Call for AAJ Submissions

AAJ Vol XXI, Number 3

Timeline

Deadline for article submissions: Monday, 24 March 2025

Planned Publication Date: November 2025

Submission form at the bottom of this page

Description

Have you ever wanted to write on issues important to Army? Is there something that Army could ’do’ better? Or is there something you wish people understood about Army now and in the future?

The Australian Army Research Centre (AARC) invites submissions for the third edition of the Australian Army Journal (AAJ) for 2025. The AAJ is the Army’s flagship publication, with the aim of advancing the understanding of land power and Army’s contribution to the integrated force. It was first published in the 1948 and presents contested and evidence-based research and analysis.

The AARC welcomes submissions from professionals of all ranks and experience, academics, industry, and think-tanks. In line with the Chief of Army’s priority for 2025, the theme for this edition will be ‘The Australian Army Contribution to the Profession of Arms – The Past, Present, and Future’. Specifically, the AARC in interested in: 

• Analysis of times where the profession has been challenged, and has had to change and adapt (i.e. post-Vietnam).  How did this adaptation take place?
• Reviews of the current state of the profession in the aftermath of two decades of counter-insurgency and stabilisation operations (Timor to Afghanistan).
• Analysis of how the profession may need to change and adapt in the post-DSR age, in terms of balancing the enduring nature and changing character of warfare.
• Analysis on the profession of arms in an Integrated Force.

Articles should comprise structured arguments that lead to logical conclusions or recommendations that can help posture Army for future land warfare challenges in the short, medium and long term, with a clear ‘so what’. The AARC is particularly interested in AAJ submissions that:

1. deliver analysis based on tactical or operational level experience
2. provide a perspective on issues that challenge orthodox views
3. place the lessons of historical experience in a contemporary context

Submission Process

Authors work with the AARC’s editorial and academic team in a process of iterative review. Submissions will be subject to a double-blind peer review by an academic and subject matter expert. Articles deemed appropriate for further consideration are presented to the AAJ Editorial Advisory Board for consideration. The Director General, Future Land Warfare is the ultimate publication authority for all AAJ content.

Articles should follow a logical academic structure with a clear argument. Submissions should not be written as a report or brief, and should avoid technical jargon and abbreviations. Detailed information on AARC’s submission guidelines can be found on the AARC’s webpage.

If you have considered writing before, but aren’t confident on your topic or approach to research, the AARC may be able to provide some guidance to new authors in both selecting an appropriate research topic, and formulating research.

The AARC cannot accept articles that have been published elsewhere or are currently under consideration for publication in other formats.

Word length

• Journal articles can be between 4,000 – 6,000 words in length (excluding endnotes) and fully referenced.
• Book reviews should be between 800-1,000 words in length

Author biography

A 100-word (approx.) biography should be included with a summary of your educational history and professional experience.

Deadline

Submissions for 2025 Volume XXI, Number 3 are due by end of day Monday, 24 March 2025.