In a strategic move to bolster the ranks of the Defence Force and retain skilled personnel, the government has invested significantly in a continuation bonus program. This initiative, introduced in response to a significant exodus of personnel from the armed forces, aims to encourage members to commit to an additional three years of service.

As part of the program, Defence personnel who meet certain criteria are eligible for a one-off $50,000 bonus, designed to serve as a financial incentive that cannot be achieved through adjusting pay scales. This lump sum payment, established in May’s federal budget, is not tax-deductible and is expected to benefit up to 3400 personnel within the next three years.

Defence Minister Matt Keogh emphasized the importance of retaining highly skilled and trained individuals within the Defence Force, acknowledging the need to recruit more personnel while ensuring the continued contribution of those who have already undergone significant training. Around 85 percent of eligible early to middle ADF ranks have reportedly taken up the continuation payment, indicating a positive response to the initiative.

The continuation bonus program is divided into different categories, each offering varying amounts based on specific criteria. Category A bonuses, which can go up to $200,000, target individuals critical to capability and who commit to an agreed period of service. Similarly, Category B bonuses, with a maximum value of $100,000, focus on specific employment categories and workgroups critical to the Defence Force’s objectives.

For members of the Reserves in Service Category 4 (SERCAT 4), there is a separate Reserve capability completion bonus of $5,000. Eligibility for this bonus requires serving for 12 months as SERCAT 4, meeting the minimum specified days of service, and fulfilling conditions outlined in a written agreement.

However, certain conditions exist for eligibility, and individuals may not qualify for a bonus if they are medically unfit for service, are less than a year away from retirement or the end of their fixed period of service or have received a notice for termination under specific sections of the Act or Defence Regulation.

Additionally, there is a provision for repaying the bonus under circumstances such as not completing the agreed period of service, voluntary departure from the position, transfer between services or reserves, resignation, or termination of service.

In summary, the government’s investment in the continuation bonus program reflects a commitment to strengthening the Defence Force by retaining and incentivizing skilled personnel, ultimately contributing to the nation’s security and defence capabilities.

John Schumann (centre) with The Waifs, (from left) Donna Simpson, Josh Cunningham, and Vikki Thorn.(Supplied: Glenn Morgan)

After four decades since its initial release in 1983, the iconic song “I Was Only 19” by John Schumann, the lead singer-songwriter of Redgum, has been re-recorded. Recognized by The Australian War Memorial as “the quintessential song of the Australian Vietnam War veteran,” the song was originally unveiled during a time of deep division in public opinion regarding the Vietnam War.

The newly recorded version of the song brings together the original artist, John Schumann, with the West Australian folk rock band The Waifs, and features the expertise of acclaimed producer Shane Nicholson. The collaborative effort aims to capture the essence of the original while infusing a fresh perspective into the narrative.

“I Was Only 19” draws inspiration from the experiences of Schumann’s brother-in-law, Mick Storen, a Vietnam War veteran who served with The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) in 1969. Reflecting on the song, Schumann expressed, “I Was Only 19 made us stop and realize: ‘These blokes, they did it so tough’ — they deserved more.”

In an effort to support the children of Australian Defence Force families involved in recent conflicts, all artist royalties from the re-created song will be donated to the Commando Welfare Trust (CWT). Schumann emphasized that the contributions would address needs such as the kids’ activities and services not covered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

The Waifs, known for their storytelling prowess and distinctive Aussie accent, brought a new dimension to the song, according to Schumann. He praised their ability to convey the war experience with sensitivity and authenticity, noting, “They just had a nice sensibility, the way they told stories, the Aussie accent … so I jumped at that.”

The decision to incorporate a female voice in the reimagined version was intentional, with Donna Simpson of The Waifs lending her vocals to open the track. Schumann emphasized the importance of capturing the perspective of mothers, wives, sisters, and girlfriends who endured the pain of watching their loved ones march away.

With the addition of various instruments, including the dobro played by Shane Nicholson, slide guitar by Josh Cunningham of The Waifs, and harmonica by Schumann, the re-recorded version achieved a unique and mournful sound.

Shane Nicholson, the producer, recalled being moved by the song as a child and felt a sense of responsibility to acknowledge its 40th anniversary in a significant way. Reflecting on the experience, Nicholson highlighted the enduring power of the song and the respectful approach taken in building upon its legacy.

Retired Major Steve Pilmore OAM RFD, an ambassador for the Commando Welfare Trust, commended John Schumann’s deep understanding of veterans’ experiences. Major Pilmore emphasized that the CWT focuses on supporting those affected by war, acknowledging the challenges faced by returning veterans and the importance of maintaining a robust support structure.

As the re-recorded version of “I Was Only 19” pays tribute to the original while contributing to a meaningful cause, it stands as a testament to the enduring impact of the song and its ability to resonate across generations.

ED: From my inbox … * I have not attempted verify the quoted figures.

The ‘word was’ when national service cranked up before the Vietnam war, if a young bloke’s marble was picked out of the barrel to be ’selected’ to serve for two years as a national serviceman.

Without getting personal and going into many reasons……… a young bloke could avoid national service for many reasons.

One way to go about a reason not to be called up was to contact his local federal member [no computers then!!] The Member would sign what was called a ‘ministerial’.  This wasn’t so bad as a lot of young blokes were an important cog in a wheel in someone’s business or family business.  Or religious reasons, as well as other reasons.

When I worked at Central Army Records Office (CARO) in Melbourne, another bloke and I would visit a mate in another section, and he would inform us of those selected for national service who were medically unfit to serve.  The numbers were just awful from one visit to another.

I’m not all that good at interpreting statistics but as far as I can gather between 1964 – 1972,

804286 candidates were registered for National Service 237048 had their names/birthdays pulled from the barrel of these 101694 were rejected outright leaving 135354 to report for duty of these 71614 avoided service for some reason or other leaving only 63740 who actually served.

That is less than 8% of those who registered!

Of all infantry (all ranks) to serve in Vietnam 8167 were National Service and all ranks ARA to serve in Vietnam was 8024 (i.e., Nashos were in the majority).

Story by Sky News Australia

CLICK LINK to Sky News site.

Australian government against nuclear amid climate and energy crisis makes ‘no sense’ (msn.com)

It makes “no sense” that the government is against nuclear power as Australia faces an energy and climate crisis, Nuclear for Australia’s William Shackel says.

“When we’re experiencing an energy and climate crisis, it makes no sense why we would be restricting one of the cleanest and most reliable technologies, that being nuclear energy,” Mr Shackel told Sky News contributor Gary Hardgrave.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has dismissed the Opposition’s push for nuclear to be part of Australia’s energy future.

A new Resolve poll, revealed exclusively by Sky News Australia, found less than one in five Australians oppose ending the ban on nuclear energy, while almost half the country is in favour.

When Resolve asked the 4700 Australians who were part of the poll if they supported the use of nuclear power in Australia, 33 per cent said yes while 24 per cent said they were opposed – a further 29 per cent said they either did ‘not have a strong view’, while 13 per cent were undecided.

The Man Rules

We always hear ” the rules”

From the female side.

Now here are the rules from the male side.

These are our rules!

1.. Men are NOT mind readers.

1a.. Learn to work the toilet seat. You’re a big girl. If it’s up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don’t hear us complaining about    you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports: It’s like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
2. Crying is blackmail.
3. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one:

• Subtle hints do not work!

• Strong hints do not work!

• Obvious hints do not work!

Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
2. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That’s what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
3. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.
4. If you think your fat, you probably are. Don’t ask us.
5. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.
6. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both… If you already know best how to do it, just do it!!
7. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials…
8. Captain Cook and Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
9. ALL men see in only 16 colours, like Windows default settings. Peach is a fruit, not A colour. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
10. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.
11. If we ask what is wrong and you say “nothing,” We will act like nothing’s wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
12. If you ask a question, you don’t want an answer to expect an answer you don’t want to hear.
13. When we must go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine… Really.
14. Don’t ask us what we’re thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as football or golf.
15. You have enough clothes.
16. You have too many shoes.
17. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
18. Thank you for reading this.

Disclaimer: This list is intended purely for entertainment purposes, it’s essential to approach such humour with a light-hearted attitude and an awareness that everyone is different, with their own communication styles and needs. This disclaimer is necessary as Julie may read it and I need to advise her that I don’t require these rules hers are fine.

The Government has signed contracts with Hanwha Defence Australia to deliver and support 129 locally built Redback infantry fighting vehicles for the Australian Army.

The total value of project is approximately $7 billion dollars, representing the single largest investment in Army capability to date. The combined value of the acquisition and initial support contracts is approximately $4.5 billion dollars.

The Redback infantry fighting vehicles will be built at Hanwha Defence Australia’s state-of-the-art facility in Avalon, Greater Geelong, Victoria delivering hundreds of jobs to the local community.

Independent analysis forecasts that at the peak of its build, this project is expected to support approximately 2,100 jobs inclusive of 1,800 direct jobs.

As announced in July, Government is accelerating the delivery of the Redback infantry fighting vehicles, with the first vehicle to be delivered in 2027.

Entering into production and support contracts is another step towards Army’s transformation to meet our changing strategic circumstances.

The acquisition of these infantry fighting vehicles is part of the Government’s drive to modernise the Australian Army to ensure it can respond to the most demanding land challenges in our region.

The infantry fighting vehicles will be delivered at around the same time as the new HIMARS missile systems and Army Landing Craft – reflecting the Defence Strategic Review’s call for Army to be transformed for littoral manoeuvre operations from Australia. The infantry fighting vehicles will be operated by the 3rd Armoured Combat Brigade in Townsville.

The project will provide a significant economic boost to Australian defence industry and manufacturing capabilities, with over 90 Australian companies expected to contribute to the Redback’s local build.