Most opinions in the community consultation process about the force structure requirements were based on the assumption that Navy, in conjunction with RAAF,would be required to dominate maritime approaches, protect sea lanes of communication and support the deployment and operations of land forces.

There was support for having fleets on the east and west coasts, but many argued there should be more naval bases and vessels in the north of Australia.

A number of people were opposed to the eventual elimination of the destroyers and argued that the ANZAC frigates in themselves do not provide an adequate replacement. Their primary criticism was the loss of the Navy's area air warfare capability.

Without that capability the Navy would need extensive air cover assistance when deploying amphibious lift ships or escorting merchant ships when there was a threat from aircraft.

The policy of fitting for, but not with, appropriate weaponry was widely criticised, the logic being that ships need to be ready to operate immediately, not at some indeterminate time in the future. Many commented that as a result of this policy the Navy'' vessels are not adequately equipped for self-defence. There was strong support for strengthening the capability of for amphibious lift. The success of HMAS JERVIS BAY in support of the East Timor operation demonstrated the value of this type of vessel. Many suggested the need for a fast, logistic support vessel able to carry a battalion-sized force and preferably helicopters.

A fast jet aircraft carrier was advocated in a few submissions. But more contributors were critical of the cost of a carrier and the way it could distort the RAN's overall structure.
The Collins class program attracted frequent comment. Some believed the submarines were a waste of money but most acknowledged that the faults must be overcome to provide us eventually with a valuable capability.

There was strong support for upgrading the patrol boat fleet. Some suggested the current boats should be replaced with bigger boats, fitted with better surveillance equipment. People in the north and west of Australia generally considered the patrol boats to be a high priority because of the immediate problems associated with coastal surveillance and illegal activities.