| Author Profile: |
Brian Dirou joined the RAAF in 1957 as a trainee aircrew signaller (NCO aircrew). He underwent pilot training in 1960 and subsequently served on Dakotas (School of Air Navigation, RAAF Darwin, No. 38 Squadron), Sabres (No. 76 Squadron) and Iroquois (Nos. 5 and 9 Squadrons). He was posted to No. 9 Squadron, Vietnam as a Flight Lieutenant early in March 1968. On arrival, he was appointed as Project Officer for design and development of the RAAF UH-1H Iroquois helicopter gunship.This assignment paralleled his primary role of squadron pilot, mainly as a mission leader. He was soon promoted to acting Squadron Leader and then substantive rank. Brian initially served 11 months in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during this period, principally for night operations with Australian Special Air Service patrols. He returned to Vietnam in March 1969 to manage work-up training and operational introduction of the Air Force Iroquois gunship. He saw further service in Vietnam during 1971. He flew over 1,150 hours on operations (4,360 sorties), participated in insertion/extraction of 200 plus SAS patrols and was involved in 50 engagement situations with opposing forces. During May 1969, he had 15 enemy encounters while flying ‘Bushranger’ gunships. Brian’s career mainly involved Joint Service activities. He was also a qualified Forward Air Controller, a staff instructor at Air Support Unit and Helicopter Operations Staff Officer at Headquarters Operational Command. Promoted to Wing Commander in 1975, he attended RAAF Staff College and became Commanding Officer, No. 9 Squadron during 1976-77. He left the Air Force prematurely in 1978, after 4 years at Wing Commander rank. Post-military, Brian was employed in international airline flight training in Europe, the Middle East and South-East Asia; residing and working in Kuwait after the 1991 Gulf War and recently, Brunei in Borneo. Brian and his wife, Diane, are now living in retirement at North Arm Cove, Port Stephens, NSW.
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| The submission mainly addressed failings in helicopter force organization and capabilities, particularly the proliferation of aircraft types and imprudent acquisitions. A response was received from Defence Policy, Guidance & Analysis indicating some rationalization of helicopter resources is intended; however, subsequent inappropriate procurement decisions underscore continued failings of the Defence Material definition processes. Invaluable lessons from operations of military forces in Vietnam, East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq seem not appreciated by our Defence planners! - BRIAN DIROU |
