Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper

Dealing with media enquiries

DEFENCE is asking families of deployed members to exercise caution when dealing with civilian media, to ensure the continued safety of deployed Australian troops.

While family members are free to deal with civilian media, they are encouraged to seek advice from a Military Public Affairs Officer or the relevant PACC Public Affairs Regional Manager.

It is essential that family members do not inadvertently disclose their surnames, residential addresses and details about deployed ADF members and their operational roles and locations (other than ‘the Middle East’).

Any Defence members approached directly by civilian media should make themselves aware of the contents of DI(G) Admin 08-1 Public comment and dissemination of information by Defence members.

Messages to the troops

MEMBERS of the ADF and the public can show their support to deployed personnel through a message service set up by Defence.

People can send fax or e-mail messages, which will then be collated and sent in hard copy form to personnel serving away from home.

The free call fax number is 1800 643 938 and the e-mail address for letters is:
messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au

Further details about the initiative can be found on the Defence web site at www.defence.gov.au

Military mail to Op Falconer:

Parcels that weigh under 1kg are free. Break down a package into kilo lots or pay the full cost for parcels that are more that 1kg.
Lodge your mail with your ID for no delays in delivery to Op Falconer.
Correctly and fully complete the customs declaration form that is required on all overseas parcels.

If you have any enquires about mail going to friends and family on Op Falconer, don’t hesitate to ask your local ADF post office – they are friendly and ready to help.

Find out the latest news

KEEPING up with the latest news on the Iraq situation is now possible through Defence News Online (DNO).

DNO is a customised news service available through the Defence Library Service (DLS) Portal on the Defweb.

DNO is an Internet-based service that scans more than 8000 major national and international newspapers, Defence and business publications from more than 118 different countries and 120 continuously updated newswires 24 hours a day.

The news is sorted into topics called ‘Tracks’, through framed searched developed by Defence librarians in consultation with Defence personnel.

To access the Iraq Breaking News track on DNO, go to the DLS Portal (http://library.dcb.defence.gov.au) and click on Defence News Online.