Iraq Lessons
Much has been learnt by the ADF from operations in the
Middle East, writes Andrew Stackpool

A Hercules crew member takes time out from the unloading of medical supplies in Iraq to survey a T55 turret at the edge of the runway. Photo by CPL Darren Hilder

THE continued use of precision-guided munitions, the ability to integrate with allied logistics systems, the hastening of Air Force’s replacement air-to-air refuelling capability and modified procedures for approving target planning and attacks are just some of the lessons learnt from operations in Iraq.

These lessons are highlighted in The War in Iraq: ADF Operations in the Middle East in 2003, launched by Defence Minister Robert Hill and CDF General Peter Cosgrove on February 23.

The report addresses lessons learnt by the ADF and the Department, as well as highlighting the professionalism, courage and competence of ADF personnel involved in operations in Iraq.

During the operations Air Force fighter-aircraft partic-ipated in combat operations for the first time since Vietnam, when Hornets conducted deliberate close air support and air interdiction sorties against a wide range of military targets. The Air Force also deployed two P-3s and two C-130s, which are still involved in Operation Catalyst.

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

“ADF personnel performed their roles with dedication, effectiveness and compassion. Their success was due in no small part to the ongoing efforts and preparation of military planners and the civilians who support them,” he said.

Australia’s contribution to the success of major combat operations highlighted very effective areas of performance but also identified areas that needed improvement, including planning aspects, managing the rapid acquisition of equipment, policy development and communication support and information management.

Other aspects requiring improvement for future operations were force protec-tion and the sustainment of deployed forces. GEN Cosgrove said the ADF had identified the need to improve the “automation” of the supply of logistics to track stores at every stage from the supplier to the front line as a priority.

The document concludes that the lessons learnt from operations in Iraq will influence government decisions on defence capability acquisition, support and development. The application of the lessons learnt will ensure the ADF continues to be well trained, equipped and led to defend Australia and her national interests.

Senator Hill said many of the lessons learnt during Operations Bastille, Falconer and Catalyst had been acted on or fed into ongoing policy development such as the Defence Capability Review.

“The lessons we have learnt in Iraq will help the ADF remain among the best military forces in the world.”

The full report is availavle online at www.defence.gov.au/publications/lessons.pdf

THE KEY FINDINGS

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: UAVs proved significant force support assets through all phases of combat operations. Defence intends to move quickly to develop and integrate UAV capabilities into ADF doctrine, planning and operations.

Precision-Guided Munitions: PGMs were used extensively in Iraq. The Air Force only used PGMs as they provided improved accuracy and reduced the chance of collateral damage. PGMs were sourced through the US logistics system. The ADF will continue to focus on the use of PGMs in modern combat operations including our ability to integrate key munitions with allied logistics systems.

Air-to-Air Refuelling: This was a critical success factor for Coalition air operations in Iraq. Defence will seek to progress Australia’s replacement air-to-air refuelling capability as quickly as possible.

Targeting Procedures: Defence modified procedures for approving target planning and attacks at the beginning of Operation Bastille, making full use of improved communications technology. The speed and effectiveness of the new procedures were demonstrated during operations and Defence will continue to employ these procedures.

Training: Superior training and skilful use of modern weapons was an essential component in the ADF’s successful engagement of Iraqi forces. Defence will continue to invest in best-practice training and in equipping soldiers with the weapons and resources required for success.

Interpersonal Networks: Liaison officers placed in US headquarters contributed significantly to the success of the planning process. Their effectiveness demonstrated the importance of personal relationships for developing and maintaining the levels of trust and interoperability necessary for effective coalition operations. Defence will review personnel exchange postings to ensure they provide the best opportunities to support relationships with our partners and allies.

Whole of Government Response: Inter-departmental information sharing and cooperation is critical to support a coordinated whole-of-government response. Defence will continue to emphasise inter-departmental coordination when responding to future security challenges.

Rapid Equipment Acquisition: All operations differ in some way and the requirement for additional specialist equipment is often identified in the planning stages of an operation. Defence is developing a rapid acquisition policy based on successful procedures used in these operations. The policy addresses stewardship, through life-support and financial management.

Command procedures: Improvements in communications technology assisted effective high-level command arrangements throughout the operation. Defence will continue to pursue appropriate technology to maintain and improve its coordination of operations.

Communications: Although communications were successful between Australia and the Middle-East, and within the area of operations, they were sometimes hampered by insufficient bandwidth. The ADF will review communication bandwidth to ensure adequate provision for operational growth.

Operational Health Risk Counter-Measures: All deployed personnel were required to accept a range of health risk countermeasures, including inoculation against Anthrax, which at that time was considered likely to be used as a biological weapon by Iraq. Defence has revised procedures to ensure that personnel are fully informed of any potential health risks inoculations could pose, operational requirements for inoculations and health risk countermeasures.

Interoperability: The benefits of continuing high levels of interoperability with our friends and allies, especially for the US, is a major factor in successful coalition operations. Defence will continue to develop international relationships and its ability to operate with allies and partners.

Intelligence and surveillance: Information is essential to networked combat operations in modern warfare. Investments and advances in the integration and networking of intelligence, surveillance and operational information must be actively promoted within the ADO.

Networking and Connectivity: Networked military operations contributed to Coalition success with shared information, intelligence and situational knowledge identified as crucial success factors. Defence will continue developing its Network-Centric Warfare capacity through training, doctrine, equipment acquisition and capability enhancements.

Logistic Information Management: The success of the logistics system was achieved through careful oversight and intensive management. Defence will continue to integrate logistics management information to ensure that logistic support for future deployments is well co-ordinated and managed more efficiently.

Force Protection: This remains an very important factor in modern combat operations and requires effective operational planning and use of all available measures to reduce the risk of casualties. Defence will continue to incorporate force protection measures in operational planning and capability procurement decisions.

Force Extraction Procedures: Rigorous equipment cleaning processes are required to meet high standards set by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). These standards impose a financial, materiel and manpower burden when forces return from an area of operations. In conjunction with AQIS, Defence will investigate less intrusive and less damaging cleaning/fumigation processes to streamline the quarantine clearance process in future operations.

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

Role of Armour: While Australia did not deploy armour, coalition forces used armour extensively for force protection, shock action and fire power. Defence is reviewing this application and role of armour in Army’s combined arms team.

Public Affairs: A deployable public affairs capability is integral to successful modern military operations. The use of public affairs officers helps maintain community support by providing visibility of ADF operations to both the general public and Defence families. Defence will continue to deploy PA officers and encourage coverage by civilian journalists for operations where operational circumstances permit.

Information security: Information on ADF operational planning and activity remained very secure throughout the operations, although there was some criticism that too little information was provided to the public. Defence will continue to emphasise operational information security but will seek to balance the need to protect our forces with the need to keep the public informed of the role and performance of the ADF.

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