This PME resource discusses ‘The Australian Army Contribution to National Defence Strategy 2024’. This document has been released by the Chief of Army to outline Army’s part to play in enacting the National Defence Strategy following the Defence Strategic Review and the Government of Australia’s response to the review.
Here you can find the Army’s overview of the document, including a four-minute introductory video from the Chief of Army (CA). The website contains the full document for you to read and prepare to discuss your thoughts on the contents.
For a more comprehensive strategic understanding you can review The Cove’s National Defence Strategy Digest or for a breakdown of the key components of the Defence Strategic Review which initiated these changes in Defence strategy you can read The Cove’s Defence Strategic Review Report Digest.
Discussion Questions
- What do you think is the importance of renewed Defence Strategy, and why do you think it’s important for Army to issue its own guidance on support to that strategy?
- Do you think Army’s role is changing? If so, how? If not, why?
- The CA describes the Army as a National Institution, a Profession, and a Fighting Force. How do you think each of these concepts have changed over time, and how do you think they will change in the future?
- How does your unit contribute to National Defence Strategy broadly, and specifically the strategy of denial? What is your part to play?
- How may your unit or capability operate in the littoral battlespace?
- How has Army’s culture changed over the course of your career, and what impact has that had on warfighting?
- Which land equipment acquisitions do you think will have the greatest impact on the battlespace in future warfare? Is there other land materiel we should be investing in?
- What do you think is the next major conflict Australia will be involved in, generally speaking, and what can we remember from past operations that could help us in the next conflict?
- Asymmetric warfare has long been used by the Australian military to generate disproportionate effects with finite capabilities. What do you think will give the Australian Army asymmetric advantage in the next conflict?
- What do you think has changed about the character of war? Do you agree that war’s nature is enduring?
- With such large militaries and land forces in our near region, which nations do you think we should partner with to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific? How can we best build and maintain these relationships as an Army?
- Do you think that land armies will ever be replaced with autonomous systems, long range fires, or some other technological advancement?
Other Activities
If you enjoyed this activity, why not try the other PME resources available on The Cove?
Want more material? For Junior Non-Commissioned Officers to conduct with their soldiers, here is a link to our Quick Military Education resources. For Junior Officers here is a link to our Junior Officer PME sessions.
Concluding Comments
If you have suggestions for improvements – additional readings or reference material, alternative discussion points, new delivery methods – or just wish to provide feedback, please contact The Cove Team via the.cove@defence.gov.au.
colleagues working on Key Religious Leader Engagement in the Pacific, relevant to Q11 “With such large militaries and land forces in our near region, which nations do you think we should partner with to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific? How can we best build and maintain these relationships as an Army?” [and so I would add to reflect on “and as a Chaplaincy Department?”]