All News

The following arrived in my inbox this morning from a network member. To be honest I didn’t have the time to view it all but thought it might be of some interest to some of you.

Ten things we learned about national security this week (mailchi.mp)

They’re not happy in Gaza ..
They’re not happy in Egypt ..
They’re not happy in Libya ..
They’re not happy in Morocco ..
They’re not happy in Iran ..
They’re not happy in Iraq ..
They’re not happy in Yemen …
They’re not happy in Afghanistan …
They’re not happy in Pakistan ..
They’re not happy in Syria ..
They’re not happy in Lebanon ….

By Ernie Chamberlain

“Australian official history accounts of the Battle of Bình Ba in early June 1969 omit that – apart from occupying the village of Binh Ba on Route 2 north of the 1 ATF Núi Đất base, the communist forces (ie 33rd NVA Regiment, D440 Local Force Battalion), planned to ambush the expected 1 ATF relief force as it moved north up Route 2 to Bình Ba.

According to a 33rd Regiment history monograph, the initial plan was for the “33rd Regiment to conduct an ambush battle on Australian forces lured north from their Núi Đất base – in the area of Route 2 from the Sông Cầu hamlet up to Đức Mỹ hamlet”.

Several Vietnamese accounts relate however that their planned ambush was not initiated ie: as the Australian relief force was “spread out in groups of two-and-three vehicles and did not fall into the Regiment’s ambush – so the (33rd NVA) Regiment’s tactical headquarters decided not to attack.” … and: “At 6am on 6 June 1969 – just as we had planned, the Australian forces from Núi Đất sent their tanks north to relieve Bình Ba. However, as the enemy was spread out in groups of two-and-three vehicles, and did not fall into the Regiment’s ambush formation, the headquarters of the Regiment decided not to initiate the ambush attack.” And: ““the Australians did not enter our ambush formation as planned.”
During a briefing at the 33rd NVA Regiment’s 50th Anniversary reunion in Hanoi in 2019, the Battle of Bình Ba was depicted on a “mounted” marked map – that also noted the site of the “un-initiated/”unsprung” Route 2 ambush.

A few years ago, I acquired a colour photograph of a 33rd NVA Regiment veteran – Hoàng Đình Chiến, giving a briefing off that map to fellow NVA veterans in Hanoi on the 33rd Regiment’s special ambush planned to destroy 5RAR south of Bình Ba. Chiến was purportedly the last living of the NVA combatants at that Battle.”

Regards, Ernie

[email protected]

ED: From my inbox.

Dear Andrew Hastie,

I watched your segment on the Bolt Report where you discussed the possible causes for the major shortfall to recruiting targets.

What was missing from your argument, whether inadvertently or deliberately was the “Wokeness” direction in which our military is being driven.

You did allude to the fact that recruits might be too far from home and thus disinclined to join.

You didn’t mention the progressive reduction in entry standards applied to new recruits especially women, nor the disparity in the qualifying period.

You didn’t address the pursuit of the LGBTIA agenda (fingernails, high heeled shoes and rainbow military badges) that seem to take centre stage.

You didn’t mention the requirement for a significant proportion of ADF food to be “Halal” certified to comply with and appease a minority group.

You didn’t talk to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion quota being imposed at the expense of the Masculine Anglo-Saxon majority from which you historically recruited.

But worst of all you didn’t refute the current Tall Poppy syndrome that seeks to denigrate the very essence for which the ADF once stood.

To the contrary you failed to stand up for the courageous men like Ben Robert Smith and Heston Russell and many others who put their lives on the line for Australia.

Instead, you allowed the court of public opinion lead by the MSM to smear them.

Instead of obfuscating Andrew – Address the real issues – lest you be remembered as the unworthy successor to Stephen Smith who started the ADF demise.

ED: Feel free to add your comments.

During a recent Senate estimates hearing, the Chief of the Defence Force, Angus Campbell, sharply criticised independent senator Jacqui Lambie for allegedly spreading misleading information about the remuneration packages of senior commanders.

Campbell’s heated remarks were in response to Lambie’s assertion that the vehicle allowance for these top-ranking officers had been substantially increased, which would effectively boost their salaries by 10%.

In terms of specifics, the typical remuneration package for senior commanders comprises of a basic salary and additional allowances. While it is not publicly stated the exact amount for these officers, an increase in vehicle allowance by 10% could signify a substantial increment, especially if the base salary is in the higher brackets.

However, General Campbell refuted these claims, saying, “There is no additional money being received. An allowance has been pushed into the salary. It is very simple, very clear.” He accused the senator of trying to create a rift between the senior command and the rest of the Australian Defence personnel, including naval sailors, aviators, and soldiers. “I think it is deeply undermining of the cohesion of the force,” Campbell added, concluding with, “And quite frankly, Senator, you should be ashamed of yourself.”

Senator Lambie subsequently issued a statement expressing her shock at General Campbell’s reaction. Reiterating her commitment to accountability, she mentioned, “It is my job, and the job of all Senators, to hold all public officials to account for taxpayer money.” Lambie also pointed out that her interactions with the Chief of Defence reflect a broader issue: “It is very obvious that the Chief of Defence believes that there is one rule for senior command and another rule for Diggers.”

To address this ongoing contention, Senator Lambie has reached out to Defence Minister Richard Marles, seeking a retraction of Campbell’s remarks.

Top of Form

A message from the Returned & Services League of Australia

Twice a year, around ANZAC Day and Christmas, members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) deployed overseas receive thoughtful care packages from RSL Australia to thank them for their service.

These care packages contain an assortment of quintessentially Australian snacks and treats, along with a letter from RSL Australia on behalf of the nation conveying sincere gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Deployments can be isolating, and receiving a care package from Australia can provide a connection to home. One recipient expressed: ‘It is quite special to be thought of outside of the family back home.’ Another remarked: ‘To be frank, it made my day as all the items cannot be bought here. It is very much appreciated and makes a big difference knowing that people and organisations care.’

The RSL tradition of demonstrating gratitude for those deployed began back in 1963 when the RSL organised Christmas care packages for members of the Australian Army serving in Vietnam. Following the withdrawal of troops from Vietnam, the RSL resolved to continue to support Australian forces on missions abroad and formally established the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF) in 1966.

The fund is mainly used to provide biannual care packages, however during the ADF deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, the RSL identified a need to provide additional support for ADF members seriously wounded on overseas service.

The fund was used to create RSL Support Packs for seriously wounded personnel who required treatment through the NATO hospital facilities in Germany and later hospitalisation in Australia. It was also used to offer respite, providing a week-long, all-expenses-paid break within Australia with the family of the wounded ADF member once they arrived home.

Donations to the RSL AFOF, and the support of volunteers who give up two days to assemble the packages at the 39 OSB Randwick Barracks in Sydney, make these care packages possible.

The RSL AFOF Care Packages go beyond the tangible items inside the boxes. This gesture sends a powerful message to our service men and women they are thought of back home and their sacrifices are deeply appreciated.

Compensation and Health Care treatment under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986

Who is Eligible?

Former Australian Defence Force personnel who satisfy the definition of having rendered British Nuclear Test (BNT) defence service or service as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) in Japan after the Second World War are eligible to claim for conditions arising from that service. Widow/ers of BNT/BCOF participants may also be eligible to claim, if the death was related to BNT/BCOF service, or the BNT/BCOF participant was eligible for Disability Compensation Payment above 100% of the General Rate.

For detailed BNT eligibility, see BNT participants who may get a Veteran Gold Card.

How do you apply

To lodge a claim, complete either the D2582 Claim for Disability Compensation Payment, or D2663 Claim for Pension by a Widow, Widower or other Dependant of a Deceased Veteran and submit it by post to Department of Veterans’ Affairs, GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001, or lodge it in person at your nearest DVA Office.

Health Care Treatment

The 2017-18 Budget included a measure to provide the Veteran Gold Card to all Australian participants in the British nuclear tests in Australia in the 1950s and 1960s (including certain civilians within the test areas) and to Australians who were part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan after the Second World War.

Treatment is provided under the Australian Participants in British Nuclear Tests and British Commonwealth Occupation Force (Treatment) Act 2006.

Who is Eligible?

British nuclear tests in Australia were conducted at Emu Field and Maralinga in South Australia and at the Monte Bello Islands off the West Australian coast from 1952 to 1957. Eligibility for the Veteran Gold Card was extended to those who were working, either as an Australian Defence Force member or as a Commonwealth employee or contractor, in at least one of these testing areas while tests were conducted or were present in a test area within a two year period after the relevant explosion. Those who participated in the minor nuclear test trials conducted between 1953 and 1963 are also eligible.

Eligibility was also extended to Commonwealth Police, Australian Federal Police and Australian Protective Service Officers who patrolled the Maralinga nuclear test area up to 30 June 1988.

Others who were in a nuclear test area at a relevant time are also eligible, regardless of whether their presence in a nuclear test area was associated with the nuclear tests. This includes pastoralists and indigenous people among others.

The British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) was created on 31 January 1946 and ceased to exist on 28 April 1952. Eligibility for the Veteran Gold Card was extended to any person who served with the Australian contingent in Japan as part of BCOF. Service in Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Forces Korea is not included, regardless of the dates of service.

How do you apply

If you were present at any of the British Nuclear Test sites in Australia or served with the Australian contingent of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan after the end of the Second World War please fill out the claim form and return it to:

Department of Veterans’ Affairs
British Nuclear Test Participants and British Commonwealth Occupation Force Participants
GPO Box 9998
Brisbane QLD 4001

Alternatively, you can lodge the form at your local DVA office.

• D9056 Registration for a Gold Card for Australian British Nuclear Test Participants and Australian British Commonwealth Occupation Force Participants

Commemorative Medallion

A medallion commemorating Australian participation in the British Nuclear Tests in Australia was minted in time for the 50th anniversary of the end of the major tests in October 2007 and recognises the service of those Australians who participated in or provided support to the Program.

Who is Eligible?

Any Australian, whether military personnel, police or civilians who participated in or provided support to the British Nuclear Test Program in Australia can make a claim for the Medallion.

How do you apply

If you participated in or provided support to the British Nuclear Test Program in Australia, you can lodge a claim for the Medallion by filling out the claim form and return it to:

Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Income Support New Claims
GPO Box 9998
Brisbane QLD 4001

Alternatively, you can lodge the form at your local DVA office.

If you wish to obtain a hard copy of the form or would like any further information about the Medallion, please contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and ask to speak with the Income Support New Claims section.