No set routines being on guard
Corporal Simone Liebelt goes behind the drill movements to look at life inside the ADF’s premier ceremonial unit.

Air Force members of AFG present arms during the playing of the National Anthem during the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Sydney this year.

AC Tianxu Feng abseil down Sydney Harbour Bridge during adventurous training for AFG.

Above photos by LAC Rodney Welch

A mock helicopter submerges into the pool at HMAS Albatross with Air Force AFG personnel on board.

Photo by LAC Alan Bencke.

THE military’s most prominent ceremonial unit is about much more than just drill.

Just ask one of the 160 tri-Service members who make up Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG), or “The Guard”, as they are more commonly known.

“We don’t do as much drill as everyone thinks we do,” says Leading Aircraftwoman
Bailey Baker, a cook who joined the Air Force contingent last year.

“There really is no typical day here at the Guard. Some days we have parades, and other days we may do drill or weapon training, have lectures, or play sport. It’s always changing.

“Since being at the Guard, I have made a lot of wonderful friends and have learnt so many new things.

“You get to do a lot of travel and get to meet so many different people and learn about their musterings and lives. You get the chance to do courses that you may not get to do in the wider Air Force, and you also get the opportunity to represent the ADF in sport.”

Leading Aircraftwoman Baker is also a member of the high-profile Precision Drill Team (PDT), which, according to XO RAAF Flight Lieutenant Sean Watson, is one of the busiest performing sections at the unit.

“The precision drill team is what many Guard members aspire to,” he says. “[The team] comprises 10 members from each Service who have been selected as the best from try-outs.

“They have been involved in numerous displays throughout the country this year, and have to work very hard to perfect their skill, but they are very proud of what they do and are really impressive to watch in action.”

He said the PDT forms part of the Guard’s demanding workload in supporting the ADF’s busy public relations schedule.

“Since the beginning of the year, the AFG has been involved in over 50 military and public relations-type ceremonial activities,” he said.

“Our first major event was the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, during which the AFG provided the Guard of Honour at the opening and was the feature unit of the finale.”

He says their commitments have included a variety of Australian civil and military events, such as guards of honour for the Prince of Wales, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, the Presidents of Indonesia and Israel and the Sultan of Brunei.

They have supported the opening of Parliament, the Sydney and Canberra Royal Shows, the Rotary National Convention, and some high-profile state funerals and ceremonial gun salutes.

One of the more noteworthy events was the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, where 37 Guard members deployed to Turkey to support the special commemorations.

Despite the high official tempo, Guard members are also given the opportunity to participate in activities outside the ceremonial environment.

Some of the more challenging activities have included abseiling and rappelling off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and helicopter underwater emergency training at Nowra.

“To date, 2005 has proven to be a very demanding but equally enjoyable year for the AFG,” Flight Lieutenant Watson said.

“Both on and off the parade ground.”

For more information on joining the AFG, visit the AFG website at http://www.defence.gov.au/AFG/, or talk to your career manager.

 

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