Inflection point: the Australian Defence Force after Afghanistan

This policy brief argues that the Australian Defence Force requires re-evaluation of its goals, strategy, structure, and resources as it transitions from the Afghanistan conflict. In this brief, Alan Dupont warns against repeating the mistakes of the post-Vietnam era when Australia was left with a poorly equipped defence force. He argues for a vigorous public debate about the priorities of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as Australia begins to formulate a new Defence White Paper. Dupont concludes that "Australia’s responsibilities and interests in the Melanesian world suggest that boots on the ground are likely to remain an enduring feature of ADF deployments. The next White Paper should include a clearly articulated defence strategy and give greater emphasis to working more closely with our Asian neighbours.