The MG3 is one of the most successful machine guns in the world today and remains in production and widespread service more than 61 years after it was first adopted. It is an early Cold War era machine gun of German origin and a designation for various machine guns developed when Germany entered NATO. It is well known for its high rate of fire. The MG3 or (Machinengewehr Modell 3) was introduced into service in 1968 under the Rheinmetall brand label and continues in widespread use today. These are basically a conversion of the MG42 machine gun which was widely used by Na – zi Germany during World War 2. Besides the Belgian MAG, the MG3 was the most common type of Western machine gun during the Cold War. The weapon was developed as a multi-role General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), this classification denoting a specialized group of a machine gun in military service.

A report recommending a significant overhaul of Australia’s military justice system surfaced on Tuesday when Greens senator David Shoebridge discovered it among the exhibits of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans’ Suicide. Alongside independent senator Jacqui Lambie, Shoebridge attempted to table the report in the Senate, but the government blocked the move, raising concerns about transparency.

The report, produced by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), contains 51 recommendations, including the re-establishment of the IGADF under new legislation, the creation of an independent director of military prosecutions, and expanding whistleblower protections. It also calls for stronger guidance to military commanders to prevent the concealment of justice issues and suggests a statutory overhaul to restore trust among defence personnel.

Lambie, a longtime advocate for military justice reform, condemned the government’s handling of the report, accusing them of perpetuating a cover-up. “You say you want to reduce veterans’ suicide, but you are part of the problem,” Lambie said in the Senate, expressing her frustration with the government’s response.

The report was originally published on the Royal Commission’s website but was later removed after the government claimed it was posted “in error.” Labor frontbencher Malarndirri McCarthy confirmed its removal but acknowledged the report was now public after being tabled in the Senate. This explanation was called into question, with the Royal Commission secretariat later stating that Commonwealth lawyers were informed well in advance of the report’s tendering into evidence.

Shoebridge accused the government of attempting to keep the report hidden, criticizing their “addiction to secrecy.” Opposition Senate leader Simon Birmingham echoed these concerns, demanding answers about the report’s mishandling.

The defence minister’s office offered little clarification, stating that the review is part of a broader effort to consider reforms recommended by the Royal Commission. While the government has committed to implementing many of the Royal Commission’s recommendations, the incident has amplified calls for immediate action to reform the military justice system and improve accountability within the Australian Defence Force.

Der Beobachter an der Weichsel

In a continued effort to neutralize the threat posed by Hezbollah, Israel launched a second wave of attacks targeting Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon. After a series of pager explosions that rattled the terrorist group on Tuesday, Israel reportedly upped the ante by remotely detonating their walkie-talkies on Wednesday.

Reports indicate that at least 20 Hezbollah operatives were killed, and more than 450 people were injured during the coordinated attacks. The wave of walkie-talkie explosions follows the previous day’s operation, where Israel successfully detonated the terrorists’ pagers, causing significant losses.

In an unexpected twist, there have also been unverified reports of solar panels in the region exploding, adding to the chaos.

The attacks over the past two days have inflicted heavy casualties on Hezbollah and those in the immediate vicinity. Tuesday’s operation, involving the pager explosions, left 12 Hezbollah members dead and over 2,800 people injured. The follow-up strike on Wednesday claimed the lives of an additional 20 operatives and left 450 others wounded, though the numbers could change as further assessments are made.

The Lebanese government has condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of violating Lebanon’s sovereignty and escalating the conflict. Officials are in the process of assessing the extensive damage caused by the attacks and providing aid to those affected. As tensions mount, the international community watches closely, anticipating potential further escalations between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israel’s actions, while controversial, demonstrate its commitment to dismantling Hezbollah’s capabilities. The organization, backed by Iran, poses an ongoing threat to Israel’s security, frequently engaging in cross-border attacks and stockpiling weapons. By targeting Hezbollah operatives directly, Israel is sending a clear message that it will act decisively to protect its citizens and prevent Hezbollah from gaining ground.

These strikes also showcase the precision and sophistication of Israel’s intelligence and military capabilities. Being able to remotely detonate the pagers and walkie-talkies of Hezbollah operatives suggests deep infiltration and an advanced understanding of the terrorist group’s operations.

While these events mark another chapter in the ongoing conflict, Israel’s decisive actions underscore its resolve in confronting Hezbollah’s threat at its core. The situation remains tense, with further retaliatory actions possible. However, for now, Hezbollah’s operatives must contend with the reality that Israel’s reach is far and wide, even when it comes to the very tools they rely on for communication.

In the face of these complex geopolitical dynamics, Israel’s priority remains the safety and security of its people. The latest attacks are a reminder of the lengths to which the nation will go to neutralize threats that compromise its sovereignty.

The Krakow Post – Poland

A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on a major Russian military arsenal in the Tver region has caused a devastating explosion, forcing widespread evacuations. The explosion, which many initially feared was a nuclear blast, created a powerful shockwave detected by earthquake monitors and intense heat sources picked up by NASA satellites.

The strike, part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian military operations, targeted one of the largest arsenals in Tver. The sheer force of the blast, equivalent to the detonation of 200-240 tons of high explosives, sent shockwaves across the region, leaving residents and observers stunned.

“I honestly thought it was a nuke when I first saw it,” one witness remarked on social media, reflecting the magnitude of the explosion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the success of the operation, highlighting its precision and strategic significance. In a public statement, he credited Ukraine’s intelligence services and Special Operations Forces for their role in executing the attack.

“The weakening of our enemy is vital for the defence of our nation,” Zelensky emphasized. He also thanked the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), and Special Operations Forces for their coordinated efforts.

The Russian government, while confirming the attack and the subsequent explosion, has downplayed reports of mass casualties. The governor of Tver confirmed evacuations from nearby villages and towns but reassured the public that no fatalities had been reported. However, many Russian citizens expressed anger and frustration, questioning the security measures in place at the arsenal.

Social media was flooded with messages of concern and offers of support for those displaced by the explosion. As images and videos of the aftermath circulated, a wave of solidarity emerged across Russia, with many calling for increased defences and retaliatory measures against Ukraine.

The attack marks one of the most significant strikes on Russian soil since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated, raising tensions and concerns over the security of critical military infrastructure within Russia.

ED: One from my inbox … thanks Paul

One day a farmer’s donkey fell into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer’s neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

Free your heart from hatred – Forgive.

Free your mind from worries – Most never happen.

Live simply and appreciate what you have.

Give more.

Expect less

NOW …………

Enough of that crap … The donkey later came back and bit the farmer who had tried to bury him. The gash from the bite got infected and the farmer eventually died in agony from septic shock.

MORAL FROM TODAY’S LESSON:

When you do something wrong, and try to cover your ass, it always comes back to bite you.

By Ray Payne OAM – Frontline

Last week marked a significant turning point for veterans and their families with the release of the final report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. With over 5,889 submissions, 886 private sessions, 346 witness statements, and the review of 230,000 documents, the systemic failures of the support systems designed for our servicemen and women have finally been exposed. For the first time in years, the hidden struggles of Australia’s 581,000 veterans and their 450,000 family members are being brought to light.

Our Defence Force excels at protecting our country, often without demanding the recognition they deserve. However, this silence has also left many veterans feeling voiceless when the system lets them down. The Royal Commission has forced us all to confront these uncomfortable truths about how some veterans have been treated.

While it’s easy to expect the government to fix this, history has shown us that waiting for government action alone isn’t enough. Veteran organisations, like the RSL and all our other veteran associations, need to step up and hold both the government and Defence accountable. It’s not enough to assume that change will happen on its own. These organisations are in a unique position of influence, with direct access to the communities most affected, and must ensure that the momentum created by this inquiry leads to tangible, lasting reforms.

Because of my involvement with veterans over the past 50 years I’ve seen firsthand how the system can break down those it’s supposed to protect, and I know many have endured far worse. We can no longer afford to tinker around the edges of this problem. What we need is a complete overhaul…a systemic transformation that proactively supports veterans and their families, preventing harm before it happens.

Veteran organisations, particularly the RSL and veteran associations, must play a critical role in ensuring that the momentum created by the Royal Commission leads to real change. These organisations need to go beyond offering support…they must become vigilant advocates, closely monitoring the government’s actions and holding Defence accountable for implementing the required reforms. This isn’t just about making noise; it’s about making sure that promises aren’t empty and that real, tangible improvements are made.

The task ahead is monumental, and without the persistent pressure from veteran associations, there is a risk that these issues will be pushed to the sidelines once again. The RSL and other veteran organisations have a responsibility to ensure that the findings of the commission don’t gather dust but are acted upon swiftly and effectively. They must track progress, challenge delays, and keep these issues front and centre in the national conversation.

If we allow this burden to fall on the next generation of veterans, we will have failed them. The future of our veteran community rests on the actions we take today, and it is the role of these organisations to make sure that every step is taken with purpose and urgency. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a system that genuinely supports and protects our veterans and their families. It’s a task that cannot be left to government alone…veteran organisations must be at the forefront, leading the charge, and making sure Australia honours its commitment to those who have given so much.

ED: This article was sent to me by Ernie Chamberlain it included a photo of the Hurrican Magazine cover, unfortunately, I was unable to copy it into the article.

During the Vietnam War, the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) was under the operational control of a US “corps headquarters” located at Long Bình, Biên Hòa Province – ie II Field Force Vietnam (II FFV – “Two Field Force Victor”).

II FFV was founded on 15 March 1966 and “de-activated” on 21 May 1971 – when it was replaced by the Third Regional Assistance Command (TRAC). II FFV’s area of responsibility was III Corps Tactical Zone (CTZ) – later renamed Military Region 3. The formation insignias of II FFV’s major formations – including 1 ATF and the Royal Thai Armed Forces, are shown on the map below. Within South Vietnam, III CTZ had an “area of responsibility” encompassing 11 provinces and covering an area of 25,900 square kilometres – with 372 kilometres of border with Cambodia and 220 kilometres of coast-line on the South China Sea.

HQ II FFV produced a “glossy” monthly colour magazine – “The Hurricane” (see the cover of the November 1967 edition above) – of from 15 to 45 pages, comprising articles principally highlighting pacification and development issues, profiles of Free World and South Vietnamese military formation and units, and provinces in III CTZ/Military Region 3. The Hurricane also occasionally included items on the Australian and New Zealand forces.

In northern and central South Vietnam, the US I FFV (activated on 1 August 1965) also produced a similar magazine – “The Typhoon”; and US Army Vietnam (USARV) in Saigon produced a larger quarterly magazine – “Tour 365 – For soldiers going home” – ie a potted history of the War of about 60 pages.

The II FFV’s Hurricane edition of May 1970 included a “Companion’s Guide to Phuoc Tuy” – see the following extract:

“A few years ago, if you wanted to drive from Saigon to Vung Tau, you always left a last letter to your loved one and one with a friend back in Saigon. Today, though, national highway QL-15 boasts a steady traffic between Saigon and Vung Tau, and – on weekends, the great race down QL-15 makes you long for the calm of the Los Angeles freeway during rush hour. A large part of your trip will take you through Phuoc Tuy Province which lies southeast of Saigon. If you had driven through Phuoc Tuy Province in 1962, a return journey in 1970 would show notable changes in the countryside and the attitudes of the people. Mr Martin Christie, the Province Senior Advisor (a former WWII US Marine Corps captain and POW – Corregidor), explained it this way: ‘The people of this province are traditionally anti- government. In the old traditional society, the villages were highly autonomous and paid only lip services, and taxes to the Vietnamese emperor. When the emperor’s tax collectors made their annual visits to the villages, many times they were stopped at the gates. The people would pay their taxes, but they wouldn’t allow the emperor’s representatives to enter the village. This is the kind of atmosphere we’re working in today,’ Mr. Christie continued. ‘When the French came in, they ‘dehorned’ the village officials and introduced district and province chiefs in attempts to centralize the government. And during the Indo-China War, a great many of the people in the province were Viet-Minh. And even today, the Viet-Cong are preaching anti-central government. Phuoc Tuy is a very difficult place to work pacification.’ But, he added, ‘pacification is beginning to work here, partially because of the security provided by the Australian Task Force, and their Civic Action unit, which entirely specializes in development and pacification. The Vietnamese are beginning to get more confidence in central government.’ The most impressive piece of evidence to support Mr. Christie’s observations can be found in the capital of the province, Phuoc Le, or as it is more often referred to, Baria. Several years ago, the market place in Baria occupied a space in the centre of town no larger than a tennis court. Then, the village government borrowed five million piastres from the GVN for construction of the main building in the new market place, which is located on the outskirts of town on QL-15.”

Other Hurricane magazine articles noted covering the Australians included – in chronological order:

“The Australian Surgical Team”, Volume 1, No. 5 March 1968. .

“A Village is Born – Ap Suoi Nghe, Volume 1, No. 9, July 1968.

“Phuoc Tuy”, Volume 1, No.15, January 1969. “An unprosperous and unpeaceful land with potential”).

“1st Australian Task Force: Aussies make it hot for Charlie in Phuoc Tuy.”, No.16, February

1969, pp.8-11.

“The Kiwis – New Zealand Sparks 1st Australian Task Force, Volume 1, No. 21, July 1969 – that included: “New Zealand troops have a traditional rivalry with their Aussie counterparts – like Texans with New Englanders.” ”

“Integrated Civic Action Program (ICAP)”, Volume 1, No. 28, February 1970.

“A Companion’s Guide to Phuoc Tuy” – Volume 1, No. 31, May 1970 (ie noted above); and

“Aussie Civic Action”, Volume 1, No. 33, July 1970.

Typhoon: II FFV’s northern “companion” Corps in central/northern South Vietnam was I FFV (headquartered in Nha Trang and responsible for the 12 provinces of II CTZ). It also produced a magazine similar to II FFV’s “The Hurricane” – and was titled “Typhoon”.

Its June 1970 edition included an article on 1 ATF titled: “Diggers in Phuoc Tuy Province are Getting the Bloody Job Done” – subtitled: “Diggers fight the nogs”. Focusing on 8RAR, it was perhaps among the best of the US articles on the Australian forces in Vietnam – despite its pejorative sub-title of “Diggers fight the nogs” (“Nogs” being the popular Digger- argot/sobriquet of that time).

During the War, Sydney was cited in US magazines as “a modern cosmopolitan city of friendly English-speaking Australians with whom Americans have always felt a special kinship.” … “Almost 300,000 Americans and 18,000 Australians spent their R&R in Sydney, and the scheme contributed $80 million to Australia’s economy (source: ANZAC portal – DVA). In Vietnam, US formation and unit magazines regularly had articles lauding the R&R attractions of Sydney – including koalas, kangaroos, the harbour and beaches, Kings Cross – and “friendly sheilas”.

In a 28 January 2024 article to Ray Payne’s FRONTLINE Edition No. 102, I noted a US newspaper’s February 1972 press article titled: “Jade Warriors: Aussies leaving but the legend stays”- that included: “The friendly nasal ‘ow yer goin mite’ is rarely heard in Vietnam these days as the handful of Aussies left behind hurriedly pack the last of their paraphernalia they used to exert their way and will in Phuoc Tuy Province southeast of Saigon. The dark green jungle the Aussies called ‘the jade’ is reclaiming the piece of and that was their home.” The US journalist apparently “mis-heard” Australian soldiers – i.e. thinking their reference to the “dark green jungle”- as “the J“, was “the Jade“!

Other comments on the Australian military involvement are also interesting e.g .: the Australians were unlikely to leave a “permanent mark” despite their “victories”. Australians “paid their way” and their image was not “tainted” – unlike other non-US Free World Forces. Vietnamese bar girls taunted Australian soldiers as “cheap charlies” because of their “thriftiness”; and “the Aussies were untouched by the US drug sub-culture … the potent Australian beer was a substitute used by many.”

Complimentary copies of the “Jade Warriors” article – and on-line references to The Hurricane and The Typhoon magazines etc are available from Ernie Chamberlain – [email protected]

Heston Russell’s fight against the ABC is indeed an astonishing case of media treachery. The public broadcaster, funded by taxpayers, has a duty to uphold journalistic integrity, but in this case, it seems they’ve grossly misrepresented and defamed a decorated veteran. It’s a betrayal not just of Russell, but of every Australian who expects truth and fairness from their national broadcaster. The ABC should be held accountable and face serious consequences for their actions. This isn’t just about one man’s reputation—it’s about ensuring that no media organization can wield its power irresponsibly and expect to get away with it. The public deserves better, and it’s high time the ABC is punished for betraying the trust placed in them.

CLICK LINK to watch the Sky News presentation

Heston Russell’s fight against ABC an ‘astonishing case of media treachery’ (msn.com)

US Air Force

Lockheed Martin is developing a longer-range missile, the AGM-158 XR, to address growing threats in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in response to China’s expanding defence capabilities. This new missile is an enhanced version of Lockheed’s existing AGM-158 platform, including the AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) and AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).

Announced at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference on Sept. 16, the XR is being developed as an upgraded model of the JASSM-D and LRASM-C3, both already contracted with the U.S. Air Force and Navy. Jon Hill, vice president and general manager of air dominance and strike weapons at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said the XR leverages existing production processes while extending missile range, a critical capability for future warfare scenarios.

Michael Rothstein, Lockheed’s vice president for strategy and requirements, air weapons, and sensors, described the XR as an initiative to stay ahead of evolving military needs. While specifics on the XR’s range were not disclosed, Rothstein emphasized that the improvement is substantial, driven by a lengthened missile form that holds more fuel. Other engineering modifications are planned, but Lockheed aims to use as much existing technology as possible to streamline production.

The primary advantages of the longer range include increased standoff distance, allowing for more precise targeting and enhanced operational tempo. Pilots can engage targets from further away and return for rearming more quickly, ultimately enabling more sorties and greater firepower across the battlefield. Despite these benefits, the XR’s size and weight will limit compatibility with smaller aircraft like the F-16. However, this trade-off is considered acceptable given the missile’s enhanced range and capabilities.

A prototype test flight is expected within a year or two but fielding the missile will take several more years. Lockheed is positioning itself for faster development by utilizing mature production lines, infrastructure, and components from existing missile programs. According to Rothstein, this approach can significantly reduce both costs and timelines, making the development process more efficient.

Lockheed’s JASSM and LRASM missiles have been in service for over two decades, predating modern digital design methods. The company is now investing in digital engineering to modernize these systems, focusing on increasing modularity and efficiency to meet the evolving needs of warfighters. This effort aligns with the Defence Department’s budget constraints, and Lockheed is actively pursuing ways to provide cost-effective solutions.

Interest in the XR is reportedly strong within the military, which Lockheed views as validation of its investment. The company is also expanding its missile production capacity, a process that began before the war in Ukraine. Lockheed aims to increase production from 550 to 1,100 AGM missiles annually to meet U.S. and foreign demand, and they are making progress toward this goal.