China and the Philippines have reached an agreement to ease tensions at the Second Thomas Shoal, a hotspot in the South China Sea known for territorial disputes.

Agreement Details

The new agreement aims to de-escalate tensions without conceding territorial claims. Key points of the agreement include:

• Diplomatic Resolution: The deal was reached after a series of meetings and diplomatic exchanges, highlighting the importance of dialogue and consultation.
• Neutral Stance: Both sides agreed that the deal does not prejudice either party’s positions in the South China Sea.
• Government Announcement: The Philippine government announced the agreement on Sunday.
• Historical Tensions: The worst confrontation involved Chinese forces ramming and attacking Philippine navy boats with a pickaxe, boarding the vessels, seizing supplies, and injuring personnel.

Future Implications

This agreement could set a precedent for similar arrangements with other countries. China has ongoing disputes with several governments over land and sea borders. The success and longevity of this deal remain to be seen.

The F-35 delivers an unrivalled advantage for our pilots, nation, and global partners. A decisive differentiator in near-peer warfare, the F-35 is the most advanced node in the networked 21st Century Security operational vision.

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5th Gen Capabilities (f35.com)

An aircraft carrier does not necessarily need a submarine nearby, as both are powerful naval assets with distinct roles and capabilities. However, they are often deployed together to enhance operational effectiveness and security. Here’s why submarines might accompany aircraft carrier groups:

A submarine can provide an extra layer of protection for the carrier battle group. Submarines excel at detecting and potentially engaging enemy submarines that could threaten the carrier. This defensive role is crucial for safeguarding the carrier and its accompanying vessels.

Submarines are instrumental in anti-submarine warfare, actively hunting down enemy submarines to protect the carrier group from underwater threats. Their stealth and advanced detection capabilities make them ideal for this role.

Submarines can operate undetected for extended periods, making them valuable assets for intelligence gathering. They can monitor enemy activities, including the locations of ships and submarines, providing crucial information to the carrier group for strategic planning and decision-making.

In certain scenarios, a submarine and carrier group might coordinate their efforts for combined operations. The submarine could launch a surprise attack on an enemy target, while the carrier’s aircraft provide air support, creating a powerful and versatile strike capability.

While submarines offer significant advantages, several factors influence their deployment alongside carrier groups:

• Resource Intensity: Submarines are expensive to operate and require substantial resources, making their deployment a strategic decision based on mission priorities.
• Existing Defences: Carrier groups are equipped with their own anti-submarine defences, including helicopters, sonar buoys, and specialized equipment, providing robust protection even without a submarine.

While a submarine is not a necessity for an aircraft carrier group, its presence can enhance protection, intelligence, and operational versatility. The decision to deploy a submarine alongside a carrier group is based on strategic considerations and specific mission objectives, balancing the benefits of additional security and capabilities against the costs and resources involved.

On Friday, 20 September 2024, we will commemorate the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste. This significant milestone honours the contributions and sacrifices made by Australian personnel in the region over a span of 14 years, from 1999 to 2013.

Australian involvement in Timor-Leste included dedicated service from members of the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police, as well as numerous civilians who played crucial roles in the mission. Their collective efforts were pivotal in supporting peace and stability in Timor-Leste during a critical period in its history.

A national commemorative service will be held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra. This solemn event will provide an opportunity to honour and remember the six Australians who lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as to acknowledge all those who served and their families for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) strongly encourages everyone planning to attend the service to register their intention to do so. While a ticket will not be required for entry, registering will help ensure that adequate arrangements are made to accommodate all attendees and to facilitate a smooth and respectful commemoration.

To register your attendance, please visit the DVA website. Your participation in this important event will contribute to the collective remembrance and recognition of Australia’s service in Timor-Leste.

Please find attached the open invitation to attend a service and plaque unveiling at the Vietnam War Memorial at Canungra on Sunday 18 August 2024.

Our combined RAA plaque will be unveiled along with several other Corps and Unit plaques. Kevin O’Brien will deliver the main address during the service which commences at 1100 hours.

Please let me know if any Gunners and family members are attending and I will collate and pass numbers to the organisers. Alternatively, you may contact the organisers directly. Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Peter Bruce, OAM, JP
President
4th Field Regiment (SVN) Old Boys
[email protected]
0419 349 317

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Invitation to attend Canungra Vietnam Veterans Memorial Service

I spent the entire morning trying to get a refund from Origin, only to end up frustrated and without a satisfactory resolution. My ordeal began with being shuffled from one department to another, each time told they couldn’t assist and passed along, with long waiting times in between. Finally, someone was willing to attempt to help.

This issue started on July 9th when our account was over $500 in credit, anticipating a potentially high bill while we were away. The bill turned out to be lower, leaving us with a credit. Origin had already messed us around with the installation of a smart meter after fitting solar panels, rescheduling the installation date and then raising our rates while reducing solar credits. Frustrated, I switched to another supplier offering better rates and solar credits.

On July 15th, I called to request a refund and was asked to provide various identification documents, which I did promptly. Shortly after, I received another email asking for a bank statement showing the last Bpay payment, which I also provided. I then received a confirmation email stating that my refund would be processed within five working days.

Today, I checked and saw no refund, leading to my wasted morning. I was told the refund wasn’t processed because my bank statement was two pages, and they required it all on one page, despite the header being on the first page and the Bpay payment on the third. Because it wasn’t on one page, they refused to credit the refund directly to my account. Instead, they said they would send a cheque to my home address, which could take up to 28 days. I had no choice but to accept this settlement.

I pointed out that if I took 28 days to pay their bill, I’d be sitting in the dark.

Throughout this process, Origin’s inefficiency and lack of proper communication were evident. Initially, they failed to handle the installation of the smart meter efficiently, causing unnecessary delays. When it came to processing my refund, they repeatedly requested additional documentation, despite already having everything needed. Each department seemed to have no coordination or understanding of the previous interactions, making me repeat my issue over and over again. The final straw was their insistence on an unreasonable documentation format, ignoring the practical constraints of standard bank statements.

In summary, Origin’s handling of my refund has been a prime example of poor customer service, lack of internal communication, and bureaucratic inefficiency. Their processes are cumbersome and customer-unfriendly, causing undue stress and inconvenience.

ED: Thank you for allowing me to vent my frustration!

The Royal Australian Air Force and international partners will return to Mindil Beach for the Exercise Pitch Black Flying Display between 5pm-6:30pm (ACST) on Thursday, 18 July 2024. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Territory sunset, this free, non-ticketed event will coincide with the regular Mindil Beach Markets.

The Royal Australian Navy has accelerated Naval Strike Missile installation in Surface Combatants which culminated in the 18 July live firing demonstration off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise RIMPAC 2024.

For over 80 years, the knowledge and skills of Australia’s World War II Commandos and Special Operations operators have been preserved and enhanced by the part-time Commandos of the 1st Commando Regiment. This regiment is supported by a small cadre of regular Army personnel, typically from the Special Air Service Regiment and more recently from the 2nd Commando Regiment. It remains the only Army Reserve unit to have deployed on warlike operations since World War II.

Since the first Green Beret was awarded in July 1956, it is estimated that nearly 10,000 male soldiers, along with a small number of women, have qualified for this coveted beret, meeting the rigorous skills and physical requirements initially based on the Royal Marine Commando and British Army Commando standards.

Recently, Special Operations Command has proposed changes to assign the 1st Commando Regiment a new role in Special Warfare, also known as Unconventional Warfare or Guerrilla Warfare. This was the original purpose for raising the initial two part-time Commando Companies in 1955, though it was not widely known for security reasons at that time.

As a result of these new initiatives, it is intended that new part-time and full-time members of the 1st Commando Regiment will no longer be called Commandos and will no longer be eligible to be awarded the Green Beret.

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Petition · Stop 1st Commando Regiment losing their Green Berets. – Australia · Change.org