CONTACT Yearbook 2018

YEARBOOK 2018

STOMPING ALL OVER

2018

2018 YEARBOOK

Produced by Contact Publishing, PO Box 3091, Minnamurra, NSW 2533 www.contactairlandandsea.com

2018 YEARBOOK

Compiled from the 2018 archives of CONTACT Air Land & Sea e-magazine

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CONTENTS

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6 The Big Pictures 10 Warramunga

Billion $ drug buster

16 Wings over Illawarra The best show yet

20 RIMPAC

Adelaide’s big gig

30 Thai takeaways 1RAR Chaple Gold

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38 Pitch Black

The French Connection

46 Plan Keogh

Bye bye Plan Beersheeba

50 1 Brigade 58 DoG Cup 62 MRTT 66 Force Protection 68 APEC Mega effort in PNG

72 Poseidon

Armed and dangerous

74 Mass casualty 76 Finding AE1

Final Resting Place

84 Irish Naval Service A personal tour

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88 Inner Sanctum 94 Cadet Corner 5

MARCH BIG PICTURE

Photo by Corporal Brendan Kwaterski

Royal Australian Air Force personnel wave goodbye to a C-17A Globemaster loaded with fellow RAAF personnel and F/A-18F Super Hornet equipment from Australia’s main air operating base in the Middle East Region, following the end of Australian air-strike operations in Iraq and Syria.

LAST OFTHE

HORNETS LEAVE IRAQ

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Photo by Liz Wolter

JUNE BIG PICTURE

CLOSE CALL

From 27 February to 14 April 2018 members of Australia’s Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) and RAAF 33 Squadron deployed to Naval Air Station Patuxent River in the US, to undertake clearance testing between the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and the Poseidon P-8A maritime surveillance aircraft. The photo shows the Aussie MRTT fueling a US Navy Poseidon from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Zero. Jointly planned and executed by ARDU and the US Navy P-8A Integrated Test Team, much of the testing occurred over the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout the program both units were tightly integrated to the extent that US Navy flight-test personnel flew as crew on the RAAF KC-30A and RAAF personnel flew as crew on the P-8A. Clearance to refuel the P-8A in flight will allow the RAAF to project maritime patrol and strike capabilities further and for longer.

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SEPTEMBER BIG PICTURE

NIGHT FIRE

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Photo by Corporal Jake Sims

Australian and New Zealand soldiers and United States Marine Corps marines watch fall of shot as ordnance is fired at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018.

See more great photos and extensive report, starting on page 20.

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Photo by Leading Seaman Kayla Jackson

DAWN DRILLS

DECEMBER BIG PICTURE

HMAS Parramatta’s sea boat conducts drills at dawn during a transit across the Coral Sea. HMAS Parramatta and her crew completed a successful four weeks of training and assessment, in October and November 2018, with HMA Ships Sirius, Warramunga and Success in support.

The Royal Australian Navy conducts various exercises and scenarios in training to prepare ships and their crew to ensure they are the most capable assets they can be, ready to answer the call.

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WARRAMUNGA

PHOTOS BY LEADING SEAMAN TOM GIBSON 10

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In mid November 2017, in mid Indian Ocean, HMAS Warramunga and her ship’s company of 190 rendezvoused with HMAS Newcastle and officially took over Operation Manitou duties.

After that, not much else happened – or, more correctly, not much worthy of reporting back home happened – as Christmas fast approached.

But after Christmas – well that’s a whole different story altogether.

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HMAS Warramunga sits off the stern of a dhow in the Middle East as members of her crew search for illicit narcotics.

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arramunga’s mission is the 66th rotation of a Royal Australian Navy major fleet unit for operational duties in the Middle East since 1990, and her third.

HMAS Newcastle was already proceeding home on completion of operational duties as Warramunga headed west to commence her force assignment to Joint Task Force 633, on a mission that will see the ship and crew away from home for nine months.

The mid-ocean rendezvous was a brief opportunity to formally hand over the mission, swap some stories and, as a special treat for three pairs of siblings to briefly reunite.

Leading Seaman Dimitri Bellas, Leading Seaman Jamie Janes and Able Seaman Peta Large crossed decks from Warramunga to Newcastle to catch up with their homeward-bound siblings Leading Seaman Peter Bellas, Leading Seaman Isaac Janes and Able Seaman Paige Large.

Able Seaman Paige Large said it was a great opportunity to say ‘hello and goodbye’ and catch-up for an hour in person.

“An hour wasn’t really long enough but it was so good to see each other,” she said.

“We took lots of photos and I’ve already sent them to my dad and grandparents.”

To complete the handover, Newcastle’s Commander Mark Sirois presented Warramunga’s Commander Dugald Clelland with the coveted Rhino Trophy, which has been passed from ship to ship on Operation Manitou for years.

Christmas was a truly festive occasion aboard Warramunga, with lots of red-and-white clothes, tinsel, turkey, prawns and everything the crew could want – except grog and family.

Then, with the festivities over and when almost every other Aussie back home was watching cricket or frying on a beach, the men and women of HMAS Warramunga settled in to some serious work.

On 27 December, what turned out to be just the start of an incredible run of successes came her way.

Over the next three days, Warramunga’s boarding parties intercepted and boarded three suspected drug-smuggling ships – and came away with a total of 8 tonnes of hashish and 69kg of heroin.

The operation was planned and coordinated by the Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), which is currently commanded by Australia and supported by an Australian/ Canadian staff.

The illegal drug haul was the largest quantity of hashish ever seized by an Australian ship on Middle East maritime security operations – and the overall haul had an estimated street value at around AUD$415 million.* Commanding Officer HMAS Warramunga Commander Dugald Clelland said the operation was the culmination of months of hard work by his ship’s company.

“The crew prepared extensively for a task like this and we were able to employ our helicopter and boarding crews to locate and board three suspect vessels,” Commander Clelland said.

“A thorough search by the boarding parties uncovered a large quantity of hashish and heroin intended for distribution around the world.”

Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East Major General John Frewen said this operation would impact on the flow of narcotics around the world and the use of drug money to fund extremist organisations.

Australian commander of CTF-150 Commodore Mal Wise said the three-ship haul of narcotics was a reflection of the capability that HMAS Warramunga brought to the operation.

But Warramunga was only getting started.

On 3 January, with support from a UK Royal Navy helicopter, Warramunga conducted a complex operation in the wee small hours of the morning.

Operating in the dark added a new level of complexity and danger for the crew, but they took it in their stride – and came away with another 3.5 tonnes of drugs, estimated to be valued at more than AUS$180 million*.

Warramunga’s total seizures now tallied more than 11.5 tonnes of hashish and 69kg of heroin, with a total estimated street value of more than AUS$595 million*.

Commander Clelland said the operation was a result of a complex night operation conducted in close coordination with the crew of RFA (Royal Fleet Auxillary) Fort Rosalie.

“The Royal Navy helicopter was able to cue us on to the suspect vessel, which Warramunga’s boarding party searched in challenging conditions,” Commander Clelland said.

“On this occasion, the boarding party did a first-rate job locating and seizing more than three-and-a-half tonnes of illicit narcotics.”

Commodore Wise praised the close teamwork between Fort Rosalie and Warramunga.

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Above: Leading Seaman Neil Gough and Petty Officer Chris Leibick label and count parcels of seized narcotics. Centre: Leading Seaman Adam Cook, Able Seaman Dylan Canderle and Able Seaman Lydia Ratu Kavoa label and bag seized narcotics. Right: Petty Officer Chris Leibick passes down a parcel of seized narcotics to Able Seaman Eric Schneider.

“In this challenging maritime environment, the Royal Navy rotarywinged asset from Fort Rosalie was essential to locating the suspect vessel,” Commodore Wise said.

“Close cooperation assisted the crew of Warramunga in successfully seizing a substantial quantity of narcotics.

“This operation highlights the excellent cooperation shown by many nations contributing to Combined Maritime Force operations in the Middle East Region, which are making an impact on the flow of illegal narcotics that fund terrorist networks.”

Four days later, Warramunga was at it again, this time seizing 111kg of heroin valued at $33 million.

This took the running totals up to 11.5 tonnes of hashish and 180kg of heroin with a total value of more than $625 million*.

While there was then a relative lull in the news back home for the next two weeks, HMAS Warramunga and the other elements of CTF 150 were still hard at work, analysing years of historical data on thousands of small- and large-ship movements across vast expanses of ocean.

On 23 January, a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion surveillance aircraft detected a suspicious vessel in the Western Indian Ocean, and HMAS Warramunga’s boarding parties were again in action.

After boarding and a thorough search of this new suspect, on 24 January, the news that filtered back was gobsmacking – a new record haul of 915kg of heroin valued in excess of AUD$274 million*.

It might be a good time to mention here that the Kiwis flying above on this mission were not the only Kiwis involved. Two Royal New Zealand Navy sailors posted on exchange on the Australian frigate were driving the sea boats that transported Warramunga’s 12

boarding party, and returned the heavy cache of illegal narcotics to Warramunga, where they were analysed, catalogued and ultimately destroyed.

The total tally now stood at more than 11.5 tonnes of hashish and more than 1 tonne of heroin – with a total value in excess of $900 million*.

If they keep this up they’ll surely bust a billion!

And bust a billion they did – on 1 February when another 414kg of heroin valued in excess of $124 million was taken out of the terrorists’ financing chain.

On this occasion it was the ship’s own Seahawk helicopter crew who detected the smuggling vessel while conducting surveillance late on 1 February, in an operation planned by the Australian-led Combined Task Force 150.

The subsequent boarding by Warramunga’s crew located the narcotics disguised as a consignment of processed fish deep inside the wooden dhow.

Commanding Officer HMAS Warramunga Commander Dugald Clelland said the ship’s seventh seizure had achieved a significant milestone for Australian maritime operations.

“As a result of this latest seizure, Warramunga has now taken more than $1billion worth of narcotics out of circulation.

“I think in anyone’s estimation, that’s an enormous sum of money that’s no longer available to fund terrorist activities around the world.

“We have now taken seven shipments out of circulation and, with this success, my crew is even more determined to locate and seize even more narcotics, to take them off our streets and to make the funds they could generate from their sale unavailable to terrorist networks operating around the globe.”

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Top left: Leading Seaman Luke Woodcroft briefs members of a boarding party before a boarding operation in the Middle East.

Top right: Leading Seaman Caleb Larnach, Able Seaman Eric Schneider and Leading Seaman Te Orangapumau Elia return a load of seized narcotics to HMAS Warramunga.

Below: 915kg of seized heroin on the flight deck of HMAS Warramunga awaiting destruction.

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Left: Able Seaman Stephanie Pannell weighs bags of seized heroin.

Bottom left: Able Seaman Luke Pozzi passes a parcel of seized narcotics to Chief Petty Officer Mark Goulding.

Right: Sub Lieutenant Thomas Liley passes a parcel of seized narcotics down to Able Seaman Lydia Ratu Kavoa.

* Drug valuations are based on the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Illicit Drug Data Report 2015-16 figures for cannabis resin (hashish) at AUD$50 per gram (p215) and heroin at AUD$300,000 per kilo (p216).

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Warramunga’s KIWI KLUB Two Royal New Zealand Navy sailors were important members of the tight-knit team that helped HMAS Warramunga reach billion-dollar drug-buster status in the last weeks of 2017 and the first months of 2018.

As boat coxswains on Royal Australian Navy’s ANZAC-class frigate HMAS Warramunga, Leading Seaman Combat Specialist Te Orangapumau Elia and Able Seaman Combat Specialist Daniel Peihopa drive the sea boats that transport the boarding parties to their target vessles and then return with the cache of seized narcotics to HMAS Warramunga.

“It’s the best feeling when all your hard work and effort to get the job done pays off,” Leading Seaman Elia said.

“Taking part in one of the Royal Australian Navy’s biggest drug seizures is an amazing experience.

“Helping intercept one fishing vessel carrying drugs got me excited, but catching three boats trafficking illegal narcotics in a row – that was great!”

Able Seama Peihopa said it was an awesome feeling seeing the tonnes of illegal narcotics transferred to Warramunga and then disposed of safely at sea.

“Preparations for the boarding [on 24 January that netted 914kg of heroin] started at midnight and the excitement of it all kept everyone awake,” Able Seaman Peihopa said.

Leading Seaman Te Orangapumau Elia and Able Seaman Daniel Peihopa.

Aussie sailor Able Seaman Bridget Hopkins and Leading Seaman Te Orangapumau Elia up front, with Able Seaman Daniel Peihopa driving.

Able Seaman Daniel Peihopa.

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ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS EVER – would not be an overstatement.

This year’s Wings Over Illawarra air show was simply awesome. Perfect weather, large crowds and great support from the ADF – and, unlike some previous WoI shows, there wasn’t even a hint of wind, with the seasonal blusteries turning up a week later.

One also had to remind oneself that Wings Over Illawarra is held in May – i.e. late Autumn – as one basked and baked in mid-20s full sun.

Actually, I went well prepared this year (for a change), with deckchair, water, umbrella (for sun shade) and plenty of coin for sausage sangers – and had a great two days of air and ground action. I was so pleased that the ADF got behind this great air show in force this year.

In fact, there isn’t much on the ADF’s air-power inventory that wasn’t represented.

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The Roulettes opened the show on both days with their usual impeccable display of precision, closeformation flying, which never fails to impress no matter how many time you witness it.

Two F/A-18A Hornets flew in on Saturday morning, one landing while the other did a quick flying demo to whet the appetite for a much longer display later in the show.

A C-130J Hercules and baby brother C-27J Spartan performed air- and ground-handling displays – surprising first-time show goers with their ability to reverse on the ground.

The Navy’s new MH-60R ‘Romeo’ Seahawk impressed even me with its steep banking and highnosed stops from speed.

C-17 Globemaster III was an impressive sight too, though its immense size gave a mind-twisting impression that it was barely moving as it faded into the distance.

In the arvo, a Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighter trainer turned up to remind us all that it might be a good idea to stick ear plugs in before the F/A-18 performed a high-powered, very-high-volume takeoff, before ripping the sky to shreds, with another impressive flying display.

And, even though it was on the program and I knew it was coming, ‘The Wall of Fire’ ground-attack simulation incorporated into the Hornet’s routine scared the crap out of me – in a jump-then-pretendI’m-cool kinda way.

In between the show-opening and -closing ADF displays were a wide array of civilian and exmilitary air displays.

Ex-RAAF Hornet pilot now Red Bull Air Racer Matt Hall was as jaw-dropping as ever, not only throwing his plane through aweinspiring high-G twists and turns, but also pushing it through manoeuvres that seemed to defy the laws of flight – manoeuvres two kids might put fighter-plane models through when enacting aerial dogfights where winning is more important that realism.

Others too, in various Pitts and Russian-built trick-specialist planes carved up the sky, leaving jaws as slack as the streams of white smoke wafting in the windless blue.

Old warbirds still looked and sounded awesome too – Trojan, Harvard, Avenger, Mustang, Spitfire, Hurricane and even Sabre, brought back memories of Airfix models lovingly assembled eons ago.

But all that was just the in-air action. On ground there was a decent array of ADF assets to look at – and even climb into as a well.

Black Hawk, NH-90 Taipan, EC-135T2+ and Bell 429 Global Ranger helicopters were available to all 17

budding pilots to get a selfie in – and various pilots and air crew were more than happy to talk to the public, posed for photos and sign memorabilia.

Even a RAAF VIP jet, while not officially participating in the show, added some glamour, and made a smooth, glamorous exit in golden twilight.

The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society, while not participating in the flying program, had an impressive number of aircraft open for internal inspection – 14 in all – with the rest of its fleet on close display.

My sentimental favourite, Connie, was a real treat to get inside for the the first time.

The most surprising thing was to note that, while her seats have seen many backsides over many years, their girth, layout and spacing in ‘economy class’ was enviously far more generous than even business class on any modern pack-em-in-tight carrier.

Recent HARS acquisitions, PC-3 Orion, F-111 Aardvark and the mighty 747 ‘Longreach’ were also on the ‘open’ list.

Billed as ‘The Sydney Airshow’ – being a mere 90-minute drive form the Sydney CBD – Wings Over Illawarra has come on in leaps and bounds since I became a near neighbour six years ago.

Indeed, this year’s iteration has seen this once-community-run ‘open day’ blossom into an impressive annual event that should be on the bucket list for any and all aircraft enthusiasts.

I can’t wait for next year. (Yes, it is an annual air show!)

Top: Roulettes – Pilatus PC-9/A. Left: Douglas DC-3s and a C-47 Dacota. Below left: C-17A Globemaster III (flying) and Focke Wulf FW-190 (front). Below: Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk.

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Right: Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk.

Top: North American AT-6G Texan/Harvard.

Above: Eyes on the sky.

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RIMPAC

THE Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Adelaide played somewhat of a starring role at RIMPAC in 2018 after two key USMC amphibious ships suffered mechanical issues and were effectively withdrawn from the exercise, leaving Adelaide as the centrepiece of two key amphibious beach-landing exercise scenarios

T 25 nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 people

A US Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion on HMAS Adelaide’s flight deck.

he Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Adelaide played somewhat of a starring role at RIMPAC in 2018 after two key USMC amphibious ships suffered mechanical issues and were effectively withdrawn from the exercise, leaving Adelaide as the centrepiece of two amphibious beachlanding exercise scenarios.

Neither the US nor Australian navies were keen to highlight this, however, as the withdrawal of the US Navy assets – USS Bonhomme Richard and USS Boxer – was a politically sensitive issue for the host country.

But, aside from the extra amphibious workouts during RIMPAC, HMAS Adelaide also evolved from a ship certified to operate just two helicopter landing spots at a time, to operating all six simultaneously, by day and by night, with several giant United States helicopters seen operating on her decks alongside her own embarked MRH-90s.

Exercise RIMPAC 2018 culminated in early August with a major multi-national amphibious landing activity, following four weeks of gunnery, missile, antisubmarine and air-defence exercises, as well as maritime interdiction and vessel boardings, explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage operations, and mineclearance operations.

More than 1600 members of the Australian Defence Force participated in Exercise Rim of the Pacific – RIMPAC – 2018, the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise.

Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel honed their skills in complex and near-real scenarios during RIMPAC from 27 June to 2 August in and around the Hawaiian Islands and southern California.

Units from Australia, Japan and the US participated in a sinking exercise (SINKEX) where a real but decommissioned US Navy ship was the unfortunate target.

The SINKEX provided participants with an opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea, and featured live firing of surface-to-ship missiles by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from a launcher on the back of a palletised load system (PLS) by the US Army.

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This year was also the first time a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft participated in a SINKEX, firing one Harpoon anti-ship missile at the former USS Racine.

However, the Aussie missile was carrying an ‘air telemetry’ payload rather than an explosive warhead – less spectacular for the official video, but very important to Poseidon’s progress towards ‘final operational capability’ status in the Royal Australian Air Force. The 22

use of a telemetric weapon in this instance allowed a detailed analysis of the weapon firing, from pre-launch on the aircraft until its eventual destruction on impact with the target.

Another Harpoon fired that day came from USS Olympia – the first submarine-launched Harpoon in two decades.

Harpoon was mothballed as a US submarine-fired anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) system more than 20

years ago but is now being reintroduced to improve lethality and expand the capabilities of US submarines in the face of increasing capabilities in potential-enemy navies such as China’s and Russia’s.

Commander Submarine Force US Pacific Fleet, and theatre anti-submarine-warfare commander for RIMPAC 2018, Rear Admiral Daryl Caudle said, “Today’s highly capable navies and adversary countries – the competitive countries that we are in

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LEFT: RAAF personnel load a Harpoon missile onto an Australian P8-A Poseidon.

Above: THe RAAF Poseidon fires the Harpoon.

Right: HMAS Melbourne fires an SM2 missile.

Opposite page: A United States Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicle hits the beach after disembarking from HMAS Adelaide during an amphibious assault on Exercise RIMPAC 2018.

power competition with – have extremely good surface ships with very capable missile systems”.

“With the potential threat from great-power states or rogue nations, there is again a need for a submarine-launched ASCM capability,” Rear Admiral Caudle said.

“This multinational platform of exercises provided a convenient venue to safely demonstrate the Harpoon ASCM system.

“This has been at least a year in the making, with the folks doing the software coding working hard to get that system and the coding built.

“The crew onboard the submarine also practiced tactics, techniques and procedures to shoot the Harpoon missile, which worked perfectly, went into Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com

cruise, and hit the decommissioned ex-USS Racine dead centre.

“We were thrilled. We met all the test objectives.”

Rear Admiral Caudle said that after a thorough evaluation of the shot to make sure it met all criteria, a decision would soon be made on how to bring the Harpoon back as a submarine-arsenal asset.

Deputy commander RIMPAC Combined Task Force Royal Canadian Navy Rear Admiral Bob Auchterlonie said that with numerous warships, allied submarines, multiple strike aircraft and multidomain land forces participating, the SINKEX was an extremely valuable part of RIMPAC generally.

“SINKEXs are an important way for us to test our weapons and weapon systems in a way that

provides our ships’ companies, our submariners, our aircrews, and our land forces with the most realistic training possible,” Rear Admiral Auchterlonie said.

Ex USS Racine took a significant pounding and was eventually sunk in more than 6000 feet of water, 50 nautical miles from land.

HMAS Rankin, one of Australia’s six Collins-class submarines, also deployed on RIMPAC and her crew stayed submerged for long periods, playing both hunter and hunted.

The role of a submarine is to navigate anywhere around the world to be on scene, unseen.

During this year’s exercise, multinational surface ships played a sort of cat-and-mouse game with submarines, which in turn were attempting to locate the surface ships while also evading detection.

Commanding officer of the Peruvian frigate BAP Ferre Captain Jorge Vásquez said that during RIMPAC, his ship conducted anti-submarine exercises from the detection phase all the way to the advanced engagement stages.

Navigating officer aboard Collins-class submarine HMAS Rankin Lieutenant Kristy-Ann Youd said, “We were hunting ships and we were also being hunted by ships”.

“We’ve been working hard all year to achieve this success.

“RIMPAC has always been the highlight of our program.

“The exercise has grown so much over the years that it now allows us to work with a large variety of units we normally wouldn’t be able to work with.”

Back on the surface, Australia took a leap forward in Army’s amphibious capability as members of 2nd Battalion (Amphibious), Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR (Amphib)) released small boats into the ocean from a moving US Marine Corps CH-53 helicopter.

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Left: Private Tautau Peleseuma from the 2nd Battalion (Amphibious), Royal Australian Regiment, assaults an enemy pit during a platoon attack. ABOVE: HMNZS Te Mana fires her main gun during a naval-gunnery accuracy competition.

It was an accomplishment for the Australian soldiers as they proved themselves capable of helocasting – a water insertion method for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

Commanding Officer 2RAR (Amphib) Lieutenant Colonel Doug Pashley said that in the Australian Army, helocasting was, until now, only employed by special-operations units.

“We have been on the journey of delivering a world-class pre-landing force since the start of the year and, in just six months, we have come a long way,” Lieutenant Colonel Pashley said.

“On this exercise we have demonstrated an amphibious capability that did not exist in the conventional army until today.

“It would not have been possible without tremendous support from our US counterparts.”

As part of the Force Integration Training (FIT) phase, the soldiers spent two days honing their skills alongside US Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF).

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boats out the back and following them into the water, from a height of 5 to 10 feet and an airspeed of 8 to 10 knots.

2RAR (Amphib) snipers also worked with US Marines Corps counterparts on integrated sniper reconnaissance training during RIMPAC. Corporal Isaac Morgan, a sniper-team leader with 2RAR (Amphib), said what he loved about being a sniper was the challenges of the shot and the challenges of the job itself.

“It’s normally a pretty long haul to get into the job, and then once you do get there, it sorta doesn’t end until you’ve taken the shot,” Corporal Morgan said.

“It’s a pretty good challenge.”

US Marine Corps Sergeant Herley, a scout-sniperteam leader attached to 2RAR (Amphib), said his favourite part about being a sniper was the personal camouflage aspect.

“I love being able to sneak up on people, and them not knowing I’m there, and their life is in my hands,” Sergeant Herley said.

“The big eye-opening thing in the past three months (while attached to 2RAR) has been

confirmation that Australian Forces and American Forces can operate on the battlefield side-by-side without any issues.”

Australian Army Joint Fires Team (JFT) soldiers were busy in Hawaii conducting long-range missions in support of an international artillery gun line.

Up front, nine JFT soldiers called fall of shot while, in the rear, Australian soldiers and Indonesian marines worked with US Marines from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment – The Black Sheep – to fire their M777A2 155mm howitzers during live-fire training at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii.

Captain David Vereen, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, said the focus of the exercise was to stress his unit’s ability to provide fire support in a combined, joint, allied and partnered environment.

“We are working with Indonesian artillery, Australian, New Zealand, American, and Canadian fire supporters, to find ways to integrate our different SOPs and TTPs so that if crisis calls, and we have to work together, everybody’s walking away with great ideas, ways to improve things,” he said.

“Seeing the way that somebody else does something, and saying ‘we can adapt that’ will make us better.

“It’s great for every nation involved in RIMPAC.” On the gun line with the Black Sheep, Australian Bombardier Tyler Wolfenden, said working with the artillery battery in Hawaii had been a great integration.

“To work with our doctrine and their doctrine and see how we correspond and how we can make ourselves better and we can make the American artillery better, was an excellent experience” he said.

The Kiwis also showed they could take on the world in long-range shooting too, with HMNZS Te Mana crowned Naval Surface Fire Support Rodeo champion – the trophy going to the ship that could land five shells the closest to a sea target more than 3.5 miles away.

Te Mana, using its 5-inch main gun, won against stiff competition from warships from the US, Australia, Chile, South Korea, Peru, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Singapore, achieving a mean accuracy of 35 yards.

It was the first time since RIMPAC began in 1971 that a New Zealand ship had won this competition.

Te Mana’s Operations Officer Lieutenant Commander Robert Nesbitt said the trophy was sought-after and there was a lot pride on the line.

“The aim of the competition is to prove which ship has the most effective main gun,” Lieutenant Commander Nesbitt said.

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Left: Australian Chief Petty Officer Peter Cassar observes a Replenishment at Sea, from HMAS Adelaide’s Flight Control Office. right: Private Stefan Lee and Lieutenant Robert Loftus from the 2nd Battalion (Amphibious), Royal Australian Regiment, coordinate a platoon during an attack.

Bottom right: Kiwi expat and US Navy pilot Lieutenant Lewis Chaloner on HMAS Adelaide’s flight deck.

“The competition is 15 rounds in total. The first five salvos were to conduct a pre-action calibration – effectively ‘barrel warmers’ – and to check the system was working.

“The next five were ranging salvos, so the spotters could adjust our fire on to the target.

“The last five were scored salvos, which counted for the competition.”

Te Mana was the first ship on the gun line to open the competition.

Lieutenant Commander Nesbitt said his crew had drilled and drilled their procedures in the days leading up to the competition, and the weapon technicians had carefully selected, monitored and prepared the ammunition days in advance to ensure that the ship had the best chance of success, with the most accurate ballistics they could generate.

“Shells and cartridges had to be from the same lot and batch to ensure the grain of powder, weight of shell and performance of fuse was uniform.

“The temperature where the ammunition was stored was checked regularly and, on competition day, all cartridge temperatures were within 1 degree of each other, ensuring the shells would perform as consistently as possible when fired.”

Te Mana’s crew even asked if they could launch a balloon to determine differences in wind speed and direction at different altitudes, but that was disallowed.

“Guns up, ready for call to fire,” came the call.

“Five salvos fire for effect,” the acknowledgement came back.

At 10 seconds apart, the five shots from Te Mana were measured as landing between 16 yards and 50 yards from the target – a mean of 35 yards – thanks to a series of buoys that measured the distance acoustically.

Commander Third Fleet Vice Admiral John D Alexander presented Commanding Officer of Te Mana Commander Lisa Hunn with the trophy at RIMPAC’s closing conference.

Commander Hunn said she was proud of what her ship’s company had achieved in representing New Zealand at RIMPAC. Another Kiwi making a name for himself was Lieutenant Lewis ‘Lamb’ Chaloner, a United States Navy helicopter commander with the ‘Blue Hawks’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 78, who looked as at home among the jets and noise on an American supercarrier as on Australian’s largest ship.

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ADF milestones on

RIMPAC 2018: • A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon from 92 Wing firing a Harpoon missile for the first time, successfully striking a surface target and collecting important operational data; • HMAS Adelaide embarking US Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles for the first time and carrying a record number of personnel from nine different nations; • Frigates HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Toowoomba successfully firing missiles against moving targets at sea in company with ships from the US, Canada and Singapore; and, • Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion (Amphibious), Royal Australian Regiment, tested their interoperability within a multinational amphibious readiness group, boosting their standing as Australia’s amphibious force.

But this little ‘Lamb’ is actually a long way from his home town of Waiuku south of Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island – the population of which is about half the crew size of his current home.

After marrying an American he met in college, Lewis Chaloner joined the US Navy as a medic before being accepted into officer training in 2012 and flight school in 2013.

Now he flies MH60-R Seahawks with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 78, based in San Diego.

“Being a helicopter pilot is great,” Lieutenant Chaloner said.

“We’re working in an always-changing and challenging environment.

“The flight deck of a carrier is one of the most exciting and dangerous places in the world to work and you’ll never forget your first day on the flight deck with jets shaking your chest as they land and take off.”

During RIMPAC, Lieutenant ‘Lamb’ Chaloner worked onboard HMAS Adelaide as the helicopter-element Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com

coordinator attached to Royal New Zealand Navy Captain Blair Gerritsen and his Sea Combat Command team.

“It was great being able to work alongside Kiwis and Aussies again,” he said.

“There is a strong contrast in cultures and it was great to operate within a new framework, and it was an eyeopener to see a different side, while working for a Kiwi and alongside Aussies, Canadians, Singaporeans and Americans inside an Australian ship.

“It is a part of my career I will likely remember and cherish for years to come.”

But the burning question everyone wanted answered was – where did his callsign come from?

“That depends who you ask,” he said.

“It either stands for ‘Legally Arranged Marriage Bloke’, with my mates saying I only married for the Green Card.

“Or maybe it’s a New Zealand sheep joke.

“Either way, I really should come up with a better story.”

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Words Sergeant Max Bree – Photos Kylie Canty and Private Brodie Cross

1RAR – WORKING THE YARD A 1RAR section is bombarded with music and flashing lights as the soldiers move through the battalion’s new combat training facility known as the Yard.

Weapons ready, they prepare for clearances when the lights abruptly go out. The first soldier goes in under night vision and sees an enemy, but moves back to a wall giving the signal for one enemy. A second, more experienced soldier goes in next, capturing the enemy.

“We put the first soldier in a situation he’d never experienced before,” Lieutenant Dylan Brown, platoon commander of the Yard, said.

“Because he was overwhelmed, he wasn’t able to remember where he was in the stack. He wasn’t able to remember his actions. We had to show him afterwards.”

It’s here the first advantage of the Yard becomes apparent. A series of infra-red cameras track soldiers as they progress through scenarios, allowing for detailed debriefs on large monitors.

Soldiers can grapple with sensory overload in the Yard’s day/night facility, destroy doors in a breaching

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area and clear buildings in an outdoor urban ops compound.

The Yard was converted from 1RAR’s old pioneer warehouse after a pair of the battalion’s corporals pitched the idea to their commanding officer.

Army HQ then provided innovation funding to get the project under way.

“The cost of the Yard is a drop in the ocean compared to doing battalionlevel exercises,” Lieutenant Brown said.

“We can run training that would take weeks and months to organise at Townsville Field Training Area, but here we can ‘rinse and repeat’ multiple times.

“People can do this sort of training while they’re at work and still go home to their families.”

Lieutenant Brown and a team of mostly junior NCOs at the Yard also run combat-shooting courses and use the same ‘adult learning environment’ when putting soldiers through the facility’s different scenarios.

It’s not all shooting and breaching, though. The Yard also hosts combat trauma packages using several medical dummies with simulated wounds.

Instructors at the Yard have run courses for posted medics coming to work with the battalion.

“It gives them the ability to properly treat an enemy if they’re in a particular situation and learn how to be a team member,” Lieutenant Brown said.

“Even briefing them on how infantry set up equipment, they say they’ve never been shown it before and they’re already excited to be a part of the battalion. It’s not making them infantry, it’s giving them a knowledge base.

“Also, infantry fight harder if they know they have a medic with them.”

2nd Cavalry Regiment is also planning to use the Yard to help reraise its cavalry scout capability.

The team is also preparing the Yard for the expected introduction of 5.56mm non-lethal marking rounds in coming years.

The 100-by-150m compound has attracted the interest of Combat Training Centre as well as other brigades looking at establishing a Yard of their own.

The Yard officially opened on 9 September.

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Private Brandon Bowen, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, on a patrol in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, during Exercise Chapel Gold 2018.

How 1RAR trains to fight in close country

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Recent history has seen The Royal Australian Infantry Corps (RAInf) evolve in structure, ‘up gun’ through the procurement and development of its weapon fleet and increase its capacity to detect its enemy with modern, state-of-the-art equipment.

As a corps, RAInf is developing world’s best practice to ensure training gets the best from our people and equipment.

Training within 1RAR focuses on enhancing cognitive conditioning to boost performance and decision making in stressful environments, redesigning combat shooting to maximise employment of primary weapon systems and progressive physical training program, Advanced Operational Conditioning Program (AOCP), to optimise battlefield fitness.

This article aims to provide a contemporary perspective on how we train and fight in the jungle environment, incorporating the recent lessons learnt by Alpha Coy 1RAR during jungle-warfare training in the South East Asian archipelago (Australia’s primary operating environment (POE)). Specifically, this training occurred during Exercise Chapel Gold in Thailand earlier this year.

Words Major Emlyn Mordike, OC A Company, 1RAR Photos Corporal Matthew Bickerton

RCB

Key lessons learned

Close-combat skills

Alpha Coy 1RAR conducted a Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB) rotation in Malaysia and Thailand over the period 29 May to 31 August 2018. This served as a fantastic opportunity to test our tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) in one of the most arduous operating environments – the jungle.

The first jungle training experience of RCB was Exercise Jungle Genesis.

This exercise was a complete training package encompassing individual, section and platoon-level jungle warfare led and facilitated by the Jungle Training Team (JTT), drawing on experience and personnel from 2nd/30th Training Group and the Combat Training Centre (CTC).

Alpha Coy’s headquarters spent considerable effort aligning training objectives with the JTT to ensure standardisation, shared understanding and a common operating picture.

This set the conditions for a smooth transition in command and control, mitigating potential friction between a modern force accustomed to evolved teaching methodologies and a team entrenched in tried-and-true techniques derived from lessons learnt ‘in the mud’.

Ultimately, Alpha Coy would approach Jungle Genesis with an open mind and positive approach to ensure they learned as much as possible from the training offered by a team with vast experience. The approach was simple: 1. complete the training as delivered, without trying to change, alter or argue with either the methodology, delivery or content; and, 2. pay particular attention to maximising the technological advantage afforded by modern equipment and weapon systems.

Alpha Coy’s lessons learned/confirmed can be grouped into the following categories: 1. The enduring need for battlefield-fit individuals; 2. The enduring need for superb individual close-combat skills; 3. The enduring need for small-team expertise; 4. Optimising our leading equipment to gain a competitive edge over our adversaries; and, 5. Other opportunities identified to exploit during training.

Jungle warfare is always conducted as a close fight. The team that has the ability to rapidly gain the initiative and inflict overwhelming controlled violence will win. As such, time spent preparing soldiers before immersion into the jungle is paramount.

Key areas of preparation for Alpha Coy focussed on training and development of skills common to all operating environments, include: 1. Establishing effective neural pathways and cognitive conditioning. This was achieved through individual to smallteam training within the Yard training facility. a. Consistently training, observing and enforcing correct posture, movement and actions builds the right foundation of muscle memory. b. Slowly increasing complexity and intensity of training, through noise, stress, fatigue, lack of light and so on, allows identification of how intrinsic (personal) and extrinsic (environmental) factors can alter the way a soldier behaves or reacts in certain situations. c. Once reactions are identified and discussed, the training is conducted again to allow the soldiers and teams to identify, adjust and work through these factors to achieve the desired results.

2. Normalising excellence for their trade.

3. Conduct of enhanced combat shooting techniques and consistent dry practices (DPs) for rapid target acquisition and weapon employment. This is achieved through competition and upholding high standards. For example, when conducting combat shooting serials, always end the training with a competition shoot. Soldiers want to win, providing the opportunity to do so fosters increased desire to learn and improve.

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Battlefield fit 1RAR believes that an infantry soldier is a tactical athlete, being mentally prepared and physically capable of conducting an array of demanding tasks in all operating environments.

Operating in our POE requires supreme battlefield fitness.

To effectively prepare for training in Australia’s POE, Alpha Coy relied heavily upon the AOCP and acclimatisation.

The training program ensured the soldiers received progressive training to conduct weight-loaded activities in hot and humid conditions for long periods.

Results at the completion of Jungle Genesis were very satisfying – with only two minor injuries across the jungle training exercise (both of these were slip and fall related), from a company-strength group.

Previous groups had sustained significant lower-limb injuries or muscle-related injuries, many of which required the soldiers to be returned to Australia.

Anecdotal evidence strongly supports the claim that the judicious application of AOCP translates to battle fitness.

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Small-team expertise As highlighted previously, the requirement for superior smallteam expertise is vital. To train a superior small team you must encourage strong discipline, drilled TTPs and SOP and most importantly, strong leadership.

Take every opportunity to empower the lowest-level commander to do their job. Good leadership throughout any training is imperative to achieving success.

One participating platoon commander said, “Strong leadership at every level, but especially in small teams, is critical. Junior leaders must lead by example, and display the discipline and fieldcraft they expect from their diggers. All senior soldiers, junior NCOs and junior officers need to understand how closely their standards will be monitored – and emulated – by the more junior members of the platoon”.

“Junior NCOs and officers must also learn to fault-correct poor performance. Junior NCOs too often avoid ‘gripping up’ their mates in the platoon out of a misplaced sense of loyalty or by attempting to be the ‘good guy’. Failure to rectify poor drills or lack of discipline is actually just weak leadership. Fault correction isn’t personal; it requires maturity from both parties, and if used correctly will lead to well-drilled sections and platoons with a clear understanding of the required standard.

“This needs to start with the platoon commander and platoon sergeant. When PHQ are seen to be constantly on the move, checking and inspecting the men and the pits, identifying shortfalls and areas to improve, it achieves three things: Firstly, the command team can quickly fault-correct minor issues in discipline, security etcetera as they move around the harbour; secondly, the men can see the leaders of the platoon active and present, rather than lounging about in PHQ; and thirdly, the platoon commander and sergeant can inspect people’s feet, or make sure everyone has had a chance to eat, or check that everyone has been sleeping and are tracking OK. These three things reinforce standards, foster a team mentality and boost morale.”

Good leadership must start at the top to develop the right environment for fault-correction and the pursuit of excellence.

More importantly, junior commanders must be empowered to fault-correct. To achieve this they need to know their job, and be supported when exercising command.

Optimise leading equipment 1RAR’s current suite of electronic night-fighting equipment (eNFE) proved to be excellent in the jungle – the binocular night32

vision device (BNVD) is a force multiplier, even in extremely low ambient light conditions under a thick jungle canopy. Use of the eNFE also enhanced the ability to operate silently in low-light situations. Operating silently encompasses moving through the jungle with ease and being prepared to react to tactical situations at a moment’s notice.

Challenges associated with jungle warfare largely preclude a reliance on frequent A1 echelon resupply. This directly challenges the 1RAR ‘fight light’ SOP, where the preference is to wear and carry the least amount of equipment as is practical (within mission requirements) then call forward a compliment of required resupply via the A1 echelon. The greatest lesson learned in this regard was having the organisational flexibility to transition from ‘fight light’ to largely self-sufficient for 72 to 96 hours, while trying to achieve a balance with signature management.

One of the simplest methods of signature management would have to be the use of disruptive-pattern uniforms. The AMCU uniforms currently used were deemed largely unsuitable for use in jungle warfare. The materials are heavy, restrictive, do not breathe adequately and retain excessive amounts of moisture. Positively, all concerns have been included for rectification in the next tranche of uniform upgrades.

The greatest tool to achieve flexibility and self-sufficiency is correct equipment choice. Increased water, ammunition, ration carriage and shrude weapon selection being the most notable increase to a ‘fight light’ soldier loadout.

The only exception to this was during training conducted in Thailand. Within a predominately mountainous region, the Royal Thai Army rely heavily on the use of mules in order to conduct logistic resupply and CASEVAC. Modern Armies will attempt to replicate this SOP with quadbike technologies. However, the first obvious shortfall in this is noise and smell, followed closely by endurance and sustainability.

The advantage that rudimentary techniques such as pack animals provide nests neatly in sustainability, survivability (signature management) and manoeuvrability within close and complex terrain by day and by night.

As mentioned, because of limited logistic resupply, sage weapon choice conducted against mission and threat factors is vital.

Alpha Coy confirmed, through live-fire range practices, that the shotgun was not always effective in close terrain. Similarly the 40mm grenade launcher is unreliable because of rounds bouncing off trees causing uncertainty and unpredictability.

By far and away the most reliable, accurate and effective weapon systems used were the EF88 and Minimi 7.62mm.

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1RAR Left: Private Jake Saward, 1RAR, on patrol in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, during Exercise Chapel Gold 2018.

Above: Australian and Thai soldiers saddle mules for a jungle patrol during Exercise Chapel Gold 2018.

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Although not trialled during RCB 122, lessons learnt from Afghanistan and Vietnam highlight that direct-fire weapons such as the 66mm rocket launcher could be another weapon of choice in close country.

Alpha Coy’s consensus was that consideration should be given to up-gunning sections and platoons wherever possible to include more machine guns (LMG/MG).

Opportunities to exploit Arguably, the most significant opportunity that isn’t practiced during jungle warfare training in recent times is combined-arms manoeuvre.

The use of offensive support, engineers and armour enablers during the battles of Coral and Balmoral keenly remind us of the practicalities and successes that are possible when integrating these arms in jungle warfare.

While the practicalities of using armour on RCB – and in Tully – inhibit this type of training, there should be a focus of combinedarms training wherever possible to ensure teams already have an established working relationship.

Jungle warfare training Jungle is characterised by steep, arduous, close terrain in challenging, often debilitating climatic conditions. Lessons confirmed during RCB began with classroom theory, progressing through several modified rehearsal-of-concept (ROC) drills, before concluding with full scale ROC, on open ground, to ensure shared understanding and common practice.

This simple science of progressive training is tried and tested and ensures all elements of the combined-arms team understand

their role in simple, yet highly effective tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs). Given the overpowering friction and uncertainty associated with operating in such a complex and demanding environment, tactical actions must be understood and undertaken instinctively.

This training can be simply replicated in barracks and progressed through individual, small-team and large-scale collective training.

Jungle warfare requires an intimate understanding of a diverse array of complex ‘drills’ designed to maximise an organisation’s lethality while improving survivability. Although the list is comprehensive, it includes; contact drills to the front, flank and rear; counter-ambush drills (to each cardinal point and against varying threats); RV (rendezvous) procedures; marry-up drills; short and long halts; reconnaissance drills; harbour drills; search procedures; tracking; patrolling techniques and formations; and, administrative/ daily routines. Each drill must be instinctive demanding constant practice and rehearsals.

The drills taught during Jungle Genesis training worked extremely well, developed from years of experience working and fighting in the jungle. These drills will be included in a developing Jungle SOP for 1RAR.

Summary The current equipment, weapons and training methodology set the conditions for orchestrated sub-unit-level operations within Australia’s POE. Lessons learned and confirmed by Alpha Coy 1RAR on their Rifle Company Butterworth rotation reinforced the requirement for battlefield-fit individuals, superb individual close-combat skills, small-team expertise, optimising our leading equipment to gain a competitive edge over adversaries and identification of the need for further combined-arms training in our POE.

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EXERCISE WIRRA JAYA 2018

Wo rd

sM ajo r Ja cob Osb orn e

ROCKS ON

LEFT: Members of the 411 Mechanised Raider Battalion climb the rock wall in 5RAR’s compound at Robertson Barracks, Darwin.

ABOVE: Australian soldiers practise applying tourniquets on Indonesian soldiers.

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Army’s premiere training activity between Australia and Indonesia was held in Darwin in September with the seventh iteration being hailed an enormous success.

Exercise Wirra Jaya, from 3 to 14 September saw soldiers from the Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD), join their Australian Army counterparts at Robertson Barracks in Darwin.

Approximately 85 members from the 2nd Kostrad Infantry Division’s 411 Mechanised Raider Battalion and 100 members from 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR), 1st Combat Service Support Battalion (1CSSB) and 8th Close Health Company (8CHC) built on the lessons learnt from the earlier Exercise Ausindo Rhino, improving cultural understanding, exchanging and enhancing tactical procedures, and fostering closer relationships between the two militaries.

Officially opened by Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Nanang, Deputy Operations Assistant, 2nd Kostrad Infantry Division and Major Jacob Osborne, Lieutenant Colonel Andreas recited a speech on behalf of the Commanding Officer 411 Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Widi Rahman, highlighting the importance of working together closely, to improve both countries military skills and shared knowledge.

Commanding Officer 5RAR Lieutenant Colonel Travis Gordon said the training program was designed to maximise opportunities to interact without unnecessary formalities.

“During the lessons, both theory and practical, there were breaks that allowed easy interaction between all members involved in the exercise,” Lieutenant Colonel Gordon said.

“This was extremely valuable as it allowed the soldiers from Australia and Indonesia to build genuine friendships, work on their language skills and exchange military training stories.”

Exercise Wirra Jaya incorporated a variety of training activities including range shoots, sports competitions, practical urban drills and a mounted and dismounted clearance of the urban facility at Mount Bundey Training Area (MBTA).

Lieutenant Colonel Gordon said the execution of this final activity demonstrated how far both nations working relations had progressed.

“The impact of the training leading up to the clearance of the unban facility was demonstrated clearly with a seamless integration of soldiers from both nations,” Lieutenant Colonel Gordon said.

“No matter what nationality, the soldiers could trust each other’s skills and as a result there was an accurate and confident application of drills to complete their allotted tasks.”

Closed with a farewell parade reviewed by Panglima Kostrad, Lieutenant General Andhika Perkasa and Commander of the 1st Brigade Brigadier Matt Pearse, planning for the 2019 edition of the exercise has already begun.

It is expected that training will become more complex as the series moves forward.

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HYDRA

Internat i onal mi l ski lls comp

The Chief of Army’s annual military skills competition, Exercise Hydra, brought Seven teams from Brisbane’s 7th Combat Brigade and five international teams together for a week of challenging activities designed to test teamwork, physical stamina and mental rigour.

Teams from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF); the French Army New Caledonia; His Majesty’s Armed Forces Tonga (HMAF); United States Marine Corps, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin; and, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force were hosted by 7 Brigade for the competition.

Run at the Greenbank Training Area, activities included shooting, urban clearance drills, quickdecision exercises designed to test teamwork and problem solving skills, and a ‘pilot-down’ casualty evacuation.

Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, hosted the final activity, featuring muscle-endurance and bayonet assault courses.

Teams were awarded bronze, silver or gold standard at the conclusion of the exercise.

However, Commander 7 Brigade Brigadier Andrew Hocking said the competition was not the most important part of the week.

“The most valuable part of this exercise was building trusting relationships and friendships through soldiering – with a heathy degree of competition,” he said.

“We realised that although we are culturally different, we have the same values.”

Corporal Nakalevu Kamnieli, a participating soldier from RFMF, said his team enjoyed experiencing life in the Australian Army.

“The Fijian team did well in the competition, and we learned a lot from our colleagues in the Australian Defence Force over the week,” Corporal Kamnieli said.

“What we enjoyed most was making friends with the ADF members and soldiers from other countries.”

Tevita Fifita, an Officer Cadet from HMAF, appreciated meeting people from across the AsiaPacific region.

“The exercise was physically and mentally challenging,” he said.

“The soldiers in my section had a good time interacting with military personnel from different countries, especially Australia, and everyone is looking forward to coming back next year.”

7th Combat Brigade will host the competition again in 2019, with additional teams from Thailand, Timor Leste and Singapore, who observed this year’s competition, expected to participate.

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xercis 38

PITCH Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial three-week multinational large-force-employment exercise conducted from RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal, which this year ran from 27 July to 17 August 2018.

Defence says activities such as Pitch Black are pivotal to ensuring the Royal Australian Air Force remains ready to respond whenever the Australian government requires. The training and integration of forces that occurs during this exercise directly supports the air force’s ability to conduct operations.

Exercise Pitch Black featured a range of realistic simulated threats typical of those found in a modern battle-space and is an opportunity to test and improve force integration, using one of the largest training airspace areas in the world – Bradshaw Field Training Area and Delamere Air Weapons Range.

Up to 4000 personnel and 140 aircraft from around the world participated, including from Europe, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United States, and included day and night flying.

The Indian Air Force have visited Exercise Pitch Black as part of the International Observer Group since 1998 but this year participated for the first time, bringing four Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters and one C-130J Hercules.

In a basic fighter-manoeuvre mission planned and executed as a dual-nation effort, Australian and Indian fighter crews put their aircraft to the test in a series of simulated dogfights.

No. 77 Squadron pilot Flight Lieutenant Vincent was among the first in the RAAF to take on the highly manoeuvrable Sukhoi Su-30.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever flown against a Sukhoi and I’ve got to say it’s a pretty impressive aircraft,” Flight Lieutenant Vincent said.

“It was an incredibly valuable learning experience and it’s certainly a great memory I’ll take away from this exercise.”

Testament to the intensity of Exercise Pitch Black was on the opening Monday when more than 60 aircraft

from eight nations took off from Darwin Airport in just under 90 minutes.

The first week of mainly familiarisation flying, participating nations conducted a range of missions including dogfighting, air-to-air refuelling, beyondvisual-range engagements, and even high-explosive missions using the Delamere Weapons Range where aircrew had the chance to practice coordinating livefires with a multinational Combat Controller force on the ground.

And all that was just to prepare aircrew for the ‘real thing’ in the last two weeks of the exercise, where some missions saw packages of up to 50 and 60 aircraft flying together in the same mission.

Keeping all this mayhem sane and sensible – and safe – were air-battle managers from India, Germany, Canada and Australia, busily working to target, track and direct friendly, as well as ‘enemy’ aircraft.

The air-battle managers sit together among a wall of screens in shipping-container-sized cabins at RAAF Base Darwin, carefully watch aircraft tracks on monitors, with dozens of aircraft speeding across the area of operations.

They direct dozens of friendly aircraft from multiple nations at the same time.

Teams help the aircrews find, track and target multiple incoming ‘enemy’ aircraft across the Northern Territory during long and intense hours of simulated combat.

Sergeant Ryan McKee from No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit was one of those people glued to multiple screens.

He said his job was about coordinating to put ‘Blue’ aircraft in the right place at the right time – looking at where ‘Red’ are and where they’re coming from to ensure we dominate the skies and maintain a safe air picture.

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BLACK One of the many pilots flashing about the skies of the Northern Territory during Exercise Pitch Black 2018 was French Rafale pilot ‘Pedro’.

The following is his story…

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39

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY PEDRO

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THE FRENCH CONNECTION

EXERCISE PITCH BLACK

W

hen I first heard about Exercise Pitch Black, I only noticed that it would take place in Australia.

Having flown in a lot of countries (or at least above them), the opportunity to fly our jets to such a far destination was really exciting.

But it was still only a rumour – nobody wanted to talk too much about that exercise – kind of like it was a secret. The fewer people who knew about this, maybe the fewer fingers might rise when candidates were asked for.

In the beginning of 2018, when we had to plan for the summer holidays, the planning board remained oddly empty. Everyone wanted to appear as ‘available’ for July and August.

Finally, as per ‘the-right-time-right-place’ law, I was designated as a member of the trip – and I can remember my happiness.

That said, it was still only a plan at that stage, and everything could change many times in a short period. So, I kept my fingers crossed and waited for the landing gear to go up and locked.

The ferry flight from France to Australia promised to be an adventure in itself. We had to fly three Rafale from France with 24-hour stops in Abu Dhabi and Singapore before reaching Darwin.

We know Abu Dhabi very well thanks to the French missions in the Middle East and we regularly ferry some Rafale there. But the rest of the trip appeared interesting due to the eastward orientation, the range and of course the equator crossing to the Southern Hemisphere.

I flew the first leg inside a French C135 tanker from Istres, near Marseille, southern France, to UAE. There we met with the RAAF KC-30A crew to brief for the next leg.

As a matter of fact, French Air Force is only able to take part in Exercise Pitch Black thanks to a proposal by the RAAF to drag us from UAE to Darwin with a RAAF KC-30A. The shorter range of our C135 and the high operational tempo of the French Air Force in Africa and the Middle East prevent us from organising such a tour just for an exercise.

Thus we prepared for the second leg of the ferry with the Australian crew.

The range covered during this flight was huge – around 3200 miles, with 40 pax and freight – plus fuel for three fighter jets.

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Everyone worried about the fuel calculations, the headwind we would have during the flight and the temperature upon take off, which would affect the KC-30A’s max take-off weight and performances.

At first, no extra fuel was available, and a max of 30 knots headwind was decided. But, above all, the temperature for takeoff had to be less than 30oC, otherwise we would have to cancel the flight.

Then the problem was to make sure everyone was onboard on time for a very early departure before the temperature rose too high – and that could be a challenge when you have to pass through UAE customs.

But finally, we took off right on time and joined the tanker after its take off, during his turn towards the south-east.

A new flight is often like that – a good preparation during which some choices are made – phases of learning the flight parameters and options – stress at the beginning – but then, once you are airborne, everything is calming down and you do what you are trained for.

The flight lasts for seven-and-a-half hours. During this time we monitored fuel consumption, fuel burnt and fuel available.

We also compared the headwind with the one forecast by the weather office. It appeared that we would have barely enough fuel to reach Singapore, and we started to request of the RAAF KC-30A if he would be able to give us extra fuel. The answer was yes, but not much. Even then, we had to adapt our tanking plan a bit to lighten the KC-30A to help him reduce his own fuel burn.

When we arrived above the east coast of India, we moved in for our third mid-air refueling. The diversion airfield was just below us, so we were not worried about the options in case of issues.

The number three and I refueled without encountering any problems.

But when my number two pulled up behind the hose, we flew into turbulence, which made the wingtip of the KC-30A flex up and down. The problem with the wingtip drogue is that when the wing moves like that, the hose starts to oscillate and the contact is difficult to establish. So my number two had some difficulties trying to put his probe inside the drogue.

I can’t remember how many tries he had but every one made us worry about the options.

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There is nothing you can do when you are not inside the same aircraft, and it is frustrating to see that situation from your own cockpit as the time passes. So I did the only thing I really could to help him – I called him over the radio, giving him some advice like, “Don’t look at the drogue too early – maintain your staging until the last moment”.

Finally, he managed to connect and take the fuel. We were all relieved. We talked to the tanker crew later, and they told us that they were as nervous as us. Yes, definitely a team effort.

The last tanking was over Indonesia. It was far more smooth and calm, and this time I decided to be the last to refuel, so I could take some pictures – and also because we were avoiding and flying near a big storm, which often generates turbulence.

Finally we separated from the tanker and landed in Singapore. We had to wait a lot of time on the taxiway to let Singapore airport find us our stand, but eventually we shut down the engines a little bit less than nine hours after we started them.

On the apron, we saw the arrival of our guardian angel – a RAAF C130J Hercules that was tasked as a search-and-rescue asset in case we had to bail out during the ferry. I really want to thank those guys working in the shadow for us. It was so comforting to hear them on the radio when we flew above the Bay of Bengal.

They had to fix some engine issue on arrival in Singapore, which prevented them from sharing a beer with us downtown. But we met up with the KC30 crew in a beautiful place in Singapore for food and ‘refreshments’ – and loud conversations, as military pilots do.

They were proud about this mission. They told us it was a record for them to drag three fighters on such a long distance. And when we discussed the fuel remaining in their aircraft and in our fighters upon arrival, it appears that we did not have a big margin!

Anyway, the late hour made this look more funny than scary.

The last flight, from Singapore to Darwin lasted ‘only’ four-and-a-half hours. It was during this flight that we crossed the equator. Surely not a big event for a transport pilot, but the opportunity to cross this mythic line in your own fighter jet – especially when you live around 45° of latitude – is rare enough to be noticed.

We wanted to do something special while crossing this invisible line – so guess what fighter pilots do?

Roll. So we rolled and rolled again. I can’t remember how many rolls we did, but looking at those three Rafale rolling (far enough for flight safety) around the KC-30 Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com

made me think of dolphins playing and jumping in the wake of a big boat.

We landed at Darwin airport in poor visibility – poor enough to prevent us doing the tactical pitch we had briefed. I could feel the disappointment of the leader on the radio while splitting the formation to set up the three aircraft for a 10 nautical miles straight-in approach.

The exercise started with a week of familiarisation flights. Mainly dogfighting (called BFM or basics fighting manoeuvres), low-level navigation and close air support. Some night flights were also scheduled.

We had a really good time doing BFMs. The Rafale, with its single small fuel tank under the belly, is highly manoeuvrable. I will not give here any statistics or results, but the Rafale is a killer in a dogfight. That’s really one of its advantages, and the one that makes this aircraft so pleasant to fly. Thrust is good – but when you get used to it, you always want more – like a kid in a supercar.

All in all, we were happy that we did not fly our machines down so far without being able to show the high performance of the Rafale.

The low-level navigation was also quite fun, because we could descend down to 150 feet. The Australian bush is almost empty in the exercise area so we were pretty sure that we were disturbing nobody, except the crocs and the kangaroos.

The night flights gave us a nice sight of the starry sky.

The Milky Way is so contrasted, thanks to the lack of artificial light. We spotted the Southern Cross, symbol of the Australian flag. The show with and without nightvision goggles was worth the late landing.

We were eager to start the live exercise with all the other participants. BFMs were great, but the promise of missions with so many players as Blue and Red Air was in all our minds.

The Exercise Pitch Black area is approximately 150 by 130 nautical miles – plenty of space to perform offensive counter air flows.

The missions are prepared the day before the flight on a day- or night-shift basis. Preparation phases are pretty long and sometimes tedious, but this is the only way to have so many different nations working together to produce a solid plan.

Cultural differences between the participants disappear when we all work together on a common goal. The job is the same for every single one of us.

We are all fighter pilots and we want to succeed in the mission, with good safety management – especially with so many assets in the area. Sometimes, the deconfliction plan between all the fighters is longer than the tactics brainstorm!

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Armée de l’Air Française (French Air Force) Detachment Commander Colonel Arnaud Brunetta said that although it was a long journey for his team to come to Australia, they were excited to have the opportunity to train in a new environment with so many different nationalities.

“Pitch Black gives our personnel the opportunity to participate in work exchanges with the ADF which is important for professional and personal growth,” Colonel Brunetta said.

“We are also proud of our aircraft.

“The Rafale’s have travelled a long distance with more than 20 hours of flying to arrive in Australia – with no technical issues.”

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From our arrival in Australia – well actually, from our very first meeting with the KC-30A crew – the Aussies always showed a warm and friendly welcome. They were always keen on helping us. That is a big part that makes this exercise and our general feeling so good.

I hope that we will have the opportunity to welcome them in France in our turn.

Some words about the missions of the exercise now.

The Apron first. Darwin is not an airbase with permanent fighters based on it. So, seeing so many F-18s, F-16s, F-15s, Gripens, Sukhoi 30s and Rafale all together was very exciting. Add to those aircraft the impressive MV-22s, the indispensable tankers and the airlifts, you will have an idea of the business of the airport during the exercise.

Air traffic controllers did a great job managing this hive – even if sometimes we’d appreciate a little less ‘Aussie’ in spoken aeronautical English. Not a big issue, We request “say again” and they repeat as needed. But, it was very nice and then we felt such pride when we heard all the pilots coming up on the radio requesting for start up.

Then the plan materialised into a queue of roaring metal moving slowly on the taxiways.

While taxiing, I can see on one side the apron filled with some of the most fantastic man-made machines, and on the other side, the launch of the fighters ahead of me in the queue, pushed away by a 5-metre flame.

All this technology will soon meet up in the Australian sky for an hour-and-a-half of high intensity fight.

Then it’s my turn to set the afterburner. You never get tired of this powerful feeling.

Upon gear retraction as the ground is receding, to finally appear as a colorful carpet, I concentrate on the trajectory, to avoid making a mess in the Darwin airspace. The next step is the join up with the tanker. This fuel will give us the autonomy required for the mission. The more fuel you have, the better your playtime ¬– and so the chances to reach your objectives. But not only the mission objectives, the fuel is also a guarantee for us to be able to set the reheat or afterburner when needed. This increase of thrust gives energy for high G sustained turns, to maintain a high speed and thus maximise the range of our missiles.

The plan is now rolling out on my radar screen and on the radio. I can see sometimes a fighter crossing above or below.

The radio can become a real mess. Radio is a part of the mission that requires discipline. Misunderstanding what happens on the radio can isolate you and your wingmen from the rest of the fight.

During the fight, time means nothing. Time is now divided into events, code words and fuel checks. Time is no more a continuous sand flow in an hourglass. It is a succession of planned steps that gives the mission it spine. It is as important for deconfliction as for fuel and weapons management. Between two events, time can really shrink.

Those same few minutes can also seem an eternity when you have to quit the fight and your fellow pilots for mid-air refuel.

After one hour, I finally joined up the formation for RTB (return to base). It’s difficult to be sure that the task is achieved. At least, if my threat reactions were good, I managed to avoid the enemy missiles.

We will learn all that comfortably seated in room 66 of RAAF Base Darwin, when the whole mission will be replayed two hours after our landing.

Two hours is the time necessary to undress, and to gather all the data from the fight, then send it to Excon (exercise headquarters). Thus, we will compare what we understood during the mission with the global and relentless reality!

We will also use this debrief to learn and learn again from our mistakes and those of the other crews.

There is always a point in a mission to be dissatisfied, and this is one of the most interesting aspects of this job.

Whatever your age, your nationality or your aircraft, you never stop learning and moving forward, improving your skills and the way you manage those fantastic and powerful weapon systems.

I will leave Australia for France with the feeling of one of the most interesting aeronautic, human and cultural adventures of my career.

I am happy to share this story because I know I am a lucky man to do this job. I have never forgotten the boy I was before joining the Air Force – Pedro.

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Bye bye plan In the centenary year of the Battle of Beersheba, the final elements of 1 Armoured Regiment relocated to South Australia and tanks rolled in to Brisbane – signifying the achievement of Army’s grand Plan Beersheba. But the end of Plan Beersheba is just the beginning of a new plan...

U

nder Plan Beersheba, the Army has now created three similarly structured combat brigades that each comprise the main elements of a potent combined-arms team, with combat service support, that can allow the Army to settle in to a manageable three-year ‘set, ready, reset’ cycle.

The Defence White Paper 2016 directed Army to further transform some existing capabilities to deal with cyber and electronic warfare – and to get ready for the influx of capable, connected, technically advanced equipment that will revolutionise Army’s warfightiing ability – but do all that with no increase in soldier numbers. So begins Plan Keogh.

Forces Command’s head of plans Colonel Ian Langford said Plan Keogh was designed to prepare Forces Command for Army’s major re-capitalisation programs, specifically the replacement of its armoured and protected-mobility vehicles, communications systems, logistics systems and soldier systems.

“There is significant new capability programmed for delivery to Army over the next decade, with intellectual and structural investment required to support planned equipment and systems,” Colonel Langford said.

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Photos by Brian Hartigan “Concurrently, Forces Command will support Army to deliver several interdependent tasks to help refine existing systems and new capabilities.”

“Some older-model vehicles and equipment will start being phased out to make way for newer, more capable options that feature technology suited to the changing battlespace.

“Technological achievements over recent years have resulted in significant advances when it comes to vehicles and equipment.

“Plan Keogh aims to adequately prepare our future forces to ensure we operate with modern, well-designed equipment that adequately fits the purpose it is employed to fulfill.

“This will mean soldiers will be operating better, safer, more accurate equipment that could ultimately see us have the advantage over the enemy.”

Colonel Langford said that with the changing nature of Army’s manning and equipment disposition under Plan Beersheba, and to make way for new vehicles and kit, there was also a need to reassess personnel numbers assigned to various trades to ensure manning efficiencies were maintained.

Beersheeba

Plan

KEOGH

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Future structure of Australia’s infantry battalions: 1RAR – 3rd Brigade, Townsville

By January 2019, 1RAR will be equipped with a fleet of organic Bushmaster PMVs. From mid to late 2018, it will also begin to receive Hawkei PMV-Ls. 2RAR (Amphibious) – 1st Division, Townsville On 16 October 2017, 2RAR was officially renamed 2RAR (Amphib) and placed under command of the Amphibious Task Group (ATG), in 1st Division. It will remain at Lavarack Barrack, Townsville. From 2018, 2RAR (Amphib) will be reduced in manning to an admin company, battalion headquarters, one rifle company (with integral small-boat and helicopter insertion capabilities, and direct fire support weapons), and an ISR company (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) with sniper detachments, small boat operators, signallers, and a joint-fires team.

3RAR – 3rd Brigade, Townsville

By January 2019, 3RAR will be equipped with a fleet of organic M113AS4 APCs, which will eventually be replaced by LAND 400 Phase 3 infantry fighting vehicles.

“With new technologies comes new manning requirements, so as certain vehicles and equipment gets phased out, the requirement for personnel to operate new kit will increase and certain trades will be redeveloped to meet demand,” he said.

In other words and in CONTACT’s assessment, this means that as more soldiers are required to man more and more vehicles that are more and more technically advanced, then infantry battalions in particular will have fewer dedicated or specialist foot soldiers.

Or, to put it another way, while infantry battalions will not lose numbers from their current maximum allocations, they will have to staff vehicle-crew positions from within their current ranks.

Thus, either vehicle crews will become specialist vehicle operators (with all the weapons a vehicle

5RAR – 1st Brigade, Darwin From January 2018, 5RAR will be equipped with a fleet of organic Bushmaster PMVs. From mid to late 2018, it will also begin to receive Hawkei PMV-Ls. 6RAR – 7th Brigade, Brisbane From January 2018, 6RAR will be equipped with a fleet of organic M113AS4 APCs, which will eventually be replaced by LAND 400 Phase 3 infantry fighting vehicles.

7RAR – 1st Brigade, Adelaide From January 2018, 7RAR will be equipped with a fleet of organic M113AS4 APCs, which will eventually be replaced by LAND 400 Phase 3 infantry fighting vehicles.

8/9RAR – 7th Brigade, Brisbane From January 2018, 8/9RAR will be equipped with a fleet of organic Bushmaster PMVs. From mid to late 2018, it will also begin to receive Hawkei PMV-Ls.

can carry into a battle) or, they will simply be drivers, parking their vehicles in staging areas and proceeding from there on foot in their ‘classic’ infantrysection roles.

But, the battalions will not grow – will not be allowed to grow – to fill the increasing manning requirements of vehicle-crew positions.

Commander Forces Command Major General Gus McLachlan said he recognised Plan Keogh would have a very significant impact on the infantry.

“This reflects the massive enhancement coming when the 53-year-old M113 is replaced by a modern infantry fighting vehicle linked by increasing situational awareness,” Major General McLachlan said.

“An infantry section will now be required to operate its own vehicle platform – but it will also own the

protection, firepower and communications that come with advanced vehicles.

“This is the norm in our advanced peer militaries and we are already studying best practice overseas to ensure our training and employment is the best in the world.

“Our soldiers are adaptable and are already comfortable with technology.

“We will combine new vehicle skills with high-quality dismounted training such as the new combat-shooting continuum and the Army combative program to ensure they remain tough and resilient on their feet. ”Under Plan Keogh, training requirements in the Army will be addressed, with the aim of modernising and honing existing models to accurately meet future requirements.”

P lan

KEOGH As the infantry battalions transition, their surveillance sections will be reinvested to create larger and more reconnaissance patrols and their DFSW platoons will be renamed anti-armour platoons.

All the battalions must maintain expertise in dismounted, airmobile and combined-arms TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures) and skills – and all battalions (except 2RAR) will continue to rotate through the RBG (ready battlegroup) and operational duties in accordance with the combat-brigade forcegeneration cycle – and one rifle company from the RBG will train to meet the ARE GCE (amphibious ready element, ground-combat element) responsibilities.

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Future structure of Australia’s combat brigades: In the past, the Australian Army’s three full-time combat brigades were structured as…

• 1st Brigade in Darwin – mechanised • 3rd Brigade in Townsville – light infantry • 7th Brigade in Brisbane – motorised infantry Now, after Plan Beersheeba, each of the three combat brigades is home to two infantry battalions, as follows...

• 1st Brigade – 5RAR + 7RAR • 3rd Brigade – 1RAR + 3RAR • 7th Brigade – 6RAR + 8/9RAR (each battalion is equipped with either PMV or APC (see next page))

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All three combat brigades are now multi-role, combined-arms formations with…

• A brigade headquarters • An armoured cavalry regiment, with one M1A1 tank squadron and two squadrons of ASLAV • Two infantry battalions, with either PMV or APC (see next page) • One artillery regiment • One combat engineer regiment • One combat signal regiment • One combat service support battalion Each brigade rotates through 36-mth readiness cycle of three x 12 months...

• Reset – dominated by individual training • Readying – dominated by collective training • Ready – certified ready to deploy on operations

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1 BRIGADE Capability through co-operation

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he Australian Army’s 1st Armoured Regiment (1 Armd Regt) and soldiers from the 2nd Division (2 Div) converged on the Cultana Training Area in South Australia early this year to undertake Exercise Predator’s Crawl 18 – 1 Armd Regt’s first field exercise since relocating from Darwin to Adelaide late last year.

Officers and soldiers from the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment (4/19PWLH) and the 3rd/9th South Australian Mounted Rifles (3/9SAMR) integrated into 1 Armd Regt’s Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) squadrons to start developing a critical ‘cavalry scout’ capability.

The exercise resulted in what was described as excellent training, strengthening of relationships between 1 Armd Regt and its 2 Div partners, and early validation of a key foundation of Plan Keogh – explained in the previous issue of CONTACT. Second in Command of A Squadron 4/19PWLH Captain Lachlan Poppins said the integration of reserve units with 1 Armd Regt’s Armoured Cavalry Regiment (ACR) had enormous training benefits.

“We so rarely get a chance to operate with armoured vehicles in a cavalry setting,” Captain Poppins said.

“It has been great not to have to use ‘notional’ ASLAVs and it has allowed us to practice and confirm many of our SOPs [standard operating procedures] in a live setting.”

Commanding Officer 1 Armd Regt Lieutenant Colonel John Holloway said the future inclusion of 2 Div capabilities was essential to the ACR capability.

“By focussing on the integration of cavalry scouts at troop level in CRV squadrons, Exercise Predator’s Crawl 18 reinforced the benefits of a mounted force having an organic dismounted reconnaissance and 50

enhanced security capability,” Lieutenant Colonel Holloway said.

“This exercise has provided a great opportunity to enhance our relationship with 4/19PWLH and 3/9SAMR at all levels, not only through the integration of cavalry scouts, but through the incorporation of planning staff and commanders.

“Ultimately, this style of exercise will realise a more comprehensive armoured-cavalry capability for Army.

“This blended approach to training has only come about following the release of the reserve Royal Australian Armoured Corps’ Future Capability Generation directive from FORCOMD in August 2017.”

The benefits of integration at the troop and squadron level was also seen by Officer Commanding C Squadron, 1 Armd Regt, Major Adam Murgatroyd.

“While the co-operation is still in its infancy, the benefits are already easily visible,” Major Murgatroyd said.

“The exercise has been an excellent demonstration of the professionalism of all the soldiers regardless if they are reserve or regular unit.

“Not only have they learnt skills from each other, they have quickly integrated to develop the cavalryscout capability at the troop level.

“As we continue with these exercises throughout the training year, I am confident all the units will provide a very good capability in preparation for the transition to (the Army’s cyclic) ‘readying’ (phase) for 1st Brigade, supported by 4th and 9th Brigades.”

1 Armd Regt is planning future integrated exercises with 2 Div this year to build on training and further develop Army’s armoured-cavalry capability.

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1 BRIGADE Exercise Southern Tiger 18

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he 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, (7RAR) kicked off its collective-training year with the completion of the first of more than a dozen international engagements scheduled for 1st Brigade.

Exercise Southern Tiger 18, held in late March, saw the Adelaide-based unit joined

by Malaysian soldiers from the 14 Rejimen Askar Melayu DiRaja (RAMD), Malaysian Armed Forces, for two weeks of enhanced training.

Hosted by 7RAR at Horseshoe Lines, RAAF Base Edinburgh, and the Cultana Training Area, the exercise provided an opportunity for soldiers of both nations to enhance interoperability, with a focus on sharing tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for urban and mounted operations.

Commanding Officer 7RAR Lieutenant Colonel Paul Graham said the exercise confirmed Army’s ability to operate cohesively and to a high standard with its Malaysian partners.

“Exercise Southern Tiger 18 demonstrated the benefits of the regular program of training activities held between the two nations,” Lieutenant Colonel Graham said.

“As a result of years of combined training and sharing knowledge we have developed a very similar approach to the challenges and intricacies of urban and mounted operations.”

Working in combined teams over the course of two weeks, the soldiers practiced 52

conventional operations in open, close and urban terrain.

Lieutenant Colonel Graham said one of the key benefits from the combined training program and integrated platoons was the ability to observe and then experience small differences in each other’s drills and procedures.

“This generated excellent discussion and the sharing of lessons at all levels among the officers, NCOs and soldiers from both nations.

“The result was the development of a more intuitive teams approach to the complexities presented in each training scenario, which was reflected in the successful outcome of the exercise.”

Exercise Southern Tiger 18 is just one of a number of exercises to be conducted this year by 1st Brigade units with regional partners in Malaysia, Indonesia and Timor Leste, in support of the Australian Army’s international engagement program.

Through this extensive program, the Australian Army is developing bilateral and multilateral programs that include high-level visits and delegations, exercises and training of foreign forces both at home and abroad, exchange programs and the conduct of army-to-army staff talks.

While training was the priority, the natural inclination of mates working with mates eventually saw a soccer ball appear, which galvanised friendships on a personal level as well.

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1 BRIGADE MP dogs sink teeth into NT

I

n a significant first for Darwin-based B Company, 1 Military Police Battalion, military police dogs (MPDs) will be kennelled permanently in Robertson Barracks to operate in close support of 1st Brigade.

Four canine law enforcers arrived in Darwin in February, signalling the completion of a program that began years ago to get the animals into the ‘Top End’.

The results of concerted efforts have seen the beginning of a new era of capability integration with other units in the region.

Lead handler with B Coy, 1 MP Bn, Sergeant Reginald Ramage, said the advantages to having the dogs permanently located at Robertson Barracks go beyond simple convenience.

“In the past we had to fly the MPDs around Australia from Oakey, which is costly and has a detrimental affect on the dogs, especially dealing with the heat in the north,” Sergeant Ramage said.

“Having them in Darwin permanently allows us to ensure the animals are acclimatised properly and ready to integrate into combat teams to support the full spectrum of operations.”

The arrival of the dogs has been welcomed

by Commanding Officer 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Travis Gordon.

“Due to our northern location, the opportunity to undertake regular training with capabilities like the military police dogs was near impossible,” Lieutenant Colonel Gordon said.

“The permanent placement of the dogs allows us to regularly integrate them into our training serials, which is particularly important as the 1st Brigade heads towards the ‘readying’ phase in the later part of 2018.

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“It’s a situation which pays off not only for 5RAR and B Coy 1 MP Bn, but for other brigade units who will be eager to access the dogs.”

Of particular focus for 5RAR is the use of combined teams with soldiers and dogs to conduct property clearances as well as cordon-and-search operations in rural and urban environments.

Used ‘out front’, the dogs can enter confined spaces, provide soldiers with an early warning capability against approaching enemy due to their superior ability to detect human scent and offer a less-lethal option for controlling targets.

Sergeant Ramage said preparation for the animals was important, with a building program beginning six months before they arrived.

“Because of the weather conditions in the Northern Territory, well-built shelters are critical,” Sergeant Ramage said.

“The engineers of the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment were invaluable to us, providing great support in their construction.”

B Coy, 1 MP Battalion has also been working closely with the Northern Territory police dog squad.

Sergeant Ramage said this relationship had not only enhanced interoperability with other government agencies in Darwin, but had also provided access to a wealth of knowledge.

“Being able to share training ideas and methodology has benefited both organisations,” he said.

“There is a level of complexity when working in extreme heat and humidity that NT Police have had years of experience working in.”

1 MP Bn is now working with 3 Brigade and the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment to develop a similar permanent MPD capability in Townsville.

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1 Armoured st

Regiment

In June, the soldiers of B Squadron deployed to Cultana Training Area to conduct live fire field training as part of their training continuum for operations.

The first phase of training consisted of an ATL/S 2 practice, which involves individual gunnery practice as well as troop fire-control practice.

B Squadron tanks engaged both static and moving targets from static battle positions as well as on the move.

A 1st Armoured Regiment spokesman said this training validated long hours spent by the troops in barracks maintaining skills, and provided them with an opportunity to hone gunnery skills and the application of lethal firepower previously learnt through simulation.

“M1A1 AIM SA main battle tank is a ruthlessly accurate platform when combined with the skills and experience of our soldiers,” he said.

“Further B Squadron battle runs to follow. Wait out.”

1st Armoured Regiment celebrated its 69th birthday on 5 July.

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M1A1 AIM SA MBT

ABRAMS

Abrams Integrated Management

Situational Awareness

Main Battle Tank

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AIR DEFENCE I

n April, 110th Field Battery, 16th Air Land Regiment, conducted Exercise Remagen Bridge – an all-arms air-defence (AAAD) and advanced missile live-fire exercise at Woomera Test Range, South Australia.

The main effort was the inoculation of RBS-70 operators regarding the effects of firing the weapon system.

Secondary efforts of the exercise were the familiarisation of AAAD practices and the development of tactical firing skills.

16th Air Land Regiment’s mission is to defend deployed forces and critical assets from air-to-surface and surfaceto-surface fires and provide command and control for joint air-land integration in order to support ADF operations.

Exercise Remagen Bridge, which ran from 14 to 20 April 2018, was named after a key bridge over the German River Rhine in the end days of WWII where American anti-aircraft batteries defended the crucial river crossing against more than 350 Luftwaffe air assaults, downing as many as 30 per cent of the attacking aircraft. In the face of massive and desperate German efforts to destroy the bridge, it held up for 10 days – enough time to allow the American’s to establish a substantial bridgehead, which effectively hastened the end of World War II. The 16th Air Land Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (16ALR, RAA) provides force protection for land forces against air-to-ground and surface-to-surface fires through ground-based air defence (GBAD); a sense, warn, and locate (SnWL) capability; plus command and control of Joint Air/Land Integration.

16ALR, formerly the 16th Air Defence Regiment, was established on 16 January 2012 following the amalgamation of 1st Ground Liaison Group into 1st Air Ground Operations (AGO) Battery.

16ALR STRUTS NEW CAPABILITIES

The current structure of 16ALR is: •1 10th and 111th Air Land Batteries, responsible for: – defending land forces from enemy air attack, using the RBS-70 short-range missile and the PSTAR-ER Radar – detecting and warning land forces of incoming logisticians, vehicle mechanics and technical artillery attack, as well as locating the point of origin electricians. of those attacks to enable joint-effects retalliation on the enemy using the Giraffe Agile Multi Beam (GAMB) The regiment is rapidly developing and enhancing radar and Light-weight Counter Mortar Radar (LCMR). capabilities to respond to the requirements of the modern battle space.

• 1st AGO Battery, responsible for the coordination and GBAD capability has been enhanced by the arrival of allocation of friendly air assets in support of the land the Protected Mobility – Air Defence Variant (PM-ADV) force in the joint warfighting environment vehicle, which allows the regiment to maintain a rapid rate of advance in support of advancing land forces.

• Combat Service Support (CSS) Battery, responsible for SnWL capability was enhanced with the arrival of the sustainment and maintenance of the regiment the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System in barracks and in field environments, and includes Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com

(AFATDS), which allows communication between SnWL detachments and friendly artillery units.

AGO Battery is continuing to refine its processes, and aims to be able to coordinate air assets at all levels of command, as well as providing a strike capability through the battery’s Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) Troop.

16ALR has, in recent history, deployed soldiers to Timor-Leste, Iraq and Afghanistan, and currently supports Operation Okra in the Middle East.

The regiment is based at Woodside, South Australia.

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Cultana, South Australia – the “Gateway to the Outback” – became a hotspot of Army activity in September as disparate units from the 1st Brigade came together over 3000 kilometres, descending on the region for their key collective training activity for 2018.

Exercise Predator’s Run 18, held from 3 to 28 September saw almost 3000 personnel deploy to the Cultana Field Training Area to undertake rigorous combined-arms training as the 1st Brigade commenced the readying phase of Army’s Force Generation Cycle.

Including part-time soldiers from the 9th Brigade,and specialists from 6th, 16th and 17th Brigades, the exercise provided an excellent opportunity to start building combined-arms teams that will work together next year during the Joint Warfare Series in the lead-up to certification for known operations and as contingency forces.

The focus of the exercise was to practice combat teams based on the 1st Armoured Regiment and the 5th and 7th Battalions, Royal Australian Regiment, in core combined-arms competencies in a complex environment.

Nine combat teams conducted a series of combined-arms activities incorporating air-mobile operations with 5th Aviation Regiment, obstacle breaching and urban-assault operations integrated with the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment and B Company, 1st Military Police Battalion, plus battlefield-clearance teams from the 1st Combat Service Support Battalion.

Digital communications and information management delivered by the 1st Combat Signals Regiment were integral to enabling ground and air manoeuvre and training over more than 2500 square kilometres.

The exercise culminated in a live-fire defensive action with all Support Company weapons, including 81mm mortars and Mk 47 automatic grenade launchers, integrated 155mm danger-close artillery missions fired by 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, and M1A1 tanks in attack-by-fire positions.

Commander 1st Brigade Brigadier Matt Pearse said the formation received outstanding support from across Army and RAAF, and the results of Exercise Predator’s Run 18 were extremely satisfying.

“The exercise has provided an excellent chance to build teams and confirm procedures at every level,” Brigadier Pearse said.

“But definitely the most challenging aspects came from the force-on-force activities that tested commanders to out-think and out-manoeuvre their opponent to safely achieve their respective missions.

“Learning was aided by observer trainers from the Combat Training Centre who identified, through a detailed after-actions review process, lessons learnt for each combat team.”

Regimental Sergeant Major 1st Brigade Warrant Officer Class One Michael Landy said the successful execution of Exercise Predator’s Run 18’s training objectives was down to a fundamental application of the brigade’s traits.

“Being soldiers, we are expected to exhibit the highest standards of professional conduct and, as such, we must be brilliant at the basics, work together as a team, strive for excellence and understand the bigger picture,” Warrant Officer Class One Landy said.

“In my opinion, Exercise Predator’s Run 18 achieved this outcome.

“It was great to see each and every soldier dedicated, enthused and working together to achieve our mission and objectives.”

Exercise Predator’s Run 18 also saw two landmark moments with the execution of the first Joint Precision Airdrop System delivery to non-special forces in Australia and the refuelling of an M1A1 Abrams tank directly from the fuel tanks of a RAAF C-130J Hercules.

Brigade air liaison officer Squadron Leader Nathan Thompson said the 1st Brigade on Exercise Predator’s Run 18 was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate both capabilities.

“This exercise has allowed us to employ a number of air force capabilities for the combat brigade,” Squadron Leader Thompson said.

“The amount and quality of air-land integration will set 1st Brigade up well for the remainder of its readying period.”

With the completion of Exercise Predator’s Run 18, the 1st Brigade will now shift its focus to individual career-progression courses, cyclone preparation and detailed planning for 2019, including the Joint Warfare Series and Exercise Talisman Sabre 19.

“There’s no doubt the 1st Brigade have a busy training year ahead, but the 2018 Predator series of exercises has given us a strong foundation in core skills and teamwork, and a couple of focus areas to work on,” Brigadier Pearse said.

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Words Corporal Carla Armenti Photos Corporal Nunu Campos 58

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An infantry section from 6RAR have proven themselves the best in the Infantry Corps at the 2018 Duke of Gloucester Cup. Sections from each of the Royal Australian Regiment’s battalions competed for the prestigious cup at the School of Infantry from 5 to 8 August.

And the prestigious Duke of Gloucester Cup now has pride of place at 6RAR’s Corporal Dan Keighran VC Club, with its section taking the top award, as well as the Ghurkha Trophy for best overall shooting.

6RAR’s Corporal Josh Conaty led his section through patrols and long stomps to victory.

Although the team prepared from early this year, a few last-minute adjustments were needed.

“One of our team members finished a course on the day we left for DoG Cup, we briefed him on the strategies we were going to employ and he took that on board, just like we would do in any combat situation,” Corporal Conaty said.

“It’s been a busy year already. I’m sure the section was considered as the underdog this year, but I think our guys were quietly confident in their abilities.

“Looking up and seeing the trophies we took away from the DoG Cup in the cabinet of the Dan Keighran Club, it’s a great feeling to have earned that bragging right.”

6RAR spent two months in Shoalwater Bay earlier this year and the majority of its fighting force are currently deployed to the Middle East.

“The message has gotten to our deployed members and they were so happy. We really wanted to boost their morale,” Corporal Conaty said.

“I am so proud of all of the section members for volunteering and really putting in so much effort, especially on the day.”

Senior Instructor, Tactics Wing at the School of Infantry, Major Alastair Robinson, said the competition changed this year.

“Last year fatigue was a big factor,” Major Robinson said.

“This year the focus was on basic soldiering skills – marksmanship, navigation and communication.

“Soldiers were tested on things like command ability, care of the battle casualty, soldier welfare, navigation, resupply and communications.

“Each regiment was extremely competitive this year and the soldiers displayed a high level of marksmanship.”

Over five days, each soldier covered close to 150km, including a 20km extraction, a 3km jerry can carry and 4km stretcher carry.

Before the competition finished, each section was also put through the obstacle course.

The winning DoG Cup section will travel to the UK to participate in the Cambrian Patrol, a gruelling two-day section-skills competition in Wales.

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DUKE OF GLOUCESTER CUP best infantry section 1st 6RAR 4th 2nd 2RAR 5th 3rd 3RAR 6th 7th

2018 1RAR 7RAR 5RAR 8/9RAR

DSM ROCHE CSC MEMORIAL CUP best individual soldier 1st Private RB Marro, 1RAR 2nd Corporal S Jacobs, 7RAR 3rd Lance Corporal SC Evans, 6RAR 4th Private FS Victor, 2RAR SIR ARTHUR MACDONALD TROPHY best section, foundation warfighting 1st 3RAR 2nd 6RAR 3rd 2RAR GHURKHA TROPHY best overall shooting 1st 6RAR 2nd 7RAR 3rd 1RAR ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES TROPHY best falling plate shoot 1st 7RAR 2nd 6RAR 3rd 2RAR

6RAR winning section

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OSCMAR TROPHY best endurance 1st 1RAR 2nd 8/9RAR 3rd 2RAR

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Second time a winner During his second crack at Duke of Gloucester Cup, 1RAR’s Private Ryan Marro (right, during last-year’s competition) emerged as the competition’s best overall individual soldier, winning the DSM Roche CSC Memorial Cup. Private Marro said the competition kept him guessing what was next.

“I’ve been in the Army for three years now and, after competing in the Duke of Gloucester Cup last year, I knew we would have to push ourselves physically and mentally to meet the challenge,” he said.

“You just have no idea how you are going throughout the competition [relative to the other teams].

“Even though we had trained well and were pretty confident, we really just had to push ourselves the whole time.

“It was relentless.”

1RAR identified their key performers earlier this year and their Duke of Gloucester Cup section developed a training program to make themselves competitive.

This paid off with 1RAR’s section taking the OSCMAR Trophy for the section with the best endurance.

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MRTT RAAF’s KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport recently delivered its 100,000,000th – yes, that’s 100millionth – pound of fuel during air-to-air refuel missions on Operation Okra in the Middle East.

The epic milestone was reached on 6 August 2018, during a routine air-to-air refuelling mission.

KC-30A is an asset of the Australian Air Task Group (ATG) and provides the air-to-air refuelling capability

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MEGA MILLIONS

for Australian as well as coalition assets on operations across the Middle East, especially over Iraq and Syria.

Australia’s Chief of Joint Operations Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld said the reliability and large air-to-air refuelling capability of the KC-30A had added tangible value to the Australian and coalition forces.

“The KC-30A has been a significant force multiplier for the Air Force and has proven itself over Iraq,” he said.

“Just one KC-30A can support the deployment of four fighter aircraft over 5000km and has the versatility to refuel a range of different aircraft types.

“From Australian C-17A Globemaster IIIs to US Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers, British Eurofighters and French Dassault Rafales, the KC-30A can keep these planes in the air efficiently and effectively.

LEFT: An Australian A-7A Wedgetail takes on fuel from an Australian KC30A over Iraq, as seen from the air-refuelling operator’s station (BELOW).

BOTTOM: The cockpit on the RAAF’s KC-30A MRTT. OPPOSITE: A RAAF KC-30A on the ground in the Middle East – plus a range of views from passengers’ perspectives.

“With the professionalism and operational effects we bring to the global coalition, the Australian KC-30A contribution is very well regarded among the coalition partners.”

KC-30A is equipped with two forms of air-to-air refuelling systems – an Advanced Refuelling Boom System mounted under the fuselage of the aircraft and a hose-and-drogue refuelling pod underneath each wing.

These systems are controlled by an air-refuelling operator on the flight deck, who views refuelling operations remotely, using 2D and 3D screens.

Advanced mission systems are also fitted to the aircraft. They include the Link 16 real-time data-link, military communications and navigation suites, and an electronic warfare self-protection system for protection against surface-to-air missiles.

MRTT can also carry cargo and passengers, but not usually at the same time as refuelling operations (though it can be done – for example, see the ‘Pitch Black: French Connection story on page 36).

In its transport role, the KC-30A is capable of carrying 270 passengers, and comes with under-floor cargo compartments that can accommodate 34 tonnes of military and civilian cargo pallets and containers.

The KC-30A MRTT can remain 1800km from base, with 50 tonnes of fuel available to offload, for up to four hours.

RAAF has six KC-30A MRTTs in service operated by No. 33 Squadron from RAAF Amberley in south-east Queensland.

The aircraft was first flown by the Royal Australian Air Force in September 2011.

Operation Okra is the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the international effort to defeat the Daesh terrorist threat in Iraq and Syria.

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Exercise

J OINT WARRIOR MAIN: Warships from the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany assemble off Clyde, Scotland, for Exercise Joint Warrior.

ABOVE + ABOVE RIGHT: Royal Australian Navy Seahawk Romeo helicopters loading on a RAAF C-17 Globemaster for transport to Scotland.

LEFT: RAN 816 Squadron Seahawk Romeo helicopters flying over Loch Ness.

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he Royal Australian Navy’s ability to track and hunt submarines was put to the test in a highend warfare exercise off the coast of Scotland in the first half of 2018.

Members of 816 Squadron participated in Exercise Joint Warrior, one of the world’s largest and most challenging exercises in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), from April 24 to May 4.

Three submarines – two conventional and one nuclear – were the main focus of the NATO-run activity involving 11 nations, along with more than 30 surface assets and multiple ASW helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft.

CO 816 Squadron Commander Anthony Savage said both MH-60R Romeos and the teams assigned to them took full advantage of the realistic scenarios they faced.

“ASW is what this squadron does best. It’s a form of warfare that requires the highest of both aviation and warfare skills,” Commander Savage said “This exercise tested our crews, our tactics, our aircraft and our engineering team – and the results were very positive.”

The exercise was a true demonstration of the ADF’s integrated force capabilities and achieved a first deployment of its type for Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. One of the greatest challenges of the exercise for the Australians was getting the aircraft there. Both helicopters were dismantled and flown to Scotland in RAAF C-17s.

COMFAA Commander Chris Smallhorn said it presented the squadron and the logistics and support enablers with a daunting task.

“The Fleet Air Arm is by definition expeditionary in that we deploy as a largely self-contained unit to our surface ships,” Commander Smallhorn said.

“Reliable, well-practiced logistic chains, airlift, engineering support and command lines are critical and I am pleased to observe our systems are measuring up extremely well.

“This exercise adds another crucial string to the maritime-warfare bow as it demonstrates conclusively that with the help of strategic airlift we can send naval aviation wherever a maritime effect is required and whenever it is needed.”

Once re-assembled, the Romeos began working alongside their British cousins.

“The Royal Navy’s 820 Squadron and 816 operated side by side, which gave us the chance to develop our joint tactics,” Commander Savage said.

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The Royal Navy flies Merlins, which presented further training opportunities for the Australians with the combat pairings conducting joint tactics.

“Ultimately, the ASW role is a team effort at every phase,” Commander Smallhorn said.

“It’s been a truly impressive team effort from our Navy and wider ADF alongside our allies.

“We are sending the message that Australia is serious about being the best we can be in maritime warfare.”

If the preceeding report, taken from Australia’s NAVY News, the official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy, was your only source, you might be forgiven for thinking Exercise Joint Warrior was little more than a NATO-run anti-submarine exercise, where two Australian Seahawk Romeo helicopters were the stars.

Fact is, Joint Warrior was actually a British-organised and hosted exercise with nearly 12,000 marines, navy, army and air force personnel from 17 NATO as well as non-NATO countries participating in multiple high-end land, air, sea and cyber war-fighting activities.

Even Russia was there, as official military observers, in an effort to promote trust and transparency.

Aside from the anti-submarine missions (not reported in any other source we could find), exercise scenarios mainly focused on counter-terrorism, anti-smuggling, information warfare, denial of GPS, civilian evacuations, naval gunfire against land targets, nation-state disputes over resources and territories – and a final major multi-national urban combat battle involving five nations and thousands of troops with Apache, Chinook, Wildcat and Tornado air support.

US Marine Corps Captain Ryan Matthews, a firepower control team leader who was involved in calling naval gunfire onto Scottish land targets, said working in coalitions and forging partnerships was important for marine and land forces.

“Maintaining those relationships and learning how to work together to face a common enemy is going to be the way of the future,” he said.

“This exercise was definitely a success in that we achieved interoperability with our hosts by conducting fire and close air support to our partner nations.

“Our Marines were able to call-for-fire from Dutch, German, Turkish and British ships, as well as our own US Navy.”

Joint Warrior is a British exercise held twice a year in spring and autumn.

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Force protection Afghanistan

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Protecting deployed troops from hostile actions is the priority for an Australian Army infantry officer embedded with Train Advise Assist Command-South in southern Afghanistan.

Force protection officer Captain Aaron Condon, of the Command Headquarters, is based at Kandahar Airfield while deployed on Operation Highroad.

Captain Condon is responsible for force protection measures to ensure the safety of the coalition military and civilian personnel based at Kandahar Airfield. He is also responsible for the preventative security measures taken for the NATO advisors who travel to Afghanistan National Defense and Security Force bases and other advisory locations in the area of responsibility.

Train Advise Assist Command - South covers the provinces of Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul and Daykundi and consists of troops from Bulgaria, Romania and the USA with a small team of Australians integrated.

Forces train, advise assist and enable the Afghan forces through security force integration of effects to develop long-term sustainability and posturing.

Captain Condon’s duties include performing objective risk assessments using a system developed

by Headquarters Resolute Support, based on a risk assessment tool designed by his predecessor, Captain Jason Law. “The modified risk assessment tool is now used by NATO forces across Afghanistan at all sites we conduct advising activities,” Captain Condon said.

“I work closely with a US civilian contractor and a US Army Military Police officer who are the command antiterrorism officers.

“In conjunction with force protection assessments we also conduct anti-terrorism assessments, which are a requirement of the US Department of Defense, where we look at the security posture of each site.

“We need to know who controls security, what is the security of the perimeter, where are the entry control

points and guard towers and what procedures are used, such as a quick reaction force and its notice to move.”

Captain Condon and his team are responsible for the force protection assessments of nearly 30 operational sites as well as the locations for the Expeditionary Advising Packages, where a group of advisors ‘fly to advise’ the four brigades in the region for short-term missions of five to 30 days.

When the Security Force Advisory and Assistance Teams who advise the Afghan National Army 205th Corps, Provincial Governors and Afghan National Police on deliberate operations move to new locations they are often joined by Captain Condon and his team.

Captain Condon said joining a team on a train, advise, assist mission gave him opportunities to meet Afghan base commanders during the risk assessments and advise on opportunities to improve their security measures.

“Usually we’ll be assigned an Afghan escort to guide us around the sites and let the local security forces and personnel manning the guard towers know what we are doing,” he said.

“The Afghans are very receptive, and we can offer informal force protection advice on areas such as guard shift times, sectors of defence, range cards, the employment of weapon systems and how to manage entry control.”

The US-led Force Protection Element includes soldiers of the US Army and the Romanian Land Forces, who provide guardian angel support for activities outside Kandahar Airfield.

Soldiers of the Bulgarian Army manage one of the primary entry control points at Kandahar Airfield and do perimeter patrols of the base.

Captain Condon said his experience as an infantry officer with an engineering background gave him a good grounding for the role.

“To ensure we are compliant with Resolute Support’s policies we’ve increased our force protection measures at Kandahar Airfield and other bases with persistent surveillance of the perimeters, which feed into the Base Defence Operations Centre,” Captain Condon said.

“We’ve also enhanced the defensive positions at Kandahar Airfield with additional vehicle fighting positions.”

As one of the six Australians embedded, Captain Condon said it was interesting learning about the force protection procedures in the US-led coalition environment.

“The Australians integrate well with the US military because we are a small but dynamic workforce who are willing to work hard with our partners.

“I also need to negotiate with civilian agencies who don’t operate the same way as the military.”

Captain Condon said the highlight of his mission was contributing to the mission to maximise the effects of Afghan Forces counter-insurgency operations in southern Afghanistan.

“It’s been rewarding ensuring the best possible security for the 10,000 coalition personnel employed in this region,” he said.

About 300 Australian personnel are deployed on Operation Highroad, which is Australia’s commitment to the NATO-led Resolute Support mission.

They join more than 16,000 personnel from 41 NATO member states and partner countries deployed across Afghanistan in support of Resolute Support.

Resolute Support’s mission is the NATO-led noncombat, train, advise and assist mission in support of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, in particular the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Force and relevant Afghan institutions, to develop their capacity to defend Afghanistan and protect its citizens in a sustainable manner.

VIP security for Defence Minister Christopher Pyne at Camp Qargha near Kabul, Afghanistan.

Photo by Sergeant Mark Doran.

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APEC 2018 Papua New Guinea

Members of the PNGDF and 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, deploying exclusion-zone markers in Port Moresby Harbour.

Photo Able Seaman Kieren Whiteley.

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The Australian Defence Force and the Australian Federal Police, Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Prime Minister and Cabinet, supported Papua New Guinea in hosting APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum) in November 2018 – to the tune of about $100million.

Leading Aircraftman Aaron Peacock and MWD Jag patrol around a RAAF tactical air defence radar in Port Moresby. Photo Able Seaman Kieren Whiteley.

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More than 10,000 delegates and guests from 21 countries were involved in APEC 2018, hosted in what is officially rated as the world’s sixth most dangerous city to live in (an improvement from its number one ranking just over 10 years ago).

Around 1500 ADF members were deployed to assist with security for the leaders’ summit, which, while apparently very successful from a security point of view, was generally considered a diplomatic failure because of US/China tensions over trade.

New Zealand, American and other countries’ security organisations were also involved in securing the forum, temporarily bolstering what is one of PNG’s largest industries – private security.

It is officially estimated that more than 30,000 people are employed in private-sector security in PNG (with many more not officially registered or counted) – easily outnumbering all government-employed security agents across all departments.

Australia’s Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne said the ADF provided specialised capabilities to partner with, and enhance, local security arrangements in Port Moresby, providing planning and coordination support, maritime security assistance, airspace security and additional niche capabilities.

ADF support during Leader’s Week included ships (including our biggest – HMAS Adelaide – and Armidale-class patrol boats HMA Ships Larrakia and Glenelg), F-18F Super Hornet fighters, Wedgetail AEW&S, a KC-30A in-air refueller, C-17A Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, MH-60R Seahawk and MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, drones, radars, airtraffic controllers, divers, military working dogs and more (some of which, undoubtedly, was secret).

US Navy amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay with approximately 350 crew plus a compliment of US Marines and numerous helicopters leant considerable support to the mission also.

New Zealand sent the Royal New Zealand Navy’s offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Otago and its 75 crew members, plus a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion aircraft and 20-member support detachment, as well as 30 NZSAS soldiers to support the security effort.

Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Major General Gilbert Toropo, Commander of the Australian Joint Task Force Major General Paul McLachlan and chief of joint operations of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Colonel Ezekia Wenzel visited Otago while it conducted a security patrol in the lead-up to APEC 2018 Leaders’ Week.

“It was a privilege to host them and an excellent opportunity to show them our rapid-response capabilities,” Otago’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Lorna Gray said.

With around 10,000 delegates accommodated on three cruise ships specially rented for APEC accommodation, securing the maritime environment around Port Moresby was seen as a key element to the security package. Australian clearance divers examined every inch of the huge cruise ships’ hulls, while other sailors marked out maritime exclusion zones around the harbour.

“Australia is pleased to enhance PNG’s maritime security arrangements for APEC by providing these capabilities,” Defence Minister Pyne said.

“This support is a clear demonstration of Australia’s close and longstanding defence relationship with Papua New Guinea and the interoperability our defence forces have developed over a number of decades.”

Assistant Minister for Defence David Fawcett said the ADF stood ready to respond to security tasks if requested by PNG’s Joint Security Task Force.

“The Joint Security Task Force continues to demonstrate it is well prepared to handle all security arrangements for Leaders’ Week,” Senator Fawcett said.

“This is another example of genuine teamwork from a wide range of PNG agencies and the Australian Defence Force.”

Thankfully, no major (or even minor) security breaches were reported during APEC – though, ironically, some of PNG’s own security personnel turned on their government after the foreigners went home, rampaging through parliament house in a protest over non-payment of allowances for their efforts in securing APEC. 69

Australia’s Pacific future Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that after APEC ended, Australian police would continue the close relationship and cooperation they’ve built in the leadup to that important meeting.

Prime Minister Morrison said Australia was also cooperating to develop the PNG Defence Force’s Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island to increase the inter-operability between our defence forces and our ability to tackle challenges like transnational crime.

“That will mean more Australian ships can visit PNG,” Mr Morrison said.

“Also, I recently signed an agreement with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to elevate Australia’s relationship with PNG, with an annual leaders’ dialogue.

“The strategic architecture of our [wider] Pacific ‘stepup’ is taking shape. “[This is all] part of a larger vision of Australia as a force for good in the Pacific, working with others to ensure our region is secure, stable and sovereign.

“The ADF already plays a pivotal role across a wide canvas, from traditional military engagement with 70

counterparts, to humanitarian and disaster relief, to Operation Render Safe where we assist in safely disposing of World War Two explosive remnants.

“As part of our commitment to the Pacific, the ADF will play an even greater role, working with our partners on training, capacity building, exercises, building interoperability to respond together to the security challenges we face.

“To help achieve this, we will establish an enduring rotational ADF Pacific Mobile Training Team, which will be based in Australia, and will travel in the Pacific when invited to undertake training and engagement with other forces.

“This will see ADF members working more with regional partners in areas such as humanitarian [aid] and disaster response, peacekeeping, infantry skills, engineering, logistics and planning.

“We will also put in place arrangements to ensure that Australia has a dedicated vessel to deliver our support to our partners in the Pacific.

“The Royal Australian Navy will also undertake more deployments to the Pacific so they can conduct maritime training exercises with our neighbours.

“This will enable them to take advantage of the new Guardian-class patrol boats we are gifting to them, to support regional security.

“We are also strengthening our links with Pacific police forces.

“We will deepen our already strong people-to-people links with Pacific security forces.

“We will establish annual meetings of defence and police and border security chiefs and deepen our collaborative efforts.

“We’re also expanding our diplomatic footprint.

“Our diplomatic network is already larger than any other country in the Pacific – as it should be – and we are going to expand it.

“We intend to open diplomatic missions in Palau, the Marshall Islands, French Polynesia, Niue and the Cook Islands.

“This will mean Australia is represented in every member country of the Pacific Islands Forum.”

Mr Morrison was addressing Australian troops – and the media – in Townsville before APEC, outlining new missions and opportunities as Australia pays more attention to its strategic outlook in the Pacific.

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FAR LEFT: A RAAF No. 1 Squadron F/A-18F Super Hornet is refuelled above Port Moresby during an APEC 2018 security patrol. Photo Corporal Glen McCarthy.

LEFT: Australian divers prepare to inspect the hull of MV Pacific Jewel, a cruise ship used for accommodation during APEC 2018. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Cameron Martin.

ABOVE: PNGDF Able Seaman Willie Eriki and Private Isaac Bradbury, 8th/9th Battalion, RAR, prepare exclusion-zone markers in Port Moresby. Photos Able Seaman Kieren Whiteley.

ABOVE RIGHT: Gunner Jack Innes, 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, launches a Puma UAV over Port Moresby.

RIGHT: It’s traditional at the end of a major summit or forum to take a ‘family portrait’. HMAS Adelaide’s aviation family stole the show with their special version. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Cameron Martin.

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ARMEDAND Poesidon is a long-range maritime surveillance aircraft, based on a commercial Boeing 737 platform.

It is RAAF’s replacement for the AP-3C Orion, which is being retired right now.

The first Poseidon was delivered in 2016, with the full fleet of 12 scheduled to be delivered by 2020.

Operated out of RAAF Base Edinburgh by No 11 Squadron, the P-8A Poseidon is an important part of Australia’s future maritime patrol and response strategy.

Recently, the platform was operated out of RAAF Base Learmonth in Western Australia as part of Operation Resolute.

Operation Resolute is the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to a whole-ofgovernment effort to protect

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DANGEROUS

Australia’s borders and offshore maritime interests.

RAAF says the area of operations for Operation Resolute covers approximately 10 per cent of the world’s surface and includes Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone – extending 200 nautical miles around the mainland Australia and the Christmas, Cocos, Keeling, Norfolk, Heard, Macquarie and Lord Howe Islands.

With a range of 7500km, Poseidon is capable of ranging far and wide over the AO. It has a fuel capacity of 34 tonnes and can take on more in flight from the RAAF’s KC-30A MRTT. Poseidon also has a weapons’ bay and 11 external hardpoints, allowing it to be armed with a range of torpedos and missiles.

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EXERCISE EXERCISE mass-casualty EXERCISE dealing with a

i ncident

Flames dance in the mid-morning sun as Coalition forces call for help following a simulated gasbottle explosion during a masscasualty training exercise.

US Army soldiers assigned to the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade and Coalition soldiers from New Zealand, Singapore and Australia worked together to simulate a real-world training scenario on 18 January.

The exercise provided hands-on experience in a combat situation if a flood of wounded patients came to the Camp Taji Role Two Enhanced Medical Facility.

Captain Brian Morey, an aero-medical physician assistant assigned to the 1st Battalion, 126 Aviation Regiment, 449th CAB said these types of exercises were made to stress the system with a larger number of patients than it would normally cater to, so that personnel could iron out the kinks ahead of a real event.

On this occasion, medical personnel on site started to render aid to the afflicted as they awaited the arrival of a medical evacuation team.

“Point-of-injury care will occur wherever the injury happens,” Captain Morey says.

“If the event happens at an unknown, distant site, you have buddy aid or a Combat Life Saver, or, if there are medics, they respond. The incident is called in and a medical evacuation team transports wounded to the nearest appropriate facility, where patients are triaged and the medic that treated them at the site gives a report.

“Depending on the severity of the injuries, next-step treatment is planned and executed” The facility at Camp Taji is overseen by the Australian Army and, despite differences in training, home procedures and cultures, smooth administration and effective medical treatment is seamlessly administered.

Australian Army Major Greg Button, the senior medical officer at the Taji Role Two Medical Facility, said that when it came to a mass-casualty event, all his staff worked together very effectively.

“Essentially we have a Singaporean team in charge of resus (the resusitation bay) and a New Zealand team in charge of primary health care, with an American Role One team also attached and helping us manage the

other resus bay in the event of a mass-casualty situation,” Major Button said.

Camp Taji is one of five Combined Joint Task Force, Operation Inherent Resolve locations dedicated to training partner forces and enhancing their effectiveness.

But pre-planning and cross-training of coalition personnel is also critical to ensuring they can support any medical situations that arise.

Captain Morey said the Australian Army didn’t have physician’s assistants, so the 449th CAB was pleased to facilitate that need.

“We preplanned this exercise with them well in advance, because they are not only taking care of their own soldiers but pretty much everybody here on base as well.

“In the weeks leading up to this we had them come down and see our equipment and aid stations and talk about our capabilities.”

The 449th Combat Aviation Brigade also provides aviation combined strategic partnership training with regional military partners in order to conduct multinational training events.

Captain Morey said medical personnel assigned to the 449th trained 27 Coalition forces soldiers on patientloading operations on a UH-60 Black Hawk, which also tied into this exercise.

“We did a walk-through of the aircraft danger areas, how to approach it and how patients are loaded and we showed them how we sustain a patient inside the aircraft.

“This was a culminating event that we added to the mass-casualty exercise so they can actually load a patient on an aircraft at a real location and test their whole system.”

This training is part of the overall CJTF-OIR building partner capacity mission, which focuses on training and improving the capability of partnered forces fighting ISIS. “This also gives our medics a chance to work with multinational forces,” Captain Morey said.

“It really does a lot for building experience.”

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Final

resting place Australia’s first submarine was most likely lost during an underwater operation off the coast of Papua New Guinea as it returned to Rabaul – according to a report from the expedition that found the wreck of...

HMAS

AE1

The wreck of Australian’s first submarine HMAS AE1 was discovered during an expedition led by Find AE1 Limited in December 2017 – ending one of Australia’s longest and most intriguing naval mysteries.

Images collected during the expedition to find the lost submarine show that the boat’s guardrails were stowed and its hatches appeared to be shut, leading the expedition to conclude that AE1 was configured for underwater operations when she was lost, more than 100 years ago.

Minister for Defence Marise Payne said the work undertaken by Find AE1 Limited and the Silentworld Foundation to search for and locate the AE1 filled an important gap in what was one of Australia’s most enduring naval mysteries of the First World War. “Through the tireless efforts of many, they have discovered the final resting place of the 35 souls who gave everything in service to the Allied cause.

“We are pleased to be able to provide closure for the families and the entire Navy community by identifying the final resting place of the lost shipmates.”

The team that found HMAS AE1 comprised maritime surveyors, marine archaeologists and naval historians who systematically scanned a best-guess search area with a multi-beam echo sounder and side-scan technology in an underwater drone flying 40 metres above the sea bed on pre-programmed 20-hour missions.

Data from the scans was collected and analysed and a three-dimensional rendering of the underwater environment was produced before an underwater camera drone was sent down to confirm the find.

Several close surveys followed and a preliminary report of findings produced.

The report said that AE1 was probably submerged or diving while she was returning to Rabaul after a patrol looking for enemy activity around the Duke of York Islands when tragedy struck.

The team did not find any evidence that might indicate what actually caused the sinking.

HMAS AE1 was lost off Rabaul on 14 September 1914 and the fate of her 35 crew members remained one of the significant mysteries of Australian military history.

It was the first loss for the Royal Australian Navy and the first Allied submarine loss in World War I. Following the discovery of the submarine, a small commemorative service was conducted onboard the survey vessel Furgro Equator to remember the officers and sailors who lost their lives 103 years earlier.

Find AE1 Limited’s search for HMAS AE1 was supported by the Royal Australian Navy, the Silentworld Foundation, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Submarine Institute of Australia, Fugro Survey, and the Government of Papua New Guinea.

The exact coordinates of the final resting place of AE1 and her crew was not disclosed – to protect her from salvagers or souvenir takers.

The site is considered a ‘war grave’ and desicration is a criminal offence – though jurisdictional issues could make this hard to police or prosecute.

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ABOVE: ROV control room. LEFT: Flags commemorating the nationalities of the lost crew.

As investigations begin into the final moments of Navy’s first submarine HMAS AE1, moves are afoot to educate the public on her importance to Australia’s wartime history.

Before the search for AE1 was mounted, careful consideration was given to what would become of any discovery and the information collected during the search operation – and the Australian National Maritime Museum was the obvious choice to become custodians of the memory of the men lost in 1914.

Head of Research and Curatorial at the museum Nigel Erskine was on board MV Fugro Equator when the discovery was made, to provide expert advice and ensure appropriate data was collected for posterity.

“The Navy is a large part of Australia’s story and the museum is fully committed to interpreting the Navy story,” Dr Erskine said.

“Within our remit, the loss of AE1 is profound – it was an unsolved mystery for so long, and the first major blow to our Navy.

“We already have in the collection the commissioning axe used to launch both AE1 and AE2, medals belonging to AB James Thomas who is entombed within AE1, as well as original letters of condolence from the prime minister to the families of the dead.

“The museum will now take all of the data and vision collected during the expedition and bring those objects to life.

“The story of 35 souls lost to us for 103 years is compelling and now we have found them we will be able to better honour their memories and explore the themes around loss, mystery and recovery.

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“It’s great to have been able to offer closure to the families during the Centenary of Anzac period.

“The museum has been a long-time supporter of Navy, recently appointing a dedicated curator for RAN archaeology.

“Our archaeologists will work with the experts gathered for this search to begin the process of understanding what happened to the boat,” Dr Erskine said.

Silentworld Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established to research and preserve early Australian maritime history, provided half the funding for this search, matched by the Federal government.

Maritime archaeologist and director at Silentworld Foundation Paul Hundley said the project was of personal interest to their chairman, John Mullen.

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“Rear Admiral Peter Briggs, of Find AE1 Limited, sat down with John Mullen and me to lay out the story and what they were trying to achieve,” Mr Hundley said.

“John recognised the importance of AE1 in telling the history of Australia’s maritime involvement in World War I, but more importantly, the importance to the families of those lost.

“He simply said ‘it’s the right thing to do’ and was immediately on board, agreeing to personally underwrite our fundraising campaign.”

Silentworld Foundation rallied corporate donors and marshalled the support that would make the search possible.

“To now be able to provide answers to the families of those who perished is particularly rewarding,” Mr Hundley said.

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In the wake of the successful discovery of our first submarine, Navy’s liaison officer attached to the search team Lieutenant James McPherson, describes how the search unfolded and the emotions involved.

T

he search for HMAS AE1 in December 2017 was the most comprehensive yet mounted to find the WWI submarine lost on 14 September 1914.

The discovery itself was rather subdued on board MV Fugro Equator, but the speed with which the wreck was found surprised everyone in the survey party.

We arrived in Port Moresby, embarked in the Fugro Equator and undertook the three-day transit to the Duke of York Island Group.

The team spent that time learning how to analyse the survey data that would be collected, and developing a watch bill so we could work around the clock and get three to five pairs of eyes on every piece of data to ensure nothing was missed.

The survey process involved running over the search area quickly with the shipmounted multi-beam echo sounder (MBES ) to get a rough topography, and then programming the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to track the sea bed and run detailed lines in the search area on 20-hour missions, staying at a depth of 40 metres at 4 knots.

The AUV had a sub-bottom profiler, side-scan sonar, as well as an MBES, which scanned 300m-wide sections of the seabed on each pass.

During planning, it was decided that the designated search area would require three missions to cover.

The AUV was pulled out of the water after its first mission, and the Fugro Equator processing team began preparing the data for examination.

Almost immediately, expedition team members were called down to the data processing room.

On screen was a cigar-shaped object 55m long. The schematics were referred to, which confirmed that the width and height matched AE1.

No one wanted to get too excited in case it turned out to be a false positive, but the restraint was futile. The data was so compelling everyone was convinced AE1 had been found.

The data was examined thoroughly, and on the second day, as a camera was lowered more than 300m, the team waited with baited breath to see the first images.

As soon as the first hydroplane came into view, everyone on board was thrilled but quiet. No one dared interrupt the evolution, essentially looking through a keyhole 1m at a time.

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Fugro Equator’s crew, some of whom had spent two years looking for MH370, were particularly satisfied to find such a significant lost vessel. It was proof that their skills are worldclass and the technology produces spectacular data.

The next two days were frantic as all the data was collected and packaged and the material made ready for the announcement.

Discovery of AE1 made international news and provided a great sense of satisfaction for many who had invested years researching possible scenarios and narrowing the search.

It was not lost on anyone, though, that the search was not for a hulk of metal, but for 35 lost souls.

The men have now been found – our compatriots now have a known final resting place and their families have the opportunity to receive the closure they deserve.

We often recite Lest We Forget. The work that went into this mission, the background research and the conviction and commitment of many current and former Navy members, proves that these are not hollow words.

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ABOVE: Find AE1 survey team analysing the drop-camera vision. BELOW RIGHT: Members of the Find AE1 expedition team with representatives from Fugro Survey in Simpson Harbour, Rabaul.

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81

TANKS FOR THE RIDE IN AN AUSSIE...

Thanks to the video game World of Tanks and to South Gippsland Tank Adventures, I got to ride in an ex-Aussie Army Centurion tank – and the experience didn’t disappoint.

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I met the Aussie Centurion for the first time in an out-of-the-way big-boys’ shed up in the hills of South Gippsland, a couple of hours drive from Melbourne.

That’s the home of ex-Army proprietor Cameron Stone – a good-old-boy tankie type who’s quite simply ‘passionate’ about his hobby-comebusiness – South Gippsland Tank Adventures.

Aside from the Centurion, Cameron also has a range of other vehicles, including a Striker, Saracen, FV 432, M113, LP2 Brengun Carrier, Staghound and a Halftrack M3 all in running order, plus a Valentine and M3A1 Stuart under restoration.

And none of Cameron’s toys are museum pieces – all are drivable (though Cameron does most of the driving himself, with guests consigned to crew seats) – and all are for hire, for shows, exhibitions, PR events –or even bucks/hens parties.

In my case, I visited South Gippsland Tank Adventures in early May as part of a PR event to promote the launch of a fair-dinkum Aussie Centurion tank inside the video game World of Tanks.

With more than 160 million players world wide, World of Tanks is a big deal and with a recently opened office and local servers for Australia and New Zealand, it is also a big deal locally, I’m told.

CONTACT fans who do play, told me that while the Aussie Centurion is not a free tier 8 asset and lacks a little punch, its frontal armour is so good it saved their bacon more than once –whatever that means! (I’m not a gamer myself).

I bet it also offers a great sense of nostalgia and pride for Aussies beating up lesser tanks inside the game.

Of course, you can also feel the thrill and nostalgia of a ride in the real thing with Cameron down at South Gippsland Tank Adventures.

His 52-tonne, V12-engined behemoth still bashes the Aussie bush with all the grace and nobility of a 650-horsepowered wrecking machine – and makes light work of any old Subaru that happens to be carelessly lying around.

Thank you Cameron for an awesome day out.

I also have to thank the World of Tanks game people most especially for inviting me on this excursion. They knew I wasn’t a game player, but saw the synergy in the CONTACT audience nonetheless.

I loved chatting with these people too. They told me awesome stories of how their business also gives back to the tank community all around the world – for example by finding, transporting and restoring a very rare AC1 Sentinel tank and donating it to the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum in Cairns.

Well done those guys.

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A Force for Good A

The People of the Year Awards are a special opportunity for the Irish public to honour and celebrate extraordinary groups and individuals who have shown courage, bravery and selflessness.

Deserving winners are honoured at a black-tie, red-carpet event broadcast live on national television each year.

“For their immense courage and resilience in saving thousands of lives in their humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean, Óglaigh na hÉireann receive this People of the Year [2015] award, for the work of the Irish Naval Service.”

fter the British left Ireland in 1921, the British Admiralty actually remained in control of Irish territorial waters as well as three socalled ‘treaty ports’, including Cork Harbour.

In 1938 Great Britain handed back the treaty ports and control of Irish waters, to the Irish Free State – who actually had little money or interest in naval security.

The advent of World War II was a shock for both countries. England demanded control of the treaty ports back, fearing Germany gaining control or influence in their back yard. On the other hand, the Irish government was determined to maintain its declared neutrality and hard-won independence, and refused Britain’s request, instead agreeing to buy Motor Torpedo Boats (MTBs) from England to do the job itself.

Ireland now had control of its own destiny, both at sea and ashore.

The naval base at Haulbowline, which was actually mothballed in 1924, was reactivated to act as a base for the new force.

By 1941 the new Irish Marine Service consisted of six motor torpedo boats plus four sundry vessels, and about 300 all ranks.

Tasks during WWII included mine laying in Cork and Waterford harbours, regulation of merchant shipping, upkeep of navigational aids and fisheries protection.

One MTB even made two separate trips to Dunkirk during the famous evacuation.

At the end of the war, most of the boats were sold and the personnel went back to pre-war employments.

However, the government decided that what remained should become a permanent component of the Defence Forces.

Thus, in 1946, the modern-day Irish Naval Service was born.

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LEFT: The Irish Naval Jack, adopted in 1947, flies at the bow of LÉ Samuel Beckett.

RIGHT: A model of LÉ Samuel Beckett’s engine room at the National Maritime College of Ireland – and the real thing (inset).

Numbers were built back up to 400 ratings and 23 officers – two ex Royal Navy, one ex Royal Indian Navy and the rest from the Merchant Navy.

Three Flower-class Corvettes were purchased from Great Britain in 1946/47 and formed the backbone of the Naval Service until the 1960s, with fishery protection as their main task.

The 1970s again saw the service in decline, but three new Coastal Minesweepers (CMS) were ordered to replace the ageing Corvettes, breathing new life into the Naval Service.

Over the next 15 years or so, seven new ships – some of which are still in service today – were commissioned, and a new era of modernisation commenced.

After Ireland joined what is now called the European Union, the then European Economic Community bought and paid for four new Irish ships in 1973, to police the Irish Exclusive Fishery Zone, which was extended from 12 miles out to 200 miles in 1976.

In 1984, the Irish Naval Service commissioned its largest ever ship, LÉ Eithne (P31), a Helicopter Patrol Vessel, capable of carrying an Air Corps Dauphin helicopter and operating for extended periods in the harsh North Atlantic.

As the Naval Service entered the 1990s, its stature had grown and it had proven itself to be a confident and professional branch of the Irish Defence Forces – Óglaigh na hÉireann.

While fisheries protection still played an important role in the Service’s day-to-day operations, drug smuggling was shaping as a sinister new threat.

New legislation in the ’90s gave the Naval Service powers to board vessels, detain people and confiscate vessels involved in the illicit drug trade – a new and important task that is still of high priority today.

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Resupply missions to Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon, Cyprus and the former Yugoslavia were also new and significant, taking the small, island-nation navy further afield.

LÉ Eithne also carried the Irish Ensign to the USA in 1986 and again in 2000, and LÉ Niamh took it even further in 2002, on a four-month voyage to Hong Kong, Korea, China, Japan, Malaysia and India, with a resupply for Irish troops serving with the UN in Eritrea on the way home.

National and international media headlines brought more renown to the small but professional navy in the ‘naughties’. Rescue operations for a Canadian Navy submarine that suffered a fire off Ireland’s north-west coast in October 2004 was among numerous other high-profile search, rescue and diving operations and a general increase in days at sea.

In October 2003, LÉ Niamh was deployed on a mission to the west coast of Africa to support an Army reconnaissance mission before the deployment of Irish peacekeepers in Liberia. Her taskings included the transport and delivery of vehicles, equipment and personnel to Monrovia’s war-torn port, plus logistic, medical and communications support, and a secure, armed base for the recce party as they explored coastal areas in an uncertain environment.

For good measure, she also conducted a charting survey of the port, using the navigational skills and training of her highly professional crew, to note the position of wrecks, damage to piers and other hazards to the forthcoming UN mission.

And all that just seven days after completing a routine coastal patrol back home – demonstrating the military capability and operational flexibility of the Irish Naval Service.

In 2004, in a partnership between the Department of Defence, the Naval Service, the Department of Education and the Cork Institute of Technology, a National Maritime College of Ireland was opened just across the bridge from Haulbowline.

NMCI represents an enormous advance in the training environment for Naval Service personnel, as well as Irish and foreign Merchant Navies.

Modern classrooms, simulators and training facilities, including deep-dive pools, helicopter underwater escape training, and a range of hands-on and academic indoor and outdoor training facilities mean improvements have been made in seamanship, engineering, sea-survival, fire-fighting, navigation, engineering and more.

The Naval Service continues to run its military training in the Naval College on Haulbowline, but the bulk of maritime and technical training is now conducted in the NMCI, with graduates achieving certification to national and international maritime training standards.

With a current strength of around 1100 personnel, the Irish Naval Service is small. Yet despite its size and because of the pride and professionalism of its people, the Irish Naval Service is a keen and respected contributor to collective UN and European External Action Service missions far from home.

Since 2015 it has been a keen participant in Operation Sophia – Europe’s response to migrant drownings in the Mediterranean – with LÉ Samuel Beckett deployed in 2018 on her third rotation.

Despite any political or strategic controversy over Operation Sophia, the crew of LÉ Samuel Beckett remain immensely proud of their efforts to date – credited with saving more than 2000 lives – and counting.

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P61 Coastal Patrol Vessel

LÉ Samuel Beckett’s ‘funnel art’ was designed by her crew after the ship was tasked to patrol the waters of planet AhchTo – aka Skellig Michael off County Kerry – during filming for The Last Jedi.

LÉ Samuel Beckett Displacement:

2256 Standard tonnes

Length:

90m (295.28ft)

Beam:

14m (45.93ft)

Draught:

3.8m (12ft)

Engines: 2 x W16V26F Wärtsilä diesels Power:

10,000kW (13,000hp)

Speed: 15kn (28km/h) cruise 23kn (43km/h) max Range:

6000nmi (11,000km)

Boats:

3 x MST 8m (26ft) RHIBS

Complement: 44 crew + accomodation for 10 trainees Armament: 1 × OTO Melara 76mm cannon 2 × 20mm Rheinmetall Rh202 cannons 2 × 12.7mm heavy machine guns

4 × 7.62mm FN MAG

Chief Petty Officer Ruairí de Barra and Rosie Hartigan (Mrs CONTACT) on board LÉ Samuel Beckett (here and far right).

W

hen I go on holidays, I usually try to mix a bit of business with pleasure to maximise my return on investment in international airfares.

More often than not though, it becomes a chore, soaking up valuable Guinness-drinking time.

But, occasionally, it turns out to be a real pleasure in and of itself.

Last year, an Irish Naval Service chief petty officer asked me if I’d be interested in a story for CONTACT – a current-day report on international efforts to rebuild Somalia.

I agreed to publish the story if he’d allow me to edit it a little to reflect CONTACT’s and Australia’s interest in that country – and the story was published in issue 56, last December.

For his efforts in researching, writing and publishing that story ‘domestically and overseas’, CPO Ruairí de Barra won the Irish Defence Forces’ “Best Article 2017” and was nominated for similar via the European Military Press Association.

By way of thanks for the ‘overseas’ publishing bit, Ruairí offered to buy me a pint the next time I was home in Ireland – which, as it turned out, was to be a lot sooner than he expected. Rosie had wanted to see the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin for a long time and this was to be the year.

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So a side trip to Cork was quickly included in our schedule.

Ruairí was a delightful host, taking us on a guided tour of the Irish Naval Service headquarters on Haulbowline Island, before a full tour and lunch aboard his ship, LÉ Samuel Beckett, as the crew prepared her for a pending deployment – her third on Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean.

For my part, I probably wasn’t the best guest – normally pretty quiet anyway, but even more so because of chronic back pain. But, thankfully, Ruairí was a talker! And Rosie made up for my lack of vim.

We had a wonderfully educational visit, peppered with information, enthusiasm and a plethora of Irish accents – even Irish language. It came natural to Ruairí to point out things, such as RHIBs, dive equipment, landmarks and other Navy stuff in English, immediately followed by its Irish translation as though there were brackets around them. And it seemed as subconscious to him as it was fascinating to me.

My biggest takeaway was that the Irish Naval Service, despite its small size and obvious low budget, is manned and driven and thrives on the passion, professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm of people like CPO Ruairí de Barra, who, as a senior NCO in a very small Navy, plays a much bigger role than ‘just’ an Engine Room Artificer.

Ruairí is a big man (think 6-foot-4 and 100+kg) with a bone-crushing handshake and a big heart, dedicated to his service, dedicated to his juniors – and dedicated to his community.

He lives in Cobh – a 10-minute ferry ride across Cork Harbour or a 35km drive around it – and on the day we visited, a committee to which he had dedicated hundreds of off-duty hours, had just broken ground on Cobh’s first and only kid’s playground.

In uniform too he is a ‘community worker’, representing his non-commissioned colleagues on conditions-of-service issues and telling their stories through the pages of An Cosantóir, the Defence Forces’ official monthly newsletter.

And, in 2015, when the people of Ireland officially recognised the Irish Naval Service in the annual People of the Year Awards, “For their immense courage and resilience in saving thousands of lives”, I for one think it was very telling that Chief Petty Officer Ruairí de Barra appeared on national television as one of the representatives accepting the award on behalf of the Irish Naval Service.

That said, he never did buy me that pint, but having met and warmed to his lovely family, in his warm and welcoming home, sure wasn’t a nice cup of tea a good substitute?

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The current fleet of the Irish Naval Service comprises one Helicopter Patrol Vessel, three Offshore Patrol Vessels, two Large Patrol Vessels and three Coastal Patrol Vessels – the latter three commissioned in 2014, ’15 and ’16.

Traditionally, ships of the fleet were named after famous women from Irish and Celtic mythology, but the newest have adopted Irish literary names.

CURRENT FLEET: LÉ LÉ LÉ LÉ LÉ LÉ LÉ LÉ

Eithne Orla Ciara Roisin Niamh Samuel Beckett (right) James Joyce William Butler Yeats (left)

P31 P41 P42 P51 P52 P61 P62 P63

LÉ means Long Éireannach or Irish Ship.

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87

THE INNER SANCTUM

OF AN AUSTRALIAN POLICE SNIPER

Has the 6.5 Creedmoor put our trusty .308 out to pasture? I think the argument is compelling.

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KILLER?

.308

BY JASON SEMPLE

Humans are creatures of habit, as soon as we find consistency we revel in its warm embrace. This is definitely the case with precision shooting, where consistency is everything.

Shooting is a collective of habits – the way we breathe, the steady continuous press of the trigger, the follow-through of the shot, the way we caress the bolt handle when Chambering – these are all sophisticated habits in collaboration.

Our choice of calibre can also be a convergence of habit. Shooters spend hundreds of hours in pure dedication together with their chosen calibre as a partnership, chasing perfection, understanding each and every weakness or strength that the collaboration possesses.

As a shooter/calibre relationship, we get to know everything about each other after sending thousands of rounds through variations in weather conditions, both good and bad.

I know how my Federal .308 175gn HPBT LE match grade projectile performs in every facet of shooting delivery because there is no round that I have shot in greater numbers. I am ‘attached’ to this round because I know it so well – even though it’s BC is ordinary and the projectile does not really perform well in windy conditions.

The thing is, I’m still very accurate with it because I know the round and I know what it does in a breeze.

We are in sync from the strong bond we share that has

been created by concentrated repetition more than mere companionship.

Habit and consistency allows you to form intuition and instinct when you’re a precision shooter or sniper, built on real experience.

For most of us snipers and many precision shooters, the .308 has been the staple calibre over the years. The .308 calibre is very dependable and has been proven to possess the hitting power and accuracy that has kept it in the forefront of shooting for decades. The bulk of our training has been with the .308, which as stated above, has provided us with an immense depth of knowledge and shooting prowess.

Without doubt, the .308 has an impeccable pedigree too. It was the US Army’s successor to the .30-’06 Springfield, developed to offer US soldiers similar performance in a shorter, lighter package. It allowed soldier’s to carry more rounds for the same weight and has easily proven itself. Aligned with one of many match rounds, the .308 has shown its accuracy potential for six decades.

The .308 calibre also has an extremely diverse range of projectiles. The progression of projectile development has been driven by years of operational requirements, with enough exposures to properly ensure legitimate validation over time.

So, lots of positivity talking about a calibre that any CONTACT reader with even moderate shooting experience would agree with.

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The author, Jason Semple, left, would like to dedicate this article to his good friend and business partner, former US special forces sniper Andy Butler, above.

“We bounce a lot of chat off each other when we travel and we fully share our knowledge of all things shooting,” Jason said. The photo of Andy, above, shows him leading Kurds to take a town in northern Iraq, and hangs in the Green Beret Club at Fort Bragg.

RIGHT: Custom built 20-inch carbonfibre wrapped barrel chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor from Proof Research on an XLR20 AR10 from 2A Armament, by ex-US SOF sniper Andy Butler.

ENTER 6.5 CREEDMOOR Some of you may not have heard of it – so what is it?

Well, the 6.5 Creedmoor, as a calibre, was developed

by Hornady engineers Dave Emary and Joe Thielen in 2007 after Dave’s interactions and discussions with Precision Rifle Shooting champion Dennis DeMille at the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s National Match at Camp Perry, Ohio. Emary and DeMille wanted a calibre and projectile that would satisfy the rigours of competitive shooting in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS), a championship-style point-series event and the leading precision rifle competition in the USA. PRS matches are recognised as the ‘major league’ of sniper-style rifle matches.

The shooting matches are not shot from a bench or even on regular square ranges. They feature practical, real-world field conditions, with the addition

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of improvised barricades and obstacles to increase the difficulty and subsequent skills required. Rarely are shots taken from a standard prone position. Typical target ranges are from 250m to 1100m, with each PRS match having unique shootings challenges that test different aspects of precision shooting.

PRS comps have single cold-bore engagements at medium ranges, then multi-distance target engagement zones with varying size steel plates all the way out to 1100m. Added to the test is the distinct lack of time. Shooters may have 4-5 targets from 200m – 1100m and no more than 15sec to shoot them all.

The competition is set up in hand-picked ranges where difficult wind shots are required through traces where there are multiple and differing wind forces in play over the same trajectory.

New Zealand has some invite-only gatherings that are similar and really test a shooters true skill under pressure.

The upside to these competitions is that there are in excess of 100 very skilled marksmen who participate over the series across America, providing commercial industry with some awesome data when it comes to ferreting out what works and what doesn’t in ammunition and rifles.

It’s not just the commercial world that benefits from this data and activity either. The military has activeservice personnel who participate in their own time, and this has led to DoD and SOCOM taking significant interest in advancements such as 6.5 Creedmoor.

Top-ranked shooters such as Shannon Kay, who served as a sniper and instructor in the US Army in conventional and special ops units, explains the benefit of the PRS competitions and equipment advancement.

“The civilian side is so much further ahead than the green side in this regard. They are leading the market.

DoD and SOCOM are coming to the civilian side trying to figure it out,” Kay Says.

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In terms of the 6.5 Creedmoor Kay acknowledges, “The 6s and 6.5s are ballistically superior, have less recoil, more efficient case designs, and use highBC bullets. Any time you’re shooting in a field or competition environment, if you can hold closer to the target either in windage or elevation, you have a statistically better chance of hitting the target. The 6s and 6.5s have far fewer variables than the .308s. They are a huge advantage.”

So, if you are still asking, what is the 6.5 Creedmoor – well, in as non-technical lay terms as I can muster, the 6.5 is basically a necked down .308 cartridge with a long and sleek projectile running at 6.5mm in diameter.

You can see the dimensional attributes in the attached photos, with both .308 and 6.5mm next to each other.

The positive factor here with the cartridge dimensions is that .308 stocks and magazines are ready for the 6.5 calibre transition, though a full weapon would require the inclusion of the 6.5mm barrel of course.

The 6.5 also functions excellently in gas-operated gun configurations which is important if it wishes to succeed in LE or Military roles.

My business partner in the USA, ex-US SOF sniper Andy Butler, recently built a customised gas gun in 6.5 Creedmoor. Andy combined a 20-inch carbon-fibre wrapped barrel from Proof Research with a beautiful XLR20 AR10 from US company 2A Armament. Since his first 6.5 purchase, Andy told me his .308s have been gathering dust.

“In my opinion the 6.5 CM pros well outweigh it’s cons,” Andy said.

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“It is 25% more efficient than the .308 with reduced recoil for faster follow-on shots and a higher hit probability should the shooter make a mistake in calculations for range or wind holds, which can make the difference in situations where speed and accuracy could be the difference between mission success or failure.”

Andy hits a familiar point too, which was also made

by Shannon Kay, in that the 6.5 has less recoil than the .308. Recoil management is very important when we look at follow-up shots. Less recoil and muzzle displacement mean we can get back on the target zone quicker and deliver more fire to the initial threat, or to a new one.

However, the ballistic data is the true validation point and the physics cannot be disputed. Andy and I compared the .308 175 grain Sierra Match King (M118LR) and the 6.5 Creedmoor 140 grain ELD Match rounds.

We put them head to head using the same atmospheric ballistic data to ensure results were relative. Empirical data was obtained using Applied Ballistics through one of our Kestrel 5700 professionals and the Kestrel link app.

Data was derived using muzzle velocities of 869m/s (2850f/s) coming out of 24inch barrels for both calibres.

The conditions were: temp 6 degrees Celsius; density altitude 589m; wind speed 4.5m/s; wind direction 90 degrees (full value); target direction 0 degrees; and, inclination 0 degrees.

I think the results speak for themselves. If you look at the tables, it’s not surprising that the smaller 6.5mm projectile is maintaining more velocity at each range marker. The

sleek 6.5 projectile has a superior BC and drag coefficient over the 175gn .308 bullet, and that allows it to cut its way through the atmospherics more efficiently.

The 6.5 lacks the hitting power (energy) of the .308 round out to 500m, but let’s look at that data for a minute. Even at close range such as 300m, the .308 projectile has only 10.4% more kinetic energy to unleash than that of the 6.5 (2746 J over 2460 J). Experts are saying that the 6.5 makes up for this energy reduction because the projectiles sectional density allows it to penetrate to the same degree as the .308 in the same mediums with less power requirement. Basically, the shape allows for more efficient penetration.

Once we are past 550m, however, the 6.5 maintains a better velocity and thus claws back the lead in the energy race. By the time we are at 1000m the 6.5 is delivering almost 25% more energy directly to the target than the 175 gn .308 projectile (1017 J over 779 J). There goes any hitting-power arguments against 6.5!

At the 1000m mark, you can see the .308 is just about to transition down from supersonic speed (343m/s) while the 6.5 has plenty left in the tank. In fact, the 6.5 projectile will still be supersonic out to 1150m before it fades into the transonic zone, which is similar to that of the .338. In lay terms, this means the 6.5 projectile will be more stable, more efficient and easier to predict out to greater distances. We try to avoid the transonic ‘dirty air’ zone as much as possible due to the unpredictable results we tend to get there.

The next thing we need to focus on is the vertical displacement and the effect of wind. If we go straight

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6.5 Creedmoor

.308 Winchester

.308 175 grain Sierra Match King (M118LR) Ballistic Coefficient .243 G7 Range 300M 500M 800M 1000M Elevation Hold 1.0 mil 2.9 mils 6.8 mils 10.4 mils Wind Hold .6 mil 1.0 mil 1.8 mils 2.4 mils Velocity 695m/s 592 m/s 452 m/s 369 m/s Energy 2746 Joules 1992 Joules 1166 Joules 779 Joules 6.5 Creedmoor 140 grain ELD Match Ballistic Coefficient .322 G7 Range 300M 500M 800M 1000M Elevation Hold 1.0 mil 2.6 mils 5.8 mils 8.5 mils Wind Hold .4 mil .7 mils 1.2 mils 1.6 mils Velocity 736 m/s 654 m/s 540 m/s 471 m/s Energy 2460 Joules 1946 Joules 1335 Joules 1017 Joules

ABOVE: Comparing ballistic data from .308 Winchester V 6.5 Creedmoor on the same range in the same conditions.

ABOVE LEFT: XLR20 AR10 from 2A Armament chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor by Andy Butler.

FAR LEFT: Shannon Kay

to the 1000m mark, you will see that the .308 projectile requires 1.9mils (or 1.9meters) more vertical hold than that of the 6.5 Creedmoor. The less vertical adjustment allows us to engage targets quicker that are spread between close- and long-range positions with less adjustment.

Of critical importance is the 6.5’s ability to deal with wind. You can see from the data that at 1000m with wind at 4.5m/s from left to right, the 6.5 requires 0.8mils (80cm) less hold than the .308 (1.6mils over 2.4mils).

This accuracy factor is incredibly important when you consider that wind is the main cause of a miss at medium- to long-range engagements. If we can be more confident with how we mitigate wind we can shoot quicker and with much more confidence.

I’m no different to other snipers and precision shooters who have an inherent love affair with our .308s and feel loyalty to a round that has no doubt been loyal to us for many years.

But we have to be careful not to let our loyalties prevent us from moving on either. There is no doubt in my mind that the 6.5mm Creedmoor is superior in all the

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areas that matter to me in shooting – speed, accuracy at all ranges, recoil management for follow-up shots and terminal ballistics.

Once 6.5mm has enough depth in terms of projectile types (armor piercing, glass penetrators etc) its transition into LE and military applications will be inevitable.

I don’t think anyone is standing on the hilltops shouting that the .308 calibre is dead, but as Shannon Kay says, “That’s only because it’s too popular to die”.

Shannon sums it up perfectly – “The longer the shot, the wider the performance gap between 6.5mm cartridges and the .308. Clearly the .308 is dead among long-range competitive shooters, as they are not bound by nostalgia or logistics. They only use what works best for the job – and in today’s world, the job requires something more than what the .308 has to offer”.

I’m really looking forward to seeing where it goes in the combative carbine world as well.

But, for me, my next longarm purchase will not be in .308, but in 6.5 Creedmoor.

6.5 Creedmoor is here to stay.

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Villers-Bretonneux STORY AND PHOTOS BY DANIEL MCINTOSH

In 2014 I attended the ANZAC Day Service at Villers Bretonneux in France at the start of the official 20142018 Commemoration program for the ANZAC Centenary. Attending an ANZAC Day Service on the Western Front was not planned, yet fell within the time my wife and I were on holiday through Europe so it was a natural progression in our itinerary.

I actually knew very little of the Villers-Bretonneux battle and its significance to the Western Front Campaigns. Throughout school and university, the obvious focus of studies had been the Gallipoli campaign. The Western Front was looked at through the bigger battles of the Somme and Ypres.

At the 2014 Dawn Service, the master of ceremonies gave a brief history of the battle and the Australian involvement. It was not until this brief introduction that I came to understand the battle’s significance and the realisation the battle had taken place on the eve of ANZAC Day 1918, into the dawn of ANZAC Day itself.

The emotions I felt through that service caught me by surprise. Tears flowed and a sense of pride, especially 92

LEST WE FORGET

with the singing of the national anthem, grew within me. I soon realised that attendance in 2018 would be an experience like no other. Attending the dawn service on ANZAC Day, 100 years to the hours the action had taken place would be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Attendance at the Dawn Service in 2018 was looked after by DVA, who issued attendance passes, ironically the application process for passes opened on ANZAC Day 2017. Confirmation of passes came through and the planning commenced.

Leaving our apartment in Amiens at 130 AM we walked to the train station where buses were waiting to take attendees to the pre-arranged departure point; security checks ensued and a second bus ferried people to the memorial site.

Having already attended in 2014, I knew the layout of the Australian National Memorial. The rows of headstones rise from the memorial entrance and lead toward the wall of remembrance. As you walk the grounds, the ages of those that fell have no consistency; 21, 35, 43, 17 years of age.

Headstones include a soldier’s battalion information, if known. Many read “A Soldier Of The Great War Known unto God”. No matter how many times you read those words, “Known Unto God”, the realisation that the individual buried there may never be identified causes you to pause and reflect.

The number of attendees had grown since 2014, temporary grandstands were now included to accommodate the expected 8000 strong crowd.

The master of ceremonies again gave a history of the battle and ensuing campaigns. As the bitter wind came up through the valley, the MC described the suffering of French civilians in 1918, forced to seek refuge in open fields of the Somme Valley as their houses were bombarded by German artillery.

If you closed your eyes you could imagine it. The valley, open before you still consists of farm fields that stretch to the horizon.

The ADF was, as always well represented. The Federation Guard and catafalque party performed outstandingly. Prime Minister Turnbull and HRH Prince

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Charles addressed the crowd. ANZAC 2018 coincided with the opening of the Sir John Monash Centre – established by then Prime Minister Abbott, also in attendance.

The order of proceedings remained the same as it had for years and years before. Hymns, prayers, The Ode, The Last Post, a minutes silence, Reveille, French and Australian National Anthems.

In France, with the Australian National Anthem; the sense of pride and reverence overflow. And that’s when the tears come freely and I’m happy to say that.

Australian flags fly throughout the local towns so the respect the local French people have for those that fought and fell for their freedom, was proudly on display.

The welcome the local French give to those Australian pilgrim’s that make the journey every ANZAC Day is a measure of the respect held between the two countries. The welcome is sincere, respectful and warm. If you have the opportunity to attend ANZAC Day on foreign shores, do so. It is an experience you will never forget.

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93

CADET ER CORN

Further information on Cadets can be found at

www.cadetnet.gov.au

Leadership

AAFC Cadet Corporal Breydon Verryt-Reid at the Le Hamel Australian Memorial, France.

Pi lgrimage to France Over the period 6 to 9 August, 16 Australian Defence Force Cadets were selected to represent Australia, joining young people from other participating nations (Canada, France, UK and USA) to commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of Amiens and the last 100 Days of WWI. Among those who travelled to the north of France was Cadet Corporal Breydon Verryt-Reid from No 612 Squadron, AAFC, based in Mount Gambier, South Australia.

Since his return, CCPL Verryt-Reid has written up a summary of his trip for his local newspaper, and will be interviewed on local ABC Radio.

As part of the selection process, candidates were subject to endorsement by their Commanding Officer and Wing Officer Commanding, and then selected based on a written submission – one paragraph describing General Sir John Monash’s leadership style at the Battle of Amiens. The final stage was a phone interview with senior staff.

AAFC candidates were each required to complete an individual research project. CCPL Verryt-Reid’s assigned project was to review the service of Lieutenant John Gould-Taylor, who was posthumously awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery during the Battle of Amiens.

In addition, all cadets participated in a group project which was to research the battles before

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Amiens and then Amiens itself, as well as collecting some images of remembrance.

Before departure, CCPL Verryt-Reid said, “I’m most excited to see the battlefields and learning more about the historical significance of the event”.

With fellow ADF cadets, CCPL Verryt-Reid attended a service at Amiens Cathedral on 8 August, and visited the Somme battlefields of 1916.

They joined with the multi-national group for a mix of classroom and hands-on-learning activities, hearing from experienced Western Front tour guides, as well as Professor Sir Hew Strachan, a highly respected WWI historian who travelled with them throughout the tour.

CCPL Verryt-Reid said, “The activities gave us a chance to reflect on the bravery, courage and fortitude shown by the brave men and women who participated in World War I”.

“It was a great experience seeing the battlefields as it brought some context to the stories of ancestors and distant relatives that fought on the Western Front during WWI”.

Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 6 Wing Public Affairs & Communication Officer, said “Many of the fallen on the Western Front came from South Australia, so it was fitting that a South Australian Air Force Cadet could be among those paying respects on this pilgrimage.”

Wing Commander (AAFC) Paul Hughes addresses the Sir John Storey Leadership Awards audience in Sydney.

Wing Commander (AAFC) Paul Hughes, Officer Commanding 3 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets, received a prestigious Sir John Storey Outstanding Intentional Leader Award from the Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML) during a ceremony in Sydney in November.

Appointed in 2012, Wing Commander Hughes is currently responsible for training and developing more than 2400 cadets and 500 staff between the ages of 13 to 78 spread across NSW and ACT. He also leads the administration of more than 40 separate units from Lismore to Canberra and Albury.

Wing Commander Hughes is credited with developing a vision and mission for 3 Wing, providing his team with a sense of purpose and meaning. He implemented programs changing business delivery with consideration of the diverse group of volunteers. He also devised a strong communication strategy that was conveyed by personally connecting to his people and not through corporate jargon. He took five weeks away from his day job to visit all 40 units around NSW and ACT to provide people with a voice in playing a part in the organisation’s future. His leadership style is said to emphasise the importance of emotional intelligence, transparency and collaboration.

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New Banner The 6 Wing competitors: Cadet Corporal Nicholas Sibly from 601 Squadron (left) and Cadet Sergeant Callum Rowett from No 617 Squadron, with Squadron Leader (AAFC) Dennis Medlow, Head of Operations-Gliding, Aviation Operations Wing. Photo by Squadron Leader (AAFC) Billy Gleeson-Barker.

National Comp

6 Wing Chaplain Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) John Bennett blesses the new 622 Squadron Banner. Photos by Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig.

At Woodside Barracks on 20 October, 602 Squadron hosted the Combined Annual Parade of 602 and 622 Squadrons, Australian Air Force Cadets.

This parade included a special ceremony for the banner blessing and presentation of the new Banner of No 622 (Rural City of Murray Bridge) Squadron.

No 622 Squadron provides learning, leadership and development opportunities for youth from the Murraylands, mid-Murray, Mallee, Bremer and Strathalbyn regions.

With the parade in place, the cased Banner of No 622 Squadron was marched on by Cadet Warrant Officer Walter Harris, and placed in position on a drum pile, in preparation for the blessing and presentation.

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Cadet Flight Sergeant Tyler Willis was the Banner Warrant Officer.

The drum pile is a significant and traditional part of a banner blessing, representing an impromptu ‘altar’ often used during wartime to conduct religious ceremonies.

In late 2017, 622 Squadron was granted Freedom of Entry to the Rural City of Murray Bridge, a rare honour.

The new banner was commissioned bearing this new title, based on the existing approved emblem.

622 Squadron AAFC derives its insignia – a long-eared owl clutching a flash of lightning in its claws – from the heraldry of RAF No 622 Squadron, a heavy bomber unit of WWII Bomber Command.

Two Air Force Cadets from No 6 Wing (South Australia and Mildura) had the privilege of competing in the 2018 Australian Air Force Cadets National Aviation Competition held in NSW from 28 November to 2 December at the Bathurst Aviation Centre (BATAC).

Among the 19 cadets representing their respective wings, the South Australian representatives in the gliding component were Cadet Sergeant Callum Rowett (No 617 Squadron, Unley High School), aged 18, and Cadet Corporal Nicholas Sibly (No 601 Squadron, Keswick Barracks), aged 16.

Participants were required to complete three flights (one familiarisation and two assessed), as well as a theory component.

No 3 Wing won the WGCDR(AIRTC) Nev Currey Award for the Overall Best Wing in Powered Flight and Gliding.

Although the two South Australian competitors did not bring home a trophy, CSGT Rowett and CCPL Sibly came first in the theory component of the gliding competition. In addition, they were given a special mention by the judges on their ability to adapt to aero-tow launches in their assessed flights during the competition, despite never having used that launch method before.

Squadron Leader (AAFC) Dennis Medlow, Head of OperationsGliding, Aviation Ops Wing, said: “The NAC again demonstrated the tremendous talent possessed by our young aviators in the AAFC. Everyone demonstrated their skill and airmanship and worked as a team to ensure we had a safe and enjoyable experience”.

Commanding Officer No 906 Aviation Training Squadron, Squadron Leader (AAFC) Nicolaas Robbertse said, “These two Cadets did 6 Wing proud”.

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CADET ER CORN

Further information on Cadets can be found at

www.cadetnet.gov.au

Hi gh f lier

C at ali na Cup The 609 Squadron winning team with the Catalina Cup and F-88 (WTSS) Team Shooting Competition trophies (left to right): Cdt Declen Love, LCdt Jesvi John, CCpl Jeremy Swain, CSgt Ben Whiting, Cdt Lucy Beck, LCdt Fabian D’Mello and CCpl Joshua Dsa. Photo by Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig.

Cadets from the various squadrons of 6 Wing (South Australia) lived on base at RAAF Edinburgh over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June to compete in the annual Catalina Cup competition.

Catalina Cup is awarded to the champion squadron within No 6 Wing, with the highest aggregate score from all competitions held over the weekend.

On ‘Green Day’ (Saturday) the squadron teams competed in the shooting, fieldcraft and leadership activities, including individual shelter construction; judging distance; field movement, signals and formations; and, navigation.

Shooting competitions were held with the .22” Long Rifle, as well as F-88 serials on the Weapons Training Simulation System (WTSS).

Then on ‘Blue Day’ (Sunday), the squadron teams took to the parade ground in their service dress uniform for drill performances, as well as competing in various examinations.

Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 6 Wing Public Affairs & Communication Officer, said, “As well as measuring academic performance, ‘Blue Day’ included ongoing assessments of dress and behaviour, giving squadrons the opportunity to showcase their talents”.

Officer Commanding No 6 Wing, Wing Commander (AAFC) Peter Gill, complimented all teams on their performance.

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Green Day Results: Fieldcraft and Teamwork Competition No 601 Squadron (Keswick Barracks) F-88 (WTSS) Team Shooting Competition No 609 Squadron (Warradale Barracks) F-88 (WTSS) Champion Shot LCdt Caitlyn Edmunds, 601 Sqn (Keswick Bks) .22” Long Rifle Team Shooting Competition No 622 Squadron (Murray Bridge) .22” LR Champion Shot LCdt Jacob Lavery, 622 Sqn (Murray Bridge)

Ana from No 613 Squadron, AAFC at RAAF Edinburgh has been a cadet for just a year and half, but in that time she has already passed a swim test, qualified in firearms safety, flown a light aircraft (supervised) and completed the Bronze level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Many AAFC activities are challenging and competitive, but participants in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award only ever compete with one person – themselves.

From being in the air, Ana recently went ‘on air’ to tell ‘Service Voices’ how the AAFC challenges her.

In Adelaide on Anzac Day, she carried the banner at the head of the RAAF contingent of veterans.

Earlier this year, she was among a small group of Air Force Cadets from No 6 Wing who formed a Royal Guard for Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, who recently assumed many public duties from his father, one of which is Patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

No 6 Wing Public Affairs and Communications Officer, Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig said, “In her interview with Service Voices, Ana explained how her cadet service was a perfect fit with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award”.

Producer of ‘Service Voices’ radio program Helen Meyer said, “It’s refreshing to hear a 15-yearold being able to tell us where she wants to go with her life – what she wants to do with it”.

Blue Day results: Inter-Squadron Drill Competition No 601 Squadron (Keswick Barracks) Freestyle Drill Competition No 608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron Aviation Competition No 609 Squadron (Warradale Barracks) Aircraft Recognition Competition No 609 Squadron (Warradale Barracks) Service Knowledge Competition No 609 Squadron (Warradale Barracks) 6 Wing top squadron for 2018 Congratulations to the competition team from No 609 Squadron (Warradale Barracks) led by Cadet Sergeant Ben Whiting.

Leading Cadet Ana from 613 Squadron prepares for a Pilot Experience Flight (PEX).

Photo by Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig.

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Freedom of Entry

2 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets march through Brisbane after being granted Freedom Of Entry to the City. Photo supplied by Steve McCann.

2 Wing, Australian Air Force Cadets, were awarded Freedom of Entry to the City of Brisbane on Saturday 19 May 2018.

Approximately 700 cadets and staff marched through the city from King George Square.

The parade was led by Officer Commanding 2 Wing, Wing Commander (AAFC) Tony Lee, supported by Wing Warrant Officer WOFF (AAFC) Andy Kitchen.

The Wing’s official Facebook page was full of praise – “Well

X Box detox

ANZAC Day Throughout South Australia and western Victoria, and even in Canberra, Air Force Cadets from No 6 Wing took part in a number of Anzac Day Dawn Services and commemorative marches.

In some localities, the activity actually began the night before with an overnight Vigil, in which cadets and other volunteer youth mounted a formal ‘Holding Ground’ ceremony around a War Memorial continuously throughout the night, from sunset untill dawn.

The list of Anzac Day activities in which cadets participated was quite extensive.

Many cadets took the opportunity to honour a deceased relative by wearing their medals.

No 6 Wing Public Affairs & Communication

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done to all the 2 Wing staff and cadets who did us proud today”.

“What a wonderful display we put on and how exciting it was to be a part of this historic occasion.”

In a significant show of support and testament to the close relationship between the Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Air Force Cadets, a RAAF C-17 performed a flyover of the parade at impressively low level over the city.

LCDT Ana Ribeiro Dos Santos (No 613 Sqn, AAFC) leads the RAAF WWII contingent in Adelaide. Photo by Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig.

Officer, Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig said, “Each year we take these opportunities to ensure that our Anzacs are remembered – we must constantly repeat the essence of the faith our fallen heroes keep”.

Lest we Forget

A select group of 2 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets flew out of Brisbane on Saturday 22 September to walk in the steps of Australian soldiers on the Kokoda Trail, finding out for themselves how tough it was for the soldiers who fought in iconic WWII battles along the way.

The group was led by Officer Commanding 2 Wing SEQ Wing Commander (AAFC) Tony Lee who, in 1985, walked the trail as an 18-yearold Cadet Under Officer.

One support staff member is ACW(AAFC) Juanita Anable who will walk the track with her 17-year-old son, Cadet Sergeant Lewis Bell,

whose grandfather Sergeant Thomas Crawley, a member of the 25th Battalion, was shot in the hip on the trail.

Another cadet walking the trail will be 17-yearold Leading Cadet Breana Humes from 210 Squadron Toowoomba, whose great uncle was the first indigenous officer in the Australian Imperial Forces, and who died on the trail.

Wing Commander (AAFC) Lee said the trek should be a memorable 10 days living with people in difficult, uncomfortable circumstances – without their devices.

“I refer to it as detox from the X Box.”

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CADET ER CORN

Further information on Cadets can be found at

www.cadetnet.gov.au

Community achievers For Australia Day this year, the Air Force Cadets from No 622 Squadron, AAFC, in South Australia again joined with local Army cadets to support the Australia Day Ceremony run by the Rural City of Murray Bridge at Sturt Reserve.

Of particular note, former Cadet Under Officer Samuel Mach was a nominee for the 2018 Murray Bridge Young Citizen of the Year Awards.

So too were serving cadets Cadet Warrant Officer Walter Harris, Cadet Corporal Tegan Thomas and Leading Cadet Jacob Lavery. It’s worthy recognition of their contribution to the community just to be nominated.

The Commanding Officer of No 622 Squadron, Squadron Leader (AAFC) Lawrence Ng, said, “They are the best team around – great leaders today, and even better tomorrow”.

Lawrence was himself an award recipient last year, awarded the Premier’s Certificate for Outstanding Volunteer Service. This award was made in acknowledgment of the many years’ service he has given to the local community and in particular the AAFC in the Adelaide Hills area.

Meanwhile over at nearby Mannum, Cadet Sergeant James Marchant from 622 Squadron was awarded the Lions Club Australia Day Youth Achievement Award. Congratulations James!

2018 Young Citizen of the Year nominees for the Rural City of Murray Bridge, Cadet Corporal Tegan Thomas, former Cadet Under Officer Samuel Mach and Leading Cadet Jacob Lavery.

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This award caps off a very successful 12 months. Last year, CSGT Marchant led the 622 Squadron team in the 2017 Catalina Cup Competition. The team won the .22 Long Rifle Team Shooting Competition, and CSGT Marchant himself was the 6 Wing .22 Champion Shot for 2017. And at the National Rifle Competition last year at the Melbourne International Shooting Complex, the 622 Squadron placed third overall, with CSGT Marchant placing second individually.

Former Commanding Officer of 622 Squadron (2016-17), Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Lemar said, “I’m so proud of the service ethos all of our cadets in Murray Bridge show all the time”.

“We congratulate these nominees and all award winners,” Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 6 Wing Public Affairs & Communication Officer said.

“These cadets demonstrate the community spirit which contributes to our national identity.”

Flying Officer (AAFC) Lemar is now Commanding Officer of 602 Squadron in the Adelaide Hills. He said they were now looking for new members to join the squadron.

“It’s going to be an exciting year, with a lot of cooperative activities planned for 602 and 622 Squadrons.”

205 Sqn celebrate 70 years

205 Squadron AAFC based at the University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, celebrated 70 years of developing young leaders in the Lockyer Valley on Saturday night, 9 December 2017.

The squadron was originally formed as 5 flight Queensland Air Training Corps on 13 February 1947 as a feeder organisation for the Royal Australian Air Force.

Cadets make friends and bond for life and this was evident with the guest list at the dinner including two former commanding officers and some of their cadets who have gone on to careers in the RAAF and RNZAF. The gathering was a great opportunity for the generations of members from the squadron to reminisce on the past 70 years.

Guests included former member and international guest Corporal Shaun Jones of the Royal New Zealand

Air Force, and Flight Lieutenant Hannah John, a Joint Battlefield Air Space Controller with 452 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan, also a former cadet, gave a well-received address on how the then 5 Flight QAIRTC, helped her through her teenage years.

She presented Commanding Officer Flying Officer (AAFC) Michael West-McInnes with a congratulatory certificate on behalf of the council.

Current and former cadets and staff were presented with a commemorative coin.

Cadets also received birthday letters from members of the Air Cadet League of Canada, The United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol, Royal Air Force Section of the City of London CCF, French Air Cadets and from former staff.

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Navy Army Air Force CCPL Sydney Searle (603SQN AAFC) with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster bomber at RAF Coningsby.

Honouring Bomber Command V/Regal visit On the 22 November 2017, members of 336 Squadron, AAFC, met and greeted Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove at RAAF Base Richmond and provided an honour guard as he boarded his aircraft.

After talking to cadets and complimenting them on their dress and bearing, Sir Peter presented 336 Squadron with a GovernorGeneral’s Medallion, which was accepted by CUO Jordan Klompenhouwer on behalf of 336.

After the Governor-General departed, the cadets looked over a C-27J Spartan.

Wing Commander Jarrod Pendlebury, CO 35 Squadron, was on hand to speak to the cadets about the aircraft and show them through.

Squadron members thanked the RAAF for the

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CUO Jordan Klompenhouwer receives a Governor General’s Medallion from Sir Peter Cosgrove, on behalf of 336 Squadron AAFC.

amazing opportunity, which was very much appreciated by the cadets.

Commanding officer 336 Squadron Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Dennis Lockwood said he was extremely proud of the way the cadets presented themselves on the day.

“They were a credit to themselves, the squadron and the AAFC,” he said.

In April, the Australian Air Force Cadets sent a small contingent to the UK to attend the opening of the new International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln.

They were invited to join the Australian Branch of the Bomber Command Association on a tour of places significant to the Bomber Command effort during World War 2.

Among the AAFC contingent was South Australian Cadet Corporal Sydney Searle from No 603 Squadron (Riverland).

Since her return, CCPL Searle has given presentations to members of the Loxton RSL and her fellow cadets, and she wrote up a summary of her trip for the local Riverland newspaper.

After some sight-seeing on an iconic red double-decker bus, on day 2 of their visit, “We went to the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park where we laid wreaths and poppies on behalf of all who served”, CCPL Searle said.

They were then hosted for lunch at the RAF Club in Piccadilly.

Over the following days they visited various historic sites including Bletchley Park, the Pathfinder Force Museum at RAF Wyton, the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, and RAF Waddington south of Lincoln where they met some RAF Air Cadets.

CCPL Searle said they even had dinner at the famous Blue Bell Inn, which had been frequented during the war by members of No 617 Squadron, RAF (the ‘Dam Busters’), and on another day visited the Dam Busters’ wartime base at RAF Scampton.

In Lincoln they attended the International Bomber Command Centre opening ceremony on 12 April.

CCPL Searle said, “After the ceremony had finished we placed poppies on the Walls of Names where all the 58,000 fallen were listed”.

These walls list the names of the men and women who lost their lives serving or supporting Bomber Command during WWII – every life lost in Bomber Command was considered equal in sacrifice so the walls do not list ranks held or decorations awarded.

Of 10,000 Australian airmen who served with Bomber Command, 3486 were killed in action.

Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 6 Wing Public Affairs & Communication Officer, said, “Many of the fallen came from South Australia, so it was fitting that a South Australian air force cadet had the unique opportunity to be among those paying respects on our behalf at the opening of the International Bomber Command Centre”.

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RIP LIEUTENANT COLONEL MIKE HARRIS

HIS OWN

LAST WORDS

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Harris was an exceptional officer loved by all. He was a colleague I respected immensely and miss sorely.

Play well on your new course, Sir. Brian Hartigan CONTACT Editor

11 March 1968 – 17 January 2018

“As I enter my final battle, I offer this advice: Take a positive view, not a negative one. Be proud. Take your holidays, spend time with your families, do something for your mates. and live life.”

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At 48, with a wife, two teenage children, a dog, mortgage and a project car, I was forced to confront the issues of depression and death. A year on, I was able to celebrate my 49th year.

In this time I have never been so proud of my courageous wife and two beautiful teenage children as they have helped me deal with the challenges of chemotherapy and the emergence of more troublesome cancers.

Sadly that’s where the miracles end.

To borrow a golf metaphor, I am about to finish my round with a better-thanexpected result and I’m heading for the clubhouse for some relief.

Not only has my family made me feel loved and cared for during this final, palliative phase of treatment, a group of friends has been quietly and selflessly showing what true mateship is.

Joined by colleagues, and even complete strangers, they conspired, with my wife’s consent, to resurrect my British sports car under the cover of darkness and without my knowledge.

I find myself asking, why did they do it?

They all had different motivations but a constant theme – mateship.

These people from Army, Navy, Air Force, APS and the general public literally rebuilt my car with their bare hands, dipped into their pockets for loose change, used all their spare time and scoured the country (and the UK) to find the parts – and wanted nothing for it.

It is humbling. I am lost for words.

In a race against the finish of my health battle, they beat the odds and surprised me with the keys to my Stag a couple of weeks ago.

I hope you are picking up a theme here.

We all joined the ADF to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We put ourselves in harm’s way in order to protect our way of life, honour the Anzac tradition and make the future better for our children and future generations.

My car has become a metaphor.

Notoriously unreliable, it’s a bugger to work on, and in 1987 was the most frequently stolen car in the UK. But now, my talented friends have turned the car from a curbside relic to a vehicle that will hold enduring sentimental value.

It’s a priceless gift to my family.

It has shown me the immense good and selflessness in our people.

I am most proud that it brought people together, and I am humbled that they did it for me.

I quietly wish there was more time to thank my friends and to enjoy the fruits of their labours. I never thought I would see it going again.

On Sunday, November 12, I was liberated from my palliative care facility, surprised my understanding wife with a long lunch for all my mates, and drove through the streets of a quiet NSW suburb listening to the heartbeat of a 1970s British classic V8 as I basked in the sunlight of a warm spring day with the sun on my face.

I got to share laughs with my mates, smell the aroma of burnt oil, fresh car wax and 98 octane being turned into sweet smoke as I gripped the wheel and pressed the pedal for the first and likely last time.

I smiled. This was a good day. This is what life is all about. Mateship, love, compassion.

As I enter my final battle, I offer this advice: Take a positive view, not a negative one. Be proud. Take your holidays, spend time with your families, do something for your mates and live life. We have a world full of amazing, compassionate people – please make sure that spirit continues.

For now, I’m heading out to tee off on a different course.

See ya later.

From ARMY Newspaper 101

CONTACT is dedicated to presenting stories, photos and video that capture the essence of serving-members’ lives, as far as possible in their own words.

CONTACT blog is our internet-based headquarters where we publish daily news and other interesting, related items. We also use Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and YouTube as ’embassies’ where we engage our audience, inviting them back to our headquarters.

CONTACT newsletter is a free fortnightly email-based publication that draws attention to recent news stories. Its intent is to bring readers the best of the previous fortnight in a handy-reference format, linking back to the original story in our headquarters (web site) – and updating developments in older stories.

CONTACT Air Land & Sea magazine is a high-quality, full-colour, features-based magazine published four times per year. Initially launched in March 2004 as a traditional paper-based magazine, it switched to digital in 2013. It is now only available by free subscription.

Blog: www.contactairlandandsea.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine Email: editor@militarycontact.com Mail: PO Box 3091, Minnamurra, NSW 2533

Subscribe: www.aussiecombat.com Phone: 0408 496 664