More Defence news: 02 November 2009 - 08 November 2009

Australia’s commitment to Afghanistan

06 November - The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, has reaffirmed there will be no increase to Australian troops numbers in Afghanistan at a press conference in Washington.

Senator Faulkner said the major focus of his meetings with senior US Defense officials during the past week had been Australia's ongoing commitment with ISAF in Afghanistan.

“I really have received a very warm reception from our American friends and I think this is a very good and clear reflection on how well our relationship works,” Senator Faulkner said.

When asked about Australia’s contribution to operations in Afghanistan, Senator Faulkner reaffirmed that current ADF numbers were right.

“I think there is a very clear understanding and appreciation of the fact that Australia increased the number of troops to Afghanistan very significantly on 29 April this year,” Senator Faulkner said.

“…Australia is the largest non-NATO contributor to ISAF. This is a very significant contribution, a very important contribution to this international mission and I think it's very much appreciated.”

Senator Faulkner also talked of the importance of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency, as well as working with the local Afghan population as outlined in General McChrystal’s 60-Day assessment.

“I think that the emphasis that General McChrystal has given on protecting the people of Afghanistan and training and partnering with the Afghan national security forces certainly is the best way to ensure future success,” Senator Faulkner said.

“I actually think that the way that we are working in Afghanistan is very much in line with what General McChrystal has proposed and very consistent with that model where the primary focus is on protecting the population.”

Senator Faulkner also said that Australian Special Forces had been conducting more daylight operations, as they were less intimidating to the local population and allowed soldiers to better engage with the community through traditional means.

More: Media Release | Image Gallery

Soldiers strike insurgent stronghold

05 November - A Special Forces operation in Afghanistan has resulted in the seizure of insurgent weapons, improvised explosive devices, as well as Afghan Army uniforms and about 100 kilograms of opium.

The Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, Major General Mark Kelly, said the success of the raid would have a positive impact on the security of the civilian population and coalition forces across southern Afghanistan.

“This stronghold has, until now, provided a secure base area from which to sustain the insurgency throughout southern Afghanistan,” Major General Kelly said.

Major General Kelly said the destruction of these munitions means they can no longer be used against the local Afghan population and coalition forces.

“What this operation says very clearly to the insurgency is that it doesn’t matter where you are, we can find you, and strike you,” Major General Kelly said.

 “It also highlights our commitment to using the full suite of our Special Forces to protect the local population, ADF elements and to work in partnership with other coalition forces.”

More: Media Release | Image Gallery

Next generation submarine challenge

05 November - The Acting Minister for Defence Greg Combet has highlighted the major challenges facing the ADF’s next generation submarine project in a speech to the Sydney Institute.

Mr Combet said Australia’s ability to conduct successful defence operations in theatres far from our shores will be strengthened by the surveillance, intelligence and strike capabilities of a long-range submarine capability.

“We should not ignore the demanding nature of this project, which will require every bit of scientific, technological and industrial capacity that Australia can muster,” Mr Combet said.

“…the White Paper recognises that the aim of establishing sea and air control in our primary operating environment does not entail a purely defensive or reactive approach…we must be able to conduct proactive combat operations at a distance from our shores,” Mr Combet said.

Mr Combet said submarines are able to stop an adversary from deploying its’ fleet by maintaining sea denial.

He added that the combination of Australian scientific, technological and industrial know-how, potential technical support from Allies, sound project design and contract management should deliver an “unparalleled” strategic asset.

“The ability of Australia and the US to operate our submarines together is critical to our combined success,” Mr Combet said.

“…we will strengthen our ties with the US, which places great value on the role that the RAN’s submarine force is able to play in combined operations.”

Mr Combet said it was important to recognise that the future submarine’s development and delivery is intimately dependent on our continuing ability to manage, crew and operate the Collins class. 

“Navy is committed to developing a positive cultural shift and enhanced employment conditions that will help stabilise the submarine workforce,” Mr Combet said.

More: Speech Transcript

Minister meets US counterpart

05 November - The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, has met US Secretary of Defense Dr Robert Gates to discuss key issues in the alliance relationship including operations in Afghanistan.

Senator Faulkner said the meeting was very positive, reflecting the strength of the ADF’s relationship with the United States.

“I have reinforced to Secretary Gates that Australia is strongly committed to our mission in Afghanistan,” Senator Faulkner said.

“Our efforts are directed to training and mentoring the Afghan National Army’s 4th Brigade in Oruzgan province.

“We will continue to work closely with our US partners and other coalition partners to create stability and security in Oruzgan province.”

Although Afghanistan remains a key area of focus for both the United States and Australia, other areas within the alliance relationship were also discussed.

“Secretary Gates and I had a frank discussion about several points that affect our shared security interests, including the stability of the Asia‑Pacific,” Senator Faulkner said.

“We also discussed the progress of the Defence Trade Co-operation Treaty.

More: Media Release

US General receives Australian award

05 November - The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, has congratulated US General David Petraeus, after he was appointed as an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia in a ceremony in Washington DC."

Air Chief Marshal Houston said that General Petraeus’ appointment to the Order of Australia recognised his outstanding contribution to the increased safety and security of Australian forces in Iraq during 2007 and 2008.

 “General Petraeus’ stoic determination, impeccable integrity and realist command approach was instrumental in the production of a safer environment for Australian forces in Iraq,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“During his time as Commanding General, Multi-National Force Iraq, General Petraeus led Coalition Forces in an exceedingly complex operational environment to great effect.

“Under General Petraeus’ guidance the Coalition gained tactical momentum by conducting successful counter insurgency and offensive operations to clear and hold significant areas of Iraq.

“This directly led to strengthened reconciliation efforts and a renewed focus on political reform, subsequently resulting in a reduction in violence, lessening of casualties and a decrease in security incidents.”

More: Media Release

F-111 maintenance contract ends

05 November - Air Force and defence industry have completed more than 300 major services to the F- 111 fleet as part of an official contract ending today.

Greg Combet, Acting Minister for Defence, said the completion of the deeper maintenance contract had included the removal of wings, engines, undercarriages and other major components for overhaul or replacement.

“The maintenance systems introduced with the F-111 aircraft have been a mainstay of Defence and industry’s high-tech support capabilities for well over 35 years.”

Mr Combet said the F-111 fleet had flown more than 160,000 hours since it was introduced.

“Over that time, many engineers and technicians within the Air Force and industry have developed their skills and experience in support of the F-111,” Mr Combet said.

“These skills will be also used in support of the Air Force’s newer platforms.”

More: Media Release

Soldiers wounded in IED attack

04 November - Two Australian soldiers and an Afghan National Army soldier have been wounded in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in southern Afghanistan.

The IED was used to target a dismounted patrol from the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2) on 2 November. The patrol also came under small arms gun fire after the IED detonated.

Immediate first aid was provided to the wounded soldiers on the ground before they were aero-medically evacuated to an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) medical facility at Tarin Kowt.

The soldiers suffered non-life threatening injuries and are in a stable condition.

More: Media Release

Future submarine design capability study

04 November - Greg Combet, acting Minister for Defence, has announced a signed contract with a United States corporation to complete a domestic design study for the acquisition of Australia’s next generation of submarines.

“As outlined in the White Paper, the Government has decided to acquire 12 new Future Submarines, to be assembled in South Australia,” Mr Combet said.
“This project will be the largest and most complex defence procurement undertaken in Australia’s history.”

Mr Combet said the results of the Study will inform project strategy options for consideration by Government during 2010 and is an example of the Government’s careful planning for Australia’s next generation of submarines.

“…investigations by the Project to date have aimed at developing an understanding of the capability of the international submarine industry,” Mr Combet said.
Mr Combet said the United States RAND Corporation brought internationally-recognised expertise to the Study, having completed similar studies for both the United States and United Kingdom.

“The information we collect through this process will help to develop strategic options for the Government’s consideration,” Mr Combet said.

The report is to be completed by February 2010.

More: Media Release

CDF releases report findings into combat death

02 November - The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, has released details about the death of Lieutenant Michael Fussell who was killed on operations in Afghanistan on 27 November 2008.

An initial Inquiry Officer report found that Lieutenant Fussell was traversing rugged terrain at night and on foot when he inadvertently activated a pressure plate Improvised Explosive Devise (IED), killing him instantly.

Air Chief Marshal has agreed to all five recommendations made in the report, including that concerns about leadership be passed to the chain of command for further examination.

“The Inquiry Officer also found that despite the orders on the night being rushed and incomplete, they did not contribute to the death of Lieutenant Fussell,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“Another significant finding was that a number of the patrol members were not complying with standard procedures in relation to track discipline in the minutes prior to the incident.”

Due to the serious nature of the initial report, Air Chief Marshal appointed Inquiry Officer Vice Admiral Christopher Ritchie to undertake a wider examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Vice Admiral Ritchie made five recommendations in his report. I have agreed to implement all of his recommendations,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“Of the five recommendations, four were Army-specific and I have tasked them to the Chief of Army. He has advised me that work has commenced on implementing these recommendations.”

Vice Admiral Ritchie’s report states that many of the shortcomings identified in the force preparation and certification have subsequently been addressed and rectified by Special Operations Command.

“…the initial Inquiry Officer identified that the immediate and direct cause of Lieutenant Fussell’s death was his contact with the pressure plate of an IED causing it to detonate thereby killing him,” Air Chief Marshal said.

“Deficient training, certification and leadership operated to increase the risk that such a casualty might occur.

“Therefore, he [Vice Admiral Ritchie] concluded those deficiencies materially contributed to the death of Lieutenant Fussell.”

More: Inquiry Officer reports | CDF Transcript | Audio | Video

Defence Minister to visit USA

02 November - The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, will visit Washington this week for talks with senior United States Government representatives and Defense officials.

Senator Faulkner will meet with the Secretary of Defense, Dr Robert Gates; the National Security Adviser, General (retired) Jim Jones; Director of National Intelligence, Admiral (Retired) Dennis Blair; and the Commander of CENTCOM, General David Petraeus.

Discussions will focus on operations in Afghanistan, following Senator Faulkner’s attendance at the recent NATO-ISAF meeting in Bratislava.

“General Stanley McChrystal’s assessment of the Afghanistan campaign, the need to support the ongoing growth and development of the Afghan National Security Forces and the importance of complementing our military efforts with governance improvements will be important elements of our discussions,” Senator Faulkner said.

“My visit will also be a valuable opportunity to emphasise the value of the alliance to Australia and the United States.

“The relationship has served both countries well for more than 50 years.

“The alliance is fundamental to the security of both countries in critical areas such as intelligence sharing, and security and stability in the Asia-Pacific.

Senator Faulkner will be accompanied by the Secretary of Defence, Dr Ian Watt, and the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.

More: Media release