The Indo-Pacific is the busiest and most contested area in relation to international security, with multiple players, agendas, and interests. Australia’s interests in the region are driven by the recognition that great power politics are increasingly being played out...
Commentary
George Mansford’s Opinion – The AWM’s Intent is in haste and needs an Urgent rethink
If the proposed introduction to the AWM to recognise and include indigenous warriors involved in warfare with settlers succeeds, it will run the risk of dire consequences. Particularly in providing more opportunity for radical groups seeking further change and...
Comment: Anatomy of Courage remains relevant
MAJOR Charles McMoran Wilson MC (later Lord Moran) was a multi-decorated World War I British Army medical officer who served in France with an infantry battalion, and later a base hospital. After his return to the UK in 1919 he read in The Times of a...
RCB Update 14 September 2022 – DHAAT
Further to our last Update I can report that the Tribunal is nearing the Hearing date. You can see The Tribunal’s terms of reference here and submissions to date here. Of specific interest is the Defence Submission dated 6...
Commentary: Defence ducks probe into war crimes accountability
Source: BEN PACKHAM The Australian Newspaper’s Foreign Affairs & Defence Correspondent – September 13, 2022 Defence has avoided an inquiry into the accountability of senior commanders for war crimes despite the findings of an independent panel, which...
Commentary: Assessing the future of land combat capability
Should Defence press ahead with its investments in next-generation land combat capability or is it time to reallocate resources elsewhere to reflect changes in modern warfighting? Last month, the Albanese government launched the Defence Strategic Review, touted...
Townsville link to military disasters
CARELESS commentators lacking the ruthless scrutiny of a sub-editor’s pencil are wont to describe mass casualty ADF incidents as the “worst peacetime military accident ..since…” Townsville has tragic connections with three of the worst Australian Defence Force...
Commentary: Treat Each and Every Case on Its Merits
CHARLES McMoran Wilson enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a 32- year-old specialist physician on the declaration of war in August 1914. As 1Bn Royal Fusiliers RMO until 1917, then senior medical officer at a large hospital at Boulogne, France he was...
Update 27th July 2022: DHAAT Inquiry – Recognition of Service with Rifle Company Butterworth
Further to our last report dated 5th July 2022 you will recall the Defence Departments “late” submission and my exchange of correspondence with The Tribunal seeking a copy of the Defence submission. Defence has not yet given its approval for the Tribunal to...
Update: Bandt’s Rant – Dishonouring our Australian Flag
The RAR National Association’s President, Michael von Berg's open letter to Adam Bandt in response to the Greens leader refusing to stand with the Australian flag has drawn great support not only from veterans but also supporters of veterans such as Gina Reinhart AO....