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Abstract Although fraught with difficulty, predictions of the exercise of power, and therefore the basis of the nature and conduct of warfare in the twenty-first century, can be found in two general schools of thought: those who believe that there has been, in the wake of the end of the Cold War, a discontinuity and accompanying paradigm shift in the conduct of international relations; and those who believe claims of such a shift are overstated, and that a realist approach will remain the dominant paradigm …

Abstract Many who have studied the issue agree that warfare is becoming more and more complex. Yet, while the complexity of war is certainly increasing, our perception of the problem is also coloured by our increasing consciousness of war’s complexity. Coping with this situation has proven difficult, as the long—and still-continuing—learning process witnessed in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrates. The Australian Army has risen to this challenge with the release of Adaptive Campaigning and the launch of the …

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 …