Letters to the Editor

RAAFies get physical
Insult to injury
Radio hack job
Second opinion not an option
Close shave
Less than APS


Fire for Effect

How to write to Army News

RAAFies get physical

There’s nothing easier than after-hours swipe card access to your local area gym. Photo by Pte Shannon Joyce, Army newspaper

RAAF Base Townsville has recently had a multi-million dollar upgrade of its facilities, including a state of the art gymnasium. It is so good, it was attracting a large number of soldiers from Lavarack Barracks. Of course everything was running smoothly until there was an apparent incident(s) which was directed at soldiers. Now, instead of dealing directly with that soldier(s), all soldiers (less those based on RAAF Townsville) had their swipe card access removed.

I accept that this is a Base Commander’s decision. My concern is that a large amount of Army transits are accommodated at the base at any one time, and in keeping with the ADFs strict “keep fit” policy, cannot access the Gym after hours. Even those that are lucky enough to hold a valid swipe card cannot allow access to anyone, after hours, that arrives at the gym and wants to do a workout. Now what happened to the old saying, “you let them in, you look after them”?

I would like to ask the Base Commander, RAAF Townsville, if he thinks this is equitable, in today’s ADF. I know for a fact, that all ADF members are welcomed with open arms in the Lavarack Barracks Gymnasium.

Name and address withheld

TOP

Insult to injury

I READ in the Sunday Mail (August 1, 2004) and watched the ABC Australian Story on Capt Todhunter who is still serving in the Army after losing his legs in a plane crash in Townsville nine years ago. My heart goes out to him and his mate for the horrendous pain and suffering that these two gentlemen must have gone through. Good on Capt Todhunter for being able to stay in the Army and well done to the Army for looking after one of its members.

There a just a couple of questions that I have to ask.

How can the member be AIRN compliant when I and many others have been medically discharged because we were not AIRN compliant?

Was the member authorised to fly/ instruct outside working hours with the Army?

It seems that there is one rule for some and not for others when it comes to AIRN. I am not at all directing this at the member, it is the system that is wrong and it needs to be looked at. I can guarantee you I am not the only ex-member who has been discharged on Medical grounds and who has watched or read the article on Capt Todhunter and is, by now, pretty irate at the way the system works.

I, among many others, would like to know how a member can continue to serve under these circumstances and be reclassified as Med Class 2.

Your reply may shed some light on the matter in which members currently under medical review could be interested.

Andrea Braeckmans
Maritime Wing – South Townsville

DGPers-A Brig Craig Orme replies:

Thank you for your letter on the Australian Story relating to Capt Todhunter. Unfortunately, due to the Privacy Act, Army is unable to discuss the details specifically relating to Capt Todhunter’s case. Army can, however, answer your question relating to the issue raised regarding AIRN compliance and medical discharge procedures.

A medical discharge is the result of a Medical Employment Classification Review Board (MECRB). The principal function of the MECRB is to determine the member’s medical classification and to consider the suitability of a member for continued service in the ADF due to his or her medical condition. The final decision in the MECRB process rests with the MECRB and its chairman, and is a personnel management decision, rather than a medical decision.

If the MECRB’s final decision was that the member was Medical Employment Classification 2 (MEC 2) as was advised during the program, then the member was assessed as having a medical condition that requires access to various levels of medical support or employment restrictions, but remains medically fit for duties in his occupation in a deployed or sea-going environment (DI(G) PERS 16-5 refers).

It is possible that immediately following the accident, the member was classed as MEC 3 and may have remained MEC 3 with the intention of re-gaining MEC 1 or 2 for a period of three or four years (if the MECRB approved the extension).

It is also possible that the member may have been MEC 4 and granted a Critical Skills Waiver (CSW) due to his skill set. You should note that a CSW will only be considered where the member’s medical condition will not be aggravated by retention in the member’s current workplace.

AIRN compliancy (DI(A) OPS 80-1 refers) is a separate issue and covers six components of individual readiness.

Medical fitness is one of these components and simply put, members must be either MEC 1 or 2 to be AIRN compliant. A member who is MEC 4 cannot be AIRN compliant. Most individuals who are medically discharged for not being AIRN compliant are MEC 4. As Capt Todhunter is now MEC 2, he is AIRN compliant and does not require a medical discharge.

You should also be aware that Capt Todhunter is not the only amputee serving, or to have served in the ADF, but he is unique in the history of the Australian Army Aviation Corps.

In relation to the second question, Army cannot provide the answer due to Privacy Act constraints, but generic policy is contained in DI(G)Pers 25-2.

Whether or not the activity was authorised does not negate the ADF’s responsibility to provide medical cover for the member. The only difference is that if not authorised, the member would not be covered for compensation purposes and may be requested to repay the cost of treatment.

I trust this answers your question and appreciate your concerns. I also appreciate the service you provided Army and regret it finished earlier than you would have liked.

TOP

Radio hack job

BEING a regular listener to the Triple J Hack current affairs program I was particularly interested in their topic for discussion on August 10, regarding the issue of bastardisation within the ADF.

As the subject unfolded on air, I listened in earnest as at least eight service men and women set about defaming the ADF for its apparent poor ability to handle issues of harassment and equity within the workplace.

Not being in a position to comment on each individual’s case, I feel it necessary to put some broad perspective back into this issue, at least for those who read Army.

First, having served some 14 years, I was disturbed to hear many of the callers blatantly disrespect their units, superiors and the ADF’s name. This, for me, shows a distinct lack of professionalism and maturity from those involved.

The ADF has many avenues of complaint, both within and outside the chain of command, through which soldiers can redress their grievances.

All Defence members know that Defence today takes these matters with utmost seriousness and this is evident in the extensive training personnel now receive.

While I don’t wish to suggest that Defence is without fault, I must say that in my time as a soldier I have never witnessed an instance of bastardisation. I can also say that should I ever experience or witness harassment or unacceptable behaviour, I have know-how to have the matter resolved appropriately, in the manner required and with access to a vast network of advisers who can empower me to achieve this. I also know that Defence has the willingness to deal with issues as they arise.

It’s unfortunate that Triple J listeners didn’t get the opportunity to hear the other side of the story.

Cpl Robert Maclachlan
PTS, NSW

TOP

Second opinion not an option

I WOULD like to say, I have a son with epilepsy and I have been recognised Family With Special Needs (FWSN) for several years and I support DCO’s request to supply additional information each time a member is required to be posted.

I find it hard to believe the costs mentioned by Pte Rodway – $1000+ every two years – and consider them to be very highly inflated, as my son requires an annual EEG, neuropsychological assessment, speech and language assessment and the cost is not that burdening.

The Australian Government has recognised epilepsy as a recognised disability and all public hospitals offer the above examinations at public expense.

In addition, most families also receive a disability pension for the person and a Health Care Card.

I believe Maj Watt’s comments in regard to DCO as unfounded. I whole-heartedly support DCO 100 per cent.

I am about to go on my eighth posting and DCO have just completed the review process for FWSN, and they where nothing but supportive to both my family and I.

I think more soldiers need to be aware that the support mechanisms are in place and are working, and those negative comments don’t help promote these organisations.

Cpl N.J. Jago
4RAR (Cdo)

IF I were Pte Rodway, I would be seeking a second opinion in regard to the response he recieved from the Director General DCO.

It would appear that he has raised a genuine concern with regard to the costs associated with providing DHA/DCO clarification and confirmation of his partner’s condition.

Unfortunately I don’t think the response from DG-DCO would make him feel any better about his genuine financial concern.

I hope someone else who read this letter can provide better advice to this soldier and his wife.

It certainly does not seem fair that he would be potentially out of pocket in providing to DHA information they request to provide special housing to his partner.

Surely we have learnt by now that in special cases such as these, we cannot apply a template answer out of a book.

Capt Paul Smith
JOC, Potts Point NSW

TOP

Close shave

I RECENTLY received the Winter 2004 edition of the Defence Family Matters magazine. This is a useful resource to Defence families, published through DPE.

The latest edition’s front page has an A4 picture of a young ADF cadet in uniform proudly wearing his grandfather’s WWI medals on Anzac day.

What a pity he wasn’t proud enough to shave for the occasion. I know the AACC is not bound by the same dress regulations as ARA or GRes members, but good grief!

Perhaps the publishers of the magazine could have found a more appropriate front cover picture and will take this into account for future issues.

WO2 S. GREGORY
AREA WO – SA

TOP

Less than APS

WHY, since January 1, have ADF members received one week less paid Parental Leave and two weeks less paid Maternity Leave than their APS compatriots?

As we all contribute to the same departmental productivity, shouldn’t we all receive the same improvements to basic entitlements where they have traditionally been the same?

We have, after all, received essentially the same increases in pay, based on shared contribution to Departmental productivity.

Maj Nick Read
ALTC

TOP

Langs reunion
ADF School of Languages (ADF Langs) is calling all linguists and language enthusiasts to help celebrate it’s very special 60th Anniversary with a reunion and open day.

Pen the date in your diary – October 22, at the school’s base in Laverton, RAAF Williams, Victoria.

Two events will mark the occasion: an open day at ADF Langs at 10.30am that includes cultural performances in the Base Cinema followed by lunch and open day at the school. That evening, a reception/cocktail party will be held at a venue yet to be decided.

People interested in attending one, or both events should contact LIC Vietnamese Department, Michael Gretton at michael.gretton@defence.gov.au.

TOP

Long lost friends
WE’RE looking for an old friend who emigrated to Australia in the mid 60s. Her name is Teresa Hunt (nee Magee) and she is married to Wayne – a former soldier. They lived in Canberra and Ballarat.

If anyone has any information on Maggie, please contact Alan Kirkland and Sue Baker at Albri@alkirk.freeserve.co.uk

Alan Kirkland, UK.

TOP

Colour my world
I THINK Maj Voss is a little too used to black and white paper work, or too much camouflage. I think the use of colour in your newspaper makes it more interesting to read (from front to back page), especially for all us spouses who don’t see anything else but cam and the use of the colour adds a little brightness to an otherwise dull lifestyle...If that is all you have to complain about, Maj Voss, go back to your paper work where you seem to be more happier.

Name Withheld.

TOP

Roll on in
I AM the curator at 4RAR (Cdo) museum foundation trying to compile a 2/4RAR nominal roll from 1973-1994. I have at present 1980-1986, 1990-1994. If anybody has a roll or information they can contact me at schefpara@mail2me.com.au or by mail to Secretary, PO box 369 Parramatta NSW 2150.

Frank Angyal, curator/secretary
4RAR(Cdo) Museum Foundation

TOP

It’s debatable
Army has a responsibility to reflect the standards and customs of the Service it purports to represent. Therefore, the “style of the ADF” should be good enough for our newspaper.

Your reply to CPO Hock (Army 26 Aug 04) does not even attempt to recognise the merits of his argument. The Army Protocol Manual lists the correct abbreviations for ADF rank and should be utilised.

Lt Matt Doyle
Army Aviation Training Centre, Qld

This debate could go on all day, we thank you for your opinion Lt Doyle. – Editor

Fire your well-aimed shots at a deserving target through the Fire For Effect column.
Keep them short and snappy.

Longer letters will be edited.

HOW TO WRITE TO ARMY NEWS

It is the right of all soldiers to correspond with Army. Soldiers wishing to air their views through letters to the editor have access to the newspaper without using the chain of command.

Letters will be edited for spelling and grammatical errors and newspaper style, and may be edited for space.

Preference is given to typed letters of fewer than 300 words. Letters will be rejected where they are too long, abusive, cover a subject that has been exhausted or can be answered in the author’s unit.

They will be published only when they include the author’s name, unit (where applicable), location and contact number.

Send letters to: The Editor, Army Newspaper, R8-LG-029, Russell Offices, Dept of Defence, Canberra, ACT 2600. Phone (02) 6266 7612, fax (02) 6265 6690 or e-mail : armynews@defencenews.gov.au (Please note this is not an internal e-mail address and therefore requires Sec: Unclassified in the subject line when sending from a DRN terminal)

The opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not represent the views of the editor or the Army.