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Abstract The Australian Army is a fighting force that depends upon the combined arms approach to generate operational effectiveness. This approach works only when each part of the team can contribute appropriate effects in the face of opposition. The author argues that the Australian Army’s combat engineers are incapable of providing mobility assurance in the face of opposition because of shortcomings with their equipment. The author demonstrates the negative effect this will have on future operational …
Abstract This article discusses Human Intelligence (HUMINT) as a potential solution to the problem of gathering intelligence on highly agile and adaptive threat networks in complex environments. The article examines why HUMINT is effective in supporting the new forms of small team, semi-autonomous operations proposed by the Australian Army in the future as well as the cultural and historical qualities of its soldiers. The author proposes the adoption of a HUMINT-centric approach to land force operations …
Abstract Today’s operations represent complex, uncertain battles against enemies concealed among a population whose support is critical to victory. This article examines the importance of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) capabilities in the Australian Army, demonstrating its potentially vital role in the range of ADF operations. The author articulates the benefits that can accrue to ADF commanders when a properly integrated and coordinated CIMIC effort is undertaken. The author calls for the official …
Abstract This article examines the critical role that the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police (RACMP) can play in enacting multiple recommendations made within the government’s Interoperability Review Between the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Federal Police for Regional Stabilisation Operations . The author demonstrates the strong links already established between RACMP and AFP, and how their shared operational experiences and similar tactical approach can be harnessed to effect new …
Abstract The laws of war have always been complex and open to interpretation due to their international nature. While the Rome Diplomatic Conference saw the creation of a single international criminal code that has since been adopted by 106 different states, there is still room for significant interpretation within even this legal regime. This article argues that, in the heat of battle, when powerful instincts for self-preservation cloud the soldier’s judgment, ADF personnel may simply be incapable of …
Abstract This article lays down the author’s experiences commanding RTF-3’s Security Task Group in Afghanistan during 2007 and 2008. From a significant study of the Mujahideen and Taliban prior to his deployment, the author was able to determine eleven tactical principles that guided the employment of his forces, and they are provided in this article for the benefit of future commanders. The author points out that his eleven principles, and his experience of employing them, clearly proved the enduring …
The wording might have changed a little since Chinese general Sun Tzu brushed ‘ The Art of War ’ in circa sixth century BC, but the meaning today is clear enough: Know thy enemy and know thyself, find naught in fear for 100 battles. Know thyself but not thy enemy, find level of loss and victory. Know thy enemy but not thyself, wallow in defeat every time. 1 If you argue that an enemy never harboured desires for your soil, one would think that, had you the opportunity, you would go to the sources of the …