The development of an Australian Defence Organisation Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program would provide a structure that links the formal training and educational offerings with the individual learning journey of its members. 

It is argued, Western militaries must evolve to find a new edge to create an advantage. In this context, an intellectual edge is suggested to be the only option.

The article suggests and explores possible components of the Intellectual Edge (being curiosity, understanding, and education), with respect to individual and organisational perspective. It suggests that the IE is attainable through the collective effect of individual intellectual pursuits within an organisation.

The Australian Defence Force needs to draw the full intellectual potential from its limited pool of people, including the ADF Reserves. Yet ADF Reserves tend to be under-represented in the professional debate. I contend that this deprives the ADF of some important diversity of thought, professional example and intellectual leadership that should be more readily available. My suggestion is that ADF Reservists seek to write and publish of topics from the sweet spot of the intersection of their civilian careers and the military profession.

Western governments and militaries have the capabilities, frameworks and processes necessary to counter political warfare – but they must be applied with a unified whole-of-government approach.

Understanding the differences between legal and moral authority (or responsibility) is critical. Without this, military officers may believe the legal authority to give an order is a moral absolute.

Negotiating the military-political interface against the backdrop of a war zone is just one of the many complex and invaluable experiences that can be gained through secondment to the United Nations.