One regular ritual in the army is the roll call to ensure all are accounted for. Such was the case in winter darkness at Puckapunyal when troops roused by whistle blasts, assembled on parade mid much stamping of boots, were required to answer their names when called...
Opinion
Opinion – Casualties in conflict a fact of life that must be accepted
Occasionally politicians need to be reminded war comes at a human cost WARNING. This column contains language and descriptions which some people might find offensive. READ MORE
Commentary – Soldiering in the The 51st Battalion in the Space Age
In early 1916, the 51ST Battalion, AIF was raised in Egypt. Its original members being Gallipoli veterans and recent reinforcements from Australia. Today it is an integrated unit comprising ARA and Reservists with the role of conducting reconnaissance and...
Opinion: Road to Leadership Often a Difficult Path
ANNOUNCING the SAS will from now be commanded by a full colonel delivered an unintended insult to every serving Australian lieutenant colonel. Read More
Opinion: Shame of Brereton Inquiry has been Laid Bare
Read the editorial of "The West Australian" - Tue 24th Aug 2021 Reports that a Special Air Service Regiment soldier accused of Afghan war crimes has "quietly" been cleared of the allegations and redeployed to Afghanistan to aid with the rescue mission is just the...
Fallen Comrades –Malayan Emergency 1948-60: Malaysia’s Kamunting Rad Cemetery
I recall a few whose waves would be their last goodbyes A band playing “Now is the hour” so very loud Fading coastline, a silent band, and gone the cheering crowds A bonded band of warriors, clad in jungle green thread Ready to fight in a forgotten war with little...
Opinion – Does Australia have a fighting chance?
Amid so much talk of war, the key national security question is: Can Australia win the next war? Senator for NSW and retired Major General Jim Molan, AO, DSC, analyses Australia’s national security paradigm amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific. In one sense,...
Warrior Poet – Another time-another life
Such a sacred oath to swear Of duty, discipline, and risk of life itself A proud flag to carry, and the nation’s cloth to wear So often the lingering fear, hunger, thirst, heat and strife “Stop” -“Go”- “As you were”- “Another change of plans”No matter when, all the...
Warrior Poet – For all who have loved and lost
Why, Oh Why? Night and day I wonder where you are And when we’ll meet again, just the two of us togetherPerhaps beneath some distant twinkling star Far from reach of dark sickness and hints of stormy weather If only I could hold you, just once again Such...
Opinion – Shame in Walking Away from Afghanistan
THERE are multiple historic examples why the nation known variously as Afghanistan has been termed “the graveyard of empires”. Now, after 20 years of continuous involvement in the latest failed international intervention in Afghan affairs, Australia has also become...