Dr Zena Assaad is a senior lecturer in the School of Engineering at the Australian National University and is also a fellow with the Australian Army Research Centre. She has previously held a fellowship with Trusted Autonomous Systems. Her research explores the safety of human-machine teaming and the assurance and certification of autonomous and AI systems. Dr Assaad is the founder and chair of the Australian national community of practice for UAS and AAM research. She received the 2023 Asia Pacific Women …

An Enabled 1st (Australian) Division A Division is one of the four best commands in the Service-a platoon, a battalion, a division, and an Army…A division, because it is the smallest formation that is the complete orchestra of war and the largest in which every man can know you. [i] Field Marshal Viscount Slim On 07 July, the Chief of Army (CA) stated, ‘We are setting conditions today to enable Army’s transformation. We are reorganising to reinforce our division headquarters to better command and control …

An Enabled 1st (Australian) Division Part One of this article outlined the historical structure of an Australian divisional. This structure was reviewed in light of the Chief of Army’s July 2023 pronouncement regarding the 1st (Australian) Division. The key capabilities currently missing are the enabling brigades that empower the division to conduct independent operations. The capacity to conduct independent operations is an important requirement due to the contemporary threat environment posed by large …

Army’s approach to accelerated preparedness In October, the AARC launched its spring series ‘ Short Thoughts Competition ’ on Army’s approach to accelerated preparedness. The purpose was to encourage authors to think about the activities Army can undertake now to achieve success in future and the types of capability that would best prepare land forces for future operational tasks. In a resource constrained and competitive workforce environment, our contributors specifically addressed the opportunities for …

The Land Power Forum blog is published by the Australian Army Research Centre in order to generate discussion and debate about the future of Army. It is a forum for informed analysis, commentary, thoughts and ideas. Contributions are welcomed from stakeholders, subject matter experts and those interested in future land warfare. … Land Power …

Dr Jai Galliott is Director of the Values in Defence & Security Technology Group within the University of New South Wales at Australian Defence Force Academy, where he also sits on the Faculty & University Boards. He also holds appointments as a Fellow of the Modern War Institute at the West Point and the Centre for Technology & Global Affairs in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford. He has authored/edited the following books: Military Robots: Mapping the Moral …

Associate Professor Garth Pratten is a member of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University. An historian by training, he has previously worked for the Australian Army’s Training Command and the Australian War Memorial, and taught in the Department of War Studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Among his research interests are the experience of command and the conduct of military operations. … Garth …

Major Tony Purdy is currently serving in Headquarters 1st Brigade as the S3 Operations Officer. He has previously served as the S33 Current Operations Officer in the same headquarters, as well as a range of command and training appointments including 1st Armoured Regiment, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, B Squadron 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment and the Royal Military College Duntroon. In these roles he has served alongside a number of allies and partners on exercises in Australia and abroad, as well as on operations in …

Leo Purdy is a retired Armour Officer who served in various regimental, staff and training postings. As an independent consultant, he now undertakes research and analysis activities to support Defence and Industry capability development. In this capacity, he has written articles, studies, concepts and doctrine on armoured warfare, mounted minor tactics and the future of armour and mechanised infantry. … Leo …

Captain James Saint is an Artillery Officer currently completing a Masters of Strategy and Security with the University of New South Wales. … James Saint …