The Concept of Expendable Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles

THE CONCEPT OF EXPENDABLE UNINHABITED AERIAL VEHICLES

The secret of future air power lies in wireless control, that is, in electrical science. The air must wed the ether, if air power is to dominate in war; and when this union is consummated, the offensive may become so powerful and so difficult to counter, that ultimately nations may decide that the game of war is not worth the candle.’ – Major General J. F. C. Fuller, 1932

Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) include both autonomous systems, which are capable of completing a mission without any human input and remotely piloted vehicles, which receive human input from a central control station outside of the flying vehicle. The fundamental difference between UAVs and missiles is that the UAV is intended to be recovered after its mission for subsequent use, whereas a missile is a single-use entity.

The concept of the UAV was equally intriguing to the developers of air power capabilities and the strategists for different reasons. For the capability development agencies the concept provided an opportunity to minimise the costs— in resources and personnel required—associated with the development, operation and maintenance of airborne platforms. Further, since a human being would not inhabit the airborne system, it was possible to do away with the lifesupport systems, thereby increasing the payload and also loiter time. From a strategic and operational perspective, it was seen that UAVs could be used to carry out the ‘first day of war’ missions that were dangerous and often repetitive, thereby avoiding the possibility of own casualties. While this has merit, a shortcoming of UAVs is that they have almost no self-protection measures and remain vulnerable in a contested air environment.

The fundamental advantage a UAV provided in the employment of air power was that in extreme conditions the vehicle or the system was expendable—it was cheap to replace and there was no fear of an own casualty. Both these considerations would obviously alter the concept of operations and were laudable goals, although the reality turned out to be somewhat different. It was seen that the operating cost of a UAV was very similar to a normal inhabited aircraft and that the personnel requirement for maintenance and operation had also not reduced significantly.

In fact the per-hour cost of operating a UAV was slightly higher than an inhabited equivalent. While the strategy of employing UAVs to carry out the ‘dull, dirty and/or dangerous’ missions still holds true, a number of other factors, primarily the cost, hindered their full employment.

The UAVs and their armed counterparts, while having proved their efficacy, became technologically far too sophisticated and therefore expensive, defeating the fundamental advantage that they were supposed to have brought to aerial warfare. They were not expendable anymore. In the cost versus capability debate, it seemed that capability requirements had taken precedence, making what was conceived as an ‘expendable’ system almost as expensive as a traditional aircraft performing the same mission. The trend so far is that both armed and unarmed UAVs are far too expensive, especially with their onboard sophisticated systems, to be considered expendable assets.

A new air power employment concept, still in its developmental stage, seems to be starting to reverse this trend. It has become necessary to exploit ‘disruptive’ technologies to off-set the advances that have been made by potential adversaries in their anti-access, area-denial (A2/ AD) capabilities. In the past few years efforts have been underway to exploit the developments that have already taken place in the field of autonomous UAVs in order to enhance operational capabilities.

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) initiated a project in 2015, called ‘Loyal Wingman’ that was meant to exploit the capabilities of autonomous systems technology to enhance operational efficiency in denied and/or contested environments through combining fifth-generation fighter aircraft with UAVs. The precepts developed in this project have now been adopted by other air forces also and the term ‘Loyal Wingman’ has evolved into generic usage in air power parlance. The term itself infers control being exercised by an inhabited asset, normally considered to be a conventional combat platform.

Increased reliance on UAVs have become necessary because of the advanced integrated air defence systems and improved electronic attack capabilities have combined to augment the complexity of the prevailing A2/AD environments, which in turn threatens the safety and efficiency of strike platforms. The Loyal Wingman concept envisages teaming conventional fighter aircraft with armed UAVs to reduce the threat to the pilot by assigning the more dangerous tasks within a mission profile to the uninhabited assets. Since the chances of their suffering attrition are high, the UAVs would have to be considerably cheaper than the current set of highly sophisticated

ones. However, the effectiveness of this combined system of conventional fighter aircraft and armed UAVs will depend on the ability of the autonomous platforms to coordinate their activities among themselves and also to function in a highly contested environment where human interface is degraded or considered undesirable.

The primary requirements are for Loyal Wingman to be able to distinguish friend from foe autonomously and to communicate information after it has been prioritised, depending on the level of hostility of the environment.

Advocates of the concept envisage a scenario where multiple UAVs operate together, and in conjunction with, conventional inhabited combat aircraft. This combination is expected to relieve the human aircrew to focus on broader mission management issues since the cognitive workload of dealing with highthreat environments would be reduced. The uninhabited autonomous platforms offer the ability to penetrate very highrisk mission environments and within the concept could be considered expendable. It is also thought that as the concept develops further and capabilities are tested and approved, the UAVs within the system would also be able to use their own sensors and embedded artificial intelligence (AI) to function autonomously, while being part of a larger ‘swarm’ of inhabited/ uninhabited aerial vehicles.

The basic premise in the development of this concept is the belief that the UAVs would be expendable—meaning that the autonomous vehicle would be inexpensive enough to not worry the commanders regarding their loss in achieving the desired objective in the employment of air power. By developing UAVs with a higher single-use failure probability and a lower total servicelife, they can be made ‘inexpensive’, although they are manufactured with the capability to be recovered and reused.

The latest initiatives in the development of UAVs are meant to stop the current upward trend in their manufacturing costs and the resource-intensive and sophisticated nature of their embedded systems. Almost all future combat air systems being developed across the world— currently mostly at the conceptual stages— include low-cost uninhabited capabilities as adjunct to conventional combat platforms, adhering to the Loyal Wingman concept in its broadest sense.

It is highly likely that in the next five to ten years, the concept of Loyal Wingman—a judicious combination of low-cost, autonomous, armed and/ or unarmed UAVs and conventional fifth-generation fighter platforms— will continue to mature through the development of technology demonstrators and experimentation. However, complete operationalisation of the concept requires the continued maturation and integration of enabling technologies such as AI, sensor fusion and human-computer interface practices.

Air and Space Power Centre Image Boeing

BUY ONCE, BUY RIGHT WITH VEGA

Flexibility, versatility and customisation go a long way in any manufacturing venture. If a company is agile enough to handle the needs of its clients, that company will stay ahead of more rigid competitors.

“There is no one instrument that does it all,” says VEGA Australia managing director John Leadbetter.

This tenet is at the heart of VEGA Australia’s approach to business. Leadbetter, a 40-year industry veteran, firmly believes that a company has to have different technologies to suit different applications in a variety of locations.

Since 1984, VEGA Australia has provided instrumentation and measurement technology to businesses in Australia and around the world. Leadbetter says that a global clientele demands a scalable product range.

“We’re dealing with a number of industries globally, and there are a variety of applications our solutions have to suit,” he says.

“There’s no one solution to do everything, so you have different technologies to suit the variety of needs.”

Right now, many within the industry are under exaggerated time and financial constraints. For Leadbetter, this means no two customers are ever in the same boat – and that’s why a blanket approach doesn’t work.

“What we strive to do is make sure we solve the customer’s problem, whatever that may be, so that the next time they have a problem, they come back to us,” he says.

“We want repeat business, and you only get that by working closely with a customer to meet their specific needs.”

The VEGA approach, according to Leadbetter, is to sit down with a customer, understand exactly what they’re trying to achieve, and then come up with the perfect bespoke solution.

“And we like to offer alternatives,” he says.

“We can say here’s solution A, or solution B. They’ll both do the job, but each have advantages and disadvantages. We let the client decide.”

Leadbetter cites as an example the case of a mining company that contacted VEGA for a method of measuring levels of ore in its plant.

“We went through the process and gave them options, but then they told us they’d accepted different technology from another company,” he says.

“So we then kept in touch with them, and three months later they came back to us and said the other company’s technology hadn’t worked.”

In response, VEGA offered the miner references from other companies that had successfully employed the VEGA solutions. This convinced the miner of the VEGA solution’s viability, and the deal was done.

“They chose the other technology based on price, but their costs doubled because they bought twice. In the long run, it ended up costing them even more.”

Leadbetter says VEGA makes a point of discussing references and how the VEGA process works.

“If we come across an application we have no first-hand experience with, we ask our international partners. Somewhere in the world, someone may have already used it and can give us a reference,” he says.

“And we can then pass it on to the customer. If you go the extra yard, you get another happy customer.”

It’s become more evident in the last five years that businesses tend to make decisions on a product based on its long-term benefits rather than price considerations, a change Leadbetter says is overdue.

“You want peace of mind, and you should basically get a lifetime of good operation at no cost,” he says.

“If VEGA offers you a unit for $5000 and someone else offers you a unit for $2000, you need to look at the cost of ownership rather than the cost of purchase.”

LEAVING THE EAGLES NEST

Introduction

Since1941, tens of thousands of young Australians have undertaken training in the Air Training Corps (ATC), later (circa 1976) to become the AIRTC, and which in 2001, was renamed as the Australian Air Force Cadets.* The AAFC, and its previous iterations, form the ‘air element’ of the Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) Scheme, the other two Cadet services including the Australian Army Cadets (AAC) and the Australian Naval Cadets (ANC). Operating entirely as a volunteer organization, the ADFC today boasts tens of thousands young Australians aged between 13 and 18 years, which are supervised, trained and mentored by a small volunteer, professional force of Instructors of Cadets (IOC) and Officers of Cadets (OOC).1

As of Dec. 2020, 7,229 Cadets and 1200 IOC and OOC staff comprise2 the AAFC service, which is administered and actively supported by the Royal Australian Air Force. Formed with the key aims of providing training in

* Definition of the word ‘Cadet’ means a ‘trainee’, and in this context it should be noted that the ADFC is quite distinct from the ‘Officer Cadets’ of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which are permanent fulltime members of ADF, who are in training to become military officers. leadership, initiative, self reliance, developing an interest in aviation and history, Air Force knowledge and discipline, and in developing Australian youth into responsible young adults with good character and citizenship qualities, the AAFC continues in delivering these key aims, even today. Many famous Australians, including former Prime Minister John Howard, golfer Greg Norman, actor Russell Crowe, former Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, and the former Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, have been former cadets.3

Approximately 18% of the lower ranks, and up to 50% of senior officers in the ADF began their military careers by serving in one of the branches of the ADFC.4 Despite starting from modest beginnings, the AAFC has evolved to become a highly respected organisation due to its dedication, discipline, professionalism and a sense of ‘esprit de corps’. The AAFC (and the AAC and ANC) have become important national institutions contributing much to the history of our country. I would suggest that we should be doing more to encourage the movement to grow even further, as it clearly provides an ideal way forward for the youth of today.

History of the Air Training Corps

Formed with the aim of providing pre-entry training for air and ground crews for the RAAF in WWII, the ATC was officially ‘born’ in Feb. 1941, when the War Cabinet authorized the establishment of this new ‘Cadet Corps’ (Fig.2) which was then a part of the RAAF Reserve. It commenced operating on 11th June of that year, under its foundation Director, GPCAPT WA Robertson (and a few Directorate staff). Shortly afterwards, the ATC’s very first Wing was formed in Aug. of that year. By Oct. most of the states and territories of Australia had their own Wings, formed by a small group of dedicated volunteers, most of whom were WWI veterans (mostly ex-Australian Flying Corps members). Its aims worked magnificently, in fact by Oct. 1943, the ATC boasted 12,000 cadets in training.

There were two very important objectives of the ATC (focused on young men between the ages of 16 to 18 years) whom were looking to join the RAAF, they were (1) to inspire and impart a sense of military discipline and comradeship, and (2) to educate

Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Gary Martinic A Discussion of the History and Value of the Australian Air Force Cadets (& the Broader Cadet Corps Movement in Australia)

3 Wing Headquarters Australian Air Force Cadets

and equip them with the training and knowledge in areas which would be useful to the inter-and post-war RAAF. A good number of ATC cadets did complete their training (Fig.3) and went off to fight as air and ground crews in the war in Europe A number did not return from the war. By Aug. 1945, by war’s end in the Pacific, the number of ATC cadets had dropped to just over 7500. A period of further demobilization followed between 1946 to 1948, and by Dec. 1949, ATC numbers dropped to just 3,000.5 The post war years didn’t just involve a scaling down of the organisation’s numbers, they also, redefined the principal aims of the organization, which then became an ‘air youth movement’. In the context of its peacetime role, cadets were no longer obligated to enlist in the RAAF, but the option was there for those who desired it. The post-war years leading up to the early 1970’s were defined as a period of moderate growth, despite the fact that most of this was achieved by the goodwill of mostly volunteers with some ADF support, and with little government support. It was also a period in which school-based and non-school based cadet units became more distinct.

Then the ATC was officially disbanded by the Whitlam Labor Government, influenced at the time by a strong anti-war sentiment, due to the Vietnam War. Despite the drawback the ATC survived, again due to its strong base of RAAF reservists, volunteers and parents who gave generously of their time. Fortunately, the Fraser Coalition Government, which came into power after the famous ‘dismissal’ of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, did see the value of the organization, and in 1976 it completely reformed the ATC, taking the form of a largely ‘nonmilitary’ organization, and at which time it was also renamed the ‘AIRTC’. In 1982 girls were encouraged to join, and many were admitted. Over the next decade, the numbers of cadets and staff members dramatically increased, and in 1991 a national AIRTC organization for training was created. In 2000, the first sign of enhanced government support was initiated with the Topley Review.4 This review lead to the formation of the Directorate of Defence Force Cadets (DDFC), a Tri-Service policy support directive for cadets, including a $6m ‘Cadet Enhancement Program’. In 2001, the name of the AIRTC was again changed to the ‘Australian Air Force Cadets’. However, despite the new name change suggesting a nationally cohesive organization, there were eight separate ‘organisations’ operating based on essentially state political boundaries. Systems and standards of training across ground and air subject material varied significantly across state borders, and while cadets and staff wore identical uniforms to the RAAF, they still were not totally supported by the RAAF. This all changed in Apr. 2005 when the AAFC was reorganized into operational and functional wings. A new Office of the Chief of Staff position was created to provide national policy with command authority, and 3 functional wings were created including the Ground Training, Air Training and Logistics Support Wings. Eight wings were also created on state boundaries, and redirected to provide service delivery and focus. These included: 1 Wing - Nth QLD; 2 Wing - QLD; 3 Wing - NSW; 4 Wing - Victoria; 5 Wing - Tas; 6 Wing - SA; 7 Wing - WA and 8 Wing - NT.6

Early History and Changing Fortunes of the Broader Cadet Movement

Fig.2 Walter Lacy Jardine poster, “Join the RAAF Air Training Corps and Learn a Man's Job” (c.1943). Australian War Memorial.

profound impact on many generations of Australian men and women. Many fondly remember the time they spent in uniform learning simple skills such as field craft, navigation, survival and rifle skills, as part of a popular movement that also developed important life skills such as initiative, confidence, self-discipline, leadership, and a ‘team spirit’.3,4 During WWII, instruction to cadets was more of a military nature, in which they were taught tactics such as defence and attack drills using weapons, in the hope they would later go on to enlist into regular military service, which many did. Today, the basis of the training is aimed at character development and ‘adventure-type’ training that fosters qualities of leadership, cooperation and self-reliance.6 Originally formed with the intention ‘to train their boys for national defence in time of national emergency’ (which at the time grew out of a fear of war with Napoleon III in late 1850) in Britain, the very first cadet corps were formed at many famous English schools such as Eton, Harrow and Winchester.7 The (army) cadet movement, focused on strict discipline, military skills, and ceremonial drill. Rifle shooting competitions actually helped the cadet corps to become very popular. It wasn’t long before the cadet movement was established in Australia, with the introduction of the Commonwealth Military Cadet Corps.3 The cadet movement prospered until the depression years of the 1890s, when a number of schools were forced to close their units.7

Earliest records indicate that the oldest army cadet unit in Australia belongs to St. Mark’s College in Sydney, established in 1866, though other units were similarly formed in Australia’s eastern and southern colonies. The Naval Cadets were not established until the beginning of the 20th century.8 Compulsory cadet service was introduced in 1911, and Australian youth could serve either at school or community-based units, enrolments peaked at this time to 100,000 cadets.3 However, the Cadet Corps have suffered from financial hardships which significantly impacted the movement. For instance, many cadets left the corps when the army couldn’t supply enough uniforms due to the financial constraints of the great depression.3 Then, compulsory cadet service was abolished by the Labor govt. of James Scullin. However, the government of Joseph Lyon’s did much to enlarge the movement due to better economic times of the late 1930s. Also, under Sir Robert Menzies Liberal govt. the Cadet Corps numbers increased by 25%, for which he should be acknowledged.

The community also became increasingly uneasy about youth undertaking war-like training, which many considered a form of ‘youth militarism’ during the Vietnam War, and hence ‘relaxed’ cadet training. The Hawke Labor government withdrew financial support to school-based units in 1983. Though in 1998 full support was restored to school-based cadet units, mostly thanks to a change in government, and to them adopting the Brewer report’s recommendations.8 Despite the setbacks, many regard the ‘golden period’ for the cadet movement as the time between WWII and 1975, as the numbers of cadets that were enrolled again peaked to 38,000 members.3

A Strong Program of Formal Training

Today AAFC cadets are required to undertake formal classroom instruction in a range of subjects including (military) service knowledge, aviation, aircraft recognition, fieldcraft, and drill & ceremonial. Subjects are taught at four levels, for example, recruit, basic, proficiency, and advanced. A training program is provided in Table 1. Once cadets have completed advanced training, they are eligible to undertake elective units normally undertaken as special projects. The highest ranking cadets (Cadet Under Officers and Cadet Warrant Officers) are able to accrue 2.0 ATAR points towards their HSC studies, and also towards a Cert. IV level qualification in Frontline Management, often gained during promotion courses. Squadron training is designed to achieve the wider aims of the AAFC. In step with the AAFC Youth Development Philosophy9 senior cadets deliver much of the home training syllabus, often supervised by staff, who are trained in educational management. Part 2 of

Fig.3 ATC recruiting poster advertising the 10,000th cadet accepted into the RAAF (Sept 1944).The 10,000th ATC cadet joins the RAAF” (c.1942): Australian War Memorial. Fig. 4 Australian Air Force Cadet Corporals Declan Love and Lucy Beck in the cockpit of an Australian Air Force Cadet Diamond DA40 NG aircraft. Defence image.

the AAFC Manual of Ground Training10 deals with AAFC Squadron training issues. The AAFC training program (Table 1), is currently in use, however the ‘Vision 75’ report,11 which provides a future vision for cadet training in the AAFC, as well as the more recent ‘Draft Cadet Curriculum’ survey, and report,12 highlight that training in the organization is on the cusp of change, with likely syllabus changes in the near future.

Commonly offered Elective Subjects

Once core subjects are completed, senior cadets are offered ‘specialist’ elective subjects to study. These include but are not limited to; air traffic control, fire safety, radio communications, field operations, hovercraft technology, motor vehicle awareness, aircraft engines, meteorology, model rocketry, air navigation, basic visual tracking, and aviation weapons.

Types of Activities Offered

AAFC cadets are offered a range of remembrance services such as Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, and Servicemen’s Day. They are also offered weekend field exercises concentrating on survival in the bush, fieldcraft techniques, navigational exercises and leadership training. Cadets can undertake and experience powered flying and gliding, firearms safety training, adventure training, aeromodelling, aeroskills engineering, leadership training, air traffic control courses, musicianship courses, and the chance to experience exchanges to overseas countries with similar air cadet organisations (via the International Air Cadet Exchange program). From a team-building perspective, they are also regularly offered ‘fun’ activities such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing, indoor parachuting, abseiling and caving, and of course team sport events.

Flying – a cornerstone of AAFC activities

The AAFC has always provided opportunities for flying (powered and gliding) activities for both cadets and staff members. The aim being to train and test members in aeronautical skills, and to expose cadets to flying skills in general (Fig.4). First introduced in the 1950s, it was popular from the start.

Approximately 66 gliding scholarships and 20 powered flying scholarships are awarded each year, which are financed by the RAAF. Many cadets and staff have achieved their training goals and their ‘wings’ in this way, and continue to train and mentor junior members who are also wanting to gain their own qualifications. Recently, the AAFC has acquired the newest gliders to use in training programs, from the RAAF. These are the ASK21 Mi self-launching and DG-1001 Club soaring gliders (Fig.5) 11 of each type of aircraft were presented to the AAFC by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Mr. Darren Chester, and the then CAF, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, in Mar. 2015 at the Avalon Airshow in Victoria.13,14 This provides the AAFC with 22 new glider aircraft which have been supplied on a pro-rata basis across the Wings of the AAFC. AAFC cadets of 3WG (NSW) have also been fortunate to receive new aviation facilities in Bathurst NSW, which are regularly used by many squadrons within 3Wing NSW.

Testimonials from ex-Cadets

Most ex-cadets have only positive things to say about the movement. An often quoted remark by ex-cadets is how serving in the cadets has ‘transformed’ their lives for the better. They remark that their ‘cadet experience’ has been extremely valuable because of the military-oriented training to build self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and a sense of service to the community.15 Many said they feel a part of ‘one country’, as the activities promote and build a sense of ‘togetherness’, achieved not only through fieldcraft, but also via bonding activities via various sports, and even musicianship. These experiences work to set them up for success in later life and also provide many with a sense of patriotism.

Another ex-cadet recounted how the cadets didn’t just teach him how to be competent using a rifle, and how to navigate his way in the field from point

Fig.5 Former CAF, AIRMSHL Geoff Brown pictured with AAFC Cadets alongside a new DG-1001 glider. Defence image.

A to point B, it also taught him how to think quickly in challenging situations. He said it set him on the ‘straight and narrow’, making him understand right from wrong, thereby instilling a sense of worth and respect for both himself, and others.15 This ex-cadet went on to work as an adult staff member for 17 years to ‘give something back’ to the cadets, which had such a positive effect on his own life.

An ex-army cadet fondly remembers the discipline, training and education he received, much of which he has used in his 30 year career in the regular army, and felt strongly that similar opportunities should be provided to teenagers of today. An ex-cadet RAAF member, said that his cadet time will stay with him for the rest of his life, concluding by asking the question, ‘which other youth organization gives you the opportunities to learn to fly, to compete in target shooting, to navigate in the field, to learn a musical instrument, or to participate in team sports?’15 Other ex-cadets recounted that the friendships that they made during their formative cadet years have remained throughout their lives.

Conversely, critics of the cadet movement often say that it is a form of ‘youth militarism’, which is only being used as a way to cure youth degeneracy.3 Whether one agrees with their views or not, it is evident that cadet training generally does tend to have a significant degree of success when it comes to dealing juvenile delinquency and degeneracy.3 Moreover, with the contemporary issue of record levels of school age teenagers being suspended from schools for violent behaviour,16 or for possessing illicit drugs,17 it would seem logical that the cadet movement should be able to do a lot to improve the lot of our troubled youngsters.

The importance of quality adult staff mentors

The scale and scope of cadet activities is only as good as the quality and calibre of the staff members who plan and implement them. It is of little use to have a myriad of interesting subjects which to learn, or activities in which to participate in unless you have the staff who have the knowledge and experience to teach, train and supervise it.4,15 Since 1976, the cadet movement has been fortunate to have been run mostly by RAAF reservists and (ex-cadet) non-military adult volunteers. Both groups provide a significant wealth of knowledge and experience which directly contributes to cadet activities. Quality staff can have a positive influence on cadets during their period of service.4,8,15 Many ex-cadets often cite how it was the work of the adult staff which often set high standards, and inspired them to achieve ‘greater things’ through constant encouragement and mentoring. These ex-cadets say they remain forever indebted to such ‘role model’ staff, for they probably would not have achieved as much in the cadets, and later in life, had it not been for such quality adult volunteer staff.4,8

The 'Take Home'

Clearly that the Cadet Corps have been an institution that has touched the lives of a substantial proportion of our population over the last 150 years. It is also clear that there have been four key areas that have been vital to its operations. These include educational and community interests, financial resourcing, and the level of both government and military support, and their inherent outlook on the cadets. Any disproportion in these areas may weaken the structure of the organization moving forward. Also, radical changes in decision-making and key government policy shifts away from support, could have disastrous effects on the movement, thus the need for an ongoing, reliable and stable platform of support, where all four areas are maintained in equilibrium, is vital.

The question of the value of the cadet movement and the contribution it makes to national, military, educational and sociological settings has prompted several studies and reviews in the past, both in Australia and overseas.18 The Brewer study from Australia8 and two earlier studies, one from Canada19 and one from the United Kingdom20 have all led to the same general conclusion, that ‘government-sponsored schoolage, military cadet systems are indeed valuable’.

A study by McAllister, which evaluated all 3 elements of the Australian Services Cadet Scheme of the time, also found that ‘by any standards, the ASCS is an important recruiting ground for the Australian military’.21 Huston22 also saw the value of the scheme, as it gave

a foundation of military knowledge and discipline, developed leadership qualities, self-reliance and initiative, as well as sense of tradition which encouraged cadets to continue in some form of military service. While the training wasn’t sophisticated, it provided a solid understanding of rank structure, barracks routine, discipline, fieldcraft skills and military organization, which placed ex-cadets at a significant advantage over non-cadets.

Huston reasoned that it was not only important to revive the Cadet Corps, but indeed to bolster and regularly maintain their numbers at high levels, because of the inherent value they bring to the ADF. He concluded that this policy should be considered as an investment, rather than an expense by the senior leadership of the ADF.22 In today’s ‘electronic age’ where video gaming, social media and a sedentary lifestyle have resulted in record rates of obesity23 and other negative lifestyle issues24, it has never been more important to engage Australia’s youth with the wide range of healthy activities that the Cadet Corps can offer them from a developmental, physical and mental health perspective. The well-designed training programs of the Cadet Corps have proven over a long period of time that their systems work, and are in line with the ‘Raise, Train & Sustain’ philosophy with respect to their relevance to the RAAF.

The Future

In recent years, the AAFC has been particularly fortunate in receiving a high level of financial support from the RAAF. Behind this fiscal support has been a strong commitment by the RAAF senior leadership to bring the AAFC ‘into the future’ via a number of initiatives aimed at preparing the cadets for roles in the aerospace industries of the future. These initiatives have focused on training programs in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The material support behind these initiatives have also translated to various new acquisitions including the provision of some 3,000 drones on which to hone their skills (supplied by JAR Aerospace),25 the new DA40NG ‘Diamond’ powered aircraft, as well as the new gliders. In addition, an increased level of flying training is planned to made available to the cadets. In the area of unmanned aerial systems the cadets now have the ability to not only fly them, but to actually construct them under the careful eye of their adult instructors. This then purposely exposes them to the many facets of these technologies (Fig.6) such as fabrication of the airframe, the engineering of the propulsion system, as well as the more complex areas of coding, electronics and basic robotics, which will be valuable skills for a career in the future aerospace industry. Aside from investment in future technologies for the

Table 1. The Four Year AAFC Training Program, from Recruit to Senior Cadet

Training Program

Year 1 - Recruit Stage Drill & Ceremonial; Fieldcraft; Service Knowledge; Teambuilding Skills; Activities include; Field Training Camps;

Year 1 - Basic Stage

Year 2 - Proficiency Stage Drill & Ceremonial; Fieldcraft; Aviation; Fieldcraft; + three electives including Aircraft recognition &/or Survival + one other. Activities include: JNCO promotion course; .22 Firearms Training; Powered Flying; Gliding; Drill Team; Duke of Edinburgh (DEA) activities at Bronze level; Engineering; Music; Aeromodelling;

Year 3 - Advanced Stage Training

Year 4 - Qualified Elective Training

Subject/Activity

Drill & Ceremonial; Fieldcraft; Service Knowledge; Aviation; Aircraft Recognition; Activities include: Air Experience Flights; Field Training Camps; General Service Training (GST) Camps on ADF Bases

Drill & Ceremonial; Fieldcraft; Aviation; Service knowledge; + three electives including Aircraft recognition &/or Survival + one other. Activities include: Adventure training; SNCO promotion course; F88 Steyr Firearms Training; Powered Flying and Gliding; DEA activities at Silver level; Precision Drill Aeromodelling; Engineering; Act as Cadet Staff at GST Camps Corporal Sergeant* Silver or Gold Steyr Badge; Advanced Badge; Solo Flying Badge; DEA Silver Badge;

Senior Cadets complete a mix of elective subjects which may include: Air Power; Air Traffic Control; Field Operations. Activities include: National Fieldcraft Competition; FSGT promotion course; CUO or CWOFF promotion course; National rifle competition; DEA Gold level activities; National Flying competition; IACE trip; Powered Flying & Gliding; Advanced Aeromodelling; Act as Cadet staff at promotion & GST courses; (these cadets are also assigned Squadron duties; they also act as instructors & teach junior cadets) Sergeant Flight Sergeant* Warrant Officer* Cadet Under Officer* DEA Gold Badge; Cadet Pilot Badge;

Required Rank (at start) Rank & Awards (at completion)

Recruit Cadet

Cadet Leading Cadet

Leading Cadet Corporal Single Rifle Badge (.22); Proficiency Badge; Musician Badge (optional); DEA Bronze Badge;

*denotes that promotion will only be granted provided that the cadet has passed the relevant promotion course, that they have served a predetermined time at that rank, and that there is a vacancy for that position at their Squadron. This is a general guide only as the training program may have changed prior to or after publication; also it only applies to 3WG

cadets, it has also been pleasing to see the growth of the AAFC. There has been around a 25% increase in the numbers of cadets and staff since 2015.26

The year 2021 will mark the Centenary of RAAF service to the nation, as well as 80 years of AAFC service. With such important milestones coming, there is no doubt that exciting events are being planned to celebrate these anniversary’s, one can only patiently wait to see what is envisaged, as ‘the sky is the limit’, literally, in what may soon be realised..

Fig. 6 (L-R) Air Force Cadets, Josh Brewster, Stuart Morrow and Tristan Hahn conduct system checks at the Air Force Drone Racing Tournament held at RAAF Base Richmond. Defence image.

References 1. Air Commodore McDermott, Committee Hansard, 21 Jun 2004, p.45 (Australian Defence Force Cadets). 2. Australian Air Force Cadet document (2021). Adult and Cadet Numbers - Graphs. AAFC Headquarters, Canberra ACT. 3. Stockings, C. (2007). ‘The Torch and the Sword. A History of the Army Cadet Movement in Australia, 1866-2004’. University of NSW Press, Sydney. 4. Topley, J. (2000). Section 1.14 Chap. 1 In: Cadets – the Future. Future Review. A Strategy for the Australian Services Cadet Scheme. Parliament House Canberra ACT. 5. Reserve Magazine (1949). Royal Australian Air Force Reserve Magazine. Vol 1, No. 2. RAAF Headquarters, Melbourne. 6. Australian Air Force Cadets website, see also: http://www.aafc.org.au/who-we-are/history 7. Kitney, P. (1978). The History of the Australian School Cadet Movement to 1893. ADF Journal. 12 Sep. issue. 8. Brewer, C.J. (1996). Review of the Australian Services Cadets Scheme. Chairman, Col C.J. Brewer, AM. 9. Australian Air Force Cadet document (2011). AAFC Youth Development Philosophy. Office of the Commander, AAFC National Headquarters, Canberra ACT. 10. Australian Air Force Cadet document (2006). Manual on Ground Training. AAFC National Headquarters, Canberra ACT. 11. Wozniak, J., and Young, S. (2014). Vision 75: Cadet Training Needs Analysis Discussion Paper 2014 – Bringing AAFC Training from Spitfire to Unmanned Flight. Australian Air Force Cadet document, Canberra ACT. 12. Fechner, C. (2015). Survey Report: Draft Cadet Curriculum – Feedback Results, Analysis and Findings. Training Directorate, Australian Air Force Cadet document, Canberra ACT. 13. Parliamentary Brief (2015). Air Force Cadets receive new Self-launching Gliders. Report by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence. Department of Defence, Australian Govt, Canberra. 14. Australian Aviation, (2015) Australian Air Force Cadets presented with newest glider at Avalon. Mar. issue. 15. Mackenzie, C. (2012). Pupils on parade: Militarystyle Cadet Forces to be Introduced in all Secondary Schools (in the UK). Mail Online. See also: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2083832/ Pupils-parade-Military-style-cadet… 16. Smith, A. (2014). Big Increase in Student Expulsions, Suspensions. SMH, Jul 14th edn. 17. McDougall, B. (2015). Drugged Student Crisis in NSW schools: average 20 students suspended each week. Daily Telegraph, Feb. 9th edn. 18. Jones, W.H. (2000). Measuring the Value of the Australian Services Cadet Scheme. ADF Journal. No. 140, Jan/Feb issue. 19. Canadian Forces. (1995). The DND/CF Cadet Program. Final Report on NDHQ Program Evaluation E3/93. Jan. 1995. Director: Skippon, P.C. (Miss). Canadian National Defence Headquarters Program Evaluation Division. 20. Lewis, C.A. (1995). The Air Training Corps Cadet and Staff Motivation Survey. RAF Research Report PTC/4961196/1/CSSB. Dec. 1995. Scientific Support Branch of Personnel and Training Command, RAF. 21. McAllister, J. (1995). Schools, Enlistment and Military values: the Australian Services Cadet Scheme. Armed Forces & Society. Vol.22. 22. Huston, J. (1991). The Australian Cadet Corps – Lost Opportunities. ADF Journal. No. 89, August. 23. Brown, R. (2015). One Quarter of Australia’s Teenagers are Overweight or Obese, New Health Survey Reveals. ABC News, Feb 19th Edn. 24. O’Brien, S. (2013). Young Australians are Fat, Oversexed and Underemployed. Herald Sun, Mar 14th edn. 25. Zupp, O. (2019). Australian Air Force Cadets – Reaching for the Stars. Australian Aviation June Issue. 26. Australian Air Force Cadet document (2021). Adult and Cadet Numbers – Graphs. AAFC National Headquarters, Canberra ACT.

Figure 1 A No 3 Wing parade held at RAAF Base Richmond on 11 June 2017 involved over 400 Australian Air Force Cadets from 36 Squadrons across NSW and the ACT. Defence image.

80th Anniversary Logo Competition Winner was Cadet Sergeant Charlotte O’Sullivan – No 403 Squadron Beaconsfield, VIC

Description accompanying entry: This 80th Logo symbolises our Indigenous heritage “PAST” by way of the aboriginal art design on the “8” using the symbols for family, as well as clouds and stars which incorporate our aviation space. Colours of the AAFC are represented in the “8” with the light blue background with navy highlights. Diversity, innovation and also equality are represented by the various colours in the triangles in the “0” which represents “FUTURE” and came from the original logo. The aviation/military style theme is represented by the Diamond DA40 aircraft which also symbolises “PRESENT” tying the two numbers together. *Air Force Cadets: can be displayed on top of the numbers in Navy on a white background, or white on a navy background.

The Royal Australian Air Force Museum is located at RAAF Base Point Cook, only 30km from Melbourne CBD. Point Cook is the birthplace of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) and RAAF in 1921. RAAF Base Point Cook was the RAAF’s inaugural base from 1912 to 1925, when RAAF Base Richmond and RAAF Base Laverton were built. To date RAAF Base Point Cook remains the world’s oldest continually operating military aerodrome.

The RAAF Museum was established at Point Cook in 1952 following a proposal by the then Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sir George Jones. At that time little consideration was given to a formal display open to public viewing, or even to formal museological operations such as interpretation, conservation and research, rather the Museum was simply a collection agency and repository for items of historic significance such as log books, uniforms, technical equipment, aircraft and other memorabilia.

Today, the RAAF Museum’s mission is to preserve and promote Australia’s significant military aviation heritage, paying tribute to the history of the AFC and RAAF, and all who served, through its extensive collection of artefacts. Throughout the Museum precinct, visitors can experience Australia’s Air Force in fascinating detail through the interpretation of items of memorabilia and beautifully preserved aircraft, all at RAAF Base Point Cook. Through the Heritage Galleries visitors can follow highlights of AFC and RAAF history, as well as the captivating stories of past deeds of those who have served our nation, giving visitors an understanding

Point Cook

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

of the rich history and traditions of this arm of the Australian Defence Force.

The Museum’s Heritage Gallery provides the opportunity for visitors to be taken through time from World War I through to the RAAF’s peacekeeping and civil aid missions and to the present day. Moving through to the display hangars, over thirty historical aircraft are presented from the entire 100-year history of the RAAF.

Viewed within the Museum’s original Bellman hangars, aircraft such as charming World War I flying machines made from wood, wire and fabric can be experienced up close, through to the more modern and technically sophisticated multi-million dollar aircraft, providing our visitors with a window into the development of military aviation which was expedited by the considerable pace of technological development through the twentieth century. Through periods of war and peace, advances in airframe design and materials, aerodynamics, engines, electronics and weapon systems have transformed aircraft from an interesting curiosity to a vital component of national security and power.

Significantly, many of these major leaps in capability occurred during World Wars I and II when aviation was at the pinnacle of scientific and industrial development. Technologies such as the advent of the jet engine and the development of radar, have flowed on to benefit civil aviation and shaped the modern world. The aircraft and supporting technical equipment on static display also demonstrate that evolution of modern aviation, through some of the most significant periods in the history of Australian military history.

Aircraft on static display throughout the Museum precinct include the 1915 Maurice Farman Shorthorn, Tiger Moth, Boston, Jindivik, Iroquois helicopter, F-4E Phantom, F-111G Boneyard Wrangler, Catalina and Walrus amphibians and many more. The Museum also provides visitors the opportunity to purchase aircraft models, books, patches and similar aviation related mementos of their visit.

While the Air Force Centenary Commemorations have been designed around a digital campaign, with COVID-19 restrictions easing, a trip to the RAAF Museum allows visitors to experience a physical representation of Air Force’s history over the past 100 years.

Commemoration of the Royal Australian Air Force’s formation in March 1921 and further information about official activities may be obtained at www.airforce.gov.au/100

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, visitors are requested to check the RAAF Museum website for opening details https://www.airforce.gov.au/raaf-museum

Where to spread your wings when you land in WA.

If you’re being posted to Pearce Air Base, now’s the time to think about building in Kingsford. It’s a brand new estate, just minutes from RAAF Pearce. Kingsford is a beautiful place to live. It’s nestled between the famous fresh produce and wine growing districts of the Chittering Valley and Swan Valley. Designed to complement the natural undulations of the land and the meandering course of the tree-lined Ki-It Monger Brook, Kingsford offers an idyllic lifestyle.

Perth CBD 40 mins

STOCK ROAD Ellenbrook 10 mins NORTHLINK

Pearce Air Force Base

Midland 20 mins

GREAT NORTHERN HIGHWAY

Future Primary School

Future District Playground

Conservation Park Existing Local Shops

Future Town Centre

Airport 25 mins

Joondalup 30 mins

NORTHLINK

Church

Sales Office & Cafe

Ki-It Monger Brook

Hilltop Community Centre

Future Lakeside Park Muchea 10 mins

GREAT NORTHERN HIGHWAY

St John Ambulance

Bullsbrook College

CHITTERING ROAD

A masterplanned community that’s already taking off.

Kingsford has been designed with one simple idea in mind: To be a better place to live.

Okeland Communities planned Kingsford to offer an exceptional lifestyle for its residents. Kingsford ticks all the boxes for proximity to schools and sports clubs, connectivity to major employment hubs, walkability, public open space and neighbourly belonging.

Here’s a snapshot of the key masterplan features:

.Over 41ha retained public open space, creek lines, & manicured parklands

.2,500 homesites upon completion

.New café at entryway

.The future Town Centre will include a major supermarket, specialty stores, cafés and a medical centre

.Brand new adventure playground

.Alongside Bullsbrook’s established school, community centre, shops and sporting clubs

Get more backyard for your buck.

Your budget goes a little further at Kingsford. Large homesites give you more room for entertaining and more room for kids to thrive.

Kingsford homesites average over 500sqm, which is 125sqm bigger than the average block in Perth’s new estates. There are also quarter acre homesites and larger lots up to 2000sqm. Imagine the possibilities! Your family can live large with room for a pool, trampoline, multi-car garage and more.

Just 35km from the CBD.

Surrounded by tranquil natural bushland and nestled in the aweinspiring beauty of the Darling Scarp foothills, Kingsford seems miles away from the hustle and bustle. But it’s just an easy drive from the Perth CBD.

The brand new Tonkin Highway connects you to Perth’s major destinations with barely a traffic light to disrupt your journey. And the Great Northern Highway connects you with Perth’s renowned Swan Valley region.

Here are the distances to some of the major local destinations:

.Ellenbrook Town Centre: 10 minutes

.Midland: 20 minutes

.Joondalup: 30 minutes

.Perth Airport: 25 minutes

.Pearce Air Base: 1 minute

MINDARIEMINDARIE

NorthlinkNorthlink Perth to DarwinPerth to Darwin HighwayHighway

MitchellMitchell FreewayFreeway RAAF Base Pearce RAAF Base Great Pearce Great

NorthernNorthern

HighwayHighway 35KM35KM

TonkinTonkin HighwayHighway

Future Bayswater - Future Bayswater - Ellenbrook train lineEllenbrook train line

Toodyay RoadToodyay Road

PERTH CBDPERTH CBD

Kwinana FreewayKwinana Freeway

WELLARDWELLARD 35KM35KM

If this is your dream, Kingsford is your kind of place. Land now selling! Visit kingsford.com.au or call (08) 9217 3680 to find out more.

A community set to soar.

Kingsford sits alongside the established town of Bullsbrook, with all its history, thriving community and conveniences. The existing school is highly regarded and caters for students from Kindergarten to Year 12. There are many thriving sporting clubs and community groups, ready to welcome new members. Alongside the town’s sporting fields is the multi-million-dollar Ethel Warren Community Centre with a library, Bullseye Youth Centre and group meeting facilities.

Adding to the existing facilities, Kingsford has built a new café overlooking landscaped gardens and the Ki-It Monger Brook.

Soon, Kingsford’s new Town Centre will add a fresh vibrancy to the region and create a social hub for the community. The Town Centre will include a major supermarket and a contemporary mix of specialty stores plus restaurants, cafés, medical services, and active community spaces.

An investment in growth.

Kingsford is an ideal place to build a nest egg, too.

It is located in the sweet spot between major employment hubs. These include the Muchea industrial area to the north, the commercial offices of Midland and manufacturing district of Malaga to the south, the tourism precinct of the Swan Valley and, of course, the adjacent Pearce Air Base.

With employment and population growth in the region, Kingsford will be a highly sought-after place to live.

You have the opportunity to build a new home during your posting at Pearce, and then use it as an investment rental property should your career take you elsewhere.

Room for every sized dream.

Most of us dream of a more comfortable life. Kingsford gives you the rare opportunity to have space for your family to grow, be one minute from work, and live a larger life.

From dirt bikes to afterburners

A member of the Narrabri Dirt Bike Club in NSW while growing up, Brody Peate developed an interest in challenging mechanical performance activities, leading eventually to a career in aviation maintenance.

Advice from his father led Corporal Peate to investigate a career in the ADF, where he now works as an aircraft technician at RAAF Base Tindal, working on the F/A-18A/B Hornet. "I had worked in various jobs in hospitality and the agricultural sector around Narrabri before dad suggested I try a Defence career, and I really enjoy the variety," Corporal Peate said. "I have found my decade in the Air Force has helped me be a part of a team that is utilised to assist people who are doing it tough through fires, floods and other natural disasters; and coming from a rural background, I understand how that help is appreciated."

Corporal Peate has gained a Certificate IV in Aero Skills (Mechanical) as a result of his training and looks forward to the new technology and specialisations ahead as the ADF moves further into operating in the domain of space. "Not only have I gained a qualification and the ability to branch out into other areas, I have had the chance to travel throughout Australia and overseas, something that would not have otherwise happened," he said. "The best thing about growing up and being educated in

WYUNA

COLD STORES

Corporal Brody Peate, a 75 Squadron aircraft technician, with an F/A-18A Hornet on RAAF Base Tindal. Defence image.

Narrabri is that I learnt that doing what you can, with what you've got is relevant in my current work. "I have endless opportunities ahead of me to continue expanding my knowledge in my core aircraft maintenance role and in the wider ADF, and the ability to put that knowledge to use. "Every day is different and not knowing what may pop up today gives me all the variety I could wish for in a career."

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Projects underway at RAAF Tindal

Defence employed 25 subcontractors based in the Katherine area in 2020 to complete works at RAAF Base Tindal, and intends to hire at least 70 per cent of Territory-sourced businesses for its billions of dollars worth of projects.

Defence is currently undertaking two major projects at Tindal – the base redevelopment project and the United States Force Posture Initiative Airfield Works, totalling $1.6bn.

The combined contractor workforce is currently about 80 and is expected to peak at about 330 in 2023/24.

A Defence spokeswoman said the average workforce over the life of the seven years of construction would be about 220, with the contracted workforce accommodated in a camp near the base.

“The capacity of the camp is currently 150,” she said. “This will be increased to 250 by mid-2022.

“Depending on the type of subcontract let, individual members of the workforce will be on site anywhere from four weeks to up to three years.”

Lendlease, which is managing both projects, is aiming to hire a minimum of 70 per cent local Territory-sourced businesses on the projects.

“There are currently 43 Estate Works Program projects underway at RAAF Base Tindal, with 19 in delivery, 14 currently within the ‘approach to market’ phase, and 10 are in earlier phases of development,” the spokeswoman said.

“Defence is expected to spend around $54 million on those 19 projects currently in delivery.”

She said in 2020, 25 subcontractors based in the Katherine area were employed for $9.1m worth of works.

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An artists’ impression of the proposed air movements terminal at RAAF Base Tindal.

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