By Capt Jason Logue

READINESS and realistic, relevant training are the catchcries emanating from HQ 1 Div since the appointment of the commander, Maj-Gen Mark Evans three months ago.

The new commander has tasked his staff and commanders throughout the division, to ensure soldiers are exercising for good reason, and with definable objectives.

Maj-Gen Evans said one of his immediate priorities was to consolidate across the division, giving soldiers more time in barracks and at home than has been the case in past few years.

“I’m very keen on reducing the tempo our soldiers have been operating at,” he said.

“It doesn’t mean I want us to slack off, I just want commanders to ask themselves whether a planned activity is actually contributing to a soldier’s overall proficiency before taking them into the field again.”

He was concerned that the division’s soldiers were at times, too busy and that part of that level of activity was self-generated.

“We need to slow things down and focus on the basics – worthwhile training activities and good administration.”

He said training within the division would focus on realistic and relevant situations that soldiers would find demanding, yet ultimately safe.

The division’s training program would focus on enhancing the skills needed to achieve mission-essential tasks outlined in the divisional plan.

This includes a strong focus in developing junior commanders and enhancing battle readiness across the division’s many units.

“We have to maintain readiness across the division and part of that includes a training tempo that is sustainable among other commitments.

“I am of the firm belief that soldiering in the division should be challenging but also a lot of fun.

“That is the only way we can keep people committed – they have to enjoy what they are doing despite its inherent hardships.”

Retaining the division’s personnel is also a key area of concern for the new commander.

He said he was quite lucky to have taken over an organisation that was focused, committed and had high retention and morale rates compared to other organisations within the ADF.

“My aim is to keep that level up, and looking after soldiers is the best way to do that.”

He said the retention of good soldiers across the division was something he wanted commanders to focus on.

“Good people should not be leaving the division because we haven’t done enough to keep them here.”

He said his interest in personnel issues has always been high but a recent posting in the personnel policy area of AHQ had reinforced the importance of soldiers to the larger defence organisation.

“We talk about planes and tanks and guns but when it comes down to it, and I know this is a cliché, but people are the real capability – without them we are lost.”

.