THE NAVY RESERVIST - Royal Australian Navy

NAVY RESERVIST 1
ON SEPTEMBER 14 last year, I attended CN’s
Navy Symposium.
In addition to VADM Russ Crane, presenters
included Chief Capability Development Group
(VADM Matt Tripovich), DCN (RADM Davyd
Thomas), COMAUSFLT (RADM Nigel Coates),
Head Maritime Systems Division (RADM
Boyd Robinson), Director General Maritime
Operations (CDRE Simon Cullen), Head Navy
People and Reputation (CDRE David Letts),
Head Navy Engineering Division (CDRE John
Bryson), and WO-N (WO Mark Tandy).
During the day, speakers outlined the
successes Navy has enjoyed and the many
challenges both in the short and long term.
Not surprisingly, the Defence White Paper
2009, the Strategic Reform Program (SRP)
and New Generation Navy (NGN) featured
prominently in every aspect.
CN, DCN, COMAUSFLT, HNPAR and WO-N
specifically mentioned the Navy Reserve and
the integral part it plays in today’s Navy. They
pointed out that Reservists are now being
regarded more as part-time members of the
RAN.
CDRE Letts showed a slide depicting the
Reserve contribution to capability in Navy’s
trained force over the past three fiscal years.
The percentage rose from 7.6 per cent in
FY06/07 through 9.65 per cent in FY07/08
to 10.47 per cent in FY08/09. The number of
CFTS postings in the last FY rose to 521 and
the figure at time of going to press is close to
540. All speakers acknowledged the valuable
contribution the Naval Reserve was making to
Navy and that without that commitment, Navy
would not be able to operate as efficiently as
it currently does in the continuing operational
tempo.
The Symposium provided a measured and
balanced view of Navy in 2009 and looked to
the future with confidence that Navy people
would rise to the challenges of Force 2030
and the new equipments and processes that
will define Navy in the coming years.
The SRP brings with it significant challenges
for the ADF as savings and efficiencies will
need to be realised if Force 2030 is to
become a reality.
Presenters were confident that these savings
and efficiencies would be met but stressed
that it is up to each and every member of the
RAN to play his/her part to transform Navy.
NGN will help us get to that point. The
‘Making the Change’ workshops will soon be
rolled out to selected members, and the Navy
community is urged to take on board the
messages presented thereby.
2009 was an exciting time to be part of the
Navy and I look forward to the Navy Reserves
continuing to play its part in the challenges
ahead in 2010; each and every member, in
‘making the change’, realising the NGN Vision
(An Australian navy renowned for excellence
in service to the nation) and Motto (Navy -
Serving Australia with pride) to deliver Navy’s
Mission (To fight and win in the maritime
environment).
In closing, may I thank each and every one
of you who contributed during 2009 for your
hard work and dedication. You can be proud
to have contributed to making the Navy what
it is today.
Foreword
By CDRE Ranford P Elsey, RFD, RANR
The Navy Reservist - ISSUE #2