Katja Kristina Theodorakis PhD Research Scholar at the Australian National University / Programme Manager for Foreign/Security Policy and Counterterrorism, Konrad-Adenauer Foundation’s Regional Programme Australia and Pacific In today’s hyper-connected Information Age, the ultimate battle space is over our beliefs, narratives, and ways of viewing the world… 1 ‘At the beginning of the 21st century, we are looking back on nearly a century of wars in various shapes and sizes—hot and cold, from two world wars …

Major General Adam Findlay, AM Special Operations Commander - Australia Introduction ‘General Burr, Chiefs of Army and Service representatives from around the world, members of the diplomatic community, Ladies and Gentlemen… It’s a privilege to stand before you this morning and continue the valuable conversation that we began yesterday. ‘Terrorism and violent extremism are threats at the forefront of my responsibilities as Special Operations Commander, Australia, so I am glad to be involved in this …

Session Two - Land Power and Countering Violent Extremism Synthesis The foundation for this session was laid by speakers in Session 1, with violent extremism identified as a regional threat to varying degrees by most speakers. The role of technology and information was articulated as a key concern in the context of countering violent extremism, while the vital role of people and partnerships are also prominent themes in this session. Presenters included Major General Adam Findlay, AO, Commander Special …

Mr Tom Hamilton Acting Deputy Secretary, Strategic Policy and Intelligence Group, Department of Defence ‘Thank you everyone for having me today, I have a long list of people to acknowledge here. I am going to cut it short in case I miss anyone but I would like to acknowledge Chief of Army, Chief of Air Force, I see here. I’m not sure if Chief of Navy is still here but I should acknowledge him. In particular though, I would like to note all of our international partners who are here today. International …

Mr Michael Shoebridge Director of Defence and Strategy, Australian Strategic Policy Institute ‘Thanks for the opportunity to talk to you this afternoon. I’m Michael Shoebridge, Director of Defence and Strategy at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. ‘What I’m going to cover in 30 minutes is first the idea of the Indo-Pacific, then some key global challenges relevant to the national security communities in each of our regional nations. And lastly I’ll say a little about how these challenges might be …

Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanyake, RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, USACGSC Commander of the Sri Lanka Army ‘Good afternoon to the distinguished gathering! ‘First and foremost, let me thank the Chief of the Australian Army and the organizing committee of the Chief of Army Land Forces Seminar 2018 for inviting me to deliver the keynote address on ‘The Indo-Pacific: The Region of Global Connection’ in which I distinctly consider this as a privilege bestowed upon me as the first ever Sri Lankan Army Chief to deliver a …

Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO, Chief of Army I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we are meeting this afternoon, the Kaurna people, and pay my respects to their elders, past and present. I acknowledge and welcome: the Minister for Defence, the Honourable Christopher Pyne, the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Leo Davies, and the Chief of Joint Capabilities, Air Vice-Marshal Warren McDonald, Distinguished Guests, …

Indo-Pacific: The Region of Global Connection Synthesis The first session of the Chief of Army Land Forces Seminar (CALFS) looked to establish an understanding of the complex and volatile operating environment in the Indo-Pacific. The session, and the seminar, was opened by the Chief of Army (Australia) Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO. He was followed by the newly appointed Minister for Defence, the Honourable Christopher Pyne, MP. Presenting after the opening remarks were the Commander of the …

The Honourable Christopher Pyne, Member of Parliament,  Minister for Defence ‘Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. ‘To members of the international military leadership who are here today; to the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Angus Campbell; to current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, particularly the leadership of the Australian Army: the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr; the Deputy Chief of Army, Major General Jake Ellwood; Head Land Capability, Major General …

From the Somme to Victory: The British Army’s Experience on the Western Front 1916–1918   Written by: Peter Simkins Pen and Sword, 2014, ISBN 9781781593127, 256pp Reviewed by: Brigadier Chris Roberts (Ret’d) AM, CSC This excellent book contains eight essays previously written by the highly respected Professor Peter Simkins over the 15 years prior to 2014. He has revised and updated each essay with new material that has become available since they first appeared. In doing so, he tackles some of the myths, …