1st June 2001 till
" Time Marches On "
The WEEK in Review
Well fellas kinda had a busy weekend as i was lucky enough to be part of the 9 Sqn reunion at Williamtown on saturday 2nd of June Thanks to Brian Dirou for allowing myself to be part of this, i wish him and the rest of the guys from 9 Sqn all the success in their attempts at getting a 9 Sqn Association Web Site up and on the go.
Please checkout the Door Gunners Web Site for more photo's and the fantastic Art work, to the Artist a Thank You for doing such a great job of showing Bushrangers in Action the attention to detail is fantastic .
Regards the POM
Well Fellas i need a few more current photo's of more current ADGies as this is no Old Fellas Club you know
More Names to hand
Gday Pom,
I shall name the faces again, on the left is the then SGT, now FSGT Steve"Brash" Brasher, and on the right standing is the then Cpl, now SGT Peter "Marshy" Marsh. Probably taken about 94-95 whilst both of them were at 2AFDS. Interesting part both of them and myself have all been the 2AFDS Signals SNCO at different times.
Dave Gay
FSGT ADG
Tropical Darwin.
PS
How about some fellas from the Rifle Flight of ADGies telling us about time here and at Tindal, late 60,s early 70,s?
Are you trying to Stare me Down ??
Gday Ratch sorry but i don't know whose the other ADGie is
Thanks from Barry
Hi there I just went into The Electronic Blue Beret and saw another photo of
my brother and some of the other Adgies' , Lawrie sent me another photo of
Trev and I am ever so pleased as I have very few photos and now have another
two , thank you both so very much . It means an awful lot to me .
Regards and best wishes . Barry Petith .
Thats what mates are for.
The POM
Change of Address for Bubby Mitchells Dad
. Bubby's new email Address...jmitche6@bigpond.net.au
Newcastle March Photo About 1992-3-4 ??
Our Brothers Struttin their Stuff
Not real sure of the year but this was the First Time that ADGies marched behind their own banner in Newcastle.
Looks about a dozen or so,
George Schubert / Ray Price leading
Thanks to Ray Price for the loan of this photo
The POM
Those in this photo were,
Kevin Kelly , John Fitzpatrick , Alan Brazil , Steve Hicks , Peter Beckwith , Bob Cornwell , John Linabury , George Schubert , Ray Price , Paul Pannowitz.
Tex or Jim can you Help Out??
Right'o wheres 3/99 last course of the
Millenium ??
The Boys need a course Photo
plus a list of those on course 3/99 Guys
The POM
Your Name : TRAVIS KEMP
Do You have a URL : WHATS A URL
Your Comments Please : GOOD, NEEDED SOME INFO FOR A LESSON OR TWO. DISSAPOINTED MY BASIC COURSE LIST WASN'T IN THERE. 3/99. LAST COURSE OF THE MILLENIUM, OR AM I JUST A BLOODY WHINGER?.
Where are you from? : AMBERLEY, 3 AFDS, 1RFLT
How did you find us : SURFING THE NET
Are you an ADGie : YES, LAC KEMP,"KEMPY" A136661
Date of Comments : 02 JUN 01
Your Email Address : TLKEMP1974@HOTMAIL.COM
Phan-Rang Faces
Bob, here is a fateful picture taken shortly after 2 Sections arrival at Phan Rang in Oct 68. From the left, Ian List was replacement for Bob Hepe, medevacced home, Warren Dreise, Dave Dubber, who was KIA on his second tour as a 9Sqn Gunner, Trevor Petith, accidently killed, Tommy Graham who was medevacced home as a result of "horseplay"and Jimmy Hogan. Warren began his tour as my 2i/c and at his request was replaced by Jimmy. All of the survivors have been TPIs for quite a few years. Makes you wonder, eh?
Lawrie Gay
Modern Technology (The Sandbag Chucker)
Bob, Check this one out. 2 Section (68/69) (2Sqn) putting the roof on the new Sgts Mess bunker. On the command "Load" place a filled sandbag on the left end of the plank.(Notice I said filled sandbag? The inner walls of the bunker contained !000s of empty ones). On "ready" the "Jumper" moves into position ready to jump. "Stand Clear " was obvious to most.(But not all...hahahaha). "Jump" and up goes the sandbag which is flicked across to the "layer". With this "machine" we were able to meet our work quota then go and play.
Lawrie Gay
Gday Dave
2-6-2001
Gday Pom,
I was browsing the ADGie site and there was a call to name that face, dressed in DPCU wearing a beret and with an INTERFET Green Brassard. It is FSGT Steve "Brash" Brasher at the rear of HMAS Jervis Bay about to return back to Oz after serving with 381CSS (Combat Support Squadron-Ala base sqn) at Komoro Airfield. I took the photo . I was with him and returned on the same trip.
We were not part of 2AFDS but in the S3 OPERATIONS CELL (GDCP,GDOC) as the duty SNCO ADGies. When not in the CP we did escorts in vehicles , particularly the Ambo throughout Dili by day and night as the "hired guns",as well as advise and assist in sighting of field defences etc.
We also composed the 381CSS compound QRF(3 of us, along with SGT Paul "Houch" Turner) .
We were armed with an F89 Minimi 5.56mm belt fed Light Support Weapon as well as a trusty old M79 Grenade Launcher. Funny bit was the RAAF never supplied us ammo, either Illum or HE for the 40mm, I sourced this in country, as well as only giving us 400rds for the Minimi, which I also doubled in country. But wait that is not all, some Squeezer only issued us 90 rds for our F88 steyrs!!! Sweet FA in a fire fight. This was also rectified in country.
I guess some things do not change.
Anyway enough from me.
Dave Gay
FSGT ADG
In Sunny Darwin
A New Page
Who are these Two ADGies above?
The Airfield Defence Guard
Royal Australian Air Force
Airfield Defence Guards
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Mission:
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airfield Defence Guards, are the RAAF's ground combat specialists. Distinguished by their blue-gray berets, ADG's (Adgies) are tasked with defending Australian air bases from attacks by enemy special operations forces. These highly trained airmen also provide training in survival techniques, weapons, tactics, and rescue operations for other Royal Australian Air Force personnel. The unit has recently been tasked with providing a new CSAR force to the Air Force.
History:
The history of the RAAF Airfield Defence Guards began during WW2. During the early part of 1942, Australia came under attack by Japanese aircraft. The Australian government responded by ordering the formation of a "Defence Pool" of trained Air Force infantrymen to fight against the forseen japanese invasion.
Initial training took place under the guidance of the Australian Army and a cadre of instructors drawn from the RAF Regiment. The troops were deployed within Australia and at various locations though out the South Pacific. In 1945 the Defence Pool would be used to form the RAAF Infantry Regiment. The Regiment consisted of two squadrons: No1 and 2 Aerodrome Defence Squadrons (ADS). Each of the units was battalion sized. No.1 Squadron remained in Australia, tasked with defending Australia's strategic assets and acting as a RAAF operational reserve. No 2 ADS participated in a number of amphibious combat landings and overseas deployments. With the Japanese invasion threat minimalized and the war drawing to a close, the RAAF Infantry Regiment was disbanded.
With the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, Australia committed troops to the conflict. Among the first troops to deploy were RAAF aircraft squadrons. Included within each squadron HQ were number of Ground Defence Officers and Aerodrome Defence Instructors. The troops were tasked with planning the defence of the squadron and performing defensive operations around the base perimeter. The troops conducted security and defence operations for the remainder of the war.
Later, as the intensity of combat in Vietnam increased, Australia was asked to increase its level of commitment. To comply with these new demands, the RAAF deployed a number aircraft to Phan Rang Airbase, Vietnam in 1966. The USAF Security Police unit assigned to the base, asked that the RAAF help contribute to the base's defence. To meet this new challenge the RAAF consolidated the Aerodrome Defence Officers and Drill Instructor musterings, to form the Airfield Defence Guard mustering (ADGs).
ADG Flights were deployed to various locations though out Vietnam and Thailand. They conducted security patrols outside the base perimeter, thus distrupting the Viet Cong ability to conduct stand-off attacks against the bases. ADGs also acted as door gunners on RAAF helicopters. The ADG's operated where ever RAAF units deployed. When the government of South Vietnam's collapsed in 1975, Australia ordered the evacuation of its embassy in Saigon. As their final mission in Vietnam, ADGs were deployed to secure the airfield being used by RAAF C-130's, to evacuate Australian embassy personnel. The "last" evacuation aircraft was severely overloaded and four ADGs remained behind. When the rescue aircraft returned, it found NVA troops at the gates and the ADGs still holding out.
These four "adgies" were the last Australian troops to leave Vietnam.
After the conflict in Vietnam ended, four Independent Rifle Flights continued to operate at various locations thoughout Australia. In 1983 the RAAF consolidated the flights and used them to re-form No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron (2AFDS). The new unit consisted of four platoon-sized Rifle Flights and a Support Flight. Rifle Flights are divided into a HQ section and three 10-man sections. The support flight consisted of four sections: Communications, Logistics, Heavy Weapons, and Scout Dog.
In 1991 The RAAF decided to re-form No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron (1AFDS). It also formed HQ Airfield Defence Wing. In 1993 2AFDS conducted several training exercises with the Australian SASR, US Army Special Forces A-teams, USN SEALs, and a USAF SOS. Thoughout the course of year, 2AFDS continued to refine its counter SOF role. In 1995 2AFDS undertook an intensive training program with a team from the 3/1 SFG (Abn). The squadron also participated in a joint exercise with a USAF Special Tactics team and MC-130 aircraft.
In 1996 the RAAF formed No. 3 Airfield Defence Squadron. In 1997 Cambodia was on the brink of civil war, and the Australian government ordered the evacuation of its nationals. To help safeguard the evacuation, ADGs were once again deployed into harms way. Beginning in 1998 small teams of ADGs began deploying to Kuwait. The teams provide security for RAAF aircraft supporting Operation Deny Flight.
In 1999 the administrative head of the ADS, the 1AFDW was placed on notice that they will soon assume duties as the RAAF's CSAR force.
Organization:
No. 1 Airfield Defence Wing (No.1AFDW) is currently organized into three squadrons with a fourth (No. 4AFDS) scheduled to be activated in late 1999. No 1 and 3 AFDs are mixed units, made up of both active and reserve airman.
2AFDS is completely manned by regulars. It is currently organized into 3 Rifle Flights and 1 Motorized Rifle Flight (QRF). The QRF is a specialized unit performing fire support, VIP protection, counter assault, and acts as a mobile reserve for units under attack.
Support Flight now falls under HQ 1AFDW and is made up of 4 sections: Logistics, Communications, Support Weapons, and Recon. The Recon Flight conducts mobile recon missions in support of RAAF units and would secure choke points and FARPs for aircraft operating in hostile areas.
Training:
RAAF enlistees wishing to become ADGs must first complete the 10 week RAAF recruit training course. Once successfully completed they then attend the 15 week ADG Basic course. Located at the RAAF Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS) RAAF Base, Amberley.
During the course trainees receive instruction in communications, weapons and explosives handling, field craft, combat tactics, field operations, combat survival and rescue operations. Trainees are required to live in the field for a period of three or four weeks during training, with only a minimal amount of sleep. Currently the course boost a 60-75% failure rate. All ADGs are require to attend the Combat Survival School (COMSURV) within one year of completing the basic course.
Weapons and Equipment:
ADGs are equipped with a variety of weapons and vehicles to help them accomplish their mission. Primary they are armed with F88 (Australian version of the Steyr AUG) 5.56mm rifles, US M-16A2/M-203s, and F89 5.56mm LSWs (MINIMI ). The primary sidearm for machine gunners and QRF members is the browning high-power or Glock 19. QRF members are also issued with the US M-79 40mm grenade launcher. Unit snipers are issued British L96 rifles. Heavy weapons include the 66mm LAW, 84 mm Carl Gustov, and 7.62 GPMG. Soon to be added to the armory are US MK-19 40mm automatic grenade launchers.
The Current vehicle on issue is a modified 110 Land Rover ( GunBuggy), but the RAAF announced that the Gun Buggies being used by 2AFDS QRF roles, will soon be replaced by 18 Bushranger armored vehicles. The unit also maintains a large number of quad runner 4x4s, and Unimog trucks. As part of the RAAF ADGs have access to the complete range of RAAF tactical and strategic aircraft.