Australian Army Discussions and Updates

[Bush Dig]

Rfsu ???

Looking at going back as a patrolman. On paper it sounds Good but I dont know any Diggers that have served in those Units. I am wondering if it is as good as DFR makes it sound. It's hard to tell Being a Gres Unit, are they really Operational and have a good Buget ????
I'm not looking for OP's info Due to this being on a site for all to see.... Just a ......It's the shit mate go for it ....Or.....Dont bother no money allocated, Bunch of broken Digs sitting around a 4X4 in a shed drinking cheap beer and telling lies...

To the Fallen
Rest in Peace
LEST we FORGET

 

[Aussie Digger]

i was watching the news this morning and they made the outrageous claim that the adf cant defend australia, the usual over exageration.

however they said that the adf or army has 13000 soldier/personnel (they didnt make it that clear) that arent combat capable. its probably just those intrainig and people who arent in a combat role.


so my question is who are these people (what is their role) and is it really a problem?

What this article is referring to, in it's rather un-professional and muddle-headed way, is AIRN compliance for Australian Soldiers. (Army Individual Readiness Notice).

basically, you have to complete a BFA (basic fitness assessment), which is a 2.4k run, and a number of pushups and situps depending on your age (declining scale with age), plus the old "run dodge jump" test.

Then you have to complete a Medical board assessment (assessed by a Doctor), a Dental Board assessment (dentist assessed, obviously) and conduct a TOET (test of elementary training) and do a pretty basic live fire test.

The problem, are reserves. Dental and Medical boards HAVE to be conducted by Defence Force doctors and dentists. Civilian Doctors and Dentists are obviously not qualified to conduct these checks, according to defence force policy...

So in the reserves, should units dedicate their scarce (and ever moreso) training days to qualifying people for AIRN, or to actual training? The "un-qualified" people are listed on the defence system and their expiry dates are listed on a computer. It means they can't be deployed overseas and if you are even one day passed the end date, then technically you aren't deployable. Even if you pass the BFA and weapons test that day, you still, technically aren't deployable.

If you are overseas on deployment and miss your BFA expiration date, technically you can be deemed un-deployable...

All this nonsense is, is statistics. Army, Navy and Air Force are directed to maintain levels of deployable staff based on operational requirements. If the requirements increase, ie: if a Timor sized operation becomes likely, then watch how fast large numbers of people become "deployable".

This "news" is absolutely nothing of the sort and is completely unremarkable.

 

[StevoJH]

Wouldn't one of the main issues from a dental point of view be Wisdom Teeth? I know a guy who apparrently had an issue because of that.....

 

[Aussie Digger]

Wouldn't one of the main issues from a dental point of view be Wisdom Teeth? I know a guy who apparrently had an issue because of that.....

That's one of the issues. Even the possibility of them coming through is enough to ensure you fail a dental board and are hence "non-AIRN compliant".

Of course, the media will portray it as you "failing" your AIRN compliance, but in reality it is a statistical glitch that won't generate headlines.

Often such "glitches" are given a CO's waiver anyway, which means you are AIRN compliant and able to deploy overseas, but are still technically not compliant and are likely to show up as such on an audit...

In the face of a serious war involving defence of Australia operations, all such bureaucratic nonsense would be overlooked anyway, CO's would be handing out innumerable waivers I suspect, so I'm not exactly losing sleep over it...

 

[Aussie Digger]

Looking at going back as a patrolman. On paper it sounds Good but I dont know any Diggers that have served in those Units. I am wondering if it is as good as DFR makes it sound. It's hard to tell Being a Gres Unit, are they really Operational and have a good Buget ????
I'm not looking for OP's info Due to this being on a site for all to see.... Just a ......It's the shit mate go for it ....Or.....Dont bother no money allocated, Bunch of broken Digs sitting around a 4X4 in a shed drinking cheap beer and telling lies...

To the Fallen
Rest in Peace
LEST we FORGET

Do you like spending lots of time in the bush looking at empty spaces? Once or twice every couple of years, Defence media will come and watch you patrol around the bush located at the back of your barracks and take a thousand happy snaps, showing you as "operational" to the world...

Once every 5 or 10 years, a Brigadier with RSM in tow will turn up to a training day. Your kit will have to look shiny and well maintained, your drill will have to be spotless and you will be asked how things are, could anything be improved, how's the food, etc? All those things by which the Brass think they can measure morale "amongst the men"...

Of course, should you dare actually make a suggestion, it will be politely noted, nothing will come of it, Defence brass will send a memo around the DRN strenously denying they are "yes men" and officially forbidding anyone to even think such a thing and threatening dire retribution if you do...

Sound like your thing?

 

[gf0012-aust]

Once every 5 or 10 years, a Brigadier with RSM in tow will turn up to a training day. Your kit will have to look shiny and well maintained, your drill will have to be spotless and you will be asked how things are, could anything be improved, how's the food, etc? All those things by which the Brass think they can measure morale "amongst the men"...

Of course, should you dare actually make a suggestion, it will be politely noted, nothing will come of it, Defence brass will send a memo around the DRN strenously denying they are "yes men" and officially forbidding anyone to even think such a thing and threatening dire retribution if you do...

Sound like your thing?

aah, RODUMs at work...

 

[Waylander]

I have always been fascinated with so many young guys wanting to become snipers.

I greatly admire the ones who really become snipers. But it would be no job for me. Lying in the same position for days while having to do everything (EVERYTHING!!!) in a small hole with just spotting as the only thing to do is defenitely not my vision of a funny job.

It may look cool in the movies but that's not how it works.

 

[aussienscale]

The blame game begins

Link to an article published in the Daily Telegraph regarding the engine failure of the MRH90, I will try to find further information regarding this claim. Such a statement does not bode well for Eurocopter if they want to put thier hat in the ring for the RAN's ASW choppers ?
The helicopter blame game | The Daily Telegraph

Another article I found states that Eurocopter have developed a "Software Patch" to make it impossible for the pilot to follow the sequence that led to the damage
http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/roto...agnoses-australian-mrh90-engine-failure/6742/

 

[blueorchid]

Link to an article published in the Daily Telegraph regarding the engine failure of the MRH90, I will try to find further information regarding this claim. Such a statement does not bode well for Eurocopter if they want to put thier hat in the ring for the RAN's ASW choppers ?
The helicopter blame game | The Daily Telegraph

Another article I found states that Eurocopter have developed a "Software Patch" to make it impossible for the pilot to follow the sequence that led to the damage
Farnborough 2010: Eurocopter diagnoses Australian MRH90 engine failure | Shephard Group

MRH90 recommencement of flying operations

MEDIA RELEASE


22/07/2010 MSPA 310/10


MRH90 recommencement of flying operations


The Australian Defence Force (ADF) today announced that Multi Role Helicopters (MRH90s) will recommence flying operations later this week.
This follows an incident north of Adelaide in April this year where an MRH90 suffered an engine failure in one of its two main engines.
The Defence Materiel Organisation’s (DMO) Head Helicopter Systems Division, Rear Admiral Mark Campbell, stated that media reports alleging pilot error being a factor in the engine failure were incorrect.
“There is no suggestion of pilot error as alleged in one UK report,” Rear Admiral Campbell said.
Eurocopter CEO, Dr Lutz Bertling, has also written to the Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, Greg Combet to directly refute any suggestion that engine damage was caused by improper handling of the aircraft by ADF pilots.‪
Rear Admiral Campbell also said an inspection regime and preventative measures have been developed to lift the current flying suspension.
“I can confirm flying operations will commence shortly following approval by Defence’s Operational Airworthiness Authority.
“Extensive work has been conducted by Rolls Royce Turbomeca and our Industry partners with support from the Defence Science and Technology Organisation to identify the cause of the engine failure.
“We are advised the failure resulted from compressor blade fracture due to contact with the engine casing.”
The impact of the engine failure combined with the workload to address some technical issues with this very capable but highly complex digital aircraft will delay the first flight at sea for Navy, which is now expected to occur in mid 2011.
The first Army capability objective of one deployable MRH90 troop will also be delayed.
Of the 46 MRH90 helicopters ordered for the Australian Navy and Army, 11 have been accepted and are being used for training and testing which contributes to the development of operational capability over the next few years.

Cheers​

 

[ddub321]

They must have been cleared to fly pretty quickly, I saw an MRH90 on Thursday afternoon flying over Springwood (Brisbane southside).

 

[t68]

Has any one got any info on land 400?
The plan is for the future replacement of the three current armoured vehicles ASLAV, Bushmaster and M113AS4.

With current upgrading of the M113 fleet plus upgrading 113 ASLAV (why not the lot i don’t know) it should keep us going in the near future. This site refers to a vague “land 400” RFI but press on it takes you to ADM but no info, also the governments own website is useless no info either.

Australia Upgrading its ASLAV APCs

Details - LAND 400 - Capability Development Group

This site at wiki seems to be what we could look for in the future but was part of the cut backs in the budget so not sure what the US is planning now,
Future Combat Systems manned ground vehicles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Any thoughts on this and why out of 257 ASLAV in service why only 113 are getting upgraded, are they mothballing the rest?

 

[PeterM]

DCP2009 has this info

Land Combat Vehicles. The LAND 400 project will aim to replace and enhance those combat systems currently provided by M113, ASLAV and Bushmaster. The project is likely to be split into phases to deal with vehicle classes or capabilities. This is likely to be an ACAT I Program and Defence will commence work on developing this project for Government consideration after 2016.

According to the last white paper (pge 76), there are supposed to be 430 upgraded M113 by the time that project finishes late 2011.

In the shorter term, Defence will continue to upgrade the protection, mobility and firepower of the M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers, some of which are already in service. By the time this project is completed in late 2011, the Army will have around 430 of these enhanced vehicles.

 

[t68]

DCP2009 has this info



According to the last white paper (pge 76), there are supposed to be 430 upgraded M113 by the time that project finishes late 2011.

Sorry you may have mixed it up regarding the M113, 113 is the number of ASLAV that will be upgraded under land 112 phase 4.

I can see by the number of M113 we had in service plus war store’s, out of the 766 M113AS1 being issued to both regular and reserve units and the withdrawal from reserve units the amount of M113 upgraded i can see where the number are coming from.

Take the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment; both are equipped with ASLAV, looking at the 2 Cav Regt is made up of the following,

• Regimental Headquarters (RHQ)
• Three Sabre Squadrons (A, B and C Squadrons)
• Support Squadron.

Each of the three Sabre Squadrons is equipped with 26 ASLAVs, whilst the Support Squadron provides the combat service support to the Regiment, number of ASLAV for the RHQ and Support Squadron i not aware of. I take it also that 2/14 LHR would be set up in the same fashion.

With 26 ASLAV per Sabre Squadron, that’s 78 ASLAV plus RHQ and Support to go as well, double that gives you 156 ASLAV, with numbers for RHQ and Support and training gives the 257 that we have in service.

Just with the 3 Sabre Squadron’s of 2 Cav Regt plus the mirror Squadrons of 2/14 LHR that’s 156 ASLAV, where do they come up with the number 113 ASLAV to be upgraded from?

Australian Government, Department of Defence - Senator the Hon John Faulkner Minister for Defence
Australia Upgrading its ASLAV APCs


Can some one give the exact composition 2 Cav Regt?
Regards

 

[Aussie Digger]

Just with the 3 Sabre Squadron’s of 2 Cav Regt plus the mirror Squadrons of 2/14 LHR that’s 156 ASLAV, where do they come up with the number 113 ASLAV to be upgraded from?
Regards

It's the number of vehicles that the Australian Army are likely to deploy on operations...

All deployed vehicles have a slightly different configuration to those used in Australia for training activities. ASLAV Phase IV upgrade is simply taking that idea one step further.

As to the 257x ASLAV vehicles, you are not counting attrition on overseas deployments in that number. Many have been worn out through hard operational experience (ASLAV's have been on constant operational deployment for more than 10x years now) or through direct combat losses. Not all of that 257 vehicle fleet is still in-service...

Cheers

AD

 

[OZpride]

Hey Guys

Hey Guys, I'm not sure if this is the right thread to be writing this but i thought i might give it a crack.

I'm currently going through the recruitment process of the Australian Army and hoping to join as rifleman. I was hoping to be able to talk to some other people in the ADF who might be able to give me some pointers, If there were some riflemen in here would be a plus.

Thanks heaps

 

[weasel1962]

According to AU govt submission to UN, should 431 AS-4s by project end.

By end-2009, there were 117 AS-4s+ 631 A1s in addition to the 257 ASLAV and 521 Thales bushmaster variants.

Interesting to note the Leo1s are due for disposal.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Hey Guys, I'm not sure if this is the right thread to be writing this but i thought i might give it a crack.

I'm currently going through the recruitment process of the Australian Army and hoping to join as rifleman. I was hoping to be able to talk to some other people in the ADF who might be able to give me some pointers, If there were some riflemen in here would be a plus.

Thanks heaps

What would you like to know?

 

[OZpride]

What would you like to know?

Hey Aussie Digger thanks for the reply, Maybe I'll start with:

What does a normal day as a Rifleman after IET look like?
what kind of courses could i do on the side or where could i find a list?

Also, I have been training a fair bit and I can do 60 sit-ups, 35 push-ups and run 5km in around 35min. Will this make it a bit easier going through Kapooka and Singo? or should I strive to do more before I go? In saying that I won't even get a date for my assessment day till next week, But i'm so very very keen

 

[Aussie Digger]

Hey Aussie Digger thanks for the reply, Maybe I'll start with:

What does a normal day as a Rifleman after IET look like?
what kind of courses could i do on the side or where could i find a list?

Also, I have been training a fair bit and I can do 60 sit-ups, 35 push-ups and run 5km in around 35min. Will this make it a bit easier going through Kapooka and Singo? or should I strive to do more before I go? In saying that I won't even get a date for my assessment day till next week, But i'm so very very keen

Depends whether you are out bush on exercise, on a training course or in barracks, depends which battalion you are posted to (and the supporting assets - armoured vehicles, helos or parachuting duties etc).

In barracks, you'll do early starts, PT (physical training) and various low level training activities, morno's (the most important part of barracks life) and all the boring admin and maintenance type duties that have to be done. You'll also undertake lessons and briefings of various sorts, in preparation for deployments, whether operational or exercise.

Out bush it depends on the training activities being conducted. You might go to Tully and practice jungle training activities, focusing on fieldcraft, patrolling, low level section and building up to platoon attacks, ambushes, defensive positions etc. All the stuff you can imagine doing in a jungle...

You might go to High Range ( near Townsville) and will be conducting low level combined arms training activities (working with armour, helos etc).

The bigger exercises will see your unit training with other Army elements, armoured, artillery, combat engineers etc. You'll be undertaking company level attacks, sometimes supported by other arms corps.

A lot of different stuff and it really depends where you are posted. A mechanised unit with APC's is a lot different to a light infantry unit for arguments sake.

As to fitness, sounds like you are doing pretty well. Keep it up, but try and increase your pace with the running. You only need to run 2.4k's for the basic fitness assessment, but you've got to run it at a quicker pace than you do for 5k's in 35 minutes. Depending on your age, you will probably have to complete the 2.4k in under 11 minutes... You can work out the pace you need from there...

Cheers,

AD

 

[kittikhun]

Depends whether you are out bush on exercise, on a training course or in barracks, depends which battalion you are posted to (and the supporting assets - armoured vehicles, helos or parachuting duties etc).

In barracks, you'll do early starts, PT (physical training) and various low level training activities, morno's (the most important part of barracks life) and all the boring admin and maintenance type duties that have to be done. You'll also undertake lessons and briefings of various sorts, in preparation for deployments, whether operational or exercise.

Out bush it depends on the training activities being conducted. You might go to Tully and practice jungle training activities, focusing on fieldcraft, patrolling, low level section and building up to platoon attacks, ambushes, defensive positions etc. All the stuff you can imagine doing in a jungle...

You might go to High Range ( near Townsville) and will be conducting low level combined arms training activities (working with armour, helos etc).

The bigger exercises will see your unit training with other Army elements, armoured, artillery, combat engineers etc. You'll be undertaking company level attacks, sometimes supported by other arms corps.

A lot of different stuff and it really depends where you are posted. A mechanised unit with APC's is a lot different to a light infantry unit for arguments sake.

As to fitness, sounds like you are doing pretty well. Keep it up, but try and increase your pace with the running. You only need to run 2.4k's for the basic fitness assessment, but you've got to run it at a quicker pace than you do for 5k's in 35 minutes. Depending on your age, you will probably have to complete the 2.4k in under 11 minutes... You can work out the pace you need from there...

Cheers,

AD

Do Australian infantrymen train for cold-weather warfare or is that only limited to Australian SF?