AS the inimitable Sir Humphrey Appleby once opined, “Minister, two basic rules of government: Never look into anything you don’t have to. “And never set up an inquiry unless you know in advance what its findings will be.”. It should have been the first caution given...
In the days of the Roman Empire, there were times when one in every ten soldiers would be executed, then and there without trial, yet the unit maintained its identity and lived to fight another day. Fortunately, such decimation by execution is long gone. However,...
The Australian Government has written a covenant with the members of the Australian Defence Community in which it commits to supporting veterans and their families and build greater community awareness of the unique nature of military service. It also promises amongst...
After several overseas military interventions, Australia post-Afghanistan faces what will likely prove a long period of introspective planning for a potential invasion of its mainland. READ MORE
Like many Australians I have great empathy for commanding officers and their officers, Warrant Officers and NCO in our Armed Forces, who are slowly being stripped of authority by smothering directions from Canberra, on what can and can’t be done in preparing for war,...
In a TV interview with Alan Jones, Army and RAR veteran Justin Huggett MG opines, "You can either have a military that is a "direct reflection" of your society or you can have a military that "fights and wins - you cannot have both". Justin Huggett MG "I genuinely...
This article is from the May 3 issue of The Courier Mail Digital Edition. Justin Huggett is a former Infantry Platoon Sergeant and a Medal for Gallantry (MG) recipient "IF YOU spend a long enough time as an enlisted soldier, you start picking up common themes that are...
That very special day each year we reflect on the great deeds and sacrifice of the Anzacs. Their never bending spirits, love of country, sense of purpose, unity and faith in their dreams for tomorrow. In that special silence, while reflecting on their sacrifice,...
Australia’s most decorated war hero has delivered a scathing attack on the Australian Defence Force’s top brass for their “disgusting” treatment of veterans and “staggering” lack of direction. Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith said military commanders had run...
THE extended ADF community has never been so divided against itself as it is right now. The ADF’s current “leadership” — a severely overstated assessment — may have finally met an equally formidable opponent in tyro Defence Minister Peter Dutton. The mere mention of...
