Parliamentary Program 2020 - Australian Defence Force - Department of Defence
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Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program 2020
Message from the Minister for
Veterans and Defence Personnel
It gives me great pleasure to invite Members and
Senators to participate in the 2020 Australian Defence
Force Parliamentary Program., This initiative has enjoyed
continued bipartisan support throughout its 20 year
history.
As parliamentarians, we carry the responsibility of
potentially sending our servicemen and women into harm’s
way, knowing the physical cost of this service and the
impact this has on families and loved ones.
By participating in the program, you will develop a better
appreciation of the outstanding work undertaken by the
men and women of the Australian Defence Force. It’s
a unique opportunity to get out from behind a desk and
briefly walk in the boots of our servicemen and women
and experience the challenges of life in the Navy, Army or The other dimension of the Parliamentary Program that
Air Force while developing a broader understanding of the has gained momentum in recent years is the exchange
capabilities of the Australian Defence Force. element whereby up to 25 Australian Defence Force
The range of options for 2020 covers a wide spectrum of personnel are hosted by parliamentarians during a sitting
military activities extending from the training and support week later in the year. The mutual understanding achieved
areas, through to the continuing front line operations, through this aspect of the program cannot be overstated
military exercises and humanitarian efforts being and we are indebted to those Parliamentarians who elect
undertaken here and abroad. to sponsor Defence participants in Parliament House for
this important week.
This is your invitation to discover for yourself the qualities
of professionalism and dedication of the men and women I encourage all Senators and Members to take the time
that underpin the strength of the Australian Defence Force. to consider the options available, and I hope to see you
Regardless of which activity you elect to undertake, I am taking part in this valuable Program.
confident you will find it both enlightening and rewarding.
The popularity of the program continues to be underlined
The Hon Darren Chester MP
by the many Members and Senators who have completed
Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel
multiple attachments and I encourage you to read the four
testimonials from our colleagues in this brochure.
3
Welcome from Vice Chief of the Defence Force
As Vice Chief of the Australian Defence Force, I have On the operational front the program once again includes
the privilege of partnering with the Minister for Veterans activities in the Middle East Region, as well as Operation
and Defence Personnel, the Hon Darren Chester MP, RESOLUE, Defences contribution to the Whole-of-
in oversighting the 2020 Australian Defence Force Government effort to protect Australia’s borders and
Parliamentary Program. offshore maritime interests. In 2020 the Program will
offer an insight into Defences Cyberspace Training and
The program performs a valuable role in building
Operations, allowing participants to gain an understanding
mutual understanding between the Australian Defence
of the challenges faced in this rapidly changing
Force, Senators and Members of Parliament. Since its
environment.
inauguration in 2001, the success of the program has
been built on offering you a unique opportunity to engage No matter which option you choose, I assure the
first hand with the men and women of the Australian experience will give you insights to the Australian Defence
Defence Force, be it on operations, training and exercises, Force like no other. On behalf of the Chief of the Defence
or on humanitarian tasks. Force, General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC, the Service
Chiefs and the wider Defence community, I wish you a
The 2020 program is no exception. This year the program
very warm welcome to the 2020 Australian Defence Force
is offering a suite of 22 attachment options which cover
Parliamentary Program. I have no doubt you will find it
all facets of Defence capabilities. Underpinning those
an exciting and rewarding experience whether it be your
capabilities is the essential raise, train and sustain tasks
first, second, third or more attachment. I look forward to
assigned primarily to the three service headquarters.
meeting with you during the course of the year to hear
This year from Navy there is an opportunity to experience firsthand of your experience.
life at sea aboard a guided missile destroyer, Amphibious
Assault Ship or a Collins Class Submarine. Army
provides participants an opportunity to work with the
Aboriginal Community Assistance Program supporting
the Pormpuraaw Community on Cape York Peninsula
or experience the Army ‘in action’ by participating in the
Army’s major training activity, Exercise HAMEL. Air Force
provides you the opportunity to fly in the P-8A Poseidon,
which is an important part of Australia’s maritime patrol
and response strategy, or be part of Exercise PITCH
BLACK, the largest combined air exercise in northern
Australia, involving participants from up to 13 nations.
Vice Admiral David Johnston AO RAN
Vice Chief of the Defence Force
5
Senator Alex Antic
Senator for South Australia
The sound of military jets tracing through the sky isn’t access to that which makes an air base tick.
something that one often associates with metropolitan I expected to be fascinated by the hardware, but what
Adelaide, however growing up during the time of the impressed me the most was the level of professionalism,
Adelaide Formula One Grand Prix in the 1980’s, the sound dedication and respect to colleagues shown by the RAAF
was a familiar one each November. personnel.
I have been fascinated with the RAAF ever since that time The training, the expertise and the camaraderie I
and consequently, the opportunity to live on base at RAAF witnessed was world class and reinforced the importance
Amberley in Queensland as part of the ADF Parliamentary of parliamentarians, particularly new parliamentarians like
Program in September was too extraordinary to overlook. myself, seeing what these incredible men and woman do
For the better part of a week Senator David Van and I and the risks they take for our country and way of life.
were given the chance to live like airmen. We ate on base, Thank you to the RAAF and all those involved in our trip.
slept on base and received an unprecedented degree of
6
Senator Sam McMahon
Senator for Northern Territory
Representing the Northern Territory, I have a keen interest
in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as it plays a very
important role up here. My hometown of Katherine is
home to RAAF Base Tindal, and I have long had great
interactions with the personnel based there, including
some who have become lifelong friends. Upon having
the very great honour and privilege of being elected
to the Senate in May this year and taking my place in
Canberra I was made aware of the ADF Parliamentary
Program (ADFPP). This amazingly structured program
allows Members and Senators to spend approximately
one week with various arms of the ADF to gain a better
understanding of the vital work they do. Then came three days on board HMAS Sheean, a Collins
Whilst there were a lot of different programs that I was very class guided missile submarine. The entire crew were
interested in, the submarine option immediately caught incredibly welcoming and happy to explain to me all
my attention. For reasons I’m not entirely certain, I have aspects of their jobs and the workings of the submarine.
been fascinated by submarines, their history, development During my time on board I took part in emergency training
and operation, for most of my life. I have toured through drills, simulated torpedo firing, sonar operation and
several decommissioned submarines but never imagined navigation. I toured the engine room, galley, torpedo room,
that I would ever go to sea on an active sub. operated the periscopes, slept in a torpedo rack and
drove the submarine many metres below the surface.
The first two days were spent on HMAS Stirling, the Navy
base on Garden Island, off the coast of Rockingham, WA. It was an incredible experience, one that I honestly have
It is an incredibly beautiful island and all that I spoke to told everyone counts as the best week of my life, and I
were very proud of the base and the jobs that they do. would highly recommend everyone who gets a chance
The Commanding Officer was very generous with his time should take part in the ADFPP.
and knowledge, not just of the base and Navy but also the
history and nature of the island itself. Sharing meals and
interacting with many of the men and women there gave
me a real appreciation of the work they do. I took part in
weapons, submarine escape and firefighting training, and
toured the many facilities of the base.
7
Ms Julie Owens MP
Member for Parramatta, New South Wales
It has been a privilege to be able to participate in the I have also nominated to participate in ADF activities
Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program (ADFPP). in East Timor, doing riot training with our New Zealand
The program is an amazing opportunity provided only to cousins as a part of the ANZAC contingent and Operation
elected members of federal parliament. It can be fun, it Resolute, aboard a force-assigned Navy vessel protecting
can also be incredibly scary and challenging. However; Australia’s offshore maritime interests from security
I don’t do it for the fun; I do it because, as an elected threats. I have spent time with the Army’s infantry
member of parliament, I carry the responsibility of ensuring soldiers in the field firing live ammunition. In 2018 I truly
our military is capable of doing what we need it to do. challenged myself by participating in the Navy’s Helicopter
Within my electorate of Parramatta there is a small military Underwater Escape Training at HMAS Albatross, where I
presence at the Historic Lancer Barracks and Dundas, was strapped into a helicopter, flipped upside down and
but it is far from being a garrison city with many residents dumped six metres into a pool, and you have to get out
not fully understanding the capabilities of our military as before you drown. To top that off, I also did their tear gas
they’re not visible on a daily basis. My father was in the training; so I was tear-gassed as well. I think I’m the only
Army and grew up in garrison towns and cities and have Member of Parliament to do it.
an appreciation of the military. However; I suspect many of In 2019, I travelled to Jigalong, a remote community in
parliaments newly elected may not have experienced our north-western Australia with the Army to participate in
military prior to being elected. The Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme
I’ve been incredibly fortunate in the eight ADFPP activities (AACAP) a joint initiative between the National Indigenous
that I’ve done. My first experience was with the Army’s Australians Agency and the Australian Army, improving
Regional Force Surveillance Unit (NORFORCE) employed the environmental, health, training and infrastructure
in surveillance and reconnaissance of the remote areas conditions in remote Indigenous communities. Again, it
of Northern Australia. I spent 10 days in the bush on Tiwi was amazing watching the engineering troops set up a
Islands with a group of Indigenous Trainees. In 2009, I camp in the desert, with full waste control and full water
spent 10 days at the Army’s 1st recruit Training Battalion monitoring, leaving a very small footprint.
at Kapooka, where my father did his training when he When you go to the places that I’ve been to and spend
joined the Army. It was here I experienced and overcame time with the people that I’ve spent time with, you
genuine fear, abseiling face forward off a three-storey high understand that it isn’t just a story that we have one of the
tower. Maybe my father left that bit out when he told me best trained militaries in the world; we actually do. They
what to expect. In 2010 I was afforded the privilege of 10 are an extraordinary group of people, so it’s incredibly
days in Afghanistan, spending time with the highly trained important that we, as members of parliament, get to know
men and women of our military in a place of extraordinary these extraordinary men and women who do things that
danger, where they are doing something that most of us we ask them to do in the defence of Australia.
wouldn’t dream of doing.
8
General Information
The following provides general information about the Uniforms
Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program (ADFPP) and Participants will be issued with the same uniforms, protective
a summary of attachment options for 2019. Specific dates clothing or equipment used by ADF personnel at the
are nominated where applicable, however, requirements may destination unit wherever possible, and a distinctive ‘rank’
necessitate some date changes as the year unfolds. insignia identifying them as a parliamentarian attached to the
Applications and Selection Process ADFPP. Uniforms are issued in Canberra during the sitting
Application forms are only available in an electronic format period prior to the activity.
on the ADFPP website at www.defence.gov.au/adfpp. Administrative Arrangements
Applications should indicate your first preference and, in the Medical: Some of the activities on offer require participants
event of oversubscription, a second and third preference. to meet basic medical standards. Medical forms will be
In the event of an option being oversubscribed, a ballot will forwarded as soon as participation is confirmed and
apply to establish a rank order and reserve list. All applications are required to be completed at least 14 days prior to
will be initially acknowledged on receipt. Subsequent to any commencement of the activity.
balloting requirements, participants will be advised of the
Medicals for Middle East, Malaysia and submarine sea rides
success of their application.
require a General Practitioner to complete.
Ideally applications should be submitted as early as possible
Please contact the Executive Officer ADFPP for information
to allow for planning. However, applications will remain open
regarding medical requirements for any activities.
for all ADFPP Options until 28 days prior to commencement
of the activity, with the exception of the Middle East Region Transport: All travel arrangements to and from the activity
which will close 42 days prior. start location will be at the participant’s expense.
Working Routine Meals and Accommodation: Throughout the activity all
The attachment options on offer are designed to ensure meals and accommodation will be provided by Defence,
that participants will gain the maximum impact from the utilising on base messing where available.
experience. Wherever possible, you will have the opportunity Activity Briefing: A pre activity briefing will be provided with
to work and live alongside servicemen and women at all rank all administrative requirements further clarified prior to the
levels. While the situations you find yourself in may not offer commencement of each option.
five-star comforts and there will be very little protocol, the
Security
experience will be rewarding. Defence can, and will, tailor the
Operational security is a key factor in ensuring the safety of
conditions to suit individual abilities to ensure that participants
all parliamentarians participating in ADFPP attachments to
get the most out of the experience. But do not worry, this is
operations, as well as deployed ADF personnel. Should you
not an endurance test, so the prospect of arduous physical
participate in the Middle East Region or Operation RESOLUTE
activity and conditions should not deter anyone from joining
options, please do not make public any details relating to the
the Program. To that end, we ask that, wherever possible,
visit or share your movements with those who do not need to
participants plan to complete the full attachment period
know.
offered.
10Parliamentary Exchange ADFPP Dining-In Night
An integral part of the ADFPP is the exchange element where The culminating event of ADFPP calendar is the annual
ADF personnel are attached to the office of a parliamentarian Military Dining-In Night. The Dining-In Night provides
at Parliament House, Canberra, for a one-week period during participating parliamentarians with another valuable insight
a sitting week. ADF exchange personnel gain an insight into into the customs and traditions of the military. The Dining-In
the parliamentary and committee processes, and develop Night is by invite only. Invites are offered to parliamentarians
an understanding of the departments that operate within who have supported the Program throughout the year by
Parliament House. ADF exchange personnel also gain an participating in an option, or hosting an ADF member during
appreciation of the scope of the extensive and varied activities the exchange program. The event is hosted by the Vice Chief
undertaken by Senators or Members of Parliament. of the Defence Force and attended by the Service Chiefs, as
well as the majority of ADF members who participated in the
The exchange to Parliament House is tentatively planned
exchange program.
to occur during the sitting week 7 – 11 September 2020.
Expressions of interest from parliamentarians willing to host
this year will be sought closer to the activity.
112020 Attachment Options
Navy Army
Option 1 Option 6
Submarines & Clearance Diving Exercise HAMEL 2020
Location: HMAS Stirling, WA “An opportunity to participate in the largest Army exercise
Duration: 5 days for 2020.”
Dates: Autumn, Winter or Spring Recess Location: Townsville, QLD
Option 2 Duration: 5 days
Fleet Base East – Surface Combatants Dates: 3 – 7 Aug
“An opportunity to sea ride aboard a Destroyer or Frigate.” Option 7
Location: Sydney, NSW Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme
Duration: 5 days Location: Pormpuraaw Community, Cape York Peninsula,
Dates: Winter or Spring Recess QLD
Option 3 Duration 5-7 days
Amphibious & Fleet Support Dates: Winter Recess
“An opportunity to sea ride aboard a Canberra class Option 8
Amphibious Assault Ship.” Combat Training Centre
Location: Sydney, NSW “An opportunity to be part of an Army Battle Group
Duration: 5 days Mission Rehearsal Exercise.”
Dates: Winter or Spring Recess Location: Townsville, QLD
Option 4 Duration: 5 days
Navy Aviation & Officer Training Dates: 19 – 23 Oct
Location: Jervis Bay Territory & Nowra, NSW Option 9
Duration: 5 days 39th Operational Support Battalion
Dates: Autumn, Winter or Spring Recess “An opportunity to join ADF members undertaking force
Option 5 preparation prior to deploying.”
Exercise OCEAN EXPLORER 2020 Location: Randwick, NSW
“An opportunity to participate in a multi ship task group Duration: 5 days
exercise.” Dates: Autumn or Winter Recess
Location: Sydney NSW Option 10
Duration: 5 days 2nd/30th Training Group
Dates: 17 – 21 Feb “Be a part of Army elements undertaking foundation war
fighting training in South East Asia.”
Location: Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 5 Days
Dates: 29 Jun – 3 Jul and 28 Sep – 2 Oct
12Air Force Joint Operations
Option 11 Option 17
RAAF Base Amberley Middle East Region
Location: Ipswich, QLD Location: Depart Sydney, NSW
Duration: 5 days Duration: 10 days
Dates: Autumn or Spring Recess Dates: Autumn, Winter or Spring Recess
Option 12 Option 18
RAAF Base Williamtown Operation RESOLUTE
Location: Newcastle, NSW Location: Canberra, ACT & Darwin, NT
Duration: 4 days Duration: 5 days
Dates: Spring Recess Dates: Autumn, Winter or Spring Recess
Option 13 Option 19
RAAF Bases Edinburgh and Woomera Exercise RIMPAC 2020
Location: Elizabeth, SA “An opportunity to participate in the world’s largest
Duration: 5 days international maritime warfare exercise.”
Dates: Autumn Recess Location: Hawaii, USA
Option 14 Duration: 7 – 9 days
RAAF Bases Pearce and Learmonth Dates: 19 – 25 Jul
Location: Perth, WA
Duration: 5 days Joint Capabilities
Dates: Spring Recess Option 20
Option 15 ADFA Leadership Challenge One
RAAF Base East Sale Location: Canberra, ACT
Location: Sale, VIC Duration: 1 day
Duration: 4 days Dates: 16 Oct
Dates: Autumn, Winter or Spring Recess Option 21
Option 16 ADF Joint Cyberspace Training and Operation
Exercise PITCH BLACK 2020 Location: Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne
“An opportunity to participate in Australia’s largest Air Duration: 5 days
Exercise” Dates: Winter Recess
Location: Darwin, NT Option 22
Duration: 5 days ADFA Cross Country and International Cultural Day
Dates: 27 – 31 Jul Location: Canberra, ACT
Duration 1 day
Dates: 29 May
13Royal Australian Navy
The first Australian naval forces were formed in the
colonies in the late 1850s in response to fears of a
Russian invasion. In 1901, the various colonial navies
and their motley collection of vessels, were amalgamated
into the Commonwealth Naval Forces. In the years that
followed, it was debated in Australia and Britain whether
Australia needed its own navy, or should simply finance
the stationing of Royal (British) Navy vessels in Australian
waters. Finally, in 1909, a decision was taken to acquire
new ships to form an Australian Navy and on 10 July
1911, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was formed. The
first of the new ships arrived on 4 October 1913.
The Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS)
was formed in April 1941, as a result of a shortage of
telegraphists in the RAN. At the end of the Second World
War it was disbanded. However, manpower shortages
in the RAN led to the service being re-constituted in
1951, and it was made a permanent part of the RAN
in December 1959. WRANS personnel were gradually
absorbed into the RAN during the early 1980s and in due
course the service was disbanded. By 1983, women were
also permitted to serve aboard ships.
14Option 1
Submarines & Clearance Diving
OUTLINE
This option will introduce participants to the sea power
generated by the submarine capability. Fleet Base West
is at HMAS Stirling on Garden Island in Rockingham,
Western Australia and is the home port of the Collins Class
submarines and Australian Clearance Diving Team 4.
The characteristics and range of Collins class submarines
are tailored specifically for its defence and two-ocean
surveillance role in the Royal Australian Navy. The Collins
class submarines are designed to be as quiet as advanced
technology can achieve. One of the first submarines to be
totally designed by computers, these submarines boast • Undertake some capability activities with Clearance
a vast range of features. These features include a high Diving Team 4.
performance hull form, highly automated controls, low
• Participate in a training demonstration at the Royal
indiscretion rates, high shock resistance and an efficient
Australian Navy School of Survivability and Ship
weapons handling and discharge system
Safety, which includes firefighting, dealing with
Australian Clearance Diving Team 4 is one of two fast and slow floods and defence against nuclear,
commissioned Clearance Diving Teams in the Royal biological and chemical attacks.
Australian Navy. They are the Australian Defence Force’s
• Pending participant’s health suitability and platform
specialist divers, who operate in-service diving equipment
availability, it is intended to provide two-to-three days
to the maximum permissible depths.
at sea in a Collins Class submarine.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
Location: Rockingham, Western Australia
Your program will commence with a tour of the base to
Dates: This is a five day program – Dates are flexible
orientate you to the facilities and key base personnel. You
within the parliamentary recess periods.
will then have the opportunity to:
Number of Participants: Three.
• Observe how some of the most highly skilled
personnel in the Navy conduct their duties in support Medical Requirements: Participants are required to have
of submarine operations. a General Practitioner complete a medical assessment
prior to participation.
• Visit the Weapon Training Simulation System facility
and observe or take part in weapons training.
15Option 2
Fleet Base East – Surface Combatants
OUTLINE
Centred at Fleet Base East (Sydney) this option will
provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the
role that the Surface Combatant Group plays in support of
Navy’s mission.
In their war-fighting role, surface combatants are expected
to counter a wide variety of threats across all domains.
They must be capable of conducting constabulary tasks
such as dealing with piracy, illegal fishing, bio-diversity
(quarantine) infringements, human trafficking, drug and
arms smuggling and illegal maritime arrivals. Furthermore,
they must be able to participate in an equally broad range
of diplomatic operations either independently, or as part of
a larger task force.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
Your program will commence with a tour of the Garden
Island Defence Precinct and Fleet Headquarters to
orientate you to the facilities and key base personnel. You
will then have the opportunity to:
• Meet the highly skilled members of Fleet
Headquarters and gain an understanding of Navy
within the Whole-of Government operational context.
Location: Sydney, New South Wales.
• Visit HMAS Watson and observe the next generation
of Navy’s leaders undergo maritime warfare training Dates: This is a five day program – Dates are flexible
and/or take part in simulated maritime warfare training within the winter and spring parliamentary recess periods.
using state of the art simulators. Participant Numbers: Three.
• This option will be rounded off with two-to-three Medical Requirements: Participants are required
days at sea in a Destroyer, Frigate or Mine Hunter, complete a medical self-assessment for review by a
embedded within the ships’ departments gaining Medical Officer prior to participation.
an understanding of the platform’s capabilities and
to experience what life at sea is like for our Navy
personnel.
16Option 3
Amphibious & Fleet Support
OUTLINE
Centred at Fleet Base East (Sydney) this option will
provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the
role the Amphibious Afloat Support Group plays in support
of Navy’s mission.
Amphibious forces, by their nature, possess mobility
in mass, but their defining characteristic is their unique
cross-domain mobility and they are useful across the full
spectrum of military, constabulary and diplomatic tasks.
In periods of tension putting a maritime force to sea can
be prudent, providing a gesture of support to allies or a
threat to adversaries. The capacity to provide a sustained
forward presence is a powerful diplomatic tool, while its
ability to manoeuvre freely at sea can be used to escalate
or defuse tensions as required.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM • The option will be rounded off with two-to-three days
Your program will commence with a tour of the Garden at sea in a major amphibious ship, embedded within
Island Defence Precinct and Fleet Headquarters to the ships’ departments gaining an understanding of
orientate you to the facilities and key base personnel. You the platform’s capabilities and to experience what life
will then have the opportunity to: at sea is like for our Navy personnel.
• Meet the highly skilled members of Fleet Location: Sydney, New South Wales.
Headquarters and gain an understanding of Navy Dates: This is a five-day program. Dates are flexible within
within the Whole-of Government operational context. the winter and spring parliamentary recess periods.
• Visit HMAS Watson and observe the next generation Participant Numbers: Three.
of Navy’s leaders undergo maritime warfare training
Medical Requirements: Participants are required
and/or take part in simulated maritime warfare training
complete a medical self-assessment for review by a
using state of the art simulators.
Medical Officer prior to participation.
17Option 4
Navy Aviation & Officer Training
OUTLINE
This option will provide you an opportunity to engage with
Navy’s emerging leaders as they undertake initial training,
as well as gain an understanding of the Navy’s aviation
capability.
HMAS Creswell, located in Jervis Bay in the Shoalhaven
area south of Sydney, was originally established as a
training school for young officers prior to the First World
War. Today, all Navy officers commence their career
at HMAS Creswell. The base also provides support to
operations within Jervis Bay and the Eastern Australian
Exercise Area.
HMAS Albatross, on the outskirts of Nowra in New South • Visit the Navy school of Survivability and Ship Safety
Wales, is the centre of naval aviation in Australia. It is the and participate in a training demonstration which
home to the Fleet Air Arm who operate the Navy’s combat includes firefighting, dealing with fast and slow floods,
training helicopters. The base is also home to the Tactical and defence against nuclear, biological and chemical
Electronic Warfare Support Section, the Naval Weather attack.
and Oceanographic Centre, the Joint Acoustic Analysis
• At HMAS Albatross (Norwa) you will gain an
Centre, the Army’s Parachute Training School and the
understanding of the naval aviation capability through
popular Fleet Air Arm Museum.
engagement with Navy aircrew.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
• Fly one of the Navy’s ‘state-of-the-art’ helicopters
Your program will commence with a tour of the base to in a flight simulator and participate in Helicopter
orientate you to the facilities and key base personnel. You Underwater Escape Training (HUET) and an
will then have the opportunity to: opportunity to fly in a Navy helicopter.
• Explore HMAS Creswell, one of Navy’s most historic Location: Jervis Bay, New South Wales.
establishments, gaining an insight into the birth and
Dates: This is a five-day program. Dates are flexible within
history of the Australian Navy.
the parliamentary recess periods.
• Join the next generation of Navy’s leaders as part of
Participant Numbers: Five.
the Initial Entry Officer Course undertake training.
Medical Requirements: Participants are required
complete a medical self-assessment for review by a
Medical Officer prior to participation.
18Option 5
Exercise OCEAN EXPLORER 2020
OUTLINE
Exercise OCEAN EXPLORER 2020 is a training exercise
based on supported Annual Continuation Training
conducted by the Royal Australian Navy. Embarking
with the Task Group, you will observe Navy’s capability,
to operate a number of ships under one commander
and focus primarily on sea control operations. This may
include the full spectrum of maritime security operations
from diplomacy and international engagement, through
to humanitarian and disaster relief, constabulary and
peacekeeping operations and at the upper end of the
spectrum, warfighting.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
• Embark with a Navy Task Group for up to five days on
a warship and Navy’s support ship.
• Meet the highly skilled members of the Task Group as
they conduct operational planning in the context of
Whole-of-Government and inter-agency operations.
• Embed with the various ships’ departments to
experience and gain an understanding of the range of
crew responsibilities and experience what life at sea is
like for our Navy personnel.
• Be introduced to the work of Navy’s sailors
undertaking operations in support of a high-end
warfighting mission.
• This exercise is scheduled to occur in the Eastern
Australian Exercise Areas in 2020.
Location: Sydney, New South Wales.
Dates: 17 – 21 Feb.
Participant Numbers: Three.
Medical Requirements: Participants are required
complete a medical self-assessment for review by a
Medical Officer prior to participation.
19Australian Army
Before Federation, each of the Australian colonies had
their own armies composed of a mixture of regular (paid
full-time soldiers), militia (paid part-time soldiers), and
volunteer (unpaid part-time soldiers) units. In March 1901
the Commonwealth Government assumed responsibility
for defence matters and the colonial armies were merged
to form the Commonwealth Military Forces (CMF).
Throughout the next 47 years the Australian Military
Forces, as they soon became known, remained a part- Facing a severe manpower shortage due to the demands
time force of citizen soldiers with only a small regular of the Korean War and national service in a time of full
component. These forces were restricted to service on employment, enlistment for the Women’s Royal Australian
Australian territory. Two special volunteer forces, both Army Corps (WRAAC) recommenced in April 1951. By
known as the Australian Imperial Force, were formed for the late 1970s, female soldiers began to be integrated
service overseas during the two world wars. Citizens’ force into the Army at large and in early 1984, the WRAAC was
units did, however, serve in Australian and Australian- disbanded.
mandated territory in the Pacific during the Second World
War.
After the Second World War, the Australian Military Forces
were reorganised. The Australian Regular Army was
formed in September 1947; this was to be supported
by the reorganised Citizen Military Forces. This is the
structure that remains in place today, although the full-time
component of the army is much larger than it was in 1947
and the part-time component has shrunk considerably.
It is only since 1980 that the “Australian Army” has been
officially given this name.
The formation of the Australian Women’s Army Service
(AWAS) was authorised by Government on 13 August
1941 to, “release men from certain military duties for
employment in fighting units.” The AWAS was the only
non-medical women’s service to send personnel overseas
during the war; in 1944 and 1945 AWAS served in both
Dutch and Australian New Guinea. But by 30 June 1947
all members of the AWAS had been demobilised.
20Option 6
Exercise HAMEL 2020
OUTLINE
Exercise HAMEL 2020 is your opportunity to experience
the Army ‘in action’ by participating in the Army’s
major training activity for 2020. Exercise HAMEL is
Army’s capstone training activity for the year and will be
conducted at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland
over the period 3 – 21 August 2020. The exercise will
showcase Army’s capabilities in a challenging scenario
and will see Army’s 3rd Combat Brigade being tested in
the field. There will be a large international presence on the
activity as well, with elements from the New Zealand Army
and United Sates Army National Guard involved.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
With the Commander Forces Command and the Director
General Training and Doctrine as your hosts, you will be
immersed in a broad range of activities conducted as part • View how the Australian Army effectively integrates
of Exercise HAMEL 2020. You will have the opportunity and works with our allies on operations.
to: • Experience the majority of Army’s capabilities
• Experience an Australian Combat Brigade conducting preparing for a major activity in both live and
Force Integration Training (such as familiarisation simulated environments.
with Army aviation platforms) and the conduct of • Witness the conduct of land trials that inform ongoing
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance in the Land Projects delivered as part of government’s
exercise area prior to commencement of the exercise. Integrated Investment Plan.
• View the planning and integration conducted at the Location: Townsville, Queensland.
Brigade Headquarters to enable the conduct of Dates: 3 – 7 August.
operations on Exercise HAMEL.
Number of Participants: Five.
• Gain an understanding of the exercise command,
control and methodology to safely achieve the training Medical Requirements: Participants are required
and exercise objectives of approximately 12,000 complete a medical self-assessment prior to participation.
participants incorporating the friendly forces, the
adversary forces, other government agencies and the
logistical supporting forces.
21Option 7
Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme
OUTLINE
The intent for this option is to provide participants a
hands-on experience of the Army Aboriginal Community
Assistance Programme, which aims to improve the
environmental, health, training and infrastructure
conditions in remote Indigenous communities. In 2020,
the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme
will be supporting the Pormpuraaw Community, on the
west coast of the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland.
Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme is a
joint initiative between the National Indigenous Australians
Agency and the Australian Army. It supports Government’s
commitment to ‘Closing the Gap’.
Army’s Engineer involvement in the Army Aboriginal
• Participate in and observe community engagement
Community Assistance Programme includes the design,
and training activities which may include sporting
planning, coordination and control of engineering works
matches, hospitality training, healthy lifestyle
in the recipient community. In the last decade, this
seminars, music workshops, trade training and
involvement has extended to coordinating the health and
augmentation of the local health clinic.
veterinary training and support as well as the delivery of
certified and non-certified employability skills programs. • Observe construction tasks being delivered to the
Pormpuraaw community.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
Location: Pormpuraaw Community, Cape Your Peninsula,
Participants will be hosted by the Headquarters Staff of
Queensland.
the 17th Construction Squadron, a sub-unit of the 6th
Engineer Support Regiment. Participants will have the Indicative Dates: This is a five - seven day program,
opportunity to: conducted in the winter parliamentary recess.
• Experience living alongside servicemen men and Number of Participants: Two.
women of varying ranks and trades in Camp Birt, Medical Requirements: Participants are required
which houses the contingent of approximately 100 complete a medical self-assessment prior to participation.
personnel.
22Option 8
Combat Training Centre
OUTLINE
This is your opportunity to see the Army ‘ready’ to face
challenges to protect our national interests, as the Combat
Training Centre (CTC) delivers advanced collective combat
training to high readiness forces in order to prepare them
for specific operations and contingencies.
The Combat Training Centre’s motto for the CTC is ‘Know
yourself, know your enemy, know your environment’.
Accordingly, the CTC delivers advanced field training
exercises to a training audience who are fully integrated
into a training simulation system for that exercise, in order
to enhance realism. The focus for CTC is on the tactical
development of a Battle Group or Combat Team sized
• Learn about the rigorous training undertaken by
organisation in stressful and challenging environments. To
our soldiers which ensure they reach the highest
succeed the CTC constantly refreshes the problems given
standards.
to the training audience. By doing so they are individually
challenged and are collectively developed. As the Location: Townsville, Queensland.
contemporary operating environment evolves, so too will Dates: 19 – 23 October.
the training delivered at the CTC to ensure the Australian
Number of Participants: Five.
Army is ready for operations.
Medical Requirements: Participants are required
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
complete a medical self-assessment prior to participation.
With the Commandant Combat Training Centre and the
Commanding Officer of the Combat Training Centre-
Live as your hosts, you will witness the broad range of
scenarios and challenges our soldiers are prepared for.
You will have the opportunity to:
• Participate in simulated training test, ‘Australian
Soldier’.
• Witness the Australian Army in Motion – preparing for
future challenges it may face.
23Option 9
39th Operational Support Battalion
OUTLINE
This is your opportunity to ‘prepare for operations’ and
experience the life of an Australian Defence Force (ADF)
member who is preparing to deploy to the Middle East
Region. The 39th Operational Support Battalion trains and
prepares Australian Defence Force members who have
been selected to represent Australia in military operations.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
With the Commanding Officer of the 39th Operational
Support Battalion as your host, you will be immersed into
the broad range of activities conducted as part of force
preparation. You will have the opportunity to:
• Participate in both simulated and live weapon
practices, using the weapons of the Australian soldier.
• Participate in the cultural immersion program and
preparation that soldiers receive to prepare them for
the specific region they will deploy to.
• Participate in lessons delivered by recent veterans of
respective operations, who provide updates to their
respective deployments.
• Experience the life of an ADF member who receives
all the knowledge training and support they need to
safely and assuredly represent Australia in operations.
Location: Randwick Barracks, Randwick, New South
Wales.
Dates: This is a five day program. Dates are flexible within
the autumn and winter parliamentary recess periods.
Number of Participants: Five.
Medical Requirements: Participants are required
complete a medical self-assessment prior to participation.
24Option 10
2nd/30th Training Group Malaysia
OUTLINE
This is your opportunity to experience one of Australia’s
longest international engagement and training activities.
The 2nd/ 30th Training Group is the home of the collective
jungle training given to companies of Australian soldiers.
Additionally, this unit is one of the longest standing
international engagement activities Australia does with our
Commonwealth partners Malaysia.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
With the Commanding Officer as your host, you will be
immersed in the broad range of training and engagement
our soldiers do in the jungles of Malaysia with the
Malaysian Armed Forces. You will have the opportunity to: Location: Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia.
• Participate in a guided tour of Australian facilities at Dates: 29 June – 3 July and 28 September – 2 October.
Royal Malaysian Air Force Base, Butterworth.
Number of Participants: Five.
• Participate in field training and have the opportunity to
Medical Requirements: Participants are required to have
fire the weapons of an Australian soldier.
a General Practitioner complete a medical assessment
• Learn about the Australian military history in Malaysia. prior to participation.
• Learn about Australian training and operations in the Note: Participants are responsible for their own transport to and
South-east Asian Region. from Penang.
• Experience the day to day life of an Australian Soldier
while on training the Malaysian jungle. This includes
learning survival skills as part of a jungle patrol.
• Participate in a cultural tour of Penang City.
25Royal Australian Air Force
Military aviation was pioneered during the First World War.
During that war, both the armies and the navies of all the
major combatants operated aircraft. Late in the war, when
it was realised that aerial fighting was a distinct form of
warfare and not just an adjunct to land or sea operations,
some nations formed specialist air forces. Combining the
Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps, Great
Britain formed the Royal Air Force in 1918. Although,
the four squadrons of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC)
remained part of the Australian Imperial Force. In 1920,
the remnants of the AFC became the Australian Air Corps,
which in turn became the Royal Australian Air Force on 31
March 1921.
The Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) was
formed in March 1941 after considerable lobbying by
women keen to serve, and by the Chief of the Air Staff
who wanted to release male personnel serving in Australia
for service overseas. The WAAAF was the largest of the
Second World War women’s services. It was disbanded
in December 1947. A new Australian women’s air force
was formed in July 1950 and in November became the
Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF). The WRAAF
was disbanded in the early 1980s and female personnel
were absorbed into the mainstream RAAF.
26Option 11
RAAF Base Amberley
OUTLINE • Join Combat Support Group personnel for an insight
RAAF Base Amberley is the largest operational base in into the work that goes into keeping the Air Force
the Air Force, employing over 6,500 service and civilian operational, including observing how the Health
personnel. Amberley is home to five of the Air Force’s Services Wing set up an aero-medical evacuation
newest aircraft, including the EA-18G Growler, F/A-18F facility on the C-17A Globemaster.
Super Hornet, the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport, • Spend time with personnel at the RAAF School of Fire
C-17A Globemaster and C-27J Spartan. The base is and Security and gain hands-on experience under
also the Headquarters for Combat Support Group, which controlled conditions, with firefighting and the Panther
is responsible for air base services, command, control fire truck. Also take the opportunity to observe the
and management at fixed and expeditionary airbases military working dogs in training and the breeding
in support of air operations. RAAF Base Amberley’s program.
population also includes almost eight hundred Army
• Participate in a Protected Mobility Vehicle
personnel made up from the 9th Force Support Battalion,
(Bushmaster) familiarisation drive and conduct a
6th Engineer Support Regiment and Land 121 Training
weapons shoot at the Weapon Training Simulation
Wing.
System facility.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
Location: Ipswich, Queensland.
• Inspect RAAF Base Amberley’s airfield and join the air
Dates: This is a five day program. Dates are flexible within
traffic controllers in the tower as they separate aircraft
the autumn and spring parliamentary recess periods.
in a busy and challenging environment.
No of Participants: Four.
• View operating aircraft up close and observe how
they are maintained. Medical Requirements: Participants are required to have
pre-flight medical conducted by base medical staff prior to
• Visit Air Movements and get hands on experience
undertaking service aircraft flights.
preparing, loading or unloading a KC-30, C-17 or
C-27. Note: Aircraft flight is subject to successful completion of pre-
flight medical, physical restrictions of the aircraft and aircraft
• Participate in a C-17A, F/A-18F or KC-30A simulator.
availability
Take a familiarisation flight on a KC-30A Multi Role
Tanker Transport or a C-17A Globemaster.
• Join 35 Squadron aircrew and maintenance staff
for a guided tour of their new facilities and the
latest addition to the Amberley fleet, the C-27J
Spartan. Take the opportunity for a flight in the C-27
and observe the practice drop of a Humanitarian
Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies.
27Option 12
RAAF Base Williamtown
OUTLINE • Join the Number 1 Security Forces Squadron to
RAAF Base Williamtown is located north of Newcastle in experience how the Airfield Defence Guards and
New South Wales and is one of the Air Force’s busiest and Military Working Dog Teams operate.
most complex bases. The base includes Headquarters • Participate in a Protected Mobility Vehicle
Air Combat Group, responsible for developing and (Bushmaster) familiarisation drive and visit the
maintaining the expertise to competently operate world Weapon Training Simulation System, culminating in a
class fighter aircraft; Headquarters Surveillance and live fire shoot at the weapons range wearing full body
Response Group, which commands the Air Force’s armour.
airspace, and Air Battle Management Capability; • If an aircraft is available, join the Number 2 Squadron
and Combat Support Group, which provides airbase team to participate in a mission aboard an E-7
operations support functions and contingency response to Wedgetail surveillance aircraft.
national and international relief support tasks.
• Experience a simulated explosive ordnance demolition
A variety of aircraft permanently operate from RAAF Base activity using state of the art explosive detection
Williamtown, including the F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18 systems and personal protective equipment.
Hornet, the Hawk 127, E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early
Warning and Control aircraft and PC-9/A Pilatus Forward • Undertake a personal facilities tour and gain insight
Air Control aircraft. The Base is currently undergoing major into the $1.5b new Aircraft Combat Capability and
redevelopment works in conjunction with the introduction base infrastructure works program.
to service of the F-35A advanced fighter. Location: Newcastle, New South Wales.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM Dates: This is a four-day program, Dates are flexible within
• Join an aircraft maintenance team as they prepare the the spring parliamentary recess.
Hawk 127 or F/A-18 Hornet aircraft for the daily flying Number of Participants: Three.
program.
Medical Requirements: Participants are required to have
• Spend time in the Operations Room where the pre-flight medical conducted by base medical staff prior to
fighter control missions are conducted, and observe undertaking service aircraft flights.
a Mission Readiness Exercise for the Air Battle
Note: Aircraft flight is subject to successful completion of pre-
Managers in support of Middle East operations.
flight medical, physical restrictions of the aircraft and aircraft
• Observe the operation of air traffic controllers in the availability.
air traffic control tower and Approach Room, where
they provide services for Hawk 127, F/A-18 Hornet,
E-7, PC-9 and civilian passenger aircraft movements.
28Option 13
RAAF Bases Edinburgh And Woomera
OUTLINE • Tour the Test and Evaluation Directorate’s RAAF
RAAF Base Edinburgh is the largest military base in South Institute of Aviation Medicine to learn how aircrew are
Australia, employing approximately 3,000 personnel. trained in the effects of flight at high altitude and high
Located 25km north of Adelaide, the Base is home to “g-force”.
19 units, the largest 92 Wing which operate the P-8A • Conduct a one-day visit to RAAF Woomera and
Poseidon surveillance aircraft and regularly undertake a the Woomera Test Range to see where the RAAF
range of operational border security missions. Elements conducts weapon system test and evaluation.
of the Army’s 1st Brigade are garrisoned at RAAF Base
• Experience how the airfield defence guards and
Edinburgh including 1st Armoured Regiment and the 7th
military working dog teams operate.
Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
• Conduct a 1st Brigade (Army) experience including
RAAF Base Woomera is located approximately 450
an armoured fighting vehicle operations familiarisation
kilometres NNW of Adelaide and supports the Woomera
drive and visit the Weapon Training Simulation
Test Range which covers an area of approximately
System, culminating in a live fire shoot at the
122,188 square kilometres of land and airspace. Woomera
weapons range wearing full body armour.
Test Range operates in support of both Defence and
National objectives. Location: Elizabeth, north of Adelaide, South Australia.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM Dates: This is a five-day program, which can be modified
for a shorter duration if required. Dates are flexible within
• Help plan and brief a maritime surveillance mission at
the autumn parliamentary recess.
92 Wing. Learn how Air Force locates everything from
submarines to illegal fishing boats. Number of Participants: Three.
• Observe how Information Warfare Directorate Location: Elizabeth, South Australia.
produces targeting intelligence for precision guided Medical Requirements: Participants are required to have
munitions delivery. Also gain an understanding of the pre-flight medical conducted by base medical staff prior to
threat landscape in cyber warfare. undertaking service aircraft flights.
• Understand Number 1 Remote Sensor Unit’s role in Note: Aircraft flight is subject to successful completion of pre-
conducting wide area surveillance utilising Australia’s flight medical, physical restrictions of the aircraft and aircraft
world leading high-frequency Over-The-Horizon- availability.
Radar capability.
• Take a flight in a Test and Evaluation Directorate
PC21 and watch one of the Aircraft Research
and Development Unit’s highly skilled test pilots
demonstrate how they put the aircraft through its
paces before acceptance into service.
29Option 14
RAAF Bases Pearce and Learmonth
OUTLINE • Visit Number 2 Flying Training School’s state of the art
RAAF Base Pearce in Bullsbrook, Western Australia is facility, and participate in a simulator ride in a PC-21,
one of Air Force’s key flight training bases. The Base Australia’s newest training aircraft.
is responsible for graduating RAAF trainee pilots from • Get suited up as a pilot and participate in a scenic
Number 2 Flying Training School, and Singaporean pilots flight around the Perth surrounding area, and feel
from Number 130 Squadron. It also provides initial fast jet what it is like to be an Air Force Pilot.
aircraft conversion training via Number 79 Squadron. • Participate in the Hawk 127 simulator and gain an
RAAF Base Pearce is administered by Number 25 insight into how students’ progress onto a fast jet
Squadron, and provides crucial support for many engine aircraft.
Australian Defence Force operations and exercise’s • Travel to RAAF Learmonth, a Forward Operating
conducted within Western Australia. RAAF Base Pearce Base, to experience life on a remote RAAF Base.
also supports Navy and Army activities in the area. Flying opportunities may be available depending on
Number 25 Squadron is also responsible for supporting fight operations and training at the time.
operations from RAAF Base Learmonth (Exmouth).
Location: Perth, Western Australia.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM
Dates: This is a five-day program, which can be modified
• Inspect RAAF Base Pearce, the satellite airfield at for a shorter duration if required. Dates are flexible within
Gingin, meet staff and students at Number 2 Flying the spring parliamentary recess.
Training School, Number 79 Squadron, Number 25
Squadron, and the Pearce Health Centre. Number of Participants: Two.
• Visit Singapore Number 130 Squadron. Medical Requirements: Participants are required to have
pre-flight medical conducted by base medical staff prior to
• Observe a Military Working Dog display at Number 3 undertaking service aircraft flights.
Security Forces Squadron Detachment Pearce.
Note: Aircraft flight is subject to successful completion of pre-
• Visit Pearce’s new tower air traffic control tower and flight medical, physical restrictions of the aircraft and aircraft
see how aircraft are visually controlled within the availability.
circuit environment.
• Spend time in Perth Approach with military controllers
from Number 453 Squadron and see how aircraft
are controlled and separated via radar in some of
Australia’s busiest airspace.
30Option 15
RAAF Base East Sale
OUTLINE • Observe the operation of air traffic controllers in the
RAAF Base East Sale air traffic control tower as they
RAAF Base East Sale is located 220km south east of
provide air traffic services to separate aircraft in a
Melbourne, in Victoria’s Gippsland region and is the home
mixed training environment.
of Air Force officer training. All new officers attend the
Officers’ Training School for 17 weeks of initial training, • Experience air mission training including simulator
with aviation specialists moving to the Air Academy for activity with Air Mission Training School.
their next phase of training to become Defence pilots • Take a flight in a Pilatus PC-21 and observe how
and mission aircrew for a 5th Generation Air Force. Other the aircraft performs in a training and aerobatic
Base units include the Central Flying School, No 1 Flying environment.
Training School, School of Air Traffic Control, Air Mission
Training School and No 30 (Airbase Operations) Squadron. • Participate in a mission aboard a Beechcraft King Air
aircraft with Number 32 Squadron and Air Mission
Two aircraft types are permanently home based at RAAF Training School.
Base East Sale. No 32 Squadron operate the Beechcraft
Super King Air B300, as a Mission Aircrew training aircraft Location: Sale, Victoria.
and in the Air Logistic Support role. Central Flying School Dates: This is a four-day program, Dates are flexible within
and No 1 Flying Training School both operate the Pilatus the parliamentary recess periods.
PC-21 aircraft as part of the Pilot Training System. Number of Participants: Two.
INDICATIVE PROGRAM Medical Requirements: Participants are required to have
• Experience initial officer training including, teamwork pre-flight medical conducted by base medical staff prior to
and leadership training. undertaking service aircraft flights.
• Visit the Dutson Air Weapons Range including a visit Note: Aircraft flight is subject to successful completion of pre-
to indigenous heritage site and students in a field flight medical, physical restrictions of the aircraft and aircraft
environment. availability.
• Observe officer aircrew candidate selection processes
and experience simulators used for pilot training
system.
• Experience on-the job training requirements
for military Air Traffic Control including airspace
management and flight planning, for both a tower
and tactical environment. Take part in simulator
activities, including a state of the art 360 degree
tower simulator.
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