Report card on Iraq conflict

By Graham Davis

HMAS Anzac was praised for providing gunfire support to Royal Marine Commandos on the Al Faw peninsula during the conflict in Iraq.

The Chief of the Defence Force, GEN Peter Cosgrove, has identified the need to improve the “automation” of the supply of logistics, that is to be able to track stores, as a Defence priority.

The ADF also needed to better know its allies. “We need to know how they operate,” he said.

GEN Cosgrove’s remarks came in response to media questions on his priorities for the ADF as a consequence of the Iraqi conflict.

The questioning took place at the conclusion of the official release by the Defence Minister, Senator Robert Hill and GEN Cosgrove of a booklet called The War in Iraq.

The booklet, prepared by Defence, outlined the ADF’s involvement in the Iraq conflict. The booklet could well be described as a “report card on Iraq.” It comes with “pluses” and “minuses” for the ADF.

Its pages are dotted with boxes marked “lesson learned” and containing solutions to any problems raised.

The official launch took place in the officer’s mess at Victoria Barracks, Sydney on February 23 and attracted 30 members of the media.

The booklet highlights the professionalism, courage and competence of ADF personnel involved in operations in Iraq.

Senator Hill said the booklet is drawn from a classified review of Australia’s involvement in the Iraq conflict including pre-war diplomacy, the sea, land, air and logistics operations and the return to Australia.

“While the number of Australian personnel involved in operations was small in proportion to the overall coalition force, our highly trained and well equipped forces contributed significantly to the success of the mission,” Senator Hill said.

“The ADF personnel performed their roles with dedication, effectiveness and compassion.

“Their success on the ground was due in no small part to the ongoing efforts and preparation of military planners and the civilians who support them.”

The Minister said many of the lessons learned during Operations Bastille, Falconer and Catalyst, have been acted upon or fed into ongoing development such as the Defence Capability Review.

In the booklet RAN ships and their ship’s companies came in for plaudits. An image of HMAS Anzac firing her deck gun in support of Royal Marine Commandos on land on the Al Faw peninsula was featured and was followed by a “lesson learned”.

Naval Support Gunfire:

“The effectiveness and utility of naval gunfire support was confirmed. It provided accurate and timely support to land forces. Naval gunfire support remains an important and valuable capability, and must remain part of the Navy’s operational training and doctrine.”

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