RAA Liaison Letter 2024 - 2025 Edition

RAA Liaison Letter – 2024 / 2025 Edition 45 Your commitment and devotion to duty as a sensor operator and instructor has demonstrated not only resilience but also sound decision- making, providing your superiors with clear and precise guidance and direction. This has led to improved training delivery and better outcomes for students and capability. Your achievements are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Royal Australian Artillery, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force. DJ HILL, AM, CSC Brigadier Head of Regiment Royal Australian Artillery 4 December 2024 ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ARTILLERY CITIZEN GUNNER OF THE YEAR 2024 GUNNER COLIN R FORSTER Citation Since relocating to Gladstone in early 2024, due to employment with the Australian Government, Gunner Forster has established himself as a mainstay of Joint Intelligence Surveillance Team (JIST) operations, displaying the attributes of an outstanding soldier. His dedication and commitment to soldiering and to 5th/11th Battery has been an exemplar to his peers and he has been a positive role model for all Reserve Gunners. Despite the significant challenges posed by living some seven hours from the Unit’s base in Brisbane, Gunner Forster has demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness in balancing personal, professional, and military responsibilities, and is performing well above the level expected of a Gunner in the Royal Australian Artillery. Gunner Forster is a model of reliability. He has attended every major training activity held by 5th/11th Battery during 2024 and consistently seeks opportunities to provide additional support where he can. This dedication has contributed significantly to the success of Battery activities and operations. Of particular note, this was observed during a unit courses concentration period where he not only successfully completed the DRePL course, but also assisted as a General Duties soldier, showing a level of time management and task prioritisation at a level more expected of a JNCO. In addition, his recent requalification on the WASP UAS platform, and his willingness to be operationally ready, assisted in ensuring Battery assurance in readiness for the upcoming High Risk Weather Season period. Furthermore, his attendance record, which surpasses that of many locally based soldiers, reflects his unwavering commitment to his Battery and the Regiment. Gunner Forster is well-respected within his Battery for his professionalism, integrity, and cheerful demeanour. His positive attitude is often noted by his peers and superiors alike, and he continually contributes significantly to unit esprit de corps, thus inspiring his fellow Gunners. His actions foster a collaborative and cohesive work environment that embodies the values of the Australian Defence Force and the traditions of the Royal Regiment. Gunner Forster works hard maintaining a busy schedule, at times making sacrifices to be able to commit wholeheartedly to the Unit. He has shown a level of commitment which is an example to all Gunners and specifically a role model for the Reserve Gunner. He is a worthy recipient of the Citizen Gunner Award for 2024 and is encouraged to continue to pursue excellence as a future junior leader. DJ HILL, AM, CSC BRIG Head of Regiment Royal Australian Artillery 4th December 2024