Interim changes for HQJOC
Volume 11, No. 47, July 13, 2006

THE ADF will establish a transitional form of its new Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) next January.

The transitional arrangements will be implemented at various locations in Canberra and Sydney under the management of the Command and Control Implementation Team.
The transitional organisation will be used to test and refine the new integrated JOC concept before the move to the new HQJOC offices, which are being built on a 220 hectare site near Bungendore, NSW.

VCDF and Comd JOC Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie said the new structure was the biggest reorganisation of ADF command and control for 100 years.

“I expect the new integrated structure for HQJOC to demonstrably improve our command and control efficiency,” he said.

“We will achieve valuable synergy by merging the strategic and operational levels while, at the same time, ensuring wide integration with other government agencies. This way, we can avoid unwanted duplication of effort.”
The new organisation will be responsible for the planning, control and support of all campaigns, operations, joint/combined exercises, overseas engagement activities and natural disaster relief operations.

There will also be a separation of the raise-train-sustain (RTS) functions from the headquarters, with clearer lines of command and control. As a result, RTS will be managed directly by the Service Chiefs.

Coordination and efficiency will also be improved by integrating operational activities with customs, police and immigration.

Lt-Gen Gillespie said the continuity of operations during the transition phase was of vital importance.

“Nothing can be allowed to disrupt command and control of operations in such places as Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said.

“Disruption to our people will be minimised by moving them during the normal posting cycle.”

The reorganisation is being coordinated with the HQJOC Project, which is managing the construction and support of the new headquarters, expected to be completed in 2008.