The contemporary media environment continues to change at an everaccelerating pace, faster than most could have imagined just 10 years ago. This acceleration has significant implications for today’s media outlets and the military. New media is a case in point. It has been described as a ‘combustible mix of 24/7 cable news, call-in radio and television programs, Internet bloggers and online websites, cell phones and iPods’. 1 New media’s meteoric rise and increasing pervasiveness dictate fresh terms for the …

Abstract In 1999 General Charles Krulak coined the term ‘strategic corporal’ (i.e., a junior member trained and empowered to make time-critical decisions in response to the dynamic ground fight). In this article, the author examines a similar phenomenon occurring among senior officers, observing that modern technology allows generals to personally engage on the tactical level from remote locations. How the military manages this phenomenon will become a core leadership question in the years ahead. The …

Abstract British operations leading the Multi-National Division Iraq (South East) (MND (SE)) Iraq were expected by many to be highly successful due to the British Army’s long and distinguished history of successfully prosecuting counterinsurgencies around the globe. However, complacency and hubris, coupled with an inadequate understanding of the mission facing MND (SE) foiled British attempts to achieve success. It was only through a ‘bottom-up’ revision of the British Army’s efforts, led by junior and …

Abstract This article 1 argues that thinking is more difficult than we might imagine. Explaining the purpose of thinking and examining some of the issues we all face, the author concludes that the Army has problems with thinking. We must address issues with the way we think as individuals, in teams and organisationally if the Army is to become truly adaptive. ... there are no positions in Army or the NAG [non-Army Group] that list critical thinking skills as either a desirable or mandatory requirement. 2 …

Abstract Afghanistan is an increasingly complex environment set to test our traditional approaches to planning and problem solving. With an evolving commitment, an ambitious force development plan up to 2030 and competing demands, there is a need for planners from all services to consider more innovative and adaptive approaches to mission planning. This article offers a few thoughts based on the author’s experience in Afghanistan to aid in stimulating new approaches to both this and future operational …

Abstract In this article the author contends, from his own experience as a combat team commander, that commanders must first undertake significant self-preparation before preparing for command. This, coupled with a deep understanding of the combat team and the stressors that confront them, will enable commanders to exercise their command with maximum effectiveness. Introduction The good general is simply a good company commander in his postgraduate course. – S L A Marshall 1 One of the most rewarding …

Abstract In these times of economic frugality, the Army needs to consider all the avenues and opportunities available for the training and development of our soldiers and throw away some long held beliefs about how and by whom competence can be assessed and awarded. This article examines workplace learning and the contribution of Communities of Practice, Learning and Labour Networks to the gaining of knowledge, competence and expertise by our soldiers. Communities of practice’ is a term coined to describe …

Abstract This paper examines whether Army is preparing our soldiers with the skills to operate within a complex human environment. Recent operational experience has outlined that the key to success on operations is winning over the hearts and minds of the local population and denying support to the insurgents both physically and morally. Currently, our training is predominantly focused on providing the hard warfighting skills to be successful in a conventional war. There is no argument that this is …

Abstract This article identifies the unique ability a platoon group has to achieve success in the complex battlespace. The author takes his experiences as a platoon group commander in Afghanistan and shows that doctrine and combined arms theory have a place in the modern complex battlespace. The article explains that the fundamental infantry platoon cannot be effective in Afghanistan without key enablers from all corps. It further details the importance of fostering relationships between corps to improve …

Abstract The 2nd Division’s Army Reserve Response Force (RRF) was established after a series of overseas terrorist incidents in 2001–02 and has carved out a niche role in the area of public safety. Since 2006 RRF trained soldiers deployed on no less than three domestic event support operations and three disaster response operations. This article focuses on experiences in NSW, and argues that the RRF Defence Aid to the Civilian Community (DACC) role in public safety for major events and disaster response is …