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Feature Story

in place, the RAAF cannot develop, let an outlet for voicing opinions on the significant time required to research and
alone exploit, the diversity of thought organisation, these are not the forums write a 3500+ word article conforming
and perspectives that provide the for engaging in the contest of ideas that with academic writing standards.
foundation for the innovative application is needed. A positive sign that progress is being
of air power. Outlets for critical discussion and made to create a more accessible
This is not to suggest that RAAF debate on Australian air power issues means to engage in critical discussion
policies, doctrines and operational do exist; the Australian Defence Force has been the burgeoning of public online
concepts are not regularly subjected to Journal and the Air Power Development and digital forums addressing Australian
internal critique. Any visitor to a crew Centre’s working paper series provide a defence issues over the past couple of
room or mess will undoubtedly hear means through which to draw attention years. Blogs such as Army’s The Cove
robust and lively debate on various to current and future air power issues. and the Williams Foundation’s The
aspects of Air Force life and operations; However, they are not often used by Central Blue, podcasts like The Dead
however, these types of unstructured airmen; the length and academic style Prussian and actual physical forums
discussions add little to organisational requirements for these publications such the ‘Defence Entrepreneurs’
and operational innovation. Mess have acted as a deterrent for many Forum-Australia’ have diversified the
debate rarely involves the in-depth to contribute. What has been lacking, character and content of public debate
analysis of key issues and validation until recently, has been a less formal on defence issues. 4
of core assumptions that separates and less academically rigorous outlet The Australian Defence Force
the airing of grievances from effective for debate that is more accessible for Journal has introduced an opinion/
argumentation. Although useful as those unwilling or unable to invest the commentary section, simplifying

Battle-spaces are getting more complex, and we must adapt and integrate to meet the challenges and opportunities afforded by new
technologies.

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