4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery Newsletterartilleryhistory.org/todays_gunline/4_regiment/...both before and during the day, and then we will celebrate the Regiment's 55th

4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery

Newsletter

Volume 7, Jan - Mar 2015 Message from the Commanding Officer Welcome to the first edition of the Family Newsletter for 2015.

Another busy year is already underway, with many of our soldiers on course, in the field and on deployment. At the beginning of the year I outlined to the soldiers my Regimental standards; they are Responsibility, Adaptabil-ity and Agility, or RAA for short. Well, we have certainly been adaptable and agile throughout the start of this year. The Regiment has been able to support two cyclone responses and switch back to gunnery in a short pe-riod of time. This has been achieved whilst still providing support to the infantry battalions and armoured regi-ment and preparing to act as infantry during the Brigade exercise in June. You can be very proud of the hard work of our soldiers, and in particular the junior leadership, who time and time again demonstrate why we have rewarded them with rank. We are blessed with quality that other units would dearly love to possess.

This year is set to be the year of parades. The welcome home from Afghanistan has just concluded and it was a wonderful turnout on what was an oppressively hot day in Townsville. Anzac Day will be all encompassing, both before and during the day, and then we will celebrate the Regiment's 55th Birthday over the period 1-2 May. After that the Regiment will go back to the field and return to barracks in early August. The Birthday is shaping up to be a wonderful occasion and the response from current and former members and their families has been overwhelming.

This newsletter continues to be about the Regimental family, current and ex-serving members and their fami-lies. If you want to contribute, let us know. If you want something different in the newsletter, let us know. If you want to provide feedback, yes, you guessed it, let us know. Thank you for your support to the Regiment, I look forward to seeing and hearing from as many of you as possible throughout 2015.

Regards,

Damian Hill Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Officer

Inside this issue

LTCOL Hill speaks with A Det 107 Bty on Ex FIRST RUN

Australia Day Salute 2

Swimming Carnival Report 3

Tropical Cyclone Marcia 4

Ex Motionless Cartwheel 5

Ex First Run 6-7

106 Bty Report 8

107 Bty Report 9

108 Bty Report 10

109 Bty Report 11-14

Operations Support Bty Report 15-16

CSS Bty Report 17

The Padre’s Page 18

4 Regt Birthday 19

Unit Welfare Information 20

Key Regimental Dates

3-12 Apr 15 – Reduced Tempo Period

21 Apr 15 – 3 Bde Shooting Competition

25 Apr 15 – Anzac Day

1-2 May 15 – Regimental Birthday Celebrations

11-22 May 15 – Exercise Chau Pha

25 May - 19 Jun 15 – Combined Arms Exercise

Jul 15 – Exercise Talisman Sabre

21 Nov 15 – Regimental Ball

Page 2 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery

Australia Day Salute — LT Steve McBride

For the first time in recent history the Queensland celebrations for Australia Day were focused in Townsville; with the annual flag raising ceremony held at the pristine Jezzine Barracks. The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) undertook the ceremonial duties associated with the flag raising ceremony and as a result, the 109th Battery (109 Bty) continued its proud association with 3 RAR and supported their parade with the firing of a 21-gun salute from Kissing Point saluting station.

The Australia Day Parade commenced with a march, drawing the crowd’s attention to Jezzine Barracks where 109 Bty was positioned for the midday salute. As the 3rd Battalion raised the Australian Flag at Jezzine Barracks four M2A2s Howitzers, a distant predecessor to the current M777A2 Howitzers, manned by members of 109 Bty fired out over the open water at Kissing Point. The provision of a Salute Battery is a great honour for serving members and this event was particularly stirring for current gunners given the location. The site of the salute was adjacent to the same piece of ground that Aus-tralian coastal gunners had held for the defence of Austra-

lia during the Second World War. This also lent a certain amount of prestige and history to what the Bty was ex-pected to do and the members of 109 Bty were keen to maintain the standards and live up to the reputation of its predecessors. The crowd, including senior members of the Australian Defence Force, the Mayor of Townsville Councillor Jenny Hill and a mixture of State and Federal politicians, were suitably impressed by the conduct and actions of the Salute Battery. The parade concluded with the Royal Australian Air Force conducting a low altitude flyover with a C-17 aircraft.

BDR Nick Latham’s Delta Detachment ready in positions of action awaiting the command to fire

BDR Aaron Spicer’s Bravo Detachment fires during the 21-gun salute


Swimming Carnival — CAPT Jackson Stanhope

On 13 Feb, the members of 4 Regt massed at the Brigade pool to compete in the annual swimming carnival. The day was a great success and showcased a strong sense of inter-battery rivalry, sportsmanship and determination. It was a close battle to claim first place and it was great to see a number of competitors stand out among the crowd and lead their team in numerous events. Notable participants included GNR Martin Smith (107 Bty) who sported a flamboyant pair of budgie smugglers in an attempt to reduce resistance in the water. Only time would tell if GNR Smith’s sacrifice to wear those smugglers would reap rewards for his Battery. As the competition in the pool began to heat up so did the banter

out of it. A number of demonstrations of excellence in the pool were matched by equally impressive displays of comedic talent and creativity. In a true display of comradeship, 109 Bty set aside their competitive spirit to offer 107 Bty some oranges for refreshment which were greatly appreciated. There was also a minor set back on the day when CAPT Neil Gould (Ops Spt Bty) almost drowned due to over ex-ertion or perhaps it was the drag from his moustache (might be time for a shave). SGT Garth Murray (CSS Bty) had a number of issues in the pool as well after he had to utilise a snorkel mask as he had misplaced his goggles; the quasi-adventurer failed to return glory to CSS Bty. Towards the end of the day spirits were lifted through the inspir-ing commentary from CAPT Cooper Dale (107 Bty) which would subsequently only be topped by the excitement of packing up the lane ropes. There were a number of individuals who stood out throughout the day. In particular, GNR Chris Graudins (109 Bty) was awarded male champion after a number of convincing victories and PTE Chelsea Waring (Ops Spt Bty) was awarded female champion. However, there could only be one winning sub-unit and in spite of their high velocity (and high fructose) offerings earlier in the afternoon, 109 Bty emerged victorious hav-ing narrowly defeated 107 Bty by three points. Special mention goes to 108 Bty, who demonstrated yet again the difference between ‘ a m p h i b i o u s ’ a n d ‘amphibian’.

Results: 1. 109 Bty: 59 points 2. 107 Bty: 56 points 3. 106 Bty: 38 points 4. Ops Spt Bty: 16 points 5. 108 Bty: 12 points 6. CSS Bty: 10 points

A bold strategy from GNR Smith appears to be working for him

109 Bty after being declared the Champion Battery at the Regimental Swimming Carnival

Tropical Cyclone Marcia assistance — CAPT Cooper Dale

Upon hearing that Tropical Cyclone Marcia was bearing down on Rockhampton, I enthusiastically extended warm wishes to my 109 Bty brothers who I forecast would no doubt be called to provide assistance to the afflicted area. Little did I know that when the call for assistance would eventually come, and it did on 25 Feb 15, that my Joint Fires Team (JFT) would also be extended the invite (order..) to accompany 109 Bty.

So, with little more than three hours notice – myself, BDR Clint Mar-tin, GNR Robbie Farquharson and GNR Jordan Hunter conducted all preparation required for a short notice deployment to Rockhampton that would likely last approximately two weeks. Under the command of 109 Bty’s CAPT Rick Lever, three Liaison Teams in a convoy of three Bushmaster PMVs dutifully departed 4 Regt for our overnight location at the showgrounds in Sarina. Following a blissful night of sleep, the like of which can only be provided by the aural kaleidoscope offered by sleeping adjacent to a highway heavily trafficked by road trains, we continued our journey to Rockhampton. Upon arrival, we were quickly dispatched to the areas where each of the three Liaison Teams would be working. Our primary task would be to act as the conduit between the military support to the response and

recovery operations, provided by the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, and the multiple civilian organisations with a vested interest in the expeditious conduct of these operations. Liaison Team One, under SGT Joey Tampus, was dispatched to work in Byfield – a small community approxi-mately 100km northeast of Rockhampton which was severely damaged during the cyclone. SGT Tampus and his team would soon come to realise that Byfield and its constituents had a very unique approach to their way of life; on a number of occasions, SGT Tampus’ team received helpful and well articulated advice from constituents who were clearly displaying a relaxed disposition. Perhaps it was just the novelty of a new town giving evidence to the old saying that the grass is always greener. CAPT Lever and his team, Liaison Team Three, made their way to the centre of Rockhampton itself, whilst Liaison Team Two and I headed to Yeppoon. Both of these teams lodged themselves in the local council chambers and en-abled the effective and efficient interaction between the military and civilian organisations. An unexpected highlight of the task was the opportunity to play a local team in a game of rugby – or so we were briefed. As the night progressed it became apparent we would in actual fact be playing two local teams – the A’s

and the B’s. The locals were even considerate enough to play their A’s second to ensure we were appropriately warmed up follow-ing the game with the B’s – generous bunch (although, we too may have been guilty of a rouse ourselves… thanks SGT Ashurst!). The scoreboard stood at 24 – 23 following a final conversion, a tight win for the Army team in the now dubbed inaugural ‘Chainsaw Cup’. Well played to SGT Scott Ashurst and GNR Kurt Bramley. On 12 Mar 15 all personnel arrived back in Townsville following over a fortnight in Rockhampton, just in time to depart for Exercise First Run.


Soldiers conduct cyclone response operations in the Rockhampton area

Winners are grinners — the victorious Army rugby side displaying the inaugural Chainsaw Cup


Exercise Motionless Cartwheel — MAJ Mick Cook

The Operations Support Battery team provide the Joint Fires and Effects Coordination Centres (JFECC) to the 3rd Bri-gades Headquarters (HQ 3 Bde). This support consists of two teams, a JFECC Main and a JFECC Forward. The Main element is the larger team and can provided the best systems to get the job done; it is also bulky and requires time to get established. The Forward element is leaner, consisting of one vehicle, designed to be closer to the frontline. During early March this year HQ 3 Bde conducted a Com-mand Post Exercise to test the planning and management capabilities of the Forward element. This activity was called Exercise Motionless Cartwheel and allowed the team from Operations Support Bty to dust off the cobwebs before the first live-fire exercise began in May. Exercise Motionless Cartwheel consisted of a two day plan-ning activity at Lavarack Barracks followed by five days of simulated battle management and planning. This gave the Operations Officer, MAJ Mick Cook, a good opportunity to ‘break in’ the new JFECC Forward team. This was a priority because only GNR Dale Cruickshank and MAJ Cook were carry-over champions from 2014. The new Assistant Operations Officer, CAPT Niel Gould, and the new Operations Warrant Officer, WO2 Luke Bur-gess, quickly learnt about Brigade level Joint Fires planning and sleep deprivation. One of the most important as-pects of small team operations is managing the rest cycle and allowing people to get enough good sleep to reset their brains. This lesson was re-learnt by the end of the first 48 hours and the team began to hit their stride. The activity was successful and the fictitious enemy was defeated with time to spare. The JFECC Forward team experienced a hectic week of on the job training and were given a break of one day before they deployed to the field to command and control the entire Regiment from the JFECC Main on Exercise First Run.

CAPT Niel Gould strictly adhering to principles of work-rest ratios during Ex Motionless Cartwheel

Remember…

All 4 Regt personnel showing their ADF ID Card at Rebel Sports Townsville receive a

10% discount.

Make sure you tell them that you are from 4 Regt!


Exercise First Run (part 1) — MAJ Mick Cook

Every year the Regt steps into the field around early Feb or late Mar and conducts a live-fire exercise. This exercise is normally named Ex First Run because it is the first time we get to blow out the cobwebs that have settled on our muzzle breaks during the leave period. In past years Ex First Run has been planned and conducted at the battery level. In 2015 LTCOL Hill had a bigger plan. The entire unit was going to deploy in order to test the logistics chain that is managed by the Combat Service Support Battery (CSS Bty) as well as testing the manoeuvrability of the new guns.

An old Prussian General once said that no plan survives the first shot of battle; what he didn’t count on was Ex First Run going according to plan. The original plan outlined by the CO was worked on and involved an intensive eight day period where the Forward Observers from the four close support batteries would call in fire from the 107 Bty and 109 Bty gunlines. The Adjutant, CAPT James Tarpley, controlled the fire of the two gunlines through the Regi-mental Command Post and the team in the Bde JFECC fulfilled the role of exercise controllers.

The gunlines were also moving every eight to ten hours whilst they were providing fire for the observers. This was the most ambitious live fire and manoeuvre plan any regiment in Australia has conducted since the introduction of the M777A2. The Commanding Officer’s ambition was met with a great deal of enthusiasm and both the 107 Bty and 109 Bty gunlines conducted complex movement and occupation drills, mostly in the dead of night. The gunlines also ensured the observers were never left in the lurch, providing fire when called for. The hasty deployment off the line of march that 109 Bty conducted in support of the 107 Bty observer teams demonstrated the ability of the Regi-mental gunline to provide fire support at all times.

Clockwise from above M777A2 155mm ammunition is pre-pared for use The 107 Bty gunline fires dur-ing the conduct of Ex FIRST RUN Alpha Det, 109 Bty takes a moment for a photo following an arduous period of activity during Ex FIRST RUN


Exercise First Run (part 2) — MAJ Mick Cook

The testing of the Regimental logistic capability was very successful. The Battery Commander of CSS Bty, MAJ Graeme Davidson, was able to put his team through their paces with mobile distribution points which ensured that the essentials of ammunition, fuel, food and water were provided. The technical teams that include vehicle me-chanics and armourers for the guns were on the road con-stantly moving from one location to the next ensuring eve-ryone was able to fire and move when required. The ini-tial tyranny of distance between the gunlines in the Starr Homestead sector of the range and the logisticians across the south eastern side of Hervey’s Range at the mock up town of Line Creek Junction ensured some detailed and creative planning for repair, resupply and recovery. By the time the Regimental part of Exercise First Run was complete the Regiment had moved through three range areas over 50 square kilometres, fired over 1000 shells and conducted voiceless procedures through the digital com-munications systems. It had conducted Regimental mis-sions from separate locations with a mixture of ammuni-tion types, stretched the logistic capacity of the Regiment to near breaking point and collected swathes of useful data that will be analysed and to ensure that the next exercise will be an improvement upon the last. All that was left for the Regiment was for 107 Bty to re-main in the south and provide fire support to an air force training activity. Additionally, 109 Bty had to move north of Hervey’s Range Road to Starr Homestead and set up ready to conduct further training involving the local fire services and the North Queensland Cowboys. The Commanding Officer was content at the end of the day and his plan had worked. By the end of Exercise First Run the Regiment was ready to sprint.

The Commanding Officer takes a moment to have a brew during Ex FIRST RUN

The 109 Bty gunline engaging a target identified by 107 Bty observers


106 Bty Report — LBDR John Thomson

106th Battery was re-raised during St Barbara’s Day celebrations on 4 Dec 2014. The Bty has worked hard and a tight bond has formed between the soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers. Even though 106 Bty is small, its strength and teamwork has shone through, particularly when 106 Bty took out third place at the Regimental Swimming Carnival.

To date 106 Bty has supported three exercises—Exercise First Run, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s (2 Cav) Exercise Eagle Crawl, and the 3 RAR Warfighter. Being a small and new organisation, the sub-unit has been at full tilt, forced to complete many tasks prior to deploying on exercise, such as the Battle Group JFECC preparing their PMVs to link the guns and the JFTs. The new JFTs had to start from scratch, combining diverse skills and person-alities and utilising the Digital Terminal Control System (DTCS).

The JFECC also conducted a number of Command Post Exercises with 2 Cav; 106 Bty will be supporting 2 Cav throughout the remainder of the year.

The hard work in preparation ended up being successful and 106 Bty deployed to the field with the reminder of the Regiment on Exercise First Run. Whilst out in the field members of 106 Bty were tested mentally and physically but proved that the sub-unit has some immense capacity for the future, especially in employing the digital link between the JFT’s DTCS and the JFECC’s computer. There is still a long way to go as a new sub-unit however we are on a trajectory to success which will be aided with the arrival of guns in the middle of the year.

At the completion of Ex First Run, 106 Bty returned to the Regiment to prepare for Exercise Eagle Crawl with 2 Cav. Refurbishment was smooth and 106 Bty was soon out field again the following week. Working with 2 Cav definitely tested the JFECC’s manoeuvrability with constant moves by day and by night. All in all, the exercise was great training to test the equipment we have and the Bty’s standard operating procedures by day and by night. On completion of Ex Eagle Crawl, 2 Cav conducted a range shoot using the ASLAVs 12.7mm machinegun and the 25mm cannon. The 106 Bty JFECC was lucky enough to be able to get behind these weapons and shoot them live. The JFECC then returned to Lavarack Barracks to conduct post field activities and join the OP Slipper welcome home parade. One of the JFTs was also fortuitous enough to also be deployed with Charlie Company 3 RAR on a Combat Training Centre Warfighter activity. CAPT Nick Mahr and his JFT also returned a week later from their training activity with significant praise from 3 RAR.

On the lead up to Easter stand down, 106 Bty has again come together to work out what we need to improve, fix and sustain as a sub-unit. When the 106 Bty next deploys on Exercise Chau Pha in May we will apply these changes and become a more proficient sub-unit in getting rounds down range on time, on target and safe.

Overall, it has been a good start for 106 Bty as a newly raised sub-unit and in the future we will be a fighting force to be reckoned with.

Did you know the 4 Regt RTF can order from LEGEAR at a discounted rate? Check out www.legear.com.au

Speak to the XO, MAJ Scott Calvert about ordering


107 Bty Report — MAJ James Casey

Having returned from their deployment to Malaysia as the 107th rotation of Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB), the Bty has enjoyed the Christmas stand-down period and returned to work in Jan. Having been 'off the tools' as gunners for almost six months, the Bty has concentrated on getting back to basics early in the year.

Exercise First Run/Black Dagger 9-25 Mar

During the early hours of Mon 09 Mar 15, 107 Bty assembled to conduct their first field exercise of the year, Ex FIRST RUN, held in Townsville Field Training Area. The Bty had a lot of new faces with detachments being made up primarily of newly marched in soldiers, as well as two new detachment commanders fulfilling the role as Num-ber One for their first time. The Command Post (CP) also had two new operators who were to experience their first time in an active CP. Combined with the limited opportunities to train as a Bty before leaving barracks, the exercise was going to be challenging.

The exercise was fast paced from the start, with the Bty receiving missions supporting the 106 Bty’s observer group and regular deployment orders throughout the first four days. The gunline showed good resolve and that they had what it takes to operate effectively with little sleep when the going gets tough. They were able to continually de-velop their drills and procedures despite the high pace of activity and quickly remediated the skill fade that accrued during the Christmas stand down period - as well as bring the new gunners of the Bty up to speed. The observer group meanwhile took the time to conduct its own shakeout, deploying and operating separately from the gunline in preparation to call in offensive support.

A special mention goes to BDR Milton who was able to puncture two gun tyres in consecutive days; however he countered this by always being the first gun into and out of action during moves.

As the pace of the exercise began to drop ever so slightly, the gunline conducted lessons and training on infantry minor tactics and local defence of the gunline. This was later put to the test by the observers masquerading as the enemy.

Ex FIRST RUN concluded for the Bty with a Regimental fire mission which ran smoothly thanks to the Command Post Exercise held the night before. At the conclusion, the Bty shifted their focus to supporting Exercise BLACK DAGGER, the culminating activity for the Air Force’s Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Course. While a short break allowed the Bty the opportunity to return to Townsville and watch our Afghanistan veterans march along the Strand in a parade marking the conclusion of Operation SLIPPER.

The following day saw the Bty return to the field for the remainder of Ex BLACK DAGGER, supporting the JTAC students (including our own LBDR Robb) by firing on enemy air defence missiles and using our rounds to mark targets as the students called in F/A-18 fighter jets to bomb and strafe their targets. When time allowed, the Bty’s observers were given the opportunity to control the jets themselves, using their Joint Fires Observer skills to great effect and impressing the JTAC instructors greatly.

While there were often long pauses between engagements, the gunline exploited the opportunity to hone their sol-dier skills and defensive routine – and put these skills to great effect when ‘attacked’ by the observers at the exer-cise’s end.

The Bty’s observers and gunline shot well, and without significant error; given the long period spent ‘off the tools’ late last year in Malay-sia and the limited lead-up training, the Bty is well posi-tioned to keep rivals 109 Bty sweating over who will be the Champion Battery in 2015.

‘… And let slip the dogs of war…’ B Det fires during Ex FIRST RUN


108 Bty Report — CAPT Giles Clark

It is now April and 108 Bty has again had a very busy start to the year. Now being formally part of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Austra-lian Regiment (2 RAR) based Amphibious Battle Group we have supported a number of activities and exercises. Urban Week. Both JFTs, C/S 51 and 52, deployed to Line Creek Junction (LCJ) which is an urban training facility located in the nearby Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA). The aim was to support infantry company training within the urban environment and assist with the development of combined arms tactics and proce-dures within that environment. The scope of the week involved be-ginning with individual urban drills and culminated in company sized mock amphibious raids onto the township of LCJ. Exercise First Run. 108 Bty soon returned to TFTA for the first live-fire exercise of 2015. The Bty focused on our technical and tac-

tical trade requirements, giving each element an opportunity to be tested. This included further integration of DTCS, which adds both capability and some complexity. The exercise has set 108 Bty at a high standard which will be es-sential for our further high tempo year ahead. 2 RAR FTX. Both JFTs supported a company level field training exercise within the TFTA conducting platoon and company sized raids. This was one of our first opportunities to integrate effectively within the Combat Team and set a relationship with our infantry partners. It enabled our JFT members to understand real time planning and integration of joint fires and effects. Exercise Eagle Fires. Both C/S 51 and 52 were involved in a 2 RAR mortar live-fire exercise. This gave them an opportunity to employ a different weapon system and for new soldiers to understand its effects. It also allowed integration with one of our only indirect fire systems within the amphibious role. The exercise consisted of engaging a range of mission types then add-ing complexity by orchestrating live fire plans and culminating with the JFTs and MFCs engaging danger close mis-sions. TOTEMS (LEGO). 2015 has seen 108 Bty continue its totem fundraising tradition. The Bty auctions off Lego figu-rines for exuberant prices to raise money for functions and activities throughout the year. The rules of the totem game stipulate that it has to be on the person at all times and if lost the owner must post hand drawn wanted posters in some

key headquarters areas. Some of the record breaking purchases go to GNR Luke Huxley (Captain America) with $250, closely fol-lowed by GNR Lindsey Mulroy (Batman) with $245. The sub-unit has raised over $2600 from this years auction. If you see any wanted posters let SGT David (Clear Eyes) Cleary know ASAP, he takes the game way too seriously.

Captain America, Aquaman, Thor and Wolverine just back

from battling Thanos

GNR Kynan Onekawa, GNR Murray Aitken and GNR Daniel Gibbons resting between yet

another field trip

HMAS Canberra enters Sydney Harbour

for the first time

109 Bty Report — CAPT Nick Dickeson


Thankfully this year has not started with the same intense tempo as last year, however it has still been a busy start with a number of unique challenges.

Most notable in this first quarter, outside of the myriad of events on the training program, has been the a number of op-portunities for 109 Bty to conduct excellent training with 3 RAR (the battalion we support) and the large number of weather events that have required our attention and readiness to respond to.

An opportunity arose at the end of February that saw 109 Bty occupy the local ranges with 3 RAR for their HE weapons week and live fire week. We were fortunate enough to involve 30 members of 109 Bty who achieved weapons qualifications and training on a number of weapons including grenades, 7.62 Maximi machinegun, 9mm pistol, M79 grenade launcher, M72A6 rocket launcher and, for a select few, the HK417 rifle.

The following week was the JFTs turn to train with 3 RAR, and in particular their snipers, to get training and quali-fication on the SR25 and SR98 sniper rifles before coordinating mortar fire with 3 RAR’s mortars. This training was cut short immediately after the JFT members completed a series of long range engagements out to 1200m with the SR25 as they had been ordered to return to barracks to support Tropical Cyclone Marcia response operations. The turn around from training with 3 RAR to reconstituting and deploying south was three hours (including a two hour drive back to barracks).

Three Liaison Teams (including one from 107 Bty) were sent to Rockhampton with 3 CER as the Bde response to Tropical Cyclone Marcia. Our teams coordinated the military and local disaster relief efforts in the Yeppoon, Rock-hampton and Byfield areas for a period of two weeks. The return of the Liaison Teams coincided with the deploy-ment date to TFTA for the Bty phase of Ex First Run.

This typically demanding exercise met its reputation and put the gunline through their paces; breaking nearly every piece of equipment we deploy with in the process. The Bty bonded well during arduous times, learning valuable lessons that will take us to Ex Chau Pha in good stead. True to form, the exercise could not conclude as a standard exercise but was cut-short due to the requirement to deploy back to Lavarack Barrack for another cyclone. Follow-ing reconstitution the Liaison Teams deployed to Cairns in support of TC Nathan disaster relief.

Once again the Liaison Teams were called upon, this time just two 109 Bty teams, to move north and commence work before the cyclone made landfall. All the while the remainder of the sub-unit refitted vehicles and adjusted their posture within a couple of hours from gunnery to disaster relief. The Liaison Teams were recalled to Towns-ville soon after but not before they networked with 51 FNQR and sighted a selection of suitable locations for the

remainder of the sup-port element to deploy if the need arose.

As 109 Bty stood down from the TC Nathan task, we now stand ready for the next task that may present itself but for the moment lead into a well earned Easter break, ready to take what the next quar-ter has to throw at us.

GNR Brenton McQueen engages a target with an SR25 sniper rifle during training with 3 RAR snipers

The 109 Bty gunline engages a target during Ex FIRST RUN

109 Bty Open Day (part 1) — MAJ James Groves


Halfway through a two-week Regimental live-fire exercise, members from 109 Bty hosted around fifty Townsville community icons and 3rd Brigade leaders in a demonstration of the firepower, team work and combined-arms approach which is in-herent to an artillery sub-unit. Players and coaches from the North Queensland Cowboys, regional commanders of Queensland Fire and Rescue and Queensland Rural Fire Service, and commanders from 3rd Battalion, Royal Aus-tralian Regiment and 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion joined the demonstration day and were enthusiastic from the start. The guests’ first stop was the Battery gun group, which included enhanced surveillance assets from 3rd Battalion’s Surveillance Section and saw Battery Captain Nick Dickeson and his team conduct demonstrations of local defence, digital command and control assets and, of course, live firing of the M777A2 155mm howitzers. Bombardier Nicholas Latham wrote his own chapter on winning friends and influencing people by opening his brief with a pledge of loyalty to the Brisbane Broncos, which was received with good humour by the collective guests. Gunner Thomas Martin, an Artillery Command Systems Operator, said ‘It was great seeing the Cowboys come out to witness what we do. They were particularly surprised by the cramped conditions inside our vehicle in which we

spend hours at a time during mis-sions.’ 109th Bty’s four detachments then played host to the guests and allowed them to actively participate in firing the guns. The Bombardiers and senior Gunners had the opportunity to super-vise professional rugby league stars, shrewd fire brigade veterans and commanders from a variety of 3 Bde units in the subtle and not-so-subtle arts involved in loading and firing the M777A2s.

MAJ James Groves and Paul Green, coach of the NQ Cowboys, discuss the

upcoming fire mission

Guests at the 109 Bty Demo Day respond to the first fire mission of the day



BDR Jacob Garlick, commander of Alpha Detachment, em-ployed Cowboys forwards Ben Hannant and Patrick Kaufusi to load the 45kg ammunition and stated that he’d be happy to have them on his Detachment any day of the week. Com-manding Officer of the 3 RAR, LTCOL Gavin Keating, re-marked that 'Infantrymen are familiar with the end effects of a Gun Battery's efforts. It was excellent to have the opportunity to see the skilled teamwork that goes into actually delivering these effects'. After breathing in the cordite and sweating on to the breach, the guests were moved up to the Observation Post and were briefed on the JFT and infantry snipers collaborative role in engaging high value targets at a variety of ranges. The guests observed a fire mission up close from the JFT’s point of view and saw how the tablet-based DTCS and SOPHIE handheld thermal imager and laser range finder helped initiate the whole ‘kill chain’ they’d just been part of. Major Matt Weldon, OC of 9th Transport Squadron stated that ‘the 109th Battery’s demonstration was a great opportunity for our junior Officers to observe and participate in the live firing of 3rd Brigade’s heavy hitters. I’ve had them comment to me already that they now ‘get’ the artillery component of combined arms’. The final indirect fire mission held the group’s attention until the 3rd Battalion’s snipers emerged from bushes with all the rehearsed malevolence of a Hollywood blockbuster. The snipers and their equipment were a big hit with the Cowboys and Rural Fire Service’s resident hunting community and fielded many requests for personal marksman-ship training. It wasn’t just the guests who benefitted from the increased training between 109 Bty and 3 RAR. BDR Scott Nunn, a Forward Observer’s Assistant (FO Ack), stated that the overall exercise “…was a big step forward in the JFTs integrating with other 3 Bde ISR elements to shape our surveillance role. After the snipers qualified us on their weapons systems in February it’s now our turn to give them some HE and airburst for some healthy All Arms Call For Fire training”. The demonstration day concluded with a crescendo as the guests kitted up in body armour and helmets to observe

BDR Garlick’s detachment bringing their M777A2 in to action and engaging close targets in a direct fire role. In thanking 109 Bty for the day’s demonstrations, North Queensland Cowboys head coach Paul Green stated ‘There are a lot of similari-ties in how we approach our missions, our jobs, the role of personal discipline in a team environment, the way we handle success as a team and the way we handle setbacks as a team. We have more in common than we may have initially thought and we’ve probably got a lot we can learn from each other.’

Kyle Feldt, NQ Cowboys, awaits the order to fire

from BDR Garlick

PTE Josh Green (L) and PTE Dylan Smith (R) talk with LTCOL Gavin Keating and WO1 Andrew Shore



Clockwise from top left

Sam Hoare, NQ Cowboys, loads Alpha Gun

PTE Josh Green, 3 RAR sniper, briefs members of the RFS and the NQ Cow-boys

BDR Nick Latham, Delta Detachment Commander, briefs members of the RFS on 155mm ammunition

Jason Demetriou, NQ Cow-boys, loads Alpha Gun

CAPT Rick Lever, Forward Observer, briefs Ben Han-nant and Glen Hall of the NQ Cowboys

Operations Support Bty Report (part 1) — WO2 Craig Woodhall


As has been the case for the last few years where the Regiment has maintained readying or ready in the Force Generation Cycle, the tempo in the first quarter of the year has not eased. The consistent approach of ‘no good plan survives day one of the year’ and with a change in staff at HQ 3 Bde the expected change in direction meant that, as always, our flexibility remained our focus when it came to the training program and short notice tasks.

At the start of the year the Bty command team consists of MAJ Mick Cook as the Operations Officer, CAPT Pete Tarling as the Battery Cap-tain/Plans Officer and WO2 Craig Woodhall as the Battery Sergeant Major. The vision for 2015 remains for Operations Support Bty to maintain a reputation as the Army’s exemplar land targeting or-ganisation. With plenty of opportunities throughout the year we have set about training to meet the Opera-tions Officer’s vision of achieving a professional mastery that incorporates joint and land targeting proc-esses, with an integrated approach to lethal and non-lethal effects.

As at 23 Mar 15 our manning stands at 37 members (10 officers, 10 Warrant Officer/senior non-commissioned officers and 17 other ranks). We have welcomed both a new Chief Clerk (WO2 Mick Abbott) and LCPL Casey Emmett from 109 Bty. Additionally, with PTE Kate Joosten transferring into the unit from the Active Reserve we are able to maintain the capability of an Operations Clerk in the Bde JFECC. BDR Michael Foster and BDR Luke Illes replace BDR Thomas Butler and BDR Chad Grainger, whilst LBDR Rob Creaton was promoted to bombardier. The outspoken GNR Scott Beddoe is now the outspoken LBDR Beddoe and has taken to his first stripe like a duck to water (still with plenty to learn but with enthusiasm and authority). The other sub-units of the Regiment have sent us their soldiers in order for us to send them back with the experience of life in the higher headquarters. These soldiers have fitted in well to the routine of Operations Support Bty. WO1 Reg Grundell, from the School of Artillery, replaces

WO1 Damian Lindsay in the training cell and CAPT Scott Cirakovic is the new Regi-mental Signals Officer. CAPT Niel Gould (the self declared voice of the Regiment) has joined WO2 Luke Burgess in the Operations Cell.

So far Operations Support Bty has partici-pated in Exercise Motionless Cartwheel and Exercise First Run at regimental level as both the command post for the Director of Practice and the Regimental Command Post. The changeover of staff in all callsigns has meant that these two exercises have been the learn-ing experience for all that they needed to be.

Operations Support Bty during field activity planning

BDR Luke Illes, pictured during Ex FIRST RUN, enjoying a quick snack and drink between JFECC duties


Operations Support Bty Report (part 2) — WO2 Craig Woodhall

With the reinstatement of the Regimental Command Post as a separate entity last year the new Adjutant, CAPT James Tarpley has taken his team and set about commanding, controlling and coordinating the Regi-ment’s gunline. The experience gained from last year has been passed on although the manning has changed somewhat and with very little experience in a digital command post for the Adjutant it is a learning curve for all those involved.

On return from Ex First Run the members of the Bty were warned out for operations assisting Army’s efforts in support of the Pacific Islands following Tropi-cal Cyclone Pam. This was quickly reorganised for the role of Headquarters Response Force for the im-pending Tropical Cyclone Nathan in the top end of our area of responsibility. The Bty very efficiently set up for this task in both a static headquarters here in Chau Pha Lines and manoeuvre capable to outlying areas. We also conducted planning and were able to provide support to 109 Bty in their role for this task. Tropical Cyclone Nathan proved to be little to worry about but provided the opportunity to exercise all in-volved in the requirements of such a task. Product and lessons learnt will be retained in order to be handed over to 2 Cav when they take this task in the future.

Last years efforts to instil a sense of pride in the Bty and their role as a sub-unit of 4 Regt have continued. The members have taken an active interest in learning about the their own history. This has been included manifested in physical training activities and visits to museums to learn about operations and campaigns that the sub-unit has been involved in and the equipment it has used over the years. The new Bty physical training shirts, and all future designs of Bty merchandise, holds our past in high regard and the next social focus is the development of the Lair (Operations Support Battery Bar). The Regimental 55th Birthday cele-brations will see us welcome and embrace our past and we are hopeful of the attendance of past members to the Lair to socialise and tell many stories about yesteryear.

Good luck to PTE Joosten who is currently representing the Regt, 3 Bde and Army in Australian rules football at the annual national carnival in Melbourne. Additionally, well done to BDR Jade Godbolt has recently representing the Regt, 3 Bde and Army in Army Rugby.

2015 will be every bit as busy as the last two years as we move into the next component of the Force Generation Cycle having maintained ‘Ready’ for a significant amount of time.

OPSO, MAJ Cook briefing the RESFOR Command Team

MAJ Groves, Comd RESFOR

BDR Foster briefing the new shift

Combat Service Support Bty Report — MAJ Graeme Davidson


Support the Force Arte et Marte Par Oneri Combat Service Support Battery continues to support the Regiment through another busy year. The Commanding Officer has made CSS one of his main focuses due to prospective changes in the delivery of CSS Army wide. He cheerfully told us that it was his intent to challenge us to breaking point and was good to his word in our first Exer-cise First Run. 2014 saw the end of integral catering support, however the Bty had a number of new march-ins spread over the dif-ferent sub-units and Corps. CAPT Simpson, CAPT Carnegie, WO2 Kelly, WO2 Hunter, SGT Dixon, SGT Murray, SGT Johnston, CPL Wilson, CPL Press, CPL Wright, CFN Gunston, CFN Holmes, PTE Jones, PTE Masland, CFN McGlashen, PTE Murdoch and PTE Seccull are all new to CSS Bty. Congratulations on promotion to LCPL Lowe. During Exercise First Run, CSS Bty deployed the greatest practicable distance from the guns to test our transport capability and lines of communication. Everyone rose to the challenges presented and logistic support was unfalter-ing. The tempo and complexity is expected to grow with each ensuing exercise throughout 2015. CSS Bty will continue to provide the best logistic support possible to the Regiment and relish meeting the challenges ahead.

Left: WO1 Linney pictured moving in the Line Creek Junction area of Townsville Field Training Area

Above: SGT Francis enjoys a break and a laugh during Ex FIRST RUN

Padre’s Page — Chaplain Pete Price


“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”

John 10:10 With last Christmas and the holiday break a distant memory, 2015 is well and truly in top gear! All around me I see people frantically coming and going out field. Add to the mix emergency responses to cyclones, Operation Slipper parades, centenary of ANZAC commemorations, Regimental Birthday activities, courses, more field, and…… whoa …. can someone slow the bus down so we can catch a breath!!

The calendar is filling faster than a gunner with his first dirty bird (that’s KFC for the uninitiated) post exercise. It can look pretty daunting when you look at it in one lump sum and it can seem there’s no end in sight. Can I encourage you, with the Easter long week end around the corner, to pause? Take a deep breath. For those who ob-serve Lent and Easter it is a time of deep reflection. It’s a time to think through what the death and resurrection of Jesus means to us and how his life gives us new life. For others it’s an opportunity to catch up with friends, eat copious Cadburys and chill.

Whatever this Easter means for you take a pause, reflect and plan the remainder of the year. With the training schedule so full already lock in those date nights with your partner, those activities with your kids that you know will get forgotten in the busyness (and weariness) of the year. The trap is being so focussed on getting to and through each training block that before you know it another year is over and you haven’t enjoyed or experienced the journey at all. God’s plan is for us to enjoy the journey.

Don’t just survive the year ahead…thrive in it and live it to the full.

Blessings,

Padre Pete Below—The Padre in his younger days spreading messages of peace and tranquillity…

55th Birthday Celebration 1-2 May 2015

Chau Pha Lines Lavarack Barracks, Townsville QLD

4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery

Est 1960

Fri 01 May 15 1330 – Gun Race 1500 – Sub Unit BBQ/Drinks 1630 – Offrs/SNCOs/JNCO&ORs Mess

Sat 02 May 15

1200 – Unit Open Day

1700 – Mounted Parade

1830 – Dinner / Celebrations

POC – MAJ Scott Calvert ph (07) 4411 7322, [email protected]


Important Numbers - Unit Welfare

Regimental Guard Room (24 hr) (07) 4411 7263 Regimental Duty Officer (24h) 0407 145 795 On Call Padre 0458 473 842 Unit Welfare Officer – CAPT James Tarpley 0417 251 231 Fair Go Hotline 1800 100 064 Defence Housing Australia 139 DHA (139 342) All Hours Support Line 1800 628 036 Defence Family Helpline (DCO) 1800 624 608

Above - CAPT Niel Gould, Ops Spt Bty

Right - GNR Smith, 107 Bty

Below - MAJ Groves briefing RESFOR TC Nathan

Website: http://www.army.gov.au/Who-we-are/Divisions-and-Brigades/Forces-Command/3rd-Brigade/4th-Regiment-RAA

Documents

4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery Newsletterartilleryhistory.org/todays_gunline/4_regiment/...both before and during the day, and then we will celebrate the Regiment's 55th