RAA Liaison Letter 2024 - 2025 Edition

RAA Liaison Letter – 2024 / 2025 Edition 124 military and the population. The army has enjoyed the advantage of being ‘out of contact’ with the adversary during its transformation from an ‘expeditionary force’ to a force optimised for littoral manoeuvre with a long-range land and maritime strike. But this advantage may not last for much longer. Australians will have to wait to see details of the army review and the resultant theory of the army sometime in 2026, when the service will celebrate its 125th birthday. Stuart made clear that the army is more than just the soldiers and capabilities that prepare land power and provide protection to the ADF in competition and war. The army also acts as a bridge between the government and the whole of society and industry, helping strengthen national preparedness and resilience. Many soldiers are already being trained to fight from landing craft, in jungle environments and on remote shores, and are promoting healthy civil- military relations. This is encouraging, but the army must get its new theory right. If it doesn’t, future governments will struggle to understand the strategic character of the army and align political ends with the appropriate military means.