Defence

Army

Looking back at our 2004 successes

Respected and admired ... Our soldiers, such as Sgt Jason Trass, AATT-I, at a firing range with Iraqi Army recruits in Iraq, have a worldwide reputation for hard work, determination, and experience. Photo by Flt-Lt Lindsay Dooley, MPAO JTF 633

The Australian Army has experienced another year of high operational tempo. We have been called on to serve the nation at home and around the world in places as far afield as the Solomon Islands, Ethiopia and Eritrea, Bougainville, Bosnia, East Timor and the Middle East. Many are on exchange or on postings with our Coalition allies.

The variety of tasks Australian officers and soldiers have been called upon to do in 2004 demonstrates the changing nature of operations and warfighting. Peacekeeping, peace monitoring, humanitarian assistance and security tasks in increasingly complex environments are some of the challenges we are required to face. I am pleased that the Australian Army has risen to these challenges and will continue to do so in the future.

2004 has also seen the Army make significant progress domestically, particularly with a number of projects, equipment acquisition and enhancements to facilities. The decision to purchase the M1A1 AIM Abrams tank will significantly increase Army's firepower, mobility and protection.

The first ARH Tiger helicopters will be delivered to the Army in December on time and on budget. Additional troop lift helicopters will augment Army's ability to rapidly deploy. These projects demonstrate the effectiveness of the Army, DMO and Capability Group working together to deliver the best capability for the ADF's needs. I am confident this partnership will continue to deliver in the years to come.

The Army's recent success on operations has been achieved by working as a true joint force. The Army, Navy and Air Force continue to work together with the support of the Department to achieve the missions required of us by Government. I am pleased to see significant progress made with the Air Warfare Destroyer, Amphibious Ships, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Joint Strike Fighter projects, all of which will greatly assist the Army in the future.

Our success on operations is testament to the training, preparation and support the entire Defence organisation provides to our soldiers on operations. The continued development of our training and preparation - particularly the use of new technologies - is a priority for the Australian Army. We must adapt and learn if we are to maintain our combat edge.

The continuing high operational tempo has seen an increase in the role of the Army Reserve. All our recent operations have seen Reserves deploy and play an important role in their success. Enhancements to legislation, support and training for Reserves have seen them become a critical element of the Army's future.

The Australian Army Cadets continue to provide opportunities for young people to take part in adventurous, fulfilling and educational activities in a military setting. It is an excellent endeavour that helps to promote responsibility, leadership and respect of self and others.

The Army continues to make a real and positive contribution to the lives of the people they touch at home and deployed around the world on operations. I am very proud of how our soldiers strive to become part of the community and do the right thing by the population they are living among. Theirs is a complex task. They are playing a significant role in making the world a safer and more peaceful place.

The Australian Army has gained a reputation world-wide for professionalism, courage, dedication and compassion. Australian soldiers are respected and admired wherever they go. This reputation has been earned through hard work, determination and experience.

Despite the high operational tempo, the Australian Army is coping well with current deployments. The draw-down of our force levels in East Timor and the Solomon Islands offers a welcome respite and we are now well prepared for future challenges.

2005 will be another busy year, but we look to the future with confidence knowing that Australia has a modern, capable and professional Army ready to defend Australia and its national interests.

Lieutenant-General Leahy is Chief of Army.

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