More Defence news: 04 February - 10 February 2008
| Chinook detachment returns to Afghanistan | Minister welcomes Navy Gap Year recruits | Senior soldiers reach milestones | Queensland Army Reserve soldiers on exchange | Regional recruiting goes west | Afghanistan on agenda during Ministerial visit | Induction display for Darwin soldiers | It's snow time in Afghanistan | Entertainers home after Timor tour | Concentration the key during Navy exercise | Defence active in eliminating Asbestos | Sydney Defence sites to switch off for Earth Hour | |
Chinook detachment returns to Afghanistan
In a farewell ceremony attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM, the aviators, loadmasters and technicians left to join the advance party and two CH-47 aircraft in the southern Afghanistan province of Kandahar. The squadron will be responsible for transport of coalition troops, heavy-lift of equipment and supplies, and medical evacuation. This is the second time the CH-47s have been used by Australian forces during Operation SLIPPER, with the aircraft undergoing upgrades and deep maintenance since the last rotation ended in April 2007. More: Read media release | Operation SLIPPER |
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Minister welcomes Navy Gap Year recruits
Minister Snowdon visited HMAS Cerberus in Victoria today, where the Gap Year participants are attending their initial training at the Navy’s Recruit School. “The Gap Year program is an incredible opportunity for young Australians to experience life in the ADF, and I hope to be able to speak with these recruits several times over the 12 months to track their progress, and to get their insights into both the ADF and Gap Year,” Minister Snowdon said. “These recruits are fully integrated into the regular recruit training system for 11 weeks, which will be followed by an appropriate posting ashore or to sea to ensure they are provided with a true and accurate understanding of what it takes to be a sailor in today’s Navy. “It is anticipated that some Gap Year participants will go on to serve in the ADF, and I am very encouraged to see that more than half of the successful Navy applicants are women,” he said. As part of this year’s Gap Year program, 100 participants will undertake Navy recruit training. The initial group of recruits come from all over Australia, including Bundaberg, Ashmore, Carrara, Kirwan, Narangba and Southport in Queensland; Oakden and Para Hills West in South Australia; Grafton in New South Wales; Traralgon and Dereel in Victoria; and Cottesloe, Mundaring, Yangebup and Kingsley in Western Australia. Gap Year is a program designed for recent school leavers or students, providing an opportunity to spend 12 months gaining valuable experience and skills in the Navy, Army or Air Force. There is no requirement for participants to continue to serve after the initial 12 month period, and recruits earn at least $30,000 for the year. This year’s ADF Gap Year is now full and applications for the 2009 program will open on 1 May 2008. More: Gap Year website | Read media release |
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Senior soldiers reach milestones
Vice-Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF) Lieutenant-General Ken Gillespie recently marked 40 years of service, while the Army's top soldier Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army (RSM-A) Warrant Officer Kevin Woods will retire on February 29 after a distinguished 34-year career. On reaching the 40-year milestone, Lt-Gen Gillespie said he has hardly noticed time pass since enlisting in Brisbane on January 15, 1968. "I worked hard to try and remain agile of thought and not become one of those generals who sits there, has no fresh ideas and revels in the good old days," he said. Warrant Officer Woods said he has had a "great 34 years in the Army" and wished to thank his family for their unrelenting support. "Being a corporal was the most fun because you were your own boss when it came to training and looking after your men. But being RSM-A was the best job because you had some input," said Warrant Officer Woods. |
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| 08 February - TODAY IN DEFENCE HISTORY 1841: Work began on the construction of Victoria Barracks, Sydney, using a labour force made up mostly of convicts. Early work was supervised by Lieutenant Colonel G.B. Barney, Royal Engineers. He was succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel James Gordon until the barracks was completed in 1848. 1937: RMC re-opened in new permanent buildings at Duntroon, Canberra. The College had been temporarily located at Sydney since 1931. 1942: Singapore Island (8-15 Feb 42) Japanese landed on Singapore Island during the night 8/9 Feb 1942, and were resisted Commonwealth forces, including the 8th Australian Division (22 and 27 Bdes). Virtually cut off from effective outside support, and with no air support the defeat was inevitable. The situation was exacerbated by the presence of the civilian population of the island who suffered greatly during the combat. 1974: Anniversary of commissioning for HMAS Betano. |
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| Possible WW1 remains found in France 07 February - The remains of up to 400 Australian and British soldiers who fought in the battle of Fromelles during July 1916 are believed to have been located. Not recovered by the battlefield clearance teams at the conclusion of World War One, it is possible that the remains are still buried at the site near Fromelles, France. A limited excavation of the possible burial site will take place in April this year to determine whether the remains are those of the WWI soldiers and the quantity and condition of the remains. The site was located by the Friends of the Fifteenth Brigade Association, led by Mr Lambis Englezos. More: Read media release |
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| Queensland Army Reserve soldiers on exchange 07 February - Soldiers from the 9th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment (9RQR) will head to New Zealand this weekend as part of a reciprocal training exercise. Exercise Tasman Reserve will see more than 100 Army Reserve members undertake two weeks of demanding training with members of the New Zealand Army’s Territorial Force. And while the Australian soldiers are honing their skills in New Zealand, 9RQR will host members of the New Zealand Army for training at Canungra, near the Gold Coast. Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel David Thomae said the exercise provides a first-rate opportunity to work alongside one of Australia’s closest allies. “Exercise Tasman Reserve is an annual exchange program aimed at strengthening the interoperability and relations between the two countries, and it’s great for Army Reserve soldiers to challenge themselves at this level,” Lieutenant Colonel Thomae said. “It offers soldiers from the Australian Army Reserve the opportunity to gain a working knowledge of their New Zealand counterparts, and have a great military and life experience,” he said. |
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| 07 February - TODAY IN DEFENCE HISTORY 1902: MAJGEN Hutton, C-in-C AMF approved the original design of the 'Rising Sun' badge. The insignia of the Australian Army has undergone a number of modifications the last being in 1991. The badge has become an integral part of all Australian Army uniforms. 1917: Australian Army Reserve formed |
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| Regional recruiting goes west 06 February - Defence will take its recruitment drive to regional centres in Western Australia next week to educate high school students about military careers at schools in Dalwallinu, Morawa, Tardun, Mullewa, Geraldton, Dongara, Jurien Bay and Moora. The two uniformed staff will present careers advice sessions to teachers and students at these schools from 11-15 February 2008, and will also host an evening information session at the Army Reserve Depot at Geraldton. The visit is part of the extensive program of regional and suburban visits by the Defence Force Recruiting Centre in Perth in its role of providing information about job opportunities in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). More: Defence Jobs website |
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| Afghanistan on agenda during Ministerial visit 06 February - Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon will arrive in Lithuania today for meetings with officials from other International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) nations to discuss the future of Afghanistan. The Regional Command (South) Ministerial meetings will provide a chance to discuss a broad range of issues concerning the country’s long-term progress. “The meetings in Vilnius will provide me with the opportunity to reiterate Australia’s concerns regarding the requirement for a broader, more integrated approach to reconstruction, rehabilitation and economic development in southern Afghanistan,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. “I look forward to the opportunity to assess NATO’s progress towards developing a coherent and long-term strategy for the future peace and stability of Afghanistan,” he said. Minister Fitzgibbon said the Australian Government had recently committed to maintaining its troop presence in the country, with an increased focus on training the Afghan Army. “Our strategy seeks to strengthen Afghanistan’s institutions, particularly accelerating the capability growth of the Afghan National Security Forces, improving living conditions, and eliminating the narcotics trade,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. More: Read media release | Minister's website |
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| Induction display for Darwin soldiers 06 February - New Darwin-based soldiers will be treated to a special exhibition today at Robertson Barracks, designed to introduce them to working and living in the Top End. With more than 700 new soldiers being posted to Robertson Barracks this year, today’s event will showcase some of the most impressive equipment used by Darwin-based units, including Armoured Personnel Carriers, an Abrams Tank, a Kiowa Helicopter and Satellite Communication gear. The new soldiers will also have the opportunity to meet with local education, government, sporting and community organisations, in order to give them a better idea about the activities and support available to them in their new home city. |
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It's snow time in Afghanistan
They have diligently taken to their latest mission to secure a northern region of the Oruzgan Province in the Chora Valley, where snow-covered mountains and intricate river systems also present a challenge. Afghan locals however, have warmed to the Australian presence with offerings of bread, fresh eggs and the occasional carton of cigarettes for the poor smoker who always seems to run out. But with the weather against them, the Aussies have quickly made their mark by giving much-needed assistance to the construction of a new Afghan National Army Base. Below, Australian troops, in their own words, tell how it is in the Chora Valley, a former Taliban strong-hold: Lieutenant Gavin Vague - Officer Commanding Cavalry Troop “The Cavalry elements operating in Chora have been involved in nearly every mission launched since arriving in late December. The crews of the ASLAV have demonstrated their reliability and commitment to the conduct of security operations under the most extreme of weather conditions. The vehicles have stood up to the arduous terrain and have proven to be the most durable of mobile assets at the disposal of the Combat Team. The diversity of roles and tasks performed by the Cavalrymen in these conditions is testament to the professionalism of the Australian soldier.” Lieutenant Ben Watson, Infantry Platoon Commander “The joint patrols with the Afghan National Army (ANA) and their Dutch mentoring team, have been very successful. It has been excellent opportunity for our soldiers to work with the ANA and improve their skills whilst also showing the local population that Coalition Forces are successfully working together within the Oruzgan Province. It is also a great opportunity for the Australians to improve the security of the region and concurrently provide protected reconstruction for our engineers.” Warrant Officer Class Two Kevin Haley Combat Team Spear “The weather has been very trying for the blokes, when we first arrived at Chora the weather was excellent for conducting operations, but by the end of the second week we had received significant snowfall limiting our mobility which has definitely been something different for the blokes. I can safely say none of them have worked in the snow with temperatures well below zero before - it’s very different from High Range this time of year.” Captain Mark A. McCall, US Army Police Mentor Team Chora Liaison “As an old Paratrooper, I have worked with US Army Rangers, and US Army Special Forces, and I cannot begin tell you how impressed I have been with the soldiers of the RTF. They are highly motivated, well trained, disciplined, physically fit and professional. I would go anywhere with them. They have taken good care of me.” Major John Daunt, Officer Commanding (Acting) Combat Team Spear "Critical to the success of the RTF in Chora is support from the local community. Continual presence through dismounted patrolling by our infantry has been challenging in the Afghan winter but has been essential in maintaining security in the area. Interaction with the local community through patrols, meetings, medical clinics and construction projects have forged a bond with the Afghan people and given us the local knowledge to maintain security in the Chora area.” More: Imagery | Read media release | Operation SLIPPER |
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| 06 February - TODAY IN DEFENCE HISTORY 1917: Captain H.W. Murray, VC. Captain Murray, 4th Division, originally from Launceston, Tasmania, wins the Victoria Cross at Stormy Trench north-east of Gueudecourt, France. |
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| Entertainers home after Timor tour 05 February - Entertainers from the 12th Tour de Force have returned to Australia after eight action-packed days in Timor-Leste. Krystal Forscutt of Big Brother fame; multi-award winning country music star Paul Costa; comedian Fred Lang; and the all-female punk rock group “Legless” overcame torrential rain and intense heat to provide a series of high-energy concerts to Australian Defence Force personnel in Dili and remote areas of Timor-Leste. From forward operating bases in Baucau and Gleno to Camp Phoenix in Dili the concerts received rave reviews from the troops. For the entertainers it was a rare opportunity to gain an insight into the lives of our troops deployed overseas. “I found the trip to be such an amazing experience; it was certainly an eye opener,” said crowd favourite Krystal Forscutt, who was not only MC for the tour but performed three well-received duets with Paul Costa at each concert. “I now have a far better understanding of their jobs and responsibilities and also a lot more appreciation. It was great to put a smile on their faces,” she said. Paul Costa said it was an unforgettable experience. “The response from the troops was fantastic. I was blown away by how friendly and appreciative they were of us coming over here,” he said. More: Imagery | Operation ASTUTE | Forces' Entertainment |
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Concentration the key during Navy exercise
During the period a number of exercises will be conducted in waters off Townsville, QLD, and Jervis Bay and Eden on the NSW south coast. Participating will be five RAN Landing Craft Heavy ships, with HMNZS Canterbury and French Landing Ship Jacques Cartier taking part. Assets from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Australian Army will also participate. Highlights of Sea Lion 08-2 will include Landing Ship Heavy (LSH) HMAS Tobruk undertaking a beach landing. In waters in and around Jervis Bay on the south coast of NSW, RAN mine countermeasure skills will be practiced in Exercise Mulgogger. Five Huon Class Mine Hunters alongside Australian Clearance Diving Teams (AUSCDT) One and Four will be tasked to sweep and neutralise mock enemy mines in realistic scenarios. More: Read media release |
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| Defence active in eliminating asbestos 05 February - Under the Asbestos Management Program, Defence is working towards eliminating Chrysotile items from its inventory. Defence has been granted a three-year extension to the annual exemption process. Because of the unique nature of military platforms, Defence cannot fully meet the requirements of the Australian Government’s ban on the use of Chrysotile. Chrysotile is present in aviation and land platforms including C-130 Hercules, F-111, Caribou and Mk127 Lead-in Fighter. Where possible, safe alternative, non-Chrysotile components are sought, but this is not always possible. The extension will make sure that these platforms do not face the risk being grounded or prematurely withdrawn from service, impacting on capability. Defence has gone to considerable lengths to meet the terms of the Chrysotile ban, with mission-critical items containing asbestos in the Defence inventory being reduced by 60 per cent since 2004. More: Asbestos in Defence fact sheet |
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Sydney Defence sites to switch off for Earth Hour
‘Earth Hour’ is a campaign designed to help inspire action on climate change, with the first ‘Earth Hour’ taking place in Sydney in March last year. On that night, 2.2 million Sydney residents and more than 2000 businesses switched off their lights to show their support for the initiative. This year’s ‘Earth Hour’ is going global, with cities around the world including Tel Aviv, Chicago, Toronto and Copenhagen taking part. More: Earth Hour website |
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| 04 February - TODAY IN DEFENCE HISTORY 1945: Yalta Conference. Conference between President Roosevelt, Marshall Stalin and Prime Minister Churchill to determine the shape of post-war Europe. |
