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Capability Development Group

In harmony on new capability

It may sound less than impressive, but the Requirements Harmonisation Working Group (RHWG) is a vital element of the Australia–US alliance when it comes to new defence capabilities. Air Commodore Kym Osley explains...

As part of the AUSMIN Defence Acquisition Committee (ADAC) meetings recently held in Perth, LTGEN David Hurley met with his American counterparts on the Requirements Harmonisation Working Group to discuss improved ways of coordinating (or 'harmonising') capability development activities.

The idea behind the RHWG is simple—to enhance interoperability between Australian and US forces. Ideally, this interoperability should be 'built in' to the force structure of the respective military forces early in the capability development process and should encompass concepts, standards, processes and architecture—as well as the interoperability of major capital equipment.

The RHWG provides strategic level oversight of how well we are 'harmonising' the requirements that will drive development of our respective future forces. It is the primary vehicle used by the Chief of Capability Group and his American equivalent (currently Vice Admiral Chanik, the Joint Staff J8) to gauge the health and progress of interoperability issues between Australia and the US. It provides an opportunity for interoperability issues to be raised.

A key outcome of the 2006 ADAC meeting was agreement that the RHWG should develop an interoperability 'concept of operations' to provide top-down direction for the various ADAC subcommittees. LTGEN Hurley and VADM Chanik will develop and present this higher level guidance to ADAC members and other US–Australian principals over the coming year.

"We will take every opportunity to foster the capability development bilateral relationship at the senior level through ADAC and the RHWG and informal visits. We should be in no doubt that coalition operations between the US and Australia will remain the norm, and issues of interoperability will be a predominant consideration."

Lieutenant General David Hurley
Chief Capability Development Group

However, engagement through the RHWG will only be effective if Defence can promote vibrant and progressive relationships at the project officer level.

Supported by the Director Mobilisation, Mr Chris Tognon, my role is to manage the Australian RHWG responsibilities for CCDG on a daily basis. We are encouraging desk officers to develop strong working relationships with their US counterparts with a view to:

  • identifying trends in capability development within their areas of expertise;
  • highlighting opportunities that could be provided to their US counterparts in their considerations of capability development; and
  • promoting a spirit of cooperative development.

To facilitate this engagement, a matrix has been developed to highlight key relationships between US and Australian desk officers in a range of capabilities.

Australia and the US will monitor progress—in the usual traffic light method—against five categories: concepts, standards, processes, architecture and systems. The first aim is to identify key desk officers and other stakeholders. This should facilitate improved dialogue between stakeholders, particularly with the introduction of classified email traffic.

Importantly, the RHWG allows early resolution of contentious issues before they adversely impact on either interoperability, program cost or schedule. This connectivity also provides a means to elevate contentious issues to a senior level, if required, for resolution.

Common Questions...
So what do I need to do as an Australian RHWG desk officer?

You are to make contact with your corresponding counterparts as soon as possible into the tenure of your appointment. Continue the professional relationship/contact at least quarterly. Obtain a classified email account on the GRIFFIN system when practicable through Integrated Capability Branch.

What is the RHWG Matrix and how do I use it?

The matrix is a compendium of projects and areas of interoperability interest between the US and Australian capability development areas with the respective DOD. Changes to the RHWG matrix can be made by notifying the RHWG Secretariat.

What do I do if I identify a harmonisation problem?

Identify the exact nature of the problem, attempt to alleviate the problem through appropriate desk officer action – with both US and Australian desk officers. If the problem remains, staff the issue through the designated Director General. If this fails to resolve the issue, the matter will be escalated by the DG to the Secretariat.

What is the role of the Australian Liaison Officer at HQJFCOM?

The Australian LO at HQJFCOM, currently LTCOL Roger Symons, is responsible for facilitating the development of relationships with US RHWG staff and the subsequent progressing of matrix project capability development.

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