Assistant Chief of General Staff Development
COL Roger McElwain

19 September 2006

Preparing for new warfare

The future will be “a world of asymmetric warfare – in which machetes and Microsoft merge, and extremists wearing Reeboks and Ray Bans dream of acquiring weapons of mass destruction”.

Today, state and non-state groups have the ability to conduct devastating unconventional attacks. Due to globalisation and the spread of both military and civilian technology, means to undertake a surprise attack with high levels of violence and destruction are widely available. Whilst our opponents appear to be increasingly adaptive and unpredictable, many Western militaries still adhere to more traditional organisational models and processes.

The Army is looking at new ways when considering future capabilities. It is focusing on the effect that we want to create, and the capabilities that will make those effects possible. Our capability solutions will not only emphasise organisational structures and the prime equipment, but include the conceptual dimension, the human element and support components.

Take one example – the NZLAV. The NZLAV provides us with a level of protection, mobility and firepower that is markedly superior to anything we have had in the past.  We will continue to make significant strides to gain the maximum benefit from this very capable vehicle.  An example of this will be as we develop the NZLAV doctrine and TTPs. This will be followed by consequential work that will better align trade models, course requirements and logistics support to the capability that is based around NZLAV. Accordingly, our aim is to realise the full potential of the NZLAV vehicle with a comprehensive capability approach.

Our capability development and acquisition processes are also being reviewed as we look towards building appropriate land-based operational capabilities for the future. They will take cognisance of our approach, whereby we pride ourselves on adaptability, agility of mind and a “can-do” attitude. Our future development and acquisition cycle must incorporate experimentation and innovation, rapid acquisition, the fielding of prototype equipments and the conduct of pilot programmes, both in training and on operations.

Past traditions, structures and processes have framed our present capability development and acquisition processes, but globalisation, technology, and the willingness of our foes to wage war against new threats must be factored into any future capability development and acquisition. Army has identified this need and proposes to establish a Capability Branch. This branch will coordinate capability development, acquisition and management, correct current capability issues and better allow the NZ Army to realise future capabilities.

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