Trinity Grammar School Army Cadet Unit Annual Field Training 2015 AFT15 EX IDUS MARTIAE Dear Parents, The following document is the Joining Instructions for the Trinity Grammar School Annual Field Training Exercise running from 15 th to 19 th March for the main body - (Advance & Rear Party 14 th to 20 th March). The document is a précis of the official information we need to supply to the Australian Army Cadets and other organisations. I have attempted to make it as parent friendly and less esoteric as possible. This Activity Instruction contains a number of important sections. Therefore this document should be carefully read by all cadets, to enable them to prepare thoroughly for AFT15, with assistance from parents where necessary. Particular attention is drawn to the Medical Form. You would have received by email a request to review and update the medical information that the School has for your son. Please ensure that all current medications with dosage amounts and frequencies along with any special dietary needs are listed on this form. Completed/updated forms MUST be submitted online by no later than Friday 27th February. This is to ensure safe planning and risk management of the AFT15. If there are any questions please address them to your Company Commander or to my office (02 9581 6167). Your prompt action in attending to the completion and return of requested information would be greatly appreciated. Yours faithfully HEATH DE LANY LT (AAC) Officer Commanding/Exercise Commander (EX CMDR)
TGSACU-AFT-15 ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION TRINITY GRAMMAR SCHOOL ARMY CADET UNIT (TGSACU) ANNUAL FIELD TRAINING (AFT) SINGLETON 15 March 19 March 2015 REFERENCES: TGSACU Training Instruction TY 10/14 TGSACU Parade Card 2014 (TGS Record Book 2014) Australian Army Cadet Training Management Package (TMP) May 02 Australian Army Cadet Policy Manual 2004 TIB 83 - Risk Management Manual of Occupational Health and Safety Army 1996 (MOHS A) SITUATION The AFT for 2015 will be conducted in the Singleton Military Area (SMA). The exercise involves exploration, observation and search. On arrival to Singleton five companies will deploy into the field and conduct operations within their designated area. An Advance Party of cadets will depart school on Saturday 14 March. Participants in the Advance Party will receive additional instructions. The Main Body of the Unit will assemble at TGS at 8:00am Sunday morning 15 March and will return to TGS at 8.00pm Thursday 19 March. An Advance Party will load and depart by 10am Saturday morning 14 March. A Rear Party will remain at Singleton on 19 March and return on 20 March. The purpose will be to recondition and return stores NLT 3:00pm on Friday 20 March. On completion of a successful AFT, nominated personnel will be eligible to progress to the next level of their cadet experience. AIM The aim of this instruction is to outline the details of the AFT and to assist you in preparing for the camp. Important administrative matters are also covered, and it is your responsibility to ensure that all necessary action is taken. Cadets who disrupt and hinder the progress of others will be attached to Command HQ for the duration of the AFT. The aim of the AFT is to confirm that all participants have reached a designated standard. These standards are outlined below: 1. Allow cadets the opportunity to show competency in all the activities undertaken during AFT; 2. Provide the opportunity for cadets and staff to live cooperatively in the field; 3. Provide the opportunity for cadets to develop teamwork under difficult and challenging conditions; 4. To provide a variety of exercise experience so as to conform with Unit outcomes; 5. Provide the opportunity to develop leadership qualities, particularly knowledge, initiative and pastoral care; 6. Provide the opportunity to identify leaders with positive values, attitudes, beliefs and knowledge for future activities; 7. To develop a sense of responsibility towards other people and equipment; and 8. To provide a sense of belonging to an organisation with common interests.
OBJECTIVES To gain proficiency in: The attainment of the Unit Lanyard o Unit Lanyard Cadets in Year 9 are eligible, on AFT, to be assessed for their Unit Lanyard. o The Unit Lanyard is a significant achievement which indicates that the individual has gained practical and theoretical competencies in Navigation, Fieldcraft, RATEL and First Aid to a level appropriate to a trained cadet of two years experience. Navigation; Field craft including survival skills and field hygiene; Radio communications (RATEL); Patrolling and Tracking field signals, formations up to company level, harbour drill, marrying up and challenging; Camouflage and Concealment; First Aid; Safety; Hygiene; Field Structures Leadership; and Developing strategies through sound decision making and reliable intelligence. LOCATIONS All activities will be conducted on or adjacent to Department of Defence Land in the Singleton Military Area. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation utilises tents and hutchies. The EX CMDR TGSACU will confirm these arrangements in the final pre-camp briefing. MESSING (Food) There will be a combination of fresh rations and ration packs over the course of the activity. Cadets with specific dietary needs are to liaise with Mrs O Bree in the Curriculum Office prior to camp to ensure that their specific needs are met. Cadets and staff are to bring their own KFS (Cutlery Knife, Fork and Spoon set) and tea towel in a cloth bag and clearly labeled with name. LESSONS The training programme includes a mix of practical and some theory. A full programme for each platoon will be issued at the beginning of camp. All Cadets must bring a notepad and pen with them to AFT. Ideally, the notepad will be such that it will fit in the shirt or trouser pocket of their cadet uniform. In the field, cadets will have to make use of hutchies and lanterns if night time lessons are to be conducted.
KEY APPOINTMENTS The Key Appointments for AFT15 are: EX CMDR OPSO Logistics Field Engineer Quartermaster Catering Adjutant A Coy OIC B Coy OIC C Coy OIC D Coy OIC E Coy OIC SPT Coy OIC Medical School Nurse Regimental Medical Officer RMO LT (AAC) H De Lany MAJ (AAC) G Stefanovic MAJ (AAC) G Dennis LT (AAC) M Waters 2LT (AAC) N Dimarchos 2LT (AAC) A Folli Mrs A O Bree 2LT (AAC) S Vazouras 2LT (AAC) D Chu Mr D Burr 2LT (AAC) B Lammiman OIT C Vanden Hengel 2LT (AAC) D Chilton OIT T Turner-Jones 2LT (AAC) P McKay OIT A Hunt OIT M Hanna OIT M Dunbar OIT M Huie OIT P Roser MAJ (AAC) T Barden 2LT (AAC) E Habkouk OIT A Simpson Mrs K Brooks Mr D. Kukic There will also be a number of TGS fathers assisting with Camp Logistics, and they will be based at staff HQ.
TRANSPORT Movement of the Main Body will be by Coaches. Convoy Orders are to be issued prior to Advance Party and Main Body departing various areas. MAJ (AAC) G Dennis is responsible for issuing Convoy Orders. All cadets leaving with the Main Body on Sunday, 15 March are to ensure they are on parade (TGS Oval No. 1) in their platoons ready for rolls to be marked, NLT 0810 hrs by Staff. This will ensure prompt roll marking and departure. Parents are asked to assist in ensuring punctual arrival. Collection of boys from school at conclusion of AFT2015 o NO boys are to be picked up directly from buses on Thursday 19th March. o Cadets will ONLY be dismissed after all Company rolls are marked. o Parents are strongly encouraged to arrive NLT 2000hrs at TGS and utilise the carpark (under Number 2 Oval). o It is imperative that staff complete their platoon roll call prior to departure with parents. PHYSICAL FITNESS Physical Fitness and stamina will be an important part of this AFT. There will be an amount of walking and all members of TGSACU should plan to be reasonably fit by the time AFT arrives. Anyone incapable of participating in physical activities will be located at field HQ. These personnel will assist with the administrative running of the exercise. DRESS AND EQUIPMENT Cadets are required to bring all equipment detailed at ANNEX A. Each cadet is to ensure that he has an individual emergency (space) blanket, compass, protractor and basic first aid kit (ANNEX A). MEDICAL Even though medical support for the AFT is strong, cadets should endeavour to apply common sense when moving throughout the Singleton Military Training Area. Medical support will be provided by our School Nurse Mrs Katie Brooks and Mr Darko Kukic (parent volunteer) while TGSACU is in the field. Both Mrs Brooks and Mr Kukic are R.N. Singleton Hospital is no more than twenty minutes drive away. The Hospital is aware that we will be in the area. A Safety Vehicle will be allocated to locations for the duration of the AFT. Where a Safety Vehicle is used to provide medical support, another vehicle will be detached to that company, from the pool of vehicles, until the original vehicle returns. Tnet links to the Medical and Consent forms have been emailed to all parents requesting that they be completed and submitted online by 27th February. If you believe that you may not have completed a Medical and/or Consent form for your son, please contact Mrs Annette O Bree, Cadet Adjutant on 9581 6135. Parents should notify the EX CMDR, in writing, of any medical condition of their son, which might require treatment during the course of the camp. Cadets on medication are to secure their prescription medication with the School Nurse Mrs Brooks, prior to departure on Sun 15 March at TGS on N0. 1 Oval. Prescription medications required during AFT are to be administered by appropriate staff. Medical care will be provided at the Regimental Aid Post (RAP) which will remain attended for the duration of the AFT.
RATIONS The Ration Plan is given in ANNEX B. Rations will be a mix of 1PRPs and fresh rations. Unless approval has been given by the CO in consultation with parents of cadets with food allergies, cadets will NOT bring their own food to camp. The only snacks allowed may include two small packets of glucose type lollies. There are plenty of rations and fresh fruit, and cadets must learn how to use their ration packs fully and properly. They are designed for this purpose, and cadets who bring and consume junk food tend to waste the rations purchased for them, and more importantly do not take in a reasonable balance of nutrition and energy suitable to field exercises. There will NOT be a stop on the way up to Singleton, nor on the way back for food. Cadets are required to bring a cut lunch with them on Sunday 15 March. This can simply be carried in a plastic bag labelled with his name because it will go into a box in the undercarriage tray. Please note some products in the ration packs are known to have certain traces of nuts. Therefore if a cadet is aware they have an allergy to nuts their parents or guardians must contact the Cadet Adjutant Mrs Annette O Bree (on 9581 6135) to discuss alternative ration arrangements. The Australian Army Cadets advises that: The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is unable to provide a severe food allergy free environment (such as from peanuts) in relation to the consumption of food during cadet activities. Such a risk may be life threatening for people who suffer from a severe food allergy. It may be in the member s best interest not to participate in the proposed activity, or to provide, at their own expense, sufficient food to cover the duration of the activity. COMMUNICATIONS Communications on Singleton Range can vary. As a means of safety and in an effort to maintain a smooth running exercise two levels of communications will be used: o TGSACU VHF rechargable handhelds with a range of 4-5 km. Use of a 6 metre pump up antennae will extend this range further; o Mobile phones (staff only). Cadets are NOT permitted to bring mobile phones on camp. Any enquiries relating to the AFT prior to departure should be made initially through the Cadet Adjutant, Mrs Annette O Bree on 9581 6135. TGSACU Field HQ will be contactable by phone during the AFT. The contact number will be made available to parents prior to the camp departing. STORES Instructors are to ensure that they have an appropriate supply of pens, pencils, notepaper, etc. in order to conduct their lesson. If not then they are to indent for them through the chain of command. CSMs are to ensure that they have all their Coy s stores list complete and to their CQMS NLT Friday 27 th February otherwise no guarantee will be made for your stores. CUOs stores list for lessons and exercise will also be submitted NLT Friday 27 th February. Cadets may be issued additional equipment for AFT15. In cases of neglect of issued equipment, cadets will be required to pay for items that are either lost or damaged. Cadets are required to report (in writing) loss or damage of issued items to the QM as soon as the loss or damage is noticed. They will then be required to fill out a Lost or Damaged report. LESSONS Instructors who are not prepared for lessons will have it noted by OOC's and Staff. There are a number of backup lessons that CUOs may use to fill in gaps should the need arise. The preparation for these lessons is just as important as the programmed lessons. This is a vital leadership responsibility of all Senior Cadets in Year 12.
SAFETY AND DISCIPLINE A safety brief will be delivered to the cadets on arrival on the Range and it is essential that cadets adhere to all range safety directives. Safe handling of fire requires a common sense approach. Fires, when permitted, will only be done in the presence of a staff member and with his/her permission. The lighting of hexamine is to be done with care after clearing a one metre squared area around the hexamine stove. Irresponsible behaviour can lead to serious injury. Any cadet who misuses the privilege of independently lighting hexamine tablets for their own cooking purposes will spend the remainder of the camp at Command HQ. Knives: Cadets are NOT allowed to bring a knife of any description other than one used for eating (cutlery knife). Failure to comply in this regard is likely to result in significant disciplinary action for the cadet involved from the Unit and the School. Fireworks or lasers of any kind are extremely dangerous, as well as being illegal, and are not permitted under any circumstances on AFT15 or any other Cadet activity. Failure to comply in this regard is likely to result in significant disciplinary action for the cadet involved from the Unit and the School. Department of Defence regulations apply in relation to all activities in the SMA. Gas BBQ facilities may only be used for cooking some meals when operated and supervised by a staff member. School rules, Cadet Code of Conduct, and TGSACU Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) will apply. Offences against these rules will be dealt with according to School policy. AFT begins on arrival at TGS and only ends after dismissal into parent care at TGS. The use of alcohol, tobacco products, other chemical substances or pornographic material, is absolutely prohibited. Abuse of medicines (whether prescription or not) is similarly prohibited. Failure to comply in this regard is likely to result in significant disciplinary action for the cadet involved from the Unit and the School. Cadets who do not follow reasonable instructions from rank or staff will be counselled to modify their behaviour accordingly. Continued poor performance, wilfully unsafe behaviour or insubordination will be documented in a written report. Cadets who continually disrupt an activity, hinder the progress of others after warnings, will be attached to Command HQ for the duration of AFT and then disciplined on return to TGS. Ongoing misbehaviour could result in the cadet immediately being returned to school. Any additional expenses incurred in dealing with ongoing misbehaviour will be billed to the boy s account. Positive performance during training is highly prized within TGSACU. Rank and cadet staff are strongly encouraged to document such performance, which should be passed through the Chain of Command to the Coy OIC. Where a cadet attains 5 or more of these over the course of AFT, a commendation from the Commanding Officer will be noted through the awarding of a TGSACU Certificate of Merit for AFT. DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT There will exist a zero tolerance toward anyone on the AFT with respect to harassment (BULLYING) and discrimination. Should anyone believe that they have been discriminated against or harassed, they should as soon as possible report the incident to a staff member who MUST then notify the appointed Harassment and Discrimination Officer MAJ (AAC) Dennis. SECURITY It is the responsibility of each cadet to ensure the security of personal equipment while on the AFT. Only bring items that are essential for the camp. You should secure your personal items at ALL times; staff are not responsible for personal items. Mobile phones are NOT allowed and should be left at home. While in SMA, TGSACU staff who are also qualified Officers of Cadets (OOCs) are to carry their AAC ID on them, and, when required, will show their pass to an authorised person from the SMA.
The current Security Alert is Safe Base Bravo. Should the Safe Base alert level change you will be notified immediately and informed as to the course of action. As part of Safe Base Bravo each cadet will need to be aware and briefed on the conditions that apply when attending AFT at SMA. A Briefing will be given on arrival by EX CMDR or his delegate. VISITORS There will be a number of senior staff from the School, as well as the AAC, who intend to visit TGSACU in the field. Cadets should be prepared to respond thoughtfully to questions that guests to the camp might pose to them. Parents/NOK who will not be at their usual address during the course of AFT are asked to provide alternative contact details to the EX CMDR at their earliest convenience prior to AFT, to facilitate final planning and arrangements for the week. SANITATION Portaloos will be located around the training area. Company commanders are to ensure that their company is located in close proximity to these facilities, and that they are cleaned regularly and well maintained. Portaloos are there as part of the essential services and are therefore not part of the exercise and are not to be tampered with. CONCLUSION The philosophy within TGSACU is that sound, timely preparation and a positive attitude are prerequisites to success. Those cadets giving lessons should ensure that they have a backup cadet to take their lesson at short notice. They should also have sufficient stores for their lesson. Emphasis is placed on the safe and effective conduct of training. Leadership within TGSACU is to be characterised by both courage and humility. Cadets in positions of responsibility are strongly encouraged to reflect on the concept of servant leadership prior to AFT and discuss with cadet staff if required prior to the exercise. Ensure that you are prepared to contribute to AFT and pass on your experience. I look forward to being with you all and meeting the challenges ahead. H De Lany EX CMDR TGSACU ANNEXES: a. Dress and Equipment b. Ration Plan
DRESS AND EQUIPMENT 1. All cadets and staff who have a full issue of military clothing and equipment from the TGSACU Q- store when they first joined the Unit are to bring the following issued items: Table 1: TGSACU-Issued Clothing and Equipment List MUST BRING Serial Item Qty Comment 1 Belt 1 Green 2 Boots Pair Brown (as issued). These boots are intended to be worn with long, padded socks. 3 Bush Hat 1 DPCU hat. Cadets who have lost their bush hat will have to provide a replacement at their own cost. 4 Jumper 1 Khaki/DPCU 5 Rank Insignia Pair Issued badges of rank as appropriate for the status / rank of the cadet 6 AAC Insignia LHS & RHS 7 Shelter Individual ALL cadets should ensure that all shirts and jumper have both the oval shaped blue insignia patches (AAC & AAC NSW) sewn on firmly, 1 cm from the point of the shoulder. The AAC patch goes on the LHS, the AAC NSW patch goes on the RHS. 1 Issued hutchie. No other types of tent are to be used on field exercise (unless a hutchie has not been issued to the cadet from Q-store in this case a 2-man tent may be used) 8 Shirt 2 The issued Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU) shirt (also called a coat) is to be worn with the sleeves down. It is a coat and worn out over the trousers. Shirt collar is to be pressed flat at front. Ensure all buttons are firmly sewn on. 9 Trousers 2 DPCU trousers. They are to be bloused over the boots (so as to keep them tidy and to assist in keeping out vermin). Ensure all buttons are firmly sewn on. 10 Water bottle 2 Ensure lid seals properly and there are no leaks 11 Water bottle covers 2 Green or Khaki ensure it can be attached properly to belt
Table 2: Other Clothing and Equipment List (NOT issued) MUST BRING Serial Item Qty Comment 1 1 st Aid Kit 1 See below (including all weather space blanket) 2 Back Pack 1 Use own back pack or sports bag (or equivalent) if not issued 3 Bed roll 1 Thermarest or foam equivalent for comfort and insulation on cold/hard ground 4 Compass 1 Inexpensive Silva type with inbuilt protractor & Roma 5 Cord 1 Qty Light weight synthetic chord is used to set up hutchie 6 Cup 1 Cup canteen or dixies for heating water 7 Day Pack 1 To carry extra water, food or equipment when on activities 8 Garters 2 pair Used to blouse trousers over boots (Bands) 9 Ground Sheet 1 Ensure material is not flimsy and cannot tear easily Hutchies CANNOT be used for ground sheets 10 Insect 1 Roll-on is most convenient Repellent 11 KFS Set Knife, Fork and Spoon set. Light weight but strong is best. 12 Paper, pens 1 For taking notes, navigation calculations & messages 13 Personal Wipes Qty Wet Ones personal wipes are very handy to have when in the bush 14 Plates Set Breakfast bowl and flat dinner plate: robust plastic, aluminium or Lexan are all fine, as are dixies. DO NOT bring ceramics or disposables. 15 Raincoat 1 A cadet who is wet and cold can become miserable rather quickly 16 Runners 1 Pair One old pair to get wet & muddy; in plastic bag 17 Shorts 1 Football shorts are suitable essential for water based activities 18 Sleeping Bag 1 Nights in March at Singleton could be cool. Light weight, and suitable for the cooler temperature is strongly recommended. 19 Socks 5 Pair Military issue or fluffy hike socks of similar type. Wool is the preferred material. Socks will be folded over the top of the boots to minimize rubbing and avoid the socks being pulled under the foot by the physical exertions of the wearer. 20 T Shirt 1 Company Colour (refer to cadet noticeboard) essential for water based activities 21 Tea Towel 1 In a cloth KFS Dixie bag 22 Tent Pegs 8-12 Small (eg 150mm long), steel pegs aluminium is usually too soft 23 Toiletries Set Include small amounts of soap, tooth paste, tooth brush, comb, face washer and shaving equipment (if necessary). 24 Torch 1 A head torch is recommended plus spare batteries 25 Towel 1 Light weight absorbent chamois variety is also acceptable 26 Underwear 5 sets Cotton (not synthetic) as cotton breaths and does not chaff 27 Plastic Garbage Bags 4 These are useful for water-proofing a cadet kit 1 Okkie straps are banned due to risks of injury to the eyes
2. The following equipment may be brought to AFT at the cadet s discretion: Table 3: Other Clothing and Equipment List OPTIONAL Serial Item Qty Comment 1 Camouflage Qty Check before AFT to ensure that this cream does not irritate your skin cream 2 Webbing 1 Webbing consists of: one belt, one comforter (padding for belt), one harness (braces-like item), two water bottles, one bum pack, two ammo pouches. 3 Yowie Suit Qty Trained cadets and rank only material for making a Yowie suit e.g. old DPCU uniform (NOT issued one), mesh vest, light hessian, potato sack, old cam net or scrim. 4 Jacket 1 DPCU or Khaki for additional warmth 1 st Aid Kit 3. TGSACU Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) state that each member of the unit is encouraged to have a personal First Aid Kit (at own cost). This personal 1 st Aid Kit should be small, compact (eg 100mm*100mm*50mm), inexpensive and held in a watertight case (eg plastic pouch / bag). Ideally it includes items such as: Table 4: 1st Aid Kit - Recommended List of Items Serial Item Detail 1 Triangular Sling for arm / shoulder bandage 2 Band aids To keep dirt out of superficial wounds 3 Saline single use vial/s eg cleaning eyes or superficial wounds solution 4 Antiseptic single use pads designed to minimise risk of infection or cuts and abrasions eg Betadine pads 5 Sun Screen Assists in countering sun damage / sun burn 6 Blister Blockers Expensive but extremely effective single use artificial skin pads that are excellent in treating and /or preventing blisters on young heals that are wearing heavy boots for the first time. 7 Safety pins To secure bandages 8 Space blanket To assist in avoiding hypothermia and /or treat shock (these are freely available and made of inexpensive light-weight foil) 9 Tweezers Light weight plastic tweezers are fine 10 Plastic bag These are useful for a myriad of uses such as covering a bandage to keep out dirt or as a receptacle for rubbish. 11 Elastic Bandage Pressure bandage (useful for snake bite and a range of lesser wounds)
ANNEX B TO TGSACU AFT15 DATED FEBRUARY 2015 RATION PLAN SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI MEAL DAY 0 DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 14 MAR 15 MAR 16 MAR 17 MAR 18 MAR 19 MAR 20 MAR BRKFAST Adv Pty: Cereal, Bacon Eggs, Bread Cereal, Bread, Fruit A1 & B1 A1, A3, B1, B3 Cereal, Bread, Fruit (ALL) Cereal, Bread, Fruit A3 & B3 Rear Pty: Cereal, Bread, Fruit LUNCH ADV PTY: Take away (Cessnock) Adv Pty Sandwiches MAIN BODY Own cut lunch in transit Bread, cold meat, salad, snack bar A1 & B1 A1, A3, B1, B3 Bread, cold meat, salad, snack bar (ALL) (early) Bread, cold meat, salad, snack bar A3 & B3 Rear Pty: Take away, enroute DINNER Adv Pty: BBQ meat, salad, tinned fruit Chicken Stir Fry, Rice, Vegetables, Fruit A1 & B1 A1, A3, B1, B3 Beef Stir Fry, Noodles, Vegetables, Fruit (ALL) Pasta, Mince, Vegetables, Fruit A3 & B3 (early) BBQ sausage, Vegie sausage, Fruit, Snack bar Rear Party: Italian 1. Ration packs are known to have certain traces of nuts. Therefore if a cadet or parent/guardian is aware their son may have an allergy to nuts, parents or guardians must contact the Cadet Adjutant, Mrs Annette O Bree on 9581 6135 to discuss alternative ration arrangements, which may include provision of alternative rations by the cadet for AFT. 2. Fresh Fruit and Bread will always be available. 3. Snack Bars will normally be of the muesli bar variety. 4. Fresh rations are picked up from Woolworths in Cessnock.