Staying on top of things in a changing world





By Maj Mick Wilson

AUS & US Troops
(MPEG video 5.67MB)

RECENT world events have been the driving influence in a new program to improve interoperability between close allies.

The American, British, Canadian and Australian (ABCA) Armies Standardisation Program is undergoing a radical transformation to remain relevant and responsive by focusing on combat interoperability.

The new program was scheduled to commence this year, aiming to be closely focused on current world events, needs and enhanced coalition cooperation.

Its vision will focus on the effective integration of the member armies' capabilities in a joint, inter-agency and multi-national environment.

Its mission is to optimise interoperability through collaboration and standardization while its goals are relevance, responsiveness, standardization, mutual understanding, knowledge sharing, efficiency and effectiveness.

The ABCA Program was formed in 1950 in response to the deteriorating international situation after WW2.

It was intended to forge close links and bonds between the member armies.

Originally comprising the US, UK and Canada (ABC), Australia joined in 1964, and sponsored New Zealand's membership as an observer in 1965.

ABCA developed and delivered more-than 2000 quadripartite standardisation agreements, advisory publications and information exchanges through 13 different working groups and 15 special working parties.

The working groups have now been replaced by five Capability Groups, which are based on the Canadian battlefield functions of Command, Sense, Act, Shield and Sustain.

These new Groups are assisted by three Support Groups, comprising military and Defence civilian representation from each country.