From: McLean, Ian LTCOL
Sent: Thu 7 Apr 2011 
Subject: CASAC

Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, HONCOL and I this morning presented the paper, 'Remediation of Establishment Hollowness, AABC', to CASAC.   After consideration CASAC agreed to adopt all recommendations contained within the paper.   

We are now tasked with creating a contemporary AABC with an establishment of 166 ARA personnel.  The basic premise for achieving this task is to adopt a standard structure based on individual band (unit) strength of 43 personnel.  

Contained within the 43 will be a varied mix of ARA and AR personnel.  RMC Band will be capable of the full repertoire of ceremonial support and concert band performance.   All other bands will display a more basic ceremonial capability and will perform contemporary music with an emphasis on the modern genre.   The role of the AABC is now confirmed as "enhancing the image of the Australian Army through community and military engagement.     

AABC force structure/disposition will be as follows:

a.   An Army Band of 43 ARA musicians located in Canberra - RMC Band;
b.   Army Support Bands of 22 ARA musicians and up to 21 AR musicians located in Townsville, Brisbane, Sydney and Kapooka;
c.   Regional Army Reserve Bands of three ARA cadre staff and 40 AR musicians located in Newcastle, Hobart, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne:
d.   DFSM with 11 ARA staff co-located with RMC Band; and
e.   DMUS-A with 6 ARA staff co-located with RMC Band. 

Taking into account that initial discussions surrounding hollowness indicated AABC should reduce to an establishment of 103 ( later amended to 129 then 143) this is a good outcome which, with careful management, will ensure Army's musical capability is sustainable in the long term. I will provide detail of all adopted recommendations in due course although you will be well aware of plans as the HONCOL and I have provided detail of intent during unit visits during the past 12 months.

Initial duty of all is to advise unit members of the overall outcome as detailed above.   The next phase is to develop the implementation plan.   This will be undertaken by DMUS-A in conjunction with SCMA, DOCM and HMSP-A.   The important point to stress to unit members is that implementation will be graduated and will occur over a number of years.   NO ONE WILL LOSE THEIR JOB although, in the long term, it would be prudent to advise players of specialist concert band instruments that, in order to create additional posting opportunities for themselves, it may be wise to consider adding a 'second string to the bow'.  The first stage of implementation will be to disestablish our 32 current vacant positions.   The aim will be to reduce establishment strength in Brisbane, Sydney and Wagga to accommodate that process.   This does not mean that players of non support band instrumentation will be posted in PPC 12.   Tenure will be respected and measures taken to ensure that gainful, satisfying work will be available to all during transition years.

Re-location of DFSM is a long term project and is dependant upon the rebuild of the RMC Band facility.   This is not expected to be completed until approx 2016.  In the meantime AAB(M) will remain an ARA unit with tasking to include currently provided support to DFSM training.   Conversion to a Regional Army Reserve band will not occur until DFSM re-location is complete.  There will no doubt be many questions from individuals regarding personal future.  I will address each and every question in turn, do not hesitate in directing questions to me if unsure of the correct answer.   Similarly the media may ring with questions.  I require that any such enquiries be directed to me.

We face an exciting time.   Now that the decision on the future for the Corps has been taken we can move forward with certainty as we position Army music to become fully relevant to the younger generations.   Army is depending on us to project a positive, contemporary image as it seeks to attract young people to Service life.   Similarly our soldiers need to see and hear us performing music relevant to them.   We've been granted a great opportunity to make a significant contribution as an intregral part of Army.   The positives are many.  Collectively we need to embrace progressive change to ensure we make Army music better for individual musicians, our units, the Corps and Army. 

My personal thanks to all officers and Warrant Officers who contributed to the in depth discussions concerning the Corps future.   Every opinion and suggestion was evaluated at length before the final paper was produced.   Let's continue in a co-operative,  supportive and united manner as we take Army music forward.

Regards,          
Ian McLean

I.J. McLean, AM,CSC
Lieutenant Colonel
Director of Music - Army
Directorate of Music - Army
5/101 Tennant Street
FYSHWICK ACT 2609

Ladies and Gentleman,

Can I reiterate Ian’s comments and in particular the fact that we now face an exciting time for the Corps and it’s development.  The Chief of Army and his General’s are deeply committed to the Corps and its place in the Army and indeed the Nation.  They appreciate your efforts, professionalism and sense of duty – they are all proud of you.  They also have accepted the advice of the vast majority of you that we must modernise to remain relevant.  

Consequently, the decision has now been taken as to our role and future structure.  I now expect you to get on with the job, accept the challenges which will come with change, acknowledge that the time for consultation is over and get on with doing what we do best - enhancing the image of the Australian Army through community and military engagement. I look forward to sharing the next stage of our development with you.

Regards,
Brigadier Mark Bornholt

From: Patrick Steer
Sent: Saturday, 9 April 2011 8:50 AM
To: Brigadier Mark Bornholt

Subject: Re: CASAC

Dear Mark,

On behalf of all Members of the AABC Association may I take this opportunity to thank you for the time and effort you have put in since you took over as our Honorary Colonel and especially in regard to the combined effort of you and Ian in obtaining such a good result for the Corps.

We have has been fortunate with the dedication to the Corps our Honorary Colonels have had in the past and our present one is no exception. Thanks again Mark and I look forward to meeting with you again later this year in Wagga. Keep up the Bass Drum practice.

With kind regards
Pat Steer