Annual Report 2004-05

Capability Development Group

Overview

The role of the Capability Development Group is to develop and gain Government approval for future defence capabilities. The Capability Development Group has a close relationship with the Defence Materiel Organisation and oversees the implementation of a number of the Defence Procurement Review recommendations.

The Capability Development Group consists of:

• Capability Systems Division, which manages the development of future capability options to assist government decision making on investment in major capital equipment for the ADF;
• Capability, Investment and Resources Division, which provides independent analysis and review of capability issues including the balance of investment in capability (current and future), the future structure of the ADF, major investment proposals, preparedness and priorities;
• Capability and Plans Branch, which seeks to ensure that current and future capabilities align with the Government's strategic priorities. The branch oversees issues relating to capability guidance, preparedness management, mobilisation and network centric warfare implementation;
• the Directorate of Trials, which supports Capability Development Group staff in defining the test and evaluation concepts that will inform capability development, acceptance and utilisation decisions. The directorate also coordinates joint test and evaluation policy and conducts Defence trials that cross Service, Defence and international boundaries;
• the Australian Defence Simulation Office, which develops and oversees the implementation of Defence simulation policy and the Defence Simulation Plan providing guidance on, and sponsorship of, simulation projects to enhance capabilities, save resources and reduce risk across the Defence organisation; and
• the Office of Interoperability, which oversees interoperability issues concerning capability development. The office is also responsive to the Chief of Joint Operations for interoperability issues with an operations perspective, and to the Strategy Group for consideration of current and emerging strategic affecting interoperability.