ED: From my inbox … the following email from Mauro has some merit in my view.

Thank you for your going updates and interesting articles.  I have noted the ongoing issues with retention of service personal over the years and noticed an article regarding allowing recruitment of personal via our south pacific islands. Has any thoughts gone into the recruitment of Gurkhas and maybe forming regiment as the same modelling as the British defence force has done over the past 100 years. I had the opportunity during my service of being on exercises with Gurkhas and found them to be very professional.

It’s just a thought and I believe it would benefit our defence force and our country.

Regards

Mauro Vella

Ex-1 RAR

Every passing year brings with it a familiar chorus of voices clamouring for the cancellation of Australia Day, creating a cacophony of dissent that echoes through the public discourse. The fervour behind these calls seems to emanate from a desire to reshape the national narrative, with critics often pointing fingers at the elites within the Labor party and public service as the instigators of this movement.

In the aftermath of the failure to establish a designated Indigenous Voice, it appears that a new strategy has emerged—one that seeks to subtly erode the significance of Australia Day. This covert approach involves a gradual dismantling of the foundations of national pride and identity, with Anthony Albanese emerging as a central figure in this shift.

Albanese’s actions have been pivotal in undermining the sanctity of Australia Day. By lifting protections that mandated ceremonies on the historic date of 26 January, he has opened the door for a more flexible interpretation of the national celebration. A particularly unprecedented move is the allowance for public servants in Canberra to independently choose their public holiday—a departure from Australia’s historical traditions.

The influence of Albanese extends beyond national borders, as evidenced by his appointment of Stephen Smith as the High Commissioner to the UK. The cancellation of the Embassy’s annual Australia Day Events under the pretext of “cultural sensitivities” adds another layer to the subtle assault on the national day.

In the wake of these developments, local councils, emboldened by Albanese’s perceived acquiescence, are taking increasingly audacious steps. Australia Day ceremonies are being cancelled, and there are reports of attempts to replace the national flag, an emblem deeply intertwined with the country’s identity and history.

This trajectory of eroding national symbols and traditions is concerning, and it is a call to action for those who hold a deep affection for their country. The rallying cry is clear: proud Australians who cherish their nation, its special day, and the symbolic importance of the flag must stand up and be counted. Otherwise, the encroachment on cherished traditions may continue unabated, leading to a fundamental reshaping of the cultural fabric of Australia.

Our team is very proud to announce our ambassador …

Doug Baird OAM, an Australian rules footballer and a devoted ambassador for Due South. Born on 16 November 1950, Doug’s journey encapsulates not only the thrill of the game but also an enduring commitment to honour, sacrifice, and the well-being of those who have served.

In his prime, Doug graced the football fields as a formidable player with Carlton Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) leaving an indelible mark with statistics correct to the end of 1970. Doug played an impressive 130 games for Cooee Football Club, including pivotal roles in the 1978 and 1982 premiership sides also was captain/coach of Ulverstone Football Club 1983/84 before returning to Melbourne. This extraordinary feat speaks not only to his skill on the field but also to his enduring commitment to excellence.

Doug’s son, Cameron Baird VC MG, emerged as an Australian soldier of exceptional courage, posthumously receiving the Victoria Cross for Australia – the highest military decoration.

As the ambassador of Due South, Doug Baird brings his passion for supporting veterans and emergency responders to the forefront. His dedication to recognising and honouring the sacrifices of theses heroes aligns seamlessly with Due South’s commitment to fostering a community that supports those who served and protected.

Doug Baird’s involvement with Due South is not just a title it’s a heartfelt endeavour to bridge legacies, Cameron Baird’s rare honour of being one of two individuals to receive both the Victoria Cross and the Medal of Gallantry propels Doug to champion a cause that is deeply personal.

In ceremonies and events, Doug proudly wears his son’s medals, symbolising the continuation of legacy defined by the courage and selflessness. Through Due South, Doug amplifies his voice and influence to advocate for the well-being of veterans and emergency responders, ensuring that their sacrifices are acknowledged, and their stories are told.

Doug Baird stands as a beacon, illustrating that the passion for honouring heroes extends far beyond the football field. His ambassadorship is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who serve and commitment to building a community that recognises, supports, and uplifts the brave individuals who have given their all.

Join Doug Baird in the honour with Due South, where legacies meet, and the heart felt service beats strong.

Doug also holds the following positions:

-Patron of the Victoria Cross Trust England

-Vice Paton Australian Bravery Association

-Ambassador Commando Association Queensland

-Vice Ambassador T.P.I Victoria

-Ambassador for ANZAC and Yellow Ribbon Australia

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.