Top of mind matters for the RAAC (at this time)

Can things get any worse?  Will there be some good news soon? 

It’s been said that one makes one’s own luck.  But it’s not ‘luck’ that’s needed – it’s common sense.

Can those with responsibility for the Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC), not understand what’s gone wrong?  Obviously not … otherwise something (surely) would’ve been done about it!

One can’t help feeling sorry for the Chief of Army.  She didn’t play any part in the circumstances behind what’s happened.  Nevertheless, she has to clean up the ‘left overs’.

We’ve called before for the RAAC leadership group to meet with the CA, and for the ‘issues’ to be discussed.  Not for the first time, the request has fallen on deaf ears. 

The issues are: the need for 1st Armoured Regiment’s combat role to be reinstated and for 2nd Cavalry Regiment to be released from its incompatible dual roles (returning to being a cavalry regiment whose sole task is that of gathering intelligence).  It is also to be hoped that a way would be found to maintain 2/14 LHR (QMI) as an RAAC ARA unit in Brisbane.  

These issues have been canvassed in publications read by many, yet without any ‘real’ impact being registered.  Sadly, public opinion is something dictated by those holding power; it’s simply unattainable by those who seek influence for the first time.    

Handing back my military cross as a form of protest is a new idea and one that could be used to attract attention to the outrageous treatment meted out to 1st Armoured Regiment, i.e. stripped of its tanks after 75 years as the Nation’s leading exponent of tank warfare, with no consideration at all in terms of the continuance of its heritage (not even an RAAC role).

I’ve read that an Army unit’s heritage evolves, eventually becoming the soul of a unit. This is an interesting concept … does a unit have a soul?  (a topic for another day.)

In 1757, George Washington said that “Discipline is the soul of an Army”.  While this might be so, others assert that esprit de corps, mateship, and honour are the real touchstones.  

‘History and pride’ are often mentioned in the same context as heritage.  Indeed, they amount to the same thing.  Heritage is the sum of the values, traditions, culture, and legacies passed down to us from previous generations. 

1 Armd Regt was awarded three battle honours in Vietnam, plus a Unit Citation for Gallantry.  These honours form part of the unit’s heritage.  But is this to be maintained, or will it just be let go … to wither into nothingness? 

Every soldier leaves behind, a legacy.  He, or she, has served their nation and contributed their efforts to that end.  They might not have seen active service, but they were prepared to give their all … should it have been required.  There are very few who don’t recall their service with pride; remembering the achievements of those they served with and the times they shared.  

Imagine what it’s like for those who served with 1 Armd Regt during the 75 years that it was the Nation’s foremost exponent of armoured warfare, to have it suddenly made a non-combatant.  

Don’t worry … it’s all a mistake (so we’re told); don’t inflame tensions, let us deal with it calmly and rationally! 

“The Association was advised by several respected retired Armoured Corps Generals that the decision to re-role 1 Armd Regt, would surely be reviewed and that common sense would undoubtedly prevail. In the meantime, the Association and veterans of 1st Armoured Regiment, should try and remain calm rather than undertake a campaign of advocacy which could inflame a sensitive situation.” 

That guidance proved to be completely wrong: “Indeed, the structural change recommendation made by the Chief of the Army, to the Vice-Chief of the Defence Force, was even more entrenched”.  Will we ever find out what this recommendation was?

Why in heaven’s name was nothing out in the open?  Why was everything kept secret?  The opportunity to mount a campaign in opposition to 1 Armd Regt being made a non-combatant, was lost.  Presumably, that was the intention of the advice provided to the 1 Armd Regt Association.  The deviousness of those involved is simply beyond the pale!  

The previous CA made a big thing about winning the trust of the community, and then this happens!  How utterly hypocritical!

Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Cameron, MC, RAAC (Ret’d)

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