The soldiers’ newspaperEdition 1458 February 6, 2020

STANDING STRONG

SPECIAL EDITIONOperation Bushfire Assist: Pages 2-14

Soldiers from 7RAR work with livestock specialist Grace Calder, Agriculture Victoria, to move a bale of animal feed within sight of a Chinook near Jackson’s Crossing and north along the Snowy River, Victoria. Photo: Pte Michael Currie

Operation Bushfire Assist2

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Maj-Gen Justin Ellwood

TO ALL commanders, soldiers, sailors, airmen and women: as the National Emergency Coordinator for ADF’s response to the bushfire crisis, I want to thank Regular and Reserve members who have supported this vitally important endeavour.

At the start of my tenure I asked you all to lean forward and support our emergency management services and the community.

I asked you to act, without being prompted.

I asked you to make a difference. To every man and woman, you

answered that call.I have had recounted to me and

have personally witnessed actions that are too many in number to relay here.

Actions that are extreme in their diversity of scale, some massive, such as the evacuation of Mallacoota in Victoria, the recovery of downed aircraft in NSW and the provision of drinkable water on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, all the way to the smallest acts of kindness, such as helping people gain access to their properties or nursing injured koalas.

Regardless of their scale, all actions have been exceptionally meaningful to our community.

I have received nothing but praise from our Emergency Management Services, who have done such amazing work, and of course our

communities. While I say thank you and good luck to those forces that have left or are leaving, it is important to note the job is far from over. There is still work to be done.

This work is arduous, relentless and can at times be exceptionally dangerous.

The environment we are working in is unforgiving.

We will continue to work with state and national emergency and recovery agencies to finish what we started.

While we will continue to respond to local emergencies as they arise, it is the national and state recovery agencies that will lead the long-term recovery we now principally support.

We will have Regular forces and volunteer reservists continuing this important work, although we will continue to respond and provide relief as emergencies arise.

This bushfire season is far from over.

Our job is not done until the relevant state and national authorities declare it so.

Until that day, every day counts in making a difference to our community.

I thank you again for your service and I personally look forward to continuing our important work supporting Operation Bushfire Assist.

There is no greater honour than serving our nation.

Let’s continue to make our fellow Australians proud.

Leading by example

Maj-Gen Justin Ellwood meets workers of the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park while visiting ADF personnel on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Photo: Cpl Tristan Kennedy

CO HMAS Albatross Capt Robyn Phillips RAN updates Maj-Gen Justin Ellwood on the local bushfire situation. Photo: Sgt Bill Solomou

February 6, 2020 Operation Bushfire Assistdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 3

CA Lt-Gen Rick Burr

AS WE begin 2020, it has already been a busy year.

The bushfires across our country have demanded a significant response and I am proud of the contribution of our Army to that effort.

At the peak of our support to Operation Bushfire Assist, we had about 5000 Army people and significant equipment and major capabilities from across our entire Army deployed.

Notably, we have seen

almost 3000 Reservists commit to this national effort as a result of the Governor-General’s call-out on January 4.

To everyone involved, I thank you for your personal commitment and the support and understanding of your fami-lies and employers. I trust that you are proud of your contribu-tion to this national emergency.

Alongside our Defence teammates, you have demon-strated the very best of Good Soldiering as well as what it means to be an Army in Motion.

We will continue to provide

support for as long as needed, helping our communities in their time of need.

We will also review the 2020 program to ensure we main-tain momentum, achieve our priorities and that we provide opportunities to be with family and friends.

Thank you for the work you have done; you exemplify an Army in Motion, serving our nation and communities. Keep at it. Stay focused and safe.

Best wishes for 2020 and Good Soldiering.

Supporting the nation

CA Lt-Gen Rick Burr arrives on board HMAS Adelaide during

Operation Bushfire Assist. Photo: AB Thomas Sawtell

CA Lt-Gen Rick Burr thanks members of the New Zealand Defence Force for their assistance to the Kangaroo Island community. Photo: LCpl Brodie Cross

A Chinook from 5 Avn Regt about to be loaded with hay bales to deliver to remote bushfire-affected farms on Kangaroo Island. Photo: Cpl Tristan Kennedy

Soldiers assist in unloading donated goods at the Milton Showground within the Shoalhaven district, NSW. Photo: Sgt Bill Solomou

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Operation Bushfire Assist4

Capt Carla Armenti

ALMOST 500 1 Bde soldiers have deployed to support bushfire-affected communities in the south-east of the country.

The Darwin- and Adelaide-based soldiers flew in to support local authorities, volunteer agencies and other ADF personnel contributing to the effort.

Commander 1 Bde Brig Ash Collingburn said there was no shortage of willing bodies within the brigade ready to support when the callout was received.

“As Army’s high-readiness combat brigade we main-tain personnel over the Christmas leave period on high readiness to assist in the event of these types of short-notice emergencies,” Brig Collingburn said.

“While we had people on standby ready to go when the call came, I had soldiers calling in asking to be recalled from leave so that they could join the effort.

“Like all Australians, our people have been watching this crisis unfold as it has been reported in the media and they have been shocked and deeply moved by the devasta-tion caused.”

Infantryman Pte Joshua Coleman, of 7RAR, wit-nessed the devastation to the bush from the window of a Singaporean Chinook.

“We flew out to Combienbar and as I looked out the window it was an eerie juxtaposition between the very green lively coast and black dead forests,” Pte Coleman said.

Despite the devastation, another 7RAR soldier, Cpl Todd Madden, said he was impressed by the Australian fighting spirit amid the crisis.

“There was a willingness from these men and women [residents affected by fire] to not only continue to perse-vere in the face of remarkable adversity, but an insistence to help those worse off than others,” Cpl Madden said.

While the majority of the soldiers worked to deliver essential supplies to townships and aid in recovery efforts, others assisted with caring and rehabilitating native ani-mals whose habitats have been affected.

Tpr Daniel Byford, who is on Kangaroo Island with 1 Armd Regt, called upon his previous beekeeping skills to help save some of the local bees after the fires destroyed about 800 beehives.

Former beekeeper Tpr Daniel Byford, of 1 Armd Regt, checks on beehives damaged in the Kangaroo Island bushfires at the Hanson Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: Cpl Tristan Kennedy

Sgt Max Bree

AS 5ER Task Group moved down the NSW south coast, they found areas reeling from recent bushfires, some still burning, others in danger of reigniting.

“The community was worried, you could feel it. We needed to provide immediate reassurance and help trigger the natural resiliency of the community,” said task group commander Lt-Col Renee Kidson.

Bringing with them a range of plant equipment and chainsaws, their task was to relieve fire-affected communities and assist civil response from Nowra to the Victorian boarder.

They headquartered in Bega and callsigns were tasked in the first 48 hours, with initial patrols entering Cobargo and Quaama on January 9.

Within the next 16 days they cleared 928km of road, removed 2570 fallen or dangerous trees and repaired more than 14km of fencing.

“A landholder looking at kilometres of damaged fencing might feel overwhelmed,” Lt-Col Kidson said.

“Yet one of our strike teams can get in there and in just

two days make huge progress on the task – he feels positive momentum and he can complete the job. Instead of overwhelmed he feels empowered.”

Numbering about 350 to 400, the task group is believed to be the first centred on an engineer regiment.

I t c o m p r i s e d o f t h r e e company-sized response teams. Some featured plant equipment while some rode in Bushmasters as chainsaw teams.

Ranks of sappers were b o o s t e d b y i n fa n t r y a n d cavalrymen from 5 Bde.

Soldiers conducted 174 home visits and delivered 72,000kg of fodder and 600 litres of diesel.

Ta s k g r o u p bu l l d o z e r s helped flatten and extinguish smouldering mulch piles at the Eden woodchip mill.

Some community members thanked soldiers on the street but in a more extreme case, one sought refuge with sappers isolated by fire in Eurobodalla.

“Among the evacuees a lady walked up to our tents and said ‘I feel safe with you, will you take care of me?’” Lt-Col Kidson said.

“We wrapped our arms around this lady.”

Some tasks came through formal command channels, while others were suggested by local councils. A number of compassionate cases were also identified by soldiers.

Any tasks that would take less than 24 hours could be assigned at Lt-Col Kidson’s authority.

“The ha rdes t pa r t was prioritising; there were so many people who needed help,” she said.

“ N e e d i n g t o e x e r c i s e judgement on what tasks we could reasonably achieve was always a difficult thing.

“Maj-Gen Ellwood told us at the start, ‘Let no asset go idle’ – that never happened. We tried to provide the greatest good to the greatest number.”

Giant water trucks belonging to the task group travelled the region delivering 286,000 litres of non-potable and 50,000 litres of potable water.

“I’ve heard of people using their house water tank – down to the last litre – to defend their property and because of the drought they had no water left,” Lt-Col Kidson said.

“But our water tankers have been able to go to people’s houses, refill their tanks and

show that the ADF and the rest of the country has not forgotten them.”

The task group also spent about $56,800 buying local supplies, such as food and fuel.

Apart from medical and logistics soldiers, the task group included a number of chaplains who conducted 27 welfare sessions with the community.

The task group drew heavily from Army reservists called out for Operation Bushfire Assist, but as the callout comes to an end on February 7, operations on the NSW south coast will transition to full-time soldiers and reservists who volunteer to stay.

“It was routine for people to stop us as we were walking down the street and thank us for our contribution – you can see in their eyes just how grateful they are. And kids just love to be shown around a Bushmaster,” Lt-Col Kidson said.

“A man who owns a local coffee van said that before we arrived, children would draw pictures of smoke, flames and fire. But now they draw Army trucks and Bushmasters and say, ‘Daddy, I want to be in the Army when I grow up’.”

No job too big or small

Strike teams in the thick of it

To make the job safer, a Bushmaster is used to pull down a tree near Wonboyn Lake (top) as Spr James Denton and LCpl Stephen Bayliss, both of 5ER, cut it with a chainsaw. It was one of 2570 dangerous or fallen trees removed by the regiment. Photos: Sgt Max Bree

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February 6, 2020 Operation Bushfire Assistdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 5

Cpl Sebastian Beurich

MORE than 150 ADF and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) engineers have been active in East Gippsland during Operation Bushfire Assist.

Task Group Dingo is headed by Maj Benjamin Jankalns, of 3CER, and Maj Gabriel Gwaibo, of the PNGDF, and is based out of Omeo, Victoria.

After travelling to Australia aboard two RAAF C-130J Hercules aircraft, Maj Gwaibo said his contingent of 99 soldiers was “humbled and hon-oured” to be working with soldiers with whom they had a long-standing relationship.

“We have other disasters at home, but this is new for us. We know where we’re going to be working and what we’ll be doing and our relationship

with Australia goes back a long way,” Maj Gwaibo said.

“Our engineers have trained with the soldiers we’ll be working with, they’ve done exercises together, so we’re very comfortable operating with them.

“For many years, Australians have come to our aid in our time of need, so now we’re here to help them and we’re humbled and honoured to be part of the team helping out communities.”

With the planning and com-mand teams both being staffed by Australians and Papua New Guineans, Maj Jankalns said previous experi-ences with disaster relief made for a capable team.

“Our jobs include supporting the incident control centre’s (ICC) road clearance capability to enable access

to affected communities, protection of critical infrastructure and communica-tions nodes and, importantly, com-munity engagement to assist people in returning to normalcy,” Maj Jankalns said.

With months of firefighting efforts remaining, Swift’s Creek ICC Deputy Incident Controller Emma Conway said she was excited to have the Australian and PNG soldiers ready to help.

“A lot of our secondary access roads are closed – hundreds of kilometres of roads that need to be assessed and cleared,” Ms Conway said.

“Task Group Dingo is also going to be integrated into things like our vehicle maintenance schedules and our medical and logistics capabilities.”

Standing side by side in time of need

Maj Cameron Jamieson

ROYAL New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopters and their crews have provided sterling service in Australia, lift-ing their fair share of the load in the battle against the bushfires.

In the skies over Canberra, the NH90s of RNZAF’s 3 Sqn could be seen delivering air mobile response teams from 7RAR to bush clearings in the surrounding native forests, where the soldiers were clearing access tracks and helicopter landing points for the ACT’s Emergency Services Agency.

The helicopters proved ideal for the task, capable of carrying 12 passengers or a mix-ture of personnel and equipment.

The helicopters also winched soldiers and their chainsaws into overgrown landing points for clearance operations.

For 3 Sqn pilot Flt-Lt Loic Ifrah, the opportunity to serve in Australia was an honour.

“It’s great to help out our partners across the Tasman,” Flt-Lt Ifrah said.

The unfortunate circumstances of the aviator’s deployment brought extremely challenging flying situations where every-one’s skills have been taxed to the limit.

“We’ve had conditions where visibility has been reduced to almost nothing,” he said.

“They’re conditions we haven’t experi-enced in New Zealand.”

Cpl Bruce Cane, a 3 Sqn helicopter loadmaster, has seen plenty of Australian

countryside from the open side door of the NH90s as they criss-crossed over south-east NSW.

Cpl Cane transferred from the Territorial Army to the Air Force in 2017, and his ini-tial ideas about life as an aircrewman have been surpassed.

“It’s been everything and more,” Cpl Cane said.

“I wasn’t sure about what I would get out of it, but the people I am surrounded by, the jobs I’ve been able to go away and do, and the people I have been able to help have made it incredibly fulfilling.”

Cpl Cane was notified on a Saturday afternoon that he was needed for overseas service, and on the Monday he was on his way to HMAS Albatross at Nowra on the NSW south coast.

He said the events that unfolded from then were very powerful.

“The level of devastation south of Nowra was quite intense,” he said.

“I know we are definitely doing what we can – delivering fuel and fodder to isolated communities.

“We’ve also been taking 7RAR infantry into the forests to create firebreaks outside of Canberra.

“For me, the biggest thing has been meet-ing the people. In times like these it’s really great to see the communities come together.”

Three RNZAF multi-role helicopters began arriving in Australia on January 7.

International forces

RNZAF loadmaster Cpl Callum Waller, right, prepares LCpl Andrew Roberts, of 7RAR, for winching down from an NH90 helicopter in Canberra. Photo: Sig Robert Whitmore

Soldiers from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force check chainsaws before heading to Omeo, Victoria. Photo: Pte Madhur Chitnis

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Operation Bushfire Assist6

Cpl Julia Whitwell

AMONG the almost 600 Army Reservists called out to South Australia and Tasmania for Operation Bushfire Assist, the task was especially personal for Lt Kynan Lang, a logistics officer from 9CSSB.

He had just learnt his uncle, Richard “Dick” Lang, and his cousin, Clayton “Clarrie” Lang, had been killed in the inferno on Kangaroo Island when he was called to assist there.

“I had an alert on my phone saying that two people were killed in the fires, and when my father rang to tell me it was Dick and Clarrie, it all became very real,” Lt Lang said.

Dick and Clarrie Lang, who Kangaroo Island residents described as “larger than life”, had been in their vehicle with a trailer and water tank, helping farmers contain the fires, when they became caught in the blaze.

On Saturday night, January 4, Lt Lang was called to duty, and the next morning he was at Keswick Barracks with a reserve force, headed to Kangaroo Island.

Lt Lang said he was approached by locals there as soon as they realised who he was.

“They saw my name on my shirt, and knowing there was another Lang around reduced them to tears,” Lt Lang said.

“A farmer’s wife hugged me at the side of the road and it took me by surprise. Having the uniform on, you have to keep a stiff upper lip, but

Toll hits close to home

on the other hand she had just lost everything. All I could do was hug her back.”

Lt Lang coordinated personnel, equipment and stores in support of the South Australia Country Fire Service’s efforts to fight the ongoing fire and assist the com-

munity to restore their livelihoods. “We had soldiers fixing tractors for farmers after the tyres had melted off the rims, and we had RAEME sol-diers refurbishing the fire trucks as they came in for shift changes, so we could refuel them and get them fit to fight again,” he said.

“The fire was a faceless enemy that we couldn’t contain, so it was great being able to support those who could.”

Lt Lang said he was proud to be part of Operation Bushfire Assist on Kangaroo Island, to pick up where his relatives left off.

While on the island, he travelled to the scene of their deaths to erect a makeshift memorial.

“They were helping the communi-ty and they were stopped from doing what they wanted to do. It was nice knowing I could continue the work they died doing,” Lt Lang said.

Lt Kynan Lang kneels beside part of the melted remains of the vehicle his uncle and cousin were travelling in when they died; and above, the makeshift memorial he placed at the site. Photos: Cpl Tristan Kennedy

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February 6, 2020 Operation Bushfire Assistdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 7

Flg-Off Brent Moloney

A SOLDIER deployed on Operation Bushfire Assist had the chance to reunite with her fam-ily, who had been trapped by the flames in the Mallacoota inferno.

Pte Brodie Scott, who became a Reserve driver specialist after a gap year in Army in 2017, returned home as part of Victoria’s JTF646, the ADF-wide support to state authorities.

Pte Scott, of 4CSSB, reflected on how great the chance was to get out and help, especially in her home town. “To know that mum and dad were still there during the fires was terrifying,” Pte Scott said.

She transported diesel through-out Mallacoota to run generators at the power station supporting the area, as well as to fuel ADF sup-port vehicles and firefighting crew vehicles.

The community was pleased to see her and all the other ADF personnel in town to help.

Local residents and fam-ily friends of Pte Scott, Barb and Drew Morland, live in one of Mallacoota’s worst-affected areas.

“My son and my husband were amazing,” Mrs Morland said.

“They stayed to protect our house until it was no longer safe, then headed down to the beach.

“When they saw an opportunity

to come back to keep fighting, they did.

“They’re the reason our house is still standing.”

Pte Scott’s mother, Kathy, was excited to see her daughter return and had the highest praise for all the agencies involved during the bushfires.

“It’s been hard not having our girls [Brodie and her sister] here,” Mrs Scott said.

“It’s been amazing having the emergency services around to assist.”

Pte Scott’s father, Marty, said the family was “very proud that Brodie put her hand up”.

Proud to help

Pte Brodie Scott from Mallacoota, Victoria, hugs

her parents, Kathy and Marty Scott, upon returning

home as part of the ADF bushfire support.

Photo: Cpl Nicole Dorrett

Maj Cameron Jamieson

A COMPOSITE troop of Army Reserve engineers used bulldozers, chainsaws and plenty of muscle to help clear secondary roads in the Hunter Valley, NSW.

Based out of the Hunter Valley Fire Control Centre and under the direction of the multi-agency Incident Management Team, the 39 soldiers of Composite Engineer Troop 4 worked on making roads and tracks accessible to residents and emer-gency services alike through Yengo and Wollemi National Parks.

Deputy Incident Controller Phil Bryant, of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW), said the area had been hit hard by the fires.

“We tasked the Army to help clear public roads and access trails so people could get to their homes in the aftermath of the fire,” Mr Bryant said.

“Basically, they worked to create safe passage for the people who use those trails.

“They were keen to work with

us, and I found we gelled well, we briefed well, and there was good communication.”

Out in the devastated fire-grounds, the engineers made fast progress, with grateful responses from residents.

For Cpl Nathan Lawley, an entry trail clearance of Commission Road in Wollemi National Park led to hearing about a narrow escape from an ex-soldier who stayed to defend his property.

“A man named Peter told us he had been trapped for about a week because of the damage to his access track,” Cpl Lawley said.

“He had already tried to clear his driveway but hadn’t been able to get too far. He was very happy to see us.

“He said when the fire came through, he could hear the roar of the fire through the valley.

“The wind dropped just as it got to his house, but if it hadn’t, it would have roared through and he wouldn’t have survived.

“He said he would never hang around again; next time you will find him at the beach.”

Spr Aemon Kelly, right, drives a wedge into a chainsaw cut for Spr Tim Daniels to continue cross-cutting a fallen tree blocking Commission Road in Wollemi National Park, NSW. Photo: Maj Cameron Jamieson

Clearing the way for a safe journey through

Capt Cameron Jamieson

ARMY Reserve infantry soldiers literally swung into action in south-east NSW, thanks to their rapid call-up and some chainsaw training from the School of Military Engineering.

The soldiers had their skill-sets enhanced with a one-day chainsaw course at the school in Holsworthy, which qualified them in crosscut operations before departing for the coast.

This training allowed them to cut apart fallen timber so their teams could haul away bushfire debris from roads, tracks, fences and properties.

Lt Aiden Frost, of 2/17RNSWR, and team leader for the 5ER’s Task Group Strike Team 3, Response Team Alpha, said the crisis instantly focused the minds of all soldiers in the field.

“In the absence of normal coor-dination, it was amazing to see peo-ple across the corps work together to make things happen and help the people affected by this tragedy,” Lt Frost said.

The dedication of the soldiers also gave a sense of hope to homeowners who had lost everything.

Verona residents Jim and Enid Humphries lost their home to the fires north of Bega. They had been living in a tent, but now have a caravan.

A new access track to their prop-

A reserve of skills

erty was needed to circumvent the destroyed house, but the path was blocked by burnt-out trees. That changed when Strike Team 3 arrived.

Mr Humphries said the pres-ence of the soldiers was an unex-pected godsend.

“Without them I’d have to be into this with a chainsaw and that wouldn’t be pretty,” Mr Humphries said.

“Before the fire, this was quite

a pleasant area but the fire erupted in just a matter of seconds, now it’s hell on earth.”

Mr Humphries said that now he had a caravan he and his wife could consider their options, as with so many of his devastated neighbours and community members.

“We are just one of the many, there’s a hell of lot in the same boat, a hell of a lot,” he said.

Pte Jake Jubelin, of 2/17RNSWR, cuts apart a fallen tree so that a new entry track can be cut on to a property. Photo: Maj Cameron Jamieson

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February 6, 2020 Operation Bushfire Assistdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 9

Maj Cameron Jamieson

WHILE the machinery and muscle power of the ADF’s support for the national bushfire emergency has received broad coverage, plenty of smaller activities are also having a significant impact on devastated communities.

In the NSW Snowy Valleys region, medical personnel from 1CHB are offering primary medical services while public services are re-established.

Besides offering a walk-in clinic, they have a resuscitation capability and can evacuate patients to outlying hospitals using local paramedics.

The small detachment deployed from Brisbane in January, with stays in Batemans Bay, Eden and Cooma before arriving in Tumbarumba.

To further their work, they are undertaking community engage-ment at the nearby town of Batlow using an ambulance-variant of the Bushmaster protected mobility vehi-cle, reaching out to people in need, whether it be with medical assistance or the delivery of water and other goods.

Fingers on the pulse

For Army medic Pte Brenden Walker, the opportunity to serve the people of the region was an honour, but it came with the stark realities of the bushfire emergency.

“On the first day, people were just glad to see us,” Pte Walker said.

“The next day we weren’t get-ting many inquiries, so we visited people at the RSL club.

“We started chatting with the locals and they in turn started

opening up and talking. We found out there were people in need, so we got some addresses and deliv-ered some water.

“People had lost their homes and were living out of their cars and vans, and we were able to help them and offer medical assis-tance.

“It’s an honour to be able to come down and help out. I’m glad that I was there when the call went out for people to be deployed.”

Pte Brenden Walker provides a complimentary check-up to Jay Twemlow inside a Bushmaster ambulance during a health visit to Batlow, NSW. Photo: Maj Cameron Jamieson

Cpl Sebastian Beurich

TWO soldiers found themselves in a unique position to use their skills to assist a Victorian community during the bushfires.

Nursing officer Capt Phil Barber and combat paramedic Pte Rod Scanlon, both of 4CSSB, manned the health centre in Bright after nurses were ordered to evacuate due to the looming bushfire threat.

“Our role was primary health care, or just general medical assistance,” Capt Barber said.

“This definitely wasn’t on our list of tasks for this deployment, but we’ve had nothing but unlimited charity and support.”

The pair, along with much of the rest of Victoria’s 4 Bde, had been on standby to help since early November.

Although not normally allowed to treat civilians while in uniform, Pte Scanlon said the system had matured in recent years, allowing both military and civilian health ser-vices to recognise their qualifications.

“Paramedics have only just been registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency,

which is the same recognition as doctors and nurses, which frees us up to work with civilian patients,” Pte Scanlon said.

“It hasn’t been possible in the past because I haven’t had the registra-tion that allowed us to cross over.

“It’s immensely satisfying and rewarding being here, from the responses we get from the local population, who have been tremen-dously grateful for our presence, to being able to get involved and build a connection with the community.”

Their assistance was just another example of Australians’ love of help-ing their neighbours, according to Capt Barber, who said Army had become like the “fourth leg of a stool” to the community.

“We’re another element to support them, alongside the firies, the ambos and the police,” Capt Barber said.

“Everyone on social media says ‘what can I do to help’ and for some that’s donating money, or for oth-ers it’s dropping water off at the Foodbank, but we all love to give and help our neighbours.

“For us it’s helping to staff the hospital, but almost everyone is offer-ing assistance and asking what they can do, which I find amazing.”

Primary care a primary concern for soldiers

Combat paramedic Pte Rod Scanlon, left, and nursing officer Capt Phil Barber at the Alpine Health Bright centre, Victoria. Photo: Cpl Sebastian Beurich

Sgt Max Bree

STORIES of burnt-out homes and shattered lives have been shared with Army medics, in a departure from the usual tales of soldiers’ illnesses and injuries.

The medics are part of a nine-person primary healthcare team from Army’s 1CHB, which arrived at the Batemans Bay evacuation centre on January 7.

They’ve treated a trickle of patients since setting up, but detachment commander Capt Kaiya Chen said most weren’t physically hurt.

“I had a lady one morning, vir-tually in tears, just wanting to have a chat about the things that she’s seen after losing her home. A lot of the people have a story to tell and they just want someone to tell it to,” Capt Chen said.

The detachment includes a doctor, two nurses, two medics and an Army chaplain to provide counselling.

During the first day of opera-tion, patients spoke to duty medic Cpl Leigh Smith.

“I took any notes, observations and got their medical history,” Cpl Smith said.

“If they needed the doctor, I’d send them through. If it was minor, I’d give them something.

“We don’t normally deal with the elderly or young unless we do a hospital placement. It’s different from fit soldiers aged about 20 to 40, but doing placements gets you used to it.”

Other than a woman with smoke inhalation, most of Cpl Smith’s cases involved mental health matters.

“Two had their houses

destroyed, they were quite dis-tressed from that,” Cpl Smith said.

“They just wanted to talk, then go from there. They wanted an external ear rather than the hospital or mental health team.”

The detachment could also con-duct resuscitation and stabilisation, and had a Bushmaster ambulance for evacuations or extractions from isolated areas if requested by state authorities.

The Army detachment worked alongside an Australian medical assistance team, which has posi-tioned doctors, nurses and a field hospital at the evacuation centre.

“Any Australian would feel they want to help out,” Capt Chen said.

“We all know the impact the fires are having on our communi-ties, so we’re all keen to come out and support.”

Duty of care

A Bushmaster ambulance is positioned within 1CHB

Role One medical facility at Batemans Bay evacuation

centre in support of Operation Bushfire Assist.

Photo: Sgt Bill Solomou

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Operation Bushfire Assist10

Sgt Max Bree

A WOMAN tore into the Cobargo relief centre on January 21, grabbing towels and saying her daughter was in labour.

LCpl Archibald Fallon called an ambulance, but he knew it wouldn’t be able to reach the mum-to-be at Upper Brogo on the NSW south coast in time.

“I got on our radio to call up Army medics, knowing the ambos coming from Bega would take a lot longer to get there than we would,” LCpl Fallon said.

A nearby medic, Cpl Kristie Connell, was called in to respond to the situation.

“I was told to grab my kit, jump a fence and wait by the highway for pick-up because there was a lady in labour,” Cpl Connell said.

Despite more than eight years as an intensive care nurse, Cpl Connell had only limited experience with births. She was joined by Pte Nicholas Brimmer, who had helped deliver five babies – but only over the phone as an ambulance dispatcher.

They formed part of a team that took a winding dirt road through fire-ravaged hills to the home of soon-to-be mum-of-six Sarah Tyrrell.

Fire burned around Ms Tyrrell’s

house for three days from New Year’s Eve, but the home was spared thanks to lucky winds and the efforts of her husband Byron, who defended the property with a water pump.

“We found Sarah sitting on a beach chair. She was calm and we got her on to the couch,” Pte Brimmer said.

“It was good knowing she wasn’t crowning, but being the sixth child, it could come very quickly, going from zero to 100.”

Pte Brimmer tried to remember the emergency birth checklist normally on his desk.

“You get the pregnant woman on her back or in a position that’s most comfortable,” he said.

“If she gets the urge to push, just push, don’t try and fight because that can hurt the baby.

“You also think about alternative positions in case there are any breech problems or the umbilical cord is showing.”

Ms Tyrrell was on a couch with towels tucked around her, contractions were timed and an off-site medical officer prepared for a video call if the baby came suddenly.

The medical officer also advised Cpl Connell in the event of imminent labour.

Ms Tyrrell said she woke that day “with a couple of little niggling pains”,

but she did not think it was the onset of the birth.

“All of a sudden it hit, but the con-tractions were fairly distant. Then they were two minutes apart. I was getting nervous that it was going to be a home birth.”

Police arrived, but there was no sign of an ambulance.

Because of patchy phone reception, troop signaller Pte Murray Richey set up satellite communications equip-ment. After about 30 minutes, an ambulance appeared.

On the way to hospital, Pte Brimmer rode in the front passenger seat, while Cpl Connell assisted the paramedic in the rear of the ambu-lance.

“Sarah felt pressure on her pelvis, and because of previous quick deliver-ies, it was lights and sirens on,” Cpl Connell said.

Midwives took Ms Tyrrell from the ambulance when they arrived at Bega hospital and about five minutes later, baby Ivy was born.

“I’ll definitely enjoy telling this story. It’s not every day you have the Army turn up to make sure your [baby’s] arrival is safe,” Ms Tyrrell said.

“They made sure everything ran smoothly. I couldn’t have asked for better help.”

New life marks new beginning Army medic

Cpl Kristie Connell, of 8CSSB, holds baby Ivy Tyrrell. Photo: Sgt Max Bree

February 6, 2020 Operation Bushfire Assistdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 11

Sgt Max Bree

A RAGING inferno killed Tim Salway’s brother and father when bushfires tore through the family dairy farm near Cobargo, NSW, on New Year’s Eve.

As Mr Salway returned to their ravaged 240ha property, milking came first.

“I knew my old man and brother were lying there just over the hill, but we had to get the cows in,” Mr Salway said.

“You can’t afford to miss it, because they start getting udder issues.

“That was the hardest milking I’ve ever had to do, but you couldn’t just stop and say ‘that was a bad fire’.”

About 170 of the Salways’ 350 cows were lost in the blaze.

Help arrived in the fire’s wake, including an Army strike team to clear and pile up fall-en trees from the paddocks, saving the family an estimated month’s work.

“They ripped in with chainsaws, they smashed through, their bosses kept asking me ‘what next?’,” Mr Salway said.

“We’re able to get back in these paddocks, we’re able to work the land again. In time we’ll be able to burn these heaps [of wood].

“They cleared our driveway and just driv-ing in makes you feel better. Things like this keep you going, as tough as it is for our family.”

Lt Aiden Frost, of 2/17RNSWR, com-manded the strike team that arrived for two days of work on January 14.

They also brought water and an Army chaplain to counsel the Salways.

“The intensity of the fire basically ripped all of the trees out of the ground and created huge amounts of debris, which rendered the paddocks sort of unusable,” Lt Frost said.

“The farmers have been overwhelmed. We can’t solve the whole problem, but in a couple of days our guys were able to clear significant amounts of the property, which will eventually allow their cattle numbers to recover.”

Strike teams, such as those commanded by Lt Frost, are working to assist communi-ties in south-east NSW in the wake of the bushfires.

His team has 26 soldiers from Army’s 5 Bde, mostly infantrymen and combat engi-neers, supported by a medic and signaller.

Four of the infantrymen completed an Army chainsaw course while the team was staging at Holsworthy.

“One minute we’re helping fix fences to stop cattle getting on the road and the next minute we’re out doing engineer tasks such as inspecting culverts and bridges, or felling and cutting up trees,” Lt Frost said.

“Even if it is just basic, manual labour, the team is really glad to be able to help.”

The Salways’ farm provides milk to Bega Cheese, the same company that makes canned cheese for Army ration packs.

The company couldn’t process the Salways’ milk for 10 days after the fires, meaning it had to be dumped, but Bega Cheese still paid for it. The company also provided the family with generators to keep things running until power was restored.

“We take for granted where everything comes from,” Lt Frost said.

“Guys like these farmers provide milk to make cheese for ration packs or the super-market; everyone knows the struggles they’ve had.

“Then to have a fire devastate your farm and lose family members is the last thing any of these people needed. At least we can show them that the people of Australia and the Army care about them.”

When the team finished at the Salways’ property, Tim’s family had worked for 15 days straight to recover, with no end in sight.

“It wasn’t a fire, it was a monster, like a tornado. It’s something I don’t want to see again,” Mr Salway said.

“I’ve been trying to say it’s not that bad, but when the Army turns up to help you it must be pretty bad.”

Relief during tragedy

Above: Lt Aiden Frost with dairy farmer Tim Salway and his wife Leanne. Below: Cows singed by fire at the Salways’ dairy farm. Photos: Sgt Max Bree

Pte Jake Jubelin, of 2/17RNSWR, cuts up a fire-damaged tree on the road to the dairy farm of Tim Salway, near Cobargo, NSW.

February 6, 2020 OPERATION BUSHFIRE ASSISTdefence.gov.au/news/armynews12 13

Soldiers from 5ER assist in unloading donated goods at the Milton Showground within the Shoalhaven district of NSW. Photo: Sgt Bill Solomou

Pte Jaya Delaterre, of 2/17RNSWR, breaks up a burning log as part of an effort to prevent spot fires in Jerangle, NSW. Photo: LCpl Brodie Cross

A Chinook from 5 Avn Regt supports Victorian CFS with evacuations of people and animals from the Omeo and Mt Hotham areas of Victoria who were under threat from the Bruthen bushfire.

Chinooks from 5 Avn Regt deliver hay bales to remote bushfire-affected farms on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, during Operation Bushfire Assist. Photo: Cpl Tristan Kennedy

Cpl Jaaziel Robertson, of 12/40RTR, breaks apart roofing from a home on Kangaroo Island that burnt down in the bushfires. Photo: LCpl Brodie Cross

Soldiers from 16RAR Emergency Support Force, help feed Koala joeys at Cleland Wildlife Park in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Photo: Nicole Mankowski

Soldiers and medics unload Red Cross food parcels and supplies from a Republic of Singapore Air Force Chinook to the fire-isolated community of Chandlers Creek, Victoria. Photo: Pte Michael Currie

Operation Bushfire Assist14

Maj Cameron Jamieson

MOST soldiers would jump at the chance to replace ration-pack coffee with the freshly brewed variety.

In Bega, NSW, it’s one exam-ple of how troops are contribut-ing to local businesses following nearby bushfires.

For Ged Gross, who runs mobile coffee business More Than Beans, troops are helping reverse financial losses caused by the fires.

“Their presence means there is a fair bit of hope,” Mr Gross said.

“We’ve lost a considerable number of contracts and jobs over the summer, however, the soldiers bring positivity to the whole area, because it shows that there is going to be an injection to keep the economy going.

“That’s important, because there is a lot of anxiety among businesses.”

Things also changed when Mr Gross and his wife took their children to an Army kids’ day event.

“After playing with the Army for a day, they changed from ‘playing fighting fires’ to ‘playing Army’,” he said.

“The children’s change shift-ed everyone else’s attitude back towards what’s going on now.”

But the soldier/coffee-vendor relationship is not all one-way.

Mr Gross brings his Kelpie pup “Tuna” with him.

“The pup has been a hit with the soldiers, with all the chaos that went on and not knowing what they would be doing next,” he said.

“They would play with her and walk her when we pulled up. It’s good for them and good for her too.”

Coffee fuels positivity

Ged Gross delivers the coffee while his Kelpie pup Tuna delivers the smiles for Capt Alisha Reeves, of 5ER Task Group, in Bega. Photo: Maj Cameron Jamieson

Building bridgesSgt Max Bree

MOST motorists won’t pay much attention to a bridge as they drive over it.

But a pair of combat engineers from 5ER have become familiar with dozens of bridge undersides in south-east NSW following bushfires that swept the region.

One is LCpl Rick Williams, a civil engineer and surveyor when not serv-ing with the Army Reserve.

“We’re looking to see how deep fire has burned into the hardwood, to see if there’s any structural issues,” LCpl Williams said.

“It’s amazing to see how fire gets into a structure. A lot of ember attacks got into termite-eaten wood and just burnt through it.

“With steel, we’re looking to see if the fire has been hot enough to twist or warp the steel members.”

For the most part, bridges in the region held up well, according to Cpl Ross Lorenz, a civil engineer whose resume includes bridge-building projects on the Pacific Highway and Hunter Expressway.

“One extreme example was charred remains at the bottom of a gully, but overall the bridges are look-ing good,” Cpl Lorenz said.

“A lot of the bridges look like

they are 20 to 30-plus years old. They handled the fires pretty well with some minor or moderate maintenance required.”

The pair report their findings to local councils, which prioritise repairs or further inspections.

Despite a background in concrete bridges, Cpl Lorenz said there was some crossover with the wooden structures.

“There are some idiosyncrasies in wooden bridges,” he said

“But our work is about knowing what aspects of the bridge accomplish and how much load is going through them. Then we assess how much damage they can sustain while still being functional.”

Despite most of the region’s bridges being made of wood and steel, the sappers did get to inspect one concrete structure, which was out of the fire zone but slightly stressed due to a heavier route being closed.

“We were inspecting it for over-load damage. It held up quite well, but it did have some maintenance issues,” Cpl Lorenz said.

Although there is scope for 5ER sappers to make temporary fixes for some bridges, major repairs will be done by local council specialist contractors.

Cpl Ross Lorenz, left, and LCpl Rick Williams, of 5ER, inspect a fire-damaged bridge in Cobargo, NSW. Photo: Sgt Max Bree

Sgt Dave Morley

WHILE people and native wildlife left devastated by the bushfires are increas-ingly being cared for, livestock on farms haven’t necessarily been receiv-ing the same attention.

Local Cooma farmer George Walters has gone all out to fix this by forming South Coast Rural Relief, an organisation that aims to get fodder to farmers who need it most.

“The whole community has gotten behind the relief efforts, but to have the

assistance of the Army has been a mas-sive boost,” Mr Walters said.

“Some sheep, cattle and horses haven’t had anything for days.

“We are now reaching farms and properties that desperately need assis-tance.”

Pte Shaun Whitehurst, a Rheinmetall HX77 driver from Brisbane-based 7CSSB, took on a load of hay in Cooma on January 15.

He said people were doing it tough after the fires.

“I’m from off the land at Gin

Gin, up past Bundaberg, so I know how tough farmers are doing it,” Pte Whitehurst said.

“It’s a privilege to be able to get out and help – being here makes me proud to wear the uniform.”

A convoy of road trains loaded with hay from Western Australia arrived in Cooma on January 22.

Army vehicles will continue to assist in distributing this much-needed fodder to farms across the NSW south coast.

Hayday for communities

George Walters, of the South Coast Rural Relief charity, checks a load of fodder with Sgt Mathew Maynard, left, prior to their departure from Cooma, NSW, in support of Operation Bushfire Assist. Photo: Sgt Brett Sherriff

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Australia Day honours16

OFFICER (AO) IN THE MILITARY DIVISIONLt-Gen Gregory BiltonFor distinguished service in the appointments of Deputy Commanding General of the US Army in the Pacific, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations and Commander ForComd.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISIONMaj-Gen Andrew FreemanFor exceptional service to the ADF as Commander 17 Bde, Director General Land Operations and Director Logistics – Army.

Brig Michael AshleighFor exceptional service as Director Logistics – Army, Director General Strategic Logistics and Commander Australian Army Cadets.

Brig Stephen JobsonFor exceptional service as Commandant Army Recruit Training Centre, Commander 16th Avn Bde and Commander JTF646.

Col Nicholas FoxallFor exceptional service in command

and leadership and significantly enhancing the operational effects and capabilities of the ADF.

Col Andrew McBaronFor exceptional service as the Director of Officer Career Management – Army, Career Adviser for General Service Officer Lieutenant Colonels and Staff Officer Grade One Establishments.

Lt-Col Alyson AuliffFor exceptional service to the ADF in malaria research.

MEDAL (OAM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISIONCapt John LandFor meritorious service as the Army Conservator Australian Army History Unit in support of the protection of Army’s heritage.

WO1 Joshua AndrewsFor meritorious service in achieve-ment and exceptional commitment to the continuous advancement of Army’s Geospatial Intelligence capability.

WO1 Brian MooreFor meritorious performance of duty

in personnel management, instruc-tional leadership, executive events coordination and ceremonial event management in the ADF.

WO1 Roger ReadFor meritorious service as the Information Systems Engineer, Force Installation Team 31 from 2017 to 2019.

WO1 Andrew ShoreFor meritorious service as the Regimental Sergeant Major 3RAR and Royal Military College – Duntroon, and Career Adviser in the Directorate of Soldier Career Management – Army.

WO1 Julie WhittakerFor meritorious service as the Senior Technical Trade WO and Career Adviser for Army Ammunition Technicians.

BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS (DSC and Bar)Brig John Shanahan For distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Resolute Support HQ Chief of Operations and as Commanding

General Train Advise Assist Command – South in Afghanistan from September 2017 to February 2019.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS (DSC) Col Michael Say For distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations while deployed as Commander of TGT-7 in Iraq during 2018.

Lt-Col R For distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as Commander of a Special Operations Task Group in Iraq from June to December 2018.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL (DSM) Col Stuart Kenny For distinguished leadership in warlike operations as Chief of Plans for Train, Advise, Assist Command – South Operation Resolute Support Afghanistan from January 2018 to January 2019.

Bdr Michael Cobb For distinguished leadership in warlike operations as Australian Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems Detachment Commander, HQ JTF633, while deployed to the Middle East Region from October 2017 to June 2018.

COMMENDATION FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE Brig Peter Connor For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Commander of Task Group Afghanistan while deployed on Operation Highroad from November 2017 to September 2018.

Brig Wade Stothart For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as Director Joint Plans and Assessment, HQ Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve from December 2017 to December 2018.

Col B For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as Director Strategy and Plans, HQ Combined JTF – Operation Inherent Resolve from January to September 2018.Col Stephen GliddonFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as Chief of Future Operations, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Resolute Support Mission, Afghanistan, from November 2017 to January 2019.Col Gavin StanfordFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as Chief of Future Operations within Operations Directorate of HQ Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve from November 2017 to November 2018.Maj Joshua HigginsFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the OC Training Team Victor, TGT-7 in Iraq from May to November 2018.Capt DFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the XO and OPSO for a Special Operations Task Group while deployed to Iraq on Operation Okra in 2018.Cpl Daniel Flynn For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as

Going above and beyondPersonnel awarded Australia Day honours for their distinguished service and outstanding devotion to duty.

LS Kylie Jagiello

WHAT some people might see as just doing their job is actually going above and beyond for someone else.

This was the case for Cpl Lachlan Mitchell who received a Commendation for Distinguished Service in the Australia Day Honours.

“I didn’t feel that I did anything out of the ordinary while I was deployed, however am honoured for the nomination,” Cpl Mitchell said.

“I didn’t really have a measure to go by so I just did the best job that I could and I guess someone noticed.”

While deployed to Operation Highroad from February to August 2018, Cpl Mitchell was a force protection section commander for Train Advise Assist Command – Air.

As section commander, Cpl Mitchell distinguished himself through his performance, leadership and pro-fessionalism and was an instrumental member to his team.

“We were working 24/7 over there and I just tried to use every moment I could to help out,” he said.

Instead of relaxing in his spare time, Cpl Mitchell prefers to help train others in combat shooting tech-niques, both inside the security of the base and outside at range.

Out of the ordinary

Commendation for Distinguished Service recipient Cpl Lachlan Mitchell, right, is presented with the

OSCMAR trophy for best endurance by DCA Maj-Gen Anthony Rawlins during the Gloucester

Cup at Singleton, NSW, in 2019. Photo: Cpl Sebastian Beurich

Force Protection Section Commander of the Train Advise Assist Command – Air in Afghanistan from August 2018 to February 2019.Cpl Lachlan MitchellFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as Force Protection Section Commander for Train Advise Assist Command – Air, Afghanistan, while assigned to Operation Highroad from February to August 2018.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSS (CSC) Col Michael AhernFor outstanding devotion to duty as Commander Australian Contingent, Operation Aslan and Senior Military Liaison Officer for Juba within the UN Mission in South Sudan from June 2018 to January 2019.Lt-Col LFor outstanding devotion to duty as Command Legal Officer within SOC.Lt-Col Glen BillingtonFor outstanding achievement as CO and Chief Engineer of 19 CE Wks.Lt-Col Darryl BridgemanFor outstanding devotion to duty as Commander Australian Contingent, Operation Paladin, UN Truce Supervision Organisation (Israel and Syria) from October 2017 to October 2018.Lt-Col Judd FingerFor outstanding devotion to duty as Commander JTF629 on Operation Augury from February 2018 to October 2018. Lt-Col Dianne Grey For outstanding achievement in the application of exceptional skills, judgement and dedication in the advancement of intelligence collection, analysis and assessment within the ADF.Lt-Col Stuart HillFor outstanding achievement

as SO Cyber Security and CO Defence Security Operations Centre during 2013 to 2018.Lt-Col Brendan HoganFor outstanding achievement as SO Grade One Land Range Safety, CATC.Lt-Col James SmithFor outstanding devotion to duty as Commander Australian Contingent and Chief of Operations, Operation Mazurka, Multinational Force and Observers Mission, Sinai, Egypt, from February 2018 to February 2019.Maj Cassandra Campbell For outstanding devotion to duty as the senior career adviser of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, Directorate of Soldier Career Management – Army.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDAL (CSM) Brig Paul NothardFor meritorious devotion to duty as Deputy Commander JTF633 while deployed on Operation Accordion from November 2017 to August 2018.Col Craig LauderFor meritorious devotion to duty as Chief of Staff in HQ JTF633 on Operation Accordion from March 2018 to January 2019.Col Simon PalmerFor meritorious achievement in leading cultural change and governance reform within Reserve and Youth Division, JCG.Lt-Col John SayersFor meritorious achievement as CO 2FSB.Lt-Col Charles Slinger For meritorious achievement as Staff Officer Grade One Air and Missile Defence, Combat Support Program, AHQ.WO1 MFor meritorious devotion to duty to the SASR in the field of Parachute Rigger Supervisor 2008 to 2018.

WO1 Craig Cutts

For meritorious devotion to duty in administrative and logistic support to ADF operations and training assistance in the Republic of the Philippines.

WO1 Leanne Iseppi

For meritorious devotion to duty as the Command WO, JTF633 while deployed on Operation Accordion from January 2018 to January 2019.

WO1 Brad Millen

For meritorious achievement as Intelligence WO 51FNQR and the Regional Force Surveillance Group Liaison Officer to the Australian Maritime Border Operations Centre from 2017 to 2018.

WO1 Christopher Ross

For meritorious achievement as Personnel Operations WO, J1 Directorate, HQJOC.

WO2 Michael Dixon

For meritorious achievement as SSM 171 Avn Sqn, 6 Avn Regt from January 2016 to December 2018.

WO2 Desmond McCoy

For meritorious achievement as CSM of Land Mobile Training Team under JTG629 during Operation Augury from January to May 2018.

Sgt Dayne Anderson

For meritorious achievement in developing virtual training systems integrated with existing live, virtual and constructive training that has improved enhanced Army training methods and assisted the capability of international partners.

Chap Peter Price

For meritorious achievement as unit Padre displaying exceptional application of spiritual, pastoral and philosophical care at the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

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February 6, 2020 Australia Day honoursdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 17

LS Kylie Jagiello

SGT Dayne Anderson took an off-the-shelf existing simulator platform and modified it into an integrated live, virtual and constructive train-ing system to assist in training the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during Operation Augury-Philippines.

This initiative resulted in Sgt Anderson being awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours.

“After my initial shock of being nominated for this, I definitely felt a lot of pride that someone had acknowledged my hard work,” Sgt Anderson said.

The AFP previously had no internal simulation system for training the application of joint fire.

“The students really enjoyed using the simulator and were actively seeking ways to acquire and integrate it into full-time use,” Sgt Anderson said.

With the use of the modified virtual simulator, Operation Augury-Philippines was able to provide the AFP with a complete digital system, including replicating the environ-ment during the Battle of Marawi in 2017.

“For me, it was more about identifying a shortfall and coming up with a solution for training,” Sgt Anderson said.

“Initially we developed the sys-tem for training of our own troops but when we found out there were no training simulators for the AFP, we took the system with us and it turned out to be really beneficial.”

A new generation of combat training

Conspicuous Service Medal recipient Sgt Dayne Anderson, centre, with members of his team and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

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Features18

Sgt Dave Morley

A LONG-standing member of 8/7RVR ended 2019 on a high note when he was promoted to WO1 in front of his battalion and his family.

WO 1 P e t e r H a r d c a s t l e was promoted by CO 8/7RVR Col David Cadogan-Cowper at A Coy’s Laverton Depot in December.

He said he knew something was up when his family appeared at the battalion weekend training activity.

“When I saw them arrive, I suspected they were here to cheer

me on, but I wasn’t sure exactly what I would be receiving,” WO1 Hardcastle said.

“The promotion ceremony actually took me by surprise, as a lot of effort was made without my knowledge, involving so many from the battalion.”

RSM 8/7RVR WO1 Mick Carroll clandestinely coordinated the promotion arrangements.

WO1 Hardcastle has a long history of reserve service, starting with Deakin University Company and later both of Victoria’s infan-try battalions.

His operational service in 2009 on Operation Vic Fires

Assist provided rewarding and meaningful support to the civilian community in Victoria.

M o s t r e c e n t l y , W O 1 Hardcastle served 8/7 RVR as CSM A Coy and is currently looking forward to a new role in BHQ.

Col Cadogan-Cowper con-gratulated WO1 Hardcastle on his latest achievement and thanked him for his tireless support of the battalion and its troops.

WO1 Hardcastle used the opportunity to thank his family for their support.

Tireless support

WO1 Peter Hardcastle, left, of 8/7RVR, receives his promotion at RAAF Base Williams, Laverton. Photo: Pte Michael Currie

ARMY’s last serving Vietnam veteran called it a day after being farewelled in Darwin late last year, having com-

pleted 50 years’ continuous service.Maj (retd) Ian Tibbits has served

in all capacities in the Army, since his enlistment, including the Citizen Military Forces (CMF), National Service, ARA and Army Reserves.

Having held many different ranks throughout his career, Maj Tibbits leaves big shoes to fill.

“What I’ve enjoyed most was serv-ing in two great battalions, 3RAR and 1RAR, and Norforce, and being able to train young Remote and Indigenous Army Cadets,” Maj Tibbits said.

He was talked into joining the CMF in 1966 by an older mate who was already in, and did recruit training with 11RWAR before being posted to 16RWAR.

Maj Tibbits was called up for National Service in 1970, and later served with A Coy, 3 RAR, including a tour of Vietnam from February to October 1971.

He was on active service in Vietnam when he received the first of many promotions, being promoted to LCpl in 1971, as section 2IC, Support Section, A Coy.

On completion of his National Service, Maj Tibbits enlisted in the ARA, going on to complete 30 years’ full-time service.

He said his previous section com-mander, Sgt Eddie Desfontaines, and his OC at the time suggested he join the ARA because he enjoyed soldiering.

“Being in the post-Vietnam Regular Army was an exciting time,” Maj Tibbits said.

“There were a lot of older SNCOs and officers, some who had served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, who were great mentors to us young soldiers and

Leaving a legacySgt Dave Morley talks to a Vietnam veteran about his exceptional 50-year career.

JNCOs, and who taught us a lot that helped pave the way for our future careers.”

Maj Tibbits’ advice for young Diggers coming out of Kapooka is to learn and do their best in training and their chosen profession.

“Embrace the challenges that you

will come across in your service and you will have a rewarding career in the Army,” he said.

Maj Tibbits’ retirement plans include doing more fishing and crabbing.

“I’m actively involved in Legacy NT and the Milne Volunteer Bushfire

Brigade, and took part in bush fire-fighting operations at Merimbula on the NSW south coast in mid-January,” he said.

Maj Tibbits said he never intended to achieve being the Army’s last Vietnam veteran but was honoured and humbled to be so.

COMMANDER Australian Army Cadets Northern Territory Bn, Lt-Col Mark Christopher has known Maj Ian Tibbits since they were both in Norforce, although his main interactions with him were during his time with the Army Cadets.

“Ian almost single-hand-edly started the Remote and Indigenous Army Cadets in 2005,” Lt-Col Christopher said.

“From then until his retire-ment he was involved in devel-oping, promoting and delivering a focused and specialised adaptation of the ADF’s youth development program, target-ing key remote and Indigenous communities throughout the Northern Territory.

“His extraordinary determina-tion and unique understanding and sympathy towards bridg-ing cross-cultural issues was instrumental in developing an outstanding and successful campaign, which resulted in an enjoyable and worthwhile youth development experience for many disadvantaged youth, while concurrently enhancing the reputation of Defence.

“On many occasions when things were not as success-ful as they could be, or when circumstances changed, he cheerfully and without com-plaint ‘regrouped’, modified his approach and continued on until successful.”

Lt-Col Christopher said Maj Tibbits was exceptionally well-regarded within the Army, the Cadets and in general.

“The AAC NT Bn and myself personally will miss Maj Tibbits’ boundless enthusiasm, compas-sion, common sense, breadth of knowledge and desire to do the right thing always, even when no one will know,” Lt-Col Christopher said.

Tribute to extraordinary determination

Flexibility for reunion travel THE ADF Retention Initiatives Working Group agreed to provide eligi-ble ADF members with greater options in the use of reunion travel. The revised reunion travel policy starts February 6 and will provide greater flexibility to ADF members in the management of their reunion travel choices. Reunion travel allows members categorised as a Member With Dependants (MWD) who are posted to a seagoing vessel or as a Member With Dependants Unaccompanied (MWD(U)) posted anywhere within Australia to reunite with their dependants at Commonwealth expense up to six times a year (pro-rata for periods of less than a year). The change allows members to use multiple reunion travel “credit” at one time to offset the cost of travel for more than one dependant to visit the member at their duty location. For more informa-tion, visit: defence.gov.au/PayAndConditions/ADF/Chapter-9/Part-3/Div-4.asp

IN BRIEF

Commander Army Cadets Brig Michael Ashleigh, left, presents letters on behalf of CA and Head RA Inf congratulating Maj Ian Tibbits on his almost 50 years of service. Photo: Capt Carla Armenti

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THE 135th graduating class from the Royal Military College – Dun-troon received an honour

of national standing, with the parade reviewed for the first time by Governor-General Gen (retd) David Hurley.

The parade in December was also significant for the graduation of Staff Cadets from Afghanistan, Fiji, Qatar, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, New Zealand and Pakistan.

CA Lt-Gen Rick Burr said the young leaders on parade at the graduation would shape the Army’s future.

“Our people are our greatest asset,” Lt-Gen Burr said.

“These young leaders will lead, inspire and make a difference. “

“Today I am proud of these tal-ented young officers, who, as they realise their potential, will influ-ence our future success.

“Many of our graduates from RMC-D have gone on to achieve great success in their careers and all aspects of their lives.

“To see eight international staff

cadets from seven countries gradu-ating demonstrates the prestige of the training of the college and its international recognition by our partners.

“For over a century, the college has produced graduates who have exemplified the honour, courage and wisdom Australia expects from its military leaders, regardless of rank. Our standards are high, but the results speak for themselves.”

The Sword of Honour was presented to Lt Robert Mooy for exemplary conduct and perfor-mance, while the Queen’s Medal was presented to Lt Jesse Jones for the highest aggregate marks.

The latter said while it was a privilege to receive the Queen’s Medal from the Governor-General, the best moment came later that day.

“We were all promoted to Lieutenant after the graduation dinner,” Lt Jones said.

“Having my parents put my pips on was a very special moment.

“It was a day full of positivity

and everyone wanting to get out on the parade ground.

“We are all very excited for what is to come.”

Another high achiever on parade was newly appointed Lt Felicity Maher, who earned high praise the day prior to the parade when she received five awards at the RMC-D prizes ceremony.

Lt Maher received the Royal Australian Armoured Corps Cambrai Trophy, Ronald Syme Trust Prize, Duntroon Society Award, General Bridges Memorial Prize and the Lady Cutler Cup.

Lt Jones said the key to mak-ing it through to graduation was to maintain a balance throughout the course.

“The biggest challenge was staying in step with everything, especially keeping up physical training in personal time,” he said.

“I have been exposed to con-stant and difficult challenges that have defined my experience at Duntroon. I feel well prepared and ready to put the skills I have learnt into practice.”

Grads lead the wayArmy’s newest leaders celebrate graduation from the Royal Military College – Duntroon, Cpl Veronica O’Hara reports.

Senior Under Officer (now Lt) Robert Mooy, left, receives the Sword of Honour from Governor-General Gen (retd) David Hurley during the December 2019 graduation parade at the Royal Military College – Duntroon in Canberra. Photo: Sgt Hamish Paterson

February 6, 2020 Featuresdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 19

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Army History Research Grants Scheme

Applications are open for the Army History Research Grants Scheme. This Scheme is open to individuals who wish to apply for financial

assistance to support research into the history of the Australian Army. Priority will be given to projects that enhance understanding of

Australian Army history, examine Army’s development, performance and contribution to the Nation in war and peace, add utility to the current Army by addressing military strategy and operations, military social history and military heritage or contributes to professional military

education of Army’s members.

Grants are up to a maximum of $15,000 for one year and will be awarded by the Army on the advice of independent assessors, and at

the discretion of the Minister for Defence.

Further information, application forms and FAQs are available from the following website:

https://www.army.gov.au/our-history/australian-army-history-unit/army-history-research-grants

If your question is not answered on the website, enquiries may be directed to:

ahu.enquiries@defence.gov.au; or (02) 6266 3613.

Applications close 13 March 2020.

Sgt Max Bree

IN 2008, an improvised explosive device (IED) struck a Bushmaster in Afghanistan, throwing a soldier 7m into the air, only to hit the bonnet on the way down and summersault on to the ground.

This story of survival was used by CDF Gen Angus Campbell to highlight the vehicle’s excellence as he launched The Bushmaster: from concept to com-bat in December.

The book, by Brendan Nicholson, begins with the Bushmaster’s approval in the late 1990s as a vehicle to chase bandits in Australia’s north.

A legacy of mines and guerilla war-fare in Africa shaped its construction at the Thales factory in Bendigo, while internal debate raged about what type of vehicle was needed.

“Only two decades ago, some in the Army scoffed at the concept of an ‘infantry mobility vehicle’,” Gen Campbell said.

“Like any military, there’s a natural period of soul-searching whenever we’re confronted with a new challenge or asked to accept a new capability.”

Two Bushmaster prototypes deployed to East Timor in 1999 where locals called them “battle taxis”.

Deployment of 10 production Bushmasters to Iraq followed in 2005.

The book goes on to cover stories

of Australian soldiers almost being killed in IED blasts over the next decade.

Weighing 15 tonnes, accom-modating a driver, crew commander and eight seated rear occupants, the Bushmaster comes in seven variants and features an air-conditioning system and V-shaped hull.

“There’s only one number that mat-ters above all others in the Bushmaster story … zero,” Gen Campbell said.

“Zero Australian soldiers have been killed in IED strikes against Bushmasters on operations.”

Gen Campbell thanked those who worked on the project, dealing with things such as the wheels-versus-tracked debate, audits finding and fix-ing project management deficiencies, contract negotiations and adding a 10th seat.

Effects of the Bushmaster’s per-formance in Afghanistan were sent back to Defence scientists and Thales, allowing them to make changes to improve vehicle survivability.

Today, Australia has sold more than 100 Bushmasters to seven countries including Japan, the Netherlands, Jamaica and Fiji.

The ADF has procured more than 1000 Bushmasters, which are expected to be in service into the 2030s.

After the explosion under his Bushmaster in 2008, the Australian

Master and commander

soldier got up and prepared to respond to a potential ambush.

He was Cpl Mark Donaldson.Weeks after the explosion, his

actions during another ambush led to him receiving the Victoria Cross.

“Undoubtedly, a Bushmaster saved his life and he went on to save the lives

of others,” Gen Campbell said. “It’s just one story of many that everyone involved in the Bushmaster project can be proud of.”

A Bushmaster from Reconstruction Task Force 3 heads off across the rugged Chora region of Afghanistan. Photo: Cpl Hamish Paterson

1. How many players are there in a baseball team?

2. Hg is the chemical symbol of which element?

3. The Pyrenees mountain range separates which two European countries?

4. How many characters are there in the German alphabet?

5. What is the name of the highest waterfall in the world and where is it located?

6. In which 1979 film was the spaceship called Nostromo?

7. The only known monotremes in the animal kingdom are the echidna and which other creature?

8. What is a groundnut better known as?

9. Which country was formerly known as Abyssinia?

10. Who was the US president during World War I?

Answers

1. Nine. 2. Mercury. 3. France and Spain. 4. 30. 5. Angel Falls, Venezuela. 6. Alien. 7. The platypus. 8. Peanut. 9. Ethiopia. 10. Woodrow Wilson.

Quick-fire questions

How many players are there in a baseball team (Q1)? Photo: Chris Chow on Unsplash

February 6, 2020 Featuresdefence.gov.au/news/armynews 21

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Maj Sam Wassef

GREAT surfing conditions were on offer during the Army Surf Riders Association’s (ASRA) annual Development Camp at One Mile in NSW.

More than 50 personnel attended the camp in December and spent the week honing their skills with short-boards, longboards, stand-up paddle boards, body boarders and kite surfers.

ASRA director WO2 Bradley Prowse lent his knowledge and experi-ence to the camp through instructing the beginners.

“It was impressive to see the begin-ners enjoying themselves and develop-ing their surfing ability so quickly,” WO2 Prowse said.

Lt Lisa Cloke has been surfing since she was 15 years old and was awarded the best female surfer.

“This was the first development camp I have participated in and it was an amazing experience,” Lt Cloke said.

“It was great hanging out and get-ting advice from more senior surfers.”

Prior to attending his first develop-ment camp three years ago, Pte Roley Gittins would go out surfing with his friends but could never catch a wave.

“By the end of the first day of camp I was able to confidently stand up on my board,” Pte Gittins said.

“Without this development camp and the invaluable advice from WO2 Prowse, I would still be out there get-ting wiped out at each try.”

At the completion of the competi-tion, newly appointed ASRA president Maj Ryan Edwards congratulated all participates, competitors and winners.

“It was great to see so many new

people attending their first develop-ment camp, including people who had never surfed before,” Maj Edwards said.

“I’m very humbled to be involved with such a fantastic organisation.”

The next major event for ASRA will be the Inter-Service Surfing

Championships in March, where Army’s best surfers will attempt to take back the title from Navy.

Further information for anyone

interested in joining ASRA or attend-ing any events is available at the Intranet website: http://drnet/Army/ASRA/Pages/ASRA.aspx

One mile to the finishWO2 Brad Prowse, rear, instructs beginner surfers on the sand during the Army Surf Riders Association’s annual Development Camp at One Mile in NSW. Photo: Capt Gavin Partridge

Capt Sarah Vesey

THE Army Drone Racing Team part-nered with cadets to hold the inaugural Australian Army Cadets Drone Racing Camp at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.

The five-day camp, which started on January 17, was attended by 22 cadets from around Australia.

It was part of the Cadet Development Continuum’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) elective in which they learn to build, program and fly racing drones under the instruction of pilots from the Australian Army Drone Racing Team.

Until the camp, the RPAS elective enabled cadets to become qualified oper-ators on the DJI Phantom system. The camp allowed the participating cadets to develop greater proficiency in drone technology.

The eight most proficient cadets at the camp were offered a place on the Australian Army Cadet Drone Racing Team, which will compete in the Military International Drone Racing Tournament during Land Forces 2020 in Brisbane in September.

Cadet LCpl Bethanie Watson, from 129 Army Cadet Unit based at Enoggera, was one of the eight selected as part of the newly formed team.

“I have had an amazing week,” Cadet LCpl Watson said.

“On the first day, we started with building our own drone, then learnt how to program it. By day three, I was flying the course and practising on the simula-tors every chance I could get.

“It’s just been so much fun and I am pretty excited to be on the drone racing team.”

Cadet LCpl Jack Nelson, of Rutherford, NSW, is studying a Certificate III in Drone Avionics at school and saw the camp as an oppor-tunity to further develop his knowledge and understanding of unmanned aerial systems technology.

“I have learnt a lot on the camp, which will be beneficial for my studies and also my future goal to become a drone operator in the Army,” Cadet LCpl Nelson said.

Drone racer and captain of the Australian Army Drone Racing Team, Pte Mackenzie Togo, said the week was a fantastic opportunity to share his passion for drones and pass on his knowledge to the enthusiastic cadets.

“This week has been about giving cadets an opportunity to further their knowledge and to develop new skills through drone racing. They’re so quick to learn and their flying skills have improved out of sight,” Pte Togo said.

“It’s exciting that there is now an Australian Army Cadets Drone Racing Team and I think these cadets are going to give some of our pilots a run for their money come September.”

The Australian Army Drone Racing Team continues to focus on youth engagement and STEM pathways sup-porting events, in collaboration with cadets and Defence Recruiting, to share their enthusiasm and passion for drones with the public.

Drone racing is an authorised and encouraged adaptive sport in the Army.

For more information, visit the Army Drone Racing Team Facebook page or email adra.secretary@defence.gov.au

Cadets are off to flying start

Some of the participants at the inaugural Australian Army Cadets Drone Racing Camp.

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Sportdefence.gov.au/news/armynewsFebruary 6, 2020 23

DESPITE the smoke haze from bush-fires, the battle for gold was intense at the Military Skydiving Nationals at Moruya, NSW.

More than 1000 sky dives were complet-ed in the week-long event in mid-December.

A u s t r a l i a n D e f e n c e P a r a c h u t e Association president Capt Holly Godwin said competitive world championship coach-es and Australia’s best skydivers assisted each of the military teams with dive plan-ning and techniques.

“Competition across the event was intense, with only a point or two separating each of the placements,” Capt Godwin said.

The growing discipline in vertical forma-tion skydiving (VFS) was on display, with great competition.

Navy CPO Tara Blennerhassett, a verti-cal formation skydiver, said there were a few teams who decided to compete in the advanced VFS competition.

“It was great to see such improvement from these teams throughout the competi-tion and over the course of the year,” CPO Blennerhassett said.

A new event this year was the all-female skydive.

Capt Godwin organised the jump to dem-onstrate that gender does not inhibit perfor-mance in the sport.

“We would love more females in the sport simply because we love skydiving and want many people to join in,” Capt Godwin said.

Flt-Lt Ariel White, silver medallist in the wingsuit competition, said that everyone loved to watch the jumps, even ones that didn’t go to plan.

“Sometimes the ones that don’t work so well are the ones you learn from the most. That is how we learn and improve for the next round,” Flt-Lt White said.

Defence Parachute Association treasurer Maj John Grisinger said the competition was a first-class display of Defence’s interoperability.

“People have come together from all fac-ets of the three services. They have net-worked, communicated and performed,” he said.

“The Military Nationals was teamwork at its best. What a great way to end the year.”

The Association had about 17 competi-tors representing all three services in 2019, with the same numbers expected again this year.

During 2020, the Association’s skydiv-ers will compete in Australian and New Zealand National Skydiving Championships in Nagambie, Victoria, in March.

The Indoor Skydiving Championships will be held in the Penrith Indoor Skydiving facility, with competitors from all over Australia and South East Asia.

If you are a military skydiver, or interested in learn-ing to skydive, email sky.diving@defence.gov.au for more information.

The sky is the limit

Wingsuiters Capt Alex Sandeman and Capt M in formation over the NSW coastline. Photo: Maj (retd) Marianne Phillips

February 6, 2020

SPORT

SURF’S UP

Army members hone their skills at surfing development camp

Lt Lisa Cloke rides a wave during the Army Surf Riders Association’s annual development camp. Photo: Capt Gavin Partridge

Page 22