Annual Report 2004-05

Outcome Three: Army Capabilities

The Army contributed to the achievement of the Government's defence objectives by providing capabilities centred on light, medium and motorised combined arms forces; army aviation; ground based air defence; combat and logistic support; and units for regional surveillance and protective operations. These capabilities contributed to the broader ADF capability, within a primarily maritime strategy, to defend Australian territory from any credible attack, to enhance the security of our immediate neighbourhood, and to contribute to international coalition forces. The Army also provided forces for peacetime national tasks, including forces with a capacity to contribute to the national domestic security response to terrorist chemical, biological, radiological or explosive incidents.

Performance Summary

Support to Operations

During 2004-05, the Army's operational tempo increased. The Army contributed to Operation Sumatra Assist and prepared the Al Muthanna Task Group for operations in Iraq. The Army has also maintained its support to non-regional operations with the United Nations and Multi-National Force and Observers Sinai. Army force elements and individuals were deployed on operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, the Solomon Islands, the Middle East, Africa, and on operations conducted in, or mounted from, mainland Australia.

The Army maintained a combined-arms force in Baghdad in the most demanding security environment. The Baghdad Security Detachment has been principally drawn from the 3^rd, 5^th/7^th and 6^th Battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment, the 2^nd Cavalry Regiment, the 2^nd/14^th Light Horse Regiment and the 1^st Military Police Battalion. The Army continued to provide training for the Iraqi Army after being involved from the outset with the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team. This task has included the training of Iraqi combat and logistic personnel. The Army also maintained a contribution to the Joint Task Force Headquarters in Baghdad and provided personnel in a number of embedded positions with our coalition partners.

In February 2005, the Prime Minister announced the deployment of an Australian battle group to the Al Muthanna Province of South Eastern Iraq. The 450 person battle group, drawn from the 2^nd Cavalry Regiment and the 5^th/7^th Battalion, is principally responsible for the provision of security for the Japanese Iraqi Reconstruction Group and training of the Iraqi Security Forces.

The Army contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands has drawn down to approximately 40 personnel over the past 12 months. Despite this, the Army has demonstrated its capacity to rapidly respond in the event of a breakdown in law and order through the deployment of the Ready Company Group in response to the murder of an Australian Federal Police Officer.

The Army also maintained a significant presence in Timor-Leste primarily to enhance the security and stability of the country through its commitment to United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET). This commitment included the deployment of logistic and engineering support to the UN-led Military Support Force. The UNMISET mandate expired in May 2005. Army will continue to contribute to the UNMISET successor mission United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL) with the provision of up to three Military Advisers.

In addition to the operations in Afghanistan, Sinai and Israel, the Army has recently deployed a small element in support of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan. The Army will provide both Military Observers and Staff Officers to the United Nations Headquarters in Khartoum.

The Army again demonstrated its flexibility and responsive nature by deploying forces in response to the 26 December 2004, South-East Asian tsunami. The Army provided engineering, medical, aviation, logistic and command and control support to assist the humanitarian aid effort in Sumatra, Indonesia. The Army also contributed to the relief effort following the Indonesian Nias Island earthquake providing medical support to the worst hit and most inaccessible areas of the island.

In Australia, the Army maintained high readiness counter-terrorist response forces drawn from the Tactical Assault Group (West), Tactical Assault Group (East) and the Incident Response Regiment. The Army's Special Operations Command has undertaken remediation of its people and other capabilities following operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, continued refinement of Headquarters Special Operations Command and ongoing development of the Tactical Assault Group (East) and the Incident Response Regiment.

The Army continued to contribute to border protection operations by providing transit security elements in support of the apprehension of illegal boat arrivals, and by regional force surveillance units patrolling the north of Australia.

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