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CA backs quality of weapons
By Cpl Mike McSweeney
Edition 1174, September 6, 2007 |
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On ops: CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy talks with a soldier during a recent visit to Camp Terendak in Iraq.
Photo by LS Phillip Cullinan |
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CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy has reassured families of deployed soldiers that there are no systemic problems with weapons and ammunition on issue to personnel in the MEAO.
He was responding to a media report that questioned the quality of the ADF’s weapons and equipment.
“Defence rejects the sensationalist claims made by Channel 7 that ADF personnel lack high-quality weapons and equipment,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.
“Channel 7’s so-called investigative report is based on entirely selective and exaggerated use of information gained from a Freedom of Information request on August 13 this year,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.
He said there was a small number of Reports on Unsatisfactory or Defective Material – or RODUMs – during 2006/07 covering a wide range of weapons and ammunition types. He said the vast majority related to use on firing ranges and during routine technical and maintenance inspections.
“Given the number of people deployed, around about 2000, the harsh operational and climatic conditions, the extent and range of weapons and equipment in use, and the level of activity, these figures are considered to be within normal operational ranges,” he said.
Lt-Gen Leahy said Defence took weapons safety seriously. He said each RODUM was carefully reviewed by experts and, where appropriate, timely action was taken.
“Our intent is to ensure our troops have the best equipment they need to do their job safely and well,” he said.
He said the RODUM was an effective, robust and well-used method of identifying and fixing equipment problems.
“The fact that Defence personnel use RODUMs to report equipment issues indicates a high level of confidence in the system,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.
The CA said the relatively small number of RODUMs compared to Defence’s total inventory reinforced the very high standard of weapons and equipment.
He said the Styer was a good weapon, but like anything mechanical, it sometimes broke down. He said generally it was a reliable and effective weapon.
“The results achieved by Defence personnel in harsh operational environments in places like Iraq and Afghanistan bears testimony to their training, leadership, commitment and equipment,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.
In addition to the chain of command, Lt-Gen Leahy encouraged soldiers to take advantage of his “Speak to the Chief” website if they had any issues.
“I’m keen to hear from them through my website and the more formal process through the RODUM system.”
The Speak to the Chief website is at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/speaktoCA/ |
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