The Information Environment Advanced Analysis (IEAA) course, held in Canberra from September 1 to 12, marked a significant step forward in strengthening the Australian Defence Force's ability to operate in the increasingly complex information environment.
Sponsored by the Information Advantage Centre of Excellence (IACOE) and delivered by a US training provider, the graduate-level course is certified by the United States Joint Staff J7 and highly sought after across Defence and government.
As operations in the information environment become more integral to modern warfare, the IEAA course supports the ADF's commitment to interoperability with key allies, particularly the US, as well as enhancing the knowledge and skills required to fight and win in the information environment.
The course aligns with the National Defence Strategy, which prioritises investment in innovative capabilities that support nationally directed operations, enhance situational awareness and decision advantage.
Thirty-three participants from across all groups and services - including uniformed and APS personnel - were competitively selected to undertake 88 hours of intensive classroom instruction.
'Working with colleagues from across Defence enriched the learning experience and demonstrated the value of cross-agency collaboration.'
The curriculum focused on mastering critical thinking, behavioural influence, information environment characterisation, operational design, red teaming and wargaming. These skills are essential for planners and commanders navigating the complexities of the information environment, where understanding second- and third-order effects is critical to mission success.
Major Nathan Coultis of Headquarters 1st Division, who took part in the course, said it was invaluable.
"It was an ingenious way to enculture military planners and analysts in a mindset that recognises and understands the inherent complexity of interplay between agents," Major Coultis said.
Nicole Thompson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was an engaging and relevant course for anyone working on contemporary international security issues across government.
"The course highlighted how important it is to consider the information environment and narratives early in planning, to ensure alignment between words and actions," Ms Thompson said.
"Working with colleagues from across Defence enriched the learning experience and demonstrated the value of cross-agency collaboration. I appreciate IACOE bringing the course to Australia and providing the opportunity for participants to garner real-world, practical tools."
Established in 2024 within Joint Capabilities Group, the IACOE plays a pivotal role in developing and generating ADF capability to conduct operations in the information environment.
Through initiatives like the IEAA course, the IACOE is tasked with building a professional, human-centred information operations workforce ready to meet the challenges of contemporary conflict to ensure Australia's military power remains agile, informed and interoperable.
