The Cove Podcast

Trust is foundation of everything we do in the profession of arms. Trust within teams, trust up and down the chain of command, and importantly the trust placed in us by the Australian people. In this episode, listen as SO1 Cove LTCOL Johnson interviews four leaders - Commander 3rd Brigade BRIG Dave McCammon, Health Officer CAPT Rachael O'Sullivan, and 3 Bde JNCOs CPL Connor Dawson and LCPL Che Morris, on the importance of trust and generating trust as a leader at all levels.

What will warfare look like in ten, twenty or even thirty years? How will new technologies fundamentally change the character of warfare? What is the future role of land power within the integrated force? These are some of the questions the Australian Army's Land Force Design team question daily to inform and design concepts.    Just like building a house, you would never proceed without a set of plans. For Army, planning how to respond to an ever-evolving threat requires vigorous, considered and innovative planning.   In this episode of the Adapting Army Podcast Lieutenant Colonel Wesley Bartlett, Lead, Land Concepts and Major Simon Croft, SO2 Land Concepts at Land Force Design discuss  what drives concepts and how they're designed, trialled and tested.

This audio article discusses how and why Defence could better accommodate serving mothers for improved recruitment and retention outcomes.

This audio article argues for a less punitive approach to correcting behaviour in the Australian Defence Force.

This audio article explores the importance of taking ownership of a problem in order to solve it.

This audio article argues for an enhanced focus on human performance by leveraging the opportunities presented with the raising of the Health Brigade.

The Defence Strategic Review was released on 24 April 2023. The DSR recommended far reaching changes to the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) strategic posture and capability in response to what it termed ‘radically different' strategic circumstances.  The DSR focuses on three things: (1) a specific threat, being the threat posed to Australia's interests; (2) an integrated all-domain force with an emphasis on long-range precision strike; and (3) a strategy of denial (more particularly deterrence by denial). It implies a focus for the Army on land-based long-range precision strike, land-based air and missile defence, and close combat from or through fortified positions from the sea (littoral manoeuvre). The DSR has drawn a share of criticism. So in this episode of The Cove Podcast, we sit down with the Deputy Chief of Army, MAJGEN Chris Smith DSC, AM, CSC to explore this in more detail and get his thoughts on what it all means for Army.

This audio article promotes the need for Army personnel to become fluent in communicating their intent so as to better harness AI.

This audio article presents the rise of AI and Machine Learning as an opportunity for the ADF to enhance its Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations.

This audio article takes another look at the logistics lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war to date.

This audio article describes an ex-soldier's approach to transition from the ADF to civilian life, including tips on how to smooth out the process.

A review of the book ‘First, Break All the Rules', which details a study into what some of the world's greatest managers do differently.

This audio article warns service members to prepare for transition early and provides some resources for transition.

This audio article emphasises the importance of, and provides some principles for, achieving sustainable logistics capacity under contest.

This audio article explores how to become a leader even if you do not immediately take to the role.

This audio article argues for the de-linking of career management decisions and professional development to improve both aspects.

This audio article discusses the use of Reservists deploying as functional units in future high intensity conflicts, as opposed to deploying as individuals in specialist roles.

In this audio article we remember the double raid of Warneton 1917 and looks at why it was so successful.

This audio article discusses the ongoing effort to transform ab-initio training in Army.

This audio article warns against recklessly adopting new pedagogical methods at the cost of abandoning tried and true methods.

This audio article discusses the current approach to tackling unacceptable behaviour through integration in the training transformation system at DFSS and elsewhere.

This audio article explores how the ADF has used the Electro Magnetic Spectrum (EMS) on operations and deployments to pass orders, conduct administration and organise activities.

Can we trust autonomous systems? Are our laws and policies keeping pace with emerging technology? Who is accountable for the actions of an uncrewed or autonomous system? In this episode of the Adapting Army Podcast, were joined by Colonel Damian Copeland, the Director of Operations and International Law, Department of Defence. Damian has immense experience in the legal review of weapons, specifically weapons and systems enhanced by Artificial Intelligence. We're also joined by Dr Zena Assaad, who is a fellow with the Australian Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Australian National University. Zena has made fundamental contributions to inform Army's understanding of the paradigm between trust and autonomous systems. Our guests discuss accountability and control, the laws that guide uncrewed and autonomous technology and explore trusted systems, highlighting an international example where an autonomous system didn't perform as expected and how that impacted public trust.

This audio article discusses the risks and benefits of expanding 'The Internet of Military Things', where networked devices are dispersed throughout the military to carry out and co-ordinate a variety of tasks.

This audio article provides a short summary of microcredentials and whether they should be considered for use within Defence.

In this audio article, Tom McDermott provides 12 reflections on his time in command.

This audio article suggests that Defence Assistance to the Civil Community should be seen not just as a duty and opportunity to help the nation, but also as an opportunity to improve Defence itself.

Where is artificial intelligence going? How do we empower our workforce to embrace and use new capabilities? How can we best leverage the resources we have? These are some of the questions the Australian Army and the United States Marine Corps are working together to solve. In today's episode we are joined by Major Steven (Spike) Atkinson from the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, who is leading the Robotic, Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence branch in the United States. Lieutenant Colonel Adam Hepworth has returned for another episode, sharing his insights from the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office. In our discussion, you'll hear how the United States Marine Corps, and the Australian Army are approaching emerging technology, together. Highlighting the importance of information exchange and shared experimentation to identify capability gaps, integrate technology and leverage shared opportunities.

This audio article discusses innovation within Army and illuminates a number of the options available to personnel who wish to innovate.

Studying past and current mass offensives improves the competitive advantage of a modern military force. For the first time in decades, the world has two near peer state adversaries facing off in conventional combat. The conflict between these two nations has presented lessons for both the combatants and analysts.

This audio article argues for the inclusion of vaccination programs within the Australian Defence Force's regional engagement strategy.

This audio article addresses the importance of respect and co-operation between ADF and Australian Public Service personnel.

1 in 5 Army positions are currently vacant and for many, a more flexible way to work is becoming a higher priority. ServeOn is a new Army initiative finding flexible roles for service categories (SERCAT) 2 members, inactive SERCAT 3 members, and members wishing to leave full-time service. The greater flexibility is allowing members to spend more time at home or with their families, study, or pursue a civilian career, all while continuing to serve.  We're joined by a member of the ServeOn community, Major Martin Newlin, who shares his story of running a farm, while also continuing to serve. We are also joined by Lieutenant Colonel Rob Curtin, who has led the ServeOn initiative upon his return to service after 10 years in industry. He has been able to inspire more members to re-engage with Army in a new, more flexible capacity. Find out more: https://www.army.gov.au/serveon

A review of the ideas presented in Brett Friedman's 'On Operations – Operational Art and Military Disciplines'.

This audio article is a semi-tongue-in-cheek look at lessons from a classic children's storybook, with the overall message that lessons can be found in all manner of sources.

Steve Baxter is an Australian entrepreneur, veteran and previously a shark on Australian Shark Tank. At the age of 15, Steve joined the Army, enlisting in its apprenticeship program. He became a technician working in the field of electronics, telecoms and guided weapon systems. In 1994, at the age of 23, Steve launched his first start-up, the pioneering internet service provider SE Net, from his spare room. Steve is now the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of TEN13, Australia's leading tech start-up investment platform, and Founder and Lead Investor with Beaten Zone Venture Partners which is dedicated to early-stage investments in Australian sovereign legal defence technology. In this episode, Steve lends his experience as a successful entrepreneur and shares his observations regarding capability investment across the Defence Force.

The Digger Net Podcast which is all about sharing insights and exploring topics that impact soldiers work in the land domain. The host is former combat engineer and paralympic gold medalist Curtis McGrath, OAM. In this episode, he interviews Corporal Quin Jenson who in 2021 was a section commander during Operation Highroad which was a non-combat evacuation operation in Kabul. What was deployment like? What was his experience on the ground in Afghanistan? What was his main operational tasks?

This audio article seeks to understand the Rules of Engagement. They are critical in understanding what options you have to react to a difficult combat situation.

Episode 6 of the Adapting Army podcast features three exceptional leaders representing Army, industry and academia. Lieutenant Colonel Rachael Ayoub is leading Army's exploration of autonomous systems. We are also joined by Swinburne University of Technology's inaugural Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Chief of Defence Innovation, Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi. Saied was the founding Director of the Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation, Deakin University and has worked closely with Army to develop the Leader-Follower autonomous vehicle convoy. Our last guest, Steen Bisgaard, is the founding director of Gaardtech, a sovereign company specialising in autonomous ground vehicles. Army has been exploring the use of land autonomy with Steen and his team over the past two years. Join us as we see just how far autonomous systems have come, and what Army, industry and academia are looking to in the not-too-distant future in how autonomous systems can not only improve day to day life, but also protect it.

This is an in-depth audio review of Colin S. Gray's book Modern Strategy.

The Digger Net Podcast which is all about sharing insights and exploring topics that impact soldiers work in the land domain. The host is former combat engineer and paralympic gold medalist Curtis McGrath, OAM. In this first episode, he interviews Major Sam Jones. A full-time Army Psychologist reservist who focuses on human performance, mental health, and fatigue management. He has been deployed through Rotary Wing Group and never had a conversation about fatigue where the people in the room are not tired. So what is fatigue? How does it affect our work – analysis, threat assessment, memory, and communication? How does it impact the individual and the military in general?

On 24 Feb 20 the US Department of Defense (DoD) announced a number of ethical guidelines as they continue to develop AI for battlefield use. In this audio article Aaron Wright looks at how four schools of ethical thought may react to the use of battlefield AI.

Episode 5 of the Adapting Army podcast features Army's highest-ranking soldier, Army Regimental Sergeant-Major, Warrant Officer Kim Felmingham who has long championed the importance of an innovation culture among Army. We are also joined by Jasmine Kastaniotis from the Army Makerspace program. Jasmine is leading Army's uptake of learning-by-doing and educating using innovative approaches, creative thinking, and agile methodologies. During the conversation, the pair discuss what innovation means to Army, uncover what stifles innovation, and explore the creative approaches and concepts emerging from Army MakerSpace.

This audio review is a defence of the book 'Team Yankee' by Harold Coyle. Identifying how contemporary military professionals can gain value through the novel released during the Cold War. Asking: What will joint effects look like? Which systems will fail and why?

This audio article argues that there should be an increase in Reservist involvement in both Army sport and Army sanctioned sporting activities.

This audio article addresses the increasingly relevant problem of grey zone confrontation – activities that operate within that dangerous ‘grey' area between peace and war.

Episode 4 of the Adapting Army podcast features three of Australia's leading quantum technologists – Lieutenant Colonel Marcus Doherty, Professor Brant Gibson and Dr Richard Taylor. Marcus leads Army's exploration of quantum technology, is an esteemed senior fellow at the Australian National University and is the co-founder of Quantum Brilliance... as well as being an Army officer. Marcus has brought a huge depth of knowledge to Army and pioneered the Quantum Technology Challenge and Quantum Next Generation Challenge series, supporting partnerships between sovereign quantum technologists and Army. Professor Brant Gibson is currently in the joint roles of Assistant Associate Dean (Physics, RMIT University), Deputy Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics and Deputy Director of the Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre for Defence at RMIT University. Dr Richard Taylor is an Assistant Professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Robotics within the Queensland University of Technology. His research is focused on Applied Superconductivity in the fields of power, communications and instrumentation. During the conversation, we explore how Army and academia are collaborating to give Army the edge it needs in the critically important field of quantum technology.

In this audio article, MAJGEN Chris Field connects Good Soldiering and mission command with the daily purpose, habits, thinking and actions of our people as they operate in teams as partners, followers and leaders.

In this special edition episode, WO1 Mark Grigg speaks with MAJ Mark Beretta: Australia's most watched sports presenter! From the outskirts of Geelong to the Channel 7 newsroom, Mark has had a career filled with highlights and fulfilled his lifelong desire to join the Australian Army later a few years ago. On top of early mornings working on Sunrise, he does three reserve days for Australian Army's public relations. Mark believes in the importance of education and having a thirst to learn from the people around you. He discusses how career mentor programs can lift the whole team up and are often more rewarding for the mentor than the mentee. Hear Marks thoughts on service in Australian Army: how it teaches great leadership skills, inspires members to become ongoing parts of their community, and the growing popularity of ‘Run Army'.

This audio article proposes that Army should incorporate more thorough civilian role play into its training scenarios.

Episode 3 of the Adapting Army podcast features Colonel Jennifer Harris, who is regarded as one of Army's agents of change. Jen has led a diverse career and is currently working in Army's Land Capability Division, and has held previous roles in the total workforce system, as well as a project management position at Questacon. One common thread between these roles is the demand for change.  We are also joined by Dr Bec Jackson. In her work as a psychologist and leadership development practitioner, Bec has successfully coached hundreds of leaders in the military, government, and public space to enhance and develop their capacity, commitment, and character to lead their teams and organisations into the future. The conversation delves into the challenges of change, sharing insights of what good leadership looks like, whether change management is really that important, and how optimism may be more valuable to an organisation than we realise.