Annual Report 2004-05

Outcome Three: Army Capabilities

Capability Performance Information

Output 3.9 Capability for Motorised Combined Arms Operations

The motorised combined arms operations capability contributes to the strategic tasks of defending Australia and securing our immediate neighbourhood. The capability complements the 1^st and 3^rd Brigades by providing a range of highly mobile forces to conduct land manoeuvre operations utilising surprise, offensive action and concentration of force to disrupt or destroy enemy forces' plans, cohesion and morale. The capability provides forces at high to medium readiness. These forces can be deployed in combined arms teams from company to battalion size. Combined arms teams are drawn from an armoured unit, a motorised infantry unit, artillery, combat engineers and combat support units and can be supported by armoured and aviation units from other outputs. The capability is based on the 7^th Brigade, an integrated formation of Regular Army and Army Reserve personnel, based in Brisbane, Queensland.

	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.	Partially Achieved. The motorised combined arms operations capability provided elements of the 6th Battalion and 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment to support operations in Iraq. The remainder of the capability was not able to support all military response options due to equipment deficiencies and personnel shortfalls in key trades, and sustainability issues. Personnel shortfalls are being addressed through recruiting and retention programs. Equipment deficiencies will be progressively addressed through the redistribution and acquisition of new equipment, including upgraded ASLAV and Bushranger vehicles.
	Achieve a level of training that maintains core skills and professional standards across all warfare areas.	Partially Achieved. Most training activities were successfully conducted. Some collective training activities were reduced in scope due to operational commitments, and deficiencies in equipment and personnel.
	7th Brigade, comprising: - a brigade headquarters; - a cavalry regiment; - a field artillery regiment; - a combat engineer regiment; - a command support regiment; - three reserve integrated infantry battalions; and - a combat service support battalion.	For Regular Army units, this target was substantially achieved. Regular Army units achieved the required staffing levels, and provided a credible level of preparedness. For Army Reserve units, this target was partially achieved. Army Reserve units achieved lower than expected staffing, which affected capability.