The Royal Australian Artillery LIAISON LETTER
Spring Edition 2013
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2013
The Official Journal of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery Incorporating the Australian Gunner Magazine First Published in 1948
CONTENTS
Editor’s Comment 1 Letters to the Editor 2 Regimental 7 Operations 19 Capability 21 RAA Professional Papers 23 Around the Regiment 33 Personnel & Training 43 LIAISON Associations & Organisations 47 LETTER
Spring Edition NEXT EDITION CONTRIBUTION DEADLINE Contributions for the Liaison Letter 2014 – Autumn 2013 Edition should be forwarded to the Editor by no later than Friday 14th February 2014.
LIAISON LETTER ON-LINE Incorporating the The Liaison Letter is on the Regimental DRN web-site – Australian Gunner Magazine http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/RRAA/. Content managers are requested to add this to their links.
Publication Information
Front Cover: Exercise Talisman Sabre 13 Front Cover Concept by: Major D.T. (Terry) Brennan, Staff Officer to Head of Regiment Compiled and Edited by: Major D.T. (Terry) Brennan, Staff Officer to Head of Regiment Published by: Lieutenant Colonel Dave Edwards, Deputy Head of Regiment Desktop Publishing: Michelle Ray, Combined Arms Doctrine and Development Section, Puckapunyal, Victoria 3662 Front Cover & Graphic Design: Felicity Smith, Combined Arms Doctrine and Development Section, Puckapunyal, Victoria 3662 Printed by: Defence Publishing Service – Victoria Distribution: For issues relating to content or distribution contact the Editor on email: [email protected] or [email protected] Contributors are urged to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in their articles. The Royal Australian Artillery, Deputy Head of Regiment and the RAA Liaison Letter editor accept no responsibility for errors of fact. The views expressed in the Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter are the contributors and not necessarily those of the Royal Australian Artillery, Australian Army or Department of Defence. The Commonwealth of Australia will not be legally responsible in contract, tort or otherwise for any statement made in this publication. RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
Liaison Letter Contributor 'Big Sky Publishing' Incentive Prize
Big Sky Publishing provide an incentive prize to encourage individuals to contribute to the Liaison Letter. The winner is judged by the Editor. I am pleased to announce that the prize for this edition goes to Colonel Sean Ryan, Commandant Combined Arms Training Centre for his contribution outlining his experiences as a Forward Observer in Bosnia. His article can be found in the Professional Papers section. Colonel Sean Ryan will receive a copy of Lonesome Pine by Simon Cameron … published by Big Sky Publishing. Congratulations to Colonel Ryan – I look forward to receiving more quality contributions from individuals across the Regiment for the Liaison Letter 2014 – Autumn Edition. RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
troubling us and nor are we good listeners. I know Editor's Comment for one that I have to plead guilty. One such person from my Welcome to the Liaison personal perspective was Major Letter 2013 – Spring Tony Thwaites. I was not simply Edition. As always I trust very saddened–Iwasshocked – youfinditaninformative to hear of his untimely death. and enjoyable read. I had contemplated making Whilst serving we are a little protected from this edition my last as physical neglect through the need to do annual editor, however it was medical and dental checks as well as attend physical not to be and assisted by training and pass a range of physical and strength the persuasive 'lobbying' tests. The one thing I felt during my time in the from Colonel Ian Ahearn, Colonel Commandant full-time Army was that collectively we had no Eastern Region and Deputy Chair of the RAA Historical trouble understanding and dealing with physical Company, I am pleased to soldier on for a while yet. injuries and being supportive of those individuals during their treatment and recovery. I had contemplated making this I do not believe the same can be said for emotional edition my last as editor … well being, especially mental illness – I believe up until recently it has been the silent injury that The death of any member of the Royal Regiment slipped along under the radar. Whist the whether serving or retired is always a sad occasion. recognition, understanding and treatment of At times this can be especially so when they are a mental issues has been steadily improving within colleague you have worked closely with and have Defence I firmly believe there is still a stigma known throughout most of your career. One such attached to those who admit problems and seek person from my personal perspective was Major treatment. I believe the book 'Exit Wounds' by Tony Thwaites. I was not simply very saddened – I recently retired Major General John Cantwell has was shocked – to hear of his untimely death. I only assisted in highlighting that mental illness respects spoke with him late last year and he was a man that no boundaries. A review of this book is in the regardless of the time lapse between meetings Professional Papers Section. made it always feel like it was only yesterday that you were last talking. He was a man full of life who As I read through the eulogy I was could light up a room with his deep distinctive voice moved from laughter to tears and in conversation and with laughter, whilst his large back as Gus described the person physical stature towered over everyone in a non who we all knew as 'Thwaitesy'. threatening jovial and friendly manner. In the Vale Section there is one of a number of Although we have improved our support I believe eulogies delivered at Tony Thwaites funeral. This we as an organisation still have a way to go to one was written and delivered by Major Gus Pallot understand and respect those who seek assistance who graduated in the same class, served with him and most importantly appreciate that the and became a life long friend. As I read through the individuals can recover and generally like any other eulogy I was moved from laughter to tears and back injury depending on its severity re-enter as Gus described the person who we all knew as mainstream employment within Army. 'Thwaitesy'. A highlight of this edition is the 'Five Minutes With .... It may just be my age or the stage of life that I have section' which contains excellent contributions from reached combined with the shock of Tony Thwaites Major General Paul Symon, Director of the Defence death but it started me thinking about friendships Intelligence Organisation, and Warrant Officer Class and more importantly taking the time to listen One David Lehr, RSM Ceremonial - Army. I believe when talking to friends and colleagues. Those of us everyone will find their responses to my questions whoareofthemalespecieshaveareputationfor frank and insightful and in some instances avoiding the doctor / dentist and most importantly educational. not discussing issues and concerns that may be
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In the Professional Papers section Colonel Sean Ryan, Commandant Combined Arms Centre, who is a major supporter and regular contributor to the Letters to the Liaison Letter has provided a paper on his experiencesasCaptainservingasaforward Editor observer with the British Army in Bosnia. I encourage everyone to take the time to read the paper. Royal New Zealand Artillery Update Congratulations to all involved on the content, I believe the book 'Exit Wounds' by editorial standards and publication quality of your recently retired Major General fine Gunner liaison letter. It is an interesting and John Cantwell has assisted in topical publication which generates a good deal of highlighting that mental illness interest and discussion on this side of the Tasman. respects not boundaries. We have been following the equipment and organisational changes that have been underway in In the Around the Regiment section there are a the last year or so in the RAA. It is an interesting and range of articles from units on topics such as challenging time for you. You have the benefit of Exercise Talisman Sabre 13, whilst in the Capability some years of operational Artillery experience Section there is an article on the development of which we have been lacking recently in the RNZA. the Amphibious Ready Element. 16th Air Land Like us, you have had to cut your cloth to suit the Regiment has provided an article on the final C-RAM budget, at least to some extent, in a period of considerable financial constraint. rotation in the Operations section. In all likelihood New Zealand is now moving out of As always I would like to thank everyone for their the period of substantial cuts as our economy support of the Liaison Letter, particularly continues to improve, so it is unlikely that there will noteworthy are those individuals who have found be significant reduction changes in the RNZA in the thetimeintheirbusylivestomakeacontribution.I foreseeable future. encourage everyone to consider taking up your pen or keyboard, especially if you have not previously By 2020 the intent is that the done so, and express your opinion; or comment on Defence Force will be capable of issues be they contemporary or heritage; or record conducting amphibious military your operational experiences for others learn from operations and responding to as well as to preserve Gunner history. emergencies in our region. Finally take a moment from you busy life, seek out a friend and ask them how they are going? Most To provide some information and material for importantly listen to what they have to say – you discussion I thought it might be useful to never know it may make all the difference!!!! summarise where the RNZA is at. Firstly the setting from the current White Paper. NZ Defence focus until 2015 is re-orienting existing units and assets into a joint amphibious task force, capable of responding to threats and tasks in New Zealand and its region; to security challenges in the South Pacific; and, challenges to New Zealand's and D.T. (Terry) BRENNAN Australia's common security interests. Major By 2020 the intent is that the Defence Force will be Editor capable of conducting amphibious military Tel: 07 4651 0939 (h) Mobile: 0419 179 974 operations and responding to emergencies in our Email: [email protected] or region. This would be either on our own or as part [email protected] of a wider coalition. We would still maintain Postal: ‘Stratford’ BLACKALL QLD 4472 selected forces capable of participating in operations elsewhere in the world. http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/RRAA/ The army has been reconfigured around the ability to quickly form a combined arms task group. This EDITOR’S NOTE: includes retaining existing light gun and mortar To add your name to the Liaison Letter mailing list or to capability to meet the requirements of the task remove it, contact the editor. group.
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16th Field Regiment is therefore organised into Editor: Thank you for your positive feedback and advice three fire support batteries: two regular force, and that the Liaison Letter is generating discussion in your one territorial force; and, a headquarters battery. country. On behalf of the Liaison Letter readers I would The establishments of the fire support batteries are like to thank you for taking the time to provide this identical, each with six 105 millimetre L119 light comprehensive update on the Royal New Zealand gunsandtwelve81mmmortars.Aswellasthe Artillery. normal quota of observation parties, the Regiment also mounts two Joint Fires Teams in Light Armoured Vehicles. Leadership The territorial force battery trains to individual In reading Field Marshal Sir William Slim's address skills levels and provides manpower for the two (RAA Liaison Letter - Autumn Edition 2013), where he regular force batteries as required, as well as explained that in Army one talks of 'leadership',not undertaking sub unit level training as a gun battery. 'management', I was reminded of a particular day in The light guns have just gone through a complete 1998 (when I was still in the Army); I was over at the rebuild taking their life out to 2030. The fire Army Headquarters' Orderly Room, speaking to its support batteries have re-equipped with a Chief Clerk. To my surprise and horror, he informed state-of-the-art fire prediction system. Target me that it was not an Orderly Room, but a acquisition and meteorological equipments are also 'Shopfront', and that he was not the Chief Clerk but being upgraded. the Office Manager. I was later advised that the In addition to new equipments the RNZA has been Army now had, in some units, 'fleet managers' made responsible for the conduct of non lethal instead of commanding officers. influence operations (CIMIC and Information Operations). These new competencies are adding I was later advised that the Army to the RNZA's utility. Gunners have already now had, in some units, 'fleet deployed to a variety of theatres as CIMIC and IO managers' instead of staff. commanding officers. The RNZA is developing an operating concept where the battery is capable of deploying a variety As a result of this I spoke to a number of senior of lethal and non lethal capabilities to support a NZ officers about my concerns as to where the Army Battle Group within the Pacific. Key to the success was heading with regard to this matter and I then of this concept is the agility with which the Battery had a letter published in the Army Newspaper can transition between capabilities and force addressing these 'changes' (for which I received a posture as the intensity of conflict varies. great deal of support from a number of warrant and In a more severe threat setting, the concept is that commissioned officers). It seemed to me that, with the gun battery would initially deploy over a beach this type of civilian mentality, the Army appeared to with mortars to provide support for the deployed be losing the 'plot' and its direction. I now see, infantry. As logistics, the threat environment and reading the latest edition of the RAA Liaison Letter, beachhead permitted, the L119s would deploy that the Army currently has a number of WO1s either in place of or as well as the mortars. serving as 'managers', with some six Gunner WO1s Currently both regular force fire support batteries posted as: Manager Operations Offensive Support, frequently deploy on live firing exercises with their and I'm informed that the former Warrant Officer supported infantry or mounted rifles, using both Gunnery Course has been 'civilianized' to the mortars and guns for live firing. Command and Manager Operations Offensive Support Course! tactical elements have started training and I agree that members of the Defence Force are a exercises for amphibious operations, and this will part of society in general; it is, however, a fact of life continue as the joint force capacity develops. that the Australian Defence Force (not the The indications are that New Zealand will retain a Department of Defence) is a different organization light gun capacity through until at least 2030, and to anything else out there in the civilian world; it be capable of deploying mortars and/or guns as part has a different psyche, lifestyle and purpose. of RNZA operational requirements for the Speaking now, as a civilian (and yes, I know I've foreseeable future, into the South Pacific region. been out of the Army for some 15 years), it seems Ubique that the Army has gone even further 'down-hill'; Barry Dreyer whereisthisgoingtoend? Colonel Commandant Yours sincerely Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery Christopher Jobson
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Editor: Sadly in these days of corporatisation, civilian hold no punches when it comes to those curious / accreditation, justifying pay cases and increasing bizarre / nugatory changes that seem to crop up civilianisation within the Department of Defence and with monotonous regularity! the involvement of outside agencies, in order to demystify 'military service' there are occasions when the I therefore decided to try my hand 'jargon and terminology' that you and I take for granted have to be replaced with more urbane terms to assist at penning a poem that summed non military people gain an improved understanding of up the whole Australian 'Gunner the 'Profession of Arms' for our mutual benefit. Experience' …
On another matter, poetry! I decided to surf the net History and Heritage Matters for some good Gunner poems and, whilst there Thankyouforpublishingmyletterof4thFebruary were some excellent Commonwealth offerings 2013 in the Autumn Edition of the Liaison Letter from different eras, there was a dearth of anything and for your detailed comment. I must say however from Australian Gunners with even our brethren that I cannot agree with the whole content of the across the ditch having produced quite an array. comment. I am one who believes that Napoleon I therefore decided to try my hand at penning a struck the right note when he said, or is reputed to poem that summed up the whole Australian 'Gunner have said, 'God is on the side of the big battalions'. Experience' as I saw it from my readings of our Referring now to your interest, history and Gunners at war and peace and my rather limited heritage, can you or your readers provide answers experience on the gun line. I will leave the poem in to the following two questions? your capable hands to determine whether it has merit, would be relevant in this modern, digital, Question One. Following the reorganization of Gen Y world and would warrant publishing. The Reserveartillerywhathasbeenthefateof113Field only thing I ask is that, if published, it be listed as Battery, a sub unit of 7 Field Regiment? This battery ANON. was originally a coast battery and as such was the only coast battery in the whole of our history to engage a hostile war vessel. I am not talking about 'bring to' rounds fired across the bows of merchant TheGunsoftheRegiment ships. She's a cold, hard bitch who's been served Question Two. In the days of the RAA National by many men in her life Museum the late Arthur Kennedy during one of our 'learned' lunch time discussions asked 'Where is the yet none hold regret for their time with Royal Warrant that authorized the formation of the this gun of The Regiment. Royal Australian Artillery Regiment'?Ofcoursenoone He's cursed her when she exacted knew but the question still remains, where is the her due in sweat, tears and blood warrant today. yet lavished her with loving attention Yours sincerely his gun of The Regiment. Laurie Hindmarsh He called her 'Dog' with affection Editor: In answer to your first question I am sorry to say served her through peace and through war but in the reorganisation of the Army Reserve his mistress, his colours, his life, component of the Royal Regiment 113th Field Battery was been removed from the order of battle. With regard his gun of The Regiment. to your second question my knowledge of our history He fed her with high explosive and heritage does not extend to being able to provide you an answer. I would like to very quickly side step the fighting for breath in a gunpowder haze queryandinviteanyreaderswhomayhaveknowledge in deserts, jungles and snow, to write in with the answer which I will gladly publish in his gun of The Regiment. the next edition. And when the medals were issued when the pats on the back arrived Poem - The Guns of the Regiment he knew it had been a team effort Firstly, thanks for all the work you have done on the of the whole of The Royal Regiment. Liaison Letter. It's great to see what's happening in April and sporting a suit now the Regiment and more importantly, who's still around that I know! It's even better to see that you medals and red on blue tie
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he forms up with mates of old theGunnersofTheRegiment. Every year the ranks grow thinner QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY but those who march really know that the fallen still march alongside them HONOURS the Ghosts of The Regiment. In his twilight years he shuffles MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE MILITARY DIVISION through a park where the children play a tear in his eye, a proud nod, Warrant Officer Class One Christopher past a gun of The Regiment. Walton MAYFIELD And when St Barbara calls him For meritorious service as Master Gunner Proof to Take Post for one last time, and Experimental Establishment Graytown and he'll be borne to his well-earned rest as the Regimental Sergeant Major 8th/12th on a gun of The Regiment. Regiment, the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. Editor: Many thanks for your very generous feedback. I congratulate you for taking the time and most Warrant Officer Mayfield's leadership, importantly making the effort to 'craft' your poem. I professionalism and work ethic have been publishitwithpleasureintheLiaisonLetterand exceptional. He has excelled in the welcome any others that you may wish to contribute in maintenance of the highest technical the future. I am happy to meet your request for standards and demonstrated foresight and anonymity. initiative in managing the seamless introduction of new Field Artillery trades. Feedback Snippets These achievements have enhanced the capability of the Royal Australian Artillery. Credit to you for all your excellent work as editor of Warrant Officer Mayfield's ability to motivate the RAA Liaison Letter. Receiving it over the years and inspire others is commendable, and he is has always provided me with an insight into RAA widely respected among those with whom he matters. has served. Best Wishes Brigadier Peter Kilpatrick (Retd)
Congratulations on the further improvements in STOP PRESS STOP PRESS quality and content of the Liaison Letter: a really outstanding medium for Gunner news and views. Sincerely Walter Reed
Thanks for the latest issue of the RAA Liaison Letter, insightful and a good read as always. Regards Liaison Letter Contributor Colonel Shane Amor (Retd) Incentive
Big Sky Publishing is pleased to support an DATE CLAIMER initiative to encourage all members to contribute to the Liaison Letter. LIAISON LETTER Big Sky Publishing will provide contemporary publications from their military title range to Next Edition Contribution Deadline reward selected contributor(s) as chosen by the Editor. Friday 14th February 2014
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6 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition Regimental
In early August at the invitation of its Board, I attended an information seminar conducted by the Representative Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company. The seminar was designed to inform and engage with Colonel pivotal and interested parties within Army, the Gunner community and other Canberra stakeholders. The event was well attended and I am Commandant confidentitgavetheRAAHCsomeseriousissues Brigadier A. G. (Gerry) Warner, AM, LVO (Retd) for consideration and development. The RAAHC is working hard to progress the Dear Fellow Gunners planning and development of a combined Armour / Artillery Museum at Puckapunyal. In the meantime Asyoureadthiseditionofthe the Army History Unit has advised that an interim Liaison Letter, the long artillery display will be established in buildings Australian Defence Force adjacent to the existing RAAC Tank Museum at commitment In Afghanistan Puckapunyal. The display is expected to be draws to a close. Although operational by the end of March 2014. The AHU will Australian guns were not seek to manage the interim display with Army deployed, Gunners served Reserve staff and anticipates employment of a with courage, distinction and volunteer support group in future. initiative in a wide range of roles and delivered a number of critical capabilities. Sadly this year I have needed to write a number of Amongst other tasks RAA members served on the sympathy letters following the deaths of members guns of our allies, controlled fire support from of the RAA family. In doing so I have been exposed mortars, close air and artillery, provided early to sometimes interesting or unique aspects of the warning and force protection with the Counter service of a fellow Gunner. Mindful of the Rocket and Mortar (CRAM) system, and operated importance of such information and the risk of it the Shadow 200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System. being lost, I refer to the announcement by the In previous editions the Liaison Letter Editor and RAAHC in the last Cannonball on the creation of the his contributors have provided excellent coverage 'Australian Gunner Obituaries' resource. This is a great of the RAA operations. initiative with significant potential value and utility. Please give it your support and contribute if and Clearly the RAA will identify many when appropriate. lessons from the Afghanistan Head of Regiment and I recently discussed RAA experience and work will be Standing Orders, particularly their currency, required to optimise and further accuracy and relevance. We agreed that some develop equipment, processes revision was necessary before a new publication and tactics. and distribution, and that revision will commence shortly. In a related matter, an article and ClearlytheRAAwillidentifymanylessonsfromthe correspondence on the accuracy of aspects of the Afghanistan experience and work will be required Regiment's history, in recent RAA LL, has raised to optimise and further develop equipment, issues deserving further consideration. I will processes and tactics. I congratulate and thank all explore a way ahead with the members of the those who have served and continue to serve in this Regimental Committee and the History difficult and costly campaign, and express our Sub-Committee. Regiment's appreciation for their contribution to the rich history of the RAA. Good Shooting
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protection at Tarin Kowt and we have a number of personnel from all ranks serving in staff and Head of Regiment mentoring roles in Tarin Kowt, Kandahar and Kabul. Brigadier Peter Gates, CSM We also have members in other operational areas around the world in a variety of roles. Fellow Gunners The thoughts and support of all Gunners are with This Spring Liaison Letter those of the Regiment that are deployed or are provides the opportunity about to deploy and with their families. to reflect on achievements I would also like to acknowledge the members of of the Regiment this year the Reserve for their ongoing work to convert to and turn our mind to some Mortar Batteries. There are significant practical of the opportunities and challenges in doing so, coupled with more nuanced challenges that lie ahead. issues of culture, heritage and maintaining the I continue to be impressed collective sense of what it is to be a Gunner in new by the professionalism and command structures. What I have been particularly positive attitude displayed by Gunners involved in impressed with is the dedication and the introduction or development of new capability. professionalization of those involved in this work Coupled with our ongoing training and operational to realise capabilities required by Army under Plan roles, 2013 has been another busy and productive Beersheba. year. This year had 4th Regiment (4 Regt) with I was struck by the confidence attachments from 20th Surveillance and Target and maturity of our young Acquisition Regiment (20 STA Regt) and 16 Air Land Gunners. Regiment (16 ALR) deploy on Exercise Talisman Sabre / Hamel 13 at Shoalwater Bay. They were I had the opportunity to join the young officers of pitted against an enemy Battle group that included the Regiment at the ROBC Dining In Night in April a battery from 1st Regiment (1 Regt). It was the first which was a great success and notable for the time the RAA has had all of its new capabilities significant numbers in attendance. Whilst chatting exercising together. In particular we saw the Giraffe with members of the Gun and GBAD IET courses at – Angle Multi-Beam (G-AMB) radar, Light-weight theSchoolIwasstruckbytheconfidenceand Counter Mortar Radar (LCMR) and the Shadow 200 maturity of our young Gunners. 53rd Battery was as UAS deployed and integrated into the Joint Fires busy yet assured as usual. All of these together and surveillance plan along with the M777A2, purport well for the health and strength of the RBS-70 and AFATDS C2 system. The School also Regiment's future. supported the exercise with the provision of On behalf of the Regiment I would like to observer-trainers and umpires. congratulate the recently announced Commanding More enhanced capabilities are being delivered to Officers and Regimental Sergeant Majors for 2014. units now and in the near future. The Digital On behalf of the Regiment I wish them every Terminal Control System (DTCS) has commenced success in their new appointments. initial training at the School, AFATDS continues to develop our battle management, Land 136 will be The Regiment has a bright future examining new mortar fire control systems, JP129 built on the commitment and and the Shadow UAS capability continues to professionalism of current and impressandchallengeusascombataviators,Land former Gunners. I look forward to 19 moves ever forward and the remainder of the seeing as many of you as possible M777A2 fleet arrive in Australia very soon. over the coming months. Although our commitments to the Afghan Artillery I join with all members of the Regiment to welcome School and the Mobile Training Team have been the new mid year RMC graduates. I was unable to completed, a number of the Gunner community attend the presentation of awards ceremony; remain heavily committed to operations in the consequently I would like thank Brigadier Graeme Middle East. 20 STA Regt continue to fly the Shadow Finney for deputising for me. On behalf of the Royal 200 UAS in support of our forces, 16 ALR continue Regiment he presented the Royal Australian to support Air Land integration and force
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Artillery Prize to SCDT Gerard Hinchcliffe. The Lastly, I can report that real progress is being made following graduates entered the Regiment from in preserving and displaying our Artillery Heritage. I RMC; Cameron Smith (20 STA Regt), Gerard would like to acknowledge the work of the Royal Hinchcliffe (8/12 Regt), Harrison Williams (1 Regt), Australian Artillery Historical Company, the Army Matthew Armstrong (16 ALR). With them are two History Unit and School of Artillery to progress officers from AustInt who are completing their these initiatives. I hope by the next Liaison Letter to Regimental experience with the RAA; Thomas report the opening of an interim location near the Muarry (16 ALR) and Robert Pike (8/12 Regt). On School of Artillery at Puckapunyal. behalf of the Gunners I wish you the best at the The Regiment has a bright future built on the outset of what I trust will be a rewarding career. commitment and professionalism of current and I would also like to acknowledge Warrant Officer former Gunners. I look forward to seeing as many of Class One Chris Mayfield who was recognised for you as possible over the coming months. his service in the Queens Birthday Honours List. Such recognition is a reflection of the important Ubique contribution he has made to Defence. Deputy Head of Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Dave Edwards
It has been another busy year at the School and across the Regiment in general. There has been a great deal of work done by many people to reach a workable interim solution for the RAA Museum to be established in Puckapunyal alongside the RAAC Museum.Thiswillallowfor a number of the pieces to be displayed and taken care of as well as allowing the School access to an important training resource for equipment principles and learning about our heritage. The RAAC Museum has a good number of visitors through its gates and external other students from Defence seeking to learn about the evolution of military technology. I hope that the RAA can contribute to this body of learning as well. I would encourage any of our Associations planning a trip, or any Gunner who is travelling nearby to come in to visit the Lieutenant Gerard Hinchliffe was presented the interim Museum. It is just around the corner from the Artillery Prize by Brigadier Graeme Finney, OAM on School and you would be more than welcome at the behalf of Head of Regiment. Lieutenant Hinchliffe was also presented the Queen's Medal for Highest 'Home of the Gunner'. aggregate marks in First and Second Class by Itwouldberemissofmenottorecognisetheworkof Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO Chief of the 2nd Divisional RAA Light Batterys as they continue Army and the Raytheon Prize for being first in to roll out a quality mortar capability. I have been very Defence and Strategic Studies Essays by Mr Paul fortunate to have had the support of 2nd/10th Light Straghair. All graduates were presented their commissions by the Chief of Army Lieutenant Battery (5th/6th Royal Victorian Rifles) for Exercise General David Morrison, AO. Chong Ju and very shortly they will be supporting RMC Duntroon for combined arms live fire activities at
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Puckapunyal. The performance of the Light Battery understand how and why things happen to guns, gunners has been great and I hope they get launchers, radars, rounds, missiles, lasers and something out of the activities as well. aircraft. Digital systems do not mean the end of disciplined radio procedures and fire discipline. While I remain in support of Take time to train and review your individual skills change and modernisation I and technical knowledge. It has proven to be a would like to highlight the need to source of great strength of the RAA for some time retain and reinforce our basic and is the foundation for timely, accurate and safe technical and tactical principles Joint Fires, Surveillance and Air Land operations in and skills. the future.
The School has had a strong focus on supporting the introduction into service of so many of the new capabilities. Communications and Support Wing has now adopted the full suite of digital Regimental communications equipment for Basic and Specialist Combat Communicator Courses, Joint Fires Wing Master Gunner has continued the M777A2 and AFATDS training, GBAD Wing (soon to be renamed Air-Land Wing) Warrant Officer Class One Bob Thompson, OAM has been incorporating many of the new systems and into existing training in order to support 16th 'Gunners will always fight together, drink together, Air Land Regiment. STA Wing has just completed laugh together, and morn together.' thefirstOperatorUAScoursetobeheldinAustralia Greetings Fellow Gunners and the second is already underway. These two courses have only been able to be conducted due to As I write this contribution the heavy cooperation, patience and understanding I have just been informed of 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition of the passing of another Regiment (20 STA). My thanks to 20 STA Regt for member of our Gunner allowing the School to deliver quality individual family who has left us to training for UAS pilots / operators. The New rest permanently at the Equipment Training Team has continued its GunParkinheaven.Sadly development and testing of AFATDS in the 2013 has seen the passing Requirements Centre and we are introducing the of Colonel Mike Kingsford, new suite of observers' equipment associated with Major Tony Thwaites, and Warrant Officer Class One DTCS. This includes new laser range finders, laser Phil Robertson. On behalf of all ranks of the Royal designators,thermalimagerysystemsaswellasthe Regiment of Australian Artillery I extend condolences digital communication suite itself. This equipment to their families and friends. should be in all Regiments by April 2014. It has been a very busy year so far for the Regiment Change appears to be the new norm with more on embedding new structures and equipment as we the way. The School will hand over the Bushmaster move forward to establishing Multi-Role Combat PMV training at Motorised Combat Wing to the Brigades (MCB) or like brigades within the framework Army School of Transport at the end of 2014. I am of Plan Beersheba. very proud of the MCW Team and the Bushmaster. I recently participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre 13 They have provided some outstanding courses to and had the unique opportunity to observe and report the ADF over the years and I hope this continues under the RACT stewardship. There is also some on the RAA capabilities attached to the Armoured work underway to examine where the UAS Cavalry Regiment (ACR) Battle Group (BG) which was capability best sits in Army. I, for one, have seen also being trialled and evaluated prior to its formal great work by the RAA in this area and I think it may initial establishment in January 2014 within the 1st be best served where it is now. Brigade. While I remain in support of change and It was encouraging to see within the ACR although modernisation I would like to highlight the need to very much in its infancy the coordinated collective retain and reinforce our basic technical and tactical effort at all levels of command working together to principles and skills. It is easy to focus on the new understand what each capability brings to the and advanced equipment, but we must continue to organisation and how to make best use of these
10 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition assets. Seeing the ACR on the ground for the first time members from the Royal Australian Regiment who as opposed to on an establishment slide reminded me were attending a mortar course at the School. Apart of the formation battle groupings of the 80s and 90s from not demonstrating respect towards another however with far greater mobility plus surveillance unit's property and the customs and traditions and target acquisition capability delivering far associated with this property they also lacked the superior coordinated and accurate fire power. courage to initially come forward and be held I spent the duration of the exercise within the BG HQ accountable and take responsibilities for their actions. within the BG Joint Fires and Effect Coordination Unfortunately this incident has not been the first Centre (JFECC) provided by 109th Battery, 4th occurrence at the School and similar incidents have Regiment observing its offensive support occurred throughout unit locations around Australia. coordination function and the interoperability of the Remember these retired guns are not merely garden BG force enablers through mission planning, guns. I believe they should be viewed as laid up rehearsals and execution. At the same time I was able colours are and should at all times be treated with to observe and engage soldiers and non dignity and respect. commissioned officers from 4th Regiment, 16th Air DuringtheearlyyearsoftheRoyalArtillery,the Land Regiment, and 20th Surveillance Target equivalent of today's Queen's Colour was carried on Acquisition Regiment providing support to the BG. one of the guns in the artillery train. Normally the Colour was carried on the largest gun of the train, I believe that in the manner in which became known as the Colour Gun or Flag Gun. which the soldiers, non ThepracticeofcarryingtheColouronthegunceased commissioned officers, and towards the end of the eighteenth century, when the officers of the Royal Australian guns themselves came to be known as the Colours. Artillery applied their trade skills, The general procedure for paying compliments to the knowledge, and attributes to coloursisasfollows: foundation war fighting the future of the Regiment is in good hands. • When no less than a battery with its guns is parading on a ceremonial occasion, the leading gun While I was impressed with the ACR, BG JFECC and represents the Colours of the Royal Australian supporting enablers and what they had achieved in six Artillery. Compliments and respect due to Colours months and will continue to improve as it matures are to be paid when this gun passes the immediate what really stood out for me was the way the non front. The exception to this is the Reviewing Officer commissioned officers and soldiers presented during mounted parades who in taking the salute themselves and the capability that they provided. of each detachment commander salutes all guns. When engaging the BG operational planning staff the • A pennant should be flown from the lead missile JFECC staff, RBS-70 and Lightweight Counter Mortar launcher vehicle. Radar (LCMR) detachment commanders confidently • On other occasions, it is impractical to pay provided sound advice regarding the deployment of compliments to 'guns',buttheyshouldalwaysbe their respective assets. Their advice was well received, treated with dignity and respect. Such practices as convincing, and very informative for the BG planning smokingorloungingonornearguns,decorating staff. them on social occasions and leaving them Although I did observe some minor all corps soldier unprotected are unacceptable. field craft deficiencies which can be easily addressed • Units and sub-units whose principle equipment is through fault correction and practice I believe that in not a 'gun' do not have colours. The Banner of the manner in which the soldiers, non commissioned QueenElizabethIIistobeusedinlieuon officers, and officers of the Royal Australian Artillery ceremonial occasions. applied their trade skills, knowledge, and attributes to foundation war fighting the future of the Regiment The 'guns' take precedence over the Banner of Queen is in good hands. Elizabeth II when they are paraded together. 'The Colours of the Royal Regiment of Australian On a brighter note, congratulations to Warrant Officer Artillery are the Guns' Class One Chris Mayfield whose service was formally recognised in the 2013 Queen's Birthday honours. Recently the retired guns of the Regiment located Chris was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia within the School of Artillery were vandalized by (OAM) for meritorious service as Master Gunner Proof
11 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition and Experimental Establishment Graytown and as the Regimental Sergeant Major 8th/12th Regiment, the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. With the end of 2013 approaching units around Australia will be conducting promotion and appointment parades on or around St Barbara's Day. I would like to congratulate all Gunners who will be promoted and or take up new appointments in 2014. Thankyou for efforts this year, stay safe over the Christmas leave period, keep your powder dry and enjoy your well earned break. Ubique 3rd Light Battery St Barbara of the Artillery Corps, Be at the bursting of the doors of doom, And in the dark deliver us, formed primarily from elements of 11th and 13th Amen. Brigades but with keys functions being drawn from both 5th and 8th Brigades. Irish field Artillery poem 2nd Division Joint Fires Cell has also been busy with Major Stu Seabrook racking up some serious frequent flyer points supporting activities all over the country. The cell will also be conducting a Joint Fires Cell number of courses during September 2013, including the Light Artillery Command Post, Observation of Fire Mod 1 and a combined Regimental Officer Gunnery Course Mod 5 / SPRV Headquarters 2nd Mod 3. Division Lieutenant Colonel Warwick Young & Warrant Officer Class One Shaun Graham
The 2nd Division Joint Fires Cell and all six of the Divisions Light Batteries (Lt Btys) have been busy with the ongoing tasks of completing their conversion to mortars and in the Lt Btys' case, integrating into their new battalions. All six Lt Btys have conducted live fire activities this year either as part of a battalion activity or independently. While the focus of most activities is to trade qualify personnel, the Lt Btys have taken advantage of the extra ammunition provided for 6th-13th Light Battery Stoney Head mortar conversion and are putting it to good use. The Lt Btys are beginning to develop SOPs, and tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) as well as Warrant Officer Class Two Dave Carter has being able to provide some very realistic training commenced the huge assignment of reviewing all of for their JFTs. the Lt Arty Training Management Packages (TMPs) The combined effect of qualifying personnel and in order to provide suggestions and advice to developing our TTPs is also preparing the 2nd Headquarters Combined Arms Training Centre on Division Gunners to be embedded with an ARA future Lt Arty course content. By combining the Multi Combat Brigade as part of an Army Reserve outcomes of the review with work already Multi Role Battlegroup which will take part in completed on the RAA Army Reserve Trade Model, Exercise Hamel 2014. The embedded Lt Bty will be the RAA within the 2nd Division will receive
12 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition challenging and most importantly, relevant training which will form the basis Joint Fires capability within the Division. Five Minutes with Major General Paul Symon, AO
Major General Paul Symon was born in Melbourne in 1960, he graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in 1982 as recipient of the Sword 2nd-10th Light Battery Exercise Chong Jul 13 of Honour and its senior cadet. He was allotted to the Royal The Division will farewell several Australian Regular Regiment of Australian Army Staff in December. Captain James Tarpley is Artillery and has seen posted from 3 Lt Bty to 16th Air Land Regiment (16 service with the gunners in many postings, ALR); Captain Adam White is posted from 6/13 Lt culminating in command of the 1st Field Regiment Bty to 16 ALR; Captain Aaron Cook is posted from in 1998–1999. 6/13 Lt Bty to Headquarters 5th Brigade; Captain Major General Symon has served on operations four Brett Sprague is posted from 7 Lt Bty to times. His most important joint command was in Headquarters 2nd Division; Captain David late 2005 until mid 2006 when appointed Schweinsberg is posted from 23 Lt Bty to long term Commander Middle East. This appointment gave schooling; SMIG 5/11 Lt Bty, Warrant Officer Class him national command responsibility for all Two Shaun Jolley is posted to the School of Artillery; soldiers, sailors and airmen/women in Iraq and SMIG 6/13 Lt Bty, Warrant Officer Class Two Toby Afghanistan. Organ is also posted to the School of Artillery; OPS He advised the United Nations Special SGT 6 /13 Lt Bty, Sergeant Craig Cousins is posted to Representative in East Timor in the four months the Royal Military College and finally SMIG 23 Lt Bty, prior to the deployment of INTERFET. This entailed Warrant Officer Class Two Mark Green is posted to close liaison with the Indonesian military, Falantil 1st Regiment. SO1 Joint Fires, Lieutenant Colonel and militia leaders prior to, during, and after the Warwick Young and the staff of the Joint Fires Cell vote for independence in 1999. For his leadership in wish all those members being posted the best of East Timor and in command, he was named a luck with their new appointments and thanks them Member of the Order of Australia in the 2000 for their hard work, vigilance and commitment Queen's Birthday honours list. during their current posting. In 1997 he served with the United Nations in South Lebanon and the Golan Heights in a period of great tension between Hezbollah and the Israeli Defence Force. And in 2003, he was appointed as the senior military adviser for the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands. It was in this period that a significant number of militia leaders were jailed and a very successful gun amnesty organised. Major General Symon has taught at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in the UK, has served as Army's Director General of Personnel, its Director GeneralofPreparednessandPlansandasDirector General Pacific in International Policy Division. He
13 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition hasalsoservedastheChiefofStaffofArmy's1st of everyone. In some ways, the job is even more Division in Brisbane. demanding than the DCA job. Major General Symon served as Deputy Chief of • As DCA you were involved in initiating and Army for three years from December 2008 until implementing many of the Strategic Reform November 2011 before assuming his current Program changes some of which were strategic appointment as Director of the Defence whilst others were of a 'house keeping' nature. Intelligence Organisation. Some of these 'house keeping' decisions were in Academically, Major General Symon holds two areas that whilst not related directly to Master's degrees: from Deakin University and from 'warfighting' were very emotive and often the University of New South Wales. He is a graduate unpopular as they focused on heritage and of Army's staff college and of the Centre for Defence tradition eg uniforms and messes. From a Gunner and Strategic Studies in Canberra. perspective one of these decisions was the closure of Australian Army Artillery Museum at HewaspromotedtoOfficeroftheOrderof North Head. On reflection since leaving that Australia (AO) in the 2007 Australia Day honours list appointment and with the benefit of hindsight is in recognition of his operational service in the there any particular decision that you would have Middle East. made differently? Major General Symon is married to his wife of 25 Terry,averyloadedquestion.Onewehavediscussed years (Kate) and they have two teenage children. He before (and agreed to disagree on). There were two gains pleasure running half marathons and in the elements to the Artillery Museum (North Head) company of his family and friends. decision as I recall. One was the simply exorbitant rate that was about to be levied on Army by simply maintaining our presence there. Frankly, we were • Congratulations on your appointment as Director being financially 'squeezed out' of the Sydney of the Defence Intelligence Organisation. If my foreshore by a very ungrateful group of people at a memory is correct you are the first Gunner to time when Army's discretionary funding was at a low have held the position. Having now been the ebb. Second, the Chief of Army had desired that incumbent for sometime from a senior museums be co-located with schools – a very uniformed leadership perspective what are the defensible position at a time when we were hard key differences you have encountered between pressed to justify funding for museums. Remember, this appointment and those specifically within Army was being required to find its share of $20.4 Army including your last as Deputy Chief of billion in savings. My job as DCA was to balance the Army? books. At the same time, we were on operations in There are some things we take for granted in Army. four different theatres. Uniforms and messes were We assume our next posting will be subject to simply held to a priority commensurate with the many considered thought by someone. We generally assume other competing priorities; falling behind operational, that our career is secure. We assume that promotion equipment and training priorities. As for popular relies on solid foundational knowledge with increasing decisions, it is rarely the lot of a DCA to find himself in dollops of strategic sense as time goes by. We assume such glorious company. And finally, are there any appraisal reporting will occur on an annual basis. We decisions I would have made differently over a three assume it is understood and accepted that discipline year period as DCA? Yes. But I'll need more than five matters. I could go on. minutes to go through them! DIO, in contrast, comprises a predominately civilian • You have extensive operational service as a workforce. I arrived in October 2011 and quickly senior officer in varied appointments. What do realised that none of the earlier assumptions you consider are the key influences from these necessarily hold true. They would only become truths experiences that have enhanced your command when dictated as such and implemented with vigour. and leadership skills? But some analysts in DIO are subject matter experts I have been exposed to a considerable number of and simply don't want further promotion. Some see a positive and negative experiences on operations. This disciplined mind as a path to 'group think'. Some have admixture of experience leaves me still pondering the great strategic nous but no practical, foundational hardest question still to be resolved: should a knowledge. In other words, it's a broad church. It commander stand back and let subordinates blossom, requires different leadership skills to get the best out or should they forever probe into the detail? The
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answer lies, on occasion, at both extremes, and preceding the arrival of INTERFET in 1999 as things sometimes at neither extreme. Judgement improves started to fall apart. But it presented a great over time, but sometimes hubris can kick in as well. challenge too, because the moral authority of the UN So, I like your use of the term 'enhance' – that is all we had little meaning to some of the protagonists. ever achieve, I think, as we attempt to lift our game. Indeed, quite the opposite – UN peacekeepers were a To think otherwise is hubris of the highest order. By soft target, relying on the ballistic qualities of a blue nature, I tend to silently applaud those who are beret, unarmed and easily taunted. I could write a hardest on themselves. They are normally the ones book on this question and yet we only have five who progressively 'enhance' their command and minutes. leadership skills. • You are an avid runner, as a senior commander • As you have gained experience and seniority how with ever increasing demands on your time and has your leadership style evolved and what are conflicting priorities how do you maintain the the fundamental principles on which you base appropriate work life balance that is regularly your conduct and related decision making? referred to within Army? Further do you have any It is best for others to comment on my leadership style. particular advice to Gunners, especially those I'm not sure what to say. I do think that I deal with and still serving with regard this personal challenge? treat poor performance, poor discipline and wayward I work hard to clear leave, or get it to as low a figure ethics in the workplace much better now than I could as possible. I run every morning. I avoid bringing work in the past. I struggled in this area in the past. But home (actually I can't in my current job!) I set myself a generalship and years in service forces your hand. It's simple goal: that of running one half marathon per like the BSM/RSM appointments. You are year from 40–55 years of age and keeping the result fundamentally pivotal to Army's standards. That to +/- 5 minutes. A simple but effective goal. I never means developing the good performers and take myself too seriously. And I remind myself of how admonishing the lazy or poor performers. As for a many mistakes I made when I was younger (some of fundamental principle, 'respect' does it for me. It's my the readers will be able to elaborate)! Finally, I care philosophical start point to everyone (and every deeply for my family. All of this keeps me reasonably organisation) that I encounter. People start off high in grounded – I think. my estimation – that's how I base my conduct and • If you had the opportunity and the resources to decision making – so there's only two directions people make one major change in Army for the better can go in as a result of their own words and deeds: what would be that initiative? lowerinmyesteem,orevenhigher. I would advocate an increase in Army's size (regular • What part do you believe that your Regimental and reserve). This is not based on a hunch. This is training, background and experiences played in based on two facts. One, we still fall short of fully preparingyouforhigherappointments? implementing, sustaining and being balanced as an Attention to detail and knowing how to advise seniors Army of 'threes'. An Army of 'threes', including all the is the significant tactical advantage gunners have enablers, will be important one day for operations in over others. I have already touched on the nexus our near region. Two, we have been forced to resource between detail and letting people blossom. But the low-end options of capability reviews over the past because gunners are required to take detail so decade, when many of the very clever ideas reside seriously right from the outset, that provides an dormant in the growth options. We need to liberate excellent foundation upon which to base subsequent and resource these clever ideas. leadership judgement. As for advising seniors, I have • As the Army addresses the post Afghanistan era, done so every day since being appointed to star rank. what level of training should Army and in On the gunnery front, I provided advice to manoeuvre particulartheRAAfocusoninpreparationfor commanders from Captain rank onwards. And, of future contingencies? course, Bombardiers do so too. So we gunners are well practiced. High-end joint and combined warfighting. The gunners should lead the way in Army through the • Given your experience with the United Nations ARTEPS process, just as we did in the 70s and 80s. We and peace keeping what have you observed as need to train in urban, jungle and desert the organisations key strengths and challenges? environments. We need to ensure a high level of The moral authority of the UN is its greatest strength. currency in specialist skills. And we need to know how It provided some comfort to me in the four months
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to fight in a basic, 'dirty' environment (see next point Frank Roberts as Brigade Commander, Peter Cosgrove below). as Divisional Commander and Des Mueller as parade • 'Digitisation' is on the lips of everyone including guest, is etched forever in my mind. the Chief of Army who consistently emphasises • What single piece of advice would you offer that the Royal Australian Artillery and its new young officers and soldiers commencing their capabilities are at the forefront of these changes career as a Gunner? in Army. As a senior commander what do you Respect yourself and those you lead. They will respect believearethekey'force multiplier' benefits youinturn(exceptthebadones,andgivethemshort digitisation brings to the battlefield and shrift). 'warfighting' including the artillery? • What guidance do you have for the RAA as it Speed and accuracy. But we must not lose sight of embarks on a significant period of change operating in a 'contaminated' environment too. structurally and capability wise? Gunners must be able to provide lethal direct and indirect fire support in a GPS-contaminated and Our capability will be used one day in anger. And you digitally-dirty environment. Our ARTEPS of the future are the custodians of a tradition that is obliged by needs to have punishing joint and combined serials in design to employ the capability wisely and all of these demanding environments. competently on operations. You have to train the next generation to do likewise. Enjoy the privilege! • What do you consider your three most memorable career highlights not related to the RAA? Service in East Timor. Working in Southern Lebanon. And instructing at Sandhurst. All for different reasons. Five Minutes with The first for the relief factor and sheer exhaustion of worry and responsibility that was involved over a protracted, dangerous period. The second in Warrant Officer observing deep-seated hatred first hand and realising how lucky we are in Australia. And the third, for Class One appreciating that we live in an egalitarian society, unencumbered by schooling and social standing. We have good junior officers from all sorts of David Lehr, OAM backgrounds and we let them advance as far as they can, untarnished by whether they have family wealth • As a senior RSM do you subscribe to the old or not. adage 'Once a Gunner always Gunner'? • As a senior Army Commander do you subscribe I believe senior officers and soldiers should never to the old adage 'Once a Gunner always Gunner'? forget their past origins of service, and the key Why? individuals who influenced and shaped them for the person they are today. Along with other senior RAA Yes, of course. I never wishedthatIjoinedadifferent RSMs, we are still engaged with the Regiment on a Corps. I made the right decision, for me, in 1982. It's range of matters and speak regularly with RAA units in my pedigree. It still feels family to me. I have met so and principle staff. many inspiring individuals, officers and NCOs, in the last 31 years – starting with RSM Arthur Bretherton • In your current appointment as RSM Ceremonial at RMC. – Army what is the single most pressing issue / proposed change that that you would like to see • What do you consider as the highlight or implemented? pinnacle of your Regimental service? As the author of the Army Dress Manual, the most Commanding the Premier Regiment in 1998/99. As an consistent issue is dress policy. Dress in the Army is a integrated unit, 1st Field Regiment was shooting very emotive issue that attracts all types of extremely well. We had a batch of great officers and correspondence from various rank levels and NCOs. Graeme Lakey was an outstanding RSM. With ex-military members. few resources we were a simply excellent unit (there's perhaps a bit of bias in that comment but I'll leave it I am regularly asked about the return of the beret. for others to comment). Our demolition of the ovals in However, a change that I would like to see in my the pouring rain for our anniversary parade, with current appointment is the rank insignia for all mess
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dress orders of dress return to the upper arm for • What will be the effect on career progression and warrant officers, staff sergeants and sergeants. in particular non Gunner RSM appointments with The other key change is the new Army Ceremonial and thedemiseofArtilleryArmyReserveRSM Protocol Manual, scheduled for release in 2014. This positions? publication has more detail in relation to ceremonial Although some RSM positions have been procedures updated policy guidance. disestablished, the RAA has not lost regimental WO1 positions with the demise of Army Reserve gun • The Royal Regiment has only had one RSM Army in Warrant Officer Peter Prewett. How do you regiments. The establishment of unit master gunner believe the Royal Regiment can improve the positions has maintained an avenue of promotion for competitiveness of its senior RSMs who are first level regimental WO1 appointments. The only aspiring for this sought after appointment? difference is that there are less 'stick carrying' appointments within the Regiment but not in the I believe it is up to the individual and not the wider Army. Regiment. Gunner RSMs need to aspire and compete for high profile / tempo Tier B appointments that will • As you have progressed in your career as a senior enable them to be considered for progression to Tier C soldier how has your relationship and interaction RSM level. Like anyone else, there is no reason why with your various commanders evolved? another Gunner RSM can not achieve RSM-A. The I have been very lucky to have worked for four Chief of Army selects such a person so those persons in excellent and approachable commanding officers. I consideration for the position, need to be realistic have learned from all of them and enjoyed the towards their goals and desires. partnership that is unique in the regimental command team. Having completed Command and Staff College • In your current appointment you have been able it developed my skills that have made me more to observe the inner workings of the higher effective when engaging at senior rank groups. levels of defence especially within Army. Has this experience altered the views you developed as a • What will be the impact on the Royal Regiment Regimental soldier about Army and in particular and the Army more broadly of the post soldiering? Afghanistan era from a soldier's perspective? One of the topical issues is the employment growth of Soldiers need to learn life in the Army after femalesinArmyanditstasktoretainandincrease Afghanistan. For example, they need to adapt by their capability over the next 18 months. This has deploying to the field for longer periods without the presented Army individuals with many mental and expectation of going on operations overseas. physical challenges. One of those is that combat male Commanders will need to learn the art of retaining soldiers need to accept and learn to work with their soldiers in a peace-time Army and make soldering fun female counterparts in a battlefield environment. and interesting. Dry fire and movement and command • 'Digitisation' is on the lips of everyone including post exercises never hurt anybody. This discipline the Chief of Army who consistently emphasises made us 'traditional' gunners excellent at our trade that the Royal Australian Artillery and its related and skills. Competitive sport and inter-battery rivalry new capabilities are at the forefront of these needs re-energising, and places to develop it is on the changes within Army. From your perspective how sporting field and conducting gun drill training near will these changes affect the 'traditional' gunline another battery's gunline. including the qualities and skills required of the • What are the key implications of women in 'new' gunline members? combat for the Royal Regiment especially in the I was the 'traditional' gunline gunner. The forefront of provision of fire support? training in that era was always technical and tactical As long as female combat soldiers can maintain the gunnery excellence as a result of endless dry training same level of battle fitness, flexibility, adaptability and command post exercises. The manual gunnery and technical competence, they are then suitable to prediction process using (technical firing table and serve alongside their male counterparts. graphic firing tables) and an old computer that took • Since 1999 elements from across the Regiment -up all of the allocated space in the back of a landrover have been constantly on operations often 'out of enabled us to understand the gunnery problem. Gun role'. Does this recent experience have regimentswereabletoallocatesufficienttimeto implications for the Regiment in retaining balance gunnery training with tactical ground technical gunnery skills into the future? fighting skills. The same approach can be applied in the modern era.
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The technical and tactical expertise of the RAA has • What single piece of advice would you offer significantly suffered since 1999. Overnight we young officers commencing their career as a became riflemen to enhance the battalions and deploy Gunner? our soldiers. I like my peers were a part of this era that Young officers have been privileged with a school witnessed its demise. Then along came Operation education and graduated from an exclusive military Herrick, which reinvigorated the RAA and provided training establishment. This does not immediately the gunners with a means to achieve technical and translate into those officers knowing everything about tactical gunnery excellence and deploy 'in role'. life or understanding the experiences that soldiers Unfortunately, this was not enduring and the RAA was have achieved; therefore, if you have trustworthy and tasked to standown with its support to Royal Artillery mature non commissioned officers, listen to their regiments. In the long term, the RAA is recovering voice. Learn from your Battery Commander and from this period with the implementation of Battery Sergeant Major. Demand respect but return it digitisation. The introduction and employment of new generously. Take the hard right over the easy wrong. technology has enabled the RAA to shape and develop Badnewstravelsfastanddoesnotgetbetterover tactical and technical procedures, and deliver a time. standard of excellence in the application of offensive fire support. Young gunners need to quickly learn about Army life from their immediate supervisor. Look to your lance • What guidance do you have for the Royal bombardier or bombardier for guidance. There is no Regiment as it embarks on a significant period of need to hurry for promotion, enjoy your experiences as change structurally and capability wise? a young soldier before learning about junior The RAA has always adapted and delivered capability command and leadership. Learn from your mistakes in all environments. Commanders at all levels are and don't make them into big ones. urged to maintain a view of flexibility and believe that • Are the soldiers of today better prepared for their providing an offensive fire support capability to a firstappointmentthanyouwerewhenyou manoeuvre group on the battlefield is our core completedyourrecruitandinitialemployment business, if we need to restructure batteries to provide training? this outcome, a change is most necessary. I believe soldiers are better informed but believe that • What are your fondest recollections of serving as we had more commonsense and knew the a young soldier in the Regiment? consequences of poor and unacceptable behaviour. I Greens, the SLR and Bren Gun, and endless memories think there are too many distractions for soldiers of of barracks and field life!! today. We were not in tune with policy nor did we have The Army provided me with an opportunity and being easy access to doctrine. We learned by repetitive a young gunner posted to 4th Field Regiment as it was practical application and 'by the numbers'. Today titled then in 1983, set me up for the rest of my life. soldiers have more information to prepare them for The discipline and regimental approach of the Royal training and have more options towards employment Regiment was hard, mostly fair, sometimes that interests them. uncompromising but above all, it was rewarding and When I was a recruit, I thought a mortar man was a fun. bloke that pours concrete and mortar to lay bricks!! Other memories include playing gunner Rugby and • Growing up did you always have a desire for a going overseas for the first time as a young gunner. career as a soldier or did you consider other Serving in the Royal Regiment is the most significant vocations? part of my career as it has shaped me for the solider I I was a private educated school kid who loved playing have become. Making a host of life-long mates as a schoolboy Rugby. I joined the Army to escape result of 30 years service is a stand-out. Wollongong because I didn't want to study at • What do you consider the highlight or pinnacle of university or work in the Port Kembla steel works. I your service in the Royal Regiment? thought that I would serve for six years, elect discharge from the Army and do something else, but I As previously mentioned, making life-long mates. was a sergeant at about the same time and figured Being appointed as the Battery Sergeant Major of that I was onto a good thing. 107th Field Battery (my very first battery). Being employed as a Regimental Sergeant Major in varying levels of appointment.
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CRAM-5 The Final Tour
In September 2012, 111th Battery was again established as a line Battery within 16th Air Land Regiment (16 ALR), having been employed purely as a staging base for Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortars (CRAM) rotations conducting pre-deployment prior to deploying in support of Combined Team – Uruzgan (CT-U) on Operation Slipper since December 2010. The Battery was stood-up to begin the developmental work that would set the conditions for it to assume the ADF's Frontage to the CRAM Compound in Tarin Kowt Sense, Warn and Locate (SnWL) capability. For the officers and soldiers selected to form the new of pre-deployment training required to deploy Battery, it was an exciting opportunity to begin safely to Afghanistan. The period was busy, but growing the new capability with new equipment. As fuelled by the knowledge that it would lead to an additional motivation, it was clear that the next opportunity to deploy on warlike operations, in rotation of 16 ALR members to deploy on Operation role. Slipper would be sourced from the Battery, and that this would be the final CRAM rotation on Operation … it became clear to CRAM-5 that Slipper. previous CRAM rotations had established a very strong The period was busy, but fuelled reputation within the Area of by the knowledge that it would Operations. lead to an opportunity to deploy on warlike operations, in role. The team was eclectic, ranging from 19 year-old junior Gunners, to a 51 year-old ex infantryman / The three months from October to December 2012 para-rigger and a warrant officer class two of 27 were spent completing the CRAM course, which years experience. Of the 22 personnel who finally was run entirely by unit members who had deployed, 19 were on their first deployment to previously deployed on a CRAM rotation or by Afghanistan and many had never left the shores of personnel who had conducted a CRAM operator Australia. Just prior to the deployment, one of the course in Australia or overseas. The quality of team members was diagnosed with cancer and was instruction was high and was tailored to ensure that not able to continue training; this had a profound all 111th Battery members were ready to deploy, if effect on the team, grounding them in the required, or to remain and progress the SnWL realisation that life is fragile but also bringing them capability within the unit. closer together as a team. In January 2013, CRAM-5 was formally raised, and On arrival at Multi-National Base – Tarin Kowt the men of B Troop, 111th Battery began preparing (MNB-TK), it became clear to CRAM-5 that previous todeploy.Thisperiodhadadualfocus,withall CRAM rotations had established a very strong CRAM-5 members preparing for a rigorous reputation within the Area of Operations. Having certification exercise while also completing the raft previously supported Australian call-signs at a
19 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition number of patrol bases in the province of Uruzgan, Army, who increasingly needs to operate in close the CRAM responsibility had been reduced to concert with other capabilities and services to defend those at MNB-TK only. This was the first in a achieve success on the battlefield. number of significant changes that would shape the CRAM commitment as CRAM-5 began the complex withdrawal from TK.
The retrograde of capabilities out of Afghanistan hit fever pitch shortly after the arrival of CRAM-5.
The retrograde of capabilities out of Afghanistan hit fever pitch shortly after the arrival of CRAM-5. Entire task units were sent home, in some cases much earlier than planned, and all other units were furiously working to reduce their footprints to a bare minimum. The fact that CRAM was one of a small number of capabilities slated to remain in TK until December 2013 is testament to how effective and important the capability had become. Drawing of the Chapel at Tarin Kowt by Progressively, the established multi-sensor defence Gunner Weightman was reduced to a single-sensor defence, with one Giraffe Agile Multi-Beam (GAMB) radar remaining in The work done by successive CRAM rotations in TK from mid-September. The majority of the support of Operation Slipper, as well as the ongoing Light-weight Counter Mortar Radars (LCMRs) were work being done in Woodside, has ensured that the sent home, and the WAVES warning system and capability which 111th Battery provide to Army is Command and Control systems were reduced. regarded as essential and dependable. Similarly, most of the comfort and life support capabilities were withdrawn, and conditions were quickly becoming more austere.
The retrograde of capabilities out of Afghanistan hit fever pitch shortly after the arrival of CRAM-5.
Throughout the tour, CRAM-5 has been able to integrate the capability to increase the effectiveness of other key functions within CT-U. The local air picture, as represented on the Forward Area Air Defence C2 (FAAD C2) system was provided to both the Airspace Control Element (ACE) and the Shadow UAV detachment. The provision of accurate, real-time airspace information enabled the ACE to exercise local control of the airspace beneath the co-ordinating altitude, which meant more responsive support to coalition force units in the province. Similarly, the ability to monitor activity within the local airspace enabled Shadow operators to de-conflict their operations with other air platforms, significantly reducing the risk of collisions and fratricide. It was integration such as this that displayed just how valuable the new systems is and will continue to be for an evolving
20 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition Capability
elements located in the one place to test our procedures, command post layouts and most Amphibious importantly, introduce ourselves and establish working relationships in a static environment prior Ready Element to boarding the HMAS Choules. If the ARE has demonstrated one Captain J.J. Butler thing, it is that new capability 4th Regiment RAA comes with a significant training 108th Battery is the direct support battery to the 2 impost. RAR Battle Group, who are leading the ARE development block one was quickly followed implementation of the Amphibious Ready Element up by Exercise Busu Landing, designed to integrate (ARE) concept for Army. Whilst the concept is not the recon elements from all the different something new, HMAS Choules, HMAS Canberra organisations, including a JFT, 2 RAR RSS platoon, (due to come into service in mid 2014) as well as the Navy Clearance Divers and 2 RAR Pioneer Platoon suite of supporting capabilities are new who crew the Zodiac boats. These small forces developments. comprise the Preliminary Landing Force (PLF), a The structure of the Battery is significantly different force tasked with identifying targets and landing from that of other 4th Regiment sub units, due to sites in equal measure. thecomplexityofoperatingfrommultiple ARE development block two was a three week platforms, across significant distances. The Battery exercise run off of Cowley Beach Training Area. This consists of a four man Battery Commander's Tactical activity was significant, as it saw the land force Party, an eight man JFECC (including BK, BSM, FSO embarked on HMAS Choules. C/S 22 (attached to B and ACSO BDR) and three, five man JFTs (one JFT Coy 2 RAR) and Battery Commanders Tactical Party filling the role of Brigade JFT). The Battery does not were embarked on HMAS Choules to facilitate joint hold any M777s due to the manning constraints on fires and effects planning as well as oversee the the ARE; therefore fire supportis provided buy the 2 execution of multiple mission sets including CT RAR mortar platoon, ARH and coalition fixed-wing airmobile operations, PLF operations, TRAP and platforms. Raid tasks. The remainder of the 2 RAR BG, were The structure of the Battery is 'embarked' on the 'Land ship' an interesting construct, significantly different from that of designed to replicate the HMAS Canberra. This other 4th Regiment sub units, due development block saw some steep learning to the complexity of operating curves, but overall the ARE construct was put from multiple platforms, across through its paces and found to be an adaptable and significant distances. promising model. ARE Development Block two had a short turn The ARE 'block training' series has been an effective around before Exercise Talisman Sabre. The ARE stepping stone in pulling all the elements across the was tasked to secure Sabina Point the SPOD in order Australian Defence Force together to form a to facilitate the road move of the remainder of the cohesive functioning organisation. 108 Battery has 3rd Brigade. The conduct Amphibious Operations worked closely with the Amphibious Task Group against a live enemy. SACC staff, led by Lieutenant Colonel Nick Wilson If the ARE has demonstrated one thing, it is that to co-ordinate the efforts of the white lanyards in new capability comes with a significant training the ARE construct. impost. As well as the ARE exercises, 108th Battery ARE development block one was the first step has continued regular Gunnery training, up to and which was a command post exercise conducted in including BG Danger Close battle runs on Exercise March 2013. The activity was designed to have all CATA 2013. Various other training courses have
21 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
Outlining strategy and mission, Mr Smith said long term support to Afghanistan was an important signal that the international community would not walk away at the end of 2014. 'This long-term support was an important safeguard against the inevitable pressure the Taliban will seek to bear on Afghan institutions of state and the Afghan security forces with transition to Afghan security responsibility,' he said. 'Similarly, a continued special forces contingent would be important to maintain an active deterrent against a re-emergence of internal terrorists.' Mr Smith said in the field of international collaboration, Australia had shared experiences with traditional partners, regional partners, NATO and had enhanced relationships with non-traditional partners. 'Australia and the US would emerge from our commitment in Afghanistan with closer practical ties than ever before', punctuated the spaces in between exercises in the he said. 'We had developed heightened intelligence sharing, training program, these courses have included and our special forces, having worked side by side with the Rappel/suspended extraction and the new BDCCC, US Special Forces, were held in the highest regards. two courses that have greatly added to capability 'Australia's relationship with NATO had strengthened in that the Battery can provide. recognition of our common values, our experience of working together in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, and The next big stage for the ARE is early next year our share vision to promote stability and peace through with HMAS Canberra trials and exercises to RIMPAC cooperation.' later in the year. Amphibious Operations are an Mr Smith said in developing Australia's framework for the exciting new direction for 108th Battery which we management of detainees, Australia had two priorities. look to meeting the challenges of now and in the 'The first priority was the critical need to remove insurgents future. from the battlefield, where they endanger Australian, ISAF and Afghan lives,' he said. 'The second priority was the need to ensure humane treatment of detainees, consistent with Australian values ad our domestic and international legal obligations.' Many lessons from Force protection proved to be a challenge in Afghanistan. Mr Smith said the ADF now employed a suite of force decade in Afghanistan protection measures to enhance the safety of deployed personnel. Sgt Dave Morley 'Our personnel have utilised constantly evolving tactics, DEFENCE Minister Stephen Smith tabled his third report techniques and procedures to enhance their protection on Afghanistan this year to Parliament on June 19. He said levels,' he said. 'On the home front, the ever-evolving threat Australia's experience over the past 10 years in of IEDs had required scientific innovation, high-end Afghanistan has highlighted a number of 'lessons learnt'. engineering skills and indigenous capabilities from our 'It has reinforced the well-known point that it is the easiest defence industries to counter effectively.' thing in the world to get involved in major commitments, Care and support for wounded, injured and ill veterans was but it is substantially more difficult to get out,' he said. a high priority for the Government. Mr Smith said a 'That is why, when a government makes a decision about a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between military intervention, it must very, very carefully consider Defence and DVA in February ensured the Government whether that intervention is required in a country's national was ready to meet the needs of current veterans. security and national interests'. Mr Smith said international 'The new MOU was aimed at better coordinating the community focus shifted from Afghanistan to Iraq in the delivery of care and support services between Defence and latter half of 2002. Veterans' Affairs,' he said. 'Put simply, it is to stop 'This allowed the Taliban to regroup in the wounded, injured and ill veterans from falling between the Afghanistan/Pakistan border region and reassert and cracks in the system.' rebuild its influence in southern Afghanistan from 2003 Mental health and post traumatic stress disorder are also through to 2005,' he said. 'As a result, from 2006 onwards, being addressed. Mr Smith said significant improvements ISAF forces faced fierce opposition from a resurgent had been made to the provision of mental health care as part Taliban in southern Afghanistan.' of a more than $90 million investment into Defence and Mr Smith said when focus shifted back to Afghanistan in Veterans Affairs by Government. 2008, six valuable years were lost to the mission there. He 'Awareness and education in relation to mental health issues said as far as international decision making was concerned, was a key factor in preventing future problems,' he said. Australia had been forthright from the earliest days in Mr Smith said although we had achieved much in demanding a place at the international table when key Afghanistan we still had much to contribute. decisions were made regarding Afghanistan. Army Newspaper, 4 July, 2013 'Australia insisted that strategic level decisions on Afghanistan were taken by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), not just by NATO,' he said.
22 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition Professional Papers
team to support this outcome. It was a mission that demonstrated the importance of the forward Forward observer to a peace keeping force because of the Observing during capabilities it brings to the force. Peace Keeping Operations – Bosnian Experience
Colonel Sean Ryan whoservedasaForwardObserverNBattery 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery Australian led RHA Forward Observer party – Callsign: Bravo Two Zero Golf A thin blue line of peace keepers often stands as the difference between a horrific war and a progression A thin blue line of peace keepers topeace.Thethinbluelineisdeployedtomakea situation better and relatively normal for the people often stands as the difference in the former warring nation. This was certainly the between a horrific war and a case in Bosnia in 1999. After almost a decade of progression to peace. ethnic fighting prior to and during the deployment of United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), In Bosnia the forward observer represented the and discontent post the Dayton Agreement's vital link between the ground troops and the reach Implementation Force (IFOR) and the subsequent back elements available to the Divisional NATO Stabilisation Force (SFOR), it was still clear commanders. The forward observer supported this the war was not over for many in the country. effort with day and night surveillance regardless of Former warring factions of Serbs, Bosniaks season weather or terrain, the all important (Indigenous Muslims) and Croats were still communications to speak to fighter ground attack challenged with their new order. Into this mire of aircraft and rearward headquarters to ensure the uncertainty, a Czech mechanised infantry company response options were rapid and all important was placed to keep the peace and to protect the battlefield liaison functions. This paper will return of refuges to villages in Northern Bosnia demonstrate the value of the forward observer around Prijedor, and to protect the civilian party, joint fires team, to peace keeping or companies rebuilding local villages. It was a place operations other than war. The end of the 20th where the Czech rifle company employed an century and beginning of the 21st century have English speaking forward observer or joint fires been filled with military operations that centre on
23 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition stabilising a nation post a conflict. These are any deterioration in the environment and a force to operations that are known as stabilisation communicate the international narrative to the operations. By definition a stabilisation operation is locals, troop contributing nations and the "an overarching term encompassing various military international community. A vital tool in making this missions, tasks, and activities conducted … to maintain happen was the Australian led British forward or re-establish a safe and secure environment, provide observer party attached to the Czech mechanised essential governmental services, emergency infantry company assigned to keeping the peace in infrastructure reconstruction, and humanitarian relief".1 the area. One of the forward observer's core skills is to conduct battlefield surveillance. It is a skill they need to exercise by day and night, and increasingly using remote sensors to support this function. Normally the purpose of this surveillance function is to find, fix and destroy targets. But in the peacekeeping operation environment this surveillance effort was focused on normalcy patterns and supporting human targeting efforts to support intelligence collection. In Kozarac in 1999 surveillance was undertaken through a mixture of day and night observation post tasks in support of ground patrols and independently to support intelligence collections. Supporting the surveillance effort was the NATO helicopter force, Coalition forward observers conducting a target which served as effective night and day surveillance inspection platform, especially the Royal Canadian Air Force Bell CH-146 Griffin and the British Army Westland They are usually operations that occur at the point Lynx AH.1. between the end of hostilities and the return to normalcy. Peace keeping operations are the main Targeting was more than just type of stabilisation operation. In the case of Bosnia support to intelligence in peace the peace keeping mission was that awkward keeping operations. Targeting transition from war between the former warring work supported the posturing for factions and Bosnian defined normalcy. In 1999 offensive operations should the underlying tensions between former warring former warring factions chose to factions remained despite the combat between the go back to fighting against each Serbs, Croats and Bosnians ending in 1995. These circumstances were certainly present in the village other or against the peace of Kozarac where former Bosnian residents were keeping force. returning after the war and in accordance with the 1995 Dayton Agreement. Violence in the village Their overt night and day surveillance coordinated remained with regular bombings and violence with ground troops was a critical factor in the between Serbs and Bosniaks a regular occurrence. conduct of key leader engagement and support In most cases the violence stems back to grudges surveillance pull ground operations. The white created during the Serbian ethnic cleansing of the light, Infra-Red light, thermal and full motion video Bosnians in the village. generated by these helicopters all contributed to the ground picture. The direct communications to This paper will demonstrate the the ground troops in platoon houses or more often value of the forward observer the forward observer meant the surveillance missions could support patrols and observation party, joint fires team, to peace posts in a coordinated manner. In a covert keeping or operations other than surveillance role using their stand-off thermal war. cameras and sights they could monitor movement and report immediately to troops. All of these tasks It was a tense environment which required constant were coordinated through the forward observer surveillance, a force being posturing to respond to and supported the targeting effort.
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Targeting was more than just support to intelligence in peace keeping operations. Targeting work supported the posturing for offensive operations should the former warring factions chosetogobacktofightingagainsteachotheror against the peace keeping force. The targeting efforts in Bosnia were essential to the mission from a deterrence perspective. In this respect the campaign and tactical targeting efforts merged to ensure the peace keeping force was prepared to deter should conflict break out. The forward observer had a key role in this mission. The forward Warrior Observation Post Vehicle in Overwatch observers were responsible for inspecting each target on a regular basis, normally monthly, for location confirmation and collateral damage All capabilities core to the forward observer. In assessment, and developing and confirming target Bosnia and in the Czech battalion much of this packs for the coalition targeting cycle. In the Czech liaison function fell upon the forward observer and tactical area of operations this task was undertaken the battery commander's party for three reasons. on a monthly basis by the battalion forward observers. In each case the forward observer This only served to confirm the needed to conduct field survey of each target to importance of the forward confirm location and target dimension, and then observer in the targeting chain, 'mensurate'2 the targets against other survey devices not only in confirming the target such as GPS and aerial photography. This data was before the air mission but also as processed, along with collateral damage peace keeping force's assessment, into a target report that was submitted independent check mechanism to the divisional headquarters and onto the NATO for preventing fratricide. air operations centre monthly. In one the case, the target was a 'Republika of Srspka' (VRS) electronic The first was the British Army battery under listening post. This target was nestled on a operational control of the battalion provided an on mountain with a commanding view over the Czech hand array of English speakers to speak to coalition tactical area of operations. Not far away on a partners. Regularly the forward observers would be connected knoll, was a friendly force radio relay called upon to brief NATO generals and coalition station. So the target assessment required not only partners on the situation in the tactical area of a precise location of the target but a very clear operations and the key focal points. The eclectic explanation on friendly troop locations to ensure group of Australian officer and British soldiers were coalition air would hit the right target. An constantly called upon by the Czech commanders important fact when in March 1999, in a show of to brief on the Division's resettlement main effort of force mission, NATO fighter aircraft overflew the Kozarac including NATO Commander in Bosnia and wrong target because they did not follow the target the British Foreign Office under secretary. The pack or confirm the target location with ground second was the forward observers provided an troops. This only served to confirm the importance impressive communications capability to the of the forward observer in the targeting chain, not battalion. The forward observer's communications, only in confirming the target before the air mission both voice and BATES digital systems, provided a but also as peace keeping force's independent powerful all informed network across the divisional check mechanism for preventing fratricide. area of operations. He helped in passing up to the minute information to the divisional headquarters Thenatureofapeacekeepingmissioninvariably the evolving situation across the area of operations, means liaison skills are essential for success. Liaison and aided in informing flanking battalions of skills are needed to communicate with flanking and operations on their boundaries. In one case, when reinforcing units. Liaison capabilities are essential the VRS Army called out its Army causing it to swell for communication with former warring factions by 300% overnight, the forward observers and locals. Finally the capabilities to liaise with communications network was core to keeping the reach back fires, fire support, to reinforce company Divisional Commander up to date on an potentially and battalion operations as the situation changes. hostile situation. Thankfully nothing came of the
25 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition situation but the provision timely information over the 'Gunner' net was an important factor in a balanced, whole of division response. The final aspect was forward observers are trained in the important skills of liaison. Liaison is more than exchange of information it is a function that demands very good social skills to feel for the environment where the liaison was occurring. In Bosniaforwardobserverscouldbebriefingthe flanking commanders, like the Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry battle group, on one day followedbyanindepthliaisonvisitanddiscussion with VRS brigade commander on disarmament the Rotary Wing Close Air Support in Overwatch over next. All this was in a day's work for the forward Kozarac observers in Bosnia but only reinforced their importance of their role in the peace keeping The centre piece of the demonstration was the mission. application of artillery fire and close air support In the end it's the ability to respond to a from fighters and attack helicopters. All this was deteriorating situation or providing a powerful coordinated by the half a dozen forward observers deterrence effect that remains the essential task for available to the division who targeted and the forward observer or joint fires team in a peace coordinated the fire from all these systems in a keeping mission. A peace keeping situation doesn't unified and concentrated manner. All this left a clear always progress to a peaceful solution. Former impression in the minds of the former warring warring factions can and sometime do go back to factions' commander's heads of don't mess with the fighting either locally or across the whole operation. NATO peace keeping division. Again the forward Being able to respond is a key risk mitigation factor observers were a central force multiplier for the for the force and the forward observer represents peace keeping force. this insurance policy with its capability to call upon Peace keeping is not a defensive activity. It is an reach back fires like artillery and close air support. offensive mission to bring peace and normalcy to a In Bosnia this function was carried out on several situation where a government or domestic security occasions. The first was on the eve of the NATO forces cannot. In this environment, especially in intervention into Kosovo in early April 1999. In this Bosnia, the forward observer and their party are an case the VRS Army threatened to break out and integral part of the peace keeping force. Their day reinforce their Serbian brothers in Kosovo. NATO and night surveillance capability, linked with their response, and by association the forward broad joint communications capability to talk to observers response, saw the full battle procedure helicopters and fighter aircraft, meant they were an for the peace keeping force to move from peace essential element of the peace keeping mission's keeping into combat. The battle procedure efforts success. The forward observer brought to the included the detailed planning for the application of company and in many cases the battalion, the vital artillery fire and close air support through the targeting skills to identify, locate and assess targets selection of targets and production of Defensive for an appropriate and proportionate response Fires lists, technical and tactical reconnaissance of should the situation return to war. Linked to this observation posts to confirm observation zones important offensive task, the forward observer and Named Areas of Interest, and fire support full brought the critical liaison function to support the rehearsals to support a military response. This company commander with flanking units and units tense environment promoted the best in forward entering the company's tactical area of operations observer skills and training. Another approach was to reinforce. Underlying all this effort was the to use artillery in a deterrence role through a capacity to escalate quickly to counter any moves to combined arms firepower demonstration of what return to war in an environment where the peace the NATO peace keeping division could generate. keeping troops were out numbered. The rapid The Glamoc range complex in central Bosnia was reach back to artillery and close air support aircraft used to demonstrate the firepower available to the was essential. So when it is all said and done the divisional commander to warring faction core capability of the command liaison observation commanders. group, the forward observer party, joint fires team,is
26 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition an essential element of any peace keeping force as demonstrated in Bosnia. Keeping the forward observer party core skills at the highest standard is Book Reviews and will need to remain central to artillery training to ensure this support is delivered. The Soldier from Independence
Endnotes By Mr Dennis. M. Giangreco 1. http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/stability-operations-dod- Reviewed by Colonel Sean Ryan instruction-300005 dated 8 Mar 13 Commandant Combined Arms Training Centre 2. Definition, 'to measure' http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ Mensurate dated 31 Aug 13 ISBN 978-0-7603-3209-2; ZENITH PRESS MINNEAPOLIS; PUBLISHED 2009: 286 PAGES; ILLUSTRATIONS; MAPS; NOTES: INDEX
What kind of man can make Profile the decision to drop a Colonel Ryan is currently the Commandant of nuclear bomb? The answer the Combined Arms Training Centre in is a 'Gunner'.More Puckapunyal. He has broad set of Regimental specifically it is President experiences with service in 1st Field Regiment, Harry S. Truman, US 8th/12th Medium Regiment, and Commander-in-Chief at Headquarters Land Command Artillery. oneofthe(ifnotthe) He commanded the School of Artillery in 2007 critical moments in and 2008. He served in Bosnia-Herzegovina American – and global – from January to July 1999 as a Forward military history. This book Observation Officer in N Battery 3rd Regiment looks at Harry S. Truman Royal Horse Artillery as part of the NATO the artillery officer. It provides a valuable account of Stabilisation Force (SFOR). During that time he Truman's early military career through to the end of was attached to the 7th Czech Mechanised World War I. Battalion patrolling Northern Bosnia-Herzegovina around Prijedor. What kind of man can make the decision to drop a nuclear bomb? The answer is a 'Gunner'.
The Soldier from Independence adds a whole new dimension to the already fascinating character of the thirty-third US President. This book specifically looks at his life as an officer in the Missouri Field Artillery on the Western front with Black Jack Pershing's dough boy Army. Giangreco looks at Truman's life as a National Guard soldier in Kansas City, Missouri. It speaks about how he enjoyed his weekly and monthly parades. The deep relationships that formed during those parades and the civilian life, as a haberdasher, that was built around his militia life. It touches upon his undying love to Bess during some long term separations. When World War I broke out, although over-age, Truman joined the Army and was commissioned in the artillery. This was a change from his infantry National Guard days. Mobilisation saw him deploy with his field artillery battalion, 2nd Battalion 129th Field Artillery to Ft Sill, Oklahoma – Home of the US
27 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition gunner. It was here in the boiling hot or freezing Exit Wounds cold prairie of the mid-West that Truman began to shine as a military administrator. As the adjutant he One Australian's War On Terror wascommendedformakingthe2ndBattalion 129th Field Artillery the 'home of account efficiency' By Major General John Cantwell and the best unit in personal and unit with Greg Bearup administration in the whole of the 35th US infantry Reviewed by Major D.T. (Terry) Brennan Division,aswellasturningatidyprofitforthe Editor RAA Liaison Letter Regimental funds. After months in Oklahoma, the 2nd Battalion 129th ISBN 9780522861785 (PBK); MELBOURNE FieldArtilleryandTrumandeployedtoFrancein UNIVERSITY PRESS; PUBLISHED 2012; 374 PAGES; August 1917 where the battalion re-equipped with COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS the French quick firing 75 mm gun. Giangreco Everyone's experience speaks of Truman's promotion to command D of war or for that matter Battery. It was a command full of the meanest bunch any operation, is unique of New York Irishmen every assembled. The author and seen from a very speaks in detail of how the 'four eyed' Truman tamed personal perspective – these wild men and turned them into the most this is John Cantwell's battle ready battery in the Regiment. The way he story. After reading a does this is a great read in battery leadership. range of interviews and Author Dennis Giangreco shows how, as a battery reviews in the media commander in World War I, Truman was already following the release of making the hard decisions that he knew to be right, this book I purchased it regardless of personal consequences. Giangreco just as soon as I saw it. It describes how Truman saved a neighbouring may have been these infantry regiment at the Battle of Muese Argonne reviews or perhaps it from a surprise German attack with deadly and well was I had briefly served on course with John directed artillery fire, only to be rebuked by his Cantwell in 1993 at command and staff college, Fort regimental commander. In fact the battle is a great Queenscliff however it was almost a year later cameo for modern day battery artillery fire in the before I decided to read the book and immediately synergy between technical and tactical artillery. found it an enthralling raw and very honest account Truman rose to the rank of Major by war's end and of his experiences. drove an impressive de-mobilisation program that waspoorlysupportedbytheUSArmyOffice. I had mixed feelings about the story especially his leadership In telling this tale, Giangreco not only gives us a style as a senior officer at war look at one of the millions of ordinary Americans particularly in Afghanistan … who served in the Great War, giving us a soldier's eye-view of the American Expeditionary Force and For the non military reader it is well written and life in the trenches, but also the Army's tells a story in which you cannot help but become mismanagement of the National Guard. The book engrossed, sympathetic and supportive towards the describes Truman's time in uniform as a formative authorandhisjourneyasamilitaryofficeraswellas experience that shaped his business and political his battle with PTSD. As a military reader I had life. A political life that leads to the most difficult mixed feelings about the story especially his strategic decisions war has ever seen. leadership style as a senior officer at war Truman is the last president to have served as particularly in Afghanistan where he was the soldier, and equally significant he saw more ground Australian National Commander. This is not a combat than any president since President manoeuvre commander's appointment but rather McKinley. This is a valuable look at the shaping of the Australian Government's senior military oneofthemostnotableUSpresidents. representative on the ground to ensure our ADF interests are addressed and assets are utilised as agreed. I have to ask myself did John Cantwell see himself as having a different and more expansive role.
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Whilst at staff college we were in the same conditions on the ground and the dangers faced by syndicatetowardstheendofthecourseforashort our troops. The encapsulation of the dangers and period, however I never really got to know him on a subsequent bravery displayed by our troops is personal level. I found his demeanour although riveting and delivered with clarity for the reader. I distant, extremely professional, competent and found his description of a number of firefights to be most importantly espoused the persona of an very absorbing reading including the contact that extremely self-confident and self assured officer resulted in John Cantwell recommending Corporal who would simply breeze through the course Ben Roberts-Smth from the SASR for the Victoria withoutachallengeorcareintheworld.My Cross for Australia. However I just wonder why John assessment was confirmed by the fact that at the Cantwelldecidedtogointosuchdetailinhisbook end of the year he was awarded a grading as the top about the incident given that he was not anywhere student. I am not exactly sure why but I hesitated in near the firefight. reading the book – perhaps it was that it had been written by a member of my era and his apparent It reflects the nature and scale of success made me feel a little incompetent and / or it how our troops were being reinforced in my mind a sense of failure personally employed that a major general in terms of my career – here we were 19 years later could and would participate in after staff college I was still a major serving now in fighting patrols as a 'riflemen'. the Army Reserve and here was John Cantwell one of the most senior officers in the Army writing a On the surface it has most probably been put there book about his wide and challenging experiences in to enhance the story and more importantly a range of war zones. A number of my peers highlight the constant and significant war fighting described my operational opportunity in East Timor that our special forces were engaging in on a daily as having been to the 'non shooting' war. Therefore basis.Ijustwonderwhatitreallyhadtodowith from my perspective my 'limited' operational John Cantwell and his personal story of war. In my experience paled into the background compared to mind his description of a fighting patrol that that of this 'stellar' career officer. essentially at the first sign of trouble appeared to avoid its task and immediately returned to its patrol I found his demeanour although base gives rise to question the overarching scheme distant, extremely professional, of manoeuvre for our troops. From a force competent and most importantly protection perspective I understand the decision espoused the persona of an however from an operational perspective I just feel extremely self-confident and self that the enemy were being telegraphed an insight assured officer who would simply that we really did not have the will to fully breeze through the course prosecute offensive operations against them. This without a challenge or care in the observation is easy for me to make sitting in the world. comfort and safety of Australia however I feel it must be said. I was particularly perplexed by his constant desire I also understand and empathise with John togooutonpatrolwithsoldiersonthegroundand Cantwell's observation as national commander of into areas of danger in Afghanistan. It reflects the having to field inane queries from Australia as I nature and scale of how our troops were being witnessed my boss and at times even myself in employed that a major general could and would similar situations in East Timor. participate in fighting patrols as a 'riflemen'.My Although there are examples of leadership at personal view is that this placed an unnecessary various levels woven throughout the book in my burden of responsibility on the junior officers and view this not is a book about leadership nor does it non-commissioned officers and not only would attempt to deliver any real strategic insights into have been a distraction for them but could have the military execution of the conduct of the wars also increased the danger to the patrol. This desire that the author was involved. Many years ago Gary to be with those out on patrol leads to an McKay wrote a book entitled 'In Good Company' interesting contribution to the book's style where about his experience as a platoon commander in hedescribesindetailarangeofcontacts, South Vietnam which became mandatory reading engagements and firefights to set the scene for the for aspiring officers at the Royal Military College – I reader to gain a better understanding of the am not sure if it remains on the reading list. I draw
29 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition this as a parallel to 'Exit Wounds' as I would be very On reflection an insight into the state of John surprised if it was deemed mandatory reading at Cantwell's mind was his reaction to the death of any college. Australian soldiers whilst he was on leave at home. One facet I particularly appreciated was his Rather then having faith in his deputy commander explanation and descriptions of the challenges to deal with the situation on the ground in theatre faced when dealing with the political and military his immediate response was to end his leave and leaders in Iraq and Afghanistan. I found his views return to Afghanistan to oversee the repatriation of and thoughts refreshingly honest especially as they the bodies of those killed including personally were the views of a senior officer. I very much doubt needing to oversee the positive identification. This that there would many other modern day Australian sense of responsibility and obligation to be chief generals who would give such frank appraisals and mourner was odd to say the least and one can draw assessments of the situation when trying to deal aparalleltothevariousprimeministersofAustralia with these people. who since 1999 have attended every funeral of servicemen killed on operations. This very public I found his views and thoughts and heart felt and symbolic gesture is unsustainable refreshingly honest especially as in any conflict where the casualties continue as an they were the views of a senior escalating rate. In my view John Cantwell's actions almost certainly would have undermined the role officer. and authority of his deputy commander. I also appreciate that we have finally recognised the … he does not shy away from the benefits of applying lessons learned from our deployments, an example I noted with interest was fact that some people did not Cantwell's explanation of the procedure whereby as perform and were sent home. soon as there was an 'incident' where Australians A key thread of the book that deserves special werekilledinactiontherewasacommunication mention is the role and influence that his wife Jane blackout to prevent the news being leaked to the hadonhimpersonallyandprofessionally.Thereisa Australian media before the next of kin could be slightlyoutdated,butstillwellusedphrase'Behind advised in Australia. I witnessed in East Timor a every successful man there is a women' or words to that situation where a soldier was wounded and before effect. John Cantwell is unlimited in expressing and this could be passed back to Australia – there were describingthelovehehasforhiswifeandthepart media representatives outside of the soldier's she has played in shaping all aspects of his life and house – the power of mobile telephones and social especially the 'rock' she has been throughout the media!Itisgreatthatwehavelearntfromour years he has struggled with PTSD. previous operational experience. I must admit I have not drawn any particular lessons This sense of responsibility and from the story – it is exactly as the sub title of the obligation to be chief mourner book states 'One Australian's War on Terror'. I feel he was odd to say the least … captures the feelings of all modern soldiers with regard the need to experience some form of Another refreshing aspect of the book is the way he deployment as part of putting to bed personal explains that the nature of Australia's deployment doubts about how they would perform when using meantthatpeoplepostedtoarangeoftheir many years of training in an operational headquarters appointments either at our national environment. People like John Cantwell have headquarters or that of our allies, generally the US, proven it to themselves in very challenging had not been trained for the specific role they were situations on many occasions. I found the book a required to carry out including himself to some little odd overall, however I hope that it has extent. I was pleased to hear that generally these assisted John Cantwell in dealing with his personal people performed to a high standard however I demons.Iencourageeveryonetotakethetimeto note he does not shy away from the fact that some read the book and form their own opinion. people did not perform and were sent home. The cynic in me says that they would have returned to Australia and 'soldiered on' without any penalty and in most cases probably were promoted not long after returning.
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32 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition Around the Regiment
island via rotary lift, with the remainder arriving over the following days by sea. Units involved Combined Joint included 4th Regiment, 16th Air Land Regiment, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit as well as additional Live Fire Exercise Navy and RAAF liaison officers. Initial activities conducted included safety briefs, Captain Max Williams MEL analysis and synchronisation between the 4th Regiment RAA Australian JFECC and USMC Fire Support Coordination Centre (FSCC). The live fire exercise commenced with calls for engagement being coordinated between both the FSCC and JFECC simultaneously. This involved the coordination of both Australian and US fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft, combined Naval Gunfire Support, US Fire Support Teams (FSTs) utilising the Australian JFECC, Australian JFTs utilising the FSCC and combined joint fire planning with both Australian and USMC Gun lines. 107 Battery fell under the command of Major Thomas Drew with the Australian JFECC being coordinated by Battery Captain 107 Battery, Captain Max Williams. The supervision of air serials was coordinated by Captain James Wood throughout. Townshend Island
On 28th July 2013, members of 107, 108 and 109 Battery completed their contribution to Exercise Talisman Sabre 2013 and prepared for deployment to Townsend Island for the conduct of the Combined Joint Live Fire Exercise (CJLFX). The aim of the CJLFX was to test and adjust existing TTPs in the combined joint environment, as well as the development of new ones.
The tempo was high and saw the JFECC engage in some of the most complex mission profiles of Landing Craft Heavy on return from Townshend the year. Island
Movement to the island was coordinated through After a period of two days, the Australian JFECC the use of LCM8, LCH and air mobile assets. The took the lead for the prosecution of all targets. This majority of Joint fire Teams (JFTs) moved to the
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influencing live fire activities. The USMC departed two days prior to the remainder of force elements and allowed the Australian men and women who had participated to consolidate on lessons learnt. The 2013 CJLFX was a success and thoroughly enjoyable, beneficial and worth while training activity for not only the Regiment, but our allies too.
Combined Arms CH47 Preparing for a Personnel Lift Training Activity involved the coordinated direction of all calls for engagement through the JFECC from USMC FSTs, Captain N. Gould Australian JFTs as well as mission profiles received 4th Regiment RAA by observer qualified pilots. The tempo was high and saw the JFECC engage in some of the most complex mission profiles of the year. Subtle differences did exist between Australian and US observer teams' fire discipline, however with some interpretation the intent of the originator was able to be met.
CH-47 'Chinook' Preparing to Lift a 107 Battery M777A2
This year's Combined Arms Training Activity (CATA) officially began between 12th and 20th May, with actual start dates fluctuating based on which unit was deploying. 107, 108 and 109 Battery Joint Fires Teams (JFTs) and Joint Fires and Effects Coordination Centres (JFECCs) were attached to Air Mobile Operations battle groups from 1 RAR, 2 RAR and the trial-construct 1st Armoured Cavalry Regiment (1 Despite the relatively busy nature of the exercise, ACR), respectively. ampletimeexistedforsoldiersandofficersaliketo Meanwhile, the gun lines of 107 and 109 Battery mingle with our American allies as well as members deployed directly and immediately began preparing of other Australian Defence Force services. Weather themselves for live firing, in support of the on the island throughout the activity was relatively upcoming danger close assaults and battle runs that mild with only small periods of rain and fog
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Detachment Commander Lance Bombardier Aaron Spicer moving Ammunition on the Gun Line would mark the successful culmination of the TheexerciseallowedtheBrigadeJFECCand exercise. Battalion Group JFECCs to utilise the AFATDS in its The live fire activity involved dismounted attacks ability to conduct synchronised planning and from 1 RAR and 2 RAR, and a battle run from 1 ACR. mission processing. This was the Regiment's first 4th Regiment supported all elements of the activity opportunity to have a digital Brigade JFECC with live high-explosive rounds directed by the JFTs integrate with the Brigade Headquarters. This to impact danger close within 250 m of the allowed for the remainder of the Brigade to become advancing units. The JFTs and the guns performed familiar with the system and what the JFECC to a high standard throughout, with accurate requires for planning. shooting and effective coordination ensuring that The exercise also allowed the thepracticeremainedsafebuthighlyeffective. Regiment to execute its new … live firing, in support of the AFATDS live fire TTPs including; upcoming danger close assaults Timed and Event Based Fireplans. and battle runs that would mark During this integration the Brigade JFECC was able the successful culmination of the to effectively coordinate both air and indirect exercise. support to the Battalion Group conducting its activity. The exercise also allowed the Regiment to Adding to the complexity of the scenarios was the executeitsnewAFATDSlivefireTTPsincluding addition of the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Timed and Event Based Fireplans. Overall the platforms providing close air support to the troops Regiment provided fires on time, on target and safe. on the ground. These were controlled by 4th Regiment JTACs. Each unit's support weapons The tactical phase of CATA marked the first time in assets,suchas1RARand2RAR's'Javelin' anti-tank 2013 that the Regiment's JFTs and JFECCs missiles, sustained fire machine guns, and 1 ACR's integrated with their supported infantry or M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks, were controlled by armoured units. 107 Battery integrated with 1 RAR, 4th Regiment's Battery Commanders for the 108 Battery with 2 RAR, and 109 Battery with 1 ACR. duration of the activity. In doing so the Battery Another highlight of the exercise was Bombardier Commanders could integrate them with indirect Freckleton having terminal control over the live and close air support into an effective and release of six Hellfire missiles from the ARH. synchronised fire plan.
35 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition Exercise Talisman Sabre 13 – Regimental Air Land Effect
For the first time since its inception in 2012, 16th Air Land Regiment (16 ALR) deployed all of its capabilities simultaneously to support Coalition, Joint and Army operations. This realisation of a Regimental Air Land Effect occurred on Exercise Talisman Sabre 13 (Ex TS13). The Regiment was used to provide GBAD, Sense Warn and Locate, and Air Land Integration at all levels of command – from Battle Group (BG) to Combined Joint Task Force.
A G-AMB providing a Locating and Air-Surveillance capability to 3 MCB, in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area
situational awareness. Throughout the three major phases of the exercise, both 110 and 111 Battery's provided protection to 3 MCB by detecting and warning of threats and cueing the subsequent engagement with organic or coalition / joint assets.
For the first time since its inception in 2012, 16th Air Land A Detachment of RBS-70, protecting 3 MCB from Regiment (16 ALR) deployed all of atop their Protected Mobility Air Defence Variant its capabilities simultaneously to (PMADV) Bushmaster, in the Shoalwater Bay support Coalition, Joint and Army operations. The Regiment provided two troops from 110th Air Defence Battery to provide Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) to support the 3rd Multi-role Combat Brigade (3 MCB), protecting them from air attack and enemy ISR for all phases of their operations. 111th Sense, Warn and Locate (SnW&L) Battery provided a SnW&L Troop of Lightweight Counter Mortar Radars (LCMR) and a Giraffe Agile Multi-beam (G-AMB) Radar. The LCMRs were deployed forward with 3 MCB to warn the force and locate enemy IDF attacks and positions. The G-AMB performed the SnW&L function but also generated an Air Surveillance capability for 3 MCB to warn of enemy air attacks, provide early warning to the GBAD Detachments for engagement and to track The BALIC, providing air planning and airspace planning, Locating, GBAD and Sensor Fusion friendly aircraft movements for enhanced advice to 3 MCB
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The 1st Air Ground Operations (AGO) Battery examining the Unit structure, in light of lessons deployed a Brigade Air Land Integration Cell (BALIC) learnt. at HQ 3 MCB. They provided the hub for air support and airspace planning, to accommodate the effectiveemploymentofavarietyofcoalitionand joint platforms in support of manoeuvre. This work was executed closely with 4th Regiment RAA. With Visit to 16th Air the plan in place, the Air Force personnel attached to 3 MCB were able to control the air platforms in the local airspace, handing off to JTACs amongst the Land Regiment BGs. The BALIC also acted as the hub where all of the information from 16 ALRs organic GBAD and 1stLieutenantOlaSvärd LCMR sensors fused into HQ 3 MCB. This ensured Swedish Air Defence Regiment that 3 MCB was accurately warned about Surface-to-Surface fires events and locations of There were a couple of things that I wanted to enemy guns and mortars. This data was passed from experience whilst in Australia: I wanted to see all of the LCMR and G-AMB detachments digitally over the exotic animals of your beautiful country the Joint Fires / AFATDS network for engagement by (hopefully even killing one or two of them and Joint and Coalition offensive support assets. The eating them); I wanted to see the culture and life of BALIC also provided the control of the assigned a soldier / officer in the Australian Army; and I GBAD assets, ensuring that they had the most wanted to learn how to surf. From my time with updated and accurate situational awareness to 16th Air Land Regiment, I got so much more than ensure the enemy was neutralised and fratricide that. avoided. The first thing I noticed on arriving in Adelaide was the weather. I was in Australia in your winter and, by detecting and warning of for me, it was a case of 'best winter ever'.Onedayit threats and cueing the was +25 degrees Celsius – I loved it. Despite subsequent engagement with deploying with 111th Battery to 'Murray Fridge',I organic or coalition / joint assets. had a very welcome reprieve from Swedish weather.
The Regiment also provided the core of the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters Joint Fires Element (DJFHQ JFE). With US Army and Marine Corps augmentation, the DJFHQ JFE was responsible for deliberate targeting, the synchronisation and execution of effects across 4/25 ABCT, the Amphibious Task Group and 3 MCB, and the provision of Offensive Support advice to the JTF Comd. Ex TS13 provided an opportunity to test the ALR concept in a live environment. To achieve the deployment of the Regt as a whole involved the provision of digital communication links, integration to existing command and control systems, the establishment of sound planning procedures and the interaction and support of many ADF agencies outside of Army; this included the DMO, RAAF and LNIC. The Regiment is now I had heard a lot about the Australian wildlife, confident that the concept of the ALR is sound and especially about the drop bears. Naturally, I was achievable, providing ready, deployable capabilities terrified whenever I walked under a tree. I actually to the ADF. The focus for the Regiment will now had a close encounter with a drop bear and shift from establishing the capability to migrating survived. The drop bear was waiting outside of my concepts into sound doctrine and TTPs, further door in the officers' mess and attacked me, but I refining the communication solutions and survived having sustained only a couple of bruises
37 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition and scratches. Fortunately, I had my camera and was able to take a picture of the beast. I was pretty shook up though and shall forever warn my fellow countrymen of the dangers of the Australian drop bear.
I wanted to see the culture and life of a soldier / officer in the Australian Army; and I wanted to learn how to surf.
I soon learnt that it was not only the drop bears that could kill you. It was also the numerous poisonous animals, including sharks, crocodiles and kangaroos that could tear you to pieces. Despite being surrounded by some of the most dangerous wildlife L-R: Captain O. Griffiths, Lieutenant O. Svärd and in the world, I didn't see much of it, other than the Captain K. Smith, atop the escarpment at Cultana drop bear. Probably the most dangerous beast that I Range, during the Regimental Exercise saw the most of was actually the Giraffe (AMB). This beast could detect you at 125 km, chase you at way that the Swedish society would never be 100 km per hour, go cross country after you and involved in. There was a respect and admiration for could be very temperamental. I soon learnt a the armed forces in Australia that was great to be a golden rule – do not feed the Giraffe. part of. People honoured the armed forces for their actions and sacrifices in a way that was respectful and thoroughly deserved. Needless to say, whenever it is a celebration for any armed forces, in any country, there is going to be a large amount of alcohol involved – in this area, the Australian and Swedish soldier are both equally well trained. It was aperfectwelcomepartyformeandwhilethe alcoholflowedfreelysodidmyrustyEnglish.I woke up the next day with a lot of new friends.
Australia is truly blessed with a wide variety of experiences of nature that are both powerful and beautiful. In Sweden we have our mountains, our cold weather and our beautiful women. I guess Australia can't have everything.
Having observed them, this is my perspective of the Australian officer they: • love abbreviations and are not afraid to use them; • love to write elaborate orders and are not afraid to issue them; I was very anxious to learn about the Australian • havealovefortheAustralianwildlifeandarenot culture and, specifically, the culture of the afraid to kill it; Australian Army. I had been informed about Anzac Day, just before I left Sweden. It was Anzac Day on • are very hospitable and are not afraid to get my second day in Australia and, I must say, it was an Swedish officers intoxicated; experience of a lifetime. The whole community of • have a good moral and work ethic but are not Adelaide was part of these celebrations, in such a afraid to get down and dirty with 'the boys';
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• have respect and consideration for their soldiers spectrum of conventional operations. 'This involved butarenotafraidtolecturethem;and training from the coordination and execution of joint • like beef jerky and they're not afraid to share it. fires, including Danger Close and Direct Fire serials, to the tactical deployment of the gun line, small-arms From everything I had previously learnt about live-fire practices and a regimental route march,' he Australia, I knew that I wanted to learn to surf. I said. managed to surf both the south coast and the east coast of Australia. It was when I 'surfed' the east Thunder Walk focused on joint coastthatIthoughtIsawashark–butitwasa fires teams training with the dolphin. This was a much different experience than groups conducting live-fire surfinginSweden–Iwouldhaveriskedbumping immediate neutralisation into a cod, rather than a dolphin. Australia is truly missions as well as infantry minor blessed with a wide variety of experiences of nature and small-team tactics. that are both powerful and beautiful. In Sweden we have our mountains, our cold weather and our The Regiment successfully completed a road beautiful women. I guess Australia can't have self-deployment of military and civilian vehicles everything. from Robertson Barracks to the Cultana Training For me, the trip was a great opportunity to make Area for the exercise. friends across the other side of the world – it was Thunder Walk focused on joint fires teams training truly an experience of a lifetime. I also learnt a lot with the groups conducting live-fire immediate about your Air Defence – there is so much in neutralisationmissionsaswellasinfantryminor common between your forces and our Swedish and small-team tactics. The gun line conducted forces. I was greeted with open arms and open bars. live-fire and movement and was tactically tested I felt well taken care of by all in 16 ALR, from the through a complex enemy scenario. Elements from soldiers, to the lieutenants, to the commanding the Adelaide-based 102nd Coral Battery also officer. Everywhere I looked in the Regiment, I saw deployed to Woomera to successfully conduct a professional and driven officers and soldiers. Thank trial of the Excalibur Precision Guided Munitions. you 16 ALR, my sincere apologies for the dried fish and Ikea furniture. Exercise Thunder Run consolidated the live-fire training with a focus on the speed of response after a call for fire, and culminated in the conduct of live-fire danger-close missions which had high-explosive rounds impacting 175 m from dug-in Far Northern friendly troops. The exercise allowed the regiment to enhance its Gunners digital gunnery procedures with the newly acquired M777A2 Howitzer and the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System. Exercise Thunder Run Soldiers certified to deploy on Advisory Task Force 2 and 8/12 Regt is postured to conduct further field Lieutenant Dion Paull training in 2013. The first major gunnery exercise for the 2013 training year was held during March when 8th/12th Regiment deployed to the Cultana training area to conduct Exercise Thunder Walk / Run in the lead up Exercise Thunder Run 2 to Exercise Kite Hawk in April. Thunder Shakes the Ground Offensive support sub-units deployed to the field as 101st Composite Battery with a gun troop of six Gunners from 8th/12th Regiment showed what they M777A2 Howitzers, while Combat Service Support were made of during Exercise Thunder Run 2 at the deployed to establish a tactical patrol base. Mount Bundy Training Area recently. The unit deployed for a live fire exercise to train joint fires Commanding Officer 8th/12th Regiment Lieutenant teams and gun troops up to danger-close practices. Colonel Julian West said the exercise provided a great opportunity to practise gunnery across the
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Over two weeks the unit was put through the full range of conventional war fighting activities it Exercise Kite Hawk could reasonably be expected to conduct in combat. Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Sergeant Michael Smith Julian West said one of the highlights of the exercise Joint fires teams (JFT) from 8th/12th Regiment (8/12 was firing danger close missions at night in support Regt) deployed to the Mount Bundey Training Area of dug-in infantry with 155 mm HE rounds to conduct live-fire training with Tiger helicopters impacting 175 m from his own troops. from 161st Squadron, 1st Aviation Regiment, from 'Two weeks isn't a long time in the field, but under the 15-19 April. leadership of hardworking junior non commissioned Before Exercise Kite Hawk, the JFTs spent time in officers, the Regiment successfully conducted realistic the 161st Squadron flight simulation centre. This and high-tempo joint fires coordination and execution by gave junior soldiers exposure of the aircraft's day and night,' he said. capabilities and an opportunity to meet and discuss Over two weeks the unit was put tactics with the pilots. through the full range of The missions were conducted in conventional war fighting late afternoon and evening, which activities it could reasonably be presented an opportunity for the expected to conduct in combat. pilots to focus on their night flying Lieutenant Colonel West was also happy with the and mission procedures. performance of the M777 A2 howitzer. 'The M777 is Commander of the JFT for 103rd Battery, an excellent gun; it has a good rate of sustained fire Bombardier Michael Krek, said the exercise providing consistent and accurate indirect fire support,' provided a great opportunity for the soldiers. 'They he said. were able to practise their observation skills and target Detachment commander Bombardier Adrian talk-on using the Tigers during both day and night Broadhead said the unit had an active enemy controls,' he said. 'It was good to have the attack probing and ambushing the gunners constantly. 'We helicopters on for the week as this gave the lads multiple had to pay attention, we had to make ourselves a hard controls and plenty of ammunition to destroy targets.' target and know our drills and procedures,' he said. The combined exercise focused on JFT training with Lieutenant Nathan Small, 103rd Battery command the Tigers conducting live-fire attacks from several post officer, said the post-battle procedure different battle positions, engaging targets with immediately after an intense contact with the 70 mm rockets and the 30 mm cannon. enemy was an eye opener. 'We trained a lot to conduct The missions were conducted in late afternoon and our correct processes during a quick attack, but dealing evening, which presented an opportunity for the with casualties and handling back-loading and resupply, pilots to focus on their night flying and mission while still providing indirect fire support, was difficult at procedures. first,' he said. During their training, the JFTs used infrared 'However, due to our robust training and operating pointers to help the aircraft identify and engage procedures we quickly learnt to plan for this, execute and targets out to 4 km. Focusing on the speed of move on.' response after a call for fire, the exercise Bombardier Chris Saetta said the live fire and culminated in live attacks from the Tigers. movement ended with danger close missions in support of 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (5 RAR) final activity, a clearance of an enemy main defensive position. 'We brought the rounds into 175 m from 5RAR's forming up point,' he said. 'The infantry boys weathered it really well – it created a lot of energy for the attack.'
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for junior soldiers. His role, as interface between the services, adds balance to instructor experience, and is ADF Pathfinder fundamental in 4 SQN maintaining US accreditation.' JTAC of the Year The recipient will have demonstrated professional mastery of Joint Terminal Attack MajorR.Wehby,OfficerCommanding JTAC Troop, 16th Air Land Regiment Control and will have embodied the elements of mutual trust, Warrant Officer Class Two Matthew Dawson, Troop respect and training required Sergeant Major, Joint Terminal Attack Control (JTAC) within the joint environment to Troop, 16th Air Land Regiment (16 ALR) was achieve successful air surface recently announced as the recipient of the annual integration. Air-Vice Marshal (AVM) Don Bennet award for the ADF JTAC of the year. Warrant Officer Class Two Dawson has been The award's history is based on the scarcity and instrumental in a number of areas with regard to valued capability of air power that must be focused, the JTAC capability. This has included: setting and prioritised and employed in a safe and efficient maintaining the standard for other JTACs to manner. The successful integration of these air emulate; harnessing operational experience and assets with surface force objectives is not a new capturing lessons learnt based on the recent tempo challenge, having first presented itself during World and experience ADF JTACs now have; working War One. On the modern battlefield JTACs are the effectively in the joint environment; maintaining a critical enablers between air power and ground focus on combat application and readiness; and commanders at the tactical, operational and cultivating the growth of the capability to ensure strategic levels that allow this integration to occur. world's best practice amongst partner nations. The award was raised to recognise the ADF JTAC or The award was presented to Warrant Officer Class Combat Controller who has made the most Two Dawson at the annual Pathfinder Association significant and lasting contribution towards the Day on 19th September 2013 at RAAF Amberley. advancement of the ADF JTAC capability and related air surface integration within the ADF over the previous twelve months. The recipient will have demonstrated professional mastery of Joint Terminal Attack Control and will have embodied the elements of mutual trust, respect and training required within the joint environment to achieve successful air surface integration. Warrant Officer Class Two Dawson has been posted to JTAC Tp and 4 SQN previously as a JTAC instructor and has been the TSM at JTAC Tp since 2011. JTAC Tp is a small entity of 16th Air Land Regiment located at RAAF Williamtown. With a posted strength of eight its purpose is fourfold: firstly to maintain a pool of qualified, trained and combat ready JTACs to augment conventional and special operations deployments; secondly to augment units for major exercises within Australia; thirdly to provide dedicated assistance to 4 Sqn (RAAF) JTAC Courses; and fourthly to screen and prepare candidates for JTAC course and uphold JTAC standards throughout FORCOMD units. Warrant Officer Class Two Dawson's award citation states, 'As a senior FORCOMD JTAC, WO2 Dawson is respected amongst the CAS community and a role model
41 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
42 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition Personnel & Training
• Development of Career Advisors and Command Teams DSCM-A • One career – many jobs The Model will enhance soldier career management By Captain Chris Lingard & by setting the conditions for flexible and rewarding Warrant Officer Class One Grant Boyce career opportunities that meet the expectations of the soldier, while providing the chain of command Greetings from the Directorate of Soldier Career more options to meet Service needs (see Figure 1) Management-Army (DSCM-A) formally SCMA until 2012, we hope you have all had a productive and Average time in rank (ATiR) rewarding year to date. This year for DSCM-A has The ATiR has officially increased to five years to been a very busy and challenging one. As most of align with current reality and remove false you will be aware at the start of the year DSCM-A expectations. Five years allows at least two re-located from the seafront tourist scene of Fort postings at each rank and enables our junior leaders Queenscliff, Victoria to the shiny new digs at the to gain the experiences and knowledge required to Brindabella Business Park (Airport precinct), advance to the next skill and rank level. It also Canberra. The exciting new changes at DSCM-A has enables the chain of command and career advisors not stopped with the joys of the re-location, as to better assess a soldier's potential. Naturally, it there has been some fundamental developments in will also allow an increased return on investment the way DSCM-A conducts business. The aim of this for those employment categories with extensive article is to give an overview of the most significant training requirements. It is important to remember of these developments; the recently endorsed that five years is the average, and that it is not a one Enhanced Career Management (ECM) model and size fits all solution. Some will be longer or shorter the new Personnel Advisory Committee (PAC) depending on service need, talent management or process. personal circumstances. Enhanced Career Management for Soldiers Talent Management The Enhanced Career Management model for Unique, personalised and focussed talent soldiers, as seen in Figure 1, has been signed off by management will support the development and the Chief of Army and will provide a more modern retention of Army's most talented soldiers. These approach to career management for Army's soldiers are to be identified by the chain of soldiers. The ECM model links in with the Officer command and DSCM-A as suitable for more ECM, it sets the framework for the Warrant Officer demanding appointments. Talented individuals will Class One Career Management Strategy (WO1 CMS) be given the opportunity to conduct outplacements and will be complimented by the new Soldier within civil industry to ensure that we develop a Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) to be released greater understanding of inclusivity and diversity for the 2014 reporting period. intoourworkforce,aswellasintroducetechnical TheECMModelhasfivelinesofoperation: elements. • Average time in rank Outplacements are managed by DSCM-A, and will • Talent management becoordinatedinconsultationwiththechainof • Flexible workplace command.
43 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
Figure 1 – Enhanced Career Management Model
Flexible Workplace given to units to manage GNR-LBDR ranks. DSCM-A Flexible Workplace Arrangements (FWA) is the will continue to transact postings, pay and collective term used for a number of different promotions at all ranks. initiatives that have been in place, formally and As a result of this change in career management, the informally, for many years. first PAR to be submitted to DSCM-A will be from They may include, Part Time Leave Without Pay, Job worn rank BDR. Units will write PARs on JLC Share, Variable Work Hours, Temporary Home qualified GNR(P) - LBDR as an internal development Located, and Alternate Located Work tool, however they will not to be submitted to DSCM-A. FWA aims to achieve the best possible match between the needs of individual soldiers and Army, One Career – Many Jobs all the while maintaining capability. FWA allows Army is proactively targeting soldiers to fill critical Army to better use and retain the valuable skills and vacancies in other trades. This initiative is part of experience of its existing soldiers. The modern the Stay Army initiative (also includes Project soldier has competing priorities that change Boomerang and selected targeted retention throughout their career. To keep the right people bonuses). In the past, vacancy targets were adjusted Army must provide options to support different life six monthly, now it's every fortnight. This allows circumstances at certain periods in a soldier's Army to offer positions to existing trained soldiers, career. whereas previously these targets were given to Development of Career Advisors and recruiting and DSCM-A had to wait until they failed Command Teams to recruit enough people before a call for nominations went to serving soldiers. A webpage Management for GNR-LBDR will be moving to the will be maintained of jobs that Army needs to fill unit level. Once a CO has assessed a soldier as ready and DSCM-A will work with the Trade Transfer and to be promoted to BDR, the soldier will be Retention Warrant Officers (TTR-WOs) located at individually career managed by a career advisor at each major barracks to support the identification DSCM-A. Soldiers can normally expect to remain and placement of trade transfers into these within the same unit until the rank of BDR; however, positions. there are GNR and LBDR positions at the SoArty, Australian Federation Guard (AFG) and RMC that The New Personnel Advisory Committee (PAC) must be filled. Every soldier represents a capability Process to Army. DSCM-A is developing a guide to support The Personnel Advisory Committee (PAC) is the unit command teams in the management of their process used to determine the order of merit for junior soldiers. It will also be taught on pre promotion at the rank of SGT, WO2 and WO1 in command, RSM and other key career courses. each trade in Army. The result is a ranked list of DSCM-A will work with command teams and soldiers against their peers in a Final Order of Merit PMKeyS administrators to ensure the right access is
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List (FOML) that shows who is next in line to be DSCM-A has introduced a two-step process to offered promotion in to the next available vacancy. support every soldier being presented. The first, The PAC period for all ranks is conducted from allows the career advisor to raise a member to September to late November each year with up to Group 1, regardless of PAR scores, and the second five PAC rooms running at the same times. Each allows a CO to request a soldier to be raised. This individual soldier takes approximately 20-30 ensures that there is an independent check to minutes to be reviewed and up to 60 soldiers will be ensure that the right people are presented for presented per PAC for each of Army's 90 ECNs. detailed consideration at PAC. The soldier PAC process has undergone these For those who are familiar with the old process, changes to ensure soldiers receive the best possible DSCM-A has removed the Promotion Eligibility representation by the Committee. The main Zone (PEZ). Now, soldiers will enter in their fourth changes to the PAC process are the number soldiers year in a rank, and will remain in that rank until being presented at PAC and the number of annual either promoted or allocated Band 4 at PAC. reports that are to be considered for each soldier. It is important to note that being made Band 4 does The PAC process now considers a soldier's last four not necessarily mean a soldier is performing poorly; annual reports, including the current year, which is it can simply mean that they have a very strong whyitisvitalthatsoldier'sPARsaresubmittedon performing cohort and they are simply not time. competitive with their peers. When will I be presented at PAC? What happens in the PAC room? Once as soldier has completed their average time in Once the Group 1 candidates have been determined substantiveranktheybecomeeligibletobe they will be presented for detailed consideration at considered for promotion. However, only those PAC. PAC is held in two parts which determines the soldiers who meet the promotion criteria and FOML and allocates a soldier's banding. achieve a Group 1 rating will be considered in detail PAC Part 1 – The Career Advisor presents the last by the PAC. The method to determine which four PARs for all their Group 1 candidates and the soldiers will go to the PAC is done through a process committee assesses the suitability and of category and group allocation, based on competitiveness for promotion to the next rank. At performance history as seen in Figure 2.
Figure 2 – The New PAC Process
45 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition the conclusion of Part 1 all personnel considered the daily grind of TMP development, recognition, are allocated a position on the FOML. The PAC releasing exported training TMPs, category reviews consisting of a Chairperson (CAPT to MAJ) and a and the continuous steam of Employment Category voting member (WO2-MAJ) pending the target rank TestingOfficerappointments. of the PAC. With the current manning diminished as the OS PAC Part 2 – The PAC Part 2 determines whether or Trade Manager on Long Service Leave and the OS not a soldier is to be cleared for promotion, TD absent, Arty TT is actively recruiting to fill these approves the FOML and allocates the banding for positions. Until this occurs the work usually promotion. PAC Part 2 comprises the members of conducted by those positions has been shared the Part 1 board with the addition of the Part 2 across the cell with input from the SO3 and RMG as Chairman, normally a LTCOL, and is the decision the current OS SMEs, both who were employed as maker for the FOML and allocates the soldier one of umpires on TS 13. the following bandings: Trade/Employment Management • Band 1 – Soldiers suitable and likely to be promoted in the target CMC. Employment Specifications for all the trades have • Band 2 – Soldiers suitable, but promotion will been all been reviewed and are awaiting DWM-A depend on availability of positions in their skill approval prior to being loaded onto the DRN and grade. the Arty TT web site. • Band 3 – Soldiers performing effectively at Significant work has been conducted and is still current rank but not competitive for promotion continuing with the STA Category review to ensure in the target CMC unless a service need arises. its success at ECREM this year, for sustainability of • Band 4 – Soldiers performing effectively at the trade with its current UAS capability and current rank, but will not be considered for termination of ECN 271. The OPUAS TMP has been further promotion. used to conduct the first Australian based UAS training. All soldiers considered by the PAC will be notified of their results via their unit Chain of Command. OS Trade is continuing to monitor and report on In a nutshell some or all of these developments will ongoing GORPS 2009 implementation plan. GBAD affect those currently serving members at some TT has assisted in the conduct of the GAMB Course stage in their careers, especially those junior and at 16 ALR and with joint Co-operation with GBAD future leaders in the RAA. If you are still craving Wing, ARTY TT is in the early stages of preparing for more information on the ECM or the new PAC trade model reviews prior to ECRM next year. process and how it may shape your career please Some of the milestones reached so far this year are refer to the DSCM-A intranet webpage: as follows: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/DSC • PESA has been introduced into all IET TMPs and MA/ComWeb.asp?page=105099 soon to be introduced on ROBCs TMPs; To all have a fantastic end to the year and we look • Deploy Landing Mat TMP has been signed off; forward to seeing those serving members early next year when DSCM-A conducts the annual Career • Digital Terminal Control System (DTCS) TMP will Guidance Interviews starting in February 2014. go into PILOT once the Train the Trainer IIS courses are completed; • SOFIE hand held thermal imager TMP is in draft; • Shadow Mission Commander's Course has been Artillery Trade & modified and is in PILOT; and • Currently ARTY TT has seven TMPs awaiting Training endorsement.
Warrant Officer Class Two M.V. Mlikota Trade Manager Ground Based Air Defence Introduction As Spring is apparently approaching (here in Pucka) Artillery Trade and Training (Arty TT) cell continues
46 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition Associations & Organisations
Peter Bruce Phone: (03) 5752 2114 Contact List Mob: 0419 349 317 Email: [email protected] RAA Regimental Fund 7 Field Regiment Association SO2 HOR School of Artillery Bridges Barracks, Puckapunyal, VIC 3662 President - Captain Steve Flower Phone: (03) 5735 6465 Secretary - John Balfour OAM Mob: 0400 854 323 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mob: 0418 412 354 Correspondence to: RAA Historical Company P O Box 206, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086 P O Box R1638, NSW 1225 Website: 7fd-regt-raa-association.com Phone: (02) 98249275 10 Medium Regiment Association Inc Website: http://www.artilleryhistory.org [See Membership Form] P O Box 1915, Geelong, VIC 3220 President - Pat Eldridge Cannonball (Official Journal) Mob: 0415 098 046
Australian Army Artillery Museum The Big Gun (Newsletter)
Currently CLOSED. 12 Field Regiment (Vietnam) Association Battery Guide (Newsletter) President - Graham Floyd Email: [email protected] RAA Historical Society WA (Inc) Vice President - Rob Costello President - Bruce Campbell Email: [email protected] Phone: (08) 9221 2494 (Bus) Secretary - Trevor Bryant Secretary - Stan Davies Phone: (08) 82707130 P O Box 881, Claremont, WA 6910 Email: [email protected] Mob: 0418 903 722 Email: [email protected] 23 Field Regiment Association Website: www.artillerywa.org.au President - Barry Willoughby Phone: (02) 9533 3215 Take Post (Quarterly Newsletter) Mob: 0417 400 902 Email: [email protected] 4 Field Regiment (Vietnam) Association Secretary - Peter Merlino R. J. (Gabby) Hayes 63 Penshurst Road, Penshurst, NSW 2222 Unit 40, 276 Handford Road, Taigum, QLD 4018 Phone: (02) 9570 2776 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.23fd-regt-raa-association.org
47 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition A Field Battery Association Inc 105 Battery President - Ron (Tex) Bassan President - Graeme Maughan AFC Secretary - Ron (Tex) Bassan Phone: (07) 3266 6646 6 Harveys Road, Email: [email protected] Beaconsfield, QLD 4740 Secretary - Greg West RFD, ED Phone: (07) 4942 5433 14 Marral Street, The Gap, QLD 4061 Email: [email protected] Phone: (07) 3300 5303 Email: [email protected] A Field Battery National Newsletter Editor - Ron (Butch) Slaughter Tiger Rag (Newsletter) 6/8 St Ives Drive, Robina, QLD 4226 Editor - Arthur Burke OAM Email: [email protected] 7 Aspley Court, Aspley, QLD 4034 Phone & Fax: ( 07) 3263 6025 Website:http://afdbty.australianartilleryassociation.com/ Email: [email protected] 101 Battery Website: http://www.105bty.asn.au/ Secretary - Jim Booth 106 Battery 104 Edinburgh Drive, Mt. Hallen, QLD 4312 Phone: 07 5424 6506 Contact Information Required Mob: 0417 731 393 107 Battery Email: [email protected] President - Warren D. Feakes Website:http://www.homepage.powerup.com.au/~ Phone: (02) 6231 8369 assoc101bty Mob: 0417 209 360 101 Battery (Malaya 1959-1961) Email: [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer - Hilton Lenard President - David Troedel Mob: 0418 695 345 36 Murphys Creek Road, Email: [email protected] Blue Mountain Heights, QLD 4350 Phone: (07) 4630 8787 Correspondence to: 107 Field Battery RAA Association, P O Box 199, Erindale, ACT 2903 Email: [email protected] Ram - Ramblings (Newsletter) 102 Battery Editor - Warren D. Feakes Don Tait Email: [email protected] Mob: 0419 287 292 Website: www.107fdbty.com Email: [email protected] Ian Ahearn 108 Battery Mob: 0417 691 741 John Wells Email: [email protected] P O Box 407, Beaconsfield, VIC 3807 103 Battery Phone: (03) 5944 3157 (H) Email: [email protected] Doug Heazlewood 10 Tarhood Road, Warrnambool, VIC 3280 The Journal With No Name (Newsletter) Phone: (03) 5561 4370 RAA Association (QLD) Inc 104 Battery President - Colonel Vern Mullins RFD ED John Sullivan Secretary - Lieutenant Colonel Ron West P O Box 34, Taralga, NSW 2580 P O Box 174, Lutwyche, QLD 4030 Phone: (02) 4840 2283 Mob: 0408 073 944 Mob: 0417 298 925 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.artilleryqld.com.au/ Germ Journal Gunline (Newsletter)
48 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
RAA Association (NTH QLD) ‘Cascabel’ (Magazine) President - Paddy Durnford 362 Carlyle Gardens, Condon, QLD 4815 Editor - Alan Halbish, 115 Kearney Drive, Aspendale Gardens, VIC 3195 Phone: (07) 4755 1005 Phone: (03) 9587 1676 Mob: 0412 411 928 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.artilleryvic.org.au Secretary - Michael Dinnison 18 Mango Ave, Mundingburra, QLD, 4812 RAA Association (SA) Mob: 0467 799 583 Email: [email protected] President - Geoff Laurie 12 Chatsworth Grove, Toorak Gardens, SA 5065 Gunners Gossip (Newsletter) Phone: (08) 8332 4485 Editor - Steve Wilson Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] RAA Association (NT) Website: www.ozatwar.com/raa-nqld.htm The Secretary - Dr Tom Lewis RAA Association (NSW) Inc G P O Box 3220, Darwin, NT 0801 President - Colonel Don Tait, OAM Email: [email protected] Mob: 0419 287 292 Phone: (08) 8981 9702 Email: [email protected] RAAANT Newsletter Secretary - Michael Carrodus National Liaison Officer, G P O Box 576, Sydney, NSW 2001 RAAANT - John Johnston Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] ‘Gunfire’ (Magazine) Mob: 0419 836 669 Editor - P O Box W1034, West Cessnock, NSW 2325 RAA Association (WA) Inc Phone: (02) 4990 8560 President - Lieutenant Colonel R.B. Farrelly RFD Mob: 0417 680 617 Phone: (08) 6488 3223 (Bus) Email: [email protected] Mob: 0417 981 615 Website: www.artillerynsw.asn.au/ Vice-president - Major P.J. Mahoney RFD Phone: (08) 9268 8072 RAA Association (NSW) Newcastle Mob: 0428 198 707 Sub-Branch Secretary - Major J. Blylevens RFD Secretary - Grant Nicholls P O Box 881, Claremont, WA 6910 P O Box 918, Charlestown, NSW 2290 Phone: (08) 9461 6001 (bus) Email: [email protected] Mob: 0438 695 711 Website: www.raaanewcastle.com Email: [email protected] Website: www.artillerywa.org.au RAA Association (ACT) President - Lieutenant Colonel Nick H. Floyd Artillery WA (On-line Newsletter) Phone: (02) 6266 0351 RAA Association (TAS) Inc Email: [email protected] President - Colonel Stephen Carey RFD, ADC Shot Over (Newsletter) Honorary Secretary - Norm Andrews OAM Tara Room, 24 Robin Street, Newstead, TAS 7250 RAA Association (VIC) Inc Email: [email protected] President - Major N. Hamer RFD Phone: (03) 6344 8307 Phone: (03) 9702 2100 Mob: 0409 539 430 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tasartillery.com Secretary - Mrs Rachel Decker 8 Alfada Street, Caulfield South, VIC, 3167 Phone: (03) 9578 5205 Email: [email protected]
49 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
The Artillery News (Newsletter) 13 Battery Association Inc President - Paul Scarborough Editor - John McIntee Mob: 0418 872 324 14 Craig Street, Waverley, TAS 7250 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Secretary - John Parnell Phone: (03) 6329 1819 13 Bty Assoc Inc SITREP (Newsletter) Australian Air Defence Association Inc. President - Glynn Potter 41 Battery/11 Field Regiment Email: [email protected] RAA Association Inc Secretary - Alan Mears President - Graeme Fitzpatrick AADAA, P O Box 41, Rosedale, QLD, 4674 25 Manakin Ave, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220 Email: [email protected] or Phone: (07) 5535 1211 (H) [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: (07) 4156 5215 Gunner Ear (Newsletter) Website: http://aadaa.asn.au Fort Lytton Historical Association (QLD) Inc Locating Artillery Association President - Maurice McGuire, OAM President - Major Joe Kaplun CMC, JP P O Box 293, Wynnum QLD 4178 Phone: (02) 9774 1471 Phone: (07) 3399 3198 Mob: 040774 1473 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.fortlytton.net.au Vice President - LTCOL Phil Swinsberg Phone: (07) 3353 5210 'The Custodian' (Newsletter) Mob: 0425 000 370 Editor: Harry Lynas Secretary - Bob Morrison Phone: (02) 4861 6463 Fort Scratchley Historical Society Mob: 0417 447 504 Website: www.fortscratchley.org.au Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] RA Association Website: www.locatingartillery.org Website: www.forums.theraa.co.uk.php
LOCREP (Newsletter) RAA Unit Websites Editor: Major Allan Harrison (see above) RAA and other unit websites maybe accessed via the Australian Army website. 131 Locators Association Inc. http://www.defence.gov.au/army/RRAA Eyes & Ears (Newsletter) http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/RRAA Editor: Paul Dickson Email: [email protected] Important Websites
18 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Association ‘Australian Artillery Association’ Secretray - Alan Lark Website: 1 Manor Hill Road, Miranda, NSW 2228 www.australianartilleryassociation.com Phone: (02) 9522 4815 Email: Mob: 0428 461 621 [email protected] Email: [email protected] ‘Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company’ 9 HAA/LAA Regiments Association Website: President - Phil Easton www.artilleryhistory.org 29 Michael Crescent, Kiama, NSW 2533 Email: Phone: (02) 4237 6087 [email protected] Email: [email protected]
49 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition Regimental Fund Benefactors
Correct as at 1st September 2013
LTGEN D.M. Mueller COL D.L. Byrne LTCOL M.A. Cameron LTGEN B.A. Power COL S.R. Carey LTCOL J.H. Catchlove COL S.E. Clingan LTCOL I.D.S. Caverswall MAJGEN J.E. Barry COL F.G. Colley LTCOL S.G. Condon MAJGEN M.P. Crane COL M.C. Crawford (see note) LTCOL R.J. Crawford (see note) MAJGEN P.J. Dunn COL J.A.L. Fairless LTCOL C.F. Dodds MAJGEN G.J. Fitzgerald COL C. D. Furini LTCOL D.M. Edwards MAJGEN G.P. Fogarty COL R.N. Gair LTCOL L.D. Ensor MAJGEN T.R. Ford (see note) COL S.T. Goltz LTCOL E.P.M. Esmonde MAJGEN S.N. Gower COL G.C. Hay LTCOL J. Findlay MAJGEN J.P. Stevens (see note) COL E.D. Hirst LTCOL N.H.B. Floyd MAJGEN P.B. Symon COL C.B.J. Hogan LTCOL R.J. Foster BRIG M.G. Boyle COL J.H. Humphrey LTCOL A.W. Garrad BRIG D.P. Coghlan COL C.H. Hunter LTCOL I.D.W. George BRIG J.R. Cox COL A.G. Hutchinson LTCOL R.G. Gibson BRIG G.W. Finney (see note) COL W.T. Kendall LTCOL G. Gilbert BRIG W.L. Goodman COL J.C. Kirkwood LTCOL K.R. Hall BRIG N.D. Graham COL P.J. Lawrence LTCOL M. Harvey (RNZA) BRIG J.G. Hughes COL M.G. Lovell LTCOL B.N. Hawke BRIG J.A.R. Jansen COL I.A. Lynch LTCOL P.L. Hodge BRIG P.R. Kilpatrick COL R.M. Manton LTCOL B.G. Hurrell BRIG R.A. Lawler COL N.H. Marshall LTCOL J.R. Jauncey COL R.V. McEvoy BRIG I.G.A. MacInnis LTCOL D.J. Kelly COL B.H. Mitchell BRIG T.J. McKenna LTCOL S.N. Kenny BRIG I.J. Meibusch COL R.B. Mitchell LTCOL J.F. Kerr BRIG K.B.J. Mellor COL D. J. Murray LTCOL P. Landford BRIG K.J. O'Brien COL R.A. Parrott BRIG M.F. Paramor COL P.R. Patmore LTCOL S.F. Landherr BRIG D. I. Perry COL A.T. Piercy LTCOL B.L. Lloyd BRIG M.L. Phelps COL A.A. Plant LTCOL J.L. Macpherson BRIG S. Roach COL J.C. Platt LTCOL R. Maurice BRIG K.V. Rossi COL G.G. Potter LTCOL J.H. McDonagh (AALC) COL D. Quinn BRIG G.T. Salmon LTCOL P.D. McKay COL S.T. Ryan BRIG W.M. Silverstone LTCOL K.W. MacKenzie BRIG G.B. Standish COL S.M. Saddington LTCOL P.D. Monks BRIG B.G. Stevens COL G.M. Salom LTCOL J.E. Morkham BRIG R.A. Sunderland COL R.H. Stanhope BRIG D.J.P. Tier COL B.J. Stark LTCOL S.G.T. Mott BRIG P.J. Tys COL D.M. Tait LTCOL D.M. Murphy (see note) BRIG A.G. Warner COL A.D. Watt (see note) LTCOL S.W. Nicolls BRIG D.D. Weir COL W.A. Whyte LTCOL T.C. O'Brien BRIG V.H. Williams COL B.A. Wood LTCOL G.F.B. Rickards BRIG P.D. Winter LTCOL S.D. Aldenton LTCOL L.F. Searle LTCOL C.W. Andersen COL S.P. Amor LTCOL M. Shaday LTCOL B.J. Armour COL B.M. Armstrong LTCOL C. Taggart LTCOL J.D. Ashton COL B.J. Bailey LTCOL R.A. Vagg LTCOL R.M. Baguley COL J.F. Bertram LTCOL N.K. Bolton LTCOL W.R.C. Vickers COL J.P.C. Black LTCOL J.E. Box LTCOL D.H.R. Wilton COL R.V. Brown LTCOL D.N. Brook LTCOL B.J. Winsor COL A.R. Burke (see note) MAJ W.C. Barnard
50 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
MAJ G.K. Bartels CAPT J.M. Costello Note: MAJ G.F. Berson CAPT J.M. Groves COL M.C. Crawford, COL E.D. Hirst MAJ P.E. Bertocchi CAPT M.S. Hodda and MAJ A.H. Smith have paid three MAJ D.T. Brennan CAPT A.M. Ludlow life subscriptions. MAJ P. Cimbaljevic CAPT S.R. Nebauer LTGEN B.A. Power, MAJGEN T.R. MAJ C.T. Connolly CAPT D.T. O'Brien Ford, MAJGEN J.P. Stevens, MAJGEN MAJ S. Denner CAPT M.A. Pasteur (AAAvn) J.D. Stevenson, MAJGEN J. Whitelaw, MAJ P.K. Dover CAPT A.E. Sheridan BRIG G.W. Finney, BRIG R.K. Fullford, MAJ M. Dutton CAPT P.J. Smith BRIG J.R. Salmon; COL A.R. Burke, MAJ J.B. Evans (see note) CAPT M.C. Squire COL A.D. Watt; LTCOL D.M. Murphy; MAJ M.J. Finnerty CAPT P.J. Watkins LTCOL G.K. Phillips; MAJ J.B. Evans, MAJ C.A. Flear CAPT P. Wertheimer WO1 K.J. Browning; WO1 M. MAJ A.O. Fleming Vandyke and WO2 D.G. Ogden have LT J.F. Henry paid two life subscriptions. MAJ W.J. Francis LT S.L. Shepherd MAJ T.J. Gibbings WO1 D.G. Annett Associations MAJ W.H. Grimes WO1 D.W. Bowman RAA Association (Tas) MAJ N. Hamer WO1 K.J. Browning (see note) RAA Association (Qld) MAJ M.R. Hartas WO1 L.A. Cooper RAA Association (North Qld) MAJ L.P. Hindmarsh WO1 B.A. Franklin RAA Association (Vic) MAJ S.A. Hompas WO1 G.A. Jebb RAA Association (SA) MAJ D.A. Jenkins WO1 M.I. Johnson RAA Association (NSW) MAJ G. Johns WO1 M.A. Johnston RAA Association (NSW) - Newcastle MAJ D.E. Jones WO1 T.L. Kennedy Branch MAJ J. Kaplun WO1 D.R. Lehr 105th Field Battery Association MAJ J.B. Kelly WO1 P.A. Matthysen 107 (Field) Battery Association MAJ D. Klomp WO1 B.J. Stafford Fort Lytton Historical Assoc MAJ M.D. Laurence WO1 R.J. Thompson RAA Retired Officers of South East MAJ H. Lenard WO1 M. Vandyke (see note) Queensland MAJ R.S. McDonagh WO1 P.T. Washford Australian Air Defence Artillery Association MAJ M.W. Middleton WO1 C.F.J. Watego MAJ G.K. Milic 13th Battery Association WO1 G.J. Webster MAJ D.R. Morgan WO2 D. Bannerman Deceased Benefactors MAJ L.W.L. Partridge WO2 M. Broughton MAJ P.J. Prewett Sir Roden Cutler WO2 P. Carthew MAJ V.J. Ray MAJGEN T.F. Cape WO2 M.R. Dawson MAJ S.G. Rohan-Jones MAJGEN G.D. Carter WO2 R.T.B. Hay MAJ W.A. Ritchie MAJGEN P. Falkland WO2 J.J. Hennessy MAJ P.S. Richards MAJGEN R. G. Fay WO2 D.G. Ogden (see note) MAJ K.F. Schoene MAJGEN J.D. Stevenson (see note) WO2 A. Pavlovich MAJ L.J. Simmons MAJGEN J. Whitelaw (see note) MAJ A.H. Smith (see note) WO2 R.N. Skelton BRIG R.K. Fullford (see note) MAJ A.E.R. Straume SSGT R.W. Morrell BRIG A.G. Hanson SSGT E.J. Paddon MAJ M. Taggart BRIG R.Q. Macarthur- Stranham MAJ W. Tapp SGT J. Nield BRIG J.R. Salmon (see note) MAJ M.L. Van Tilburg SGT G.V. Saint COL M.J. Kingsford SGT D.H. Wood MAJ A.C. Turner LTCOL R.H.E. Harvey MAJ T.W. Vercoe Mr C.J. Jobson LTCOL P.L. Overstead MAJ M. St C. Walton LTCOL G.K. Phillips MAJ C.V. Wardrop LTCOL G.W. Tippets MAJ P.R. Widelewski MAJ M. Dawson MAJ A.A. Thwaites CAPT J.P. Casey
51 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
• $2,500 to 8th/12th Medium Regiment to assist the Regiment to build a Regimental Memorial to RAA Gunners coincide with the Regiment's 30th anniversary celebrations; Fund – Needs • $500 to 131st Surveillance and Target Acquisition Battery to improve the Battery memorial and add a plaque to mark the 50th Your Support Anniversary of the unit and its name change from 131st Divisional Locating Battery; Introduction • $1,000 to 1st Field Regiment for its 50th anniversary celebrations; The RAA Gunners' Fund is designed to provide a • $1,000 to 4th Field Regiment for its 40th source of funds that can be utilised for the benefit anniversary celebrations; of all Gunners. One of the most important uses for these funds is to support requests from RAA units • $1,500 for shield to be held by winner of Mount and organisations to assist in the ongoing Schanck trophy; preservation and promotion of the Regimental • $1,000 to 1st Field Regiment to mark 50th heritage. Other worthy goals that this funding anniversary of 105th Field Battery, 50th supports, is not limited to, but includes: anniversary of committment to Malaya and 40th anniversary of committment to South Vietnam; • support RAA extra-Regimental activities, • $1,000 to complete the Major General T. Cape • encourage RAA Officers and Soldiers who excel in Bequest to the Regimental officer’s mess; their profession, • $5,000 to commission a painting to mark the • support activities that benefit RAA personnel, withdrawal from service of Rapier; not normally funded by public money, • $6,000 to support commissioning a painting to • safeguard, maintain and purchase items of RAA mark the RAA/RA deployment in Afghanistan; Regimental property, • $2,500 towards the Anti-Aircraft and Air Defence • preserve RAA heritage and history, and Memorial at 16th Air Defence Regiment; • The on-going Royal Military College Graduation • record RAA Operational service since Artillery prize which is approximately $100 per deployments began in the 1990s. graduation; and The Regimental Committee cannot achieve these • Annual Regimental Officer, Warrant Officer and very worthy goals without the support of individual Sergeant farewells. members and organisations within the Gunner community. All officers, warrant officers and Subscriptions sergeants are encouraged to make a financial The recommended new rate of contribution is contribution to the Gunners' Fund or take up the deemed as $155 for a life subscription and the option of a ‘Life Subscription’ whichthenabsolves following sliding scale based on rank for an annual the subscriber from being asked for any further subscription for Army Reserve and Retired subscriptions. The list of life subscribers is Members: published in the Liaison Letter and they $30 automatically receive a complimentary copy. • LTCOL and above – , $25 Recent Projects • MAJ and CAPT – , • LT and WO – $20,and Over the years the Gunners' Fund has supported a • SGT – $15. wide range of requests for financial support, including some of which are ongoing such as It is understood that some individuals may not be in insurance and maintenance of the AIF and Mount a position to meet the suggested scale, therefore Schank Trophies. It is worth noting that the sums of any contribution will be gratefully appreciated in money requested from the Fund are generally helping to continue the good work the Fund has significant and therefore can only realistically have provided the Regiment over many years. any chance of being provided if each and everyone of us support the Fund. Projects supported by the Fund include the allocation of:
52 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
RAA Gunners' Fund Subscription
Rank/Initials: ______[BLOCK letters please] Surname: ______(or Association) Address: ______
______P/Code:______
Email Address: ______
Telephone: ______Mobile:______
q Enclosed is my/our contribution to the RAA Gunners' Fund q A receipt is required Please return this form with a cheque made out to 'RAA Regimental Fund': Major Greg Metcalf, SO2 HOR, School of Artillery, Bridges Barracks, Puckapunyal Vic 3662 or to pay by electronic funds transfer using a bank or credit union, the following is required: Credit Union: Australian Defence Credit Union (ADCU) Account Name: RAA Regt Fund BSB: 642 170 Account Number: 526805 The description or reference must include Organisation (i.e. mess or association) or Initials and Surname and the word 'subscription'. For further information contact Major Greg Metcalf on (03) 5735 6465
Annual Subscription for Army Reserve and Retired Members: LTCOL & above: $30.00 MAJ and CAPT: $25.00 LT and WO: $20.00 SGT: $15.00 Life Subscription: All Ranks: $155.00
53 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
Do Unto Others
Counter Bombardment in Australia's Military Campaigns Alan H Smith Since 1899, the significant role Australian gunners have played in supporting the Australian Military Forces' campaigns has been well-documented. They have gallantly and whole-heartedly supported Australian, British, New Zealand and Indian armies in both World Wars, the Korean and Borneo Confrontation Wars and most recently the Vietnam War. Most Australian military historical accounts focus on the support role gunners played to cavalry and infantry rather than counter bombardment activities, where they used artillery fire to locate and destroy and/or neutralise enemy artillery and mortars. Do Unto Others is a comprehensive history of the use of counter bombardment from the inception of this technique in the First World War, through to the Vietnam campaign. The 'art of counter bombardment' originated during the First World War, when an Australian scientist, William Bragg, a lieutenant in the Royal Horse Artillery, along with Australian physicists and enthusiasts, developed a method of locating enemy guns using the physics of sound, called 'sound ranging', and meteorology. From this time the Australian Military Forces in their campaigns have been major beneficiaries of counter bombardment, which became increasingly more sophisticated with the advent of radar location during World War 2 and the last big artillery war of the 20th century in Korea. Counter bombardment reached new heights with the Vietnam War, the first time the Australian Army deployed its own locating battery to a war zone, allowing gunners to achieve outstanding results and an enviable reputation for locating skills. Vietnam culminated in a triumph for the 'scientific method' across many disciplines and the efforts of the many dedicated gunners involved in counter bombardment over the 58 year period since introduction of this technique. Do Unto Others is a comprehensive account of the history of counter bombardment, including the development of Australian techniques, equipment and procedures through the campaigns up until Vietnam, with references to the techniques and actions of the British and American artillery included where appropriate to place the Australian experience in perspective. It is also the story of the brave men behind the artillery and their outstanding efforts and results across these varied campaigns.
Do Unto Others is available online www.bigskypublishing.com.au & in all good bookstores
54 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery REGIMENTAL SHOP NEW STOCK Check out all the latest deals on the SOARTY web page http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/ARTYSCH/ • Field Equipment * Sleeping Mats * INOVAAATorch,PhotonMicroLight,MagLightwithFilters * Customised Field Packs, Day Packs and Webbing (can be ordered) * Day Packs * Bivvy Bags * Nomex Field Gloves (DPCU) * Leatherman Knives * Silva Compasses • Plaques and Presentational Items * RAA Regimental Plaque * School of Artillery Plaque * RAA Cyphers * Prints and Artwork * Statuettes and Action Figures * Desk Sets * Canes and Stands * Decanter and Whiskey Sets (can be engraved) * Medal Boxes (can be engraved) • Things to Wear * Jewellery (including Cuff Links, Tie Pins, Lapel Pins) * Polofleece Casual Jackets (with RAA Regiment embroidered badge) * Regimental Ties * RAA Caps
• Models – L119 and M198 resin kits and assembled kits available For Information and Orders: School of Artillery, Bridges Barracks WO2 Daniel Stewart- [email protected] Telephone: (03) 5735 6129 Trading Hours: 12.30 –13.15 hrs every Thursday and Friday on Pay Weeks
55 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
Ser Title Regimental Publications Index 48 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition 1 – 1991# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1992 – First Edition# Liaison Letter 49 50 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1992 – Second Edition# Ser Title 51 Royal Australian Artillery – August 1993 – Liaison Letter# 1 Director Royal Artillery Technical Liaison Letter 1/48+ 52 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1996 – First Edition# 2 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 3 June 1954# 53 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1996 – Second Edition# 3 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 18 October 1954+ 54 1997 – Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter# 4 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 24 November 1954+ 55 1998–99 RAA Liaison Letter+ 5 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – February 1955+ 56 RAA Liaison Letter – 2000+ 6 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 31 May 1955+ 57 RAA Liaison Letter – 2001+ 7 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 30 September 1955# 58 RAA Liaison Letter – 2002+ 8 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 20 January 1956+ 59 RAA Liaison Letter 2003 – Autumn Edition+ 9 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 18 June 1956+ 60 RAA Liaison Letter 2003 – Spring Edition+ 10 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 26 November 1956# 61 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2004 – Autumn Edition+ 12 Director Royal Australia Artillery Liaison Letter – 24 February 1957+ 62 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2004 – Spring Edition+ 13 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 26 November 1957# 63 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2005 – Autumn Edition+ 14 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 30 April 1958# 64 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2005 – Spring Edition+ 15 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 28 November 1958+ 65 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2006 – Autumn Edition+ 16 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 17 June 1959+ 66 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2006 – Spring Edition+ 17 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – January 1960# 67 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2007 – Autumn Edition+ 18 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 29 July 1960# 68 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2007 – Spring Edition+ 19 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 17 February 1961# 69 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2008 – Autumn Edition+ 20 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 6 November 1961+ 70 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2008 – Spring Edition+ 21 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – July1962# 71 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2009 – Autumn Edition+ 22 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – October 1962# 72 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2009 – Spring Edition+ 23 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – February 1971# 73 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2010 – Autumn Edition+ 24 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – September 1972# 74 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2010 – Spring Edition+ 25 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – February 1973# 75 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2011 – Autumn Edition+ 26 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – September 1973# 76 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2011 – Spring Edition+ 27 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – March 1974# 77 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2012 – Autumn Edition+ 28 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – September 1974# 78 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2012 – Spring Edition+ 29 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – March 1975# 79 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2013 – Autumn Edition+ 30 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – September 1975# Australian Gunner Magazine 31 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – March 1976# 32 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – September 1976# Ser Title 33 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – March 1977# 1 Australian Gunner – Vol. 1 No. 1* 34 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – September 1977# 2 Australian Gunner – Vol. 1.No. 2* 35 Royal Australian Artillery Personnel Notes – October 1977# 3 Australian Gunner – Vol. 2 No.1 – September 1979* 36 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – May 1978# 4 Australian Gunner – March 1980* 37 Royal Australian Artillery Personnel Notes – 1978# 5 Australian Gunner – December 1980* 38 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – March 1980@ 6 Australian Gunner – May 81* 39 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – December 1980@ 7 Australian Gunner – November 81* 40 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – May 1981@ Australian Gunner – The Official Journal of the Royal Regiment of 8 41 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – November 1981@ Australian Artillery – March 1997* Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1982 (Issue One)@ 42 Miscellaneous Regimental Publications 43 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1983 (Issue One)@ 44 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1983 (Issue Two)@ Title 45 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1984 (Issue Four)@ 46 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1986 (Issue One)# 1 DARTY Personnel Notes – December 1969# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1986 (Issue Two) – 2 Royal Australian Artillery Personnel Notes – 1978# 47 4 November 1986# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Issue One – 1987 – 18 June Note: 48 1987# *Copy held by SO to HOR Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Issue Two – 1987 – 49 # Copy held by Puckapunyal Area Library 11 November 1987# + Copy held by HOR at School of Artillery Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition 1 – 1988 – 23 June @ Not available to HOR at School of Artillery 50 1988# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition 2 – 1988 – 51 14 November 1988# 44 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition 1 – 1989# 45 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition 2 – 1989# 46 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition 1 – 1990# 47 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition 2 – 1990#
56 RAA Liaison Letter 2013 - Spring Edition
RAAHCRAAHC NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
The Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company needs Your Help to Support the Preservation and Promotion of Artillery History and Heritage and the Management of the Regiments Collection Nationally
How Much Does It Cost? $30.00 (1 year), or $120 (5 years)
All Gunners and friends of the Regiment are invited to join
What You Get In Return? RAA Liaison Letter and Cannonball twice annually
Free access to the Artillery Museum (temporarily closed) and most other museums in the Australian Army Museum network
Use of the Artillery Museum’s library resources
Personal satisfaction in supporting the preservation of Artillery heritage
How Does The Company Benefit? They can add your weight to the membership numbers when seeking grants and other assistance from public and non-public sources
Your subscription assists with ongoing administration costs
How Do You Join? A membership form can be found in this publication
Submit a form and start supporting a very worthwhile cause
RAAHC THANKS YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT