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Defending Australia and its National Interests

Cover story

Ensuring Australia's security

2007 marks the 60th anniversary of the Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO), and who better to shed some light on this critical agency than the man at the helm. Alisha Welch recently spoke with DIO Director, Major General (MAJGEN) Maurie McNarn AO, about the importance of effective intelligence in ensuring Australia’s national security at home and abroad.

Features

Faces of DIO

In its 60th anniversary year, the Defence Intelligence Organisation’s (DIO) reputation and profile have grown to the point where its intelligence services and advice are considered a critical input to key Defence decision makers grappling with many of the strategic challenges facing the department. Behind this reputation are DIO’s people – the dynamic and creative engine that drives the high-quality analysis and services that underpin much of Defence’s strategic decision making.

DIO: 60 years of service

When a Cabinet Committee decided on 12 November 1947 to establish the Defence Intelligence Organisation’s (DIO) forerunner – the Joint Intelligence Bureau (JIB) – it made all posts, excepting the Director’s position, open to New Zealanders.

Talisman Saber 2007: Australia and US interoperable and combat-ready

The Talisman Saber series of exercises are conducted biennially in Australia with the United States (US). Talisman Saber 2007 (TS07) was designed to train Australian and US forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations, improving Australian Defence Force (ADF)/US combat readiness and interoperability.

International Policy Division - fostering international relationships

Defence recently spoke with First Assistant Secretary International Policy (FASIP), Ms Stephanie Foster, about how IP Division assists Defence and government in forging effective relationships abroad.

Negotiation of a defence cooperation agreement with Turkey

Australia has a well established defence relationship with Turkey, which includes activities such as Anzac Day commemorations, materiel cooperation and senior-level visits and training courses.

Diplomacy and dogs: IP in Afghanistan

The Reconstruction Task Force (RTF)does extensive and admired reconstruction work in Uruzgan province. They build and repair schools, hospitals, irrigation projects, bridges, police facilities and mosques. They also train locals in trade skills through the Trade Training School.

IP policy advice a vital operational tool

Violence, elections and internally displaced people – these are but a snapshot of the issues that crossed a dusty desk in Dili.

Helmets and helicopters: a policy catalyst

Defence is the kind of organisation that recognises that its personnel (civilian and military) can fulfil varied and valuable roles on operations around the world.

International Policy's global reach

Gourds, bat sandwiches, and other titbits: the life of a Defence Policy Advisor in Indonesia.

Life of a maritme surveillance advisor

Defence's key objective in the Pacific is to foster and support regional security and stability. The primary vehicle for Defence's engagement in the region is the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) and its centrepiece is the Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB) Program..

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