All News

AUSTRALIA’S 28th Governor General, Ms Sam Mostyn AC is now ADF Commander-in-Chief, an interesting transition from her childhood.

Moyston was born an “army brat”, daughter of 1954 Duntroon graduate, signals officer Bill Mostyn MBE.

Three other Duntroon graduates have been GG in recent years, Michael Jeffrey, Peter Cosgrove and Mostyn’s predecessor David Hurley.

Of those three, only Cosgrove was an “army brat”, his father John, with whom he enjoyed a close and loving relationship, a pre-WWII soldier who served a long, distinguished career in the armoured corps.

CLICK LINK to continue reading

Barracks, not bureaucracy for brat’ GG | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

ED: From my inbox … thanks Max

To appeal to young people, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can adopt several strategies that align with the interests, values, and preferences of the younger generation. Here are some potential approaches:

1. Enhanced Digital Presence:
   • Social Media Engagement: Utilize platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter to share engaging content, behind-the-scenes looks, and stories of ADF personnel.
   • Interactive Content: Develop apps, games, and virtual reality experiences that simulate military roles and missions.
2. Modernizing Recruitment Campaigns:
   • Targeted Advertising: Use data-driven advertising to reach young people where they spend most of their time online.
   • Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with popular influencers and content creators who resonate with young audiences to promote ADF careers.
3. Educational Outreach:
   • School and University Programs: Conduct workshops, seminars, and presentations in schools and universities to inform students about career opportunities.
   • Scholarship Programs: Offer scholarships and financial aid for education in exchange for service commitments.
4. Emphasize Technological Advancements:
   • Highlighting Tech Roles: Showcase careers in cybersecurity, IT, engineering, and other tech-related fields within the ADF.
   • Innovation and Research: Promote the ADF’s involvement in cutting-edge research and technological development.
5. Flexible Career Paths:
   • Part-Time and Reservist Options: Emphasize flexible service options that allow young people to balance military service with other career or educational pursuits.
   • Clear Career Progression: Outline clear pathways for career advancement and skill development.
6. Focus on Personal Development:
   • Leadership and Skills Training: Promote the leadership, teamwork, and specialized skills training that comes with ADF service.
   • Physical and Mental Wellness: Highlight programs that support the physical and mental well-being of ADF members.
7. Community and Global Impact:
   • Humanitarian Missions: Emphasize the ADF’s role in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and peacekeeping missions.
   • Environmental Initiatives: Promote the ADF’s efforts in sustainability and environmental protection.
8. Diversity and Inclusion:
   • Inclusive Culture: Showcase the ADF’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it clear that people from all backgrounds are welcome.
   • Support Networks: Highlight support networks and resources available for minority groups within the ADF.
9. Real-Life Testimonials:
   • Stories from Young Personnel: Share testimonials and success stories from young ADF members to provide relatable role models.
   • Day-in-the-Life Content: Create content that gives a realistic view of daily life in the ADF.

By focusing on these areas, the ADF can create a more appealing and relatable image for young people, encouraging them to consider a career in the defence forces.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) from June 24 to October 18 this year. The first detachment arrived on June 24 and was welcomed by Senior ADF Officer Wing Commander Greg Porche, who highlighted the importance of this cooperation.

“We welcome a new element of the Republic of Singapore Air Force to RAAF Base Pearce, which has established an aviation training presence here over the past 30 years,” said WGCDR Porche.

As part of the community engagement activities, a Community Stakeholder Day was held on June 28. This event allowed key members of the local community to view the RSAF aircraft and interact with RSAF personnel.

“The support of local communities during this training detachment is greatly appreciated by the Royal Australian Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force,” WGCDR Porche said. “Hosting key members of the local community to view our aircraft and meet our personnel provides an important link between the base and local residents.”

Colonel Jonavan Ang, Commander Fighter Group of the RSAF, expressed gratitude for Australia’s support and friendship, which has enabled the fighter detachment.

“This detachment highlights the close and longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and Australia,” Colonel Ang said. “We are also very appreciative of the strong community support given to the Republic of Singapore Air Force over the years.”

Air Commodore Nick Osborne, Director General Preparedness – Air Force, emphasized the significance of the training detachment in bolstering the defence partnership between Australia and Singapore.

“Singapore has conducted military training in Australia for more than three decades,” AIRCDRE Osborne said. “Our two nations have a strong history of support for each other’s training, and access to each other’s training areas enhances our shared ability to strengthen regional security. The success of this training detachment will contribute to Singapore’s aviation capability, our regional security, and our two nations’ ability to work together in the future.”

Commemorative Service at Kingscliff NSW

Between 2001 and 2021, Australian military personnel and civilian staff from various agencies served on Middle East operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. On 11 July 2021, the Minister for Defence confirmed all Australian Defence Force personnel had departed Afghanistan, bringing our nation’s longest war to a close.

Tragically, 41 Australian lives were lost in Afghanistan and two lives were lost in Iraq, while many veterans returned with lasting physical and mental trauma. One of these members is the name sake for the park that houses the Kingscliff Cenotaph. Sapper Rowan Robinson lost his life on 6th June 2011, during an overnight operation to destroy a large cache of weapons discovered in northern Helmand province, Afghanistan.

This year, RSL NSW has established 11 July 2024 as the inaugural Middle East Area of Operation (MEAO) Commemorative Day. The commemoration allows the Australian community to reflect on and recognise the service and sacrifice of our Defence personnel and their families, including those who served in or supported operations in the MEAO.

Kingscliff RSL sub-Branch will be holding a service at Kingscliff Cenotaph, Rowan Robinson Park, at 11am, Thursday July 11th. We would love for the community to come along and support this newly established day of commemoration.

The Senate has officially approved Senator Malcolm Roberts’ motion to launch a comprehensive investigation into the processes involved in awarding medals within Defence. This includes scrutinizing the Distinguished Service Cross awarded to the Chief of Defence Force, Angus Campbell.

The inquiry seeks to address concerns that Angus Campbell’s Distinguished Service Cross is emblematic of a broader, systemic issue. Evidence suggests that senior officers may have been exploiting the Defence honours and awards system. It appears that high-ranking officials frequently nominate each other for prestigious medals, potentially undermining the integrity of these honours.

This investigation aims to rigorously examine the criteria and processes for awarding Defence medals, ensuring that all recipients meet the established eligibility requirements. By doing so, the Senate hopes to restore public confidence in the Defence honours system and ensure that all awards are granted based on merit and exemplary service.

Paddy bought a camel from a farmer for $100.

The farmer agreed to deliver the camel the next day. In the morning, he drove up and said, ‘Sorry son, but I have some bad news. The camel died.’

Paddy replied, ‘Well just give me my money back then.’

The farmer said, ‘Can’t do that. I’ve already spent it.’

Paddy said, ‘OK then, just bring me the dead camel.’

The farmer asked, ‘What are you going to do with him?’

Paddy said, ‘I’m going to raffle him off.’

The farmer said, ‘You can’t raffle a dead camel!’

Paddy said, ‘Sure I can. Watch me. I just won’t tell anybody he’s dead.’

A month later, the farmer met up with Paddy and asked, ‘What happened with that dead camel?’

Paddy said, ‘I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at $2 each and made a profit of $898?

The farmer said, ‘Didn’t anyone complain?’

Paddy said, ‘Just the guy who won. So, I gave him his $2 back.’

Paddy now works for the government as an assistant to Grim Jim.

The Infantryman’s Muster is fast approaching, just 142 days away! We sincerely hope you’ll join us for this incredible event. To secure your spot, please register and pay as soon as possible – details are in the attached flyer.

For just $130, you’ll receive:

• An exclusive event shirt
• Pizza on Friday night
• A delicious roast on Saturday night
• A hearty recovery breakfast on Sunday morning
• Entertainment on Saturday night
• All camping fees

You can arrive as early as Tuesday, the 19th, and stay until Tuesday, the 26th. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with your Grunt Mates and create lasting memories.

This event is renowned for its camaraderie and fun – just ask anyone who has attended! If camping isn’t an option for you, day visits are available under certain conditions.

Spread the word and make sure all your Grunt Mates know about it.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Important Dates:
Event Duration: Tuesday, 19th to Tuesday, 26th
Event Registration: Open now

Flyer: [Attached Flyer]

SEE YOU THERE!

Photo supplied by Nova Systems

Nova Systems has taken a significant step forward in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for landmine detection by integrating it with drones. The advanced image recognition technology enables Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to accurately identify and distinguish between real landmines and other objects such as rocks or debris. This innovation holds the potential to greatly reduce the risks faced by Defence personnel and civilians in mine-affected areas.

Developed by Nova Systems’ engineers, this AI tool is currently undergoing rigorous testing in Latrobe Valley at the company’s deployable UAV Testing Range. This testing is part of the company’s ongoing efforts in capability development and system enhancement.

“The integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems into the Australian Defence Force is not just a strategic choice, but an imperative,” said Nova Systems CEO Dean Rosenfield.

As part of its Test and Evaluation (T&E) Centre of Excellence initiative—a collaborative effort with academia, industry, and government—Nova Systems has been investing in both physical and synthetic methods for performing T&E on autonomous and uncrewed systems-of-systems. This initiative aims to ensure the highest standards of performance and reliability for these advanced technologies.

8th/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment

Concluding Sukanaivalu VC Infantry Week was a joint ceremony that saw soldiers, NCOs and Officers from the RFMF, ADF, and NZDF come together to commemorate the sacrifices of CPL Sukanaivalu himself as well as the war dead of all three nations

The gallant deeds of CPL Sukanaivalu read as follows:

“On June, 23rd, 1944 at Mawaraka, Bougainville, in the Solomon Islands, CPL Sefanaia Sukanaivalu crawled forward to rescue some men wounded when their platoon was ambushed. After recovering two men this N.C.O. volunteered to go alone through heavy fire to try and rescue another – but on the way back was seriously wounded and fell to the ground unable to move further. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to rescue him; and realising that his men would not withdraw while he was still alive CPL Sukanaivalu raised himself up in front of the Japanese machine gun and was riddled with bullets. This brave Fiji soldier, after rescuing two wounded men with the greatest heroism and being gravely wounded himself, deliberately sacrificed his own life knowing that in no other way could his men be induced to retire from a situation in which they must have been annihilated.”

-London Gazette, 2 Nov 1944.

The joint ceremony was a sombre occasion, and our contingent was honoured to take part in the ceremonial traditions of our Pacific partners.

How low Australia has fallen – our once-great BHP now has a “Vice President for Climate”, the number of Australian students choosing physics at high school is collapsing, and our government opposes nuclear energy while pretending we can build and operate nuclear submarines.

Our Green politicians want: “No Coal, No Gas, No Nuclear” while Our ABC, Our CSIRO and Our Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) are telling us that wind and solar energy plus a bit of standby gas, plus heaps of batteries and new power lines can power our homes, industries AND the mass electrification of our vehicle fleet. This sounds like Australia’s very own great leap backwards?

There are two troublesome Green Energy Unions – the Solar Workers down tools every night and cloudy day, and the Turbine Crews stop work if winds are too weak or too strong. And wind droughts can last for days. The reliable Coal and Gas Crews spend sunny days playing cards, but are expected to keep their turbines revving up and down to keep stable power in the lines.

CLICK LINK to continue reading this article by Viv Forbes

Battery Baloney, Hydrogen Hype and Green Fairy Tales – The Saltbush Club