Above: Recovery Techicians from 108 FD WKSP recover a PMV-L on Exercise Austral Shield
Personnel from 108 Field Workshop, 11CSSB, recently demonstrated their technical skill and readiness while supporting the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers during Exercise Austral Shield 26 in Far North Queensland.
Operating as part of Joint Task Force 629, vehicle technicians and recovery mechanics were called upon to recover a Protected Mobility Vehicle – Light (PMV-L). The late-night task required the team to assess the situation, diagnose the problem and develop a safe and effective recovery plan under demanding field conditions.
Working closely together, they balanced tactical requirements with vehicle safety, personnel welfare and operational efficiency to successfully execute the recovery. The task highlighted the importance of experienced technical support and demonstrated the professionalism, adaptability and teamwork that RAEME personnel bring to operations.
Exercise Austral Shield tests the Australian Defence Force’s ability to respond rapidly to domestic security threats and protect critical infrastructure and national resources. The contribution of 108 Field Workshop ensured the supported unit could recover its capability and continue the mission.
Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence
ASEME keeps Project Digger race-ready - Townsville
Above: Project Digger at the NTI Townsville 500.
Personnel from the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME) have been working behind the scenes at the NTI Townsville 500 to keep Project Digger race-ready following a mechanical issue on the opening day of competition.
After a supercharger gasket failed during the Pro Burnout competition, CFN Stehn and CFN Findlay from the Vehicle Technology Wing commenced repairs. They replaced the damaged gasket and carefully inspecting the manifold before reassembling the supercharger.
At the same time, CFN Loata began removing the existing fuel-tank mounting brackets in preparation for the installation of a larger, upgraded fuel tank as part of the next stage of Project Digger’s development.
The work provides a practical demonstration of the technical expertise, teamwork and problem-solving skills developed by Army tradespeople through their training. By diagnosing faults, conducting repairs and progressing future upgrades, ASEME personnel are helping to ensure Project Digger is ready to return to action.
Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence
The Cowlrick brothers Rockhampton - three brothers who served
Above: The grave of Craftsman Thomas Cowlrick at Charters Towers courtesy of James Farlow and memorial record courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.
Thanks to James Farlow for sharing a Facebook photograph of the grave and headstone of Craftsman Thomas William Cowlrick at Charters Towers. Further research revealed that Thomas was one of three brothers from Rockhampton who served Australia during the Second World War.
The accompanying studio portrait below shows the Cowlrick brothers together before their wartime service. From left are Sidney Vincent “Vince” Cowlrick, Harry “Billy” Cowlrick and Thomas William “Tommy” Cowlrick.
Each brother served in a different capacity:
123417 Leading Aircraftman Sidney Cowlrick enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1943. He served until 24 January 1947, with his final posting being to No. 3 Embarkation Depot. Sidney passed away in Rockhampton in 1993.
QX23199 Sergeant Harry Cowlrick enlisted in the Australian Army in 1941 and served until 22 October 1945. His final posting was with the 2/11th Australian Army Transport Company. He passed away in Rockhampton on 28 November 1993.
QX54220 (Q114324) Craftsman Thomas Cowlrick, a fitter and turner in civilian life, enlisted on 7 June 1943. He served with the 5th Australian Advanced Workshop Company, Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (AEME). Tragically, Thomas died of illness in Australia on 30 September 1943, aged just 20.
Thomas’s headstone at Charters Towers provides a lasting reminder of a young tradesman whose service was cut short, while the photograph of the three brothers preserves the story of one Queensland family’s remarkable contribution during the Second World War.
Rest in Peace
RUTHLESS Program continues its push to cut Army red tape
In February this year, SNW introduced readers to the Reducing Unnecessary Tasks to Help Lethality, Efficiency & Strategic Success (RUTHLESS) program, an Army initiative aimed at cutting red tape, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and returning greater authority and accountability to frontline commanders.
Established by the Deputy Chief of Army and led by Deputy Adjutant General – Army Colonel Nick de Bont, the program was designed to give soldiers and commanders more time to focus on Army’s core function of warfighting. Since its endorsement in August 2025, RUTHLESS has engaged directly with soldiers and non-commissioned officers to identify frustrating and unnecessary processes.
These are the latest updates from the RUTHLESS program.
Non-fair-wear inspections - Army policy contained in the Land Materiel Maintenance Standard Operating Procedures has been updated to remove the requirement for non-fair-wear inspections following unexpected damage to land materiel. The policy changes include removing the requirement to conduct a complete technical inspection that details a total cost breakdown, the introduction of a technical damage assessment for non-fair-wear, and amendments to align the new processes with the introduction of SAP S4.
AE230 clothing issue and exchange approval - The AE230 form has now been removed as a requirement for one-for-one exchanges (DEFGRAM 375/2026). Damaged and unserviceable items can be exchanged without completing an AE230. Continuing work will be undertaken with the phase-two goal also to remove the AE230 requirement for initial issue.
Drone operations - The Army Adaptability Board and RUTHLESS staff are conducting a broad review to examine the policy and other related barriers for the training and use of drones. The aim of the review is to remove unnecessary barriers and simplify processes to make it easier for soldiers to increase their knowledge and experience, including piloting, modifying and repairing.
Army Reserve health allowance - Army Reserve members are currently required to complete multiple steps and forms to access an annual allowance to assist with the payment of private health insurance. RUTHLESS is undertaking a review to simplify and potentially automate the process. This is expected to result in a reduction in GP reimbursement costs, reduced member administration requirements and streamlined processing for unit administration staff.
Weapon Training Simulation System - In support of the removal of AIRN, FORCOMD has approved the reclassification of WTSS facilities from ranges to training facilities. This change removes the requirement to apply range regulations and enables the WTSS to be used for realistic combat training, including dynamic-movement practices and close-quarters battle training. The reclassification will also improve future booking flexibility, with WTSS transitioning from TASMIS to the Training Area Management Booking System, allowing for short-notice bookings.
AD049 – vehicle authorisation and task form - A mobile application has been developed to replace the manual AD049 documentation required to be completed each time a service vehicle is driven. The mobile application would enable rapid signing on and off and digital record-keeping. Cyberworthiness verification will soon begin before user testing.
Image and article adpated courtesy of Defence
