In September 2009, the Australian Defence Force launched Operation Padang Assist in response to the massive earthquake that devastated the north-western Indonesian archipelago, this feature interview outlines the relief and support effort given to the Indonesian people by the ADF. Reflecting on the mission, Brigadier Mark Brewer, the senior Australian Army official who led the...

This report, written by Albert Palazzo, an Australian Army official, details Australia’s participation in the Iraq War. Once classified 'secret,' the report was released with 500 redactions and referred to by the Army as an 'unofficial history that reflects the author’s own views.'

In the latest Asialink Essay, Ross Cottrill, currently a Visiting Fellow at the Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy, ANU, unpacks, with reference to China, the latest Defence White Paper, Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030. He notes that "In the case of the messages conveyed by the latest Defence White Paper, there have...

The establishment of the MHS by the ADF in 2002 was far-sighted. The Strategy compares favourably with mental health strategies in other Australian workplaces. It also compares well with what exists in military forces in other countries. Some of these military forces have mental health policies and programs in place, particularly in relation to PTSD...

Peacekeeping operations have become increasingly complex and multidimensional and today's peacekeepers face new challenges. This report identifies the main criteria against which Australian decision makers should assess whether or not to commit to a peacekeeping operation. The committee is of the view that the Australian government should be satisfied that the mission's mandate has: clearly...