AIR FORCE
Vol. 50, No. 22, November 27, 2008
The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force
Storm troopers hit the streets
Above, AC Evan Morley from No. 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron was among more than 120 members
from RAAF Base Amberley who helped clean up storm damage at The Gap in Brisbane. The cleanup was close to home for the SECPOL trainee, who lives in the middle of the storm-damaged area.
382ECSS personnel (left) cleared streets and driveways of fallen trees and debris as part of the ADF’s
coordinated relief effort. See Page 5 for the full story.
Photos: CPL Melina Mancuso
Graded Other Ranks Pay Structure gets the green light for airmen
PAYING
THE WAY
Our Hercs turn
50 on Page 3
AIR FORCE airmen can look
forward to an updated and adjusted
pay structure following the approval
on November 7 of the new pay placements by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) under the
Graded Other Ranks Pay Structure
(GORPS) submission.
The revised placements are beneficial to most airmen – including
recruits and trainees – and no one will
go backwards in pay.
They also position Air Force well
for attracting potential recruits and
sustaining and remixing the work-
Attitude survey
results on Page 4
force through the challenging but
exciting suite of capability transitions
that lie ahead.
Minister for Defence Science and
Personnel Warren Snowdon MP
announced the approval on November
17.
Being a major overhaul of existing ADF pay structures, under the
GORPS program, all enlisted permanent and reserve personnel in all
three Services will be placed in new
employment and pay grade groupings
according to skills and experience.
Continued Page 2
Bersama Lima
wrap in centre
2 News
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
Green light for
PS
GORPS
The world according to GORPS
Director
Rod Horan: (02) 6265 4650
[email protected]
Editor
Simone Liebelt: (02) 6265 2253
[email protected]
Deputy Editor/Sports Editor
John Martin: (02) 6265 7219
[email protected]
Senior Reporter
Andrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 7611
[email protected]
Reporter/Photographer
LAC Aaron Curran: (02) 6265 1355
[email protected]
Website: http://www.defence.gov.
au/news/raafnews
Email: [email protected] (Put
[sec=unclassified] after title in subject line)
Subscriptions
Trish Dillon: (02) 6266 7607
[email protected]
Fax: (02) 6265 6690
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Combat 2 Family – Special Tactics (new mustering).
VAT will also differentiate between supervisors
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College
Canberra
Marist College Canberra welcomes ADF families in the
ACT.
Marist College is a Congregational Catholic school for
boys (Year 4-12) under the care of the Marist Brothers.
It has an approximate enrolment of 1250 in the Senior
School and 390 in the Junior School and enjoys an
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Marist employs a Defence Transition Mentor who has
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Our mission is simple:
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See our website at www.maristc.act.edu.au or contact
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AIR FORCE
Advertising manager
Geoff Howard: (02) 6266 7605
0405 310 074
[email protected]
Servo Fidem
From Page 1
Pay for trainees has now been structured
to account for progression from No. 1 Recruit
Training Unit to initial employment training
and for long-term trainees on six-plus and 12month-plus courses. Trainees and recruits will
also receive an $8000 pa Trainee Allowance.
The revised GORPS will be backdated to
September 4, 2008 and to January 8, 2009
for trainees, after they have been loaded into
PMKeyS and the Defence pay systems.
CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin said that the
complexity and scope of the implementation of
the new pay structure means that PMKeyS and
pay system changes will take until mid-2009 to
progressively complete.
“The delay is regrettable, but it is important
to get the placements right for everyone.
“No one will lose any pay because nonreduction provisions will apply to a small
number of affected members, and a schedule of
implementation across all trades will be rolled RECRUITING BONUS: Trainees and recruits will receive an $8000 pa training allowance
out progressively,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.
under the Graded Other Ranks Pay Structure, which was approved on November 7.
The implementation schedule will be in
Photo: LAC Aaron Curran
accordance with roll-out priorities approved
by CDF.
CAF said that to assist the transition procincrease pay differentials between pay
apply the same GORPS pay treatment to
ess, it is important that members check and
grades;
reserve members for the same application of
update their individual PMKeyS records.
skill and therefore contribution to generating
increase remuneration, particularly at CPL
The introduction of GORPS represents
and SGT ranks (where trade experience and
capability; and
the final and most significant part of the
supervisory role are vital to Air Force effeccreate a new trainee pay structure, incorpoRemuneration Reform Project (RRP).
tiveness);
rating a new Trainee Allowance.
“The RRP created the Graded Officer Pay
recognise in certain trades a differential
Airmen Aircrew placements were heard
Structure, the Graded Warrant Officer Pay
between trade supervisor and trade manager separately on November 18 and 19, as they
Structure and expanded the Other Ranks Pay
employment responsibilities;
had primarily been included in the overarching
Structure from seven pay groups to 16 pay
create Capability Family Groups for like- Aircrew Sustainability Project. These had been
groups to incorporate the environmental allowADF employment categories;
intended for next year, along with the Officer
ances, such as Flying Allowance,” he said.
align the WOFF pay structure with the OR Aircrew hearing, but had been brought forThe DFRT decision represents a significant
pay structure by establishing a consistent 10 ward to enable concurrency with GORPS. The
achievement in ADF Other Ranks pay reform
pay grade structure for all OR ranks;
GORPS is now complete.
and will:
restructure FSGT and WOFF pay incre“The proposed placements for Airmen
consolidate the current 16 pay groups into
ments from three to two to reduce incur- Aircrew have now been approved as well, and
10 pay grades, but with the same total range
sion into the Executive WOFF structure and their pay will be backdated to September 4 to
Graded Officer Pay Structure;
of salary placement;
align with GORPS,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.
The GORPS project is independent of ADF
workplace remuneration negotiations that have
delivered average salary increases of about
4.2 per cent each year since November 2006.
The final ADF pay rise of 2.8 per cent under
Air Force musterings were placed manager has been applied, which cointhe current arrangement falls due in February
into GORPS with either a ‘Value cides with promotion to FSGT. Also,
2009, after which the next round of remuneraAdded Transition (VAT)’ or a ‘Simple trade supervisors in a range of trades
tion setting negotiations will start.
Transition’. VAT applies to musterings are now clearly recognised by pay pro“More information will be made availthat have been re-aligned within GORPS gression at CPL rank.
able over coming weeks from DP-AF and
Simple Transition applies to musterbecause of changes to work value since
the Directorate of Military Salaries and
ings whose pay group placement from
their last DFRT review.
Allowances – Policy. The Air Force People
VAT deals with changes to factors the old 16 grade structure maps directly
Central website will feature details soon, while
such as contribution to capability, to the new GORPS structure at the same
a specialist team from DGPERS-AF will conincreased sophistication of technology or similar pay grade. All musterings
duct base road-show sessions in the new year,”
and work processes, increased govern- that were not fully reviewed as part of
ance and accountability, more demand- GORPS will ‘Simple Transition’ into
AIRMSHL Binskin said.
ing supervisory and management roles the new 10-grade structure.
“The GORPS result is significant. All airSpecial cases of the VAT and Simple
and sustainability issues – including
men workforce trades now have their respective
wage pressure from national and global Transition groupings are the new
work value contributions to Air Force capabilCombat 2 Special Tactics placements
labour market forces.
ity updated within a recalibrated pay structure.
A key part of the VAT result is that and the Airmen Aircrew placements.
This new structure will serve us better across
for all technical, most intelligence and Airmen Aircrew have been placed into
the next decade: better for Air Force overall
some other family trades, a new VAT a new competency-based progression
and better for each individual – those people
differentiation between supervisor and structure.
for which the Air Force is so well renowned
across Australia and around the world.”
Value Adding to work
Advertising Representative
Tim Asher: (07) 3332 7651
0414 552 667
[email protected]
Postal address:
R8–LG–048, Russell Offices
Canberra, ACT 2600
Disclaimer
AIR FORCE News is published fortnightly by
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by Capital Fine Print. The publisher reserves
the right to refuse advertising if it is deemed
inappropriate and to change the size of the ad,
print type or other specifications if material is
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is accepted for publication does not mean that
the product or service has the endorsement of
Defence or AIR FORCE News.
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News 3
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
Our Hercs
cs
turn 50
in style
By FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton
HALF a century of Hercules service
to Australia was celebrated in style with
a massive reunion at RAAF Base Richmond on November 1.
Kick-started by a four-ship fly-over of
C-130s over Sydney, in the evening more
than 700 guests congregated in a hangar
at Richmond.
To enter the festivities, guests took a
familiar route – through the hangar via
the crew entry door and fuselage of a
C-130E training airframe.
Once inside, the evening was an
opportunity for all generations of
RAAF Hercules history to reminisce,
from maintainers and crew on the first
C-130As through to the C-130H and
C-130J personnel of today.
The actual anniversary occurs
on December 13, when the first five
C-130As touched down at RAAF Base
Richmond in 1958.
That year, the Air Force set an international standard for the world’s most
popular combat tactical airlifter, being the
first international air force of more than
60 nations to operate the type.
Since then, the Air Force has amassed
more than 740,000 hours across 48 airframes, all without accident.
CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin said
the various models of Hercules have been
the backbone of many of the ADF’s most
important operations during the past 50
years.
“In marking 50 years of C-130 service,
we recognise the dedication of the thousands of aircrew, ground and support personnel and contractors who have worked
hard to fly and maintain the Hercules
in Australia and in deployed locations
around the world,” he said.
Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of
Business Development for Air Mobility
and Special Operations Forces programs, Jim Grant, said: “More than 2300
Hercules have rolled off our assembly
line. No other military aircraft in history
has been in continuous production for 53
years – that is more than half of the entire
history of aviation.
“You only have to look at the television to see the Hercules in action. After
any disaster, a Hercules crew will be the
first to land to bring in relief supplies.”
He said it was appropriate the Air
Force’s H and J model fleet is now being
applied with the same two-tone grey
camouflage scheme, unofficially titled
‘Combat Dolphin’ at 37SQN.
“It is the only unit in the world that
flies both [models]. That is quite an
KNEES UP: Above from left, OC 86WG GPCAPT
Gary Martin, SGT Damien Altman, Commander ALG
AIRCDRE Ian Scott, SGT Ryan Bowden and CO 37SQN
WGCDR Matt Hegarty show off the 50th anniversary
commemorative tail.
Photo: SGT Brett Sherriff
KEEPING IT TIGHT: Left, two C-130Js and a C-130H fly
along the NSW coast to mark the aircraft’s anniversary.
Photo: LAC Christopher Dickson
HAPPY DAY: Far left, WGCDR Hegarty, CAF AIRMSHL
Mark Binskin and CDF ACM Angus Houston at the crew
entry door of the C-130E for the ‘Hangar Bash’.
Photo: AC Michael Green
accomplishment, but it is a role that is only
to be expected from a squadron whose
motto is ‘Foremost’,” Mr Grant said.
CDF ACM Angus Houston conveyed
his personal and official appreciation for
what he described as “one of the most successful and valuable aircraft types that our
Air Force has ever operated”.
As OC 86WG at Richmond from
1994 to 1995, the then GPCAPT Houston
underwent conversion to the C-130H.
“I will always value the flying time I
logged on the C-130,” ACM Houston said.
“It was always going to be an extraordinary aircraft that could meet an evolving array of demands over 50 years and
remain as relevant, or even more relevant,
than it was on arrival.
“But that is the story behind what
the Hercules has achieved in Australian
service. They gave Australia a combination of range and lift capability which our
Air Force had never possessed before. It
filled a critical niche in the capabilities
Australia had to have if the ADF was to
achieve what was demanded of it.
“The range of medium lift tasks which
the Herc could perform has been prodigious, ensuring that the Air Force has been
able to deploy and support the forces that
Australia has contributed to wars and troublespots around the world.
“No less notable has been the work
that it has performed within Australia –
our internal distances are such that even
movements mounted within our own borders are usually the equal of expeditionary
operations outside the region.
“I have no doubt that I am speaking for
everyone associated with the Herc over the
years, when I say ‘happy 50th anniversary,
old girl,’” he said.
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4 News
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
Proud and
nd
positive
HAPPY TO BE HERE: The Defence Attitude Survey produced
mixed results from Air Force respondents, with the majority
indicating satisfaction with most aspects of their career.
Photo: LAC Scott Woodward
DAS results ‘a change for the better’
By Belinda Mitchell
AIR Force members remain proud
of their Service and are willing to put
in extra effort to help the Air Force succeed, according to the results of the latest Defence Attitude Survey (DAS).
Each year, in November, the DAS is
distributed to a randomly-selected 30 per
cent of ADF and APS personnel. Its key
focus areas are supervision and leadership,
career management, postings, work-life
balance, change management, conditions
of service and family issues.
Participants provide Defence with an
insight into their attitudes and opinions
on issues affecting their workplace, their
career and their family. This gives members a voice in the way the Department
shapes its personnel-related policy and programs. The results are analysed for trends,
building a detailed picture of the changes
in the Defence organisational climate and
contributing to the development of new
initiatives to improve Service conditions
and enhance the welfare of Defence members and their families.
CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin said
that the results of the latest (2007) DAS
were “a change for the better” over the
2006 survey results.
“The positive effects of the initiatives
implemented following the 2006 report
show an improved level of satisfaction,”
AIRMSHL Binskin said.
Most members showed pride in the Air
Force, enjoy Service life and have confidence and trust in their immediate supervisors and the senior Air Force leadership.
Members trust Defence to operate with
fairness and integrity, and are willing to
put in extra effort to help the Air Force be
successful.
Air Force personnel are satisfied with
most aspects of their careers, and have
maintained positive perceptions of their
local unit and their working conditions.
Their training had prepared them well for
their duties and their current posting made
use of their skills and training. There was
a significant increase in the number of
respondents who were satisfied with their
salaries and remuneration packages, and
the majority believed that their working
hours, workload and operational commitments were not excessive.
Although Air Force responses since
2001 indicate an upward trend in workplaces encouraging a healthy balance
between work, home and family, there is
still more to be done. Commanders and
supervisors will still have an active role to
play in ensuring a suitable work-life balance through the provision and implementation of flexible work and leave policies
and practices.
Locational stability and the impact of
postings on partners and children remain
a source of dissatisfaction, although recent
initiatives that enhance posting tenure
appear to have slowed the trend.
Of concern is a downward trend in the
number of respondents who fully understood how their work contributes to their
unit and to Air Force as a whole. Almost
half believed that their contributions were
not valued by their superiors, and the
majority felt that they did not receive the
recognition they deserved, either verbally
or through awards, honours and medals.
Most respondents believed it was important that special occasions were marked in
some way.
The majority were dissatisfied with
the information communicated to them
about changes in Defence, with significant concerns being raised about the planning, management and implementation of
changes in their workplace.
“I accept that there are areas that still
need work and we are doing everything
we can to address the issues. However, it is
also nice to know we are getting it right at
times,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.
“I encourage you all to keep up the
good work. Stay motivated and please
communicate any concerns as we continue
to shape Air Force for future challenges.”
The 2008 DAS questionnaires have
been promulgated. If you are selected to
participate, please voice your needs, opinions and attitudes. Your participation provides Air Force’s senior leadership with
the information required to ensure its personnel-related policies and programs are
meeting the needs of you, the members.
Survey snapshot
Positive results
Pride in Air Force
Training
Areas to improve
Trust and confidence in
supervisors and leaders
Work-life balance
Willingness to get the job
done
Communication (especially
about change)
Working conditions
Recognition
Locational stability
Want the whole story?
For the full results of the survey, check out:
www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dpe_site/publications/2007_Defence_Attitude_Survey_
Summary_of_Results.pdf
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Air Force remembers
Catafalque Party member LAC Kon Wright from the Combat Support
Unit at RAAF Base Edinburgh presents arms as other Air Force
members salute during the 90th anniversary of Remembrance Day
commemoration service on base. Commemoration services were held
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Photo: LAC Glen McCarthy
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News 5
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
Update on ABC centres
“DCO is encouraging members to
support the Defence childcare centres
to ensure that they do remain viable
and open,” she said.
“We are asking affected families,
including those starting the new year
in a new location, to register their
email contact details while they are
on holidays or in transit, so they can
receive the latest updates.”
To receive emailed updates, send
the following information to: defence.
[email protected]
name;
email address;
childcare centre used; and
employment status (ADF/APS/
community).
Other sources for updates are:
government website: www.mychild.
gov.au
DCO website for Defence families:
www.defence.gov.au/dco
dedicated ABC information hotline: 180 2003.
THE Defence Community Organisation (DCO) is working closely
with the receiver of ABC Learning Centres and the government to
secure the continuity of childcare
services.
Minister for Defence Science and
Personnel Warren Snowdon MP has
already written to families saying the
government was doing everything
possible to ensure the ongoing provision of high-quality care for Defence
families.
Deputy Prime Minister Julia
Gillard has announced up to $22m to
ensure that all ABC childcare centres
remain open until December 31, providing some immediate stability.
Maureen Greet, DCO’s childcare
program manager, said mobility was
the principle driver for the facilitation
of Defence childcare and that Defence
families needed to access some form of
childcare on arrival in a new locality.
WEATHER AIRMEN: Above, members of 382ECSS fan out to
start clean-up operations following big storms in The Gap area of
Brisbane.
TREE TOPPED: Right, FSGT Rod Amos uses a chainsaw to slice up
an uprooted tree in a residents’ front yard near to his parents-in-law’s
house, which was also badly damaged by the storms.
Photos: CPL Melina Mancuso
Cleaning up
the streets
By FLGOFF Bruce Chalmers
THE storms arrived on Sunday
November 16 and wreaked havoc
across Brisbane suburbs; havoc not
seen for two decades in the city.
Usually the Air Force descends
from the skies to help following a
natural disaster, but this time they
descended on the scene in buses, fire
tenders and Security Police vehicles.
T/CO 382ECSS SQNLDR
Jonathan McMullan sent out a call
for volunteers to help at 8am on
November 18 and within an hour,
more than 120 382ECSS personnel
from RAAF Base Amberley were
waiting to be transported to The Gap
in Brisbane to clean up the damage.
Local resident Debbie Street said
she thought the Air Force was marvellous.
“We had just arrived home from
collecting a tarpaulin to cover our
damaged roof and saw the Air Force
in the street,” she said. “The sight of
Air Force members was enough to
give me the courage to ask if they
could remove a fallen tree in our
driveway.
“After telling me it would be a
pleasure, the team was in my driveway within a minute, removing
fallen trees from my place and my
neighbour’s.
“My damage was minimal. I
know that others were in a worse
position, but the Air Force made
me feel that there was no one more
important. They were just marvellous,” Ms Street said.
FSGT Rod Amos from 382ECSS
spent Monday repairing damage to
his parents-in-law’s house nearby.
“Their house was badly damaged by water. When I was asked if I
was prepared to help with this task, I
agreed because I had seen the extent
of the damage the day before.
“We’re just using our everyday
tools of trade to help out here. It’s
what we do best,” he said.
For No. 23 (City of Brisbane)
Squadron reservist and SECPOL
trainee, AC Evan Morley (pictured
on the front page), the clean-up was
closer to home. He lives in the middle of the storm-damaged area.
“I was actually on duty at
Amberley when the storm hit. When
I got home I was shocked at the damage in my street,” he said.
“Trees across driveways, one
jammed across a garage door. I was
lucky there was only some very
minor damage at home. I knew I had
to help when the call came.
“It’s an added bonus that I am
able to be part of the Air Force team
cleaning up.”
SQNLDR McMullan said that
the Air Force role was to help as part
of the greater Defence response, to
work with the Brisbane City Council
and to clear driveways and streets as
much as possible to allow civilian
authorities access to assist the residents of the affected suburbs.
Don’t fall into a debt trap
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^ Source: Infochocie 17.11.2008
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6 News
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
Seventh
heaven
SAW’s first ACO course graduates
By FLTLT Paul Smart
IT WAS A happy day on November 6 for the first seven personnel to
graduate from the School of Air Warfare’s first Air Combat Officer (ACO)
course (ACO1).
Program Manager Airborne Early
Warning and Control AVM Chris
Deeble reviewed the parade.
The graduation was the culmination
of 10 months of hard work, and CO
SAW WGCDR Jake Campbell said it
marked a significant milestone for the
Air Force.
“The ACO vision required the coming together of the previous Air Battle
Management (ABM), Air Electronics
Officer (AEO) and Navigator categories, combining their collective knowledge and skills to better train the future
war-fighters of the Air Force,” he said.
The ACO category was officially
brought into service on December 11,
2006, with this course the first to graduate under the new curriculum.
The ACO graduates are now armed
with the skills and knowledge required
for future Air Force capabilities.
“The SAW worked hard to develop
a new training package that met this
vision for the future as well as satisfy
the current needs of the FEGs that the
graduates will fill,” WGCDR Campbell
said.
“SAW has also crossed significant cultural boundaries to implement
ACOs.
“[The school] has trained ex-navigator ACO instructors in ABM tasks,
ex-ABM and AEO Instructors in aviation training. This is a significant cultural achievement, and one that SAW
is very proud of.”
The newly-developed course
emphasises the mission management
and mission command aspects of air
operations. It includes a dedicated
block of training incorporated into the
schedule in which students are encouraged to develop their leadership and
joint military appreciation skills.
The students also cover basic aspects
of ABM, conducting ‘one versus one’
WELL DONE: Reviewing officer AVM Chris Deeble is flanked by Leadership Award winner PLTOFF Mel Houston
(left), Dux and Mogli Spear recipient PLTOFF Neville Moyle, and Highest Academic Achievement award winner
PLTOFF Jenna Higgins (right). AVM Deeble is holding the Mogli Spear, previously presented to SAW by the
local Gunnai/Kurnai people as a symbol of air warfare. It is now presented as part of the ACO course award for
excellence in mission command.
Photo: FSGT Kev Berriman
intercept training, as well as the highly
diverse flying training on the King Air
350.
Throughout the course, the students
had opportunities to travel throughout the country; to other RAAF bases
including Edinburgh, Williamtown and
Townsville, to see how the operational
units function as well as more ‘adventurous’ flights around Victoria, NSW,
Queensland and Norfolk Island, which
provided them further valuable training.
The inaugural winner of the
Hawker Pacific Air Combat Officer
Trophy for Dux was PLTOFF Neville
Moyle, who has been posted to No. 3
Control and Reporting Unit at RAAF
Base Williamtown.
PLTOFF Moyle will be joined by
four other graduates from 1ACO, with
two other graduates posted to 292SQN
at RAAF Base Edinburgh for AP-3C
conversion, starting next year.
Job’s done on Op Outreach
“The Servicemen and women
involved in this unique operation have
made a valuable contribution to the
NTER, providing much-needed logistic,
transportation, and communications support,” Minister for Defence Science and
The operation began on June 27 last Personnel Warren Snowdon MP said.
Drawdown of personnel will be comyear, involving more than 600 personnel
from the three Services.
pleted this month.
OPERATION
Outreach
has
wrapped up in the Top End after more
than 16 months supporting the Northern Territory Emergency Response
(NTER) to protect Aboriginal children
from abuse.
“If you want to meet the challenges of security
science in today’s world, there’s nowhere else to go.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve studied, but all trepidation was erased by the excellent support offered by ECU staff.
That support allowed me to focus on my studies. The course is an excellent foundation for those aspiring to
excellence in the security field. It prepares the individual, opening the mind to the myriad of further studies and
professional development required to meet the challenges of professional security management in this new
millennium’s security environment.”
– ECU Bachelor of Security Science graduate, Raymond Andersson
Reach your potential. Call 134 ECU (134 328), email [email protected] or visit security.ecu.edu.au for info on
courses including Counter Terrorism, Security Science and Security Management.
ECU Security Science graduates speak for themselves
303ECU3916
CRICOS IPC 00279B
News 7
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
34SQN’s
top 20
By Barry Rollings
NO. 34 SQUADRON members
took time out during their recent celebration of 20,000 incident-free flying hours to calculate that it was the
equivalent of about 2¼ years up in the
air for its Special Purpose Aircraft.
But to anyone who attended their
morning tea on October 21 at Defence
Establishment Fairbairn to celebrate
the landmark, it was obvious that
nothing is left “up in the air” in the
down-to-earth professional approach
to safety and cooperation between
34SQN and its key stakeholders, the
Special Purpose Aircraft Management
Unit (SPAMU) and Qantas Defence
Services (QDS).
Special guests at the function
included: Head of Aerospace Systems
AVM Clive Rossiter, Director-General
Aerospace Maritime and Surveillance
Systems AIRCDRE Colin Thorne,
Q D S G e n e r a l M a n a g e r G av i n
Campbell, and Director Aerospace
Simulators and Special Purpose
Aircraft Mark Fairleigh.
The 20,000 hours represents actual
flying time for its aircraft on domestic
and overseas tasks. It does not include
taxiing time and waiting on aprons for
take-off clearance. Qantas does all of
the maintenance on the Challengers in
Canberra, while the heavy maintenance
on the BBJs is done in Melbourne.
Head of SPAMU Mr Eade said he
and his team looked forward to working with 34SQN, Qantas and QDS to
ensure “we continue to provide safe
and reliable capability to Government
into the future”.
AVM Rossiter thanked Qantas at
the function.
“Each of you has been part of the
SPA family in one way or another; the
important people in the room basically
are yourselves,” he said.
“It is a great pleasure to be here to
celebrate this significant achievement,
which represents a lot of miles, lots
of VIPs carried and a lot of meals and
beverages served. We celebrate a lot
of hard work, commitment and service over many years to reach today’s
milestone.
“When the SPA was introduced to
replace the Falcon 900, it introduced
a new way of doing business, new
arrangements and new airworthiness
systems,” AVM Rossiter said.
LONG HAUL: Front row from left, FLGOFF Aaron Barker, WOFF Robert Swanwick and SGT Peter White; back
row, ACW Meghean McKay, LACW Jessica Johnson, Patrick Britten from Qantas Defence Services, SQNLDR
Michael Que Hee, PLTOFF Paul Rattigan, Stephen Wells from Qantas, FSGT Anthony Oestreich and SGT
Pauline Koitka join together to celebrate 20,000 hours of incident-free flying.
Photo: AB Jo Dilorenzo
New relationships were established
and although there had been frustration
and teething problems, AVM Rossiter
recalled that despite the high tempo
of the time, a strong sense of purpose
pervaded all teams to introduce a new
platform with new systems.
“That we are standing here today
celebrating the 20,000 hours is a testament to the maturing of the relationships in those processes,” he said.
QDS General Manager Gavin
Campbell described the arrangement
as the model of the future. “It is a
strong, stable program that performs
very highly,” Mr Campbell said.
“The four ‘Ps’ occur here. The first
‘P’ is for people. I am impressed with
their pride, passion and commitment.
“The second ‘P’ is partnership.
With 34SQN, SPAMU and QDS there
is a far stronger partnership than I see
across most programs. The third ‘P’ is
for profile; the fourth is progress.”
34SQN XO SQNLDR Que Hee
paid tribute to all supporting units who
helped achieve the milestone. He said
34SQN had a good reputation for its
service in its provision, delivery, and
timely reliability.
“We have a highly-trained team
working well with its partners in a
great relationship,” SQNLDR Hee
said.
While everyone celebrated the
milestone, crew attendant trainees
from 285SQN used the opportunity to
practise their skills by serving morning
tea as a catering exercise.
HQJOC facility finished
THE new Headquarters Joint
Operations Command (HQJOC)
complex is now complete and
ready for occupation.
More than 600 staff, including
about 140 Air Force personnel, will
fill the facility in the new year, with
early arrivals already in position.
The Bungendore complex was
formally handed over to JOC by
the Parliamentary Secretary for
Defence Support Dr Mike Kelly
MP on November 14. Also present
were senior members of the Praeco
consortium and Thales which had
delivered and fitted out the facility.
Dr Kelly said the completed
complex was an effective, worldclass platform for the command and
control of Australian forces within
Australia and around the world. He
said environmental issues like road
access were being improved by a
$23.3 million Federal program and
the complex had also been landscaped to have zero impact on local
water resources.
The visual impact of the building had also been minimised by
building it on lower ground, virtually out of sight from the main
road.
But the real wizardry is now
inside, according to BRIG Wayne
Budd, Director General of the
HQJOC project.
“In the early days I called this a
farm shed in a sheep paddock. Now
I’ve got to say it’s the most hi-tech
farm shed anyone could envision,”
he said.
“The handover is a big milestone
for Defence, which now had a truly
joint HQ in one location.”
Two weeks of user testing follows the handover.
aviation
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8 News
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
JDAM-ER
R
a winnerr
By FLGOFF Melody Earl
A THIRD successful concept technology demonstration of the Joint
Direct Attack Munition – Extended
Range (JDAM-ER) was the result of
the continued collaborative efforts of
the Aerospace Operational Support
Group (AOSG), Defence Science and
Technology Organisation (DSTO),
Boeing and Hawker de Havilland.
By fitting the Joint Direct Attack
Munition (JDAM) with an Extended
Range kit, JDAM can now fly further
but hit just as hard.
Boeing’s Hawker de Havilland subsidiary developed the extended range kit
from DSTO’s Kerkanya technology,
Recent trials conducted by AOSG’s
Development and Test Wing units at
Woomera Range Test Facility of the
JDAM-ER, achieved better results than
anticipated.
AOSG deployed a team and a Hornet
to Woomera and, with DSTO, demonstrated the performance enhancements
of the extended range system.
By extending the range, weapon
delivery becomes more flexible resulting in an increase in aircrew and launch
aircraft survivability.
The outcome of the trial left Minister
for Defence Science and Personnel
Warren Snowdon MP praising the
project team.
“The value of such trials resulting in
greater capability and increased safety
for our ADF personnel is exciting,” Mr
Snowdon said.
Colin Coleman, the DSTO’s Research
Leader, Air Weapon Systems, said the
original JDAM was a GPS-guided bomb
that already had high accuracy.
“The JDAM-ER is a simple idea. It is
a fold-out wing kit that is strapped on,”
he said. “Compared to the JDAM, the
JDAM-ER behaves more like a hangglider than a sky-diver.
“In the latest trials, all three bombs
exceeded the range envelope and we
are now exploring other capabilities like
high-angle impact and mid-course corrections to test the autopilot.”
The success of the trial has prompted
discussion for further development and
further trials are planned for 2009.
BANG ON: Above, the AABPO Deployment Group personnel pose
with a JDAM-ER in front of the trials Hornet at the end of the trials.
TEST FLIGHT: Right, the Hornet flies over the Woomera Test Facility
with a JDAM-ER missile mounted on the port wing.
HANGING OUT: Left, the underside of the Australian-developed
Extended Range wing kit fitted to the JDAM is clearly shown in this
close-up image.
Photos: SGT Shane Gidall
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International 9
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
Cup rocks MEAO
By FLTLT Skye Smith
THE race that stops a nation
didn’t stop AP-3C missions at Task
Group 633.2, but the day was still
celebrated in true Aussie style with
a Middle Eastern twist.
Although there was no champagne and chicken breakfast to start
the day, those off-duty still enjoyed
some of the same traditions that they
would back home.
The morning started with anticipation and excitement over the lucky
pot sweepstakes and the chance to
watch the race telecast live.
For CPL Natalie Giles, a clerk
from 381ECSS at RAAF Base
Williamtown, seeing the crowds of
people at the Melbourne Cup on TV
sparked a family connection to her
younger sister who was at the races.
“The Melbourne Cup is always a
big event that I look forward to back
home so it was great to be able to
have some fun and share this experience with my new friends at the task
group,” CPL Giles said.
The task group camel races
brought out the fittest personnel to
represent their sections in a game
of luck and skill. With a roll of the
dice, each member was presented
with several obstacles along the race
track to get to the finishing line.
Challenges such as dancing the
Macarena by LAC Matthew Trovato
(from 1AOSS at RAAF Base
Amberley) earned three spaces on
the track, while CPL Pete ‘Horse’
Hawcroft (from 1AFDS at RAAF
Base Edinburgh) ‘acted like a horse’
to earn two spaces. But it wasn’t
enough for either to win this camel
race.
The ‘Spider’ maintenance shift,
represented by SGT Chris Moore,
crossed the line first with the
force protection team, led by CPL
Hawcroft, snapping at its heels.
With the maintainers taking
out first place honours, the punters
turned their hands to a Melbourne
Cup-inspired trivia quiz.
After the 20-question round, broken up with ‘rock-offs’ and a game
of heads-or-tails, two teams tied for
the winning place.
FLTLT Lee Richards from force
protection and SQNLDR Lee Warren
representing the headquarters team
went head-to-head in a photo finish
for the quiz title.
With both members unable to
answer the deciding question of
which horse came last in the 2008
Melbourne Cup, as they had been
busy at work during the race, a rock
off was declared the tie breaker.
FLTLT Richards won the first
round; SQNLDR Warren came back
and took out the second. Finally,
FLTLT Richards won the third round
for force protection who were gallant
in their victory, making up for their
second place in the camel races.
“Everyone is extremely focused
on their role at the task group, so
events such as the Melbourne Cup
provide a great opportunity to have
some fun and enjoy some Australian
traditions,” CTG 633.2 WGCDR
Perry Jolley said.
BEST HOOF FORWARD: Above,
team members get ready for the
Melbourne Cup ‘camel race’.
ON A ROLL: Left, SGT Chris Moore
from ‘Spider’ maintenance kicks the
dice to take the lead during the
camel race as CTG 633.2 WGCDR
Perry Jolley waits his turn. ‘Spider’
maintenance took the race.
Photos: TG 633.2
TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?
Search for
lost airmen
step closer
AUSTRALIA’s last two missing Servicemen from the Vietnam
War may be a step closer to being
found.
FLGOFF Michael Herbert
and PLTOFF Robert Carver from
2SQN disappeared on November
3, 1970 when their Canberra
bomber disappeared from radar
about 65km south-west of Da
Nang as it returned to its base at
Phan Rang from a night bombing
mission.
An extensive search by US and
Australian aircraft failed to find
any trace of the men or the aircraft and the subsequent inquiry
failed to determine any cause for
the disappearance.
On November 13, Minister for
Defence Science and Personnel
Warren Snowdon MP announced
the start of a new investigation
that will draw on the relationship between the Army history
unit and the Vietnamese government, resources from Australia,
the US and Vietnam and the
Air Operations Division of the
Defence Science and Technology
Organisation.
“As the [last] two ADF personnel missing following the Vietnam
War, we should ensure every
possible avenue is explored to
account for them,” Mr Snowdon
said.
THE GOOD NEWS
History has shown that when the share market suffers sharp or
sustained falls, investors turn to residential property investment.
(source: Australian Property Investor)
source: www.asx.com.au
Increases in property of between 15 – 20% have occurred within
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property investment.
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to cost him $500* per fortnight.
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when making an investment decision.
Spectrum’s wealth creation strategies consider:
The sure way to miss success is to miss the opportunity.
Falling Interest Rates
Falling vacancy rates
Falling supply of
Increasing rents
investment properties
Increasing Government Incentives
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Call 1300 784 246
or visit www.spect.com.au
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News 11
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
Perfect
beat
Air Force Band
joins the Starlight
Express for kids
By Michael Brooke
By LACW Julia Stoppa
CPL Murray York is no stranger to drumming up
support for a worthy cause.
CPL York raised much-needed financial support
for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) on
Pink Ribbon Day by participating in a 24-hour drumming marathon in Sydney’s Wynard Park.
The marathon started at 7am on October 27, raising
$2800 for the NBCF and allowing city workers to literally rock around the clock.
CPL York said he was a smash hit with the public
because of the AC/DC and Australian Crawl covers he
played, as well as the advice and equipment he received
from the staff at Billy Hyde drum music shop.
Currently posted to 325 Expeditionary Combat
Support Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond, CPL York
has been drumming for about 15 years, with bands such
as ‘Kill the DJ’, but this marked his biggest gig to date.
He said he was happy that the marathon had made a
big noise on Pink Ribbon day and raised awareness of
breast cancer issues as well as funds for the NBCF.
His achievement of drumming for 24 hours straight
for charity compares favourably to the world record of
85 hours, which was set by Gery Jallo in Belgium, in
February 2007.
CPL York said he thoroughly enjoyed the challenge
of the fundraising activity which, other than a blister on
one finger, was relatively painless and enjoyable.
“I had a break for five minutes every hour and
longer breaks for lunch and dinner,” he said. “But nothing was left to chance as St John’s Ambulance officers
were on hand to monitor my pulse and fluid intake.”
cast throughout the wards for children
who were too ill to leave their rooms.
Intended to capture children’s imaginations, the show included music from different cultures and styles.
The group was assisted by CPLs
Byron Crump and Lee Gray who added
percussion effects and acted out some
stories to the music, lending a bit of slap
stick to the show. Air Force arrangers
CPLs Daniel Phillips and Ben Manstead
arranged film music as well as an interactive version of a popular children’s
song, ‘Bear Hunt’ for the performance.
Many members of the audience were
families of long-term patients of the hospital and were “thrilled” to have distraction and entertainment for the morning.
The Starlight Express Room team
said that they were very grateful for the
contribution to their program and invited
Air Force band ensembles to perform
again at any time.
DRUMMING UP CHARITY: CPL Murray York from
382ECSS rocks around the clock for charity during
a 24-hour drumming marathon in Sydney to raise
money for breast cancer.
Photo: AC Michael Green
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On October 28, the Air Force clarinet
quartet, comprising LACs Sandra Brown,
Amy Hughes, Ben Williams and Julia
Stoppa, performed a 45-minute program
of light music at the ‘Starlight Express
Room’ in the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The Starlight Express Room is a hightech entertainment room run by ‘Captain
Starlight’, which provides a haven where
children can escape the pain and sterility
of hospital life. Its aim is to brighten the
lives of seriously-ill children and their
families. This is realised with the help
of volunteers who run activities for the
children whose ages range from infants
to 16 years old.
The quartet designed a program to be
performed live and recorded for broad-
Look
SWAPP Select provides
a range of employment
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THE lives of some seriously-ill children in Melbourne were brightened for
a short time recently, thanks to members of the Air Force Band.
ALL ABOARD: The clarinet quartet and friends with volunteers from the
Starlight Express Room. Band members, back row from left, are: CPL Byron
Crump, LACW Amy Hughes, LACW Julia Stoppa, LAC Ben Williams, LACW
Sandra Brown and CPL Lee Grey.
Photo: CPL Duncan Rae
Bandies to walk the walk
IN MARCH next year, eight least $1000 to help overcome poverty
members of the Air Force Band will and suffering around the world.
Trailwalker is all about teamwork,
take part in Oxfam’s Trailwalker.
providing a great way for friends or
colleagues to bond and develop team
spirit. Teams must start together, go
through each checkpoint together, and
finish together. They also have to train
and fundraise together. Trailwalker
began as a military
training exercise in
Hong Kong in 1981
but has become one
of the world’s leading
sporting challenges.
To raise money,
the teams are holding a concert, “Off
the Beaten Track” at
7.30pm on December
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13
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
Malaysian maritime
moments
AIR FORCE News takes a final look
at our people in action at Butterworth
during Exercise Bersama Lima ’08
ON SCREEN: 1SQN
ops clerk LACW
Kristy Attwood keeps
busy during Exercise
Bersama Lima. Image
digitally altered. Photo:
LAC Scott Woodward
HAPPY SNAPPER: Above, 87SQN photographer
LAC Scott Woodward, who helped cover Exercise
Bersama Lima, on the other side of the camera.
Photo: AC Benjamin Evans
FILE INFO: Above left, 10SQN AEA FSGT Leslie
Hall documents an image he captured during an
exercise mission over the South China Sea.
TIGHT SPOT: Left, 10SQN aircraft technician
LAC Luke Gard cleans and checks hoses on an
Orion during the exercise. Photos: AC Vasilis Solomou
TANK TIME: Above, 82WG armament technician SGT Daniel Scott
loads external fuel tanks on to an F-111.
Photo: LAC Scott Woodward
CUSTOMARY: Left, 10SQN AEA SGT Lani Brazier awaits clearances
from a Malaysian Customs Officer on arrival at Butterworth.
Photo: AC Vasilis Solomou
ALL PACKED: Right, 6SQN supplier LAC Andrew Kutnyj conducts
a stocktake of equipment for the exercise.
Photo: AC Benjamin Evans
HEALTHY HELPING HAND: Above, RMAF Base Butterworth’s
pharmacist Ms Phaik See Teh counts capsules for a prescription
during Bersama Lima.
WINDOW VIEW: Rght, 10SQN’s FLTLT Jason Page keeps a
lookout for suspicious vessels during an exercise mission.
PROP UP: Below, 10SQN aircraft technician CPL Ashley Galler
plugs the intake on engine number two of Orion A09-760 in
preparation for flight.
Photos: AC Vasilis Solomou
HIGH SHINE: 6SQN avionics technician
LAC Brian Palmer polishes the
canopy of an F-111 during the major
international exercise in Malaysia.
Photo: LAC Scott Woodward
MEDICAL MIGHT: Above, nursing officer FLGOFF Marnie
Ponton and medical officer FLTLT Max Gorbach from 3CSH
practise a bag and mask resuscitation of a patient in preparation
to support the exercise.
Photo: AC Vasilis Solomou
WARM UP: Left, a 6SQN F-111 is readied for a mission on the
Butterworth flightline.
Photo: LAC Scott Woodward
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News 15
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
Spectacular
lar
showing
CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin would
have felt at home when he joined Chief of
Navy VADM Russ Crane and Navy Systems Commander RADM Steve Gilmore
at the Air Day Spectacular at HMAS Albatross.
The Air Force’s newest CAF is a former
Fleet Air Arm Skyhawk pilot who transferred to the Air Force after the demise of
the RAN’s fixed-wing fleet.
The event was held at the Naval Air
Station HMAS Albatross on October 26
to celebrate the 60th year of the foundation of the RAN’s Fleet Air Arm in August,
1948 and the commissioning of NAS Nowra
(HMAS Albatross).
AIRMSHL Binskin led a powerful Air
Force contribution to the successful day.
A C-17, C-130, F-111 performing a dump
and burn, F/A-18, Hawk and the Roulettes
represented air power, while the Federation
Guard and demonstrations by Military
Working Dogs represented ‘ground power’.
Also representing much of those 60
years were a Canberra and Vampire A79617 from the Temora Aviation Museum, a
Winjeel and CT-4 from the RAAF Museum,
C-47 Dakota A65-95 and a Neptune from
the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society,
and the famous ‘Black Cat’ Catalina.
The day began with a fly-past by a
massed formation of RAN helicopters from
723 and 816SQNs and the RAN’s Historic
Flight, led by a Sea King flying a giant
Australian White Ensign.
The non-stop program then continued
with displays by the military aircraft, warbirds, the Army’s Red Berets parachute
team and civilian aerobatic displays. On the
ground, the public were able to get up close
and personal with several other aircraft
and enjoy displays by Air Force Military
Working Dogs, firefighting displays by the
RAN’s Ships Safety Survivability School,
the Australian Federation Guard and RAN
band. They were also able to inspect the
hangars and take coach tours of the base.
Air Force and Navy photography students
from RAAF Base East Sale also joined the
ADF support team, providing photographic
coverage of the event as a training exercise.
CO Albatross CAPT Mark Sackley said
he was very proud of his ship’s company
and the air day team, who were all “so positive and upbeat ... from the handling of the
ticketing, parking and security to the aircrew and maintainers manning and preparing the static and flying displays.
“I am also very grateful to the Air Force
for providing key members from its air
show team,” he said.
RED HOT SHOW: Above, the
Roulettes maintenance crew from
CFS keep the aircraft flying during
the Air Day Spectacular at HMAS
Albatross. From left, SGT Dallas
Young, LAC Stefan Mapleson, CPL
Matthew Hume, LAC Brian Kendall
and CPL Derek Green. A C-17, C130, F-111, F/A-18 and Hawk joined
the Roulettes in providing Air Force
support to the 60th anniversary event
in Nowra.
Photo: ACW Kylie Gibson
LET’S TALK: Left, 382ECSS aircraft
refueller LAC Andrew O’Grady
explains the ejection module of
an F-111 to Albatross visitor Guy
Blanchard.
Photo: AC David Cotton
How to get
published
AIR FORCE
News encourages
its readers to help
ensure the paper
remains up-to-date
with news from
around Australia.
News stories
should be no more
than 400 words
and feature articles
no more than 800
words.
Photos should be
high resolution digital JPEGs (300DPI)
and contain full
details in the file
information.
Send your
contributions to
raafnews@defence
news.gov.au
Reputation & Results™
Our national military compensation team provides
specialist advice on military compensation claims.
Free call
1800 339 148
FOR SALE: 37SQN aircraft technician CPL David
Hearn sells squadron merchandise at the air day.
Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson
www.slatergordon.com.au
www.darcyssolicitors.com.au
www.darcyssolicitors.com.au
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will love all this resort has to offer including an inviting lagoon pool
with swim-up bar, gym, tennis court and à la carte restaurant.
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room only in a Spa Suite.
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 – from $301* per night,
room only in a Lagoon Spa room.
Receive 2 for 1 breakfast daily on presentation of your Defence ID
Receive 2 for 1 breakfast daily on presentation of your Defence ID
* Conditions apply & subject to availability. Valid for sale until 31/12/2008. Valid for travel until 31/3/2009. Block out dates apply. Prices based on per room per night.
Not valid for conference or group business. Defence ID must be presented on arrival.
And now, we’re giving you even more with our one night free offer.
For bookings, simply call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au
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STE0216
Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas There’s no better place to
cool off and chill out than Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas.
With its centrepiece swimming pool – complete with sandy beach,
private swim-up pool decks and sun lounges – life couldn’t be more
relaxing. You can even enjoy a meal by the pool, at the contemporary
Cascades Restaurant.
There’s nowhere in the world quite like Tropical North Queensland.
With so many unique attractions – including the Great Barrier Reef,
Daintree Rainforest and endless beaches – it’s no wonder Tropical
North Queensland is such a desirable holiday destination. Peppers lets
you enjoy it all with a range of accommodation options and room styles,
from elegant suites to spa rooms.
16 Flightline
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
FILL ’EM UP: Above, recruits Katie Sharpe (left) and Shirley Chan
enjoy the art of sandbagging during a ground defence exercise as
part of ADF Reserves recruit training at RAAF Base Amberley.
Photo: CPL Andrew Eddie
WARREN WISDOM: Above, Minister for Defence
Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon MP has a
laugh with 36SQN XO WGCDR Warren Crouch on
the flightline while touring the C-17 facilities during a
recent visit to RAAF Base Amberley.
Photo: LACW Trisha Wiles
OPEN WIDE: Right, dental assistant CPL Melissa
Riseley checks some gums while on duty at the
RAAF Base East Sale dental section.
Photo: AC David Cotton
Leave
something
so that they
can rebuild
their lives
FAMILY PRIDE: Above, accompanied by his wife Charmaine and
son Callum, SGT Rod Geisler is presented an Air Commander
Australia Commendation from OC 92WG GPCAPT Stephen
Osborne at RAAF Base Edinburgh. SGT Geisler was recognised
for his outstanding performance as a SNCO avionics technician at
11SQN.
Photo: ACW Shannon Urie
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Without you, the next best thing you can leave your
loved ones is security for the future.
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members and families. It covers you even if you are deployed to warlike operations, and
it’s available at premiums that civilians can only dream about.
But don’t wait too long before you act. Waiting until you are told you are to be
deployed is too late. You must take up the insurance before you know you are being
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wish to seek independent advice.This product is underwritten by Asteron Life Limited (ABN 64 001 698 228, AFSL 237903). The Financial
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Personnel 17
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
EDOs’ new look
Changes in the wind for training
and education reorganisation
IT’S A GREAT opportunity
for social get-togethers with
workmates and colleagues but
the end-of-year party season
also holds the potential for unacceptable behaviour hazards
for ADF members and APS employees.
By Andrew Stackpool
SIGNIFICANT changes in Air
Force training and education are
occurring following a directive by
former DCAF AVM John Blackburn
for a “thorough and comprehensive”
review of Air Force’s Professional
Military Education and Training
LEARNING
(PMET) system.
TOGETHER: EDO
In his CAF’s intent, AIRMSHL FLGOFF Rebecca Evans discusses
Mark Binskin said that education was training development with WOFF
David White (left) and SGT Paul
one of his highest priorities.
AVM Blackburn initiated his Murdoch. Photo: WGCDR Neville Gregory
review under Project AFTER, the
Air Force Training and Education
Training Framework (AQTF)
Review. Project director GPCAPT
standards and audits;
Loch Mitchell is to report to the CAF
coordinating and reviewing educaAdvisory Committee by next March.
tion and training policy;
Other changes are also in train
providing specialist training systo implement a ‘whole of Air Force’
tem design support to major and
approach to training and education.
minor aerospace capital acquisition
Policy on education and training from
project managers;
higher command will be provided
coordinating and managing the prodirectly to all Force Element Groups
duction of Air Force Employment
rather than by streaming through the
Group specifications and training
Air Force Training Group (AFTG) to
competencies; and
the other FEGs.
overseeing the quality of the
ACAUST AVM Mark Skidmore
PMKeyS Professional Development
is the Chief Executive Officer of
and Training module information.
the Air Force Registered Training
The A7-DT was also given responOrganisation (RTO), and the new sibility for providing technical conDirectorate of Training (A7-DT), trol of the operational FEG-based
headed by GPCAPT Kathryn Dunn, Training System Teams (TSTs). The
was formed at Headquarters Air A7-DT is responsible for issues such
Command last January. She is respon- as standardisation, professional develsible for advising ACAUST on train- opment, networking and collective
ing and education-related matters and reporting. The FEG commanders have
supporting ACAUST for the qual- operational and administrative control
ity of Air Force training. She is also of the TST members.
the sponsor for Air Force’s Education
In another important step, Air
Officers (EDOs).
Force is about to re-register as a RTO.
As part of the reorganisation, RTO status enables quality assurfive functions were transferred from ance of products, national recognition
HQAFTG to the A7-DT. They are:
and civil accreditation of training,
managing RTO status, including satisfaction of licensing and regulamanaging the Australian Quality tory authority requirements, access to
Be sensible
when you
celebrate
this season
IN TRANSITION: SQNLDR Philip Royce is employed as an EDO with
the KC-30A Transition Team in Canberra. Significant changes to the
education and training system in Air Force are underway with a major
review.
Photo: LAC Aaron Curran
delivery and assessment services from
the national system and the ability to
influence the Vocational Training and
Education system.
Further changes may occur following reviews of Project AFTER,
AFTG and the TST system during the
next six months.
The TST review is in response to
recognition by senior command that
the roles of the EDOs have changed
significantly in recent years.
EDO skills in analysis, design and
evaluation can assist Air Force in the
development and conduct of training
to contribute to capability.
Deputy Director Training Policy
and Standardisation WGCDR Neville
Gregory said that training was very
expensive and resource-intensive but
critical to the effective operation of
the Air Force in a joint environment
and enhancement of capability.
“It is imperative that training
meets the workplace needs,” he said.
“With the number of new platforms
being introduced, early input to
Capital Acquisition Projects is important to enable effective training of
personnel to ensure a smooth introduction of the new capability into
service.”
Regardless of where functions
are held and whether they are
outside working hours or not,
breaches of Defence’s unacceptable behaviour policy still attract
the usual workplace sanctions.
All ADF members and APS
employees remain responsible for
their actions. Alcohol consumption, a relaxed social setting or
general high spirits are never an
excuse for unacceptable behaviour.
Commanders and managers are expected to provide clear
guidelines on the starting and
ending times of functions and
to ensure non-alcoholic drinks
are available. Commanders and
managers should also be aware
of the need to model behaviour
that is consistent with Defence
workplace policies.
Clear definitions of what constitutes unacceptable behaviour
can be found in DI (G) PERS 353 Management and Reporting
of Unacceptable Behaviour ,
available on the Fairness and
Resolution Website: http://www.
defence.gov.au/fr/policy/GP35_
03.pdf
You should also be familiar
with the Defence, Service and
APS values and the Code of
Conduct as applicable.
Enjoy your celebrations but
keep them a pleasant experience
for everyone there.
Australian Special Forces
Australische Speciale Krachten
Fuerzas
Especiales
Australianas
ÑÏÅÖÏÎÄÐÀÇÄÅËÅÍÈÅ
ÉøÕÇÎ ÊÇøæÞ
Australiensiska Speciala Styrko
Forze Speciali
Forcas Especiais Australian
Forces Speciales Australiennes
Whatever
Whatever the
the language
language
It’s
It’s still
still world
world class
Phone:
Email:
02 6575 0190
[email protected]
Interested civilians should contactLocal Defence Force Recruiting Centre;
Call 13 19 01
Special Forces
SF
SF SF
Serving members contact Selection Wing staff via-
Special Forces
SF
Special Forces
15
5 5 15
Special
Special Forces
Special
Special Forces
20 10
10 20
SP
EC
SP IAL
EC FO
IA
L F R CE
OR S
CE
S
or visit: www.defencejobs.gov.au
RE
NT
CE RE
G
T
IN
EN
AIN G C
TR
IN
AIN
TR
History 19
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
BULLETIN BOARD
WING MAN: CPL Glen ConradChrist prepares for a flight at RAAF
Base Point Cook in an ex-RAAF
DHC6 Chipmunk training aircraft.
WARBIRD: Below, Mustang A68170, nicknamed ‘Duffy’s Delight’,
restored to pristine condition.
Photos: Sue Conrad
Mustang
sallies
parade at RAAF Base Wagga from
11am.
December 3: The Sydney
Air Force Band
Detachment will support the
November 28: The Ceremonial
officers’ and sergeants’ drinks at
Band will support the 2FTS pilots’
RAAF Base Glenbrook.
graduation from 11am.
December 6: Catalina will give
November 28: The Ceremonial
a performance for seriously ill
Band will support the WOFF-AF
children at Ronald McDonald
farewell parade at RAAF Base
House at 11am.
Wagga from 10am.
December 10: A band trumpeter
November 28: Catalina will provide will support the Brunei
background music for the WOFF-AF Commemoration in Brunei.
dining-out night at the RAAF Base
December 10: The Air Force Wind
Wagga Sergeants’ Mess.
Quintet will give a schools concert
November 28: The Ceremonial
at the Song Room in the Convent,
Band will support the SATC
Abbotsford, Victoria.
graduation parade at RAAF Base
December 10: The Low Brass
East Sale.
Ensemble will provide background
November 28-29: The Sydney
music for the Internet Macintosh
Detachment will perform at the
User Group December meeting at
2008 Defence (Sydney Region)
the Museum of Victoria.
Christmas Treat at RAAF Base
December 10: The Ceremonial
Richmond.
Band will support the laying up of
December 3: The Ceremonial Band the 10SQN Colour at the RAAF Base
will support the 1RTU graduation
Point Cook chapel.
Ex-apprentice reunion
The annual reunion of RAAF exapprentices will be held on January
24, 2009. The function is for all exapprentices and their partners and
will be held at the Werribee RSL,
Melbourne, from 1- 5pm. There will
be a $10 entry fee and dress will be
neat casual.
For more information, contact
Dick Tracy on (03) 9324 6821
or email: philip.tracy@optusnet.
com.au
PCK Flying Club reunion
Former Air Force members of
the Point Cook Flying Club from
1971-1974 are holding a reunion
at the existing flying club on March
20-22, 2009. See the story at left
for more on the Point Cook Flying
Club.
For more information on the
reunion, contact Glen Conrad on
0488 747 737 or email: herken.
[email protected]
By Sue Conrad
AS HER name implies, wild horses
could not have kept Mustang A68-170
from flying again as the centrepiece
aircraft of the RAAF Base Point Cook
Flying Club.
Next to the club’s hut at Point Cook
was a hangar, in which the RAAF
Museum stored a German Me-262 jet
fighter, a Tiger Moth, Puss Moth and a
P-51 Mustang, serial number 170.
SQNLDR Kevin ‘KD’ Duffy, who
was the club’s first chief flight instructor
in 1971, had his interest piqued by the
Mustang.
Perusing the log book, he was surprised to find the [Allison] engine
had been replaced with a Rolls-Royce
Merlin. The engine had flown only eight
hours in a Mark VIII Spitfire.
CPL Glen Conrad-Christ (ret’d), who
gained his wings through the flying club,
takes up the story:
‘KD’ thought that the engine
was sent to Australia for use in the
Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
Mustang program and thus converted to
‘Mustang fit’ by a change of accessories.
One day, he was sifting through the
bits and pieces of the Mustang, remembering his Mustang conversion course at
No. 2 Fighter Operational Training Unit
at Mildura in Victoria in 1945, when he
came across its serial number.
That stunned him a little. He went
back to his office, where he blew the
dust off his log books to revisit July,
1945. His finger ran down the pages
consisting of approximately 30 hours of
flight time on P51-170; then the memories flooded back.
It was not long before the Air Force
had given ‘KD’ the authority to repair
the aircraft. No. 1 Flying Training
School (1FTS) Maintenance Unit did
a lot of extra work, while on weekends
members of the flying club pitched in.
The Mustang began to see some definition, especially after CPL Tom Gilbert
and an unknown metal surface finisher
completed their work on the wings and
airframe. CPL Bruce Bishop did his
magic in manufacturing missing accessories and engine rebuilding.
When would it fly? This was where
the first major setback occurred.
The aircraft was officially a static
exhibit allocated to the RAAF Museum
and there was no official policy that
any of the aircraft were to be returned
to flying status. ‘KD’ wrote to RAAF
Headquarters requesting that the Air
Force operate it as a flying exhibit –
similar to the Battle of Britain Flight in
the UK – but nothing positive was done.
However, he did get approval for a highspeed taxi test, but not a test flight.
We all pushed the aircraft out of the
hangar that Saturday in 1971. The 12cylinder engine barked and crackled
until it hit an even note. As the P-51
showed its tail section to all watching,
‘KD’ began to taxi. He opened the throttles and stood the aircraft tail up. Then,
the aircraft hit a ‘bump’ on the runway
and, after hundreds of manhours and
reams of paper, ‘KD’ and 170 were airborne again for the first time in over 20
years.
For some reason, the Mustang
became airborne again over the next two
runs.
Later, the RAAF Museum was given
approval to return some of the static
exhibits to flight status.
‘KD’ believes that A68-170 is one of
them and that she has flown in some air
shows.
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20 Lifestyle
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
GAMES
Out of Africa
Far Cry 2
Ubisoft
XBox 360/PS3/PC MA15+
★★★★✩
By LS Yuri Ramsey
FAR CRY 2 takes place in an unnamed African nation smack bang in
the middle of a civil war between two
rival factions.
The African landscape is beautifully rendered with stunning visuals
and lighting effects.
Seeing Zebras and Springboks
roaming around, the day, night and
random weather cycle makes the land
seem alive.
It all looks astoundingly pretty.
This setting is far from tranquil,
however, as your character is brought
into the action with the initial mission of killing a notorious arms dealer
called The Jackal.
The game-play is easily compared
to the likes of Grand Theft Auto IV.
You complete missions for various
people and the major factions in the
game world.
But this time you are paid in conflict diamonds, in keeping with the
theme of the game.
It’s not as simple as that, however. Early on, your character contracts
malaria, which requires you to do side
jobs to get more medication to stave of
the sickness.
To accomplish your missions, the
game gives you free reign.
Sneak into well-guarded towns at
night and take out your target with
silenced weapons.
Take the long-range approach with
sniper rifles, or shell an enemy stronghold from a distance with a portable
mortar. It’s your choice.
Another thing Far Cry 2 does
incredibly well is fire.
It actually acts like real fire does,
spreading and burning anything in its
path. It adds an excellent new dimension because, if you’re so inclined, you
can simply set fire to an enemy base
and burn it down.
The 50sq km of map is simply
huge. This is both a curse and a blessing as it can take a long time to go
between locations.
PICTURESQUE:
The fantastic
looking landscape is the
perfect setting for
a free-roaming
shooter.
MERCENARY: Explore a beautiful African wilderness while attempting to hunt down an arms dealer.
Fortunately there are many vehicles
(including boats on the rivers) and bus
stations to make getting around faster.
It’s not as easy as driving from
point A to point B, however.
There are plenty of checkpoints
scattered throughout the map that are
always situated in choke points.
These require you to either drive
through at top speed (almost suicidal),
take out most or all of the occupants,
or simply sneak around on foot to
avoid detection.
One disappointing fact about Far
Cry 2 is that everyone outside designated ‘safe zones’ attacks you on sight
without provocation. This makes it feel
less like a ‘real world’ as it seems everyone is just out to kill you.
Far Cry 2 is not for everyone. The
free-roaming game-play will not suit
those who just want an ‘on-rails’ shooter. But, if you want a truly immersive
game you can’t go wrong with this gem.
MOTORING
Two great Skodas
By WGCDR Ken Llewelyn
Skoda Roomster
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Skoda Octavia RS-Wagon
SKODA last sold in Australia 25 years
ago and faded from favour with tales of
unreliability and poor build quality.
Thankfully, second time around the
brand has improved. This is attributed to
Volkswagen taking ownership in 2000.
One of the new models bursting on to
the scene is the top-of-the-line Octavia RS
station wagon, which features the fourcylinder turbo-charged petrol engine from
the Golf GTi. So it has plenty of zip.
Standard features include climate
control, two-zone aircon, cruise control,
multi-function computer, six-stacker and
a reasonable quality sound system that is
MP3 compatible. It also has a full-sized
spare.
The great engine combined with beautifully balanced sports-tuned suspension,
slick six-speed manual, attractive 18-inch
alloys and well-weighted steering provide a deceptively dynamic car with great
adhesion, helped-by the low profile tyres.
It really was a joy to drive.
THE best thing that can be said about
the Roomster is that it is a practical, if
quirky, car.
On the road, the Roomster steers and
handles well. The huge amount of torque
available from the proven, reliable and
economical 1.9 litre VW diesel requires
minimum gear changes from the fivespeed manual gearbox.
The ride was on the firm side but softens up with more weight in the car.
Rare for a car this size are the massive windows and elevated seating for
rear passengers – a nice touch.
Back seats can be traded for more
cargo space by removing them. No special tools are required, and this frees up
1780 litres of cargo space.
The car has outstanding primary
and secondary safety features, having
achieved five-star ratings in the European
NCAP testing.
The Skoda Roomster’s quirky looks,
its solid engineering base and a very
endearing nature make it great value.
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CO2 emissions: 193g/km
Safety: ESP, ABS, EDB, traction control, brake
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Against: Historical brand perceptions.
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Lifestyle 21
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
HEALTH
Rest to run
your best
Reducing exercise or tapering before a sporting event is essential
for optimal performance. Matt Freke outlines strategies for
tapering in the lead-up to events.
Most delayed onset muscle soreMEMBERS of the ADF are before the event. Reduce the volume
required to maintain their physi- (duration plus frequency) of training ness will settle in three to four days.
cal fitness, which is measured by by 20 per cent each week.
Cease any intensive last minute
sit-up and push-up repetitions and
training before this time.
Moderate fitness
running times.
It’s important to get the maxiALL SYSTEMS GO: Tapering your training can help the body recover before
the big event to improve performance.
Photo: LACW Amanda Campbell
TAPERING FOR A RUN WITH MODERATE TO GOOD FITNESS
Six days before – recovery run with
low heart rate.
Five to three days before – moderate
intensity exercise, can include brief
bursts of race simulation with long
recovery.
and do some accelerations to race
pace or faster, and stretch afterwards.
Rehydrate through the day and have
an early evening meal so food is well
digested before the next day.
Two days before – rest day and
stretches.
On the day – stick to a normal routine.
Warm up to a light sweat followed by
stretches.
The day before – brief exercise 15
to 20 minutes in duration. Warm up
After the run – replace carbohydrates
and proteins used as fuel.
In addition, many members compete in civilian and military sports.
Whether the aim is to pass a PFT
or win a marathon, final preparation
or tapering for an event is important.
Tapering involves a gradual
reduction in a training load to allow
the body to recover.
Months of good training can be
undone by improper amounts of
training close to event time.
Sudden intense training before
an event to make up for poor training patterns can create an adverse
effect. How much and when you
taper depends on the distance and
how fit you are.
Begin tapering two weeks before mum effect of training both physithe event. Reduce the volume of
cally and mentally.
training by 30 per cent each week.
Low fitness
Tips for tapering
Begin tapering 10 days before the Maintain frequency of the trainevent. Reduce the volume of training
ing, it helps with skill and “feel”.
by 50 per cent for the entire period.
Use shorter race intensity with
good recovery. Passive recovery
No fitness
is mainly rest and compression.
Begin tapering three days before
Active recovery may involve masthe event.
sage, stretching or very light carEven if you are unfit and have
diovascular exercise.
not trained, it is generally better to
approach an event fresh rather than Train so it’s easy to recover aftersore from last-minute preparation.
wards.
It’s wise to practise the skill
Matt Freke is the manager of rehainvolved (running, push-ups and sitGood fitness
bilitation services at Army’s 2 Health
ups), but not to the point of exhausServices Battalion.
Begin tapering three weeks tion.
TA K E O F F W I T H A N O N L I N E AV I AT I O N D E G R E E
Match your defence force experience with a tertiary qualification.
BE WHAT YOU WANT TO BE
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CO12094
22 Sport
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
Happy ending
By Scotty Tobias
AIR Force’s lawn bowlers were
crowned champions after thumping
Army and Navy at the Australian
Services Bowls Association’s National Lawn Bowls Championships
in Brisbane from October 13 to 17.
Despite ending Army’s six-year
dominance as Service champions, any
thoughts of Air Force creating their own
dynasty could be short-lived in what
was a remarkable week of lawn bowls.
In only their second year since
joining the competition, the Defence
branch of the Australian Public
Service (APS) emerged as a new force
in Defence lawn bowls finishing runners-up.
Air Force lawn bowlers began their
assault by disposing of Navy.
Despite closing to within seven
shots midway through the match,
Navy could not sustain the pressure
and wilted to lose 94-58.
The Air Force’s next opponents
were the APS. They were the competition’s “X factor” who looked good on
paper with some pundits even predicting they could take out the title. The
APS suffered a narrow loss to Army
in the first round, however, it was difficult to gauge their form due to the
once-indomitable Army missing some
of its top players.
The match was an arm-wrestle
from the start and scores were locked
at 33 shots apiece before APS opened
up an unassailable 25-shot lead. Air
Force reduced the final margin to 12
shots thanks to Player of the Series
CPL Tony Tapper’s team, who recorded the only victory for Air Force
across the four rinks.
In the meantime, history was in the
making on the other green with Navy
leading Army 42-21.
Army’s bowlers were well known
for their strong finish but were unable
to withstand Navy, whose 79-67 victory gave them their first win against
Army in the 23-year history of the
national championships.
With all teams suffering one loss
apiece, the introduction of APS as the
fourth team to the competition now
meant one loss and you weren’t out of
contention.
The trophy was still up for grabs,
with APS starting to show their potential.
Air Force bowlers saved their best
form for the final round and trounced
Army 99-55. They were looking for
a clean sweep to clinch the trophy but
had to settle for three wins and a draw.
The draw would play on the minds
of both teams as they watched the
concluding stages of the APS versus
Navy battle.
All three services were now faced
with the possibility of the trophy
going to the competition’s newest
challenger if they could win all four
games against Navy.
It soon became obvious who Army
and Air Force bowlers were barracking for with every good shot by Navy
received rapturous cheers.
Hand the trophy to a bunch of civvies? No way. Navy were desperate
and eventually lost a thriller 79-77,
despite two wins, one draw and one
loss across the four rinks.
Navy’s two rink wins meant Air
Force were the new Service champions, by the smallest margin in the
competition’s history ahead of APS
with Navy a close third and Army
fourth.
Selected players
Six Air Force bowlers were selected for the Arafura Games 2009
by Commonwealth Games gold
medalist Bill Cornells, who kept an
eye on the greens throughout the
week.
SQNLDR Ian Lane
FLTLT Andrew Gibbs
CPL Tony Tapper
LAC Phil Brown (Reserve)
SQNLDR Warren Schmitt
(Reserve)
FSGT Scott Bourne (Reserve)
LONG TIME BETWEEN RINKS: Air Force’s LAC Phil Brown, 3SQN, attacks
the head on the way to the national title.
Photo: Tammy Mobley
Grand farewell
to soccer guru
ADFA Football Club’s division-four
soccer team sent its retiring coach FSGT
Enrique “Henry” Burnett out in style by
winning its recent Capital Football championship unbeaten.
ADFA fields seven tri-Service teams
across the Capital Football competitions in
Canberra, with all three Services training
and working together.
ADFA capped off the season with two
grand final wins – division four and divison
seven – with the women’s team losing a nailbiter in the grand final.
All three games were well supported and
delighted the big and spirited crowd, which
included DCAF AVM Geoff Brown and several other officers and Defence members
from the three Services.
The division four team Vikings beat
University of Canberra 3-1 after dominating
all year.
It was the perfect send-off for FSGT
Burnett who had the men’s squad for two
years and will leave at the end of this year
on posting to RAAF Base Edinburgh. An
invaluable coach and mentor for the ADFA
MIDN and officer cadets, he will be replaced
by SQNLDR Bob Miller in 2009.
The division seven team finished second
in its league before taking the grand final
against Brindabella 5-1.
The ADFA women’s team had to defeat
the top team to qualify for their grand
final, only to be beaten 3-2 by an imposing
Gungahlin United.
INTELLIGENCE ON BOARD
www.thalesgroup.com.au
Aerospace. Defence. Security.
Photograph © Dominique Gonod.
Sport 23
AIR FORCE November 27, 2008
SA title for
Air Force I
AIR FORCE I – nothing to do with
a certain presidential aircraft – flew
high to win the 2008 South Australian Defence Basketball inter-Service
competition at RAAF Base Edinburgh
on October 2-3 against a spirited APS
team, playing in the SA title decider for
the first time.
The competition consisted of two
women’s and five men’s teams, and the
standard of competition has given SA
selectors great heart for the 2008 combined services basketball tournament at
RAAF Base Williams at Laverton from
November 29 to December 6.
The men’s final produced an excellent display of skill and determination
by both teams. Over the course of the
two days, most players had played five
to eight games and the fatigue was showing on all players by the time the final
arrived.
It was closely-fought as the APS
looked strong early and pushed Air Force
I. Air Force I led by 11 points at halftime and the two traded baskets in the
third quarter for Air Force I to maintain
its 11-point lead.
The final term was a physical struggle for both before Air Force I came up
trumps with 17 points to 10 to win 6749.
Air Force I captain CPL Tim
Muehlberg led all scorers with 31 points,
while FLGOFF Laine Pearce chipped in
with 12 and Grant Noble led APS/DSTO
with 14.
There were several close matches in
the men’s competition, including a draw
between Air Force II and Army, led by
SGT Paul Scrutton, who scored 24 of his
team’s 32 points.
The two women’s teams were made
up of mixed services personnel – APS,
Air Force and Army – so there was no
clear Service winner but the ADF Red
team won both matches.
The event proved an excellent workout for all teams and gave every player a chance to display their skills in a
competitive environment before selections were made for the SA Combined
Services teams.
South Australian Defence Basketball
is looking forward to a strong showing at this year’s competition at RAAF
Base Williams, Laverton. Anyone interested in joining should contact CPL
Tim Muehlberg at email: timothy.
[email protected]
GAME PLAN
Masters Games
 Defence Hockey intends
nominating men’s and women’s
teams for the Australian Masters
Games in Geelong from February
20 to March 1, 2009.
 Personnel must be over 30 but any
level of player is welcome.
 Nominations from Defence
personnel to participate in the
SOUTHERN STARS: CPL Andrew Jaunutis from Combat Support
Unit, Edinburgh, wins the tip-off to begin the Air Force versus Army
clash during the Inter-Service basketball tournament at RAAF
Base Edinburgh.
Photo: AC Brenton Kwaterski
From Page 24
“I thought we were going to win
it then. They started to tire and we
started to roll-on but to their credit
they stuck at it and we just couldn’t
cross the line,” Mr Kemp said.
Australia’s stoic but exhausted
players threw caution to the wind to
fight their way to within 20 metres of
the tryline on tackle four, but lost the
ball in a heavy tackle with only four
minutes left on the clock.
Australia’s last desperate hope
for victory was snuffed out soon
after when Great Britain’s monster
winger of Fijian origin scored near the
uprights right on full-time. The conversion was successful, which gave
Great Britain a 26-16 victory.
The Australians played with such
courage and determination that they
were praised by the Great Britain captain when he accepted the World Cup
trophy.
Mr Kemp said the unlucky bounce
of the ball and losing possession during key attacking opportunities cost
his team any chance of victory.
“It’s very disappointing to lose
the final but it’s important not to lose
sight of what we achieved in our campaign,” he said.
“The emptiness of defeat shouldn’t
overshadow the courage and commitment of the team, who despite pain
and injury played four hard games in
eight days to qualify for the final.”
other 71 sports are also being
sought for the Games.
 Information on the Australian
Masters Games can be found at
www.australianmastersgames.
com or for more information
on the Defence Hockey event,
contact MAJ Fiona Davis on
(03) 5735 6868 or email: fiona.
[email protected]
Military
Compensation
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SPORT
November 27, 2008
Inside:
■ Lawn bowls ■ Basketball
GREEN AND GOLD: Australian
captain CPL Mick Green leads his
team through a tunnel created by
applauding Great Britain players
after the ADF’s 26-16 defeat in
the 2008 Defence Rugby League
World Cup final. Inset, CPL Green
backs up his team mates as they
tackle a Great Britain winger
during the clash at the Sydney
Football Stadium. Photos: Bill Cunneen
AUSSIE SPIRIT
By Michael Brooke
IN THE END, Australia’s captain,
CPL Mick Green, could do no more.
Great Britain repelled a fightback by
the home team to win the 2008 Defence Rugby League World Cup final
at the Sydney Football Stadium.
“He didn’t leave anything in the
dressing shed,” Australian coach Dave
Kemp said. “Everything he could do
to win that game, he did.”
CPL Green, a PTI from 382CSS
at RAAF Base Amberley, was named
as Australia’s equal best player for
the tournament, along with AB Dan
Struber, from HMAS Albatross. “We
couldn’t split them,” Mr Kemp said.
Great Britain won the game 26-16
in front of 15,000 people on November
16. It was the culmination of 13 days
of play in an inaugural tournament
that also involved New Zealand, Papua
New Guinea and the Cook Islands.
The scoreline did not reflect how
the Aussies played themselves back
into the match to come within an ace
of an upset victory.
The Air Force representatives in
the team justified selection with gritty
and determined performances, with
CPL Green inspiring the players to a
remarkable second-half fight-back.
The combined Australian Services
team had been routed 36-16 by the
British in a round-robin encounter only
four days earlier and appeared headed
for another flogging in the final when
the visitors raced to a 10-0 lead.
But a scuffle involving both teams
served to galvanise the never-say die
Aussies who could clearly live with
the pain of their injuries but not with
the pain of defeat in a world cup
decider.
Great Britain appeared headed for
a comfortable 10-0 lead at the break
when Australia’s AB Leigh Wetton,
from HMAS Creswell, scored near
the corner post to get Australia within
striking distance.
U n f o r t u n a t e l y, L AC C a l l e m
Burmester, playing centre, missed with
the conversion and the score remained
10-4.
Great Britain scored soon after
the break but Australian fullback
CPL Bruce Gleeson (Army) hit back
through a long cut-out pass by CPL
Green. LAC Burmester converted to
make the score 16-10 with 20-min-
utes remaining. Minutes later Great
Britain scored a very lucky try from
a deflected charge-down to make the
score 20-10, but then Australia’s inspirational prop, LS John Briggs from
HMAS Creswell, crashed through
three defenders to give his side a sniff
of victory at 20-16, with nine minutes
to go.
At that stage, Mr Kemp felt confident. He had rested five of his best
players – including CPL Green – from
the pool game against Great Britain
and his players were full of running.
Continued Page 23
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