[email protected]PHONE/FAX: 07 3245 7174 www.adgblueberet.org NATIONAL PRESIDENT ..……………….…….………...….. MERV REID NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT………………….…..….……. HENRY CICHOWSKI NATIONAL SECRETARY/TREASURER …….……...…....... JIM GABLE EXECUTIVE ADVISOR …..………………….………......….. GLEN HOMBSCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS .………………………….……...…. SPIKE DAINER BOB HOLT MICK SHEEAN Vic smith BLUE BERET EDITOR .…………………….……….......…. JIM GABLE ASSOCIATION wEBMASTER ………………………………. TONY PAHL NEwSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO: ……….….……….... [email protected]COPYRIGHT NOTICE This work is copyright and is published solely for the information of members of the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised, without the express permission of the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc, 5 Jeffrey Street Capalaba 4157 Queensland Australia, 4157. DISCLAIMER Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc takes no responsibility for any errors omissions or inaccuracies contained in this journal. does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered directly or indirectly from the use of information contained in this journal. Does not warrant that articles or opinions published in this journal are necessarily the opinions held by the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013: ISSUE 55 THE BLUE BERET OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC. PATRON: AIR MARSHAL S.D. EVANS AC DSO AFC RAAF RET’D REGISTERED OFFICE: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QUEENSLAND 4157 AUSTRALIA The Ground Defence Memorial: Nearly there. The Air Force Ground Combat Badge: Finally here. Photo courtesy Royal Australian Air Force
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Transcript
REGISTERED ADDRESS: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QLD 4157
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 1
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Since my last report I have been on an emotional and grateful journey, with the finale being
the presentation to myself and Jim by the Chief of Air Force of my own designed, Patron and
Air Force Approved Air Force Ground Combat Badge, in the presence of our Patron Air
Marshal Dave Evans.
This special event took place after the recent Parade for SECFOR1 to celebrate their safe
return from Afghanistan. The very first ever Ground Combat Badges were jointly presented
by CAF and Air Marshal Evans to that group of Young and Brave during the Parade, which
was held at Amberley on 9th
August.
To then have Air Marshal Evans present badges to the Committee, fellow Association
members and some eligible serving members in a ceremony organised by WGCDR John (JD)
Leo, who was the ideal host for our Patron, was more than icing on the cake. Thanks JD.
It was the end of a long, hard and sometimes frustrating road since 1986, but as our patron,
who, on our behalf and with us fought long and hard for this to happen said on the day “better
to be late than dead on time”. To say it was an overwhelming and proud day would be an
understatement.
From the 1990s it became a team effort and I must make special mention of Stewart Kerr,
who actively wrote to politicians at all levels with our history in the combat role, to reinforce
our claim to recognise those who deserved it. It would be greatly remiss of me not to mention
the help which we received from Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO and his
predecessor Air Marshal Mark Binskin AO, who both provided their total support and
assistance throughout the course of the project.
The Chief of Air Force Directive 19, with Application Forms, is reproduced elsewhere in this
issue. Please read it carefully before applying as per the instructions. (Most eligible former
ADGs and GRDEFOs will need to complete the application form marked “Annex B”).
Air Force Office has a nominal roll provided by the Association which lists all
Ground/Airfield Defence personnel who served the required time on eligible service in
Vietnam, so apply for it and once you have it, wear it with pride and guard what you have
earned.
It will be the Committee’s privilege to advise and assist any of our Association family who
would like to apply for the badge on behalf of departed or incapacitated loved ones, or you
can contact me direct on 07 3394 7235 at the Advocacy office.
As a final note on the AFGCB, our enterprising Vice President Henry Cichowski will have a
surprise for us at the reunion in Adelaide next March. Enjoy and well done Ski!
Now to back-track:
Friday 2nd
August saw the graduation of the latest ADG Basic Course at Amberley, followed
by the unveiling of our Ground Defence Memorial. An excellent turn-out of our membership
family and other serving members, who witnessed a great parade as 13 of our finest and our
future graduated. We were told at the informal Barbecue breakfast before the parade “After
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 2
today, deploy us somewhere!”
As always, the ladies of our Association family provided that touch of class that makes us
look and behave a lot better. Good to see them on that special day of honouring not only the
newest members of the family but also those who came before them and who made the
ultimate sacrifice.
Our host, Group Captain Peter Davis made us most welcome, as did the staff of the RAAF
Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS), the Commanding Officers of Nos. 1 and 2 SECFOR
Squadrons, the MC WOFF Mike McDonnell and all the serving members who were
involved.
More people will be named at the final dedication ceremony for the monument, when the
Honour Rolls naming those who gave their lives in the service of their country are finalised,
costed and in place on the memorial stone. To all those who have donated and those who will
donate funds to make this memorial a reality and to cover its maintenance and upkeep, my
sincere thanks and I hope to see you all again at the Dedication ceremony.
In company with Jim and Kathryn Gable, I had the pleasure of spending quality time with
one of our oldest “Old and Bold”, Charles Cugley, who at the tender age of 92 years, flew all
the way from Perth to be with us on the day. At the Barbecue breakfast before they
graduated, he addressed the graduates about the “qualities, camaraderie, special skills and
hard yards” required to be an ADG.
All who know and meet Charles are inspired by his Service record, his outlook on life and his
passion for his Association family. Thanks for being with us mate and thanks to Jim and
Kathryn for being top hosts to Charles during his brief stay.
Don’t forget the Adelaide reunion in March 2014 – it’s now looking good and we’ve secured
what we think is a great accommodation deal with an inner city hotel. We still have some
‘tweaking’ to do on the program but the Committee is pretty sure you’re going to enjoy it.
There will be somewhere in this issue an “Expression of Interest” form which we would like
you to fill in and return so that we have a rough idea of numbers – you’re not committed to
anything if you send it back, but it does help us to work out numbers and costs etc.
To those of our young and brave who are still in harm’s way on overseas deployment,
remember the old slogan: “Mission; Team; Self” and keep safe. Our thoughts are with you
and your loved ones and we are ready give help and support whenever needed.
To those who returned home in June, it was a pleasure to share your day on the 9th
August
and to mingle with you and your families, who as we are, are so very proud of you, our latest
Veterans.
To all of our members who are currently on the sick list, I hope your recovery is swift, and to
those families who have recently lost a loved one, our thoughts are with you as always.
Finally, my thanks to all of you who are a part of Helen’s and my life – without you, things
could be much harder. Why? Because we support and care for each other. “IT’S AN ADGIE
THING”.
Yours proudly
Merv Reid
National President
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 3
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW SECFOR ORGANISATION WITHIN AIR FORCE
An address by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO at the SECFOR Inauguration Parade, RAAF Amberley 4 July 2013
Officer Commanding 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing, GPCAPT Peter Davis,
Commanding Officers Security Forces Squadrons, officers and airmen of the Security Forces,
family members, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen.
Today is indeed a historic day. One that I hope you will recall with pride and a sense of
ownership.
You are part of a new era for Air Force which will see evolutionary changes in the delivery of
air power.
Many of you have witnessed the introduction of the C-17A and have seen the arrival of the
KC-30A, which further enhances our strategic lift, and delivers a level of air-to-air refuelling
capability for our Air Force.
You have heard the sound of Super Hornets above Amberley, our new premier strike
platform.
You are part of an enterprise that will be bringing into service capabilities such as the P-8
Poseidon, our next generation maritime surveillance and response platform, a new ISR
Unmanned Air System and of course the Joint Strike Fighter.
Each of these advanced weapon systems enhances the level of air power but one of these
most significant changes they bring is our approach to security.
Security can no longer be viewed as a collection of functions but a continuum that spans the
spectrum of needs.
These needs range from physical security of our bases in peace time through to the protection
of our deployed capabilities during times of conflict.
We need a security force whose activities are integrated and capable of meeting the full range
of current security needs of the Air Force.
We need a force able to respond to the challenges and complexity expected of the future.
It is the requirement to be capable of delivering protection across the entire security
continuum that has driven us to consider a new paradigm for our forces. And as I stand here
today and look out across this parade I see the men and women who are the tip of the sword.
You are the team who will secure our capabilities through both peace and conflict; at home
and when deployed.
I am proud to be here today to mark the formal establishment of three Security Forces
Squadrons.
These squadrons, composing personnel currently in the SECPOL, ADG, ABP and EOD
musterings, represent the new age of security forces within Air Force.
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 4
This new structure provides coherency, standardisation, flexibility and the responsiveness to
deliver the required effect across the continuum of security tasks – from domestic security
through to war fighting.
The creation of these three new SECFOR Squadrons has been achieved by renaming the two
Air Field Defence Squadrons, and re-raising the third.
The historical links to these Squadrons and the role of the Airfield Defence Guard are
important for Air Force History; however the change in role and function of these Squadrons
is significant.
The transition from our current organisation into the new SECFOR structure represents the
most significant structural change within the Air Force security and ground defence families
since Vietnam.
The establishment of these Squadrons is only part of the development of new Security Forces
organisation.
Today also marks the disbandment of the Security Police Mustering, and subsequent creation
of two new musterings, Air Force Security and Air Force Police.
Each trade element in a SECFOR Squadron in its own way delivers flexible, adaptable and
agile responses to the needs of Air Force.
The SECFOR organisation combines all of these capabilities under a single Wing, 395
Expeditionary Combat Support Wing, enabling the organisation’s focus to be primarily on
meeting all concurrent security requirements.
The creation of the SECFOR Squadrons is the first step in developing a cohesive and focused
Security organisation.
Within the SECFOR SQN, each mustering will require additional training.
The mature SECFOR organisation will require an officer category capable of operating
effectively across the full continuum of security tasks. The GRDEF and SECPOLO
categories will be merged into a single category – the Security Force Officer.
I challenge you each of you here today to ensure that the efficiencies and synergies achieved
by the creation of the SECFOR SQN are not compromised by traditional stove pipes.
This will require you to respect the past and strive for continued excellence in your specialist
fields.
You will need the agility to think and act wisely in your response to the many challenges that
will come your way.
I have full confidence in you, your commanders and the SECFOR organisation to meet the
new security challenges and support the delivery of air power as we navigate this new chapter
of Air Force’s history.
Thank you
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 5
HIGH PRAISE FOR SECFOR1 This article courtesy Air Force Newspaper
Sixty-five Air Force personnel from Security Force 1 (SECFOR1) returned to Australia on
August 9 after a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.
CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown was at RAAF Base Amberley to formally welcome the
detachment at a parade to recognise their deployment.
During the parade, CAF conducted the first ever presentation of the Air Force Ground
Combat Badge (AFGCB).
"You have done your country proud, your Air Force proud, your family proud and, most
importantly, yourselves proud," AIRMSHL Brown said.
SECFOR1 worked directly to the Australian Multinational Base Commander - Tarin Kot and
was responsible for security of the base and its airfield. Responsibility for security at the base
has now transferred to the SECFOR2 detachment.
"SECFOR1 served with distinction for more than seven months, where 65 of our personnel
undertook one of the biggest challenges of their careers," AIRMSHL Brown said.
"No doubt our personnel have grown from the experience and come home with a greater
understanding of their role in an operational environment and the importance of our mission
in Afghanistan. Our personnel encountered the challenges only confronted by those who have
deployed and dealt with the separation from families and friends.
"I would like to thank the spouses, partners, children and families. Without your support and
patience, SECFOR1 would not have been able to do its job."
The AFGCB is a new award for personnel who regularly operate beyond the relative safety of
the base, serving 'outside the wire' in a combat role.
The purpose of the badge is to recognise service by Air Force members whose deployed role
CAF Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO presents the first Ground Combat Badges
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 6
required them to operate within a combat or escalated threat environment beyond that
routinely experienced within a deployed base. In exceptional circumstances, service in a non-
warlike area of operations may be recognised for the purpose of determining eligibility for
the awarding of the badge.
AIRMSHL Brown said the Airfield Defence Association had long advocated for a unique
badge that publicly recognised this special service.
"It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce the formal promulgation of the Air Force
Ground Combat Badge," he said.
The badge's design depicts a bayonet inside the airman's wreath with the Air Force eagle
overlaid.
"These symbols collectively represent the dedication and sacrifice required to knowingly
forsake the safety of the base to ensure the safety of those within," AIRMSHL Brown said.
"It is an honour to award the first of these badges to be formally issued to the fine young men
of SECFOR1 who are on parade today.
"You should wear the badges with pride, as they represent all the values inherent in the Air
Force today. SECFOR1, you paved the way for your comrades currently deployed."
CPL Greg Snader was among the badge's recipients and said receiving the badge was an
honour. "I think it's great recognition for the airfield defence guards," CPL Snader said.
LAC Henry Mooney agreed: "Airfield Defence Guards do a unique job that is quite different
from a lot of the Air Force and it is good that our combat role is recognised in this badge," he
said.
Former and current Air Force personnel who have previously deployed on warlike operations
and whose duties required them to undertake combat or combat related duties outside the
airbase perimeter are encouraged to read CAF Directive 19/2013 to ascertain whether they
are eligible to apply to be awarded the AFGCB.
A copy of the full CAF speech and Directive 19/2013, including the Application Form, can
be found elsewhere in this issue.
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 7
WELCOME HOME PARADE AND FIRST PRESENTATION OF THE AIR FORCE GROUND COMBAT BADGE
State Member for Ipswich - Mr Ian Berry;
State Member for Ipswich West - Mr Sean Choat;
Representing the Mayor of the City of Ipswich — Councillor Andrew Antoniolli
Patron of the Airfield Defence Association - Air Marshal Selwyn David Evans;
Commander Combat Support Group, Air Commodore Tim Innes;
Officer Commanding 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing, GPCAPT Peter Davis;
Commanding Officers Security Forces Squadrons;
Officers and airmen of the security families;
Invited guests, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you very much for the
invitation to review this parade today.
Today marks two distinct yet aligned
historical events for the Ground
Defence Airman and Officer groups.
The first is the welcome home of the
first large formed body of ground
defence specialists that the RAAF has
deployed since Timor in 1999.The
second is the inaugural awarding of the
Air Force Ground Combat Badge to
ground defence personnel.
These events are both significant milestones in the history of Air Force ground defence.
The ADG mustering was established in 1942 during the wake of the bombing of Darwin
and attacks on allied airbases. After numerous organisational iterations, numbers 1 and 2
Airfield Defence Squadrons were ultimately established. Throughout the war, ADGs
served in the Pacific Theatre, participating with distinction in many hard-fought battles.
Following the end of hostilities in 1945 both squadrons were disbanded. However 1AFDS
was re-established in 1951 to support National Service training, but again disbanded in
1952. In 1965 the ADG mustering was re-established to provide security on bases in
Australia, as well as Malaysia, Thailand and South Vietnam. In Vietnam, ADGs served in
ground defence, security and helicopter door gunner roles.
2AFDS was reformed in 1983 at Amberley. In 1999, 2AFDS deployed in its entirety to East
Timor where its commitment and professional performance was recognised with the
awarding of a Meritorious Unit Citation.
From 2000 to present day ADGs have been called upon to support a wide variety of tasks.
These range from humanitarian assistance to base defence across almost all theatres of
operation in which the RAAF has been engaged.
But it was in 2012 that our ground defence specialists were tasked with the protection of the
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 8
Multi-National Base Tarin Kot in Afghanistan. Over a period of 45 days a team of 70 airmen
and 3 officers underwent extensive preparations to undertake one of the biggest challenges of
their careers to date. And challenged you were.
SECFOR 1, on many occasions your tasks no doubt seemed long and arduous. You
encountered frustrations that only arise in an operational environment. You had to deal with
the logistical problem of being thousands of miles from your traditional support base. You
encountered the tensions that arise within teams that only those who have deployed have
confronted. And, in no small part you had to deal the gut-wrenching separation from your
families and friends.
I would argue that this is the hardest burden because it is shared by both you and those closest
to you. I would like to thank the spouses, partners, children and families of our returned
personnel. Your letters, phone calls, care packages and stoicism from afar has kept our team
strong. Without your support, your sacrifice and your patience, SECFOR 1 would not been
able to do their job. I do not underestimate your sacrifice and I thank you wholeheartedly.
SECFOR 1 served with distinction for eight months. Congratulations on a job well done!
No doubt, you have grown from the experience, and come home with a greater understanding of
your role in an operational environment.
It is these operational experiences that are the focus of my second task here today. I am aware
there are some personnel who are routinely exposed to a more perilous ground environment
than the general airbase population. ADG's, Combat Controllers, EOD operators and others
must regularly leave the relative safety of the base and ply their respective trades outside the
wire.
The Airfield Defence Association has long advocated for a unique badge that publicly
recognises this special service. And the patronage of Air Marshal David Evans has been a
major influence in seeing this recognition come to fruition.
It is with great pleasure that, today, I am able to announce the formal promulgation of the Air
Force Ground Combat Badge.
The design of the badge depicts a bayonet inside the Airman's wreath with the Air Force
eagle overlayed. These symbols collectively represent the dedication and sacrifice required to
knowingly forsake the safety of the base to ensure the safety of those within.
It is an honour to award the first of these badges to be formally issued to the fine young men
of SECFOR1 who are on parade today. You should wear the badges with pride, as they
represent all the values inherent in the Air Force today.
SECFOR1, you paved the way for your comrades currently deployed.
You have done your country proud; Your Air
Force proud; You families proud; And most
importantly, yourselves proud.
History records that the old Air Field Defence
Wing motto was to Protect the Force.
In this you have excelled. Thank you.
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 9
R1-6-C001, PO Box 7902, CANBERRA BC ACT 2610
CAF Directive 19/13
DGPERS/2013/AB1494405
8 OCAF/2013/AB14975303
DIRECTIVE BY THE CHIEF OF AIR
FORCE AIR FORCE GROUND COMBAT
BADGE INTRODUCTION
1. The Air Force Ground Combat Badge (AFGCB) recognises service by Air Force
members (Permanent or Reserve) whose deployed role in a ‘warlike’ area of operations
required them to operate within a combat or escalated threat environment beyond that
routinely experienced within a deployed base. In exceptional circumstances, service in a non-
warlike area of operations may be recognised for the purpose of determining eligibility for
the awarding of the AFGCB.
PURPOSE
2. The purpose of this directive is to formalise the policy and processes associated with
the awarding of the AFGCB.
DEFINITIONS
3. For the purpose of this directive, the following definitions apply:
a. Area of operations. An area, defined by specific boundaries, within which
military units undertake military operations. Personnel undertaking duties in the
area of operations are subject to specific conditions of service and entitlements
directly related with the operation.
b. Ground Defence Area (GDA). A GDA is a defined area surrounding an airbase
perimeter in which the base commander has freedom of action to conduct those
combat or combat-related activities which enable airbase security and thus air
operations through increased depth in security posture. Specifically, the GDA
allows threats to be identified and treated far from the base, as well as providing
the means to mitigate indirect fire, small arms fire and man-portable threats.
Depending upon the operation and when it took place, a GDA might also be
known by another term such as a ‘Close Approach Area’ or a ‘Patrol and
Surveillance Area’.
c. Combat Duties. Combat duties are those requiring a person to commit, or
participate directly in the commission of, an act of violence against an adversary
in a declared GDA surrounding an airbase within a warlike AO.
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF AIR FORCE
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 10
d. Combat-Related Duties. Combat-related duties are duties (other than combat
duties) requiring a person to work in support of, and in close proximity to (ie.
whilst also in a GDA surrounding an airbase within a warlike AO), a person
performing combat duties, in circumstances in which the person performing the
work may be killed or injured through an act of violence by an adversary.
e. Member. For the purpose of this instruction a member means any member of any
specialisation or mustering in the Royal Australian Air Force (PAF or Reserve).
f. Warlike operations. Operations conducted in an AO that has been declared
warlike for the purposes of conditions of service including remuneration,
allowances, and honours and awards (eg. awarding of the Australian Active
Service Medal (AASM)).
g. Non-warlike operations. Operations conducted in an AO that has been declared
non-warlike for the purposes of conditions of service including remuneration,
allowances, and honours and awards (eg. awarding of the Australian Service
Medal (ASM)).
ELIGIBILITY
4. Any Air Force member, or former member, who meets, or who has previously met, all
of the following criteria is eligible for the award of the AFGCB:
a. force assignment to a ‘warlike’ AO commencing with the Vietnam Conflict for a
minimum period of 90 days (continuous or aggregate);
b. satisfactory performance of duties – assumed unless a member is returned to
Australia early or removed from combat or combat related duties for
administrative or disciplinary reasons;
c. prior awarding of, or concurrent eligibility for the:
(1) AASM;
(2) Operational Service Medal (OSM) for ‘warlike’ operations; or
(3) OSM or ASM for ‘non-warlike’ operations but only where considering
eligibility pursuant to the exceptional circumstances detailed at sub-
paragraph 6(b);
d. was a member of the RAAF at the time of their eligible service; and
e. they routinely undertook combat or combat-related duties during the relevant
deployment/s.
5. Notwithstanding the requirement to be ‘force assigned’, subject to deploying in a
manner equivalent to force assignment, and subject to meeting all other criteria at paragraph 4,
the AFGCB will also be awarded to Air Force members on exchange/attachment duties for
service with joint or coalition/allied units.
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 11
6. Eligibility exceptions. Implicit in the criteria above is the expectation that eligible
members will have been placed in a position where they were in greater peril than those
operating within the confines of an airbase. Consequently, the AFGCB may also be approved
in the following cases:
a. Where the member deploys to a ‘warlike’ AO and meets all criteria other than the
required duration of deployment to a ‘warlike’ AO and as a consequence of their
deployed service they are:
(1) decorated for gallantry, or
(2) killed in action, wounded in action or evacuated from the AO because of a
disability attributed to that service that is not self inflicted.
b. Where the member legitimately engages an adversary in small arms fire or combat
using edged weapons whilst on deployment to a warlike or non-warlike AO for a
minimum of 90 days and provided they rendered satisfactory service in
accordance with sub-paragraph 4b.
7. By exception, where an Air Force member clearly meets the intent, but does not meet
all of the criteria specified at paragraph 4 and elaborated upon at paragraph 5 and is not
covered by an exception detailed at paragraph 6, one or more of the eligibility criteria may be
waived by an authorised delegate. Waivers of this nature are expected to be quite rare.
8. The AFGCB can only be awarded once.
ADMINISTRATION
Application process
9. Applications for the award of the AFGCB may be initiated by either the member (using
the form at annex B) or their unit (using the form at annex C). It is anticipated that the
majority of initial applications will be prompted by members and former members whose
qualifying service pre-dates this directive and they are therefore no longer embedded in a
deployed unit with direct knowledge of their deployed service.
Approving authorities
10. The following responsibilities apply in granting the authority to wear the badge:
a. All criteria have been satisfied or a recognised exception clause applies.
Where the award of the badge clearly lies within the eligibility requirements
articulated at paragraphs 13 to 16 of this directive, or an exception clause detailed
at paragraph 17 of this directive applies, award of the AFGCB may be approved
by:
(1) Director General Personnel – Air Force;
(2) Chief of Staff to Director General Personnel – Air Force; or
(3) Deputy Director Personnel Concepts and Policy.
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 12
b. Exception circumstances not anticipated. Where a member applies to be
awarded the AFCGB having regard to exceptional circumstances not
contemplated by this directive, the authority to approve or not approve the
request is delegated to:
(1) Director General Personnel – Air Force; or
(2) Deputy Chief of Air Force.
Processing
11. On receipt of an application, Personnel Branch staff will assess the application against
service records. Where an application is approved, the award will be recorded in PMKeyS (for
those with a PMKeyS Employee ID Number). All approvals and non-approvals also will be
recorded in a master spreadsheet to enable tracking of both current and retired members who
have made applications.
12. Personnel Branch staff will write to all applicants advising them of the outcome of their
application. Approval letters will be accompanied by the badge. Non-approval letters will
advise the reasons for non-approval.
Description and Entitlement
13. The badge, finished in antique pewter, is in the form of a bayonet overlayed on the
Airman’s wreath with the Air Force eagle (annex A refers).
14. Each eligible applicant (current or former member) will be issued one full size AFGCB
and one miniature. Replacement AFGCB may be provided at the expense of the applicant.
Wearing the badge
15. The AFGCB is to be worn by eligible members of the RAAF whilst in uniform. The
badge may also be worn by eligible ex-service members, who subsequently join other services
or uniformed organisations whose dress regulations permit the wearing, in uniform, of military
awards.
16. Eligible retired members may also wear the AFGCB, with the appropriate uniform,
when attending military functions. On occasions when medals are worn on civilian clothes, the
AFGCB may also be worn.
17. The badge is worn on the left breast, centrally one centimetre immediately above medals
or ribbons with all orders of dress. On mess dress the miniature is worn in the same location.
For personnel entitled to wear a brevet or other qualification badge the AFGCB is to be worn
one centimetre above the brevet/badges.
Forfeiture and Restoration
18. Should any person forfeit campaign medals (ie. AASM, ASM, or OSM) then an
AFGCB predicated upon the award of those medals is also forfeited. The AFGCB may be
restored on restoration of the campaign medals.
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 13
Related Awards
19. The AFGCB does not replace any existing ADF similar award. Where a member of the
RAAF has already been awarded the Infantry Combat Badge (ICB) or Army Combat Badge
(ACB) they may continue to wear that award or forfeit that right by applying for and being
approved to wear the AFGCB. Under no circumstance can a member wear both the AFGCB
and either the ACB or ICB.
20. Members who would otherwise qualify for the ICB or ACB from date of authorisation
of this directive will no longer be eligible to receive those awards. Instead, these members will
be considered for the award of the AFGCB.
IMPLEMENTATION
21. This directive is effective immediately and will remain extant until replaced.
22. The sponsor of this directive DGPERS-AF.
23. Addressees are to ensure widest dissemination.
G.C. BROWN
Air Marshal
Chief of Air Force
07 Aug 13
Annexes:
A. AFGCB Pictorial Representation
B. AFGCB – Individual Application Template – Post Deployment
C. AFGCB – Unit Generated Application Template – Individual
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 14
ANNEX A TO
CAF DIRECTIVE 19/13 DATED 07 Aug
13
AFGCB Pictorial Representation
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 15
ANNEX B TO
CAF DIRECTIVE 19/13
DATED 07 Aug 13
APPLICATION FOR AIR FORCE GROUND COMBAT BADGE (AFGCB) AWARD
(This form to be used for all member/former member generated applications)
PMKeyS Number: _______ Service Number: _________ Must/Spec: ________________________ (Post-2001 service active/inactive) (Pre-2002 service) (Employment Category)
Rank:_____________ Given Names: _________________________ Surname: ______________________________ (Current or on Cessation of Service)
Operation Name/s: _________________________________________________________________________________ (Criterion 1 – Eligibility predicated on force assignment to a ‘Warlike’ Operation)
Dates Deployed: ___________________________________________________________________________________ (Criterion 2 – Eligibility predicated on 90 Days aggregate service on a ‘Warlike’ Operation other than in defined exceptional circumstances)
AASM Awarded (Criterion 3): Yes/No (Please Circle) Deployed as Air Force Member (Criterion 4): Yes /No (Pease Circle)
Justification to be issued with AFGCB other than Criterion (1) to (4) noted on this form. Include a brief description of
combat or combat related duties (Criterion 5 – definitions below) routinely performed during deployment and/or exceptional
circumstances requiring consideration where eligibility criteria not met. Supporting documentary evidence to be
attached where necessary.
(Criteria 5)
Combat Duties. Those duties requiring a member to commit, or participate directly in the commission of, an act of violence against an adversary in a declared ground defence area surrounding an airbase within a warlike AO.
Combat-Related Duties. Combat-related duties are duties (other than combat duties) requiring a member to work in support of, and in close proximity to
(ie. whilst also in a declared ground defence area surrounding an airbase within a warlike AO) another member performing combat duties, in circumstances in which the member performing the work may be killed or injured through an act of violence by an adversary.
Ground Defence Area (GDA). A GDA is a defined area surrounding an airbase perimeter in which the base commander has freedom of action to conduct
those combat or combat-related activities which enable airbase security and thus air operations through increased depth in security posture. Specifically, The GDA allows threats to be identified and treated far from the base, as well as providing the means to mitigate indirect fire, small arms fire and man-
portable threats. Depending upon the operation and when it took place, a GDA might also be known by another term such as a ‘Close Approach Area’ or a
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Current Unit for serving members/Home Address or PO Box (including Suburb, Postcode and State) for former members)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Telephone and/or Mobile Phone and/or Email address)
Applicant Certification:
I, ……………………………………………………….……. (insert full name) declare that the information provided on this
application form is true and correct.
Signature: …………………………………………. Forward Applications to:
Printed Name: …………………………………….. BP29-2-249
Date: ………………………………………………. Director General Personnel – Air Force
Brindabella Park – Building 29
29 Brindabella Circuit
Majura ACT 2609
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 16
ANNEX C TO
CAF DIRECTIVE 19/13
DATED 07 Aug 13
APPLICATION FOR AIR FORCE GROUND COMBAT BADGE (AFGCB) AWARD
(This form to be used for all unit generated applications)
PMKeyS Number: _______ Service Number: _________ Must/Spec: ________________________ (Post-2001 service active/inactive) (Pre-2002 service) (Employment Category)
Rank:_____________ Given Names: _________________________ Surname: ______________________________ (Current or on Cessation of Service)
Operation Name/s: _________________________________________________________________________________ (Criterion 1 – Eligibility predicated on force assignment to a ‘Warlike’ Operation)
Dates Deployed: ___________________________________________________________________________________ (Criterion 2 – Eligibility predicated on 90 Days aggregate service on a ‘Warlike’ Operation other than in defined exceptional circumstances)
AASM Awarded (Criterion 3): Yes/No (Please Circle) Deployed as Air Force Member (Criterion 4): Yes /No (Pease Circle)
Justification to be issued with AFGCB other than Criterion (1) to (4) noted on this form. Include a brief
description of combat or combat related duties (Criterion 5) routinely performed during deployment and/or
exceptional circumstances requiring consideration where eligibility criteria not met. Supporting documentary
evidence to be attached where necessary.
(Criteria 5)
Combat Duties. Those duties requiring a member to commit, or participate directly in the commission of, an act of violence against an adversary in a declared ground defence area surrounding an airbase within a warlike AO.
Combat-Related Duties. Combat-related duties are duties (other than combat duties) requiring a member to work in support of, and in close proximity to
(ie. whilst also in a declared ground defence area surrounding an airbase within a warlike AO) another member performing combat duties, in circumstances in which the member performing the work may be killed or injured through an act of violence by an adversary.
Ground Defence Area (GDA). A GDA is a defined area surrounding an airbase perimeter in which the base commander has freedom of action to conduct
those combat or combat-related activities which enable airbase security and thus air operations through increased depth in security posture. Specifically,
The GDA allows threats to be identified and treated far from the base, as well as providing the means to mitigate indirect fire, small arms fire and man- portable threats. Depending upon the operation and when it took place, a GDA might also be known by another term such as a ‘Close Approach Area’ or a
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Current Unit for serving members/Home Address or PO Box (including Suburb, Postcode and State) for former members)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Telephone and/or Mobile Phone and/or Email address)
Commanding Officer Recommendation:
On the basis of the justification provided I, recommend that …………………………………….……. (insert full name), be
awarded the AFGCB.
Signature: …………………………………………. Forward Applications to:
Printed Name: …………………………………….. BP29-2-249
Rank: ……………………………………………… Director General Personnel – Air Force
Appointment: …………………………………….. Brindabella Park – Building 29
29 Brindabella Circuit
Date: ………………………………………... Majura ACT 2609
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 17
Want to see more photos of the three parades described in this issue?
A DVD of the Graduation Parade for 35 Basic Course, the unveiling of the Ground Defence
Monument and the Welcome Home Parade for SECFOR1, including the presentation of the
first Air Force Ground Combat Badges, is available to interested members.
The DVD includes still and video footage of each of the events and is available to members
at a cost of $10.00, including postage.
All proceeds from the sale of the DVD will go to the Ground Defence Memorial Fund.
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 18
CHANGES TO INDEXATION OF MILITARY SUPERANNUATION PAYMENTS
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon and the Minister for
Defence Materiel Mike Kelly have announced changes to the way in which military
superannuation retirement pay will be indexed for the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits
(DFRB) scheme and the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) scheme.
The schemes were closed in 1972 and 1991, respectively.
From 1 July 2014, payments to military superannuants aged 65 and over, within the DFRB
and DFRDB schemes, will be indexed to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the
Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI). Currently, there are some 56,500
superannuants in the two schemes and approximately 26,700 are aged 65 and over who will
benefit from this announcement.
This measure strikes the right balance by assisting many of our older military retirees while
being fiscally responsible in the current economic climate. PBLCI was first used as an
indexation factor for the age pension in September 2009 and the Government has decided to
include it in the indexation of military superannuation retirement pay for the two schemes.
The Government acknowledges the advocacy of ex-service organisations on this issue and in
particular the RSL and the Defence Force Welfare Association. This announcement builds on
a comprehensive program of support and recognition by the Australian Government for our
veteran community since 2007. The Government will continue its commitment to engage
with service and ex-service organisations to consider the benefits and support available to our
current and former service personnel.
Editor’s Note: Too little, too late! Note the age restrictions and the date this new “benefit”
comes into effect! Less than HALF of the members involved will receive any benefit at all!
NEW UNIFORM IN THE PIPELINE Article courtesy Air Force newspaper.
The Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU) Air Force shares with Army has led to
confusion about the roles Air Force personnel undertake to serve the nation. As a result, a
project team has been established to investigate the feasibility for an Air Force General
Purpose Uniform (GPU). The team is considering patterns and colour variations which would
easily distinguish Air Force personnel, while retaining the same garment template and fabric
properties as the current DPCU. Four dyed pattern swatches have been developed and
presented to CAF and the next stage is to manufacture fully sewn uniforms in final colour
designs in order to assess the feasibility of committing to more detailed development.
Understandably, some members have expressed concerns about the affordability of a new
uniform for Air Force. The GPU will use the existing DPCU garment template and fabric
properties so costs to Air Force will be minimal, funded through savings from recent reforms
to the management of uniforms and personal equipment. The GPU will be phased in over a
number of years after the current stock of DPCUs has been exhausted.
Should the option be considered viable, it will replace DPCUs for the majority of Air Force
members and provide a unique identity for Air Force personnel. Members who require DPCU
for their primary duties will continue to have an entitlement and GPU will not impact on
specific kitting for members deploying to overseas locations in operation-specific uniforms.
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 19
PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO THE 2013 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Good morning and welcome to your 2013 AGM. I hope you are all as well as can be
expected at our age.
Your attendance and the distances some of you have travelled to be here are appreciated, as
are all the proxy votes which have been provided to us by those who can’t be here today.
The past week has been a huge one for our Association – firstly our Patron Dave Evans
Notified me by phone on Monday That the Association’s design for the new and only Air
Force Combat Badge was selected above all the other submissions. The official badge is to be
made of pewter.
This is a personal victory for me as I have been fighting since 1986 for this well-earned and
deserved recognition of our specialist role on active service.
Since then, against a lot of official resistance, I have received so much dogged support and
encouragement from our Patron, our Committee, our wider general membership, politicians,
Stewart Kerr and some serving members.
Dave Evans, knowing that we had a legitimate and just claim, took it directly to the then
Chief of Air Force who got it moving again after a series of meetings with Dave at various
venues.
We owe so much to David for his persistent approaches to Air Force Office in Canberra,
through two Chiefs of Air Force, who it must be said have been cordial, supportive and kept
their word, as have their representatives, which is much appreciated.
Full details on the new Award, especially the eligibility criteria, are yet to be promulgated.
Thanks to Spike Dainer’s hard work and supervision, our Ground Defence Memorial was
virtually completed last Tuesday, with the exception of the honour rolls which are still being
verified through the Australian War Memorial and Air Force Office. Tex Bryson’s help in
finding us an alternative to the original contractor has been not only valuable but vital in
giving us a far superior but much less expensive result and our sincere thanks to him for his
involvement.
The unveiling of the monument is planned for Friday 2nd
August 2013, immediately
following the scheduled basic adg graduation parade at RAAFSFS. I hope that many ADGs
and their families can attend on the day – full details will be published in a special bulletin to
all members shortly. To all those who have donated money to the memorial fund, our deepest
thanks.
Ski is working on a further grant for equipment to be used in our Association office at
Amberley, in the squadron headquarters area of what will soon be known as SECFOR HQ –
full details of that change were in the last Blue Beret.
Our congratulations to Glen Hombsch, who has worked long and hard to document the
history of our Mustering in booklet form. An accompanying DVD is also being recorded,
produced by Max Haling’s daughter Dannika, to whom we owe a huge debt of thanks.
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 20
I would be failing in my duty if I didn’t record a huge vote of thanks to our brilliant web
master Tony Pahl, otherwise known as miracle man. Tony’s assistance in setting up and
maintaining our web site is incredible and his talent for making the impossible happen in just
a short time is almost beyond belief. thanks so much Tony.
Thanks to our Treasurer and the support of our members, our Association is financially
sound, as will be confirmed by the Auditor’s Report which will be discussed shortly, and Jim
is to be congratulated.
Sixty of our young and brave returned from the “sand pit” earlier this month, while another
eighty five were rotated on 6th
May. Welcome home to the 60 and stay safe the 85. Our
thoughts are with you and your families.
Let’s turn now to some future events:
On 4th
July 2013 at 1030 an Inauguration Parade will be held on the RAAFSFS parade
ground for the stand-up of the new SECFOR squadrons;
Date and time to be advised, possibly August 2013, the Air Marshal S. D.
Evans/Airfield Defence Association trophy for ADG section leaders will be presented
at a special function at Amberley, in the squadron lines.
On 2nd
August 2013 at 1000 on the SFS parade ground, the latest basic ADG course
will graduate.
This will be followed by the unveiling of the Ground Defence Memorial at SECFOR
squadron headquarters (timings to be advised);
Between 13th
-17th
March 2014 the 2014 ADG Reunion is currently planned to take
place in Adelaide. The program is still in the planning stages but details will be sent
out as they are finalised.
Without membership support, team dedication, sheer effort and network rapport, the visions
and aims of most Associations simply don’t succeed, so on your behalf as well as personally,
I offer thanks and gratitude to our Patron, our past and serving Liaison Officers SQNLDR
(Ret’d) Tom Nelson and WOFF Glenn Lyons, the Squadron COs, GPCAPT Guy Burton,
WGCDR John Leo, the Airfield Defence Warrant Officer network, SFS staff, officers and
OR’s, your dedicated, loyal and supportive Committee and Max Haling for his six years of
proud service and future voluntary involvement, together with the lovely Dannika, who I
mentioned earlier.
As you know, this is a Committee election year. it’s your Association so have your say, ask
questions and join in, but please stick to the published agenda.
For those who haven’t yet done so, membership fees can be paid after this meeting and our
new “It’s An Adgie Thing” polo shirts can also be purchased before you enjoy the
refreshments.
Thank you for just being you, especially all the ladies in our close family group.
I request that this report be published in the next issue of the Blue Beret newsletter.
Merv Reid, National President. 23 June 2013.
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 21
THE ADG MONUMENT: WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP
Most readers will hopefully know by now that the long-planned monument to fallen Airfield
Defence members is slowly progressing towards completion. The stone has been unveiled,
the first of the plaques has been mounted and all that is needed now is for the two honour roll
plaques to be manufactured and mounted and the entire monument sealed against the
weather.
Grants will only go so far towards meeting the cost, which we have tried to keep as low as
can), so we still need more cash to finish the job. With that in mind the Association is
appealing to all former and serving members to help out where you can by donating as little
or as much as you can to our Monument Fund. We are seeking “Not for Profit” status from
the Australian Taxation Office so that your donations can be tax deductible.
This memorial is dedicated to all ADGs and Ground Defence Officers who have lost their
lives either on active service or during training and will hopefully be a lasting memorial to all
of them. Because of that, we’re certain that all former members of the mustering/category
will be happy to help, whether you are an Association member or not. We also ask current
members to pass this information on to any non-members that you know, so that they too can
have the opportunity to help us reach this goal.
The response so far has been outstanding, but we need a lot more than we’ve been given so
far if this is to be a goer, so if you can help us, perhaps in the next month or so, it would be a
huge bonus and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have been part of a very
worthwhile project. Every donation will be acknowledged unless specifically requested. Will
you add your name to the list please? A copy of this form will be on our web site as well.
We’re specifically asking those who haven’t yet made a donation to come forward now,
because we really need your help to finish this project on behalf of all of us. Lots of small
amounts are just as helpful as a few large ones, so will you help please?
To: Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc. 5 Jeffrey Street Capalaba Qld 4157
Please find enclosed my cheque/money order for $ as a donation to the Association’s Ground Defence Memorial Fund.
Name: ………………………………………………………..………..…
Address: ……………………………………………………………..……
…………………………………………. Postcode …………… PLEASE NOTE; WE ARE NOT YET ABLE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS, BUT DIRECT
DEPOSITS CAN BE MADE TO OUR BANK ACCOUNT: BANK: St George Bank Ltd ACCOUNT NAME: Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc. BSB: 114879 ACCOUNT NUMBER: 455299926. (Please let us know if you are making a direct deposit).
ALL DONATIONS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED UNLESS OTHERWISE REQUESTED
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 22
Mates4Mates
Mates4Mates evokes the Australian spirit, that a True Mate offers unwavering loyalty and
friendship even in our darkest hour. It was in this spirit that Mates4Mates was born.
Mates4Mates is a not for profit organisation set up by RSL (Queensland Branch) to provide
support to wounded, injured or ill members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their
families.
Our focus is on current and ex-service personnel serving from 1990 onwards.
Mates4Mates is designed to complement and enhance the capacity of the Australian Defence
Force (ADF) to support their current and ex-serving personnel & families.
We are independent, apolitical and non-religious.
Our charity ensures that currently and ex-serving men & women are not without the trust,
humility and strength of mateship in times of need.
Additionally DVA will undertake a reassessment of transitional cases determined between
1 July 2004 and 30 June 2013. These reviews will be undertaken from 1 January 2014.
White Card for SRCA Veterans
Certain former ADF members with long term health conditions accepted under the SRCA
will receive a White Repatriation Health Care Card from 10 December 2013 for specific
conditions and a supplementary pharmaceuticals payment (if not already in receipt).
Compensation for Dependants
Dependent children of deceased members will receive increased periodic compensation
payments, aligning payments under the MRCA with similar payments made under the
SRCA.
Future wholly dependent partners (widows or widowers) will have greater flexibility in the
way they receive compensation following the death of an ADF member or former member.
Financial advice
Eligible persons will be able to receive compensation for legal advice and increased
compensation for financial advice from financial advisers and lawyers in relation to
decisions on selected compensation options.
Expanded eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria for the Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) will be expanded. This
will affect clients who have either redeemed small amounts of incapacity payments or who
have had their incapacity payments fully offset by their Commonwealth funded
superannuation payments. Clients who are SRDP eligible will be automatically accepted as
permanently incapacitated for work for the purpose of Invalidity Service Pension.
General improvements to the delivery of benefits and services
The claims process for a person with an accepted condition under the VEA, which has been
aggravated by service on or after 1 July 2004, will be simplified.
Current and former members, including reservists, will benefit from improved consistency
and flexibility in accessing rehabilitation and transition services.
Education of rehabilitation providers, clients and their representatives will be increased to
ensure that they are well informed about DVA entitlements in the event of injury or death.
Information products on rehabilitation and transition from the ADF will also be improved.
A range of initiatives designed to improve the quality and timeliness of claims processing,
including keeping clients informed of their claim’s progress, and improved reporting to assist
the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission to fulfill its functions.
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) and Veterans Line can be
reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential
counselling. Phone 1800 011 046.
Blue Beret August/September 2013, Issue 55: Page 35
PROPOSED NAME BADGES FOR MEMBERS
At the Annual General Meeting a couple of years ago it was pointed out that a lot of us never
really served together and that some of us are reaching the age where the faces don’t look the
same and are getting harder to recognise.
A suggestion was made that to avoid embarrassment to anyone at future Association
gatherings, we make Association name badges available to interested members at a nominal
cost.
After investigation, we have learned that we can provide a Name Badge for approximately
eighteen dollars each – the badges are available to other family members if required.
Interested members are asked to complete the Order Form below and return it to
The National Secretary
Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc
5 Jeffrey Street
CAPALABA QLD 4157.
Early orders will receive free postage. Please allow up to 21 days for delivery.
ORDER FORM – ASSOCIATION NAME BADGE
Please supply me with Association Name Badge(s) in the following
name(s) at a cost of $18.00 each:
______________________________________________________PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY – what you write is what you get
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY– what you write is what you get
(Please Attach a separate sheet if additional badges are required.) Your Name: _______________________________________________________ Postal Address: ____________________________________________________ _________________________________ Postcode: __________
I enclose the sum of $ ___________ ( _____ badges @ $18.00) each).