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AMONG the motivational signs around Fort Zinderneuf, (‘Abandon hope all ye who enter here’, ‘The floggings will continue until morale improves’) one topic is taboo.

The words of the eminent public service mandarin Sir Humprey Appleby should be engraved in the stone in Blamey Square.

“A basic rule of government is never look into anything you don’t have to, and never set up an inquiry unless you know in advance what its findings will be”.

A report commissioned by the Department of Veterans Affairs allegedly found rates of partner violence ‘were elevated’ among current and former ADF members, relative to non-military populations.

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ADF domestic violence response in question | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

Photo: PTE Nicholas Marquis

The Australian Defence Force achieved a significant milestone with the inaugural live-fire exercise of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) from the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) at the Woomera Test Range. Executed by personnel from the esteemed 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, this event, which transpired on November 14, marked a crucial phase in integrating the recently acquired enhanced NASAMS into the nation’s military capabilities.

The enhanced NASAMS, a ground-based air defence system with a focus on short-range capabilities, was put to the test at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia. This exercise aligns with the recommendations outlined in the Defence Strategic Review earlier in the year, aiming to fortify the Australian Army’s force protection system.

The live-fire demonstration garnered attention from high-ranking officials, including Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Major General Andrew Bottrell, and representatives from both Australian and international Defence circles. Their presence underscored the strategic importance of this advancement in Australia’s military capabilities.

In a notable precursor to the live-fire event, the 16th Regiment gunners were introduced to the NASAMS system during a trial and certification activity near Jervis Bay in May. The system, an enhanced iteration of the original Norwegian design, incorporates Australian radar technology, a launcher based on the Hawkei platform, and an infrared/optical sensor. This amalgamation represents the foundational element of the Australian Defence Force’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence program.

Looking forward, the 16th Regiment is slated to deploy two batteries when fully operational capability is achieved by 2026. However, concerns have arisen regarding the adequacy of the SAM batteries, especially considering the decision to reduce each battery’s launchers from 6 to 3. This move, while logical from a logistical standpoint, prompts discussions about the overall sufficiency of Australia’s air defence infrastructure.

Comparisons have been drawn with other nations, notably Israel, which, despite its smaller size, boasts a greater number of SAM batteries. Furthermore, the absence of a three-layer defence bubble in most Australian states raises questions about the nation’s overall preparedness.

To address these concerns, some advocate for augmenting the existing SAM batteries with additional SM-6 launchers or their equivalents, aligning with the evolving landscape of direct energy weapons. Another proposed solution involves deploying the Aegis land-based defence system strategically at Fleet Base West, Darwin, and Fleet Base East. This strategic placement would create a comprehensive defence network, with NASAMS SHORAD fulfilling roles beyond the coverage of the Aegis system.

In conclusion, while the successful live-fire exercise at Woomera Test Range signifies a significant step forward in Australia’s air defence capabilities, ongoing deliberations about the optimal configuration of SAM batteries underscore the evolving nature of modern warfare and the imperative for a robust and adaptable defence infrastructure.

A recently released Thai hostage revealed that Israeli captives held with him by Hamas were subjected to physical abuse, including beatings with cables. The Thai national, not named in the report, informed the IDF that the Israelis faced harsher treatment compared to other foreign hostages. The captives, severely underfed, were given only one pita a day, occasionally supplemented with shared cans of tuna or a piece of cheese. The testimony aligns with previous accounts of mistreatment by Hamas.

The Thai worker, part of a group taken during the October 7 events in southern Israel, highlighted the large compound where they were held. The hostages, primarily Thai farmhands employed in Israel, endured challenging conditions. While 23 Thai hostages were released separately from a Qatar-brokered truce, nine remain in Hamas captivity.

Prof. Ronit Lubetzky from Ichilov Hospital noted that children among the hostages lost 10-17 percent of their body weight during the 50-plus-day captivity. In contrast to the Israeli hostages, the release of the Thai nationals did not involve an exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, visiting the freed Thai hostages, emphasized Israel’s commitment to bringing back all hostages and expressed hope for the release of those still held by Hamas. Cohen described Israeli-Thai relations as a “true friendship.”

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is often considered more capable than acknowledged by the United States. Despite some identified issues such as lack of recent combat experience, corruption, and leadership challenges, China has rapidly built up its military over the past three decades. The PLA’s navy, air force, ground forces, and missile capabilities, including hypersonic weaponry, have seen significant advancements. China’s strategic objectives include defeating U.S. forces, and it has been actively preparing for various forms of warfare, including cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and non-kinetic tactics. While challenges exist beyond a certain distance from the Chinese border, China is expanding its global presence with a network of ports and airfields. It’s essential not to underestimate the PLA’s capabilities, as history has shown the consequences of underestimating adversaries. The possibility of a Taiwan attack, involving comprehensive military strategies, should not be dismissed, and it is crucial to be prepared for potential scenarios.

Amid the rapid technological maelstrom of World War 2, cutting-edge aircraft in 1939 found themselves obsolete by 1942, as the aviation industry churned out ever more fearsome and sophisticated warbirds.

Preserve ANZAC Day in South Australia: A Call to Action.

By Ray Payne OAM

In a distressing turn of events, there are ominous signs that ANZAC Day may cease to exist in South Australia. ANZAC Day, a day sacred to remembering and honouring the sacrifices of those who served and paid the ultimate price for our freedom, is now under threat. It is imperative that we unite as a community and exert collective pressure on both the South Australian state government and the federal government to preserve this significant day in our nation’s history.

The call for help is not an overstatement; it is a plea for action. ANZAC Day holds profound meaning for Australians, serving as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice displayed by our servicemen and women throughout history. Without a united front advocating for the preservation of this day, the risk of its disappearance looms large.

To effect change, we must recognize the power that lies in numbers. It is the collective voice of a community that can sway decisions and steer the course of policy. Now, more than ever, we need to stand together and demonstrate that ANZAC Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a symbol of our shared history and the sacrifices made for our freedom.

Allowing ANZAC Day to fade away in South Australia could set a dangerous precedent with far-reaching consequences. The ripple effect of this decision could extend beyond the immediate loss of a day of remembrance. It may diminish the value we place on our veterans and their contributions, eroding the very fabric of our national identity. As custodians of the legacy left by those who served, it is our responsibility to prevent such a detrimental outcome.

As veterans, the burden of ensuring the preservation of ANZAC Day falls squarely on our shoulders. We have a unique perspective on the significance of this day and a duty to honour the memory of our mates. Let us stand united in our commitment to preserving this important tradition, drawing upon our collective experiences to convey the gravity of the situation to decision-makers.

In conclusion, the threat to ANZAC Day in South Australia demands our immediate attention and concerted effort. We must galvanise our community, mobilise support, and engage with both the state and federal governments to safeguard this crucial day of remembrance. Let us not allow the sacrifices of our servicemen and women to be overshadowed by the passage of time. This is not a small issue; it is an urgent call to action, and together, we can ensure that ANZAC Day endures for generations to come.

Voice your opinion to the Premier of South Australia

The Hon Peter Malinauskas MP

Email: premier@sa.gov.au

Telephone: (08) 8429 3232
(Office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)

Postal address
GPO Box 2343
Adelaide  SA  5001

Anyone wanting to know the definition of the term “un-Australian” should look no further than a state Labor government that just legislated to delete the words “Anzac Day” from its official public holiday bill, writes Nicolle Flint.

Nicolle Flint SkyNews.com.au Contributor and Political Commentator

Want the definition of the term “un-Australian”?

Look no further than the South Australian Labor government which has just legislated to delete Anzac Day from the official Holidays Act 1910.

Yes, that’s right.

The Malinauskas Labor government has repealed the Holidays Act 1910, replaced it with the Public Holidays Bill 2023, removed the name Anzac Day and replaced it with ‘25 April’ a day “fixed as a public holiday”.

We did not send Australian men and women to fight for our freedom and make the ultimate sacrifice in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and peace-keeping operations to have virtue-signalling Labor MPs erase one of our most nationally significant days of commemoration.

We did not put families through the trauma of losing loved ones and coping with the life-long injuries of those who returned home, to have the day when we remember them reduced to a mere date on the calendar.

According to the Australian War Memorial, the first Anzac Day commemorations were held in 1916, by 1927 Anzac Day was an official public holiday in all states, and over time became not just the commemoration of World War I, but the day Australians commemorate all those who gave their lives, and for many their subsequent quality of life, in military operations for our freedom and the freedom and safety of our international friends and neighbours.

This is the history the South Australian Labor Party is deleting.

Astoundingly, it is not just this most solemn and significant of national days Labor is erasing.

On top of erasing Anzac Day, the South Australia Labor Party has deleted all traces of Christmas Day from the Holidays Act 1910, but somehow Easter has survived unscathed.

Not even the governments formerly known as the most left-wing state Labor administrations in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia have erased centuries of tradition from their public holiday acts.

All of them still explicitly recognise ANZAC Day, Christmas Day, Australia Day and the Sovereign’s Birthday.

You really have to wonder if South Australia is trying to outdo their interstate Labor mates in the battle to see who can destroy western civilization most quickly.

Do not for a second think that this is no big deal.

Contrary to popular belief, the United States did not stand alone in its efforts to support South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Traditional American allies, including Taiwan, South Korea, and notably, Australia, played crucial roles in containing the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia. While each ally contributed significantly, it was the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) that left an indelible mark on the conflict, striking fear into the hearts of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC).

The Australians’ involvement in Vietnam dates back to 1962, but it was in April 1966 that the SASR first set foot in Vietnam. Tasked with conducting long-range reconnaissance patrols in the dense Vietnamese jungles, they swiftly earned a reputation as the “Ghosts of the Jungle” among the NVA. Even the North Vietnamese, accustomed to facing formidable adversaries, regarded the Australians with a mixture of awe and trepidation.

Operating in small, stealthy fire teams of four to six men, the Australians moved deliberately through the jungles, employing slow and quiet tactics that belied the devastating firepower they could unleash upon contact with the enemy. The NVA soon learned that the presence of Australians in the area meant sudden and overwhelming chaos, as their well-coordinated assaults left adversaries disoriented and overmatched.

The Australians’ reputation for instilling fear lay in their ability to create the illusion of larger forces through intense and concentrated firepower. This strategic approach, coupled with their silent and methodical movements, made them the most feared enemy unit in the regions of South Vietnam they operated in. Even the most cautious VC infiltrators risked walking into a relentless Aussie ambush.

The Australian SASR seamlessly integrated with other allied forces, including American Special Forces and Navy SEALs, conducting joint operations throughout Vietnam. Each SASR unit operated alongside a New Zealand SAS trooper, fostering a strong ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) alliance on the battlefield.

Spread across provinces like Phuoc Tuy, Bien Hoa, Long Khanh, and Binh Tuy, the SASR conducted approximately 1,200 combat patrols during their time in Vietnam. Their one-year tours, marked by exceptional discipline and strategic prowess, resulted in one killed in action, one dead from wounds, three accidental deaths, one missing, and one death from illness. An additional 28 men were wounded in action, highlighting the intensity and challenges of their missions.

Before their departure in 1971, the Australian SASR achieved a remarkable milestone by eliminating 600 enemy troops, establishing the highest kill ratio of the entire war. The “Ghosts of the Jungle” had not only haunted the enemy but had decisively shaped the course of the conflict, leaving an enduring legacy of bravery, skill, and unwavering dedication to their mission.

As we reflect on the annals of the Vietnam War, it is imperative to recognize the pivotal role played by Australian special operators in the fight against Communism. Their stealth, precision, and unyielding commitment to their mission solidified their place as one of the most formidable forces in the dense jungles of Vietnam, earning them the enduring moniker of the “Ghosts of the Jungle.”

Recent research indicates a significant increase in the number of senior officers within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) over the past two decades, despite an ongoing decline in overall enlisted personnel figures. An analysis conducted by the Parliamentary Library reveals that the count of star-ranked officers in the ADF has risen from 119 in 2003 to a current total of 219.

The findings, commissioned by the Greens Party, highlight a ratio of one senior ADF officer to 260 lower-ranked officers or regular personnel serving beneath them. Star-ranked officers, also known as ‘flag officers,’ occupy positions at the Commodore, Brigadier, or Air Commodore levels and higher in the Navy, Army, and Air Force, respectively.

In comparison, the United States boasts 863 star-ranked officers, with a ratio of one senior officer for every 1526 personnel, while the United Kingdom has a proportion of one star-ranked officer for every 1252 enlisted members.

David Shoebridge, a Greens Senator and Defence spokesperson, criticizes the perceived “top-heavy” structure of the ADF, especially considering the diminishing overall military personnel numbers. He remarks on the regular appointments of new generals, admirals, or Air Marshals without corresponding advancements in military assets.

The research details the distribution of senior officers within the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force. For instance, the Navy currently has 68 senior officers, including 50 Commodores, 15 Rear Admirals, and 3 Vice-Admirals. The Army, boasting over 27,000 personnel, comprises 58 Brigadiers, 22 Major-Generals, 5 Lieutenant-Generals, and one General, Angus Campbell, serving as Chief of Defence. The Royal Australian Air Force includes 50 Air Commodores, 14 Air Vice-Marshals, and two Air Marshals.

The overall enlisted numbers for the ADF have declined from 62,429 in 1983 to 57,218 full-time members in 2023. Senator Shoebridge criticizes the failure of senior Defence leadership to meet recruiting targets over the past decade while concurrently doubling their own senior ranks. He characterizes this as rewarding failure and emphasizes the disproportionate concentration of senior officers overseeing a diminishing group of enlisted members.

Furthermore, it is noted that Australia’s Chief of Defence will receive a salary exceeding $1 million this year, surpassing the compensation of counterparts such as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the United States, earning $329,304, and the UK Chief of the Defence Staff, who is paid $534,509.