Abstract The high demand historically placed on engineers by an amphibious landing force after it has deployed ashore requires that the manner that Australian Army engineers fit into Australia’s Amphibious Concept be established in order for the ADF to successfully execute amphibious operations, prior to any future such commitment. The list of engineering tasks needed to support the full spectrum of operations in the current and future operating environments is quite extensive, thereby an ad hoc engineer …

Abstract This article argues against the hasty adoption of conceptually questionable ‘doctrine’ inspired by the notion of ‘population-centric operations’, and instead proposes that military professionals may be better served by reviewing the validity of earlier doctrinal precepts, and applying them to contemporary and future mission sets. The article cautions against a conceptual fallacy wherein the Army is considering developing doctrine that envisages a military force conducting either Joint Land Combat …

Abstract Today’s interconnected operating environment is presenting complex problems which are placing considerable stress and pressures on military decision-makers. The concepts within the emerging field of Complex Adaptive Systems science offer significant potential as a superior method for addressing these complex problems. Using an analysis of the applicability of CAS theory to contemporary military problems and research undertaken by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, this article …

Abstract Distributed manoeuvre—multiple small combined arms groups operating independently of each other—will be further explored and developed by the Australian Army over the next two decades. Small groups in the first echelon need to be supported by a second echelon of combat, combat support and combat service support, with a main body ready to rapidly mass and strike as required. This creates a number of challenges for maintenance, supply and health elements tasked with supporting the battlegroup. …

Abstract Lessons learned by the United States in the global war on terror and in overseas contingency operations underscore the value of intelligence information gleaned from the exploitation of captured enemy personnel, equipment, and materiel. A key element of successful exploitation is accurately categorising information by intelligence discipline in order to apply the correct resources towards the exploitation effort and maximize exploitation potential. In light of these revelations, it is time to …

Abstract Adaptive Campaigning— Future Land Operating Concept describes the Australian land force’s response to the challenges of future warfare. It discusses the need for Army to perform successfully over various lines of operation and to maintain an adaptive approach in order to achieve its objectives. However, the novel nature of this approach poses some challenges in its practical implementation. A visualisation technique known as influence diagrams is employed to examine adaptive campaigning and help …

Abstract The focus of the Army Reserve has shifted from supplying deployable units for large-scale conventional warfare to providing individuals and small groups to support the Army’s current operations. The requirement for soldiers to be easily integrated into Regular units has caused us to increasingly train, treat and manage reservists identically to their full-time counterparts. This is ineffective because it fails to accept the real and important differences between Regular and Reserve service. …

Abstract The following is the text of an address given by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, to the Royal Australian Navy’s Sea Power Conference in Sydney on 31 January 2012. Lieutenant General Morrison stated that the introduction into the Australian Defence Force of new amphibious capability is anything but routine. The Landing Helicopter Docks cannot be thought of as merely a transport capability. Rather they are an integral part of a combat system with unique, and unprecedented, …

Abstract This article provides an in-depth exploration and examination of operations against and around Post 11 as part of the Australian assault on Bardia. Despite the interesting nature of such operations in their own right, it aims at more than simply recounting details of this remarkable action. Events in and around Post 11 some 67 years ago provide a number of salutary lessons for modern commanders. In particular, the destructive effects of inflated ego and personal pride, stubbornness in the face of …

Abstract The Battle of Pinios Gorge was a key ‘rearguard’ action fought by Australian and New Zealand troops against a German enemy from 17–18 April 1941 during the ill-fated Greek campaign. The purpose of this investigation of events at Pinios is threefold. First, it provides a detailed forensic account of an important yet little known ‘Anzac’ battle. Second, it seeks to counter a number of mistaken interpretations, which have grown from the scant body of non-operationally oriented literature that has …