In a critical call for reform, military experts are urging Australia to radically reorganise its reserves system to combat emerging threats, particularly from China. The 2023 Defence Strategic Review (DSR) highlighted significant concerns, stating that Australia's current reserve system is outdated and ill-equipped to handle major military engagements in the region.
Australia's defence mechanisms have long been tailored toward historical expeditionary operations, but the DSR indicates that the nation must prepare for the possibility of major war closer to home. With tensions rising and issues of alliance reliability in question, the idea of self-reliance in national defense is more pressing than ever. The DSR's findings emphasize that domestic preparations should be a driving force, particularly in the face of potential aggression from China.
The Review of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves, which was quietly released before Christmas 2024, did little to address these escalating concerns. Critics have described it as an administrative review that merely dusts off existing policies rather than offering a strategic, forward-looking re-organization that considers the realities outlined in the DSR.
As of early 2024, there were approximately 41,000 individuals registered as ADF reserves, a number that included a concerning 10,000 who had never rendered service. The actual utility of these reserves shows significant gaps. Only some of the remaining 31,000 members are capable of providing specialized skills lacking elsewhere in Defence, while others fill positions in the permanent forces. Few, if any, are in a position to serve effectively in times of crisis.
The suggestion in the reserves review of a recruitment target of merely 1000 additional personnel by 2030 has drawn sharp criticism. Observers argue that this number cannot possibly meet the demands outlined by the DSR. Indeed, with strategic concerns in mind, a priority must be to dramatically increase the numbers of part-time personnel in the reserves to ensure a more responsive military capability.
Comparative models from other nations illustrate the urgency of reform. For example, Finland, with a population of 5.6 million, operates with 24,000 active military personnel and an astounding 254,000 trained reservists. Israel utilizes a model that accommodates 170,000 permanent personnel supported by 465,000 reservists, and Singapore maintains a full-time force of 51,000 while managing 253,000 reservists. Even the United States operates a substantial military force of 1.3 million supported by 807,000 trained reservists—an impressive ratio for a nation with a population of 340 million.
Critics assert that Australia's current model, which has evolved from post-World War commitments, does not adequately offer the resilience required for a potential regional conflict. Recent assessments suggest that regional tensions may escalate potentially within this decade, necessitating a rapid shift from the existing expeditionary model to one focused on homeland and theatre defence.
Experts are advocating for a swift and comprehensive overhaul of the reserves system. This involves not only increasing the number of trained reservists but also improving the quality of training and resources available to them. Facilitating access to the skills available within the Australian workforce, especially in intelligence, cyber, transport, medical roles, and maintenance tasks requires immediate attention. This skills pool could effectively fill numerous essential roles if allocated proper training and support.
The need for such changes, however, extends beyond logistical adjustments. A systemic transformation in leadership, culture, and organizational habits within the ADF is crucial to enable the necessary developments. There must be transparent communication from the government regarding security threats and how these challenges dictate the necessity for enlistment and greater participation in defence initiatives.
As noted by Mike Pezzullo, former Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, the limited capacity of Australia’s defence force is compounded by the priorities that demand the nation’s focus. Pezzullo remarked, “If we had a larger defence force, maybe two or three times the size of our current defence force, yes, we should probably consider sending troops.” He unequivocally pointed out that current priorities must remain at home, underlining the inadequacy of the current military framework.
The current situation begs the question: how can Australia solidify its defence strategy when faced with the prospect of unilateral military actions? Immediate action to develop a robust ADF reserve force is not a mere suggestion; it is an imperative. Without such reforms, Australia risks being unprepared for a conflict that may soon be unavoidable. As nations around the world revise their military strategies in light of contemporary challenges, Australia must not lag behind. In fact, it needed to implement these changes yesterday to safeguard its territorial integrity and national interests.
