ECHOES OF THE PAST

AIRF RCEVol. 59, No. 7, May 4, 2017 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Pages 2-3, 12-15

Forever tuned to our Anzac story

LAC Brodie McIntyre, of RAAF Base Tindal, plays the didgeridoo during the Anzac Day national ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.Photo: Jay Cronan

CrossFit world title bid – Page 23Poseidon makes an impact – Page 5

2 May 4, 2017RCEAIR FAnzac Day

DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

ReportersWO2 Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614SGT Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7613CPL Bill Solomou CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608 CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304CPL Sebastian Beurich: (02) 6265 4140

CONTACT USraafnews@defencenews.gov.auThe Editor, Air Force News, R8-LG-047, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnewsFax: (02) 6265 6690

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DISCLAIMERAir Force News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under contract by Horton Media Australia Ltd. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Air Force News. Every advertisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News approval and the Directorate of Defence News may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement. The Directorate accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence News. Defence does not endorse the products or services published in advertisements.

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Living the Air Force Values: RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORK

LACW Elena Lipcan Rests On Arms during the Tyne Cot Memorial service in Belgium.Inset: LACW Lipcan at Tyne Cot CemeteryPhotos: SGT Christopher Dickson

FLGOFF Chloe Stevenson

LACW Elena Lipcan’s second Anzac Day overseas in uniform was an emotional one, as she displayed her precision skills as part of Australia’s Federation Guard at ceremonies in Ypres, Belgium.

The 27-year-old personnel capability specialist took part in the dawn service at Polygon Wood, as well as in commemorative services at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Menin Gate Memorial, Toronto Avenue Cemetery. She was also part of the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial.

LACW Lipcan is among the triservice members who volunteer for the Federation Guard’s precision drill team. The team is a dedicated group of drill professionals who perform a combination of more than 300 spe-cific drill movements, prompted only by drum beats with no spoken commands.

The members of the team require a high

level of skill, concentration and teamwork. This is perfected through many hours of practice.

Born in Moldova, Europe, LACW Lipcan moved with her family to Australia in 1996.

She and her family lived in Melbourne before moving to Albury-Wodonga, on the border of NSW and Victoria, where her par-ents still live.

LACW Lipcan said that her older brother was in the Army and that was a strong influ-ence on her decision to enlist with Air Force in 2012.

“I look up to my brother a lot and always wanted to make him proud of me. I have also always wanted to be able to help people,” she said.

“I think that is why I was drawn to the Air Force. I wanted to be part of an organisation I could believe in – an organisation with true purpose.”

Five years later, LACW Lipcan says she

has never regretted her decision. Within her first year of posting to Darwin in 2014, she deployed for seven months to the Middle East.

“My first trip overseas in uniform was a deployment on Operation Slipper. I was also there when it changed to Operation Accordion and was proud to be a part of the transition for both of those operations,” she said.

“The experience was absolutely incredible as I was able to learn so much about the why and the how of what we do in Air Force, and as a Defence force as a whole. I was also for-tunate to participate in an Anzac Day service in Kuwait, which was very moving.”

She was “honoured and very privileged” to be chosen to take part in the ceremonies in Belgium.

“When you visit the battlefields it is over-whelming. It gives you that sense of what the Anzacs endured. It was a very emotional day.”

Privileged to display precision

Anzac Day around the bases and the world

Pages 12-15

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3May 4, 2017RCEAIR F Anzac Day

Motivation moves us a century onCPL Max Bree

A ROUSING rendition of Waltzing Matilda echoed through the small French village of Bullecourt where, 100 years ago, exploding shells and deathly cries resonated across the surrounding battlefield.

The music was provided by a con-tingent from the Australian Army Band, joining the Federation Guard and French military for centenary commem-orations of the battles of Bullecourt on Anzac Day.

In April 1917, Australian soldiers broke into German defences on their famous Hindenburg Line in April 1917 despite the Australian diggers’ support-

ing tanks having broken down or been destroyed. However, as high command didn’t know how far the Australians had advanced, artillery support was withheld and the Australians were forced back.

They suffered more than 3300 casu-alties, with 1170 Australians taken pris-oner – the largest number captured in a single engagement during the war.

The Australians had another attempt at Bullecourt the following month when they joined British soldiers in taking the town and holding it against vicious German counterattacks.

Although the area was of little stra-tegic importance, the actions cost the Australians 7500 casualties.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies attend-ed the French and Australian services in the village.

“I know it was the Australian Army that was so desperate here and ultimate-ly so successful, but that’s the set-up for what we’re currently doing,” he said.

“When I go to the Middle East and talk to a soldier, sailor or airman, it’s that same passion to be successful moti-vating them. That’s what motivated sol-diers 100 years ago.”

A large crowd of locals welcomed the Australians and were present at both services.

“The French are so honest and genuine in their recognition of what

the Australian soldiers did for them,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“It was such a long time ago, but it’s vibrant. You can feel it.”

AIRMSHL Davies said the origi-nal diggers at Bullecourt might be sur-prised at Australians remembering their actions 100 years later.

“I think they would understand what they did was important and us recognis-ing what they did is important,” he said.

“They would probably be a lot more humble than we might think.

“You look at some of the old photos and they have that sparkle in their eyes, the feeling they’re doing something that’s right.”

See footage at http://video.defence.gov.au/play/5104#

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies delivers the Call to Remembrance for the Anzac Day dawn service at

the Australian National Memorial outside Villers-Bretonneux in

France.Photo: CPL Max Bree

PTE Jess Jeffery plays The Lament during the dawn service at the Australian National Memorial

outside Villers-Bretonneux.Photo: CPL Max Bree

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4 May 4, 2017RCEAIR FNews

Jaimie Abbott

IN A significant event for the unit, 41 Wing has provided seamless air and space battle management (ASBM) services from one end of the country to the other during complex missions involving RAAF and US Air Force (USAF) aircraft operating out of the Northern Territory.

The event was also an impor-tant capability demonstration for Air Force. It highlighted the inherent agil-ity and flexibility of differing ASBM command-and-control (C2) weapon systems as they provided cooperative

and synchronised air battle manage-ment from three different locations – RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Williamtown.

The activity was unique in that the operations director responsible for supervising the mission was located at No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit (114MCRU) at RAAF Darwin while the weapons director was locat-ed at No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit (3CRU) in RAAF Williamtown. This remote configuration allowed the two units to combine to provide continuous ASBM services.

3CRU air combat officer FLGOFF

Brandon Dance, operating out of the Eastern Region Operations Centre, said mission planning was a challenge – especially ensuring coordination and communications were robust, timely and effective.

“It is easier to maintain situational awareness when all of the ASBM is being conducted from the same facil-ity but during collaborative operations you need to have good communica-tions between all players,” FLGOFF Dance said.

“IP-based chat systems and radio communication were the only systems available to coordinate, therefore it

definitely added to the mission com-plexity.”

Providing ASBM services collabo-ratively delivers significant capabil-ity sustainment benefits. With a busy operational tempo it can often be hard to get people with the right qualifica-tions in the right location for specific missions.

3CRU air combat officer FLTLT Aaron Thorpe said using people from other control and reporting units “pro-vides a collaborative service that gives the RAAF an increased capability to conduct missions we previously may have been unable to support”.

FLTLT Shaun O’Leary, Operations Flight Commander at 114MCRU, oversaw the cooperative ASBM opera-tions from within the Mobile Control and Reporting Centre at RAAF Darwin.

“Our ability to seamlessly integrate with other C2 agencies, such as No. 2 Squadron and 3CRU, on a more regu-lar basis will only benefit the RAAF and ADF in the long term,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to main-taining the momentum and conducting further cooperative activities such as this in the near future.”

In sync from end to end

FLGOFF Michael Simpson, of 114MCRU, at work during the

ASBM exercise with the US.

TASMANIAN mates CPL Phil Rule (right) and CPL Mark Peacock went to the same school, mixed in the same cir-cle of friends and even played for the same sports clubs.

They are now in the Army Reserve and Air Force re-spectively and caught up with each other in the Middle East.

It was the first time the pair had crossed paths during their multiple deployments.

“We have never met on our deployments before. It was great to finally catch up,” CPL Peacock said.

CPL Peacock, of No.1 Ex-peditionary Health Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, was

deployed to Australia’s main operating base in the Middle East until late April.

CPL Rule, a member of the Tasmanian Police Force and reserve member with the Army Ordnance Corps, was near the end of a deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan when the pair caught up.

Middle East catch-up a long time coming

Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

5May 4, 2017RCEAIR F News

Jaimie Abbott

AIR Force’s P-8A Poseidon has oper-ated for the first time from two of its forward operating bases in Darwin and Learmonth.

No. 11 Squadron personnel deployed to RAAF Bases Darwin and Learmonth from March 27 to April 5 to take part in operational test and evaluation (OT&E) activities leading up to initial operating capability.

CO 11SQN WGCDR David Titheridge said the latest activity was invaluable and provided an opportu-

nity for 92 Wing personnel to refine how the Poseidon will be operated in future.

“The aircraft sensors exceeded expectations and the speed at which information could be received on the jet, moved around the operator stations and distributed to commanders was impressive,” he said.

“These OT&E activities will ensure the Poseidon can effectively sustain operations in the northern and north-western approaches to Australia in the future.”

The Poseidon’s visit to RAAF Base

Darwin also allowed enabling units to get up close and personal with the new aircraft. This included members from medical units, Air Base Command Post, Joint Logistics Unit – North, Air Traffic Control and Aviation Rescue Fire Fighters.

They were able to familiarise them-selves with the Poseidon by exploring the aircraft as well as asking ques-tions and interacting with 11SQN crew members.

Air Force’s newest maritime war-fare aircraft will support a full range of tasks, including anti-surface and

anti-submarine warfare; maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; electronic support; and a search and rescue capability.

Members of 11SQN are undergo-ing transition training in Jacksonville, Florida, and will continue this throughout this year and next year.

The squadron’s third Poseidon, A47-003, will be delivered to RAAF Base Edinburgh in mid-May.

“The squadron is very focused on getting the new platform and the system that enables it operational,” WGCDR Titheridge said.

“As the unit builds, with more air-craft and trained air and ground crews returning from the US, we will be able to really establish what the P-8A brings to the joint force.”

While Air Force transitions to the Poseidon, No. 10 Squadron will con-tinue to operate the AP-3C Orion from RAAF Base Edinburgh.

By 2022, 12 P-8A aircraft will be based at Edinburgh, with three more to be acquired as part of the Government’s Defence White Paper commitment.

Passing with flying colours

A P-8A Poseidon arrives at RAAF Base Darwin.Photos: AB Kayla Hayes

11SQN airborne electronics analyst WOFF Matthew Sewell on

board the Poseidon in Darwin.

6 May 4, 2017RCEAIR FNews

FOUR highly trained companion therapy dogs were presented to serving and former ADF mem-bers last month to support them with their injuries and PTSD.

The dogs were trained as part of the Defence Community Dog Program at the Bathurst Correctional Centre in NSW, where selected inmates train the dogs as part of their rehabilita-tion.

Rescued pound dogs Aussie, Lucky, Yogi and Bear have spent the past six months com-pleting basic obedience train-ing and advanced therapy dog work under the guidance of a professional dog trainer.

Before taking ownership of the dogs, the veterans spent five days participating in a handover program where they were intro-duced to their new dog and learnt how to take over their care and training.

One of the veterans said his dog, Bear, had been trained to help him pick up things off the ground.

“He can even help me take off my jacket,” the veteran said.

“I haven’t smiled much in the past few years, but at the moment I can’t stop smiling because I have Bear.

“I know he has my back 24/7.”Another veteran said his dog,

Yogi, started helping immedi-ately.

“On the very first night I had Yogi, he woke me up when I was having a night terror,” the veteran said.

“He calmed me down and I went back to sleep. I’ve slept for three nights in a row. I haven’t slept for nine years and I feel amazing.”

Ve t e r a n s f r o m N o r t h Queensland, NSW and Victoria were the recipients of the four latest therapy dogs at the recent handover.

Defence Bank Managing Director and CEO John Linehan said he was proud of the Defence Bank Foundation’s involvement in the Defence Community Dog Program, which gave veterans, rescued dogs and inmates a second chance.

“The dogs are making an enormous difference to the lives of the veterans and their fami-lies,” Mr Linehan said.

“We have received many let-ters and emails from dog recipi-ents telling us how much their life has improved since receiving their dog.”

The cost to train and maintain each dog is significant and runs into several thousand dollars. However, the dogs are provided to veterans at no cost.

For more information about the pro-gram, visit www.defencebankfounda-tion.com.au

THE time taken to process certain claims for veterans has fallen dramati-cally thanks to updated claims process-ing systems.

Almost $24 million was allocated in the last federal budget to replace a number of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ rehabilitation and compen-sation systems and to simplify and improve internal processes.

Claims for non-liability health care are now processed within a day and in some cases within 30 minutes. Previously the average processing times for these claims was 18 days.

Defence Personnel Minister Dan Tehan said veterans seeking treat-ment for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol and substance abuse were accessing treatment faster than ever before.

“This system update is ongoing and there will be further improvements to processing times and more consistency in decision making and calculations,” he said.

“The government wants veterans to have quick and easy access to the sup-port services they require.”

The next system improvements will focus on incapacity claims review, rehabilitation, needs assess-ment and Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 permanent impairment processing.

Fast, easy access to support veterans

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7May 4, 2017RCEAIR F News

Eamon Hamilton

THANKS to trial work with No. 36 Squadron, the Army will soon be able to move the M777A2 Howitzer long distances by air, allowing it to be deployed anywhere in the world.

Members of the 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery worked with a 36SQN crew to load an M777A2 onto a C-17A Globemaster at RAAF Base Amberley on April 20.

Entering Australian service in late 2010, the artillery piece weighs 4.1 tonnes and has a 155-millimetre cali-bre that can fire ordinary and GPS-guided rounds.

While previous development work had been conducted by Air Mobility Training and Development Unit (AMTDU), the latest activ-ity gave 36SQN loadmasters, such as SGT Melissa Vivian, first-hand experience with the load.

“The M777 has to be loaded using either a Unimog (a multi-pur-pose truck) or an MC3 gun tractor,

which is a specially modified Mack truck. It also requires specially con-structed supports that hold the artil-lery piece in flight,” SGT Vivian said.

When being transported by C-17A, the towing vehicle would be parked inside the cargo bay along-side the M777.

SGT Vivian said the Army was hoping Air Force could move the M777A2 to Shoalwater Bay for exer-cises, saving a long road trip.

1 REGT RAA master gunner WO1 Paul Boswell said preparing the M777A2 itself took only 20 min-utes but the task of ensuring the load could travel on a C-17A safely took careful planning.

“The M777 requires some very specific timber shoring in order to ensure it is restrained adequately against the forces in flight,” he said.

The US military, which has the C-17A and M777A2, provided meas-urements for timber shoring, albeit in imperial measurements.

“The 2nd Combat Engineer

Regiment came to our assistance and had two carpenters work around the clock to produce the final product,” WO1 Boswell said.

“Now that we have a proven set of shoring we plan to reproduce another three sets so we are ready to deploy a full battery if required.”

While the Army has moved other artillery pieces using Air Force aircraft, it is yet to transport the M777A2 long distances by air.

“We train annually with Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment for under-slung loads, where the M777A2, its ammunition and detachment can deploy by CH-47,” WO1 Boswell said.

“As for loading an M777A2 by C-17A, this is a first not only for 1 REGT RAA but also for the corps.

“By using another two C-17As, we could have a full artillery battery, with its protected mobility vehicles and ammunition, ready to deploy anywhere in the world in under 24 hours.”

Eamon Hamilton

WHILE civilian staff are vital to a func-tioning Defence base, they may not see first-hand the frontline capabilities that they enable.

RAAF Base Richmond sought to cor-rect this on April 20 by hosting its Black and Yellow Appreciation Day for civilian staff at the base.

A reference to the colour of uniforms worn by many in customer service and contractor support agencies, Black and Yellow Appreciation Day acknowledged the contribution of private industry as well as the APS.

SADFO for RAAF Base Richmond AIRCDRE Richard Lennon described the civilian staff who supported Defence every day as “a small army”.

“Our civilian partners provide many services at this base that we take for grant-ed and the majority of which are critical to our day-to-day business,” he said.

The civilian staff provide a range of functions, including landscape and facil-ity maintenance, cleaning, catering, estate management and customer services.

Static displays inside hangars at Air Mobility Training and Development Unit and No. 285 Squadron gave civilian staff an insight into frontline Defence roles.

They included static C-130J Hercules and C-27J Spartan transport aircraft, as well as demonstrations of aeromedical evacuation, aerial delivery and explosive ordnance disposal.

A group of 60 support staff also flew in a C-130J.

The event’s genesis came in mid-2016 with the retirement of Greg Brown, a bar-ber at RAAF Base Richmond whose fam-ily had cut the hair of Defence members since 1949.

“He told me that in the time he worked here at RAAF Base Richmond he never actually went inside an Air Force aircraft,” AIRCDRE Lennon said.

A host of Air Force and Army mem-bers engaged with civilian staff during the appreciation day.

“Defence members were there to speak about their work, which includes deployments to the Middle East region, and responding to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” AIRCDRE Lennon said.

“All of that work starts at Richmond, which makes the support civilian staff provide all the more important.”

“It is my hope that customer service and contractor support staff saw how their work contributes to the nation’s defence and feel proud of the role they play.”

Frontline seats for support staff

Bringing in the

big guns

A M777A2 Howitzer is loaded onto a 36SQN C-17A Globemaster at RAAF Base Amberley.Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

Civilian staff during RAAF Base Richmond’s Black and Yellow Appreciation Day.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

8 May 4, 2017RCEAIR FNews

Eamon Hamilton

RESPONSE times for deploying emergency supplies during humani-tarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations are likely to be shortened, following trials at RAAF Bases Amberley and Richmond.

Staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) visited movements personnel in November and February to work on initiatives that will expedite Australia’s response to natural disas-ters overseas.

Key to this was whole-of-govern-ment cooperation in constructing pal-lets of emergency supplies to be load-ed onto Air Force transport aircraft during future operations. In the past, unprepared loads delivered to Air Force’s movements sections needed to be deconstructed and rebuilt onto a pallet, taking up valuable time.

The trials at Amberley allowed Defence, DFAT and HK Logistics staff to work on a solution for the final construction of the initial 10 pal-lets containing family kits.

DFAT Senior Emergencies Officer – Logistics Julie Stalker said each

pallet contained 40 family kits with enough emergency supplies to assist 200 people.

“The kits are based on five peo-ple per family. They contain essential items that assist with access to clean water, hygiene products and bed nets, which help prevent mosquito-borne diseases,” Ms Stalker said.

“Other items in the kits [include] cooking equipment and utensils, shel-ter tools, tarpaulins, blankets and bed mats.”

DFAT warehouses in Brisbane and Sydney position the loaded pallets for immediate deployment on RAAF aircraft in response to crises overseas.

“This will dramatically improve loading processes for the first few flights out of Australia,” Ms Stalker said.

The aircraft may also carry a DFAT assessment team, other disaster response specialists, Defence support and response teams and aircraft load-ing equipment.

FLGOFF Nick Pope, OIC move-ments for No. 22 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond, said the ready-made pallets were fit for deployment by Air Force as required.

“Having the pallets pre-built by Air Force staff ensures they are fully airworthy and can go straight off a truck and onto an aircraft cargo load-er,” FLGOFF Pope said.

“This helps to eliminate any wast-ed time with effective communication and common understanding between each organisation.

“It has also been beneficial to meet key personnel from government, the private sector and non-government organisations so staff can put faces to names and understand each agency’s role and function.”

RAAF Base Richmond was a hub for responses to natural disas-ters in the Philippines, Samoa and Fiji in 2013, Solomon Islands in 2014, Vanuatu in 2015 and Fiji in 2016.

“If an international HADR opera-tion activates, DFAT’s partner, HK Logistics will transport the pre-built pallets to Richmond for immediate loading,” FLGOFF Pope said.

“ T h e R i c h m o n d A i r B a s e Command Post will liaise with rel-evant base functions, such as security, to ensure access, traffic management and other support aspects are handled in a timely and professional manner.”

Primed for quick relief

Name Must/Spec Last day Years

WOFF Danny Aitken ATECH Mar 9 44WOFF Wayne Silverman LOADM Mar 22 42AIRCDRE Nicholas Barneveld ICTPPB March 1 39GPCAT Geoffrey Kimmins ELECTR March 31 39GPCAPT John Martin PCO Apr 1 39AIRCDRE Adam Brown AMTS BR Mar 1 38WGCDR Bruce Graham PCO Mar 3 38SQNLDR William Watson ELECTR Mar 26 38WOFF Roland Wilson MEDASST Mar 1 37GPCAPT David Theile ACO Apr 1 37WOFF Dennis Lawless COOK Mar 28 36SGT Vicki Schlenka GHAND Mar 29 36CPL Colin Oakes GHAND Mar 29 36GPCAPT Brian Anderson IP DIV Apr 1 36AVM John McGarry DIO Apr 1 35GPCAP Craig White PLT Apr 1 35GPT David Millar ACO Feb 14 35WGCDR Perry Jolley ACO Mar 14 34FSGT Gregory Lamborn AVTECH Mar 27 34SGT Paul Reid GHAND Mar 29 34WGCDR Karl Holzmann JBAC Mar 31 33WGCDR Judith McCann LOG Mar 5 32CPL Detlef Sambach GHAND Mar 29 32CPL Anthony Scott GHAND Mar 29 32WGCDR Wayne Bradley ACO Mar 31 31CPL Marc Guilfoyle GHAND Mar 29 31GPCAPT Paul Nicholas ACO Apr 1 30CPL Skie Harper GHAND Mar 29 30WGCDR Robert Peterson GRDEF Mar 31 29FSGT Gordon Evans AVTECH Mar 13 29SGT Arthur Sandercock GHAND Mar 29 29GPCAPT Gregory Weller INT Apr 2 27GPCAPT Richard Trotman-Dickenson INT Feb 4 27CPL Paul Williamson AFSEC Mar 24 26SQNLDR Diane Jackson LOG Mar 31 26SGT Anthony McGrath ATECH Mar 27 25FSGT Aaron Fogarty AVTECH Mar 27 24SQNLDR David Jardine ARM Mar 27 24WOFF Lisa Simpson EXEC WOFF Mar 27 23FSGT John Mancey LOADM Mar 26 21SGT Harry Monsoor PCS Mar 8 21FLTLT Michelle Cook PCO Mar 26 21CPL Robert Blackburn GHAND Mar 29 21CPL Wayne Mclachlan GHAND Mar 29 21SQNLDR Shawn Fitz-Gerald JBAC Mar 13 20FLTLT Peter Taylor ELECTR Mar 27 20WGCDR Kristine Johnston PCO Mar 12 20SQNLDR Simon Ozanne PLT Mar 10 20WOFF Steven Keyes GSE Mar 30 20

DEPARTURE LOUNGE

LAC Luke Morrell, of 22SQN, applies stickers to a humanitarian relief load at RAAF Base Richmond.Photo: Eamon Hamilton

9May 4, 2017RCEAIR F News

P E R S O N N E L f r o m 8 1 Wi n g Combined Workshops were proud to participate in the Black Dog 1-Dayer Motorcycle Ride on March 19.

The event, which is in its seventh year, raises funds for mental health charities and aims to increase aware-ness and reduce the stigma surround-ing mental ill health.

The riders endured wet weather and howling winds early in the morn-ing but it eventually turned out to be a warm day with optimal riding condi-tions.

Making their way through the Hunter Valley and other regional central NSW communities, 81WG CWKS personnel based at RAAF Base Williamtown joined 320 motorcycle riders, including ex-serving Defence

members and members of the Military Brotherhood Hunter Valley Club.

Rolling through townships, the impressive contingent of Black Dog Riders were greeted by cheers from people lining the streets and certainly made others stop and take notice – putting the spotlight mental health and wellbeing.

81WG CWKS ride co-ordinator, CPL Adrian Rolfe, said participation in these events allows like-minded people to talk and share their personal stories relating to mental health.

“The ride encourages people to get problems off their chest, reminds them that there are others going through the same thing, and to seek support from those who will listen and provide sup-port.

“When I heard the shocking statis-tics at the pre-ride briefing of the num-ber of suicides that occur in Australia every day, it really hit home. Mental health is not just an individual’s prob-lem, it’s a community problem and support is available,” CPL Rolfe said.

Participating in the ride with his wife Tricia, Commanding Officer of 81WG CWKS WGCDR Terry Pridham, said the day was a humbling experience and provided the opportu-nity for personnel to meet some brave and amazing people.

“We need to ensure that we main-tain close ties with those in Defence who leave the Service, but never depart the Defence family,” WGCDR Terry Pridham said.

“Those still serving can provide

support and assistance to those who have left, to ease their transition and those who have left can advise those still serving on how best to make the transition to civilian life. Together, we can do a better job of looking after each other.”

The Black Dog Ride participants agreed that as friends, family and col-leagues of people who may be suffer-ing with mental illness, it is important to recognise the warning signs or just ask the question ‘Are you okay?’

Funds raised during the Black Dog Ride were donated to Lifeline.

If you or someone you know is experienc-ing depression, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36. For more, visit: www.blackdogride.com.au

Lifesaving bike ride

Red Shield AppealEvery week the Salvation Army provides 100,000 meals to the hungry, support over 500 victims of domestic violence and helps 3000 elderly people with aged care services. The Red Shield Appeal is the Salvation Army’s major fundraising activity and this year, all donations will go toward their vast network of social services. It may mean a roof over someone without a home or education support for a child at risk of dropping out of school. This year, the Red Shield Appeal is on in May, with the doorknock on the weekend of May 27-28. Defence has a long history of working with The Salvation Army in Australia and is proud to support the 2017 Red Shield Appeal.

To participate in the doorknock or to make a donation, visit salvos.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.

Seeking studentsCalling all airmen who want to further their career and gain addi-tional qualifications. The Defence Assisted Study Scheme (DASS) is seeking applicants for study that commences in July this year. The DASS supports ADF members who meet eligibility criteria to access training and education at external secondary and higher ed-ucation institutions and registered training organisations. DASS sup-port may take the form of financial assistance, work release and re-lease to attend examinations. Su-pervisors have a key responsibility to make an initial assessment on the suitability of the applicant to undertake the study and the relevance of the study to the Air Force. The deadline for applica-tions is June 1 and applicants will be advised of the outcome within seven weeks of submission.

Further information can be found at the DASS SharePoint site. Applications are to be submitted to education.assis-tance@defence.gov.au

IN BRIEF

CPL Mark Doran

AN ADF bible flown during an Operation Okra bombing mission for an Air Force chaplain deployed to the Middle East in 2016 was presented to the Bible Society in Canberra on March 1.

CHAP Robyn Kidd’s Bible is now a part of the large assortment of rare and significant bible editions collected by the society over the last 220 years.

CHAP Kidd, chaplain to AFHQ and the broader Canberra area,

said the Bible Society provided the distinctive camouflaged bibles to members of the ADF.

“Given the rate I hand them out and the requests I have for them, I would say they have substantial importance and extremely valued by soldiers, sailors and airmen,” she said.

“I always use one for any sig-nificant occasion and also give them out at traditional events such as the blessing of the brevets for flying crew.

“The Bible I donated to the Bible

Society is also the first in their col-lection owned by a female chaplain.

“It’s full of my handwritten notes and has bent pages from my time on deployment as the Chaplain with Air Task Group (ATG) 630.”

CHAP Kidd received the Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO Award for her ministry on deployment.

The award is presented by Commander ATG 630 to a member of the task group at squadron leader and below for outstanding achieve-ments and devotion to Air Force values.

81WG personnel took to the road for the Black Dog ride.

Photo: Casey Smith

CHAP Robyn Kidd donates her bible to the largest collection of rare

and significant bibles.

A first for Bible Society

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Feature RCEAIR F May 4, 201710

WHAT do you do for your retirement after a long and distinguished career with Air Force?

You embrace a sea change and spend your time on the shores of Port Stephens, adding to your exten-sive collection of old cars, tractors and motorbikes, keeping bees, chooks and ducks and taking your grandchildren on adventures.

WOFF David “Daffy” Chivers joined Air Force in 1970, when the Vietnam War was in full swing and the Australian government conduct-ed national service.

At the time, the 19-year-old from Tatura, Victoria (near Shepparton) had a deal with his best mate – who-ever was not called up would also enlist in the Army.

When his best mate was called up in November 1970, he enlisted but chose Air Force instead. He started as an aircraft engine mechan-ic before moving on to aircraft engine fitter training in March 1972.

WOFF Chivers has travelled extensively around Australia and served in Air Combat Group in every rank.

He was a warrant officer for 22 years (permanent) and six years as a reservist.

“A good warrant officer is one who just gets in and get things done with little or no fuss, while at the same time ensuring your staff are well

looked after,” WOFF Chivers said.“You also need to remember to

make time for yourself and family.”WOFF Chivers was awarded the

Conspicuous Service Cross for his efforts during a challenging period of organisational change at AIMS RAAF Base Williamtown.

He ensured that his “people” were fully informed at all times to help them in the decision making that would affect their future careers.

He was awarded the Federation Star in 2012 for 40 years service in the PAF.

WOFF Chivers’ has a long list of personal achievements which include a 3SQN posting to RAAF Base Butterworth from December 1979 to June 1982; his promotion to WOFF and appointment as WOE Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AIMS) Williamtown; and appoint-ment as Chairman of the Mess Committee at RAAF Williamtown Sergeant’s Mess which he held for two terms.

Other notable achievements include being selected as the Queen’s Colour Warrant Officer for the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain London parade, attending the first Warrant Officer’s Conference held at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, and taking part in the Airmen to Airmen talks with Canadian colleagues at Winnipeg and Cold Lake.

A long career well spent

Some significant changes WOFF David “Daffy” Chivers has experi-enced in the past 47 years:

three uniform changes three superannuation systems promotion system continually

changing to keep up with requirements

introduction of the DRN/DSN the phasing out of the 400 series

aircraft maintenance squadrons introduction of the F-88 Steyr and

an annual weapons test introduction of PMKeys increased family support introduction of drug and alcohol

testing

creation of a fairer and safer working environment

greater responsibility taken for the environment

vast improvements to service housing

females working in male-dominated areas

Changes to aircraft platforms

WHAT’S CHANGED OVER THE DECADES

SQNLDR Al Vincent, left,

presents a plaque as part of a

commemoration gift to WOFF

“Daffy” Chivers at his farewell on

March 31.

WOFF looks forward to sea change

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FeatureRCEAIR F May 4, 2017 11

Ambulance staff are learning about leadership from Air Force innovators, SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers reports

Back to base for first responders

HAVING delivered leader-ship training to the South Australian Country Fire Service, the Air Warfare

Centre’s (AWC) Innovation Hub is now coaching future leaders in the South Australian Ambulance Service.

The participants are also learning how an Air Force base works in the process.

AWC Innovation Hub manager SQNLDR Myles Clarke is a mem-ber of his local Country Fire Service and, aside from attending fires, he helps deliver leadership training to his firefighting colleagues.

“ T h e S o u t h A u s t r a l i a n Ambulance Service became aware of this training and decided it would be valuable to have the same train-ing delivered to their future leaders,” SQNLDR Clarke said.

He said RAAF Base Edinburgh hosted visits by participants in the ambulance service’s Future Leaders Program as part of its coaching ser-vice.

These visits not only showed ambulance staff the critical role of innovation in Air Force, but also familiarised them with the base should they need to attend an emer-gency.

Participants in last month’s Future Leaders Program visit took a tour of a P-8A Poseidon, the weap-ons training facility and Army’s 7th Battalion RAR.

SQNLDR Clarke said the Innovation Hub at the AWC was part of the Integrated Mission Support Directorate and was devel-oping a coaching program as part of its commitment to the bottom-up development of innovation across Air Force.

“One of the areas in which we can help drive innovation is through the introduction of coaching skills that will further empower our mem-bers to take the initiative and build a deeper level of trust across the organisation,” he said.

“The foundation will be the pro-vision of the Coaching 101 course, built by the Adaptive Culture team, to personnel in the AWC. We will

also be providing one-on-one coach-ing to current and future leaders as part of a talent development pro-gram.

“With these skills we can build high-performing teams with other Force Element Groups (FEGs), including becoming members of integrated project teams.”

These teams tackle complex problems that often require collabo-ration across FEGs and, at times, across services and industries.

“It’s that bottom-up innovation that will help ensure the success of Plan Jericho and coaching our per-sonnel will be a key element in the attainment of that goal, among oth-ers,” SQNLDR Clarke said.

SQNLDR Myles Clarke briefs the ambulance service staff during their visit to RAAF Base Edinburgh.

South Australian Ambulance Service paramedic Erin Weldon looks through the head-up display of a P-8A Poseidon during the Future Leaders Program visit to RAAF Base Edinburgh.Photos: CPL Colin Dadd

12 13RCEAIR FAnzac Day May 4, 2017

Personnel from 22SQN and 35SQN take part

in the commemorative march through

Richmond, NSW.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

HEADS BOWED AND PROUD

FLGOFF Chloe Stevenson

WHEN Monsieur Dubois of Lennik sculpted the Menin Gate lions in 1822, little did he know the meaning they would hold for Australians and Belgians almost 200 years later?

When WWI found its way to the quiet City of Ypres in Belgium, the Menin Gate was a simple 13-metre roadway running through the city. At the crossover with the rampart moat stood two stone lions, each clutching the City of Ypres coat of arms.

In the early days of the war, the lions watched from their plinths as thousands of Australian and Commonwealth soldiers marched past on the Menin Gate road. After Ypres was rendered nearly unrecognisable during the war, the lions were once again discovered – damaged but not broken, much like the spirit of the Australian soldiers who passed by them.

In 1936, the Burgomaster of Ypres presented

the Lions to the Australian government as a token of friendship and gratitude for the sacrifices of its people in the region during the war. Since 1991, the lions have flanked the entrance to the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in Canberra.

That was until the Belgian, Flemish and Australian governments combined to send the stone sculptures back to Belgium and mount them on plinths similar to the original ones.

AWM Director Brendan Nelson said the lions symbolised the deep connection between the Australian and Belgian people.

“They will act as a reminder of the price paid by so many, in battles in which many thousands of allied soldiers perished,” he said.

“We will be forever linked with the City of Ypres and the people of Belgium.”

The lions were unveiled during a ceremony on Monday April 24 at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing.

Lions resume their solemn guard

Around the country and around the world, we marked Anzac Day with solemnity and pride

MIDDLE EASTCANBERRA

SYDNEY

BELGIUM

For LAC Nathan Slater, of Australia’s Federation Guard, the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing now holds a special significance. Late last year, after the death of his grandmother, LAC Slater’s aunties set him on a search for his family’s history of service that revealed his grandfather’s great uncle, David William Boldery, was listed on the memorial. “Being able to visit his name on the memorial made the hair stand up on the back of my neck,” he said. Photo: SGT Christopher Dickson

WET and windy weather did not deter acting DCAF AIRCDRE Kathryn Dunn, who was “delight-ed” to lead the Air Force contin-gent of the Anzac Day march in Canberra.

She said she was pleased with the number of people who turned out in spite of the weather.

“In addition to the veterans, family members and Air Force cadets marching on this special day it’s particularly rewarding to see current serving members, including a growing number of women, wearing their well-earned medals,” she said.

Despite the increasing num-ber of women earning medals, some people erroneously believe women who wear their medals on the left side of their uniforms are incorrectly wearing the med-als of relatives.

VCDF VADM Ray Griggs has endorsed a Twitter campaign,

#yes, she serves, to spread the word that women are rightfully wearing their own medals.

The Canberra dawn service attracted more than 38,000 early risers and another large crowd gathered at the Australian War Memorial later in the morning for the traditional march.

All in their rightful place

RICHMOND

A member of Australia’s Federation Guard forms part of the catafalque party around the memorial stone at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.Photo: CPL Dan Pinhorn

More coverage on pages 14-15. See our Anzac Day gallery at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20170700

Military working dogs and their handlers from RAAF Base Richmond prepare to step off during the Sydney march. Photo: SGT Amanda Campbell

An F/A-18A conducts a fly-past after the dawn service at the main air operations base in the

Middle East.Inset: CPL Michael Cumbers presents

arms as part of the catafalque party during

the dawn service. Photos: SGT Rodney Welch

AIRCDRE Kathryn Dunn (right) and WGCDR Debra

Greig at the Canberra march.

Thousands gather at the unveiling ceremony of the lions at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres.Photo: SGT Christopher Dickson

Loadmaster WOFF Paula Ivanovic delivers an address during the dawn service in Canberra.Photo: Jayson Tufrey

Anzac Day RCEAIR F May 4, 201714

BRISBANE

CPL Max Bree

A PAIR of Scottish brothers killed in WW1 might have confused CPL Todd Winter’s blue Air Force uniform for that of a French soldier when he visited them in cemeteries before Anzac Day.

But the crosses he placed from the Watt family and the “Australia” patches on his uniform would have made inter-esting conversation starters had the pair been alive today.

Before heading to France with Australia’s Federation Guard, CPL Winter discovered two brothers of his wife’s great-grandfather were buried near Villers-Bretonneux.

“As soon as I found out they were here I made an effort to go out. I just wanted to say thanks on behalf of our families.

“I really try to understand what they went through as soldiers. That’s why I read about the battles on the Western Front.

“They fought for our future. It’s awe-some that I get the chance to say thank you in my way.”

The older of the brothers, 2LT William James Watt, was killed in action in September 1915 while fighting with the Gordon Highlanders

His younger brother, Percy, also

joined the Gordon Highlanders and became a sergeant before being killed near Arras in April 1917.

The Federation Guard undertook a battlefield tour of the Western Front after arriving in the country and before start-ing rehearsals.

“It’s confronting. You read about it in books and you can see pictures but when you come to a cemetery, with all these headstones and ones without names, it gives you a sinking feeling,” CPL Winter said.

“They were put to the test in ways we could never know or experience. It’s changed how I think about the history of war and it’s surreal to actually see it.”

CPL Winter acted as third in charge of the Federation Guard contingent in France and served as a wreath orderly during the dawn service and other com-memorations.

“Now that I’ve seen relatives in the cemetery, it has given more meaning to the dawn service and made me reflect on how lucky we are to be here,” he said.

“It’s great to come over here, rep-resent Australia and make it special for everyone else.

“I saw my name come up for the trip, and I thought ‘I’m going to make the most of this’. Hardly anyone in the mili-tary gets this chance.”

Chance to say a personal thanks

FRANCE

LACW Jamie Thanjan marches in Brisbane.Photo: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

CPL Todd Winter places a cross at the grave of SGT Percy Watt, of the Gordon Highlanders, at a war cemetery near the French town of Arras. SGT Watt is an ancestor of CPL Winter’s wife.Photo: CPL Max Bree

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Anzac DayRCEAIR F May 4, 2017 15

AN address by a Turkish Air Force officer (pictured far left) and a fly-past by a replica Nieuport 23 were the highlights of Anzac Day commemorations hosted by RAAF members at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, in the US.

More than 100 people, includ-ing personnel from 20 allied nations, attended the event at the National Museum of the US Air Force Memorial Gardens.

WGCDR Andy State said in his Anzac address that the day was more than a national holiday for Australians – “it is a funda-mental Australian tradition”.

Turkish Air Force Foreign Liaison Officer CAPT Ihsan Topaloglu recited part of a tribute to Anzacs killed at Gallipoli that is often attributed to former Turkish president Mustafa Kema Ataturk (a colonel at Gallipoli): “Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives; you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace.”

KATHERINE

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

UNITED STATESTributes mark a

national tradition

75SQN F/A-18 Hornets perform a fly-past during the dawn service at the Bomana War Cemetery, Port Moresby. Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

FLTLT Steve Finch plays the Last Post during the dawn service at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: SGT Peter Borys

FLGOFF Kimberley MacDonald carries the ensign for the Air Force contingent in the march through Katherine, Northern Territory.Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

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FeatureRCEAIR F May 4, 2017 17

STAFF and students at No. 1 Flying Training School got their scissors out and razors ready for the World’s

Greatest Shave, raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

On March 30, the School at East Sale held the event that raised more than $3500.

The event demonstrated unity and compassion and was particularly special for one member of the 1FTS staff. Earlier this year, SQNLDR Nicola Jensen was diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing extensive treatment.

CO 1FTS WGCDR James Parton was delighted by the high numbers of staff and students that got involved.

“It highlighted an excellent opportunity for students to be exposed to the solidarity of the Air Force family,” WGCDR Parton said.

Funds were raised by members nominating others to shave their heads by making a bid, nominees then made counter bids to prevent shaving.

Part icipant OFFCDT Joshua

Jenkins was happy to help raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

“It was a great opportunity to show support for a great cause while having some fun,” OFFCDT Jenkins said.

Staff and students got hands-on with shaving, supervised by a hairdresser from Hair New York in Sale.

SQNLDR Jensen and her family have been overwhelmed with the support they have received from 1FTS.

“We are incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such a great community,” SQNLDR Jensen said.

Leukaemia and other types of blood cancer affects 60,000 Australians and is the third most common form of cancer death in Australia.

The World’s Greatest Shave began in 1998 and is one of Australia’s largest fundraising events.

Donations are still welcome and will be finalised by June 17. More information can be found at worldsgreatestshave.com

Shave to save lives

OFFCDT William Rawlinson gets into the fundraising spirit by having his head shaved by SQNLDR Nicola Jensen, with CO 1FTS WGCDR James Parton. Photo: FLTLT Charles Tomlinson

1FTS came together to fight leukaemia, FLTLT Brendan McLucas writes

18 May 4, 2017RCEAIR FPlan Jericho

WGCDR Kate Fox

THE new fifth-generation equipment is coming, but are Air Force’s people ready for it?

Regardless of rank or specialisa-tion, the changes that will take place in the progression to a fifth-generation air force means personnel must be able to excel in a joint environment and possess broader military skills beyond their particular areas of expertise.

Project 16 is a dedicated project within Plan Jericho, designed to deliv-er a modern education and training system within Air Force.

Headed by CDR AFTG AIRCDRE Geoff Harland, Project 16 has been divided into five major streams.

COMDT RAAFCOL GPCAPT Cath Wallis is leading one of the streams and will produce a new frame-work for professional development.

“If we think about education in Air Force, most think about the Professional Military Education and Training (PMET). Our research tells us that the current PMET is viewed as something that has to be done to be considered eligible for promotion, takes you away from your primary duty and a program that has not always been enthusiastically embraced,” GPCAPT Wallis said.

“Our team is developing a revital-ised program where we deliver rel-evant education in a modern learning environment.

“While Plan Jericho directs this change, I believe the timing is per-

fect. For example, we have seen the increase in voluntary enrolments in the Air Power Development Centre’s Air Power courses. This demonstrates that there is an appetite for learning where the courses offered are relevant and engaging.”

GPCAPT Wallis’ team is not work-ing in isolation. Led by project mentor, AVM Greg Evans, stakeholders from across Defence and the academic com-munity are regularly engaged in plan-ning the development of the project.

While planning takes place, the School of Postgraduate Studies at RAAF Base Wagga is already trialling a new way of business.

The former residential flight lieu-tenant course is now delivered in two parts – four weeks of online con-tent, followed by one week of face-to-face activities. The course uses the Australian Defence Education Learning Environment (ADELE). ADELE is based on the MOODLE platform, a web-based learning system used by Australian tertiary institutions.

C O S P S W G C D R To n y Wennerbom is confident the changes will provide a contemporary way of learning which will benefit both the individual and the organisation.

“Panelled members are exposed to an increased variety of content deliv-ery methods, accommodating for more learning styles and preferences,” WGCDR Tony Wennerbom said.

The new professional education courses are expected to be rolled out by 2018.

Moving with the times

While Project 16 is not due to be delivered until 2018, the modernisaton of the Air Force education delivery system has already begun.

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19May 4, 2017RCEAIR F Personnel

FLTLT Emily Angus

OPERATION Southern Discovery has once again made the most of the support provided by No. 29 Squadron in Hobart.

With only three permanent Air Force members, 29SQN is comprised largely of reservists spread throughout Tasmania.

But it is keenly involved in Defence activities throughout the state, including the mission to sup-port the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).

CO 29SQN WGCDR Ben Cullen said the unit’s reservists came from a diverse range of backgrounds, including former permanent Air Force members and direct-entry reservists.

“Most balance their reserve service with civil-ian employment and live throughout Tasmania,” WGCDR Cullen said.

“We have a number of different musterings within the squadron, but we’ve adapted to our core

Tassie unit’s in the mix

AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers (third from right) with 29SQN reservist award winners (from left) CPL Robert McLaren, CPL Chris Wilson, CPL Robert Shepherd, SGT Tanya Russell and CPL Nick Elder. Photo: WGCDR Jo Elkington

role of providing combat support to the C-17 to enable an air bridge to the Antarctic.”

From November through to February each year, 29SQN delivers logistics and combat sup-port for the No. 36 Squadron flights from Hobart to Antarctica in support of Operation Southern Discovery.

Much of AAD’s infrastructure for supporting its efforts in Antarctica are based in Hobart.

In the past season for Operation Southern

Discovery, 29SQN supported six planned C-17 missions to Antarctica, as well as an unplanned medical evacuation.

In the winter months, the squadron shifts its focus to multi-course driver training for Defence at the Stony Head and Buckland Military Training Areas in Tasmania.

It also represents Air Force in Tasmania through year-round community engagement, including the Battle of Britain and ANZAC Day

commemorative services across the state. “We’re engaging with the community to tell the story of Air Force, and talk about the exciting times ahead through Plan Jericho and our Air Force Strategy,” WGCDR Cullen said.

On February 18, Director General Reserves AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers visited Hobart to out-line his vision for the Air Force reserve work-force, and to present 29SQN members with awards for excellence and service.

MEMBERS will have more control over their allowance requests after the new pay system – Defence One – launches on August 7.

Individuals will have the ability to submit, modify or delete a range of member-initiated allowances and deductions.

Director-General Personnel – Air Force AIRCDRE Henrik Ehlers said members should take note of the changes and launch date “as paper forms will not be accepted for any services on Defence One Employee Self Service”.

Electronic requests through Self Service will streamline Defence pro-cesses in line with the First Principles Review and save time and resources.

Self Service will be unavailable for about 10 days during the imple-mentation of Defence One. Airmen are encouraged to take action now to ensure their pay, allowance, leave appli-cations and approvals are up to date.

For further information on Defence One, visit the Defence intranet homepage > Groups > CIOG > For CIOG Staff > CIOG Initiatives > Defence One

Changes increase control over pay

ALLOWANCES AND DEDUCTIONS ESS > My Pay > My ADF

Pay menu will be expanded to include: ADF Allowance Request; ADF Modify Deduction; and ADF Deduction Request.

Instructional text is dynamically displayed on the Allowance Request and Deduction Request pages, based on the allowance and deduction type selected in the application.

Allowance requests will be sent electronically to squadron lead-er and above, in the chain of command or the person in the chain of command of the select-ed approver. Deductions do not require manager approval.

Workflow reminders will remain the same for unactioned

requests: an email reminder to the approver within a member’s chain of command seven days after a request; a second email reminder to the approver and their manager (next in the chain of command) 14 days after submission; and all unactioned requests escalated via email to the approver’s manager (next in the chain of command), with a copy to the member 21 days after submission.

If a member has applied for an allowance via Self Service and it does not appear on their pay-slip, it may have been blocked due to a detected incompatibil-ity. Contact the orderly room or Pay and Administration Centre for assistance if this happens.

A NEW website has been launched to help ADF members and their families become familiar with new localities before arriving on posting.

The Defence Community Hub is a collaboration between the Defence Community Organisation (DCO), Defence Housing Australia (DHA) and Defence Families of Australia (DFA).

The website contains informa-tion about healthcare services, child-care, schooling, and public transport, as well as links to news and events in the area. The hub also connects members to a comprehensive network of Defence and public groups and centres.

Director-General DCO Paul Way said regardless of where members were posted across Australia, the new website would be a helpful resource to connect with their new community before and upon arrival.

“The Community Hub also has links to DCO’s website where mem-bers and their families can find a range of support and resources as well as information about the local DCO office and its services,” he said.

DHA Managing Director Jan Mason said the website demonstrat-ed DHA’s commitment to providing quality housing and related services to ADF members and their families.

“After a considerable process of consultation and collaboration, it is encouraging to see this project reach its implementation phase,” Ms Mason said.

“The website is a tangible and practical way to help ADF families facing a move into a new area.”

DFA National Convener Robyn Ritchie said she was excited to see the Community Hub in action.

“DFA has been advocating for many years for improvement to communication directly to families

and has welcomed our inclusion as stakeholders in this exciting project,” Mrs Ritchie said.

Members can access the Community Hub through their DHA Online Services dash-board or they can visit: www.defencecommunityhub.org.au

Stay connectedThe Defence Community Hub will help families settle into

their new postings.Photo: Benjamin Kerr

20 May 4, 2017RCEAIR FPersonnel

An online resource for ADF members and their families to fi nd information on their posting location.

www.defencecommunityhub.org.auA joint initiative of Defence Community Organisation, Defence Families of Australia and Defence Housing Australia.

21May 4, 2017RCEAIR F Flightline

Right: LAC Alex Marshall does a final walk around a Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) before guiding it onto a C-17 Globemaster at RAAF Base Amberley. The PMV is one of 10 vehicles Defence had sold to Fiji earlier in the year. This PMV was part of a load that was transported to the Golan Heights on March 12 to assist the Republic of Fiji Military Forces United Nations peace keeping operations in Syria.Photo: CPL Casey Gaul

Above: 3SECFOR Military Working Dog Handler AC Danny Westwood, and his MWD Atlas, are flanked by 3SECFOR Airfield Defence Guards AC Kurt Roberts (rear left) and AC Jason Spellman (rear right), on a Bushmaster during the Clipsal 500 Adelaide motorsport event held in March.Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

CPL Trent Clarke, of the Air Task Group Strike Element, monitors the start up of an F/A-18A Hornet at Australia’s main operating air base in the Middle East Region.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

Left: Air Force Security and Fire School Physical Training Instructor, SGT Lance Symonds, observes Security Forces Common Course trainee ACW Jodie Olsen. The Security and Fire School gymnasium at RAAF Base Amberley has been upgraded with new equipmentPhoto: CPL Casey Gaul

Above: CPL James Wallace and LACW Bronwyn Mullins, who work within 27SQN

Air Base Command Post, take a tour of the F-22 within the ordinance loading areas at RAAF Base Townsville. United States Air

Force F-22 aircraft arrived ahead of the first Enhanced Air Cooperation activity being held

in Australia.Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy

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Making the right movesPhysiotherapists are an integral part of ensuring a fit and healthy Air Force, CPL Mark Doran reports

CAPT Emma Williams says Defence physiotherapy is on par with what is available for professional athletes. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

22 May 4, 2017RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

‘ADF personnel are generally highly motivated and want to get back to their job as quickly as possible.

CAPT Emma Williams DHC Physiotherapy

Department

DEFENCE demands high levels of fitness from its personnel and many of the roles for airmen are physically demanding.

Injuries happen, but military physi-otherapists are available to assess and treat a variety of conditions affecting movement and physical function.

They provide assessment, advice and treatment for injuries as well as appropriate programs for prevention or prehabilitation.

Within Defence, APS, contractors and military personnel staff physiother-apy departments and work closely with medical officers.

CAPT Emma Williams, of Joint Health Command, works in the Duntroon Health Centre (DHC) physiotherapy department.

She said there were about 40 departments across Australia.

Air Force physi-otherapists are specialist reserves and are located throughout Australia. The role of the military physi-otherapist is to provide clinical treatment and to deploy in support of exer-cises and operations.

“We also provide support for overseas operations, triservice sports, the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program and the Invictus Games,” CAPT Emma Williams said.

“The physiotherapy services we provide are about on par with what is available for professional athletes with respect to timeliness of treatments and facilities available compared with what civilians can access.”

CAPT Williams said the most com-mon injuries for Defence personnel were to the ankles, shoulders and knees, from sporting activities.

“The majority of our work is mus-culoskeletal and orthopaedics (post-surgery),” she said.

“The other common injuries we deal with are from military training activities and chronic injuries to the lower back and neck. We also do post-operative care for patients with issues like knee recon-structions and these can take up to 12 months of rehabilitation.

“Neurological conditions such as acquired brain injuries or balance prob-lems are often referred to specialist physiotherapy clinics.”

Appointment procedures vary in different locations, but at DHC there is a physiotherapy sick parade for acute

injuries or patients can book an appoint-ment at the department without seeing the medical officer or having a referral. CAPT Williams said physiotherapists were trained in exercise prescription to improve function and strength following an injury.

“Our focus in Defence is exercise-based physiotherapy where patients take ownership of their rehabilitation pro-gram,” she said.

“We’re not magicians – we can’t fix people – but they can fix themselves with the correct advice and guidance.

“The evidence is limited for the value of electrotherapy treatment such as ultra-sound or interferential therapy.

“Exercise therapy has been proven by research to be one of the most effective

ways to improve or prevent pain and injury.

“ADF person-nel are generally highly motivated and want to get back to their job as quickly as pos-sible, so when we give them a rehabilitation exercise program people are gener-

ally receptive.”CAPT Williams said if members had

a serious injury and could not pass a fitness assessment within 28 days there were administration processes in place including an assessment of their medical classification.

“This is where the doctor becomes involved and it could potentially lead to a medical downgrade,” she said.

“There’s sometimes a stigma about a downgrade, but it allows people to complete their rehabilitation and also protects them from being involved in activities they should avoid during a recovery program.”

CAPT Williams said if Defence members had any musculoskeletal, physiotherapy staff at their local garrison medical centres were always ready to provide advice.

“We can either reassure them or investigate further,” she said.

“I would much rather see a patient with a small problem we can work out the cause of before it gets worse. It can be quite frustrating when someone comes in complaining about the back pain they’ve had for 10 years and have never seen anyone about it.

“It makes it a lot harder to treat.”

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23May 4, 2017RCEAIR F Sp rt

SGT Dave Morley

A CANBERRA-based PTI is now ranked number one in the world within the elite military CrossFit athletes cat-egory after competing against 400,000 competitors during the recent CrossFit Open.

CPL Joel Munro, of the Brindabella Park Gym (BP), finished first in the world of all the military people who competed in the CrossFit open.

Now CPL Munro’s CrossFit ability could take him to the US in August to compete for the world CrossFit crown against 40 athletes from all categories.

CPL Joel Munro also qualified for the CrossFit Games Regionals in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

SNCOIC of the BP Gym SGT James Hood said CPL Munro went into the 2017 CrossFit Open in the Australia/New Zealand/Asia region with a goal of finishing in the top 10.

He finished in eighth place and now

has to qualify in the top group at the CrossFit Games Pacific Regional, at WIN Stadium, Wollongong from May 26-28.

“If he can make the top five he’ll qualify to go to Madison, Wisconsin, in the US, in August, where the top 40 individuals from all over the world compete over one gruelling week to be crowned the fittest on earth,” SGT Hood said.

CPL Munro said he became involved in CrossFit after trying to find new ways to improve his fitness and sports-specific performance.

“Before I took up CrossFit my pas-sion was rugby league, which I played on the Gold Coast at a semi-profession-al level,” he said.

“At first it was just a different meth-odology of training to improve func-tionality and fitness and from there my competitive side took over.”

CPL Munro now dedicates an aver-

age of three hours a day to training and spends extra time on recovery protocols such as stretching, mobilising, massage and cold-water therapy.

Almost 400,000 people around the world competed in this year’s CrossFit Games Open.

At the elite level, CrossFit athletes need endurance, strength, coordina-tion, stamina, gymnastic ability and, most importantly, a strong and resilient mindset.

CPL Munro enlisted as an airfield defence guard in 2014.

From the beginning his passion was health and fitness and this led him to run daily PT for No. 1 Rifle Flight at 1SECFOR Williamtown.

He remustered to PTI in 2016, grad-uating from his PTI basic course in November, and was posted to AFHQin Canberra. CPL Munro also played for the Combined Australian Services Rugby League team in 2015 and 2016.

FLGOFF Amanda Scott

TWO Air Force members won five medals between them at the seventh annual Marine Corps Trials.

They joined hundreds of US marines and current and former mili-tary personnel from across the globe, including one Australian sailor, who were wounded, injured and ill, for the adaptive sports event at Camp Pendleton in San Diego from March 4-15.

More than 325 competitors attend-ed the 12-day rehabilitative event, hosted by the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment.

They competed in sports ranging from swimming, track and cycling to wheelchair basketball, field shooting and sitting volleyball.

The event, open to recovering service members of all skill levels, is meant to foster camaraderie and assist rehabilitation.

It is also used as the primary opportunity to select US Marine Corps participants for the US Department of Defense Warrior Games.

CPL Dean Mainey, of the Surveillance and Control Training Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown, competed in swimming, track and shooting.

He won gold in the 200m sprint, silver in the 50m backstroke and bronze in the 50m freestyle, all after severely dislocating and breaking his finger during the track event.

CPL Mainey said he suffered from PTSD and multiple shoulder injuries, which caused permanent upper body impairment.

“I have been using sport as part of my recovery,” he said.

“Being involved with sport helped me with my self-confidence and I’ve seen what I can do within my limita-tions

“I hope to use this trip as a starting point to get into the Invictus Games team next year when they come to Australia.”

CPL Sam Scully, of No. 23 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, competed in the open men’s division cycling, swimming and track events and won gold in the 100m freestyle and 50m breaststroke.

He also won silver in the 50m freestyle, 4 x 50m relay and the 30km cycling road race.

CPL Scully said he played a lot of sport and achieved his long-term sport-ing goals a while back.

“My current goal is to stay fit and use sport to help manage my condi-tions,” he said.

“I have type-one diabetes and sport is easily the thing helping me best manage my illness. It helps keep it under control and keeps my blood sugar levels more stable.

“The highlight of the trials was interacting with different nations, from different backgrounds and cultures.”

Team Manager WGCDR Ray O’Reilly said it was good to see all personnel gave it their best effort and were prepared to give anything a go.

“It didn’t matter what country, service or speciality individuals came from everyone helped one and other and encouraged others,” he said.

“The US Marine Corps were great hosts and took excellent care of all of us who were visiting from abroad.”

LEUT Ben Robinson

PLAYING against traditional rivals the Australian Combined Emergency Services, in front of an estimat-ed 12,000 people, the ADF Aussie Rules All-Stars men’s team has won the Anzac Challenge trophy for the fourth consecu-tive year.

The ADF team led for the first half, with the Emergency Services taking the lead late in the third quarter. However, the All-Stars managed to reverse the momentum and came from behind to win with a final score of 8.5 - 53 to 5.12 - 42.

Played as a curtain raiser to the AFL blockbuster between Port Adelaide and Carlton at Adelaide Oval on April 21, the ADF players were determined to keep the trophy, having won the previous three encounters.

FLTLT Mark Bignell said it was a huge honour to represent the ADF during the AFL’s Anzac Round.

AB Daniel Fry who has played ADF

representative football for more than five years, said it was an amazing experience to have played in all four recent wins against such an honourable opponent.

The All-Stars Coach, Army SGT James Debono said he was inspired by the way the team played.

“I couldn’t have been more proud of how the guys played and how they dug deep in the last quarter to bring home a win for the ADF,” SGT Debono said.

AB Jacob Harvey-Bickley’s efforts were one of the best individual perfor-mances the coaching staff had seen from a Defence footballer and he was awarded the team’s most valuable player. GNR Travis Thone-Kaine was awarded the Matt Hall Player’s Player Trophy.

ADF Australian Rules Chairman, MAJGEN Matt Hall, said that the event presented members with a unique opportunity to compete at the highest level before a large crowd, as part of the Anzac Day commemorations.

Proud to play on Anzac Day

ADF All-Stars coach SGT James Debono accepts the Anzac Challenge Cup. Photo: SGT Robert Hack

Fit to be the best on earth

Our hefty medal haul at Marine Corps Trials

CPL Joel Munro raises the bar at Brindabella Park

Gym in the ACT. Photo: Jayson Tufrey

CPL Samuel Scully, a member of the 2017 Marine Corps Trials International Team, competes in swimming at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California on March 15. Photo: LCPL Ariana Acosta

© Image courtesy of Department of Defence

Assisting serving and ex-servingADF members and their familiesin times of injury, illnessand crisis.

rsldefencecare.org.au

SP RTMay 4, 2017

Our PTI on top of the military CrossFit world

Page 23

POWER UP

CPL Joel Munro trains for CrossFit at Brindabella Park Gym in the ACT.Photo: Jayson Tufrey