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The ‘Army in Motion’ concept has been lauded by ADF personnel deployed in the Middle East on Operation Paladin.
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According to Captain Lachlan Joseph, the ‘Army in Motion’ concept, developed by Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO, has underpinned the adaptability of personnel deployed on Operation Paladin — the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNSTO).
CAPT Joseph, who is entering the last few months of a year-long deployment on Operation Paladin, said personnel leveraged the ‘Army in Motion’ concept to adapt to challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has generated an extremely dynamic problem for members deployed in Israel, Syria and Lebanon,” he said.
“The challenges faced underscore the importance of our Army in Motion philosophy.
“Army in Motion makes it clear that Army never operates alone. We succeed when we collaborate and partner with others.”
Specifically, the Army in Motion philosophy necessitates a force that is continuously adapting to an ever-changing environment, taking guidance from its core strengths and principles, yet always remaining open to developing new ways of employing capabilities.
CAPT Joseph said the personnel sudden outbreak of COVID-19 tested all of UNSTO’s multinational force members, requiring a rapid response .from personnel, which adapted operations to comply with the host nation’s COVID-19 restrictions and applied additional controls to mitigate the risk of exposure to the virus.
“We were prepared for uncertainty and we have demonstrated the power of a cooperative, combined, diverse group that is mission-focused,” he added.
“The bond forged between the members of the multinational force cannot be understated.
“The common experiences, knowledge and support offered, whether in isolation together or in quarantine or a far observation post, will never be forgotten.”
CAPT Joseph concluded, “It’s these types of relationships that underpin the fabric of an Army in Motion.”
UNSTO military personnel in the Middle East are tasked with mooting ceasefires, supervising armistice agreements, preventing isolated incidents from escalating and assisting other United Nations peacekeeping operations in the region.
[Related: On Point: ‘Army in Motion’ means constant evolution – Chief of Army]
