Military pedants have much on their plate.

THE Oxford Dictionary describes a pedant as “one who insists on strict adherence to formal rules”.

The ADF takes pedantry seriously, with formal officer training at command and staff colleges, and more informal discussions, most usually in sergeants’ messes during Friday happy hour drinks.

Since pedantry has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, particularly among the Fort Zinderneuf senior command, such training may have lost its relevance.

The concurrent resurgence in military teetotalitarianism has forced senior NCO pedantry training to go clandestine.

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Military pedants have much on their plate | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

Memorial Service – Colonel Brian Matthew Lyndsay Hall (Retd) – RAA

A Memorial Service for Brian will be held at The Boat House Restaurant, 7 Menindee Drive, Barton, on Monday, 6 November 2023, commencing at 11:00am.
Brian tackled cancer with all he could give but, in the end, it simply overwhelmed him. Like everything else Brian did he did it with grace and

acceptance, never complaining. The family ask that in lieu of flowers donations are made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia:
www.pcfa.org.au

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer

Halfhearted reaction by PM

In recent developments, South Israel experienced a tragic incident which has sparked international debate. This event, orchestrated by Hamas, has intensified the tensions between the militant group and the Israeli government. Some suggest that the motive behind such acts is to push Israel to the brink of war.

One of the most disturbing reports from this event is the account of a pregnant woman and her unborn child being brutally killed by beheading. These kinds of incidents provoke strong emotions globally and raise questions about humanity, politics, and the ethical considerations surrounding the conflict.

Globally, reactions to this event have varied. Some segments of the Australian left, as well as other international groups, appear to downplay or excuse the severity of the incident, while others condemn it vehemently. Such divergent reactions underscore the polarized views surrounding the Israel-Palestine issue.

Australian Prime Minister Albanese, known for his strong support of Palestine throughout his political career, has given what some describe as a lukewarm condemnation of the incident. His responses are closely watched and critiqued by both supporters and detractors. In the backdrop of these tensions, there are Australians facing economic hardships, and critics argue that domestic issues should be prioritized.

It’s also noteworthy that many world leaders have met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss this and other matters. However, PM Albanese’s interactions with Netanyahu seem limited. Leaders from Germany, Britain, the USA, France, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Italy, and Latvia, as well as representatives from the European Union, have reportedly met with Netanyahu. Yet, there’s no confirmed meeting between Albanese and the Israeli leader.

PM Albanese’s frequent international visits, often referred to with the moniker ‘AirBus ALBO’ by some, have raised eyebrows given the absence of a trip to Israel since his election. The reason for this remains a topic of speculation among political commentators.

In conclusion, the incident in South Israel and the ensuing global reactions serve as a grim reminder of the complexities of the Middle East conflict. With the world watching, leaders and nations grapple with their positions, trying to balance diplomacy with moral responsibility.

 

 

VALE 2192240 ROBIN (Rob) LESLIE JOHN MARTIN – 4RAR

We have been advised by Robin’s daughter that he passed away on Wednesday 25/10/2023. A service will be held in November to commemorate him with those details to be forthcoming.

Please forward any correspondence or queries to his daughter Dana Martin at Email:[email protected] Rob was assistant adjutant on 2nd tour.

Sincerely

Wendy M McLean J.P.(Qual) LM

Secretary/Membership Officer

4RAR Association Qld. Inc.’

VALE – 1202660 WO1 Edward John (Jim) OLDFIELD – RACMP

16 December 1937 – 27 October 2023

Aged 85 Years

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Jim Oldfield this morning after a long battle with health issues. Jim joined the army in April 1968 and was allocated direct to RACMP.   Jim served at various postings in VIC, NSW & QLD, he also served with the PM Directorate office Canberra as the RACMP Career Management SO4.   Jim served in Vietnam from July 1970 – July 1971.

Jim had a firm but fair attitude through all aspects of his career and was a highly respected soldier who could always be relied upon.

He will be sadly missed by all who served with him.

LEST WE FORGET

Condolences to:   Mrs Helen OLDFIELD & Family

311 Carlyle Gardens

Beck Drive North

Condon   QLD   4815

Funeral Details:   TBA

                           

Footnote.   Jim once told me how he became to be known as Jim rather than being called by his given Christian name.   His father’s name was James (Jim).   As a little boy growing up in the small town of Gloucester NSW he would accompany his father all over town and the locals would always refer to his father and he as big Jim and little Jim.   Hence the name Jim, stuck and remained for life.

John Watson

No Shit Sherlock.

They’re not happy in Gaza ..
They’re not happy in Egypt ..
They’re not happy in Libya ..
They’re not happy in Morocco ..
They’re not happy in Iran ..
They’re not happy in Iraq ..
They’re not happy in Yemen …
They’re not happy in Afghanistan …
They’re not happy in Pakistan ..
They’re not happy in Syria ..
They’re not happy in Lebanon ….

????

SO.. WHERE ARE THEY HAPPY?

They’re happy in Australia & New Zealand ..
They’re happy in Canada ..
They’re happy in England, Scotland & Ireland ..
They’re happy in France ..
They’re happy in Italy ..
They’re happy in Germany ..
They’re happy in Sweden ..
They’re happy in the USA ..
They’re happy in Norway ..
They’re happy in Holland ..
They’re happy in Denmark ..
????

Basically, they’re happy in every country that is not Muslim and unhappy in every country that is!

AND WHO DO THEY BLAME?

Not Islam.
Not their leadership.
Not themselves

THEY BLAME THE COUNTRIES THEY ARE HAPPY IN !

AND THEN- They want to change those countries to be like, THE COUNTRY THEY CAME FROM WHERE THEY WERE UNHAPPY!
Excuse me, but I can’t help wondering…
How frigging dumb can you get?
Everyone seems to be wondering why Muslim Terrorists are so quick to commit suicide so lets have a look at the evidence:

– No Christmas
– No television
– No nude women
– No football
– No pork chops
– No hot dogs
– No burgers
– No beer
– No bacon
– Rags for clothes
– Towels for hats
– Constant wailing from some bloke in a tower
– More than one wife
– More than one mother-in-law
– You can’t shave
– Your wife can’t shave
– You can’t wash off the smell of donkeys
– You cook over burning camel shit
– Your wife is picked by someone else for you
– and your wife smells worse than your donkey
– Then they tell them that “when they die, it all gets better”???

Well, No Sh1t Sherlock!….
It’s not like it could get much worse!
Graeme Edwards

A postscript to 5RAR’s 1969 Battle of Binh Ba

By Ernie Chamberlain

“Australian official history accounts of the Battle of Bình Ba in early June 1969 omit that – apart from occupying the village of Binh Ba on Route 2 north of the 1 ATF Núi Đất base, the communist forces (ie 33rd NVA Regiment, D440 Local Force Battalion), planned to ambush the expected 1 ATF relief force as it moved north up Route 2 to Bình Ba.

According to a 33rd Regiment history monograph, the initial plan was for the “33rd Regiment to conduct an ambush battle on Australian forces lured north from their Núi Đất base – in the area of Route 2 from the Sông Cầu hamlet up to Đức Mỹ hamlet”.

Several Vietnamese accounts relate however that their planned ambush was not initiated ie: as the Australian relief force was “spread out in groups of two-and-three vehicles and did not fall into the Regiment’s ambush – so the (33rd NVA) Regiment’s tactical headquarters decided not to attack.” … and: “At 6am on 6 June 1969 – just as we had planned, the Australian forces from Núi Đất sent their tanks north to relieve Bình Ba. However, as the enemy was spread out in groups of two-and-three vehicles, and did not fall into the Regiment’s ambush formation, the headquarters of the Regiment decided not to initiate the ambush attack.” And: ““the Australians did not enter our ambush formation as planned.”
During a briefing at the 33rd NVA Regiment’s 50th Anniversary reunion in Hanoi in 2019, the Battle of Bình Ba was depicted on a “mounted” marked map – that also noted the site of the “un-initiated/”unsprung” Route 2 ambush.

A few years ago, I acquired a colour photograph of a 33rd NVA Regiment veteran – Hoàng Đình Chiến, giving a briefing off that map to fellow NVA veterans in Hanoi on the 33rd Regiment’s special ambush planned to destroy 5RAR south of Bình Ba. Chiến was purportedly the last living of the NVA combatants at that Battle.”

Regards, Ernie

[email protected]

The Battle at Binh Ba – 1969

The Battle of Binh Ba was a pivotal engagement involving Australian troops during the Vietnam War. Prior to this conflict, the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) primarily engaged in combat in open fields or dense jungles. The clash at Binh Ba, located in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, was against a formidable and well-equipped communist force.

In the initial days of June 1969, the 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment/New Zealand (ANZAC), newly stationed north of the 1ATF base at Nui Dat for Operation Lavarack, began facing significant numbers of North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) soldiers. This led to several intense firefights. By the evening of June 5, 1969, Binh Ba village was taken over by a combined communist force comprising determined and well-equipped troops.

On the morning of June 6th, a rocket-propelled grenade struck an Australian Centurion tank passing north of the village around 8 am, causing damage and injuring at least one crew member. By 10:30 am, the 1ATF initiated Operation Hammer, deploying a reduced company of 5RAR, backed by armored units and artillery, to the village. Over the next 48 hours, intense urban warfare ensued as Australian forces sought to evict the NVA and VC troops from Binh Ba.

The Aftermath: When the 1st Australian Civil Affairs Unit (1ACAU) entered Binh Ba on June 8, they were confronted with widespread destruction. One-fifth of the residences were completely ruined, and the rest bore varying damage levels. The 1ACAU was instrumental in distributing essential supplies like food and water to the locals. Additionally, they spearheaded the village’s repair and rebuilding. The bulk of this reconstruction work, carried out mainly by Australian engineers, spanned a month. Notably, B Squadron, 1 Armoured Regiment took the initiative to reconstruct and reopen the village school by November.

The cost of Operation Hammer for the Australians was the tragic loss of one soldier and ten injuries. In contrast, the NVA and Viet Cong suffered significantly with 99 fatalities, a majority from the 33 NVA Regiment. Post-Operation Hammer, Australian forces, who had previously faced security threats in Binh Ba, could now traverse the village without hindrance. Their rebuilding efforts garnered appreciation from numerous villagers.

Operation Lavarack wrapped up by June 30, 1969. The 6RAR/NZ, during this operation, neutralized 102 enemy combatants. The Australian and New Zealand forces saw casualties of one and two soldiers respectively, with 29 injured.

Australia’s Quest to Ease Nuclear Submarine Fears

Picture: Russell Groth CPO

Australia’s journey to introduce nuclear-powered submarines has reignited decades-long concerns over nuclear weapons and associated technologies. The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) is proactively addressing these concerns with engaging informational campaigns. A recently released “Introduction to Nuclear-Powered Submarines” video as part of Nuclear Science Week highlighted the advantages and safety of these submarines.

Established earlier this year, ASA is responsible for the acquisition and governance of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability, facilitated by the AUKUS partnership involving the UK and the US. This trilateral agreement reinforces the narrative that the Indo-Pacific has become a strategic hotspot, and nuclear submarines will offer Australia a competitive edge.

Australia’s submarine transition aligns with increasing geo-political tensions, especially in the South China Sea. As part of this change, Australia will receive the first SSN-AUKUS from the UK in the late 2030s, followed by domestically built versions in the 2040s. Additionally, a deal for the US to sell nuclear-powered Virginia Class submarines to Australia is in the pipeline.

Why the move to nuclear? The ASA highlights several advantages: nuclear-powered submarines do not need frequent recharges like their diesel counterparts, boast unlimited range and faster speeds, and derive energy from controlled nuclear fission reactions. These submarines also emphasize safety with four layers of protection, and the radiation exposure to crews is minimal – less than that of long-haul pilots.

Despite the ASA’s confidence, a generational aversion to nuclear power stemming from the Cold War era and opposition to domestic nuclear energy projects remain. Recent polls indicate a dip in the number of Australians “strongly” supporting the nuclear submarine acquisition. While some believe the submarines will boost regional stability, others are unsure or believe they could raise military tensions.

The historical anti-nuclear sentiment, influenced by concerns over nuclear energy production and weapons testing, might be a challenge. However, with global nuclear advancements, it’s hoped that public trust in nuclear technology will grow as Australia progresses with its submarine program.