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Abstract This article examines the dichotomy of planning versus thinking. Examining a diverse range of historical factors, the author concludes that planning—with its comfortable certainty—has replaced the troublingly uncertain act of thinking. This trend must be addressed if the Army is to have the best chance for success in the uncertain future that lies ahead. One Marine officer remembered walking into the Army’s big operations center at Camp Victory that spring (2004) and being appalled. He surveyed …

Abstract This article explores the role that Army health capabilities could play in an Adaptive Campaigning operational framework. The authors argue that, as the Army begins to recognise the importance of health support to the population, Army health personnel must take on responsibilities additional to their normal combat health role. These include the temporary provision of obstetrics, paedeatrics and midwifery to the indigenous population, the adoption of more flexible health unit organisations, and the …

Abstract This article outlines three separate critiques of the Australian Army’s new Adaptive Campaigning concept. The author argues that both the ‘Adaptive Action’ and ‘Adaption Cycle’ elements of the new concept are superfluous given that other sound concepts like JMAP and the OODA loop already exist. The author also takes exception with the Joint Land Combat vision, which he perceives as being ‘inwardly focused and process driven’, and which he maintains too readily cedes the initiative to the enemy. …

Abstract With the Australian Army’s Complex Warfighting in mind, this article delves into the debate surrounding the nature of future wars and future warfare. Drawing on prominent figures in the current literature, the author concludes that while the fundamentals of war will remain solid, they will manifest themselves in ways that appear, at least initially, unrecognisable. The author argues that Clausewitz’s ‘Trinitarian’ conception of war—properly understood—provides a suitable framework for …

Abstract This article examines the factors that most often make up the motivation behind suicide attacks. The author argues that it is rarely one issue that influences the behaviour of individuals and groups who resort to suicide attacks, and addresses several misconceptions that exist regarding these dangerous enemies. Do not kill yourselves. God is merciful to you, but he that does that through wickedness and injustice shall be burned in fire. That is easy enough for God. - Koran, Surah 4:29 In recent …

Abstract This article examines the issue of casualty aversion. The author concludes that this is more of a myth than a reality, and exists largely within the minds of the decision-making elite. The article explores the ramifications of this fact, demonstrating that casualty aversion and excessive force protection cedes a valuable asymmetric advantage to the enemy and prevents the full range of strategic options from being exercised in pursuit of political goals. For a nation at war Australia has been …

Abstract This article reviews the current state of post-operational debriefing in the Australian Army, demonstrating its strengths and weaknesses and comparing it with similar coalition processes. The author concludes by offering two recommendations for enhancing the utility of post-operational debriefing, suggesting that it occur prior to departure from the theatre of operations and that the Chief of Army’s Lessons Seminars be expanded. After the Second World War the United States chief combat historian, …

Abstract This article examines the need for a system to educate the Australian Army NCO corps about counterinsurgency operations. The author argues that, as the ‘strategic corporal’ becomes ever more important, properly educating them becomes equally important. This education will offer an assurance of capability to commanders that simply relying on Australia’s non-existent ‘natural predisposition’ for COIN cannot. The author warns that with such education must come a commensurate devolution of authority …

Abstract This article recalls the author’s experiences at the Iraqi Joint Headquarters. During his time in Baghdad, the author came to understand that there was cause for guarded optimism about the future of Iraq, and that success for the US-led coalition was indeed possible. However, he also learned that some significant progress is yet to be made along this path, and he details what he believes are the precursors for such progress. We are Sunni, we are Shia, we are Christian, we are Kurd. We come …

General Sir Francis Hassett, AC, KBE, CB, DSO, LVO (1918-2008) After a distinguished and grand life of service dedicated to the nation in war and peace, General Sir Francis Hassett died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Canberra on the morning of Wednesday 11 June 2008. Admired and respected by all soldiers with whom he served, and deeply loved by his family, he graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in 1938, and thirty-seven years later led the Australian Defence Force as Chairman of …