The Distinguished Conduct Medal

The Law of the Concrete Jungle: Army Cooperation in the Urban Littoral – Cove Comp '24

This is the 1st place entry in the soldier category of Cove Comp '24, which asked entrants ‘How does Army need to adapt to the changing character of war?’ The 2023 Defence Strategic Review warned that Australia is experiencing its most challenging circumstances in decades with contests taking place across diplomatic, economic, military, and strategic levels. Traditional kinetic warfare is increasingly being replaced by or complemented with hybrid tactics [https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/how-and-why-russia-is-conducting-sabotage-and-hybrid-war-offensive/], with climate change and advancing technologies such as AI and quantum adding further complexity to Australia’s security climate.

Followership vs Likership

Continuing on from a previous article, this article furthers the discussion on the concept of ‘likership’ and continues the debate on its definition and value as a characteristic of good leaders and followers. It furthers the discussion by looking at the interaction between followership, likership, and leadership.

Occam's Razor: Prioritising Simplicity in Planning and Execution

This article discusses the importance of utilising simplicity in planning and execution to increase chances of success. Occam’s Razor is a philosophic principle that seeks to reduce complexity by selecting models and theories with the fewest assumptions, or complications. It is named for the 14th century English theologian William of Ockham. Occam’s Razor is an antithesis to complexity. A remedy for the challenges of our operating environment and a powerful tool for those planning and executing operations.

Could Adaptive Sport be Key to Solving the Retention Challenge in the ADF?

This article argues for a renewed focus on sport and competition to promote faster recovery, improved retention, and a better organisational culture. The Australian Defence Force’s ongoing challenge of retention has been well commentated and documented. In 2021, the Australian Army saw 11.9% of its force separate, with almost a third of those separations being involuntary – including medical discharges.

Choco vs Baggie – The Undercover Kiwi

This article provides one soldier’s experience undertaking both Australian and New Zealand Army Reserve training. Choco – “Chocolate Soldier”. An Australian Army Reservist. That full time soldiers hate but want to be, since they get to choose what military activities they are “available” to attend. TF Baggie – “Ball bag”. A New Zealand Part-time (Territorial force, TF) soldier holding the rank of private. This term’s origin has been lost in time and is debated by many.