It is time for action and outcomes, not more ‘announceables’ and word salads

There is a lot of frustration in the Defence community right now. It is time for action and outcomes, not more ‘announceables’ and word salads. ⬇️

Reality Bites: Senate Estimates issues for Defence November 2024 – Strategic Analysis Australia

Strategic Analysis Australia

The team over at Strategic Analysis Australia (SAA) have been doing some great work providing policy options and informing the public debate on Defence and National Security. In their words: ‘Shiny documents & announcements are obscuring institutional failures across Australia’s Defence Organisation’. See the comments for a recent SAA article outlining suggested questions to be asked of Defence and the responsible Ministers at Senate Estimates. It is a good summary of difference between rhetoric and results we unfortunately continue to see.

In recent years we have seen the Defence Strategic Review, the Defence Industrial Development Strategy, the first National Defence Strategy and an accompanying Integrated Investment Plan, the Naval Surface Combatant review… you know what there are so many we’ll just a link to the unclassified versions of the plethora of plans in the comments. If producing a strategic plan is a measure of combat effectiveness the Australian Defence Force has never been more battle ready.

We need more independent subject matter expets pushing Government and the Department of Defence to close the ‘say – do gap’. If it takes a few Grumpy Strategists, more power to Peter Jennings, Marcus Hellyer and Michael Shoebridge and all involved in SAA. Make sure you keep up to date with the website and add ‘The Grumpy Strategists’ podcast to your listen list.

📸 via Strategic Analysis Australia

Strategic planning

Details related to strategic planning activities and documentation that support the achievement of the Defence mission.