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RAN Force Preparedness

The Australian Navy, like any Navy, doesn't operate on the basis that every ship it has is in the water at the same time. Ships can be in the water on operation but they can also be being used for training, they can be under maintenance, they can be out of service for additional facilities to be added to them, whether it's combat enhancement and the like. So it's a faulty premise to proceed on the basis that every ship is in the water at the same time. The Navy has some challenges, the Defence Force has some challenges. A particular challenge for Navy is amphibious lift capability. The Navy has a longstanding, well known challenge in terms of submarine maintenance and operation and a challenge in terms of training and manning submarines and ships.

Force Element Group (FEG) Commanders are responsible for managing the capability implicit in each ship or unit from entry into service until disposal, on behalf of the Maritime Commander (MC). This is a management rather than a command function. Commanding Officers of ships and units are responsible for the operational effectiveness and safe conduct of their unit and the safety of all personnel onboard.

Readiness describes a ship or unit's ability to be committed to operations within a specified time in order to achieve the desired operational outcome. Readiness includes the availability and proficiency of personnel, the serviceability of equipment and facilities, the availability of supplies and support infrastructure and the effectiveness of the RAN's, and the wider ADF's, command and management framework. The period permitted for a ship or unit to complete its work-up to the required level of capability for a specific operational task is called Readiness Notice. Preparedness of maritime forces must be carefully managed to ensure that the ship or unit can be prepared for the mission inside this timeframe.

Sustainability occurs across all phases, from preparation to reconstitution. Sustainability denotes a ship's or unit's ability to continue to conduct directed tasks, and is measured in terms of personnel, supplies, facilities and support necessary for the ship or unit. The nature and duration of the operation or activity dictate the sustainability requirement. Consequently, sustainment planning is based on an estimation of tempo and forecast usage rates, and is influenced by competing priorities from concurrent and forecast operations and activities.

Preparedness is managed over four phases:

1. Preparation - through the conduct of routine peacetime activities, the RAN ensures that the appropriate framework and mechanisms are established for a ship or unit to commence subsequent preparedness phases if required.
2. Work-up - when appropriate training is provided to reach the required level of operational capability necessary for a potential operation.
3. Operations - when ships and units are assigned to an operation, deployed to the theatre of operation and actually conduct the operation.
4. Reconstitution - which is the period when the ship is returned to a lower level of capability, and when immediate maintenance, rest and recuperation and redistribution of supplies occurs.

Preparation Phase

The RAN is always preparing for the next contingency. Consequently the preparation phase equates to the RAN's routine activities. The preparation phase also involves a warning period when an individual, ship or unit is identified and formally warned of a possible contingency. During the preparation phase the MC ensures that Navy's fleet has the capabilities stipulated in strategic guidance. To ensure each ship or unit is appropriately prepared for its intended employment, the MC expects each FEG Commander to develop a plan that meets known operational, preparedness, exercise and international engagement requirements for the ship or unit. The FEG Commander then coordinates the input of the various service providers and suppliers who collectively enable the ship or unit to meet the MC's requirements.

In carrying out this role the FEG Commander develops a framework of cooperative relationships with suppliers and providers, particularly the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO). The Combat Support Group (CSG) of Maritime Command also performs a vital role during the preparation phase by coordinating activity between FEGs and providing specialist logistic, personnel and engineering advice and support to FEG staff and ships or units.

Typically during the preparation phase the focus is upon repair and maintenance, inventory management, individual training and collective team training. This phase will also include periods of equipment tests and evaluation. If significant and lengthy maintenance has taken place during the preparation phase the period will conclude with detailed materiel and safety inspections as well as intensive training periods for all personnel to ensure the ship or unit is safe and ready to proceed to sea.

Work-up Phase

The objective of the work-up phase is to efficiently and effectively raise the ship or unit to the level of capability required for the planned subsequent tasking. The Commanding Officer manages this process, assisted by the Australian Fleet Sea Training Group. The RAN employs three levels of work-up. The level selected is dependent on planned subsequent tasking:

1. Mariner Skills Work-up. This is designed to prepare a ship to safely conduct activities in the vicinity of Australia. The accompanying mariner skills evaluation sets the minimum acceptable standard for skills that are considered essential for operations in the maritime environment. The focus of the mariner skills evaluation is on the skills and systems that contribute to the safety of the platform and its crew. Specific higher level skills are built upon these mariner's skills. Examples of mariner skills are damage control, fire fighting, boatwork, and mooring.
2. Unit Readiness Work-up. This prepares a ship for low-level operations, deployments and exercises remote from Australia. This encompasses the maintenance of core skills, safety and professional standards. The accompanying unit readiness evaluation involves a complete assessment of all disciplines across all departments. An important aspect of unit readiness is that the ship has a latent capability to be worked up to a specific mission readiness level in a reduced timeframe. Examples of unit readiness are weapons proficiency and stores support.
3. Mission Readiness Work-up. This is used to prepare a ship or task group for higher level operations and activities. The form and duration of a mission readiness work-up is determined by the mission's requirements, which are usually stipulated by higher authorities such as the Maritime Component Commander or Chief of Joint Operations Command. A mission specific work-up package will be developed and executed. The accompanying mission readiness evaluation builds upon the unit readiness standard, focusing on mission critical and supporting departments.

Operations Phase

The operations phase is effectively the conduct of operations or assigned tasks in accordance with promulgated orders such as an operations instruction or an exercise directive. Deployment to a theatre of operations involves mounting, embarking, and sailing the force from home bases, passage to the area of operations and transit and arrival in the theatre of operations in a posture appropriate to the threat and mission. The Maritime Component of Joint Operations Command and the CSG provides and coordinates support to ships or units throughout the operations phase.

Reconstitution Phase

Reconstitution is the process by which, at the conclusion of the operations phase, individuals, ships or units reassume or recover to identified preparedness levels required by strategic policy. The reconstitution phase begins with the redeployment of forces from the operational area and concludes when the forces are returned to the preparation phase. Reconstitution is not aimed at rectifying any enduring deficient areas in the RAN, such as shortages of specialist personnel. Reconstitution focuses upon respite for personnel, recovery of the material condition of ships and units, and rebuilding of skills levels.