Blogs

For academics, the end of marking the year’s essays and exams brings a brief sigh of joy, followed by a moment in which it is possible to sit down and read a book or two, uninterrupted. read more

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I think a bit of context needs to be given to the ABC’s report, ‘Indonesian President vows to outgun Australia‘. Published the same day our new Defence White Paper (PDF) was released, the story’s headline made Indonesia look particularly hawkish. read more

During the campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, IED attacks on coalition troops climbed to the top of the threat ladder, owing to their prolific presence, their ability to be made easily and cheaply, and their fundamentally effective results. read more

I just attended literacy training — in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. The class was full of Afghan National Police recruits. It is part of the ongoing effort to increase literacy in the Afghan Security Forces, led by the NATO Training Mission in Afghanistan and US Army Lieutenant General Bill Caldwell. read more

To the news that Defence IQ has announced its intention to award a ‘Top Defence Blog’ in order  to recognise a burgeoning defence blogging community, I responded with an unhealthy amount of scepticism. read more

Helmand Blog - Afghanistan has moved to a new location! The new look Helmand Blog has now officially replaced this site. All the posts on here have been migrated and, as always, new posts are going up daily. read more

With the release of the President’s 2011 Department of Defense Budget, the Secretary is on the offensive for the right reason. read more