The latest rifle adopted by the British Army – the new Belgian FN.30 – is demonstrated at the Hythe School of Infantry, in Kent. Lieutenant-Colonel Dickson speaks about the merits of the new self-loading rifle, before handing over to his sergeant-major for a demonstration of how to field strip the new weapon. Clip taken from BBC Television Newsreel, originally broadcast on BBC Television, Friday 22 January, 1954.
I’m told that there was a difficulty with the link yesterday’s weekly comment from Ross Eastgate … Ross has sent me a new link.
Australia’s Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) will be equipped with the Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster Chain Gun, enhancing its combat capabilities. A total of 129 Northrop Grumman guns will be supplied for this integration, with deliveries beginning in 2026. This upgrade will enable the Redback IFV to use Northrop’s advanced ammunition suite, designed to defeat a variety of ground and aerial threats.
Developed initially for the US Army, Northrop Grumman’s ammunition suite includes programmable air burst munitions, armour-piercing rounds, and proximity-fused ammunition. This diverse range of munitions ensures that the Redback IFV can effectively engage a wide spectrum of targets, maintaining its operational superiority in various combat scenarios.
Jennifer Zonneveld, Director of Bushmaster Chain Guns at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the reliability and performance of the Bushmaster Chain Gun, stating:
“Bushmaster Chain Guns are the automatic cannon of choice for customers around the world due to their performance and reliability. In partnership with the Hanwha-led Team Redback, Northrop Grumman is providing the Australian Army with the most advanced medium calibre capability in the world, maintaining the system’s relevancy for years to come.”
The integration of the Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster Chain Gun is part of Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program. This program includes the purchase of 129 Redback IFVs from Hanwha Defence Australia for 4 billion Australian dollars ($2.66 billion). Deliveries are expected between early 2027 and late 2028.
In a related development, Elbit Systems was contracted in February to supply a sensor suite and advanced protection and fighting capabilities for the Redback IFV, valued at $600 million. The total acquisition plan includes 450 IFVs to replace Australia’s aging M113 armoured personnel carriers, which have been in service since the mid-1960s.
The integration of the Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster Chain Gun into the Redback IFV represents a significant upgrade for the Australian Army, providing it with advanced medium-calibre capabilities and ensuring interoperability with state-of-the-art ammunition. This enhancement, along with other upgrades under the LAND 400 Phase 3 program, positions the Redback IFV as a formidable asset in modern warfare.
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Moyston was born an “army brat”, daughter of 1954 Duntroon graduate, signals officer Bill Mostyn MBE.
Three other Duntroon graduates have been GG in recent years, Michael Jeffrey, Peter Cosgrove and Mostyn’s predecessor David Hurley.
Of those three, only Cosgrove was an “army brat”, his father John, with whom he enjoyed a close and loving relationship, a pre-WWII soldier who served a long, distinguished career in the armoured corps.
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ED: From my inbox … thanks Max
To appeal to young people, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can adopt several strategies that align with the interests, values, and preferences of the younger generation. Here are some potential approaches:
- Enhanced Digital Presence:
- Social Media Engagement: Utilize platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter to share engaging content, behind-the-scenes looks, and stories of ADF personnel.
- Interactive Content: Develop apps, games, and virtual reality experiences that simulate military roles and missions.
- Modernizing Recruitment Campaigns:
- Targeted Advertising: Use data-driven advertising to reach young people where they spend most of their time online.
- Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with popular influencers and content creators who resonate with young audiences to promote ADF careers.
- Educational Outreach:
- School and University Programs: Conduct workshops, seminars, and presentations in schools and universities to inform students about career opportunities.
- Scholarship Programs: Offer scholarships and financial aid for education in exchange for service commitments.
- Emphasize Technological Advancements:
- Highlighting Tech Roles: Showcase careers in cybersecurity, IT, engineering, and other tech-related fields within the ADF.
- Innovation and Research: Promote the ADF’s involvement in cutting-edge research and technological development.
- Flexible Career Paths:
- Part-Time and Reservist Options: Emphasize flexible service options that allow young people to balance military service with other career or educational pursuits.
- Clear Career Progression: Outline clear pathways for career advancement and skill development.
- Focus on Personal Development:
- Leadership and Skills Training: Promote the leadership, teamwork, and specialized skills training that comes with ADF service.
- Physical and Mental Wellness: Highlight programs that support the physical and mental well-being of ADF members.
- Community and Global Impact:
- Humanitarian Missions: Emphasize the ADF’s role in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and peacekeeping missions.
- Environmental Initiatives: Promote the ADF’s efforts in sustainability and environmental protection.
- Diversity and Inclusion:
- Inclusive Culture: Showcase the ADF’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it clear that people from all backgrounds are welcome.
- Support Networks: Highlight support networks and resources available for minority groups within the ADF.
- Real-Life Testimonials:
- Stories from Young Personnel: Share testimonials and success stories from young ADF members to provide relatable role models.
- Day-in-the-Life Content: Create content that gives a realistic view of daily life in the ADF.
By focusing on these areas, the ADF can create a more appealing and relatable image for young people, encouraging them to consider a career in the defence forces.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) from June 24 to October 18 this year. The first detachment arrived on June 24 and was welcomed by Senior ADF Officer Wing Commander Greg Porche, who highlighted the importance of this cooperation.
“We welcome a new element of the Republic of Singapore Air Force to RAAF Base Pearce, which has established an aviation training presence here over the past 30 years,” said WGCDR Porche.
As part of the community engagement activities, a Community Stakeholder Day was held on June 28. This event allowed key members of the local community to view the RSAF aircraft and interact with RSAF personnel.
“The support of local communities during this training detachment is greatly appreciated by the Royal Australian Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force,” WGCDR Porche said. “Hosting key members of the local community to view our aircraft and meet our personnel provides an important link between the base and local residents.”
Colonel Jonavan Ang, Commander Fighter Group of the RSAF, expressed gratitude for Australia’s support and friendship, which has enabled the fighter detachment.
“This detachment highlights the close and longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and Australia,” Colonel Ang said. “We are also very appreciative of the strong community support given to the Republic of Singapore Air Force over the years.”
Air Commodore Nick Osborne, Director General Preparedness – Air Force, emphasized the significance of the training detachment in bolstering the defence partnership between Australia and Singapore.
“Singapore has conducted military training in Australia for more than three decades,” AIRCDRE Osborne said. “Our two nations have a strong history of support for each other’s training, and access to each other’s training areas enhances our shared ability to strengthen regional security. The success of this training detachment will contribute to Singapore’s aviation capability, our regional security, and our two nations’ ability to work together in the future.”
Commemorative Service at Kingscliff NSW
Between 2001 and 2021, Australian military personnel and civilian staff from various agencies served on Middle East operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. On 11 July 2021, the Minister for Defence confirmed all Australian Defence Force personnel had departed Afghanistan, bringing our nation’s longest war to a close.
Tragically, 41 Australian lives were lost in Afghanistan and two lives were lost in Iraq, while many veterans returned with lasting physical and mental trauma. One of these members is the name sake for the park that houses the Kingscliff Cenotaph. Sapper Rowan Robinson lost his life on 6th June 2011, during an overnight operation to destroy a large cache of weapons discovered in northern Helmand province, Afghanistan.
This year, RSL NSW has established 11 July 2024 as the inaugural Middle East Area of Operation (MEAO) Commemorative Day. The commemoration allows the Australian community to reflect on and recognise the service and sacrifice of our Defence personnel and their families, including those who served in or supported operations in the MEAO.
Kingscliff RSL sub-Branch will be holding a service at Kingscliff Cenotaph, Rowan Robinson Park, at 11am, Thursday July 11th. We would love for the community to come along and support this newly established day of commemoration.
The Senate has officially approved Senator Malcolm Roberts’ motion to launch a comprehensive investigation into the processes involved in awarding medals within Defence. This includes scrutinizing the Distinguished Service Cross awarded to the Chief of Defence Force, Angus Campbell.
The inquiry seeks to address concerns that Angus Campbell’s Distinguished Service Cross is emblematic of a broader, systemic issue. Evidence suggests that senior officers may have been exploiting the Defence honours and awards system. It appears that high-ranking officials frequently nominate each other for prestigious medals, potentially undermining the integrity of these honours.
This investigation aims to rigorously examine the criteria and processes for awarding Defence medals, ensuring that all recipients meet the established eligibility requirements. By doing so, the Senate hopes to restore public confidence in the Defence honours system and ensure that all awards are granted based on merit and exemplary service.