The Jamie Cullens Writing Competition received an impressive 41 entries this year, and the winners have now been announced. The Forge congratulates MAJ Travis Peet, CAPT Paras Lohani, CAPT Jamie Schofield, FLGOFF Isabella Blenkin, and FLTLT Adam Lo for their outstanding first-place achievements in their respective categories. We also extend our congratulations to the second- and third-place winners and encourage all our readers to explore the wide range of essays, articles, poetry, stories, and graphic novels submitted this year. First-place entries are available now, with the second- and third-place submissions being released over the next two weeks.

If you missed your chance to participate in this year's Jamie Cullens Writing Competition, there is still an opportunity to get involved. The Cove’s Writing Competition 2024 is open for entries until 17 November. This year’s theme, The Changing Character of War, features categories for both ‘Officers’ and ‘Other Ranks.’ Full guidelines, prize details, and submission instructions can be found on the Cove Competition 2024 page.

It has certainly been a busy time here at The Forge. We are pleased to highlight two new learning resources available for your professional development.

First, the Grey Oration stands as a cornerstone event at the Australian Defence College, paying tribute to the immense contributions of the late Professor Jeffrey Grey. A highly esteemed military historian, Professor Grey's work profoundly shaped our understanding of Defence history. His career spanned decades, influencing policy within the Department of Foreign Affairs and educating thousands of cadets and midshipmen at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). His legacy continues to underscore the importance of military history in contemporary Defence discourse.

Additionally, we have launched the ADFA Coaching Program video series. While tailored for coaches at ADFA, these videos offer valuable insights for anyone in a coaching role. Created by MAJ David Stephens, the series comprises 27 concise videos covering essential coaching techniques, practical tools, and interviews with seasoned coaches who share their wisdom and experiences in the field. 

We hope you find these resources both enlightening and engaging.

The Forge is excited to share a few new initiatives designed to enhance your experience. We have arranged for all new articles to be professionally recorded and made available as podcasts, providing you with a convenient way to engage with our content on the go.

In addition, we are developing a new highlighting and internal bookmarking feature. This will allow you to mark important passages within lengthy documents and bookmark your exact spot, making it easier to return and review key sections at your convenience.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce that The Forge will be launching an app in the second quarter of next year. The app will offer seamless access to articles and podcasts, and you’ll have the option to opt in for alerts whenever new content becomes available.