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The
new Vision shows the way forward for the Air Force and its
people.
Photo by SGT Glen McCarthy
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The
Vision
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Capable
and effective air and space power is a key feature
of the Vision.
Air
Force must be expeditionary – that is fully deployable
– not only for strategic tasks overseas, but
also for the defence of Australia.
As
always, we will need the right balance.
Joint
and coalition operations are the future.
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Spread
the Word
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Squadron
leaders and flight sergeants who believe passionately
about the Air Force are invited to join Vision teams
that will make presentations at bases from late April
for two to three weeks.
Direct
inquiries to Nannette Holliday on (02) 626 55547 or
Nannette.Holliday@defence.gov.au
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THE
Air Force has shown its versatility in recent years with a range
of deployments, both domestic and overseas, but must now focus on
becoming a flexible, adaptable and fully deployable Air Force to
meet the challenges of an uncertain future.
Although
some people may have heard this theme before, it represents a
defined and updated vision of the Air Force’s future as articulated
by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston at the recent
CAF Symposium.
Acknowledging
the spirit and ethos of the Royal Australian Air Force, AIRMSHL
Houston said the spirit continued today with a willingness to
adapt to the uncertainty and challenges ahead.
He
said the new Air Force Vision aligned very closely with the Joint
Vision 2020 released last year, supported this focus and future
commitment. “More than just another slogan, it examines our
heritage, builds on our strengths and poses the likely challenges
for the future.”
Although
there is a longer underpinning document, the newly developed Vision
requires a balanced expeditionary Air Force capable of achieving
the Government’s objectives through swift and decisive application
of air and space power in joint operations or as part of a larger
coalition force.
In
his keynote address at the symposium, AIRMSHL Houston elaborated
on how it all applied.
“Our
forces must be capable of fighting the war on terror at home and
abroad. We still have the defence of Australia as the fundamental
focus and responsibility, but we must also be flexible and adaptable
to respond rapidly to the support of other interests.
“We
must be prepared to contribute to the security of the immediate
neighbourhood – our interests in the region or closer to
home.
“We
must be able to support Government policy further afield, such
as the current deployment to the Middle East, while conducting
the myriad of peacetime national tasks.
“We
must be able to provide the appropriate response or we will become
irrelevant.
“First,
we must become completely expeditionary and have already created
Expeditionary Combat Support Squadrons to enable us to deploy
and operate from forward or remote bases or limited infrastructure
operating bases.
“Second,
we have to provide niche forces for coalition operations in support
of UN operations, a regional arrangement or under long-standing
alliance commitments.
“Third,
we must be flexible and adaptable to circumstances. That will
mean an additional burden on our people and systems, but we cannot
afford to acquire a bit of everything or train for just one mission.
We must be responsive, flexible and adaptable.
“Uppermost
for the success of the Air Force of today and the future is a
strong belief in our people. We must rely on highly trained and
well-supported people, both service and civilian, within a values-based
organisation. There is no doubt they are key to success.”
He
said the Royal Australian Air Force had a proud history, from
its establishment out of the AFC at Point Cook in 1921, through
the global conflict of World War II to Korea, Malaya and Vietnam.
“In
the 1990s, we deployed elements to war zones in Somalia, Rwanda,
Cambodia and East Timor and we conducted an evacuation of Australian
and other approved nationals from Cambodia. We also had people
in the Balkans, Pacific and with the UN,” he said.
“In
the domestic support sense, we have contributed to personnel evacuations,
search and rescue, flood and drought relief and fisheries protection.
“These
cumulative experiences of our people in the various operations
and activities has shaped today’s Air Force and continues
to do so – particularly pride and a sense of belonging to
a special organisation. We have a great tradition of service and
sacrifice which has been passed to us by our forebears, particularly
the World War II veterans.
“Historically,
the Air Force has been perceived by many to be a platform-focussed
organisation and this has been to our detriment. Smart platforms
are all good and well but it is well-trained people who operate,
support and protect them who ultimately make the difference.
“The
cultural realignment Air Force is undertaking requires enlightened
leadership. We are now placing an additional focus on leadership
development to marry with the technical expertise Air Force has
always been recognised for.
“This
requires all levels within Air Force to better understand themselves
and others and display the leadership principles we need to take
us forward. It requires more appropriate selection of people throughout
the organisation to balance the thinkers and the doers.”
In
late April teams will travel around Australia to talk about the
Vision and to hear the views of personnel.
