

“They come here and explain their ways of doing business. They come here with their unique aircraft and they contribute greatly to the free exchange of ideas so that every-body can learn from each other,” he said.

Mr Wheaton said Red Flag had continued to evolve to keep pace with modern air-to-air warfare.

“Back in the early days every-thing was analogue and now it’s digital. Technology has grown and increased over the years and in all aspects of the Air Force,” he said.

“Red Flag has taken hold of all the changes.”

Why the first 10 missions count

2SQN Logistics Officer FLTLT Brendan Bishop at Nellis Air Force Base during Exercise Red Flag.

Air Battle Manager FLGOFF Michael

Simpson.

Main and inset right: An E-7A Wedgetail from 2SQN on the tarmac at Nellis Air Force Base.

THE REAL DEALAir Warfare Instructor - Fighter Combat Controller FLTLT Michael Pickering and Air Battle Manager FLGOFF Stephanie Geaney monitor the airspace in the control reporting centre at Nellis Air Base, Nevada.

Exercise Red Flag RCEAIR F February 22, 201814

BATTLE READY

AMID all the warfare training for Exercise Red Flag, we still need person-nel to care for our people in the air and on the ground.

FLTLT Emma Hazelton welcomed her role as the dedicated No. 6 Squadron Aviation Medical Officer (AVMO).

FLTLT Hazelton, of No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, deployed to Nellis Air Force Base and was embedded with United States Air Force (USAF) flight surgeons, who were the AVMOs dedicated to flying squad-rons.

FLTLT Hazelton said the experience of working with USAF members was invaluable as Air Force was trialling a similar system.

“As the squadron doctor for aviation

medicine, the flight surgeons at the exer-cise were allocated a squadron in which they were embedded,” she said.

“They fly with their squadron and can learn all about the aviation environ-ment and the physiological effects of the environment on the aircrew.

“Working with the USAF flight sur-geons, I had noticed how involved they were with their squadron and how they were able to adapt medical care of their aircrew after having exposure to their working environments.

“It was not only the flying; it was the briefing and all the planning that goes into it. Understanding these stresses improves the medical care that I am able to offer Air Force personnel as an avia-tion medical professional.”

Keeping fingers on the pulse

Members of the USAF 99th Security Forces Squadron talk with FSGT Russell Durre, right, of 1SECFOR, at Nellis Air Force Base.

FLTLT Emma Hazelton deployed as Aviation Medical Officer for 6SQN during Exercise Red Flag.

Our war-fighters team up with the best in the US to sharpen their skills during Exercise Red Flag

6SQN aircrew walk across the flightline at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, after arriving from Australia.

LAC Jack Wade and CPL Kylie Aufai, suppliers for 6SQN, load items.

Exercise Red FlagRCEAIR F February 22, 2018 15

IT’S no surprise that coordinating more than 300 personnel, multiple aircraft and five C-17 Globemasters halfway across the world is no small

task.What you may not know, is that all

of the above starts with one person.The Exerc ise P lans team a t

Headquarters Air Command are the lead organisers for nearly every large multi-Force Element Group or international exercise in which Air Force participates.

Wi th in tha t t eam, SQNLDR Christopher Chmiel is Air Command’s Plans Fighter.

For Exercise Red Flag, SQNLDR Chmiel’s first exercise was to coordinate logistics.

He said the scope of the responsi-bilities was something he could not fully comprehend before any first engage-ment.

“It’s no small feat to pick up sev-eral different aircraft, a huge amount of equipment, hundreds of people, take them halfway round the world to oper-ate very advanced systems in a new

and complex environment,” SQNLDR Chmiel said.

“Not to mention having people hit the ground running as soon as they get there.

“A lot of work goes into the detail and contingencies. That we do this regu-larly and successfully is a credit to the people at all levels, who know their job and work hard to make it happen.”

He said detailed planning for a large exercise such as Red Flag started about six months beforehand.

“However, even before that, we determine which exercises Air Force will participate in, and with which assets,” SQNLDR Chmiel said.

“It’s important that we get the most out of our experiences in training and interoperability.

“It’s incredibly satisfying to see the results of what ends up being a complex and detailed plan.

“I am impressed with the profession-alism of our people and it’s a pleasure to work with a broad range of international partners and see the plan come together to make the big machine work.”

THE ADF and the United States Defense Force have a long history of working together in times of peace and war.

Exercise Red Flag proved no exception when an EA-18G Growler experienced an aircraft fire and an aborted take-off at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.The Nellis AFB 99th Civil Engineers Squadron Fire Department was first to respond during the incident on January 28 (AEST).

The Nellis AFB fire-fighters’ action resulted in the quick and efficient containment of the fire.Red Flag Task Group Commander GPCAPT Tim Alsop visited the

Nellis AFB fire section to person-ally thank the members of the crew who responded.

“We are now into the vital inves-tigation phase. Your actions have had a very real effect,” he said.GPCAPT Alsop presented the fire-fighters with an Australian Red Flag commemorative coin for play-ing a key role on the day.

“It is a small token of our appre-ciation to say thank you,” GPCAPT Alsop said.

“One of the reasons we are here is to build trust between our nations. You guys did that on day one.”

A thorough investigation into the Growler incident is ongoing.

BATTLE READY

Attention to detail is crucial

Red Flag Task Group Commander GPCAPT Tim Alsop (centre) thanks Nellis Air Force Base 99th Civil Engineers Squadron Fire Department for their efforts during the Growler incident. Photo: Lawrence Crespo (USAF).

Big thank you to our American mates

Stories: FLGOFF Chloe StevensonPhotos: CPL David Gibbs

Headquarters Air Command Plans Fighter

SQNLDR Christopher

Chmiel.

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17February 22, 2018RCEAIR F Fraud and Ethics

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Terminated from ADFAN ALLEGATION was made that an ADF member was using a Defence-issued mobile phone excessively for personal use. The matter was investigated, and it was found the member did not have a justifiable reason for a Defence mobile phone in their current posi-tion, and that inappropriate conduct had occurred over a two-year peri-od. The allegations were substanti-ated, the member was ordered to repay the value of all phone calls and texts over the two-year period and was terminated from the ADF.

False claimsOVER a 17-month period, an ADF member received $12,031 in rental allowance they were not entitled to. The member was clas-sified as Member with Dependants (Unaccompanied), but a change in their personal circumstances meant they should have been reclassified as Member without Dependants. The matter was investigated after an internal report identified irregularities. The mem-ber was found guilty of offences under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982, and ordered to pay more than $6000 in fines in addition to reparation to the Commonwealth.

Stock, cash stolenAN ADF member was alleged to have falsified entries in stock-take and receipt books they were responsible for in their role as a canteen manager. The mem-ber had stolen stock and cash valued at $1040 and stored it in their live-in accommodation. The

THERE are times during the year when the Directorate of Fraud Control has an increase in ethical queries relating to

gifts, hospitality and sponsorship. This is viewed positively as it

shows personnel are comfortable seeking advice and assistance with ethically difficult situations, and that they know the appropriate area within Defence to contact.

It is important to remember that Defence Instruction (General) PERS 25-7: Gifts, Hospitality and Sponsorship provides guidance should you find yourself in a situation where you are not sure what to do.

Sometimes people ask why accepting a gift, enjoying hospital-ity or soliciting sponsorship needs to be the subject of specific policy guidance in Defence. The answer is the Australian public needs to be confident that ADF personnel carry out their duties fairly, impartially and professionally.

Defence officials must be able to

Beware those with gifts

Photo: SGT Mark Doran

Personnel need to be aware of the rules governing gifts, hospitality and sponsorship

matter was investigated when irregularities arose in an internal report. During the investigation, the member admitted to the offences. The member was found guilty of offences under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982, and was issued with a severe reprimand including 28 days’ detention. The member is in the process of repay-ing the funds and the value of the stock.

Travel card anomaliesA CMS supervisor was reviewing a subordinate’s Defence Travel Card (DTC) transactions and noticed anomalies. An ADF member had used their DTC to pay for $406 in taxi fares without authorisation. The member claimed the transac-tions were accidental, however, they occurred over a two-month period and had been acquitted by the member. The member was found guilty of offences under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 and was fined $1350. The member was also required to repay the mis-appropriated funds.

RECENT CASE STUDIES

IF YOU accept or provide gifts, hospitality or sponsorship during the year, it is important to register the details in the gifts, hospitality and sponsorship register managed by the Chief Finance Officer Group on SharePoint at http://legacy/TeamWeb2010/CORP/find/dfc/GHS/default.aspx.

REGISTER DETAILS

demonstrate they are not improper-ly influenced in the performance of their duties by offers of gifts or other inducements.

The acceptance of gifts, hospitality and sponsorship can give rise to actu-al, potential or perceived conflicts of interest which can damage our reputa-tion with the Australian public.

Registering a gift, hospitality or sponsorship item supports open and transparent conduct within the department.

First Assistant Secretary Financial Services David Spouse said it was

important everything was seen to be above board.

“Not only is it important to gain the proper approvals for the acceptance and provision of gifts and hospitality, it is extremely important to ensure that the official acceptance and provision of gifts and hospitality is recorded on SharePoint,” Mr Spouse said.

“Putt ing the information on SharePoint enhances Defence’s ability to properly report on the acceptance and provision of gifts and hospitality.”

Whether preventing or resolving a situation, the Chief Finance Officer Group is ready to help. It is better to seek advice than act in ignorance.

For information regarding conflicts of interest, please refer to Defence Instruction (General) PERS 25-6: Conflicts of Interest and Declarations of Interests.

For more information visit the Directorate of Fraud Control website at www.defence.gov.au/AFC/FraudControlInvestigations.asp. If you have an ethical query, email Defence.Ethics@defence.gov.au.

NCO

Defence Force Magistrate

2 x Assault in a Public Place – DFDA s 33(a)Member was accused of assault-ing another person in a public place. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. Member was rep-rimanded.

2 x Destroying a Service Document – DFDA s 55(1)(d)

2 x Making a False Entry in a Service Document –

DFDA s 55 (1)(b)Member was accused of destroy-ing a service document that was the member’s duty to preserve. Member was also accused of making a false entry in a service document with intent to deceive. Member pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty of the charges. Member forfeited seniority in rank and was fined $2000 (with $1000 suspended).

2 x Common Assault–

DFDA s 61(3) and Crimes Act 1900 (ACT) S 26.

2 x Act of Indecency Without

Consent – DFDA s 61 (3)

1x Prejudicial Conduct DFDA s 60(1) Member was accused of assault-ing a person. Member was also accused of committing acts of indecency on a person by inap-propriately touching that person. Member was also accused of prejudicing discipline by mak-ing an offensive statement to a person. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of all the charges. Member was reduced in rank, severely reprimanded and fined a total of $1500.

OR

Defence Force Magistrate

1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1)Member was accused of prejudic-ing discipline by participating in a social media message group by posting inappropriate responses about another member. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. Member was fined the sum of $500 (with $250 suspended).

1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1)

Member was accused of prejudic-ing discipline by participating in a social media message group by posting inappropriate responses about another member. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. Member was fined the sum of $500 (with $250 suspended).

1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1)Member was accused of prejudic-ing discipline by participating in a social media message group by posting inappropriate responses about another member. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. Member was fined the sum of $500 (with $250 suspended).

3 x Intimate Observations or Capturing Visual Data– DFDA s 61(3) and Crimes Act 1900 (ACT) s 61B(1)Member was accused of inap-propriately capturing visual data of another member. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. Member was sentenced to 56 days detention (with 21 days sus-pended).

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

DECEMBER AND JANUARY TRIAL RESULTS

Look forward

10795271_DHA_x4_Half_Page_FA.indd 1 10/08/2017 12:49 pm

18 February 22, 2018RCEAIR FFlightline

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20 February 22, 2018RCEAIR FNews

Beware of the codeine ban FLTLT Dion Isaacson

THAT cold medication you bought over the counter for flu last winter may now be classed as a prohibited sub-stance and, if taken, could harm your Air Force career.

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration determined that med-icines containing codeine will only be available on prescription from February 1.

Defence members who consume medications containing codeine with-out prescription may be subject to sanction, including termination of their service, under the Prohibited Substance Testing Program.

WOFF Lara Cluff, Prohibited Substance Testing Coordinator at Personnel Branch – Air Force, said her branch was highlighting the changes to members.

“We have been getting the mes-sage out about codeine far and wide. Previously it was legal to consume codeine without a prescription; how-ever, it is now prohibited,” she said.

“Consuming codeine without a pre-scription can definitely get you into trouble.”

WOFF Cluff suggests members do a stocktake of their medicine cup-boards.

“If you have not got a current pre-

NO. 30 Squadron RAAF Beaufighter Association will commemorate the 75th anniversary of one of the most emphatic battle victories of WWII, the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, at RAAF Base Richmond on March 1.

CO 30SQN WGCDR Marty Quirke encouraged anyone with an affiliation with the squadron – through either their own service, or a family member – to take part in the event.

“Having the opportunity to know these veterans and their families, and learn of their exploits and their sac-rifices first hand, has been an honour and privilege,” WGCDR Quirke said.

He said as WWII veteran numbers dwindled with time, it was important

to support such an event. On March 3, 1943, RAAF Bostons,

Beauforts and Beaufighters worked in unison with US aircraft, as part of a coordinated attack on a Japanese reinforcing sea convoy to support the advance on Port Moresby.

In the aftermath, Japanese hopes of regaining the initiative in New Guinea were smashed and any possibility that Australia might be invaded was elimi-nated.

30SQN Beaufighters formed part of the decisive second wave, with the role to suppress anti-aircraft fire and target the bridge of the ships.

When 30SQN was re-formed on July 1, 2010, unit personnel embraced

the legacy of being part of a squadron with a significant WWII heritage.

WGCDR Quirke said since 2011 uniformed members of 30SQN had proudly joined Beaufighter Association members in commemo-rating the battle at RAAF Base Richmond.

The commemoration service starts at 10am at the RAAF Base Richmond Chapel, followed by luncheon at the Officers’ Mess.

For more information, contact association secretary Yvonne Holt by email at holty34@bigpond.com.

30SQN to mark Bismarck Sea battle

scription for medication containing codeine, then dispose of it so you can’t accidently take it,” she said.

“Coming from an aviation back-ground, safety is paramount to me. From a crew attendant to a cook or a CAF, everyone is accountable to them-selves and Air Force for the safe con-duct of operations.

“Therefore, operating under the influence of alcohol or a prohibited substance can have no place in the Air Force.”

More information about prohibited sub-stances is available through the PERSBR-AF People News – Prohibited Substances newsletter,Commanders’ Net, the DRN web page and DEFGRAM 031/2018.

Photo: CPL Bill Solomou THE ADF used International Day for Women and Girls in Science – February 11 – to highlight the world class training opportunities for women and girls interested in sci-ence, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

In 2017, 41 per cent of female students at ADFA studied science, engineering, technology, computing and cyber security degrees.

ADFA graduate Specialist Recruiter for Women FLTLT Belinda Pavlovic completed a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering to become an aeronautical engineer in Air Force.

It’s a day job which involves maintaining and managing aircraft structures, propulsion systems, ancil-lary equipment and related ground support systems, working at the lead-ing edge of aircraft technology.

It wasn’t her first role in the Air Force. FLTLT Pavlovic joined in 2004 as an aircraft technician, a role which also involves maintaining and repairing state-of-the art aircraft, before deciding to pursue a career as an officer.

Becoming an officer gave her the opportunity to take on new chal-lenges and responsibilities such as leadership, management, and welfare of technical and logistics personnel within the engineering environment.

“Trainee officers studying at ADFA through the University of NSW in Canberra benefit from the best university teacher-to-student ratio in the country,” she said.

She has ambitions of becoming a flight test engineer.

“Right now I’m focused on attracting the best and most talented candidates Australia has to offer to consider ADF careers,” FLTLT Pavlovic said.

“I feel lucky that mathematics and science appealed to me. I hope we can spark an interest in the next generation of girls by sharing where science and maths could take them.”

Senior Military Recruiting Officer CMDR Cath Hayes graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in oceanography.

CMDR Hayes, a Maritime Warfare Officer, was the first female to command a warship in the Middle East region.

Her advice to young women is to study and pursue a career in STEM because it opens doors to exciting careers in the ADF.

“Having a foundation in sci-ence and mathematics will give you opportunities to work with some of the most advanced and exciting tech-nology and systems in the world,” CMDR Hayes said.

“So much of what a MWO does has a mathematical element to it. You need to be able to think quickly and make calculated decisions at a moment’s notice.

For more details, go to www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/australian-defence-force-academy

How women STEM the tide

Specialist Recruiter for Women FLTLT Belinda Pavlovic.

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21February 22, 2018RCEAIR F Defence Aviation Safety

COMMANDERS now have greater flexibility in the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in support of opera-

tions and the way is open for quicker introduction of UAS into service.

With the upsurge in UAS use, Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) has moved to keep ahead of global practice by releasing a new reg-ulation that will significantly simplify their management.

The Defence Aviation Safety Regulation (DASR) for UAS – intro-duced in December 2017 – gives com-manders greater flexibility in oper-ational use of UAS technology and supports the rapid introduction of UAS into service.

Previously, CAF – as the Defence Aviation Authority – had to approve all UAS operations via a special oper-ating permit. This did not support a rapid introduction into service owing to administrative overheads and turna-round times.

With the increased pace of UAS operations, DASA recognised the need to simplify processes to support capa-bility requirements.

DASA’s Director of Airworthiness Coordination and Policy Agency, GPCAPT Terence Deeth, said the new regulation supported the increasing uptake of UAS technologies across the ADF.

“Importantly, the new regulation will offer commanders at the appropri-ate level the increased ability to make decisions about UAS utilisation, pro-

Clearing air on UAS use

New regulation on the operation of unmanned aircraft systems will yield benefits for Defence,

FLTLT Barrie Bardoe writes

viding flexibility and support to ADF operations,” he said.

DASA’s Director of Aviation Certification, Mark Wade, said the new regulation would eliminate the need for separate authority approval for UAS operations where the operating environment could be well-defined and suitable risk controls identified and implemented.

Under the regulation, there are three categories – certified, specific

and open – under which UAS may be used.

While the size of the UAS remains a factor when considering classifica-tion, the most important element is the operational mission.

In the open category, Defence has adopted CASA’s standard operating conditions, so for these type of UAS there is a common set of rules users need to consider whether they are civilian or military.

This further supports the migration to a single aviation sector in Australia.

The new DASR for UAS is based on the risk posed to other aircraft in the air, personnel and critical infra-structure on the ground.

For example, if the mission requires the UAS to be flown over a populous area, there is the potential for greater risk than flying within a remote locality.

Despite UAS being relatively new

to the commercial market, Defence has been involved with them since the 1950s when the Jindavik was used by pilots to test their combat skills against a real flying aircraft.

This experience has given Defence more time to understand their potential uses and associated risks.

In 1999 Defence issued design requirements for UAS and regulation followed around 2003, placing it well ahead of most militaries.

AT A GLANCEThe following is a brief look at the way UAS operation is classified in the new regulation:

Certified – must comply with similar regulation as required for manned aircraft.

Specific – includes two catego-ries; Specific Type A – must be operated under a UAS Operating Permit; Specific Type B – must be operated in line with the UAS standard scenarios with a pre-defined set of controls, as approved by the Defence Aviation Authority.

Open – UAS up to 25kg must be operated in accordance with restrictive standard operating conditions in a similar approach to the CASA Excluded cat-egory to promote commonality in Australian civil and military UAS operation.

Image of Air Force personnel in Canberra taken from a UAS.

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Be alert to skin lesions

There is more to protecting your skin than

slip, slop, slap, writes CPL Sebastian Beurich

Moles should be regularly checked for

changes in shape, colour or a poorly

defined border.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Seek shade Wear sun-protective

clothing Wear a broad-brimmed hat Use broad-spectrum sun-

screen with an SPF of at least 50+ and reapply every two hours and after swimming

Wear wrap-around sunglasses Consider using sundicators

(stickers which change colour to remind you when sunscreen needs to be reapplied)

VISUAL CHECKS

Keep an eye out for any moles, freckles or other lesions you have not seen before – particularly on the face, head or neck.

Look for changes in existing lesions such as:

asymmetry irregular borders colour variations large lesions (bigger than

6mm across) growing, itchy or raised

lesions bleeding or crusting lesions don’t forget to check your

fingernails

ABIDING by the mantra of ‘slip, slop, slap’ alone does not mean people are protected from contracting skin cancers.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that this year more than 14,000 Australians will be diagnosed with melanomas – the type of skin cancer that causes the most deaths.

Joint Health Command’s Dorothy Coote says if you notice a suspicious lump or mole, it’s best to see a health professional.

“Doctors use instruments such as dermatoscopes to check skin lesions, which allow them to examine lesions beyond what can be seen by the naked eye,” Dr Coote says.

“Having a professional check your skin also allows for examination of hard-to-get-at areas, such as your scalp, the soles of your feet, or your retinas.”

Dr Coote says there are a number of things which should be taken into account when looking after skin.

“When you see a health profession-al, they’ll talk to you about your family history of skin cancers, but they’ll also review other risk factors,” she says.

“If you have a fair complexion – blonde or red hair, light-coloured eyes, fair skin and freckles – you may be at greater risk than a person with darker colouring.

“Previous exposure to the sun, use of sunbeds and episodes of sunburn are also risk factors.”

The frequency of skin checks depends on a number of different things, but if you notice a mole you haven’t seen before, it’s best to sched-ule an appointment with your Defence health professional.

“If you’re unsure about how often to get your skin checked, ask your local health practitioner,” Dr Coote said.

“Their advice will take into account your age, history of sun exposure, skin type and other factors which affect your risk of skin cancers. You may be able to align a skin check with your readiness health examination.

“Most importantly, if you find a suspicious lesion don’t delay in getting your skin checked.”

Further information about skin cancers can be found at www.cancer.org.au

22 February 22, 2018RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

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THE old stomping ground of the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation for the Invictus Games training squad was invoked for the first time in 2018 from February 9-12.

Thirty-six hopeful training squad members from all three services as well as former serving RSL veterans vied for a spot in the wheelchair sports of rugby and basketball, as well as sitting volleyball.

CPL Steven Avery, of the Air Intelligence Training Unit at RAAF Base Edinburgh, said he applied for Invictus after a colleague informed him about the games.

“I have been fairly active in sport

for most of my life, but unfortunately that took its toll on my right knee which eventually required two reconstructions,” CPL Avery said.

“The final straw was another knee injury I sustained on a course which basically stopped me from doing much physical activity.”

CPL Avery said the power of recovery through sport had a lot of significance to him.

“When I started this process I thought my sporting life was over, but since being on this journey with Invictus firmly in my sights I’ve lost weight and I’m feeling both physically and mentally better,” he said.

“Having goals to reach for has been an absolute saviour. The days of

feeling not so great are few and far between as I have something on which to focus.”

CPL Avery said he had already received a lot from his Invictus journey.

“Regardless of whether I make the final team or not this whole process has been a positive one,” he said.

“It’s made me a more positive person and helped with an ‘I can achieve anything’ attitude.

“I’ve now picked up the mindset that I can achieve anything I put my mind to.”

A final team of 72 will be selected mid-year and will take on 500 competitors in Sydney from 18 nations from October 20-27.

THE first Invictus Games 2018 athletics training camp was held in the sunny Townsville from February 8-11.

The sports being contested by the 32 athletes who attended this camp were the throwing disciplines of shot-put and discus as well and the various running distances over 100m, 200m, 400m and 1500m, and for the first time at Invictus Games, long jump.

The chance to compete in his second Invictus Games was an opportunity too good to pass up for PLTOFF Nathan Parker.

Backing up from a successful games in Toronto, Canada last year, the athletics medallist said it was awesome to be able to come back and push his limits and build on his achievements from September last year.

“The track is quite warm and humid which can pose a challenge, but it’s certainly great to get out and see different parts of the country,” he said.

“This year I am trying out for the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints as well as indoor rowing – the facilities here are excellent and to experience this with such a great group of people, I definitely can’t complain.

PLTOFF Parker said it was pretty

special that Australia was hosting the games this year.

“I was lucky to compete in Canada last year but my heart has always been set on the Sydney Games, so hopefully I am competitive enough this year to make the side,” he said.

“Regardless of making the team I’m sure Sydney will turn it on and show the rest of the world what we can do.

“For the competitors who do get to compete, being able to have that supportive home-ground environment will be an awesome experience.”

Having lost his left hand in a bus roll-over incident PLTOFF Parker said the power of recovery through sport was of great personal significance to him.

“Sport has always been a way to push myself, and strive for improvement,” he said.

“When I found myself getting stuck in certain areas I was still able to see the incremental improvement after pushing myself in the gym.

“In sport scenarios, such as this, you are with a good group of people, in a supportive environment and you are able to push yourself and see results.”

Taking it all in our stride

The race is on to qualify

PLTOFF Jesse Costelloe takes part in a 1500m running trial as part of the first

Invictus Games 2018 squad training camp for athletics in Townsville.

Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

PLTOFF Nathan Parker (right) is among other hopeful contenders on the track at Townsville.Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

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ON A ROLLInvictus Games’

training camps in full motionPage 23

CPL Steven Avery performs wheelchair basketball drills during the first training squad camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, North Narrabeen.Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey