When Susan Coyle joined the Army in the late 80s, there were no women serving in the highest ranks of the Army. Now, Major-General Coyle is about to be promoted to a three-star general, and as the new head of the ADF’s cyber and space commands, will be the first woman to lead one of the Australian military’s warfighting domains.
Genghis Khan, the legendary Mongol conqueror, had a unique approach for his time when it came to treating his soldiers. Known for his strategic brilliance and military prowess, Khan understood the importance of a strong and loyal army in his quest to build the largest empire in history. So how did he treat his soldiers?
First and foremost, Genghis Khan believed in meritocracy. He valued skill, loyalty, and bravery above all else. Regardless of their background or social status, anyone who demonstrated these qualities had the opportunity to rise through the ranks of his army. This approach fostered a sense of unity and purpose among his soldiers, as they knew that their achievements would be rewarded.
Khan was also an astute observer of human nature. He recognized that soldiers needed to be motivated and inspired to fight with unwavering dedication. To achieve this, he led by example. Genghis Khan was renowned for his courage on the battlefield, often placing himself at the forefront of his troops during crucial engagements. This not only boosted morale but also instilled a sense of camaraderie and trust among his soldiers.
In addition to leading from the front, Khan took great care of his troops’ physical well-being. He ensured that his soldiers were adequately fed, equipped, and cared for. The Mongol army was known for its skilled horsemen, and Khan prioritized the breeding and training of horses to provide his soldiers with superior mounts. This gave them a significant advantage in maneuverability and speed during battles.
Furthermore, Genghis Khan implemented a system of rewards and recognition for valorous acts. Soldiers who displayed exceptional bravery or achieved notable successes on the battlefield were given honors, titles, and even land. This not only motivated his soldiers to excel but also created a sense of pride and camaraderie within the ranks.
However, Khan was also a strict disciplinarian. He demanded discipline and obedience from his soldiers, as he believed that a well-disciplined army was crucial for maintaining order and achieving victory. Disobedience or betrayal was met with severe consequences, ensuring that his troops remained loyal and committed to the cause.
The new CH-53K is the most powerful helicopter in the Pentagon’s inventory and it provides a critical long-range, heavy-lift capability.
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Check Out This Marine CH-53K Carrying An F-35C While Refueling From A KC-130T (twz.com)
Woodside Energy, an Australian petroleum giant, recently faced a significant decision from its shareholders regarding its climate plan. During the company’s annual general meeting on April 24, shareholders voted on various matters, including the chairman’s position and a proposed action plan for transitioning to net zero emissions.
Despite the re-election of Chairman Richard Goyder with strong support, the climate plan put forward by the management was rejected by 58.4 percent of shareholders. While this vote is non-binding, it reflects a clear divergence between the company’s vision for decarbonization and the sentiments of the majority of its shareholders.
Woodside’s climate action plan aimed to achieve reductions in both direct and indirect emissions, setting ambitious targets for the coming years. However, the shareholder vote suggests that there is significant disagreement among investors regarding the company’s approach to addressing climate change.
In response to the outcome, Chairman Goyder expressed disappointment but also emphasized his respect for the shareholders’ decision. He noted the complexities of the energy transition and highlighted the extensive engagement efforts undertaken by the company with shareholders and proxy advisors over the past year.
During the meeting, Goyder underscored the challenges faced by Woodside in pursuing renewable energy investments, citing the need for sufficient demand and willingness from customers to make necessary trade-offs, particularly regarding financial considerations.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by shareholders, Goyder also recognized the substantial costs incurred by many of Woodside’s customers in the current energy landscape. This acknowledgment underscores the delicate balance the company faces in navigating the transition to a lower-carbon future while meeting the needs of its stakeholders.
In February, Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy unveiled Boeing Defence Australia’s pivotal role in maintaining the fleet of 29 AH-64E Apaches through a seven-year Initial Support Contract. The agreement encompasses comprehensive support, including maintenance, engineering, aircrew and maintainer training, and logistics.
Meanwhile, in a symbolic gesture of partnership, Boeing raised the Australian flag at its AH-64 Apache helicopter production line in Mesa, Arizona. This customary flag-raising ceremony, extended to all Apache customers, underscores the expansion of the global Apache fleet. Australia, set to become the 18th nation to operate the Apache as an attack helicopter, will contribute to a fleet exceeding 1,280 helicopters worldwide.
Christina Upah, vice president of Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs, expressed pride in welcoming Australian partners to Mesa, emphasizing the enduring commitment to Australia symbolized by the raised flag. She emphasized that the flags adorning the facility serve as a constant reminder of Boeing’s dedication to delivering the world’s most advanced attack reconnaissance helicopters.
At the event, Major General Jeremy King, Head of the Australian Defence Department’s Joint Aviation Systems Division, voiced his immense pride in witnessing the Australian flag hoisted at the production facility, which will play a central role in producing Australia’s new fleet of Apache attack helicopters.
Additionally, Australian suppliers including Axiom Precision Manufacturing, Cablex, Ferra Engineering, and Thomas Global Systems, pivotal contributors to the Australian and international Apache fleets, were present at the ceremony, further solidifying the collaborative effort.
IN 2017 at the National Press Club, Labor defence spokesman Richard Marles declared, “Partisanship in the area of defence strikes me as indulgent and ultimately a little contrived”.
He added, “It ought not be how we do business”.
On 17 April in the same location he declared, “The Liberals were a defence disaster.
“When the Albanese Government came to office we inherited a mess.
“The Liberals were one of the worst defence governments in our nation’s history at a time when Australia could least afford it.”
Partisan, indulgent and contrived.
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The Australian Army and two prominent companies have inked a memorandum of understanding, signalling their joint commitment to bolstering the army’s amphibious capabilities centred around BMT’s CAIMEN Large vessel.
In this collaboration, DNV will lend its expertise to BMT, customizing the CAIMEN Large to precisely match the requirements of the Australian Army. This strategic alignment aims to mitigate technical risks and minimize any disruptions to scheduling.
The CAIMEN has been meticulously engineered by BMT to facilitate the direct transport of hefty rolling and cargo payloads to various terrains such as beaches, hard standings, or ports. Notably, it boasts the versatility to undertake international voyages and navigate challenging open sea conditions.
This enhanced capability aligns seamlessly with the Australian Defence Force’s renewed emphasis on littoral operations, as highlighted in a recent statement. Graeme Nayler, BMT’s regional managing director for APAC, expressed confidence in the partnership’s ability to yield a ship design that prioritizes risk management.
By teaming up with DNV, BMT gains access to unparalleled expertise in certification and technical advisory services. This ensures that their designs adhere to rigorous standards and significantly contribute to Australia’s defence strategy. Nayler emphasized the potential of this collaboration to deliver heightened operational capabilities to the Australian Army.
Tim Holt, DNV’s area manager for maritime, echoed Nayler’s sentiments, expressing excitement about the opportunity to collaborate with BMT on such a crucial initiative. He stressed the importance of embedding the highest design standards into the CAIMEN Large from the outset, underscoring their joint commitment to providing a future-ready defence capability.
The unveiling of the 2024 Australian Defence Export Catalogue heralds a milestone, showcasing an impressive array of offerings from over 300 Australian defence industry enterprises, marking a significant 20% surge from its predecessor. Within its pages lie a testament to Australia’s prowess in defence technology, featuring a diverse range of equipment, including surplus assets from the Australian Defence Force, such as the esteemed Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) and the robust Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle.
Of particular note is the recent pivotal contract inked by the Australian Government with Thales Australia, amounting to a substantial $160 million agreement. This deal aims to procure an additional 78 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles for the Australian Defence Force’s arsenal. Manufactured in the heart of Bendigo, Victoria, these Bushmasters uphold Australia’s commitment to domestic production excellence, with the inaugural batch slated for delivery in the anticipated year of 2024.
The significance of exporting Australia’s defence technology and capability to global markets cannot be overstated, resonating deeply with the core objectives outlined in the Defence Industry Development Strategy. These armoured vehicles represent more than mere machinery; they symbolize a tangible manifestation of Australia’s commitment to bolstering national security and fortifying its position as a formidable player in the realm of defence exports.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles has acknowledged the strong possibility of being ousted from power in the forthcoming October 2024 election. This admission follows closely on the heels of the parliament’s recent passage of legislation committing Queensland to attaining 75 percent renewable energy by 2035.
Taking the reins from Annastacia Palaszczuk in December 2023, Miles, a member of the Labor party’s far-left faction, faces an uphill battle according to recent polling. A YouGov survey indicates Labor trailing behind the Liberal National Party (LNP) by a margin of 44 to 56.
Addressing this polling data, Mr. Miles conceded the likelihood of losing his position as premier, stating, “It is likely, very likely” that David Crisafulli of the LNP will assume the role. This statement, as reported by the Courier Mail, underscores the sobering reality of the electoral landscape.
Despite the passage of ambitious emissions reduction targets, Mr. Miles emphasized the importance of Crisafulli presenting a viable plan to meet these objectives. He noted Crisafulli’s initial opposition to the plan while urging him to outline concrete strategies for achieving the 75 percent reduction target in emissions, to which he has lent his support.
In navigating the complex terrain of energy policy and electoral dynamics, both candidates are tasked with demonstrating their commitment to addressing Queensland’s environmental challenges while balancing economic considerations.