Major changes to RAAF officer training

May 1, 2023

By Brian Hartigan

Photo: A Royal Australian Air Force officer trainee takes part in the field phase of the officer training course at Dutson Air Weapons Rangel, East Sale. Photo by Private Nicholas Marquis.

As an air-raid siren rings out and a simulated grenade explodes, officer trainees open fire to defend an imitation air base.

Five hundred kilometres north, recruits climb ropes, mount walls and crawl through tunnels as they navigate a confidence course.

Having been gassed, fatigued and kept up at night by ‘enemy’ attacks, graduation is in sight for the first groups of officers and recruits undertaking their respective consolidated initial training courses.

This is part of a less-is-more approach to initial training that has seen 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) reduce their course from 11 weeks to nine and Officer Training School from 17 to 14 and eventually 12 weeks.

It follows Air Commander Australia identifying a need to grow the Royal Australian Air Force faster, by graduating trainees quicker and more efficiently.

One big change at 1RTU is tightening training blocks to make the ‘green phase’ a three-week continuous period.

Airfield defence guard Corporal Ricky Watson said compression of the course allowed the ground defence element to have more time with trainees, instead of splitting their time into different blocks.

“We used to waste time signing weapons in and out and going through revision of topics we covered in previous weeks,” Corporal Watson said.

“Now it’s weapons, range, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) and ground defence.

“We’re able to get a lot more out of it knowing we don’t have to revisit things later on course, and they are more focused.”

Corporal Watson said this year’s introduction of range practices was also improving their skills in combat shooting.

Flight Sergeant Sean Seery, of OTS, said aviators now have a better understanding of operating in difficult environments with the inclusion of the combat marksmanship continuum.

“When it comes to ground combat, aviators generally operate in a close-defence area,” Flight Sergeant Seery said.

“Previously, we would take trainees to the range, they would lie down, get comfortable and shoot.

“Now they are shown how to run their weapon in many different positions, employing it using combat behaviours and new shooting techniques.”

Officer trainees are also temporarily issued Australian multicam camouflage uniforms to help instil a warfighter attitude during their field phase.

Executive Officer 1RTU Squadron Leader Matt Kelly said the new training approach removed inefficiency while consolidating blue and green phases.

“We introduce them to the fundamentals and gradually increase the tempo to the point where they have the skills they need to enter our workforce,” Squadron Leader Kelly said.

“We’re now thinking very clearly about what training outcomes the Royal Australian Air Force needs in preparing for operations in our region and are designing a product to align with that.”

The shortened course means 1RTU can run additional sessions throughout the year with less overlap, expanding the capacity of each individual session.

This increased 1RTU capacity by 85 per cent compared to the number of recruits trained in 2022.

Commanding Officer OTS Wing Commander Garth Herriot said the content hadn’t significantly changed but had been refined and distilled.

“We have cut out the bits of fat within the program,” Wing Commander Herriot said.

“The learning outcomes that we deliver largely remain the same and, if not, we have modified them to meet contemporary requirements.

“We used to hop on a bus and drive for a few hours for adventure training, whereas now we now have a brand new abseiling tower on site.”

He said there were always going to be risks with such changes, but it was about accepting that risk and training to deliver an outcome.

“We might have to do less physical training, but we are able to graduate someone faster for the Royal Australian Air Force,” Wing Commander Herriot said.

“We identified training duplication within the course and removed the inefficiencies, but we are still graduating our trainees at a high level.”

MANPOWER AND RECRUITING

Hello, AHQ Canberra, you have a problem. Too much bashing of the troops re Brereton Report and other cladistyne servailiance of serving SAS and Commandos, trying to catch them out to suit the BR and other unproven acusations associated with their Afghanistan service.

Looks like the Woke Gender Generals are now reaping the rewards of the problems they thenselves created.

Atrition rates in the SAS and COMMANDOS must be shy high by now, which is what is showing by this article. Plenty of advice and warning was given to the BRASS, that this would happen if the Rererton Report was implimented.

Why would great soldiers allow themselves and the mates to get kicked in the head and not respond, the only way they can, DISCHARGE THEMSELVES and don’t look back.

If this is not the reason for this incredably unusual decission to employ Civilian’s to train Soldiers, then what is the problem.

Surely there is still enough serving SAS and Commandos, at a time of no active operations, that could fill the squads as usual.

Giving no explaination or comment is not okay, this still a democratic country.

Better to come clean with the truth about Recruitment and Retainment soon, before it festors into a bigger problem

VETERANWEB – Rayne Payne, April 9, 2023

Army forced to call on civilian firm to teach infantry combat skills

The Australian Army has been forced to call on civilian security and combat specialists to help teach its recruits. Here’s what it means.

By Charles Miranda

The Australian Army has been forced to hire a civilian security group to help teach its infantry combat shooting skills, overlooking its own elite Special Forces and military trainers.

For years the ADF has used units including the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) and Commandos to develop innovative combat shooting skills to share with regular infantry troops in near-real training programs.

But it has now had to move to civilian-run programs with critical shortages in qualified staff to provide enhanced skills beyond basic training, causing some disquiet in the Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) ranks.

For its latest contract, the ADF has turned to Brisbane-headquartered Kinetic Fighting Pty Ltd (KEF Group) for a lucrative six-month $500,000 contract for specific “enhanced combat shooting” training for soldiers at the School of Infantry in Singleton, 200km north of Sydney.

The irony is ADF staff have to provide the basic outline for training to up to three KEF civilian trainers for them to conduct the course for troops.

The contract is believed to be the first of other outsourced deals for civilian forces currently being considered by Defence to bolster training ranks for other military skill sets for personnel including at RAAF Base Amberley, Brisbane’s Enoggera and Townsville.

Any agreed contracts would not include logistics such as transport, personnel administration or facilities all of which the ADF would provide.

Defence would not respond directly to questions about the civilian outsourcing including SOCOMD apparently having been overlooked, the cost and whether the contract was offered through tender as required for services over $10,000.

“The School of Infantry is planning to trial specialist industry partnerships for some aspects of training,” was all a Defence spokesman would say. “All Australian industry partnerships are delivered in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules.”

ADF sources said there was no doubt KEF was suitably qualified for the latest contract.

KEF founder was Paul Cale, a former Commando and Special Forces operator and team leader of Australia’s elite anti-terror Tactical Assault Group Tag-East (Commando) and Tag-West (SAS), who had created the courses the Infantry Corps are still teaching.

Many of his staff are ex-ADF and the group has had numerous previous contracts with the army, navy and the RAAF, training more than 1500 troops, as well as civilian police notably from Victoria Police, QLD Police and the South Australian Police Special Tasks and Rescue Operations.

KEF declined to comment citing contractual confidentiality.

The ADF Cadets — made up of three forces –

Australian Navy Cadets: www.navycadets.gov.au
Australian Army Cadets: www.armycadets.gov.au
Australian Air Force Cadets: www.airforcecadets.gov.au

There are approximately 26,000 cadets currently enrolled in the three Cadet programs; 3,200 officers and instructors of cadets and ‘approved helpers’ supervise and support the young people engaged in the programs; and there are 508 ADF Cadets units in all states and territories. Cadet units occupy facilities in Defence establishments, Defence-owned or leased buildings, schools, and buildings leased by individual units – so there’s bound to be one near you.

Cadets Purpose and Goals

Purpose

The Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADF Cadets) are a personal development program for young people, conducted by the Australian Defence Force in cooperation with the community, which benefits the Nation by developing an individual’s capacity to contribute to society, fostering an interest in Defence Force careers, and developing ongoing support for Defence.

Goals

Conduct a creative personal development program in a military environment that:

Extends individuals beyond their self imposed limits,
Develops an understanding of the balance between personal freedoms and choice and the responsibilities that they bring,
Promotes self reliance, self esteem and self discipline, and
Develops and recognises a broad range of skills including leadership and teamwork.

Contribute to social development by:

Encouraging pride in self, community and the nation,
Equipping young people to be better citizens,
Encouraging a volunteer ethos,
Developing work and life skills, and
Providing a supportive and safe environment.

Contribute to the development of the ADF through:

Enhancing Defence’s reputation in the community,
Maintaining Service customs traditions and values,
Understanding what Defence does, and
Demonstrating a return on the Defence Organisation’s investment by promoting career opportunities within Defence.

Australian Army Cadets

If you want experience things you don’t do in everyday life, then the Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is for you.

The AAC is a community-based youth development organisation focused on Defence customs, traditions and values.

As a cadet you’ll learn leadership, team building and survival skills that will set you up for life.

To Join the Australian Army Cadets you must meet the following criteria:

- The minimum age for cadet membership is 12, provided the cadet will turn 13 in the calendar year of their enrolment. The maximum age for a cadet enrolment is their 17th birthday.
- Be physically and psychologically able to participate in cadets activities;
- Not be a member of the Australian Navy Cadets, the Australian Air Force Cadets, or the Australian Defence Force;
- Be available to attend the majority of the activities conducted by the Army Cadet Unit that they wish to join;
- Agree to abide by the AAC Code of Conduct
- Complete an application form (and have it signed by their parent/s or guardian/s), and complete any other forms required by the AAC (such as emergency contact details, health declaration, etc);
- Have their application accepted by the Army Cadet Unit Officer Commanding.

Cost for joining the AAC:

The Australian Army does not charge any fees for youth participation in the Australian Army Cadets.

Units may levy a subscription fee to cover costs associated with their unit activities, that may include elements additional to the AAC’s core curriculum. Please check with your local Army Cadet Unit for more details.

Vision, Purpose and Values

The Australian Army Cadets is a leading national youth development organisation, with the character and values of the Australian Army, founded on a strong community partnership, fostering and supporting an ongoing interest in the Australian Army.

Purpose

The Australian Army Cadets is a personal development program for young people, conducted by the Australian Army in cooperation with the community, which is designed to benefit the nation by developing the individual, their community and the Australian Army.

Values
The Australian Army Cadets adopts the values of the Australian Defence Force to empower youth to achieve their potential. These Values are:-

Service. The selflessness of character to place the security and interests of our nation and its people ahead of my own.
Courage. The strength of character to say and do the right thing, always, especially in the face of adversity.
Respect. The humanity of character to value others and treat them with dignity.
Integrity. The consistency of character to align my thoughts, words and actions to do what is right.
Excellence. The willingness of character to strive each day to be the best I can be, both professionally and personally

Structure

The AAC National Headquarters (HQAAC) is located in Canberra and is responsible for the command of the AAC which is structured into nine (9) regions:

North Queensland
South Queensland
New South Wales
New South Wales 2nd Brigade
Victoria
Tasmania
South Australia
Western Australia
Northern Territory

Each region generally equates to a State or Territory. There is an AAC HQ located in each region. Both Army and AAC personnel staff each AAC regional HQ.

History

Cadets have been in existence in Australia for over 100 years. The first unit was established in Australia in 1866, at St Mark’s Collegiate School, NSW. This unit subsequently became the King’s School Cadet Corps in 1869.

Cadets remained under State auspices until 1906 when the Commonwealth Cadet Corps was established. Conscription for part time home service, including service by cadets, was introduced in 1909 and, under the Defence Act of 1903, the Corps was included in the provisions for Universal Military Training. Conscription for part-time service was abandoned in 1929.

Following the suspension of Universal Military Training in 1929, cadets were divided into two categories for the purposes of organisation and training:

Regimental detachments affiliated with units of the Militia forces.
Detachments that were generally school-based and not affiliated with Militia units. (School-based units did not receive Army assistance).

In 1939 Permanent Army staff were withdrawn from the Militia and Regimental detachments were abandoned. School based units continued to function but with difficulties caused by staff and equipment shortages. In 1941 cadet units began to receive more Army support and in 1944 the provision of uniforms at public expense was authorised. Conditions of service improved and equipment became more plentiful. By May 1946 cadet activities were paid for by the Army.

Affiliations between cadet units and Citizen Military Forces were developed during the period 1949-51. At that time the title of ‘Australian Cadet Corps’ (ACC) was officially adopted. Cadet Brigades with Regular army staff were established and remained in operation until the mid seventies when the Cadet Corps was disbanded by the Whitlam Government. The Corps was reinstated in 1976 but with a number of changes. Community based, rather than school based units were encouraged, war-like training was not to be conducted and an annual camp was to be provided at no cost to the cadet.

In 1984 school based units were given the opportunity to apply for ‘full support’ status and become community based units. Cadet units that remained school-based became ‘Limited Supported Units’ and received very little, if any, Army support.

In 1993, the title of ‘Australian Army Cadet Corps’ was approved with the short title remaining ‘ACC’. In 1998 ‘Limited Support Units’ were accorded ‘full support’ status.

In 2001 the title of Australian Army Cadets was approved with the short title of AAC.

To this day all units of the AAC are entitled to receive full support from Army. ‘Full support’ entails the supply of uniforms and equipment, an annual camp, transport to and from annual camp and training for the supervisory adults (Officers and Instructors of Cadets).

R.P. Billington

Dated 8^th December 2022

Minister for Defence Issues and Personnel

Hon. Matt Keogh MP

Dear Matt,

Re: ADF – Youth Recruitment Methods

To finally hear a Federal Government actually calling out that our ADF is so badly under staffed, is to the Veteran Community an admission well overdue.

This could not be more so than to those of us living in WA. The Tiny ADF Footprint in WA has been that way for at least the past thirty years, especially the Army. The numbers show the total ARMY manpower in WA (Permanent and Reserve soldiers is 2010), which is about a third of the states Police Force.

The recent news articles and announcements on ADF manpower centred on getting the youth of Australia interested in being involved with and perhaps choosing a career in Defence, is good to hear and should receive all the support possible.

Apart from myself as an individual, I am a longstanding member of the Royal Australian Engineers Association of WA. The RAEA of WA is a very proactive ESO group. Our mantra is to support the future in whatever capacity as we can.

An example of this is the Associations sponsoring of the Army Cadet Corp in WA, in which two Bursaries are awarded each year to the incoming Cadet Under Officer and Cadet RSM.

Since the establishment of the Army Cadet Sponsorship program, the Executive of the RAEA of WA and other friends and associates have wanted to become more involved in developing interest and participation of more students to the point of perhaps having an entire school or schools made up of Army Cadets.

With this in mind we would like you opinion of how this idea and approach might fit into and assist with the teaching, learning and discipline of the Australian youth and help to add to recruitment.

Army Recruiting – Currently

One area of Army recruitment that has always been targeted for many decades, without any real success, is that of the Indigenous Soldier.

The present approaches to trying to gain Indigenous people’s interest and participation in the Army, appears not be as successful as was hoped.

There is simply too many bits and pieces advertised on the many websites.

It must be difficult for even a teenager or young adult with a reasonable level of education to wade through and comprehend the vast number of websites and information.

It must be even more daunting to Indigenous teenagers and young adults who may have a limited education. In fact, it would be almost impossible…

None of the “such it and see” type initiatives and programs have realistic / adequate durations and therefor do not cover sufficient content / aspects of real Army life to be of much benefit in enticing and recruiting.

Also, it appears there is a lack of overall co-ordination, control and management, over and across all of these initiatives and programs. They generally appear to be ad-hoc, random and splintered all over the country.

More importantly the majority of these initiatives and programs are held / carried out in the Eastern States.

To garner interest and foster a desire to be part of any activity, subject and work pathway, it is necessary to set in place a continuous means of influence, encouragement, introduction of content and teaching / learning about the particular topic, activities and work pathway.

The idea of a single day or week for people to experience “the life of a soldier” is not even close to what is needed to put someone on the path to want to join the Army.

This proposal for a school totally orientated around the Army in all aspects of its schooling, training and way of life is by far a better option for many, many reasons, not the least of which is that it has previously work.

The Army, Navy and RAAF all had Apprentice Schools, all of which were vital for each service and were highly successful. The calibre, intellect and training of a great percentage of these Apprentices were such that the rate of Commissioned Officers stemming therefrom was only overshadowed by graduates from Duntroon.

There are many other propositions that would contribute to the Australian youth to gain knowledge of and see the opportunities that lie within the ADF.

We would like to expand on and talk through with you, some or all of the following all of which we are confident would lead to influencing and encouraging young people to engage with and perhaps choose a career in the ADF.

Propositions / Ideas to Review.

The recent Federal Government announcements calling on the youth of Australia to jump onboard the ADF career path has to have more behind it than just an announcement

Many avenues and methods that draw the Australian Youth to this decision, must be considered and put in place for any recruiting success to be achieved.

All high schools to have a subject that is based around Army Skills and Activities and include:
- Similar to subjects such as PT or PE
- It could in fact encompass these usual subjects
- Military Engineering aspects
- Obstacle course training
- Adventure activities such as mountain bike riding, rappelling and rock wall climbing
- Marching and military display drills
- Dress standards, punctuality, discipline, work ethic, honesty, comradery

Large metro and regional HS to have Army Cadet units, fully funded, managed and operated by the Army. Suggested aspects to include:
- Staff to be sourced from transitioning ADF / Army personnel and injured Veterans and/or the Veteran Community in general

Junior Leadership Programs. Conduct two-week Leadership Program camps for each school on a scheduled basis across each year
- It is suggested that the Federal Government / Army engage an appropriate and capable organisation that is set up and structured to carry out and run such programs.
- This program would include all activities associated with camping in the open environment and engaging in military style activities under strict supervision and instruction by Veteran Mentors
- Strategies and skills, including mental and physical resilience, effective communication, conflict resolution and fear/stress management.
- These skills will be taught and tested in a way that the students can successfully implement them into their lives after the program has finished.
- These programs are ideal for young people who demonstrate poor behaviours, low self-esteem, lack of respect, addiction to technology and media or simply to propel them to reach their fullest potential
- The aim of these programs is to arm the youth with management skills and resilience that will help them forge ahead into adulthood and on into the workforce
- Above all else these program camps will be fun.

Right People / Right Approach

WA in the ADF world is and has always been viewed by the Command Structure in Canberra as an absolute hinderance to their East Coast Centric decision making and infrastructure building.

The only way this state will grow its Tiny ADF / Army footprint is that we initiated, plan, establish and managed our own approaches to recruiting.

If we are just going to sit back and allow the recruiting process to continue under the banner of the Adecco Organisation, this country and WA particularly has no chance of advancing ADF manpower numbers.

How a Swiss – French Human Resources company based In Zurich, Switzerland can have a handle on our Australian youth and young adults better than an Australia Company is below my IQ level.

The reason why Australia has such a poor recruiting history is because of this idea of relying on an outside company (Manpower before Adecco) which run on recruitment methods, based on data, analytics and algorithms, and globally there are efforts to push legacy personnel systems into the information age

This AI nonsense has not worked and will never work in WA especially in the tender youth to young adult range of potential ADF recruits.

Meeting Request

We are all busy around this time of the year, but I am hoping you will see the benefit in us have a meeting to bang these suggestions around a little.

Yours faithfully,

Peter Billington

BAD PUBLICITY for the ADF

If the ADF Generals think it is okay to leave a highly trained and valueable Soldier, on his own, after being accused of war crimes by the ABC, then they are failing the very people they are supposed to lead.

How do these Generals think this sort of treatment looks like to the parents of young teenagers looking to join the ADF.

Do they think at all about the wellfare of the troops under their command, it certainly does not look like it.

Why has the ADF / ARMY not stepped up to back their soldier and fund his defence of such foul accusations by the ABC.

Probably because there was a Gay and Lesbian march or some other woke transgender / anti normal activity that captured their attention and consumed their time.

The more the ADF allows these woke ideologies to change the objective and the ADF’s reason for being, the more difficult recruitment will become.

Every young person today, along with their parents will think very long and hard about jumping into the clutches of such miss guided leaders

March 27, 2023

Herston Russell – ABC’s third truth defence was struck out by a judge on Friday.

By TITA SMITH FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

ABC’s third attempt to win costly court battle against ex-army commando is struck out by the judge after the soldier sued over war crime claims: ‘Worst defence I’ve ever seen’ ”

A judge has sensationally struck out the ABC’s third truth defence as the broadcaster fights allegations it defamed an ex-army commando by implying he was under investigation for war crimes in Afghanistan.

Heston Russell is suing the ABC over stories published in late 2021 that claimed an Australian platoon was under investigation over its operations in the Middle East.

The TV report and two online articles, which featured Mr Russell’s name and images of him, included allegations from a US marine he indirectly witnessed Australian soldiers execute a hogtied prisoner in 2012.

In February, the Federal Court found Mr Russell had been defamed and ruled the matter should proceed to hearing to determine whether there were any defences available to the ABC and its two journalists, Mark Willacy and Josh Robertson. Now, the commando has had another win in his David and Goliath battle after Justice Michael Lee on Friday struck out the broadcaster’s truth defence – a decision which is made if the material tendered discloses no reasonable cause of action or defence.

Representing the ABC, Nicholas Owens told the court the extent of Russell’s argued involvement for the alleged murder was his role as the commanding officer on the Qarabagh mission.

‘The only way we put it is that his involvement was based on his legal and factual status with effective command and control over the troops, [over] the commando who committed murder on that mission,’ Mr Owens said.

‘If that falls outside what your honour meant by “involved”, we have to withdraw that.

‘When we say Mr Russell was present, we mean he was present on the mission – he was the commanding officer on this mission on the ground. That doesn’t mean he was physically proximate to every member of the platoon during the mission.’

Mr Russell’s counsel Sue Chrysanthou said the defence was ‘utterly hopeless’. ‘In my 20-year experience as a defamation barrister, this is the worst defence I have ever seen,’ Ms Chrysanthou told the court.

‘The case is so hopeless that even at their highest the particulars are incapable or proving the truth defence of imputations.’

Ms Chrysanthou slammed the ABC for its conduct, saying the ‘untenable defences’ were exacerbating court costs while no proper pleadings were being submitted to support the ‘serious’ allegations made against her client.

‘The client as an individual is bringing an expensive action…It’s unfair to go up against a body that has no restriction as to costs,’ she said.

‘The cost incurred when the case is so hopeless overwhelms the costs of interlocutory hearing.’

Justice Lee told Mr Owens ‘involvement’ must mean at the minimum ‘acquiescing conduct by watching on passively.. not merely being the person there who was in charge’.

He struck out parts of the ABC’s defence on the basis on the misapprehension of his meaning of ‘involvement’.

The judge ordered that the ABC serve a fourth version of its defence with submissions by 20 April and that the broadcaster pay Mr Russell’s court costs thrown away.

Last month, Justice Lee ruled articles implied Mr Russell was the subject of an active criminal investigation by the Office of the Special Investigator and was reasonably suspected of involvement in war crimes.

He also found the articles implied Mr Russell habitually and knowingly crossed the line of ethical conduct and behaved so immorally that American forces refused to work with him.

However, Justice Lee found the articles did not imply Mr Russell was the commando responsible for shooting the hogtied prisoner or that he was about to face charges of unlawful killings.

Mr Russell will have an opportunity to critique the fresh defence by April 23. The matter will return to court on April 24.

March 23, 2023

Darwin welcomes next rotation of US Marines.

The latest rotation of US Marines has arrived in the Northern Territory as part of the 12th rotation of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D).
The rotation will enhance the capabilities, interoperability, and readiness of the ADF and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and is a significant part of the United States Force Posture Initiatives (USFPI), a hallmark of Australia’s alliance with the US.

Over the next seven months, up to 2,500 Marines will conduct combined training exercises with their Australian Defence Force counterparts, as well as with regional partner nations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, welcomed the latest rotation of US Marines, saying, “The US is our most vital security partner and the strength of our alliance highlights our joint commitment to promoting a secure, stable, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.”

For more than a decade, cooperation under the Force Posture Initiatives has enhanced Australia’s capacity to deter coercion and maintain a secure and stable Indo-Pacific — since its establishment in 2011, the Marine Rotational Force has expanded from an initial 200 Marines to now 10 times that size each year.

“Our cooperation with the US has been instrumental to enhance the capability and interoperability of both nations through joint exercises and activities. Australia–US force posture cooperation will continue to offer significant investment into Australia, including opportunities for Australian industry,” Marles said.

Commanding Officer Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 2023, Colonel Brendan Sullivan, echoed the statements from the Deputy Prime Minister, saying, “We are honoured to extend the legacy of the US–Australian alliance, working side-by-side with our ADF partners to provide support for contingencies and crises in the region.”

COL Sullivan’s comments were reinforced by the Australian Commanding Officer Headquarters Northern Command, Captain Mitchell Livingstone, who said, “Having this Marine rotation in the Top End not only helps build interoperability between the ADF and the US, but also serves to increase regional cooperation with partner nations in the Indo-Pacific.”

The Force Posture Initiatives have also since expanded to initiatives across the air, maritime, land, and logistics domains.

“Over the next six months, the ADF and USMC will conduct a comprehensive range of training activities including humanitarian assistance, security operations, and high-end live fire exercises, all of which better prepare our forces to respond effectively to contingencies that may arise,” CAPT Livingstone added.

Last week, the Albanese government announced as part of AUKUS, an expansion of the Force Posture Initiatives in the Submarine Rotational Force – West, which will see US nuclear-powered submarines rotate through HMAS Stirling beginning from 2027.

The United States Force Posture Initiatives are a key component of the Australia-United States alliance — the USFPI are a tangible demonstration of the strength of the alliance, and of Defence’s engagement within the Indo-Pacific region.

These initiatives provide security, economic, and community benefits for Australia and the US through the following.

Deepening interoperability and enhancing capabilities through training and exercises.
Increasing engagement with regional partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Better positioning both nations to respond to crises in the region, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Generating economic, industry, and community benefits for Northern Australia through infrastructure investment and the provision of support services.
Building a strong community presence through an array of activities including volunteering, community and school visits.

The Marines will remain in Australia until October 2023.

To understand a Military Veteran you must know:

* We left home as teenagers or in our early twenties for an unknown adventure.

* We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.

* We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew.

* We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth.

* We found new friends and new family.

* We became brothers and sisters regardless of colour, race or creed.

* We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times.

* We didn’t get enough sleep.

* We smoked and drank too much.

* We picked up both good and bad habits.

* We worked hard and played harder.

* We didn’t earn a great wage.

* We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events.

* We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again.

* We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all.

* We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others.

* Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t.

* Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.

* Some of us dealt with physical warfare, and most of us dealt with psychological warfare.

* We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical.

* We participated in time-honoured ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.

* We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all.

* We have dealt with victory and tragedy.

* We have celebrated and mourned.

* We lost a few along the way.

* When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all.

* We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures.

* We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand.

* We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the other branches.

* We know however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat.

* Being a Veteran is something that had to be earned, and it can never be taken away.

* It has no monetary value, but at the same time it is a priceless gift.

* Once a serviceman always a serviceman.

Australian Army establishes first dedicated health brigade.

The Australian Army has formed a dedicated health brigade for the first time in its 122-year history.

The 2nd Health Brigade was officially commemorated with a transfer of authority parade at Victoria Barracks in Sydney and an announcement on 3 March.

It brings together the Army’s four health battalions – Darwin, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Townsville – and includes almost 1,700 trained medical and non-clinical personnel under one formation.

The new brigade will act as a deployable health capability ready to support future operations and training domestically and internationally.

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said the consolidation of the health battalions under the command of the 2nd Health Brigade was a key component of the Australian Army’s modernisation.

“The dedicated health brigade will enhance Army’s ability to raise, train, and sustain health assets ready to deliver multi-disciplined health support to operations and training, both at home and overseas,” LTGEN Stuart said.

The 2nd Health Brigade will supply independently deployable surgical elements, combat health support, mental health support, increased aeromedical evacuation capacity, and allied health support for the Australian Army.

Second Health Brigade’s inaugural commander, Brigadier Jocelyn King, said the health battalions had been structured to offer a greater mix of deployable health capability in each region, with their members drawn from Army’s full and part-time workforces.

“Building teams within units that draw on both our full-time and part-time workforce will enable the entire health workforce to benefit from the specialist skills and experience resident within Army’s part-time health workforce,” BRIG King said.

“The integrated workforce model across the entire brigade also provides greater opportunity for Army’s part-time health workforce to participate in operations and training, and to apply their professional skills in a military context.”

Almost half of the 2nd Health Brigade workforce is part-time and is able to bring specialist skills from the civilian health system.