LATEST
AUCTION OF RACT BADGES
For the RACT Badge Number Current Bid List as at 1400 15 May 08, please click the link below. Next update Tuesday 18 May 2008.
RACT BADGE NUMBER CURRENT BIDS AS AT 151400MAY08
Background
The Corps Committee agreed to a Subscription Incentive Scheme where all members subscribing to RACT Corps Funds would be entitled to a RACT badge. It will come with a registered number and an automatic entry into the annual badge draw which will be conducted at the Corps Conference. The Cash Prize will be based on the % of Corps Subscribers at the start of the year.
It is intended that subscription and RACT badge will be offered at the ALTC to all RACT soldiers attending promotion and IET courses and Officers attending the LOBC. Other RACT personnel and associations can obtain a registered RACT badge by completing the proforma contained within a revised CPS no 5 which will be promulgated shortly.
Auction of Badge Numbers
Do you have a number that is of significance to you? If so, you should take part in the RACT Badge Number Auction to secure the Badge number you want!
Co-ordination details for the auction are:
- Individuals must be a financial member at the time of the draw to be eligible to bid.
- Auction will be listed on the RACT Intranet Web page commencing 1 May 08.
- Auction will run for one month with the final bid closing on 1 Jun 08. Bid Updates will be promulgated by email weekly then every 24hrs during the last week.
- Winners of the numbers will be notified within 24hrs and their badge forwarded accordingly.
- Bids will start at $10.00 and rise in increments of $1.
-Bids are to be sent via e-mail to: fiona.king@defence.gov.au. Please state clearly; Rank, name and unit (incl postal address) and contact tel number. Additionally state the number you are bidding for and your Bid.
Terms and Conditions
In accordance with amendment to CPS No 5 those members who pay annual subscriptions must be financial members with effect 1 June each year, exception will be 2008 where members must be financial members by no later than 12 Aug 08.
In accordance with CPS No 5, annex G, para 13, the Corps committee reserves the right to withdraw and reissue badges for members who cease their financial membership.
HRH PRINCESS ALICE BANNER TO BE LAID UP AT THE ARMY MUSEUM BANDIANA
The RACT Corps Committee reviewed the poll taken regarding the final resting place of the HRH Princess Alice Banner and decided that it will be laid up at the Army Museum Bandiana. This will occur on the presentation of a new banner and on the condition that there is no change in policy from AHQ on where a banner may be finally laid.
BEST ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPH COMPETITION
CASH PRIZES FOR BEST ARTICLES/PHOTOGRAPHS
CPS 42 - The Corps Recognition Scheme has been amended to include a change in the cash prize allocation for the Best Essay/Article and a new award for the best photograph published in the Australian Army Transport Journal (AATJ).
Best Essay/Article
The objective of this award is to stimulate the professional development of RACT members by encouraging them to research, prepare and submit essays /articles for publication.
Best - $125, 2nd $ 75, 3rd $50
Best Photograph - a New Award!
The aim of the RACT Best Photograph Award is to encourage unit PR Officers to capture their activities on image. It is intended that the best photograph will make a suitable front cover of the AATJ with the other the other prize photographs published in the AATJ's centrespread. ,
Best - $100, 2nd $ 50, 3rd $25
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DEADLINE FOR 2008 AATJ ESSAYS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
18 AUGUST 2008
2009 ARA COMMANDING OFFICER AND RSM LIST
The Chief of Army has selected the following RACT ARA command and RSM appointments WEF 21 Jan 09:
LTCOL J. Walk 7 CSSB
LTCOL A. Constantine JLU(N)
WO1 J.W. Carthew RSM 9 Bde
WO1 L Foster RSM 17 Bde
WO1 A.J. Irwin RSM Ceremonial Sydney
WO1 J.S.B. Armstrong RSM Ceremonial Hobart
WO1 W.A. Le Lievre RSM AST
WO1 G.E. Barron RSM QUR
WO1 P.T. Bodsworth RSM 9 FSB
WO1 D.M. Maher RSM 11 CSSB
WO1 D.L. Craker RSM 2 FSB
Congratulations are extended to the above members from HOC and the members of the RACT.
9 FSB INAUGURAL PARADE COMMEMORATING THE OPENING OF VUNG TAU LINES - 29 MAR 08
On 29 Mar 08 9th Force Support Battalion's brand new purpose built lines were officially opened at Amberley by the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Mr Mike Kelly AM, MP and the Land Commander Australia, Major General Mark Kelly, AO. The official ceremonies commenced at 0900 h with the opening of the Bob Andrae Training Centre by Mrs Sandra Andrae and Brigadier Saul. The Bob Andrae Training Centre is named after Lieutenant Colonel Vernon Robert (Bob) Andrae who served as Officer Commanding 26 Transport Squadron and Commanding Officer 9th Transport Regiment (the predecessor unit of 9th Force Support Battalion). Lieutenant Colonel Andrae was the driving force in acquiring the first 26 Transport Squadron camel mascots Penny and Vernon.
The Battalion's first parade in Amberley commenced at 1100 h and included the firing of a fue-de-joie and the flyover of a C-17 and F-111 from RAAF Amberley. The parade was very well attended by the entire RACT Corps Committee, all previous Commanding Officers and Regimental Sergeant Majors of 9th Force Support Battalion, 64 previous members of the RACT/RAAOC/RAASC, many families and friends, and a number of local and Army dignitaries.
At the conclusion of the parade a Buffet Lunch was held at the Congo Club for all parade participants and guests. The standard and variety of food was excellent, and the hard work of our AACC brethren was appreciated by all.
After 20 odd years in the planning, the Battalion has finally relocated the Headquarters and 9 Logistic Support Company from Randwick, 26 Transport Squadron from Puckapunyal, and the newly raised 37 Force Supply Company from Townsville. Significant work has been completed by many officers and soldiers of over those twenty years, including the initial scoping paper written by a Major David Saul.
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Andy Fidge wishes to publicly thank three officers in particular for their efforts over the more recent planning years: Colonel Tony Hambleton for ensuring the project received funding and was started, Lieutenant Colonel Mick Ashleigh as Commanding Officer 2006-7 for his liaison and guidance during the construction phase, and Lieutenant Colonel Mick Cullen as the Relocation Project Officer who oversaw every detail in the building of the new Vung Tau Lines.
JAN/FEB/mar/apr 08
AERRC
The second round of the Army Expansion and Rank Retention and Completion (AERRC) bonus was launched on 3 March 2008. There are 1864 eligible people in this final round of offers.
The bonus aims to encourage experienced CPLs, SGTs, CAPTs and MAJs to commit to four more years of service.
The bonus includes an initial upfront retention payment of $10,000 to commit to an additional year of service in the ARA commencing from 1 March 2008 followed by a completion payment of $30,000 for those who complete a further three year's service. A high participation rate in this scheme will significantly reinforce other retention efforts at a time when our workforce needs to grow strongly and in accordance with Army's ambitious plans.
It is important to remember that the AERRC bonus is just one of a suite of retention initiatives that DGPERS-A is pursuing to retain soldiers at critical separation points. The Army Critical Employment Category Retention (CECR) Bonus, the Army Trade Transfer bonus and the Army Military Instructor Allowance are all ongoing initiatives to ensure that Army can grow and meet the required needs of HNA and ELF. Whilst some of these initiatives have limited funding they are presently accessible while major remuneration and conditions of service improvements are developed and implemented as quickly as possible.
Members can access further information on any of the above retention initiatives from the Stay Army website. There are 'Frequently Asked Questions' loaded on the site and an email address for any unanswered questions that members may have: milpersadmin.army@defence.gov.au.
RACT MEMBERS HONOURED IN THE 2008 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
The Head of Corps wishes to congratulate the following members whose outstanding military service was recently recognised in the 2008 Australia Day Awards:
Conspicuous Service Cross
Major George Witold KOSCIUSZKO - for outstanding achievement as the Operations Officer of the Defence National Storage and Distribution Centre, particularly in the provision of logistic support to operations.
Major Wayne Leslie REED - for outstanding achievement as Acting Officer Commanding, Joint Movements Control Office Townsville and Officer Commanding Joint Movements Control Office Darwin.
Conspicuous Service Medal
Warrant Officer Class Two Richard Thomas TASSELL - for meritorious achievement as Wharf Master at the 10th Force Support Battalion.
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.
Key Personnel and Contacts
CO AST /DHOC LTCOL Sid Alexander 02 6055 2230
2IC AST MAJ Barbara Kruse 02 6055 2930
RSM/CRSM WO1 Jeff Carthew 02 6055 2260
OPSO CAPT Josh Prucha 02 6055 2865
OPSWO WO2 B Hart 02 6055 4067
OC MW MAJ D. Stables 07 4753 6401
OC RTW MAJ W. Carman 03 5735 6946
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.