Where are we Heading as an Association?
1AR Assn paper, Oct 2014. For full paper, see https://armouredadvocates.wordpress.com/ then'Articles' (1AR Assn -- Our Future)
Extract: "The challenge for the association now is that we need to recruit more members from the second group [those who didn't serve in Vietnam]. Why? Those that served in Vietnam are all now in their middle 60’s late 70’s, they are the ones most likely to drop out as they get older. Poor health will be the most common cause.
We seem to see many ex serving members of the Regiment on face book, all are happy to relate tales of their service, so how do we get these people to join the association? What can we offer to get these people on board, because if we don’t our numbers will deteriorate over time."
One person's thoughts …
Associations of people are bound by common experiences. This applies particularly, but not only, to groups of veterans marching on Anzac Day. Former members of the Parachute Regiment (me included) are bonded by participation in pre-parachute selection and parachuting itself.
What bonds members of the 1AR Association?
I think everyone will agree that being a member of an AFV crew is a unique experience. This by itself, however, is not enough to form the basis of an association. If it was, there would be no need for papers such as this. Members of RAAC ARES associations are linked not only their individual service, but also the enormous history of their units.
Members of the 1AR Association have a proud heritage. While it is just the Vietnam Battle Honours that are emblazoned on the Standard, members of Australian armoured regiments fought gallantly during the Second World War. Perhaps there are opportunities to promote this heritage to younger members.
Initiatives.
A Museum open day for Association members could provide a great backdrop for doing this, as well as serving as an ideal recruiting initiative for the Association. A dvd explaining the importance of an effective armoured capability to Australia's defence (chronicling the history of the AAC and RAAC) could serve as a basis for unit presentations. Such a dvd could also be sold by the Museum and the Association to offset the cost of making.
Thinking about this, there is group of people who have enormous interest in AFVs, tanks in particular. I refer to those involved in restoring vehicles, making models, and delving into military history. Would a new category of membership be relevant here, eg. something like an 'affiliate member'. Someone who has not served with 1AR, but someone whose interest in Australia's armoured history and its AFVs, could enhance the awareness of this throughout the Association.
The Facebook Phenomenon.
There is, of course, another dimension to membership of an association; that of maintaining social friendships. These links are important, but are being increasingly catered for by social networks such as Facebook. A strong and lasting unit association is unlikely to be solidly founded on this basis alone. It is a deeper dimension which will really unite members. Rather than being self-serving, important aspects here include helping those in need, recognising achievement by former members, as well as those serving today, and preserving history and traditions.
Who to 'Target'?
The extract above refers to the "challenge for the association now is that we need to recruit more members from the second group [those who didn't serve in Vietnam]." Some will say that the best recruiter for any Association is a member who has been in it for a long time and can attest to its benefits. This would suggest that rather than focussing on recruiting younger members, a necessary pre-requisite would be that of retaining older members. If the older members are not interested enough to renew their membership, younger recruits are unlikely to be attracted either.
How to Maintain (and Expand) Membership.
The text book answer is to survey members to find out what they expect in return for their membership fee and then set about delivering it. There is something even more fundamental here, however. Without it, no amount of effort will bring results. You'd think that those with experience in an armoured unit would be better at it than anyone else … communication! Without it, no matter how 'good' an armoured unit is, it goes no where.
Unless there is a means by which members can express their views openly (and their elected representatives can respond equally openly) there will never be a united membership body. Such a means of communication doesn't exist at present.
Recommendation to the 1AR Association Committee.
Establish a forum as part of the website (eg. 3/4 Cav Regt Assn). Use it as a means of communicating with your members, keeping them informed of the Committee's thinking, plans, etc and asking for their input. Moderate the posts so that no childish attacks on individuals are allowed, but also encourage and welcome criticism. If, for example, members feel that minutes of committee meetings should be posted on the website, then respect their right to ask for it (disallow the request if necessary). Encourage this interaction with and between members with all your might. Without such free and open dialogue, members will not feel any sense of ownership or belonging. Without that, they will not renew their membership. Without them, new members are unlikely.