How to get the RAAC back on track

Of course, the answer is easy … simply follow the recommendations of the RAAC Corps Council in both 2024 and 2025.  These were to re-establish RHQ 1st Armoured Regiment and have it command the tank squadrons in Townsville; whilst simultaneously re-establishing 2nd Cavalry Regiment in its reconnaissance role.  

With both units returning to their full establishments of three squadrons, 3 Brigade would, for the first time, be a complete armoured brigade (as per the decision in the government’s response to the 2023 Defence Strategic Review).

For the first time in three years, the RAAC would once again be able to boast that its Corps role is to: “locate, identify, capture and destroy the enemy, by day or night, in combination with other arms, using fire and manoeuvre”.

BUT, what about costs in terms of AUKUS?  Although ADF readiness would have undoubtedly been enhanced, what about the need for savings being forced on the ADF by the submarine project? 

The real problem, of course, is that no-one in Defence is prepared to ‘fess up’ as to what the total cost will be.  Something which, no doubt, will continue to be the case.  

What savings will be accrued in operating costs by not having a tank squadron, a cavalry squadron, and a battlegroup headquarters (i.e. 2 Cav Regt as it is at present)? How significant are these?  

The question turns-on whether or not the Chief of Army is the custodian of the readiness of the Army.  It would be expected that this was the case, but what if he were to become subservient to the wider Defence Department, an organisation enmeshed in the political process?  Could this be the reason for the RAAC having been decimated as it has?  

Could it be that the Army’s readiness needs have come second to the imperative for AUKUS savings? 

Of course, the problem with adopting the recommendations of the RAAC Corps Conference, is that the Conference has no executive authority.  It is solely an advisory body; one which the CA can either listen to, or dismiss.  

His response was plain for all to see when the tanks were stripped from 1 Armd Regt and 2 Cav Regt was given incompatible dual roles.

So, what’s Plan B?  There are many who are just biding their time, waiting for the next CA to be appointed.  Surely, he will see things differently?

This is not really a plan at all.  It’s just another way of doing nothing.  But there is hope…   

Democracy gives all citizens the right to raise issues of injustice and highlight them.

The Editor of CONTACT understands this.  He also understands the injustice that has been dealt to 1 Armd Regt, after 75 years’ service to the nation. With his on-going support, there is hope that persistent campaigning for 1 Armd Regt to be returned to its combat role, will eventually win through!  

Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Cameron, MC, RAAC (Ret’d)

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FILE PHOTO (2017): Tank-track maintenance during Exercise Reaper’s Run at Puckapunyal. Photo by David Newberry.

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