Taking It to the Next Level: A Necessary Evolution in Combined Multinational Exercises

This paper considers optimal ways to expand the conduct of combined military exercises with partner nations and achieve the objectives of developing relationships, interoperability, networking and collective resolve. It considers different reasons for conducting combined military exercises, the Australian Government’s renewed support for combined military exercises, the global context of combined exercises increasing in frequency, and successful examples of combined military exercises in the region. It considers how different ways of conducting combined military exercises apply to the goals articulated in Australia’s 2024 National Defence Strategy. Ultimately, it suggests Command Post Exercises should be progressed with partner nations, and that existing regional security architecture offers a useful means through which to establish them. This paper is written for defence strategists, international engagement planners, defence exercise planners and potential exercise participants.