What's New
The last Battalion Newsletter was posted directly to our member's families in May 2009. Some articles from the newsletter are below.
ARTICLES FROM MAY 2009 NEWSLETTER
FROM THE DESK OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER
Lieutenant Colonel Jason Walk
As mentioned in the previous Battalion newsletter, I believe it very important to keep families informed of work-related activity that will impact on family life. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide the families of 7th Combat Service Support Battalion members with an update of upcoming activities and in particular, information regarding the major exercise period for this year.
To date, our expectations of a high training tempo, both in barracks and in the field have proven accurate, with numerous support tasks being successfully completed by detachments from the Battalion. Nevertheless, as mentioned in the previous newsletter, the major exercise period for the Battalion is scheduled to commence in late May and conclude in late July. Specifically, the majority of unit personnel should expect to deploy on the 28 May. The first exercise period will conclude by the 30 June and most personnel will have the opportunity to return home for a short period. The second exercise period will require personnel to depart on the 8 July and personnel are expected to return home by no later than 01 August.
There will be a requirement for a small number of unit personnel to remain within the exercise area between the first and second exercise period to undertake remediation of equipment. Consequently, it will be primarily maintenance staff that need to remain for this purpose. Importantly, we will endeavour to inform individuals as soon as possible, as to whether they are required to remain in the exercise area for this purpose.
I stress that the dates I have provided are planning dates and therefore subject to change. If possible, you should avoid the conduct of significant activities, which require the attendance of your Service family member, close to these dates.
Over the exercise period, personnel will be deploying to Shoal Water Bay Training Area, north of Rockhampton, Queensland. Personnel will be unable to be reached directly and Unit contact details are provided within this newsletter. These should be used to reach your Service family member in the event of an emergency. Alternately, rear details staff are available via these numbers and may be able to offer limited assistance.
Families should use this time prior to the exercise period to prepare for the absence of their Service family member. This may include ensuring appropriate financial arrangements are in place.
I recommend the use of the Defence Community Organisation and Defence Families of Australia for any personal matters that may arise with which you need assistance or support during the absence of your Service family member. The contact details of these agencies are also contained within this newsletter.
It was fantastic to see the number of families in attendance at the Battalion's ANZAC Day services, and it was a reminder of the vital role that families play in supporting their Service members. I hope this newsletter proves useful in assisting families to continue to provide their valuable support.
FROM THE DESK OF THE REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR
Warrent Officer Class One Shane Thurlow
I am sure everyone is asking the same question but where has the year gone? I write this article at the start of the second third of the year and have to pause to look back at how busy and productive we have been. As I wrote my first article I, like many new members was still getting my feet under the table and gearing up for upcoming events. Now as I write this one we are all just powering full steam ahead. As I look back the day to day work continues and there have been three major activities from my perspective.
In March I and the Company Sergeant Majors took the Corporals and Lance Corporals away for a week of training. The first three days encouraged trust, teamwork and mentoring and was from my point of view very successful. The Thursday involved a team building and confidence activity and while everyone will take their own memory with them, a couple stick in my mind. Nothing was more funny or demonstrated confidence when LCPL (Stretch) Barber dived off the 15 foot tower and head butted the hanging ball. But perhaps the best memory was of those people who to some degree conquered their own fear of heights and battled through to complete activities. Whilst there were some nervous tears or screams and more than enough profanity the goal of not saying "I can't" was well and truly achieved.
On 25 April, the Battalion gave up a well deserved weekend to pay respect to those who have gone before us. Whilst it is inbuilt in us to celebrate ANZAC day every year it was very pleasing to see the amount of families at our Dawn Service. There will be only a few occasions where the whole Battalion and their families will be able to get together this year so I encourage you to take every opportunity there is. The service itself went off very well and I am sure all soldiers of the Battalion were more than happy to sit back and let the Officers put on the Catafalque Party, and from all the soldiers I say thank you. The march through Brisbane was again something to behold, I can only hope that the soldiers took the time to look around to enjoy and appreciate the public support. I will take this opportunity to thank all those who had speeches or readings to conduct at the service and to all the cooks who put on an excellent Breakfast and Lunch. Lastly but certainly not in the least to the Padre, who without his help and guidance within his realm of expertise the service would not have been the success it was.
The last week in April saw MAJ Schmidt and I head off to the Soldier Career Management Agency to talk about careers and postings. I believe the trip was successful for both the Battalion and the soldiers individually. As I write this article back briefings should have started. Please be aware that what you will be briefed on is still just the "PLAN", there are still a number of things happening at SCMA that could affect postings going forward. I would encourage you to take the information you have right now and start discussing with your families what it means for all of you. Postings and change can be disruptive to families at the best of times but I have found that the more notice that can be given enables everyone to make informed decisions and plan well in advance for the move.
In closing whilst the Battalion will be very busy over the next few months, time with family and friends will always make it go quicker. If you have any suggestions on the newsletter or for better integration of families please do not hesitate to let us know.