SUPER GROUP

By LACW Simone Liebelt

THE Air Force is in for a bold new change with the amalgamation of the Maritime Patrol Group (MPG) and the Surveillance and Control Group (SCG) into one super Force Element Group (FEG).

To be known as the Surveillance and Response Group (SRG), the new FEG will bring together the elements and assets of MPG and SCG to develop new capabilities and technologies in network-centric warfare for a more effective fighting force. Components include Command, Control, Communications and Computing systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems and Electronic Warfare (ISREW), and systems involving targeting and weaponry.

While retaining the individual combat capabilities of MPG and SCG in maritime warfare, aerospace surveillance and battle-space management, the new group will focus on developing ISREW capabilities to prepare Air Force for the introduction of new systems, including the Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft and the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle.

SRG will comprise more than 2100 personnel from Nos 41, 44 and 92 Wings and their subordinate units and will command the AP-3C Orion fleet and the AEW&C aircraft when it comes into service in 2007.

The initial phase of the amalgamation will begin on March 30 with the formation of SRG Headquarters at RAAF Base Williamtown.

MPG and SCG Headquarters will be disbanded and absorbed into the new SRG HQ in a gradual transition. The initial phase will have very little impact on the day-to-day operations and people within the units of the group.

Phases over the next two years will include further analysis to determine how SRG capability will contribute to the ADF, and reviews of Group and Wing structures to identify common areas for workforce, training and operational efficiency.

Current Commander MPG Air Commodore Graham Bentley will become the new Commander SRG and will head a small project team out of the Williamtown HQ.

A formation parade is planned for early April.

Excited about his new appointment, AIRCDRE Bentley said the chance to be part of the transition towards the Air Force Vision was a great opportunity.

“I believe the Air Force is very capable of handling change, but know that ensuring the change is communicated to all involved will be a challenge,” he said.

“While some may argue that this change is a bit premature, we have to move forward and I believe it will ensure that as new capabilities are introduced in the next few years, Air Force will be in a much better position to reap the benefits of previous experience and achieve the full potential of those new capabilities. Network-centric warfare will be an essential element of any effective fighting force in the future and I believe this amalgamation will help focus Air Force’s attention on how we need to move forward to take full advantage of the possibilities new technology will provide us.”

In the words of Air Commander Air Vice-Marshal Geoffrey Shepherd: “It’s a very important change, a very big change and a very brave change and will take us into a new way of doing business. Surveillance and Response Group will be a brave new move into a new way of network-centric warfare and I think it needs to be acknowledged that we have the courage in the Air Force to take this step.”

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