The Edge

The Professions of Arms Needs a CPD Program

In December 2018, the Commander of the Australian Defence College, Major General Mick Ryan, released the Australian Joint Professional Military Education Continuum.

Intellectual Edges: Relating to the Radical

This article explores the unfolding conversation on ‘intellectual edges’ to advance a radical proposition to unpick and gently challenge the thinking established on the topic. The ‘intellectual edge’ is explored in an alternative way, with the aim to open-up new possibilities that have otherwise been missed in the rush to give a type of functionality to the idea.

Do we have permission for an Intellectual Edge?

This article explores how hierarchical interpersonal permissions generally inhibit tangible innovation within the ADF. This argument is explored through the forced changes due to the COVID-19 situation, and contends that risk-averse leaders usually withhold permission for reform due to a fear of failure. The article concludes that a JPME continuum that seeks to provide an individual Intellectual Edge must also deliver an institutional learning culture that develops risk tolerance and the acceptance of error so that an organisational intellectual edge is pursued in parallel.

Kill them with kindness - Emotional intelligence as a leadership enabler

One of the most important success factors for any military organisation is the ability to identify and select effective leaders. The purpose of this article is to discuss the role that emotional intelligence can play as a leadership enabler for officers and recommend how it can be incorporated into the officer training continuum. The article provides an overview of the current training curriculum and highlights the advantages of developing emotional intelligence from the ab-initio training level to application in real time situations.

The Ethical 'Rubik's Cube'

The Jamie Cullens Writing Competition 2020 - Essay winner

This essay will argue that experiential learning through realistic and confronting scenario-based activities is the primary method soldiers and officers can be effectively prepared to meet ethical challenges in combat.

A Response to “JPME With a Purpose: Breaking Through the Mythology”

While scrolling through the list of articles on offer on the “Edge” page of the Forge, my attention was caught by the summary of “JPME With a Purpose: Breaking Through the Mythology” of January 7, 2021. It reads as follows:

A personal search for the truth beyond the myths of Canada’s naval success reinforces the merits of Australia’s attitude to cultivating informed leadership through a robust JPME system that encourages the asking of uncomfortable questions.

“Hackerman”: How diverging cyberspace portrayals influence the ADF’s perception of cybersecurity and the cultural ramifications of these judgements

The Challenge of Organisational Cybersecurity

In a modern warfighting environment, the cyber domain is growing as an ever-present and pervasive threat to military systems. For the ADF, the degradation of those systems has the potential to devastate mission assurance and operational capability. Subsequently, cybersecurity is perceived by people involved in these processes can have significant influence over planning and management.

Responding to the Next 'Unprecedented' Event; The Case for Compassion and Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Summer of 2019-20 was marked by unprecedented bushfires; the likes of which changed the Australian national psyche. California-based psychotherapist Diane Ross-Glazer, herself a bushfire survivor, attests that regardless of personal impact, the whole nation would grieve.^[1] Not a couple of months later, the nation would again face an unprecedented threat. The impact of coronavirus has changed the way ordinary citizens exist forever more. It was, and indeed still is, the enemy that knows no bounds of nationality, ethnicity or gender.

The Call of the Sinbagi

Technological advances affecting cyber security and the use of drones and automated weapons systems are likely to have a significant impact upon ADF operations in the years to come. Consider these issues from either a leadership, ethical or cultural perspective.

LECTURE 10

The Jamie Cullens Writing Competition 2020 - Short Stories 2nd Place

Category 3: Short Stories

LEUT Sarah Kaese

A Specialised Workforce & The Future ADF: Two Dangers to Consider

Synopsis

The ADF’s future capability necessarily involves a growing specialised workforce. Understanding, embracing and integrating their role into operational doctrine and leadership models will maximise the benefits and minimise the pitfalls.

This article examines two interrelated aspects of leadership and command in the ADF, with an eye to the future.

Shinigami

This last day, then his mother, his brother
Keep pushing! One foot in front of the other
Each foot protected in iconic kangaroo skin
Its owner tripping over what’s come and been 
 
His implant buzzed, warning of enemy near
But he’d long since lost that needle-like fear
AI intel, bioenhancements, anything he’d need
The implant could coordinate at quantum speed
At first he’d been thrilled, even named it Ned
Because it rhymed with, but prevented him dead
 
He sighed as rain drops fell on his boots