Well, I hope you are all missing the full coverage on Frontline, we are still travelling and having great weather and visiting many wonderful places along the Queensland coastline. We called into Camp Gregory, a veteran’s free camp at Woodgate it was great to see the progress that has been made over the years since Roger Dwyer first started the retreat. It is totally free for veterans and first responders. If you don’t have a caravan or RV, no worries they have dongers available … I recommend Camp Gregory as a place to relax, catch some fish or crabs.

I don’t think I will be able to post to Frontline for the next three days, doubt we will have any internet.

Take care

Ray

Staying Connected: A Lifeline for Veterans’ Health Week

As veterans, we’ve all faced our fair share of challenges. Some days, we feel like we can conquer anything; on other days, it’s a struggle just to keep going. One key factor in navigating these ups and downs? Staying connected. It might seem simple, but maintaining strong social ties can be a game changer for both your mental and physical well-being.

It’s more than just firing off a quick text or liking a post on social media. True connection means having meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and knowing that when things get tough, someone’s got your back. Research shows that a solid support network can improve your mood, boost your immune system, and help stave off feelings of loneliness. In fact, it can even reduce the risk of developing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

Why Connection Matters

Whether it’s catching up for a BBQ, attending local events, or just checking in with a mate, staying connected directly impacts how you feel day to day. Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Emotional Support: We all have moments when life feels overwhelming. Reaching out to others can pull you out of those tough spots. Simply knowing someone’s there makes a world of difference.
2. Physical Health Benefits: Your social connections can have a profound effect on your physical health, too. Studies show that veterans who stay engaged with others tend to have lower blood pressure, healthier hearts, and even live longer.
3. Sense of Belonging: During service, being part of a team was ingrained in us. Finding that sense of community in civilian life is just as crucial, whether it’s through veteran groups, social clubs, or reconnecting with family.

Preventing Isolation Through Online Veteran Networks

In today’s digital age, staying connected isn’t limited to face-to-face meetups. Online communities and veteran information services offer a wealth of resources to help veterans stay informed and engaged. Platforms like DVA’s Veteran Services Online, RSL’s Connect or Frontline Veterans Network not only provide valuable news and updates but also give veterans an easy way to find support networks, mental health resources, and local veteran-friendly events. This digital connection helps bridge the gap for those who may feel isolated or unable to physically connect.

Take Action During Veteran Health Week

Veteran life doesn’t have to be a solo mission. We’ve all been through a lot, and sometimes just knowing there’s someone who truly understands can make all the difference. As Veteran Health Week approaches, take the opportunity to reach out—whether it’s reconnecting with an old mate or exploring a new online veteran group. Staying connected is good for the mind, body, and spirit. It’s a vital part of maintaining health, and it’s something we all deserve.

Remember, you’re not alone—there’s a community out there, waiting to welcome you.

Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary (ROGUE) – Fires vehicle with Forterra’s self-driving system called AutoDrive navigates off-road terrain. (Photo courtesy of Forterra)

Manned missile batteries face significant risks in modern warfare. Once fired, these systems become highly visible to enemy sensors, making them vulnerable to counter-battery fire. Autonomous, unmanned systems offer a solution by mitigating these risks. The use of such systems allows for faster, safer operations, keeping human operators at a safe distance.

For example, an enemy warship can detect an anti-ship ballistic missile’s launch and rapidly return fire. Even small quadcopters can transmit a missile battery’s position to adversaries, increasing the threat to human operators. Scott Sanders, former Marine Special Operations Officer, emphasized the danger: “If you don’t move fast enough, you risk losing both equipment and personnel.” This highlights the urgent need for systems that can fire and relocate autonomously, reducing the exposure of soldiers and marines.

Currently, field artillery teams operate quickly, but advanced enemy capabilities in the electromagnetic spectrum make them vulnerable before they can retreat. Autonomous systems, like Forterra’s Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary (ROGUE) Fires under the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), provide a critical advantage. These unmanned platforms can manoeuvre and fire faster than crewed systems, allowing for quick response while reducing the risk to human life.

The benefits of autonomous systems extend beyond just missile operations. These systems can support counterterrorism, logistics, reconnaissance, and infrastructure protection. Autonomous platforms minimize the risk to soldiers in hazardous environments like urban warfare or areas with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. By operating without humans onboard, these systems allow for greater firepower projection and sensor deployment without risking personnel.

Forterra, a leader in ground-based autonomy, has been at the forefront of developing these systems. Their technology has been integrated into various defence vehicles, providing unmatched reliability and scalability. Forterra’s unmanned systems, like the ROGUE Fires, allow the Marine Corps and Army to enhance their logistics and combat capabilities without putting additional personnel in harm’s way.

As military forces continue to evolve, autonomy will play an essential role in keeping soldiers safe while maintaining operational effectiveness. These systems are not only functional but are already being deployed, proving that autonomous technology is ready to transform modern warfare.

Over recent decades, an unofficial rule has emerged within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) discouraging personnel from wearing their uniforms in public. Concerns about eliciting negative reactions from civilians, internal perceptions of public uniform display as “cringeworthy,” and fears of intense media scrutiny have contributed to this trend. While these concerns are valid, they have hindered the positive promotion of the ADF’s image—at a time when such visibility is sorely needed.

The ADF faces significant recruitment challenges, with its personnel numbers well below target. The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) in 2023 called for a faster recruitment process and a strategic overhaul, including a review of the Reserves. Yet, with Australia seeking to grow its forces to 80,000 uniformed personnel by 2040, achieving this goal will require more than just policy shifts. A national culture shift is needed to reframe how Australians view their military.

Historically, Australia’s treatment of uniformed personnel has been mixed. Vietnam veterans were instructed to hide their service due to public hostility. More recently, ADF personnel have been discouraged from wearing uniforms in public during the Afghanistan conflict, out of fear of terrorist targeting. However, as those threats have waned, so too should the reluctance to allow uniformed presence in everyday life.

In contrast to this cautious approach, other nations proudly showcase their military. The US, for example, has long embraced the sight of uniformed soldiers in public, promoting a sense of unity and patriotism. For Australia, allowing and encouraging ADF personnel to wear their uniforms outside of strictly controlled environments could foster similar national pride and inspire future recruits.

With recruitment numbers falling, it’s essential that Australians see their military as part of the community, not just on Anzac Day. The ADF has an opportunity to lead a national reset, allowing soldiers to wear their uniforms with pride, reflecting the honour of their service. It’s time to embrace a new era where military service is celebrated and normalised, fostering both recruitment and a stronger, more united nation.

ABC NEWS

The conduct of the Deputy Prime Minister’s office has left many feeling deeply disappointed. Jo Tarnawsky, a respected career public servant and chief of staff to Richard Marles, has come forward with troubling claims that she was pushed out of her job after raising concerns of bullying among her colleagues. Despite remaining officially employed, Tarnawsky says she has been denied access to her office since June and has had no communication with the Deputy Prime Minister for months.

While she does not accuse Mr. Marles of directly bullying her, Tarnawsky feels she has been systematically “bullied out of her job.” In a rare public statement, she expressed her frustration at being frozen out, saying, “No fair process has been followed. I continue to be employed officially as the deputy prime minister’s chief of staff, but I have been prevented from doing my job.” Tarnawsky made these comments at a media conference, where she declined to take any questions.

Accompanied by her lawyer, Michael Bradley, Tarnawsky explained that she had privately raised concerns about bullying in the office while returning from a trip to Ukraine with Marles. She claims that, instead of addressing the issues, the Deputy Prime Minister suggested she start looking for other employment and forced her to take several weeks of leave. Upon trying to return to work in June, she was informed she could not return to her role or office, further deepening her sense of betrayal.

Tarnawsky has been outspoken about the emotional toll of the past months, detailing how she has suffered from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. “I had none of these symptoms before May 2024,” she shared. “The way I have been treated has been cowardly, cruel, and completely unnecessary.”

Despite these harrowing revelations, neither Tarnawsky nor her lawyer provided details about the original bullying allegations, leaving the public in the dark about the specific concerns she raised. The Deputy Prime Minister’s office, while contesting parts of Tarnawsky’s account, insists that she has been treated with “respect and courtesy” and that the Albanese government is committed to improving workplace culture.

However, the failure of the Minister to engage directly with his chief of staff during these tumultuous months raises serious questions about the Department’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the well-being of its employees. While Marles expressed his sadness over the situation, his statements lack any real sense of accountability or willingness to address the deeper cultural issues at play.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called Tarnawsky “incredibly brave” for coming forward, adding to the growing sentiment that her claims warrant serious scrutiny. Tarnawsky’s heartbreaking account has left many asking if this is yet another example of power being wielded unjustly in Parliament, leaving those most vulnerable without recourse or protection. The lack of clear action and transparency is deeply disappointing, casting a shadow over those who are supposed to lead by example.

The Captain called the Sergeant in. “Sarge, I just got a telegram that Private Jones’ mother died yesterday. Better go tell him and send him in to see me.”

So, the Sergeant calls for his morning formation and lines up all the troops. “Listen up, men,” says the Sergeant. “Johnson, report to the mess hall for KP. Smith, report to Personnel to sign some papers. The rest of you men report to the Motor Pool for maintenance. Oh by the way, Jones, your mother died, report to the commander.

Later that day the Captain called the Sergeant into his office. “Hey, Sarge, that was a pretty cold way to inform Jones his mother died. Couldn’t you be a bit more tactful, next time?”

“Yes, sir,” answered the Sarge.

A few months later, the Captain called the Sergeant in again with, “Sarge, I just got a telegram that Private McGrath’s mother died. You’d better go tell him and send him in to see me. This time be more tactful.”

So, the Sergeant calls for his morning formation. “Ok, men, fall in and listen up.” “Everybody with a mother alive, take two steps forward.” “Not so fast, McGrath!”