A. The Short-Term Plan:
a) Australia’s State capitals and Darwin are all coastal and harbour-based. They are vulnerable to surprise, full-scale seaborne invasions. They should be the initial focus of the short-term plan.
b) The six Australian State capitals and Darwin, have almost 14,000,000 inhabitants. Initially, 400,000 men from these cities should be trained for local defence.
c) Distant, isolated capitals (such as Darwin, Perth and Hobart) which are more difficult to reinforce should initially have a higher proportion of militia.
City Present Population* Militia Numbers (short-term)
Darwin 127,500 10,000
Perth 1.7 million 90,000
Hobart 210,000 20,000
Brisbane 2 million 60,000
Adelaide 1.2 million 40,000
Sydney 4.6 million 100,000
Melbourne 4 million 80,000
Total 400,000
*According to Google
B. Longer-Term:
a) The Federal government should encourage the development of the Militia so it numbers at least 10% of the overall population, nation-wide. Training could be initially accomplished by Army officers, and weaponry should be purchased by individuals, using the standard Australian Army weaponry.
b) The Federal government could on a modest budget, fund the expansion of rifle-ranges and training facilities.
c) The 10% proportion could be easily increased to 12-15% in the event of an invasion, by absorbing back into the force a percentage of recent militia members.
d) Full development of the militia should lead to the reduction and ultimate elimination of the Australian Army.
Conclusion:
* Australia cannot expect that other Asian nations will always be our friends: we should have learnt that in 1941-42.
* The darkest pages in history are often the most instructive.[1]
* The Golden Rule of Insurance: Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
*Every nation historically, has expected its able-bodied men to assist in the event of invasion. So should we.
*“To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.” George Washington.