GENERAL – ALL PERIODS
Australia Army Bicentennial Royal Guard: Mounting Public Duties at the Royal Places UK
Army Audio Visual Unit, Canberra ACT, 1988
DVD available at each RAR and Infantry Centre Museums
A visual record of the preparation and delivery of mounting duties at the Royal Places in the UK in 1988. 120 members of the RAR, 20 from each battalion at the time are supported by a 57-man band.
CHARLTON, Bill – A Ragged Bunch of Diggers: Poetry by Bill Charlton
Charlton Publishing, Valentine NSW, 1999
ISBN: 0 9577620 03
Photographs, Index; 80 pages.
A book of poetry, many about RAR personalities; regarded as a ‘must’ for anyone to have worn army boots. Author served in Vietnam with 1 RAR.
CHARLTON, Bill – A Rugged Bunch of Diggers: Poetry by Bill Charlton Book 2
Charlton Publishing, Valentine NSW, 2001
ISBN: 0-9577620-2-X
Colour and black & white photographs; 96 pages.
The second book of poems from Charlton, many of which are also about RAR personalities.
FAHEY, Warren – Diggers’ songs: Songs of the Australians in eleven wars
Australian Military Historical Publications, Melbourne, 1996
ISBN: not identified
Song index, Black and white images; 234 pages.
A book of songs sung by Australian soldiers incl RAR members.
FRANCIS, Josh – Battle Rhythm
Josh Francis (Red Diamond Consultancy) and In House Publishing, Australia, 2019
ISBN: 9781922264770
Photo of author; 91 pages.
The first in his Camouflage Series, this book is written by ex RAR author Josh Francis. Primarily intended for civilian readers, the benefits of service in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and back home are evident in this very readable short book on how to apply what every soldier understands to everyday life. Well worth reading given its structure and presentation eg confirmation of learning by all who served with or will serve with, the RAR.
FRANCIS, Josh – Centre of Gravity
Josh Francis (Red Diamond Consultancy) and In House Publishing, Australia, 2019
ISBN: 9781925962833
Photo of author; 111 pages.
The second in his Camouflage Series, this book is written by ex RAR author Josh Francis who served in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and back home. Also a very readable short book on how to apply what every soldier knows in his/her daily life while in uniform. Well worth reading given its structure and presentation eg confirmation of learning by all who served with or will serve with, the RAR. Gives good examples, and mentions 3 RAR in one of them.
Love under fire (Keith Payne, VC, AM)
In the Australian Womens’ Weekly, Nov 21. The story of Warrant Officer Class II Keith Payne, VC, AM and his wife and family. Payne was awarded the VC in Vietnam.
MANSFORD, George – Junior Leadership on the Battlefield 1990
Headquarters Training Command, Sydney, 1990
ISBN: 7610 66 135 0078
References, B & W photos; 84 pages.
This revised pamphlet, intended also for public consumption, provides examples of good junior Australian leadership on the battlefield. Its post WW II portion includes many examples from RAR members. Notified in Defence Instruction (Army) ADMIN 20 Series for 1990 and printed by AGPS, VIC, 1993.
MANSFORD, George – Junior Leadership on the Battlefield 1994 (Second Edition)
Army Office, Canberra, 1994
ISBN: 0 642 20293 1
References, B & W photos; 74 pages.
This revised pamphlet, intended also for public consumption, provides examples of good junior Australian leadership on the battlefield. Its post WW II portion includes many examples from RAR members. Notified in Defence Instruction (Army) ADMIN 20 Series for 1994.
Manual of Land Warfare, Part Two, Corps Doctrine, Infantry Training, Pamphlet No 1, The Infantry Battalion (All Corps) 1984
Australian Army, Sydney, 1984
Core doctrinal guidance on the battalion produced by Headquarters Training Command. Available in both paper and digital format. Superseded.
Manual of Land Warfare, Part Two, Corps Doctrine, Infantry Training, Pamphlet No 2 – The Platoon (All Corps), 1986
Australian Army, Sydney,1986
Core doctrinal guidance on the rifle platoon produced by Headquarters Training Command. Available in both paper and digital format. Superseded. Accessible at https://www.army.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-11/mlw_2-1-2_the_rifle_platoon_1986_full_obsolete_0.pdf
Manual of Land Warfare, Part Two, Infantry Training Volume 3, Pamphlet No 3 – Patrolling and Tracking (All Corps), 1977
Australian Army, Sydney, 1977
Core doctrinal guidance on this skill produced by Headquarters Training Command. Superseded.
Manual of Land Warfare, Part Two, Infantry Training Volume 3, Pamphlet No 4 – Ambush and Counter Ambush (All Arms), 1964
Australian Army, Sydney, 1964
Core doctrinal guidance on this skill produced by Headquarters Training Command. Superseded.
Manual of Land Warfare, Part One, Volume 1, Pamphlet No 4, Formation Tactics, 1987
Australian Army, Sydney, 1987
Core doctrinal guidance on the formation (usually a brigade/Task Force) produced by Headquarters Training Command. Superseded.
NQRA History Project Team – So you went Target Rifle Shooting… : History of the North Queensland Rifle Association 1886 to 2017
Self-published through BlueberriDesign, Townsville, 2019
ISBN: Nil
References listed after each chapter, black and white photographs, tables, seven Appendices; 228 pages.
A history of rifle shooting in the NQRA, includes details of the most prominent RAR target rifle shooter in terms of international achievement – BRIG Bruce Scott, CSC (Retd). Researchers will find that many other RAR members over the years have honed their military skills through participation in this civilian sport, not only as members of the NQRA, but also other Australian Rifle Associations. All RAR units have also trained with their military weapons on civilian ranges including those mentioned in this book when long distance ranges were needed or when military firing range capacity was exceeded.
PETRO, OAM, George – The art of sacrifice
Big Sky Publishing, Newport NSW, 2021
ISBN-13: 9781922387929
Fully illustrated, index; 400 pages.
A publication of paintings of ADF people including recognisable RAR troops. This source provides visual impressions to the prosecution of war over time.
RICHARDSON, Matthew (Ed) – War in words – One hundred years of Australian war writing
Halstead Classics, Broadway NSW, 2007
ISBN: nil
270 pages.
A collection of writings including poems and short stories by authors including and about RAR operations.
Royal Australian Regiment (The) – Regimental Standing Orders 1977
Regimental Headquarters, Canberra, 1977
ISBN: Nil
Currently A4 assembled document of 13 chapters; approx 200 pages.
This is the 1977 edition of RAR Standing Orders. It contains General Information on the RAR, details of the Colonel Commandant function, Regimental Colonel function, Regimental Alliances, and histories of the battalions (12), RAR Council, Dress, Rules, Officers and Sergeant’s Messes, Sports and Competitions. A trove of data. Once digitised it will be available through Part 16 of this bibliography as well.
RUSS, Barry (Consultant Editor) – Duty First: 1948 – 2008: 60 years
of the Royal Australian Regiment
Faicountmediagroup, Sydney, 2008
ISBN: Nil
88 pages.
This green covered (undated) publication is a 60 year commemorative edition with multiple editors and writers. It includes a series of feature articles, snapshots of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8/9 RAR (the RAR at the time), articles on notable persons and finishes with a Futures article by the then Chief of Army, LTGEN Peter Leahy, himself of the RAR. Essentially, a snapshot commercially supported publication intended to celebrate the point in time with a contemporary contribution to the literature in 2008.
Standing Orders for operations/1st Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment
Australian War Memorial, Canberra, 1964
Monograph stored manually by the AWM
Call numberV355.310994 A888S, or Bar Code AWM 040621
Specifies what 1 RAR was to do in operations in the time of publications. Superseded, bur historically important.
WELBURN, MCJ – The development of Australian Army doctrine 1945-1964
Australian National University, Canberra,1994
| ISBN: 0 7315 2106 4 |
Diagrams, appendixes, bibliography; 105 pages.
Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Research School of Pacific Studies (Canberra Paper (CP) No.108)
Paper examines the development and application of doctrine over the period, refers to several RARs and 27 and 28 Commonwealth Brigades in which several RARs served in Korea and Malaya respectively. Touches upon the pentomic and pentropic battalion experiments and the difficulties experienced which swapping from either of these to jungle warfare deployments in SE Asia by RAR battalions and others. Paper available at http://sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/publications/attachments/2016-03/108_SDSC-Wellburn.pdf
JAPAN AND KOREA 1946-53
Infantry Training – Volume IV – Tactics – The Infantry Battalion in Battle 1952
The War Office, London, 1952
Diagrams, 197 pages.
British Army pamphlet issued to and used by RAR and other battalions in 1952. At the times, Australia still used a wide range of British doctrine, and this one was the core source of doctrine at battalion level. Available in some military and other museums.
SOUTH EAST ASIA 1950-current
(includes Malaya, Borneo, Singapore & Malaysia)
British Army – The Conduct of Anti-Terrorist Operations in Malaya (1st Edition)
HQ Malaya Command, Kuala Lumpur, 1952
A specific-to-campaign reference book (pamphlet) comprising 23 chapters. With a foreword by the High Commissioner/Director of Operations, General Templar, the ATOM pamphlet as it became popularly known, was used by Australian RAR troops as well.
British Army – The Conduct of Anti-Terrorist Operations in Malaya (2nd Edition)
HQ Malaya Command, Kuala Lumpur, 1954
A specific-to-campaign reference book (pamphlet) comprising 23 chapters. With a foreword by the Director of Operations, General Bourne, the ATOM pamphlet as it became popularly known, was used by Australian RAR troops as well. Updated to take account of experiences 1952-54.
British Army – The Conduct of Anti-Terrorist Operations in Malaya (3rd Edition)
HQ Malaya Command, Kuala Lumpur, 1958
A specific-to-campaign reference book (pamphlet) comprising 23 chapters. The ATOM pamphlet, as it became popularly known, was used by Australian RAR troops who by the time of publication had been in-country for several years so it is probable that input came from them as well as British forces as well. Updated to take account of experiences 1955-58.
HARVEY, John – Conventional Deterrence and national security
Air Power Studies Centre, Fairbairn ACT, 1997
ISBN: 0642265146
Index, bibliography; 125 pages.
In Chapter 10 covers the Five Power Defence Agreement and addresses Air Base Butterworth (see page 95) and its role including RAAF operations and ground troops (RCBs which were provided in that time by RAR battalions). Accessible at https://airpower.airforce.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-03/AP09-Conventional-Deterrence-and-National-Security.pdf
McCarthy, Dayton S – The once and future Army: an organizational, political and social history of the Citizen Military Forces, 1947-1974
Australian Defence Force Academy, UNSW, Canberra, 1997
ISBN: N/A
A PhD Thesis, 421 pages.
Primarily addresses the Citizen Military Forces (CMF). However a section of it (Chapter 4) deals with the Pentropic Battalion experiment carried out by the Army including the RAR battalions in 1960-64, where the RAR is discussed with respect to its relationship to the rest of the army, including the CMF. Thesis is located at http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/38747
VIETNAM 1962-75
American Veterans Center – Good morning Vietnam! Adrian Cronauer on Accuracy
Youtube, 7 minutes 46 seconds
Presentation by Adrian Cronauer the real radio announcer who compares his real experiences to those of the movie by the same name featuring actor Robyn Williams. Australian veterans in Vietnam including virtually all RAR troops will have listed to the actual show.
Anonymous – Australian Vietnam Forces National Reunion – Sydney ‘87
Australian Vietnam Forces “Welcome home ‘87” Pty Ltd, Sydney, 1987
ISBN: Nil
Black and white images; 29 pages.
Commemorative publication which features a range of RAR individuals among the many featured; publication reflects the belated national homecoming reunion ceremonies, parades, functions and tours organised by a committee chaired by Peter Poulton.
Anonymous – Vietnam: their place in history
Australian War Memorial, Canberra, 2022
ISBN: 0642184496
Illustrated, index; 20 pages.
An AWM guide to records relating to the Vietnam war, with help on how to conduct research at the AWM. It also provides excellent detail on where and how to access other records held outside the memorial itself; eg National Library of Australia, Australian Archives, various government departments, regional storage locations, personal case files, other libraries. A powerful tool for researchers seeking information on the Vietnam War.
Australian Army – Training Information Bulletin No 69: Infantry Battalion Lessons from Vietnam 1965-71
Headquarters Training Command, Sydney, 1988
ISBN: Nil
DSN: 7610-66-130-0811
Notified in (DI(A) ADMIN 20 series for 1988, Army pamphlet
Curiously this product was only published formally 17 years after the war to which it applied, although it has been pressed into service in document form much earlier as lessons learned accumulated. Covers tactics and weapons and includes quotes from a range of RAR veterans from the Vietnam war.
BUSHBY, RN – ‘Educating an Army: Australian Army doctrinal development and the operational experience in South Vietnam, 1965-72
Australian National University, Canberra,1998
Diagrams, appendixes, bibliography, 130 pages.
Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Research School of Pacific Studies (Canberra Papers on Strategy and Defence (CP) No. 126)
This monograph examines how the Australian Army met the challenges to its doctrine presented by the Vietnam War. The war produced some widely varied tactical problems, and the flexibility and deep experience which were the hallmarks of the army in the 1960s provide the key to understanding how these problems were solved. After surveying the origins of the Australian Army’s counter-revolutionary warfare doctrine, the monograph examines the challenges to and development of this doctrine in the four periods of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War: working alongside US forces (May 1965-June 1966); the establishment of the independent task force (May 1965 to January 1968); the period of ‘out of province’ operations (January 1968- on; and the final period of Vietnamisation and pacification. RARs are mentioned and all are directly involved, with many of the references including primary material coming from RAR writers. Paper accessible at http://sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/publications/attachments/2016-03/126_Educating_an_Army_R.N.Bushby_P130.pdf
CHAMBERLAIN, Ernie – The Battle of Long Tân: Vietnamese Accounts Reviewed – “What did they say?”
Illustrated, battle maps, notes; 30 pages.
Research Note 1B/2019 dated 4 Mar 19. A paper on the enemy’s reporting on the Battle of Long Tan centred on D Coy 6 RAR 18 Aug 66. Complimentary copy available on request from [email protected]
CHAMBERLAIN, Ernie – The Việt Cộng – Citing Australians as “Vassals” – and as Australian “Aborigines”, in Phước Tuy Province
Unpublished, 2024
Illustrated, two pages.
Paper on the enemy’s perception of Australian forces with a focus on Aboriginal soldiers serving in Vietnam. Extracted from Chamberlain, E.P., Research Note 1/2020, 28 February 2020 – Updated 2023: Communist Views of the 1st Australian Task Force (102 pages). Complimentary copy available on request from [email protected]
CHAMBERLAIN, Ernie – The Vietnamese language – and names
Self-published, 2022
A short paper on the Vietnamese language in the context of military intelligence which the author worked in during and after his service in Vietnam. It is also published as Research Note 14/2022, dated 8 June 2022, and also included as Annex L in his published book: The Viet Cong 275th Regiment (To the Battle of Long Tan and After …), 2022 – ISBN 978-09750350-8-5. Copy available from the author or Registrar Bibliography.
CHAMBERLAIN, Ernie – Vietnam War: Communist Views of the 1st Australian Task Force
Unpublished, 2020, 2023
Illustrated, battle maps, notes, bibliography; 102 pages.
Research Note 1/2020, 28 February 2020 – Updated 2023. A paper on the enemy’s perception of Australian forces while serving in Vietnam. Complimentary copy available on request from [email protected]
Commander of Australian troops at Long Tan dies days after 50th anniversary
The Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, 2023
SMH news website item covering the funeral of Smith (5 Jul 33 – 20 Aug 23) who commanded D Coy 6 RAR in the Battle of Long Tan. Includes images from the war. Accessible at
DOWSETT, Bill – Vietnam: a reporter’s war
ABC, Sydney, 1975
ISBN: 064297473X
87 pages.
Shortly after the surrender of the South Vietnam government in 1975 the ABC radio public affairs team produced a two-hour special on the war. ABC Radio Public Affairs Program; produced by Brian Furlonger and narrated by Bill Dowsett. Broadcast 14 May 1975. This is the written version of that program. The RAR is mentioned in the context of the total Australian commitment.
Dr James Raymond Bourke MG, AM
Senator Ian Macdonald website
Short story on LTCOL Jim Burke MG,AM (Retd) who served tour duties of Vietnam and was later the driving force behind the successful recovery of the remains of the last six Australians MIA in Vietnam. Accessed at https://www.senatormacdonald.org/dr-james-raymond-bourke-mg-am-adjournment
EASTGATE, Ross OAM – Last men standing did one hell of a job
This author is a journalist who has a regular column also available online. This piece succinctly summarises the role and history of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in one page. Many of the AATTV members were RAR men. Accessible at https://targetsdown.blogspot.com/2023/01/last-men-standing-did-one-hell-of-job.html
Funeral held for Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith, honoured for his leadership in the Battle of Long Tan
ABC News, Sydney, 2023
ABC Sunshine Coast news website item covering the funeral of Smith (5 Jul 33 – 20 Aug 23) who commanded D Coy 6 RAR in the Battle of Long Tan. Includes images from the war. Accessible at https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-30/lieutenant-colonel-harry-smith-long-tan-funeral-buderim/102792730
GREY, RA, LTCOL – 7 RAR Notes on Operations Vietnam 1970-71
Directorate of Infantry, Canberra, 1971
ISBN: Nil
Provided ‘hot debrief’ lessons learnt towards the end of the Australian involvement in Vietnam. Widely circulated at the time across Army, these notes are available from most Defence Libraries and RAR Museums.
HALL, RA & ROSS AT – The effectiveness of combined arms teams in urban terrain: The battle of Binh Ba, Vietnam 1969, and the battles of Fallujah, Iraq, 2004
Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Adelaide, 2006
ISBN: Nil
A working paper which examines the Battle of Binh Ba, involving 5 RAR and 6 RAR over 6-8 Jun 69. The paper makes ocmparisons with US force assaults in Iraq in Fallujah.
HIDDLESTONE, Janine Francis – An uneasy legacy: Vietnam veterans and Australian Society
James Cook University, Townsville, 2004
Thesis for the award of PhD which examines the origins, veracity and consequences of the veteran stereotypes. It uses a range of sources, including documents, film, and interviews to explore the experience of veterans since the war ended – and ultimately their struggle to find a suitable place in Australian history. There is a methodological focus on oral history, based on a group of veterans in the North Queensland region. The study finds that there is neither a simple nor a single explanation, but rather a series of events, decisions and outcomes accumulating over a period of time. Mentions RARs and AATTV and involved such people in the study. Accessible at https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/1113/
INTSUM compiled after the Battle of Nui Le on November 4 1971 (This is the) (4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC))
Online publication posted 2 Mar 24 by Frontline.
Weekly Intelligence Review 718/41 dated 22 Sep 71.
This Intelligence Summary refers to actions on 10 Sep 71 involving D Coy 4 RAR/NZ (ANAZAC) in Vietnam. Accessible at https://frontline.asn.au/news/this-is-the-intsum-compiled-after-the-battle-of-nui-le-on-november-4-1971/
INTSUM compiled after the Battle of Nui Le on November 4 1971 (This is the) (4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC))
Online publication posted 2 Mar 24 by Frontline.
Weekly Intelligence Review 718/41 dated 22 Sep 71.
This Intelligence Summary refers to actions on 10 Sep 71 involving D Coy 4 RAR/NZ (ANAZAC) in Vietnam. Accessible at https://frontline.asn.au/news/this-is-the-intsum-compiled-after-the-battle-of-nui-le-on-november-4-1971/
LASSMAN, Denise – Australia’s involvement in Vietnam 1962-1965
Self-published thesis with University of NSW, Sydney, 1973
Detailed content not identified, multiple primary and secondary references.
Thesis “Australia’s involvement in Vietnam 1962 to 1965”. Examines the social and political implications of Australia’s escalated involvement in Vietnam during this period. Based on official explanations offered by the government before the release of cabinet papers. Copy held at UNSW and AWM.
LEE, Sandra Finger – Vietnam on Canvas: McFadyen, Ken: An Artist at Work
Barrallier Books, Melbourne, 2010
ISBN: 10: 098066330X
ISBN: 13: 9780980663303
Colour & B/W photographs; 144 pages.
McFadyen was attached to 2 RAR as an official war artist in Vietnam and most of the images in this publication would therefore feature that unit.
Legendary Long Tan veteran Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith dies at 90, leaving legacy of courage, loyalty
ABC News, Sydney, 2023
ABC news website item covering the funeral of Smith (5 Jul 33 – 20 Aug 23) who commanded D Coy 6 RAR in the Battle of Long Tan. Includes images from the war. Accessible at https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-22/long-tan-vietnam-veteran-harry-smith-dies/102761072
LTCOL Harry Smith Funeral – 7 News
Channel 7 News, Sydney, 2023
2 mins 13 secs video.
News item covering the funeral of Smith (5 Jul 33 – 20 Aug 23) who commanded D Coy 6 RAR in the Battle of Long Tan. Includes images from the war, and also ex-(then) 2LT Dave Sabben a platoon commander – who also fought in the battle – who delivers an eulogy. Accessible at https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=317144904106057
MAHONEY, Phillip (Editor) – From both sides now: the poetry of the Vietnam war and its aftermath
Scribner Book Company, New York, 1998
ISBN-10: 068484947X
ISBN-13: 978-0684849478
Illustrated, index; 320 pages.
An anthology of poems written by many people involved in the Vietnam war and its aftermath, from both sides.
Military Board – The Soldier’s Handbook
Military Board, Army Headquarters, 1965
Item 7610-66-021-1631 (Army Routine orders dated 31 May 1965)
Photographs and images incl rank and service ribbons; 148 pages.
This widely issued information source, classified RESTRICTED at the time was issued to all Army personnel and Army cadets. Features RAR personnel as dress and fieldcraft models including (then SGT) MAJ RLJ Northcott, AM (Retd).
NIGHTINGALE, Keith – The bush
Self-published, Facebook, 2023
An extraordinarily vivid description of being ‘in the bush’ in South Vietnam, and experience everyone who served there, especially as RAR members, will relate to. Accessible at https://veteranweb.asn.au/news/the-bush/
Pocketbook South Vietnam
Army Headquarters, Canberra, 1966
ISBN: Nil
Illustrated, map; 72 pages.
Army issue pamphlet 7610-66-023-3281M was made widely available by the Military Board as a job aide for troops deploying to Vietnam. Covered history, governments, both sides armed forces in outline and other information considered helpful. Every RAR member to deploy to Vietnam saw one, and most of the Army at the time will have seen it somewhere in their general training. Later reproduced with updates in 1967.
R & R Vung Tau
YouTube
Colour and sound video 1 min 35 secs
Rare footage of entertainment in Vung Tau where both sides including RAR troops would take R & R during the Vietnam War. Accessible at https://www.historynet.com/vung-tau-vietnams-hottest-rr-destination/
South Vietnam Pocket Book June 1967
Australian Military Forces, Canberra, 1967
ISBN: Nil
Illustrations, map; 77 pages.
Control number 7620-66-023-3281/1, the official publication was issued to personnel training for and deploying to Vietnam. Accessible at https://www.army.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-11/pocketbook_south_vietnam_1967_0.pdf
USBACK, Rodney – The battle of Coral-Balmoral
Australian War Memorial, Canberra, 2019
9.02 minute digital artwork
Online depiction at https://www.awm.gov.au/visit/exhibitions-online/napier-waller-art-prize/The_battle_of_Coral–Balmoral,_Vietnam_1968 of these battles involving 1 RAR and 3 RAR. Usback is a Vietnam veteran who, fifty years after the war became an artist, entered this remarkable piece of moving artwork in the 2019 Napier Waller Art Prize competition.
Vietnam: Exchange of letters between the Prime Minister ….
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Canberra, 1965
Online transcript of letters exchanged between Prime Minister Menzies and several senior church officials about the Vietnam war. Accessible at https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-1098
YULE, Peter – The long shadow: Australia’s Vietnam veterans since the war
NewSouth Publishing, Sydney, 2020
ISBN: 9781742237183
Illustrated, index; bibliography; 688 pages.
The medical and psychological legacies of the Vietnam War are major and continuing issues for veterans, families and the community, yet the facts about the impact of Agent Orange, PTSD and other long-term health aspects are little understood. This book addresses the health of Vietnam veterans and reveals a more detailed and complex picture by takings a broad approach to the medical legacies, exploring the post-war experiences of Vietnam veterans, the evolution and development of the repatriation system in the post-Vietnam decades and the evolving medical understanding of veterans’ health issues.
PEACE KEEPING & PEACE MAKING OPERATIONS
(Somalia 1992-93, Rwanda 1994-95, Cambodia 1991-95, Papua New Guinea 1946 to 1975, East Timor 1999-2012, Bougainville 1994, The Solomon Islands 2000 -2008, all remaining deployments not covered by UN or above (Rhodesia, Uganda)
Management of Australian Defence Force deployment to East Timor (Auditor-General Audit Report No 38 – 2001-2)
Australian National Audit Office, Canberra, 2002
ISBN: 9642806209
Graphs, index; 127 pages.
Auditor-General Audit Report No 38- 2001-2 signed by Ian McPhee, Acting Auditor-General. Official federal government audit of a national event, in this case the deployment to East Timor between first lodgements and the date of this report. Includes INTERFET and UNTAET which involved 2, 3,4 and 5/7 RAR. Accessible at https://www.anao.gov.au/sites/default/files/anao_report_2001-2002_38.pdf?acsf_files_redirect
ROSS, Ken – Regional security in the South Pacific: the Quarter century 1970-95
Australian National University, Canberra, 1993
ISBN: 0731515978Diagrams, appendixes, bibliography, 220 pages.
Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Research School of Pacific Studies (Canberra Paper (CP) No.100)
The island states of the South Pacific constitute one of the world’s least important strategic regions which, during the Cold War, rarely rated international headlines and provoked little international interest. The political turmoil which most seriously affected them occurred during a two year period in the late 1980s. Then there were two coups in Fiji ,one of which saw a force from 1 RAR dispatched to the waters, but not deployed in a potential Services Protected Evacuation. Nationalists in New Caledonia resorted to and were targets of violence as they sought independence from France, and in Papua New Guinea an armed secessionist struggle started on Bougainville. This monograph’s three essays consider what lies behind the substantial stability and limited turbulence of the South Pacific island states’ recent past and why these states were so immune from the Cold War. The first essay examines what regional security means for the island states. The second essay outlines the significant events, developments and trends the island states of the South Pacific experienced during the 1970s, the 1980s and the early 1990s. The third essay concludes that in the mid-1990s strategic interest by external powers was likely to be minimal, but the internal politics of Fiji and Papua New Guinea and renewed pressure for independence in New Caledonia are likely to be major issues affecting the region’s security. These tenets proved to be correct with later deployments of RAR commander-led and supported deployments to several of these countries. Paper on line at http://sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/publications/attachments/2016-03/100_Regional_security_in_the_South_Pacific__The_quarter-century_1970-95_%28Canberra_papers_on_strategy_and_defence%29_Ken_Ross_206p_0731515978.pdf
IRAQ 2003-09 and 2014–ongoing
Operation Habitat – Post Operation Report
Australian Contingent HABITAT, Randwick, 1991
ISBN: Nil
Approx 140 pages -originally RESTRICTED.
Official and original Post Operation Report to Land Command Australia, signed by LTCOL DH Ross, Commander. Covers all aspects of the force deployment to Northern Iraq as a humanitarian operation.
AFGHANISTAN 2006-ongoing
Afghanistan Inquiry Report Plan
Department of Defence
Released on 30 Jul 21, this 36-page document heralded how the Government would progress this Inquiry (Brereton Report) into allegations of war atrocities in Afghanistan involving elements of the SOTG of which 2nd Command Regiment Formerly 4 RAR (Cdo) was a part for some of the time involved. See report at
Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Forces Afghanistan Inquiry Report (Brereton)
Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 2020
ISSN: 2207-6050 (print)
22076069 (online)
References; 465 pages including introductions.
Also known as the Brereton Report official titled Questions of unlawful conduct concerning the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan by Major-General The Hon PLG Brereton AM, RFD, this is the redacted version released to the public. It mentions 4RAR (Commando) when referring to 2nd Commando Regiment. For the online version, see https://afghanistaninquiry.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-11/IGADF-Afghanistan-Inquiry-Public-Release-Version.pdf
RTF 2006: Afghanistan Pre-deployment Brief
Land Warfare Development Centre, Puckapunyal Vic, 2006
ISBN: Nil
Maps, illustrations, 46 pages.
A Centre for Army Lessons publication in a series intended to prepare troops for deployment. Contains material on the enemy threat, maps of Afghanistan, Uruzgan Province, Tactical Techniques and Practices (TTP) from Iraq as applicable to Afghanistan. This resource was seen and used by both RAR troops deploying to theatre as part of a Reconstruction Task Force (RTF), and many others in training.
HUMANITARIAN/DEFENCE AID TO THE CIVIL COMMUNITY
(Civilian Humanitarian Disaster ops (incl Darwin 1975 and other cyclones and floods, overseas eg PNG, Indian Ocean, and lately, Border Operations, and DACC (non-disaster) eg Olympics and Commonwealth Games and other government support eg APEC, G20)
Nil entry
FUTURE/NEXT
2020 Defence Strategic Update
Department of Defence, Canberra, 2020
ISBN: Nil
Online core statement for the future direction of the ADF including Army which affects RAR units which must adapt training and other preparation to accord with this strategic direction. Accessible at https://www.defence.gov.au/about/publications/2020-defence-strategic-update
Anonymous – I’m an Australian soldier
Army Public Relations, Canberra, 2008
ISBN: Nil
24 page coloured booklet.
Issued in 2008 as part of the ‘Hardened and Networked Army’ initiative, this booklet espouses the nine key virtues of the modern soldier. Many RAR individuals can be seen in the pages, the contents applying to all ranks of the Army in all units.
BEAUMONT, David – An uncertain and dangerous decade: Preparing the Army for the next ten years
Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 2020
ISSN (online): TBA (not published yet)
ISSN (print): TBA (not published yet)
Endnotes; 67 pages.
An Australian Army Occasional Paper published by the Australian Army Research Centre. Australia is amid a health and economic crisis that it did not fully anticipate, after a bushfire emergency of such significance that wartime provisions for a military response were required The complexity of circumstances defies memory, with events of historic scale and significance. It has been a challenge for the Army, as part of the ADF, to respond to this confluence of problems. It is a reflection of the inherent difficulties in making choices and trade-offs about military capability, when it is made available, and for what reason. To prepare the Army for the next decade requires us to face the questions before it, to challenge the assumptions that have driven its planning in the past, and to avoid ‘freezing’ in the face of the monumental strategic changes witnessed. The RAR will be part of that as it has been in the past. Paper also available online at https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/sites/default/files/20200520_Army%20after%20the%20coronavirus%20%28Beaumont%29_INTERNALS%20%28DIGITAL%29_v3.pdf
BEVERIDGE, David W – LANDFORCE 2010: Some implications of technology for ADF future land force doctrine, leadership and structures
Australian National University, Canberra, 1992
ISBN: 0731514777
Diagrams, appendixes, bibliography, 116 pages.
Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Research School of Pacific Studies (Canberra Paper (CP) No. 95)
This monograph examines developments in military technology of significance to the Australian Army, then considers their implications for ADF land force doctrine and leadership, and combat force structures, all of which had profound influence upon the RAR at the time, and indeed, since. Technological developments likely to lead to significant changes are examined and significant trends are identified, including the lethality of current and projected weapon systems, increased battlefield mobility and fluidity, and the potential for a fourth generation in warfare; promoting a doctrinal need for dispersed operations and ‘directive control’ as an operating norm. The demands of such operations under Australian conditions are seen to require increased combat soldier competence and leader ability, suggesting a need to restructure the present officer/NCO hierarchy and develop a less conventional land force. Paper on line at http://sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/publications/attachments/2016-03/095_Landforce_2010_Some_Implications_of_Technology_for_ADF_Future_Land_Force_Doctrine%2C_Leadership_and_Structures_David_W._Beveridge_P116_.pdf
BRADY, Scott, HANASZ, Paula and BIGLAND, Patrick – Aiding the Civil Authority: the potential for a broader Army role in domestic counter-terrorism
Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 20190
ISSN 2651-9666 (Online)
ISSN 2651-9658 (Print)
Illustrated, Endnotes; 78 pages.
An Australian Army Occasional Paper Developmental Series No 2 published by the Australian Army Research Centre. Addresses recent counter-terrosist events and projects possibilities for the ADF including the RAR for future similar deployments. Paper also available online at https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/sites/default/files/aiding-the-civil-authority-brady-hanasz-bigland.pdf
FIELD, Chris – Three Block Community Support: An Australian Defence Force Capability
Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 2021
ISSN (online): 2653-0406
ISSN (print): 2653-0414
Illustrated, Endnotes; 78 pages.
Australian Army Occasional Paper No 1 published by the Australian Army Research Centre. During humanitarian and disaster relief responses, the ADF may be required to work on several different levels at once. In one moment in time, our ADF members support communities, volunteers, emergency responders and their leaders. In the next moment, they provide teams for evacuation, clean-up, clearance and repair tasks. Finally, they utilise their core skills, such as sea, land and air mobility, logistics, communications, medical and engineering—all on the same day and all within spaces as small as three city blocks. This can be described as ‘three block community support’. RARs have in the past and will in the future, deploy on such Defence Force Aid to the Civilian Community tasks. Paper also available online at https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/sites/default/files/Three%20Block%20Community%20Support%20Australian%20Army%20Occasional%20Paper_WEB.pdf
Kudu Operation in Ukraine
YouTube, 2023
Video, 4mins 51 secs
A media broadcast of the Australian commitment, based on 5 RAR, to provide 70 initial trainers to contribute to a larger British training effort to support the Ukrainian armed forces. These training teams will deploy for several months. While the title says ‘in Ukraine’ Australian troops will not deploy to that country to conduct that training. Accessible at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIPcnrelvKA
MANASZ, Paula and BRADY, Scott – Environmental peacekeeping in the Pacific
Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 2021
ISSN (online): 2653-0406
ISSN (print): 2653-0414
Illustrated, Endnotes; 78 pages.
Australian Army Occasional Paper No 4 published by the Australian Army Research Centre. Understanding that the potential for conflict in our region is caused or exacerbated by environmental factors may help the ADF understand the potential for peace. This monograph applies the environmental peacebuilding lens to conflicts and collective action problems facing the south-west Pacific region, namely the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Many of these the ADF (and RAR) have already deployed, and may do again in the future. The paper explores security challenges arising from the governance of natural resources and the environment, and opportunities for environmental peacebuilding. Paper also available online at https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/sites/default/files/AARC%20Occasional%20Paper%204%20-%20Environmental%20Peacebuilding%20in%20the%20Pacific%20%28Brady%20and%20Hanasz%29.pdf
NEADS, Alex, GALBREATH David J and FARRELL, Theo – From Tools to Teammates: Human-Machine Teaming and the Future of Command and Control in the Australian Army
Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 2021
ISSN (online): 2653-0406
ISSN (print): 2653-0414
Illustrated, Endnotes; 75 pages.
Australian Army Occasional Paper No 7 published by the Australian Army Research Centre. In 2018, the Australian Army launched its Robotic and Autonomous Systems Strategy to capitalise on the military opportunities presented by the ‘fourth industrial revolution’ in artificial intelligence and machine learning software. The key to realising this potential lies in the effective integration of soldiers and autonomous systems, known as human-machine teaming through which automation is predicted to radically reshape the conduct of war, with substantial implications for the future of command and control. However, such visions depend not just on the technical capabilities of new autonomous systems, but also on the choices soldiers make about how to use them. This paper explores the compatibility of emerging concepts of human-machine teaming with existing Australian Army culture and practices, drawing on interviews with serving officers and focusing specifically on the implications for military command and control. The paper assesses the risks and opportunities arising from automation for future concepts, doctrine development and organisational change. RAR are bound to be affected. Paper also available online at https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/sites/default/files/AARC%20Occasional%20Paper%20No.7%20-%20From%20Tools%20to%20Teammates.pdf
PALAZZO, Albert – Planning not to lose: the Australian Army’s new philosophy of war
Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 2021
ISSN (online): 2653-0406
ISSN (print): 2653-0414
Illustrated, Endnotes; 58 pages.
Australian Army Occasional Paper No 3 published by the Australian Army Research Centre . Addresses the future pathway to better outcomes. Many informants to this paper and most definitely affected by its contents as RAR members and units. Paper also available online at https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/library/occasional-papers/planning-not-lose-australian-armys-new-philosophy-war
PALAZZO, Albert – The future of war debate
Land Warfare Studies Centre, Canberra, 2012
ISSN: 1441-0389
References; 37 pages.
LWSC Paper 40. A futurist-oriented paper that refers to precedent direction, including some written by ex-RAR members who are cited, on the development of warfare within which land operations will continue to involve RAR. It invites greater debate to help develop the Army to be ready to fight the next war rather than the last one. Accessible at https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/sites/default/files/wp140-the-future-of-war-debate-in-australia.pdf
