Publication

This study looks at Australia’s special operations forces (SOF) capability, what it offers to government in both peace and wartime and argues against possible temptations to cut its budget. The authors say that despite the predicted absence of high intensity military operations over the coming years, a changing strategic environment and ability to conduct highly sensitive missions mean that SOFs will continue to be an important instrument of Australian defense policy. The paper also includes a number of policy recommendations to strengthen and readjust Australia’s SOF capability.