LIAISON LETTER Spring 2017

The Royal Australian Artillery LIAISON LETTER Spring 2017

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 3 Professional Papers 15

Around the Regiment 35 Rest 55 RAA Capability & Personnel 63 Associations & Organisations 73

LIAISON NEXT EDITION DEADLINE Contributions for the RAA Liaison Letter 2018 – Winter Edition should be forwarded to the LETTER Editor by no later than Friday 11th May 2018. Liaison Letter on‐line The Liaison Letter is on the DRN and can be Spring Edition found on the Head of Regiment ‐ Royal 2017 Regiment of Australian Artillery (RRAA) Share Point Page: http://drnet/Army/RRAA/PublicationsOrders/Pa Incorporating the ges/Publications.aspx Unit Content Managers Australian Gunner Magazine are requested to add this to their links. It is also on the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company (RAAHC) & Australian Artillery Association websites.

Publication information

Front Cover: A Snap Shot of Regimental Life Front Cover Theme by: Major DT (Terry) Brennan, Staff Officer to Head of Regiment Compiled and Edited by: Major DT (Terry) Brennan, Staff Officer to Head of Regiment Published by: Brigadier Craig Furini AM, CSC, Head of Regiment Desktop Publishing: Major DT (Terry) Brennan & Assisted by Michelle Ray Front Cover & Graphic Design: DT (Terry) Brennan 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 2017 – Spring Edition RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition

RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition

Without his ongoing support, Editor’s Comment understanding and long suffering patience with me … Welcome to the I acknowledge and thank Big Sky Publishing for Liaison Letter 2017 – their continued support of the Liaison Letter. Spring Edition. This Further I would like to take a moment to edition may seem late recognise and thank Simon Giles from the but in reality the Defence Publishing Service - Victoria. Without apparent delay in his ongoing support, understanding and long publishing is due to a suffering patience with me as a consequence of decision to include as my recent challenges in preparing the journal, much of the end of Head of Regiment could not deliver our high year activities as possible in this edition. As well quality journal twice a year into your mail box it assists in reducing the number of ‘return to without the support of Simon and his staff. sender’ copies I receive due to the disruptions created by the end of year posting cycle. Most importantly I thank all those people who I am still very much on a learning curve as the have taken time to put pen to paper (or fingers to combined, compiler, desk top publisher a key board) and made a submission to this (oversight from Michelle Ray) and editor of the edition. Without your support there would be no combined journals. It is a challenging but journal. rewarding balance. I apologise for any mistakes that were inadvertently introduced into the If you have something that is on your mind I previous edition eg accidental duplication of strongly encourage you to contribute to the paragraphs. ‘Letter to the Editor’ area or if you have read book on a military related subject that you believe others will enjoy and contribute to their … my sincere apologises to anyone military education please draft a book review. offended, upset or annoyed with my failure to ensure the spelling of ‘John I encourage readers, regardless of rank, to make Carr Ewen’ and ‘Edward William a contribution to the next edition. Mattner’ was correct and consistent … Further I offer my sincere apologises to anyone offended, upset or annoyed with my failure to ensure the spelling of ‘John Carr Ewen’ and ‘Edward William Mattner’ was correct and consistent throughout the last edition. DT (Terry) Brennan In this edition I have received a wide range of Major excellent contributions for all the sections. I Editor draw your attention to submissions in the Email: terry.brennan59@ yahoo.com.au or Professional Papers Section and the unit reports [email protected] in the Around the Regiment Section. Mobile: 0419 179 974 I would like to thank Brigadier Neil Sweeney for agreeing to be part of the ‘Five Minutes With ….’ feature. He has provided frank, comprehensive and insightful answers to my SUBMISSION DEADLINE questions. I think you will enjoy reading what FOR NEXT EDITION his thoughts and views are on a range of topics. FRIDAY 11TH MAY 2018 The Head of Regiment has launched and ‘Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery’ facebook PLEASE SEND LIAISON LETTER page. The page manager and point of contact is CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EDITOR - Major Adam White email MAJOR DT (TERRY) BRENNAN AT [email protected]. I encourage you ANY TIME. to contact him with contributions.

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I have wondered about the true number myself

and a few months ago enquired of an ex intelligence corps officer who has some Letters to the expertise in the various actions in which the Australians fought in Vietnam. His advice to me was: “After some quite detail research, my best Editor guess is about 1,750.”

Freedom of Entry – Facts Clarified Given the likely sizes of the various units involved, I believe this is a sensible and likely to The Autumn 2017 edition of the Royal be accurate figure. Australian Artillery Liaison Letter included an article (written by MAJ M Finnerty) which Yours sincerely, Greg Gilbert detailed 8th/12th Regiment’s achievement of being granted Freedom of Entry to the city of Arthur Burke Answers Palmerston on 19th April 2016. Whilst this occasion represents a significant milestone for As the prelude to my article says, it was based the men and women of the 8th/12th Regiment, it on Ian Darlington's notes. The 4000 was Ian's should be noted that the article incorrectly figure. referred to the 8th/12th Regiment as the first military unit to be granted Freedom of Entry to I agree with Greg that the number of enemy has the City of Palmerston. The commander, officers always been controversial so I will check with a and soldiers of the 1st Brigade were granted mate of mine, former Intelligence Corps Freedom of Entry to the City of Palmerston in Brigadier (Retd) Ernie Chamberlain AM who 2000 under the command of Brigadier David has done much research and writing on this Hurley. Both occasions represent the strong subject. He has also translated Vietnamese relationship which exists between the men and records so will give a balance opinion. women of the 8th/12th Regiment, the 1st Brigade and the City of Palmerston. Ubique, Arthur

Best Regards, Max Williams Editor Adjutant. 8th/12th Regiment RAA Greg thank you for your interest and for taking time to write and to Colonel Arthur Burke for Editor answering the query. Thank you for clarifying the situation. It is essential the Royal Regiment’s history is captured and recorded accurately to avoid confusion and misrepresentation of the facts to future generations of Gunners not to mention historians.

Long Tan Generates Discussion I have just received the autumn editions of the Liaison Letter and Cannonball.

One of the first articles I read was the one penned by Arthur Burke. Once again Arthur has written a very interesting article which highlights the importance of artillery at Long Tan; a decisive contribution to the battle which is so often overlooked.

However, I must take issue with his numbers. It seems that the number of enemy D/6RAR faced on 18th August 1966 keeps increasing with the passing of the years. I had seen 2,500 previously but never the 4,000 quoted by Arthur.

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Grant and Scott Fletcher) and Regimental Representative Colonel Sergeant Majors (Stephen Schuman, Dean Sinclair, Jason Jarvis and Damien Lindsay). Commandant Thank you for your leadership and collegiate approach that has allowed not only your units, Brigadier AG (Gerry) but the RAA to flourish. Thanks also to those Warner AM, LVO Gunners moving on from other Regimental and (Retd) Artillery staff appointments. You have all made significant contributions and we wish you well in your next appointments - Once a Gunner, Always a Gunner.

The Royal Regiment welcomes the new Commanding Officers (Paul Duncan, Rod Lang, Lachlan Searle and Nick Wilson) and Regimental Sergeant Majors (Nathan Cole, Paul Boswell, Jaimie Cornwall, Reg Grundell and Stephen Head of Schuman) to the RAA senior leadership team. Congratulations on your appointments; the Regiment Regimental Colonel Commandant and I look forward to working with you over the next two Brigadier CD (Craig) years. Furini AM, CSC) Good luck also to all those assuming new appointments across the Regiment, and in Combined Forward particular welcome to those who have recently joined the Royal Regiment, whether young Welcome to the latest edition of Liaison Letter. officers or IETs. All members of the Regiment We hope that the Christmas period has been wish you well and trust that you will find your relaxing and enjoyable for all members of the career professionally and personally enjoyable Gunner family, and that 2018 is full of and rewarding. opportunity, happiness, good health and success. Congratulations to those who have been Many will note that this edition of Liaison Letter promoted or recognised for their performance is delayed. This has been a conscious decision to and contribution to the Regiment in 2017. better align publishing with the normal cycle of Regimental life. This will enable editions to be Congratulations to Lieutenant Victoria Roadnight published in August and February covering the who received the Brigadier WJ Urquhart Trophy first and second half of the training year for the best performing graduate allocated to the respectively. Most importantly this will allow the RAA from the December 2017 RMC graduating significant end of year activity in each of the class. Regiments to be captured in a timelier manner, and for the Regiments’ to provide an annual Congratulations also to Bombardier (now summary of their training year. Sergeant) Rohan McCaig (8th/12th Regiment), and Gunner Jake Hill (4th Regiment) who have The 2017/18 posting cycle saw significant been recognised as the 2017 Bombardier and change in key appointments across the Royal Gunner of the Year. Selected from an impressive Regiment. Congratulations to all of the departing group of individuals from across the RAA, these Commanding Officers (Alywn Payne, Peter members were presented with the Ewen and

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Mattner Awards on 10th November 2017 at the raising of 9th Regiment RAA. While the Regimental Conference. Regiment will be raised on 15th January 2018, a parade will be held later in the year, most likely The inaugural winners of the Ewan and Mattner in April in Sydney. Further details will be Awards, Bombardier Aaron Bamford (20th provided once confirmed. This is a major Regiment) and Lance Bombardier Jacob milestone in the evolution of the Royal Regiment Aitchison (8th/12th Regiment) travelled to the that would not have been possible without the UK for two weeks in late 2017. By all accounts work of Gunners across Army, in particular the they had a great trip visiting the Royal School of work of Lieutenant Colonel Stu James, the Artillery, 47 Regiment and 1 Regiment Royal project officer; and Major Stuart Seabrook and Horse Artillery as well as ‘behind the scenes his team in the 2nd Division Headquarters Fires tours’ of the Kings Troop, Honourable Artillery Cell. The entire Regiment wishes the new Company, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel London and many more sites. A report of their Lachlan Searle, the Regimental Sergeant Major, trip can be found later in this edition. These Warrant Officer Class One Reg Grundell and all prizes are funded by money raised through ranks good shooting and every success. voluntary contributions to the ‘Gunner’s Fund’. Removing the Light Batteries from Infantry While providing these prizes is important they Battalion command and re-establishing an represent a significant and major recurring artillery command and control structure within financial undertaking that requires ongoing the 2nd Division will have a far reaching and financial support from all Gunners if it is to be positive impact on the Reserve component of the sustained, and indeed expanded to include prizes Royal Regiment and provide the supported units for the Reserve Bombardier and Gunner of the of the Division with a superior indirect fire and Year every two years starting in 2018. fire support coordination capability. To that end we thank the Chief of the Army for his support in Unfortunately the membership of the 12th Field making this initiative a reality. Regiment (Vietnam) Association has taken the decision to disband their association. The The second major commemorative event in 2018 association members have a proud record of is the 50th anniversary of the ‘Battle of Coral’. operational service to our nation. Whilst it is sad This commemoration will be held in Canberra to see the sun begin to set on a proud association, over the weekend 12th-13th May in two parts; it highlights that the Royal Regiment is a living the first is a Department of Veterans Affairs entity that is continually evolving. The (DVA) service and luncheon in the vicinity of the association has proposed a number of initiatives Australian War Memorial and Anzac Parade; the to forge an enduring connection with the serving second will be a dedicated RAA commemoration Regiment. These great initiatives recognise the and dinner. Funding is being sought from DVA passing of the baton between generations and and from Army to support veteran attendance and reinforce the bridges between our past, present for representatives of the current 8/12th and future. I would like to take this opportunity Regiment RAA, 102nd ‘Coral’ Battery and 131st to acknowledge the contribution made by the Battery to attend. Planning for these events is association members to the planning and being finalised therefore everyone should organization of the 40th anniversary of the Battle regularly check social media and internet sites for of Coral in 2008. As the Commanding Officer of further information and details. 8th/12th Medium Regiment at the time I observed the drive, passion and dedication As mentioned earlier the annual RAA displayed by the members and was honoured to Conference in November included the be part of the commemoration. Regimental Committee meeting and the Regimental farewells. This was a very positive Any other associations contemplating conference which focused on identifying disbandment are encouraged to reach out to the solutions to solve current capability issues, and to relevant serving Regiment, Battery or Head of develop concepts for future initiatives. A key Regiment so that we can appropriately recognise component was discussion and development of a and preserve your contribution to the Gunner new RAA Regimental Strategic Plan. Colonel family. Nick Foxall, the Assistant Head of Regiment, is consolidating all the input so that the Regimental There will be two major commemorative events Committee can endorse and issue the new plan for the Regiment in 2018. The first will be the early in 2018. Part of this plan will include an

4 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition updated ‘Communications Strategy’. To that end two new initiatives have been introduced. First, Regimental Master the Head of Regiment now has a Facebook presence (‘The Royal Regiment of Australian Gunner Artillery’). The site seeks to draw attention to the great work being done by today’s serving Warrant Officer Class One DT (Paddy) McGarry Gunners, reinforce the important links to the wider family of Australian Gunners, highlight our history and further celebrate our illustrious RAA Trade & Training and unique Gunner identity. All Gunners, serving As I write this article I and retired, and families are invited to ‘follow’ look back at how fast 2017 the site. has gone. Once again the continue evolution of Second a Head of Regiment ‘challenge coin’ has introduction-into-service been minted. The ‘coin’ will be presented to of new RAA capabilities, Gunners and others as a small token of developing doctrine, appreciation or in recognition of their service. refining training The ‘coin’ carries the words Accurate, management packages supporting current Responsive, Dependable and Joint. These words equipment, having a statement of relevance, are analogous to the ‘on-time, on-target and safe’ enhancing the Officer and Other Ranks that has been used extensively in the past, but Employment Specifications (ES) and supporting have been updated to reflect the full range of trade models. capabilities provided by modern Gunners. These words describe how we want to be regarded by The RAA achieved the following in 2017 and the joint and combined-arms team and how we will continue to introduce new equipment into go about the business of providing the four service throughout 2018. Marwin MW32 (MET elements of Gunner capability; indirect fire System), 60mm & 81 mm Light Weight Mortar support, integrated air and missile defence, Capability (Digitisation), High capability field surveillance and target acquisition, and joint fires vehicles, (GTV), Future Artillery Ammunition and battespace integration, coordination and trials, Unit Loading Ammunition Container synchronisation. system, Ultra Light Howitzer - M777A2 hardware upgrade, Ongoing upgrades with the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), Digital Terminal Control System (DTCS) for our Joint Fire Teams, Short Range Ground Based Air Defence system, just to name a few.

It is very rewarding and personally While 2017 was a busy and successful year for satisfying seeing the Regiment the Gunners, 2018 is shaping up to be just as continuing to grow in capability and busy and hopefully even more successful, but leading the Army in most cases on there is a lot of work to be done. We, the raised, train and sustain concept … Representative Colonel Commandant and Head of Regiment, remain committed to continuing to With all new equipment and ammunition, serve the Gunner community and look forward to policies and procedures with supporting material working and engaging with you throughout the and doctrine are to be produced, aligning with at year. times the construction of courses. This would not be possible for the support; gracious time and Accurate, Responsive, Dependable and Joint effort the RAA have given throughout 2017 as the RAA moves forward. It is very rewarding and Ubique personally satisfying seeing the Regiment RCC & HOR continuing to grow in capability and leading the Army in most cases on raised, train and sustain concept along with continuing to raise the skill levels of our existing members through realistic training and expectations.

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I would like to mention A special mention to the organising Committee the efforts of SGT Gary who worked tirelessly supporting throughout the Bradford in the RAA success of the RAA farewells: SGT John Sennis, Trade and Training School of Artillery; WO2 Paul McMillan, management Cell at Combined Arms training Centre; WO2 Nick Combined Arms Training Windridge, School of Artillery; SGT Rowan Centre (CATC) awarded Temple, School of Artillery and SGT Gary the Commandant’s Bradford, Combined Arms training Centre. Commendation and medallion for enhancing 50th Anniversary Fire Support Base Coral the Air Missile Defence Systems capability. He As 2018 approaches the RAA has a very has gone far beyond his role in learning package significant milestone the 50th Anniversary of the management, conveying his intentions clearly to Fire Support Base Coral on 13th May 2018. A identify the best outcomes possible to effect the Diorama depicting a bloody battle in the Vietnam split trade execution and the introduction of new War has been restored to its former glory thanks equipment aligning with the trade models. SGT to volunteers at the Puckapunyal District Bradford has exhibited an excellent resolve to Neighbourhood Community Men’s Shed. manage and implement training structures for Air Australian units withstood heavy enemy attacks Land Wing at the School of Artillery and 16th during which a mortar platoon from 1RAR and Air Land Regiment. He has displayed two gun positions from 102 Fd Bty were partly professionalism in his communication to the over-run. The Australians drove off the enemy wing, regiment and has been extremely after fierce close-quarter actions. The battle supportive and patient when requesting training lasted more than two hours. information to conduct learning outcome changes and lesson packages.

RAA Warrant Officers and Senior Non- Commissioned officers Annual Farewells The 2017 RAA Warrant Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers farewells was a success. The farewells are an enduring tradition within the Regiment. It provides an opportunity for ‘Gunners’ to gather, socialise and appropriately farewell members of the Regiment who through their service made a significant contribution to not only the RAA, but to the Army and nation. Fire Support base Coral Diorama at School of Artillery, The RAA WO/SNCO farewells is traditionally RAA the medium to farewell those members who have provided many loyal years of service to the RAA. It is a fitting environment in which to honour these individuals and keep the farewells as the penultimate event on the RAA social calendar.

The Commandant Combined Arms Training Centre, Colonel Marcus Constable CSC and the RAA Colonel Commandant Eastern Region, Colonel Ian Ahearn (Rtd) with the men and women from the Puckapunyal Military Area Men Shed From Left to right: WO2 Dave Warren – 30 years; SGT Steve Brackin – 30 years; WO1 Brendan McIntyre – 28 It is very pleasing to see the RAA personnel years; WO1 Dave McGarry – Regimental Master doing well across the ADF’s commitments in Gunner;BRIG Craig Furini, AM CSC – Head of Regiment; 2017. WO1 Shaun Graham – 27 years; WO2 Paul Johnston – 30 years; and WO1 Mark Clayton – 33 years

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I am looking forward remaining as the Regiment In addition the 2 Div Lt Btys provided eight Gun Master Gunner in 2018. Once again thank you for Numbers to reinforce 4 Regiment RAA. The your dedication, professionalism, persistence and Gunners from 2/10, 7 and 23 Lt Btys completed a positive support throughout 2017, good 4 day CIT course and then were employed as soldiering for the challenges that lay ahead. Gun Numbers on the M777A2 for EX HAMEL 17. The ARes Gunners were well integrated by 4 I trust you and your families enjoyed a Very Regiment RAA and thoroughly enjoyed their Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. exposure to the M777. As a result two of the eight have applied to transfer to the ARA. While Ubique 9 Regt will lose some of its more dedicated soldiers as a result, the RAA is stronger for the continued strong linkages between the ARA and ARes.

2 Div Joint Fires Cell … Joint Fires Cell at HQ 2 Div as the cell is to be disestablished on 15 Jan 18 This is the last article to be written by the Joint to form the nucleus of RHQ of 9 Regt Fires Cell at HQ 2 Div as the cell is to be RAA … disestablished on 15 Jan 18 to form the nucleus of RHQ of 9 Regt RAA and move from The current focus of the 2 Div Gunner Randwick to Kogarah from January next year. community is the preparation of 7 and 23 Lt Btys The 2 Div Joint Fires Cell has been in existence who will form the Lt Bty for BG WARATAH to since 2013 and the amalgamation of the Light be commanded by MAJ Steve Rowe. Although Battery into Infantry Battalions. The cell has BG WARATAH has only completed one major been pivotal in the development of the ECN 161 CPX, the Lt Bty’s JFECC was judge the best Light Artillery Trade and the development of the prepared element of the BG HQ. The BC joint fires and effects capability that supports the supported by his BK (CAPT Dustin Gold) played Reinforcing Battle Group. The role of the JF cell a major role in assisting the BG HQ staff, who within HQ 2 Div over the past five years has did not have much experience working at BG been an unenviable one – attempting to husband level to achieve the training outcomes. a fledgling capability to maturity with scarce resources and a convoluted C2 structure. The Over the past two years MAJ Stu Seabrook and creation of 9 Regt RAA is the culmination of 5 WO2 George O’Connell have worked to further years hard work from many individuals, most refine the ECN 161 Artillery Light Gunner trade notably MAJ Stu Seabrook and WO2 George model; continuing the effort commenced by O’Connell, and will see the continued WO1 Shaun (Gnarly) Graham and WO2 Dave development of the ARes artillery capability. Carter when the cell was established in 2013. The ARes component of the ECN 255 stream has now The focus for the 2 Div RAA communities been absorbed into the ECN 161 trade, and is a continues to be the provision of a fully manned, unique capability that only exists in the ARes. trained and equipped Lt Bty as part of the Furthermore, the promotion and trade reinforcing BG. This year, 5/11 and 3 Lt Btys advancement continuum has now been finalised combined to provide the Lt Bty for BG and is in the process of publishing and CANNAN on EX HAMEL 17. The Lt Bty, implementation as of Jan 2018. The finalisation commanded by MAJ Ben Dullroy, integrated of the ECN 161 continuum will now allow for a extremely well into both BG CANNAN and the more coherent and logical career progressions, wider ARA Combat Brigade fires architecture which will result in soldiers promoted and filling and set a very high standard for future Lt Btys to long vacant SNCO and WO positions in coming achieve. Supported by his IG (CAPT Michael years, thus making the trade model a sustainable York) and his BSM (WO2 Taff Davis) the BC one. provide a strong level of joint fires planning, advice and execution in support of the BG MAJ Stu Seabrook will discharge at the COMDs plan. On several occasions the gunners end of 2018 following in excess of 45 were able to provide enhanced situational years’ service with both the RA and awareness to BG CANNAN via the AFATDS RAA. network provided by 4 Regt RAA due to the unreliable nature of BMS during the exercise.

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From a capability perspective, the future looks  MAJ Phil Wong – CSC bright for reserve gunners. Over the course of the next 36 months, ARes gunners will receive new  MAJ Ben Dullroy- CSC M252A1 mortars, the M31A1 Mortar Ballistic  CAPT Nick Mahr- CTC Calculator and Digital Terminal Control Suites for JTFs. This new equipment will not only  CAPT Luke Haitas- 2/10 Lt Bty (to ARes) further enhance the joint fires and effects that  CAPT Nick Pychtin – 8/12 Regt RAA ARes gunners can provide, it will also truly link ARes gunners to the broader joint fires  CAPT Richard Donohue- SOArty architecture (AFATDS) that is employed by the  CAPT Mick York – 1 Regt RAA ARA.  WO2 Scott Caswell- on promotion to On the 15 January 2018, 9 Regiment RAA will  WO1 – MG 4 REGT RAA be established to be commanded by LTCOL Lachlan Searle. The creation of the ARes  WO2 Phil Pollard- Discharge Regiment will provide several advantages, most  WO2 Jozef De Goede- HQ 2 Div notably:  WO2 Bryce Watson- 1 Regt RAA  A single “CHAMPION” for Ares RAA And we welcome those being posted to 9 Regt issues RAA:  Enhanced career management with CMA through engagement, liaison and  LTCOL Lachlan Searle – CO personalized management of individuals for  MAJ Glynn Potter- OPSO key appointments  MAJ Ben Clancy – S7  More coherent links to Army and RAA modernisation, most notably MOD-A,  CAPT James Wood- ADJT DLFD-A and CASG.  WO1 Dean Sinclair – RSM  Greater control over individual and collective  MAJ Robert Love – BC 6/ training within the ARes, particularly the 13 Lt Bty identification and exploitation of opportunity  MAJ Chris Flear- BC 5/11 Lt Bty training as part of the ‘Road to HAMEL’ and ECN 161 training progression  MAJ Marcus Jones- MAJ to BC 7 LT Bty  Deeper and more relevant linkages with ARA  CAPT Eric Dempster- IG 2/10 Lt Bty RAA  CAPT Cameron Phasey – IG 23 Lt Bty

Finally, MAJ Stu Seabrook will discharge at the  CAPT James Stamell- IG 7 Lt Bty end of 2018 following in excess of 45 years’  CAPT Des O’Brien-IG 6/13 Lt Bty service with both the RA and RAA. MAJ Seabrook has been a strong advocate for ARes  CAPT James Cranley- IG 5/11 Lt Bty gunners over the past 5 years and a driving force  CAPT Prudence Connell- IG 3 Lt Bty behind the development of the capability. He was rewarded for his efforts with the awarding of the  WO2 Dennis Theiss- BSM 23 Lt Bty Conspicuous Service Medal in the 2016 Australia  WO2 Bradley Wakefield- SMIG 23 Lt Bty Day Honours. Over the past few years, all ARes gunners have benefited from his dry sense of  WO2 Darren Jackson – SMIG 7 Lt Bty humour, commitment to the RAA and fearless  WO2 Joseph Millington- SMIG 3 Lt Bty advice. All members of the RAA wish him the very best in retirement.  SGT Geoffrey Wallace- SMIG 5/11 Lt Bty

Postings out:  LTCOL Stu James- G3 HQ 2 Div  MAJ Stu Seabrook – Discharge  MAJ Mick Grey- CAG

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promote and espouse the ‘one Army’ philosophy. Five Minutes With … Some argue the Reserve has been kept on ‘life support’ simply for political reasons by Brigadier Neil Sweeney successive Governments. This finally brings me to my question – Is the time right and the Deputy Commander 2nd Division political will present within Army and our politicians to completely change our Reserve Congratulations on your system and the rationale of its deliverables to appointment as the Government? I cite as an example only having Deputy Commander of specialist units and create state or regional based 2nd Division. I know ‘staff’ units. your Reserve connection commenced A very big question Terry. The role of the ‘Citizen early in your career at Soldier’ has been an important one in the 1st Regt RAA when it was part of the short development of our Army. From the very genesis lived Ready Reserve of the force it was recognised that the Defence of Scheme. Since those Australia would demand both full time and part early years you have had little direct connection time forces. These part time forces have had until now with the Reserve. As a senior officer in many names; Militia, Citizen Military Forces, such an important command appointment in the Army Reserve. We don’t need to completely Reserve do you feel this ‘distance’ enables you to change the reserve model but we need to bring a fresh perspective to the issues and challenges confronting the Reserve in the modern continue with its transformation. Under the digitised Army? umbrella of Plan Beersheba and leveraging the Force Generation Cycle, 2nd Division has Thanks Terry, there is no doubt that the Army successfully and consistently delivered the Reserve is a very different place these days. It Reinforcing Battle Group to the Readying would be fair to say that the ‘Total Force’ Combat Brigade on Ex Hamel. This year on Ex concept is now well embedded. I have returned Talisman Sabre/Hamel that Battle Group to a reserve force that is very different to the one consisting of 860 personnel delivered PMV I had observed over a number of years in mounted infantry companies, Engineer different appointments. Plan Beersheba has Squadron, Light Battery and a range of logistic demanded a more integrated approach. I would and administrative capabilities. 2nd Division hope that I bring a new perspective to the provided supplementation to Regular Army units excellent work that has been undertaken in the and headquarters as part of its ‘Library of Reserve and that I can add a bit of value. We will Capabilities’ and provided estaff to th Combined be depending on the high levels of support we Headquarters. We are also transforming the way have already received from the Regular Combat we train through a new training formation, 8th Brigades and Training Centres to deliver an Army Brigade. So the plan is to deliver better training Reserve based force that is capable of meeting and capability from the reserve. 2nd Division also the challenges of the modern operating maintains a number of personnel on operations environment. in all theatres where we operate. Closer to your question, there are some plans to review other It has been said to me at times that the Army Reserve is a relic of the past and since the niche capabilities that a reserve force, tapping ‘Regular’ Army was established post the Second into civilian competencies might be able to War it has increasingly, and more rapidly leverage to support our operations. So we are recently, become less relevant due to a transforming the reserve force for better quality combination of increased technology and the outputs with a firm eye fixed on the future. associated training burden and skills fade, poor recruiting, hollow units with a lack of resources Your bio highlights a somewhat unusual aspect and a degree of elitism on the part of the full-time of your career in that you have gained significant Army members towards Reservists. This is leadership experience commanding in what can despite the best efforts of senior commanders to be the very challenging area of humanitarian and

9 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition disaster relief. Has experience influenced your has been remarkable but I am always impressed perspective as to whether as an Army, we are with the way Gunners embrace change, in structured appropriately to support such events be particular new techniques and technologies. they natural or manmade? Or for that matter Overall, I think the RAA is leading the way in should we do anything differently eg developing directed training, individual or collectively, as it terms of digitisation. The use of communication appears to me that Government is increasingly systems to deliver precise effects is not new to relying on Defence and especially Army to meet us. The early adoption of AFATDS has put us in these short notice crises. an excellent position to be a central part of any future force and to assist Army more broadly on I have been privileged to serve on a range of its ‘Digitisation Journey’. As for 9th Regiment, I operations. I was very lucky to be in the right truly believe this is a very positive step for the places to deploy to Lebanon in 2006 to assist Gunner Community in 2nd Division. I was pleased with the evacuation of Australian nationals to learn about the raising of the regiment and during the Israeli and Hizbollah War and then look forward to the 9th Regt team improving again to deploy to Padang in Indonesia on a standards of training and capability in 2nd Disaster Relief mission. In both instances the Division. I also applaud all the Gunners who have forces I commanded were tailored specifically maintained a steady course in the Light from standing elements to meet the Batteries. The journey has not been easy at times requirements of each specific environment. In but ultimately I think it will be worth it. Padang as an Artillery Commanding Officer I found myself in command of an Engineer As the Army addresses the post Afghanistan era, Squadron and a Hospital element with staff from what level and type of training should be the focus for Army and in particular the Royal Headquarters 1st Brigade as my command team. Regiment in preparing for future contingencies Our organisation is flexible enough to adapt. The and do you feel the Regiment is appropriately key is always the quality of our people. Giving structured to best meet these challenges? our soldiers and officers the right basic skills in planning, and command and the confidence to This has been a fairly consistent question over be decisive in uncertain and complex the years. To me it is very apparent that as an environments is critical. I found my foundation Army we must continue now to focus on skills training as an Artillery Officer to be a solid foundation warfighting in a joint and combined foundation from which I could work in just about arms environment. It is easier to ‘step down’ any environment. from a conventional combined arms setting but very difficult to step up to it. The RAA has always As a Senior Gunner officer you have had wide trained for this environment. As coordinators of ranging technical, tactical and command experience at every level within the Royal effects we find ourselves at the heart of the Regiment. Since that time your focus has been Combined Arms Team and indeed the Joint Force on higher Army roles as well as in a Defence and that is where we need to stay, challenging environment, which has left you little time to ourselves to work in complex operational monitor, even from afar, the development and environments. Whilst there has been some evolution the RAA. In the last year you have had change to structures and nomenclature it would the opportunity to re-engage more closely with appear that our basic regimental structure, that the Royal Regiment as part of overseeing the establishment of 9th Regiment RAA. Do you you and I are familiar with has stood the test of have any observations or comments on where the time. We should remember though that our RAA is currently positioned in terms of structures are a start point. We should remain capability development and looking to the future adaptable and be ready to contribute to the both from a Reserve as well as a full-time combined arms team in any capacity presented perspective? to us. Remember though that the real capability are our people and that is where we need to The RAA has completely changed for the better focus our efforts to maintain a competitive edge. in the last few years. It is almost unrecognisable to me in a number of ways. The pace of change

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‘Digitisation’ is on the lips of everyone including on with the job. Of course we grumble Terry tbu the Commander 1st Division, Major General Paul there is a level of satisfaction in delivering an McLachlan, who emphasises that the Royal outcome in challenging environments. Australian Artillery and its new capabilities are at the fore front of these changes within Army. I appreciate you have had extensive exposure to What do you believe are the key ‘force working in the higher levels of Defence in multiplier’ benefits digitisation that brings to Canberra especially in the strategic commitments ‘warfighting’ including for artillery? area. Have you been required to modify your leadership style as a senior officer in the course General McLachlan has been on the ‘Digitisation of working with senior public servants and Journey’ longer than most. I remember his politicians? successful efforts to develop a ‘Sensor to Shooter’ System at 8th/12th Medium Regiment in This is related a little bit to my previous answer. 2003. Of course the RAA has had a quantum leap There is no doubt that you have to adapt to a in its digitisation since then building on these different Defence or inter‐agency environment formative experiences. Force multipliers are a but if you apply the Army values to your conduct critical part of an Army such as ours. Digitisation then you can’t go wrong. Ultimately, people delivers information dominance and decision working at the strategic level want to ensure superiority. The Common Operating Picture, Australia continues to enjoy its freedoms and providing a Commander with a means to opportunities and are passionate about our visualise and understand the battlespace delivers security. You might have to explain a technical that decision superiority. Finally a digital system military issue in layman’s terms to inform a allows for rapid execution of intent forcing the decision, which is the primary reason you are enemy to react to us and ensuring our there. Just be yourself, be respectful, inclusive maintenance of the initiative. and collegiate, particularly in those challenging situations and you will be fine. As you have gained experience and seniority how has your leadership style evolved and what are During your military service what are some of the fundamental personal principles and values the fundamental changes you have witnessed in on which you base your conduct and related culture and / or capability? decision making especially when the outcome could be unpopular or worse still unpleasant but Army and the RAA continue to evolve and which must be taken all the same? change for the better. Many of us hark back to ‘The good old days’ and that is finet bu I like to In terms of values it is simple. Our Army values of think what comes next will be better. Our Army Courage, Respect, Initiative and Teamwork are has significantly increased its capability as part the platform I work from and apply. As you of a significantly more capable ADF. Our capacity become more senior and move to work in joint or as a Defence Force to project offshore has been a inter‐agency environments you do need to adjust significant leap. The integration of operational your style. The ability to motivate and encourage experience into our training has changed our are key. Accepting compromise and negotiating approach to operations. We have come a long in a respectful manner are also important. What way since I joined in 1990. Our culture has I have found is that regardless of background or changed too. We value inclusivity and diversity in service, people in Defence are driven and our workforce. It is evident to me that the motivated by the same things. Patience, cultural review in Defence has paid wide ranging diplomacy and a collegiate view to progressing dividends back to our capability. We have no an issue are key to your success in those ‘out of tolerance for unacceptable behaviour and we are regiment’ appointments. We all have to make looking after our wounded ill and injured. We unpopular decisions at times. What is key is to need to remain vigilant on our cultural front, it is provide context and allow the team to adapt to important that we remain a safe and respectful the requirement. We are a pretty resilient bunch organisation. It is part of delivering on our all told, used to hardship and once we valued service to the nation. understand the context I have found people get

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What part do you believe your Regimental on work and when you go home focus on your training, background and experiences played in family and learn to relax. preparing you for higher level non Artillery appointments? What do you consider as some of your most memorable career highlights not related to the It has played an enormous part in providing me Royal Regiment? with the skills to work in a range of environments. Gunners coordinate and de‐ Being a member of the first Australian Army conflict, we synchronise and we do it in time Training Team Iraq in 2004 in Norther Iraq was constrained high pressure environments. We are an amazing experience. I worked with an precise and we independently check our work. exceptional team of men and women on that We schedule and we complement and support mission, many of who were Gunners. the combined arms team. In general we are not Participating in the NEO out of Beirut in 2006 easily offended. If all that combined with a sense was exhilarating because it was the first time I of humour doesn’t get you through then I am not had an independent level of command and it was sure what will. I am indebted to the RAA and a a complex environment. My most recent wide range of Gunners for their investment in me deployment as Deputy Commander Joint Task over the years. Force 633 really exposed me to the quality of all of our servicemen and women and it was an As a senior commander with ever increasing honour to be entrusted with the appointment. demands on your time and conflicting priorities how do you maintain the appropriate work life As a senior Army Commander do you subscribe balance that is regularly referred to within Army? to the old adage ‘Once a Gunner always a Further more, do you have any particular advice Gunner’? for the readers, especially those still serving with regard this personal challenge? Of course. You can’t walk away from your formative experiences. The challenge is to ensure Look it is tough to find the balance. You have to that a regimental view of issues does not blind work at it but Army is a fantastic employer and you to a service or Defence level view. I am understands that family support is an essential passionate about what the RAA delivers to the part of capability. I have always been of the view Combined Arms Team and understand its value. that I will spend a longer time out of Army that I You should be proud of where you come from but ever will in it. Investment in your family is always understand the bigger picture. essential. They are the ones who will get you through those hard times. Do your best to be What do you consider as the highlight or pinnacle of your Regimental service? there for those key family events. Birthdays, school plays, graduations, even from kindy! I A single highlight is genuinely hard to pick have coached or managed football teams with because there have been many and I have varying success in all the places I have been enjoyed all my service in the RAA. Being selected posted to. You have to plan out the time and let to command 8th/12th Medium Regiment would your commander know about these important have to be a highlight. It was an appointment I events and that you want to attend. Now, I have was very invested in personally. I had an missed countless birthdays and other important outstanding RSM, excellent officers and family activities but when I can I am there. I passionate Warrant Officers and NCOs. The switch the phone to silent and I focus 100% on soldiers, both Gunners and Privates worked the family. Try to avoid bringing work home, exceptionally hard. We did some great training, sometimes it is required but it is a bad practice. supported a significant level of operations and You have to encourage the balance as a did our best throughout. When I personally commander in particular. If you get it close to needed support to take care of a family matter, right you will find your capability actually the Regiment immediately stepped up as it did increases. Work‐life balance is critical to your for everyone else. It is in those personally own well‐being also. When you are at work focus challenging times when you realise the true

12 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition value of regimental life and what you are a part Division, Military Assistant to Commander Forces of. Before you ask, yes I do miss it! Command in 2011, as G3 Forces Command from mid‐2011 until late‐2013 and as Director Future What single piece of advice would you offer Military Commitments, Military Strategic young officers and soldiers commencing their Commitments Division in 2016. career as a Gunner? Brigadier Sweeney deployed as a Battalion Enjoy your time in the regiments and at the Mentor to Tal Afar and Al Kasik, Northern Iraq school. Take every opportunity to learn from with the first Australian Army Training Team – your peers and to develop yourself through Iraq in 2004. He commanded the Defence education and training courses. Remember, a Supplementation Staff based in Beirut, Lebanon bad day in a regiment is still a pretty good day, during OP RAMP, in July and August 2006. He trust me! was initially deployed as the Commander of JTF 629 for OP PADANG ASSIST, Australia’s response Are the young officers and soldiers of today to a 7.6 magnitude earthquake off the coast of better prepared for their first appointment than you were when you graduated? Sumatra in October 2009. Brigadier Sweeney deployed as the Chief of Stability Operations at I would have to say yes. I felt that I was well Headquarters Regional Command (South), trained by the system but it was the investment Afghanistan from December 2013 until August by others in me that truly got me over the line. 2014. Brigadier Sweeney was appointed as Our training system, both formal and informal, is Deputy Commander Joint Task Force 633 from the envy of many armies and it improves July 2016 until mid April 2017. continuously. I have seen our young men and Brigadier Sweeney is a graduate of the women deliver exceptional service with great Australian Command and Staff College and the empathy and professionalism both domestically Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies. He and on operations as a result of this training and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and development. I have great faith in our next Professional Studies from Southern Cross generations of young officers and soldiers. I University and a Master’s Degree in firmly believe they are up to any challenge and it Management and Defence Studies from the is an honour to lead them when you are given University of Canberra. Brigadier Sweeney the opportunity. completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration through Deakin University in February 2016. Profile Brigadier Sweeney is currently posted to Brigadier Neil Sweeney was born in the Republic Headquarters 2nd Division as the Deputy of Ireland and emigrated to Australia in 1989. He Commander. graduated from RMC Duntroon in June 1991 and He is married to Tonya, and they have three was commissioned into the Royal Regiment of children, Jourdaine (28) Thomas (18) and Jack Australian Artillery. (16). Brigadier Sweeney has served in a wide range of artillery regimental appointments at 1st Field OFFICER, WO & SNCO FAREWELLS Regiment dan 8th/12th Medium Regiment. He If you have 20 or more years full‐time and/or served as the Commanding Officer of 8th/12th part‐time service & have not been farewelled Medium Regiment from 2009 to 2010. His & still wish to be, please contact Major DT training experience includes instructional and (Terry) Brennan for officers & WO1 DT doctrine writing appointments at the School of (Paddy) McGarry for WO & SNCOs. Artillery, Puckapunyal and as an Exchange Alternatively if you are aware of anyone who Instructor at the United States Army Field was over looked no matter how long ago and Artillery School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Brigadier they still wish to be invited please pass on Sweeney has served as; an SO1 at Deployable their contact details. It is never too late to Joint Force Headquarters/Headquarters 1st attend the Regimental farewells. 13 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition

REGIMENTAL CONFERENCE become blurred.] An outcome was a proposal to change the names to 16th Regiment and 20th Captain Jacob Beale Regiment to provide unification in titles of all Divisional Artillery Adjutant, JFECC – DJFHQ artillery regiments. The future of JTAC Troop was discussed including an option to move from Artillery: Accurate, Responsive, Dependable, under command 16 ALR to the SOARTY. Joint At the conclusion of the conference a number of The RAA Conference was held November 2017 awards, promotions were announced and at the School of Artillery. [Ed: In his opening presentations made including the 2017 winners of remarks HOR stated his aim was to conduct a the JNCO and GNR of the Year. conference that produced meaningful outcomes, addressed issues and seized opportunities. He REGIMENTAL FAREWELLS & stressed the theme was deliberately not Joint Fires. HOR said money was tight and emphasised COMMITTEE MEETING there were ‘no more people’ therefore gold plated Major DT (Terry) Brennan, Editor solutions requiring more resources just would not In conjunction with the conference the annual happen. He observed that whilst ‘innovation’ was Regimental Committee meeting and Regimental a hackneyed expression it was essential to Farewells were convened. The HOR observed the include innovation in day to day activities farewells were an opportunity to recognise the including training.] Gunners who have gone before us and the legacy The Conference enabled various RAA they have left and to tell a ‘few stories’. The organisations with vested interests in the pathway Regimental Master Gunner has a report on the forward of the RAA to discuss, argue and reason WO & SNCO farewells in his contribution in this many topics and analyse how the RAA will section. During the Regimental officers’ farewell operate in the future. The four primary topics dining in night over ‘309 years’ of combined covered were: dedicated and loyal service to the Royal Regiment from those officers’ being farewelled  RAA Strategic Plan and RAA 2025 Vision was celebrated. Those officers were MAJGEN’s  Junior Leader Training and Doctrine Paul Symon, Gerard Fogarty; BRIG Don Roach;  At Risk ECNs MAJs Marty Gowling, Stuart Seabrook and Colin  The future of 20 STA and 16 ALR Wardrop. The personal farewells were heartfelt with a mixture of reflection, wisdom, thoughts These topics were facilitated by different COs for the future with a degree of levity and and RSMs to come up with outcomes so the acknowledgement of individual contributions. RAA can move forward with a unified direction. At 2007 dinner MAJGEN Paul Symon had a During Topic 1 the discussion centred on how to spontaneous idea to hold ‘a roll call of current market the RAA as an entity and what should be and former commanding officers’ at the end of our identity as we move into 2025. The primary the dinner. He ‘encouraged’ me to conduct it and outcome was the agreement on the catch phrase from this a ‘new’ tradition was born. The ‘result’ being; Accurate, Dependable, Responsive, Joint. this year were four each from 1, 4, 8/12, 16 and Topic 2 analysed how to better enable Joint 20 Regiment’s; one each from 2/10 Regiment and training within the RAA. If we are going to move the SOARTY; and what was agreed as one half towards being a ‘Combined Joint Synchroniser’ from 9 Regiment (CO designate). then we need to be better at enabling our people The Regimental Committee meeting is the annual with an ability to understand and speak Joint, this opportunity for the key leaders including Head of means that we need to identify more individuals Regiment, Colonel Commandants, Commanding for Joint courses. Doctrine was also a large focus Officers, Regimental Master Gunner and during the discussion with a lot of concern Regimental Sergeants Majors, to meet ‘face to centring on the how unresponsive doctrine has face’ to discuss Regimental matters. The meeting been to changes in how we operate. agenda was very comprehensive including At risk ECNs were discussed during Topic 3. updating the National Memorial on Mt Pleasant; This centred on ECN 255 which has been critical RAA Regimental Strategic Plan, clarification of for some time. Several options for remediation key Regimental dates, Queens Banner were put forward. replacement due its poor physical condition; First Fleet 6 pounder gun; and the forthcoming Battle The future of 16 ALR and 20 STA were of Coral 50th Anniversary commemorations. discussed. [Ed. HOR observed their roles had

14 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition Professional Papers

AMMUNITION DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURING, SUPPLY AND PROCUREMENT or: How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb procurement process. By Captain Tony Mumford

INTRODUCTION PRODUCTION In August this year the ADF commenced Regardless of ownership of the manufacturing certification activities for the Future Artillery process there is commonality in the process of Ammunition project. It is the largest designing, manufacturing, certifying and introduction into service of ammunition for a integrating the ammunition in to a given system. single platform in ADF history. Ultimately all The differences are in how the manufacturer military procurement occurs at the nexus of maintains the capability through commercial national and international politics, global means or government incentives, and will be manufacturing and military requirements and discussed in a later section. artillery ammunition is no different. Throughout the process we must keep in mind that the bomb DESIGN is the weapon of artillery and modernising the delivery system without modernising the The design of artillery ammunition is more often weapon may compromise the capability required a case of ‘putting the cart before the horse’. That by Army and prevent effective support to our is the gun is usually in-service equipment and manoeuvre units the round is designed to suit. Ideally, the ammunition would be designed to suit the This paper will describe the considerations of tactical requirements and the delivery system artillery ammunition procurement and supply in designed around that. order to provide context for the current procurement activity. I will discuss the The design of ammunition is a specialist skill manufacturing process, lines of supply and the that needs to be developed over time and is bureaucratic procurement process. The end state rarely transferrable to other industries making is to give the reader a more rounded experts rare. The round has to meet its purpose, understanding of not just the current activities, be safe to fire in a range of weapon systems, be but the political and financial pressures that have cost effective to produce and meet the standards influenced it. and regulations of the region or nations that the market that it has been designed for. Beyond The paper will only use open, UNCLASSIFIED calibre, small differences in the metal used or sources of information. This will limit shape of the base of the round may make it discussion of specific components of current unsafe. For example, ammunition designed for projects and equipment. the M777 may be unsafe for use in the longer barrels of SPH or extended range towed

15 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition howitzers due to the increased pressures INTEGRATION AND involved. Changes in propellant may create a more jarring pressure curve that over stresses the CERTIFICATION obturating bands or causes fractures resulting in Once the ammunition is produced, integration in-flight separation. and certification is required for each shell/fuse/propellant combination, known as the MANUFACTURING All Up Round (AUR), for the chosen weapon system. This is completed to ensure that the Manufacturing ammunition requires a diverse AUR is safe to fire and that there is no supply chain. Figure 1 demonstrates a simple unexpected wear on the gun. Unplanned supply chain. At each factory or assembly plant overpressures and rapid changes in temperature specialist equipment and skills are required. In may stress the gun and cause excessive or the mid 60s the US review board, the Besson uneven wear, which in turn creates an erratic fall Board, warned: of shot. “Munitions production is a high‐risk venture for With certification complete the AUR needs to be private industry owing to the lack of demand for integrated into the digital fires system. Enough munitions production in peace time and the AURs for each combination are required to be uncertainties associated with the length of the fired to gather the volume and quality of data to war… The facilities and tooling peculiar to ensure that the prediction model is complete. munitions manufacturing coupled with the Efficiencies can be found through projectiles quantity of equipment required to produce at with verified ballistic similitude, that is rounds of different natures that have similar ballistic the desired rates, do no t lend themselves in properties to allow one round of a specific total to alternative commercials use… Profit nature fired to provide data across a range of motivations of private industry does not argue other natures. Once the data is gathered it is for retention of this equipment in peacetime; processed into the fire control information (FCI) hence, the production base tends to evaporate and the NATO Armaments Ballistic Kernel with the cessation of demand.” (Joint Munitions (NABK). The FCI is a database of ballistic models which a ballistic computer can draw Command, 2010). upon. With integration all the components are This warning highlights that the plants updated to include the data and to index it themselves do not present a profitable business correctly. unless demand is high and consistent. Multi- national companies, such as Rhienmetall, have A simple analogy to describe the interactions found a profitable model through diversification between NABK and the ballistic computer is to of product and a multi-national supply base. think of the FCI as a library. Each book is the This creates political sensitivities for both the information about the ballistic performance of supplier and buyer but has proven to be not- round in a particular gun. NABK acts as the insurmountable. librarian. Once the FCI is indexed in NABK a ballistic computer will ask NABK, the librarian, for the ballistic model for a round under certain conditions. NABK will find the right reference, turn to the right page and provide the ballistic trajectory of the round. The ballistic computer will then apply non-standard conditions and apply the resulting trajectory to the model to create the firing solution.

Integrating an AUR into the digital fires system involves providing the data for the AUR and having it entered into NABK. The appropriate reference is placed in NABK and the ballistics computers are updated to include the new round. FIGURE 1 – Raw Materials & Parts Overall, establishing a supply chain takes a significant investment in time and resources

16 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition with no guarantee that the arrangement will be new armaments production could make a profitable. Many nations maintain stockpiles of significant contribution, given the time needed equipment and subsidise industries to maintain to produce individual items of sophisticated skillsets, called a ‘warm base’, to enable rapid equipment and the high attrition rates of the mobilisation on the outbreak of a large scale modern battle field.” (Freedman, 1978, p. 3) war. The methods for acquiring ammunition will That is, when possible an indigenous be the subject of the next section. manufacturing capability should be stood up regardless of any, or the lack of, current SUPPLY conflicts in order to develop the ability to manufacture the required quantities of There is no easy solution to providing a supply ammunition in the event of a war. system for artillery ammunition. Indigenous manufacture or assembly, procurement from the The low demand for ammunition may US, and procurement from commercial suppliers require Government subsidies as the all have their benefits and flaws. Ultimately it is number of 155mm rounds required each the decision of the Australian Government on year may lack the economies of scale ... which options are to be pursued. Note that an established supply chain, such as the US for The largest detraction of indigenous capability is Australia, remains ‘in the catalogue’ regardless the high cost of establishment. “National of the current options pursued. Sustainment equipment would still be produced but would cycles review the cost and benefit of become even more expensive because of the ammunition supply options based on the necessity of incorporating standard components requirements of the day. Ultimately having more not designed specifically for that equipment” than one brand ‘in the catalogue’ provides (Freedman, 1978, p. 4). Manufacturing and flexibility to achieve supply certainty and assembly plants are required to achieve a high efficiencies in cost. level of quality control and maintain national standards for explosives manufacturing. Further, the specialist skillsets required for the operation INDIGENOUS MANUFACTURING of the facilities need to be contracted in or An indigenous capability presents a politically grown, then maintained for the duration of attractive option due to the creation of defence operations. industry and provision of ammunition specifically designed for the national need. On The low demand for ammunition may require the other hand it is economically difficult due to Government subsidies as the number of 155mm the large set up costs and, in Australia’s case, rounds required each year may lack the low demand. economies of scale required for full time employment of both facilities and personnel. “An indigenous defence industry provides for This is an issue that has been addressed by force planning according to one’s own concepts, Thales at Mulwala propellant manufacturing special requirements and time-table. It plants by producing propellants for police and strengthens bargaining positions within Alliance other commercial sales. This is not an option for debates. It helps avoid meekly accepting artillery ammunition without securing sales to everything the US offers by way of doctrine or other nations. This is Government’s decision weapons innovation.”(Freedman 1978, p. 5) based on the cost/benefit analysis of Removing reliance on US ammunition manufacture to jobs, growth and certainty, but manufacturing plans provides certainty of supply may be worth the expense to maintain the and ensures the ammunition provided suits our facility for strategic purposes. needs. It also provides a relationship with the commercial entity chosen to operate within Finally, the manufacture of any item in the Australia which, if managed correctly, may supply chain can be completed by an indigenous foster native innovation that can be sold to other supplier, but the commercial relationships to nations or companies. obtain the IP and integrate with the larger system must be secured. Even the assembly of The risk of delaying the establishment of an foreign munitions in country will require indigenous manufacturing capability is that certification and approval from the Original regardless the potential threat of total destruction Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) which will be to the manufacturing base “it is doubtful that included in the price.

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US SUPPLY – FOREIGN Australian Industry Capability and increase in the rate of effort of the existing munitions MILITARY SALES factories. The US provides two methods of delivering Relying on US ammunition has some arms and munitions to other nations; Foreign downsides. Any transfer of material or Military Sales (FMS) and Foreign Military information will require an assessment of the Assistance (FMA). The latter is concerned with International Traffic of Arms Regulations providing assistance to nations who do not have the means to procure modern US equipment in (ITARS) which were established by the US to order to further US interests in the region. As ensure security of their systems, which have an effect similar to industry protection measures this is not the case for Australia, I will therefore enforced by other nations. Another issue is that not discuss it further. there is no two-way street for FMS, we request FMS is used by the US to further foreign policy and receive, decisions and contracts can be and maintain demand for military equipment. overturned with no legal avenue for reply. One of the key tenants of FMS is that the The US has longer planning timelines for American taxpayer will bear no cost. This means ammunition production than our Army has for precise billing for all equipment and services usage planning. This results in Australia relying with no room for negotiation, resulting in on a prediction of use and often having to generally higher prices than found with commensurate services available on the procure ‘excess’ ammunition in order to meet minimum order quantities. As artillery commercial market. In the case of artillery ammunition demand fluctuates depending on the ammunition, the demand from foreign nations tempo of operations, the US may withdraw that use US artillery systems helps to generate a Australia’s allocation at any time to meet their higher level of readiness of the manufacturing base and allows the US to mobilise quicker than operational requirements. This presents a strong if the facilities were allowed to reduce tempo or case for maintaining two separate lines of supply, including one which is not dependant on allowed to close. the military needs of the providing nation. A major benefit of FMS is that there is a degree of alignment with US systems allowing COMMERCIAL SUPPLY operational cooperation. The degree of similarity Commercial artillery ammunition procurement of systems is dependent on the relationship is the more flexible of the three. The majority of between governments, with Australia falling into the production risk is held by the manufacturer line with the majority of US fires systems. as they are required to seek out opportunities for sales to ensure their production capability is FMS is used by the US to further foreign sustained. As the ammunition is not often policy and maintain demand for military developed in conjunction with all artillery equipment. One of the key tenants of FMS system there is a degree of risk associated with is that the American taxpayer will bear no its integration. cost. With US artillery ammunition the integration A nation procuring artillery ammunition that work has been completed at point of was designed by a third party is required to procurement. The US will integrate the submit it to a level of scrutiny to establish that it ammunition with the digital fires system using is safe, fit for purpose and achieves stated US facilities and provide the digital component effects. Although this is often not as extensive as as part of routine upgrades. Often they will seek an indigenously manufactured round as many of co-development funding from other nations such the tests will have been completed by the as Australia, allowing us to provide input into supplier and the data will be available for the requirements. Co-development will also review. Further, the data from the certification provide visibility into the process and build our activities must be of sufficient quality and own expertise. Recently there has been quantity to meet the requirements for integration discussion of using Australian facilities to into the digital fires systems in use by a specific assemble US mortar rounds. This will provide nation. access to intellectual property which will aid in developing the knowledge required to improve

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This does not mean that the nation is entirely drivers are also a factor to be considered with alone in the process. Co-operation with other each government having its philosophies, nations that use similar ammunition can find policies and priorities. efficiencies and, on the political spectrum, improve military cooperation. On the other CLC AND APPROVALS hand, the supplier is under no obligation to restrict sales to nations with favourable political Once a strategic need is identified in the White relationships. This can place a government under Paper an operating concept is developed. From scrutiny once it is established that their supplier this user requirements can be established and is also selling arms to a potential threat. through analysis technical requirements are then developed. Through engineering analysis The final issue with commercial technical requirements become technical procurements revolves around intellectual specifications. These are promulgated to property (IP) … industry as part of a Request for Tender (RFT), which allows industry to benchmark their One of the larger benefits of commercial product and respond with facts. The RFT is procurements is that industry competition drives analysed and a supplier or suppliers are innovation and price. The ammunition provided subsequently. Technical specifications are again must remain at the forefront of technology and reviewed for currency and form the basis of a warfighting trends to remain competitive. It contract. When the contracted supplies are must also come at a price allowing it to be delivered the material is subjected to a series of integrated into an artillery system at an tests and evaluation to ensure the technical equivalent price as our current FMS rounds. specifications have been met. Integration and an This is often achieved through the sale of an operational test and evaluation process is AUR package. The provision of an AUR conducted to ensure the equipment requires no package reduces the complexity and cost to the further additions to meet the strategic need, buyer, but requires the supplier to source all before the capability is considered in-service. parts and complete AUR integration. The complexity of the process is dependent on The final issue with commercial procurements the number of systems and subsystems involved revolves around intellectual property (IP) and in the capability and all the systems the ITAR. Any system requires the trading of/access capability interfaces with. Figure 2 is a simple to information to allow integration. With context diagram for Future Artillery commercial suppliers the information may be Ammunition, demonstrating how the subsystems sensitive to competition and suppliers may not interact and how the system as a whole interacts be willing to share all the required information with the broader capability. Notable is that each to enable total integration. This will increase the overlap requires an assessment of the standards risk and cost to the buyer. Complexity is further used for design, the interaction, and tolerances added with US systems and the requirement for of materials and mechanical components, and IP clearance of all ITAR information prior to and ITAR considerations. transmission. This may include innocuous data or formats, but a breach of ITAR may result in, at its most severe, the US withdrawing the particular system from a nation. This can go as far as simple interactions between systems, such as connecting AFATDS to a weapon locating radar to see if it works. Prior engagement with the US is always required when working with US and commercial systems.

PROCUREMENT Although there have been changes in the capability life cycle (CLC) recently, the process for procuring any military equipment has not changed drastically. Each of these steps will FIGURE 2 – L17-1C2 Context Diagram have differing degrees of complexity depending on the capability being delivered. Political

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Each interaction requires the appropriate review, CA takes his proposal to VCDF as part of the planning, endorsement and approval at various IC. During IC, VCDF balances cost and funding levels. Significant liaison between stakeholders against the ADF’s strategic needs. Services may is required to ensure all acceptance criteria is need to debate trade-offs and it is these debates met and due diligence has been paid to critical which may prevent a proposal from advancing. interactions. A lack of attention to detail by a Once cleared by VCDF a proposal for reviewer can cause delays and increase costs as acquisition may either require to be accepted by the issues are rectified, and at worst, place the three ministers listed above, or presented to personal liability on an individual if a user is NSC for approval. injured or killed by a fault that was not detected due to a lack of reasonable diligence. There are three Ministers involved two minister approval; Minister for Defence (MINDEF), POLITICS Minister for Defence Industry (MINDI) and Minister for Finance (MINFIN). Each Minister All acquisitions must pass through Head Land has their own priorities and concerns. It is Capability (HLC) and then be reviewed by important to note that the Ministers are not Capability Managers Gate Review (CMGR), a usually Defence members and their context for tri-service two star panel, prior to presentation the proposal may be limited to the brief itself and sign off by Chief of Army. Vice Chief of and the earlier proposals that have been Defence Force will approve the proposal presented. We must present the proposal in through the Investment Committee (IC) and it is honest, simple language as to aid their approved by Government through either Two understanding and assist them in making the best Minister Approval or Cabinet Submission for decision for the taxpayer. approval by National Security Committee of Cabinet (NSC). This may mean that the scope of the project is larger than expected, the cost has HLC is required to balance all Land Capability increased through market forces, exchange needs against the strategic requirements defined rates have fluctuated or origin of purchase in the white paper, policy and regulation, and the has changed. Integrated Investment Plan (IIP), which defines how much money Government is spending on MINDEF’s primary concern is achieving the any given capability. This becomes increasingly strategic requirements of Defence. Their primary difficult when considering that funding is mechanism for guidance is the Defence White forecast many years before the final products are Paper and it is therefore important to ensure that identified to meet the initial requirements. This any capability proposal can be linked solidly may mean that the scope of the project is larger back to it. than expected, the cost has increased through market forces, exchange rates have fluctuated or MINDI’s primary concern is ensuring that origin of purchase has changed. This is not Australian defence industries are accommodated limited to the procurement of new acquisition. as much as reasonably possible. The portfolio is The cost model must also take into account the a fairly recent addition to Government with a sustainment of the capability over several primary focus on “jobs and growth” within the decades, and disposal at life of type. defence industry.

HLC takes the proposal to CMGR where it is Balancing available funding against industry reviewed and debated by a panel of two stars needs creates difficult decisions. The importance with input from key advisory groups. It is at this of creating and sustaining a defence industrial stage that the other services voice their base is discussed extensively in Krause’s “Arms agreement or disagreement with the project and and the State”, where it is noted on several announce what they intend to advise their occasions that a nation’s diplomatic and service chief prior to presentation to VCDF. Any economic power is heavily dependent on [it’s] major issues are raised and possible solutions ability to develop and manufacture military discussed. The responses are noted and actions equipment (Krause, 1992). Freedman’s study of are taken to rectify any shortfalls prior to review the UK’s military production capabilities at the by CA. height of the Cold War noted that “If the aim is simply to produce employment, then defence expenditure is less effective than other forms of public expenditure because it so capital-

20 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition intensive. However, the corollary of this is that to cutting edge ammunition, but being able to defence expenditure does result in more leverage off a strong commercial relationship to industrial investment.” (Freedman, 1978, p. 6). remain at the forefront of 155mm capability while building Australia’s industrial capability. MINDI’s portfolio is not one of appeasing multinational arms dealers, but one of increasing BIBLIOGRAPHY the strength of Australia with a very long road to fruition. MINDI’s attention to all proposals is Bailey, M. G. (2004). Field Artillery and extensive and FAA has demonstrated no Firepower. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. difference. British artillery bombardment before the MINFIN is responsible for Australia’s finances. infantry attack on the Somme. (2017). Retrieved Once MINDEF and MINDI have agreed to a proposal they must request funding from Oct 18, 2017, from The Long, Long Trail: The MINFIN. MINFIN’s office will investigate, in British Army in the Great War of 1914‐1918: detail, all elements of a proposal to ensure that http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles‐ the finances are accurate, affordable and achieve of‐the‐western‐front‐in‐france‐and‐ the stated outcomes. flanders/the‐battles‐of‐the‐somme‐ Introducing a new suite of ammunition into 1916/british‐artillery‐bombardment‐before‐the‐ service is a deceptively complex task. infantry‐attack‐on‐the‐somme/ If the proposal is large enough to warrant NSC Freedman, L. (1978). Arms Production in the scrutiny, the demands of other Ministers portfolios and their requirement to provide for United Kingdom: problems and prospects. their constituency comes into play. This Hertford: The Royal Institute of International provides complication through the need to Affairs. ensure that all interested parties remain informed. Joint Munitions Command. (2010). History of the Ammunition Industrial Base. JMC History Future Artillery Ammunition is currently under Office. AMSJM-HI review for Two Minister approval. The issues of the Mulwala and Benalla facilities has required Krause, K. (1992). Arms and the State: patterns significant discussion and briefings to ensure of military production and trade. Cambridge: MINDI understands the restrictions placed by the budget and timeframe to ensure the best Press Syndicate. value for money decision for Australia. Museum of Technology. (2007). Retrieved Oct CONCLUSION 18, 2017, from Military: Shells, grenades, weapons and militaria.: Introducing a new suite of ammunition into http://www.museumoftechnology.org.uk/objec service is a deceptively complex task. Although the manufacturing issues may not directly affect ts/military.php the buyer the approval criteria for Government must take them into account, and thus must be Palumbo, J. T. (1998). US Field Artillery After understood by the Capability Manager. With World War 1: Modernizing the Force While “off the shelf” products the procurement process Downsizing. Boca Raton: Florida Atlantic is simplified but in the case where the gun and University. round are not designed in synch there remains a significant body of work to ensure that the Wikipedia. (2017). Shell (projectile). Retrieved system remains safe and fit for purpose. Oct 19, 2017, from Wikipedia: The suite of Future Artillery Ammunition is in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_(projectile) the final stages of approval, and has just commenced the certification process. The planning has been extensive and although it is a large task, the risk is not considered to be high. We can look forward to not only having access

21 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition THE ADF WEAPON LOCATING RADAR CAPABILITY GAP

By Major Justin J McBurney, BC 110 AD Battery

Counter‐fire: fire intended to destroy or neutralize enemy weapons

United States Joint Publication 3‐09 Joint Fires Support

BACKGROUND THE THREAT For the past several years, the 16th Air Land As the ADF gradually concludes its commitment Regiment (16 ALR) has attempted to fill known in the fights against Daesh and the Taliban, the capability gaps within the Artillery trade. One of focus for training across all areas is returning to these gaps has been the lack of weapon locating conventional warfare. Training enemies used by radar (WLR) capability to support the counter- the ADF employ significant quantities and types fires fight since the removal from service of the of indirect fire systems, ranging from 60mm AN/TPQ 36 WLR. 16 ALR attempted to achieve mortars through to MLRS such as the BM-21 this through Counter-Rocket Artillery Mortar Grad. (C-RAM) systems that were rapidly acquired to provide early warning to deployed forces of sporadic mortar and low-level rocket attacks on Op SLIPPER. These systems were suitable for low-intensity conflicts such as the missions conducted by Australian forces in Uruzgan from 2010; however, they are less than suitable in high-intensity conflicts against conventional forces.

AIM This paper intends to prompt discussion within the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery A BM-21 on parade in St Petersburg. Source: Wikimedia regarding our capabilities perceived contribution Commons. to the counter-fires fight, noting the constraints of the equipment and primary role of 16 ALR. It The ranges and capabilities of these systems are will also provide potential solutions to support a vital in framing the counter-fires problem. The locating capability. maximum range used in training for the 60mm M-57 mortar is 2540m and it is typically 1 One of these gaps has been the lack of employed below Battalion level . Given the weapon locating radar (WLR) capability to range and TTPs of this threat, the utility of support the counter-fires fight since the current in-service sensors is less than ideal due removal from service of the AN/TPQ 36 to the limited quantities and networking ability WLR. of our equipment, which are preferably controlled at the Divisional level. Adversary SCOPE systems that are more appropriate uses of our assets would be those such as the more capable To facilitate the aim of this paper, several areas BM-21, which poses a significant threat to need to be considered. Firstly, the threat posed ground forces. Current systems employed in by enemy systems will be examined. Secondly, Russia range past 40km since recently being the current radar systems will be discussed with upgraded2, with a muzzle velocity of 690m/s3. particular focus on capabilities and limitations. This system is capable of expending up to 40 The planned future of 16 ALR will briefly be rockets within 20 seconds with the ability to considered before closing with thoughts immediately relocate, or to reload in location regarding a weapon locating solution. within eight to ten minutes.

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Army and Joint exercises reinforce the BM-21 or similar as the focus of the counter-fires battle. These systems far outrange the capability of our sensors and surface-to-surface fires, limiting our ability to strike these targets when detected. We therefore rely on Joint effects provided from other services to support the targeting of surface- to-surface threats when identified.

AN/TPQ 48 LCMR on operations with 16 ALR. Source: CURRENT RADAR SYSTEMS http://www.army.gov.au Current land force radars in the ADF inventory include both the AN/TPQ 49 Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar (LCMR) and the Giraffe – Agile Multi-Beam Radar (G-AMB). These radars were purchased in 2010 under rapid acquisition to provide a C-RAM effect for Australian forces in Uruzgan following the death of a soldier from indirect fires4. These radars were purchased in order to complete a specific task set, which 16 ALR successfully achieved Giraffe – Agile Multi Beam with deployed antenna. for a number of years. Since approximately Source: http://defense-studies.blogspot.com.au 2012, 16 ALR has attempted to fill the gap that During the acquisition of the LCMR the G-AMB was opened by the removal from service of the was also purchased to achieve a a mix of 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition sensors. The G-AMB was already in service Regiment’s AN/TPQ 36 WLR. However, neither with a number of nations around the globe, the LCMR nor the G-AMB are optimised to supporting the UKs Land Environment Air detect the broad threats that Army requests of Picture7 and as the Swedish Army’s air them, resulting in marginal weapon locating surveillance radar for the RBS23 Air Defence support being provided to the force. System8, demonstrating a range of 120km against certain air threats and of detecting RAM … the LCMRs ability to be a dedicated to a range of approximately 20km. This RAM weapon locating solution outside of detection ability is in line with most radars in the providing early warning during low- SAAB radar family, as indicated by Table 1. intensity conflict is questionable. Giraffe Giraffe Giraffe Giraffe The LCMR is a highly capable counter-mortar Arthur radar, with a planning range of approximately 1X AMB 4A 8A 10km5. In order to achieve the accuracy required Air to provide a locating effect, this range is reduced X X X to 4-6.5km for mortar type threats. This is highly surveillance dependent on projectile characteristics such as Ground Radar Cross Section (RCS) and round 6 based air X X X X trajectories . Experiences in Afghanistan with defence the slightly less capable AN/TPQ 48 variant of the LCMR demonstrated that the system is Weapon optimised against mortars but is far less capable X X locating against low-level rocket attacks. Given the extremely limited range and the marginal Sense and X X X X capacity to detect rockets, the LCMRs ability to warn be a dedicated weapon locating solution outside Table 1. SAAB radar family capabilities as indicated by the of providing early warning during low-intensity 9 conflict is questionable. manufacturer. It is worth noting that the manufacturer explicitly neglects to include weapon locating as a function of the G-AMB. The manufacturer does specify however, that the radar is capable

23 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition of predicting the point of impact in RAM10, software upgraded to provide air surveillance therefore achieving a sense and warn capability. and Counter - Unmanned Aerial System This has been demonstrated on a number of capability, which will provide shorter range occasions by 16 ALR, with continual efforts GBAD early warning to cover areas screened to being made to also correctly predict the RAM the G-AMB. point of origin. These upgrades significantly hinder the ability G-AMB is highly capable of providing early of the systems to continue to provide a pseudo- warning of threats to deployed forces during weapon locating capability. In order to provide low-intensity warfare, but it is not a WLR low-level sense and warn capabilities to the despite the best efforts to employ it as such. force, GBAD coverage must be sacrificed. The siting considerations of the radars to achieve To locate tracks, the G-AMB utilises a stack of o GBAD early warning and cueing differ from radar beams, each 2.1 giving a total surveillance those when sense and warn tasks are required. area elevation of 70o. While in RAM mode, this o While some coverage of both may be possible at elevation is reduced to 20 to ensure adequate times, both will be sacrificed to the point that power output to identify threats with a smaller neither will sufficiently provide the effect that RCS. The G-AMB requires three detections of commanders require. This is exacerbated when an object before classifying it and tracking o considering emissions control requirements. To outside of the initial 20 area. The small packets increase survivability, GBAD radars do not of observed airspace make it difficult for the radiate often and rely on being triggered by radar to detect objects such as 155mm artillery 11 12 higher assets through systems such as Link 16. shells moving at 320 m/s with an indicative This cueing of other assets is not feasible in the RCS of 0.001m sq13 in three-dimensional space. 14 WLR role outside of estimates of when an Larger objects such as Su-30 (RCS 20m sq ), adversary will unmask his fires. with a cruise speed approximately half that of a BM-21 rocket, or objects similar in size to a While this is transformational news for the 155mm shell such as UAVs which travel at Regiment, it is not the only significant slower speeds, are simpler for the radar to change that is occurring. classify and track due to the ability to achieve multiple detections within the observed airspace. Previous iterations of Ex HAMEL and Lessons learnt over the past several years have TALISMAN SABRE have seen triggers for proven that the G-AMB is highly capable of radiating in support of counter-fires to occur in providing early warning of threats to deployed anticipation of manoeuvre action, emissions forces during low-intensity warfare, but it is not which are regularly observed yet ignored by a WLR despite the best efforts to employ it as training enemies to allow friendly training such. outcomes to occur. Following an indirect fires event, the system is routinely requested to THE MODERNISATION OF IN- “conduct counter-fires” and identify a point of origin. In the event that munitions are still in the SERVICE RADARS air and the G-AMB is at the maximum range of In early 201715, Government announced that it a BM-21 threat, using the launch speed of the had made a decision regarding Land 19 Phase rocket as a planning figure (690m/s), the time of 7B, which seeks to replace or upgrade the flight from the launcher to maximum range of current in-service air defence system. While this the rocket (58 secs), the time from maximum is transformational news for the Regiment, it is detection by the G-AMB to impact (29 secs), the not the only significant change that is occurring. likelihood of success is not in our favour. It is At the time of writing 16 ALR was participating even less so when considering that the radar will in Exercise BOLD QUEST, a combined joint likely need to redeploy to a location suitable to activity involving the Regiment deploying its the task, GBAD coverage must be sacrificed and systems with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) the speed at which adversary mobile artillery Mode V for the first time. The upgrade to IFF systems can relocate. Mode V will see the current in-service GBAD radar removed and the G-AMB providing a WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? replacement cueing solution to RBS-70 weapon With the equipment being procured under Land detachments. Shortly after Ex BOLD QUEST, 19 Phase 7B, the sense and warn capability that the fleet of LCMRs held by 16 ALR will be has been built up for low-intensity conflicts will

24 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition be replaced with similar, yet more capable Aircraft such as the soon to be introduced MQ4- systems. They will not provide a WLR solution, C, albeit a predominantly maritime asset, or the but will be suitable for FOB based low-intensity MQ9 are able to support the targeting cycle and fights, allowing 16 ALR to focus on its core role enable counter-fires in ways that have not yet of air defence and force protection. This does been achieved. Although UAS add another not fill Army’s need for a dedicated WLR that is dimension to winning the counter-fires fight, it capable against threats that we may face on would be ignorant to believe that UAS are the operations against a near peer adversary. 1 Regt only solution to support counter-fires until a is currently undertaking trials with the LCMR to radar solution is sourced. determine whether or not they can provide an integral solution to gun Regiments. This is a CONCLUSION welcomed initiative in an attempt to solve a key missing component and to decentralise Army’s 16 ALR received a number of systems counter-fires system. purchased for a specific mission set. These systems were trialled over the past few years to Radars such as SAABs Artillery Hunting Radar for their ability to fill the clear WLR capability (ARTHUR) are specifically designed for the role gap. Our lessons learnt over this time have that the ADF requires. The Mod C variant is identified that this is not the case due to claimed to be capable of detecting rockets out to technical limitations, the expected TTPs in a 60km over a sector of 120o, with a set up time conventional battle and the atrophy of core air approximately one tenth that of the LCMR16 and defence skills. The major acquisition of a system an observable area of more than 2200km sq, far under Land 19 Phase 7B has forced a outperforming the LCMRs 360o coverage and revaluation of the units role in support to 132km sq observable area. A solution such as counter-fires, leading to the analysis that a return the ARTHUR exemplar will ease pressure from to the core business of air defence is essential within the Artillery community as it will enable whilst maintaining sense and warn capability for key areas of the counter-fires fight to occur low-intensity missions. 16 ALR provides a without the need to redirect training or assets sensor in the battlespace that can give from other specialised niche capabilities. commanders significant situational awareness, but is not able to provide a fit for purpose or effective weapon locating system.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

16 ALR. Radar Handbook. D15154157. 2017.

Biass, Eric H. "Mortar bombs: hail them or fry them?" Armada International. (Feb 2008), https://www.highbeam.com/

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General LWP-G 7-5-1 Musorian Armed Forces Danish ARTHUR Mobile Array. – Organisations and Equipment. 2008.

Source: Værnsfælles Forsvarskommando “CRAM sustainment funded.” Australian Until such a time that the ADF once again has a Defence Business Review, accessed 18 Oct, dedicated WLR to support counter-fires, we are 2017, http://adbr.com.au/cram-sustainment- restricted to non-radar solutions such a UAS. funded/ While Army’s UAV solution does not have the required combat radius required to detect the “$2 billion for NASAMS GBAD system.” potential threats discussed here, the ADF is Australian Defence Magazine, 10 Apr, 2017, becoming a significantly more Joint organisation accessed 16 Oct, 2017, than ever before. As interoperability between the http://www.australiandefence.com.au services continues to increase, the likelihood of RAAF assets supporting the detection of “UK MoD orders additional Giraffe AMB radar adversary surface-to-surface fires increases. systems from Saab.” Army Technology,

25 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition accessed 23 Oct, 2017, http://www.army- technology.com/news/newsuk-mod-orders- 1 LWP‐G 7‐5‐1 – Musorian Organisation and additional-giraffe-amb-radar-systems-from- Equipment 2 Splav, as cited in GICHD, 2016 saab-4656264 3 Karpenko, as cited in GICHD, 2016 4 “CRAM Sustainment Funded”, Australian Defence “Bamse Air Defence Missile System.” Army Business Review, last modified June 27, 2015, Technology, accessed 23 Oct, 2017, http://www.adbr.com.au http://www.army- 5 “AN/TPQ-49 Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar technology.com/projects/bamse/ (LCMR)”, Global Security, last modified 2017, https://www.globalsecurity.org/ 6 2 Brehm, M. “Unacceptable Risk: Use of A mortar round has a typical RCS of 0.01m and a explosive weapons in populated areas through high trajectory, while a 122mm rocket is more difficult to detect has a RCS of 0.009m2 and a flatter the lens of three cases before the ICTY.” PAX trajectory. “Radar Handbook”, 16 ALR, last modified (2014): 22-23. http://www.inew.org/ 02 Jun 17, D15154157 7 “UK MoD orders additional Giraffe AMB radar Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian systems from Saab”, Kable Intelligence Limited, last Demining (GICHD). “122 mm BM-21 Multi modified 2017, http://www.army‐technology.com/ 8 Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL)”. Kable Intelligence Limited, “Bamse Air Defence Characterisation of Explosive Weapons. (2016). Missile System, Sweden” 9 “Giraffe AMB Air Surveillance and Ground Based Air http://characterisationexplosiveweapons.org/ Defence”, SAAB AB, last modified 2017, [Accessed 17 Oct 2017]. http://www.saab.com 10 ibid “AN/TPQ-49 Lightweight Counter Mortar 11 Brehm, Maya. 2014. “Unacceptable Risk: Use of Radar Global Security.” Global Security, explosive weapons in populated areas through the accessed 30 Oct, 2017, lens of three cases before the ICTY”, PAX, 2014 12 https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ Biass, Eric H. 2008, “Mortar bombs: hail them or fry them?” Armada International, Feb 2008 ground/an-tpq-49.htm 13 “Radar Handbook”, op cit 14 Shukla, A. “India, Russia close to PACT on next United States Department of Defence. Joint generation fighter”. Business Standard, 21 Jan 13 Publication 3-09 Joint Fire Support. 2010. 15 “$2 billion for NASAMS GBAD system”, Australian Defence Magazine, 10 Apr 2017 “Arthur” SAAB Solutions, accessed 16 Oct, 16 “Arthur Weapon Locating System”, SAAB AB, op cit 2017, http://saab.com/land/istar/weapon- locating-system/arthur

“Giraffe AMB - Air Surveillance.” SAAB Solutions, accessed 16 Oct, 2017, http://saab.com/air/sensor-systems/ground- based-air-defence/giraffe-amb/

Shukla, Ajji. “India, Russia close to PACT on next generation fighter” Business Standard, 21 Jan, 2013, accessed 30 Oct, 2017, http://www.business-standard.com

“LCMR Counterfire Radars.” SRC Incorporated, accessed 16 Oct, 2017, https://www.srcinc.com/what-we-do/radar-and- sensors/lcmr-counterfire-radars.html

26 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition THE NEXT STEP IN THE DIGITAL EVOLUTION

By Captain Daniel Waugh

The Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery ease of use. These issues often lead Joint Fires (RAA) has been one of Army’s leading Team (JFT) observers to prefer voice procedures organisations in the digitization journey with the over digital means.3 LAND 17 project enabling our field regiments to conduct fully digital fires from sensor to shooter. SYSTEMS WITHIN SYSTEMS It is therefore felicitous to assess the restrictions of our current in-service equipment, systems and The Royal Australian Artillery utilizes AFATDS processes and look at what the next digital to de-conflict and coordinate fires; assign fire evolution for the RAA will require. This article units; and, compute firing solutions. AFATDS will attempt to outline some of the major friction transmits data via the Enhanced Position Location points in the digital thread and avenues that exist Reporting System (EPLARS) radio between C2 for potential exploitation. Complex nodes - at the Joint Fires and Effects Coordination communication networks, diverse digital Centre (JFECC) - as well as to the gunnery platforms and doctrinal dissonance are all realms Command Post for the calculation of firing data. that have potential for improvement. At present, AFATDS is only able to transmit Development in these areas will ensure that the limited information (in the form of fire support RAA maintains its lead in the digital sphere into coordination measures and basic messaging) to the future. the Army’s main C2 system, Battle Management System (BMS) Torch. Both AFATDS and BMS, Effective digital fires require a plethora of however, use the EPLARS network to transmit platforms, systems and processes operating in data. This can often result in slow transmission harmony to communicate target data quickly and times for digital fires with EPLARS having to effectively from sensor to shooter.1 The RAA has manage two systems simultaneously. procured numerous digital platforms to enable the digital thread. This is currently centered on the JFT observers use the Digital Terminal Control Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System System (DTCS) to input target data either (AFATDS), which acts as an aide to Command manually or electronically. It forms the beginning and Control (C2) as well as a gunnery computer. of the digital thread and acts as a central node for This system works in conjunction with several a variety of in-service sensors, being: other platforms that aim to synchronise multiple pieces of equipment as well as communicate with  OVER5i (video capture device from ISR Army’s other digital systems in a secure manner. assets)  Vector 21 (Laser range finder) Development in these areas will ensure that  TYR (Laser target designator) the RAA maintains its lead in the digital sphere into the future.  SOPHIE (Thermal Image Camera)  DAGR (Defence Advanced Military GPS The recent events in the Ukraine illustrated that Receiver), and the transfer of insecure information can be 4 catastrophic for a military. In one example, open-  Harris 152 and 117/G radios. source apps on android phones made it possible for Russian separatist forces to locate, target and DTCS primarily uses the Harris 117/G to transmit prosecute Ukrainian Army Artillery units, causing its digital target data to any AFATDS computer huge casualties to both personal and equipment.2 within range, which then relays the information Although the RAA possess the ability to have a throughout the network. This entire framework is secure and fully digital call for fire from sensor to shadowed by traditional voice procedures shooter, this system is currently disadvantaged maintained on regimental fires, tactical air control through a series of shortcomings relating to the and manoeuvre networks, which are all sustained use of multiple systems, duplication of effort and by separate radios. 27 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition

Needless to say, the communication network Areas for exploitation exist in the High Frequency outlined above is complicated. Each time digital (HF) band and satellite communications data is transmitted between platforms, or over a (SATCOM). Whilst HF bands are difficult to different system, it needs to be translated and detect and can transmit over far greater distances retransmitted. Both AFATDS and DTCS as stand- than VHF, they are not ideal for dismounted alone systems are able to integrate multiple elements who are constantly on the move. capabilities onto a single platform. However, their SATCOM, while also being able to achieve ability to work together and with other ADF beyond the horizon capabilities, is suitable for systems is often impeded by numerous digital moving elements, however, its transmissions nuances and exceptions to doctrinal processes. It create large electromagnetic signatures that can be is within the finer details that the problem moves easily detected. Additionally, emerging from being complicated to complex. technologies suggest that these electromagnetic signatures will likely be an increased vulnerability in the near future. SATCOM has further limitations with the number of frequencies available for use by the Army, restricting the number of networks and available bandwidth for these means.

In either case, using HF or SATCOM bands would be preferable to VHF as they are not only more suitable for digital transmissions but also offer Army a redundancy to its main C2 platform, BMS-Torch. With the increasing likelihood that the Electro Magnetic Spectrum will be contested in future conflicts, merely having alternate frequencies for EPLARS or VHF radios will not offer enough flexibility for Army. Having JFECCs operate AFATDS on a different band and Diagram explaining the complex nature of the RAA’s digital as well as through an alternate bearer would thread. This entire system is shadowed by a voice procedures provide a mirrored system that provides greater on multiple networks redundancy for headquarter elements. Further exploration of alternate means of communicating COMMUNICATIONS data should be investigated in an attempt to Maintaining any of these types of digital networks decrease our reliance on VHF as well as extend can be demanding for even the best trained units. ranges between sensors, relay nodes and fire units. These challenges stem from difficulties in network establishment, slow data rates and large TACTICAL DATA LINKS. reductions in range (when sending digital data Tactical data links are an overarching network compared to voice transmissions). Frequency that provides the ability for different users and hopping and encryption can compound the platforms to share a common tactical problem as it further reduces range in the Very 5 High Frequency (VHF) band. understanding. These networks allow information to be passed between sensors and C2 The Royal Australian Artillery’s long-standing systems increasing situational awareness and ultimately the ability to provide a real time effect relationship with VHF processes and equipment 6 has inculcated an unhealthy reliance onto a set on the ground. Multiple data formats are number of frequencies that are not necessarily currently used between the ADF’s digitally suitable for digital fires. VHF, while excellent for capable nodes. This has resulted in data having to 7 voice transmissions, is limited in its ability to pass be translated from one system to the next. At large amounts of data over worthwhile distances present, our C2 nodes at the Battle Group (BG) on digital networks. This currently restricts our and Brigade (BDE) JFECC act as the gateway for sensors to being in relatively close proximity to fusing multiple data sources between systems. mounted nodes so that they can relay This is far from ideal and results in a reliance on transmissions and extend the digital thread to fire strong communication links to these nodes. units.

28 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition

The Link series and Variable Message Format situational awareness of the observer and (VMF) are two of the most prolific Tactical Data increases the likelihood of error. Links used by Western Militaries.8 The Australian Army uses VMF as its primary Tactical Data Link Shortfalls in equipment integration, capability and to facilitate communication over its digital ease-of-use for the end user has contributed to network. Because many of the ADF’s Air and negative experiences in the RAA with regards to Maritime platforms use Link 16 as their primary our digital capability. Procuring future interfaces Tactical Data Link, the Royal Australia Artillery with an emphasis on simple and intuitive usability C2 systems - i.e. AFATDS and DTCS - rely on will increase efficiency and overall reliably within gateways to transfer information from VMF to the digital thread. Link 16. There are limitations in the use of gateways as information passage is often DOCTRINAL DISSONANCE WITH restricted in its speed and type of data that can be sent. There are also issues regarding the reliance THE DIGITAL THREAD on a stable communication networks that will One of the conceptual challenges faced by the allow information to flow back and forth through Royal Australian Artillery in the adoption of the gateways as quick as voice procedures. This digital thread was the use of a system that treats becomes most evident in situations where the allocation of fires in a different manner to our observers are reacting to the enemy rather than doctrine. AFATDS, being a US-based system, is where they are conducting deliberate actions. designed around a process where fires are requested and allocated as opposed to our The Royal Australian Artillery’s long- British-based doctrine where fires are ordered. standing relationship with VHF processes This conceptual variance ultimately polarises and equipment has inculcated an unhealthy processes between the JFT observer and the reliance onto a set number of frequencies calculation of target data into a firing solution by that are not necessarily suitable for digital AFATDS. The result is that observers may be fires. offered a different method of engagement than Broad use of Tactical Data Links are a relatively what they intended. This fundamental difference new way of communicating information between has proven to be the result on many hours of the ADF’s systems and platforms. The lack of delays. A decision point has now been reached as experience within the Army as a whole has to which path the Royal Australian Artillery will created a culture of caution with these systems.9 take with regards to the manner in which fires are This hesitancy has evolved to having our digital provided for our manoeuvre units. procedures being shadowed by analogue processes, resulting in slow transmissions and CONCLUSION preventing the digital system to reaching its full 10 Our current digital platforms work well as sub- capability. Confidence in fully digital processes systems in isolation, however, their performance as well as standardisation across the ADF to a as part of a larger process – that is, the support of common Tactical Data Link System will eliminate 11 manoeuvre elements – is often sub-optimal. our reliance on gateways and increase overall Standardisation in doctrinal concepts and a focus efficiency in the digital thread. on simplistic interfaces for future equipment will further increase confidence by the end-user. Our INTUITIVE SOFTWARE digital thread needs to be durable in both its The fires community has always been at the manner of transmitting data from sensor to mercy of communications, which typically work shooter, but also against itself being a target. The best in static positions. This is contrary to tactical exploration of alternate frequency bands and situations that often require sensors, shooters and means of communication offers opportunities that C2 assets to constantly move. Minimal “click-to- the RAA can exploit. effect” or “click-to-kill” software is a must for all With contemporary conflicts placing an increasing elements of the digital thread. It is easy to for an demand for precision fires and a greater necessity individual to be quickly overcome with the for integration with the other services, the RAA plethora of information from a massed digitised will likely require a more flexible, coherent and system. Having a complicated user interface that resilient digital network in the near future. is reliant on time consuming processes limits the

29 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition

Whilst this article has outlined several areas for improvement in the Royal Australian Artillery’s digital thread, it has not necessarily offered a firm guide for the way forward. Indeed, the complex Big Sky Publishing nature of digital systems and processes is such that simple solutions are quite unlikely. Nevertheless, identifying the limitations in our INCENTIVE PRIZES current platforms, systems and processes is the first step towards the next evolution. BIG SKY PUBLISHING PROVIDES THE HEAD OF REGIMENT & THE REGIMENTAL COMMITTEE INCENTIVE PRIZES TO ENCOURAGE 1 MAJ Mathew Neyland, ‘Improving communications INDIVIDUALS TO SUBMIT A CONTRIBUTION TO between digital fire systems’, Redleg, Vol 57, pp. 7 - THE LIAISON LETTER. THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 11 PRIZES ARE SELECTED BY THE EDITOR. 2 Crowd Strike, ‘Use of Fancy Bear Android malware in tracking of Ukrainian field artillery units’, March, I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE RECIPIENTS 2017, https://www.crowdstrike.com/wp- FOR THIS EDITION ARE CAPTAIN’S TONY content/brochures/FancyBearTracksUkrainianArtillery. MUMFORD FOR HIS PAPER ‘AMMUNITION pdf DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURING, SUPPLY & 3 MAJ Neyland, ‘Improving communications between PROCUREMENT’ AND DANIEL WAUGH FOR digital fire systems’, Redleg, pp. 7 - 11 HIS PAPER ‘THE NEXT STEP IN THE DIGITAL 4 Northrop Grumman, ‘Understanding Voice and Data EVOLUTION’. Link Networking: Northrop Grumman’s Guide to Secure Tactical Data Links’, December 2014, THEY WILL EACH RECEIVE A COPY OF [accessed 20 August 2017] https://www.northropgrumman.com/capabilities/Dat ‘ROUNDS COMPLETE AN ARTILLERY aLinkProcessingAndManagement/Documents/Underst FORWARD OBSERVER IN VIETNAM’ BY an An example of this may be seen in the current MAJOR GENERAL STEVE GOWER, AO, AO ‘VMF DACAS Threats’ as Rockwell Collins, (MIL) (RETD). FIREStorm DTCS User manual, 2013, page 211, paragraph 9.22. I LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING MORE ding_Voice+Data_Link_Networking.pdf QUALITY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ACROSS THE 5 Northrop Grumman, ‘Understanding Voice and Data ROYAL REGIMENT FOR FUTURE EDITIONS. Link Networking: Northrop Grumman’s Guide to Secure Tactical Data Links’, December 2014 I WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND 6 Rockwell Collins, FIREStorm DTCS User manual, THANK BIG SKY PUBLISHING FOR THEIR 2013, page 52 - 4 CONTINUING SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE 7 Rockwell Collins, Enhanced Decision Making for the READERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE INTERESTED IN Digital JTAC, 2016 [accessed 01 September 2017] AUSTRALIAN MILITARY HISTORY TO VISIT http://www.williamsfoundation.org.au/resources/Doc uments/WF0316Gibbs.pdf WWW.BIGSKYPUBLISHING.COM.AU OR THE 8http://www.northropgrumman.com/Capabilities/DataL MILITARY SECTION OF YOUR LOCAL inkProcessingAndManagement/Documents/Understand BOOKSHOP. ing_Voice+Data_Link_Networking.pdf 9 Rockwell Collins, FIREStorm DTCS User manual, 2013, page 55 10 An example of this may be seen in the current ‘VMF DACAS Threats’ as Rockwell Collins, FIREStorm DTCS User manual, 2013, page 211, paragraph 9.22. 11 Michael Clifford, Michael Ryan and Zoe Hawkins, ‘Special Report: Mission command and C3 modernisation in the Australian Army: Digitisation a critical enabler’, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, December 2015 [accessed 25 August 2017] https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/capability-systems- centre/sites/csc/files/pdf/Report-Mission-Command- and-C3-Modernisation-in-the-Australian-Army.pdf

30 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition PUTTING THE ESSENTIAL BACK INTO EFSTs

By Major Robert O’Donnell, Battery Commander, 104th Battery 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery

Essential Fire Support Task (EFST) is a term that that there is a discrepancy between Corps and is in widespread (mis)use throughout the Army. joint doctrine, the latter of which labels the “T” as Generally introduced to officers during their first “target”6). What is lacking however, is a appointment training and soldiers during quantifiable methodology for determining why the promotion courses, EFSTs quickly find EFST is essential to the manoeuvre plan. Artillery themselves incorporated into every COA of every planners will often generate an EFST for each TEWT as a means of demonstrating consideration Decisive Event, seemingly because there is an of the OS BOS and combined arms expectation to do so, despite the fact that the task synchronisation. Even amongst Gunners, EFST and purpose were not provided by the manoeuvre use and development tends to be misunderstood commander, nor is the EFST actually essential. and—combined with a lack of doctrinal Too many times I have seen generic tasks such as methodology—leads to the creation of EFSTs ‘attrit the enemy’ coupled with purposes such as which are not actually essential, or have to allow the unit to do something which is undeveloped quantifiable effects which basically just achieving their mission. This could subsequently impact resource planning and asset be alleviated by the adoption of TPRME—the R apportionment in execution. In the worst case, this standing for reason. The inclusion of a distinct results in a failure to achieve BOS orchestration, manoeuvre-provided reason within EFSTs would leading to a failure to achieve concentration of provide three clear benefits. force at the decisive moment, and subsequently casualties and mission failure. Firstly, it would enable the artillery planner to understand why the EFST is essential, and assist An EFST is defined as a tool that “describes an in determining what effect is actually required. In effect that the JFE BOS is to have upon the enemy the example given previously, there is a chance … [and that] … when synchronised with the that the manoeuvre commander legitimately needs manoeuvre plan, a failure to achieve an EFST joint fires to attrit the enemy. Too often however, may require the commander to alter the tactical or the analysis ends here. Inclusion of a reason operational plan”1. Joint doctrine publications would force both manoeuvre and fires staff to ask define EFSTs in an almost verbatim fashion2,3 as ‘why’. In this case, the reason may be because the does the (presumably source) United States manoeuvre force does not have a sufficient force doctrine4. ratio, which then enables an analytical determination of the effect required, and In and of itself, the doctrinal definitions are not subsequently the assets that should be requested. bad. The issue however, is the tendency to forget For example, a battle group commander intends to the second part of the definition—that part that use their tank squadron of 12 tanks to attack a makes them essential. Whilst this likely results force of six tanks, but has determined that a from incorrect widespread misuse of the term, it is minimum force ratio of 3:1 is required. The enabled by the use of the word “may” within the commander provides the BC with not just the task definition, which could be interpreted in terms of and purpose, but also the reason—in other words, ‘may or may not’. I argue that a more correct why the plan cannot be conducted without joint reading is as follows: fires. Now knowing exactly why he needs to incorporate fires, the BC can use this to determine ... when synchronised with the manoeuvre plan, a the minimum attrition effect that fires must failure to achieve an EFST will result in a decision achieve, and can subsequently ensure that the point, which may require the commander to alter appropriate strike asset and munition type and quantity are requested to achieve this. the tactical or operational plan. The construct of EFSTs (being task, purpose, Secondly, it would force artillery planners at all method and effect, or TPME5) are adequately levels to justify why the EFST is essential. This would increase the chances of asset described in doctrine (although it should be noted 31 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition apportionment to that callsign, as well as provide [q]uantifying the successful accomplishment of a higher degree of orchestration and the task ‐ provides a guide to determine when we synchronisation across the Bde’s multiple BOS are done with the task. One measure of effects is (particularly when attempting to pose multiple to determine if the purpose was met. If multiple dilemmas on the enemy). This is a crucial point. Within a Reinforced Combat Brigade we ask three delivery assets are involved, it helps clarify what medium batteries, a light battery, two mortar each must accomplish. Effects determination also platoons, an ARH squadron (noting rate of effort provide the basis for the assess function of and weather limitations) and any opportune targeting and contribute to the decision of RAAF/RAN support to perform a lot of whether to re‐attack the target.8 concurrent tasks: dynamic targeting of HPTs; close support to three or more battle groups; Whilst the nature of an effect is well described in counter-battery fires; and conduct of other BOS doctrine, the means of determining it is not. As functions (for example, incorporation into IDI, stated previously, effects are often simply ‘made such as control of gun movements to support up’: for example, a particular number of enemy deception)—as well as maintain their own vehicles to be destroyed. Another often-seen survivability. It is an accepted fact that there is arbitrary measurement is the retention of a set never enough fire support to meet all percentage of combat effectiveness, generally requirements; therefore, if we state that certain listed as a measure of effectiveness after attrition tasks are essential, it follows that assets must be strikes (as opposed to screening actions). The apportioned to them at the expense of other tasks. danger of effects such as these is that they either The inclusion of a reason would enable do not meaningfully assist the manoeuvre force subordinate artillery planners to provide context beyond raw attrition (which could arguably be to their higher JFECC, thus increasing the achieved more effectively elsewhere), or establish likelihood that the criticality of the task is measures of effectiveness that are outside the understood, and adding more weight to the ‘bid’ remit of OS or do not actually mean anything. for strike assets. It would also prevent scarce fires Essentially, what is lacking is a methodology for assets being wasted on non-essential tasks, at the determining useful, quantifiable effects. expense of something more important. Whilst a manoeuvre-provided reason would Thirdly, inclusion of a reason would provide greatly assist with the identification of the desired context for manoeuvre staff. Despite how we effect, analysis is still required to confirm the often do business, manoeuvre commanders and required effect. What the manoeuvre commander staff are essential components of fires planning initially thinks they need may be different to what and execution: they control and coordinate they actually need—and this is really no different JFECCs and JFTs; are responsible for ground to the normal refinement that occurs throughout clearance of fires within their boundaries; and the planning process. I propose the following their plans are the raison d'être for the fires in the process for determining useful effects, which will first instance. An arbitrary task and purpose may subsequently drive the method. make sense to them, but does not necessarily help them visualise and synchronise fires with the 1) Attritive versus non-attritive manoeuvre plan—it simply tells them what is The first thing the artillery planner should happening, and thus reinforces “stove piping” and consider is whether the effect is one of enemy alienation (noted phenomena borne of both 7 degradation (lethal) versus manoeuvre support culture and technology) . Not only would (non-lethal). Whilst lethal/non-lethal could be inclusion of a reason for a particular EFST used instead of attritive/non-attritive, the former provide them with context, but would assist with could cause confusion when lethal munitions are own force and enemy analysis and COA used for a non-lethal purpose (such as covering development, as well as enable them to more fire). Non-attritive effects are those effects whose effectively posture for execution of the EFST. end state is not specifically attrition of the enemy—although attrition may result from their Regardless of whether one supports the inclusion execution. of a reason or not, it is hard to argue with the need for more accurate effects requirements. In the 2) Quantify the effect context of EFSTs, an effect is a means of: The second step involves determination of the quantifiable element of the effect. Correct analysis

32 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition at this step will naturally lead to development of support a concept of operation”9 and thus EFSTs the method. The result should not be ‘plucked’ but should be engaged as a fire plan to ensure that rather based on sound analysis, which will allow strike assets are allocated, confirmed and ready, the planner to request the most appropriate asset, with any residual effort (excluding reserve) as well as facilitate the planning of manoeuvre applied to non-essential tasks or targets of commanders and assist them by depicting risk in opportunity. Regardless of confirmation via fire real-world terms. Identification of the effect will plan however, assets are never truly ‘locked in’: directly influence the task and purpose the higher headquarters always retains the right to components of the EFST. reassign their assets as they see fit—balancing support to manoeuvre versus targeting of HPTs. It Attritive effects should be based on the following: stands to reason therefore, that EFSTs must be included in a hierarchy of priority in order to  achievement of a specific force ratio: for provide surety for subordinate elements, as well example, destruction of two tanks to enable as to prevent the non-achievement of essential the tank squadron to achieve a 3:1 ratio prior tasks from unhinging multiple levels of to its attack. manoeuvre plans. It does not appear that this issue  targeting of a specific HPT: for example, is covered by any specific Australian or US neutralisation of the SA6 to provide freedom doctrine; if anything, US doctrine confuses the of operation for friendly aircraft. issue by stating that the task component of an EFST must be directed at an HPT10. The proposed Non-attritive effects should be based on the methodology discussed earlier however, clearly following: shows that both attritive and non-attritive effects can be directed at non-HPT entities. Logically  covering: for example, suppression of enemy therefore, EFSTs must be seen as separate to HPT platoon position to enable friendly company tasks, which themselves are distinct from other to close within 250m of the objective with not (non-essential) fire support tasks. less than a 2.5:1 force ratio (no more than 20 casualties). In lieu of doctrinal guidance on the matter, I recommend the following excerpt from the US  screening: for example, screening of friendly Virtual Combat Training Center, for a proposed movement between the bridge and the FUP ranking system for engagement prioritisation: for an expected duration of 10 minutes to prevent engagement by heat-seeking anti- Essential Fire Support Tasks (EFSTs) are the tasks armour weapons, enabling the friendly troop that must be accomplished, or the task force to commence the attack with 100% combat course of action will have to be altered during the effectiveness (note this example refines the threat, which will impact the munition used). fight (almost always disastrous). When one or more of these tasks is triggered, they supersede  blinding: for example, blinding the enemy all other fires. No matter what targets are being observation post for an expected duration of 10 minutes to prevent coordination of OS shoot [sic], they are canceled when it is time to during the advance, allowing the squadron to fire an EFST. maintain axis and formation in vicinity of the 240 feature. The high payoff target list (HPTL) is next in priority. If it is not time to fire an EFST, the next 3) Write the effect statement target in priority is an HPT. These are targets that The final step should be a concise statement, you have identified which, if destroyed, will make outlining what fires needs to achieve. Where it easier for your task force to accomplish its possible and applicable, this should be depicted in objective. They may or may not be HVTs (high two parts: an enemy (primary) effect and a value targets) to the enemy, things that, if friendly (secondary) effect. For example, SA6 destroyed, will cause him to alter his course of neutralised and ARH able to support attack. action.

The final part of this discussion lies with the Finally, if there are no EFSTs to be fired, and no employment of the concept of EFSTs within the HPTs have been spotted, fires go to the unit with broader targeting plan. “Conceptually, a fire plan priority of fire. That is, the unit with priority of fire is the logical sequence of executing EFSTs to can call targets of opportunity that he has 33 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition identified and wants to engage. These fires will 1 immediately stop, however, if an HPT is identified Land Warfare Procedures – Combat Arms (Offensive or an EFST is triggered.11 Support) 5‐3‐3 Joint Fires and Effects Planning, Execution and Targeting (Land) dated 28 Oct 10, p. 4‐ The take-away from this is that not only do our 10. Retrieved 28 Jul 17 from Doctrine Online. 2 EFSTs actually have to be essential, but they must Australian Defence Doctrine Publication 3.1 Joint Fire receive command endorsement, just as the HPTL Support dated 02 Nov 09, p. 3‐6. Retrieved 28 Jul 17 from Joint Doctrine Library. does. This is not a bad thing: a succinct EFST list 3 would allow the commander to ascertain the Australian Defence Force Publication 3.1.1 Joint Fire strength or fragility of their plan at multiple Support Procedures (Amendment List 1) dated 02 Nov levels, enabling more informed risk decisions. It 09, p. 1‐8. Retrieved 28 Jul 17 from Joint Doctrine also provides surety to subordinate commanders: Library. 4 Field Manual 3‐09.31 Tactics, Techniques and once endorsed, an EFST must be resourced and Procedures For Fire Support for the Combined Arms conducted—and if an EFST is not endorsed, the Commander dated 01 Oct 02. Retrieved 28 Jul 17 from commander has actively acknowledged an issue http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publications/MCR with a part of the plan, and the originator is made P%203‐ unequivocally aware that their COA will require 16C%20%20TTP%20for%20Fire%20Support%20for%2 modification. 0the%20Combined%20Arms%20Commander.pdf 5 Land Warfare Procedures – Combat Arms (Offensive In conclusion, whilst the concept of EFSTs Support) 5‐3‐3 Joint Fires and Effects Planning, remains valid, their utility is being limited by poor Execution and Targeting (Land) dated 28 Oct 10, p. 4‐ development and incorrect nesting within the 9. Retrieved 31 Jul 17 from Doctrine Online. targeting plan. Both of these areas can be 6 Australian Defence Doctrine Publication 3.1 Joint Fire addressed with methodical approaches and minor Support dated 02 Nov 09, p. 3‐6. Retrieved 31 Jul 17 modifications to doctrine. By concentrating on the from Joint Doctrine Library. reason for a fire support task, artillery planners 7 LTC Johnson, RC (2001). Fighting with fires: can draw out the required effect, determine the Decentralize control to increase responsiveness, p. 30. most suitable task and purpose, and subsequently School of Advanced Military Studies, United States identify the most suitable strike asset. Beyond the Army Command and General Staff College, Fort EFST itself, an agreement on a defined hierarchy Leavenworth. Retrieved 31 Jul 17 from of priorities would ensure that manoeuvre units http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a403795.pdf. are not denied essential fires, and can have 8 Field Manual 3‐09.31 Tactics, Techniques and confidence that the OS BOS will provide fires that Procedures For Fire Support for the Combined Arms are on time, on target, and do what needs to be Commander dated 01 Oct 02. Retrieved 31 Jul 17 from done. http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publications/MCR P%203‐ Author 16C%20%20TTP%20for%20Fire%20Support%20for%2 0the%20Combined%20Arms%20Commander.pdf MAJOR ROBERT O’DONNELL GRADUATED FROM 9 Field Manual 3‐09.31 Tactics, Techniques and THE ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE - DUNTROON IN Procedures For Fire Support for the Combined Arms 2007 AND WAS ALLOCATED TO THE ROYAL Commander dated 01 Oct 02. Retrieved 31 Jul 17 from REGIMENT OF AUSTRALIAN ARTILLERY. HE HAS http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publications/MCR BEEN POSTED TO THE 4TH FIELD REGIMENT, 1ST P%203‐ RECRUIT TRAINING BATTALION, AUSTRALIA’S 16C%20%20TTP%20for%20Fire%20Support%20for%2 FEDERATION GUARD, 4TH REGIMENT RAA, THE 0the%20Combined%20Arms%20Commander.pdf. 10 SCHOOL OF ARTILLERY AND THE 1ST REGIMENT Ibid. 11 RAA. MAJOR O’DONNELL DEPLOYED ON Virtual Combat Training Center (2009). OPERATION SLIPPER IN 2012–2013 WITH THE ‘Synchronizing Fire and Maneuver; Colorado Wadi: UNITED STATES ARMY’S 3RD INFANTRY Task Force Attack’. Retrieved 31 Jul 17 from DIVISION HEADQUARTERS. HE HOLDS A http://www.v‐ctc.com/v‐ctc/wadi_aar.htm. BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE FROM CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY AND A MASTER OF BUSINESS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES. MAJOR O’DONNELL HAS AUTHORED A PREVIOUS ARTICLE FOR THE RAA LIAISON LETTER, TITLED SHIFT FROM A KNOWN POINT: THE ARGUMENT FOR EVENT-BASED FIRE PLANNING.

34 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition Around the Regiment

16 ALR was heavily committed to the ADFs 16th Air Land major exercise, Talisman Sabre 2017, deploying the entire Regiment in the field providing both a Regiment ‘near peer’ adversary force element as well as an Air Land Battery force assigned to the ‘blue 16th Air Land Regiment (16 ALR) this year, like force’ providing both air defence and sense warn the years before it, focused on our preparedness capabilities to the supported force. Rounding out to pursue our missions. Preparedness is of the deployment, a Division Air Land Integration course based upon the fitness of our equipment, Cell was embedded into JTF Headquarters and soldiers and commanders. Large institutional Ground Liaison Detachments were embedded drivers such as Project Land 19 Phase 7-B into RAAF Task Units in Townsville, Amberley, suggest that Integrated Air and Missile Defence Williamtown and Glenbrook. Finally, the lies at the heart of what we do at 16 ALR, Regiment’s Headquarters established a Joint Air therefore, we must be prepared to shape the Land Integration Cell combining with the US operating environment, to shield friendly forces Army’s 5th Battlefield Coordination and when required destroy the enemy. All three Detachment and 94th Army Air and Missile are demanding to master and of course can only Defence Command at Joint Base Pearl Harbour be done in cooperation with our sister RAA and Hickam in Hawaii supporting the 4 Star units, arms and services. The skills and Combined Joint Headquarters. The field exercise knowledge forged from the Regiment’s primary component took place in Shoalwater Bay role result in added benefits to the Joint Force, Training Area, Queensland. particularly around air land integration, Back home in barracks, the Regiment has built a therefore, we continue to embrace these successful relationship with RAAF Intelligence contributions, but recognise they are a product personnel from 87 Squadron, with staff enabled from our primary role, which must providing an intelligence function to the always be guaranteed. Regiment three days a week to keep members of the Regiment informed on current events, Preparedness is of course based upon the developing capabilities and the operational fitness of our equipment, soldiers and environments strategy outlook. commanders. Throughout the year, 16 ALR has ramped up our commitment to maintaining and mastering our unique capability. The soldiers and leaders of the Regiment are continually training and developing themselves in order to ensure they are prepared for any task. This paid dividends when our men and women were directed to rapidly adapt to undertake a Counter- Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) task with a new capability being introduced into operational service. Additionally, our soldiers are regularly called upon to undertake tasks supporting the 16 ALR key leadership receive a current intelligence brief other services, groups and organisations such as from 87 Squadron staff CASG and DST Group, along with our industry partners. This of course is in addition to our Regimental sporting events are an important part regular commitments on major domestic and of Regimental life throughout the year, international exercises. providing healthy competition and building esprit de corps amongst the Battery’s. Sports

35 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition played have included basketball, touch football, capability is widespread and of continued netball, soccer and AFL, with each Battery importance. The articles that followed provide competing for the coveted title of ‘Champion short summaries of the 16 ALR sub-unit Battery’. The 56km Yurrebilla Trail Challenge, activities undertaken throughout the year. an endurance event aimed to build mental resilience and physical toughness, with 1st Air Ground Operations Battery individuals conducting either a run or walk of the undulating track that runs through the Some may ask what is the 1st Air Ground Adelaide Hills, was another key event on the Operations (AGO) Battery within 16 ALR? In calendar helping to ensure we remain fit to fight. short, it’s a Battery of discrete capabilities that came into being in part, due to the disestablishment of the 1st Ground Liaison Group and the subsequent broadening of then 16th Air Defence Regiment into the now 16th Air Land Regiment.

1 AGO Bty comprises Air Land Integration Troop responsible for providing integration effects at Brigade and Divisional level, Ground Liaison Troop with Ground Liaison Detachments 1-10 (Dets 1-3 comprising a Major and WO2 and Dets 4-10 comprising CAPT and SGT/WO2) posted to RAAF Bases Townsville, Members of 1 AGO Battery verse 110 Battery in the Amberley, Williamtown, Richmond, Edinburgh, Regimental Netball Competition in October 2017 an ARES capacity covering RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal and on the radar, a presence at 32 SQN RAAF Base East Sale. The third AGO Bty troop is Joint Terminal Attack Controller Troop based at RAAF Williamtown, NSW, responsible for maintaining and developing FORCOMD’s JTAC capability.

Air Land Integration Troop The Air Land Integration (ALI) Troop has had another successful year in 2017. The year began with the initial implementation of new Divisional Air Land Integration Cell (DALIC) Members of 111 Battery go up against CSS Battery in the Regimental AFL Competition in August, 2017 systems on exercise POLYGON WOOD. This capability flowed into exercise TALISMAN The future is transformational for the Regiment, SABRE 17, where the ALI Tp deployed at both with Land 19-7B the framework and means to the Div and Bde covering several functions. This enhance our air defence, sense warn, and air was a great learning opportunity which land integration capabilities. New capability will identified many areas in which we could grow present challenges, but more importantly our capability and our personnel. provide opportunities for us to develop into a credible and essential modern capability for the Some may ask what is the 1st Air Ground Joint Force. Operations (AGO) Battery within 16 ALR? 16 ALR personnel remain dispersed across different bases around Australia. Through the Post EX TS 17 ALI Tp was fortunate enough to provision of air land integration planning and participate in several working groups with both operations by 1st Air Ground Operations Battery Field Support Reps and the Land Network in Woodside, Williamtown, Sydney, Amberley, Integration Centre (LNIC) focusing on Townsville and Adelaide, as well as the 110th improving our use of current digital systems and Air Defence Battery and 111th Sense, Warn, preparing our Gunners for significant upgrades Locate Battery based in Woodside Barracks, our (of both software and hardware) which we

36 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition eagerly await in the coming months. In barracks ALR to prove we could exceed our directed the Troop has devoted time to developing the level of responsiveness when required. training continuum for incoming soldiers, improving equipment management practices and … he appeared on a live television debate dominating the Regimental Touch Football on the subject of Male Suicide. competition held in mid- October. All in all it has been a good and suitably challenging year, Two major foci for GL DET 4 this year have with 2018 already shaping up to lead us into new been Professional Development and Community and better things including participation in Ex Engagement. CAPT Carter and SGT Barnett Pitch Black 18. have completed both the Basic and Intermediate Air Power Courses along with a myriad of other academic studies along the way. Their Ground Liaison Troop commitment to increasing knowledge and (SERVICING RAAF AIR MOBILITY GROUP, AIR reputation has seen them lead the way in other COMBAT GROUP AND SURVEILLANCE & areas as well with requests from external units to RESPONSE GROUP) provide briefings on both Ground Liaison related subjects and Suicide Awareness. CAPT Air Mobility Group GL Detachments Carter is well known for his passionate work in the field of suicide prevention and it should be Throughout the year GL DET 1 working as the noted that less than a fortnight after his return conduit for Army within the Air Mobility from OP AUGURY he appeared on a live Coordination Centre (AMCC), have been television debate on the subject of Male Suicide. heavily tasked supporting requests for Service Air. Additionally, they have been at the forefront This continued commitment by GL DET 4 to go of planning for the IIS of Air Mobility Tasking above and beyond just the basics of Ground and Control System (AMTACS), which will see Liaison has seen them become an integral part of new request procedures rolled out across the not only 35 & 37 SQNs, but RAAF Base Services commencing Nov 17. GL DET 1 Richmond and the greater Sydney region as tasking is further supported at the RAAF task well. It has also seen both members formally Sqns with the GLOs from detachments at recognised for their work, SGT Barnett Richmond, Amberley and Townsville. A receiving a CO 37 SQN Award and CAPT snapshot of their work for the current year is Carter being presented with a RAAF Bronze captured below. Commendation.

GL DET 4 (35 & 37 SQNs RAAF Base GL DET 5 (38 SQN RAAF Base Townsville) Richmond) GL DET 5 has continued where it left off in GL DET 4 has had another busy year with a 2016, enhancing support to a wide range of focussing on continued superior liaison and Defence units across Australia and International relationship building, mutually beneficial Engagement activities abroad. Throughout the training, professional development, community year they have supported numerous high profile engagement and short notice tasking. activities which have enhanced the GLO’s Throughout the year GL DET 4 has participated integration, effectiveness and reputation in in several high profile tasks which has seen the having tasks supported by RAAF. Support reputation of GLOs grow considerably. With the tasking with SOCOMD units have grown with usual support being required for a number of Base Station Relay (BSR) and assisting in the SOCOMD and SQN Raise Train & Sustain development and introduction of the ISTAREW activities it should also be noted that this year capability. has seen an increase in activity from 35 SQN (C27 Spartan) as they move towards Full Major activities supported have included Operational Capability. Highlights for GL DET TALISMAN SABRE 17, TC DEBBIE ASSIST, 4 this year include, but are in no way limited to, PEGASUS RANGER, HELICON LUK, Exercise TALISMAN SABRE, MARS RAT, OLGETTA WARRIOR, and OP APEC PEGASUS ZEPHER and DIAMOND SHIELD. ASSIST. Support to TC DEBBIE was a notable Additionally, this year saw CAPT Carter deploy effort at short notice with 1 TOPO SQN on OP AUGURY to the Philippines with 48 developing product that enhanced and hours’ notice to move, and therefore allowed 16 effectively gave a multitude of supporting elements, including the COMD 3 BDE greater

37 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition oversight to direct assistance over a large area. spanning several activities. This ongoing OP APEC ASSIST has taken 18 months of involvement with SOCOMD has provided the ongoing work with 1 TOPO SQN to support the opportunity to refine procedures with individual PNG Government for APEC 2018. This has user units and has seen substantial development been achieved with support from 1 TOPO and and familiarisation projects completed RAAF achieving excellent results, which has particularly in the provision and rehearsal of resulted in enhanced bilateral working strategic communication systems. relationships with the PNG and Australian Governments. Looking forward, GL DET 6 will continue to support RAAF’s Plan JERICHO through the GL DET 5 has focussed on enhancing the provision of a high level of support to all user capability of RAAF support in North units and the maintenance of a strong project Queensland and the Northern Territory and focus in order to derive the maximum benefit ensuring the effective use of RAAF assets on from service air platforms for the benefit of both tasks. SGT Robertson has used his background RAAF and Army units. in Survey and Meteorology to work closely with 1 TOPO to ensure the best chance of success in Air Combat Group and Surveillance & large area collect missions across the continent. Response Group GL Detachments SGT Robertson has also used his UAS skills and The ACG GLO’s have participated in and knowledge to assist in the helping SOCOMD contributed to a number of activities and units in the implementation of Project 1037 exercises including Ex Havoc Strike (RAAF ISTAREW. MRE prior to deploying to the MER Air Task Group) and Ex Diamond Spear. ACG GLOs GL DET 6 (33 & 36 SQNs RAAF Base were kept busy during Ex Talisman Sabre Amberley) supporting the fighters out of RAAF Base 2017 has seen GL DET 6 broaden its scope to Amberley and Mackay Airport as well as the include a number of key deliverables aimed at AOC at RAAF Glenbrook. increasing the air portability and capability of Army units. This has been conducted in addition SRG GLOs continue to liaise and work in with to the sustained provision of integral liaison the various units to put into place the first steps support to enable greater Army access to towards inter-service air space management in strategic service air platforms. Inaugural flights line with the RAA’s Land 19 Ph 7B Short Range for both the M777 and Shadow UAV have been Ground Air Defence project. The IAMD enabled through the re-writing of air carriage (Integrated Air and Missile Defence) program publications and direct engagement with user will see Army establish new relationships with units. This has enabled 1 Regt and 20 STA to the RAAF and RAN IOT facilitate a coordinated gain access to more timely transport options and air battle management system. the capacity to deploy further afield. GL continues to support the Air Task Group ... ongoing involvement with SOCOMD (ATG) in the MER with GLO support to the has provided the opportunity to refine strike cell out of Al Dhafra Airbase (ADAB) in procedures … the UAE. The GLOs provide flight crews with the ground picture, points of interest and From an exercise perspective, GL DET 6 has potential targets throughout Iraq in the coalitions deployed elements on EX TALISMAN SABRE support to the ISF (Iraqi Security Forces) in their 17 and has provided support to almost every fight against Daesh. The ATG GLOs are doing major Army exercise during 2017. EX exceptional work and are highly regarded by TALISMAN SABRE provided the opportunity coalition partners across the region. to engage with our US counterparts at the 5th Battlefield Coordination Detachment and Joint Terminal Attack Controller Troop participate in professional discussions on the JTAC Troop at RAAF Base Williamtown has provision of strategic airlift effects to Army completed another busy year on a skeleton staff whilst conducting a multi-national exercise. with inputs into the DTCS Working Group, the JTAC TAGs, provision of JTAC support to 4 GL DET 6 has provided continued support to Regt during Ex BROLGA STRIKE and SOCOMD through the provision of numerous TALISMAN SABRE as well as instructing on air logistic support and airborne operations

38 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition two JTAC Ab-Initio courses and two Ex WESSEX STROM, a BG level certification NIGRUM PUGIOs (the FORCOMD JTAC exercise for 3 Commando Brigade where he currency activity conducted in Townsville with integrated with BDE HQ as a BDE JTAC and US Navy squadron VFA-27 the “Royal Maces” was able to coordinate UK aircraft from a travelling from Japan to support the first activity forward position. It wasn’t all work however, and RAAF’s 3 SQN (Classic Hornet) supporting CAPT Phasey enjoyed the social aspect of the the latter activity. Both squadrons were UK culture attending balls and social events exceptionally professional in their provision of including the annual Army vs Navy Rugby Close Air Support to FORCOMD’s JTACs. match at Twickenham stadium. JTAC Troop also found the time to visit 1, 4 and 8/12 Regiments to screen potential candidates CPL Stewart’s exchange, being able to for future JTAC courses. see the way Australians incorporate offensive support across the battlespace. The year started with the biannual JTAC CPL Stewart on the other hand, during his brief screening events conducted across the country to stay in Australia was fortunate enough to identify those members with the attributes and participate on Ex BROLGA STRIKE with 4 ability to become a JTAC. This saw many junior REGT RAA, alongside JTAC Troop’s SGT artillery observers test their skills at calling in Chris Pacey and SGT Corey Freckleton. The aircraft under varying stresses while being three members of the Troop provided support to supervised by JTAC Troop members. As a result 4 Regt RAA from calling in direct and indirect of the screening, three JFO’s were panelled and fire to coordinating CASEVACS and Close Air passed their subsequent JTAC course at the Support. Ex BROLGA STRIKE was a highlight beginning of the year. of CPL Stewart’s exchange, being able to see the way Australians incorporate offensive support After JTAC course JTAC troop rolled straight across the battlespace. CPL Stewart stated ‘the into Ex NIGRUM PUGIO 17-1, the FORCOMD lessons I’ve learnt whilst on Ex LONGLOOK biannual JTAC currency and proficiency event. will change the way I operate when I get back USN VFA-27 (Super Hornet) flew in support of home to the UK’. CPL Stewart also immersed in FORCOMDs JTACs. The activity provided a the Aussie culture visiting many of Australia’s great opportunity to liaise and integrate with our finest beaches, attractions and even an AFL US partners and offered a fantastic opportunity match. to provide realistic training and learn from other nations’ operational experiences. 1 AGO Bty has experienced a diverse year with tempo not slowing since January. We’ve achieved some rewarding technological milestones, ran into a few technological roadblocks, continued to cement Army’s relationships with the RAAF and the US Army’s 5th Battlefield Coordination Detachment in Hawaii and continued to integrate land and air effects. Another Ex NIGRUM PUGIO occurred in late October just prior to the majority of the Troop posting WEF Dec 17

JTAC Troop members conducting Exercise Nigrum Pugio 110th Air Defence Battery - The Black Cats 2017 2017 has been a rewarding year for 110 Battery. OC JTAC Tp, CAPT Cameron Phasey, headed As Army’s stewards and only operators of the off on Ex LONGLOOK in April, on exchange Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD) capability, with 29 Commando Regiment RA, and in return there have been numerous opportunities to JTAC Tp hosted CPL Ben Stewart. While on Ex support the Joint Force in warfighting exercises LONGLOOK CAPT Phasey travelled to and importantly, support to ADF operations numerous Artillery Regiments including the overseas. School of Artillery, 19 Regiment RA and the 110 Battery has focused on foundation Air Honorary Artillery Company, the oldest Army Defence Tactics, techniques and procedures to unit in the UK. CAPT Phasey Deployed on Ex

39 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition maintain an operationally ready focus. The The Battery will continue to support operations culmination of multiple Battery level exercises in the short term as it contributes to Army’s focussing on combating near peer air threats, led deployed C-UAS capability in the Middle East. to the successful completion of Exercise Sixth Sense, at Cultana. Exercise Remagen Bridge, the Despite all of the achievements of 2017, the battery’s live fire activity was also highly Battery still has much to do to remain fit to fight successful and saw the demonstration of high and maintain the ADFs only Ground Based Air levels of JNCO and soldier technical and tactical Defence capability. The Battery as always will skills. 110 Battery was then ready to support 3 remain engaged with CASG and DST Group to Brigade in Exercise Talisman Sabre 17. 110 ensure that our current capability is best Battery successfully defended key Brigade prepared to take on the challenges and threats of nodes. This exercise also enabled the the present until such time that we transition to implementation of a new battery command post the new capability being introduced via Land construct that will aid in the introduction into 129-7B. service of the capability being procured via Land 19–7B in the future. 111th Sense, Warn, Locate Battery - The White Rats The Battery has also had some outstanding individual performances over 2017 has been a rewarding year for 111 Battery. the year, … As Army’s stewards of the Counter Rocket Artillery Mortar and Air Surveillance Despite the conclusion of the year’s road to capabilities, there have been numerous Talisman Sabre series of exercises the tempo has opportunities to support the Joint Force with continued for 110 Battery. The Battery was participation in exercises, and more importantly, tasked to support new equipment testing in the through the provision of support to ADF United States, deploying members to Exercise operations. Bold Quest 17. The testing of new Identify Friend or Foe equipment is critical for the … the Battery still has much to do to Battery’s continued modernisation and remain fit to fight … preparedness to fight in any contested environment. 111 Battery this year focused on becoming masters of its Air Surveillance and sense and The Battery has also had some outstanding warn capabilities by constantly training and individual performances over the year, most against a number of contingencies. Battery level notably BDR Walker who was awarded a exercises aimed at honing Detachment and Soldier’s Medallion for his exemplary Troop technical and tactical skills culminated in performance as the radar detachment Exercise Valiant Detector supported very ably commander. BDR Walker’s efforts promoting by 6/13 Light Battery’s mortars. Additionally confidence in the battery’s equipment and was 111 Battery enabled 1st Brigade as the near-peer instrumental in the conduct of live fire activities air defence adversary throughout Exercise based at Woomera. Talisman Sabre 17. This provided an excellent opportunity to dynamically train Air Defence procedures and principles with the use of simulated weapons and capabilities including some large blow up decoys masquerading as SA-11 SAM launchers.

110th Battery gunners at Woomera during the Live Fire 111th Battery on Exercise VALIANT DETECTOR at the Exercise in 2017 Cultana Training Area in 2017

40 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition

As the year progressed, the tempo for 111 year with Adventure Training on the Murray Battery continued to increase. Like 110 Battery, River. 111 Battery also made the most of an international engagement opportunity by Despite 2017 rapidly coming to a close, the deploying members in support of Exercise Bold Battery still maintains a substantial commitment Quest to the United States. This positive to the future development of Air Defence tactics, cooperation will aid the establishment of future doctrine and capabilities. Throughout the year, relationships as Army moves to modernise its the Battery supported a number of capability Air Defence capabilities as part of LAND 19- trials with DST Group and CASG to ensure that 7B. our capability remains robust and relevant as threats develop. The Battery will aim to carry … the Battery still maintains a this momentum into 2018 as new challenges and substantial commitment to the future opportunities will invariably arise. development of Air Defence tactics, Summary doctrine and capabilities. There is much to look forward to in 16 ALR. The Battery has been the beneficiary of some The Regiment’s commitments in 2018 will see a outstanding individual efforts, most notably large deployment on Exercise Pitch Black with BDR Pates who was awarded a Soldier’s the RAAF in the mid- year, multiple Battery Medallion for his exemplary performance as a level training exercises, as well as the continued detachment commander and Battery member. operational generation of our follow on C-UAS This has given the Battery great confidence as it contingents. Whilst there will be a changing of develops the next generation of JNCOs to take some of the guard at the end of the year, Australia’s air defence capability into the future. including the departure of our Regimental Sergeant Major, WO1 Jason Jarvis, the The Battery actively contributed to current Regiment will continue to focus on stewarding operations by deploying SGT Christopher the air defence capability and remaining experts Brown to Saini in support of OP MAZURKA at air land integration. and deployed CAPT Brett Watson to Iraq in support of OP OKRA. The Battery will further increase its support to operations in the near future as it maintains a commitment to Army’s deployed Counter-UAS capability in the Middle East. 20 STA Regiment

Progressing the ADFs ability to generate Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System effects into the future Provided by Major Brendon Gledhill Operations Officer

In 2017, 20 STA Regt has experienced a shift in focus from TUAS flying skills and Flight Management System development to one of capability progression. The maturing of the Captain Brett Watson (rear rank, second from left) on organisation over the last seven years has OP OKRA created a solid foundation for the sharp minds of the soldiers and officers of the Regiment. Thus, The Battery always fielded teams in the ensuring the Shadow 200 method of operation Regimental sporting competitions throughout and its supporting C2 are refined to provide the year, and managed to pull out a win in the flexible and effective ISR collection support at Regimental Basketball tournament. The Battery all levels within Army and the Joint environment is well placed to compete strongly in the all across the full spectrum of operations. corps soldier skills ‘Hayden Shield’ competition in early November and plans to finish off the The Regimental Plan 2016-18 sought to take the Regiment on its next evolution of continuous

41 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition improvement through four Lines of Effort drones being free to try out. Join up if you dare! (LOE). It forged a path of pioneering Shadow From January 2017 a total of over 40 separate 200 capability expansion and consolidation recruitment or educational events were through live and simulation based training, participated in by members of the Unit. strong risk management and short learning loops between sub-units. The plan sought to maintain Within a highly technical trade such as UAS fighting capacity whilst strengthening the operations the retention of corporate knowledge recruitment, deployability, training, category and skill sets with the Regiment is critical. The progression and character development models. implementation of SERCAT 3 DA-26 has With this guidance the Regiment saw an allowed a number of Textron Flying Instructors unprecedented number of capability to conduct additional training after hours for enhancements and milestones achieved in 2017 members within the Unit. This initiative has which has ensured 20 STA Regt remains poised been critical in the maintenance and progression and able to support the ADF with a modern and of individual currency and categorisation. flexible TUAS effect. LOE 2: 'Our future': Embrace technology, change and opportunity. The Regiment has achieved extraordinary results within this LOE in 2017. TUAS Batteries now have the ability to conduct Step-Up operations as standard practices to both formed and austere airfields. This provides the capability flexibility in deployment methods and allows the Battery to conduct tactical ground manoeuvre whilst maintaining ISR support.

In addition, the Regiment has successfully conducted OT&E for the Shadow 200 Laser LOE 1: 'Our people': Find them, grow them Target Designator. Shadow 200 Operators and and look after them. ARH (Tiger) pilots from the 1 Avn Regt Throughout the year, 20 STA Regt has been conducted Manned Unmanned - Teaming very active in promoting the benefits of joining (MUM-T) and successfully engaged three the Army and the RAA. The Regiment has had ground targets (1m x 1m) with 100% accuracy at display stands at Avalon Air Show, Brisbane Air a range of over 5km with Hellfire missiles. The Show, ADFA and 7 Bde Open Days where we achievement was amplified due to the Tiger, have educated potential candidates that the way relying entirely on the Shadow 200, to observe forward is to be a UAS operator in the RAA. the target, for identification and terminal Support has also been provided to Defence guidance. This event demonstrated the Force Recruiting to ensure all recruiters have up interoperability of MUM-T and the provision of to date and accurate information on the trade. greater survivability to manned platforms. This education was enhanced through support to a number of visits to the Regiment by indigenous and female groups.

The work has not stopped there, as we have supported 7 Bde Defence Work Experience Program with monthly visits to the Regiment from high school students and roadshows on Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems to local schools. The Drone Racing Championships that were held on the Gold Coast were also supported with a Shadow 200 display and an Air Vehicle Transporter was even used as an obstacle in the circuit (video on YouTube)! For general awareness the Army is creating its own During the same exercise the opportunity was Drone Racing Team with any ADF member who taken to conduct artillery adjustment utilising is interested and capable of the rapid flying of

42 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition the M777 from 102 Coral Battery. Shadow again Developments in the proliferation of Small and successfully adjustment artillery fire requiring Nano UAS across Army this year resulted in the just one adjustment to achieve target rounds. Regiment diversifying and becoming the Army This demonstrated the accuracy of the system subject matter experts in all things UAS. The and the flexibility of airborne observers. These Regiment has undertaken a number of education two engagement methods have highlighted the days to all Brigades providing advice on how to effectiveness and flexibility of TUAS as a procure and safely operate Commercial off the reliable targeting platform. Shelf (COTS) UAS including Phantom, Mavic and Solo. The Regiment has also gained a has created a solid foundation for the number of Military off the Shelf (MOTS) In sharp minds of the soldiers and officers Service assets including Wasp and Black of the Regiment. Hornet. This has allowed the wider Regiment to be trained and better understand the utility of 20 STA Regt also proved the C-17 strategic these systems to provide advice to other airlift for a TUAS Battery in its current organisations on their utilisation. If any member configuration. This allows the TUAS to of the RAA requires advice or is interested in strategically deploy at short notice with integral this for their concept of operations please mobility. contact the author of this article.

LOE 3: ‘Our character’: Be better humans. The Regiments character development program kicked off at the start of 2017 with the conduct of a Character Leadership Course in Canungra. Members of the Regiment participated in a number of teamwork activities which allowed all ranks the opportunity to test themselves on decision-making and task planning. The culminating activity was completion of the Obstacle Course and a 10 metre confidence jump into water. Our members also participated in the Strength Development Inventory (SDI) which is a practical tool used to identify the motivation behind behaviour (why individuals act the way they do). Outcomes achieved were a better understanding of individual strengths and the diversity of team motivation. Other character development activities included an arduous three hour activity based on US Navy SEAL physical training at the Sandgate mud flats. Clearly evident throughout was the teamwork and maximum effort from all participants in the exercise. Exercise Talisman Sabre 2017 was the first opportunity to test the above concepts in a LOE 4: ‘Our message’: Be proud, be humble, tactical environment. The Battery integrated into be informed. the joint coalition complex environment with the Launch and Recovery site based from The Regiment has embraced social media as a Williamson Airfield. The Battery conducted platform to inform both current and ex-serving TUAS operations from a shared manned and members and their families of the achievements unmanned runway, conducting all deconfliction and progress and status of the Unit. This has through RAAF Air Traffic Control. TUAS assisted in maintaining the ‘Regimental family’ operators and Mission Commanders were noted, for members who have decided to seek other by ATC, for their professionalism and safe employment thus keeping all members abreast operations throughout the exercise. This is the of the Units activities and maintaining interest if Regiment’s first step on the road to conducting they decide to return to Army. safe TUAS operations within civilian airspace.

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Outcomes achieved were a better understanding of individual strengths and Joint Proof and the diversity of team motivation. Experimental Unit The Regiment has also been highly successful in honours and awards. Three Conspicuous Service Major Nicholas Ullin Medals have been awarded to our Warrant Officer Commanding Proof & Officers since the beginning of 2016 and there Experimental Establishment - Port Wakefield have been multiple soldier medallions awarded as well commendations. Of particular note was the awarding of the 2017 RAA Bombardier of Buried deep in the ADO ORBAT is Joint Proof the Year to BDR Aaron Bamford, an exemplar & Experimental Unit (JPEU), and its two Proof of the talent which exists within 20 STA Regt, Ranges, Proof & Experimental Establishments especially amongst our junior leaders. (P&EE) Graytown and Port Wakefield. As is the case with Regimental tradition, the subunits have tended to be the enduring organisation rather than their higher level formations. Indeed, P&EE-Port Wakefield began on 5 Dec 1929 as a result of Commonwealth concerns that it should support a native industrial base that was capable of manufacturing ammunition should another major war eventuate. For many years both Proof Ranges operated under direct control of Army Headquarters until being established as a unit in the early 2000s, but with its core mission unchanged – to provide ammunition assurance. “Seek to Strike” … the purpose is to ensure that the 20 STA Regiment will be looking to embed the ammunition is fit-for-purpose and safe to progress achieved throughout 2017 and expand use. capability further in the amphibious and civilian This article is written to inform of general RAA airspace environments. The officers and soldiers reader of the work carried out at JPEU, with a of the Unit are well positioned and looking particular focus on P&EE-Port Wakefield. It is forward to the challenges and opportunities a not a technical or professionally-focussed article replacement system will bring in the next from which inferences should be drawn other decade. than an up-to-date overview of its capabilities.

What is Proof & Experimental? The Commonwealth tradition in modern

proofing was created in what became the Woolwich Arsenal, and was primarily focussed upon testing newly manufactured ordnance for performance and safety by over-pressuring the chamber. Australia has not needed this facility since WWII and thus the primary need for proof has been for ammunition. Again, the purpose is to ensure that the ammunition is fit-for-purpose and safe to use. The testing will be performed upon initial manufacture, such as the lot acceptance testing completed by P&EE- Graytown for small-arms ammunition. It is also completed at periodic intervals after the ammunition is warehoused in order to monitor its decline in performance as the propellant ages. This is known as “in-service surveillance” and forms a regular part of JPEU trials.

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The Experimental side relates to test items for planning in order to detail the set-up, test which greater understanding is required. This method, data collection and reporting may be characterised as primarily developmental requirements. test & evaluation undertaken to investigate particular concepts, phenomena or materials in It is normal for trials to be scheduled up to 12 support of the design of a new system. It months in advance, although operationally includes support to accident investigations urgent tasks will be accommodated within a few through the replication of equipment and days should this be necessary. Such trials are conditions so that any materiel failures may be directed by the Service headquarters given their identified, or indeed procedural errors. importance.

Organisation The Data JPEU is part of Explosive Ordnance Branch, JPEU exists, quite simply, to produce test data. Joint Logistics Command, Joint Capabilities This is its primary output and it goes to great Group. As of mid-2017 it moved from Vice lengths to ensure that it is accurate and unbiased. Chief of Defence Force Group but continues to While JPEU has test & evaluation subject matter reside in the joint service world. Of the twelve- experts whom have the capacity to pass odd test agencies in Defence it is one of two that judgement on the relevance of results for its is not located with its Capability Manager customers, it rarely does so. This is the domain (namely CN, CA and CAF). This has not always of the customer whom will determine for been the case as prior to 2001 its work was themselves as to the significance of the directed through AHQ. Regardless of its higher information obtained through a trial. This is organisation it has historically maintained quite deliberate, for two reasons: the customer considerable independence in effecting its will likely have better placed experts to analyse ammunition assurance function. The the information, and, JPEU maintains its relative disadvantage of this arrangement, however, is independence through taking no position as to that the unit has struggled in recent years for data interpretation – it remains an unbiased adequate profile within Defence, and collector of evidence. consequently its ability to secure sufficient resourcing. Impending changes will go some Structure of Range Operations way towards addressing this. P&EE Port Wakefield classifies its work into Static, Dynamic and Environmental test & The Customers evaluation. This covers the range of kinetic and The unit’s ‘customers’ are typically Explosive non-destructive testing that it is most likely Materiels Branch, Defence Science & requested to perform. Technology Group, Thales, Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC), multiple Static Trials. This category comprises the static programs (such as Air Warfare Destroyer and initiation of explosives (i.e. causing the LAND17), and other government agencies. ammunition to function without putting it Trials for other countries have been performed through a weapon and firing it). This might be to in the past, but is less common nowadays due to experiment with a new formulation of explosive an ample workload being requested through the compound, to observe armour penetration, ADF. Commercial work is rarely conducted due understand force protection measures, for to concerns about competing with private sector instance. Work in recent years conducted at test agencies, amongst other issues. P&EE-Graytown observed the effect of protection upgrades to the Protected Mobility … independence in effecting its Vehicle. DSTG will often conduct research into ammunition assurance function. energetic effects of high explosive and casings. Material strength trials will understand the When a customer wishes to request a trial they effects of blasts onto steel plate. Ammunition approach the JPEU Operations Manager to Technicians will be exposed to experimental outline their needs. This will be followed up designs and non-in-service munitions on a with a customer task plan that states their regular basis, including the occasional mystery requirements and enables an appropriate object from up to 90 years ago that washes up on scheduling period to be allocated. Trials the sand flats and has lost all identifying planning staff will then commence their own features.

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Dynamic Trials. Dynamic trials increase the This facility regularly tests ASC components for scope of testing to include firing ammunition installation on submarines using its pressure through the weapon system, in a controlled vessel that can simulate their operation at depth. environment. This category covers the The pendulum test rig will subject server mounts projectile-based trials which require a significant in destroyers to high G shock to simulate a proportion of the Establishment’s resources to missile or torpedo strike. Vibration tables can conduct. It includes 76mm and 5/54 gun for the simulate carriage of a test item in a truck, rotary Navy, as well as the M777A2 for Army. or fixed-wing aircraft or other vehicle. Indeed Calibres of 40mm and below are generally tested the Establishment recently simulated a satellite at P&EE-Graytown, although the LAND40-2 payload being launched from Earth up to its automatic grenade launcher project conducted 5 terminal orbit. Explosive ordnance will be weeks of testing at Port Wakefield in 2016. subjected to diurnal cycling to prematurely age Naval proximity fuzes (minus main charge) are the explosive content, and then be investigated tested against a suspended target between the with x-rays to look for voids, cracks and Variable Time Towers in order to observe their delamination that represent a danger. The performance. The Australian Munitions capabilities of the Environmental Test Facility manufactured propellant for 5/54 ammunition not widely known, but it particularly important are routinely tested to ensure consistency part of Defence’s industrial support base. between lots. Importantly, the Establishment also is in the midst of LAND17 Future Artillery … in the midst of LAND17 Future Ammunition (FAA) trials in order to provide Artillery Ammunition (FAA) trials in data that will enable the building of prediction order to provide data that will enable the models in AFATDS. building of prediction models in AFATDS.

Staff and skills Current manning is an even mix of military and APS. The military will typically post into roles which require operation of in-service equipment such as the M777. They will also learn to operate a number of bespoke equipments such as the Oto Melara 76mm gun, which is mounted to a M1 Howitzer Carriage, or the 5/54 Mobile Proof Gun Mount – a WWII era naval gun Figure 1 - Variable Time Towers for testing of proximity bolted to a commercial low-loader. Training to fuzes. The suspended metal ball will trigger fuze operation operate forklifts, telehandlers, cranes and other as the projectile passes close by. plant is often given to military staff. Environmental Trials. Environmental trials subject ammunition and weapon components to mechanical or climatic stresses to determine how it would perform in the field. The Environmental Test Facility was absorbed into JPEU from DSTG in 2002. This organisation is divides its capability into three core disciplines: vibration/mechanical testing, climatic testing, and radiography (i.e. x-ray). While these are conventional industrial capabilities, the incorporation of explosive ordnance as the test item makes this a little more specialised. It should be noted that while static and dynamic Figure 2 - 76mm Oto Melara on M1 carriage testing are primarily destructive, environmental testing is non-destructive due to the object being The APS are the core of the organisation’s to observe the test item under various capability. They are critical in fostering skills environmental stresses. Staff are all APS due to and knowledge required to run a professional the very long time required to build expertise. test & evaluation organisation. Some of these disciplines take 5 years to become competent,

46 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition and 10 years or longer to be deemed something earth on its far side. As with other Defence of an expert. They come to the unit from a range bases, community concerns must be of backgrounds. They often have a trade skill, or accommodated in order to ensure the long-term have worked in other industry in areas relating viability of these sites. to precision measurement. Many are ex-military, although this is a declining proportion compared with the past.

The unit is adjusting to this trend by amending previously accepted paradigms that some positions must require qualifications that can only come from completion of particular military courses. This compels the organisation to either engage with each Service and gain APS positions on these courses, or to align position requirements with externally-delivered qualifications. JPEU and the Services have to be flexible in this approach – the alternative is that eventually JPEU will be unable to provide support to them, which will affect ammunition availability.

Figure 4 – P&EE-Port Wakefield Prohibited and Restricted Zones

Proof and Experimental Capability Board A significant event in 2017 has been the establishment of the Proof & Experimental Figure 3 - 5/54 Mobile Proof Gun Mount – primarily used Capability Board (PECB) in order to coordinate for in-service-surveillance of propellant. the explosive ordnance assurance requirements of the Services. This forum is expected to bring Community Relations considerable clarity to JPEU’s direction, resourcing and strategic importance to Defence. P&EE-Port Wakefield does not exist in isolation JPEU’s capacity is limited, and it receives from the environment surrounding it. requests that substantially exceed its ability to Considerable effort is directed towards deliver testing to its customers. Each Service’s maintaining a harmonious relationship with both priorities, and indeed those within each Service, the residential and maritime communities have not previously been coordinated and adjacent to its range boundaries. The range has a determined from a whole of ADF point of view. sizeable Prohibited Zone in the Gulf of St Vincent which is permanently excluded to This Board will ensure that the Services public access. The Officer Commanding can understand the role of JPEU test & evaluation in also close several Restricted Zones for extended the acquisition and sustainment phases of their range shooting. This can cause tension with the capability programs. This is can be easy to local commercial fishing community over loss overlook due to scheduling and cost pressures, of access to these zones. Residents may also be but will often result in problems further down sensitive to the noise of test items detonating the track. The PECB will ensure that the long from time to time. Interestingly, this is rarely lead-times required to procure and commission from the community immediately next to the the appropriate specialised test and laboratory Range, but those 30 km away across the other equipment to support platforms such as the side of the Gulf, or even the suburbs south of M777A2, are completed well before these Adelaide, 120 km away! This can be caused by systems are delivered. low cloud layers that may enable the sound to jump over Adelaide and make contact with the

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LAND17 Activities at P&EE-Port Wakefield next three years towards which most of its resources will be committed. The most significant 2017 trial at P&EE-Port Wakefield is currently underway with support to Conclusion LAND17 Phase 1C.2 Future Artillery Ammunition program. The initial stages of this The work carried out at JPEU has taken place trial will integrate both a technical for many decades in order to ensure that the understanding of the new LAND17 ammunition ADF has ammunition that is safe and suitable with the newly introduced range instrumentation for use in training and operations. It has been suite of 15 major items, the most significant of primarily a RAA led organisation because of the which is the Ballistic Tracking System (BTS). Regiment being the majority user of munitions This is primarily driven by leading-edge dual in the land domain. Its importance is being Weibel multi-frequency tracking radars to reinforced with the LAND17 program’s next accurately map the entire trajectory of a stage of introducing the new ammunition projectile to within a few meters of its actual capability tailored to the M777A2. For military flightpath. personnel, the unit offers in interesting posting in a role not often understood or discussed in When combined with other components, mainstream forums. Personnel are deeply including various arrays of cameras for involved in not only the sustainment of current intermediate ballistics observation, mid-flight capability, but are often looking 5-10 years into and splash-detection, it is possible to correlate the future of joint service programs. the data to provide a highly accurate flight profile. Further instrumentation enables detailed laser mapping of gun tubes to track bore erosion; mass properties measurement instrument to determine projectile centre of gravity, axial and The times – They are a transverse moments of inertia ; and the introduction of an instrumented 155mm barrel changin’ which enables the recording of pressure-time curves, rather than maximum peak pressures. BTS, in particular, is an exciting new capability Major Mick Gray, CSM in Defence and has the interest of DSTG and Battery Commander, 6th/13th Light Battery RAAF where its use in scramjet and other trials has been sought. The Australian Army continues to modernise with change better reflecting our diverse community, embracing technology, and further evolving its’ manoeuvrist approach and effects- based operations.

So what? The current Army Reserve has never been more integrated nor asked to deploy its’ capability side by side and within the broader Australian Defence Force organisation than it ever has, as in recent years.

Figure 5 – a snapshot of some of the Ballistic Tracking Come gather ’round people System components. These are connected via a LAN to a mission control system whereby the radar cues slaved Wherever you roam components to track a projectile in flight. And admit that the waters Around you have grown From 2018 the LAND17 FAA program will proceed to verification and validation trials to And accept it that soon record the fire control inputs and build the You’ll be drenched to the bone trajectory data required for the NATO If your time to you is worth savin’ Armaments Ballistic Kernel modelling for Then you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like eventual inclusion into AFATDS. As of the a stone present time this is the most significant program eFor th times they are a‐changin’ of activities for P&EE-Port Wakefield over the

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This has realised a greater focus on delivering and officers within the battalion averaged specified mission essential tasks and combined around 100 days of service. The simple fact is arms effects in the most resource efficient the Army Reserve must focus attention, effort manner possible, particularly with technology and resources on those things it must do over tracking expenditure to the dollar against those it might like to do, or legacy events it capability delivered. The Army Reserve must previously did. Change is the one constant in provide value and meaning to its existence, our Army. Change also presents opportunity. government requires it, and Australian’s expect it. For the Army Reservist this has changed the Come senators, congressmen landscape of employment for many from a Please heed the call second career/part time job to a concurrent Don’t stand in the doorway career. Don’t block up the hall For he that gets hurt The Army Reserve must provide value Will be he who has stalled and meaning to its existence, our government requires it, and Australian’s There’s a battle outside and it is ragin’ expect it. It’ll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls This has presented challenges for many soldiers For the times they are a‐changin’ and officers, in what can be described as a work – work – life balance. This evolution has also The battery has completed its first full three-year affected our wider support communities who force generation cycle. During this cycle the may resist or not understand the change from battery integrated and exercised with the combat that they knew or experienced themselves. forces of the 1st Brigade as part of Battle Group While vehicles, equipment and weaponry across Jacka, and deployed in support of 8/12 Defence have always evolved alongside tactics, Regiment. A few members experienced techniques and procedures, an outsider might individual or section level embeds with the New argue the Army Reserve has not changed that Zealand Army, United States Army and United much. This is far from the truth. States Marine Corps. Indeed, the Army Reserve is changing, and along the way they have Come writers and critics become better trained, better equipped, and have Who prophesize with your pen experienced warfighting training with all the And keep your eyes wide bells and whistles that the Army has on offer. The chance won’t come again Being ready the battery has deployed 10% of its capability on operations. And don’t speak too soon For the wheel’s still in spin Come mothers and fathers And there’s no tellin’ who that it’s namin’ Throughout the land For the loser now will be later to win And don’t criticize For the times they are a‐changin’ What you can’t understand Looking in from the outside, and perhaps some Your sons and your daughters still serving within, an opinion may be formed Are beyond your command that the change drivers are simply seeking Your old road is rapidly agin’ greater efficiencies while increasing bureaucracy Please get oute of th new one if you can’t lend and governance, and believing the Army your hand Reserve is doing less than it ever has. It is true For the times they are a‐changin’ that Army Reserve has achieved greater efficiencies and economies of scale, and To many people, change within the Army coincidental to this achievement higher Reserve looks purely organisational as Army corporate governance has seen Army Reserve introduces structures to best suit its functional personnel and equipment health looked after capabilities. This has seen amalgamation of sub- better than it ever has. However, any argument units, and unit and formational level transition. or perception that the Army Reserve doing less For some the emotional attachment is is unfounded. Throughout the recent force overwhelming, yet the unit title nor unit location generation readying cycle, and working with our defines unit identity. Our identity first and partnered regular army brigade, reserve soldiers foremost is the Australian Army born through

49 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition pride in service to the nation, pride in the uniform, and in being part of the legacy of the 4th Regiment 2017 ANZAC spirit, and taking it forward to maintain the global reputation the Australian Army Lieutenant Colonel Alwyn Payne & enjoys. Soldiers would also argue it’s not the Warrant Officer Class One Stephen Schuman job, but the people you work with - and that is a very healthy viewpoint too. The manner in which difficulties were overcome The line it is drawn in bringing guns into action at Owers' Corner The curse it is cast and later in taking guns forward to Uberi is The slow one now another example of the aptness of the gunner Will later be fast motto, "UBIQUE". As the present now Brigadier L.S. Barker, Commander Royal Will later be past Artillery, 7th Div 1942 The order is rapidly fadin’ And the first one now will later be last As we look back on 2017, we seek a moment of For the times they are a‐changin’ your time to mark the key milestones and achievements from 4 Regt’s perspective. Just The evolution of change continues into 2018, as today, the Adjutant of the Regiment has does the commencement of a new readying deployed with a team of 12 Townsville cycle. At the end of this year the Gunners lieutenants to Papua New Guinea for a celebrate their 3rd birthday in the Royal South Professional Military Education tour that will Australia Regiment, and their last as they set to see the participants, including an equal number transfer under command the newly raised 9th of PNG lieutenants, TEWT the initial defence of Regiment headquartered in Sydney (Kogarah). both Milne Bay and Kokoda Station. The To the members, friends, families and abovementioned quote relates to gunners’ (in associations supporting the gunners and our fact 53 Battery gunners from the 14th Regiment) fellow companions-in-arms please accept our challenges and successes in bringing the guns gratitude. To the gunner community we are into action to support the turning point of the forming, let’s get on with it. I hope you take Japanese advance onto Port Moresby in 1942. some time to read the lyrics of Bob Dylan and We can only imagine the challenges those reflect at your own service and support to the gunners faced, though feel with a great sense of Army Reserve in whatever context that is. The pride that today’s gunners of the Royal Australian Army and its Army Reserve has some Regiment are as determined, resilient and great history. However, it is not our history that innovative as ever. defines us and if we refuse to evolve then we aren’t in the game … and the times - they are a … recognise that our champion battery, changin’. Ubique awarded on St Barbara’s Day 2016, is 106 Bty.

In addressing the state of 4 Regt in 2017, we should firstly recognise that our champion battery, awarded on St Barbara’s Day 2016, is 106 Bty. Their fine achievements over the previous 12 months are recognised by this honour. By the time this article is published, that title will have been updated, possibly allocated to a different sub-unit – though all batteries of 4 Regt can hold their heads high for the achievements of this year.

Looking back over the year, 4 Regt will spend this Christmas through to mid-2018 as part of the Ready Combat Brigade – a fantastic responsibility to bear, and the key focus for training throughout the year. Coming through

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Readying, we found ourselves at the forefront of form the working relationships that endured Army’s highest collective training levels. Our through the year. The exercise almost went to journey through a series of challenging exercises plan, but for a distraction by a cyclone (Debbie) was extremely satisfying and challenging. The that was forecast to hit our families in Regt learned a whole lot about our ability to do Townsville about to thirds of the way through the job that Army expects of us. Those lessons the exercise. spanned from individual to detachment, troop, battery and regiment. Whilst it could be fair to The Bde redeployed down the hill straight into selfishly claim accolades for the success we, the mounting the Response Force Company men and women of 4 Regt, achieved on the (RESFOR) commanded by MAJ Lingard and a journey, the reality is that the training outcomes Liaison Group commanded by MAJ Cosgrove. were achieved with the support, directly in the Of note, the Liaison Group deployed into the case of 16 ALR and 20 STA Regt, and indirectly storm – i.e. they drove as fast as safely possible through all other RAA callsigns, including our to hit the population centres that were expected reserve members. to be hit by the cyclone (which subsequently crossed land centred on Airlie Beach), in order We are fortunate to have a Head of to reassure the local councils of Bowen, Regiment with such high standards and Proserpine and Mackay that Defence would passion. As … with our Regimental support. The RESFOR followed almost Master Gunner, who is tireless in immediately after the cyclone petered out, providing the horsepower the communities bringing the Regiment together … needed to get on top of the clean-up, reinforcing The themes of cooperation and support across theirs and the Regt’s good names in towns the RAA are, in our minds, are keys to success including Airlie Beach, Proserpine and in 2017. We are fortunate to have a Head of Moranbah. Regiment with such high standards and passion. As is the case with our Regimental Master … six months they have received Gunner, who is tireless in bringing the Regiment numerous accolades for their together and reminding all that we are fortunate professionalism, leadership and sense of to be part of this great team. 4 Regt is extremely humour … grateful for the constant support across all Regiments, be it from assisting to meet a Shortly following ANZAC Day, 23 members of training milestone, manning augmentation, or the Regt deployed to Iraq with TG TAJI V under working together to identify the critical path to the command of MAJ Tarpley. Over the past six where the RAA needs to be as we look forward months they have received numerous accolades to the next decade. for their professionalism, leadership and sense of humour – all critical components of mentoring. Training and Operations in 2017 As they complete their ROCL, the Regt is finalising the training for the next team to The Regt started 2017 at full tilt. We deployed deploy under MAJ Lingard’s leadership. These on 6 Feb on Ex FIRST RUN. The earlier than deployment opportunities come at a cost to the usual start allowed us to ensure that our soldiers units in terms of residual vacancies when and officers, many of whom were earmarked for individuals are being considered, but as the deployment with TG TAJI V, had the OPSO 4 Regt, MAJ Casey, pointed out – this is opportunity to be part of a regimental exercise those worthy individual’s key opportunity and it before deploying. Operating in very high is fleeting. It may be years before the same guys temperatures, with all btys of the Regt, as well and girls get another chance. The RSM and I as the soldiers and officers of 108 Bty (posted to commend all leaders to take the hurt when faced 2 RAR), achieved great results. Highlights were with the same dilemma. the danger close practice and modified safety on the gunline. The Brigade and Regt had their final chance prior to Exercise Talisman Sabre to practice our With 107 leading as part of the 1 RAR BG collective training skills in May and June when Warfighter, we deployed back to TFTA in we deployed on Ex Brolga Strike. The critical March. The Bde HQ and Regt JFECC supported part of this exercise was the live fire component the manoeuvre of a live BG, as well as two that saw the Regt support four battalion attacks simulated BGs. This was the first time we over four mornings. Each attack incorporated exercised under the Div JFECC, allowing us to

51 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition infantry, armour, engineers, artillery and close of gratitude for, despite a lack of rain and water air support. All serials were at the safe limits of restrictions, we broke the drought, seeing around our training, mitigated by clear and professional 200mm in the first four days. The training was de-confliction and a competent safety tough but our men and women were tougher, framework. The artillery was as close as 350 achieving excellent results overall. One metres, and 175 metres for the armoured BG. It highlight was the family day based out of Line was fast and accurate. Each of the BG COs Creek Junction – highly regarded by each and (known as harsh critics amongst peers) made the every one of our families and friends that joined comment that the exercise was as real as any us. training they had undertaken. From 4 Regt’s perspective, this praise is fairly and rightly Noteworthy Achievements directed to the outstanding gunlines and command posts that supported manoeuvre. On the sporting paddock and in military competitions in 2017, 4 Regt had some great All serials were at the safe limits of our results. From selection of our members to training, mitigated by clear and represent in some of the highest levels of ADF professional de-confliction … sports, to the energy and enthusiasm shown during Brigade Military Skills Competition and Exercise Talisman Sabre was the culmination inter-unit Brigade sports competitions. The point for 4 Regt’s road to ready. In many cases, common theme is that we haven’t spent enough this was the first time we saw many of the time in this arena, shifting sports lower down the supporting elements in real time, rather than priority order. Hopefully, this is an anomaly and simulated. The Regiment was supported very not a new trend. A couple of notable sporting well by the hardworking and professional men and competition performances include GNR and women from both 16th Air Land Regiment Tonks’ selection for ADF Aussie Rules as well and 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition as being granted Elite sports status and playing Regiment. Their support, as was the case with for the Canberra Demons in 2018, LBDR our Royal Australian Air Force team ensured Hillegers efforts coaching Brigade Rugby, BDR that 4 Regt was enabled and challenged to Reid leading the Regimental Mil Skills team, deliver the best coordination and execution of GNR Christian Hughes’ selection for Army and joint effects possible. It has to be said that the ADF in several sports including Touch and recently re-invigorated Divisional JFECC is a softball. PTE T Quinn was also granted Elite most impressive improvement to the way the sports status to play for the Cronulla Sharks in land force fights. Whilst the capability outputs the inaugural NRL women’s competition and they deliver is truly world class, it is the was selected for the Jillaroos 2017 World Cup collegiate approach of the people in that team squad. who make the difference. They were always willing to give a steer or take some of the rock Commendations that was the problem on behalf of the subordinate JFECC, and readily supported and In 2017, a number of members from 4th Regt shielded the Combat Brigade during the journey. were recognised for outstanding achievements. The Regiment performed to a very high standard These included: through the exercise. This can be attributed to the outstanding junior leadership and innovation  CAPT Stanhope was awarded a JTF of all of the team. Commander’s Bronze Commendation and a US Army commendation. 4 Regt’s assumption of Ready status aligned with some breathing space in our training  CPL Brooks was awarded the Australia Day programme. We found ourselves able to Medallion. undertake an excellent period of adventure training, coordinated by MAJ Cosgrove, taking  LBDR J Moroney, GNR N Hodges and us from Airlie Beach to Tully Gorge to Cowley GNR L Holman received Soldier Beach. This was a great opportunity to build on Medallions. small teams in a lower pressure environment. Promotions Our final exercise of the year was Exercise 4 Regt also recognised many of our leaders with Nadzab. North Queensland might owe us a debt the following members promoted:

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 CAPT Durnford – promoted to MAJ  GNR Fazldeen promoted to LBDR  LT Gordon promoted to CAPT  CFN Foster promoted to LCPL  LT Nicolle promoted to CAPT  GNR Hillhouse promoted to LBDR  LT Roberts promoted to CAPT  GNR Mitchell promoted to LBDR  WO2 Woodhall promoted to WO1  GNR Smith, A promoted to LBDR  BDR Anu promoted to SGT  GNR Smith, W promoted to LBDR  BDR Saliba promoted to SGT  GNR Zammit promoted to LBDR  BDR Stevens promoted to SGT As we look back on 2017 as it draws to a close,  BDR Reid promoted to SGT 4 Regt can be proud of our performance this  LBDR Alexander promoted to BDR year. The Regiment is not perfect and will  LDBR Barrett promoted to BDR always have room to improve. Our achievements  LBDR Bellert promoted to BDR can be characterised by the outstanding efforts  LCPL Brookes promoted to CPL of our junior leaders. As this command team hands over to LTCOL Duncan and WO1 Cole,  LBDR Byrne promoted to BDR we know that the success of the Regiment, as  LBDR Farrell promoted to BDR well as the Royal Regiment will be attributed to  LBDR Hosking promoted to BDR by our personal character and collective culture.  LBDR Hunter promoted to BDR  LBDR Kingston promoted to BDR feel a great sense of pride that today’s  CPL McCarthy promoted to CPL gunners of the Royal Regiment  LBDR Meirs-Devriendt promoted to BDR When we work together, as has been the case  LBDR Chris Moroney promoted to BDR across the RAA this year, we can achieve much  LCPL Ryan promoted to CPL more than the sum of our individual  LBDR Shaw promoted to BDR contributions. We wish all of those who are heading off on posting all the best and safe

 LBDR Somerville promoted to BDR travels. As stated in the first paragraph, both the  LBDR Wright promoted to BDR CO and RSM of 4 Regt in 2017 feel a great  GNR Broderick promoted to LBDR sense of pride that today’s gunners of the Royal  PTE Doulis promoted to LCPL Regiment are as determined, resilient and  GNR Farquharson promoted to LBDR innovative as ever.

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PRECISION SKILLS The JTAC course is very competitive. Students are hand-picked and for many it’s NEEDED IN SOLDIER’S been two years’ fine-tuning skills to earn a EXPLOSIVE ROLE place on this hillside. CO 4 Sqn Wg-Cdr Michael Duyvene De ARMY – THE SOLDIERS NEWSPAPER Wit said for those who graduate, it’s just NOVEMBER 16, 2017 the beginning with potential deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Jack Jennings doesn’t fly planes. He’s not Okra – the reason why Exercise Black ground crew. He doesn’t coordinate air Dagger has to be a realistic experience. movements. In fact he’s not even a RAAFie “We put so much emphasis to make sure but high on a hill south west of Townsville they are battle ready and combat ready he’s playing a vital role in facilitating the before they step out,” he said. delivery of air power in support of ground forces. “It’s about them having to make an informed decision based on up-to-date LBdr Jennings, of 1RAR, sits 4000 metres information in a very dynamic or fluid from a target. Circling above is an F/A-18A environment.” Hornet loaded with a mix of weapons including high explosive ordnance. Having made the short flight from RAAF Townsville pairs of 3 Sqn Hornets are held On one of the two radios strapped to his in the skies above the Townsville field chest, a discussion begins as the pilot and training area. Jack work out a plan to deliver the payload on target. It’s a crucial relationship of two One by one the students hook up with a people separated by 5000 feet and one single aircraft and so begins the complex where the margins for executing decisions task of setting a 500-pound bomb on a come down to a couple of brief seconds. target four kilometres away. The plan is set, followed by a low level Cloud cover, angle of attack, friendly fire, attack. The bomb strikes perfectly, framed separation from other aircraft all in the mix by a huge fireball. Several seconds pass before an attack is agreed upon. Once until the boom of the explosion reaches qualified the graduates of Exercise Black Jack’s vantage point. Dagger will be considerably closer to the target when they next call in the strike for This live-fire exercise has him one step real. nearer becoming a joint terminal attack controller. He’s one of 12 students on the On that day the decision is made more final steps of a course to provide the next difficult as civilians getting on with their generation of JTACs. lives may be very close to being in harm’s way. There can be zero chance of calling it “Work in the classroom is all good but can wrong. only take you so far,” he said. “There’s no substitute for being out here and doing it for real.” This is Exercise Black Dagger. Two weeks in North Queensland that brings together a host of Air Force assets, as well as key support elements from Army, in order to test students nearing the end of a six week course. Making the trip from RAAF Williamtown, the instructors and two Pilatus PC-9A aircraft from 4 Sqn along with nine F/A-18A Hornets from 3 Sqn.

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pertinent that both enlisted as Gunners in World JNCO & GNR of the War I, were decorated with the awards of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and the Year - 2017 Military Medal (MM) as JNCOs, and later with the Military Cross (MC) after having been Major Gary Down commissioned in the field. … an awards scheme with a view to In 2016 the Head of Regiment of the Royal investing more in supporting junior Australian Artillery, BRIG CD Furini AM, CSC, members of the RAA … proposed an awards scheme with a view to investing more in supporting junior members of It was also decided that if the Awards were to the RAA and expanding the opportunities have the desired effect, they would need to available to them. To that end, the RAA include a ‘significant’ prize. To that end, it was Regimental Committee instituted two annual identified that an appropriate prize that would awards to recognise an outstanding JNCO and not only be attractive to junior members, but Gunner. These Awards enable the Head of also be an investment in the recipient’s military Regiment to recognise and reward exemplary professional and personal development, would service of junior RAA personnel and are now be for the winners to undertake a short-term visit presented annually for the ARA and biennially, to an overseas artillery unit. The recipients of the from 2018, for the Reserve. awards therefore: Importantly, the broad criteria for these awards  Attend all or part of the RAA Regimental are linked to those attributes that are specific to Conference for that year to receive their leadership at the respective rank levels; these awards from the Head of Regiment. being:  Undertake an overseas professional  Intelligence; development visit.  Honesty and Integrity;  Receive an engraved military-style watch and Award Certificate.  Self-confidence; All aspects of the prizes are paid for by the RAA  Ambition and High Energy; Gunners’ Fund.  Task-relevant knowledge; In 2016 the Ewen Award, for the RAA JNCO of the Year, was awarded to BDR  The desire to lead; Aaron Bamford … and the Mattner  High self-monitoring (being highly flexible Award, for the Gunner of the Year, was in adapting to different situations); and awarded to GNR (now LBDR) Jacob Aitchison …  Emotional intelligence (an awareness and responsiveness to the feelings of oneself and In 2016 the Ewen Award, for the RAA JNCO of others). the Year, was awarded to BDR Aaron Bamford of 20th Regiment RAA, and the Mattner Award, On the advice of the RAA History Sub- for the Gunner of the Year, was awarded to Committee, the names of John Carr Ewen and GNR (now LBDR) Jacob Aitchison of 8th/12th Edward William Mattner were proposed as Regiment RAA. These two young JNCOs flew examples of former Gunners who would have to the UK on 9 Nov 17 for a two-week trip more than met the above criteria, and in whose encompassing a week at Larkhill, the home of names the two awards are now presented. It is the Royal Artillery, where they visited the Royal

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School of Artillery, 47th Regiment RA and 1st Regiment RHA and then a week in London. Whilst in London they visited The King’s Troop RHA, watched the Changing of the Guard from the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace, had lunch at the Houses of Parliament and a private tour of the Palace of Westminster, were guests of the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) at the Tower of London and attended the traditional Ceremony of the Keys, had a guided tour of Hyde Park Barracks (the home of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment) and visited the Honourable Artillery Company. Head of Regiment (BRIG CD Furini AM, CSC), RAA Gunner of the Year 2017 (GNR Jake Hill)and the … be an investment in the recipient’s Regimental Master Gunner (WO1 DT McGarry) military professional and personal development, … At the recent RAA Conference, held at the School of Artillery Puckapunyal over the period RAA JNCO of the 8-10 Nov, the 2017 award winners were announced. They were BDR (now SGT) Rohan Year Award – 2016 McCaig of 8th/12th Regiment RAA and GNR Jake Hill of 4th Regiment RAA. They received Report their engraved watches and certificates from the Head of Regiment and planning will now Bombardier Aaron Matthew Bamford commence for their overseas trip in 2018.

I am currently employed as a Mission Commander on the Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aerial System, in 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, 131st Surveillance and Target Acquisition Battery. I was fortunate enough to be awarded an ‘all- expenses’ paid trip to the Royal School of Artillery, Larkhill and London in the UK as part of the RAA JNCO of the year award. This award was sponsored and financed by the RAA Gunners Fund. In mid-November this year, I embarked on the 32-hour journey to the UK with the RAA GNR of the year, Lance Bombardier Jacob Aitchison. On arrival at Heathrow airport we were greeted by our Australian liaison in Larkhill, WO2 Kayne Falconer, who gave us a quick tour of Larkhill, before dropping us at our accommodation in the transit lines. The next day was allocated as down time and Head of Regiment (BRIG CD Furini AM, CSC), RAA WO2 Falconer was kind enough to lend us his JNCO of the Year 2017 (BDR Rohan McCaig)and the car for the day. Both myself and Lance Regimental Master Gunner (WO1 DT McGarry) Bombardier Aitchison made the most of the day off, despite our jet lag, and drove into the nearby City of Salisbury. The military influence is apparent in Salisbury as UK Army Cadets were positioned at almost every street corner selling poppies for Remembrance Day. We also

56 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition managed to find our way to Stonehenge and one we were taken through the command post of the many chalk horse around Larkhill being training room and the AS90 simulators. From the Westbury Chalk Horse. there we were taken through a tour of the RA officers mess. The curator of the mess’s silver collection was able to give us a small insight into the history behind some of the pieces held in the mess from the 18th century through to modern day. There is over 11 million British Pounds’ worth of silver that is cared for and still used during functions.

The next day was the 12th November, which is Remembrance Day in the UK. In contrast to Australia, the UK does not commemorate Remembrance Day on the 11th November. While they carry out the two minutes silence at 11am on the 11th, ceremonies are reserved for For the following two days, I was hosted by 74 the 12th of Nov. The Royal Artillery (RA) BSM Bty, 47 Regt which is a UAS Artillery Unit, very WO2 Jones hosted us for the Remembrance Day similar in structure and capability to 20 STA ceremony at the RA Memorial in Hyde Park Regt, with its primary operational capability Corner. The ceremony was excellent and being the Thales Watchkeeper UAS. During my included King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery time there I was chaperoned by SGT Bradley, (RHA), B Bty RHA, 28/143 Bty and retired who is Desert Hawk operator. On the first day Regimental members parading with the RA band there, I conducted PT in the morning with the providing the music. Following the ceremony, Regt, during which I discovered that they really we were invited to lunch by the WO2 Jones at do enjoy running! I was very well looked after the Royal College for Defence Studies. After by the members of 74 Bty, they included me in lunch we were provided refreshments at The their daily routine and I was shown around their Grenadier, which has been serving the RA Regimental area, which included the simulator members after the Remembrance Day services training facility and their flight training facility for many years. located at Boscombe Downs Airfield. I was also given the opportunity to look at and fly the Black Hornet SUAS and a DJI Inspire MRUAS UAVs. Bombardier Donisthorpe from the Bty also organised an Australian themed games night which including bobbing for apples and word games, finishing with presentations from their BC/BSM. … during which I discovered that they The next day was our first day of tours in really do enjoy running! Larkhill. WO2 Falconer led a tour through the Close Support (CS) Wing where he works as an The next day we were taken to breakfast with instructor. CS Wing a training wing of the Royal the Royal Artillery Sergeant Major and WO2 School of Artillery teaching courses on gunnery, Jones, where we presented WO2 Jones with a guns and ammunition, reconnaissance and RAA Plaque in thanks for hosting us in Larkhill. command post, precision fires and joint fires. After breakfast, we travelled to King’s Troop, One of the interesting things noted during this RHA, which is a ceremonial unit based in and other tours is that sergeant’s and above can Woolwich, London. Their primary duty is caring bring their dogs to work and it is quite different for and driving teams of six horses pulling each seeing them around most of the office spaces of six First World War-era 13-pounder field here. After the tour of CS Wing, we met with guns used to fire salutes on state occasions. An WO2 Jones for a tour of Regimental interesting fact is that the King’s Troop retains Headquarters, RA and the training wing, where its name under Queen Elizabeth II in honour of her father, the late King George VI. We were

57 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition given a tour of King’s Troop starting with the for State Ceremonial events including the stables where over 150 horses are kept, and Queen's Birthday Parade, State Opening of cared for by the NCOs and ORs. We also had Parliament and other events of national the opportunity to make a leather keychain with importance. We were met by Guardsman Powell the saddlers, conducted some forge training with who took us through the HQ which is situated the farriers, undertook a 30-minute horse-riding walking distance from Wellington Barracks. lesson and experienced life in the stables by Here we were able to view a parade by the ‘mucking out’ stalls. At the end of the first day, Guard and the Queens Household Cavalry in we were taken bowling by the some of the honour of a visiting French Diplomat. From NCOs from Kings Tp. They went out of their there we visited the Houses of Parliament with way to include both myself and Lance Lieutenant Colonel Longbottom, where we were Bombardier Aitchison and we had a great time taken through The Westminster Hall, which is competing. Finally, we departed for Wellington one of largest self-supporting roofs in England Barracks in London where we would spend our and is home to many Royal ceremonies and last week in the UK. addresses to the MP’s by visiting dignitaries due to its size and ability to house 100s of people. From there we visited the House of Commons which was destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt under Winston Churchill during which he ordered some of the battle damage to remain as a constant reminder of the war. We also went through the House of Lords which housed some of the grandest architecture that we have seen in our visit. This is where the Lords debate bills and essentially acts as a check on the House of Commons that is independent from the Upon arrival at Wellington Barracks, we electoral process. commenced two allocated days of free time in London. Lance Bombardier Aitchison and I used this time to see as much of London as possible. Some of the standouts included; the Churchill War Rooms which is where Churchill conducted most of the war planning during the London Bombings in the Second World War and the Imperial War Museum, which has historical artefacts from Vietnam through to modern day conflict in Afghanistan. It was also quite fascinating just walking through London and experiencing shear amount of history The following day we visited Hyde Park everywhere you look, with many of the Barracks and Tower of London. Hyde Park buildings throughout London being over 400 Barracks is home to the Life Guards and Royals years old. and Blues Guards which make up The Household Cavalry. The household cavalry conducts ceremonial duties including guarding the reigning monarch at Horse Guards. We were fortunate enough to be able to observe a formal parade inspection of the Life Guards prior to them moving from Hyde Park Barracks to mount a 24 hour guard at Horse Guards. After the inspection we were taken on a tour of the stables which is similar in design and function to King’s Tp. We were also provided with the opportunity to go through the quartermaster store, where all On the first day of our tour in London we visited of Household Cavalry and the Royal Family HQ London Division followed by Houses of store their ceremonial dress and weapons. We Parliament. HQ London Division is responsible were able to view Prince William’s breastplate, Queen Elizabeth II Ceremonial Jacket and

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Princess Ann’s Blues and Royals Headdress. invited back for ‘parade night’, one of two After Hyde Park Barracks we went to The nights a week that the members of the HAC Tower of London where we were met by conduct training and finish with dinner and Yeoman Warder Jimmy James. He gave us a refreshments in Armoury House. We were taken brief introduction and then we went on a self- to the underground gun park and given a brief by guided tour of the Castle. It was founded SGT Madrell on the L118 105mm light gun towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman which is used by the Para Gunners of the HAC. Conquest of England. The White Tower, which At the end of the night were provided dinner and gives the entire castle its name, was built by refreshments in the mess. William the Conqueror in 1078. The White Tower is the earliest stone keep in England, and was the strongest point of the early castle. We were able to explore the white keep and see all RAA GNR of the Year the history throughout the White tower and the crown jewels that are kept within the grounds. Award – 2016 Report At night we were invited back for the Ceremony of the Keys which started with a tour by Yeoman Warder Steve that took us through the Lance Bombardier Jacob Aitchison chapel, the grounds and finishing in the ‘The Keys’ the Yeoman Warders own pub within the During the period of 10th November to 24th walls of the Tower. After the tour we were taken November 2017, I was awarded an overseas to the middle drawbridge to watch the ceremony development / look at life trip to the UK, in of the keys. The ceremony has never been particular the RA in Lark hill and central cancelled, and has been delayed only on a single London. occasion due to enemy action during the Second World War. We were taken to the underground gun park … On our final day of the tour in London we visited the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), where we were given a tour and history of the HAC during the day by WO2 Selwood. During the tour we were taken through the grounds and into Armoury House where the RABSM presentation from the RAA. L-R: Myself, WO2 museum, all ranks mess and drill hall are Cane Falconer & Bombardier Aaron Bamford located. The HAC was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1537 by King Henry VIII and is The first week comprised of meets and greets of considered one of the oldest military the Larkhill high command, in particular the organisations in the world, along with being the RABSM and RASM, Along with the exchange oldest surviving Regiment in the British Army. SMIG WO2 Cane Falconer. With the latter It is a Reserve that draws its members from being a chaperone for myself and Bombardier many different units in the Royal Artillery and Bamford for the week. We had a tour of the Lark maintains an STA role. The grounds of the HAC hill base, with being allowed inside both the form the largest block of grassed land within sergeant’s and officers mess, had a tour of the London City. If you were to place a cricket ball RA HQ, along with the training establishments on the lawn, the amount of space it covers is where the gunners, command post operators, worth $20,000. forward observers and officers attend during their phase 2 training. WO2 Falconer took us through the local suburbs surrounding Lark hill with showing both of us where to go for any supply needs. The main town being Salisbury, which has a wide variety of shops for food and dining out, along with a bit We finished the tour with lunch in the mess in of site seeing with the Salisbury Cathedral and Armoury House. In the afternoon, we were Stone Henge 20 minutes down the road.

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I spent two days at B Bty, 1 RHA, where I was During our time at Kings Troop we were given a shown the gun detachments that operate the horse riding lesson, shown how to flatten out a AS90 and how they go about conducting horse show with the farriers and shown how to themselves during field training, maintenance of make a key ring with the saddlers. To finish off their equipment and barracks life. Most of the our time at Kings Troop we were treated to a things they do are very similar to the way the night out with a few of the soldiers of Kings Australian Artillery operates, like operating Troop to enjoy a few beers while having a there weapon system (AS90), having a couple games of bowling. command post setup the same and the FO’s calling in the attacks. The only real difference is the equipment itself. To finish off the first week, we were invited to breakfast with the RASM and RABSM to see how the first week went and to congratulate both of us on our award. He and I took this time to also present a plaque from the RAA Association to the RABSM for all the hard work that they put in to make this trip a memorable one. Houses of Parliament Tour – Outside Terrace L-R: Bombardier Aaron Bamford & Myself

After our time at Kings Troop we spent the next two days enjoying the sites of London itself, for this was our own time to do whatever our heart desired. I started with visiting Westminster Abby and having a tour inside. I was unable to take pictures inside the Abby, but I strongly recommend visiting this church if given chance. The inside is an architectures masterpiece, you will see where Kings of the past are buried and some very famous people have been remembered. When conducting this tour you Kings Troop Farrier Lesson will also be given an audio device to guide you through, along with detailed information on the The second week of the trip comprised of more Abby and everything inside of it. I then got to meets and greets, a tour of houses of parliament, visit the Imperial War Museum, Winston Church two days at Kings Troop, tour of Tower of Hill War Rooms, the Art Gallery and the Natural London and a couple days to do some site seeing History Museum, along with exploring a little of London. bit of the city London. We first started at Kings Troop where we were given a tour of the Bty by one of the corporals along with being introduced to all the soldiers and horses that are there. This place was created by King George VI in 1946 to have a troop of horse artillery take part in great ceremonies of state. The Queen herself declared that the name ‘Kings Troop’ will remain along with the Troop itself to honour her father. The Kings Troop has its own veterinarians, farriers, and saddlers. The main role of a soldier and officer at Kings Troop is to care for and drive teams of six horses pulling First World War era 13 pounder field guns used today for salutes on state occasions. The bigger hoses ‘black horses’, known as charges are also used along with a gun carriage at state and military funerals. Westminster Abby

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After the weekend we had our tour of the Overall the entire trip was very rewarding on Houses of Parliament with Lieutenant Colonel both from a personnel and military development Longbottom. He gave us an informative tour perspective. I was introduced to a different level showing us both sides of Parliament being the of training compared to us but not too different Commons and Lords. Which are dictated by in the fact that we both use similar rank structure colours, Commons are Green and Lords are Red. with the exception of the British Army have We were shown where the queen sits when she Staff Sergeants, along with both of us using is in Parliament and how the system works when similar tactics in an training environment on something needs to be voted on. This went for when it comes to Artillery but we do use about two hours which was probably not long different equipment within the training. enough as there is so much to look at and talk about but Lieutenant Colonel Longbottom gave an outstanding tour which I would recommend using him again on the next trip.

West Minster Abbey Remembrance Day Commemoration

Tuesday, we had the opportunity to get a tour of the Queens Guard in London. We were shown a dress inspection involving the horses and the museum of the Guard which has all the dress that the soldiers were while riding the horses London Centopath Remembrance Day Ceremony through London along with all the dress and weapons the officer’s use. After our time at I was very happy that I got to see how the Hyde Park Barracks we were given the rest of British go about their customs and traditions, the afternoon to do whatever we wanted to do. especially how they use horses for pretty much any type of salute or parade within the Artillery, The next day was our last day of visiting which is pretty amazing to see. The people that I military establishments. For this we were treated met, both military and civilian were very polite, to a tour, dinner and drinks of the HAC knowledgeable and down to earth. If I ever (honourable artillery company). We first were needed a question answered or help with treated with a tour of HAC with how they something there was always someone willing to operate, (reserve unit), what equipment they use, provide assistance. (light guns, 25 pounder) and a bit of history on the place, (first being raised 480 years ago). The only thing that could change for the next After the tour we had a few hours to ourselves people going would be the time of year. The for the afternoon before returning for dinner and RABSM said the end of the year is their busiest, few beers at their club inside the HAC. This was like it is for us. If there was an opportunity for a great finish to our trip has we got to meet a them to go during the early or middle part of the few reservists, learn how they operate and enjoy year as there would be more activities for the a few drinks throughout the night with them. members to do, also the weather during the middle of the year is a lot warmer. Our last day in the UK was a day to ourselves to conduct anymore sightseeing and get ready for our return to Australia.

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THE RAA (GUNNERS') FUND

ANNUAL REGIMENTAL BADGE DRAW

1ST AUGUST 2017

THE RAA FINANCIAL PLAN STATES THAT 10% OF SUBSCRIPTIONS RAISED IN THE PREVIOUS TWELVE MONTHS ARE TO BE ALLOCATED TO PRIZES AS FOLLOWS:

• 1ST PRIZE -5%

• 2ND PRIZE - 3%

• 3RD PRIZE - 2%

THE BADGE DRAW WAS CONDUCTED IN AUGUST AND THE WINNERS WERE:

 FIRST PRIZE – BDR BL STEVENSON (16 ALR) - $ 528

 SECOND PRIZE – GNR NS GILL (8/12 REGT) - $317

 THIRD PRIZE – BDR PA INGER (SOARTY) - $212

62 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition Capability & Personnel

COMBAT SUPPORT PROGRAM - JOINT FIRES COMMENT

Source: Joint Fires Information Circular. For more Information refer to the Circular

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The employment category managers remain DSCM-A responsible for, and focused on the trade effectiveness, relevance and quality; which is seen through the trade courses, the RAA manual Captain Nicholas Dickeson Warrant Officer Class One Tony Kennedy of Army Employments, IPs and management plans. As another career management cycle (CMC) comes to a close, it is important to review some DSCM-A remains partnered to assist with the of the key events and issues, and best prepare for communication of these changes and the the next CMC and key career milestones. management of individuals through units, to maintain capability and balance the various trade Rather than a snapshot of CMC events; we skills, where they are needed whilst developing would like to offer some situational awareness to into the senior soldiers of the future. DSCM-A considerations this submission. RAA Health Of course, we farewell WO1 Tony Kennedy as his custodianship of the GNR – BDR portfolio All RAA units can see the vacancies in trades, and fervent RAA advocacy comes to an end in particularly artillery observers and operator UAS CM-A; progressing to his appointment as RSM positions; however, the strain is much wider 7th Combat Bde. We would also like to welcome spread. The following table is a snapshot of the the new team as he assumes the role of RAA ECN strength at each rank and the establishment Career Manager (CM) from 2018. / positions that exist for posting.

RAA Structure This snapshot does not take into account those individuals unable to fulfil the full scope of their There has been significant movement in the past duties; members separating or transferring for two years, with relation to the trade structures any number of reasons. These figures are simply and remuneration that has required messaging a moment in time that can show our clear areas through DSCM-A. This has seen changes to of need. individuals pay and in some instances, ECN classification. The following implementation As indicated in the table, the RAA manning plans detail the changes and their effects: considerations extend further than the six artillery regiments and the school, and the ECNs OS are spread thinner accordingly. The RAA has an obligation toward the ongoing functioning of the IP 07/16 – Restructure of skill grades to ARA wider RAA and Army; in particular, operations Offensive Support employment categories. and training establishments.

IP 12/16 – Remediation of gap training This representation directly relates to the way in requirements for ECN 357-2 Manager Offensive which the Regiment is perceived, but also Support. increases the interoperability at the Bde, BG and CT level, where the networks and common UAS experiences will facilitate a rapid assimilation and effective operation towards the mission. IP 06/15 – Termination of Army Reserve employment category Op Rader ECN 271. The advertisement of our specialist job roles in these all-corps positions, serve as a recruiting IP 05/16 – Termination of Manager STA ECN tool for the ongoing growth of ECNs. The 430 and restructure of Operator Unmanned soldiers representing the Regiment in these Aerial System ECN 250. positions carry a greater responsibility with a higher degree of scrutiny on their performance. Air Land It is critical that suitable RAA representatives IP 04/16 – Restructure of ECN 237 to operator are selected and provided this opportunity for air missile defence system (OPAMDS) career development. incorporating two streams a sense warn locate and ground based air defence.

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Strength / Positions 162 254 255 GNR 244 281 108 123 87 83 LBDR 39 62 19 20 13 28 BDR 65 69 43 38 28 40 SGT* 38 27 22 21 19 21 WO2 (357) 76 60 Any corps 250 237 Any RAA (total) GNR 76 52 75 99 5 3 LBDR 14 18 20 24 0 6 BDR 23 28 48 38 29 **140 SGT 19 21 29 16 19 ***208 WO2 18 13 24 12 8 #273

Note as at 12 Nov 17: *not including 5 ECN 357 SGT; ** total positions, expected RAA representation to be approx 24; *** total positions, expected RAA representation to be approx 35; and #total positions, expected RAA representation to be approx 46

Broader postings will provide the opportunity the artillery observer; however, the demands on for networking and professional contributions spacial awareness and capacity to deal with the that will be brought back to the Regiments as multi-dimensional battlespace are heightened. part of a soldier’s career development; in these opportunities the experience expected at the next The compounding stress on the trade positions rank and key appointments will be tested in the are amplified with the addition of JTAC all-corps arena against peers. It is for this reason development. There are a number of key that vacancies will be greater in the regiments. considerations in FORCOMD directive 45/17 - JTAC management plan AMDT 3, that focus on Sometimes ECN vacancies look unhealthy; the development of the capability, and will however, this does not always reflect the current require ongoing liaison between units and injection of new RAA soldiers into the DSCM-A to ensure the right people are in the regiments. It remains a careful balance but some right place at the right time, developed to meet ground has been made in strengthening the GNR their promotion potential. numbers, particularly for ACSO and artillery observers. Key risk remains in the JNCOs Promotion cohorts and whilst disappointing is in line with Promotion must occur in accordance with the observations of trends regarding age, qualification prerequisites and training relationships and family demographics for less continuum as described in the respective manual stable workforce behaviour in the 21st century. of Army employment (MAE) for each trade. The promotion consideration zone for personnel JTAC advisory committee (PAC) review will occur at The RAA is invested in the JTAC skill which the four years-in-rank mark. This is a measure of makes a key operational contribution. The eligibility and by no means should be the development of this skill requires considered expected timeframe to achieve promotion. input from the RAA community in terms of Review by PAC will not occur if candidature, as well as the development of competitiveness is not on par with peers, there instructors. Although not controlled by the has been recent disciplinary action, or due to a RAA, the natural development of this skill set non-deployable medical classification. falls to the artillery observers, due to experience and the proficiency on equipment. The Up to the rank of BDR, individuals must be appropriate candidates for this course must be qualified for promotion, AIRN compliant and identified within units to ensure effective course have a vacant position at the next rank available panelling and return to units. JTAC requires an for them to be promoted into. adaptability and flexibility commensurate with

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For promotion to SGT and onwards, a PAC will facilitate effective posting and manning clearance must be gained. Course completion solutions. should be achievable in the year between PAC and promotion if not already as failure to do so RAA CMC 18 alignment conference– 10-12 will deny substantive promotion; AIRN May 2017 compliance is required for the day of promotion. For the first time RAA CM facilitated a three Individuals posted into a position of a higher day activity conducted in Canberra to align RAA rank must also be aware that this is not explicitly pers FIC. Agenda items included capability a precursor to promotion and that promotion will priorities, address Army ‘hollowness’ challenges not occur before an instrument has been and analysing and building personnel capability approved, which requires all of the above to collegiately as an RAA enterprise for the next have been achieved and demonstrated to a CMC. This was an excellent opportunity to delegate. focus on one of the most challenging aspects in Corps business which is manning and trade To compete amongst peers, all serving members structure development and assessment. The should be seeking opportunities to demonstrate support shown by all RAA unit commanders and potential to complete a range of roles and, more our senior WO1s including the RMG, WO1 importantly, potential for the next rank. These Dave (Paddy) McGarry, RSM 6th BDE, WO1 opportunities will require an ability to post to Tony Hortle, OAM and CM SWOMS, WO1 new locations which needs to be communicated Dave Lehr, OAM provided an important weight onto the family unit to make the process as to the activity and contributed to steering smooth as possible. These opportunities create practical outcomes. Although in its early stages ‘points of difference’ between cohorts and good of development, I am certain this activity will performance over a series of different postings grow in size and output. With relating demonstrates more potential and demonstrates documentation promulgated on the RAA greater career development than remaining collaboration page for broader situational comfortable in the culture of one unit. awareness. Transfers. Consideration of transfers for WO1 Damien Lindsay as RAA CM in 2018 will Soldiers within their initial period of service will continue to develop this concept and increase be scrutinised to determine the true service need. executable outcomes. There was a high degree of As the balance of trade health is a key factor in information sharing and a pleasing sense of determining this need and in some circumstances unification as all unit RSMs and WOs worked to will rest within the member’s current trade. achieve the outcomes required to meet manning priorities and develop our soldiers in all trades. MECRB. There has been significant headway in It is hoped the RAA Executive will continue to achieving timely case turn around. Currently, if support its conduct and we will see the benefit of the unit has not had a return on a MECRB case the Synch’s continued development. within six to eight, we encourage you to engage the RAA CM for an update and to ensure the Career management friction points case has logged progressed accordingly. Concurrent to health considerations of individual The management of establishment positions has trades, there are other career management historically resulted in ‘double head counts’, friction points that awareness of will ensure where two people have been posted to the one effective and timely advice to soldiers. The position. This has been a common phrase in development of soldiers in concert to the CMA, and there has been a marked change with rigorous unit demands is a balance, and we respect to the tolerance of double head counts. endeavour to liaise to achieve the most agreeable With a transition of the human resource time for the panelling of courses. However; management and payroll system to Defence One, assistance with identifying opportunities for there is now no appetite for double head counts members to attend courses in these high tempo as this will result in one of the people against the periods will alleviate considerable stress on the position not being paid. This means that an remaining scheduled courses and continue to understanding of pool positions including Army return a higher level of trained soldier to the personnel not related to establishment (APNRE) unit. and long term medical management (LTMM)

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Locations for posting are an ongoing issue, and order to achieve the least friction possible. There all serving members must consider any location has been some confusion regarding career a possibility. This requires the ongoing courses for SGT and above with the release of flexibility of families, we would encourage expressions of interest form NIPA. The CM individuals to consider the ‘pros and cons’ of all remains the nominator for these courses, with locations and be considered in approaching all continued liaison with units. options. Those members that have had experiences in units or locations with fewer PARs. Everyone needs to take an active posting opportunities must pass on their approach to their reporting, in understanding experiences to promote those areas – which will their duty statement and enabling open and enable DSCM-A to achieve the best fit more honest dialogue at the beginning of the year to often. address shortfalls, as this will be noticeable to a PAC when they consider sequential PARs. Finally, we would like to promote engagement Ensure you are signing a correct and reasonable with the CM through the appropriate unit reflection of your performance for the year. representatives to achieve timely information in Once it is signed and submitted this is the main relation to career management, whether: input to the PAC deliberations. transition, separation, MEC or posting related. Often an initial phone call could alleviate DSCM-A collaborate page (SharePoint). The unnecessary administrative work. RAA collaborate page will be developed over the coming months; with a vision to become CM Reminders more user-friendly and provide a platform to provide common advice to units. RSMs will be E-PARs. Submission of EPARs must be in the notified as the page is established. electronic format as found on at the DSCMA homepage. PMKeys or web-form versions will We would like to thank everyone for a not be considered in the preparation for the 2018 rewarding year and the very best for a new CGI tour. The window for EPAR submissions CMC, and as always look forward to seeing you opened in October to allow appropriate all during the tour. comments from chains of command. References: CGI Tour. Tentative timeframes for regional visits are: IP

 SE QLD: 12-23 Feb & NQ: 5-16 Mar http://drnet/Army/DWMA/Employement_Managem ent/Manual_of_Army_Employments/Pages/Impleme  NT / SA: 19-23 Mar and 2-06 Apr ntation‐Plans.aspx JTAC  VIC: 9-13 Apr http://drnet/Army/FORCOMD/PublicationsandOrder  Wagga Wagga: 16-20 Apr s/Pages/Forces%20Command%20Directives.aspx  Sydney: 23-27 Apr Career Management

 Canberra: 30 Apr - 4 May http://drnet/Army/EMPA/ASI/Pages/Overview.aspx

Liaison with units will commence prior to coordinate the most convenient times to maximise attendance.

Career Courses. Engagement with the CM through the EPAR and CGI tour will facilitate accurate conversation as to what timeframes are reasonable to expect to complete career courses. In line with potential and merit, career courses are also panelled with these considerations. Engagement with units will also occur to ensure that the most appropriate course is considered in

67 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition RAA First GNR Sevo, Michelle 20 STA GNR Spadaro, Michelle Ann 20 STA Appointments GNR Taubert, Brian Edward 20 STA BDR Bonnick, John Henry 20STA Royal Military College – Australia 2017 End of Year Graduates BCC MOD 1 & 2 GUNNER GRADE 1 Rank Name Unit Rank Name Unit LT Allen, Zachary Jay 8/12 REGT GNR Attenborough, David Kyle SOARTY GNR Bartlett, Patrick Heily 4 REGT LT Barr, Thomas Patrick 8/12 REGT GNR Booyse, Hertzog 4 REGT LT Cailes, Jack Lindsay 4 REGT GNR Burgess, Ethan James SOARTY LT Cole, Stephen Lee 20 STA GNR Casilli, Anthony SOARRTY LT Colquhoun, Lachlan 1 REGT GNR Cocks, Alexander Rodney SOARTY LT Condon, Scott Justin 20 STA GNR Corbett, Dylan James 8/12 REGT LT Davie, Hayden Jeffery 16 ALR GNR Cramp, Isaiah James 4 REGT LT Hawkins, Alexander Allan 16 ALR GNR Crismale, Jake Matthew 1 REGT LT Jolly, Hamish William 4 REGT GNR Duff, Samuel Gerald 1 REGT LT McDonald, Anderson Edward 20 STA GNR Field, Jessie James 1 REGT LT Mills, Cody Drew 16 ALR GNR Foot, Morgan Kieboom 1 REGT LT Noonan, Nicholas Michael 8/12 REGT GNR Graydon, Matthew Charles 4 REGT LT Roadnight, Victoria Nancy 8/12 REGT GNR Hantos, Claudia Louise 4 REGT LT Sandwell, James Alexander 16 ALR GNR Heart, Jamie Kaitlyn SOARTY LT Stone, Brenton Sean 16 ALR GNR Head, Jesse John 1 REGT LT Tait, Benjamin Aaron 20 STA GNR Jonas, Isaac John 8/12 REGT LT Taylor, Jeremy Davis 8/12 REGT GNR Jones, Marc Allan 8/12 REGT LT Walsh, Lachlan James 1 REGT GNR Lim, Andrew SOARTY 1st Recruit Training Battalion & School of GNR Malone, Jack Keeley 4 REGT Artillery Courses GNR Merriner, Kyle Doulas 8/12 REGT GNR Page, Alastair James 4 REGT BCCC MOD 1 & 2 & SHADOW GNR Pickett, Nathanael Paul 1 REGT GNR Alifipo, Gloria Sepela 20 STA GNR Quattrocchi, Tanner Hugh SOARTY GNR Brown, Donald Andrew 20 STA GNR Shen, Tao 4 REGT GNR Cater, David Andrew 20 STA GNR Smith, Colin John 1 REGT GNR Clothier, Alicia Yvonne 20 STA GNR Snee, William James 4 REGT GNR Cornwell, Taylor Glenn 20 STA GNR Valdez, Brahian Esequiel SOARTY GNR Eldridge, Michael James 20 STA BCC MOD 1 & 2 JFT BASIC DIGITAL GNR Farrugia, Zak 20 STA GNR Fressard, Scott Francis 20 STA Rank Name Unit GNR Henderson, Charnise Jade 20 STA GNR Alder, Bailey Peter 1 REGT GNR Higgins, Jessica Jane 20 STA GNR Bosman, Dylan John 4 REGT GNR Loynes, David Charles 20 STA GNR Carlyon, Nicholas Alexander 1 REGT GNR Murphy, Glenn John 20 STA GNR Comsa, Stelian Constantin 8/12 REGT

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GNR Eastwood, Shane David 1 REGT GNR Weldon, Ben Alexander 4 REGT GNR Fidler, Olivia Ellen Rose 20 STA GNR Wilkinson, James Craig SOARTY GNR Gerrard, Callum Morgan Paul 1 REGT GNR Dawson, Jye Shane SOARTY GNR Gomapas, Emmanuel Gabriel 4 REGT GNR Dawson, Jonathon Andrew 1 REGT GNR Halls, Benjamin Marcus 8/12 REGT BCC MOD 1 & 2 BASIC OP GBAD GNR Harvery, Jarrod Keith 4 REGT GNR Horan, Kane 1 REGT Rank Name Unit GNR Mabb, Harrison Spencer 20 STA GNR Gulli, Joshua Matthew 16 ALR GNR Maguire, James Patrick 8/12 REGT GNR Bell, Toby Michael SOARTY GNR Plunkett, Nathan Alexander 1 REGT GNR Blake, Lachlan David SOARTY GNR Saroukos, Thomas 16 ALR GNR Brown, Adele Charlotte SAORTY GNR Singh, Jaspreet 8/12 REGT GNR Browne, Jessica 16 ALR GNR Timms, Phillip Steven 4 REGT GNR Foot, Morgan Kieboom 1 REGT GNR Vulinovich, Thomas 8/12 REGT GNR Fuss, Ruby-Lee 16 ALR GNR Zippel, Kobe Jackson 4 REGT GNR Hjorth, Sophie Isobella 16 ALR GNR Gibb, Ashley Drew 20 STA CFN Humphreys, Riley John ASEME GNR Isemonger, Zac Alexander 16 ALR BCC MOD 1 & 2 GUNNER GRADE 1 GNR Smith, Benjamin Thomas 16 ALR

Rank Name Unit GNR Stenson, Matthew Brian 16 ALR GNR Bell, Hamish Edmund 1 REGT GNR Vaivads, Darien Karl 16 ALR GNR Bucknell, Liam James 8/12 REGT GNR Van Niekerk, Sure 16ALR GNR Chaniel, David James SOARTY LBDR Altmann, Timothy Stuart SOARTY GNR Collins, Jesse Daniel 1 REGT GNR Cupitt, Jarrod Christian 16 ALR GNR Delicata, Matthew Hayden 4 REGT CFN Malligan, Blake Rooney 16 ALR GNR Duggan, Cale Jay 1 REGT CFN Duffy, Tyler 16 ALR GNR Elliot, Cody Leigh SOARTY GNR Pizzato, Brandan 16 ALR GNR Fale, Fale Losefo 1 REGT GNR Collins-Nayler, Robert A 16 ALR GNR Grant, Lachlan Alexander 8/12 REGT BCC MOD 1 & 2 ACSO BASIC GNR Harper, Axel John 4 REGT Rank Name Unit GNR Hemantharaju, Sathvik SOARTY GNR Bagrianov, Eric Gary SOARTY GNR Jackman, Matthew John 1 REGT GNR Barron, Letitia Louise 8/12 REGT GNR Kenzie, Hayden Lyell 8/12 REGT GNR Burrows, Jesse Claude 1 REGT GNR Massine, Craig Peter 4 REGT GNR Coralde, Luigi Algero Cecilio 4 REGT GNR Musial, Jarrod James 8/12 REGT GNR Cox, Michael Nelson 1 REGT GNR Nhoung, Gary 8/12 REGT GNR Dickinson, Oliver George 4 REGT GNR Perry, Heath Lachlan 8/12 REGT GNR Ewin, Declan Patrick 1 REGT GNR Phillips, Brendan GNR Hejji, Adel Sameer Nasr Ismail 8/12 REGT GNR Polhman, Julian Rhys 1 REGT GNR Leonard, Patrick Jason 1 REGT GNR Robinson, Corey Lo 1 REGT GNR Linsley, Simon Ray 8/12 REGT GNR Schuler, Thomas Jason 1 REGT GNR Lloyd, Samual Thomas 4 REGT GNR Semmler, Kyle John 8/12 REGT GNR Longhurst, Macauley James 8/12 REGT GNR Shalders, Mitchell Leigh 8/12 REGT

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GNR Mann, James William 1 REGT SUBJ 4 WO GNY CSE Members Promoted to Warrant Officer Class Two GNR Miles, Cara Michelle 8/12 REGT GNR Murphy, Angus Federick 4 REGT  SGT Matt Hazelton – 4 Regt, OPSWO GNR Papagelakis, Daniel Alexander 8/12 REGT  SGT Sammy Jenkins – 1 Regt, BG 104 Bty GNR Paternoster, Jesse 4 REGT  SGT Luke Kime – 4 Regt, BG 109 Bty GNR Penny, Jaidyn Russell 4 REGT  SGT Peter McDonald – 1 Regt, BG A Bty

GNR Quartermain, Jesse Alan SOARTY  SGT Stephen Nicoles – 1 Regt, BG 103 Bty GNR Schulz-Todd, Ross Elliott 1 REGT WO2, SNCO & JNCO Promotions: GNR Shairov, Philipp SOARTY Period July 2016 – Nov 2017 GNR Swansson, Dylan Norman 1 REGT Surname Christian Names GNR Turner, Budd Ivor George 8/12 REGT Promoted WO2 GNR Wei, Wei SOARTY  Ashurst Scott Andrew GNR Wemyss, Blake Walter 8/12 REGT  Barwick Timothy Samuel  Bushell Byron Burnett GNR Whitehead, Benjamin Joseph 8/12 REGT  Charters Troy Ian GNR Loveday, Thomas Daniel 1 REGT  Crichton Toby James  Grieve Thomas Douglas BCCC MOD 1 & 2 BASIC OP SW&L  Hill James Andrew  Osborn Susan Linda Rank Name Unit  Rappard Steven Hendrik GNR Aberts, Michael 16 ALR  Swindell Nathan John  Toby John David GNR Smith, James 16 ALR  Wakefield Bradley Trent GNR Dunn, Joseph 16 ALR  Windridge Nicholas Andrew

GNR Bartuccio, Blake 16 ALR Promoted SGT GNR Goatcher, Timothy 16 ALR  Anu Jon GNR Patch, Conner 16 ALR  Cooke Daniel Jason Troy GNR Kapinos, Vasilious 16 ALR  Elms  Ferrari Nino GNR Mago, Arcane 16 ALR  George Elton GNR James, Liam 16 ALR  Griffiths Daniel  Haywood Steven John GNR Baker, Hugh 16 ALR  Matangi Justin GNR Lewis, Jade 16 ALR  McCoombes Shayne  Powell Craig TPR Mackie, Bradley SOA  Reid Brian Jonathan GNR Hunt, Matthew SOARTY  Rogers Steven PTE Quartermain, Jesse SOARTY  Saliba Michael  Sennis John  Stevens Jason Promotions & Appointments Promoted BDR  Alexander Nathan Brian  Armstrong Gregory Paul The Head of Regiment congratulates on behalf  Ayris Scott James of everyone the following officers, WO2s,  Bellert Sean Mathew SNCOs and JNCOs who have been promoted.  Berlin Luke David  Bestmann Dean Robert  Lieutenant Colonel RH (Rich) Watson to COL  Braithwaite Bruce Edward  Major B (Bennie) Gray to LTCOL  Bramley Kurtis Ross  Major PA (Peter) Allan to LTCOL  Burns Damian Joseph Darcy  Major RR (Ryan) Barrow to LTCOL  Byrne Brenton Roy  Major JR (Joe) Wheatley to LTCOL  Casini Michael Lawrence John

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 Chivas Dale Robert  Baulderstone Richard Peter  Crane Luke  Beckingham Martin Paul  Crowden David Joseph  Boetje Nicholas Michael  Dole Eric Michael  Brinkworth Jason Barrie James  Dotchin Steven Craig  Carvosso Christopher William G  Dureikin Andrey Evgenyevich  Caven Jack Conner  Duthler Klaus Joseph  Conroy- Trent Paul  Elford Benjamin Edward Bagby  Faragher Liam Robert  Dalton Max Paul  Fisher Scott Jonathon  Farquharson Robert James  Fleming Matthew William  Gilbert Luke Christian  Flindall Sean Mathew  Govett Kody Graham  Flower Jarrod James  Gurney Jamie Michael  Gibson James Dominic  Hansen Shane Anthony  Hodge Jacob Richard  Harris Mitchel Jaymes  Hosking Jake Peter  Hayden Nicholas John  Hunter Jordan Brian  Hickson Warrick Daniel  Kingston Benjamin Robert  Holliday Zak Thomas  Little Brett William  Hrcan Matthew Michael  Love Blake Stuart  Ison Kurt Bruce  Lovejoy Shane William Brett  Jeffree Erich Michael  Marcus Aaron Andrew  Jennings Jack Darren  Martinez Caryl Anthony Estaloza  Joyce Samuel David Kenneth  Mitchell Luke John  Khann Matthew David John  Moroney Jake William John  Lane Joe Thomas Crawford  Morrison Ben  Luck Samuel John  Mutton Damian Leonard  Lynch Jesse Ryan  Nangle Daniel Mark  Macdonald Heath Alexander  O'Connor Mark Timmy  Mackay Neil James  Onekawa Kynan Leigh  McDowell Scott James  Pal Matthew Mark  McIntyre Luke James  Pashley Timothy James  McQueen Brenton Anthony  Pattugalan Nikita Caine  Miers- Luther Karl  Phillips Llewellyn Devriendt  Porter Terry Brent Andrew  Morley Andrew William  Price Oliver James  Muradian Sevan  Rogers Mitchell James  Nuttall Timothy Lloyd  Shaw Toby Joe  Paterson Rory Oliver  Smart Andrew James  Peace Daniel Aden  Smith Cameron Richard  Reschke Matthew James  Somerville Luke Alan  Rowe Thomas Alan  Stevenson Benjamin Luke  Russell Nathan Edward  Stewart Thomas  Selwood Stewart James  Sue Patrick Hugh Raymond  Sills Bradley Robert  Sutton Eliah James  Singh Ravinderjit  Szumowski Kurt John  Smith William James  Thompson Luke Robert  Smith Aaron James  Walker Michael John  Sonners Luke Benjamin  Young Jamin Alexander  Stewart Sam Jordan  Zaloumis John  Symonds Samuel James  Taylor Brandan Kenneth Promoted LBDR  Waine Brendan Mark  Aitchison Jacob Alan  Watson Shane Michael  Altmann Timothy Stuart  Watson Ian Robert  Andrews Aaron Jackson  Williams Damian Luke  Antoniak Jack Porter  Woodley Abel Joseph  Bajic James David  Worgan Ben Alex  Barber Richard-James  Zammit Christopher Samuel C Andrew  Batchelor Tristan Raymond  Cooper

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RESEARCH ON ARMY But when The Australian sought to obtain a selection of her other reports and CULTURED research associated with some six CENSORED contracts awarded, Defence refused.

RORY CALLINAN, DEFENCE WRITER, THE Defence FOI assessor Tony Corcoran in AUSTRALIAN JULY 26TH, 2017 his refusal letter said Dr Crompvoets had been engaged for her specialist skills to Defence is refusing to release even the conduct in‐depth longitudinal research titles of a feminist sociologist’s tax‐payer studies in cultures and behaviours. funded research into army culture on the ground that disclosure would provoke He said the army social research “public speculation”, making it harder to contracts were part of a series of studies act on the information. that supported work to address “some of Defence’s most sensitive and complex The department has declined The social issues”. Australian’s freedom of information request to release details of the research However regarding the social research, to undertaken by Canberra academic release “even the titles of the 17 Samantha Crompvoets as part of a series documents at this time let alone the of contracts costing the department just documents themselves would have a over a million dollars. deleterious effect on the army’s ability to Dr Crompvoets, who describes herself on effect ;cultural change in specific her Twitter account as “sociologist, problem areas”, he said. feminist, taxidermist”, has qualifications “This is because it would shine a spotlight in psychology, sociology, and on a specific area where cultural organisational development and has a problems exist without a considered way PhD from ANU for a thesis about the forward being determined to ameliorate experiences of women undergoing breast the issues.” cancer treatment. Mr Corcoran said the two other contracts Her services have been sought by Defence related to a master study in relation to as part of a response to change Australian Defence’s major cultural change program Defence Force culture following a series for both the ADF and the Australian of reviews and investigations that Public Service, while the third dealt with highlighted sexual abuse and unethical culture and identity of APS in Defence. behaviour among ADF personnel. He said public interest was not a viable Since 2013, Defence has awarded Dr argument to release the documents Crompvoets’s personal company because doing so could “result in contracts worth about $3.6 million to increased public speculation about the undertake social research, organisational various cultural issues in Defence which psychology and cultural studies relating to would have a substantial adverse effect the military and the department’s public on Defence’s ability to manage its servants. personnel”. One of her earlier 2015 research Efforts to contact Dr Crompvoets were contracts, called “Special Operations unsuccessful yesterday. Command Cultural Interactions”, has led to disclosure by soldiers about war crimes involving Australian special forces in Afghanistan – allegations that last year were referred to the Inspector‐General of the Australian Defence Force, who launched an investigation.

72 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition Associations & Organisations

P O Box 293, Lake Cathie, NSW 2445 RAA Regimental Fund Phone: (02) 6585 7342 SO2 HOR School of Artillery Mob: 0419 349 317 Bridges Barracks, Puckapunyal, VIC 3662 Email: [email protected] Phone: (03) 5735 6267 7 Field Regiment Association Mob: 0407 140 036 Email: [email protected] President - Major Steve Flower RAA Historical Company Secretary - John Balfour OAM Email: [email protected] P O Box 171 Cremorne Junction, NSW 2090 Mob: 0418 412 354 Web: http://www.artilleryhistory.org Correspondence to:P O Box 206, Frenchs [See Membership Form in Cannonball] Forest, NSW 2086 Web: 7fd-regt-raa-association.com CANNONBALL (OFFICIAL JOURNAL) 10 Medium Regiment Association Inc AIRBURST (ELECTRONIC NEWS LETTER) President - Bev Lancaster Australian Army Artillery Museum & Mob: 0409 936264 Artillery Display Puckapunyal Secretary - Glenn Rabbas Peter Armstrong, Curator 133 Roseneath Street, North Geelong, VIC 3215 Australian Army Artillery Museum Email: [email protected] Albury Wodonga Military Area Web: www.10mdmraa.org.au Gaza Ridge Barracks THE BIG GUN (NEWSLETTER) South Bandiana, VIC 3694 Mob: 0407 469 018 23 Field Regiment Association Email: [email protected] Secretary - Peter Merlino 63 Penshurst Road, Penshurst, NSW 2222 Major Colin Wardrop, Manager Phone: (02) 9570 2776 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mob: 0409 505 649 Web: www.23fd-regt-raa-association.org BATTERY GUIDE (NEWSLETTER) A Field Battery Association Inc RAA Historical Society WA (Inc) President / Secretary - Ron (Tex) Bassan President - Bruce Campbell 6 Harveys Road, Beaconsfield, QLD 4740 Phone: (08) 9221 2494 (Bus) Phone: (07) 4942 5433 Email: [email protected] Secretary - Stan Davies P O Box 881, Claremont, WA 6910 A FIELD BATTERY NATIONAL NEWSLETTER Mob: 0418 903 722 Editor - Ron (Butch) Slaughter Email: [email protected] 6/8 St Ives Drive, Robina, QLD 4226 Web: www.artillerywa.org.au Phone: (07) 5562 5115 TAKE POST (QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER) Email: [email protected] Web: http://afdbty.australianartilleryassociation.com/ 4 Field Regiment (Vietnam) Association Peter Bruce

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101 Battery 106 Battery Secretary - Bill Telfer Rob Gowling Email: [email protected] Unit 2, 20 Barkly Street, Web: Mordiallic, VIC 3195 www.homepage.powerup.com.au/~assoc101bty Phone: (03) 9587 8391 Email: [email protected] 101 Battery (Malaya 1959-1961) 107 Battery President - Don McDonald President - Warren D. Feakes Secretary- David Troedel Phone: (02) 6231 8369 57 Drummond Street, Rangeville, QLD 4350 Mob: 0417 209 360 Phone: (07) 4637 8774 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer - Hilton Lenard 102 Battery Mob: 0418 695 345 Email: [email protected] Don Tait Correspondence to: 107 Field Battery Mob: 0419 287 292 RAA Association, Email: [email protected] P O Box 199, Erindale, ACT 2903 Ian Ahearn RAM - RAMBLINGS (NEWSLETTER) Mob: 0417 691 741 Editor - Warren D. Feakes Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 103 Battery Web: www.107fdbty.com Doug Heazlewood 108 Battery 4 Lineda Court, Warrnambool, VIC 3280 John Wells Phone: (03) 5561 4370 P O Box 407, Beaconsfield, VIC 104 Battery Phone: (03) 5944 3157 (H) Email: [email protected] Frank Corcoran JP Mob: 0400 113 929 THE JOURNAL WITH NO NAME (NEWSLETTER) Email: [email protected] RAA Association (QLD) Inc GERM JOURNAL (NEWSLETTER) President - Colonel Vern Mullins RFD ED 105 Battery Secretary - Lieutenant Colonel Ron West President – David Gourlay P O Box 174, Lutwyche, QLD 4030 3 Tambourine Bay Road Mob: 0408 073 944 Lane Cove NSW 2066 Email: [email protected] Mob: 0414 430 998 Web: http://www.artilleryqld.com.au/ Email: [email protected] GUNLINE (NEWSLETTER) Immediate Past President – Jim Box RAA Association (NTH QLD) Phone: (07) 3396 1770 Mob: 0411 758 433 (Gunners North Queensland) Email: [email protected] Secretary – Brett Armstrong Email: [email protected] Secretary – Ted Robinson 20 Oogar Street, Maroochydore, QLD 4558 GUNNERS GOSSIP (NEWSLETTER) Phone: (07) 5494 4689 RAA Association (NSW) Inc Email: [email protected] President - Lieutenant Colonel Schon Condon TIGER RAG (NEWSLETTER) RFD Editor - Arthur Burke OAM Mob: 0409 091 157 P O Box 391, Aspley, QLD 4034 Email: [email protected] Phone & Fax: (07) 3263 6025 Secretary - Vacant Email: [email protected] G P O Box 576, Sydney, NSW 2001 Web: http://www.105bty.asn.au/ Email: [email protected]

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GUNFIRE (MAGAZINE) Phone: (08) 8981 9702 Editor – Major Vic Rae RFD (Retd) Email: [email protected] P O Box W1034, West Cessnock, NSW 2325 Web: www.darwinmilitarymueseum.com.au Phone: (02) 4990 8560 REVEILLE (ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER) Mob: 0417 680 617 Email: [email protected] RAA Association (WA) Inc Website: www.artillerynsw.asn.au President – David Carter RAA Association (ACT) Phone: (08) 9367 3539 Vice-president - Major P.J. Mahoney RFD President - Colonel Sean Ryan Phone: (08) 9268 8072 Mob: 0428 198 707 Mob: 0421 074 327 Email: [email protected] Secretary - John. Blylevens SHOT OVER (NEWSLETTER) P O Box 881, Claremont, WA 6910 Phone: (08) 9461 6001 (bus) RAA Association (VIC) Inc Mob: 0438 695 711 President - Major N. Hamer RFD Email: [email protected] Phone: (03) 9702 2100 Web: www.artillerywa.org.au Email: [email protected] ARTILLERY WA (ON-LINE NEWSLETTER)

Secretary - Colonel Jason Cooke RAA Association (TAS) Inc Phone: (03) 9282 6900 President - Major Graeme Howard Mob: 0409 043 165 Email: [email protected] Honorary Secretary - Steven Cathcart 610 Carlton River Road CASCABEL (MAGAZINE) CARLTON RIVER TAS 7173 Editor - Alan Halbish, Email: [email protected] 115 Kearney Drive, Web: www.tasartillery.com Aspendale Gardens, VIC 3195 Phone: (03) 9587 1676 THE ARTILLERY NEWS (NEWSLETTER) Email: [email protected] Editor - Mrs Janet Stewart Web: www.artilleryvic.org.au 11 Anson Street, Weaverley, TAS 7250 Email: [email protected] RAA Association (SA) Phone: (03) 6339 2450 President - Geoff Laurie Australian Air Defence Association Inc. 12 Chatsworth Grove, Toorak Gardens, SA 5065 President - Dave Spain Phone: (08) 8332 4485 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mob: 0434 471 593 RAA Association (NT) Inc Secretary - Michael Streets President - Jeff Dunn OAM AADAA, P O Box 2024, Red Cliff North, QLD, 4020 Vice-president - Trevor Smith OAM Email: [email protected] Mob: 0408 033 380 Mob: 0437 008 569 Web: http://aadaa.asn.au Secretary – Adrienne Messer Email: [email protected] Locating Surveillance & Target Acquisition Association Treasurer John Johnston President - Major Joe Kaplun OAM, CMC, JP Mob: 0419 836 669 6 Apex Ave, Picnic Point, NSW 2213 PO Box 12757, George Street Phone: (02) 9774 1471 Brisbane QLD 4003 Mob: 040774 1473 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Darwin Military Museum Manager Vice President - LTCOL Phil Swinsberg Norman Cramp Phone: (07) 3353 5210 GPO box 3220, Darwin NT 0801 Mob: 0425 000 370

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Secretary - Bob Morrison Phone: (02) 4861 6463 Key RAA Mob: 0417 447 504 Associations & Organisations Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] ‘Australian Artillery Association’ Website: www.locatingartillery.org Website

LOCREP (NEWSLETTER) www.australianartilleryassociation.com Editor - Major Allan Harrison (see above) Email 131 Locators Association Inc [email protected] EYES & EARS (NEWSLETTER) Editor - Paul Dickson ‘Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company’ Email: [email protected] Website 18 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Association www.artilleryhistory.org Secretary - Paul Hornby 4/23-25 June Place, Gymea Bay NSW 2227 Email Phone: (02) 9526 5769 [email protected] Email: [email protected] 9 HAA/LAA Regiments Association

President - Phil Easton 29 Michael Crescent, Kiama, NSW 2533 Phone: (02) 4237 6087 Email: [email protected] 41 Battery/11 Field Regiment RAA Association Inc President – Murray Rutherford Mob: 0404 063 424 Email: [email protected] GUNNER EAR (NEWSLETTER) Fort Lytton Historical Association (QLD) Inc

President - Maurice McGuire, OAM P O Box 293, Wynnum QLD 4178 Phone: (07) 3399 3198 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fortlytton.net.au 'THE CUSTODIAN' (NEWSLETTER) Editor - Harry Lynas Fort Scratchley Historical Society Web: www.fortscratchley.org.au Royal Artillery Web: www.army.mod.uk/artillery/artillery.aspx

Royal Artillery Association

Web: www.theraa.co.uk

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RAA (GUNNERS FUND) REGULAR/PERIODIC SUBSCRIBERS as at 6th November 2017 (Note: Rank as listed when joined fund)

MAJGEN DP Coghlan CAPT FE Bruce LT DP Gillam BRIG CD Furini CAPT NS Clark LT BJY Gordon CAPT CC D'Aquino LT SG Green COL DM Edwards CAPT EA Dempster LT EJ Grigg COL NJ Foxall CAPT NW Dickeson LT NC Harrison COL DJ Hill CAPT MJ Fensom LT LP Hurley COL MRC Kennedy CAPT S Frewin LT DJ James LTCOL RJ Alsworth CAPT TAH Gommers LT TM Linley LTCOL RJ Crawford CAPT BD Green LT JJ Lynch LTCOL SA Jenkins CAPT KR Handreck LT LJ Madden LTCOL NC Laughton CAPT NP Mahr LT A Martin LTCOL MKL Mankowski CAPT L McDonald LT BJ May LTCOL AJ Payne CAPT BJ Perkins LT SN McBride LTCOL CJ Shillabeer CAPT CJ Pitman LT SA McLean LTCOL JJ West CAPT GM Potter LT CN Munro MAJ SM Armstrong CHAP PD Price LT DL Nicolle MAJ JLF Batayola CAPT TD Radford LT LO O'Keeffe MAJ ST Bryden CAPT AL Ridgeway LT SG O'Neal MAJ JP Casey CAPT JW Satchell LT AJ Other-Gee MAJ R Chetty CAPT ME Seabrook LT MJ Parry MAJ MJ Cook CAPT AL Seymour LT MJ Robinson MAJ WG Cooper CAPT ET Smith LT DI Roksa MAJ P Cosgrove CAPT KJ Smith LT PA Ruggeri MAJ JM Costello CAPT JH Stanhope LT WC Ryan MAJ GM Down CAPT BC Watson LT MBJ Smit MAJ TS Drew CAPT SW Watts LT AK Stokes MAJ DA Filmer CAPT N Wells LT BJ Storm MAJ MJ Finnerty CAPT BJ White LT FI Tularecinos MAJ JG Floyd CAPT MA Williams LT N Waugh MAJ BC Gray CAPT NJ Woodhams LT L Whitton MAJ WL Harvey LT NA Alexandrou LT AJ Toms MAJ AR McDonell LT JG Beamish WO1 SD Carmichael MAJ R O'Donnell LT NJ Buckland WO1 N Cole MAJ JM Roberts LT JW Chambers WO1 JA Cornwall MAJ JL Ronayne LT JB Childs WO1 MS Dewar MAJ C Sandner LT MJ Convey WO1 DR Grundell MAJ DK Silverstone LT IR Cowley WO1 AM Hortle MAJ P Spencer LT HF Dudley-Warde WO1 MM Humphrey MAJ A Wendt LT JA Duff WO1 JG Jarvis MAJ AM White LT OL Dyer WO1 MJ Kelly MAJ JP Wiles LT ER Ellis WO1 TL Kennedy CAPT RI Best LT SE Furlong WO1 DP Lindsay

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WO1 D McGarry BDR DS Allen GNR JW Johnston WO1 JA Quinn BDR AM Bamford GNR KJ Lawson WO1 S Schuman BDR BP Beach GNR AP Lee WO1 DJ Sinclair BDR JK Brennan GNR JD Lee WO1 MJ Sullivan BDR GM Clark GNR TM Lewis BDR JT Elms WO2 JP Bourke GNR JL Logan WO2 M Broughton BDR ECR George GNR HJ Lowth WO2 BB Bushell BDR RJ Gould GNR NJ Mackay WO2 MJ Castek BDR JR Hodge GNR JP Maguire WO2 BM Colles BDR PA Inger GNR CAE Martinez WO2 BT Donaldson BDR R McCaig GNR KW Murray WO2 AG Fleming BDR LE McKenna GNR ES Noble WO2 MP Fountain BDR MT O'Connor GNR MA Parsons WO2 CP Grant BDR DM Thornell GNR CZ Rasmussen WO2 AJ Hamilton BDR JP Van Loon GNR AW Rivero WO2 JA Hill BDR JM Walsh GNR TA Rowe WO2 AA Jensen LBDR SJ Ayris GNR BR Sills WO2 SJD Jolley LBDR BE Elford GNR P-M Smith WO2 R Leversha LBDR PF Fiannaca GNR LB Sonners WO2 RJ Mackereth LBDR SM Flindall GNR ML Topliss WO2 JR Millington LBDR CG Gibb GNR J Vardanega WO2 MR Morante LBDR MD Jackson GNR CAE West WO2 NL Murphy LBDR BS Love WO2 GD O'Connell LBDR TJ Muhamad

WO2 T Organ LBDR Y Nasralla

WO2 RA Partridge LBDR TL Nuttall WO2 SD Potter LBDR NE Russell WO2 SA Regal LBDR BL Stevenson WO2 M Rogan LBDR T Stewart WO2 SA Russell LBDR BK Taylor WO2 DS Stewart LBDR JL Whitby WO2 BJ Watson GNR BR Abaijah-Griffin WO2 JT Wilson GNR JA Aitchison

WO2 S Wilson GNR TR Batchelor WO2 CN Woodhall GNR WD Blanck SGT RW Archer GNR LD Brown SGT AJ Buzescu GNR RP Brown

SGT NR Corradetti GNR JN Bullock SGT MS Dutton GNR TW Campion SGT MM Farrell GNR NJ Carr SGT SJ Fitzgibbins GNR SKL Chaplin SGT RD Greenwood GNR AJC Clapton SGT CJ Haire GNR FB De Nardi SGT SJ Haywood GNR JD Evans SGT MR Krek GNR AP Gatty

SGT SC Robertson GNR NS Gill

GNR KM Gray SGT C Saetta SGT AF Scott GNR AW Hampton SGT AJ Shilton GNR NA Hodges

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REGIMENTAL FUND BENEFACTORS Correct as at 31st October 2017

LTGEN D.M. Mueller COL J.A.L. Fairless LTCOL S.G. Condon LTGEN B.A. Power COL R.N. Gair LTCOL R.J. Crawford * MAJGEN J.E. Barry COL S.T. Goltz LTCOL C.F. Dodds MAJGEN D.P. Coghlan COL G.C. Hay LTCOL D.M. Edwards MAJGEN M.P. Crane COL E.D. Hirst LTCOL L.D. Ensor MAJGEN P.J. Dunn COL C.B.J. Hogan LTCOL E.P.M. Esmonde MAJGEN G.P. Fogarty COL C.H. Hunter LTCOL J. Findlay MAJGEN T.R. Ford * COL A.G. Hutchinson LTCOL N.H.B. Floyd MAJGEN S.N. Gower COL D.J. Kelly LTCOL R.J. Foster MAJGEN J.P. Stevens * COL S.N. Kenny LTCOL N.J. Foxall MAJGEN P.B. Symon COL W.T. Kendall LTCOL A.W. Garrad COL J.C. Kirkwood LTCOL I.D.W. George BRIG M.G. Boyle COL P. Landford LTCOL R.G. Gibson BRIG J.R. Cox COL P.J. Lawrence LTCOL G. Gilbert BRIG G.W. Finney * COL M.G. Lovell LTCOL K.R. Hall BRIG C. D. Furini COL I.A. Lynch LTCOL P.D. Harris BRIG W.L. Goodman COL R.M. Manton LTCOL M. Harvey (RNZA) BRIG N.D. Graham * COL N.H. Marshall LTCOL B.N. Hawke BRIG J.G. Hughes COL J.H. McDonagh (AALC) * LTCOL P.L. Hodge BRIG J.A.R. Jansen COL R.V. McEvoy LTCOL S.A. Hompas BRIG P.R. Kilpatrick COL B.H. Mitchell LTCOL B.G. Hurrell BRIG R.A. Lawler COL R.B. Mitchell LTCOL J.R. Jauncey BRIG I.G.A. MacInnis COL V.W. Mullins LTCOL J.F. Kerr BRIG T.J. McKenna COL D. J. Murray LTCOL D. Klomp BRIG K.B.J. Mellor COL R.A. Parrott LTCOL S.F. Landherr BRIG K.J. O'Brien COL P.R. Patmore LTCOL A. Langford BRIG M.F. Paramor COL A.T. Piercy LTCOL B.L. Lloyd BRIG D. I. Perry COL A.A. Plant LTCOL J.L. Macpherson BRIG M.L. Phelps COL J.C. Platt LTCOL R. Maurice BRIG S. Roach COL G.G. Potter LTCOL P.D. McKay BRIG K.V. Rossi COL D. Quinn LTCOL P.J. Meakin BRIG G.T. Salmon COL A.W. Reynolds LTCOL P.D. Monks BRIG W.M. Silverstone COL S.T. Ryan LTCOL J.E. Morkham BRIG G.B. Standish COL S.M. Saddington LTCOL S.G.T. Mott BRIG B.G. Stevens COL R.H. Stanhope LTCOL D.M. Murphy * BRIG R.A. Sunderland COL B.J. Stark LTCOL S.W. Nicolls BRIG D.J.P. Tier COL D.M. Tait LTCOL T.C. O'Brien BRIG P.J. Tys COL R.A. Vagg LTCOL G.F.B. Rickards BRIG A.G. Warner COL A.D. Watt * LTCOL D.A. Ryan BRIG V.H. Williams COL W.A. Whyte LTCOL L.F. Searle BRIG P.D. Winter COL B.A. Wood LTCOL M. Shaday COL S.P. Amor LTCOL S.D. Aldenton LTCOL C. Taggart COL P.F. Appleton LTCOL C.W. Andersen LTCOL W.R.C. Vickers COL B.M. Armstrong LTCOL B.J. Armour LTCOL D.H.R. Wilton COL B.J. Bailey LTCOL J.D. Ashton LTCOL B.J. Winsor COL J.F. Bertram LTCOL R.M. Baguley MAJ A.J. Balsillie * COL J.P.C. Black LTCOL N.K. Bolton MAJ W.C. Barnard COL R.V. Brown LTCOL J.E. Box * MAJ G.K. Bartels COL A.R. Burke * LTCOL D.N. Brook MAJ G.F. Berson COL D.L. Byrne LTCOL M.A. Cameron MAJ P.E. Bertocchi COL S.R. Carey LTCOL J.H. Catchlove MAJ D.T. Brennan COL S.E. Clingan LTCOL I.D.S. Caverswall MAJ J.P. Casey COL F.G. Colley

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MAJ P. Cimbaljevic MAJ P.J. Watkins BRIG R.K. Fullford, BRIG N.D. MAJ C.T. Connolly MAJ P.R. Widelewski Graham, BRIG J.R. Salmon, MAJ I.K. Cossart CAPT M.A. Pasteur (AAAvn) COL A.R. Burke, COL A.D. MAJ J.M. Costello CAPT A. Ridgeway Watt, LTCOL J.E. Box, LTCOL MAJ S. Denner CAPT P.J. Smith J.H. McDonagh, LTCOL D.M. MAJ P.K. Dover CAPT P. Wertheimer Murphy, LTCOL G.K. Phillips, MAJ M. Dutton MAJ J.B. Evans, MAJ G.D. LT J.F. Henry MAJ M.J. Finnerty Metcalf, WO1 K.J. Browning, LT S.L. Shepherd MAJ C.A. Flear M. Vandyke and WO2 D.G. MAJ A.O. Fleming WO1 D.G. Annett Ogden have paid two life MAJ W.J. Francis WO1 D.W. Bowman subscriptions. WO1 K.J. Browning * MAJ T.J. Gibbings Associations WO1 L.A. Cooper MAJ W.H. Grimes RAA Association (Tas) WO1 B.A. Franklin MAJ J.M. Groves RAA Association (Qld) WO1 G. Hampton MAJ N. Hamer RAA Association (North Qld) WO1 E. Harkin MAJ P. Harris RAA Association (Vic) WO1 G.A. Jebb MAJ M.R. Hartas RAA Association (SA) WO1 M.I. Johnson MAJ L.P. Hindmarsh RAA Association (NSW) WO1 M.A. Johnston MAJ M.S. Hodda RAA Association (NSW) - WO1 T.L. Kennedy MAJ D.A. Jenkins Newcastle Branch WO1 D.R. Lehr MAJ I. Jeong 105th Field Battery Association WO1 P.A. Matthysen MAJ G. Johns 107 (Field) Battery Association WO1 D.J. Sinclair MAJ D.E. Jones Fort Lytton Historical Assoc WO1 B.J. Stafford MAJ J. Kaplun RAA Retired Officers of South WO1 R.J. Thompson MAJ J.B. Kelly East Queensland WO1 M. Vandyke MAJ J.A. King Australian Air Defence Artillery WO1 P.T. Washford MAJ M.D. Laurence Association WO1 C.F.J. Watego MAJ H. Lenard 13th Battery Association WO1 G.J. Webster MAJ A.M. Ludlow Coast Artillery Association WO2 D. Bannerman MAJ R.S. McDonagh Deceased Benefactors MAJ A.R. McDonell WO2 M. Broughton Sir Roden Cutler MAJ G.D. Metcalf * WO2 P. Carthew MAJGEN T.F. Cape MAJ M.W. Middleton WO2 M.R. Dawson MAJGEN G.D. Carter MAJ G.K. Milic WO2 R.T.B. Hay MAJGEN P. Falkland MAJ D.R. Morgan WO2 J.J. Hennessy MAJGEN R.G. Fay MAJ S.R. Nebauer WO2 D.G. Ogden * MAJGEN G.J. Fitzgerald MAJ D.T. O'Brien WO2 A. Pavlovich MAJGEN J.D. Stevenson (see note)  WO2 R.N. Skelton MAJGEN J. Whitelaw (see note) MAJ L.W.L. Partridge  MAJ P.J. Prewett BRIG R.K. Fullford (see note) SSGT R.W. Morrell BRIG A.G. Hanson MAJ V.J. Rae SSGT E.J. Paddon BRIG R.Q. Macarthur-Stranham MAJ S.G. Rohan-Jones SGT J. Nield BRIG I.J. Meibusch MAJ W.A. Ritchie SGT G.V. Saint BRIG J.R. Salmon (see note) MAJ P.S. Richards SGT D.H. Wood BRIG D.D. Weir MAJ K.F. Schoene COL M.C. Crawford (see note) MAJ L.J. Simmons Mr N. Fox COL J.H. Humphrey MAJ A.H. Smith * Mr C.J. Jobson COL M.J. Kingsford MAJ P.W. Spencer Mr B.C. Kyrwood COL G.M. Salom MAJ M.C. Squire Mr L.A. Manning LTCOL R.H.E. Harvey MAJ A.E.R. Straume Note (See *): LTCOL K.W. MacKenzie LTCOL P.L. Overstead MAJ M. Taggart COL M.C. Crawford, COL E.D. LTCOL G.K. Phillips MAJ W. Tapp Hirst, MAJ A.J. Balsillie and MAJ A.H. Smith have paid three LTCOL G.W. Tippets MAJ J.D. Thornton life subscriptions MAJ M. Dawson MAJ A.C. Turner LTGEN B.A. Power, MAJGEN MAJ J.B. Evans (see note) MAJ M.L. Van Tilburg T.R. Ford, MAJGEN J.P. MAJ A.A. Thwaites MAJ T.W. Vercoe Stevens, MAJGEN J.D. CAPT A.E. Sheridan WO1 K.M. Cossart MAJ M. St C. Walton Stevenson, MAJGEN J.

MAJ C.V. Wardrop Whitelaw, BRIG G.W. Finney,

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 $500 each to 101 Battery and 103 Battery RAA GUNNERS FUND – for 100th Anniversary celebrations; NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT  $2,500 to 8th/12th Medium Regiment to assist to build a Regimental Memorial to Introduction coincide with the Regiment's 30th The RAA Gunners' Fund is designed to provide a anniversary celebrations; source of funds that can be utilised for the benefit  $500 to 131st Surveillance and Target of all Gunners regardless of rank. One of the Acquisition Battery to improve the Battery most important uses for these funds is to support memorial and add a plaque to mark the 50th requests from RAA units and organisations to Anniversary of the unit and its name change assist in the ongoing preservation and promotion from 131st Divisional Locating Battery; of Regimental heritage. Other worthy goals that  $1,000 to 1st Field Regiment for 50th the Fund supports includes, but is not limited to: anniversary celebrations;  support RAA extra-Regimental activities,  $1,000 to 4th Field Regiment for 40th anniversary celebrations;  encourage RAA Officers and Soldiers who excel in their profession,  $1,500 for shield to be held by winner of Mount Schanck trophy;  support activities that benefit RAA  $1,000 to 1st Field Regiment for 50th personnel, not funded by public money, anniversary of 105th Field Battery, 50th  safeguard, maintain and purchase items of anniversary of commitment to Malaya and RAA Regimental property, 40th anniversary of commitment to South Vietnam;  preserve RAA heritage and history, and  $1,000 to complete the Major General T.  record RAA Operational service since Cape Bequest to the Regimental officer’s deployments began in the 1990s. mess; The Regimental Committee cannot achieve these  $2,500 towards the Anti-Aircraft and Air worthy goals without the support of individual Defence Memorial at 16th Air Land members and organisations within the Gunner Regiment; community. All ranks are encouraged to make a  $700 for 53 Battery World War Two Battery financial contribution to the Gunners' Fund; be it Flag restoration and preservation; fortnightly or annual contributions or by becoming a life member. Whilst a ‘Life  $600 for Annual Gunners (RAA) Fund Subscription’ absolves the subscriber from being Badge Draw prizes; asked for any further financial contribution they  $450 for Bombardier and Gunner of the are welcome to make additional contributions to Year – 2016; further support the Royal Regiment. The list of  $6000 to send the Bombardier and Gunner life subscribers is published in the Liaison Letter of the Year 2016 to the UK for professional and they receive a complimentary copy. development with the Royal School of Recent Projects Artillery and local artillery units; Over the years the Gunners' Fund has supported a  Presentation of a framed miniature RAA wide range of requests for financial support, Standard with supporting service history to including some of which are ongoing such as the those who have achieved of 40 years maintenance of the AIF and Mount Schanck service; Trophies. It is worth noting that the sums of  On-going Royal Military College money requested from the Fund are generally Graduation Artillery prize; and significant and therefore can only realistically  Annual Regimental Officer, Warrant Officer have any chance of being supported if each and and Sergeant farewells. every one of us contribute to the Fund. Projects supported by the Fund include the allocation of: Subscriptions – See the subscription form on the  $500 to 107 Battery for 50th Anniversary next page for details. celebrations;

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87 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition Regimental Publications Index

Liaison Letter

Ser Title Ser Title 1 Director Royal Artillery Technical Liaison Letter 1/48+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – November 41 2 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 3 June 1954# 1981@ Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 18 October Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1982 (Issue 3 42 1954+ One)@ Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 24 November Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1983 (Issue 4 43 1954+ One)@ 5 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – February 1955+ Ser Title Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1983 (Issue 6 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 31 May 1955+ 44 Two)@ Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 30 September 7 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1984 (Issue 1955# 45 Four)@ Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 20 January 8 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1986 (Issue 1956+ 46 One)# 9 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 18 June 1956+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1986 (Issue Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 26 November 47 10 Two) – 4 November 1986# 1956# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Issue One – Director Royal Australia Artillery Liaison Letter – 24 48 12 1987 – 18 June 1987# February 1957+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Issue Two – Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 26 November 49 13 1987 – 11 November 1987# 1957# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition1– 50 14 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 30 April 1958# 1988 – 23 June 1988# Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 28 November Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition2– 15 51 1958+ 1988 – 14 November 1988# 16 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 17 June 1959+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition1– 44 17 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – January 1960# 1989# 18 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 29 July 1960# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition2– 45 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 17 February 1989# 19 1961# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition1– 46 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – 6 November 1990# 20 1961+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition2– 47 21 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – July1962# 1990# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – Edition1– 22 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – October 1962# 48 1991# 23 Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – February 1971# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1992 – First Director Royal Artillery Liaison Letter – September 49 24 Edition# 1972# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1992 – Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – February 50 25 Second Edition# 1973# Royal Australian Artillery – August 1993 – Liaison Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – September 51 26 Letter# 1973# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1996 – First 52 27 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – March 1974# Edition# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – September Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – 1996 – 28 53 1974# Second Edition# 29 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – March 1975# 54 1997 – Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – September 30 55 1998–99 RAA Liaison Letter+ 1975# 56 RAA Liaison Letter – 2000+ 31 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – March 1976# 57 RAA Liaison Letter – 2001+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – September 32 1976# 58 RAA Liaison Letter – 2002+ 33 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – March 1977# 59 RAA Liaison Letter 2003 – Autumn Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – September 60 RAA Liaison Letter 2003 – Spring Edition+ 34 1977# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2004 – Autumn 61 Royal Australian Artillery Personnel Notes – October Edition+ 35 1977# Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2004 – Spring 62 36 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – May 1978# Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2005 – Autumn 37 Royal Australian Artillery Personnel Notes – 1978# 63 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – March 38 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2005 – Spring 1980@ 64 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – December 39 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2006 – Autumn 1980@ 65 Edition+ 40 Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter – May 1981@

88 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition

Ser Title Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2006 – Spring 66 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2007 – Autumn 67 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2007 – Spring 68 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2008 – Autumn 69 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2008 – Spring 70 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2009 – Autumn 71 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2009 – Spring 72 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2010 – Autumn 73 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2010 – Spring 74 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2011 – Autumn 75 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2011 – Spring 76 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2012 – Autumn 77 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2012 – Spring 78 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2013 – Autumn 79 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2013 – Spring 80 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2014 – Autumn 81 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2014 – Spring 82 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2015 – Autumn 83 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2015 – Spring 84 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2016 – Autumn 85 Edition+ Royal Australian Artillery Liaison Letter 2017 – Autumn 86 Edition+ Australian Gunner Magazine Ser Title 1 Australian Gunner – Vol. 1 No. 1* 2 Australian Gunner – Vol. 1.No. 2* 3 Australian Gunner – Vol. 2 No.1 – September 1979* 4 Australian Gunner – March 1980* 5 Australian Gunner – December 1980* 6 Australian Gunner – May 81* 7 Australian Gunner – November 81* Australian Gunner – The Official Journal of the Royal 8 Regiment of Australian Artillery – March 1997* Miscellaneous Regimental Publications Ser Title 1 DARTY Personnel Notes – December 1969# 2 Royal Australian Artillery Personnel Notes – 1978#

Notes: *Copy held by SO to HOR # Copy held by Puckapunyal Area Library + Copy held by HOR at School of Artillery @ Not available to HOR at School of Artillery

89 RAA Liaison Letter 2017 – Spring Edition

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