SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
057/2010
Force Protection Measures
Protection of our soldiers in Afghanistan is one of the Government’s highest priorities, which
is continuously reviewed by Defence. The Government and Defence are working to ensure
that our troops have the full range of force protection measures they need to undertake their
difficult mission.
In July 2009, shortly after becoming the Minister for Defence and visiting Afghanistan for the
first time, I asked the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, to carry
out a review of the force protection measures available for our deployed troops.
The review was conducted by the Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS), Lieutenant General
Mark Evans. It included direct discussions with our troops in theatre about their force
protection needs and an assessment of the effectiveness of previous and on-going force
protection initiatives.
CJOPS’s report was reviewed by the Chief of the Defence Force who tasked the Vice Chief of
the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley, to design a decision-making framework
for Government consideration.
The outcome of this work put forward 48 recommendations for enhancements to our force
protection measures, particularly reflecting the escalating improvised explosive device (IED)
and rocket attacks in Oruzgan Province. It ensured a coherent, comprehensive and complete
approach to force protection.
The force protection improvements recommended from the review cover a variety of active
and passive measures, which range from personal protective equipment for our soldiers, to
unmanned surveillance systems.
Since the review was completed, Defence has been working hard to progress and implement
the outcomes of the Force Protection Review.
Some measures have already been implemented, including improving counter measures
against IEDs and improving IED detection equipment.
Progressing the other recommendations is well underway, including enhanced medical
support, the upgrading and hardening of living and working accommodation in Tarin Kowt, as
well as other capability enhancements.
Other measures required additional budget funding, which was provided in the Budget.
A key initiative in the package is the acquisition of a C-RAM system for use in Afghanistan,
which provides advance warning of rocket attacks. This is a timely and important protective
measure which will increase the security for troops in Tarin Kowt and elsewhere.
The approved force protection Budget measures, costing a total of $1.1 billion, will minimise
the vulnerability of personnel, facilities and equipment so that our deployed forces enjoy more
freedom of action in support of Afghan National Security Forces.
In addition to the $1.1 billion in the specific Force Protection Budget measure, Defence has
also received $485 million for force protection through Operation Slipper supplementation
which traditionally funds ongoing aspects of operations including force protection. Further
ongoing operating costs for force protection initiatives of $48 million will be sought in the
context of future budgets.
The attached table sets out the initiatives included in the Force Protection package and
indicates their funding sources, including budget measures, funding from prior year and
current year operational supplementation, and future operating costs for which Defence will
seek supplementation through the usual process in future budgets.
I am satisfied that we are doing all we can to protect our troops. Even so, as the threats to our
soldiers evolve, so too must our force protection arrangements.
FORCE PROTECTION INITIATIVES
Counter IED
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are responsible for a substantial number of coalition
casualties in Afghanistan. The threat is indiscriminate and not only kills and maims coalition
and local security forces, but also targets the local civilian population. Insurgents constantly
adapt their use of these measures, so the counter measures required need to constantly
change.
Route clearance tasks are undertaken for the conduct of combat operations and the
sustainment of logistic supply routes. The ADF has procured a quantity of Self-protection
Adaptive Roller Kits (SPARK roller) to mitigate the risk to vehicle mounted troops from IEDs.
Explosive Detection Dogs (EDDs) are used to locate and identify potential IEDs, explosive
hides and other areas of interest. Additional Military Working Dogs will begin training next
financial year.
The following measures will assist in protecting our troops from this significant IED threat:
Initiatives that will improve the ADF’s route clearance capability, at a cost of $7.0
million.
Seven initiatives dealing with enhanced counter measure capabilities for the Middle
East Area of Operations.
Additional military working dogs will be trained for counter IED purposes at a cost of
$4.9 million.
All Services will receive IED training as part of the ADF’s training continuum, building
on the Army Explosive Hazards Awareness Training that began in January 2009.
Enhanced Electronic Counter Measures and Intelligence Surveillance and
Reconnaissance
The ADF is operating in a progressively more complex environment and requires enhanced
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for the prosecution of
operations. Improved ISR capabilities will enhance and extend our area of influence and our
ability to detect adversaries.
New capabilities and enhancements include Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles, Unattended Ground
Sensors and Remote Viewing Terminals.
Many of these capabilities will be unmanned, allowing intelligence and data to be gathered
without the ADF being placed in dangerous situations. Deployed forces will be able to gather
and combine new types of information to better target and apprehend the enemy.
Improved sensors and remote viewing terminals will give our troops greater awareness of the
battlespace, enhancing decision-making and reducing the risk to our troops and civilian
casualties.
Improved dissemination will ensure that intelligence travels quickly and directly to our
operational commanders providing them with clear and concise situational awareness.
Enhanced intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities allow information to be gathered
beyond line of sight without detection, allowing adversaries to be identified before contact can
occur.
The total cost of ISR capabilities included in the Force Protection Review is $740 million,
including the following measures:
An initiative to increase the rate of effort of ISR capability currently used in theatre.
This will be at a cost of $370.9 million.
Nine intelligence related capabilities including new biometrics capabilities and a
minimal cost initiative to incorporate forensics into tactical planning at a cost of $370
million.
The Force Protection Review also includes funding for the continued enhancement of
electronic counter measures totalling $188.4 million.
Protection from Indirect Fire
Taliban rocket attacks are an ongoing threat for our personnel in Afghanistan. Enhancing
protection from such attacks is vital. The ADF has already suffered one casualty from a rocket
attack and such attacks continue against the base at Tarin Kowt, most recently on 28 April
and 6 May 2010.
To improve the levels of protection against these attacks, the Government has approved the
acquisition of a Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar system. This will provide a ‘sense and
warn’ capability which will detect and track these projectiles in flight and warn our forces of
the incoming threat.
Elements of the system are planned to be in place by the end of 2010, with subsequent
progressive delivery of improved levels of protection.
The total cost of this part of the package is over $393.6 million.
Enhanced personal equipment and preparation
One of this Government’s highest priorities in the Force Protection Review is ensuring that
our troops in Afghanistan are appropriately prepared and equipped for the challenging tasks
they face.
The Government has approved a comprehensive package of measures to enhance the
survivability, lethality and preparedness of our troops.
This includes funding for new weapons, body armour, improved communications and logistics
arrangements, at a total cost of $55.6 million. These include:
The upgrade of night fighting equipment to enable more effective night operations at a
cost of $10.2 million.
Enhancement of training areas in Australia to assist in better Mission Rehearsal
Training before deploying. This will cost $1.3 million.
A range of enhancements to current issued body armour and an enhanced weapons
system, in response to operational feedback, to improve soldier performance across a
range of operational tasks. The procurement of a quantity of interim body armour
systems will provide scalable levels of protection and a quantity of specialised body
armour systems to meet Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) specific operational
requirements at a cost of $35.9 million.
Improvements to the logistics process to make the system more flexible and capable
of responding to changes in the operational environment.
Remote Viewing Terminals are being introduced which will provide the commander on
the ground situation awareness and allow him to make faster and better decisions.
Investigation of a more timely logistics support and re-supply system.
A
communications capability that will assist information and data exchange in theatre
at a cost of $5.7 million.
A force integration team to incorporate equipment and tactics changes in theatre.
The Government will also implement measures to ensure that in the future any new
equipment identified as necessary for our troops to complete their mission safely is
acquired and reaches them without unnecessary delay.
Increased Armour and Firepower for Vehicles
The Force Protection Review will deliver enhancements to the survivability and lethality of the
Protected Mobility Vehicles and ASLAVs our troops rely on in combat in Afghanistan, at a
cost of $271.5 million.
Looking after the Health of our Troops
The threats to our deployed personnel are serious. As at 26 May 2010, 126 Australian
soldiers have been wounded in the course of battle. The Government is committed to
ensuring we successfully fulfil our mission and see our servicemen and women return home
safely. For our wounded soldiers, our aim is to ensure that the individual’s health needs are
managed to the highest standard. The following six measures will provide better health
protection for our deployed forces.
Hearing protection to facilitate noise reduction. This initiative looks at acquiring
additional weapon noise suppressors at a cost of $0.6 million.
Implementation of a buddy system for mental health identification at a cost of $1.9
million.
Trialling of a decompression program to help assist in soldier’s adjusting from
operations to being back home. This will cost $1.8 million.
The establishment of a combat medical advanced skills training (CMAST) facility within
Australia. This will cost $4.1 million and will be up and running by 2012.
Additional Hearing Protection Hearing Tests have been agreed, with additional post
deployment screening tests being rolled out as part of the broader medical checks.
This cost will be absorbed by Defence.
This initiative is also looking at providing additional combat medics for infantry
platoons. This cost will be absorbed by Defence.
FUNDING
The force protection package comprises investment of $1.6 billion over 2009-10 to 2012-13.
This is being funded by a total of $1.1bn from the Force Protection Review budget measure
including new funding of $223.6 million. Defence has also received an additional $485 million
for Force Protection through Operation Slipper supplementation which traditionally funds
ongoing aspects of operations including force protection. Further ongoing operating costs for
force protection initiatives of $48 million will be sought in the context of future budgets.
Below is a table which sets out the Force Protection package and indicates its funding
sources, including budget measures, funding from prior year and current year operational
supplementation, and future operating costs for which Defence will seek supplementation
through the usual process in future budgets.
Increased Armour and Fire Power for Vehicles
Upgrade Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) Fleet
Additional firepower for PMVs
Enhanced Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) vehicle protection
Increased protection level for ASLAV
Funding
agreed in
prior budgets
$(m)
Force
Protection
Operating
costs in
2010-11 Op
SLIPPER Bid
$(m)
Additional
Force
Protection
budget
measure in
2010-11 PBS
$(m)
PBS Cost $(m)
Total being
sought in
later Budgets
($m)
Total Force
Protection
Package
($m)
22.1
0.0
249.4
271.5
0.0
271.5
Counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
Improved route clearance capability
Electronic Countermeasures
Additional Military Working Dogs
Counter IED Training
Exploitation analysis and targeting
Forensic analysis capability
Funding
agreed in
prior budgets
$(m)
Force
Protection
Operating
costs in
2010-11 Op
SLIPPER Bid
$(m)
Additional
Force
Protection
budget
measure in
2010-11 PBS
$(m)
PBS Cost
$(m)
Total being
sought in
later Budgets
($m)
Total Force
Protection
Package
($m)
0.0
0.0
9.3
9.3
2.6
11.9
Enhanced Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
A package of classified Electronic Countermeasures upgrades and capability
acquisitions
Funding
agreed in
prior budgets
$(m)
Force
Protection
Operating
costs in
2010-11 Op
SLIPPER Bid
$(m)
Additional
Force
Protection
budget
measure in
2010-11 PBS
$(m)
PBS Cost
$(m)
Total being
sought in
later Budgets
($m)
Total Force
Protection
Package
($m)
0.0
0.0
188.4
188.4
0.0
188.4
Looking after the Health of our Troops
Additional Combat medics at Platoon level
A “Buddy System” for Mental Health identification
A trial of a Decompression Program for personnel returning from operations
Establish a combat medical advanced skills training facility
Hearing protection and Hearing Protection Testing
Funding
agreed in
prior budgets
$(m)
Force
Protection
Operating
costs in
2010-11 Op
SLIPPER Bid
$(m)
Additional
Force
Protection
budget
measure in
2010-11 PBS
$(m)
PBS Cost
$(m)
Total being
sought in
later Budgets
($m)
Total Force
Protection
Package
($m)
0.0
0.0
8.3
8.3
0.0
8.3
Protection against Indirect Fire
Indirect Fire sense and warn capability – Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar
(CRAM)
Physical Force Protection Measures – Facilities hardening
Funding
agreed in
prior budgets
$(m)
Force
Protection
Operating
costs in
2010-11 Op
SLIPPER Bid
$(m)
Additional
Force
Protection
budget
measure in
2010-11 PBS
$(m)
PBS Cost
$(m)
Total being
sought in
later Budgets
($m)
Total Force
Protection
Package
($m)
87.7
0.0
286.2
373.9
19.7
393.6
Enhanced Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR)
An initiative to increase the rate of effort of ISR in theatre
Intelligence related capabilities including new Biometric capabilities
A range of classified ISR enhancements
Funding
agreed in
prior budgets
$(m)
Force
Protection
Operating
costs in
2010-11 Op
SLIPPER Bid
$(m)
Additional
Force
Protection
budget
measure in
2010-11 PBS
$(m)
PBS Cost
$(m)
Total being
sought in
later Budgets
($m)
Total Force
Protection
Package
($m)
134.1
239.2
340.5
713.8
26.1
740.0
Enhanced Personal Equipment and Preparation
Replacement helmets
Improved Body Armour
Enhanced Night Fighting Equipment
Classified Special Operations Weapon System
Training Areas, Ranges and Equipment suited to operations in Afghanistan
Tactical Data Transfer Capability between deployed forces
Improving logistic and sustainment agility
Remote viewing terminal
More timely logistics support
Staffing and funding support to operationally urgent capability requests
Creating a force integration team for incorporating equipment and tactics changes in
theatre
Funding
agreed in
prior budgets
$(m)
Force
Protection
Operating
costs in
2010-11 Op
SLIPPER Bid
$(m)
Additional
Force
Protection
budget
measure in
2010-11 PBS
$(m)
PBS Cost
$(m)
Total being
sought in
later Budgets
($m)
Total Force
Protection
Package
($m)
2.1
0.0
53.5
55.6
0.0
55.6
Force Protection Review Funding Summary
Funding
agreed in
prior budgets
Force
Protection
Operating
Additional
Force
Protection
PBS Cost
$(m)
Total being
sought in
later Budgets
Total Force
Protection
Package
$(m)
costs in
2010-11 Op
SLIPPER Bid
$(m)
budget
measure in
2010-11 PBS
$(m)
($m)
($m)
246.0
239.2
1,135.6
1,620.8
48.4
1,669.3
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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