Chief changes

The Air Force spirit remains as strong as ever. The passion for military aviation and the camaraderie between Air Force people of all ranks continues.

But the underlying truth is that without the right culture and good people, all the policies and equipment in the world don’t amount to anything.

I have handed over to Air Marshal (AIRMSHL) Mark Binskin at an exciting time for Air Force. In the next decade almost all of our flying platforms will be replaced.

The competing demands of introducing cutting edge capabilities while maintaining Air Force’s high operational tempo will be a challenge, but it is a challenge we will turn into real opportunities.

To cope with this major organisational challenge, Air Force has been re-engineering the way it does business. We have found ways to achieve efficiencies.

Often this has been a case of sharpening our processes.

Sometimes it has meant trimming resources. In all cases it relies on the professional mastery and dedication of all Air Force personnel.

But considering the high operational tempo is anticipated to continue for the foreseeable future, along with the intensive non-operational commitments required during the introduction of new capabilities, I believe a case will need to be made to increase the size of the Air Force by approximately 1000 personnel. This will be developed through the White Paper process.

I haven’t kept a ‘cricket score’ during my three year period as Chief but there are many things that have made me proud. Preparing the organisation for the future has been a key focus.

In that regard I was pleased to launch the Future Air and Space Operating Concept (FASOC) last year. The Air Power Development Centre did a wonderful job, working with the Air Force Senior Leadership Team (SLT), to produce this, our Air Force vision. The Air Force SLT comprises all officers of one star rank and above, and works in a very collegiate manner.

This has smoothed the handover to AIRMSHL Binskin.

Recruitment and retention have been major priorities for the SLT. While Air Force continues to recruit well and provides an exciting workplace, we have introduced new measures and more flexibility to strengthen our retention rates. With the civil aviation market facing new challenges recently Air Force retention could further improve, but the new leadership will not take anything for granted. People are the core of our capabilities.

The overriding theme of my period as Chief has been relationships, they are the foundation of modern leadership and management.

Air Force has an excellent relationship with government and is well placed to respond to government direction to decisively deliver air and space power for Australia. We are actively involved in the White Paper process that will identify future Defence priorities.

We also have very important relationships with Navy and Army. Guaranteeing air superiority enables them to undertake their missions.

Air Force has vital links with Defence’s Capability Development Group, DMO, and defence industry. The C‑17 program is a great example of very successful collaboration between Air Force, DMO and industry.

Of course, there are some projects that have encountered delays, but the job of delivering cutting edge technology that will remain relevant in the Defence context into the future can be a very difficult task.

On the topic of relationships, an important part of my job has been ensuring Air Force’s international relationships remain sound. We have very close and productive ties with various air forces in the Asia Pacific region, in addition to our well-established connections with our US, UK and Canadian counterparts.

These relationships are significant in terms of our exercise program, education, information sharing and interoperability.

I am sure these relationships will continue to flourish with ‘Binny’ as Chief. I have known him for many years and he is an impressive Air Force officer. He and his new leadership team of Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Geoff Brown, Deputy Chief of Air Force, and AVM Mark Skidmore, Air Commander Australia, will take the Air Force forward. They will bring fresh ideas to the table, but the fundamental qualities of Air Force will remain. Air Force is in good hands.

I would like to acknowledge AVM John Blackburn’s contribution. He has had a stellar career and has been an outstanding Deputy Chief. We made a great team, and I wish him well as he retires from the Air Force after 33 years.

It has been an honour to be Chief of Air Force, representing the service and the nation. I have also had many great moments in my various postings and in the cockpit. I vividly remember my first solo flight, my first Mirage flight, and the first task in an F-111.

None of my achievements could have been possible without the fantastic support of my wife, Anne and sons Rohan and Jarvis. In retirement, I look forward to spending more time with them. As I settle into a quieter life in the Noosa hinterland, I’ll still watch for RAAF aircraft, particularly from the ‘super base’ at Amberley.

Whenever I see the Air Force overhead, I will think back with immense pride to the time that I was a part of such a great and enduring organisation, and know that all the things that made the Air Force great will continue to take it forward into new areas and levels of achievement. o