Cfn George Russell, ACT Workshops, is breathlysed with a standard blood alcohol testing machine, provided by the Australian Federal Police. Random alcohol testing is to be introduced into the Australian Army from July 1. Photo by Cpl Belinda Mepham, Army newspaper

SOLDIERS can expect to face random and targeted alcohol testing in the near future, following the imminent release of a Defence Instruction on alcohol testing in the ADF.

Challenge met with increased funding
- Budget 2003

The Government will increase spending on Defence by $2.1 billion over the next five years from 2002-03 to meet the challenges of the changed strategic environment and the increased tempo of ADF operations, Defence Minister Robert Hill said on May 13.

Reserve comes of age

Army reservist Capt Ian Toohill visits A Coy, 5/7RAR, as its tour of duty in East Timor – as the first reserve combat sub-unit to serve on operational duty since WW2 – comes to an end.

Think tanks

THE trend in arms-corps training is moving away from corps-specific training and leaning towards all soldiers with specific combat requirements – this is the message from the School of Armour’s 2IC Maj Robert McLaren during a recent interview with Army.

Fire fights in Iraq's desert

WITH the ground campaign over, details have been made public of how the SASR fought and won in the deserts of western Iraq, achieving their mission without losing a member.

Pleasure domes amid the poverty

BAGHDAD, Iraq May 2, 2003 – Seeing television, newspaper and magazine images of Saddam's palaces is one thing. Seeing them in real life is something else.

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