Innovative within the Paradigm - The Evolution of the Australian Defence Force’s Joint Operational Art

Beginning in 2008, several articles argued that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) had paid little attention to revising its operational art in light of recent experiences, and that the ADF had been slow to respond to conceptual evolution within key allied militaries, the United States in particular. Recently the ADF has reviewed its conceptualisation of operational art, updating it to better suit contemporary operational requirements. This article summarises the critical articles and US developments before detailing the ADF’s revised approach to operational art. It also briefly highlights possible areas for future conceptual evolution. It is concluded that the ADF’s revised approach to operational art will greatly benefit the ADF’s operational conduct, yet it is also a step in an intellectual journey rather than a destination.