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By Ray Payne OAM – Frontline

Last week marked a significant turning point for veterans and their families with the release of the final report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. With over 5,889 submissions, 886 private sessions, 346 witness statements, and the review of 230,000 documents, the systemic failures of the support systems designed for our servicemen and women have finally been exposed. For the first time in years, the hidden struggles of Australia’s 581,000 veterans and their 450,000 family members are being brought to light.

Our Defence Force excels at protecting our country, often without demanding the recognition they deserve. However, this silence has also left many veterans feeling voiceless when the system lets them down. The Royal Commission has forced us all to confront these uncomfortable truths about how some veterans have been treated.

While it’s easy to expect the government to fix this, history has shown us that waiting for government action alone isn’t enough. Veteran organisations, like the RSL and all our other veteran associations, need to step up and hold both the government and Defence accountable. It’s not enough to assume that change will happen on its own. These organisations are in a unique position of influence, with direct access to the communities most affected, and must ensure that the momentum created by this inquiry leads to tangible, lasting reforms.

Because of my involvement with veterans over the past 50 years I’ve seen firsthand how the system can break down those it’s supposed to protect, and I know many have endured far worse. We can no longer afford to tinker around the edges of this problem. What we need is a complete overhaul…a systemic transformation that proactively supports veterans and their families, preventing harm before it happens.

Veteran organisations, particularly the RSL and veteran associations, must play a critical role in ensuring that the momentum created by the Royal Commission leads to real change. These organisations need to go beyond offering support…they must become vigilant advocates, closely monitoring the government’s actions and holding Defence accountable for implementing the required reforms. This isn’t just about making noise; it’s about making sure that promises aren’t empty and that real, tangible improvements are made.

The task ahead is monumental, and without the persistent pressure from veteran associations, there is a risk that these issues will be pushed to the sidelines once again. The RSL and other veteran organisations have a responsibility to ensure that the findings of the commission don’t gather dust but are acted upon swiftly and effectively. They must track progress, challenge delays, and keep these issues front and centre in the national conversation.

If we allow this burden to fall on the next generation of veterans, we will have failed them. The future of our veteran community rests on the actions we take today, and it is the role of these organisations to make sure that every step is taken with purpose and urgency. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a system that genuinely supports and protects our veterans and their families. It’s a task that cannot be left to government alone…veteran organisations must be at the forefront, leading the charge, and making sure Australia honours its commitment to those who have given so much.

ED: This article was sent to me by Ernie Chamberlain it included a photo of the Hurrican Magazine cover, unfortunately, I was unable to copy it into the article.

During the Vietnam War, the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) was under the operational control of a US “corps headquarters” located at Long Bình, Biên Hòa Province – ie II Field Force Vietnam (II FFV – “Two Field Force Victor”).

II FFV was founded on 15 March 1966 and “de-activated” on 21 May 1971 – when it was replaced by the Third Regional Assistance Command (TRAC). II FFV’s area of responsibility was III Corps Tactical Zone (CTZ) – later renamed Military Region 3. The formation insignias of II FFV’s major formations – including 1 ATF and the Royal Thai Armed Forces, are shown on the map below. Within South Vietnam, III CTZ had an “area of responsibility” encompassing 11 provinces and covering an area of 25,900 square kilometres – with 372 kilometres of border with Cambodia and 220 kilometres of coast-line on the South China Sea.

HQ II FFV produced a “glossy” monthly colour magazine – “The Hurricane” (see the cover of the November 1967 edition above) – of from 15 to 45 pages, comprising articles principally highlighting pacification and development issues, profiles of Free World and South Vietnamese military formation and units, and provinces in III CTZ/Military Region 3. The Hurricane also occasionally included items on the Australian and New Zealand forces.

In northern and central South Vietnam, the US I FFV (activated on 1 August 1965) also produced a similar magazine – “The Typhoon”; and US Army Vietnam (USARV) in Saigon produced a larger quarterly magazine – “Tour 365 – For soldiers going home” – ie a potted history of the War of about 60 pages.

The II FFV’s Hurricane edition of May 1970 included a “Companion’s Guide to Phuoc Tuy” – see the following extract:

“A few years ago, if you wanted to drive from Saigon to Vung Tau, you always left a last letter to your loved one and one with a friend back in Saigon. Today, though, national highway QL-15 boasts a steady traffic between Saigon and Vung Tau, and – on weekends, the great race down QL-15 makes you long for the calm of the Los Angeles freeway during rush hour. A large part of your trip will take you through Phuoc Tuy Province which lies southeast of Saigon. If you had driven through Phuoc Tuy Province in 1962, a return journey in 1970 would show notable changes in the countryside and the attitudes of the people. Mr Martin Christie, the Province Senior Advisor (a former WWII US Marine Corps captain and POW – Corregidor), explained it this way: ‘The people of this province are traditionally anti- government. In the old traditional society, the villages were highly autonomous and paid only lip services, and taxes to the Vietnamese emperor. When the emperor’s tax collectors made their annual visits to the villages, many times they were stopped at the gates. The people would pay their taxes, but they wouldn’t allow the emperor’s representatives to enter the village. This is the kind of atmosphere we’re working in today,’ Mr. Christie continued. ‘When the French came in, they ‘dehorned’ the village officials and introduced district and province chiefs in attempts to centralize the government. And during the Indo-China War, a great many of the people in the province were Viet-Minh. And even today, the Viet-Cong are preaching anti-central government. Phuoc Tuy is a very difficult place to work pacification.’ But, he added, ‘pacification is beginning to work here, partially because of the security provided by the Australian Task Force, and their Civic Action unit, which entirely specializes in development and pacification. The Vietnamese are beginning to get more confidence in central government.’ The most impressive piece of evidence to support Mr. Christie’s observations can be found in the capital of the province, Phuoc Le, or as it is more often referred to, Baria. Several years ago, the market place in Baria occupied a space in the centre of town no larger than a tennis court. Then, the village government borrowed five million piastres from the GVN for construction of the main building in the new market place, which is located on the outskirts of town on QL-15.”

Other Hurricane magazine articles noted covering the Australians included – in chronological order:

“The Australian Surgical Team”, Volume 1, No. 5 March 1968. .

“A Village is Born – Ap Suoi Nghe, Volume 1, No. 9, July 1968.

“Phuoc Tuy”, Volume 1, No.15, January 1969. “An unprosperous and unpeaceful land with potential”).

“1st Australian Task Force: Aussies make it hot for Charlie in Phuoc Tuy.”, No.16, February

1969, pp.8-11.

“The Kiwis – New Zealand Sparks 1st Australian Task Force, Volume 1, No. 21, July 1969 – that included: “New Zealand troops have a traditional rivalry with their Aussie counterparts – like Texans with New Englanders.” ”

“Integrated Civic Action Program (ICAP)”, Volume 1, No. 28, February 1970.

“A Companion’s Guide to Phuoc Tuy” – Volume 1, No. 31, May 1970 (ie noted above); and

“Aussie Civic Action”, Volume 1, No. 33, July 1970.

Typhoon: II FFV’s northern “companion” Corps in central/northern South Vietnam was I FFV (headquartered in Nha Trang and responsible for the 12 provinces of II CTZ). It also produced a magazine similar to II FFV’s “The Hurricane” – and was titled “Typhoon”.

Its June 1970 edition included an article on 1 ATF titled: “Diggers in Phuoc Tuy Province are Getting the Bloody Job Done” – subtitled: “Diggers fight the nogs”. Focusing on 8RAR, it was perhaps among the best of the US articles on the Australian forces in Vietnam – despite its pejorative sub-title of “Diggers fight the nogs” (“Nogs” being the popular Digger- argot/sobriquet of that time).

During the War, Sydney was cited in US magazines as “a modern cosmopolitan city of friendly English-speaking Australians with whom Americans have always felt a special kinship.” … “Almost 300,000 Americans and 18,000 Australians spent their R&R in Sydney, and the scheme contributed $80 million to Australia’s economy (source: ANZAC portal – DVA). In Vietnam, US formation and unit magazines regularly had articles lauding the R&R attractions of Sydney – including koalas, kangaroos, the harbour and beaches, Kings Cross – and “friendly sheilas”.

In a 28 January 2024 article to Ray Payne’s FRONTLINE Edition No. 102, I noted a US newspaper’s February 1972 press article titled: “Jade Warriors: Aussies leaving but the legend stays”- that included: “The friendly nasal ‘ow yer goin mite’ is rarely heard in Vietnam these days as the handful of Aussies left behind hurriedly pack the last of their paraphernalia they used to exert their way and will in Phuoc Tuy Province southeast of Saigon. The dark green jungle the Aussies called ‘the jade’ is reclaiming the piece of and that was their home.” The US journalist apparently “mis-heard” Australian soldiers – i.e. thinking their reference to the “dark green jungle”- as “the J“, was “the Jade“!

Other comments on the Australian military involvement are also interesting e.g .: the Australians were unlikely to leave a “permanent mark” despite their “victories”. Australians “paid their way” and their image was not “tainted” – unlike other non-US Free World Forces. Vietnamese bar girls taunted Australian soldiers as “cheap charlies” because of their “thriftiness”; and “the Aussies were untouched by the US drug sub-culture … the potent Australian beer was a substitute used by many.”

Complimentary copies of the “Jade Warriors” article – and on-line references to The Hurricane and The Typhoon magazines etc are available from Ernie Chamberlain – [email protected]

Heston Russell’s fight against the ABC is indeed an astonishing case of media treachery. The public broadcaster, funded by taxpayers, has a duty to uphold journalistic integrity, but in this case, it seems they’ve grossly misrepresented and defamed a decorated veteran. It’s a betrayal not just of Russell, but of every Australian who expects truth and fairness from their national broadcaster. The ABC should be held accountable and face serious consequences for their actions. This isn’t just about one man’s reputation—it’s about ensuring that no media organization can wield its power irresponsibly and expect to get away with it. The public deserves better, and it’s high time the ABC is punished for betraying the trust placed in them.

CLICK LINK to watch the Sky News presentation

Heston Russell’s fight against ABC an ‘astonishing case of media treachery’ (msn.com)

US Air Force

Lockheed Martin is developing a longer-range missile, the AGM-158 XR, to address growing threats in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in response to China’s expanding defence capabilities. This new missile is an enhanced version of Lockheed’s existing AGM-158 platform, including the AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) and AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).

Announced at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference on Sept. 16, the XR is being developed as an upgraded model of the JASSM-D and LRASM-C3, both already contracted with the U.S. Air Force and Navy. Jon Hill, vice president and general manager of air dominance and strike weapons at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said the XR leverages existing production processes while extending missile range, a critical capability for future warfare scenarios.

Michael Rothstein, Lockheed’s vice president for strategy and requirements, air weapons, and sensors, described the XR as an initiative to stay ahead of evolving military needs. While specifics on the XR’s range were not disclosed, Rothstein emphasized that the improvement is substantial, driven by a lengthened missile form that holds more fuel. Other engineering modifications are planned, but Lockheed aims to use as much existing technology as possible to streamline production.

The primary advantages of the longer range include increased standoff distance, allowing for more precise targeting and enhanced operational tempo. Pilots can engage targets from further away and return for rearming more quickly, ultimately enabling more sorties and greater firepower across the battlefield. Despite these benefits, the XR’s size and weight will limit compatibility with smaller aircraft like the F-16. However, this trade-off is considered acceptable given the missile’s enhanced range and capabilities.

A prototype test flight is expected within a year or two but fielding the missile will take several more years. Lockheed is positioning itself for faster development by utilizing mature production lines, infrastructure, and components from existing missile programs. According to Rothstein, this approach can significantly reduce both costs and timelines, making the development process more efficient.

Lockheed’s JASSM and LRASM missiles have been in service for over two decades, predating modern digital design methods. The company is now investing in digital engineering to modernize these systems, focusing on increasing modularity and efficiency to meet the evolving needs of warfighters. This effort aligns with the Defence Department’s budget constraints, and Lockheed is actively pursuing ways to provide cost-effective solutions.

Interest in the XR is reportedly strong within the military, which Lockheed views as validation of its investment. The company is also expanding its missile production capacity, a process that began before the war in Ukraine. Lockheed aims to increase production from 550 to 1,100 AGM missiles annually to meet U.S. and foreign demand, and they are making progress toward this goal.

Project Currawong SATCOM trailer. (Boeing Australia)

Australia’s defence industry is gearing up for a high-stakes competition to secure a contract worth potentially hundreds of millions of dollars to build and maintain the Army’s new battlefield communications network. This program, known as Land 4140, is being touted as “the biggest thing in town regarding comms” and is expected to shape the military’s communications infrastructure for years to come.

The Australian military is set to launch the formal competition early next year, with a request for tender anticipated by the second quarter of 2025. Industry heavyweights like Boeing Australia, Hanwha Defence Australia, L3Harris, Leidos, and Lockheed Martin are all closely monitoring the project. Boeing, known for its work on the Currawong tactical radio program, believes its experience gives it an edge. However, the competition remains fierce.

Hanwha Defence Australia is one of several companies actively tracking Land 4140. A spokesperson for the company acknowledged the significance of the program but offered no additional details. Despite the tight-lipped responses, it’s clear that defence firms are positioning themselves for a chance to secure this lucrative contract.

In June 2022, the Australian military released a request for information (RFI) related to Land 4140, also known as the Land C4 Modernisation Project or LC4 Program. The initiative aims to modernize and enhance communications and command systems, ensuring decision-making superiority and improving command and control, intelligence, sensors, and weapon systems across the Joint Land Force. Earlier this week, the military called on defence companies to express interest in Tranche 1 of the project, with technology delivery expected between 2025 and 2030.

Unlike traditional defence contracts, where a prime contractor designs and builds the system, the government is adopting a different approach for Land 4140. Due to the software-heavy nature of modern communications systems and the need to stay ahead of cyber and electronic warfare threats, the Australian military is seeking a “program integration partner.” This partner will work alongside a panel to manage continuous upgrades and ensure the system remains cutting-edge.

Boeing Australia’s senior IT and cyber executive, Darcy Rawlinson, emphasized the complexity and scope of the project, which spans all levels of communication from frontline soldiers to large-scale joint task force operations and field hospitals.

“They’re looking for a company that has the pedigree, the relationships, the right behaviours, the right experience, and the right capabilities to partner with them over the next 10 years to effectively build the next generation of networks,” Rawlinson explained.

With the competition still in its early stages, industry players are awaiting further details before committing to bids. However, one thing is certain: Land 4140 will be a defining program in shaping Australia’s military communications for the foreseeable future.

The US Navy expeditionary sea base USS Robert E. Simanek – US Navy

US NAVY MEDIA RELEASE

The U.S. Navy has officially taken delivery of the future USS Robert E. Simanek, a Lewis B. Puller-class Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB), during a ceremony held on Thursday, September 12, in San Diego, California. The ship is the fifth of its class, named in honour of Private First-Class Robert E. Simanek, a U.S. Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Korean War. Ann Simanek Clark, PFC Simanek’s daughter, played a significant role as the ship’s sponsor during its naming ceremony, which took place on May 4, 2024.

At 785 feet (239 meters) in length, the Robert E. Simanek is a formidable addition to the U.S. Navy fleet. Its design and versatility make it suitable for a range of critical missions, from counter-piracy and mine countermeasures to supporting special operations forces and providing humanitarian aid in times of disaster. Its diesel-electric propulsion system allows for a maximum service speed of 15 knots and an impressive range of 9,500 nautical miles, giving it the endurance needed for long-range deployments.

The ship features a flight deck with four landing spots large enough to accommodate V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, as well as a mission deck and a hangar, providing vital aviation support capabilities. The ESB’s design revolves around four key capabilities: aviation facilities, berthing for personnel, equipment staging, and command and control assets.

Beyond its military applications, the Robert E. Simanek is expected to play a vital role in disaster relief operations. Its large deck space and ability to operate helicopters make it ideal for delivering aid quickly to remote or affected regions. Additionally, the ESB can act as a command hub in coordinating large-scale operations, whether in military engagements or humanitarian efforts, underscoring its importance as a multi-mission platform.

In the realm of mine countermeasures, the ship is equipped to support missions to detect and neutralize naval mines, which remain a significant threat in strategic waterways. Similarly, its role in counter-piracy operations will help the Navy maintain the safety of vital shipping lanes, especially in areas like the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Malacca, where piracy has been an ongoing issue.

Special operations support is another critical function of the Robert E. Simanek. The ship is outfitted to serve as a mobile base for special forces, offering them the ability to launch and recover small boats, helicopters, and other equipment needed for covert missions. The ship’s command and control systems also allow for efficient coordination of these operations, making it a valuable asset in both low-intensity conflicts and more direct military engagements.

The Robert E. Simanek marks a significant advancement in the U.S. Navy’s expeditionary warfare capabilities, continuing the legacy of its namesake while providing vital support to a wide array of operations around the world.

Gregor Ferguson talks us through the MQ-4C UAV in Australian service, as 9 Squadron is reformed to take on the UAV role in ISR missions.

ED: I have had quite a number of requests from members who didn’t see the Spotlight presentation 

With a proud lineage of military relatives, Heston Russell enlisted in the army at 17 and rose through the ranks to become a highly decorated officer with more than 10,000 hours of leadership in combat operations, including four combat deployments to Afghanistan and a fifth to Iraq to fight against ISIS. He proved fearless in battle, iron-willed in his personal convictions and prepared to put it all on the line. As a soldier, Russell led our troops into countless battles and when he retired, he kept fighting. He campaigned for the royal commission into veteran suicide, built charities for soldiers and even ran for a seat in the Queensland senate. But his toughest fight came several years after his discharge, when Russell became the target of a relentless attack launched by the investigations unit of the ABC alleging that he was the worst kind of soldier – leaving a trail of destruction in Afghanistan and involved in fraudulent behaviour back home. Russell’s battleground this time: the Australian Federal Court, where he spent almost three years fending off the ABC’s allegations of war crimes. So, is he a war hero or war criminal?

Launched on 14 February 1939, the German flagship and pride of the Kriegsmarine, Bismarck was launched. In the darkness of the early morning of the 19 May 1941, Bismarck slipped out of harbour on the Baltic coast and started making its way on its maiden voyage, Operation Rheinubung. The German Navy High Command’s plan was to disrupt and attack Allied merchant shipping, to starve Britain of precious materials and food. Prinz Eugen (the ship accompanying Bismarck) had a film crew on board – Bismarck’s first action was going to be filmed. Desperate to protect its Atlantic trade routes, the admiralty of the Royal Navy sent her best battleships, including the mighty HMS Hood to intercept the German sortie and sink Bismarck.

This is a definitive account of the Royal Navy’s ultimate success in sinking the Bismarck.

MEDIA STATEMENT

“The Brereton Report” – Failures and Consequences

The Royal Australian Regiment Association (RARA) is deeply concerned with the Government’s decision to revoke distinguished service awards from a number of young ADF officers named in the final Brereton Report (6 November 2020).

Of the Report’s 143 recommendations, some 139 have been actioned by the ADF, exposing a complete disregard for procedural fairness, given that the ADF’s Office of Special Investigations is still engaged in their investigations, with only one charge brought before the courts.

The RARA finds it inconceivable the Minister for Defence could decide to strip medals from the commanders of accused soldiers, without these allegations being subject to the proper legal process. Our concerns are based on failures to apply the rule of law, procedural fairness and the presumption of innocence.

As an Association, RARA advocates for the well-being and protection of our ADF Family (current and past serving persons and their families). We have a responsibility to support these young officers and others by promoting the rule of law in all Defence service matters.

This egregious  decision by the Minister not only lacks the required procedural fairness, it also lacks transparency in deciding how far up the “chain of command” this decision should apply. We believe it should go all the way to the top.  It would be the height of hypocrisy were it to be otherwise.

The Royal Australian Regiment, which has been at the front line of military actions since 1949, strongly believes that if any allegation of criminal conduct by ADF soldiers is the subject of charges, and proven in the appropriate court of law, the individual must face the consequences.  Until that occurs, the presumption of innocence must prevail.

The Government’s lack of sensitivity and common decency in announcing the Minister’s decision three days after the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Report was tabled is appalling. It is incumbent on the Government to reverse this decision.

Michael von Berg MC OAM

President

16th Sept 2024

Mobile: 0411 87 0055   Email:  [email protected]