BLUF

Using NATO’s measures, Australia is already spending nearly 2.8 percent ($69 Billion) if Defence pensions are included. Different accounting rules for equipment purchases also effect the percentages. Percentages alone don’t guarantee capability or outcomes however.

Learning Outcomes

  • Military Management: Explains how accounting practices influence perceptions of spending and how figures can be presented differently depending on context.
  • Strategic Awareness: Highlights that headline spending ratios alone do not guarantee capability, stressing the importance of outcomes over inputs.
READ: How to count Australian defence spending as (almost) 2.8 percent of GDP

References