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Commander: Sustaining the War on Terrorism
For ten years, Allan was at the centre of the dramatic transformation of Australia's Army Reserve.
This book spans the period of Allan A. Murray's commissioned service in the Australian Army Reserve from late 2003 until early 2019; Allan progressed through the senior ranks of Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier. This book completes his journey in the Series, From Boys’ Brigade to Brigadier.
Command is a term used by the military to confer upon an individual the responsibility for combining the art of leadership with the science of management within a discreet military organisation to achieve tasks, objectives and missions. Over this period Allan commanded a unit and a brigade, was Assistant Commander of a division, and performed the role of Senior Australian Defence Force Officer (SADFO) Northern New South Wales.
The backdrop of the book is Australia’s increasing level of involvement in the War on Terrorism – a five phased involvement – whilst also continuing to deal with the ‘Arc of Instability’ to the immediate north and north-east of Australia. As the Regular Army adjusted to the ongoing generation of force elements for rotation through the Middle East, the Army Reserve was undergoing an even more dramatic adjustment.
There were four components to the Army Reserve sustaining the War on Terrorism. Force elements were called upon to relieve the Regular Army of numerous domestic tasks, and operational tasks in the ‘Arc of Instability’; the Army Reserve provided individual reinforcements and reliefs to Regular force elements in the Middle East; and individual Army Reservists back-filled Regular Army positions within Australia so that Regular personnel could deploy. Allan played a role in each of these.
This book spans the period of Allan A. Murray's commissioned service in the Australian Army Reserve from late 2003 until early 2019; Allan progressed through the senior ranks of Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier. This book completes his journey in the Series, From Boys’ Brigade to Brigadier.
Command is a term used by the military to confer upon an individual the responsibility for combining the art of leadership with the science of management within a discreet military organisation to achieve tasks, objectives and missions. Over this period Allan commanded a unit and a brigade, was Assistant Commander of a division, and performed the role of Senior Australian Defence Force Officer (SADFO) Northern New South Wales.
The backdrop of the book is Australia’s increasing level of involvement in the War on Terrorism – a five phased involvement – whilst also continuing to deal with the ‘Arc of Instability’ to the immediate north and north-east of Australia. As the Regular Army adjusted to the ongoing generation of force elements for rotation through the Middle East, the Army Reserve was undergoing an even more dramatic adjustment.
There were four components to the Army Reserve sustaining the War on Terrorism. Force elements were called upon to relieve the Regular Army of numerous domestic tasks, and operational tasks in the ‘Arc of Instability’; the Army Reserve provided individual reinforcements and reliefs to Regular force elements in the Middle East; and individual Army Reservists back-filled Regular Army positions within Australia so that Regular personnel could deploy. Allan played a role in each of these.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2022
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April 3, 2022
A very frank account covering the author’s senior leadership period in the Australian Army. I liked that he provided strong opinions on our involvement in the Middle East as well as providing blunt assessments of various personnel.
This was possibly my favourite book in the series. Many of the events are very current so more relatable. It was also interesting to read how our Army Reserve has becoming a more relevant part of the ADF.
I enjoyed the series as it covers a 40 year career as an officer in the army during mostly peace time. This makes it somewhat unique as most military memoirs would have significant period of action. I of course in no way wish to take anything away from the incredible service the author has given to his country over a 40 year period.
This was possibly my favourite book in the series. Many of the events are very current so more relatable. It was also interesting to read how our Army Reserve has becoming a more relevant part of the ADF.
I enjoyed the series as it covers a 40 year career as an officer in the army during mostly peace time. This makes it somewhat unique as most military memoirs would have significant period of action. I of course in no way wish to take anything away from the incredible service the author has given to his country over a 40 year period.
Displaying 1 of 1 review