The most interesting question relating to the cuts in defence spending announced in the budget is whether they signify the early stages of rethinking security strategy.
Of course they should, because…
How is the war in Afghanistan going? With media this tightly controlled, the picture may never be clear.
Special Operations Command
Barack Obama marked the first anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death with a surprise visit to Kabul this week. Obama promised to “finish the job” in Afghanistan, but seven were killed in Kabul just hours…
Stationing US troops in Darwin does not align with our foreign policy interests.
AAP/Xavier La Canna
AUSTRALIA IN THE ASIAN CENTURY – A series examining Australia’s role in the rapidly transforming Asian region. Delivered in partnership with the Australian government.
Today, Professor John Langmore argues…
Australian troops work with Afghan National Army forces in Uruzgan province in August 2011.
Prime minister Julia Gillard today announced the revised timetable for the withdrawal of Australian troops from Afghanistan.
Within 12 to 18 months the majority of Australian military forces will leave…
Chief of the Defence Force General David Hurley and Minister for Defence Stephen Smith respond to reviews into Defence's culture and the Skype scandal.
Defence media
Defence minister Stephen Smith has released the findings of a series of reviews into last year’s ADFA sex scandal and the culture of the defence force.
The scandal revolved around an incident in March…
Are Australia's Collins class a feat of engineering genius or an expensive boondoggle?
iStock
In 2011 Minister for Defence Stephen Smith announced a review on the Sustainment of Australia’s Collins Class submarines.
The review is led by John Coles, an independent expert from BMT Defence Services…
Women will soon join their male colleagues on the front line in dangerous deployments like Afghanistan.
AAP/Australian Department of Defence
I wish to serve my country and the national interest in the best way possible. Now women are to be allowed to serve on the front line becoming an infantry officer is a real possibility. But there are hurdles…
An Australian soldier in Afghanistan: women will now have the chance to join combat units.
AAP
Defence Minister Stephen Smith has announced the Australian Defence Force will open up full employment opportunities for women.
In a decision made by Cabinet on Monday night, with the full support of…
The way we communicate is changing and Al Qaeda have been ahead of the curve AFP PHOTO/DoD
The nature of influence is changing, yet Governments, particularly in Australia have yet to absorb it. Influence is no longer wielded by pronouncements through traditional media sources. New media has…
No magic bullet for Defence's procurement problem AFP/Paul Crock
There is a certain security in the way Australia handles its national security – you can always expect future failures. It’s never too long before there’s a problem, drawing public attention and justifying…
