Defence

Marshalling Point

ACM Angus Houston
Chief of the Defence Force

High organisational tempo

The past six months have undoubtedly been a very busy time operationally for Defence. In early June we had a peak of 5200 personnel deployed on operations in 12 major locations. Compare this with the same time last year—when we had 1700 men and women on deployment—and you can appreciate the increased demand of our current operational commitment.

Of course, when the Australian Defence Force (ADF) commits personnel to overseas service, it is not only the military facets of Defence that are affected. The flow-on effect to the rest of our organisation, even to those areas not directly contributing to operations, is significant. Moreover, in addition to the normal stresses caused by deployments, some of our recent operations have been quite complex in nature, requiring a high level of interaction with other nations, international organisations and other Australian government departments. This additional collaboration makes these operations even more intricate for our organisation.

It is for this reason that I want to pay tribute to everyone in the Defence organisation for their outstanding assistance to ADF operations—I am aware that all our groups and services are very busy at the moment. As Chief of the Defence Force I am deeply appreciative of the way in which Australian servicemen and women are supported before, during and after deployment. Our reputation as a world-class fighting force is due not only to our performance as a defence force overseas, but also to our performance as a defence department here at home. So, to the entire Australian Defence Organisation, thank you very much for your professional and dedicated contribution to the very successful outcomes we have had on our recent operations.

Our busy operational tempo also means that there must be continuous review and adjustment of our commitment to current operations. In some cases we will be increasing our contribution; in others we will be drawing it down. In all cases the local security situations will be very closely monitored and a high degree of consultation and planning will take place before any changes are made.

Recently, there have been a number of operational developments. In terms of our contribution to the International Coalition against Terrorism, Operation Slipper, an extra 150 personnel have deployed to Afghanistan with our Reconstruction Task Force (RTF). This takes the total number of the RTF to around 400 personnel. Of this additional contribution, an infantry company of about 120 are providing force protection and 30 are strengthening the capability of the RTF. This increase follows a detailed review of the security environment in the Oruzgan Province, where the RTF will be based. While deployed, the RTF will work on reconstruction and community-based projects, and will make a substantial and ongoing difference to the lives of the Afghanis living in the region. The task for the RTF is a challenging and dangerous one, but I have great confidence in their skill and determination. I wish all those deploying as part of the RTF a successful mission and a safe return home.

We have also recently established Operation Resolute, which consolidates our domestic maritime security activities into a single operation. This consolidation means that Operations Relex II, Cranberry, Celesta and Mistral no longer exist and now come under the banner of Operation Resolute. This single operation format will improve the effectiveness of Defence’s contribution to national maritime security. Our 300 personnel on this deployment continue to do a great job in protecting Australia’s maritime security.

There has also been a gradual drawdown of our personnel deployed on Operations Astute and Ramp. In Timor-Leste, the steadily improving security situation in Dili has seen the focus begin to move from a military to a police operation. This change has seen about 1000 personnel deployed on Operation Astute return home to their families, having performed exceedingly well in restoring security and stability to Timor-Leste. Additionally, Operation Ramp, our support to the evacuation of Australian nationals from Lebanon, has now concluded. A total of 120 ADF men and women assisted in the evacuation of over 4900 Australian and 1300 foreign nationals from Lebanon under extremely difficult circumstances. Our deployed staff approached this task with courage and compassion, and demonstrated to the rest of the nation that our people stand ready to help Australians in need, wherever they may be.

Finally, in looking at our current organisational tempo and recent operational developments, I think it important to address what we all might expect over the next six months. I don’t envisage our operational tempo changing dramatically and I think the ADF will be involved in most of our current operations for the long haul. Therefore, as an organisation we will continue to be very busy. I ask you all to continue to show the same professionalism and commitment over the next six months as you have over the past six months. If we can do this, our organisation will be in great shape indeed.

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