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Despite the efforts of our defence and intelligence agencies, the Australian public remains largely unaware of the extent of external threats. We need a comprehensive national security strategy, not just a defence plan, to engage all sectors in protecting our sovereignty and countering foreign interference.

While our allies have such strategies in place, our government has neglected crucial areas like border security and industry development. We must follow the example of the late Senator Molan and develop a strategy that encompasses all aspects of national security.

Recent events globally, from Canada to Taiwan, highlight the pervasive threat of foreign interference in democracies. These aggressive nations use social media and other means to undermine our institutions and influence public opinion.

Our democracy is resilient but not invulnerable. We must move beyond short-term politics and prioritize building a safer future for the next generations. It’s time for all levels of government and society to unite in crafting a robust national security strategy, as our children’s future depends on it.

Having attended ANZAC Day commemorations and memorials, this young lady, Rachel Bostoch, felt inspired to pay her own tribute to the brave ANZAC’s, including both of her Great Grandfather’s.

To those who served and to those who serve now, thank you.

Here is her rendition of The Last Post.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=NqHx1CDRQkc%3Frel%3D0

The Gloster Meteor was the first British Jet aircraft to enter squadron service. It was the culmination of Allied efforts to win a top-secret race that lasted the entire Second World War – the race for speed. As soldiers fought on battlefields across the world, British and German engineers went head-to-head in battle to build an engine that would change aerial warfare forever.

ED: The following is from my inbox this morning.

Hi All,

Please watch the video below. We don’t have to be in the elite bureaucrat-driven, European Union to suffer the same fate as the video describes. We have Albo, who has brought in over 1,000,000 immigrants to Australia, in the last year, 125,000 of them in January alone. We are a nation of just 27 million so 1,000,000 is close to 4% of our population in 12 months. Proportionally, this is more than the flood of refugees into the USA. Most are from Africa and the Middle East, just like Europe. He also has brought in 3,000 from Gaza, where a recent poll showed that more than 75% openly support HAMAS. Visas were given in some cases, in less than two hours. How can you do security clearances in a war-torn country where our diplomatic staff don’t exist, in two hours? You don’t. To me it’s pretty much a certainty that some of the 3,000 are HAMAS fighters and/or their families. Albanese is importing our next round of terrorists. Note, not one of the Arab Countries in the Middle East has taken in a single Palestinian refugee since October the 7^th. They are not stupid.

John Taske.

This is one important speech based on our basic historical values, whether in Australia, or Hungary or the EU. Finally, a view of where this uncontrolled immigration is impacting Europe. With Christian values at stake.

A huge criticism of the EU in Brussels. Hence the primary cause of Brexit some years ago. Hard not to agree with every word.

CLICK LINK to watch the video

https://twitter.com/EvaVlaar/status/1784264775574188371

Hello Ray,

            You certainly come up with some good articles!  The first one, about the GAU gun in the A10 aircraft, is a very powerful weapon indeed.  As this one fires a 30mm cartridge and projectile, it is an update on the 20mm weapon we saw used with the USAF in Thailand and in Vietnam.  They were powered by hydraulics as well.  When we were in Thailand, (79SQN at RAAF Base Ubon), we were flying our CAC Sabre, yes all 8 of them.  The USAF were on the same base, but they had 88 F4 Phantoms.  Some had the 20mm cannon installed as a permanent fixture, and some used a Gun Pod, which contained the 20mm cannon with 2400 rounds.  The weapon used then had 6 barrels, and the firing speed could be adjusted between 2,000 rounds per minute and 6,000 rounds per minute.

            Then, the RAAF Iroquois UH1H gunship used by 9SQN had two 7.62mm ‘gatling’ Machine guns.  These also had 6 barrels, but the whole weapon was powered by a 24 volt electric motor.  The principle was the same, but as the ammunition was smaller, (7.61mm 1 in 4 tracer) a 24V electric motor was sufficient.  The guns used by the US Army were able to be moved by the pilot moving the gunsight up to 15° in any direction.  The problem with that installation was that the weapon would not stay still when it was firing.  Hence, the pattern of firing was like throwing a shovel full of gravel at a barn door.  When the RAAF developed the Australian Gunship, they welded the gun mount as a fixture to the main mount, and then they welded the gunsight to a fixed mount which swung down in front of the pilot.  If he wanted to change his aim, he simply moved the rudder pedals to change the direction of fire.  As most of our gunship pilots were ex fighter pilots, they did not have a problem with that system.  The firing speed of our gun could be adjusted from 2,000rpm up to 6,000rpm.  Whilst in Vietnam, our were adjusted to 4,000rpm.  When the squadron came back to Australia, the firing speed was lowered to 2,000rpm.  Considering each gun was loaded with 4,500 rounds, it gave a massive fire power for Army support.

            Going back to your article, the A10 aircraft is a very powerful aircraft indeed.  I think the RAAF were looking at those back in the 1990s and early 2000s.    Going back a year or two, I think I may have sent you a copy of Brian Dirou’s report – “So a Bushranger was born”.  If not, I shall attach it here.

            Kind Regards,

            John Clarkson.

            (Armourer extraordinaire – 9SQN Vietnam)

This is a little long at 48 minutes, but well worth watching.

The GAU-8 Avenger, inspired by the 19th-century Gatling gun, boasts seven rotating barrels powered by hydraulic motors. Its unique self-sustaining firing system ensures uninterrupted operation, even after misfires. The gun’s ammunition, including armor-piercing and high-explosive variants, packs a punch comparable to a standard Coca-Cola bottle in size. With a staggering firing rate of up to 4200 rounds per minute, it penetrates armor effortlessly, making it a formidable weapon. Integrating the GAU-8 into the A-10 aircraft posed significant challenges due to its weight and recoil, but engineers overcame these obstacles with innovative solutions like windscreen washers and automatic engine igniters. The iconic A-10 “Warthog” equipped with the GAU-8 Avenger remains a legend in aviation, with the U.S. Air Force committed to its service until 2040.

Prepare to set sail on a linguistic adventure! This video explores the surprising ways the world of sailing has enriched the English language. We’ll delve into nautical terms that have become everyday phrases, from “weather the storm” to “go overboard.” Get ready to uncover the fascinating history behind these expressions, how they evolved over time, and how they continue to influence our communication today. So, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a landlubber curious about language, this video is sure to float your boat!