Abstract This paper has two primary objectives. The first of these involves an examination of Army’s family friendly policies, which can be broadly summarised as addressing affordable day care, paid maternity and parental leave, carer’s leave and flexible work arrangements. The effectiveness of Army’s policies will be gauged through comparison with employment conditions in the public and private sector. The article’s second objective comprises analysis of the effects of the Army force generation cycle on …

Abstract Organisations remain relevant and competitive through their ability to harness and deploy knowledge in order to promote future success through adaptation. To this end, an organisation’s capacity to generate cultures which promote learning at individual, team and organisational levels is paramount. This article examines the significance of culture, and in particular, the role of learning cultures in the Australian Army as vehicles for individual and organisational development. In doing so, this …

Abstract Army’s leaders are determined to build and sustain a relevant, positive organisational culture for its people and the land force capability they create. Army recognises that, in the future, competition for labour will be fierce. By raising its status to that of a first class employer of choice, Army hopes to recruit and retain quality personnel. This article describes one aspect of Army’s career management reform — the Officer Enhanced Career Management model (ECM). It provides insight into Army’s …

Abstract Since military operations in international settings often place a greater emphasis on cooperating with indigenous forces and working within local populations the understanding of cultural factors — what is commonly referred to as cultural awareness — is frequently stressed in military training. This article presents a slightly dissenting view from mainstream cultural awareness training and critically analyses the ‘primacy of culture perspective’, concluding that cultural factors will not …

Abstract Hazing, or bastardisation, has been the subject of repeated scandal in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for at least 40 years. At its most serious, as documented in the 2011 Piper Report, hazing is clearly criminal behaviour. This article uses the techniques of criminology to explore hazing as a group social practice in the ADF, and considers whether the response of the ADF to hazing can be characterised as collective denial. It is important to treat hazing patients as victims of violent crime. …

Abstract This article explores the impact of military identity and culture on the retirement and reintegration of members of Special Operations Forces (SF) into civilian life. The experience of retirement is explored through interviews with five former members of the SF. These interviews were analysed to identify the shared experience of retirement including the causes, context and consequences. The data indicated that personal attachment to the unit was heightened by key aspects of SF culture …

Abstract A diverse workforce has been identified as a critical component of Army’s future capability. However, strategies to increase the proportion of under-represented groups have only been developed for a few discrete and highly visible demographics. This article introduces the topic of religious diversity in Army by outlining the current representation, comparing this against historic and national trends and listing compelling reasons for its consideration by strategic workforce planners in the future. …

Abstract How might mixing the sexes affect the capability of small combat teams? As Australia integrates women into its combat arms, the policy challenges that sexuality presents may prove more enduring than those of gender. Objections to integration based on women’s capabilities are expected to quickly become redundant, although the masculine culture of combat units demands careful management. Hyper-masculinity can undoubtedly be hostile to women, but is a long-established way to meet the profoundly …

Abstract The role of women in the Australian Army has undergone enormous change since the 1980s, resulting in a significant increase in employment opportunities for women. This article describes the changing nature of female employment in the Australian Army and the Australian government policy reforms that have guided this change. It argues that the employment of women in the Army has been progressively shaped by strategic policy and the nature of both domestic and overseas operations and that the …

Abstract Sex, gender and sexuality have always been the subject of lively debates within and around the military — from the age-old problem of the on and off-duty sexual behaviour of servicemen to the more recent process of creating a place for women as front-line fighters. In recent years a spate of scandals has challenged the reputation and operation of the armed services. But there is another side that needs to be taken into account — increasingly, very public action is being taken in support of …