Strategic Warning Time and Mobilization Planning: Implications for Australia's Security
Abstract
Mobilization allows a nation to minimize the cost of Defense during times of peace, prioritizing expenditure on social services and building economic resilience. However, the ability to conduct timely transformation of national resources into required military capability is dependent upon strategic warning time of developing threats and may be the deciding factor in conflict. The 2016 Defense White Paper identifies that Australia will face greater uncertainty and complexity over coming decades due to the global nature of its strategic interests. However, as no threat of an attack on Australia will exist before 2035 the Australian Army is not required to plan for force expansion or mobilization. This research investigates whether strategic warning time negates the requirement for mobilization planning. The research analyzes three case studies whereby Australia was denied strategic warning time, comparing historical circumstances to current strategic interests and available capabilities. The research concludes that Australia's broad interests preclude accurate assessments of warning time, and mobilization planning is required to reduce the risk of strategic shock.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1109721
Entities
People
- Uliano P. Polatos
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College