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Occasional Paper 37: Littoral Operations for the Australian Army

The paper argues that Australia’s strategic circumstances require the Army to transform into a littoral focused force able to shape maritime outcomes through integrated, multidomain operations. It outlines how long range fires, dispersed sensing, and organic sea land mobility are essential for credible deterrence and effective campaigning across the archipelagic approaches to Australia.

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Australian Army Journal Volume 21 Number 3

This edition brings together a diverse and thoughtful collection of contributions—from across the services, academia and the public sector—that explore these pillars and the broader theme of the Army in society. From historical analyses of mission command to contemporary reflections on planning, innovation, expertise and ethics, these articles challenge us to think about our profession and its future.

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Army Research Scheme 2025

The Army Research Scheme for 2025 is now open.
Independent researchers and research organisations are invited to register to be part of the Army Research Network that will group researchers/organisations in their speciality under the broad scope of Army’s interests being The State of Australian Army Profession, Littoral Manoeuvre, Defence of Australia, RAS and AI Governance, The National Air Power Enterprise, and Civil-Military-Police integration.

Chief of Army Professional Study Guide 2025

The Australian Army Research Centre (AARC) has been directed to publish the Chief of Army Professional Study Guide in accordance with the Army PME Plan.
This guide distils and presents, through recognisable themes (command, leadership, the realities of war, intelligence, logistics and strategy, among others) the foundations of the Army profession via a proven route through our professional body of knowledge.

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Urban Warfare: A Practitioner’s Annotated Bibliography

'Urban Warfare – A Practitioners Annotated Bibliography’ provides access to a wealth of resources about urban warfare to military practitioners. In it, the AARC has collated over 500 papers, articles and reports on the topic of urban warfare. Each resource listed in the bibliography is directly or indirectly, accessible online, including many examples that would not otherwise be readily located using online search engines.

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Land Power Forum

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, and Head Land Capability Major General Richard Vagg, DSC, engage with industry partners at the Land Forces exposition 2024 held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria.

Lessons in Managing the Australian Army’s Capability – Part Four

19 February 2026 Landpower lessons, Force Design

Release of Occasional Paper No 37 - Littoral Operations for the Australian Army

18 February 2026 Content Release, Littoral Warfare, Amphibious/joint/interagency

Occasional Paper 32 - Proxy War in the Levant

17 February 2026 Content Release, Irregular Warfare, Major power competition

Occasional Papers

Littoral Operations for the Australian Army

The paper argues that Australia’s strategic circumstances require the Army to transform into a littoral focused force able to shape maritime outcomes through integrated, multidomain operations. It outlines how long range fires, dispersed sensing, and organic sea land mobility are essential for credible deterrence and effective campaigning across the archipelagic approaches to Australia.

Surf and Turf Operations

This paper argues that Australian cavalry units are uniquely suited to deliver asymmetric effects in littoral operations, drawing on WWII lessons and modern capabilities. It highlights cavalry’s flexibility, innovation, and value in offsetting strategic disadvantages.

Operation OKRA Operational Analysis

This paper analyses Australia’s Operation OKRA, assessing ADF efforts against ISIS (2014~2024). It critiques proxy warfare, AirPower, and counter-network strategies, highlighting policy gaps and suggests reforms to better address future proxy conflicts.

Journals (Early Access Articles)

Volume 21 Number 3

This edition brings together a diverse and thoughtful collection of contributions—from across the services, academia and the public sector—that explore these pillars and the broader theme of the Army in society. From historical analyses of mission command to contemporary reflections on planning, innovation, expertise and ethics, these articles challenge us to think about our profession and its future.

Volume 21 Number 2

Command changes with the character of war, whether in artificial intelligence or new battlefield environments. The latest edition of the Australian Army Journal, with an introduction by Brigadier James Davis, features perspectives from Australian and British Army authors as well as independent researchers.

Volume 21 Number 1

This edition represents a milestone in Army’s long campaign to master the profession. For the first time in many years this journal predominantly features contributions by Army members, with further pieces from academia and experts within the Australian Public Service. It is encouraging, both for the Army profession and for the future, to see military members reading and writing for the journal, presenting their expertise and well-reasoned arguments on topics that matter to Army and the Australian Defence Force more broadly. The articles cover a wide range of topics, from how to transform the Australian Army’s full-time cavalry for the next major conflict to exploring the Indo-Pacific grey zones and examining the potential benefits of using artificial intelligence on military operations.

Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordination Office (RICO)

RICO explores, coordinates, and develops disruptive technology that equips Army to be Future Ready.