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BAE Systems has been chosen by the U.S. Navy to develop the Dual Band Decoy (DBD), one of the most advanced radio frequencies (RF) countermeasures in existence. The DBD is a state-of-the-art RF self-protection jammer designed to shield fighter jets from enemy attacks.

Building on the proven capabilities of BAE Systems’ AN/ALE-55 Fibre-Optic Towed Decoy, the DBD consists of a towed unit connected by a fibre-optic cable to the aircraft’s onboard electronic warfare equipment. This decoy employs the latest jamming technology to disrupt enemy radars and divert missiles away from the aircraft. It can be deployed either manually by the pilot or automatically in response to detected threats, providing essential protection in highly contested airspace.

“With Dual Band Decoy, we are building on the ALE-55’s years of mission success as a high-powered jamming system,” said Don Davidson, director of the Advanced Compact Electronic Warfare Solutions product line at BAE Systems. “Dual Band Decoy delivers broad capability that can be installed on a variety of aircraft and is upgradeable to address future threats.”

The DBD integrates BAE Systems’ custom integrated circuits, enhancing performance while reducing size, weight, and power requirements. This system is a crucial component of BAE Systems’ Intrepid Shield™ strategy, which aims to create a protective sphere around platforms in highly contested battlespaces by using the full electromagnetic spectrum to detect, exploit, and counter advanced threats.

The Dual Band Decoy will initially be deployed on the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, with development taking place at BAE Systems’ advanced facilities in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Video created by Elijah (Age 11) and Gabriel (Age 8) Leigh. Brothers and children to singer songwriter Rae Leigh. This song is dedicated to their Papa and Rae Leighs father (the boys grandfather) Robert Hewett who served as a Tunnel Rat in the Vietnam War. This video was made during an excursion to Canungra where the war memorial for Vietnam Veterans is in the same location where Mr. Robert Hewett was trained for jungle warfare before being shipped off to war.

Song written by Rae Leigh and Allan Caswell Released by Rae Leigh Music www.rae-leigh.com

This week, we turn our focus to Colonel Alexander Hugh “Sandy” MacGregor, MC, RFD, a figure whose life story embodies bravery, resilience, and an enduring commitment to the well-being of others. Born on 16 March 1940, MacGregor’s distinguished military career and his transformative post-military work have left an indelible mark on both military history and personal development spheres.

The Vietnam War:

Sandy MacGregor’s military journey began with his commission as a captain in the Australian Army, where he quickly established himself as a leader of extraordinary courage and skill. His most renowned contribution came during the Vietnam War, a conflict that tested the mettle of soldiers in ways previously unimaginable. In this arena, MacGregor led the 3 Field Troop engineers on one of the most dangerous missions of the war—exploring the Củ Chi tunnels.

These tunnels were a labyrinth of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong for hiding, communication, and launching surprise attacks. They were heavily booby-trapped and nearly impossible to navigate without succumbing to the dangers within. Yet, MacGregor and his men, known as “tunnel rats,” took on the daunting task of mapping these tunnels. Their work not only revealed the extensive nature of the Viet Cong’s underground operations but also uncovered vital resources that would aid Allied forces in turning the tide of the war.

MacGregor’s leadership during these missions was nothing short of heroic. He led from the front, demonstrating a calm under pressure that inspired his men to follow him into the depths of these deadly tunnels. The risks were immense, but MacGregor’s unflinching courage earned him the Military Cross, a recognition reserved for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy. The United States, too, acknowledged his valour with the Bronze Star Medal, underscoring the international significance of his contributions.

Post-Military Life: A Journey of Healing and Empowerment

After the war, MacGregor faced the challenge that many veterans encounter—transitioning from a life defined by combat to one of peace. However, instead of letting the war define him, MacGregor chose a path of healing and empowerment, not just for himself but for others as well.

He channelled his experiences and the lessons learned on the battlefield into a new mission: helping people harness the power of their subconscious minds. Through seminars and motivational speaking, MacGregor taught individuals how to overcome their own fears, doubts, and limitations. His approach was unique in that it drew directly from his military experience, where mental toughness and resilience were as crucial as physical strength.

MacGregor’s teachings resonated deeply with audiences, many of whom faced their own battles, whether personal, professional, or psychological. He emphasized the importance of inner strength, a quality he had relied on during his time in the tunnels of Vietnam and later in his life as he dealt with personal tragedies.

Personal Tragedy and the Power of Forgiveness

Beyond his military and professional accomplishments, MacGregor’s life was also marked by profound personal tragedy. In a heartbreaking event that would test the limits of anyone’s resilience, MacGregor’s three daughters were tragically murdered in 1987. The devastating loss was a turning point in his life, forcing him to confront unimaginable pain.

Remarkably, MacGregor emerged from this tragedy not with bitterness, but with a commitment to forgiveness and healing. He publicly forgave the man responsible for his daughters’ deaths, a decision that was both deeply personal and universally inspiring. This act of forgiveness became a cornerstone of his teachings, demonstrating the incredible power of the human spirit to transcend even the most profound grief.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, Colonel Sandy MacGregor’s legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as a war hero whose actions saved lives and changed the course of history. But he is also celebrated as a mentor and guide, someone who used his experiences to help others find strength and peace within themselves. His seminars have left a lasting impact on those who have attended, teaching them that the greatest battles are often fought within the mind.

MacGregor’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, not just in the face of external adversities like war, but also in overcoming the internal challenges of grief, fear, and loss. His story is one of courage, not only in combat but in the ongoing journey of personal growth and forgiveness. As we reflect on his contributions, both on the battlefield and beyond, we are reminded that true heroism lies in the ability to rise above adversity and inspire others to do the same.

Colonel Alexander Hugh “Sandy” MacGregor’s story continues to inspire new generations, reminding us all that no matter the challenges we face, we have the power within us to overcome and thrive.

Photo credit: ADF via Twitter

The partnership between Britain and Australia is significantly enhancing the combat capabilities of both nations. The Royal Navy recently led an advanced mine warfare course, underscoring this collaboration. The Australian Department of Defence shared that Australian Navy minesweepers received hands-on training in planning and eliminating sea mines, a critical step in advancing mine warfare tactics.

This specialized course, known as the Royal Navy’s Advanced Course in Sea Mine Planning and Neutralization, equips naval officers and personnel with strategic and tactical knowledge of sea mine deployment, detection, and neutralization. Training covers both theoretical and practical skills, including ‘E-mining,’ which involves using advanced sensors, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and electronic systems to enhance mine detection and neutralization.

The course also emphasizes strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring participants can integrate mine warfare operations into broader naval strategies while minimizing risks to friendly forces.

The Royal Australian Navy’s Huon-class minehunters, specifically designed for mine hunting with advanced sonar and mine disposal systems, benefit from this training. These vessels are crucial for maintaining secure sea lanes and supporting amphibious operations by clearing mines from critical areas.

With apologies for the late notice, we have been advised of the death on 12 August 2024 of Phillip Montague Perrin.

Phillip died in Perth following a lengthy illness.

He served in Vietnam as the Officer in Charge of the Detachment, 131st Divisional Locating Battery, from January 1968 until January 1969. He later retired from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

A funeral for Phillip was held at Purslowe on Monday 19 August 2024. He is survived by his wife Sylvia, Son Adam and Daughter Melinda and their families.

RIP Phillip Montague Perrin.

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
[email protected]

The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast takes flight in sunny Queensland! Here’s some of the action from the Friday performers on August 16th. Featuring: Jeff Boerboon: Yak 110, Greg Colyer: T-33, USAF F-22, USMC MV-22, USAF C-17, USAF KC-135, RAAF F/A-18F, RAAF Roulettes, Matt Hall & Emma McDonald, L-39 jets, US Navy P-8A, Freedom Formation and more!

APS Blog

During the recent Garma Festival, the noticeable absence of leading Yes campaigners raised eyebrows. Marcia Langton, a well-known advocate for the Yes campaign, was nowhere to be seen. Equally absent were other prominent figures like Noel Pearson, as well as Uluru ‘dialogue leaders’ Megan Davis and Pat Anderson, along with the Uluru Delegates. This void has led many to question the current state of the Yes campaign and the motivations behind it.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took the stage in Parliament to reaffirm his commitment to the Voice initiative, renewing his pledge to support the Makarrata Commission-a process of truth-telling and reconciliation, defined as “coming together after a struggle.” Despite the Prime Minister’s continued dedication, the silence from key Yes campaigners suggests a deeper uncertainty.

Why, then, is Albanese pushing forward without visible backing from these prominent voices? The reality may be that figures like Marcia Langton are aware of the waning public support they once commanded. Their retreat from the spotlight could indicate a strategic shift, acknowledging that their previous bold approach failed to gain the traction they had hoped for.

Yet, despite this shift, the Prime Minister remains determined, advancing with significant social and financial commitments-many of which lack transparency and detail. Little is known about the specifics of the Makarrata process or the allocation of the committed millions. Albanese seems poised to drive the nation toward a critical vote, asking Australians to decide on an issue clouded in uncertainty.

Even though prominent Yes campaigners may have retreated, they still lend their political allegiance, with strong backing from Labor and the Greens.

ED: This is a summary of the full blog.

Nine Townsville-based artillery members participated in training on the K9 self-propelled howitzer, preparing to become future instructors for the vehicle, which is slated to be primarily operated by the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in Townsville by 2028.

The training took place in South Korea, where the gunners experienced firing 155mm rounds from the K9 for the first time. Compared to the traditional M777 artillery piece, the K9’s automatic aiming system simplifies the process, allowing the main gunner to review fire control data, aim, and fire with the press of a button. The K9 also offers manual and semi-automatic modes, with a joystick available for directional adjustments or direct fire.

Participants also learned essential maintenance tasks, such as removing the muzzle and tracks for repairs. One of the standout features of the K9 is its ability to shoot and move quickly, a significant upgrade from the M777. The K9 can stop and fire within 60 seconds while moving or 30 seconds when stationary, allowing for rapid repositioning to avoid counter-battery fire.

Driver training was highlighted as a critical component of the course, as operating a 50-tonne armoured vehicle is a new challenge for the gunners, who previously did not need such skills with the M777.

Next year, a more comprehensive train-the-trainer course will be conducted for potential instructors, enabling them to teach future trainees from the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery at Puckapunyal. The Australian AS9 Huntsman and AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle, based on the Korean K9 and K10, will feature increased internal height, modernised fire control systems, additional storage, and air conditioning. The Army expects to have 30 AS9s and 15 AS10s in service by 2028, with the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in Townsville being the primary operators.

The Australian Army is continuing its implementation of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) and National Defence Strategy (NDS) by consolidating its tank capabilities in Townsville. As part of this process, the new Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tanks will be introduced into the School of Armour and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment later this year.

This development marks the end of an era for the 7th Brigade’s 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (QMI), which has operated with these vehicles since 2017 when one of its squadrons became a tank unit under Plan Beersheba. Despite the change, the move is seen as beneficial for both the unit and the Army as a whole. The consolidation will create a more focused force and reduce sustainment overheads for the main battle tank capability.

Becoming the Army’s only pure cavalry regiment will provide the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment with greater role clarity and enhance its depth in personnel and equipment. However, the implementation of the DSR and NDS will require some soldiers to transition their skill sets or relocate. Honest communication is viewed as essential in helping soldiers prepare for these changes.

Many tank crews are reportedly enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with the new Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks and are willing to relocate to Townsville or Puckapunyal to continue their work. Centralizing the tank capability in Townsville is expected to create a critical mass, which will enhance experience, instruction, maintenance, and leadership within the tank units.

Additionally, there has been international interest in Australia’s M1A1 Abrams tanks, with discussions ongoing about the potential transfer of these vehicles to assist in global conflicts. The Australian Defence Force continues to evaluate its equipment needs and the best ways to support its allies.

As the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment transitions away from its tank unit role, there is a sense of nostalgia among its members, but also optimism for the future. Soldiers are preparing to train with the new main battle tanks and are focused on maintaining their soldiering skills while adapting to the upcoming changes.

The 7th Brigade views this transition as a significant moment and is committed to adapting quickly and effectively to the new force structure, with the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment playing a central role in this process.

As today is the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tân, I thought that I might offer you some comments on DVA’s “on-line” history of the Battle – ie at: https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/vietnam-war-1962-1975/events/combat/battle-long-tan-1966
Cite this page:
DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) (2024), Battle of Long Tan 1966, DVA Anzac Portal, accessed 16 August 2024, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/vietnam-war-1962-1975/events/combat/battle-long-tan-1966.

I first passed detailed comments on that DVA on-line account on 17 October 2023 – and offered comments again today. While the DVA article on Long Tân is excellent, several passages in that DVA on-line account of the Battle are not wholly accurate regarding the “enemy” – ie in my view, including the following passages:

“On the night of 16 and 17 August, the Nui Dat base came under fire from mortars and recoilless rifles …”.
“Captured documents and information from prisoners suggested that D Company had faced some 2500 Viet Cong.”
“The Viet Cong’s 5th Infantry Division, comprising the 275th Viet Cong Main Force Regiment and 445th Battalion (D445), the local provincial mobile battalion, had been involved in the battle. When the Australians returned the next morning for the gruesome task of ‘battlefield clearance’, they found 245 enemy corpses, each of which had to be searched for intelligence purposes before burial.”
“The North Vietnamese units involved in the battle were awarded medals …”

To date, I have written and published four books that include examinations of aspects of the Battle of Long Tân – ie: The Viet Cong 275th Regiment, 2022 – 220,500 words; The Viet Cong D445 Battalion, Their Story and the Battle of Long Tan, 2011 – 145,000 words and 2016 – 348,200 words); and The Viet Cong D440 Battalion – Their Story, 2011 – 89,000 words). Complimentary copies of these works – and a large number of relevant multi-page “Research Notes” have been passed to Australian agencies including to DVA, the AWM, the AAHU, the NLA, UNSW/ADFA – and to NZ Defence, and interested military historians and veterans.

The principal Vietnamese communist elements at the Battle of Long Tân were: the 275th VC Main Force Regiment (of the 5th VC Division) and the D445 Local Force Battalion. Importantly, the 5th VC Division’s stronger regiment – the 274th Main Force Regiment, was not involved in the Long Tân battle (despite claims in some accounts). Importantly, data on the strength and composition of the 275th VC Regiment at the Battle can be determined from the detailed notebook/diary of the 275th VC Regiment’s quartermaster (QM) “Xuân Thanh/Đào Thanh Xuân” – a document captured in early February 1968 by 2RAR/NZ (ANZAC) during Operation Coburg, but only recently translated and analysed (for detail see my Research Note 23/2018 of 23 March 2018). That notebook’s entries can probably be regarded as far more “factual” than accounts in published post-War Vietnamese histories – such as those of the 5th VC Division (2005), the 275th VC Main Force Regiment (2015), and the D445 Local Force Battalion (1991 and 2004) – and other Vietnamese communist accounts. In particular, the QM’s notebook/diary records his detailed strength-reckoning of the Regiment on 20 August (ie two days after the Long Tân battle). This list totalled “852” – ie 159 less than the strength figure of 1,011 he had recorded on 9 August. On D445 VC Local Force Battalion’s strength, the biannual reports of its commanding officer (Bùi Quang Chánh) and its political officer (Đỗ Văn Liên) – dated July and early August 1966 respectively, show that Battalion’s strength as “403” and “392”. Of course, any KIA or WIA figures for the Long Tân battle would also have to include probably quite small numbers from HQ 5th VC Division elements, the HQ Bà Rịa-Long Khánh-Biên Hòa Province Unit, the Võ Thị Sáu Civil Labour Company, C.12-65 Bình Giã Assault Youth Unit, the small “Surgery Element”, reconnaissance elements (5th VC Division; and C.982), and possibly a Z39 artillery element.

The on-line DVA “Anzac Portal” article states that the VC strength at the Battle of Long Tân was “over 2,000 troops”/”some 2,500 Viet Cong”. From my research, I have assessed the VC troop strength at Long Tân as probably numbering about 1,750 – and some 210 were killed on the battlefield. The basis for my figures includes the detailed notebook/diary of Xuân Thanh – the quartermaster of the 275th VC Regiment, ie mentioned above.

Some on-line Vietnam War articles – eg including a recent video on the FRONTLINE website titled: “Long Tan – Australia’s Vietnam Story”, cite “North Vietnamese” at the Battle. However, the enemy force at Long Tân was almost solely “Viet Cong” – noting that the 3rd Battalion/275th VC Main Force Regiment was originally the D605 NVA Battalion (of the Bắc Sơn Regiment) that had infiltrated into the South in late 1965 (a deployment of about 2,000km/112 days) – and was incorporated into the 275th VC Regiment in April 1966 following the 275th Regiment’s earlier heavy losses in attacks on posts at Vỏ Đắt. and Vỏ Su in Bình Tuy Province. As an aside, the 275th VC Regiment had its origins in the southern Mekong Delta/Cà Mâu Peninsula area of South Vietnam as the “5th Regiment” in 1964, before moving north-east in 1965 to the “Military Region 3/III CTZ” area.

Regarding the DVA on-line article noting that: “On the night of 16 and 17 August, the Nui Dat base came under fire from mortars and recoilless rifles …”, if interested see the account and analysis in my Research Note 6A/2016 of 29 June 2016 ie titled: “Vietnam War: Incoming! – The Shelling of the Nui Dat Base 17 August 1966: 70mm Japanese Howitzer (x 5 rounds), 75mm RCL (x 23 rounds), and 82mm Mortar (x 67 rounds)”.

Best wishes,
Ernie Chamberlain