Defence

Marshalling Point

 

Going forward: keys to success

ACM Angus Houston, Chief of the Defence Force

In this, my first column in my new role as Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), I wanted to share with you what an immense privilege it is to take command of such an experienced and capable Defence Force and to tell you about some of my more immediate priorities.

During the last three years General Cosgrove has done a marvellous job commanding the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in a very challenging security environment. Our operational tempo has been high and the range of operations we have been involved in has been varied. General Cosgrove will be remembered as a consummate professional, an inspirational leader and a highly effective CDF. He has left the ADF in good shape and I am very fortunate to be in a position to continue and build on his great work.

The men and women of the ADF are a magnificently skilled, trained and talented group of people. During the last few years our performance on operations has been impressive. We have consistently delivered wonderful results in very challenging circumstances all over the world and I will be working hard during my time as CDF to ensure that the ADF maintains and extends its excellent reputation for successful military operations.

I think that the key to continued operational success is our people. Our Force may be small but we are very effective. One of the reasons for this is the quality of our people. Our attributes and skills are manifold, but in particular our capacity to adapt, innovate and get along with people from other cultures has been critical to our success. Our Force will always be reliant on highly trained people, both military and civilian, to deliver extraordinary operational results.

Therefore, the welfare of our people is a very high priority for me. The Service Chiefs and I intend to work tirelessly to make sure that our people are treated with compassion, care and consideration. I believe that most people in the ADF are treated fairly and behave appropriately. There are, however, still some incidents where our people are not treated as well as they should be. It is therefore imperative that we ensure that abuse of any form is not tolerated within our Defence Force. We are very focused on thoroughly and carefully analysing the recommendations of the military justice inquiry and providing comprehensive advice to Government. All Star-Ranked Officers have been directed to read the report and provide comments to myself and Rear Admiral Mark Bonser, who has been appointed to lead the team that will provide this response. I will also be asking them to engage with you through focus groups to gain an ADF wide view of the issue.

We are also conducting a strategic review that will result in another Strategic Update. As with the 2003 Defence Update, this will complement the Defence 2000 White Paper. The Update will provide a basis for revising our strategic documentation across the Defence organisation.

As CDF, another key priority for me is the Defence Capability Plan. We need to ensure we are matching the idealism and commitment of our people with the right equipment, doctrine, training and support to achieve their missions. I believe that we are doing this but we must work hard in the future to ensure this continues. The Defence Capability Plan is critical to our ability to sustain a balanced Defence Force that is flexible, adaptable and responsive to the needs of Government.

One of Defence's biggest challenges to date has been financial management, and I want to reiterate that efficient, effective and competent financial management is not just the preserve of the finance domain experts. This responsibility rests with all of us, whether military or civilian, since we are all in some way accountable for the prudent and sensible use of public monies. If we don't get the fundamentals right by taking responsibility for financial management then our operational success can not be sustained. Improved financial management will be another of my priorities and I will be working with the Secretary, Ric Smith, to drive financial reform within Defence.

In conclusion, I want to say that I am looking forward to working with the new leadership team. They are experienced, enthusiastic and committed and together they bring a great deal of expertise to the challenging job of leading the ADF.

I am also looking forward to working with you during the next three years as Chief of the Defence Force as we go about our mission of Defending Australia and our national interests. You have proved yourself time and again on countless operations that the ADF has conducted. We've thrown many challenges your way and you have delivered excellent results every single time. I have the utmost confidence in your professionalism and your ability to work effectively together in teams. You are amongst the best in the world, supported by a dedicated and professional Defence organisation. Together I know that we will meet the challenges that lie ahead.

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