US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen T. Koehler attended a discussion in Perth about the collaboration between the US, Australia, and other allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The US Pacific Fleet includes approximately 200 ships, 1,500 aircraft, and 150,000 personnel.

Admiral Koehler highlighted the development of the Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), a significant initiative of the AUKUS partnership, utilizing Perth’s strategic position. The US has regularly deployed submarines to Australia, including a visit from USS Annapolis in March. Australian sailors are training in the US Navy’s nuclear power program, with three Australian officers stationed on US Virginia Class submarines in Pearl Harbor.

Additionally, 30 skilled workers from ASC in South and Western Australia have been deployed to Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard for training in maintaining US Virginia Class nuclear-powered submarines. This follows the Australian government’s selection of ASC as a strategic partner for sustaining and building nuclear-powered submarines in Australia.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized the opportunities for Australians in education, training, and career development through the AUKUS program. More than 100 Australian shipyard workers are expected to receive naval propulsion training in the US by mid-2025. These workers will return to Western Australia to support the SRF-West, maintaining rotating US and UK nuclear-powered submarines.

One UK Astute Class submarine and up to four US Virginia Class submarines will participate in SRF-West. Australian personnel will continue to work within the country’s legal and non-proliferation obligations as Australia transitions to a future nuclear-powered submarine capability.

On June 19, during a state visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a groundbreaking defence agreement with North Korea. This pact promises mutual military support if either nation is attacked, marking a significant development in their bilateral relations. While the agreement does not explicitly involve the ongoing war in Ukraine, it raises important questions about North Korea’s future actions and its potential role in global conflicts

As part of the deal, North Korean engineers are set to join Russian forces as soon as next month. This collaboration signals a deepening of military ties between the two countries and suggests a more active North Korean involvement in supporting Russia’s military endeavours.

North Korea has been aiding Russia since 2023, providing weapons and munitions, including ballistic missiles reportedly used against Ukraine. However, the potential deployment of North Korean troops is attracting significant international attention and concern.

On June 25, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder expressed serious concerns about the risks for North Korean forces if they are sent to Ukraine. He labelled them as potential “cannon fodder” in what he described as an “illegal war.” Ryder’s comments highlight the perilous nature of the conflict and the severe consequences that could arise from increased North Korean involvement.

The possibility of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine introduces a new dynamic to the conflict. If this becomes a norm among nations allied with different factions, the world may have to confront the reality of a broader global war. This development could signify a shift in international alliances and the escalation of military engagements beyond regional disputes.

The recent defence agreement between Russia and North Korea underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape and the potential for increased military cooperation between these nations. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely watching the actions and strategies of both countries, aware of the far-reaching implications for global peace and security.

Richard Marles says the Coalition is responsible for leaving Labor with the oldest surface fleet since WWII. Is that correct?

RMIT ABC Fact Check

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Richard Marles says the Coalition is responsible for leaving Labor with the oldest surface fleet since WWII. Is that correct? – ABC News

This iceberg list aims to provide a glimpse into the esoteric sub-culture of the Australian Army. This video is a work of satire.

The latest cohort to pass through Long Tan Platoon at the School of Infantry underwent Exercise Hardcorps, the culminating activity marking the end of their training at the School. After three and a half months of intensive training, this exercise is meticulously designed to test the soldiers’ mental and physical readiness, assessing the skills they have developed throughout their course.

The exercise commenced at midnight, with the soldiers organized into sections. Throughout the night and into the early morning, they undertook a variety of challenging stands. These stands were strategically designed to evaluate their proficiency in key areas such as tactical maneuvers, marksmanship, endurance, navigation, and teamwork. Each section was closely assessed and observed by instructors to ensure that the soldiers met the rigorous standards required of a qualified infantry soldier.

The culmination of Exercise Hardcorps is a significant milestone for these soldiers. Upon successfully completing the exercise, they were presented with the Skippy badge, a prestigious symbol of their qualification to join the Infantry Corps. This badge not only signifies their readiness to serve but also represents their perseverance, dedication, and the high level of training they have undergone. The presentation of the Skippy badge marks the beginning of their careers as professional infantry soldiers, ready to face the demands and challenges of their new roles.

CLICK LINK to read RSL National President’s Newsletter

RSL Australia – National President’s Newsletter.

Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, a two-star general in the US Air Force, pleaded guilty to two lesser charges as his court-martial for sexual assault commenced on Monday in Texas. Stewart, the former commander of the 19th Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio, admitted to pursuing an unprofessional relationship with a subordinate and committing adultery. However, he still faces charges of sexual assault, dereliction of duty, and conduct unbecoming an officer.

The court-martial process encountered initial difficulties. Jury selection, initially slated for June 17, was delayed due to administrative issues. The selection process for a panel of eight high-ranking officers extended into the weekend, highlighting the challenge of assembling a qualified jury from the limited pool of high-ranking officers in the Air Force. Initially, 13 generals were considered, but it took calling in 18 officers and dismissing 10 to finally seat the panel by Saturday.

Sherilyn Bunn, Stewart’s senior defence counsel, expressed frustration over the delays, criticizing the Air Education and Training Command for inadequate preparation. “It’s shameful how their lack of foresight and effective planning wasted nearly the entire first week of these proceedings,” Bunn stated.

Maj. Gen. Stewart was removed from his command in May 2023. Charges against him include committing a sexual act without consent near Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma and asking someone to spend the night in his hotel room in Colorado in March 2023. Additionally, he faces charges of dereliction of duty for pursuing a relationship with a subordinate and allegedly controlling an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol.

This case is significant as it marks the first time an Air Force general officer has faced a jury in a court-martial related to sexual crimes. In 2022, then-Maj. Gen. William Cooley faced a court-martial for abusive sexual contact but was tried by a judge rather than a jury, resulting in a reprimand, forfeiture of pay, and demotion to colonel.

From 1 July 2024, veterans can earn more, and the value of their assets can be higher before their pension payments are affected. This is due to changes in the income free areas and asset value limits that are used to calculate rates of income support pensions, which will see these amount rise in line with the annual indexation process.

Different limits may apply for veterans who are assessed under transitional rules. Disability compensation payments and war widow(er)’s pensions are not subject to the income and assets tests.

Related to these thresholds increasing, some recipients of the service pension, income support supplement, veteran payment and social security age pension may see an increase to their payments. Pensioners don’t need to do anything to receive the increase.

The table below outlines the new limits and thresholds. For more information, including a summary of the new income and asset thresholds, pension rates and allowances please visit the DVA payment rates page.

*different limits apply if assessed under transitional rules
**rates in this table are fortnightly, not weekly rates

25 June 2024

Veterans and partners who receive the Service Pension, Income Support Supplement or Age Pension and are entitled to the Work Bonus will be able to earn more income from employment before it affects their pension entitlements.

Under the Work Bonus income test concession, the first $300 of a person’s fortnightly Work Bonus income is excluded from the income test. Where the fortnightly Work Bonus income is less than $300 per fortnight, an eligible person will accrue the unused portion of the $300 per fortnight income concession to a Work Bonus Bank, up to a maximum balance of $11,800, to offset their income in the future.

Beginning 1 July 2024, former Work Bonus clients with a preserved Work Bonus Bank balance who are re-joining the scheme, may be eligible to receive a top-up to ensure their balance is equal to $4,000 upon recommencement.

These changes will allow pensioners the opportunity to gain income without affecting their pension, which will improve the financial independence and wellbeing of veterans and their families.

More information about the Work Bonus is available in the video below or on the DVA website.

Associate Professor Hooker strongly supports opposition leader Peter Dutton’s recent proposal for nuclear energy, emphasizing that nuclear power is a safe and reliable energy source, with hundreds of reactors operating successfully around the world. According to Professor Hooker, the safety record of nuclear energy is well-documented and superior to many other forms of energy production. He pointed out that modern nuclear reactors are designed with multiple safety systems and fail-safes that make catastrophic failures extremely unlikely.

Peter Dutton’s announcement last week detailed plans to establish seven nuclear energy sites across five states: Callide and Tarong in Queensland, Liddell and Mount Piper in New South Wales, Loy Yang in Victoria, Port Augusta in South Australia, and Muja in Western Australia. These sites are set to power the nation if the Liberal-National Coalition secures victory in the next federal election. This initiative aims to address Australia’s growing energy demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security.

Supporters of nuclear energy argue that it is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly sources of power available. Nuclear plants produce a consistent and substantial amount of electricity without the intermittency issues associated with renewable sources like wind and solar. Furthermore, nuclear energy generates significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, making it a vital component in combating climate change.

The economic benefits of adopting nuclear energy are also considerable. The construction and operation of nuclear plants create thousands of jobs, boosting local economies and providing high-skilled employment opportunities. Additionally, the stable and predictable cost of nuclear energy can lead to lower electricity prices for consumers in the long term.

However, the proposal has faced criticism and concerns, primarily around the issues of nuclear waste management and the high initial costs of building nuclear plants. Professor Hooker addressed these concerns by highlighting advancements in nuclear technology, such as the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and improvements in waste recycling and storage solutions. He argued that with proper planning and investment, these challenges can be effectively managed.

In conclusion, Associate Professor Hooker and other proponents of nuclear energy believe that this technology offers a viable path forward for Australia’s energy future. By investing in nuclear power, the country can achieve a more sustainable, reliable, and secure energy system, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits.

Mr. Hooker is the Director of the Centre for Radiation Research, Education and Innovation at the University of Adelaide