RAA Liaison Letter 2024 - 2025 Edition

RAA Liaison Letter – 2024 / 2025 Edition 44 MATTNER AWARD FOR RAA GUNNER OF THE YEAR 2024 Gunner JJ Burke 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery F OR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THE R OYAL A USTRALIAN A RTILLERY IN 111 TH B ATTERY , 16 TH R EGIMENT , R OYAL R EGIMENT OF A USTRALIAN A RTILLERY . Gunner Burke enlisted into the Australian Regular Army on 15th February 2021 and was subsequently allocated as an operator ground based air defence with the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. On completion of his initial employment training, he was posted to 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. During this time, he has been an operator on a RBS-70 detachment and more recently, he has been instructing students of all ranks during the introduction into service of the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System. Gunner Burke’s performance as an operator and instructor of the CEA Radar and Electro Optical Infrared Operator sensors within the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System has been exceptional. Within his primary role as a radar operator, Gunner Burke has performed above the expectations of his rank. His proactive and innovative approaches in assisting training of peers and superiors is commendable. This was continuously noted by the chain of command and industry instructors with his combined technical knowledge and prowess of operating the Regiment’s new CEA Technologies Radars during the crucial Introduction into Service period within the Regiment. Gunner Burke is able to effectively instruct soldiers and assist with fostering a healthy working environment in which subordinates feel eager to learn. He strives to gather all trade specific equipment and unrelated but significant information to advance himself in order to create and develop realistic and important training for the Battery. As evident with his cooperation with contracted Defence Industry Original Equipment Manufacturers to gain relevant, up-to-date information for in use equipment not covered in courses. Gunner Burke exemplifies a trusted soldier through his leadership, effective communication, adaptability and commitment to the team. Gunner Burke embodies the qualities of dedication, professionalism and excellence in his service. Gunner Burke has completed several career courses on short notice to a high standard attributed to his adaptability and technical mastery. Additionally, he brings with him a deep understanding of technical and tabulated data with combined comprehensive understanding enabling him to provide a niche level of skill to members of the Battery. This is seen throughout his daily duties but also through his passion for work, tirelessly working through breaks to allow every soldier to have the same opportunities to learn. Gunner Burke has been instrumental in ensuring corporate knowledge relating to the Regiment's new equipment is codified and shared across the Unit through his role as an instructor during this crucial Introduction into Service period. Gunner Burke is a high performing soldier who has demonstrated expertise both in his equipment and as an instructor that far exceeds that which is expected of a Gunner of his seniority. His personal efforts have demonstrably enhanced the Regiment's capability with its core war-fighting system through superior instruction. Citation T HE M ATTNER A WARD Lieutenant Edward William Mattner, MC, DCM, MM GUNNER JOSHUA J BURKE 111TH BATTERY, 16TH REGIMENT, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ARTILLERY I COMMEND YOU FOR YOUR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THE R OYAL A USTRALIAN A RTILLERY IN 111 TH B ATTERY , 16 TH R EGIMENT , R OYAL R EGIMENT OF A USTRALIAN A RTILLERY . Your achievements in pursuing technical mastery of the recently introduced National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System have been excellent. You have actively sought opportunities to lead by example and mentor peers while instructing throughout introduction into service courses, whilst your deliberate and methodical decision-making gives confidence and respect to your advice and opinions You have regularly been required to perform higher duties which you have confidently taken in your stride. You have approached these duties with professionalism, vigour and an excellent attitude, performing all tasks to a very high standard.