First for operational unit
Volume 11, No. 39, March 23, 2006

Maintenance win: AVM Chris Spence, Commander Joint Logistics, presents AMTG2 CO Lt-Col Peter Short with a Technical Regulatory Compliance Certificate during a tour of unit workshops in Iraq.

AL MUTHANNA Task Group (AMTG2) has taken the honours as the first unit to achieve Technical Regulatory Framework (TRF) accreditation while on operations.

Based at Camp Smitty in southern Iraq, AMTG2 was presented with formal accreditation by visiting Commander Joint Logistics, AVM Chris Spence.

Technical Regulatory Framework was introduced to the Australian Defence Force in August 2000 as a result of the HMAS Westralia tragedy.

The framework requires units to develop maintenance policies that meet International Standard ISO 9001, Industry Best Standard for Quality Assurance. These policies then flow on to an approved maintenance management plan, with the unit finally demonstrating compliance. It is designed to ensure all units adopt best practice duty of care and that all equipment is fit for the purpose intended.

AMTG2 CO Lt-Col Peter Short said the accreditation was due recognition for the people who work hard and to a healthy maintenance culture that was so important to attaining operational end-states.

“As an armoured battle group, we derive combat capability through our major vehicle platforms. Vehicle and principal equipment unavailability is not an option for Battle Group Tiger,” he said.

The Battle Group averages 10 mounted patrols a day, employing ASLAVs and Bushmasters.

AMTG2’s formation is based primarily on two Combat Teams combining mechanised infantry, cavalry and a Combat Services Support Force.

Lt-Col Short said recognising that maintenance is everyone’s responsibility, a thorough understanding of servicing requirements and a commitment to standards was the embodiment of the requisite maintenance culture for any organisation.