Contexto Electoral

The medium combined arms operations capability is achieved through engaging the enemy in close combat enabled by force protection and essential firepower, and provides forces at high to medium readiness. These forces can be deployed in combined arms teams from company to battalion size. These combined arms teams are drawn from armoured, mechanised infantry, medium artillery, combat engineers, army aviation and combat support units. This capability is based on the 1st Brigade in Darwin, Northern Territory.

output 3.3: capaBility for liGHt comBineD armS operationS

The light combined arms operations capability is achieved by providing light, air-mobile forces, at high readiness, available for immediate deployment. These forces can be deployed in combined arms teams from company to battalion size. These combined arms teams are drawn from an armoured sub-unit, light infantry units, light artillery, combat engineers and combat support units and can also be supported by armoured and

taBle 2.23

performance targets performance

Achieve levels of preparedness directed by the Chief of the Defence Force for military response options with a warning time of less than 12 months.

achieved. The special operations capability was able to meet all preparedness requirements for military response options.

Achieve a level of training that maintains core skills and professional standards across all warfare areas (including counter-terrorism).

achieved. All training requirements were met.

Special Operations Command, comprising: • a command headquarters;

• a Special Air Service Regiment; • a Regular Army commando regiment; • an Army Reserve commando regiment; • an Incident Response Regiment; • a Special Forces Training Centre and • a Special Operations Logistic Squadron.

achieved.4 Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) is on target to reach full maturity in December 2006.

121

2.5

taBle 2.24

performance targets performance

Achieve levels of preparedness directed by the Chief of the Defence Force for military response options with a warning time of less than 12 months, including the provision of a battalion-sized group within 90 days readiness notice.

partially achieved. The medium combined arms operations capability was unable to meet all allocated preparedness requirements for military response options during 2005–06. Deficiencies in some limited areas of equipment, personnel numbers in key trades, and commitments to operations affected preparedness levels for some response options, but a credible level of capability was available for all of the military response options. This was demonstrated by the deployment of the Al Muthanna Task Group, and contributions to the Security Detachment in Baghdad, Solomon Islands and the preparation of a Reconstruction Task Force and force elements for Timor-Leste. Limited equipment deficiencies and personnel shortages continued to be addressed, including the purchase of upgraded ASLAVs, a new main battle tank, an upgrade of the M113 armoured personnel carriers and personnel retention and remediation initiatives.

Achieve a level of training that maintains core skills and professional standards across all warfare areas.

partially achieved. A number of training activities had to be reduced in scope due to operational commitments. Personnel shortages in a number of key trades and equipment deficiencies continued to affect the achievement of some core skills. 1st Brigade, comprising:

• a brigade headquarters; • an armoured regiment • a cavalry regiment; • a medium artillery regiment; • a combat engineer regiment; • a combat support regiment; • a mechanised infantry battalion; and • a combat service support battalion.

Substantially achieved. The medium combined arms

operations capability continued to have deficiencies in personnel and equipment holdings that affected its capacity to complete all possible tasks. Recruiting and retention initiatives have been introduced to ease these shortcomings in the future.

taBle 2.25

performance targets performance

Achieve levels of preparedness directed by the Chief of the Defence Force for military response options with a warning time of less than 12 months, including the provision of a battalion-sized group within 90 days readiness.

achieved. The light combined arms operations capability met the levels of preparedness for all military response options. It provided force elements for the Baghdad Security Detachment and for operations in Iraq, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. The capability also provided personnel, as the transit security element, to border protection operations in the apprehension of illegal immigrants.

Achieve a level of training that maintains core skills and professional standards across all warfare areas.

Substantially achieved. Most training requirements were met. Most airborne, airmobile and amphibious training was restricted due to reduced availability of joint assets as a result of operational commitments.

3rd Brigade, comprising: • a brigade headquarters;

• an armoured personnel carrier squadron; • a field artillery regiment;

• a combat engineer regiment; • a command support regiment; • three infantry battalions; and • a combat service support battalion.

achieved. This target was achieved. Personnel and equipment availability for units in this output were sufficient to meet preparedness requirements.

122

c H a p t e r 2

aviation units from other Army, Navy, and Air Force outputs. This capability is based on the 3rd Brigade in Townsville, Queensland. It uses strategic, operational and tactical mobility to exploit its flexibility, adaptability and utility across the spectrum of conflict. The capability achieves this through surprise, rapid action and the ability to seize and hold ground.

output 3.4: capaBility for army