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Australian Defence Force personnel can look forward to better creature comforts as field infrastructure undergoes a much-needed upgrade.
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Field infrastructure such as accommodation, medical, catering, and personal hygiene facilities are under review and improvement, in response to recruitment and infrastructure concerns outlined in the Defence Strategic Review earlier this year.
Quality of life changes will have a major impact on Defence’s highly skilled workforce, according to Australian SME Global Defence Solutions (GDS).
“Wherever possible and with all our creativity, our team is focused on giving Defence personnel a better quality of life when they are deployed and that has a benefit for both recruitment and retention,” said GDS general manager Jeromy Bendall.
“Personnel in the field clearly have a challenging job and we want to enhance their capability and contribution to the nation through the solutions we offer.
“One of the ways GDS works with Australian and New Zealand Defence forces is to continually improve the quality of rapidly deployable infrastructure; so it works effectively but doesn’t overlook comfort and convenience.”
The company has previously won a New Zealand Defence Force contract for Field Operational Hygiene and Catering Systems, as well as a partnership with Saab Australia to deliver deployable infrastructure aspects of Australia’s Deployable Health Capability program JP 2060 Phase 3 (hard and soft shelters).
GDS will deliver 40 per cent of the 600 tents required, with air conditioning, and several thousand light and power installations. GDS and Saab have a memorandum of understanding to further advance deployable force infrastructure.
The company, in partnership with Thomas Global Systems, is also working on immersive tactical trainers for Rheinmetall Defence Australia under the LAND 400 Phase 2 Project for the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle.
While field infrastructure had to meet stringent requirements, there was often room for some customisation or expanded functionality of the delivered product, Mr Bendall said.
“Our design philosophy accommodates all the modern workforce considerations. We have ensured it is easy for men and women in uniform to safely set up our facilities,” he said.
“Each component is a manageable weight and size so it can be quickly and safely assembled by all deployed personnel.
“Personal shower cubicles have instant hot water, water saving shower and tap sets, a safe dry place to store your clothes, and drainage designed to ensure the highest levels of hygiene.
“The ability to have a regular shower, a decent meal, and a comfortable night’s sleep is highly valued by those in the field. There’s no doubt that if you’re well rested and feeling fresh you are going to perform better.”
Bendall said other valued improvements include more privacy, gender-specific facilities, accommodation of casualty patients, technology such as USB charging stations for mobile devices, rapidly deployable infrastructure such as tents take five minutes to construct or kitchens that are operational in 30 minutes.
