Letters
to the Editor
Treatment
for reserve
As a part-time
member, I recently attended a week-long course held at Holsworthy.
During the course, I sprained my ankle and received the appropriate
medical attention including a referral for physiotherapy treatment.
On the completion of the course I attended my local RAP in an attempt
to organise this physiotherapy and obtain a further supply of painkillers.
The nurse in the RAP informed me that as I am not a full-time member
and/or not on full-time service, I am not entitled to medical treatment
from the ADF.
Instead I was informed that I had to submit a claim for rehabilitation
and compensation, and hope that it is accepted so I can be reimbursed
for visits to my own doctor and other treatment expenses.
As I only want my injury treated and managed to promote a quick and
full recovery, I find this process extremely tedious and frustrating.
So much for one Army!
Cpl Tim Curmi
32 MP Pl
Bandiana, Vic
Capt Andy Robertson, RAN, Director Joint Health Support Agency, responds:
Your correspondent has outlined recent circumstances where they
did not receive treatment as a reserve member.
Given the situation described, and assuming the injury occurred as part
of the Defence training, your reserve member should have received treatment
from the Regimental Aid Post.
Paragraph 9.(a) of DI(G) PERS 16-1 – Health Care of Australian
Defence Force Personnel, states that, for reserve members serving on
other than continuous full-time service, “Reservists will receive
health care for injury or illness resulting from their Defence service
until the transfer of the member into the military compensation scheme,
administered by DVA, is completed.”
This compensation claim must be submitted within a reasonable period
(paragraph 9.d.).
The entitlements for the provision of health care to all members of
the ADF is detailed in DI(G) PERS 16-1 – Health Care of Australian
Defence Force Personnel.
This DI(G) has been extensively revised over the last 18 months to clarify
the health care entitlements of reserve members.
This instruction has markedly broadened the entitlements of reserve
members, both on and off continuous full-time service, to health care
for conditions related to Defence service.
This is a major shift away from previous policies, which provided for
few health care entitlements to reservists, to a common set of entitlements
for members injured on duty, as espoused in the One Army philosophy.
The Defence Health Service (DHS) has a responsibility to provide quality
health care that is clinically appropriate to all members of the ADF,
a duty of care that appears not to have been appropriately exercised
on this occasion.
DHS has educated and will continue to educate all its health units on
their responsibility to provide health care, in accordance with the
DI(G), to our reserve members.
ARTC’s
BFA from RTI
I would like to reply to an article in Letters to the Editor ‘Fighting
fit furor’ July 31.
As a former Recruit Instructor I am sick of hearing how Kapooka is to
blame for every soldier that doesn’t meet the grade.
Members of units need to remember that recruit training is only 45 days
and in that time you have to turn a civilian into a basic soldier ready
for his/her IET, not train them ready to deploy overseas.
Cpl Knox should also get his facts correct, recruits are not required
to pass a BFA during recruit training, however, if a recruit fails their
Recruit Fitness Assessment (RFA) they are sent to Digger James Platoon
for remedial training until they have passed the RFA (although this
process may have changed since I was at ARTC).
Cpl Knox has also mentioned that the soldier has had 30 days to pass
the BFA (after his initial failure) and then a further 90 days, however,
still failed. So your unit has had this soldier for at least 120 days,
one would hope that someone has been tasked with ensuring that the training
program given to this young and inexperienced soldier by the
PTIs has been supervised by his chain of command, as even though it
is an individuals responsibility for their own fitness, we as supervisors
are still responsible for our soldiers – or is that Kapooka’s
fault as well?
ARTC has become an opportunity for anybody to be posted there as a Recruit
Instructor, if you think Kapooka is doing such a bad job Cpl Knox, speak
to your CM at SCMA and put your hand up for a posting there.
Sgt Darren Morley
AACC Trg Sgt
9 CSSB
Usual suspects
I was eager to read the list of recipients of the Centenary Medal to
see if I could recognise a mate or two amongst the “unsung heroes”.
It was more like a list of the “usual suspects” with the four
and three stars picking up yet another piece of candy to reward their
largely uncompensated efforts.
Throughout the remainder I could only recognise, unless old age has
defeated me, one WO2, no majors and no lieutenant-colonels.
Although these ranks do get a fair shake in other honours lists, these
guys and girls in training appointments and Grade 1 and 2 staff appointments
are the real trash haulers of the Army.
A little command intervention to ensure better, or any, representation
would have been welcomed.
In between sewing duties, perhaps this could still happen.
As to the acceptance or not of the medals by the higher-ups, I understand
that that the Beatles had no trouble returning their MBEs.
A similar setting of an example would be an inspiration to us all.
Lt-Col Christopher Chayko
CO 12/16HRL
Beersheba Barracks, Tamworth NSW
Healers restore faith
Over the past three months I have been in and out of hospital (2HSB
-Enoggera) for an ankle reconstruction closely followed by wisdom teeth
extraction.
The staff at 2HSB – mainly civillian, but a few members also, were
absolutely outstanding. In particular the theatre staff. I can not praise
their bedside manner enough.
They were all very calming, extremely helpful and all made my brief
but seemingly frequent stays absolutely the best they could be considering
the reasons for being there.
The ongoing treatment including physio has been fantastic.
Words fail me – but what I wish to do is publically say a really
big thanks to all the staff at 2 HSB Enoggera.You’ve all reinstalled
my faith in the ADF medical facility.
Cfn D.C. Strawbridge
2CER TST WKSP
Enoggera, QLD
Maternity debate
In response to Cpl Welch, maternity debate July 31. I too work with
civilians who work with Defence,who are guaranteed myriad benefits that
are bursting from the seams of the DECA.
In case you have forgotten, which I do not think you have, you are a
Defence member and as such you are subject to many arduous conditions.
Have a look in DI(G) Pers 36-3, Inherent requirements of service in
the ADF, or as you are in Canberra, arrange an appointment to see the
RSM-A, I believe he may have a copy to show and explain to you.
If not contact me and I will help you through it. As for advantages
for serving your country, let us think for a moment to find a few in
your personal situation.
Who is paying for the birth of your child, who has paid for all the
check ups, ultrasounds etc, Defence or your own private health fund?
Spread the money evenly over the six months and what do you know, six
months at half pay.
Part of being in the Army is taking responsibility for your own actions
WO2 Paddy McFarlane
LSD DMO,
Victoria Barracks,
Melbourne VIC
The
poor pay of clerks
I am responding to a letter to the Editor in Army, July 17, “Fair
days pay for RAINF” by WO2 Andrew. J. Emery, 12/40 RTR. In his
letter he stated that other corps may say “so what, I am a clerk
and I only get Pay Group 3.”
I would like to point out not all clerks are on Pay Group 3. Ordnance
clerks are paid Pay Group 2 until they have passed Subject 1 for Corporal,
been promoted and then complete Subject Four for Sergreant Supervisor
Clerical Administrator.
They then complete Intro to Roman, Accounts Payable, Intro to Resource
Management and Accounts Processing. This is the criteria for Pay Group
3.
I have no grudge about RAInf clerks getting Pay Group 4 for the amount
of work that they do, but I would like it noted that Ordnance Clerks
(Clerk Admin), as well as stewards, are the lowest-paid trained personnel
in the Army.
Pte Jeanette Love
HQ 1 Bde
Robertson Barracks, NT
Drop of water
I would like to respond to WO1 Golden’s letter about water charges
(Army, July 3).
WO1 Golden has essentially asked why members are paying excess water
charges during periods of water restrictions.
There are two aspects to this matter. First, what the water charge covers
and, second, the effect of water restrictions on water usage.
Late last year, the MQ excess water deduction on members’ salary
variation advices was amended to MQ water contribution. The reason for
this name change is more than cosmetic, and the title of the deduction
now reflects the actual nature of the deduction.
DHA, as the owner/manager of service residences, pays all water charges
in the first instance and recovers only that amount from Defence that
represents actual water usage by members.
Defence then recovers that amount from all members in service residences
by means of an averaged charge. The charge, which reflects the actual
water consumption in service residences nationally, is reviewed annually
along with the other accommodation-related allowances and charges.
Water restrictions have been in force for some time in many areas in
Australia. Consequently, the actual water usage by members in service
residences has fallen.
Of course, members must continue to use water, and it is necessary that
they continue to pay for the water that is used.
The annual review of accommodation-related allowances and charges has
just been completed and the water charge will be reduced from $4.90
per week to $3.80 per week with effect from August 28.
This reduction reflects the reduction in water usage during the previous
year and demonstrates the responsible attitude being taken by Defence
families in response to the water restrictions.’
Adrian Wellspring
Director Housing and Removals Policy
Campbell Park, ACT
Fit for the mission
I wish to reply to the letter in Edition 1079, July 31, relating to
the BFA by Cpl Knox of 1 Avn Regt.
Cpl Knox raised several points that require discussion. As a PTI in
a previous life, I feel I am qualified to respond.
The perception of being “flogged” at Kapooka and Singleton
during 1986 may be valid, PT during this time was robust, as were the
injuries associated with it.
We have moved on.
The singling out of personnel by wearing different dress on the basis
of failure to attain a certain standard does not comply with the Army
Rules for a Fair Go, Equity Policy or Codes of Conduct that I am aware
of.
A soldier is not “taught fitness” as a competency they are
merely compliant with command and direction.
Fitness as a knowledge competency appears (and only briefly) as an unassessed
component on the Subject One for
Corporal Course or more specifically on the Combat Fitness Leaders Course.
Fitness takes time to develop – Cpl Knox had the benefit of it
in 1986, however, it is a rare commodity in the current training process.
We, as an Army, spend more time learning how to iron our uniforms than
we allocate to developing individual fitness knowledge competency, therefore,
apart from individual motivation a soldier requires direction and leadership
to maintain fitness, as for most, it is an unnatural activity.
Cpl Knox is right when he asks the question “aren’t we training
people for war”? In what war do we fight in PT kit? I would ask
these questions in relation to the struggling soldier.
Had he performed assigned tasks on a field exercise during his first
year?
Did he participate in PT sessions, which were demanding and of longer
duration than a BFA? Does the soldier perform tasks assigned in barracks
satisfactorily? If so, the soldier has demonstrated mission-specific
fitness.
What relevance to a trained soldier is a BFA in this context?
For the first several years of my service life I did not have to pass
a basic fitness assessment but I did have to march, dig, lift, carry,
run, push, pull, participate in highly demanding field exercises and
complete the combat fitness assessment of the day.
Military fitness is about doing the job safely, efficiently and effectively,
individual fitness is paramount but must relate to the performance of
the mission.
Cpl Knox speaks of quality control of our product, rightly so, however,
we must not forget another one of our products is leadership –
should we require his commanders to wear a white shirt for this failure?
Capt Glenn Taylor
SO2 Clinical Governance
Joint Health Support Agency, Campbell Park, ACT
Hidden nasties
I refer to the SoSuper Article “When can you claim your super?”
in Army on July 3.
The article states that “the employer benefit, apart from the the
smaller productivity portion, grows at the rate of increases in the
Consumer Price Index (CPI).”
I recall when MSBS was introduced that this was to be increased with
Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). Is this an error in the
article or is this yet another change to MSBS without member consultation?
AWOTE traditionally increases at slightly better than CPI. A change
in indexation method to CPI would make the value of members super grow
slower and would disadvantage members, much like the many other changes
that have occurred since MSBS inception, (eg, change to preservation
age, change to preservation of member benefit).
MSBS showed a lot of promise when it was first introduced. Unfortunately
it has proven itself to be very susceptible to changes, often to the
members’ detriment, without member consultation or ascent.
Hindsight shows that DFRDB was a much better choice for those who intended
serving beyond 20 years, if only because it delivers what it promised
when the agreement was made (i.e, enlistment). Is it any wonder that
members view proposed changes to their conditions of service with scepticism.
One is left to ponder these new changes to the compensation system,
particularly what hidden nasties will surface in theyears to come.
Maj Richard Priestly
OC OSS, 1 Armd Regt
Robertson Barracks, NT
Another whistle and toot
After listening to a presentation on the new compensation scheme, I
can’t help thinking back to when a similar tour presented a “bells
and whistles” tour promoting the benefits of MSBS. I wonder how
many people are thinking “They won’t bring anything in that
is of benefit to me?” Time will tell I suppose.
WO2 J.T. Fardell
P&EE
Graytown, SA
Look into soldiers’ minds
I read with interest Cpl Sean Burton’s review of Jarhead [Incoming,
July 3] and I am concerned that the reveiw is so negative.
Yes, the book is a negative read and yes, the story is similar to every
soldier who has been on duty in a warlike environment, however, surely
every commander should read these types of books to gain an insight
into the soldier’s mind.
I remember doing, thinking of doing or watching other soldiers do what
the author talks about, and it was this book that reminded me of those
soldierly attributes that commanders are required to be aware of.
Sgt M.A. Mahoney, RAINF
Comms Wing – SOA
Puckapunyal, VIc
Acknowledgement due
In response to Capt Cam Thorley, Army, July 3.
Reserve Forces Day is there to acknowledge the commitment and service
provided to the ADF by part-time soldiers.
I have been a reserve soldier for 17 years. Reserve soldiers will work
a normal working week and give up their spare time to serve their respective
units and ultimately this country.
That special commitment is why we have a Reserve Forces Day.It remembers
those who served in the past and show pride in who and what we are now
and for the future.
The same reason we have Long Tan Day for the Vietnam veterans and Kapyong
day for Korean veterans. I am proud to be a reserve soldier and there
will never be One Army if attitudes like yours continue to exist.
LCpl Lindsay Elmore
11CSR
Jezzine Barracks, Townsville
