Defence Magazine

Defence air shows are coordinated by the DCOORD Special Events Team.

DCOORD is the proverbial ‘somebody’ within Air Force who everybody talks about.
“Somebody should tell the minister about this.”
“Somebody organised this parade and fly-past.”
“Somebody should fix up this website.”
“Somebody should look at these uniforms.”

DCOORD is the somebody in all these scenarios, and many more. The duty statement reads simply enough, “direct support to the Chief of Air Force (CAF) and Deputy Chief of Air Force (DCAF) in their leadership of the Air Force.” This also encompasses responsibilities from liaison with Federal Parliament to Defence air shows, from funerals for those lost in action and only recently recovered to communications. DCOORD is also the ‘base squadron’ for AFHQ and provides administrative support to all other directorates within the headquarters.

Every time the Minister for Defence makes a public statement concerning Air Force, the ministerial liaison office within DCOORD has been involved. Some weeks that would be quite enough – there are already about 50 papers in progress after a fortnight back at work – but Air Force’s liaison with the Federal Government is much broader than that. Through DCOORD, Air Force is responsive to the Minister for Defence, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, preparing briefings for questions on notice and hot issues, arranging ministerial submissions and answering public correspondence received by the ministers on matters as diverse as C-17 basing, the amalgamation of the Air Force bands and personnel issues. DCOORD coordinates Air Force’s input to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade and various Senate Standing Committees, and Air Force participation in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Parliamentary Program, in which selected officers are outposted to Parliament and liaise directly with ministers and senators on Defence issues.

Of course, all the answers have to come from somewhere. To keep CAF and DCAF abreast of issues, the directorate coordinates and provides secretarial support to the Chief of Air Force Advisory Committee and the Air Force Capability Committee. Lately, these committees have focused on the details of the ‘Rebalance’ and ‘Reshape’ workforce projects and fleshing out the timelines for the delivery of our many new aircraft platforms. DCOORD also supports Air Force’s input to the principal Defence committees – the Chiefs of Service Committee and the Defence Committee – which support and advise the Chief of the Defence Force and Secretary. Air Force’s contribution to the Defence Annual Report and other reports to the Federal Government are also collated within DCOORD before submission to the Directorate of Statutory Reporting and Accountability.

But it’s not all committees and paperwork. The annual Defence Air Show program and Air Force’s participation in the biennial Australian International Air Show at Avalon, Victoria, are coordinated by the DCOORD special events team with the cooperation of local bases and flying squadrons. Spectacular F-111 ‘dump-and-burns’ at Brisbane’s Riverfire fireworks, and the Gold Coast Indy Car races, are facilitated by DCOORD. The Roulettes aerobatic team display for the 75^th anniversary of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is being arranged within the directorate. DCOORD also oversees the calendars of the Air Force bands, RAAF hot-air balloons and RAAF Museum to promote and cross-promote all Air Force events.

Delivery of the first C-17 Globemaster brought together the work of the Ministerial Liaison, Senior Air Force Committee Support, Ceremonial Events and Communications teams within DCOORD.
Photo by AC Aaron Curran

Ceremonial events such as the arrival of the new C-17 heavy airlifter and unveiling of the Air Force Memorial outside the Australian War Memorial, as well as hospitality for VIP guests at the Air Marshal’s Symposium, airmen-to-airmen talks and other conferences, are arranged by the directorate’s protocols and visits team. They also handle the VIPs and special observers from foreign air forces at major exercises, Defence air shows and other major events.

There are communication and reputation management responsibilities within Air Force too. The Air Force Annual, promotional posters, CAF newsletters, commanding officers’ mailing list and a range of Air Force products, aircraft brochures and stickers all originate within DCOORD. Air Force News contributions are commissioned and proofread. Unit caps and t-shirts are approved. Directorate staff manage both the Air Force intranet and internet websites, directly supporting every unit within Air Force to communicate with Defence as a whole and the general public. They also answer over 2000 public enquiry emails each year.

Air Force uniform issues are also handled by DCOORD. The uniforms team regularly liaise with the Defence Materiel Organisation and suppliers regarding improvements suggested by Air Force members, such as better uniforms for pregnant women, and the supply of uniform items, notably in the change-over from Combined Working Dress (blues) to Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniforms (cams) for working dress.

Think you did something outstanding that deserves recognition? DCOORD coordinates CAF and DCAF commendations and the Chief’s annual Proficiency and Leadership Awards. Working with Defence Honours and Awards, DCOORD staff also process nominations for Australia Day Medallions and the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday Honours Lists.

Somebody to investigate a World War II aircraft wreck in Papua New Guinea? DCOORD.

Somebody keeps busy handling all these issues for Air Force. New DCOORD Director, Group Captain Anne Borzycki, knows she has a big job ahead of her and her team, though nominates Air Force reputation management as a focus for 2007.

“Every member, every commanding officer and every unit plays a part in maintaining Air Force’s reputation”, she said.

“We need to ensure they understand that, and that they have the guidance and support they need to present the Air Force in the best light, whether at a barbeque with friends, on public transport or at a major air show, so our people and all Australians can feel proud of their Air Force.”

Defence

Air Force — Directorate Profile

And the band played for DCOORD – Air Force

The Directorate of Coordination (DCOORD) is arguably one of the most important, though least understood, units within Air Force Headquarters (AFHQ). Brian Farrelly explains.