ADC Forge Media https://theforge.defence.gov.au/ en The ADC Forge Media channel delivers authoritative audio content in support of professional military education and development. A continuously evolving library of high-quality insights, analyses and expert perspectives tailored for defence professionals.   https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/324d6610-3c54-11f0-8d86-6b9c65bed6c3/image/4540dbb504c2e8e8bf04a8d172761067.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress ADC Forge Media https://theforge.defence.gov.au/ episodic ADC Forge Media The Forge The ADC Forge Media channel delivers authoritative audio content in support of professional military education and development. A continuously evolving library of high-quality insights, analyses and expert perspectives tailored for defence professionals.   The ADC Forge Media channel delivers authoritative audio content in support of professional military education and development. A continuously evolving library of high-quality insights, analyses and expert perspectives tailored for defence professionals.  

]]> The Forge theforge987@gmail.com Podcast | Lives in Leadership: RADM James Lybrand, RAN In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Rear Admiral James Lybrand, Commander of the Australian Defence College, whose naval career spans from the submarine force to senior strategic leadership roles. Drawing on decades of operational and educational experience, Rear Admiral Lybrand shares his journey from leading underwater warfare operations to shaping Defence’s professional military education enterprise. He discusses the evolution of his leadership style — from decisive command at sea to reflective mentorship in strategic settings — and the importance of humility, delegation, and trust. He also reflects on the unique challenges of submarine leadership, lessons from high-pressure missions such as the search for MH370, and how the Australian Defence College is preparing future leaders through critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000 full 1 11 The Forge In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Rear Admiral James Lybrand, Commander of the Australian Defence College, whose naval career spans from the submarine force to senior strategic leadership roles. Drawing on decades of operational and educational experience, Rear Admiral Lybrand shares his journey from leading underwater warfare operations to shaping Defence’s professional military education enterprise. He discusses the evolution of his leadership style — from decisive command at sea to reflective mentorship in strategic settings — and the importance of humility, delegation, and trust. He also reflects on the unique challenges of submarine leadership, lessons from high-pressure missions such as the search for MH370, and how the Australian Defence College is preparing future leaders through critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning. In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Rear Admiral James Lybrand, Commander of the Australian Defence College, whose naval career spans from the submarine force to senior strategic leadership roles.

Drawing on decades of operational and educational experience, Rear Admiral Lybrand shares his journey from leading underwater warfare operations to shaping Defence’s professional military education enterprise. He discusses the evolution of his leadership style — from decisive command at sea to reflective mentorship in strategic settings — and the importance of humility, delegation, and trust.

He also reflects on the unique challenges of submarine leadership, lessons from high-pressure missions such as the search for MH370, and how the Australian Defence College is preparing future leaders through critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning.


]]> 2321 no Podcast | Lives in Leadership: WO David Ashley In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Warrant Officer Dave Ashley, whose Australian Army career spans more than 40 years — including service in South-East Asia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), and Afghanistan. A former Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army, Dave shares candid reflections on leadership across tactical, operational, and strategic levels, emphasising the human dimension of command. He discusses the unique responsibilities of military leaders in times of conflict, the vital role of care and empathy in building resilience, and how the ADF can prepare its people for the uncertainty of future warfare. Drawing from hard-earned lessons and deeply personal experiences, Dave also explores how the Army has changed culturally — becoming more diverse, inclusive, and adaptable — while still holding fast to the fundamentals of discipline, humility, and excellence in leadership. In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Warrant Officer Dave Ashley, whose Australian Army career spans more than 40 years — including service in South-East Asia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), and Afghanistan. A former Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army, Dave shares candid reflections on leadership across tactical, operational, and strategic levels, emphasising the human dimension of command. He discusses the unique responsibilities of military leaders in times of conflict, the vital role of care and empathy in building resilience, and how the ADF can prepare its people for the uncertainty of future warfare. Drawing from hard-earned lessons and deeply personal experiences, Dave also explores how the Army has changed culturally — becoming more diverse, inclusive, and adaptable — while still holding fast to the fundamentals of discipline, humility, and excellence in leadership. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000 full The Forge In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Warrant Officer Dave Ashley, whose Australian Army career spans more than 40 years — including service in South-East Asia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), and Afghanistan. A former Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army, Dave shares candid reflections on leadership across tactical, operational, and strategic levels, emphasising the human dimension of command. He discusses the unique responsibilities of military leaders in times of conflict, the vital role of care and empathy in building resilience, and how the ADF can prepare its people for the uncertainty of future warfare. Drawing from hard-earned lessons and deeply personal experiences, Dave also explores how the Army has changed culturally — becoming more diverse, inclusive, and adaptable — while still holding fast to the fundamentals of discipline, humility, and excellence in leadership. In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Warrant Officer Dave Ashley, whose Australian Army career spans more than 40 years — including service in South-East Asia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), and Afghanistan. A former Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army, Dave shares candid reflections on leadership across tactical, operational, and strategic levels, emphasising the human dimension of command. He discusses the unique responsibilities of military leaders in times of conflict, the vital role of care and empathy in building resilience, and how the ADF can prepare its people for the uncertainty of future warfare. Drawing from hard-earned lessons and deeply personal experiences, Dave also explores how the Army has changed culturally — becoming more diverse, inclusive, and adaptable — while still holding fast to the fundamentals of discipline, humility, and excellence in leadership. In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Warrant Officer Dave Ashley, whose Australian Army career spans more than 40 years — including service in South-East Asia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), and Afghanistan. A former Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army, Dave shares candid reflections on leadership across tactical, operational, and strategic levels, emphasising the human dimension of command.

He discusses the unique responsibilities of military leaders in times of conflict, the vital role of care and empathy in building resilience, and how the ADF can prepare its people for the uncertainty of future warfare. Drawing from hard-earned lessons and deeply personal experiences, Dave also explores how the Army has changed culturally — becoming more diverse, inclusive, and adaptable — while still holding fast to the fundamentals of discipline, humility, and excellence in leadership.

In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Warrant Officer Dave Ashley, whose Australian Army career spans more than 40 years — including service in South-East Asia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), and Afghanistan. A former Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army, Dave shares candid reflections on leadership across tactical, operational, and strategic levels, emphasising the human dimension of command.

He discusses the unique responsibilities of military leaders in times of conflict, the vital role of care and empathy in building resilience, and how the ADF can prepare its people for the uncertainty of future warfare. Drawing from hard-earned lessons and deeply personal experiences, Dave also explores how the Army has changed culturally — becoming more diverse, inclusive, and adaptable — while still holding fast to the fundamentals of discipline, humility, and excellence in leadership.

]]> 2053 no Podcast | Lives in Leadership: MAJGEN Andrew Hocking – Part 2 In Part Two of this Lives in Leadership conversation, Major General Andrew Hocking joins Dr Lucas Marie to discuss organisational learning, national preparedness, and the role of social science in Defence. Drawing on his Vanguard paper, Preparing for the Future: Key Organisational Lessons from the Afghanistan Campaign, Major General Hocking reflects on the courage it takes for institutions to learn openly — and the political, cultural, and structural barriers that often get in the way. He explains how Defence must move beyond isolated, “whole-of-government” thinking to embrace a whole-of-nation approach, in which collaboration across the public, private, and community sectors strengthens Australia’s resilience in times of crisis. The discussion also highlights the value of diverse perspectives — including anthropologists and other social scientists — in understanding human behaviour and improving operational strategy. Hocking argues that meaningful learning and effective leadership depend on embracing tension, humility, and open dialogue across disciplines. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0000 full 1 9 The Forge In Part Two of this Lives in Leadership conversation, Major General Andrew Hocking joins Dr Lucas Marie to discuss organisational learning, national preparedness, and the role of social science in Defence. Drawing on his Vanguard paper, Preparing for the Future: Key Organisational Lessons from the Afghanistan Campaign, Major General Hocking reflects on the courage it takes for institutions to learn openly — and the political, cultural, and structural barriers that often get in the way. He explains how Defence must move beyond isolated, “whole-of-government” thinking to embrace a whole-of-nation approach, in which collaboration across the public, private, and community sectors strengthens Australia’s resilience in times of crisis. The discussion also highlights the value of diverse perspectives — including anthropologists and other social scientists — in understanding human behaviour and improving operational strategy. Hocking argues that meaningful learning and effective leadership depend on embracing tension, humility, and open dialogue across disciplines. In Part Two of this Lives in Leadership conversation, Major General Andrew Hocking joins Dr Lucas Marie to discuss organisational learning, national preparedness, and the role of social science in Defence. Drawing on his Vanguard paper, Preparing for the Future: Key Organisational Lessons from the Afghanistan Campaign, Major General Hocking reflects on the courage it takes for institutions to learn openly — and the political, cultural, and structural barriers that often get in the way.

He explains how Defence must move beyond isolated, “whole-of-government” thinking to embrace a whole-of-nation approach, in which collaboration across the public, private, and community sectors strengthens Australia’s resilience in times of crisis.

The discussion also highlights the value of diverse perspectives — including anthropologists and other social scientists — in understanding human behaviour and improving operational strategy. Hocking argues that meaningful learning and effective leadership depend on embracing tension, humility, and open dialogue across disciplines.

]]> 1191 no Podcast | Lives in Leadership: MAJGEN Andrew Hocking – Part 1 In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Major General Andrew Hocking about the personal and professional lessons learned from a distinguished career spanning military command, national disaster recovery, and senior leadership across government. Drawing on experiences from Afghanistan to the 2019–20 bushfires, Major General Hocking discusses the enduring importance of adaptability, humility, flexibility, and balance in leadership. He offers candid reflections on managing stress, maintaining perspective, and learning to “hold on loosely” in high-pressure environments. The conversation explores how leaders can cultivate self-awareness, surround themselves with honest voices, and practise humility amid authority. Hocking also shares insights from his Vanguard paper on lessons from the Afghanistan campaign, the value of social science expertise in Defence, and how Australia can strengthen national preparedness through whole-of-nation collaboration. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:01:00 -0000 full The Forge In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Major General Andrew Hocking about the personal and professional lessons learned from a distinguished career spanning military command, national disaster recovery, and senior leadership across government. Drawing on experiences from Afghanistan to the 2019–20 bushfires, Major General Hocking discusses the enduring importance of adaptability, humility, flexibility, and balance in leadership. He offers candid reflections on managing stress, maintaining perspective, and learning to “hold on loosely” in high-pressure environments. The conversation explores how leaders can cultivate self-awareness, surround themselves with honest voices, and practise humility amid authority. Hocking also shares insights from his Vanguard paper on lessons from the Afghanistan campaign, the value of social science expertise in Defence, and how Australia can strengthen national preparedness through whole-of-nation collaboration. In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Major General Andrew Hocking about the personal and professional lessons learned from a distinguished career spanning military command, national disaster recovery, and senior leadership across government.

Drawing on experiences from Afghanistan to the 2019–20 bushfires, Major General Hocking discusses the enduring importance of adaptability, humility, flexibility, and balance in leadership. He offers candid reflections on managing stress, maintaining perspective, and learning to “hold on loosely” in high-pressure environments.

The conversation explores how leaders can cultivate self-awareness, surround themselves with honest voices, and practise humility amid authority. Hocking also shares insights from his Vanguard paper on lessons from the Afghanistan campaign, the value of social science expertise in Defence, and how Australia can strengthen national preparedness through whole-of-nation collaboration.


]]> 2073 no Podcast | Lives in Leadership: Professor David Whetham – Part 2 In the second part of his discussion with Brigadier John Fenwick, Professor David Whetham delves into the evolving landscape of ethics and leadership in Defence. The conversation spans ethical dilemmas in training, moral reasoning under pressure, and the integration of ethical principles into AI design and operational practice. Professor Whetham also introduces the concept of “reasonable challenge”—a cornerstone of healthy command culture where leaders invite, hear, and act upon honest critique. This episode continues to explore how ethical strength and critical reflection underpin professional mastery and decision-making in the modern military environment. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000 full 1 7 The Forge In the second part of his discussion with Brigadier John Fenwick, Professor David Whetham delves into the evolving landscape of ethics and leadership in Defence. The conversation spans ethical dilemmas in training, moral reasoning under pressure, and the integration of ethical principles into AI design and operational practice. Professor Whetham also introduces the concept of “reasonable challenge”—a cornerstone of healthy command culture where leaders invite, hear, and act upon honest critique. This episode continues to explore how ethical strength and critical reflection underpin professional mastery and decision-making in the modern military environment. In the second part of his discussion with Brigadier John Fenwick, Professor David Whetham delves into the evolving landscape of ethics and leadership in Defence. The conversation spans ethical dilemmas in training, moral reasoning under pressure, and the integration of ethical principles into AI design and operational practice. Professor Whetham also introduces the concept of “reasonable challenge”—a cornerstone of healthy command culture where leaders invite, hear, and act upon honest critique. This episode continues to explore how ethical strength and critical reflection underpin professional mastery and decision-making in the modern military environment.

]]> 1691 no Podcast | Lives in Leadership: Professor David Whetham – Part 1 In the first part of this two-part Lives in Leadership episode, Brigadier John Fenwick speaks with Professor David Whetham, Director of the King's Centre for Military Ethics at King’s College London. Together they explore the growth of military ethics as a discipline, the practical and cultural drivers behind its rise, and how ethical education shapes leadership in modern armed forces. Professor Whetham reflects on his career and ongoing research in areas such as human–machine teaming, artificial intelligence, and organisational culture. The discussion also delves into the complex dynamics of civil–military relations, moral injury, and the enduring duty of the profession of arms to uphold both ethical standards and societal trust. This episode sets the stage for a continuation in Part Two, where these themes are developed further. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000 full The Forge In the first part of this two-part Lives in Leadership episode, Brigadier John Fenwick speaks with Professor David Whetham, Director of the King's Centre for Military Ethics at King’s College London. Together they explore the growth of military ethics as a discipline, the practical and cultural drivers behind its rise, and how ethical education shapes leadership in modern armed forces. Professor Whetham reflects on his career and ongoing research in areas such as human–machine teaming, artificial intelligence, and organisational culture. The discussion also delves into the complex dynamics of civil–military relations, moral injury, and the enduring duty of the profession of arms to uphold both ethical standards and societal trust. This episode sets the stage for a continuation in Part Two, where these themes are developed further. In the first part of this two-part Lives in Leadership episode, Brigadier John Fenwick speaks with Professor David Whetham, Director of the King's Centre for Military Ethics at King’s College London. Together they explore the growth of military ethics as a discipline, the practical and cultural drivers behind its rise, and how ethical education shapes leadership in modern armed forces. Professor Whetham reflects on his career and ongoing research in areas such as human–machine teaming, artificial intelligence, and organisational culture. The discussion also delves into the complex dynamics of civil–military relations, moral injury, and the enduring duty of the profession of arms to uphold both ethical standards and societal trust. This episode sets the stage for a continuation in Part Two, where these themes are developed further.

]]> 2023 no Podcast | Lives in Leadership: RADM Paul Halton From the depths of a Royal Navy submarine to the complexities of defence transformation, Rear Admiral Paul Halton has built a career leading people and organisations through uncertainty. In this episode of Lives in Leadership, he speaks with Dr Lucas Marie about: • Rebuilding trust and confidence in teams facing cultural decline • Balancing agility and discipline in long-term strategic programs • The shared leadership challenges of the UK and Australian defence contexts Halton’s reflections cut to the heart of what it means to lead with clarity, consistency, and purpose — lessons that resonate for every Defence professional navigating change. Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000 full 1 5 The Forge From the depths of a Royal Navy submarine to the complexities of defence transformation, Rear Admiral Paul Halton has built a career leading people and organisations through uncertainty. In this episode of Lives in Leadership, he speaks with Dr Lucas Marie about: • Rebuilding trust and confidence in teams facing cultural decline • Balancing agility and discipline in long-term strategic programs • The shared leadership challenges of the UK and Australian defence contexts Halton’s reflections cut to the heart of what it means to lead with clarity, consistency, and purpose — lessons that resonate for every Defence professional navigating change. From the depths of a Royal Navy submarine to the complexities of defence transformation, Rear Admiral Paul Halton has built a career leading people and organisations through uncertainty.

In this episode of Lives in Leadership, he speaks with Dr Lucas Marie about:

• Rebuilding trust and confidence in teams facing cultural decline

• Balancing agility and discipline in long-term strategic programs

• The shared leadership challenges of the UK and Australian defence contexts


Halton’s reflections cut to the heart of what it means to lead with clarity, consistency, and purpose — lessons that resonate for every Defence professional navigating change.

]]> 1657 no Podcast | Lives in Leadership: Dr Florence Gaub In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie sits down with Dr Florence Gaub — Director of the Research Division at the NATO Defense College, futurist, and global security thinker — to explore the intersection of technology, strategy, and human judgment in defence. Dr Gaub challenges the idea that artificial intelligence is a true revolution in warfare, arguing instead that conflict remains a deeply human enterprise defined by continuity, emotion, and bias. She offers insight into the practice of strategic foresight, explaining how NATO uses “weak signals” and scenario-building to anticipate future risks. The discussion ranges from the cultural and historical roots of strategic identity to global recruitment trends and the myths surrounding younger generations’ “will to fight.” Drawing on NATO research, Dr Gaub presents a compelling, optimistic view of modern military society — one grounded in adaptability, understanding, and purpose. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000 full The Forge In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie sits down with Dr Florence Gaub — Director of the Research Division at the NATO Defense College, futurist, and global security thinker — to explore the intersection of technology, strategy, and human judgment in defence. Dr Gaub challenges the idea that artificial intelligence is a true revolution in warfare, arguing instead that conflict remains a deeply human enterprise defined by continuity, emotion, and bias. She offers insight into the practice of strategic foresight, explaining how NATO uses “weak signals” and scenario-building to anticipate future risks. The discussion ranges from the cultural and historical roots of strategic identity to global recruitment trends and the myths surrounding younger generations’ “will to fight.” Drawing on NATO research, Dr Gaub presents a compelling, optimistic view of modern military society — one grounded in adaptability, understanding, and purpose. In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie sits down with Dr Florence Gaub — Director of the Research Division at the NATO Defense College, futurist, and global security thinker — to explore the intersection of technology, strategy, and human judgment in defence. Dr Gaub challenges the idea that artificial intelligence is a true revolution in warfare, arguing instead that conflict remains a deeply human enterprise defined by continuity, emotion, and bias.

She offers insight into the practice of strategic foresight, explaining how NATO uses “weak signals” and scenario-building to anticipate future risks. The discussion ranges from the cultural and historical roots of strategic identity to global recruitment trends and the myths surrounding younger generations’ “will to fight.” Drawing on NATO research, Dr Gaub presents a compelling, optimistic view of modern military society — one grounded in adaptability, understanding, and purpose.

]]> 2086 no Podcast | Lives in Leadership: AVM Steven “Zed” Roberton In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Air Vice-Marshal Steven “Zed” Roberton, Distinguished Service Cross, about his remarkable journey through three decades of command in the Royal Australian Air Force and beyond. From leading Operation Okra—the largest RAAF deployment since Vietnam—to navigating multinational coalition dynamics and later entering the private sector, AVM Roberton shares lessons on trust, adaptability, and ethical decision-making in complex environments. The conversation explores how core leadership values—respect, integrity, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence—transcend both military and civilian life, and why ethical awareness is more critical than ever in an age of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change. Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000 full 1 3 The Forge In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Air Vice-Marshal Steven “Zed” Roberton, Distinguished Service Cross, about his remarkable journey through three decades of command in the Royal Australian Air Force and beyond. From leading Operation Okra—the largest RAAF deployment since Vietnam—to navigating multinational coalition dynamics and later entering the private sector, AVM Roberton shares lessons on trust, adaptability, and ethical decision-making in complex environments. The conversation explores how core leadership values—respect, integrity, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence—transcend both military and civilian life, and why ethical awareness is more critical than ever in an age of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change. In this episode of Lives in Leadership, Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Air Vice-Marshal Steven “Zed” Roberton, Distinguished Service Cross, about his remarkable journey through three decades of command in the Royal Australian Air Force and beyond. From leading Operation Okra—the largest RAAF deployment since Vietnam—to navigating multinational coalition dynamics and later entering the private sector, AVM Roberton shares lessons on trust, adaptability, and ethical decision-making in complex environments.

The conversation explores how core leadership values—respect, integrity, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence—transcend both military and civilian life, and why ethical awareness is more critical than ever in an age of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change.

]]> 1916 no Podcast | Lives in Leadership: Dr Leigh Ann Perry In this Episode Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Doctor Leigh Ann Perry, an associate professor of psychology and behavioral science at the US Naval War College. She is a leading expert in the application of positive psychology for military leadership development. Dr Perry's work focuses on the area of wellbeing, resilience and mindfulness. Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:30:00 -0000 full 1 2 The Forge In this Episode Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Doctor Leigh Ann Perry, an associate professor of psychology and behavioral science at the US Naval War College. She is a leading expert in the application of positive psychology for military leadership development. Dr Perry's work focuses on the area of wellbeing, resilience and mindfulness. In this Episode Dr Lucas Marie speaks with Doctor Leigh Ann Perry, an associate professor of psychology and behavioral science at the US Naval War College. She is a leading expert in the application of positive psychology for military leadership development. Dr Perry's work focuses on the area of wellbeing, resilience and mindfulness.

]]> 2212 Podcast | Lives in Leadership: RADM Lee Goddard Rear Admiral Lee Goddard shares candid lessons from 34 years in the Navy and beyond. From commanding warships to shaping defence policy, he reflects on leadership, high-performing teams, and the importance of knowing your people. Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000 full 1 1 The Forge Rear Admiral Lee Goddard shares candid lessons from 34 years in the Navy and beyond. From commanding warships to shaping defence policy, he reflects on leadership, high-performing teams, and the importance of knowing your people. Rear Admiral Lee Goddard shares candid lessons from 34 years in the Navy and beyond. From commanding warships to shaping defence policy, he reflects on leadership, high-performing teams, and the importance of knowing your people.

]]> 2249 Audio Book | Enter, the Contemporary Australian Warrant Officer A new Senior Enlisted capability is emerging with a burgeoning form of influence-based leadership that embraces diversity and that can rapidly mobilise a workforce. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:50:00 -0000 full The Forge A new Senior Enlisted capability is emerging with a burgeoning form of influence-based leadership that embraces diversity and that can rapidly mobilise a workforce. A new Senior Enlisted capability is emerging with a burgeoning form of influence-based leadership that embraces diversity and that can rapidly mobilise a workforce.


]]> 1543 Audio Book | Clausewitz & Centres of Gravity Open to Interpretation Trying to understand the abstruse messages of Carl von Clausewitz’s On War can be both mind-numbing and mind-blowing. However, interpretation is the key to unpacking his obsession with the ‘centre of gravity’ as being critical to how forces generate strength. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 03:08:00 -0000 full The Forge Trying to understand the abstruse messages of Carl von Clausewitz’s On War can be both mind-numbing and mind-blowing. However, interpretation is the key to unpacking his obsession with the ‘centre of gravity’ as being critical to how forces generate strength. Trying to understand the abstruse messages of Carl von Clausewitz’s On War can be both mind-numbing and mind-blowing. However, interpretation is the key to unpacking his obsession with the ‘centre of gravity’ as being critical to how forces generate strength.


]]> 2707 Audio Book | Working With Civvies – the Integrated Workplace This paper will examine some of the cultural differences between uniformed military personnel and APS staff. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 02:52:00 -0000 full The Forge This paper will examine some of the cultural differences between uniformed military personnel and APS staff. This paper will examine some of the cultural differences between uniformed military personnel and APS staff.


]]> 1640 Audio Book | The Use of Force by States Under International Law Explore the legality of war in our final series instalment. Delve into the complex interplay between international law, military ethics, and the principles guiding the use of force. From 'Just War Theory' to modern legal frameworks, understand the intricate balance of morality, authority, and legality in warfare. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 02:50:00 -0000 full The Forge Explore the legality of war in our final series instalment. Delve into the complex interplay between international law, military ethics, and the principles guiding the use of force. From 'Just War Theory' to modern legal frameworks, understand the intricate balance of morality, authority, and legality in warfare. Explore the legality of war in our final series instalment. Delve into the complex interplay between international law, military ethics, and the principles guiding the use of force. From 'Just War Theory' to modern legal frameworks, understand the intricate balance of morality, authority, and legality in warfare.


]]> 1163 Audio Book | Australia’s Military Strategic Challenges – Close to Home Since the enhanced trilateral security partnership of 16 September 2021, the Australian Government has considered its strategic environment to have permanently changed. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 02:48:00 -0000 full The Forge Since the enhanced trilateral security partnership of 16 September 2021, the Australian Government has considered its strategic environment to have permanently changed. Since the enhanced trilateral security partnership of 16 September 2021, the Australian Government has considered its strategic environment to have permanently changed.


]]> 2274 Audio Book | Changes in warfare in the 16th and 17th centuries - a ‘military revolution’? The 16th and 17th century was a period of significant change in the character of war. The drivers accounting for these changes were not all based in military reforms, despite Western Europe being engaged almost continuously in war. While tactical applications is interesting, it was the beginnings of some profound changes in the development of warfare; the professional military, the standing army, scale of warfare and subsequent emergence of the state (Crown) owning the monopoly on violence and the arrival of proper naval forces. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 01:16:00 -0000 full The Forge The 16th and 17th century was a period of significant change in the character of war. The drivers accounting for these changes were not all based in military reforms, despite Western Europe being engaged almost continuously in war. While tactical applications is interesting, it was the beginnings of some profound changes in the development of warfare; the professional military, the standing army, scale of warfare and subsequent emergence of the state (Crown) owning the monopoly on violence and the arrival of proper naval forces. The 16th and 17th century was a period of significant change in the character of war. The drivers accounting for these changes were not all based in military reforms, despite Western Europe being engaged almost continuously in war. While tactical applications is interesting, it was the beginnings of some profound changes in the development of warfare; the professional military, the standing army, scale of warfare and subsequent emergence of the state (Crown) owning the monopoly on violence and the arrival of proper naval forces.

]]> 1594 Audio Book | Opposing Inherent Immorality in Autonomous Weapons Systems Every major power is investing in the development of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems. Now, before they are ready for deployment, is the time to form an ethical understanding that can guide the creation of laws to fairly and humanely regulate their use. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 01:16:00 -0000 full The Forge Every major power is investing in the development of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems. Now, before they are ready for deployment, is the time to form an ethical understanding that can guide the creation of laws to fairly and humanely regulate their use. Every major power is investing in the development of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems. Now, before they are ready for deployment, is the time to form an ethical understanding that can guide the creation of laws to fairly and humanely regulate their use.


]]> 1461 Audio Book | The Importance of Truth in our Institutional Service https://theforge.defence.gov.au/article/importance-truth-our-institutional-service In a world of distorted information, truth is vital for ethical leadership in the ADF. Discover how upholding truth strengthens trust, collaboration, and institutional integrity for long-term success. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 01:15:00 -0000 full The Forge The Forge | Audio Article In a world of distorted information, truth is vital for ethical leadership in the ADF. Discover how upholding truth strengthens trust, collaboration, and institutional integrity for long-term success. In a world of distorted information, truth is vital for ethical leadership in the ADF. Discover how upholding truth strengthens trust, collaboration, and institutional integrity for long-term success.

]]> 1184 Audio Book | Clash of Cultures: The Digger Legend of the First Australian Imperial Force Were the values that came to embody the digger legend of the 1st AIF incompatible with the expectations of British command? Did the traits required to command a less-than-conventional military force during the First World War require a less-than-conventional style of military leadership? This article explores the questions that arise regarding the leadership of the 1st AIF during the Great War - particularly that of General William Birdwood. Was his command effective given the unique circumstances, and were his opponents right to express criticism? Fri, 05 Sep 2025 01:15:00 -0000 full The Forge Were the values that came to embody the digger legend of the 1st AIF incompatible with the expectations of British command? Did the traits required to command a less-than-conventional military force during the First World War require a less-than-conventional style of military leadership? This article explores the questions that arise regarding the leadership of the 1st AIF during the Great War - particularly that of General William Birdwood. Was his command effective given the unique circumstances, and were his opponents right to express criticism? Were the values that came to embody the digger legend of the 1st AIF incompatible with the expectations of British command? Did the traits required to command a less-than-conventional military force during the First World War require a less-than-conventional style of military leadership? This article explores the questions that arise regarding the leadership of the 1st AIF during the Great War - particularly that of General William Birdwood. Was his command effective given the unique circumstances, and were his opponents right to express criticism?


]]> 1224 Audio Book | Needless anxiety over China will only make it true Australians need to rapidly reassess their China-Taiwan calculus, because as it stands we are overstating our global importance and understating realities.  Fri, 05 Sep 2025 01:15:00 -0000 full The Forge Australians need to rapidly reassess their China-Taiwan calculus, because as it stands we are overstating our global importance and understating realities.  Australians need to rapidly reassess their China-Taiwan calculus, because as it stands we are overstating our global importance and understating realities. 


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