This isn’t just another survey

By David Sibley

ARMY personnel can have their say and let Defence and Army decision-makers know how things are going through the Defence Attitude Survey (DAS).

Last year Army’s survey response rate was the lowest ever, with only 27 per cent of chosen members taking the opportunity to express their opinions — significantly below the efforts of both Air Force and Navy members.

Not just another survey, the DAS provides 30 per cent of Army members the unique chance to give the Defence and Army Leadership Team direct feedback about their opinion of Army life.

Members’ input plays a vital role in ensuring Defence leaders continue to focus on the right issues.

CDF Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston takes the results from this survey seriously.

“Headquarters staff strives to make strategic and policy decisions that will address the needs of Defence personnel, however, it is easy to lose touch with what is important to both ADF and APS members at every location and at every level of the ADO,” he said.

“The DAS, in combination with other research, provides a valuable means of letting the Leadership Team know what’s working and what isn’t. It is, therefore, important to know exactly what people are currently thinking so that we can prioritise our efforts accordingly.”

The DAS report is compulsory reading for both Senior Defence and Army Leaders.

Based on past feedback, Army is targeting the areas that its members have told them really matter, including issues like leadership and communication within Army, work-life balance, and family and locality-specific concerns. The allocation of additional resources to enhance the communication between members and career managers is one example. Targeted Trade Transfer for soldiers approaching the end of their IMPS is being introduced to encourage soldiers to remain in the Army, and is a result of feedback received through the DAS and other research data.

Those selected to participate in this year’s DAS are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Your feedback is vital in allowing us to create the type of organisation you want to work in and we encourage you to continue to have your say,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

For more information on the 2004 DAS results, a full copy of the report is available on the intranet at http://aurora.cbr.defence.gov.au/DSPPR/default.shtml