Still shakin’
RAAFSALT celebrates first birthday on the job at Wagga

Volume 48, No. 22, November 30, 2006

A GOOD SIGN: RAAFSALT celebrates its first birthday at RAAF Base Wagga, led by CO WGCDR Wilma Tennant and Flight Commanders SQNLDRs Stephen Currie (left) and Daryll Topp, pictured below.

THE RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT) will celebrate its first birthday with three former airmen at the helm.

Prior to December 1, 2005, the school had spent 10 years as part of the School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT) at RAAF Base Wagga.

CO WGCDR Wilma Tennant and her two Flight Commanders, SQNLDRs Daryll Topp and Stephen Currie, have had careers spanning the airman and officer spectrum, and they collectively bring 82 years of organisational and operational experience. All three agree that their most important role now is influencing the next generation to grasp the opportunities that come their way.

WGCDR Tennant said the foundation values of the school include building on shared professional experiences and looking to the future.

“Across the spectrum of administration and logistics, we see our environments being reshaped by shifting expectations, a renewed focus on support for operational activities and new technologies. That presents some exciting challenges,” she said.

“Drawing from experience and adopting a futures focus are not mutually exclusive ideals. Every day at our school we embody both.

“We draw from the knowledge and experience that we know has stood us in good stead across the years, but we also want to make sure that alongside sponsors and other training deliverers, we keep our eyes on environmental and technological developments that could one day transform the delivery of administration and logistics.”

SQNLDR Currie said the school was constantly exploring new simulation technologies to give students realistic expectations of their future workplace environments.

“School instructional staff are constantly working hard to ensure that our students are being exposed to the latest developments in supply chain processes and technology, and where possible incorporating feedback from deployed operations to enhance training output,” he said. “Up to 40 per cent of the clerk course is conducted using online technologies. This reflects the actual workplace experience of clerks in the field.”

All three officers emphasised the importance of attitudes and motivation of personnel on future effectiveness.

According to SQNLDR Topp, “Our students tell us that they are seeking a workplace that acknowledges their individual needs and values their individual contribution, but also offers the opportunity for a sense of adventure and to build strong friendships.”

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