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The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) published the Serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who have served since 1985 suicide monitoring: 1997 to 2021 report.

Commissioned by DVA, the AIHW has delivered this report on the incidence of suicide among current and ex-serving ADF personnel to improve our understanding of this complex issue. This is the sixth yearly update to this study.

The death by suicide of any veteran or Defence member is a tragedy deeply felt by the veteran community and all Australians.

Sadly, between 1997 and 2021, there were 1,677 certified deaths by suicide among members with ADF service since 1 January 1985.  Suicide rates among different cohorts are broadly consistent with previous years’ reporting.

We acknowledge that these statistics represent human lives – current and ex-serving ADF personnel who have died by suicide and families, friends and loved ones who are impacted by these deaths.

We will continue to focus on providing critical services to all veterans who need support.

The important ongoing work of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide remains critical to deeper understanding and addressing the unacceptable rates of deaths by suicide in our Defence and veteran community.

Help is available.  There are a range of services and supports available to those who need it. All current and former serving members of the ADF who have completed one day of full-time service (and some reservists) are eligible for fully-funded mental health treatment through the Non-Liability Health Care program. Proof that your condition is related to military service isn’t required to access treatment.

Veterans can access health treatment for 20 of the most commonly claimed physical conditions while their health claim is being considered, and immediate financial assistance is available to eligible veterans submitting a mental health claim through The Veteran Payment.

If you’re a veteran or their immediate family member or know someone in the veteran community struggling with their mental health, please encourage them to reach out for support.

• Defence personnel can contact their local health centre, the All Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling Service provides free and confidential mental health support available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for veterans and their immediate families on 1800 011 046.

The report can be accessed by visiting the AIHW website.

The gravity of the military veteran crisis has been underscored by the chair of the royal commission into veteran suicides, Commissioner Nick Kaldas, who has urgently called for immediate action. Recent figures, unveiled by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on Tuesday, have revealed a staggering 1677 suicides among serving personnel, veterans, and reservists between 1997 and 2021. Disturbingly, this data only captures suicides from July 1985 onward, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The report brings to light alarming statistics, revealing that veteran women are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to the general female Australian population, irrespective of whether they served permanently or in the reserves. Men who enlisted in the permanent forces face a 42% higher likelihood of suicide than the national average. However, those who exclusively served in the reserves do not exhibit an increased likelihood of suicide.

Of the recorded 1677 suicide deaths, 1542 were men and 135 were women, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced by both genders within the veteran community. Commissioner Nick Kaldas responded to these harrowing figures by emphasizing the need for urgent action. He declared, “This report reinforces that we are dealing with a national crisis. I urge the government and its agencies to work with us to achieve better outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF members, and their families.”

In response to the crisis, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh announced a substantial funding injection of almost $17 million for veteran and family services. Minister Keogh emphasized the imperative outlined by the royal commission into defence and veteran suicide, stating, “There is no time to waste in improving services and supports to the veteran community.” The allocated funds are intended to support larger projects that can be swiftly implemented to provide essential services to veterans and their families where they are most needed.

As the royal commission progresses, a final public hearing is scheduled to take place in Sydney in March. During this hearing, senior defence leaders are expected to present evidence, shedding light on potential systemic issues and contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the factors leading to veteran suicides. The outcomes of this royal commission have far-reaching implications, not only for the immediate implementation of effective support services but also for fostering a broader societal awareness of the challenges faced by military veterans and the imperative to address them urgently.

A highly decorated Russian general, Lt. Gen. Vladimir Sviridov, known for publicly criticizing President Vladimir Putin’s management of the air force, has been found dead in mysterious circumstances alongside his wife. The 68-year-old former commander of Russia’s 6th Army of the Air Force and Air Defence, who held the position from 2005 to 2009, was discovered lifeless in bed at his home in the village of Adzhievsky in the Stavropol region.

The bodies of Lt. Gen. Vladimir Sviridov and his 72-year-old wife, Tatiana, had reportedly been in their home for about a week before their discovery. Authorities found no signs of violence at the scene, and measurements taken by gas service workers revealed no excess concentration of harmful substances.

The cause of their deaths remains unknown, but a thorough inspection of the gas appliances in the house indicated a malfunction in a key valve during a recent power outage in the village. This suggests the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, leading to the couple likely passing away in their sleep. The Investigative Committee of Russia is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Lt. Gen. Sviridov had been removed from his commanding position over a decade ago after consistently criticizing the state of the Russian air force. In a 2007 interview with the Russian magazine Take Off, he expressed dissatisfaction with pilot training, highlighting the insufficient flight hours for combat readiness. Sviridov lamented the appointment of inadequately trained officers and the enrollment of subpar pilots into military academies, asserting that such practices were unprecedented.

The sudden and unexpected demise of the former commander has left those who knew him in disbelief. Major Gen. Vladimir Popov, an acquaintance, expressed sorrow over the circumstances of Sviridov’s death, describing it as an “absurd” end for someone of his rank and stature.

Notably, the string of suspicious deaths among individuals critical of President Putin has raised concerns. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, there have been instances of untimely deaths, including the recent suspicious plane crash of Wagner Group mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who had led a mutiny against Russia’s military brass. Critics argue that such incidents contribute to a growing list of businessmen, political opponents, and journalists facing untimely fates or close calls since Putin assumed power in 1999.

ED: I recognised many faces in this video.

The climactic Battle of Nui Le served as the culmination of Australia and New Zealand’s military involvement in South Vietnam during the extended Vietnam War. Taking place in the former Phc Tuy Province as part of Operation Ivanhoe, this intense encounter unfolded between the battle-hardened soldiers of the People’s Army of Vietnam’s 33rd Regiment and the valiant B and D Companies of the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment/New Zealand Battalion.

By September 1971, Australia found itself deeply entrenched in the Vietnam War, a conflict that had spanned over nine years. The weariness of the unpopular war had permeated the Australian sentiment, reflecting the sentiments of their American allies who were also undergoing a phased withdrawal. The departure from Vietnam was not swift or straightforward, requiring meticulous planning and execution.

Despite the success of Operation Overlord in forcing the enemy to retreat in June, the persistent threat of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army forces loomed large in Phuoc Tuy Province by September. Intent on turning the tide in their favour and capitalizing on the withdrawing Australian forces, the enemy sought to ensnare them in a meticulously orchestrated large-scale ambush, aiming for a propaganda victory.

Patrols by 11 Platoon, D Company 4 RAR/NZ on the morning of September 21, discovered sawn logs near the southeastern part of the Courtenay rubber plantation, suggesting major fortified bunker positions nearby. B and D Company 4 RAR/NZ moved forward near Núi Lé to attack these fortifications.

12 Platoon, D Company 4 RAR/NZ, made first contact with a bunker system containing the security elements of the 33rd Regiment’s headquarters, suffering one dead from an RPG and four wounded. An estimated platoon strength assault attacked 11 Platoon, and after a 15-minute firefight, the PAVN forces withdrew to their bunkers after removing their dead and wounded from the battlefield. 11 and 12 platoons were ordered to withdraw to an area to the south so airstrikes and artillery could be called in to soften up the bunker systems.

Under the control of the Forward Observer, United States Air Force airstrikes were called in, and F-4 Phantoms and A37 Dragonflys bombed the area with napalm, air-to-surface missiles, flechette, and 500-pound bombs. Iroquois and Cobra helicopter gunships and Australian artillery strikes also hit the bunker system. The American pilots reported PAVN forces fleeing to the north. However, this was a deceptive move by the PAVN deliberately sending soldiers running from the scene of an attack to create the misbelief that they had abandoned the fight.

At 14:00, D Company was ordered forward to search and destroy the bunker systems. Unknown to the Australians at that time was that the bunker system was manned by the 33rd Regiment’s 2nd Battalion, and they had not fled after the previous fight as aerial intelligence had reported. The PAVN let the Australians advance some 50 meters into the bunker complex before opening fire, killing three soldiers and wounding two from 11 Platoon. Many grenades thrown by the PAVN did not explode, reducing casualties. This was fought hand to hand as the Centurion tanks of the 1st Armoured Regiment had previously been withdrawn from South Vietnam. 12 Platoon was also pinned down and could not move forward.

The bodies of the three Australian soldiers who had been killed could not be recovered, and orders were given to pull back, which under heavy fire did not happen until 16:00. Just as the sun was setting, the ANZAC forces ran into the second PAVN battalion, with the commander of 11 Platoon, Gary McKay, being hit twice by a sniper’s bullet in the shoulder. It was now pitch black, and the Forward Observer, Captain Greg Gilbert, unable to use his map or compass and unable to speak to the company commander, Major Jerry Taylor, brought artillery fire to within 25 meters of the company under difficult circumstances as more PAVN forces joined the battle. To compound the artillery problem, the company was in range of only three guns, and these were at the limit of their range. The PAVN commander subsequently realized the error of the VC intelligence about there being no artillery, and the PAVN disengaged at 21:00 just as the Australians were running low on ammunition.

After several hours of fighting, the elements of the PAVN 33rd Regiment pulled out of the bunker system and moved north after recovering the dead and wounded they could carry. The Australian wounded were evacuated by helicopter on the morning of September 22. Five Australians had been killed, and 30 were wounded. Total PAVN losses are unknown; however, 14 bodies were found on the battlefield. On the same day at 17:39, the New Zealanders of V Company RNZIR moved up to reinforce D Company in anticipation of an attack. However, the day passed with no enemy attack or activity.

On September 23, D and V companies moved back into the area of the bunkers. V Company began the assault on the PAVN bunker system at 11:05, moving in very short bounds in torrential rainfall through bomb and artillery craters and fallen timber. It was not until 17:25 that they reached the bunkers where they found the bodies of three Australians from 11 Platoon who had been killed in the assault the day before. The PAVN had fully vacated the bunker system. V Company cleared a track to a helicopter winch point, and the New Zealand riflemen shouldered arms and formed an impromptu “guard of honour” in tribute as members of D Company moved forward with litters for the fallen. For his role in the battle, Second Lieutenant Garry McKay, who was badly wounded, received the Military Cross. Captain Gilbert was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 2018 for his actions during the battle.

The Australians, aware of the perilous situation, had to summon their resilience once again. The stakes were high, and the Battle of Nui Le became the crucible in which the Australians would confront their adversaries for the last time in Vietnam. Tragically, it also marked the final moments of some of Australia’s finest soldiers, with five paying the ultimate price and 24 others sustaining injuries.

Facing the Australians was the formidable 33rd NVA Regiment, a battle-hardened force determined to make a lasting impression. The stage was set for a showdown that would decide the fate of the region and serve as a poignant testament to the sacrifices made by the Australian and New Zealand forces throughout the prolonged conflict.

The Battle of Nui Le, occurring at the intersection of strategic withdrawal and determined resistance, epitomized the complexities of extricating forces from a protracted conflict. It showcased the resilience of the Australians in the face of adversity and the unwavering commitment to fulfill their duties despite the toll exacted by the protracted conflict. The echoes of this final major engagement reverberated through the annals of military history, marking the end of an era for Australian and New Zealand forces in Vietnam.

ED: Further information on this post is provided by Ernie Chamberlain.

A Vietnamese communist account of the Battle of Suoi Pha can be found on the “independent” Vietnamese “chien tranh” website – see: https://chientruongvietnam.com/2018/01/22/tran-suoi-chau-pha-battle-chau-pha-1967/ .

An English-language translation can be sourced from Ernie Chamberlain – eg: … …

Alpha Company 7RAR – under the command of Major Ewart O’Donnell deployed and swept the Hát Dich region from 3 August. At 10.40hrs on 6 August, they were 10 kilometres to the east of Phú My and within the Suoi Châu Pha area without having been discovered. The Australian troops found a track and laid an ambush. A few minutes later, two Liberation Force soldiers moving along the track were killed – and the Australian troops moved to wipe out the following Liberation Force troops who returned fire fiercely. Alpha Company was in a dangerous situation.

O’Donnell asked Lieutenant Rod Smith – commanding 1 Platoon, to attack the Liberation Forces from the flank, but they struck fierce resistance. Heavy rain began to fall. The Liberation Forces employed “close-in” tactics to lessen the effectiveness of the American fire support. Lieutenant Neville Clark – the artillery forward observer, had to call for artillery support to within 50 metres of the Australian troops to relieve the pressure on Alpha Company. As a result, that fire support allowed the Australian to seize the advantage.

At 14.30hrs, the Liberation Forces withdrew. Documents seized by the Australians showed that the Liberation Forces belonged to C12 Company of the 274 Regiment’s 3rd Battalion – together with a reconnaissance platoon and a number of local troops.

The next day, the Australian forces discovered a Liberation Forces camp about 900 metres from that engagement – and they guessed that C12 Company and a number of other elements that had fought so bravely in order to block the Australians and allow the other units in the camp to escape their assault.

Five Australian soldiers were killed in the Battle of the Suoi Châu Pha and one was wounded seriously and also died. 20 others were wounded. Liberation Force casualties are not clear – but five were killed at the site, including a platoon commander, and the Australians seized a machine-gun, a 40mm grenade launcher, and three AK-47s. The following day, the Australian troops destroyed a battalion-sized camp and bunker system – with a large quantity of rice and medical supplies. … ”

In the battle against invading Russian forces, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested help from many countries in the form of armoured vehicles. One such country is Australia and the request has been for the Bushmaster armoured vehicle. This comes as no great surprise as the Australia-made 4×4 vehicle does have a reputation of being a very capable war machine, especially proving its worth in troop-transport operations. In this video we are going to take a closer look at the vehicle named after a very venomous snake and see exactly what it is capable of.

DVA will continue to provide support to veterans and families during the holiday season. However, please be aware that some services will be impacted.

Counselling and mental health support

The Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling telephone line is available to support current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Phone 1800 011 046 toll-free.

Safe Zone Support is an anonymous counselling line that is available 24/7 to support members of the current and ex-service community and families. Phone 1800 142 072 toll-free.

If you require urgent assistance, please call 000. If you are unwell, please contact your local doctor or go to your nearest hospital.

Open Arms centres will be closed for the Christmas / New Year period from Saturday 23 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 inclusive, and will re-open on Tuesday 2 January 2024. For further mental health information and support, visit the Open Arms website.

Transport bookings for medical treatment

DVA staff will be available to process transport requests for approved medical treatment on 27, 28 and 29 December. Please call 1800 550 455.

This service will be closed on the weekends as well as 25 and 26 December and 1 January. If transport is required on these days and has not been pre-booked, you can pay for the travel and seek reimbursement when we re-open. Or, if you are an existing MyService user, you can make new transport bookings and review existing ones online.

For travel in an emergency always dial 000.

VAN offices and general enquiries

DVA offices, shopfronts and general enquiry services do not operate over weekends or public holidays.

Over the Christmas period, they will be closed from Saturday 23 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 inclusive. This includes DVA’s General Enquiries phone line and our Veteran Access Network offices. These services will resume on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

Defence Service Homes Insurance

DSH Insurance and its advisors will be available for support with any insurance needs from 8 am to 5 pm, Wednesday 27 December to Friday 29 December. Outside of business hours, and during weekends and national public holidays, calls will be diverted to DSH Insurance’s after-hours service partner, ensuring that support is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

For enquiries, or help with a policy or claim, phone 1300 552 662.

Online insurance enquiries can be made via the DSH Insurance website. They will respond to you after the public holidays.

You can also use lodge a non-urgent claim via the online claim form.

For DSH Insurance’s automated payment service, phone 1300 304 989 for the cost of a local call. This service is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Hospital admissions

Doctors can admit DVA patients into hospital over the holiday period and request retrospective approval for the admission, where required, when DVA resumes full services.

Pharmaceutical approvals

There will be no reduction in services across the Christmas/New Year period. Providers seeking prior approval for pharmaceuticals can call the Veterans’ Affairs Pharmaceutical Advisory Centre 24 hours a day on 1800 552 580.

Pension payments

Pension paydays are not affected over this period. So the last payment in 2023 will be on Thursday 28 December 2023. The first payment of the New Year will be Thursday 11 January 2024. See ‘Payment dates’ section below.

Incapacity payments

Incapacity payments will be paid as normal on Thursday 21 December 2023. The next payment after this is due on Thursday 4 January 2024. See ‘Payment dates’ section below.

Payment dates

As a result of differing arrangements by various banks during the holiday period, which are beyond DVA’s control, the precise day of the week you receive your pension or incapacity payment may differ from the usual. You may wish to make arrangements to ensure you have enough funds to cover any direct deposit payments.

Client Support Program

The Client Support Program (CSP) provides case management services tailored to the individual needs of clients and families. This program will be closed from Saturday 23 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 inclusive.

CSP case managers will contact their clients prior to this period to discuss support arrangements over this period.

Veteran Support Officers

Veteran Support Officers (VSOs) provide personalised DVA services to ADF members on Defence bases.

VSOs will not be available from 23 December 2023 to 1 January 2024 inclusive.

ADF members can continue to book VSO appointments over the holiday period by emailing .

Scam and fraud tip-offs

The Scam and Fraud Tip-Off mailboxes will not be monitored between 23 December 2023 and 1 January 2024 inclusive.

If you believe you have been the victim of a Scam, please review the options available at IDCARE Official Website – Identity Theft & Cyber Support.

For all serious matters, please contact your local police.