JAN/FEB/MAR/APR 09

ARMY SCHOOL OF TRANSPORT FORMED!

Background

In August 2006, the Training Command Capability Committee (TCCC) agreed to an ALTC Capability Enhancement Proposal to reorganise ALTC on a more practical basis with a combination of corps aligned and effect-based schools. This decision was ratified by Chief of Army Senior Advisers group (CASAG ) in 2007. So on 30 November 2008, a de-linking Parade took place and the reorganisation of ALTC, into the establishment of four corps aligned trade schools (Army School of Transport, Army School of Ordnance, Army School of Health, and Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) emerged. HQ ALTC, Army School of Logistic Operations and the Development Group remain unchanged.

The Commanding Officer of each school will have additional responsibilities as the Deputy Head of Corps (DHOC) and each RSM will be Corps RSM of their respective Corps. This structure will allow each CO, RSM and supporting staff to better control specific Corps management and capability development issues.

Endstate

The reorganisation of ALTC sees essential command, control and capability development responsibilities to corps-aligned CO/DHOC, while still retaining the benefits of an effects-based Army School of Logistic Operations. This structure best supports the development of the logistic aspects of the Enhanced Land Force.

The Army School of Transport (AST)

The Army School of Transport (AST) is unique for its complex structure a wide range of training. The School HQ is located in Bandiana but its Wings are in Townsville and Puckapunyal. Collectively the AST trains up to 1800 soldiers and officers annually.

Maritime Wing (MW)

Maritime Wing delivers RACT and RAEME Marine trade, professional and promotional training through a wide variety of courses. This training includes Marine operations, Marine Engineering, Movements, Postal and Terminal Operations courses to both soldiers and officers.

Road Transport Wing (RTW)

Road Transport Wing consist a of seven driver training tps including one civilian driver training tp. RTW delivers trade, professional and promotional training for RACT personnel as well as driver training for all Corps, including basic and advanced driver training on a wide variety of vehicles.

FIRST RECIPIENT OF THE CAPTAIN PETER MCCARTHY RACT AWARD

On 12 Jan 1988, Captain Peter 'Bags' McCarthy RACT was killed whilst on service with UNTSO when his jeep was blown up by a landmine during a patrol in southern Lebanon. To mark the 20th anniversary of his passing and to recognise Peter's service and ultimate sacrifice, Mrs Sue McCarthy agreed to the proposal to name the Perpetual RACT prize at RMC Duntroon in his honour. The HOC extended an invitation to Mrs Sue McCarthy to present the award for the first time at the RACT Lanyard Ceremony on 10 Dec 07.

The 2007 Captain Peter McCarthy Award was presented to SCDT Jeremy Mar Fan who is posted to 10 FSB. Many congratulations.