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Letters
to the Editor
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An
M-1A1 Abrams tank from 1st Tank Bn, 3rd Marines, manoeuvers before
a live fire assault at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland,
on May 25, 2001 for Exercise Tandem Thrust 2001.. Photo by WO2 Bob
O’Donahoo, 1JPAU(P)
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Power
pack changes
With the
decision to replace our aging Leopard Tank Fleet, I would just like
to know if anyone consulted the end users and maintainers of the equipments.
As a recovery mechanic who left 1 Armd Regt after three-and-a-half years,
I have spent many hours changing Leopard powerpacks (engine and transmission
complete). A Leopard pack change can be done with the vehicle driving
away in less than one hour, provided there are no problems. The reason
for this relatively swift change is the slewing crane mounted on the
ARVM (Recovery Tank).
During Tandem Thrust 2001, I had the opportunity to have a look around
the Abrams and its Recovery variant. The crane used for pack changes
is a fixed A-Frame style crane.
This means that if the tanks are misalligned by more than the small
tolerances permitted by the vehicle’s design one of the vehicles
must be completely moved and realigned.
Then, with the pack raised and suspended, the recovery vehicle must
drive away to place the old pack out of the way, drive to pick up a
good pack, then drive to the casualty vehicle and realign to fit the
new Pack. This all takes time.
According to the American mechanics I spoke to, it takes them on average
between six and eight hours to complete a pack change.
Has this slow down in production time been taken into account with the
purchase of the new Abrams fleet? Or has some other solution been formulated?
I understand that there will most likley be fewer break downs, but having
one tank out of action, and therefore a tank troop not fully operational
for almost a whole day is costly.
Cpl Brett Lyndon
Recovery Mechanic13CSSB, Irwin Barracks WA
Maj Bernard Richards, Staff Officer Combat Heavy, Capability Development
Group, responds:
The author’s questions regarding the M88A2 recovery vehicle and
M1A1 main battle tank are timely given the Government’s recent
decision to purchase the M1A1 as part of the LAND 907 Tank Replacement
Project.
As the author well recognises, even just one tank out of action can
degrade the effectiveness of the tank troop and the combined arms team.
In order to address the issues raised this response is divided into
three parts.
First, LAND 907 end users and maintainers are being closely consulted
as part of Capability Development Group standard procedure. This includes
regular contact with users through Integrated Planning Team meetings,
as well as ongoing consultation through normal work channels.
Secondly, there is no doubt that the crane on the Leopard armoured recovery
vehicle is an excellent piece of engineering.
However, be assured that the M88A2 HERCULES Improved Recovery Vehicle
is a proven capability that has been upgraded specifically to conduct
heavy recovery of the M1A1.
Finally, although I am unsure which version of the M88 from Exercise
Tandem Thrust the author is referring to, the M88A2s to be purchased
by LAND 907 are a significant improvement over the older M88A1.
The M88A2 has a longer and more functional boom, better braking and
steering, very capable winches, more horsepower and perhaps most importantly,
increased armour protection.
Australia will also have access to a range of Block III improvements
based on recent operational experience by the US Army and the USMC.
These include improved stowage areas, better lighting and additional
power outlets.
The advice given to Capability Development Group is that the M88A2 can
perform a powerpack change for the M1A1 in the field, with the vehicle
driving away, in approximately one-two hours.
However, as per any Leopard powerpack change, this time will depend
on factors such as the experience and training of the crews involved,
the reason for the powerpack lift and the unique tactical and environmental
conditions of the time such as lighting, dust and rain.
Similar to the Leopard, some powerpack changes may take longer than
others.
Regardless, this time must also be balanced with the generally higher
reliability of gas turbine engines compared to diesel engines (the M1A1
uses the AGT1500 gas turbine).
This means that the requirement to change the M1A1 powerpack should
be less than it is for the Leopard.
In summary, the M88A2 with Block III improvements, crewed by well-trained
recovery mechanics and complemented by the overall reliability of the
M1A1 AGT1500 gas turbine engine is expected to be a very workable solution
towards keeping our new tanks in the field.
Sole-destroying
First,
let me say good job on the whole newspaper deal. It always proves a
good read between the troops and it’s readily available when the
newest issue comes out.
What I’m writing about is in referal to your article about your
visit to the Terra Boot Company [Army, April 22].
Now sure the article was good, but now all we need is for the boots
to be the same.
The Terra Combat Boot, no matter what mark version you look at, has
huge flaws. The massive problem with them is that the sole falls away
from the upper or gets so destoyed after one bush trip that they are
rendered unsafe.
Not only that the uppers wear through as well, they rot, especially
in tropical environments. This is only what I can think of.
Come on, Army. How many RODUMs do we have to put in? Test the boots
on combat troops in the field, not desk jockeys.
Thanks guys, hopefully this message will get across.
Cpl Trent Wiseman
1CERRobertson Barracks NT
Maj Nick Stanton, SO2 Equipment Management, AHQ, responds:
It is a little disappointing that the reader appears to have missed
the points raised by RSM-A in his RODUM article, Army newspaper, April
22.
Let me address the issues raised by the reader.
Previous versions of the boot had a higher mid-sole side-wall of shock
absorbing “softer” rubber that had a tendency to “chip
away” with impact. After significant erosion, a gap formed between
the sole and the upper.
This erosion issue was correctly identified and reported by RODUM resulting
in a lowering of the side wall in the enhanced version 3 boot.
The leather used in this boot is 2.6mm thick which is the thickest leather
used in any combat boot. Its level of tanning for water proofing and
resistance to perspiration is such that rotting would be virtually impossible
unless the boot was subjected to caustic substances.
In response to RODUM action that contains professional and constructive
feedback from soldiers, changes are made to the combat boot.
It may take time, but action does occur. Work is currently underway
to make the boot even cooler and lighter. We may not have the 100 per
cent solution yet, but we do have the best possible boot that, with
your continued help, is being further refined.
Razor-wired
Today,
I attended my local clothing store in order to purchase a couple of
packets of razors.
I was extremely disappointed when I was informed that first, they had
none in stock and were still waiting on their order that was placed
in February and that even if they had razors in stock, I would only
be allowed to purchase one packet of razors per fortnight.
Now, I don’t know about anyone else in the ADF but I like to keep
at least five packets of razors on hand so I can take them on course,
deployment etc.
It’s a DP1 thing. I don’t know if the clothing store makes
a loss, breaks even or makes a profit on the razors.
I can only assume that the clothing store wouldn’t sell them at
a loss.
Let’s assume that the clothing store on-sells the razors to members
for cost price. Why then, are members only allowed to purchase one packet
per fortnight?
Whoever made this decision is either in the position of not being able
to purchase the razors and restricts their sale out of jealousy or is
not in touch with reality.
How is this razor policy going to be policed?
Will alarm bells ring in the clothing store if I attempt to buy razors
13 days after purchasing other razors?
I know that, as per the majority of letters in Army newspaper, some
numpty who needs to justify his job will respond with some lame excuse
and not a proper answer.
He/she will probably write that the amount of razors that members can
purchase is restricted due to the lack of razors in the system, ergo,
someone else may need them more than me.
Here’s an idea – order some more.
Cpl Matt Ikin
3 Sect 54 MP Pl (SIB)Preston Point Depot, Perth
Infrastructure
and fitting boots
I am writing
as a reply to the article in Army, Edition 1095, dated April 22, and
to raise a point on why we have no podiatrists in uniform.
Having spent 20 years in the ARA, predominantly as a storeman until
the end of 2000 when I began university study, and now still serving
as a reserve, I have seen many boots come and go. I get frustrated at
reading articles such as “In Terra’s Grip” which highlights
some very important points about the boot problems we are experiencing
as a force at present. I can only agree with Mr Cloros’ point of
the problems stores persons have in fitting soldiers with correctly
fitting boots.
I find it unimaginable how a private storeman can have the insight into
the problems going on inside a poorly fitting boot on a soldier, who
will surely come back to complain about the boot quality. Let’s
get real. Our fitting personnel need to be educated in more than the
fact that there are 215 combinations of fittings. Who gets what fractional
fitting? Do the soldiers get formal training in fitting? Commercial
shoe sales people do. What does a soldier recommend to a user who has
an odd shaped foot? Are the videos enough to instruct him? Should he
re-familiarise himself with the main points on a regular basis? Is ongoing
training happening? Are charts enough?
I feel we have a duty-of-care to our soldiers, to ensure they are issued
equipment that is appropriate, and will not cause damage to their feet
because they do not fit into the “norm”. At what point does
a soldier get referred on to a specialist to have custom-fitting boots?
And if this does happen, where are our podiatrists? We have dentists,
because we get teeth problems, doctors for medical problems, lawyers
for legal, psychologists for mental health, but for a force that “marches
on its feet” we have no foot specialists.
Let’s consider some simple problems: hallux abducto-valgus, trigger
toes, hammer toes, ligament laxity, fallen longitudinal arch, collapsed
lateral arch, the list goes on. Find me a private storeman who can resolve
these problems, or even identify them to initiate a visit to the local
GP, who hopefully will diagnose the problem and recommend a specialist
appointment.
To support Redback and their efforts to fit us out correctly, don’t
blame the product, blame the infrastructure.
SSgt Gary W Doherty
15 Tpt Sqn, Junortoun VicFourth year student, Bachelor of Health Science
(Podiatry), Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW
Paul
Boudville, Consultant Podiatrist ADF, responds:
As accurately pointed out by SSgt Doherty, there is currently no podiatrist
in uniform that I am aware of undertaking clinical podiatry within the
ADF.
However, one should not assume that the service is not available nor
one that is ignored. Defence contracts the services of many podiatrists
both within Defence medical centres and in the private sector. I myself
have been a consultant podiatrist to Defence since 1995 at various establishments
including 1HSB-Holsworthy, RMC-A, HMAS Albatross, JHSA and DMO and am
well aware of other podiatrists fulfilling a similar role around Australia.
Not only are there podiatrists available but physiotherapists, sports
medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons and unit doctors are available
for any individual suffering a foot or lower limb specific condition
as listed by Sgt Doherty.
Remember, there is no magical boot, nor is there an easy solution to
ensure that all persons will be issued a boot that fits. The provision
of 43 sizes and 215 variations will go a long way to achieving the best
possible fit, assist in the prevention and minimisation of injury and
negate the need for custom-made footwear.
It is integral that the boot fitters have a good understanding of the
boot’s technology, size combinations and are provided with sufficient
time to ensure that all persons obtaining boots are trying on at least
three pairs, as would be the case in a civilian shoe store. The provision
of a detailed boot training DVD/video, education poster and fitting
sessions by DMO has initially laid down the platform. Continued follow
up and a process to monitor compliance is essential.
The need for continuing education in ensuring that proper fitting is
maintained is integral. The focal point for this may be with the relevant
training centres, local clothing/Q stores, medical centre staff including
podiatrists, physiotherapists, medics, doctors and physical training
instructors.
With the evolving staff within a clothing/Q store both military and
more recently civilian, this continuing education becomes even more
necessary to maintain the continuity and understanding necessary to
achieve a boot that fits.
With people as concerned as SSgt Doherty to lend a view and hand, the
future for those who “march on their feet” looks positive.
Surveys
on going mad
Give me
a break. I cannot believe the amount of surveys that are going around.
Have things changed so much that we can justify all these surveys.
It is bad enough that we have to sit through “compulsory”
training (OH&S, Drug and Alcohol awareness, Fraud and Equity etc)
every year that now we have to complete a survey on it. I bet when I
finally discharge, I will have to complete another survey.
WO2 I.C. Groves
AO HQ AAvnTC, Oakey QLD
No
answer unacceptable
I submitted
an article December 19, 2003, questioning the rationale behind the cost
of casual meal rates, Army newspaper printed the article three months
after receiving it when they could not get answers to my questions.
I believe that CSIG’s no response is unacceptable and the questions
deserve answers.
Capt Scotty Fryer
Catering Officer 1 BDE, Robertson Barracks, NT
Editor’s Note: I agree with Capt Fryer and if there is anyone
in a position of authority who can respond succintly to Capt Fryer’s
issue, please contact me.
Anzac
Day clarification
I note
in Army, Edition 1096, May 6, 2004, page 13, in the article by Lt Chantal
Llora from Turkey regarding the Anzac Day Services.
In the article she states: “After the commencement of the Dawn
Service, thousands of people, huddled together for warmth, moved down
the ridge to Lone Pine for the Australian Service.”
The Dawn Service was conducted at North Beach where the conditions were
cold and windy. After the completion of the Dawn Service, thousands
of people moved to the Australian Service at Lone Pine. They moved either
by coach or on foot up to the second line of ridges to the 400 feature/plateau
(Lone Pine) for the service which commenced at 10.30am.
Maj Graham Docksey
Army History Unit, Bandiana
Routine
orders top read
Us AJs
tend to be a critical, hard-to-please lot, seemingly always whingeing,
so time for some due credit – the Army newspaper (ROs Part 4) has
developed into a top read. Good job. Well done to all.
I liked the photo of the lance-jack at Gallipoli, would maybe make a
great recruiting/Anzac Day PR image.
Maj Blue Phillips
LHQ, Victoria Barracks, Sydney NSW
PS – who psychs Jimbo’s psych?
Swap
pins from the UK
I am a
serving police officer in Northern Ireland and I collect the small metal
pin type badges from armed forces and law enforcement agencies around
the world.
I wonder if there are pins available representing such things or perhaps
any of your tours of duty to various parts of the world? If so, I would
like very much to have one of each represented in my collection. I will
trade pins from the Security Forces in Northern Ireland.
Mr A Glenfield,
4-40 John St, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4LX, Northern Ireland.
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