AIR FVol. 53, No. 11, June 23, 2011 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

RCE

FREQUENT FLYERS AT 34SQN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURSP3 P8

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Outgoing CDF Outgoing CDF ACM Angus ACM Angus

Houston Houston reflects on his reflects on his distinguished distinguished 41-year career41-year career

P13-15

IT’S BEEN A IT’S BEEN A PRIVILEGEPRIVILEGE

NO REGRETS: In his last interview as CDF, ACM Angus Houston said it was an “incredible privilege” to command the ADF and he had “no regrets whatsoever” about his career. Turn to the centre for the full story. Photo: FSGT John Carroll

2 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FF

Editorial teamDirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650david.edlington@defencenews.gov.au

Editor/Deputy DirectorSimone Liebelt: (02) 6265 2253Mobile: 0400 003792simone.liebelt@defencenews.gov.au

Deputy Editor and sportJohn Martin: (02) 6265 7219john.martin@defencenews.gov.au

SubscriptionsTrish Dillon: (02) 6266 7607tdillon@defencenews.gov.au

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Andrew Stackpool

AS THE first air component death on operations, the loss of LT Marcus Case has had a direct impact on Air Force.

The 6th Aviation Regiment soldier died on May 30 when the Chinook in which he was travelling crashed in Afghanistan.

At his ramp ceremony at Tarin Kot, the CO of the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) detachment, WGCDR Jonathan McMullan, said LT Case brought significant experience to Heron operations in Afghanistan.

Two Kiowa pilots from 6th Aviation Regiment are on each detach-ment. One is the air vehicle operator and the other the payload operator, essentially one crew out of the five total.

WGCDR McMullan said LT Case was a payload operator who had con-ducted six months of theory, simula-tor and flying training with Air Force aircrew on the Heron RPA before deploying.

“Marcus was integral to our small Heron detachment,” WGCDR McMullan said.

“He was not only an Army pilot, he was also a former commando and, as such, he brought considerable mili-

IT WAS a solemn task with double the sadness when a 36SQN crew brought home the caskets of LT Marcus Case and LCPL Andrew Jones aboard a Globemaster on June 6.

T h e a i r c r a f t w a s m e t a t Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne by families and colleagues of the soldiers and an honour guard and bearer party from their units.

Both soldiers died on May 30.LT Case, of the 6th Aviation

Regiment, died in an Australian Chinook crash in Afghanistan, and LCPL Jones, of the 9th Force Support Battalion, was killed by a soldier of the Afghan National Army.

Their return to Australia occurred on the same day the 27th Australian soldier was killed in Afghanistan.

T h a t s o l d i e r, S P R R owa n Robinson, was shot in a firefight with insurgents and died despite receiving intensive first-aid at the site and sub-sequent surgery in Tarin Kot.

SPR Robinson was part of the Incident Response Regiment (IRR).

On June 9, he was farewelled at a ramp ceremony at Tarin Kot and flown by 37SQN Hercules to Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

From there, a 36SQN C-17A flew him back to Australia and he arrived at RAAF Base Amberley on June 13.

In front of CDF ACM Angus Houston, Chief of Army LTGEN Ken Gillespie, Special Operations Commander Australia MAJGEN Gus Gilmore and the CO of the IRR, sol-diers formed an honour guard and bearer party to escort SPR Robinson’s casket to his family.

LCPL Jones’s funeral was held at Preston, Victoria, on June 11 and SPR Robinson’s funeral was held at Kingscliff, NSW, on June 17.

Heron colleagues will miss a mate

RAMP CEREMONY: The caskets of LT Marcus Case and LCPL Andrew Jones arrive home in Melbourne. Photo: CPL Hamish Paterson

Double the sad duty for 36SQN

tary acumen to the detachment as we work directly for the Australian and coalition forces on the battlefield. To have someone in my command who

has been that person on the ground was invaluable.

“The Heron team miss Marcus and his rogue smile that brought so much

life to our detachment. We will remem-ber him as a professional officer, tal-ented pilot, gifted sportsman, major larrikin and, above all, a great mate to those of us fortunate enough to be con-sidered his friends. We have memories that will last a lifetime.

“His loss from our team and the aviation community will be sorely felt. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Speaking at his ramp ceremony in Melbourne on June 6, the commander16th Aviation Brigade, BRIG Greg Lawler, said LT Case paid the ultimate price in the service of his country.

“Today we bring him home to his family so he can be laid to rest. This is a great tragedy and Australia has lost another hero,” he said.

LT Case’s funeral was held on June 10 in North Balwyn, Victoria. About 1000 people attended.

Speaking at the service, his broth-er Chris Case said Marcus wanted to make a difference and was a man who would take every opportunity in life.

“He knew his greatest weapon and shield was his mind,” he said.

“We are thankful he was born into our family.”

The ADF investigation into the crash continues.

HIGHLY REGARDED: LT Marcus Case in the air.

GOODBYE: SPR Rowan Robinson’s casket is carried out of the ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: CPL Janine Fabre

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Eamon Hamilton

THE accolades just keep coming for 34SQN, winner of the Gloucester Cup.

As of May 24, the unit had recorded 30,000 flying hours with its current fleet of Special Purpose Aircraft (SPA).

The hours ticked over just a week after 34SQN was awarded the Gloucester Cup as Air Force’s most proficient flying squadron.

The SPA fleet comprises a pair of Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) and three Challenger CL-604s. Both types came in to 34SQN service in 2002, when they replaced five Dassault Falcon 900 jets.

The 30,000 flying hours equates to 12,200 hours with the BBJ and 17,800 hours with the Challenger CL-604. Last year alone, 34SQN tasks took them to 27 nations, including Belgium, Pakistan, South Korea, and Canada, and islands throughout the Pacific.

The BBJs can carry up to 26 pas-sengers and are largely for internation-al tasking or longer non-stop routes. The Challengers carry up to nine pas-sengers and are more adept in access-ing smaller regional airfields across Australia and the immediate region.

The two milestones are the prod-uct of efforts by 34SQN, along with DMO’s SPA Management Unit

Not impacted by ash cloudWHILE the travel plans of thousands of travellers turned into confusion as the ash cloud from the Puyehe-Cordon Caulle volcano in Chile caused the cancellation of some do-mestic travel over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, Air Force’s scheduled flights, op-erations and training were not impacted.

DCAF AVM Geoff Brown said that safety was the most important consideration for all Air Force operations and the service was constantly monitor-ing the impacts and movement of the ash.

“Airworthiness regulations allow the Air Force to fly jet aircraft at lower altitudes [than the civilian airlines]. Also, our planning and procedures are more flexible than civilian airlines and we can plan alter-native flight plans that mitigate the risk,” AVM Brown said.

Included in Air Force operations over the period was a flight from Tasmania on June 13 by a 34SQN Boeing Business Jet. The aircraft was tasked the previous day to re-turn a number of politicians to Canberra who were required to attend the sitting of Parliament and were unable to return by commercial means.

(SPAMU), and Qantas Defence Services (QDS).

Colin Eade, head of SPAMU, explained that the leased aircraft are maintained by QDS and operated by 34SQN.

“We are all proud of these mile-stones, as it’s the combination of hard work by 34SQN and commitment by SPAMU and QDS to get here,” Mr Eade said.

“Since 2002, this relationship

between Air Force, DMO and QDS has delivered safe, reliable and effective VIP transport for our customers.”

CO 34SQN WGCDR Phil Trigge said it was fortuitous timing for 34SQN to surpass 30,000 flying hours in the same month it was recognised at the 2010 Air Force Awards.

“There’s no question that 34SQN has been a busy place this past year,” WGCDR Trigge said.

“The Gloucester cup is an esteemed

award, and has been won by every sin-gle squadron member.

“The hours achievement and the Gloucester Cup reflects an outstand-ing effort over a long period of time by all 34SQN members along with VIP Operations, QDS, Corporate Air and SPAMU.

“I continue to be impressed and amazed by the efforts of 34SQN per-sonnel past and present.

“We provided around-the-clock sup-port to the 2010 federal election, and we were also called in for VIP transport fol-lowing the 2011 natural disasters.

“Throughout our tasking, 34SQN has worked to drive the profession-al development of our crews, create initiatives under the Strategic Reform Program, and maintain a good ‘cor-porate citizen’ profile through hosting community visits.”

All of these elements were recog-nised within 34SQN’s citation for the Gloucester Cup, along with its strong safety culture.

Last year, an audi t by the Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety in to Occupational Health and Safety gave 34SQN a 4.5 rating out of 5.

WGCDR Trigge, who arrived at 34SQN in 2009, is scheduled to hand over the reins as CO to WGCDR John Davidson on June 24.

34SQN double delight

First the Gloucester Cup, now 30,000 flying hours reached

PROUD RECIPIENTS: Members of 34SQN with the Gloucester Cup. Front, from left, is Head of Special Purpose Aircraft Maintenance Unit Colin Eade, FLTLT Simon Marshall and Qantas Defence Service representative Corey Trudgen.

Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

Fuel system crash causeTHE failure of a component in the aircraft’s fuel system is believed to have been the rea-son for the crash of a Central Flying School PC-9/A aircraft near RAAF Base East Sale on May 18.

SQNLDR Bruce Collenette and FLTLT Steve Andrews safely baled out of the stricken aircraft after its engine failed. Both pilots have been released from hospital and continue to recover.

All RAAF PC-9/A opera-tions have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure. The Aviation Ac-cident Investigation Team is continuing its investigations to ensure there were no other fac-tors that may have contributed to the incident. The fleet will be cleared to return to flying operations once investigations have been completed.

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4 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FFNews

MORE than 3000 new permanent living-in accommodation units for single ADF personnel are to be built around Australia under Phase 2 of the Single LEAP (Living En-vironment and Accommodation Precinct) project.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Senator David Feeney signed the $4 billion contract in Melbourne on June 8.

Plenary Living (LEAP 2) Pty Ltd will deliver the self-contained apartments to 14 bases from Townsville in north Queensland to Rockingham in Western Australia.

Senator Feeney said environ-mental sustainability and main-taining local heritage would be incorporated into design features of the new housing.

“This new housing will provide hundreds of Australian service men and women with a place to call home,” he said.

The accommodation will be delivered under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.

P l e n a r y L iv i n g w i l l b e responsible for the finance, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the accom-modation services at the 14 bases for the 33-year contract term. Construction cost is about $1 billion, with ongoing provision for services for the following 30 years costing about $3 billion.

HEADQUARTERS Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) has issued a strong warning to ADF personnel that they are not permitted to take rec-reational leave in ‘warlike’ areas of operations.

Also, it said that they must check with their chain of command before they commit to any bookings to travel to these areas.

Director General Support at HQJOC BRIG Dianne Gallasch said that the warning follows an increase in the number of ADF Travel Restriction Waiver applications received by HQJOC that do not meet the policy requirement that travel to warlike areas of operations can be only undertaken for compassionate or compelling reasons.

She said waivers would only be granted for compelling reasons such

as the death or serious illness of a close relative, or in compelling cir-cumstances.

“These restrictions apply to all members of the permanent ADF, as well as to members of the reserves on continuous full-time service,” BRIG Gallasch said.

“If you are planning to travel overseas during your next recrea-tional leave period, check with your chain of command to ensure that you are not potentially travelling to a country where waiver approval is required.”

Information regarding the Leave Travel Restriction Waiver policy is at DEFGRAM 312/2011 dated May 17, Chief of the Defence Force Leave Travel Restriction Waiver Policy – Guide for Applicants and Approving Authorities.

Warlike destinations a no-go

A PAKISTANI fishing dhow that had been adrift for 10 days without a mo-tor and radio was rescued after it was spotted by a RAAF surveillance flight.

The rescue started unfolding on May 17 when the AP-3C Crew Green, from 11SQN, was conducting a routine anti-piracy patrol over the Arabian Sea and spotted the dhow, which appeared to be in distress.

The dhow was hundreds of miles from shore, outside normal shipping lanes and not moving, and the Orion crew determined it to be worth a clos-er look.

As the crew closed for a photo-graphic run, many of the people on board waved frantically at the aircraft.

On closer examination of the pho-tography, it was clear the vessel was drifting and there was a makeshift sail rigged on the forward deck.

Communications were attempted with the vessel to confirm the situa-tion but no response was received.

The crew on the Orion decided to drop water supplies using helibox supply containers.

The rest of the tasked mission was suspended and the aircraft remained

in the vicinity of the vessel until mini-mum fuel was reached.

The Orion reported the vessel back to Combined Maritime Forces which then tasked the USS Hopper to make contact with the vessel.

It was subsequently found that the

dhow had lost its motor and radio, and had been adrift for 10 days.

The Pakistan Navy frigate PNS Tariq was dispatched to tow the vessel back to Pakistan.

The dhow’s 12 crew members were reported to be safe and well.

Eagle-eyes Eagle-eyes save dhowsave dhow

TELLING PHOTO: With a makeshift sail, crew on the stricken dhow can be seen frantically waving for help; right, an Orion parked at the airbase in the United Arab Emirates. Photos: FLGOFF Alastair Gray and CPL Aaron Curran

3000 units to be built

5June 23, 2011RCEAIR FF

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SGT Andrew Hetherington

JOINT Battlefield Airspace Controllers (JBACs) FLTLTs Luke Eckel and Daniel Lee are pioneering a new Defence role deployed to Multinational Base Tarin Kot in Afghanistan.

The two men are the first in the ADF to deploy on operations as JBACs, forming and operating an Airspace Coordination Element (ACE).

FLTLT Eckel said they were responsi-ble for controlling all aircraft movements below 3500ft and “also any aircraft operat-ing within restricted operating zones, such as where artillery is firing, remotely piloted aircraft flight areas and where troops are in contact with the enemy”.

“Our main source of traffic is heli-copters but we also talk to close air sup-port aircraft such as A-10s, F/A-18s and F-16s and also civilian contracted trans-ported aircraft,” he said.

The ACE was purposefully located within the Combined Team Uruzgan (CT-U) Fires cell, which controls the use of artillery and mortars to assist with the coordination of airspace during combat operations.

“The reason for this is if an artillery mission begins we are responsible for clearing aircraft from the gun’s target line,” FLTLT Eckel said.

“By having us involved we can still allow aircraft to fly close to gun tar-get lines instead of denying the use of a whole block of airspace because there’s a gun firing within it.

“This gives operators on the ground and commanders far better use of the air-space so more aircraft can be let into the area and at the same time still be safely controlled.”

The ACE, which FLTLT Daniel Lee was responsible for setting up, began operating on April 12.

FLTLT Lee said he had been there since October, working in an air liaison officer role.

“It’s great the ACE is now operating as it improves the safety of all air users in the CT-U Area of Operations (AO), and it’s now controlled by qualified personnel,” he said.

A typical work day within a nine-hour shift begins with a quick review of submitted flight plans by aircrews who will travel in the Uruzgan AO.

“We receive them the night before and from this we can see whether there will be any close air support missions, rotary wing movements and any aircraft that are to fly in and out of Tarin Kot,” FLTLT Eckel said.

“From this information we know when they will be within our airspace and we can then make up our flight pro-

JBACs lead the wayADF FIRST: FLTLT Daniel Lee, left, conducts a handover brief with FLTLT Luke Eckel. “It’s great the Airspace Coordination Element is now operating as it improves the safety of all air users in the Combined Team Uruzgan Area of Operations and it’s now controlled by qualified personnel,” FLTLT Lee said.

Photo: SGT Andrew

Hetherington

gress strips, which we use to track the aircraft in and out of our airspace.

“So far we’ve been handling between 15 and 20 fixed-wing aircraft, up to 50 rotary wing and approximately five close air support missions a day.”

One bonus for the ACE working in the CT-U Fires cell was the opportu-nity to use a piece of equipment operated by the Australian-run Counter-Rocket Artillery and Mortar (CRAM) detach-ment.

“As a JBAC, to operate effectively, all we need is a map and a radio to commu-nicate with aircraft,” FLTLT Eckel said.

“Here we have access to a feed from CRAM’s Giraffe radar, which is usually used to detect the launch of indirect fire against the Tarin Kot base.

“It’s an excellent radar. We can see aircraft squawk codes on the screen (Identification friend or foe) and also use it to validate aircraft are following the instructions we have issued them and not strolling into airspace which we said they should not enter.”

So far the ACE has received positive feedback from airspace users.

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6 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FNews

PUBLIC submissions for Phase 1 of the reviews into Defence culture chaired by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick are being called for during a two-week period from June 27 to July 8.

The first phase deals with the treat-ment of women at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and includes interviews by the review panel with former students, families of cadets and sponsor families at the academy.

Additionally, the review team is call-ing for written submissions from the public, ADFA personnel, cadets past and present and other interested persons.

During Phase 1, the review team is also examining the experience of mili-tary colleges internationally, particularly in Canada and the Netherlands.

The panel is due to report on Phase 1 by the third quarter of 2011 at this stage.

Ms Broderick said the reviews would not be investigations or make findings to specific allegations or complaints.

Rather, the review would make rec-ommendations into systemic issues aris-ing from the terms of reference.

Ms Broderick said the review panel supported the ADF in recruiting and retaining the best people in order to build a first-class defence force.

“Central to achieving this objective is having a world-class educational facility like ADFA to build the leadership capa-bility of the ADF,” Ms Broderick said.

“Gender equality and the inclusion of women will be a guiding principle, which will allow the ADF to deliver on this mission.”

Ms Broderick said the review acknowledged the ongoing constructive efforts to improve gender equality, to

First phase of review under way

� The treatment of women at ADFA with a particular focus on the adequacy and appropriateness of measures to promote gender equality, ensure women’s safety, and to address and prevent sexual harassment and abuse, and sex discrimination.

� Initiatives required to drive cultural change in the treat-ment of women at ADFA, including the adequacy and effectiveness of existing initia-tives and of approaches to training, education, mentoring and development.

Terms of Reference

ensure women’s safety, to prevent sexual harassment, sexual abuse and sex dis-crimination within ADFA and the ADF.

“The review presents an excellent opportunity to identify what is working well and should be expanded, where the challenges remain and what other strate-gies might assist the ADF achieve its mission,” Ms Broderick said.

Phase 2 will review the effective-ness of cultural change strategies and initiatives required to improve leadership pathways for women in the ADF.

The approach to Phase 2 is still being finalised but is expected to begin in August with the report expected in early 2012.

Details on the submission process are advertised on Page 12.

CPL Melanie Schinkel

A SERVING member’s spouse has established a not-for-profit organ-isation that offers deploying ADF members free professional photo-graphic sessions with their loved ones.

Wagga-based Army wife and mother of three Melissa Wood is the president of Operation: Love Reunited – Selfless Australia (OpLove Australia).

The organisation was launched online recently to provide serv-ing personnel and their loved ones with more than just a few ‘happy snaps’ to get them through overseas deployments.

While studying for her photo-graphic degree, Ms Wood discov-ered a website for an American Colorado-based organisation called Operation: Love Reunited.

“The idea immediately resonat-ed with what I wanted to achieve

with my photography, so I con-tacted the organisation’s board members and worked with them to establish an Australian branch,” Ms Wood said.

ADF members deploying for more than three months or their loved ones are eligible to arrange a free photographic session with one of OpLove Australia’s nine volun-teer photographers.

“It’s a completely free service, so there are no costs to the ADF member or their loved ones. All they have to do is meet the specified criteria, find a photographer in their area via the website and arrange a suitable time for the shoot,” Ms Wood said.

OpLove Australia offers three photographic session types to choose from; pre-deployment, deployment, and reunion sessions.

“The deployment sessions can either be with your loved one in their dress uniform or DPCUs before they

deploy or, if it’s a surprise you want to send them during their deploy-ment, a patriotic-themed shoot with the deployed member’s loved ones,” Ms Wood said.

After a deployment session, a free 4x6 inch album is sent to the deployed member’s overseas loca-tion.

“We also arrange reunion ses-sions, which take place the moment you are reunited. Essentially, a pho-tographer will accompany you to meet your loved one for the first time after their deployment to cap-ture those first tender glimpses, kisses and embraces.”

Following a reunion session, the photographer can provide the ADF member with either a free 4x6 inch album or CD of images.

For more information, or to volunteer your services as a photographer, visit www.oploveaustralia.com or email oploveaustralia@bigpond.com

Governor-General says thanks in person at Al Minhad

Free photos for families

Governor-General Quentin Bryce made a special visit to Air Force members deployed at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates on May 10 to thank them for their good work. Her Excellency and husband Mr Michael Bryce made the quick visit on the last leg of an official trip to Europe. Pictured above, Ms Bryce meeting with members of the AP-3C aircraft detachment, and right, supply operators CPL Luke Bickerstaff and LACW Michelle Boughey. Photos: PO Damian Pawlenko

7 NewsJune 23, 2011RCEAIR FF

RCEAIR FF

Combat control is Combat control is recruiting in 2011recruiting in 2011

EOI’s out now submissions to EOI’s out now submissions to be completed by 31 JUL 2011be completed by 31 JUL 2011Recruiting from Airmen Recruiting from Airmen through Offi cer Rank- through Offi cer Rank- LAC to FLTLTLAC to FLTLT

COMBAT CONTROLLERCOMBAT CONTROLLER

WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY?WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY?

FURTHER INFORMATION AT:

http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/4SQN/

Paul Lineham

THE strong links between RAAF Base Amber-ley and the Ipswich community were further strengthened on June 5 with the official open-ing of the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre.

The new Heritage Centre, the second to be opened after that at RAAF Base Wagga, fea-tures a range of displays, including a WWII Boston Bomber, a Vietnam-era Canberra bomber, Caribou aircraft, Sabre and Mirage fighter jets, an F-111, and Sioux and Iroquois helicopters.

The Heritage Centre is housed in two hangars, and is expected to grow as more aircraft and artefacts are restored and placed on display.

More than 800 people visited the centre on the first two public open days – June 12 and 13 – and centre OIC SQNLDR Dennis Deering was delighted.

“There were a few minor logistic challenges, given the Heritage Centre is behind the wire at Amberley but, with volunteer drivers and some small buses, we were able to give 314 people the opportunity to absorb aviation history on Sunday and then a further 522 on Monday,” SQNLDR Deering said.

The most popular exhibit was the recently retired F-111, together with the F-111 crew module which car-ried retired aircrew AVM Dave Rogers and AIRCDRE Peter Growder to safety when an engine fire forced them to eject near Auckland in 1978.

Another exhibit which attracted a great deal of inter-est was a wooden propeller blade, carved for and pre-sented by the survivors of the Hospital Ship Centaur to 71SQN in gratitude for the role of the Anson crew who discovered them drifting on the water after their ship was sunk by a Japanese submarine during WWII.

The Heritage Centre is managed by Air Force and staffed by reservists and volunteers from the Ipswich and Brisbane community. Entry is free.

Initially, it will be open to the public from 9am to 3pm on the second Sunday of each month, and for com-munity groups between 9am and 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays by arrangement.

Amberley opens Amberley opens history windowhistory window

WELCOME: With a Caribou as the backdrop, Commander Combat Support Group AIRCDRE Noddy Sawade addresses the patrons at the official opening of the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre. Inset, visitors look through one of the display hangars. Photos: LAC Dan Pinhorn

IN BRIEF

Acquisition contractPERSONNEL deployed on operations in the MEAO are to get enhanced protection against improvised explosive devices and indirect rocket and mortar attacks. The Commonwealth Government has signed a $133 million contract with Thales Australia for the acquisition of 101 new Bushmaster vehicles and the provision of the Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) radar to a number of patrol bases across Uruzgan province, as well as at Tarin Kot during the remainder of the year. The C-RAM system provides advanced warning of impending rocket and mortar attacks against bases, provid-ing extra time for people to take cover. The vehicles will be fitted with MEAO protection kits and protected weapons stations. They will be constructed in Bendigo and delivered over the next 18 months.

New helicoptersNAVY is to receive a new fleet of heli-copters after the government approved the purchase of 24 US MH-60R Seahawk Romeo naval helicopters for the service. The decision follows a 15-month com-petitive acquisition process involving the MH-60R and the NH90 NFH helicopter. It will provide both advanced anti-sub-marine warfare (ASW) and air-to-surface missile (ASM) attack capabilities, car-rying both the Mk 54 ASW torpedo and Hellfire ASM. The first two helicopters will arrive in mid-2014 for testing and evaluation with operations expected to commence in mid-2015. Eight will be deployed aboard major fleet units and the others will be based at HMAS Albatross.

Medal (OAM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia

WOFF Raymond Bolton For meritorious service to the RAAF in the field of combat support and force protection.

WGCDR Nicholas Dyce-McGowan For meritorious service to the RAAF in the field of Joint Battlefield Airspace Control.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

WGCDR Pierre Blais For outstanding achieve-ment as Deputy Director Safety and Airworthiness at HQ Air Command.

WGCDR Glen Braz For outstanding achievement as Deputy Director Australian Super Hornet Transition Team and CO 1SQN.

WGCDR Jeffrey Frost For outstanding achievement in the conduct of the first warf-ighting experimentation of an uninhabited air system and the

development of the Woomera Test Range.

CPL Julien Wells For outstanding achievement as a Technical Training Instructor at Surveillance and Control Training Unit.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)FSGT Paul Hardiker For meritorious achieve-ment as the Unit Training Coordinator and Maintenance Coordinator at 36SQN.

CPL David Janik For meritorious achievement as the Research Assistant within the Military Claims Liaison Office.

SQNLDR David Scherr For meritorious achievement as the Training Officer at HQ

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8 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FNews

CONGRATULATIONS to the following Air Force members for being recognised on the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia AIRCDRE Peter Brennan, CSM For exceptional performance of duty in the field of Defence Logistics and as the Director General Logistics Assurance, Joint Logistics Command.

WGCDR Ian Henderson For exceptional service in the field of military law.

WOFF John Millar For exceptional service in the field of senior-level manage-rial and representational duties as WOD on deployment and as Warrant Officer of the RAAF. AIRCDRE Richard Owen For exceptional performance of duty in senior Australian Defence Force command and staff appointments, including as Commandant of the Australian Defence Force Warfare Centre and Joint Warfare Doctrine and Training Centre and as Chief of Staff Headquarters Air Command.

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST

Health Services Wing and Health Operational Conversion Unit in support of clinical and operation-al education and training.

FSGT David Sowden For meritorious achievement as the Bonded Structures Technology Team Certification Officer for Bonded Structural Repair in the Australian Defence Organisation.

WGCDR Ross Wadsworth For meritorious achievement as Commander JTF 636 on Operation Pakistan Assist II in 2010.

Beyondd the call of duty

Meritorious Unit Citation Mentoring Task Force 1 For sustained out-standing service in warlike operations on Operation Slipper in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, between January 20 and October 30, 2010.

AM: WOFF-AF JJ Millar.

AM: AIRCDRE Richard Owen.

AM: AIRCDRE Peter Brennan.

OAM: WGCDR Nicholas Dyce-McGowan.

CSM: WGCDR Ross Wadsworth.

AM: WGCDR Glen Braz (with daughters Eve and Elizabeth).

Photos were unavailable of the other Air Force recipients listed

9 NewsJune 23, 2011RCEAIR FF

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Andrew Stackpool

MEMBERS in disruptive pattern com-bat uniforms and flying suits instead of dress blues gave an operational touch to a parade at RAAF Base Tin-dal last month when CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin presented 75SQN with a Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) lanyard.

The MUC was awarded in rec-ognition of “the squadron’s sus-tained outstanding service in warlike operations” in Iraq in 2003 during Operation Falconer.

Falconer started on March 18, 2003 and ended on July 16 that year.

The squadron flew 350 sorties and dropped more than 120 laser-guided bombs.

It was the first time the RAAF had dropped bombs on enemy targets since the war in Vietnam.

Squadron CO WGCDR Phil Arms said the visit by AIRMSHL Binskin pro-vided an ideal opportunity for the presentation.

“A number of members who deployed as part of

the Operation Falconer commitment are still with the squadron and many of them were present on parade,” WGCDR Arms said.

After the squadron fell in, it was called to attention as its Colours were marched on to the parade. They were then presented to AIRMSHL Binskin who attached the Operation Falconer citation lanyard to the Colours staff.

75SQN’s initial role in Operation Falconer was to protect high-value coalition aircraft such as air-to-air refuelling and airborne warning and control system aircraft.

As it became clear that the Iraqi Air Force posed little threat, 75SQN’s role shifted to providing close air sup-port to coalition ground forces and air interdiction missions against Iraqi forces. These missions were initially flown in support of the US Army but evolved to supporting the wider coali-tion effort.

“75SQN has a long and proud his-tory, including its part in the desper-ate battle at Milne Bay in August and September 1942,” CAF said.

“It took the same courage, forti-tude and determination to Iraq and I know it is continuing to maintain those qualities and tradition today.”

75SQN’s belated honour75SQN’s belated honour

PROUD MOMENT: Above, CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin salutes as the Colours are marched on by FLGOFF Jason De Iuliis, and then presented to him, right. Photos: LAC Terry Hartin

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10 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FFNews

FLTLT Skye Smith

A SIGNIFICANT milestone in the history of Air Combat Group was achieved with the formation of 81WG Combined Workshops last month.

The re-establishment of the workshops has been the result of numerous efficiency and effec-tiveness reviews, OC 81WG GPCAPT Joe Iervasi said at a special formation parade to mark the occasion.

“The 81WG workshops represents a true improvement initiative achieved through the hard work of all those involved, particularly the Classic Hornet Improvement team,” he said.

The workshops were pre-viously managed by 3SQN but now officially come under 81WG command.

In coordination with the Hornet Fleet Planning Cell, the formation of the Combined Workshops will be a significant contributor to increasing avail-ability and serviceability of the Hornet fleet.

“This will be enabled through a single command and control

structure fulfilling a fundamen-tal principle of war – unity and command,” GPCAPT Iervasi said.

WGCDR Nicholas Robertson has been appointed to command the workshops.

“We now all need to pull together as the one team to ensure the continued successful operations of the mighty Classic Hornet,” he said.

T h e a m a l g a m a t i o n o f 3SQN Workshops and 77SQN Avionics Maintenance Flight into the 81WG Combined Workshops was a pilot Air Force Improvement project for Air Combat Group.

The Combined Workshops are authorised to conduct deep-er level maintenance of Black Hawk, C-130, Hawk 127, AP-3C, PC-9/A, Sea King and Sea Hawk aircraft.

They provide a number of specialised maintenance func-tions, including oxygen servic-ing, forward looking infra-red maintenance, hydraulics and non-destructive testing, to more effectively service 81WG air-craft.

Joining forces

STRENGTH COMBINED: SGT Larissa Beattie, an avionic technician with 77SQN, supervising CPL Sam Sullivan at the 81WG Combined Workshops, which has been re-established to increase the availability and serviceability of the 81WG aircraft fleet. Photo: LACW Amy Trebilco

Kittyhawk for 77FLTLT Skye Smith

THE highly coveted Kittyhawk Trophy has been awarded to 77SQN, earning the distinguished unit the title of most proficient operational Hornet squadron within 81WG for 2010.

Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Mel Hupfeld presented the trophy to CO 77SQN WGCDR Glen Beck at the 81WG Combined Workshops formation parade last month.

“2010 was a very busy year for 77SQN, which included deploying for Exercises Red Flag and Arnhem Thunder. 77SQN was also able to lead the way with a significant amount of improvement activities being undertaken,” WGCDR Beck said.

“The Kittyhawk trophy is a very prestigious award and it was an honour to receive it in recognition of all of the hard work put in over the year by the 77 team. There can now be no doubt about 77SQN being Australia's premier fighter squadron.”

Each year the operational F/A-18 squad-rons within 81WG compete for the award of the Kittyhawk Squadrons Association Trophy through competition in fighter operations.

The trophy was inaugurated in remem-brance of the exploits of the various Kittyhawk fighter squadrons during WWII.

TOP SQN: CDR ACG AIRCDRE Mel Hupfeld presents CO 77SQN WGCDR Glen Beck with the trophy. Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

11 NewsJune 23, 2011RCEAIR FF

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“ONCE a Magpie, always a Mag-pie”, CO 75SQN WGCDR Phil Arms said at FLGOFF Cameron Conroy’s 20th anniversary commemorative ser-vice at RAAF Base Tindal on June 4.

The service marked the death of F/A-18 pilot FLGOFF Conroy when his aircraft crashed off Cape York Peninsula on June 5, 1991.

An extensive air and sea search failed to locate him or the aircraft.

The exact cause of the accident is still unknown.

“FLGOFF Conroy served with 75SQN from July 3, 1990 until his death,” WGCDR Arms said.

“His death occurred during a tragic period of aviation safety within Air Force, and was a particularly dark time.”

Over the previous 10 years, there had been 42 fatalities from six sepa-rate accidents across the Air Force.

During the previous 12 months the then 75SQN CO WGCDR Ross Fox, FLTLT Russ Page and FLTLT Geoff Bryant (then on exchange with the US Marine Corps) had died from the fast jet community alone.

“Cam’s accident was shortly to follow. It is difficult to imagine the sense of loss experienced by those who were part of 75SQN at the time,” WGCDR Arms said.

“Cam was killed in a routine train-ing mission doing what he loved; doing what we do every day at 75SQN.”

WGCDR Arms acknowledged FLGOFF Conroy’s widow, Christine, and her son Cameron, and the impor-tant role that families play in 75SQN.

Christine Conroy planted a tree in

commemoration of FLGOFF Conroy in the memorial garden at RAAF Base Tindal.

During the service, WGCDR Arms said: “Cam’s service to his country came at a great cost to you and we are grateful for the sacrifice you had to endure.

“We would like you to know that you, and Cam’s memory, remain a part of the 75SQN family.

“Memories of Cam can be found within the operations crew room and throughout the squadron. The tree that you will plant here later today will be a living memorial to him.”

The memorial garden, dedicated to WGCDR Fox last August, was created by serving members of the

Tribute Tribute to a to a MagpieMagpie

squadron to remember and honour those who had paid the ultimate sac-rifice.

“Today is a reminder that things can and do go wrong and by the very nature of our chosen profession the consequences are typically tragic and the impact on the squadron signifi-cant,” WGCDR Arms said.

“Cam will never be forgotten; not by his family, not by his mates and never by 75SQN.”

NOT FORGOTTEN: Above, Christine Conroy prepares to lay a wreath at FLGOFF Conroy’s 20th anniversary commemoration service at Tindal. Right, OC 81WG GPCAPT Joe Iervasi pays his respects.

Photos: LAC Terry Hartin

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Call for Submissions into the Treatment of Women in the Australian Defence Force Academy

The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is conducting a Review, fi rstly into the treatment of women at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) (phase one) and, secondly, into the effectiveness of cultural change strategies and initiatives required to improve leadership pathways for women in the Australian Defence Force (phase two).

The Review is being led by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick who chairs the expert Review Panel.

The Review Panel is now calling for written submissions for phase one of the Review relating to the treatment of women at ADFA.

The Review will not be investigating or making fi ndings in relation to specifi c allegations or complaints. The Review can only report and make recommendations in relation to the systemic issues arising from the Terms of Reference.

Specifi cally, written submissions are being sought on the following aspects of the Terms of Reference: • The treatment of women at ADFA with a particular focus on the adequacy and appropriateness of measures to: promote gender equality, ensure women’s safety, and to address and prevent sexual harassment and abuse, and sex discrimination; and

• Initiatives required to drive cultural change in the treatment of women at ADFA, including the adequacy and effectiveness of existing initiatives and of approaches to training, education, mentoring and development.

Submissions will be accepted over a two week period from Monday 27 June to Friday 8 July 2011.

We are particularly interested in hearing from current and former ADFA cadets, ADFA graduates (especially within the last three years), as well as families and sponsor families of ADFA cadets and ADFA personnel.

To view the full terms of reference and to lodge a submission please refer to the Submissions page of the Commission website at www.humanrights.gov.au/defencereview.

Please note that submissions received will ordinarily be made available on the Commission website. People wishing to make a confi dential submission should make this clear at the time of lodgement and the Review will not publish those submissions on the website. However, people should also be aware that whilst every endeavour will be made to ensure confi dentiality, the Commission is obliged to determine any request for access to documents made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 in accordance with that Act.

Submissions to phase two of the Review will be called for following the release of the phase one Report.

For any inquiries in relation to the Review submission process please see our website or contact the ADF Review Secretariat by email at

defence.review@humanrights.gov.au

12 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FNewsLAC Bill Solomou

SGT Justin Maxfield, of 292SQN, will make a pilgrimage for charity by walking in the foot-steps of his friend’s grandfather on the infamous Kokoda Trail.

The late Arthur Cyril Weight fought on the Kokoda Trail in WWII as a member of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion, which was one of the first units to arrive in Port Moresby in January 1942. Comprised mostly of young men with little military training, the unit suffered heavy casual-ties in the bloody campaign which claimed more than 600 Australian lives. Arthur was one of the lucky ones to return home.

SGT Maxfield remembers Arthur as a tough, yet honest man with a strong handshake.

“His family treated me like an adopted son, and Arthur had a strength of character that had and still has a positive influence on me,” SGT Maxfield said.

“I regret not doing the Trail when Arthur was alive, but I am pretty sure he would have been proud.”

SGT Maxfield has been planning the trip for the last 12 months and has undertaken extreme physical training, including climbing the Adelaide Hills.

He leaves for Papua New Guinea on July 1 and the pilgrimage will take about 10 days.

“I’ve always wanted to walk the Kokoda Trail. I will be doing it with my brother-in-law Anthony and we know it’s going to be emotional and tough,” he said.

“I also see this as an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for Legacy.”

While deployed to the MEAO in 2010, SGT Maxfield was very impressed with how Legacy operated.

“Unfortunately, we lost a few members on operations in Afghanistan; Legacy was tremen-dous in their response,” he said.

To donate funds and support, visit www.everydayhero.com.au/justin_maxfield\

In the In the steps steps of a of a herohero

HIT THE TRAIL: SGT Justin Maxfield is raising money for Legacy.

Photo: LACW Shannon McCarthy

37SQN’s disaster efforts praisedTHE efforts of 37SQN air and ground crews who provided vital airlift sup-port during the floods and cyclones in Queensland were praised by Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare at RAAF Base Richmond on June 9.

Mr Clare was visiting the base to meet the maintainers and inspect the flight simulator.

Mr Clare was also briefed on the training benefits of using simulators, which provide 2000 hours training annually for aircrew.

“These simulators give personnel real world experience [and] that means they get the training they need without the cost or risk of training in a real air-craft,” he said.

13 NewsJune 23, 2011RCEAIR FF

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Andrew Stackpool

AN ERA ended when the now outgoing CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin invited retiring CDF ACM Angus Houston to what would be his final dinner with the Air Force Senior Leadership Team and their partners.

The dining-out was held at the Officers’ Mess at RAAF Base Glenbrook on May 4.

During the dinner, AIRMSHL Binskin paid trib-ute to ACM Houston and said he would always be “one of the team”.

“ACM Houston has had an outstanding career and been an excellent leader of the ADF in an extended period of high tempo operations,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“I know that all of Air Force would agree that having a member of the Air Force as the CDF is very special for the service.

“I and all the women and men in Air Force wish him well in his retirement.

“Although he is retiring he

will always be part of the Air Force team.”

In reply, CDF said that he had served in the Air Force for 41 years and, for each one of those years, it was a great pleasure to be part of the Air Force team and an absolute honour to serve in, what was – in his opinion – the best Air Force of any military in the world.

“It is the best Air Force, simply because we have the best people,” ACM Houston said.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank you [AIRMSHL Binskin] and through you, the men and women under your command, for your professionalism, skill, determination and courage.

“It has been an immense privilege to command an ADF with such an experienced and capable Air Force.

“Not only have you made me proud to be your CDF, but you have made me extremely proud to be part of the Air Force team.”

More on CDF over the page.

Farewell to ‘one of the team’

Not only have you made me proud to be your CDF, but you have made me extremely proud to be part of the Air Force team.‘‘ SOMETHING TO REMEMBER US BY: CAF AIRMSHL Mark

Binskin presents a farewell gift to outgoing CDF ACM Angus Houston at his dining-out night at RAAF Base Glenbrook. The framed drawing of a young FLTLT Houston during his flying days with 9SQN was inscribed with the words: ‘To Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston on your retirement from the ADF. From the men and women of the RAAF.’ Photo: LAC Chris Hall

Keep doing what you are doingThat’s the parting message from outgoing CDF ACM Angus Houston, who retires on July 4 after 41

years as a proud pilot, leader and ambassador of the ADF, reports SGT Andrew Hetherington.

IF A Royal Air Force assessor had done his job correctly in 1966, then ACM Angus Houston would never have joined the ADF.

“I sat in the cockpit of a Jet Provost for an ejection seat height assessment to join the RAF as a pilot,” ACM Houston said.

“The seat had been left in the fully up position and the individual who gave me the cockpit check to deter-mine if I was the suitable height for aircrew training didn’t know how the seat worked.

“The result was me being rejected for being too tall right from the out-

It’s an incredible privilege to command

the ADF; man for man and woman for woman, we have the best defence force in

the world.‘‘

14 June 23, 2011 15JJJJJJJRCEAIR FFCentrepiece

set. I guess it was a turning point in my life, because if it had gone another way I don’t know what would have happened.”

Four years later ACM Houston succeeded in his ambition to become a military pilot by joining the RAAF.

In 1970 he began a distinguished career spanning more than 41 years. He served in a multitude of roles and had many career highlights.

ACM Houston was a pilot and pilot instructor and commanded 9SQN during the transfer of all of the RAAF’s helicopters to Army in the late 1980s.

He was also a member of the Joint Operations team at Defence Headquarters during the first Gulf War.

What followed after 1991 was a succession of senior appointments in Air Force and in tri-service environ-ments.

ACM Houston was the Director of Air Force Policy, OC of 86WG, Chief of Staff at Headquarters Australian Theatre and Head of Strategic Command.

He became CAF in 2001 and CDF in 2005.

Initially ACM Houston’s goal was

to join the Air Force, but after his extensive experience working with all three services, he said he would have served in any of them.

“They are wonderful institutions in their own right and I would have had no trouble adjusting to life in any of the three services,” ACM Houston said.

“It’s a wonderful defence force and the three services, while very dif-ferent, have a lot of things that unite them.

“They’re very professional at what they do; all three have extremely dedicated people and all of them work

together wonderfully well in teams,” he said.

With all of his life and career experience, what ACM Houston will reflect on most in retirement will not be the exhilaration of flying or plan-ning war operations, but the people with whom he served with and led.

“What I will look back on is 41 and-a-half years of wonderful peo-ple,” he said.

“I’ve spent my career work-ing with the people of the Defence Organisation, Air Force, Army and Navy.

“I will miss them. It’s an incred-

ible privilege to command the ADF; man for man and woman for woman, we have the best defence force in the world.”

One of the high points of ACM Houston’s career was witnessing the ADF’s ability to meld people from all three services, and Defence civilians, into an operational team.

“It’s quite spectacular the effect you can get by taking all of that expertise, enthusiasm and talent and sending it off to do something as a team,” ACM Houston said.

“The ADF gets its most impressive outcomes when forces like this are deployed.”

The lowest point during his time as CDF was the loss of ADF personnel on operations.

The responsibility of announcing to Australia the death of one of his people meant much more to him than just speaking to the cameras. Each announcement was made with a great sense of humility and compassion.

“When I made an announcement of a death it was a challenge, but really it’s much more than that, it’s everything about the loss of a soldier,” ACM Houston said.

He said there was a great sense of sadness and loss associated with the deaths, which became very clear each time he engaged with the families.

“It’s important I focused on announcing the bad news, answering the questions from the media and then ensuring everything went to plan in terms of the repatriation of the indi-vidual and to support the families 100 per cent.”

ACM Houston said he had no idea he would ever occupy the office of CDF.

“I have no regrets whatsoever about my career. After I joined in 1970, my first hurdle was getting

though officer training and my pilot’s course; I was totally focused on fin-ishing them.

“To be honest, initially I didn’t think much beyond those courses and I continuously focused on the next hurdles in my career.

“Did I ever think I would get here as CDF? No way, I was a helicopter pilot in the Air Force.

“I don’t know why I emerged as CDF and I’ve never pursued or wor-ried about it as the important thing was to focus on the job and get on with it.”

Something which helped him to keep his career and life on track was a piece of advice he often gives to others.

“Go with your intuition and at the end of the day if it doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t right,” he said.

Although he doesn’t have a new career planned after July 4, he does know what he will do the day after he finishes his busy role.

“I actually finish work one minute past midnight on July 3, so I’ll just go to bed, roll over and go to sleep, knowing I’m not going to get a phone call in the night,” ACM Houston said.

“On July 4, I will get up and I’ll either go for a long run or bike ride.”

His parting message to the ADF is simple – keep doing what you are doing.

“Your professionalism, dedica-tion and ability to work in teams makes you a very capable, impressive defence force,” he said.

“As CDF I’ve been very proud of every one of you who has been out there doing what you have been trained to do on operations.

“You all do it wonderfully well so just keep doing what you are doing.”

‘‘Did I ever

think I would get here as

CDF? No way, I was just a helicopter

pilot in the Air Force.

SAY G’DAY: Left, CDF, then AVM Angus Houston, flies to meet troops in East Timor in 2000 and, above, speaking with some ADF members there the following year. Photos: Jason Weeding and SGT Bill Guthrie

MANY ROLES: Above, as CAF taking the salute at RAAF Base Wagga in 2002 and, below, thanking ADF personnel deployed in Victoria during the 2009 bushfires. Photos: WOFF Ken Rowland and CPL Ricky Fuller

ONE FAMILY: Above, visiting an Australian patrol base in Afghanistan; below, comforting SPR Jacob Moerland’s fiancee Kezia Mulcahy. Photos: SGT Brent Tero and LAC Leigh Cameron

LOW LEVEL RECCE: Speaking with members of the AP-3C detachment in the Middle East in 2006. Photo: CPL Rob Nyffenegger

What I will look back on is 41

and-a-half years of wonderful

people.‘‘

16 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FNews

FLTLT Baz Bardoe

THIRTY enthusiastic employers in Victoria have a better grasp of the De-fence employment of their reservists following their successful completion of Exercise Executive Stretch (EES).

The annual exercise was held at RAAF Base Williams from May 27 to 29.

EES is an initiative of the Defence Reserves Support Council.

No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron provided the facilities, plan-ning, logistical support and instruc-tional staff.

CO 21SQN SQNLDR Mike Dance said that the exercise highlighted to senior executives the value of hav-ing reservists as employees through a weekend of military exercises that replicated some of the training that reservists receive.

Night-time activities were also included.

“Over the course of the weekend we turned 30 individuals into three teams by emphasising the values of integrity, courage, teamwork and punctuality,” SQNLDR Dance said.

Activities that challenged the executives included team-building

Employersers stretch

and quick decision exercises as well as individual activities that included abseiling and firing a Steyr rifle.

A Navy reservist diving team dem-onstrated the often difficult task of working in a low visibility environ-ment, while Army commandos pro-vided instruction for another activity.

This tri-service involvement was aimed to provide the participants with an insight into the diversity of roles within the ADF.

Participants were also briefed on Defence support programs which assist in managing reservist staff.

Defence Parliamentary Secretary Senator David Feeney congratulated the employers.

“Leadership, initiative and team work are core skills developed and used by reservists and these skills are also highly valued in the civilian workplace,” Mr Feeney said.

“Executive Stretch allows employ-ers to see first-hand how reservists develop and use these skills.”

While some of the executives found the abseiling a challenge, they came away impressed with the levels of knowledge and skill-sets displayed by the personnel involved.

Joe Tedesco from Coles said he

was impressed with the confidence in the skills, passion and commitment that was shown by the reservists.

“I have a much better understand-ing of what our troops are doing,” Mr Tedesco said.

“My next step will be to go back

[to Coles] and find out how many of our people are volunteers, and to rec-ognise them and their commitment to ensure they are comfortable that there is support [from the company].”

Donovan Croucamp from the Department of Transport said he was

keen to show his employees that he supported their reserve service “com-pletely”, while Helen Hearne from Limelight Sales and Marketing said the “depth and professionalism of the personnel was amazing”.

WEAPON HANDLING: Chris Steel from Computing Directions is instructed by SGT Simon Mooney, a 21SQN reservist airfield defence guard, on firing a Steyr during Exercise Executive Stretch at RAAF Base Williams. Photo: SGT Dave Grant

17 FlightlineJune 23, 2011RCEAIR FF

Tell us about the other hats you wearAll Reservists (Active and Specialist) should recently

have received mail asking about your civil skills (formal,

self-claimed, experience) for the Civil Skills Data e-survey.

It is very important that you complete this survey as it

helps the Australian Defence Force better identify people

with specific skills that can be drawn upon for emergencies,

exercises and deployments.

You will receive a half day pay for preparing and completing

the survey and it will also help your Reserve career.

It’s time to complete the Civil Skills Data e-survey

There’s still time for you to complete the survey. Make sure

you have all your paperwork ready – licences, degrees and

other qualifications – before you start.

If you have any questions about the survey, or any of the

information collected, please email your query and PMKeyS

number to ADO.CivilSkillsData@defence.gov.au

You can complete the survey on your own or a Defence

computer, but you should complete it as soon as you can.

Visit www.civilskillsdata.com today

CIVILSKILLSDATASkills in Reserve

EDINBURGH: Left, SGT Mick Bohdal shows Steve Irons MP the Minimi light support weapon during a demonstration at the RAAF Base Edinburgh firing range as part of the Defence Force Parliamentary Program. Photo: LAC Glynn Jones

Politicians sample Air Force life

WILLIAMTOWN: Above, Senator Kate Lundy is shown a battle simulation by FLTLT Phillip Laverty at RAAF Base Williamtown, while right, Chris Hayes MP is assisted into firefighting gear by LAC Luigi Rosa. Photos: LACW Katharine PearsonMEAO: Left, Senator Helen Kroger in the cockpit of a 10SQN AP-3C with flight engineer WOFF Tex Bennett at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. Photo: SGT Bill Guthrie

Andrew Stackpool

A FORMER administration officer turned legal officer who made history by taking out the prestigious University of New England Medal – the first law student to do so – is looking forward to a challenging career in his new spe-cialisation.

FLTLT Anthony Marinac gradu-ated with a Bachelor of Laws with first class honours. Air Force spon-sored him through the civil schooling scheme for the final year of his degree.

He said he was “overwhelmed” to receive the award.

“To be awarded the University Medal was something I'd never hoped for nor really considered as a possibil-ity,” FLTLT Marinac said.

“To receive the first medal awarded to a law student was one of the most signal moments of my life.”

He commenced the degree [his fourth, he already has a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Management and Doctorate in political science] in 2004, three years before he joined the Air Force.

He joined as a reservist operations officer and attended Officers’ Training School (OTS) that year.

“I enjoyed the Air Force so much that I switched to the PAF and from operations officer to administration

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18 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FTraining

HIGH ACHIEVER: FLTLT Anthony Marinac is congratulated by the University of New England’s Chancellor, Dr Richard Torbay MP, left, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jim Barber. Photo courtesy FLTLT Marinac

OFFICERS up to the rank of WGCDR, senior NCOs and public serv-ants from APS 4 to EL1 are invited to learn more about the application of air power through the Advanced Air Power course (AAPC).

The next course will be held between July 11 and November 11.

The Air Power Development Centre (APDC) conducts the course biannually.

It is designed to supplement Australian Defence Organisation members’ and foreign military members’ understanding of air power.

Members who wish to partici-pate will not have to leave their desks. The course is unique in that it is conducted via the internet over an 18-week period.

Academic supervision for the course will be provided by Professor John McCarthy, a noted academic in the field of defence and air power, and Deputy Director General Air Force Cadets GPCAPT Phil Edwards.

Nominations are to be for-warded to the APDC by email by July 6.

For more information on the course, including how to nominate, visit the APDC website at http://airpower.airforce.gov.au

Learn to apply air power on course

Scholar’s new role

officer while I was at OTS,” FLTLT Marinac said.

He then decided to change to legal officer as he saw that commanders and other personnel are operating in an increasingly legally complex envi-ronment.

He is posted to Headquarters Combat Support Group as a legal officer and hopes to deploy on opera-tions in the near future.

“There are heaps of opportunities and challenges ahead but that is an experience I could never have in civil-ian practice,” he said.

Air Force Legal Specialisation Sponsor GPCAPT Christopher Ward said FLTLT Marinac’s previous ser-vice and life experience would assist him in a specialisation which requires an officer to meet the demands of two exacting disciplines in the professions of arms and law.

“It is not particularly common for officers of other specialisations to become legal officers,” GPCAPT Ward said.

“It is not unprecedented, but most of those did law in their own time and at their own expense (not on civil schooling), before applying to transfer specialisations.

“The main reason for the modest rate of specialisation transfers to legal is that Air Force uses the undergradu-

ate scheme to recruit the majority of its legal officers.”

FLTLT Marinac said he was “most grateful” to Air Force for the opportu-nity to study via civil schooling.

“There is simply no way I could have won the medal if I had been stud-

ying part-time, in the evenings, on my own resources. One of the most out-standing things about the Air Force is its willingness to invest in training and skilling its people – I do not know of many organisations that would be will-ing to go to those lengths,” he said.

19PersonnelJune 23, 2011RCEAIR FF

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FLTLT Melody Earl

FLTLT Graham Seabrook, of Informa-tion Warfare Wing (IWWG) at RAAF Base Edinburgh, has come up with a pre-deployment kitting initiative that could potentially save $200,000 a year and enable personnel to spend a week longer with their families before they deploy.

Until the end of last year, Edinburgh personnel (other than 92WG members) were required to complete their Force Preparation Training (FPT) and deploy-ment kitting interstate.

This usual ly occurred at 39 Personnel Support Bat tal ion at Randwick in NSW.

FLTLT Seabrook believed this was an inefficient use of members’ time and training dollars, as it required them to undertake interstate travel and spend a week away from home before they deployed.

The trunks of deploying mem-bers had to accompany them on their flights back to South Australia, which cost Air Force a minimum of $400 a member in airfreight. This was on top of the normal airfares to and from Sydney and other costs such as accommodation and cab charges that equated to about $1000 a member.

FLTLT Seabrook informal ly approached the Aerospace Operational

PREGNANT Air Force members may soon have the option of wearing a maternity version of the Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform (DPCU).

This outfit was jointly devel-oped by Army and the Defence Material Organisation’s Clothing System Program Office, and is now being trialled by members from the three services.

For Air Force, it could be a suit-able form of working dress for those undertaking light duties in a hangar or warehouse environment.

It could also be worn by those performing clerical duties in operations rooms or similar.

The maternity DPU coat is longer than the normal jacket, and is flared with side tabs to allow members to adjust the coat as required during pregnancy.

The trousers have an elasti-cised waistband with drawstring and an elasticised maternity panel at the front and back to accom-modate the advancement of the pregnancy as well.

The fly zipper, side pockets and rear pockets have been removed to allow for the elasticised panel.

For more information, contact the Air Force service women’s clothing adviser WGCDR Robyne Greene at robyne.green@defence.gov.au and for photos of the uniform, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dmoweb/sites/CLOSPO/ and click on the What’s New link.

Rethink saves a lot Uniform trial for pregnancy

REFORM UPDATE

A BRIGHT IDEA: FLTLT Graham Seabrook and Hellen Anderson, a customer service assistant at the clothing store at RAAF Base Edinburgh, with some of the Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniforms.

Photo: LAC Glynn Jones

Support Group executive, 92WG and Mr Col Sherriff Contract Services Manager Clothing, Joint Logistic Unit South (JLU(S)), with his ideas.

“I also contacted the base Air Force Improvements team who rec-ommended I make a formal approach to the SRP in Canberra; a two-prong approach,” FLTLT Seabrook said.

“I did so and my suggestions were forwarded to Joint Operations Command.”

As a result of his efforts, Joint Movements Coordination this year has given approval for deploying Edinburgh members to complete their FPT and kitting at the base when training dates permit.

The changes have resulted in an estimated minimum annual cost savings of $200,000, based on the deployment of 100 Edinburgh staff annually.

“The old Combat Support Unit (now 24SQN) and JLU(S) were instrumental in achieving the out-come,” FLTLT Seabrook said.

“An initiative that involves adding additional responsibility to units is not taken lightly, but JLU(S) was highly receptive to the initiative and did all they could to support it.”

IWWG has received anecdo-tal evidence that the resulting extra time with family has been very well received by deploying members and their spouses.

C O I W W G W G C D R M a x Heinrich said: “This is clearly an outcome that is a win for all con-cerned.”

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20 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FFPersonnel

COMMENDATIONS

CAF Commendation (Gold)FSGT Gavin Willmett and SQNLDR Mark French For their performance in the planning and execution of the reconnaissance and recovery of Lockheed Hudson A16-126, des-ignated Operation Kovi Moses, in Papua New Guinea in 2008. Mrs Lorraine HolcroftFor her performance as Director Property Acquisition, Mining and Native Title Infrastructure Division. SGT Amanda SwanFor her performance as a tactics analyst within the Australian Tactics and Adversarial Studies Element of 87SQN. FSGT Andrew ForresterFor his performance as the SNCOIC of 11SQN Maintenance Coordination. FSGT Roy GriffinFor his performance in carrying out responsibilities as the Flight Adjutant of Training Management Flight, 1 Recruit Training Unit.FLTLT Dane RobinsonFor his performance as the OIC of Airfield Operations Support Flight, 324 Combat Support Squadron at Royal Malaysian Air Force Base, Butterworth, Malaysia. SQNLDR Michael WhiteFor his performance in developing and championing the Controller Proficiency and Currency System as an air traffic control officer over a number of postings. WGCDR Paul ParoloFor his performance as the Support Systems Project Manager at the Australian Super Hornet Project Office. WGCDR Robert Saxton For his performance as the Resident Test and Operations Manager on Project Air 5077 – Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control System.

DCAF Commendation (Silver)FLTLT Justin CoxFor his outstanding devotion to duty as Staff Officer Coordination Two at Air Force Headquarters from January 2009 to November 2010. SQNLDR Paul ReddacliffFor his performance as the Air Staff Officer Training and Exchange Support within the Office of the Air Attaché Washington DC.

DCAF Commendation (Bronze)SGT James MatthewsFor noteworthy achievement as a Satellite Systems Operator at the United States Air Force’s 2nd Space Warning Squadron, Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado, USA.

COMMENDATIO

AF CommendatiGold)

June 24: The Ceremonial Band will support the SAW parade at RAAF East Sale from 11.30am.June 24: Force 10 will support the Laverton Officers’ Mess Ball at the RAAF Base Williams Officer’s Mess.June 27: Force 10 will hold a free community concert in Melton, Victoria.June 30: The Ceremonial Band will support the 2FTS graduation parade at RAAF Base Pearce from 11am.July 6: The Ceremonial Band will support the 1RTU graduation parade at RAAF Base Wagga from 11am.� To confirm dates and timings,

call WOFF Stephen Bate (03) 9256 2514.

AIR FORCE BAND

Andrew Stackpool

AIR Force has a new set of Visual Identity (‘Brand’) guidelines.

They replace ones promulgated in April 2008.

Standards and Compliance man-ager – Air Force Michele McGee said the Air Force Brand as a communica-tions device was crucial to the Air Force image.

“Brand is not just a logo,” Ms McGee said. “It is your reputation, your image and your overall appeal. A positive image builds confidence, pride and morale within the Air Force and a strong and consistent brand will help to make Air Force a leader within the services and the nation, and distin-guish it from all others.”

The original guidelines were pro-duced to enable Air Force brand-ing to be more recognisable across the organisation and to enable the Defence Publishing Services (DPS) to use the templates for common, Air Force-wide communication needs.

But there was a limited choice of PowerPoint and Word documents, which meant that the various FEGs, wings and units were not able to be represented as individual units.

“Over the last three years, the new branding has evolved into a more refined and sophisticated look and feel for Air Force. Each element, colour or texture in the design has been specifical-ly chosen to reflect our heritage, values, assets and people,” Ms McGee said.

The decision to update the guide-lines was made in October last year and took nine months to bring to frui-tion.

Ms McGee said that the work was done in-house and also involved Air Force photographers and the DPS.

“The fabulous imagery used in the document was produced by our Air Force photographers,” she said.

“And the expertise of the DPS in putting together a major document was fundamental to its production.”

Nadia Osman and Barry Woodhouse

PARTICIPANTS in Project LASERR, which is examining mental health and retention issues for ADF members, will receive the next round of surveys soon.

Project LASERR, which stands for Longitudinal ADF Study Evaluating Retention and Resilience, has two streams.

The first stream, Project LASER-Retention, involves gathering feed-back from participants on their condi-tions of service and job satisfaction as well as gauging their intent to con-tinue serving or leave the ADF.

The second stream, Project LASER-Resilience, investigates the

mental health and psychological resil-ience of ADF personnel.

The chief investigator on Project LASER-Retention, LTCOL Emma Little, said Defence was such a large and dispersed organisation that it was sometimes difficult for individuals to have their say on how it operated.

“These surveys ask important ques-tions about why members choose to stay in or leave their service. It’s impor-tant for policy makers to be acutely aware of issues that affect members’ decisions,” LTCOL Little said.

“It’s only through members telling us something could be done better that we get the opportunity to improve on it. It is also good to know what Defence is doing well.”

All ADF personnel are eligible to participate in Project LASERR. The

study requires participants to complete surveys at various points in their careers during the first four years of their mili-tary service.

This allows ADF researchers to determine factors that cause personnel dissatisfaction with the ADF and factors that promote psychological resilience in ADF personnel.

Dr Monique Crane, a chief inves-tigator for Project LASER-Resilience, said it was important to discover what factors influenced the mental health of ADF personnel so Defence could proactively prevent mental illness and adequately care for its members.

“A range of factors may assist military personnel to ‘bounce back’ from potentially traumatic or difficult events during their careers,” Dr Crane said.

Study into mental health

Apart from the changes to col-our and texture of the designs, the main change is that the templates now offer more choice in PowerPoint and Word document formats, as well as InDesign templates.

These will enable the various FEGs, wings and other units to rep-resent themselves without losing their Air Force ‘One Team’ identity.

Identity guide

There a r e two d i sks . The InDesign disk templates include A4 and A5 brochures and newsletters, CD and DVD covers, and folder covers with a spine.

Large format printing InDesign files are also available for tent signage, pop-up banners, lecterns and display boards.

The other disk has a range of Word and PowerPoint presentations. These

files are for internal Air Force use when professional graphic design ser-vices are not required or unavailable.

Ms McGee said copies would be distributed to bases in coming weeks.

For further information or a copy of the guidelines, email Ms McGee at RAAF.Brandmanager@defence.gov.au and include your mailing address.

SEAL OF APPROVAL: CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin looks through the new Air Force Visual Identity Guidelines with Air Force Brand Manager Michele McGee at the launch of the updated publication. The Guidelines were developed by Ms McGee and Air Force photographers and the Defence Publishing Service. The update guidelines have been produced as the earlier version proved restrictive for use by Air Force elements which did not have access to or require the services of professional graphic design companies. Photo: FSGT John Carroll

21 HistoryJune 23, 2011RCEAIR FF

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Paul Lineham

THE weather was kind to the ageing WWII veterans as they gathered at RAAF Base Amberley Memorial Gardens on June 5 for the annual service to remember the service and sacrifices of allied air and ground crews of Bomber Command.

During his welcoming address, Commander Combat Support Group AIRCDRE Noddy Sawade asked the veterans, now in their 80s and 90s, to stand. Almost 20 accepted the invitation and were warmly applauded by the audience of about 400.

Between Dunkirk in 1940 and D-Day in 1944, Bomber Command, later supported by the American 8th Air Force, provided the only strategic attack against the German forces on the Western Front.

About 125,000 aircrew from most parts of the British Empire, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Czechoslovakia served in Bomber Command. Among them were about 10,000 Australians.

Bomber Command paid a fearsome price. In all, 55,000 personnel – nearly half – were lost. Australia lost 3486 airmen killed in action and 546 killed in training.

In his commemorative address, XO 82WG WGCDR Robert Denney said “the RAAF mem-bers of Bomber Command were less than 2 per cent of Australians enlisted in WWII, yet accounted for almost 20 per cent of the deaths in combat. 460SQN alone lost 1018 aircrew, which represents the com-plete loss of the squadron five times over.”

This was the third annual Bomber Command memorial service to be held at Amberley and, in keep-ing with the previous two services, members of war-time air and ground crews reflected on their service and their mates.

Ex-RAF airborne radar mechanic Geoffrey Hutton, who served with 515SQN, part of Bomber Command’s Intruder Group, recalled waiting for bombers to return after raids over Germany.

Allan Vial served as a bomb aimer and radar navi-gator, completing 64 operational sorties as a member of 35SQN (RAF Pathfinder Force) in the European Theatre. He told the audience of nights over Germany, selecting and marking targets for massed bomber raids, and of aircraft and mates who failed to return.

Meanwhile, at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, DCAF AVM Geoff Brown told other vet-erans and their families that a highlight for him as a young pilot was to talk with veterans.

“It gave me much greater understanding of their experiences and a far better appreciation of their con-tribution to the Air Force and Australia,” AVM Brown said.

“To fly one mission with Bomber Command was an impressive accomplishment; to have flown repeat-edly on operations speaks of steadfast dedication and resolve.”

He said Bomber Command had left a long-lasting legacy to Air Force.

“The cost in human lives was a sacrifice of immense proportions,” AVM Brown said.

“Thank you for your service, your contribution to freedom and your willingness to sacrifice your lives.”

WARM APPLAUSE: From left, members of Bomber Command stand to an applauding crowd at the commemorative service at RAAF Base Amberley, and above, former members Geoffrey Hutton and Allan Vial who relived some of their memories. Photos: LAC Dan Pinhorn

SPECIAL WORDS: XO 82WG WGCDR Robert Denney addresses the service at Amberley.

Bomber Bomber Command Command stands up stands up againagain

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22 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FFHistory

AUSTRALIA’s Federation Guard (AFG) has returned home after partici-pating in important commemorations on the Greek mainland, in Crete and in Italy.

In late May, the AFG participated in a week of commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the battles of Greece and Crete.

The commemorations remembered the service and sacrifice of Australian, British, New Zealand and Greek ser-vicemen who defended Greece and Crete during the German invasions of April and May, 1941.

More than 600 Austra l ians lost their lives, while another 5000 became prisoners of war.

Activities in Crete included cer-emonies at the Hellenic-Australian Memorial in Rethymno, the Allied War Cemetery in Souda Bay and the German War Cemetery in Maleme.

Six veterans of the conflict joined the AFG at the Hellenic-Australian Memorial.

CPL Jared Lamperd said it was an honour and a privilege to spend time with the veterans and see the places where they fought.

“I was impressed to hear about the kindness of the Greeks in supporting the Australians during the war,” he said.

The AFG met their Greek counter-parts, the Greek Presidential Guard, and were invited to their headquar-

ters in Athens after the commemora-tions in Crete.

G u a r d C O LT C O L P e t e r Miliopolous, who was born in Sydney, said the relationship between the two national guards was very important.

“It’s an honour to have person-nel from the ADF come to visit us,” LTCOL Miliopolous said.

“The AFG reminds me of the rela-tionship we have with the Australian military – we are blood brothers, we have the same spirit – we’re brothers-in-arms.”

LAC Brad Hoffman said the deployment was one of the most emo-tional he had been on.

“I got to meet the veterans and hear their stories,” he said.

“I didn’t know much about the bat-tle of Crete and after my time here I certainly know a lot more.”

After the commemorations in Greece, an AFG contingent marched in the Republic Day military parade in Rome on June 2 to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Italy.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce joined other foreign delegates at the parade.

The AFG contingent formed a catafalque party at the Catania Commonwealth war cemetery on June 3 when Her Excellency laid a wreath to honour the 23 Australian aircrew from WWII who are buried there.

On the way to Greece, six WWII veterans made a detour when they visited the head-quarters of Joint Task Force 633 at Al Minhad Air Base on May 16.

The veterans, who are aged between 88 and 101, are Arthur Leggett, Norm Maddock, Basil Hayler, Alf Carpenter, Dan Bowden and Bill Tayler.

They met mem-bers of the task force and held a service to remember Australians who lost their lives in WWII and more recent-ly in Afghanistan.

Sharing Sharing tales of tales of braverybravery

ROME: Above, the Flag Party from Australia’s Federation Guard along with other participating nations pause in front of the Colosseum during the Republic Day military parade in Rome. Photos: CPL Janine Fabre

GREECE: Above, CPL Jared Lamperd (right) and LAC Brad Hoffman of Australia’s Federation Guard at the Phaleron Commonwealth War Cemetery in Athens.Right, Australian WWII veteran Dan Bowden is assisted by Veterans’ Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon as they arrive at the Latzimas Village memorial in Crete.

SICILY: Governor-General Quentin Bryce is shown the graves of Australian airmen by Alan Jarvis of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

AL MINHAD: Air Force CHAP Garry Hooper (second left) and Army CHAP Jim Cosgrove conduct a memorial service before the wreath laying at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. Photo: PO Damian Pawlenko

GREECE:

23 HealthJune 23, 2011RCEAIR FF

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Here are some practical consid-erations when selecting music to accompany your exercise program: ➤ Task specificity: Marry the

music to the activity you are undertaking and the psycho-logical effect you want to experi-ence.

➤ Consider the tempo: Is the speed of the music and its rhythm ideal for the activity you are performing?

➤ Lyrical affirmations: Do the lyrics contain positive affirma-tions of exercise such as ‘work your body’ or ‘push it’?

➤ Imagery: Does the music cre-ate imagery in your mind that is motivational?

➤ Personal meaning: Does the music remind you of a passage in your life that evokes positive feelings?

➤ Cultural congruency: Does the music emanate from the genre which you grew up with or which you closely identify with?

➤ Melody/harmony: Does the music possess a pleasing melo-dy and harmony which improves your mood?

➤ Exposure/familiarity: Are you familiar with the music without finding it tiresome owing to overexposure?

SOURCE: Karageorghis & Priest, in Peak Performance, issue 297, March 2011.

Your playlist

Beating it to the gymMusic is the best gym buddy you can have, reports CPL Melanie Schinkel.

ROWING TO THE RYTHYM: Sychronisation of music with movement improves performance. Photo: LS Paul Berry

FOR gym junkie AC Shaun Thom-son, plugging into an MP3 player is an absolute necessity when it comes to tackling exercise.

The 29-year-old geospatial imagery analyst from 460SQN, who works out five times a week, said he listened to music while training to maintain his motivation. “I find that it helps to keep me focused during a run. I am not the best runner and tend to get bored when attempting longer distances. I’m definitely more determined and have greater control of my breathing and cadence when I listen to music,” AC Thomson said.

“Music also encourages me to develop new routines and try different things such as interval training.

“I like listening to all styles of music during a workout, but it must have a decent beat. The free podcasts by DJ Scene are perfect for cardio training because they run for about 45 minutes.”

Why does music appear to affect our physical performance? A study into this has found that listening to music distracts the mind from fatigue and improves aerobic endurance.

Researchers Costas Karageorghis and David-Lee Priest from Brunel University in West London have con-ducted numerous studies over 20 years into the impact of music on physical performance.

Their studies reveal that it is pri-marily through influencing your men-tal state that music enhances physical performance. Here are some of the key findings:

➤ Dissociation: During low-to-moderate intensity music can divert your attention from the sensations of effort and fatigue. This reduces your perception of how hard you are working through a process psy-chologists refer to as dissociation. The distraction provided by music can also make you feel better.

➤ Arousal: Music can alter emotional and physiological arousal much like a stimulant or sedative. It is in this capacity that we often see music used in sport as part of a pre-task routine, most often to ‘psych-up’ an athlete. Music also has the capac-ity to stimulate through its rhythm, tempo and volume.

➤ Rhythm response: Synchronisation of movement with music leads to greater endurance and movement efficiency. This applies especially to repetitive activities such as row-ing, cycling, cross-country skiing and running. Synchronous music improves aerobic endurance by up to 15 per cent. Music in the tempo range 125-140 beats per minute is ideal for any exercise in which the goal is to elevate the heart rate.

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24 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FFinance

IF YOU deploy overseas on operations, you’ll be entitled to tax-free benefits. An ADF member deployed on Operation Slipper

will get a minimum extra $200 a day on top of other benefits and standard pay.

This tax-free money is a great reward for a difficult job. But be care-ful how you manage the money when you are deployed.

We’ve heard stories about ADF members who have blown it all.

Some members have experienced large gambling loses. Others have bought expensive items online, such as cars, without seeing them first. There is also the problem of members being coerced into buying fake jew-elry from local vendors.

Always think twice before making a large purchase.

You should also be careful with

Handle that well-earned deployment allowance with care, says ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft.

your money when you return from overseas. You could come back with more than $30,000 in your bank account. It’s only natural that you will want to spend some of that money on a little R and R with your family and friends. But there are dangers associ-ated with having this kind of money on hand.

To make the most of your deploy-ment allowance, consider taking a large portion of it and investing it in things that will help you grow your wealth over time – that way you will see the benefits now and in the years to come, rather than just getting some instant gratification.

The first thing you should do is have a look at your debts. If you have a credit card debt, large or small, or a personal loan, pay it off as soon as you can. Reducing your debts is one of the best things you can do because, simply, the sooner you pay it off, the

Hey, big spender,beware

IF YOU’RE a regular reader of the Air Force News finance column, you’d be used to reading my pre-decessor Tony D’Aloisio’s articles on money manage-ment and investing. Tony’s term as chairman ended in May and this is my first article for the service newspapers as ASIC chair-man.I am really looking forward to continuing ASIC’s work with the ADF Financial Services Consumer Council. Please feel free to suggest article topics to me by emailing ADFcolumn@asic.gov.au. I want these articles to continue to be practical and relevant to your needs.

more money you will have, as you won’t be giving away dead money in interest payments.

When it comes to spoiling yourself for a job well done, try to avoid buy-

ing expensive items like new cars, motorbikes and jet skis. These things depreciate in value very quickly. If you need to make a large purchase, shop around for the best deal and always read the fine print. But think seriously about making your money work for you instead.

If you’re debt free it’s a great idea to put money aside and start invest-ing or saving for a deposit on a home. Investing in a range of shares and managed funds across a few differ-ent industries is a great way to start a diversified investment portfolio that can ride the ups and downs of the financial markets.

You can avoid disasters by check-ing out our list of investment warnings

at www.moneysmart.gov.au. Be wary of claims made in seminars about sports betting and trading software or get-rich-quick offers. There is no sub-stitute for hard work.

Once you’ve got your investments set up you need to keep your invest-ment strategy on track by monitoring your progress. Don’t just set and forget. Unfortunately, there are no short-cuts to becoming a successful investor.

For more information on investing, managing your money, avoiding scams and clearing your debt, visit www.moneysmart.gov.au or join in the conversation at www.facebook.com/MoneySmartAu and on Twitter @MoneySmartTeam.

BE FRUGAL: You can earn an extra $200 a day or more a day when you are deployed to the Middle East but be careful not to squander it all.

Travel InsuranceNew ADF Feature!

Defence Health Travel Insurance can now cover you from your overseas posting to your holiday destination. And your family can also be covered – whether their travel starts from your overseas base or from Australia.

It’s still the same great travel insurance that’s available to everyone. Same competitive price and comprehensive cover. But now with greater flexibility for the ADF.

Call 1800 102 994 or buy online at www.defencehealth.com.au

This information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your individual circumstances. You should consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) in deciding whether this product is appropriate for you. The product is underwritten by Chartis Australia Insurance Limited (ABN 93 004 727 753, AFSL 381686). Defence Health receives remuneration of 20% of all premiums you pay to Chartis. The Financial Services Guide and PDS may be obtained by calling 1800 102 994 or downloaded from www.defencehealth.com.au

Now you can tour from duty

25 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FF Sp rt

Once more with feelingOnce more with feelingWITH five ironman-distance triath-lons behind him, it should have been no surprise that LAC Simon Hunt, pic-tured left, bobbed up to win the ADF crown in Cairns on June 5.

Though it was – even for him.“I had no expectations of win-

ning,” LAC Hunt, of RAAF Base Townsville, said.

“I only found out from a text mes-sage from our team manager the day after the race that I had won the title.”

Why the difficulty in determining a winner?

Well , the Defence Ironman Distance Championships were held in conjuction with the Cairns Challenge and there were 640 competitors all up.

Only 15 of those were part of the Defence competition. Imagine the mass of movement, colour and confusion.

LAC Hunt finished the gruelling race (3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run) in 10hr, 22min and 4sec.

Second was CPL Pete Hughes, of RAAF Base Williamtown, nearly seven minutes adrift, and third was

CPL Owen Yabsley, also of RAAF Base Townsville.

The three men are friends and LAC Hunt was well aware that CPLs Hughes and Yabsley had established a rivalry they planned to settle in Cairns.

“Owen dared me to do the race for which I am grateful,” he said.

“I trained and worked with Pete when he was in Townsville. It was due to his inspiration I started train-ing in 2010 again after a four-year break from triathlon. I also trained with Owen every now and again in

preparation for the Cairns Challenge. There was always talk, emails and race results being evaluated to deter-mine how everyone would go.”

LAC Hunt was motivated by one other thing. He turns 40 in March and said he wanted to do one more iron-man-distance triathon before he left his 30s.

“All other ironman-distance tri-athlons in Australia are booked out until May 2012 so Cairns was my last opportunity without having to travel overseas.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: During the six months of Bill’s fitness campaign we want to publish your messages of support, your campaign updates, advice and any questions you might have for the fitness experts within Defence. Keep your emails coming to Bill at vasilis.solomou@defencenews.gov.au. Here are some of the latest messages:

I have started to follow your program this week as I have let things slip. About March 2010 I had grown to about 134kg, but by the end of the year had shed 29kg. What helped me then was getting all the support I could from friends, family and professionals and their affirmations that I looked better, together with my own feel-ings of wellbeing. Unfortunately, since then I have regained 20kg, but seeing you start this program has inspired me to get back on the wagon. My aim is to achieve a weight with which I feel comfortable (about 90kg). I look forward to hearing your progress and compar-ing it with mine. Let’s make the world a lighter place.

– George

How motivating it was to read your article. They say if you want to commit to something your best bet is to write it down and be accountable. I, too, have slowly gained a few kilos and have noticed the metabolism starts slowing down after 30. I have no will and enjoy food! I would love to join you on the ‘Join Bill Campaign’ and I look forward to reaching goals and feeling great both inside and out. My goal – 67kg to 56kg and a 10km fun run in September.

– Nikki

Well done on making a commitment to lose weight. Go for it – the effort is truly worth it. It seemed after 40 that my waist line got a mind of its own, and at 51 the trend continued as I helplessly watched the fat folds turn to chubby rolls. However, since commencing CrossFit 12 months ago, together with eating the Paleo diet, I have lost over 10kg and for the first time in 30 years, muscles are appearing and I am feeling really strong. All the best for your jour-ney.

– MAJ Chris Kassulke

Our readers weigh in

Bill blogs onTHE signs are all there. It’s amazing that after just a few weeks, I’m starting to feel energetic.

My training is con-sistent and my trousers (with a new button fit-ted) are now comfortable to wear.

We travelled to Melbourne over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. My willpower was stretched as we approached service centres offering fast food.

The kids wanted this and that and it made it quite difficult for me to resist.

The good news is that I did resist, and I didn’t spoil the good groundwork I had in place.

On this trip we made sure we took a small car fridge filled with various types of fruit and healthy sandwiches.

Once again, thanks to members for their ongoing support and encouragement. The journey continues.

’s

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IN B

ILL

CA

MPA

IG

NILLLL

CA

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26 June 23, 2011RCEAIR FSp rt

John Martin

If you have it handy, play the theme music from Mission Impossible now.

WOFF Andrew Giacomo plans to send an email out to about two dozen past players in October

telling them the team of veteran touch footballers, who call themselves the Xmen, will be getting back together next year.

Their mission – should they choose to accept it – will be to help raise $23,200 more for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) at the 2012 Masters Games in Alice Springs.

At the previous two Masters Games, in 2008 and 2010, the Xmen, resplend-ent in their pink, yellow and blue uniforms, not only won gold, silver and bronze medals but they also raised $76,872.20 for the NBCF – and $23,200 will take them over the $100,000 figure that goes to breast cancer research.

Most of the Xmen come from RAAF Base Darwin and anyone from up that way might have run into them on the fundraising trail.

For eight months before last year’s Masters Games, these wig-wearing, water pistol-toting players raised $20,000 at events in and around Darwin.

You name it – markets, shows, rodeos, even along the nightlife strip on Mitchell Street – and they were there, selling ribbons, badges, lip gloss and other NBCF merchandise.

“The wigs and water pistols are part of our look,” WOFF Giacomo said. He said the water provided a bit of relief from the Top End heat and the wigs went with the colourful costumes. More than that, if a player turned up for a game or fundraising event without his wig, not wearing something pink or not packing a water pistol, he was fined $20.

But if you think that’s tough, con-sider this. If an Xman fails to raise $150 on a fundraising day, he is not allowed to have a beer. In that heat!

Despite all that well-drilled dis-cipline, the assignment for next year looks especially difficult.

The two main organisers in past years have been WOFF Blake Cameron and WOFF Giacomo. But

WOFF Cameron left the Air Force last year and WOFF Giacomo posted out to Moorebank in Sydney.

“It’s going to be very tricky to organise,” WOFF Giacomo said.

“But I have a couple of Xmen in Darwin and Tindal who can do a bit of the running around for me.

“And Blake is still in Darwin so he will be able to put the final parts of the sponsorship together and organise the start of the fundraising campaign.”

WOFF Giacomo points out that breast cancer affects one in nine Australian women in their lifetime and 109 men each year.

“Fundraising has its emotional highs and lows. You have people tell

you of their heartache of losing loved ones but you also hear of the success of people who have survived this hor-rible disease,” he said.

“We started counting how many survivors we met late in the 2010 cam-paign as we were overwhelmed by the number of people who had survived.”

The tally came to 27 female and six male survivors, which thrilled them.

“We feel positive that our small team contribution is helping.”

If you still have the Mission Impos-sible music handy, play it again, because there’s another part to this story ...

WOFF Giacomo this year became coach of the Air Force women’s Australian

football team.His charges, terribly short of play-

er numbers, failed to make much of a dent at the ADF titles in Melbourne. In fact, they didn’t kick a goal in two games.

But WOFF Giacomo did what few other coaches have attempted – not Mick Malthouse, Kevin Sheedy or Bomber Thomson; nor probably even the Army and Navy coaches. He went to the games armed with his $88 digital camera and took photo requests from his players.

Before games. After games. At func-tions. Team photos. And individual pho-

tos that told a story. “I want to catch memories of the moment.”

If things go to plan, he will have lots of happy photos next year.

He is impressed with the quality and camaraderie of the women’s team and wants to get together a good pool of players. If he can do that, he said anything was possible.

“My aim is to get the women’s football team well supported both on and off the field with the goal of tak-ing out the championship for the first time next year,” he said.

For more information, contact WOFF Giacomo at andrew.giacomo@defence.gov.au

Man with a focusMan with a focusXMEN ON A MISSION: From left, WOFF Blake Cameron, WOFF Andrew Giacomo and SQNLDR Gary Sadler at the presentation night at the Masters Games last October. Inset: on the fundraising trail, CPL Stu Birkin, WOFF Danny Carulli, SGT Kev Aldridge, SGT Reece Spooner, WOFF Cameron and WOFF Giacomo (in the F-111 cockpit).

COACH’S CAMERA: Right, WOFF Andrew Giacomo captures the jubilation of the Air Force women’s Australian football team-members after their last game at the tri-service carnival. From left – back: FLGOFF Kylie Wilson, Natalie Miller, FLTLT Claire Hill, OFFCDT Bayleigh Potter, FLTLT Sarah Scott, FLGOFF Liz Buffet, SGT Katie Staines (captain), FLGOFF Jess van Vogelpoel, LACW Emily Currer, Radmila Pantelic, LACW Trudi Lines, FLGOFF Lauren Darcy and SGT Peter Austin. Front: SQNLDR Mina Roberts, FLGOFF Aimee Slocombe, FLTLT Debbie Herberz and FLGOFF Victoria Pearson.

POST-GAME: FLTLT Debbie Herberz, left and right, was worse for wear after playing against Navy. “The photo was taken at Deb’s request as she could not see her lip but was quite sore. I took a pic so she could see what she had done,” says WOFF Andrew Giacomo.

PRE-GAME: Right, the players get ready to file out to play Army. That’s FLTLT Sarah Scott facing WOFF Andrew Giacomo’s camera and FLTLT Claire Hill standing on the bench.

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27June 23, 2011RCEAIR FF Sp rt

LAST month CPL Rachael Gorton graced the pages of Air Force News as a star member of the ADF netball team which beat New Zealand. This time her feats on the touch football ground have brought her to prominence.

CPL Gorton was one of the standout players in the combined Air Force/Navy women’s team that beat Army/APS in a three-game series final in the South Australian inter-service touch championship at RAAF Base Edinburgh on May 27.

She was one of nine Air Force players in the team.The Air Force men’s team came close, too, but

not close enough. It lost to APS 7-5 with SGT Peter Owens, CPL Justin Rogers, LAC Bradley Asher and CPL Daniel Hickey excelling.

The inter-service titles followed two other impor-tant events on the South Australian calendar in May: the South Australian Police and Emergency Services Games and the South Australian Inter-Unit Cup.RESULTS – South Australian Police and Emergency Services Games, May 13: DSTO/Navy 6 b RAAF/Army 2. South Australian Inter-Unit Cup, May 26 – Semi -finals: 1RSU 4 b JEWOSU 2, DSTO 3 b 16AD MO 1. Grand final: DSTO 3 b 1RSU 0. South Australian Inter-Service, May 27 – Men’s Open semi-finals: RAAF b Army 1-1, APS b Army 10-3. Grand final: APS b RAAF 7-5. Women’s Open – Game 1: RAAF/Navy drew with Army/APS 2-2; game 2: RAAF/Navy drew with Army/APS 3-3; game 3: RAAF/Navy b Army/APS 3-1.

FIVE Air Force personnel have been chosen to represent Australia at the touch football World Cup in Edinburgh, Scotland, from June 22 to 26.

They are part of a 180-mem-ber Australian contingent that will contest the titles against teams from Austria, Belgium, Catalonia, Cook Islands, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the US and Wales.

The Air Force representa-tives are players FLTLT Brad Squires (men’s 40), FSGT Danny

Bretherton (senior mixed), reservist FSGT John Samin (men’s 40), and referees SQNLDR Cliff Winnett and SQNLDR Ken Gilbert.

They will be joined by fellow ADF representative players WO2 Mick Patman (men’s 35), MAJ Phil Corkeron (men’s 35) and referee WO1 Greg Taylor.

The competition will be played over five days at the University of Edinburgh playing fields at Peffermill.

For SQNLDR Gilbert it’s going to feel a bit strange being in a place called Edinburgh where they speak with Scottish accents.

He’s based at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

CFN Max Bree

AIR Force players were to the fore when Queensland won both the men’s and women’s titles at the Australian Defence Hockey Championships in Sydney.

Queensland women beat NSW 3-1 in their final and Queensland men downed NSW 2-1.

In the women’s final, Queensland centre-striker PLTOFF Di Casey nailed two close-range goals in the 10th and 21st minutes.

NSW hit back early in the second half with a goal to ACW Tanya Smiljanic but a botched corner shot from NSW led to a runaway Queensland goal by SGT Megan Clarke that sealed the deal with seven minutes to go.

PLTOFF Casey was modest about the win.“We did it tough,” she said. “We’re all getting a bit

old and it gets harder every year.”In the men’s final, LAC Chris Fazel opened the scor-

ing for Queensland three minutes in.NSW responded with dominant ball possession that

led to CPL Keith McManemin smashing a goal in the 18th minute.

But the Maroons hit back five minutes later with a goal from SMN Ivan Crinall, giving Queensland a 2-1 lead that it held through a hard-fought but scoreless second half.

Queensland captain LAC Tommy Miller was ecstatic about his team’s performance.

“We dominated,” he said. “NSW put it to us at the start but we nutted it out as Queensland always does.”

VERSATILITY: CPL Rachael Gorton in action in the finals. Left: flashback to May when she also starred as a netballer for the ADF. Photos: CPL Glen McCarthy and LS Paul Berry

Finding touch in two sports

Maroon double in the hockey

GOAL SCORER: LAC Chris Fazel takes the ball up for Queensland bypassing NSW player AB Brett Giffin. Photo: CFN Max Bree

World at their feet

LCPL Mark Doran

WOFF John Hennig led a five-man Defence team to glory at the Australasian Police and Ser-vices Clay Target Championships in Adelaide from May 19 to 22.

For the second year in a row, WOFF Hennig, from HMAS Albatross, won the 50-tar-

get handicap outright.WOFF Hennig was also part of a

five-man Defence team which won the 50-target double-barrel team event by outshooting the Australian Federal Police and the Victorian Police.

The team, competing under the Defence Clay Target Association banner, also included another Air Force member, CPL Chris Whyte, of

11SQN.This was the fourth year running

Defence was represented in this competition but the first time it had captured the team event.

CPL Whyte was also second in the B grade 50-target single-barrel event.

Shooting stars in Adelaide

TOP GUN AGAIN: WOFF John Hennig.

SP June 23, 2011

RTJune 223 201123, 2011

Smile,Smile,you’reyou’reononcoach’s coach’s cameracamera

Story, Page 26

Surprise winner in 1-2-3 finishTHE good news is that Air Force triathletes filled the first three places in the ADF ironman triathlon in Cairns on June 5.

The surprise, even to the winner, LAC Simon Hunt, was that CPLs Pete Hughes and

Owen Yabsley – who have attained a bit of publicity for their friendly rivalry leading up to a showdown in the iron-

man – finished second and third respec-tively.

CPL Hughes was not all that shocked, though.

He had rated LAC Hunt as a dark horse. But he said: “We were too busy watch-

ing each other.”LAC Hunt, who is based at RAAF

Base Townsville, as is CPL Yabsley (and CPL Hughes until he was posted to RAAF Base Williamtown), had known

for a while that his colleagues had a rival-ry going.

Even readers of Air Force News knew.CPL Yabsley had won the ADF Olympic-

distance triathon in Sydney in April. Then CPL Hughes beat CPL Yabsley in a photo-finish in the triathlon at the Arafura Games in Darwin in May.

They made no secret that the big one – the race they had been training for – was the iron-man triathlon, with its 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run.

LAC Hunt said: “[Their rivalry] was prob-ably an advantage for me.

“I was racing more against myself rather than someone else. I had no pressure to try to come first or beat another person.”

He was stoked with Air Force’s 1-2-3 result.

Once more with feeling: winner’sspecial motivation, Page 25

SAY CHEESE: Flip over the page to find out the identity of this player.

WORLD STAGE

TOUCH REFS: SQNLDR Cliff Winnett, left, and SQNLDR Ken Gilbert.

Seven ADF players and referees are in Scotland for the world touch titles

P27

DON’T worry. WOFF Andrew Giacomo does not wear this get-up when he’s coaching the Air Force women’s Australian football team. He does wield a mean camera, though, taking requests from his players – and he’s pretty well known in the Top End for donning a silly hat, packing a water pistol and playing touch football with a team of veterans who call themselves the Xmen. In recent years the Xmen have raised $76,872 (and 39 cents) for breast cancer research – and WOFF Giacomo has a plan to make it $100,000. FLASHBACK: Friendly rivals CPLs Pete

Hughes, left, and Owen Yabsley cross the line almost locked together at the Arafura Games in May. Photo: CPL Zenith King