Australian and New Zealand armies sign Plan ANZAC for increased cooperation.

On April 18, the Australian Government announced that the Australian and New Zealand armies will build on their history of cooperation with Plan ANZAC. The bilateral agreement is designed to increase their capacity to operate together with a framework for engagement, enabling the two armies to exchange views and share situational awareness, capability, training and readiness.
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(L-R) Regimental Sergeant Major-Army, Warrant Officer Kim Felmingham, NSC, OAM; Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, AO, DSC; New Zealand Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell; Sergeant Major of the Army, Warrant Officer Class One Wiremu Moffitt, at the Anzac memorial in Wellington, New Zealand (Picture source: Australian MoD/Cpl Cameron Pegg)

Chief of Australian Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said the agreement would increase cooperation between the two armies: “Plan ANZAC builds on our significant history of partnership by strengthening our Army-to-Army relationships, enhancing interoperability, capacity, ability to jointly support combat operations as well as joint capabilities to meet today’s challenges. This partnership will see both armies better prepared to work together to support security and stability missions, and humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.”

Chief of New Zealand Army Major General John Boswell said Plan ANZAC was a step forward for the trans-Tasman strategic partnership: “Our armies have a deep history of operational service, organisational cooperation, regional partnerships, and mateship. For more than a century, we have served our nations, supported global peace and upheld regional stability – together. We will continue to do just that. Plan ANZAC will reflect a broader defence relationship, one that is open, based on mutual respect and is enduring.”

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, AO, DSC, and the New Zealand Chief of Army Major General John Boswell discuss Plan ANZAC at Defence House in Wellington, New Zealand (Picture source: Australian MoD/Cpl Cameron Pegg)

ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) refers to the military formation created in 1915 during World War I, which included troops from Australia and New Zealand. The ANZACs played a significant role in the Gallipoli Campaign in Turkey, which was a major military campaign fought between the Allied forces and the Ottoman Empire. The ANZAC soldiers were known for their courage, resilience, and determination in the face of great adversity. The Gallipoli campaign was a long and grueling battle, and the ANZACs suffered heavy casualties. Despite this, they never gave up and continued to fight with bravery and honor.

The ANZACs are remembered and celebrated every year on April 25th, which is known as ANZAC Day. It is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, where people gather to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the service of their country. ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by these brave men and women and to honor their memory.

Defense News April 2023