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Prior to the establishment of the DSTO Alumni Association, in Melbourne, a voluntary organisation of DSTO retirees entitled The Ancient Aeronauts & Mariners existed.  It had a pedigree going back at ARL to 1982 and its purpose was to provide opportunities for retirees from Melbourne to sustain their mutual association and interest in defence technology.  Information about its history may be found at http://www.asap.unimelb.edu.au/bsparcs/spons/SP00007.htm

In 2005, the AA&M had 92 participants and 63 partners and since coordinated attendance at annual luncheons and DSTO site visits.  The AA&M was managed by an ad hoc planning group of six retirees and functions were conducted on a profitless basis.  The annual luncheons were very popular and usually attract a handful of interstate participants and current DSTO executives.

AA&M participants were often called on to compose obituaries of significant former DSTO staff for publication, and occasionally to help prepare and maintain public biographical archives of the more eminent of such.  They were also invited to assist in the preparation of historical records pertaining to the DSTO and its past activities, and were consulted when gaps in the corporate memory arise.

The AA&M welcomed the move to develop the DSTO Alumni Association and their consequent absorption into this broader-based organisation.

DSTO would like to thank those associated with the AA&M for their efforts in establishing and running the AA&M over the years and look forward to benefiting from their experience, drive and liaison skills in the establishment of the DSTO Alumni Association.