The Australian Defence Force: Broadened Concepts of Security Operations

Abstract

Conclusions * The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is undergoing a transition from an armed force prepared purely for warfighting functions to a force capable of conducting a wide range of noncombatant functions. * Australia's traditional security concepts emphasize national military power and a realist approach to international relations. This approach is being challenged by the Broadened Concepts of Security (BCOS). * The ADF is increasingly involved in Broadened Concepts of Security Operations (BCOS OPS). These operations address BCOS problems and threats but generally do not involve combat. * The use of the ADF in BCOS OPS is gradually gaining acceptance within the Australian Department of Defence [ADoD], and conventional armed conflict is seen by many commentators as less likely. * The possible adoption of BCOS OPS as a role of the ADF may compete with the traditional war-fighting role and could result in fundamental force structure and resource changes. * More Australian Government policy changes are possible, and increased participation in counter-drug operations has been foreshadowed. Changes are likely to be incremental and to encounter resistance. Background Australia is an island continent of roughly the same landmass as the continental United States. Following the declaration of the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Australia is also responsible for a maritime area similar to its landmass. But Australia has a population of only 18 million people concentrated in coastal areas and particularly in the southeast. As a result of the disparity between its large size and small population, and its location far from its Western allies, Australia has historically feared external threats to its national security. These fears have only been realized once: by Japanese attacks against northern Australia in 1942. Australian policy responses to security threats have relied on participation in alliances. Prior to, and after its Federation in 1901, Australia provided forces to serve under British command. During and after World War II Australia gradually shifted its focus to interoperability with the U.S. military. Following World War II, Australian forces participated in several counter-insurgency campaigns in Southeast Asia including the Vietnam War. The policy of providing forces for these operations was known as forward defence. Australia has also been a contributor to multinational peacekeeping and collective security. The last two decades have seen several developments in Australian defense policy. First, successive Australian governments defined the fundamental role of the ADF as the defense of Australia against armed attack rather than support for alliance operations overseas. This policy was referred to as continental defence. Second, Australia placed great emphasis on its alliance with the United States and became increasingly reliant on U.S. defense technology and intelligence. Third, Australia developed a layered defense strategy to exploit its isolated location. Fourth, successive governments agreed that Australia was unlikely to face a direct threat of military attack for at least 10 years and that the origin of that threat could not be foreseen. The ADF and Australian Defense Policy The ADF is a volunteer force of 57,028 permanent and 26,362 reserve personnel. It is made up of the Royal Australian Navy (155 ships, including submarines and auxiliaries), the Australian Army (nine brigades/task forces), and the Royal Australian Air Force (192 aircraft). The ADoD has an annual budget of 10.5 billion Australian dollars. The ADF is downsizing toward only 50,000 full-time personnel by the year 2000. This will represent a 30 percent decrease of full-time personnel since 1985. The ADF is under pressure to carry out its mission with declining resources, due to fiscal restraint and the lack of a direct military threat. …