53 MP Pl (SIB) - Puckupunyal

Greetings and salutations from Puckapunyal and all points South. Like most other sub-units of 1 MP Bn, 53 Pl's front door has been constantly revolving with the comings and goings of members. The Pl COMD left for Darwin and in doing so made way for our Army reserve Captain to do a stint of Full Time service. Glen commenced the year with a lengthy detachment to DPTC and concluded it with a lengthier detachment to the sandpit. He did however manage a couple of brief visits to Puckapunyal during the year and whilst those visits were brief they were very productive. Whilst I saw no evidence of that, he assured me that was the case. At the time of this articles submission it was anticipated that on his return to Australia Glen would be promoted and posted to DPTC. If that comes to fruition, we wish him all the best and have no doubt that our loss is DPTC's gain.

Throughout 2006, 13 of 53 Pl's 26 members served some period of time oversea's on operational deployments and most others spent extended periods away from their sections whilst involved in task force or other activities. Throw in a bit of time off for leave and it is soon clear that manning has been a bit stretched. Regardless of that fact, the platoon has managed to provide effective service to our AO. I congratulate all members of the platoon on the dedication and commitment that they demonstrated throughout the year.

We also take this opportunity to farewell a long serving member of the SIB, Wes has settled in his Melbourne mansion and is looking to pursue investigative employment outside the Army. We thank him for his many years of service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. I suspect that as long as telephones exist, we will not have heard the last of Wes.

Whilst 2006 has had its challenges, we are all aware that 2007 may herald organisational changes that could significantly alter the structure and role of the platoon. We all await our fate in eager anticipation and in the meantime wish all a very happy and safe Christmas.

1 SECT (SIB) - Melbourne

Salutations from the Melbourne Section! Well straight into the beginning of 2006 and the arrival of the sections newest member in. Dave had just completed his IQC and was thrown right in the deep end as Les was still recovering from a touch of Neuro Surgery and would not return to work until the beginning of March. So the welcome party was left up to Darren who showed Dave the ropes and made sure he got settled in alright.

The beginning of the year also saw the 2006 Commonwealth Games arrive in Melbourne. The game proved to be quite a busy time for the section, who would have thought that 4500 extra Defence Personnel in the area would create more work! At least we received a certificate for our efforts and the Section would like to thank Nick for his assistance during that time.

Well with the games out of the way we quickly approached the middle of the year and Les decided it was time to return to SE Asia with Rifle Company Butterworth 75 and 76, to assist whilst the WO2 from Butterworth took the chance to take some much deserved leave. Les's time in SE Asia was extended as he conducted Ceremonial Activities in Borneo at both Sandakan for the Anniversary of the Sandakan Death March and also at Kota Kinablu for the unveiling of a new memorial for the Indonesian Emergency. It was an absolute honour to take part in both activities and the experience was both humbling and put ‘everything else' back into perspective. I recommend, to all, that if the chance to get to Sandakan ever comes your way, take it; a part of Australia's history that all should experience.

With the absence of Les, the section requested the services of Graeme to assist poor old Dave. It was not surprising that Graeme and Dave managed to find themselves on King Island, only a few days after Les had departed the Section. Apparently King Island beef is to die for, the crayfish is magnificent, the oysters brilliant and the cheese outstanding?oh and history would have you believe that they were there for an actual investigation, which apparently was completed.

Ironically, the beginning of the year saw Les in hospital and the end of the year saw poor old Dave, clogging up the Public Hospital System. For those who don't know Dave decided to snap his Achilles tendon during a game of basketball in August and we didn't see him back until late September. At the same time the Platoon Commander also found himself on the wrong end of a broken Collar Bone, which also saw him out of action for several weeks. If nothing else, at least this Section and indeed the Platoon kept the medico's busy for a number of ‘legitimate' injuries and illnesses.

Well we are getting very close to the end of the year and the section would like to take this opportunity to farewell Wes who has decided to move on from the ADF and apply his trade within another government department. Wes's warped sense of humour and vast experience will be missed and we all wish him the very best of luck in his new endeavours.

The section would like to thank Pl HQ for all their assistance throughout the year. Also a very special thanks goes to Darren for all his dedication and hard work with juggling his “green” and “blue” duties for the year. Special thanks also go to the cadre staff of 3 MP Coy for all their ongoing admin support provided to the section.

To all a safe and prosperous xmas 06 and new year for 07 and don't be shy when in the Greater Melbourne Area, do drop I for a brew.

2 SECT (SIB) Puckupunyal

As we sit in the shadow of the Victorian Alps and thaw for the end of the year, the time has come to once again reflect on the happenings of the year as it unfolded. As the members of 2 Section 53 MP Pl (SIB) gather around to discuss the memories of 2006, the realisation hits home that, like most other sections, not everyone is actually in their parent location.

The close of 2005 saw the unit farewelling numerous members.As with all losses, there are always some gains, and the manning shortcomings of previous years were somewhat abated in the early phases of 2006.

The year commenced with the fullest momentum as the unit provided both support to the ever expanding populous that is Puckapunyal. From the onset of the ‘training year', those members which have seen Service in the area have provided both investigative and general duties Military Police support to an estimated total of 3500 residents, posted staff and transient defence personnel.

The year has seen a continual fluctuation of manning within the section due to external support, deployments, leave and courses as they occurred. These detachments have been wide and varied.

Just as the welcomes have been concluded, the posting cycle kicks in once more. The end of 2006 will see two members packing up their desks and homes and moving onto new and challenging postings. Both members will relocate to Watsonia and Enoggera respectively in order to continue service within 5 MP Coy (SIB).

Whilst the ever vigilant and watchful eye of 2 Section draws to a close on the year that has become another page in the history of the RACMP in Puckapunyal, may all members of 1 MP Battalion and their families continue to prosper and enjoy a rewarding and productive 2007.

3 SECT (SIB) - Albury/Wodonga

A sunny greeting from glorious Albury-Wodonga is extended to all and sundry as we all sit in the shadows of the latest review of our organisation. The Bandiana Section saw many changes this year, and at this time it would be remiss of me not to say a fond farewell to Amanda who discharged after twenty plus years in the job – Cheers Mandy, you will be sorely missed.

Along with NIRPs, the Evidence Matrix, Military Police In Confidence and Gazettes, the Section also lost David to the Queensland Corrective Services (at this stage it is unknown whether he is employed with them or a guest at their expense – time will only tell)

Adam also departed the CORPS to blow things up, currently he is mid way through his Ammo Tech Course. To both members, I'm sure the CORPS has appreciated your contributions over the years and wishes you both all the best for the future.

 There are two other members within the section who are also not here, they were deployed to the sand pit before the year got under way. And that pretty much sums up the GD element for Bandiana. That is, we have not got one. I just need one to Non Tech my shiny new BMW motorbikes (I have two – I've tried to sell one at Cash Converters for a portable printer). At least it's easy to mark the roll!!!

Jan 06 also saw the Hume Weir drop from 91% to 16% capacity (I didn't do it), coinciding nicely with the marching in of Steve (the busiest man in the Army) to the Section Commanders slot, and Marcelle (with a circumflex) who ably forms part two of the Dynamic Duo. Anne remains supernumery in location; however, is currently involved in her own ‘Battle Royale' and has seen her been pushed from pillar to post in support of 5 MP Coy (SIB) taskings around the country.

This year has been interesting to say the least, with the obvious manning shortages felt across the board, an impressive rise in job numbers and the mandatory absences due to courses/leave etc. which has seen the Section operating on one person for prolonged periods.

The year thus far has disappeared quicker than a bride's nightie, and has produced a mixed bag of goodies, including a staggering amount of time spent on activities that are not outlined in the CTNs/MPTIs or DITIs. One of our more notable conquests has been Steve spending some time over in the sand pit (and even more time in the witness box as a result). Don't ever believe what you read in the papers!!!

We are all looking forward to the coming changes anticipated with the new name change, and of course with bated breath some of that glorious money that is talked about in hushed tones in far off corridors.

On a more serious note, good hunting and all the best to all and sundry, and now with the deployments of SIB members to far off shores, a special note to all members on deployment to stay safe, and if you are ever in the area (and the road works have been completed) drop in to the section and have a brew.

4 SECT (SIB) - Kapooka

Salutations from 4 Sect, 53 MP PL (SIB), Kapooka, Home of the Soldier or what is fast becoming known as MountThomas. Although we don't often get to wrap up the case in one episode and no one can remember the last time we all knocked off work and headed off for beers at the local. The start of the year saw a one hundred percent changeover in personnel at the section although not everyone was able to march in with the most popular excuse being "I've deployed, and no I can't tell you when I will be available for duty". So out of a total of seven we started the year with three, although the arrival of Pat on loan from 3 MP Coy filled the position of Section Commander and boosted the section to four.

Armed with the knowledge that no one else was likely to show up the section got busy providing support to ARTC including ceremonial motorcycle escorts for Reviewing Officers, Drug and Alcohol lectures, Recruit Discipline Induction Briefings, Garrison Policing, Local patrols on a Friday and Saturday night, maintaining a duty roster that required a minimum of three and the odd investigation or two. Somewhere in amongst those commitments the section provided support for Anzac day, the Kapooka Tens and Twelve's and the Beat the Retreat ceremony hosted by ARTC which saw a total crowd in excess of four thousand attend the performance over two nights.

Not long after coming to grips with the tasking for the section and Pat realising that the duty roster for the section was the simplest he would ever have to write, Sean, the OPS SGT decided that he would leave town for the winter and spend a little quality time with some sailors. In early April he then headed off to tropical waters armed with fishing tackle that made Rex Hunt look like an amateur and what appeared to be a tear in is eye. The remaining three members of the section whished him well and resigned themselves to an even simpler duty roster.

Eventually, Russell and Dave made an appearance and trotted out the all too familiar phrase, "Sorry, I would have been here earlier but I was deployed." About that time things were looking up on the duty roster side of things and the sections investigator, was plotting the recruitment of anyone in the section who had a pulse. However in keeping with the year's theme the section was soon reduced to three when Russell attended an MPIC in Sydney and Mark attended the RIDC at Recruit Training Wing in an attempt to get on another Recruit course.

Sometime when all of this was happening Pat threw smoke and headed off to his posting in Tasmania and Brad appeared using the now all too familiar phrase "Sorry I ?????, you get the picture.

About this time the section began to liaise with the local highway patrol officers which resulted in the section hosting the highway patrol for a shoot at the WTSS and the commencement of a targeted road safety campaign within the KMA.

The return of Russell and Mark from course saw moral lift in direct proportion to the amount of people available for duty and with everyone but Sean in location plans were put in place for the sharing of mobile phones. However the morale meter was detected and once again it was deemed necessary to cause as little problem as possible writing the duty roster and Russell was promptly dispatched to another tropical paradise for the remainder of the year. For those of you who were wondering what happened to Sean, it can be reported that he reappeared not long ago looking tanned and refreshed after his cruise around northern Australia and has been busy extolling the virtues of clean skin wines.

Thankfully, throughout the year, the section was supported by other personnel from the remainder of 53 MP Pl, personnel from 21 PL, 2 MP Coy and personnel from, 3 MP Coy whose presence enabled Military Police support to be provided in a manner that has been appreciated not only by the members of 4 Section but the wider community of ARTC. A valued member of the section who also made his presence felt during the year was Luke our Army Reserve member who has helped plug a few holes.

The smart money is on continuing to make do with less rather than more for the remainder of the year with attendance at courses, leave, postings and support to ARTC all making for continued interesting times at the section. For those members at the section who are posted out at the end of the year thank you for your efforts throughout the year and to those who are posted into the section at the beginning of 2007 you'll be welcomed with open arms and a mobile phone.

Cheers from 4 Section, stay safe and all the best for the festive section.

Photo Gallery

ARTC Recruit Marchout Parade Motorcycle Escort

Kapooka MPs Patrol on the new BMW motorcycle

5 SECT (SIB) - Adelaide

Greetings to all and sundry, from the ‘City of Squashed Grapes' (Adelaide), as one of our Company's favourite son's once referred this fine city to, and although spending a large proportion of my younger years in this location, I tend to agree, although it would be a nice place????if it wasn't for the amount of Adelaidians living here.

This year has seen the departure of the self confessed ‘Busiest man in the Army' Steve (just Goggle his name and you'll know were he's coming from), who departed Adelaide, after three years in the SECT COMD's chair. For the unwary Steve has posted to the greener and lusher pastures of Albury-Wodonga in pursuit more PD2 Assessments and the eradication of criminal activity throughout the Training Command establishments of Bandiana.

In short, I would personally like to extend my thanks to ‘Hesh' for passing on his knowledge and expertise, and allowing me the opportunity to see beyond the realms of General Duty Military Policing and the Military Working Dogs, to which I had the pleasure of being employed within previously, and pursue a new career as an Investigator. Apart from Steve's posting, it has been business as usual with numerous late nights and weekend work, not to mention traffic accidents on base (how, I'll never know especially when driving at 30 km/h – but that explains Adelaide nicely), and the usual work load experienced by this section in the past, only with less manning than in previous years.

One thing of significance this year was relocating my office from the CPL INVST office to the SECT COMD office and in doing so staking claim to one of the biggest offices and office desks, any person in the ADF has, Generals inclusive I might add.

Also worthy of a mention was a quick fly in, fly out visit to the Sand Pit, baby sitting assisting Ruth in a heinous criminal investigation, the sort that cannot be mentioned without the appropriate ‘cone of silence' and to spend some quality days under the desert sun, tanning myself and meeting with the troops from AMTG-2. And for the record, all those who've had the pleasure of hearing Ruth's version of events, I was not removed from the Firing Range for ‘Unsafe Practices', rather for a faulty weapon. And to add to this, I distinctly recall achieving a much smaller group than Ruth, who in truth, was using her F88 as an area weapon. Anyhow, apart from this minor misunderstanding, this trip was worth every cent I was paid, although the tax man will probably think otherwise.

I've also had the privilege of forming part of the 5 MP Coy (SIB) team, which participated in the inaugural 1 MP Bn ‘BOOTS' competition held at Enoggera, Qld, and to the surprise of everyone outside of 5 MP Coy (SIB), we showed ‘em we don't just wear a suit and tie for a living.

On a more serious note, I would like to extend my thanks to the staff within my PHQ for their support and patience throughout the year. I would also like to pass on my thanks to the PLCOMD, PLSM and staff from 34 MP Pl, Warradale Barracks, SA for their continued support to this section, and for the short notice requests for assistance during the year.

In closing, I would also like to pass on my regards to all RACMP members, particularly those from 5 MP Coy (SIB) on deployments OS. Stay safe and we'll catch up for a brew or a beer, hopefully in the not too distant future.