The Australian Army is a professional, values-based organisation committed to excellence in warfighting and service to the nation. However, like many modern institutions, it faces increasing administrative demands that can detract from its core mission. Excessive bureaucracy, duplicated reporting, and inefficient processes can erode time, morale, and operational effectiveness.
As the Australian Army undergoes rapid and integrated transformation in response to evolving geostrategic challenges, we are calling for innovative and constructive ideas to contribute to this change as part of the latest Short Thoughts Competition. This competition supports Project RUTHLESS—Reducing Unnecessary Tasks to Help Lethality, Efficiency & Strategic Success—which aims to streamline bureaucracy, empower decision-making, and enhance readiness across all levels of command. Inspired by similar initiatives in the US and UK, Project RUTHLESS is central to the Australian Army’s transformation and warfighting focus.
The Australian Army Research Centre (AARC), in partnership with Project RUTHLESS, invites submissions for the Short Thoughts Spring Competition on the theme:
How can the Australian Army reduce unnecessary red tape and administrative burden to better enable its people and enhance operational effectiveness?
This competition seeks innovative, practical, constructive, evidence-based ideas to streamline processes, empower junior leaders, and refocus effort on mission-critical tasks.
Respondents might like to consider the following prompts to assist in framing their responses (choose one or more):
- What are the most burdensome administrative tasks faced by soldiers and how can they be reduced or eliminated?
- How can Army better leverage technology to automate or simplify routine processes?
- What cultural or institutional barriers prevent the reduction of red tape, and how can they be overcome?
- How can Army balance accountability and compliance with trust and mission command?
- What lessons can be drawn from other military forces, public sector agencies, or private industry in reducing bureaucracy?
Some examples include:
Mandatory training: what ISO standard or regulatory requirements are we aiming to meet with our annual awareness and can some modules be completed less frequently? Could Army replace some training with a test of the objectives? What standard should the training be measured?
Duplication of reporting and risks of inaccurate information: there are multiple forms designed to capture next-of-kin information, and in some cases there are inaccuracies between different forms. How can Army ensure accuracy in reporting without requiring soldiers to fill in multiple forms every year?
Methodology
Submissions should conduct evidence-based analysis of the administration of Army’s policies, regulations, and processes to identify root causes and implement solutions that reduce (or eliminate) unnecessary burdens.
Submissions should outline four key areas:
- Identify the policy (and policy owner and authorities)
- The reason why it is ineffective, and assess the scale of the impact
- The proposed solution to meet policy intent (can include case studies of other departments or militaries)
- Clear reasoning why the proposed change to this policy/requirement will improve efficiencies.
Eligibility:
Open to all members of the Australian Army (Regular and Reserve), Australian Public Service employees in Defence, and members of the broader Defence community.
Please note that all submissions are welcome, however only employees in the Australian Defence Organisation can receive a cash prize.
Submission Guidelines:
Word count of anything up to 1,500 words (excluding references) and all content is to be no higher than OFFICIAL level.
Co-authored submissions are not permitted. Essays must not be anonymous.
Submissions should be in Word format via the AARC Contribute page any time up until the closing date.
Judging Criteria:
- Originality and relevance of ideas
- Clarity and persuasiveness of argument
- Practicality and feasibility of recommendations
- Use of evidence and examples
- Alignment with Defence values and professional standards
Prizes:
- First Prize: $1,000 cash prize and internal publication of your work. The winner may also be invited to brief their essay to the Senior Leadership Group.
- Runner-Ups: $250 cash prize and internal publication of the work.
- Highly Commended: internal publication of the work
On the basis of their submissions, some authors may also be approached to expand on their views as an article for the Australian Army Journal or present at Army forums.
Deadline:
Entries close midnight Monday, 27 October 2025
Submit to:
AARC Contribute using the Short Thoughts Spring 2025 Submission Type.
Enquiries:
For questions or further information, contact AARC.Competitions@defence.gov.au
