CORPS MATTERS
TRADE MATTERS
GENERAL INTEREST
UNIT LINES
TRADE UPDATES available from the chain of command and the Services Chief Driving Instructors (CDI). Should formations or units require specific advice on the NHVR the Defence point-ofcontact is Deputy Director National Logistics (LAND). Developing doctrine: As new vehicles and equipment are delivered, not only does this impact Defence policy, it also directly affects the doctrine that is used to conduct and measure effectiveness of training. Project Land 121 is delivering several mission systems that are ‘new’ for the Australian Army and will present challenges in terms of Concept of Employment, training continuum, unit tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP), inclusive of doctrine. The areas that represent paradigm shifts are in the protected vehicle space with cabin crewing, C4I integration as well as the purchase of integrated load handling systems. The following doctrine publications are under development and will provide essential guidance for road transport professionals: Doctrine Note 001/12, LWP-CSS-4-3-2, B Vehicle Mobility Considerations and Procedures: B vehicle TTP utilised by the ADF have remained largely stagnant since the post Vietnam era. The purpose of this publication is released as ‘developing doctrine’ to highlight to operators, planners and commanders at all levels that new guidance is available. This includes the advancements in technologies such as surveillance and IED identification, and guidance on the tactical employment of protected B vehicles in order to enhance B vehicle survivability. This information is to assist planning staff, packet and convoy commanders in how to plan and implement successful outcomes for B vehicle operations utilising enhanced Land 121 capabilities. This doctrine note was compiled utilising the Land 121 Field Vehicle Employment Concept as its cornerstone reference. LWP-G 4-3-1, Driver Training Handbook: This publication was reviewed this year and it will be subject to a compete rewrite with Commanding Officer Army School of Transport as the sponsor. It will be retained within the doctrine hierarchy as a subordinate publication to LWD 4-3, Transport Support. This publication is to be revised to take into account new employment criteria for B vehicle drivers and operators, especially with the introduction of Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) squadrons as part of Plan Beersheba. The Driver Training
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Handbook will also provide guidance on loading responsibilities for containers, craning, loading vehicles, automatic gear box operation and driver responsibilities for flat rack loading. This breadth of content is intended to ensure that the Driver Training Handbook is technically and procedurally correct to meet RACT and Defence capability requirements in conjunction with civilian legislative requirements.
POSTAL UPDATE CPL Tiffany Archie 2014 has proven to be a very busy year for all the staff at HQAFPO. With the loss of a number of positions at HQAPFO, juggling between Military Post Office (MILPO), support to Operations and Postal training, time management has become a useful tool. HQAFPO maintains technical control of deployed AFPOs and is responsible for the provision of AUSPOST stock, forms and equipment. HQAFPO is required to supply postal staff for personnel on FSU/FSE. This year we have had ten personnel deployed on operations in the Middle East. Listed below are the AFPOs currently in operation. AFPO 01 – OP PALADIN (Jerusalem) AFPO 02 – Rifle Company Butterworth (Malaysia) AFPO 07 – OP MAZURKA (Sinai) AFPO 08 – OP ASLAN (Sudan) AFPO 10 – OP Manitou (Bahrain) AFPO 12 – OP ACCORDION (United Arab Emirates) AFPO 14 – OP SLIPPER (Kandahar) AFPO 16 – OP ACCORDION (United Arab Emirates) AFPO 18 – OP ACCORDIAN (Qatar) AFPO 19 – OP SLIPPER (Kabul) AFPO 60 – Raised for Goodwill Mail (Christmas/ANZAC day) Since the last journal entry two deployed AFPOs have ceased operation. AFPO 11 (OP ANODE Solomon Islands) and AFPO 13 (OP SLIPPER Tarin Kowt), which occurred at the end of 2013.
HQAFPO delivers all Defence Postal Training which is conducted on behalf of the Employment Category Sponsor, Army Logistics Training Centre through a MOU between CO 10 FSB and CO AST. There are two different Postal Courses offered with distinct differences between the two. The Postal Clerk Course is a two week course which qualifies personal to conduct postal operations on minor operations. The majority of personnel selected for this course are Administration Clerks selected in ‘dual role’ positions on operations. The Postal Operator Course is a four week course which qualifies personnel to conduct Postal Operations on major operations within Australia and overseas and also qualifies personnel to work at MILPO. Currently only members of RACT who are posting into HQAFPO are eligible for selection on the Postal Operator Course. RACT’s ownership of the Postal ‘Skill Set’ is currently in doubt with RAAPC & RAAOC both displaying interest in taking responsibility of providing postal support to the ADF. If this was to occur it will be a very sad day for the men & women of RACT who have put a lot of time and effort over many years in providing the best possible support to the ADF. HQAFPO would like to farewell the following members for their service both on operations and within the MILPO: WO1 A. Coughlan, WO2 P. Larner, SGT J. Moller, SGT A. Valladares, CPL T. Archie & CPL I. Roberts.