Publication:Sea Talk Winter 2003/Reserves Column

Clarification for Reservists undertaking public ceremonial duties

by CMDR Joseph Lukaitis RFD, RANR

Anzac Day 2003

For the third year, Reservists around Australia contributed to the RAN ceremonial obligations for Anzac Day.

Although some uncertainty existed prior to Anzac Day about the status of Reserve involvement, the Deputy Chief Navy has now provided clear policy for Reservists undertaking ceremonial duties.

The current guidance is Director General Naval Personnel and Training Instruction 13/03 which includes the following policy: 'Naval Reserve personnel may be considered to be serving at public ceremonial events, and can be paid, when:

• marching in a formed body of serving members (eg. bands, or a squad) sanctioned by prior approval by the local Command; or
• formally representing Navy (eg. when arranged to speak at a function or participate in a ceremonial party).'

The instruction expressly covers Anzac Day and Reserve Forces Day.

Reserve Forces Day 2003

Marches are scheduled to be held in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide on Sunday 6 July 2003 and in Brisbane on Saturday 22 June 2003.

The ACT will hold a Reserve Forces Day Service on Saturday 29 June 2003 and the Northern Territory will have a Reserve Forces Week from 23– 30 June 2003.

All Naval Reservists are encouraged to participate in Reserve Forces Day activities as representatives of the RAN. Look out for further information and contact details in Navy News / Reserve News.

New Senior Reserve Appointments

CAPT Mike Burton RANR has recently been appointed Chief Staff Officer (Reserves) in Naval Personnel and Training. This is a new SYSCOM position focused in particular on management and employment of Reservists. CAPT Burton's Staff Officer is LCDR Steve Retallack.

CDRE Graeme Shirtley RFD, RANR was appointed Assistant Surgeon General - Australian Defence Force in September 2002. This is the senior NR medical position. He replaces CDRE Peter Habersberger AM, RFD, RANR who has retired.

CAPT Paul Willee RFD, RANR, was appointed tri-service Head of the Military Bar – within The Defence Legal Service– late last year.

Promotion Board Feedback

It appears from Promotion Board feedback that often Reserve officers do not have an adequate reporting history and many do not have any reports in their present rank which of course does not help those who are seeking promotion.

As we are in the reporting period again, it is timely to remind Reservists that the completion of Performance Appraisal reports for both sailors and officers is a two-way responsibility.

It is important that we all ensure that reports are being produced for us, and those with responsibilities for reports need to complete reports on time.

Contact Details for your Regional Reserve Pool

New South Wales & Maritime Command (incorporating Darwin) CMDR Andrew Dale RFD, RANR Telephone: 02 9359 4396 navyres-nsw@defence.gov.au

Australian Capital Territory (and near surrounding region) LCDR Paddy Flynn RANR Telephone: 02 6266 6607 navyres-act@defence.gov.au

Southern (incorporating Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia) LCDR Janine March RANR LEUT Peta Grills RANR Telephone: 03 5950 7710 Mr Wayne Burrowes Telephone: 03 5950 7129 POWTR Gavin Calderwood Telephone: 03 5950 7990 navyres-sth@defence.gov.au

Queensland LCDR Frank Wyllie RANR Telephone: 07 3332 3593 or 0438 715 128 navyres-qld@defence.gov.au

Western Australia LEUT Joanne Pappin RAN Telephone: 08 9553 2959 or 08 9553 4100 navyres-wa@defence.gov.au