Abstract As the last veterans of Australia’s involvement in the First World War pass away, this article outlines the history and evolution of Australia’s first and finest Army formation, the 1st Division. From the generals to the privates, from Australia, Egypt, Gallipoli and France, the long-term impact of these soldiers and leaders on both Australian military and civil institutions has been profound. Indeed, their actions and sacrifices are imprinted on the national psyche, although, as the author …

Abstract This article is based on the author’s oration on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the Australian Defence Force Academy. He examines the history of the Academy and compares it to the early years of the Royal Military College Duntroon. He then suggests ways to enhance ADFA’s reputation and utility to the wider community. To Lead, To Excel: this motto guards the entrance to the Australian Defence Force Academy 1 (ADFA) which, in 2006, marked twenty years since the first graduates were …

Abstract The author examines the claims about the importance of the emerging generation as they enter the workforce, Generation Y. The Australian Army, he states, need not adapt itself to the ‘unique’ characteristics of Generation Y—they are like any other group of young people, not the ‘generational shift’ that popular opinion presents. He finds more assertion and hyperbole than evidence and fact in many of the claims by and about Generation Y. Introduction The movement of what has been dubbed Generation …

Abstract Operations in urban environments are a persistent feature of military affairs. As Western technology has outstripped our adversaries, they have adapted to use this most complex terrain, limiting the utility of Western firepower and destructive force. This article examines several aspects of this dilemma from the perspective of New Zealand’s Army and suggests avenues of further development. Introduction The future of warfare is likely to become increasingly complex. Adversaries will employ …

Purpose This paper outlines selected tactics, techniques and procedures developed and adopted by the Multi-National Corps–Iraq to facilitate interaction with their Iraqi Army (predominantly Iraqi Ground Forces Command) counterparts. Background Iraqi Ground Forces Command (IGFC) was established on 15 May 2005 as the operational fighting headquarters for the Iraqi Army. In a command directive dated 4 August 2005, the Commanding General of the Iraqi Joint Forces (IJF) provided his implementing direction to …

Abstract As unconventional forces shift their efforts to attacking ‘softer’ targets—such as supply convoys, logistics bases and headquarters—to avoid the lethal firepower of combat units, soldiers that have traditionally not needed ‘skill at arms’ come under fire. The author argues that non-arms corps troops require a higher level of marksmanship training to cope with an increasing likelihood of engaging in close combat. Introduction One of the stranger actions of the Second World War occurred on 6 …

Abstract The authors argue that, based on British Army experience, Australian Army Reserve units and personnel can more easily be deployed than current policy recognises. By comparing competencies between the Australian Active Army Reserve and the British Territorial Army, and considering pre-deployment training requirements, the authors highlight that Australia could easily deploy reservists overseas under existing legal frameworks. All that is needed, they argue, based on first-hand experience, is to …

Abstract This article discusses a number of training and tactical lessons from the British Army’s Infantry Battle School. Key amongst these is the use of ‘immersion’ training ideologies to improve the effectiveness of infantry platoon commanders on operations and in the urban environment. The Platoon Commander's Battle Course The Platoon Commander’s Battle Course is an intensely demanding fourteen-week course, ten weeks of which are devoted to tactical training. The British training regime is based on a …

Abstract This article discusses Joint Information Operations in the light of the January 2006 release into the public domain of the United States Department of Defense’ (US DoD) Information Operations Roadmap dated 30 October 2003. 1 It considers how Information Operations (IO) has and is evolving in the West with particular reference to US IO policy based on the disclosure of this previously ‘SECRET NOFORN’ (No Foreigners) classified document. A Road Well Travelled By 2006, Information Operations could no …

Abstract Operation RAMP was a mass Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) from Lebanon carried out by the ADF during the war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. This article provides an overview of the conduct of this successful interagency operation and examines Whole of Government preparations for future interagency operations. Introduction The Australian Defence Force (ADF), as part of a whole-of-government operation, conducted a successful mass Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) of Australian …