Operation Care Launched
30th October, 06
In partnership with the RSL & Service s Clubs Association the Australian Defence Force is pleased to announce the official launch of Operation CARE.
Under Operation CARE, Navy, Army and Air Force personnel who have been wounded in combat operations and repatriated to Australia for further treatment may be entitled to spend up to one week with their immediate family in rest and recuperation, funded by the RSL & Service s Clubs Association.
This scheme could not have been possible without the generous support of the RSL & Service s Clubs Association and provides recognition from the Veterans Community for the sacrifice made by current serving ADF personnel and their families.
The focus of the scheme is to assist Defence members in the recovery process and to provide their families the opportunity to be a part of that process.
The Australian Defence Force would like to thank the RSL & Service s Clubs Association for their support and initiative in forming Operation CARE and for their ongoing support and compassion for today's servicemen and women.
No ADF Operations in the Philippines
14th October, 06
Greg Sheridan's statement in The Australian newspaper today is wrong. The ADF has not been involved in counter terrorism operations in the Philippines .
In March this year and at the invitation of the Philippines ' Government, one Special Forces officer observed the joint US and Philippines Exercise Balikatan in Zamboanga, southern Philippines .
This exercise undertakes civil-military activities and does not involve operations. The Australian officer was observing the US-Philippines exercise planning process and at no time was he involved in operations of any kind.
As announced in October 2005, Defence is working with the Philippines to develop an Army watercraft capability of up to 30 boats suitable for patrolling the riverine and marshland areas of Mindanao . This will not involve ADF operations in the Philippines .
Over several years, the ADF has undertaken annual counter-hijack training in the Philippines , as we do with other regional countries. This activity does not involve operations.
Australia does not have any ADF personnel deployed to the Philippines on operations.
The Australian Government respects the Philippines Constitution which prohibits operations with foreign forces without a treaty level agreement.
The RAR's National Memorial Walk's fund raising Bike Ride Brisbane to Adelaide 2007
12 October, 06
Based upon the successful fund raising ride by Arthur Willemse from Brisbane to Cairns this year we (The RAR Association Queensland Branch) are proposing a similar and expanded event in 2007.
We are seeking expressions of interest from present serving and ex-service men and their families who are willing to participate in this event as either riders or administrative/escort supporters. We encourage those who live on or near the route to support the Regiment in this event actively in any possible way.
All monies raised from private, corporate and public donations and riders' sponsorships will be used for capital works enhancements to the NMW: specifically, an irrigation system, night lighting, additional memorials and an information touch screen facility for visitors.
Outline details are:
Participation as a rider or an escort supporter may be for the total distance or any part(s) of it. It is expected that participants will raise funds from sponsors and /or donations.
Route: Brisbane via the Pacific Highway to Sydney , via the Princess Highway to Melbourne and via the coastal highway to Adelaide : a distance of 3,000 km. An alternate route is being considered from Sydney via Canberra and the Hume Highway to Melbourne .
Dates: Commences 24 th February and finishes on the 31 st March 2007.
The Ride: An average of 100 km (seven hours) will be ridden each day between overnight locations at major towns en route. Each seventh day is a rest day. Support vehicles will follow the riders to provide the necessary safety, security, medical, refreshment, and mechanical support.
Administration: Overnight accommodation space is being sought from the Army and local community organizations.
Costs: Riders will need to fund their own participation. We are seeking to minimize costs from sponsorships for meals, fuel and other associated expenses.
Defence Force Recruiting Hotline
12 October, 06
1800 032 083
Defence Force Recruiting will be enhanced by a new hotline allowing prospective recruits to provide direct feedback or complaints about the recruitment process.
The Defence Force Recruiting feedback hotline number is 1800 032 083 and is now up and running for people to pass their feedback and any concerns directly to me.
The calls will be forwarded to the appropriate action area within Defence for a direct response to the enquirer. The aim is to address enquiries within 48 hours wherever possible.
My office will monitor the responses and report to me on the progress and resolution of any issues raised.
The Australian Government has embarked on a major expansion of the ADF and we need to ensure that our recruiting process runs smoothly.
The Recruiting hotline will add further rigour to the ADF recruitment process and help streamline the handling of any recruiting issues, feedback or complaints.
A better service that is responsive to ongoing improvement and feedback will also assist Australians keen to take up the challenge of an ADF career.
The new feedback hotline is part of the ongoing review of Defence Force Recruiting and reflects my determination to enhance the service provided to the public from the ADF recruiting process.
I am determined to bring the recruitment processes for our young people into the 21st Century.
ADF careers information is available at: www.defencejobs.gov.au
For a free subscription to Defence Direct, the Minister for Defence's monthly
e-newsletter, please follow this link:
http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/defencedirect/spt/subscribe.html
Another Milestone for the Governments Hardened and Networked Army Initiative
12 October, 06
The ADF's command and control capabilities will be considerably enhanced following Government approval of Joint Project 2030 Phase 8. The project will improve Defence's ability to plan and conduct joint operations at the strategic and operational levels.
Advanced computer applications and tools will be deployed to aid in military planning and decision making. These systems will work over the existing Defence networks and the information technology infrastructure being delivered with the new Headquarters Joint Operations Command.
The estimated value of the project is between $250 and $350 million.
In addition, Land 75 Phase 3.4 and Land 125 Phase 3 have been approved by Government to extend the reach of command and control systems to armoured vehicles and the infantry. These projects will result in faster and more informed decision making, allowing commanders to have a more accurate overview of operations. Land 75 Phase 3.4 has an estimated value of $75 to $100 million with the command, control and communications component of Land 125 Phase 3 valued at $100 to $125 million.
The implementation of all of these projects meets requirements set out in the Defence 2000 White Paper, the 2005 Network Centric Warfare Roadmap and for the Hardened & Networked Army.
Defence will shortly release an open tender for JP 2030 to be followed later in the year with a tender for the Land 75 & Land 125 projects. It is expected that significant integration activity across these projects will be undertaken by Australian industry.
New Family Stability Initiative for Defence
9 October, 06
The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson announced today that Australian Defence Force members will have more flexibility in choosing geographical stability for their families to reduce the impact of postings on children's education and spouse and partner employment.
“The new ADF Family Stability Initiative gives military personnel who are required to relocate on posting the opportunity to choose geographical stability for their families,” Mr Billson said.
“This means that families may elect to remain at their present localities to maintain housing and employment continuity for spouses and partners. Upheavals associated with packing up the household and moving away from friends, extended family and other community networks may also be avoided.
“Importantly, this initiative also allows children to remain at their current schools in familiar education programs and among their friends.”
Under the Family Stability Initiative, ADF members who choose locational stability for their families will proceed to their new posting locations unaccompanied. To help overcome difficulties associated with family separation, ADF members will receive a comprehensive conditions of service package that includes accommodation or rent and meals assistance, up to six family reunion visits a year and assistance with additional costs associated with living away from their families.
“The ADF has a highly mobile workforce and Defence is mindful of the impact that frequent relocations might have on military personnel and their families,” Mr Billson said.
“Recent ADF surveys have shown that locational stability for families increasingly is becoming a key retention factor and I am confident that this Family Stability Initiative, along with the range of other family-friendly Defence programs, will go some way to encouraging continued military service.
“This significant initiative is all about giving flexibility and choice while maintaining military capability needs. It is a great advance and I am sure that it will be welcomed by ADF members and their families.
“Nevertheless, leaving your family in one location while going on a posting unaccompanied is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. The mutual benefits to the ADF member and their family accompanying each other on posting will continue to be emphasised, as together they consider the options under the Family Stability Initiative,” Mr Billson said.
“Advice and professional guidance through Chaplains, Defence Community Organisation social work staff and the military chain of command will be readily available to help ADF members and their families reach the right outcome for them.”
Mr Billson said that the Family Stability Initiative will be introduced before the ADF's end-of-year posting cycle and removes previous policy and administrative limitations for unaccompanied postings.
“The ADF remains committed to keeping family units together where possible and ADF members whose families accompany them on taking up their new postings will continue to be supported by the full range of existing relocation and housing entitlements.
“The Family Stability Initiative delivers alternative ways of meeting family needs and gives the ADF members and their spouses the power to choose what is best for them.
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