SOTG soldiers seize Taliban leader in Oruzgan province TOP ...€¦ · a lost grave in Belgium in 2006 has been identified as Pte George Richard Storey. Confirmation of his identification

Edition 1196 August 21, 2008

A DELIBERATE operation in Oruzgan province by the Special Operations Task Group has netted the senior Taliban extremist com-mander responsible for coordinating a campaign of intimidation and vio-lence in the province.

Mullah Bari Ghul, the Taliban “shadow governor” for Oruzgan, was the key facilitator in the provi-sion of equipment, money and foreign fighters to extremist operations and coordinated the actions of insurgent

cells. Defence spokesman Brig Brian Dawson announced on August 10 that SOTG soldiers had captured the Taliban commander the previous week.

“The loss of the one person who knew what was currently under way, what was planned for the future and had the contacts to gain further sup-port is a significant blow to the Taliban extremists’ command and control in the province,” Brig Dawson said.

“Extremist cells in Afghanistan operate in small isolated groups and

only a few key individuals have any real sense of the overall provincial insurgency plan.”

Mullah Bari Ghul was responsible for authorising the campaign of impro-vised explosive device attacks across Oruzgan, such as those that killed Sig Sean McCarthy, Tpr David Pearce and countless Afghan citizens.

“Mullah Bari Ghul was directly responsible for the importation of com-ponents, the provision of specialists in the construction of IEDs and authoris-

ing their emplacement across the prov-ince,” Brig Dawson said.

He said the success of the operation highlighted the professionalism, agility and tenacity of the SOTG personnel.

“Finding one man intent on remain-ing hidden within a province measur-ing more than 22,500 sq km is no easy feat,” he said.

“Conducting an operation to cap-ture him without loss of life is even more difficult and the success of this operation speaks volumes for the

inherent capability within the SOTG. Australia’s special forces, with sup-port from the Afghan National Army and International Security Assistance Force, have refined the process of iden-tifying those in Oruzgan who continue to wage their campaign of terror.”

Mullah Bari Ghul is being held in a Dutch detention facility. His future incarceration will be negoti-ated between ISAF and the Afghan Government. SOTG soldiers wounded – Page 3

SOTG soldiers seize Taliban leader in Oruzgan province

Members of the victorious 6RAR team display their trophies after winning the infantry corps’ most valuable prize – the Duke of Gloucester Cup. Photo by Bill Cunneen

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Army August 21, 2008

2 NEWS

The Soldiers’ Newspaper

DirectorRod Horan: �(02) 6265 4650

EditorialEditorDavid Edlington: �(02) 6266 7609Deputy EditorSharon Palmer: �(02) 6266 7612Reporters:Cpl Andrew Hetherington: �(02) 6266 7614Cpl Mike McSweeney: �(02) 6266 7608Cpl Corinne Boer: �(02) 6265 2427Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe: �(02) 6266 7606Hugh McKenzie: �(02) 6265 2151Sports EditorBarry Rollings: �(02) 6265 7219Sydney Photographer:Bill Cunneen: � 0413 302 669

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Face of Army

Hot and steamy: Spr Andrew Sichter, 25 Spt Sqn, 3CER, cools down after taking on the obstacle course at Lavarack Barracks. Photo by LCpl Glenn Power

NOMINATIONS are open for the 2009 Chief of Army’s “I’m an Australian Soldier” Gallipoli Scholarship.

Commanders are asked to nomi-nate outstanding soldiers or JNCOs who represent the finest qualities of the Australian soldier.

The successful nominees will trav-el to Gallipoli for Anzac Day in 2009 to immerse themselves in the Turkish

culture and trace the footsteps of the original Anzacs.

N o m i n a t i o n s a r e d u e b y September 30 and should be submit-ted through the chain of command to Coordination –Army.

Further information on the scholarship can be found at CA Directive 08/08, Chief of Army’s “I’m an Australian Soldier” Annual Gallipoli Scholarship, or from Capt Caroline Kelly, Coordination – Army, at [email protected].

� The feeling at Lone Pine is very different to the feeling during the dawn service, in particular for those in the Army due to the nature of the battle of Lone Pine. Cpl McPherson was given the amazing opportu-nity to read ‘The Ode’ where it was described that “she represents not only those who have fallen here at Lone Pine, but the 93 years of sol-diers who have died for their country and still serve their country.”

� Throughout the study program one theme stood out constantly, that good soldiering has not changed. With all the technology and advancements of

today’s battlefield, it still comes down to the soldiers on the ground.

� You cannot compare the atmos-phere, the eeriness, the emotion, the sentiment of being on the ground. It makes you reflect on your career and on your life. It makes you really think, and places it back into perspective.

� Because of this experience we really understand what the Anzac legend is all about. We will use this understanding to improve ourselves as people and as soldiers. We will pass on the knowledge gained to our comrades to ensure the real Anzac legend lives on.

On lookout for finest

The story on StoreyAN Australian World War I soldier recovered from a lost grave in Belgium in 2006 has been identified as Pte George Richard Storey.

Confirmation of his identification was made using DNA and compelling historical research.

Pte Storey was killed during the Battle of Polygon Wood in September 1917. His remains, along with those of Pte John Hunter, Sgt George Calder and two other unidentified Australian soldiers, were buried in a military cemetery last October.

Lest we forget: Cpl Annelies McPherson reads the Ode at this year’s Lone Pine ceremony, Gallipoli. Photo by Cpl Rodney Welch

Excerpts from diary entries and a letter to the Chief of Army writ-ten by the 2008 recipients, Cpl Annelies McPherson, 1RTB, and Pte Jonathan Morison, HQ RMC-A:

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NEWS 3

By Capt Lachlan Simond

5RAR, known since its begin-nings as the Tiger Battalion, has had a lot to roar about of late.

None more so than the unit’s Bengal tiger mascot, Quintus Septimus Sabre, who was promot-ed to corporal on August 10.

The ceremony took place at Sabre’s home at Darwin’s Crocodylus Park, and was well attended by both the public and military.

The problem of how to place a rank slide on the private – who was enlisted in 2003 – was cun-ningly solved by placing a metal plaque with two gleaming golden chevrons on his cage. The newly promoted NCO was very relaxed and basked in the attention of the gathered audience.

The plaque also saved 5RAR CO Lt-Col Jake Ellwood from generating a potentially fascinat-ing injury report. And it avoided the risk that Cpl Sabre could be demoted for insubordination and eating his CO.

Sabre’s most recent official duties as unit mascot were on June 5 when 5RAR took possession of its new Queen’s and Regimental Colours. Timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of Binh Ba, the unit ran an impres-sive parade at Darwin’s historic East Point.

Tiger gets his stripes

By Cpl Corinne Boer

SOLDIERS who are wounded in the field can count on their highly trained counterparts until help arrives.

The Army provides a high level of medical training. All soldiers have basic first aid training to deal with combat casualties. Most infantry sections have at least one soldier trained as a Combat First Aider, usually the first to treat a wounded soldier.

Director Health HQ Joint Operations Col Leonard Brennan said the soldiers were trained to manage common combat injuries such as combat trauma, amputa-tions and blast injuries.

The Commandos and SASR have sol-diers trained as Advanced Combat First Aiders and Patrol Advanced First Aiders

with specific medical skills. They are taught to insert an intravenous cannula, provide pain relief, insert needles into the chest to relieve a tension pneumotho-rax and conduct airways treatment.

“The Advanced Combat First Aiders are usually found within the Commandos and the regional force surveillance units – they have the same combat medical training,” Col Brennan said.

“They go to places where medical assistance might not be readily avail-able.”

The Patrol Advanced First Aiders are unique to the SASR and are multi-skilled soldiers. Col Brennan said they worked for extended periods in remote localities.

“They are trained in advanced first aid and they have skills such as advanced airway treatment techniques,” he said.

TWO Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) soldiers are receiving special-ist medical care for wounds suffered in an improvised explosive device blast in Oruzgan province in Afghanistan on August 11.

The soldiers were travelling in a SOTG Bushmaster vehicle at the time.

Defence spokesman Brig Brian Dawson said one soldier was seriously wounded in the attack while the other received slight wounds. The injuries were not life-threatening.

“The soldiers were provided with combat first aid by other members of the SOTG to stabilise their condition and the area surrounding the blast site was secured in preparation for a helicopter casualty evacuation,” Brig Dawson said.

“On arrival at the site, an International Security Assistance Force medevac heli-copter was damaged in a ‘hard landing’, rendering it incapable of completing its casualty evacuation task.”

A second standby medevac helicopter based in Kandahar was unable to launch because of bad weather conditions.

The casualties were evacuated to a nearby ISAF medical centre in a helicop-ter that was retasked to provide support.

An Australian soldier travelling in the initial medevac helicopter received medical treatment for slight injuries as a result of the hard landing.

SOTG soldiers secured the damaged helicopter until it was extracted by an ISAF CH-47 Chinook. The damaged Bushmaster was also recovered safely to Tarin Kowt.

Soldiers wounded

High level of treatmentSabre rattling: 5RAR mascot Sabre looks pleased with himself after receiving his corporal’s stripes. Photo by Capt Lachlan Simond

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4 NEWS

By Lt Greg Stannard

THE 15th project in the Army Aboriginal Community A s s i s t a n c e P r o g r a m (AACAP) is in full swing at Kalumburu – a remote Aboriginal community on the northern tip of the Kimberley region in Western Australia, more than 560km of dirt road away from the nearest towns of Wyndham and Kununurra.

AACAP 15 aims to improve the environmental health and living conditions of the Aboriginal community.

The advance party first arrived at the end of May, with the main effort under way since early June.

Discussions with State and Federal Government organisa-tions, as well as local commu-nity groups, began more than a year ago to agree upon where the Army could best align its efforts.

Three key effects are the focus of this year’s AACAP project: providing health pro-motion and specialist medi-cal and dental support to the community; training and

mentoring local community members in various engineer-ing and health-related skills; and repairing local roads and building a new health clinic in the Kalumburu town centre.

The 130-strong Army con-tingent is led by 21 Const Sqn, with elements from various other units, including 2HSB, 1 Sig Regt, 21 Const Regt, Norforce and even a small group from the PNGDF.

This diverse contingent, involving nine different Army corps, and full-time, Reserve and indigenous soldiers, has settled into a purpose-built for-ward operating base 5km out-side of the local community.

WO2 Brendan Johnson, who directed the camp estab-lishment as part of the advance party, was happy with the set-up operation.

“We picked the camp loca-tion and layout carefully and it’s paid off with how well things have been running,” he said.

Planning began late last year to coordinate the joint efforts of Army, RAN and RAAF to deploy and support the Army personnel and equip-

ment to Kalumburu, and has been an important area to over-see for the contingent com-mander, Maj Len Rouwhorst.

“The deployment by land, sea and air of enough plant, stores and equipment for this project has been an enormous undertaking, given the remote-ness of Kalumburu and the dif-ficulty in getting stuff here,” he said.

The last-minute re-task-ing of HMAS Manoora five days before embarkation from Brisbane led to some hur-ried changes to the deploy-ment plan, with civilian road transport to Darwin and more than 25 separate landing craft trips to Kalumburu required to deliver all the gear.

Personnel deployed on a C-130J, with RAAF airfield engi-neers constructing a temporary airstrip before the contingent’s arrival.

The main body is due to redeploy in mid-September when the health and training programs are complete, with a rear details element remain-ing for several more weeks to complete the construction of the new health clinic.

By Lt Greg Stannard

MEMBERS of an Army health care team are developing their skills by providing health care for an isolated outback community – much to the benefit of both humans and animals.

With the absence of a doctor in town, the nearest major regional centre of Wyndham being 568km of bumpy dirt road away and the Royal Flying Doctor Service a 3½-hour flight from Broome, the AACAP 15 contingent relies on the Primary Health Care Team (PHCT) at the RAP for all medical issues.

To meet the challenge the PHCT’s medical officer, nursing officer and three medics wear several hats to deal with the range of medical cases that arise each day.

The PHCT’s members have also been called on as the local vet when-ever wildlife makes an unplanned visit to the camp. They have treated a hawk with a broken wing and a dog with a broken leg, and provided a lost bat with a place to crash for the day before being released that night.

The PHCT is geared to support a bat-talion-sized group, with intensive medi-cine, resuscitation capability, intubation, invasive monitoring and continuous car-diac monitoring all part of their arsenal.

“Work-related injuries are only a small part of cases we treat,” said Capt Luke Jeremijenko, the resident MO.

Deployed from 2HSB, he said he could not have prepared enough for AACAP 15.

In the first six weeks of the deploy-ment the PHCT had seen cases ranging from fishing hook injuries to the old builder’s classic: a broken thumb from a wild hammer swing. The recipient later

Kimberley challenge

The gang’s all here: Cpl Kirsten Dransfield with local kids. Photo by LCpl Sol Gomina

Medical team even called onto aid wildlife

claimed he’d never hold a stake for a surveyor to swing at again.

As well as keeping up with the con-tingent’s medical issues, the PHCT members have also been helping out at the town clinic, where the range of med-ical cases seen is vast and often unpre-dictable.

Capt Jeremijenko said he expected one child who complained of ear pain to have an infection, but he was sur-prised when an examination found a large insect against the ear drum.

Capt Jeremijenko said it was “amaz-ing” the stories some people told to “cover up silly mistakes”. One of the best was the vehicle mechanic who man-aged to “clock himself” in the head with his own crowbar. Asked how it hap-pened, he claimed he “didn’t see who hit him”.

Helping hand: The health care team does not just help soldiers injured during building work, but also local residents – and even local wildlife.

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NEWS 5

Lucky crown tells a tailBy Cpl Corinne Boer

AN OFFICER deployed to northeast Africa is continuing a family tradi-tion first coined during World War II.

Capt Mark Eastgate, HQ 7 Bde, departed for Sudan on August 12 as part of the UN African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

During his deployment, Capt Eastgate will work in logistics for six months, supporting the UN mission assisting the African people in the war-torn region.

He has taken with him a 1937 Australian crown his relatives, who have served around the world, have carried with them as a keepsake.

The rare coin was given to Capt Eastgate’s grandfather, Harry Eastgate, who served with the RAAF during WWII. A crown was also given to Harry’s brothers, Mervyn, who was in the RAAF, and Stan, who was an elec-trician in New Guinea and Tarakan.

“My great grandmother knew they wouldn’t be able to spend it overseas, but they would at least have money in their pocket,” Capt Eastgate said.

Bradshaw halfway there

ADF CONTRIBUTIONAustralia is providing specialist capa-bilities in logistics, movements and operations to UNAMID headquarters to better support the activities of the African Union peacekeepers in El Fasher, Dafur. Lt-Col Steven Salvestro commands the ADF peacekeepers in Darfur. The total Australian commitment is now four. A further five ADF peacekeepers will deploy over the coming weeks to support UNAMID activities.

Precious charm: Capt Mark Eastgate with his rare and treasured 1937 Australian crown. Photo by Cpl Corinne Boer

“Two of the brothers returned home but Mervyn, who was air crew, was shot down over North Africa and is buried in the Commonwealth War Grave at Tunis.”

Capt Eastgate said the coin repre-sented a link to the past and to his fam-ily’s achievements. “My grandfather carried it through WWII. My father, Capt (later Maj) Ross Eastgate, served with UNTSO and carried it through Israel, Syria and Lebanon,” he said.

“My uncle, Capt (later Maj) John Eastgate, was also with UNTSO and

carried it through the same coun-tries and I have carried it through Bougainville and Solomon Islands.”

He hopes to coordinate with the Army and the UN to travel to Tunisia to visit the grave of his great uncle.

“I think visiting the grave would continue the link to the past and pro-vide a bit of closure for my family, but that’s not really the focus – it’s more of a generational torch-bearing journey,” he said.

Fifteen ADF personnel are serving in Sudan on the UN Mission based in Khartoum and another nine have deployed on UNAMID in Darfur. The region has been ravaged by genocide and war and the UN estimates that about 400,000 people have lost their lives since 2003.

On July 8 a UN peacekeeping force was ambushed by militiamen. Seven UN personnel were killed and 22 were wounded in a two-hour gun battle.

Capt Eastgate said he was looking forward to contributing to the peace-keeping process. “There is a potential to make an impact in Sudan to leave behind a positive legacy,” he said.

LIKE any good soldier WO2 Scott Bradshaw continues to march toward his goal in rain, hail or shine.

WO2 Bradshaw, 1/19RNSWR, is halfway through his 1400km walk/run from Sydney’s Holsworthy Barracks to Adelaide to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

He has defied wind, rain and bitterly

cold mornings. “I’m averaging about 50km a day but it’s really tough going in the rain and cold weather,” he said.

In 2005 he walked 1000km from Brisbane to Sydney to raise $53,000 for his fiancee, Leanne Myles, who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Donations can be made at www.everydayhero.com.au/sydneytoadelaide.

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6 NEWS

ADF members who served on Operation Pakistan Assist can now apply for the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal.

To be eligible for the award, ADF personnel who participated in the opera-tion assisting earthquake victims will have served in the approved areas of the operation for either at least 14 days between October 8 and November 8, 2005, or for at least 30 days between October 8, 2005, and May 31, 2006.

Service must have been in the affect-ed area of Pakistan in the districts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir – Bagh, Muzzaffarabad, Neelum and Poonch – or the administrative districts of the North-West Frontier Province – Abbottabad, Batagram, Kohistan, Mansehra and Shangla. Acting Director of Honours and Awards Pat Clarke said about 166 Army and Air Force personnel appeared to sat-isfy the conditions for the award.

“To apply for the award personnel are to submit their applications to the

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet,” he said. “Application process-ing involves PM&C, the Governor-General and the Department of Defence, so a firm estimate of the time taken to approve awards for successful applica-tions cannot be given.”

Applications: www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/nominating. Inquiries to Peter Maher at [email protected] or (02) 6266 1314.

Medal for quake service

Awarded: The humanitarian medal.

By Lt Aaron Oldaker

THE Australian women’s gymnas-tics team flew to Beijing bearing a flag touched by the Anzac spirit.

An Australian flag signed with messages of inspiration by troops in East Timor was delivered to the team at the Australian Institute of Sport by Lt-Col Sean Faulkner, who was the last in a series of motiva-tional guest speakers to talk to the young gymnasts.

“I was asked by the head coach, Peggy Liddick, to come in and speak to the girls to try and com-plete the motivational speeches they were given as part of their training,” Lt-Col Faulkner said.

“She wanted me to focus on explaining national pride and pass on a bit of the Anzac spirit, so the girls understood that the legacy they were moving forward with was not just about them but the people that had gone before them.

“The t roops over in East Timor as part of the International Stabilisation Force signed a national flag they obtained from the embassy and addressed messages to each of the team members.

“So they now have a memento in Beijing to be aware of how impor-tant their trip is not just to them, but also to troops serving abroad at the moment.”

Head coach Peggy Liddick said

Something special: Lt-Col Sean Faulkner presents an Australian flag, signed by soldiers in East Timor, to female gymnasts on the eve of their departure to the Beijing Olympics. Photo by LAC Guy Young

Flag has Anzac spirit

the moral support of ADF personnel was an enormous source of inspira-tion for the team.

She said Lt-Col Faulkner spoke of the “meaning of mateship and relying on each other in a pressure situation, and knowing that someone has got your back if you make a mistake”.

“The other point he brought up was trusting in your training. Of

course we’re not facing war and nobody’s going to shoot us, but at the same time it’s the biggest pres-sure that these girls have had in their life and they feel a responsibility for their nation,” she said.

“So we’ll trust in our training in the face of quite a bit of pressure. The girls are just honoured and we’re so moved that the soldiers took the time out to wish them luck.”

Best of luck: Members of the ISF in East Timor sign the Australian flag which was presented to the Australian women’s gymnastic team along with a motivational video made by the soldiers. Photo by Cpl Chris Moore

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NEWS 7

By Cpl Corinne Boer

SOLDIERS have hit the ground run-ning on a new circuit at Enoggera Barracks.

During morning PT sessions the track teems with soldiers who use it for pack marching, walking, jogging and running. The asphalt track was com-pleted in June and has improved safety for the soldiers.

Base Support Manager Greg Hurcum said the track was a means for people to exercise away from the main roads around the base. “Two soldiers were run down, unfortunately, by other soldiers,” Mr Hurcum said. “It highlighted the risk to soldiers exercising on the roads with other vehicles.”

WO1 Ian Clark, Defence Injury Prevention Adviser 7 Bde HQ, has a PTI background and was an adviser dur-ing the planning phases.

“At each stage we did comparisons

to the tracks at Cabarlah and also at Canungra and tried to match it,” WO1 Clark said.

“It’s a track that’s purpose-built just for running or walking. It also serves as the BFA testing route for the brigade – two laps equal 2.4km.”

The track encircles a football oval and is 1.2km long. The facility is lit at night, which is useful for reservists who use it for training in the evenings.

Trevor Wickham, the project manag-er during the construction, said the goal was for the area to become the base’s sports precinct.

“We plan to include muscle-tough-ening activities along the track similar to what you see in parks, but more con-ducive to what soldiers do,” he said.

“We want the soldiers to be able to run around the track then stop and go to the side to use equipment.

“We hope to have 20-30 people doing the same activities.”

Enoggera on track

Taking strides: Soldiers exercise at the new track at Enoggera Barracks. Photo by Cpl Corinne Boer

Mental health assessedSUBMISSIONS are invited for the review into Defence mental health care and the transition to non-military life.

Headed by Professor David Dunt, the review will provide an independent assessment of the effectiveness of mental health programs and support across the ADF and Veterans’ Affairs Department.

Written submissions are being sought from Defence members, veterans and interested members of the public. All submissions will be confidential.

Defence, Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said the

review “will study the mental health care needs of ADF personnel and the ex-serv-ice community and assist us in ensuring the very best care is available”.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Alan Griffin said the review would be particu-larly helpful in examining the transition from military to civilian life.

Submissions close on September 20. Email them to [email protected], or post them to Melbourne University Post Shop, PO Box 4285, Melbourne University, Victoria 3052. For more information visit http://www.defence.gov.au/health/DMH/i-dmh.htm

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The LEPDP has been developed as part of the wider implementation of Army’s revised technical regulatory framework and encourages land engineers to enhance their professional development through participation on the professional development program delivered through Engineers Australia (EA).

The LEPDP is open to all full time practicing four-year engineering degree qualifi ed professional land based engineers in Army or the Army program.

Professional engineers wishing to take part in the LEPDP should complete an application form, which can be downloaded from the HQTC-A website and fax or mail the application to the contact address below for approval.

HQTC-A LEPDP intranet address:http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/TCA/Go to Training Operations LEPDP.

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8 NEWS

A 24-hour golf competition was held at RMC in Canberra on August 7-8 to assist a member who has lost his leg through illness.

Sixty participants endured sub-zero tem-peratures, sleet, rain and icy winds to play golf through the night using illuminated golf balls.

The competition raised more than $15,000 for WO1 Mick Ponder, his family and other cancer sufferers.

WO1 Ponder was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and in December last year he suffered complications with his right foot.

He was overwhelmed with the response the event had received.

“You don’t realise how much people appreci-ate you,” WO1 Ponder said.

“It’s very tough what we are going through.”WO1 Gaye Hodge, who worked with WO1

Ponder for two years, persisted through the bad weather despite never playing before.

“I’m not a golfer but I think the event has been fantastic,” WO1 Hodge said. “We even had peo-ple out there at 3.30am.”

WO1 Hodge said changes to the work place were being made to allow for wheelchair access for when WO1 Ponder returned to work.

“We’ve moved into an office where he can go straight through to come in and out,” she said. “We also have a disabled car park near our entrance and I’ve logged a job to get a ramp put in.”

Amendments to WO1 Ponder’s home have also commenced. WO1 Ponder said he was very happy and impressed with what Defence had done.

“The Army and the Defence Force is one big community and when someone is down they always want to help,” he said. Avid golfer WO1 Mick Spring, who has known WO1 Ponder for 30 years, organ-ised the event with gener-ous support from RMC golf club.

Golf for cancer

Anything for a mate: WO1 Gaye Hodge, AHQ, prepares to tee off in the 24-hour golf charity event.

Photo by Cpl Andrew Hetherington

A NEW guide has been produced to provide commanders with the tools and information necessary to manage the exceptional circumstances following the death of a Service member.

CDF ACM Angus Houston and author Sqn-Ldr Kay Ellis officially launched the ADF Commanders Guide: Looking after families following a Service death on August 6.

“Wouldn’t it be great if I had never had to write the book?” Sqn-Ldr Ellis said.

“The reality though, is that I did have to write it and there will be people who have to use it.”

Sqn-Ldr Ellis, who lost her husband Tim in a B707 crash in 1991, was upset by the treatment she received after his death.

In 2002 she was directed to write a report for management of bereaved fami-lies following a Service death.

Her report led to a 30-page guide for Air Force and, following the Sea King crash on Nias in 2005, the CDF directed that a Triservice version be produced.

The guide includes detailed informa-tion on a wide range of topics such as the immediate aftermath of a Service death, dealing with the media, and the importance of maintaining ADF links with families.

“This is not intended to be a checklist or an authoritative guide, but rather a resource aimed at better preparing commanders for what may be one of the most difficult and challenging tasks of their Service careers,” Sqn-Ldr Ellis said.

ACM Houston took the opportunity to make a personal thank you to Sqn-Ldr Ellis for her efforts in producing the guide.

“I’d like to thank Kay for putting her heart and soul into the ADF Commanders Guide,” ACM Houston said.

Addressing the commanders, he said it was imperative they read and understood the guide. “I would expect every com-mander in the ADF to read this so they can handle the challenge of a death on their watch. It will assist everybody in dealing with a set of very difficult and challenging circumstances,” he said.

� The guide comprises 96 pages laid out in a logical and easy-to-read format.� The guide includes forwards by CDF and the Service Chiefs, case studies, space for personal notes and relevant quotations.� The guide includes advice on the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ way of managing various aspects of a Service death.� The guide comments on options for assisting fellow serving members from the deceased’s unit to cope with their grief as well.� The main sections of the guide are: Casualty notification and its immedi-ate aftermath; action after the funeral; longer-term issues; the differing needs of affected families; and com-mand preparation.� The guide is aimed at anyone who may be in a command function at any level.

New guide in case of Service death

AT A GLANCE

Launched: CDF ACM Angus Houston holds the guide.

A NEW collaborative research program between DSTO and the University of Adelaide will lead to better protection of buildings against bomb attacks.

Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said the three-year research program would evaluate and develop materi-als and engineering solutions to minimise the effects of terrorist explosions aimed at civilian and military facilities.

“The outcomes of this joint research will greatly improve the strength of Australia’s critical infrastructure,” Mr Snowdon said.

“The research will contribute to the design of future blast-resistant concrete structures and ultimately to the devel-opment of blast mitigat-ing technologies.”

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New troops in SolomonsBy Michael Brooke

SOLDIERS from 5 and 8 Bdes have deployed on Operation Anode, part of the Australian contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

The 140-member con-tingent for Rotation 16 of Op Anode was farewelled by Commander 2 Div Maj-Gen Ian Flawith at a parade in Townsville on July 25.

The highly skilled con-tingent comprises a head-quarters and an infantry company, mostly drawn from 1/19RNSWR and 43RNSWR, supported by signallers, drivers and medics.

Contingent CO Lt-Col Glenn Weir said the mis-sion was an exceptional opportunity for those “with dual civilian and military careers to deploy on an operation”.

During the four-month deployment the soldiers will carry out 24-hour street patrols and other designated tasks in support of the Participating Police Forces.

In preparation for the deployment, the reserv-ists underwent several weeks of intensive train-ing and preparation that consisted of a force repara-tion course and a mission rehearsal exercise (MRE) at Townsville.

Commander 5 Bde Brig Paul Brereton said the MRE brought the soldiers close together as a cohe-sive and effective team, while also providing them with the necessary training to carry out their duties and ensure a successful mission in the Solomon Islands.

“Townsville was cho-sen as the best location to

Ready to go: Commander 2 Div Maj-Gen Ian Flawith (far right) chats with deploying soldiers, including Pte Christian Zape, Cpl James Murphy and LCpl Daniel Campan, all of Sydney. Photo by Michael Brooke


NEWS 9

acclimatise the soldiers and best prepare them for their deployment to the Solomon Islands,” Brig Brereton said.

“Op Anode i s an important contribution by reservists who are well- equipped, well-led and

highly professional sol-diers capable of carrying out deployments over-seas.”

Meanwhile, about 120 reservists returned home on August 7 after a six-month deployment to Solomon Islands.

The soldiers and offic-ers were part of a contin-gent from Queensland’s 11 Bde and Victoria’s 4 Bde. It was involved in a successful mission that reinforced the relevance and capability the Reserve provides to the ADF.

ARMY has a promise to give everyone a fair go and the seven new Fairness and Resolution Centres, opened in the past few months, will help Army deliver on that promise.

The centres – in Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin and Brisbane – are staffed by qualified Defence Equity Coordinators (DEC) and Dispute Resolution Practitioners (DRP).

DECs primarily provide expert advice and assistance on equity and manage-ment of unacceptable behaviour com-plaints as well as training for equity and diversity. DRPs facilitate dispute resolu-tion options, such as conflict coaching, mediation and workplace conferencing as alternatives to the formal complaint proc-ess. The coordinators and practitioners

encourage members to actively engage in resolving issues themselves and aim to build conflict management skills as a core competency.

According to Northern Territory Dispute Resolution Practitioner Maj Murray Pearson, the centres are an important development with potential to enhance the delivery of combat capabil-ity and reduce administration time for commanders and managers.

“When things go wrong, a lot of Army members aren’t equipped to deal with situations. Through the centres we’ll be able to give commanders and staff better skills to manage their issues them-selves, by generating options for resolu-tion and supplying a range of alternative dispute resolution processes,” he said.

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10 NEWS

By Cpl Corinne Boer

MAJ-GEN Jim Molan (retd) has given an insider’s account of modern warfare in his book Running the War in Iraq.

In 2004, Maj-Gen Molan oversaw coalition operations in Iraq, managing 300,000 American, British, Iraqi and Australian troops. Lt-Gen Des Mueller (retd) launched the book on July 30 and described it as an engaging and insight-ful read.

“For many readers the book will leave them with a lasting impression of three things,” he said.

“The first is the sheer level of sus-tained fatigue and sleep deprivation that senior commanders and senior staff officers must endure in modern conflict.

“The second point is winning the 24-hour battle with the media; lose too many of those and you lose the war. The third point is the book has an informed and intimate view of the US armed forc-es at war.”

Maj-Gen Molan joined the Army in 1968 and has served in Jakarta, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The book conveys his 40 years’ experience and the lessons he has learnt along the way.

It gives a stark account of modern

warfare and all it entails – the body count, the complex decisions and the hard-won triumphs.

Maj-Gen Molan said the book pro-vided an insight into how modern wars were run – from the top to bottom.

“It goes from the generals who were working to get the plans together to the soldiers who were fighting in the streets in Fallujah, in Baghdad and Basra,” he said.

Running the War in IraqPublished by HarperCollins. $32.99

War in the modern era

Page-turner: Maj-Gen Jim Molan. Photo by PO Nikolai Rofe

A CHAPLAIN at Enog-gera Barracks has been appointed a Monsignor, an honour bestowed on a select few.

The title of Monsignor is usually given to a Catholic priest in a position of

prominence in a diocese or for many years faithful service in a diocese.

The senior Chaplain of HQ 1 Div, Chap Glynn Murphy (pictured) received the title in Canberra on July 12.

The honour was recog-

nition for the work Chap Murphy has done within the military and in his pre-vious diocese of Ballarat.

“I was humbled to receive it. There are only three others in the ADF who have received the title,” Lt-Col Murphy said.

Recognition for Z unit commandos

Remembering: Mr Ernie Baints, President of the Z Force Association, talks with Capt Stewart O’Brien from 13 Bde. Z Special Unit commandos who lost their lives during Operation Rimau were recently honoured at a memorial service in Kings Park, Perth. Twenty-three members were killed during the World War II operation, an attack on Japanese shipping at Singapore Harbour. The first attempt to sink the ships, by using motorised semi-submersible canoes known as Sleeping Beauties, was thwarted by the Japanese. However, the leader of the operation Lt-Col Ivan Lyon subsequently took six men into Singapore Harbour where it is believed they sunk three ships. The Z Special Unit was created in 1942 as an off-shoot of the British Special Operation Executive in Australia. Photo by WO2 Wayne Ryan

Chaplain awarded noble promotion

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12 NEWS

By Capt Ben McLennan

TOWNSVILLE-based infantrymen commemorated the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Samichon from July 20-25.

The battle, held in the last days of the Korean War, is the most significant in 2RAR’s history.

Commemorations began with a mili-tary skills competition at Townsville FTA on July 20.

The competition was designed to allow participants to develop and enhance many of the skills that 2RAR soldiers used in the Samichon Valley.

The purpose of the competition was to test, practise and develop the tenac-ity, ingenuity, toughness, teamwork, battle and field craft of each soldier and section.

On July 24, following four days of rain, wind and cold weather, the compe-tition ended when participants rendez-voused at the Edgar Towner Victoria Cross Club (ETVCC) in Samichon Lines.

Colonel Commandant of the Royal Australian Regiment Maj-Gen Brian Howard (retd) reviewed the commemora-tive Samichon Parade on July 25.

Following his address, Samichon vet-eran David Canow recounted his experi-ence of the battle.

The former platoon sergeant’s speech gave parade participants an appreciation for the tenacity, ingenuity, toughness, teamwork and battle and field craft of the soldiers of 2RAR during that battle.

Tha t n igh t , Maj -Gen Howard announced the winners of the military skills competition during the all ranks dinner.

The coveted champion section title was won by Cpl Luke McDonald and his sec-tion from Mortar Platoon. The champion soldier prize was won by Pte Christopher Zamora from Reconnaissance Platoon.

The dinner will be remembered by cur-rent and former members of the Battalion as one of the great formal dinners con-ducted by the battalion in recent times.

Following the completion of dinner formalities, the battalion “retired” to the ETVCC to reminisce about its past, cel-ebrate its present and speculate about its future.

THE Korean War ended so suddenly on July 27, 1953 that some soldiers had to be con-vinced it was really over.

This was certainly the case for 2RAR, whose soldiers had fero-ciously defended their portion of the UN front line in the Samichon Valley for 72 hours before the Armistice.

Occupying a feature known as ‘The Hook’, 2RAR repelled wave after wave of Chinese attackers day

and night until the Chinese gave up their attack. The approaches to the defensive position were carpeted with enemy bodies, two deep in places. Five Australian soldiers were killed and 24 wounded in this last engagement of the Korean War.

The Royal Australian Regiment was awarded the battle honour ‘The Samichon’ for 2RAR’s role in the successful defence of the Samichon Valley and The Hook feature.

Battle commemorated

Sharing the load: 2RAR soldiers stretcher a ‘wounded’ comrade during the military skills competition in July to commemorate the battalion’s most significant Korean War battle at Samichon Valley. Photos by Pte Karl Leibbrandt

Defending The Hook at Samichon Valley

On parade: Royal Australian Regiment Colonel Commandant Maj-Gen Brian Howard reviews the 2RAR parade.

ADFA Officer Cadets and Midshipmen will demonstrate abseiling, rock climbing, physical training and military self defence at the ADFA Open Day on August 30.

The Open Day will be held from 9am to 4pm and is a chance for school students, parents and the local community to see a range of exciting military displays and find out everything they need to know about life at ADFA.

The complete ADFA Open Day program of events is available at www.open day.adfa.edu.au.

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NEWS 13

By Lt Peter Martinelli

THINK again, because you will get caught. This warning from Defence fraud investigators follows the pros-ecution of several Defence members and employees for assorted crimes of dishonesty.

It is illegal to misuse resources such as the Defence Travel Card (DTC) and rent allowances.

Punishments from civil courts and Defence magistrates have included imprisonment, termination of employ-ment and fines.

Executive Officer Fraud and Audit Management, AHQ, David Lowe said a small minority of military and Defence APS employees had been tempted into committing fraud.

“The overwhelming majority of per-sonnel do the right thing, we are talking about a very small percentage,” Mr Lowe said. “If you commit fraud you will get caught. It’s not worth it.”

The five highest risk fraud items based on past averages include the Defence Travel Card, rental allowances, reservist salaries, laptops and mobile phones.

Shonna Robertson, Deputy Director Fraud Intelligence and (Product) Development from the Inspector General Division, said offenders were often under financial pressure.

“With most frauds there are three things in play; someone is under pres-sure, they see the opportunity for a quick

� A WO2 pleaded guilty at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne last July to 15 counts of causing a risk of a loss. The member unlawfully used three Defence Shell fuel cards to purchase $684.32 of fuel for his private vehicle. He was given a severe reprimand and was reduced in rank to sergeant.

� A private was found guilty at Enoggera Barracks last August of one charge of forgery and three counts of using forged documents. He altered an original service document after he

was authorised to receive a benefit to which he was not entitled. During interview, the private provided further documents to support claims which were found to be forged and false. The private received a suspended sentenced of 42 days in detention and was fined $2100.

� In October 2006, an APS3 working in Army pleaded guilty to six counts of making inappropriate payments to herself totalling $48,337. She was in financial difficulties with heavy gam-

bling debts. She repaid most of the embezzled money before the trial and was sentenced to five months’ jail.

� A CPO pleaded guilty in North Sydney Magistrates Court last July to obtaining a benefit by deception. The member, who was in extreme debt, embezzled more than $85,000 from an amenities fund. She was convicted and received an 18-month good behaviour bond. She has resigned from the ADF and recovery of the debt continues.

Fraud tip:don’t be tempted

fix and they rationalise it to themselves,” Ms Robertson said.

“We have never had much control over the personal pressures our people face … so we are focusing on closing off the opportunities for them to commit fraud.”

The ADF Investigative Service and Inspector General Division often discov-er anomalous transactions shortly after they have been made.

“We have had DTC cases where they have left their transactions unprocessed, and cases where they have disputed their transactions, in an attempt to hide them,” Ms Robertson said.

“Supervisors have a duty of care regarding CMS transactions … these sort of transactions are highly visible.”

Staff also need to be aware that if they fail to store their card and PIN sepa-rately, and the card is stolen, they may be required to repay some or all of the amount stolen. Defence vigorously pur-sues recovery of all debts in accordance with legislation.

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14 WORLD NEWSArmy August 21, 2008

By Maj Ian Toohill

A PARADE on the front lawn of Camp Phoenix in Dili, in the late afternoon sun of July 30, marked the official handover of command of the International Security Force from Brig James Baker to Brig Mark Holmes.

Brig Baker completed six months in command of the combined Anzac force of almost 1000 personnel. His tenure was challenging, yet reward-ing. Barely two weeks after he took command, President Jose Ramos-

Horta was shot and the operational tempo increased dramatically.

The handover parade involved a traditional Maori welcome for Brig Holmes and a farewell to Brig Baker. Brig Holmes was formally presented with his ISF flag, which was ceremonially raised to symbol-ise the change of command. In his closing address to his command, Brig Baker said he was pleased that the security situation continued to improve.

“This is reflective of the com-bined efforts of all security agencies with the cooperation of the Timorese

people. My time as commander has been the most rewarding period of my military career and I am confi-dent that the ISF’s relationship with East Timor has a strong future,” he said.

Brig Holmes said it was a privi-lege to be ISF Commander.

“I intend to continue the good work the ISF is doing in support of the East Timor security forces so they can maintain a secure and pros-perous future. I am looking forward to working with the East Timor leadership, the UN and the ISF dur-ing my time here,” he said.

New commander takes over ISF

Changeover: Brig Mark Holmes is given his ISF flag by Sgt James Sherwood. Photos by Cpl Craig Rohse

Be afraid: NZ Sgt Shannon Tahu was part of the farewell haka for Brig James Baker during the handover parade.

THE head of NATO said he was very impressed with the work of Australian troops in southern Afghanistan.

Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer made a visit to a remote out-post in the Baluchi region of Oruzgan province to witness the recent development and security work of

Reconstruction Task Force soldiers.“This is an area that not that long

ago was a zone that nobody could move freely in,” he said.

“We see our Aussie friends doing a great job here.”

During its work, the RTF has come under indirect Taliban rocket fire.

NATO chief praises RTF

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16 WORLD NEWSArmy August 21, 2008

By Maj Ian Toohill

TWO senior Defence personnel have evaluated a range of garrison support services in East Timor, with a particular focus on health services in the theatre of opera-tions.

Head of Defence Health Services Maj-Gen Paul Alexander and Deputy Secretary Defence Support Group Martin Bowles recently paid a three-day visit to East Timor.

Both men were particularly inter-ested in looking at how the health contractor, Aspen, works in theatre and the interface between the servic-es it provides and the military medi-cal services in the country.

“It is particularly important that contractors and Defence Force medical teams work together to deliver high-capacity outcomes,” Mr Bowles said.

“The relationship between the medical contractor and regimental medical officer is fundamental to high-quality service delivery in the area of operations. I have seen this does work in this environment.”

The Aspen medical facility is the contracted service provider for the International Stabilisation Force.

It is a 24-hour service equipped

Health the focus of high-level visit

with two resuscitation beds, a para-medic, ambulance, operating theatre and a two-bed intensive care unit. It also has a standard general ward capacity of 15 and a pathology labo-ratory. For those with dental prob-lems there is also a dental clinic that can handle most patient needs.

The hospital is staffed by civilian

professionals supported by locally employed staff.

The primary role in trauma cases is to stabilise patients before flying them to Australia for treatment. The resuscitation team is on notice to move and the high readiness capa-bility is practised regularly using soldiers as mock casualties.

Stay comfortable: Head of Defence Health Services Maj-Gen Paul Alexander and Commander ISF Brig Mark Holmes visit LCpl Jon Davey during an inspection of the Aspen medical facility in Dili. Photo by Cpl Rodney Welch

AN ADF joint task force has deployed to the small Pacific nation of Kiribati to help dispose of World War II unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Operation Kiribati Assist, which stems from a request from the Kiribati government, began on August 7 and will continue until August 26.

The Kiribati islands were occupied by the Japanese during WWII. Most UXO in Kiribati are remnants from this conflict and include artillery pro-jectiles, aerial bombs, rockets, mortars and mines.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said JTF 637 deployed to Kiribati on a RAAF C-130 Hercules and would dispose of UXO identified during a 2007 reconnaissance of the islands. Task force members will also scope any future UXO disposal require-ments and explosive ordnance disposal

(EOD) training opportunities for the Kiribati Police Service during their deployment.

“The JTF comprises approximately 22 people, including a command group, a Navy clearance diving team to handle underwater UXO, Army and RAAF EOD teams, who will handle land-based UXO, including air-deliv-ered items, and a medical team,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“Kiribati locals deserve to be free from the threat posed by UXO, which endangers their safety. Cooperative local community engagement to date has been successful in identifying UXO for disposal,” he said.

“The ADF has world-class skills, expertise and capability in conduct-ing explosive ordnance disposal and is happy to be assisting our regional neighbour with this important work.”

Force to dispose of UXOs

18 CENTREPIECE 19Army August 21, 2008

SIX PACKS A PUNCHSIX PACKS A PUNCH6RAR won this year’s battle for Australian infantry glory – the coveted Duke of Gloucester Cup. Cpl Corinne Boer and Bill Cunneen report.

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Sir Arthur Macdonald Trophy – Night Navigation and Firing1st – 2RAR2nd – 1RAR and 6RAR3rd – 8/9RAR

Gurkha Trophy – Shooting1st – 6RAR2nd – 8/9RAR3rd – 1RAR

Falling plate Trophy – Falling plate activity1st – 7RAR2nd – 6RAR3rd – 5RAR

WHERE THEY FINISHED

On guard: 2RAR smashing the bayonet assault course.

Hostile negotiations: A 2RAR soldier clears a barbed wire obstacle. Take a walk: 6RAR soldiers set off on the 15km route march.Get some: A 7RAR machine gunner provides covering fire for his section.Butt stroke: A member of 6RAR’s section gives the good news to a training aid on the bayonet assault course. Photos by Bill Cunneen

OSCMAR Trophy – Urban Assault1st – 1RAR2nd – 8/9RAR3rd – 6RAR

Duke of Gloucester –Best section overall1st – 6RAR2nd – 2RAR and 8/9RAR3rd – 1RAR4th – 5RAR5th – 7RAR

FOR the first time in 16 years 6RAR has won the prestigious Duke of Gloucester Cup held at the School of Infantry, Singleton from July 26 to

August 1.Over six gruelling days, six teams competed

for a collection of trophies including the cup, a trophy awarded since 1947 to the Army’s best infantry section.

The teams took part in a series of challenges that tested infantry skills and included naviga-tion tasks, endurance marches, obstacle courses and live-fire exercises.

Cpl Marcus Randall, section commander of 6RAR’s winning team, said the team members trained for about 2½ months.

“The CO and our OCs gave us time to con-centrate on training,” he said.

Cpl Randall said the challenge was physi-cally tough and the sections did not sleep much the first couple of nights.

“The hardest part was not switching off and staying focused the whole way,” he said.

“We were confident in our own ability, but every other battalion was there and they have excellent soldiers. We weren’t sure how well they would do.”

Some of the activities included a section

attack, an urban assault, an observation post task, and prisoner-of-war and CASEVAC han-dling exercises. There was also a section escort task on a VIP vehicle that faced a potential threat from an improvised explosive device. The event finished with a 15km march and a bayonet assault course.

Each section was assessed on the conduct of its soldiers throughout the challenge. The asses-sors looked for everything from how a soldier carried his weapon to how the section com-mander shaped his plan.

School of Infantry Adjutant Capt Jeff Martin was in charge of conducting the challenge. He said the school tried to make the activities a lit-tle different every year.

“We also try to tailor the event to an opera-tional and training focus with what we are likely to see overseas,” he said.

Capt Martin said the primary focus of the challenge was to identify the best section repre-senting the RAR.

“It also provides information and input for competencies to be able shape the way the infantry corps is travelling,” he said.

“That way we can take a skill or drill and discuss it at the highest level then have it applied in the RAR’s conduct of operations.”

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20 LETTERSArmy August 21, 2008

SEVERAL months ago Brig Appleton wrote to Army complain-ing of a lack of entertaining letters (May 29) and this was followed up afterwards by Maj Scheidl (June 12) lamenting the responses that people were getting from overly bureaucratic SMEs.

After reading the response to Pte Daniel’s letter (July 24) and the response to Capt Purdy’s letter (August 7) I am wondering if it is even worth people writing in.

Seriously does either member have their question answered? If my OC or even DS on a course asked me to provide a written response to a question and I came up with the non-committal rehash of doctrine and policy that has been provided to these people I would get a big NYC and told to resubmit.

There is no attempt to give a per-sonal answer; these people would have been better off ringing up an automated recording of the Pacman or LWD than writing in.

Is this the Soldier’s Newspaper or are we getting politicians to answer our questions?

The best answer to a question this year was from Lt-Gen Leahy when Capt McCarthy (July 10) wrote in to complain about that ridiculous new garrison jacket that is being bought out; at least he was honest enough to say he liked it.

Maybe I should just move on, in which case you’ll find me at the RSL telling anyone who’ll listen the way things should be while I wear my garrison jacket, skin-tight stone-washed jeans and ADF runners.Lt Ian North 9FSB Vung Tau Lines

WO Stephen Ward, RSM-A, responds:THANKS for your letter asking specifically to be entertained by those soldiers and officers serving in AHQ. I could never be able to provide the cutting and witty com-ments that Brig Appleton could provide to readers of our fine newspaper.

While I appreciate your senti-ment, most replies to letters are duly considered in light of the current cli-mate of redresses and equity action taken by those who may feel offend-ed and wronged if the language is too sharp and honest. This forces people like me to reply to the writers with the current policy as the basis of the reply.

However, I reinforce to you and all who bother to read this reply, that policy is policy and the replies given follow the “party line”. It is the Soldier’s Newspaper after all, with many considering it to be an authoritative source according to the number of people following what

is printed in Army rather than what is contained in policy.

If we did not have policy to give us clear direction, we would not be able to operate in a consistent man-ner. There are processes available to all soldiers and officers to request to have policy changed. The chain of command has the responsibility to initiate changes to policy and each level of the chain of command must support the requested policy change for it to progress.

If there is a level in the chain that does not support the change, the policy generally will not be changed. However, the request usually gets to the Office of the Chief of Army for consideration. If we reacted to every request that came into the Office of the Chief of Army, we would quickly disappear up our own rear end. Oh, by the way, Army is not an avenue to request that policy be changed.

Finally, the replies given, while giving the policy view, do not express the personal view of the person writing the reply. They must abide by policy guidelines. Give these people a break.

If you have any questions on this matter, my number is in the phone book. Perhaps we could meet in the RSL in Hobart, wearing a very warm and practical jacket with the Army emblem emblazoned on it, for a beer. I’ll forgo the stonewashed jeans though.

I WORK at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne where once a month each Systems Program Office (SPO, or section) is allocated the task of con-ducting the weapons training test on a Thursday, followed by providing an OIC for the WTSS AIRN shoot on Friday.

Once all is done, the ARA member responsible for conducting the WTT/WTSS activity then gathers up all the papers and takes them to the Customer Support Centre (CSC, or the shopfront) on base.

The CSC then faxes the papers to the Personnel Administration Centre locat-ed at Raymond Terrace in NSW, where someone then inputs the result, which has taken at times three-four weeks to take effect on PMKeyS (during which time anyone running a print for compli-ancy will have personnel reporting as non-compliant). This, I am told by the CSC, is a result of centralisation, which is intended to streamline the process.

I do a BFA on a Tuesday morning at Victoria Barracks and take a photocopy of the result to an ARA member who has PMKeyS data input access and loads the information on to PMKeyS. I get WTT conducted by an ARA member on the same day, then ring the WTSS to find out whether any GRes unit is shooting AIRN that night, which there usually is.

I then liaise with the GRes POC who is using the WTSS at Simpson Barracks and attend the AIRN shoot on Tuesday night and I take the WTSS result to the same ARA member who again does the PMKeyS data input the next morning (by which time the BFA data has been updat-ed on PMKeyS). By Thursday morning the weapons proficiency info has been updated on PMKeyS.

Someone somewhere needs to fix

this inadequate system that centralisa-tion of resources for pers admin has cre-ated; two suggestions are that the PTIs get access to input the info on PMKeyS along with the WTSS operators.WO1 Wally MeurantDefence Materiel Organisation Victoria Barracks, Melbourne

Maj-Gen Elizabeth Cosson, Head National Operations Division, Defence Support Group, responds:THANK you for raising your concerns regarding the delay in the process-ing of AIRN documentation for Army members.

The processing centre at Raymond Terrace is required to action PMKeyS processing requests by close of business on the third working day after receipt.

The centre regularly monitors its per-formance, including the time taken to process AIRN results. For the month of May the centre processed 99.15 per cent of all leave and administration requests within the required timeframe. However, at times there will be a delay for indi-vidual requests and it is only through feedback such as yours that we are able to improve our performance in this area.

I have considered the impact of cen-tralisation of processing functionality on ADF members and, as a result, plan to implement improvements to the process by allowing service centre staff to under-take non pay and leave transactions. These improvements would reduce the need for multiple handling and provide a more efficient and effective service to ADF members.

DSG will communicate any changes to ADF members and provide details of the alternate process as they occur. Should you have any questions regarding this matter please call Sharon Harnett on (02) 6266 2311.

Writes and wrongs

Much too slow in updating records

WTSS set: Soldiers practise on the Weapon Training Simulation System.

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22 TRAININGArmy August 21, 2008

New era in educationBy Paul Lineham

WITH the opening of the head-quarters of the Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Land Warfare Centre Canungra, a new era in military education has begun.

For the first time, one unit will provide the all-corps training for every soldier. The Academy is the only organisation besides Kapooka that every soldier will, at one time, attend.

Formerly, sections embedded within each regional LWC cen-tre delivered professional training. Now all training will be undertak-en by the WO and NCO Academy at its HQ at Kokoda Barracks and six regional wings, or campus-es, in the NT, North Queensland, South Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia.

M a j - G e n A s h P o w e r , Commander TC-A, said the estab-lishment of the Academy recog-nised the importance placed on training.

“It’s more than a name change, it’s a cultural difference the way we approach our training, the way we’re going to deliver our train-ing, the way we’re going to look after and develop our people” he said.

The first encounter a soldier will have with the Academy is the

Junior Leaders’ Course or JLC. With up to 1500 soldiers annually undertaking this course, train-ing is decentralised to those areas where the majority of the trainees are – Townsville, Enoggera and Edinburgh. However, Darwin’s heat and consequent restrictions prevent the Academy from staging the JLC in the Top End.

The campuses, together with training elements collocated with the HQ, also deliver sergeant training courses, while WO and RSM courses are solely delivered at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra.

Subject 1 of all courses is now taught at the Academy, with Subject 2 undertaken at the vari-ous trade schools. The Subject 1 and the JLC are to be undertaken by all soldiers.

Academy CO Lt-Col Andrew Meacham said on any day there were about 650 trainees at the var-ious campuses Australia-wide.

“A soldier can come into the Academy at any one of a number of locations, but once inside they’ll experience the same train-ing and the same assessment as fellow trainees around the coun-try,” he said.

In their continual review of the standard syllabus, Academy staff constantly monitor Centre for Army Lessons reports as well as results of activities such as mis-

sion rehearsal exercises through the Combined Training Centre in Townsville. They identify trends in areas where training needs to be adjusted or improved to bring it back to the expected standard.

Academy instructors are drawn from across the Army, pre-dominantly WO1 and WO2s, with some sergeants.

The Academy will primarily focus on the training of regu-lar NCOs while the training of reservists has devolved to the University Reserve Regiments as part of 2 Div. However, the sylla-bus taught to regulars will be the

same as that taught to reservists. If there are spare places and GRes soldiers can make the time avail-able, they can also undertake the full-time courses.

Each of the courses of instruc-tion at the Academy has defined outcomes to aid a soldier’s ongo-ing career.

Lt-Col Meacham said cor-porals were taught what officers learned in their first 6-12 months at RMC. “Then when they come to the Academy as a sergeant they’re more at the level where they’re no longer a section com-mander. They’re providing advice and support to the platoon com-mander, so we’re teaching ser-geants to be able to operate and understand the same concepts as a young officer who’s just graduated from Duntroon,” he said.

“With the WO course we’re trying to get a sergeant to the point where, as a WO, they can work at the same level, speak the same language and provide support and advice to a major as a CSM, and with the RSMs we’re trying to align them with the lieutenant colonels as the CO/RSM relation-ship.”

While it’s early days for the Academy, Lt-Col Meacham has no doubts about its place. “It’s where you go for the cornerstones of your military education.”

TOOLS OF TRADEONE of the most important tools for students panelled on courses is the Academy website on the Defence Intranet. This is particu-larly important with the current operational tempo which means that, often, soldiers will get short notice to attend courses after their return to Australia. Information on the website includes course details, joining instructions, pre-requisite reading and everything else to ensure a soldier arrives at the Academy ready to hit the ground running. The site can be found at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/WONCOWing/comweb.asp?page=Home

Cultural change: Maj-Gen Ash Power, Commander TC-A, and WO1 Barry Kynwood, WO of the new Training Academy, at the opening of the HQ at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra, on July 17. Photo by WO2 Bernice Virag

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24 TRAININGArmy August 21, 2008

By Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe

SHEER determination and teamwork enabled 8/12 Mdm Regt soldiers to win the 1 Bde Military Skills competition at Robertson Barracks from July 17-18.

Eight sections from 1 Bde and a section from 1 Avn Regt kept the competition tight as each section took its turn in the top-three places from stand to stand.

Each 1 Bde unit provided a number of sections, depending on their manning, with one being ran-domly selected the day prior to the competition running.

The competition started with a group BFA, was followed by nine challenging stands and finished with a battle on the Robertson Barracks obstacle course that test-ed teamwork, agility and speed.

Section Commander 8/12

Mdm Regt Bdr Ricky Partridge described his team’s win as “excel-lent”.

“The boys did extremely well, we really wanted to win so we worked really hard,” he said.

Commander 1 Bde Br ig Michael Krause presented 8/12 Mdm Regt with the winning tro-phy and awarded 1CSSB the best team on the obstacle course.

“It has given me a very good understanding and feel for what the soldiers can do without much preparation and I have to say as the brigade commander I am very very happy with what I saw,” Brig Krause said.

“I saw a great deal of courage, great teamwork and the ability to face a problem and get through it. That is exactly what I want to see from every member of the bri-gade.”

Soldiers’ skills on display

Teamwork: 1CSSB soldiers help their last man to clear the cargo net, top left, section members from 8/12 Mdm Regt work well as a team when negotiating the 8ft wall, above, and a 1CSSB soldier demonstrates good speed and balance when crossing the Burma Bridge.Photos by Cpl Jane Ashby-Cliffe

Applications

DOCM-A is currently trialling a new application process for in-service candidates who wish to

undergo training at RMC. All ARA in service applications are to be submitted directly to RMC-A

and not through the Defence Force Recruiting Centres. Application pre-requisites include:

• The application is supported by a CO’s recommendation (PR014); and

• The applicant must have a year 12 education (four subjects, one of which must be English).

In service applicants should complete a PE 063 (Application by a Serving Member for Appointment as

an Offi cer) and submit their application via their chain of command to Mary-Rose Mulvaney, Personnel

Manager, HQ RMC-A. Phone (02) 6265 9492, Fax 6265 9541, Email: mary-rose.mulvaney@defence.

gov.au by 15 September 2008.

• Complete an Army Offi cer Selection Board in the week 20-24 Oct 08.

• Commence training at RMC on 28 Jan 2009


FEATURES 25

A DOCTOR, a lawyer and a former engineering student from Australia’s Afghan community

have played a big role at the Defence Force School of Languages (Langs) in helping to prepare Australian troops for deployment to Afghanistan.

CO Langs Cmdr Katja Bizilj said many of the school’s staff were native speakers employed on a sessional basis.

“They hail from diverse backgrounds and wide areas of previous employment, and some have arrived only recently in Australia,” Cmdr Bizilj said.

“It is a unique Defence training insti-tute, enabling delivery of a critical niche Defence capability. It is recognised and held in high regard internationally and domestically for the high calibre of lan-guage graduates it produces.”

Langs responded to a recent request for Pashtu language training in Darwin in support of military operations by provid-ing six instructors.

All six instructors are originally from Afghanistan and have made their new homes in Australia. Each has an interest-ing story to tell. Among the six was a former member of the Afghan Army dur-ing the Soviet invasion in 1979.

All wanted to take time out of their regular employment to meet the ADF demand for this niche capability.

The school’s XO, Sqn-Ldr John Ward, said the instructors “wanted to be part of something bigger and to contribute to the rebuilding of Afghanistan after decades of turmoil, as well as contribute to their new homeland”.

Mr Said Mozaffaruddin came to Australia in 1986 because of the political situation in his homeland.

A student in the engineering faculty of Kabul University for 4½ years, he sought refuge in a refugee camp in Peshawar, Pakistan, where he taught English, Dari and Pashtu.

He began work at Langs in 2006 as a Pashtu and Dari teacher in the Persian department.

“At Langs, our students were tasked with developing their Pashtu skills in speaking, reading, writing and listening,” Mr Mozaffaruddin said.

“Besides the classroom, text book and blackboard, we tried to involve them with some scenarios, role-playing interpreting, listening and translating.

“Overall we encourage them to use conversational Pashtu.

“There were subtle changes in the Pashtu syllabus from course to course so the material was appropriate to meet the current demand and the duties to be car-ried out in Afghanistan.”

With different backgrounds and edu-

cation, the outcomes differed from student to student with their aptitude to reach the language targets.

“All languages are not the same and have different pronunciation and grammatical structures,” Mr Mozaffaruddin said.

“Pashtu is one with many irregularities. Pronunciation is very important in Pashtu and our courses so far indicate that pronunciation has been one of the difficulties in mastering Pashtu.”

Mr Mozaffaruddin said that 12-week Pashtu courses, with maximum

class sizes of 12, were part of Langs annual schedule of courses. He believed about 300 ADF personnel had received tuition in Pashtu since Langs began teaching the language in 2004.

He said the language training, which included cultural aspects, would be of great benefit to ADF personnel when they deployed.

“There are about 30 million speakers of Pashtu in Afghanistan and the tribal areas of Pakistan,” Mr Mozaffaruddin said.

“It is one of the official languages of Afghanistan – all Afghans have some knowledge of it – and it is the most common language in use among the people they (ADF mem-bers) would be working with.”

The six Langs staff delivered six weeks of language training between April and late June.

It was well received with posi-tive feedback from the deploying soldiers. Langs’ lecturers were also impressed, and said personnel picked up the language fast and were eager to learn about Afghan culture.

School pushes Pashtu

Talking in tongues: Former Kabul University student Mr Said Mozaffaruddin teaches Pashtu to Defence personnel at the School of Languages.

Former Afghan citizens are benefiting both their old and new home by teaching at the ADF School of Languages, as Barry Rollings discovers.

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26 PEOPLE

On show: Tprs Stephen Ramsey, James Stewart-Sandeman and Ryan Fowler, A Sqn, 1 Armd Regt, pose with their Abrams tank at the Darwin Show while recovery mechanic Sgt Colin Rout, 2 Cav Regt, indulges in some fairy floss (below left) and Cpl Mark Blundell,103 Bty, 8/12 Mdm Regt, explains the finer points of the 155mm howitzer. Photos by AB Bradley Darvill

Bonjour: Deputy Chief of Army Maj-Gen David Morrison presents the Mayor of Fromelles, France, Hubert Huchette, with a memento during the Mayor’s visit to AHQ. Photo by Bryan Doherty

Health check: Lt Donna Mackenzie, a scientific officer at Army Malaria Institute, Enoggera, takes a child’s temperature on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, to identify fevers which may indicate malaria infection. Photo by Maj Ivor Harris

20 years of serving the Australian Defence Forces

A lot has changed in 20 years.

In 1988, we were watching ‘The Cosby Show’, Bob Hawke was Prime Minister, Kylie Minogue won a Gold Logie, Allan Border was the Australian cricket captain, the SLR L1A1 was the standard rifle for the Army and kids were playing with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figures. Now, it’s ‘Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares’ on TV, Kevin Rudd is the Prime Minister, Kate Ritchie won a Gold Logie, Ricky Ponting is our cricket captain, the Steyr rifle is the weapon of choice and Kung Fu Panda collectibles are all the rage!

‘We are here to help by providing high quality and well maintained housing for Defence families.’ he says. DHA does this by providing face-to-face service in the vicinity of most major military establishments around the country, and have approximately 700 staff positioned in our HMCs and offices across Australia. Many DHA staff are Defence spouses and understand the pressures and issues faced by ADF members and their families.

DHA has also improved its systems to make it easier for members to access information. In 1988, the Commodore 64 was the world’s favourite PC and the Internet was still the stuff of sci-fi movies. In 2008, members can communicate with their Relocation and Housing Consultants by email from many miles away, complete their relocation paperwork online and even search for their next home using DHA’s ‘HomeFind’ online search tool.

The past 20 years has been a learning and growing journey for DHA and its staff, and we look forward to continuing to provide the very highest levels of service

to ADF members and their families.

DHA arranges approximately 24,500 relocations for ADF members and their families each year. This presents a number of challenges to DHA’s Housing Management Centre (HMC) staff.

For example, Bob Haylett and his team at the Townsville HMC have been providing high quality support to Defence members deployed on active duty overseas and their families. ‘Some of our members have been on deployment in places like Iraq, Timor Leste, the Solomon Islands or Bougainville’ says Bob.

‘We understand that with their loved ones away overseas this can be a particularly stressful time for Defence families. We try to do everything we can to make sure things are hassle-free on the home front.’ Bob believes that peace of mind and faith in DHA is of great importance. ‘Members who are on deployment overseas want to know that their families back home are being well supported.’

What hasn’t changed over the years is DHA’s commitment to providing Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with a diverse range of housing solutions to suit their lifestyles, and quality service in arranging the smooth relocation of members and their families. DHA manages 17,000 residences across Australia, in every state and territory, close to major defence sites. These consist of a mix of freestanding family homes, townhouses, units and apartments. Twenty years ago, some Defence homes were unheated and uninsulated, and it was not uncommon for members to have to carry curtains, pieces of carpet and other fittings from one posting to the next.

Today, DHA’s homes are modern, meet the standard of quality, amenity, and location required by the Department of Defence and most importantly, are of community standard – the same standard enjoyed by members’ friends and families. Our houses now quite commonly have lounge, dining and family rooms, ensuites, double lock-up garages with internal access, and covered outdoor patio areas. DHA regularly upgrades housing stock each year and replaces some of the older homes with newly constructed ones. In the acquisition and development of property, we use local materials, suppliers and contractors wherever possible.

look to the future, value the past

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28 LIFESTYLEArmy August 21, 2008

BULLETIN BOARD

Resort ballotTHE Army holiday resort at Terrigal, NSW, provides affordable accommodation for current and ex-ADF members, as well as Defence public servants The ballot will close on August 31 for holiday accommo-dation at Bulwarra Resort over the 2008-09 Christmas/New Year period. Priority is given to serving ARA and ARes soldiers, with the ballot to be drawn mid-September. Soldiers can apply for the ballot at the resort’s webpage at www.bulwarra.com.au or by ringing managers Geoff or Karen Russell on (02) 4385 3914 for information.

6RAR reunionCALLSIGN 43, 6RAR, Timor 2000 is seeking expressions of interest for a 10th anniversary reunion on October 30, 2010. Inquiries to Col Bishop on 0432 063 453 or [email protected].

Sport and WarSTATE Library of Victoria will hold the Australian War Memorial travelling exhibi-tion Sport and War until October 26. For more details visit http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/programs/exhibitions/kmg/2008/sport_and_war/index.html.

� Say again, over

If you can think of a clever, witty caption to this picture, email [email protected] with “caption competition August 21” in the subject line. Keep entries under 25 words. Entries MUST include the sender’s name, rank, unit.

And the winner from July 24 is ...

We also liked ...

DIKKO By Bob Dikkenberg

“When I said I want-ed a toilet break, this is not what I meant.”Cameron FortuneDMORAAF Williams

“That is why you empty them before you move them.”Eric CrutchfieldEESWALTC Bandiana

“Did you say you came a cropper or was that crapper?”Ian DingwallTenixGallipoli Barracks

“When you said the wind blew the portaloos over I thought you meant ...”Sgt Matt Pickering1 HSBHolsworthy Barracks

ADF Financial Services Consumer CouncilFor more information contact us at: [email protected]

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LIFESTYLE 29

INCREASES in interest rates have put home loans under the spot-light – and rightly so, because for

many Australians the family home is their biggest asset and their home loan is their biggest financial com-mitment.

When interest rates change, it is a good idea to review your home loan to make sure it is the right loan for you. An obvious way to do this is to see whether you’d be better off switching from your existing loan to one that charges a lower interest rate or has other features that will benefit you.

However, there are costs associated with switching loans and it is impor-tant to take these into account when weighing up the benefits of a switch.

As part of a package of measures to make it easier for consumers to switch their mortgage provider, the Federal Government recently asked ASIC to conduct a review of home loan switch-ing fees. Following that review, ASIC developed a checklist of things to think about when considering switching home loans. This checklist follows.

There is also an interactive step-by-step home loan switching checklist on ASIC’s consumer website, www.fido.gov.au to help consumers make the right choice about switching loans.

Step 1: Work out how much your loan costs

The interest rate charged on your loan is by far the biggest single factor in determining how much your loan costs you over the long term. Also con-sider the ongoing fees being charged.

When comparing loans, the “com-parison rate” is a better indicator of the real cost of a loan than just the interest rate, because it includes most of the fees and charges of the loan.

However the comparison rate doesn’t include exit fees (also known as early termination or deferred appli-cation fees). So you need to look at these separately (see Step 4).

You should also take into account your personal circumstances when working out the cost of the loan. For example, if you plan to sell in the near term, an interest rate saving might not add up to much given the loan will only last a year or two. Like anything, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to home loans – and sometimes your per-sonal circumstances mean the costs will depend on you.

Step 2: Work out what features you want

Do you want a variable or fixed interest rate? Many people look at fix-

The ADF Consumer Council reminds personnel that on July 1 Defence launched a home loan subsidy scheme (Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme). Assess how the Scheme can benefit you by vis-iting www.dhoas.gov.au

Australian Securities and Investments Commission Chairman Tony D’Aloisio outlines the ASIC home loan checklist.

FINANCE

Make a careful choice

ing the interest rate on some or all of the loan, to give themselves certainty with their repayments. If this is some-thing you’re interested in, speak to your lender.

Other features you may want are the ability to redraw any additional repayments you have made, the ability to take your home loan with you if you move (loan portability), or the ability to set up a connected business loan. Once again, the type of loan you want will depend on your personal circum-stances.

Step 3: Shop aroundCheck out a number of loans and

lenders and create a short list. You can find information by searching in the news, on websites and ratings agen-cies like InfoChoice (www.infochoice.com.au) and RateCity (www.ratecity.com.au).

Talk to two or more lenders to find out the best deal they’re prepared to offer you. Often you can get a dis-count on the advertised ‘standard’ rate, or a contribution to the break fees on your old mortgage. It is a great invest-ment of time to speak to more than

one lender – the potential savings will more than compensate for the time you spend researching and bargaining.

Step 4: Work out how much it costs to switch

Before you make any decision to leave your current loan, work out how much it will cost you to switch to a new one. Include exit fees with your existing loan, and start-up and ongoing fees with the new one.

Exit fees in the early years of a loan can sometimes be thousands of dollars, and will include the legal fees of the lender in discharging your mortgage.

You will need to decide whether the lower interest rate with a new loan outweighs the costs of switching from your existing one. The lower the exit and start-up fees, the more you stand

to gain by switching. If the fees are high, you may be better off staying with your existing loan.

Step 5: Talk to your lenderBefore you switch, contact your

current lender and tell them you are planning to switch to a cheaper loan offered by another lender. They may be able to suggest an alternative loan for you at a cheaper rate, or offer to reduce the interest rate in order to keep your business.

There are a number of other things you can do to pay off your loan quick-er. For example, making additional repayments, consolidating your debts and revisiting your budget.

For more details go to FIDO at www.fido.gov.au or 1300 300 630. Email topics of interest for this column to [email protected].

Pain or gain: Choose your lender carefully. Photo by LAC Aaron Curran

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30 LIFESTYLEArmy August 21, 2008

HEALTH

All you knee-d to know

THE knee is one of the main weight-bearing joints in the body and, as a result,

is susceptible to repetition injuries.

This is due, in part, to the structure of the tibiofemoral joint and largely due to the large forces produced by the biggest muscles in the body.

Training inappropriately or maintaining poor posture can cause over-development of some of these muscles, while inhibiting others, causing imbalance and inappropriate weight and force distribution through the knee.

One of the most common injuries is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

What is PFPS?PFPS is the term used to

describe pain on and around the patella or knee cap.

PFPS is a chronic degenera-tive injury which results in pain

to the back of the patella due to the wearing of the smooth surface at the back of the knee cap by the rubbing of the bones underneath. It is made worse by abnormal movement of the patella during bending.

During normal movement, muscles and tendons move the patella medially or towards the inside of the leg to sit in the grove of the femur (thigh bone) allowing for fluid movement.

Problems and pain occur when the patella does not track correctly in the groove. This is common in people who do a lot of weight-bearing exercises and/or run long distances.

Common causes� Overloading: Placing large forces on the knee, which increase during bending, such as stair-climbing or running on hard surfaces;

� Gait: Gait refers to the nor-mal natural movements of the foot. A break-down in any of

these, for example flat feet, often changes the alignment of the patella, resulting in increas-es in uneven forces on the joint. Impact even during walking sends shock waves up into the knee and hip.

� Muscle imbalance: The quadricep muscles are responsi-ble for moving the patella: three of the quads pull in a lateral direction towards the outside of the leg, whereas the vastus medialis oblique muscle on the

lower section of the femur or thigh pulls towards the inside of the leg in a medial direction to balance the patella.

If the lateral outside muscles pull and work more than the inside muscles due to a strength imbalance, then a greater lateral pull occurs causing patella mal-tracking. Over time, this may lead to PFPS.

When the outside fibres are shorter than the inside lower fibres, then this can also cause

patella mal-tracking with time, possibly leading to PFPS.

Symptoms� Aching at front of the knee, around and under the patella.� Pain on bending or straight-ening the knee joint.� Tenderness around the knee.� Swelling especially after pro-longed activity and activity up and down hills or stairs.� Clicking or cracking when bending.� Uncomfortable sitting for long periods.� Wasting to the quad muscles especially the vastus medialis oblique muscle on the lower inside section of the femur around the knee joint.� Tight calves, hamstrings, illiotibial band (muscle on the outside of the thigh). This band is often tight with runners and cyclists.

ExercisesWork abductor or upper

outer thigh muscle to counter the natural inwards turn of the thigh during walking/running.

Ensure quadriceps work through full range into control-led extension with no bouncing.

Train the endurance of mus-cles, not just strength.

Knee injuries are rife among those undertaking physical activity. Vincent Kouwenhover takes a look at one of the most common knee complaints.

Correct firing of muscles for balance and stability to ensure smooth gait during walking and running.

Work on switching on the vastus medialis oblique muscle on the lower inside section of the femur around the knee joint for heel strike to assist with impact and tracking (see your base trainers).

Examples of exercise that can be employed: static lunges; controlled full range 90-degree squats; one-legged wall squats; wobble board exercises; leg extensions; static quads holds; step ups; and stretches to increase stability, and control-led range of motion within the affected limb.

TreatmentApply RICE – rest, ice,

compression and elevation to the injured knee. This will help reduce swelling. If you have swelling, seek medical advice.

Rest until pain has gone and resume with lower loads.

Use a knee support under guidance; these should be tem-porary if possible while you learn to control functional movement of the joint.

Vincent Kouwenhover is a civilian cor-rective exercise specialist.

Joint pain: The knee cops a battering throughout a lifetime and should be looked after. Photo by Cpl Andrew Hetherington

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SPORT 31

TROOPS deployed around the world took the Kick Around Australia campaign a step further with Australian troops in East Timor and the Middle East taking it global.

An initiative of the Australian Football League to help celebrate its 150th year, footballs, portable goal posts and whistles were donated to the ADF to help ensure its success.

The ADF has been running Aussie Rules clinics in East Timor for almost a year with about 50 children taking part in weekly training sessions.

ADF members deployed on operations in the Middle East also took time out to celebrate the mile-stone.

Closer to home, the women got into the action playing a curtain raiser to the Collingwood versus St Kilda match at the MCG on August 9. The Australian Services Australian Football Association’s All Stars played a Victorian women’s development team.

Earlier last month, about 75 of the brightest young Australian footballers from the Top End enjoyed a rare treat thanks to the Defence Jobs Under-17 Academy.

About 50 players from Darwin, Katherine and the Tiwi Islands were joined by play-ers from the Kimberley region as the AFL Army Award Ambassador and former Kangaroos (North Melbourne) player Glen Archer, AFL Army Award 2007 winner Alwyn Davey (Essendon) and special guest Michael Long (former Essendon player) treated them to a busy day of activities at the stadium in Marrara.

Football winner on day

Pass it to me: Some of the troops with the Security Detachment in Baghdad found time to have a kick and handball in honour of the game’s anniversary. Photo by Sgt Katrina Johnson

Taking aim: Soldiers from the Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan take part in the Kick around Australia. Photo by Capt Mick Lee

Best foot forward: Capt Steve Catilano watches a Timorese boy kick the ball during a Aussie Rules clinic in Dili. Photo by Cpl Rodney Welch

Skills session: Sgt Scott Samson from Robertson Barracks, Darwin, coaches some of Under-17 players during a fitness session. Photo by LS Helen Frank

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32 SPORTArmy August 21, 2008

Golfers come to fore in Asia

In the swing: Cfn Mick Uren in action in the ADF Golf Association’s recent tour of South East Asia. Photo by Leut Michael Robertson

ARMY had a strong presence on the ADF Golf Association’s (ADFGA) recent inaugural tour of South East Asia, where it split its matches against selected teams from the Singaporean Armed forc-es (SAF) and the US personnel stationed in Singapore.

Tour manager Col Andrew Adams, AHQ; Sgt Nick Jago, RMC Duntroon; Sgt Steve Neal, 8CSSB; and Cfn Mick Uren, 1 Avn Regt, represented Army in the 13 man-squad with handicaps ranging from 8-13.

The tour began with practice rounds in Singapore at National Services Resort and Country Club Kranji and the affectionately known ‘commando course’ at Sembawang Country Club, hosted by the Military Attaché Corps.

Both courses proved challenging

for team members and gave the tour manager a great insight into team selection for the match against the SAF on the third day of the tour.

The match against the SAF was a hard-fought affair at Sembawang CC, with the ADF team losing 4½ to 8½.

Despite the loss, the team per-formed strongly with most matches being decided on the final holes.

The following day, the team travelled to Malaysia to reconsoli-date their games and prepare for the match against the US.

The disappointment of the pre-vious match sparked the team and the next round of competition pro-duced a solid performance by all to beat the US team 11 games to 2 in a scratch match play competi-tion at the Legends Country Club, Malaysia.

There was high standard of golf

from the onset of the tour, with highquality performances across theteam.

Of particular note was the con-sistent performance from PO RohanHalliday who played outstandinggolf throughout.

The rest of the tour consisted oflocal competitions, training campsand game improvement from thelower handicap members of theteam.

The tour was a highly successfulevent and gave the mid- to high-handicappers within the ADFGA anopportunity to compete and repre-sent the ADF internationally.

The ADFGA has made a spe-cial mention of thanks to ColDon Freeman and his team at theAustralian High Commission forthe support provided throughout thetour.

TOWNSVILLE’S Pte Julie Davison is looking forward to her first tilt at the Australian Defence Squash Championships from August 25-29.

“I haven’t been to RAAF Base Williamtown before so it will be quite an experience,” Pte Davison said.

“Townsville’s squash community is quite small, so I am looking forward to coming down to meet other Defence players who are also enthusiastic about squash, playing different people and – most of all – having fun,” she said.

This year competitors will have an extra level of competition. As well as going head-to-head with their inter-serv-ice rivals, they will also play the Royal New Zealand Air Force team.

Pte Davison has travelled extensively, but is now with HQ 11 Bde Reserve Recruiting Cell.

While she also likes reading, bike riding and running, Pte Davison took up squash in 1997 for a variety of reasons. She admits to being a “gym junkie” and

was getting bored. When the mother-of-three discov-ered the squash c o u r t s h a d a babysitting crèche, her involvement in the sport grew from there.

A division two pennant player with Dalrymple

Squash Club, she plays one night a week and usually trains on Saturdays for about two hours, and sometimes on a Sunday for an hour or two with her husband.

For her, squash has many attractions. “I love the speed and the intensity, the different plays, the angles,” she said. “It’s one-on-one while still within a team concept. It’s got it all.”

For information on the 2008 carnival and upcom-ing tours visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/squash/

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SPORT 33

By Cpl Corinne Boer

A TOWNSVILLE-based soldier has returned to com-petitive fighting after an extended break to take on an Australian champion.

Pte Matthew Friswell, a 3CSSB medic, has swapped the surgical gloves for box-ing gloves and has transferred his kickboxing skills to boxing after a five-year absence from the sport.

He took on the current Australian amateur light wel-terweight champion at a com-petition in Gordonvale Far North Queensland on July 26.

“Unfortunately I lost my fight by way of a close deci-sion after a three-round bout,” Pte Friswell said.

“I dropped him with a right cross in the first round.

“Then he dropped me with a left hook in the second round. After receiving a stand-ing eight count I was allowed to continue. The third round was close.”

Pte Friswell had his first kickboxing fight at 16. He trains daily at a dojo in Townsville and at a PCYC gym where he works on his sparring techniques.

“My stance in boxing is a lot different than in kick box-ing. I’ve had to get used to not throwing kicks to defend myself so when a guy comes in with a lot of pressure I’m not able to put a kick in to keep my distance,” he said.

“It’s pretty similar once you are in the ring. I just try to move as fast as I can and try to leave my feet on the ground.”

He won’t contest the Queensland title this year because he is going on his Advanced Medical Course, but hopes to make state titles next year and compete in the national competition.

Hooked again

Ready to rumble: Pte Matthew Friswell is back in training and ready to take on the competition. Photo by Pte Bentley Preisig

THE best bods in the ADF will come together when the HMAS Cerberus Sport and Recreation Department conducts the 11th annual Navy Natural Bodybuilding and Figure Championships on September 22.

The event, in the Southern Cross Cinema from 7pm, is open to all members – men and women – of the ADF and APS personnel.

Competitors will be placed into categories by height and age. Novices/ beginners are encouraged to enter.

The inaugural Navy bodybuild-ing and figure competition was held at HMAS Cerberus in 1998 and has grown steadily.

The competition will be conducted under the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) rules. Wayne McDonald and a team of five from the INBA will judge the event.

Interested competitors and spectators should contact PO Joe Caroll at the HMAS Cerberus Gymnasium and Aquatic Centre on (03) 5950 7553 or email [email protected].

Weighing up rest in bodybuilding comp

Layout.indd 1 22/08/2007 3:27:47 PM

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34 SPORTArmy August 21, 2008

By Michael Brooke

A P E P - TA L K f r o m L a n d Commander Maj-Gen Mark Kelly inspired the Army to a compre-hensive 7-4 victory against the Air Force to claim the Men’s Open title in the 2008 Sydney Metro Defence Touch NSW Inter-Service Sports Touch competition.

The Army’s triumph at Victoria Barracks on August 1 brought to an end the Air Force’s winning streak which stretched back to 2001.

Maj-Gen Kelly addressed the soldiers briefly before the kick-off of the final, which rated highly as a spectacle as it featured slick pass-ing, fast running, calculated attack-

ing moves and desperate, diving defence.

Army raced to a 4-2 half-time lead thanks to tries by Pte Manu Wakely and Lt Steve McIntyre, who showed good speed and flashy foot-work to dance their way through Air Force’s tight defence.

The soldiers defended gallantly in the second half to turn back wave upon wave of Air Force attacks.

Lt McIntyre said the men’s open team gelled quickly, which smoothed the way for their unbeaten showing in the tournament.

“All the players are good blokes which helped us gel as a team and win the trophy for the first time since 2000,” he said.

The men’s open team beat Air Force 10-7 and Navy 13-2 in the round-robin competition to earn their berth in the final.

The Army victory more than compensated for the Army wom-en’s open 5-3 defeat at the hands of a combined RAAF/RAN and the disappointing performance of the men’s over 30s team, which lost 10-0 to Air Force and 12-1 to the Navy.

Tournament director Capt John Smith said the competition was a means to select the Sydney Metro Defence Touch teams that will compete in the Australian Defence Touch Assoc ia t ion National Championships at RAAF Williamtown from October 12-18.

Winning run: Cfn Brendan Kenny races to the try line to score in the second half of the final despite desperate diving defence by Air Force players. Photo by Michael Brooke

Touch-down

Victorious: The winning Army men’s open touch football team (left). The team broke Air Force’s stronghold on the competition, winning the final and title 7-4.

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What is RSL Legal Aid?

The RSL Legal Aid Scheme is an initiative of the RSL in cooperation with National Legal Aid (NLA). It is a scheme designed to facilitate the provision of free legal information and preliminary legal advice to Australian Defence Force personnel wherever they may be serving.

Information about civilian law is available from a number of sources, including legal aid commissions and law societies in each state and territory of Australia. Sometimes an understanding of the law relating to your problem will enable you to decide how best to handle it. Sometimes you may also need legal advice. The RSL Legal Aid Scheme is designed to help you obtain information about the law and preliminary advice about your problem.

For information about how to access the scheme, visit the RSL website at:

http://www.rsl.org.au


SPORT 35

By Michael Weaver

THE ADF’s finest female Australian footballers grabbed a unique oppor-tunity to play on the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground when they took on a Victorian development team in a curtain-raiser to the AFL match between St Kilda and Collingwood on August 9.

In trying conditions, the ADF squad, comprising nine representatives from Army, pushed the more fancied Victorian development side, to go down by 20 points – 8.9 (57) to 4.13 (37) after trail-ing 2.3 (15) to 5.9 (39) at half-time.

In what was its pinnacle of represen-tation, the Australian Services All Stars overcame nerves and a strong start by the Victorians before they found momentum in the second half. Pte Allison Smith, 4CSSB, settled in the backline and com-bined with Sgt Amy Hall (centre half back) and Sgt Katie Staines (back flank) made it difficult for the Victorian team to penetrate and score.

The ADF team held the Victorians to two goals in the last quarter and might have made the final margin much closer but for an inaccurate 1.6 in front of goal.

In his first match as ADF women’s coach, WO2 John Saunders said the Victorian team dominated early by kick-ing five goals in the first half, but to the credit of his players, the ADF was able to claw the deficit back to a respectable 19 points at half-time.

With a strong crowd building for the AFL fixture, the All Stars team stepped up and was unfortunate not to convert many scoring opportunities.

The ADF team had seven scoring shots in the final quarter but converted only one, with scoring shots for both

sides being even at the full-time siren. “If we had kicked straight, we could have won,” WO2 Saunders said.

However, he praised the concept and hoped it could become a regular fixture on the ADF Australian football calendar.

All Stars vice-captain Sgt Staines, Russell Offices, said the experience was memorable for all involved despite com-ing up against a well-drilled Victorian team.

“The Victorian team had been train-ing for months and it was awesome to watch, whereas we had three days in camp,” Sgt Staines said.

“We had about eight debutantes in the team and all the girls gained a great deal from the experience. Even the Victorian players commented on how good our standard was, which was pleasing.

“It would be great if this can happen annually.”

LS Candice Freeman, HMAS Cerberus, was rewarded for her efforts with the best-on-ground award for the ADF team, while LS Trish Muller, HMAS Watson, was named players’ player.

Honourable mentions also went to Sgt Hall, 8CSSB, while LAC Sharon Purdon, Russell, was tested out in almost every position on the field before fractur-ing her collarbone in the last quarter.

Forwards, Flt-Lt Trinette Bagnall, RAAF Glenbrook, and Flg-Off Debbie Herberz, RAAF Williams, were also unfortunate not to score on numerous occasions in the drizzly and slippery conditions.

Victoria 2.8 (20) 5.9 (39) 6.9 (45) 8.9 (57)ADF 2.0 (12) 2.3 (15) 3.7 (25) 4.13 (37)Goals: LS Freeman 2, AB Furlong 1, Sgt Bunting 1

All star attraction

Group hug: Sgt Amy Hall (with ball) tries to break through the Victorian defence with Flf-Off Claire Hill lending support. The ADF’s Australian Services All Stars women’s team (left) hope to play more games on the MCG against Victorian teams.Photos courtesy of Slattery Media Group

August 21, 2008

SHE’SSHE’STHETHE BESTBESTBy Michael Brooke

ARMY’S Pte Rhiannon Brown liter-ally tripped over herself and others to ensure she completed the 14km City2Surf on August 10 in the best time possible.

Despite suffering a scraped knee and elbow in a fall involving several competitors when the starting gun sent the human-tide of 70,000 runners on its way, Pte Brown was the Army’s top female runner.

She completed the gruelling course, including the infamous ‘Heartbreak Hill’, in a time of 56:21, placing her among the top 50 female runners (34).

Fittingly, the petite Pte Brown was crowned the Defence Athletic Club Athlete of the Year shortly after cross-ing the finish line.

Pte Brown won the title after scor-ing the most number of points of any athlete.

The plaque was presented by Capt Frank Kresse, the President of the ADF Running and Athletics Association.

“I’m tickled pink to win Athlete of the Year,” Pte Brown said.

Pte Brown, who is a member of the Australian Federation Guard, said she trained hard for the race and might have performed better if not for the accident.

“The really cold weather made the injuries sting for a while,” she said.

Capt Kresse said the award reflect-ed the performances of ADF athletes in five races throughout the year, includ-ing the ADF Cross Country, which Pte Brown won in the women’s category.

Capt Kresse said 42 ADF run-ners competed in the City2Surf – 12

of whom were women. He said the objectives of sport in the ADF were to encourage participation, to develop a competitive ethos and espirit-de-corps.

“Competitions, such as this race, provide the perfect opportunity to build qualities in the respective work places, units and ultimately, the ADF,” he said.

The 27 Army runners assaulted the arduous course and, in particular, the

1.5km climb up Heartbreak Hill, with the grim determination our diggers are renowned for.

Army’s best male runner, Sgt Matt Skate, finished in a smart time of 48:55. Sgt Skate, a PTI at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, found himself in a battle of attrition with the RAAF’s top runner, Flt-Lt Richard Gardiner, and Defence APS triathlete Luke Gratton.

But the battle of the Hill was only a minor hurdle compared to the chaotic race start where runners had to fight their way through the throng.

Sgt Skate rated the start as one of the most difficult parts of the race.

“The first 3km were the hardest in my life as I dodged and weaved my way past 3000 other runners. But my performance was highly satisfying as

I beat the 50-minute mark for the first time at the City2Surf.”

Air Force runners led the ADF run-ners across the finish line.

Flt-Lt Richard Gardiner conquered the 14km course in a time of 46:30, while the fastest finishing female was Flg-Off Marnie Ponton in a time of 50:23.

Fast finish: WO2 Paul Kitching sprints to the finish line. Photo by Bill Cunneen

Army breaks touch hoodoo

A TOUCH OF CLASS

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