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Side story: Survelliance success

Air Force logistics is an essential element of combat capability, and a robust framework for improving the delivery of logistics support is paying dividends.

One key element of this framework is the Logistics Workforce Sponsorship Section (LOGSPON) which focuses on the uniformed workforce.

It is now evident that during the 1990s some elements of logistics support for Air Force capabilities had been compromised. The Air Force Logistics Campaign was launched in March 2003 to redress identified deficiencies, and the creation of the LOGSPON formed part of the organisational response.

LOGSPON section manages those issues affecting the expertise, morale, effectiveness and sustainability of the Air Force's uniformed Logistics Employment Group. This group covers the Logistics Officer specialisation (LOG) as well as the musterings of Clerk Supply (CLKSPLY), Supplier (SPLR) and Cook, and their counterparts in the Air Force Reserve, including Motor Transport Driver.

Tasks may include submissions on pay levels to the Employment Category Review Committee, reviews of occupational specifications, employment category structural reviews and recommendations to the Directorate of Personnel - Air Force on applications from personnel requesting a transfer or reenlistment to the RAAF.

LOGSPON section is not responsible for unit organisational structures or establishments. The sponsor also does not have any executive authority for promotions, postings or career management.

Outcomes delivered so far include:

  • In a first for Air Force, Logistics Officer and Supply Trades Career Handbooks were developed and issued in 2004.
  • Career Progression Models have been developed for CLKSPLY and SPLR to ensure closer and more deliberate management of careers for these two trades. The models aim to multi-skill the members across a range of different employment areas and to provide for more equitable promotion opportunities for all members.
  • The revised occupational specifications for SPLR and CLKSPLY have been approved by DLSA-AF. This in turn is driving a review of initial and postgraduate training for these trades, which is ongoing.
  • New executive and advanced courses were developed for Logistics Officers.

Tasks for 2005:

  • Conduct a structural and demographic review of the Logistics Officer specialisation to identify any imbalances. This will also include the development of a career progression model.
  • Review health status of the Logistics Employment Group, including review of strength versus Constrained Establishment, and identify any issues that may impact on retention.
  • Develop and progress pay cases for SPLR, CLKSPLY and COOK that recognise the significant changes to employment profiles of these musterings in the past 10 or more years.
  • Develop a plan for implementation of Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) into the SPLR and CLKSPLY trades. The complexity of the two trades requires a phased approach to CBTA implementation to ensure a successful outcome across a wide range of duties and employment locations.

LOGSPON also manages the logistics professional development program which sponsors logistics oriented tertiary courses, professional association membership and attendance at related seminars for members.

LOGSPON can be accessed on the web via this address: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/Sites/LSA-AF/

Points of Contact

Key personnel at LOGSPON for 2005 are as follows:

  • SQNLDR Ross Hall is responsible for issues affecting Logistics Officers and may be contacted on (02) 6266 5204
  • SQNLDR Jane Wheaton is responsible for issues affecting the trades of the LEG and may be contacted on (02) 6266 5272.
  • WOFF Rick Wilkens is the Senior Mustering Advisor for CLKSPLY and may be contacted on (02) 6266 5508.
  • WOFF Geoff Raymond is the Senior Mustering Advisor for SPLR and may be contacted on (02) 6266 5566
  • WOFF Wayne Dicks is the Senior Mustering Advisor for COOK, and is part of the Combat Support Group (CSG) and may be contacted on (07) 5461 403
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Survelliance success

The first combined military exercise with Indonesia since 1999 has ended successfully, with Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion crews completing a week of maritime surveillance missions with their Indonesian counterparts.

ALBATROS AUSINDO was held from 10 to 16 April at Ngurah Rai Air Force base on the island of Bali. Missions conducted during the exercise demonstrated the interoperability between the two forces.

"Exercises such as ALBATROS AUSINDO demonstrate our commitment to maritime security and provide us with tremendous opportunities to further develop the relationship between our two countries," Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston said.

"The performance of our Surveillance and Response Group (SRG) personnel during the exercise was outstanding.

"The opportunity to work and train with their counterparts in the Indonesian Air Force was invaluable and their professionalism, dedication and selfless commitment to teamwork is a real credit to the Air Force.

"We are looking forward to similar opportunities in the future in particular the upcoming exercise Kakadu, and other ongoing opportunities." AIRMSHL Houston said.

Other activities designed to broaden defence cooperation between the two countries included the exchange of capability briefings, a formal parade and other cultural and social activities.

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