Should the Concept of Network-Centric Warfare Form a Central Pillar of the Australian Army's Transformation, as Articulated in the Hardened and Networ

The Australian Army is undergoing a transformation to adapt to complex operational environments as outlined in the 2000 Defense White Paper, which emphasizes its role as an expeditionary force in coalition operations. The 'Hardened and Networked Army' concept aims to enhance capabilities through a 'network-enabled' approach, building on the principles of Network-Centric Warfare (NCW). This monograph evaluates whether this vision is a practical response to future challenges or if NCW represents a new theory of warfare in the Information Age, examining its implications for military operations and organizational structure.