DOCSLIB.ORG

Download the 2009 Bulletin

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Download the 2009 Bulletin ‘SERVING THE REGIMENT’ BULLETIN OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT FOUNDATION ABN 31 055 902 433 Patron : Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC (Retd) President : Major General B W Howard AO MC ESM (Retd) The Colonel Commandant of the Royal Australian Regiment GPO Box 3112 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Tel: 02 6265 9842 Fax: 02 6265 9842 Email: [email protected] www.rarfoundation.org.au Issue No. 27 , September 2009 Ptes Downey and Oyagawa with members of Timor-Leste National Police Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) (photo courtesy 5RAR) RAR Foundation 1 CHAIRMAN ’S R EPORT Foundation has accepted the responsibility of inves t- ing and managing a percentage of 4RAR’s Regimen- In December last year the Foundation handed back to tal Funds. Likewise the Foundation is privileged to 8/9RAR the sum of $60,000, funds that had been be able to manage the ‘Colin East 4RAR Trust’ as the managed on behalf of the battalion since its disband- ‘Colin East Legacy.’ ment in 1997. During this period funds had increased, through interest, from $45,000 to $60,000. This sum Finally, we welcome Brigadier Mick Moon as Dep- was a large chunk out of our investments but I am uty Chairman of the Foundation while also recognis- pleased to report that through wise investment and a ing his other responsibilities as Regimental Colonel, recent mini-surge in new Life Governors we have Head of Corps and Commandant of the Royal Mili- recouped much of that decrease as reflected in the tary College of Australia. Financial Report. Nevertheless we need to keep this As always, Duty First mini-surge rolling to improve our capability to sup- port all of you serving in our Regiment and the ethos Adrian Clunies-Ross of the Regiment as a whole. Major General A Clunies-Ross, AO, MBE, (Retd) Chairman We have been accused by some of being an officers’ organisation. We are not but we do acknowledge that some officers and warrant officers, because of their previous leadership responsibilities and obligations plus their regimental pride, wish to remain useful to the Regiment and therefore volunteer to help admin- istratively where and when they can. One only needs to look at the list of our Life Governors/Regimental Supporters to see that now many are private soldiers, non commissioned officers and warrant officers. This year we have said farewell and good luck to David Clinch who has been our most helpful and wise Office-Manager for more than a decade and say 2RAR’s Ptes Glen Collins, Cameron Robinson and Nyugen ‘hello and welcome’ to Ms Angela Kirkland (the Ronald on patrol in Dili as part of Battle Group VI daughter of our inaugural honorary secretary Peter D’Arcy) as our new Office Manager. While David is BOARD OF D IRECTORS now officially an Office Volunteer his support in the SEPTEMBER 2009 transition period of handover is invaluable. Chairman: Maj Gen A Clunies-Ross, AO, MBE, The more support we get from the serving members (Retd); Deputy Chairman; Brig M J Moon, DSC, of the Regiment the more useful we can be to those AM; Secretary: Brig J Essex-Clark, DSM, (Retd); of the Regiment that need some modest financial help Treasurer: Capt I B Smith (Retd); Directors: Brig F K in a time of crisis caused by them serving the nation. Cole, AM, (Retd); Brig J A Sheldrick, OAM, (Retd); We, as a charitable and patriotic institution, have Mr K M Kipping, AM; WO S C Ward OAM, RSM government permission to allow your donations to be of the Army; Brig C G Appleton CSC; Col A G claimed as tax deductions. We have also, through the Findlay, AM; Lt Col C A Johnston; WO1 K J Woods, Defence Pay system, now made it easier for you to CSC OAM; Associate Director: Col D V Goldsmith, join us and donate electronically. The way in which ED, (Retd). this can be achieved is addressed later in the Bulletin. MANAGEMENT O RGANISATION Elsewhere in the Bulletin we describe the loss of 4RAR as a formed unit within the Regiment and the John Essex-Clark-Secretary creation of 2 Commando Regiment in its stead. Ian Smith-Treasurer Though we at the Foundation were disappointed at Angela Kirkland-Office Manager this loss we ask that 2 Commando Regiment accept Colin Swinbourn-Unit Liaison our warmest wishes in its vital role within Special David Clinch-Office Volunteer Forces Command. Bert Hoebee-Special Projects Michael Carroll-Bulletin Editor Against the possibility that 4RAR be again raised, the RAR Foundation 2 COLONEL C OMMANDANT ’S F UNDING mental music CD and the winner’s certificate. On APPEAL behalf of his Commanding Officer and his battalion he also accepted the Unit Perpetual Trophy. Last year, on becoming Colonel Commandant of the Regiment, I reviewed the objectives of the Founda- All the other nominees were sent a special certificate tion and its financial position. In last year’s Bulletin to be presented to them by their Commanding Offi- I encouraged those serving within the Regiment and cers. those who had retired, particularly Life Governors, to consider making a special donation in order that A synopsis of Cpl Majewski’s citation reads: we could maintain financial viability, strength and value to the Regiment. ‘Cpl Majewski as a section commander of C Coy 2RAR deployed to Afghanistan late 2007 to early 2008 as part of That appeal met with limited success. I therefore Reconstruction Tank Force 3. His physical toughness and reiterate my appeal to you to consider a contribution, mental resilience were evident in the manner in which he again tax deductible, beyond that which you have conducted himself and imparted his knowledge, drive and already made. I also ask that those in authority self confidence to his subordinates, attributes that would normally come only after years of experience, both in pre- spread the word regarding the existence of the Foun- paratory training in Australia and once overseas. dation and encourage those under your command to seriously consider joining the Foundation. In operations Cpl Majewski continued to lead by example while ably assisting in mission planning at section, and With many thanks, platoon level. On one occasion when the enemy situation BW Howard was far from clear, he was tasked to move ahead of the Major General B. W. Howard AO, MC, ESM (Retd) platoon in an effort to cut off potentially advancing Tali- Colonel Commandant RAR ban forces in order to clear, occupy and defend a building of tactical importance. He successfully led the assault of several key locations allowing the platoon to manoeuvre HASSETT A WARD FOR L EADERSHIP behind him. The nominees for the Hassett Award for the best jun- The following evening while under fire Cpl Majewski dis- ior leader in the Regiment in 2008 were: played excellent presence of mind as well as decisive com- 1RAR-Cpl T T Toon mand enabling his section to accurately return fire, relay 2RAR-Cpl P J Majewski information to higher command and allow accurate indi- 3RAR-Cpl S E Volkofsky rect fire support to suppress the enemy. During the subse- 4RAR-Cpl R B Dubbels quent battlefield clearance Cpl Majewski’s section led the 5RAR-Cpl A Collins platoon on a silent approach to the target buildings where subsequent searches recovered Taliban weapons . 6RAR–Cpl M J Randall 7 RAR-Cpl S L Majewski While deployed on operations in Afghanistan 8/9RAR-Cpl S J Hart, and from Cpl Majewski devoted much of his free time to assisting School of Infantry-Cpl B N Foster his soldiers to improve their understanding of minor tac- tics, the operational environment and its cultural nuances. The assessors were: our Colonel Commandant, Ma- He markedly encouraged his section to use their initiative jor General Hori Howard; Chairman of the Founda- and continually improve their application of infantry tac- tion, Major General Adrian Clunies-Ross; the Regi- tics. His leadership qualities were such that that he was mental Colonel, then Brigadier Mark Bornholt; and the natural choice as platoon sergeant when the incum- the Foundation Secretary, Brigadier John Essex- bent filled the CSM role. Clark. All eight citations were again outstanding as Cpl Majewski has proven himself to be an outstanding they have been for the previous years. It was difficult junior leader during mission rehearsals training, on com- selecting the best but finally the most outstanding bat operations and in training 2RAR soldiers as recon- was agreed to be Cpl Peter J Majewski of 2RAR. naissance patrolmen over the past 18 months. He shows tremendous potential for the future and he would compete He, as a guest, attended the Foundation Annual Din- with the very best of his peers.’ ner at the Royal Military College Officers’ Mess, Canberra where he was presented with the Award by FINANCIAL R EPORT the Hon Dr Mike Kelly, AM MP the Federal Parlia- mentary Secretary for Defence Support (see photo- We have again this year decided to reduce the finan- graph page 4). The award comprised a copy of the cial detail normally provided in the interests of giv- biography of General Sir Frank Hassett; the Regi- ing as much space as possible to unit correspondents. RAR Foundation 3 In a nutshell the Foundation’s financial position is as The camaraderie and bonhomie between the old and follows: bold and the young and fresh, was magical and un- • Assets at the end of last year totalled $270,000 forgettable. We hope for the same at the Duntroon following the distribution of $60,000 to Officers’ Mess in 2009 . 8/9RAR; • Assets now stand at $309,000.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Australian Force Projection 1885–1985
    Chapter 2 Australian Force Projection 1885–1985 Australia was dependent on allies for the first 100 years of its military history. From 1885 until the end of participation in the Vietnam War in 1972, they underwrote Australian involvement in regional and international military emergencies and campaigns. The Australian armed forces found it difficult to project force when allies were not in a position to help. This difficulty increased risk at tactical tipping points in 1942 on the Kokoda Track during the New Guinea Campaign and in 1966 at the battle of Long Tan in Vietnam soon after Australia deployed an independent task force. On both occasions, Australian troops prevailed against the odds, thereby obviating major political and strategic embarrassment. From 1972 until 1985, Australia did not project significant military force regionally or internationally except for some Cold War maritime and air surveillance activities. By 1985, the nation aspired to self-reliant joint force projection in defence of Australia and its interests. The dispatch of a New South Wales contingent to Sudan in 1885 set the first benchmark for rapid deployment. There were more to follow. Australia was able to recruit, prepare and dispatch first contingents in about four weeks. Rapid deployment was not required during the Second World War. There was time for contingents to begin preparation in Australia, and then complete training and equipping after arrival and before the test of combat. During the Cold War, Australian Governments allowed less time for preparation in home bases. There was little or no preparation after arrival before employment. For Korea and Vietnam, the time to prepare for deployment returned to about four weeks.
    [Show full text]
  • Government Gazette
    No. 24 1253 THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE www.governmentgazette.sa.gov.au PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY ALL PUBLIC ACTS appearing in this GAZETTE are to be considered official, and obeyed as such ADELAIDE, THURSDAY, 15 APRIL 2010 CONTENTS Page Appointments, Resignations, Etc............................................. 1254 Corporations and District Councils—Notices ......................... 1271 Crown Lands Act 1929—Notice ............................................. 1254 Fisheries Management Act 2007—Notices ............................. 1254 Harbors and Navigation Act 199—Notices............................. 1256 Housing Improvement Act 1940—Notices ............................. 1257 Liquor Licensing Act 1997—Notices...................................... 1258 Mining Act 1971—Notices ..................................................... 1262 National Electricity Law—Notice ........................................... 1263 Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000—Notice............ 1263 Private Advertisement ............................................................. 1271 Public Trustee Office—Administration of Estates .................. 1271 REGULATION Liquor Licensing Act 1997 (No. 25 of 2010) ...................... 1268 Retention of Title .................................................................... 1254 Roads (Opening and Closing) Act 1991—Notices.................. 1264 Unclaimed Moneys Act 1891—Notices.................................. 1272 Water Mains and Sewers—Mains Laid, Replaced, Etc........... 1264 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE
    [Show full text]
  • Australia's Joint Approach Past, Present and Future
    Australia’s Joint Approach Past, Present and Future Joint Studies Paper Series No. 1 Tim McKenna & Tim McKay This page is intentionally blank AUSTRALIA’S JOINT APPROACH PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE by Tim McKenna & Tim McKay Foreword Welcome to Defence’s Joint Studies Paper Series, launched as we continue the strategic shift towards the Australian Defence Force (ADF) being a more integrated joint force. This series aims to broaden and deepen our ideas about joint and focus our vision through a single warfighting lens. The ADF’s activities have not existed this coherently in the joint context for quite some time. With the innovative ideas presented in these pages and those of future submissions, we are aiming to provoke debate on strategy-led and evidence-based ideas for the potent, agile and capable joint future force. The simple nature of ‘joint’—‘shared, held, or made by two or more together’—means it cannot occur in splendid isolation. We need to draw on experts and information sources both from within the Department of Defence and beyond; from Core Agencies, academia, industry and our allied partners. You are the experts within your domains; we respect that, and need your engagement to tell a full story. We encourage the submission of detailed research papers examining the elements of Australian Defence ‘jointness’—officially defined as ‘activities, operations and organisations in which elements of at least two Services participate’, and which is reliant upon support from the Australian Public Service, industry and other government agencies. This series expands on the success of the three Services, which have each published research papers that have enhanced ADF understanding and practice in the sea, land, air and space domains.
    [Show full text]
  • Library Council of New South Wales
    Annual Report 2003 Library Council of New South Wales Front cover design Southern Cross Sculpture Inspired by a wood engraving of the earliest description of the stars of the Southern Cross from the rare Lettera di Andrea Corsali, printed in Florence in 1516, designer Jon Hawley created this sculpture for the Mitchell Vestibule. The work fills a space created more than 70 years ago for an artwork that would complement the fine architectural features of the building and refer to the records of our history and culture housed in the Library. Dr Bruce Reid, AM, collector, bibliophile and Life Benefactor of the State Library of NSW Foundation, funded the work. < Details from the installation of the sculpture Our vision Our history and legislation Libraries for life – your place, your time The State Library of NSW is one of the oldest libraries in Australia, with a history tracing Our values back to the establishment of the Australian Subscription Library in 1826. Respect for knowledge In 1869 the NSW Government took Commitment to learning responsibility for the Library, forming the Integrity and efficiency of service Sydney Free Public Library, the first truly public library service for the people of NSW. In 1895 Our mission the name was altered to the Public Library of To promote, provide and maintain library and New South Wales. information services for the people The historic Mitchell Wing opened to the public of New South Wales through the State Library in 1910 after David Scott Mitchell bequeathed and through cooperation with his large private collection. Today the Mitchell local libraries and other libraries and Wing is linked below ground and by a glass information agencies.
    [Show full text]
  • Eulogy by Steve Gower on the Occasion of the Funeral of Major General Dm Butler Ao Dso Silver Star
    EULOGY BY STEVE GOWER ON THE OCCASION OF THE FUNERAL OF MAJOR GENERAL D. M. BUTLER AO DSO SILVER STAR (US) I have the great honour of being invited by David’s daughter, Sue, to speak about his life and contribution as a senior officer. I had a very high regard for him, and we stayed on as friends in later life. As is invariably the case as a younger officer, I knew a lot about David Butler, even though I’d never met him. I knew that: he was in the first attack ever conducted by the Royal Australian Regiment, and that was the Battle of the Apple Orchard in the advance northwards into North Korea. For his actions, he was to be awarded the US Silver Star; he’d been a very successful battalion commander of 6RAR on its second tour in Vietnam. Later when I was at the War Memorial, the Official Historian told me that he regarded him as being right up there with the best commanders; his Holsworthy- based Task Force had responded effectively at very short notice to provide aid-to-the civil- power protection to the CHOGM retreat at Bowral following the Hilton Hotel bomb blast. His Task Force’s quick response shocked and worried one very high-ranking Canberra mandarin. He told David, ’Your troops suddenly came from nowhere and took over the town’ and that, ’the Army, if it wanted to, could easily take over the country!’ I first met David when he was Head of Army staff in our Washington Embassy.
    [Show full text]
  • Royal Society of Tasmania Annual Report for the Year 1988
    \' ROYAL SOCIETY OF TASMANIA ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1988 The Council has the honour to present to members the following report on the activities of the Society during the year. COUNCIL AND OFFICE BEARERS Patron Her Majesty the Queen President His Excellency the Governor of Tasmania Sir Phillip Bennett AC, KBE, DSO Vice Presidents Mr CA,H, Payne Prof O,M. Roe Council Mr P.M. Bennison Prof. D.M. Stoddart Mr G. Davis Mr CB. Tassell Dr P.G. Quilty Mr M.J. Walsh Dr J.S. Rogers Mr P.G. Webb Mr R.R. Shepherd Honorary Secretary Mr D.R. Gregg Honorary Treasurer Mr T.A.H. Knight Honorary Auditor Mr R.J. Dwyer Honorary Editor Dr M.R. Banks AM Assistant Honorary Editor Dr S.J. Smith President Keith Edward James Robinson 19U-88 H. E. General Sir Phillip Bennett took the chair as Keith Robinson died in Launceston on 16 March 1988. President of the Society, at the Annual General Meeting He joined the Society in 1964. He served on the Council and at the Annual General Meeting of the Northern of Northern Branch almost continuously from 1967 and Branch. He also took the chair at the initial Sir Joseph was most recently Honorary Treasurer. He was Vice­ Banks Memorial Lecture at Hobart on 25 August. Sir President of the Society in 1976-77 being the only Vice­ Phillip opened the Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine President, ever, resident outside southern Tasmania, and Meeting on 4 November and attended the initial lecture was a member of the Council from 1971 to 1980.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter [email protected] Issue No
    Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park Royal United Services Institute for South, Sydney NSW 2000 1 Defence and Security Studies, NSW Inc PO Box A778 SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235 www.rusinsw.org.au Newsletter [email protected] Issue No. 49 – April/May 2019 Telephone: (02) 8262 2922 Introduction Welcome to this month’s issue of the electronic newsletter of the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI NSW), the aim of which is to provide members, stakeholders, and other interested parties up to date news of our latest activities and events, as well as selective information on defence issues. There is no charge to receive this newsletter electronically and recipients are not required to be a member of the Institute. Invite your colleagues to receive this newsletter by going to the newsletter page on the Institute’s website http://www.rusinsw.org.au/Newsletter where they can register their email contact details. Upcoming RUSI NSW Lunchtime Lectures and Social Events Tuesday 28 May 2019 Speaker: Bob Lowry Author and Indonesia Analyst Subject: The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), structure, reform and plans for the future Bob Lowry had extensive service in the Australian Army, including service in South Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia. Since retiring from the Australian Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1993, Bob has worked in Indonesia, Timor Leste and Fiji on defence and security issues. He was Acting National Director of the Australia Institute of International Affairs, Associate Director of the Australian Defence Studies Centre in 1997, Senior Analyst with the International Crisis Group in Jakarta during 2001 doing policy oriented research on military and police reform and military operations in Aceh, adviser to the Timor-Leste National Security Adviser 2002-03, and chaired the Fiji National Security and Defence Review (Safeguarding Peace & Prosperity, Fiji, 2004).
    [Show full text]
  • 12145 Ex.Sec : Mrs T
    THE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF TASMANIA INC PO Box 60, Prospect , Tasmania , 7250 PATRON His Excellency Gener al Sir Phillip Bennett, A. C., K.B .E., D.S.O., Governor of Tasmani a . EXECUTIVE President: Mr J. Grunnell 003-312145 Ex.Sec : Mrs T. Grunnell Snr V.P.: Mrs D. McNeice 002-283564 Actg.Sec : Mrs P. Harris 003-443951 Jnr V.P.: Mrs D. Collins 004- 31111 3 Ex.Treas: Mrs L. Hookway 004-314113 Convnittee Mrs E. Burton, Mrs . G. Burton, Mrs B. Perkins, Mrs A. Bartlet t , Mr D. Harris, Mrs I Schaffer, Mr P. Villy Scott, Mrs I. Harr is, Mrs P. Harris , Mr A. Wilson J OUR NAL BOARD Co- ord: Mrs T. McKay 002-293149 Editor: Mr s A. Hudspeth 002-439403 LIBRAR IES BOARD RESEARCH BOARD Mr M. Lansdell 002-232226 Co-ord: Mrs B. Perkins 003-3912 70 VOL INDE X BOARD MEMORIALS BOARD Mr N. Chick 002-282083 Co-ord: P.V. Scott 004-252566 REGISTRAR Mr A. Wi lson 002-441837 MARKETING & PUBLICATIONS BOARD Co-ord: Mr s A. Bartlett 003-445258 BRANCHES Of THE SOCIETY BURNIE - PO Box 748, Burnie, 7320 DEVONPORT - PO Box 587, D'port ,7310 Chairman: Miss v. Dudman 004-311378 Chairman: Mr M. Sharples 004-246176 Secretary: Mr s P. Bye 004-352615 Secretary : Ms H. Anderson 004-244033 HOBART - GPO Box 640G, Hbt, 7001 LAUNCESTON - PO Box 1290, Lton.7250 Chairman: Mr J . Wall 002-436810 Chairman : Mrs T. Grunnell 003-312145 Secretary: Mrs J. Leggett 002- 442070 Secretary: Miss J. Gill 003- 311150 HUON - PO Box 117, Huonville, 7109 Chairman : Mrs M.
    [Show full text]
  • Struggling for Self Reliance
    Chapter 5 Lessons and Observations The Australian Defence Force (ADF) strategic level of command was eager to learn from Operation Morris Dance. It was a rare opportunity for the ADF to practise offshore joint force projection. Air Vice Marshal Peter Scully had acted quickly. On 3 June 1987 he wrote to the Service chiefs and environmental commanders stating that `we need to analyse the potential strengths and weaknesses that became obvious throughout the operation'. He requested them to submit reports `to provide differing perspectives of ADF actions in relation to Operation ªMORRISDANCEº. ¼ The reports are to highlight observed strengths and weaknesses and contain recommendations for improvements in planning processes, liaison, command arrangements and control measures within the ADF.'1 The Deputy Exercise Director, Joint Exercise Planning Staff, who had been informed by reports from Headquarters Australian Defence Force (HQ ADF) staff, the three Services and the three environmental commanders, submitted a consolidated report on Operation Morris Dance four months later in October 1987.2 He focused on the strategic level of command.3 As a consequence, his report would not inform Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) about the difficulties encountered by those working at the tactical level. Rather, the report evaluated higher level processes of planning, command, control, communications and administration. The Post Operation Report concluded that strategic and operational level planning processes had neither complied with doctrine nor worked well. The interaction between HQ ADF and the three Service headquarters in Canberra demonstrated that General Sir Phillip Bennett's recent directives had not yet streamlined ADF joint planning process.
    [Show full text]
  • Feto-Placental Interactions and Metabolic and Nutritive Status Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
    Feto-placental interactions and metabolic and nutritive status Pascale Chavatte-Palmer To cite this version: Pascale Chavatte-Palmer. Feto-placental interactions and metabolic and nutritive status. 66. Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Investigation, Society for Reproductive Investiga- tion., Mar 2019, Paris, France. hal-02077522 HAL Id: hal-02077522 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-02077522 Submitted on 4 Jun 2020 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. FINAL PROGRAM — From Innovation to Impact — Society for Reproductive Investigation 66th Annual Scientific Meeting March 12 - 16, 2019 PARIS, FRANCE The SRI 66th Annual Scientific Meeting has been accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME®) March 12 – 16, 2019 • Palais des Congrès de Paris, Paris, France 1 Table of Contents Message from the SRI President . 1 2019 Program Committee . 2 General Meeting Information . 3 Meeting Attendance Code of Conduct Policy . 4 Schedule-at-a-Glance . 5 Meeting Information and Social Events . 6 Exhibitors . 7 Palais des Congrès de Paris Floor Plan . 8 Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile Floor Plan . 9 Continuing Medical Education Information . 11 Scientific Program . 12 Thank You to Our 2019 Poster Judges .
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter 111998 May 1998
    Newsletter 111998 May 1998 With the Signals in Japan 1949 P. Trost [That which follows is not about life at Duntroon, but it country. This was the time of the Sergeant Gombo' affair. does throw a light on an era that played a critical part in honing Our concerns were not alleviated by noticing that our taxi the training given at the RMC and in adding some elements driver had an enormous .45 automatic tucked into his hip that could not be taught in that institution. Under experienced pocket. But then we noticed that gun toting seemed to be a commanding officers and senior NCOs, most members of five way of life with the locals. RMC Classes developed and matured in a regimental setting After one of us made a tremendous fuss about the that no longer exists. Life revolved around their units and their layout of his bedroom and the lack of a mosquito net, we soldiers with more than enough attractions outside of the unit headed for the bar to see what we could get for the $US10 that guard-house to leaven the usual routine. This article was a government starved of US dollars allowed us to take out of written for the author's RMC Class but could be of interest to a Australia. Anyway, it would have bought less than four wider readership. Ed.] drinks, soft or hard! Fortunately, some of us met an Australian businessman with a very healthy expense account. He After 33 days of post-graduation leave, we five brand introduced us to Old Parr Scotch whiskey and took us out on new members of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals were the town - and how! I recall four clubs and the largest dance sent to the School of Signals at Balcombe, Victoria for our hall in the world (?).
    [Show full text]
  • The Higher Command Structure for Joint ADF Operations
    Chapter 10 The Higher Command Structure for Joint ADF Operations David Horner An effective command structure for ADF operations is one of the most important requirements for the defence of Australia and its interests. Civilian strategic analysts sometimes dismiss their military colleagues' apparent obsession with command. In their view, issues of international relations, strategic and defence policy, force development and budgets are the heart of strategic analysis. But command is fundamental to a military organisation. Put simply, it is the means by which the government's wishes are translated into military outcomes. As the Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF), Vice-Admiral Russ Shalders, put it in 2005, the number one outcome for the ADF, as endorsed by the government, is the conduct of operations.1 Command is not just about giving orders and ensuring that they are carried out. It is also about ensuring that the right orders are givenÐthat the plans both reflect government policy and are achievable. There are, of course, two elements to command. The first is the ability of individual commanders to complete their tasks, and this depends on personal qualities, such as technical knowledge, courage, robustness and character. The second element is the command structure. Commanders can only operate within the bounds of their legal authority and within the structures available to them. The command structure includes headquarters, from the strategic to the tactical levels, the communications links between them, and the intelligence systems to inform them. This chapter focuses on the second elementÐthe higher command structure for joint operationsÐas the most relevant to an enquiry into the broader aspects of defence policy.
    [Show full text]