(2006) COMDT DPTC
Message From The Commandant Defence Police Training Centre and Head of Corps – Royal Australian Corps of Military Police
The following is my short story from April 2005 to October 2006 ?
In late April 2005 I was sitting in my large office, watching the fighter aircraft streaming from the RAAF Williamtown runway, sipping my Earl Grey, contemplating the UN peacekeeping missions I would like to participate in; when I got that call ? Yes, that call from the careers advisor – ‘Murray, how would you like command in 2006?' Well, what could I say? (well actually, in retrospect, plenty) But at the time, I jumped at the opportunity and after a brief pre-command course and hand-over with the current Commandant, I was ready.
You probably know that my role is dual-hatted – one is COMDT DPTC and the other is HOC RACMP. Throughout the year, these two appointments have provided me with many challenges as well as significant successes. I will be honest in saying the term ‘hit the ground running' is completely under-rated. From the time I marched into DPTC until the day I wrote this article, it has all been go, go, go. However the most satisfying part is that I have seen significant achievement, milestones and innovation on behalf of the many individuals, DPTC (and Service Police) and the Corps as a whole.
The most noteworthy events of 2006 included the 90th Anniversary of the Corps and the $4.9M DPTC refurbishment project. Both of these activities successfully raised the profile of RACMP and Service Police training within the ADF, and in the eyes of our many external visitors. On that subject, 2006 has been an excellent year for visits. In addition to the many high-ranking government, ADF and civilian police, we (RACMP and DPTC) have been the focus of attention for a number of overseas visitors. This has included the PM-A and PM-Land from the Royal Military Police (RMP); Hellenic Consul General for New South Wales and the Commander B, Hellenic Armed Forces. The Centre also hosted a Reserve Forces Day activity which included a contingency from RMP, USAMP and CFMP. This activity was hailed a success and much relevant information and social spirit was passed between the four nations.
From an operational perspective, DPTC has continued its steady progress into the new millennium and in many ways, we have been at the leading edge of some activities. Due to the reconstruction project, we have had a small opportunity to reduce the training tempo during the middle months of 2006. Nonetheless, we have still seen over 400 trainees complete courses in the first 10 months of the year, with another 160+ panelled on courses for the remainder of the year. Detention management has also continued to flow at a steady rate. Although detainee numbers are down, DFCE staff have continued their active involvement in ADF Detention Centre inspections, Detention Centre Supervisor training, contributing to Detention policy and doctrine, as well as assisting 1 MP Bn with operational planning. As with previous years, the Development Wing has been undermanned, however by the amount of work completed this year, you would not think so. With excellent assistance from MAJ Mark Langdon (LWDC), we have finally been able to produce LWD 0-1-3 Military Police, with other procedural-level doctrine close on its heels.
DPTC has also been subjected to a number of reviews and audits in 2006, including a Learning Culture Inquiry, Defence Investigative Capability Inquiry, Inspector General – ADF Audit, Army Safe Audit and a Unit Establishment review. In all cases, DPTC faired quite well, with many promising results from some of these activities.
As COMDT, I have been privileged by awarding a number of staff members and trainees for their significant achievements especially as part of DPTC and TC-A. This has included DPTC staff awards, encouragements awards and students of merit for each course. Of note, I would like to acknowledge FSGT Richard Neal (ex-DFCE) for being awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal; and MAJ Peter Fisher (Dev Wing) for receiving a COMD TC-A Commendation. To complete this section, I would also like to personally congratulate the two DPTC Oxfam Trail-walker teams who completed a gruelling 100km challenge to raise money for charity. I am proud to have been the commander of these members and proud to be part of the support crew for the teams. Well done!
On a personal note, I was very fortunate enough to travel to Turkey and Greece in May to accompany my father for the 65th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete. Of significance was my short trip to Lamia in Greece, where I met up with a number of Military Police from the Hellenic Army and the local commander of a logistics brigade. My hosts took me for a tour around the city of Lamia and its surrounds, including sites where Australian Provost Corps operated with distinction during World War II. It was quite a prestigious and satisfying experience. I very strongly recommend a visit to Greece (and Crete) to all. It is truly a magnificent part of the world and RACMP has a very close affiliation with our Hellenic brothers and sisters.
As you are all aware, I will only have the pleasure of commanding DPTC for one year. Like d? vu, late April 2006 I was sitting in my smallish office, watching the plovers swoop from the DPTC parade ground, sipping my caf?spresso, contemplating the overseas courses I would like to attend; when I got another call ? Yes, another call from the careers advisor – ‘Murray, how would you like command (again) in 2007?' Well ... you know the rest! Anyway after a revisit to the pre-command course and a brief hand over with the current Commanding Officer, I will be ready. And really looking forward to it!
I would like to sincerely thank the Pointsman Editor for getting the Pointsman back into circulation. Due to difficulties mainly related to publishing, we have not been able to produce a Corps magazine. However, a bit of dedication by him has once again rekindled the Corps spirit.
In closing, I would like to congratulate all of the staff and trainees at DPTC for making 2006 such a successful year. You should all be proud of your achievements and conscious of your areas of improvement. DPTC has certainly lived up to its claim of being the Centre for Service Police Training Excellence. And finally, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all DPTC staff who showed their potential this year and assisted in raising the profile of the Centre and achieving its goals. Thanks, well done and good luck in 2007; especially to the incoming Commandant on promotion to LTCOL – it's a great command, enjoy!
(2006) RSM DPTC
Military Police Corps Regimental Sergeant Major & Regimental Sergeant Major Defence Police Training Centre
Welcome to another edition of the Pointsman. This is my second posting back to the Centre and was created by the transfer of WO1 Orreal, to long term schooling. Although I would have liked a Non Corps posting, being posted back to the Centre has given me the opportunity to remain with my family in Sydney, especially after completing seven months in Iraq in 2005. The prospects of another posting married separated did not appeal to me or my family.
As most current and past members are aware DPTC holds the RACMP Historical Collection, which includes photos, uniforms and memorabilia from past and present wars, operations, Units, courses and members. The Historical Collection is now registered with the Army History Unit (AHU). The collection is housed in a relocated building within the DPTC, and several of the volunteers have undertaken training conducted by the Australian War Memorial and sponsored by the AHU. We are extremely fortunate to have the manager (CAPT) and ex members who give their time freely to assist with the running of our collection.
I ask all present and past members to donate any memorabilia, articles or photos to the Historical Collection. If members/ex members have photos that they do not wish to part with, the photos could be scanned to disc/CD (saved in JPEG format at a minimum) and forwarded to DPTC. Please remember to name or supply a brief history, (if possible) of anything donated. Only in this way will we retain a significant part of our Corps history, as a single collection for our future. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you believe you have an item the Historical Collection would be interested in. I also encourage all current serving members and ex members to join the MPAA as our membership is now in excess of 340.
Finally I would like to congratulate those members and ex members of RACMP who have been honoured, promoted and completed successful deployments during the past 12 months. I wish all members and ex members the best for the Christmas and New Year.