(2006) CO 1 MP BN
2006 has presented both the battalion and the Corps many challenges throughout the year covering capability and unit establishment reviews, operational preparedness and deployments, Boards of Inquiry and the additional normal range of command issues. To all of these challenges we have stepped up to the mark and on most occasions surpassed expectations both internally and externally.
The investigative capability review has been occurring in one form or another for the last four years. Whilst still no outcomes for future structure at time of submission there does seem to be a way ahead. With the appointment of the PM-ADF in Apr and the capability review outcomes now sitting with the CDF I am confident there will be a concerted effort to ensure that our investigative capability has a clear way ahead with growth opportunities occurring in both personnel and training.
The unit establishment review for 1 MP Bn occurred mid September and whilst not yet endorsed, the outcome will set the battalion up to be relevant in the future land Army. Through a lot of hard work by many, we were able to analyse and articulate the battalion capability requirements covering the organisational structure, basic capability bricks (task elements) and both the equipment and personnel requirements to meet our ‘green and white role'. These outcomes and the way ahead will be delivered by myself and the RSM to all locations within the battalion and DPTC during the period Nov-Dec.
Our operational preparedness and deployments have been like never before. During the last 12 months, 1 MP Bn has planned and deployed personnel on over 19 separate deployments ranging from less than 12 hours notice to move through to longer term rotations. Currently we have over 50% of the battalion deployed, preparing for deployment or conducting post deployment leave. This tempo will not slow down in the near future and we have now established a database and are conducting limited force preparedness of our trade qualified, volunteer ARES members.
I feel that it is important in this forum to commend all members of the battalion who were tasked and assisted in the immediate response and subsequent investigation surrounding the death of PTE Kovco. I am very proud of your professionalism and conduct in response to the incident and throughout the last six months during the inquiry; I could not have asked any more of you. And to them and the remainder of the battalion and the Corps, I know we have been on the receiving end of inaccurate negative press and in some instances very unpalatable comments about our capability. I believe in the end the truth will be told and by our actions, integrity, professionalism and values we will utilise the challenges over the last six months as an opportunity for the future. Keep your heads high and be proud of who you are and what you represent.
As my command comes to a close I want to thank all that have supported me during my appointment as Commanding Officer. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience with the highlights involving the people of the battalion and will find it difficult to leave at the end of the year. However the ownership of the battalion is bigger than me, it belongs to all of us. I just hope, as everyone should, that they have contributed positively in some way and left the battalion in better shape than when they started.
To those Corps members serving our nation overseas, thankyou for your professionalism and contribution, our thoughts are with you over the festive season and into the New Year. To the remainder of the battalion, finish the year with finesse, rest and relax over Christmas and I wish you all the best for 2007.
(2006) RSM 1 MP BN
I arrived at my new post this year knowing it would be extremely busy and I have not been disappointed. The Battalion has been met by many challenges at home and abroad. The operational tempo has been at its highest since the Battalion was raised with many of you seeing service in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East area of operations, gaining experience that will see us well into the future.
A message I spread at the start of the year was that we all had to be good at the basics. That we must be first rate soldiers before we could be first rate military policemen and this meant honing our skills at every opportunity. However with numerous deployments the impact on the Battalion's ability to maintain its collective training has been heavy. The tempo of tasks for the Battalion will not ease so we must remain postured for the next short notice task that our government requires us for.
The return of the “Boots Competition” was a welcomed change of pace for several days in May. We rallied members from around the country to face off in the traditional military skills and sports competition that the Corps has not seen in some ten years. There were very few members that could recall or even competed for the old Boots. For the newer members it was an induction to what used to be a focus point for the Corps during a time of low operational commitment and for the older ones it allowed a time to reminisce on good old days. Whilst it was not all beer and skittles the activity provided a mix of physical challenges in a competitive but social environment. After ten years the “Boots” trophy was taken home by 4 MP Coy.
Congratulations to all that successfully attended courses this year and for those that will receive well earned promotions. For those that received recognition in the way of awards you should be proud of your efforts and the fine example you have set for others during demanding times and in dynamic environments.
I believe we have worn out the term “operational tempo”. Yes it is the busiest time in most of our long or short careers but it is simply the tempo of the current Army. We are good at what we do therefore we are called upon more often to do what we are good at. In saying this we must remain relevant in a modern Army which again is increasing in size. The Battalion will surely take on a new structure as a result of our recent unit review with a larger foot print in the north to provide increased support to our Brigades in the top end.
Whilst speaking to commanders at all levels the message is consistent. Commanders at the tactical level who come into contact with our members through deployments and exercises want to see more of us. So much so that in many cases our high tempo is borne as a result. In this way, we are a victim of our own success. However there is light at the end of the tunnel. As we move towards a Hardened and Networked Army our numbers will increase but we must remain good at the basics, relevant in every field and value add to the wider Army as we posture to meet future national challenges.
In closing I hope all have a happy and safe festive season and look forward to serving with you as the Battalion faces new challenges in 2007.