Army reform and assistance missions

Abstract

Helping neighbours and partners stabilise their political systems while working towards peace and prosperity is a core activity for the Australian Defence Force, and the responsibility of many government departments and agencies, including the Australian Federal Police. Private contractors also play a part in providing essential services and creating vital infrastructure. For the first time, The Long Road analyses the successes and failures of Australia's train, advise and assist' missions over the past fifty years in Iraq, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, Bougainville, the Solomon Islands, South Vietnam and Uganda. A diverse array of contributors - including reporters Chris Masters and Ian McPhedran, politicians Kevin Andrews and David Feeney, economists, scientists, aid workers, business leaders, diplomats and military personnel - explore the complex challenges Australia faces in its protracted journey towards being better prepared to build security capacity within conflict-ravaged nations.