At a recent symposium, military leaders from across the Indo-Pacific and key partner nations examined how the character of war is evolving.

The Australian Army hosted Exercise Pozieres March at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, in early April, which focused on how geostrategic competition and rapid advances in technology were changing how wars were fought.

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said it was an opportunity to share lessons from current conflicts and strengthen how partners operated together.

“We’re learning from conflicts underway in Europe and the Middle East, sharing ideas and considering how those lessons apply to our geography in the Indo-Pacific,” Lieutenant General Stuart said.

“We have the full command teams from the Australian 1st Division, the Commander of the 2nd Division from Sydney, leaders from across Army and the other services, and key allies.

“That includes the United States Army I Corps and its division commanders, General Kobayashi from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the Commander of French Forces in New Caledonia, and partners from New Zealand, the UK and Canada. 

“We’re very fortunate to have them here to strengthen how we work together.”

'What you see here in Townsville, across the 3rd Brigade, our Armoured Brigade and our Combat Aviation Brigade, is Army transformation at speed, on target and on time.'

Lieutenant General Stuart said the symposium also highlighted the pace of Army modernisation.

“What you see here in Townsville, across the 3rd Brigade, our Armoured Brigade and our Combat Aviation Brigade, is Army transformation at speed, on target and on time. It’s a great opportunity to show our partners what we’re doing and why,” he said.

“This is the largest recapitalisation of the Army since the Second World War.

“Here in the 3rd Brigade, we have the new Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, the best tank in the world, and the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle.

“Shortly, rolling off the production line in Geelong, we’ll see the infantry fighting vehicle and the self-propelled howitzers.”

Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Ben McLennan, said events like the symposium helped accelerate collective learning across partner forces.

“We learn from what allies are experiencing and apply it here. A problem shared is a problem halved,” Brigadier McLennan said.

“This annual 1st Division activity is being held outside Brisbane for the first time. It’s the fourth iteration, and we’re honoured to host it in Townsville and showcase what this brigade and this city contribute today, tonight and into the future.”

Referring to the title of the symposium, Brigadier McLennan said: “There’s no place more soaked in Australian blood than Pozieres. Naming this activity after it compels us to remember the cost of our profession and to ensure we are prepared before we’re ever sent into harm’s way again.”