By Lt-Col Andrew Hastie
ARMY has a new command and control structure for Army Aviation.

HQ 16 Bde (Avn) has been formed by the amalgamation of the Aviation Support Group and Commander Divisional Aviation staff to become the latest addition to Land Command.

Apart from HQ, 16 Bde (Avn) comprises 1 Avn Regt, 5 Avn Regt, the ACDG and the Aviation Support Group Workshops.

16 Bde (Avn) Commander Brig Robert Walford said raising the Brigade came as a result of acknowledging that organisational changes within Defence required the Aviation Support Group to adapt if it was to continue to fulfill its mission.

Major factors in the change were weaknesses in the command and control structure of Army aviation and the need to prepare for the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter.

Brig Walford said combining aviation technical control, logistic management, safety and operational command would improve the operational command and technical management of Army’s aviation capability.

“It will also assist aviation units in their assigned missions. An important aspect of this will be the ability to deploy an aviation force command element and planning staff on operations as part of DJFHQ,” he said.

He said Bde HQ would be located at Enoggera Barracks because it was the best location to command the brigade and to manage the introduction of the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter and Additional Troop Lift helicopter.

This means that 20 HQ 16 Bde (Avn) staff positions would move from Oakey to Enoggera during the next 18 months to join the eight that have already moved.

Standards Branch and the Aviation Capability Development Group would remain at Oakey.

Brig Walford said other changes were in the wind for the brigade.

1 Avn Regt is to relocate into $75 million purpose-designed facilities at Robertson Barracks at the end of 2004 with 161 Recce Sqn (moving from RAAF Base Darwin) and 162 Recce Sqn (from Lavarack Barracks).

173 Surveillance Sqn (the Army’s fixed wing aircraft squadron) will remain at Oakey with 171 Op Spt Sqn until the future of the Iroquois is decided.

5 Avn Regt will remain in Townsville.

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