Air Chief Marshal Sir Allan Grant “Angus” Houston, AK, AFC, born on 9 June 1947, is a highly respected and influential figure in Australian military history. With a career spanning over four decades in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Houston rose through the ranks to become Chief of Air Force in 2001 and later Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) in 2005. His legacy extends far beyond his military service, as he continues to play a pivotal role in public life, offering his expertise and leadership across various sectors in Australia.

Houston was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and spent his formative years attending Strathallan School in Forgandenny, Perthshire. His early life in Scotland instilled a sense of discipline and responsibility, values that would later define his military career. In 1968, at the age of 21, Houston made the life-changing decision to emigrate to Australia. His initial years in Australia were spent working as a jackaroo on a sheep and wheat farm in the North Eastern Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, near the town of Mukinbudin. This experience, though vastly different from his later military service, helped him adapt to his new country and fostered a strong connection to rural Australia.

In 1970, Houston joined the RAAF as a cadet pilot, marking the beginning of a distinguished military career. He quickly earned the nickname “Angus,” a reference to his Scottish roots. Just a year later, on 20 March 1971, Houston was granted an eight-year short-service commission as a pilot officer, and by 1973, he had been promoted to flying officer.

Houston’s early career was defined by his skill as a helicopter pilot. He flew UH-1 Iroquois helicopters in various challenging environments, including Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. These early assignments exposed him to a variety of terrains and situations, honing his piloting skills and preparing him for the challenges ahead. His abilities were soon recognized, and he was awarded a permanent commission in 1975, followed by a promotion to flight lieutenant later that year.

After completing the Flying Instructors Course in 1975, Houston embarked on several instructional tours, where he trained pilots on aircraft such as the Macchi MB-326H, British Aircraft Corporation Strikemaster, and Iroquois helicopters. His expertise and leadership took him to the Republic of Singapore Air Force from 1976 to 1978, followed by a posting to No. 9 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. Houston’s skills extended beyond piloting, as he was involved in rescue operations, one of which earned him the Air Force Cross in 1980 for an open-sea rescue in gale-force winds off the coast of New South Wales.

Promoted to squadron leader in 1982, Houston’s career continued to flourish. He took on key leadership roles, including command of No. 9 Squadron, where he introduced the Black Hawk helicopter into service and oversaw its transition to the Australian Army. His success in these roles earned him admission as a Member of the Order of Australia in 1990.

By the 1990s, Houston was ascending into senior command positions within the RAAF. Promoted to group captain in 1992, he assumed the post of Director of Air Force Policy, where he played a key role in negotiating the establishment of the Republic of Singapore Air Force Flying School at RAAF Base Pearce. His career took on an increasingly strategic dimension, with involvement in planning during the Persian Gulf War of 1990–1991.

Houston’s rise continued, and by the late 1990s, he held critical roles, including Chief of Staff at Headquarters Australian Theatre and Commander of the Integrated Air Defence System. In 2000, he was appointed Head of Strategic Command, preparing him for his eventual appointment as Chief of Air Force in 2001.

Houston’s tenure as Chief of Air Force, starting on 20 June 2001, coincided with significant global and regional challenges, including the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. His leadership during this period helped shape Australia’s air power capabilities and its role in international military operations. Houston’s work was recognized with his advancement to Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2003 Australia Day Honours.

On 4 July 2005, Houston was promoted to air chief marshal and appointed Chief of the Defence Force, the highest-ranking military position in Australia. His time as CDF was marked by both domestic and international challenges. Notably, Houston played a central role in the Children Overboard Affair, a political controversy during the 2001 Australian federal election. Houston famously challenged the government’s claim that asylum seekers had thrown children overboard in an attempt to secure rescue and entry into Australia. His testimony during a Senate inquiry in 2002 was a pivotal moment, demonstrating his commitment to truth and integrity.

Houston also oversaw Australia’s military involvement in the Middle East, including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the strategic pivot towards the Asia-Pacific region. His leadership was further acknowledged in the 2008 Australia Day Honours, when he was advanced to a Companion of the Order of Australia. His appointment as CDF was extended until July 2011, reflecting the confidence in his leadership during a period of significant geopolitical change.

Upon his retirement from the military in July 2011, Houston transitioned to several prominent public service roles. He was appointed Chair of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board, responsible for overseeing the planning and implementation of events commemorating the centenary of Australia’s involvement in World War I. His leadership in this role helped ensure that the sacrifices of Australian soldiers were honoured on a national and international scale.

In December 2011, Houston was appointed chairman of Airservices Australia, where he utilized his extensive experience in aviation and governance. His role involved overseeing the country’s air navigation services and air traffic control, a critical position in ensuring the safety and efficiency of Australian aviation.

In 2014, Houston was thrust into the global spotlight when he was appointed to lead the Joint Agency Coordination Centre during the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which had mysteriously disappeared in March of that year. His leadership and expertise during the complex search operation earned him widespread respect. Later that year, Houston also played a significant role in the response to the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine.

For his service to Australia, particularly in leading these efforts, Houston was knighted in the 2015 Australia Day Honours. Although deeply honoured by the recognition, Houston expressed his preference to continue being called “Angus,” reflecting his humility and down-to-earth nature.

In June 2015, Houston was appointed as the special envoy for South Australia, where he supported trade missions, advised on international engagement strategies, and utilized his extensive networks in Asia to benefit the state’s economic interests. His role as special envoy has helped strengthen South Australia’s relationships with key international markets, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston’s career is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and integrity. From his early days as a pilot in the RAAF to his role as Chief of the Defence Force, Houston has consistently demonstrated a commitment to service and excellence. His contributions extend beyond the military, as he continues to serve the Australian public in various capacities, offering his expertise in aviation, defence, and international relations. A knight of the Order of Australia, Houston remains a respected figure both at home and abroad, admired for his leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to his country.

The Krakow Post

Reports suggest Iran has delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, potentially escalating its involvement in the Ukraine conflict. According to sources familiar with intelligence, the exact date of delivery is unknown but comes as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Iran has already provided Russia with drones and is reportedly helping build a drone-manufacturing facility. If confirmed, the missile transfer marks a significant escalation.

The G7 previously warned Iran of consequences for aiding Russia, which has also allegedly acquired missiles from North Korea. Global concerns over the conflict’s escalation and its wider security implications are growing.

ED: I can’t help but feel that the Australian Defence Force has lost its way. It’s supposed to be about defending the country, but instead, it’s turned into a social experiment pushing woke ideology. When I think of the ADF, I remember well-trained soldiers, advanced military equipment, and a focus on being combat-ready. But now, it feels like all the attention is on diversity and inclusion, with more emphasis on cultural flags and gender representation than actual military strength.

Why is sexuality or gender identity suddenly so important when preparing for war? It honestly baffles me that the ADF seems more interested in making sure they have the right mix of identities rather than making sure their personnel are capable of handling real combat situations. Major General Rawlings calling Mardi Gras a “capstone event” for the LGBT community in the military—seriously? Are we really putting more value on attending parades than mastering the skills needed to fly a fighter jet or command a tank?

The fact that recruitment is down, and the ADF is under strength, makes it even more frustrating. Instead of focusing on training and attracting the right people, they seem to think that letting men wear female uniforms is somehow the answer. It’s laughable, really.

Hunter Defence Release

The National Defence Strategy (NDS) has identified enhancing Australia’s ability to operate from its northern approaches as a top priority for the future integrated force. At the heart of this vision is CAMEL TRAIN, a transformative logistics initiative aimed at modernizing the supply chain within this strategically critical region. As part of the NDS, the focus for CAMEL TRAIN is clear: to enable rapid, resilient, and efficient military response capabilities through an autonomous Air Logistics Support (ALS) system.

Modernizing the Northern Supply Chain

Operating in Australia’s northern approaches presents unique logistical challenges. CAMEL TRAIN seeks to address these by introducing a robust, adaptive, and resilient logistics supply chain management system. This system will empower military commanders to effectively fight, sustain, and win in this vital region. With the ability to deliver a credible military force rapidly and efficiently, the modernization of this supply chain is critical to the strategic objectives outlined in the NDS.

The CAMEL TRAIN Solution

At the core of the CAMEL TRAIN initiative is the deployment of a suite of air vehicles integrated into an advanced ALS system. These vehicles are designed to strengthen the existing supply chain, providing rapid resupply capabilities for smaller stores in response to urgent, unforeseen demands. By offloading these tasks from personnel and larger airframes, CAMEL TRAIN significantly enhances both the capacity and efficiency of the air logistics system.

A Family of Vehicles for Varied Missions

CAMEL TRAIN will encompass a diverse range of air vehicles tailored for different mission profiles. This includes short-range rotorcraft capable of precision deliveries of up to 50 kilograms over distances of 50 kilometres, as well as long-range fixed-wing aircraft designed to transport up to 1,000 kilograms across 1,000 kilometres. Larger variants will be equipped for optional crewing and will offer support on land, at sea, and in the air. Additionally, certain models will be capable of maritime operations, including air drops and amphibious landings in waters up to Sea State 2.

Cutting-Edge Autonomous Technology

A key feature of the CAMEL TRAIN system is its integration of advanced detect-and-avoid (DAA) technology, ensuring safe and autonomous operations in Class G airspace, which is often shared by multiple users. The use of type-certified airframes in initial testing is also being explored to expedite the system’s introduction into active service, allowing for rapid deployment and operational use.

Phased Implementation and Future Prospects

The implementation of CAMEL TRAIN will be carried out in phases, with an initial Request for Proposal (RFP) defining the scope of development services required for Phase 1. This foundational phase will pave the way for subsequent procurement stages, ultimately delivering a fully integrated and autonomous logistics system capable of supporting Australia’s northern defence operations.

CAMEL TRAIN promises to be a game-changer for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), offering a revolutionary solution to logistics challenges and enabling faster, more agile responses in one of the country’s most strategically important regions.

I have owned my Porsche Taycan EV Electric Car now for just over 2 years. The purchase price was £120,000. I’ve had a few quotes over the last few months for it as I’d like to go back to a Petrol Car. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that Electric Vehicles are a disposable item and you WILL lose all your money and could end up in great financial difficulty. My EV is now so worthless Even the dealership does not want it back. BE WARNED! DO NOT BUY AN ELECTRIC CAR! Watch this video and share it across all your social media a friends. CLICK THE THUMBS UP so YouTube Pushes this video out to people who are looking to purchase an Electric Car and have been fed the lies that Electric Cars are the future of motoring!!!

CLICK LINK and smile

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In a bold and surprising move, Georgy Zakrevsky, founder of the private military company (PMC) Paladin, has openly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, holding him responsible for the nation’s military failures in Ukraine and the economic turmoil plaguing the country. This public condemnation, delivered in a social media video in August, marks one of the most significant outbursts against Putin by a member of Russia’s military elite in recent years.

Zakrevsky’s attack on the Russian president came as a shock to many, given the tightly controlled political landscape of Russia. In his video, the Paladin PMC leader lambasted Putin for the ongoing setbacks in the war in Ukraine, where Russia has faced fierce resistance from Ukrainian forces despite its military superiority. According to Zakrevsky, these failures are not simply battlefield miscalculations but are deeply rooted in Putin’s broader governance style.

He went further, blaming Putin for Russia’s wider economic and social challenges. Sanctions imposed by Western countries, coupled with internal economic mismanagement, have placed significant pressure on the Russian economy, leading to inflation, shortages, and a decline in living standards for many Russians. Zakrevsky’s sharp critique touched on these issues, claiming that Putin’s leadership had become a liability for the country and that a drastic change was needed—going as far as calling for Putin’s overthrow.

Experts suggest that Zakrevsky’s outburst signals a growing fracture within Russia’s once-unified security apparatus. The country’s military, intelligence, and security agencies, often referred to as the “siloviki,” have historically been Putin’s most loyal supporters. However, there are increasing signs of dissatisfaction among these elites, especially as Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine drags on with no clear victory in sight.

The lack of immediate action against Zakrevsky following his comments is particularly telling. In a state where dissent is swiftly and harshly punished, Zakrevsky’s continued freedom hints at the Kremlin’s hesitation. This may reflect a broader concern about how to handle discontent within Russia’s military and security circles without triggering wider unrest. Some experts believe the Kremlin fears that any overt move against Zakrevsky could provoke a backlash, potentially inflaming tensions within its security apparatus.

While the idea of a coup in Russia seems far-fetched, analysts have pointed to certain conditions under which such an event might become plausible. One significant trigger could be Putin’s health. Persistent rumours about his well-being, particularly after a series of public appearances in which he seemed frail, have fuelled speculation that a serious illness could create a power vacuum.

An economic crisis is another potential spark. Should the Russian economy continue to deteriorate, particularly under the strain of prolonged military engagement and Western sanctions, the pressure on Putin could intensify, possibly leading to a more organized attempt to unseat him.

If a coup were to occur, it would likely involve multiple state agencies working in concert, including elements from the military, intelligence services, and internal security forces. Such a move would require careful coordination, as Russia’s political system is deeply entrenched, with Putin holding significant influence over both formal and informal power structures.

Georgy Zakrevsky’s bold call for the overthrow of Vladimir Putin represents an unprecedented moment in modern Russian politics. While the immediate threat of a coup remains unlikely, the public nature of Zakrevsky’s criticism highlights the growing dissatisfaction among Russia’s military and security elites. As Putin navigates these turbulent waters, both on the battlefield and at home, the coming months may prove critical in determining whether his iron grip on power can withstand the mounting pressures within his own ranks.