Command changes

A new Joint Operations Command will be established to simplify and streamline the ADF’s command structure and allow more effective control of forces on operations.

Defence Minister Robert Hill announced the changes on March 17, saying he had accepted CDF General Peter Cosgrove’s advice for changes to ADF command and control.

The first Chief Joint Operations (CJOPS) will be the current VCDF, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders, who will also continue in his current role.

The Joint Operations Command will report directly to the CDF, bringing into the one structure the following divisions:

• Strategic Operations Division.
• HQ AST.
• HQ Norcom.
• Deployable Joint Forces Headquarters.

Senator Hill said that establishment of the new command to some extent had been made possible by the restructured and enhanced Capability Development Group. The restructuring would enable VADM Shalders to focus more on operations.

The current Commander Australian Theatre, Rear Admiral Marc Bonser, will become the Deputy to Admiral Shalders (DCJOPS).

Theatre Command is to be effected through the current environmental components – Maritime, Land, Air, Special Operations and a Joint Logistics Command – separated from the current Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO).

DMO will retain responsibility for all materiel acquisition and through life support management functions. In contrast, the Joint Logistics Command will be responsible for operational and physical support for the ADF.

GEN Cosgrove said Norcom would continue as a decentralised element of Joint Operations Command located in Darwin.

He said Norcom’s mounting base and liaison functions would remain unchanged, with the number of personnel deployed to Norcom and ADF units in the Darwin region to remain the same.

An implementation plan for these reforms will be developed by VADM Shalders.

These reforms would be made even more effective by building a new joint headquarters at Bungendore, NSW, near Canberra.

The new $300 million headquarters will combine seven existing military headquarters and agencies situated in and around Sydney.

Construction of the new facility is expected to start in the middle of next year.

It is expected the new headquarters, with about 1000 operational staff, will be fully operational in 2007-08.

When the facility is commissioned, Defence will lease the headquarters for an initial period of between 20 to 30 years.

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