Lieutenant Colonel Wendy Say with veteran and founder of the Kokoda Youth Foundation Doug Henderson in front of the new Canungra Vietnam Memorial at Kokoda Barracks in Queensland. Photos: Private Andrew Shaw

After two years of dedicated volunteer work and community collaboration, the new Canungra Vietnam Memorial opened to veterans, families and the local community with easy access.

The memorial was previously located within the confines of Kokoda Barracks in Canungra, where Australian soldiers trained before deploying to the Vietnam War.

The memorial has moved to the front gates of the barracks to allow access to the wider public.

Veteran volunteers and community members constructed the original memorial in 2000.

A veteran of the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Doug Henderson, founder of the Kokoda Youth Foundation, said a collaborative committee supported the project.

“The Land Warfare Centre, once known as the Jungle Training Centre, holds deep-seated memories for us Vietnam veterans. This project pays tribute to the sacrifices and resilience of everyone tied to the Vietnam War, recognising their sheer courage and unwavering strength,” he said.

The new memorial site displays the iconic Long Tan Cross. At the heart of the site stands a life-sized bronze statue of a Vietnam soldier, an addition funded by the Commonwealth Government’s Saluting Their Service grant program.

Reverend Richard Brown, also a former member of 6RAR and a Vietnam veteran, said the site would play a role in helping future generations  understand the importance of commemorations at the memorial.

Reverend Brown said the memorial honoured those brave soldiers who came before us and would serve as a place of reflection for those who continued to serve.

He spoke about his memories of his time at 6RAR.

“Memories of the bus running early in the morning with the mist; the great joy of huffing and puffing up Heartbreak Hill,” Reverend Brown said.

“Then to the grenade assault range, diving from pit to pit, observing the target, prying the grenade on to the next one. The joys of the battle inoculation range going underneath the barbed wire with smoke and Beckles machine gun pouring over.

“And of course, we were invited to share in the obstacle course, the joys of the bear pit – straggling out of there – running over the bit of barbed wire, then the joy of jumping into the beautiful cool water of the Kuma River.”

Lieutenant Colonel Wendy Say, of Kokoda Barracks, said the memorial was the result of community coming together.

“Kokoda Barracks and the Kokoda Youth Foundation have established a wonderful partnership over the years,” Lieutenant Colonel Say said.

“I am so very thankful for the amazing work of the Kokoda Youth Foundation – not just in relation to what they have achieved with the memorial, but also what they do on a daily basis to support Australia’s youth.”

On Thursday, a Houthi drone boat loaded with explosives exploded in the Red Sea, failing to cause any damage or casualties, according to the US Navy. Despite international calls to cease their attacks, the Yemen-based group persisted in its aggressive actions. The incident occurred just a day after 12 nations, including the United States, Britain, and Japan, issued a joint statement warning the Houthis of unspecified “consequences” if they continued their attacks—a move described by a US official as a final warning.

The Houthis, aligned with Iran and controlling a significant portion of Yemen, have been launching a series of drone and missile attacks on commercial vessels since November 19. They claim this is in protest Israel’s military operations in Gaza. These assaults have severely disrupted international shipping, prompting some companies to reroute through the longer and more expensive journey around Africa instead of transiting the Red Sea.

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, leading US Naval forces in the Middle East, reported that the Houthi explosive boat travelled approximately 50 miles into the Red Sea before detonating in busy shipping lanes. Although it approached within a couple of miles of merchant ships and US Navy vessels, the specific target of the attack remains unclear.

With 25 attacks on merchant vessels in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Cooper emphasized that there are no indications of the Houthis scaling back their “irresponsible behaviour.” The repeated attacks have heightened pressure on President Joe Biden to respond militarily, but the administration has been cautious, wary of further escalating regional tensions.

Retired four-star Marine general Frank McKenzie criticized the administration’s response as “tentative” and “unfocused,” advocating for a reset of deterrence through decisive actions. The US and other countries-initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian last month to safeguard civilian vessels, with contributions from 22 nations. Cooper disclosed that US and partner forces have successfully intercepted cruise missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and drones in various incidents.

Addressing concerns about potential strikes against Houthi positions, Cooper clarified that the 22-nation coalition’s focus is purely defensive. Despite the Houthis claiming their attacks target vessels with Israeli connections or en route to Israel, many affected ships had no such affiliations, leading major shipping lines to suspend Red Sea operations. Cooper stressed the destabilizing nature of Houthi attacks, urging an immediate cessation in compliance with international law.

With a maritime jurisdiction exceeding 8 million square kilometres. The nation’s historical relationship with the sea has fluctuated from angst to apathy due to the “tyranny of distance,” exacerbated by recent global events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East and the Red Sea.

The government’s Defence Strategic Review (DSR) underscores the renewed importance of maritime security, prompting a significant restructuring of the Royal Australian Navy. This review questions previous procurement decisions and emphasizes a three-pronged approach to modernize maritime combat capabilities, aligning with the nation’s future nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

The DSR advocates for an enhanced surface combatant fleet to complement the submarine force, emphasizing long-range strike, air defence, and anti-submarine warfare. The government’s independent analysis into the Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet is awaited, sparking public debate on the suitability of vessels like the Arafura and Hunter Class.

Concerns have been raised about the Arafura Class’s lack of main armament, while the Cape Class patrol boats also face criticism for being under gunned. The article questions the logic behind the criticism and highlights the need for a realistic assessment of Australia’s maritime capabilities. Retired Rear Admiral Rowan Moffitt suggests that being honest about Australia’s naval combat capabilities, especially in brown-water environments, is crucial to avoid costly delusions.

The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a transparent discussion between policymakers, elected officials, and the public. It calls for increased long-term defence spending and a shift from a “balanced force” to a “focused force,” acknowledging the challenges of evolving geopolitical and strategic landscapes. Ultimately, the article urges collaboration and transparency to gain public trust and support for the nation’s future direction.

The Australian Army is nearing completion of tests for the AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer, featuring a three-round burst and automated loading capabilities, in South Korea. Two AS9s, modelled after the South Korean K9 Thunder, and an AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle have been acquired from South Korea. Additionally, a new Hanwha Defence Australia factory near Avalon, Victoria, is under construction for the production of the remaining 42 vehicles, set to commence in Australia late this year.

Hanwha Defence Australia has collaborated with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to integrate Australian 155mm shells, including the new Rheinmetall Assegai munitions. Major Brendan Kelleher, part of the project team under Land 8116, emphasized that the ongoing tests are crucial to ensuring the compatibility and safety of the Australian ammunition with the Korean cannon.

Once compatibility is established, subsequent tests will focus on collecting ballistics data required for using the AS9 with the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems, utilized for calculating and coordinating firing. Further testing in Australia will concentrate on evaluating the vehicle’s protection against small arms fire and shrapnel. This includes shooting slugs into metal samples to understand the levels of protection.

Recent blast testing in Israel involved a full-size AS9 hull fitted with crash test dummies, cameras, and sensors. An explosive charge was detonated at the base of the vehicle to simulate the effects of a land mine. The results of these tests will inform design changes aimed at ensuring the vehicles provide the necessary protection and survivability for soldiers.

Major Kelleher expressed positive feedback from other users, noting their impressions of the platform’s maturity and ease of use. The AS9 represents a significant increase in range and lethality compared to the in-service towed howitzer, thanks to the longer cannon and higher rates of fire. For junior gunners and non-commissioned officers, managing both a cannon and an armoured vehicle presents a challenging yet exciting step up, likely with greater autonomy than they might have on a normal gun line.

Hulls and turrets for the AS9 will be manufactured by Elphinstone, a company located on the north coast of Tasmania. The first AS9 to be completed in Australia is expected to roll out by the end of 2025.

The Government has recently extended its collaboration with BAE Systems Australia, signing stage two of a facility services deed valued at $110 million. This is in addition to the initial commitment of $100 million made in 2022. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy emphasized that doubling the investment with BAE Systems Australia will solidify Hunter Valley’s position as an F-35 sustainment hub in the Indo-Pacific.

The increased funding will empower BAE Systems Australia to construct seven additional maintenance bays, boosting the overall capacity to 13 bays. This expansion aims to accommodate the growing F-35 fleet in the Indo-Pacific region. Newcastle Airport might also play a role in supporting a global F-35 fleet, projected to surpass 3,000 aircraft.

This development follows the initial facility services deed signed in November 2022, focusing on the construction of four new F-35 maintenance bays at BAE Systems Australia’s South Hangar, Newcastle Airport. Currently, 63 out of Australia’s 72 F-35A Lightning II aircraft have been accepted, with all 72 scheduled for sustenance and upgrades at the Hunter facility.

Minister Conroy highlighted that this contract extension more than doubles the government’s initial investment, showcasing the commitment to fostering the defence industry. He emphasized Australia’s role as a crucial provider of maintenance and sustainment services for the global F-35 fleet, with the Hunter designated as an Indo-Pacific hub for F-35 repair and maintenance.

A spokesperson from BAE Systems Australia revealed the company’s expansion at Williamtown to meet the demands of the growing RAAF F-35A fleet. The North Hangar construction program will add up to seven new hangar bays for F-35 sustainment, aligning with the broader expansion plan that includes the establishment of an Aircraft Coating Facility for future F-35 fleet sustainment.

Soldiers and officers hailing from over 30 diverse units spanning the entire country dedicated three weeks at Irwin Barracks, 13th Brigade, engaging in comprehensive preparations for their imminent deployment to Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB) in Malaysia. The training was a crucial aspect of RCB Rotation 142, ensuring the contingent’s readiness for the challenges that lay ahead.

Commending the commitment of the participating members, Commander 13th Brigade Brigadier Brett Chaloner expressed gratitude for the volunteers, emphasizing their significant role in enhancing the security and stability not only of Australia but also the broader region and partner nations. He underscored the importance of the deployed personnel as military diplomats and ambassadors, representing the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force on an international stage.

Brigadier Chaloner urged the contingent to actively cultivate relationships, embrace curiosity, and make the most of the invaluable experiences that the deployment would offer. Recognizing the soldiers’ role as not just warriors but also as representatives of their nation, the Commander encouraged them to build bridges and foster goodwill during their time in Malaysia.

Australia’s enduring and robust relationship with Malaysia was highlighted, emphasizing the historical presence of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth since 1970. This presence is a result of the Five Power Defence Agreement, a geo-strategic pact that has strengthened the collaboration between the two nations over the years.

In addition to the deployment in Malaysia, RCB Rotation 142 includes a collaborative training component with the Singapore Army in Singapore. This cross-border training initiative underscores the interconnectedness of regional defence efforts, enhancing interoperability among allied forces.

The training activities during RCB Rotation 142 will cover a spectrum of critical areas, including live-fire serials, jungle warfare tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as urban warfare. These comprehensive exercises aim to sharpen the skills of the contingent, ensuring they are well-prepared to face a variety of scenarios in diverse environments. The soldiers and officers will be exposed to real-life situations, fostering adaptability and resilience in the face of evolving challenges.

As the deployment unfolds, the Australian contingent will not only contribute to the security of the region but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation with Malaysia and Singapore. This multifaceted approach to international collaboration underscores the commitment of the Australian military to fostering stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

DESPITE their immense collective self-belief, the inhabitants of Canberra’s Fort Zinderneuf don’t always get things right.

Those acolytes who flutter about The Chief in rapt expectation of his profound insights, like North Koreans around Kim Il Sung, notebooks and pencils poised to record every gem, should look beyond the Great Leader for other examples.

This past New Year’s Eve Italian Tripoli Giannini marched off aged 111 years and 133 days at Cecina, Tuscany.

The old soldier’s son said his father believed he was immortal, which gave him at least one thing in common with The Chief.

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Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

Australia Day, observed annually on the 26th of January, is the official National Day of Australia. While it commemorates the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove and the raising of the Union Flag by Arthur Phillip, misconceptions and controversy surround the celebration. My article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the historical events surrounding Australia Day, address the misconceptions, and emphasize the need for education on its significance.

Australia Day’s Historical Roots:

Contrary to popular belief, Captain Arthur Phillip did not arrive in Australia on the 26th of January. The First Fleet reached Botany Bay on the 18th of January, and Captain Cook’s landing occurred on the 28th of April 1770. The choice of the 26th as Australia Day has a different historical basis. Despite this, the emphasis on Captain Cook’s landing has led to a fading understanding of the day’s true significance over the generations.

Challenges in Education and Media Representation:

The fading importance of Australia Day can be attributed to a lack of effort from politicians and educators in promoting its true meaning. The media, too, has played a role in fanning the flames of discontent, particularly among the Aboriginal community, leading to calls for changing the date. However, the real challenge lies in the misconceptions perpetuated by inadequate education and biased media representation.

Acknowledging the Dark Chapters of History:

It is essential to recognize the dark chapters of Australian history, particularly the suffering of the Aboriginal community under British colonialism. Both the landing of the First Fleet and the impact on Aboriginal Australians should be remembered and taught side by side in schools, emphasizing the importance of understanding and learning from the entirety of Australia’s history.

The Birth of Australian Nationality:

The 26th of January 1949 marked a pivotal moment in Australian history when the Australian Nationality came into existence with the enactment of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948. This legislation granted all Australians, including Aboriginal Australians, the status of Australian citizens, separating them from the previously imposed label of ‘British Subjects.’

Freedom, Protection, and Unity:

The implementation of the Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1948 was a significant step towards ensuring the freedom and protection of all Australians under Australian law. It was a day when Australians, regardless of background, became united as one nation. The Act paved the way for the government to assist Aboriginal Australians and marked the beginning of a new era of unity and protection under Australian law.

Australia Day as a Celebration of Unity:

Australia Day, on the 26th of January, continues to be a day of celebration for both old and new Australians. Citizenship ceremonies held on this day symbolize the implementation of the Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1948, granting individuals the right to live under the protection of Australian law. It is a day to remember and celebrate the achievements that have allowed all Australians to live without fear in a land of peace.

The Importance of Education:

Education emerges as a key factor in dispelling misconceptions surrounding Australia Day. There is a pressing need for a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of the historical events leading to the celebration of January 26th. This knowledge should be disseminated through schools and other educational platforms to ensure that Australians understand the true significance of the day.

Conclusion:

Australia Day holds profound historical significance beyond the arrival of the First Fleet. It marks the birth of Australian nationality, symbolizing freedom, protection, and unity for all Australians. As misconceptions continue to cloud the understanding of this day, it becomes imperative to prioritize education to ensure that the true meaning of Australia Day is appreciated and celebrated by all. By acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of history, Australians can come together to embrace their shared identity and appreciate the journey towards a united and inclusive nation.

By Ray Payne OAM

Australia’s military is undergoing a significant transformation in response to a rapidly changing global security landscape, marking the most substantial shift in defence strategy since the 1980s. The federal government, endorsing this transformation on Monday, is heeding the assessment of former ADF chief Sir Angus Houston and former defence minister Stephen Smith, who emphasized the urgent need for the nation to adapt to the emerging “missile age.”

The Defence Strategic Review, conducted by these experts, reveals a departure from the decades-long focus on “lower-level threats” such as terrorism, signalling a recognition that the world has evolved. The review underscores the challenges posed by China’s substantial military buildup, the proliferation of long-range precision strike weapons, and the diminished geographic advantage previously enjoyed by Australia.

Considering these changes, the review dismisses the assumption that Australia would have a decade to prepare for conflict, emphasizing the reduced comfort of distance. While invasion remains a remote possibility, concerns now centre around potential military force and coercion threats impacting trade and supply routes.

To address the growing focus on the Indo-Pacific region, the federal government intends to “harden the north,” reallocating defence spending to fortify northern bases and ports. Integration across all military domains – army, navy, air force, cyber, and space – is emphasized, with a particular emphasis on restructuring the land forces.

The initially planned costly project involving armoured infantry vehicles will be abandoned in favour of developing a long-range strike force. This move aims to enhance Australia’s self-reliance for sea projection, reducing dependence on allies like the United States. Simultaneously, diplomatic and military ties in the region, including those with the US, India, and Japan, will be strengthened.

Changes will extend to the navy, pending decisions after a review by US Navy Vice Admiral William H Hilarides. The acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines within the next decade will reshape the navy’s role, ensuring efficiency for surface vessels. Barracks upgrades and other lower-priority infrastructure projects will be delayed or abandoned in favour of a swift upgrade to northern bases.

Although the exact cost remains undisclosed, the federal government is set to increase defence spending over the next decade, as affirmed by Defence Minister Richard Marles. The government plans to allocate $19 billion for implementing proposals from the Defence Strategic Review, offsetting some costs through $7.8 billion in downgraded and scrapped projects. This comes in addition to the $270 billion allocated in 2020 for defence over the next decade and the $368 billion committed for the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines over the next 30 years. Criticisms have been levelled at the former government for committing to $42 billion worth of unfunded defence projects since 2020, necessitating additional funding.

1. If a bottle of poison reaches its expiration date, is it more poisonous or is it no longer poisonous?
2. Which letter is silent in the word “Scent,” the S or the C?
3. Do twins ever realize that one of them is unplanned?
4. Every time you clean something, you just make something else dirty.
5. The word “swims” upside-down is still “swims”.
6. Over 100 years ago, everyone owned a horse and only the rich had cars Today everyone has cars and only the rich own horses.
7. If people evolved from monkeys, why are monkeys still around?
8. Why is there a ‘D’ in fridge, but not in refrigerator?
9. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but annoying everyone is a piece of cake!
10. I’m responsible for what I say, not for what you understand.
11. Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it the most never use it.
12. My tolerance for idiots is extremely low these days. I used to have some immunity built up, but obviously, there’s a new strain out there.
13. It’s not my age that bothers me – it’s the side effects.
14. I’m not saying I’m old and worn out, but I make sure I’m nowhere near the curb on trash day.
15. As I watch this generation try and rewrite our history, I’m sure of one thing: it will be misspelled and have no punctuation.
16. As I’ve gotten older, people think I’ve become lazy. The truth is I’m just being more energy efficient.
17. I haven’t gotten anything done today. I’ve been in the Produce Department trying to open this stupid plastic bag.
18. If you find yourself feeling useless, remember it took 20 years, trillions of dollars, thousands of lives and four presidents to replace the Taliban with the Taliban.
19. Turns out that being a “senior” is mostly just googling how to do stuff.
20. I want to be 18 again and ruin my life differently. I have new ideas.
21. I’m on two simultaneous diets. I wasn’t getting enough food on one.
22. I put my scale in the bathroom corner and that’s where the little liar will stay until it apologizes.
23. My mind is like an internet browser. At least 18 open tabs, 3 of them are frozen, and I have no clue where the music is coming from.
24. Hard to believe I once had a phone attached to a wall, and when it rang, I picked it up without knowing who was calling.
25. My wife says I keep pushing her buttons. If that were true, I would have found mute by now.
26. There is no such thing as a grouchy old person. The truth is that once you get old, you stop being polite and start being honest.