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ANZAC Day, Page 26—35
PTSD Page 50-51
How safe is it— Then & Now 30-31 6
Defence News
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-Kokoda’s 70th anniversary -ANZAC Day
The Vault 36
Tradition
~ 61
Weapons Cache
Cadets -Army, Navy, Air Force
62 ~
Original Cover Image
84
Events
News
‘Shadow tactics’
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he Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (TUAS) has officially commenced operations in Afghanistan, providing an enhanced capability to the International Security Assistance Force. The Shadow 200 TUAS is designed to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operational support, enhancing the decision cycle of the support force element, through the employment of its sensors. The Shadow 200 TUAS replaces the ScanEagle which has been in operation since mid 2007.
“This was an average of 22 hours per day over the four years and 10 month period - a tremendous effort. Approximately 180 ADF personnel deployed in support of ScanEagle, with the bulk from 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment. Other contributing units include 16 Air Defence Regiment, Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation, 1st Topographical Survey Squadron and 16 Aviation Brigade. “ScanEagle has been the vehicle for the Australian Army to develop its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capability and the Army is now taking the next step by employing the Shadow 200 TUAS,” Lieutenant General Power added. Since being deployed to Afghanistan mid 2007 the ScanEagle has flown approximately 32,000 hours in Afghanistan and over 6,200 missions in support of the Reconstruction Task Force, Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force, Mentoring Task Force, Combined Team - Uruzgan and the Special Operations Task Group.
Aircraft technician SGT Scott Regal recovers a Shadow 200 at Tarin Kot. (Dept of Defence)
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Tricia Ham, G.I Jane
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s of this time a woman cannot be a Navy SEAL, and G.I. Jane is still only possible on the big screen. One tough woman, however, has helped a couple of men in their quest to be among the best of the best: a Navy SEAL. Tricia Ham, who grew up in Ipswich, South Queensland, is now a personal trainer in Burlington, Kentucky, and has been working with service members who want to join the Special Forces. Tricia Ham had moved to the United States with her husband Steve, and had been contacted by a former Marine to help train two Sailors who wanted to become Navy SEALs. “I have just loved the fact that they have taken me in as their own and I almost feel part of their Navy family”
“During that workout I could see where these two guys needed some help physically, so I offered to help them out, as I didn’t yet have a job here. I went with them to their monthly physical screening tests for SPECWAR (Special Warfare)… After a while I went to the Navy Recruiting Station in Florence to meet the recruiters, and they called me that very day and asked me to train the four of them for their next physical requirement test, which the Navy do every six months.” Mrs. Ham went on to become a go-to personal trainer for Navy personnel in the Ohio Recruiting District. She has since trained a few candidates for the Army Rangers, as well as one candidate each for the Coast Guard and the National Guard. She is currently working with her first Air Force Special Ops and Green Beret candidates.
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Breaking the bank
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he Australian Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence announced the commissioning of a new Defence White Paper to be delivered in the first half of 2013 that will consider the implications of Australia’s strategic and fiscal environment. In that context, the Defence Budget released May 8 has been developed following a comprehensive review of the Department’s budget to identify contributions Defence could make across the Forward Estimates to support the Government’s broader fiscal strategy. This review has resulted in a Defence contribution to the Government’s fiscal strategy of $5,454 million across the Forward Estimates and will see Defence contribute $971 million in 201213. This contribution will have no adverse impact on operations in Afghanistan, East Timor or the Solomon Islands. The provision of equipment to Defence personnel on operations will not be adversely affected and there will be no adverse impact on the number of military personnel in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The reprioritisation of Defence expenditure has been designed to have minimum impact on the delivery of core Defence capabilities. A number of lower-priority capability projects will be deferred with a small number cancelled where they have been superseded by alternative capabilities. Other capability and facility programs will be subject to re-scoping. A range of administrative and minor capital equipment savings will also be made. The decisions taken to determine Defence’s contribution to the Budget bottom line have all been carefully designed to protect our servicemen and women and our Defence operations, and to minimise the impact on core capabilities.
The key savings measures to make this contribution across the Forward Estimates include: • Projects which have already been approved by Government: savings of $1.3 billion by rescheduling, re-scoping or cancelling a small number of projects, including a two year delay to the acquisition of 12 Joint Strike Fighters following delays to the project in the United States ($900 million). • Projects which have not been approved by Government: savings of $1.7 billion by cancelling a small number of projects and rescheduling and rescoping others in the Defence Capability Plan, including cancelling the self-propelled howitzer and proceeding with additional towed artillery ($220 million) and deferring later stages of the Joint Strike Fighter project ($700 million for follow-on purchases of Joint Strike Fighters in addition to the 14 already approved). • Major Capital Facilities Program: $1.2 billion by deferring lower-priority elements of the major capital facilities program, while maintaining funding for critical upgrades and enhancements. • Reduction in Administrative Costs: $438 million from reductions in travel, outsourcing and consumable items.
• Minor Capital Projects: $45 million from reduced expenditure in 2012-13 only on Navy, Army and Air Force minor capital equipment programs.
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• Reduction of 1,000 Australian Public Service personnel: $360 million from a further reduction in the civilian workforce, which is in addition to the reduction of 1,000 to the civilian workforce in the 2011-12 Budget. Care will be taken in this program of reductions to not reduce standards of service in priority areas of Defence including support to operations. • Early retirement of the C-130H aircraft: $250 million from the early retirement of the C-130H aircraft, which is being retired early in order to minimise costs associated with maintaining and operating the ageing fleet. Current activities undertaken by the C130H aircraft fleet will be redistributed across the remaining Air Force air mobility fleet, including C-130Js, C-17s and the replacement for the Caribou aircraft. • Cessation of the Navy and Army Gap Year: $91 million from closure of the Navy and Army Gap Year programs. • Extended trial of the ADF Family Health Program: $50 million by deferring full rollout of the ADF Family Health Program, due to low take up rates for the program. • Workforce policy changes: $46 million including reductions to travel and posting arrangements in line with the Strategic Reform Program.
Wayne Swan giving budget speech, 8 May, 2012
DELAYED: The Government has postponed the delivery of 12 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft by two years Savings: About $2 billion CANCELLED: A long-running project to acquire self propelled howitzers has been scrapped Savings: $250 million CUT: The Government has foreshadowed more defence cuts over the next four years Total savings: Close to $5 billion THE VICTORS: * $214 million to be spent on study for 12 new submarines to be built in Adelaide * Possible boost to naval bases in Cairns, Darwin and Broome proposed in ADF Posture Review
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A tough cut
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ustralian defence industry officials are forecasting difficult times ahead for locally based companies following Canberra's decision to cut AUD5.4 billion (USD5.5 billion) from the country's military expenditure over the next four years. Many of the country's defence firms - most of which constitute small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - will come under increasing economic pressure that could force them out of the industry, say officials. There is, however, a continuing level of optimism centred on shipbuilding in the state of South Australia, where a number of major naval platforms will be built.
The plan to reduce defence spending announced by the government on 8 May includes a cut of AUD1 billion during 2012-13, which is intended to help the government achieve a budget surplus during the year. Total defence outlay for 2012-13 will be AUD24.18 billion: AUD1.8 billion less than the previous 12 months, when expenditure was also reduced. A range of procurement programmes have been impacted by the decision to reduce expenditure over the next few years. Most notably, Australia has delayed the acquisition of 12 of an initial batch of 14 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) by two years until 2016-17; cancelled a requirement for self-propelled 155 mm howitzers; and delayed a AUD1.2 billion programme to upgrade defence facilities. Additionally, Canberra plans to "reschedule and re-scope" other as-yet unidentified projects in the Defence Capability Plan as well as defer the later stages of the F-35 programme, retire early Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed Martin C130H transport aircraft and mothball Australian Army M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks and M113AS4 armoured personnel carriers.
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The 70 year trail
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he Australian spirit, engrained in every inch of that trepid terrain, is being honoured on the 21st of July for the 70th year remembrance of the Kokoda trail. Immortalised by courage and determination, the Kokoda trail has long been a celebrated moment of our country’s legacy in wartime, a proud tradition. The trail is a 96 kilometre single file thoroughfare through the Own Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. The Kokoda Track campaign began on 21st of July 1942, during the Second World War. Heavy Australian forces forced their way up the Kokoda Trail to defend the Australian territory of Papua after the Japanese forces had begun landing and encroaching southward from the north coast of New Guinea.
Australian and Papuan Troop’s reprieve on the track.
Kokoda was a strategic imperative to both Australian and Japanese forces; An important Australian foreign defensive land stretch of Port Moresby, a Japanese hurdle to achieve isolation between Australia and the United States. With Port Moresby the Japanese had optimal opportunity and control over the Pacific and Indian Oceans to launch attacks on Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and our densely populated and industrialised cities. The Kokoda Trail was 96 kilometres of harsh terrain, humid dense rainforest, mud deeper than boots, torrential rain, a battle field of a single file track. The trail was all that stood between Australia and a war on the home front. In a collection of battles along the Kokoda Trail, as offensives and counter-offensives were launched to defend and relinquish the Japanese foothold on the strategic position; Australian soldiers rose to the challenge, overwhelmed by the lack of supplies and having the disadvantage of an uphill battle. Although the Allied forces commanded upwards of 30,000 troops, compared to the Japanese 13,500, the Australian and Papua New Guinea Natives who gallantly fought numbered somewhere between 3,500 to 4,500 troops. The battle lasted until 16th November, 1942. We commemorate the 70th year anniversary people who lost their lives on the Kokoda Trail, defending Australian; the Australian, American, Papuan and the New Guinea Natives (Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels) who are proudly etched into our collective history as heroes.
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Military ‘super’ fight
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ILITARY superannuation pensions could be debated in federal Parliament next month, if Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott gets his way. Mr Oakeshott has submitted a notice of motion to discuss the scheme, which he says is unfair. “I hope Parliament considers treating exservicemen with the financial respect they deserve,” Mr Oakeshott said. “They’ve been left a long way behind other pensioners.” Saving taxpayers’ money is the government’s main excuse why Australians who served in the army, navy and air force have been paid a rate based on the Consumer Price Index.
Veterans say this does not meet living expenses, Mr Oakeshott said. He saw the potential for other superannuates from the broader community to make claims on the conditions of their superannuation scheme. “There are a lot of anomalies in relation to this issue. “Changes in schemes haven’t kept up with changes with other laws, combined with a nervousness felt by successive governments of the potential for the broader community to argue a review of the military pension would warrant a review of other pensions.” Mr Oakeshott said veterans were “rightly pretty cynical” towards both major political parties for “letting them down”. The Defence Force Welfare Association has launched a fierce national campaign to highlight the military pension has risen only 33 per cent in a decade, compared with the age pension rising 95 per cent in the same period. The Lyne MP raised the issue in Parliament in 2010.
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Black Hawks are back
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rmy’s Black Hawk helicopters have returned to full-flying operations following the lifting of the recent suspension to nonessential tasking. The suspension to non-essential tasking was put in place on 24following the precautionary landing of an Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter in Papua New Guinea. The suspension was lifted on Monday 30 April 2012 by Army’s Operational Airworthiness Authority following technical advice from Defence aviation authorities. The Defence aviation authorities determined that the cause of the engine fault was isolated to this incident. The Australian Army operates 34 Black Hawk aircraft. Of that fleet, three are deployed to Timor Leste, and the remaining aircraft are based in Holsworthy NSW and Townsville QLD.
News
Strong economy, strong defence
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ilitary hardware and civilian support are the most likely areas of defence budget cuts, after Stephen Smith pledged there would be no impact on armed personnel or overseas deployments.
The defence minister warned there would be "tough decisions" on military spending next financial year, as his department contributed to the federal government's budget surplus. "We are going through a very tight fiscal period," Mr Smith told reporters at Western Australia's HMAS Stirling naval base on Friday. "I've made it clear that defence has to expect to make a contribution to the return of the budget to surplus, as it should." However, Mr Smith said there would be no cutbacks on military personnel or spending on overseas operations, including the war in Afghanistan and United Nations peacekeeping operations in East Timor.�
There will be no adverse impact on any of our overseas operations," he said. "There will be no adverse impact on the number of personnel on the military side of the Australian defence force. "That's not to say that we won't be making some tough decisions ... (or) decisions where we have to choose between competing priorities." Mr. Smith said the US and UK were also forced to cut back on military spending in response to global financial pressures, and claimed it was important for a "strong economy" to return to surplus. "One thing that is always good for defence is a strong economy," he said.
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News
Lessons on the Defence Force
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tudents from McCarthy Catholic College and Kingswood High School attended the Defence 2020 Youth Challenge last week to discuss the Anzac legend and the role of the army, navy and air force in today’s society. More than 100 students from schools all over Sydney attended the event to discuss the Anzac tradition, and were able to ask wide-ranging questions of defence personnel who spoke of their experiences when posted overseas. Kingswood High’s Joshua Rodman was awarded a prize for his dramatic performance in a roleplaying activity, one of the many tasks the students completed to spark discussion on the modern-day military.
Kingswood High history and English teacher Yula Morris said a lot of the discussions and ideas from the Defence 2020 Challenge would be brought back to the classroom. “It was an excellent day. It was a great opportunity to see lots of different kids from different backgrounds, and they spoke about the Anzac concept and image and what it means to be Australian, and it was great to hear the kids speak up with their own thoughts. “We discuss the Anzac image here at school but we don’t get as much time to talk about it in detail, which is what we got to talk about on that day: what Anzac means and how the defence force contributes to that image.” Mrs Morris said the students would bring back a lot of ideas for the school’s Anzac commemorative services.
Simultaneously Year 9 students from Five Dock’s Domremy College attended the Defence 2020 Youth Challenge forum. “I didn’t know all the stuff that they did, I thought it was like bombing things - like The Hurt Locker,” Eliza Pall, 14, said. Fellow student Georgia Francis said she was able to see what a large part defence personnel played in protecting Australians. Ariana Mazzeo, 14, said it had been good to see the person behind the uniform. “I didn’t know they had real jobs, like engineering and being managers,” Ariana said.
Educating the next generation
Lives of Defence Force kids made easier
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any Defence Force kids experience disruption to the academic and social aspects of their schooling each time they move for a posting. “As children and teens move around the country with the posting cycle, they sometimes come across differences in the way states, territories and individual schools deliver education,” said Defence Regional Education Liaison Officer Suzanne McBride. “We know that this can make students’ school life challenging and to assist in dealing with these differences, there is a range of resources and information that Defence families and children can access to smooth their transition between schools and education systems,” said Suzanne. Information booklets for both schools and parents are available on the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations’ website, along with a checklist for parents to help them with the administrative aspects of changing schools. “The checklist also provides great advice on how to build a student portfolio which will showcase your child’s schooling history and achievements. This profile can then be available to assist the new school,” said Suzanne.
“There is also a handy one-look spreadsheet available on the DCO website that gives parents a good overview of the major differences between states and schools.” Suzanne also said that Defence recognises the importance of face-to-face support for families. “Families can approach on-the-ground support staff in DCO offices and in schools. Regional Education Liaison Officers, or REDLOs, work directly with families and schools to help children integrate into a new environment,” said Suzanne. “REDLOs are all experienced teachers and we have a clear understanding of both the military lifestyle and the different state and territory education systems, so we also advise key education authorities on the current needs of Defence students. “Defence School Transition Aides and Defence Transition Mentors are located in many primary and secondary schools across Australia. These specialised staff are there to provide face-to-face support to the children of mobile Defence families.” Defence families may also be able to access financial assistance for their children’s education, including assistance with tutoring, a boarding school allowance and help with accommodation for tertiary students. Another resource available to Defence families is the My School website, which allows parents to search the profiles of the DCO website to find contaof nearly 10 000 Australian schools. Visit the education support sectionct information for REDLOs, Transition Aides and Mentors, detailed information about financial support, and more regional education advice. “Parents can always call the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 to find out more about how we can help out when their child moves to a new school,” said Suza Top Ref: www.defence.gov.au
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The next generation
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inety-six Australian Army Cadets and 10 Australian Air Force Cadets from units across Australia completed their Adventure Training Award (ATA) at Majura Military Training Area near Canberra, on 17 April. The ATA tested the teenage cadets on navigation, field engineering and survival skills, their physical and mental endurance, and teamwork abilities, initiative and leadership. Most of the cadets that participated in the ATA had spent several years in the Army Cadets or Air Force Cadets learning the skills they would use throughout the week. The 106 successful cadets were presented with their Adventure Training Award badge by Major General Angus Campbell, Deputy Chief of Army. His speech captured the hearts of these future leaders. Major General Campbell’s parting words to the cadets were that “Australia needs its young people doing marvellous things in their lives”.
“Wherever you go in life, reflect on the sense of pride in yourselves and your team that you have earned this week. Keep in mind throughout your life that whenever you encounter challenge, you must strive to overcome it; that is how you will achieve what you want in life, and wear the ATA [badge] with pride,” - Major General Campbell
The Australian Army Cadets is a youth development organisation with the character and values of the Australian Army, founded on a strong community partnership, fostering and supporting an ongoing interest in the Australian Army. The organisation is designed to benefit the nation by developing the individual, their community and the Australian Defence Force. The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, spent time with the cadets during the activity, and described the Australian Army Cadets as “a wonderful institution which gives young Australians opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise get”.
News
ANZAC day for New Zealanders
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ue to the geographic location of New Zealand it is the first country in the world to commemorate Anzac Day. Large numbers of New Zealanders are expected to attend dawn and civic services around the country especially in the main centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Around 200-300 people are expected at the tiny settlement of Tinui, near Masterton, where the first Anzac Day ceremony was held in 1916. The service, held at 1030, will feature a catafalque guard and firing party. Over 10,000 people are expected at the Australian led dawn service (0530-0615 local time) at Gallipoli, this service will be followed by the Australian service at Lone Pine at 1000 and the New Zealand Service at Chunuk Bair at 1230. These services will be attended by the Vice Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Jack Steer along with a small contingent of New Zealand Defence personnel. There will be around 400 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on operations, UN missions or exercises overseas on ANZAC Day, and while it will be a normal work day for most, the Kiwis will attend dawn ceremonies where they are based. Afghanistan In Bamyan Province, Afghanistan the Kiwis will participate in a Dawn Service followed by breakfast. "During the service we will be reflecting on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their countries. It is especially poignant for those of us serving in Afghanistan as we will be remembering those who have been killed in action or died whilst deployed here," says LTCOL Pete Hall, Commanding Officer of NZDF personnel in the NZPRT.
The Kiwis serving with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan, will mark Anzac Day with a traditional Dawn Service. They will be joined by the sole Kiwi Military Advisor to the United Nations Assistance Mission Afghanistan (UNAMA). The service will be conducted with members of the Australian Defence Force and will include General Allen, COMSIAF, military representatives from contributing nations, Embassy officials and key leaders from the US, UK and Canada, as well as Afghanistan representatives who work closely with ISAF. "Although Anzac Day is a firmly entrenched event for New Zealand and Australia, the presence of Turkish personnel in Kabul provides an opportunity to jointly commemorate this historical event. The ISAF ANZAC Day Dawn Service usually attracts ex-pats Kiwis' who work in Kabul for various agencies and those that work in UN missions. This year's event is likely to attract 200 people from within Kabul," says LTCOL Eugene Whakahoehoe. Timor-Leste The New Zealand contingent with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in TimorLeste will participate in a Dawn Service. This year it is being hosted by the Australian Ambassador. Invitations have been extended to a number of Timor-Leste Government representatives, as well as most Embassies and Senior Defence representatives, both Timor-Leste and other nations. A number of representatives from the Turkish UNPOL Team are also expected to attend. The Dawn Service is open to the public and will be followed by a light ISF-hosted breakfast. Being an alcohol-free mission, ISF will enjoy a two-can beer entitlement in the evening.
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Solomon Islands Anzac Day in the Solomon Islands will see the Coalition Task Force (CTF) 635 attend the official Anzac Dawn Service to be held at the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Cenotaph in the grounds of the Honiara Police Station. The Task Force and the Police from Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) will be parading at 0600 for a Dawn Service that will include attendance by the Solomon Islands Governor-General, Prime Minister, members from both sides of Parliament, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), members of the Diplomatic Corps, the ex-pat community, families of Solomon Islanders who assisted the Allies during the WWII war effort and the local community. The Kiwis may be forced to watch the tradition AS AFL ANZAC Day test and the day will conclude with a visit by the Australian Minster of Defence the Hon. Mr Stephen Smith. South Sudan The three Kiwis in South Sudan are expected to commemorate Anzac Day with representatives from the Australian Defence Force at Australia House in Juba. The Dawn Service will be followed by a BBQ breakfast. Iraq The sole NZ Defence Force representative in Iraq will be at the Dawn Service at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad, with a number of Australian troops and expatriate New Zealanders and Australians. Middle East The majority of the Kiwis based in the Middle East will be carrying out their normal daily duties, with the exception of one Kiwi who will be the Defence Force representative at the Dawn Service in Beirut.
Egypt The 28 Kiwis in the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai will split and join their Australian counterparts to mark Anzac Day at a Dawn Service at the Heliopolis cemetery in Cairo, and also at a Dawn Service at North Camp, Sinai. A number of personnel will attend a morning service in Jerusalem. United Kingdom In London up to 3500 are expected at Hyde Park Corner for the Dawn Service at 0500. This will be followed by a wreath laying at the Cenotaph in Whitehall at 1100 and service in Westminster Abbey at 1200. New Zealand is the lead nation this year. The Head of Defence Services in London, Brigadier Hayward will accompany the NZ Ambassador Derek Leask to services in Le Quesnoy and Longueval in northern France.
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ANZAC day around the world
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t regional and metropolitan ANZAC Day services, big and small, around the country, people braved the cool weather to pay their respects to the ANZACs, those who have served since then and those who continue to serve today. Services such as these were not isolated to the home nations of the ANZACs, troops overseas in operational zones also paused to reflect on the sacrifices of their forbearers and those whom they serve alongside. Papua New Guinea The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison represented the Australian Defence Force on the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign at the 2012 ANZAC Day services in Papua New Guinea (as pictured above). Three Kokoda war veterans of the 39th Battalion, Alan ‘Kanga’ Moore, Cecil Driscoll and Bill Bellairs, were hosted by the Chief of Army at the Dawn Service at the Bomana War Cemetery. The Dawn Service was attended by dignitaries from Papua New Guinea and Australian including the Minister for Defence, The Hon. Mr Stephen Smith. The Chief of Army and the veterans then went by helicopter to the Isurava Memorial Service on the Kokoda Track. Accompanying the veterans was Senior Cadet Under Officer Nicholas Dolling from The Southport School Army Cadet Unit located on the Gold Coast who carried the 38th Battalion Banner at both services. The veterans received a rousing reception from the many trekkers who had camped overnight at Isurava to join the ANZAC Day memorial service. During the moving service at the Memorial, in the mist covering the Owen Stanley Ranges, the veterans of the 39th Battalion laid wreaths in memory of their fallen comrades.
The World War Two battles in Papua New Guinea claimed the lives of more than 8000 Australians in campaigns fought between January 1942 and August 1945. The fighting in Papua New Guinea was shaped by the hostile terrain, the vicious close quarter ground war, the stoicism and the bravery displayed by troops on both sides. Allied soldiers who lost their lives fighting in New Guinea are buried in the Bomana War Cemetery, their bodies brought in by the Australian Army Graves Services from burial grounds in the areas where the battles had been fought. Afghanistan - Operation SLIPPER In Afghanistan, deployed members paused to reflect during a Dawn Service held at MultiNational Base Tarin Kot lead by the GovernorGeneral of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce. Approximately 500 people attended the Dawn Service, where an honour roll was called, naming those who have sacrificed their lives while serving in Afghanistan. A traditional ANZAC Day breakfast followed the Dawn Service. Despite an already active lifestyle while on deployment, sport also played an important role in the ANZAC Day activities for Defence members deployed to Afghanistan.
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The Governor General of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce pauses after laying a wreath at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Multi-National Base Tarin Kot, Afghanistan.
The Mentoring Task Force 4 and Afghan National Army (ANA) 4th Brigade personnel participated in a friendly game of cricket. Whilst the Australians put in a sterling performance, the ANA 4th Brigade emerged victors by three wickets. A second sporting event was also held on ANZAC Day. A cross fit challenge, named after Sergeant Brett Wood, was taken on by Defence personnel deployed to Tarin Kot. It involved completing a rigorous circuit of cardio and weight lighting exercises. Later in the day, MTF-4 personnel enjoyed a traditional Aussie barbeque with sausages, seafood and a beer ration. Solomon Islands - Operation ANODE Australian, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea soldiers of Combined Task Force 635 attend the Dawn Service at Honiara Central Police Station. Australian, New Zealand and Papua New Guinean soldiers of the Combined Task Force 635, together with members of the multinational Participating Police Force and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force attended a Dawn Service at the Honiara Central Police Station Cenotaph. The Dawn Service was attended by His Excellency the Governor General of the Solomon
Timor-Leste - Operation ASTUTE Both Australian and New Zealand soldiers commemorated what may be their final ANZAC Day together as a joint unit in TimorLeste at a Dawn Service in Dili. The ANZAC Company stood to attention as the sun rose over their base in Dili, while bagpipes played to honour Australians and New Zealanders killed during conflicts across the globe. On the site where 12 Australian commandos of Sparrow Force were executed by the Japanese in 1942, the modern ANZACs paid special tribute to soldiers from both countries killed in recent operations.
Soldiers salute during the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Dili, Timor-Leste.
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Maintaining pressure in Afghanistan
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fghan and Australian forces continue to disrupt insurgent activities in southern Afghanistan, as the summer fighting season approaches. Recent missions have removed thousands of kilograms of drugs, improvised explosive devices, weapons caches, explosives and four insurgent commanders. Commanding Officer of Special Operations Task Group Lieutenant Colonel J, whose name cannot be used for security reasons, said force elements found and destroyed 1800kg of poppy seed, 340kg of opium, more than 4300kg of drug making chemicals as well as a significant amount of drug making equipment. “The Afghan street value of drugs and drug making equipment destroyed was just over US$3 million which would have a value of more than US$125 million,” Lieutenant Colonel J said. “These recent missions have degraded the insurgents’ ability to fight Afghan National Security Forces and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The more narcotics operations we destroy the more we reduce the insurgents’ ability to fight, which makes this area of Afghanistan safer for everyone.”
Lieutenant Colonel J said the soldier was treated immediately by members of the force element and did not require an aero-medical evacuation. His family has been notified, and he is recovering well in Tarin Kot. In a separate mission, Afghan National Security Forces killed an insurgent commander who was an improvised explosive device expert who had taught other insurgents how to make and emplace IEDs. this follows recent SOTG and ANSF partnered operations which also removed another two insurgent commanders from Uruzgan Province. One commander was a known bomb facilitator who led attacks against Afghan Police checkpoints. The second commander was believed to have been directly involved in rocket attacks on Multi National Base – Tarin Kot. Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Ash Power, said Australian and Afghan forces had degraded insurgent lines of funding and equipment over recent months, lowering their morale and willingness to fight.
Lieutenant Colonel J said insurgents fought hard to protect their drug labs and a senior insurgent commander was killed.
“Disruption of insurgent activities, materiel and command structures allowed Australian forces operating in Uruzgan to concentrate on mentoring and the expansion of security in the province. This security expansion encourages the delivery of governance and development to the more remote areas of Uruzgan,” Lieutenant General Power said.
“The senior insurgent commander was an experienced improvised explosive device (IED) maker who also helped facilitate the movement of suicide bombers through Afghanistan to conduct attacks on Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF personnel.”
“The Special Operations Task Group has had a number of successes while the Mentoring Task Force continues to enhance the Afghan National Army capability, demonstrated by locating improvised explosive devices and insurgent caches during recent operations.
During that mission, one Australian soldier received minor wounds as a result of shrapnel from small arms fire.
“The complementary effects of these task forces’ success continue to bring a more secure future to the people of Uruzgan,” he said.
Career info
Then & Now - How Safe Is Soldiering?
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f you are contemplating a career in the military or are already employed by a sector of the Defence Force, a consideration should be: How dangerous is it to be a soldier and is it any less dangerous now as compared to 50 to 100 years back? Risk taking is an inherent and acceptable part of a soldier's life. This ranks alongside careers in the police and in the Fire Fighting services. All have a potential threat to life and limb but they have their compensations: Stable, interesting jobs, relatively good pay (now), good pension and fringe benefits and for members of the Defence Force the added bonus of being able to travel the country and the world at someone else's expense. A career in the Defence Force can also be exciting and challenging with the opportunity to establish lifelong friendships but there is always the very real threat that if you are in the front line you may be maimed or killed in the line of duty. The reason why, men in particular, are willing to take on dangerous jobs still has the world of psychology perplexed but in times of war it would seem that there has never been a shortage of volunteers. WW1 is a case in point, where although volunteers must have been aware of the dangers, they still volunteered with some as young as 15 or 16 years of age. The attrition rate was terrible with the average life expectancy being just six weeks. Young officers (who mainly came from private schools like Eton) made up the majority of casualties as they were expected to set an example to their men and so were always in the forefront of battle.
Closer to home, Australia contributed 322,000 soldiers to WWI, of whom more than 280,000 were casualties with just under 60,000 killed, the highest death-rate suffered by any national army in the war. One of the problems was that commanders at the time had had little time to adapt to or understand the effects that the new weapons of the age, namely the machine gun, gas and the aeroplane would have on casualty rates. In John Ellis' book The Social History of the Machine Gun, Ellis quotes numerous examples where he believes that the failure to recognize the destructive potential of the machine gun by several highstanding nations, such as The United States and Britain, led to a great number of unnecessary deaths and the unbearable conditions of trench warfare during WWI. A lot of the old school officers, at the time, looked on war as a hobby and had little regard for the lives of the men under their command. There was often little imagination and (perhaps) option in their book but to charge the enemy head on as had been done on countless battle fields before, even in the face of the devastating fire laid down by machine guns.
Medicine was also relatively primitive and in the filth of trench warfare even superficial wounds could prove fatal. By contrast WW2 sees better casualty figures: Some one million Australian soldiers were involved in the fighting and of them 180,864 were wounded with 26976 killed. So it seems that it had become safer to be a soldier in WW2, although by contrast it had become more dangerous to be a civilian or a woman!
Modern medical facilities certainly contributed to the survival of the wounded with invention of antibiotics and a better understanding of trauma surgery and wound healing Later wars like the Korean and Vietnam wars saw casualty figures appear to improve although these were much smaller theatres of war than the either WW1 Or WW2. Quoted figures are 339 dead and 1,216 wounded for the Korean war and of more than 50,000 Australians who served in Vietnam, 496 died and 2,398 were wounded. In all conflicts, luck would seem to play a part: A man could be killed within minutes of going to the front, or could come through the whole war unscathed, much depended on his luck . Recent conflicts in Afghanistan are still seeing a steady trickle of ADF casualties - 234 wounded over a 10 year period with a peak in casualties in 2010 but it would seem that the survival of the average Digger in the field is on the up. This has probably got do with a number of factors; modern day soldiers are for the most part highly trained professionals, who are well practiced and committed to their team role within their fighting unit. As such there is a definite cost of replacing a valued team member in both time and money so perhaps more is done to ensure that the modern day soldier lives through a contact. Medical facilities are usually state of the art and there is no expense spared in keeping a wounded soldier alive. Body armour, now issued as standard gear, has almost certainly increased the average soldiers chance of survival and is a sure sign of the value of each soldier in the field:
From as far back as Roman times and through to the middle ages every trained professional soldier going into battle wore some sort of body armour but with the advent of one of the most lethal weapons of modern warfare, the rifle, body armour was simply abandoned. It would take almost 130 years after the advent of the modern rifle before lightweight body armour was invented that would afford some protection to the soldier in the field So it would seem that it has become safer to be a soldier in the modern age but it is not that clear cut. Weapons are constantly changing and becoming more lethal and accurate. We have not seen anything on the scale of WW2 for 50-60 years. Fragile Political situations as exist in Afghanistan can make life very dangerous for the frontline soldier in a cat and mouse situation where dangers, the enemy and the weapons employed are not easily identified. You decide! ref: John Ellis, The social history of the machine gun. Wikipedia. Foreign Policy Research Institute. the War Museum Canberra. Defence.gov.au.
The Vault
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ustralian’s have been raised to know what ANZAC day is. We have been brought up to understand and display our reverence to what the day signifies. Based on the Gallipoli landings where Australia was ‘baptised in fire’, the ANZAC day tribute has transcended from a remembrance of the battles of 1915. ANZAC day doesn’t need an introduction.
The importance of ANZAC day is one of the most intricately important parts of the yearly calendar for remembrance. Going above and beyond the origins of the day which was firstly established to commemorate and show respect, admiration and acknowledgement for the bravery and courage of our soldiers at Gallipoli and throughout the First World War.
But ANZAC day has evolved. 87 years have passed since the Gallipoli Landings and what has surpassed the origins of meaning for the day has been captured by the Australian spirit. The day itself grows in the history of the Australian soul and spirit, the representation of our memorial and veneration to our soldiers. The Australian and New Zealand Army Core is an essential part of our country’s history. Australia and New Zealand were young countries, but did their duty despite insurmountable odds. The soldiers travelled immense distances to the calling of their country and contribute to an effort of overcoming oppression. They fulfilled their duty and forever became an integral part of our history.
What has evolved is how ANZAC day isn’t confined to the bravery and courage of Australian and New Zealand men who fought at Gallipoli and throughout World War One. ANZAC day is a day for all service men and women, past and present to be remembered and honoured. It is a day for Australia to show support and undying gratitude for their service. We pause and remember. The Dawn Service and the day represents the spirit of Australia, a lucky country with pride and admiration for the people who in the past and now in the present uphold our way of life. Engrained in the history, captured in the spirit and forever remembered in the Australian soul, the ANZAC legacy is a sacred character of who we are.
Tradition
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allipoli is the foreign beach that stretches in our legacy. The very title of ANZAC and their actions, heroics and service are etched into our nation’s identity. When we consider those men who traversed the oceans to join the Great War and defend the liberties of the entente, we see a foreign beach. The Battle of Gallipoli resonates in Australia’s heart.
One of the most empowering comforts of our ANZAC’s forever marooned on that foreign beach can be attributed by Mustafa Kemal, A commander of the main reserve of the Turkish Fifth Army at Gallipoli. He was the first Turkish president, from 1923. In 1934 Kemal wrote a tribute to the ANZACs;
Tradition
Headdress
Khaki Fur Felt AKA Slouch Hat. Uniquely used by Australian soldiers. During the First World War the Slouch hat were fitted with the ANZAC badge. The King’s Crown Rising Sun Badge. The badge states: ‘Australian Commonwealth Military Forces.’
Tunic The Commonwealth Pattern Jacket was used from the beginning of World War One. The Khaki Green jacket typically had brass buttons and a plain brass buckle.
Insignia’s
The two typical Insignias were the “Australia’ curved word worn at the end of epaulets. The other is the King’s Crown rising sun, smaller than the one of the hat. Required for the collars.
Breeches Made from heavy Bedford cord fabrics, hosted two side seam pockets, a button fly and are laced below the knee, grey in colour.
Marching Order The proper referring term being ‘Pattern 08 Webbing’, the set included; Large pack to hold helmet, a belt, left and right cartridge pouches, 2 braces, haversack, bayonet frog, entrenching tool holder (Helve) and water.
Rifle The Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mk. 111 was the Australian Army weapon of choice. The rifle fires an .3030 British round. Five round at a time, with a ten shot detachable magazine.
Trooper SJ Arbuthnot 8th ALH, World War One, Australian War Museum.
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ADF conscription
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alph Bishop will lay a wreath at the cenotaph in Albert Park during the Anzac Day ceremony as he has done every year for the past six years, in honour of all who were called up for National Service in the 1950s and during the 1960s and 1970s. Mr Bishop said last week that many men from Cootamundra were called up to undertake National Service during both those periods. Not all those who served in the National Service have their names listed on the memorial as a number of them did not want their names included on the memorial, he said. Mr Bishop’s brother Don (now deceased) was also called up for National Service and his name is listed on the memorial. His father’s name (William Charles Bishop) is also listed on the memorial, as he served in the Army during the Second World War in Australia.
National Service was introduced in Australia in 1951 for all 18-year-old males. They were required to serve in the Army, Navy or Air Force for 176 days, which could be done in one block or through a combination of full time and part time training. The men inducted in the first call ups for National Service in the Army were required to serve 98 days continuous training and 78 days part time training in the Citizen Military Forces over three years. In 1957 the number of men required for National Service in the Army was reduced and from then on a quota system was established on selected birth dates. Between 1951 and 1959227,000 men were called up for National Service. Mr Bishop, who was 20 when he was called up, did his initial training between April and August 1953 and served in the Citizen Military Forces, in Cootamundra, from August 1953 to April 1958 on a part time basis. The Army stopped National Service in 1959. National Service was reintroduced in Australia in1965 for males of 20 years. It was a quota system based on a ballot of birth dates. In 1966 the government of the day announced that those called up for National Service could be sent overseas and that National Servicemen would be sent to fight in the Vietnam War. This decision sparked the anti-war movement of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s and led to mass demonstrations around the country. One of the first decisions of Gough Whitlam’s new Labor government in December 1972 was to abolish conscription. “We had no choice, but I’m proud of my National Service,” Mr Bishop said. “We were called up to serve our country.” -Ralph Bishop
Citizen Military Forces Exercises.
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The case of Breaker Morant
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n Australian, by the name of George Harrison, is credited with starting one of the biggest gold-rushes in history. One day in March 1886, he was exploring amongst the koppies (flat-topped hills) on the farm Langlaagte, in the Witwatersrand region of the South African Republic (better known at the time by its informal name, the Transvaal Republic) when he discovered an exposed goldbearing reef. Although Harrison is reputed to have sold his claim for a pittance and disappeared into obscurity, his find triggered a massive industry which, within ten years, was producing almost a quarter of the world’s bullion. However, as is still the case today, the discovery of valuable natural resources in Africa often leads to conflict. In the 19th century, the British Empire was aggressively expanding across the globe and the lustre of gold in the Transvaal Republic did not go unnoticed. At that stage, Britain occupied the Cape Colony and Natal, later to become provinces in a united South Africa. With the British not averse to fanning unrest amongst their citizens who had flooded into the Transvaal to seek their fortune, matters almost inevitably spiralled to the outbreak of war. In October 1899, the first salvoes in what became known as the Second Boer War were fired. It was a bloody and bitter conflict that lasted until 1902 and set the tone for decades of animosity between English and Afrikaansspeaking South Africans. Although Australia had not yet united into a sovereign country, the individual states had pledged their allegiance to the crown and so it came about that several Australian units saw service in this war [PLEASE NOTE: THIS NEEDS TO BE CONFIRMED]. One of the most colourful and controversial individuals to volunteer his services was Lt Harry Morant.
Historians are in doubt as to whether this was his real name, but what was not in question was that he was a superb horseman, a poet and fairly adept amongst the two-legged fillies he encountered. His skill on horseback earned him the moniker ‘Breaker’ which stayed with him until the end of his days. Unfortunately, this did not prove to be long in coming as Breaker Morant became embroiled in one of the less-savoury and most debated actions of the war.
Breaker Morant, 2nd South Australian Mounted Rifles
The opening rounds of the war had gone in favour of the Boers, with their highly mobile forces laying siege to the important garrison towns of Ladysmith, Mafeking and Kimberley. However, helped in no small part by sheer weight of numbers (approximately 250,000 men in the latter stages of the conflict) the British forces soon turned the tide and by September 1900 the Boer armies were in retreat. They then resorted to a guerrilla war, in which small groups of commandos harried the advancing British columns at every opportunity. Despite being experts at living off the land, the Boer forces still suffered almost unimaginable depravity in their constant movements across open country. This was heightened by the ‘scorched-earth’ policy adopted by Lord Kitchener, the newly-appointed Commander-in-Chief of the British force, under which the Boers’ farms were razed and their families, mostly women and children, were herded into concentration camps.
The Vault
This was the state of the conflict that greeted Breaker Morant when he arrived in South Africa in 1900. Being such an adept horseman and quite at home on the South African veld, which closely resembled his native Outback, he joined a unit known as the Bushveld Carbineers (BVC) in which he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in April 1901. This was one of a number of irregular units authorised by Kitchener, which were to fight the Boers at their own game by moving on horseback in smaller groups. The unit was based at Pietersburg, about 290km north of Pretoria but, in part due to his success in eliminating Boer pockets in the vicinity, Morant was despatched to a command post named Fort Edward, some 140km further north. This turned out to be a wild and lawless frontier with discipline amongst the troops being particularly low. During the course of their engagements with the Boer forces, Morant’s close friend, Captain Hunt, lost his life and this event apparently tipped Morant over the edge. He swore revenge and set off on a campaign of reprisal in which no prisoners were to be taken. Claiming later that this was an unwritten command from Kitchener himself, Morant was responsible for the summary execution of several Boers who had laid down their arms and surrendered. Whilst he was on leave in October 1901, six of his fellow officers (4 Australian and two British) were arrested and detained at the Pietersburg garrison. Upon his return from leave, Morant was also arrested and similarly charged. After a tortuous two months in detention during which a Court of Enquiry examined the evidence against them, the prisoners were advised that they were to face a Court-Martial for the murder of nine Boers (in two separate incidents) and a pastor of German origin, who had witnessed the killing of eight of the Boers.
The trial commenced the following day (16th January 1902) and Morant and two of his fellowaccused were eventually sentenced to death by firing squad. At Lord Kitchener’s intervention, Lieutenant George Witton, an Australian, had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment but there was to be no reprieve for Morant. At 06h00 on 27th February Morant and Lt Hancock were led from their cells and put before a detatchment of the Cameron Highlanders. Defiant to the end, Morant refused to be blindfolded and instructed the squad ‘to make a good job of it’. A volley of shots ended this controversial but no doubt brave man’s life. His legend has lived on however and debate on his actions and the sentence he received continues to this day. George Witton was released from prison in 1904 and wrote a book titled ‘Scapegoats of the Empire’ in which he averred that he, Morant and Handcock, were made to be scapegoats to divert attention from the widespread war crimes committed by the British as well as to appease the Boer government in the impending peace treaty negotiations. In 1978, the acclaimed play ‘Breaker Morant – a Play in Two Acts’ hit the stage and the script was adapted into the 1980 film ‘Breaker Morant’. As recently as 2010, the Ministry of Defence in the UK rejected an appeal to review the verdict and sentences of Morant, Handcock and Witton.
Mounted soldiers from 2nd South Australian mounted rifles contingent with Harry 'Breaker' Morant third from the left during the Boer War circa 1901, Australian War Memorial
Weapon Cache
PROFILE: AK-47
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he AK-47 or Avtomat Kalashnikova automatic rifle was developed by Russian Mikhail Kalashnikov. While hospitalised during the Second World War, Tank Force Sergeant Kalashnikov engineered a Carbine called AK no.1. Although a failure, this would be the foundation for Kalashnikov. The weapon was chosen, along with several others, as a prototype. These prototypes would go through tests and refining stages, tasked at removing the faults. Three prominent weapons competed for supremacy; AB-46 by Bulkin, AD by Dementiev and the AK-46 by Kalashnikov. The AK-46 was inferior to the competitors. Failure aside, Kalashnikov decided to continually evolve his design. ‘Borrowing’ the intellectual property of Bulkin’s and Dementiev’s designs (stealing would be incorrect as all Intellectual Property belonged to the USSR) and developed a new weapon. The new weapon contained engineered components from the AD and AB-46 along with other well established weapon designs. The long stroke gas pistons along with captive return spring assembly and receiver cover were ‘inspired’ by the AB-46, the idea of large clearances between bolt group was inspired by the Sudaev's AS-44, the safety / dust cover lever was copied from Browning designed Remington model 8 hunting rifle. All of the borrowing and copying was, of course, encouraged.
Ultimately, as another year eclipsed, a weapon that can be analogised with Frankenstein’s monster is birthed. 1947 to 1948 hosted extensive tests for Kalashnikov’s monster. The results yielded the AK was: durable and reliable (the famed characteristics of the rifle), but inaccurate compared to competitors. Evidently Russian High Command decided; Better to have a reliable and sturdy weapon NOW than to wait for a chance at a reliable, sturdy and accurate weapon later. Accuracy was overrated. November 1947 and the AK-47 began commissioning for troop trials. By 1949 the AK-47 was adopted as the Russian weapon-of-choice. The Russians gave production licenses to numerous friendly states and the unpatented design of Kalashnikov’s monster began his mass produced legacy. The AK-47 success can be fundamentally attributed to two things; reliability and sturdiness. What you have is a weapon suited to any environment. The diversity of battlefields gives supremacy to the AK-47. No matter the environment the AK-47 survives. Although less accurate than other machine guns the AK is reliable and rugged; “It's simple, it's cheap, and it’s indestructible. You can fix it with a coat hanger and a piece of gum. You can bury it for 10 years in the sand, pick it up out of the ground and it still works.” - Larry Kahaner. Being an indestructible monster is why the AK-47 has become synonymous with modern warfare.
Weapon Cache
What’s in service 9mm Browning Pistol The Browning L9A1 pistol is specialised weapon issued as a personal weapon. The L9A1 has fixed open sights, a 13-round magazine, and is most effective up to 25 metres range.
Remington 870 The Remington 870 is a pump-action, tubular-magazinefed, 12-gauge repeating shotgun, capable of a high rate of fire with an effective range of 100 metres. The Remington 870 shotgun is generally used to gain entry into a facility.
5.56mm F88SA1C Austeyr Rifle The F88SA1C Austeyr rifle is the current rife for the Australian Defence Force and the primary weapon of Airfield Defence Guards. The F88SA1C is fitted with 1.5x magnification optical sight, a 30-round magazine, and is most effective up to 300 metres range (or longer, depending on an individual's ability).
Careeer
PROFILE: Supermarine Spitfire
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he Spitfire began with a race; the Schneider Trophy, 13th September 1931. Reginald J. Mitchell developed a racing seaplane. Supermarine S.6B broke the speed world record at the time, winning the trophy. The plane reached 547 km/h. This was the predecessor to the Spitfire. During 1934 the British Air Ministry announced interest in a new fighter plane. Mitchell’s company, Supermarine, decided to use the design of the S.6B as the scaffolding for their fighter plane. They refined the design and adhered to the specifications of the Air Ministry brief. The craft was named Spitfire Mk I. They cloned the beautifully designed fuselage of the S.6B. The prime change was in the engine; a Rolls Royce Merlin II capable of 1,030 horse power, the other difference being 8 machine guns. Over the next 5 years the Spitfire was refined. An impressive display of the Spitfire Mk I in June 1936 convinced the Royal Air Force to order 300 aircraft. Mitchell continued to work and design the new series of Spitfire until he passed away from cancer in 1937. Mitchell’s colleague Joseph Smith succeeded Mitchell as the chief designer. By October 1939, highly impressed by the development of the plane, the Royal Air Force had ordered over 4,000 Spitfires. By late 1940, changing to the Rolls Royce Merlin XII engine, the Spitfire became the plane of choice to intercept the German fighter planes, while the Royal Air Force employed the inferior Hawker Hurricane to counter to the German Luftwaffe (German Air Force) bomber formations. During the Battle of Britain the Luftwaffe outnumbered the RAF 4 to 1, but the RAF had the home ground advantage, being closer to reinforcements and refuelling.
In July 1941 the Luftwaffe developed the Focke Wulf Fw 190, a superior in speed and manoeuvrability fighter plane. The new German fighter began tipping the scale back into their favour. Diligent improvements produced the Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XIV. The traditional fuselage now hosted a Rolls-Royce Griffon 65 engine; being a 12 cylinder 2,050 horsepower engine capable of speeds upwards of 721 km/h. The armament consisted of two 20mm cannons, four machine guns and 450kg of bombs. “While the Merlin-engine versions run very smoothly, the larger Griffon-engine machines feel as if they are angry. The sound from the exhaust stacks and the vibration transferred to the seat of the pants communicates visceral power, almost a desire to go kill something.” – Jeff Ethell Air & Space magazine, January 1995. After the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire became the backbone of RAF Fighter Command, seeing action in European, Mediterranean, Pacific and the South-East Asian theatres. The 1945 Spitfire ascended speeds of 724 km/h. The Spitfire won the hearts and the skies of Britain, symbolising the determination, grit and refusal to surrender. Outnumbered and clashed against an unrelenting enemy; the heroic pilots and their machines controlled the skies.
Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk XIIs of 41 Squadron in April 1944.
The ‘Mossie’
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he de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito was a British and Australian multi-role combat aircraft. The cockpit housed a two-man crew. The DH 98 tasked with many diverse roles including bomber, fighter and photo recon. The ‘Mossie’ as known by the crew served during World War II. Upon entering production in 1941 the Mosquito was one of the fastest operation aircraft, reaching speeds of upwards of 650 km/h. The Mosquito was a fast twin engine aircraft. The wings were shoulder-mounted and made as a single piece structure. The “wooden wonder” was derived from the highly utilised wooden frame and structure. The total weight of metal fitting and castings equates to 130kg. The ‘Mossie’ engaged in action through the second World War for the Royal Australian Air Force. Primarily based in Halmahera and Borneo, the aircraft was used during the Pacific War. 209 Australian Mosquitoes and 76 UK Mosquitoes served with the RAAF. These aircraft fitted with a variety of engines including Merlin 31s, Merlin 33s and Packard Merlin 69s. Quick Facts: 7,781 were Produced 2 Pilot crew Max Speed: 670 km/h (Mk XVI) Length: 13.57 metres Height: 5.3 metres Dual Engines Wingspan: 16.52 metres
DH-98 In World War Two
Weapon Cache
HMAS AE1 and AE2
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he HMAS AE1 was the first submarine to serve in the Royal Australian Navy. The HMAS AE1 was accompanied by her sister; the AE2. They were the first and second submarines in the Royal Australian Navy. The two submarines were both E-Class, a British constructed and produced line of submarines, seeing service up until 1922. The AE1 and AE2 were constructed by Vickers Armstrong at Barrow-in Furrness, England. The AE1 was launched 22 May 1913 and the AE2 launched 18 June 1913. They were commissioned into the Royal Australian navy 28 February 1914. They reached Sydney together on 24th May, 1914. At the outbreak of World War I, AE1, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Thomas Besant from the Royal Navy, and the AE2 commanded by Royal Navy Lieutenant Henry Hugh Gordon Stoker, were deployed to aid the capture of ‘German New Guinea’ with the Australian Navy and Military Expeditionary Force.
On the 14th September, a few months into service, the AE1 departed Blanche Bay at 7 am. The Submarine and her crew of 35 men was never seen again. Despite modern day location efforts, the submarine remains lost. The AE2 benefited from a more extended period of service, seeing action in Europe, primarily in the Dardanelles Campaign in 1915. During an attack, 30th April 1915 with the torpedo boat of the Ottoman Empire Navy the ‘Sultanhisar’, the submarine became almost incontrollable, surfacing. Attempts to avoid the enemy subjected it diving into unsafe depths. The submarine resurfaced and was fired upon, breaking the pressure hall. Stoker ordered men to evacuate. All crew survived the attack. The men were captured and held for three and a half years. Three of the 35 men died in captivity. The AE1 and 2 were the only casualties of the Royal Australian Navy, World War One. Both received retrospect ‘Battle Honours’.
AE1
Length: 55 m Beam: 6.86 m Draught: 3.81 m Propulsion: 2 x 8-cylinder diesels, 1,750 hp surfaced, battery-driven electric motors, 550 hp submerged Speed: 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) surfaced 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) submerged
AE2
Weapon Cache
New ship for the ARN WILLIAMSTOWN (BNS): BAE Systems Australia is gearing up to begin the next phase of construction work on the first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) for the Royal Australian Navy as it prepares to receive the amphibious ship's hull in the coming days. The Australian Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare, announced on Wednesday that the country's first LHD had entered Australian waters on its way to Melbourne after the LHD01 hull was transported from Spain via Dock Wise, the specialist barge .
The hull of the new warship, which will join the Australian Navy as HMAS Canberra, was launched at Spanish shipbuilder Navantia's Ferrol facility in February, 2011. The Australian subsidiary of British defence major BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to build two LHDs for the Australian Navy. While the Spanish shipyard Navantia has been entrusted with the task of constructing the hull of the two LHDs, the superstructures for the ships will be built at BAE Systems Australia's Williamstown dockyard.
The 27,000 tonne LHDs will be able to land a force of over 2,000 personnel by helicopter and water craft, along with all their weapons, ammunition, vehicles and stores. Each ship is capable of carrying 12 helicopters
Medical
PTSD In Plain Language
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n plain language PTSD is a potentially debilitating anxiety disorder. It can be triggered by exposure to various traumatic events like rape, physical assault, accidents, and of course combat (veterans who have been in combat and are returning home from a war often have PTSD). The individual afflicted does not necessarily have to be directly involved but can in some instances simply be a witness to the traumatic event. There are three main clusters of symptoms:
· Those related to re-experiencing the event;
· Those related to avoidance and arousal; · The distress and impairment caused by the first two symptom clusters. 1. "Reliving" the event - disturbs normal day-to-day activity
· Flashback episodes, where the event seems to be happening again · and again. · Repeated upsetting memories of the event. · Repeated nightmares of the event. · Strong, uncomfortable reactions to situations that remind you of · the event. 2. Avoidance
· Emotional "numbing," or feeling as though you don't care about · anything · Feeling detached · Being unable to remember important aspects of the trauma · Having a lack of interest in normal activities · Avoiding places, people, or thoughts that remind you of the event · Feeling like you have no future
3. Arousal · Difficulty concentrating · Startling easily · Feeling more aware (hypervigilance) · Feeling irritable or having outbursts of anger · Having trouble falling or staying asleep Additional to the above symptoms individuals may feel guilt about the event (this can be "survivor guilt"). Symptoms, which are typical of anxiety, tension and stress may also be experienced and in some instances PTSD may need to be distinguished from Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). This is very similar to PTSD but the symptoms are of shorter duration and may also include: · Agitation or excitability · Dizziness · Fainting · Feeling your heart beat in your chest · Headache PTSD can be treated with drugs (anti depressants and anti-anxiety drugs) but should also be coupled with “desensitization” therapy and support groups— talking about the incident has definite therapeutic benefits. The bottom line is, if you feel you have some or all of the symptoms above, seek professional help as soon as possible. The sooner it is dealt with the better the outcome. Ref: US National Library Of Medicine, Wikipedia.
Battle Tours is Australia’s largest and most reputable historical tour company. For the past 16 years we have travelled the Battlefields of the world, earning the title of Australia’s number one war tour travel company.
We currently have tours to Gallipoli, in Turkey, the WW1 sites in Belgium and France. The WW11 sites in France, Holland, Germany, Poland, Russia, Libya, Egypt, Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Borneo and Papua New Guinea, our treks of the Kokoda mountain range are legendary. Also included are tours to South Korea and monthly tours to Vietnam. We also visit other battle sites on request such as the Civil War in the USA. We continue to research and continue to add new itineraries.
Our tours cater for individual, small or large groups, associations and schools. All tours include the services of a local English speaking guide, well versed in the history of his or her country. Our larger tours also have the services of an experienced Australian tour leader. Extensions are available on all tours and we’ll be happy to arrange an itinerary to suit your budget and travel plans.
So for your next overseas adventure please give us a call, you will not be disappointed
The Vault
Gallipoli From above
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iring on the Fox TV History Channel, an Australian documentary titled ‘Gallipoli From Above”, sets to divulge the truth about Gallipoli. The documentary focuses on displaying the efforts of Australian strategists and commanders who led and orchestrated the initial Gallipoli attacks. The documentary showcases the actions of Australian General William Throsby Bridges and Colonel Brudenell White, their use of aerial intelligence, emerging technology and innovative tactics to plan the Anzac Cove landings. The documentary is based on the book written by Mr Hugh Dollan; 36 Days: The Untold Story of the Gallipoli Landings. The documentary was produced by John Moore Productions.
The documentary raises some interesting facts; such as the landings being planned by Australians, happened at night and the initial attack on the planned peninsula were light and highly successful. The documentary demonstrates intricately the use of technology which, at the time, was cutting edge and how the Australian men used this precisely and effectively. The Australian Government issued $80,000 worth of funds to documentary, showing support and further demonstrating the importance of the content. The Minister for Veteran Affairs Warren Snowdon stated; “Gallipoli From Above adds a compelling new dimension to the Gallipoli story by offering an insight into the ingenuity of the Australians in planning for the landing of 20,000 Anzac troops at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915.”
Tradition
Victoria cross heroes
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he millions of men and women who have risked their life fighting for their country over the years have all shown incredible courage. To be identified among the very bravest of these is exceptional. Our new military collection reveals the people who have received exactly that honour. The Victoria Cross is Britain’s highest award for bravery "in the face of the enemy". Up to 2006, it had been presented to 1,354 soldiers, sailors and civilians under military command, all of whom had performed extraordinary acts of valour and selflessness. It’s these people — and deeds — that are described in Victoria Cross Medals, 1857– 2007. The VC traces its history back to the Crimean War in the mid-19th century. At the time, Britain had no award for gallantry that was available to all ranks. So, Queen Victoria authorised the new medal in 1856 and backdated it to cover the conflict of the previous three years.
FACT: 627 men received the VC during WWI — almost half of all recipients.
Bravest of the brave The first award was made to Charles Davis Lucas, a Rear-Admiral of the Royal Navy who was serving aboard HMS Hecla in 1854. His citation reveals that a live shell landed on the deck of the ship, and "instead of protecting himself he ran forward and threw [it] into the sea as a result of which there were no serious casualties". Since then, the recipients have all shown similar courage. Take Cecil Knox, who dodged enemy fire on the Somme Canal during World War I, to light a fuse manually after the timer had failed. Or Stanley Hollis, who fought German soldiers singlehandedly to save lives on D-Day.
The Vault
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Military medals: A brief history
he history of military medals traces back to the Roman Empire in which honours, often in the form of a metal disc featuring the emperor's likeness, were bestowed upon officers to recognise military campaigns. The Roman Republic adopted an elaborate system of military awards that included medals called phalera; issued to soldiers and units for a variety of achievements. The practice was widely accepted and medals began to be worn on the chest as part of military uniform.
Military decorations, service awards and medals are often mistakenly confused with one another. Decoration is a term for awards which require specific acts of heroism or achievement (such as the British Victoria Cross or American Medal of Honour) whereas a service award or campaign medal is awarded for serving in a particular capacity in a particular geographical area and time frame (such as the Iraq Campaign Medal). In either case, an award or decoration may be presented as a medal. In any case, Medals and Decorations all have a personal history. Attached to this history are hundreds of stories and thousands of memories. Some medals are awarded in recognition of service, diligence and good conduct while others represent extraordinary acts of bravery and valour. Ultimately, they are all earned … so they are very personal pieces of someone’s past. The recipients should wear them with pride and the observer should afford the wearer the respect and admiration he or she so rightly deserves.
Lauersfort Phalera, Burg Linn Museum Center, Krefeld, Germany
Queen Elizabeth I of Great Britain issued medals to commemorate England's victory over Spain in 1588. Oliver Cromwell also issued medals to all soldiers participating in the battle of Dunbar in 1650. However, it was not until 1815 and the famous Battle of Waterloo that all participating soldiers were equally awarded a medal and hence the ‘Campaign Service Medal’ was born. Over the centuries, with countless wars, conflicts, police actions, incursions and peace keeping missions, we have seen the humble brass roman disc transformed into a uniformed recognition of service.
Trooper Mark Donaldson's medals on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. From left to right: Victoria Cross for Australia, Australian Active Service Medal with ICAT clasp, Afghanistan Medal, Australian Defence Medal and NATO Medal for the Non-Article 5 ISAF Operation in Afghanistan.
Article supplied by Andrew Drinkwater, Elite medals.
Weapon Cache
New Kids on the block F-35 Lightning II The F-35 Lightning II is a next-generation strike fighter due to join the Air Force in the next decade. It is intended to outperform any current fighter available today. One of the many advances designed into the aircraft involves its stealth technology, being shaped and constructed to minimise its radar Sign nature, and thus delaying the warning of its approach. Many modern technologies and design concepts are implemented into the aircraft, including full LCD display cockpit, concealed weapon bays for stealth and a large percentage of parts sharing between different models to keep production costs low. KC-30A Tanker The Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports are five Airbus A-330s that are being modified for air-toair refuelling and personnel transport. They are due to enter service in 2009. KC-30As will be capable of refuelling F/A-18 Hornets, F-111s, Airborne Early Warning and Control Wedgetails and Joint Strike Fighters, or transporting troops domestically or internationally. The aircraft will be fitted with advanced aerial refuelling systems, comprising a 'fly-by-wire' boom refuel system and all-electric probe-and-drogue systems. In its transport role, the KC-30A will be capable of carrying 270 passengers. Under-floor cargo compartments will be able to accommodate 34,000kgs of military and civilian cargo pallets and containers. Project Wedgetail The Air Force will be getting six Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft. The main role of these aircraft is to act as a high altitude radar system that can detect any other aircraft and allow its operators to distinguish between friend and foe. Their range of detection can stretch for hundreds of kilometres. The AEW&C aircraft will utilise a MultiRole Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar, located on top of the fuselage. An Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, also known as active phased array radar, is a type of radar whose transmitter and receiver functions are composed of numerous small transmit/receive (T/R) modules. The main advantage over mechanically scanned arrays are extremely fast scanning rate, increased number of targets being tracked and engaged, low probability of intercept, simultaneous air and ground modes and the ability to maintain 360 awareness whilst focusing on a specific sector or target of interest. The AEW&C aircraft will also serve as a mobile communications relay allowing widely dispersed units, on the ground or in the air, to communicate with each other.
Careeer
The gloves fit
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nsell on the 17th April, 2012 announced it has been selected as the supplier of combat gloves to the Australian Defence
Force. Ansell is a leading supplier of tactical and utility hand protection products to defence forces and peacekeeping operations worldwide. Its ActivArmr Mission Critical Gear is designed and engineered to provide optimal protection in extreme environments where teams need reliable gear to help them do their job safely and precisely. Following a competitive tendering process which included user field trials, the ADF selected the ActivArmr Combat and ActivArmr Combat Extended Cuff gloves for mounted and dismounted combatants. Ansell will provide the ADF with ActivArmr gloves for the next 3 years, enabling the ADF to protect personnel at home and abroad. Last year both of these ActivArmr glove styles were placed on the US Army Approved Product List and Ansell started supplying the US Army and Marine Corps on multiple contracts. Ansell also supplies the US Navy and US Air Force on several contracts.
ActivArmr Combat and Combat Extended Cuff gloves are comfortable and dextrous, designed and engineered for use in all types of environments and across a wide range of general and soldier-specific tasks. These fully flameresistant gloves offer superior grip and protection with excellent tactility. Their rugged construction ensures durability in the toughest conditions. The ActivArmr Combat Extended Cuff, specified by the ADF, is Ansell's proprietary design. Commenting on the agreement, Magnus Nicolin CEO of Ansell Limited said: "We were honoured to sign this agreement with the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation, to help protect those who protect us all. Ansell understands perfectly the potential risks military personnel are facing and the need to provide the most advanced solutions, for comfort, safety and protection. This is a charge we take very seriously. With our ActivArmr range, we are providing the ultimate level of protection for the toughest of situations." Colonel Haydn Kohl, Director of Clothing Systems Program Office within the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation, said: "We are committed to investing in the personal equipment and clothing that our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen need to do their job. I am confident that this contract with Ansell will help us in achieving this objective." This release does not constitute an endorsement by any US Dept of Defence or Australian Defence Force agency.
What’s in service: The MH-60R
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ay 2, 2012: Australia has completed finding suppliers of electronics for the 24 American MH-60R Seahawk antisubmarine helicopters it ordered for its warships last year. Each of these helicopters will be equipped with $13.2 million worth of electronics for anti-submarine work, navigation, communications and the cockpit. The first MH-60R will arrive in two years. The MH-60R is a navalized version of the 11 ton U.S. Army UH-60. Australia can use the MH-60Rs for search and rescue, as well as for ASW (AntiSubmarine Warfare). The ASW work involves using computers, sonar and radar to search for submarines. This involves sailors on the MH-60Rs staring at a screen most of the time, while manipulating the sensors and computers to detect and locate subs. Once you have a solid location fix, you can launch a torpedo and sink the enemy vessel. The MH-60R uses a sonar that operates in active (broadcasting) and passive (just listening) mode. This is a dipping sonar, which is lowered into the water from the helicopter using a 806 meter (2,500 foot) cable and winch.
The MH-60R Doing Sonar training in the American Navy
The MH-60R is also equipped with a radar system for detecting subs on the surface, or just beneath the surface (with only the periscope or snorkel, which provides air for the diesel engine, and gets rid of the exhaust fumes, above the surface). The sonar system also uses sonobuoys, which are dropped and communicate wirelessly. For search and rescue work, the sonar and all its associated electronics are removed, but the radar stays. The MH-60 can hover low enough to deploy a line to people in the water, and winch them aboard. Australia had originally planned to use the naval version of the NH-90 helicopters it had ordered for its ground forces. But the first NH-90s to arrive suffered from poor performance. The overall complaint was poor reliability, design and durability. Many more spare parts have to be stocked than was originally planned. There have been long waits to get needed spares from the manufacturer (NHIndustries). The Australian experience was similar to what the Germans encountered with their NH-90s. The Australian Navy then decided to go with the MH-60R, which has been in naval service for decades and is a known quantity. The ten ton NH-90 can carry 21 troops or twelve casualties on stretchers, plus the crew of two. It first flew in 1995. The manufacturer is a consortium of French, German, Dutch and Italian firms, and has promised to fix all the problems. The Germans and Australians noted that, when it worked, the NH-90 worked well. But the effort was taking too long for the Australian Navy, where there was a need for helicopters that just worked.
Weapon Cache
HMAS Choules
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ne of the newest acquisitions of the Australian Royal Navy is the Bay Class Landing ship HMAS Choules. The Bay Class replaces the 90’s Round Table Class Landing ship. Designer ’ Swan Hunter’ met the requirements of the British tender request. The Amphibious Warfare ship is designed for transport. Not only troops, but tanks and helicopters. Helicopter support was an essential aspect of the design as the British Navy lacked the ability for transports to have landing platforms for helicopters, lacking behind modern warfare ships. HMAS Choules was originated as a British Navy subject, RFA Largs Bay. Largs Bay served the Royal Fleet Auxiliary of Britain from 2006-2011. At the end of 2010 the ship was one of the ships to be removed from service. Being placed ‘for sale’ by the British Navy, the Royal Australian Navy was named the highest bidder in April, 2011. Largs Bay was named HMAS Choules, named after Claude Choules. Claude Choules was an Australian Military veteran. Chief Petty Officer Choules was the last World War 1 combat veteran, he served in both world wars and at the time of his death in 2011, the oldest living Australian.
HMAS Choules has a large flight deck aft which can accommodate two large helicopters and a docking well in the stern capable of operating a LCM-8 or two LCVP landing craft. The military lift includes the capacity to load and transport up to 32 Abrams tanks, or 150 light trucks. They can carry a normal load of 356 troops, or overloaded with 700. They are designed to operate over the horizon using helicopters and landing craft, to get men and equipment ashore.
Length: 176 metres Beam: 26.4 metres Draught: 5.8 metres Speed: 18 Knots Crew: 158 officers and sailors
Transport Load: Dynamic positioning system. 356 troops (standard) up to 700 troops (overload) 32 Abrams tanks 150 light trucks
Starboard side view of HMAS Choules, alongside at Fleet
The Vault
Life in the Australian army
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A satirical take on life in the Army...
ext of a letter from a kid from Eromanga to Mum and Dad. (For Those of you not in the know, Eromanga is a small town, west Quilpie in the far south west of Queensland )
Dear Mum & Dad, I am well. Hope youse are too. Tell me big brothers Doug and Phil that the Army is better than workin' on the station - tell them to get in bloody quick smart before the jobs are all gone! I wuz a bit slow in settling down at first, because ya don't hafta get outta bed until 6am. But I like sleeping in now, cuz all ya gotta do before brekky is make ya bed and shine ya boots and clean ya uniform. No bloody horses to get in, no calves to feed, no troughs to clean - nothin'!! Ya haz gotta shower though, but its not so bad, coz there's lotsa hot water and even a light to see what ya doing! At brekky ya get cereal, fruit and eggs but there's no kangaroo steaks or goanna stew like wot Mum makes. You don't get fed again until noon and by that time all the city boys are buggered because we've been on a 'route march' - geez its only just like walking to the windmill in the bullock paddock!! This one will kill me brothers Doug and Phil with laughter. I keep getting medals for shootin' - dunno why. The bullseye is as big as a bloody dingo's arse and it don't move and it's not firing back at ya like the Johnsons did when our big scrubber bull got into their prize cows before the Ekka last year! All ya gotta do is make yourself comfortable and hit the target - it's a piece of piss!! You don't even load your own cartridges, they comes in little boxes, and ya don't have to steady yourself against the rollbar of the roo shooting truck when you reload! Sometimes ya gotta wrestle with the city boys and I gotta be real careful coz they break easy - it's not like fighting with Doug and Phil and Jack and Boori and Steve and Muzza all at once like we do at home after the muster. Turns out I'm not a bad boxer either and it looks like I'm the best the platoon's got, and I've only been beaten by this one bloke from the Engineers - he's 6 foot 5 and 15 stone and three pick handles across the shoulders and as ya know I'm only 5 foot 7 and eight stone wringin' wet, but I fought him till the other blokes carried me off to the boozer. I can't complain about the Army—tell the boys to get in quick before word gets around how bloody good it is. Your loving daughter, Jodie
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Travel
Get ready to party in Rio with Tucan Travel!
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t may still be over 9 month away, but Rio Carnival really is the mother of all street parties. Come experience this extravaganza with Tucan Travel in February 2013. As South American adventure experts, Tucan Travel has been operating tours to include all the magic that Brazil’s famous street party has to offer since the company began. Today, the adventure travel operator has four of its six tour styles all converging on Rio de Janeiro each year in time for Carnival. And 2013 will be the biggest yet. So big is Carnival, that Tucan Travel schedules all the tours that take in Rio to be in the city over that weekend. This year the tour operator will have groups from nearly all styles of its overland adventure tours staying in a range of hotel classes, both near the location of Carnival and over by the world-renown Cococabana Beach. While many travellers will experience the festivities as part of a longer tour, the adventure company also offers great independent packages that allow people to take part in Carnival with Tucan Travel without having to be on one of the longer tours.
The 2013 Rio Carnival takes place from Friday 8 February to Tuesday 12 February. Along with transport and accommodation, Tucan Travel’s Rio Carnival packages include the opportunity to get up close to the action at Carnival with specially-allocated tickets available to enter the Sambadrome -– where the competing samba schools perform to the judges and crowds – as well as inside information from our tour leaders about the best of the many periphery parties taking place in Rio that weekend. Tucan Travel is a specialist adventure tour operator with hundreds of high quality, affordable and exciting adventures to worldwide destinations. Choose from over 470 group tours, Independent Travel packages and Expedition Cruises to Europe, the Middle East & North Africa, Asia & Russia, East & Southern Africa, Latin America and Antarctica.
Events
Home Front: Wartime Sydney 1939 to 1945
An Australian built DAP Bristol Beaufort VIII aircraft, serial no A9-700, in flight over Sydney Harbour near the Bridge c1944 (c) Australian War Memorial
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t 9.15pm on 3 September 1939 the then Australian Prime Minister, Robert Menzies, announced that Britain and, consequently, Australia were at war with Germany. Although the battlefields were thousands of miles away, the war had a significant effect on those not directly involved in the conflict. Home front: wartime Sydney 1939 –45, a new exhibition at the Museum of Sydney, explores how the war transformed civilian life in Sydney. The exhibition brings together a fascinating array of paintings, photographs, posters, film footage, costume and personal memorabilia of the era. Following the Prime Minister’s sombre announcement, Sydneysiders witnessed dramatic changes to their city and surrounding suburbs. Observation posts and artillery guns at coastal batteries were manned, searchlights lit the skies and an anti-submarine boom net was stretched across Sydney Harbour.
Bomb-protective structures and sandbags were placed around significant city buildings and barbed wire entanglements were erected along Sydney’s beaches. For protection against enemy attacks, public airraid shelters were constructed throughout the city and most streetlights were switched off at night as part of regular blackouts. Anxious Sydneysiders painted the windows of their houses black, stocked gasmasks and constructed shelters in their own backyards. Some citizens became air-raid wardens for their local area. Armed with tin hats, whistles, rattles and instruction booklets – on display in the exhibition – wardens ensured that civilians were kept up to date on what to do in the event of an air raid. Anxiety on the home front increased when Japan entered the war in December 1941 with a surprise attack on the American fleet in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii.
Events
The Japanese occupation of Singapore and the bombing of Darwin in Australia’s north swiftly followed in February 1942, bringing war to our doorstep. Three months after the Darwin air raids, Sydney came under direct attack. On the night of 31 May 1942 three Japanese midget submarines quietly entered Sydney Harbour intending to attack Allied warships. Although the submariners failed to hit their targets, the force of a torpedo explosion from one of the submarines tore apart the Australian Navy depot ship HMAS Kuttabul, killing 21 navy personnel on board. The attack shocked Sydney and revealed the serious flaws in the city’s harbour defences. Another surprise Japanese attack followed on 7 and 8 June.
Ten shells rained down on the eastern suburbs of Sydney, fired from a larger Japanese submarine submerged off the coast – nine failed to explode. Some homes were damaged but, fortunately, no-one was killed in the raid. Following the attack, civilians endured increasing government controls and restrictions that affected all aspects of daily life. Federal and state governments put up posters throughout the city encouraging civilians to buy war bonds, raise money through charitable organisations, and grow their own fruit and vegetables in ‘Victory’ gardens.
Crowds leaving a shelter in Hyde Park, Sydney after the all clear has been given (c) Argus Newspaper Collection of Photographs, State Library of Victoria
Events
Home Front: Wartime Sydney 1939 to 1945
6th division AIF troops waving from troop-train carriage, S Hood, 13 September 1940 (c)
Everyone was urged to support the war effort and give up everyday luxuries. Basic necessities such as food and clothing were rationed from June 1942. The government also took control of civilian work. Workers were redirected into war jobs and absenteeism in the workplace was made illegal. Women were employed for the first time in munitions factories, became conductors on Sydney’s toast rack trams, and joined the women’s auxiliary services – working for the air force, navy and army – to release men for active duty overseas. These important roles within industry gave women new-found confidence in the workplace. Meanwhile, thousands of civilian men were recruited to construct public works, including the building of the Sydney graving (dry) dock at Garden Island, the biggest engineering feat to be undertaken in the city.
When victory finally came it was met with elation, relief and triumph. While many Sydneysiders flocked to the streets to share in the jubilation, others grieved privately for loved ones who would not be returning home – almost 40,000 Australians died in the conflict. War’s end also exposed the horrors of the Nazi regime, the treatment of Australians in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps and the catastrophic effects of nuclear warfare. Home front tells the story of the resilience of Sydney’s civilians during World War II and highlights the events that shaped, challenged and transformed the lives of generations of Australians.
Events
But, inevitability, war had the greatest impact on the private and social lives of those on the home front. For some, Sydney was a town of entertainment and opportunity. The arrival of American servicemen in Sydney shook up the city. Their ‘Hollywood’ accents, charisma and generosity excited impressionable young Sydney women; Australian servicemen, however, were less impressed. Hastily arranged weddings followed short-lived romances, with newlyweds uncertain when they would see each other again, and letters and tokens exchanged between loved ones during the long years of separation are featured in the exhibition. Written by Annie Campbell, Curator of Homefront exhibition, Museum of Sydney
'Change Over to a Victory Job' propaganda poster (c) Australian War Memorial
Members of the Wardens' Women's Auxiliary making for the scene of an incident c1943 (c)
Career info
This National museum has it all The multi-award winning National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island is truly an amazing place. Expect the unexpended is an understatement! You are up-close and personal with an incredible range of militaria of the Vietnam era. The Museum is less about war than the people that actually served; the way they became involved, what they wore, how they lived and moved, and the equipment that they used and that in turn, supported them. It has allies backing and is tri-service. It is 75% exhibit and 25% workshop. Under one roof, you are exposed to the only fully- armed Bell Cobra Gunship in Australia, other helicopters (Westland Wessex and Bell Sioux), B Vehicles, Centurion Tank, 105mm Howitzers, a comprehensive armoury and in the workshop, you can watch the work-in-progress of the restoration of a Canberra Bomber and another litter-carrying Wessex. There are over 20,000 items of photos and memorabilia in the Museum.
The National Vietnam Veterans Museum is an educational resource and the technology used to show the story of Australia’s longest war is excellent. The Garden of Reflection, at the rear of the Museum, helps maintain the aim of being the Spiritual Home of Vietnam veterans and there is no doubt that it is their legacy. So come to Phillip Island. Now there is a whole lot more to see than the little penguins! National Vietnam Veterans Museum, 25 Veterans Drive, Newhaven Phillip Island – next to the airfield. (03) 5956 6400 www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org
Questions
Fit for the army
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or persons wanting to enlist in the Army, they must pass a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). The PFA is designed to show a basis fitness level, as the physical nature of the Army’s regiment creates a need for a fit candidate. Strength and Endurance is a familiar face in the Australian Defence Force.
The PFA consists of 3 targeted exercises; Sit-ups, push-ups and a shuttle run.
Hosted on the Defencejobs.gov.au website, the requirements are as such:
Male requirement: 15 push-ups, 45 sit-ups, 7.5 shuttle run score. Female requirement: 8 push-ups, 45 sit-ups, 7.5 shuttle run score. Are you ‘fit’ for the Army?
Questions
Army Cadets: let the adventure begin!
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ustralian Army Cadets were put to the test during this year’s Army Cadet Adventure Training Award, which began 11th April at the Majura Training Area near Canberra. Adventurous training has been a long tradition of the Australian Army Cadets experience. The Army Cadet Adventure Training Award (ATA) provides one such experience. 100 Australian Army Cadets and ten Australian Air Force Cadets from across the country will take part in the challenge this year at the Majura Training Area near Canberra from 11-16 April. The ATA was formally codified on 31 July 1967 as the premier award that a cadet could achieve. The original concept was that the ATA mirror the majority of the requirements for the Gold Level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. From its inception the ATA was an inclusive activity with both Air Force and Navy Cadets invited to participate alongside Army Cadets.
The activity was conducted on a Regional basis until 2008. The next year it was conducted as a national activity for the first time at the Buckland Military Training Area, Tasmania. The activity was conducted at Buckland again in 2010 and 2011. The ATA tests candidates on navigation skills, physical and mental endurance, field craft and field engineering skills, the ability to live-in-thefield and survival skills, teamwork abilities, initiative and leadership. Each year the cadets participating in the ATA attempt to achieve the ‘Gold Boomerang’ for successful completion of the award. The Gold Boomerang is the highest individual accolade for Cadets and is a 2.5 centimetre gilt metal brooch with the Torch of Learning from the Australian Army insignia centrally placed behind a boomerang that bears the word ‘ADVENTURE’.
Cadets
Australian Army Cadets
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hy would you want to join the Australian Army Cadets (AAC)? Well, there are lots of reasons! For a start, you get to go camping, abseiling, boating and learn to properly use firearms. Apart from getting involved in all kinds of action and adventures, you'll also make heaps of new friends. Joining the Army Cadets is your chance to experience a really awesome time by getting into some adventurous activities conducted in a military setting. There are more than 14,000 Army cadets based in 224 units around Australia, so there's sure to be a unit near you. As a cadet, you'll learn to be confident, self sufficient and willing to 'have a go'. It's your opportunity to discover new challenges and have some unbelievable fun. You'll also learn to lead others and work as a member .
of a team. You'll be able to do things for yourself and help your friends learn too. Cadet life is physical but not risky - and you won't have to be a superwoman or superman. Qualified and experienced cadet officers will instruct you. Safety is always a top priority. Youth who are 12 years and 6 months of age are eligible to apply for enrolment into the AAC. Once enrolled, they may remain as a cadet until the end of the year in which they attain 18 years of age, or in special circumstances, until attaining 20 years of age. A cadet in the AAC is not a member of the Australian Defence Force.
What we do •Drill •Ceremonial Parades •Roping and rappelling •Watermanship •Use of Service Firearms •Navigation •Living in the Field •First Aid, and many other exciting activities.
You can undertake tough adventure training and go bush, win marksmanship awards and qualify for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. As an Army cadet, you'll also get to visit Army camps and
Cadets
Three thousand incentives
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HREE year 12 students from Chatham High School have won a Defence Technical Scholarship worth $3000 each. Students Thomas Wood, Jacob Shelton and Jeremy Miller were very pleased with their result, particularly as competition was fierce this year. “We heard about the scholarship through Mr Locker, our careers advisor. He helped us through the process,” Thomas said. The Defence Technical Scholarship (DTS) is aimed at students who intend to pursue a general entry technical trade career with the Australian Defence Force after completing Year 12. The DTS rewards technically-savvy students for staying on at school and enrolling in specific subjects. Although there is no obligation for scholarship winners to join the Navy, Army or Air Force after finishing school,
applicants had to describe why they are interested in an ADF technical trade career as part of the selection process. Thomas and Jacob are still considering their options; however Jeremy is fairly sure he will be joining the ADF as an aircraft technician. “I definitely want to join. It seems like a great option for me,” Jeremy said. Chatham High School careers advisor, Neil Locker, said the fact that the scholarship does not oblige winners to join the defence force, means there are a lot of applications. “The scholarship process rewards students who have positive attitudes. We had five students apply this year and all of them have great positive attitudes. However the increase in applications made it quite competitive, so only three were successful. It is also a nice way of promoting trades. It gets the message out there that these opportunities are available for young people,” Neil said.
Cadets
Australian Navy Cadets They Were...
They Are...
The Australian Navy Cadets (formerly known as the Naval Reserve Cadets) have been part of the Navy family for many years and are recognised under the Naval Defence Act of 1910. Until 1973, they were known as the Australian Sea Cadet Corp and were jointly administered by the Navy League of Australia and the Royal Australian Navy. In 1973 the RAN assumed full control of the Corps, renaming it the Naval Reserve Cadets. In 2001, the NRC was then renamed the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) under the recommendations of the "Cadets - The Future Review" presented to the Commonwealth Government.
Since then, with the support of the RAN, the ANC has developed steadily and undergone many changes to remain relevant to today's youth and the expectations of modern society. In the 91 Units of the ANC, including those formed under the Cadets in High Schools Schemes, over 450 staff and 1600 cadets in the ANC undertake training at locations throughout Australia. Many Units are in Isolated communities with limited youth facilities and others assist disadvantaged young people. Consequently the ANC plays a significant community support role and is held in high regard..
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The ANC comprises around 30% of Australians in Naval uniform. While we are not part of the Australian Defence Force, as part of the Navy family we have a significant role to play in linking the Australian community to the RAN. More often than not the ANC is the only uniformed presence in its local community and Cadets provide a positive focus on the RAN in the eyes of the public.
Cadets reflect Navy's strong commitment to the Australian community and thousands of young Australians have improved their lives by learning citizenship through seamanship as Australian Navy Cadets. Many have progressed to successful careers in the Royal Australian Navy or made significant contributions to their
Macquarie Pilot Centre (formerly Country Capital Aviation) has been operating since 1978 from Tamworth, NSW. MPC is multi-faceted and has a professional aviation solution for Flight Training, and Charter. Having been established for such a lengthy time has allowed MPC to become leaders in their field on many fronts. MPC specialises in professional flight training with a major focus on Multi-
Macquarie Pilot Centre operates a fleet of single and twin-engine aircraft. Single engine
Cadets
Australian Air Force Cadets
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s an Air Force Cadet you'll learn about aviation through flying, gliding, aerospace studies, communications and navigation, air traffic control, aero modelling, aircraft engineering, orienteering and map reading. Most Air Force Cadet Squadrons meet for around three hours one evening each week during school terms. Squadrons also conduct training on weekends throughout the year. During the school holidays you can go on bivouacs and other specialist coursed conducted at Air Force bases.
How Do I Get Promoted? All new Cadets are "recruits" and have the opportunity to be promoted through the ranks after successfully completing each training stage. Cadets will then be required to attend specific training courses for each rank above Leading Cadet. Air Force Cadets have the following promotion pattern: Cadet (CDT) Leading Cadet (LCDT) Cadet Corporal (CCPL) Cadet Sergeant (CSGT) Cadet Flight Sergeant (CFSGT) Cadet Warrant Officer (CWOFF) Cadet Under Officer (CUO)
As a Cadet you will: Recieve a foundation of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) knowledge and discipline Develop qualities of leadership, self-reliance and initiative Develop character and good citizenship in the widest sense Develop an interest in the RAAF and aviation generally Be instilled with knowledge of aviation history, and To encouraged to continue an active interest in aviation into adult life
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The necessary connection
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The evolution of communicating with family, friends and loved ones
rmed forces throughout history have an eminent fact of the personnel being away from home. Being away from home is being away from loved ones; family, friends, and partners. This has and always will be an inescapable truth, whether for training or being sent abroad for tasks or duty, Armed Forces personnel would and will be away from those they care about. There would be a time when connecting with those people would be limited to the pen and paper. The pen and paper were mighty tools (along with postal services, of course). The pen and paper would allow the people who were sent away from home to contact the ones left behind and for the ones left behind to be able to contact the ones they’re missing. Lengthy letters, immortalised by the unique hand writing of their loved one, divulging emotions, feelings and the everyday duties of the mundane life which means the world to the other person. The format was long; the delivery longer, the reliability was unreliable. Imagine the possibilities when the phone was invented. Although when it became more readily available it was unreliable and expensive; it was a voice; the voice of a father or mother, daughter, son, a friend or partner.
The telephone allowed the person to hear, in rawness, the one they were away from. The ability to converse, for the short period over a volatile connection meant that being away wasn’t always as far as it used to be The telephone helped bridge a connection between the people who were separated in the Armed Forces. As technology evolved and transformed, phone calls were clearer, crisper, cheaper and more reliable. We can skip a few decades and find the world connected by copper and fibre optics. The internet has become one of the most, if not the most, powerful infrastructures the world . In terms of communication the internet is the most effective, imperative and important component to long distances. Being away from family, friends and lovers, while still painful, has become as bearable as possible. The email and Instant Messaging programs are an example. Having an almost instantaneous message, lengthy, short, intermediate; I love you or ‘What are you up to?’ or even a disambiguation of your entire week sent and received immediately. They take away a certain personnel notion of handwritten diction of a letter hand delivered by the postal service, but they have a person at the end and the beginning who you can picture and imagine.
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Facebook, internationally known and used, either a love or hate relationship, is none the less a powerful social tool. The ability to have a host of friends, family and loved ones at your fingertips; reading about their day and them reading about yours. Simple updates about training exercises or the food you’ve eaten. Seeing their pictures and captions, being able to relate to their day by actually visualising what they’re doing is a forgotten treasure. Skype and similar software have become an integral connection for people away from home. The ability to web cam is the ability to see. Seeing in a live format the person you miss brings forward a second sense of connection; hearing and seeing. With an internet connection capable of bandwidth for a web cam conversation than whether an hour away, across the country or around the world, that person is as close as possible. With Smart phones, mobile networks and wireless technology improving, the ability to access the necessary programs and connections to keep in touch is becoming easier. This allows Armed Forces personnel who are away to be in constant contact. The Armed Forces has always had the inevitable effect of being away from ones you don’t want to be away from, but technology; from the pen and paper to the internet and the developing and improvements of programs close the distance. They will never compare to the real thing, but connecting people together to make the time away more tolerable is an important thing to cherish. They’ll find a mutiny on their hands if they deprive the internet from the Armed Forces. It’s the necessary connection.
Questions
New insurance options for veterans and ADF members
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he Defence Service Homes Insurance (DSHI) Scheme is offering ADF members and veterans more insurance options with the release of its new policies. From June 2012, DSHI will offer comprehensive cover for cars and motorcycles as well as caravans and domestic trailers. Private Pleasure Craft Insurance will provide accidental damage, theft, personal accident cover, and replacement if the boat is under one year old and is a total loss. For owners of investment properties the innovative Residential Landlord Liability Insurance provides protection against malicious damage and loss of rent. In recent months, DSHI has had strong interest in its new Compulsory Third Party Insurance, which is available in New South Wales and Queensland only, and in its Travel Insurance. DSHI’s existing policies offer many popular features.
Home Contents Insurance provides coverage for flood, tsunami and action-of-the-sea damage, and for spoilage of food and fusion of motors. Comprehensive Car Insurance offers full replacement for vehicles less than two years old and deemed a total loss, and hire car costs after theft, choice of repairer and a faultless no claim discount benefit. The motorcycle cover has similar features. All these products are underwritten by DSHI’s partner, QBE Australia. The new policies follow the recent and popular introduction of monthly payment by automatic debit from a financial institution, bank or credit card. There is no additional cost for this facility. For nearly a century, DSHI has established a strong reputation in the Service community for client care and quality at an economical price. This commitment remains an important part of the new policies. For more information about DSHI’s polices, go to www.dsh.gov.au or phone 1300 552 662.
Questions
REPORT: Support to ADF injured and ill cont. In Defence, significant changes have been made to improve the provision of mental health care across the ADF with significant funding allocated to mental health over the past three years. $83 million has been provided to the ADF over four years to implement recommendations from Professor Dunt’s ADF Mental Health Care Review and $9.5 million to DVA over four years to implement recommendations from Professor Dunt’s Suicide Study. Through veterans’ affairs arrangements, there are a range of other supports available, including on-line resources which may be found at: http://at-ease.dva.gov.au/ Counselling services through the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Services - VVCS, and mental health treatment for those with an accepted mental health condition after discharge. Defence and DVA are both committed to dealing with support for wounded, injured or ill soldiers as their highest priority. Soldiers wounded or injured in the line of duty are already seeking care and services at soldier recovery centres, two have opened at Army bases at 3rd Brigade in Townsville and 1st Brigade in Darwin, with a third on its way at 7th Brigade in Brisbane.These centres provide our wounded with a dedicated health precinct where they are given the best opportunities to rehabilitate, recover and return to their duties.
The Review of Military Compensation Arrangements, released in 2011, showed that the compensation system introduced in 2004 is based on sound policy principles and objectives but, like any new arrangement, also identified some areas of improvement. As part of Budget 2012-13, the Government’s response to the review will be announced. A copy of the Support for Injured or Ill Project’s Report on the Review of Current Practices can be found at: www.Defence.gov.au/Publications/ SIIPReviewCurrentPractices.pdf
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