Though a dense read in parts, Dejan Mjkanovic commends Christopher Andrew's well researched book as a significant contribution to the serious study of intelligence history and tradecraft.

In this second post in his series on landpower lessons, Mark Mankowski discusses the importance of the committees and programs that shape capability acquisiton in Defence.

In reviewer Steven Henry's view, Crowded Orbits by James Clay is an insightful examination of the challenges and opportunities in the space domain, making it essential reading for Defence space professionals, and those seeking to understand this critical domain better.

Stephen Taafe's book on MacArthur's Korean War General has much to offer modern leaders' appreciation of the relevance of effective leadership to battle outcomes and the value of moral courage. Reviewer Chris Roberts highly recommends this well researched and easy to read title which evaluates 21 commanders of the Eighth Army.

Mark Mankowski introduces a series of Land Power Forum posts dealing with the land capability from the perspective of an officer working within Land Capability Division. This post focuses on definitions relevant to the field of capability development and management, and it also discusses how relevant strategy responds to emerging threats.

Chris Roberts reviews Simon Batten's study of the British Army's preparations for the Great War. Dispelling myths around its failure to prepare adequately for the war Britain knew was coming, Batten sheds new light on the Edwardian Army, especially its higher commanders. Relevant to modern military leaders of land forces, Roberts highly recommends the book.

Brian Washam finds that 'The All-Volunteer Force' is an excellently crafted and well-needed work. It raises many important issues surrounding the United States' All Volunteer Force that are equally relevant to the ADF as it contends with ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention. Washam concludes that closing the gap between the military and civilian society is crucial to achieving an enduring solution.

Authors Jack Watling and Nick Reynolds examine the challenges and choices faced by Western nations in forging and operationalising partnerships in what were once called ‘failing’ and ‘failed states’. Reviewer James Bryant finds the book to be highly relatable and a pleasure to read. He affirms that this book should be widely read within Army if it is required, in the future, to once again undertake such operations and ‘fight smart’ beyond its shores.

Tim Inglis reflects on the ADF response to the COVID-19 pandemic and considers the lessons learned for future domestic operations and operational readiness more broadly.

John Nash commends Paul Scharre's book on artificial intelligence to anyone with a stake in the future of war and conflict, which is to say, everyone.

Since its 2021 release, Elbridge Colby’s The Strategy of Denial remains a critical contribution to defence strategists grappling with the evolving complexities of China’s growing assertiveness, great power competition in the Indo-Pacific and the role of allies within these dynamics. Reviewer Courtney Stewart discusses why.

Sam Legge considers the potential of quantum magnometer technology to revolutionise minefield clearance capabilities.

Jamie Freestone considers the implications to the Australian Army of the most significant advance in AI to date - the rise of Large Language Models like ChatGPT, Claude and Meta AI.

Adriaan van Staden commends Petraeus and Roberts' expansive analysis of the evolution of global warfare since the end of World War II. This four part volume effectively explores how conflict as adapted to the changing global landscape and offers valuable insights into how junior officers and NCOs must adapt to the operational environment of the future.

The Defence Strategic Review recognises the Reserves as key to ADF capability. In this Occasional Paper, Assoc Prof Brad West and Dr Josh Healy examine the level of support civilian employers provide their employees in undertaking Reservist service and what workplace difficulties Reservists encounter in managing dual careers.

As the summer holidays approach, the post presents some of the books, articles and other writings that have inspired members of the AARC over the last year.

The role of the military in domestic operations is one of the most vexing issues in a democracy, made complex by a lack of historical work. This occasional paper offers the first definitive history of all instances of call outs in Australia since 1901, in order to provide a left and right of arc for contemporary policy and operational thresholds.

Benjamin Armstrong's book considers the continued relevance of the early 20th century influential American maritime strategist Rear Admiral Alfred Mahan. Reviewing the book, Jennifer Parker finds that Armstrong’s commentary is especially timely as the ADF seeks to balance long-term strategic capability investments with the need for more immediate operational readiness.

Kevin Holzimmer's book on General Walter Krueger adds to a growing body of work that re-examines the role of the United States Army in the Southwest Pacific Area during the Second World War. Reviewer Dayton McCarthy highly recommends the book as giving the Australian reader a wider perspective than the well-known touchpoints of Buna, Lae/Finschafen and Borneo.

In a talk hosted by 2(AS) Division and streamed by The Cove on Tuesday 26 November, Major General David Thomae, AM will reflect upon his Command of the 2nd (Australian) Division and of Joint Task Force 629.