Thought provoking – CONTACT magazine

Four MH60R Romeo Seahawk helicopters from the Royal Australian Navy's 725 Squadron and 816 Squadron fly overhead Blamey Square, Russell Offices, Canberra. ADF photo by Kym Smith.

Reflections on integrity and influence in Army Headquarters

15/09/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2486 Views 2 Comments

A candid reflection on the cultural dissonance between the tactical edge and Army Headquarters, exploring what it means to stay

Letters to the Editor Thought provoking

Anonymous comments and their authors

22/08/202522/08/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 598 Views 1 Comment

What motivates a person to offer a comment on a topic under a false name, or with no name at

Members of the public have a close look at an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank at the Gallipoli Barracks Open Day 2023. Photo by Corporal Nicole Dorrett.

Letters to the Editor Thought provoking

Defence Open Day’s Purpose

19/05/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2622 Views 0 Comments

Dear Contact Editor. Open days such as at Simpson Barracks are always thought provokers for some visitors, civilians, but it

Australian Army recruits in training at 1st Training Battalion, Kapooka, NSW. 1RTB photo.

Letters to the Editor Thought provoking

Rebuilding Australia through improving Defence preparedness

27/04/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2155 Views 1 Comment

Professor Geoffrey Blainey posits Australia was better prepared to help confront the challenge facing the Empire in 1914 at the

Figure 1. A racing drone used by the Air Force Drone Racing Association

Thought provoking

The Weaponisation of Toys and Implications for the Air Force

25/10/2024 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2490 Views 0 Comments

The Weaponisation of Toys and Implications for the Air Force Ryan Hodson Australian Defence Force The ‘poor man’s air force‘

Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel conduct an urban assault, as part of the Platoon and Company Sergeants Battle Course run by Australian Army soldiers deployed on Operation Kudu in the United Kingdom, March 2024. Image has been digitally altered for security purposes.

Thought provoking

Offer of soup for Ukrainian trainees

15/04/2024 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2167 Views 0 Comments Operation Kudu

Dear Folks. Does anyone have contacts in or with the Operation Kudu folk in the UK (see below reference) or

Soldiers and officers of the 3RAR Battlegroup stand ready on parade after an equipment inspection at Lavarack Barracks on 27 August 2020. Photo by Corporal Daniel Strutt.

Thought provoking

Australian Army bases need to be strategically located

02/11/2023 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2338 Views 1 Comment

Strategically locating army basеs in a country as vast as Australia involves a complеx process that considers several factors, including

Sergeant Andrew Summers in front of a F-35A Lightning II at 2 Operational Conversion Unit, RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW. Story by Squadron Leader Bruce Chalmers. Photo by Aircraftman Kurt Lewis.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing Thought provoking

Breaking the stigma of PTSD

10/10/202328/10/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2633 Views 0 Comments No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, PTSD, RAAF Williamtown, World Mental Health Day

Sergeant Andrew Summers, of 2 Operational Conversion Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown in NSW, is an example of how proactive

Cyber warfare analyst Leading Aircraftman Netani Tukana and cyber warfare officer Squadron Leader James Haddy from No. 462 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Sam Price.

CONTACT BLOG SPOT Thought provoking

Why Defence needs to think more like a startup

03/08/2023 Posted by Brian Hartigan 17491 Views 1 Comment WithYouWithMe

By Mark Fortugno, WithYouWithMe This year has taught us that we cannot be complacent in funding our defence sectors—one need

Lest We Forget Thought provoking

Why are RSL clubs privately owned and no longer support veterans?

21/03/202321/03/2023 Posted by Brian Hartigan 4981 Views 4 Comments RSL

The above question – or questions – was asked by a CONTACT fan. But let’s break it down… Are RSL

Trooper Jakob West from Rifle Company Butterworth Rotation 137 fights through the final objective, covering arduous terrain through dense jungle. Story by Captain Diana Jennings. All photos by Bombardier Guy Sadler.

Poets Corner Thought provoking

Acrostic Fire & Movement

19/03/202319/03/2023 Posted by Brian Hartigan 6374 Views 1 Comment By Michael Shave

An Acrostic to do With Minor Tactics And some advice. Fighting needs a certain care, Its conduct ruled by those

Thought provoking Veterans

Brothers

02/01/202302/01/2023 Posted by Brian Hartigan 3256 Views 0 Comments By Barry Zworestine

Brothers Side by side They sat on the bench One fresh from war The other, weary and aged from

Converted Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles bound for Ukraine are loaded onto a C-17A Globemaster III aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Captain Mike Edwards. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Kate Czerny.

Thought provoking

ADF Equipment Reserve

25/05/202225/05/2022 Posted by Brian Hartigan 3706 Views 0 Comments By Peter Rewko