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WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE FABULOUS 40’s and 50’S … NO ONE WILL EVER HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY AGAIN … WE WERE GIVEN ONE OF OUR MOST PRECIOUS GIFTS:  LIVING IN THE SERENE AND COMFORTABLE TIMES CREATED FOR US BY THE “GREATEST GENERATION”!

I remember all of these and use many of them still. Can you imagine? Mergatroyd!  Do you remember that word?  Would you believe the spell-checker did not recognize the word Mergatroyd?  Heavens to Mergatroyd!

The other day a lady said something to her son about driving a Jalopy; and he looked at her quizzically and said, “What the heck is a Jalopy?”  He had never heard of the word jalopy!  She knew she was old … but not that old.

Well, I hope you are Hunky Dory, Right as rain and as Happy as Larry after you read this and chuckle.

About a month ago, I illuminated some old expressions that have become obsolete because of the inexorable march of technology.  These phrases included: Don’t touch that dial, carbon copy, you sound like a broken record, and hung out to dry.

Back in the olden days we put on our best bib and tucker or bag of fruit and dressed to the nines. Heavens to Betsy! Gee whillikers!  Jumping Jehoshaphat, Strike me pink, Holy Moley!

We were in like Flynn and living the life of Riley; and even a regular guy couldn’t accuse us of being a boofhead, knucklehead, dickhead, a nincompoop or a dill.  Not for all the tea in China, or rice for that matter!

We wake up from a short nap, and before we can say, “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!” or “This is a fine kettle of fish!”

Poof, go the words of our youth, the words we’ve left behind.  Where have all those great phrases gone?

Long gone: Pshaw, The milkman did it.  Don’t forget to pull the chain.  Knee high to a grasshopper. Fiddlesticks!  I’ll see you in the funny farm.  Wake up and smell the roses.

Leaves us to wonder where Superman will find a phone booth…

See ya later, alligator!  Oki Doki.

Indigenous academic Anthony Dillon contends that efforts by “blacktivists” to change the date of Australia Day are misplaced, urging them to redirect their energy towards initiatives that bring about tangible improvements for Indigenous Australians. According to a recent poll by the Institute of Public Affairs, nearly two-thirds of Australians support maintaining Australia Day on January 26, while only 17 percent advocate for a change in the date.

Dillon emphasizes that, for him, Australia Day remains a time to appreciate the nation’s greatness, an occasion to connect with friends and family, and an opportunity for relaxation. He suggests that the activism focused on altering the date is a diversion from addressing crucial issues affecting Indigenous communities. Dillon contends that the energy invested in advocating for a date change could be more effectively utilized in activities that genuinely contribute to the well-being and advancement of Indigenous Australians.

In Dillon’s view, these activists should prioritize initiatives that make a “real difference” in the lives of Indigenous people, addressing fundamental issues such as social, economic, and educational disparities. By redirecting their efforts towards meaningful and impactful actions, he argues, these individuals can contribute to positive change and enhance the overall well-being of Indigenous communities. Dillon’s perspective underscores the importance of channeling activism towards practical solutions that address systemic challenges faced by Indigenous Australians.

Photo: Anthony Dillon

Australia is set to enhance its missile manufacturing capabilities and bolster its long-range strike potential with significant developments on the horizon. A pivotal milestone in this trajectory is the signing of a substantial $37.4 million contract between the Australian Defence and Lockheed Martin Australia, paving the way for the commencement of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile production within the country by 2025.

This groundbreaking agreement represents a strategic leap forward, laying the foundation for domestic missile manufacturing on a broader scale. The contract encompasses critical aspects such as the transfer of technical data from the United States, the establishment of meticulous engineering certification processes, and the initiation of skill-building endeavours to cultivate a proficient Australian workforce in this domain.

In tandem with the GMLRS initiative, the Australian Government is set to acquire Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), capable of engaging targets up to a staggering 500 kilometres away. Both PrSM and GMLRS missiles can be deployed using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.

This momentous development is part of a substantial $4.1 billion investment, a commitment made in response to the Defence Strategic Review. The investment aims to empower the Defence sector with additional long-range strike systems while concurrently fostering the domestic production of extended-range munitions within Australia.

This resolute commitment underscores the government’s dedication to not only fortify Australia’s long-range strike capabilities but also to establish a robust domestic missile manufacturing infrastructure. These endeavours align seamlessly with the broader objective of enhancing the Australian Defence Force’s proficiency in defending Australia and its immediate geopolitical sphere.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reported launching attacks on an alleged Israeli spy headquarters in Iraq’s Kurdistan region and targeting Islamic State elements in Syria. The strikes are part of the ongoing conflict sparked by the Israel-Hamas war, involving Iran’s allies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The Guards cited retaliation for the killing of their commanders and accused Israel of atrocities. The attacks included ballistic missiles hitting a Mossad centre in Kurdistan and striking Syria to combat terrorist activities. Israel has not commented on the situation. The Guards pledged to continue offensive operations until avenging their fallen members. Iraq expressed concern over sovereignty violations and summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires, while recalling its envoy from Tehran.

Despite the grand promises and ambitious speeches from both sides of the political spectrum, the overall outlook for the average Australian appears rather bleak, regardless of their demographic affiliation, with the younger generations being particularly affected. The diminishing economic opportunities, combined with the rapidly deteriorating global and regional power dynamics and the escalating politicisation of every facet of contemporary life, only serve to worsen the prevailing sense of disconnection, apathy, and helplessness felt by many Australians.

This negative sentiment is not only intensifying but also contributing to a growing belief that we are heading towards a predetermined outcome. This perception further disempowers the Australian people and, to a lesser extent, policymakers, as they grapple with seemingly insurmountable challenges with little to no tangible benefits.

Considering the associated costs and implications, it becomes clear why a significant number of Australians, both in the general public and among decision-makers, have disengaged and are content to let the nation meander along in mediocrity. The easier path prevails over lofty ambitions.

Unless both Australian policymakers and the public break free from the complacency embedded in the belief of “She’ll be right mate,” the nation will continue hurtling towards an uncomfortable and increasingly perilous new reality, relinquishing control of its destiny.

This scenario presents a disconcerting outcome for long-term national security, demanding immediate remedial action if Australia is to position itself to capitalize on the epoch-defining shifts in industry, economics, politics, and strategy occurring globally.

The pressing question arises: how can we expect Australians, especially the youth, to prioritise the national interest when the nation itself seems to neglect their interests? When taken to its logical extension, the national interest fundamentally aligns with the individual’s interest.

Australia and its citizens are confronted with two simultaneous yet intertwined challenges, arguably the greatest of our time. The choice is clear: do we aspire to be competitive, consequential, and thriving, or do we settle for a “steady and sturdy” descent into managed decline?

Photo: A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft takes off at Exercise Red Flag Nellis 24-1 in Nevada, USA.

Australia has joined forces with the United States and the United Kingdom for Exercise Red Flag Nellis 24-1. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is gearing up for intense air combat training at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, USA, from January 15 to February 2. Approximately 150 RAAF aviators will support six F-35A Lightning II aircraft and a tactical command and control team during this exercise.

Established in 1975, Exercise Red Flag Nellis recreates the initial ten missions of a modern air campaign within a training environment, offering invaluable experience to participants. Wing Commander Adrian Kiely, Commanding Officer of No. 3 Squadron, highlighted that this marks the first participation of Australian F-35As in Exercise Red Flag Nellis.

According to Wing Commander Kiely, generations of RAAF aviators have participated in this evolving exercise since 1980. The exercise involves missions to the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range and the southwestern United States, allowing integration with maritime units. Exercise Red Flag Nellis will thoroughly test the capabilities of the F-35A and provide an opportunity to collaborate with American and British allies, practicing the projection of force in combat operations.

Exercise Red Flag Nellis 24-1 will see approximately 3000 personnel and 100 aircraft engage in large force employment missions across various scenarios. Known for its use of ‘aggressor’ forces, including enemy fighter aircraft, ground-based radars, simulated surface-to-air missiles, as well as cyber and space-based elements, the exercise simulates diverse threats for each mission.

Wing Commander Peter Mole, Commanding Officer of No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit, will lead the RAAF Tactical Command and Control Team during the exercise. He emphasized the importance of managing and controlling the diverse aircraft and units across ground, maritime, cyber, and space-based domains to achieve mission objectives. The scale and complexity of Exercise Red Flag Nellis make it an unparalleled opportunity to build experience and strengthen the close working relationship with the United States and the United Kingdom.

Brigadier Fern Thompson jumped in the cockpit without hesitation to support her crews as they worked across the Christmas and New Year break to aid flood recovery efforts in Queensland.

“I’m a Commander, but I’m also a Chinook pilot so by employing myself in that profession I can stop people being recalled from leave and help to give them some respite,” BRIG Thompson said.

“It’s great to keep up my skills by flying with these young men and women who are at the sharp end of the profession, and I’ll keep flying as long as they’ll have me,” she said.

The CH-47F Chinook fleet has played an imperative role in the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper, evacuating vulnerable communities and delivering vital stores and equipment to isolated areas across Far North Queensland.

BRIG Thompson began her career at the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment as a Blackhawk pilot in 1999 where she soon deployed on her first tour of East Timor.

And with the aviation brigade headquarters relocated to Townsville, BRIG Thompson’s career has come full circle, but continues her history of hitting the ground running (or flying).

“When I first posted into the 5th Aviation Regiment I deployed to East Timor around two weeks after I arrived, so each time I arrive at 5AVN we seem to deploy not long after,” she said.

Despite time away on operations and postings across the country, BRIG Thompson said there’s something about North Queensland’s Townsville that just feels like home after so many years.

“It’s like I’m coming home to the north of Queensland.”

“I’m very privileged to command, to be given such responsibility and such opportunity,” she said.

Credit LSIS Jarrod Mulvihill

In a significant military development near Ukraine, one of Russia’s highly valuable Beriev A-50 aircraft, valued at £260 million, was reportedly shot down over the Sea of Azov, south of the frontline, as per Ukrainian military reports. This Soviet command and reconnaissance plane played a crucial role in battlefield operations, utilizing high-range radar to detect missiles and aircraft while coordinating Russian fighter jets.

The loss of this aircraft leaves Vladimir Putin’s forces with only eight operational A-50s in their entire fleet, underscoring its strategic importance. Although it remains unclear whether there were any survivors, given the tactical significance of the A-50, it is plausible that senior officers were on board.

The incident occurred during a patrol near Kyrylivka at approximately 9:10 pm on a Sunday when Ukrainian forces successfully shot down the A-50. According to intercepted communications, a Russian pilot reported witnessing the plane catching fire and plummeting from the sky.

Originally introduced in the 1980s, around 40 A-50s were manufactured, with reports suggesting that only nine remained in active service last year. The recent loss further diminishes the already limited fleet.

Coincidentally, on the same evening, another crucial Russian command aircraft, the Ilyushin Il-22 airborne command post, was reportedly struck by Ukrainian missiles, compelling it to return to base. Intercepted audio from Russian air traffic control revealed an officer urgently requesting medical assistance and firefighting support, indicating potential casualties aboard the Il-22.

The Il-22 incident implies the likelihood of at least one senior commander being on board, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The pilot managed to successfully land the damaged aircraft, but at least two individuals were reported injured during the attack. This dual blow to key Russian command and reconnaissance planes marks a notable setback for the country’s military capabilities in the region.