This working paper analyses the continuing importance of combined arms warfare in modern armed conflict. The paper consists of three edited essays: a conceptual introduction to the theory of combined arms combat; a case study of combined arms warfare based on the Australian Army's experience in Vietnam; and a concluding essay with historical and contemporary insights on the continuing relevance of all-arms combat. The first essay by Michael Evans provides a conceptual context for understanding the …

A primer for ADF commanders to assist them to own the challenge of military suicide in the ranks as a command and leadership issue. This paper seeks to provide a primer for Australian Defence Force commanders to assist them to own the challenge of military suicide in the ranks as first and foremost a command and leadership issue. It argues that it is impossible to understand a suicidal soldier unless the subject of suicide is itself broadly understood by the profession of arms. In order to frame the …

Lieutenant Colonel Melanie Lenaghan has been at the forefront of operational roles in information operations and advising on the impact of war on women and children to ADF and coalition senior leaders during recent conflicts. This thought-provoking presentation on the impact of war on women and children, in particular in Iraq, provides valuable insight into how military operations impact on non-combatants and combatants alike in ways that are often not obvious to planners. … A Woman's Place is in the …

Lieutenant Colonel Melanie Lenaghan has been at the forefront of operational roles in information operations and advising on the impact of war on women and children to ADF and coalition senior leaders during recent conflicts. … Melanie Lenaghan …

WAR! – What is it Good For? Professor Ian Morris’s book, “War! What is it good for?” looks at the long term history of how the rise of stronger governments with more force at their disposal have driven down rates of violent death, with some discussion of why people use violence in the first place. This oration contributes to Army’s contest of ideas and will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about the history of conflict, and gain a unique perspective on the evolution of violence and some …

Ian Morris is Professor of Classics and a senior fellow of the Archaeology Centre at Stanford University. He has published thirteen books, including Why the West Rules—For Now (2010), War! What is it Good For? (2014), and most recently Foragers, Farmers, and Fossil Fuels: How Human Values Evolve (2015). He has directed archaeological digs in Greece and Italy, has held visiting professorships in anthropology, archaeology, business, international studies, and psychology, and is a contributing editor at …

A logistician by background, he recently Commander the Army School of Logistics Operations and has seen operational Service in Joint and Army logistics roles. He is a graduate of the University of New South Wales (Master of Business) and the Australian National University (Master of Arts (Research)) through the Australian Command and Staff Course. He is undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy through the Australian National University; in this research he is examining the effectiveness of the ADF’s approach to …

In a surprise reversal of positions, the United States appears set to pursue a more revisionist foreign policy over the coming years, while China has signalled its intension to pursue regionalist and globalist economic and security policies. Dr Lockyer will examine what these changes in US foreign policy will mean for regional dynamics, stability and security and discuss how Australia’s defence strategy should respond to these shifts in US foreign policy. … Australian Defence Strategy in the Age of Trump …

Dr Adam Lockyer is a senior lecturer in security studies at Macquarie University. Dr Lockyer was the 2015 Fulbright Scholar in US-Australia Alliance Studies and was a research associate at the United States Studies Centre. … Adam Lockyer …

Mobilisation Planning Requirements for the Land Domain Training System … Contemporary Plan 401 …