Learning from and adapting to global circumstances

From the adaptation of commercial off-the-shelf drones in Ukraine to the demands of littoral and undersea warfare, the ADF doctrine continues to evolve in response to a rapidly changing strategic environment.

To ensure doctrine continues to support effective joint force employment, the ADF Doctrine Directorate held an induction event last month.

Drawing on ADF legacy knowledge and emerging global circumstances, doctrine provides the intellectual foundation for integrated force employment.

During the design and development of the most recent ADF Doctrine Directorate induction event, LTCOL Garry Henkel asked: “Within rapid strategic change, integrated operations and accelerated capability introduction, how do we situate ADF doctrine?”

Against the backdrop of conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine, ADF doctrine publications are required to remain relevant and clearly articulate principles that guide the integrated force. These range from Joint Warfare Notes that explore emerging ideas, technology and innovation through to strategic concepts that inform force design and operational thinking.

Collectively, ADF doctrine defines the fundamental principles, philosophy and guidance for the ADF’s achievement of military objectives.

The induction event brought together service representatives and doctrine teams from across Australia, including authors, editors, graphic artists and publication developers.

Conducted at Russell Offices and ADFA, the program was designed to ensure doctrine informs and directs Defence with immediacy and relevance.

Across sessions spanning sea, land, air, space and cyber domains, the nature of uncertainty in doctrinal application was a central theme.

Director of the ADF Doctrine Directorate Stuart Pearson said: “Doctrine manages uncertainty but does not eliminate it, rather, it provides guidance for use with judgement.”

He also noted the increasing complexity and diversity of conditions that Defence personnel must prepare for across the ADF, APS and contractor workforces.

LTCOL Henkel said: “Doctrine Directorate induction training directly assists personnel across Defence by establishing a common baseline. This improves cross service coordination and enables more effective collaboration.

“In the contemporary era, the training supports Defence by enabling doctrinal outputs that underpin joint force employment, capability integration and decision making in increasingly complex and contested environments.”