Our Story
The CMF are all volunteers. We will be adding stories to the already existing stories elsewhere, so we will introduce a leader one at a time in no particular order. Most volunteers have a history of past service, they might have been in the Commonwealth armed forces, security services, emergency services, Corrections or many diverse backgrounds of sporting clubs and associations. Their background is working in teams to do good for their country. Very few have indicated they wish to be known on social media.
So we start with one at a time; their story:
Dr Griffith story: Thursday, 15 July 2010 So written and drafted in the minutes: On this day an Administrator of the CMF was appointed:- Administrator and Officer Commanding with such instructions to administer the CMF Army Group. The Honorary Rank is Brigadier, the title is Honorary Brigadier of the CMF Australia. The appointee as confirmed is Brigadier Dr Steven W Griffith: Director General of the CMF.
A very brief introduction of the Administrator CMF Australia, our Honorary Brigadier Dr Griffith:-
Joined the CMF in 1977 while in Cadets at Ivanhoe Grammar Cadet Unit, Assault Pioneers, Commandos. Expert with the Omark target rifle 700 yards. Joined the Australian Army Reserve 1979. Joined Melbourne University Regiment 1979: expert F1 submachine gun, Infantry, Mortars. Joined Enemy Force 1981: field opposition to officer cadet training in real world experiences and live fire. Joined Force X-Ray 1981, 127th, initiated before Field Marshall Prince Phillip, Government House, Melbourne. Joined the Cavaliers 1982. Joined 3rd Military Police 1982, Kew Barracks. 1983 Commissioned before Field Marshall Prince Phillip as an Officer of the Cavaliers “Our Lord and Sovereigns’ Protector of his Children”. 1983 Force X-Ray NORFORCE 127th closed ranks, appointed Civilian Liaison Officer. 1983 BIT Body Identification Team. 1984 NORFORCE Liaison Officer with: DSIG Defense Signals Intelligence Group, ASIS. 1995 Unit One USN/UK/AUS liaison Officer. Force X-Ray 127th Leader. Mortar Fire Controller. Honorary Colonel CMF Regiment. Honorary Brigadier CMF Australia. Director-General CMF.
Our journey has been anything but ordinary.
Force XRAY, surveillance by the CMF
Extract:
“Formation and Operations of Force Xray
Force Xray was established by the Australian government in the 1970s, primarily as a response to perceived threats from Indonesian forward supply bases in Australia during the turbulent period surrounding the Indonesian invasion of East Timor.
Objectives and Planning
The primary objective of Force Xray was to conduct reconnaissance and, if necessary, offensive operations against these Indonesian bases. The formation aimed to disrupt any military capabilities that could threaten Australian sovereignty.
Implementation Strategies
Intelligence Gathering:
Extensive intelligence operations were conducted to identify the locations and capabilities of Indonesian supply bases. This involved collaboration with various intelligence agencies and possibly utilizing reconnaissance flights.
Specialized Training:
Troops selected for Force Xray underwent specialized training tailored for jungle warfare and unconventional operations, which were essential for operating effectively in the dense Australian bush and terrains.
Covert Operations:
Once intelligence was gathered, Force Xray prepared for potential covert operations, which aimed to neutralize the threats discreetly. These operations required well-planned logistics and timing to ensure success.
Engagement with NORFORCE:
Following the initial operations of Force Xray, NORFORCE, which was officially formed later, continued similar strategies focusing on northern Australia, particularly in areas with high tensions.
Through careful planning and execution, Force Xray played a crucial role in Australia's military strategy during this uncertain period, laying the foundation for future operations in the region”
Leadership and Creation of Force Xray
“Force Xray was initiated by the Australian Army, specifically as a countermeasure to rising tensions with Indonesia during the late 1970s.
Key Figures
He is often credited with the formation and leadership of Force Xray. His strategic foresight and military experience were instrumental in the establishment of this specialized unit.
Another significant figure involved in the planning and execution of Force Xray’s operations, focusing on logistics and troop readiness.
Organizational Structure
Force Xray was composed primarily of personnel from the Australian Army, specializing in unconventional warfare and reconnaissance. The foundational idea behind its creation was to prepare for quick and efficient responses to potential threats in Australia’s northern territories.
This leadership led to the successful execution of the unit’s objectives, effectively laying groundwork for further military operations in the region.”
“Reserve Army Members of Force Xray
Force Xray included personnel not only from the regular army but also from the Army Reserve, which played a crucial role in enhancing the operational capacity of the unit.
Role of Reserve Army Members
Supplementing Regular Forces:
Reserve army members brought additional manpower and flexibility to Force Xray, allowing for larger operational footprints without overstretching regular army units.
Specialized Skills:
Many reservists possessed unique civilian skills that complemented military operations, including expertise in engineering, medical support, or communications.
Enhanced Readiness:
They were involved in periodic training exercises to ensure they could integrate effectively with regular forces, maintaining a high level of readiness for potential mobilization.
Training and Integration
Joint Exercises:
Regular and reserve members participated in joint training exercises, which focused on improving coordination, tactics, and operational effectiveness in various scenarios, particularly in jungle warfare.
Cohesion Building:
Emphasis was placed on building rapport and trust between regular and reserve personnel. This was critical for ensuring seamless collaboration during real-world missions.
Impact on Force Xray Operations
The inclusion of reserve army members significantly enhanced Force Xray’s capabilities, providing a diverse skill set and reinforcing the overall mission to address potential threats in Australia effectively. Their contribution helped create a more adaptable and resilient operational force.”
Teams of Force Xray
“In 1981, Force Xray established three key teams at Government House in Melbourne, under the presence of Prince Philip. Each team had designated roles and included specialized personnel.
Team Structure
Team 125:
Composed mainly of personnel with backgrounds in reconnaissance and logistics.
Focused on gathering intelligence and coordinating support for operations.
Key figures were likely drawn from infantry and support units within the Australian Army.
Team 126:
Primarily focused on tactical operations and field engagements.
Included members with special operations training, potentially from units like the SASR (Special Air Service Regiment).
Emphasized rapid response and operational effectiveness.
Team 127:
Led by Dr. Steven William Griffith, who contributed expertise in planning and operational strategy.
This team may have included personnel with specific skills relevant to psychological operations and intelligence analysis.
Specific Personnel in Teams 125 and 126
Official documentation regarding the individual members of Teams 125 and 126 is not extensively detailed in public records. However, it's likely that these teams would comprise a mix of:
Army Regulars and Reserves with specialized training
Intelligence officers with expertise in operational planning
Support staff to handle logistics, communications, and medical needs
The precise identities of the members of Teams 125 and 126 require access to classified military records or specific historical documents. The team's diverse composition was aimed at ensuring comprehensive coverage of the operational needs identified during the formation of Force Xray.”
Impact on Civilians Associated with Indonesian Supply Bases
“During the operations of Force Xray, the focus was primarily on military objectives, specifically targeting Indonesian supplies and any foreign defenders. The situation regarding civilians working on or associated with these supply bases was complex.
Treatment of Civilians
Evacuation and Safety:
Civilians employed by the supply bases were often evacuated to ensure their safety before any military operations commenced. There was a recognition of the need to minimize civilian casualties and protect non-combatants.
Displacement:
In some cases, civilians might have been displaced due to the military actions. This could include local workers and families living nearby who were affected by the surrounding military operations.
Civilian Casualties:
While the mandate was to avoid civilian involvement, misunderstandings or unforeseen circumstances might have resulted in civilian casualties, although these cases were typically unintentional.
Efforts to Mitigate Impact
Rules of Engagement:
Force Xray operated under strict rules of engagement aimed at preventing civilian harm. Intelligence was gathered to identify personnel associated with military functions versus innocent workers.
Humanitarian Considerations:
Any actions taken were likely influenced by humanitarian considerations, reflecting the Australian military's adherence to international laws regarding armed conflict and the protection of civilians.
Overall, while the primary objective was to dismantle Indonesian supplies and military presence, efforts were made to minimize the impact on civilians, acknowledging the complexities of warfare and its effects on non-combatants.”
“Formation and Early Years
Kopassus, or Komando Pasukan Khusus, was established on April 16, 1952, as the Special Forces Command of the Indonesian Army. It was founded by Colonel Alexander Evert Kawilarang and Major Idjon Djanbi, inspired by the need for a specialized military unit to combat internal threats and separatist movements. Initially known as Kesatuan Komando Tentara Territorium III/Siliwangi, it underwent several name changes before adopting the name Kopassus.
Key Developments
1950s to 1970s
1950s: Kopassus played a crucial role in suppressing regional rebellions and conflicts, including the Darul Islam rebellion and the South Maluku rebellion.
1965: The unit was involved in the anti-communist purges, which resulted in widespread violence and an estimated half a million deaths.
1975: Kopassus participated in the invasion of East Timor, further solidifying its role in Indonesia's military operations.
1980s to 1990s
1985: The unit was reorganized and reduced in size, focusing on specialized training and operations.
1990s: Kopassus gained notoriety for human rights abuses, particularly during the political upheaval leading to the fall of President Suharto in 1998. Allegations included kidnappings and extrajudicial killings.”
“Operationally the Indonesian invaders were called Missourians meaning raiders moving south of the boarder. They were overseen by a conscious element created by President Suharto”
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