A decade after transitioning its three primary force combat brigades into multi-role formations, Australia has decided to move back to specialist designations. This change comes in light of the Australian Government’s announcement on 28 September, 2023.

Previously, until 2011, the three brigades consisted of a mechanised brigade (1st Brigade), a light infantry brigade (3rd Brigade), and a motorised infantry formation (7th Brigade). They were then unified into multi-role manoeuvre brigades with similar structures. The latest announcement reveals a shift back to specialization:

• 1st Brigade will be transformed into a light combat brigade.
• 3rd Brigade will be designated as an armoured brigade.
• 7th Brigade will revert to its motorised combat brigade role.

Additionally, the 10th Brigade, which was disbanded in 1942, will be re-established to function as a fires brigade. This shift in structure will also lead to significant adjustments in Army equipment placements. A notable change includes Adelaide’s Army presence becoming more ‘future-oriented’, emphasizing long-range strike capabilities like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).

Reason Behind the Restructuring: Defence Strategic Review

Australia’s decision stems from the directions outlined in the Defence Strategic Review. This strategic document shifted the focus from maintaining a balanced force to establishing a more targeted force. While historically, the primary concern was defending Australia, the new direction aims to prepare for a diverse set of challenges.

Interestingly, designing a specialized force to tackle a wider array of challenges might seem contradictory at first. However, it could indicate Australia’s intent to collaborate more closely with allies in combined task forces. This follows the trend seen in countries like the UK, where specific branches, such as the Royal Navy, specialize in particular roles, like submarine hunting.

A detailed examination of the Defence Strategic Review reveals Australia’s Army is now looking to emphasize combat in coastal areas with extended range fire support, with the need to “re-posture key capabilities”. The review also prioritizes the Army Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels programmes and the procurement of HIMARS, while discontinuing the self-propelled howitzers from the Protected Mobile Fires programme and reducing the Land Combat Vehicle System’s size.

As war rages in Ukraine, the idea of nuclear attack rears its ugly head once again. Today, Britain relies on collaboration with her allies together with her own nuclear deterrent to protect against attack. But how did it all begin? In a special report, we hear from three men who took part in Britain’s early Cold War-era of nuclear testing – the men who helped test Britain’s very first nuclear capability.

No happy ending in defence pension review

THERE is nothing more ominous than a non-binary RSM’s face a few inches from yours at a dress inspection with a look as though they have just stepped in something vile.

Perhaps that’s an exaggeration but even more terrifying is a government announcing a review of defence force pensions.

Like a condemned felon walking the few steps from their cell to the gallows, there’s never a happy ending.

The ADF introduced one of Australia’s first, compulsory contribution schemes named it, as only bureaucrats temporarily distracted from straightening paper clips could.

CLICK LINK to continue reading

No happy ending in defence pension review | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

ED: Sadly Robert Service was buried today, see Last Past. Here is the story of his involvment at Long Tan.

By 41961 WO1 (Bob) R.C. Thompson (Ret)

Forty years ago, I heard a story about a RAEME soldier being at the Battle of Long Tan. I immediately dismissed it as bullshit. I heard it again in 1999, when I was applying to have the pilot, Flt Lt Cliff Dohle’s MID upgraded to a DSM. Flt Lt Cliff Dohle piloted the first helicopter that dropped ammunition which saved the lives of ‘D’ Company 6RAR. I was so focused on getting Cliff Dohle his DSM, which he eventually received, I forgot about the story.

Two years ago, I again heard there was a RAEME soldier at the Battle of Long Tan, this time I thought I would check it out, as the story had surfaced too many times not to have some validity. I knew the soldier wasn’t with the ground troops because I had researched 1APC Squadron, 3 Troop and ‘D’ company 6RAR.

Two of the people on helicopter A2-1020, were RSM WO1, George Chin and Major Owen O’Brien, flown by Flt Lt Francis (Frank) Riley. They’ve been well documented in books such as The Battle of Long Tan by Lex McAulay and many others. But nobody knew who the other two were on aircraft A2-1022 flown by Flt Lt Cliff Dohle. These people helped load the second chopper as well as wrap the ammo in blankets. They stayed on board to help push out the ammo when A/C hovered over ‘D’ company. This aircraft carried most of the ammunition and was first over ‘D’ company to drop the ammunition.

After two years of research, I eventually discovered who the RAEME soldier was. He was 1200605 Cfn Robert Service, Armourer, RAEME attached 6RAR. Most people have never heard of Cfn Service because he applied to Army Aviation after Vietnam. He later trained to become an Airframe Fitter and served out his six years and left Aviation and the army to work for Bell Helicopters at Brisbane Qld. I asked Robert Service now retired to tell me his story this is his response:

“On the afternoon of the 18 August 1966, I was enjoying a drink of beer with the Admin Company. A Sgt ran up to us and ordered the group to go over to the ‘Q’ store and collect ammunition boxes and load them into the two helicopters that were sitting on our pad. As the only RAEME person there, I thought it was my duty to volunteer to help out. We did this in a tropical monsoonal downpour. We loaded the two helicopters, and I noticed I had the last box of ammo to be loaded and as I did, I saw the ‘Q’ store Cpl McCutchen arrive with a bundle of blankets and he jumped on board with them. I could see he needed my help, so I climbed aboard the helicopter and help him wrap the ammo boxes.

While we were busy doing this, the pilot took off. (Picture Flt Lt Cliff Dohle DSM) The noise of the tropical downpour combined with the engine noise, plus the adrenalin rush, blocked out any communications with one another. After a short period of time, we arrived at our destination; we were at tree top height. Through the rain, you could see the trees. I helped push the ammo boxes as well as some ammo in sandbags right to the edge of the floor of the helicopter. The A/C rolled on its side and the load helped by the door gunner and us left the A/C and fell to the ground. After the drop we returned to Nui Dat.

Our helicopter was A2-1022; it was piloted by Flt Lt Cliff Dohle. I knew we were sitting ducks; we were at treetop about 20/30 feet above the ground, and you could see the rubber trees through the blinding rain. The helicopter had on all its navigation lights as well as the flashing strobe light on at the top of the A/C.”

Aircraft A2-1022 piloted by Flt Lt Cliff Dohle and Flt Lt Bruce Lane, door gunners, Cpl. Bill Harrington, LAC Brian Hill, ammo unloaders Cfn Robert Service and Cpl William McCutchen is now restored as a Memorial and sits on a stand out the front of Caloundra Qld RSL.

Posted by Brian Hartigan – Defence Contact

FILE PHOTO: M1A1 Abrams tanks from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment conduct live-firing during Exercise Capital OTP at Townsville Field Training Area. The new Army restructure will see all deployable M1A1s concentrated in Townsville’s 3rd Brigade. Photo by Corporal Brandon Grey.

Minister for Defence [though he prefers his superior title, Deputy Prime Minister even when making Defence-portfolio announcements] Richard Marles, in company with Acting Chief of Army Major General Richard Vagg, gave a press conference in Townsville today [transcript below] to announce a significant restructuring of the Australian Army.

“In restructuring our Army we are moving from generalist combat brigades to specialist combat brigades,” Mr Marles said.

“1st Brigade will be light, agile and quick to deploy in the littoral environment. 3rd Brigade will be an armoured brigade designed for amphibious operations with the Royal Australian Navy in order to secure decisive terrain. 7th Brigade will be motorised and optimised to project by air and sea to respond to regional contingencies.

“To achieve this, we are announcing key changes to Army’s units and formations as well as changes to equipment locations.

CLICK LINK to continue reading this article:

Major Army restructure officially announced – CONTACT magazine (contactairlandandsea.com)