An excellent description of micro tactics during the Ukrainian counter attack. Tanks, infantry and artillery coordinated using drones for situational awareness. Of note commanders stepping out of the close fight to use drones for better coordination.
In the recent Izium-Kupiansk counteroffensive, Ukraine's army liberated about 400 towns in Kharkiv Oblast. Ukrainian tank crews told
@radiosvoboda
about how they launched their surprise attack coordinated by a commander observing with a drone.
📹
@RFERL
Out for dinner in Surrey Hills and found this powerful mural of one of my all time favourite players - Adam Goodes, Great tribute to a wonderful player and person.
@sydneyswans
PM
@kajakallas
of Estonia strong and compelling in her condemnation of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on
@abc730
tonight. Catch it on iview if you missed it. We need more of this clear, direct communication from European leaders 👏💪
This is a significant resource. It shows that despite Russian efforts Ukrainian access to the internet has been largely preserved, resulting in unprecedented levels of information coming out of the conflict.
@WarintheFuture
has pointed to the violence of attacks on eastern cities
UKR // Update // The dynamics of
#Ukraine
Regional ICT from
#21Feb
to
#2Mar
with our 15min
#ICT
connectivity observations
. 90-100 = normal connectivity
. Timestamps in UTC
. Widespread resilience in infrastructure evident
. vis:
@MonashResearch
A mate recently made a significant transition after 42 years of service.
@OldMechHead
has moved to SERCAT 5. While Dave will continue in his role I can't let this milestone pass without thanking him for his exemplary service for 1/3 of Army's history. A true soldier's soldier.👏
Take this as a final warning. This isn't an evolving or developing tactic. This isn't a Ukrainian or Russian tactic. This is a baseline weapon of war.
If your force can't do it, they're ineffective. If every echelon of your force can't defend from it, they're vulnerable.
I was delighted to learn that MAJGEN Susan Coyle will be the next
@comdforcomd
. Susan is following in the footsteps of leaders like Generals Cosgrove & Hurley & I am honoured to call her a mate. The Command is in very good hands.
Traveling with mate & fellow veteran Andrew Condon out to far west NSW to help with the wheat harvest. Important stop en route to pay respect to PTE Nathanael Galagher at Pillaga cemetery. A remote place but Nathanael is clearly loved & remembered. Lest we forget.
@bairdjulia
Congratulations Julia, I'm proud to be one of the widely diverse panellists. You created an environment for civil conversations about complex issues - a rare achievement these days. Best wishes for what comes next.
What is the collective noun for a pair of Canberras? USS Canberra dressed for her commissioning tomorrow and her Australian namesake also looking splendid. Not a bad view on the commute home😎
On the 24th of May 1969 this bloke rescued 40 soldiers under fire & was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross. I am honoured to have met him. As our veterans age it is important we remember them like this. Hard as nails. Thank you
@AWMemorial
for the reminder.
#LestWeForget
@RhysCrawley
#7RAR
this photo 18 March 2009, days after Matt Hopkins KIA. There are 3 DSM's, 2 MG's and a commendation for gallantry in the photo, all from seperate actions. I didn't say they were pretty though. Proud former 1st Brigade Commander.
Between 30 Oct 17 and 2 Nov 17 there was an important battle in
@AustralianArmy
history. We call it the Battle of Beersheba, the British call it the 3rd Battle of Gaza. This map shows the battle was more than just one mounted charge by the 4th LH Bde. Lest we forget.
@WarintheFuture
Telling to note Australia still does not have HIMARS despite it being listed in the capability plan since 2016. Australian Defence acquisition needs reform.
No such thing as bad tank country. Some terrain just better than others.
#TankTwitter
Tanks saved infantry lives in Vietnam. Our casualties reduced by half when tanks were involved in contact with the enemy. This is why Australia still operates a tank.
Leaders need to do more than "use" SM. If senior leaders are to be effective on this medium I recommend they personalise their content and enable readers to see their authentic selves.
@WarintheFuture
and
@COMAUSFLT
are both highly effective.
On my way through Sydney today and discovered Regimental Square, the memorial to the Royal Australian Regiment. A relatively quiet corner on George St near Martin Place. Drop by and reflect for a moment next time you are in Sydney.
Sunset over the wheat fields north of Lightning Ridge NSW. Find me a better cure for the Covid lock down blues than a group of veterans helping our farmers harvest a bumper crop of wheat.
With apologies to the jaffle purists who will not forgive my poor technique or me using the electric stove in the shearers quarters (fire risk outside) I am proud to report a previously abandoned jaffle iron has now been recommissioned and is back in service!
@siobhanheanue
Many policy makers think war can be discretionary, clinical, short and fought at long range. Sadly this is a fallacy that is exposed at great cost.
I have always loved the Finnish sense of humour but this is next level. Prepositioning farm tractors to recover abandoned Russian equipment in the event of an invasion 👏👏🚜
Finland 🇫🇮 trolling
#Russia
. After news that russian army gets ready for trainings along Finnish border, the Fins send out their tractors to the border. Keep calm and follow
#Ukraine
military tactics
Clear, coherent expression of strategy and priorities. Well done
@DeptDefence
. Terrific to see a combination of cyber, information & EW systems combined with genuine long range systems and sensors capable of creating Australian A2AD.
Our 2020 Defence Strategic Update & 2020 Force Structure Plan have been released. Secretary of Defence, Greg Moriarty, & I invite you to learn more about how
#YourADF
will respond to new challenges & uphold Defence’s mission to defend 🇦🇺's interests. ➡️
Excessive optimism harms support for Ukraine. "If you are playing chess, it doesn’t matter if your opponent is an idiot when they have 200 more pawns than you do,” Oleksiy says." Western support is needed for a long fight.
“The Ukrainians grudgingly trade land for blood. Yet the price they are paying to save their country may be unbearable.”
A fascinating story of one journalist’s visit to the Eastern Front in
#Ukraine
, by
@MacWBishop
at
@RollingStone
I'm proud to still work with this bloke.
@DaveG343
& I were partners at Forces Command & now we lead together in business. They don't come any better. Thanks for your service Dave.
These great vehicles have protected many Australian soldiers. It is wonderful to see them now keeping tough, courageous Ukrainian soldiers safe and in the fight to liberate their country.
There are 3 things you can watch forever: fire burning, water flowing and the Ukr airborne troops using Australian made Bushmasters to liberate Kharkiv region. Many thanks to
@AlboMP
,
@PeterDutton_MP
&the Australian people for standing strong with UA.
@oleksiireznikov
@AUinUA
Congratulations to
@ScottWi30642823
on his appointment to command the 1st Australian Division. Scott will continue his strong relationships in the Pacific & will be an important voice in Canberra as
@AustralianArmy
embarks on a massive mechanisation project. Well done mate.
What a great country to live in. Starting the election period with a discussion at the local bookstore about defence and national security hosted by
@GeraldineDoogue
- beer, food out chairs and thoughtful people.
#Bookoccino
@WarintheFuture
Great analysis Michael. Another important aspect that falls to the force with the initiative is management of combat tempo for the soldiers on the ground. Both sides are nearing exhaustion and the ability to rotate forces will save lives & increase combat effectiveness.
Pat Cummins realises Usman Khawaja had to step aside because of the alcohol spraying celebrations, asks his other teammates to put the drinks away and calls Khawaja back over to the centre of the victory photo to celebrate. This was nice ❤
One of the best professional reading lists I have seen. Too many officers are rushing to be strategists before mastering the fundamentals of the profession of arms. Well done
@CATCAusArmy
@dwmccammon
&
@GroundCuriosity
About to break for a beer after the first day of harvesting. New friends and a mate I have known since we were 18. A very satisfying way to spend a few weeks.
“Combined Arms manoeuvre is hard”. Our Army has decided to move to just in time training, with a preference for online learning, and removing the training authorities from our Combined arms schools. The new commander is a signaller. Good luck. Train hard, fight easy. 🚜
The significant loses suffered by Russia in Ukraine remind us of two important truths:
1⃣Combined arms manoeuvre warfare is extremely difficult in any scenario; but
2⃣ If we want to control contested territory/ eliminate an enemy, then we will need to physically seize & hold it.
Littoral Combat Ship USS Canberra alongside at Garden Island in the beautiful Sydney Harbour before her commissioning ceremony on Saturday. The only ship in the US Navy to be named after a foreign capital. A very powerful symbol of the alliance between our countries.
Australia needs to see more of
@CN_Australia
.We don’t have enough leaders of this caliber in public life and we can gain great confidence from seeing leaders like Admiral Noonan in action. Thanks for sharing this material.
When this crisis is over I hope Canberra based
@DeptDefence
Defence leaders reflect on the years of training excellence and the quality of the leadership that allows ADF elements to crash through readiness & deliver excellent capability. BZ
@COMAUSFLT
@comdforcomd
&
@RAAF_ACAUST
.
Today, HMAS Choules arrived in
#Mallacoota
- evacuation plans underway for the AM.
Defence personnel & assets are available to clear roads & fire breaks.
ADF helicopters are transporting firefighters, performing recon and search & rescue ops.
More info:
How was your day? Me? Firing the SIG P320 X-Carry Pro, with ROMEO2 Red Dot Sight, FOXTRO2 White Light, the new ADF Sidearm Weapon System (SWS) at the Aquaterro indoor range - Motivated, professional staff delivering excellent capabilities to the ADF.
All my Australian colleagues, who like me have great affection for the United States, should read this thread. Thank you CSM Wright for you courage and leadership.
Who am I?
I am a Black man who happens to be the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.
I am George Floyd…I am Philando Castile, I am Michael Brown, I am Alton Sterling, I am Tamir Rice.
(1)
Congratulations to
@morris_student
on your thoroughly deserved award of the
#OAM
in the QB Honours. You inspire all around you in all your leadership roles and I look forward to following your achievements in the years ahead.
Just days after a peaceful transfer of political power. Off home after another talk about the situation in Ukraine and reminded what a privilege it is to live in Australia.
The two members of our Parliament who have led Australian soldiers in combat,
#AndrewHastie
and
@keithwolahan
, have reinforced the need for adherence to the rule of law in war. Leadership matters. Well done gentlemen.
Former SAS captain and Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has expressed his relief at Ben Roberts-Smith losing his defamation trial, saying the courage of former colleagues in giving evidence against the Victoria Cross winner had "rescued" the elite regiment.
Democracies will be studying the success of this positive information campaign for years. Bravo
@AusElectoralCom
and Tom Rogers: How the AEC faced the online trolls and won
Caught Paul Graham and Shane Gabriel by surprise today, both former COs of 7RAR,at the Land Forces Expo with my flying pigs cuff links. Missed the chance to challenge
@dwmccammon
due to the COVID lockdown. Great to see old team mates again.
General Milley was my boss in Afghanistan and I can confirm he lived this philosophy. I have not worked for a leader with a better grasp of history, critical thinking ability and core doctrinal knowledge. Made getting ready to brief him tough though!
@Strategy_Bridge
"Each of us faces busy schedules & finding time to read & think is a recurring challenge. But even as we train our units and physically condition our bodies, we must improve our minds through reading and critical thinking."
- General Mark Milley
#TheBridgeReads
#Readership
On these numbers the current Army force structure is not sustainable. There will be hollowness across the organisation. The growth in headquarters and senior appointments cannot be sustained by a force of this size.
Congratulations
@OldMechHead
and thank you for your contribution to the
@AustralianArmy
for a third of its history. You are one of the most respected soldiers our Army has produced & I am privileged to have had you as my partner in leadership and as a mate.
Congratulations👏to MAJ Dave Allen on reaching a significant milestone in his
#AusArmy
career, recently being presented with his Federation Star for 40 years’ service. Those who have served with you know the positive impact you have made to many 🙂
Everything is big out west of NSW, including the tracked vehicles. Traveling with an engineer helps - apparently you get on around the other side! Helping out with the harvest is about
#mateship
, &
#communityservice
. A great part of Australia is hard at work.
@markwillacy
I think we also know enough to believe that the equipment on display has been sanitised of unauthorised patches and is not historically accurate anyway.
@AWMemorial
Council needs to do much more than this.
Could there be a better birthday present for an old tanker (new farmer) than this at the moment! Channeling the Ukrainian farmers and my mates on the land here as I build my John Deere tractor.
@WarintheFuture
@PatDonahoeArmy
@ColinJBettles
We need to start giving our nation and governments more credit. Let's encourage our friends and family to do what we are told and remain positive about our leadership. Politics can wait.
Our latest work asks: How many tests for COVID-19 are being performed around the world?
The chart compares the total number of tests performed per million people in a number of countries.
Data for *many* more countries you find at the link above.
The White Ensign is flying over
#DarlingHarbour
during
#IndoPacific2022
@CN_Australia
and his team are doing an exceptional job engaging with industry. The atmosphere is incredibly positive as friends unite after a long period of Covid separation.
Commissioned from the ranks in wartime is a significant expression of confidence by peers in an egalitarian, citizen Army. Reg Saunders has long been one of my military heroes. In NAIDOC week I show my respect to all ATSI soldiers who have served in
@AustralianArmy
Reginald Saunders was a proud Gunditjmara man from Western Victoria. His forefathers fought in the Eumeralla War against white settlers in the 1840s. It was this war for which his people earned their reputation as the “fighting Gunditjmara”:
#NAIDOC2021
@eamonhamilton
@AntonovCompany
Not messing about. These vehicles look like they are fully kitted out for a fight, including remote weapon. Good to see.
I am delighted to be joining the Go8 team. Helping enhance our national competitiveness through world class research and education is an important project and I can’t wait to get started.
Congratulations from the
@GroupOfEight
to Major General (Ret’d) Fergus (Gus) McLachlan, AO, FRSN on his new role as Senior Advisor, Defence & National Security at Go8 uni
@Sydney_Uni
.
Watch the full Debate
@Go8
ep here:
@FMcL2020
@ThomsonVicki
@WarintheFuture
A must read for military professionals. Future wars will be fought under the distorted light of social media. Learn to be faster with the truth.
Having had 4 years as Chief of Army and now to have 6 years as
@CDF_Aust
General Campbell has an unprecedented opportunity to deliver an ADF able to meet the challenges of contemporary conflict and complete the recommendations of the Brererton Inquiry. An immense privilege.
“Farmland is being mined, grain silos are being destroyed & ports are being blockaded by Russian forces ..to crush the country's massive grain export industry.”support by our farmers will be critical in the post conflict rebuilding.
@ColinJBettles
Great coverage of
@DeptDefence
support to fire ravaged areas.
@MarkBeretta
understands the ADF and is a terrific advocate for its people. As a former ADF member I am proud of what the team is doing. Thanks Mark for telling their story and well done
@lindareynoldswa
& the ADF.
A day in the life of 🇦🇺's Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism. Thanks for your questions. Hopefully, this post goes some way in demystifying my role! Check out the full video at
#AskAnAmbassador
I’m helping some organisations coordinate support for Ukraine and thought maybe this beast could help Ukrainian farmers with their battlefield clearance of Russian armour.
Speculation around veteran circles suggest 7RAR is to be closed down as part of the Army response to the DSR. In a very small Army with a handful of battalions I hope these rumours are not true. Perhaps a few less headquarters first?
As part of 7RAR's involvement during the Vietnam War, MAJ Moloney (retd) faced heavy fire from an enemy bunker when he was leading his platoon through Bien Hoa Province, Vietnam on February 5, 1968. The one thing on his mind, "just keep going" 📖
It is very hard to understand how this incredible scientific achievement has been turned into a negative in Australia. I am relieved to have received my first dose and will happily receive my second dose at the end of 12 weeks.
General Mark Milley is the highest-ranking military officer in the US and principal military advisor to the president. He's in Australia for a conference of defence chiefs where tensions with China were high on the agenda.
@FergusonNews
#abc730
Shout out to
@OldMechHead
who hit his 40th year anniversary in
@AustralianArmy
today. Dave is one of the finest soldiers and people I have worked wit. I feel privileged to have formed a command team and now friendship with him. Thanks for your service mate.
@Dr_M_Davis
@DeptDefence
It is worth noting that our defence budget is already close to that of Russia yet our deployable capability is proportionally very small. I think we first need to focus on getting value for money and agility from our existing spending.
This is a very important thread for leaders to read. Thoughtful and balanced. I found myself asking would I have had the courage to act as the leader did - in either leadership role.
@covetweet
@GroundCuriosity
The rapid emergence of semi autonomous armed drones impacts all three services. Australia is yet to field an armed drone in any domain. Equally important will be counter drone systems - which must be distributed widely, including around civil infrastructure, VIPs and major events
Best wishes Chris Field. Forces Command leaders will be getting good at this parade - three times in a little over 12 months. But I always said a day without drill is like a day without sunshine!
I’m proud to have had a part in selecting NASAMS and HIMARS for
@AustralianArmy
- both of which will be decisive in Ukraine. Now we simply need to procure and field them.
Sunday update in Ukraine, what seems to be happening when little is changing on the map. On the surface this week, like the last 4, has been one of an almost static warfare. Almost no change on the map in the Donbas or Kherson fronts (a village here or there, thats it).
Congratulations and thank you to the staff of
@AusElectoralCom
. You form one of the foundations of our democracy and are the source of confidence for all Australians that elections will truely reflect the will of all voters.
Polling is now closed in Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria and Tasmania, and counting has begun. Results will be added to the Tally Room throughout the evening at