The Australian Army is in a process of transformation that will fundamentally change the way in which combat power is generated to achieve the nation's military objectives. As the Army shifts toward a modular force structure, it faces significant challenges to develop the most appropriate balance of organizational capabilities, while implementing the necessary training systems and processes to prepare the force for a wide range of military tasks along the spectrum of conflict. This thesis examines the observations, insights, and lessons learned of the United States Army and the NATO Response Force, in implementing modular force structures. Organizational structures and training systems are examined specifically, as major elements of capability. The thesis identifies common themes and challenges, faced by these organizations throughout their modularization and applies these for relevance to the Australian Army's current transformation efforts. The research demonstrates that the experiences of these organizations offer multiple lessons and opportunities for application by the Australian Army, to minimize the friction associated with modular transformation. The Australian Army has already applied a number of these lessons to varying degrees. There remain however, a number of areas in which Australian transformation efforts can further be enhanced or improved by considering the lessons highlighted within.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)