Association news

• 5/7 RAR to unlink.
  
  5/7RAR will split into two mechanised infantry battalions, 8/9RAR will be re-raised, 3RAR will be re-roled to light infantry and Army will get a further 2600 soldiers – all before 2008. Under the new announcement, 5/7RAR will split into two battalions, both mechanised, M113-mounted and under the command of 1 Bde. Both are projected to be fully-manned by 2008 and deployable within two years. 5RAR will remain in Darwin, and 7RAR will be located in Adelaide in the new barracks being built adjacent to RAAF Edinburgh. 3RAR, which had been earmarked last December to be re-roled as the second mechanised battalion under HNA, will now be re-roled as a light infantry battalion and will eventually move to Townsville under command of 3 Bde.“When we learnt that there would be two additional battalions it made sense that with the mechanised culture resident in 5/7RAR, rather than completely re-role 3RAR we would split 5/7RAR,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.
  The Army Newspaper 7 Sep 06.
  
  

• The Australian Defence medal.
  
  Ex-serving personnel who have served for four years (or have completed a lesser initial enlistment period) either as an ADF Regular or Reserve member since the end of World War II (3 September 1945) are eligible for the medal.

  Eligibility for the medal has been extended to those personnel who:

  have died in service; or
  have been medically discharged with a compensatory impairment at the time of their discharge, thus rendering them unable to serve the required minimum qualifying period; or
  have honourably served but, due to some Defence workplace enlistment policies of the time (as determined by the Chief of the Defence Force), were unable to serve the required minimum qualifying period.

  National servicemen will also be eligible for the ADM, as the completion of their National Service obligation will be considered as completion of an initial enlistment period of service.

  How to apply for the ADM
  Current serving full-time members will be assessed automatically in line with the new process for assessing long service awards through PMKeys.

  Applications are now being invited from eligible personnel. These should be made direct to the Directorate of Honours and Awards, Department of Defence.

  The application form for the ADM is available from the RSL and other Ex-Service Organisations.

  It is important that applicants provide proof of service with their application. This can include a certified true copy (no originals please) of their Certificate of Service or Discharge Certificate or any other official documents which confirm the length of their service. Providing these documents will greatly speed up the assessment process for the medal. Ex-serving personnel who do not have certificates of service or other supporting documentation, should not contact CARO, Navy records or RAAF records. Their applications should be submitted to DHA regardless, who will then contact the service archives on behalf of applicants to conduct an assessment.

  Individuals who have already applied, usually by letter or email, and whose applications have been acknowledged, do not need to reapply.

  Directorate of Honours and Awards’ Contact Details The Directorate of Honours and Awards can be contacted directly either through a toll-free number 1800 111 321, via e-mail on dpe.honoursandawards@defence.gov.au or at

  Directorate of Honours and Awards
  T-1-49
  Department of Defence
  CANBERRA ACT 2600

  Each enquiry should provide as much information as possible to enable the Directorate of Honours and Awards to answer questions more effectively.

• "Allan Christie of the City of Newcastle Pipes Band passed away today at 6am after a long illness. His funeral will be on Thursday May 12 at 2pm at Petigrew's, Wallsend. Opposite the RSL Club."

  Allan performed with 5/7 RAR Pipes and Drums at the Bicentenial Tattoo in 1988 and was a member of the RACT Pipes and Drums for many years. While not a member of the band he had many friends amonst the ex-members and I feel it worthy to remember him here. The Webmaster 09 May 2005
  
  

• Artist David Manning has produced several highly detailed prints for the Pipes and Drums. These are available at his web site at extremely reasonable prices and are a must for Ex members and supporters.
  
  www.militaryart.com.au
  
  

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