ISSUE 42 THE AUSTRALIANwww.combatcamera.com.au MILITARY MAGAZINE

AIR LAND & SEA

JUNE 2014

MH370 ADGies BEARS Ballistic RATS K9HC Ent ry SOERwww.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 1 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au

2 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 3 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au STORY STRAP $25,000 ONCE IN A LIFETIME TRIP TRIP LIFETIME A IN ONCE $25,000 CONTENTS WIN BE AT GALLIPOLI FOR THE 100TH 100TH THE FOR GALLIPOLI AT BE WIN UP TO 52 CHANCES TO WIN ISSUE 42 – JUNE 2014 WIN TO CHANCES 52 TO UP ENTER THROUGH FACEBOOK FOR UP TO 52 CHANCES TO WIN WIN TO 12 TheCHANCES 52 Big TO Picture UP FOR FACEBOOK THROUGH ENTER 34 Bring your boss to work day? 1 CHANCE TO WIN 14 Heads Up WIN TO CHANCE 1 ENTER THROUGH THE GREAT WAR WEBSITE FOR 1 CHANCE TO WIN WIN TO CHANCE 1 FOR WEBSITE NewsWAR from aroundGREAT the world AUSTRALIA THE THROUGH ENTER 22 Tough Partners Soldier On + Tough Mudder 24 Centenary of Aviation Point Cook Airshow 28 K9 Hardcase adopted GALLIPOLI Taking a battle partner home I ALLIPOL G 2015 34 ADGies on ops 28 2015 40 Search for MH370 A battle against time 48 Winds Over Illawarra Airshow cops hammering 40 54 SOER bomb search But this is not 62 Q Store 64 Frontline Africa Drone wars Part III 68 Not close enough Up for VC but not awarded 72 Military Fitness • Return airfares for two 48 74 Cadettwo Cornerfor airfares Return • 80 Gear Insider • 9 day cruise around the Is thethe Australianaround aboutcruise to day 9 • Gallipoli Peninsula dump DPCU? Peninsula Gallipoli • 5 days touring the the touring days 5 • Gallipoli Battlefields Battlefields Gallipoli NOTE: The prize does not include access to to access include not does prize The NOTE: the official dawn service on Day Anzac on service dawn official the

PROUDLY SUPPORTING SUPPORTING PROUDLY

australiagreatwar.com.au 54 24 australiagreatwar.com.au 4 /AustraliaGreatWar www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing /AustraliaGreatWar 5 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au EDITORIAL

Issue 42 – June 2014 Our Gear Insider is always informative and educational – and in this issue, he’s somewhat controversial. AIR, LAND & SEA It seems the is almost ready to tell the world that it is dumping its longstanding Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform for something new. 1RAR Gear Insider has plenty to say on how this came about. KICKING However, as this is a fast mover, it was difficult to keep GI up DOORS to date as we approached deadline. So, as I have an opinion or two on this topic, I’ll use this space to tell you the latest. Page 12 DPCU is very Australian and works in most situations. Photographer: Soldiers the world over acknowledge both facts. Lance Kyle Genner But it didn’t work too well in desert situations in the MEAO – and the Desert-Pattern Camouflage Uniform, while great in the desert, didn’t work in green areas. So we sought an inbetweenie and, after aborting our own Editor Brian Hartigan poxy Mid-Point, settled on . [email protected] ph: 0408 496 664 But then politicians, committees and other interferers had fax: (02) 4293 1010 to have their say, and it seems the new uniform is going Art/Design Brian Hartigan to be a ‘uniquely Australian’ design, using the same colour Advertising Brian Hartigan pattern as DPCU (with two extra colours added). [email protected] I’ve seen the new uniform. And I’ve seen soldiers in DPCU standing beside it. And, from 30m away, with my glasses on, Buy any advertisement in CONTACT Air Land I found it very hard to tell them apart. & Sea and get the same ad for half price in COMBAT Camera So the big question is - WHY? Why are we going to the bother and considerable Business Rosie Hartigan expense of changing an entire army’s uniforms to Manager [email protected] something that is all but indistinguishable from the old? ph/fax: (02) 4293 1010 And why are we dumping something that IS uniquely CONTACT Air Land & Sea and Australian for something that’s uniquely spin doctored? COMBAT Camera magazines are And if Defence tries to flog the ‘cost neutral’ BS line when Published by Contact Publishing Pty Ltd, they announce the new cams – I’ll really dummy spit. PO Box 3091, Minnamurra, NSW 2533, AUST

www.militarycontact.com (all info) Sincerely, www.combatcamera.com.au (free subscriptions) www.facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.youtube.com/CONTACTpublishing

CONTACT Air Land & Sea is published Brian Hartigan st on the 1 of March, June, September and Managing Editor December. COMBAT Camera is published on the 1st of All material appearing in this magazine is protected by copyright February, May, August and November. Both and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission magazines are only published electronically from the copyright owner (which may not be Contact Publishing). The on the Internet and both are available by views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual authors, FREE subscription via except where otherwise attributed, and do not necessarily reflect the www.combatcamera.com.au views of the publisher or the editor. The publisher does not accept All editorial, advertising and general responsibility for any claim made by any author or advertiser – readers are encouraged to seek professional advice where appropriate. enquiries should be addressed to the editor.

6 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 7 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au Both electronic – both free CONTACT Air Land & Sea Has joined COMBAT Camera on the Internet as a free e-magazine

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lower costs – bigger audience – more often *Except, If you like our magazines, Please encourage all your colleagues and friends (including on Email [email protected] Facebook) to register for their own free subscription or phone Brian on 0408 496 664 via www.combatcamera.com.au

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Got something to say? @@ E-mail: [email protected] INCOMING

STILL GREAT SNAP PRACTICE After reading the first magazine I Enjoyed #41 – you dig up some interesting I am very impressed with the stories. I liked the one on Canine Tactical quality and the information Combat Casualty Care and Damien Mander’s provided. UAVs. What goes on in the world of a military person is not often Mark B, via email understood and your magazine Replying to say I love the mag. might just help change that I’m just an reservist in my military mindset. capacity, but I love reading the mags My hat is always off to the and getting a look at stuff from a more men and women of the various knowledgeable perspective than my own. services. Jim M, via email Adam N, by email Hi Jim. Thanks for the feedback. I’d just like to say, there’s no such thing as ‘just an infantry reservist’ – I think it is great that I everyone’s contribution adds to the rich tapestry of can subscribe free to both the ADF – Ed. magazines on line, because I think they are great reading. I love both magazines, especially CONTACT, I used to purchase them from as I have joined the RAAF as an airfield our local newsagent. Now to defence guard and love reading about the be able to go on and read various issues in the ADF as a whole. them as they come out is just Adrian H, via email great. Thanks for the digital copy of the mag, but I’m I hope you keep up the great sorry to see it go out of print – I used to buy work put into these magazines. it on trips to Aussie, which are unfortunately Tony D, by email pretty few since I moved back to NZ after leaving the ADF in 2004. Anyway, keep up the good work on the mag. I have to say, reading the statement by the MY STORY Baird family brought a lump to my throat. Murray S, sent from iPad I am an ex-serving member of 14 years ’till recent and I I have been a long-time fan of CONTACT back was interested to see what the in the hard-copy days. It filled those waiting content of your magazine was. times on the range perfectly. Hopefully we’ll see some photos from I do have some amazing AASAM in the coming issues of both pictures in my own album. magazines. Might cost a few boys some beers! Perhaps you would be Thank you, along with Sergeant Waddell, interested in having a look for for putting in your time to document such an a mag one day? amazing international military event. Nathan F, by email Steven D, via email Thank you Nathan. We are Hi Steven. I enjoyed covering the Australian always interested in good Army Skill at Arms Meeting – AASAM – (as photos and good yarns – a Reserve reporter) again this year, and am especially from the ‘boots-on- pleased to say, yes, it should get a decent run the-ground’ perspective – Ed. in the 1 August issue of COMBAT Camera – Ed.

TARGETS UP! This page is a great outlet for fans to vent or to praise. Please, let us know what you think of our magazines so we can deliver more of what you want. Or feel free to write to [email protected] about any other military-related subject – Ed

The Editor reserves the right to abbreviate and otherwise edit letters for any reason, including to make them fit.

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This photo and cover by Kyle Genner THE BIG PICTURE

Chief of Defence Force General David Hurley participates in a ‘method- of-entry’ demonstration during 1RAR’s Coral Week commemorations at Lavarack Barracks on 9 May.

Bring your boss to work day?

12 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 13 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au PP14 FROM JSDF SHIP ADF medical specialists embarked in a Japanese HEADS UP Maritime Self-Defense Force ship, JDS Kunisaki, as part of WATCH JASSM IN FLIGHT Pacific Partnership 2014 – while LIGHTNING BUY ADF medical specialists and engineers joined regional Prime Minister Tony partners on the ground in East Abbott confirmed in Timor. April that Australia During the annual multi- will acquire another national, US-sponsored program, 58 F-35A Lightning II ADF personnel will work with regional partners and agencies aircraft, in addition to run clinics, health workshops to the 14 we’ve and provide medical training and already ordered. assistance in Vietnam, Cambodia, CDF’S LAST VISIT the Philippines and , This will create General David Hurley completed a total of three while engineers will construct th several projects in Dili. Airbus Group delivered the 300 UH-72A Lakota helicopter to his final visit to the Middle East operational JASSM OPS READY This year’s mission is unique the US Army on 14 May. The company says that every Lakota Area of Operations as Chief of the squadrons – two has been delivered on time and on budget by an American Defence Force on 19-20 May. Final Operational Capability (FOC) status has in that it is the first time at RAAF Base the primary mission will be workforce that is more than 50% US military veterans. The Lakota The CDF visited Kandahar been achieved by the RAAF’s Project AIR 5418 Williamtown and commanded from a non-US is manufactured at the company’s US-based facility in Columbus, and Kabul where around – the AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-Off one at RAAF Base Navy platform. Mississippi. Photo © Diane Bond 400 Australian personnel are Missile (JASSM). currently deployed to train, Tindal – and a Chief of Air Marshal Geoff Brown said training squadron TACLOBAN’S SIX-MONTH CHECKUP advise and assist the Afghan FOC was a great achievement for Air Force and National Security Forces (ANSF). at RAAF Base was a milestone for Australia’s air combat Two Australian soldiers Class The CDF also met personnel at Williamtown. capability. Al Minhad Air Base in the United The F-35A will “JASSM is designed to attack high-value, returned to the area One Shane Campbell, who devastated by Typhoon deployed last November Arab Emirates. replace the Royal heavily defended targets such as hardened General Hurley will retire Haiyan late last year, to on Operation Philippines Australian Air bunkers, or pinpoint objectives such as radar and in July after a career in the lend a hand to locals still Assist, said the area had Force’s fleet of F/A- communications sites,” Air Marshal Brown said. Australian Army spanning more struggling to recover. recovered significantly in 18A/B ‘Classic’ “This long-range, highly accurate missile can be than 40 years, which included released far from enemy targets, keeping RAAF They were among seven the six months since the Hornets. an operational deployment to aircrew out of harm’s way without compromising CO JS Kunisaki Captain Hideo Sasano, ADF members who spent a typhoon. The first F-35A will (1993) where he earned mission objectives.” Pacific Partnership mission commander day in Tacloban, providing “From what it was to how a Distinguished Service Cross. arrive in Australia Captain Brian Shipman and PP14 JASSM is a guided missile with a 1000-pound medical, paediatric, it is now, the area has General Hurley will hand the in 2018, with chief of staff Lieutenant John penetrator/blast conventional warhead, capable Cronin, pose for a photo after a press physiotherapy and come forward in leaps and ADF over to current Vice Chief Number 3 Squadron of precisely striking targets more than 300km conference on the Japanese ship. veterinary care as part of bounds and it is fantastic to of the Defence Force Air Chief operational by 2021. from the point of release. Exercise Balikatan. see the progress,” he said. Marshal Mark Binskin in July.

FROZEN BLOOD supply can be provided to in May to Newcastle- contract to Forgacs was returning MSBS members 786kg of narcotics with an RAAFIE RECORD It is believed Osha may ADF in collaboration with ADF personnel regardless of based shipbuilder Forgacs a modest but important who choose to transfer. estimated street value of An RAAF military working have set an Australian Engineering to manufacture $30 million. record for live births, and the Australian Red Cross location,” Mr Robert said. step in sustaining their It will allow ADF members dog deserves a medal after “The shelf life of fresh a 30m landing-craft operations. to choose which super fund Darwin’s boarding parties has equalled a world Blood Service field tested giving birth to a litter of 17 blood components varies, medium to be gifted to the they belong to and, for boarded the suspicious military working dog record the development and NEW SUPER live puppies – 11 males and making it difficult to Kingdom of Tonga. the first time, allow them dhow in the Arabian Sea held by a US Department of supply of frozen blood six females. stockpile for deployments.” The contract was New superannuation to transfer accumulated and spent approximately Defense dog. products in May. Osha, a four-year-old He said techniques announced just weeks after arrangements for the ADF benefits to a new fund if 23 hours searching for and Assistant Minister for Belgian Malinois is a first- developed by the Red Cross media reports suggested were announced in this they leave the ADF. uncovering the drugs. Defence Stuart Robert said time mum. would allow blood to be Forgacs Engineering would year’s Federal Budget. More info is available here. The latest seizure brings the aim was to dramatically Her litter was born just stored for up to 10 years. have to close if new work ‘ADF Super’ will be Darwin’s total drug haul to NEWS IN BRIEF extend the shelf life of wasn’t forthcoming. established on 1 July 2016 DARWIN AFFECT just over 6 tonnes. before Easter at the RAAF blood components. BOAT FOR TONGA Minister for Defence and will apply to everyone HMAS Darwin intercepted a Darwin is the 57th RAN Security and Fire School “This is critical to ensuring DMO awarded a contract Senator David Johnston joining the ADF from that suspected drug smuggling ship deployment to the Military Working Dog a constant and stable worth almost $5 million said the awarding of the date, and to current or vessel on 19 May and seized MEAO since 1990. Training Flight, Amberley.

14 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 15 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au HEADS UP FAMILY’S JORN TO BE ALIVE NAVY Phase Five of Joint Project 2025 – the Jindalee Operational Able Seaman Stacey Radar Network Butson said the ceremony has achieved Final was very special. Operational Capability. Stacey’s grandfather, Defence Minister John Mortimer Butson, Senator David Johnston served in the from said Phase Five had 1943 to 1945. improved JORN’s over- He died in 2006. the-horizon performance Able Seaman Stacey Buston farewells her grandfather. “It is a proud moment and integration with the Photo by Able Seaman Sarah Williams for me being able to wider command-and- do this, not only for my control and intelligence A sailor has honoured grandfather, but also for networks. the memory of her my family,” she said. “JORN contributes grandfather, who served Able Seaman Butson is to Australia’s security continuing a family history in the Navy during WWII, environment by by scattering his ashes of navy service. Her great while on deployment. grandfather joined the providing wide- A moving ceremony was RAN on 15 April 1913 and area surveillance of conducted on the flight served on HMAS Australia Australia’s northern deck of HMAS Darwin on for five years, including approaches,” he said. 20 April. during WWI. “Achieving FOC means the system’s components are fully operational A further 20 previously “They made the ultimate s and fully developed and unidentified Australian sacrifice in the service of our meet the final standards soldiers who died at the nation and we honour their Battle of Fromelles in 1916 sacrifice by identifying as required by Defence.” have been identified. many of these brave men as JORN consists of a Assistant Minister for possible,” Mr Robert said. network of three radar Defence Stuart Robert said The newly identified sites, at Longreach, that in the lead up to the soldiers were among 250 Qld, Laverton, WA, and Anzac Centenary, it was remains recovered from Alice Springs, NT, and fitting to recognise and pits near Fromelles and is operated by 1 Radar remember those soldiers reinterred at Fromelles Surveillance Unit, RAAF who left for war almost 100 (Pheasant Wood) Military Base Edinburgh, SA. years ago, never to return to Cemetery in 2010 – with 67

FROMELLES ID FROMELLES JORN’s reach easily loved ones. still unidentified. covers the track taken by Malaysian Airlines Flight MH-370, but no reports, official or otherwise, that JORN saw the plane has been heard by CONTACT. JORN is reported to have cost more than $2 Sergeant David 2nd Lieutenant billion to date. John Samuel Anderson Edwin Crocker Reginald Theodore Griffen

16 More names here... www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 17 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au NZ HEADS UP

Sappers Tom Williams, Sam Clark, Clem Duval, Chris Foster and Daryl Metcalfe. Photo by LAC Maria Oosterbaan RIMPAC READY CASINO NO ROYALE VISIT will be one of 23 Nearly 40 WWII veterans left Veteran Colin Murray, of Te nations participating in the New Zealand on 13 May bound Awamutu, said he was delighted largest international maritime for Italy to commemorate the to be part of the delegation and military exercise in the world, th

NZ Army personnel deploy personnel NZ Army RHIBs from HMNZS Canterbury. Photo by Corporal Judith Watts 70 anniversary of the battles of was looking forward to meeting from 26 June to 1 August. Cassino. the other men who served at Exercise RIMPAC 14 off The veterans, all in their 90s, Cassino. Hawaiia will provide training were accompanied by a medical A member of 24th Battalion New varing from maritime security, support team from the New Zealand Exeditionary Force, Mr sea control and complex war- Zealand Defence Force and Murray said he felt lucky to survive fighting to disaster relief. Veterans Affairs New Zealand. the war in Italy, where he lost Commander Joint Forces New In Cassino they attended a several mates. Zealand Tim Gall said the NZDF’s ability to make Service of Remembrance at “This visit will bring back a valuable contribution in times the Cassino Railway Station, memories both good and bad,” he of need was directly related to and the New Zealand National said before departure. training in a variety of scenarios. Commemorative Service at the New Zealand Army medic Above: WWII vet Eric de Lautour “These missions require Commonwealth War Graves Sergeant Jeremy Boyd, who walks with Sergeant Jeremy Boyd training and preparation in a Cemetery in Cassino. accompanied the tour, said he was through the Commonwealth War PARK HUT BUILDERS multinational environment, and They also attended a private inspired by the 38 war veterans. Graves Cemetery, Cassino, Italy. Exercise RIMPAC provides this at service at the Abbey of Monte “They were really great guys to Photo by Corporal Brad Hanson Battling nasty weather and hard Department of Conservation’s a very high level,” he said. Cassino, and took part in a guided talk to, and full of fun,” Sergeant Below: Casino veterans and their conditions was all in a day’s work for Chris Lester said his department HMNZS Canterbury will battlefield tour. Boyd said. supporters prepare for departure. soldiers from the New Zealand Army was impressed by the work and deploy with a SH-2G Seasprite His Royal Highness Prince Harry, “They enjoyed themselves at the Photo by Corporal Judith Boulton Engineers as they completed a new morale of the soldiers. helicopter, the Operational New Zealand Governor General commemorations, and we enjoyed tramping hut for the Department of “Army are an excellent partner Dive Team, the Mine Counter- Sir Jerry being with them. A total of 456 New Zealanders Conservation in May. for DoC and are delivering a great Measures Team, an Army Mateparae and Chief of Army “If I have as much energy and are buried at Cassino, with the The hut at Maropea Forks in the hut that New Zealander’s will be and 32 staff officers for Major General Dave Gawn met enthusiasm for life as they do names of another 55 listed on a Western Ruahine Forest Park is able to enjoy for many years to headquarters positions. A P-3K2 and mingled with the veterans at when I’m in my 90s I’ll be very memorial, their final resting place popular with trampers, hunters come,” he said. Orion will also deploy. various activities. grateful.” unknown. and fishers but was suffering from disrepair and a threat of destruction after changes in the Maropea River’s path. The team from 2nd Engineer , , included a plumber, builders and an apprentice, who doubled as a medic, transported to the remote site by helicopter, spending 10 days at a time for two months. Corporal Paul Cassidy said it had been a great experience working with agencies outside the military. “It is always interesting to see how other agencies conduct tasks such as this,” Corporal Cassidy said. “It provides us with a lot of experience and knowledge when dealing with non-military organisation.”

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NZ HEADS UP YOUNG GRADUATES NEW PAY SYSTEM system,” Lieutenant General Keating said. The NZDF has rolled out a new “We’ve been running the new pay and HR system that services system [since early April] and almost 14,200 people. during that time we have run Based on the SAP Human three military and three civilian Capital Management (SAP HCM), payrolls. the new system is said to offer “The average error rate for pay greater accuracy and efficiency has been less than 0.5% with the as well as being able to produce majority of these resulting from better HR data to help leaders issues with data or process. manage the New Zealand “As with any new system there Defence Force. are a few things we need to iron Chief of Defence Force out and our people need time to Lieutenant General get used to it and how to exploit said that while it was still early it to best effect. Corporal (Retd) VC days, it was clear that SAP HCM “Extensive training and robust greets trainees after their parade. was working as designed. early life support has been put “Importantly, from a payroll into place to enable this. The latest graduates of the perspective the system is “We are very pleased with the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) performing to expectations, with way this project has gone and the program proudly march out in error rates significantly lower than outstanding results we are now front of friends and family on 17 were experienced with the legacy achieving.” May in . LSV is a six-week residential course providing life skills to SERVING OF FISH AND SHIPS unemployed young people run The Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jack by the NZ Defence Force on supported the Wellington City Steer said the Navy was delighted behalf of Work and Income and Mission on 16 May with ‘Fish and to support the fundraiser. funded by the Ministry of Social Ships’ – a fish-and-chips lunch “The Navy and HMNZS Development. onboard HMNZS Canterbury, at Canterbury are often involved in Participants undergo a course Queens Wharf, Wellington. humanitarian and disaster relief of intensive lectures, workshops Three-hundred guests enjoyed operations overseas, so it’s great and physical activities designed lunch, with entertainment to share our ship to support the to develop respect, teamwork provided by an element of the local community and raise money and trust to boost their self- RNZN band. for the Wellington City Mission’s confidence and self-esteem. vital community work,” he said. All LSV activities are geared HMNZS Canterbury’s next toward assisting participants to deployment is on the biennial confidently enter the workforce. Exercise RIMPAC. Officer Commanding the Canterbury is the Navy’s sealift course Lieutenant Commander and amphibious support vessel, Andrew Lincoln said the parade with capacity for up to 250 was an acknowledgement and embarked personnel in addition celebration of achievements and to her regular crew. provided a challenge to families, friends and the wider community to continue to provide an Wellington City Mission CEO environment for on-going Michelle Branney enjoys lunch growth in these young people. with Lieutenant Commander Mark Hadlow at the ‘Fish and “The past six weeks is only one Ships’ fundraiser onboard HMNZS small part in their path to on- Canterbury. going success,” he said.

20 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 21 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au Tough Partners

Returned-veterans’ charity Soldier On announced on 29 May that it had formed a new partnership with He said, through this new Australia’s toughest obstacle-racing partnership, he hoped Soldier On event – Tough Mudder. and Tough Mudder could continue The two organisations launched the to raise awareness of the issues partnership at Darling Harbour, with facing modern-day service men an obstacle demonstration by Soldier and women, while highlighting On ambassadors Lee Campbell and the benefit of physical activity in Damien Thomlinson. successful rehabilitation. Wounded in Afghanistan, Damien Soldier On CEO John Bale said he said the work done by Soldier On was was excited to give the Australian important for those who had served in public a fun and healthy way to the Defence Forces, particularly those show their support for those affected who had since left the Australian by their service. Defence Force. “We are always looking for ways For every Tough Mudder event, “Not even the demanding mental to engage with the Australian participants will be encouraged to and physical challenges of service community, and Tough Mudder will undertake their own fundraising to can prepare you for your return to give people a great reason to get show the men and women who serve civilian life – no matter the physical some exercise, raise some money for our country in the Defence Forces, or psychological wounds you might a worthy cause, and have a great or as part of DFAT, the AFP or other have endured,” Damien said. time doing it,” he said. emergency services, that they will “Losing both my legs made my “It’s a logical fit, as both always have their backs. return an even greater challenge, organisations celebrate physical Those participants who raise more but I could not have done it without a challenges and achievements, and than $140 will be rewarded with $25 supportive network and community look to use these experiences to reduction on their Tough Mudder around me.” inspire others to do the same.” registration fee.

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The first military flight in Australia took place on 1 March 1914 when Lieutenant Eric Harrison took off in a Bristol Australia’s Boxkite. Exactly 100 years to the minute later and at the same airfield, RAAF test pilot Squadron Leader Steve Bekker took to the sky in an exact replica of the Boxkite, which was built by staff at the RAAF Museum, Point Cook, , where it now lives. This latter- day flight also marked the beginning of “The Centenary of Military Aviation Air Show” at Point Cook, on 1 March 2014.

And CONTACT photographer Daniel McIntosh was on hand to capture a taste of the action later in the day.

This photo by Leading Aircraftman Brenton Kwaterski Centenary of Aviation Digitally modified by CONTACT

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Photos by Daniel McIntosh Point Cook Airshow 2014

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The room fell silent as the door opened. After being apart for two months, their eyes found each other’s as if the Adopt ing a handful of onlookers surrounding them were nonexistent. That emotional moment was solidified with a kneeling embrace - and the wag of a tail. But only one of them knew the 28th of February 2014 was more than a joyful K9 HARDCASE reunion - it was also the beginning of a new future.

US Army Sergeant John Nolan, former senior specialised-search-dog handler previously assigned to the 3rd Detachment at Fort Eustis, and Honza , a 7-year-old yellow lab SSD, have been partners since January 2011, and after completing an adoption process, are now able to maintain that bond as they both separate from military service. Sergeant Nolan, a native of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was in the process of separating after seven years of active duty, where he served first as a military policeman and later as an SSD handler. He and his father, Jack, left home at 2am that morning to finalise the adoption paperwork and take Honza home - a seven-and-a-half-hour drive that Sergeant Nolan said was well worth the effort. “I’m basically the only handler he’s had, and he’s the only dog I’ve ever worked with and this was the longest we’ve been away from each other,” he said. “Driving here with my dad, he told me I should get some sleep, and I said ‘I can’t - I feel like a kid on Christmas, because I can’t wait to get down there to see him’.” Sergeant Nolan and Honza’s partnership resulted somewhat by chance. Originally, Honza was procured as a puppy from Germany and trained at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. He spent several years in training before leaving to work with an engineering unit. But Honza didn’t quite perform with his assigned handler as anticipated and was sent back to Lackland soon after, labeled as an ‘untrainable dog’. “Lackland put him back in the pool, and that’s how I ended up with him,” Sergeant Nolan said. “For whatever reason, he just decided I was going to be the one he worked for, and we’ve been together ever since.” But before their partnership brought them to the February adoption day in Virginia, their bond was forged in the heat of the desert, during a year-long deployment in Afghanistan. “I had reenlisted while in Afghanistan to spend another year with Honza. “We were together every minute of every day for a year. He slept in bed with me; when I had to shower he’d wait outside for me; he sat next to me when I ate and waited until I was done. He probably knows me better than anybody else.

Honza just wouldn’t work for anyone else - a real hard case.

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Brisbane, Australia 22-25 September 2014

“He saved my life on more than one occasion. He’s more like my son than anything else – so ABOVE: Two old war dogs reunited. it was only right to make sure he came home BELOW: On task in Afghanistan. with me and had a good place to live for the rest of his life.” Because the SSD program is winding down as forces return from Afghanistan, Honza’s adoption process was a bit easier than most, Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Michaud, 3rd MP Detachment kennel master. “It’s fantastic when we are able to facilitate adoptions,” he said. “Nolan and Honza have such great rapport, and with the mission changing, it only made sense to come together as a team to get the process started and make this happen.” With the mission changing, the need to send SSD handlers to school will decrease, potentially leaving no handler to work with Honza, who had developed separation anxiety, which also put him at risk for health concerns. After signing the remaining adoption documents, Nolan shared a few laughs and stories with his fellow handlers, allowing them LAND FORCES MEANS BUSINESS to bid a proper farewell before Nolan and Honza left to begin the next chapter of their friendship. www.landforces.com.au 30 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 31 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au New spice for oldRATS British armed-forces ration packs are being “What began as experimentation using spiced up with the introduction of a new bags of dried chillies onboard British hot sauce created by a former Royal Navy nuclear submarines has now grown into submariner. a rapidly expanding business that, thanks The MoD awarded a contract for £28,000 to the MoD contract, is fast becoming a to the makers of Hot Diggidy Dog pepper household name,” Mr Llewellyn said. sauce to supply 75,000 5ml bottles for the UK MoD issues 1.6 million 24-hour ration military’s 24-hour ration packs. packs every year, which contain the 4000 The contract is the biggest ever for the calories deployed military personnel need small company that produces the sauce in their daily diets. at its premises in Barry, in the Vale of They include traditional favourites such Glamorgan, south Wales and the business as boiled sweets, baked beans and hot has doubled in size as a result. chocolate alongside newer items such as Founder and MD of Hot Diggidy Dog, chicken tikka masala, chilli con carne and Simon Llewellyn said he lived and loved Oreo cookies. the armed forces for 11 years and knew The 5ml vial of Hot Diggity Dog sauce is the importance food played in troop the first new addition to the MoD’s ration morale. packs since 2010.

British

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CON36_008.indd 8 8/11/12 10:29 PM www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au Leading Aircraftman Greg Polak stands in front of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAP) his team uses in Kandahar. ADGies on Ops AIR DEFENCE GUARDS IN KANDAHAR

ROB NYFFENEGGER PHOTOS BY WO2

Royal Australian Air Force personnel from RAAF Base Amberley arrived in Afghanistan in March to assist the international team tasked with providing security at one of the world’s busiest airports. The eight-man detachment of led by Flight Lieutenant Mick Fox, a Ground Defence Officer, were quickly integrated into the multi-national security team at Kandahar Air Field, a strategically important hub for the International Security Assistance Force. Flight Lieutenant Fox said the airmen from No. 2 Security Forces Squadron were conducting patrols on foot and with heavily armoured Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to secure the sprawling air field in southern Afghanistan. “This is still a dangerous place and our Airfield Defence Guards are at the forefront working with other nations on the flight line and within the base security zone to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment,” Flight Lieutenant Fox said. “At any given time there could be about $50 billion worth of aircraft and mission-essential equipment on the airfield or flying above. “Plus, at the moment, Kandahar Air Field is also home to more than

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ABOVE: Royal Australian Air Force Air Field Defence Guards at Kandahar Air Field, back row, from left – Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Chris Madsen, LAC Liam Thomas, LAC Matt Brouff, LAC Dallas Wedd, Sergeant Joel Sleep and Flight Lieutenant Mick Fox, and front row from left – LAC Greg Polak and Flight Sergeant Lloyd Schneider. RIGHT: Leading Aircraftman Greg Polak at the wheel of his MRAP.

22,000 coalition troops, contractors and commanded by two women – a Belgian locally engaged employees.” lieutenant officer-in-command and a The Aussie security team interacts with Royal Air Force flight sergeant second-in- coalition troops from Romania, the United command. Kingdom, the United States, Luxembourg, Following the completion of Australia’s Denmark and Belgium on a daily basis. mission in Afghanistan’s Uruzgan province “Our men are all revelling in the last year, Australia’s efforts have shifted to experience to test the skills they have been a nationally oriented mission throughout training so hard for,” Flight Lieutenant Fox. 2014, providing training and advisory “For many of them, it was their first support to the Afghan National Security Anzac Day on operations, so I am sure it is something they won’t forget. Forces (ANSF). “They are not taking the tasks lightly, Around 400 ADF personnel continue to especially considering the potential work in Afghanistan, mainly in Kabul and threats they may encounter when Kandahar. patrolling outside the perimeter of the Approximately 800 more Australians airfield.” provide support from locations within the Another new experience for the broader Middle East Area of Operations, Aussies in Afghanistan is that they are including the ADF’s maritime commitment.

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A Bear over there

Photos by Flight Lieutenant Gary Montgomery © Crown copyright With tensions over Russia’s intentions in some of its old dominions at an all-time high, the approach of large, unidentified aircraft in formation would be a concern for any European country. So it was for the UK on 23 April when two unidentified aircraft were spotted on air- defence radar approaching the NATO Air Policing Area north of Scotland, unannounced.

Two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters “During the sortie we refuelled from have occurred since then, not only in were launched from RAF Leuchars, a RAF Voyager aircraft from RAF European-patrolled airspace, but also north of Edinburgh, to intercept the Brize Norton, to increase our airborne near Alaska, mainland USA, Guam, formation and determine the identity of endurance.” and Japan. A Russian Tu-95 ‘Bear’ the aircraft, which were not responding Flight Lieutenant Montgomery said In the UK, high-readiness RAF fighter to either civil or military air-traffic intercepting Russian Bear aircraft was aircraft are kept on line 24/7 x 365 controllers. not an uncommon occurrence. and can be scrambled to intercept, Typhoon Pilot Flight Lieutenant Gary On this occasion, the Bears were identify and, if required, intervene with Montgomery from 6 Squadron RAF said carrying out a routine training sortie in A Royal Air Force Typhoon shadows two Russian ‘Bears’ unidentified aircraft approaching UK he intercepted and flew within visual international airspace. air space. range of the aircraft and identified The Tupolev Tu-95, NATO reporting Fighter controllers/air battlespace them as Russian Tu-95 ‘Bear H’ strategic name ‘Bear’, was designed shortly after bombers. WWII and entered service in 1956, with managers monitor UK airspace “We monitored their progress, more than 500 airframes built when around the clock from two control and including handing them over to production ended in 1994. reporting centres (CRC’s). Danish F-16 QRA aircraft as they flew In 2007, Russian President Vladimir Under the direction of controllers towards Denmark, then continued to Putin recommenced routine Bear at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland monitor them as they returned and patrols, some 15 years after they had and Scampton in Lincolnshire, British then departed towards Norwegian formally stopped. fighters can be scrambled within airspace,” he said. Several notable Bear intercepts minutes.

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Crewmembers on HMAS Success endure wet and freezing conditions while searching for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. Photos by Able Seaman Julianne Cropley Search for MH370

One of the greatest mysteries in aviation history turned a spotlight in Australia’s direction shortly after Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 lost contact with air traffic controllers early on 8 March – WATCH HMAS SUCCESS CONDUCTING and simply disappeared. One of the largest searches of its type in REPLENISHMENT AT SEA history kicked off the next day and, at its peak, involved active OPERATIONS participation from 26 countries and involved about 60 ships and 50 aircraft, concentrated on the Gulf of and the South China Sea. But, as technical and investigative information crystalised, the search drifted south – way south.

WATCH MISSION WRAPUP

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Flight Lieutenant Joshua Williams and Flying Officer Daniel Bailey scan for signs of Malaysia BELOW: RAAF loadmasters, Sergeant Adam Roberts and Flight Sergeant John Airlines Flight MH370 from the flight deck of an AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. Mancey, launch a self-locating data marker buoy from a C-130J Hercules in Photo by Leading Aircraftman Oliver Carter support of the search for Flight MH370. Photo by Leading Seaman Justin Brown BOTTOM: An RAAF AP-3C Orion flies past HMS Echo. Photographer unknown

By 15 March, investigators were beginning to suspect the plane had turned south and may be located somewhere along an arch that was, according to Australian PM Tony Abbott, “as close to nowhere as it’s possible to be”. On 17 March, Australia agreed to lead the search in the southern Indian Ocean and, the next day, a lone Royal Australian Air Force P-3 Orion aircraft began the daunting task in a target area of about 300,000sq/km approximately 2600km south-west of Perth. The next day, three aircraft and three merchant ships were on the task. At its peak, the South Indian Ocean search, led by Australia, included ships and aircraft from Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK and the USA, as well as a a British submarine. Australia’s contribution to the search included four AP-3C Orion patrol aircraft two E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platforms, as well as Her Majesty’s Australian Ships Success and Toowoomba alongside the civilian- crewed Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield. Ocean Shield became crucial to the search as she carried specialist underwater search and location equipment that became the focus of much attention. This equipment included a towed pinger locator (TPL- 25) and a Bluefin-21 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). WATCH AN ORION MISSION

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MAIN: Able Seaman Matthew Johnston is towed by Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield’s fast response craft as he scans for debris of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. Photo by Lieutenant Ryan Davis BELOW: Leading Seaman Joel Young mans the doorway of HMAS Toowoomba’s S-B70-2 Seahawk helicopter during the search. Photo by Leading Seaman James Whittle BOTTOM: Flight Lieutenant Phil Wade, an Air Combat Officer with No. 2 Squadron, RAAF, mans a mission commander’s station aboard an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. Photo by Corporal Colin Dadd

The US Navy also provided specialist The new search area, Navy and civilian equipment operators while still quite large in who joined Ocean Shield’s civilian crew area, was now concentrated and embarked ADF specialists. just 1100km west of the WA It was hoped the TPL-25 system could capital. locate the audio ‘pinger’ attached to the Hopes of success in the search were aircraft’s black-box cockpit-voice and raised on 5 April when Chinese patrol flight-data recorders. ship Haixun 01 reported that it had The Defence Maritime Services Vessel detected an underwater electronic pulse (DMSV) Seahorse Standard also joined signal. the search, as did Malaysian vessel, ADV Ocean Shield also pick up two KD Lekiu, the British survey ship HMS longer-lasting signals the same day, Echo and the nuclear submarine HMS followed by two more signals on 8 April. On Tireless. While these signals were heavily 1 May, The team gathered in Perth also analysed and considered as ‘possibly the Royal included a Royal New Zealand Air consistent with those of a black-box New Zealand Force P-3K2 Orion; two US Navy P-8A pinger’, no definitive declaration that Air Force Orion Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft; they were in fact from flight MH370 P-3K2 aircraft and two Chinese PLA-Air Force Iluyshin could be made. detachment taking IL-76 aircraft seven PLA-Navy ships; But it did give authorities a centre of part in the search for two Japanese Maritime Self Defense gravity around which the search could missing flight MH370 Force P-3C Orions; a Republic of Korea concentrate. landed back at RNZAF Navy P-3C Orion and one Republic of By 14 April, with the battery life of Base Auckland, 53 days Korea Air Force C-130H Hercules; and, the black-box pingers well and truly after leaving on the longest two Royal Malaysian Air Force C-130 expired, the search changed to an single search and rescue Hercules plus one Malaysian Navy ship. active search for physical debris using operation ever conducted by The initial search area south-west of sideband radar on the Bluefin-21 the RNZAF. Perth was so far from anywhere that even AUV – complicated by the fact that New Zealand Chief of Air aircraft with the endurance of the long- the water depth in the search area Force Air Vice-Marshal Mike range maritime-patrol Orions only had greatly surpassed Bluefin’s 12,000-foot Yardley said the team had about two hours search time on station. maximum capacity. done their very best to find That was until fresh analysis of all the By 28 April it was considered that the evidence of the fate of MH370, evidence available shifted the search chances of finding floating debris on the in the hope of bringing some area much closer to Perth, relatively surface was so unlikely as to warrant resolution to the families and speaking. calling off the air search. friends of the passengers.

44 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 45 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au “They put in 276 flying hours, representing about 10 per cent of the One of the world’s largest, most technically advanced Indoor Skydive facilities has arrived in Sydney! international aerial search effort, and searched a total area of about 1.5 million square kilometres – an area Train hard, roughly eight times the size of New FLYING THE Zealand,” he said. AUSTRALIAN “This was a very demanding task – the MILITARY search areas to which the P-3K2 was FROM assigned are remote and inhospitable MARCH 2014 – but our crews slotted easily and seamlessly into the international search effort, which was a credit to the adaptability and professionalism of our people and the extremely well- coordinated operation run by our ABOVE: Sergeant Scott Mulgrew scans the Southern Indian Anzac colleagues.” Ocean from an AP-3C Orion. Photo by Corporal Janine Fabre The NZ flight crew was supported by a BELOW: ADV Ocean Shield. Photo by Leading Seaman James Whittle ground crew who often worked through play harder BOTTOM: AUV Artemis is recovered onto ADV Ocean Shield. the night to ensure the aircraft was BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS TODAY! Photo by Leading Seaman Bradley Darvill ready to go each morning. “More than 40 personnel have been 1300 366 364 directly involved in Perth and earlier, in www.iflydownunder.com.au Next to Richmond RAAF Base Penang in Malaysia,” Air Vice-Marshal SYDNEY 45MN 123 Mulgoa Road Yardley said. Penrith (Sydney) NSW 2750 The Brits were equally proud of their Proud supporter of Sydney Legacy involvement, though disappointed at the result thus far. HMS Echo’s Commanding Officer Commander Phillip Newell said his 60 men and women had given the search their all. “My ship’s company worked 24/7 to find MH370,” Commander Newell said. VIEW OCEAN SHIELD OPS “They are young, bright and AND ORION AIR DROP enthusiastic and will step up to every challenge in the search for the missing aircraft. WATCH BLUEFIN LAUNCH “I am immensely proud of them.” AND RECOVERY Petty Officer Simon Hamilton, the man in charge of seamanship aboard the survey ship, said the crew trained hard to do what they do and sometimes it was hard to deal with tasks placed in front of them, especially when loss of life was involved. “At the end of the day, if we can find answers for the relatives of MH370 then it will be a good day for the Royal Navy and a good day for me.” Sadly, as this article is published, there are still no answers on the fate of the lost aircraft and the 239 souls on board.

46 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 47 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au Annual air Winds Over show cops Illawarra a beating

‘Connie’ sunk through the tarmac before the program on the day, as the safety of all by a gust, forcing him to recover from a BY GLENN FENWICK near disaster with one wheel landing and gates even opened. concerned was the main priority. Efforts to free the graceful Constellation It may be easier to outline what machines one wingtip pod contacting the tarmac, Perhaps this year’s air show at Albion Park proved fruitless, and it wasn’t until the next did take to the skies rather than what didn’t and then blowing a rear tyre before south of Wollongong should have been day that she was eventually freed and – the S-211 Marchetti, the Sabre and the bringing the plane under control at the end renamed Winds Over Illawarra, such was returned to her hangar. F/A-18 Hornets were the only ones able of the runway. the unseasonal westerly gale that marred The dramas were not restricted to those It was not just the majority of the historic to handle the severe crosswinds, and then the usually awesome Wings Over Illawarra aircraft that were grounded either, with The sometimes only just – with Sabre pilot Jeff who made it into the air, with the beautiful Air Show. , The Red and all of the other Trappett displaying exceptional piloting ‘Connie’ and the newly acquired Caribou A cross wind of 30 knots, with gusts of trapped on the runway link road after aerobatic displays grounded. 50 to 60 knots heavily restricted the flying skills when he came in to land and was hit

PHOTO BY SAM FENWICK

48 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 49 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au Star attraction Matt Hall hushing the crowd, who PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY GLENN FENWICK didn’t even make it out of soon clambered for a look Right: An F/A-18 Hornet cuts a trail through the sky over Albion Newcastle because of the inside the cockpit of one of Park, south of Wollongong at this year’s Wings Over Illawarra widespread strong winds. the machines that was made Air Show. None of the aircraft from available for public viewing. Centre right: An S-211 Marchetti braves 35 knot crosswinds. Temora were able to attend And despite the biting Below: Pilot Jeff Trappett brings his CAC-27 Sabre in for a very either, including the much winds, I don’t think anyone tricky landing that was as impressive as it was scary. anticipated Spitfire – nor left airside until the Hornets the RAN’s dancing Squirrel returned to the sky, with Bottom: A Mk-21 Mustang reflects deceptively sunny skies. helicopters. the visual and acoustic This year was the first time experience of the aerial Wings Over Illawarra was run display becoming a total by a private entity, supported crowd pleaser. by the Historical Aircraft With a few lessons learned Restoration Society (HARS), in regard to ticketing and despite some expected and food vendors, and minor teething issues and some favourable weather the weather, which was out conditions, the organisers are of everyone’s control, the already planning a bigger organisers still hosted a very and better show next year. good show, with the static I have to thank Bright displays becoming the main Events, especially Marketing focus for the crowds who did Manager Andrew Herring, attend. and the volunteers at HARS, But the F/A-18 Hornets were especially Russell Field, for the saviours of the show, their their hospitality, access and much anticipated arrival assistance on the day.

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Left: Sabre maintenance. Above: F-111 nose PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY SAM FENWICK pig. Below: Connie before she got stuck.

WORDS BY SAM FENWICK even before the gates opened!!) was having a front-row view of the F/A-18 I was very excited about going to Wings Hornets landing, taxiing and then again Be proud of your service for Australia! Over Illawarra this year, because after taking off and putting on a great display winning the 2013 Wings photographic – they sound awesome, but were tricky to Have your medals professionally cleaned, re-ribboned and mounted competition, one of my prizes was to be photograph. or, we can supply quality replica medals if you’d prefer to keep your originals in their cases. given Media Accreditation for this year’s Apart from the very strong winds, I had event. a great day, and after talking to the pilots I went down to the airport with my Dad it has really made me think about what it and another photographer, Tim at 6am, would take to become a Roulette or fighter Ribbon bars and and we were allowed to walk all around pilot. Heritage frames a speciality the tarmac and amongst the planes without having to worry about crowds Sam Fenwick interviews Hornet pilot ‘Fuzz’ getting in the way of our photos. As part of my accreditation I was given access to some of the pilots, and so I interviewed the whole Roulette Team, two of the Hornet pilots, and spoke to Jeff Trappett, the owner of the Sabre and Mustang. I also got to catch up with my friend Contact: Ken Cocks at Dutchy, one of the Roulette ground crew who I met last year and featured in Medals, Mementos & More CONTACT. Visit: 46 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood, SA 5051 Mail: PO Box 375, Blackwood, SA 5051 The best part of my day (apart from Phone: (08) 8278 8530 or 0411 415 817 7 to 10-day turnaround on all work. selling my winning photograph for $100 Email: [email protected] Expect delays for foreign or rare Web: www.medalsmementos.com medals and ribbons. 52 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 53 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au AFTER THE BLAST

ON THE DAY BEFORE ANZAC DAY, TEAMS OF SPECIALISTS FROM THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS ENGINEER REGIMENT (SOER) FANNED OUT TO SEARCH FOR EXPLOSIVE HAZARDS, POTENTIAL IEDS, BOOBY TRAPS AND EXPLOSIVES CACHES. NEARBY A SCENE OF DESTRUCTION FROM A MASSIVE BLAST ON 12 APRIL STILL LITTERED THE GROUND.

BUT THEY WEREN’T

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An explosive detection dog handler from the Special Operations Engineer Regiment works his dog through the remains of bomb-damaged buildings on a farm in Derrinallum west of .

This was rural Victoria, near Derrinallum west of Melbourne, and the soldiers were deployed to support in the aftermath of a massive blast that killed property owner Glenn Sanders and injured two Special Operations Group police officers. The blast ended a six-hour siege that began when police tried to arrest Mr Sanders in relation to another incident earlier in the week. Mr Sanders, aged in his 40s, had reportedly become reclusive in the wake of his wife’s death less than two years earlier. Special Operations Engineer Regiment’s Commanding Officer, H (protected identity), said that given SOER’s unique skills, capabilities and experience, Victoria Police sought the regiment’s help to check a number of areas on the property, where potential caches and further explosive hazards were thought to be located. In response to the call for help, SOER deployed a team of high-risk search and explosive-ordnance disposal specialists, explosive detection dogs and handlers, medical, signal and other support staff to the location where, over a period of three days, they

56 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 57 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au methodically searched two sites on the property. The activity was conducted under Defence Aid to the Civilian Community (DACC) provisions. “Our personnel used a range of SOER’s capabilities to conduct the high-risk search,” Lt-Col H said. “Explosives detection dogs, electronic and manual search techniques were used, but no further explosive hazards were found. “Our teams spent Anzac Day working to ensure public safety and allow the Victoria Police to continue their investigations, safe in the knowledge that the areas of interest had been comprehensively searched.” More than three weeks after the drama had begun and the property declared safe, the local Hamilton Highway was reopened – after being closed as a public safety measure until the property was finally given the all clear by the Army’s experts. SOER provides Special Operations Command with an integrated, rapidly deployable and specialised capability to counter chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) threats across the spectrum of special operations – both domestically and overseas. In addition to Royal Australian Engineers, the SOER consists of Army, Navy and Air Force members from a range of other , including intelligence, signals, medical, nursing, ordnance, transport, and electrical and mechanical engineers. The regiment also employs specialist civilian staff to ensure the unit is always operating at the cutting edge and with the latest counter-CBRNE technology and capability. “This activity highlights the high regard in which SOER is held as well as the unique capabilities that the unit can and does provide to assist civilian authorities as well as SOCOMD across a very broad spectrum of threats and support requirements,” Lt-Col H said.

58 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 59 DECEMBER 2013

AIR LAND & SEA www.militarycontact.comTHE AUSTRALIAN MILITARY MAGAZINE www.combatcamera.com.au 2Ol3 SAS on Iron 4$8.95 0 Moon FREE e-magazine via WWW.COMBATCAMERA.COM.AU LETTERS HOME – Darwin & DIDP

a Lawrence Sabadi – proud Able Seaman boatswains mate Lawrence Sabadi joined the Royal Australian Navy in January 2012. Growing up in Cairns, his decision to join was heavily influenced by family already in the ADF, with several cousins, nieces and nephews currently serving in the Navy and the Army. His family always expected Lawrence to join the ADF, but were unsure which service it would be. The Defence Indigenous Development Program (DIDP) helped him make his mind up, with Photo by Able Seaman Sarah Williams the Navy being the chosen path Wilfred Bowie – outdoors type – though Army was a very close Wilfred ‘Bowie’ Bowie is currently outdoors, fitness and traveling, along second. serving as an able seaman with the mateship and job security Being involved in the DIDP boatswains mate onboard HMAS that the Navy offers. enabled Lawrence to see for Darwin on Operation Slipper. Family involvement in the ADF himself a variety of jobs available

Having grown up in Injinoo, at the can be traced back to WWII, with in the ADF and gave him a better a tip of Cape York, , Bowie his grandfather being a private in a opportunity to see what he really wanted to find a job where he could light-infantry battalion. would be interested in. be an example to his family and There are also numerous uncles, As for boatswains mate – well, friends. cousins, nieces and nephews who Lawrence believed it was a job that a With the full support of his continue to serve in all branches of was out of the ordinary and had a family, Bowie joined the Royal the ADF. sense of adventure about it. Australian Navy in September 2011, Able Seaman Bowie was selected Able Seaman Sabadi is currently undergoing basic training at HMAS to represent indigenous ADF serving on HMAS Darwin, deployed Cerberus. personnel at the International Fleet on Operation Slipper in the Middle Having an uncle involved in Review (IFR), conducted in Sydney East Area of Operations. indigenous recruitment for the during October 2013. Despite being overseas and ADF, Bowie participated in the “It was an awesome experience. visiting other countries, his career Defence Indigenous Development “Getting together and performing highlight so far was when he was Program and was shown other job with other indigenous ADF members selected to represent indigenous opportunities available outside his was unforgettable.” people at the Navy’s International home town. His experience at the IFR made Fleet Review (IFR) last year. “My uncle wanted us to be him reflect on something that his “Being selected to represent challenged, to extend our horizons,” grandfather, Adhi Ephraim Bani, a was a wonderful opportunity, I he said. traditional owner and mentor, once was very proud to be a part of Being a boatswains mate was said - ‘Past must exist for the present acknowledging indigenous people currently in the ADF,” he said. immediately appealing – working to create the future’. Photo by Able Seaman Sarah Williams

60 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 61 www.militarycontact.com www.combatcamera.com.au Q Store Energy Watching? APOD – Defence Discounts highlighted one of the many Online, has joined forces with unique challenges associated Energy Watch Australia to with defence service. negotiate an exclusive discount APOD’s Director of Sales and on the cost of electricity for Marketing – and an Army Defence members past and spouse – Kerry Newsome said present, and their families in that when put to the test, under NSW, VIC, SA and SE QLD. the APOD Energy Watch deal, With electricity prices an average Defence household increasing by up to 35.8% in Victoria could save up to over the past three years in $638pa and $276.75pa in NSW. NSW, service personnel who The APOD offer has no are reliant on defence housing contracts and no exit fees, have few options to proactively making it a good fit for current- reduce their household bills. serving Defence families – and APOD recognised that is available now via the APOD the rising cost of electricity website www.apod.com.au

new SME Advocate – Terry Whelan, who is responsible for coordinating a range of innovations for Australian SMEs. “Events such as Land Forces 2014 enable us to provide targeted, concentrated support for Australian SMEs and we need to exploit these Australian small to medium enterprises opportunities,” Mr Whelan said. exhibiting at the Land Forces 2014 “We believe it is imperative that all Exposition in Brisbane from 22-25 bodies work closely together in order September can benefit from a range of to ensure that our SMEs garner the best new measures designed to enhance the support possible and that the return on value they derive from the event. their investment in participating in these Event organiser, Land Defence events is realised.” Australia Limited, has created special To discuss Land Forces 2014 SME Australian SME and ‘Made in Australia’ initiatives, contact Terry Whelan on precincts in the Land Forces 2014 mobile +61 (0) 452 265 140 or email Exhibition Hall, as well as appointed a [email protected]

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Rhino Wars raging further Taking my boots off after planet with 7 billion other they are shrinking. Why south. that first patrol, I boldly people, all fighting hard must the conservation of stated, “Access to the right each day for a better job, these areas be an ongoing Drone THE JOURNEY technology would win this to build a grander house struggle? Why must those In 2008 I left for good entire war.” The drones that and drive a faster car. We dedicating their lives to after three years of duty in had helped bring me home spend more and more each protecting these areas be in

PART III PART the ‘Sand Pit’. I had saved safely from Iraq were at the waking moment to advance, constant battle with each Wars and invested considerably top of my list. I spent the to grow bigger, faster and other for funding? I think it’s and could afford not to work next three years working stronger. We spend more unfortunate that struggling or for the foreseeable future – with rangers, training them, protecting our own species poorly administered African and that was the plan. running operations and than anything else on the countries should be left with Eager for adventure, I’d above all – learning. planet. Healthcare, border the burden of having to fund heard about the work of anti- We built affiliations that protection, defence, disease all the costs of conservation. poaching units some years gave us access to reserves, cure and energy. We no These are the world’s earlier and earmarked it for equipment and manpower. longer live in a society. assets to experience and a six-month tour. I arrived in We established two training We live in an economy. In the responsibility therefore Africa at the beginning of facilities to teach rangers. the short-sightedness of our should be a global one. 2009 aged 29. The experience confirmed quest to advance, we have We are doing our best It was in Zimbabwe where that little has changed in foolishly pushed ourselves to hold back the tide of the purpose of my journey decades when it comes to to a point where we are human encroachment – through life really hit home. patrolling vast wilderness scrambling for solutions. the unbalanced challenge I was face-to-face with the areas. It generally consists of We need to decide what is between dwindling harsh reality of rangers a small team, with a weapon important and then make wilderness areas and Damien Mander launches a UAV on the front line, with few or two, basic rations and decisions that matter. rapidly increasing human resources, trying to defend limited communications, sent This generation will be populations. If we don’t all a global treasure from out on extended patrols. judged by our moral courage begin to respect this planet – a determined enemy. It I’m often asked how I can to protect what is right. And and I mean wholeheartedly What complicates endless grids across the was not something I could focus so hard on protecting every worthwhile action – then it is going to chew us conservation in Africa is that reserve. Live feedback ever turn my back on. So, animals when there are requires a level of sacrifice. up and spit us out. elephants are considered is channeled through I grit my teeth, liquidated people suffering around If we can justify spending a This project is a big step for vermin. Crop raids and computer-recognition my assets and set up the the world. I ask them if trillion dollars on advancing us. The Drone Age is coming fatalities as a result of software programmed to International Anti-Poaching they would have more the way we talk to each to conservation and we must human encroachment alert staff of any incursions. Foundation. of a problem with a dog other, then how do we make be given the capacity to into wildlife areas create a The drone locks onto the The seed for my frustration digging up their flowerbed sure the use of this same embrace it. This project does constant divide between the target and guides ground that would lead to the start or a terrorist launching a technology is available for not just represent what can two species. Consequently, teams into position while the of the IAPF was watching chemical attack in their city saving what the human be done for the elephants of poachers are doing the entire incident is recorded. under-paid and under- centre. Both are at about march forward is destroying? Niassa, but what should be a locals a great favour – and This type of capability appreciated rangers sent out the extreme levels of what Drones have been global focus. pocketing the proceeds. will cost around US$130k on missions into harms way. animals and humans are available for well over a It is high time that What is needed in Niassa and, while many will argue Before I set out on my first intentionally capable of decade for defence and conservationists around the is a fulltime drone with the money could be much patrol in Zimbabwe, I knew doing to really upset your energy. We must for now sit world be given access to the long-range capability to better spent in other places, already what was needed day. Over the past few here grateful for the fact we equipment that is out there. help patrol vast areas and I couldn’t think of a more to win the battles these years I have really started have been able to build just My vision is that, one day channel limited resources worthy place. rangers faced on a daily to struggle on a personal two for the purpose of saving soon, wildlife all over the to where they are most But I’m biased. basis. It’s not hard to pinpoint level with the way things these magnificent elephants. world will have a watchful effective. Now imagine the – training, equipment, are unfolding on a global True wilderness areas eye flying over, just as our Envisage a drone with capabilities of this mentoring, institutional scale. We now share a are a global asset – and soldiers do on the battlefield. 20 hours endurance, flying technology injected into the support and persistence.

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66 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 67 www.militarycontact.com CLOSE BUT NOT CLOSE ENOUGH www.combatcamera.com.au Australians recommended for the VC but not awarded BY MAJOR DARRYL KELLY

Private Ronald Crank DCM 53rd Battalion AIF SIG OR GUNNER?

the letters from his brother who was now locked in battle at Gallipoli. He craved to do his bit and struggled with his conscience of The young Digger pondered what to do to help his family. the situation. If the massing In January 1916, Ron travelled to Sydney Australian signallers lay telephone cable near Hooge, 20 September 1917. [AWM E00859] to see his parents. He caught the train to enemy could attack and gain Campsie where his father managed the studying a nearby map-board. The adjutant the upper hand, the battalion popular Ideal Refreshment Rooms.(1) On release, he rejoined his mates in their final preparations for deployment to France. showed the CO the dispatch. The CO took the could be in danger of being The young bloke sat stirring a steaming cup paper and approached the young signaller. of tea when his father said, “What’s the matter On 23 December 1916, Ron was officially cut-off and annihilated. Now rd (1) “Ron – can you come outside for a minute!” lad, you look like you’ve got the weight of the taken on strength of the 53 Battalion. He The CO handed the dispatch to Ron. “I’m sorry was the time to act… world on your shoulders?” settled quickly into life in the front line and was soon to prove himself a keen and competent mate!” the CO said walking away. Ron looked “Dad I want to enlist – I know you’re worried soldier. at the paper and grimaced – it told him that his about the farm – but it’s what I want to do. In February 1917, Ron was chosen to become brother Norman had been killed recently in the I’ve got to do my bit!” (1) a battalion signaller and was sent to the Signal second battle of Bullecourt. Ron Crank was born in Manchester, England, The older gentleman pondered the situation School for a three-week course.(1) Ron sat down on a nearby sandbag and took and was a teenager when he travelled to – “You bloody well keep your head down, The 53rd Battalion was in and out of action in out his note pad. With tears streaming down his Australia with his parents Arthur and Clara, young fella”, and a smile came across Ron’s early 1917. Ron adapted well to his new job. He cheeks he wrote – ‘Dearest Mother and Father… face as he raised the tea in salute to his father. older brother Norman, who had served in the was active at running out the vital telephone I have just learnt terrible news’ …… Territorial Forces in England, and younger Ron tidied up his affairs in Exeter and lines and repairing and maintaining them The 53rd enjoyed a well-earned break at the brothers Gordon and John. The family settled travelled to Bathurst where, on 15 February when they were damaged during action. On 3rd Army Rest Camp in late June/early July. (1) on the leased “Brandon Farm” in the southern 1916, he enlisted in the AIF. Gallipoli was more than one occasion he went out under They were in the thick of it at Polygon Wood town of Exeter. Times were now a memory and the growing Australian intense enemy fire to repair a severed line. and the final actions were to gain as much hard but they loved life in Australia and were Imperial Force now centred their focus on a He knew that signallers were a prime target ground as possible before the onset of the winter determined to make a go of it. new foe – the professional German Army. for the German snipers but he also knew the rains, which would turn the battlefield into a With the onset of war in 1914, the Crank Following initial training, Ron was allocated importance of communications, especially at bog. family was still working the land. In 1915, as a reinforcement to the 53rd Battalion, the height of battle, and went about his duties Ron received a letter from home informing Norman decided to enlist and sailed as commonly called “The Whale Oil Guards”, with cool, calm efficiency. him that his younger brother Gordon had a member of the 19th Battalion bound for which was part of the 14th . He sailed In May, Ron was sitting in the command enlisted in the Camel Corps and was on his way Egypt(2). Ron continued to help on the farm on 11 July aboard the troopship “Vestalia” post when a runner arrived and handed over to the Middle East.(5) “Take care young fella” Ron but the family was struggling to make ends bound for England.(3) a satchel to the adjutant. The officer read said under his breath as he folded the letter and meet. His parents decided to move to Sydney As he underwent training at the AIF through the various papers and dispatches. placed it into his journal. with the younger children and rented a Training Camp at Salisbury Plains, Ron came As he read one particular dispatch, he paused Ron celebrated his first anniversary with house in the inner suburb of Petersham. Ron down with a severe case of tonsillitis, which and glanced at Ron. He stood up and went the battalion by taking two weeks leave in remained on the farm. He read and re-read had him hospitalised on 31 October 1916.(1) over to the commanding officer who was busy England.(1)

68 www.Facebook.com/CONTACTmagazine www.YouTube.com/CONTACTpublishing 69 www.militarycontact.com CLOSE BUT NOT CLOSE ENOUGH www.combatcamera.com.au Australians recommended for the VC but not awarded BY MAJOR DARRYL KELLY Notes 3 AWM 8, Unit Embarkation Rolls, Camel Corps Reinforcements, Files for Honours and Awards, 53rd Battalion, 1914-1918 War 1914-1918 War AIF, 1914-1918 War 1 National Archives of Australia: B2445, WWI Service Records, 4 Bean, CEW, Official History of 6 Bean, CEW, Official History of 8 NSW Births, Deaths and 2153 PTE Ronald Crank DCM Australia in the War of 1914- Australia in the War of 1914- Marriages 1918, Volume V AWM 1936 1918, Volume VI AWM 1936 9 2 AWM 8, Unit Embarkation Rolls, Reveille Article November 1941 19th Battalion, 1914-1918 War 5 AWM 8, Unit Embarkation Rolls, 7 AWM 28, Recommendation 10 AWM Biographical Data

In April 1918, the 53rd was deployed in and ammunition at the time when he heard, “Cec – this up for some minutes, reaping a terrible toll on For his actions, Ron was recommended for the around the village of Villers Bretonneux. It was over here mate, quick!” the enemy. Artillery continued to impact around Victoria Cross, but was eventually awarded the like living in the lap of luxury. The village, which There was no time to stand on ceremony as Ron the Ron’s gun, but somehow it never found its Distinguished Conduct Medal instead, as was had been evacuated, was brimming with food, ordered “Help me turn this bloody gun around”. mark. Then the enemy broke ranks and began Lance Corporal Cecil Weatherby. Private Arthur clothes, wine and other luxuries. The troops were “What’s your plan Ron?” Weatherby asked. to scatter. Ron breathed a sigh of relief and took a Hopkins was awarded the Military Medal for billeted in warm surroundings. swig of water from his water bottle and offered it his part in the action.(7) Ron was also promoted “We’re going to use it on those buggers forming to his mate. It was the calm before the storm, however. up down there!” Ron replied. to the rank of Temporary Corporal on the night Within weeks, Villers Bretonneux would be the “Good on you, Cec!” Ron said. “Happy to help, following the action(1) and granted a two-week The pair had no idea how to operate the gun, mate but I tell ya – you’re a mad bastard!” Cec vital hinge in turning back the massive German leave to Paris on 25 September.(1) assault aimed at capturing the Channel ports and but they were going to learn in a hurry. As replied. “Well I’d better get this ammo back up to isolating the British Army from their vital lifeline.(4) they struggled to move the gun in the general the blokes!” he finished, and was off. Following the war, Ron remained in France and direction, Ron would occasionally look down the Ron needed to get back to his task as well and England until September 1919 before returning to By mid year the German advance began barrel to see if it was trained on the enemy. Once picked up his cable reel and started off towards Australia. He was promoted to Lance Sergeant on to falter as the Australians were pushing hard there, Ron quickly familiarised himself with the his company, playing out the telephone cable as 1 May and then to Temporary Sergeant the next against the enemy and slowly starting to push elevating and traversing wheels. He didn’t have he went. day. His time waiting to go home was not wasted them back. By early August, the allies were time to figure out the sights, so he decided to aim though, as he was able to travel to his native now in open country and advancing at a rapid by eye by looking through the barrel. He spent the rest of the morning laying and rate. Advances of 5 miles in a day, something maintaining a vital telephone line to the forward Manchester to visit relatives.(1) “Right, we’re on!” Ron snapped. “Load a round, Cec!” that was unheard of in early battles, were now battalion headquarters. The ground on which On his return to Australia, Ron picked up the th Cec slammed a high explosive round into the occurring. August 8 was their pinnacle. This was the telephone wire was laid was under direct pieces and planned to resume his life. He married breech. “Stand Clear!” Ron yelled. deemed by the German commander, Ludendorff observation of the enemy and was swept with Laurie Amos in 1920(8) and his discharge from the as the “Black Day of the German Army”.(4) Ron crouched as he fired the gun, then heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. But the AIF occurred on 7 May that same year.(1) On 1 September 1918, the 53rd Battalion was immediately popped up to see where the round telephone line was vital and had to be laid and, Ron was very active in the establishment of the pushing hard against an area known as Anvil had landed. It was well over, so he rotated the more importantly, maintained and repaired.(7) 53rd Battalion Association, and was a frequent Wood near the village of Peronne. Ron was with elevation wheel down a bit – looked through the Later in the day, the enemy again massed for a the forward elements running out a telephone barrel and saw he was near to on and ordered, counter attack. Lieutenant Waite ‘borrowed’ Ron contributor to the RSL magazine Reveille. With the cable. The Diggers were forced to fire to their left “Load”. Cec Weatherby again slammed another to again man the gun and use it to break up the onset of the Second World War, the association rear at a group of Germans moving near the round into the breech. Ron again fired, this time massing enemy. Ron rushed to the gun, this time organised comfort parcels for those from the old southern edge of the village. Just alongside the the projectile exploded just short. with Private Arthur Hopkins(6) (Cec Weatherby 53rd who were serving overseas. road was an abandoned German 77mm field Again he went through his sighting process and had been wounded during the day). The The Crank family were again represented in gun, which had been captured earlier in the again they loaded, “Stand Clear” and fired. This amateur gunners set about their task and poured the war when Ron’s son, Norman, (whom he battle. Stacked near the gun was a generous time the round was spot on, exploding amongst round after round into the enemy. They again named after his late brother) served in the 2nd (4)(7) rd amount of ammunition. the massing enemy troops. The Diggers of the 53 attracted severe enemy artillery and machine- AIF and his younger brother, Gordon, who’d and the other nearby troops raised a cheer at the gun fire, none of which found its mark. The Diggers were trying to distribute their served with the Camel Corps in the Middle East success of the would-be gunners. fire across a broad front and moved forward But a new hazard now faced Ron and his mate. in WWI enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy. to a better position. Ron was setting up Suddenly Ron and Cec heard the tell-tale The gun had fired a significant number of rounds His youngest brother, John, also served, in the communications when, through the drizzle, he whistle of incoming artillery rounds. The rounds and, as they had no means of cleaning the Army’s Volunteer Defence Corps.(9) saw the Germans massing for a possible counter- impacted around the gun, coupled with spurts barrel, the ‘gunners’ risked that any round they attack against the vulnerable left flank of the of ricocheting machine-gun fire striking both the fired could hit an obstruction and explode while Ron Crank DCM, a soldier who showed such battalion. Noticing the field gun, he rushed gun itself and the surrounding area. Again, Ron still in the gun. Disregarding the dangers Ron and courage and determination, passed away on 22 over to it. Lance Corporal Cecil Weatherby, a ordered the gun be loaded and, as he fired, the his mate fired more than 90 rounds at the enemy, May 1955, was cremated and today lays at rest storeman with the 53rd was bringing up some rifle round again found its mark. “Load”. The pair kept again forcing them to flee.(4)(6) in Sydney’s Rookwood Cemetry.

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MILITARY BY DON STEVENSON FITNESS PHOTO BY LEADING SEAMAN PAUL BERRY

done any pack marching for a while, it’s the required technique of getting up and PESA PREPARATION a good idea to break out your patrol and down. Don’t forget that, on the day, you’ll marching order and do a few practice have a rifle and webbing, so add those Ever since my first article forCONTACT stomps to condition your feet, check that elements as you progress. in 2005, I’ve held (and stated) the your gear is in good working order and Core strength – Pack marching, sprinting, opinion that the standard fitness tests figure out the most comfortable way to jerrycan carries and the box-lift and used by the ADF are a poor measure carry the required load. My advice for carry, all require good core strength. My of combat fitness. Fortunately, at some loaded marching is to always start very top picks here would be planks, back point, the ADF figured the same thing conservatively. Start with no more than extensions and lots of deadlifting. out and over the past few years they 50% load and add 2-3kg and 1-2 km Upper and lower body strength – For most have developed a new fitness test per week at most so as to avoid overuse men of average height the lift and place to complement the basic running, injuries. task isn’t going to cause many difficulties. pushup and situp tests that have been Jerrycan carry – This one tests grip strength the foundation of military fitness testing But here’s the rub – the test doesn’t change and endurance, two things that are often in height or weight for smaller, lighter since about WWII. overlooked in general training programs. The new “Physical Employment individuals, so some men and quite a Doing some additional carrying work few women may be lifting half their Standard Assessment” has started to with kettlebells in the gym, pullups and roll out to full-time Army and some bodyweight to nearly head height! If that rows using a towel or rope, or getting out describes you then it would be a good idea Reserve units – and according to the and practicing the test in small doses will plan, will extend to other units in the to practice deadlifts, front squats, barbell ensure that you can pass this test. wider ADF between now and 2016. rows and overhead presses. Personally I think the test is a massive Sprinting – The fire-and-movement course So there are some basic tips on the PESA improvement over the ‘basic fitness requires short bounds and going to ground and how to train for it. To receive a sample assessments’ – it’s not perfect, but then at each bound, so get out and practice four-week training plan for the PESA email any fitness test has to strike a balance repeated sprints of 5m to 20m as well as me at [email protected] between testing the required fitness attributes, ease of administration, and speed, grip strength, endurance reliability and safety – and I think the and basic core strength. PESA does that pretty well. For the infantry, there is also a So what do you need to know about simulated casualty drag, leopard this test and what are the best ways to crawl and 1km patrol-order run. train for it? Training for the Tests The Test Fundamentally if you have a high level of overall fitness and do some The first thing to know about the test basic weight training in addition to is that it consists of several different bodyweight training and running, functional fitness events, all of which then the PESA shouldn’t pose too many are conducted in uniform and boots problems for anyone. Having said that, with the addition of webbing, rifle, here are a few things that you might marching order and even armour want to focus on to ensure that you are depending on the test and level. adequately prepared. The assessment grade is based on the role you are employed in and not on Technique – The PESA has some very your age or sex. There are three levels specific performance standards for corresponding to all-corps, combat each test, so make sure you know arms and a specific infantry test. the tests and practice the technique. The individual events are currently In particular, the box lift and place a 5km or 10km loaded march, fire requires some practice so that you and movement test, jerry can timed don’t get disqualified. carry and a box lift and place. These Loaded marching – If you are a

THE NEW MILITARY FITNESS TEST FITNESS THE NEW MILITARY tests are designed to assess aerobic member of a combat corps this won’t capacity, power, anaerobic capacity be too unusual. But if you haven’t

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Further information on Cadets can be found at CADET www.cadetnet.gov.au CORNER Darwin Defenders Historic snapshot ?????

?????

Australian Air Force Cadet Sergeant Beau McAuley sits in a replica of the Bristol Boxkite first flown in Australia by his great Army and Air Force Cadets stand ‘at ease’ during the Darwin Defenders great grandfather Lieutenant Eric Harrison Commemorative Service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. (below), 100 years and one day earlier. And, Photo by Corporal Cam Scott right, with Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Mark Skidmore, the first man to fly the replica. Modern photos by Leading Aircraftman Brenton Kwaterski

Tassie Above: Commanding Officer No. 37 Squadron Wing Commander Darren Goldie shows AAFC Cadet Corporal Andrew Cowley, Cadet Angus Capp and Cadet Oliver Morley the ????? flight deck of a C-130J Hercules. Herc Visit Above left: Australian Air Force Cadets visit a No. 37 Squadron C-130J Hercules at Hobart Airport, , on 17 May. Photos by Sergeant William Guthrie

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Further information on Cadets can be found at www.cadetnet.gov.au The latest Navy Cadet novel by Parliamentary Secretary for Defence ’ Darren Chester officially opened AAFC s new home a new Air Force Cadets National Christopher Cummings Aviation Centre at Bathurst in April. “The facility will make aviation Now available in hardcopy or as an eBook training more accessible for cadets • Looking for a gift for a friend or relative who is from around Australia,” he said. or was a cadet? “It will be used by Cadets aged between 13 and 20 years who will • Authentic cadet stories set in north Queensland travel from all over Australia to • Ideal for adults and teens participate in weekend and school- holiday aviation camps. • www.cummingsbooks.com.au RAAF oversaw the $5 million project at Bathurst Aerodrome, Cadets face terrorist plots, teenage love and a range of other challenges which will become ‘home’ to 7100 Australian Air Force Cadets. Including classrooms, living accommodation, kitchen facilities, and a separate hangar to house aircraft, the facility will have accommodation for up to 80 cadets Darren Chester speaks with and 20 staff. cadets (above) The official opening also after he opened a showcased the first of 19 new new AAFC HQ in Bathurst. Photos by gliders purchased by RAAF for the Corporal David Said AAFC.

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AIR LAND & SEA Old-school magazines

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COMBAT Camera is a photo-essay-based magazine with the same DNA as CONTACT. CC01 is available in print only.

To mark the 60th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Infantry Corps, CONTACT produced an ‘Infantry Special’ issue as a collectors’ item not to be missed.

‘Infantry Special’ – $11 each to Australia – $18.45 NZ & SE Asia – $23.40 Rest of World All others – $8 each to Australia – $15.50 to NZ & SE Asia – $20.60 to Rest of World

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you’re a part of that scene. is a really tough question version” of Multicam. It’s It does this by disrupting and several answers are interesting to note here the un-natural parts of available – but which that DMO paid AUD$3.1 you and your equipment one is correct? Ostensibly, million dollars for pattern so they seem more the problem arose when development and AUD$4.7 natural and don’t stand soldiers in Afghanistan million for a license to out. It’s called boundary transitioned from desert to produce the pattern and disruption. After all, the vegetation several times uniform in Australia. enemy is looking for the during a patrol. If you wore The timeline of the DPCU/ shape of a man, helmet, DPCU, you stood out in the mid-point/Multicam/AMP Is the Australian weapon and so on. When desert areas, if you wore process was not a quick they do see something DPDU, you stood out in the event, which leads us to Army about to not right, the disruptive green areas. wonder if the mid-point announce a new effect makes them This is where the mid- pattern could have been ‘uniquely Australian’ subconsciously question point pattern came in. refined, or a suitable and camouflage uniform? what they have seen, Mid-point was the first distinct alternate pattern and ignore it, or delay attempt and was hastily sourced? The answer to that their identification of it, put together, produced is, almost definitely. giving you more response and fielded. But soldiers Let’s look at mid- time and the ability to complained that it was point. Put into the field seize the advantage. very bright under IR vision, quickly and missing a When the fighting gets faded quickly and was lot of R&D, its flaws could close, the pattern loses not as effective as DPCU in have been addressed in its effectiveness in either terrain. Anecdotal later production. But a concealment but now evidence says that mid- considerable amount of becomes the method of point was also fielded time had been expended identifying friend from foe. without proper testing so far and a faster solution DPCU is very effective in (fading, IR properties and was wanted. NEW AUSCAM? concealing and identifying. so on) and that not much of At the time this was In fact, Australians are one it ever went on patrol. happening, there were of the most easily identified At the time this was two major Australian forces today, as well as going on, there was an equipment manufacturers One of the gear rumours raincoat, the British style issued in ’83 with success one of the most easily increased public awareness with their own patterns going around Defence DPM jackets (actually for the pattern (although, concealed when we want of equipment problems, on the market and at the moment really made here) issued to RAAF unfortunately, the uniform to be, thanks to DPCU. Over and pressure on defence one Australian pattern fascinates me. It’s the one loadmasters, the Tiger cut was changed). This the years, DPCU has been to do something about developer. It is our about whether we will be Stripe and US ERDL uniforms became DPCU with a few evolved into a successful it. Our special forces had understanding that a dropping Disruptive Pattern used by SASR and RAN minor colour changes. desert pattern (DPDU), a been using Crye Multicam defence manufacturer Camouflage Uniform (DPCU) CDs in Vietnam and after, Now, we need to red/brown OPFOR version for some time by now and consulted the pattern and going to Australian Australian defence didn’t understand what a that proved too effective in said it was effective, so the developer and that that Pattern Multicam (AMP). have its own indigenous camouflage uniform needs the north, a Naval pattern government of the day manufacturer made a So many theories are going pattern camouflage for to do and how, before going (DPNU), an RAAF pattern ordered Defence to begin submission to Defence around at the moment general issue. In the late further. that was not adopted, an purchasing Multicam for an effective, fully that even I find it hard to ’70s, CSIRO and defence Camouflage is not experimental, greener uniforms for urgent Australian solution get a grasp on what is used early computer designed to hide you, jungle version called operational issue. that would also keep happening, despite having design and photography but conceal or at least sapper green and the ill- Having seen the British a distinctive pattern. It friends in low places! to devise a set of shapes delay recognition long fated mid-point version for Army ask Crye to develop appears that this effort was Let’s jump in with both and colours that, when enough to keep or return transitional areas. a version for them (Multi- a bit too late and the Crye boots and stomp around patterned, would provide the advantage to you. With so many versions Terrain Pattern, MTP) they pattern went ahead. on this one for a bit. Apart the best concealment in all How camo does this is by of DPCU and its ability to also decided to contract We have also learnt that from the green and black Australian conditions. Trial tricking visual and mental be modified to suit, why with Crye Precision for the Australian developer’s ‘smock psychological’ sets were made in 1982 and receptors into thinking that have we got AMP? That a “distinctly Australian pattern was submitted to

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the recent NZDF camo tender and equipment. The real kicker in this placed equal with a design from a is that Crye named and marketed Canadian tenderer. During testing in Multicam as an all-terrain pattern NZ, the Australian- and Canadian- – but then submitted the four new developed patterns out-performed patterns required by US DoD. In the Crye-designed Multicam and another twist, the US Senate has British MTP. all-but stopped the US military from Time, public pressure and a adopting service-specific patterns feeling of responsibility brought and the US Army is said to be on the about the acquisition of AMP, but it brink of announcing that it will now still took some time for the pattern go with a patern called Scorpion – to be developed, production to be which they developed in-house and tendered out and to get the pattern have owned outright for more than into service, for only two rotations! 10 years. Still, there were complaints when Since I started this article, Defence the pattern was unveiled. The has officially revealed a Blue AMP main complaints were that the pattern for the RAAF and recently, cost of modifying the pattern for to industry revealed a modified a distinctive Australian look, was AMP pattern in DPCU colours plus 1 2 significantly more than the effort an additional two, making seven required and that, in the end, colours in total. Possibly the most One of the people above is wearing a ‘uniquely Australian’ camouflage pattern. This may or may the pattern was not so distinctive drastic change is that pattern not be the exact final version expected to be adopted by the Australian Army later this year, but anyway – a trained soldier needed elements have been made smaller. it’s close. The other person above is American. Can you tell them apart? Could you tell them apart to be within about 10m to identify Why? Was the original AMP not at 50m under battle conditions? The people below are wearing American, Australian and British it as the Australian pattern. We distinctive enough? Is it to prevent uniforms. Can you confidently tell which is which? The first correct answer, numbered in the right don’t need to tell you the problem us looking like the US? Is it the risk order, received at [email protected] will win a surprise mixed-bag gift pack. of letting people get that close to of enemy in a similar pattern or you before you can identify them! possibility of Blue-on-Blue deaths due Especially when there have now to mistrust? been several instances of enemy In the end, I think there are some attackers wearing commercially serious questions here. Considering available Multicam uniforms. it has only been used on a couple of One other theory on the acquisition rotations. “Did we need AMP when of AMP is that it may become the off-the-shelf Multicam sufficed for ‘away-team’ uniform for Australian so long?” “What did we get for the forces. Many other nations use money we paid?” and “Why was 3 4 5 Multicam in some form for small Australian industry ignored?” teams and special forces. In regards to that last question, So what about us, will we replace we have been advised that the DPCU with AMP? After some recent Australian camo developer had feedback from Defence, it appears made two unsolicited proposals to that they haven’t ‘officially’ made defence since 2005. The first was up their mind either. Both patterns rejected as “too similar to Asian Tiger work well in Australia and overseas, Stripe” and the second mysteriously although at the extreme ends of disappeared. the spectrum, they start to lose their performance. This has become evident with Multicam in that the We really want your thoughts on US Army recently solicited for a new this one so get writing. Comments, family of four camouflage patterns, critiques, criticisms and death threats for woodland, transitional, desert can be sent to the usual email, and one for personal protective [email protected] 6 7

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25th October 2013 FINAL