The Australian Defence Force

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is undergoing a transition from an armed force prepared purely for warfighting functions to a force capable of conducting a wide range of noncombatant functions. Australia's traditional security concepts emphasize national military power and a realist approach to international relations. This approach is being challenged by the Broadened Concepts of Security (BCOS). The possible adoption of BCOS OPS as a role of the ADF may compete with the traditional war-fighting role and could result in fundamental force structure and resource changes. More Australian Government policy changes are possible, and increased participation in counter-drug operations has been foreshadowed. Changes are likely to be incremental and to encounter resistance.