Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper

Top Stories

Hard and Fast Protective gear introduced in rapid acquisition TROOPS serving in Iraq have begun to receive a collection of new equipment in a rapid acquisition initiative to increase the level of individual soldier protection. Army comes highly commended ARMY newspaper recently won a highly commended award in the non-daily free category at the Pacific Area Newspaper Association (PANPA) Newspaper of the Year awards at the Gold Coast. Raising the inquiry standard TWENTY-four officers undertook the first two-day Inquiry Officer Course on September 7 and 8, in a bid to improve the standard of Defence administrative inquiries. New approach Suicide is the third-highest cause of deaths in the ADF – about seven or eight each year and since 1996 there have been 462 reported cases of non-fatal related behaviour. Suicide Prevention Program spelt out THE SPP complements existing health and mental health services, and has five key elements. A psych revolution IT IS believed that 20 per cent of the 600 ADF personnel who served in Rwanda may still suffer from some form of psychological distress due to their service, but the Rwanda vets have also left a very positive contribution to ADF mental health. In brief Short news stories.	2 Cav Regt bombed up New weapons to help beef up ASLAVs in Iraq THE introduction of the Remote Weapon Station (RWS) to 2 Cav Regt’s ASLAV 3 PC vehicles has significantly increased potency and protection levels. World day to alter the meaning of “disAbled” CELEBRATIONS for The United Nations International Day of People with a disAbility will be held Australia-wide on December 3. Full-time fast track for reserve commandos THIRTY-eight soldiers have been awarded their commando berets after completing a four-month continuous training course as the unit’s Simpson Platoon. On the SF path THE first platoon to enter the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme (SFDRS) has passed the Special Forces Entry Test (SFET) and begun the Commando Training Course at Holsworthy Barracks. Slithering heights Sig snake handler charms reptile show judges for second prize BLOCKER’S bark is worse than his bite according to the owner of the five-year-old, eight-foot-long, 5kg coastal central carpet python, Sig Alan Merrick. On the lookout BATTLEFIELD surveillance troops from 131 Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) Bty perfected their tactical skills at Gallipoli Barracks this month, in preparation for Exercise Swift Eagle.
International News
Colourful CDF China visit CDF, Gen Peter Cosgrove and his delegation, visited the People’s Republic of China from August 27-31, to reinforce the importance Australia attaches to its defence relationship with the country.
History
Kapyong recalled Shoot me he thought as he lay curled in a ball, I’ve had enough Pte Bob Parker, Sig Pl 3RAR, served as the CO’s Despatch Rider and was captured during the Battle of Kapyong. In the fourth of A digger recalls history series Cpl Cameron Jamieson reports.