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Abstract This article takes a critical look at the intellectual culture of the Australian Army, especially the lack of a culture of writing. The author observes that it is not that Army officers do not reflect and discuss what they experience, they just tend not to write about them. He argues that leaders at every level in the Army must contribute to reversing this trend. Less than two years after the end of the First World War, the new German Army under General Hans Von Seeckt underwent a deep-set and …

Abstract The structure of the Australian Army is the legacy of a long and distinguished history. The author argues that this force structure needs to be re-shaped to better provide high-readiness deployable capability options to Government. He advocates adopting on-line/off-line readiness cycles, consolidating Reserve units, reviewing the employment of foreign exchange officers, and reducing the number of formation headquarters. We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we …

Abstract Defence policy before the 1960s was to inter Australian troops in the foreign theatres where they fell. Repatriation of the remains of those killed before then was limited to three people: the ‘unknown soldier’, General William Throsby Bridges, and Lieutenant Keith Mackellar. The first two are icons of military honour, the third is the little-known brother of Dorethea Mackellar, who penned the line ‘I love a sunburnt country’. Keith Mackellar, like so many young men, left for war with a heart full …

Abstract Working with the media is an essential element of strategic planning for the military of today. This article examines the various roles of the media and the understanding required for today’s forces to become a media-savvy military. While the media may act as both collaborator and traitor, it is the military that requires a new way of thinking to consciously factor in the newest player in the battlespace: the embedded journalist. While every war is different, there is a constancy about many of the …

Abstract The conduct of military public affairs in complex environments is characterised by two prevailing themes: strategic communication to Australian audiences, and the need to build local consent and support within the area of operations. Public affairs, often underestimated at the beginning of deployments, can prove to be a vital ingredient in building and maintaining support from the local population as well as goodwill at home. The success or failure of a military mission can often rest with the …

Abstract This article discusses the application of the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) to the world of cutting-edge military technology in the form of the uninhabited combat aerial vehicle or ‘UCAV’ as it is known in military circles. UCAVs are pilotless aircraft that can launch, attack, recover and return to base. The discussion focuses on LOAC, examining the legal implications of the use of UCAVs in combat with particular reference to Australia. Prior to the introduction of UCAVs into military service, the …

Abstract In the future, land force commanders will need to manage the use of airspace to enable multidimensional manoeuvre—coordinating joint and coalition assets and denying adversaries. Battlespace management, in an era of uninhabited and automated systems, is becoming increasingly complex. The author argues for the development of a ‘land force air and missile defence’ (LFAMD) to enhance friendly capability and defeat conventional and asymmetrical enemy manoeuvre. Introduction The Australian Defence …

Abstract Robots and their uses are a staple of science fiction, and yet practical applications are already in the field. Uninhabited aerial vehicles, such as Predator or Global Hawk, can be considered robots. This article examines robots by using the battlespace operating systems (BOS) paradigm. The author concludes that, as technological change gathers pace, capability planners need to consider the uses and benefits that robots offer the military of tomorrow. Introduction Anyone who has seen the latest …

Abstract The mortar is the only organic indirect fire support available to Australian Army infantry battalions. The author argues that detailed consideration of the mortar as a battalion asset has been neglected during the Army’s prolonged commitment to peace operations. This article examines the Army’s mortar training and employment requirements in light of future operations and capability development initiatives. The author concludes with options for further developing this battalion asset. Fire Mission …

Abstract The load of the infantry soldier has remained steady through centuries of technological evolution—about 40 kilograms. The essentials: ammunition, food, and water are eternal. Yet, these are only part of the exhaustive ‘load list’. The author argues that logistic systems must be able to deliver resupply ‘just in time’ and commanders must rigorously enforce a weight limit. He presents his case for profound reform in what the infantry soldier carries into battle, leading to true ‘light infantry’. …