RAA Liaison Letter – 2025 / 2026 Edition 44 CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSS (CSC) Lieutenant Colonel David James Hickey FOR OUTSTANDING DEVOTION TO DUTY AS COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE 20TH REGIMENT, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ARTILLERY. Lieutenant Colonel Hickey has made outstanding contributions to Defence’s Uncrewed Aerial Systems capability through his devotion to duty and superior leadership of the 20th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery during a period of significant cultural, organisational, and technological transformation. His efforts ensured continuity of operational capability while enhancing the Regiment’s morale, cohesion, and overall performance in support of Australia’s national border protection mission. CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDAL (CSM) Warrant Officer Class Two Anthony Owen Begnell FOR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT IN THE PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF TRAINING TO CONVERT TO THE NATIONAL ADVANCED SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE SYSTEM. Warrant Officer Class Two Begnell displayed meritorious achievement in a period that has seen 111th Battery withdraw legacy systems, receive the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System and convert the air and missile defence workforce through Introduction into Service Training. He guided 111th Battery through changes to employment categories and strategic changes. He made a positive impact on recruitment and retention of soldiers within the Battery at a critical time for the air and missile defence capability. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Francis Coales FOR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT AS COMMANDING OFFICER AND CHIEF INSTRUCTOR OF THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY REGIMENT. Lieutenant Colonel Coales demonstrated meritorious professionalism and unwavering dedication in his appointment as Commanding Officer of the Western Australian University Regiment during a period of significant and unprecedented change in its structure and training. His mentorship of officer cadets, senior soldiers and junior officers, along with his broader engagement with the community of Western Australia, have ensured significantly improved capability for Army within the region. Lieutenant Colonel Pete J Tarling FOR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT AS THE BRIGADE MAJOR OF 10TH (FIRES) BRIGADE. Lieutenant Colonel Tarling’s operational leadership as Brigade Major of Army’s 10th Fires Brigade has significantly enhanced the Brigade’s reputation and capability. He successfully managed current and future operations and planning, delivering major training milestones and achieving the early realisation of a viable Long Range Fires capability well ahead of schedule. His efforts fulfilled a key requirement of the 2024 National Defence Strategy and reflect the highest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.
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