2017-04-25 By Robbin Laird The discussion of something like integrated force design can seem to be abstract and metaphysical and more of a seminar topic than an actual strategic effort by the ADF. But it is not. It is about ensuring that your warfighters are more lethal and survivable. One…
2017-04-21 By Robbin Laird During my recent visit to Australia, I had a chance to talk with Wing Commander Steven Bradley, Deputy Director Air Combat Transition Office, which is located in Canberra at Brindabella Park close to the airport. Last year, I visited Williamtown where the initial facilities for the…
2017-04-19 By Robbin Laird During my visit to Australia in April 2017, I had a chance to meet and talk again with Air Marshal Leo Davies, Chief of Staff of the Royal Australian Air Force. During the Avalon Air Show, the RAAF released its long-term strategy document, Air Force Strategy:…
2017-04-20 By Robbin Laird I first met Air Commodore Chipman when he was leading the initial Plan Jericho movement. He now has become Director General of Capability Planning in the RAAF and is now faced with the challenge of infusing the forward thinking represented by Plan Jericho into actual capabilities.…
2017-04-17 By Todd Miller On board the U.S.S. San Diego all briefings are complete and mission execution is all that remains. Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) gather their steroid induced rucks and pack into the tight confines of the Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV). 3 crew, weapons, support…
2017-04-19 By Robbin Laird On April 11, 2017, the Williams Foundation held its latest seminar examining the emergence of a fifth generation force in Australia. This seminar was different in that the impact of the new platforms on air, sea and land transformation was already discussed in detail in earlier…
2017-04-13 By Robbin Laird During my visit to the United Kingdom in March 2017, I had a chance to visit RAF Marham. My host for the visit was Captain Nick Walker of the Royal Navy and we had the opportunity to view the various buildings in progress on the base…
2017-04-11 By Robbin Laird During my latest visit to Australia, I had a chance to discuss the way ahead for the KC-30A with the two senior operators involved with the program and its evolving capability. We met at Amberley Airbase where the KC-30As and C-17s are based. Air Commodore Richard…
