Amphibious Warfare: Lessons from the Past for the ADF's Future

The Australian Defence Force faces a number of challenges in developing its amphibious warfare capability. The acquisition of the new landing craft and the Canberra Class LHDs are just one small element in these developments. Just as important will be overcoming the cultural barriers to the adoption of the maritime strategy laid out in the 2009 Defence White Paper. One way of overcoming these issues is for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to reconnect with its past. Here the ADF can find some exceptionally important lessons on training, doctrine, joint operations and cooperation with allies; especially in relation to Australia's only modern maritime campaign, the South West Pacific Area 1942-45.