Fair hearing
Pay groups for infantry clerks and storemen fixed
MORE than 400 infantry combat clerks and storemen have gained greater financial stability after a Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) handed down its decision on December 11, ending several years of uncertainty.

Watch out, armour
First Javelin instructors qualify at School of Infantry
The first M98A1 Javelin training course for the School of Infantry's Direct Fire Weapons team has marked an important step towards the introduction into service in 2005 of the Army's newest anti-armour weapon.

Anzac heritage affirms Op Anode success
CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy has thanked the New Zealand Army for its vital contribution to the success of Op Anode.

AASAM 2003
Run fast, shoot straight and that's exactly what a sergeant from the School Of Infantry did better than anyone else.

Control welcomed
FUN, festivities and a dash of training hailed in the Army's newest unit, as 6ESR officially celebrated its presence within Land Command and the order of battle at its Gallipoli Barracks home in Brisbane.

SAD happily home
HMAS Tobruk's recent return to Sydney from south-east Asia ended a busy year not only for its sailors, but also for the 15 members of the Ships Army Detachment (SAD) onboard.

More leave for APS reserves
ADF Reservists in the Australian Public Service will be entitled to special leave under new workplace arrangements announced on December 2.

ICB eligibility tightened by infantry corps
Original intent of badge to be preserved
REVISIONS have been made to the policy on awarding the Infantry Combat Badge (ICB) to clarify eligibility issues.

How to stay safe travelling on leave
THE Defence Safety Management Authority (DSMA) is sponsoring a scheme to help ADF personnel travelling over the Christmas leave period.

DoG Cup comeback
THE prestigious Duke of Gloucester (DoG) Cup has been won by 1RAR after a five-year break in the competition.

Top soldier moves on
RSM-A WO Brian Boughton retires in January
JUNIOR leadership and the small team are keys to the Army's future success according to RSM-A, WO Brian Boughton, who retires in January.

First female to 500
A PARACHUTE Jump Instructor (PJI) from PTS recently became the first female to achieve 500 military descents; a milestone most male paratroopers will never reach.

Bringing out the best in leaders
OFFICER training and promotion will significantly change when the All Corps Officer Training Continuum (ACOTC) is introduced in March 2004.

Christmas Messages
At the end of one of the busiest years I can remember for our Defence Force, I want to send you my best wishes for the festive season and a heartfelt "well done" to all of you for your terrific work this year, whether deployed on operations or providing vital support at home.
CDF Gen Peter Cosgrove

Merry Christmas from ARMY

Becoming bullet proof
NEW, reinforced helmets and body armor being fielded to the US military represent just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what's on the drawing board for protecting warfighters of the future.

Bravery rewarded
THE bravery of seven Solomon Islands men who rescued three Australian soldiers on August 30 has been formally recognised.

Personalised weapon security
JUDGE Dredd's personalised, rapid-fire handgun has taken a step closer to reality.

Missile defence
AUSTRALIA is to participate in the United States' missile defence program, a move foreshadowed in the 2003 Defence Update.

Aviators home and on a high for Christmas
MECHANICAL problems failed to damp the spirits of Army aviators returning home recently.

International news in brief