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CONTENTS

38 PAGE ISSUE 18 – JUNE 2008

PAGE 18

PAGE 32 10 THE BIG PICTURE The Desert Cup PAGE 28 12 HEADS UP Latest snippets from Australia and around the World 18 LOST IN BATTLE Private Luke Worsley killed by the Taliban in bomb-factory shootout 24 ON GULF PATROL HMAS Arunta on station in the Northern Persian Gulf 26 BACK ON TRACK PAGE 46 Aussies rush aid to Kokoda after severe floods kill dozens PAGE 36 28 IN THE CHORA VALLEY Diggers and Afghans battle cold and insurgents around Tarin Kowt 32 YOU CAN’T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN Sergeant Lyddiard back on duty 38 YEAR OF THE INFANTRY COMPLEX WARFIGHTING Our challenge – our future 46 SUMMERNATS 21 Celebrating with horsepower PAGE 58 50 COURT IS IN SESSION New, fully-deployable military court PAGE 52 52 NETTING THE BEST Recruiting wins in basketball 58 SOMALIA PART XVII Easy Money

62 MILITARY FITNESS 66 JUST SOLDIERS 70 GAME REVIEWS

Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 5

THE EDITOR’S LETTER

Issue 18 – June 2008

I spent Anzac Day in Iraq, Yes, I am bragging. It was a real thrill for me personally to spend this special day in a special place. AIR, LAND & SEA But, of course, I was there to work, and you’ll see some of the fruit of my labours in this issue. But, I have plenty more to follow up with in the next as well. I’ll also take this opportunity to say a big thank you to the soldiers in Iraq, especially Tallil, for their hospitality and for allowing me to intrude Cover Story on their special day. Unfortunately, while I was in the MEAO, news came through of On Ops QInfantry in the field another tragic loss from our ranks. Lance Corporal Jason Marks is now Full story page 38 added to the stone of remembrance at his beloved 4RAR (Cdo). While none of us wants to die – ever – as soldiers we all know it could Pic: ??????????????? happen at any time. And, despite easily predicting the pain and grief caused to the extended family of loved ones left behind, any soldier would choose to die in battle rather than in bed or through any number of senseless other means. With this in mind, I was not surprised to witness among our soldiers in Iraq a sense of pride and renewed resolve rather than sadness or anger. Jason’s loss is keenly felt by all who wear a uniform. The reaction to the news of his death did not surprise me. It did not dampen their spirits or damage their resolve to get on with the very important job they Editor Brian Hartigan are doing. If anything, their determination to make a difference was [email protected] heightened by the news. They showed an obvious keenness to throw ph: 0408 496 664 the armour and the webbing over the shoulder and get back out there, patrolling the streets, talking to villagers and kicking footballs with kids, Art Director Tony Kelly ever vigilant to the dangers they all face daily. [email protected] Jason Marks will be mourned and remembered, but he will be remembered as a brave man who died doing the job he loved, Advertising Viviene Long accepting the risks inherent in his job. Manager [email protected] phone: 0401 863 425 One of the biggest mysteries of modern Australian warfare took a fax: (02) 6241 0634 major step closer to being resolved in March when the wreck of HMAS Subscriptions Rosie Hartigan Sydney II was found off the coast of Western Australia. While many and Business [email protected] questions still linger, a new inquiry into her loss will surely be aided Manager phone: (02) 6241 0634 by hours of video evidence and thousands of stills photos taken by the Now your rellies people who found her. Contributors Darryl Kelly, Don Stevenson, What a feeling must have surged through the faithful members of the Travis Faure, Jim Brabon, Ken Finding Sydney Foundation when the wreck was actually discovered Wright, AJ Shinner, Al Green – right where they predicted. A curious thought struck me though – why is it left to small bands of can join too Published by Contact Publishing Pty Ltd dedicated, determined and dauntless private citizens to mount such PO Box 897, Dickson, ACT 2602, AUSTRALIA all-consuming missions of national significance? This result, after which www.militarycontact.com politicians are so willing to step into the limelight of success, comes hot on the heals of the miraculous repatriations from Vietnam recently, It’s an entitlement of your Defence service. Printed by Pirion, Fyshwick, ACT none of which would have happened were it not for small bands of Australian distribution by Network Services Company men and women dedicated to keeping the dream alive. Overseas distribution by Pansing IMM These people we salute.

Your service as a permanent or Reserve member of the ADF entitles your parents, CONTACT – AIR LAND & SEA is published on the Friday closest to the first of March, June, September and December. Address brothers and sisters to be members of Defence Health. general enquiries to the Editor. Advertising queries should be directed to the Advertising Manager. Subscriptions are $34 per year (incl GST, postage and handling within Australia). Check our They can purchase health insurance for themselves and their dependants and take web site for costs to other countries, fill out credit card details on the subscription form available in this issue, or send a cheque advantage of the very competitive premiums and meaningful benefits. or money order made payable to Contact Publishing, with the completed form, to the Subscriptions Manager. Alternatively, use our secure on-line credit card facilities on the Acquisitions page Visit our website today or call 1800 335 425. of our web site www.militarycontact.com Brian Hartigan All material appearing in this magazine is protected by copyright and Managing Editor may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual authors, except where otherwise attributed, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the editor.The publisher does not accept responsibility for any claim made by an author or advertiser. Editor Brian Readers are encouraged to seek professional advice where appropriate. This magazine seeks to report on the people, activities and equipment HartiganCaption?????? takes of the Australian Defence Force and any matter of interest to military- a selfie in Iraq. minded readers. Authors and photographers may submit articles and high-quality photos for consideration for publication, however, the editor accepts no responsibility for any material submitted and does not undertake to publish all submissions. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if material is to be returned.

7 Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 7 113992 APDS Ad_A4 29/4/08 2:23 PM Page 1

The First Tri-Service Exhibition addressing the needs Got something to say? of both the defence and homeland security industries E-mail: [email protected] Or visit the feedback section on our web site INCOMING

SUSTAINED BURST VOLLEY FIRE

uring the past few weeks I have been very busy replying to ecent answers in the magazine Dvarious text messages, phone calls and voice mails – because R appear to ignore the historical you decided to put my rude head on the front cover of your reasons why the British Army does not March issue! have the prefix ‘Royal’. Denial has been very hard considering how obvious it is to The Navy Royal was founded by those who know me. Henry VIII in the 16th century. The Apparently I now owe about 40 slabs of beer and three bottles Royal Air Force was formed in 1918. of Bundy to various people and units around the country!!!!!! The New Model Army was created The reason I write though is that I am trying to work out where in 1645 by Parliament, at the height and when you took the photo. I know that the shot was taken 11-13 November 2008 when I was on RTF1, I just can’t work out where you took it. As of the English Civil War, as the first I was in OPs most of the time the only place that I can figure is full-time, professional army in England TK hospital, and it must have been early on in the trip as I rarely and fought against the Kings ‘Royalist’ wore that hat during the later missions. army in that conflict. This was ADELAIDE CONVENTION CENTRE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA My only gripe is that I have copped heaps of flak as I am England’s first ‘standing army’. a gunner (RAA) and the boys have taken great pleasure in Prior to this, militias were raised on highlighting the “Year of the Infantry” across the front of the mag. an as-required basis throughout the Apparently, this is as good as a Corp transfer! country, and individual regiments Keep up the good work. were able to carry the prefix ‘Royal’. Matthew Dawson Consequently, the New Model Army • 150+ International Exhibitors expected did not carry the Royal prefix. Today’s Matthew Dawson, eh? Now I have a name to go with the face!!! British Regular Army continues this • 30+ Tri-Service and Homeland security delegations visiting I took this photo at TK Hospital in October 2006. I was on an precedent. escorted media trip with ABC and the Age. David Barker, Kalgoorlie, WA I always liked this pic from day one, but others didn’t share my • Many opportunities for business in Australiasia and the Asia Pacific Region enthusiasm. I even picked it as a possible front pager at the start, but it took ‘till now to convince people. • 5000+ Visitors from defence & security procurement, development, import, Anyway, I’m sure you won’t mind paying a few cartons – it’s a NON-LINE-OF-SIGHT export and supply small price for immortality! Sorry about the corps transfer. I had no way of knowing who or am writing concerning the article what you were and took a punt on you being Infantry. But since I on Reg Boys in the Sept 2004 issue of • Recruitment Opportunities it turns out you are not, I claim plausible deniability in that the your magazine. ‘Year of the Infantry’ referred to the story inside, not necessarily My dad served in the same the cover photo. If you can get your mates to swallow that bulls*!t squadron and knew Reg well. He • Distribution Opportunities line, good luck to you! also went on to fly with Buck Jones Seriously though, I hope this incident didn’t cause you too much replacing Reg as navigator when angst. In any case, I apologise – Ed. the crew moved to 83 Pathfinder Squadron. BOOK YOUR EXHIBITION SPACE NOW ! No apologies necessary, as you mentioned, it’s a small price My dad is alive and well at 87 to pay. years-of-age and he was delighted After seeing the full photo I now remember the patrol (and yes to read the article and look at the CALL SALES: you were the least of our worries!). photographs I found on the Internet. It was certainly early days at that stage and, as you are well Dad has been trying to contact his Southern Hemisphere +61 8 8221 6308 aware, things have changed dramatically. Like most of the boys, old comrades for years and this is the Northern Hemisphere +44 1628 660 566 I hope to be back there again to keep doing the job. first time he has had any news about On a serious note, I am glad it was your magazine’s cover I any of his Aussie mates. If you could was on rather than some of the second-rate ones getting around. possibly help us contact Reg or his Thanks for the privilege. It’ll be something to show the kids when family or Buck Jones or any of the they get older. other lads, I know my dad would be Matthew delighted, as he hasn’t seen any of them for 65 years. www.apds2008.com Dad’s name is Martin Rooney (nicknames Mickey or Paddy). RAPID FIRE Fergus Rooney, Newcastle, am a specialist recruiter for ADF - Tech Trades. I am currently Co. Down, Ireland liaising with IAME to put a feature in their quarterly magazine I I have spoken to Reg’s son and passed on Armygeddon. In issue #9 you ran an excellent article and I on your email. He reports that Reg is fit was wondering what the process is to have it reproduced in their and well. At 91 he’s still driving, plays magazine? This will be linked to a recruiting drive for tradesmen golf twice a week and mows the lawn who are members of their organisation. – “anything to keep away from mum”! David H You can expect to hear from Reg soon, I should think. Let me know if they David, I have no problem syndicating articles from CONTACT and, start planning a reunion or something when used for a good cause such as yours, am happy to waive – it would make a brilliant follow-up fees. You and I can nut out the specifics off line. Cheers – Ed. story for the magazine – Ed.

Please keep your letters short and to the point, to fit more in. The Editor reserves the right to abbreviate and otherwise edit letters for any reason, including to make them fit.

Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 9 THE BIG PICTURE

VEHICLE LIVE-FIRE RANGE OPENS

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon and Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Mike Kelly officially opened enhanced facilities at the Armoured Fighting Vehicle Field Firing Target System (AFVFFTS) range at Mount Bundy near Darwin in April. Enhancements to the facility include structural works on the control tower, targetry system improvement, vehicle-movement-area paving and new shelter for troops. Dr Kelly said the upgrades to the Mount Bundy facilities would enable troops to focus on their key training outcomes. “Providing sustainable, effective ranges that support critical training for deploying troops is a pivotal role for Defence Support in the Northern Territory and Kimberley region,” he said. The unique climate and environment in the ‘Top End’ – particularly the wet season – presents a huge challenge just to access training areas and maximise training opportunities for Australia’s only mechanised brigade. These new facilities will allow greater access for armoured live-fire training on static and moving targets from static firing points or while the vehicles are moving [see ‘Shooting the Breeze’ in CONTACT #16 for more detail]. Upgrade work on the Mount Bundy AFVFFTS complex was completed in February this year by a local construction company, Norbuilt, at a cost of $1.95 million.

10 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 11 HEADS UP

PIC LEADING AIRCRAFTSMAN SCOTT WOODWARD SPECIAL VISA FOR IRAQI Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said these Iraqis had repeatedly shown WORKERS commitment to Australia’s security and Locally engaged employees (LEEs) such reconstruction operations in Iraq. as interpreters who supported Australian Granting of these new visas is still troops in Iraq may now apply for conditional upon the result of strict health, resettlement in Australia in recognition of character and national security checks. the personal security situation they will The LEEs and their families will be face as Australia withdraws its combat settled throughout Australia and those forces from southern Iraq. with relatives already living here will Anti-coalition forces have deliberately be settled in the same State or territory as targeted individuals working with their families, where possible. Australian troops and other coalition forces in the past. WALLABY AIRLINES In response, the Australian government HONOURED has announced a new visa policy The efforts of RAAF personnel who to enable LEEs and their families to operated Caribou aircraft during the migrate to Australia on permanent Vietnam War were recognised in April humanitarian visas. with a plaque unveiled at the Australian FLEET ALL HERE Up to 600 visas are expected to be War Memorial. granted under the scheme with the first Australia’s fourth and final MINOR MIRACLE HITS SYDNEY Minister for Defence, Science and Surviving members and the families Personnel Warren Snowden group to be selected from those who have of those who have passed away were Boeing C-17A Globemaster nd (2 from the right) in the thick of worked for or with the Overwatch Battle presented with the United States Air III aircraft touched down in the action during an RMC Duntroon In a small miracle befitting Easter Monday Commanding officer HMAS Kuttabul Group (West), which is withdrawing from Medal during the ceremony. March at its home base at Old Boys V Federal Parliamentarians a storm that had raged for hours suddenly Commander Bryan Parker said the Iraq this month (June). Amberley after flying from rugby match. The pollies won 17-14. A lone RAAF Caribou conducted a the USA. cleared when the World Youth Day Cross and journey of the Cross and Icon was an flyover of the Australian War Memorial The delivery completes the Icon was handed over to Catholic Bishop of international event that the base was during the ceremony, which was attended RAAF’s new fleet, with the first the ADF Max Davis in front of the main gates proud to be part of. by US Ambassador to Australia Robert Globemaster entering service of HMAS Kuttabul on 24 March. McCallum, Parliamentary Secretary for in December 2006. The storm that had drenched the city Defence Support Mike Kelly and Chief of These aircraft have already all morning suddenly lifted to allow 100 Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd. made a positive impact in young ADF members and Cadets to carry The first Caribous arrived to form the supporting Australian Defence the Cross and Icon on a Rosary Procession RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam (RTFV) Force operations, Chief of around the base to the chapel. at Vung Tau in 1964, becoming the first Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Bishop Davis said it was good to start RAAF unit in the country. Two years later, Shepherd said, with the aircraft the day with a small miracle. seven aircraft were flying with the RTFV assisting in Operation Catalyst During the procession, prayers were and it was reformed as No. 35 Squadron. (Iraq), Operation PNG Assist recited alongside HMAS Darwin and at ‘Wallaby Airlines’ carried 600,000 and Operation Astute (Timor- the HMAS Kuttabul Memorial, which passengers and lost one aircraft Leste), as well as several commemorates 19 Australian and two destroyed by enemy action during six- exercises including Red Flag British sailors killed when three Japanese and-a-half years operating in Vietnam. in Alaska. midget submarines attacked Sydney Acquired by the RAAF in 1964, Caribou Globemaster can carry more Harbour in 1942. remains in service today with 38 Squadron than 70 tonnes of cargo – more At the chapel, Bishop Davis led a World- in Townsville. It has proved to be a very than four times the capacity of Youth-Day-style catechistic session, which hard aircraft to replace. With initial plans a Hercules. was attended by scores of RAN, Army and PIC BY ABLE SEAMAN JUSTIN BROWN to retire the aircraft in 2002, a likely Air Force personnel and their families. successor has not yet been announced.

PIC LEADING AIRCRAFTSMAN AARON CURRAN

Q IRISH AIR AMBULANCE system capable of attending won a British in-air refuelling stabilised electro-optical or The allowance offers $24,000 biscuits were also among the will be capable of staying on The 127m trimaran is one of Four newly acquired traffic accidents and other tanker project worth more infrared cameras. to general service sailors and most popular items soldiers station for up to five years. two ships that will be evaluated AW-139 helicopters for the emergencies. than $25 billion. Under this Measuring 1.2m long with $60,000 to submariners of Able would like included in hot- Phase one of the project is by the US Navy in coming years to fill a capability gap Irish Air Corps are to be put TANKER WARS arrangement, AirTanker a 3m wingspan, the UAV Seaman through to Chief Petty weather rations. valued at US$3.8million. to greater use under a deal Limited will own the 14 tankers can stay ‘on-station’ for up to Officer rank who agree to serve Results from prototype hot- UK-based partner in the in what it terms ‘green water’ Airbus in partnership with struck between the army and called for and lease them to 15 hours. It is launched by for a further 18 months. weather ration-pack trials in project, QinetiQ, alread flies an – coastal waters not covered US-based Northrop Grumman medical services. the RAF for 27 years. pneumatic catapult and flies More than 6000 sailors and Tully, far north Queensland, experimental long-endurance, by its ‘blue water’ (oceanic) or has won a US Air Force in-air ‘brown water’ (riverine) fleets. The military choppers, SCANEAGLE TURNS 10K pre-programmed or operator- 250 submariners are eligible. will be used to further refine solar-powered UAV for US refuelling tanker project that Independence will be capable of flying day or night initiated missions guided by GPS. NEW RATION PACKS contents, with new ration and UK Defence Departments and in most weather conditions called for 179 aircraft worth Boeing Australia and The 10,000-hour milestone packs expected to enter called Zepphyr. moored alongside Austal’s more than US$35 billion. Insitu’s ScanEagle UAV Beef jerky and energy bars are Alabama facility while it have been made compatible was achieved in less than service later this year. AUSTAL INDEPENDENCE with aero-medical equipment Project start has been has successfully delivered set to revolutionise ration packs undergoes fitment and testing one year. UAV TO FLY FOR YEARS and will be used for inter- delayed, however, after Boeing 10,000 surveillance and in hot climates after it was Australian shipbuilder, of combat and other systems, NAVY OFFERS MORE hospital transfers. lodged a complaint through reconnaissance flight hours in realised that soldiers working Boeing has been awarded a Austal, has launched before commencing sea trials Ireland is the only EU country a government watchdog support of Australian troops in A new Navy Capability in hot environments tended Defence Advanced Research Independence, the first of later this year. without a full helicopter alleging bias in favour of the Iraq and Afghanistan. Allowance announced in April to forego hot food or food that Projects (DARPA) contract to what it hopes will be up to 55 The ship’s futurestic shape

NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS emergency medical service ‘foreign’ consortium. Fully autonomous, aims to encourage trained and required cooking. develop paramaters for a new Lithoral Combat Ships required (see p14, CONTACT #8) allows and this initiative is seen as Meanwhile, Airbus, as part ScanEagle can capture still experienced serving sailors to DSTO research showed that type of fixed-wing UAV, to be by the US Navy, at its new her to receive helicopters up to a welcome step towards a of another consortium, has or moving imagery using stay in the Navy a little longer. sports drinks, fruit and savoury known as the Vulture, that shipyard at Mobile, Alabama. CH-53 ‘Jolly Green Giant’ size.

12 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 13 GLOUCESTER CUP HEADS UP LOCAL ARMOUR APPEALS TO DEFENCE Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) required because of this contract, will has won a contract to supply body increase the company to 250, plus armour to the ADF after beating off 10 more added to its headquarters

other highly competitive Australian in Coburg. DADD COL PIC CORPORAL and overseas bidders. Parliamentary Secretary for Defence ADA, based in Bendigo, Victoria, is Procurement Greg Combet said all-Australian owned. Eighty new staff, the contract will see ADF personnel equipped with the latest protective PIC BELINDA MEPHAM technology available, with the new Modular Combat Body Armour System starting to roll out in May. The contract, part of the survivability component of Project Land 125, Soldier Modernisation Program, is valued at $80.7 million, and includes ongoing support services for the next five years. Managing director Brian Rush said ADA was gaining recognition for its wide range of products, which are worn by military, security and fire- Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd returns Ship’s company HMAS Rankin celebrate winning fighting services around the world. the Gloucester Cup for the second time Mr Combet said the Modular a salute to graduates of 1/08 Initial Officer Course (IOC) as The Roulettes fly over. The first IOC graduation Combat Body Armour System would at RAAF Base East Sale on 14 March coincided with provide advanced ballistic and the official opening of the RAAF’s Officers’ Training fragmentation protection for our troops School, recently finished at a cost of $60 million. ADA’s Alan Bent points out key features on and had the flexibility to be tailored to Air Marshal Shepherd also opened the new recruit Australia’s new body armour to Greg Combet specific missions. Training Unit at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga in April. CUP WINNER – RANKIN TOPS FLEET AUSSIES MAN BRITISH GUNS Australian artillerymen in their primary This first deployment of the 8/12 role was the first time Australians had Medium Regiment personnel will be Rockingham-based Collins Class Fifteen Australian soldiers from Darwin- manned a gun line on operations since followed by a similar embedding submarine HMAS Rankin has been based 8/12 Medium Regiment spent Vietnam in 1973. of gunners from Townsville’s 4 Field awarded the coveted Gloucester Cup the six months to March in the UK “This deployment into a complex Regiment later this year. by the Governor General Major General preparing for a deployment with Task operational environment in support The Australian gunners will employ Michael Jeffery at a ceremony in Western Force Helmand and a stint manning of one of our longest-standing military the 105mm L118 Light Gun, a similar Australia, recognising the crew’s excellence the guns of the 7th Regiment Royal partners is an excellent opportunity weapon to the ADF’s L119 Hamel in teamwork, loyalty and dedication. Horse Artillery. for the Royal Australian Artillery, Gun, from forward operating bases To mark the occasion, ‘Ceremonial Chief of Army Lieutenant General the Australian Army and the ADF,” throughout Helmand Province, Divisions’ was held at HMAS Stirling Peter Leahy said the deployment of Lieutenant General Leahy said. Afghanistan. with HMAS Rankin’s ships company resplendent in ceremonial whites. PICS ABLE SEAMAN LINCOLN COMMANE Rankin’s commanding officer Soldiers from 8/12 Medium Regiment simulate anti-aircraft fire during 66th anniversary Commander Phillip Stanford said it was commemorations of the first bombing raids by the Japanese on Darwin in 1942 a proud day for him, and especially for his crew. HMAS Rankin at periscope depth during RIMPAC ’04 off Hawaii. Pic David A. Levy, US Navy “This award recognises everything that we hold dear and strive for in the Every RAN ship undergoes thorough submarine squadron and the Navy,” evaluation and assessment in the selection Commander Stanford said. process for this distinguished award, with “I would especially like to thank my many notable names taking the prize over crew and their families. The dedication the years, including Quadrant, Vampire, and sacrifice of those associated with Sydney and Hobart. In recent times, HMAS Rankin is something of which we winners have included Arunta, ANZAC, can all be very proud.” Success, Adelaide, Kanimbla and, last The Gloucester Cup was instituted year, HMAS Sheean. in 1947 by the then Governor- HMAS Rankin joins those prestigious General, the Duke of Gloucester, and names for a second time, as a result of acknowledges excellence against a her outstanding performance during the range of performance criteria including, past year. She also won the cup in 2005 and operational efficiency, seamanship, was the first Collins Class submarine to do supply and administration, officer so. Before that, the last submarine to win the and sailor training, maintenance and Gloucester Cup was HMAS Orion in 1986. resourcefulness. Such a broad scope of criteria demands Right: Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral consistency from every department over a Nigel Coates, Governor General Major General Michael Jeffery, commanding officer HMAS Rankin long period, with each individual playing Commander Phillip Stanford (holding Gloucester Cup) a critical role in a team effort to achieve and commander Australian Navy Submarine Group

PIC LEADING SEAMAN HELEN FRANK and maintain the standards necessary. Commodore Richard Shalders

14 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 15 IN RIGHT: A 3 Squadron NZ HEADS UP Iroquois takes off behind a pair of Australian BRIEF Q Caribou at La Tontouta airport, New Caledonia PIC LEADING AIRCRAFTSMAN KIWIS TARGETED TONGAN MARINES AARON CURRAN (ADF) MEDALS RECOVERED A four-vehicle patrol from the New IN IRAQ WORDS ANDREW MCALLEY Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team Perhaps the least known but by no means It has all the twists and turns of a TV Amidst much controversy, New in Afghanistan was hit by an improvised smallest contribution to the international mini-series in the ‘truth is stranger than Zealand’s first ever payment of a reward in explosive device at the end of March while coalition operating in Iraq is that of the tiny fiction’ mould but New Zealand’s great a criminal case was arranged, but Police en-route for a mobile medical clinic. Pacific Kingdom of Tonga. medal heist has been resolved – with were quick to assert that immunity from The explosion hit the flank of one vehicle, Preparation training for the Tongan nine Victoria Crosses and dozens of prosecution was not part of the deal and, damaging the front lights and popping the warriors was conducted at the US Marine other medals stolen from the Waiouru over several weeks, executed a number of windscreen, but no shrapnel entered the facilities at Camp Pendleton, outside San Army Museum last December returned search warrants in Auckland as the hunt vehicle and no injuries were sustained. Diego, California. to the nation. for those responsible continued. LEFT: HMNZS About 45 Royal Tongan Marines, led by At a press conference on 16 February, Describing the thieves as ‘professionals’ Canterbury receives DRUG USE TRIAL the Chief of Defense of the Tonga Defense Operation Valour head detective Senior Chrighton alluded to a degree of a French Alouette III Six personnel from New Zealand’s helicopter off the coast Services Colonel Tau’aika ‘Uta’atu, departed Afghanistan Provincial Reconstruction Team Sergeant Chris Bensemann announced amateurism when he said that had they of Noumea Tonga on 13 June 2004 for their first tour of have been sent home to face court martial for that all 12 sets of medals, totalling 96 done any research into the significance PIC ABLE SEAMAN duty in the Al Anbar Province. decorations, had been recovered in of the medals they wouldn’t have staged ANDREW DAKIN (ADF) alleged drug use. While this initial deployment supported good condition. the heist in the first place. The six junior personnel are alleged to the US 1st Marine Division’s security and Working with notorious Kiwi gangland Chief of the Army Major General Lou have used a Class B drug while deployed in stabilisation mission at Camp Blue Diamond, figure Daniel William Chrighton, former Gardiner commended police for the Bamyan Province. members of the second mission in 2007 were detective now lawyer Chris Comesky safe return of the medals adding that Brigadier Dave Gawn said a thorough to be found working alongside the US Army brokered the safe return of the medals, the whole country should thank the investigation into the allegations was in Baghdad. helped by a $300,000 reward posted by investigative team for their recovery. conducted, which had resulted in the six Working as part of the Multi-National British Peer and VC collector Lord Michael “This theft was not just from Defence being remanded for court martial. Corps Iraq, the Tongans underwent training Ashcroft and Nelson businessman and the Army, it was a theft from the “[Their alleged] behaviour is at odds with in driving, force protection and facility Tom Sturgess, a former US Marine and nation,” he said. NZDF core values and undermines the security before commencing guard duties Vietnam veteran. Discussions are still continuing into security, stability and achievements of more at former dictator Saddam Hussein’s Al Faw Chrighton, given bail from prison in whether the recovered medals should than 1200 NZDF personnel who have served Palace at Camp Victory. return for his cooperation, convinced again be placed on public display. A in Bamyan since 2003,” he said. The handover to the third contingent of those responsible for the theft to return the decision will be made once an ongoing Royal Tongan Marines took place at the medals in return for the reward. security review is completed. KIWIS THROW JAVELINS Al-Faw Palace on 28 February this year with The NZ Army successfully tested the the new contingent returning the traditional CROIX DU SUD Javelin medium range anti-armour weapon Sipitau challenge laid down by the outgoing SOUTH PACIFIC COMES TOGETHER (MRAAW) in its first live firing at Waiouru second contingent. TE MANA ON GULF DUTY in March. Iraq is not the first time Royal Tongan Javelin, a shoulder-launched man-portable Marines have served with US forces having HMNZS Te Mana has departed New 5in gun, Seasparrow missiles, Phalanx Exercise Croix du Sud 2008 (CDS08) the young ship seeing action in another anti-tank missile system, provides land forces fought side by side with the US 1st Marine Zealand for a tour of duty in the close-in weapon system, torpedoes and kicked off in New Caledonia major amphibious exercise – Sea Lion with a medium-range capability against Division at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands Persian Gulf. a range of small arms. – approximately 1200 kilometres east of – with the Australian and French defence armoured vehicles and other targets to a during WWII. Maritime Component Commander Her Kaman SH-2G Super Sea Sprite central Queensland and 1500 kilometres forces off Townsville in February. range of up to 2500m. Issued M4 M16 rifles and wearing US-issue Commodore Tony Parr said the Navy was helicopter can be armed with torpedoes, north-west of New Zealand – and saw Canterbury’s commanding officer desert tri-colour uniforms adorned with well prepared and ready for the task. depth charges and Maverick missiles. personnel from six countries come Commander Tony Millar said Croix du BABY DELIVERED Tongan flags on the shoulder, their uniforms “The ANZAC frigate HMNZS Te Mana, together for an annual cooperative Sud was a key enabling exercise. Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel also bear the title ‘Tongan Marines’ above with her Sea Sprite helicopter, is ready exercise hosted by the French Armed “It is of greater complexity to Exercise in Timor-Leste performed an aero medical the left breast pocket. to go. She will conduct a variety of tasks Forces New Caledonia (FANC). Sea Lion and requires us to perform evacuation on 12 March for a 20-year-old A single rank slide is worn, Brit-style, on during a series of presence patrols over The biennial exercise aims to enhance similar drills but under the stress of a local woman requiring an emergency the centre chest, but the Tongan’s are most three months contributing to maritime the capability and interoperability of realistic operational or tactical situation,” caesarean. discernable by their characteristic smiles, security in the area,” he said. the armed forces of Pacific countries in he said. Carrying a doctor and paramedic, the especially if they clock a Kiwi, Samoan or New Zealand Navy ships have preparation to respond to a potential “It helps test our priorities of being Iroquois and crew flew to Maliana to return any number of private security contractors completed two previous deployments to regional emergency or crisis. In this case, a combat-ready, deployable and the woman to Dili, where a UN ambulance from Fiji. the Persian Gulf – Te Kaha in 2003 and Te France, Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, sustainable defence force in a moved her to Dili Hospital. Below: Tongan Marines return a Sipitau challenge Mana in 2003/04. Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea trained challenging and realistic environment.” Thirty RNZAF personnel and two Iroquois at the Al Faw Palace, Iraq “The professionalism and dedication in the evacuation of foreign nationals Captain Pete Laver, who commanded from the Ohakea-based 3 Squadron are part of our New Zealand Navy personnel from a threatening situation. an Australian amphibious operations of a 180-strong New Zealand contribution in these deployments has been widely This year’s exercise was based on team on board Canterbury during to support the Combined Joint Task Force in acknowledged and appreciated a perfectly plausible scenario where Exercise Sea Lion said amphibious Timor-Leste. internationally,” Commodore Parr said. internal strife had overtaken authority in operations training was vital for everyone “I have no doubt that the capability a country close to New Zealand when taking part. WATER ON TAP and capacity in Te Mana will make for extremists disrupted government control “These ships could be called on to The New Zealand Army has procured three similar success during this operation.” of the fictional nation. Rioting, instability perform a range of tasks from disaster water purification units capable of being used Captained by Commander Blair and social breakdown was placing relief to offensive operations,” Captain in harsh operational environments and civil Gerritsen, Te Mana and her 175-strong foreign nationals at risk. Laver said. defence emergencies. ship’s company will also conduct a As part of a UN-mandated action, “We are learning about the many Known as micro filtration reverse osmosis number of diplomatic port calls during Canterbury, other NZDF elements and capabilities of this ship and, while it (MFRO) water treatment systems, the units the deployment. their international partners were tasked is early days, thing are looking very are an advance in both technology and She is expected to return to New to provide assistance in extracting positive.” capability for the NZ Army. Zealand in August. expatriates from the strife-torn country, Canterbury sailed back to New Zealand MFROs can transform saline or Te Mana is an ANZAC-class frigate, and to support its legitimate government. after Croix du Sud, via Raoul Island contaminated fresh-water sources to built in Australia, of 3600 tonne It was a busy start to 2008 for where it had left 15 sailors to assist with drinking water. displacement and is armed with a PIC NZ NAVY Canterbury – and many others – with Department of Conservation activities. Transportable in two shipping containers,

PIC SERGEANT JEREMY D. CRISP, US ARMY US CRISP, D. JEREMY SERGEANT PIC each self-contained unit can be deployed by truck and trailer, HMNZS Canterbury or RNZAF C-130 Hercules. 16 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 17 WOODS

KEVIN WOODS Mention the term ‘double agent’ to “In 1982 I’d been recruited by Gray strikes at the heart of the ANC insurgency. to an ANC house in Bulawayo. He was to drop After graduating Branfield to work as a double agent for Simultaneous operations were carried out the car off, toot the horn then walk home. The many people and they’ll immediately from BSAP college South African Military Intelligence. Little did at ANC facilities in Mozambique’s Maputo horn sounding was the signal for two covert I know the price I would have to pay for this and Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. operatives to detonate a bomb hidden in the conjure up thoughts of Jason Bourne or decision,” he says. “The destruction of the MK, the ANC’s car, blowing up the ANC. James Bond. One man who really has “While in the employ of the CIO, I was military wing’s capability to launch military “Tragically, Mwanza remained behind the well placed and had access to Zimbabwe’s attacks into South Africa, was our mission. To wheel of the parked vehicle bomb. A few lived that life has come in from the cold ultra secrets while all the time working as stop them before they could lay landmines moments later the operatives detonated a double agent for South Africa’s apartheid on deserted farm roads or place bombs in the bomb and he was vaporised along with to tell CONTACT about the pain and government. crowded streets and shopping centres was some ANC members who had come outside the tragic human cost of his double life “I passed intel to the South Africans my main motivation. to investigate.” pertaining to the activities of ANC guerrillas “By this, I don’t mean to imply these Some shoddy preparation work, in one of the World’s worst hot spots. in Zimbabwe – and, to cement my place were the MK’s only targets – they did shortfalls in fieldcraft and the ignoring of in Mugabe’s world, I was supplying carry out attacks on military targets and established warning procedures led to the information supplied to me by the South government facilities in South Africa as well. mission being compromised – and to Kevin’s WORDS ANDREW MCALLEY Africans to Mugabe, making me the blue- I guess, by today’s measures, it’s a fine line eventual arrest. eyed boy in Harare.” discerning just who is a terrorist and who is “I think everyone was asleep, that’s why With the ongoing genocide being carried a freedom fighter.” the established warnings were not made. out in western Zimbabwe as a backdrop, Kevin Woods resigned from the CIO in We were all too complacent. Woods worked on an operational plan for 1987 but continued to assist Operation “They came for me on 17 January Mugabe’s assassination following a request Barnacle activities. 1988. It was a glorious, clear, mid-summer from Branfield. At the time, he was tasked It was an attack on an ANC facility in Sunday morning, and I was suffering from a with the president’s close security. Bulawayo that was to lead to his eventual serious hangover. In 1986 he assisted an SADF team downfall. “They arrested me and my family.” preparing to attack ANC facilities in Zambian Obert Mwanza was hired by a His wife and children were released shortly Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. Part of Operation contact for a covert South African Special after. However Kevin Woods, Mike Smith, Barnacle, the team specialised in surgical Forces team in January 1988 to deliver a car Barry Bawden, Rory Maguire and Phillip Conjwayo were detained at the Harare was sitting in Bamian Province in Rhodesian tactics that saw the creation of He worked in Bulawayo’s SWAT section Central Police Station before eventually Afghanistan in July 2006 when I heard the now world-renowned ‘Fireforce’ concept before transferring to the BSAP Support On a training exercise being remanded on death row at Harare news of Kevin Woods’ release after as part of Operation Hurricane. But in 1975, Unit or ‘Black Boots’ – the BSAP’s counter- Central Prison. living at the pleasure of Robert Mugabe almost overnight, security-force incentives insurgency unit – in 1977. In ‘78 he was In June, South African Special Forces Isince January 1988. I remember the emails amounted to nothing and the Portuguese appointed commander of Charlie Company attempted a daring rescue, but the mission coming in from NZ, Ozzie, UK and Africa from abandoned neighbouring Mozambique, and from 1979-82 worked as duty inspector, failed because vital communication various ex Rhodie and SADF chat-rooms and creating a 1000km-long hostile border. then officer in charge of the Bulawayo Crime equipment had not arrived, leading to the thinking it a miracle he had survived the long Phase three, 1976-1980, saw ZIPRA and Prevention Unit. capture of mission leader, Sam Behan. wait for freedom. ZANLA insurgents flood Rhodesia, while at This was during the transition period when Prosecutors did not seek the death Recovering from heart surgery the same time, South African support for Ian Rhodesia became Zimbabwe and the BSAP penalty for Behan on the agreement his long denied him when a guest of the Smith’s regime diminished under intense became the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). lawyers made no mention of his being Zimbabwean dictator, Woods tells an international pressure. However, a change at the helm meant little tortured before his trial. Instead, he amazing tale and of his narrow escape from With support dwindling and Rhodesia in on the ground and criminals remained to received a life sentence for his part in the the noose. dire economic straits, Smith and his black- be caught. failed rescue attempt. He was born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia on moderate allies were forced to enter into The discovery of a large ZIPRA arms “I’ve spoken to some of those involved 5 November 1952, completed M-levels at talks with the communists at Lancaster cache, the arrest of two dissident leaders since my release,” Woods says. Northlea High School in 1969 and entered House, with a cease-fire declared between and a number of prominent murderers “All I get is finger pointing at the the British South Africa Police (BSAP) at age the Rhodesians and the new ‘Patriotic Front’ and armed robbers around Bulawayo saw uselessness of a former controller. But, 18 in 1970. leading to elections and the overwhelming Kevin awarded a ZRP Commissioner’s it’s clear to me the whole thing collapsed At the time, the white minority Rhodesian victory of Robert Mugabe in 1980. Commendation in 1981. A year later, he because the vital comms equipment failed government of president Ian Smith was New Zealand sent troops as part of the joined the Central Intelligence Organisation to arrive.” fighting the communist insurgents of Robert British-led Commonwealth Monitoring (CIO), the equivalent of ASIO or the NZSIS. Woods, Smith and Conjwayo were found Mugabe’s ZANLA and Joshua Nkomo’s ZIPRA. Force to oversee the disarmament of the PF The next two years were to herald a guilty in December for the Bulawayo “ZANLA was the armed wing of the Shona- insurgents and ‘free and fair’ elections. major change in circumstance that would bombing. Sentenced to death, they were dominated ZANU Political Party which today, Former Kiwi member of the monitoring eventually lead to Kevin Woods’ life crashing imprisoned, naked, in the condemned under Mugabe, is known as ZANU PF. ZIPRA force, Mike Subritzky, says it was clear during down around him. section of the notorious Chikurubi Maximum was the equivalent of the Matabele ZAPU the buildup to the elections that Mugabe’s “I’d joined the CIO and became Security Prison. party,” Woods says. victory had more to do with intimidation commander operations Matabeleland. During a second trial in 1989, Woods was “ZIPRA was backed by the Russians while than promotion of any democratic ideals. “I saw first hand the genocide carried sentenced to 75 years imprisonment for the Chinese supported ZANLA.” “They’d tell the peasants they’d be able to out by Mugabe’s new Praetorian Guard, the the 1986 raids of ANC facilities in Harare The ‘Bush War’, as it became known, was identify who voted for who and afterwards North Korean-trained Fifth Brigade. alongside Smith and Bawden. comprised of three distinct phases. would come back and sort out anyone who “Joshua Nkomo’s support base was in He spent five years on death row, narrowly Phase one, 1966-1972, saw armed didn’t follow the ZANU PF line,” Subritzky says. Matableleland and, with Mugabe bent on missing an appointment with the hangman. incursions into Rhodesia from across the “Reports of this and other intimidation cementing his place as ruler, something had Surprisingly, despite this, he remains a strong Zambezi by both insurgent groups. were sent in, but the party line was that it to give, and anyone perceived to be in his proponent of the death penalty. The second phase, 1972-1975, saw a was a free and fair election, let’s get it done way was labelled a dissident.” “Jail time is no deterrent. Murderers, rapists change in guerrilla tactics – having sustained and go home.” During his time in the CIO, Kevin was and armed robbers have nothing to fear KEVINheavy losses in engagement with Rhodesian During the war years Kevin was originally ostracised by the white community, many when they commit their crimes,” he says. security forces the insurgents switched their posted as a junior patrol officer to Matobo in fearing his powerful position in the new Over the years, frequent attempts were attentions to terrorising and subverting local Matabeleland, then transferred to Bulawayo regime – unaware of the double life he was made by South African authorities to secure tribes people, which necessitated a change in 1973. now living. the release of the four who had by now been

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KEVIN WOODS

during Kevin’s imprisonment and he is now BSAP support unit briefing scratching to make a living. He hopes sales of his book will help as he adjusts to his new surroundings. “I’m certainly not on the pigs back, but what is the price of freedom after all?” Kevin believes 2008 will be a year of change in Zimbabwe. “You can’t wish ZANU PF away – they do have a lot of support. However, everyone, except for those on Mugabe’s gravy train, have had enough. “Even though the povo are beaten into submission I think they are at the end of their tether and will take their inspiration from Kenya. “Mugabe won’t leave unless it’s on his terms. There won’t be any Hague hearing for him. “I think the best would be to offer him a deal he can’t refuse and let the country get declared operatives of the South African “In prison, the one thing you have plenty on with the job at hand. security forces. of is time. I was able to reflect on years as a “Mugabe could be replaced by a “On 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela para-military policeman in Rhodesia, my time governing council for an interim period was released from prison in South Africa. We as a senior officer in the CIO and, of course, after which the MDC will win free and were told his release was going to be linked my double life as an agent for the apartheid- fair elections. Once that corner is turned, with ours but our hopes were dashed again.” era South African government.” Zimbabwe will have incredible opportunity. ” Mandela’s freedom was not to be the only In 2004, Woods was moved to Harare’s Recovering from the heart operation so link Kevin was to have with his former foe, Central Prison, back to his old haunt, the long denied him, Kevin Woods says he still when, as president, Mandela made direct death-row cells. holds some strong feelings regarding his appeals to Mugabe on their behalf. “They needed room in Chikurubi for incarceration. “I’m very humbled by Nelson Mandela. the mercenaries arrested in the aborted “I’m seriously bitter that the heart He didn’t have to try and get my release,” Equatorial Guinea coup. treatment I badly needed was denied me. My Rammite Merino Layering Systems has Woods says. “I don’t think they wanted anyone around condition could probably have been treated “When I eventually met with him, he who could advise them on what goes on in by proper medication if the doctors in Zim been successfully manufacturing and sympathised for the many years lost, but Chikurubi.” had treated me properly in the beginning distributing wool garments for outdoor blamed it entirely on Mugabe’s hard- When it came, Kevin woods’ release from instead of their two-faced state of denial. enthusiasts worldwide for over four years heartedness, hate and inferiority complex.” prison was sudden. “I am quite relieved, however, to have had and has built a reputation based on the In 1993, Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court “Smith, Conjwayo and I were all called in to the surgery now and am getting better by quality of our wool, the functional design confirmed the death sentences and repair see the big shot and were an apprehensive the hour – no thanks to Mugabe!” of our clothing, and the quality of our work began on Chikurubi’s gallows – Woods trio as we mounted the steps leading to the Summing up his experiences, Kevin Woods and his cohorts were now living in the prison’s admin block. gives a hint of the fortitude that helped him finished garments. shadows of Mugabe’s gallows. “An hour later we floated back down those beat the odds for so long as a prisoner in The Rammite 100% Australian Merino While on death row Kevin Woods same steps. Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. wool range is designed to be used in a suffered a heart attack. Denied proper “We’d been told President Mugabe had “Every man has to make decisions in his layering system to perform in a wide treatment, he was to be troubled by granted us a full pardon. life. You can sit on the fence and do nothing range of climatic and adverse condi- continuous heart problems throughout “The 30th of June 2006 is a date that will be – or you can act. tions being at home in a temperate cli- his imprisonment. forever etched into my memory.” “Whether you are right or wrong is of no mate to sub zero conditions above the He narrowly avoided an appointment with The next morning, released through the consequence – one has to make a stand. the hangman in December ’93 when the prison’s huge brass doors, Kevin Woods was “I did and, right or wrong, I paid a heavy snow line. Our thermal underwear has Zimbabwean Supreme Court commuted his met by an official. penalty. Jail in Zimbabwe is worse than death gained a strong following amongst the death sentence to life imprisonment. “He asked if I was a South African at times.” military world wide as a high performing In January 1994 Woods was moved to citizen and I replied I was. He told me I Kevin Woods book – The Kevin Woods Story; no-nonsense, functional garment. Every Chikurubi’s general population cells. In was to be deported, along with Smith, In the shadows of Mugabe’s gallows – was garment has been specifically designed the same year, Mandela called on frontline to South Africa. published in 2007. to ensure the correct fit, and seams have states to release all South African agents. “Ironically, Conjwayo, who had been born been excluded from critical wear areas Mugabe promised leniency but reneged on in Transkei, was free to stay in Zimbabwe. agreements to release the men. “I was declared a prohibited immigrant where the rubbing of pack straps, web- In 1996 President Mandela visited and issued the relevant documentation. bing or body armour may cause discom- Zimbabwe requesting the men’s release “At 2am on Sunday 2 July 2006, I crossed fort. – but, again, to no avail. over into South Africa to be met by Barry and With Rammite manufacturing based in Things took a positive turn in 1998 when an SABC film crew.” Perth this allows a fast turn around in the Sam Beahan was released. Petitions to After being so long out of circulation, the supply of garments, or special developed President Mugabe for clemency were again new world Kevin Woods emerged into held for a customer if needed. Rammite merino refused. However, the following year Barry many surprises. Bawden was released. “So much has changed – cell phones, wool laying systems have be used exten- While in prison Kevin Woods took up laptop computers – every day is new for me.” sively by SASR in Afghanistan, with de- drawing and also began formulating plans Though his family received an allowance velopment be carried out to meet tactical for a book. from the South Africans, they struggled requirements before deployment. WOODS20 Find, like, share at JASON MARKS

evacuated by helicopter for treatment for a gunshot wound to the arm. His wound was not life threatening. On 2 May, Lance Corporal Marks was farewelled by his comrades at Tarin Kowt. Following a memorial service at Camp Russell, an SOTG patrol vehicle bearing his casket passed along a route lined by members of the Australian Reconstruction Task Force and representatives from coalition forces in Oruzgan Province. On the dusty airstrip close by, the casket was carried by eight of his mates, slow- marching past friends and colleagues, while Dutch Apache helicopters hovered in the background. In an address at the service, the Commanding Officer of the SOTG said Lance Corporal Marks’ death was not in vain. “Jason fought and died for the enduring values of freedom and justice and above all the ANZAC ethos of service to the nation and loyalty to your mates. “Our tribute and testament to his passing and how we honour his death, is to demonstrate our unwavering determination and resolve to our operational focus and mission.” Upon arrival at RAAF Base Richmond, Lance Corporal Marks’ remains were received from the aircraft and carried to his family by an honour guard and bearer party from 4RAR (Cdo). Jason’s family, closest friends and military leaders were present for the private FALLEN ceremony. Chief of Army Lieutenant General Peter Leahy extended heartfelt sympathies to Jason’s family during this difficult time. COMMANDO “We are proud of him and the service he gave to his country. He has made the ultimate sacrifice and we will miss him,” Lance Corporal Jason Marks, aged 27, serving Lieutenant General Leahy said. with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) Special forces commander Major General Tim McOwan described Lance Corporal in Afghanistan was killed by Taliban extremists Marks as a remarkable soldier who was in Oruzgan Province, approximately 25km south extremely dedicated to his role. Cassandra Marks: “Jason epitomised what every commando “There are no words to express how we are feeling. east of Tarin Kowt, on 28 April. strives for; courage, strength and Our family is devastated at the tragic loss of Jason in determination. He certainly had a strength Afghanistan today. e was killed during a gun-battle During the course of the clearance, the of character that set him apart,” Major Jason was a devoted father to our two beautiful in the early morning when lead platoon in the company was engaged General McOwan said. children and a loving husband to me. All Jason ever Australian soldiers came under by up to 20 individuals in three to four “Jason was an extremely well-liked man wanted to do was join the army. He was the type of fire from small arms and rocket- groups, armed with small arms and rocket and his loss will be keenly felt throughout man who knew what he wanted. Even from the age Hpropelled grenades. propelled grenades. his unit and the wider army.” of 12, all Jason ever wanted to be was a soldier. Four other soldiers were seriously The enemy was operating from well- Lance Corporal Marks’ funeral service Becoming a commando was a dream of Jason’s. He wounded during the contact with gunshot prepared positions with overhead was held at Holsworthy Barracks, home of was proud of who he was and proud of what he did. and fragment wounds to their limbs. protection. They fired from numerous his commando regiment, following a dusk Jason loved to be active, whether it was through The wounded soldiers and the body of locations, including from higher ground, service on 6 May. playing Union, League or rock climbing. He even Lance Corporal Marks were evacuated by in a battle that continued for more than Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Opposition became a combat fitness leader in the army, he loved helicopter to a medical facility at Tarin Kowt. three hours. Leader Brendan Nelson, Defence Minister it so much. The Australian operation was a deliberate, > In a separate incident two nights later, Joel Fitzgibbon and Minister for Defence Jason always strived to be the best he could be. company-level clearance of an area suspected another Australian soldier was wounded Science and Personnel Warren Snowden He loved the army, he loved his mates and he loved to contain a Taliban extremist group. during clearance operations. He was were among the mourners. his family.”

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ith the leadership of the ADF and its branches due for renewal this OTHER SENIOR KEY FIGURES IN THE year new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced in March that Air AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE Chief Marshal Angus Houston would be reappointed and continue as DEFENCE FIGURES the Chief of the Defence Force for another three years while all three Wservices would see new men in their top offices. Minister for Defence NEW Mr Rudd said the CDF’s reappointment would ensure continuity of leadership for Australia’s military during a high operational tempo. Joel Fitzgibbon The new appointments will take effect on 4 July this year. Elected member for Hunter in March 1996. While making the announcement, the Prime Minister also thanked the outgoing Served on the Labor front bench in a service chiefs, who will all be retiring. number of portfolios including Small LEADERSHIP Business, Tourism, Banking and Financial Services, Forestry, Mining and Energy, and as Assistant Treasurer. He is an automotive electrician by trade and spent 10 years running his own business.

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon Federal member for Lingiari and previously member for NT, since 1987. Before politics worked as a researcher at the ANU, as a school teacher and as a policy officer at the Central Land Council. Served on three parliamentary committees, including Foreign Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF) Chief of Navy Chief of Army Chief of Air Force Affairs, Defence and Trade. Served as Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston Major General David Hurley Rear Admiral Russell Crane Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie Air Vice-Marshal Mark Binskin parliamentary secretary to three ministers. AC, AFC AO, DSC CSM AO, DSC, CSM AM

Air Chief Marshal Allan Grant (Angus) Lieutenant General David Hurley was Rear Admiral Russell Crane began his Lieutenant General Kenneth (Ken) James Air Vice-Marshal Mark Binskin joined the Parliamentary Secretary for Houston joined the RAAF as a cadet pilot born in Wollongong, NSW in 1953. career as a recruit at HMAS Leeuwin Gillespie enlisted in the Australian Army Royal Australian Navy in 1978 and flew Defence Procurement in 1970. He graduated from the Royal Military in 1970 and training as an electrical as an apprentice in 1968. He graduated Skyhawk aircraft. He served in VC724 and Greg Combet, AM He spent the early part of his career College, Duntroon in December 1975 into mechanic in aircraft communications. from Officer Cadet School, Portsea in VF805 Squadrons and, in 1982 was the Elected member for Charlton in 2007. flying Iroquois helicopters in various the Infantry Corps and posted to 1RAR. He served on the aircraft carrier, HMAS 1972 and was commissioned into the first RAN pilot to undergo an exchange Former Secretary of the Australian Council parts of Australia, Papua New Guinea and After an exchange to the UK, he served Melbourne. Royal Australian Engineers. with the RAAF, flying Mirage jets, after Indonesia. with 5/7RAR before attending Command He was selected for officer training in He has held a range of regimental and which he joined the RAAF. of Trade Unions. Studied engineering, He is a qualified flight instructor and and Staff College, Queenscliff in 1986. 1972 and, as an officer, served on HMA staff appointments including instructor Air Vice-Marshal Binskin’s other economics and labour relations in completed several instructional tours on Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in Ships Derwent, Curlew, Melbourne, appointments at the School of Military flying tours include No 2 Operational university. Noted for his involvement in Macchi, BAC Strikemaster and Iroquois in 1990 he was posted as Senior Career Torrens, Anzac, Duchess, Sydney, Stalwart Engineering and 1st Recruit Training Conversion Unit and No 77 Squadron at 1998 Australian waterfront dispute. the late 1970s. Adviser (Armour, Artillery, Engineers, and Brisbane. Battalion; regimental appointments at 2nd, Williamtown, flying Mirage and F/A-18 He served on exchange with the Infantry) in the Office of Military Secretary. He has completed mine warfare and 5th and 2nd/3rd Field Engineer Regiments Hornet aircraft; with the US Navy on Parliamentary Secretary for Republic of Singapore Air Force and with In November 1991 he assumed clearance diving officers courses. and the 1st Construction Regiment; F/A-18s; with the US Air Force instructing Defence Support a USAF helicopter unit. command of 1RAR and led them on Op In 1981, after a short period in charge Company Commander at the Army on F-16C; and, No 75 Squadron at Tindal His principal command appointments Solace (Somalia) in ‘93. He was awarded of the RAN Experimental Diving Unit, Apprentices School; Senior Instructor at flying F/A-18. He has more than 3500 Dr Mike Kelly AM include No 9 Squadron, during the the Distinguished Service Cross for this. Clearance Diving Team 2, Lieutenant the School of Military Engineering; and, hours in single-seat fighter aircraft. Former solicitor, joined the ADF in 1987 introduction of the Black Hawk, the unit’s Several staff appointments preceeded Crane was posted to HMS Vernon on a as Australian Exchange Instructor at the He commanded No 77 Squadron at as legal officer. Deployed to Somalia ‘93. relocation from Amberley to Townsville his attendance at the US Army War two-year exchange with the Royal Navy. Royal School of Military Engineering, UK. Williamtown and the Air Combat Group. Seconded to the Red Cross in Bosnia ’96. and the Black Hawks’ transfer to Army’s 5 College, before a posting as Military Following several important staff and In 1989 he raised, and then deployed He was made a Member of the Order Chief legal adviser to UNTAET commander Aviation Regiment in 1989. Secretary to Chief of Army. In December intelligence postings, then Captain Crane as the 2IC and operations officer, the of Australia (AM) for his performance as in Timor-Leste 2001. Legal adviser in nd He commanded No 86 Wing in 1997 he was posted to the ADF HQ as assumed command of HMAS Success. 2 Australian Contingent to the UN a Fighter Combat Instructor and an RAAF Coalition Provisional Authority Iraq from 1994-’95. He was also the commander Director Preparedness and Mobilisation. During this command Success served Transition Assistance Group in Namibia. F/A-18 display pilot. May 2003 to July 2004. Widely regarded of the Integrated Air Defence System in In January 1999 he assumed command on Operation Stabilise in support of He is a graduate of the Australian Air Vice-Marshal Binskin has served as a leading expert on operations law and 199-2000. of 1 Brigade, Darwin as a brigadier. peacekeeping operations in East Timor. Command and Staff College, Queenscliff, in various joint and single-service staff international law of occupation. He is a graduate of the Flying In January 2001 he was posted as the He was awarded the Conspicuous Australian Joint Services Staff College and positions including HQ ADF, DMO, Air Instructors Course, RAAF Staff College, Director General Land Development, Service Medal for his time on Success. Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. Force HQ and HQ Australian Theatre. Joint Services Staff College and the Royal Capability Systems in the Office of the After promotion to Commodore, For his service as the Commander He also served as the first non-USAF Secretary of Defence College of Defence Studies, London. Vice Chief of the Defence Force. In July Crane was posted to ADF HQ as Director Australian Contingent, Operation Slipper, director of the US Central Air Force Nick Warner In 2008, he was made a Companion of 2001 he was promoted to Major General General Intelligence, Surveillance, he was advanced to Officer of the Order Combined Air and Space Operations Appointed SECDEF December 2006. the Order of Australia, having previously and appointed Head, Capability Systems. Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare of Australia in the Military Division, Centre, responsible for the conduct of all Senior international adviser to PM from been appointed a Member in 1990 and In December 2002 he was appointed and later as the Commander Australian having previously been a Member. He coalition air operations in the MEAO. July 2005. After working in the Joint advanced as an Officer in 2003. In 1980 he Land Commander Australia. In December Naval Systems Command. was also awarded the Distinguished He is a graduate of the Harvard Business Intelligence Organisation and Office was awarded the Air Force Cross. 2003 he was promoted to Lieutenant Promoted to Rear Admiral in 2004, he Service Cross for command and School Advanced Management Program, He assumed command of the ADF on General. He was appointed Chief, Joint served as Director General Coastwatch leadership in East Timor in 2000/2001 Australian Institute of Company Directors of National Assessments, held several 4 July 2005 after four years as Chief of Operations Command in October 2007 and was the inaugural commander of the and the Conspicuous Service Medal for and RAAF Command and Staff Course. senior Foreign Affairs and Trade positions. Air Force and is reappointed for another He holds the academic qualifications of newly formed Joint Offshore Protection his work in Namibia. He was appointed Air Commander Served as Special Coordinator RAMSI, three years. Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Diploma Command in 2005. He was appointed Land Commander Australia in July 2007 where he provides High Commissioner Port Moresby, Air Chief Marshal Houston is the third in Defence Studies. He is married to Linda Rear Admiral Crane became the Australia in 2004 and, after promotion, specialist air advice on raise, train and Ambassador Tehran, Deputy Head of RAAF officer to be appointed CDF. and has three children. Deputy Chief of Navy in 2006. Vice Chief of the Defence Force in 2005. sustain issues to the joint environment. Mission Cambodia and Head of Australian Liaison Office Namibia.

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NAVY CONCENTRATES ON CORE SKILLS

PICS ABLE SEAMAN ANDREW DAKIN

Core maritime skills were honed by hundreds of RAN personnel from 22 ships during February and March during the annual fleet concentration period (ACP-08) off Australia’s east coast. The comprehensive six-week program aimed to regenerate fleet mariner and war-fighting skills. Naval assets from the New Zealand and French navies stationed in the Pacific also participated. During the period, a number of separate exercises were conducted in waters off north Queensland and southern New South Wales. ACP-08 is the largest Australian domestic maritime exercise of its type. Task Group Commander Captain Peter Laver said hundreds of Royal Australian Navy personnel who started the exercise are now more proficient and confident in their duties. “Overall we performed a huge range of activities, both in a geographical sense and in the evolutions we are now skilled up to do,” Captain Laver said. “Some of the things we did were exceptionally complex, probably the first time many crews have conducted some of these tasks.” ACP-08 featured a graduated training program starting with basic activities within individual ships that are relatively easy to conduct – allowing crews to practice their core jobs the right way in a safe environment. Building on that experience, more advanced activities were attempted in phase two, still in an environment where each activity was conducted as a discreet mission. Amphibious exercises Squadex and Sea Lion were conducted in waters off Townsville with five RAN landing craft heavy, as well as HMNZS Canterbury and the French landing ship Jacques Cartier taking part in the latter. Assets from the RAAF and Australian Army also participated. Further south, in waters in and around Jervis Bay on the south coast of NSW, RAN mine-countermeasure skills were practiced in exercise Mulgogger. Five Huon-class mine hunters alongside Australian Clearance Diving Teams One and Four swept for and neutralised mock enemy mines in realistic scenarios. Captain Laver said the last stage of the concentration period was to integrate everything learned to that point and incorporate it within the context of a scenario that required people to conduct more complex tasks at short notice within a notional operational environment. He said this recent experience had prepared RAN ships and personnel well to go on to even more complex exercises such as Croix du Sud in Noumea and RIMPAC off Hawaii.

26 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 27 HMAS SYDNEY II

Kedge anchor

Lifeboats Searchlight mount SYDNEY FOUND! ENDURING MYSTERY NEARER RESOLUTION

An historic day for the Royal Australian Navy, Finding Sydney Foundation and indeed the nation dawned on 16 March 2007 as the first traces of the wreck of HMAS Sydney II resolved upon computer screens on Sydney wreck Sydney found announcement a search vessel off the Western Australian coast.

ixty-six years after the ship and its with documents pertaining to Sydney’s entire crew disappeared, almost disappearance to trawl through and with without trace, the final resting the only eye witnesses to her final battle place of the pride of Australia’s either dead or elderly – and all from the Swartime naval fleet has been disclosed. enemy ship that sank her. HMAS Sydney II was found days after the But what of the search that took 66 years wreck of her nemesis, the HSK Kormoran, to furnish the result Australians craved? was located in 2560 metres of water, Despite intense air and sea searches approximately 112 nautical miles off Steep in the days and weeks after the fateful Point, mainland Australia’s western-most tip. battle, the vast seas off Western Australia While her discovery lays to rest one yielded just one life raft, one life jacket (now

BRIAN HARTIGAN AND ADF WORDS PICS THE FINDING SYDNEY FOUNDATION key aspect of Australia’s most enduring preserved at the Australian War Memorial) maritime mysteries and identifies a final and no other trace from HMAS Sydney II. resting place for the families of the 645 However, 317 men from the Kormoran members of her crew, speculation around survived to eventual rescue, adding to the circumstances of her final battle and the the mystery and fueling speculation mystery of her total loss still remain. and conspiracy theories through the A new Commission of Inquiry, headed intervening years. by former judge Terrance Cole, has been But the memory and mystery of Sydney tasked to delve deeper into this enduring never went away. mystery than any previous inquiry. In 2001, the Finding Sydney Foundation It won’t be easy though, with more than was established as a not-for-profit B turret 20km of shelf space said to be covered organisation run by five volunteer directors.

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Over the years, they raised funds and canvassed support from many quarters, and tirelessly pieced together what evidence they could muster to eventually come up with a best-guess fix on the THE BATTLE battle scene. Reconstruction of the events leading to HMAS Their fruitful search was started at the end of February, with Sydney II’s disappearance relies primarily on sufficient funds to continue for little more than a month. information gathered from interrogations of Less than two weeks later, the years of painstaking research and German survivors from the raider HSK Kormoran. Returning from a convoy task to Java, Sydney nautical detective work paid dividends when the sonar array they was headed for Fremantle when she sighted were trailing behind and far below the survey ship Geosounder began what appeared to be a Dutch merchant vessel at to ping what later proved to be the Kormoran. about 1600hrs on 19 November 1941. From that point on, finding the Sydney was almost assured. Sydney challenged the stranger using The discovery of the main battle site, less than four nautical miles searchlight and flag signals, while closing south of Kormoran’s position, was further evidence that the team’s the range between the two ships. Merchant research had them on the right bearing. vessels were known to be less efficient at visual Details furnished by the German survivors in 1941 were proving signalling and the Germans exploited this surprisingly accurate and, indeed, even before the Kormoran discovery through slow responses and, later, also feigned a was officially announced to the public, Sydney had also been found. cry for help. The delaying tactics resulted in the range The wreck of HMAS Sydney II was confirmed approximately 12 between the ship closing to a point where nautical miles from where Kormoran lay, 8 nautical miles from the Sydney lost the advantage of her superior scene of the principal battle site, and at a depth of 2468 metres. armament. Initial sonar surveys of the wreck show Sydney resting on the About 1730hrs, with separation at less bottom, largely intact and sitting upright. than a mile and with his options running out, Finding the historic wrecks so efficiently meant the Finding Commander Theodor Detmers on the Kormoran Sydney Foundation was left with sufficient time and resources to took the advantage of surprise and opened fire conduct detailed photographic and video surveys of both ships and with all his armament. their battle site which should, in theory, greatly assist the inquiry into It is likely that the raider’s first salvo destroyed the event. Sydney’s bridge, effectively eliminating her primary control. After the find, both ships were immediately placed under legal Sydney’s own guns opened fire almost protection orders and will be respected and managed in the future simultaneously with a full salvo that passed over with the same reverence as war graves, for indeed, they do harbour Kormoran without inflicting damage. the souls of more than 700 fighting men. Kormoran scored further hits on Sydney with two salvos again hitting her bridge and midships. For a few seconds Sydney did not reply. It appeared that her forward A and B turrets were out of action leaving only her aft turrets X and Y to respond. Exclusive hotel and resort discounts for Australian Defence Sydney’s X turret eventually opened fast and accurate fire, hitting the raider in the funnel and Force and Police Association Members engine room, while Y turret is said to have fired only two or three salvos, all of which went over. Join now & enjoy a 20% saving on accommodation at over 140 Accor hotels and resorts throughout Australia, At about the same time, Sydney was struck New Zealand and the Fiji Islands. Only $50 for a 5 year full membership and $25 for Partner / Retired membership. by two torpedoes under A and B turrets – with the top of B turret blowing off soon after and flying overboard. Sydney then passed astern of Kormoran and, despite being masked from view by heavy smoke from fires raging in the raider’s engine room, was kept under heavy fire. HMAS SYDNEY II At about 1745hrs Sydney fired four torpedoes – all missed. Modified Leander Class Light Cruiser Type While both ships were all but crippled and on 6830 tons Displacement fire by now and drifting further apart, Sydney Representing a technological These hotels and apartments An international network of Each hotel is unique in style Length 562 feet 3 inches continued to receive steady hits from Kormoran’s innovation with a new vision of offer spacious comfort and convenient, modern hotels for offering a warm friendly port broadside but could only return sporadic fire service for business orientated quality, expressing the spirit of business and leisure travel, located welcome reflecting their Beam 56 feet 8 inches from her own secondary armament. upscale travellers. their locations. in key cities and resort destinations. location and region. Builder Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Although this fierce action was over in half Ltd, Wallsend on Tyne, England an hour, both ships were mortally wounded. Laid Down 8 July 1933 (as Phaeton) As night fell, only a distant glare and Launched 22 September 1934 (as Sydney) by occasional flickerings marked Sydney’s position, Mrs Bruce, wife of the Australian High until about midnight when all trace disappeared. Commissioner to the UK Detmers ordered the Kormoran be abandoned and he scuttled his ship. Power 72,000 horsepower A total of 315 Germans and two Chinese Speed 32.5 knots survived from the Kormoran. All Seasons Hotels offer distinctive Friendly helpful staff, comfortable Armament 8 x 6-inch guns, 4 x 4-inch guns, 3 x .50 All on the Sydney were lost – with the possible personalities, friendly service and rooms, services and amenities that exception of one body washed ashore on flawless attention to detail in make your stay more enjoyable. (inch) machine guns, 12 x .303 (inch) holiday, country and city locations. Hotels the way you like them. Lewis Guns, 8 x 21 inch torpedo tubes Christmas Island in February 1942. Attempts Complement 645 to identify the remains using modern forensic techniques continue. Join online now at 7579_ADLP

30 Find, like, share at CADET CHALLENGE

WORDS CAPTAIN BEN ROBINSON (AAC) Cadet James Stefanovich PICS TROOPER MICHAEL FRANCHI Cadet Sergeant Bruce Donaldson takes notes at ‘O group’ takes aim on the range

WITH THE PRIDE OF THEIR UNITS AND THEIR STATES ON THE LINE, 80 CADETS FROM ALL OVER AUSTRALIA CONVERGED ON SYDNEY TO TAKE UP THE... CHIEF OF ARMY CHALLENGE

ot mud, water, obstacle courses, “It’s a prestigious award,” Cadet Warrant They were then directed to a range- night insertion and navigation, Officer Class 2 Travis Grundell said before fire activity. not weariness and fatigue nor the contest. “I’m expecting to be really “It was a great opportunity to fire under rations on the run could stop 80 challenged, but I want to have some fun the supervision of professional soldiers,” NAustralian Army Cadets from accepting the along the way too.” Cadet Lance Corporal Laura Bailey said. Chief of Army’s Challenge. The cadets were required to assist in a “I really enjoyed the range activity.” They came from all over Australia to mock UN mission conducting surveillance Assessment of the cadets had begun Holsworthy, forming up in teams of 10, each operations – starting with a night insertion. at the moment of their insertion into representing one of the eight Australian Each section was to night navigate to an the challenge and they were watched Army Cadet regions across the country. area of operations and, from there, begin closely as they reconnoitered a ransacked The only thing on their minds was their operations. food distribution centre and were given winning the CA’s Challenge for their unit In the early hours of the morning the instructions that brought them, through the and their state. sections had to find cached rebel stores. night, to the Holsworthy obstacle course.

Aaron Hopgood & Nicholas Winrers scale an obstacle

Cadet Corporal Katilin Champion Cadet James Stefanovich prepares for night patrol

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Lance Corporal Jamie Akers gives pre-challenge tips on first aid

Cadet Corporal Everyn Deutscher is coached by Corporal Justin Powell on the range

According to cadet unit officer Craig activity could readily fit both its military Stephens, the obstacle course was a context through its realistic portrayal AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE highlight of the weekend. of Army training and wider community FORCE CADETS “It pushed each of the individuals to test values in providing cadets with a valuable their limits and also brought them together experience in teamwork, persistence and Adding value to the ADF as teams, as they had to understand each goal achievement. • ADFC provides a talented, cost other’s strengths and weaknesses to achieve “It was impressive to see the dedication effective, intelligent and well- their goals,” he said. of the cadets and the determination put educated recruitment pool for In the end, the winners of the CA in by all of the teams,” Lieutenant General Defence. Challenge was the team from Western Leahy said. • The Australian Army Cadet Corps Australia, with the South Queensland team “It’s important for the Army to continue is currently the second largest taking out the RSM-A Trophy for Drill. to support Army Cadets, as these young formation in the Australian Presenting the awards, Chief of Army people are the future leaders of Australia Army with only Land Command being larger. WE’RE PART OF IT Lieutenant General Peter Leahy said he – not only in the ADF, but also in the was particularly interested to see that the wider community.” • Cadets comprise 0.76 per cent of the total Australian population in their age group but, between 2004 Winners and 2006 made up 17.6 per cent of ADF enlistments. We offer special benefi ts for Defence Cadets: • Cadets represented between 35 and 40 per cent of new entrants to • A Cadet Plus account which pays more interest as ADFA between 2002 and 2006. your savings grow • According to the 2007 Defence census, 21.7 per cent of • 6 free ATM and 6 free EFTPOS transactions per permanent ADF members and 26 per cent of Reservists had month (under 18 years only) previously been Cadets. • Cadets promote Defence’s • Free Redicard (Debit Card, under 12 years only) reputation in the community, particularly in remote, regional • Welcome Pack including giveaways, a fi nancial and Indigenous areas. In some communities they provide the education booklet and a budgeting CD only uniformed contribution to ANZAC Day and Remembrance • 24 Hour access to Online and Phone Banking Day events.

* Data sourced from Australian Defence Force Cadet Data, December 2007 Report. Apply online at www.adcu.com.au today, call 1300 13 23 28, or visit your local branch Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply and are available on application. The Cadet Plus Account is available to members aged 13-17 years. Australian Defence Credit Union Ltd. ABN 48 087 649 741, AFSL 237 988. 34 Find, like, share at MODEL MAKER

In his Navy days, while his ship was in On a beaut little property refit, Russ decided to build a model of 10 miles past Tumba- HMAS Arunta – a proper big model, remote AIR WARFARE control and everything. bloody-rumba I found a Anyway, to cut that part of the longer man in a shed who knows story short, some guys in suits got to hear DESTROYERS more about Australia’s about his model – and asked Russ to build another – and another – and then another. new Air Warfare The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Russ is building ships and planes BEING BUILT Destroyers than just and tanks and other things by the hundred about any salty sea dog – but one at a time, by hand, individual and incredibly detailed. IN NSW WORDS AND PICS BRIAN HARTIGAN you might talk to. By the hundred is probably an exaggeration. As Russ puts it, “I’d get bored doing the same thing over and over. ith a horse kicking tin outside “I could pump things out like an a window that reveals miles assembly line – but where would be the fun and miles of panoramic in that?” Snowy Mountain views all the His current project is probably his biggest Wway to Kosciuszko, he says, “You probably yet – five copies (initially) of the Air Warfare shouldn’t look at them too closely” Destroyer, with each 72nd scale model indicating sheets of detailed CAD drawings measuring in at 2.1m long, 260mm wide doors and other orifices in the sheet plastic for the pride of Australia’s future naval fleet. and 850mm high from keel to mast tip. that goes to make walls, roofs and other COMPETITION TIME Next to the drawings is a stack of So where would you start with a project superstructure panels. OK – that’s it – I quit cream-coloured thingymajigs that, on like that? Well, just like the real thing, with a But it all comes back to the master model as editor of CONTACT closer inspection, reveal themselves as gun set of rather large drawings showing every maker in his tin shed on the side of the hill Air Land & Sea. mounts, boat davits, satellite antenna, radar detail and looking at the ship from every with the panoramic views where all the Otherwise, how else can panels, Nulka pods, railings, ladders and elevation. He even gets cross-sectional pieces are assembled, painted and mounted I get my hands on this countless other bits that, when finished, drawings so that when it comes time for his in a display case (made by yet another man fantastic prize. But since I really attached and painted, will add unbelievable mate with the fiberglass expertise to make in some far off place). can’t quit, I guess I must detail and authenticity to the 72nd scale the hull mould, every aspect of the sleek “It’s really like glueing a giant moulded give you, the reader, model hull standing beside them. design is an exact copy of the real thing kit together – only in this case, all the bits a chance to prove Meet Russ French – master model maker – only 72 times smaller. don’t come ready made in a box – I make all how much you would – and former Navy man now building ships While Russ waits for the hulls to arrive, the parts myself,” Russ says. like to win this one- in rural New South Wales. there’s plenty to keep him occupied. “It’s really quite satisfying and, naturally, I of-a-kind, individual, Russ is a model maker from way back. Having built other 72nd scale ships love doing it and I love being my own boss hand-made model of Like many of us, he glued boats, planes, before, he already has moulds made up and I love working here on the side of this an Australian Army tanks and other shop-bought kits together for many of the common systems and hill and in this community.” ASLAV Type I with as a lad. But in Russ’ case, the hobby grew a attachments. It’s just a case of dusting them With sweeping hand gestures, Russ builds 25mm Delco turret. Master model maker bit beyond the shop-bought. off and casting sufficient epoxy copies to a mental picture for me of his (full-scale) Russ French has cater for this project. His client is happy plans to build a new house on his hillside constructed this model, about this, too, as it helps to keep the property, which, naturally, incorporates a valued at more than considerable cost down a little. generously sized model-makers workshop $700, especially for Other elements, though, have not been and model display/reception area. CONTACT – and you! done before, so he starts from scratch, I can’t wait to visit him again! Tell me in exactly sculpting and building the first example, 25 words, before 15 July from which he can make a mould. 2008, why you should The attention to detail and apparent be selected as the accuracy of the finished piece attests to one proud new owner of this custom-built prize. thing – here is an artist at work. And if you don’t win A real surprise with the piece he’s this one, you could buy working on today, though, is that there are another, different model no CAD drawings for this one – just a glossy, from Russ’ web site

trade-show brochure, in the hands of a man www.defencemodels.com.au> who spent more than 20 years working on the decks of real fighting ships. Russ is not a one-man band, though. His wife is heavily involved on the business side and assists with workshop plans and drawings. Then there’s the guy who makes the fiberglass hulls. Even the local police sergeant is in on the act – an engraver in his spare time, he has a very useful laser cutter that can easily and accurately cut windows,

36 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 37 INFANTRY ON OPS We’ve established that infantry is the basic building block of the army and examined the basic structure and training of an infantry battalion (CONTACT #16) and, heard from the boss what the future holds for infantry (CONTACT #17). Now it’s time to take a closer look at infantry on operations, applying their skills and knowledge in a complex and dangerous environment.

“YOU DON’T JOIN WORDS AND PICS BRIAN HARTIGAN ON OPS THE ARMY TO HANG OUT IN ll soldiers are trained for a job, While no one is hurt, the incident not only THE TRAINING whether they are infantry, cavalry, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable artillery, transport, mechanic, and dangerous nature of the environment AREAS OR THE postman or cook. Like any other in which our soldiers operate daily, but BACKWATER Aprofession, they train to do a job – they don’t the speed of information flow in its wake PARTS OF train for training’s sake. highlights the advances in communication Deploying on operations is the job flow since I last held a radio transceiver. But, AUSTRALIA. – going overseas (or, God forbid, defending more on the technology later. YOU JOIN THE the homeland), applying the skills and Combat Team Heeler – so called because ARMY TO GO knowledge one has accumulated over years 6RAR’s mascot is a blue-heeler dog – is OVERSEAS AND or, more commonly, months of training. focused primarily on counter IDF (indirect fire) A good analogy, spelt out to me by a for the moment. They ‘op their quarter’ daily, DO THE JOB FOR sport-loving soldier in Tallil, is that it’s a bit going out on patrols to protect the base and REAL” – PRIVATE like training for a football match – you can the coalition forces within it from indirect fire NIK BANBRICK, do all the training and practice all the drills – showing a strong presence outside the wire and scenarios you want, but it counts for to keep the enemy on the back foot. A 21-YEAR-OLD little until you actually play the game and CT Heeler has also conducted many other RIFLEMAN WITH get tested on the field. Carrying the analogy tasks over the past five months, including THE OVERWATCH one step further he adds that the match-day ambushes, VCPs (vehicle check points) and BATTLE GROUP experience will ultimately leave the team in humanitarian missions such as providing first much better shape for the next big game. aid to the locals or handing out food and water. (WEST) 4, Everyone agrees the ‘game’ in Iraq is Simple things like talking to villagers, ELOQUENTLY complex, demanding and dangerous. kicking a ball or generally mucking about with SUMS UP THE Returning to base from a night- kids are also important tools in fighting the ATTITUDE OF THE patrol mission with 1 Platoon, 6RAR, the enemy – keeping the locals on side. Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle in front In this vein, CMIC (civil military cooperation) MODERN AUSSIE of us is engulfed in a flash of light, smoke projects also help relations with the SOLDIER IN IRAQ and debris. The thump of the explosion locals and give the bad guys no room to follows in a second or so. manoeuvre, because a village in receipt of In unison, more than one soldier yells out a CMIC-sponsored project such as a new “IED – IED” and automatically commence school or kids’ playground is far less likely defensive manoeuvres. Quickly, however, to harbour insurgents lest the community word comes through that it’s not a lose the project that brings work, money roadside bomb that’s gone off but electricity and the prospect of a better future to the INFANTRY IN THE FIELD from a low-slung power line going to earth neighbourhood. with enough force to blow the right rear Despite the danger and complexity of wheel off the vehicle and damage the spare the mission in Iraq, though, soldiers such as in the process. Private Banbrick are in their element.

01 02 03 04 05 06

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This young soldier rates job satisfaction at changed and he now needs to concentrate Also enhancing the team’s operating “eight or nine out of 10”. on his duties as a rifleman because there effectiveness is modern equipment such “It’s pretty hot here at the moment and could be a threat or a task that requires his as enhanced combat body armour, SPR in the winter it can be really cold – plus you full concentration. (soldier personal radio), MBITR (multi-band always miss home – but other than that, job That ability to switch on and switch off is inter team) radios, Aimpoint weapon sights, satisfaction is very high,” he says. enhanced by training that starts at Kapooka, GPS-based networking, night-vision goggles, “Joining the army is a really good life continues at the School of Infantry and is sights and aiming devices and, of course, the experience – it opens your eyes to a lot honed, like any other skill, every day. But it is armoured vehicles. of things. an ability that all soldiers must have. > Enhanced combat body armour is a heavy, “I’d highly recommend that everyone And it is very impressive to watch in hot, cumbersome pain in the butt that spend the first couple of years of adult life in its application. has saved numerous lives. What a soldier the army. It definitely broadens your horizons While travelling in an ASLAV with Combat loses in mobility and endurance, is more and gives you a different perspective.” Team Waler (named in honour of the horses than made up for by the confidence and He says camaraderie among his that served the Light Brigade in WWI), I was reassurance of having it on. colleagues is very high as well – and it’s very allowed to stand up through an open hatch > SPR is a radio system that allows every important that it stays that way. in the roof of the vehicle, with a Steyr-armed soldier in a section to talk (or whisper) Infantry, probably more so than any soldier in the hatch next to me. Somewhat to each other – just like in the movies – other corps, relies on the bond between distracted by my own mission to take as negating the need to shout over distances men. Camaraderie and group dynamics many photos as possible in a short timeframe, and allowing them to spread out over a are indispensible ingredients, essential to I thought this soldier was being rudely hot wider area without losing contact. accomplishing any mission. and cold towards my riveting conversation (!) > MBITR allows the platoon commander, “In an eight- or 10-man section, that team until I realised that at key points in the road, sergeant and section commander spirit is probably greater than anywhere else such as when we approached a flyover or to communicate down his chain of in the army. That’s because we are living in a parked car, his attention and his rifle aim command on one frequency or, with the each other’s pockets and, while that can be were 100 per cent focused on the possibility opposite toggle of the switch, to talk to his a little trying at times, on balance it is more of a threat. And, with the likely threat passed, next highest command (or anyone else) rewarding that not. he was 50 per cent back with me – but still on a different frequency. “We are all honest with each other – we watchful for the slightest sign that something > Aimpoint red-dot sights allow a soldier to talk about pretty much everything, and if was out of place. acquire a sight picture on a target much we have a problem we usually talk about it Every soldier in the platoon must be faster than conventional sights. Because of openly and sort it out. switched on to what’s happening. Every its design, the shooter only needs to bring “If you don’t, it can bring the team down soldier in the team has a role to play and if a simple red dot to bear on the target as and affect morale adversely.” he doesn’t play his part in the section or the opposed to lining up two apertures or Team dynamics are very important – the platoon, even a momentary weakness could worrying about having his eye perfectly glue that binds a group together. These guys, lead to disaster for the team. aligned with the sight. more than most, ultimately depend on each The shape of the team is changing in the ‘traditional’ model). The section is > A GPS-based tracking system in each other for their lives in a worst-case scenario, rapidly also. made up of a driver and a supervisor of the vehicle connects it to a network that so they need to know that their mates will Lieutenant Crockett says that the vehicle and then eight soldiers in two bricks, tracks friendly forces on the battlefield. look after them. Australian Army is sitting between the old one led by the section commander and the > The night-vision suite of fighting aids Being Aussie soldiers there’s definitely a infantry model and a new model that is other led by the section 2IC. means the Aussie soldier is as effective at larrikin spirit here too. slated to be introduced in the next few years, “The brick concept is new. The old model night as he is in daylight – even more so “They like playing jokes on each other. but that his platoon structure is already infantry had three groups in a section according to some soldiers. They like playing jokes on me,” platoon heavily (if not fully) based on the new model. – gun group, scout group and assault group,” > ASLAV and Bushmaster really are as good commander 1 Platoon Lieutenant John Lieutenant Crockett heads up a motorised he says. or better than any vehicle in their class. Crockett says. platoon, which he says is pretty rare in the “Now, with the new model, we are Lieutenant Crockett says the suite of “Any chance they get they’ll slip army as it is. moving towards building the capacity of the communications equipment makes for something in. And it’s usually pretty funny. There are 35 soldiers in his platoon, small team. much better situational awareness and the “But, while that kind of thing definitely doctrinally, including himself. There’s “In each team or brick you should have other equipment makes for much more enhances team spirit, these guys also know the lieutenant and a sergeant, a platoon a grenadier, a marksman, a gunner and a effective soldiers. when to switch on.” signaller plus a driver and motorised scout. That produces highly effective small “When the guys get out on the ground, ‘Switching on’ is a subconscious thought corporal in platoon headquarters. Then he teams that can achieve higher tasks than a they are able to move out into whatever a soldier has. He knows the situation has has three sections with 10 men in each (nine three-man or a two-man group.” their task may be and they are able to

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keep feeds coming back to me. So, as He says that, as a cavalry man, he has “More than anything, this deployment infantrymen from the 6th Battalion, Royal the commander, I have a much better worked with every infantry battalion in has reinforced what I’ve always known – the Australian Regiment, under his command. understanding of what they can see at their the army over the past 21 years, but the innate ability of the army to get together, “What we have demonstrated in this end and what’s going on overall. relationship between the infantry and the task organise, forge a team and build the environment is that the cavalry and infantry “Consequently I can employ the rest of the cavalry in this battlegroup is such that he can espirit de corps necessary to be a potent capability and the integration of the ASLAV platoon much more effectively, or request barely discern a difference between the two. force and achieve a mission, is very strong. and the protected mobility vehicle is an assistance if required. “The fighting ethos and the offensive “The Australian public should be very outstanding capability and it has been a “In turn, I can feed what I know up to my spirit of both of those elements is proud every time an Australian soldier puts strong factor in allowing us to achieve so boss so that he has a higher understanding of outstanding. on a uniform and does the job the Australian much with such a small force in southern Iraq. what’s happening in his area of operations.” “For what it’s worth, although 2/14 is government asks him to do.” “We are just doing basic, traditional Such enhanced situational awareness armoured corps and cavalry, we are really He says Australian infantry is rated soldiering, applying it to a complex and and control translates into a much greater just another form of infantry. There’s good with the best in the world and it is his dangerous environment and it is working capability on the ground. The better a reason why my unit has the ‘Queensland great fortune and privilege to have the really well.” commander understands what’s going on, Mounted Infantry’ in brackets in its title. the better he can employ his soldiers to “At the end of the day, 2/14 Light Horse combat the threat or accomplish the task. is mounted infantry and 6RAR is mounted Commander OBG(W)4 Lieutenant Colonel infantry, albeit with more dismounted Chris Websdane agrees that the battle group capability. he leads is a much more potent force than “Together, the outstanding skills of the in the past. dismounted soldier in the Australian Army, Looking back at his time with B Squadron combined with the protected mobility of the 3/4 Cavalry Regiment and the 1RAR Bushmaster and the cavalry capability in the Battalion Group in Somalia, he says they ASLAV – this really is a potent organisation. did the grass-roots stuff really really well “And when we add the enablers and – mounted and dismounted offensive equipment we have here, it really is a potent patrolling, day in and day out. battlegroup.” “Here, we are still doing the basics, but we He says that summing up a day in the life are able to achieve so much more because of a soldier in Iraq is very hard – the job and of the enabling capabilities the Hardened the routine is so diverse. and Networked Army concept brings us. “It’s like a mini city,” he says. “Everybody “The networking capability we have in has a part to play in it – from the the vehicles, the enhanced communications infantryman or the cavalryman going THE OUTSTANDING suites, the video feeds we get from the UAV, outside the wire day in and day out SKILLS OF THE the feeds we get from JTAC (joint terminal conducting security patrols to defeat the attack controller) aircraft into our vehicles, enemy, to the postal clerk who keeps the DISMOUNTED platoon and combat teams, is really that key mail flowing, to the mechanics in particular SOLDIER IN THE component of the HNA.” who work tirelessly to ensure that our AUSTRALIAN “We are living the Hardened Networked equipment is always serviceable and ARMY, COMBINED Army right now.” mission capable.” Combined-arms operations are not He says there is a routine on the mission. WITH THE new but, for an ‘old soldier’ like Lieutenant And the enemy has his routine. And PROTECTED Colonel Websdane, the equipment his men sometimes the routine or the environment MOBILITY OF THE have at their disposal impresses even him. changes – so, the battlegroup changes its BUSHMASTER “Even down to section level, we are far routine to suit. more capable,” he says. It is a dynamic, complex operating AND THE CAVALRY “I know that the junior NCO, with his eight environment. It is a challenging and CAPABILITY IN men on the ground and two in the vehicle, complex mission. But, Lieutenant Colonel THE ASLAV and with the feeds that are going into that Websdane says, the strength of the OBG(W)4 vehicle, is far more enabled, far better able to battlegroup is the commitment of the – THIS REALLY make decisions, to understand the situation individuals within it and their versatility IS A POTENT and to pass information back, than he was and flexibility in adjusting to changing ORGANISATION 10 years ago.” circumstances.

13 14 15 16 17 18

42 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 43 PRE-DEPLOYMENT TRAINING

PICS CORPORAL NEIL RUSKIN

Soldiers from the fourth rotation of the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF4) came together in March to commence training for their tour of duty in Afghanistan. Starting their training at Wide Bay Training Area in Queensland, the soldiers were put through highly realistic and demanding scenario-based mission rehearsal exercises to help the disparate elements come together as a cohesive unit. RTF4 is formed around the Brisbane-based 6th Engineer Support Regiment (6ESR) with security elements from the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), also based in Brisbane, Sydney-based 3RAR and a handful of their Dutch counterparts. Around 400 soldiers deployed with RTF4 at the start of the Northern Hemisphere’s spring – and the start of what is traditionally the fighting season in southern Afghanistan – as part of Operation Slipper, the ADF’s contribution to the NATO-led ISAF mission in Oruzgan Province. The soldiers will be equipped with an array of engineering plant as well as Bushmaster and ASLAV armoured vehicles and a suite of modern weapons and support equipment to carry out reconstruction projects in the towns and villages of Oruzgan.

44 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 45 Anzac Day in Tallil, southern Iraq was very Australian, except ANZAC DAY for the fact it was a working day just like any other – almost

t starts with a traditional ‘gunfire upturned, bayoneted and helmeted rifle few hours sleep, having returned to base breakfast’ – hot coffee to start the heart, stuck in the ground and a catafalque party from the previous night’s patrol just in time reinforced with a shot of rum to make rested on arms reversed. for a quick shave and freshen-up before the sure you’re awake. Candlelight reflects on soldiers’ faces. They Dawn Service. IThen, as the first hint of a new day appears are quiet, reflective, yet obviously happy. Though their mounts, equipment, in the east, the traditional Dawn Service The usual prayers, odes and moments of circumstances and even their basic reminds us why we are here and where we silence are punctuated by a bugle and a lone conditions may be vastly different today, have come from. bagpipe (both played by British-contingent the soldiers of Queensland’s 2/14 LHR (QMI) As Anzac Day becomes more and more members). Wreaths are laid. and the other units represented at Camp popular with Australia’s younger generation, And then, something unusual and Terendak are almost exact carbon copies of its significance and importance is in danger very, very special – for the recipients. A their forbears. They are Aussie through and of being diluted by that very success, Commander’s Commendation is awarded through – the same larrikin spirit, the same the meaning of the day is certainly not and several soldiers are promoted. Now that’s laid-back, she’ll-be-right attitude and the lost among Aussie soldiers young or old, something they won’t forget in a hurry. same lovers of beer (though today was the especially those on operations. After the Dawn Service and mingling with only day they got any – and just two at that). Today’s soldier knows he walks in big mates, comes a very Aussie BBQ breakfast Speaking to them on the day, it’s actually footsteps. And for many of the soldiers here – and two up, of course. very hard to get many of them to admit in Iraq, that analogy could almost literally be But, while some soldiers have the ‘luxury’ of that spending Anzac Day on operations true – with the troopers of 2/14 Light Horse a few spare hours to make this Anzac Day a with their mates is anything out of the Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) little more memorable, others must get back ordinary – “Anzac Day is Anzac Day where daily pounding almost the same desert to work, preparing vehicles, checking stores ever you are,” one infantryman tells me, sands as their forebears 92 years earlier. and getting their head back in the game “The only difference here is that we can’t Today, soldiers from many corps gather before heading out on an early afternoon go in to town for a beer” – but most admit in the darkness, encircle Camp Terendak’s patrol that will last through the night. the significance will probably hit them cenotaph with its gas-fired eternal flame, Yet other soldiers slip away quietly for a sometime in the future.

THATWORDS AND PICS BRIAN HARTIGAN ONE DAY OF THE YEAR

46 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 47 ANZAC DAY

Friday 17 October Sergeant Matt Julian, 6RAR, says The house makes no money this day, Warrant Officer Class 2 Brad Clarke, 2008 Australasian Police Event 1 50 Target Skeet Anzac Day is about what we are not however, but a whip-around – appropriately regimental sergeant major of Overwatch where we are. with a slouch hat – nets a tidy sum for Legacy. Battle Group West 4, with the approval of and Services Clay Target Event 2 50 Target Handicap “But it does feel pretty special knowing Before too long, one digger tells me he’s the commanding officer, was a driving force that we are on the job over here and already lost all of the $100 he set aside for behind the game. Championships (open to civilians) Saturday 18 October knowing that not too far from here our this event, having won the stake earlier in a With Essendon and Collingwood Event 3 50 Target Single Barrel forefathers walked this land as well,” he says dare to drink a bottle of Tabasco sauce. ‘traditionally’ playing an Anzac Day game in 17 to 19 October 2008 with obvious pride. The two-up ring is also where hapless Melbourne in front of massive crowds each Coffs Harbour Clay Target Club, Coffs Harbour, NSW Event 4 50 Target Double Barrel “This isn’t the first Anzac Day celebrated on Yanks and Poms are (willingly?) suckered year, it wasn’t too hard to stir up interest in a Major Sponsor: Sunday 19 October operations and I don’t think it will be the last in to adding to the collective wealth of the ‘real’ Anzac test on foreign soil. All events will be graded O/A nd Event 5 50 Target Pointscore for Aussie soldiers” Aussie contingent. An Essendon Football Club member, WO2 plus 1st and 2 each grade Listening to others and observing, Sport, being such an important part of Clarke, with the help of a few others, secured FIOCCHI st th Event 6 50 Target Champion-of- however, there’s little doubt that today really Australian culture, also plays a big role in full sets of genuine team jerseys for both Handicap will be 1 to 5 Champions is special to all of them. making this Anzac Day special – and affords teams for the heat-shortened game. Police and Civilian sections (20 target double barrel, on all events After the moving, candle-lit dawn service, those Aussies who are not out on patrol or Played over two 20-minute halves and 20 target single barrel and when breakfast is called, the very long queue asleep yet another opportunity to thrash the with the temperature nudging 40 degrees at Refreshments and cartridges 20 target pointscore) proves to be a prime opportunity to chat, Poms on the cricket oval. 9am, the mostly friendly clash saw little more available at the grounds laugh and swap stories. On another sporting field, in what is than skin being lost on the rolled gravel pitch This is a proposed program and the organising Across the way I see two men approach thought to be a first, Aussie Rules football before ‘Essendon’ emerged one-point victors, committee reserves the right to alter it each other in the same gravel car park they was also played on operations for Anzac 9-9-63 over ‘Collingwood’ 9-8-62. traverse daily, swing arms in a wide arch to Day, albeit actually played two days earlier Back to Anzac Day and, in the afternoon, All enquiries to: further emphasise an ultimately powerful so that it could be televised back home on I have the honour of travelling with handshake, then pull each other chest to the 25th. members of Combat Team Waler as they Rick Mathers chest for thunderous backslaps. It was quite unusual for such a physical head out on another patrol through the [email protected] And then it was over to the two-up ring, sport to be allowed on operations where desolate desert landscape around Tallil, or phone 0412 721 637 very professionally run by a crusty, old-school an injury could not only take the player led by Major Chris McKay in an ASLAV or sergeant who could almost have been bred out of the game, but out of theatre as well, appropriately named ‘ANZAC’. Proudly for just this occasion, where a lot of money disrupting team dynamics on the bigger, John Elfes supported by eventually changes hands. more important mission. But, more on that patrol in the next issue… [email protected] or phone 0412 467 454 CONTACT AIR, LAND & SEA 48 Find, like, share at TIMOR SURGE

t may be an old cliché, but in the case of Emergency response eight Australian soldiers on Operation Astute in Timor-Leste their blood truly The response to the attempted is worth bottling. assassination of both the president and IThe soldiers provided blood for prime minister of Timor-Leste in Dili on 11 immediate transfusion during President February went much further than just the immediate medical needs of the president. José Ramos Horta’s emergency treatment While Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão BLOOD WORTH at the civilian-run mission medical facility escaped injury, President José Ramos- in Dili, following his serious wounding by Horta was shot twice and gravely rebels on 11 February. wounded, requiring emergency medical Having previously consented to be part treatment in Dili before evacuation for life- of an emergency donor register, the soldiers saving surgery in Darwin. made themselves available for blood As soon as civilian medical staff at donations in the event that their blood H-POD had the president sufficiently

CORPORAL RACHEL INGRAM RACHEL CORPORAL BOTTLING stabilised for transport, an army type was required urgently and Red Cross ambulance took him the short distance to

PICS supplies were not available. a waiting 171 Aviation Squadron Black One of the donors was Lieutenant Hawk helicopter. From there, it was a short Glen Mitchell from Townsville’s 3rd Combat Reinforcements hop to Dili International Airport where Service Support Battalion, currently arrive in Dili a Careflight aircraft and crew were on working as an operations officer at the standby for the final transfer to Darwin. hospital at Dili heliport base (H-POD). In the mean time, extra troops and Glen knew very quickly after the shooting police were being mobilised in Australia, that President Horta would undergo heading to Dili to bolster the International emergency surgery and quickly rounded up Stabilisation Force in Timor-Leste in other registered donors of the president’s anticipation of civil unrest. blood type. By nightfall on the same night as the attempted assassinations, troops were “As a donor you feel good no matter already gathering in Darwin for final who you’re helping to save, but the fact briefings and supplies before the short that we were helping someone who means hop to Dili. so much to the future of this country, Within days, about 200 extra Aussie plus the fact that it was Aussies showing Making their presence felt on the streets soldiers, built predominantly on a rifle this compassion, was great,” Lieutenant company drawn from Sydney-based 3rd Mitchell says. “I guess it did feel a bit special, though, Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, “I feel like I have a very strong connection being able to help President Horta, were in place and conducting patrols and to this country now.” who’s so important to Timor-Leste.” vehicle checks in and around Dili. Another of the emergency donors was The emergency blood donor register Currently designated the Ready Battalion Group, 3RAR has responsibility Corporal Paul Faulkner, based in Townsville – believed to be the first of its kind in to provide on-line, deployable short-notice with 2RAR, who is also a Red Cross blood the Australian Defence Force – lists force for just such emergencies. It stands donor back home in Australia. more than 40 fully-screened and tested ready to deploy a company-plus sized “I’d encourage everyone to consider potential donors at the H-POD and group as in this case, or a much larger donating blood. It’s a really worthy cause Camp Phoenix in Dili. force if necessary. back home, but here I’m simply doing my President Horta’s treatment is the first C-17 and C-130 aircraft from the bit as well,” Corporal Faulkner says. time the register has been activated. Royal Australian Air Force provided the necessary strategic and operational airlift capabilities for the surge, while HMAS Perth, already positioned in the vicinity of Dili Harbour, was fully prepared to support the new mission. On 15 February, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd visited Timor-Leste to make his own assessment of the situation of the needs of our near neighbour and, while there, thanked the newly arrived Australian soldiers for being ready, willing LEFT: President and able to deploy at such short notice. José Ramos Horta The surge brings the numbers of is transferred to an Australian Australian military in Timor-Leste to Army Black Hawk approximately 1000 ADF personnel. for transfer to Dili This force is expected to remain in the airport country for some time, providing a robust President José Ramos response capability to support the local Horta is removed from government and the United Nations an ambulance in Dili police force. ABOVE: Lieutenant Glen There are also approximately 70 Mitchell – donated blood during Australian Federal Police among more President José Ramos Horta’s than 1400 international police from 40 emergency treatment in Dili countries on duty in Timor-Leste as part of the UN and other missions there.

50 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 51 AFGHANISTAN

Australian Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) soldiers in southern WORDS CAPTAIN AL GREEN PICS CORPORAL HAMISH PATERSON Afghanistan fought off a number of Taliban attacks on a new construction project during the last days of February. For 35 days, in extreme mid-winter conditions, Australian soldiers and their Afghan National Army (ANA) allies were responsible for the construction of an ANA forward operating base (FOB) and provision of security in Afghanistan’s strategic Chora Pass. During the construction, Australian infantry, cavalry and combat engineers successfully fought off repeated insurgent attacks in the Dorafshan area. The action happened near the mouth of the contested Baluchi Valley where the Australian Army engineers are building the patrol base as part of Operation Shar Markaz. The Australians responded swiftly with ASLAV vehicles, small-arms fire and aggressive follow-up patrolling. Normally based in Townsville, 2RAR’s mortar detachment also fired in support. While the enemy tried to box in the Aussie troops with simultaneous attacks from mutually supporting fire teams, the Digger’s defensive tactics prevailed. “The immediate and aggressive response by RTF soldiers caused the enemy to break off their attack and abandon their weapons in hastily prepared caches,” Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said. “These weapons were recovered through aggressive follow-up patrolling, which was sustained for a number of days. AUSSIES “Importantly, the effectiveness of RTF force protection measures AUSSIES caused the Taliban to launch their attacks from the extreme range of their weapons systems in low-light conditions, which degraded their ability to target Australian troops effectively.” He said our troops in Oruzgan Province were performing magnificently in difficult and demanding operational conditions and REPELREPEL all Australians could be justifiably proud of their professionalism and their ability to respond quickly and aggressively when attacked. AFTERAFTER ATTACKSATTACKS THETHE BATTLESBATTLES After putting the Taliban to flight during skirmishes near the Baluchi Pass in Afghanistan earlier in the year, Australian troops have wasted no time in getting to know the locals, assessing their needs and winning their trust. Special engagement teams from the Reconstruction Task Force, operating from a newly constructed patrol base, quickly proved that friendly communication was the best way to break the ice with cautious locals. With a shared sense of fun, if not language, the diggers have become particularly popular with local children who run out to greet frequent patrols moving through the former Taliban stronghold. Infantryman Private Matt Filippe says that the kids soon became pretty cheeky. “We saw that as a very good sign, because it means they feel comfortable around us,” he says. In recent operations, the Australians have found that the best way to displace Taliban influence is to listen and respond to local needs, in stark contrast to the brutal tactics and demands of the insurgents. Engagement team member Lieutenant Andrew Wegener believes this point of difference gives the Australians a competitive edge. “We became closer to the population than the Taliban, which traditionally had been their advantage,” he says.

52 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 53 AFGHANISTAN Australian Public Service Benevolent Society “Now the Taliban are becoming the In line with the aim for local Financial Services outsiders, not us.” empowerment, the Afghan Army now Engagement team leader Major Jim Kmet commands the patrol base and will SOLDIERSOLDIER says that through active dialogue the team continue to provide security and local is able to gauge local priorities. engagement in partnership with coalition- “Water and its management, for example, force mentoring teams. is a key issue in this area,” Major Kmet says. In recognition of the Australian INSIGHTINSIGHT “They also wanted a road fixed, and we contribution to the base’s construction, the Australian soldiers provide insights were able to action that right away. Afghan Army were happy that it has been on their experiences ‘outside the wire’ “That certainly made an impression.” named Patrol Base Worsley. while working with Afghan National The engagement teams achieved further During the patrol base’s dedication Army allies in bitter mid-winter success when 50 local elders agreed to meet ceremony, Major General Mike Hindmarsh conditions in southern Afghanistan. Reconstruction Task Force commander paid tribute to Private Luke Worsley, 4RAR ON WORKING IN THE EXTREME Lieutenant Colonel David Wainwright in a (Cdo), who died in action in Afghanistan late CONDITIONS traditional Shura, the local word for meeting. last year. There, in the shadows of the new patrol He said that Private Worsley’s philosophy Private Matthew Filippe (Infantry rifleman): base, they also met with members of the towards life well reflected what was now provincial government, and were able to being achieved in the area. “On the coldest patrol we had a provide input into future plans, which will “Luke felt there could be a better life for temperature of minus 17. include health, education and security the Afghan people – he firmly believed in “Our water and food froze up, which infrastructure and support. what he was doing here,” Major General was a challenge.” “The intent is that people here have real Hindmarsh said.

input into their own future,” Lieutenant “We should regard this base symbolic of ON MATESHIP AND COPING Colonel Wainwright says. Luke’s fortitude and courage.” Corporal Craig Reedman: “You can always rely on your mates to be there when you’re struggling. “Everybody has down days, when they’re just not coping with it. “The other lads in the section give them a bit of a ribbing and they soon realise that they’re not the only one suffering – and then just pull out of it.” Need loan approval today? ON SECURITY Private Kevin Stephens (Rifleman, Security Task Group): “The role of the Security Task Group Unsecured loans up to $6,000 - pre-approved today. (STG) is about eliminating the threat for the engineers so that they can get on with construction unimpeded. Special Purpose Loans - with equity in your home $30,000 can be available. It also allows Afghans to look after themselves and not live in fear of all Funeral Benefits - cover all family members for life. the awful things that can happen to them through the Taliban.” Travel Insurance - through AIG Australia (an APS Benefits partner). ON RECONSTRUCTION Lieutenant Damian Stubbs: FREE Mortgage Broking service - over 40 lenders to chose from. “The reason we’re here is to construct a forward operating base so the ACCESS to Financial Planning - via our 100% owned APS Financial Planning. Afghan National Army can assume responsibility over security in the Chora region. “It’s very much a joint effort – the Membership is open to all levels of government, contractors project is designed and managed by the Aussies and we provide to government as well as the public service & their families. trade and plant support. We have carpenters, plumbers and electricians fitting out the buildings and installing showers and ablutions.” Give APS Benefits a call on 1300 131 809

ON WORKING WITH THE AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY www.apsbs.com.au Lieutenant Ben Watson: “We’ve involved ANA in missions including vehicle check points and Membership of APS Benefits automatically entitles you to a funeral benefit issued by APS Benefits. Consider thje combined Product Disclosure Statement mounted patrols – they enjoy it and and Financial Services Guide (available from APS Benefits or our web site at www.apsbs.com.au) before making a decision to become a member of APS their morale always improves when Benefits or buy any products offered by APS Benefits. This advertisement does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs we’re around.” and is general in nature. You should assess whether the information is appropriate for you and consider talking to a financial adviser before making an investment decision. APS Benefits AFSL No. 244115 does not provide financial planning. Financial planning is provided by APS Financial Planning which is a corporate authorised representative of Futuro Financial Services P/L AFSL No. 238478. Travel insurance is offered through an APS Benefits partner in AIG Australia AFSL 230903. APS Benefits act as a referer of AIG Australia and may receive a referral fee if you decide to buy this product JM07/00562 54 Find, like, share at

SOMALIA PART 18

Recently, with the help of technology, I finally got Corporal Gavin Baker, C Company, 1 RAR, on patrol in Baidoa to revisit Somalia. This time, thankfully, it was with Pic Corporal Gary Ramage a cold beer beside me in my air-conditioned lounge room while seated in front of a laptop. If you’re ever inclined to take the journey yourself, the process is very easy. Enter Google Maps into your nerd box, hit satellite image, then simply type in ‘Somalia’. After a brief pause, the familiar coastline of the Horn of Africa will pop onto the screen along with a single dot with the word Muqdisho (Mogadishu) next to it. I instantly smiled. I’ve always been amused that you will rarely find any Somali town name or words spelt the same way twice. Then you need to zoom in on Mogadishu and follow the yellow line denoting the main road west- south-west, which eventually hooks north-west to Buur Hakaba. The dark blob which is the shadow of the rock monolith, christened by us as Ayers Rock, is easily visible. From there, the road shoots off in a perfectly straight line north-west up onto the escarpment to Baidoa and, in typical Somali style, misses it by a kilometre or two, then doubles back. For those of us who remember that part of the world, the first thing you will notice looking down at Baidoa is the absolute lack of progress or change since 1993. The Coke factory still lies abandoned at the northern end of town. There’s no aircraft on the tarmacs at the airfield and very few vehicles on the streets. As far as I can tell, there’s no new buildings, let alone new roofing on the ones that are there and, sadly, no evidence what so ever of the wire, towers or gun pits we sweated over, and in, 15 years ago. Of course, there are a million things that can’t be shown or imagined from a satellite image. The smell of the open sewerage pits and burning rubbish – the feel of the heat which attacked you from every angle AUSTRALIA and even seemed to radiate from the earth itself – and how, while out on the roads around Baidoa, you could look east and see the landscape of Mars, look west and see the Australian Outback and to look north you’d swear you were in a David Attenborough OR BUST documentary studying lions or some such thing. For a country such as Somalia, so close to the WORDS AJ SHINNER PICS ADF AND SHINNER COLLECTION birthplace of mankind, I guess it’s fitting that the only still-lasting physical signs of our passing would be the random pieces of graffiti on the inside of abandoned alf way through our deployment, still bleary and forcing the vehicles to do their best imitation of buildings scattered around places like Baidoa, Dinsor, eyed from a three-day R&R in Mombasa, rundown Somali trucks. Bardera and Buur Hakaba. and literally still hearing the hum in our ears In the pitch black of night, with no night vision As proud as I am of my service with the 1st from the Kiwi Hawker Andover that returned devices, and thinking the approaching truck was easy Battalion, I’d be very naive to think the Somali youth Hus to Baidoa, our platoon was introduced to one of the prey, the clansmen would try and stop the vehicle of today know about or care of our presence or efforts more interesting tactics cooked up by the brass during to rob the occupants, steal the truck or, if the mood back then. But it’s still pretty cool to think that maybe in an old Op Solace. moved them, simply ambush to kill. abandoned warehouse, in a far off land, a group of I’m not sure who came up with night vehicle Ideally, if the opportunity arose, we would creep children may still look up in fascination at faded and counter ambush patrolling. I guess one of the officers along blacked out , 200 metres behind a local worn pieces of wisdom, scratched so long ago... probably read about the Soviets trying something truck foolish enough to travel at night and, if it was similar in Afghanistan or the French doing it in ambushed, we would charge forward, bayonets fixed, Indochina or some such thing. If so, the fact that both to fight off the foe and save the day like the brave sons got their asses handed to them on a platter must have of Anzac we were. escaped him at the time. To understand how dodgy us bottom feeders This rock show was proudly brought to The theory was simple enough though – in section- thought this was, you have to appreciate the plus and platoon-sized groups we would drive up and number of RPGs, recoilless rifles, mines and heavy down the main roads at night in Mogs and 6X Rovers machineguns we’d found hidden and confiscated in you by the ADF, Shasta Softdrinks and with one headlight out, drivers crunching the gears the months previously. the Mt Kilamanjaro Water Company

58 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 59 SOMALIA PART 18

Smurf takes 5 while Message in the dust We were sometimes 50 to 100 Mog gets fixed road in the nothingness south-west detach and find a bit of private time while kilometres from Biadoa, in small towards Dinsoor. still maintaining our vigilance. numbers, with no readily available air Photos of inland Somalia rarely do it As nerdy as it sounds, I was picturing how support, little or no backup and literally justice – it must surely rate as some of the to make an M113 APC model I wanted to hours away from reinforcement from harshest land man has learnt to survive in build on my return to Townsville and how I our vehicle borne-QRF (quick reaction without the aid of technology. The terrain would paint it to depict one of the buckets force). To make matters worse, you also south-west of Biadoa is particularly flat and used by us in Somalia, as we raced past an have to remember that in 1993, we were empty, somehow in parts resembling the old man and a donkey cart. still operating with only one second- scrubland of the Northern Territory. I nodded to the old man while, in a generation night scope per section and a I remember marvelling many times back non-threatening way, covering him with borrowed set of goggles off the Cav boys, then at the willpower needed by the Somali the Minimi which sat across my lap, as he both of which had seen better days and people to survive here on a permanent basis. vanished into the dust and distance. rarely worked well. It was about three-quarter way through About an hour-and-a-half later I was To top it off was the fact that working the tour, lethargy was starting to take mentally debating with myself the pros on a true reverse night-operations cycle hold of us and we were all in our own way and cons of getting a tattoo when I heard was next to impossible because you just creeping toward insanity and our individual a distinct, metallic ‘tink, tink, tink’ noise and couldn’t sleep in an 11X11 tent during the breaking points. watched a fist-sized thingamabob bounce scorching heat of the day. Don’t get me wrong – none of us were out from under the Mog and roll to the side Like happy little vegemites we received about to flip out and go postal, but task of the road. our orders, attempted to keep down dinner repetition, the miles travelled, isolation from I looked over my shoulder to see and, as the sun set in the west, we loaded the outside world, as well as the simple lack everybody still blankly looking off to

Boarding New Zealand Airforce Andover for Kenya on R&R On th road towards Dinsoor Author in Mog capola

up on that first night with hangovers, no and fired – as the horrified driver in the of luxury items, privacy and decent sleep each side in their own private worlds. the two drivers set about finding the cause I again marvelled at the fortitude of the sleep and little-to-no enthusiasm. Mog looked on. were all starting to take their toll on us. Bugger it. of the problem. Somali people. That first night on counter-ambush Anybody who has seen the crap kicked At this stage of the game no one spoke Thinking it must have been something During the afternoon, everybody who The old man seemed good spirited patrolling for our platoon was incredibly up in the BBDA (back-blast danger area) much during the food runs and vehicle we ran over, I went back to mentally had ever tinkered with or owned a Datsun and not even a bit perturbed that he had painful and very long. We all spent the entire from an 84 firing an illumination round will patrols unless it was a heads up or an designing a tattoo, smiling to myself and 180B stuck their heads in the Mog’s engine been on the road all day and wasn’t even night head butting air while having no idea easily picture the windscreen of the Mog indication to a possible target. The wise wondering how my mum would react. bay and, to bug the two drivers even more, remotely halfway from anywhere that we where we were or what was going on. shattering and caving in on the poor driver cracks, movie quotes and general banter Fifteen minutes or so later, I was snapped gave their own verdicts on the situation. could tell. Several guys threw up on our truck and along with more than a handful of gravel. was long gone – it had all been said a out of my thoughts as the Mog started to Not being terribly mechanically minded As I watched from the shade of the a couple even attached themselves and It would have been hilarious to watch thousand times before. splutter, shake and finally roll to a stop. myself, Gus put it in layman’s terms for me back of the Mog, I saw the old man hand their weapons to the centre seating with the driver and Macka standing toe to toe in The fact was that our platoon had been After a quick powwow, the 6X Rover was – “The donk’s busted, mate”. something to one of the guys who smiled snap locks to stop themselves from falling the middle of the road exchanging words very lucky. placed facing back the way we’d come and While the section in the Rover covered our and then called over the by-now obviously off into the darkness if they dozed off – or under the light of the new man-made Sun, We had had very few ring-ins before rear and set up a random VCP (vehicle check filthy and pissed-off drivers. As a group passed out. as the boys raced towards the bandits in a deploying and we had all been together point), I took the opportunity to take a leak, formed around them, curiosity got the Although the patrols were fruitless hasty skirmish line. and working well for two or three years stretch my legs and snap a few photos. better of me and I wandered over. for us, another platoon in the company We were gob smacked to hear later that before Somalia. Blakey had voiced everybody’s opinion of Sure enough, there in his hand was the did actually hit paydirt while discreetly the Green Machine had deducted the cost Our platoon was packed into a 6X Land the day by writing in the dust on the tailgate thingamabob that I had watched fall off following a local truck one night. of the windscreen from Macka’s pay. Rover in the lead and a Mog – both with of the Rover – “AUSTRALIA OR BUST” and bounce to the side of the road almost During the melee that followed the centre seating. Easily 4 or 5 hours after spluttering to six hours earlier. de-bus and initial counter-ambush drill, On another memorable day on the Another machinegunner had the cupola a stop and still waiting for the recovery I opened my mouth to speak but then Macka stepped onto the road in front of the roads we were screaming along back to on the Mog for a change, so I was seated at vehicle to arrive, a dot appeared on the thought better of it. The thought of being Mog he’d been travelling in to put up an Baidoa as fast as the surface conditions the back, facing to the rear. horizon to our rear. lynched or beaten to a pulp by two angry illumination round with a 84mm Karl Gustav. allowed. Don’t ask me what task we had Even when out on the roads, while you We watched the donkey cart’s agonisingly drivers was one thing, but having the In great Infantry ‘she‘ll-be-right’ style he been on that morning or where we’d could still feel your mates shoulder resting slow approach for 30 or 40 minutes before whole platoon join in, simply to stem the raised the weapon in the text-book manner been, but it was somewhere along the against your own, we all learned to semi- Steve with captured RPG rounds after a village search he finally stopped at the VCP. boredom, was quite another.

60 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 61 WORDS DON STEVENSON WORDS MAJOR TRAVIS FAURE MILITARYFITNESS PICS BRIAN HARTIGAN MILITARYSELF DEFENCE PIC ADF

At no other time in history has there been so much information at – the missing component of fitness THE the finger tips of individuals. King Henry V owned 12 books, today POWER ‘LESS IS BEST’ most people own at least 100 When most people start a fitness program, the focus For example, being able to with a dumbbell or kettlebell. books and probably read more in is generally on reducing body fat, increasing muscle squat bodyweight is ok but, for The aim here is to learn to a week than someone from the mass and improving strength, aerobic endurance maximal power, being able to move significant weights at APPROACH 15th Century read in a lifetime. and flexibility. squat 1.5 to 2-times bodyweight maximal speed. is a lot better. After that, the After you’ve built strength While there is nothing wrong pursuit of a bigger squat is and power with Olympic lifting, Rock jump Information regarding all topics is available through the one of Australia’s leading martial artists would say, with this for the average person probably not going to lead to it can also be very useful to Internet. If one conducts a search through Google and ‘real ownership’ of the technique. who is looking to improve improved jumping and sprinting incorporate some plyometric YouTube for self-defence training drills, thousands of sites will MSD focuses on instructing fewer techniques and then their health and appearance, ability in combat athletes. movements such as depth be available. The techniques, training drills and tips are all applying these techniques to various situations and scenarios focusing on such a narrow Step two – convert strength to jumps into your program. available to most people to learn. However, the issue is one of that soldiers may find themselves in. This increases the soldiers’ range of fitness attributes is a power in the gym These will teach your body to quantity. Often there is too much information and not enough time spent on practising the techniques, plus, these techniques critical mistake for athletes and react and apply force quickly, time to filter through and sort it. are reinforced during scenario training. The basic approach Once you’ve developed a military personnel. and this is a critical aspect of Military self defence (MSD) bases its training on the ‘less is is, we teach a technique and then we place the students in as base of strength, it’s time to best’ approach – far better to master a few techniques and be many different environments as time permits for them to apply If you’ve been reading these power production in real-world add power exercises to your able to apply these techniques in any given situation. that technique. articles for a while you’ll already program in the gym. situations. MSD is based on concepts and not techniques. There are so Training systems start off simple but, over time, they know that I believe muscle mass The best exercises for Step three – apply power to the many ways to strike and defend oneself that the student can evolve in degrees of complexity. It is important to realise the and body shape to be fairly learning to generate power in real world become confused. term, ‘training creep’. That is, the addition of techniques to unimportant aspects of fitness the gym are the Olympic lifts Geoff Thompson, a well known self-defence author, has programs over time, in the belief that students need to know for military personnel, quite Once you’ve built a solid base coined the term ‘log jam’ to describe what happens to students these techniques. and their variations. simply, because the enemy in the gym, it’s time to take when they have too many decisions to make and cannot Self defence is a broad area and, although it would be nice Research shows that Olympic doesn’t care what you look like! it outside and learn to apply make any decision. He argues that for every extra training to have one training concept, it cannot always be achieved. weightlifters are among the On the other hand, strength, your new levels of power to the strategy you instruct a student, it will slow them down by the Students are at different physical levels, ages and strongest and most powerful endurance and flexibility are sorts of situations you might number of options they have. capabilities and are not always in the right frame of mind to athletes on Earth. For example, if you only know one method of defence, you learn just one drill. critical to developing good encounter in combat. Strength v power It’s not necessary to become will execute that method every time without hesitation. But, if Tradeoffs are made to ensure the training is safe and is able operational fitness. There is, For military personnel, I Although it may seem counter a full-blown Olympic lifter to you are taught two methods of defence, you now have to think to be replicated to instruct large numbers of students. however, one aspect of fitness suggest training for power on intuitive, greater strength realise the benefits of Olympic about which one to use. This will take extra time. Three methods Some students at the end of an MSD course often say, that is often overlooked in the obstacle course. doesn’t necessarily mean lifting – all you need to do is will increase the decision time even further. Hunter Armstrong, ‘I’ve completed the course, what now?’ military-fitness programs – and The obs course is an ideal way greater power and the pursuit add a couple of exercises, like the world’s leading hoplologist (one who studies the evolution The answer is to go away and train the techniques under that’s power. to demonstrate and train for and development of human combative behaviour) has only one various scenarios and situations – the students have learnt of greater maximal strength is a power clean or power snatch, to powerful movement. Running, approach, and this approach is used for all situations. the techniques, now they need to mix them up and place Strength and power very common mistake in fitness your program. jumping and negotiating By adopting a program that has fewer approaches, it means them in drills. Before we look at how best to programs for athletes and If you don’t have access to obstacles is about as functional there is more time to spend on practising the techniques and Drills, drills and more drills – this is the secret to technique develop power, there are a few military personnel. somewhere to do Olympic truly becoming proficient at the drill. This creates, as John Will, retention and ownership. and real-world as it gets! things that need to be clarified, The problem is that during lifting, then the next best thing Instead of just running the as strength and power are a power movement, the time is to perform one-arm snatches whole obs course though, you often confused. available to apply force is may want to break it down Strength is the ability to limited by the movement MILITARY SELF into short sections of two to produce a high level of force, (for example the ground- DEFENCE (MSD) regardless of the time taken to contact time of the foot during three obstacles and run a few apply that force. sprinting and jumping) and repeats of the same section BASES ITS A heavy dead-lift or bench- thus an extremely strong with short breaks in between TRAINING ON press that takes several seconds individual may not have time to so that you remain relatively to complete is an example of apply their massive strength. fresh and can apply maximal THE ‘LESS IS power to each movement strength. Developing power – because, our aim with these BEST’ APPROACH Strength is an important Developing power for sports sessions is to maximise power – FAR BETTER part of power development, and combat applications is a and not necessarily to improve however there are few three-step process. TO MASTER A situations in combat that aerobic fitness. require pure strength. Step one – build strength FEW TECHNIQUES Power is the ability to Despite what I’ve just said, Don Stevenson is running a AND BE ABLE TO generate a high level of force strength is critically important series of kettlebell and APPLY THESE over a very short period. Power to power development. The key Olympic-lifting workshops all is best demonstrated through is to figure out where the point around Australia in 2008. For TECHNIQUES movements such as jumping, of diminishing return lies and details of these workshops or IN ANY GIVEN throwing and sprinting and, as develop your strength up to for personalised training plans, that point before moving on to SITUATION it should be fairly obvious, these Olympic lift email [email protected] are very common in combat. the next phase of training.

62 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 63 WORDS CHIEF JIM BRABON MILITARYATHLETE PICS ADF

> 25m leopard crawl. Again, the crawl should be performed in full patrol order and gas mask. Unit requirement – under 50 seconds. > Fence clearance, consisting of a 10m sprint to a 6ft fence, which the operator must then climb over before sprinting 10m to a turnaround point before clearing the fence for a second time and sprinting 10m to the original starting point. Unit requirement – under 25 seconds. > Muscle up. Standing in front of a 6ft high, horizontal bar, the operator must grip the bar in an over-hand grip and lift themselves up until they are supporting themselves by their arms, with straight elbows, and their hips in line with the bar for two counts. The operator must complete a minimum number of repetitions in one minute. Unit Setting the requirement – minimum eight reps. > Team-member drag. The operator must drag the heaviest member of their unit (or an equivalent rescue dummy) 20m. If Standard the operator happens to be the heaviest member of the team, they must then Many military and tactical response But not all unit leaders are as forward drag the next heaviest member. Unit teams throughout the world are finally thinking as Commander Zuber. We still see requirement – under 30 seconds. recognising that push-ups and sit- plenty of selection tests and regular unit The unit now uses this assessment, as ups have little, if anything to do with assessments incorporating activities such as part of its selection course, and also as a operational ability. rope climbs, despite not even having a rope quarterly guide of how its current members For decades, military and public safety as part of the unit’s inventory. are managing to maintain operational agencies have resorted to a single, We were recently asked to design and readiness. standardised battery of fitness tests to judge implement a unit-specific assessment for a We realise that few units have the whether an operator meets the physical US-based special response team specialising autonomy to be able to abandon such requirements of their employment. To date, in urban-based anti-terrorism operations. stalwart testing programs as the Defence rarely has the test varied from one unit (or This is what we created for them… Force’s BFA, but this does not mean that individual unit commanders cannot add even corps) to another, despite the obvious SRT Operational Readiness Assessment differing physical demands of each job. this type of practical assessment in addition > 1600m run carrying their individually to current assessments. In recent months, we have been assigned, unloaded primary weapon approached by numerous agencies to system, while wearing full operational For more information contact the Institute assist in the design and implementation of patrol order, including body armour, for Tactical & Operational Conditioning (ITOC) more role-specific ‘operational readiness helmet and boots. If an operator happens at www.TacticalConditioning.org assessments’ that relate directly to the to be the unit sniper, and carries an SR-98 physical responsibilities of each individual on operations, then that is what they unit member. should carry on the run. Unit requirement SWAT Commander Paul Zuber, of the – under 10 minutes. Longmont Police Department in Colorado > 100m fire and movement course, again in expressed to me that, “For years, agencies full patrol order and gas mask. The course used tests such as press-ups, sit-ups consists of precisely positioned markers and chin-ups to assess a unit member’s signifying favourable cover. There are job readiness, despite the fact they will three different-coloured markers, each never use those specific movements representing a different firing position while executing unit orders. We need an (white – prone, yellow – kneeling, assessment that can quite clearly tell us orange – standing). Each marker is whether a team member is up to the job numbered, and the operator must stop or not, not whether he can do hundreds of at each marker in order, assuming the press-ups with perfect form”. appropriate firing position and dry-firing As a result, Commander Zuber’s team twice, before moving on to the next have now implemented a far more marker. The operator must maintain practical assessment, incorporating many tactical stance, with weapon at the ready of the individual tasks set out in the while moving between markers. Unit example to follow. requirement – under 2 minutes.

64 Find, like, share at JUST SOLDIERS PRIVATE EDWIN HOARE

Australian soldiers share a cigarette with an English soldier in France, December 1916 AWM – E00033 the army as medically unfit, and denied happy and carried out his work with an Printed on the back of the envelope was the opportunity to continue to serve his almost perfunctory attitude.3 the following: country at its time of greatest need were The other soldiers constantly taunted N.B. Do what you like with the revolver consequences the lad had not anticipated. him about what they regarded as the poor and ammunition, but don’t send them home On Edwin’s return home following his performance of the British Tommies and the to England on any account. The police are discharge, his beloved mother met him as pathetic leadership of the British generals. welcome to both. he stepped off the train. While Mrs Hoare Edwin would retaliate with his fists, but the (Signed) E. Hoare was grateful to have her son home safe and lad was no match for the more powerfully The other letter was addressed to sound, she made every effort to reassure built local recruits. Edwin’s mother: him that he should shoulder no guilt. He had Invariably, following these fracas, he was served England to the best of his ability and forced to seek treatment at the Regimental Dear Mother done all that could be expected of him. Aid Post. I know that this letter will come as a great Edwin tried to go back to his old life, but “By God lad, you’re a glutton for shock to you all. I have been unhappy for was unable to settle. Any time he ventured punishment”, the medical officer some time. The fact is that I am physically into the local village, the ladies would talk commented, as he bandaged the soldier’s weak, but I have not learned to hold my in hushed tones as he passed or simply wrist. “Why don’t you just ignore them?” tongue and do nothing when I hear my turn their backs on him rather than greet “I’m no-one’s fool, sir. I’m as good as any of country or myself being abused. It is a great him. He was treated no differently to the them”, Edwin protested. mistake to possess more courage than can men who refused to go to war. He felt The taunting continued and Edwin be backed up by one’s physical powers. ostracised and unwelcome. became more and more withdrawn. His Unfortunately too, I have a strained hand Edwin pondered long and hard on platoon sergeant spoke to him on a number and shall not be able to do any fighting for what to do and decided that it would be of occasions, but the lad was reluctant to at least a fortnight, and there is nothing better if he moved elsewhere. His mother discuss his problems. that worries me more than being thought understood his dilemma and suggested that Ultimately, it all became too much. One a coward. migration to Australia and a warmer climate day, when Edwin’s morale had reached an To leave that subject. You know I have might be a sensible option. all-time low, he sat in his tent and wrote always been very self-conscious, and that Edwin took his mother’s advice and two letters, which he placed in separate makes life a misery for one. I am determined secured passage on a tramp steamer. envelopes. The first he addressed to his to end my life at last. I wish I could see you However, on his arrival down under, he mother, the other envelope he left blank. again before I die. I know I have behaved found the attitude in Melbourne no He reached into his kit bag and took out badly to you sometimes; but my unfortunate different to that in England. Like any young a small cloth bundle, which he placed into temperament was a cause of it. man not wearing uniform, no matter what the pocket of his tunic. He then secured the I have no doubt at all that you forgive me. the reason, he was scorned and ridiculed. letters in his uniform pocket and hurried off Please don’t you or father worry over me, Often, in the pubs, Edwin overheard men to the tent that served as the Presbyterian 3 whatever you do. I shall have peace at last. with no military service discussing their chapel. My love to you and father and Kathleen. ‘knowledge’ of the war. Edwin cut a pathetic and lonely figure as May God bless you all. “That’s not what it’s like in battle”, Edwin he sat at the table, engrossed in thoughts of Your affectionate son, In August 1914, in the New South Wales town of would interject. his home and parents in faraway England. Edwin Glen Innes, a man with somewhat unusual features BY WO1 DARRYL KELLY All too often Edwin heard the sarcastic Slowly and deliberately he withdrew the Sorry mother reply, “And what would you know about it, cloth bundle from his pocket, revealing its P.S. I would have sent this note privately presented himself for enlistment in the AIF. He gave young fella?” contents – the revolver he bought earlier by post, instead of leaving it in my pocket; Spurredhis birthplace on by a as crowd Kitscoty, of bystanders,Alberta, Canada. the two2 Many soldiers boy and he thrived on the camaraderie of ‘’Cause I was there, at the front”, Edwin and smuggled into camp. He placed the but I wanted a copy of it to be made and one working and training with men of all trades would respond angrily. muzzle of the weapon against his right sent by this mail and one by the next one so exchangedassumed hima flurry to be ofof Eskimoblows. extraction;A sergeant someforced thought his way and professions. “Yeah and pigs might fly.” temple, pulled back the hammer and that if one is lost owing to submarines you perhaps he was an American Indian; others believed The Western Front was a hell beyond the Edwin was not backward in coming squeezed the trigger. will get the other. into the inner circle. “Righto, break it up, break it up!” comprehension of sane men. The soldiers of forward, contradicting these barfly At the Board of Inquiry, the letters that I sold that portmanteau and my civilian hehim shouted. to be Mexican.As the crowd In fact, dispersed, the newly-recruited the sergeant held the British Army were being mowed down in experts, often leading to a bar-room brawl. Edwin had written on the day of his death clothes a few weeks ago. They fetched one their thousands, while generals with a hunt- Sometimes Edwin held his own but, more came to light and were presented as pound, which I meant to send on to father Wykeham Henry ‘Harry’ Freame was none of these. 4 6 the men at arm’s length. “Why don’t you save your club mentality continued to pit flesh and often than not, he came off second-best, evidence. The contents of these brief notes but I forgot and spent most of it. provided some insight into the character of blood against machineguns and artillery. spending the following few days nursing Private Edwin Cooper Hoare was laid to fight for the Germans, you pommy git?” snarled one of the cuts and bruises that covered his face Edwin Hoare and his state of mind when he Young Edwin gave a good account of rest in Melbourne’s Springvale Cemetery. and body. chose to take his own life. the offenders. “What the hell would you know about himself in those dark days of early 1915. Fearing that one of his tormentors could They read aloud the first letter – meant for Week in and week out, he took his turn in fighting Germans?” the young Englishman retorted. cause him real harm, Edwin purchased a the authorities: the firing line or lumbered under the weight small nickel-plated revolver for his own I wish to mention that I am an Englishman of stores and ammunition on the late night protection.2 The young man also decided and that I had 18-months service in the British dwin Cooper Hoare was British, born unheeded and the British Government carrying parties. that the only way to silence his critics was to Army (including three months on active and bred. He worked hard as a fruit had no choice but to declare war on the Unfortunately, the hardships of life in re-enlist in the military. service in France, some time before the first farmer to help support his parents.1 defiant Huns. the trenches soon took their toll on the 1 National Archives of Australia: B2455, WW1 “You’re a little on the scrawny side, aren’t Australians were landed there). Service Records, V60642 Private EC Hoare At the end of a hard day’s work, Young Hoare stood red-faced while teenager. Having to contend with bitter you, lad?” commented the recruiting officer. Will the authorities have the courtesy to Ethe young lad often wandered through the his proud mother fussed over him as she cold, lack of sleep, poor rations and disease- 2 Captain BD Fethers AAMC, witness statement “I’ve served before, sir. Over a year in the forward this letter to the address given on the to Board of Inquiry, Royal Park, Melbourne, carrying rats was more than Edwin’s young 1 fields that surrounded his home in Hastings. adjusted his uniform and straightened his British Army. In the Rifle Brigade, sir.” envelope? I should be much obliged if a copy of 12 March 1917 He would try to imagine the famous battle tunic. As he boarded the train following an body could endure. He was evacuated to Edwin Hoare, now aged 19, was found to this letter could be taken and sent by a separate 3 Sergeant RL Hall, witness statement to Board of that had been fought more than 800 years emotional farewell, he promised his parents hospital suffering pneumonia, fatigue and be fit to serve and was soon back in uniform. mail-boat to avoid danger of the contents of Inquiry, Royal Park, Melbourne, 12 March 1917 earlier on the very ground where he now sat. he would take good care of himself and exhaustion. He was sent to the Royal Park Training Depot the letter being lost owing to submarines. 4 Board of Inquiry into death of Private EC Hoare, It was 1914 and the papers were full of return safely. After treatment at the base hospital in in central Melbourne.1 It is a very small favour to ask and perhaps it Royal Park, Melbourne, 12 March 1917 the news of the German offensive across The Rifle Brigade had a long and England, Edwin was forced to face a medical However, trouble seemed to follow the will be complied with. It will be about the only 5 Edwin Hoare, suicide note to the coroner, Europe. Britain had issued Germany with distinguished history and now 17-year-old board to assess his fitness to remain in the young recruit and he became moody and favour that the military has ever done me in 9 March 1917 1 a stern warning to withdraw or suffer Edwin was part of it. army. The outcome was devastating for very much a loner. His platoon sergeant return for my small services. 6 Edwin Hoare, suicide note to his mother, the consequences. The ultimatum went The rigours of military life suited the the young soldier. To be discharged from noticed that the lad never seemed to be (Signed) E.C. Hoare5 9 March 1917

66 Find, like, share at Subscribe free at www.aussiecombat.com 67 BOOTS POLICY

Sapper Joshua Webb gets down and dirty as he digs post Chief of Army’s ‘Interim Combat holes for a water tank in the Boot Policy’ includes… Oruzgan Province in December • Aim – to authorise Army 2006. Sapper Webb is wearing personnel to wear privately non-issued Belleville boots. procured and funded combat

boots from an endorsed range RICKY FULLER PIC CORPORAL • Duration – from 2 June 2008 until the future of issued boot is known (mid ’09 at the earliest) • CA considered that: – in-service boot has undergone considerable improvement following extensive user feedback – majority of soldiers seem satisfied with in-service boot – some soldiers wish to exercise choice – a small number of soldiers cannot be properly fitted with in-service boot – Army operating in range of climates not envisaged when in-service boot designed – one boot cannot meet all requirements – proper fitting of in-service boots remains a substantial problem • Constraints: – Must be at soldier’s expense – Must be similar colour to in- service boot – Can only be worn on operations or on exercise – Every soldier who elects BUY YOUR to buy own boots must fill out questionnaire on ‘Speak to the Chief’ web site (commander must enforce) Giggle $ 95 Hat 5 OWN BOOTS • Endorsed boots*: Assault Vest Words Brian Hartigan But now, amid reassurances that – Altama 4158 3LC Hot $ 95 the current boot issued to Defence Weather 99 ith the best interests of his members is a good product and remains – Belleville M590 Hot Weather soldiers at heart, the Chief of fit for purpose, Chief of Army Lieutenant – Bates 30501 Durashock Army has done something General Peter Leahy has nonetheless Desert – Peacekeeper Plus positive, proactive and issued a directive authorising soldiers Crossfire IS AUSCAM HEADQUARTERS Wcommendable to address longstanding to buy and wear boots other than the * Soldiers or commanders may SPECIALISTS IN • ARMY • ARMY RESERVE • CADETS nominate other boots to be tested, concerns over the quality of combat issued brand. Well, good on him, I say. approved and added to the list HUGE RANGE OF • PPOUCHES • PACKS • CLOTHING boots issued to our soldiers in the field. However, while my reaction to this is As a new soldier in Townsville in about largely positive, there are just a couple 1992 or ’93, I participated in an activity of aspects that make me sigh, “I wish added). Therefore, anyone who already KnifeKnife whereby the new combat boot people he hadn’t done that”. bought boots is out of luck if their boots PouchPoucuch $ measured thousands of serving members’ An old sergeant of mine (Hi Tappets!) aren’t on the CA’s list. Now they face the 9959 feet to help them design the best combat used to say, “It’s easier to get forgiveness prospect of spending even more money $ boot for the ADF. than it is to get permission”. Until now, the on new boots or going back to the issued 95 TAS Ruc k Seven or eight years and all that practical application of this simple adage boots they abandoned for their own 49 Styerer Sack 60Lt $ development time later, after the new meant soldiers could buy non-issued reasons in the first place. EACH Pouchch 14 9 00 boot was introduced in 1999, it didn’t take boots (and other equipment) without the $19995 long for complaints to start rolling in. boss’ permission – and supervisors largely Fast forward nine years and we have turned a blind eye. My opinion – the boss might already seen five new, presumably The problem I see now is that, having have been better off to let soldiers improved, versions of the ‘best boot ever’ made this directive, the CA has put continue doing their own thing (as HydrationHyHydratiydratioionn PackPaPackk DayDaD y papackckc Echeleon come across the Q-store counter – yet parameters in place that leave his they have done for years) instead of IncludesIncnccludududese 2lt2 BBlBladder.addddder.r. bag $ 95 the complaints still come. And, there’s yet subordinate commanders no alternative trying to regulate that which would Only 39 another generational change promised but to charge soldiers if they disobey a not be necessary if the issued boot Available At for some time after mid next year. lawful general order. was up to the job in the first place. A logical and workable solution – let The CA’s directive also limits the choice But, having decided to act, I applaud 39 Stores Australia Wide. Contact: 03 9702 9699 soldiers buy their own boots – has long of non-issued boot to just four specific that the CA acted in soldiers’ best Target your nearest Aussie Disposals store online been resisted by the establishment. models (though more are likely to be interests rather than seek to enforce the rules for rules’ sake. www.aussiedisposals.com.au

68 Find, like, share at GAME REVIEWS Reviews by Sapper Gameboy has a beaut collection of Frontlines: Fuel of War items, FRONTLINES: In fact, this game, despite its including games for PC and more than 60 vehicle types, the military-related thrillers of FUEL OF WAR including attack helos and X360, posters and other stuff, to the last decade is in the title of main battle tanks, quite clearly give away – thanks to THQ. this game for God’s sake, and THQ shows that without boots on Go to our web-site’s the best you could come up Competitions page for details. with was, ‘he felt annoyed that Xbox 360 – PC the ground holding the vital terrain, wars cannot be won. he wasn’t allowed to pay for www.frontlines.com his mistakes!’ The near-future setting does however open up the Thankfully, Vegas 2 in some What will happen when the inventory somewhat with pointless and contrary to the way proves that for first-person oil runs out? Will the world get Frontlines employing future objectives of the game up to shooter titles at least, a storyline clever and find alternatives that point. In reality, though, is somewhat redundant. to the most sought-after generations of technology being introduced today. Can’t this battle is the introduction to Those who have played commodity, or will we keep up the vehicle combat system that the previous Rainbow titles, get past a well-sited sentry our thirst until there is nothing stop until every last drop is in is employed by many people particularly the first Vegas left. Personally I’m hoping for position? Simply fire up your their possession. online – you know the guys, game, will feel right at home the former (come on science inexpensive aerial drone and TOM CLANCY’S And possession is what this the ones who keep running with the environment and geeks – now’s your time to fly the sucker straight into game is all about. Tactical over you every time you dust RAINBOW SIX gameplay – in fact in the 14- shine) but this title from the the bunker’s aperture and battles to secure checkpoints, off a Battlefront title. VEGAS 2 odd months between Vegas world as others can see your team who provided the Iraq detonate the internal main infrastructure or even single The multiplay game is well and Vegas 2 the only real stats as well. War mod, Desert Combat, to charge to remove the threat. polished (as you would expect buildings are reflected on Ubisoft change has been a tweak of For those not keen on the DICE’s Battlefield 1942 explores Pinned down by effective for a crew who perfected the AI, a swag of new maps a larger operational map fire from a nearby building? PC – Xbox 360 – Playstation 3 whole ‘community’ thing, the latter. If their representation the modern battles aspect of showing a moving front as and the option to sprint in there’s a shed-load of life left in of the world squabbling over Simply role out your remotely- the Battlefront titles) but very www.rainbowsixgame.com short bursts. The original (and the game beyond the single- the last oil reserves is even each side gains and loses operated vehicle and use its ‘gamey.’ It is definitely biased lacklustre) ending to Vegas player campaign. Terrorist- remotely accurate, those ground. It is essentially a onboard cannons to remove towards game action rather Just how important is a with its “To be Continued” hunt games can be played on scientists and governments tactical game so don’t think the whole façade and force the than tactical prowess and storyline to a first-person couldn’t be more appropriate any of the multi-player maps really need to pull their fingers you can apply any of that enemy to withdraw. takes a bit to get used to for shooter? Some would argue because playing Vegas 2 as can lone-wolf missions. out – it all happens in 2024. manoeuvrist approach to At its heart, however, those who prefer to clear every that the greatest benefit in this feels just like playing Vegas. There’s also the option to The Frontlines world is seize and hold the vital oil Frontlines is a multiplayer door on their advance. genre of gaming is multiplay, The storylines don’t match up play co-op within the single- Vegas 2 is finely polished, anarchy on a global scale in one decisive move. Nope game, and the gameplay The massive number and so a detailed storyline is simply (they’re parallel rather than a player story or stand alone. bloody demanding and executed in a remote part of – Frontlines says ‘hooray is tweaked to support this type of vehicles also often an impediment to a timely linear link between the two) But for most, the multiplayer highly satisfying – if only the the former Russian and China for attrition warfare’ with online style. Pretty early on in leave the poor old infantry release. Others would argue but the game is so familiar action with up to 16 players team could have got a better divide. The world has aligned each side using a range of the single-player campaign soldier out of the fight in purely that, like a good film, no game it almost feels like you are is where the true jewel of the story writer. into two factions, the Western individual and crew-served you get locked in a game of online games. The greatest can truly capture the heart, playing the maps that weren’t Rainbow series lies and Vegas Alliance and the Red Star weapon and vehicle systems duelling wheeled vehicles aspect, though, is the multiplay quite ready when Vegas was soul and very being of a gamer 2 is no different. Score: 4.5/5 Alliance and neither side will to seize and hold objectives. that just seems completely coding that the KAOS crew unless they are drawn into a pushed out for Christmas 2006. have been able to perfect. 24 virtual world created through a Perhaps the greatest players on Xbox Live and up comprehensive storyline. improvements in the title aren’t to 32 if there is a dedicated Vegas 2 poses exactly the ones that are necessarily and African-looking terrorists/ bloody pulp. This flawed AI server. 32-player battles, of this question to a gamer the that obvious. The graphics ARMY OF TWO insurgents/bad guys. becomes really apparent when course, are regular on the PC moment they end a stand-off look the same, the audio The concept is actually you try playing the game for and a real thrill to be part of. with the game’s terrorist-cell remains great and the swag of EA great. It is focused on co-op Unfortunately, though, leader through the application weapons and gadgets remains two with one. Not only are Xbox 360 – Playstation 3 gaming and, with someone on Frontlines reinforced my love of a rapid concentration of realistic and deadly. the enemy stupid but Jean another controller nearby, the of the next-gen consoles we 9mm projectiles. You see, What has changed is the www.ea.com/armyoftwo Cluade might as well be Dolph obvious flaws in the game can are currently blessed with. until that point, the action way the game now assesses Lundgren. You see, Army of be overlooked. Without a real- I was into the game within is so intense, the fights so each and every action of the Chuck Norris and Jean- Two relies on the principle of life Jean-Claude sitting beside minutes on my 360. On PC I frantic and the exhilaration of player and assigns experience Claude Van Damme walk fire and movement. Chuck fires you however, the game’s poor (and judging from the forums, perfectly executing a multiple across three counter-terrorist- into a war – in hockey while Jean-Claude moves etc. AI really comes to the fore. every second PC gamer in the entry of a tango-occupied operator disciplines. Considered masks. That pretty much This is all well and good when Firstly, and most obviously, world) was unable to get this room is so great that the killers who strive to quickly sums up EA’s latest shooter Jean-Claude is in the game, is that the enemy are stupid. one to run. I truly feel sorry for storyline gets drowned out. negate the terrorist threat offering, Army of Two. but when he reverts to Dolph, There’s no other word for AI usually at the point Chuck is the developers as the massive Sure it’s there and it sort of links with headshots or from afar Based on the concept that variety of system components, characters who trainsmash horribly exposed, frustration missions, but most of the time, will amass ‘marksman’ points. two is better than one and software drivers and other themselves into the same quickly ensues. you have your head in the Those who relish the up-close three is too many, Army vagaries that inhabit each beaten zone that has reduced This can all be overcome by hold him there with your ‘roid is that there is another equipment trunk kitting out for fight will increase their ‘CQB’ of Two has two hyped-up, and every PC make it almost their 20 predecessors to a playing Army of Two with two strength so he can engage team comprising Sylvester the next job to really pay too skills while those who prefer the ‘roid-induced and heat- impossible to code a game and then when Dolph appears targets on the next floor. You much attention. And then the destructive force of explosives packing private security Stallone and Rutger Hauer that will play on everyone’s you can give him a virtual can lock together behind a final mission occurs… or the precise application of a contractors unleashing out there who have been machine. Having said that, riot shield and waddle up the Think of every possible three-to-five round burst from streams of hot lead and smack around the head in the contracted to complete the vitriol delivered to KAOS reason that would cause a belt-fed weapons will accrue quite a bit of invective game at the same time you street engaging targets from the same mission. The two and THQ from the PC crowd former Rainbow operative to ‘assault’ points. against seemingly endless give your teammate a real clip behind your mobile cover. And groups often end up fighting over this one seems to be up turn on his mates and unleash By the time you have waves of Middle-Eastern across the back of the skull. In of course, given the AI, you each other as well as the AI another level. explosive and chemical finished the single-player fact the virtual head slap is so can just keep blazing away in massive battles that really Frontlines is a fantastic hell on his own country. campaign, most players will much fun that you will often with Chuck building up your bring the team aspects of example of mutliplay tactical Money … check; Ideology discover that their playing find yourself just sliding over to ‘roid rage while Jean-Claude the game to life. gaming actually linking for a … check; Sheer frustration in style leans heavily towards Jean-Claude to give him one goes and delivers the killing Army of Two is a great larger operational effect as the a government that has no one discipline and the most before Dolph appears. blow from a flank. concept that is horribly let Red and the Blue belt three qualms about exploiting its weapons and materiel to Army of Two’s online Army of Two introduces down by its AI. If you have sheets out of each other over troops … check; Annoyed support that discipline have some pretty cool moves to multiplayer games are a a regular co-op partner it the oil. The lack of traditional that your team leader always been unlocked through the world of gaming. You can more positive experience than can be a blast, particularly multiplay modes might annoy covered up for your mistakes gameplay. It’s a thoughtful back up into one another and the single player storyline. online, but ultimately it loses some but, to be honest, I was … che … WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yep that’s and interesting addition and take on a myriad of enemies In these games your team of so caught up in the fight to its initial gloss pretty quickly. it. The great Tom Clancy, a allows great play-matching as they come at your usually Chuck and Jean-Claude must secure and then hold each novelist associated with most of when entering the online horribly exposed position undertake certain missions objective I didn’t notice. from all sides. You can hoist across large maps against the 3/5 (if you have a your partner into the air and same AI enemy. The difference Jean-Claude to play with) Score: 4/5

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