OUR CORPS TODAY
The following report was extracted from an email provided by the Corps RSM on 10 Aug 2026. Additional information for serving Corps members may be found on the RSM’s page on the Defence Protected Network (Objective number: fBQ17265966).
Points addressed in this report include:
- Health and wellbeing check – mates
- Regimental Members of the Corps
- RAEME Corps EOIs and Positions
- Notable Promotions
- Corps Awards
- Corps Conference – Heavy
- St Eligius Competition
- Farewells
- Recognition of Service Documentation
- Corps Subscriptions
- Course Information
- Employment Category Managers
- Corps Port
Health and wellbeing check - mates
After a personal scare recently (minor Heart Attack (old age thing), it became very evident that I had not done some of the things / behaviours I preach; checking in on others and yourself. At all stages in life there will be a moment where you should take the time to consider what’s important.
I ask all of you after reading this today to reach out to someone and ask if they are okay.
None of us are bulletproof, nor will the majority of us tell others we are hurting (mentally or physically). Accepting help or even simply picking up the phone can alleviate someone’s doubt and may be the catalyst they need to ask for further assistance.
We are a Corps that prides itself on ‘Esprit de Corps’; now is the time to step up and show it.
Regimental Members of the Corps
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Corps has lost some very high performing Warrant Officers, which has led to a massive gap between the RSM cohort and the Warrants. We as a Corps have reached a critical decision point: do we actually want a Regimental Stream (definitely my preference) or rely purely on ASMs to fill the roles as part of the Head of Corps Function.
For those not aware, the RAEME Corps Instruction Two states ‘The Corps RSM is assigned to the RSM ASEME’. History now shows this is no longer a prerequisite; as such, we will have the Corps Instruction changed. The Corps Instruction allows a Corps Warrant Officer to be appointed only if a non-RAEME RSM fills the RSM ASEME. For the (now) third time in the Corps’ history, we will be enacting this clause.
Any members interested in undertaking the Regimental pathway, please contact me. I wish to build a list for people who follow after to me IOT ensure support and engagement is continued.
Some ideas I have considered (trade and regimental):
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Recommended Postings: How do they align with the MAE? What position gives you the greatest chance of succeeding at CMB? This could help improve interest and fill historically underrepresented postings and/or positions.
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Career Pathway Promotion: Sharing information on the various career progression options available to members may encourage broader professional development and help individuals shape their future within the Corps.
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Corps Mentorship Program: A structured initiative pairing junior members with experienced personnel to provide guidance and exposure beyond their immediate role. While this would require commitment beyond normal duties and may face engagement challenges, it has the potential to deliver long-term value if implemented effectively.
o Note that the ASM-L & ASM-A have begun a mentoring program for ASMs.
RAEME Corps EOIs and Positions
A stalwart of the HOC Cell, WO1 Dave Clarke, will be stepping down as the editor of the Craftsman Magazine. Dave provided 15 years of service to the magazine, something we may never see again. With this in mind, the HOC Cell is looking for a SERCAT 3/5 member willing to take on the role (40-50 ARTD/year). Please submit an EOI to me via email.
I have received a few EOIs for ECN 418; however I still require EOIs for ECN 411 & ECN 412 for a two-year tenure commencing CMC27. If you have an interest, please email me directly and I will send the EOI template.
Notable Promotions
The below is not to discount the fact that all promotions are notable, however; these members have risen through the ranks with grit, hard work and dedication. They are amazing gentlemen with great careers ahead of them.
- Director General Logistics – Army – Colonel Kane Wright, on promotion to Brigadier.
- Director General GWEO Land – Colonel Edward Stokes CSC, on promotion to Brigadier.
- Army Marine SPO Director – Lieutenant Colonel Tim Soper, on promotion to Colonel.
Corps Awards
All Corps Award nominations are due to me or
Corps Conference – Heavy
Planning is complete, with the Admin Instruction due to be released as soon as HOC signs it. General concept: Welcome BBQ – Tue 13 Oct, Holsworthy Barracks; the conference beginning Wed 14 Oct and wrapping up with a dinner on 14 Oct 26.
I ask for anyone wishing to be farewelled from the Corps and the conference / dinner to please notify me asap. If anyone knows of members unable to attend, but wishing to also be farewelled, please also let me know.
The Conference Agenda is almost finalised (awaiting invited guest confirmations). Once complete, we will ensure it is made available to members. The organisers have confirmed that the use of video and voice will be made available for those unable to attend.
St Eligius Competition
St Eligius Competition is ready to go; the competition has expanded to include the long-forgotten cohort of the Corps (RAEMEAVN). The competition looks very exciting and has gained interest from other Corps and AHQ in its conduct.
Farewells
- WO1 Dave Clarke. Those who have worked with Dave or have been on any specialist course within CATW (you’ll know), will understand the capability loss to the Corps and ADF. After almost 45 years of military service Dave will be hanging up his greens, DPCU, AMCU, PD’s & blue uniforms (RMIT, SMA ,WIOT). Dave will be hitting the road with his wife and enjoying caravanning and retirement.
- SGT Dave White. I knew Dave quite personally; he sold me his White Mess jacket when I was promoted to SGT (noting his previous ECN and role). He began his ADF career as a Driver in 1992, before seeing the light and undertaking the role of Tech Elec in 2010. Dave is a genuinely great bloke. Anyone who has interacted with him, will understand his passions and dedication. A great loss to the Army. Enjoy life on the other side mate.
- WO2 Gary Collins. I had the privilege of working with Gary whilst he was posted to ASEME (VTW and CATW) and to be there when he was promoted to WO2. Gary has wrapped up 21 years within Army, taking time away to rest and recover, making family his priority.
- WO1 Ashley Neilson. Ash has wrapped up a 28-year career. He was pivotal in the DFRT into trade and pay review whilst posted to ALTC and ASEME. Ash will now be a full-time farmer, mending fences and herding cows and sheep. Wish you all the best mate (even though you may not see this).
If anyone would like to be recognised (regardless of rank) by the Corps either via these means or at the Corps Conference, please email me directly. I think it’s important to recognise all our members regardless of how they transition.
Recognition of Service Documentation
Corps Instruction Twenty One provides direction and guidance to commanders at all levels on the requirement, eligibility and workflow to provide recognition to Corps members at all rank levels and time of service.
Some delays have been encountered, where members do not receive their ‘parchment / certificate’ within a reasonable timeframe or before their actual separation. IOT expedite the process I implore you to take on the following advice:
- Once you know a member is leaving the Corps, email the HOC Cell requesting the type of presentation you will be making
- Allow a minimum of 6 weeks for the ‘parchment / certificate’ to arrive to the person requesting due to:
- The HOC Cell (Bandiana) receive the request
- HOC Cell members prepare the document
- Document sent ‘safe hand’ to the HOC (Canberra), where it is ‘wet signed’
- Document returned to HOC Cell
- Presentation prepared and sent to requestor
- The package is sent via Aus Post (with tracking number). This can take up to 10 working days
Corps Subscriptions
As taken from Corps Instruction Number Three – RAEME Corps Funds Charter:
Membership in the Corps Fund signifies an individual’s willingness to support the Corps efforts in building esprit de corps. Life memberships are sold to individuals willing to support the Corps.
The money received from subscriptions assists with gifts, assistance with welfare support, assistance with funding support for corps related activities & disbursements to the Regional RAEME Representatives. The intent has been (and will continue to be) that the use of the funds being returned to the members should encourage further contributions from non-subscribers.
Since we have reduced the cost per subscription, we have seen a small increase in subscribers; we need more. The more we have, the more we generate, the more we can spend. As an example, if we (as a Corps) wish to have gifts to be presented to members upon their separation from Army (dependent on time served) we need a way to fund it effectively.
Course Information
See the RSM’s full report on the Defence Network for details of course availabilities
CATW Course Schedule
See the RSM’s full report on the Defence Network for a link to CATW Specialist Courses.
Employment Category Managers
Land: Employment Category and Training Design (formerly Workforce and Training group), HQ ALTC
Following the recent name change, it was necessary to update our group mailboxes. The new mailbox addresses are as follows:
• For all Employment Category Issues/RFIs etc:
• For all Training Design Issues/RFIs etc:
This office regularly receives queries concerning Overseas Lateral Transfer members and the gap training requirements identified through the skills assessment process. These matters are often complicated when members compare their respective Letters of Offer (LOO) and note variations in the training requirements or employment conditions applied to individual cases.
As part of the Overseas Service (O/S) lateral transfer process, this office is required to conduct a skills assessment in order to provide the Overseas Lateral Transfer Cell with a recommendation regarding employment suitability. During the assessment process, the candidate's qualifications, experience, rank, and other relevant attributes are mapped against the Employment Specification for the relevant ECN.
The outcome of the assessment is a recommendation for employment (as a Grade 3 Technician or a 013-1 ART LAND), including any proficiencies that can be awarded upon enlistment and the gap training the member is required to complete IOT become fully employable within the category (transition to technician Grade 4 or 013-2).
Note: The identified gap training requirements will vary according to the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the rank at which they are employed.
Engagement with the overseas lateral transfer cell has occurred IOT have the following wording included within the member’s LOO (ECN 229 example):
Should the identified training content/courses identified as gap training change between the time of the applicant’s initial trade assessment and the applicant’s successful enlistment, a request for an update to gap training requirements should be sought from the RAEME Employment Category Advisor at ALTC.
On successful completion of the identified gap training, the member’s unit is to advise the RAEME Employment Category Manager (ECM). The RAEME ECM will confirm gap training completion and authorise categorisation of the member to skill grade S002571 Vehicle Technician Grade 4 (ECN 229-4), Pay Grade 6.
If you have any doubts, concerns or RFIs IRT Gap training or proficiencies that are not loaded on a member’s profile, send an email through to the ECM email address above.
Note: CMA will only transition a member to Technician Grade 4 or 013-2 upon receipt of a completion of gap training minute from this office endorsed by the SO2 Employment Category.
2026 Corps Port
I was privileged to present bottles of the 2026 Corps Port to the Current Chief of Army and the Outgoing Chief. At the same time, I presented both RSM-As bottles of port. All members expressed their appreciation to the Corps for the gift.
A reminder that Corps Port 2026 sales are due to end on 30 Sep.
WO1 Jon Tynan
RAEME Corps RSM
