The Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, yesterday officially opened his first Chief of Army’s Exercise by welcoming 35 international military officers and academics from 17 nations across the region including senior representatives from China, the United States and Indonesia.
This year, the Chief of Army’s Exercise 2012 (CA Ex 12) themed The Australian Army’s role in a maritime strategy, holds even greater importance following the release of the Government’s White Paper, Australia in the Asian Century.
In his opening address, Lieutenant General Morrison emphasised the importance of a maritime strategy by affirming that modern operations have underscored the importance of not just being able to work in a joint environment, but indeed a joint coalition and interagency environment.
Lieutenant General Morrison also encouraged his audience to engage in the interactive discussions and share their ideas about what their roles might be in a maritime strategy.
“In this Asia-Pacific century we understand that access to the perspectives of other military professionals and strategic thinkers from across our region and the globe are absolutely indispensable if we are to understand our role in relation to security and prosperity in Australia,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.
The Australian Army’s role in a maritime strategy will be explored through presentations providing Australian and Indonesian academic perspectives as well as an address from a senior member of the People’s Liberation Army of China.
The forum will provide a unique opportunity for regional engagement; for senior Army leaders, international partners and counterparts and key stakeholders to discuss debate and analyse key and contemporary issues facing land forces.
The forum seeks to improve understanding of the challenges facing land forces in the Indo-Pacific and the role of land forces in promoting regional stability and security.
The Chief of Army’s Exercise is a biennial event and will run from 29 to 30 October 2012 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre in conjunction with the 2012 Land Warfare Conference (LWC).
The LWC is held jointly with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and will run from 29 October to 2 November 2012.